bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical outcomes in patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia and infected ulcers following endovascular therapy are pathogen dependent: A single-center experience from 2012 to 2021
Authors: Salm Jonas , Ikker Franziska , Böhme Tanja , Noory Elias , Beschorner Ulrich , Kramer Tobias Siegfried , Rieg Siegbert , Westermann Dirk , Zeller Thomas
Published: September 2024

Background:

Patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) and infected leg ulcers are at risk of amputation and postinterventional sepsis.

Methods:

This retrospective, single-center study included patients with CLTI and infected leg ulcers who underwent endovascular treatment (EVT) between 2012 and 2021.

Results:

The study included 712 patients, 286 (40.2%) of whom underwent amputation (minor, n = 212; major, n = 74). Gram-negative bacteria (GNB) were significantly more prevalent in amputees (36.4% vs 30.9%, p < 0.05). Patients with gram-positive bacteria (GPB) had a 4-year freedom from any amputation rate of 72% (95% CI 64–81%) compared to 52% (95% CI 42–66%) in patients with GNB identification ( p < 0.05). Cox proportional regression analysis showed that GNB, male sex, mean Wound, Ischemia, and foot Infection (WIfI) score, diabetes mellitus, and end-stage renal disease were independently and positively associated with amputation ( p < 0.05). The mean WIfI score and end-stage renal disease were independently and positively associated with death from any cause ( p < 0.05). Staphylococcus aureus or GNB, end-stage renal disease, and diabetes mellitus were independent risk factors for sepsis after EVT ( p < 0.05). Inpatient-administered antibiotic regimes had significantly higher microbiological activity in cases of GPB identification compared to GNB identification (28% vs 9%, p < 0.05).

Conclusion:

Although the isolation of both GNB and S. aureus is a risk factor for sepsis following EVT, the isolation of GNB is independently associated with higher rates of amputation, demonstrating the importance of identifying pathogens to recognize patients at high risk.
Technology integration into Chinese as a foreign language learning in higher education: An integrated bibliometric analysis and systematic review (2000–2024)
Authors: Xu Binze
Published: September 2024

As Chinese as a Foreign Language (CFL) becomes increasingly popular worldwide, it is also influenced by modern educational technology. This article seeks to comprehensively review the current research status of technology integration into CFL learning in higher education. Using the Web of Science as the primary database and employing VOSviewer and CitNetExplorer to visualize literature, we conducted bibliometric analysis and systematically reviewed 64 included articles published between 2000 and 2024. Visualization analysis shows popular issues, such as technology acceptance, technology-supported collaborative learning, Technological, Pedagogical, and Content Knowledge (TPACK), self-efficacy, and gender stereotypes. Educational technologies possess characteristics highly adaptable to CFL classrooms in higher education, with mobile- and computer-assisted language learning dominating the field. Regarding CFL skills, most studies focused on technology’s role in enhancing students’ speaking and communication skills. Overall, our research contributes valuable insights by summarizing the effectiveness of technology application in CFL higher education, paving the way for future studies and practices to further explore how technology can be maximally integrated into classrooms to enhance CFL students’ proficiency and learning experiences.
Scalar stories: Visuality of scales in photographic narratives
Authors: Sebastian Rachael
Published: September 2024

Through comparing and contrasting the work of professional American street photographers Diane Arbus and Bruce Gilden, this article examines the use of scale in photographs, and the way it communicates the stance of the photographers toward their subjects. This article uses the notion of scale in a literal fashion as a way to look at the relationship between the objects and people in the image, the physical point of view of the photographer, and then how the optical properties of the camera lens impact this sense of relationality and proportionality within the frame. I discuss the way that visual narratives tell a story, and how they influence and take part in circulating discourses. The choices of where to take the picture from, and how to capture the subjects within the frame indexically convey attitudes and ideologies about the subject. These non-referential indexicalities of a photographic narrative influence the denotational narrative and can work to enregister aspects of various figures of personhood within the image. I show this through the work of Arbus and Gilden, who often photographed people belonging to marginal communities. I compare their photographic work alongside discussions of their ways of working and interacting with the people they photographed.
Optimal resilient fleet route policy in shipping industry: Two-stage model for minimizing disruption-related effect
Authors: Tsao Yu-Chung , Banyupramesta I Gede Arei , Lu Jye-Chyi
Published: September 2024

