bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perceptions and Attitudes Toward the Use of Wearable Technology in the Dance Studio Environment
Authors: Volkova Valeriya , Ferber Reed , Pasanen Kati , Kenny Sarah
Published: July 2023

Introduction: Wearable technology (WT) has become common place in sport. Increased affordability has allowed WT to reach the wrists and bodies of grassroots and community athletes. While WT is commonly used by sport populations to monitor training load, the use of WT among dancers and dance teachers is unknown. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to explore the perspectives of dancers, dance teachers, and dance parents on using WT in the dance studio environment. Methods: Dancers (aged 14+), dance teachers (aged 18+), and dance parents (with a child <18 years registered in a dance program) were recruited from local dance studios (including those offering vocational programs and/or professional training opportunities), and dance retail stores. Participants provided informed consent/assent and completed a one-time online survey about their attitudes, self-efficacy, motivations, barriers, and current practices of using WT in the studio. Results: Sixty-seven participants (19 dancers, 32 dance teachers, and 16 dance parents) completed the survey. Attitudes toward using WT were similar across all groups (mean score range = 34-38/45). Thirteen dancers (68%), 29 teachers (91%), and 7 dance parents reporting on behalf of their children (47%) were permitted to use WT in the studio. Smartwatches were the most common WT used in the studio by dancers (7/9) and teachers (13/17), while dance parents reported that their children primarily used wristband activity trackers (3/4). Among all groups, the primary reason for using WT was to track personalized training data, with calories, total duration, and heart rate being the most important perceived metrics for improving dancing. Conclusion: Across all groups, attitudes toward WT were modest. Prevalence of WT use in the dance studio varied, with wrist-based gadgets being the most common. As WT research continues in dance populations, it will be important for future studies to consider studio permissions as well as participants’ existing WT use practices.
Empathic Engagement With the COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitant in Private Facebook Groups: A Randomized Trial
Authors: Abroms Lorien C. , Koban Donald , Krishnan Nandita , Napolitano Melissa , Simmens Samuel , Caskey Brendan , Wu Tien-Chin , Broniatowski David A.
Published: July 2023

Background

Vaccine misinformation has been widely spread on social media, but attempts to combat it have not taken advantage of the attributes of social media platforms for health education.

Methods

The objective was to test the efficacy of moderated social media discussions about COVID-19 vaccines in private Facebook groups. Unvaccinated U.S. adults were recruited using Amazon’s Mechanical Turk and randomized. In the intervention group, moderators posted two informational posts per day for 4 weeks and engaged in relationship-building interactions with group members. In the control group, participants received a referral to Facebook’s COVID-19 Information Center. Follow-up surveys with participants ( N = 478) were conducted 6 weeks post-enrollment.

Results

At 6 weeks follow-up, no differences were found in vaccination rates. Intervention participants were more likely to show improvements in their COVID-19 vaccination intentions (vs. stay same or decline) compared with control ( p = .03). They also improved more in their intentions to encourage others to vaccinate for COVID-19. There were no differences in COVID-19 vaccine confidence or intentions between groups. General vaccine and responsibility to vaccinate were higher in the intervention compared with control. Most participants in the intervention group reported high levels of satisfaction. Participants engaged with content (e.g., commented, reacted) 11.8 times on average over the course of 4 weeks.

Conclusions

Engaging with vaccine-hesitant individuals in private Facebook groups improved some COVID-19 vaccine-related beliefs and represents a promising strategy.
Personalized Communication as a Platform for Service Inclusion? Initial Insights Into Interpersonal and AI-Based Personalization for Stigmatized Consumers
Authors: Mende Martin , Scott Maura L. , Ubal Valentina O. , Hassler Corinne M. K. , Harmeling Colleen M. , Palmatier Robert W.
Published: July 2023

Although calls for inclusiveness in services are becoming more vigorous, empirical research on how to design and implement service inclusion for stigmatized consumers remains scant. This paper draws on key questions of personalization (i.e., who personalizes what for whom?) to tailor the (a) source and (b) content of marketing messages in order to better include stigmatized consumers. The authors examine this idea in three experiments in healthcare/well-being settings. In terms of message source, the results show that, in interpersonal interactions, service companies can employ the principle of homophily to better engage stigmatized consumers (Study 1). In contrast, homophily-inspired personalized messages to stigmatized consumers can backfire in the context of consumer-artificial intelligence (AI)-interactions (human-to-avatar interactions; Study 2). Moreover, in terms of message content, Study 3 explores how, and under which conditions, companies can leverage thinking AI versus feeling AI for improved service inclusiveness. Finally, the studies point to anticipated consumer well-being as a crucial mediator driving effective service inclusiveness among stigmatized consumers. The results not only contribute to an emerging theory of service inclusiveness, but also provide service scholars and managers with initial empirical results on the role of AI in inclusive services.
A New Way of Thinking and Talking About Economy: Clinic Managers’ Perspectives on the Sustainable Implementation of a Decommissioning Programme in Sweden
Authors: Fredriksson Mio , Gustafsson Inga-Britt , Winblad Ulrika
Published: July 2023

