bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
KIR channel regulation of electrical conduction along cerebrovascular endothelium: Enhanced modulation during Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Hakim Md A. , Behringer Erik J.
Published: December 2022

Objective

Endothelial cell (EC) coupling occurs through gap junctions and underlies cerebral blood flow regulation governed by inward‐rectifying K+ (KIR) channels. This study addressed effects of KIR channel activity on EC coupling before and during Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Methods

Intact EC tubes (width: ~90–100 μm; length: ~0.5 mm) were freshly isolated from posterior cerebral arteries of young Pre‐AD (1–3 months) and aged AD (13–18 months) male and female 3xTg‐AD mice. Dual intracellular microelectrodes applied simultaneous current injections (±0.5–3 nA) and membrane potential (Vm) recordings in ECs at distance ~400 μm. Elevated extracellular potassium ([K+]E; 8–15 mmol/L; reference, 5 mmol/L) activated KIR channels.

Results

Conducted Vm (∆Vm) responses ranged from ~−30 to 30 mV in response to −3 to +3 nA (linear regression, R2 ≥ .99) while lacking rectification for charge polarity or axial direction of spread. Conduction slope decreased ~10%–20% during 15 mmol/L [K+]E in Pre‐AD males and AD females. 15 mmol/L [K+]E decreased conduction by ~10%–20% at lower ∆Vm thresholds in AD animals (~±20 mV) versus Pre‐AD (~±25 mV). AD increased conducted hyperpolarization by ~10%–15% during 8–12 mmol/L [K+]E.

Conclusions

Brain endothelial KIR channel activity modulates bidirectional spread of vasoreactive signals with enhanced regulation of EC coupling during AD pathology.
Erythropoietin induces odontoblastic differentiation of human‐derived pulp stem cells via EphB4‐Mediated MAPK signaling pathway
Authors: Gu Deao , Liu Hanxiao , Qiu Xinyi , Yu Yijun , Tang Xuna , Liu Chao , Miao Leiying
Published: December 2022

Objectives

Human‐derived pulp stem cells play key roles during dentinogenesis. Erythropoietin is reportedly involved in osteoblastogenesis and facilitates bone formation. However, the mechanism is still unknown. This research was to study the potential of erythropoietin in enhancing odontoblastic differentiation of human‐derived pulp stem cells and to determine the underlying mechanism.

Methods

The human‐derived pulp stem cells were treated with erythropoietin, EphB4 inhibitor, and MAPK inhibitors, and the odontoblastic differentiation was measured by ALP staining, ALP activity assay, alizarin red S staining, and their quantitative analysis, and RT‐qPCR of DSPP, DMP1, OCN, and RUNX2. The direct pulp capping model was established to evaluate the formation of tertiary dentin after treatment with erythropoietin. Western blot assay was conducted to assess relevant protein expressions in the phosphorylated EphB4 and MAPK pathway.

Results

The results showed that erythropoietin promoted odontoblastic differentiation of human‐derived pulp stem cells at 20 U/ml. Erythropoietin induced tertiary dentin formation in vivo. The potential mechanism of this was upregulating phosphorylated EphB4 and phosphorylated MAPK; furthermore, this effect could be decreased by EphB4 inhibitors, which inhibited MAPK phosphorylation. Blockage of MAPK pathways attenuated human‐derived pulp stem cells’ odontoblastic differentiation, suggesting that MAPK pathways are involved.

Conclusion

Erythropoietin induced tertiary dentin formation in vivo. And erythropoietin enhanced human‐derived pulp stem cells' odontoblastic differentiation via the EphB4‐mediated MAPK signaling pathway.
The rate of environmental change as an important driver across scales in ecology
Authors: Synodinos Alexis D. , Karnatak Rajat , Aguilar‐Trigueros Carlos A. , Gras Pierre , Heger Tina , Ionescu Danny , Maaß Stefanie , Musseau Camille L. , Onandia Gabriela , Planillo Aimara , Weiss Lina , Wollrab Sabine , Ryo Masahiro
Published: December 2022

Global change has been predominantly studied from the prism of ‘how much' rather than ‘how fast' change occurs. Associated to this, there has been a focus on environmental drivers crossing a critical value and causing so‐called regime shifts. This presupposes that the rate at which environmental conditions change is slow enough to allow the ecological entity to remain close to a stable attractor (e.g. an equilibrium). However, environmental change is occurring at unprecedented rates. Equivalently to the classical regime shifts, theory shows that a critical threshold in rates of change can exist, which can cause rate‐induced tipping (R‐tipping). However, the potential implications of R‐tipping in ecology remain understudied. We aim to facilitate the application of R‐tipping theory in ecology with the objective of identifying which properties (e.g. level of organisation) increase susceptibility to rates of change. First, we clarify the fundamental difference between tipping caused by the magnitude as opposed to the rate of change crossing a threshold. Then we present examples of R‐tipping from the ecological literature and seek the ecological properties related to higher sensitivity to rates of change. Specifically, we consider the role of the level of ecological organisation, spatial processes, eco‐evolutionary dynamics and pair–wise interactions in mediating or buffering rate‐induced transitions. Finally, we discuss how targeted experiments can investigate the mechanisms associated to increasing rates of change. Ultimately, we seek to highlight the need to better understand how rates of environmental change may induce ecological responses and to facilitate the systematic study of rates of environmental change in the context of current global change.
Terrestrial laser scanning for 3D mapping of an alpine ice cave
Authors: Pfeiffer Jan , Rutzinger Martin , Spötl Christoph
Published: December 2022

