bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Review and research gap identification in genetics causes of syndromic and nonsyndromic hearing loss in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Almalki Faisal 
Published: March 2024

AbstractCongenital hearing loss is one of the most common sensory disabilities worldwide. The genetic causes of hearing loss account for 50% of hearing loss. Genetic causes of hearing loss can be classified as nonsyndromic hearing loss (NSHL) or syndromic hearing loss (SHL). NSHL is defined as a partial or complete hearing loss without additional phenotypes; however, SHL, known as hearing loss, is associated with other phenotypes. Both types follow a simple Mendelian inheritance fashion. Several studies have been conducted to uncover the genetic factors contributing to NSHL and SHL in Saudi patients. However, these studies have encountered certain limitations. This review assesses and discusses the genetic factors underpinning NSHL and SHL globally, with a specific emphasis on the Saudi Arabian context. It also explores the prevalence of the most observed genetic causes of NSHL and SHL in Saudi Arabia. It also sheds light on areas where further research is needed to fully understand the genetic foundations of hearing loss in the Saudi population. This review identifies several gaps in research in NSHL and SHL and provides insights into potential research to be conducted.
Water, soap, and hand‐disinfectant exposure during the COVID‐19 pandemic and self‐reported hand eczema in frontline workers: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Vilela Libe , Lagrelius Maria , Berglind Ina Anveden , Midander Klara , Schenk Linda , Julander Anneli 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundDuring the COVID‐19 pandemic, increased hand hygiene practices were implemented. Impaired skin health on the hands among healthcare workers has been reported previously. Knowledge of how worker in other occupations have been affected is scarce.ObjectivesTo investigate self‐reported hand water‐, and soap exposure and use of hand disinfectants, and hand eczema (HE) in frontline workers outside the hospital setting and in IT personnel during the COVID‐19 pandemic.MethodsIn this cross‐sectional study, a questionnaire was sent out between 1 March and 30 April in 2021, to 6060 randomly selected individuals representing six occupational groups.ResultsA significant increase in water exposure and hand disinfectant use was shown: Relative position (RP) 19; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.17–0.21 and RP = 0.38: 95% CI 0.36–0.41, respectively. Newly debuted HE was reported by 7.4% of the population, more frequently among frontline workers (8.6%) compared to IT personnel (4.9%).ConclusionsWater and soap exposure and use of hand disinfectants increased during COVID‐19 pandemic, which may increase the risk of hand eczema. This highlights the importance of communication and implementation of preventive measures to protect the skin barrier also in occupations other than healthcare workers.
The relative contributions of habitat area, configuration, and vegetative diversity on snake and lizard presence in agricultural landscapes
Authors: Stephenson Matthew D. , Schulte Lisa A. , Klaver Robert W. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractNearly one in five reptile species is at risk of extinction. Changes in habitat area, its configuration, and vegetation diversity could affect habitat use, but their relative importance is understudied. We assessed how these factors affected reptile presence in agricultural landscapes figure in Iowa, United States, using 695 cover boards visited 16,441 times in 2015–2020. Species‐wise encounter rates ranged 0.0001–0.012. Eight of 11 species and 54.2% of individuals were species of greatest conservation need. Habitat area, configuration, and vegetation diversity influenced reptile presence similarly. Mean patch occupancy was 0.18 for common garter snake (CG, Thamnophis sirtalis) and 0.45 for all snakes (AS). Naïve presence was explained by effort (odds ratio [OR]AS = 1.83, ORCG = 1.79), vegetation diversity (ORAS = 1.28, ORCG = 1.28), woody cover (ORAS = 1.24, ORCG = 1.41), and patch size (ORAS = 1.30). Large patch prairies were more likely to contain snakes than other conservation practices (encounter = 0.291), and more likely to contain CG (0.098) than prairie contour strips (0.031), waterways (0.018), grass contour strips (0.016), or terraces (0.015). While we documented low overall reptile presence, their higher presence in large prairie patches underscores the importance of core nature reserves for reptile conservation.
