bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Global Survey of Public Servants: Evidence from 1,300,000 Public Servants in 1,300 Government Institutions in 23 Countries
Authors: Schuster Christian , Mikkelsen Kim Sass , Rogger Daniel , Fukuyama Francis , Hasnain Zahid , Mistree Dinsha , Meyer‐Sahling Jan , Bersch Katherine , Kay Kerenssa
Published: February 2023

Understanding how public administrations around the world function and differ is crucial for strengthening their effectiveness. Most comparative measures of bureaucracy rely on surveys of experts, households, or firms, rather than directly questioning bureaucrats. Direct surveys of public officials create granular data for analysis and government action, so are becoming a cornerstone of public sector management. This article introduces the Global Survey of Public Servants (GSPS), a global initiative to collect and harmonize large‐scale, comparable survey data on public servants. The corresponding GSPS data set currently contains responses from 1,300,000+ bureaucrats in 1,300+ government institutions in 23 countries. The surveys measure both employee attitudes (such as job satisfaction and motivation), and their experience with management practices (such as recruitment and performance management). This harmonized data enables governments to benchmark themselves and scholars to study comparative public administration and the state differently, based on micro‐data from actors who experience government first‐hand.
Beyond hollowing out: Public sector managers and the use of external management consultants
Authors: Kirkpatrick Ian , Sturdy Andrew J. , Reguera Alvarado Nuria , Veronesi Gianluca
Published: February 2023

Expenditure on management consultants in public sector organizations is generally seen as contributing to a “hollowing out” of the state through the substitution of internal management capability. However, there is little systematic evidence for this view which also ignores how public sector managers may, themselves, drive consulting use. Looking at 125 English public hospitals over 6 years, we explore the relationship between the development and composition of management functions and spending on consultants. Our findings show the absence of a substitution effect and, therefore, challenge the “hollowing out” thesis. Instead, they point to a more active, occupationally varied and political use of consultancy. We find that larger management functions overall are associated with greater reliance on consultants—a complementary relationship. However, where a higher proportion of managers are engaged in internal consulting functions, this results in the lower use of external management consultants, with implications for theory, research and policy.
A tiered pathway toward sustainability: The role of public administrators in advancing social equity in U.S. local governments
Authors: Cheng Shaoming , Ali Susannah
Published: February 2023

Equity is a central value for public administration as a field and for the advancement of sustainability, yet it is disproportionately and significantly underrepresented and underprioritized in U.S. local governments' sustainability priorities. Equity is referred to as one of the three essential “Es” in sustainability along with environment and economy. Since the first Minnowbrook Conference held in 1968, advancing social equity has become one of the chief goals of public administration as equity emerged as one of the discipline's four “Es” along with economy, efficiency, and effectiveness. In light of this, to what extent are public administrators' concerns and efforts impactful in embracing and advancing social equity in sustainable development? With ICMA's 2015 Local Government Sustainability Practices Survey, this paper offers a unique understanding of localities' tiered realization of sustainability priorities as well as factors correlated with ascending upwards through the tiered pathway of prioritizing sustainability orientation.
Rural Lifestyles and Life Politics: Reimagining Modernity in the Development of a Future Village in China
Authors: Wang Yi
Published: February 2023

Lifestyles signify who people are and who people want to be. They contain one's value orientation toward the world. The speeding urbanization over the globe has made the urban lifestyle mainstream, and so does it in China. The overwhelming range of options in cities represents a consumerist society, but meanwhile, there is an emergent underground alternative, especially from the younger generations who are pursuing a “more meaningful life.” This paper does an ethnographic study on young Chinese urbanites' engagement in a village as an essential example of this trend. It argues that young people's choice for rural life is a reaction and a resistance to the social forces of consumerism and urbanization. By reflecting on the reimagination of modernity and life politics in the changing process, the research implies that accompanied by opportunities for social change, young people's promotion of rural lifestyles could be linked to the government's development agenda, and this might potentially cause new forms of inequalities in rural development. By drawing on practical experience, the paper brings narratives about young Chinese urbanites' life choices in rural places into the discussion of modernity and life politics, hopefully exemplifying a broader sociological contribution around the topic.
Molecular and structural characterization of a novel high‐prevalence antigen of the Augustine blood group system
Authors: Vrignaud Cédric , Mikdar Mahmoud , Duval Romain , Reininger Luc , Damaraju Vijaya L. , Sawyer Michael , Colin Yves , Le Van Kim Caroline , Gelly Jean‐Christophe , Etchebest Catherine , Peyrard Thierry , Azouzi Slim
Published: February 2023

Background

An antibody directed against a high‐prevalence red blood cell (RBC) antigen was detected in a 67‐year‐old female patient of North African ancestry with a history of a single pregnancy and blood transfusion. So far, the specificity of the proband's alloantibody remained unknown in our immunohematology reference laboratory.

