bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mapping and predicting open defecation in Ethiopia: 2021 PMA-ET study
Authors: Kebede Natnael , Delie Amare Mebrat , Bogale Eyob Ketema , Anagaw Tadele Fentabel , Tiruneh Misganaw Guadie , Fenta Eneyew Talie , Endeshaw Destaw , Eshetu Habitu Birhanu , Adal Ousman , Tareke Abiyu Abadi
Published: June 2024

Introduction

There has been extensive research conducted on open defecation in Ethiopia, but a notable gap persists in comprehensively understanding the spatial variation and predictors at the household level. This study utilizes data from the 2021 Performance Monitoring for Action Ethiopia (PMA-ET) to address this gap by identifying hotspots and predictors of open defecation. Employing geographically weighted regression analysis, it goes beyond traditional models to account for spatial heterogeneity, offering a nuanced understanding of geographical variations in open defecation prevalence and its determinants. This research pinpoints hotspot areas and significant predictors, aiding policymakers and practitioners in tailoring interventions effectively. It not only fills the knowledge gap in Ethiopia but also informs global sanitation initiatives.

Methods

The study comprised a total weighted sample of 24,747 household participants. ArcGIS version 10.7 and SaT Scan version 9.6 were used to handle mapping, hotspots, ordinary least squares, Bernoulli model analysis, and Spatial regression. Bernoulli-based model was used to analyze the purely spatial cluster detection of open defecation at the household level in Ethiopia. Ordinary Least Square (OLS) analysis and geographically weighted regression analysis were employed to assess the association between an open defecation and explanatory variables.

Results

The spatial distribution of open defecation at the household level exhibited clustering (global Moran’s I index value of 4.540385, coupled with a p-value of less than 0.001), with significant hotspots identified in Amhara, Afar, Harari, and parts of Dire Dawa. Spatial analysis using Kuldorff’s Scan identified six clusters, with four showing statistical significance (P-value < 0.05) in Amhara, Afar, Harari, Tigray, and southwest Ethiopia. In the geographically weighted regression model, being male [coefficient = 0.87, P-value < 0.05] and having no media exposure (not watching TV or listening to the radio) [coefficient = 0.47, P-value < 0.05] emerged as statistically significant predictors of household-level open defecation in Ethiopia.

Conclusion

The study revealed that open defecation at the household level in Ethiopia varies across the regions, with significant hotspots identified in Amhara, Afar, Harari, and parts of Dire Dawa. Geographically weighted regression analysis highlights male participants lacking media exposure as substantial predictors of open defecation. Targeted interventions in Ethiopia should improve media exposure among males in hotspot regions, tailored sanitation programs, and region-specific awareness campaigns. Collaboration with local communities is crucial.
The general impact of self-stigma of mental illness on adult patients with depressive disorders: a systematic review
Authors: Alqahtani Refah , Pringle Alan
Published: June 2024

Background

Mental illness stigma is often common among mentally ill patients. This stigma can come from others or the patients themselves, which is called ‘self-stigma’. The present study explored the widespread impacts of self-stigma on adult patients with depression. Additionally, this review compared the severity of self-stigma levels among psychiatric disorders and to review and update thoughts about self-stigma of depression.

Methods

An etiology and risk systematic review was conducted using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) approach as a guideline. The search process was performed via research databases including MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINAHL. The inclusion criteria are studies include participants diagnosed with depressive disorders, both genders, participants’ exposure to mental illness self-stigma, participants’ experience of self-stigma consequences and any geographical site or clinical settings are included, the type of the included studies must be observational studies. The included studies were limited to the English language studies that were published from 2016 and onwards. Patients with depression under the age of eighteen and patients diagnosed with multiple mental illnesses were excluded. The JBI critical appraisal checklist were adopted to assess the risk of bias.

Results

In December 2022, a comprehensive search yielded eight cross-sectional studies that were included in this systematic review, involving a total of 783 patients diagnosed with depression, and 28 studies were excluded for not fulfilling the inclusion criteria of the review. The findings were extracted and synthesized through textual narrative synthesis into three main categories negatively affected by self-stigma of depression. These are: (1) the impact on the quality of life, (2) the impact on self-esteem and (3) the impact on self-worth. Moreover, in regard to the comparison of self-stigma levels among psychiatric disorders, self-stigma for people with schizophrenia was higher than self-stigma of depression.

Conclusion

Self-stigma of depression has negatively impacted multiple aspects of the patient’s life. Thus, the review brings the following recommendations: increase community awareness, educate the healthcare providers, include the topic of mental illness stigma in academic curriculums. The main limitation of the review is the limited number of included studies.

Trial registration

The research proposal for this review has been registered to Prospero (ID number: CRD42022366555).
Impact of digital infrastructure construction on the migrants’ utilization of basic public health services in China
Authors: Jia Haowen
Published: June 2024

Background

Global digitalization significantly impacts public health by improving healthcare access for marginalized populations. In China, socioeconomic disparities and the Hukou system create significant barriers for the migrant population to access basic public health services (BPHS). This study aimed to assess how digital infrastructure construction (DIC) affects BPHS utilization among China’s migrant populations, filling a gap in the literature regarding the relationship between digital advancements and health service accessibility.

