bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trustworthiness judgments are associated with interpersonal functioning in individuals with schizophrenia
Authors: Hajdúk Michal , Krajčovičová Dana , Zimányiová Miroslava , Kořínková Viera , Heretik Anton , Pečeňák Ján
Published: June 2019

Rapid and accurate trustworthiness judgments are important during successful day-to-day social interactions because they can influence the decision whether to approach someone and initiate social interaction. The aim of the present study was to analyze associations between these judgments and self-reported and clinician-rated social functioning. The sample consisted of 48 patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders and 35 healthy controls matched for age, gender, and educational level. A trustworthiness task, subjective, and clinician-rated scales for social functioning were administered to both samples. Trustworthiness judgments did not differ between patients and healthy controls. Both groups were able to discriminate between trustworthy and untrustworthy faces. Trustworthiness ratings were associated with self-reported and clinician-rated measures of interpersonal functioning in patients with schizophrenia. Despite the absence of differences between groups, in patients with schizophrenia, a tendency to mistrust based on facial appearance was related to worse functional outcome, predominantly in the domain of disturbed interpersonal functioning. This study highlights the importance of future research into social–cognitive biases in schizophrenia.
How malleable are attentional biases in women with body dissatisfaction? Priming effects and their impact on attention to images of women’s bodies
Authors: Withnell Samantha , Sears Christopher R. , von Ranson Kristin M.
Published: June 2019

Understanding attentional biases associated with body dissatisfaction can aid in devising and refining programs to reduce body dissatisfaction. This study compared attention to images of women’s bodies before and after a body satisfaction or body dissatisfaction priming task. Attention was assessed using eye-gaze tracking, by measuring participants’ fixations to images of “thin” models, “fat” models, and images of average women over an 8-s presentation. Women with high ( n = 65) and low ( n = 43) levels of trait body dissatisfaction, as measured by the Body Shape Questionnaire, were randomly assigned to a body satisfaction or body dissatisfaction priming task. Results indicated that both priming tasks were effective at modifying participants’ state body satisfaction. Women with high body dissatisfaction exhibited an attentional bias to thin and fat model images prior to the priming procedure, replicating previous findings. Contrary to predictions, body dissatisfaction priming increased attention to body images for women with both high and low body dissatisfaction, whereas body satisfaction priming had no effect on attention for either group. These findings show that women with high and low body dissatisfaction are vulnerable to the effects of body dissatisfaction priming.
Accessing social media: Help or hindrance for people with social anxiety?
Authors: Carruthers Sophie E. , Warnock-Parkes Emma L. , Clark David M.
Published: June 2019

Despite increasing use of social media and the potential benefits for people with social anxiety (SA) disorder, little is known about the online experience of people with SA. Our study aimed to investigate the occurrence of cognitive and behavioral processes during a series of online and off-line Facebook (FB)-based tasks among individuals with high and low levels of SA. Sixty-one undergraduates with low or high SA were asked to use FB in a laboratory setting, to make an FB post, and to imagine three ambiguous FB scenarios. Participants with high SA reported higher anxiety throughout the study with an interaction effect, indicating greater relative increases in anxiety for those with high SA over low SA across tasks. The high SA group were more likely to negatively interpret the ambiguous FB scenarios than the low SA group. They also reported using more safety-seeking behaviors and having more negative thoughts. The findings suggest that the cognitive and behavioral processes that characterize socially anxious face-to-face interaction are also evident in online communication. Suggestions are made for the clinical implications of such findings.
Rosai-dorfman disease of the fibula: A case report
Authors: Purnomo Glen , Dueñas Jesus Adrian A , Rotor Richard S , Claudio Rafael S
Published: June 2019

Rosai–Dorfman disease (RDD) is usually characterized by painless bilateral cervical lymphadenopathy associated with fever and leukocytosis. Although the disease may occur outside lymphnodes, manifestation of skeletal system occurs in less than 8% of cases. In addition, presentation of this disease in a purely skeletal form without lymph nodes involvement is extremely uncommon. This case report describes a 17-year-old female with a pure skeletal presentation of RDD in the fibula. Trocar biopsy was performed, and immunohistochemical staining using S100 and CD68 was done to confirm the diagnosis.
Engagement of National Stakeholders and Communities on Health-Care Quality Improvement: Experience from the Implementation of the Partnership for HIV-Free Survival in Tanzania
Authors: Mwita Stella Kasindi , Ngonyani Monica M. , Mvungi Jane , de Ven Roland A.M. van , Masenge Theopista Jacob , Rumisha Davis , Kajoka Deborah , Dennis Grace , Amoah Aurora O.
Published: June 2019

