bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What makes them last? Predicting time to relationship dissolution in adolescent women’s intimate relationships with male partners
Authors: Hensel Devon J. , O’Sulliban Lucia F.
Published: January 2022

Adolescents acquire important intimacy and communication skills in their relationships that contribute to relationship longevity. Yet we know relatively little about which factors help relationships endure. Objective: This study tracked adolescent women’s ( N = 387; 14–17 years) relationships from onset to dissolution to assess factors that contribute to relationship length. Prior relationship experience, relationship characteristics, and current relationship behaviors were assessed as contributors.

Method:

A sample of 387 female adolescents (89% African American) were recruited from three primary care adolescent health clinics serving lower- to middle-income families in a large Midwestern city. All were interviewed every 3 months about ongoing relationships. The main outcome measure was time to dissolution.

Results:

The average relationship lasted 5.87 months ( SD = 11.76). Greater numbers and more time spent in prior relationships were associated with longer duration of the current relationship. Being older, having more status changes during the relationship (promotions and demotions), and reporting greater relationship quality, sexual communication, and sexual autonomy were associated with significantly longer time to breakup.

Conclusions:

Research to date has not tracked specific relationship timelines. In line with a developmental tasks perspective, this study provides new insights into the value of adolescent women’s past relationship experiences, measures of aging and accrued experience, as well as current relationship characteristics and behaviors to the development of relationship maintenance skills. These findings have educational and clinical implications as they inform programming initiatives designed to help young people establish healthy, consensual intimate relationships.
Do Data-Driven Decision-Making Efficacy and Anxiety Inventory Scores Mean the Same Thing for Pre-Service and In-Service Teachers?
Authors: Hamilton Valerie , Onder Yasemin , Andzik Natalie R. , Reeves Todd D.
Published: January 2022

Teacher data-driven decision making (DDDM) is a professional practice of great prominence in the current K-12 education system. Moreover, teacher self-efficacy and anxiety around DDDM represent important measurement targets in both research and practice. This study consequently examined the validity, reliability, and invariance of data collected via the Data-Driven Decision-Making Efficacy and Anxiety (3D-MEA) Inventory among U.S. in-service ( N = 365) and pre-service ( N = 457) teachers. The 3D-MEA is intended to measure four dimensions of self-efficacy related to DDDM, as well as anxiety related to DDDM. Multi-group confirmatory factor analyses established structural measurement invariance, which supports meaningful and effectively interchangeable interpretation of 3D-MEA scores with both in-service and pre-service teachers. Reliability estimates were also high in both populations. Limitations and future directions are discussed.
Patterns of Adverse Childhood Experiences, Social Problem-Solving, and Mental Health Among Latina Immigrants
Authors: Alvarez Carmen , Sabina Chiara , Brockie Teresa , Perrin Nancy , Sanchez-Roman Maria Jose , Escobar-Acosta Lia , Vrany Elizabeth , Cooper Lisa A. , Hill-Briggs Felicia
Published: January 2022

Researchers have established the long-term negative impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on mental health. Evidence also shows that different types of ACEs often co-occur and that ACEs profiles have differential impact on mental health. However, this prior research has often omitted first-generation Latino immigrants—a growing segment of the population, with potentially higher risk for ACEs, decreased access to mental health services, and increased risk for remaining in poor mental health. In this study, we conducted a cluster analysis using a sample of 336 Latina immigrant to examine: (1) patterns of ACEs, and (2) the mediating role of social problem-solving in the association between ACEs and mental health (depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms [PTSD]) and life satisfaction. We identified 5 clusters: (a) Global ACEs ( n = 52, 15.5%), (b) Community Violence and Physical Abuse ( n = 80, 23.8%), (c) Physical and Emotional Abuse ( n = 72, 21.4%), (d) Household Dysfunction with Physical and Emotional Abuse ( n = 56, 16.7%), and (e) Low ACEs ( n = 76, 22.6%). The clusters differed by social problem-solving, chronic life burden, mental health, and life satisfaction. Compared to the Low Abuse cluster, the Community Violence and Physical Abuse, and Global ACEs clusters were significantly more likely to have higher depression, anxiety, and PTSD symptoms. Social problem-solving was independently associated with all mental health variables and life satisfaction, and mediated the association between ACEs and depression and anxiety for those in the Community Violence and Physical Abuse cluster . Our study sheds light on how ACEs are experienced by Latina immigrants. Social problem-solving also emerged as a significant determinant of mental health and life satisfaction, and may be a point of intervention for improving mental health in this population.
Effects of Entrepreneurial Competence and Planning Guidance on the Relation Between University Students’ Attitude and Entrepreneurial Intention
Authors: Ferreira Aleciane da Silva Moreira , Loiola Elisabeth , Gondim Sônia Maria Guedes , Pereira Cícero Roberto
Published: January 2022

