bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Nurses’ Holistic Competence in Chronic Disease Management on Their Attitudes Toward Caregiver Roles
Authors: Kerkez Müjde , Öztürk Mehmet Hayrullah
Published: December 2023

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of nurses’ holistic nursing competence in chronic disease management on their attitudes toward caregiving roles. The sample of the study, which was carried out in descriptive design, consists of 114 nurses (52.6% female and 47.4% male). The research data were gathered with sociodemographic characteristics form, the Holistic Nursing Competence Scale (HNCS), and the Attitude Scale for Nurses in Caregiving Roles (ASNCR). The influence of HNCS, gender, years of job, working style, professional status, weekly working time, and difficulty caring for chronic patients on ASNCR explained 38.1% of the variance. The impact of the ASNCR, gender, years of work in the job, working type, weekly working hours, and having difficulties caring for chronic patients on HNCS explained 54.5% of the variance. Our findings demonstrated the impact of holistic competence on nurses’ positive attitudes toward the role of caregiver.
Universal-offer HIV testing in primary care: A mixed-methods evaluation of a pilot study
Authors: Wenlock Rhys , Dhillon Syra , Perera Sean , Vera Jaime , Llewellyn Carrie , Dean Gillian
Published: December 2023

Background

Offering HIV tests to all patients undergoing blood tests in primary care has been recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) in the UK since 2016 but has not been fully adopted. We sought to evaluate the acceptability and feasibility of such a service in primary care.

Methods

A 3-weeks pilot of offering HIV tests to all patients undergoing blood tests was conducted in a general practice in the UK and evaluated using a mixed-methods approach. Whether patients were offered and accepted tests was recorded and any differences by patient’s age and gender assessed. All patients and HCPs offering testing were approached for semi-structured interviews.

Results

Two-hundred-and-51 patients (mean [range] 57.5 years [18 to 97], 58% female) attended blood test appointments with 117 being offered a HIV test (46.6%). 78.6% ( n = 92) accepted testing with 91 negative results. The proportion of patients offered testing was associated with the HCP offering the test. No associations between the age or gender of the patient and their odds of being offered or accepting a test were observed. Patient semi-structured interviews ( n = 13) revealed a range of previous HIV testing experiences, patients felt the “offer” of a test to be routine and non-judgemental and felt that receiving negative results via SMS was appropriate. Several participants reported not fully considering the implications of a positive result when they accepted the test. Interviews with HCPs ( n = 3) identified no significant service-level barriers.

Conclusions

Offering HIV tests to patients undergoing blood tests in primary care is feasible and acceptable. The principal barrier to uptake was HCPs not offering testing.
Phytochemical Profiling, Antioxidant, and Antifungal Activities of Ethyl Acetate and Chloroformic Extracts from Three Mentha Species
Authors: Bouali Nouha , Hajlaoui Hafedh , Arraouadi Soumaya , Saeed Mohd , Tasleem Munazzah , Mejdi Snoussi , Kadri Adel
Published: December 2023

Background

Phytopathogenic fungi remain the main infectious agents in plants, causing severe damage to the environment and human health. Thus, to reduce the usage of synthetically derived fungicides and perform agricultural crop production, the search for new control strategies including plant extracts constitutes an eco-friendly and safe alternative.

Objectives

This study aimed to quantify the phytochemical constituents of the three plant ( Mentha pulegium L., Mentha spicata L., and Mentha longifolia L.) extracts and to screen their phytochemical composition including total phenolic (TPC), flavonoids (TFC) and condensed tannins contents (TCTC), and to evaluate their antioxidant activities. The efficacy of all mint extracts will be investigated against phytopathogenic fungal species.

Materials and Methods

The three plant extracts were screened to assess their total phenolic, flavonoids, and condensed tannin contents using spectrophotometric assays. The antioxidant activities include 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ferric ion reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and β-carotene assays. The antifungal activities were investigated on phytopathogenic species including Botrytis cinerea, Fusarium culmorum, Fusarium oxysporum, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, and Trichoderma sp.

Results

Quantitative analyses of phytochemical constituents of Mentha genus extracts revealed that both ethyl acetate (EtAc) and chloroformic (Chl) extracts are a rich source of phenols, flavonoids, and condensed tannins. Ethyl acetate extract of M. longifolia (EtAc L) displayed the highest content of phenols (69.9 ± 1.35 mg GAE/g DW) and flavonoids (53.26 ± 2.11 mg CE/g DW), while M. pulegium ethyl acetate extract (EtAc P) has the highest condensed tannins content (2.13 ± 0.4 mg CE/g DW). Moreover, the tested extracts exhibited potent antioxidant activities at low concentrations for EtAc L, followed by M. spicata (EtAc S), and EtAc P (IC50 = 35.76 ± 1.32 µg/mL for scavenging DPPH free radicals; EC50 527.96 ± 5.45 µg/mL for FRAP, and IC50 = 106.3 ± 3.75 µg/mL for β-carotene bleaching test). Finally, all tested extracts were able to inhibit the growth of several phytopathogenic micro-organisms on both agar and broth media.

