bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Partner Alcohol Use and Attitudes Toward Intimate Partner Violence: Independent and Synergistic Effects on Intimate Partner Violence Across 19 Low- and Middle-Income Countries
Authors: Bourey Christine , Heise Lori , Tol Wietse A. , Greene M. Claire
Published: November 2022

Although partner alcohol use and acceptance of intimate partner violence against women (IPVAW) are critical determinants of IPVAW, little is known about their interaction. We explored how partner alcohol use and attitudes toward IPVAW act independently and jointly at the individual and community levels to influence women’s reports of experiencing IPVAW across low- and middle-income countries. We conducted secondary analyses using a pooled sample of reproductive-aged women ( n = 166,621) from 19 Demographic and Health Survey datasets. We fit a series of a priori-defined mixed-effects logistic regression models of the total effects, within- and between-community effects, and contextual effects of past-year IPVAW on partner alcohol use, acceptance of IPVAW, and their multiplicative interaction. We then fit a series of models stratified by community alcohol use and acceptance of IPVAW. Partner alcohol use (odds ratio [OR] = 3.20; 95% confidence interval [CI]: [3.07, 3.33]) and women’s acceptance of IPVAW (OR = 1.83; 95% CI: [1.76, 1.89]) were consistently associated with increased odds of experiencing IPVAW. Sub-multiplicative interactions were present for within-community effects (ratio of OR = 0.86; 95% CI: [0.79, 0.94]), whereas supra-multiplicative interactions were present for between-community effects (ratio of OR = 1.002; 95% CI: [1.0002, 1.005]) and contextual effects (ratio of OR = 1.003; 95% CI: [1.0007, 1.005]). The odds of IPVAW associated with partner alcohol use was greatet in communities with lower partner alcohol prevalence and lower acceptance of IPVAW. It is important to consider norms and attitudes toward IPVAW alongside alcohol use when understanding epidemiological patterns of IPVAW and potential opportunities for preventive programs and policymaking. Future studies should focus on the complex interactions, at multiple social levels, between interacting risk factors for IPVAW.
Railway degradation behaviour analysis in narrow-gauge railways: A local-railway case study
Authors: Marchetta V. , Di Graziano A. , Soleimanmeigouni I. , Ahmadi A.
Published: November 2022

An efficient maintenance strategy is a key factor to ensure acceptable safety levels and manage the overall costs of a railway network. So far, research focused mainly on regional and high-speed rail networks, causing a knowledge and regulation gap between standard and narrow-gauge railways networks. These networks, like the local or isolated railways, have peculiar geometric and operational characteristics that play a key role on track geometry quality degradation process. For this reason, the maintenance knowledge gained in the context of standard railways when applied to systems such as narrow-gauge railways could lead to non-optimized use of the limited resources available. Therefore, the aim of this study is to analyse how the track geometry quality degradation behaviour is influenced by the key characteristics of narrow-gauge railways through the analysis of the track geometry data of an Italian local railway, laying the foundation for optimized maintenance strategies for these systems.
Ex Ante Predictability of Rapid Growth: A Design Science Approach
Authors: Hyytinen Ari , Rouvinen Petri , Pajarinen Mika , Virtanen Joosua
Published: November 2022

We examine how machine learning (ML) predictions of high-growth enterprises (HGEs) help a budget-constrained venture capitalist source investments for a fixed size portfolio. Applying a design science approach, we predict HGEs 3 years ahead and focus on decision (not statistical) errors, using an accuracy measure relevant to the decision-making context. We find that when the ML procedure adheres to the budget constraint and maximizes the accuracy measure, nearly 40% of the HGE predictions are correct. Moreover, ML performs particularly well where it matters in practice—in the upper tail of the distribution of the predicted HGE probabilities.

JEL Classification: C53, D22, L25
Tibiopedal Motion Following Tendo-Achilles Lengthening or Gastrocnemius Recession in Total Ankle Replacement: A Comparative Cohort Study
Authors: Johnson Lindsey G. , Fletcher Amanda N. , Wu Christine J. , Vernick Robert , Easley Mark E. , DeOrio James K. , Adams Samuel B. , Nunley James A.
Published: November 2022

Background:

End-stage ankle arthritis is a debilitating condition often necessitating total ankle replacement (TAR). Tendo-Achilles lengthening (TAL) and gastrocnemius recession (GR) are commonly performed with TAR to improve ankle dorsiflexion (DF). No studies to date have radiographically analyzed tibiopedal motion to guide surgical management. The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of a TAL or GR during TAR on radiographic tibiopedal range of motion (ROM).

Methods:

A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database was conducted followed by a propensity score–matched analysis of 110 patients who underwent TAL (n = 26), GR (n = 29), or no lengthening procedure (n = 55) with TAR. Minimum of 1-year ROM radiographic follow-up was required. Exclusion criteria included (1) calcaneal osteotomies, (2) simultaneous or previous hindfoot or midfoot arthrodesis, (3) prior ankle arthrodesis, or (4) revision TAR. Demographic data were extracted from the TAR database. Radiographic assessment included tibiopedal dorsiflexion (DF) and plantarflexion (PF).

