bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improving the predictor-criterion consistency of mindset measures: Application of the correspondence principle
Authors: Chan Hiu-Sze , Chiu Chi-Yue , Lee Sau-Lai , Tong Yuk-Yue , Leung Iris Tsz-Ching , Chan Angel Hiu-Tung
Published: April 2023

Increasing the level of correspondence between measures of growth mindset and their related outcomes could afford more precise prediction of the relationships between growth mindset and social-emotional outcomes. To illustrate the value of measurement correspondence, two studies were conducted in Hong Kong. Study 1 showed that an agent-correspondent growth mindset measure (parents’ perception of the malleability of their children's personal qualities), compared to an agent-non-correspondent one (parents’ belief in the malleability of personal qualities of a generalized other), had stronger predictive relationship with children's likelihood of displaying difficult behaviors. Study 2 found that children's self-theories about the malleability of their intelligence (an intrapersonal construct) had stronger predictive relationship with academic engagement (an intrapersonal outcome) than did their perception of growth mindset norm (a normative construct). However, perceived growth mindset norm regarding personal qualities had stronger predictive relationship with peer relationship quality (an interpersonal outcome). Together these results demonstrated that when corresponding measures of growth mindset were used to predict an outcome, more reliable growth mindset effects would emerge.
Emodin Exerts its Therapeutic Effects Through Metabolic Remodeling in Severe Acute Pancreatitis-Related Intestinal Injury
Authors: Wang Minjie , Pan Chen , Deng Dawei , Xie Mingzheng , Cao Yongqing
Published: April 2023

Background

Intestinal injury caused by severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) can induce peripancreatic and systemic infection, and aggravate systemic inflammation. Emodin has demonstrated efficacy in mitigating SAP-associated intestinal injury. Although metabolites in tissues cause histopathophysiological changes, data on the mechanisms of emodin on metabolic processes remain scant.

Methods

The SAP-related intestinal injury rat model was induced by injection of 3.5% sodium taurocholate solution through the biliopancreatic duct. The protective effect of emodin on intestinal injury was evaluated by histologic analyses. On the other hand, we assessed the effect of emodin on metabolic remodeling in intestinal tissues using untargeted metabolomics.

Results

Out of the analyzed 1187 metabolites, untargeted metabolomics identified 99 differential metabolites in the intestinal tissues. Emodin significantly alleviated the inflammatory injury in the pancreas and intestines. Emodin treatment led to significant changes in bile acid metabolism, amino acid metabolism, intestinal microbiota related metabolism, and glycerol phospholipid metabolism in the intestinal tissues. In addition, using the weighted gene co-expression network analysis, we constructed emodin related metabolite–metabolite interaction network and showed that intestinal microbiota related metabolites and glycerol phospholipid metabolism were associated with emodin treatment. Glycine, LPC (0:0/22:6), Spermidine, 11β-hydroxyprogesterone, and N1-methyl-2-Pyridone-5-carboxamide may be efficient molecules after emodin treatment.

Conclusion

Taken together, our data demonstrated that intestinal injury caused by SAP induces an obvious metabolic disorder. Emodin exerts its therapeutic effects through metabolic remodeling.
A Dialogical Inquiry of Elementary School Teachers’ Perspectives on Inclusive Education of Students With Special Education Needs and Disability (SEND)
Authors: Alkhateeb Norah , Alrubaian Abdullah , Tamakloe Deborah
Published: April 2023

Internationally, many countries have developed inclusive education policies to offer quality education opportunities to all students. However, many teachers are still grappling with how to facilitate inclusive education in their general education schools. Challenges to inclusive education have pointed to teacher perspectives and beliefs about the practicability of inclusive education in general education classroom. This paper explored and discussed the perspectives of 70 Saudi comprehensive elementary school teachers who participated in a group online dialogical interview about their understanding of disability, inclusive education, and considers how inclusion might work in their comprehensive schools. The findings revealed mixed understandings of disability and inclusive education, and challenges that must be mitigated through dialogic professional learning to improve their practice.
Chilean Early Childhood Teachers’ Discourses on Professional Associations Building Professionalism: Cohesions and Tensions of an Ecosystem
Authors: Adlerstein Cynthia , Pardo Marcela
Published: April 2023

This article aims to explain how ECE teachers’ discourses of participation in Chilean professional associations (ECEPAs) are a core trait and builds professionalism in the field. Following the Constructivist-Grounded Theory approach, it adopted a holistic abductive case study method, with a sample of 18 national ECEPA cases and 78 ECE teachers. Data collection drew on 18 individual in-depth interviews and nine discussion groups analyzed in a four-stage Constant Comparison coding process. Findings show ECE teachers relate participation in diverse ECEPAs with building professionalism around four intertwined discourses: transformational politics; pedagogical empowerment; decent working conditions, and historical and renewed struggles. We discuss how these discourses ensemble an emergent ECEPA ecosystem. The significance of this theorization is in making visible how ECE teachers’ multifaceted participation reorganizes in the fragmented neoliberal context, making possible dialog, debate, and partnerships. This participation in ECEPAs blurs the traditional understandings of professionalism, opening to new notions based on more democratic, ground-up, and postmodern professionalism.
Organization-Set High-Performance Goals and Employee Expediency Syndrome: An Underlying Mechanism of Supervisor Expediency and Illegitimate Tasks
Authors: Fayyaz Hina , Waheed Ajmal
Published: April 2023

