bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genome analysis of third-generation cephalosporin-resistant Escherichia coli and Salmonella species recovered from healthy and diseased food-producing animals in Europe
Authors: Sauget Marlène , Atchon Alban K. , Valot Benoît , Garch Farid El , Jong Anno de , Moyaert Hilde , Hocquet Didier ,   on behalf of the EASSA and VetPath Study Group
Published: October 2023

The animal reservoir of Enterobacterales producing Extended-Spectrum-β-Lactamases (ESBL) and plasmid-borne cephalosporinases (pAmpC) is a global concern. Using genome data, we analyzed a population of Escherichia coli and Salmonella species resistant to third-generation cephalosporins (3GC-R) recovered from healthy food animals (HA) and diseased food animals (DA) across Europe. Among the isolates collected from HA (n = 4,498) and DA (n = 833) in up to twelve European countries, 62 (1.4%) and 45 (5.4%) were 3GC-R, respectively. The genomes of these 3GC-R 107 isolates were sequenced to identify blaESBL and blaAmpC, sequence types (STs), virulence-associated genes, and Salmonella serovars. We also assessed their population structure using core genome multilocus sequence typing. The 78 3GC-R Escherichia coli originated from poultry (n = 27), swine (n = 26), and cattle (n = 25). Almost all (n = 77; 98.7%) harbored at least one blaESBL or blaAmpC, with blaCTX-M-1 predominating. We identified 51 STs, with ST10 and ST101 being the most frequent. The population of 3GC-R E. coli was polyclonal. The 29 3GC-R Salmonella spp. were mostly retrieved from healthy broiler (96.5%). blaCMY-2 dominated in this population. We found two clusters of CMY-2-producing Salmonella spp. in Germany: one with 15 isolates of S. Heidelberg isolates and another with six S. Minnesota, all of them with blaCMY-2. Our results confirm the low prevalence of 3GC-R E. coli and Salmonella spp. in HA and DA. blaCTX-M-1 was dominating in a highly diverse population of E. coli. 3GC-R E.coli isolated from HA and DA were genetically unrelated, with high clonal diversity suggesting multiple origins of contamination. This contrasted with the clonal population of 3GC-R Salmonella spp. in which blaCMY-2 dominated through two dominant serovars in this collection.
Hepatic metabolism of grazing cows of two Holstein strains under two feeding strategies with different levels of pasture inclusion
Authors: García-Roche Mercedes , Talmón Daniel , Cañibe Guillermo , Astessiano Ana Laura , Mendoza Alejandro , Cassina Adriana , Quijano Celia , Carriquiry Mariana
Published: October 2023

The objective of the study was to characterize adaptations of hepatic metabolism of dairy cows of two Holstein strains with varying proportions of grazing in the feeding strategy. Multiparous autumn calving Holstein cows of New Zealand (NZH) and North American (NAH) strains were assigned to a randomized complete block design with a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement with two feeding strategies that varied in the proportions of pasture and supplementation: maximum pasture and supplementation with a pelleted concentrate (MaxP) or fixed pasture and supplementation with a total mixed ration (FixP) from May through November of 2018. Hepatic biopsies were taken at ‐ 45 ± 17, 21 ± 7, 100 ± 23 and 180 ± 23 days in milk (DIM), representing prepartum, early lactation, early mid-lactation and late mid-lactation. The effects of DIM, feeding strategy (FS), strain and their interactions were analyzed with mixed models using repeated measures. Cows of both strains had similar triglyceride levels, mitochondrial function and carnitine palmitoyltransferase activity in liver during lactation. However, there was an effect of DIM and FS as liver triglyceride was higher for the MaxP strategy at 21 DIM and both mitochondrial function and carnitine palmitoyltransferase activity in liver were lower for the MaxP strategy at 21 DIM. Hepatic mitochondrial function and acetylation levels were affected by the interaction between strain and feeding strategy as both variables were higher for NAH cows in the MaxP strategy. Mid-lactation hepatic gene expression of enzymes related to fatty acid metabolism and nuclear receptors was higher for NZH than NAH cows. This work confirms the association between liver triglyceride, decreased hepatic mitochondrial function and greater mitochondrial acetylation levels in cows with a higher inclusion of pasture and suggests differential adaptative mechanisms between NAH and NZH cows to strategies with varying proportions of grazing in the feeding strategy.
Global burden and trends of ectopic pregnancy: An observational trend study from 1990 to 2019
Authors: Zhang Shufei , Liu Jianfeng , Yang Lian , Li Hanyue , Tang Jianming , Hong Li
Published: October 2023

Background

Ectopic pregnancy (EP) is one of the leading causes of death in women in early pregnancy, and the mortality of EP have gradually decreased over time in developed countries such as the United Kingdom and the United States. However, epidemiological information on EP has been lacking in recent years, so we analyzed EP data over a thirty-year period from 1990–2019 with the help of Global Burden of Disease study (GBD) data to fill this gap.