The Partnership for HIV-Free Survival initiative in Tanzania integrated postnatal nutrition and mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) cascades to reduce vertical HIV transmission. Quality improvement (QI) was implemented in 30 health facilities. Net positive gain resulted in overall improvement in all indicators (above 80%) by the end of the reporting period. Retention in postnatal care (mean = 49.8, standard deviation [SD] = 27.6) and in monthly HIV services (mean = 65.4, SD = 29.5) had the lowest average but showed consecutive and significant ( P ≤ .001) gains except for significant decreases in 1 of 6 periods assessed. Average antiretroviral therapy uptake among women (mean = 81.7, SD = 29.5) was highest, with an initial positive gain of 78.9% ( P ≤ .001). DNA/polymerase chain reaction for HIV-exposed infants (mean = 71.8, SD = 20.9) and nutrition counseling (mean = 71.2, SD = 26.3) showed similar average performance, with the latter being the only indicator with significant equal periods of gain and decreases. The collaborative QI approach improved process indicators for reducing MTCT in resource-constrained health systems.
Sharing the Patient Experience: A “Talk Story” Intervention for Heart Failure Management in Native Hawaiians
Authors: Sentell Tetine , Kennedy Fiona , Seto Todd , Vawer May , Chiriboga Germán , Valdez Coraleen , Garrett Lisa M , Paloma Diane , Taira Deborah
Published: June 2019

Background:

Native Hawaiians (NHs) suffer disproportionately from cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality.

Objective:

To test a narrative intervention of patient stories to support heart disease self-management in NHs.

Method:

Six NH storyteller videos were developed with community feedback following established methods. The NH participants with heart failure (N = 35) were recruited from a major medical center in Hawai‘i. Participants completed demographic questionnaires, watched videos via iPad, and described experiences. Follow-up was 4 weeks later.

Results:

Mean participant age was 57.0 years (standard deviation [SD]:13.0) and 31% (11) were female. On a scale of 1 (worst) to 4 (best), respondents rated the videos 3.7 (SD: 0.5) in relevance for helping them manage their heart disease and 3.6 (SD: 0.5) in their experience using these videos. When asked what they liked best, the most common response was that they are “like me” (from 14 respondents, ranging from a 43-year-old woman to an 84-year-old man). Of those completing follow-up (n = 15), 87% said videos helped them.

Conclusion:

Our narrative “talk story” intervention showed promise as a culturally relevant method to share patient experiences and reduce health disparities.
The role of affective states in potential applicants’ evaluations of employer attractiveness
Authors: Auer Manfred , Edlinger Gabriela , Petry Tanja , Pfliegensdörfer Judith
Published: June 2019

What role do emotions play as a job seeker eyes up a potential employer? Our contribution to research into employer attractiveness explores the role that affective states play in potential applicants’ subjective perceptions of companies’ employer attractiveness in the early phase of job seeking. We adopt a concurrent verbalization approach to inquire into qualified potential applicants’ processes of interpreting employer branding material. Based on these data, we provide insights into the neglected role of emotions in research on potential applicants’ assessments of the appeal of an organization. The findings from a multistep qualitative data analysis produce the following four propositions: (1) strong emotions influence the outcome of the opinion-making process; (2) negative emotions play a crucial role in potential applicants’ evaluations of employer attractiveness; (3) some contents of employer information elicit negative emotions, whereas their complementary counterparts do not elicit positive affective reactions; and (4) expectations towards an employer and comparisons among employers influence potential applicants’ sentiments about individual employers.
Minimally invasive non-fusion vertebral body stabilization in severe benign and malignant fractures. Stent-screw Assisted Internal Fixation: the SAIF technique
Authors: Cianfoni Alessandro , Distefano Daniela , Hirsch Joshua , Bonaldi Giuseppe , Reinert Michael , Isalberti Maurizio
Published: June 2019

This short review focuses on clinical and therapeutic issues posed by severe osteoporotic and neoplastic insufficiency vertebral fractures and on the potential use of a new technique to obtain minimally invasive vertebral body reconstruction, augmentation, and stabilization in such severe fractures, combining two preexisting procedures. The implant of vertebral body stents is followed by insertion of percutaneous, fenestrated, cement-augmented pedicular screws that act as anchors to the posterior elements for the cement–stent complex. This procedure results in a 360° nonfusion form of vertebral internal fixation that may empower vertebral augmentation and potentially avoid corpectomy in challenging osteoporotic and neoplastic fractures.
Midterm outcome of single scleral suture technique in trabeculectomy and phacotrabeculectomy: a simplified approach
Authors: Kumar Mukesh , Parveen Shafia , Chauhan Lokesh
Published: June 2019

Purpose:

To report outcome of trabeculectomy performed by single scleral suture in Indian eyes.

Methods:

Non-randomized, non-masked, retrospective cohort analysis. Medical records of all consecutive patients who underwent trabeculectomy between 1 January 2011 and 31 December 2016 at CL Gupta Eye Institute, Moradabad (India), were reviewed and analyzed. Trabeculectomy was performed using single scleral suture for flap closure. The suture knot was buried inside sclera. The laser lysis of scleral suture was not done. Success was defined as complete success if an intraocular pressure (IOP) was >5 and ⩽21 mmHg without any glaucoma medications or re-surgery. Qualified success was defined as IOP ⩽21 mmHg with or without antiglaucoma medications.

Results:

Data of 98 patients was analyzed. A total of 61 (62.2%) of them underwent trabeculectomy, and 37 (37.7%) underwent phacotrabeculectomy. The probability of complete success in patient underwent phacotrabeculectomy was 86% at 3 years, and in-patient underwent only trabeculectomy was 95% at 3 years. The probability of qualified success in patient undergone phacotrabeculectomy was 91% at 3 years, and in patient undergone only trabeculectomy was 97% at 3 years.