Perennial ice deposits in caves are an underexplored component of the cryosphere preserving a largely untapped archive of long‐term changes in landscape and climate whose existence is threatened by climate change. This study demonstrates how terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) can be used to fully and accurately (registration accuracy < 1 cm standard deviation of point differences) assess the geometry of an ice‐bearing cave in the Eastern Alps (Tyrol, Austria). Three TLS campaigns and 255 scan positions were used to acquire point clouds with a high sampling density (2 cm average point spacing) in order to minimise shading effects and to assure a precise and highly resolved 3D documentation of the cave. A semi‐automated registration and point cloud‐processing approach adapted to the site‐specific demands ensured a complete and error‐minimised assessment of the cave's geometry serving as a solid basis for future quantifications of snow and ice content dynamics. Dominant cave surface structures were investigated by performing a multiscale principal component analysis (PCA) to identify a detailed and computationally efficient basis for future airflow modelling tasks.
Single‐center real‐world treatment outcomes of ablative fractional laser‐assisted photodynamic therapy for actinic keratosis
Authors: Kim Dong Chan , Han Hee Jeong , Kim Seung Il , Park Bumhee , Kim You Chan
Published: December 2022

Background

Among various treatment modalities of actinic keratosis (AK), ablative fractional laser‐assisted photodynamic therapy (fractional PDT) has shown higher efficacy despite shorter incubation time. However, there are lack of real‐world studies on the therapeutic response of ablative PDT for AK and the factors that can predict the therapeutic response.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to analyze the association between clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of fractional PDT.

Methods

One hundred fifty‐six patients who were histologically diagnosed with AK and treated with fractional PDT were retrospectively reviewed. The Kruskal–Wallis test was used to compare treatment session differences according to grades.

Results

In multivariate analysis, the grade 2 category tended to be more clinically nonresponders than the grade 1 (OR, 5.17; 95% CI, 1.011–26.439; p = .048) and the group treated four or more times with ablative fractional laser‐assisted PDT were more likely to show no response compared with the single treatment session group (OR, 8.78; 95% CI, 1.355–56.874; p = .023). Treatment sessions were significantly lower in grade 1 (1.72 ± 0.63, mean ± SD) when compared to grades 2 and 3, respectively (2.17 ± 0.76; 2.60 ± 1.60, mean ± SD). Recurrence was highest in grade 2, and most of them occurred after 1 year.

Conclusion

On average, two treatment sessions are sufficient for AK lesions, but the thicker the lesion, the more treatment sessions may be required. Although there are relatively smaller number of grade 3 patients were included, recurrence was more frequent in higher grade of AK category, which needs special attention to thicker lesions.
Modeling of interventions for reducing external Enterobacteriaceae contamination of broiler carcasses during processing
Authors: Correia Carreira Guido , Projahn Michaela , Langkabel Nina , Becker Evelyne , Käsbohrer Annemarie
Published: December 2022

This article presents a mathematical model for the Enterobacteriaceae count on the surface of broiler chicken during slaughter and how it may be affected by different processing technologies. The model is based on a model originally developed for Campylobacter and has been adapted for Enterobacteriaceae using a Bayesian updating approach and hitherto unpublished data gathered from German abattoirs. The slaughter process in the model consists of five stages: input, scalding, defeathering, evisceration, washing, and chilling.

The impact of various processing technologies along the broiler processing line on the Enterobacteriaceae count on the carcasses’ surface has been determined from literature data. The model is implemented in the software R and equipped with a graphical user interface which allows interactively to choose among different processing technologies for each stage along the processing line. Based on the choice of processing technologies the model estimates the Enterobacteriaceae count on the surface of each broiler chicken at each stage of processing. This result is then compared to a so‐called baseline model which simulates a processing line with a fixed set of processing technologies.

