bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seroprevalence and associated risk factors of strongyloidiasis in indigenous communities and healthcare professionals from Brazil
Authors: Santarém Vamilton Alvares , Doline Fernando Rodrigo , dos Santos João Henrique Farinhas , Ferreira Isabella Braghin , Gomes Bruna Barroso , Meisel Dirce Mary Correa , Biondo Leandro Meneguelli , Lescano Susana Angélica Zevallos , Gryschek Ronaldo Cesar Borges , Giuffrida Rogério , dos Santos Andrea Pires , Kmetiuk Louise Bach , de Paula Fabiana Martins , Biondo Alexander Welker
Published: April 2023

Strongyloides stercoralis, a pathogenic roundworm, is considered endemic in several tropical and subtropical areas worldwide. Indigenous populations have the highest soil-transmitted helminthiases-related mortality rates, but the prevalence and risk factors associated with S. stercoralis in Brazilian indigenous populations have not been established. Thus, the present study aimed to assess the seroprevalence and associated risk factors for S. stercoralis in indigenous communities and the healthcare professionals serving them in Brazil. Indigenous populations living in nine communities and healthcare professionals were tested for anti- S. stercoralis antibodies by ELISA. A questionnaire was used to assess socio-epidemiological information. Associated risk factors for seropositivity were tested by chi-square or Fisher’s exact tests, using univariate analyses and multivariate logistic regression. Overall, 174/463 (37.6%; CI 95%: 33.3–42.1) indigenous persons and 77/147 (52.4%; 95% CI: 44.3–60.3) healthcare professionals were seropositive for anti- S. stercoralis antibodies. Seropositivity among the two groups was statistically significant (p = 0.0016; OR = 0.547; 95% CI: 0.376–0.796) and revealed that healthcare professionals were 1.83 times more likely to be seropositive. The multivariate analysis showed that being male or being adult were also risk factors, while having a septic tank as a sanitary facility represented a protective factor for S. stercoralis exposure in indigenous persons. None of the variables evaluated were associated with S. stercoralis exposure in the professional group. The study herein has reported a high seroprevalence to Strongyloides stercoralis in indigenous communities of Brazil and healthcare professionals, warning for potential public health concerns of strongyloidiasis in such populations.
Perceptions of adolescent mothers towards adolescent repeat childbirth in Soroti district, Teso sub-region, Uganda: A phenomenological study
Authors: Mulalu Posiano , Wanume Benon , Soita David Jonah , Amongin Dinah , Wandawa Gabriel Julius
Published: April 2023

The percentage of adolescent mothers aged 15 to 19 years with a repeat childbirth in Uganda (26.1%) is higher than the global estimate (18.5%). Soroti district tops Teso (a region with highest adolescent childbearing rate nationally) in adolescent childbearing. Adolescent repeat childbearing (ARC) is associated with poor health outcomes, increased risk of stillbirth, maternal and child mortality, thus a public health concern. The explanations to the high prevalence of repeat childbirth in Soroti district remain unknown. We conducted a phenomenological study where theoretical saturation was achieved with 3 focus group discussions; each comprised of 8 respondents. The questions posed focused on modified socio-ecological model regarding the factors associated with repeat childbirth. These included; perceived individual factors of repeat childbirth, factors related to the sexual partner of the adolescent mother, adolescent mother’s family related factors and factors related to the peers and community of the adolescent mothers. Transcripts were organized and analyzed by QSR Nvivo following deductive approach. Results: Adolescent marriage was viewed as a privilege, family planning methods were viewed as non-functional, man’s demand for sex was unchallengeable and non-supportive families including mistreatment of the participants by their families were perceived as risk factors for ARC. This therefore suggests that in order to prevent repeat adolescent childbearing in Soroti district, and contribute towards the achievement of the SDG numbered three (ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages) there is need to awaken and strengthen the implementation of the anti-teen marriage programs and policies; strengthen sexual/reproductive education including family planning programs, and addressing identified myths regarding ARC.
Effects of individual and organizational factors on job tenure of primary care physicians: A multilevel analysis from Brazil
Authors: Hossni Dias Ivan Wilson , Matijasevich Alicia , Russo Giuliano , Scheffer Mário César
Published: April 2023

Background

The short tenure of primary care physicians undermines the continuity of care, compromising health outcomes in low-, middle and in high-income countries. The purpose of this study was to investigate the contextual and individual factors associated with the tenure of physician in Primary Health Care (PHC) services. We consider individual-level sociodemographic variables such as education and work-related variables, as well as the characteristics of employers and services.

Methods

This study is a retrospective cohort study of 2,335 physicians in 284 Primary Health Care Units across the São Paulo, Brazil, public health care system from 2016 to 2020. A multivariate hierarchical model was selected, and an adjusted Cox regression with multilevel analysis was employed. The Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) checklist was used to report the findings from the study.

