bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Information access and COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy among foreign-born persons in Sweden – a focus group interview-study
Authors: Söderberg Mia , Swaid Juhaina , Aurelius Kristina , Rosengren Annika , Jakobsson Kristina , Magnusson Maria 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
In most countries, lower rates of COVID-19 vaccination have been observed in foreign-born individuals, yet little is known about the underlying reasons, especially as reported by these individuals themselves. This exploratory interview study investigated lack of information access and hesitancy towards taking the COVID-19 vaccine among foreign-born individuals in Sweden.

Methods
We used purposive sampling to recruit foreign-born adults who expressed being hesitant towards getting vaccinated, as well as health guides and doulas who were assigned to spread COVID-19 related information in immigrant-dense urban areas. Data were collected using semi-structured focus group interviews, which were transcribed verbatim and analysed according to systematic text condensation.

Results
Three focus group interviews were conducted with altogether eleven participants. One group consisted of health guides/doulas, while the participants in the other groups were gainfully employed in other jobs, or full-time students, or housewives. Four main themes emerged: (1) Language barriers and sociocultural differences, (2) Consequences of not using official Swedish information, (3) Decision-making on COVID-19 vaccination, and (4) Suggestions to improve information dissemination. The lack of information in other languages than Swedish and lack of effective information channels resulted in that most participants barely used information from official Swedish health care and public health institutions. Instead, they relied on social media, social contacts and international media, through which contradictive and negative information about the vaccine was spread. The decision to get vaccinated or not became a process fraught with insecurities about the effectiveness and side effects of the vaccine, which was balanced against wishing to be protected and to contribute to the battle against COVID-19. The participants suggested that information dissemination could be improved by producing a multilingual information outreach and to increase the use of transmission through social interaction with trusted persons and platforms.

Conclusions
An inadequately adapted information strategy prevented some members of the society from making fact-based decisions about getting vaccinated. Several suggestions for improving dissemination were brought forth that can be tested in future communication strategies.
General practitioners’ attitudes and practices regarding sick leave certification for patients with depression in Norway – a cross-sectional study
Authors: Hetlevik Øystein , Ruths Sabine , Grung Ina , Nilsen Stein , Bringedal Berit 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
Depression is among the most frequent reasons for sick leave, whereas health authorities recommend a rather strict practice, arguing that work is health-promoting. We aimed to explore GPs’ attitudes and practices regarding sick leave certification for depressed patients.

Methods
A cross-sectional study using the Norwegian Physician Survey (N = 1617, 70% response rate) in 2021. The GPs in the panel (N = 221) responded to questions about sick leave certification and cooperation with employers and the Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration (Norwegian acronym: Nav) regarding patients with depression. We used crosstabulation with chi square statistics and logistic regression models to assess differences among GPs.

Results
Among 221 GPs, 62% often/very often perceived patients’ questions for sick leave certification as the main reason for encountering. A total of 46% often/very often considered patients’ expectations inappropriate, with female GPs more frequently than male GPs (36% vs 56%, p = 0.005) and younger GPs more frequently than their older counterparts (p < 0.001). Although 68% considered sick leave as part of treatment, only 16% often/very often initiated sick leave unless patients raised the question. Sixty-seven percent of GPs reported to often/very often avoid sick listing, if possible, more females than males. GPs who often/very often considered questions for sick leave inappropriate less often considered sick leave as part of treatment (odds ratio (OR): 0.25; 95% CI: 0.13–0.49), and less often report a well-functioning cooperation with Nav (OR:0.37; 95% CI:0.14–0.96). GPs who often/very often considered sick leave as part of treatment more often proposed sick leave for their patients (OR:4.70; 96% CI 1.57–14.01) and reported a less strict approach to sick listing (OR: 40; 95% CI: 0.20–0.79). Ninety-five percent of the GPs rarely/never had direct contact with patients’ employers, whereas 92% often/very often asked patients about their dialogue with the workplace. Eighty-eight percent of the GPs often/very often experienced cooperation with NAV as good, and 87% often/very often felt trusted by them.