Study Design and Methods

Whole‐exome sequencing (WES) was performed on the proband's DNA. The reactivity to the SLC29A1‐encoded ENT1 adenosine transporter was investigated by flow cytometry analyses of ENT1‐expressing HEK293 cells, and RBCs from Augustine‐typed individuals. Erythrocyte protein expression level, nucleoside‐binding capacity, and molecular structure of the proband's ENT1 variant were further explored by western blot, flow cytometry, and molecular dynamics calculations, respectively.

Results

A missense variant was identified in the SLC29A1 gene, which encodes the Augustine blood group system. It arises from homozygosity for a rare c.242A > G missense mutation that results in a nonsynonymous p.Asn81Ser substitution within the large extracellular loop of ENT1. Flow cytometry analyses demonstrated that the proband's antibody was reactive against HEK‐293 cells transfected with control but not proband's SLC29A1 cDNA. Consistent with this finding, proband's antibody was found to be reactive with At(a‐) (AUG:–2), but not AUG:–1 (null phenotype) RBCs. Data from structural analysis further supported that the proband's p.Asn81Ser variation does not alter ENT1 binding of its specific inhibitor NBMPR.

Conclusion

Our study provides evidence for a novel high‐prevalence antigen, AUG4 (also called ATAM after the proband's name) in the Augustine blood group system, encoded by the rare SLC29A1 variant allele AUG*04 (c.242A > G, p.Asn81Ser).
Acute phase proteins in cats: Diagnostic and prognostic role, future directions, and analytical challenges
Authors: Rossi Gabriele
Published: February 2023

While clinical studies on acute phase proteins (APPs) have significantly increased in the last decade, and most commercial labs are now offering major APPs in their biochemical profiles, APP testing has not been widely adopted by veterinary clinical pathologists and veterinarians. Measurement of APP concentration is a useful marker for detecting the presence or absence of inflammation in cats with various diseases. APPs can also be reliably measured in different biological fluids (eg, effusions and urine) to improve their diagnostic utility. Measurement of APPs can be extremely beneficial in cats with feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) to discriminate between FIP and non‐FIP cats with similar clinical presentations. Additional benefits come from multiple and sequential measurements of APPs, particularly in the assessment of therapeutic efficacy. APPs are more sensitive than WBC counts for early detection of inflammation and to demonstrate an early remission or recurrence of the diseases. Given the potential utility of APPs, more studies are warranted, with a particular focus on the applications of APPs to guide the length of antimicrobial therapies, as suggested by the antimicrobial stewardship policy. New inflammatory markers have been discovered in human medicine, with a higher specificity for distinguishing between septic versus nonseptic inflammatory diseases. It is desirable that these new markers be investigated in veterinary medicine, to further test the power of APPs in diagnostic setting.
Prediction of blood volume to be processed to achieve a target number of CD34+ cells: Development, validation and implementation of a formula
Authors: García‐García Irene , Cid Joan , Moreno‐Jiménez Gemma , Tenorio Núñez María , Jiménez Martín Ana , Vallés Carboneras Ana , Velázquez‐Kennedy Kyra , Lozano Miquel , López‐Jiménez Francisco‐Javier
Published: February 2023

Background and Objectives

Calculation of blood volume (BV) to be processed to achieve the target number of CD34+ cells can be accomplished by using collection efficiency 2 (CE2) formula. Our aim was to develop a BV web formula.

Materials and Methods

We calculated CE2 from aphereses performed between January 2015 and March 2020 in allogeneic donors and patients. From May 2020 to May 2021, we validated a formula: BV = ((Target CD34+ cells in the product)/(CD34+ pre‐apheresis cells × CE2)) × 100. Subsequently, we compared the outcome of the procedures carried out before formula implementation (pre‐formula), when standard three total BV collection was performed.

Results

CE2 was assessed in 384 apheresis procedures before formula implementation. CE2 was higher in allogeneic donors than in patients (53% ± 17% vs. 48% ± 15%, p = 0.008). CE2 was higher in multiple myeloma and non‐Hodgkin lymphoma than Hodgkin's lymphoma (48% ± 15%, 48% ± 15% and 42% ± 13%, respectively; p = 0.008). Our formula (available on a website: Publisheet) was prospectively used in 54 individuals. The formula was very accurate: predicted versus observed CD34 + cells/kg collected had an r‐value of 0.89 (p < 0.0001). We compared their results with 78 pre‐formula individuals. In the post‐formula group, a greater BV was processed in patients and less BV in allogeneic donors. Among individuals under 60 years of age, it was significantly less frequent than the need for more than one apheresis in the post‐formula group.

