bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Factors associated with retention of health workers in remote public health centers in Northern Uganda: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Twineamatsiko Andrew , Mugenyi Nathan , Kuteesa Yvonne Nabachwa , Livingstone Ejalu David 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
Health worker retention in remote and hard-to-reach areas remains a threat in most low- and middle-income countries, and this negatively impacts health service delivery. The health workforce inequity is catastrophic for countries like Uganda that still has a low health worker to patient ratio, and remote areas like Lira District that is still recovering from a long-term civil war. This study explores factors associated with retention of health workers in remote public health centers in Lira district in Northern Uganda.

Methods
A descriptive cross-sectional study with quantitative methods of data collection was used among health workers namely; doctors, clinical officers, nurses, midwives, pharmacists and, laboratory technicians. The study utilized a structured questionnaire with closed ended questions to obtain quantitative information.

Results
Most of the respondents were females (62.90%), married (84.62%), with certificate level (55.74%), and nurses as qualification (36.60%) as well as attached to Health Center 3 level (61.28%). Significant individual factors associated with retention included having a certificate as highest level of education, staying with family, and working at facility for 6 or more years. The health system factors were good physical state of facility, equipment availability, availability of sundries, feeling comfortable with rotations, receiving adequate support from staff, feeling valued and respected by colleagues at workplace and access to incentives while career factors were job satisfaction, job motivation, promotion, and further training on scholarship.

Conclusion
The study established that indeed several individual and social demographics, health system and career-related factors are significantly associated with retention of Health workers in the rural public health facilities and these are critical policy recommendations for establishing retention guidelines in a national human resources for health manual.
PLXNC1 interference alleviates the inflammatory injury, apoptosis and extracellular matrix degradation of IL-1β-exposed chondrocytes via suppressing GRP78 expression
Authors: Meng Nan , Mao Lingwei , Jiang Qinyi , Yuan Jishan , Liu Linjuan , Wang Lei 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a frequently encountered debilitating joint disorder. Whether plexin C1 (PLXNC1) is implicated in OA is far from being investigated despite its well-documented pro-inflammatory property in human diseases. The goal of this study is to expound the specific role of PLXNC1 in OA and elaborate the probable action mechanism.

Methods
Firstly, PLXNC1 expression in the cartilage tissues of patients with OA was examined with GEO database. In interleukin-1beta (IL-1β)-induced OA cell model, RT-qPCR and western blotting tested the expression of PLXNC1, glucose-regulating protein 78 (GRP78) and extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation-related factors. Cell viability and inflammation were respectively judged by CCK-8 assay and RT-qPCR. TUNEL and western blotting estimated cell apoptosis. The potential binding between PLXNC1 and GRP78 was corroborated by Co-IP assay. Western blotting also tested the expression of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS)-associated proteins.

Results
As it turned out, PLXNC1 expression was elevated in the cartilage tissues of patients with OA and IL-1β-treated chondrocytes. When PLXNC1 was depleted, the viability injury, inflammation, apoptosis and ECM degradation of chondrocytes exposed to IL-1β were obstructed. Besides, GRP78 bond to PLXNC1 in IL-1β-treated chondrocytes. The ascending GRP78 expression in the chondrocytes exposed to IL-1β was depleted after PLXNC1 was silenced. Meanwhile, the impacts of PLXNC1 deficiency on the viability, inflammatory response, apoptosis, ECM degradation as well as ERS in IL-1β-exposed chondrocytes were abolished by GRP78 up-regulation.

Conclusion
In summary, PLXNC1 silencing might interact with and down-regulate GRP78 to mitigate the apoptosis, inflammation, and ECM degradation of IL-1β-insulted chondrocytes in OA.
Return to work status of patients under 65 years of age with osteonecrosis of the femoral head after total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Wang Mengfei , Zhao Rushun , Hao Yangquan , Xu Peng , Lu Chao 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Objective
This aimed to evaluate the status of return to work (RTW) in patients with osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) after total hip arthroplasty (THA).