The model calculations showed how even very effective removal of bacteria on the exterior of the carcass in a previous step will be undone by the cross‐contamination with leaked feces, if feces contain high concentrations of bacteria.
Causal attributions and OCD treatment response: A linguistic analysis of OCD patients' self‐reported etiological explanations in intensive residential treatment
Authors: Ching Terence H. W. , Pinciotti Caitlin M. , Farrell Nicholas R.
Published: December 2022

In the present study, 43 obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) patients receiving cognitive‐behavior therapy (CBT)/exposure and response prevention (ERP) in an intensive residential treatment program responded to an open‐ended question about causal attributions (i.e., personal explanations for the etiology of their OCD) at baseline and the Yale‐Brown Obsessive–Compulsive Scale (Y‐BOCS) at baseline and treatment discharge. Baseline self‐reported responses about causal attributions were qualitatively coded to derive predictors (biological/genetic, environmental, psychological, and interactional attributions). Predictors were entered into a binary logistic regression with Y‐BOCS responder status (at least partial response [≥25% pre‐post reduction] vs. no response) as the outcome. After controlling for length of stay and number of comorbid psychiatric diagnoses, only biological/genetic attributions uniquely predicted increased odds of treatment response, odds ratio = 10.04, p = 0.03. Biological/genetic attributions may reduce self‐blame for symptoms or increase expectancy violation likelihood during treatment, thereby improving odds of response. Clinicians should assess OCD patients' causal attributions as part of routine clinical care to hopefully optimize treatment outcomes.
Parenthood and changes in physical activity from early adulthood to mid‐life among Finnish adults
Authors: Palomäki Sanna , Kukko Tuomas , Kaseva Kaisa , Salin Kasper , Lounassalo Irinja , Yang Xiaolin , Rovio Suvi , Pahkala Katja , Lehtimäki Terho , Hirvensalo Mirja , Raitakari Olli , Tammelin Tuija H.
Published: December 2022

This study examined longitudinal associations between parenthood‐related factors and physical activity from young adulthood to midlife over a 19‐year follow‐up period. Participants (n = 761) at the ongoing Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study responded to a self‐report questionnaire in their adulthood (in 1992, 2001, 2007, and 2011). Participants were classified as meeting or not meeting an aerobic physical activity recommendation. Parenthood‐related factors included the age of having their first child and the number and age of the children. Analyses of generalized estimation equations were performed and adjusted for several demographic and health‐related covariates. Both mothers and fathers with children under 6 years were less likely to be involved in physical activity than participants without children. However, meeting the aerobic physical activity recommendations did not differ between parents with a youngest child who was 6 years old or older as compared to the childless participants. The older the youngest child was, the more likely the parents were to be physically active. Participants who became a parent relatively late, at the age of 30 or older, seemed less likely to meet the aerobic physical activity recommendation during follow‐up than those who had their first child at the age of 26–29. The results indicate that parenthood does not seem to have a long‐lasting negative impact on adults' physical activity, and the individuals reached a similar level of physical activity in midlife than they had before parenthood.
Mastery‐orientedmotor competence intervention improves behavioral but not cognitiveself‐regulationin head start preschoolers: Randomized controlled trial results
Authors: Miller Alison L. , Palmer Kara K. , Wang Lu , Wang Chang , Riley Hurley O. , McClelland Megan M. , Robinson Leah E.
Published: December 2022

Motor competence and self‐regulation develop rapidly in early childhood; emerging work suggests motor competence interventions as a promising way to promote self‐regulation (e.g., behavioral inhibition; cognitive flexibility) in young children. We tested the impact of a mastery‐focused motor competence intervention (Children's Health Activity Motor Program [CHAMP])1on behavioral and cognitive aspects of self‐regulation among children attending Head Start. Grounded in Achievement Goal Theory, CHAMP encourages children's autonomy to navigate a mastery‐oriented motor skill learning environment. Children (Mage = 53.4 months,SD = 3.2) were cluster‐randomized by classroom (6 per condition) to an intervention (n = 67) or control condition (n = 45). Behavioral self‐regulation skills were assessed using the Head‐Toes‐Knees‐Shoulders task (HTKS). Cognitive self‐regulation skills were assessed using working memory and dimensional card‐sorting executive function tasks. Random‐effects hurdle models accounting for zero‐inflated distributions indicated that children receiving CHAMP, versus not, were almost 3 times more likely to have non‐zero HTKS scores at post‐test; OR: 2.98 (CI 1.53, 5.81); however, there were no effects on any cognitive aspects of self‐regulation (allp's > 0.05). Mastery climate motor competence interventions are an ecologically valid strategy that may have a greater impact on preschoolers' behavioral than cognitive aspects of self‐regulation.
EMI (English‐medium instruction) in Singapore's major universities
Authors: Botha Werner , Bolton Kingsley , Bacon‐Shone John
Published: December 2022

In this article we report on the dynamics of English‐medium instruction (EMI) in Singaporean higher education, where we describe the context of EMI with reference to the multilingual background and multilingual practices of university students in their educational as well as personal lives. Our study surveyed over one thousand students from Singapore's six main universities, where we investigated the multilingual backgrounds of students at these universities, their language practices, and their experience of EMI education. Whereas our previous research has focused on the language policies and practices in just one of Singapore's universities, this project surveyed language use in all six major universities. It is hoped that the report presented here will serve as a record of current practices, as well as a benchmark for future research.
Competitive Advantage among Indigenous Construction Firms in Competing with Expatriate Contractors in Nigeria
Authors: Yusuf Saheed Olanrewaju , Aribisala Ayooluwa Femi , Muhammed Abdulhaqq Onoruoyiza , Mobayo Jonathan Oluwapelumi , Belgore Usman
Published: December 2022