Conclusion

Formula calculations were accurate. Formula implementation allowed the optimization of the procedures and reduced the rate of individuals in need of apheresis for more than 1 day.
Criteria for the Dyslexic Games: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Abu Bakar Nur Azzah , ChePa Noraziah , Sie-Yi Laura Lim
Published: February 2023

The advancement of technology has witnessed the increasing use of game-based intervention and it is proven beneficial for people with specific learning disorder such as Dyslexia. Initially developed for entertainment, a game is generally considered a tool with the key features of challenge, motivation, and rewards which add more fun and excitement to Dyslexia teaching and learning. Many game applications have been developed in the area; each incorporates several criteria to meet the specific needs of the dyslexics. To date, these criteria are still dispersed in numerous publications, leading to the duplication of basic games that have previously been developed by others. This study aimed to identify the dispersed criteria by adopting PRISMA approach in the systematic literature review, and analyze them to formulate a comprehensive guideline for future design and development of the dyslexic games. Five main databases were chosen which are Scopus, ACM Digital Library, EBSCO-host, Wiley and Web of Science (WOS). Out of 551 articles that have been screened, only 50 articles were eligible to be analyzed based on the relevancy to the criteria, and only 23 articles were included in the study after further screening. A total of 135 criteria were identified with some redundancies, and were further classified into four categories: device and platform; features; interface and gameplay. These criteria can be utilized by the educational game developers as reference when designing the dyslexic games. A better dyslexic-friendly games could be produced when the developers design it with their special learning needs in mind.
Mental Task Design Based on EEG Signal for Brain Computer Interface System
Authors: Tan Tian Swee , Ngeu Chee Hau , Sheikh Jahanzeb , Tiong Foh Thye Matthias , Leong Kah Meng
Published: February 2023

Abstract:
Brain computer interface (BCI) system empowers command over external device by retrieving brain waves and interpreting them into machine instructions. The system utilizes electroencephalogram (EEG) for receiving, processing and classifying signals to control by means of brain generated signals. The paper focused on mental task designs for BCI by acquiring the signals generated by mental activity using EEG comb electrodes, placed over three-dimensional (3D) printed headset. The experiment involved the blinking of left and right eyes for the forward and backward movements of the prototype wheelchair. The experimental measurement was performed using a Cyton board where the information was transmitted through Bluetooth which were later processed and translated to the wheelchair to perform activities. The system has successfully achieved the real time control of an assistive device by using signals from the brain.
Analysis of Spiking Technique towards Point Distribution Succession in Sepak Takraw League (STL) Champions Cup 2021
Authors: Akmal Roszani Muhammad Aiman , Zainuddin Nurul Farha , Mohd Aznan Ellail Ain , Jamaludin Masshera , Ismail Zulkifli , Miswan Mohd Syafiq
Published: February 2023

Killing or spiking is one of the tactical moves in Sepak Takraw that can help to decide the outcome of a match. This study aimed to explore the relationship between various elements of Sepak Takraw, including spiking technique, point succession, spiking zone, and point area. In this study, the researchers also sought to determine whether the variables, zone of spiking and point succession are related to the point area. The sample consisted of 19 matches from the 2021 STL Champions Cup, with 315 spiking attempts recorded. The data were collected through notational analysis and analyzed using statistical methods of Crosstabs and Chi-Square tests (with a significance level of p < 0.05), through SPSS version 25. The findings showed no significant connection between the spiking technique and the point succession (p = 0.831), or between the spiking technique and the spiking zone (p = 0.730) and between the area of point and the point succession (p = 0.253). However, there was a significant correlation between the spiking technique and the point area (p = 0.001), as well as between the point area and the spiking zone (p = 0.016). These results indicate that proper spiking technique can significantly impact the outcome of Sepak Takraw match and further research is needed to investigate the role of other tactical elements, such as serving, blocking, and rally play.
Equine Gait Recognition using Wearable Technology for Endurance Monitoring: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Yusoff Nurshafitrah , Azaman Aizreena
Published: February 2023

To overcome limitation in equine gait monitoring, a low-cost monitoring device is needed especially for long-distance event performance monitoring. Current devices capture horse gait in limited range of distance, limited duration usage and expensive. Mobile application such as Androsensor has shown a great potential in horse gait recognition. However, further study is still warranted in order to determine the reliability of this kind of mobile application for performance monitoring especially for long-distance event such as endurance. In this study, a validation test of Androsensor mobile application for equine gait patterns recognition was conducted before the data can be applied for long-distance performance monitoring. Two horses (Thoroughbred) were used in this preliminary study. A unit of inertia measurement unit sensor (IMU) (Delsys Trigno Avanti Sensor) with 150 Hz sampling rate and a mini smartphone installed with Androsensor apps with 200 Hz sampling rate were attached together on horse forelimb pastern to compare the acceleration of horse gait signal captured by both devices. The data captured by both devices were analyzed. The correlation coefficient between an established device (IMU) and the Androsensor apps have shown a good correlation with higher correlation coefficient (r > 0.5) for walk, trot and canter. This finding indicates that the Androsensor mobile application has a great potential to be used in equine gait research and performance monitoring. It also can offer a wide function in this field as it is cheap and wearable.
How do financial incentives in parenting skills programs effect engagement and outcomes? A systematic review and meta-analysis protocol
Authors: Hodson Nathan , Majid Madiha , James Richard , Graham Eileen K. , Mroczek Daniel K. , Beidas Rinad S.
Published: February 2023

Objective:

This systematic review will investigate the effects of financial incentives on engagement with and outcomes of evidence-based parenting skills programs to prevent and treat disruptive behavior disorders.