Conclusions
Most GPs reported a strict attitude towards sick leave for depression, whereas one-third had a less strict approach. Different perceptions of the appropriateness of sick listing indicate variations in treatment and access to social security benefits.
Managing conflict styles to accelerate leadership effectiveness
Authors: Pennington Greg 
Published: December 2024

AbstractWhen describing leadership effectiveness as influencing and impacting the feelings, thoughts and behaviors of others, it can be seen as a critical skill in the overall effectiveness of leaders in general, including those in higher education. Understanding what leadership skills contribute to differentiating between average leaders and more effective leaders, provides insights into where transitions from individual academic roles to leadership ones can be accelerated. In this article we share thoughts and an approach to identifying the importance of conflict management as a key leadership skill to increasing overall leadership effectiveness. We describe a workshop facilitated as a component of the Accomplishing Career Transitions (ACT) Program of the American Society for Cell Biology (ASCB). The workshop, A Leadership Primer uses the Thomas-Kilmann Instrument (TKI), individual reflection, peer coaching and goal setting to provide insight into the origin and impact of individual conflict management styles. While there is evidence indicating that the use of a Collaborative style provides more opportunities for effective leadership, the participants in the ACT were like other academic leader samples that showed more use of a Compromising style. The workshop and follow up sessions provided coaching support to identify origins of conflict styles and options for increasing flexibility to apply a range of conflict styles.
Cranial ultrasonographic findings in newborns exposed to SARS-CoV-2: a single-centre cross-sectional analysis
Authors: Scalia Bruna , Saporito Marco Andrea Nicola , Mauceri Laura , Saporito Alessandro Valerio , Privitera Grete Francesca , Ruggieri Martino , Falsaperla Raffaele 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
SARS-CoV-2’s potential consequences on the developing brain are still unknown. The aim of this study was to describe cranial ultrasonographic (cUS) findings in a population of newborns exposed to SARS-CoV-2 born at San Marco Hospital in Catania.

Methods
Two cohort of newborns, one exposed to SARS-CoV-2 both during gestation and at birth and one unexposed, were enrolled in this cross-sectional study conducted according to the STROBE guidelines (Strenghtening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology) and underwent cUS. We performed a statistical analysis using the Fisher’s exact test to assess whether significant differences among the two groups existed.

Results
we enrolled 139 exposed newborns (62 females, 77 males with median gestational age 38.4 ± 1.9 W and median weight at birth 3142.8 ± 594.4 g) and 139 unexposed newborns (60 females, 79 males with median gestational age 38,9 ± 1.3 W and median weight at birth 3230 ± 336 g). cUS abnormalities were found in 32 exposed patients (23%) and in 23 (16.5%) unexposed patients. A statistically significant difference was found in the incidence of minor intracranial abnormalities (p 0.036) between exposed and unexposed patients and between newborns exposed during pregnancy and unexposed patients (p 0.016).

Conclusions
in our experience, the incidence of minor intracranial abnormalities was higher in SARS-COV-2-exposed newborns. Our results must be taken with caution and need further confirmation in larger studies but suggest to consider performing cUS at birth in newborns exposed to SARS-CoV-2 in research contexts.
Increased spatial coupling of integrin and collagen IV in the immunoresistant clear-cell renal-cell carcinoma tumor microenvironment
Authors: Soupir Alex C. , Hayes Mitchell T. , Peak Taylor C. , Ospina Oscar , Chakiryan Nicholas H. , Berglund Anders E. , Stewart Paul A. , Nguyen Jonathan , Segura Carlos Moran , Francis Natasha L. , Echevarria Paola M. Ramos , Chahoud Jad , Li Roger , Tsai Kenneth Y. , Balasi Jodi A. , Peres Yamila Caraballo , Dhillon Jasreman , Martinez Lindsey A. , Gloria Warren E. , Schurman Nathan , Kim Sean , Gregory Mark , Mulé James , Fridley Brooke L. , Manley Brandon J. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Immunotherapy has improved survival for patients with advanced clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), but resistance to therapy develops in most patients. We use cellular-resolution spatial transcriptomics in patients with immunotherapy naïve and exposed primary ccRCC tumors to better understand immunotherapy resistance.