The prevalence of incivility in hospitals and the effects of incivility on patient safety culture and outcomes: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Freedman Benjamin , Li Wendy Wen , Liang Zhanming , Hartin Peter , Biedermann Narelle 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAimWorkplace incivility is a barrier to safe and high‐quality patient care in nursing workplaces and more broadly in tertiary hospitals. The present study aims to systematically review the existing evidence to provide a comprehensive understanding of the prevalence of co‐worker incivility experienced and witnessed by nurses and other healthcare professionals, the effects of incivility on patient safety culture (PSC) and patient outcomes, and the factors which mediate the relationship between incivility and patient safety.MethodsA systematic review with narrative synthesis and meta‐analysis was undertaken to synthesize the data from 41 studies.Data SourcesDatabases searched included MEDLINE, PubMed, SCOPUS, CINAHL, PsycInfo, ProQuest, Emcare and Embase. Searches were conducted on 17 August 2021 and repeated on 15 March 2023.ResultsThe pooled prevalence of experienced incivility was 25.0%. The pooled prevalence of witnessed incivility was 30.1%. Workplace incivility was negatively associated with the PSC domains of teamwork, reporting patient safety events, organization learning/improvement, management support for safety, leadership, communication openness and communication about error. The composite pooled effect size of incivility on these domains of PSC was OR = 0.590, 95% CI [0.515, 0.676]. Workplace incivility was associated with a range of patient safety outcomes (PSOs) including near misses, adverse events, reduced procedural and diagnostic performance, medical error and mortality. State depletion, profession, psychological responses to incivility, information sharing, help seeking, workload and satisfaction with organizational communication were found to mediate the relationship between incivility and patient safety.ConclusionExperienced and witnessed incivility is prevalent in tertiary hospitals and has a deleterious effect on PSC and PSOs. A better understanding of the mechanisms of this relationship will support the development of interventions aimed at reducing both incivility and patient harm.Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care ImpactThis study quantifies the effect of incivility on PSC and outcomes. It provides support that interventions focusing on incivility are a valuable mechanism for improving patient care. It guides intervention design by highlighting which domains of PSC are most associated with incivility. It explores the profession‐specific experiences of workplace incivility.Reporting MethodThis report adheres to PRISMA reporting guidelines.Patient or Public ContributionNo patient or public contribution. The focus of this study is the nursing and healthcare workforce, therefore, patient or public involvement not required.
Risk factors of skin barrier dysfunction in older adults: A systematic review
Authors: Konya Issei , Shishido Inaho , Nemoto Moe , Yano Rika 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAimSkin barrier dysfunction can trigger various skin disorders in older adults. Skin barrier assessment is essential for nurses and caregivers to prevent skin disorders; however, the evidence available for clinical assessment is limited. This systematic review aimed to clarify the risk factors of skin barrier dysfunction in older adults.MethodsThis review adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The four databases were searched using multiple terms related to “aged” and “skin barrier.” The search was initially run on April 19, 2023, and rerun on October 12, 2023. Peer‐reviewed quantitative studies in English were included, with no publication time limit being set. Two reviewers assessed the risk of bias in a blinded and independent manner using JBI tools. Owing to the heterogeneity of the results, a narrative synthesis was performed.ResultsAmong the database‐identified 4833 studies, 20 studies were included. The extracted factors were categorized as demographic characteristics, functional characteristics, chronic diseases, nutritional status, skin condition, and environmental factors. However, owing to high risk of bias and inconsistent results across studies, only chronic kidney disease and dry skin were considered risk factors for skin barrier dysfunction in older adults.ConclusionsAssessment of chronic kidney disease and dry skin in daily skin care may guide the development of personalized skincare programs to maintain skin integrity in older adults. Furthermore, cohort studies that consider confounding factors and the reliability of measurements are needed for an in‐depth investigation into skin barrier dysfunction and more risk factors.