Recent research in organizational behavior reveals that even though expediency is detrimental to an organization, it remains an overlooked phenomenon. Expediency is covert unethical behavior and is challenging to identify because it is mostly confused with proficiency. Limited empirical research can be traced in the literature investigating when and why employee exhibits expediency. This research aims to identify and examine contextual factors in organizations that are the probable cause of employee expediency. Organization-set high-performance goals are examined as a predictor of expediency. Furthermore, supervisor expediency and illegitimate tasks are investigated as mediators to refine the causal mechanism between organization-set high-performance goals and employee expediency. Drawing on the transactional model of stress and coping, it is theorized that organization-set high-performance goals, supervisor expediency, and illegitimate tasks are contextual workplace stressors, and employees exhibit expediency to cope with them. Data is collected from private health sector employees with a sample size of 591. It is a time lag- study with four-wave data collection and two sources, that is, supervisors and subordinates. The results provide empirical support to the hypotheses formulated in the present study. The findings demonstrate that organization-set high-performance goals positively and significantly affect employee and supervisor expediency. Additionally, results confirm the mediation effect of supervisor expediency and illegitimate tasks. Theoretical and practical implications and future research directions are also discussed.
The Longitudinal Link Between Personality and Relationship Quality in Emerging Adults: Mediation by Identity?
Authors: Grossmann Lea , Luyckx Koen , Prinzie Peter
Published: April 2023

Intimate relationships, both romantic relationships and friendships, are of special importance for identity development in emerging adulthood. In the current study, we investigated longitudinal associations between Big Five personality traits and relationship quality (romantic relationships and friendships) and whether these associations are mediated by identity. A sample of emerging adults ( N = 372, 55% women) completed self-report questionnaires on personality and identity in 2015 ( Mage= 21.90 years, SD = 1.16) and on quality of friendships and romantic relationships 3 years later. By using MPlus, we tested the multivariate mediating effect of identity dimensions in the relationship among Big Five personality and quality of relationships. No mediation of identity dimensions was found. Extraversion predicted higher friendship quality 3 years later and exploration in depth was positively associated with friendship quality. Regarding romantic relationship quality, no significant direct or indirect effects were found. However, personality predicted multiple identity dimensions.
Stimulating Entrepreneurial Students’ Imagination to Think About the Future: The Benefits of Science-Fiction Writing
Authors: Reboud Sophie , Mazzarol Tim
Published: April 2023

The aim of this article is to explore the place that fiction writing can take in an entrepreneurship and innovation curriculum. The need to project oneself into an uncertain future, and the lack of guidelines for doing so, generally plunges students into a perplexity that leads them to be very conservative in their projects. Creativity was used to help them get out of this caution and call on their imagination to think about the needs of tomorrow’s citizens. The deviation through science fiction allowed them to produce a more radically new world and to reflect within that world on the creation of an activity that is really in line with that future.
Shared and independent roles of CGRP and PACAP in migraine pathophysiology
Authors: Kuburas Adisa , Russo Andrew F.
Published: April 2023

The neuropeptides calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) have emerged as mediators of migraine pathogenesis. Both are vasodilatory peptides that can cause migraine-like attacks when infused into people and migraine-like symptoms when injected into rodents. In this narrative review, we compare the similarities and differences between the peptides in both their clinical and preclinical migraine actions. A notable clinical difference is that PACAP, but not CGRP, causes premonitory-like symptoms in patients. Both peptides are found in distinct, but overlapping areas relevant to migraine, most notably with the prevalence of CGRP in trigeminal ganglia and PACAP in sphenopalatine ganglia. In rodents, the two peptides share activities, including vasodilation, neurogenic inflammation, and nociception. Most strikingly, CGRP and PACAP cause similar migraine-like symptoms in rodents that are manifested as light aversion and tactile allodynia. Yet, the peptides appear to act by independent mechanisms possibly by distinct intracellular signaling pathways. The complexity of these signaling pathways is magnified by the existence of multiple CGRP and PACAP receptors that may contribute to migraine pathogenesis. Based on these differences, we suggest PACAP and its receptors provide a rich set of targets to complement and augment the current CGRP-based migraine therapeutics.
Impact of nanotechnology on conventional and artificial intelligence-based biosensing strategies for the detection of viruses
Authors: Ramalingam Murugan , Jaisankar Abinaya , Cheng Lijia , Krishnan Sasirekha , Lan Liang , Hassan Anwarul , Sasmazel Hilal Turkoglu , Kaji Hirokazu , Deigner Hans-Peter , Pedraz Jose Luis , Kim Hae-Won , Shi Zheng , Marrazza Giovanna
Published: April 2023