In recent years, the shipping industry has encountered challenges related to fuel and price fluctuations, leading to a focus on reducing fuel consumption to cut costs and emissions. Additionally, the shipping industry is susceptible to accidents and disruptions, as exemplified by the Suez Canal blockade in March 2021. A resilient route policy must be developed to minimize the effect of disruption-related costs. To address this issue, a two-stage model encompassing operational costs and route resilience is developed in this study. The objective is to determine the optimal fuel inventory, input fuel, cargo-to-fuel ratio, fleet movements, and travel time while minimizing the total transportation cost as well as considering the fuel consumption, location of refueling ports, arrival time limits, and fines for delays. In the first stage, the fleet route is optimized before disruptions occur, whereas in the second stage, alternatives are identified after disruptions occur. Our findings indicate that if a port is disrupted and is visited after the disruptions are resolved, then the shipping company is subjected to fines because of delays. It is evident from the operational costs for route A that there is a significant difference between the costs when there is no disruption ($4,243,483.82) and when disruption occurs at the Moji port on route A (Scheme 1 ($6,188,700); Scheme 2 ($6,407,046)). Additionally, the results indicate that there are varying response schemes available for the distribution route selection policy in the event of disruption at each port. However, it is recommended to store cargo at the nearest available port to ensure timely delivery while minimizing the risks associated with transporting the cargo.
Exploring the role of kinship involvement in euthanasia procedures: A case study of euthanasia in patients with psychiatric disorders in Belgium
Authors: Schweitser Frank
Published: September 2024

The possibility of euthanasia for patients with incurable mental illness still sparks controversy in Belgium, more than two decades after the introduction of the Euthanasia Law. In recent years, for instance, several relatives of patients have initiated legal actions against physicians who were involved in euthanasia procedures. Furthermore, some ethicists argue that within the context of euthanasia, there is an overemphasis on the principle of respect for patient autonomy. In our article, we delve into the concept of autonomy as outlined in the Belgian Euthanasia Law, compare it with an alternative conception of autonomy, and examine the role of the kinship in the euthanasia procedure. Kinship relationships can become profoundly strained for various reasons, making it generally important to involve relatives in euthanasia procedures in a timely manner. However, certain contraindications may also justifiably lead doctors to make a different decision.
From Care to Corrections: A Scoping Review of Pathways from Child Protection to Adult Criminal Justice Systems
Authors: Baidawi Susan , Newton Danielle , Mendes Philip , Bollinger Jenna , Purtell Jade
Published: September 2024

Individuals who have experienced child protection system involvement are over-represented in criminal justice systems. This group faces greater risks of serious offending and justice system entrenchment relative to their peers without child protection system contact. Understanding the pathways from child protection to adult criminal justice system contact is critical for informing crime prevention policy and practice, yet most research on the maltreatment-offending relationship solely focuses on children’s pathways from child protection to youth justice systems. This scoping review identified and synthesized evidence from studies examining adult justice system contact among individuals who have experienced child protection system involvement (including placement in out-of-home care [OOHC]). A search of six databases identified 7,599 publications, of which 37 met the inclusion criteria. These primary studies included adult participants with a history of child protection system involvement and adult criminal justice system contact (defined by administrative records or self-reported arrest, conviction, or incarceration). The review identified that many factors associated with increased likelihood of adult criminal justice system contact reflect those identified for youth justice involvement (e.g., male gender, racial minority or Indigenous status, a history of substantiated maltreatment, particularly physical abuse, placement in OOHC, particularly placement in residential care, placement for reasons of problem behavior, initial placement in early adolescence, and placement instability). While youth justice system contact is associated with increased risk, engagement in education or employment (for males), and becoming a parent appear to be associated with decreased risk of criminal justice system contact among adults previously involved in child protection systems.
Endovascular Embolization of Aneurysmal Renal Arteriovenous Malformation
Authors: Ghahremani Jacob S. , Chapek Michael A. , Singh Rana S. Shamtej , Lee John , Safran Brent A. , Lau David L. , Brewer Michael B.
Published: September 2024

Renal arteriovenous malformations (AVM) represent an uncommon vascular condition characterized by an abnormal direct communication between an intrarenal artery and vein. Though asymptomatic in many individuals, treatment is often indicated if the AVM causes flank pain, hematuria, or medically refractory hypertension, or if there is an associated renal artery aneurysm. We present a case of a large right renal AVM with associated renal artery aneurysm and large varix which was incidentally found on magnetic resonance imaging of the spine. Endovascular and open surgical options were considered, including ex-vivo renal vascular reconstruction and nephrectomy. The patient was successfully treated with endovascular embolization of the AVM with coil packing of the arterial aneurysm and inflow artery. The patient recovered uneventfully with well-maintained renal function and blood pressure control. We review and discuss the literature on the etiology and treatment options for renal AVM.
Feasibility study on the micro-forming of novel metal foil arrays based on submerged cavitating water-jet impingement
Authors: Zhou Lian , Meng Wei , Li Fuzhu , Ma Honglei , Wang Yun , Wu Jingyi
Published: September 2024

