bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk and protective factors of deliberate self-harm among individuals with substance use disorder: A qualitative study in Pakistan
Authors: Batool Mehak , Masood Sobia
Published: November 2024

Objectives: This study aimed “To identify the factors which increase the vulnerability of self-harm behavior among individuals with substance use and factors which buffer that risk”.
Methods: The present qualitative study was hosted by National Institute of Psychology, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan. It took seven months, from October 2021 to April 2022 to conduct the study. Face-to-face in-depth interviews were conducted in rehabilitation centers of two different cities. The sample of the study included (N = 26) participants, 21 individuals with substance use disorder (with/without deliberate self-harm), and five experts (experienced in dealing with the target population). All the interviews were recorded and transcribed for reflexive thematic analysis. A brief survey was also used to get information about demographics and self-harm behaviors.
Results: The analysis helped to develop nine themes (six risk factors & three protective factors), including separate subthemes for each. The themes were named as a spectrum of adverse experiences, maladaptive personality traits, poor methods of dealing with stressors, chaotic emotions and thoughts about self, internalizing and externalizing problems, and self-harm-related specific factors. Additionally, themes generated for the protective factors were supportive social ties, adaptive coping strategies, and promoting personal resources.
Conclusion: Specific familial, social, and personal factors increase the likelihood of self-harm by causing negative self-evaluation, poor coping skills and psychological distress. This vulnerability ends with self-harm, when combined with conducive environmental situations for the risky behavior. However, the risk can be decreased by providing social and emotional support and encouraging positive mental attitudes.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.11.8196
How to cite this: Batool M, Masood S. Risk and protective factors of deliberate self-harm among individuals with substance use disorder: A qualitative study in Pakistan. Pak J Med Sci. 2024;40(11):2606-2612. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.11.8196
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Prevalence of urinary abnormalities in asymptomatic school going children by dipstick method
Authors: Nawaz Hassan , Butt Noman , Anees Muhammad , Babar Kainat
Published: November 2024

Objective: To determine the prevalence of urinary abnormalities in asymptomatic school children.
Methods: This observational study was conducted at King Edward Medical University/Mayo Hospital Lahore. Children of 5-15 year of age from Central Model School, Lower Mall, Lahore were included from March to May, 2022. Children having prior renal or systemic disease, on steroids and menstruating girls at the time of urinalysis were excluded. In first screening, children’s urine was collected in clean 20mL vessel and examined using urinary dipstick. Children with aberrant results were re-screened after two weeks.
Result: Out of total 1600 children, majority were male 1416(88.5%) with mean age 11.92±2.47 years. Urinary abnormalities were observed in 278(17.38%) children on first screening and 86(5.38%) on second screening. Isolated proteinuria was present in 131(8.19%) children on first screening and 26(1.62%) on second screening. Isolated hematuria was present in 100(6.50%) on first screening and 33(2.06%) on second screening. Isolated pyuria was present in 24(1.50%) on first screening and 14(0.88%) on second screening. Combined proteinuria and hematuria were present in 10(0.62%) on first screening and two (0.12%) on second screening. Combined proteinuria and pyuria were present in three (0.19%) on first screening and three (0.19%) on second screening. Combined hematuria and pyuria were present in nine (0.56%) on first screening and five (0.31%) on second screening. Combined proteinuria, hematuria and pyuria was present in one (0.06%) on first screening and three (0.19%) on second screening.
Conclusion: Urine screening is necessary for early detection and management of kidney diseases. Marked number of children was found having urinary abnormalities. Asymptomatic proteinuria was the most common finding reflecting underlying kidney pathology going undiagnosed.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.11.8878
How to cite this: Nawaz H, Butt N, Anees M, Babar K. Prevalence of urinary abnormalities in asymptomatic school going children by dipstick method. Pak J Med Sci. 2024;40(11):2480-2484. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.11.8878
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Efficacy of sacubitril/valsartan combined with dapagliflozin in treating patients with heart failure and diabetes after an acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Zhang Lifang , Tang Xiuying , Li Runjun , Niu Jinxia , Gong Jie
Published: November 2024