Recent years have witnessed the emergence of several viruses and other pathogens. Some of these infectious diseases have spread globally, resulting in pandemics. Although biosensors of various types have been utilized for virus detection, their limited sensitivity remains an issue. Therefore, the development of better diagnostic tools that facilitate the more efficient detection of viruses and other pathogens has become important. Nanotechnology has been recognized as a powerful tool for the detection of viruses, and it is expected to change the landscape of virus detection and analysis. Recently, nanomaterials have gained enormous attention for their value in improving biosensor performance owing to their high surface-to-volume ratio and quantum size effects. This article reviews the impact of nanotechnology on the design, development, and performance of sensors for the detection of viruses. Special attention has been paid to nanoscale materials, various types of nanobiosensors, the internet of medical things, and artificial intelligence-based viral diagnostic techniques.
Viral nervous necrosis resistance in gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) at the larval stage: heritability and accuracy of genomic prediction with different training and testing settings
Authors: Faggion Sara , Carnier Paolo , Franch Rafaella , Babbucci Massimiliano , Pascoli Francesco , Dalla Rovere Giulia , Caggiano Massimo , Chavanne Hervé , Toffan Anna , Bargelloni Luca
Published: April 2023

Background

The gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) has long been considered resistant to viral nervous necrosis (VNN), until recently, when significant mortalities caused by a reassortant nervous necrosis virus (NNV) strain were reported. Selective breeding to enhance resistance against NNV might be a preventive action. In this study, 972 sea bream larvae were subjected to a NNV challenge test and the symptomatology was recorded. All the experimental fish and their parents were genotyped using a genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array consisting of over 26,000 markers.

Results

Estimates of pedigree-based and genomic heritabilities of VNN symptomatology were consistent with each other (0.21, highest posterior density interval at 95% (HPD95%): 0.1–0.4; 0.19, HPD95%: 0.1–0.3, respectively). The genome-wide association study suggested one genomic region, i.e., in linkage group (LG) 23 that might be involved in sea bream VNN resistance, although it was far from the genome-wide significance threshold. The accuracies (r) of the predicted estimated breeding values (EBV) provided by three Bayesian genomic regression models (Bayes B, Bayes C, and Ridge Regression) were consistent and on average were equal to 0.90 when assessed in a set of cross-validation (CV) procedures. When genomic relationships between training and testing sets were minimized, accuracy decreased greatly (r = 0.53 for a validation based on genomic clustering,r = 0.12 for a validation based on a leave-one-family-out approach focused on the parents of the challenged fish). Classification of the phenotype using the genomic predictions of the phenotype or using the genomic predictions of the pedigree-based, all data included, EBV as classifiers was moderately accurate (area under the ROC curve 0.60 and 0.66, respectively).

Conclusions

The estimate of the heritability for VNN symptomatology indicates that it is feasible to implement selective breeding programs for increased resistance to VNN of sea bream larvae/juveniles. Exploiting genomic information offers the opportunity of developing prediction tools for VNN resistance, and genomic models can be trained on EBV using all data or phenotypes, with minimal differences in classification performance of the trait phenotype. In a long-term view, the weakening of the genomic ties between animals in the training and test sets leads to decreased genomic prediction accuracies, thus periodical update of the reference population with new data is mandatory.
Timing of vasopressin initiation and mortality in patients with septic shock: analysis of the MIMIC-III and MIMIC-IV databases
Authors: Xu Jun , Cai Hongliu , Zheng Xia
Published: April 2023

Background

vasopressin is commonly used as a second-line vasopressor for patients with septic shock, but the optimal timing of initiation is uncertain. This study was designed to investigate when vasopressin initiation may be beneficial for 28-day mortality in septic shock patients.

Methods

This was a retrospective observational cohort study from the MIMIC-III v1.4 and MIMIC-IV v2.0 databases. All adults diagnosed with septic shock according to Sepsis-3 criteria were included. Patients were stratified into two groups based on norepinephrine (NE) dose at the time of vasopressin initiation, defined as the low doses of NE group (NE<0.25 µg/kg/min) and the high doses of NE group (NE ≥ 0.25 µg/kg/min). The primary end‐point was 28‐day mortality after diagnosis of septic shock. The analysis involved propensity score matching (PSM), multivariable logistic regression, doubly robust estimation, the gradient boosted model, and an inverse probability‐weighting model.

Results

A total of 1817 eligible patients were included in our original cohort (613 in the low doses of NE group and 1204 in the high doses of NE group). After 1:1 PSM, 535 patients from each group with no difference in disease severity were included in the analysis. The results showed that vasopressin initiation at low doses of NE was associated with reduced 28-day mortality (odds ratio [OR] 0.660, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.518–0.840, p < 0.001). Compared with patients in the high doses of NE group, patients in the low doses of NE group received significantly shorter duration of NE, with less intravenous fluid volume on the first day after initiation of vasopressin, more urine on the second day, and longer mechanical ventilation-free days and CRRT-free days. Nevertheless, there were no significant differences in hemodynamic response to vasopressin, duration of vasopressin, and ICU or hospital length of stay.

