bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Drop in the Ocean? Fostering Water-Saving Behavior and Spillover Through Information Provision and Feedback
Authors: Haggar Paul , Whitmarsh Lorraine , Nash Nicholas
Published: September 2023

Pro-environmental change is essential to address climate change. Impact from behavior change interventions increases if non-target behaviors also change. Here, we explore such behavioral spillover effects following a water conservation behavioral intervention and examine whether they are mediated by changes in relevant identities and beliefs. We used a persuasive intervention to encourage 150 participants to reduce daily shower-times over 14 days to conserve water. The intervention comprised information-provision, eliciting a shower time reduction commitment, and (for half the sample) progress feedback. We found that participants reduced shower time (by 38%) and intended to engage more in water-saving and pro-environmental activities, but we found no evidence of behavioral spillover (i.e., non-targeted intention change was not mediated by change in the target behavior). There was no additional effect on behavior change of receiving feedback. We discuss the implications of these findings for spillover in theory and practice.
What Drives Corporate Saving in India?
Authors: Shukla Rashmi , Nidugala Ganesh Kumar
Published: September 2023

Corporates have traditionally been modelled for their investment rather than saving behaviour. However, in recent times the firm-level saving has displayed an unprecedented behaviour across developed and developing economies. Corporate saving behaviour in India has also witnessed fluctuations, and this study captures a mix of aggregate and firm-level variables that may explain this behaviour. This article has three objectives (a) to understand the firm and macroeconomic factors that drive firm-level saving; (b) to examine whether the firm saving is affected by savings in preceding years; (c) to identify whether this saving behaviour of firms is for precautionary motives or not. The data set used in this article includes panel data of 2,109 publicly listed, manufacturing and service sector firms for the financial years 2004–2018. The data analysis has been done using dynamic panel-data models employing system GMM estimation with multiple robustness checks. The study findings show that firm-level saving in India is mainly driven by lagged corporate saving, Tobin’s Q, GDP growth rate, CPI inflation, and financial depth, among other factors. Additionally, empirical evidence supports the presence of dynamic persistence effect and precautionary motives for savings by firms.

JEL Codes: E21, G01, G32, C33
Detailed investigation on the insulation and permeability characteristics of rigid polyurethane foam loaded with micron-sized Turkey feather powder depending on the free volume change
Authors: SOYKAN Ugur , CETIN Sedat , YAHSI Ugur
Published: September 2023

This study brokes new ground to understand the insulation and permeability performances of rigid polyurethane foams (RPUFs) containing the different contents of micron-sized turkey feather powders (TFPs) depending on the free volume change for the first time. The effects of TFPs loading on the RPUFs were investigated by the examination of their structural and chemical features (particle size and ATR-FTIR analyses), free volume property (PALS analysis), insulation features (thermal conductivity and sound absorption tests), permeability performance (air and water vapor permeability tests) and cellular topology (SEM). PALS analysis results revealed that the addition of TFPs into the foams led to the sharp decrease in all free volume parameters since TFPs caused the formation of the disordered cells by occupying the holes in the matrix. Furthermore, both thermal conductivity and acoustic performance of the resulting foams get worse when compared to unfilled RPUF. This results were attributed to the formation of thinner and weaker cells during polymerization, reduction in the amount of CO2 inside the cells, enhancement in the solid-phase level in the matrix due to the increasing of volumetric density. Additionally, the foam samples with high content of TFPs showed considerably lower air and water vapor permeabilities when compared to neat RPUFs due to the dominant hydrophobic character of the keratin and reduction in the degree of vacancies in the matrix. SEM analysis also revealed that TFPs showed good compatibility with RPUF, but the distorted and irregular shaped cellular morphology was obtained at high contents.
A case of renal vein thrombosis associated with autoimmune hemolytic anemia and eosinophilic granulomatous polyangiitis
Authors: Watanabe Yusaku , Hirai Keiji , Matsuyama Momoko , Kitano Taisuke , Ito Kiyonori , Kobashigawa Tsuyoshi , Ookawara Susumu , Morishita Yoshiyuki
Published: September 2023

Only a few cases of renal vein thrombosis (RVT) occurring in patients with vasculitis have been reported. RVT associated with vasculitis and hemolytic anemia has not been reported yet. We describe here a patient with RVT complicated by pulmonary embolism, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, and eosinophilic granulomatous polyangiitis. A 69-year-old Japanese man who had been treated with corticosteroids was referred to our department for severe proteinuria (4.32 g/gCr). Abdominal ultrasonography showed bilateral RVT, and contrast-enhanced computed tomography showed bilateral pulmonary embolism. Therefore, the patient was diagnosed with RVT complicated by pulmonary embolism. Anticoagulation therapy with heparin followed by apixaban was started. Thereafter, the D-dimer concentration decreased from 8.3 to 1.2 μg/mL, and urinary protein excretion improved to 0.62 g/gCr. Renal function was unchanged with an estimated glomerular filtration rate of 68.8 mL/minute/1.73 m2. The thrombi in both renal veins and pulmonary arteries gradually regressed. Clinicians should be aware of this complication when worsening proteinuria is observed during steroid therapy in patients with autoimmune hemolytic anemia and eosinophilic granulomatous polyangiitis.
A Comparison of Special Education Students’ Triennial Norm-Referenced Academic Achievement Before and During COVID-19
Authors: Lockwood Adam B. , Benson Nicholas , Farmer Ryan L. , Klatka Kelsey , Lilly Kristen
Published: September 2023

