bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of Leadership Styles in Fostering Organizational Commitment Among Nurses
Authors: Gavya V. , Subashini R.
Published: May 2024

This study aims to explicitly examine the relationship between leadership styles and nurse organizational commitment, providing specific correlations and regression results to enhance readers’ understanding of the findings. Nurses’ well-being is significantly influenced by the leadership styles they observe, and effective healthcare leadership is crucial for improving healthcare systems’ efficacy. The study population consists of private hospital nurses from Vellore City, Tamil Nadu, India. Questionnaires were disseminated using Google Forms, resulting in 308 responses, of which 283 ( N = 283) were deemed usable. Nurses self-rated their perceptions of their various managers’ leadership styles using the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire 5x-short, along with the Three-Component Model (TCM) Employee Commitment Survey and a demographic questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression were examined using SPSS 26.0. The study’s regression analysis found significant links between leadership styles and various types of commitment among nurses. Specifically, the results show that transformational (TRF) and laissez-faire (LF) leadership styles positively impacted affective commitment. TRF had a stronger influence (TRF: β = .938, p < .001; LF: β = .580, p < .001). The findings also indicate that TRF and LF styles positively influenced normative commitment (TRF: β = .803, p < .001; LF: β = .392, p < .001), while transactional (TRA) leadership had a negative effect on normative commitment (TRA: β = −.308, p = .007). These results provide valuable insights for healthcare organizations looking to increase commitment among their nursing staff by fostering specific leadership styles. This study contributes to nursing and organizational behavior by filling a gap in the current knowledge on the relationship between leadership styles and organizational commitment among nurses. Given the specific obstacles and stresses nurses face in their jobs, understanding how different leadership styles affect their commitment can assist healthcare organizations in better supporting their nursing staff. Healthcare organizations can apply these results by implementing targeted leadership development programs to identify and cultivate leaders with transformational and laissez-faire traits. Additionally, organizations can create a work environment that values autonomy and decision-making, fostering commitment among nurses. Future research could explore the long-term effects of implementing leadership development programs based on the identified effective leadership styles. Additionally, examining the broader implications of these findings for the field of nursing and healthcare management would be valuable for advancing the understanding of organizational commitment among nurses.
Fostering Environmental Performance Via Corporate Social Responsibility and Green Innovation Initiatives: Examining the Moderating Influence of Competitive Advantage
Authors: Owusu Esther Agyeiwaa , Zhou Lulin , Kwasi Sampene Agyemang , Sarpong Francis Atta , Arboh Francisca
Published: May 2024

The current research delves into the correlation between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and the environmental performance (EP) of manufacturing enterprises in China. In addition, we examined the mediation impact of green innovation practices (GIP) on the interaction between CSR and EP. The study also looked at competitive advantage (CPA) as a moderator to see how it influences the connection between CSR and EP in dynamic capability view theory (DCV). A structured questionnaire was adapted to collect data from 910 manufacturing companies in Zhanjiang city, in Jiangsu province, China. The partial least squares (PLS-SEM) methodology analyzed the theoretical framework. The empirical findings are as follows: (1) CSR is a crucial predictor of EP. (2) GIP has a direct impact on EP. (3) GIP acts as a mediator in the CSR-EP connection, and (4) Lastly, the CPA strongly enhances the interaction between CSR and EP. These findings contribute practically and theoretically to understanding how CSR fosters EP, emphasizing the necessity for manufacturing companies to institute policies and initiatives for environmental sustainability and prioritize ecologically friendly practices to enhance EP.
The Impacts of Work-Family Conflict and Corporate Innovation on Organizational Performance
Authors: Huang Xiaoxia , Liu Yuyin , Zhao Jing
Published: May 2024

Work-family conflict has gained a growing amount of attention in the field of workplace stress, which can negatively impact employee health. Work-family equilibrium is difficult to maintain in contemporary industrialized societies due to the rising demands of both the workplace and the home. This study relied on self-determination theory, conservation of resources theory, psychological safety, innovative human resource management practices, and social exchange theory. It investigates the impacts of work-family conflict on psychological well-being and psychological safety. It also investigates the indirect effects of work-family conflict on organizational performance. This study investigates the influence of innovative human resource management on psychological safety, physical well-being, and social well-being. Finally, the indirect effects of innovative human resource management on organizational performance are examined. The data used in this research was gathered from a variety of Chinese industrial sources. The subjects of this research are China employees of a diverse range of companies. A total of 442 employees were randomly chosen utilizing a sampling technique. According to the findings, work-family conflict has a significant effect on psychological safety but not a significant impact on psychological well-being. Innovative human resource management has a significant effect on psychological well-being, physical well-being, and social well-being. Psychological safety and social well-being also impact significantly organizational performance. Finally, this study provided some important theoretical contributions and practical implications for the reference of industries and academics.
Traveling with Perceived Risks to a “COVID-19-Shaken” Destination in the New Normal Era
Authors: Liu Xuerui , Wang Jiayu , Cai Jing , Tse Serene
Published: May 2024

