bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Corporate Governance Characteristics on Integrated Reporting Quality: An Empirical Analysis, Evidence from India
Authors: Devarapalli Suman , Mohapatra Lalita Mohan
Published: April 2024

The research on integrated reporting (IR) has grown swiftly over the past decade, and specific attention is given to the disclosure quality of IR information across the globe. The objective of this study is to investigate the association between board characteristics and integrated reporting quality. The analysis selected 46 Indian listed companies with 138 firm-year observations over three years. The study found a positive impact of board size, CEO duality, non-executive board members, financial leverage, the COVID-19 crisis and firm size on IR quality. The study found a negative effect of gender diversity, board activity and profitability on IR quality. This study is the first to examine the effect of board features on the implementation and adoption of IR in the Indian context. Moreover, the study offers key insights for researchers, practitioners, accounting bodies, government agencies, investors and policymakers into the use of integrated reporting and sound decision-making.
A Comparative Evaluation of Antimicrobial Efficacy of Various Intracanal Medicaments (Curcuma longa, Honey, Nitrofurantoin, and Calcium Hydroxide) on Enterococcus faecalis: An in vitro Study
Authors: Rangareddy M. S. , P. Shanti Priya , Karteek Basa Srinivas , Swetha Chigurupati , Kumar B. Sravan , Waheed Sumaiya , Agrawal Jagrati
Published: April 2024

Background

In the modern era of dentistry, natural and herbal alternatives are favored since they are renewable, have fewer adverse effects, and are cost-effective.

Purpose

To assess the effectiveness of different intracanal medications in eliminating Enterococcus faecalis.

Materials and Methods

In total, 50 single-rooted extracted teeth were decoronated at the cemento-enamel junction followed by the preparation of the canal. Then, in each of the presterilized samples, inoculum containing the E. faecalis was transferred and incubated at 37°C for 24 hours. Samples were allocated into 5 groups of 10 each: Group A (saline), Group B (calcium hydroxide), Group C ( Curcuma longa), Group D (honey), and Group E (nitrofurantoin group). The medicaments were injected into the canals respectively, the antibacterial assessment was done on the 1st and 7th day. Dentinal shavings are incubated and streaked on Mueller–Hinton agar plates and incubated for 24 hours at 37°C and the colony forming units (CFUs) were assessed.

Results

Among all the groups, there was a significant change in the number of colonies from Day 1 to Day 7, except in Group A (saline). Comparison between the groups revealed significant differences, with better efficacy by Group D (honey) followed by Group E (nitrofurantoin) and Group C ( C. longa). The least antimicrobial efficacy was observed with calcium hydroxide and no activity with saline.

Conclusion

Honey has the greatest antimicrobial efficacy among all the tested intra-canal medicament groups.
Applicability of Nursing Support for Patients With Terminal Cancer and Their Families: A Delphi Study
Authors: Kako Jun , Kajiwara Kohei , Kobayashi Masamitsu , Kanno Yusuke , Morikawa Miharu , Nakano Kimiko , Matsuda Yoshinobu , Shimizu Yoichi , Niino Mariko , Suzuki Miho , Shimazu Taichi
Published: April 2024

Background

This report investigates the applicability of nursing support for patients with cancer with a prognosis of months and weeks, and their families.

Objectives

To evaluate the applicability of nursing support for five symptoms (dyspnea, pain, nausea/vomiting, constipation, and delirium) in patients with cancer during the last weeks of life, and the caregiver burden on their families.

Design Setting

A Delphi study was used to determine the applicability of nursing support for patients with terminal cancer and their families. Eight experts in symptom palliation in Japan who have direct care or research experience with these populations were included. The Delphi method was used to assess nursing support types for prognoses of months and weeks. Consensus was defined as ≥70% agreement for either “high applicability” or “low applicability” of each support type.

Results

A total of 50 nursing support types for 5 symptoms were evaluated as highly applicable for 92% ( n = 46) of patients with cancer with a prognosis of months. For patients with cancer with a prognosis of weeks, 78% ( n = 39) of the nursing support was rated as highly applicable. For both prognosis groups, all nursing support (n = 6) for caregiver burden was highly applicable.

Conclusion

Applicability ratings of nursing support may be influenced by a high degree of invasiveness, accessibility of knowledge and information, and high expectations of effectiveness. Future studies are needed to verify the effectiveness of nursing support evaluated as highly applicable to patients with cancer during the last few months and weeks of life.
A Systematic Review of Treatment-Related Adverse Events for Combination Therapy of Multiple Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor and Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor
Authors: Sawada Takashi , Narukawa Mamoru
Published: April 2024

Background

Combination therapy with multiple tyrosine kinase inhibitors (multi-TKIs) and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has been increasingly tested in clinical studies. This study aimed to investigate the effect of the addition of ICI to multi-TKIs on the profile of treatment-related adverse events.