With the increasing demand for metal foil parts with micro-array structures in micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS), it is urgent to explore a novel array micro-forming technology with high efficiency, low cost, and high flexibility. The cavitation water jet uses the high-energy shock wave generated by the collapse of the cavitation bubble group as the loading force. It has the characteristics of large range of action, uniform pressure distribution, and can realize large-area array micro-forming processing. To verify the feasibility of cavitating water jet array micro-forming, this paper performs cavitating water jet array micro-forming on 304 stainless steel foil with a thickness of 80 μm, and analyzes the variation of cavitation bubbles collapse impact zone with target distance. The effects of target distance and impact time on the forming quality of metal foil array micro-holes were studied from the aspects of forming depth, surface roughness, and thickness thinning rate. The results show that the forming depth and uniformity of the array micro-holes located in the cavitation collapse area increase with time. However, with the increase of target distance, the forming depth increases first and then decreases. When the target distance is L = 120 mm, the forming depth reaches the maximum. The surface roughness ( Ra) of the array micro hole is Ra = 1.54 μm. The thickness thinning rate of the micro-forming parts is between 2% and 10%, and the maximum thickness thinning rate in the die fillet area is 13.5%. This paper provides a novel processing method for manufacturing metal foil parts with micro array structure.
The application of tranexamic acid in respiratory intervention complicated with bleeding
Authors: Lou Lingyun , Wang Saibin
Published: September 2024

Tranexamic acid (TA) is a well-established antifibrinolytic agent utilized across various medical scenarios to manage bleeding, including surgical, traumatic, postpartum, and upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Despite its widespread application, the systematic evaluation of TA’s efficacy in achieving hemostasis during interventional pulmonary procedures remains limited. This review aims to address this gap by examining the utility and effectiveness of TA in promoting hemostasis during pulmonary interventions, encompassing procedures such as bronchial artery embolization, percutaneous lung biopsy, bronchoscopy, and pleural procedures. By synthesizing existing evidence, this review seeks to provide valuable insights into the potential role of TA in mitigating hemorrhage following interventional pulmonary procedures, thereby informing clinical practice and guiding future research endeavors.
Meta-analysis of postoperative urinary incontinence incidence and risk factors in HoLEP
Authors: Yang Mei , Huang Yasheng , Gao Feng , He Liping , Yu Xueyao , Yu Qiqi
Published: September 2024

Objective:

To systematically identify and quantify the incidence and risk factors of postoperative urinary incontinence (UI) in holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP), aiming to provide a basis for intervention strategies.

Methods:

Relevant studies on postoperative UI in HoLEP were searched in databases including PubMed, Web of Science, EMBase, CNKI, Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform, VIP and CBMdisc, with the search period up to April 2024. Titles, abstracts and full texts were screened using the Endnote application. Studies meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria underwent quality assessment and data extraction. The incidence of postoperative UI and/or adjusted or unadjusted odds ratios (OR), relative risks or ratios were recorded, and analysis was conducted using Stata 15.0 software.

Results:

A total of 17 studies encompassing 7939 patients were included. The pooled incidence of UI after HoLEP was 1.12, 95% CI (1.11–1.13); the 3-month postoperative incidence was 1.06, 95% CI (1.05–1.06); the 6-month postoperative incidence was 1.04, 95% CI (1.03–1.05); the 12-month postoperative incidence was 1.05, 95% CI (1.03–1.06); and the incidence of permanent UI after HoLEP was 1.01, 95% CI (1.00–1.01). The occurrence of UI after HoLEP exhibited a time-dependent variation. The risk factors for UI after HoLEP included the following: age (OR = 1.03, 95% CI: 1.01–1.06); body mass index (BMI; OR = 1.10, 95% CI: 1.01–1.20); prostate volume (OR = 1.77, 95% CI: 1.39–2.27); prostate-specific antigen (PSA) (OR = 0.98, 95% CI: 0.87–0.92); International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) (OR = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.83–1.07).

Conclusion:

The results of this study indicate a decreasing trend in the incidence of postoperative UI after HoLEP over time, with a time-dependent change. Age, BMI, prostate volume, PSA and IPSS are risk factors for postoperative UI after HoLEP. Age and prostate volume have a significant impact on UI. Therefore, preoperative assessment and intervention for these factors are crucial in reducing the occurrence of postoperative UI in HoLEP.
Appraisal of ChatGPT's responses to common patient questions regarding Tommy John surgery
Authors: Shaari Ariana L. , Fano Adam N. , Anakwenze Oke , Klifto Christopher
Published: September 2024

Background

Artificial intelligence (AI) has progressed at a fast pace. ChatGPT, a rapidly expanding AI platform, has several growing applications in medicine and patient care. However, its ability to provide high-quality answers to patient questions about orthopedic procedures such as Tommy John surgery is unknown. Our objective is to evaluate the quality of information provided by ChatGPT 3.5 and 4.0 in response to patient questions regarding Tommy John surgery.

