bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How do we ensure a safe ABO recheck process?
Authors: Stephens Laura D. , Allen Elizabeth S. , Bloch Evan M. , Crowe Elizabeth P. , Campbell‐Lee Sally A. , Booth Garrett S. , Kopko Patricia
Published: September 2023

Background

Collecting a patient's blood in a correctly labeled pretransfusion specimen tube is essential for accurate ABO typing and safe transfusion. Noncompliance with specimen collection procedures can lead to wrong blood in tube (WBIT) incidents with potentially fatal consequences. Recent WBIT events inspired the investigation of how various institutions currently reduce the risk of these errors and ensure accurate ABO typing of patient samples.

Materials and Methods

This article describes the techniques employed at various institutions across the United States to mitigate the risk of misidentified pretransfusion patient specimens. Details and considerations for each of these measures are provided.

Results

Several institutions require the order for an ABO confirmation specimen, if indicated, to be generated from the transfusion medicine (TM) laboratory. Others issue a dedicated collection tube that is available exclusively from the TM service. Many institutions employ barcoding for electronic positive patient identification. Some use a combination of these strategies, depending on the locations or service lines from which the specimens are collected.

Conclusion

The description of various WBIT mitigation strategies will inform TM services on practices that may be effective at their respective institutions. Irrespective of the method(s) utilized, institutions should continue to monitor and mitigate specimen misidentification errors to promote sustained safe transfusion practices.
Effect of Quantum Decoherence on Collective Neutrino Oscillations
Authors: Purtova A. A. , Stankevich K. L. , Studenikin A. I.
Published: September 2023

The effect of the quantum decoherence of neutrino mass states on collective oscillations of neutrinos has been studied for the case of three flavors using a method based on the stability analysis of the Lindblad equation with the neutrino evolution Hamiltonian including the effects of the self-interaction. New analytical conditions for the appearance of collective neutrino oscillations in supernova explosions have been obtained taking into account the quantum decoherence of neutrinos.
ExperimentalCorynebacterium pseudotuberculosismastitis in dairy cows
Authors: Aroch I. , Harmelin A. , Saran A. , Levin D. , Shpigel N. Y.
Published: September 2023

The inoculation of 2000 colony‐forming units ofCorynebacterium pseudotuberculosisinto one teat canal of each of three cows resulted in severe, chronic, pyogranulomatous mastitis. Within three days the cows had a reduced haematocrit, haemoglobin concentration and red cell count. The anaemia was initially normocytic, normochromic and non‐regenerative, and was associated with a brief peak of neutrophilia; a regenerative response became evident two to three weeks later. Clinical signs of mastitis appeared seven to 14 days after the inoculation, with a peak of high fever, more severe anaemia, a second peak of neutrophilia and the complete cessation of milk production from all quarters; extensive and severe pyogranulomatous mastitis developed in the inoculated quarters. No other lesions were detected postmortem, andC pseudotuberculosiswas cultured from the affected quarters but not from the supramammary lymph nodes and viscera.
Four new saproxylic species of Paranura Axelson, 1902 (Collembola: Neanuridae: Neanurinae) from Japan
Authors: KASAI HIRO , SAWAHATA TAKUO
Published: September 2023

Four new saproxylic species of the genus Paranura from Nagasaki, Nara, and Niigata provinces of Japan are described and illustrated in this paper. Paranura tsushimaensis sp. nov. is characterized by a dark blue body color, Abd. V four times as long as Abd. VI, 3+3 eyes, three ocular chaetae on the head, four ordinary chaetae De on Th. III, two ordinary chaetae Di on Abd. V, and all dorsal chaetae of Abd. VI in a unique reticulated plate. P. nakamurai sp. nov. is identified by its yellowish white body color, 2+2 eyes, tubercle Af on the head with two reticulated tubercles, and tubercles Di on Abd. V fused. P. alpicola sp. nov. is characterized by its yellow body color, 3+3 eyes, presence of complete chaetotaxy in the central area of the head, Th. II–III with two and three ordinary chaetae De respectively, and tubercles Di on Abd. V separate. P. convallis sp. nov. is identified by its orange body color, 3+3 eyes, head without chaeta O, three mandibular teeth, and Th. II–III with three and four ordinary chaetae De respectively. A key for all species of the genus Paranura is provided.
A taxonomic study on the genus Zethus Fabricius from Hong Kong, with proposal of a new synonym (Hymenoptera: Vespidae: Eumeninae)
Authors: YEH WEN-CHI , BARTHÉLÉMY CHRISTOPHE
Published: September 2023

