bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
‘I’m a bit of an invisible worker’ – Health care and social sector students’ experiences of casual and temporary agency work
Authors: Hult Marja , Gevaert Jessie , Rekola Leena , Honkanen-Korhonen Raili , Ylikahri Kati 
Published: January 2024

Objectives In the wake of national and global personnel shortages, it is becoming increasingly common for students to undertake casual and temporary agency work in the health care and social sectors. This phenomenon can have both advantages and disadvantages for these workers. The objective of this study was to describe health care and social sector students’ experiences of such work. Methods Students currently undertaking casual work in the health care and social sector in Finland were recruited ( n = 28). Qualitative semi-structured interviews of these students were conducted in March to May 2021. The data were analysed using inductive content analysis. Results Respondents reported some positive aspects of casual work. In particular, they liked the freedom to choose the workplace and working times that suited them. However, respondents’ experiences were mostly negative. They perceived the induction into work as being insufficient, felt they had too few opportunities to give and receive feedback and believed they were not accepted into the working community. Conclusions Students who have bad experiences while undertaking causal work in the health care and social sectors may develop an aversion towards working in those sectors after graduating. In order to ensure the sectors are attractive to graduates, casual student workers’ induction and experience of the workplace must be improved.
Fascial Lengthening at the Time of Surgical Release for de Quervain’s Tenosynovitis to Prevent Postsurgical Tendon Subluxation
Authors: Jain Nirbhay S. , Barr Meaghan L. , Miller Amanda , DeLong Michael R. , Orr Steven , Benhaim Prosper 
Published: January 2024

Background: De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is a relatively common, painful condition. Although commonly managed nonoperatively, some patients have recalcitrant disease, necessitating surgical release. Traditional surgical release for de Quervain’s tenosynovitis with simple retinacular release can leave patients susceptible to first dorsal extensor compartment tendon subluxation. We present a stair-step flap technique that releases the first dorsal compartment while simultaneously preventing postoperative tendon subluxation via fascial lengthening. Methods: All patients over the past decade who underwent surgical release with this technique were collected. Preoperative characteristics, surgical details, and postoperative outcomes were reviewed and aggregated as summary statistics. Results: A total of 101 patients were found. Of these, 35 patients had isolated first dorsal compartment release. Tourniquet time for the total group was 1 hour and that for the isolated first dorsal compartment release subgroup was 20 minutes. The average follow-up was 590 days for the total group and only 440 days for the isolated first dorsal compartment release subgroup. No patients who underwent our novel technique experienced subluxation of the tendons postoperatively. One patient required oral antibiotics for a superficial cellulitis, and 1 patient had recurrent symptoms due to excessive scarring that resolved with scar massage and steroid injection. No patient required repeat operations. Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that first dorsal compartment release with a stair-step incision allows for closure of the compartment with a very loose sheath without subluxation and simultaneously provides satisfactory decompression. This procedure is safe and efficacious and can be considered a useful modification to traditional retinacular release alone. Level of Evidence: Level III
Our Hungry Neighbor: Self-Reported Data from Farmers’ Perspective on Tapanuli Orangutans in the Batang Toru Forest, Indonesia
Authors: Harahap Hamid Arrum , Yonariza  , Maynard Simone , Ridwan Endrizal , Yuerlita  
Published: January 2024