This paper investigates how tourists develop adaptive perceptions in response to pandemic situations and how these perceptions influence their international travel decision-making toward a COVID-19-shaken destination in the new normal era. The survey was administered to Chinese potential international tourists and 608 questionnaires were utilized in data analysis. The results revealed the indirect effect of COVID-19 risk perception on travel intention first through cognitive image and then through affective image. Cognitive and affective images were identified as mediators of these interrelationships. The findings also showed that COVID-19 displayed varying effects on tourists with different past travel experiences. By unveiling factors influencing individuals’ travel decision-making in the new normal era, this study provides a theoretical basis for understanding the psychological and behavioral effects caused by a pandemic; delineating the underlying mechanism of the COVID-19 risk perception effect on international travel decision-making; expanding the research on destination image by clarifying the mediating roles of cognitive and affective images and their relation; providing timely and insightful implications for post-pandemic tourism recovery.
An Investigation of Fastness and Potential Antibacterial Features on Cotton Fabric Colored with Novel Azo Compounds
Authors: Saral Özdemir Pınar , Kaya Kantar Günay , Özgüney Arif Taner , Şaşmaz Selami
Published: May 2024

Novel azo compounds were synthesized by diazotization of aniline and of 3-aminopyridine in the presence of NaNO2 and HCl, followed by coupling with 2-methylresorcinol in alkaline media. The structures were characterized using FT-IR, 1H NMR, and 13C NMR analysis. The main purpose of the present study is to investigate coloration applications, and antibacterial and fastness properties of the new azo structures in textile industry. Exhaust dyeing processes were applied on cotton fabric. Color strength ( K/ S values), L, a*, and b* values were measured. The color fastness values (to rubbing, light, perspiration, washing) of azo compounds on cotton fabric were presented according to ISO standards for comparison. Antibacterial activity assessment of the colored fabrics was performed according to AATCC 147-2016 test method against two types of bacteria: Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae. The fabric dyed with 2-methyl-4-[pyridin-3-yldiazenyl]benzene-1,3-diol demonstrated acceptable antibacterial activity against S. aureus.
Sex Differences in Severity and Risk Factors for Ischemic Stroke in Patients With Hyperlipidemia
Authors: Imeh-Nathaniel Emmanuel , Imeh-Nathaniel Samuel , Imeh-Nathaniel Adebobola , Coker-Ayo Oreoluwa , Kulkarni Nikhil , Nathaniel Thomas I
Published: May 2024

Objective:

This study aims to determine sex differences in poststroke hypertriglyceridemia (serum triglyceride levels ⩾ 200 mg/dl) and high stroke severity in ischemic stroke patients.

Method:

Our study analyzed data from 392 males and 373 females with hypertriglyceridemia. Stroke severity on admission was measured using the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) with a value ⩽7 indicating a more favorable post-stroke prognosis while a score of >7 indicates poorer post-stroke outcomes. Logistic regression models adjusted for demographic and risk factors. The adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for each clinical risk factor were used to predict the increasing odds of an association of a specific clinical baseline risk factor with the male or female AIS with hypertriglyceridemia.

Results:

In the adjusted analysis, male patients with hypertriglyceridemia, diastolic blood pressure (OR = 1.100, 95% CI, 1.034-1.171, P = .002), and Ischemic stroke mortality (OR = 6.474, 95% CI, 3.262-12.847, P < .001) were significantly associated with increased stroke severity. In female patients with hypertriglyceridemia, age (OR = 0.920, 95% CI, 0.866-0.978, P = .008) was associated with reduced stroke severity, while ischemic stroke mortality score (OR = 37.477, 95% CI, 9.636-145.756, P < .001) was associated with increased stroke severity.

Conclusion

Increased ischemic stroke mortality risk score was associated with increased severity in both male and female AIS patients with hypertriglyceridemia. Our findings provide information about sex differences in specific risk factors that can be managed to improve the care of male and female ischemic stroke patients with hypertriglyceridemia.
ViroISDC: a method for calling integration sites of hepatitis B virus based on feature encoding
Authors: Qiao Lei , Li Chang , Lin Wei , He Xiaoqi , Mi Jia , Tong Yigang , Gao Jingyang
Published: May 2024

Background

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) integrates into human chromosomes and can lead to genomic instability and hepatocarcinogenesis. Current tools for HBV integration site detection lack accuracy and stability.

Results

This study proposes a deep learning-based method, named ViroISDC, for detecting integration sites. ViroISDC generates corresponding grammar rules and encodes the characteristics of the language data to predict integration sites accurately. Compared with Lumpy, Pindel, Seeksv, and SurVirus, ViroISDC exhibits better overall performance and is less sensitive to sequencing depth and integration sequence length, displaying good reliability, stability, and generality. Further downstream analysis of integrated sites detected by ViroISDC reveals the integration patterns and features of HBV. It is observed that HBV integration exhibits specific chromosomal preferences and tends to integrate into cancerous tissue. Moreover, HBV integration frequency was higher in males than females, and high-frequency integration sites were more likely to be present on hepatocarcinogenesis- and anti-cancer-related genes, validating the reliability of the ViroISDC.