Conclusion:

The mean postoperative IOP was significantly less then mean preoperative IOP, at all follow-up visits. This simplified technique also resulted in high midterm success probabilities with low complication rates.
IL-22 and its receptors are increased in human and experimental COPD and contribute to pathogenesis
Authors: Starkey Malcolm R. , Plank Maximilian W. , Casolari Paolo , Papi Alberto , Pavlidis Stelios , Guo Yike , Cameron Guy J.M. , Haw Tatt Jhong , Tam Anthony , Obiedat Ma'en , Donovan Chantal , Hansbro Nicole G. , Nguyen Duc H. , Nair Prema Mono , Kim Richard Y. , Horvat Jay C. , Kaiko Gerard E. , Durum Scott K. , Wark Peter A. , Sin Don D. , Caramori Gaetano , Adcock Ian M. , Foster Paul S. , Hansbro Philip M.
Published: June 2019

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the third leading cause of morbidity and death globally. The lack of effective treatments results from an incomplete understanding of the underlying mechanisms driving COPD pathogenesis.

Interleukin (IL)-22 has been implicated in airway inflammation and is increased in COPD patients. However, its roles in the pathogenesis of COPD is poorly understood. Here, we investigated the role of IL-22 in human COPD and in cigarette smoke (CS)-induced experimental COPD.

IL-22 and IL-22 receptor mRNA expression and protein levels were increased in COPD patients compared to healthy smoking or non-smoking controls. IL-22 and IL-22 receptor levels were increased in the lungs of mice with experimental COPD compared to controls and the cellular source of IL-22 included CD4+T-helper cells, γδ T-cells, natural killer T-cells and group 3 innate lymphoid cells. CS-induced pulmonary neutrophils were reduced in IL-22-deficient (Il22−/−) mice. CS-induced airway remodelling and emphysema-like alveolar enlargement did not occur inIl22−/−mice.Il22−/−mice had improved lung function in terms of airway resistance, total lung capacity, inspiratory capacity, forced vital capacity and compliance.

These data highlight important roles for IL-22 and its receptors in human COPD and CS-induced experimental COPD.
Educational and health outcomes of children treated for asthma: Scotland-wide record linkage study of 683 716 children
Authors: Fleming Michael , Fitton Catherine A. , Steiner Markus F.C. , McLay James S. , Clark David , King Albert , Mackay Daniel F. , Pell Jill P.
Published: June 2019

Background

The global prevalence of childhood asthma is increasing. The condition impacts physical and psychosocial morbidity; therefore, wide-ranging effects on health and education outcomes are plausible.

Methods

Linkage of eight Scotland-wide databases, covering dispensed prescriptions, hospital admissions, maternity records, death certificates, annual pupil census, examinations, school absences/exclusions and unemployment, provided data on 683 716 children attending Scottish schools between 2009 and 2013. We compared schoolchildren on medication for asthma with peers, adjusting for sociodemographic, maternity and comorbidity confounders, and explored effect modifiers and mediators.

Results

The 45 900 (6.0%) children treated for asthma had an increased risk of hospitalisation, particularly within the first year of treatment (incidence rate ratio 1.98, 95% CI 1.93–2.04), and increased mortality (HR 1.77, 95% CI 1.30–2.40). They were more likely to have special educational need for mental (OR 1.76, 95% CI 1.49–2.08) and physical (OR 2.76, 95% CI 2.57–2.95) health reasons, and performed worse in school exams (OR 1.11, 95% CI 1.06–1.16). Higher absenteeism (incidence rate ratio 1.25, 95% CI 1.24–1.26) partially explained their poorer attainment.

Conclusions

Children with treated asthma have poorer education and health outcomes than their peers. Educational interventions that mitigate the adverse effects of absenteeism should be considered.
Effect of anthropogenic light on bird movement, habitat selection, and distribution: a systematic map protocol
Authors: Adams Carrie Ann , Blumenthal Arden , Fernández-Juricic Esteban , Bayne Erin , St. Clair Colleen Cassady
Published: June 2019

Background

Anthropogenic light is known or suspected to exert profound effects on many taxa, including birds. Documentation of bird aggregation around artificial light at night, as well as observations of bird reactions to strobe lights and lasers, suggests that light may both attract and repel birds, although this assumption has yet to be tested. These effects may cause immediate changes to bird movement, habitat selection and settlement, and ultimately alter bird distribution at large spatial scales. Global increases in the extent of anthropogenic light contribute to interest by wildlife managers and the public in managing light to reduce harm to birds, but there are no evidence syntheses of the multiple ways light affects birds to guide this effort. Existing reviews usually emphasize either bird aggregation or deterrence and do so for a specific context, such as aggregation at communication towers and deterrence from airports. We outline a protocol for a systematic map that collects and organizes evidence from the many contexts in which anthropogenic light is reported to affect bird movement, habitat selection, or distribution. Our map will provide an objective synthesis of the evidence that identifies subtopics that may support systematic review and knowledge gaps that could direct future research questions. These products will substantially advance an understanding of both patterns and processes associated with the responses of birds to anthropogenic light.