Methods

Twenty-five patient questions regarding Tommy John surgery were posed to ChatGPT 3.5 and 4.0. Readability was assessed via Flesch Kincaid Reading Ease, Flesh Kinkaid Grade Level, Gunning Fog Score, Simple Measure of Gobbledygook, Coleman Liau, and Automated Readability Index. The quality of each response was graded using a 5-point Likert scale.

Results

ChatGPT generated information at an educational level that greatly exceeds the recommended level. ChatGPT 4.0 produced slightly better responses to common questions regarding Tommy John surgery with fewer inaccuracies than ChatGPT 3.5.

Conclusion

Although ChatGPT can provide accurate information regarding Tommy John surgery, its responses may not be easily comprehended by the average patient. As AI platforms become more accessible to the public, patients must be aware of their limitations.
PML mutation and familial pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia: A case report
Authors: Zhang JinFang , Zhong MingYan
Published: September 2024

Hereditary factors contribute to the pathogenesis of pediatric leukemia. However, few studies have reported gene mutation pathopoeias. This paper reports genetic mutations associated with hereditary acute lymphoblastic leukemia. We reported a case of siblings diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia when aged 3 and 7 years, both siblings are alive after chemotherapy, and whole exome sequencing analysis was performed on the siblings and their parents. It was observed that both siblings had diheterozygous mutations in PML gene ( PML, NM_033250, exon7, c.2170A>G, p.S724G; PML, NM_033250, exon7, c.2195G>T, p.G732V), and their parents had heterozygous mutations in one mutation site of PML gene, respectively, suggesting that the diheterozygous mutations of PML gene might be causal genetic genes for the occurrence of acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
Factors Influencing Knowledge of COVID-19 Prevention in Eastern Ethiopia
Authors: Dheresa Merga , Madewell Zachary J. , Muir Jonathan A. , Getachew Tamirat , Daraje Gamachis , Mengesha Gezahegn , Whitney Cynthia G. , Assefa Nega , Cunningham Solveig A.
Published: September 2024

This study examined coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) prevention knowledge among community residents in Eastern Ethiopia to support public health interventions and vaccination coverage. A cross-sectional survey in August-September 2021 recruited 880 participants from households in a Health and Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS) in Harari and Oromia, Ethiopia. Participants were randomly selected and interviewed in person using tablets and a standardized questionnaire. Principal components analysis was used to create a score representing COVID-19 prevention knowledge. Quasi-Poisson regression was used to examine associations between demographic characteristics and COVID-19 prevention knowledge. The survey also assessed awareness of community/government COVID-19 prevention measures and healthcare services for under-5 children and pregnant women. The most cited COVID-19 prevention measures were handwashing with soap (91.5%) and wearing facemasks (89.2%); least mentioned were avoiding travel (22.2%) and wearing medical gloves (20.3%). Commonly recognized community/government measures included school closures (77.0%), avoiding gatherings (75.2%), and staying home (62.3%). Adjusted analyses demonstrated higher COVID-19 prevention knowledge among rural participants, those aged ≥65 years (reference: <25), with secondary education (reference: no education), with monthly income of ≥2,001 Birr (reference: 0–1,200), and were farmers, domestic/subsistence workers, or government employees (reference: unemployed). Knowledge was lower among households with ≥5 household members. Of households with under-5 children and pregnant women, 9.4% and 12.3% missed medical care visits since mid-March 2020 consequent to the pandemic. Public health interventions to reduce COVID-19 transmission rely on risk perception and knowledge. Understanding these factors can help Ethiopian authorities design effective health education programs to control community and household SARS-CoV-2 transmission.
Digital Financial Literacy and Rural Income Inequality
Authors: Xu Guangshun , Feng Lin , Wang Wenzheng , Liang Qiaohui
Published: September 2024

Digital finance plays a crucial role in enhancing financial inclusion and decreasing income inequality within developing countries. Given the digital and financial attributes that characterize digital finance, digital financial literacy (DFL) is a critical factor that influences the extent to which this function can be exploited. There is relatively little empirical evidence linking DFL to rural income inequality. Based on the 2017 and 2019 China Household Finance Survey data and two-way fixed effect panel model, this study focuses on rural China and examines the effect of DFL on income inequality. Meanwhile, this study also explores the mechanism of this effect from the perspectives of financial asset allocation and entrepreneurship. The empirical results show that (1) increasing DFL within rural households contributes to decreasing income inequality; (2) DFL can decrease income inequality by enriching the variety of household financial assets and enlarging the proportion of risky financial assets in rural households; and (3) improving DFL can ameliorate rural income inequality by increasing the probability of entrepreneurship. The study’s findings put forward fresh empirical evidence for understanding the relationship and mechanism that exist between DFL and income inequality, and more significantly, provide new suggestions for designing and enhancing financial policies that aim to decrease income inequality in developing countries.
Examining Household Composition, Parental Style, and Consumer Socialization Practices Towards Children’s Media Consumption
Authors: Kapoor Sheetal , Rose Gregory M. , Jindal Rupinder P. , Sivadas Eugene
Published: September 2024