Conclusion

The Mentha extracts derived from the three mint species (i.e., L, P, and S) could be used for their antifungal activities to provide sustainable crop pest management.
The proposal for a revised Product Liability Directive: The emperor's new clothes?
Authors: Li Shu , Schütte Béatrice
Published: December 2023

On September 28, 2022, the European Commission presented the long-awaited proposal for a revised Product Liability Directive (PLD). By adapting rules and concepts to digitalization and circular economy, the revised PLD aims to ensure that the damage that defective products caused can be remedied adequately. This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the substantive and procedural harmonized rules that are reshaped in the revised PLD. The discussion shows that although the revised version makes progress, ambiguities remain about essential concepts such as ‘product’, ‘damage’, and ‘defectiveness’. Those ambiguities could generate significant legal uncertainties. In addition, it is imperative to consider whether the harmonization that results from the revised PLD strikes a balance between centralized policy goals and local preferences. Since it has been reiterated that the revised PLD will be limited to safety-related harm rather than to harm to other fundamental rights (e.g., data protection and equal treatment), it is also crucial to inquire whether harms of the latter kind can be remedied effectively by other relevant legal regimes.
Meta-evaluation: Validating program evaluation standards through the United Nations Evaluation Quality Assessment (EQAs)
Authors: Ayoo Sandra , Leeming Meghan , Huff Stacy R
Published: December 2023

The 2015 United Nation’s ‘Eval Year’ declaration heightened program evaluation’s significance in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. However, uncertainties persist regarding evaluating high-quality evaluations and addressing social justice concerns in meta-evaluations. The field lacks consensus on both conducting meta-evaluation and the standards to use. To address this, we reviewed meta-evaluation literature, mapped the American Evaluation Association’s foundational documents with the United Nations Evaluation Group’s Norms and Standards to explore their intersectionality on social justice, and analysed 62 United Nations Population Fund evaluation reports alongside their management responses. Our findings indicate that addressing social justice concerns in meta-evaluation is contingent on context rather than established standards. Thus, it’s crucial for evaluators to prioritise social justice in evaluation design and implementation, and to select quality assurance tools that match the evaluation context and professional association guidelines, especially in the absence of standardised guidelines.
Symptoms and Prognoses of Patients With Breast Cancer and Malignant Wounds in Palliative Care Units: The Multicenter, Prospective, Observational EASED Study
Authors: Takeda Yuma , Ishiki Hiroto , Oyamada Shunsuke , Otani Hiroyuki , Maeda Isseki , Yamaguchi Takashi , Hamano Jun , Mori Masanori , Morita Tatsuya
Published: December 2023

Background

This study sought to investigate the symptoms and prognoses of patients with breast cancer and malignant wounds in the palliative care unit setting.

Methods

This study was a sub-group analysis of a multicenter, prospective, observational study. Patients admitted to 23 palliative care units in Japan between January and December 2017 were enrolled. Data of patients with breast cancer were extracted. We compared demographic characteristics, symptoms, and prognoses by breast cancer malignant wound status. The primary outcome was overall survival. Secondary outcomes included Palliative Prognostic Index (PPI) score, malignant wound characteristics, and symptom burden.

Results

Of 1896 patients, 131 (6.9%) had breast cancer. In this cohort, 44 (33.6%) patients had malignant wounds. Most malignant wounds (88%) were on the back and chest. Malignant wounds were associated with skin redness, erosion, necrosis, or fistula. Symptoms included bleeding, exudate, odor, and pain. Twenty-eight patients (63.6%) needed dressing changes and 14 (31.8%) patients experienced bleeding. None died due to bleeding. In the malignant wounds group, 32 (72.8%) patients had used an opioid dose equivalent to 38 mg of oral morphine daily, compared to 25 mg by 57 (65.5%) patients in the non-malignant wounds group ( P = .26). Median PPI scores at hospital admission were 4.5 vs 6.5 ( P = .08). Median survival was 23 vs 21 days ( P = .48).

Conclusions

Patients with malignant wounds had a distinct symptom burden profile and tended to use a higher dose of opioids. The effect of malignant wounds on survival was unclear.
Implementation of Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Intervention Strategies: An Examination of Preschool Teachers’ Perceptions
Authors: D’Agostino Sophia R. , Pinkelman Sarah E. , Maye Melissa
Published: December 2023

Naturalistic developmental behavioral intervention (NDBI) strategies appear to be well-suited for implementation by preschool teachers of young children ages 3 through 5, yet research exploring NDBI implementation within this specific context is extremely limited. We applied an implementation science framework to examine reported knowledge, frequency of use, and social validity perceptions of NDBI to support implementation within preschool classrooms. We surveyed 152 preschool teachers and compared ratings of general and special educators to understand their knowledge and use of NDBI strategies. We also compared ratings of preschool teachers with and without higher education training in applied behavior analysis. Findings indicate that NDBI strategies are a usable innovation for preschool teachers, yet targeted preservice and inservice training is warranted along with improved organizational factors to support NDBI uptake. Furthermore, open-ended survey responses provided a deeper understanding of social validity ratings and suggestions for NDBI-focused professional development.
Idioms of distress: Feasibility trial findings on reducing somatic symptoms through a community-based, culturally integrated intervention in Somaliland
Authors: Bentley Jacob A , Gutierrez Daniel , Alsubaie Mohammed , Rosencrans Peter , Peconga Emma , Angula Dega , Egeh Momin H , Feeny Norah , Zoellner Lori
Published: December 2023

