bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predictive factors of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccination series completion: a one-year longitudinal web-based observational study in Japan
Authors: Kobayashi Takaomi , Tokiya Mikiko , Matsumoto Akiko , Nakano Takashi , Hirota Yoshio , Hara Megumi 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionAddresing vaccine hesitancy is considered an important goal in management of the COVID-19 pandemic. We sought to understand what factors influenced people, especially those initially hesitant, to receive two or more vaccine doses within a year of the vaccine’s release.MethodsWe conducted longitudinal Web-based observational studies of 3,870 individuals. The surveys were conducted at four different time points: January 2021, June 2021, September 2021, and December 2021. In the baseline survey (January 2021), we assessed vaccination intention (i.e., “strongly agree” or “agree” [acceptance], “neutral” [not sure], and “disagree” or “strongly disagree” [hesitance]), and assumptions about coronavirus disease (COVID-19), COVID-19 vaccine, COVID-19-related health preventive behavior, and COVID-19 vaccine reliability. In subsequent surveys (December 2021), we assessed vaccination completion (i.e., ≥2 vaccinations). To investigate the relationship between predictors of COVID-19 vaccination completion, a multivariable logistic regression model was applied. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated while adjusting for gender, age, marital status, presence of children, household income category, and presence of diseases under treatment. In a stratified analysis, predictors were determined based on vaccination intention.ResultsApproximately 96, 87, and 72% of those who demonstrated acceptance, were not sure, or hesitated had been vaccinated after 1 year, respectively. Overall, significant factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine compliance included the influence of others close to the index participant (social norms) (AOR, 1.80; 95% CI, 1.56–2.08; p &lt; 0.001), vaccine confidence (AOR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.18–1.64; p &lt; 0.001) and structural constraints (no time, inconvenient location of medical institutions, and other related factors) (AOR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.70–0.91; p = 0.001). In the group of individuals classified as hesitant, significant factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine compliance included social norms (AOR, 2.43; 95% CI, 1.83–3.22; p &lt; 0.001), confidence (AOR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.10–1.88; p = 0.008), and knowledge (AOR, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.53–0.88; p = 0.003).DiscussionWe found that dissemination of accurate information about vaccines and a reduction in structural barriers to the extent possible enhanced vaccination rates. Once the need for vaccination becomes widespread, it becomes a social norm, and further improvements in these rates can then be anticipated. Our findings may help enhance vaccine uptake in the future.
Patients’ response during the co-circulation of multiple respiratory diseases in China—based on the self-regulation common-sense model
Authors: Sun Shanwen , Wang Yali , Hou Hailong , Niu Yuqi , Shao Yefan , Chen Linlin , Zhang Xiaochun 
Published: February 2024

BackgroundFollowing the COVID-19 pandemic, another large-scale respiratory epidemic has emerged in China, causing significant social impact and disruption. The article is to explore the patients’ psychological and behavioral responses to the enhancement of healthcare quality.MethodsBased on the five dimensions of the Self-Regulation Common-Sense Model, we developed an interview outline to explore the process by which patients identify disease symptoms to guide action plans and coping strategies. The researchers used a semi-structured interview format to simultaneously collect data online and offline. This study gathered data from 12 patients with mixed respiratory infections, comprising 58% females and 42% males; the average age was 30.67 years (SD 20.00), with 91.7% infected with two pathogens and 8.3% with three. The data analysis employed the KJ method, themes were inductively analyzed and categorized from semi-structured interview results, which were then organized into a coherent visual and logical pathway.Key resultsThe study identified 5 themes: (1) Autonomous Actions Prior to Seeking Medical Care; (2) Decision-Making in Seeking Hospital Care; (3) Disease Shock; (4) Public Crisis Response; (5) Information Cocoon.ConclusionThe pandemic of respiratory infectious diseases has not ceased in recent years. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, China is now facing a trend of concurrent epidemics involving multiple respiratory pathogens. This study centers on patients’ health behaviors, exploring the potential relationships among various factors that affect these behaviors. The aim is to provide references and grounds for the improvement of healthcare services when such public health events reoccur.
Symptom reduction in mal de débarquement syndrome with attenuation of the velocity storage contribution in the central vestibular pathways
Authors: Maruta Jun , Cho Catherine , Raphan Theodore , Yakushin Sergei B. 
Published: February 2024