Results:

DF improved by 2.8 degrees ( P = .0286) and by 6.0 degrees ( P < .0001) in the TAL and GR cohorts, respectively, with no difference in the control group (+0.7 degrees, P = .3764). PF was decreased by 4.5 degrees ( P = .0152) and by 7.2 degrees ( P = .0002) in the TAL and GR cohorts, respectively, with no difference in the control group (–0.2 degrees, P = .8546). Minimal differences were observed for total arc of motion for all 3 groups (control 0.5 degrees, GR –1.2 degrees, TAL –1.7 degrees), all of which were nonsignificant (all P > .05). There was no between-group difference in the change in overall arc of motion between the groups ( P = .3599). GR resulted in a greater increase in DF (6.0 vs 2.8 degrees; P = .1074), with a reciprocal greater decrease in PF (7.2 vs 4.5 degrees; P = .2416) compared with the TAL cohort.

Conclusion:

Both TAL and GR increased postoperative DF; however, this was accompanied by a reciprocal loss in PF. Minimal differences were observed for total arc of motion. Patients should be counseled that concomitant procedures performed to increase DF will do so at the expense of PF.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, retrospective review of prospectively collected data.
Self-Determination Development Among College Students With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Torres Ayse , Kearney Kelly B. , Downey Angelica , Tedesco Candice
Published: November 2022

Students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) who attend inclusive postsecondary education (IPSE) programs gain many new and beneficial skills, including independent living, social, and employability skills. Another skill set that may be strengthened by attending an IPSE program is self-determination. There is limited research available identifying the impact of IPSE programs on self-determination growth. We addressed this gap by using a longitudinal study designed to examine the changes in self-determination levels of students with IDD across 3 years in an IPSE program. Data collected from 23 students with IDD at 4 points of time within 3 years showed that there was an increasing trend in students’ self-determination levels at the end of each year. The difference was highly significant between the baseline and the end of the third year. This suggests that IPSE programs can play a critical role in the improvement of the self-determination levels in students with IDD. Implications and future research are discussed.
Study Protocol for a Trial: A Single-Arm, Open-Labeled Study Evaluating Transcatheter Arterial Embolization Plus Everolimus Combination Therapy for Patients With Liver Metastasis of Gastroenteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors
Authors: Takeuchi Yasuto , Kato Hironari , Horiguchi Shigeru , Oyama Atsushi , Adachi Takuya , Wada Nozomu , Onishi Hideki , Shiraha Hidenori , Takaki Akinobu
Published: November 2022

Background:

The number of patients with non-functional neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) has increased recently, and the rate of liver metastasis of NETs is about 20% in patients at the first diagnosis. Transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) and everolimus are therapies with reported efficacy, but few reports have described their combined treatment. We therefore aim to evaluate the efficacy and safety of combination therapy with everolimus and TAE in patients with liver metastasis of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs) in a prospective study.

Methods:

We design a single-arm, open-label, prospective study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of combination therapy with everolimus and TAE in patients with liver metastases of GEP-NETs. The study started in June 2021 at Okayama University Hospital and is expected to enroll 18 patients over a 2-year period.

Discussion:

This study is a prospective study investigating a new treatment method for a rare disease called GEP-NETs. We may obtain useful information that contributes to the treatment guidelines in this study. However, NET is a rare disease, and although the number of cases is statistically established, it may not be possible to accurately assess causality. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: jRCT1061210015.
Living with Parkinson’s disease: A qualitative study of spousal perspectives
Authors: Ressler Itay , Gershfeld-Litvin Avital
Published: November 2022

Research has demonstrated that Parkinson’s disease can have adverse psychological effects on caregivers. Very few studies have focused on the experiences of spouses who are not primary caregivers or who do not identify as primary caregivers. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of spouses who are not primary caregivers or do not identify as primary caregivers. Twelve Israeli women, spouses of men with Parkinson’s disease, were interviewed using a semi-structured in-depth approach. Thematic analysis revealed five themes: before diagnosis, at diagnosis, after diagnosis, interpersonal ways of coping, and intrapersonal ways of coping. A dynamic of oscillation between confronting and avoiding losses was indicated. Non-death losses were mostly unacknowledged among spouses’ social circles. Results were interpreted in the context of grieving processes after diagnosis. Findings suggest a need for psychological interventions aimed at creating safe spaces for spouses to engage in a grieving process after diagnosis.
The indirect effect of self-compassion in the association between autistic traits and anxiety/depression: A cross-sectional study in autistic and non-autistic adults
Authors: Galvin John , Richards Gareth
Published: November 2022

This study followed a pre-registered analysis plan with the aim to investigate whether autistic traits and self-compassion are correlated in autistic adults, and to test an indirect effect of autistic traits on anxiety/depression via self-compassion. We present the findings of an online survey of 456 participants ( n = 228 autistic adults, n = 228 non-autistic adults) who completed the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ), the Self-Compassion Scale (SCS) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Lower self-compassion was reported by autistic participants compared to non-autistic participants, and a negative correlation was found between autistic traits and self-compassion in both groups. Furthermore, an indirect association between autistic traits and anxiety/depression via self-compassion was observed in both samples. Considering that many autistic people experience co-occurring anxiety and depression, and that self-compassion is a skill that can be cultivated with practice, the findings of this study suggest that self-compassion may be a modifiable factor that could improve the mental health of this population.