Despite growing evidence for learning loss due to COVID-19, there is little research examining this phenomenon using norm-referenced tests (NRTs) or with special educations students. Using a repeated-measures design with 96 fourth- through 12th-grade students previously identified as eligible for special education services, the present study attempted to measure learning loss using W Difference scores gathered from triennial evaluations using the Woodcock–Johnson IV Tests of Achievement. Findings revealed that participants fell further behind proficiency expectations in the areas of decoding, spelling, and math calculation skills. Academic proficiency was found to differ markedly from normative expectations for typical same-age peers across tests, both prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic. While academic proficiency was more like that of a clinical sample of students with learning disabilities, moderate to large differences in the sample means of most tests suggest that COVID-19 has had a negative impact on academic achievement.
Lawyers as Constructive Ideologists of Corporate Capitalism: The Legal Framing of Software
Authors: Picciotto Sol
Published: September 2023

The study of law as a social process should combine an analysis of structures from a political economy perspective with a sociological focus on the practices of lawyering in mediating social relations and conflicts through the formulation and interpretation of legal texts. This approach is applied here to software, which has become the oxygen of the world economy, powering the digitalisation that has transformed economic activities and social life. The forms this has taken have been moulded by lawyers, battling over intellectual property rights in computer programs, enshrining them in national law and international standards, as well as devising the international tax avoidance strategies that have helped propel the giant digital-tech transnational corporations to global dominance. These contests have taken place through processes of formulation and interpretation of the legal concepts that both reflect and shape social struggles over economic and political power, mediated by law, in contemporary corporate capitalism.
Prunetin Triggers ROS-mediated Apoptosis through the Suppression of MAPKs/STAT-3/NF-κB-p65 Signaling Pathway in Human Osteosarcoma Cells
Authors: Gao Meng , Wang Ya , Liu Weibo , Song Zelong , Wang Xiangyu , Zhang Xuesong
Published: September 2023

Background

Osteosarcoma (OS) is a highly metastatic primary bone malignancy, and the treatment options remain inadequate. Hence, exploring innovative natural medications is required. Prunetin (PRU) is an isoflavone that has been a proven anticancer agent in numerous cancer cell lines. However, the activity of PRU against OS remains uncertain.

Materials and Methods

Here, we studied the anticancer activity of PRU (20 and 25 µM) on human OS cells MG-63 and investigated its latent mechanism. The PRU activity of MG-63 cells cytotoxicity, intracellular ROS, metastasis, apoptosis, anti-apoptotic proteins, MAPK/STAT-3, and AKT signaling pathways was assessed by MTT assay, DCFH-DA, DAPI, PI, AO/EB, cell adhesion, and RT-PCR analysis. Findings unveiled that PRU could constrain MG-63 cell viability and adhesion through elevated intracellular ROS and elicited apoptosis.

Results

Likewise, PRU (20 and 25 µM) avert the MG-63 cell proliferation, which stimulates apoptosis by the enhancement of Bax and caspases, while it diminishes Bcl-2 in a dose-dependent way. Furthermore, PRU could reduce Pin-1, and anti-apoptotic elements, as well as trigger apoptotic signaling pathways. Our data established that PRU alleviates MG-63 cell proliferation and metastasis via ROS-mediated apoptosis, which triggers MAPKs/STAT3 and AKT pathways, suggesting that PRU is a promising natural remedy for OS. In order to comprehend the therapeutic target for cancer, we assessed the effect of PRU on the expression of Pin1, which is thought to be over-expressed in many human malignancies. According to our findings, PRU specifically suppressed Pin1 expression to reduce the expression of Akt, STAT3, P38, JNK, P65, and IL-6. We evaluated the impact of PRU on the expression of Pin1, which is allegedly over-expressed in many human malignancies, to better understand the therapeutic target for cancer. Researchers state that PRU inhibited the expression of Akt, STAT3, P38, JNK, P65, and IL-6 in particular, by suppressing Pin1 expression.

Conclusion

Together, these results suggest that PRU may be an effective treatment for bone cancer in people by preventing Pin1 expression.
Streaming forward: Adoption considerations for the major recorded music markets in CARICOM
Authors: Joseph Farley J
Published: September 2023