Healthcare systems may run into economic problems that may require ‘active’ decommissioning by policy-makers and managers. The aim of this study was to investigate, from a sustainability perspective, the implementation of an extensive decommissioning programme in one of the Swedish regions. Interviews were performed with 26 clinic managers 3 years after initial implementation. Those were analysed inductively, and then discussed based on a model of potential influences on sustainability. Although the programme was only ‘partly sustained’, the result point to a sustained attention to the health system’s poor economy, visible in a great effort by the clinics to maintain their budgets. The most important influences were intervention fit and modifications made at the clinic level (i. innovation characteristics), clinic and health system leadership (ii. context), champions (iii. capacity) and shared decision-making and relationship building (iv. processes and interactions). When implementing decommissioning, it is particularly important to engage managers responsible for the care of patients and clinic budgets from an early stage and to allow them to design approaches based on the staff’s and managers’ detailed knowledge of the situation at their clinics and of the disease area, that is, to achieve fit at the clinics. In this way, the decommissioning approaches can more likely get the character of quality improvement efforts, which increases sustainability and may lead to positive quality outcomes. Despite being unpopular, the study suggests that decommissioning can have positive effects as well, such as creating opportunities to make difficult but necessary changes and fostering increased collegial support during the centralisation of services.
Compensatory Hyperhidrosis After Non-Surgical Treatment of Primary Focal Hyperhidrosis: Two-Year Single-Centered Prospective Study From Jordan
Authors: Muhaidat Jihan , Al-qarqaz Firas , Haje Enas Abdullah Al , Al-Majali Ghayda’a N. , Ahmed Yaman B. , Al-Bzour Ayah N. , Rawabdeh Haya , Alshiyab Diala
Published: July 2023

Background

Primary focal hyperhidrosis (PH) can be managed by a wide range of medical and surgical modalities. Compensatory hyperhidrosis (CH) is a well-documented complication of surgical treatment. We aimed to investigate the occurrence of compensatory hyperhidrosis (CH) in PH patients after nonsurgical treatment with botulinum toxin A (BTX- A) or iontophoresis.

Methodology

We carried out a unicentric prospective study on PH patients from King Abdullah University Hospital (KAUH) in Jordan. PH patients were evaluated after 1-month of nonsurgical treatment. Patients who developed CH were re-assessed after 3-6 months through a telephone-based interview.

Results

A total of 86 patients with PH who underwent nonsurgical treatment with iontophoresis or botulinum toxin were recruited. Twenty-four (27.9%) patients developed subjective CH. It was mild in (75%), moderate in (21%), and severe in (4%) of patients affected, it was self-limiting within a few months in all patients. Patients with CH did not differ significantly in demographic or clinical variables from patients who did not develop CH except at the site of PH (p value = .05).

Conclusion

The findings of this study indicate that more than quarter (27.9%) of patients with PH may develop minor compensatory sweating, however this didn’t affect satisfaction with treatment.
Book review: De, I., Chattopadhyay, S., Nathan, H. S. K. and Sarkar, K. (eds), COVID-19 Pandemic, Public Policy, and Institutions in India: Issues of Labour, Income, and Human Development
Authors: Tripathi Tulika
Published: July 2023

De, I., Chattopadhyay, S., Nathan, H. S. K. and Sarkar, K. (eds), COVID-19 Pandemic, Public Policy, and Institutions in India: Issues of Labour, Income, and Human Development (1st ed., Abingdon: Routledge, 2022), 204 pp. Hardback £96.00 and eBook £29.59.
Environmental Harshness, Life History, and Crystallized Intelligence of Chinese Adolescents
Authors: Liu Yuan Yuan , Lu Hui Jing , Zhu Nan , Chang Lei
Published: July 2023

The present study examined longitudinal relations between adverse environment (at the community and family level), life history (LH) profile (conceptualized as a suite of behavioral and physical traits with converging adaptive functions), and crystalized intelligence (mathematics and vocabulary test scores) using data on 1,185 Chinese adolescents obtained from the China Family Panel Studies survey. Multilevel structural equation modeling indicates that early familial environmental harshness was negatively associated with slow LH profiles and crystalized intelligence, slow LH profiles were positively associated with crystallized intelligence, and early community-level environmental harshness strengthened the positive association between slow LH and crystalized cognitive abilities. The results underscore the importance of the childhood environment in fostering individual LH and cognitive development.
Pancreatic Exocrine Secretion and Weight Gain After Pancreas Transplantation
Authors: Van Jacobs Amanda , Williams Michael D. , Ralph Oliver G. , Becerra Adan Z. , Chan Edie Y. , Olaitan Oyedolamu
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Weight gain after pancreas transplant is a poorly understood phenomenon thought to be related to increased posttransplant insulin production, immunosuppressive medications, and appetite changes. No study has investigated the effect of increased exocrine secretion posttransplant.

Aims and Hypothesis

We hypothesized that exocrine function, measured by fecal elastase-1 (FE-1), was normal posttransplant and not correlated with weight gain. Our primary aim was to investigate changes in FE-1 levels with pancreas transplantation and to correlate this with weight gain. Establishing weight trends and identifying additional correlating factors were secondary aims.