Methods

An electronic database search was performed using PubMed and Web of Science to identify published clinical studies on multi-TKI monotherapy and multi-TKI plus ICI combination therapy from July 20, 2005 to July 1, 2023. The incidence rate of common adverse events caused by multi-TKI monotherapy and multi-TKI plus ICI combination therapy was obtained and compared from the viewpoints of (1) relative risk for the combination therapy vs sunitinib, (2) adverse event incidence rate by clinical trial, and (3) pooled incidence rate. The quality of the evidence was assessed with the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Meta-analysis used random effects models.

Results

This systematic review identified 83 clinical studies involving 7951 patients. The combination therapy of multi-TKI and ICI was associated with an increased risk of diarrhea (relative risk [RR]: 1.24, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.15-1.33, P < .001), hypothyroidism (RR: 1.44, 95% CI: 1.11-1.87, P = .0064) and rash (RR: 1.71, 95% CI: 1.18-2.47, P = .0045) compared with multi-TKI monotherapy. The addition of ICI was suggested to decrease the risk of adverse events related to performance status.

Conclusion

Our study identified an increased risk of treatment-related adverse events associated with multi-TKI plus ICI combination therapy. This would help optimize the management of toxicities caused by multi-TKI plus ICI combination therapy.
“It’s My Secret”: Shame as a Barrier to Care in Individuals With Opioid Use Disorder
Authors: Schuler Monika S. , Seney Valerie
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND:

Substance use disorder (SUD) is a chronic illness impacting more than 59 million Americans last year. Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a subset of SUD. The literature supports that healthcare providers frequently stigmatize patients with OUD. Individuals with OUD often feel shame associated with their disorder. Shame has been associated with maladaptive and avoidant behaviors.

AIM:

The aim of this qualitative descriptive study was to examine and describe the experiences of shame and health-seeking behaviors in individuals with OUD.

METHODS:

A qualitative exploratory design using focus groups with individuals in treatment for OUD was used to identify the issue of shame and its relationship to health-seeking behaviors.

RESULTS:

A systematic content analysis of discussions with 11 participants in four focus groups revealed four major themes and associated subthemes: Avoidance of Preventive Care (belief providers are judgmental); the Hidden Disorder (keeping secrets); Constraints of Shame (justification for the continuation of drug usage); and Trust in MOUD (Medication for Opioid Use Disorder) Providers. The feeling of shame leads to a reluctance to engage in health-promoting actions, such as scheduling appointments with primary care providers and dentists.

CONCLUSION:

Healthcare practitioners must prioritize providing a safe, nonstigmatizing environment for patients with SUD/OUD. This includes establishing trust and rapport, providing education, collaboration with psychiatric mental health specialists and other healthcare providers, and the offering support and resources to help patients manage their condition to achieve optimal health outcomes.
Determinants of Health Care Providers’ Attitudes Toward Safe Abortion Care in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Balis Bikila , Bekele Habtamu , Balcha Tegenu , Habte Sisay , Debella Adera , Husen Ahmed Mohammed , Mussa Ibsa , Ahmed Fila , Bekele Deribe , Amin Abdi , Alemu Addisu , Getachew Amalshet , Amare Getachew , Yadeta Elias , Negash Abraham , Lami Magarsa , Eyeberu Addis , Kure Mohammed Abdurke , Getachew Tamirat , Eshetu Bajrond
Published: April 2024

Background:

Unsafe abortion is a serious reproductive health problem in developing countries including Ethiopia. The attitude of healthcare providers toward abortion is one of contributing factors to unsafe abortion. This study aimed to determine the pooled effect of healthcare workers’ attitudes toward safe abortion care and its determinants factors in Ethiopia.

Methods:

Search engines such as Scopus, CINAHL, EMBASE, PubMed, Web of Science, and CAB Abstracts were used to find published studies where as Google and Google Scholar were used to find unpublished research. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were used. The analysis was performed using STATA 14 and the random-effects model was used to calculate the odds ratios of medical professionals’ attitudes regarding safe abortion services. Study heterogeneity was assessed by using I2 and P-values. To evaluate the stability of pooled values to outliers and publication bias, respectively, sensitivity analysis and funnel plot were also performed.

Results:

A total of 15 published and unpublished articles with a sample size of 4060 were incorporated in this Review. The overall pooled prevalence of this study was 56% (95% CI: 45-67). Sex of participants (AOR: 2.37; 95% CI: 1.57, 3.58), having training (AOR: 2.86; 95% CI: 1.58, 5.17), Professional type (AOR: 1.55; 95% CI: 1.04, 4.46), and knowledge of abortion law (AOR:2.26; 95% CI: 1.14, 4.46) were the determinants factors that significantly associated with health care workers’ attitude toward safe abortion care. Sensitivity analysis shows that the pooled odds ratios were consistently stable throughout all meta-analyses, and the funnel plot shows no evidence of publication bias.