Methods
The baseline characteristics of all patients in this retrospective study were obtained from the hospital patient database. The relevant changes in patients' working conditions, as well as the numerical rating scale (NRS), Harris Hip Score (HHS), self-assessment of work ability, and Likert scale satisfaction assessment were obtained through video call follow-ups.

Results
118 patients (response rate: 83%) were ultimately included in this study. The average length of time for the patients to stop working preoperatively was 20.7 weeks. Ninety-four patients (24 women and 70 men) who underwent THA had RTW status, with a mean RTW time of 21.0 weeks. Men had a significantly higher proportion of final RTW and a significantly faster RTW than women. Significant differences in smoking, drinking, cardiovascular diseases, changes in working levels, variations in the types of physical work, changes in working hours, and pain symptoms were observed between the RTW and Non-RTW populations. The patients with a positive RTW status had higher postoperative HHS scores, lower postoperative NRS scores, and higher self-assessment of work ability than patients who had a negative RTW status.

Conclusion
Ultimately, 80% of patients achieved RTW status. Drinking, sex, change in working level, variation in the type of physical work, change in working hours, post-surgery HHS score and self-assessment of work ability can serve as predictive factors for RTW.
Cardiac surgery for a right atrial myxoma with traumatic intracranial hemorrhage: a case report
Authors: Ichinose Maki , Ogiwara Masanori , Ozaki Masahiko , Nishino Yoshifumi , Tanaka Kensuke 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
The timing of cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) for intracranial hemorrhage is controversial.

Case presentation
We report the case of an 82-year-old woman who was transferred to our hospital because of a head injury. Brain computed tomography (CT) revealed traumatic intracranial hemorrhage, and transthoracic echocardiography revealed a giant right atrial myxoma. After confirming the disappearance of intracranial hemorrhage on brain CT, cardiac surgery with CPB was performed, which was uneventful.

Conclusions
For an uneventful surgery, the optimal timing of cardiac surgery with CPB in patients with giant right atrial myxoma and intracranial hemorrhage should be based on brain CT.
Physiological effects of lung-protective ventilation in patients with lung fibrosis and usual interstitial pneumonia pattern versus primary ARDS: a matched-control study
Authors: Tonelli Roberto , Grasso Salvatore , Cortegiani Andrea , Ball Lorenzo , Castaniere Ivana , Tabbì Luca , Fantini Riccardo , Andrisani Dario , Gozzi Filippo , Moretti Antonio , Bruzzi Giulia , Manicardi Linda , Cerri Stefania , Samarelli Anna Valeria , Raineri Giulia , Murgolo Francesco , Carzoli Andrea , Di Mussi Rossella , Busani Stefano , Rizzoni Raffaella , Grasselli Giacomo , Clini Enrico , Marchioni Alessandro 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
Although patients with interstitial pneumonia pattern (ILD-UIP) and acute exacerbation (AE) leading to severe acute respiratory failure may require invasive mechanical ventilation (MV), physiological data on lung mechanics during MV are lacking. We aimed at describing the physiological effect of lung-protective ventilation in patients with AE-ILD-UIP compared with primary ARDS.

Methods
Partitioned lung and chest wall mechanics were assessed in a series of AE-ILD-UIP patients matched 1:1 with primary ARDS as controls (based on BMI and PaO2/FiO2 ratio). Three PEEP levels (zero = ZEEP, 4–8 cmH2O = PEEPLOW, and titrated to achieve positive end-expiratory transpulmonary pressure PL,EE = PEEPTITRATED) were used for measurements.

Results
Ten AE-ILD-UIP patients and 10 matched ARDS were included. In AE-ILD-UIP median PL,EE at ZEEP was − 4.3 [− 7.6– − 2.3] cmH2O and lung elastance (EL) 44 [40–51] cmH2O/L. At PEEPLOW, PL,EE remained negative and EL did not change (p = 0.995) versus ZEEP. At PEEPTITRATED, PL,EE increased to 0.8 [0.3–1.5] cmH2O and EL to 49 [43–59] (p = 0.004 and p < 0.001 compared to ZEEP and PEEPLOW, respectively). ΔPL decreased at PEEPLOW (p = 0.018) and increased at PEEPTITRATED (p = 0.003). In matched ARDS control PEEP titration to obtain a positive PL,EE did not result in significant changes in EL and ΔPL.