BackgroundThe velocity storage mechanism of the central vestibular system is closely associated with the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR), but also contributes to the sense of orientation in space and the perception of self-motion. We postulate that mal de débarquement syndrome (MdDS) is a consequence of inappropriate sensory adaptation of velocity storage. The premise that a maladapted velocity storage may be corrected by spatial readaptation of the VOR has recently been translated into the development of the first effective treatment for MdDS. However, this treatment's initial impact may be reversed by subsequent re-triggering events. Presently, we hypothesized that MdDS symptoms could alternatively be reduced by attenuating the velocity storage contribution in the central vestibular pathways.MethodsForty-three patients with MdDS (aged 47 ± 14 yo; 36 women) were randomly assigned to two treatment groups and followed for 6 months. The horizontal VOR was tested with chair rotation during laboratory visits, and the strength of velocity storage was quantified with model-based parameters—the time constant (Tc) and the gain of coupling from the vestibular primary afferent signals (g0). To attenuate velocity storage, Group 1 underwent a progressively intensifying series of low-frequency earth-vertical oscillatory rotation coupled to conflicting visual stimuli. Group 2 underwent an established protocol combining head tilts and visual stimulation, designed to correct maladapted spatial orientation but not change the velocity storage strength. The symptom severity was self-rated on an 11-point scale and reported before and up to 6 months after the treatment.ResultsIn Group 1, velocity storage was modified through reduction of g0 (p &lt; 0.001) but not Tc. The symptom rating was at least halved initially in 43% of Group 1 (p = 0.04), the majority of whom retained a similar level of improvement during the 6-month follow-up period. In Group 2, no systematic change was induced in the parameters of velocity storage strength, as expected. The symptom rating was at least halved initially in 80% of Group 2 (p &lt; 0.001), but paralleling previous findings, symptoms often returned subsequently.ConclusionAttenuation of velocity storage shows promise as a lasting remedy for MdDS that can complement the VOR readaptation approach.
The role(s) of community health workers in primary health care reform in Kerala, before and during the COVID 19 pandemic: a qualitative study
Authors: Sankar D Hari , Joseph Jaison , Benny Gloria , Surendran Surya , Sharma Santosh Kumar , Nambiar Devaki 
Published: February 2024

BackgroundAccredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) are Community Health Workers (CHWs) employed by the National Health Mission of the Government of India to link the population to health facilities and improve maternal and child health outcomes in the country. The government of Kerala launched primary health reform measures in 2016 whereby Primary Health Centres (PHCs) were upgraded to Family Health Centres (FHCs). The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 impacted essential health service delivery, including primary care services. The CHWs network of Kerala played a crucial role in implementing the primary care reforms and COVID-19 management efforts that followed. We carried out a study to understand the perspectives of the CHWs in Kerala about their role in the recent primary healthcare reforms and during the COVID-19 pandemic management efforts.MethodsWe conducted in-depth interviews (IDI) with 16 ASHAs from 8 primary care facilities in Kerala from July to October 2021. We further conducted Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) (N = 34) with population subgroups in these eight facility catchment areas and asked their opinion about the ASHAs working in their community. We obtained written informed consent from all the participants, and interview transcripts were thematically analysed by a team of four researchers using ATLAS.ti 9 software.ResultsOur study participants were women aged about 45 years with over 10 years of work experience as CHWs. Their job responsibilities as a frontline health worker helped them build trust in the community and local self-governments. CHWs were assigned roles of outpatient crowd management, and registration duties in FHCs. The COVID-19 pandemic increased their job roles manifold. Community members positively mentioned the home visits, delivery of medicines, and emotional support offered by the CHWs during the pandemic. The CHWs noted that the honorarium of INR 6,000 (US$73) was inconsistent and very low for the volume of work done.ConclusionThe CHWs in Kerala play a crucial role in primary care reforms and COVID-19 management. Despite their strong work ethic and close relationship with local self-governments, low and irregular wages remain the biggest challenge.
Preterm birth and stillbirth during COVID-19 pandemic in Bihor County/Romania
Authors: Galis Radu , Trif Paula , Mudura Diana , Murvai Romina , Daina Lucia Georgeta , Szasz Florin , Negrini Rodica , Hatos Adrian , Gyarmati Beáta Fatime , Daly Mandy C. , Mazela Jan , Kramer Boris W. 
Published: February 2024