Conclusion:

Half of health care providers sampled among the pooled studies have favorable attitudes toward abortion services in Ethiopia; which could hamper women’s access to safe abortion care. Sex, training, type of profession, and knowing abortion law were determinants of health care workers’ attitudes toward safe abortion services. Stakeholders should emphasize improving the attitude of healthcare workers toward safe abortion care which has a vital role in reducing maternal mortality. Moreover, working on modifiable factors like training, assigning personnel whose professions align with the service, and updating care providers about abortion law is also the essential key point to improve their intentions to deliver the services.
Meaning in life during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil: Impact of quality of life and sociodemographic factors
Authors: Santos David Moises Barreto dos , Corrêa Diogo Arnaldo , de Aquino Thiago Antonio Avellar
Published: April 2024

Research on meaning in life typically emphasizes the psychological aspects of quality of life, neglecting broader dimensions. Additionally, its relevance to the COVID-19 context remains limited. This study investigated the relationship of meaning in life with quality of life and sociodemographic factors related to COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil. A total of 4133 Brazilian adults completed Meaning in Life Questionnaire (MLQ), WHOQOL-BREF, WHOQOL-SRPB BREF, and sociodemographic information. Our results indicated a positive correlation between the presence of meaning and quality of life dimensions, with psychological health exhibiting the strongest relationship. We found a lower presence of meaning among individuals experiencing heightened social isolation, while vaccinated individuals exhibited a greater presence of meaning. Additionally, non-working participants reported lower presence and higher search for meaning than employed individuals, with frontline workers showing the highest search for meaning. Theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed.
Unveiling Emotional Intensity in Online Reviews: Adopting Advanced Machine Learning Techniques
Authors: Lee Sanghyub John , de Villiers Rouxelle
Published: April 2024

The digital revolution has spurred significant growth in online reviews and user-generated content. Traditional methods used in Marketing for analysing large datasets have limitations, emphasising the need for improved analytical approaches, particularly with the advent of artificial intelligence technology. This research used a state-of-the-art transformer model to analyse extensive online book reviews to accurately identify six specific emotions in the reviews of both fiction (hedonic) and nonfiction (utilitarian) genres. This study collected 3,157,703 reviews of 15,293 books voted ‘best book of the year’ on GoodReads.com over the past decade. Our findings reveal noticeable differences in emotional intensity across genres, with nonfiction displaying a slightly higher level of joy, and fiction showing higher levels of anger, sadness and surprise. Joy emerged as the dominant emotion across genres; however, it does not necessarily have a direct impact on book ratings. This study emphasises the intricacies of reader emotions, serving as a significant case study for marketers and publishers aiming to optimise their strategies in the contemporary literary market. The study contributes to the literature on the impact of consumers’ emotional responses, how they are reflected in social review commentary for high-involvement online products, and their impact on product ratings.
Playing on hard: Algorithmic border objects and inequality among esports student-athletes
Authors: Scholl Ben
Published: April 2024

Collegiate esports are a key contributor to the North American esports field’s fledgling talent pipeline, where varsity student-athletes identify the streaming platform Twitch as a major component. Exemplified by Twitch, this article theorizes the role of platform algorithms as border objects—an analytical concept which frames the shared use of classification systems when a powerful party’s practices naturalize their interpretation over others. Twitch’s platform recommendation and moderation algorithms are classifiers used by competitive game-content creators and platform owners. Its algorithms are fundamental to allocating visibility among users, which, as collegiate esports players suggest, informs professional progress. However, algorithms have proven to perpetuate and exacerbate the exclusion of marginalized persons from platforms. Drawing on ethnographic interviews, participant observation, and existing scholarship, this article argues that the inherent biases of platform architecture in esports’ talent pipeline upholds patriarchal structures and reinforces inequality—reducing opportunities for diversity and equality in esports.
Exploring factors associated with student wellbeing in the United Arab Emirates: PISA 2018
Authors: Marquez Jose , Lambert Louise , Khanna Devi
Published: April 2024

Interest in how to promote student wellbeing in schools is growing. Research shows that some drivers of wellbeing are universal, but others are country-specific. No prior study has investigated this question in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where geographic, socio-demographic and school type differences in student wellbeing are substantial. We address this gap by using multilevel regression to analyse data from the PISA 2018 study. Our focus is on life satisfaction, positive affect, negative affect, meaning and purpose in life, and mental health symptoms of internalizing difficulties. We find large school effects on student wellbeing, the second largest school effects out of 56 countries. School resources are of little importance, whereas factors related to time use, social connections, health and body image, positive school climate, and feelings around school and education are important correlates. These factors help explain a substantial part of the wellbeing inequalities observed across types of schools in the UAE.
Phase shift-based resonance assessment for in-service high-speed railway bridges
Authors: Jeong Seunghoo , Kim Hyunmin , Kim Sung Il , Lee Kyoung Chan , Lee Junhwa
Published: April 2024

Resonance in high-speed railway bridges can deteriorate the structural integrity and running safety of a train; thus, the resonant speed needs to be identified. Previous studies have proposed resonant conditions analytically, but their applications to in-service bridges are limited. Free vibration after the passage of a train was utilized to assess resonance, but it could not capture the natural frequency of the coupled system because the train-bridge interaction was neglected. This study proposed a practical framework for quantifying the resonance in a high-speed railway bridge using a phase shift. The static displacement of the railway bridge was numerically reconstructed using the train loading history. Phase angles were extracted by comparing the static and dynamic displacements, which were directly utilized to develop a novel resonance indicator in this study. Numerical simulations and field demonstrations validated the applicability of the proposed method for understanding the resonance behavior of full-scale railway bridges.
Generalized method for distributed detection and quantification of cracks in bridges
Authors: Wang Chengwei , Morgese Maurizio , Taylor Todd , Etemadi Mahmoud , Ansari Farhad
Published: April 2024