Background

Somatic complaints play a central role in the posttraumatic psychological symptom presentation among people within many cultural contexts. One theory about the function of somatic symptoms suggests that diffuse bodily complaints serve as idioms of distress. However, few studies have examined the effect of culturally adapted trauma interventions on reducing somatic symptoms specifically implemented in a low-income country.

Methods

We examined the effects of Islamic Trauma Healing – a brief, group- and mosque-based, lay-led intervention – on somatic symptom reduction in a pre-post feasibility study conducted in Somaliland. Inclusion criteria were DSM-5 trauma exposure and DSM-5 re-experiencing or avoidance. Participants (N = 26; 12 men, 14 women) reported large intervention effects for somatic symptoms ( g = 2.74, SSS-8). Higher pre-intervention somatic symptoms showed moderate to large associations with higher overall PTSD symptoms ( r = .43, P = .03). At post-intervention, somatic symptoms were only significantly associated with higher PTSD avoidance symptoms ( r = .41, P = .04) and lower well-being ( r = -.49, P = .01). No gender effects on total somatic symptom scores were observed.

Discussion

Results of this feasibility trial bring into focus overlap between mental health symptom reporting and somatic concerns as conceptualized within the context of cultural idioms of distress. Moreover, these findings suggest that diffuse transdiagnostic somatic symptoms could offer opportunity to learn about the intersections among culture, posttraumatic stress, and idioms of distress as mechanisms in global mental health intervention development.
Forward-leaning policing and stability maintenance: The politics of penal control in Xi's China
Authors: Li Enshen
Published: December 2023

This article seeks to address the intensification of incarceration in Xi's China. By situating the analysis of incarceration within the theory of penal politics, I ascribe the Chinese system of penal control to a purposeful and politically charged change in policing practices. Through what I call ‘forward-leaning policing’ (前倾式警务), China under the current leadership has co-opted the exercise of carceral power through more aggressive and proactive policing as an intensified response to an eclectic mix of developing social issues which threaten public order and political stability, emergent from China's transition to modernity. All the while, the country's community and social policy interventions have been inadequate in addressing the evolving ‘risks’ in Chinese society. Those two converging forces, together, pave the way for individuals to have increased contact with the justice system, as well as exposing them to a higher probability of falling within the remit of formal punishment, including imprisonment.
Children’s and parents’ perspectives of their multiple and multi-dimensional international transitions: Longitudinal study across four time points
Authors: Koini Catherine , Jindal-Snape Divya , Robb Anna
Published: December 2023

Existing literature presents a fragmented and negative account of international family transitions. This longitudinal study focuses on the contemporaneous experiences of internationally mobile families during their transitions to a new country and international school, drawing on Multiple and Multi-dimensional Transitions (MMT) Theory. The study adopted a small-scale, multiple case study design and focused on the experiences of primary aged children and their parents over the period of one year from July 2019 to July 2020. The findings, presented here as a cross-section, revealed that participants navigated multiple, complex transitions across several domains and contexts on a daily basis and that their transition experiences were largely positive. This study challenges previous chronological models of international transitions and demonstrates that through the application of MMT theory, international family transitions are best understood as ongoing, complex, and multi-dimensional processes.
How S100B crosses brain barriers and why it is considered a peripheral marker of brain injury
Authors: Gayger-Dias Vitor , Vizuete Adriana FK , Rodrigues Letícia , Wartchow Krista Minéia , Bobermin Larissa , Leite Marina Concli , Quincozes-Santos André , Kleindienst Andrea , Gonçalves Carlos-Alberto
Published: December 2023

S100B is a 21-kDa protein that is produced and secreted by astrocytes and widely used as a marker of brain injury in clinical and experimental studies. The majority of these studies are based on measurements in blood serum, assuming an associated increase in cerebrospinal fluid and a rupture of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). Moreover, extracerebral sources of S100B are often underestimated. Herein, we will review these interpretations and discuss the routes by which S100B, produced by astrocytes, reaches the circulatory system. We discuss the concept of S100B as an alarmin and its dual activity as an inflammatory and neurotrophic molecule. Furthermore, we emphasize the lack of data supporting the idea that S100B acts as a marker of BBB rupture, and the need to include the glymphatic system in the interpretations of serum changes of S100B. The review is also dedicated to valorizing extracerebral sources of S100B, particularly adipocytes. Furthermore, S100B per se may have direct and indirect modulating roles in brain barriers: on the tight junctions that regulate paracellular transport; on the expression of its receptor, RAGE, which is involved in transcellular protein transport; and on aquaporin-4, a key protein in the glymphatic system that is responsible for the clearance of extracellular proteins from the central nervous system. We hope that the data on S100B, discussed here, will be useful and that it will translate into further health benefits in medical practice.
The Effects of Contextual Factors on Hospital Chaplains: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Klitzman Robert , Di Sapia Natarelli Gabrielle , Sinnappan Stephanie , Garbuzova Elizaveta , Al-Hashimi Jay
Published: December 2023