Results

The average physician tenure was 14.54 ± 12.89 months, and the median was 10.94 months. Differences between Primary Health Care Units accounted for 10.83% of the variance observed in the outcome, while the employing organizations were responsible for only 2.30%. The physician characteristics associated with higher tenure in PHC were age at hire, i.e., being between 30 and 60 years old, [HR: 0.84, 95% CI: (0.75–0.95)] and professional experience over five years [HR: 0.76, 95% CI: (0.59–0.96)]. Specialties not related to PHC practices were associated with a short tenure [HR: 1.25, 95% CI: (1.02–1.54)].

Conclusion

Differences between Primary Health Care Units and in the individual characteristics, such as specializations and experience, are related to the low tenure of professionals, but such characteristics can be changed through investments in PHC infrastructure and changes in work conditions, policies, training, and human resource policies. Finding a remedy for the short tenure of physicians is essential for guaranteeing a robust PHC system that can contribute to universal, resilient, and proactive health care.
Prehabilitation to improve outcomes afteR Autologous sTem cEll transplantation (PIRATE): A pilot randomised controlled trial protocol
Authors: Dennett Amy M. , Porter Judi , Ting Stephen B. , Taylor Nicholas F.
Published: April 2023

Background

Autologous stem cell transplant is a common procedure for people with haematological malignancies. While effective at improving survival, autologous stem cell transplant recipients may have a lengthy hospital admission and experience debilitating side-effects such as fatigue, pain and deconditioning that may prolong recovery. Prehabilitation comprising exercise and nutrition intervention before stem cell transplant aims to optimise physical capacity before the procedure to enhance functional recovery after transplant. However, few studies have evaluated prehabilitation in this setting. We aim to explore preliminary efficacy of improving physical capacity of prehabilitation for people undergoing autologous stem cell transplant.

Methods

The PIRATE study is a single-blinded, parallel two-armed pilot randomised trial of multidisciplinary prehabilitation delivered prior to autologous stem cell transplantation. Twenty-two patients with haematological malignancy waitlisted for transplant will be recruited from a tertiary haematology unit. The intervention will include up to 8 weeks of twice-weekly, supervised tailored exercise and fortnightly nutrition education delivered via phone, in the lead up to autologous stem cell transplant. Blinded assessments will be completed at week 13, approximately 4 weeks after transplant and health service measures collected at week 25 approximately 12 weeks after transplant. The primary outcome is to assess changes in physical capacity using the 6-minute walk test. Secondary measures are time to engraftment, C-reactive protein, physical activity (accelerometer), grip strength, health-related quality of life (EORTC QLQ-C30 and HDC29 supplement), self-efficacy and recording of adverse events. Health service data including hospital length of stay, hospital readmissions, emergency department presentations and urgent symptom clinic presentation at will also be recorded.

Discussion

This trial will inform design of a future definitive randomised controlled trial and implementation of prehabilitation for people receiving autologous stem cell transplant by providing data on efficacy and safety.

Trial registration

The PIRATE Trial has been approved by the Eastern Health Human Research Ethics Committee (E20/003/61055) and is funded by the Eastern Health Foundation. This trial is registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12620000496910. Registered April 20, 2020.
SARS-CoV-2 infection- induced seroprevalence among children and associated risk factors during the pre- and omicron-dominant wave, from January 2021 through December 2022, Thailand: A longitudinal study
Authors: Suntronwong Nungruthai , Vichaiwattana Preeyaporn , Klinfueng Sirapa , Puenpa Jiratchaya , Kanokudom Sitthichai , Assawakosri Suvichada , Chansaenroj Jira , Srimuan Donchida , Thatsanatorn Thaksaporn , Songtaisarana Siriporn , Sudhinaraset Natthinee , Wanlapakorn Nasamon , Poovorawan Yong
Published: April 2023

Background

Severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection can be asymptomatic in young children. Therefore, the true rate of infection is likely underestimated. Few data are available on the rate of infections in young children, and studies on SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence among children during the omicron wave are limited. We assessed the SARS-CoV-2 infection-induced seroprevalence among children and estimated the associated risk factors for seropositivity.

Methods

A longitudinal serological survey was conducted from January 2021 through December 2022. The inclusion criteria were healthy children between 5 and 7 years old and their parents or legal guardians provided written informed consent. Samples were tested for anti-nucleocapsid (N) IgG and anti-receptor binding domain (RBD) IgG using a chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA), and total anti-RBD immunoglobulin (Ig) was detected using an electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA). The vaccination and SARS-CoV-2 infection history were collected.

Results

In all, 457 serum samples were obtained from 241 annually followed-up children in this longitudinal serological survey. Of these, 201 participants provided samples at two serial time points—during the pre-omicron and omicron-dominant wave. Overall, seroprevalence induced by SARS-CoV-2 infection increased from 9.1% (22/241) during the pre-omicron to 48.8% (98/201) during the omicron wave. Amongst seropositive individuals, the infection-induced seropositivity was lower in vaccinated participants with two doses of BNT162b2 than in the unvaccinated participants (26.4% vs. 56%; OR, 0.28; 95%CI: 0.14–0.58). Nevertheless, the ratio of seropositive cases per recalled infection was 1.63 during the omicron dominant wave. The overall seroprevalence induced by infection, vaccination, and hybrid immunity was 77.1% (155/201) between January and December 2022.