Methods

According to the EP data in GBD for the three decades from 1990 to 2019, we used estimated annual percentage changes (EAPC) to assess the trend of age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR), age-standardized death rate (ASDR) and age-standardized disability adjusted life years (AS-DALYs) trends in EP and to explore the correlation between socio-demographic index (SDI) stratification, age stratification and EP.

Results

Global ASIR, ASDR, AS-DALYs for EP in 2019 are 170.33/100,000 persons (95% UI: 133.18 to 218.49), 0.16/100,000 persons (95% UI, 0.14 to 0.19) and 9.69/100,000 persons (95% UI, 8.27 to 11.31), respectively. At the overall level, ASDR is significantly negatively correlated with SDI values (R = -0.699, p < 0.001). Besides that, ASDR and AS-DALYs have basically the same pattern. In addition, iron deficiency is one of the risk factors for EP.

Conclusions

In the past three decades, the morbidity, mortality and disease burden of EP have gradually decreased. It is noteworthy that some economically disadvantaged areas are still experiencing an increase in all indicators, therefore, it is more important to strengthen the protection of women from ethnic minorities and low-income groups.
The impact of financial development on income inequality and poverty
Authors: Bayar Ayşe Aylin
Published: October 2023

The Turkish economy has undergone a structural transformation with impressive economic performance during 2002–2018 and then a slowdown. The implementation of policies on the financial markets results in a significant capital inflow, which leads to an increase in the volume of domestic credit. Despite improvements in Türkiye, income inequality and poverty are still relatively high. While much of the literature shows that financial development accelerates growth, there is no consensus on its clear impact on poverty and inequality. While some studies stress that financial development improves inequality and combats poverty by increasing the ability of advantage of new investment opportunities, and by improving the allocation of capital, others point out that the beneficial impact of financial development depends on whether the overall population or the upper-income groups benefit or not. Therefore, this paper aims to empirically investigate the impact of financial development on inequalities and poverty during the 2002–2017 period when Türkiye relatively has been prosperous. According to simultaneous equation regression findings, the widening of the financial sector leads to more equal income distribution and poverty alleviation.
Shared decision making on mode of delivery following a prior cesarean delivery in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Authors: Yussuph Zainab Hassan , Alwy Al-beity Fadhlun M.
Published: October 2023

Background

Shared decision-making between clinicians and pregnant women with prior cesarean on the subsequent mode of delivery improves trial of labor rates, and reduces the number of repeat cesarean sections and their related complications. However, this practice is insufficient worldwide and the factors influencing it are still unknown. The study aimed at determining the proportion of pregnant women involved in shared decision-making and its associated factors in Dar es Salaam.

Methods

A cross-sectional analytical study among 350 pregnant women with one prior cesarean section. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire and SPSS 23 was used for analysis. A score of 80 or higher on the nine-item Shared Decision-Making Questionnaire (SDM-Q9) was used to calculate the proportion of women, and the associated factors were obtained using a logistic regression model. P value of < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results

The proportion of pregnant women involved in shared decision making was 38%. Factors that were significantly associated with sharing decision making were; having low level of education (AOR 0.55 95% CI 0.33–0.91), being married/having partner (AOR 2.58 95% CI 1.43–4.63), having a companion who had active participation (AOR 3.31 95% CI 1.03–10.6) and being familiar with the clinician (AOR 5.01 95% CI 1.30–19.2).

Conclusion

To promote practice of shared decision making in our setting, encouragement of socially vulnerable pregnant women’s participation in decision-making by health care professionals, encouragement of companion participation during antenatal care and promotion of personal continuity of care to improve familiarity to clinicians are needed.
Local’s attitude towards African elephant conservation in and around Chebra Churchura National Park, Ethiopia
Authors: Tsegaye Adane , Bekele Afework , Atikem Anagaw
Published: October 2023

Economic growth and development in developing countries often involves land-use changes which fragment natural areas, bring humans and wildlife into closer proximity and escalating human- wildlife conflicts. Human-wildlife conflicts impose huge costs on local people and their livelihoods. Balancing developmental activities with the conservation of mega fauna such as the African and Asian elephants (Loxodonta Africana, Elephas maximus; respectively) remains problematic. Understanding the reasoning upon which perceived risks and level of human- elephant conflict laid is critical to address societal or cultural beliefs in order to develop effective mitigation strategies. The perceived risks and level of conflict have to be properly addressed for effective planning and implementation of appropriate mitigation strategies. We studied human- elephant interactions in Chebra Churchura National Park Ethiopia (CCNP) from September 8 to October 28, 2022 and collected baseline data on human perceptions of conflicts in an area where elephant populations are increasing. To complete our study, we surveyed 800 household from 20 villages adjacent to the CCNP. The purpose of this investigation was to identify the relevance of the existing human-elephant conflict (HEC) with the attitude of local communities towards elephant conservation, the park management and perceived effective mitigation techniques. The local communities trust in the implementation of different traditional mitigation techniques is generally weak. The households interviewed were less positive towards the effectiveness of most of the traditional techniques in chasing elephants away from their farm lands. They believed that elephants had already adapted and do not respond to most of these techniques. Against the above perception in exception of their usual absence and late arrival, perception of local communities about shooting warning gun by park scouts is among the most accepted effective methods in chasing elephants from their farm lands. The majority of respondents believe that separation of elephants and humans by constricting barriers is the best solution to the problem. The idea of constructing barriers such as electric fence; ditch or concrete wall and blocking corridors between the Park boundary and the villages have become the most popular idea of local communities followed by relocating people to other safer places, as the best protection method against the elephant attack irrespective of the associated initial and maintenance costs.
Research on the income distribution effect of factor allocation efficiency changes among China’s three major industries
Authors: Zhang Bochao , Dong Wanhao , Yao Jin
Published: October 2023