Objective: To investigate the efficacy of sacubitril/valsartan combined with dapagliflozin in diabetic patients suffering from heart failure following an acute myocardial infarction.
Methods: This retrospective study included 80 diabetic patients who had heart failure after an acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and were hospitalised at First Hospital of Qinhuangdao between January 2021 and January 2023. They were randomly divided into the control and observation groups (each group n = 40). In addition to fundamental anti-heart failure treatment, the control group was administered with sacubitril/valsartan, whereas the observation group received sacubitril/valsartan combined with dapagliflozin. The treatment lasted for six months, and the patient’s glucose-associated targets and prognosis before and after treatment were compared in both groups.
Results: Six months after the treatment, the fasting blood glucose, 2-h postprandial blood glucose and HbA1c levels of patients from both groups significantly decreased. The decrease was more prominent in the observation group than in the control group, with significant differences (P < 0.05). Additionally, the LVEF, CO, CI and NT-proBNP levels considerably decreased in both groups after treatment, with the observation group exhibiting a more notable decrease that was significantly different (P < 0.05). An inter-group comparison showed that the differences were not significant (P > 0.05).
Conclusions: In diabetic patients suffering from heart failure after an AMI, treatment with sacubitril/valsartan combined with dapagliflozin may effectively control blood glucose levels and improve cardiac functions without increasing adverse reactions, indicating high clinical safety.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.11.8972
How to cite this: Zhang L, Tang X, Li R, Niu J, Gong J. Efficacy of sacubitril/valsartan combined with dapagliflozin in treating patients with heart failure and diabetes after an acute myocardial infarction. Pak J Med Sci. 2024;40(11):2464-2469.  doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.11.8972
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
ITrace study on the Effects of Phacoemulsification with 90° Transparent Corneal Incision on Corneal Astigmatism and Visual Acuity in Patients Undergoing Cataract Surgery
Authors: Tian Yuanyuan , Jiang Shuang , Zhang Huafeng , Zhang Jia
Published: November 2024

Objective: To investigate the effects of phacoemulsification with 90° transparent corneal incision on corneal astigmatism and visual acuity in patients undergoing cataract surgery.
Methods: This was a retrospective study. Sixty patients with age-related cataract and corneal astigmatism value ≤ 0.75D admitted to Gaocheng Aier Shijia Eye Hospital from June 2023 to October 2023 were included and divided into the observation group(with-the-rule astigmatism) and the control group(against-the-rule astigmatism), with 30 eyes each. Both groups were given a 90° transparent corneal incision, and the general data of the two groups were compared before surgery, one week after surgery, one month after surgery, and three months after surgery.
Results: Before surgery, UCVA and BCVA were compared between the two groups (p> 0.05); no statistically significant difference was observed in corneal astigmatism between the two groups (p> 0.05); no statistically significant difference was observed in the axial direction of corneal astigmatism between the two groups before surgery(p> 0.05). Inter-group comparison: UCVA and BCVA in the two groups were significantly increased one week and one month after surgery, with those in the observation group being higher than those in the control group(p< 0.05); the corneal astigmatism in the observation group was lower than that in the control group at one week and one month after surgery (p< 0.05).
Conclusion: A 90° transparent corneal incision may result in various benefits during phacoemulsification, such as correcting corneal astigmatism in patients with compliant cataracts, promoting early postoperative visual recovery, and stabilizing axial position after surgery.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.11.9029
How to cite this: Tian Y, Jiang S, Zhang H, Zhang J. ITrace study on the Effects of Phacoemulsification with 90° Transparent Corneal Incision on Corneal Astigmatism and Visual Acuity in Patients Undergoing Cataract Surgery. Pak J Med Sci. 2024;40(11):2518-2523.  doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.11.9029
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Assessment of End User Computing Satisfaction (EUCS) of Electronic Hospital Management Information System (eHMIS) in Lady Reading Hospital Peshawar Pakistan
Authors: Shah Faaiz Ali
Published: November 2024

Objective: To determine user satisfaction of clinical faculty using Electronic Hospital Management Information System (eHMIS) in Lady Reading Hospital Peshawar Pakistan.
Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Orthopaedic Division Lady Reading Hospital Peshawar Pakistan from 15th March 2023 to 15th November 2023.All consultants serving in hospital fulfilling the inclusion criteria and consenting were included in this study. A validated questionnaire assessing the End User Computing Satisfaction (EUCS) was emailed to the included faculty. This questionnaire had 12 questions with answers ranked on the Likert scale (1 to 5 with 1 denoting almost never and five almost always). Data was analyzed with SPSS version 27.
Results: We received 142 filled questionnaires. The mean age of our study participants was 43±2.1 years. Male participants were 128(90.14%) and female 14(9.85%). The eHMIS provided precise information to 112(78.87%) consultants most of the time. Majority (91.54%, n=130) of the respondents agreed that the information content met their need most of the time. Many (57.04%, n=81) consultants admitted that the output was presented in useful format most of the time and the information of was clear most of the time to 117(82.39%) consultants. Majority (69.71%, n=99) of the respondents got the information they needed in time almost always. The eHMIS provided up-to-date information almost always to 111(78.16%) respondents.
Conclusion: Majority of our consultants were satisfied with the Electronic Hospital Management Information System (eHMIS) most of the time to almost always and most were using it several times daily.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.11.9156
How to cite this: Shah FA. Assessment of End User Computing Satisfaction (EUCS) of Electronic Hospital Management Information System (eHMIS) in Lady Reading Hospital Peshawar Pakistan. Pak J Med Sci. 2024;40(11):2458-2463. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.11.9156
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Phased therapeutic intervention improves long-term prognosis of new hemodialysis patients
Authors: Sun Jiakang , Guo Fei , Wan Deheng , Wang Yan
Published: November 2024