Critical questions arise about how contextual factors affect hospital chaplains. We interviewed 23 chaplains in-depth. Hospitals’ religious or other institutional affiliation, geography, and leadership can influence chaplains both explicitly/directly and implicitly/indirectly—for example, in types/amounts of support chaplains receive, scope of chaplains’ roles/activities, amounts/types of chaplains’ interactions, chaplains' views of their roles and freedom to innovate, and patients’, families’ and other providers’ perceptions/expectations regarding spiritual care. These data have critical implications for research, practice, and education.
Integrating Function Allocation and Operational Event Sequence Diagrams to Support Human-Robot Coordination: Case Study of a Robotic Date Thinning System
Authors: Salzer Yael , Saraf Noy , Bechar Avital , Cohen Yuval , Schmilovitch Ze’ev , Berman Sigal , Yovel Yossi , Sadowsky Avraham , Bass Ellen J.
Published: December 2023

State-of-the-art robots show promise in supporting but not completely replacing human work in most precision agriculture applications. For many potential agricultural robot applications, there are no comparable systems nor readily available information on the human operator activities to guide the systems engineering process. Such is the situation for Medjool date thinning, a tedious and hazardous manual operation for which technological assistance has yet to be developed. Here we describe using cognitive system engineering methods to develop operational concepts and human-robot coordination requirements for a pioneer system, a Robotic Medjool Date Thinning System (RDTS). We leveraged the abstraction hierarchy to characterize the RDTS’s envisioned goals and functionality. We developed alternative functional allocations to explore the design space based on the availability of different enabling technologies. After downselecting to the function allocation, including the technologies expected to be developed, we created operational event sequence diagrams to visualize the operation flow and to identify requirements related to the human operator and the joint human-robot system. Applying these methods in the early design stages helped to refine the human-robot coordination requirements and to identify gaps in the operational concept—they show great potential to support the introduction of agricultural robots and bring them to fruition.
A sustainable blend of Tencel/jute fibers as an alternative to cotton/polyester for clothing
Authors: Sarwar Zahid , Ahmad Faheem , Ahmad Adnan , Ahmad Sheraz
Published: December 2023

The increasing concern about the environment has enhanced the utilization of sustainable products in every field of life, from common household items to fabrics. Although cotton is a plant-based fiber, its cultivation requires large amounts of water and pesticides. Therefore, the future of product development demands environmental friendliness. To overcome the problems of cotton related to the environment, a novel sustainable fabric was developed by using Tencel and jute fiber for the apparel industry to reduce the usage of cotton. In this current study, six blended yarns of two counts (10 & 20 Ne) of Tencel and jute (90:10, 80:20, and 70:30) were developed by ring spinning to weave fabric in two weave designs (Plain & Twill). These developed fabrics were assessed for mechanical, comfort, and hand properties. The results revealed that the blended fabric with a high content of Tencel is good in terms of mechanical, comfort, and hand properties, except for stiffness, pilling resistance, resilience, and drapeability. Additionally, fabric woven with a fine yarn count is also good in the above-stated properties, except for stiffness, resilience, and wrinkle recovery. However, fabrics woven with a twill weave design have good comfort and hand properties, except for smoothness and drapability. On the other hand, fabric with a plain weave design is good in terms of mechanical properties, except for tear strength. The comparison of TJ blended fabric with PC blended fabric shows that the tensile strength, air permeability and OMMC of JT blended fabric is 8.31%, 96%, and 29.46% higher than PC blended fabric but tear strength is 99% less. Furthermore, statistical analysis was performed to check the effect of the input variables on the response factors, and it was found that the effect of yarn count on all output responses is statistically the most significant.
Exploring the Link Between Demographic, Employment, and Coaching Characteristics With Financial Earning Among Health and Wellness Coaches
Authors: Bleck Jennifer , Smith Kasia , Mansouri Jasmine , Early Caroline
Published: December 2023

The health and wellness coaching profession has been rapidly growing. This study explored associations between demographic, employment, and coaching characteristics with financial earnings among coaches. A cross-sectional survey was analyzed using bivariate analyses and multivariate regression modeling. Amongst 740 coaches, 62% reported working part-time. Coaches reported a mean hourly salary of $40.30 (SD = 22.23), and 26.2% of coaches reported an annual income from coaching of $50,000 or more. A higher proportion of full-time coaches reported earning over $50,000 annually (55.9% vs 8.1%); however, part-time coaches had a higher mean hourly wage in non-private practice settings ($46.25 vs $34.62). No differences were found regarding client fee per hour in private practice between part-time ($96.61) and full-time ($99.93) coaches. Coaches who manage other coaches, work in corporate/employee wellness, and have higher average weekly caseloads were likelier to report an annual income of $50,000 or more. Moreover, coaches working at a digital health company made less per hour. In contrast, coaches at corporate/employee wellness programs and coaches targeting women earned higher hourly salaries. The findings identify trends among coaches about salary. Recognizing these trends provides an opportunity to expand efforts to standardize the profession and advance diversity.
Early-career school psychologists’ risk assessment self-efficacy: An Australian perspective
Authors: Quigley Erin , Hyde Chelsea
Published: December 2023

