bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Barriers to COVID‐19 contact tracing: View from frontline healthcare students in Vietnam
Authors: Hoang Phuong Anh , Tran Ngoc Tran , Nguyen Thi Hoa Huyen , Nguyen Thi Thanh Huong 
Published: March 2023

AbstractIn the context of the complicated continuous waves of the COVID‐19 pandemic in Vietnam, contact tracing, along with social distancing and lock‐down, proved its crucial role in the suppression of epidemic spreading and management. With the high demand for responsiveness, healthcare students were constantly involved in the process, and challenges have emerged along the way. This study aims to identify the barriers faced by healthcare students while performing the contact tracing task at the frontline of the pandemic. A qualitative study was conducted in July 2021 in a health center in Binh Duong province, Vietnam. A total of 20 healthcare students were invited through random recruitment of participants and interviewed until the principle of saturation was reached. Three main barriers were identified including ineffective work management of local managers, lack of capability of human resources and facilities, and uncooperative attitude of local residents. Given the existing barriers, cooperative, innovative strategies, shared data systems, and timely public awareness campaigns, especially among primary health centers of the healthcare system, are imperative to reduce the workload and optimize the efficacy of healthcare students' support.
National data linkage assessment of live births and deaths in Mexico: Estimating under‐five mortality rate ratios for vulnerable newborns and trends from 2008 to 2019
Authors: Suárez‐Idueta Lorena , Pita Robespierre , Blencowe Hannah , Barranco Arturo , Gonzalez Jesus F. , Paixao Enny S. , Barreto Mauricio L. , Lawn Joy E. , Ohuma Eric O. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractBackgroundLinked datasets that enable longitudinal assessments are scarce in low and middle‐income countries.ObjectivesWe aimed to assess the linkage of administrative databases of live births and under‐five child deaths to explore mortality and trends for preterm, small (SGA) and large for gestational age (LGA) in Mexico.MethodsWe linked individual‐level datasets collected by National statistics from 2008 to 2019. Linkage was performed based on agreement on birthday, sex, residential address. We used the Centre for Data and Knowledge Integration for Health software to identify the best candidate pairs based on similarity. Accuracy was assessed by calculating the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. We evaluated completeness by comparing the number of linked records with reported deaths. We described the percentage of linked records by baseline characteristics to identify potential bias. Using the linked dataset, we calculated mortality rate ratios (RR) in neonatal, infants, and children under‐five according to gestational age, birthweight, and size.ResultsFor the period 2008–2019, a total of 24,955,172 live births and 321,165 under‐five deaths were available for linkage. We excluded 1,539,046 records (6.2%) with missing or implausible values. We succesfully linked 231,765 deaths (72.2%: range 57.1% in 2009 and 84.3% in 2011). The rate of neonatal mortality was higher for preterm compared with term (RR 3.83, 95% confidence interval, [CI] 3.78, 3.88) and for SGA compared with appropriate for gestational age (AGA) (RR 1.22 95% CI, 1.19, 1.24). Births at <28 weeks had the highest mortality (RR 35.92, 95% CI, 34.97, 36.88). LGA had no additional risk vs AGA among children under five (RR 0.92, 95% CI, 0.90, 0.93).ConclusionsWe demonstrated the utility of linked data to understand neonatal vulnerability and child mortality. We created a linked dataset that would be a valuable resource for future population‐based research.
“Like with like” or “do like?” Modeling peer effects in the classroom
Authors: Pratschke Jonathan , Abbiati Giovanni 
Published: March 2023

AbstractObjectiveThe authors discuss the role of peer networks in shaping the decision to enroll at university. Using panel data from Italy, they apply innovative statistical methods to study a sample of students as they complete high school and decide whether or not to attend university.MethodsThe authors use simultaneous autoregressive (SAR) models to analyze a four‐wave panel database of Italian students. They explore the role of endogenous, exogenous, and correlated peer effects in relation to the decision about whether or not to enroll at university.ResultsThe findings suggest that endogenous peer effects exert a significant influence on the probability of enrolling after controlling for homophilous preferences and a range of variables. Exogenous peer effects do not appear to influence this outcome. Sensitivity tests suggest that the results of the estimation are robust to selection.ConclusionsThis article contributes to an emerging body of literature on the use of SAR models to study peer effects, illustrating its considerable potential in the study of educational outcomes.
Light mode and dark mode: Which one is suitable when using public‐facing web maps? An experimental evaluation using eye‐tracking
Authors: Qiao Lige , Wu Mingguang 
Published: March 2023