Objective: To explore the effect of phased therapeutic intervention in improving the long-term prognosis of new hemodialysis(HD) patients.
Method: This was a retrospective study. A total of 90 new HD patients in Qinhuangdao Haigang Hospital from June 2021 to June 2022 were included and stratified according to their compliance. They were grouped using a random number generator. The control group was given routine nursing intervention, while the intervention group was intervened with phased change nursing intervention. The effects of different intervention modes on patient compliance, biochemical indicators, cardiac function indicators and inflammatory cytokines were compared.
Results: At T0, the compliance of the two groups was improved compared with that before the intervention. The compliance of the intervention group at T1 and T2 (71.11%, 91.11%) was higher than that of the control group (48.89%, 75.56%), with statistically significant differences (p< 0.05). At T0, the levels of hemoglobin(Hb), hematocrit(Hct), serum iron(SI), transferrin saturation (TS) and left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF) all increased compared with those before intervention (p< 0.05), At T1 and T2, Hb, Hct, SI, TS and LVEF in the intervention group were higher than those in the control group (p< 0.05). At T1 and T2, LVEDD, LVESD and LVWT in the intervention group were smaller than those in the control group (p< 0.05).
Conclusion: Phased therapeutic intervention can significantly enhance the compliance of new HD patients, as well as further improve their anemia and cardiac function, and reduce inflammatory responses. Therefore, it is worthy of clinical application.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.11.9405
How to cite this: Sun J, Guo F, Wan D, Wang Y. Phased therapeutic intervention improves long-term prognosis of new hemodialysis patients. Pak J Med Sci. 2024;40(11):2600-2605. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.11.9405
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
The genome sequence of a basidiomycete yeast, Tausonia pullulans (Lindner) X.Z. Liu, F.Y. Bai, M. Groenew. & Boekhout, 2016 (Mrakiaceae)
Authors: Wright Richard , Douglas Brian ,   Royal Botanic Gardens Kew Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Management, Samples and Laboratory team,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: Sequencing Operations,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Core Informatics team,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: November 2024

We present a genome assembly from an individual Tausonia pullulans (a basidiomycete yeast; Basidiomycota; Tremellomycetes; Cystofilobasidiales; Mrakiaceae). The genome sequence is 23.9 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 20 chromosomal pseudomolecules. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 18.82 kilobases in length.
The genome sequence of White-foot Bell moth, Epiblema foenella (Linnaeus, 1758)
Authors: Hammond James , Smith Phil ,   University of Oxford and Wytham Woods Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Management, Samples and Laboratory team,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: Sequencing Operations,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Core Informatics team,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: November 2024

We present a genome assembly from an individual female Epiblema foenella (White-foot Bell moth; Arthropoda; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Tortricidae). The genome sequence has a total length of 649.80 megabases. Most of the assembly (99.96%) is scaffolded into 28 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the Z and W sex chromosomes. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 15.99 kilobases in length.
The genome sequence of the white-beaked dolphin, Lagenorhynchus albirostris (Gray, 1846)
Authors: Davison Nicholas J. , Morin Phillip ,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Management, Samples and Laboratory team,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: Sequencing Operations,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Core Informatics team,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: November 2024

We present a genome assembly from a juvenile female Lagenorhynchus albirostris (the white-beaked dolphin; Chordata; Mammalia; Artiodactyla; Delphinidae). The genome sequence has a total length of 2,544.80 megabases. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 22 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the X sex chromosome. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 16.39 kilobases in length.
Editorial on the Special Issue “Changes in Educational Homogamy and Its Consequences”
Authors: Blossfeld Pia , Scherer Stefani , Uunk Wilfred
Published: November 2024

Recent decades have seen major changes in the educational profiles of the populations of Western industrialised countries, notably a sharp rise in educational attainment and a reversal of the gender gap in education. These trends are likely to have affected patterns of educational assortative mating and its consequences. In this editorial, we first review the empirical evidence on educational assortative mating patterns over the last two decades. Specifically, we examine whether educational homogamy has increased among the highly educated, whether women are now less likely to marry upward across cohorts, and whether the rates of relative educational homogamy in populations have increased. We also examine the factors that explain trends and cross-country differences in educational homogamy. Second, we review the consequences of educational homogamy for several important social outcomes, in particular partnership stability and union dissolution, fertility, and children’s educational attainment. Is educational homogamy increasingly affecting these outcomes, and if so, in what ways and why? Third, we identify research gaps regarding educational assortative mating and its consequences. The six empirical studies in this special issue attempt to fill some of these gaps. We briefly outline these studies and their main findings and point to implications for future research.
* This editorial has been peer reviewed.
Why Is Matses an Onomatopoetic Language?
Authors: Fleck David W.
Published: November 2024