Assessment and management of youth suicide risk is a key role for school psychologists. However, prior research indicates that psychologists commonly lack confidence and feel unprepared when they graduated to conduct risk assessments. This qualitative study explored nine Victorian early-career school psychologists’ role in risk assessment, and their self-perceived preparedness, self-efficacy, postgraduate training experiences and methods used to assess risk. Results identified that the frequency of student suicidal ideation and acute mental health presentations exceeded participants’ expectations. Participants identified confidence in assessing risk, but less confidence in the follow-up actions. Participants reported employing comprehensive risk assessment practices and most received exposure to risk assessment during training. Key factors identified for building risk assessment preparedness and confidence were supervision, experience, professional development and research. As participants identified core risk assessment competencies that may require further coverage in curricula, these findings have important implications for universities to maximise graduates’ risk assessment preparedness.
Exploring individual physiological correlates of procrastination with a deadline rush model
Authors: Sun Tianchen , Hwee Jessica , Kim Ji-Eun
Published: December 2023

Measuring procrastination is critical to discovering how procrastination impacts individuals. Studies have frequently adopted methodologies to quantify procrastination after task deadlines have passed. However, there are no models and strategies to predict procrastination while individuals are still working on tasks. The present exploratory study investigates the individual correlates of eye movement and physiological responses with procrastination. We conducted laboratory experiments with 18 participants and recorded their physiological data during the experiments. Participants’ procrastination levels were computed based on individual behavioral data collected during task completion. For most participants, the number of eye fixations, fixation rate, and standard deviation of skin temperature were related to procrastination. Our preliminary findings can be used to direct future research on modeling procrastination using combinations of eye movement and physiological responses with individual customizations.
Examining the Effects of Cellphone Separation on Cognitive Engagement and Behavioral Performance in A Stroop Task
Authors: Quesnel Alexa , Yang Xiao
Published: December 2023

Cellphone has become an integral part of people’s daily life. Anxiety may arise from cellphone separation. Although negative cognitive effects of cellphone separation were reported, the mechanism of how cellphone separation anxiety influences cognition. In the present study, we examined the effects of cellphone separation on state anxiety and physiological indicators of cognitive engagement, heart rate (HR), and high frequency heart rate variability (HF-HRV). Seventy-five college-aged participants were assigned into three groups (explicit separation, implicit separation, and control groups) and performed a Stroop task. Anxiety, HR and HF-HRV at baseline and during the task were measured. Additionally, trait anxiety, working memory capacity, and daily cellphone usage were measured as covariates. The dependent variables were submitted to repeated-measure mixed-model analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). Although there were no group effects on state anxiety and HF-HRV, the implicit cellphone separation group showed the highest level of HR response and the Stroop effect on RTs. The results suggest that the activation of the mental representation of a cellphone, which occurred in the implicit separation group, facilitates cognitive engagement and enlarge the effects of inhibition on the speed of Stroop responses.
Trust in Automated Vehicles under Normal and Drowsy Driving Conditions
Authors: Morris Nichole L. , Craig Curtis M. , Schwieters Katelyn R.
Published: December 2023

One path to significantly reducing traffic deaths is the implementation of automated vehicles. However, the proliferation of automation relies on public acceptance, and debiasing can be a useful approach to persuade the public of the safety benefits of automated vehicles. The research team surveyed 186 adults about their comfort level on drowsy driving, trust in automated vehicles, and whether they would trust an automated vehicle if they were falling asleep at the wheel. Increased age and drowsy driving comfort level predicted a lower level of overall trust in automated vehicles, while only age predicted degree of trust in automated vehicles when sleepy. Participants’ trust in automated vehicles increased when considering the risky circumstance of nodding off at the wheel. Identifying other cases in which drivers would trust automation is one key to de-biasing overconfidence in one’s driving and increasing public trust of automation in situations when automation may be superior.
Surgical Treatments and Long-Term Outcomes for Pediatric Patients With Lumbar Spinal Tumors
Authors: Zhang Yue , Chen Wenjun , Cao Shuang , He Shaohui , Wei Haifeng
Published: December 2023

Study Design

Retrospective case‒control study

Objectives

This study aimed to report the effects of surgical intervention on spinal stability recovery and to assess the long-term outcomes of children and adolescents with lumbar tumors.