Conclusions

We report an increase in infection-induced seroprevalence among children during the omicron wave. These findings highlight that a seroprevalence survey can help determine the true rate of infection, particularly in asymptomatic infection, and optimize public health policies and vaccine strategies in the pediatric population.
Building a 4E interview-grounded theory model: A case study of demand factors for customized furniture
Authors: Zhou Chengmin , Gu Wenhui , Luo Xin , Kaner Jake
Published: April 2023

With the lifestyle change, users’ demand for furniture has shown a trend for personalization and diversification. The customized furniture market is growing rapidly and gradually becoming an indispensable choice for lifestyle items. The present qualitative study sought to identify the influencing factors and relationships of user demand for customized furniture. This study constructed a 4E semi-structured interview guide, which means that interviews were conducted from 4 dimensions: essential information, information extraction, user experience, and product expectation. The interview results were coded and analyzed in combination with grounded theory. Based on the identified 38 concepts and 10 categories, we obtain 4 main categories: fundamental condition, operation behaviour, sensory value and emotional value. For the factors that affect the demand of customized furniture users, customized furniture enterprises can start from 2 levels of publicity and product design to meet user demand and improve the user purchase probability.
Protective mucosal and systemic immunity induced by virus-like particles expressing Toxoplasma gondii cyst wall protein
Authors: Eom Gi-Deok , Chu Ki-Back , Kang Hae-Ji , Kim Min-Ju , Yoon Keon-Woong , Mao Jie , Lee Su-Hwa , Ahmed Md Atique , Moon Eun-Kyung , Quan Fu-Shi
Published: April 2023

Toxoplasma gondiihost cellular invasion factors such as the rhoptry proteins, micronemal antigens, or other subcellular compartment proteins have shown limited vaccine efficacies.T.gondiicyst wall protein (CST1) as a cyst persistence factor is critical for cyst wall integrity and bradyzoite persistence. Here, we generated influenza virus-like particles (VLPs) expressing theT.gondiiCST1 and evaluated the mucosal as well as systemic immunities induced by VLPs. Intranasal immunization with the VLPs induced parasite-specific IgG and IgA antibody responses in sera and intestines. VLP immunization showed higher levels of germinal center B cell response and antibody-secreting cell (ASC) response upon challenge infection, indicating memory B cell response was induced. VLP-immunized mice showed a significant reduction of cyst counts and lower levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-6) production in the brain uponT.gondiiME49 challenge infection compared to unimmunized control. Thus, VLP immunization protected mice from the lethal dose challenge infection withT.gondiiME49 and did not incur bodyweight loss. These results indicated thatT.gondiiCST1 containing VLPs can induce mucosal and systemic immunity and also suggest its developmental potential as an effective vaccine candidate againstT.gondiiinfection.
Emotional labor and emotional capital: An interpretive phenomenological analysis of teachers of English
Authors: Ghyasi Majid , Gurbuz Nurdan
Published: April 2023

An emotionally charged situation for a teacher of English necessitates hiding certain emotions (emotional labor) though using the experience of the event can enable her to benefit from similar encounters in the future (emotional capital). This study is an attempt to find factors that have contributed to the emergence of emotional labor and then investigate whether teachers can gain capital out of such situations. Using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), the study analyzed the diaries and interview data of three teachers of English who had their reflections about daily class incidents. The main themes emerging from the data revealed the existence of emotional labor which, in some cases, the teachers managed to build upon to gain emotional capital. The study suggests diary keeping, teacher bonding communities, and training in order to have emotionally conscious teachers.
Roadside sales activities in a South Pacific Island (Bora-Bora) reveal sustainable strategies for local food supply during a pandemic
Authors: Minier Lana , Fourrière Manon , Gairin Emma , Gourlaouen Alannah , Krimou Stéphanie , Berthe Cécile , Maueau Tehani , Doom Milton , Sturny Vincent , Mills Suzanne C. , Lecchini David , Bertucci Frédéric
Published: April 2023

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the reduced exports and imports as well as the lack of activity due to the interruption in the international tourism economy seriously impacted food security in many Pacific Islands. People often returned to natural resources to provide for themselves, their families, or to generate income. On Bora-Bora Island, the major tourist destination in French Polynesia, roadside sales are widespread. Our study analyses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on roadside sales activities through a census of roadside stalls on the five Bora-Bora districts conducted before (January and February 2020), during (from March 2020 to October 2021) and after (from November to December 2021) health-related activity and travel restrictions. Our results showed that the marketing system for local products (fruits, vegetables, cooked meals, and fish) increased in the form of roadside sales during the COVID-19 in two of the five districts of Bora-Bora. Roadside selling would be an alternative system for providing food to the population at Bora-Bora during a global crisis and that could reveal itself sustainable after this pandemic.
Administration of vitamin E and C enhances immunological and biochemical responses against toxicity of silver nanoparticles in grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella)
Authors: Iqbal Khalid Javed , Majeed Hamid , Iqbal Khalid Jamshed , Asghar Muhammad , Azmat Hamda , Fatima Mahroze , Khan Noor , Baboo Irfan , Tehseen Amna , Ali Wazir , Saeed Usama , Khizar Ayesha , Fatima Amber , Nisa Sobia , Davies Simon John
Published: April 2023