Design

Forty-two patients that underwent simultaneous pancreas and kidney or pancreas after kidney transplant at a single center between 2013 and 2021 were included. Fecal elastase was measured prospectively in each patient at a single time point, with >500 µg/g categorized as high. Weight and C-peptide values were obtained. All the patients were on steroid-free immunosuppression.

Results

Nineteen patients (45%) had fecal elastase levels >500 µg/g, with a maximum of 3910 µg/g; 43% had levels greater than twice the upper limit of normal. The biggest increase in weight occurred between years 1 and 2, which continued to a median weight gain of 14% at 3 years. There was no correlation between weight gain and FE-1, pretransplant C-peptide levels, or duration of diabetes.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated supranormal fecal elastase levels and weight gain posttransplant; however, there was no correlation. Future study with serial FE-1 before and after transplant is needed to better assess its correlation with weight gain.
The Perspective Makes the Leader: The Camera Perspective in a Leader Photograph Shapes Their Charismatic Effect and Observers’ Approval
Authors: Hoffmann Alexandra , Maran Thomas , Marin Manuela M.
Published: July 2023

Although politicians, top managers, or informal leaders like influencers have millions of followers, they are mostly known through photographs or videos. Especially in photographs, it is important to make a leader-like impression—both figuratively and physically. However, the role of camera angles on impression formation of leaders has not been studied so far. Across four experimental studies ( N = 2,474), we examined the effect of camera angles on the perception of leaders’ charisma, prototypical leader attributes and approval. Results showed that the perception of a male leader is influenced by the camera angle along the vertical axis. When leaders are viewed from above, compared to a perspective where followers look at them at eye-level, they are perceived as less charismatic and prototypical of their position, accompanied by a loss of approval, while the effect of the steep from below photographs were less clear (study 1 and 3). Moreover, we also point out boundary conditions such as eye-contact (study 1) and sex (study 2 and 3). When the leader's photograph was combined with a message of change for their organization, participants were less likely to support the leader specifically when they looked down on him (study 4). Our findings support the idea that camera angles shape an audience's perception of leaders, with steep high or low angle shots associated with lower approval. These results have implications for an embodiment approach to leaders’ charisma as well as applications for how leaders can effectively present themselves in the media and real-life settings.
Plumbagin Extraction: A Green Study
Authors: Calzada-González Fernanda I. , Martínez Joel , Vargas-Rodríguez Yolanda M. , Hernández-Portilla Luis B. , Nicolás-Vázquez M. Inés , Miranda René
Published: July 2023

A green study was undertaken for the extraction of plumbagin, an important natural naphthoquinone, from the roots of Plumbago pulchella Boiss. In the first stage, four solvents were comparatively evaluated, acetone, n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and methanol; attending Principle #5, only green solvents (ethyl acetate and acetone) were underscored. In a second step, considering Principle # 6, various green alternative activating modes were assessed: two electromagnetic methods, microwave (MW) and near-infrared (NIR), in addition to mechanical approaches, ultrasound (US), and tribochemistry-mechanochemistry (TB-MCh). These green modes were studied in comparison to the classical mantle heating (MH) and finally with maceration (M). MW and US-MH ensued the better modes, and EtOAc (green) and n-hexane (non-green) displayed the best yields (0.027% and 0.025%, respectively). Focusing on Principle #11, the monitoring and quantification of the extractions were performed by GC-MS employing 8-hydroxyquinoline as a reference. Some other involved Principles (#1, #3, #7, #12) will be commented on in the discussion. As an important complement, a statistical technique based on the analysis of variance (ANOVA) and response surface methodology was used to establish the degree of dependence of the amount of plumbagin extracted with the parameters time and amount of root, in addition to a GC-MS validation process carried out according to ICH Q2 R2 2022 guidelines. Finally, it is convenient to highlight that the target plant is native to Mexico, and according to a profound literature search, no chemical information for Plumbago pulchella Boiss is accessible.
Therapeutic Hospital Gardens: Literature Review and Working Definition
Authors: Nieberler-Walker Katharina , Desha Cheryl , Bosman Caryl , Roiko Anne , Caldera Savindi
Published: July 2023

Aim:

This review explores the role of purposefully designed and well-integrated therapeutic hospital gardens (THGs) for the benefits of patients, their families, and staff.

Background:

Significant benefits are realized when people are in contact with nature in the city. Although hospital gardens are prevalent and the beneficial effects of nature on health are widely acknowledged, the establishment of a consistent definition for hospital gardens that promote health is vital to attain reliable and quantifiable health outcomes.

Methods:

Twenty-eight peer-reviewed journals were critiqued for the period of 2016–2021 and updated with 12 articles from 2021 to 2023 to analyze and synthesize the latest thinking and development in this emergent field. Subsequently, current books and exemplar practice literature were synthesized with the results of the literature review to produce a working definition of THGs.

Results:

Three themes and 14 subthemes were established showing the interconnectedness of THG definition, user needs and experiences, and the benefits and values of THGs. Two original findings can be established—a need to have a consensus on terminology and to establish design processes. The working definition was produced as a foundational step to guide stakeholders in implementing THGs.