We review three leaf-cutter wasp species of the genus Zethus Fabricius, 1804 occurring in Hong Kong. Zethus malayanus Gusenleitner, 2010, syn. nov. is proposed as a junior synonym of Z. bakeri Giordani Soika, 1995; we clarify the status of Zethus dolosus Bingham, 1897 formerly reported from Hong Kong and add Z. angulatus Nguyen & Carpenter, 2016 as new to Hong Kong. We provide descriptions and high-resolution images for the three species, including male genitalia of Z. angulatus and Z. bakeri.
A new species of Oecleus (Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha: Fulgoromorpha: Cixiidae) from the Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica
Authors: ECHAVARRIA MARCO A. ZUMBADO , BARRANTES EDWIN A. BARRANTES , BARTLETT CHARLES R. , HELMICK ERICKA E. , BAHDER BRIAN W.
Published: September 2023

Recent palm survey work in Costa Rica focusing on planthoppers has resulted in the discovery of several new taxa, primarily in Cixiidae and Derbidae. In addition to sampling palms directly, light trapping has been utilized to collect a broader range of planthoppers that may not be found on palms. During a light trapping event at the Cotinga Biological station on the Osa peninsula in Costa Rica, a cixiid was collected and subsequently determined to be an unidentified species in the genus Oecleus Stål. Herein, the novel taxon, Oecleus urru sp. n., is described. Supplemental molecular data for the barcoding region (5’ half) of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene, 18S rRNA gene, and histone 3 (H3) gene is provided to support the placement of the novel taxon in the genus Oecleus.
Description of two new species of Nematoda: Litinium macramphida sp. nov. (Oxystominidae) and Cyartonema breviseta sp. nov. (Cyartonematidae) from the Yellow Sea, China
Authors: WEN GUO , HUIXIN LIANG , MENGNA WANG , CHUNMING WANG
Published: September 2023

Two new species of Nematoda, Litinium macramphida sp. nov. and Cyartonema breviseta sp. nov. are described from the Yelllow Sea. Litinium macramphida sp. nov. is characterized by body relatively long, inner and outer labial sensilla setiform with same length, amphideal fovea large and drop-shaped with amphideal aperture ovoid, spicules short and wide, gubernaculum simple and boat shaped, two precloacal supplements, and tail conical with rounded tip. Cyartonema breviseta sp. nov. is characterized by body short and slender, four cephalic sensilla papilliform, amphideal fovea circular and large, spicules curved and sickle-shaped, gubernaculum with dorsal-caudal apophysis and posterior end anteriorly hooked, and tail conical.
A new species of Gripopterygidae (Insecta: Plecoptera) from Patagonia:Antarctoperla aonikenk sp. n.
Authors: S. ALEJANDRO VERA
Published: September 2023

A new species of Gripopterygidae from Chilean Patagonia, Antarctoperla aonikenk sp. n., is described. This species shows wing dimorphism, with brachypterous males and macropterous females. The male genitalia have sufficient characters to diagnose and distinguish the new species from other species in the genus and from other Antarctoperlinae. Comparative illustrations are provided for the three species of the genus.
The second species of Neowuia Li & Murányi, 2017 (Plecoptera: Perlodidae) from Fujian, China
Authors: HUO QING-BO , DU YU-ZHOU
Published: September 2023

The second species of Neowuia Li & Murányi, 2017, N. wuyishana sp. nov., is proposed with a description from Mount Wuyi, Fujian Province, southeastern China. Morphological features, namely adults and eggs, support Neowuia as a member of the tribe Diploperlini. Geographically, our study firstly reports the distribution of all Diploperlini in the Oriental region, while Neowuia is the second genus of subfamily Perlodinae recorded in southeastern coastal China.
Impact of SADC Free Trade Area on Southern Africa’s Intra-Trade Performance: Implications for the African Continental Free Trade Area
Authors: Moyo Busani
Published: September 2023

The main raison d’être of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Free Trade Area (FTA) implemented in 2012 was to inter alia boost intra-regional trade and promote regional trade integration. The low levels of growth and mixed trade performance of countries, eight years after, raises questions about the success of the FTA. The success of the recently launched African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) partly hinges on the performance of the regional FTAs like the SADC FTA. This is because it is unlikely that the African Union through the AfCFTA will achieve continentally what regional economic communities failed to achieve at the regional level. We use a gravity model as well as the difference in difference estimator to evaluate, ex-post, the impact of the SADC FTA on total and sectoral intra-exports. Using data from 2001 to 2019, results show that the full implementation of the SADC FTA did not significantly affect export performance with the export difference between countries that joined the FTA and those that did not being insignificant. These results do not change even when using sectoral exports.