The aim of the current study was to evaluate the toxic effect of silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) on biochemical biomarkers, immune responses, and the curative potential effects of vitamin C and E on grass carp. Fish (n = 420) with an average initial body weight of 8.045 ± 0.13 g were shifted to glass aquaria (36 x 18 x 18 inches, filled with 160-L tap water) in triplicates. Aquaria were randomly designated as A, B, C, D with alone Ag-NPs (Control (0), 0.25, 0.50, 0.75 mg/L) and E, F, G with Ag-NPs + Vit. C + Vit. E (0.25+0.25+0.25, 0.50+0.50+0.50, 0.75+0.75+0.75 mg/L). NPs particles were administrated viz, oral and intravenous routes for 7 days. The results indicated that both routes had non-significant effect, but levels of Ag-NPs had significant effect. Treatments C, D and G showed significant decrease in levels of RBC, HGB and HCT except for WBC and NEUT levels, which significantly increased. ALT, ALP, AST, urea, and creatinine showed significant increase in activity in the C, D, and G groups. CAT, SOD decreased significantly in all Ag-NPs alone groups, while significantly increased with vitamin E and C. LYZ, TP, ALB, GLB showed significant low activity in the B, C, and D groups while significantly high activity in the E, F, and G groups. Cortisol, glucose and triglycerides showed significant increase in the B, C, and D groups, while E, F, and G groups showed significant low levels of triglycerides, COR, and GLU. Cholesterol level was same across all treatment groups. In conclusion, vitamin E and C as powerful antioxidants protect the fish against Ag-NPs except high dose level of 0.75mg/L, while 0.25mg/L of Ag-NPs was presumably safe for C. idella.
The effects of a non-school setting on quantity and quality of biology knowledge of primary students–A pilot study
Authors: Malariková Ludmila , Machová Kristýna , Svobodová Ivona , Prochazková Radka , Makovcová Aneta
Published: April 2023

To increase the effectiveness of education is appropriate to incorporate varied teaching methods with multisensory stimulation and with an emphasis on personal and emotional experiences. This study aims to compare the knowledge of biology subject matter acquired by second and fourth-grade primary students. The lesson occurred at a farm in the experimental group and at school in the control group. Students’ knowledge levels were assessed before the lesson, after the lesson, after 14 days, after a month, and after six months. When the levels of knowledge after the lesson were compared between the groups, significantly better results (p = 0.001) were recorded in students in the control group. Another 14 days after the lesson, there was no significant difference in knowledge between the groups (p = 0.848). The same results were obtained after a month (p = 0.760) and after six months (p = 0.649). In the experimental group, the intra-group analysis did not show any significant difference in the levels of knowledge before and after the lesson; it was recorded only after 14 days. In contrast, the control group showed a significant improvement in knowledge right after the lesson, which was not observed later on. Most often, this phenomenon was observed in second-grade students. The presence of animals in an educational setting can add many benefits, such as mental well-being, an increase in empathy, or support for socio-emotional development. Since the levels of subject matter knowledge acquired at a farm and at school were similar, it seems that farm lessons should not negatively impact education, and it offers many related positive effects.
Phenotype stability and dynamics of transposable elements in a strain of the microalga Tisochrysis lutea with improved lipid traits
Authors: Berthelier Jérémy , Saint-Jean Bruno , Casse Nathalie , Bougaran Gaël , Carrier Grégory
Published: April 2023

Microalgal domestication is an expanding research field that aims to multiply and accelerate the potential of microalgae for various biotechnological purposes. We investigated the stability of improved lipid traits and genetic changes of a domesticated strain of the haptophyte Tisochrysis lutea, TisoS2M2, previously obtained by a mutation-selection improvement program. After 7 years of maintenance, TisoS2M2 still displayed improved lipid traits compared with the native strain, demonstrating that a mutation-selection improvement program is suitable for obtaining a domesticated strain with stable, improved phenotype over time. We identified specific genetic variations between the native and domesticated strains and focused on the dynamics of transposable elements (TEs). DNA transposons mainly caused specific TE indels of the domesticated strain TisoS2M2, and some specific TE indels may have impacted genes associated to the neutral lipid pathway. We revealed transposition events for TEs in T. lutea and discussed on the potential role of the improvement program on their activity.
Association between the PPARGC1A Gly482Ser polymorphism and muscle fitness in Chinese schoolchildren
Authors: Wei Qi
Published: April 2023

Objectives

Muscle health is essential for children’s physical development and future health. PPARGC1A gene encode the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor coactivator 1α which coactivates transcription factors that control mediating skeletal muscle fiber type conversion and skeletal muscle fiber formation. The PPARGC1A rs8192678 Gly/Ser (Gly482Ser) polymorphism was associated with the regulation of skeletal muscle fibre type. This paper aims to explore the association between the PPARGC1A rs8192678 (Gly482Ser) polymorphism and muscle fitness in Chinese schoolchildren.