BackgroundInternational studies have reported conflicting data about the effects of COVID-19 pandemic policy measures on maternal and neonatal health. A major impact was reported on stillbirth and prematurity. The published literature suggests that the economic setting influenced the effects of imposed mitigation measures with a more severe effect in low-income countries.ObjectivesOur objective is to compare pregnancy outcomes at the only tertiary Maternity Hospital in Bihor County-Romania before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to observe and document differences in perinatal outcomes across these periods, without inferring direct causation related to the pandemic or its associated restrictions.Materials and methodsWe used data from the registries of Public Health Services Bihor to conduct a retrospective cohort analysis of preterm births and stillbirths during the COVID-19 pandemic in Bihor County, Romania. Pregnancy outcomes were compared between the pandemic period (March 2020–February 2022) to the corresponding historical pre-COVID-19 period (March 2018–February 2020). Maternal socio-demographic variables and neonatal characteristics of these periods were also examined.ResultsThe COVID-19 pandemic period was associated with an increase in the stillbirth rate (RR: 1.53, 95% CI, 1.05–2.23). Preterm birth was significantly impacted during this period and showed changes when analyzing gestational age (RR: 0.88, 95% CI, 0.79–0.96) or birth weight (RR: 0.91, 95% CI, 0.82–1.00). The main cause of stillbirth was intrauterine asphyxia due to placental causes (67.6%) or cord pathology (12.6%), the most frequently encountered maternal pathology was cardiovascular (28.3%) or infectious (21.7%). Our study revealed no significant changes in terms of maternal and neonatal characteristics during the two-year pandemic period.ConclusionsLockdown restrictions in Bihor County, Romania were associated with an increase in stillbirths, whilst preterm birth rate decreased. This raises concerns about whether pandemic policy measures may have led to a failure in identifying and offering proper care for pregnant women who were more likely to experience an antepartum loss. Further studies across the globe are needed in order to integrate comparable data that will help develop adequate protocols and policies for protecting maternal and child health during the next pandemic that will follow.
Agricultural industrial scale, price random fluctuation, and profitability levels: evidence from China’s pig industry
Authors: Yang Qing , Qiao Shiyan , Ying Ruiyao 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionPromoting the development of large-scale pig farming is a crucial measure implemented by the Chinese government to regulate the pig market.MethodsBy utilizing panel data from 30 provinces in China spanning from 2003 to 2020 and employing the PVAR model, this study examines the relationships among price random fluctuations, profftability levels, and industrial scale.Results and discussionThe findings reveal that industrial scale can effectively mitigate price random fluctuations; however, it also leads to a decrease in relative hog prices. Moreover, there exists significant heterogeneity in the impact of scaling on price random fluctuations. Increasing the proportion of farmers engaged in pig farming with a scale ranging from 500 to 9,999 heads reduces random price fluctuations, while increasing the proportion of farmers involved in pig farming with a scale exceeding 10,000 heads has no effect on stabilizing such fluctuations. Additionally, threshold effects are observed for epidemics and environmental regulations. When environmental regulations are less stringent, industrial scale enhances relative prices and stabilizes random fluctuations; nevertheless, once certain thresholds are surpassed, industrial scale diminishes relative prices and eliminates its stabilizing effect on random fluctuations. Similarly, after an epidemic surpasses its threshold level, industry scale fails to stabilize random price fluctuations. These findings provide valuable insights for governments when formulating industrial policies aimed at mitigating agricultural market risks.
A comparative retrospective analysis: myocutaneous flap versus skin flap in V-Y medial epicanthal fold reconstruction
Authors: Wang Bulin , Zhang Shengchang , Chen Yi , Liu Zhihong , Yu Jiangang , Zhou Huimin , Pan Er 
Published: February 2024