The objective of this article is to analyse the effect of entrepreneurial competence and planning guidance on the relations between university students’ entrepreneurial attitude and entrepreneurial intention. In this correlational study, the empirical model was tested through Structural Equation Modeling on a sample of 2,771 university students via an online survey at a federal higher education institution in northeastern Brazil. The results point to the moderation effect only of entrepreneurial competence on the relation between entrepreneurial attitude and intention, with this relationship being stronger in students who perceive themselves as more competent. We conclude that self-perception of entrepreneurial skills strengthens the effects of positive attitudes on entrepreneurial career intention, which adds to other evidence of the importance of context and entrepreneurial education for engaging in that career.
Factors Influencing to Choose Social Entrepreneurship as a Career: A Study on Social Entrepreneurship Students from India
Authors: Swain Sasmita , Patoju Sri Krishna Sudheer
Published: January 2022

The present research is designed to evaluate factors influencing the decision of youth in India to choose social entrepreneurship as a career option. A sample of 200 students pursuing a master’s in social entrepreneurship was drawn from three Indian universities offering social entrepreneurship courses. Based on literature review and in-depth interview data, 16 measured variables were identified, and a 5-point Likert scale was constructed and validated. The survey data were analysed using the principal component analysis (PCA) method. The final factor structure extracted four (i.e., personal, social, institutional and other) factors. The study concludes that the state needs to create a conducive environment to motivate students to pursue social entrepreneurship as a career option.
Constituents and Drivers of Mission Engagement for Social Enterprise Sustainability: A Systematic Review
Authors: Kulshrestha Reeti , Sahay Arunaditya , Sengupta Subhanjan
Published: January 2022

Social entrepreneurship as a prosocial phenomenon focuses on the upliftment of the vulnerable and marginalised through entrepreneurship. Social enterprises are mission-oriented often suffering from mission-related challenges that accompany duality in its form. This in turn raises concern over sustainability for social enterprises as they begin to focus more on the economic objectives rather than the social value they originally intended to create. The objective of the study is not only to carry out a systematic literature review of the mission of a social enterprise but to also come out with drivers of mission engagement that contribute to social enterprise sustainability. Drawing upon past literature covering vast databases like Scopus and Proquest, and our understanding from reputed ABDC listed journal articles, we propose a conceptual framework of mission engagement for social enterprise sustainability that offers a fresh perspective on mission duality. We make a three-fold contribution to social entrepreneurship literature with a categorisation of literature for better conceptual clarity on mission-related concepts in social entrepreneurship, four constituents of mission engagement in social enterprises and three drivers to creating a sustainable social enterprise through mission engagement. We propose the notion of ‘sustainable social enterprises’, which derives maximum benefit from cross-sectoral collaboration, active engagement in building strong social networks and building on social capital to bring about transformative societal change.
Between Criticality and Conformism: Citizenship and Education in Post-independent India
Authors: Kumar Avinash
Published: January 2022

This article attempts to investigate the three strands of citizenship, nationalism and education and their interconnectedness in India after independence. It seeks to address questions like how has the post-colonial state in India visualized its models of citizenship through its education policies and programmes and what has become of their fate? In what ways the changing nature of public versus private education has shaped contested models of citizenship? What challenges are thrown at the models of citizenship that the Indian state has tried to posit through education? It is argued that the journey of citizenship in post-independent India is that of contradictory pulls around key strands of ethno-cultural nationalism and civic nationalism and around an economically productive nation versus an economic consumer nation. The article will look at some of the key policy shifts and operational models and attempt to locate the dynamic behind those shifts.
A Critical Appraisal of Aims-Based Curriculum from a Global South Perspective
Authors: Siddiqui Asim
Published: January 2022

Michael Reiss and John White, An Aims-Based Curriculum: The Significance of Human Flourishing for Schools. London: Institute of Education Press, 2013. 80 pp., $24.95 (paperback). ISBN: 139780854739981; 10085473998X
More than Knowledge Transfer? Alumni Perspectives on the Value of Postgraduate Study for International Development
Authors: North Amy , Westerveld Rosie , Yates Chris , Warwick Ian , Chase Elaine
Published: January 2022