AbstractDark maps, which are also called dark modes or dark themes, have gained popularity, but their usability has not been experimentally evaluated. This article presents a user experiment that uses eye‐tracking to assess the usability of dark and light maps. Here, two widely used web maps, Google Maps and Gaode Maps, are selected at the street and city scales. Eight map‐use tasks are designed and cover four operations (identify, compare, rank, and associate) with space‐alone and attributes‐in‐space distinctions. Four pairs of map‐use tasks (light‐during‐the‐day, dark‐during‐the‐day, dark‐at‐night, and light‐at‐night) are examined from three aspects: effectiveness, efficiency, and cognitive load. The results provide preliminary evidence that the light‐during‐the‐day performance is generally the best in most cases, followed by the dark‐at‐night performance; the dark‐during‐the‐day performance is the worst in all cases, followed by the light‐at‐night performance, which suggests that aligning the map design with the environment (i.e., lighting environment) is critical for better communication. The light‐during‐the‐day performance is the best for space‐alone tasks, and the dark‐at‐night performance is the best for attributes‐in‐space tasks. Our investigation also indicates that dark maps are far less favored in practice, which suggests that users' preference for using the dark mode of public‐facing web maps needs to be shaped. Since light and dark maps are associated with photopic and scotopic vision, respectively, the results indicate the need for future studies on how to leverage scotopic vision to design better dark maps.
Differentiated service delivery for HIV treatment models in Thailand: A cross‐sectional assessment of real‐world implementation and uptake
Authors: Lujintanon Sita , Amatavete Sorawit , Photisan Nuttawoot , Suriwong Sujittra , Noopetch Preudtipong , Shanthachol Teerarat , Leenasirimakul Prattana , Meechure Jantana , Sangtong Supakarn , Sittikarn Satayu , Phoopisutthisak Poonnanat , Avery Matthew , Mills Stephen , Phanuphak Nittaya , Ramautarsing Reshmie A. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractObjectivesFirst, to describe the antiretroviral therapy (ART) delivery models available in Thailand to understand differentiated service delivery for further service system optimization and expansion of best practices; second, to determine the client characteristics associated with model uptake.MethodsAcross‐sectional assessment using secondary data was conducted to describe ART models implemented as routine services at four public hospitals in three major provinces with a high‐HIV burden in Thailand. From April to October 2020, ART clients were screened consecutively according to the inclusion criteria: Thai, aged ≥18 years, and on ART for ≥6 months. HIV treatment models were categorised based on the service type, location, provider, and frequency. Logistic regression was used to identify the associated factors.ResultsSeven individual ART delivery models were identified: four were facility‐based and three were out‐of‐facility. No group models were identified. Of 3,366 records of ART clients reviewed, 3,213 (95.5%) met the study criteria and received ART through the following models: conventional (32.6%), nurse‐led clinical consultation (10.0%), fast‐track refill (29.0%), after‐hours clinic (10.6%), pharmacist‐led pickup center (3.6%), key population‐led community‐based organisation (2.7%), and mailing (11.5%). Age, population, duration on ART, and viral load were associated with the uptake of certain alternative service models when compared to the conventional model.ConclusionsAmong the variety of ART delivery approaches available in Thailand, facility‐based models remain the most prevalent. Future work should investigate the role of client preference and choice in choosing service models and service utilisation patterns over time, and assess the acceptability and effectiveness of these models
Effect of glycerin on immediate cutaneous reactions of histamine (positive) and phosphate‐buffered saline (negative) controls in intradermal skin testing of healthy dogs: A randomised, blinded study
Authors: Banovic Frane , Vargo Cheryl , Denley Tara 
Published: March 2023