Conclusion:

THGs can play a role in improving well-being when they are purposefully designed and well-integrated in hospital programs and health policy. Hospital CEOs, designers, and healthcare experts can use the findings and working definition to assist the establishment of such health promoting gardens.
Anti-GBM disease with positive serum anti-GBM antibodies but negative IgG deposition: A case report
Authors: Kazemzadeh Kimia , Kabiri Naeini Elham , Moeinzadeh Firouzeh , Naimi Azar
Published: July 2023

Anti-glomerular basement membrane antibodies are significantly specific for detecting anti-glomerular basement membrane disease. These antibodies are typically targeted against the non-collagenous (NC1) domain of the alpha 3 chain of type IV collagen and, to a lesser extent, the α4(IV) or α5(IV) chains, which create a triple-helical structure in the glomerular basement membrane. The modification of the hexameric structure of NC1 (α3(IV)) results in the exposure of new epitopes, leading to an immune reaction and the subsequent deposition of linear antibodies along the glomerular basement membrane, culminating in crescentic glomerulonephritis. Anti-glomerular basement membrane antibodies that are positive are believed to be pathogenic and capable of binding to the glomerular basement membrane in vivo, particularly in the context of rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis. Herein, we present a patient with positive serum anti-glomerular basement membrane antibodies but negative IgG deposition. The current findings are significant for raising physicians’ awareness of the probable errors in detecting anti-glomerular basement membrane antibody disease as a possible cause of irreversible kidney failure.
Does Leadership Style and HRM Practices Promote Employee Well-being Post Onset of the New Normal? A Mixed-method Approach
Authors: Jada Umamaheswararao , Swain Deepika , John Tony , Jena Lalatendu Kesari
Published: July 2023

The immediate establishment of ‘a new normal’ in response to the present global crisis made leaders relook into the well-being of their employees through a new lens. Hence, promoting empowering leadership in any organisation to attain employee well-being became the key to surviving the detrimental impact of endangered organisational productivity. In line with two promising theories (social exchange and social learning), we proposed to join empowering leadership and employee well-being through activity-enhancing, opportunity-enhancing, motivation-enhancing, work–life balance-enhancing and voice-enhancing related human resources management (HRM) practices. A two-phase exploratory sequential mixed-method process was designed to identify and analyse the role of HRM practices on promoting well-being during the onset of the new normal. Results of the multi-mediation model conducted on 328 executives of private banks in eastern India—demonstrated participative decision-making as a rewarding impact of autonomy and freedom. It highlighted achieving employee well-being as a flow experience. Our findings propose the techno-functionality of empowering leadership in redefining the holistic concept of well-being for socio-tropic continents like India, which may help establish actual well-being as a panacea to evolving work lives.
Failure Rates and Complications After Multiple-Revision ACL Reconstruction: Comparison of the Over-the-Top and Transportal Drilling Techniques
Authors: Özbek Emre Anil , Winkler Philipp W. , Nazzal Ehab M. , Zsidai Bálint , Drain Nicholas P. , Kaarre Janina , Sprague Andrew , Lesniak Bryson P. , Musahl Volker
Published: July 2023

Background:

Multiple-revision anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) presents several technical challenges, often due to residual hardware, tunnel widening, malposition, or staged surgeries.

Purpose:

To compare failure and complication rates between the over-the-top (OTT) and transportal drilling (TD) techniques in patients undergoing surgery for failed revision ACLR.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

The medical records of patients with at least 2 revision ACLRs using either the OTT or TD technique were reviewed retrospectively. Data on patient demographics, graft characteristics, number of revisions, concomitant procedures, complications, and failures were collected. Between-group comparisons of continuous and categorical variables were conducted with the independent-samples t test and the Fisher exact or chi-square test, respectively.

Results:

A total of 101 patients undergoing multiple-revision ACLR with OTT (n = 37, 37%) and TD (n = 64, 63%) techniques were included for analysis. The mean follow-up time was 60 months (range, 12-196 months). There were no significant differences in age, sex, body mass index, laterality, or follow-up length between groups ( P > .05). Allograft was the graft used most frequently (n = 64; 67.3%) with no significant differences between groups in graft diameter ( P > .05). There were no statistically significant differences between groups regarding rate of concurrent medial and lateral meniscus, cartilage, or lateral extra-articular procedures ( P > .05). There was also no significant66 between-group difference in complication rate (OTT: n = 2 [5.4%]; TD: n = 8 [13%]) or graft failure rate (OTT: n = 4 [11%]; TD: n = 14 [22%]) ( P > .05 for both).