Methods

This research used micro-level data from the 2018 China Migrants Dynamic Survey and incorporated variables aligned with the Broadband China policy to employ a comprehensive empirical strategy. It included baseline regressions, robustness checks through propensity score matching and machine learning techniques, and heterogeneity analysis to explore the differential impacts of DIC based on gender, age, education level, and Hukou status.

Results

The findings revealed that DIC significantly enhances the likelihood of migrants establishing health records and registering with family doctors, demonstrating quantifiable improvements in health service utilization. Heterogeneity analysis further indicated that the beneficial impacts of DIC were more pronounced among female migrants, those with higher education levels, younger populations, and urban Hukou holders.

Conclusions

DIC plays a crucial role in bridging the accessibility gap to BPHS for migrant populations in China, contributing to narrowing health disparities and advancing social equity. These results emphasize the significance of digital infrastructure in public health strategies and offer valuable insights for policymakers, healthcare providers, and researchers. Future research should prioritize longitudinal studies on the sustained effects of DIC and tailor digital health initiatives to meet the unique needs of migrant populations, promoting inclusive health policy planning and implementation.
Cold exposure-induced plasma exosomes impair bone mass by inhibiting autophagy
Authors: Lei Li-Min , Li Fu-Xing-Zi , Lin Xiao , Xu Feng , Shan Su-Kang , Guo Bei , Zheng Ming-Hui , Tang Ke-Xin , Wang Yi , Xu Qiu-Shuang , Ouyang Wen-Lu , Duan Jia-Yue , Wu Yun-Yun , Cao Ye-Chi , Zhou Zhi-Ang , He Si-Yang , Wu Yan-Lin , Chen Xi , Lin Zheng-Jun , Pan Yi , Yuan Ling-Qing , Li Zhi-Hong
Published: June 2024

Recently, environmental temperature has been shown to regulate bone homeostasis. However, the mechanisms by which cold exposure affects bone mass remain unclear. In our present study, we observed that exposure to cold temperature (CT) decreased bone mass and quality in mice. Furthermore, a transplant of exosomes derived from the plasma of mice exposed to cold temperature (CT-EXO) can also impair the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs and decrease bone mass by inhibiting autophagic activity. Rapamycin, a potent inducer of autophagy, can reverse cold exposure or CT-EXO-induced bone loss. Microarray sequencing revealed that cold exposure increases the miR-25-3p level in CT-EXO. Mechanistic studies showed that miR-25-3p can inhibit the osteogenic differentiation and autophagic activity of BMSCs. It is shown that inhibition of exosomes release or downregulation of miR-25-3p level can suppress CT-induced bone loss. This study identifies that CT-EXO mediates CT-induced osteoporotic effects through miR-25-3p by inhibiting autophagy via targeting SATB2, presenting a novel mechanism underlying the effect of cold temperature on bone mass.
Application of the path analysis model to evaluate the role of distress, mental health literacy and burnout in predicting self-care behaviors among patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Jafari Alireza , Moshki Mahdi , Naddafi Fatemehzahra , Taghinezhad Fatemeh , Charoghchian Khorasani Elham , Karimian Negar , Farhadian Zohre , Alizadeh Hassan
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Mental complications of diabetes are one of the main obstacles to the implementation of self -care behaviors that have been less studied. Therefore, this study was conducted to survey the effective factors in predicting burnout and self-care behaviors among patients with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

In this Path analysis, 1280 patients with type 2 diabetes were selected from Mashhad (Iran) in 2023 to 2024. Four scales, the mental health literacy (MHL) scale, diabetes burnout scale, diabetes distress scale, and self-care behavior scale were used for data gathering. AMOS software checked the direct and indirect paths between the variables.

Results

In the path analysis, variables of MHL and diabetes distress predicted 25% variance of diabetes burnout (R2 = 0.25), and diabetes distress (total effect = 0.491) had the greatest impact on predicting diabetes burnout. Variables of MHL, diabetes distress, and diabetes burnout predicted 12% variance of Self-care behaviors (R2 = 0.12) and MHL (total effect = -0.256), age of onset of diabetes (total effect = 0.199), and diabetes burnout (total effect = − 0.167) had the greatest impact on prediction of self-care behaviors.

Conclusion

MHL could reduce diabetes distress and burnout and eventually promote self-care behaviors among patients with type 2 diabetes. Therefore, screening and identifying psychological problems (such as distress and burnout) and designing interventions to increase MHL can ultimately increase the health of patients with diabetes.
Empirical antifungal therapy for health care-associated intra-abdominal infection: a retrospective, multicentre and comparative study
Authors: Mokart Djamel , Boutaba Mehdi , Servan Luca , Bertrand Benjamin , Baldesi Olivier , Lefebvre Laurent , Gonzalez Frédéric , Bisbal Magali , Pastene Bruno , Duclos Gary , Faucher Marion , Zieleskiewicz Laurent , Chow-Chine Laurent , Sannini Antoine , Boher Jean Marie , Ronflé Romain , Leone Marc
Published: June 2024

Background

Current guidelines recommend using antifungals for selected patients with health care-associated intra-abdominal infection (HC-IAI), but this recommendation is based on a weak evidence. This study aimed to assess the association between early empirical use of antifungals and outcomes in intensive care unit (ICU) adult patients requiring re-intervention after abdominal surgery.