This paper aims to study the impact of correcting the factor misallocation among China’s three major industries on China’s income gap and income distribution pattern. By using the industry Panel data at the provincial level in China, we measure the degree of factor misallocation among the three major industries in China’s provinces from 2002 to 2019 by building a factor misallocation measurement model, and then uses reverse thinking to compare the income gap under the condition of no factor misallocation with the actual income gap, and then obtains the impact of factor misallocation on the income gap, And use this method to focus on analyzing the impact of factor allocation efficiency changes among the three industries on income distribution pattern. The research finds that: (1) There is a serious factor misallocation among the three major industries in each province. From the perspective of subdivided factors, the factor misallocation among the three major industries in China’s provinces is mainly caused by labor misallocation. Factor misallocation shows a trend of convergence first and then divergence among regions. (2) There is a strong heterogeneity in the explanatory power of different dimensions of the income gap of factor misallocation among the three major industries in China’s provinces. Among them, correcting the misallocation of total factors among the three major industries in China’s provinces can only narrow the internal income gap of the tertiary sector of the economy, and expand the internal income gap between the primary and secondary industries. (3) The impact of correcting the total misallocation, capital misallocation and labor misallocation among the three industries on the income gap among industries or provinces is narrowing first and then expanding. (4) Further research shows that although the level of factor misallocation among provinces in China is significantly lower than the average level of factor misallocation among the three major industries within each province, it has a stronger explanatory power for the inter-provincial income gap. Correcting the total factor misallocation and labor misallocation among provinces can significantly reduce the inter-provincial income gap in China. Correcting the total factor misallocation and labor misallocation among provinces in 2019 can reduce the inter-provincial income gap by 51.48% and 81.68% respectively. Only correcting the capital misallocation among provinces will expand the inter-provincial income gap, and only correcting the capital misallocation among provinces in 2019 will expand the inter-provincial income gap by 112.21%.
Smart greenhouse construction and irrigation control system for optimal Brassica Juncea development
Authors: Huynh Hiep Xuan , Tran Linh Nhut , Duong-Trung Nghia
Published: October 2023

This paper contributes to smart greenhouses and IoT (Internet of Things) research. Our pioneering achievement centers on successfully designing, constructing, and testing a 30m2smart greenhouse, explicitly focusing on the cultivation and development of Brassica Juncea, a mustard variety commonly grown in Vietnam. The construction phase entailed the meticulous integration of diverse IoT technologies and systems, culminating in the creation of a finely tuned environment to meet the unique needs of Brassica Juncea cultivation. Notably, our research team has realized the physical infrastructure and developed and implemented a robust web interface. This interface empowers users to monitor and remotely control the smart greenhouse conveniently. It provides real-time visualization of critical parameters, including temperature, humidity, soil moisture, and light intensity, enabling precise monitoring and supporting informed decision-making in crop management. In addition to the web interface, we have meticulously designed and completed an Android mobile application, further enhancing accessibility and convenience. This mobile app allows users to monitor and control the smart greenhouse while on the move. It is imperative to underscore that this work marks a significant milestone as the first complete smart greenhouse IoT solution dedicated to developing Brassica Juncea. Our pioneering accomplishments not only advance the frontiers of innovative greenhouse and IoT research but also contribute substantially to the progress of intelligent agriculture.
Psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic: An integrative perspective
Authors: Mahat-Shamir Michal , Zychlinski Ester , Kagan Maya
Published: October 2023

Informed by socio-ecological psychology and the conservation of resources model, the present study proposes an integrative perspective on the association between psychological distress and a constellation of factors, during the COVID-19 outbreak in Israel. Our sample, comprised of 991 adult participants, was measured for psychological distress, locus of control (internal/ external), resilience, loneliness, social support, dimensions of citizens’ trust in government organizations (perceived competence, benevolence, and integrity), and demographic characteristics. The findings showed that women, non-religious people, and the unemployed reported higher levels of psychological distress. Internal locus of control, resilience, social support, and the extent to which citizens perceive government organizations as benevolent were negatively associated with psychological distress. Self-reported loneliness and external locus of control positively predicted the level of respondent psychological distress. No association was detected between age, competence and integrity and psychological distress. An overview of the research findings indicates that individuals with greater resources were less likely to suffer from psychological distress during the COVID-19 outbreak. These findings call upon mental health care practitioners to help as well as to enable clients to attain resources in order to lower their levels of psychological distress. Policies developed by policymakers during periods of acute crisis should consider the specific needs and vulnerabilities of certain population groups, including women and the unemployed who may be more susceptible to psychological distress. It is also important for policymakers to be aware that the perception of democratic governments as benevolent can serve as a buffer against psychological distress during times of crisis.
How much is a chef’s touch worth? Affective, emotional and behavioural responses to food images: A multimodal study
Authors: Rosa Pedro J. , Madeira Arlindo , Oliveira Jorge , Palrão Teresa
Published: October 2023