Conclusion:

The results of this study showed notably high failure and complication rates in challenging multiple-revision ACLR. Complication and failure rates were similar between techniques, demonstrating that the OTT technique is a valuable alternative that can be used in a revision ACLR, particularly as a single-stage approach when the single-stage TD technique is not possible.
Formal Social Control and Mental Health: Ethnic Variation among Black Women
Authors: Talbert Ryan D. , Patterson Evelyn J.
Published: July 2023

The present study uses elements of the social stress and intersectionality theories to examine associations between forms of criminal justice contact and mental health among African American and Afro-Caribbean women. While mass incarceration disproportionately targets, detains, and affects Black populations, the experiences and consequences of criminal justice contact for Black women remain understudied. Utilizing the National Survey of American Life ( n = 3,011), this study examined ethnic-stratified associations between criminal justice contact and three mental health indicators among Black women—psychological distress, self-rated mental health, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). We assessed justice contact based on any contact (i.e., direct contact and/or family member incarceration), and then disaggregated contact into direct (i.e., personally experienced negative police interactions, arrests, and incarceration) and familial incarceration. Findings showed that any contact as well as direct forms of contact were associated with higher psychological distress for African American women and odds of PTSD for both groups. Furthermore, negative police interactions and family member incarceration were associated with psychological distress for African American women, while only familial incarceration worsened self-rated mental health for Afro-Caribbean women. This study yields important insights for research at the intersection of gender-ethnic status, spillover outcomes of formal social control, and mental health stratification.
Advance Care Planning and Place of Death During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Retrospective Analysis of Routinely Collected Data
Authors: McFarlane Philippa , Sleeman Katherine E , Bunce Catey , Koffman Jonathan , Orlovic Martina , Rosling John , Bearne Alastair , Powell Margaret , Riley Julia , Droney Joanne
Published: July 2023

Increased advance care planning was endorsed at the start of the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic with the aim of optimizing end-of-life care. This retrospective observational cohort study explores the impact of advanced care planning on place of death. 21,962 records from patients who died during the first year of the pandemic and who had an Electronic Palliative Care Coordination System record were included. 11,913 (54%) had a documented place of death. Of these 5,339 died at home and 2,378 died in hospital. 9,971 (45%) had both a documented place of death and a preferred place of death. Of these, 7,668 (77%) died in their preferred location. Documented elements of advance care planning, such as resuscitation status and ceiling of treatment decisions, were associated with an increased likelihood of dying in the preferred location, as were the number of times the record was viewed. During the COVID-19 pandemic, advanced care planning and the use of digital care coordination systems presented an opportunity for patients and healthcare staff to personalize care and influence end-of-life experiences.
Painting with Data: Visually based open-source tool for geo-computing
Authors: Sandoval Olascoaga Carlos
Published: July 2023

In this article we present, the conceptual and technical background of a tool for mapping and geo-computing, Painting with Data (PWD). PWD was inspired by early computer mapping algorithms that focused on drawing as an intuitive interface between spatial data and architectural practice. PWD embraces the potential of such techniques, coupled with alternative computational representations, modes of interaction, and computational interfaces, to encourage public participation in planning and design. Essential to this task, is PWD’s integration of open-source, collaborative, interactive, and web-based technologies to create an online software with a visually based approach to spatial analysis and mapping that dramatically reduces the steep learning curve required for GIS software. As a high-level graphical interface, PWD allows users to iterate by intuitively creating spatial models on-the-fly based on their subjective understanding of information. In PWD, we deploy voxels, a data structure that organizes information as 3D pixels, which allows users to compute with spatial information visually, to potentially inform the ways in which users build quantitative models. In PWD, multiple layers of information can be visualized concurrently, and visual correlations can be made instantly. Users build spatial models by directly manipulating the map itself instead of manipulating a database that then produces a map. PWD’s high-level interaction is made possible by custom data structures that leverage GPU processing, which makes them significantly faster than traditional topological data structures. Computationally, user interactions generate visualization specifications and declarative queries that are compiled and executed by the platform. Lastly, PWD introduces a visual programming language, which enables intuitive geospatial modeling and visualization. Practical work has shown the value of PWD’s approach to design students, planning agencies and community non-profits. Throughout the process, PWD’s open-source spatial models generated a user community with more than 3000 users, including designers, students, and educators.
Understanding Female Labour Force Participation and Domestic Work in India: The Role of Co-residence and Household Composition
Authors: Ali Balhasan , Dhillon Preeti , Muthusamy Sivakami , Mishra Udaya Shankar
Published: July 2023

Despite a remarkable increase in girls’ educational enrolment and a significant decline in fertility over the last few decades, India witnessed a substantial decline in women’s labour force participation. This article investigates the nexus between family composition and women’s participation in domestic work and the labour force in India overtime. Domestic work participation of women with secondary and middle level of education has increased; however, it has declined among women with graduate degrees. This study finds evidences that the presence of the elderly women, not the elderly men, encourages other adult women’s engagement in labour force participation as against their domestic participation. This analysis also observes that the gender composition of elderly members within the household influence women’s labour force participation. It is also observed that higher educational level among women counters the adverse effect of family care burden and creates a supportive environment for women’s participation in the labour force.
Engaging and supporting the public on the topic of grief and bereavement: an evaluation of Good Grief Festival
Authors: Selman Lucy E. , Turner Nicholas , Dawson Lesel , Chamberlain Charlotte , Mustan Aisling , Rivett Alison , Fox Fiona
Published: July 2023

Background:

Good Grief Festival was originally planned as a face-to-face festival about grief and bereavement. Due to COVID-19, it was held online over 3 days in October 2020.