Lay abstract

Previous research on non-autistic adults suggests self-compassion may serve to reduce mental health problems and promote psychological well-being. Correlations between autistic traits and self-compassion have been observed in non-clinical populations. In this study, we were interested in extending previous research by exploring relationships between autistic traits, self-compassion and anxiety/depression in autistic adults without intellectual disability. The findings revealed that on average autistic people reported lower self-compassion than non-autistic people. Once we accounted for levels of self-compassion in our statistical model, this resulted in a complete loss of statistical significance in the relationships between autistic traits and anxiety/depression. Self-compassion may be a useful target for clinical intervention in autistic adults with co-occurring mental health difficulties.
“Oops, I didn’t know we couldn’t talk about sex”: Sex researchers talking back to the erotophobic academy using the researcher’s erotic subjectivitiesGuest editorial themed section ‘the researcher’s erotic subjectivities’
Authors: De Craene Valerie
Published: November 2022

A proliferation of research outputs in recent years that takes into account the erotic subjectivities of the researcher seems to suggest that both research on sexuality and the inclusion of the desiring researcher’s body in academic writings have become accepted as valuable and relevant academic research topics and methods. Yet, the often animated and at times uncomfortable discussions these academic interventions generate—also beyond academic settings—attest to the enduring sensitivity that comes with (discussing) the researcher’s sex and sexuality. This special section aims to provide a space to explore the methodological, ethical, and epistemological implications of (i) the researcher’s immersion in or withdrawal from sexual/ized interactions, and (ii) reflexively reporting about the researcher’s erotic subjectivities in scholarly outputs such as journal articles or conference presentations. In doing so, it not only critiques current academic structures and a masculinist politics of science that are at best not equipped to take into account the complexities of (auto-)ethnographic sex research. It also turns a critical eye towards the blind spots we might have as sex researchers towards the differential power relations with different actors involved in (auto-) ethnographic research that explicitly deals with the researcher’s erotic subjectivities. Reducing those blind spots will make us less vulnerable to gratuitous comments by the erotophobic academy as well as the increasing conservative societal forces who are all too eager to delegitimize our academic writings, while exploring the complexities of (auto-) ethnographic sex research aims to increase the rigour of our work. By talking back, we aim to advance conversations on the methodological, ethical and epistemological implications of taking seriously the researcher’s erotic subjectivities in our research endeavours.
Undergraduates’ pSTEM identity and motivation in relation to gender- and race-based perceived representation, stereotyped beliefs, and implicit associations
Authors: Starr Christine R. , Leaper Campbell
Published: November 2022

Women and underrepresented minoritized (URM) persons remain marginalized in physical science, technology, engineering, and math (pSTEM). Relative to non-URM men, URM women may experience a double disadvantage based on their gender and race whereby they observe few same-gender and few same-race role models in pSTEM while additionally internalizing stereotypes linking pSTEM with non-URM men. Our hypothesized model was partly supported in a sample of undergraduates ( N = 1,068; 68% women, 44% URM). First, perceiving same-gender or same-race pSTEM role models predicted lower explicit stereotypes among women and URM individuals regarding gender and race, respectively. Second, explicit and implicit associations linking pSTEM with men and White/Asian persons predicted (a) lower pSTEM identity among women and URM students and (b) higher identity among men and non-URM students. Finally, both implicit and explicit pSTEM identity positively predicted expectancy–value beliefs.
Program for propriety analysis of global warming potential caused by the operational energy consumption of buildings in Korea
Authors: Kim Hyunsik , Jang Hyeongjae , Tae Sungho , Kim Jeonghwan
Published: November 2022

Various studies have reported that energy consumption in the operation stage in the life cycle of a building has the largest impact on global warming. However, suggesting appropriate practical directions for reducing global warming potential (GWP) is challenging owing to the absence of appropriate standards for GWP according to building energy consumption. In South Korea, environmental data of various buildings have been accumulated based on building life cycle assessment, conducted by adhering to the G-SEED standard for many years. This study aimed to develop a program that can support sustainable design by evaluating the appropriateness of GWP in the building operation stage in a simple manner and consequently suggest directions for efficiently reducing GWP passively or actively. To develop the program, first, GWP standard models were derived for each building’s energy use and source. Subsequently, a program, E2C, was built to assess the appropriateness of GWP emissions according to the energy effective area ratio from the building to be assessed, for each energy use and source, by employing the derived standard models. Finally, the applicability of the proposed program was examined through a case study and it was confirmed that design directions for securing the appropriateness of GWP could be suggested through E2C. Consequently, E2C has the potential to be used in the design stages of sustainable buildings.
Spreaders vs victims: The nuanced relationship between age and misinformation via FoMO and digital literacy in different cultures
Authors: Jo Hyerim , Yang Fan , Yan Qing
Published: November 2022