The development of a generalized machine learning approach based on distributed detection and quantification of cracks by optical fibers is described in this article. A Brillouin scattering optical fiber sensor system was employed to develop, test, and verify the method. The main components of the approach described herein consist of an unsupervised crack identification module based on the iForest algorithm and a crack quantification component by the one-dimensional convolutional neural network method. The main attribute of this model is the versatility for application in various types of structures. The proposed method does not require further application-dependent training or calibration as long as the structural applications employ the same optical fiber type and installation adhesives. The effectiveness of the proposed method was verified by two experiments involving a 15-m steel beam in the laboratory and monitoring a twin set of 332-m-long, five-span continuous box girder concrete bridges. Regarding crack detection capabilities, it was possible to detect 107 out of 112 cracks in the laboratory beam and 20 out of the 21 in the bridges. The resolution of crack opening displacements for the steel beam and concrete bridges were 20.6 and 21.7 µm, respectively. The verification experiments further indicated the generality of the approach in applications to various types of structures and materials.
Workplace Interventions Targeting Mental Health Literacy, Stigma, Help-Seeking, and Help-Offering in Male-Dominated Industries: A Systematic Review
Authors: Roche Emilie , Richardson Noel , Sweeney Jack , O’Donnell Shane
Published: April 2024

Mental ill-health and suicide represent a significant proportion of the burden of global disease among men. Connell’s relational theory of masculinities provides a useful framework to explore how mental health literacy, mental health stigma, and delayed help-seeking and help-offering behaviors are associated with mental ill-health among men, particularly within male-dominated industries. To address the high incidences of mental ill-health in male-dominated industries, several workplace interventions targeting these outcomes have been implemented. No review to date has examined the current state of evidence for these interventions or identified the behavior change techniques used. This review was restricted to empirical, quantitative research reporting on psychosocial interventions targeting mental health literacy, stigma, and help-seeking and help-offering behaviors in male-dominated industries. Quality appraisal was completed using the Effective Public Health Practice Project and a narrative synthesis was conducted. Twelve articles were included for review which reported on four distinct interventions. The methodological quality of two articles was strong, three moderate and seven weak. The strongest evidence of intervention effects related to mental health literacy and help-seeking intentions. There was less evidence relating to help-offering and help-seeking behaviors and mental health stigma. Sixteen behavior change techniques were identified across interventions that are discussed in relation to the wider men’s health literature. The evidence on psychosocial interventions in male-dominated industries is limited due to methodological and conceptual issues. Recommendations for future research include standardized reporting of intervention descriptions, the use of theory to guide intervention development, and utilizing validated and reliable outcome measures.
Internal valvuloplasty combined with sleeve wrapping in the treatment of severe great saphenous vein insufficiency: A report of two cases
Authors: Wang Sheng , Chen Jianfeng , Sun Chun , Zheng Wei , Wu Yingfeng
Published: April 2024

Background

Great saphenous vein (GSV) valve incompetence is one of the most common manifestations of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) in the lower limbs. There have been no reported attempts to repair the valve prior to the appearance of varicose morphology.

Method

We describe two cases. Before surgery, the male patient had obvious pigmentation in the ankle area, and the female patient had obvious pain and swelling in the lower limbs after prolonged standing. Neither patient has obvious varicose veins. After retrograde venography, both patients were found to have severe reflux of the GSV valves (Kinster IV). We performed internal valvuloplasty and sleeve wrapping in two patients.

Results

After surgery, both patients had a significant improvement in symptoms and no particular complaints. Vascular ultrasound also suggested a good outcome.

Conclusion

This surgery is safe and feasible in the treatment of early GSV incompetence, with good short-term results; long-term results remain to be seen.
Pour une défense collective face à la fatigue pandémique: l’urgence de renforcer les facteurs protecteurs
Authors: Généreux Mélissa , Blouin-Genest Gabriel , Landaverde Elsa , Torres Orozco et Natalia
Published: April 2024

Résumé:

De nombreux articles publiés récemment ont laissé apparaître l’émergence d’un nouveau phénomène dans notre rapport avec la pandémie de COVID-19 : la fatigue pandémique. Ce phénomène suggère l’apparition d’une tendance générale de lassitude face aux mesures sanitaires et à l’état d’urgence devenu permanent. L’objectif de cet article est de replacer cet enjeu dans le contexte de la réalisation d’un projet de recherche portant sur les impacts psychosociaux durant la pandémie. Si relativement peu de recherches se sont intéressées à la fatigue pandémique, la réalité de ce phénomène a été mise en évidence dans le cadre d’un projet de recherche multi-annuelle effectuée durant la pandémie. En termes de méthode, notre équipe multidisciplinaire à l’Université de Sherbrooke a développé un protocole d’enquête permettant d’évaluer les effets de la pandémie de COVID-19 sur la santé mentale à travers des études transversales répétées. La dernière phase de l’enquête inclut un volet additionnel qui cherche à comprendre de quelle manière les conséquences de la pandémie peuvent s’appliquer à d’autres crises systémiques, notamment aux changements climatiques. Différentes vagues d'enquêtes nationales et internationales ont ainsi été réalisées (8 pays, taille minimale de l’échantillon 1000–1500 et échantillonnage par quota mis en oeuvre adapté à chaque pays et basé sur les données démographiques disponibles), et suivant l’évolution de la pandémie, nous avons introduit la notion de fatigue pandémique, ainsi que de fatigue climatique, afin de pouvoir mesurer l’impact de l’exposition prolongée à ces crises mondiales. Ces nouvelles données confirment nos résultats originaux : l’impact psychosocial de la pandémie est immense, en particulier en termes de fatigue pandémique, phénomène qui se retrouve à la fois au niveau comportemental et informationnel. Cette fatigue est un indicateur important à considérer afin d’améliorer notre capacité de réaction et d’adaptation à cette crise, mais également à celles futures.
Albanian Health Promotion Model: a health perspective for Western Balkan countries
Authors: Tresa Eni , Jónsdóttir Thora , Alia Albano , Jónsson Rafn M. , Burazeri Genc
Published: April 2024

This article proposes a mixed-blended model adapted for Western Balkan countries, advancing the connections between the Icelandic Model of Health Promotion and the assets models for health improvement through the whole school approach and non-formal education methodology. The need to reshape health promotion interventions in Western Balkan countries is urgent, and requires explicit synergies so that a more coherent approach can be taken in their utilization. To this end, we propose a new Albanian Health Promotion Model that integrates key concepts that are associated with the involvement of schoolchildren; parents/caregivers, grandparents, communities, and religious leaders; teachers and school staff; involvement of central and local governments; engagement of the private sector; involvement of non-governmental and civil society organizations; and, importantly, enables the development of supportive environments. The proposed model aims to contribute to a more in-depth theoretical understanding of health and development through integration of the key elements of various models, methods, approaches, and tools employed in health promotion practice. Making the theory of the Icelandic model more feasible for non-Nordic cultures could better contextualize the ideas in public health policy and practice. The Albanian Health Promotion Model may also support interventions to maximize their results in vulnerable communities that have specific requirements and, as a result, could be extrapolated to similar countries in the region and beyond.
Ischemic stroke as the first clinical manifestation of an initially undiagnosed case of Takayasu arteritis in a young woman from Ethiopia: A case report
Authors: Lamessa Adugna , Birhanu Abdi , Mekonnen Gashahun , Mohammed Abdulkadir , Woyimo Tamirat Godebo , Asefa Elsah Tegene
Published: April 2024

Takayasu arteritis (TAK) is a rare large-vessel vasculitis of unknown etiology that leads to arterial wall thickening, stenosis, and occlusion, which may complicate cerebrovascular ischemic events. Ischemic stroke is a potentially devastating complication of TAK at a young age, but the occurrence is still rarely reported in Ethiopia. Although it occurs late in the course of the condition, it may be the initial presentation and suggest an unfavorable prognosis. Herein, we address the case of a 25-year-old woman who presented to a university hospital while on follow-up after 2 years of stroke with deterioration in clinical symptoms, absent brachial artery pulses, and unrecordable blood pressure in both arms. At the time of admission in 2021, the contrast brain computed tomography scan revealed an ischemic infarction in the right middle cerebral artery territory. However, the etiology of the stroke could not be defined at that time due to ambiguity in the clinical picture and the inability of clinicians to incorporate TAK into the differential diagnosis, resulting in a delay in the early diagnosis of the case. Two years later, in 2023, she underwent computed tomography angiography and was diagnosed to have TAK based on American College of Rheumatology criteria, with Numano type IIb angiographic extent of disease, ischemic stroke, and stage II systemic hypertension. The patient was treated by a field of experts. This case highlights the need to consider TAK in the differential diagnosis of stroke in young patients in the absence of traditional risk factors; appropriate tests should be performed to confirm or rule out this diagnosis, and management should be modified accordingly.
Acute kidney injury in Hodgkin’s lymphoma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma/leukemia, and lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma: One center experience
Authors: Zakharova Elena , Makarova Tatyana , Leonova Eugenia , Nikitina Elena , Stolyarevich Ekaterina
Published: April 2024

Background:

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication in patients with leukemia and lymphoma. In this single-center non-interventional retrospective study from 2010 to 2022, we aimed to evaluate causes, clinical features, and pathology finding in patients with Hodgkin lymphoma (HL), non-Hodgkin lymphoma/leukemia (NHL/CLL), or lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma (LPL) and AKI.

Methods:

We identified 101 patients with HL, NHL/CLL, and LPL. We analyzed AKI incidence and various clinical, laboratory, and pathology parameters and outcomes.