Methods

A retrospective, multicentre cohort study with overlap propensity score weighting was conducted in three ICUs located in three medical institutions in France. Patients treated with early empirical antifungals for HC-IAI after abdominal surgery were compared with controls who did not receive such antifungals. The primary endpoint was the death rate at 90 days, and the secondary endpoints were the death rate at 1 year and composite criteria evaluated at 30 days following the HC-IAI diagnosis, including the need for re-intervention, inappropriate antimicrobial therapy and death, whichever occurred first.

Results

At 90 days, the death rate was significantly decreased in the patients treated with empirical antifungals compared with the control group (11.4% and 20.7%, respectively, p = 0.02). No differences were reported for the secondary outcomes.

Conclusion

The use of early empirical antifungal therapy was associated with a decreased death rate at 90 days, with no effect on the death rate at 1 year, the death rate at 30 days, the rate of re-intervention, the need for drainage, and empirical antibiotic and antifungal therapy failure at 30 days.
Disentangling the invasion process of subtropical native forests of Uruguay by the exotic tree Ligustrum lucidum: establishment and dominance determinants
Authors: Brazeiro Alejandro , Olivera Juan , Betancourt Alejandra , Lado Ignacio , Romero David , Haretche Federico , Cravino Alexandra
Published: June 2024

Background

What factors, processes and mechanisms regulate invasive processes and their effects? This is one of the main questions addressed by the ecology of biological invasions. Ligustrum lucidum, a tree species native to East Asia, became an aggressive invader of subtropical and temperate forests around the world. We analyzed here the L. lucidum invasion in Uruguayan forests to determine the factors controlling two stages of the invasive process, the establishment, and the dominance. Establishment was assessed by the occurrence, measured in 1525, 1 × 1 km-cells, and dominance by remotely measuring the L. lucidum coverage at the forest canopy in 5554, 1 × 1 km-cells. The occurrence and dominance were modeled using Generalized Linear Models in function of independent environmental and geographic variables.

Results

Ligustrum lucidum has become established in 13.4% of the Uruguayan forests and has dominated the forest canopy in 1.2%. Our models explained 45% and 35% of the occurrence and dominance spatial variance respectively and detected in both cases strong diffusion patterns from the S-SW region to rest of Uruguay. Occurrence increased mainly in function of urban areas, and with the proximity to towns, probably because L. lucidum trees planted in gardens are seed sources, and near railways and highways, that could function as biological corridors. Occurrence also increased in loamy soils and near rivers, suggesting moisture conditions are favorable for establishment. Dominance increased with reduced forest area, in high productive soils and at higher altitudes. Moreover, dominance increased near urban areas, roads, and railways, as well as in highly afforested landscapes, and in loamy and low-rockiness soils.

Conclusions

The invasion of Uruguayan forests by L. lucidum is in the spread and impact stages, currently in expansion from the invasion focus on the S-SW region, where the oldest urbanizations are settled, towards the rest of the country. The geographic proximity to the invasion focus is currently the main predictor of both L. lucidum establishment and dominance. Additionally, whereas establishment is manly facilitated by human infrastructures improving propagule pressure and dispersion, dominance is enhanced in small or fragmented forest patches, in rich-nutrient soils, and at higher altitudes, suggesting ecosystem resistance is also operating.
Supporting direct acting antiviral medication adherence and treatment completion in a sample of predominantly rural veterans with hepatitis C and substance use disorders
Authors: Burton Mary Jane , Voluse Andrew C. , Patel Amee B.
Published: June 2024

Background

Clinic-based interventions are needed to promote successful direct acting antiviral (DAA) treatment for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in patients with substance use disorders (SUDs) among rural Veterans.

Methods

We implemented a clinic-based intervention which used motivational interviewing (MI) techniques to promote medication adherence and treatment completion with 12 weeks of DAA treatment among rural Veterans with chronic HCV and SUDs. Patients received an MI session with a licensed psychologist at baseline and at each two-week follow-up visit during DAA treatment. Patients received $25 per study visit completed. Patients were to attend a laboratory visit 12 weeks after treatment completion to assess for sustained virologic response (SVR).

Results

Of the 20 participants who enrolled, 75% (n = 15) completed the planned 12-week course of treatment. Average adherence by pill count was 92% (SD = 3%). Overall SVR was 95% (19/20).

Conclusions

We demonstrated that a clinic-based intervention which incorporated frequent follow up visits and MI techniques was feasible and acceptable to a sample of predominantly rural Veterans with chronic HCV and SUDs.