Conclusions

Among adults with septic shock, vasopressin initiation when low-dose NE was used was associated with an improvement in 28-day mortality.
Associations of combined physical activity and body mass index groups with colorectal cancer survival outcomes
Authors: Himbert Caroline , Ose Jennifer , Gigic Biljana , Viskochil Richard , Santuci Kelly , Lin Tengda , Ashworth Anjelica , Cohan Jessica N. , Scaife Courtney L. , Jedrzkiewicz Jolanta , Damerell Victoria , Atkins Katelyn M. , Gong Jun , Mutch Matthew G. , Bernadt Corey , Felder Seth , Sanchez Julian , Cohen Stacey A. , Krane Mukta K. , Hinkle Nathan , Wood Elizabeth , Peoples Anita R. , Figueiredo Jane C. , Toriola Adetunji T. , Siegel Erin M. , Li Christopher I. , Shibata David , Boucher Kenneth , Round June L. , Ulrich Alexis B. , Schneider Martin , Huang Lyen C. , Hardikar Sheetal , Ulrich Cornelia M.
Published: April 2023

Background

Physical activity and BMI have been individually associated with cancer survivorship but have not yet been studied in combinations in colorectal cancer patients. Here, we investigate individual and combined associations of physical activity and BMI groups with colorectal cancer survival outcomes.

Methods

Self-reported physical activity levels (MET hrs/wk) were assessed using an adapted version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) at baseline in 931 patients with stage I-III colorectal cancer and classified into ‘highly active’ and’not-highly active’(≥ / < 18 MET hrs/wk). BMI (kg/m2) was categorized into ‘normal weight’, ‘overweight’, and ‘obese’. Patients were further classified into combined physical activity and BMI groups. Cox-proportional hazard models with Firth correction were computed to assess associations [hazard ratio (HR), 95% profile HR likelihood confidence interval (95% CI) between individual and combined physical activity and BMI groups with overall and disease-free survival in colorectal cancer patients.

Results

‘Not-highly active’ compared to ‘highly active’ and ‘overweight’/ ‘obese’ compared to ‘normal weight’ patients had a 40–50% increased risk of death or recurrence (HR: 1.41 (95% CI: 0.99–2.06), p = 0.03; HR: 1.49 (95% CI: 1.02–2.21) and HR: 1.51 (95% CI: 1.02–2.26), p = 0.04, respectively). ‘Not-highly active’ patients had worse disease-free survival outcomes, regardless of their BMI, compared to ‘highly active/normal weight’ patients. ‘Not-highly active/obese’ patients had a 3.66 times increased risk of death or recurrence compared to ‘highly active/normal weight’ patients (HR: 4.66 (95% CI: 1.75–9.10), p = 0.002). Lower activity thresholds yielded smaller effect sizes.

Conclusion

Physical activity and BMI were individually associated with disease-free survival among colorectal cancer patients. Physical activity seems to improve survival outcomes in patients regardless of their BMI.
Association between sleep-wake schedules and myopia among Chinese school-aged children and adolescents: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Xu Shaojun , Zong Zhiqiang , Zhu Yi , Zhang Xindong , Zhang Yi , Wang Xi , Tao Shuman , Wu Xiaoyan , Tao Fangbiao
Published: April 2023

Background

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between sleep-wake schedules and self-reported myopia in the pediatric population.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study in 2019, school-aged children and adolescents in the Baoan District of Shenzhen City were sampled using a stratified cluster sampling approach. Sleep-wake schedules of children were determined by a self-administered questionnaire. The age that participants first reported using myopia correction glasses or contact lenses was used to identify those with myopia. Pearson χ2 test was used to examine differences in myopia prevalence among participants with different characteristics. Multivariate logistic regression, adjusted for potential confounding variables, was applied to examine the relationship between sleep-wake schedule and risk of self-reported myopia, and a stratification analysis by school grade was also performed.

Results

A total of 30,188 students were recruited. In this study, the overall prevalence of myopia was 49.8%, with prevalence rates of 25.6%, 62.4%, and 75.7% for primary, junior high, and senior high school students, respectively. Students with irregular sleep-wake times reported a higher prevalence of myopia than those with regular sleep-wake times. Nighttime sleep duration of < 7 hours/day (h/d) (OR = 1.27, 95%CI: 1.17–1.38), no daytime nap (OR = 1.10, 95%CI: 1.03–1.18), irregular weekday bedtime (OR = 1.11, 95%CI: 1.05–1.17), irregular weekday wake time (OR = 1.21, 95%CI: 1.12–1.30), weekend bedtime delayed > = 1 h/d (OR = 1.20, 95%CI: 1.11–1.29, P < 0.001), weekend wake time delayed > = 1 h/d (OR = 1.11, 95%CI: 1.03–1.19), irregular sleep-wake time on weekdays (OR = 1.13, 95%CI: 1.07–1.19), and social jetlag > = 1 h (OR = 1.08, 95%CI: 1.03–1.14) were likely to be associated with increased risks of self-reported myopia after adjusting age, sex, grade, parental education level, family income, parental myopia, academic record, and academic workload. When stratified by school grade, we observed that nighttime sleep duration < 7 h/d, no daytime naps, and irregular sleep-wake time on weekdays were significantly associated with self-reported myopia in primary school students.