Results:

About 46.5% of patients with HL, NHL/CLL, and LPL presented with AKI. The incidence of AKI was the highest in the CLL setting (65.0%), it was lower and almost equal (48.0% and 47.0%) in NHL and HL, respectively, and the lowest (14.2%) in LPL. Study group comprised of 47 patients, M/F 31/16, median age was 64.0 [52.0; 71.0] years, and the patients with HL were significantly younger ( p = 0.022). The median disease duration prior to the AKI presentation was 14 [5; 44] months. Pre-renal AKI was diagnosed in 48.9% of cases: tumor lysis syndrome (TLS), specific lymphoid infiltration (LI), and post-renal AKI presented in 12.7% each. Kidney biopsy in 49% of patients revealed LI in 39.1% of cases. Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis presented in 21.7% of cases, proliferative glomerulonephritis with monoclonal immunoglobulin deposits in 13.0%, AA amyloidosis, IgA nephropathy, and AA amyloidosis in 8.6% each. AKI recovered in 63.8% of patients and 59.5% of patients were alive and dialysis-free at last evaluation: 100% with HL versus 58.3%, 46.1%, and 0% with NHL, LL, and LPL, respectively ( p = 0.025); and 8.5% remained alive on dialysis. About 25.5% of patients died after discontinuation or without need for dialysis; and 6.3% died on dialysis.

Conclusion:

AKI in patients with leukemia and lymphoma is heterogeneous and most commonly caused by volume depletion. AKI recovery, though not complete, occurred in 63.8% of cases with 68% survival.
Gendered space-time constraints, daily activities, and social cohesion: Evidence from Fuzhou, China
Authors: Zhang Xue , Wang Xiaomeng , Li Yanxi , Tang Yifan
Published: April 2024

Previous literature on social cohesion has emphasized the role of daily activities but overlooked their interrelated nature resulting from space-time constraints. Moreover, gendered constraints found in recent studies add complexity to the mechanism. This research broadens the scope of social cohesion studies by adopting a gendered activity perspective. Utilizing data from an activity diary survey conducted in 2021 in Fuzhou, China, we explore gender differences in the impact of housework activity, employment activity, and neighborly social activity on social cohesion, considering gendered space-time constraints. Employing a multi-group structural equation model, we find that, compared to men, women’s social cohesion is more sensitive to and significantly affected by activity constraints. While stronger space-time constraints on housework activities offer opportunities for women’s neighborly social activities and social cohesion, constraints on employment activities play a negative role in their social cohesion. In contrast, activity constraints only slightly impact men’s social cohesion. We discuss policy implications for more specific initiatives to enhance social cohesion for men and women.
Targeting Mitochondrial Complex I Deficiency in MPP+/MPTP-induced Parkinson’s Disease Cell Culture and Mouse Models by Transducing Yeast NDI1 Gene
Authors: Li Hongzhi , Zhang Jing , Shen Yuqi , Ye Yifan , Jiang Qingyou , Chen Lan , Sun Bohao , Chen Zhuo , Shen Luxi , Fang Hezhi , Yang Jifeng , Gu Haihua
Published: April 2024

Background

MPTP (1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine), original found in synthetic heroin, causes Parkinson’s disease (PD) in human through its metabolite MPP+ by inhibiting complex I of mitochondrial respiratory chain in dopaminergic neurons. This study explored whether yeast internal NADH-quinone oxidoreductase (NDI1) has therapeutic effects in MPTP- induced PD models by functionally compensating for the impaired complex I. MPP+-treated SH-SY5Y cells and MPTP-treated mice were used as the PD cell culture and mouse models respectively. The recombinant NDI1 lentivirus was transduced into SH-SY5Y cells, or the recombinant NDI1 adeno-associated virus (rAAV5-NDI1) was injected into substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) of mice.

Results

The study in vitro showed NDI1 prevented MPP+-induced change in cell morphology and decreased cell viability, mitochondrial coupling efficiency, complex I-dependent oxygen consumption, and mitochondria-derived ATP. The study in vivo revealed that rAAV-NDI1 injection significantly improved the motor ability and exploration behavior of MPTP-induced PD mice. Accordingly, NDI1 notably improved dopaminergic neuron survival, reduced the inflammatory response, and significantly increased the dopamine content in striatum and complex I activity in substantia nigra.

Conclusions

NDI1 compensates for the defective complex I in MPP+/MPTP-induced models, and vastly alleviates MPTP-induced toxic effect on dopaminergic neurons. Our study may provide a basis for gene therapy of sporadic PD with defective complex I caused by MPTP-like substance.
A new nomogram to predict in-hospital mortality in patients with acute decompensated chronic heart failure and diabetes after 48 Hours of Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Liu Linlin , Feng Lei , Lu Cheng , Zhang Jiehan , Zhao Ya , Che Lin
Published: April 2024

Background

The study set out to develop an accurate and clinically valuable prognostic nomogram to assess the risk of in-hospital death in patients with acute decompensated chronic heart failure (ADCHF) and diabetes.