Methods

The protocol describes the steps taken to ensure the search for evidence is comprehensive, transparent and replicable. We will find relevant studies in the grey and peer-reviewed literature using publication databases, Google Scholar, stakeholder suggestions, and organizational websites. We will select studies for inclusion in the map by identification of relevant: (i) population including any species of bird; (ii) intervention or exposure to anthropogenic light; and (iii) outcomes including changes in bird movement, habitat occupancy, population density, or distribution. We will extract and organize metadata into a systematic map that can support subsequent search by interested individuals. The quantity of evidence on particular topics will be characterized through heat maps and narrative syntheses, but subsequent work will be needed to evaluate evidence validity.
Fast 2D full-waveform modeling and inversion using the Schur complement approach
Authors: Datta Debanjan , Jaysaval Piyoosh , Sen Mrinal , Arnulf Adrien F.
Published: June 2019

In most full-waveform inversion (FWI) problems, sufficient prior information is available to constrain the velocity of certain parts of the model, e.g., the water column or, in some cases, near-surface velocities. We take advantage of this situation and develop a fast Schur-complement-based forward modeling and inversion approach by partitioning the velocity model into two parts. The first part consists of the constrained zone that does not change during the inversion, whereas the second part is the anomalous zone to be updated during the inversion. For this decomposition, we partially factorize the governing system of linear equations by computing a Schur complement for the anomalous zone. The Schur complement system is then solved to compute the fields in the anomalous zone, which are then back substituted to compute the fields in the constrained region. For each successive modeling steps with new anomalous zone velocities, the corresponding Schur complement is easily computed using simple algebra. Because the anomalous part of the model is comparatively smaller than the whole model, considerable computational savings can be achieved using our Schur approach. Additionally, we showed that the Schur complement method maintains the accuracy of standard frequency-domain finite difference formulations, but this comes at a slightly higher peak memory requirement. Our FWI workflow shows reduced runtime by 15%–57% depending upon the depth of the water column without losing any accuracy compared to the standard method.
President's Page
Authors: Martinez Ruben D.
Published: June 2019

Three components of the SEG strategic vision statement are (1) to connect the world of applied geophysics, (2) to show the world the power of applied geophysics, and (3) to connect geology and engineering to geophysics. These components are directly related to how SEG reaches out to its membership, so let me illustrate how SEG fulfills this strategic vision.
Long-wavelength FWI updates in the presence of cycle skipping
Authors: Ramos-Martínez Jaime , Qiu Lingyun , Valenciano Alejandro A. , Jiang Xiaoyan , Chemingui Nizar
Published: June 2019

Full-waveform inversion (FWI) has become the tool of choice for building high-resolution velocity models. Its success depends on producing seamless updates of the short- and long-wavelength model features while avoiding cycle skipping. Classic FWI implementations use the L2 norm to measure the data misfit in combination with a gradient computed by a crosscorrelation imaging condition of the source and residual wavefields. The algorithm risks converging to an inaccurate result if the data lack low frequencies and/or the initial model is far from the true one. Additionally, the model updates may display a reflectivity imprint before the long-wavelength features of the model are fully recovered. We propose a new solution to this fundamental challenge by combining the quadratic form of the Wasserstein distance (W2 norm) for measuring the data misfit with a robust implementation of a velocity gradient. The W2 norm reduces the risk of cycle skipping, whereas the velocity gradient effectively eliminates the reflectivity imprint and emphasizes the long-wavelength model updates. We illustrate the performance of the new solution on a field survey acquired offshore Brazil. We demonstrate how FWI successfully updates the earth model and resolves a high-velocity carbonate section missing from the initial velocity model.
Diazoxide for the Treatment of Hypoglycemia Resulting From Dumping Syndrome in a Child
Authors: Mejia-Otero Juan D , Grishman Ellen K , Patni Nivedita
Published: June 2019

Dumping syndrome-associated hypoglycemia is caused by an exaggerated hyperinsulinemic response to glucose absorption in the small intestine. Diazoxide acts on the ATP-sensitive potassium channels and prevents insulin secretion and, thus, should be beneficial for the treatment of hypoglycemia secondary to dumping syndrome. We report on the efficacy of diazoxide in a pediatric patient with dumping syndrome. A 6-year-old girl born at 32 weeks’ gestation age with resultant short gut syndrome and liver failure, who had undergone liver, small bowel, and pancreas transplantation at 1 year of age, developed late dumping-like symptoms with postprandial hypoglycemia, headaches, tremors, and irritability. She experienced relief of symptoms with oral intake. An oral glucose tolerance test showed a fasting and 2-hour blood glucose of 3.9 and 2.8 mmol/L, respectively. A gastric emptying study confirmed the diagnosis of dumping. A diet with 2 g of fiber and cornstarch and antimotility medications failed to improve the dumping symptoms. Diazoxide was started orally at a dose of 3 mg/kg/d and was increased to 5 mg/kg/d, divided every 8 hours, after 1 month, with improvement of postprandial blood glucose values (3.6 to 5.0 mmol/L). No hypertrichosis, fluid retention, respiratory concerns, or other side effects were noted. Several duodenal dilations were performed, with resultant improvement of gastric emptying. She was eventually weaned from diazoxide, and no further episodes of substantial hypoglycemia occurred. In conclusion, diazoxide was efficacious and safe for the treatment of hypoglycemia secondary to dumping syndrome in children. It could be of particular use as a bridging therapy for children awaiting more definitive surgical interventions.
Stereotactic prostate focal reirradiation therapy for local recurrence: preliminary results of Hartmann Oncology Radiotherapy Group
Authors: Scher Nathaniel , Bauduceau Olivier , Bollet Marc , Lamallem Hanah , Charas Tomer , Garaud Pascal , Foster Denis , Fawzi Maher , Labidi Mona , Toledano Alain
Published: June 2019