AbstractBackgroundGlycerinated allergen extracts contain 50% glycerin, an excellent preservative. While glycerin is a recognised irritant in humans, the utility of glycerinated extracts for intradermal testing has not been validated in dogs.Hypothesis/objectiveTo determine and compare the effects of glycerin on immediate cutaneous reactions to intradermal injections of histamine and saline in healthy dogs.AnimalsEight healthy laboratory beagles.Materials and methodsThe study was designed as a randomised, blinded study. Intradermal injections of histamine (positive control) and saline (negative control) in aqueous and glycerinated (50%) forms were performed on the right thorax. Global wheal scores (GWS) at 20 min were evaluated by two independent investigators blinded to the interventions.ResultsThere were no wheal and flare reactions observed after the intradermal injections of phenolated saline. By contrast, 50% glycerosaline injections induced erythema and induration in all dogs. Global wheal scores were significantly higher in aqueous histamine (Friedman test, p < 0.0001) and 50% glycerinated histamine (Friedman test, p = 0.0084) compared to phenolated saline controls. Interestingly, only aqueous histamine (Friedman test, p = 0.01) had significantly higher GWS than 50% glycerosaline injections, while no significant difference in GWS between 50% glycerinated histamine and 50% glycerosaline groups was observed (Friedman test, p = 0.59).Conclusion and clinical relevanceThis study demonstrates that intradermal injection of 50% glycerosaline induces erythema and induration skin reactions in healthy dogs that can mimic positive reactions to allergenic extracts. Further dilutions of glycerinated positive and negative control solutions need to be optimised for intradermal testing in dogs.
Accuracy of a 3‐dimensionally printed custom endoscopy port for minimally invasive ventral slot decompression in dogs: A cadaveric study
Authors: Kang Jinsu , Lee Seungeon , Heo Suyoung , Kim Namsoo 
Published: March 2023

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the accuracy of a 3‐dimensionally (3D)‐printed custom endoscopy port (3DEP) for minimally invasive cervical ventral slot decompression.Study designCadaveric study.AnimalsFifteen cadavers of dogs weighing between 3.1 and 34.4 kg.MethodsMinimally invasive cervical ventral slots were created using a 3DEP and an endoscopic system at the C3‐C4 intervertebral disc space in each dog by 1 experienced and 1 inexperienced surgeon. Postoperative computed tomography was performed to compare the planned and postoperative screw trajectories (angle, entry point, exit point, and length of the screw entering the spinal canal) and quantify slot formation dimensions.ResultsThirty screws were inserted in 30 vertebral bodies. Mean screw angle deviation was less than 2.5°, entry and exit point deviation was less than 1.6 mm, and length of the screw entering the spinal canal was less than 0.6 mm. No differences were identified between the experienced and inexperienced surgeons. Ventral slot length ratio was 30.15 ± 1.86 for the experienced surgeon and 29.38 ± 1.61 for the inexperienced surgeon (p = .372). The mean ventral slot width ratio was 45.60 ± 1.80 for the experienced surgeon and 47.20 ± 1.54 for the inexperienced surgeon (p = .261).ConclusionScrew positioning and creation of ventral slots were accurately performed using the 3DEP by both inexperienced and experienced surgeons.Clinical significanceThe use of a 3DEP for minimally invasive cervical ventral slot decompression may be an alternative to the conventional ventral slot in dogs. Additional studies are needed to evaluate efficacy and safety.
Exercise Parameters for Postconcussion Symptom Rehabilitation: A Systematic Review
Authors: Jaganathan Kannan Singaravelu , Sullivan Karen A. , Kinmond Sally , Berndt Sara , Street Steve , Haden Catherine , Greenslade Jaimi , McMahon Katie , Mitchell Gary , Kerr Graham 
Published: March 2023