Conclusion

Insufficient sleep and irregular sleep-wake schedules can increase the risk of self-reported myopia in children and adolescents.
Gurka vs Slaughter equations to estimate the fat percentage in children with cerebral palsy from all subtypes and levels of the Gross Motor Function Classification System
Authors: García-Íñiguez Jorge A. , García-Contreras Andrea A. , Vásquez-Garibay Edgar M. , Larrosa-Haro Alfredo
Published: April 2023

Background

Body composition assessment in children with cerebral palsy (CP) is a challenge, specially the fat percentage. There are different methods that can be used to estimate the fat percentage in this population, such as anthropometric equations, but there is still a need to determine which is the best and most accurate. The purpose of the study was to determine the method that best estimates the fat percentage in children from all CP subtypes and levels of the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS).

Methods

Analytical cross-sectional study in which 108 children with CP diagnosed by a pediatric neurologist were included with any type of dysfunction and from all levels of the GFMCS. Slaughter equation, Gurka equation and Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) as reference method, were used. Groups were stratified by sex, CP subtypes, GMFCS level and Tanner stage. Median differences, Kruskal–Wallis, Mann–Whitney U test, Spearman's correlation coefficients and simple regressions were used, also multivariate models were performed.

Results

The Slaughter equation differed from the other methods in the total population and when it was compared by sex, CP subtypes, gross motor function and Tanner stage. The Gurka equation showed significant differences by sex and gross motor function. Gurka equation correlated positively and significantly with BIA to estimate the fat percentage in all the CP subtypes and levels of the GMFCS. Tricipital skinfold (TSF), arm fat area (AFA) and weight for age index (W/A) showed the highest variability with respect to fat percentage.

Conclusion

Gurka equation is more appropriate and accurate than Slaughter equation to estimate the fat percentage in children with CP from all subtypes and levels of the GMFCS.
Associations between adolescents’ empathy and prosocial attributes before and during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Yang Xueqian , He Yirong , Luo Biru , Zhao Li , Huang Chuanya , Liao Shujuan
Published: April 2023

Background

Adolescence is a formative period of social development. Adolescents have experienced considerable changes in their lives due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted a longitudinal study to examine the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on adolescents’ prosocial attributes and empathy, as well as their longitudinal bilateral relationships.

Methods

A total of 2,510 students from five junior schools in Sichuan Province were recruited via random cluster sampling. Data were collected in December 2019 (Wave 1, before the outbreak of the pandemic) and July 2020 (Wave 2, during the pandemic) in Chengdu, Sichuan, China. Prosocial attributes and empathy were measured with the Positive Youth Development Scale (GPYDS) subscale and Chinese Empathy Scale, respectively.

Results

During the pandemic, both empathy and prosocial attributes decreased significantly from 49.89 (9.12) and 49.89 (8.80) before to 48.29 (8.72) and 49.39 (9.26) (p < 0.001), respectively. A higher level of empathy at Wave 1 significantly predicted higher prosocial attributes at Wave 2 (β = 0.173, SE = 0.021, t = 8.430, p < 0.001). A lower prosocial attributes score predicted a significantly lower empathy score from Wave 1 to Wave 2 (β = 0.100, SE = 0.021, t = 4,884, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The COVID-19 pandemic has had detrimental effects on adolescents’ empathy and prosocial attributes. Special attention should be given to these two longitudinally associated factors in any social crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, considering their importance for adolescents’ physical, mental, and social development.
Vaccine hesitancy about the HPV vaccine among French young women and their parents: a telephone survey
Authors: Gauna Fatima , Verger Pierre , Fressard Lisa , Jardin Marie , Ward Jeremy K. , Peretti-Watel Patrick
Published: April 2023

Background

The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine reduces the burden of cervical and other cancers. In numerous countries, a slow uptakeof this vaccine persists, calling for a better understanding of the structural factors leading to vaccine acceptation. We aimed to assess the attitudes toward HPV vaccination among its intended public to explore its specific characteristics.

Methods

A random cross-sectional telephone survey of the French general population provided data from a sample of 2426 respondents of the target public: the parents of young women and the young women aged 15-25 themselves. We applied cluster analysis to identify contrasting attitudinal profiles, and logistic regressions with a model averaging method to investigate and rank the factors associated with these profiles.

Results

A third of the respondents had never heard of HPV. However, most of the respondents who had heard of it agreed that it is a severe (93.8%) and frequent (65.1%) infection. Overall, 72.3% of them considered the HPV vaccine to be effective, but 54% had concerns about its side effects. We identified four contrasting profiles based on their perceptions of this vaccine: informed supporters, objectors, uninformed supporters, and those who were uncertain. In multivariate analysis, these attitudinal clusters were the strongest predictors of HPV vaccine uptake, followed by attitudes toward vaccination in general.

Conclusions

Tailored information campaigns and programs should address the specific and contrasted concerns about HPV vaccination of both young women and of their parents.
The effect of motivational interviewing and/or cognitive behaviour therapy techniques on gestational weight gain – a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Nightingale Helen , Mnatzaganian George , Hooker Leesa , Barrett Stephen , Kingsley Michael
Published: April 2023

Background

Women with gestational weight gain (GWG) that is below or above recommendations are at risk of adverse perinatal outcomes. Motivational interviewing and/or cognitive behaviour therapy have demonstrated efficacy in initiating and sustaining behaviour change, including weight control. The objective of this review was to investigate the effect of antenatal interventions that include components of motivational interviewing and/or cognitive behaviour therapy on gestational weight gain.