Objective:

Our objective was to report our experience and to evaluate the feasibility and toxicity of focal salvage stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) in patients with post-radiation local recurrence of prostate cancer.

Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed medical records of patients treated with Cyberknife ® between October 2014 and April 2017 at our institution for a focal reirradiation delivered to the prostate/prostatic bed for local recurrence after radical or adjuvant radiotherapy. All patients underwent prostate biopsies at recurrence at the time of fiducial markers placement, had choline PET/CT and pelvic MRI. The treatment consisted in 36 Gy in six fractions delivered every other day. Post reirradiation toxicities were assessed according to the CTCAE v4 (Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events).

Results:

42 patients were treated with followed with a median follow-up of 21 months (range 3 – 31). 34 patients had biopsy proven recurrence. The initial treatment was radical prostatectomy and radiation therapy for 9 patients and radiation therapy alone for 33 patients. 23 patients from the group of prostate reirradiation had placement of rectal spacers. No Grade 4 or 5 toxicity were observed. 27 acute urinary events were recorded: 18 patients experienced Grade 1, 9 patients experienced Grade 2 toxicity and 1 patient experienced Grade 3 urinary toxicity, namely cystitis and/or dysuria. No Grade 2 or more digestive toxicity was observed. Rectal doses were significantly lower with rectal spacers.

Conclusion:

Salvage focal Cyberknife ® seems feasible and show promising results.

Advances in knowledge:

SBRT for local prostate cancer recurrence after initial radiotherapy is well tolerated with short follow-up.
Case Report: A case of dipylidiasis in a first-trimester pregnant woman attending a routine antenatal clinic at Elmina health centre, Ghana
Authors: Asare Kwame Kumi , Opoku Yeboah Kwaku , Anning Alberta Serwah , Afrifa Justice , Gyamerah Eric Ofori
Published: June 2019

Dipylidiasis is a zoonotic parasitosis caused by a canine and feline tapeworm,Dipylidium caninumwhich rarely infects humans, usually infants and young children. The accidental ingestion of cysticercoid infected fleaCtenocephalides felisis the cause of this cestode infection in humans. Here we report the first and a rare case of adult dipylidiasis in a first-trimester pregnant woman in Ghana. She reported at the health facility for a routine antenatal check-up with apparently no symptoms or signs of the infection at the time of the visit. Her routine stool examination revealed a single egg packet ofDipylidium caninumand was treated with a single dose of praziquantel. It is important for pathologists and laboratory technicians to be aware of the emergence of human dipylidiasis in Ghana. A conscious effort should be aimed at the creation of awareness among pet owners and the general population of the public health importance of zoonotic parasites that infect pets and domestic animals.
Academia’s Big Five: a normative taxonomy for the epistemic responsibilities of universities
Authors: Peels Rik , van Woudenberg René , de Ridder Jeroen , Bouter Lex
Published: June 2019

This paper proposes a normative taxonomy by which universities can express the extent to which they meet five core epistemic responsibilities. Epistemic responsibilities are responsibilities that have to do with the attainment of knowledge and understanding. The core epistemic responsibilities, which we call the Big Five, are to (1) foster research integrity, (2) teach for intellectual virtue, (3) address the big questions of life, (4) give humanistic inquiry and education a proper place, and (5) serve society. The paper characterizes the Big Five in some detail and explains why they are core epistemic responsibilities of universities. The paper concludes by describing the steps that should be taken in order to test, amend, and implement the taxonomy.
Investigating Pneumonia Etiology Among Refugees and the Lebanese population (PEARL): A study protocol
Authors: Kesteman Thomas , Ghassani Ali , Hajjar Crystel , Picot Valentina , Osman Marwan , Alnajjar Zahraa , Komurian-Pradel Florence , Messaoudi Melina , Pouzol Stéphane ,   PEARL Study Group, Soulaiman Hicham Ghazi , Vanhems Philippe , Ramilo Octavio , Karam-Sarkis Dolla , Najjar-Pellet Josette , Hamze Monzer , Endtz Hubert
Published: June 2019

Background: Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), a leading cause of mortality, mainly affects children in developing countries. The harsh circumstances experienced by refugees include various factors associated with respiratory pathogen transmission, and clinical progression of CAP. Consequently, the etiology of CAP in humanitarian crisis situations may differ to that of settled populations, which would impact appropriate case management. Therefore, the Pneumonia Etiology Among Refugees and the Lebanese population (PEARL) study was initiated with the objective of identifying the causal pathogenic microorganisms in the respiratory tract of children and adults from both the refugee and host country population presenting with signs of CAP during a humanitarian crisis.