Background

Food aesthetics influences affective dimensions (valence and arousal) and subsequent emotional and behavioural responses in images presented in more traditional form, almost rustic in some cases, to the signature dishes of haute cuisine. However, the visual impact of images of haute cuisine dishes on consumers’ affective and emotional responses compared to traditional dishes is still understudied.

Methods

We recorded electrodermal activity, ocular movements and self-report affect of 35 volunteers while they performed a picture viewing paradigm using images of haute cuisine food, traditional food, and non-food. Additionally, the moderating role of age was examined.

Results

Our results showed that subjects had higher feelings of pleasure and arousal toward images of food (haute cuisine and traditional dishes) compared to non-food images. However, no difference in self-report affect, physiological and behavioural responses was found between haute cuisine and traditional dishes. Interestingly, a moderating effect of age was revealed, reporting that younger participants had greater feelings of pleasure and shorter eye-to-screen distance towards traditional food than haute cuisine.

Conclusions

As a whole, our findings suggest that food aesthetics could at least partially affect consumers’ affective and emotional responses. Interestingly, physiological responses to food pictures seemed to be relatively independent of approach/avoidance motivational states, supporting the assumption that traditional visual restaurant menus with attractive images might be insufficient for eliciting intense positive emotions. This study also contributes to advancing the understanding of the role that age plays in emotional impact when images of haute cuisine dishes are presented to consumers.
Active learning in undergraduate classroom dental education- a scoping review
Authors: Perez Arnaldo , Green Jacqueline , Moharrami Mohammad , Gianoni-Capenakas Silvia , Kebbe Maryam , Ganatra Seema , Ball Geoff , Sharmin Nazlee
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Previous reviews on active learning in dental education have not comprehensibly summarized the research activity on this topic as they have largely focused on specific active learning strategies. This scoping review aimed to map the breadth and depth of the research activity on active learning strategies in undergraduate classroom dental education.

Methods

The review was guided by Arksey & O’Malley’s multi-step framework and followed the PRISMA Extension Scoping Reviews guidelines. MEDLINE, ERIC, EMBASE, and Scopus databases were searched from January 2005 to October 2022. Peer-reviewed, primary research articles published in English were selected. Reference lists of relevant studies were verified to improve the search. Two trained researchers independently screened titles, abstracts, and full-texts articles for eligibility and extracted the relevant data.

Results

In total, 93 studies were included in the review. All studies performed outcome evaluations, including reaction evaluation alone (n = 32; 34.4%), learning evaluation alone (n = 19; 20.4%), and reaction and learning evaluations combined (n = 42; 45.1%). Most studies used quantitative approaches (n = 85; 91.3%), performed post-intervention evaluations (n = 70; 75.3%), and measured student satisfaction (n = 73; 78.5%) and knowledge acquisition (n = 61; 65.6%) using direct and indirect (self-report) measures. Only 4 studies (4.3%) reported faculty data in addition to student data. Flipped learning, group discussion, problem-based learning, and team-based learning were the active learning strategies most frequently evaluated (≥6 studies). Overall, most studies found that active learning improved satisfaction and knowledge acquisition and was superior to traditional lectures based on direct and indirect outcome measures.

Conclusion

Active learning has the potential to enhance student learning in undergraduate classroom dental education; however, robust process and outcome evaluation designs are needed to demonstrate its effectiveness in this educational context. Further research is warranted to evaluate the impact of active learning strategies on skill development and behavioral change in order to support the competency-based approach in dental education.
The relationship between trimethylamine-N-oxide and the risk of acute ischemic stroke: A dose‒response meta-analysis
Authors: Hong Yuan , Sun Zaidie , Liu Nianqiu , Yang Kai , Li Ya , Xu Qiuyue , Guo Zhangyou , Duan Yong
Published: October 2023

Background

Although trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) shows a notable correlation with cardiovascular disease, its association with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) remains uncertain and necessitates further investigation.

Objective

A meta-analysis was conducted to assess the relationship between trimethylamine-N-oxide and acute ischemic stroke.

Methods

We conducted a comprehensive search in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, CNKI, VIP, Wanfang, and CBM, spanning from their inception to 23 September 2023. The search was consistently updated and supplemented by bibliographies of retrieved articles and previous reviews. A total of 20 eligible studies, including 17 case‒controls and 3 cohort studies, were selected, involving 9141 participants (5283 case group, 3858 control group). For the dose‒response analysis, three case–control studies were eligible. We extracted and pooled TMAO mean and standard deviation from observational studies for control and ischemic stroke groups. The effect sizes were combined using the random-effects model. Where possible, dose‒response analysis was performed.