This article considers findings from the ‘More Than Knowledge Transfer’ research project, which was concerned with understanding the personal and professional trajectories of alumni from postgraduate programmes in education and international development. The article reflects on qualitative data to explore four key questions: what alumni value about their postgraduate study; the perceived usefulness of different types of learnings; how these are seen as connected to, or disconnected from, development practice; and how they are shaped by the expectations that students bring with them to the programme and their existing experiences in the international development field. The article suggests a need to problematize assumed dichotomies between ‘theory’ and ‘practice’ or ‘skills’ and ‘criticality’ and instead consider how these relationships may be shaped by students’ own backgrounds and positionalities. It argues that supporting students to engage critically with, and move and build connections between, different spaces of learning and practice is key for engendering and sustaining critical and reflective approaches as they complete their studies and develop their careers in the development sector.
What About the Men? A Critical Review of Men’s Experiences of Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Scott-Storey Kelly , O’Donnell Sue , Ford-Gilboe Marilyn , Varcoe Colleen , Wathen Nadine , Malcolm Jeannie , Vincent Charlene
Published: January 2022

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a health problem affecting people of all genders and other social locations. While IPV victimization of cis-gendered women has been widely researched, how men conceptualized or experience IPV victimization, and the variations in their experiences of IPV, has not been thoroughly examined. In this critical review of men’s experiences of IPV, an extensive search of peer reviewed literature was conducted using multiple database (Cochrane database, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, PsycgINFO, and Google Scholar) as well as the gray literature. We critically reviewed examining the conceptual foundations of IPV victimization among men. The influence or gender roles and societal expectation on men’s experiences and perceptions of IPV victimization and their help-seeking behavior are explored. Current knowledge about types, tactics, and patterns of IPV against men and the health and social consequences of IPV are addresses. Additionally, the conceptual and empirical limitations of current research are discussed, including the tendency to compare only the prevalence rates of discrete incidents of abuse among women versus men; the use of IPV measures not designed to capture men’s conceptualizations of IPV; and the lack of attention given to sex and gender identity of both the victim and perpetrator. Future research priorities that address these limitations and seek to strengthen and deepen knowledge about IPV among men are identified.
Demographic Descriptions and Socio-economic Status of Tribal People Subsisting in Rarh Region of West Bengal, India
Authors: Satpati Sandip , Sharma Kaushal Kumar
Published: January 2022

There is much discussion on the issue of forest-dependent livelihoods of tribes and their unique culture. It is essential to know the demographic structure of the tribal household and to understand the socio-economic status of the tribal household. The present study has attempted to analyze the demographic structure of the tribal household and to investigate the socio-economic status of the tribal household. The study mainly depends on the primary household survey. Only a base map has been collected from the secondary source. Purposive stratified random sampling technique has been used to collect primary data. A total of 150 households were surveyed. The findings indicate that the socio-economic status of the tribal household declined from east to west of the study region due to natural and human resources showing a declining trend towards the same direction. Also, the study compares inter-regional variation of different socio-economic factors. For their socio-economic empowerment, the tribal people deserve a very intensive development policy implementation with a bottom-up approach. The earlier studies are fragmented, haphazard and maximum works are on the cultural level, that’s why this study is very unique and important.
Factors associated with dyslipidemia and its prevalence among Awash wine factory employees, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Angassa Daniel , Solomon Samrawit , Seid Awol
Published: January 2022

Background

Dyslipidemia is a highly prevalent and modifiable risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases. Though the problem is significant in Ethiopia, available data in this regard is very poor among alcoholic beverage industrial workers. This study aimed to assess factors associated with dyslipidemia and its prevalence among Awash wine factory employees in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 335 randomly selected employees of Awash wine factory, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from January to February 2021. Data was collected by a face-to-face interview technique using the WHO STEPwise approach. Data were entered and analyzed using Epi Info 7 and SPSS version 26, respectively. Both bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with dyslipidemia. All statistical tests were declared significant atp-value < 0.05.

Results

The overall prevalence of dyslipidemia was 67.8% (95% CI 62.5–72.7%). Elevated total cholesterol, elevated triglycerides, reduced high-density lipoprotein, and elevated low-density lipoprotein was found in 25.4%, 33.4%, 50.7%, and 21.5% of participants, respectively. Dyslipidemia was significantly associated with age group 30–39 years (AOR = 2.51; 95% CI 1.16–5.44,p = 0.019), ≥ 40 years (AOR = 6.45; 95% CI 2.01–20.71,p = 0.002), current alcohol consumption (AOR = 3.37; 95% CI 1.70–6.66,p < 0.001), eating vegetables < 2 days per week (AOR = 2.89; 95% CI 1.54–5.43,p = 0.001), sitting duration of > 4 h per day (AOR = 1.96; 95% CI 1.03–3.74,p = 0.041), and raised waist circumference (AOR = 4.56; 95% CI 2.07–10.08,p < 0.001).