Conclusions

ViroISDC pipeline exhibits superior precision, stability, and reliability across various datasets when compared to similar software. It is invaluable in exploring HBV infection in the human body, holding significant implications for the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis assessment of HCC.
Transcriptomic and metabolomic dissection of skeletal muscle of crossbred Chongming white goats with different meat production performance
Authors: Lin Yuexia , Sun Lingwei , Lv Yuhua , Liao Rongrong , Zhang Keqing , Zhou Jinyong , Zhang Shushan , Xu Jiehuan , He Mengqian , Wu Caifeng , Zhang Defu , Shen Xiaohui , Dai Jianjun , Gao Jun
Published: May 2024

Background

The transcriptome and metabolome dissection of the skeletal muscle of high- and low- growing individuals from a crossbred population of the indigenous Chongming white goat and the Boer goat were performed to discover the potential functional differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and differential expression metabolites (DEMs).

Results

A total of 2812 DEGs were detected in 6 groups at three time stages (3,6,12 Month) in skeletal muscle using the RNA-seq method. A DEGs set containing seven muscle function related genes (TNNT1, TNNC1, TNNI1, MYBPC2, MYL2, MHY7, and CSRP3) was discovered, and their expression tended to increase as goat muscle development progressed. Seven DEGs (TNNT1, FABP3, TPM3, DES, PPP1R27, RCAN1, LMOD2) in the skeletal muscle of goats in the fast-growing and slow-growing groups was verified their expression difference by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Further, through the Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) approach, a total of 183 DEMs in various groups of the muscle samples and these DEMs such as Queuine and Keto-PGF1α, which demonstrated different abundance between the goat fast-growing group and slow-growing group. Through weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA), the study correlated the DEGs with the DEMs and identified 4 DEGs modules associated with 18 metabolites.

Conclusion

This study benefits to dissection candidate genes and regulatory networks related to goat meat production performance, and the joint analysis of transcriptomic and metabolomic data provided insights into the study of goat muscle development.
Genetic recombination-mediated evolutionary interactions between phages of potential industrial importance and prophages of their hosts within or across the domains of Escherichia, Listeria, Salmonella, Campylobacter, and Staphylococcus
Authors: Kobakhidze Saba , Koulouris Stylianos , Kakabadze Nata , Kotetishvili Mamuka
Published: May 2024

Background

The in-depth understanding of the role of lateral genetic transfer (LGT) in phage-prophage interactions is essential to rationalizing phage applications for human and animal therapy, as well as for food and environmental safety. This in silico study aimed to detect LGT between phages of potential industrial importance and their hosts.

Methods

A large array of genetic recombination detection algorithms, implemented in SplitsTree and RDP4, was applied to detect LGT between various Escherichia, Listeria, Salmonella, Campylobacter, Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas, and Vibrio phages and their hosts. PHASTER and RAST were employed respectively to identify prophages across the host genome and to annotate LGT-affected genes with unknown functions. PhageAI was used to gain deeper insights into the life cycle history of recombined phages.

Results

The split decomposition inferences (bootstrap values: 91.3–100; fit: 91.433-100), coupled with the Phi (0.0-2.836E-12) and RDP4 (P being well below 0.05) statistics, provided strong evidence for LGT between certain Escherichia, Listeria, Salmonella, and Campylobacter virulent phages and prophages of their hosts. The LGT events entailed mainly the phage genes encoding for hypothetical proteins, while some of these genetic loci appeared to have been affected even by intergeneric recombination in specific E. coli and S. enterica virulent phages when interacting with their host prophages. Moreover, it is shown that certain L. monocytogenes virulent phages could serve at least as the donors of the gene loci, involved in encoding for the basal promoter specificity factor, for L. monocytogenes. In contrast, the large genetic clusters were determined to have been simultaneously exchanged by many S. aureus prophages and some Staphylococcus temperate phages proposed earlier as potential therapeutic candidates (in their native or modified state). The above genetic clusters were found to encompass multiple genes encoding for various proteins, such as e.g., phage tail proteins, the capsid and scaffold proteins, holins, and transcriptional terminator proteins.

Conclusions

It is suggested that phage-prophage interactions, mediated by LGT (including intergeneric recombination), can have a far-reaching impact on the co-evolutionary trajectories of industrial phages and their hosts especially when excessively present across microbially rich environments.
De novo assembly of the complete mitochondrial genome of pepino (Solanum muricatum) using PacBio HiFi sequencing: insights into structure, phylogenetic implications, and RNA editing
Authors: Li Ziwei , Liu Jiaxun , Liang Mingtai , Guo Yanbing , Chen Xia , Wu Hongzhi , Jin Shoulin
Published: May 2024

Background

Solanum muricatum is an emerging horticultural fruit crop with rich nutritional and antioxidant properties. Although the chromosome-scale genome of this species has been sequenced, its mitochondrial genome sequence has not been reported to date.

Results

PacBio HiFi sequencing was used to assemble the circular mitogenome of S. muricatum, which was 433,466 bp in length. In total, 38 protein-coding, 19 tRNA, and 3 rRNA genes were annotated. The reticulate mitochondrial conformations with multiple junctions were verified by polymerase chain reaction, and codon usage, sequence repeats, and gene migration from chloroplast to mitochondrial genome were determined. A collinearity analysis of eight Solanum mitogenomes revealed high structural variability. Overall, 585 RNA editing sites in protein coding genes were identified based on RNA-seq data. Among them, mttB was the most frequently edited (52 times), followed by ccmB (46 times). A phylogenetic analysis based on the S. muricatum mitogenome and those of 39 other taxa (including 25 Solanaceae species) revealed the evolutionary and taxonomic status of S. muricatum.