Utilizing online surveys of 729 US and 469 Chinese respondents, this study examines the mediated relationships between age and misinformation via fear of missing out (FoMO) and digital literacy in two different cultures. Results suggest that senior citizens are uniquely vulnerable to misinformation as the victims, in that they are less likely to check on suspicious content and that they are also less motivated to share information online in general. In contrast, youngadults have a greater propensity to be the spreaders of misinformation if not made suspicious of the content due to their stronger motivations to share information online. FoMO and digital literacy significantly mediate the relationship between age and motivations to share information and the one between age and reactions to misinformation, respectively. Sociocultural differences vary the intensity of these mediated relationships. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Access to arts consumption: The stratification of aesthetic life-chances
Authors: Feder Tal
Published: November 2022

This paper develops the concept of access to arts consumption as a necessary link connecting cultural taste and actual consumption. I present a theoretical model that deconstructs access to arts consumption into four dimensions of access: rights, opportunity, participation, and reception. I operationalize and test the model in the context of access to physical cultural consumption using Eurobarometer data on barriers to such access from a sample of respondents from 27 European countries. Utilizing regression analyses, I examine how different types of access are socially distributed. The results reveal the individual and country-level variables that shape physical access to art. The findings highlight the importance of using a multi-dimensional concept of access in the study of arts consumption. They also have implications for planning arts policies designed to increase access to art, both physical and online, especially post-COVID-19.
Exploring alignment of assumptions in plural leadership: A case study of managers’ implicit leadership theories in the danish public sector
Authors: Holm Jonas
Published: November 2022

Several researchers have observed that growing attention has been given to the concept of plural leadership in the past couple of decades. However, the role of the manager is largely overlooked in the plural leadership literature. In this study, I draw on the concept of implicit leadership theories to explore how managers’ assumptions about leadership might influence organisations’ ability to realise plural leadership. Based on participant observation and interview data, I identify three basic managerial assumptions about leadership that align poorly with the principles of plural leadership: (1) management positions entail ultimate accountability, (2) disagreement is definitively bad, and (3) resistance is exclusively caused by faulty processes. I argue that these assumptions constitute an obstacle to the practical realisation of plural leadership and consequently that interventions targeting managers’ implicit leadership theories might be effective in developing plural leadership beyond rhetorical changes.
Too Good to Be True: Bots and Bad Data From Mechanical Turk
Authors: Webb Margaret A. , Tangney June P.
Published: November 2022

Psychology is moving increasingly toward digital sources of data, with Amazon’s Mechanical Turk (MTurk) at the forefront of that charge. In 2015, up to an estimated 45% of articles published in the top behavioral and social science journals included at least one study conducted on MTurk. In this article, I summarize my own experience with MTurk and how I deduced that my sample was—at best—only 2.6% valid, by my estimate. I share these results as a warning and call for caution. Recently, I conducted an online study via Amazon’s MTurk, eager and excited to collect my own data for the first time as a doctoral student. What resulted has prompted me to write this as a warning: it is indeed too good to be true. This is a summary of how I determined that, at best, I had gathered valid data from 14 human beings—2.6% of my participant sample ( N = 529).
Prophylactic antiseizure drugs for spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Mota Telles João Paulo , Rocha Rebeka Bustamante , Cenci Giulia Isadora , Nager Gabriela Borges , Silva Guilherme Diogo , Figueiredo Eberval Gadelha
Published: November 2022

Background:

There is concern that recommendations on prophylactic antiseizure drugs (PASDs) for patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH) are biased by studies using older drugs and no electrographic monitoring.

Aims:

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine whether PASDs in patients with sICH reduced seizure occurrence and improved functional outcomes. We included analyses of newer trials, newer antiseizure drugs, and effectiveness in patients with consistent electrographic monitoring.

Methods:

Medline, Embase, and Cochrane were searched from inception until 12 August 2022, to identify studies with patients with sICH treated with PASDs, regardless of study design. The studied outcomes were functional status and occurrence of seizures.

Results:

Fourteen studies were included, including 6742 patients. Risk of bias was low overall. There was no effect of PASD on seizure occurrence overall (odds ratio (OR) 0.73, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.47–1.15), but they were associated with reduced occurrence in studies with electrographic monitoring (OR 0.36, 95% CI 0.18–0.70). There was no effect of PASDs on functional outcomes (OR 1.15; 95% CI 0.91–1.47) or mortality (OR 0.85, 95% CI 0.65–1.11).

Conclusion:

Prophylactic antiseizure medications after sICH reduce seizures in studies with electroencephalogram monitoring in high-risk patients. However, this benefit did not reflect in the improvement of functional outcomes, even in studies with newer, less toxic, antiseizure drugs.
Sarcokontums A and B, Two New 13,27-Cyclo-Pentacyclic Triterpenes from the Stems and Leaves of Sarcosperma kontumense Gagnep. ex Aubrév
Authors: Vuong Nguyen Quoc , Chien Vu Van , Hue Nguyen Thi , Hang Pham Thi , Nam Nguyen Hoang , Tuan Nguyen Le , Cuong Pham Van , Yen Duong Thi Hai , Nhiem Nguyen Xuan , Tai Bui Huu , Kiem Phan Van
Published: November 2022