Introduction:

Evidence-based parenting skills programs are a first-line treatment in disruptive behavior disorders (ie, oppositional defiant disorder, conduct disorder, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder), but fewer than half of referred parents complete these programs. When untreated, children affected by disruptive behavior disorders are at elevated risk for incarceration, drug misuse, and education under-performance. Financial incentives can improve parents’ engagement with parenting skills programs and are increasingly popular strategies in public health policy to increase rates of compliance with health interventions. However, no previous systematic review or meta-analysis of financial incentives in parenting skills programs has been conducted.

Inclusion Criteria:

Randomized controlled trials or quasi-experimental studies (ie, studies with a control group allocated through a non-random process) testing the effects of financial incentives on engagement will be included. Study participants must be in a guardian role to a person under 18 years of age. There will be no restrictions on country setting. Only English-language publications will be included.

Methods:

We will search PubMed, CINAHL, Sociological Abstracts, Cochrane Trials, and PsycINFO databases for relevant articles. Two independent reviewers will screen abstracts for eligibility. Data will be extracted from eligible articles by 2 researchers and results will be presented in tabular and narrative format, along with a meta-analysis using a random effects model and assessment of heterogeneity.

Systematic review registration number:

PROSPERO CRD42022336210
Methods to Estimate Energy Expenditure, Physical Activity, and Sedentary Time in Pregnant Women: A Validation Study Using Doubly Labeled Water
Authors: Alomairah Saud Abdulaziz , Knudsen Signe de Place , Roland Caroline Borup , Hergel Ida-Marie , Molsted Stig , Clausen Tine D. , Løkkegaard Ellen , Bendix Jane M. , Maddison Ralph , Löf Marie , Larsen Jakob Eg , Hall Gerrit van , Stallknecht Bente
Published: February 2023

Background: Activity trackers and the Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire (PPAQ) measures physical activity (PA) and sedentary time (SED). However, none of these tools have been validated against a criterion method in pregnancy. We aimed to compare a consumer activity tracker and the Danish version of PPAQ (PPAQ-DK) and to validate them using the doubly labeled water technique (DLW) as criterion method. Methods: A total of 220 healthy pregnant women participated. Total energy expenditure (TEE), PA energy expenditure (PAEE), and PA level were determined at gestational Weeks 28–29 using DLW and a Garmin Vivosport (Garmin, Olathe, KS) activity tracker. In addition, PAEE, moderate-to-vigorous intensity PA, and SED were determined using the activity tracker and PPAQ-DK during all three trimesters. Results: TEE from the activity tracker and DLW correlated (r = .63; p < .001), but the activity tracker overestimated TEE (503 kcal/day). Also, the activity tracker overestimated PAEE (303 kcal/day) and PA level compared with DLW. Likewise, PPAQ-DK overestimated PAEE (1,513 kcal/day) compared with DLW. Compared to PPAQ-DK, the activity tracker reported lower values of PAEE and moderate-to-vigorous intensity PA and higher values of SED during all three trimesters. Conclusions: When compared to DLW, we found better agreement of PAEE estimates from the activity tracker than from PPAQ-DK. TEE from the tracker and DLW correlated moderately well, but this was not the case for PAEE or PA level. The activity tracker measured lower PA and higher SED than PPAQ-DK throughout pregnancy. The consumer activity tracker performed better than the questionnaire, but both significantly overestimated PA compared to DLW.
Repeated Emergence of Variant TetR Family Regulator, FarR, and Increased Resistance to Antimicrobial Unsaturated Fatty Acid among Clonal Complex 5 Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Bonn Camryn M. , Rafiqullah Iftekhar M. , Crawford John A. , Qian Yi Meng , Guthrie Jennifer L. , Matuszewska Marta , Robinson D. Ashley , McGavin Martin J.
Published: February 2023

Resistance-nodulation-division (RND) superfamily efflux pumps promote antibiotic resistance in Gram-negative pathogens, but their role in Gram-positive pathogens, including methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) is undocumented. However, recent
in vitro
selections for resistance of
S. aureus
to an antimicrobial fatty acid, linoleic acid, and an antibiotic, rhodomyrtone, identified H121Y and C116R substitution variants, respectively, in a TetR family regulator, FarR, promoting increased expression of the RND pump FarE. Hypothesizing that
in vivo
selection pressures have also promoted the emergence of FarR variants, we searched available genome data and found that strains with FarR
H121Y
from human and bovine hosts have emerged sporadically in clonal complexes (CCs) CC1, CC30, CC8, CC22, and CC97, whereas multiple FarR variants have occurred within CC5 hospital-associated (HA)-MRSA.
Comparison of Biological Activities of BafA Family Autotransporters within
Bartonella
Species Derived from Cats and Rodents
Authors: Kumadaki Kayo , Suzuki Natsumi , Tatematsu Kaoru , Doi Yohei , Tsukamoto Kentaro
Published: February 2023