Conclusions

We provide the first report of the assembled and annotated S. muricatum mitogenome. This information will help to lay the groundwork for future research on the evolutionary biology of Solanaceae species. Furthermore, the results will assist the development of molecular breeding strategies for S. muricatum based on the most beneficial agronomic traits of this species.
Early identification and awareness of child abuse and neglect among physicians and teachers
Authors: Roeders M. , Pauschek J. , Lehbrink R. , Schlicht L. , Jeschke S. , Neininger M.P. , Bertsche A.
Published: May 2024

Background

Child abuse and neglect (CAN) causes enormous suffering for those affected.

Objective

The study investigated the current state of knowledge concerning the recognition of CAN and protocols for suspected cases amongst physicians and teachers.

Methods

In a pilot study conducted in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania from May 2020 to June 2021, we invited teachers and physicians working with children to complete an online questionnaire containing mainly multiple-choice-questions.

Results

In total, 45 physicians and 57 teachers responded. Altogether, 84% of physicians and 44% of teachers were aware of cases in which CAN had occurred in the context of their professional activity. Further, 31% of physicians and 23% of teachers stated that specific instructions on CAN did not exist in their professional institution or that they were not aware of them. All physicians and 98% of teachers were in favor of mandatory training on CAN for pediatric residents and trainee teachers. Although 13% of physicians and 49% of teachers considered a discussion of a suspected case of CAN to constitute a breach of confidentiality, 87% of physicians and 60% of teachers stated that they would discuss a suspected case with colleagues.

Conclusion

Despite the fact that a large proportion of respondents had already been confronted with suspected cases of CAN, further guidelines for reporting procedures and training seem necessary. There is still uncertainty in both professions on dealing with cases of suspected CAN.
Occult retinal neovascularization following intravitreal bevacizumab and laser treatment for retinopathy of prematurity
Authors: Ng Wei Loon , Trinavarat Adisak , Atchaneeyasakul La-ongsri
Published: May 2024

Background

We present a patient with retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) who developed worsening plus disease after complete regression of stage 3 ROP. The use of fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) aided the visualization of occult neovascularization that caused the disease progression.

Case presentation

The patient was at high risk for ROP due to low birth weight of 690 g and gestational age of 25 weeks. After the diagnosis of stage 3 ROP in zone I without plus disease, she was treated initially with bilateral intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) and followed by laser photocoagulation 5 weeks later. Despite the resolution of ROP stage, the plus disease worsened. Neither systemic risk factors nor skip laser areas were observed. Hence, FFA was performed and subsequently identified occult neovascularization with active leakage. Additional IVB and laser treatment in the capillary dropout area inside vascularized retina were added. The plus disease improved but mild arteriolar tortuosity persisted.

Conclusions

Worsening of plus disease after completion of laser ablation and IVB with complete regression of stage 3 ROP is rare. Systemic risk factors such as continuous oxygen therapy and cardiovascular disease should be ruled out. FFA aided in identifying occult neovascularization and prompted further treatment.
Factors associated with non-fatal heart failure and atrial fibrillation or flutter within the first 30 days post COPD exacerbation: a nested case-control study
Authors: Graul Emily L. , Nordon Clementine , Rhodes Kirsty , Menon Shruti , Al Ammouri Mahmoud , Kallis Constantinos , Ioannides Anne E. , Whittaker Hannah R. , Peters Nicholas S. , Quint Jennifer K.
Published: May 2024

Background

An immediate, temporal risk of heart failure and arrhythmias after a Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) exacerbation has been demonstrated, particularly in the first month post-exacerbation. However, the clinical profile of patients who develop heart failure (HF) or atrial fibrillation/flutter (AF) following exacerbation is unclear. Therefore we examined factors associated with people being hospitalized for HF or AF, respectively, following a COPD exacerbation.

Methods

We conducted two nested case-control studies, using primary care electronic healthcare records from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink Aurum linked to Hospital Episode Statistics, Office for National Statistics for mortality, and socioeconomic data (2014-2020). Cases had hospitalization for HF or AF within 30 days of a COPD exacerbation, with controls matched by GP practice (HF 2:1;AF 3:1). We used conditional logistic regression to explore demographic and clinical factors associated with HF and AF hospitalization.

Results

Odds of HF hospitalization (1,569 cases, 3,138 controls) increased with age, type II diabetes, obesity, HF and arrhythmia history, exacerbation severity (hospitalization), most cardiovascular medications, GOLD airflow obstruction, MRC dyspnea score, and chronic kidney disease. Strongest associations were for severe exacerbations (adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=6.25, 95%CI 5.10-7.66), prior HF (aOR=2.57, 95%CI 1.73-3.83), age≥80 years (aOR=2.41, 95%CI 1.88-3.09), and prior diuretics prescription (aOR=2.81, 95%CI 2.29-3.45).