Abstract: The lexicon of the Matses language of the Panoan family, spoken in Amazonian Peru and Brazil, has an extraordinarily high proportion of terms of onomatopoetic origin. To understand how and why onomatopoeia has become so prominent in the Matses language, this study presents linguistic properties of Matses onomatopoeia that reveal its high level of integration into the language, and identifies aspects of traditional Matses culture that contribute to the generation and maintenance of onomatopoetic terms.
Color Terms in Wadu Pumi
Authors: Daudey Henriëtte
Published: November 2024

Abstract: The system of color terms in the Wadu variety of Pumi (Tibeto-Burman, China), whose structure and semantics are investigated in this article, includes a composite red/grue term, something that has not been attested in any language before and poses a theoretical problem for the neuropsychological account of color categories. However, dialectal comparison shows that the single red/grue term results from sound change and phonetic conflation of terms. Moreover, speakers have found ways to differentiate red from grue in daily use, thus corroborating the opponent-process theory of color.
Unusual Categories Can Be Stable: The Case of Proto-Sogeram Kin Terms
Authors: Daniels Don
Published: November 2024

Abstract: I reconstruct the kinship terminology of Proto-Sogeram, the ancestor to ten languages of Papua New Guinea, and describe how it has changed in the history of the family. Two patterns are of theoretical interest. One is a recurrent pattern of equating elder siblings with parents, manifested in equations between grandparents and aunts and uncles, and between siblings-in-law and parents. The second is an equation between consanguineal and affinal siblings that I term in-law mirroring. In both cases polysemy and referential overlap among kin terms are diachronically stable, even when they are typologically unusual. The Sogeram data also demonstrates the importance of a focus on individual lexemes in reconstructing kinship terminologies.
Jarawan Numerals: Implications for History and Internal Classification
Authors: Green Christopher R.
Published: November 2024

Abstract: This article provides an overview of the numeral systems of Jarawan languages, an understudied group of languages spoken in Nigeria, and formerly in Cameroon. Lexical patterns and morphological micropatterns observed within this subset of the lexicon have implications for our understanding of Jarawan history, supporting the idea that there were two migrations of Jarawan speakers from Cameroon into Nigeria and suggesting that these migrations may have happened at very different times. This study complements others in demonstrating the value of incorporating linguistics, alongside archaeology, bioanthropology, and genomics, as a proxy in studies of paleodemography.
Hospital Restrictions Experienced by Women who Give Birth While Incarcerated
Authors: Stahman Alleigh , Steely Smith Mollee K. , Zielinski Melissa J.
Published: November 2024

Abstract: Women who are incarcerated give birth in community hospitals, but under conditions that differ dramatically from women who present from community settings. However, systematic examinations of the full breadth of possible restrictions imposed upon incarcerated women hospitalized for childbirth and recovery are lacking, limiting knowledge on how carceral status affects hospital practices for this population. To bridge this gap, we identified the electronic medical records of 180 women who gave birth in a community-based hospital while in custody of a state prison between June 2014 and July 2022 and extracted textual data related to care restrictions imposed during hospitalization for childbirth and recovery. We found that 45 records contained documentation of one or more atypical restrictions. Specific restrictions documented related to mother-infant contact ( n =14), shackling ( n =12), breastfeeding ( n =10), infant-caregiver visitation ( n =8), infant pictures ( n =6), and health service access/involvement ( n =3). Implications of restrictions are discussed.
The Rest is not the West: Othering and Identity Formation in the Non-Aligned-Movement
Authors: Huhn Jan Niklas
Published: November 2024

The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) was an important part of Cold War history. The movement presented an alternative to the two dominant power blocs, one which focused on equality and peace. This paper deals with the creation of a distinct NAM identity and the role that the West played in it. By applying the tools that the literature on populism offers, this paper will show that the West functioned as the most important Other against which a new identity was constructed. By focusing on the declarations of the first five NAM summits, I hope to show that over decades the West continued to be the primary Other in the self-perception of the NAM.
Complete Bell state measurement for polarization–path high-dimensional hyperentangled photons
Authors: Zeng Zhi
Published: November 2024

We present a theoretical scheme for the complete Bell state measurement (BSM) for high-dimensional hyperentangled photons in polarization and path degrees of freedom (DOFs), in which the polarization entanglement is in two-dimensional Hilbert space and the path entanglement is in four-dimensional Hilbert space. This 2×4-dimensional photonic quantum system contains 64 mutually orthogonal high-dimensional hyperentangled Bell states, which can be unambiguously discriminated by using weak cross-Kerr nonlinearity, linear optical element, and single-photon detector. This is the first complete BSM scheme for high-dimensional hyperentangled photons in two DOFs assisted by the quantum nonlinear effect, and we also demonstrate its application in the quantum superdense coding protocol, which allows the transmission of log264=6 bits of classical information via just sending one photon. Moreover, our scheme only requires the achievable small nonlinear phase shift, and it can provide new avenues for other BSM-based quantum information technologies involving photonic high-dimensional hyperentanglement.
Orthogonal hologram memory extending from visible to UV mediated with TaOx/TiO2:Ag heterojunctions
Authors: Miao Jingying , Qi Xiuping , Wang Yiqian , Liu Hongfang , Zhang Shuo , Fu Shencheng , Zhang Xintong , Liu Yichun
Published: November 2024