Methods

From January 2016 to June 2021, 42 pediatric patients with lumbar tumors were selected and separated into different groups based on the surgical method used (total en bloc resection (TER) group, n = 21; piecemeal resection (PR) group, n = 21; titanium mesh (TM) group n = 23; artificial vertebrae (AV) group n = 19). The clinicopathological characteristics, treatments and related outcomes were described in detail and compared between groups, with P value ≤.05 indicating statistically significant differences.

Results

The average follow-up duration was 24.89 months, and the mean age was 14.89 ± 2.41 years. There were no significant differences in the mean operation time, average blood loss, complication rate, or length of hospital stay between the groups. The ODI, VAS and JOA scores at the final follow-up (FF) were elevated after surgery in all groups. The FF local angular drift (LOD) and lumbar angular drift (LUD) were greater in the TM group than in the AV group ( P = .03, P = .001).

Conclusions

After surgery, pediatric patients with lumbar tumors can obtain satisfactory spinal stability, effective relief of pain symptoms and substantial improvements in neurological function. There was no significant difference in the invasiveness, safety or timeliness between the 2 surgical methods, so TER is recommended due to its low postoperative recurrence rate and good local control. Spinal fusion in the AV group resulted in better spinal stability.
Disparities in Postpartum Depression Among Urban and Rural Mothers in Hadiya Zone Shashogo District Southern Ethiopia Community-Based Comparative Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Mekuria Kassahun , Beyene Tilahun , Lajore Bereket Aberham , Melkamu Tsegaye , Ejajo Tekle
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a nonpsychotic depressive state that begins after childbirth. In Ethiopia, there was limited evidence about the prevalence and factors associated with PPD in terms of residence.

Objective

To assess disparities in PPD among urban and rural mothers in the Shashogo district, Hadiya zone southern Ethiopia 2022.

Methods

Community-based comparative cross-sectional study design was employed from May 3 to July 3, 2022. A sample size of 556 (185 from urban and 371 from rural) was calculated using a double population proportion approach and mothers in the postpartum period were randomly selected from both urban and rural settings using stratification followed by single stage and the systematic random sampling method. Data were gathered by trained data collectors using an interviewer-administered questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS Version 25. Statistical significance was declared at a P value of < .05

Results

One hundred forty-four (26.6%) mothers in the postpartum period with 95%CI [23-30] were depressed, of which 37 (19.8%) with 95% CI [14-26] in urban and 107 (30%) with 95% CI [25-35] found in a rural setting. Unplanned pregnancy, low maternal social support, assisted delivery, no antenatal care (ANC) follow-up, no postnatal care (PNC) follow-up, and low household income were independent predictors of PPD in rural residence whereas unplanned pregnancy, low maternal social support, assisted delivery, and antenatal depression were independent predictor of PPD in urban.

Conclusion

PPD was found to be high in the study area as compared to national/global burden. Unplanned pregnancy, low maternal social support, and assisted delivery were predictors for both urban and rural. Low income, no ANC, and PNC follow-up were associated with PPD in rural settings only whereas antenatal depression is a predictor of PPD in urban settings.
Opportunity to Perform – Should Simulation-Based Surgical Training be Provided on Demand or on Supply?
Authors: Rölfing Jan Duedal , Sloth Sigurd Beier , Falstie-Jensen Thomas , Mygind-Klavsen Bjarne , Elsøe Rasmus , Jensen Rune Dall
Published: December 2023

Introduction

The aim of the study was to assess the surgical case volume of residents before and after simulation-based training in hip fracture surgery provided on demand versus knee and shoulder arthroscopy provided on supply.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective analysis of surgical case volume in hip fracture surgery and arthroscopic shoulder and knee procedures 90 days before and after simulation-based training of either procedure. Sixty-nine orthopedic residents voluntarily participating in either simulation-based training. Hip fracture surgery simulation was provided on supply, ie, whenever 1–2 residents applied for the course, while the arthroscopic simulation course was supplied twice yearly.

Results

Thirty-four residents participated in hip fracture simulation on demand and 35 residents participated in arthroscopic simulation on supply. The surgical case volume of hip fracture osteosynthesis increased from median 2.5 (range: 0–21) to median 11.5 (1–17) from 90 days before to the 90 days after the simulation-based training on demand. The median difference was 6.5 procedures (p < 0.0003). On the contrary, the surgical case volume in shoulder and knee arthroscopy was low both before and after the simulation on supply, ie, median 2 (0–22) before and median 1 (0–31) after. The median difference was 0 (p = 0.21).