This study investigates the consumer socialization practices of parents in single versus multi-child and nuclear versus extended families in an emerging market. Previous consumer socialization research has focused primarily on western cultures. We examine parenting in a developing market and suggest that single-child families are more nurturant and maintain greater control of their children’s media exposure than multi-child families. The findings indicate that Modal Indian consumer socialization practices may be shifting from an Authoritarian to an Authoritative parental style with greater maternal intervention in media exposure and support for regulating children’s advertising. Implications for marketers, consumer educators, and public policy makers are discussed.
Levers of Control, Counterproductive Work Behavior, and Work Performance: Evidence From Indonesian Higher Education Institutions
Authors: Rosalina Kristin , Jusoh Ruzita
Published: September 2024

The low academic ranking compared to academicians in other disciplines is a work performance issue encountered by accounting academics, particularly in developing countries such as Indonesia. Besides, executing performance systems as a control mechanism mandated by the government also affected academic counterproductive work behavior (CWB) and performance. However, there is a dearth of empirical verification concerning the connection of control systems to the CWB and the performance of accounting academics. Therefore, building upon the job demands-resources theory, this study examines the association among levers of control as institutional performance mechanisms, CWB, and the work performance of academics. A self-administered online survey was conducted on 238 Indonesian accounting academics. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was utilized to run the analyses. This study’s crucial findings depicted the boundaries and interactive control systems as substantial factors to mitigate the tendency of academics to engage in CWB and revealed evidence concerning the negative effect of CWB on work performance. Subsequently, CWB plays a critical role in mediating the positive relationship between those two control systems and performance. The boundaries and interactive levers of control boost performance due to the systems’ success in mitigating academics’ involvement in CWB. The findings are relevant to higher education top management in aligning management control systems with the proper code of conduct and designing performance systems that enable academic freedom, collegial culture, autonomy, and participation to escalate performance. Shifting the control systems’ paradigm toward these characteristics will mitigate academics’ CWB and improve their performance.
Analysis of Online Consumer Purchasing Behavior Typology After the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Yang Zongkang , Li Xiao , Wang Qiwei
Published: September 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted global society and economies, prompting a shift in online consumer purchasing behavior (OCPB). This study aims to explore the evolving typologies of OCPB in the context of post-pandemic retail transformations. Utilizing data from a leading Chinese e-commerce platform, this study employed data mining techniques and the Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers (BERT) model to analyze OCPB typologies. The BERT model, known for its advanced multi-task capabilities, demonstrated high reliability in classifying OCPB into three distinct types, as evidenced by robust performance metrics including accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-score. However, the BERT model alone did not fully capture the nuanced concept of OCPB typology. To address this, this study integrated grounded theory to further delineate OCPB typologies, identifying key dimensions such as social and economic adaptation, product attributes, and user experience. Our findings offer a comprehensive understanding of OCPB typologies and provide valuable insights for retailers navigating the post-COVID-19 landscape. This research not only contributes to the academic discourse on consumer behavior but also offers practical guidance for enhancing retail strategies in a rapidly changing environment.
Longitudinal Associations Between Scripted Attachment Representations in Late Adolescence and Depression in Adulthood in a Normative and a Higher-Risk Cohort
Authors: Dagan Or , Nivison Marissa D. , Booth-LaForce Cathryn , Bleil Maria E. , Roisman Glenn I. , Waters Theodore E. A.
Published: September 2024

Attachment representations are increasingly operationalized as secure base script knowledge—one’s level of awareness of the temporal-causal schema that summarizes basic features of seeking and receiving effective support from caregivers when in distress. A method was recently developed to assess secure base script knowledge during the Adult Attachment Interview (AAIsbs), though its predictive validity for mental health outcomes is largely unknown. A series of pre-registered analyses, leveraging two large, longitudinal cohorts to assess the associations between AAIsbs and depression in emerging adults revealed that higher AAIsbs at age 18 years in the normative-risk sample, but not in a higher-risk cohort, predicted fewer depressive symptoms at age 30 years. In general, these associations were robust to concurrent depressive symptoms, sociodemographic and cognitive functioning covariates, and other traditional attachment representation measures. Findings support the importance of considering schematic attachment representations in developing interventions to improve young adults’ well-being.
Sensemaking of Subordinates’ Perception Through Supervisor Interactions and Its Role in Informing HRM Practices: A South Asian Perspective
Authors: Das Titir , Shree Sonal
Published: September 2024