Methods

This review was designed and reported in accordance with guidelines outlined in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Five electronic databases were systematically searched to March 2022. Randomised controlled trials evaluating interventions with identified components of motivational interviewing and/or cognitive behaviour therapies were included. Pooled proportions of appropriate GWG and GWG above or below guidelines, and standardised mean difference for total gestational weight gain, were calculated. Risk of bias in included studies was evaluated using the Risk of Bias 2 tool, and the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach was used to evaluate the quality of evidence.

Results

Twenty-one studies (8030 participants) were included. Overall, MI and/or CBT interventions had a small effect on the total gestational weight gain (SMD: -0.18, 95% confidence interval: -0.27 to -0.09, p < 0.001) and improved the proportion of women achieving recommended gestational weight gain (29% versus 23% in the comparison, p < 0.001). The GRADE assessment indicated that overall quality of evidence is very uncertain, however sensitivity analyses to account for high risk of bias produced similar results to original meta-analyses. The magnitude of effect was greater in women with overweight or obesity when compared to women with BMI < 25 kg/m2.

Conclusion

Motivational interviewing and/or cognitive behaviour therapy techniques may be effective for promoting healthy gestational weight gain. Nevertheless, a high proportion of women do not achieve recommended gestational weight gain. Future interventions should consider factors, including clinician and consumer perspectives, in the design and delivery of psychosocial interventions that aim to support healthy gestational weight gain.

Trial registration

The protocol for this review was registered with the PROSPERO International register of systematic reviews (registration number CRD42020156401).
Standard radiographic values for the acetabulum in Japanese adolescents: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Nishimura Takahiro , Watanabe Hideaki , Taki Naoya , Kikkawa Ichiro , Takeshita Katsushi
Published: April 2023

Background

Most previous reports of normal acetabular radiographic values focused on adults or elderly people. Recent reports have described premature hip osteoarthritis in adolescents not caused by acetabular dysplasia. In addition, there is a certain failure rate of surgical treatment for young patients with borderline acetabular dysplasia. Accurate indices for treatment of adolescent hips are unclear because standard measurement values of the adolescent acetabulum have not been reported.

Methods

This cross-sectional study involved 552 Japanese adolescents aged 12–18 years who had scoliosis or suspected scoliosis and asymptomatic hips. All persons underwent plain standing anteroposterior whole-spine radiography, and measurements were obtained using the pelvic part of the radiograph. We excluded persons who were unable to correctly perform measurements because of conditions such as pelvic rotation or lateral inclination and persons in whom closure of the triradiate cartilage or closure of the secondary ossification centers of the acetabulum had not yet occurred. In 1101 hips, we measured the lateral center–edge angle (LCEA), Tönnis angle, Sharp angle, acetabular head index (AHI), lateral subluxation (LS), vertical subluxation (VS), and peak-to-edge distance (PED). We evaluated the correlation coefficient and coefficient of determination between each parameter and age, height, body weight, and body mass index (BMI) and assessed the intra- and inter-rater reliability of each radiographic parameter.

Results

Among all hips, the mean of each parameter was as follows: LCEA, 27.9° ± 4.8°; Tönnis angle, 5.0° ± 3.7°; Sharp angle, 44.1° ± 3.1°; AHI, 82.1% ± 5.5%; LS, 5.4 ± 1.4 mm; VS, 0.3 ± 1.2 mm; and PED, 14.0 ± 2.3 mm. The correlation between each parameter and age, height, body weight, and BMI was considerably low. Intra- and inter-rater reliability was moderate or good for almost all parameters.

Conclusions

The values for each radiographic parameter of the acetabulum in this study are considered standard for the adolescent acetabulum without age-related changes. Some parameters differ slightly from the normal values for adults or elderly people in previous reports; thus, we suggest careful evaluation of these parameters for adolescents.
Clinical relevance of serum lipids in the carcinogenesis of oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Qian Ling , Qian Bo , Xu Juanyong , Yang Jingjing , Wu Guoying , Zhao Yuping , Liu Qinglan , Yuan Zhiran , Fan Yuan , Li Huaiqi
Published: April 2023

Background

Dyslipidaemia is associated with cancers. However, the specific expression of serum lipids in oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD) and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remains unclear, and it remains unknown whether serum lipids are associated with the development of OPMD and OSCC. This study investigated the serum lipid profiles of OPMD and OSCC patients, and the association of serum lipids with the occurrence of OPMD and OSCC.

Methods

A total of 532 patients were recruited from the Affiliated Hospital of Stomatology, Nanjing Medical University. Serum lipid parameters including total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TGs), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), apolipoprotein A (Apo-A), apolipoprotein B (Apo-B), and lipoprotein (a) (Lpa) were analysed, and clinicopathological data were collected for further analysis. Furthermore, a regression model was used to evaluate the relationship between serum lipids and the occurrence of OSCC and OPMD.