Result

Overall, the pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) demonstrated significantly higher concentrations of serum/plasma TMAO in AIS compared to the control group (SMD = 1.27; 95% CI: 0.9, 1.61, P<0.001). Additionally, the dose‒response meta-analysis revealed a 12.1% relative increase in the risk of acute ischemic stroke per 1 μmol/L rise in TMAO concentration (RR = 1.12; 95% CI 1.07–1.17; P<0.05; I2= 1.6%, P = 0.4484).

Conclusion

These findings indicate a potential increased risk of AIS associated with elevated TMAO levels.
Comorbidity clusters and in-hospital outcomes in patients admitted with acute myocardial infarction in the USA: A national population-based study
Authors: Zghebi Salwa S. , Rutter Martin K. , Sun Louise Y. , Ullah Waqas , Rashid Muhammad , Ashcroft Darren M. , Steinke Douglas T. , Weng Stephen , Kontopantelis Evangelos , Mamas Mamas A.
Published: October 2023

Background

The prevalence of multimorbidity in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is increasing. It is unclear whether comorbidities cluster into distinct phenogroups and whether are associated with clinical trajectories.

Methods

Survey-weighted analysis of the United States Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) for patients admitted with a primary diagnosis of AMI in 2018. In-hospital outcomes included mortality, stroke, bleeding, and coronary revascularisation. Latent class analysis of 21 chronic conditions was used to identify comorbidity classes. Multivariable logistic and linear regressions were fitted for associations between comorbidity classes and outcomes.

Results

Among 416,655 AMI admissions included in the analysis, mean (±SD) age was 67 (±13) years, 38% were females, and 76% White ethnicity. Overall, hypertension, coronary heart disease (CHD), dyslipidaemia, and diabetes were common comorbidities, but each of the identified five classes (C) included ≥1 predominant comorbidities defining distinct phenogroups: cancer/coagulopathy/liver disease class (C1); least burdened (C2); CHD/dyslipidaemia (largest/referent group, (C3)); pulmonary/valvular/peripheral vascular disease (C4); diabetes/kidney disease/heart failure class (C5). Odds ratio (95% confidence interval [CI]) for mortality ranged between 2.11 (1.89–2.37) in C2 to 5.57 (4.99–6.21) in C1. For major bleeding, OR for C1 was 4.48 (3.78; 5.31); for acute stroke, ORs ranged between 0.75 (0.60; 0.94) in C2 to 2.76 (2.27; 3.35) in C1; for coronary revascularization, ORs ranged between 0.34 (0.32; 0.36) in C1 to 1.41 (1.30; 1.53) in C4.

Conclusions

We identified distinct comorbidity phenogroups that predicted in-hospital outcomes in patients admitted with AMI. Some conditions overlapped across classes, driven by the high comorbidity burden. Our findings demonstrate the predictive value and potential clinical utility of identifying patients with AMI with specific comorbidity clustering.
Micro-perspective of listed companies in China: Digital development promotes the green transformation of the manufacturing industry
Authors: Wang Haohui , Wu Lunwen , Peng Gang , Du Hongmei
Published: October 2023

In the context of the rapid development of the global digital economy, it is of great significance to explore the greening transformation of the manufacturing industry from the micro-perspective of enterprise digital development. This paper empirically examines the impact and mechanism of enterprise digital development on the greening transformation of the manufacturing industry using the 2010–2020 data of Chinese A-share listed companies in the manufacturing industry as a sample. The study shows that enterprise digital development can significantly promote the greening transformation of China’s manufacturing industry, and this conclusion still holds after a series of robustness tests. Technological innovation and financing constraints are important mediating mechanisms. Further research found that the impact of enterprise digital development on the greening transformation of China’s manufacturing industry has a positive nonlinear effect, and its marginal effect shows a weakening trend. Heterogeneity analysis shows that, from the perspective of micro characteristics, digital development is more able to promote the green transformation of state-owned and large enterprises. From a macro-regional perspective, digital development can better promote the green transformation of the manufacturing industry in eastern cities, key city clusters, and high-level cities. The findings of this paper can provide corresponding insights for "revitalizing the manufacturing industry", and also provide decision-making references for countries aiming to make the manufacturing industry bigger and stronger.
Local government debt and labor income share: Evidence from China
Authors: Wu Yuanlin , Tian Cunzhi , Li Lifang
Published: October 2023