Objective:

To evaluate the festival’s reach and impact.

Design:

Pre/post evaluation

Methods:

Pre-festival online surveys assessed reasons for attending and attitudes to bereavement across four items (fear of saying the wrong thing, avoiding talking to someone bereaved, knowing what to do if someone bereaved was struggling, knowing how to help). Post-festival online surveys evaluated audience experiences and the four attitude items. Free-text responses, analysed using thematic analysis, generated suggestions for improvement and general comments.

Results:

Between 5003 and 6438 people attended, with most attending two to five events. Pre-festival survey participants ( n = 3785) were mostly women (91%) and White (91%). About 9% were from Black or minoritised ethnic communities. About 14% were age ⩾65 years, 16% age ⩽34 years. Around 75% were members of the public, teachers, students or ‘other’; 25% academics, clinicians or bereavement counsellors. A third had been bereaved in the last year; 6% had never been bereaved. People attended to learn about grief/bereavement (77%), be inspired (52%) and feel part of a community (49%). Post-festival participants ( n = 685) reported feeling part of a community (68%), learning about grief/bereavement (68%) and being inspired (66%). 89% rated the festival as excellent/very good and 75% agreed that they felt more confident talking about grief after attending. Higher ratings and confidence were associated with attending more events. Post-festival attitudes were improved across all four items ( p < 0.001). Attendees appreciated the festival, particularly valuing the online format, opportunities for connection during lockdown and the diversity and quality of speakers. Suggestions included improving registration, more interactive events and less content.

Conclusion:

Good Grief Festival successfully reached a large public audience, with benefit in engagement, confidence and community-building. Evaluation was critical in shaping future events. Findings suggest festivals of this nature can play a central role in increasing death- and grief-literacy within a public health approach.
Positioning China’s state entrepreneurialism in structural coherence and multiple logics
Authors: Deng Handuo
Published: July 2023

This paper reviews the literature on state entrepreneurialism. It clarifies the theoretical construction of state entrepreneurialism in the historical context and identifies the tension between the structural coherence for capital accumulation and the multiple logics by the state. This paper also compares state entrepreneurialism with other alternative studies on Chinese urban governance, thus revealing its structuralist roots of conceptualisation. Its distinctive ontological understanding of China’s urban governance emphasises structural coherence. We call for rethinking the evolving structural coherence underlying the strategic reconstruction in the recent decade in which the party-state plays a central role.
Accessing mental health walk-in clinics and other services for children and families
Authors: Sarmiento Catalina , Reid Graham J
Published: July 2023

Background:

Mental health walk-in clinics (MHWCs) are a model of service delivery that has gained increasing interest and traction. The aim of the study was to better understand how MHWC use is related to use of other services provided by agencies.

Objectives:

(1) Explore if and how MHWCs are used alongside other services, including the different time points (e.g. MHWCs used exclusively, MHWCs used before other agency services); (2) identify correlates of MHWC use alongside other agency services.

Design:

Administrative data from two child and youth mental health agencies in Ontario were extracted, including demographics, visit data, and presenting concerns.

Methods:

In this exploratory, descriptive study, analyses of administrative data were conducted to identify patterns and correlates of MHWC use before other agency services, compared with MHWC use exclusively.

Results:

More than half of families used MHWCs and other agency services before or concurrently with other agency services. Child age, guardianship, and disposition at discharge emerged as correlates of MHWC use before other agency services.

Conclusions:

MHWCs are sufficient for some families, easing the pressure on other agency services. For the remaining families, MHWCs can help support them at the beginning of their service use journey.
JAK2V617Fmutation is highly prevalent in patients with ischemic stroke: a case-control study
Authors: Kristiansen Marie Hvelplund , Kjær Lasse , Skov Vibe , Larsen Morten Kranker , Ellervik Christina , Hasselbalch Hans Carl , Wienecke Troels
Published: July 2023

Ischemic stroke has a high recurrence rate despite treatment. This underlines the significance of investigating new possible cerebrovascular risk factors, such as the acquired gene mutation JAK2V617F found in 3.1% of the general population. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of the JAK2V617F mutation in a population with ischemic stroke compared with that in matched controls. We enrolled 538 consecutive Danish patients with ischemic stroke (mean age, 69.5 ± 10.9 years; 39.2% female) within 7 days of symptom onset. Using multiple-adjusted conditional logistic regression analysis, we compared the prevalence of JAK2V617F with that in age- and sex-matched controls free of ischemic cerebrovascular disease (ICVD) from the Danish General Suburban Population Study. DNA was analyzed for JAK2V617F mutation using sensitive droplet digital polymerase chain reaction in patients and controls. Of the 538 patients with ischemic stroke, 61 (11.3%) had JAK2V617F mutation. There were no differences in patient demographics or cerebrovascular comorbidities between the patients with and without mutations. Patients with ischemic stroke were more likely to have the JAK2V617F mutation than matched controls, in whom the JAK2V617F prevalence was 4.4% (odds ratio, 2.37; 95% confidence interval, 1.57-3.58; P < .001). A subanalysis stratified by smoking history revealed that the association was strongest in current smokers (odds ratio, 4.78; 95% confidence interval, 2.22-10.28; P < .001). Patients with ischemic stroke were 2.4 times more likely to have the JAK2V617F mutation than matched controls without ICVD when adjusting for other cerebrovascular risk factors. This finding supports JAK2V617F mutation as a novel cerebrovascular risk factor.
Managing early complications in total hip arthroplasty: the safety of immediate revision
Authors: Descamps Jules , Teissier Victoria , Graff Wilfrid , Mouton Antoine , Bouché Pierre-Alban , Marmor Simon
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Immediate revision refers to a reoperation that involves resetting, draping, and exchanging the implant, after wound closure in total hip arthroplasty. The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of immediate revision after total hip arthroplasty on subsequent infection and complication rates.