Clinical trial registration

Registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT 02823457) on July 1, 2016. https://clinicaltrials.gov.
A qualitative approach in comparing six cities toward a resilient response plan: COVID-19 and inequalities
Authors: Meziani Rim , Rizzi Paola , Alkhatib Ayah , Wacily Maya , Hejji Heba , Hamam Zeina
Published: June 2024

COVID-19 has dramatically affected financial markets, economies, and societies worldwide and exposed pre-existing inequalities in cities. This work aims to understand the inequalities in some cities worldwide, their reasons and circumstances, and impacts to drive lessons for future prevention, intervention, and post-catastrophe/ hazard plans such as COVID-19 that would raise resilience and decrease damages. Six major cities were included in the analysis and contrasted based on specific assessment criteria. The study included the impact of the pandemic on the economy and the government's responses global crisis. Additionally, newfound measures and technologies developed to control the hazard, including the community's response and cooperation to solving the issue were explored. The outcomes of this work shed a light on problems to be addressed in the future towards enhances the resilience of cities pre- and post- global crisis. Through the comparisons made in this paper, conclusions regarding the cities' successful combat against COVID-19 were drawn. According to the comparative analysis, it became apparent that poverty, culture, and governance are primary factors that control the success of states under emergency. Moreover, it is understood that technology is a significant factor in combating pandemics and health emergencies as large as COVID-19, especially for tracking and monitoring.
Analysis of the stakes of the Xianyang Ancient Ferry Site, Shaanxi, China
Authors: Teri Gele , Fu Peng , Han Kezhu , Huang Dan , Li Yanli , Luo Yujia , Xing Huiping , Li Yuhu
Published: June 2024

Historical records indicate that Xianyang Ancient Ferry Site, dating back over three millennia to the late Shang Dynasty, has been an important transportation hub in ancient times. The use of combined wooden stakes and stones is a special method for flood control among ancient flood prevention techniques. This research aims to evaluate the current preservation condition of these ancient wooden stakes. The dating of the wooden stakes at the site ranges between 940 ± 30 BP and 320 ± 30 BP. The fiber cross-section and microstructure images of the wooden samples indicate that the wood is attributed to Platycladus orientalis. SEM images indicate decay and deterioration of the wooden samples, with the presence of mold spores within the cavities. XRD, FTIR, and TG/DSC spectra of historical wooden samples collected from the site and fresh Platycladus orientalis wood samples demonstrate a significant decrease of cellulose crystallinity in the historical samples, leading to severe deterioration of the wood at the site. Five dominant mold species were identified, i.e., Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Penicillium citrinum, Trichoderma, and Phanerochaete chrysosporium, which accelerate the degradation of cellulose and other polysaccharides. This research provides scientific evidence for the selection of reinforcement materials and guides curators and conservators to formulate conservation strategies in the future.
Spatiotemporal evolution of landscape stability in World Heritage Karst Sites: a case study of Shibing Karst and Libo-Huanjiang Karst
Authors: Bai Xue , Xiong Kangning , Chen Yue , Liu Ziqi
Published: June 2024

Landscape stability is a paramount concern within the field of landscape ecology. Indices of landscape patterns not only facilitate an effective analysis of land use transformations but also delve into the mechanisms of landscape disturbances across various spatial and temporal dimensions. Utilizing land use data spanning from 2014 to 2022 for the Shibing and Libo-Huanjiang South China Karst (SCK) World Heritage Sites (WHSs), this study delves into the landscape dynamics of these areas over the past 8 years. This investigation employs landscape pattern indices and a moving window technique to construct a landscape stability evaluation model, incorporating indices such as the Contagion Index, Patch Density, and Total Edge Contrast. Moreover, the study employs Moran's I, a spatial autocorrelation index, to scrutinize the shifts in geographical heterogeneity of landscape stability within the said period. The findings reveal: (1) Between 2014 and 2022, the landscape patterns of the Shibing and Libo-Huanjiang WHSs have undergone significant transformations, with Woodland emerging as the predominant landscape type and its area exhibiting an upward trend in recent years. (2) The level of fragmentation within the research area has decreased, landscape diversity has diminished, and the aggregation index has risen, according to the landscape pattern indices from 2014 to 2022, indicating that conservation measures have significantly influenced the evolution of landscape patterns. (3) Throughout most of the study period, landscape stability predominantly remained at a relatively stable level, albeit with noticeable fluctuations in years heavily impacted by human activities. (4) The areas of high-high agglomeration and the hotspots of the heritage sites were primarily concentrated within the core zones of these sites, suggesting focused areas of conservation and landscape integrity.
Thoracic high resolution computed tomography evaluation of imaging abnormalities of 108 lung cancer patients with different pulmonary function
Authors: Zhu Li , Liu Jiali , Zeng Liang , Moonindranath Sohun , An Peng , Chen Hu , Xiang Quanyong , Wang Zhongqiu
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Preserved ratio impaired spirometry (PRISm) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) belong to lung function injury. PRISm is a precursor to COPD. We compared and evaluated the different basic information, imaging findings and survival curves of 108 lung cancer patients with different pulmonary function based on high resolution computed tomography (HRCT).