In recent times, the preference for expatriates in the contractual process in Nigeria has become an issue of controversy and general public interest. As a result, the high presence of these foreign expatriates has raised competitiveness in the construction sector, which is partly caused by indigenous enterprises' incapacity to meet the demands placed on them in terms of construction project delivery. This paper, therefore, investigates the factors influencing clients’ choice of contractor, examines the performance index of both expatriate and indigenous construction firms (ICFs), and analyzes the key performance indicators (KPI) for ICFs to increase their competitive advantage. The methodology involved the administration of structured questionnaires to a paper population of 384 construction experts comprising engineers, architects, quantity surveyors, builders, and project managers in Nigeria. With a response rate of 69%, frequencies/percentages, mean values, relative importance index (RII), and regression model were employed for the analysis. The findings revealed that the most important factors influencing clients’ choice are past performance and experience, equipment capabilities, and quality specification/standards. Additionally, this paper used six (6) KPIs (human resource management, financial management practices client-based strategy, organizational culture practices, smart work methods, and quality management practices) to model the performances of ICFs to increase their competitive advantage in Nigeria. This paper concluded that there is a higher performance of foreign expatriates in terms of time, cost, scope, quality, and satisfaction over their indigenous counterparts. This paper recommended that there is a need for ICFs to increase their equipment capacity and ability to undertake mega projects, develop an effective funding strategy to execute projects and collaborate with international partners to boost their level of competitiveness.
Analysis of Local Government Physical Asset Management Practices Stakeholders: The Ugandan Case
Authors: Obicci Peter Adoko
Published: December 2022

In local governments, physical assets are managed to achieved stated objectives of the organization. Although the stakeholders are entitled to enjoy flawless, safe and secure service outputs with the aid of excellent physical assets, in most cases the stakeholders are unknown. Stakeholder analysis is a valued tool for identifying and analyzing the characteristics, knowledge interests, positions, and potential for and/or actual stakeholders but is rarely carried out in local governments (LGs) in Uganda. This despite the fact that such analysis makes known the contribution of stakeholders to increased productivity and growth through optimizing the value of physical asset over its lifetime. Therefore, this paper has tackled the problem of PAM practices by introducing a theoretical framework bringing together all key stakeholders with the purpose of explaining their roles for an effective PAM practices in the LGs. Using Cooper’s Taxonomy of Literature Reviews (CTLR) offered by Cooper (1988), the researchers make a synthesis of diverse literary works to serve as a determinant consequence of effective stakeholder relationships with respect to PAM practices in the LG context. Drawing on the stakeholder theory, this work contributes to the literature by showing that stakeholders are embedded within the processes of PAM practices, and identifying them and their critical roles important for success. The implications of each of the findings for effective PAM practices are discussed. Besides the work emboldens the signification of empirical literature acting as a supplement for academics and researchers for reference to their quest. The results may also provide information to management in LG to leverage the engagement of their stakeholders for an effective PAM practice. Moreover, the work will be relevant to policymakers who design support schemes and mechanisms to enhance stakeholder engagement with the intent of promoting value creation in the physical assets.
Influencing Factors of Property Use Conversion and Residential Properties Rental Value Trend in Ikeja, Nigeria
Authors: Ankeli Anthony Ikpeme
Published: December 2022

The paper determines the influence of property use conversions on residential property rental value performances in Ikeja, Nigeria. Previous studies have shown that a multiplicity of use conversion characterizes Nigeria urban centres, hence, threatening the cordial relationship among the property market participants, rental value performances, distorting city aesthetic and morphology. The rapidity of this trend is alarming, thus call for the urgent attention of land/city managers, spatial planner, government and other stakeholders to address its attendant problems. Quantitative data, using questionnaire survey, were collected and used for the study. The influence of property use conversion factors on residential property rental value performances in the study area was determined using a predictive model. Findings of the study show that about 67% of use conversion activities in Ikeja can be explained through the fusions of the conversion factors in the predictive model with 96% influence on residential property rental values. It was further observed that there exist increasing cases of default in rent payment due to the conversion activities and intensive competition for property uses especially properties with locational advantages. The paper advocates for strict implementation of all relevant sections of urban property use related laws in the state to ensure compliance with existing laws and appropriate monitoring of property development and uses that will help in the achievement of sustainable city development and liveability in the post pandemic era.
Artificial Bee Colony for Logic Mining in Credit Scoring
Authors: Mohd Jamaludin Siti Zulaikha , Sa’ari Nur Syazwani , Mohd Kasihmuddin Mohd Shareduwan , Marsani Muhammad Fadhil , Zamri Nur Ezlin , Azhar Siti Aishah , Guo Yueling , Mansor Mohd. Asyraf
Published: December 2022