Music Streaming Services (MSS) have recently emerged as the main format for showcasing and monetizing sound recordings by record labels and artists in the international recorded music sector. In the Caribbean, however, stakeholders have been slow to adopt and integrate these digital music platforms into their overall recorded music strategies. Within this context, this paper explores the key economic opportunities and challenges associated with the late adoption of the platform-based streaming music model. Using self-administered structured interviews with nine regional experts from the three major music markets, as well as an analysis of audio-visual and digital materials and review of documents, the information is derived using a qualitative research approach, supported by a grounded theory strategy of inquiry. The findings illustrate that on one hand there is cautious optimism with respect to the potential for the re-construction of revenue streams, due to stronger royalty inflows associated with new uses of music in the digital arena. The extent to which this is realized contends with the quantum of royalty payouts actually received by rights-holders and their overall willingness to licence their rights to MSS. Additionally, MSS provides the platform for rights-owners to reach glocal audiences. However, this is reliant on the content and user-friendly features embedded in the platforms and the readiness of regional artists to be discovered and monetized via third party playlists.
Psychiatric disorders in inpatient Ethiopian migrant workers in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Abdel Aziz Karim , Sajwani Hawraa Sameer , Galadari Mohammed , Al-Ammari Abeer , AlHassani Jameilah , Al-Nuaimi Nawwaf , Elhassan Elamin Mohamed , Aly El-Gabry Dina
Published: September 2023

Migrant workers have higher rates of mental health problems than non-migrant workers, with Ethiopian migrant workers in the United Arab Emirates appearing to be overrepresented in the psychiatric inpatient population compared with their numbers in the general population. We sought to investigate the pattern of psychiatric inpatient admissions in Ethiopian migrant workers over a 10-year period (2011–2020) in order to highlight demographic and clinical characteristics, and to investigate factors predicting the length of hospital stay. We reported the mean and frequency of demographic and clinical data of Ethiopian psychiatric inpatients at one of the largest governmental hospitals in eastern Abu Dhabi between 2011 and 2020, and investigated factors predicting length of stay in hospital using linear regression. Our results show that Ethiopian expatriates made up 7.9% of all admissions over a 10-year period, had a mean length of hospital stay of almost 20 days, with 98.1% of them being female, 92.8% being domestic workers, 90.1% having a language barrier, 57.4% being single and 55.5.% having one or more recent stressors prior to admission. The most common diagnoses were acute stress reaction (31.6%), psychosis (29.3%), bipolar disorder (14.8%) and adjustment disorder (11.0%). Work-related stress, termination of employment and several clinical factors significantly predicted length of stay in hospital.
Determining critical power and W′ in running: Accuracy of different two-point models using the power metric
Authors: Ruiz-Alias Santiago A , Ñancupil-Andrade Alberto A , Pérez-Castilla Alejandro , García-Pinillos Felipe
Published: September 2023

This study aims to determine the validity of the critical power (CP) and the work capacity over CP (W′) obtained from different two-time trial combinations with respect a five-point model. In a 3-week training period, 15 athletes (age: 23 ± 5 years; height: 166 ± 6 cm; body mass: 58 ± 8 kg; 5 km season-best: 15:29 ± 00:53 mm:ss) performed five time-trials (i.e. 3, 4, 5, 10, 20 min) on a 400 m track, from which the mean power outputs were obtained through the Stryd Power Meter. An acceptable level of agreement was considered if the following criteria were met: low bias and standard error of the estimate (SEE) (<14 W [values corresponding to the ±5% of the mean CP]; W′: <2.0 kJ [values corresponding to the ±10% of the mean W′]), R2 > 0.90, and ICC > 0.81. The CP presented an acceptable SEE for CPwork (1.3 ± 0.5%) and CP1/time (2.7 ± 1.1%) when using the five time-trials. For both CP models, the 3–10 min was the shortest valid combination, whereas the 3–20, 4–20, and 5–20 min showed the greatest level of agreement. The W′ presented a high SEE for CPwork (14.1 ± 5.2%) and CP1/time (13.8 ± 6.2%) when using the five time-trials, therefore, none of the two time-trials combinations were considered. The CP parameter can be accurately estimated from different two time-trial combinations, whereas none reached an acceptable level of accuracy for the determination of W′.
Workforce survey of Australian health information management graduates, 2017–2021: A 5-year follow-on study
Authors: Gjorgioski Stephanie , Riley Merilyn , Lee Jenn , Prasad Natasha , Tassos Melanie , Nexhip Abbey , Richardson Sally , Robinson Kerin
Published: September 2023

Background: Employment outcomes of La Trobe University’s 2012–2016 health information manager (HIM) graduate cohort were reported previously. Objectives: To identify the 2017–2021 Australia-based, graduate HIMs’ early career employment experiences; identify employment roles and destinations; investigate knowledge and skill sets utilised in professional performance; and compare outcomes with the previous study. Method: A cross-sectional design was utilised. An online survey elicited: demographic data, position-related details and knowledge–skills applied in the workplace. Inter- and intra-cohort comparisons were calculated. Results: Of contactable graduates, 75% ( n = 150) completed the survey; 90% ( n = 132) had held at least one profession-related position postgraduation; 51% gained employment before final examinations and 92% within 6 months. In their first role, 87% joined the public healthcare sector, 47% had worked in two or more positions and 12.3% in three or more positions. Categorisation of position titles showed that 40% had undertaken “health information management” roles, 14.9% “health classification,” 16.6% “data management and analytics,” 17.4% “health ICT” and 11.1% “other,” roles. Almost two-thirds (64.1%) had utilised three or four of the four professional knowledge–skill domains. There was an increase, from the 2012 to 2016 cohort, in those undertaking “data management and analytics” and “health ICT” roles, and a decrease in “health classification” role uptake. Conclusion: Early-career HIMs have very high employability. They engage throughout health care, predominately in the public health sector. Their mobility reflects national workforce trends. The majority utilise all or most of the professional knowledge–skill domains studied at university.
Effect of Teach-back and Douyin platform short video health education in women receiving infertility treatment
Authors: Lin Qin , Zhou Haiyan , Wu Jijun , Chen Pei , Niu Yanping , Fang Weiwei , Li Ling , Peng Ling , Fu Mengxue
Published: September 2023

Objective

To evaluate the effect of intervention by Teach-back and Douyin platform short video health education on stigma, reproductive quality of life, family intimacy and family adaptability in women receiving infertility treatment.