Methods

A total of 14,076 primary total hip arthroplasties performed between 2010 and 2020 were identified in our institutional database, of which 42 underwent immediate revision. Infection rates were determined 2 years after the index arthroplasty. The cause and type of revision, duration of primary and revision surgeries, National Nosocomial Infections Surveillance score, implant type, changes in implants, complications, and preoperative and intraoperative antibiotic prophylaxis were all determined.

Results

No infections were observed within 2 years after the index arthroplasty. Leg length discrepancy (88%, n = 37) and dislocation (7.1%, n = 3) were the main causes of immediate revision. In most cases of discrepancy, the limb was clinically and radiologically longer before the immediate revision. The mean operative time was 48 ± 14 min for the primary procedure and 23.6 ± 9 min for the revision. The time between the first incision and last skin closure ranged from 1 to 3 h. None of the patients were extubated between the two procedures. Two patients had a National Nosocomial Infections Surveillance score of 2, 13 had a score of 1, and 27 had a score of 0.

Conclusion

Immediate revision is safe for correcting clinical and radiological abnormalities, and may not be associated with increased complication or infection rates.

Study design

Retrospective cohort study; level of evidence, 3.
Sugar signals from oral glucose transporters elicit cephalic-phase insulin release in mice
Authors: Takamori Mitsuhito , Mitoh Yoshihiro , Horie Kengo , Egusa Masahiko , Miyawaki Takuya , Yoshida Ryusuke
Published: July 2023

Cephalic-phase insulin release (CPIR) occurs before blood glucose increases after a meal. Although glucose is the most plausible cue to induce CPIR, peripheral sensory systems involved are not fully elucidated. We therefore examined roles of sweet sensing by a T1R3-dependent taste receptor and sugar sensing by oral glucose transporters in the oropharyngeal region in inducing CPIR. Spontaneous oral ingestion of glucose significantly increased plasma insulin 5 min later in wild-type (C57BL/6) and T1R3-knockout mice, but intragastric infusion did not. Oral treatment of glucose transporter inhibitors phlorizin and phloretin significantly reduced CPIR after spontaneous oral ingestion. In addition, a rapid increase in plasma insulin was significantly smaller in WT mice with spontaneous oral ingestion of nonmetabolizable glucose analog than in WT mice with spontaneous oral ingestion of glucose. Taken together, the T1R3-dependent receptor is not required for CPIR, but oral glucose transporters greatly contribute to induction of CPIR by sugars.
Methodological quality and reporting quality of COVID-19 living systematic review: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Luo Jiefeng , Chen Zhe , Liu Dan , Li Hailong , He Siyi , Zeng Linan , Yang Mengting , Liu Zheng , Xiao Xue , Zhang Lingli
Published: July 2023

Objectives

The main objective of this study is to evaluate the methodological quality and reporting quality of living systematic reviews (LSRs) on Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), while the secondary objective is to investigate potential factors that may influence the overall quality of COVID-19 LSRs.

Methods

Six representative databases, including Medline, Excerpta Medica Database (Embase), Cochrane Library, China national knowledge infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Database, and China Science, Technology Journal Database (VIP) were systematically searched for COVID-19 LSRs. Two authors independently screened articles, extracted data, and then assessed the methodological and reporting quality of COVID-19 LSRs using the "A Measurement Tool to Assess systematic Reviews-2" (AMSTAR-2) tool and "Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses" (PRISMA) 2020 statement, respectively. Univariate linear regression and multivariate linear regression were used to explore eight potential factors that might affect the methodological quality and reporting quality of COVID-19 LSRs.

Results

A total of 64 COVID-19 LSRs were included. The AMSTAR-2 evaluation results revealed that the number of "yes" responses for each COVID-19 LSR was 13 ± 2.68 (mean ± standard deviation). Among them, 21.9% COVID-19 LSRs were rated as "high", 4.7% as "moderate", 23.4% as "low", and 50% as "critically low". The evaluation results of the PRISMA 2020 statement showed that the sections with poor adherence were methods, results and other information. The number of "yes" responses for each COVID-19 LSR was 21 ± 4.18 (mean ± standard deviation). The number of included studies and registration are associated with better methodological quality; the number of included studies and funding are associated with better reporting quality.