Methods: PEARL, a prospective, multicentric, case-control study, will be conducted at four primary healthcare facilities in Tripoli and the Bekaa valley over 15 months (including two high-transmission seasons/winters). Sociodemographic and medical data, and biological samples will be collected from at least 600 CAP cases and 600 controls. Nasopharyngeal swabs, sputum, urine and blood samples will be analyzed at five clinical pathology laboratories in Lebanon to identify the bacterial and viral etiological agents of CAP. Transcriptomic profiling of host leukocytes will be performed.

Conclusions: PEARL is an original observational study that will provide important new information on the etiology of pneumonia among refugees, which may improve case management, help design antimicrobial stewardship interventions, and reduce morbidity and mortality due to CAP in a humanitarian crisis.
Application of behavioral economics principles to reduce injectable contraceptive discontinuation in rural Ethiopia: A stratified-pair, cluster-randomized field trial
Authors: Karim Ali Mehryar , Guichon Dana , Yihun Bantalem Yeshanew , Zemichael Nebreed Fesseha , Lorenzana Karina , Barofsky Jeremy , Betemariam Wuleta
Published: June 2019

Background: Contraceptive prevalence in Ethiopia jumped from 6% in 2000 to 36% in 2016, mainly due to increased injectable method use. However, discontinuation rates among injectable users were high (38%). Given that the public sector is the major source for injectable contraceptives, John Snow Inc. (JSI) in collaboration with ideas42 worked with Ethiopia’s flagship Health Extension Program to apply behavioral economics informed approaches to mitigate discontinuation of injectable contraceptives.

Methods: Behavioral diagnosis was conducted to identify the primary drivers of discontinuation of injectable contraceptives. Using these insights, a user-centered behavioral design approach was implemented to create an intervention package, consisting of a health worker planning calendar, a client counseling job aid, and client appointment cards. The study area included two districts from the four regions where JSI was implementing a family planning program. One district from each region was randomly allocated to the intervention arm. Women visiting health posts to use injectable contraceptives were enrolled in the study. Regression methods adjusted for study design, participants’ backgrounds, and contextual factors, were used to estimate the intervention’s effect on discontinuation rates.

Results: Intervention adherence was high for the appointment cards and counseling job aid, but not for the planning calendar. This was not surprising as using appointment cards and the job aid was within the routine workflow of health extension workers, but using the planner was not. The injectable discontinuation rate was 10.8 % points lower in the intervention area compared to the control area during the post intervention follow-up survey.

Conclusion: The use of two behavioral economics informed tools—the appointment card and counseling job aid—effectively decreased injectable discontinuation even with the presence of other health system bottlenecks. Behavioral economics approaches have the potential to enhance family planning programs in Ethiopia and elsewhere.

Trial registration: ISRCTN ISRCTN17390653 (10/04/2019)
Using ‘Theories of Change’ and responsive feedback to design a digital service business for patent and proprietary medicine vendors in Nigeria
Authors: Wright Richard L. , Gleek Abi , Bergin Nora , Williams R. Algy , Agha Sohail
Published: June 2019

In a paper titled “Responsive feedback: Towards a new paradigm to enhance intervention effectiveness”, Viswanath et al. argue that dominant models of intervention design do not account for the complexity and unpredictability of implementation challenges.  Particularly in the behavioural sciences, intervention designs need to consider many factors that will be uncertain, or unknown, at the beginning of a new project. 

 This letter describes how we were able to respond to feedback during the design phase of a proof-of-concept project to create a digital service business for Nigerian patent and proprietary medicine vendors (PPMVs).  Our approach was to create an initial ‘Theory of Change’ (ToC) based on a similar project with Kenyan shopkeepers.  This ToC was revised following user feedback and a landscape analysis with key stakeholders.  The new ToC required us to access additional funding to create a ‘digital ordering’ facility for the PPMVs.  Digital ordering provides a mechanism whereby we can reduce the prevalence of counterfeit medicines, offer the PPMVs credit and group-buying facilities, and reduce supply chain costs through co-distribution with fast-moving consumer goods.

 An important learning point was that while our focus was on designing a platform to meet users’ needs, changes in regulation meant that we spent considerably more time than anticipated meeting the needs of multiple stakeholders. However, the importance of ensuring stakeholders’ continued buy-in cannot be underestimated and has likely increased the sustainability of the project in the longer term.

 As Viswanath et al. suggest, for responsive approaches to be widely adopted needs more flexibility than exists in current funding models and project plans.  Both funding bodies and grantees will need to be more responsive to feedback coming from the field.
Impact of In-Store Promotion and Spillover Effect on Private Label Introduction
Authors: Zhou Yingjue , Liu Tieming , Cai Gangshu
Published: June 2019