Methods

This retrospective study was performed on 108 lung cancer patients who did pulmonary function test (PFT) and thoracic HRCT. The basic information was evaluated: gender, age, body mass index (BMI), smoke, smoking index (SI). The following pulmonary function findings were evaluated: forced expiratory volume in 1s (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV1/FVC ratio. The following computed tomography (CT) findings were evaluated: appearance (bronchiectasis, pneumonectasis, atelectasis, ground-glass opacities [GGO], interstitial inflammation, thickened bronchial wall), diameter (aortic diameter, pulmonary artery diameter, MPAD/AD ratio, inferior vena cava diameter [IVCD]), tumor (volume, classification, distribution, staging [I, II, III, IV]). Mortality rates were calculated and survival curves were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method.

Results

Compared with normal pulmonary function group, PRISm group and COPD group were predominantly male, older, smoked more, poorer lung function and had shorter survival time after diagnosis. There were more abnormal images in PRISm group and COPD group than in normal lung function group (N-C group). In PRISm group and COPD group, lung cancer was found late, and the tumor volume was larger, mainly central squamous carcinoma. But the opposite was true for the N-C group. The PRISm group and COPD group had significant poor survival probability compared with the normal lung function group.

Conclusions

Considerable differences regarding basic information, pulmonary function, imaging findings and survival curves are found between normal lung function group and lung function injury group. Lung function injury (PRISm and COPD) should be taken into account in future lung cancer screening studies.
Roles of fire in the plant communities of the eastern Edwards Plateau of Texas
Authors: Fowler Norma L. , Carden Rebecca E.
Published: June 2024

Background

The eastern Edwards Plateau supports a mosaic of woodlands, savannas, and shrubland in which native plant and animal species are often still dominant. Some woodlands are dominated by a mix of native woody species, including Ashe juniper (Juniperus ashei), oak species (Quercus spp.), and other hardwoods. Other woodlands are nearly pure Ashe juniper; these are particularly susceptible to crown fires. The savannas were once, and still can be, maintained by surface fires.

Results

We hypothesize that frequent surface fires once kept some of the mixed woodlands more open and more diverse (a “lost community”) and that these fires would have reduced the abundance of Ashe juniper, which does not resprout from the base, and allowed oak regeneration, which is currently failing. The absence of fire, the current failure of oak regeneration, and high white-tailed deer densities together favor the “juniperization” of woodlands, that is, the conversion of mixed woodlands into nearly pure stands of Ashe juniper.

Surface fires in savannas can sometimes control woody encroachment and the non-native grass King Ranch bluestem (Bothriochloa ischaemum), although the particular fire characteristics required are not yet clear. The current lack of fire in savannas favors their conversion to woodlands. Since under present conditions Ashe juniper is the primary encroacher, without fire or mechanical clearing these savannas are also on trajectories towards nearly pure stands of Ashe juniper.

Conclusions

Prescribed fire, sometimes paired with mechanical thinning, offers land managers in this region a tool for achieving many goals, including increasing native biodiversity and reducing wildfire danger. However, more study of the effects of fires of different intensities and frequencies in these woodlands, savannas, and shrublands is needed to better inform the use of prescribed fire in this region.
The prevalence of existential anxiety and its association with depression, general anxiety, and stress in Saudi university students
Authors: Alshehri Haneen , Alturkestani Razan , Hijan Bushra , Almalki Shahad , Alobaidi Rajwa , Almufti Salma , Baduwailan Abrar O. , Butt Nadeem Shafique , Alghamdi Waleed A. , Al Zaben Faten , Koenig Harold G. , Tayeb Haythum O. , Abdulghaffar Haifa K.
Published: June 2024

Background

Existential anxiety (EA) is an expression of loneliness. Although depression, anxiety, and stress have been extensively studied worldwide, research on EA in the sociocultural context of the Arab–Muslim society is scarce. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of EA among undergraduate students in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, by examining the association between EA and depression, anxiety, and stress.

Results

This cross-sectional study of 811 undergraduate students at three large Saudi universities was conducted between June and July 2018. Data collection involved demographic information, EA testing (using a validated questionnaire modified for the Saudi Arabian context), and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale to test for depression, anxiety, and stress. The average age of the participants was 21 years, and 77.2% were female. The prevalence of EA was 71.1% in all students and was significantly correlated with depression (rp = 0.73, p < 0.001), general anxiety (rp = 0.47, p < 0.001), and stress (rp = 0.54, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

There was a high prevalence of EA among university students in Saudi Arabia, and EA was strongly correlated with depression, anxiety, and stress. This study emphasizes the importance of additional research on the underlying causes of EA among university students.
Identification of novel bacterial species in the blood of patients with neonatal sepsis
Authors: Wu Yi , Gong Weiming , Wang Zhenni , Luo Mengjie
Published: June 2024

Background

The clinical diagnosis of neonatal sepsis remains difficult because of various challenges, such as culturing the bacteria and avoiding contamination. Therefore, this study aimed to identify bacterial pathogens in patients with clinically diagnosed neonatal sepsis by next-generation sequencing (NGS).