Odds of AF hospitalization (841 cases, 2,523 controls) increased with age, male sex, severe exacerbation, arrhythmia and pulmonary hypertension history and most cardiovascular medications. Strongest associations were for severe exacerbations (aOR=5.78, 95%CI 4.45-7.50), age≥80 years (aOR=3.15, 95%CI 2.26-4.40), arrhythmia (aOR=3.55, 95%CI 2.53-4.98), pulmonary hypertension (aOR=3.05, 95%CI 1.21-7.68), and prescription of anticoagulants (aOR=3.81, 95%CI 2.57-5.64), positive inotropes (aOR=2.29, 95%CI 1.41-3.74) and anti-arrhythmic drugs (aOR=2.14, 95%CI 1.10-4.15).

Conclusions

Cardiopulmonary factors were associated with hospitalization for HF in the 30 days following a COPD exacerbation, while only cardiovascular-related factors and exacerbation severity were associated with AF hospitalization. Understanding factors will help target people for prevention.
Hindering the biofilm of microbial pathogens and cancer cell lines development using silver nanoparticles synthesized by epidermal mucus proteins from Clarias gariepinus
Authors: Alabssawy Ahmed N. , Abu-Elghait Mohammed , Azab Ahmad M. , Khalaf-Allah Hassan M. M. , Ashry Abdelrahman S. , Ali Ahmed O. M. , Sabra Abu-Bakr A. A. , Salem Salem S.
Published: May 2024

Scientists know very little about the mechanisms underlying fish skin mucus, despite the fact that it is a component of the immune system. Fish skin mucus is an important component of defence against invasive infections. Recently, Fish skin and its mucus are gaining interest among immunologists. Characterization was done on the obtained silver nanoparticles Ag combined with Clarias gariepinus catfish epidermal mucus proteins (EMP-Ag-NPs) through UV–vis, FTIR, XRD, TEM, and SEM. Ag-NPs ranged in size from 4 to 20 nm, spherical in form and the angles were 38.10°, 44.20°, 64.40°, and 77.20°, Where wavelength change after formation of EMP-Ag-NPs as indicate of dark brown, the broad band recorded at wavelength at 391 nm. Additionally, the antimicrobial, antibiofilm and anticancer activities of EMP-Ag-NPs was assessed. The present results demonstrate high activity against unicellular fungi C. albicans, followed by E. faecalis. Antibiofilm results showed strong activity against both S. aureus and P. aeruginosa pathogens in a dose-dependent manner, without affecting planktonic cell growth. Also, cytotoxicity effect was investigated against normal cells (Vero), breast cancer cells (Mcf7) and hepatic carcinoma (HepG2) cell lines at concentrations (200–6.25 µg/mL) and current results showed highly anticancer effect of Ag-NPs at concentrations 100, 5 and 25 µg/mL exhibited rounding, shrinkage, deformation and granulation of Mcf7 and HepG2 with IC50 19.34 and 31.16 µg/mL respectively while Vero cells appeared rounded at concentration 50 µg/mL and normal shape at concentration 25, 12.5 and 6.25 µg/ml with IC50 35.85 µg/mL. This study evidence the potential efficacy of biologically generated Ag-NPs as a substitute medicinal agent against harmful microorganisms. Furthermore, it highlights their inhibitory effect on cancer cell lines.
A qualitative study on the adaptation of community programmes for the promotion of early detection and health-seeking of perinatal depression in Nepal
Authors: Subba Prasansa , Petersen Williams Petal , Luitel Nagendra Prasad , Jordans Mark J. D. , Breuer Erica
Published: May 2024

Background

Despite the high burden of perinatal depression in Nepal, the detection rate is low. Community-based strategies such as sensitization programmes and the Community Informant Detection Tool (CIDT) have been found to be effective in raising awareness and thus promoting the identification of mental health problems. This study aims to adapt these community strategies for perinatal depression in the Nepalese context.

Methods

We followed a four-step process to adapt the existing community sensitization program manual and CIDT. Step 1 included in-depth interviews with women identified with perinatal depression (n=36), and focus group discussions were conducted with health workers trained in community mental health (n=13), female community health volunteers (FCHVs), cadre of Nepal government for the prevention and promotion of community maternal and child health (n=16), and psychosocial counsellors (n=5). We explored idioms and understanding of depression, perceived causes, and possible intervention. Step 2 included draft preparation based on the qualitative study. Step 3 included a one-day workshop with the psychosocial counsellors (n=2) and health workers (n=12) to assess the understandability and comprehensiveness of the draft and to refine the content. A review of the CIDT and community sensitization program manual by a psychiatrist was performed in Step 4.

Results

The first step led to the content development for the CIDT and community sensitization manual. Multiple stakeholders and experts reviewed and refined the content from the second to fourth steps. Idioms of depression and commonly cited risk factors were incorporated in the CIDT. Additionally, myths of perinatal depression and the importance of the role of family were added to the community sensitization manual.