Two new 13,27-cyclo pentacyclic triterpenes (1 and 2), together with ten pentacyclic triterpenoids (3-12), were characterized from the stems and leaves of Sarcosperma kontumense Gagnep. ex Aubrév. Their chemical structures were elucidated by spectroscopic analyses including HRESIMS, and 1D and 2D NMR spectra as 2 α,3 β,19 α,23-tetrahydroxy-13,27-cyclours-11-en-28-oic acid (1), 2 α,3 β,19 α,23-tetrahydroxy-13,27-cycloolean-11-en-28-oic acid (2), 2 α,3 α,19 α,23-tetrahydroxy-13,27-cyclours-11-en-28-oic acid (3), corosolic acid (4), pomolic acid (5), masilinic acid (6), 1 β,2 α,3α,19 α,23-pentahydroxyurs-11-en-28-oic acid (7), rotundic acid (8), euscaphic acid (9), jacoumaric acid (10), 3- O- trans-coumaroyltormetic acid (11), and 3- O- cis-coumaroyltormetic acid (12). Compounds 3, 4, 6-8, and 10-12 were isolated from the genus Sarcosperma for the first time.
Biofabrication of the osteochondral unit and its applications: Current and future directions for 3D bioprinting
Authors: Santos-Beato Patricia , Midha Swati , Pitsillides Andrew A , Miller Aline , Torii Ryo , Kalaskar Deepak M
Published: November 2022

Multiple prevalent diseases, such as osteoarthritis (OA), for which there is no cure or full understanding, affect the osteochondral unit; a complex interface tissue whose architecture, mechanical nature and physiological characteristics are still yet to be successfully reproduced in vitro. Although there have been multiple tissue engineering-based approaches to recapitulate the three dimensional (3D) structural complexity of the osteochondral unit, there are various aspects that still need to be improved. This review presents the different pre-requisites necessary to develop a human osteochondral unit construct and focuses on 3D bioprinting as a promising manufacturing technique. Examples of 3D bioprinted osteochondral tissues are reviewed, focusing on the most used bioinks, chosen cell types and growth factors. Further information regarding the applications of these 3D bioprinted tissues in the fields of disease modelling, drug testing and implantation is presented. Finally, special attention is given to the limitations that currently hold back these 3D bioprinted tissues from being used as models to investigate diseases such as OA. Information regarding improvements needed in bioink development, bioreactor use, vascularisation and inclusion of additional tissues to further complete an OA disease model, are presented. Overall, this review gives an overview of the evolution in 3D bioprinting of the osteochondral unit and its applications, as well as further illustrating limitations and improvements that could be performed explicitly for disease modelling.
Preference of birth attendant gender and associated factors among antenatal care attendants at Debre Markos town public health facilities, Northwest Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study design 2021
Authors: Negash Dechasa Abraham , Mulaw Endale Zerfu , Sertsu Gerbi Addisu , Bekele Sime Habtamu , Ayanaw Kassie Belayneh
Published: November 2022

Objective:

To assess the preference of birth attendant gender and associated factors among antenatal care attendants in Debre Markos town public health facilities, northwest Ethiopia, 2021.

Method:

A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 8 January 2021 to 28 February 2021 at Debre Markos town public health facilities. A total of 662 study participants were selected by systematic random sampling technique. Pretested interviewer-administered structured questionnaires were used for data collection. Data were entered using Epi Data version 3.1 and analyzed using SPSS version 25. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression were applied to identify factors associated with birth attendant gender preference. Association was described by the “odd ratio” along with a 95% confidence interval. Finally, a P value < 0.05 in the adjusted analysis was used to declare a significant association.

Result:

In this study, 644 women participated making a response rate of 97.3%. Of the total study participants, 108 (16.8%; 95% confidence interval: 13.8–19.4) preferred male birth attendants, while 232 (36%; 95% confidence interval: 32.5–39.8) preferred female birth attendants. Age (15–24) (adjusted odds ratio = 4.81, 95% confidence interval: 1.79, 12.94), no formal education (adjusted odds ratio = 2.94, 95% confidence interval: 1.32, 6.52), and primary education (adjusted odds ratio = 2.42, 95% confidence interval: 1.07, 5.47) were significantly associated with female birth attendant preference. A lack of formal education (adjusted odds ratio = 0.08; 95% confidence interval: 0.01, 0.68), secondary education (adjusted odds ratio = 0.34; 95% confidence interval: 0.16, 0.71), and history of assisted vaginal delivery (adjusted odds ratio = 3.72; 95% confidence interval: 1.40, 9.87) were significantly associated with a male birth attendant preference.