Conclusions

Simulation on demand was associated with increased opportunities to perform in the clinical environment after the simulation-based training compared with simulation on supply. Simulation-based training should be aligned with the clinical rotation of the residents. Simulation on demand instead of supply on fixed dates may overcome this organizational issue of aligning training with the opportunity to perform.
Studies on fabrication of protruded multi-shaped micro-feature array on AA 6063 by laser micromachining
Authors: Murugayan Saravanan , D Simson , Chanda Samarjeet , S Kanmani Subbu
Published: December 2023

Miniaturization of parts of devices is the driving force for fabrication of micro-features. In this study fabrication of protruded multi-shaped micro-feature array on AA 6063 is attempted by laser micromachining. For fabricating the protruded microfeatures, the process parameters such as laser power, scanning speed and frequency of the laser beam have been optimized by considering track depth, width, and surface roughness as the output parameters. Three different cross sections in the tracks such as pileup section, W-section, and Gaussian groove section are observed. It is found that shape of the tracks vary with the scanning speed for the same power and frequency of the laser beam. The tracks of pileup section, W-section, and Gaussian groove section were produced for a laser scanning speed of 100 mm/s, 200mm/s, and 300 mm/s, respectively. Further, a laser-thermal ablative model is developed for predicting the depth of the single track and simulated using COMSOL® Multiphysics. The predicted track depths obtained from the simulations have good agreement with experimental results. In order to produce the protruded microfeatures of different shapes, multiple track analysis is done by fabricating the single tracks adjacent to one another by overlapping them, and the overlapping distance is optimized. The protruded microfeatures are then fabricated by removing the surrounding material for different scanning strategies and it is found that the contour strategy produced the features with minimal form error. Finally, it is demonstrated that an array of protruded micro-features of polygon (square, hexagon), and circular cross sections can be fabricated using the optimized process parameters for various applications.
Good Health and Well-Being in Asian Arab Countries: Some Critical Observations
Authors: Islam M. Rezaul , Gharaibeh Fakir Al
Published: December 2023

The main objective of this study was to examine the status of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3, Good Health and Well-Being, in Asian Arab countries and to explore some challenges through critical observations. Utilising the Meta-Analysis method and the Search, Appraisal, Synthesis and Analysis framework, the UNDP’s ‘Arab Region SDG Index and Dashboard Report 2022’, and relevant secondary sources were analysed. Calculations were based on the value, rate and trend of the targets of SDG3. Results showed that (i) the average SDG Index Score (0–100) for the Asian 12 Arab countries was 60.06; (ii) seven countries’ targets showed significant challenges remaining and four countries faced major challenges; (iii) 11 countries were experiencing modern improvements; (iv) nine countries had better achievements on nine targets and lower achievements on the remaining seven targets, with some exceptions; and (v) the challenges encountered were regional-level policy gaps, state-level health structural problems, socio-economic and demographic settings, and community/individual-level unawareness about health and well-being. The analysis would be useful to the governments of the Arab Asian countries, development practitioners, health experts and policymakers.
Lal Sakhi—The Women’s Voice Foundation: Genesis, Innovation and Gender and Environmental Justice
Authors: Pawar Manohar , Jangra Preeti , Zahera Birjees
Published: December 2023

This article aims to discuss Lal Sakhi—The Women’s Voice Foundation’s (a non-government organisation in India), contribution to sustainable development and its innovative approaches to empower women, and how it faces challenges in that process. Drawing on the narratives of the Lal Sakhi founder and the secondary data, it discusses the origin of the organisation and motivations and vision of the founder. The analysis suggests that in a short period, Lal Sakhi has contributed to sustainable development by reducing the consumption of plastic and by enhancing hygienic practice among women. It directly contributes to achieving the sustainable development goals relating to health, hygiene and environment. The founder’s ‘Change Agents Movement’ is gradually growing, impacting the lives of thousands of women and girls. While appreciating the innovative and critical approaches of the organisation, it looks at some of the challenges and the potential for scaling up. In view of its programs, activities and creative approaches, and impact, we argue that the story of Lal Sakhi—The Women’s Voice Foundation is infectiously inspiring. Thus, we call people from all walks of life to contribute to this noble cause.
Sonographers and Vascular Technologists Offer Potential Solutions to Promote the Health and Well-being of Their Workforce
Authors: Parga Madeline R. , Evans Kevin D. , Sommerich Carolyn M. , Roll Shawn C.
Published: December 2023

Objective:

Work-related injuries have a major effect on worker health and well-being. This is particularly true in sonography, where work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) are common. In response to the current challenge of understanding strategy implementation across social and organizational dimensions, this research captured sonographers’, echocardiographers’, and vascular technologists’ perceptions of critical administrative, organizational, and general health and training challenges, and potential solutions for improving worker health and well-being.

Materials and Methods:

A survey invitation was sent to the WRMSD Grand Challenge longitudinal study registry participants. Open-ended questions on the online questionnaire allowed respondents to share comments, ideas, or potential solutions to improve worker health and well-being regarding the administrative and organizational environment or through training and general health interventions. There were 377 free-text responses that were qualitatively analyzed using a grounded theory approach to generate overarching themes and identify emerging theory, supported by initial coding, focused coding, and reflexive memoing. A member check was conducted by interviewing four participants to refine and confirm the findings.

Results:

Five themes were identified: “Limits and Guidelines,” “Injury Education,” “Ergonomics Training Constraints,” “Resources and Equipment,” and “Individual Habits.” Participant suggestions within these themes were categorized and mapped onto a sociotechnical systems model that was developed previously to study the healthcare system(s) in which sonography users work. This conceptual mapping revealed how these solutions were situated to impact different levels of the work environment. The themes and mapping supported an emerging grounded theory: Risk Reduction Relies on Proper Employee Representation.