This study employs a CES production function to construct a theoretical model of labor income share and uses a two-way fixed effects model to test the causal effects of local government debt (LGD) on the labor income share of enterprises. Local government debt governance policies are utilized as exogenous shocks, and a DID (Difference-in-Differences) model is applied for endogeneity testing. The results have passed a series of robustness checks. The findings suggest that LGD decreases the share of firms’ labor income. The mechanism analysis suggests that LGD lowers the labor remuneration of residents, the employment of labor in enterprises, and the size of bank loans mainly; while raising the cost of using funds in enterprises. Moreover, this negative effect is more apparent in non-state-owned enterprises, small and medium-sized enterprises, and enterprises with high financing constraints. This study presents new evidence on how the labor income share of enterprises is affected from the perspective by local governments in China. It has important implications for further deepening local government debt governance and achieving common prosperity.
Medicine information helpline after hospitalization–a randomized trial: Impact on patient satisfaction, patient concerns about medicines and clinical outcome on patient safety
Authors: Fjære Karianne Wilhelmsen , Vejborg Tim Emil , Colberg Lene , Ulrich Cecilia Strøjer , Pedersen Lars , Demény Ann Kathrin , Poulsen Joo Hanne , Armandi Helle Byg , Clemmensen Marianne Hald
Published: October 2023

Background and aim

Hospitalization often leads to changes in patients’ medicine which challenges a safe medication use after discharge. Medicine information helplines (MIHs) can be valuable for patients in overcoming these challenges. This study evaluates patient satisfaction with a newly established Danish hospital-based MIH for discharged patients. The MIH is operated by experienced pharmacists and a pharmacy technician, and the study explores how the service affects the patient’s concerns and perception of safety in relation to their medication, followed by an assessment of the clinical impact of MIH on patient safety.

Method

A randomized controlled study design was used in the present study. The study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov with the identification number NCT03829995. Participants were randomized 1:4 (50:200) into a control- and intervention group. Participants in the control group were offered standard care and those in the intervention group were offered access to the MIH. A telephone interview performed 2–4 weeks after discharge assessed patient satisfaction with the helpline and patient’s feeling of safety in relation to medicine use (primary outcome). Data were analyzed using a Mann-Whitney U test. After case handling of each enquiry to the MIH, the cases were assessed with regard to medication-related problems (MRPs) and clinical impact of the MIH service was assessed (primary outcome).

Results

A total of 250 participants were included in the study and 152 participated in the telephone interviews (33 control and 119 intervention). Thirty-seven questions were enquired by 26 participants to the MIH. Of these, 8 were requested before the telephone interviews and these patients all expressed a high satisfaction with the MIH (score 4.57 +/- 0.73 on a 5-point scale). Most patients offered access to the MIH expressed that it increased the sense of safety in relation to their medicines (79%). However, comparing the control- and intervention group with regard to patient concerns and feeling of safety in relation to medicine use no differences were found. Evaluation of the enquiries revealed at least one MRP per enquiry, and in most cases the advice given were assessed to have a high- or moderate clinical significance.

Conclusion

The MIH was appreciated by the participants, indicating that the MIH could be a valuable service for discharged patients in improving the sense of safety in relation to medication and alleviating MRPs. Providing easy access for patients to medicine information may contribute to patient safe medicine use after discharge.
Baseline eGFR cutoff for increased risk of post-contrast acute kidney injury in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention for ST-elevation myocardial infarction in the emergency department
Authors: You Je Sung , Cho Junho , Shin Hye Jung , Beom Jin Ho
Published: October 2023

Acute myocardial infarction is an acute-stage disease that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment. Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is a high-risk factor for post-contrast acute kidney injury (PC-AKI). This retrospective cohort study analyzed the data of 754 patients with STEMI who underwent pPCI and were integrated into the Fast Interrogation Rule for STEMI critical pathway program between 2015 and 2019. We aimed to determine the optimal cutoff baseline eGFR for identifying a high risk of PC-AKI after multivariable adjustment with statistically significant risk factors. We also compared the incidence rates of PC-AKI between the previous and current diagnostic criteria. The probability of PC-AKI increased when the baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was ≤ 79mL/min/1.73 m2. The optimal cutoff baseline eGFR for high risk of PC-AKI was found to be an eGFR of ≤ 61 mL/min/1.73 m2 after multivariable adjustment. The current diagnostic criteria more accurately identified the patient group with impaired renal function. Our results have clinically significant implications for identifying patients at a high risk of developing PC-AKI, especially before and after the use of contrast agents in patients who require PCI for STEMI in the emergency department.
The interdependence of isoprenoid synthesis and apicoplast biogenesis in malaria parasites
Authors: Okada Megan , Sigala Paul A.
Published: October 2023

Isoprenoid precursor synthesis is an ancient and fundamental function of plastid organelles and a critical metabolic activity of the apicoplast in Plasmodium malaria parasites [1–3]. Over the past decade, our understanding of apicoplast properties and functions has increased enormously [4], due in large part to our ability to rescue blood-stage parasites from apicoplast-specific dysfunctions by supplementing cultures with isopentenyl pyrophosphate (IPP), a key output of this organelle [5,6]. In this Pearl, we explore the interdependence between isoprenoid metabolism and apicoplast biogenesis in P. falciparum and highlight critical future questions to answer.
Flavivirus genome recoding by codon optimisation confers genetically stable in vivo attenuation in both mice and mosquitoes
Authors: Chin Wei-Xin , Kong Hao Yuin , Zhu Isabelle Xin Yu , Teo Zi Yun , Faruk Regina , Lee Regina Ching Hua , Ho Si Xian , Aw Zhen Qin , Yi Bowen , Hou Xin Jun , Tan Antson Kiat Yee , Yogarajah Thinesshwary , Huber Roland G. , Cai Yu , Wan Yue , Chu Justin Jang Hann
Published: October 2023