JEL Codes: F1, F13, F14, F15
Book review: Rudrangshu Mukherjee, A Begum & A Rani: Hazrat Mahal and Lakshmibai in 1857
Authors: Raghavan T. C. A.
Published: September 2023

Rudrangshu Mukherjee, A Begum & A Rani: Hazrat Mahal and Lakshmibai in 1857. Penguin, 2021, 221 pages, ₹699 (Hardbound), ISBN 978-0-670- 09066-2.
Emerging Trends in People-Centric Human Resource Management: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Pandey Shipra , Mahesh Jayashree
Published: September 2023

Given the significance of human resources and people management in the current dynamic environment, this article systematically identifies, synthesizes and analyses the research published on various themes and trends in people-centric human resource management (HRM). The systematic literature review method proposed by Denyer and Tranfield (2009) has been adopted for this study. The 227 studies have been categorized according to themes and analysed to understand research trends, consequences, limitations and potential future research areas. The analysis of the literature reveals that HRM has become more strategic than transactional in its research. Researchers are concentrating on analysing and improving human resource methods, which have an interdisciplinary impact. The focus is more on people-oriented HRM like ‘employee well-being’, ‘employee voice’, ‘work–family balance,’ etc., suggesting that organizations consider people as a source of competitive advantage. The findings also present a clear route for future research in this domain. The major contribution of this article is in identifying holistic views of themes, variables and theories paramount to people-centric HRM research. Insights identified in this study would enable future researchers to design their conceptual and empirical studies on emerging and relevant topics.
Signaling Effect of Dividend on Firm’s Future Performance: A Study of Select Emerging Economies
Authors: Kanojia Sunaina , Bhatia Bunny Singh
Published: September 2023

The present study examines the signaling effects of a firm’s dividend policy in developing economies (India, Brazil, China, and Taiwan) from 2010 to 2020 in 4,630 companies’ observations. It highlights that the Indian market indicates greater intensity to the signaling model, though no such reactions were recorded in the Brazilian and Taiwanese markets. Further, the Lintner partial adjustment model reveals that companies in India adjust dividends at a slower rate as compared to other emerging markets like China, Brazil, and Taiwan. We found that the Lintner model is the behavioral consequence of the applicability or non-applicability of dividend signaling theory in these emerging economies.

JEL Codes: G35, C32, G15
Multidimensional Poverty and per Capita Income in Uttar Pradesh: A District-Level Analysis
Authors: Shukla Rashmi
Published: September 2023

This article makes an attempt to find the extent of linkage between monetary and non-monetary aspects of poverty based on secondary data. The analysis reveals that the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) of Eastern region is the highest among all regions in Uttar Pradesh. The article finds disparity in terms of MPI and per capita income among districts of Uttar Pradesh. This study also identifies that there is negative relationship between per capita income and multidimensional poverty. Therefore, the article suggests that the government should provide employment oriented education and technical training for skill development especially in backward districts to enhance the ability of their citizens to fetch gainful employment and improve their living standard.
Effect of Religiosity on Consumer Decision-making: A Serial Mediation Model
Authors: Saini Swati , Kumar Rajiv
Published: September 2023

Religiosity is the spine behind a consumer’s mental makeup, directing towards a core need to explore the effect of religiosity on a consumer’s decisions. The study aims at analysing the path between consumers’ religious commitment (RC) and their quality conscious decision-making (QCDM) through fashion conscious and price conscious decisions as serial mediators. The sample was collected from 400 respondents belonging to the Hindu religion in India. Data were analysed and hypotheses were tested for probable relationships using structural equation modelling (SEM) and bootstrapping through the PROCESS macro. The study reflected a positive relationship between RC (intrapersonal) and QCDM. Fashion conscious and price conscious decision-making serially mediated the path between RC and QCDM. The results clearly indicate that religiously committed consumers are fashion conscious, price conscious and quality conscious. Religiosity should be strongly taken into consideration by the companies while analysing consumers’ decision-making processes, as religion is the backbone for all major judgements. This research highlights the path along which a religious consumer’s decision moves. The findings can be incorporated into business strategies for better understanding of consumers.
Caste, Resistance, and Religion: A Critical Study of ‘Making of Matuaism’
Authors: Biswas Jyoti
Published: September 2023

Matuaism developed into a full-grown organized religion in the beginning of twentieth century, and a popular religion in contemporary time. Its genesis and development has sparked many questions and concerns for the simple reason that, a large section of Namasudra people got organized under a leadership of two anti-caste leaders of Bengal, namely Harichand Thakur and Guruchand Thakur, and invented a new religion for the so-called untouchables of Bengal. The present article is an attempt to historicize the nascent journey of Matuaism from second half of nineteenth century till present time, and to critically evaluate its religious doctrine that primarily dismantles Brahminical hegemony as enunciated and canonized in the Rig Veda and other religious texts. Drawing within the framework of anti-caste movements, the present article evaluates Matuaism as a resistant religion to Brahminical hegemony on the one hand, and justifies its theology as a praxis solely devoted to public welfare and utilitarianism on the other. The so-called untouchables of Bengal who did not have any social identity and respect, invented their own religion and secured their social and cultural identity through authentic representation of their religious culture.
Examining nursing processes in primary care settings using the Chronic Care Model: an umbrella review
Authors: Dufour Emilie , Bolduc Jolianne , Leclerc-Loiselle Jérôme , Charette Martin , Dufour Isabelle , Roy Denis , Poirier Andrée-Anne , Duhoux Arnaud
Published: September 2023