Methods

We detected the distribution of the PPARGC1A rs8192678 (Gly482Ser) polymorphism by DNA typing of saliva samples from untrained Southern Chinese Han children aged 7–12 years. Considering that muscle studies in children cannot use invasive sampling, we analyzed the association between alleles and genotypes with high validity tests of muscle fitness assesment in children(handgrip strength, standing long jump, sit-ups and push-ups).

Results

The results showed no significant differences in height, weight or body mass index between the sexes. The grip strength indicators were correlated with age in boys and height and weight in girls. Sit-ups were significantly higher in girls with the PPARGC1A Gly/Gly genotype than in boys, and handgrip strength and standing long jump were significantly lower in girls with the PPARGC1A rs8192678 (Gly482Ser) genotype than in boys. Genetic model analysis showed that the Gly482 allele had a dominant genetic effect on the Gly482 allele is hypothesized to influence the expression of type I fibers in skeletal muscle in girls, while the Ser482 allele affects on type II fibers in girls. The two alleles had little genetic effect on boys.

Conclusions

The results suggested the possible association of the PPARGC1A rs8192678 (Gly482Ser) polymorphism on myofibril type-related phenotypes in Han Chinese children in southern China, with a particular impact on girls.
Systemic risk prevention policies targeting systemically important banks: Does clustering pattern matter?
Authors: Zhu Bo , Hu Xin , Deng Yuanyue , Lin Renda
Published: April 2023

It is well known that strengthening the soundness of individual banks that are too large or too interconnected is essential for maintaining financial stability. The clustering among homogeneous banks may also cause financial fragility but has received less attention. This paper discusses the policy improvement for preventing systemic risk from the perspective of the clustering pattern of systemically important banks (SIBs) based on a network optimization model. The results show that the clustering pattern of SIBs is closely related to systemic risk contagion. Remarkably, networks with fewer connections among SIBs exhibit lower systemic risk than those featuring apparent clustering of SIBs. The potential mechanism is that the systemic vulnerability of small and medium-sized banks is greatly reduced in the disassortative networks. The proposed tools based on this—inter-SIBs exposure limits and pairwise capital requirements—can guide network optimization and significantly reduce systemic risk. Furthermore, combining existing capital surcharges for SIBs (focusing on the stability of individual SIBs) and proposed network-based tools (focusing on the cluster structure of the network) will be an effective way to enhance financial stability over existing policies.
Advancing the measurement of knowledge, attitudes and practices of health workers who care for women and girls who have undergone female genital mutilation/ cutting (FGM/C): A qualitative exploration of expert opinion
Authors: Marea Christina X. , Warren Nicole , Glass Nancy , Ahmed Wisal , Pallitto Christina C.
Published: April 2023

Background

Female genital mutilation or cutting (FGM/C) is a social norm driven practice associated with numerous adverse health complications. Existing assessment tools for health workers are limited by lack of a clear framework for what constitutes the critical knowledge, attitudes, and practices that impact FGM/C prevention and care. The aim of this study was to explore expert opinion of the knowledge, attitudes, and practices for FGM/C-related prevention and care that can be used to inform the development of future KAP measurement tools.

Methods

We conducted 32 semi-structured individual interviews with global clinical and research experts on FGM/C from 30 countries including participants from Africa, Australia/ New Zealand, Europe, the Middle East, and North America. Interview questions explored areas of knowledge, attitudes, and practices that influence FGM/C-related prevention and care activities. We used the directed content analysis methodology for the qualitative data analysis.

Results

We identified six categories of knowledge, six of practice, and seven of attitudes that contribute to FGM/C-related prevention and care. Areas of knowledge included: general knowledge about FGM/C; who is at risk for experiencing FGM/C; support for FGM/C; female genital anatomy/ physiology; health complications of FGM/C; management of health complications of FGM/C; ethical and legal considerations for the treatment and prevention of FGM/C, and patient-health worker communication. Areas of practice included: clinical procedures and protocols; management of complications; defibulation; other surgical procedures for FGM/C; pediatric care (including prevention); and patient-centered care. Participants described health worker attitudes that may affect how prevention and care activities are delivered and/or received including attitudes toward: the perceived benefits of FGM/C; harms of FGM/C; ethical considerations related to FGM/C medicalization, prevention, and treatment; providing care for FGM/C-affected clients; women and girls who have experienced FGM/C; communities that practice FGM/C; and affective response to FGM/C. We also present participant perspectives on the ways in which knowledge, attitudes, and practice interact impacting the type and quality of care provided to those affected by FGM/C.