The photon-energy conversion covering the full spectral wave band is crucial for detecting and storing information. Schottky junctions in nanoscale such as TiO2:Ag enable multicolor photochromism and information storage in the visible region. However, the photoelectrons from the UV-excited semiconductor cause the loss of information. It has become a big challenge to the data memory of Schottky junctions extending from the visible to UV band. Herein, we construct a stacked heterojunction structure of TaOx/TiO2:Ag as a full wave band holographic memory. Coherent green laser beams are utilized to inscribe a Fourier transform hologram, followed by burning a computer-generated hologram in a focused UV laser spot array. The holographic array based on UV photothermal effect presents high refractive index modulation in the stacked layered oxide film. Meanwhile, the excellent UV protection of TaOx/TiO2 heterojunctions makes it possible to fully preserve previously written Fourier transform holographic data. Information cross talk between the two kinds of holograms is almost inhibited. This work provides a bright way for high-density data storage, wideband optical detection, and advanced manufacturing of micro-optical components.
Data sharing and reuse in clinical research: Are we there yet? A cross-sectional study on progress, challenges and opportunities in LMICs
Authors: Waithira Naomi , Mukaka Mavuto , Kestelyn Evelyne , Chotthanawathit Keitcheya , Thi Phuong Dung Nguyen , Thanh Hoa Nguyen , Osterrieder Anne , Lang Trudie , Cheah Phaik Yeong
Published: November 2024

Data sharing holds promise to accelerate innovative discoveries through artificial intelligence (AI) and traditional analytics. However, it remains unclear whether these prospects translate into tangible benefits in improving health care and scientific progress. In this cross-sectional study, we investigate current data reuse practices and explore ways to enhance the use of existing data in clinical research, focusing on low- and middle-income countries. 643 clinical researchers and data professionals participated in the study. 55.5% analysed clinical trial data. 75.3% of data users analysed data from observational studies obtained mainly through personal requests or downloads from publicly available sources. Data was mainly used to influence the design of new studies or in pooled and individual patient-level data meta-analyses. Key benefits realised were career progression and academic qualification, with more gains reported by users affiliated with high-income and upper-middle-income countries (p = 0.046, chi = 8.0). Scientific progress through publications and collaborations was associated with gender (p = 0.012, chi = 10.9), with males more likely to contribute. Benefits to the public although minimal, were associated with career seniority (p = 0.001, chi = 18.8), with works by senior researchers being more likely to influence health policy or treatment guidelines. Although 54% of the respondents accessed at least 3 datasets in the past 5 years, 79.4% of data users encountered difficulty finding relevant data for planned analyses. Researchers affiliated with low and middle income institutions reported more difficulty interpreting data (p = 0.012, chi = 25.7), while challenges with language were regionally influenced (p = 0.000, chi = 51.3) and more commonly reported by researchers in Latin America and South and East Asia institutions. While the utilisation of shared data is lower than expected, focused efforts to enrich existing data with extensive metadata using standard terminologies can enhance data findability. Investment in training programmes, building professional networks, and mentorship in data science may improve the quality of data generated and increase researchers’ ability to use existing datasets.
Economic, cultural, and social inequalities in potentially inappropriate medication: A nationwide survey- and register-based study in Denmark
Authors: Paust Amanda , Vestergaard Claus , Smith Susan M. , Friis Karina , Schramm Stine , Bro Flemming , Mygind Anna , Bech Utoft Nynne , Larkin James , Prior Anders
Published: November 2024

Background

Potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) is associated with negative health outcomes and can serve as an indicator of treatment quality. Previous studies have identified social inequality in treatment but often relied on narrow understandings of social position or failed to account for mediation by differential disease risk among social groups. Understanding how social position influences PIM exposure is crucial for improving the targeting of treatment quality and addressing health disparities. This study investigates the association between social position and PIM, considering the mediation effect of long-term conditions.

Methods and findings

This cross-sectional study utilized data from the 2017 Danish National Health Survey, including 177,495 individuals aged 18 or older. Data were linked to national registers on individual-level.