The dyadic relationship between subordinate-supervisor garners significant focus within organizational studies and human resource management (HRM), being deemed a perpetual source of the organization’s most direct experiences. Nonetheless, these interactions are transient, as the dyadic and complex nature of their relationship transcends simple exchanges at workplace. The study provides an in-depth analysis of sensemaking in the context of modern-day organizations, particularly focusing on South Asian workplaces. Sensemaking is a cognitive process that individuals undergo when they encounter changes in their work environment, seeking clarity and formulating appropriate responses. The paper examines sensemaking’s influential role in shaping HRM practices. The authors adopted a deductive thematic analysis method to analyze 30 nominated texts using the MAXQDA content analysis tool. The authors propose a conceptual model based on five key themes derived from sensemaking: perception of supervisory behavior, perception of work relationship aspects, perception of workplace culture, opportunities-challenges in HRM practice, and outcomes of subordinate perception informing HRM practice. The study concludes that sensemaking is deeply embedded in the institutional, cultural, and organizational fabric of South Asian workplaces, and it significantly influences HRM practices.
Evaluating Disaster Management Preparedness among Healthcare Professionals During Pandemics: Palestinian Context
Authors: Aqtam Ibrahim , Shouli Mustafa , Al-qoroum Saqer , Shouli Khaila , Ayed Ahmad
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Emergencies are increasingly prevalent, necessitating specialized management to address significant social disruption. Effective management of health emergencies requires resilience from governments and health institutions, as these emergencies are becoming more common and have wide-ranging consequences on health, society, and the economy. Due to the interconnected nature of our global society, events in one location can have international or even global impacts, as demonstrated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Objective

This study aims to assess disaster management preparedness among nurses and physicians during pandemics.

Methods

This study used an online survey conducted in late 2022 to collect primary data through a purposive sampling method, involving both government and private hospitals in Palestine. The participants included 512 nurses and 241 physicians from various hospital units.

Results

The findings indicate varying levels of knowledge among participants, with a significant portion (67%) reporting no prior experience with real disaster situations. Additionally, 63% lacked prior disaster response experience. Regarding training courses, 17.8% of nurses and physicians prioritized emergency preparedness, trauma mass casualty response, and triage disaster management systems. Despite some understanding of disaster management, the study emphasizes the importance of hospital managers implementing national standards, engaging healthcare professionals in continuous education, and addressing gaps in perceived competence.

Conclusion

While participants demonstrated some knowledge of disaster management, the study suggests the importance of hospital managers adopting national standards, engaging healthcare professionals in continuous learning activities, and addressing perceived competence gaps.
What Is the Effect of an Inferred Mental Illness Label on Stigma? Theoretical and Empirical Challenges
Authors: Manago Bianca , Mize Trenton D.
Published: September 2024

One of the strengths of vignette-based experimental research is that it captures the mental illness labeling process in the way it often occurs—inference without full information. Unfortunately, because the process of inferring a label is associated with confounding variables, such as perceived deviance and prior contact, it is difficult to measure the causal effect of inferred mental illness labels. To address these confounding variables, we advocate for the use of causal inference methods. Using causal inference methods, we analyze the 1996, 2006, and 2018 General Social Survey National Stigma Studies. We find that (1) an inferred mental illness label affects desired social distance, (2) the likelihood and effect of inferring a label differs across mental illnesses, and (3) causal inference methods that exact match on contact better approximate the causal effect of inferring a label. These findings underline the importance of clearly identifying effects of interest and causal methods’ utility for estimating these effects.
From Degrees to Dimensions: Accounts of Workers’ Socioeconomic Dependence on Platforms
Authors: Joseph-Goteiner David
Published: September 2024

Platform work is one prominent type of independent contracting in the United States. Yet the independent status of platform workers is contested. Some scholars call platform workers dependent contractors. Others are measuring workers’ economic dependence to support better classification. Given platform workers’ heterogeneity, current efforts to classify workers’ dependence might be missing different kinds of dependencies. This article asks the following: What are the dimensions of economic dependence that platform workers experience? I interviewed 47 individuals working on the microwork platform Prolific and analyzed three dimensions that were salient in workers’ accounts: “episodic,” “discretionary,” and “projected” dependencies. These dimensions can help us to measure platform dependence. Furthermore, this article theorizes how each form of dependence might reinforce economic precarity. This study calls for further connections between platform studies and literature on household finance, consumption, and culture.
Dentists’ Mental Health: Challenges, Supports, and Promising Practices
Authors: Maragha T. , Atanackovic J. , Adams T. , Brondani M. , Bourgeault I.
Published: September 2024

Objectives:

The mental health of dentists, like all health professionals, is a growing concern. The objectives of this study were to identify the mental health challenges experienced by Canadian dentists and to describe the support needs and promising practices to better support them.

Methods:

This study used a mixed-methods case study design to gather data from semistructured qualitative interviews and a survey for triangulation.