Methods

High-throughput NGS and traditional culture identification were performed by comparing samples from newborns with neonatal sepsis with healthy control infants. All blood samples were separately inoculated into anaerobic and aerobic bottles and incubated for 7 days at 37 °C, the positive specimens were then identified. Novel bacteria identified through high-throughput NGS were analysed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), PCR products were verified by Sanger sequencing. Wilcoxon rank-sum and chi-square tests were performed to assess the significance of differences in species abundance between groups. Subjects were clinically diagnosed and hospitalized at the Pediatrics Department of Shenzhen Seventh People’s Hospital and Pediatrics Department of the Longhua Branch of Shenzhen People’s Hospital. Experiments were performed at the Shenzhen Seventh People’s Hospital. The experimental group comprised 45 newborns clinically diagnosed with neonatal sepsis (age: 0–28 days; 28 males, 17 females). Fifteen normal newborns aged 0–28 days (7 males, 8 females) were included as the control group.

Results

High-throughput NGS showed a positivity rate of 44% (20/45) for bacteria in patients clinically diagnosed with neonatal sepsis, whereas traditional bacterial culture identification showed a positivity rate of 0% (0/45). The four main bacterial species identified were Anoxybacillus kestanbolensis, Geobacillus vulcani, Klebsiella oxytoca, and Acinetobacter guillouiae.

Conclusions

A. kestanbolensis, G. vulcani, K. oxytoca, and A. guillouiae, newly discovered bacteria in patients with neonatal sepsis, were identified with high-throughput NGS. Which may result from maternal intrauterine infection or birth-canal infection and have a high clinical-cure rate. Owing to a lack of methods to culture these bacteria, their role in neonatal sepsis remains unclear. A definite diagnosis cannot rely solely on bacterial culture identification for patients with a suspected diagnosis and clinical diagnosis of neonatal sepsis and should involve other effective diagnostic techniques.
The condition of companies in relation to their growth on example of NYSE and NASDAQ
Authors: Gniadkowska-Szymańska Agata , Pluskota Anna , Bolek Monika
Published: June 2024

This article covers the topic of the relationship between the growth of companies and their financial condition when different business profiles are surveyed, such as high-tech, growth potential companies included in the NASDAQ Composite Index and traditional, matured companies included in the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA), commonly known as blue-chip stocks. The hypothesis that the relationship between the Altman Z-score and the growth of enterprises as measured by assets, equity, sales, and earnings per share is positive was tested with Granger and VAR models. The main difference was found to be related to the size of the companies size and dynamics of growth. It was also shown that between NASDAQ enterprises there was no relationship between their growth and Altman Z-score, whereas when the DJIA blue chips were taken into account, a positive relationship was identified. It can be concluded that high-tech enterprises grow in a less predictable way not related to their economic condition, but mature enterprises focused on the growth and their condition. The value added of the article is finding that high-tech companies with growth potential and blue chips are managed in a different way due to their strategies of development.
Firm level and country level determinants of earnings management in emerging economies: a systematic framework-based review
Authors: Gokhale Manasi , Pillai Deepa
Published: June 2024

The present paper reviews the extant literature on Earnings Management (EM) in emerging economies using the integrated ‘Antecedents Decisions Outcomes (ADO)–Theory, Context, and Methods (TCM)’ framework to identify the firm-level and country-level factors influencing EM practices in these economies. Considering the increasing share of emerging economies in global Foreign Direct Investment and their unique institutional settings and opaque reporting environment, this review seeks to identify the key perspectives of EM studies in these economies. This review analyses 96 articles from 50 journals published between the period 2003 and 2021. Concentrated ownership structures at the firm level, weak regulatory mechanisms for investor protection, low level of enforcement, and culture at the country level are identified as key determinants influencing EM practices in emerging economies. The review finds a dearth of studies integrating the agency, institutional, and organizational theories which will help in better understanding the phenomena of EM in emerging economies. The review also identifies a contextual gap in terms of the need for more multi-country studies within the emerging economies which will provide a better insight into the diverse formal and informal institutions that shape incentives for EM in these economies. Similarly, there is a need to adopt a qualitative and mixed methods approach to study this phenomenon which helps strengthen the theoretical framework for studying EM in emerging economies.
Comparison of gut transcriptome and bacterial composition of the yellow peach moth,
Conogethes punctiferalis
larvae associated with host plants adaptation
Authors: Gao Yuqing , Ji Mengqi , Li Shaohua , Wang Saige , Zhao Yanfen , Xu Yongyu , Chen Zhenzhen , Sun Jianghua , Kang Zhiwei , Liu Fanghua
Published: June 2024