Conclusions

High prevalence of dyslipidemia was found among Awash wine factory employees in Addis Ababa. Periodic screening of high-risk groups along with effective health promotion and education which encourages a healthy lifestyle is essential.
Sex-specific analysis of traumatic brain injury events: applying computational and data visualization techniques to inform prevention and management
Authors: Mollayeva Tatyana , Tran Andrew , Chan Vincy , Colantonio Angela , Escobar Michael D.
Published: January 2022

Background

The interplay of host, agent, and environment implicated in traumatic brain injury (TBI) events is difficult to account for in hypothesis-driven research. Data-driven analysis of injury data can enable insight into injury events in novel ways. This research dissected complex and multidimensional data at the time of the TBI event by exploiting data mining and information visualization methods.

Methods

We drew upon population-based decade-long health administrative data collected through the routine operation of the publicly funded health system in Ontario, Canada. We applied a computational approach to categorize health records of 235,003 patients with TBI versus the same number of reference patients without TBI, individually matched based on sex, age, place of residence, and neighbourhood income quantile. We adopted the basic concepts of the Haddon Matrix (host, agent, environment) to organize emerging factors significantly related to TBI versus non-TBI events. To explore sex differences, the data of male and female patients with TBI were plotted on heatmaps and clustered using hierarchical clustering algorithms.

Results

Based on detected similarities, the computational technique yielded 34 factors on which individual TBI-event codes were loaded, allowing observation of a set of definable patterns within the host, the agent, and the environment. Differences in the patterns of host, agent and environment were found between male and female patients with TBI, which are currently not identified based on data from injury surveillance databases. The results were internally validated.

Conclusions

The study outlines novel areas for research relevant to TBI and offers insight into how computational and visual techniques can be applied to advance the understanding of TBI event. Results highlight unique aspects of sex differences of the host and agent at the injury event, as well as differences in exposure to adverse social and environmental circumstances, which can be a function of gender, aiding in future studies of injury prevention and gender-transformative care.
Which test for crossing survival curves? A user’s guideline
Authors: Dormuth Ina , Liu Tiantian , Xu Jin , Yu Menggang , Pauly Markus , Ditzhaus Marc
Published: January 2022

Background

The exchange of knowledge between statisticians developing new methodology and clinicians, reviewers or authors applying them is fundamental. This is specifically true for clinical trials with time-to-event endpoints. Thereby, one of the most commonly arising questions is that of equal survival distributions in two-armed trial. The log-rank test is still the gold-standard to infer this question. However, in case of non-proportional hazards, its power can become poor and multiple extensions have been developed to overcome this issue. We aim to facilitate the choice of a test for the detection of survival differences in the case of crossing hazards.

Methods

We restricted the review to the most recent two-armed clinical oncology trials with crossing survival curves. Each data set was reconstructed using a state-of-the-art reconstruction algorithm. To ensure reproduction quality, only publications with published number at risk at multiple time points, sufficient printing quality and a non-informative censoring pattern were included. This article depicts thep-values of the log-rank and Peto-Peto test as references and compares them with nine different tests developed for detection of survival differences in the presence of non-proportional or crossing hazards.

Results

We reviewed 1400 recent phase III clinical oncology trials and selected fifteen studies that met our eligibility criteria for data reconstruction. After including further three individual patient data sets, for nine out of eighteen studies significant differences in survival were found using the investigated tests. An important point that reviewers should pay attention to is that 28% of the studies with published survival curves did not report the number at risk. This makes reconstruction and plausibility checks almost impossible.

Conclusions

The evaluation shows that inference methods constructed to detect differences in survival in presence of non-proportional hazards are beneficial and help to provide guidance in choosing a sensible alternative to the standard log-rank test.
A new infodemiological approach through Google Trends: longitudinal analysis of COVID-19 scientific and infodemic names in Italy
Authors: Rovetta Alessandro , Castaldo Lucia
Published: January 2022

The scientific community has classified COVID-19 as the worst pandemic in human history. The damage caused by the new disease was direct (e.g., deaths) and indirect (e.g., closure of economic activities). Within the latter category, we find infodemic phenomena such as the adoption of generic and stigmatizing names used to identify COVID-19 and the related novel coronavirus 2019 variants. These monikers have fostered the spread of health disinformation and misinformation and fomented racism and segregation towards the Chinese population. In this regard, we present a comprehensive infodemiological picture of Italy from the epidemic outbreak in December 2019 until September 2021. In particular, we propose a new procedure to examine in detail the web interest of users in scientific and infodemic monikers linked to the identification of COVID-19. To do this, we exploited the online tool Google Trends. Our findings reveal the widespread use of multiple COVID-19-related names not considered in the previous literature, as well as a persistent trend in the adoption of stigmatizing and generic terms. Inappropriate names for cataloging novel coronavirus 2019 variants of concern have even been adopted by national health agencies. Furthermore, we also showed that early denominations influenced user behavior for a long time and were difficult to replace. For these reasons, we suggest that the assignments of scientific names to new diseases are more timely and advise against mass media and international health authorities using terms linked to the geographical origin of the novel coronavirus 2019 variants.
The hanging chin sign as a mortality predictor in geriatric patients at the emergency department: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Huijgens Anneloes N. J. , van Baardewijk Laurens J. , Keijsers Carolina J. P. W.
Published: February 2022

Background

At the emergency department, there is a need for an instrument which is quick and easy to use to identify geriatric patients with the highest risk of mortality. The so- called ‘hanging chin sign’, meaning that the mandibula projects over one or more ribs on the chest X-ray, could be such an instrument. This study aims to investigate if the hanging chin sign is a predictor of mortality in geriatric patients admitted through the emergency department.