Methods

This study is a quasi-experimental study. The intervention period is 6 weeks, and the study was implemented between January 2022 and August 2022. A total of 80 women (40 in the control group and 40 in the observation group) receiving infertility treatment were included in the study. The control group was given routine health education intervention, and the observation group was given Teach-back and Douyin platform short video health education on the basis of routine health education. The Chinese version of the Infertility Stigma Scale, the Infertility Quality of Life Questionnaire and the Family Intimacy and Adaptability Scale were used to evaluate the effects before and after the intervention.

Results

After the intervention, the total score of stigma in the observation group was significantly lower and lower than that of the control group ( P < 0.05) and the total score of reproductive quality of life in the observation group was significantly higher than that of the control group ( P < 0.05). The dissatisfaction score of family intimacy in the observation group was significantly lower than that of the control group ( P < 0.05), and the dissatisfaction score of family adaptability in the observation group was significantly lower than that of the control group ( P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Teach-back and Douyin platform short video health education can reduce the stigma in women receiving infertility treatment and improve their reproductive quality of life, family intimacy and family adaptability.
Knowledge Production and Transmission of Higher Education Hubs in Emerging Asian Economies: A Preliminary Examination Using Hangzhou as an Example
Authors: Zeng Lingqin , Wu Hantian
Published: September 2023

In recent decades, some cities in emerging Asian economies have developed into international higher education hubs. This has been mainly facilitated by the rapid growth of their higher education and high-tech industries. This study analyzes the processes and outcomes of knowledge production and transmission in three types of higher education institutions and their interactions with the local socio-economic development in the case of Hangzhou, located in China’s Yangtze River Delta region. This paper aims to present an example of an emerging higher education hub at the city level that has been exposed to the impact of Internet thinking and indigenous traditions. This will offer an insight into the latest developments of city-level higher education hubs that are in the process of emerging in relatively developed and internationalized regions within emerging economies.
Navigating the Stars: The Moderating Effect of Social Media Usage on the Admission Intention of B-schools
Authors: Siji Smitha , Parsad Chandan
Published: September 2023

This study aimed to explore the influence of social media on the perception and decision-making process of prospective students seeking admission to Business schools (B-schools) in the context of the increasing prevalence of social media in people’s lives. Specifically, it examined the perceived and actual utility of reviews posted on Social Networking Sites (SNSs) and the role of Social Media Usage (SMU) as a moderating factor in shaping admission intentions. Additionally, the impact of ratings and reviews on the overall perception of B-schools was explored. To gather data, a questionnaire was distributed via Google Forms to over 500 second-year post-graduate students studying Business Management in various B-schools. Out of the total responses received (201 usable responses), it was discovered that the respondents’ personal experiences either aligned with the reviews they read before admission or surpassed their expectations. Moreover, ratings and online forums had a positive influence on shaping a favourable perception among potential students, ultimately leading to their decision to enrol in a particular B-school. The study also confirmed the moderating effect of SMU. Admission officers should recognize that user-generated content holds greater trustworthiness among prospective students in comparison to content generated by vendors. Therefore, it is crucial to prioritize social media in their strategies. Additionally, there is a need to investigate the usage of SNSs by college admission offices and the impact of social media strategies on students’ admission intentions. Consequently, this study focuses on an underexplored area, shedding light on its significance.
Empowerment of Scheduled Castes in India: An Impact Assessment Study of Haryana Panchayati Raj (Amendment) Act, 2015
Authors: Mangat H. S. , Ahmed Shaik Iftikhar , Gill Lakhvir Singh
Published: September 2023

Caste-based social stratification is strong in India. Scheduled Castes (SCs) are weaker section of the society facing multiple inequities and discrimination in India. The state of Haryana has enacted Panchayati Raj (Amendment) Act, 2015, by which educational qualifications have been made mandatory to fight Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) elections since 2016. Based on secondary data collected from the Haryana Panchayati Raj Institutions Election Reports for the year 2010 and 2016, the study reveals that the share of elected SC PRIs increased from 22.94% in 2010 to 25.39% in 2016, after the introduction of educational qualifications for the PRIs election. Empowerment has been gauged on account of extra seats SCs have won than the seats reserved. SC PRIs empowerment composite score increased from 71.07 in 2010 to 116.55 in 2016. Mewat district had low educational level among rural SCs recorded highest PRIs empowerment index. The study highlights that the SCs, particularly of Panchkula, Kaithal, Sonipat and Jind districts require some motivational support to encourage their participation in PRIs elections.
Impact of Community-Level Infrastructure on Household Food Insecurity in Africa
Authors: Olabiyi Olayemi M. , Adedokun Adebayo S.
Published: September 2023