Results
Spatial molecular imaging of tumor and adjacent stroma samples from 21 tumors suggests that viable tumors following immunotherapy harbor more stromal CD8 + T cells and neutrophils than immunotherapy naïve tumors. YES1 is significantly upregulated in immunotherapy exposed tumor cells. Spatial GSEA shows that the epithelial-mesenchymal transition pathway is spatially enriched and the associated ligand-receptor transcript pair COL4A1-ITGAV has significantly higher autocorrelation in the stroma after exposure to immunotherapy. More integrin αV + cells are observed in immunotherapy exposed stroma on multiplex immunofluorescence validation. Compared to other cancers in TCGA, ccRCC tumors have the highest expression of both COL4A1 and ITGAV. Assessing bulk RNA expression and proteomic correlates in CPTAC databases reveals that collagen IV protein is more abundant in advanced stages of disease.

Conclusions
Spatial transcriptomics of samples of 3 patient cohorts with cRCC tumors indicates that COL4A1 and ITGAV are more autocorrelated in immunotherapy-exposed stroma compared to immunotherapy-naïve tumors, with high expression among fibroblasts, tumor cells, and endothelium. Further research is needed to understand changes in the ccRCC tumor immune microenvironment and explore potential therapeutic role of integrin after immunotherapy treatment.
Pre-vaccination carriage prevalence of Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes among internally displaced people in Somaliland: a cross-sectional study
Authors: van Zandvoort Kevin , Hassan Abdirahman Ibrahim , Bobe Mohamed Omer , Pell Casey L. , Ahmed Mohamed Saed , Ortika Belinda D. , Ibrahim Saed , Abdi Mohamed Ismail , Karim Mustapha A. , Eggo Rosalind M. , Ali Saleban Yousuf , Hinds Jason , Soleman Saeed Mohamood , Cummings Rachael , McGowan Catherine R. , Mulholland E. Kim , Hergeye Mohamed Abdi , Satzke Catherine , Checchi Francesco , Flasche Stefan 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
Populations affected by humanitarian crises likely experience high burdens of pneumococcal disease. Streptococcus pneumoniae carriage estimates are essential to understand pneumococcal transmission dynamics and the potential impact of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV). Over 100 million people are forcibly displaced worldwide, yet here we present only the second pneumococcal carriage estimates for a displaced population.

Methods
In October 2019, we conducted a cross-sectional survey among internally displaced people (IDP) living in Digaale, a permanent IDP camp in Somaliland where PCV has not been implemented. We collected nasopharyngeal swab samples from 453 residents which were assessed for presence of pneumococci and serotyped using DNA microarray.

Results
We found that pneumococcal carriage prevalence was 36% (95%CI 31–40) in all ages, and 70% (95%CI 64–76) in children under 5. The three most common serotypes were vaccine serotypes 6B, 19F, and 23F. We estimated that the serotypes included in the 10-valent PNEUMOSIL vaccine were carried by 41% (95%CI 33–49) of all pneumococcal carriers and extrapolated that they caused 52% (95%CI 35–70) of invasive pneumococcal disease. We found some evidence that pneumococcal carriage was associated with recent respiratory symptoms, the total number of physical contacts made, and with malnutrition in children under 5. Through linking with a nested contact survey we projected that pneumococcal exposure of children under 2 was predominantly due to contact with children aged 2–5 (39%; 95%CI 31–48) and 6–14 (25%; 95%CI 17–34).