PIM was defined from the STOPP/START criteria and social position was assessed through indicators of economic, cultural, and social capital (from Bourdieu’s Capital Theory). We analyzed odds ratios (ORs) and prevalence proportion differences (PPDs) for PIM using logistic regression, negative binomial regression, and generalized structural equation modeling. The models were adjusted for age and sex and analyzed separately for indicators of under- (START) and overtreatment (STOPP). The mediation analysis was conducted to separate direct and indirect effects via long-term conditions. Overall, 14.7% of participants were exposed to one or more PIMs, with START PIMs being more prevalent (12.5%) than STOPP PIMs (3.1%). All variables for social position except health education were associated with PIM in a dose-response pattern. Individuals with lower wealth (OR: 1.85 [95% CI 1.77, 1.94]), lower income (OR: 1.78 [95% CI 1.69, 1.87]), and lower education level (OR: 1.66 [95% CI 1.56, 1.76]) exhibited the strongest associations with PIM. Similar associations were observed for immigrants, people with low social support, and people with limited social networks. The association with PIM remained significant for most variables after accounting for mediation by long-term conditions. The disparities were predominantly related to overtreatment and did not relate to the number of PIMs. The study’s main limitation is the risk of reverse causation due to the complex nature of social position and medical treatment.

Conclusions

The findings highlight significant social inequalities in PIM exposure, driven by both economic, cultural, and social capital despite a universal healthcare system. Understanding the social determinants of PIM can inform policies to reduce inappropriate medication use and improve healthcare quality and equity.
Understanding the factors contributing to dengue virus and chikungunya virus seropositivity and seroconversion among children in Kenya
Authors: Tariq Amna , Khan Aslam , Mutuku Francis , Ndenga Bryson , Bisanzio Donal , Grossi-Soyster Elysse N. , Jembe Zainab , Maina Priscilla , Chebii Philip , Ronga Charles , Okuta Victoria , LaBeaud Angelle Desiree
Published: November 2024

Dengue virus (DENV) and chikungunya virus (CHIKV) are causes of endemic febrile disease among Kenyan children. The exposure risk to these infections is highly multifactorial and linked to environmental factors and human behavior. We investigated relationships between household, socio-economic, demographic, and behavioral risk factors for DENV and CHIKV seropositivity and seroconversion in four settlements in Kenya. We prospectively followed a pediatric cohort of 3,445 children between 2014–2018. We utilized the Kaplan–Meier curves to describe the temporal patterns of seroconversion among tested participants. We employed logistic regression built using generalized linear mixed models, to identify potential exposure risk factors for DENV and CHIKV seroconversion and seropositivity.

Overall, 5.2% children were seropositive for DENV, of which 59% seroconverted during the study period. The seroprevalence for CHIKV was 9.2%, of which 54% seroconverted. The fraction of seroconversions per year in the study cohort was <2% for both viruses. Multivariable analysis indicated that older age and the presence of water containers ((OR: 1.15 [95% CI: 1.10, 1.21]), (OR: 1.50 [95% CI: 1.07, 2.10])) increased the odds of DENV seropositivity, whereas higher wealth (OR: 0.83 [95% CI: 0.73, 0.96]) decreased the odds of DENV seropositivity. Multivariable analysis for CHIKV seropositivity showed older age and the presence of trash in the housing compound to be associated with increased odds of CHIKV seropositivity ((OR: 1.11[95% CI: 1.07, 1.15]), (OR: 1.34 [95% CI: 1.04, 1.73])), while higher wealth decreased the odds of CHIKV seropositivity (OR: 0.74[95% CI: 0.66, 0.83]). A higher wealth index (OR: 0.82 [95% CI: 0.69, 0.97]) decreased the odds of DENV seroconversion, whereas a higher age (OR: 1.08 [95% CI: 1.02, 1.15]) and the presence of water containers in the household (OR: 1.91[95% CI: 1.24, 2.95]) were significantly associated with increased odds of DENV seroconversion. Higher wealth was associated with decreased odds for CHIKV seroconversion (OR: 0.75 [95% CI: 0.66, 0.89]), whereas presence of water containers in the house (OR: 1.57 [95% CI: 1.11, 2.21]) was a risk factor for CHIKV seroconversion.

Our study links ongoing CHIKV and DENV exposure to decreased wealth and clean water access, underscoring the need to combat inequity and poverty and further enhance ongoing surveillance for arboviruses in Kenya to decrease disease transmission. The study emphasizes the co-circulation of DENV and CHIKV and calls for strengthening the targeted control strategies of mosquito borne diseases in Kenya including vector control, environmental management, public education, community engagement and personal protection.
The links between neuroinflammation, brain structure and depressive disorder: A cross-sectional study protocol
Authors: Milasauskiene Egle , Burkauskas Julius , Jesmanas Simonas , Gleizniene Rymante , Borutaite Vilmante , Skemiene Kristina , Vaitkiene Paulina , Adomaitiene Virginija , Lukosevicius Saulius , Gradauskiene Brigita , Brown Guy , Steibliene Vesta
Published: November 2024

Introduction

It is known that symptoms of major depressive disorder (MDD) are associated with neurodegeneration, that lipopolysaccharide (LPS) can induce symptoms of MDD, and that blood LPS levels are elevated in neurodegeneration. However, it is not known whether blood LPS and cytokine levels correlate with MDD, cognition and brain structure, and this is tested in this study.