Conclusion:

These qualitative findings align with contemporary guidelines and recommendations for mitigating injuries in sonographers, illuminating challenges and solutions targeting levels of influence beyond the staff sonographers’ scope. The need for representation of sonographers at higher-level administrative levels has not heretofore been addressed by WRMSD guidelines.
Associations of combined phenotypic ageing and genetic risk with incidence of chronic respiratory diseases in the UK Biobank: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Wang Ting , Duan Weiwei , Jia Xinying , Huang Xinmei , Liu Yi , Meng Fanqing , Ni Chunhui
Published: December 2023

Background

Accelerated biological ageing has been associated with an increased risk of several chronic respiratory diseases. However, the associations between phenotypic age, a new biological age indicator based on clinical chemistry biomarkers, and common chronic respiratory diseases have not been evaluated.

Methods

We analysed data from 308 592 participants at baseline in the UK Biobank. The phenotypic age was calculated from chronological age and nine clinical chemistry biomarkers, including albumin, alkaline phosphatase, creatinine, glucose, C-reactive protein, lymphocyte percent, mean cell volume, red cell distribution width and white blood cell count. Furthermore, phenotypic age acceleration (PhenoAgeAccel) was calculated by regressing phenotypic age on chronological age. The associations of PhenoAgeAccel with incident common chronic respiratory diseases and cross-sectional lung function were investigated. Moreover, we constructed polygenic risk scores and evaluated whether PhenoAgeAccel modified the effect of genetic susceptibility on chronic respiratory diseases and lung function.

Results

The results showed significant associations of PhenoAgeAccel with increased risk of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) (hazard ratio (HR) 1.52, 95% CI 1.45–1.59), COPD (HR 1.54, 95% CI 1.51–1.57) and asthma (HR 1.18, 95% CI 1.15–1.20) per 5-year increase and decreased lung function. There was an additive interaction between PhenoAgeAccel and the genetic risk for IPF and COPD. Participants with high genetic risk and who were biologically older had the highest risk of incident IPF (HR 5.24, 95% CI 3.91–7.02), COPD (HR 2.99, 95% CI 2.66–3.36) and asthma (HR 2.07, 95% CI 1.86–2.31). Mediation analysis indicated that PhenoAgeAccel could mediate 10∼20% of the associations between smoking and chronic respiratory diseases, while ∼10% of the associations between particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter <2.5 µm and the disorders were mediated by PhenoAgeAccel.

Conclusion

PhenoAgeAccel was significantly associated with incident risk of common chronic respiratory diseases and decreased lung function and could serve as a novel clinical biomarker.
Children with severe asthma have substantial structural airway changes on computed tomography
Authors: van den Bosch Wytse B. , Lv Qianting , Andrinopoulou Eleni-Rosalina , Pijnenburg Mariëlle W.H. , Ciet Pierluigi , Janssens Hettie M. , Tiddens Harm A.W.M.
Published: December 2023

Background

In adults with severe asthma (SA) bronchial wall thickening, bronchiectasis and low attenuation regions (LAR) have been described on chest computed tomography (CT) scans. The extent to which these structural abnormalities are present in children with SA is largely unknown. Our aim was to study the presence and extent of airway abnormalities on chest CT of children with SA.

Methods

161 inspiratory and expiratory CT scans, either spirometer-controlled or technician-controlled, obtained in 131 children with SA (mean±SDage 11.0±3.8 years) were collected retrospectively. Inspiratory scans were analysed manually using a semi-quantitative score and automatically using LungQ (v2.1.0.1; Thirona B.V., Nijmegen, the Netherlands). LungQ segments the bronchial tree, identifies the generation for each bronchus–artery (BA) pair and measures the following BA dimensions: outer bronchial wall diameter (Bout), adjacent artery diameter (A) and bronchial wall thickness (Bwt). Bronchiectasis was defined as Bout/A ≥1.1, bronchial wall thickening as Bwt/A ≥0.14. LAR, reflecting small airways disease (SAD), was measured automatically on inspiratory and expiratory scans and manually on expiratory scans. Functional SAD was defined as FEF25–75and/or FEF75z-scores <−1.645. Results are shown as median and interquartile range.

Results

Bronchiectasis was present on 95.8% and bronchial wall thickening on all CTs using the automated method. Bronchiectasis was present on 28% and bronchial wall thickening on 88.8% of the CTs using the manual semi-quantitative analysis. The percentage of BA pairs defined as bronchiectasis was 24.62% (12.7–39.3%) and bronchial wall thickening was 41.7% (24.0–79.8%) per CT using the automated method. LAR was observed on all CTs using the automatic analysis and on 82.9% using the manual semi-quantitative analysis. Patients with LAR or functional SAD had more thickened bronchi than patients without.

Conclusion

Despite a large discrepancy between the automated and the manual semi-quantitative analysis, bronchiectasis and bronchial wall thickening are present on most CT scans of children with SA. SAD is related to bronchial wall thickening.