Conclusion

Both the CIDT and community sensitization manual are grounded in the local context and are simple, clear, and easy to understand.
Views of Hong Kong Chinese medicine practitioners on the application of the “Chinese Medicine Anti-epidemic Plans” prepared by the Chinese medicine expert group of central authorities: a focus group study
Authors: Chen Shu Cheng , Yeung Wing Fai , Cheng Hui Lin , Li Man Ho , Ho Yuen Shan
Published: May 2024

Background

Drawing on the extensive utilization of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to combat COVID-19 in Mainland China, experts designed a series of TCM anti-epidemic strategies. This study aims to understand Hong Kong CM practitioners’ application of and opinions on the “Chinese Medicine Anti-epidemic Plans.”

Methods

Online focus group interviews were conducted, and purposive sampling was employed to invite 22 CM practitioners to voluntarily participate in three interview sessions. The interviews were audio recorded, then transcribed verbatim. The transcripts were analyzed using template analysis.

Results

Three themes were derived: (1) facilitators of the “Chinese Medicine Anti-epidemic Plans,” (2) barriers of the “Chinese Medicine Anti-epidemic Plans,” and (3) expectations on improving the “Chinese Medicine Anti-epidemic Plans.” The participants could obtain relevant information from various sources, which highlights the value of the plans for TCM medicinal cuisine and non-pharmacologic therapies and guiding junior CM practitioners, supplementing Western medicine interventions, and managing Chinese herb reserves in clinics. However, the barriers included the lack of a specialized platform for timely information release, defective plan content, limited reference value to experienced CM practitioners, and lack of applicability to Hong Kong. The expectations of the CM practitioners for improving the plans were identified based on the barriers.

Conclusions

To enhance the implementation of the anti-epidemic plans, CM practitioners in Hong Kong expect to utilize a specific CM platform and refine the plans to ensure that they are realistic, focused, comprehensive, and tailored to the local context.
Postpartum length of hospital stay among obstetric patients in Ibadan, Nigeria
Authors: Adeoye Ikeola A. , Aleka Blessing U. , Afolabi Rotimi F. , Oluwasola Timothy A.O
Published: May 2024

Background

Postpartum Length of hospital stay (PLOHS) is an essential indicator of the quality of maternal and perinatal healthcare services. Identifying the factors associated with PLOHS will inform targeted interventions to reduce unnecessary hospitalisations and improve patient outcomes after childbirth. Therefore, we assessed the length of hospital stay after birth and the associated factors in Ibadan, Nigeria.

Methods

We used the Ibadan Pregnancy Cohort Study (IbPCS) data, and examined the 1057 women who had information on PLOHS the mode of delivery [spontaneous vagina delivery (SVD) or caesarean section (C/S)]. The outcome variable was PLOHS, which was described as the time interval between the delivery of the infant and discharge from the health facility. PLOHS was prolonged if > 24 h for SVD and > 96 h for C/S, but normal if otherwise. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, a chi-square test, and modified Poisson regression. The prevalence-risk ratio (PR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) are presented at the 5% significance level.

Results

The mean maternal age was (30.0 ± 5.2) years. Overall, the mean PLOHS for the study population was 2.6 (95% CI: 2.4–2.7) days. The average PLOHS for women who had vaginal deliveries was 1.7 (95%CI: 1.5–1.9) days, whereas those who had caesarean deliveries had an average LOHS of 4.4 (95%CI: 4.1–4.6) days. About a third had prolonged PLOHS: SVD 229 (32.1%) and C/S 108 (31.5%). Factors associated with prolonged PLOHS with SVD, were high income (aPR = 1.77; CI: 1.13, 2.79), frequent ANC visits (> 4) (aPR = 2.26; CI: 1.32, 3.87), and antenatal admission: (aPR = 1.88; CI: 1.15, 3.07). For C/S: maternal age > 35 years (aPR = 1.59; CI: 1.02, 2.47) and hypertensive disease in pregnancy (aPR = 0.61 ; CI: 0.38, 0.99) were associated with prolonged PLOHS.

Conclusion

The prolonged postpartum length of hospital stay was common among our study participants occurring in about a third of the women irrespective of the mode of delivery. Maternal income, advanced maternal age, ANC related issues were predisposing factors for prolonged LOHS. Further research is required to examine providers’ perspectives on PLOHS among obstetric patients in our setting.
Identifying gaps in healthcare: a qualitative study of Ukrainian refugee experiences in the German system, uncovering differences, information and support needs
Authors: Rolke Kristin , Walter Johanna , Weckbecker Klaus , Münster Eva , Tillmann Judith
Published: May 2024

Background

The 5.8 million Ukrainian refugees arriving in European countries must navigate varying healthcare systems and different and often unknown languages in their respective host countries. To date, there has been little exploration of the experiences, perceived differences, information and support needs of these refugees regarding the use of healthcare in Germany.

Methods

We conducted ten qualitative interviews with Ukrainian refugees living in Germany from February to May 2023, using Ukrainian, English and German language. The transcribed interviews were analysed using the qualitative content analysis method according to Kuckartz and Rädiker with the MAXQDA software.