Bartonella
species are hemotropic, facultative intracellular bacteria, some of which cause zoonoses, that are widely disseminated among many mammals, including humans. During infection in humans, vascular endothelial cells play a crucial role as a replicative niche for
Bartonella
, and some are capable of promoting vascular proliferation. Along with well-studied pathogenic factors such as a trimeric autotransporter adhesin BadA or VirB/D4 type IV secretion system, bacteria-secreted protein BafA is also involved in
Bartonella
-induced vasoproliferation.
A Career Preparation Course for Biomedical Science Majors Focused on Skills for Diverse Career Paths
Authors: Kelp Nicole C. , Borlee Grace I. , Mehaffy Carolina
Published: February 2023

Training in career preparation is vital for biomedical science, microbiology, and related life science undergraduates to know the types of careers available in the field, to obtain employment after graduation, and to be successful in these careers. This is especially critical for historically marginalized students who have lower science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) retention and lower STEM employment rates.
p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Signaling Enhances Reovirus Replication by Facilitating Efficient Virus Entry, Capsid Uncoating, and Postuncoating Steps
Authors: Mohamed Adil , Lin Qi Feng , Eaton Heather E. , Shmulevitz Maya
Published: February 2023

The use of Pelareorep (mammalian orthoreovirus) as a therapy for metastatic breast cancer has shown promising results in recent clinical trials. However, the selection of prognostic markers to stratify patients has had limited success due to the fact that these markers are upstream receptors and signaling pathways that are present in a high percentage of cancers.
Insights into the Roles of Lipoteichoic Acids and MprF in Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Guyet Aurélie , Alofi Amirah , Daniel Richard A.
Published: February 2023

In Gram-positive bacteria such as
Bacillus subtilis
and
Staphylococcus aureus
, the cell envelope is a structure that protects the cells from the environment but is also dynamic in that it must be modified in a controlled way to allow cell growth. In this study, we show that lipoteichoic acids (LTAs), which are anionic polymers attached to the membrane, have a direct role in modulating the cellular abundance of cell wall-degrading enzymes.
Contribution of Extracellular Membrane Vesicles To the Secretome of Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Uppu Divakara SSM , Wang Xiaogang , Lee Jean C.
Published: February 2023

The secretome of
Staphylococcus aureus
includes soluble molecules and nano-sized extracellular membrane vesicles (MVs). The protein composition of both the secretome and MVs includes cytoplasmic and membrane proteins, as well as exoproteins, some cell wall-associated proteins, and glycopolymers.
Functional Characterization of a
Bacillus
-Derived Novel Broad-Spectrum Antifungal Lipopeptide Variant against Candida tropicalis and Candida auris and Unravelling Its Mode of Action
Authors: Ramesh Swetha , Madduri Madhuri , Rudramurthy Shivaprakash M. , Roy Utpal
Published: February 2023

C. tropicalis
is a major concern for candidiasis in India and
C. auris
has emerged as a resistant yeast causing difficult-to-treat infections. Currently, amphotericin B (AMB) and 5-flucytosine (5-FC) are the main therapeutics for systemic fungal infections; however, the nephrotoxicity of AMB and resistance to 5-FC is a serious concern.
Performance of Ceftazidime-Avibactam 30/20-μg and 10/4-μg Disks for Susceptibility Testing of
Enterobacterales
and Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Han Renru , Shen Siquan , Yin Dandan , Ding Li , Shi Qingyu , Yang Yang , Guo Yan , Wu Shi , Zhi Peiyuan , Zhu Demei , Hu Fupin
Published: February 2023

Multidrug-resistant
Enterobacterales
and
P. aeruginosa
strains have become a global public threat, with the emergence and prevalence of plasmid-mediated extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs), AmpC cephalosporinases, and carbapenemases disseminated worldwide. Ceftazidime-avibactam, which is commercially available, has shown excellent
in vitro
activity against multidrug-resistant and carbapenem-resistant
Enterobacterales
and
P. aeruginosa
isolates.
DivIVA Phosphorylation Affects Its Dynamics and Cell Cycle in Radioresistant Deinococcus radiodurans
Authors: Chaudhary Reema , Kota Swathi , Misra Hari S.
Published: February 2023

Deinococcus radiodurans
, a radioresistant bacterium, lacks LexA/RecA-mediated DNA damage response and cell cycle regulation as known in other bacteria. However, it adjusts its transcriptome and proteome upon DNA damage.
Comparative Genomic Analyses of Cellulolytic Machinery Reveal Two Nutritional Strategies of Marine Labyrinthulomycetes Protists
Authors: Liu Xiuping , Lyu Lu , Li Jiaqian , Sen Biswarup , Bai Mohan , Stajich Jason E. , Collier Jackie L. , Wang Guangyi
Published: February 2023