Results

After adjusting for age and sex, no significant differences were observed in serum lipid or body mass index (BMI) between OSCC patients and controls (P > 0.05). HDL-C, Apo-A, and Apo-B levels were lower in OSCC patients than in OPMD patients (P < 0.05); HDL-C and Apo-A levels were higher in OPMD patients than in controls (P < 0.05). Furthermore, female OSCC patients had higher Apo-A and BMI values than males. The HDL-C level was lower in patients under 60 years of age than in elders (P < 0.05); and age was related to a higher risk of developing OSCC. Female patients with OPMD had higher TC, HDL-C, and Apo-A levels than males (P < 0.05); OPMD patients over 60 years of age had higher HDL-C than youngers (P < 0.05), whereas the LDL-C level was lower in elders (P < 0.05). The HDL-C and BMI values of the patients with oral leukoplakia (OLK) with dysplasia were more elevated than those of the oral lichen planus group, and the LDL-C, and Apo-A levels in patients with OLK with dysplasia were decreased (P < 0.05). Sex, high HDL-C and Apo-A values were associated with the development of OPMD.

Conclusion

Serum lipids exhibited certain differences according to the occurrence and development of OSCC; high levels of HDL-C and Apo-A might be markers for predicting OPMD.
A mixed-method study exploring barriers and facilitators to midwives’ mental health in Ontario
Authors: Darling Elizabeth K. , Grenier Lindsay N. , MacKenzie Rachel K. , Ramlogan-Salanga Claire , Cates Elizabeth C. , Graybrook Riley , Wilson-Mitchell Karline
Published: April 2023

Background

There is a paucity of information regarding the mental health of midwives working in Ontario, Canada. Many studies have investigated midwives’ mental health around the world, but little is known about how the model of midwifery care in Ontario contributes to or negatively impacts midwives’ mental health. The aim of the study was to gain a deeper understanding of factors that contribute to and negatively impact Ontario midwives’ mental health.

Methods

We employed a mixed-methods, sequential, exploratory design, which utilized focus groups and individual interviews, followed by an online survey. All midwives in Ontario who had actively practiced within the previous 15 months were eligible to participate.

Findings

We conducted 6 focus groups and 3 individual interviews, with 24 midwives, and 275 midwives subsequently completed the online survey. We identified four broad factors that impacted midwives’ mental health: (1) the nature of midwifery work, (2) the remuneration model, (3) the culture of the profession, and (4) external factors.

Discussion

Based on our findings and the existing literature, we have five broad recommendations for improving Ontario midwives’ mental health: (1) provide a variety of work options for midwives; (2) address the impacts of trauma on midwives; (3) make mental health services tailored for midwives accessible; (4) support healthy midwife-to-midwife relationships; and (5) support improved respect and understanding of midwifery.

Conclusion

As one of the first comprehensive investigations into midwives’ mental health in Ontario, this study highlights factors that contribute negatively to midwives’ mental health and offers recommendations for how midwives’ mental health can be improved systemically.
Toxic effects of 70% ethanol extract of Moringa stenopetala leaf (Baker f.) Cufod. (Moringaceae) on fetus and placenta of pregnant Wistar rats
Authors: Abdu Hussen , Ergete Wondwosen , Tadele Ashenif , Woldekidan Samuel , Abebe Abiy , Seyoum Girma
Published: April 2023

Background

Moringa stenopetala leaves (Baker f.) Cufod. (Moringaceae) are used as a staple food and traditional medicine for treating various diseases like malaria, hypertension, stomach pain, diabetes, elevated cholesterol, and removing the retained placenta. Its prenatal toxicity study is minimal. Thus, this study aimed to assess the toxic effects of a 70% ethanol extract of Moringa stenopetala leaf on the fetuses and placentas of pregnant Wistar rats.

Method

Fresh leaves of Moringa stenopetala were collected, dried at room temperature, ground to powder, and extracted using 70% ethanol. For this study, five groups of animals, each containing ten pregnant rats, were used. Groups I–III were experimental groups and treated with 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg body weight of Moringa stenopetala leaf extract, respectively. Groups IV and V were pair-fed and ad libitum control groups. The extract was given during gestation days 6 to 12. The fetuses were recovered at day 20 of gestation and examined for the presence of developmental delays, gross external malformations, skeletal and visceral defects. Gross and histopathological changes in the placenta were also evaluated.

Results

Compared to the pair-fed control group, maternal daily food intake and weight gain were reduced in the 1000 mg/kg-treated group during the treatment and post-treatment periods. A significantly higher number of fetal resorptions was also seen in the 1000 mg/kg treatment group. The crown-rump length and fetal and placental weights were all significantly reduced in pregnant rats given 1000 mg/kg. However, there were no visible malformations in the visceral organs as well as external genitalia in all the treatment and control groups. About 40.7% of the fetuses in the 1000 mg/kg treated rats had no proximal hindlimb phalanges. In addition, light microscopic investigations of the placenta in the high-dose treated rats revealed structural changes in the decidual basalis, trophoblastic zone, and labyrinthine zones.