Although income levels play a critical role in determining a household's food security status, this alone cannot fully explain the variations in the phenomenon. To fully explore food insecurity, it is essential to consider non-household factors such as social and physical infrastructure, which directly impact people's quality of life. In this study, we used data from rounds 6, 7, and 8 of the Afrobarometer survey conducted between 2014 and 2021 to investigate the relationship between infrastructure deficit and household food insecurity vulnerability in Africa. Our findings from multilevel logistic regression showed that access to social and physical infrastructure can alleviate household food insecurity vulnerability to varying degrees. For instance, having an electricity grid and a public water supply system can reduce the likelihood of food insecurity by 15% and 13%, respectively. Similarly, having a bank and a health clinic in a community can reduce the possibility of food insecurity by 6% and 3%, respectively. These findings revealed that physical infrastructure has a more substantial impact on reducing food insecurity than social infrastructure. Nevertheless, African governments should focus on investing in both types of infrastructure and ensuring that it is distributed fairly and equitably to benefit all.
Automatic echocardiographic anomalies interpretation using a stacked residual-dense network model
Authors: Nurmaini Siti , Sapitri Ade Iriani , Tutuko Bambang , Rachmatullah Muhammad Naufal , Rini Dian Palupi , Darmawahyuni Annisa , Firdaus Firdaus , Mandala Satria , Nova Ria , Bernolian Nuswil
Published: September 2023

Echocardiographic interpretation during the prenatal or postnatal period is important for diagnosing cardiac septal abnormalities. However, manual interpretation can be time consuming and subject to human error. Automatic segmentation of echocardiogram can support cardiologists in making an initial interpretation. However, such a process does not always provide straightforward information to make a complete interpretation. The segmentation process only identifies the region of cardiac septal abnormality, whereas complete interpretation should determine based on the position of defect. In this study, we proposed a stacked residual-dense network model to segment the entire region of cardiac and classifying their defect positions to generate automatic echocardiographic interpretation. We proposed the generalization model with incorporated two modalities: prenatal and postnatal echocardiography. To further evaluate the effectiveness of our model, its performance was verified by five cardiologists. We develop a pipeline process using 1345 echocardiograms for training data and 181 echocardiograms for unseen data from prospective patients acquired during standard clinical practice at Muhammad Hoesin General Hospital in Indonesia. As a result, the proposed model produced of 58.17% intersection over union (IoU), 75.75% dice similarity coefficient (DSC), and 76.36% mean average precision (mAP) for the validation data. Using unseen data, we achieved 42.39% IoU, 55.72% DSC, and 51.04% mAP. Further, the classification of defect positions using unseen data had approximately 92.27% accuracy, 94.33% specificity, and 92.05% sensitivity. Finally, our proposed model is validated with human expert with varying Kappa value. On average, these results hold promise of increasing suitability in clinical practice as a supporting diagnostic tool for establishing the diagnosis.
Evaluation of global and regional myocardial work in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy patients by left ventricular pressure-strain loop
Authors: Xiao Chengwei , Zhao Xuebing , Sun Lijuan , Zhang Fang
Published: September 2023

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the value of left ventricular (LV) press-strain loop (PSL) in evaluating global and regional myocardial work (MW) in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) patients.

Methods

A total of 30 HCM patients with interventricular septum hypertrophy (HCM group) and 35 healthy subjects (control group) were selected from First Hospital of Qinhuangdao. The general clinical data and conventional ultrasound parameters of two groups were acquired. The MW parameters were analyzed using LV PSL. The regional MW parameters in the HCM group were compared between ventricular septum and the free walls of left ventricle.

Results

The epicardial adipose tissue thickness of the HCM group was significantly greater than that of the control group (P < 0.05). Global work efficiency was significantly reduced, while global wasted work was increased in patients with HCM compared with controls (all P < 0.05). The HCM group was compared in the group, to be specific, in the HCM group, the work index, the work efficiency, and the longitudinal strain on the interventricular septum were lower than those on the free wall (all P < 0.05).

Conclusion

PSL is more effective than LVEF in assessing left ventricular systolic function in HCM and is able to quantify regional myocardial work in the ventricular septum in HCM patients with preserved LVEF, suggesting a novel idea for clinical diagnosis and assessment.
Prevalence and risk factors of urinary tract infection in kidney recipients: a meta-analysis study
Authors: Hosseinpour Masoumeh , Pezeshgi Aiyoub , Mahdiabadi Morteza Zaboli , Sabzghabaei Foroogh , Hajishah Hamed , Mahdavynia Soheila
Published: September 2023

Background

A kidney recipient's urinary tract infection (UTI) can result in infectious problems and be a risk factor for less successful transplant outcomes. UTI risk factors are still controversial. The present study aimed to investigate the prevalence of UTI and its association with risk factors in kidney recipients.