Conclusions

This study identified specific areas of knowledge, attitudes, and practices in FGM/C prevention and care that are important to include in future evaluation metrics. Future KAP tools should be theoretically informed using the framework we present, and assessed for validity and reliability using psychometrically rigorous methods. Developers of KAP tools should consider the hypothesized relationships between knowledge, attitudes, and practices.
Language structure, attitudes, and learning from ambient exposure: Lexical and phonotactic knowledge of Spanish among non-Spanish-speaking Californians and Texans
Authors: Todd Simon , Ben Youssef Chadi , Vásquez-Aguilar Alonso
Published: April 2023

Recent work shows that ambient exposure in everyday situations can yield implicit knowledge of a language that an observer does not speak. We replicate and extend this work in the context of Spanish in California and Texas. In Word Identification and Wellformedness Rating experiments, non-Spanish-speaking Californians and Texans show implicit lexical and phonotactic knowledge of Spanish, which may be affected by both language structure and attitudes. Their knowledge of Spanish appears to be weaker than New Zealanders’ knowledge of Māori established in recent work, consistent with structural differences between Spanish and Māori. Additionally, the strength of a participant’s knowledge increases with the value they place on Spanish and its speakers in their state. These results showcase the power and generality of statistical learning of language in adults, while also highlighting how it cannot be divorced from the structural and attitudinal factors that shape the context in which it occurs.
Study protocol for a non-randomized controlled trial of the effects of internet-based parent training as a booster to the preschool edition of PATHS®: Universal edition of the Parent Web
Authors: Olsson Tina M. , Enebrink Pia , Kapetanovic Sabina , Ferrer-Wreder Laura , Stålnacke Johanna , Eninger Lilianne , Eichas Kyle , Norman Åsa , Lindberg Lene , Gull Ingela Clausén , Hau Hanna Ginner , Allodi Mara Westling , Sedem Mina
Published: April 2023

Well implemented, universal parental support is often effective in families with younger children, but research on their effects on families with adolescent children is scarce. In this study, a trial of the universal parent training intervention “Parent Web” in early adolescence is added to the social emotional learning intervention Promoting Alternative Thinking Strategies (PATHS®), completed in early childhood. The Parent Web is a universal online parenting intervention based on social learning theory. The intervention aims to promote positive parenting and family interaction through five weekly modules completed over 6–8 weeks. The main hypothesis is that participants in the intervention group will exhibit significant pre- to post- intervention-related benefits relative participants in the comparison group. The aims of this study are: 1) provide Parent Web as a booster aimed at improving parenting support and practices at the transition into adolescence to a cohort of parents whose children have previously participated in preschool PATHS, and 2) examine the effects of the universal edition of Parent Web. The study has a quasi-experimental design with pre- and post-testing. The incremental effects of this internet-delivered parent training intervention are tested in parents of early adolescents (11–13 years) who participated in PATHS when 4–5 years old compared to a matched sample of adolescents with no prior experience of PATHS. The primary outcomes are parent reported child behavior and family relationships. Secondary outcomes include self-reported parent health and stress. The proposed study is one of the few trials to test the effects of universal parental support in families of early adolescents and will therefore contribute to the understanding of how mental health in children and young people can be promoted across developmental periods through a continuum of universal measures.

Trial registration: Clinical trials.gov (NCT05172297), prospectively registered on December 29, 2021.
Does Chinese-style margin trading promote the high-quality development of listed companies?
Authors: Tang Jingyao , Wu Yu , Ye Yunqi
Published: April 2023

Using the margin trading reform of China’s stock market as a quasinatural experiment, this paper explores whether margin trading promotes the high-quality development of listed companies. The results show that total factor productivity (TFP) significantly decreases after listed companies are included in the underlying stocks of margin trading. In addition, the negative impacts are stronger for listed companies with higher financial leverage, lower cash asset holdings, lower shareholdings of financial institution investors, and less attention from securities analysts. Further research shows that the negative impacts of margin trading on TFP are closely related to the deterioration of the information environment and the tightening of financing constraints. When listed companies are included in the underlying stocks of margin trading, they use a lower proportion of their net profit for internal financing (and a higher proportion of their net profit for cash dividends) and significantly reduce external equity financing. The results of this study show that the margin trading reform in China’s stock market may inhibit the high-quality development of listed companies to a certain extent.
Research on the long tail mechanism of digital finance alleviating the relative poverty of rural households
Authors: Xie Shengfeng , Jin Caimin , Song Ting , Feng Chengxiao
Published: April 2023

Digital finance provides a long-tail mechanism for alleviating relative poverty caused by unequal opportunities and rights. According to the inference of an improved Cobb-Douglas production function and Ramsey-Cass-Koopmans two-stage household consumption model, the long-tail mechanism for digital finance to alleviate the relative poverty of farmers includes productive investment mechanism, credit mechanism, financial asset allocation and entrepreneurial mechanism. An empirical analysis of 11,519 rural households across China based on CHFS2019 data shows that digital finance can significantly and steadily alleviate relative poverty by improving credit availability and promoting household entrepreneurship, while its effect on increasing productive investment opportunities and optimizing financial asset allocation is less certain. Therefore, it is necessary to continue to improve the "blood making" long tail mechanism of digital finance for farmers’ credit and innovation and entrepreneurship, and at the same time guide the digital finance to empower the development of rural industries to increase farmers’ productive investment opportunities, cultivate endogenous growth momentum, and improve the wealth allocation function of rural digital financial market.
Enablers and barriers to effective HIV self-testing in the private sector among sexually active youths in Nigeria: A qualitative study using journey map methodology
Authors: Aizobu Dennis , Wada Yusuf H. , Anyanti Jennifer , Omoregie Godpower , Adesina Boluwatife , Malaba Serah , Kabeer Morghan , Oyegunle Samuel , Ikpeazu Akudo , Idogho Omokhudu
Published: April 2023

Background

HIV is a public health burden in Nigeria. HIV self-testing is one of the approaches to testing, which is the first of the 95:95:95 cascade of a coherent response to the epidemic. The ability to self-test HIV is influenced by various factors that can either serve as enablers or barriers. Exploring these enablers and barriers to the uptake of HIVST will help achieve optimal HIV self-testing and provide a deeper understanding of the HIVST kits users’ journey.