Background

While there is clear evidence that nurses can play a significant role in responding to the needs of populations with chronic conditions, there is a lack of consistency between and within primary care settings in the implementation of nursing processes for chronic disease management. Previous reviews have focused either on a specific model of care, populations with a single health condition, or a specific type of nurses. Since primary care nurses are involved in a wide range of services, a comprehensive perspective of effective nursing processes across primary care settings and chronic health conditions could allow for a better understanding of how to support them in a broader way across the primary care continuum. This systematic overview aims to provide a picture of the nursing processes and their characteristics in chronic disease management as reported in empirical studies, using the Chronic Care Model (CCM) conceptual approach.

Methods

We conducted an umbrella review of systematic reviews published between 2005 and 2021 based on the recommendations of the Joanna Briggs Institute. The methodological quality was assessed independently by two reviewers using the AMSTAR 2 tool.

Results

Twenty-six systematic reviews and meta-analyses were included, covering 394 primary studies. The methodological quality of most reviews was moderate. Self-care support processes show the most consistent positive outcomes across different conditions and primary care settings. Case management and nurse-led care show inconsistent outcomes. Most reviews report on the clinical components of the Chronic Care Model, with little mention of the decision support and clinical information systems components.

Conclusions

Placing greater emphasis on decision support and clinical information systems could improve the implementation of nursing processes. While the need for an interdisciplinary approach to primary care is widely promoted, it is important that this approach not be viewed solely from a clinical perspective. The organization of care and resources need to be designed to support contributions from all providers to optimize the full range of services available to patients with chronic conditions.

PROSPERO registration

CRD42021220004.
Structured communication methods for mental health consultations in primary care: a scoping review
Authors: Mosler Franziska , Packer Katy , Jerome Lauren , Bird Victoria
Published: September 2023

Background

Majority of people with mental health problems attend primary care for support. Interventions that structure consultations have been found effective for physical health conditions and secondary mental health care. The aim of the review is to identify what tools or interventions exist to structure communication in primary care for appointments related to mental health problems and examine existing evidence for effectiveness for mental health and quality of life outcomes.

Methods

Quantitative and qualitative studies were eligible for inclusion if staff was based in a primary care setting and the intervention involved bi-directional communication with adult patients. Six databases were searched (MEDLINE, Web of Knowledge, EMBASE, PsycINFO, The Cochrane Library, CINAHL) with no time restriction. Search terms combined four concepts with key words such as “structured” and “interaction” and “mental illness” and “primary care”. Reference lists of eligible studies were searched.

Results

After removing duplicates, 3578 records were found and underwent further screening. A total of 16 records were included, representing eight different interventions from five countries. The majority were delivered by primary care doctors and focused on patients experiencing psychological distress. Similarities across interventions’ service delivery were that most were created for a broad patient population, used self-report assessments at the start and actions or plans as the end point, and employed group settings and didactic methods for training staff in the intervention. Booster and follow-up trainings were not offered in any of the interventions, and supervision was only part of the process for one. The evidence for effectiveness for mental health and quality of life outcomes was mixed with three out of five RCTs finding a positive effect.

Conclusions

Although the idea of structuring communication for mental health consultations has been around since the 1980s, relatively few interventions have attempted to structure the conversations within the consultation, rather than modifying pre-visit events. As the evidence-base showed feasibility and acceptability for a number of interventions, there is scope for those interventions to be developed further and tested more rigorously.
Health care professionals’ experiences and perceptions of health promotion through the health dialogue intervention in the scania region, Sweden: a qualitative interview study
Authors: Alenius Sara , Olsson Kjell , Thomasson Ena , Magnusson Lina
Published: September 2023

Background

Cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes are among the largest public health challenges in Sweden. Research indicates that a healthy lifestyle can prevent most cases. The health dialogue is an evidence-based public health programme for primary care with positive results in several regions of Sweden. This study aimed to describe health care professionals’ experiences and perceptions of health promotion through the health dialogue intervention during the pilot phase in the Scania region of Sweden.

Methods

The study consists of 12 individual interviews with health care professionals educated in the health dialogue method, implementing the intervention in Scania. Qualitative content analysis with an inductive approach was used.

Results

The analysis resulted in 10 sub-categories and the four main categories: A more health-promoting mindset would benefit primary care; Empower individuals; Facilitate sustainable lifestyle changes; Challenges, tools and support for the implementation of the health dialogue. One overarching theme emerged: “Health dialogue, a potential start of a paradigm shift in Swedish primary care”.