Conclusions

Improvement is needed in the methodological and reporting quality of COVID-19 LSRs. Researchers conducting COVID-19 LSRs should take note of the quality-related factors identified in this study to generate evidence-based evidence of higher quality.
Impact of the 99DOTS digital adherence technology on tuberculosis treatment outcomes in North India: a pre-post study
Authors: Chen Amy Z. , Kumar Ravinder , Baria R. K. , Shridhar Pramod Kumar , Subbaraman Ramnath , Thies William
Published: July 2023

Background

99DOTS is a cellphone-based digital adherence technology. The state of Himachal Pradesh, India, made 99DOTS available to all adults being treated for drug-sensitive tuberculosis (TB) in the public sector in May 2018. While 99DOTS has engaged over 500,000 people across India, few studies have evaluated its effectiveness in improving TB treatment outcomes.

Methods

We compared treatment outcomes of adults with drug-sensitive TB before and after Himachal Pradesh’s 99DOTS launch using data from India’s national TB database. The pre-intervention group initiated treatment between February and October 2017 (N = 7722), and the post-intervention group between July 2018 and March 2019 (N = 8322). We analyzed engagement with 99DOTS and used multivariable logistic regression to estimate impact on favorable treatment outcomes (those marked as cured or treatment complete).

Results

In the post-intervention group, 2746 (33.0%) people called 99DOTS at least once. Those who called did so with a wide variation in frequency (< 25% of treatment days: 24.6% of callers; 25–50% of days: 15.1% of callers, 50–75% of days: 15.7% of callers; 75–100% of days: 44.6% of callers). In the pre-intervention group, 7186 (93.1%) had favorable treatment outcomes, compared to 7734 (92.9%) in the post-intervention group. This difference was not statistically significant (OR = 0.981, 95% CI [0.869, 1.108], p = 0.758), including after controlling for individual characteristics (adjusted OR = 0.970, 95% CI [0.854, 1.102]).

Conclusions

We found no statistically significant difference in treatment outcomes before and after a large-scale implementation of 99DOTS. Additional work could help to elucidate factors mediating site-wise variations in uptake of the intervention.
Obesity as a clinical predictor for severe manifestation of dengue: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Chao-Ying , Chiu Yu-Yao , Chen Yu-Cheng , Huang Chung-Hao , Wang Wen-Hung , Chen Yen-Hsu , Lin Chun-Yu
Published: July 2023

Background

Severe dengue often leads to poor clinical outcomes and high mortality; as a result, it is of vital importance to find prognostic factors associated with the severe form of dengue. Obesity is known to deteriorate many infectious diseases due to impaired immune responses. Several studies have suggested that obese patients with dengue infection tend to have more severe manifestations with poorer prognosis. However, a firm conclusion could not be drawn due to the varied results of these studies. Here, we aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the association between obesity and dengue severity.

Methods

A literature search for relevant studies was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Ovid Medline and Cochrane from inception to September 9, 2022. The two main keywords were “dengue” and “obesity”. Mantel-Haenszel method and random effects model was used to analyze the pooled odds ratio with 95% confidence intervals.

Results

A total of 15 article involving a total of 6,508 patients were included in the meta-analysis. Included patients in most studies were hospitalized pediatric patients. Only one study included adulthood data. Three cohort studies, four case-control studies, and one cross-sectional studies found a significant association between obesity and dengue severity. In contrast, three cohort studies, three case-control studies, and one cross-sectional study reported no significant relationship between obesity and dengue severity. Our analysis results showed that patient with obesity is 50% (OR = 1.50; 95%CI: 1.15–1.97) more likely to develop severe manifestation of dengue.

Conclusion

This meta-analysis revealed that overweight could be a clinical predictor for severe disease for pediatric patients with dengue infection.
Acute hearing and visual loss caused by thiamine deficiency
Authors: Xu Junrong , Li Fei , Xue Yongjie
Published: July 2023

Background

Wernicke encephalopathy (WE) is a devastating acute or subacute neurological disorder caused by thiamine deficiency. Wernicke encephalopathy is characterized by the triad of ocular signs, cerebellar dysfunction, and confusion. Visual loss and hearing loss are less common findings in WE. Here, we report a case of Wernicke encephalopathy in a nonalcoholic liver cirrhosis patient who presented with acute bilateral deafness and bilateral blindness.

Case presentation

A 60-year-old Chinese man presented with a history of bilateral blindness and bilateral hypoacousia for 3 days. He had a history of liver cirrhosis and chronic hepatitis C virus infection and did not have a habit of alcohol consumption. Ophthalmologic and otologic examinations showed no obvious abnormalities. MRI findings revealed symmetric fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) hyperintensities in the bilateral medial dorsal thalamus, periventricular region around the third ventricle and tectum, and dorsal medulla oblongata. One day after hospitalization, the patient developed a mild coma. Based on the laboratory and neuroimaging findings, we diagnosed the patient with Wernicke encephalopathy. He soon regained consciousness after administration of thiamine. Both his visual acuity and his hearing function improved gradually.

Conclusions

We suggest that Wernicke encephalopathy can present with bilateral blindness and bilateral deafness.