Results

In general, participants consistently had a positive experience of the German healthcare system, particularly regarding the quality of treatments and insurance. Differences have been reported in the structure of the healthcare systems. The Ukrainian healthcare system is divided into private and state sectors, with no mandatory insurance and frequent out-of-pocket payments. Pathways differ and tend to focus more on clinics and private doctors. General practitioners, often working in less well-equipped offices, have only recently gained prominence due to healthcare system reforms. Initiating contact with doctors is often easier, with much shorter waiting times compared to Germany. Interviewees often found the prescription requirements for many medications in Germany to be unusual. However, the mentioned differences in healthcare result in unmet information needs among the refugees, especially related to communication, navigating the healthcare system, health insurance, waiting times and medication access. These needs were often addressed through personal internet research and informal (social media) networks because of lacking official information provided during or after their arrival.

Conclusions

Despite the positive experiences of Ukrainian refugees in the German healthcare system, differences in the systems and language barriers led to barriers using healthcare and information needs among refugees. The dissemination of information regarding characteristics of the German health care system is crucial for successful integration but is currently lacking.

Trial Registration

German Clinical Trials Register: DRKS00030942, date of registration: 29.12.2022.
Clinical relevance of positive intraoperative bacterial culture in tibial plateau leveling osteotomy in dogs: a retrospective study
Authors: Korytárová Natália , Kramer Sabine , Harms Oliver , Volk Holger A.
Published: May 2024

Background

Tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) belongs to the most frequently used surgical method for the treatment of cranial cruciate ligament rupture in dogs. Surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the possible postoperative complications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of intraoperative bacterial culture as a tool for the detection of intraoperative bacterial contamination progressing to infection development in canine TPLO. Electronic patient records from dogs who underwent TPLO between January 2018 to December 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Intraoperative bacterial culture results, used antimicrobial drugs and presence of SSI were recorded.

Results

Ninety-eight dogs were included in the study. SSI rate was 10.2%. All dogs who developed SSI (n = 10) had negative intraoperative bacterial cultures. None of the dogs with positive intraoperative bacterial culture (n = 6) developed SSI. The most cultured bacteria causing SSI was Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (n = 4).

Conclusions

Intraoperative bacterial culture in dogs undergoing TPLO is not suitable as a predictor of surgical site infection.
Nonlinear relationship between oxidative balance score and hyperuricemia: analyses of NHANES 2007–2018
Authors: Liu Fengmin , You Fangqin , Yang Lihang , Du Xiaojuan , Li Cheng , Chen Geng , Xie Diya
Published: May 2024

Background

Limited data regarding the correlation between oxidative balance score (OBS) and hyperuricemia highlights the necessity for thorough investigations. This study aims to examine the link between OBS, which incorporates dietary and lifestyle factors, and the occurrence of hyperuricemia.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study involving 13,636 participants from the 2007–2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). The oxidative balance score (OBS) was determined based on four lifestyle factors and sixteen dietary nutrients. We assessed the levels of serum uric acid (SUA) and the occurrence of hyperuricemia as outcomes. Weighted logistic regression and linear models were used for statistical analysis, using Restricted Cubic Splines (RCS) to examine potential nonlinear associations. Subgroup analysis and sensitivity assessments were performed to identify any variations and ensure the robustness of the findings.

Results

Higher OBS was consistently correlated with decreased SUA levels and a reduced prevalence of hyperuricemia. RCS highlighted a significant negative nonlinear association, particularly in females. Subgroup analysis revealed gender-based differences and interactive correlation, providing additional insights regarding OBS and hyperuricemia relationship.

Conclusion

This study underscores a robust negative correlation between OBS and SUA levels as well as the incidence of hyperuricemia, emphasizing the importance of dietary and lifestyle factors. Incorporating RCS, subgroup analysis, and sensitivity assessments enhances the depth of our findings, providing valuable insights for further research.
Long-term exposure to transportation noise and diabetes mellitus mortality: a national cohort study and updated meta-analysis
Authors: Vienneau Danielle , Wicki Benedikt , Flückiger Benjamin , Schäffer Beat , Wunderli Jean Marc , Röösli Martin
Published: May 2024

Background

Long-term exposure to transportation noise is related to cardio-metabolic diseases, with more recent evidence also showing associations with diabetes mellitus (DM) incidence. This study aimed to evaluate the association between transportation noise and DM mortality within the Swiss National Cohort.

Methods

During 15 years of follow-up (2001–2015; 4.14 million adults), over 72,000 DM deaths were accrued. Source-specific noise was calculated at residential locations, considering moving history. Multi-exposure, time-varying Cox regression was used to derive hazard ratios (HR, and 95%-confidence intervals). Models included road traffic, railway and aircraft noise, air pollution, and individual and area-level covariates including socio-economic position. Analyses included exposure-response modelling, effect modification, and a subset analysis around airports. The main findings were integrated into meta-analyses with published studies on mortality and incidence (separately and combined).

Results

HRs were 1.06 (1.05, 1.07), 1.02 (1.01, 1.03) and 1.01 (0.99, 1.02) per 10 dB day evening-night level (Lden) road traffic, railway and aircraft noise, respectively (adjusted model, including NO2). Splines suggested a threshold for road traffic noise (~ 46 dB Lden, well below the 53 dB Lden WHO guideline level), but not railway noise. Substituting for PM2.5, or including deaths with type 1 DM hardly changed the associations. HRs were higher for males compared to females, and in younger compared to older adults. Focusing only on type 1 DM showed an independent association with road traffic noise. Meta-analysis was only possible for road traffic noise in relation to mortality (1.08 [0.99, 1.18] per 10 dB, n = 4), with the point estimate broadly similar to that for incidence (1.07 [1.05, 1.09] per 10 dB, n = 10). Combining incidence and mortality studies indicated positive associations for each source, strongest for road traffic noise (1.07 [1.05, 1.08], 1.02 [1.01, 1.03], and 1.02 [1.00, 1.03] per 10 dB road traffic [n = 14], railway [n = 5] and aircraft noise [n = 5], respectively).