Methods

We performed an observational retrospective cohort study in a Dutch teaching hospital. Patients of ≥65 years who were admitted to the geriatric ward following an emergency department visit were included. The primary outcome of this study was mortality. Secondary outcomes included the length of admission, discharge destination and the reliability compared to patient-related variables and the APOP screener.

Results

Three hundred ninety-six patients were included in the analysis. Mean follow up was 300 days; 207 patients (52%) died during follow up. The hanging chin sign was present in 85 patients (21%). Patients with the hanging chin sign have a significantly higher mortality risk during admission (OR 2.94 (1.61 to 5.39), p < 0.001), within 30 days (OR 2.49 (1.44 to 4.31), p = 0.001), within 90 days (OR 2.16 (1.31 to 3.56), p = 0.002) and within end of follow up (OR 2.87 (1.70 to 4.84),p < 0.001). A chest X-ray without a PA view or lateral view was also associated with mortality. This technical detail of the chest x-ray and the hanging chin sign both showed a stronger association with mortality than patient-related variables or the APOP screener.

Conclusions

The hanging chin sign and other details of the chest x-ray were strong predictors of mortality in geriatric patients presenting at the emergency department and admitted to the geriatric ward. Compared to other known predictors, they seem to do even better in predicting mortality.
COVID-19 related perception among some community members and frontline healthcare providers for NTD control in Ghana
Authors: Ahorlu Collins S. , Okyere Daniel , Pi-Bansa Sellasie , Otchere Joseph , Marfo Benjamin , Asemanyi-Mensah Kofi , Opare Joseph L. , Long Elizabeth F. , de Souza Dziedzom K.
Published: January 2022

Introduction

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in a major breakdown of health service provision in the fight against neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). COVID-19 may impact NTDs service delivery in varied ways. As the Ghana NTD programme planned to resume MDA activities, we examined the COVID-19 related perceptions and practices among some community members and frontline health workers for NTD control activities in the country.

Methods

The study was conducted in seven communities in the Ahanta West district of Ghana. This was a qualitative study using in-depth interviews (IDI) and focus group discussions (FGDs) for data collection. Participants were purposively selected from varied backgrounds to represent both beneficiaries and service providers directly involved in NTD programme implementation. Trained and experienced qualitative data collectors conducted the FGD and IDI sessions in the local Twi language, while health worker sessions were conducted in English. Discussions were audio-recorded and transcribed directly into English. Data was analysed using an iterative process. The transcripts were pre-coded using the broad themes, entered into a computer using Microsoft Word, and then imported into the MAXQDA software for thematic content analysis to select relevant representative narratives for presentation.

Results

Participants were aware of the COVID-19 pandemic and referred to it appropriately as ‘coronavirus’, COVID-19, and often as ‘the new disease’. Though many respondents could not describe the route of transmission, most of them reported that it is transmitted through touch or sharing of common items. They reported some signs/symptoms like fever, headache and difficulty breathing, and prevention methods like the use of hand sanitiser, washing of hands and sneezing appropriately. Respondents have reported that COVID-19 has negatively affected their daily lives by limiting their movements and therefore work. It also came to light that COVID-19 has also negatively affected the NTD programme implementation, especially mass drug administration (MDA) activities, leading to the postponement of the yearly MDA. The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively affected clinic attendance; people are afraid that they may be tested for COVID-19 at the clinic.

Conclusion

COVID-19 has negatively affected the NTD programme. Education and the provision of personal protective equipment will be required to build the confidence of frontline care providers including community drug distributors and community members in order to enhance quality service and participation in future MDA activities.
Interplay between polygenic propensity for ageing-related traits and the consumption of fruits and vegetables on future dementia diagnosis
Authors: Francis Emma Ruby , Cadar Dorina , Steptoe Andrew , Ajnakina Olesya
Published: January 2022

Background

Understanding how polygenic scores for ageing-related traits interact with diet in determining a future dementia including Alzheimer’s diagnosis (AD) would increase our understanding of mechanisms underlying dementia onset.