During the SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) pandemic, credit applications skyrocketed unimaginably. Thus, creditors or financial entities were burdened with information overload to ensure they provided the proper credit to the right person. The existing methods employed by financial entities were prone to overfitting and did not provide any information regarding the behavior of the creditor. However, the outcome did not consider the attribute of the creditor that led to the default outcome. In this paper, a swarm intelligence-based algorithm named Artificial Bee Colony has been implemented to optimize the learning phase of the Hopfield Neural Network with 2 Satisfiability-based Reverse Analysis Methods. The proposed hybrid model will be used to extract logical information in the credit data with more than 80% accuracy compared to the existing method. The effectiveness of the proposed hybrid model was evaluated and showed superior results compared to other models.
Reviewing Original Research Articles Published in the International Sport Coaching Journal
Authors: Hirsch Katherine E. , Loughead Todd M. , Bloom Gordon A. , Gilbert Wade D.
Published: December 2022

The purpose of this commentary is to provide a broad overview of the empirical research-based articles published in the International Sport Coaching Journal from its inception in 2014 through 2020. Data from 101 publications were collected and analyzed using Arksey and O’Malley’s six-stage framework for conducting scoping reviews. Data were extracted on the size and scope of research, populations and perspectives studied, and methodologies and data collection methods used. The results show that empirical research publications grew more prominent over time (i.e., 24.0% of 2014 publications vs. 58.1% of 2020 publications) compared with other publication types. The most commonly researched topics included coach development and coach behaviors. The participants most studied were male coaches, performance sport coaches, and adult sport coaches, featuring primarily European and North American coaches. The majority of studies used a qualitative methodology with the most common research designs being phenomenological and case studies. A variety of data collection methods were used that involved one-on-one interviews and questionnaires. Several recommendations are advanced to stakeholders, including strategies to promote racial and gender diversity and to collect and report demographic data on race and coaching experience.
“Pirates Will More Pleasantly Accept the Patronage of His Imperial Majesty”: Colonial Projects of Peter the Great and Jacobite Conspiracies (1718–1725)
Authors: Kopelev D. N.
Published: December 2022

This article is devoted to the issues of the colonial policy of Peter the Great in 1718–1725. Drawing on new archival documents, the author analyzes the trends in the geopolitical development of the Russian Empire in the focus of the ideology of the Jacobite movement and connects the main trends of Russia’s imperial expansion in the World Ocean with the plans for the restoration of the Stuart dynasty, interpreting in a new way the geopolitical plans of Peter the Great regarding an alliance with the pirates of Madagascar and the organization of slave trade.
A Century of NEP Studies: Time to Take Stock?
Authors: Mukhin M. Yu.
Published: December 2022

The chronicle of the study of the most important aspects of the history of the New Economic Policy (NEP) over the century that has elapsed since the beginning of the NEP reforms is analyzed. Three definite periods can be distinguished in the NEP historiography: the Soviet stage, the Perestroika period, and the post-Soviet phase. At the same time, each period is characterized by a specific political situation, which left an imprint both on the degree of relevance and the priority of certain subjects in the study of NEP and on the methodological approaches to the study of these subjects. The author believes that, in the future, the most promising NEP studies will focus on the interface of areas: economic history and social history, economic history and the history of state institutions, military history and social history, etc.
Financiers and Generals: Debates about Military Spending in the Ruling Circles of the Russian Empire (1860s–Early 1890s)
Authors: Stepanov V. L.
Published: December 2022

Debates in the ruling circles of the Russian Empire about its military spending from the 1860s to the early 1890s are considered. The positions of opposing government departments are examined and analyzed: the Ministry of Finance, the State Control, the Department of State Economy, and some other central institutions demanded to measure the costs of the army with limited Treasury resources, and the Ministry of War advocated a significant increase in allocations for the needs of state defense, appealing to the strengthening armed forces of Western powers. Particular attention is paid to economic and foreign policy factors that to varying degrees influenced the amount of funding for the army—crises in the national economy, crop sizes, the state of industry and trade, budget balance, the level of public debt, the threat of international conflicts, local hostilities on the outskirts of the empire, etc. The author concludes that ultimately the government failed to bring the army into full compliance with the requirements of time, which was especially evident in the wars of the early 20th century.
The Isady Hoard of 2021
Authors: Strikalov I. Yu.
Published: December 2022

This article is a preliminary publication about a jewelry hoard found in the vicinity of the fortified settlement of Staraya Ryazan’ in 2021. The items of the hoard are described, the circumstances of its finding and characteristics of the site are presented, and a preliminary analysis of the hoard contents and its dating are provided. Based on analogies, primarily from hoard complexes found on the territory of Rus’, it is concluded that the date of the Isady hoard concealment falls within the late 11th–the first half of the 12th century. A preliminary analysis of technological and stylistic devices testifies to the uniqueness of the Isady hoard among synchronous finds, which is proved by a wide variety of objects representing samples of almost all known techniques and styles of the time of its concealment.
Was the 1958 Reform Ruinous for Collective Farms?
Authors: Tomilin V. N.
Published: December 2022