Consequences of deferred action for childhood arrivals for parent health: Applying a social foreground perspective
Authors: Yahirun Jenjira , Torres Jacqueline 
Published: March 2024

AbstractObjectiveThis study applies a social foreground perspective to assess whether the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program impacted the self‐rated health of coresident parents of DACA‐eligible individuals.BackgroundDACA status grants a temporary work permit and allows for a stay of deportation for undocumented persons who entered the United States as children. Although research points to the positive health benefits of DACA for its recipients, less is known about whether the program affects the health of family members, including parents.MethodThis study uses data from the National Health Interview Study (2008–2015) on foreign‐born adults and their coresident parents. We applied a difference‐in‐differences design to examine whether the self‐rated health of coresident mothers and fathers changed following the passage of DACA for DACA‐eligible individuals.ResultsIn contrast to expectations, DACA was associated with worse self‐rated health among coresident, partnered parents. These results may be because DACA also decreased the likelihood of coresiding with parents and changed the composition of coresident parents themselves. Following DACA, fewer eligible offspring lived with parents overall, but among those that did, parents tended to be older and less healthy.ConclusionFindings underscore how DACA may be used as a resource to support older parents experiencing health challenges, in particular among older undocumented immigrants, who make up a growing share of the undocumented population in the United States.
Adverse childhood experiences, dental insurance, and developmental disability: Association with unmet dental needs in Ohio
Authors: Horter Lili , Richardson Carson , Paul Marika , Meyer Beau D. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractObjectiveThis study investigated whether insurance status and/or developmental disability moderated the association between adverse childhood experiences (ACE) and unmet dental needs among children aged 0 to 17 in Ohio.MethodsWe utilized cross‐sectional data from the 2021 Ohio Medicaid Assessment Survey to assess the dental needs of children. ACE scores, dental insurance status, and developmental disability status were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression to identify their potential association with parental‐reported unmet dental needs.ResultsThe weighted sample represented 2,752,222 children in Ohio. Over half reported zero ACEs (55.8%) and no dental needs (56.1%). Approximately 1 in 9 lacked dental insurance (11.1%), and 1 in 10 had a developmental disability (9.9%). Children with one to three ACEs had three times the odds of unmet dental needs compared to children with zero ACEs (OR = 3.20; 95%CI [2.10, 4.89]), and children with four or more ACEs had eight times the odds of unmet dental needs (OR = 8.78; 95%CI [5.26, 14.67]). Children lacking dental insurance had over six times higher odds of unmet dental needs compared to children with dental insurance (OR = 6.10; 95%CI [3.92, 9.49]). The presence of developmental disability status did not moderate the presence of unmet dental needs; however, the lack of dental insurance status significantly moderated the association between ACEs and unmet dental needs.ConclusionInsurance status, not developmental disability, moderated the association between ACEs and unmet dental needs among children in Ohio. Efforts to ensure continuous access to dental insurance are warranted.
Effects of overhydration, Kt/Vurea, β2‐microglobulin on coronary artery calcification and mortality in haemodialysis patients
Authors: Mizuiri Sonoo , Nishizawa Yoshiko , Yamashita Kazuomi , Doi Toshiki , Okubo Aiko , Morii Kenichi , Usui Koji , Arita Michiko , Naito Takayuki , Shigemoto Kenichiro , Masaki Takao 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAimWe studied the effects of overhydration (OH), Kt/Vurea and β2‐microglobulin (β2‐MG) on coronary artery calcification and mortality in patients undergoing haemodialysis (HD).MethodsThe Agatston coronary artery calcium score (CACS), postdialysis body composition using bioimpedance analysis, single‐pool Kt/Vurea and predialysis β2‐MG at baseline were assessed and followed up for 3 years in patients undergoing HD. We performed logistic regression analyses for a CACS ≥400 and Cox proportional hazard analyses for all‐cause and cardiovascular mortality.ResultsThe study involved 338 patients with a median age of 67 (56–74) years, dialysis duration of 70 (33–141) months and diabetes prevalence