The yellow peach moth,
Conogethes punctiferalis
, is one of the most destructive polyphagous pests to corn crops in the Huang-Huai-Hai summer corn region of China. However, little is known about the host plant adaptation mechanism of
C
.
punctiferalis
. In this study, we analyzed the performance of
C. punctiferalis
on two of its favorable host plants (corn and sorghum). Then, we used RNA-seq and 16S rRNA sequencing to explore the potential adaptation mechanism of
C. punctiferalis
on these two host plants. Results showed that
C. punctiferalis
gained more fresh weight on sorghum while its total lipid and triglyceride content was significantly lower than on corn. In total, 2155 genes weredifferentially expressed (DEGs) between corn and sorghum reared
C. punctiferalis
. Most of the DEGs were involved in nutritional biosynthesis and metabolism including amino acid biosynthesis, protein digestion and absorption, and glycolysis. Enzymatic analyses revealed that
C. punctiferalis
reared on corn had higher trypsin activity but lower P450 activity than that reared on sorghum. Meanwhile,
C. punctiferalis
reared on corn harbored more gut bacteria, while its diversity is lower than that reared on sorghum. The potential functional prediction of the gut bacteria revealed that nutritional metabolism functions were differently enriched between two host plants of
C. punctiferalis
. Taken together, these findings clarify the impact of host plants on the gene expression and gut bacteria in
C. punctiferalis
. They also suggest that the plasticity of gene expression and gut bacteria cooperatively contribute to insect host adaptation of insects.
“This is an illness. No one is supposed to be treated badly”: community-based stigma assessments in South Africa to inform tuberculosis stigma intervention design
Authors: Foster Isabel , Biewer Amanda , Vanqa Nosivuyile , Makanda Goodman , Tisile Phumeza , Hayward Sally E. , Wademan Dillon T. , Anthony Michaile G. , Mbuyamba Rachel , Galloway Michelle , Human Wieda , van der Westhuizen Helene-Mari , Friedland Jon S. , Medina-Marino Andrew , Schoeman Ingrid , Hoddinott Graeme , Nathavitharana Ruvandhi R.
Published: June 2024

Background

Though tuberculosis (TB)-related stigma is a recognized barrier to care, interventions are lacking, and gaps remain in understanding the drivers and experiences of TB-related stigma. We undertook community-based mixed methods stigma assessments to inform stigma intervention design.

Methods

We adapted the Stop TB Partnership stigma assessment tool and trained three peer research associates (PRAs; two TB survivors, one community health worker) to conduct surveys with people with TB (PWTB, n = 93) and caregivers of children with TB (n = 24) at peri-urban and rural clinic sites in Khayelitsha, Western Cape, and Hammanskraal, Gauteng Province, South Africa. We descriptively analyzed responses for each stigma experience (anticipated, internal, and enacted), calculated stigma scores, and undertook generalized linear regression analysis. We conducted 25 in-depth interviews with PWTB (n = 21) and caregivers of children with TB (n = 4). Using inductive thematic analysis, we performed open coding to identify emergent themes, and selective coding to identify relevant quotes. Themes were organized using the Constraints, Actions, Risks, and Desires (CARD) framework.

Results

Surveys revealed almost all PWTB (89/93, 96%) experienced some form of anticipated, internal, and/or enacted stigma, which affected engagement throughout the care cascade. Participants in the rural setting (compared to peri-urban) reported higher anticipated, internal, and enacted stigma (β-coefficient 0.72, 0.71, 0.74). Interview participants described how stigma experiences, including HIV intersectional stigma, act individually and together as key constraints to impede care, leading to decisions not to disclose a TB diagnosis, isolation, and exclusion. Stigma resilience arose through the understanding that TB can affect anyone and should not diminish self-worth. Risks of stigma, driven by fears related to disease severity and infectiousness, led to care disengagement and impaired psychological well-being. Participants desired counselling, identifying a specific role for TB survivors as peer counselors, and community education.

Conclusions

Stigma is highly prevalent and negatively impacts TB care and the well-being of PWTB, warranting its assessment as a primary outcome rather than an intermediary contributor to poor outcomes. Multi-component, multi-level stigma interventions are needed, including counseling for PWTB and education for health workers and communities. Such interventions must incorporate contextual differences based on gender or setting, and use survivor-guided messaging to foster stigma resilience.
The 2023 Gerard W. Ostheimer Lecture. A Contemporary Narrative Review of Maternal Mortality and Morbidity: Opportunities to Improve Peripartum Outcomes
Authors: Sultan Pervez
Published: June 2024

The Gerard W. Ostheimer lecture is given annually to members of the Society for Obstetric Anesthesia and Perinatology. This lecture summarizes new and emerging literature that informs the clinical practice of obstetric anesthesiology. This is a narrative review of 2022 literature pertinent to maternal morbidity and mortality in all income settings globally. Themes associated with worse maternal mortality rate (MMR), challenges health care workers face, public health priority areas, and initiatives to help countries achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal targets for MMR are discussed. MMRs are higher in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) compared to high-income countries (HICs). Cesarean delivery rates are rising most rapidly in LMICs, warranting urgent maternal health care workforce planning efforts in these settings. Globally racial, ethnic, and geographical disparities in maternal mortality continue to be evident in global health care settings. In the United States, the MMR is rising. The evolving changes in abortion legislation in the United States may further negatively impact maternal morbidity and mortality. The need to implement American Society of Anesthesiologists–recommended obstetric anesthesia quality metrics to facilitate benchmarking and to improve patient experience and outcomes is discussed as well as the need for professional society guidance on minimum staffing levels in American labor and delivery units.
Sobre o uso de processos de Hawkes para avaliar a frequência de saltos nos log retornos de criptomoedas
Authors: Magalhães Taddeo Marcelo , Salvi Leonardo , Rivera-Castro Miguel Angel
Published: June 2024