Background and Research Aims Human-orangutan conflicts are a growing problem in the tropical rainforests of Sumatra. Habitat degradation and fragmentation can drive orangutans to move on to agroforestry plantations and into conflict with farmers. This research examines farmers’ awareness of the roles that Tapanuli orangutans play, their attitudes towards orangutans when they come on their land and the broader political-economic factors which influence interactions between smallholders and orangutans. Methods We used a mixed methods approach of quantitative surveys with 275 farmers and qualitative in-depth interviews with 22 key informants from 11 villages on the island of Sumatra, Indonesia. Results We found that while many farmers had negative encounters with orangutans eating their crops, their responses differed. Some tolerated the orangutans; others chased them away. The difference stemmed from cultural beliefs about orangutans and their relationship to humans. Some communities hold them as neighbours, others fear them, but in both cases would not harm them. Most farmers do not perceive them as significant threats but as hunger-driven neighbours. Rather than blaming the orang-utans per se, they argue that habitat loss caused by expanding extractive activities is the driving factor of this conflict. They want to see limits on the expansion of extractive industry, alternative income sources and compensation for their orangutan losses. Conclusion The study concludes by highlighting five aspects that need consideration for reducing human-orangutan conflicts and with a broader discussion on the need to include the socio-cultural context of the human populations in conservation initiatives. Implications for Conservation The study underscores the imperative of integrating local farmers’ perspectives in conserving critically endangered Tapanuli orangutans. It advocates coexistence through crop loss mitigation, deforestation prevention, and compensation strategies, emphasizing the need for holistic, sustainable conservation measures encompassing ecological, social, and economic facets within the region.
Reliability and Validity of the Star Excursion Balance Test for Evaluating Dynamic Balance of Upper Extremities
Authors: Yang Qi-Hao , Zhang Yong-Hui , Du Shu-Hao , Wang Yu-Chen , Xu Hao-Ran , Chen Ji-Wei , Mao Yuan , Wang Xue-Qiang 
Published: January 2024

Background: Upper extremity (UE) dynamic balance is a significant physical fitness ability, which includes high-level neuromuscular proprioception, joint mobility, force, and coordination. The evaluation methods of UE dynamic balance are insufficient and lack experimental support. The Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) is a reliable assessment of dynamic balance and injury risk of the lower extremity. Hypothesis: The UE-SEBT is a reliable and reproducible approach for evaluating dynamic balance of UEs. Study Design: Observational study. Level of Evidence: Level 4. Methods: This cross-sectional study recruited 65 healthy adults. All participants were required to complete UE-SEBT, UE Y-balance test (UE-YBT), maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) of UE, closed kinetic chain UE stability test (CKCUEST), trunk flexor endurance test (TFET), trunk extensor endurance test (TEET), and lateral trunk endurance test (LTET). Intra- and inter-rater reliability and the correlation of UE-SEBT with other outcomes were measured. Results: Among the participants, the intra- and interoperator reliability of UE-SEBT in all directions and composite score achieved a moderate-to-excellent (intraclass correlation coefficients [ICC], 0.729-0.946) reliability. For validity, the UE-SEBT had a moderate to very strong correlation with UE-YBT ( r = 0.315-0.755, P < 0.01) and a strong correlation with CKCUEST ( r = 0.4-0.67, P < 0.01). Furthermore, the UE-SEBT performance showed weak-to-strong correlations with MVIC ( r = 0.26-0.43, P < 0.05). UE-SEBT was also correlated with LTET, TEET, and TFET to varying degrees. Conclusion: UE-SEBT has good reliability and validity to assess UE dynamic balance compared with other tests. Clinical Relevance: UE-SEBT can be used as a clinical assessment method to evaluate UE dynamic balance and injury prevention.
Personal, Social, and Workplace Environmental Factors Related to Psychological Well-Being of Staff in University Settings
Authors: Mopkins Dawn , Lee Mikyoung , Malecha Ann 
Published: January 2024

Background: Understanding the psychological well-being (PWB) of university staff and factors that influence it is critical for developing intervention programs that promote PWB and enhance productivity and worker engagement. Purpose: This study aimed to assess the level of PWB in university staff and identify personal, social, and workplace environmental factors related to their PWB. Methods: A cross-sectional, correlational study design was used. A convenience sample of university staff was recruited from two universities in Texas. Participants completed an online questionnaire, which included Ryff’s PWB scale to measure PWB, along with questions related to personal, social, and workplace factors. Hierarchical multiple regression was used to analyze the influence of these factors on the PWB of university staff. Results: The PWB of university staff ( n = 202) was significantly influenced by personal factors (i.e., race and perceived mental health status), social factors (i.e., social support of friends), and workplace environmental factors (i.e., physical demands). Conclusion/Application to Practice: To effectively promote PWB among university staff, occupational health nurses should proactively track and monitor their PWB. Policies and interventions should consider the various personal, social, and workplace environment factors identified in this study, such as mental health, social support resources, and physical demands.
Understanding and Bridging Gaps in the Use of Evidence from Modeling for Evidence-Based Policy Making in Nigeria’s Health System
Authors: Mbachu Chinyere , Agwu Prince , Obi Felix , Onwujekwe Obinna 
Published: January 2024