Conclusions

This study provides new evidence that transportation noise is associated with diabetes mortality. With the growing evidence and large disease burden, DM should be viewed as an important outcome in the noise and health discussion.
Genomic epidemiology reveals multiple mechanisms of linezolid resistance in clinical enterococci in China
Authors: Wang Ziran , Liu Danping , Zhang Jingjia , Liu Lingli , Zhang Zeming , Liu Chang , Hu Songnian , Wu Linhuan , He Zilong , Sun Hongli
Published: May 2024

Background

Infections caused by linezolid-resistant enterococci (LRE) are clinically difficult to treat and threaten patient health. However, there is a lack of studies on long time-span LRE strains in China. For this reason, our study comprehensively revealed the resistance mechanisms of LRE strains collected in a Chinese tertiary care hospital from 2011 to 2022.

Methods

Enterococcal strains were screened and verified after retrospective analysis of microbial data. Subsequently, 65 LRE strains (61 Enterococcus faecalis and 4 Enterococcus faecium, MIC ≥ 8 µg/ml), 1 linezolid-intermediate Enterococcus faecium (MIC = 4 µg/ml) and 1 linezolid-susceptible Enterococcus faecium (MIC = 1.5 µg/ml) were submitted for whole-genome sequencing (WGS) analysis and bioinformatics analysis.

Results

The optrA gene was found to be the most common linezolid resistance mechanism in our study. We identified the wild-type OptrA and various OptrA variants in 98.5% of LRE strains (61 Enterococcus faecalis and 3 Enterococcus faecium). We also found one linezolid-resistant Enterococcus faecium strain carried both optrA and cfr(D) gene, while one linezolid-resistant Enterococcus faecium only harbored the poxtA gene. Most optrA genes (55/64) were located on plasmids, with impB-fexA-optrA, impB-fexA-optrA-erm(A), fexA-optrA-erm(A), and fexA-optrA segments. A minority of optrA genes (9/64) were found on chromosomes with the Tn6674-like platform. Besides, other possible linezolid resistance-associated mechanisms (mutations in the rplC and rplD genes) were also found in 26 enterococcal strains.

Conclusions

Our study suggested that multiple mechanisms of linezolid resistance exist among clinical LRE strains in China.
A modified CTAB method for the extraction of high-quality RNA from mono-and dicotyledonous plants rich in secondary metabolites
Authors: Kiss Tibor , Karácsony Zoltán , Gomba-Tóth Adrienn , Szabadi Kriszta Lilla , Spitzmüller Zsolt , Hegyi-Kaló Júlia , Cels Thomas , Otto Margot , Golen Richárd , Hegyi Ádám István , Geml József , Váczy Kálmán Zoltán
Published: May 2024

Background

High-quality RNA extraction from woody plants is difficult because of the presence of polysaccharides and polyphenolics that bind or co-precipitate with the RNA. The CTAB (cetyl trimethylammonium bromide) based method is widely used for the isolation of nucleic acids from polysaccharide-rich plants. Despite the widespread use of the CTAB method, it is necessary to adapt it to particular plant species, tissues and organs. Here we described a simple and generalized method for RNA isolation from mature leaf tissues of several economically important woody (17) and herbaceous plants (2) rich in secondary metabolites. High yields were achieved from small amount (up to 50 mg) of plant material. Two main modifications were applied to the basic protocol: an increase in β-mercaptoethanol concentration (to 10%v/v) and the use of an effective DNase treatment. As opposed to similar studies, we tried to describe a more detailed protocol for isolating RNA, including the exact quantity and concentration of the reagents were used.

Results

Our modified CTAB method is proved to be efficient in extracting the total RNA from a broad range of woody and herbaceous species. The RNA yield was ranged from 2.37 to 91.33 µg/µl. The A260:A280 and A260:A230 absorbance ratios were measured from 1.77 to 2.13 and from 1.81 to 2.22. The RIN value (RNA Integrity Number) of the samples fell between 7.1 and 8.1, which indicated that a small degree of RNA degradation occurred during extraction. The presence of a single peak in the melt curve analyses and low standard errors of the Ct values of replicated measurements indicated the specificity of the primers to bind to the cDNA.

Conclusions

Our RNA isolation method, with fine-tuned and detailed instructions, can produce high quality RNA from a small amount of starting plant material that is suitable for use in downstream transcriptional analyses. The use of an increased concentration of the reducing agent β-mercaptoethanol in the extraction buffer, as well as the application of DNaseI-treatment resulted in a method suitable for a wide range of plants without the need of further optimalization, especially in Rhus typhina (Staghorn sumac), for which molecular-genetic studies have not yet been sufficiently explored.