Variações abruptas nos preços ou retornos de ativos têm consequências importantes no mercado financeiro, podendo implicar ganhos ou perdas significativas. A modelagem de saltos em séries financeiras é, portanto, útil na avaliação de risco ou no apreçamento de ativos. Processos de Hawkes, por outro lado, permitem representar fenômenos cuja ocorrência de um evento estimula a ocorrência de novos eventos nos instantes subsequentes. Se assumimos a possibilidade de que variações abruptas nos preços ou retornos de ativos podem induzir novas variações de grande magnitude nos instantes posteriores, então os processos de Hawkes podem servir como uma alternativa aos processos usuais de Poisson na modelagem de saltos em séries financeiras. Neste artigo consideramos séries de algumas das principais criptomoedas, minuto a minuto, de setembro de 2021 a julho de 2022. Os resultados indicam que, neste mercado, o processo Hawkes apresentam um desempenho superior ao do processo de Poisson. Eles também ajudam a entender melhor a dinâmica desse mercado de criptomoedas e, portanto, têm implicações relevantes para as decisões de investidores e gestores de risco.
Comparison between Intra-Articular Steroid Injection and Supra-Scapular Nerve Block in the Management of Frozen Shoulder
Authors: Nazim Zeeshan Khan , Farhat M. Farhan , Abbasi Saleem
Published: June 2024

Objective: To compare the efficacy of intra-articular steroid injection with ultrasound-guided supra-scapular nerve block in the management of frozen shoulder in terms of shoulder pain and disability index score and range of motion.
Method: This randomized controlled trial was conducted in orthopedic department, PIMS, Islamabad from 1st January, 2020 to 30th June, 2020. A total of 72 patients were randomly equally (n=36 each) allocated to Group-A (intra-articular steroid injection) and Group-B (supra-scapular nerve block). Adults above 18 years of both genders having diffuse shoulder pain were included. Cases of shoulder pain localized because of bicipital tendinitis, rotator cuff tear, pain due to acute trauma and those with osteoarthritis were excluded. Data was analyzed in SPSS version 22.0.
Results: Patients average age was 60.1 ± 6.29 in IASI and 58.0 ± 5.83 years in SSNB group and there were 19 (52.8%) males in IASI group compared to 15 (41.7%) in SSNB. At three weeks mean pain was significantly less in SSNB (57.1 ± 9.53 vs 49.4 ± 9.02) compared to IASI group (p-value, <0.001). The mean disability index was significantly low in SSNB (51.5 ± 5.10 vs 63.9 ± 5.14) versus IASI group (p-value, <0.001). At one week, three weeks and six weeks, mean external rotation was better in SSNB than IASI group (p-value, <0.001). The mean abduction was also better in SSNB group.
Conclusion: Ultrasound guided supra-scapular nerve block is better than intra-articular steroid injection in managing frozen shoulder.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.7.8531
How to cite this: Nazim ZK, Farhat MF, Abbasi S. Comparison between Intra-Articular Steroid Injection and Supra-Scapular Nerve Block in the Management of Frozen Shoulder. Pak J Med Sci. 2024;40(7):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.7.8531
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Metabolomic characterization of human glioblastomas and patient plasma: a pilot study
Authors: Liu Yin Allison , Aboud Orwa , Dahabiyeh Lina A. , Bloch Orin , Fiehn Oliver
Published: June 2024

Background Glioblastoma (GBM) is a clinically challenging primary brain tumor with poor survival outcome despite surgical resection and intensive chemoradiation. The metabolic heterogeneity of GBM can become biomarkers for treatment response, resistance, and outcome prediction. The aim of the study is to investigate metabolic distinctions between primary and recurrent GBM tissue and patient plasma to establish feasibility for metabolic profiling. Methods A single-center cohort study analyzed tissue and blood samples from 15 patients with GBM using untargeted metabolomic/lipidomic assays. Metabolomic, lipidomic, and biogenic amine analyses were conducted on GBM tissue and patient plasma at diagnosis and recurrence using untargeted mass spectrometry. The study utilized a small but longitudinally collected cohort to evaluate alteration in metabolites, lipids, and biogenic amines between specimens at diagnosis and recurrence. Results Exploratory analysis revealed significant alteration in metabolites, lipids, and biogenic amines between diagnostic and recurrent states in both tumor and plasma specimens. Notable metabolites differed at recurrence, including N-alpha-methylhistamine, glycerol-3-phosphate, phosphocholine, and succinic acid in tissue, and indole-3-acetate, and urea in plasma. Principal component analysis revealed distinct metabolomic profiles between tumor tissue and patient plasma. Distinct metabolic profiles were observed in GBM tissue and patient plasma at recurrence, demonstrating the feasibility of using metabolomic methodologies for longitudinal studies. One patient exhibited a unique tumor resistance signature at diagnosis, possibly indicating a high-risk metabolomic phenotype. Conclusions In this small cohort, the findings suggest the potential of metabolomic signatures of GBM tissue and patient plasma for risk stratification, outcome prediction, and the development of novel adjuvant metabolic-targeting therapies. The findings suggest metabolic discrepancies at diagnosis and recurrence in tissue and plasma, highlighting potential implications for evaluation of clinical response. The identification of significant changes in metabolite abundance emphasizes the need for larger studies using targeted metabolomics to validate and further explore these profiles.