Background. Modeled evidence is a proven useful tool for decision makers in making evidence-based policies and plans that will ensure the best possible health system outcomes. Thus, we sought to understand constraints to the use of models in making decisions in Nigeria’s health system and how such constraints can be addressed. Method. We adopted a mixed-methods study for the research and relied on the evidence to policy and Knowledge-to-Action (KTA) frameworks to guide the conceptualization of the study. An online survey was administered to 34 key individuals in health organizations that recognize modeling, which was followed by in-depth interviews with 24 of the 34 key informants. Analysis was done using descriptive analytic methods and thematic arrangements of narratives. Results. Overall, the data revealed poor use of modeled evidence in decision making within the health sector, despite reporting that modeled evidence and modelers are available in Nigeria. However, the disease control agency in Nigeria was reported to be an exception. The complexity of models was a top concern. Thus, suggestions were made to improve communication of models in ways that are easily comprehensible and to improve overall research culture within Nigeria’s health sector. Conclusion. Modeled evidence plays a crucial role in evidence-based health decisions. Therefore, it is imperative to strengthen and sustain in-country capacity to value, produce, interpret, and use modeled evidence for decision making in health. To overcome limitations in the usage of modeled evidence, decision makers, modelers/researchers, and knowledge brokers should forge viable relationships that regard and promote evidence translation. Highlights Despite the use of modeling by Nigeria’s disease control agency in containing the COVID-19 pandemic, modeling remains poorly used in the country’s overall health sector. Although policy makers recognize the importance of evidence in making decisions, there are still pertinent concerns about the poor research culture of policy-making institutions and communication gaps that exist between researchers/modelers and policy makers. Nigeria’s health system can be strengthened by improving the value and usage of scientific evidence generation through conscious efforts to institutionalize research culture in the health sector and bridge gaps between researchers/modelers and decision makers.
Aberrant GPA expression and regulatory function of red blood cells in sickle cell disease
Authors: Marshall Juliana N. , Klein Matthew N. , Karki Pratap , Promnares Kamoltip , Setua Saini , Fan Xiaoxuan , Buehler Paul W. , Birukov Konstantin G. , Vasta Gerardo R. , Fontaine Magali J. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractGlycophorin A (GPA), a red blood cell (RBC) surface glycoprotein, can maintain peripheral blood leukocyte quiescence through interaction with a sialic acid–binding Ig-like lectin (Siglec-9). Under inflammatory conditions such as sickle cell disease (SCD), the GPA of RBCs undergo structural changes that affect this interaction. Peripheral blood samples from patients with SCD before and after RBC transfusions were probed for neutrophil and monocyte activation markers and analyzed by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). RBCs were purified and tested by FACS for Siglec-9 binding and GPA expression, and incubated with cultured endothelial cells to evaluate their effect on barrier function. Activated leukocytes from healthy subjects (HS) were coincubated with healthy RBCs (RBCH), GPA-altered RBCs, or GPA-overexpressing (OE) cells and analyzed using FACS. Monocyte CD63 and neutrophil CD66b from patients with SCD at baseline were increased 47% and 27%, respectively, as compared with HS (P = .0017, P = .0162). After transfusion, these markers were suppressed by 22% and 17% (P = .0084, P = .0633). GPA expression in RBCSCD was 38% higher (P = .0291) with decreased Siglec-9 binding compared with RBCH (0.0266). Monocyte CD63 and neutrophil CD66b were suppressed after incubation with RBCH and GPA-OE cells, but not with GPA-altered RBCs. Endothelial barrier dysfunction after lipopolysaccharide challenge was restored fully with exposure to RBCH, but not with RBCSCD, from patients in pain crisis, or with RBCH with altered GPA. Pretransfusion RBCSCD do not effectively maintain the quiescence of leukocytes and endothelium, but quiescence is restored through RBC transfusion, likely by reestablished GPA-Siglec-9 interactions.
The prevalence of pulmonary hypertension in post-tuberculosis and active tuberculosis populations: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: van Heerden Jennifer K. , Louw Elizabeth H. , Thienemann Friedrich , Engel Mark E. , Allwood Brian W. 
Published: January 2024