of 39.1% (132/338). Patients with a CACS ≥400 (n = 222) had significantly higher age, dialysis duration, male prevalence, diabetes prevalence, C‐reactive protein, predialysis β2‐MG, OH, extracellular water/total body water and overhydration/extracellular water (OH/ECW) but significantly lower Kt/Vurea than patients with a CACS <400 (n = 116) (p < .05). OH/ECW, Kt/Vurea and predialysis β2‐MG were significant predictors of a CACS ≥400 (p < .05) after adjusting for age, dialysis duration, serum phosphate and magnesium. In all patients, cut‐off values of OH/ECW, Kt/Vurea and predialysis β2‐MG for a CACS ≥400 were 16%, 1.74 and 28 mg/L, respectively. After adjusting for dialysis duration, OH/ECW ≥16%, Kt/Vurea ≥1.74 and β2‐MG ≥28 mg/L were significant predictors of 3‐year all‐cause mortality but not 3‐year cardiovascular mortality.ConclusionHigher OH/ECW, higher predialysis β2‐MG and lower Kt/Vurea values are significant risk factors for a CACS ≥400 and 3‐year all‐cause mortality in patients undergoing maintenance HD.image
Ion channels as biomarkers of altered myogenesis in myofiber precursors of Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Authors: Cerchiara Alessandro Giovanni , Imbrici Paola , Quarta Raffaella , Cristiano Enrica , Boccanegra Brigida , Caputo Erika , Wells Dominic J. , Cappellari Ornella , De Luca Annamaria 
Published: March 2024

AbstractMyogenesis is essential for skeletal muscle formation, growth, and regeneration and can be altered in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), an X‐linked disorder due to the absence of the cytoskeletal protein dystrophin. Ion channels play a pivotal role in muscle differentiation and interact with the dystrophin complex. To investigate ion channel involvement in myogenesis in dystrophic settings, we performed electrophysiological characterization of two immortalized mouse cell lines, wild‐type (WT) H2K‐2B4 and the dystrophic (DYS) H2K‐SF1, and measured gene expression of differentiation markers and ion channels. Inward and outward currents/density increased as differentiation progressed in both WT and DYS cells. However, day‐11 DYS cells showed higher (27%) inward current density with an increased expression ratio of Scn5a/Scn4a and decreased (48%) barium‐sensitive outward current compared to WT. Furthermore, day‐11 DYS cells showed more positive resting membrane potential (+10 mV) and lower membrane capacitance (50%) compared to WT. DYS cells also had reduced Myog and Myf5 expression at days 6 and 11. Overall, ion channel profile and myogenesis appeared altered in DYS cells. These results are a first step in validating ion channels as potential drug targets to ameliorate muscle degeneration in DMD settings and as differentiation biomarkers in innovative platforms.
Bacterial growth‐mediated systems remodelling of Nicotiana benthamiana defines unique signatures of target protein production in molecular pharming
Authors: Prudhomme Nicholas , Pastora Rebecca , Thomson Sarah , Zheng Edison , Sproule Amanda , Krieger Jonathan R. , Murphy J. Patrick , Overy David P. , Cossar Doug , McLean Michael D. , Geddes‐McAlister Jennifer 
Published: March 2024

SummaryThe need for therapeutics to treat a plethora of medical conditions and diseases is on the rise and the demand for alternative approaches to mammalian‐based production systems is increasing. Plant‐based strategies provide a safe and effective alternative to produce biological drugs but have yet to enter mainstream manufacturing at a competitive level. Limitations associated with batch consistency and target protein production levels are present; however, strategies to overcome these challenges are underway. In this study, we apply state‐of‐the‐art mass spectrometry‐based proteomics to define proteome remodelling of the plant following agroinfiltration with bacteria grown under shake flask or bioreactor conditions. We observed distinct signatures of bacterial protein production corresponding to the different growth conditions that directly influence the plant defence responses and target protein production on a temporal axis. Our integration of proteomic profiling with small molecule detection and quantification reveals the fluctuation of secondary metabolite production over time to provide new insight into the complexities of dual system modulation in molecular pharming. Our findings suggest that bioreactor bacterial growth may promote evasion of early plant defence responses towards Agrobacterium tumefaciens (updated nomenclature to Rhizobium radiobacter). Furthermore, we uncover and explore specific targets for genetic manipulation to suppress host defences and increase recombinant protein production in molecular pharming.