Conclusions
These findings suggest considerable potential for direct and indirect protection against pneumococcal disease in Digaale through PCV use in children and potentially adolescents.
Leveraging Critical Diversity Literacy (CDL) to Promote Social Justice through Reflexive Research in Higher Education
Authors: Vanyoro Kudzaiishe Peter , Steyn Melissa 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Critical Diversity Literacy (CDL) is a lens we can use to achieve social justice consciousness among privileged identities in academic spaces. CDL, by Melissa Steyn (2014), consists of ten criteria that reveal how and why specific differences make a difference. Among other things, CDL exposes the workings of power through structures and individual complicity within structures. CDL is about having the capacity to read the complexities of the twenty-first-century world. The article argues that CDL nurtures the development of “critique towards” normalised quotidian language and personal prejudices in research in higher education. Critiquing and interrogating our positionality comes with the literacy of social, political and economic scenarios that play out in our practices. Using the intersections of race, gender, and disability, the article shows how researchers can use Steyn’s ten CDL criteria to acknowledge differences in research in higher education. In this article, the researchers argue that the university, its curriculum, pedagogy, and research methods are contested cultural terrains. The article illustrates how CDL can challenge some limitations of traditional research methods in creating positive social justice outcomes.
1.25(OH)2D3 decreases PCNA and mTOR expression and alleviates renal injury in Thy-1 nephritis rat model
Authors: Li Jian-feng , Jin Lei , Ma Huan , Suo Jie , Yang Rui , Yang Xiao-ping 
Published: December 2024

Objective
This study investigated the role and mechanisms of 1.25(OH)2D3 in proliferative glomerulonephritis and its effect on the regulation of mesangial cells.

Methods
Sixty male SD rats were randomly divided into four groups: control (CG), nephritis (NG), nephritis + 1.25(OH)2D3(NVG), and nephritis + 1.25(OH)2D3+ rapamycin (NVRG) (n = 15 per group). Three rats from each group were sacrificed on days 1, 3, 7, 14, and 21 after intervention. Urine samples were collected over 24 hours on day 0 to measure urinary protein excretion. Renal tissue samples were stained with HE and PAS to evaluate the extent of renal injury, while immunohistochemistry was employed to quantify PCNA and mTOR expression in the renal tissues.

Results
Compared to the NG, mesangial cell proliferation in the renal tissues was significantly reduced in the NVG and NVRG at all time points (all p<0.05). PCNA expressionwas significantly higher in the NG compared to the CG (p < 0.05) and significantly lower in the NVG and NVRG (p < 0.05). mTOR expression was also significantly increased in the NG compared to the CG, with a significant reduction observed in the NVG and NVRG compared to the NG.

Conclusion
Our findings demonstrate that 1.25(OH)2D3significantly inhibits the proliferation of glomerular mesangial cells in rats. Additionally, mTOR protein is involved in the regulation of glomerular mesangial cells by 1.25(OH)2D3. These results further elucidate the molecular mechanism by which 1.25(OH)2D3alleviates renal injury in glomerulonephritis.
Can transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over the motor cortex increase endurance running performance? a randomized crossover-controlled trial
Authors: Martens Géraldine , Hody Stéphanie , Bornheim Stephen , Angius Luca , De Beaumont Louis , Fregni Felipe , Ruffini Giulio , Kaux Jean-François , Thibaut Aurore , Bury Thierry 
Published: December 2024

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), a non-invasive brain stimulation technique, has been shown to increase exercise performance in strength and cycling studies but its effects on running endurance remain unclear. The objectives of this randomized sham-controlled crossover trial were to assess tDCS efficacy on submaximal treadmill running time to exhaustion (TTE). Forty-five healthy male runners aged between 18 and 32 years (mean maximal oxygen consumption: 46.6 mL/min/kg) performed two constant-load tests at 90% of their maximal aerobic speed preceded by 20 minutes of active or sham multichannel (5 anodes, 3 cathodes) tDCS applied over the bilateral motor cortex with a total intensity of 4 mA. Ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), blood lactate, VO2, and heart rate were monitored every five minutes until volitional exhaustion. The median [IQR] TTE was similar following active (12.2 [10.5, 16.1] minutes) or sham (12.5 [10.2, 15.1] minutes) tDCS (p = 0.96). Likewise, there were no significant differences between active and sham conditions for RPE, blood lactate, final VO2, and final heart rate (all p ≥0.05). No difference in TTE was found when stratifying groups according to their VO2max (i.e., VO2max ≥ 45 mL/min/Kg, p = 0.53; VO2max < 45 mL/min/Kg, p = 0.45) but there was a trend for a significant correlation between VO2max and change in TTE (p = 0.06). TDCS applied over the bilateral motor cortex did not improve endurance performance in a large sample of trained runners. Characterization of individual tDCS responsiveness deserves further consideration. In our experimental conditions, tDCS had no ergogenic effect on endurance running performance.
Trial registration: Clinical trial registration: NCT04005846.
Quality indicators for the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease in primary care: A systematic review
Authors: Bam Kiran , Olaiya Muideen T. , Cadilhac Dominique A. , Redfern Julie , Nelson Mark R. , Sanders Lauren M. , Sundararajan Vijaya , Andrew Nadine E. , Murphy Lisa , Kilkenny Monique F. 
Published: December 2024