The state of collective farms after the 1958 Reform is considered. Radical reconstruction occurred in the agricultural sector of the Soviet economy. The collective farms turned out to be the owners of machines and agricultural tools, but without the necessary infrastructure for their work and without any experience in the organization of tractor operations. The equipment procurement turned many collective farms into debtors of the State, and in the future their expenses for production needs only grew. The Government tried to solve the problem of economically weak collective farms by combining them with the strong farms and converting them into state farms. In the new economic conditions, collective farm production did not have sufficient resources for development. The first years of the work of collective farms in the new conditions showed the need for a serious adjustment of the State agricultural policy.
Transitioning the COVID-19 response in the WHO African region: a proposed framework for rethinking and rebuilding health systems
Authors: Balde Thierno , Oyugi Boniface , Byakika-Tusiime Jayne , Ogundiran Opeayo , Kayita Janet , Banza Freddy Mutoka , Landry Kabego , Ejiofor Ephraim Nonso , Kanyowa Trevor M , Mbasha Jerry-Jonas , Rashidatu Kamara , Atuhebwe Phionah , Gumede Nicksy , Herring Belinda Louise , Anoko Julienne Ngoundoung , Zongo Mamadou , Okeibunor Joseph , O’Malley Helena , Chamla Dick , Braka Fiona , Gueye Abdou Salam
Published: December 2022

The onset of the pandemic revealed the health system inequities and inadequate preparedness, especially in the African continent. Over the past months, African countries have ensured optimum pandemic response. However, there is still a need to build further resilient health systems that enhance response and transition from the acute phase of the pandemic to the recovery interpandemic/preparedness phase. Guided by the lessons learnt in the response and plausible pandemic scenarios, the WHO Regional Office for Africa has envisioned a transition framework that will optimise the response and enhance preparedness for future public health emergencies. The framework encompasses maintaining and consolidating the current response capacity but with a view to learning and reshaping them by harnessing the power of science, data and digital technologies, and research innovations. In addition, the framework reorients the health system towards primary healthcare and integrates response into routine care based on best practices/health system interventions. These elements are significant in building a resilient health system capable of addressing more effectively and more effectively future public health crises, all while maintaining an optimal level of essential public health functions. The key elements of the framework are possible with countries following three principles: equity (the protection of all vulnerable populations with no one left behind), inclusiveness (full engagement, equal participation, leadership, decision-making and ownership of all stakeholders using a multisectoral and transdisciplinary, One Health approach), and coherence (to reduce the fragmentation, competition and duplication and promote logical, consistent programmes aligned with international instruments).
The impact of criminalisation on abortion-related outcomes: a synthesis of legal and health evidence
Authors: de Londras Fiona , Cleeve Amanda , Rodriguez Maria Isabel , Farrell Alana , Furgalska Magdalena , Lavelanet Antonella
Published: December 2022

Abortion is criminalised to at least some degree in most countries. International human rights bodies have recognised that criminalisation results in the provision of poor-quality healthcare goods and services, is associated with lack of registration and unavailability of essential medicines including mifepristone and misoprostol, obstructs the provision of abortion information, obstructs training for abortion provision, is associated with delayed and unsafe abortion, and does not achieve its apparent aims of ether protecting abortion seekers from unsafe abortion or preventing abortion. Human rights bodies recommend decriminalisation, which is generally associated with reduced stigma, improved quality of care, and improved access to safe abortion. Drawing on insights from reproductive health, law, policy, and human rights, this review addresses knowledge gaps related to the health and non-health outcomes of criminalisation of abortion. This review identified evidence of the impacts of criminalisation of people seeking to access abortion and on abortion providers and considered whether, and if so how, this demonstrates the incompatibility of criminalisation with substantive requirements of international human rights law. Our analysis shows that criminalisation is associated with negative implications for health outcomes, health systems, and human rights enjoyment. It provides a further underpinning from empirical evidence of the harms of criminalisation that have already been identified by human rights bodies. It also provides additional evidence to support the WHO’s recommendation for full decriminalisation of abortion.
Assessment of the impact of organisational model of transvenous lead extraction on the effectiveness and safety of procedure: an observational study
Authors: Tułecki Łukasz , Jacheć Wojciech , Polewczyk Anna , Czajkowski Marek , Targońska Sylwia , Tomków Konrad , Karpeta Kamil , Nowosielecka Dorota , Kutarski Andrzej
Published: December 2022

Objectives

To estimate the impact of the organisational model of transvenous lead extraction (TLE) on effectiveness and safety of procedures.

Design

Post hoc analysis of patient data entered prospectively into a computer database.

Setting

Data of all patients undergoing TLE in three centres in Poland between 2006 and 2021 were analysed.