Method

Twenty-six papers published between 2005 and 2022 were retrieved using keywords and searching Medlib, ScienceDirect, PubMed, and other databases. If possible, the pooled prevalence of UTI in kidney recipients and odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval for each risk factor were calculated. The data were analyzed using the random effects model in R and Stata 14.

Results

The total sample size was 72,600, with an average age of 48.7 years. The pooled prevalence of UTI was 35% (95% CI, 30–40%). The estimated risk factors for UTI were female (OR = 3.13; 95%CI: 2.35—4.17), older age (OR = 1.03; 95%CI: 1—1.05), history of UTI (OR = 1.31; 95%CI) CI: 1.05—1.63), receiving a kidney from a deceased donor (OR = 1.59; 95%CI: 1.23—2.35), long-term use of an indwelling catheter (OR = 3.03; 95%CI: 1.59—6.59), a ureteral stent (OR = 1.54; 95%CI: 1.16—2.06), diabetes (OR = 1.17; 95%CI: 0.97—1.41), hypertension (OR = 1.6; 95%CI: 1.26—2.28), acute rejection process (OR = 2.22; 95%CI: 1.45—3.4), and abnormal urinary tract anatomy (OR = 2.87; 95%CI 1.44—5.74).

Conclusion

This meta-analysis revealed that UTIs are a significant problem in kidney recipients. Factors such as female sex, old age, history of UTIs, deceased donor, long-term use of an indwelling catheter, diabetes, acute rejection process, use of ureteral stent, abnormal urinary tract anatomy, and hypertension were related to an increased risk of UTIs in kidney recipients.
Were the unfinished nursing care occurrence, reasons, and consequences different between COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients? A systematic review
Authors: Chiappinotto Stefania , Bayram Aysun , Grassetti Luca , Galazzi Alessandro , Palese Alvisa
Published: September 2023

Background

Unfinished Nursing Care (UNC) has been documented also during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic; however, while several secondary studies were conducted before this period to summarise occurrences, reasons, and consequences of UNC and provide a global picture of the phenomenon, no synthesis of the evidence produced during the pandemic has been documented to date. Therefore, the aim of this review is to identify differences, if any, in the UNC occurrence, reasons, and consequences perceived by nurses caring for COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients.

Methods

This study is a systematic review (PROSPERO CRD42023410602). According to the Population, Exposure, Comparator, and Outcomes framework, primary comparative cross-sectional, longitudinal, and cohort studies, randomised/non-randomised controlled trials were included from Medline, CINAHL, and Scopus, collecting perceptions of nurses with tools measuring UNC between COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients and published in English, Italian, or Turkish. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guideline and Johanna Briggs Quality Appraisal Tool were used, and findings were summarised narratively.

Results

Five hospital-based cross-sectional studies using the self-administered MISSCARE and UNC Survey comparing data collected (a) before the pandemic vs. in the first wave; (b) before, in the second and in the third wave; and (c) simultaneously among COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients in the second wave. Three main patterns emerged suggesting a higher UNC occurrence among COVID-19 patients in the first wave, less occurrence among them compared to non-COVID-19 patients in the second wave, and contrasting findings with some in favour and others in contrast to COVID-19 patients. Similar patterns emerged regarding UNC reasons while no studies investigated the UNC consequences.

Conclusions

In the first wave, COVID-19 patients were likely to be at increased risk of UNC, while in later waves non-COVID-19 patients were at increased risk of UNC. Reasons also were different across waves. Findings documented during the COVID-19 pandemic may help to prevent UNC in future disasters.
Assessment of immunization data management practices in Cameroon: unveiling potential barriers to immunization data quality
Authors: Saidu Yauba , Gu Jessica , Ngenge Budzi Michael , Nchinjoh Sangwe Clovis , Adidja Amani , Nnang Nadege Edwidge , Muteh Nkwain Jude , Zambou Vouking Marius , Mbanga Clarence , Agbor Valirie Ndip , Ousmane Diaby , Njoh Andreas Ateke , Flegere Junie , Diack Demba , Wiwa Owens , Montomoli Emmanuele , Clemens Sue Ann Costa , Clemens Ralf
Published: September 2023

Background

One crucial obstacle to attaining universal immunization coverage in Sub-Saharan Africa is the paucity of timely and high-quality data. This challenge, in part, stems from the fact that many frontline immunization staff in this part of the world are commonly overburdened with multiple data-related responsibilities that often compete with their clinical tasks, which in turn could affect their data collection practices. This study assessed the data management practices of immunization staff and unveiled potential barriers impacting immunization data quality in Cameroon.

Methods

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted, involving health districts and health facilities in all 10 regions in Cameroon selected by a multi-stage sampling scheme. Structured questionnaires and observation checklists were used to collect data from Expanded Program of Immunization (EPI) staff, and data were analyzed using STATA VERSION 13.0 (StataCorp LP. 2015. College Station, TX).