Conclusions

Conclusions imply that the health dialogue is a well-structured method with tools to make health promotion and primary prevention an integrated part of primary care. A respectful and motivating approach during the health dialogue is recommended. It is important to have an ongoing discussion about the approach among the health care professionals. Incorporating the Health Belief Model in the health care professionals’ education in the method could increase the focus on self-efficacy during counselling, which could favour the participants’ change process.
Supporting primary care through symptom checking artificial intelligence: a study of patient and physician attitudes in Italian general practice
Authors: Mahlknecht Angelika , Engl Adolf , Piccoliori Giuliano , Wiedermann Christian Josef
Published: September 2023

Background

Rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) have led to the adoption of AI-driven symptom checkers in primary care. This study aimed to evaluate both patients' and physicians' attitudes towards these tools in Italian general practice settings, focusing on their perceived utility, user satisfaction, and potential challenges.

Methods

This feasibility study involved ten general practitioners (GPs) and patients visiting GP offices. The patients used a chatbot-based symptom checker before their medical visit and conducted anamnestic screening for COVID-19 and a medical history algorithm concerning the current medical problem. The entered data were forwarded to the GP as medical history aid. After the medical visit, both physicians and patients evaluated their respective symptoms. Additionally, physicians performed a final overall evaluation of the symptom checker after the conclusion of the practice phase.

Results

Most patients did not use symptom checkers. Overall, 49% of patients and 27% of physicians reported being rather or very satisfied with the symptom checker. The most frequent patient-reported reasons for satisfaction were ease of use, precise and comprehensive questions, perceived time-saving potential, and encouragement of self-reflection. Every other patient would consider at-home use of the symptom checker for the first appraisal of health problems to save time, reduce unnecessary visits, and/or as an aid for the physician. Patients’ attitudes towards the symptom checker were not significantly associated with age, sex, or level of education. Most patients (75%) and physicians (84%) indicated that the symptom checker had no effect on the duration of the medical visit. Only a few participants found the use of the symptom checker to be disruptive to the medical visit or its quality.

Conclusions

The findings suggest a positive reception of the symptom checker, albeit with differing focus between patients and physicians. With the potential to be integrated further into primary care, these tools require meticulous clinical guidance to maximize their benefits.

Trial registration

The study was not registered, as it did not include direct medical intervention on human participants.
Prevalence of physical frailty and impact on survival in patients with chronic kidney disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Fan , Wang Hui , Bai Yan , Zhang Ying , Huang Liuyan , Zhang Huachun
Published: September 2023

Background

Frailty is common in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients and becomes more prevalent as kidney disease progresses. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of physical frailty and quantify the relationship between frailty and mortality risk in patients with CKD.

Methods

PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Clinicaltrial.gov, and major renal academic conferences were systematically searched, and additional references to relevant articles were manually searched. The prevalence of physical frailty and the risk of mortality based on random-effects models were assessed using percentages and hazard ratio (HR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

A total of 139 articles, including 1,675,482 participants, met the eligibility criteria for the meta-analysis. The results showed that 34.5% (95% CI 31.0 to 38.1%) of CKD patients showed signs of frailty, and 39.4% (95% CI 35.4 to 43.5%) had prefrail symptoms. Compared to non-frail patients, the risk of mortality was increased by 94.1% (95% CI 1.586 to 2.375) in frail patients and 34.5% (95% CI 1.231 to 1.469) in prefrail patients.

Conclusion

The high prevalence of frailty and prefrail in adults with CKD and resulting in premature death emphasize the importance of measuring frailty, which provides important prognostic information and may provide opportunities for interventions to improve the prognosis of patients with CKD.
Relationship between arterial stiffness, left ventricular diastolic function, and renal function in chronic kidney disease
Authors: Sági Balázs , Késői István , Vas Tibor , Csiky Botond , Nagy Judit , Kovács Tibor József
Published: September 2023

Aim

In chronic kidney disease, IgA nephropathy, and left ventricular diastolic dysfunction have prognostic significance as well. However, the relationship between diastolic dysfunction, arterial stiffness, and renal function has not been fully elucidated.

Methods

79 IgA nephropathy patients (aged 46 ± 11 years) and 50 controls were investigated. Tissue Doppler imaging was used to measure early (Ea) and late (Aa) diastolic velocities. Arterial stiffness was measured by a photoplethysmographic (stiffness index (SI)) and an oscillometric method (aortic pulse wave velocity (PWVao)).

Results

We compared the IgAN patients to a similar cardiovascular risk group with a preserved eGFR. A strong correlation was found between Ea/Aa and SI (p < 0.001), also with PWVao (p < 0.001), just in IgAN, and with eGFR (p < 0.001) in both groups. IgAN patients were divided into groups CKD1-2 vs. CKD3-5. In the CKD 3–5 group, the incidence of diastolic dysfunction increased significantly: 39% vs. 72% (p = 0.003). Left ventricle rigidity (LVR) was calculated, which showed a close correlation with SI (p = 0.009) and eGFR (p = 0.038). By linear regression analysis, the independent predictors of SI were age, E/A, and E/Ea; SI was the predictor of LVR; and E/A and hypertension were the predictors of eGFR.