Objective

The purpose of the study was to identify enablers and barriers to the uptake of HIV self-testing among sexually active youth in Nigeria using journey map methodology.

Methods

We conducted a qualitative exploratory study between January 2021 to October 2021 to understand the journey map for taking up and using HIVST in the private health delivery systems which include the pharmacies and PPMVs. 80 youths in Lagos, Anambra and Kano states were interviewed using IDIs and in-person FGDs. Their responses were audio-recorded, transcribed and analyzed using a qualitative software package (Nvivo software).

Results

A journey map for taking up and effectively using HIVST using the private sector among sexually active youths using key enablers and barriers at the attract, purchase, use, confirmation, linkage, and reporting stage was developed. The major enablers among participants were privacy and confidentiality, bundling purchases with other health products, easy-to-use instructions, and past experience with other self-testing kits. The major barriers were fear of discrimination, big packaging, high price, lack of confidence from user error and fear of status disclosure.

Conclusions

Sexually active young people’s perspectives enhance our understanding of the barriers and enablers of using HIVST through the private sector. Optimizing the enablers such as improved confidentiality that may be seen in e-pharmacy, reducing barriers and factoring sexually young people’s perspectives will enhance the market and the uptake of HIVST towards ensuring sustainability and accelerating progress towards the 95-95-95 targets.
Diverse organ-specific localisation of a chemical defence, cyanogenic glycosides, in flowers of eleven species of Proteaceae
Authors: Ritmejerytė Edita , Boughton Berin A. , Bayly Michael J. , Miller Rebecca E.
Published: April 2023

Floral chemical defence strategies remain under-investigated, despite the significance of flowers to plant fitness. We used cyanogenic glycosides (CNglycs)—constitutive secondary metabolites that deter herbivores by releasing hydrogen cyanide, but also play other metabolic roles—to ask whether more apparent floral tissues and those most important for fitness are more defended as predicted by optimal defence theories, and what fine-scale CNglyc localisation reveals about function(s)? Florets of eleven species from the Proteaceae family were dissected to quantitatively compare the distribution of CNglycs within flowers and investigate whether distributions vary with other floral/plant traits. CNglycs were identified and their localisation in florets was revealed by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionisation mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI-MSI). We identified extremely high CNglyc content in floral tissues of several species (>1% CN), highly tissue-specific CNglyc distributions within florets, and substantial interspecific differences in content distributions, not all consistent with optimal defence hypotheses. Four patterns of within-flower CNglyc allocation were identified: greater tissue-specific allocations to (1) anthers, (2) pedicel (and gynophore), (3) pollen presenter, and (4) a more even distribution among tissues with higher content in pistils. Allocation patterns were not correlated with other floral traits (e.g. colour) or taxonomic relatedness. MALDI-MSI identified differential localisation of two tyrosine-derived CNglycs, demonstrating the importance of visualising metabolite localisation, with the diglycoside proteacin in vascular tissues, and monoglycoside dhurrin across floral tissues. High CNglyc content, and diverse, specific within-flower localisations indicate allocations are adaptive, highlighting the importance of further research into the ecological and metabolic roles of floral CNglycs.
Decomposition analysis of women’s empowerment-based inequalities in the use of maternal health care services in Ethiopia: Evidence from Demographic and Health Surveys
Authors: Shibre Gebretsadik , Mekonnen Wubegzier , Haile Mariam Damen
Published: April 2023

Background

The use of maternal health care services tends to rise with women’s empowerment. However, disparities in the use of maternal health care services in Ethiopia that are founded on women’s empowerment are not sufficiently addressed. In light of women’s empowerment equity stratifier, this study seeks to assess inequalities in the uptake of maternal health care services (early antenatal care, four or more antenatal care and postnatal care services).

Methods

Drawing on data from the four rounds of Ethiopia Demographic and Health Surveys (EDHSs) conducted between 2000 and 2016, we conducted analysis of inequalities in utilization of maternal health care services using women’s empowerment as equity stratifier. We utilized concentration index and concentration curve for assessing the inequalities. We used clorenz and conindex Stata modules to compute the index and curve. Decomposition of the Erreygers normalized concentration index was done to explain the inequalities in terms of other variables’ percent contributions. Complex aspect of the EDHSs data was considered during analysis to produce findings consistent with the data generating process. All analyses were done using Stata v16.