Background
Primary care is usually the entry point for preventing cardiovascular disease (CVD). Quality indicators can be used to assess and monitor the quality of care provided in a primary care setting. In this systematic review, we aimed to identify, summarise, and assess the methodological quality of indicators reported in the articles for the primary prevention of CVD in primary care.

Methods
We searched Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid EMBASE, CINAHL Plus, SCOPUS, and grey literature for articles containing quality indicators published in English language. Quality indicators were categorised using the Donabedian framework: Structure (organisation of care), Process (assessment of metabolic risk factors, global risk assessment, lifestyle management, prescription of medications, risk communication/advice, referral), and Outcome (attainment of risk factor targets). Articles were reviewed by two authors, using the Appraisal of Indicators through Research and Evaluation (AIRE) instrument, where a score of ≥50% for each domain indicated strong methodological quality (e.g., stakeholder involvement).

Results
We identified 282 articles for full-text review; 57 articles were included for extraction. A total of 726 (681 unique) quality indicators were extracted. Three out of four (76%) were process indicators (56 articles), followed by 15% outcome indicators (40 articles), and 9% structure indicators (12 articles). One-third of process indicators were related to the assessment of metabolic risk factors (222/726 indicators, 41 articles), followed by lifestyle management (153/726 indicators, 39 articles), prescription of medications (122/726 indicators, 37 articles), and global risk assessment (27/726, 14 articles). Few indicators were related to risk communication/advice (20/726 indicators, 7 articles) and referral (9/726 indicators, 6 articles). Only 26/57 (46%) articles were found to have strong methodological quality.

Conclusion
We summarised and appraised the methodological quality of indicators for the primary prevention of CVD. The next step requires prioritising a minimum set of quality indicators to encourage standardised collection and monitoring across countries.
Parental satisfaction towards care given at neonatal intensive care unit in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Haile Teklehaimanot Gereziher , Gebremeskel Gebreamlak Gebremedhn , Mariye Teklewoini , Mebrahtom Guesh , Aberhe Woldu , Hailay Abrha , Abraha Teklehaymanot Huluf , Asres Negasi , Guesh Teklay , Teklay Girmay 
Published: December 2024

Background
Satisfaction reflects a consumer’s judgment regarding the quality of care received. Satisfaction of parents with healthcare services can serve as a reliable indicator for evaluating the quality of care given to their newborns. The aim of this study is to determine the pooled prevalence of parental satisfaction with neonatal intensive care unit services and its associated factors in Ethiopia.

Methods
International databases such as PubMed/Medline, African Journals Online, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were used to identify relevant published articles. Risk of bias was assessed independently by two authors. Funnel plot and Egger regression test were also employed to assess publication bias. A significant p-value of 0.05 or less suggests the presence of publication bias. PROSPERO registration number is CRD42024570971.

Results
The researchers initially identified a total of 1,264 articles through their search strategy from all databases. Finally, eleven studies met the inclusion criteria and were considered suitable for the final meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of parental satisfaction with neonatal intensive care unit services in Ethiopia was 55% (95% CI: 49%–60%). There was neither publication bias nor small study impact among the included studies. Based on the subgroup analysis by region, the pooled prevalence in Oromia were slightly higher, 63% (95% CI: 57%–69%). Birth weight, length of hospital stays, place of residence, and availability of necessary information are factors identified as significant predictors for parental satisfaction with neonatal intensive care unit service.

Conclusion
According to the study’s findings, there is a lower pooled prevalence of parental satisfaction than in previous research that was published in some countries. By working to raise the satisfaction levels of parents in neonatal intensive care units, healthcare facilities can enhance the overall experience for both parents and infants, leading to improved outcomes and a more positive care environment.