Methods

We extracted clinical data of patients diagnosed with ADCHF and diabetes from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care III database. Risk variables were selected utilizing least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression analysis, and were included in multivariate logistic regression and presented in nomogram. bootstrap was used for internal validation. The discriminative power and predictive accuracy of the nomogram were estimated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), calibration curve and decision curve analysis (DCA).

Results

Among 867 patients with ADCHF and diabetes, In-hospital death occurred in 81 (9.3%) patients. Age, heart rate, systolic blood pressure, red blood cell distribution width, shock, β-blockers, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers, assisted ventilation, and blood urea nitrogen were brought into the nomogram model. The calibration curves suggested that the nomogram was well calibrated. The AUC of the nomogram was 0.873 (95% CI: 0.834–0.911), which was higher that of the Simplified Acute Physiology Score II [0.761 (95% CI: 0.711–0.810)] and sequential organ failure assessment score [0.699 (95% CI: 0.642–0.756)], and Guidelines-Heart Failure score [0.782 (95% CI: 0.731–0.835)], indicating that the nomogram had better ability to predict in-hospital mortality. In addition, the internally validated C-index was 0.857 (95% CI: 0.825–0.891), which again verified the validity of this model.

Conclusions

This study constructed a simple and accurate nomogram for predicting in-hospital mortality in patients with ADCHF and diabetes, especially in those who admitted to the intensive care unit for more than 48 hours, which contributed clinicians to assess the risk and individualize the treatment of patients, thereby reducing in-hospital mortality.
Assessment of subclinical left ventricular systolic and diastolic dysfunction in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus under follow-up at Tikur Anbessa specialized hospital, Ethiopia: a case-control study
Authors: Seleshi Tigist , Alemneh Theodros , Mekonnen Dufera , Tesfaye Demu , Markos Sura , Getachew Yitagesu , Taddese Konno , Guteta Senbeta
Published: April 2024

Background

Individuals with diabetes mellitus are at increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, which in turn are the most common cause of morbidity and mortality in the diabetic population. A peculiar feature of cardiovascular diseases in this population is that they can have significant cardiac disease while remaining asymptomatic. There is a paucity of data regarding subclinical cardiac imaging features among diabetic adults in Africa, particularly in Ethiopia. This study was conducted to compare the magnitude and spectrum of left ventricular systolic and diastolic dysfunction among asymptomatic type 2 diabetic adults versus a normotensive, non-diabetic control group and to evaluate the determinants of left ventricular diastolic and systolic dysfunction.

Methods

This was a case-control study conducted at Tikur Anbessa specialized hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A standard transthoracic echocardiography was done for all study participants with type 2 diabetes mellitus and their normotensive and non-diabetic controls. Structured questionnaires were used to collect demographic and clinical characteristics and laboratory test results. Statistical analysis was done using the SPSS 25.0 software. The data was summarized using descriptive statistics. Bivariate and multivariate analysis was performed to determine the association between variables and echocardiographic parameters. The strength of statistical association was measured by adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals, with significant differences taken at p < 0.05.

Results

We analyzed age- and sex-matched 100 participants in the study (diabetic) group and 200 individuals in the control group. Left ventricular systolic and diastolic dysfunction were significantly more prevalent among diabetic adults than their sex and age matched controls. Among diabetic individuals, ages of 60 years and above, dyslipidemia, use of Metformin and Glibenclamide, high serum triglyceride level, presence of neuropathy and use of statins correlated significantly with the presence of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction. Chronic kidney disease and neuropathy were determinants of left ventricular systolic dysfunction.

Conclusion

Left ventricular systolic and diastolic dysfunction were significantly more prevalent among diabetic patients than their sex- and age-matched controls in our study. We recommend early screening for subclinical left ventricular dysfunction, especially in the elderly and in those with chronic kidney disease, dyslipidemia, and microvascular complications such as neuropathy.
Common barriers and enablers to the use of non-drug interventions for managing common chronic conditions in primary care: an overview of reviews
Authors: Greenwood Hannah , Davidson Alexandra R. , Thomas Rae , Albarqouni Loai
Published: April 2024

Background

Non-drug interventions are recommended for chronic condition prevention and management yet are underused in clinical practice. Understanding barriers and enablers to using non-drug interventions may help implement non-drug interventions in primary care. We aimed to conduct an overview of reviews to identify and summarise common barriers and enablers for using non-drug interventions for common chronic conditions in primary care.

Methods

We included qualitative and quantitative reviews that used systematic process or methods to examine barriers and enablers to using non-drug interventions for chronic condition prevention and management in primary care settings. We searched 5 electronic databases (PubMed, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, EMBASE, PsycInfo and CINAHL) from inception to September 2022. Two authors independently screened reviews. One author extracted and deductively coded data to Consolidated Framework of Implementation Research (CFIR) (and where relevant, Theoretical Domains Framework [TDF]). A second author validated 10% of extracted data and coding. Data was synthesised thematically using CFIR and TDF. One author assessed the methodological quality of included reviews using a modified AMSTAR 2 tool, with 10% validated by a second author. We assessed overlap between primary studies in included reviews.