Methods

Using 6784 population representative adults aged ≥50 years from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing, we employed accelerated failure time survival model to investigate interactions between polygenic scores for AD (AD-PGS), schizophrenia (SZ-PGS) and general cognition (GC-PGS) and the baseline daily fruit and vegetable intake in association with dementia diagnosis during a 10-year follow-up. The baseline sample was obtained from waves 3–4 (2006–2009); follow-up data came from wave 5 (2010–2011) to wave 8 (2016–2017).

Results

Consuming < 5 portions of fruit and vegetables a day was associated with 33–37% greater risk for dementia in the following 10 years depending on an individual polygenic propensity. One standard deviation (1-SD) increase in AD-PGS was associated with 24% higher risk of dementia and 47% higher risk for AD diagnosis. 1-SD increase in SZ-PGS was associated with an increased risk of AD diagnosis by 66%(95%CI = 1.05–2.64) in participants who consumed < 5 portions of fruit or vegetables. There was a significant additive interaction between GC-PGS and < 5 portions of the baseline daily intake of fruit and vegetables in association with AD diagnosis during the 10-year follow-up (RERI = 0.70, 95%CI = 0.09–4.82; AP = 0.36, 95%CI = 0.17–0.66).

Conclusion

A diet rich in fruit and vegetables is an important factor influencing the subsequent risk of dementia in the 10 years follow-up, especially in the context of polygenetic predisposition to AD, schizophrenia, and general cognition.
Association between brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and psychiatric symptoms in medicated and unmedicated patients
Authors: Soloey-Nilsen Hedda , Nygaard-Odeh Kristin , Kristiansen Magnhild Gangsoey , Brekke Ole Lars , Mollnes Tom Eirik , Reitan Solveig Klaebo , Oiesvold Terje
Published: February 2022

Background

There is evidence that brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) plays a protective role in the brain. Peripheral levels of BDNF correlate with its concentration in the brain. Previous studies have revealed lower serum BDNF levels in patients with mental illnesses. In most studies serum BDNF correlates negatively with psychiatric disorders and disease severity. Most studies in this field are on psychiatric diagnosis and personality traits. The aim of our study is to explore associations between general psychiatric symptoms, independent of diagnostic groups, and serum BDNF as well as the inflammatory biomarker high-sensitive CRP (hs-CRP). Comparison between the group regularly using psychotropic medication and those not using psychotropic medication is conducted.

Methods

The study is a cross sectional study with 132 participants from a general open inpatient psychiatric ward at the Nordland Hospital Trust, Bodoe, Norway. Participants were assessed on serum levels of BDNF and hs-CRP. Psychiatric symptoms were assessed by a self-rating scale (Symptom check list, SCL-90- R). Multiple linear regression model was used for statistical analyses of associations between levels of BDNF, hs-CRP and symptoms.

Results

We found a positive association (p < 0.05), for most SCL-90 symptom clusters with BDNF in the psychotropic medication-free group. No associations were found in the group of patients using psychotropic medication, except one, the paranoid ideation cluster (p 0.022). No associations were found between hs-CRP and symptom clusters.

Conclusion

We found no relation between symptom clusters and the inflammatory biomarker hs-CRP. Serum BDNF levels were positively associated with intensity of psychiatric symptoms in the group of patients not using psychotropic medication. Our findings are in conflict with several previous studies reporting increased hs-CRP as well as decreased rather than increased BDNF in mental suffering. Patients on psychotropic medication may not require the same upregulation because the medication is modulating the underlying biological pathology.
Digital implantology—a review of virtual planning software for guided implant surgery. Part II: Prosthetic set-up and virtual implant planning
Authors: Flügge Tabea , Kramer Jaap , Nelson Katja , Nahles Susanne , Kernen Florian
Published: January 2022

Background

Patient- and technology-related parameters influence the successful implementation of virtual implant planning and guided implant surgery. Besides data processing and computer aided design of drill guides as described in Part I, the possibilities and limitations for prosthetic set-up and virtual implant planning are essential (Part II).

Methods

The following software systems were examined using two different clinical situations for implant therapy: coDiagnostiX™, DentalWings, Canada (CDX); Simplant Pro™, Dentsply, Sweden (SIM); Smop™, Swissmeda, Switzerland (SMP); NobelClinician™, Nobel Biocare, Switzerland (NC); Implant Studio, 3Shape, Denmark (IST). Assessment criteria geared towards interfaces and integrated tools for prosthetic set-up and virtual implant planning.

Results

A software interface for an individual virtual prosthetic set-up was provided by two systems (CDX, IST), whereas the set-up of standardized teeth was provided by four systems (CDX, SIM, SMP, IST). Alternatively, a conventional set-up could be scanned and imported. One system could solely work with the digitization of a conventional set-up for virtual implant planning (NC). Stock abutments could be displayed for implant planning, but none of the tested software systems provided tools for the design of an individual abutment. All systems displayed three-dimensional reconstructions or two-dimensional cross-sections with varying orientation for virtual implant placement. The inferior alveolar nerve could be marked to respect a minimum distance between the nerve and the planned implant. Three implant planning systems provided a library to display more than 50 implant systems (CDX, SIM, IST), one system provided 33 implant systems (SMP) and one implant system provided 4 implant systems (NC).