Conclusion:

A female birth attendant is preferred by almost one-third of pregnant mothers, while one-sixth preferred a male. The clients who were younger in age and lower in educational status were more likely to prefer female birth attendants, whereas those who had a history of assisted vaginal delivery were more likely to prefer male birth attendants. To have a mother in the continuum of care, it is crucial to take her preferences into account when providing services.
Partisan Affect in Times of Fractionalization: Visualizing Who Likes Whom in Germany, 1977 to 2020
Authors: Hudde Ansgar
Published: November 2022

This data visualization describes the warmth of feelings that supporters of all major parties in Germany hold toward their own and all other major parties and how these feelings changed between 1977 and 2020. Data are from more than 700,000 respondents of the study Politbarometer. People have colder feelings toward ideologically more distant parties, and supporters of all other parties hold strongly negative feelings toward the radical right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD). In most party pairings not involving AfD, feelings have been stable or trending positive. Today, Germany is not politically polarized in the sense of a divide running through the middle. Rather, the party landscape is fractionalized, with a deep affective division between the roughly 10 percent radical right and the rest and minor to moderate divisions between most other parties.
The impact of care of the elderly certificates of added competence on family physician practice: results from a pan-Canadian multiple case study
Authors: Correia Rebecca H. , Grierson Lawrence , Allice Ilana , Siu Henry Yu-Hin , Baker Alison , Panday Janelle , Vanstone Meredith
Published: November 2022

Background

Family physicians serve an important role in the care of older adults, and have variable levels of training and comfort navigating this complex patient population. The Care of the Elderly (COE) Certificate of Added Competence offered by The College of Family Physicians of Canada recognizes family physicians with advanced expertise in older adult healthcare. We explored how COE training and certification impacts primary care delivery to older patients, including factors that impact group practice.

Methods

We conducted a secondary analysis of multiple case study data to explore similarities and differences within and across cases. We defined cases as a practice or collective of family physicians working within a defined group of patients in an interconnected community. We analyzed semi-structured interview transcripts (n = 48) from six practice groups of family physicians across Canada using conventional (unconstrained, inductive) content analysis.

Results

We identified similarities and differences in how COE family physicians function within their group practice and the broader healthcare system. In some cases, COE certifications increased patients’ access to geriatric resources by reducing travel and wait times. Some physicians observed minimal changes in their role or group practice after earning the COE designation, including continuing to largely function as a generalist. While family physicians tended to highly value their COE CAC, this designation was differentially recognized by others.

Conclusions

Our findings highlight the impacts and limitations of COE training and certification, including an opportunity for COE family physicians to fill knowledge and practice gaps. As the number of older adults in Canada continues to grow and increasingly rely on primary care services, COE family physicians are uniquely positioned to strengthen the health system’s capacity to deliver specialized geriatric care.
Assessment of early kidney injury caused by asymptomatic bacteriuria in children with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Bebars Gihan M. , Mostafa Asmaa N. , Moness Hend M. , Aziz Reem A. Abdel
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Infection is one of the most frequent causes of morbidity and mortality in diabetic patients. Some microorganisms become more virulent in a high glucose concentration. Diabetics are more likely to have asymptomatic and symptomatic bacteriuria. NGAL is secreted in high concentrations into the blood and urine within two hours of AKI.

Objectives

The aim of the study is early detection of UTI in type1diabetic children through screening of their urine samples, and measurement of NGAL urinary levels in cases with asymptomatic bacteriuria for early detection of AKI to prevent serious complications.

Patients and methods

One thousand twenty-two known diabetic children on regular follow up in endocrine outpatient clinic at Minia Children University hospital were screened for UTI. From them only 52 diabetic children were diagnosed as asymptomatic bacteriuria (group I), 52 diabetic children with normal urine analysis (group II) and 52 apparently healthy children, age and sex matched, served as controls (group III). CBC, Renal function test, HbA1c, hs- CRP, Albumin/creatinine ratio, urine examination, urine culture, GFR and urinary NGAL were done to all children.

Results

Thirty-seven females (71.2%) had asymptomatic bacteriuria, Hs CRP and urinary NGAL were significantly higher, while GFR was significantly lower in diabetic children with bacteriuria than the other two groups. For diabetic children with bacteriuria, (AUC) for NGAL was 1 with optimal cutoff value of > 44.1 (Sensitivity 100% and Specificity 100%) while AUC for hsCRP was 0.887 with optimal cutoff value of > 1 (Sensitivity 82.69% and Specificity 90.38%).

Conclusion

Routine urine analysis should be done for all diabetic children even if they are asymptomatic. NGAL and hsCRP are non-invasive methods that could detect early renal injury in these patients thus, early, and proper management of UTI should be started to prevent renal injury.
Water, sanitation, hygiene practices, health and nutritional status among children before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: longitudinal evidence from remote areas of Dailekh and Achham districts in Nepal
Authors: Shrestha Akina , Kunwar Bal Mukunda , Meierhofer Regula
Published: November 2022

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic drew hygiene to the center of disease prevention. The provision of adequate water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services is crucial to protect public health during a pandemic. Yet, access to levels of water supply that support adequate hygiene measures are deficient in many areas in Nepal. We examined WASH practices and their impact on child health and nutritional status in two districts before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

A longitudinal and mixed method study was conducted in March–May 2018 and November–December 2021. In total, 715 children aged 0–10 years were surveyed at baseline. Of these, 490 children were assessed at endline. Data collection methods included observations, a questionnaire, stool analysis, anthropometric measurements, water quality analysis, and an assessment of clinical signs of nutritional deficiencies. We conducted 10 in-depth interviews to understand major problems related to COVID-19.