Conclusions
In mechanically ventilated AE-ILD-UIP patients, differently than in patients with primary ARDS, PEEP titrated to obtain a positive PL,EE significantly worsened lung mechanics.
A stepped wedge cluster randomized trial to evaluate the effectiveness of a community leader-driven kit-based diabetes self-management education approach in improving diabetes control and care: study protocol for the DElhi Diabetes INTervention Trial (DEDINTT)
Authors: Nagpal Jitender , Rawat Swapnil , Gupta Lovely , Negi Avantika , Oraon Divya Shashi 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Introduction
Diabetes self-management education (DSME) helps patients self-manage their condition and improve outcomes/quality of life. However, access to DSME is limited, particularly in low-income areas. This study aims to develop a DSME training kit (EK-DIN), understand barriers to implementation, and evaluate the effectiveness and sustainability of community leader (CL)-based rollout using a stepped wedge cluster randomized trial format.

Methods and analysis
The mixed methods study will begin with a qualitative study to evaluate the facilitators and barriers towards CL-based DSME. The in-depth interview notes will be transcribed for thematic analysis. These results will be utilized for a stakeholder’s workshop to develop the EK-DIN kit, a patient-interfacing app, and an implementation plan. Rollout will be conducted in 30 clusters in Delhi, preselected by the DEDICOM-II survey in 5 steps (6 clusters every 3 months: 2 each from each socio-economic category; randomly selected per sequence). A CL from each cluster will be trained in using the EK-DIN kit/app over 1 month. The trained CL will conduct DSME sessions among the cluster residents using the EK-DIN kits provided fortnightly for 3 months. Compliance and blood parameters data will be collected at baseline, 3 months after the intervention, and every quarter thereafter till completion. Change in HbA1c before and after the intervention will be evaluated as the primary outcome using the swCRTdesign package for R version 4.0.2 and the swSummary function. The sustainability of the effects will be evaluated using the change in quarterly parameters after intervention completion.

Discussion
A positive result will set the template for a generalizable public health intervention with proven community effectiveness, sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and positive quality-of-life impact. While a negative result will require the testing of alternative approaches, it would still add substantially to existing knowledge on the subject. Given the diverse socio-cultural setting in which the trial is being proposed and the high power of the study, the results (positive or negative) should be widely applicable and have policy implications.

Trial registration
CTRI/2023/07/054963. Date of Registration: 7th July 2023.
Modified sharp regression discontinuity model to settings with fuzzy variables
Authors: Mafukidze Portia K. , Mwalili Samuel M. , Mageto Thomas 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Objective
The goal of this study is to develop a Modified Sharp Regression Discontinuity model to predict alcohol consumption in People Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Previous studies focused on either fuzzy dependent or fuzzy independent variables separately. However, there is a gap in research that examines the interaction between both types of fuzzy variables thus the model considers both dependent and independent fuzzy variables.

Methods
A statistical model was developed to predict the relationship between alcohol consumption and HIV progression. The model equations are solved numerically using parametric estimation.

Results
In simulation studies, as the sample size expanded, the estimates derived from the modified sharp regression discontinuity model exhibited probabilistic convergence towards the true value, thereby validating the estimator of the Average Causal Effect’s consistency. Counseling has an average causal effect in the sharp Regression Discontinuity Design (RDD) for compliers that is roughly equal to 0.199. This was the variation in Alcohol Use Detective Identification Test (AUDIT) threshold scores or the change in intercept scores when counseling was effective. Following six months of participation in the counseling program, AUDIT scores decreased, leading to an increase in Cluster of Differentiation 4 (CD4) counts and a decrease in viral loads.