ObjectivesTo evaluate the comparation of myocutaneous flap vs. skin flap in V-Y medial epicanthal fold reconstruction.MethodsThe study, conducted from April 2017 to June 2022, involved two groups: group A, comprising 21 patients who underwent medial epicanthal fold restoration surgery using the V-Y advancement method with a skin flap, and group B, comprising 83 patients who underwent the same procedure, while with a myocutaneous flap for orbicularis oculi ring reconstruction. Intercanthal distances were measured preoperatively, recorded during preoperative and postoperative reviews, and assessed through a 4-point Likert satisfaction questionnaire.ResultsA total of 104 patients were followed up for 6 months postoperatively. In group A, preoperative intercanthal distances ranged from 28.7 mm to 38.2 mm, increasing to 30.2 mm–40.6 mm postoperatively, with a mean increase of 3.0 mm (P &lt; 0.05). In group B, preoperative distances ranged from 28.8 mm to 38.0 mm, increasing to 32.2 mm–41.5 mm postoperatively, with a mean increase of 3.9 mm (P &lt; 0.05). Group B exhibited a higher overall satisfaction rate compared to group A.ConclusionThe myocutaneous flap V-Y procedure, employing the principle of orbicularis oculi ring reconstruction, achieves more stable postoperative results than the flap-only V-Y procedure. Consequently, it can be regarded as the preferred surgical technique.
The Lipidic and Volatile Components of Coffee Pods and Capsules Packaged in an Alternative Multilayer Film
Authors: Basile Giulia , De Luca Lucia , Calabrese Martina , Lambiase Gianfranco , Pizzolongo Fabiana , Romano Raffaele 
Published: February 2024

Coffee pods and capsules require packaging that guarantees the optimal coffee preservation. The chemical composition of coffee can undergo quality decay phenomena during storage, especially in terms of lipidic and volatile components. Amongst coffee packaging, aluminum multilayer materials are particularly widely diffused. However, aluminum is a negative component because it is not recoverable in a mixed plastic structure and its specific weight gives significant weight to packaging. In this study, a multilayer film with a reduced content of aluminum was used to package coffe pods and capsules and compared to a standard film with an aluminum layer. Their influence on the peroxides and volatile organic compounds of two coffee blends, 100% Coffea arabica L., 50% Coffea arabica L., and 50% Coffea canephora var. robusta L., were studied during their 180-day shelf life. The predominant volatile organic compounds detected belonged to the class of furans and pyrazines. Both packaging materials used for both coffee blends in the pods and capsules showed no significant differences during storage. Thus, the alternative packaging with less aluminum had the same performance as the standard with the advantage of being more sustainable, reducing the packaging weight, with benefits for transportation, and preserving the coffee aroma during the shelf life.
Physiological Functions of the Cello-Oligosaccharides Binding CebE in the Pathogenic Streptomyces sp. AMCC400023
Authors: Li Qiuyue , Chang Jiawen , Lv Peiwen , Li Junxia , Duan Yuxia , Tian Dandan , Ge Fei , Su Gaoya , Nie Fengjie , Gao Zheng , Yang Chunyu , Zhou Bo 
Published: February 2024