The media in China–Africa public relations: Assessing China's attractiveness beyond economic development assistance
Authors: Ameyaw‐Brobbey Thomas 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis work explores China's African public relations and image‐building effort, focusing on Nigeria. Thus, the paper's purpose is twofold: first, to investigate whether China's conduct of public diplomacy through its soft power resource—development assistance—has effectively shaped positive Nigerian public perception of China, and second, to determine the media's role in advancing China's public diplomacy in Nigeria. Specifically, it explores the interaction of economic development assistance, media, and public relations. I do this by comparing China's foreign direct investment (FDI) in Nigeria (2010–2019) with the public's perception of the FDI's influence on the Nigerian economy (2016 and 2020) and the media's role in shaping public support toward the investments. Utilizing a range of datasets, I find that Chinese economic investment alone is insufficient to substantially shape positive Nigerian public perception of China. Within a framework of mediated public diplomacy, I demonstrate that the Chinese image‐building effort in Nigeria would likely enhance when the country links economic investments with public relations to make the investments more visible through effective media representation.Related ArticlesAyhan, Kadir Jun, and Nancy Snow. 2021. “Introduction to the Special Issue—Global Korea Scholarship: Empirical Evaluation of a Non‐Western Scholarship Program from a Public Diplomacy Perspective.” Politics & Policy 49(6): 1282–91. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12440.Hodzi, Obert, and John H. S. Åberg. 2020. “Introduction to the Special Issue: Strategic Deployment of the China Model in Africa.” Politics & Policy 48(5): 804–14. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12378.Huijgh, Ellen. 2017. “Indonesia's ‘Intermestic’ Public Diplomacy: Features and Future.” Politics & Policy 45(5): 762–92. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12221.
The political economy of campaign contributions in insurance markets
Authors: Born Patricia , Karl James Bradley , Powell Lawrence 
Published: March 2024

AbstractContributions to election campaigns are tracked by the National Institute on Money in State Politics. In this paper, we use this data to examine patterns in political campaign contributions made by the insurance industry. We compile a state‐level data set that aggregates over 67,000 election campaign contributions to insurance regulators and governors; we show that candidate incumbency status is associated with a 20% to 30% increase in the share of contributions made to the incumbent insurance regulator's political party. Because incumbents are overwhelmingly favored to win elections, the industry's behavior suggests that insurers are more concerned with access to the elected official than with supporting a candidate that shares the industry's goals.
Predictors of inpatient suicide in an Irish psychiatric service, a longitudinal case–control study
Authors: Hartnett Yvonne , Thekiso Thekiso B. , Kowalska‐Beda Paulina , Maher Tom , McLoughlin Declan M. , Kennedy Noel 
Published: March 2024

AbstractObjectiveInpatient suicide remains difficult to predict. This study aimed to identify individual patient predictors to help identify those at greater risk.MethodsThis case–control study was undertaken in an independent mental health service in Ireland. Cases were drawn from all admissions to the service between March 2004 and February 2019. Controls were matched for date of admission. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted.ResultsThirty‐three cases of inpatient suicide were compared to 132 controls. The inpatient suicide rate was 76.2 per 100,000 admissions. The rate of inpatient suicide fell in line with national rates despite less restrictive practices being implemented in the service. Males accounted for 66% of cases. Hanging was the most common method of suicide overall and among male patients, and drowning was the most common among females. Male gender, tertiary referral, an adverse psychosocial event during admission, a period of absence without leave and expressing hopelessness were identified as independent risk factors for inpatient suicide. Substance use, involuntary detention, family history of suicide, and number of previous admissions were not significant.ConclusionsWhile not highly sensitive, a period of absence without leave, tertiary referral and hopelessness are important predictors of inpatient suicide risk that treating teams should consider in care planning.