Context: Exercise rehabilitation for postconcussion symptoms (PCS) has shown some benefits in adolescent athletes; but a synthesis of evidence on exercise per se has been lacking. Objective: This systematic review aimed to determine if unimodal exercise interventions are useful to treat PCS and if so, to identify a set of clearly defined and effective exercise parameters for further research. Evidence Acquisition: Relevant health databases and clinical trial registries were searched from inception to June 2022. The searches used a combination of subject headings and keywords related to mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), PCSs, and exercise. Two independent reviewers screened and appraised the literature. The Cochrane Collaboration’s Risk of Bias-2 tool for randomized controlled trials was used to assess methodological quality of studies. Evidence Synthesis: Seven studies were included in the review. Four studies were assessed to have a low overall risk of bias, 2 with low risk and 1 with some concerns. Participants in the studies comprised mostly adolescents with sports-related concussion. The review found exercise to be more beneficial than control conditions in 2 studies investigating acute PCS and 2 studies investigating persistent PCS. Within-group differences showing symptom improvement over time were observed in all 7 studies. In general, the review found support for programmatic exercise that commences after an initial period of rest for 24 to 48 hours. Recommendations for exercise parameters that can be explored in subsequent research include progressive aerobic exercise starting from 10 to 15 minutes at least 4 times a week, at a starting intensity of 50% HR of the subsymptom threshold, with length of program depending on recovery. Conclusion: The evidence in support of exercise rehabilitation for PCSs is moderate based on the small pool of eligible studies. Further research can be guided by the exercise parameters identified in this review.
Students’ and staffs’ views and experiences of asymptomatic testing on a university campus during the COVID-19 pandemic in Scotland: a mixed methods study
Authors: Bauld Linda , Street Alice , Connelly Roxanne , Bevan Imogen , Morlet Corti Yazmin , Baxter Mats Stage , Stagg Helen R , Christison Sarah , Mulherin Tamara , Sinclair Lesley , Aitman Tim 
Published: March 2023

ObjectivesTo explore the acceptability of regular asymptomatic testing for SARS-CoV-2 on a university campus using saliva sampling for PCR analysis and the barriers and facilitators to participation.DesignCross-sectional surveys and qualitative semistructured interviews.SettingEdinburgh, Scotland.ParticipantsUniversity staff and students who had registered for the testing programme (TestEd) and provided at least one sample.Results522 participants completed a pilot survey in April 2021 and 1750 completed the main survey (November 2021). 48 staff and students who consented to be contacted for interview took part in the qualitative research. Participants were positive about their experience with TestEd with 94% describing it as ‘excellent’ or ‘good’. Facilitators to participation included multiple testing sites on campus, ease of providing saliva samples compared with nasopharyngeal swabs, perceived accuracy compared with lateral flow devices (LFDs) and reassurance of test availability while working or studying on campus. Barriers included concerns about privacy while testing, time to and methods of receiving results compared with LFDs and concerns about insufficient uptake in the university community. There was little evidence that the availability of testing on campus changed the behaviour of participants during a period when COVID-19 restrictions were in place.ConclusionsThe provision of free asymptomatic testing for COVID-19 on a university campus was welcomed by participants and the use of saliva-based PCR testing was regarded as more comfortable and accurate than LFDs. Convenience is a key facilitator of participation in regular asymptomatic testing programmes. Availability of testing did not appear to undermine engagement with public health guidelines.
Patient perspectives on indwelling urinary catheters and fluid balances after transsphenoidal pituitary surgery: a qualitative study
Authors: Nollen Jeanne-Marie , Brunsveld-Reinders Anja H , Peul Wilco C , van Furth Wouter R 
Published: March 2023

ObjectivesTo explore the perceptions and experiences of patients who underwent transsphenoidal pituitary gland and (para)sellar tumour surgery regarding indwelling urinary catheters (IDUCs) and the postoperative fluid balance.DesignQualitative study using semistructured interviews based on the attitudes, social influence and self-efficacy model and expert knowledge.ParticipantsTwelve patients who underwent transsphenoidal pituitary gland tumour surgery and received an IDUC during or after surgery.SettingOne patient was interviewed in the endocrinology outpatient clinic and 11 patients were interviewed on the neurosurgery ward.ResultsFive major themes emerged: (1) conflicting information and preoperative expectations, (2) IDUCs perceived as patient-friendly during bedrest, particularly for women, (3) little room for patients’ opinions, (4) physical and emotional limitations and (5) fluid balance causes confusion. Information regarding IDUC placement and fluid balance given to patients both preoperatively and postoperatively did not meet their expectations, which led to confusion and uncertainty. The IDUC was perceived as preferable if bedrest was mandatory, preferred particularly by women. Patient could not mobilise freely due to the IDUC and felt ashamed, judged by others and dependent on nurses.ConclusionsThis study provides insight into the challenges patients experience in relation to the IDUC and fluid balance. Perceptions on the necessity of an IDUC varied among patients and were influenced by both physical and emotional impediments. A clear, frequent and daily communication between healthcare professionals and patients to evaluate IDUC and fluid balance use is necessary to increase patient satisfaction.
Developing a quality improvement project to tackle the desflurane problem
Authors: Ang King Sin , Low Zhao Kai , Ng Bryan Su Wei , Poh Pei Kee 
Published: March 2023