Results

A total of 265 facilities in 68 health districts were assessed. There was limited availability of some data recording tools like vaccination cards (43%), maintenance registers (8%), and stock cards (57%) in most health facilities. Core data collection tools were incompletely filled in a significant proportion of facilities (37% for registers and 81% for tally sheets). Almost every health facility (89%) did not adhere to the recommendation of filling tally sheets during vaccination; the filling was instead done either before (51% of facilities) or after (25% of facilities) vaccinating several children. Moreso, about 8% of facilities did not collect data on vaccine administration. About a third of facilities did not collect data on stock levels (35%), vaccine storage temperatures (21%), and vaccine wastage (39%).

Conclusion

Our findings unveil important gaps in data collection practices at the facility level that could adversely affect Cameroon’s immunization data quality. It highlights the urgent need for systematic capacity building of frontline immunization staff on data management capacity, standardizing data management processes, and building systems that ensure constant availability of data recording tools at the facility level.
The feasibility, facilitators, and barriers in the initial implementation phase of ‘good life with osteoarthritis in Denmark’ (GLA:D®) in Switzerland: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Hinteregger Anja , Niedermann Karin , Wirz Markus
Published: September 2023

Background

The guideline-based, conservative, non-pharmacological management of hip and knee osteoarthritis in clinical practice has been insufficient in Switzerland until now. The implementation of “Good Life with Osteoarthritis in Denmark” (GLA:D®), a programme designed to address this evidence-performance gap, was started in 2019 in Switzerland. This study investigated the acceptance and practicality of the GLA:D® Switzerland programme and identified the facilitators and barriers to its implementation, to support the development of tailored implementation strategies.

Methods

This is a non-experimental observational study. A cross-sectional survey was performed among the physiotherapists (PTs) of the first five GLA:D® Switzerland certification courses, using the Measurement Instrument for Determinants of Innovations (MIDI) to identify the facilitators and barriers. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and qualitative content analysis was used for open-ended questions.

Results

In the online survey, 86 GLA:D® certified PTs participated (response rate: 61%). The majority of 51 PTs (63.7%) worked in private practices. Of the responding PTs 58 (78.4%) were satisfied with the general concept of the GLA:D® Switzerland programme. Practicality was evaluated positively, particularly the second and third individual session (n = 40 PTs, 83.3%), the 40 m Fast-paced Walk Test (43, 89.6%), the 30 s Chair Stand Test (45, 93.8%), and the exercise programme (40, 83.3%). The marketing (12, 15%), the ‘data entry’ (5, 10.4%), ‘register the patient’ (7, 14.6%), and the digital patient questionnaire (9, 14.2%) were rated less positively. In total, 12 facilitators and 12 barriers were identified. The barriers were mainly related to adopting user, e.g., perceived personal disadvantages. Barriers were also found in the organisational context, e.g., time available. Facilitators were associated with the GLA:D® Switzerland programme itself, e.g., completeness, relevance for patients, and the adopting user, e.g., self-efficacy, and in the organisational context, e.g., material resources and facilities. Topics related to the socio-political context were raised in the answers to the open-ended questions, e.g., general awareness level of the GLA:D® Switzerland programme and patient recruitment.

Conclusion

The acceptance, practicality and facilitators identified from the initial implementation are encouraging. However, the identified barriers and activities rated with low practicality require tailored strategies to support a successful implementation of the GLA:D® Switzerland programme.
Type I/type III IFN and related factors regulate JEV infection and BBB endothelial integrity
Authors: Zhang Ya-Ge , Zhang Hong-Xin , Chen Hao-Wei , Lv Penghao , Su Jie , Chen Yan-Ru , Fu Zhen-Fang , Cui Min
Published: September 2023

Background

Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) remains a predominant cause of Japanese encephalitis (JE) globally. Its infection is usually accompanied by disrupted blood‒brain barrier (BBB) integrity and central nervous system (CNS) inflammation in a poorly understood pathogenesis. Productive JEV infection in brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) is considered the initial event of the virus in penetrating the BBB. Type I/III IFN and related factors have been described as negative regulators in CNS inflammation, whereas their role in JE remains ambiguous.

Methods

RNA-sequencing profiling (RNA-seq), real-time quantitative PCR, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and Western blotting analysis were performed to analyze the gene and protein expression changes between mock- and JEV-infected hBMECs. Bioinformatic tools were used to cluster altered signaling pathway members during JEV infection. The shRNA-mediated immune factor-knockdown hBMECs and the in vitro transwell BBB model were utilized to explore the interrelation between immune factors, as well as between immune factors and BBB endothelial integrity.

Results

RNA-Seq data of JEV-infected hBMECs identified 417, 1256, and 2748 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) at 12, 36, and 72 h post-infection (hpi), respectively. The altered genes clustered into distinct pathways in gene ontology (GO) terms and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis, including host antiviral immune defense and endothelial cell leakage. Further investigation revealed that pattern-recognition receptors (PRRs, including TLR3, RIG-I, and MDA5) sensed JEV and initiated IRF/IFN signaling. IFNs triggered the expression of interferon-induced proteins with tetratricopeptide repeats (IFITs) via the JAK/STAT pathway. Distinct PRRs exert different functions in barrier homeostasis, while treatment with IFN (IFN-β and IFN-λ1) in hBMECs stabilizes the endothelial barrier by alleviating exogenous destruction. Despite the complex interrelationship, IFITs are considered nonessential in the IFN-mediated maintenance of hBMEC barrier integrity.