Conclusion
The Modified Sharp RDD offers a robust approach to handle fuzzy variables in causal inference. Our study contributes to the advancement of RDD methodology and its applicability in real-world settings with uncertain data.
Chronic shoulder injury related to vaccine administration following coronavirus disease 2019 vaccination: a case report
Authors: Miyano Masahiro , Tsukuda Yukinori , Hiratsuka Shigeto , Hamasaki Masanari , Iwasaki Norimasa 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
Shoulder injury related to vaccine administration, defined as shoulder pain and limited range of motion occurring after administration in the upper arm, has been previously reported. The symptom resolved completely after treatment with oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or an intraarticular steroid injection, however there have been few reports of long-term symptoms following coronavirus disease 2019 vaccination. This case report describes a healthy, middle-aged, healthcare worker who developed post-vaccination subacromial–subdeltoid bursitis that lasted for more than 6 months after Pfizer–BioNTech coronavirus disease 2019 vaccination.

Case presentation
A 55-year-old Japanese woman with no significant medical history was vaccinated in the standard site, with the needle direction perpendicular to the skin. Within a few hours after the second vaccination, severe shoulder pain and limited range of motion appeared. Although shoulder range of motion improved, her shoulder pain did not improved for several months, and she consulted an orthopedic doctor 5 months later. Radiographs of her left shoulder did not provide helpful diagnostic information. High intensity in the subacromial–subdeltoid space was seen on short TI inversion recovery of magnetic resonance imaging, showing subacromial–subdeltoid bursitis. She was diagnosed with a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration. The patient was started on an oral anti-inflammatory drug, and the left subacromial space was injected with 2.5 mg of betamethasone with 3 ml of 1% lidocaine without epinephrine every 2 weeks. One month after starting this treatment, since her shoulder pain had not improved, the oral anti-inflammatory drug was switched to tramadol hydrochloride acetaminophen. However, 3 months after switching medication, the shoulder pain continued, and she worked so as to have minimal impact on her shoulder.

Conclusion
A case of subacromial–subdeltoid bursitis following a second dose of the Pfizer–BioNTech coronavirus disease 2019 vaccine that lasted many months is reported. Injection technique is a modifiable risk factor, the adverse effects of which could potentially be mitigated with appropriate and relevant training of healthcare providers. To prevent this type of case, the appropriate landmark, needle length, and direction should be confirmed.
Novel polymorphisms in the prion protein gene (PRNP) and stability of the resultant prion protein in different horse breeds
Authors: Sola Diego , Artigas Rody , Mediano Diego R. , Zaragoza Pilar , Badiola Juan José , Martín-Burriel Inmaculada , Acín Cristina 
Published: October 2023

AbstractPrion diseases are fatal neurodegenerative disorders in which the main pathogenic event is the conversion of the cellular prion protein (PrPC) into an abnormal and misfolded isoform known as PrPSc. Most prion diseases and their susceptibility and pathogenesis are mainly modulated by the PRNP gene that codes for PrP. Mutations and polymorphisms in the PRNP gene can alter PrPC amino acid sequence, leading to a change in transmission efficiency depending on the place where it occurs. Horses are animals that are considered to be highly resistant to prions. Several studies have attempted to identify polymorphisms in the PRNP gene that explain the reason for this high resistance. In this study, we have analysed 207 horses from 20 different breeds, discovering 3 novel PRNP polymorphisms. By using computer programmes such as PolyPhen-2, PROVEAN, PANTHER, Meta-SNP and PredictSNP, we have predicted the possible impact that these new polymorphisms would have on the horse prion protein. In addition, we measured the propensity for amyloid aggregation using AMYCO and analysed the lack of hydrogen bridges that these changes would entail together with their electrostatic potentials using Swiss-PdbViewer software, showing that an increased amyloid propensity could be due to changes at the level of electrostatic potentials.
Presence of potentially novel Helicobacter pylori-like organisms in gastric samples from cats and dogs
Authors: Taillieu Emily , De Bruyckere Sofie , Van Steenkiste Christophe , Chiers Koen , Haesebrouck Freddy 
Published: October 2023