Unicellular heterotrophic eukaryotes are an important component of marine ecosystems. However, their ecological functions and modes of nutrition remain largely unknown.
Comparative Analyses of Soil Bacterial Colonies of Two Types of Chinese Ginger after a Major Flood Disaster
Authors: Li Xinyang , Li Xiaokang , Hong Jun , Wang Yan , Guo Duanqiang , Liu Jinlong , Zhang Zewen , He Wenwei , Xue Kaisheng , Wang Qingqing
Published: February 2023

There are few comparative studies on the soil bacterial communities of Chinese ginger varieties after flooding. After a 100-year flood (20 July 2021, in Henan, China), we comprehensively compared the bacterial communities of two types of ginger soils from four different locations.
Direct Production of Bio-Recalcitrant Carboxyl-Rich Alicyclic Molecules Evidenced in a Bacterium-Induced Steroid Degradation Experiment
Authors: Liu Zijing , Cai Ruanhong , Chen Yi-Lung , Zhuo Xiaocun , He Chen , Zheng Qiang , He Ding , Shi Quan , Jiao Nianzhi
Published: February 2023

CRAM are an operationally defined DOM group comprising a complex mixture of carboxylated and fused alicyclic structures. This DOM group is majorly characterized as refractory DOM in the marine environment.
Elevated serum HbA1c level, rather than previous history of diabetes, predicts the disease severity and clinical outcomes of acute pancreatitis
Authors: Han Fei , Shi Xiao-lei , Pan Jia-jia , Wu Ke-yan , Zhu Qing-tian , Yuan Chen-chen , Xiao Wei-ming , Ding Yan-bing , Yu Xiao-ping , Jiao Xiu-ping , Hu Liang-hao , Lu Guo-tao , Li Wei-qin
Published: February 2023

Introduction

The aim of our study is to explore the value of serum glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) in disease severity and clinical outcomes of acute pancreatitis (AP).

Research design and Methods

Patients with AP were included from January 2013 to December 2020, retrospectively, dividing into normal serum HbA1c level (N-HbA1c) group and high serum HbA1c level (H-HbA1c) group according to the criteria HbA1c <6.5%. We compared patient characteristics, biochemical parameters, disease severity, and clinical outcomes of patients with AP in two groups. Besides, we evaluated the efficacy of serum HbA1c to predict organ failure (OF) in AP patients by receiver operating curve (ROC).

Results

We included 441 patients with AP, including 247 patients in N-HbA1c group and 194 patients in H-HbA1c group. Serum HbA1c level was positively correlated with Atlanta classification, systemic inflammatory response syndrome, local complication, and OF (all p<0.05). Ranson, BISAP (bedside index of severity in acute pancreatitis), and CT severity index scores in patients with H-HbA1c were markedly higher than those in patients with N-HbA1c (all p<0.01). ROC showed that the best critical point for predicting the development of OF in AP with serum HbA1c is 7.05% (area under the ROC curve=0.79). Logistic regression analysis showed H-HbA1c was the independent risk factor for the development of OF in AP. Interestingly, in patients with presence history of diabetes and HbA1c <6.5%, the severity of AP was significantly lower than that in H-HbA1c group. Besides, there was no significant difference between with and without history of diabetes in N-HbA1c group.

Conclusions

Generally known, diabetes is closely related to the development of AP, and strict control of blood glucose can improve the related complications. Thus, the level of glycemic control before the onset of AP (HbA1c as an indicator) is the key to poor prognosis of AP, rather than basic history of diabetes. Elevated serum HbA1c level can become the potential indicator for predicting the disease severity of AP.
Digitally deployed, GP remote consultation video intervention that aims to reduce opioid prescribing in primary care: protocol for a mixed-methods evaluation
Authors: Fu Yu , Allen Ben , Batterham Alan M , Price Christopher , Jones Niki , Martin Denis , Hex Nick , Maule Ewan , Finch Tracy , Newton Julia L , Ryan Cormac G
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Opioid prescribing rates are disproportionately high in the North of England. In addition to patients’ complex health needs, clinician prescribing behaviour is also a key driver. Although strategies have been initiated to reduce opioid prescribing nationally, the COVID-19 pandemic has interrupted service provision and created challenges for the system and health professionals to tackle this complex issue. A pilot intervention using smartphone video messaging has been developed to remotely explain the rationale for opioid reduction and facilitate self-initiation of support. The aim of this study is to evaluate the potential benefits, risks and economic consequences of ‘at scale’ implementation.

Methods and analysis

This will be a mixed-methods study comprising a quasi-experimental non-randomised before-and-after study and qualitative interviews. The intervention arm will comprise 50 General Practitioner (GP) Practices using System 1 (a clinical computer system hosting the intervention) who will deliver the video to their patients via text message. The control arm will comprise 50 practices using EMIS (a different computer system) who will continue usual care. Monthly practice level prescribing and consultation data will be observed for 6 months postintervention. A general linear model will be used to estimate the association between the exposure and the main outcome (opioid prescribing; average daily quantity (ADQ)/1000 specific therapeutic group age-sex related prescribing unit). Semi-structured interviews will be undertaken remotely with purposively selected participants including patients who received the video, and health professionals involved in sending out the videos and providing additional support. Interviews will be audio recorded, transcribed and analysed thematically.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval has been granted by the NHS Health Research Authority Research Ethics Committee (22/PR/0296). Findings will be disseminated to the participating sites, participants, and commissioners, and in peer-reviewed journals and academic conferences.