Results

Most respondents (94.2%) had heard about COVID-19; however, they did not wear face masks or comply with any social distancing protocols. Almost 94.2% of the households self-reported handwashing with soap 5–10 times per day at endline, especially after defecation, compared to 19.6% at baseline. Water quality was better at endline than at baseline with median 12 to 29 CFU Escherichia coli/100 mL (interquartile range at baseline [IQR] = 4–101) at the point of collection and 34 to 51.5 CFU Escherichia coli/100 mL (IQR = 8–194) at the point of consumption. Fever (41.1–16.8%; p = 0.01), respiratory illness (14.3–4.3%; p = 0.002), diarrhea (19.6–9.5%; p = 0.01), and Giardia lamblia infections (34.2–6.5%, p = 0.01) decreased at endline. In contrast, nutritional deficiencies such as bitot’s spots (26.7–40.2%; p = 0.01), pale conjunctiva (47.0–63.3%; p = 0.01), and dermatitis (64.8–81.4%; p = 0.01) increased at endline. The inadequacy of the harvest and the lack of household income to meet households’ nutritional needs increased drastically (35.0–94.2%; p = 0.01).

Conclusion

We found that improved water quality and handwashing practices were associated with a decrease in infectious diseases. However, food security also decreased resulting in a high prevalence of nutritional deficiencies. Our findings underline that disaster preparedness should consider access to adequate WASH, nutrition, and health supplies.
Pulmonary sclerosing pneumocytoma and mortality risk
Authors: Kim So Jeong , Kang Hye-Rin , Lee Choon Geun , Choi Seung Ho , Kim Yeon Wook , Lee Hyun Woo , Lee Chang-Hoon
Published: November 2022

Background

Surgical resection is usually recommended for the treatment of pulmonary sclerosing pneumocytoma (PSP). However, no comparative study has demonstrated that surgical resection leads to improved outcomes. We aimed to compare all-cause mortality between patients with PSP who underwent surgery or did not and those without PSP.

Methods

Participants aged ≥18 years who had pathologically diagnosed PSP between 2001 to 2018, at 3 hospitals were included. Randomly selected (up to 1:5) age-, sex-, and smoking status-matched controls without PSP who were randomly selected from those who underwent health checkups including chest CT were included. Mortality was compared using Kaplan–Meier estimates and Cox proportional hazards regression models. Literature review of studies reporting PSP was also conducted.

Results

This study included 107 patients with PSP (surgery:non-surgery, 80:27) and 520 matched controls. There were no cases of lymph node or distant metastasis, recurrence, or mortality from PSP. No significant difference in all-cause mortality risk was observed between the PSP surgery, PSP non-surgery, and non-PSP groups (log rank testP = 0.78) (PSP surgery vs. non-PSP: adjusted hazards ratio [aHR], 1.80; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.22–14.6; PSP non-surgery vs. non-PSP: aHR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.15–3.86; PSP surgery vs. PSP non-surgery: aHR, 2.35; 95% CI, 0.20–28.2). In the literature review, we identified 3469 patients with PSP from 355 studies. Only 1.33% of these patients reported metastasis, recurrence, or death.

Conclusions

All-cause mortality did not differ between patients with PSP and those without, irrespective of undergoing surgery. Our study and the literature review suggest that PSP has less impact on increased mortality risk.
Upregulation of mir-1199-5p is associated with reduced type 2 5-α reductase expression in benign prostatic hyperplasia
Authors: Liu Zhanliang , Lin Zhemin , Cao Fang , Jiang Mingxin , jin Song , Cui Yun , Niu YN
Published: November 2022

Background

5-α reductase inhibitors (5-ARIs) are first-line drugs for managing benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Unfortunately, some patients do not respond to 5-ARI therapy and may even show worsening symptoms. The decreased expression of steroid 5-α reductase type 2(SRD5A2) in BPH tissues may explain the failure of 5-ARI therapy, however, the mechanisms underlying SRD5A2 decreased remained unelucidated.

Objectives

To investigate microRNA-mediated regulation of the expression of SRD5A2 resulting in 5-ARI therapy failure.

Materials and methods

The expression of SRD5A2 and microRNAs in BPH tissues and prostate cells were detected by immunohistochemistry, western blotting, and quantitative real-time PCR. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was performed to confirm that microRNA directly combine to SRD5A2 mRNA. The apoptosis of prostatic cells was detected by flow cytometry.

Results

SRD5A2 expression was variable; it was negative, weak, and strong in 13.6%, 28.8%, and 57.6% of BPH tissues respectively. The normal human prostatic epithelial cell line RWPE-1 strongly expressed SRD5A2, whereas the immortalized human prostatic epithelial cell line BPH-1 weakly expressed SRD5A2. miR-1199-5p expression was remarkably higher in BPH-1 than in RWPE-1 cells(P<0.001), and miR-1199-5p expression was significantly upregulated in BPH tissues with negative SRD5A2 expression than those with positive SRD5A2 expression. Transfection of miR-1199-5p mimics in RWPE-1 cells led to a marked decrease in SRD5A2 expression, whereas miR-1199-5p inhibitor increased SRD5A2 expression in BPH-1 cells. Dual-luciferase reporter assay showed that miR-1199-5p could bind the 3′untranslated region of SRD5A2 mRNA. miR-1199-5p also decreased the RWPE-1 sensibility to finasteride, an inhibitor of SRD5A2.