Results

Utilization of maternal health care services was inequitably distributed between empowered and poorly empowered women, with women in the highly empowered category taking more of the services. For instance, the Erreygers index for quality ANC are 0.240 (95% CI 0.207, 0.273); 0.20 (95% CI 0.169, 0.231) and 0.122 (95% CI 0.087, 0.157), respectively, for the attitude towards violence, social independence and decision-making domains of women’s empowerment. Inequalities in the distribution of other variables like wealth, education, place of residence and women’s empowerment itself underpin the inequalities in the utilization of the services across the women’s empowerment groups.

Conclusions

Equity in maternal health care services can be improved through redistributive policies that attempt to fairly distribute the socioeconomic determinants of health such as wealth and education between highly and poorly empowered women.
Socio-demographic, maternal, and infant characteristics associated with pacifier use among six-months old infants in Clark County, Nevada
Authors: Saniatan Kaelia Lynn , Neupane Smriti , Cross Chad , Buccini Gabriela
Published: April 2023

Background

Pacifier use can interfere with nurturing care practices such as breastfeeding, soothing, and sleeping. Due to contradicting beliefs, recommendations, and the high frequency of pacifier use, understanding its associations may support shaping equitable public health recommendations. This study explored the socio-demographic, maternal, and infant characteristics associated with pacifier use among six-months old infants in Clark County, Nevada.

Method

Cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2021 with a sample of mothers (n = 276) of infants under six months old in Clark County, Nevada. Participants were recruited through advertisements in birth, lactation, pediatric care centers, and social media. We used binomial and multinomial logistic models to assess the association between pacifier use and the age of pacifier introduction, respectively, with household, maternal, infant, healthcare characteristics, and feeding and sleeping practices.

Results

More than half of the participants offered pacifiers (60.5%). Pacifier use was higher among low-income households (OR (95% CI) 2.06 (0.99–4.27)), mothers who identified as non-Hispanic (OR (95% CI) 2.09 (1.22–3.59)), non-first-time mothers (OR (95% CI) 2.09 (1.11–3.05)), and bottle-feeding infants (OR (95% CI) 2.76 (1.35–5.65)). Compared to those who did not introduce a pacifier, non-Hispanic mothers (RRR (95% CI) 2.34 (1.30–4.21)) and bottle-fed infants (RRR (95% CI) 2.71 (1.29–5.69)) had a higher risk of introducing pacifier within two weeks. Likewise, infants living in food insecure households (RRR (95% CI) 2.53 (0.97–6.58)) and mothers who have more than one child (RRR (95% CI) 2.44 (1.11–5.34)) had a higher risk of introducing a pacifier after two weeks.

Conclusion

Pacifier use is independently associated with maternal income, ethnicity, parity, and bottle feeding among six-month-old infants living in Clark County, Nevada. Household food insecurity increased the relative risk of introducing a pacifier after two weeks. Qualitative research on pacifier use among families with diverse ethnic/racial backgrounds is needed to improve equitable interventions.
Effects of combining feedback and hypothesis-testing on the quality of simulated child sexual abuse interviews with avatars among Chinese university students
Authors: Zhang Yiwen , Li Siyu , Zhang Yikang , Haginoya Shumpei , Santtila Pekka Olavi
Published: April 2023

Previous research has shown that simulation training using avatars with repeated feedback improves child sexual abuse interview quality. The present study added a hypothesis-testing intervention and examined if the combination of two interventions, feedback and hypothesis-testing, would improve interview quality compared to no intervention and to either intervention alone. Eighty-one Chinese university students were randomly assigned to a control, feedback, hypothesis-testing, or the combination of feedback and hypothesis-testing group and conducted five simulated child sexual abuse interviews online. Depending on the assigned group, feedback on the outcome of the cases and question types used in the interview were provided after each interview, and/or the participants built hypotheses based on preliminary case information before each interview. The combined interventions group and feedback group showed a higher proportion of recommended questions and correct details from the 3rd interview onward compared to the hypothesis-building and control groups. The difference between the number of correct conclusions was not significant. hypothesis-testing alone exacerbated the use of non-recommended questions over time. The results show that hypothesis-testing may impact question types used negatively but not when combined with feedback. The potential reasons for hypothesis-testing alone not being effective and the differences between the present and previous studies were discussed.
Redox mechanisms and their pathological role in prion diseases: The road to ruin
Authors: Spiers Jereme G. , Chen Hsiao-Jou Cortina , Steinert Joern R.
Published: April 2023

Prion diseases, also known as transmissible spongiform encephalopathies, are rare, progressive, and fatal neurodegenerative disorders, which are caused by the accumulation of the misfolded cellular prion protein (PrPC). The resulting cytotoxic prion species, referred to as the scrapie prion isoform (PrPSc), assemble in aggregates and interfere with neuronal pathways, ultimately rendering neurons dysfunctional. As the prion protein physiologically interacts with redox-active metals, an altered redox balance within the cell can impact these interactions, which may lead to and facilitate further misfolding and aggregation. The initiation of misfolding and the aggregation processes will, in turn, induce microglial activation and neuroinflammation, which leads to an imbalance in cellular redox homeostasis and enhanced redox stress. Potential approaches for therapeutics target redox signalling, and this review illustrates the pathways involved in the above processes.