Conclusion

Depending on the used software system, there are limited options for a virtual set-up, virtual articulators and the display of a virtual prosthetic set-up. The implant systems used by the clinician is important for the decision which software system to choose, as there is a discrepancy between available implant systems and the number of supported systems in each software.
Visual appearance of the uterine cervix differs on the basis of HPV type status in high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion: the results of a reliable method
Authors: Zhou Qi , Gong Yingxin , Qiu Xiangmei , Sui Long , Zhang Hongwei , Wang Yan , Lin Lin , Diao Wenjing , Li Yanyun
Published: January 2022

Background

This study aimed to evaluate the differences in cervical appearance among different human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes in patients with high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSILs).

Methods

A total of 239 histopathological HSIL patients were included and divided into eight groups on the basis of HPV genotype in this prospective study. We present a reliable imaging method that provides reproducible, sensitive and unbiased assessments of cervical appearance characteristics. Colorimetric and morphometric data of colposcopic patterns after the application of acetic acid and iodine were acquired using ImageJ software and the surrounding normal regions were used as controls.

Results

The differences in red, green, blue and mean greyscale values in acetowhite epithelium obtained from ImageJ were not significant between the HPV16 and HPV18 groups (P < 0.05). The differences in red, green, and mean greyscale values in iodine staining were significant between the HPV18 and the other groups (P < 0.05). The frequency of the occurrence of the coarse mosaic patterns was significantly different among groups (P < 0.05), reducing in sequence were the HPV16, HPV-negative, HPV18, HPV31/33 and HPV52/58 groups. For the lesion area of HSILs, the HPV-negative group was the largest. The sensitivity of colposcopic impression varied among HPV genotypes (P < 0.01), being lowest in the HPV52 group.

Conclusions

Although being nonspecific, iodine negativity should be concerned in HPV18-positive lesions which is closely related to glandular epithelium. Vascular patterns in HPV52/58-positive HSIL are quite occult and tend to be missed by colposcopists. HPV-negative lesions are prone to be large and present typical vascular patterns despite being rare.
Female genital mutilation and skilled birth attendance among women in sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Seidu Abdul-Aziz , Aboagye Richard Gyan , Sakyi Barbara , Adu Collins , Ameyaw Edward Kwabena , Affum Joycelyn Boatemaa , Ahinkorah Bright Opoku
Published: January 2022

Background

There is evidence that women who have had their genitals cut suffer substantial difficulties during and/or after childbirth, including the need for a caesarean section, an episiotomy, an extended hospital stay, post-partum bleeding, and maternal fatalities. Whether or not women in sub-Saharan Africa who have undergone female genital mutilation utilize the services of skilled birth attendants during childbirth is unknown. Hence, we examined the association between female genital mutilation and skilled birth attendance in sub-Saharan Africa.

Methods

The data for this study were compiled from 10 sub-Saharan African countries’ most recent Demographic and Health Surveys. In the end, we looked at 57,994 women between the ages of 15 and 49. The association between female genital mutilation and skilled birth attendance was investigated using both fixed and random effects models.

Results

Female genital mutilation and skilled birth attendance were found to be prevalent in 68.8% and 58.5% of women in sub-Saharan Africa, respectively. Women with a history of female genital mutilation had reduced odds of using skilled birth attendance (aOR = 0.91, 95% CI = 0.86–0.96) than those who had not been circumcised. In Ethiopia, Guinea, Liberia, Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal, and Togo, women with female genital mutilation had reduced odds of having a trained delivery attendant compared to women in Burkina Faso.

Conclusion

This study shed light on the link between female genital mutilation and skilled birth attendance among sub-Saharan African women. The study's findings provide relevant information to government agencies dealing with gender, children, and social protection, allowing them to design specific interventions to prevent female genital mutilation, which is linked to non-use of skilled birth attendance. Also, health education which focuses on childbearing women and their partners are necessary in enhancing awareness about the significance of skilled birth attendance and the health consequences of female genital mutilation.
Mothers with depressed mood: help-seeking from husbands and child-rearing behaviors
Authors: Katayama Miho , Kitaoka Kazuyo , Aijo Ritsuko
Published: January 2022

Background

Mothers with depressed mood tend not to seek help or support from others. Yet, there is no research providing a detailed examination of the processes that mothers with depressed mood undergo while seeking child-rearing support from their husbands. This study aimed to clarify the processes that mothers with depressed mood go through in seeking child-rearing support from their husbands and performing child-rearing duties.