Methods and analysis

This cross-sectional study includes individuals with MDD (n = 100) and a control group of individuals with no one-year history of a mental disorder (n = 50). A comprehensive evaluation is performed, including the collection of basic sociodemographic information, data on smoking status, body mass index, course of MDD, past treatment, comorbid diseases, and current use of medications. Diagnosis of MDD is performed according to the WHO’s [2019] International Classification of Diseases and related health problems by psychiatrist and severity of MDD is evaluated using the Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Scale. The Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery is used to evaluate cognitive functioning. Venous blood samples are taken to measure genetic and inflammatory markers, and multiparametric brain magnetic resonance imaging is performed to evaluate for blood-brain barrier permeability, structural and neurometabolic brain changes. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including linear and logistic regression, will be used to analyse relationships between blood plasma LPS and inflammatory cytokine concentrations in MDD patients and controls. The proposed sample sizes are suitable for identifying significant differences between the groups, according to a power analysis.

Administrative information

Trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT06203015.
ChimpanSEE, ChimpanDO: Grooming and play contagion in chimpanzees
Authors: Sandars Georgia , Brooker Jake S. , Clay Zanna
Published: November 2024

Behavioural contagion—the onset of a species-typical behaviour soon after witnessing it in a conspecific—forms the foundation of behavioural synchrony and cohesive group living in social animals. Although past research has mostly focused on negative emotions or neutral contexts, the sharing of positive emotions in particular may be key for social affiliation. We investigated the contagion of two socially affiliative interactive behaviours, grooming and play, in chimpanzees. We collected naturalistic observations of N = 41 sanctuary-living chimpanzees at Chimfunshi Wildlife Orphanage, conducting focal follows of individuals following observations of a grooming or play bout, compared with matched controls. We then tested whether the presence and latency of behavioural contagion was influenced by age, sex, rank, and social closeness. Our results offer evidence for the presence of grooming and play contagion in sanctuary-living chimpanzees. Grooming contagion appeared to be influenced by social closeness, whilst play contagion was more pronounced in younger individuals. These findings emphasise that contagion is not restricted to negatively valenced or self-directed behaviours, and that the predictors of contagious behaviour are highly specific to the behaviour and species in question. Examining the factors that influence this foundational social process contributes to theories of affective state matching and is key for understanding social bonding and group dynamics.
Personality functioning and mental distress in leaders of small- and medium sized enterprises
Authors: Erschens Rebecca , Schröpel Carla , Adam Sophia H. , Gündel Harald , Angerer Peter , Dinger-Ehrenthal Ulrike , Ehrenthal Johannes C. , Diebig Mathias , Hofmann Sophie , Gast Michael , Gritzka Susan , Zipfel Stephan , Junne Florian
Published: November 2024

Objective

For leaders of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) grappling with diverse tasks and stressors, personality functioning can play a key role on stress perception and building and managing professional relationships. We investigated the relationship between SME leaders’ personality functioning on the dimensions of self-perception and self-regulation on perceived stress reactivity (PSR), and symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Methods

A cross-sectional sub analysis of a multi-centre RCT project was performed. A sample of N = 174 SME leaders from various sectors in southern Germany were examined on their self-rated levels of personality functioning (OPD-SQ), involving self-perception (facets: self-reflection, affect differentiation, sense of identity) and self-reflection (facets: impulse control, affect tolerance, regulation of self-esteem), with higher scores indicating lower levels of personality functioning. The outcome variables were perceived stress reactivity (PSRS) and symptoms of depression and anxiety (HADS).

Results

The mean score for symptoms of anxiety was M = 6.13 (SD = 3.34), depression M = 4.40 (SD = 3.35), and for PSRS M = 21.39 (SD = 8.04). The mean sum score for self-perception was M = 7.71 (SD = 7.19) and for self-regulation M = 10.50 (SD = 7.09). The results of three regression models showed that higher scores for affect differentiation (rsp = .13), impulse control (rsp = .14) and regulation of self-esteem (rsp = .29) were associated with higher scores for PSR. Higher scores for affect differentiation (rsp = .17) and affect tolerance (rsp = .20) were significantly associated with higher scores for anxiety. A higher score for regulation of self-esteem (rsp = .17) was associated with higher depression scores.