In this paper, the authors investigate the impact of in-store promotion and its spillover effect on private label introductions. Studying different retail supply chain scenarios in which the retailer carrying a national brand may introduce its own private label product and promote either the national brand or the private label inside the store, they find the in-store promotion on one product has a positive spillover effect on the other product. Without in-store promotion and spillover effect, the conventional wisdom indicates that, in a retail supply chain, the national brand manufacturer will be negatively affected by the introduction of a private label product. With in-store promotion and spillover effect, however, the national brand manufacturer can actually benefit from the private label introduction. When the spillover from national brand to private label is high, the retailer prefers to promote the national brand product. When the spillover from private label to national brand is high, promoting the private label product can also benefit the national brand manufacturer. With a symmetric spillover rate, the national brand manufacturer can still benefit from the private label introduction, as long as the retailer promotes the national brand product, the horizontal competition is not intense, or the private label product quality is sufficiently low.
Trabalho noturno e alterações de peso corporal autopercebidas pelos profissionais de enfermagem
Authors: Mauro Maria Yvone Chaves , Rebelo Alcione Morais dos Santos , Ferreira Alexandra De Oliveira Matias , Sper Nathalia Pey Tournillon , Santos Maria Isabel Silva , Gallasch Cristiane Helena
Published: June 2019

Objetivo: avaliar as alterações de peso corporal em trabalhadores de enfermagem do turno noturno. Metodologia: estudo quantitativo, exploratório, descritivo, realizado em um hospital federal de grande porte do Rio de Janeiro. Foram estudadas variáveis sóciodemográficas; influências do turno noturno sobre o organismo e índice de massa corporal, após aprovação do Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa da instituição. Resultados: Os 89 trabalhadores de enfermagem apresentaram ganho de peso médio de aproximadamente 20Kg a partir da admissão no turno noturno, sendo que os enfermeiros referiram maior influência da ausência de sono sobre o organismo, e maior exaustão quando comparados aos dados das demais categorias. Conclusão: Considerando as desordens hormonais e os impactos sociais do serviço noturno, é imprescindível a implementação de mudanças para uma cultura prevencionista, seja por programas institucionais ou pesquisas intervencionista, capazes de desenvolver medidas que conduzam ao autorreconhecimento e à promoção do bem-estar físico, mental e social dos trabalhadores de enfermagem.
Indicador organizacional da cultura de segurança em um hospital universitário
Authors: Fassarella Cintia Silva , Silva Lolita Dopico da , Camerini Flavia Giron , Barbieri-Figueiredo Maria do Céu
Published: June 2019

Objetivo: avaliar a cultura de segurança organizacional de um hospital universitário português a partir da percepção dos enfermeiros. Método: estudo transversal, tipo survey, com 567 enfermeiros de um hospital universitário do Porto, Portugal, realizado de abril a dezembro de 2014. Utilizou-se o instrumento do Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture. Para análise, realizou-se a recodificação da Escala de Likert e aplicou-se a estatística descritiva. Resultados: as dimensões que apresentaram percentual elevado de respostas positivas foram: Trabalho em equipe dentro das unidades (78,69%) e Expectativa e ações de promoção de segurança do paciente dos supervisores (65,94%). Evidenciou-se que 248 (44,4%) profissionais não notificaram nenhum evento e apenas 13 (2,3%) notificaram mais de seis eventos no último ano. Conclusão: a avalição permitiu identificar uma dimensão forte e algumas fragilidades da organização. Os resultados são relevantes e servem de embasamento para os gestores e líderes de enfermagem, permitindo avançar na cultura de segurança.
Cotidiano dos profissionais de enfermagem e Processo Clinical Caritas de Jean Watson: uma relação
Authors: Costa Josane Rosenilda da , Arruda Guilherme De Oliveira , Barreto Mayckel Da Silva , Serafim Deise , Sales Catarina Aparecida , Marcon Sonia Silva
Published: June 2019

Objetivos: conhecer as experiências de cuidado de profissionais de enfermagem e identificar suas relações com o Processo Clinical Caritas (PCC), da Teoria do Cuidado Humano de Jean Watson. Método: estudo exploratório-descritivo de natureza qualitativa, realizado com 26 participantes, indicados por suas chefias de setor, como referência de cuidado de um hospital de ensino da região noroeste do Paraná. Os dados foram coletados em 2016, por meio de entrevistas abertas, gravadas em áudio, transcritas na íntegra e submetidas à análise de conteúdo modalidade temática, após aprovação do Comitê Permanente de Ética em Pesquisa com Seres Humanos. Resultados: as categorias foram formadas pelos relatos do cotidiano de cuidado que guardavam relações com os elementos do PCC da Teoria do Cuidado Humano. Conclusão: o estudo permitiu conhecer as experiências de cuidado dos profissionais de enfermagem e identificar nelas elementos do Processo Clinical Caritas.
Latest clinical research
Authors: Greener Mark
Published: June 2019

Mark Greener rounds up the latest papers and reports relevant to primary care nurses
Assessing and managing the diabetic foot in primary care
Authors: Morris David
Published: June 2019

David Morris details how practice nurses can ensure that the feet of diabetic patients are safely managed
Outstanding service providers: examples of best practice
Authors: Frankova Helena
Published: June 2019

An ‘outstanding’ rating on any of the CQC's key questions can enhance a home's status and make it easier to attract staff and service users. Helena Frankova examines two services that have recently been awarded outstanding ratings and looks at what they do right.
Supporting residents to start and maintain relationships
Authors: Hannah Laura
Published: June 2019