Participants

3462 patients including: 985 patients undergoing TLE in a hybrid room (HR), with cardiac surgeon (CS) as co-operator, under general anaesthesia (GA), with arterial line (AL) and with transoesophageal echocardiography (TEE) monitoring (group 1), 68 patients—TLE in HR with CS, under GA, without TEE (group 2), 406 patients-TLE in operating theatre (OT) using ‘arm-C’ X-ray machine with CS under GA and with TEE (group 3), 154 patients-TLE in OT with CS under GA, without TEE (group 4), 113 patients-TLE in OT with anaesthesia team, using the ‘arm-C’ X-ray machine, without CS (group 5), 122 patients-TLE in electrophysiology lab (EPL), with CS under intravenous analgesia without TEE and AL (group 6), 1614 patients-TLE in EPL, without CS, under intravenous analgesia without TEE and AL (group 7).

Key outcome measure

Effectiveness and safety of TLE depending on organisational model.

Results

The rate of major complications (MC) was higher in OT/HR than in EPL (2.66% vs 1.38%), but all MCs were treated successfully and there was no MC-related death. The use of TEE during TLE increased probability of complete procedural succemss achieving about 1.5 times (OR=1.482; p<0.034) and were connected with reduction of minor complications occurrence (OR=0.751; p=0.046).

Conclusions

The most important condition to avoid death due to MC is close co-operation with cardiac surgery team, which permits for urgent rescue cardiac surgery. Continuous TEE monitoring plays predominant role in immediate decision on rescue sternotomy and improves the effectiveness of procedure.
Identifying classification systems regarding vascular access for haemodialysis: protocol for a scoping review
Authors: Lawrie Katerina , Bafrnec Jan , O’Neill Stephen , Corr Michael , Waldauf Petr , Balaz Peter
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Classifications are important clinical tools that enable data arrangement, patient categorisation and comparative research. The care of patients with end-stage renal disease who have vascular access requires collaboration of several specialists. In such a field, where several different specialties overlap, strong evidence and well-grounded recommendations for good practice are essential. In this protocol, we aim to search the literature to identify classification systems regarding vascular access for haemodialysis. This protocol serves as a pragmatic tool for setting a systematic approach using scoping review methodology. It also aims to make the study transparent and avoid potential duplication.

Methods and analysis

We will follow the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for the conduct of scoping reviews during the course of the proposed review. Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, Google Scholar and the ClinicalTrials.gov registry will be searched by two researchers. Titles and abstracts will be screened and articles featuring classifications regarding vascular access for haemodialysis will be eligible for full-text analysis. There will be no age, sex or race limitation for the study populations. The title and abstract (if abstract available) must be in English but there will be no language restrictions for full-text review. Databases will be searched from inception to the date of search. All patients indicated for creation or placement of vascular access will be eligible, as well as patients with already existing vascular access. Classifications regarding preprocedural assessment, vascular access insertion or creation, complications and their management will be included in the study. Classifications regarding peritoneal dialysis will not be eligible. A comprehensive summary of the available evidence will be presented.

Ethics and dissemination

The protocol and the review are exempt from ethical approval as there is no direct patient involvement and the review will summarise data from already published literature. The final article will be submitted to a peer-reviewed scientific journal.
Scoping review protocol on the health of sub-Saharan African migrants in the Asia-Pacific region
Authors: Yang Fan , Han Xinkun , Song Yumeng , Tang Weiming , Wu Dan , Wang Cheng , Bodomo Adams B. , Guo Yan , Tucker Joseph D.
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Increasing economic opportunities have attracted people from sub-Saharan Africa to migrate to the Asia-Pacific region in the last two decades. The information on the health situation of these migrants is limited. We aim to assess scientific evidence on the health of sub-Saharan African migrants in the Asia-Pacific region using a scoping review.

Methods and analysis

The review will be conducted according to the JBI guide on evidence synthesis, and the final results will be organised and reported in line with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for scoping reviews. Search strategies have been developed centred on population-concept-context elements including sub-Saharan Africa, Asia-Pacific, migration and health. A total of eight databases will be searched, including PubMed, Embase, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, ProQuest, Scopus, Web of Science,Wanfangand CNKI. Title and abstract screening and full-text screening will be conducted by two researchers independently. Data will be charted according to predesigned form.

Ethics and dissemination

This study involves neither human participants nor unpublished secondary data. Institutional review board approval is therefore not required. Findings of this scoping review will be disseminated through publication in a peer-reviewed journal, through academic network and project report.
Association of socioeconomic position and childhood obesity in Finland: a registry-based study
Authors: Paalanen Laura , Levälahti Esko , Mäki Päivi , Tolonen Hanna , Sassi Franco , Ezzati Majid , Laatikainen Tiina
Published: December 2022

Objective

To identify what dimensions of socioeconomic position (SEP) are most closely associated with childhood obesity in Finland, leveraging population-wide data among the whole child population aged 2–17 years in Finland.

Design

Registry-based study.

Setting

Data from several administrative registries linked on individual level covering the whole of Finland were used. Data on height and weight measurements in 2018 were obtained from the Register of Primary Health Care visits and data on sociodemographic and socioeconomic indicators (2014–2018) from Statistics Finland.