Trial registration number

NCT05276089.
Exploring nurses’ experiences of a tailored intervention to increase MMR vaccine acceptance in a Somali community in Stockholm, Sweden: a qualitative interview study
Authors: Appelqvist Emma , Jama Asha , Kulane Asli , Roth Adam , Lindstrand Ann , Godoy-Ramirez Karina
Published: February 2023

Objectives

To explore nurses’ experiences of a tailored intervention that supported them with knowledge and tools to use during encounters and dialogue with parents with low vaccine acceptance.

Design

A qualitative study with in-depth interviews conducted in 2017. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.

Setting

This study was part of a multicomponent intervention targeting Somali parents and the nurses at child health centres in the Rinkeby and Tensta neighbourhoods of Stockholm. An area with documented low measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccination coverage. Previous research has revealed that Somali parents in the community delayed MMR vaccination due to fear of autism despite lack of scientific evidence. The interventions were implemented in 2015–2017.

Participants

Eleven nurses employed at the child health centres involved in the intervention participated in interviews. The tailored intervention targeting nurses included a series of seminars, a narrative film and an information card with key messages for distribution to parents.

Results

The qualitative analysis revealed an overarching theme: perception of improved communication with parents. Two underlying themes were identified: (1) feeling more confident to address parents’ MMR vaccine concerns and (2) diverse tools as useful support to dispel myth and reduce language barriers.

Conclusion

From the nurses’ perspective, the tailored intervention was useful to improve communication with parents having vaccine concerns. Nurses have a crucial role in vaccine uptake and acceptance. Interventions aiming to strengthen their communication with parents are therefore essential, especially in areas with lower vaccine acceptance.
Effectiveness of physical and mental health interventions for young people with heart conditions: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Capobianco Lora , Adewusi Joy , Cooper Beth , Belcher Andrew , Wells Adrian
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Cardiovascular disease is among the most common of non-communicable diseases, affecting 13.9 million children and young people (CYP) globally. Survival rates for CYP with heart conditions are rising, however, support for adjusting to life with a heart condition is lacking, as such it is unsurprising that one in three suffer from anxiety, depression or adjustment disorder. The proposed review aims to identify and assess the effectiveness of physical and mental health interventions across physical and mental health outcomes in young people with cardiac conditions using narrative synthesis and meta-analysis if appropriate.

Methods and analysis

Embase, Medline, PubMed, PsycINFO, Cochrane Databases, Web of Science and reference lists of relevant publications will be searched from 1980 to June 2022 for articles published in English or Italian. Screening, data extraction, intervention coding and risk of bias will be performed by two independent reviewers using an extraction checklist. Intervention content and features will be identified and reported using the Template for Intervention Description and Replication checklist. A narrative review of the included studies will be conducted. If possible and appropriate, a random-effects model meta-analysis will be conducted to calculate the pooled within-group and between-group effect sizes for the primary outcome measures. If sufficient data are available, a subgroup meta-analysis will investigate whether specific intervention types are associated with different levels of intervention effectiveness.

Ethics and dissemination

This systematic review does not directly involve the use of human beings, therefore, there is no requirement for ethical approval. Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publication and in various media, such as conferences, congresses or symposia.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42022330582.
Scoping review protocol on the impact of antimicrobial resistance on cancer management and outcomes
Authors: Bratti Vanessa F , Wilson Brooke E , Fazelzad Rouhi , Pabani Aliyah , Zurn Shalini J , Johnson Sonali , Sung Lillian , Rodin Danielle
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing global public health concern and is becoming a significant challenge in the management of patients with cancer. Due to the immunosuppressive nature of cancer treatment, infection is a common complication and the necessary high usage of antibiotics increases the risk of AMR. Failure to adequately prevent and treat infection in patients with cancer as a result of AMR can increase the morbidity and mortality of the disease. The objective of this scoping review is to understand the relationship between AMR and cancer in order to develop effective antimicrobial stewardship in this patient population and minimise the detrimental effects of AMR on cancer outcomes.

Methods and analysis

This scoping review will follow the Arksey and O’Malley methodology framework. An exploratory review of the literature on antibiotic resistance in cancer care will help to define the research questions (stage 1). A broad range of electronic databases (MEDLINE ALL, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and Embase) and search terms will be used to retrieve relevant articles published between 2000 and 2021 (stage 2). Studies will be systematically selected based on the eligibility criteria by two independent reviewers (stage 3). The titles and abstracts will be appraised to determine whether articles meet the eligibility criteria. This will be followed by screening of the full texts and only relevant publications will be retrieved. Data will then be extracted, collated and charted (stage 4); and the summary of aggregated results will be presented (stage 5).