Results

From 5324 records, we included 25 reviews, with data predominately from patients. Overall, 130 subthemes (71 barrier and 59 enabler) were identified across 4 CFIR domains (Innovation, Outer Setting, Inner Setting, and Individuals), and all TDF domains. Common barrier and enabler subthemes were identified for CFIR constructs of Innovation Adaptability, Innovation Cost, Innovation Relative Advantage, Local Attitudes, External Pressure, Local Conditions, Relational Connections, Available Resources, and Access to Knowledge and Information. For TDF domains, important barrier and enabler subthemes were identified for Knowledge, Skills, Environmental Context and Resources, Beliefs about Consequences, Reinforcement, and Emotion.

Conclusions

We synthesised reviews to provide new insight into common barriers and enablers for using non-drug interventions to prevent and manage chronic conditions in primary care. The factors identified can inform the development of generalisable implementation interventions to enhance uptake of multiple non-drug interventions simultaneously.

Trial Registration

This study was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022357583).
The effect of intrahepatic cholestasis in pregnancy combined with different stages of hepatitis B virus infection on pregnancy outcomes: a retrospective study
Authors: Gao Qian , Li Xuejiao , Wang Li , Tan Xiaozhi , Li Zhe , Xu Chengfang
Published: April 2024

Background and aims

To investigate the impact of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection on pregnancy outcomes.

Methods

We selected 512 pregnant women, collected the data including maternal demographics, main adverse pregnancy outcomes and maternal HBV infected markers HBeAg and HBV-DNA loads status, then have a comparative analysis.

Results

There were 319 solitary ICP patients without HBV infection (Group I) and 193 ICP patients with HBV infection. Of the latter, there were 118 cases with abnormal liver function(Group II) and 80 cases with normal liver function(Group III). All HBV-infected pregnant women with ICP were divided into hepatitis Be antigen (HBeAg)-positive group (102 cases) and HBeAg-negative group (91 cases), according to the level of the serum HBeAg status; and into high viral load group (92 cases), moderate viral load group (46 cases) and low viral load group (55 cases) according to the maternal HBV-DNA level. Group II had a higher level of serum total bile acids, transaminase, bilirubin as well as a higher percentage of premature delivery, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission and meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MSAF) compared with the other two groups(P < 0.05), but there were no significant differences in the above indicators between the Group I and Group III. Among the HBV-infected patients with ICP, HBeAg-positive group had a higher level of serum transaminase, bilirubin and bile acid as well as earlier gestational weeks of delivery, lower birth weight of new-borns and a higher rate of NICU admission than HBeAg-negative group (P < 0.05). Those with a high viral load (HBV-DNA > 106 IU/ml) had a higher level of transaminase, bilirubin, and bile acid as well as shorter gestational weeks of delivery, lower birth weight of new-borns and a higher rate of NICU admission compared with those with a low or moderate viral load (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

HBV-infected pregnant women with ICP combined with abnormal liver function have more severe liver damage, a higher percentage of preterm birth and NICU admission. HBeAg-positive status and a high HBV-DNA load will increase the severity of conditions in HBV-infected pregnant women with ICP. HBV-infected patients with ICP who have abnormal liver function, HBeAg-positive or a high viral load should be treated more actively.
Real-world patient characteristics and treatment patterns in US patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Divan Hozefa A. , Bittoni Marisa A. , Krishna Ashok , Carbone David P.
Published: April 2024

Background

Patients from non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) controlled clinical trials do not always reflect real-world heterogeneous patient populations. We designed a study to describe the real-world patient characteristics and treatment patterns of first-line treatment in patients in the US with NSCLC.

Methods

This was an observational, retrospective cohort study based on electronic medical records of US adults with locally advanced or metastatic disease in the ConcertAI Patient360 NSCLC database who initiated first-line treatment with anti-programmed cell death protein 1/programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1) therapy between July 2016 and December 2020. The analysis used patient attributes, clinical characteristics, and treatments from each patient’s medical records.

Results

A total of 2175 patients were eligible for analysis. The median age was 68 years, and 26.2% of the patients were ≥75 years old. At treatment initiation, 96.4% and 3.6% of the patients had Stage 4 and Stage 3 (B or C) NSCLC, respectively. The most common histology type was nonsquamous adenocarcinoma (66.4%), and 19.8% had Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status ≥2. Immunosuppressive medications were being used by 17.7% of patients, and 11.0% were immunocompromised. Almost all patients had metastases: 64.6% had 1, 23.2% had 2, and 8.0% had ≥3 metastatic sites. Brain metastases were present in 22.9% of patients. Treatment evolution was observed with first-line standard of care shifting from single-agent immunotherapy in 2016 (90.2%) to combination immunotherapy and chemotherapy in 2020 (60.2%).

Conclusion

Between 2016 and 2020, the first-line treatment paradigm for advanced NSCLC in the US shifted from anti–PD-1/PD-L1 monotherapy to combination chemoimmunotherapy, with increasing biomarker testing. Further research in heterogeneous patient populations to characterize treatment strategies is warranted.