Background:The prevalence of tuberculosis (TB)-associated pulmonary hypertension (PH) has not previously been quantified, resulting in an underappreciated burden of disease. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of PH in post-TB and active TB populations.Methods:In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched PubMed/Medline, Cochrane Library, EBSCOhost, Scopus, African Journals Online and Google Scholar, with no language restriction, for available literature published after 1950. Eligible studies described adult participants (≥16 years), with documented evidence of active or prior TB, diagnosed with PH. Study quality was assessed using a risk of bias tool specifically developed for prevalence studies. Aggregate prevalence estimates with 95% confidence intervals were synthesised using a random-effects meta-analysis model, incorporating the Freeman–Tukey transformation. Subgroup analysis was conducted to ascertain prevalence estimates in specific patient populations.Results:We identified 1452 unique records, of which 34 met our inclusion criteria. 23 studies, with an acceptable risk of bias and where PH was diagnosed at right heart catheterisation or echocardiography, were included in the meta-analysis. In post-TB studies (14/23), the prevalence of PH was 67.0% (95% CI 50.8–81.4) in patients with chronic respiratory failure, 42.4% (95% CI 31.3–54.0) in hospitalised or symptomatic patients and 6.3% (95% CI 2.3–11.8) in nonhealthcare-seeking outpatients (I2=96%). There was a lower estimated prevalence of PH in studies of populations with active TB (9.4%, 95% CI 6.3–13.0), I2=84%).Conclusion:Our results highlight the significant burden of PH in post-TB and active TB populations. We emphasise the need for increased recognition of TB-associated PH and additional high-quality prevalence data.
Comparison of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, functional and haemodynamic variables in pulmonary arterial hypertension: insights from REPAIR
Authors: Kiely David G. , Channick Richard , Flores Dayana , Galiè Nazzareno , MacDonald Gwen , Marcus J. Tim , Mitchell Lada , Peacock Andrew , Rosenkranz Stephan , Tawakol Ahmed , Torbicki Adam , Vonk Noordegraaf Anton , Swift Andrew J. 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundMeasures that can detect large treatment effects are important for monitoring therapeutic effectiveness. The 2022 European Society of Cardiology/European Respiratory Society guidelines highlight the importance of imaging in monitoring disease status and treatment response in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Are the standardised treatment effect sizes (STES) of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (cMRI) comparable with functional and haemodynamic variables?MethodsREPAIR (ClinicalTrials.gov:NCT02310672) was a prospective, multicentre, single-arm, open-label, 52-week phase 4 study evaluating the effect of macitentan 10 mg, with or without a phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor (PDE5i), on right ventricular (RV) remodelling, cardiac function and cardiopulmonary haemodynamics. Both cMRI and functional assessments were performed at screening and at weeks 26 and 52; haemodynamic measurements were conducted at screening and week 26. In thispost hocanalysis, STES were estimated using the parametric Cohen's d and non-parametric Cliff's delta tests.ResultsAt week 26, large STES (Cohen's d) were observed for 10 of the 20 cMRI variables assessed, including the prognostic measures of RV and left ventricular stroke volume and RV ejection fraction and the haemodynamic trial end-point, pulmonary vascular resistance; medium STES were observed for 6-min walk distance (6MWD). The STES were consistent in treatment-naïve patients and those escalating therapy and maintained at week 52. Similar results were obtained using the non-parametric Cliff's delta method.ConclusionsThe treatment effect of macitentan, alone or in combination with a PDE5i, was comparable for several cMRI and haemodynamic variables with prognostic value in PAH, and greater than that of 6MWD in patients with PAH, highlighting the emerging relevance of cMRI in PAH.
Standardized Pre-clinical Surgical Animal Model Protocol to Investigate the Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Ischemic Flap Healing
Authors: Aksamitiene Edita , Heffelfinger Ryan N. , Hoek Jan B. , Pribitkin Edmund deAzevedo 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Some of the most complex surgical interventions to treat trauma and cancer include the use of locoregional pedicled and free autologous tissue transfer flaps. While the techniques used for these reconstructive surgery procedures have improved over time, flap complications and even failure remain a significant clinical challenge. Animal models are useful in studying the pathophysiology of ischemic flaps, but when repeatability is a primary focus of a study, conventional in-vivo designs, where one randomized subset of animals serves as a treatment group while a second subset serves as a control, are at a disadvantage instigated by greater subject-to-subject variability. Our goal was to provide a step-by-step methodological protocol for creating an alternative standardized, more economical, and transferable pre-clinical animal research model of excisional full-thickness wound healing following a simulated autologous tissue transfer which includes the primary ischemia, reperfusion, and secondary ischemia events with the latter mimicking flap salvage procedure.