Ethics and dissemination

As this scoping review will collect and synthesise data from publicly available sources, no ethics review is required. When data collection and summarisation is completed, results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publication and the key findings of the review will be presented at relevant conferences.
Mediating role of psychological distress and domestic violence in the association of fear of COVID-19 with marital satisfaction and sexual quality of life among women of reproductive age: An Iranian cross-sectional study
Authors: Alimoradi Zainab , Bahrami Nasim , Khodaparast Samaneh , Griffiths Mark D , Pakpour Amir H
Published: February 2023

Objectives

This study aimed to determine the mediating role of psychological distress and domestic violence in the association of fear of COVID-19 with marital satisfaction and sexual quality of life (QoL) among Iranian women of reproductive age.

Methods

A cross-sectional study comprising 324 married women was conducted. Online convenience sampling was used to collect data. SPSS PROCESS macro was used for the mediation analysis. The direct and indirect effects of the fear of COVID-19 on sexual QoL and marital satisfaction were estimated comprising a 95% CI using 5000 bootstrap samples. Pairwise comparisons between the mediators were calculated by Hayes’ macros.

Results

A positive/negative or suspected history of COVID-19 infection had marginally significant relationship with marital satisfaction (p=0.049). The total effect of fear of COVID-19 on sexual QoL was significant (b=−1.31, SE=0.20, p<0.001). Fear of COVID-19 had no significant direct effect on sexual QoL (b=−0.22, SE=0.19, p=0.24) but it had an indirect effect on sexual QoL via mediation of psychological distress (b=−0.34, SE=0.09, 95% CI: −0.53 to −0.19) and domestic violence (b=−0.75, SE=0.18, 95% CI: −1.12 to −0.40). The total effect of fear of COVID-19 on marital satisfaction was significant (b=−1.91, SE=0.32, p<0.001). Fear of COVID-19 had no significant direct effect (b=0.20, SE=0.25, p=0.42) on marital satisfaction but it had an indirect effect on marital satisfaction via mediation of psychological distress (b=−0.59, SE=0.13, 95% CI: −0.86 to −0.36) and domestic violence (b=−1.51, SE=0.29, 95% CI: −2.08 to −0.92).

Conclusion

The fear of COVID-19 during the pandemic indirectly decreased women’s marital satisfaction and sexual QoL via increased psychological distress and domestic violence. Consequently, in critical situations such as the COVID-19 pandemic, improving couples’ psychological health and reducing domestic violence are likely to improve women’s sexual QoL and marital satisfaction.
Spatial analysis and factors associated with transcatheter aortic valve implantation in Portugal: a retrospective analysis from 2015 to 2017
Authors: Avelar Fernando Genovez , Emmerick Isabel , Alves Joana
Published: February 2023

Objectives

To identify the factors associated with transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) use of TAVI in inpatients with aortic stenosis (AS) in Portugal and its geographical distribution.

Methods

A quantitative, observational and retrospective study using the Portuguese National Health Service inpatient discharge database from 2015 to 2017. Surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) and TAVI procedures were selected using the International Classification of Diseases. First, we mapped the yearly age-standardised rate for each procedure using QGIS. Then, we performed χ2tests, independent t-tests and logistic regressions to study the factors associated with TAVI use.

Results

From 2015 to 2017, 8398 hospitalisations were selected, 88.5% SAVR and 11.5% TAVI. From 2015 to 2017, SAVR use increased in the Northern region and decreased in the Lisbon region, while the opposite was observed for TAVI. TAVI was performed among the most complex (p<0.001) and older patients (the mean (SD) age for SAVR was 70 (±11) years old and 81 (±7) years old for TAVI, p<0.001). The results for the logistic regressions showed that, more recent hospitalisations, being older, living in the Lisbon region and having a higher Charlson Comorbidity Index was associated with an increased likelihood of undergoing TAVI (p<0.001).

Conclusions

TAVI increased over the years. TAVI is more often performed in more severe patients as an alternative to SAVR with similar discharge outcomes. These results suggest the existence of geographic disparities in the availability and access to healthcare services and technologies.
Patient-centred outcomes following non-operative treatment or appendicectomy for uncomplicated acute appendicitis in children
Authors: Hall Nigel J , Sherratt Frances C , Eaton Simon , Walker Erin , Chorozoglou Maria , Beasant Lucy , Stanton Michael , Corbett Harriet , Rex Dean , Hutchings Natalie , Dixon Elizabeth , Crawley Esther , Blazeby Jane , Young Bridget , Reading Isabel
Published: February 2023

While non-operative treatment has emerged as an alternative to surgery for the treatment of uncomplicated acute appendicitis in children, comparative patient-centred outcomes are not well documented. We investigated these in a feasibility randomised trial. Of 57 randomised participants, data were available for 26. Compared with appendicectomy, children allocated to non-operative treatment reported higher short-term quality of life scores, shorter duration of requiring analgesia, more rapid return to normal activities and shorter parental absence from work. These preliminary data suggest differences exist in recovery profile and quality of life between these treatments that are important to measure in a larger RCT. Trial registration number isISRCTN15830435.