Potato common scab, an economically important disease worldwide, is caused by pathogenic Streptomyces strains mainly through the effects of thaxtomin. The cello-oligosaccharides binding protein CebE is proposed as a gateway to the pathogenic development of Streptomyces scabiei. In this study, two functional CebE encoding genes, GEO5601 and GEO7671, were identified in pathogenic Streptomyces sp. AMCC400023. With a higher binding affinity towards signal molecules, the deletion of GEO5601 severely impaired thaxtomin-producing capacity and reduced the strain’s pathogenicity. Transcriptional analysis confirmed that CebE5601 is also responsible for the import and provision of carbon sources for cell growth. With lower binding affinity, the pathogenicity island (PAI)-localized CebE7671 may assume a new function of mediating the biological process of sporulation, given the significantly impaired formation of ΔGEO7671 spores. The mechanisms of action of CebE proteins unraveled in Streptomyces sp. AMCC400023 will help pave the way for more effective prevention of the potato common scab disease.
General practitioners' decision making managing uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women: a qualitative study
Authors: Kurotschka Peter K , Hemkeppler Juliane , Gierszewski David , Ghirotto Luca , Gágyor Ildikó 
Published: February 2024

Background
To be effective, interventions aimed at increasing the appropriateness of antibiotic use in primary care should consider the perspectives of prescribing physicians.

Aim
To explore the decision making of general practitioners (GPs) when managing uncomplicated urinary tract infections (uUTIs) in women.

Design & setting
A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with 22 GPs in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg (southern Germany).

Method
Verbatim transcripts were analysed through inductive qualitative content analysis.

Results
We generated the following three main themes: factors facilitating the decision making; factors complicating the decision making; and consultation modalities. According to participants, following evidence-based recommendations makes the prescription decision smoother. GPs' and patients’ prior experiences and beliefs guides decisions towards certain antibiotics, even if those experiences and beliefs contradict evidence-based recommendations. Patient expectations and demands also condition antibiotic prescribing, favouring it. Organisational constraints, such as time pressure, the day of the week (for example, before weekends), and a lower cost of antibiotics for patients than alternative treatments favour the decision to prescribe antibiotics. Diagnostic and prognostic uncertainty complicates decision making, as does scepticism towards evidence-based recommendations. Discordance within the patient–doctor relationship contributed to this complexity. Regarding consultation modalities, a more in-depth consultation and shared decision making were seen as helpful in this process.

Conclusion
We identified different factors as intervening against or for a straightforward management decision when dealing with women with uUTIs. They reveal the complexity behind the GPs’ decision making. Providing GPs with easy-to-apply guidance while removing economic constraints to allocate sufficient consultation time, and supporting shared decision making may help GPs appropriately manage uUTIs in women.
Evaluating whether Prostate Cancer UK’s risk checker is a help or hindrance to prostate-specific antigen testing policy: a mixed-methods study
Authors: Norori Natalia , de Biase Chiara , Wong Yui Hang , Crabtree Sadie Robson , Cox Matt , Appleby Esther , Seggie Andrew , Brown Rachel , Rylance Amy 
Published: February 2024

Background
The UK has an informed choice testing policy for prostate cancer. The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test is available for free to any man aged ≥50 years who requests it and has been informed of the harms and benefits. This policy leads to differences in PSA testing rates, which can exacerbate health inequalities.

Aim
To assess whether Prostate Cancer UK’s risk checker helps men at risk of prostate cancer make an informed choice about the PSA test.

Design & setting
Mixed-methods study in the UK.

Method
In total, 1181 men at risk, their partners, and clinical experts participated in surveys, focus groups, and one-to-one interviews. Data on risk checker completions by sociodemographic factors were analysed over time. Data from general practices that sent the risk checker to their patients were collected and analysed for service monitoring purposes.

Results
There was a strong assumption that testing must be good, and therefore a need to emphasise the pros and cons of the test and that having it was the patient’s decision. Men believed their GP would invite them for PSA testing. On the impact of the risk checker, 79.6% of men who completed it had at least one prostate cancer risk factor; the average time they interacted with the information in the tool was 9 minutes 28 seconds; and 75.7% felt the tool had equipped them to make an informed choice.

Conclusion
Online decision-making tools, such as the risk checker, can help reach men at high risk of prostate cancer and support them in making an informed choice about the PSA test.