Virus genome recoding is an attenuation method that confers genetically stable attenuation by rewriting a virus genome with numerous silent mutations. Prior flavivirus genome recoding attempts utilised codon deoptimisation approaches. However, these codon deoptimisation approaches act in a species dependent manner and were unable to confer flavivirus attenuation in mosquito cells or in mosquito animal models. To overcome these limitations, we performed flavivirus genome recoding using the contrary approach of codon optimisation. The genomes of flaviviruses such as dengue virus type 2 (DENV2) and Zika virus (ZIKV) contain functional RNA elements that regulate viral replication. We hypothesised that flavivirus genome recoding by codon optimisation would introduce silent mutations that disrupt these RNA elements, leading to decreased replication efficiency and attenuation. We chose DENV2 and ZIKV as representative flaviviruses and recoded them by codon optimising their genomes for human expression. Our study confirms that this recoding approach of codon optimisation does translate into reduced replication efficiency in mammalian, human, and mosquito cells as well as in vivo attenuation in both mice and mosquitoes. In silico modelling and RNA SHAPE analysis confirmed that DENV2 recoding resulted in the extensive disruption of genomic structural elements. Serial passaging of recoded DENV2 resulted in the emergence of rescue or adaptation mutations, but no reversion mutations. These rescue mutations were unable to rescue the delayed replication kinetics and in vivo attenuation of recoded DENV2, demonstrating that recoding confers genetically stable attenuation. Therefore, our recoding approach is a reliable attenuation method with potential applications for developing flavivirus vaccines.
Monitoramento de agrotóxicos em sistemas de abastecimento de água
Authors: Bursztejn Sara , Benetti Antônio Domingues
Published: October 2023

A presença de agrotóxicos na água para consumo humano é uma preocupação crescente no Brasil e no mundo. Procedimentos de vigilância e controle são necessários para garantir a água potável livre de traços de agrotóxicos. Os países desenvolvidos, em sua maioria, controlam regularmente os principais agrotóxicos. As diretivas internacionais planejam o monitoramento avaliando se já houve detecção na água, qual o comportamento ambiental dos ingredientes ativos e quais os riscos associados à saúde humana e ao meio ambiente. A frequência adotada em função destes critérios não é uniforme para os diferentes compostos. No Brasil, a Portaria n.º 888/2021 define uma periodicidade semestral para 40 agrotóxicos aplicada a todos os sistemas de abastecimento de água. O atendimento desta demanda é complexo considerando a logística precária e a falta de recursos em algumas regiões brasileiras. Cabe à vigilância sanitária dos municípios avaliar os planos de monitoramento dos operadores, que podem ser prejudicados pela falta de infraestrutura e carência de pessoal capacitado. Tendo em vista as questões abordadas, este artigo compara as exigências das práticas internacionais com as da Portaria nº 888/21 para o monitoramento de agrotóxicos, e destaca a necessidade de estabelecer procedimentos que otimizem as ações necessárias na elaboração de planos de monitoramento.
How do South African TVET lecturers rate their digital competencies, and what is their need for training for a digital transformation in the South African TVET sector?
Authors: Holler Stefanie , Brändle Marcus , Zinn Bernd
Published: October 2023

Digital-transformation processes pose many challenges for South African technical and vocational education and training (TVET) colleges. In addition to improving infrastructure, lecturers must be equipped with new knowledge and skills to face the challenges in 21st-century classrooms and workforces. Based on the technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPACK) model, this study investigated the ways in which TVET lecturers (n = 364) self-assess their competence in digital teaching and learning, and the kind of additional training or support that they need to increase the effectiveness of their digital teaching. The findings suggest that the lecturers’ self-assessments of their digital-related knowledge are generally high. In addition, the sub-dimensions of TPACK differ significantly according to the educational background of a lecturer. Those with a regular teacher education rate their TPACK abilities higher than those who have only subject-specific training or a pedagogical education. Nevertheless, analysis of the qualitative data shows that TVET lecturers need extensive support in planning effective technology-enhanced lessons, including the creation of educational content.
Exploring inclusive leadership and strategic visioning as pathways to well-being in TVET colleges
Authors: Bester Suzanne
Published: October 2023