Conclusions

This research provided the first comprehensive description of the molecular mechanisms of host‒pathogen interplay in hBMECs responding to JEV invasion, in which type I/III IFN and related factors strongly correlated with regulating the hBMEC barrier and restricting JEV infection. This might help with developing an attractive therapeutic strategy in JE.
The barriers, facilitators and association of vaccine certificates on COVID-19 vaccine uptake: a scoping review
Authors: Zhu David T. , Serhan Mohamed , Mithani Salima S. , Smith David , Ang Joyce , Thomas Maya , Wilson Kumanan
Published: September 2023

Background

Globally, COVID-19 vaccines have proven to be instrumental for promoting population health by reducing illness from SARS-CoV-2. Vaccine certificates emerged as a potentially promising solution for encouraging vaccination and facilitating the safe reopening of society, however, they were controversial due to criticisms of infringing upon individual rights. While there is extensive literature describing the ethical, legal, and public health implications of vaccine certificates, there is currently a gap in knowledge about the association of vaccine certificates on vaccine uptake during the COVID-19 pandemic and barriers and facilitators to their use.

Objectives

The objectives of this scoping review are to (i) describe the existing literature on the association of vaccine certificates on the rates of COVID-19 vaccine uptake across several countries and (ii) describe the intrinsic and extrinsic barriers or facilitators that moderate this relationship.

Methods

We conducted a scoping review based on PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRSIMA-ScR) guidelines. We searched three bibliographic databases (APA PsychInfo, Embase Classic + Embase, OVID-Medline) and preprint severs during the first week of July 2023. Three reviewers independently screened the studies based on pre-specified eligibility criteria and performed quality assessments of the primary literature and data extraction.

Results

Sixteen studies met the inclusion criteria. 14 or these were surveys and 2 were modelling studies. The majority documented that vaccine certificates were significantly associated with increased rates of COVID-19 vaccine uptake (n = 12), motivated by factors such as travel/employer requirements, influence from the government/peers, and trust in the safety, efficacy, and science behind COVID-19 vaccines. Three studies had non-significant or mixed findings. Only one study found a significant decrease in COVID-19 vaccine uptake, motivated by pervasive distrust in the QR code-based system of digital vaccine certificates in Russia. Quality of survey studies was generally high.

Conclusion

Our findings provide insights into the existing literature on vaccine certificates association with vaccine uptake in several different jurisdictions and barriers and facilitators to their uptake. This information can be used to guide future examinations of the implementation of vaccine certificates and more effective implementations.
The International X-Linked Hypophosphatemia (XLH) Registry: first interim analysis of baseline demographic, genetic and clinical data
Authors: Ariceta Gema , Beck-Nielsen Signe Sparre , Boot Annemieke M. , Brandi Maria Luisa , Briot Karine , de Lucas Collantes Carmen , Emma Francesco , Giannini Sandro , Haffner Dieter , Keen Richard , Levtchenko Elena , Mӓkitie Outi , Mughal M. Zulf , Nilsson Ola , Schnabel Dirk , Tripto-Shkolnik Liana , Liu Jonathan , Williams Angela , Wood Sue , Zillikens M. Carola
Published: September 2023

Background

X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH) is a rare, hereditary, progressive, renal phosphate-wasting disorder characterized by a pathological increase in FGF23 concentration and activity. Due to its rarity, diagnosis may be delayed, which can adversely affect outcomes. As a chronic disease resulting in progressive accumulation of musculoskeletal manifestations, it is important to understand the natural history of XLH over the patient’s lifetime and the impact of drug treatments and other interventions. This multicentre, international patient registry (International XLH Registry) was established to address the paucity of these data. Here we present the findings of the first interim analysis of the registry.

Results

The International XLH Registry was initiated in August 2017 and includes participants of all ages diagnosed with XLH, regardless of their treatment and management. At the database lock for this first interim analysis (29 March 2021), 579 participants had entered the registry before 30 November 2020 and are included in the analysis (360 children [62.2%], 217 adults [37.5%] and 2 whose ages were not recorded [0.3%]; 64.2% were female). Family history data were available for 319/345 (92.5%) children and 145/187 (77.5%) adults; 62.1% had biological parents affected by XLH. Genetic testing data were available for 341 (94.7%) children and 203 (93.5%) adults; 370/546 (67.8%) had genetic test results; 331/370 (89.5%) had a confirmed PHEX mutation. A notably longer time to diagnosis was observed in adults ≥ 50 years of age (mean [median] duration 9.4 [2.0] years) versus all adults (3.7 [0.1] years) and children (1.0 [0.2] years). Participants presented with normal weight, shorter length or height and elevated body mass index (approximately − 2 and + 2 Z-scores, respectively) versus the general population. Clinical histories were collected for 349 participants (239 children and 110 adults). General data trends for prevalence of bone, dental, renal and joint conditions in all participants were aligned with expectations for a typical population of people with XLH.

Conclusion

The data collected within the International XLH Registry, the largest XLH registry to date, provide substantial information to address the paucity of natural history data, starting with demographic, family history, genetic testing, diagnosis, auxology and baseline data on clinical presentation.