Conclusion

In chronic kidney disease, increased cardiac rigidity and vascular stiffness coexist with decreased renal function, which is directly connected to diastolic dysfunction and vascular stiffness. On the basis of comparing the CKD group to the control group, vascular alterations in very early CKD can be identified.
Family-centered empowerment approach to optimize phosphate management among hemodialysis patients: an experimental study
Authors: Vasli Parvaneh , Hosseini Meimanat , Nasiri Malihe , Bakhtiari Noushin
Published: September 2023

Background

This study aimed to investigate the effect of a family-centered empowerment program on hyperphosphatemia management.

Method

This experimental study was performed on 80 randomly selected eligible patients with hyperphosphatemia undergoing hemodialysis. Patients were assigned randomly to two groups of family-centered empowerment program (FCEPG) and control group (CG) by coin toss (40 people per group). Data collection tools were the researcher-made Phosphate Control Knowledge Scale, the researcher-made Adherence to Dietary Restriction of Phosphorus Intake Scale, the eight-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale, and serum phosphorus measurements. Data were collected before the intervention, one month, and three months after the intervention. Patients in FCEPG participated in a family-centered empowerment program. The statistical significance level was considered to be 0.05.

Results

Inter-group comparisons showed no significant difference between FCEPG and CG in terms of the mean score of knowledge of phosphate control, adherence to dietary restriction of phosphorus intake, adherence to medication, and the mean serum phosphorus level before the empowerment program, but showed significant differences between them in these respects at one month after the program and three months after the program (p < 0.05). Intra-group comparisons showed a significant difference in FCEPG between the mean and standard deviation of all four variables before the empowerment program and the corresponding values one month and three months after the program (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The findings of this study can be used in various fields of healthcare in the hospital and community.
Development of an itaconic acid production process with Ustilaginaceae on alternative feedstocks
Authors: Niehoff Paul-Joachim , Müller Waldemar , Pastoors Johannes , Miebach Katharina , Ernst Philipp , Hemmerich Johannes , Noack Stephan , Wierckx Nick , Büchs Jochen
Published: September 2023

Background

Currently, Aspergillus terreus is used for the industrial production of itaconic acid. Although, alternative feedstock use in fermentations is crucial for cost-efficient and sustainable itaconic acid production, their utilisation with A. terreus most often requires expensive pretreatment. Ustilaginacea are robust alternatives for itaconic acid production, evading the challenges, including the pretreatment of crude feedstocks regarding reduction of manganese concentration, that A. terreus poses.

Results

In this study, five different Ustilago strains were screened for their growth and production of itaconic acid on defined media. The most promising strains were then used to find a suitable alternative feedstock, based on the local food industry. U. cynodontis ITA Max pH, a highly engineered production strain, was selected to determine the biologically available nitrogen concentration in thick juice and molasses. Based on these findings, thick juice was chosen as feedstock to ensure the necessary nitrogen limitation for itaconic acid production. U. cynodontis ITA Max pH was further characterised regarding osmotolerance and product inhibition and a successful scale-up to a 2 L stirred tank reactor was accomplished. A titer of 106.4 gitaconic acid/L with a theoretical yield of 0.50 gitaconic acid/gsucrose and a space-time yield of 0.72 gitaconic acid/L/h was reached.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the utilisation of alternative feedstocks to produce ITA with Ustilaginaceae, without drawbacks in either titer or yield, compared to glucose fermentations.
High expression of HSP60 and survivin predicts poor prognosis for oral squamous cell carcinoma patients
Authors: Zhou Ying , Tang Yaoxiang , Luo Jiadi , Yang Yang , Zang Hongjing , Ma Jian , Fan Songqing , Wen Qiuyuan
Published: September 2023

Background

HSP60 is a heat shock proteins (HSPs) family member and help mitochondrial protein to fold correctly. Survivin is one of the inhibitors of apoptosis protein family member, which plays a significant part in cancer progression. They were capable of forming HSP60-survivin complexes and involved in the development of various tumors.

Methods

The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database demonstrated that HSP60 and survivin and their correlation on mRNA expression level with OSCC patients. Besides, expression of HSP60 and survivin proteins was studied utilizing immunohistochemistry in tissue microarrays (TMA) in OSCC and in adjacent non-cancerous squamous epithelium (Non-CCSE) tissues.

Results

Significantly increased levels of HSP60 and survivin in most cancers compared to normal tissue by pan-cancer analysis. HSP60 and survivin proved a significantly increased expression in OSCC samples compared to Non-CCSE both on mRNA and protein (both P < 0.05). Additionally, elevated HSP60 displayed a positive correlation with survivin in terms of mRNA and protein expression levels (all P < 0.001). Patients with OSCC who had advanced clinical stage or lymph node metastasis (LNM) showed higher HSP60 expression (P = 0.004, P = 0.006, respectively). Higher levels of the proteins HSP60 and survivin were significantly inversely correlated relationship with OSCC patients’ overall survival rates in multivariate survival analysis (P = 0.018, P = 0.040). From the above results, overexpression of HSP60 and survivin protein may serve as independent biomarkers predicting poor prognosis in OSCC.