The Care Quality Commission's recently published guidelines around the sexual and relationship needs of people living in adult social care. This guidance has implications for care providers: Laura Hannah explains which changes to make to satisfy CQC inspectors.
Identification and hemolytic activity of jellyfish (Rhopilema sp., Scyphozoa: Rhizostomeae) venom from the Persian Gulf and Oman Sea
Authors: JAFARI HOSSEIN , HONARI HOSSEIN , ZARGAN JAMIL , TAMADONI JAHROMI SAEID
Published: June 2019

Abstract. Jafari H, Honari H, Zargan J, Jahromi ST. 2019. Identification and hemolytic activity of jellyfish (Rhopilema sp., Scyphozoa: Rhizostomeae) venom from the Persian Gulf and Oman Sea. Biodiversitas 20: 1228-1232. The present study investigated the hemolytic capacity of the crude venom extracted from isolated nematocysts of Rhopilema sp. Scyphozoa: Rhizostomeae. Nematocyst was used at various concentrations to evaluate the hemolytic activity by using the nematocysts of human, mice, and sheep. Mean concentration-dependent hemolysis could be observed from 200 µg/mL of protein equivalents or higher with variable potencies in different species. The crude venom was analyzed using sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis SDS-PAGE. Molecular weight with 3 clear bands including 45, 65 and 95 kDa appeared to be the major protein components of the venom. The results of our experiments indicated that venom of Rhopilema sp. induces hemolysis in the studied species and determined that the increase in the amount of toxin has a positive correlation with the increase of cell lysis. This study showed that the venom of Rhopilema sp. may have many biologically active principles, which need further studies in the future.
Genetic structure and diversity between and within African and American oil palm species based on microsatellite markers
Authors: NATAWIJAYA AZIS , ARDIE SINTHO W , SYUKUR MUHAMAD , MASKROMO ISMAIL , HARTANA ALEX , SUDARSONO SUDARSONO
Published: June 2019

Abstract. Natawijaya A, Ardie SW, Syukur M, Maskromo I, Hartana A, Sudarsono S. 2019. Genetic structure and diversity between and within African and American oil palm species based on microsatellite markers. Biodiversitas 20: 1233-1240. The genus Elaeis consists of only two species, Elaeis guineensis Jacq. (the African oil palm species) and E. oleifera (HBK) Cortes (the American oil palm species). E. guineensis (E.g) is widely cultivated in southeast Asia and Africa, whereas E. oleifera (E.o) is naturally existed and cultivated in Central and South America. The objectives of this research were to analyze genetic diversity of eight groups of E.g and two groups of E.o using co-dominant genetic markers (SSRs) and evaluate their genetic structures. A total of 27 SSR loci was used to genotype a total of 128 accessions of African oil palm species (E.g) belonging to three different types (Dura, Pisifera and Tenera) and eight genetic backgrounds (Dumpy Dura and Deli Dura; Avros, Dumpy Avros, Binga, and Angola Pisifera; and Angola and Dumpy Avros Tenera) and 64 accessions of E.o collected from two different regions (Tefe and Manaus). The genotype data were used to calculate the population genetic diversity and structures for each oil palm species using the appropriate software. Results of the analysis indicated although they belonged to two different species, E.g and E.o shared many of the same SSR alleles in their genome and only contain few species-specific SSR alleles. Most of the evaluated genetic parameters were similar between E.g and E.o oil palm species but E.o has higher average number of effective allele than that of E.g. The calculated genetic variance is mostly belonged to the within-species variance source while the between species is relatively small. The phylogenetic tree and structure analysis reveal the high genetic variability among the evaluated oil palm groups which would be beneficial for future breeding program at Mekarsari Research Station. The tested E.o specific alleles were effective for identifying introgression lines between Eo × E.g // E.g carrying the E.o chromosome fragments. Therefore, these E.o specific alleles could be used in oil palm backcrossing program to monitor the introgression process.
Phenotypic plasticity in the ovarium of crested flower of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis
Authors: SAIFUDIN SAIFUDIN , SALAMAH ANDI
Published: June 2019

Abstract. Saifudin, Salamah A. 2019. Phenotypic plasticity in the ovarium of crested flower of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis. Biodiversitas 20: 1241-1247. Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L. or known as Kembang Sepatu in Indonesia has a variety that is very diverse for the shape of flowers, sizes, and colors. Variations of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L. flowers not only can be observed among its hybrids but also in one hybrid. The hybrid is known as a crested flower (double type I), one of four categories of H. rosa-sinensis flower shapes in nature. This study aims to know the variation of the crested flower through morphological and anatomical observations of its ovaries. The morphological observation was carried out by observing ovarian outer surface under the Dino-Lite microscope. An anatomical observation was done by observing the longitudinal section (l-s) of fresh ovarian samples under a light microscope with 4x magnification. Morphological observation of 200 samples showed three types of external structure of ovaries: non-twisted ovary, twisted ovary, and ovary with its wall forming a structure like a petal. Anatomical observation of 137 samples showed three types of ovaries: normal ovary, ovary with its internal undergo a change or a reduction, and ovary with a formation of pistillum-like structure. Variations that occur indicate plasticity phenomenon in crested flowers. Further research is needed to find out the main factors causing variations in crested flower ovaries.