Conclusion

This study highlights the association between core dimensions of SME leaders’ personality functioning and mental distress. The findings can be applied on interventions and health promotion and the establishment of high-quality professional relationships and leadership skills.
Chalk stream restoration: Physical and ecological responses to gravel augmentation
Authors: Dolman Lewis A. , Vowles Andrew S. , Kemp Paul S.
Published: November 2024

To mitigate the morphological and ecological impacts of direct (e.g. dredging) and indirect (e.g. damaged river function) sediment loss, gravel augmentation is commonly practiced in river systems globally. Despite this, the effectiveness of this practice remains poorly understood, especially in less often considered systems such as chalk streams which present uncommon conditions (e.g. low stream power, stable flow) and may respond to interventions in ways that differ from systems more commonly studied. This study quantified immediate (0–1 years) and short-term (1–2 years) physical and ecological responses to gravel augmentation at two English chalk stream restoration sites: Home Stream (HS; River Test) and East Lodge (EL; River Itchen). We quantified habitat (depth, velocity, substrate composition), cover of different macrophytes, and macroinvertebrate (before-after-control-impact) abundance and community structure. Restoration reduced depth and increased gravel cover in both sites and decreased the cover of filamentous green algae in HS. Macroinvertebrate communities became more dominated by silt-intolerant taxa, while abundance [HS only] and taxon richness increased 1–2 years post-restoration. Whilst the responses found were generally positive in light of the restoration goals, the effects varied across sites, post-restoration time periods and ecological groups, emphasising the need for the more holistic monitoring of restoration projects considering community-level responses at different sites and systems over ecologically relevant timescales. This will help inform on the generality and longevity of responses and provide the evidence needed to develop sound restoration practice.
Identifying weather patterns affecting household date palm sap consumption in Bangladesh, 2013–2016
Authors: Jackson Jules , Shanta Ireen Sultana , McKee Clifton , Luby Stephen P. , Haider Najmul , Sharker Yushuf , Plowright Raina , Hudson Peter , Gurley Emily S.
Published: November 2024

Nipah virus spillovers via consumption of date palm sap in Bangladesh vary substantially between years and have been associated with lower winter temperatures and precipitation. However, the mechanisms driving the interannual variation and the influence of weather remain unexplained. Here we investigated the hypothesis that weather patterns change human sap consumption and explain interannual variation in observed spillovers. We analyzed responses from a nationally representative survey conducted in Bangladesh in 2013–2016 on household date palm sap consumption and weather data for each division of Bangladesh, using logistic regression to examine whether sap consumption is associated with weather variability. We found significant associations of lower minimum temperatures and precipitation with increased household sap consumption during the sap harvesting season. This relationship was largely similar within all months and divisions, and strong associations of temperature (χ2 (1, n = 5,027) = 7.74, p < 0.01) and, independently, precipitation (χ2 = 8.00, p < 0.01) remained strong after accounting for month, location, and annual sap season. Interannual variation in date palm sap consumption in Bangladesh is likely best explained by temperature and precipitation patterns, where colder, drier winter days pose a higher risk for Nipah virus spillover. The knowledge gained in this study may be valuable for targeting timing of future behavioral interventions against consumption of date palm sap in Bangladesh.
Physical and mechanical properties of weathered sandstone rock-like materials under freeze-thaw cycles
Authors: Zhen Zhang , Qingzhi Wang , Kui Zhang , Jianhong Fang
Published: November 2024

Block stone structural layers are commonly utilized in roadbed projects within permafrost areas. However, due to significant temperature fluctuations and frequent freeze-thaw cycles, some of these rock layers have weathered and fractured. Continuous weathering of these rocks results in the block stone embankment gaps becoming clogged, reducing macropore and porous media areas. Consequently, the convective heat transfer function of the block stone roadbed diminishes, failing to adequately protect the frozen soil. This study aims to assess whether recycled weathered rock materials, modified with cement, can match the mechanical properties and damage expansion characteristics of unweathered rocks. Weathered sandstone was selected for modification into rock-like materials. Detailed investigations were conducted into their physical and mechanical properties, alongside damage propagation characteristics following freeze-thaw cycles. Compared to red sandstone, weathered sandstone rock materials exhibit significantly enhanced compressive strength, aligning freeze-thaw damage models with red sandstone rock characteristics, thereby affirming the feasibility of reusing weathered sandstone rocks.
Analysis of lateral shear performance of side-toothed hollow slab based on cohesive force constitutive simulation
Authors: Yang Songgang , Shu Xiaojuan , Li Yongguang , Shen Mingyan , Zhao Chao
Published: November 2024

Herein, based on mortise–tenon hollow slabs, a side-toothed hollow slab structure is proposed for easier lateral connections. Side-tooth structures of both the V- and W-side teeth were constructed. By conducting shear tests on small specimens with different side-tooth shapes, a cohesive constitutive model of epoxy adhesive, which was selected as the inter-tooth bonding material, was developed. The bonding interface was simulated with a zero-thickness epoxy adhesive by using the Voronoi mathematical model for random unit division. A plane micromechanical finite element simulation model was developed using the Abaqus software to analyse the failure modes and shear strength of the hollow slabs with two side-tooth structures under shear action, and the corresponding shear tests were conducted for verification. In the V-side teeth structure, the outer concrete lost its strength earlier and exited the work process, with the height of the cracking shear surface at complete failure being approximately half of the beam height. The W-side teeth joint structure did not exhibit a significant early strength loss during shearing, with the complete shear failure surface being approximately 4/5 of the beam height. The simulation analysis showed larger crack widths during failure in the former and smaller widths in the latter.