Methods

The participants were 10 mothers living in Japan who had given birth within the past three years and were suspected of having depression after screening using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. Semi-structured interview data were analyzed based on the grounded theory.

Results

The responses revealed that the mothers felt as though they had insufficient time for themselves, which impelled them to seek support from their husbands, consequently leading them to conclude either that child-rearing and housework are difficult or that child-rearing can be managed some way or another.

Conclusion

When the husbands fully cooperated in child-rearing or demonstrated their willingness to cooperate in child-rearing, despite difficulty, the wives accepted their child-rearing support. On the other hand, if the husbands did not recognize their wives’ efforts, the wives did not accept their support, even if they had helped with child-rearing. In this way, the wives re-evaluated their relationship with the husbands based on their husbands’ attitudes toward child-rearing.
Contextualised reflective competence: a new learning model promoting reflective practice for clinical training
Authors: Lane Andrew Stuart , Roberts Chris
Published: January 2022

Background

Reflection is a metacognitive process that allows self-regulation and the promotion of lifelong learning, and is an essential requirement to develop therapeutic relationships with patients and colleagues, as well as professional expertise. The medical literature is lacking on guidance for learners and educators to develop reflective abilities.

Methods

Based on our program of research into junior doctors delivering open disclosure communication after medical error, we developed a framework called contextualised reflective competence, to assist students/trainees and educators in developing, maintaining, and ensuring reflective practice in the context of professional experiences.

Results

The contextualised reflective competence framework has its origins in the conscious competency framework, an established learning paradigm within healthcare professions education, and it has been developed to encompass some of the vital concepts that the conscious competency matrix was lacking: the promotion of ongoing reflection practice, accurate assumptions of the learner’s original mindset, variations in everyday performance, and erosion of skills. The contextualised reflective competence framework progresses the conscious competence framework from a 2x2 box diagram to a two-pronged flowchart.

In our framework, if the learner possesses appropriate reflective practice, contextualised reflective competence, they move through alearning process where they achieve unconscious competence. If the learner does not possess contextualised reflective competence, they move though a learning process where this display generalised reflective incompetence, characterised by cognitive dissonance and rationalisation, leading to errors and non-learning. Generalised reflective incompetence is usually a temporary state with appropriate supervision. Our program of research demonstrated that contextualised reflective competence was related to critical cognitive frameworks, such as intellectual humility, situational awareness, the development of a ‘growth mindset’, and belongingness.

Conclusions

The Contextualised Reflective Competence framework promotes learners’ understanding of their core competencies and provides opportunities for personal critical reflection. It provides educators and supervisors with a diagnostic pathway for those with reflective incompetence. We anticipate its use in the clinical environment where issues of competence are raised in professional experiences.
Health care providers’ ethical perspectives on waiver of final consent for Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD): a qualitative study
Authors: Variath Caroline , Peter Elizabeth , Cranley Lisa , Godkin Dianne
Published: January 2022

Background

With the enactment of Bill C-7 in Canada in March 2021, people who are eligible for medical assistance in dying (MAiD), whose death is reasonably foreseeable and are at risk of losing decision-making capacity, may enter into a written agreement with their healthcare provider to waive the final consent requirement at the time of provision. This study explored healthcare providers’ perspectives on honouring eligible patients’ request for MAiD in the absence of a contemporaneous consent following their loss of decision-making capacity.

Method

A critical qualitative methodology, using a feminist ethics theoretical lens with its focus on power and relationality, was used to examine how socio-political and environmental contexts influenced healthcare providers' moral agency and perspectives. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 30 healthcare providers (13 physicians, six nurse practitioners, nine nurses and two social workers) from across Canada who provide MAiD-related care.

Results

Themes identified include; (1) balancing personal values and professional responsibilities, (2) anticipating strengths and limitations of the proposed waiver of final consent amendment, (3) experiencing ethical influences on decisions to enter into written agreements with eligible patients, (4) recognizing barriers to the enactment of MAiD in the absence of a contemporaneous consent and (5) navigating the potential for increased risks and burden.

Discussion

To our knowledge, this is the first study in Canada to explore healthcare providers’ perspectives on waiving the final consent for MAiD using a written agreement. Most participants supported expanding eligible people’s access to MAiD following loss of capacity, as they believed it would improve the patients’ comfort and minimize suffering. However, the lack of patients’ input at the time of provision and related ethical and legal challenges may impact healthcare providers’ moral agency and reduce some patients’ access to MAiD. Providers indicated they would enter into written agreements to waive final consent for MAiD on a case-by-case basis. This study highlights the importance of organizational, legal and professional support, adequate resources, clear policies and guidelines for the safety and wellbeing of healthcare providers and to ensure equitable access to MAiD.