Conclusion

Our results show that SRD5A2 expression varies in BPH tissues and miR-1199-5p might be one of the several factors contributing to differential SRD5A2 expression in BPH patients.
Outcome following local injection of a liquid amnion allograft for treatment of equine tendonitis or desmitis – 100 cases
Authors: Duddy Hugh. R. , Schoonover Mike. J. , Hague Brent. A.
Published: November 2022

Background

Tendon and ligament injuries are significant causes of loss of use and early retirement in performance horses. Amniotic fluid and tissue are excellent sources of growth factors and cytokines important in tendon and ligament healing. Thus, an equine-origin liquid amnion allograft (ELAA) may be beneficial in the treatment of equine tendonitis and desmitis. Objectives of this study were to report the outcome achieved (i.e. ability to return to work) for horses diagnosed with tendonitis or desmitis lesions treated with local injection of ELAA and to compare these outcomes to those reported for other regenerative medicine modalities.

Methods

A prospective, multi-center, non-blinded clinical trial was conducted. Equine veterinarians at 14 sites were selected to participate in the data collection for the trial. Criterion for inclusion was a horse presenting with lameness which was attributed to tendonitis or desmitis by diagnostic anesthesia and/or imaging. These horses were subsequently treated by local injection of the lesion with ELAA by the attending veterinarian. Standardized questionnaires describing each horse’s signalment, discipline, ability to return to work, and any adverse events were completed and submitted by the attending veterinarian following a minimum of six months of follow-up. The current literature was reviewed to identify clinical studies reporting outcomes of equine tendonitis/desmitis lesions treated with other regenerative therapies. Contingency table analyses were performed comparing outcomes.

Results

Questionnaires for 100 horses with 128 tendonitis and desmitis lesions met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 72 horses with 94 lesions returned to or exceeded their original level of work, 10 horses with 13 lesions returned to work but could not perform to previous standards, and 18 horses with 20 lesions did not return to work as a result of the injury. No differences were observed when outcome of horses treated with ELAA were compared to those of similar studies using other regenerative therapies.

Conclusions

Treatment of tendonitis and desmitis lesions by local injection of ELAA resulted in similar outcomes for horses returning to previous level of performance as other regenerative modalities such as mesenchymal stem cells, platelet-rich plasma, and autologous conditioned serum; however, blinded placebo-controlled studies are indicated.
NT-ProBNP and mortality across the spectrum of glucose tolerance in the general US population
Authors: Ciardullo Stefano , Rea Federico , Cannistraci Rosa , Muraca Emanuele , Perra Silvia , Zerbini Francesca , Mortara Andrea , Perseghin Gianluca
Published: November 2022

Background

Even though hyperglycemia is a well-known cardiovascular risk factor, the absolute risk of cardiovascular events varies to a great extent within each glycemic category. The aim of this study is to evaluate whether N-terminal pro-B natriuretic peptide (NT-ProBNP) could help identify subjects at higher cardiovascular risk, independently of blood glucose levels.

Methods

Serum NT-ProBNP levels were measured in 5502 people aged 45–79 years without heart failure from the general population (3380 with normoglycemia, 1125 with pre-diabetes and 997 with diabetes) that participated in the 1999–2004 cycles of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. We applied Cox and Fine Gray models adjusted for cardiovascular risk factors to evaluate the association between NT-ProBNP levels and all-cause and cardiovascular mortality through December 2015.

Results

After a median follow-up of 13 years, 1509 participants died, 330 of cardiovascular causes. In the multivariable-adjusted models, compared with participants with NT-ProBNP < 100 pg/ml, those with levels 100–300 pg/ml and ≥ 300 pg/ml had a higher incidence of both all-cause mortality (HR 1.61, 95% CI 1.12–2.32, p = 0.012 and HR 2.96, 95% CI 1.75–5.00, p < 0.001, respectively) and cardiovascular mortality (HR 1.57, 95% CI 1.17–2.10, p = 0.011 and HR 2.08, 95% CI 1.47–2.93, p < 0.001, respectively). The association was consistent in subgroup analyses based on glycemic status, obesity, age and sex.

Conclusions

Elevated NT-ProBNP is independently associated with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in the general population and could help identify patients at the highest risk. Further studies are needed to evaluate whether intensification of treatment based on biomarker data might lead to improvements in cardiovascular risk reduction.
Reimplantation approach for an anomalous aortic origin of the right coronary artery with an aberrant right subclavian artery
Authors: Kasama Keiichiro , Uranaka Yasuko , Tomita Hiroto , Saba Takuya , Koura Takahiro , Yamashita Yukio , Suzuki Shinichi
Published: November 2022

Anomalous aortic origin of the right coronary artery is a rare disease. Although there are various reports on its treatment, the method of the surgical approach is still controversial. Here, we present a rare case of a 17 year-old man who had an anomalous aortic origin of the right coronary artery with an aberrant right subclavian artery. As a treatment, he underwent reimplantation of the right coronary artery. The surgical approach for the anomalous aortic origin of the right coronary artery should be selected by considering the age of the patient and size of the right coronary artery.