Results:

Thirty-six dentists and 17 stakeholders participated in the interviews, and 397 dentists participated in the survey. The interview and survey data revealed that dentists have experienced several challenges personally, professionally, and socially. Around 44% of participating dentists experienced a wide range of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder. Sex/gender shaped the mental health experiences of female dentists, who reported more stress related to caring responsibilities. They had a higher percentage of mental health issues (50%) than men (37%). Caretaking emerged as the main challenge in the social and personal domain, particularly for female dentists in both survey and interview findings. The dentists’ role in practice was one of the most frequently reported professional challenges. While practice owners reported challenges with staff and practice management, associate dentists experienced difficulties with the lack of autonomy and conflicts with office managers and owners. Other challenges reported by participating dentists included patient care responsibilities, loneliness, and isolation. To address these challenges and their impact, dentists and stakeholders identified several support needs and promising practices, including increasing awareness about mental health issues, expanding existing mental health resources, incorporating mental health content in dental education, and encouraging engagement in organized dentistry, particularly for women.

Conclusions:

The impact of mental health challenges on dentists’ career trajectory and productivity is an ongoing concern in Canada. Gender-specific strategies to support the mental health of dentists should be developed.

Knowledge Translation Statement:

This study identified the mental health challenges of dentists in Canada to inform the development of interventions and strategies to promote the health and well-being of dentists and dental students. It also highlighted the need for clinicians, students, and individuals in leadership positions in institutions and professional organizations to recognize and consider the working conditions of dentists in various positions to avoid negative consequences on their mental health, reduce the attrition from the professional, and improve patient care outcomes.
Not all plaques are created equal: Uncovering a unique molecular signature in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Holt Kristjan , Payne Emily , Spires-Jones Tara L.
Published: September 2024

Although neuritic plaques – comprised of aggregated fibrils of the misfolded protein, amyloid β (Aβ) – have formed a central focus of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) research for decades, it is now well understood that plaque burden alone is a poor correlate of cognitive decline. This is highlighted especially when compared against other neuropathological hallmarks, such as synapse loss (the strongest correlate) and hyperphosphorylated protein tau. However, it is known that Familial AD arises due to autosomal dominant mutations directly influencing the generation of Aβ, suggesting that Aβ pathology may play a key upstream role in the disease. Such contrasting lines of evidence have thus raised questions as to why some aged individuals with high plaque burden develop AD while others remain cognitively healthy. In their recent study, published in Analytical Chemistry (June 2024), Enzlein and colleagues aimed to investigate whether differences in the molecular composition of plaques between individuals with sporadic Alzheimer’s disease (N = 9) versus age-matched amyloid positive but cognitively unaffected controls (N = 8) could go towards explaining this outstanding question in the field. Using novel methods integrating mass spectrometry imaging with machine learning feature extraction, the authors compared peptide and lipid profiles to a resolving limit of 400 μm2 for >5000 individual plaques. In doing so, a distinct peptide signature was identified in sporadic Alzheimer’s disease plaques that was characterised by strongly increased aggregation of the short amyloid β isoform, Aβ1-38 coupled with a lesser co-aggregation of pyroglutamate-modified Aβ3-42pE. Sporadic Alzheimer’s disease plaques also demonstrated a robust lipid signature denoted by an increased presence of cell membrane components, GM1 and GM2 gangliosides. Here, we review this work; aiming to place these findings within the context of existing literature and with a view to discussing their importance in developing our current knowledge of Alzheimer’s disease.
Myopia Support Device (Titanium Macular Buckle) for Posterior Pole Retinal Detachment With or Without Myopic Maculoschisis
Authors: Akduman Levent , Ozdek Sengul , Ermis Serhat , Ozdemir-Zeydanli Ece , Artunay Ozgur , Abou Shousha Mohsen
Published: September 2024

Purpose: To describe 4 cases of posterior pole retinal detachment (RD) in patients with pathologic myopia that were repaired with a prototype myopia support device. Methods: A case series was evaluated. Results: Four cases of posterior pole RD were treated, 3 of which were accompanied by myopic maculoschisis and 1 that was accompanied by a choroidal neovascular membrane and a macular hole (MH). Preoperative and postoperative assessments included visual acuity, optical coherence tomography and fluorescein angiography findings, and axial lengths when available. Three patients had vitrectomy and device placement, while the other patient received device placement alone. All cases had successful repair of the RD, with complete resolution of maculoschisis and MH when present. The myopia support device provided the desired indentation, aiding in the repair. Follow-up ranged between 2 months and 17 months. Conclusions: The myopia support device is a valuable addition for repair of posterior pole RDs in patients with pathologic myopia, with or without maculoschisis or MH. It can be used in conjunction with vitrectomy or as a standalone technique.
PMC Bank Debacle: A Failed Corporate Governance Case
Authors: Shakeel Mohd Raagib , Siddiqui Taufeeque Ahmad , Siddiqui Saif
Published: September 2024

For sustained business growth, it is imperative to be proactive rather than reactive to issues of public interest. Had the new banking regulation amendments been introduced earlier, could they have prevented the Punjab and Maharashtra Cooperative (PMC) Bank debacle?