Results
Unlike in the most frequently used classical unilateral McFarlane’s caudally based dorsal random pattern skin flap model, in the herein described bilateral epigastric fasciocutaneous advancement flap (BEFAF) model, one flap heals under normal and a contralateral flap—under perturbed conditions or both flaps heal under conditions that vary by one within-subjects factor. We discuss the advantages and limitations of the proposed experimental approach and, as a part of model validation, provide the examples of its use in laboratory rat (Rattus norvegicus) axial pattern flap healing studies.

Conclusions
This technically challenging but feasible reconstructive surgery model eliminates inter-subject variability, while concomitantly minimizing the number of animals needed to achieve adequate statistical power. BEFAFs may be used to investigate the spatiotemporal cellular and molecular responses to complex tissue injury, interventions simulating clinically relevant flap complications (e.g., vascular thrombosis) as well as prophylactic, therapeutic or surgical treatment (e.g., flap delay) strategies in the presence or absence of confounding risk factors (e.g., substance abuse, irradiation, diabetes) or favorable wound-healing promoting activities (e.g., exercise). Detailed visual instructions in BEFAF protocol may serve as an aid for teaching medical or academic researchers basic vascular microsurgery techniques that focus on precision, tremor management and magnification.

Graphical Abstract
SperMD: the expression atlas of sperm maturation
Authors: Li Yifan , Li Qianying , Wu Lvying , Wang Haiyan , Shi Hui , Yang Chenhui , Gu Yiqun , Li Jianyuan , Ji Zhiliang 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe impairment of sperm maturation is one of the major pathogenic factors in male subfertility, a serious medical and social problem affecting millions of global couples. Regrettably, the existing research on sperm maturation is slow, limited, and fragmented, largely attributable to the lack of a global molecular view. To fill the data gap, we newly established a database, namely the Sperm Maturation Database (SperMD, http://bio-add.org/SperMD). SperMD integrates heterogeneous multi-omics data (170 transcriptomes, 91 proteomes, and five human metabolomes) to illustrate the transcriptional, translational, and metabolic manifestations during the entire lifespan of sperm maturation. These data involve almost all crucial scenarios related to sperm maturation, including the tissue components of the epididymal microenvironment, cell constituents of tissues, different pathological states, and so on. To the best of our knowledge, SperMD could be one of the limited repositories that provide focused and comprehensive information on sperm maturation. Easy-to-use web services are also implemented to enhance the experience of data retrieval and molecular comparison between humans and mice. Furthermore, the manuscript illustrates an example application demonstrated to systematically characterize novel gene functions in sperm maturation. Nevertheless, SperMD undertakes the endeavor to integrate the islanding omics data, offering a panoramic molecular view of how the spermatozoa gain full reproductive abilities. It will serve as a valuable resource for the systematic exploration of sperm maturation and for prioritizing the biomarkers and targets for precise diagnosis and therapy of male subfertility.