Conclusions

Elevated HSP60 and survivin might be served as novel poor prognosis biomarkers for surgically resected OSCC patients.
Effects of virtual reality simulation on medical students’ learning and motivation in human parasitology instruction: a quasi-experimental study
Authors: Gao Fei , Qiu Jingfan , Chen Lin , Li Lan , Ji Minjun , Zhang Rong
Published: September 2023

Background

Despite the proven effectiveness of simulation-based learning activities, its adoption in medical education remains limited, and the influence of simulation on student motivation, particularly subjective task values, is seldom explored. This study aimed to investigate the impact of a simulation-based learning activity on student learning and subjective task values in a medical morphology-related course of Human Parasitology.

Methods

A quasi-experimental study was conducted with 113 Chinese undergraduate medical students who participated in a Human Parasitology course during April to May 2022. Students were divided into two groups: Simulation Group (n = 55), where students used the simulation, and Lecture Group (n = 58), where students attended an online lecture. Students’ learning was measured prior to the intervention, immediately after the intervention, and three weeks later to assess knowledge retention. The subjective task values questionnaire was administered before and after the interventions. Data were analyzed using one-way ANCOVA and MANOVA.

Results

Students in the Simulation Group exhibited significantly higher knowledge gain compared to the Lecture Group [F (1,110) = 23.69, p < 0.01]. Additionally, the Simulation Group retained knowledge significantly better than the Lecture Group [F (1,101) = 10.05, p < 0.005]. Furthermore, students in the Simulation Group experienced a significant increase in subjective task values after the intervention [F (3, 52) = 3.57, p < 0.05, ηp2 = 0.17], while students in the Lecture Group reported a significant decrease in subjective task values [F (3, 55) = 2.96, p < 0.05, ηp2 = 0.14].

Conclusions

Simulation-based learning not only leads to superior learning but also enhances students’ subjective task values. These findings offer valuable insights into designing effective simulation-based learning experiences in medical education and have significant practical implications for educators and medical professionals.
What is simulation-based medical education (SBME) debriefing in prehospital medicine? A qualitative, ethnographic study exploring SBME debriefing in prehospital medical education
Authors: Ahmad Maria , Page Michael , Goodsman Danë
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Simulation-based medical education (SBME) debriefing – a construct distinct from clinical debriefing – is used following simulated scenarios and is central to learning and development in fields ranging from aviation to emergency medicine. However, little research into SBME debriefing in prehospital medicine exists. This qualitative study explored the facilitation and effects of prehospital SBME debriefing, and identified obstacles to debriefing, using the London’s Air Ambulance Pre-Hospital Care Course (PHCC) as a model.

Method

Ethnographic observations of moulages and debriefs were conducted over two consecutive days of the PHCC in October 2019. Detailed contemporaneous field notes were made and analysed thematically. Subsequently, seven one-to-one, semi-structured interviews were conducted with four PHCC debrief facilitators and three course participants to explore their experiences of prehospital SBME debriefing. Interview data were transcribed and analysed thematically.

Results

Four overarching themes were identified: approach to facilitation of debriefs, effects of debriefing, facilitator development, and obstacles to debriefing.

The unpredictable debriefing environment was seen as both hindering and, paradoxically, benefitting SBME debriefing. Despite using varied debriefing structures, facilitators emphasised similar key debriefing components including exploring participants’ reasoning and sharing experiences to improve learning and prevent future errors.

Debriefing was associated with three effects: releasing emotion; learning and improving, particularly compound learning as participants progressed through sequential scenarios; and the application of learning to clinical practice. Facilitator training and feedback were central to facilitator learning and development.

Several obstacles to debriefing were identified, including mismatch of participant and facilitator agendas, pressure and time.

Conclusions

SBME debriefing in prehospital medicine is complex, requiring an understanding of participant agendas and facilitator experience to maximise participant learning. Aspects unique to prehospital SBME debriefing were identified, notably, the unpredictable debriefing environment, and the paradoxical benefit of educational obstacles for learning. Aspects of SBME debriefing not extensively detailed in the literature were also highlighted, such as compound participant learning, facilitator candour, and facilitator learning, which require further exploration.
A pilot study to assess the impact of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural humility webinars on Australian medical school students
Authors: Buhagiar R , Lu A , Liu S , Sahadevan S , Schulz LM , Ghosh J , Yeoh A
Published: September 2023

Background

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Curriculum Framework helps higher education providers to deliver safe and well-informed cultural humility education. However, there is currently a scarcity of evidence surrounding the efficacy and impact of cultural humility education. This study will use qualitative and quantitative research methods to evaluate learning outcomes from an Indigenous health educational webinar aimed at Australian medical students.