Participants

Children aged 2–17 years with valid height and weight measurements performed at the child health clinic or school healthcare in 2018 (final n=194 423).

Main outcome measures

Obesity was defined according to WHO Growth Reference curves. Sociodemographic and socioeconomic indicators were linked on individual level for adults (both parents) who lived in the same household (42 predictors). Boosted regression model was used to analyse the contribution of SEP to obesity.

Results

From socioeconomic indicators, annual household income (12.6%) and mother and father’s educational level (12.6% and 8.1%, respectively) had the highest relative influence on obesity risk. The relative influence of a child’s sex was 7.7%.

Conclusions

The parents’ SEP was inversely associated with obesity among the offspring. A remarkable number of objective SEP indicators were analysed with parents’ education and household income finally being the indicators most strongly associated with obesity among children. In future research, more attention should be paid to reliable and objective ways of measuring educational status and income rather than on developing new SEP indicators. Administrative registries with information on both healthcare and socioeconomic indicators can in future provide better opportunities to assess the influence of SEP on various health risks.
Gender differences in paediatric hospital chief executive officer compensation
Authors: Ballard Heather , Phillips Mitch , Cheon Eric C , French Dustin D
Published: December 2022

Though there is a well-established gender pay gap in medicine, studies on compensation disparities between women and men chief executive officers (CEO) showed mixed results. We conducted a cross-sectional study of children’s hospitals in the USA to evaluate whether CEO gender was associated with compensation differences. Nine out of 31 children’s hospitals employed a female CEO. There was no significant difference between men and women CEOs in terms of hospital characteristics (location, size or ranking in US News and World report) or CEO characteristics (advanced degrees, tenure or compensation). Gender was not associated with significant differences in CEO compensation.
Integrating pre-exposure prophylaxis of HIV infection into family planning services: a scoping review
Authors: Gotsche Caroline I , Steyn Petrus S , Narasimhan Manjulaa , Rodolph Michelle , Baggaley Rachel , Kiarie James N
Published: December 2022

Introduction

The aim of this review was to map evidence of integrating pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention into family planning services. A comprehensive package, using a combination of PrEP and contraceptive delivery, could reduce the number of new HIV infections and/or unintended pregnancies for at-risk women and adolescent girls.

Methods

A scoping literature search was conducted between August 2020 and October 2020. After developing the review question, electronic databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, Global Health, Web of Science) were systematically reviewed. All types of articles published from 2012 to August 2020 in English were included. The intended outcome was to identify barriers and enablers of integrating services at the client-level and provider-level.

Results

38 articles met inclusion criteria, with 16 from low-and middle-income countries and 22 from high-income countries. Barriers at the client-level included a lack of risk perception associated with low uptake and continuation of PrEP and pill burden; and at the provider-level, barriers included a lack of studies on cost-effectiveness of integrating services and provider training and knowledge. Facilitators included the initiation of PrEP and contraception at the same time and by the same provider or HIV self-testing.

Conclusion

Mapping and synthesising current evidence, this review identified key barriers and facilitators for the integration of PrEP into family planning services for women and adolescent girls. In order to address these factors, more implementation research in a variety of settings is needed to meet women’s sexual and reproductive health needs globally.
Using behavioural design and theories of change to integrate communication solutions into health systems in India: evolution, evidence and learnings from practice
Authors: Dutt Priyanka , Godfrey Anna , Chamberlain Sara , Mitra Radharani
Published: December 2022

Between 2011 and 2019, an integrated communication programme to address reproductive, maternal, neonatal and child health was implemented in the Indian state of Bihar. Along with mass media, community events and listening groups, four mobile health services were co-designed with the government of Bihar. These wereMobile Academy—a training course for frontline health workers (FLHWs) supporting them as the last mile of the health system;Mobile Kunji—a job aid to support FLHWs’ interactions with families;Kilkari—a maternal messaging service delivering information directly to families’ mobile phones, encouraging families to seek public health services through their FLHWs; andGupShup Potli—mobile audio stimulus used by FLHWs in community events. WhileMobile KunjiandGupShup Potliscaled to other states (two and one, respectively), neither was adopted nationally. The Government of India adoptedKilkariandMobile Academyand scaled to 12 additional states by 2019. In this article, we describe the programme’s overarching person-centred theory of change, reflect on how the mHealth services supported integration with the health system and discuss implications for the role of health communication solutions in supporting families to navigate healthcare systems. Evaluations ofKunji, AcademyandGupShup Potliwere conducted in Bihar between 2013 and 2017. Between 2018-2020, an independent evaluation was conducted involving a randomised controlled trial forKilkariin Madhya Pradesh; qualitative research onKilkariandAcademyand secondary analyses of call record data. While the findings from these evaluations are described elsewhere, this article collates key findings for all the services and offers implications for the role digital and non-digital communication solutions can play in supporting joined-up healthcare and improving health outcomes.