The bank being put under the limits of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for six months was the dreaded headline on 23 September 2019. This was later revealed to be one of the country’s worst financial scams. PMC Bank, a top 10 cooperative bank, was interdicted by the RBI for under-reporting the loan sum sanctioned to HDIL (Housing Development and Infrastructure Limited) and misreporting non-performing assets (NPA) in their annual report. As an immediate consequence, all core activities of the bank came to a halt. Customers who had put their life savings in the bank never imagined that it would result in the deaths of up to eleven people and the devastation of hundreds of homes. It raises an important question about the governance standards upheld by a financial institution such as PMC Bank. Are the recent amendments to the Banking Regulation Act (2020) adequate to strengthen the regulations and corporate governance practices? Furthermore, will these amendments instil trust in a new depositor already perplexed by such news?
Patient-Perceived Challenges to Type 2 Diabetes Self-Management in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Qualitative Exploratory Study
Authors: Desse Tigestu Alemu , Namara Kevin Mc. , Manias Elizabeth
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The purpose of the study was to explore patient-reported challenges influencing type 2 diabetes self-management in a diabetes center in Ethiopia.

Methods

Exploratory qualitative interviews were conducted with purposively sampled patients with type 2 diabetes. Thematic data analysis was performed to identify challenges to diabetes self-management, and the themes were interpreted using Leininger’s sunrise model.

Results

Thirty patients with type 2 diabetes participated. Four themes were identified regarding challenges to type 2 diabetes self-management: (1) cultural values and beliefs, (2) kinship and social factors, (3) educational factors, and (4) economic conditions. Sociocultural factors and low income intersected to significantly impede effective diabetes self-management. Sociocultural contexts strongly influenced patient beliefs and interpretations related to diabetes self-care. Misconceptions and limited awareness of diabetes, reliance on herbal remedies, ritual fasting, and prioritization of family needs over individual needs also involved challenges for diabetes self-care. Poverty influenced access to diabetes care. Many patients faced difficulties in adhering to healthy diets for diabetes due to limited income and food costs, and some patients reduced medication doses, including insulin, to manage costs effectively.

Conclusion

The study highlighted the pressing need for comprehensive and culturally appropriate patient education and empowerment interventions involving various stakeholders to enhance knowledge, understanding, and self-efficacy in diabetes self-management. Urgent attention is needed to ensure patients have access to affordable and sustainable diabetes medications and healthy diets for diabetes through financial incentives. These findings can be considered in designing tailored strategies for improving self-management practice in diabetes care in Ethiopia.
An anti-eCIRP strategy for necrotizing enterocolitis
Authors: Nofi Colleen P. , Prince Jose M. , Brewer Mariana R. , Aziz Monowar , Wang Ping
Published: September 2024

Background

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a severe gastrointestinal disease characterized by intestinal inflammation and injury, with high mortality risk. Extracellular cold-inducible RNA-binding protein (eCIRP) is a recently discovered damage-associated molecular pattern that propagates inflammation and tissue injury; however, the role of eCIRP in NEC remains unknown. We hypothesize that eCIRP exacerbates NEC pathogenesis and the novel eCIRP-scavenging peptide, milk fat globule-epidermal growth factor-factor VIII (MFG-E8)-derived oligopeptide 3 (MOP3), attenuates NEC severity, serving as a new therapeutic strategy to treat NEC.

Methods

Stool samples from premature neonates were collected prospectively and eCIRP levels were measured. Wild-type (WT) and CIRP−/− mouse pups were subjected to NEC utilizing a combination of hypoxia and hypercaloric formula orogastric gavage with lipopolysaccharide supplementation. In parallel, WT pups were treated with MOP3 or vehicle. Endpoints including NEC severity, intestinal injury, barrier dysfunction, lung injury, and overall survival were determined.

Results

Stool samples from NEC neonates had elevated eCIRP levels compared to healthy age-matched controls (p < 0.05). CIRP−/− pups were significantly protected from NEC severity, intestinal injury, bowel inflammation, intestinal barrier dysfunction, lung injury, and systemic inflammation. NEC survival was 100% for CIRP−/− pups compared to 65% for WT (p < 0.05). MOP3 treatment recapitulated the benefits afforded by CIRP-knockdown, preventing NEC severity, improving inflammatory profiles, and attenuating organ injury. MOP3 treatment improved NEC survival to 80% compared to 50% for vehicle treatment (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

eCIRP exacerbates NEC evidenced by protection with CIRP-deficiency and administration of MOP3, a CIRP-directed therapeutic, in a murine model. Thus, eCIRP is a novel target with human relevance, and MOP3 is a promising treatment for lethal NEC.