Methods

A pilot study was conducted following a group of Australian medical students who attended an educational Indigenous health (IH) culturally responsive webinar. Recruitment was conducted via the webinar hosts’ social media pages. Quantitative methods involved sending one pre- and two post-webinar questionnaires to attendees. To assess participants’ retention of information, one post-webinar survey was sent out immediately after the webinar and another three months after the webinar. These questionnaires were designed to reflect pre-determined learning objectives for the webinar. Qualitative methods involved a focus group discussion to identify common themes from participant feedback.

Results

Twenty-six participants were included in the final quantitative analysis. Most of the participants were clinical students between 18 and 24 years old who did not identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. There was a significant increase (p = 0.007) between pre-intervention (M = 0.35, SD = 0.26) and post-webinar knowledge for the learning outcome exploring the links between health and education (M = 047, SD = 0.25). No results were obtained from the three months post-intervention questionnaire. The qualitative analysis synthesized feedback from three participants and identified presenter delivery style as an important mediator of webinar effectiveness.

Conclusions

There was a significant increase in knowledge and understanding for the learning outcome that explored the links between health and education. We attribute this partly to the engaging and conversational delivery style of the webinar presenters. The importance of Indigenous facilitators that encourage reflective teaching should not be understated. Our results suggest that cultural humility webinars can have a positive impact on medical students’ understanding of the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander health landscape. This pilot study warrants further research on a larger population.
Enhancing nursing student presentation competences using Facilitatory Pecha kucha presentation pedagogy: a quasi-experimental study protocol in Tanzania
Authors: Haramba Setberth Jonas , Millanzi Walter C. , Seif Saada A.
Published: September 2023

Introduction

With an increasing number of nursing students in higher education institutions in Tanzania, traditional student presentation pedagogies are insufficient to enhance effective learning. Pecha Kucha presentation is a new promising approach that can improve students’ speaking skills, learning process, creativity, and students’ engagement in learning. It involves the use of 20 slides where each covers 20 s, thus making a total of 6 min and 40 s. The current study will assess the effect of Pecha Kucha’s presentation on presentation knowledge, skills, and learning satisfaction among nursing students in Tanzania.

Objectives

The objectives of this study aimed to determine the baseline and end-line of Pecha Kucha Presentation knowledge, skills, and learning satisfaction among nursing students.

Methods

This study protocol proposes to employ an uncontrolled quasi-experimental study design with a quantitative approach among 230 university nursing students in Dodoma Region using simple and stratified sampling techniques. It proposes to employ the researcher-administered questionnaire to assess study variables that arise as students use the Pecha Kucha presentation format to prepare and present their assignments. The study will involve training of research assistants, pre-assessment of study variables, and training, and demonstration of Pecha Kucha presentations format among study participants. It will also involve assigning topics to study participants, submission and evaluation of the prepared assignments, participants’ presentations in the classroom, post-intervention assessment, data analysis, reporting and dissemination of the study findings.

Conclusion

This study will address and complement the global need to invest in nursing in an attempt to prepare competent nurses who are capable of solving complex health challenges through critical thinking, analysis, collaboration, and effective communication. The study will inform policymakers, health training institutions, and educators about a new engaging, and innovative nursing student presentation approach that enhances students’ creativity, critical thinking skills, and meaningful learning. The referred nursing students’ presentation approach intends to equip the students with survival and life skills in the 21st century in an attempt to meet the global economy and job opportunities.

Trial registration

It is not applicable as this is not a trial.
Testing and treatment for malaria elimination: a systematic review
Authors: Newby Gretchen , Cotter Chris , Roh Michelle E. , Harvard Kelly , Bennett Adam , Hwang Jimee , Chitnis Nakul , Fine Sydney , Stresman Gillian , Chen Ingrid , Gosling Roly , Hsiang Michelle S.
Published: September 2023

Background

Global interest in malaria elimination has prompted research on active test and treat (TaT) strategies.

Methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to assess the effectiveness of TaT strategies to reduce malaria transmission.

Results

A total of 72 empirical research and 24 modelling studies were identified, mainly focused on proactive mass TaT (MTaT) and reactive case detection (RACD) in higher and lower transmission settings, respectively. Ten intervention studies compared MTaT to no MTaT and the evidence for impact on malaria incidence was weak. No intervention studies compared RACD to no RACD. Compared to passive case detection (PCD) alone, PCD + RACD using standard diagnostics increased infection detection 52.7% and 11.3% in low and very low transmission settings, respectively. Using molecular methods increased this detection of infections by 1.4- and 1.1-fold, respectively.

Conclusion

Results suggest MTaT is not effective for reducing transmission. By increasing case detection, surveillance data provided by RACD may indirectly reduce transmission by informing coordinated responses of intervention targeting.