Anaesthesia is associated with the routine use of volatile anaesthetic agents, all of which are potent greenhouse gases in varying degrees. Desflurane, in particular, has a high global warming potential and in recent years, there has been a global movement to reduce or remove its usage entirely from operating theatres. We work in a large tertiary teaching hospital in Singapore with deeply entrenched practices of using desflurane to facilitate high turnover of operating theatre cases. We launched a quality improvement project to (1) reduce the median usage of desflurane by 50% (by volume), and (2) reduce the number of theatre cases administering desflurane by 50% over a period of 6 months.We collected baseline data to determine departmental monthly median usage of desflurane. We then deployed sequential quality improvement methods to educate staff and to eliminate misconceptions, as well as to promote a gradual cultural change.We successfully reduced monthly median desflurane usage from 31.5 L to 12.2 L per month (61.3% reduction) within our targeted time frame. We also achieved a reduction in the number of theatre cases using desflurane by approximately 80%. This translated to significant cost savings of US$195 000 per year and over 840 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents saved.Healthcare is a resource intensive industry. Anaesthetists are well placed to play an important role in reducing healthcare-related carbon emissions by choosing anaesthetic techniques and resources responsibly. Through multiple Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles and a persistent, multifaceted campaign, we achieved a sustained change in our institution.
BHLHE22 drives the immunosuppressive bone tumor microenvironment and associated bone metastasis in prostate cancer
Authors: Yin Chi , Wang Min , Wang Yingzhao , Lin Qijun , Lin Kaiyuan , Du Hong , Lang Chuandong , Dai Yuhu , Peng Xinsheng 
Published: March 2023

BackgroundThe molecular characteristics of prostate cancer (PCa) cells and the immunosuppressive bone tumor microenvironment (TME) contribute to the limitations of immune checkpoint therapy (ICT). Identifying subgroups of patients with PCa for ICT remains a challenge. Herein, we report that basic helix-loop-helix family member e22 (BHLHE22) is upregulated in bone metastatic PCa and drives an immunosuppressive bone TME.MethodsIn this study, the function of BHLHE22 in PCa bone metastases was clarified. We performed immunohistochemical (IHC) staining of primary and bone metastatic PCa samples, and assessed the ability to promote bone metastasis in vivo and in vitro. Then, the role of BHLHE22 in bone TME was determined by immunofluorescence (IF), flow cytometry, and bioinformatic analyses. RNA sequencing, cytokine array, western blotting, IF, IHC, and flow cytometry were used to identify the key mediators. Subsequently, the role of BHLHE22 in gene regulation was confirmed using luciferase reporter, chromatin immunoprecipitation assay, DNA pulldown, co-immunoprecipitation, and animal experiments. Xenograft bone metastasis mouse models were used to assess whether the strategy of immunosuppressive neutrophils and monocytes neutralization by targeting protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5)/colony stimulating factor 2 (CSF2) could improve the efficacy of ICT. Animals were randomly assigned to treatment or control groups. Moreover, we performed IHC and correlation analyses to identify whether BHLHE22 could act as a potential biomarker for ICT combination therapies in bone metastatic PCa.ResultsTumorous BHLHE22 mediates the high expression of CSF2, resulting in the infiltration of immunosuppressive neutrophils and monocytes and a prolonged immunocompromised T-cell status. Mechanistically, BHLHE22 binds to theCSF2promoter and recruits PRMT5, forming a transcriptional complex. PRMT5 epigenetically activatesCSF2expression. In a tumor-bearing mouse model, ICT resistance of Bhlhe22+tumors could be overcome by inhibition of Csf2 and Prmt5.ConclusionsThese results reveal the immunosuppressive mechanism of tumorous BHLHE22 and provide a potential ICT combination therapy for patients with BHLHE22+PCa.