This exploratory case study reports on the ways in which staff and student well-being is embedded and promoted in technical and vocational education and training (TVET) colleges through inclusive-leadership practices such as policies that structure and guide well-being programmes, making them part of the strategic vision. Such well-being is also evident in the wellness programmes and initiatives in some colleges. Eleven participants in total were purposively selected from a population of 59 TVET college leaders enrolled in a TVET (PGDip in TVET) leadership development programme at the University of Pretoria during 2021 and 2022. Data were generated during teaching and learning activities when the entire population (n=59) was involved in completing a structured checklist of enablers of, and risk factors related to, well-being for their colleges. From this process, the checklists of 11 campus managers were selected. The depth and the quality of the information the managers provided about the research topic, and the insights it provided in response to the question of how well-being was promoted in their colleges, also determined their selection. The study findings suggest that well-being policies were inconsistently implemented at different colleges, and that there is a perceived lack of strategic thinking about well-being and a lack of guidance and direction from college leaders about how to deal with it. Furthermore, it became evident that student well-being was prioritised over that of the staff, with staff members experiencing burnout and fatigue as a consequence of elevated levels of stress arising from meeting deadlines, unmanageable workloads and unrealistic expectations.
Estudio de caso de retroalimentación no directiva mediante enunciados asertivos
Authors: González Lillo Emmy Antonella , Mateo Girona María Teresa
Published: October 2023

Existen diversas metodologías que buscan mejorar el proceso de revisión y reescritura, entre otras, la revisión de pares y las tutorías entre un escritor novel y uno más experimentado. En el caso de las tutorías, son escasos los análisis de los comentarios orales en la interacción entre los participantes. El objetivo en este escrito es clasificar los enunciados que permiten una retroalimentación no directiva y evaluar si con ellos existe una mejora en el texto. Para ello, se analizan los enunciados asertivos durante una tutoría de revisión y reescritura del borrador de un miniensayo, por medio del concepto de actos de habla (Searle, 1980), específicamente los asertivos (Instituto Cervantes, 2006). A partir de la grabación de la tutoría con Google Meet, se realizó un análisis de contenido (Ruiz Olabuénaga, 2007) de actos de habla asertivos; así, se obtuvo un corpus de 91 sobre un total de 172 enunciados. Luego, tres pares ciegos evaluaron los textos y se compararon sus valoraciones. Los principales hallazgos son: a) 17 modalidades de retroalimentación asertiva: preguntar, advertir, identificar, conceptualizar, definir, reformular, aclarar, reiterar, ejemplificar, ilustrar, citar textualmente, usar analogía (o comparación), contrastar, contextualizar, corregir, presentar soluciones variadas, reforzar; y b) no hay una mejora significativa entre el texto borrador y la versión final. Se concluye que la presencia de actos de habla asertivos contribuye a darle un carácter formativo a la evaluación comunicativa cuyo objetivo sea el fomento de su autonomía del estudiante como escritor.
Learning Communities: A Project to Enhance the Development of English Communicative Competence
Authors: Álvarez Correa Aristóteles Alexander , Mejía Castro Andrés Felipe , Quiceno Sosa Evelin Cristina
Published: October 2023

Educational communities are understood as a group of people who participate in the learning processes of an educational institution, academic center, or school. Accordingly, in this review article, the current theory about learning communities and their possible influence on English communicative competence are bonded together through discussion. This, in order to understand how learning community projects, represent a twist from traditional and hegemonic approaches towards a situated and community approach to contextualize practices aimed at the development of English communicative competence. This document adopts the interpretive paradigm and a qualitative approach as its epistemological, ontological, methodological, and axiological basis. Likewise, document research was chosen as its qualitative social research strategy. In this sense, two techniques were selected for data collection and analysis: document review and content analysis. The consulted databases were Scopus, Scielo, EBSCO, Springer Journal, and Google Scholar, and, out of 90 documents selected, 70 were reviewed. It can be said that learning communities are arriving in Latin America. Furthermore, it was found that, with the active participation of all members social realities and conditions can change. As a conclusion, English can be – and needs to be – approached from the appropriation and adaptation of knowledge, contents, competences, language policies, and local needs, i.e., English in Colombia should be taught and learned based on down-top approaches rather than on top-down ones.
La escritura académica en ingeniería: un acercamiento al caso hispanoamericano
Authors: Guerrero Rosmar , Farfán de Rojas Milagros , Lara Rincón Jesús Darío
Published: October 2023

Las investigaciones sobre escritura académica han aumentado en las últimas décadas, lo que ha dado paso a la fundación de un espacio disciplinar que ha contribuido a transformaciones en la enseñanza y estudios en el nivel universitario. El objetivo del presente artículo es describir cómo se ha trabajado la escritura académica en ingeniería para el contexto hispanoamericano. Se realizó una revisión exploratoria en revistas científicas de acceso abierto, a partir de lo cual se conformó y analizó un corpus de 36 publicaciones en el lapso 2011-2021. Según los hallazgos, los estudios sobre escritura académica en ingeniería se han incrementado en los últimos años; se encuentra una tendencia a estudiarla desde sus subdisciplinas y en el pregrado; se percibe un potencial desarrollo de trabajo interdisciplinario a partir de la incipiente colaboración entre docentes de lengua y docentes de ingeniería; metodológicamente, predominan las investigaciones empíricas; los estudios se caracterizan por una heterogeneidad teórica, y se advierte un enfoque de la escritura orientado hacia lo social, y se dejan de lado los estudios estrictamente cognitivos. En conclusión, hay un avance de la disciplina que aborda el estudio de la escritura en la universidad, ahora con marcos de referencia más delimitados, como es el caso del área de ingeniería.