Conclusion

In conclusion, consumption of M. stenopetala leaves at a higher dose may have toxic effects on the development of rat fetuses. At a higher dose, the plant extract increased the number of fetal resorptions, reduced the number of fetuses, decreased the fetal and placental weights, and alter the placental histopathology. Thus, it is recommended to limit the excess feeding of M. stenopetala leaves during gestation.
Evaluation of the antibacterial activity of selected Kenyan medicinal plant extract combinations against clinically important bacteria
Authors: Odongo Elizabeth A , Mutai Peggoty C , Amugune Beatrice K , Mungai Nelly N , Akinyi Mary O , Kimondo Julia
Published: April 2023

Background

Infectious diseases are a major global public health concern as antimicrobial resistance (AMR) currently accounts for more than 700,000 deaths per year worldwide. The emergence and spread of resistant bacterial pathogens remain a key challenge in antibacterial chemotherapy. This study aims to investigate the antibacterial activity of combined extracts of various Kenyan medicinal plants against selected microorganisms of medical significance.

Methods

The antibacterial activity of various extract combinations of Aloe secundiflora, Toddalia asiatica, Senna didymobotrya and Camelia sinensis against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus was assessed using the agar well diffusion and the minimum inhibitory concentration in-vitro assays. The checkerboard method was used to evaluate the interactions between the various extract combinations. ANOVA test followed by Tukey’s post hoc multiple comparison test was used to determine statistically significant differences in activity (P < 0.05).

Results

At concentrations of 100 mg/ml (10,000 µg/well), the different combinations of the aqueous, methanol, dichloromethane and petroleum ether extracts of the selected Kenyan medicinal plants revealed diverse activity against all the test bacteria. The combination of methanolic C. sinensis and A. secundiflora was the most active against E. coli (14.17 ± 0.22 mm, diameter of zones of inhibition (DZI); MIC 2500 µg/well). The combination of methanolic C. sinensis and S. didymobotrya was the most active against S. aureus (16.43 ± 0.10 mm; MIC 1250 µg/well), K. pneumonia (14.93 ± 0.35 mm, DZI; MIC 1250 µg/well), P. aeruginosa (17.22 ± 0.41 mm, DZI; MIC 156.25 µg/well) and MRSA (19.91 ± 0.31 mm, DZI; MIC 1250 µg/well). The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration of the different plant extract combinations ranged from 10,000 µg/ well to 156.25 µg/well. The ANOVA test indicated statistically significant differences (P < 0.05) between single extracts and their combinations. The fractional inhibitory concentration indices (FICI) showed that the interactions were either synergistic (10.5%), additive (31.6%), indifferent (52.6%), or antagonistic (5.3%) for the selected combinations.

Conclusion

This study findings validate the ethnopractice of selectively combining medicinal plants in the management of some bacterial infections in traditional medicine.
Acceptability of integration of cervical cancer screening into routine HIV care, associated factors and perceptions among HIV-infected women: a mixed methods study at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, Uganda
Authors: Ninsiima Mackline , Nyabigambo Agnes , Kagaayi Joseph
Published: April 2023

Background

Integrating cervical cancer screening into routine Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) care has been endorsed as an effective strategy for increasing uptake of cervical cancer screening, facilitating early detection and treatment of pre-cancerous lesions among HIV-infected women. In Uganda, this strategy has not been implemented yet in most HIV clinics. Assessing acceptability of this intervention among HIV-infected women is of great relevance to inform implementation. We assessed acceptability of integration of cervical cancer screening into routine HIV care, associated factors and perceptions among HIV-infected women enrolled in the HIV clinic at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital.

Methodology

A mixed methods study utilizing explanatory sequential approach was conducted among 327 eligible HIV-infected women. Acceptability of integration of cervical cancer screening into routine HIV care was measured based on Theoretical Framework of Acceptability. Quantitative data was collected using a pre-tested questionnaire. We conducted focus group discussions to explore perceptions regarding the intervention among purposively selected HIV-infected women. Modified Poisson regression with robust variance analysis was utilized to determine factors associated with acceptability of the intervention. Statistical significance was determined at p-value <0.05. Thematic analysis utilizing inductive coding was applied to analyse qualitative data.

Results

The majority of HIV-infected women (64.5%) accepted integration of cervical cancer screening into routine HIV care. Religion, perceived risk of developing cervical cancer and ever screened for cervical cancer were statistically significantly associated with acceptability of integration of cervical cancer screening into routine HIV care. Perceived benefits of the proposed intervention were: convenience to seek for cervical cancer screening, motivation to undergo cervical cancer screening, improved archiving of cervical cancer screening results, confidentiality of HIV patient information, and preference to interact with HIV clinic health workers. Shame to expose their privacy to HIV clinic health workers and increased waiting time were the only perceived challenges of the integrated strategy.

Conclusion

Study findings highlight the need to take advantage of this acceptability to prioritize implementation of integration of cervical cancer screening into routine HIV care. HIV-infected women should be reassured of confidentiality and reduced waiting time to increase uptake of integrated cervical cancer screening and HIV services among HIV-infected women along the continuum of HIV care and treatment services.