AbstractWhile seven gastric non-Helicobacter pylori Helicobacter (NHPH) species are known to commonly colonize the stomach of cats and dogs, the potential of H. pylori and H. pylori-like organisms to infect animals remains controversial and was investigated in this study using gastric samples of 20 cats and 27 dogs. A Helicobacter genus-specific 16 S rRNA PCR assay, H. pylori-specific ureAB and glmM PCR assays and a nested PCR detecting 23 S rRNA in a Helicobacter genus-specific manner in a first round of PCR and a H. pylori-specific manner in a second round, were performed in combination with sequencing. Histopathological and anti-Helicobacter immunohistochemical evaluations were also performed. Based on 16 S rRNA sequence analysis, 39/47 animals (83%) appeared infected with canine/feline gastric NHPHs in the corpus and/or antrum. H. pylori-specific ureAB amplicons were obtained in samples of 22 stomachs (47%). One canine antrum sample positive in the ureAB assay was also positive in the H. pylori-specific glmM assay. While 36/47 (77%) animals had a positive sample in the first round of the nested 23 S rRNA PCR assay, all samples were negative in the second round. Sequence analysis of obtained amplicons and immunohistochemistry point towards the presence of unidentified H. pylori-like organisms in cats and dogs. Histopathological examination suggests a low pathogenic significance of the gastric Helicobacter spp. present in these animals. In conclusion, cats and dogs may be (co-)infected with gastric Helicobacter organisms other than the known gastric NHPHs. Culture and isolation should be performed to confirm this hypothesis.
Structural modeling of EFL/ESL teachers’ physical activity, mental health, psychological well-being, and self-efficacy
Authors: Guo Min , Jiang Shaohua 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
Physical activity (PA) is known to positively affect individuals’ mental and physical health, especially those who experience high levels of stress, such as teachers. Previous studies have examined the relationship between teachers’ PA, mental health, and well-being. Still, there is a lack of research on the direct and indirect effects of PA and self-efficacy.

Purpose
This study aimed to investigate the structural relationship between teachers’ PA, mental health, well-being, and self-efficacy among ESL/EFL teachers. A total of 364 Chinese English language teachers were selected through convenience sampling. Mental health, physical activity, psychological well-being, and self-efficacy instruments were used.

Methodology
The data was analyzed using Smart PLS software, and the hypothesized model was evaluated. The results indicated an acceptable level of divergent and convergent validity and goodness of fit.

Results
The findings revealed that PA directly predicts teachers’ mental health and well-being, but the direct structural relationship between teachers’ PA and self-efficacy was not confirmed. However, the results showed that teachers’ PA contributes to their self-efficacy by enhancing their mental and psychological well-being. The total effect of teachers’ PA on their self-efficacy was significant. Additionally, mental health and psychological well-being strongly influenced teachers’ self-efficacy.

Conclusion
In conclusion, regular weekly physical activity can help EFL/ESL teachers foster their mental health, psychological well-being, and self-efficacy. These findings have theoretical and practical significance for teachers, trainers, and educational psychologists.
Developing a national strategy of consumer and community involvement (CCI) for women’s health research
Authors: Madill Rebecca L. , Arnott Leslie D. , Pascuzzi Lesley , Allen Katie , Todd Angela L. , Perz Janette , Bolger-Harris Helen , Mishra Gita D. , Boyle Jacqueline A. 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Objective
To develop a consumer and community involvement (CCI) strategy for the Women’s Health Research, Translation and Impact Network (WHRTN), an initiative of the Australian Health Research Alliance (AHRA).

Type of program
A national network, comprising representatives from 14 nationally-accredited research translation centres that aims to embed CCI at a systems level, to improve equity and health outcomes across women’s health.

Methods
A CCI Sub-Committee of WHRTN was established, chaired by a Consumer Advisor/Advocate. This committee invited both internal and external Consumer Advisor/Advocates to participate in a workshop, to guide the development of WHRTN’s CCI Strategy in women’s health research.

Results
A CCI Strategy document was written with input from workshop attendees and leading academics in women’s health and has now been implemented into WHRTN, informing all aspect of the Network’s programs and activities.

Discussion
Broad and early consumer involvement can facilitate meaningful partnerships between researchers and community, and enable genuine consumer contributions to research across strategy development, priority setting and undertaking research. Appropriate finances and time need to be allocated for CCI, with training in CCI a key enabler for its effective implementation.