bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Safety of 222 nm UVC Irradiation to the Surgical Site in a Rabbit Model
Authors: Fukui Tomoaki , Niikura Takahiro , Oda Takahiro , Kumabe Yohei , Nishiaki Aiko , Kaigome Rena , Ohashi Hiroyuki , Sasaki Masahiro , Igarashi Tatsushi , Oe Keisuke , Hamblin Michael R. , Kuroda Ryosuke 
Published: March 2022

ABSTRACTFor the prevention of surgical site infection (SSI), continuous disinfection could be helpful. Short wavelength ultraviolet radiation C (UVC) is highly bactericidal but shows cytotoxicity. Radiation of UVC with a wavelength of 222 nm to the skin is considered to be safe because it only reaches the stratum corneum. However, the safety of 222 nm irradiation to the surgical field not covered with skin is unknown. The purpose of this study was to examine the safety of 222 nm UVC irradiation on a surgical field in a rabbit model. Five types of tissue were surgically exposed and irradiated with 222 or 254 nm UVC. Immunohistological assessment against cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer (CPD), an index of DNA damage by UVC, was performed. The CPD‐positive cell rate was significantly higher in the 254 nm group than in the other groups in all tissues. A 222 nm group showed significantly more CPD than control in fat tissue, but no significant difference in all other tissues. In fat tissue collected 24 h after irradiation, the 254 nm group showed higher CPD than the other groups, while the 222 nm group had reduced to the control level. These data suggest that 222 nm UVC irradiation could be a new method to safely prevent SSI.
L‐Cysteine improves bovine oocyte developmental competence in vitro via activation of oocyte‐derived growth factors BMP‐15 and GDF‐9
Authors: Elgebaly Maha Mosad , Hazaa Abo Bakr Maher , Amer Hussein Ahmed , Mesalam Ayman 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThis study was designed to investigate the effect of different concentrations of L‐cysteine supplementation into the maturation medium on the oocyte nuclear maturation, cumulus cell expansion, ultrastructure of the oocytes and the expression of oocyte‐derived growth factors BMP‐15, GDF‐9 and CB‐1 genes. Cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) were collected from cow's ovaries obtained from abattoir and incubated at 38.5°C in maturation media supplemented with 0, 0.6, 0.8 or 1 mM L‐cysteine in 5% CO2 under humidified air for 24 hr. We found that a significantly higher percentage of oocytes progressed to metaphase II stage in the in vitro maturation (IVM) medium supplemented with L‐cysteine, particularly 0.8 mM group, compared with untreated control oocytes. Additionally, L‐cysteine treatment significantly increased the number of expanded COCs and the degree of expansion of individual COCs. Results of RT‐qPCR showed significant increase in expression levels of BMP‐15 and GDF‐9 in L‐cysteine‐treated groups compared with control one. Electron microgram showed improvement of cytoplasmic maturation regarding ultrastructure of the oocytes and oocyte–cumulus cell gap junction communication in all L‐cysteine‐treated groups especially 0.8 mM L‐cysteine‐treated one. In conclusion, supplementation of IVM medium with a potential anti‐oxidant, L‐cysteine can effectively improve in vitro oocytes cytoplasmic and nuclear maturation via activation of oocyte maturation related BMP‐15 and GDF‐9 genes in bovine oocytes, benefiting the extended researches about the potential applications of L‐cysteine in mammalian breeding technologies.
A Unique Bond: Twin Bereavement and Lifespan Associations of Identical and Fraternal Twins
Authors: van den Berg Gerard J. , Drepper Bettina 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Analyses of twin mortality often use models with dependent unobserved frailty terms capturing genetic and childhood environmental determinants. This ignores that mortality rates can be co-dependent due to bereavement effects, that is, to a causal effect of the loss of the co-twin on the mortality rate of the surviving twin. We develop a novel approach based on a model incorporating both types of dependence. We prove identification and we estimate models with Danish register data on twin pairs. Among men, losing an identical co-twin at age 75 causally reduces the remaining lifetime on average by more than a year. This bereavement effect is less severe among non-identical twins. The results are relevant for the assessment of the economic component of bereavement effects in general. Furthermore, estimates of correlations between the frailty terms by zygosity and the ensuing relative importance of genetic determinants are highly dependent on whether bereavement effects are ignored.
Density-Based Clustering of Social Networks
Authors: Menardi Giovanna , De Stefano Domenico 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
The idea of the modal formulation of density-based clustering is to associate groups with the regions around the modes of the probability density function underlying the data. The correspondence between clusters and dense regions in the sample space is here exploited to discuss an extension of this approach to the analysis of social networks. Conceptually, the notion of high-density cluster fits well the one of community in a network, regarded to as a collection of individuals with dense local ties in its neighbourhood. The lack of a probabilistic notion of density in networks is turned into a strength of the proposed method, where node-wise measures that quantify the role of actors are used to derive different community configurations. The approach allows for the identification of a hierarchical structure of clusters, which may catch different degrees of resolution of the clustering structure. This feature well fits the nature of social networks, disentangling different involvements of individuals in aggregations.
Dynamic Modelling of Mortality Via Mixtures of Skewed Distribution Functions
Authors: Aliverti Emanuele , Mazzuco Stefano , Scarpa Bruno 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
There has been growing interest on forecasting mortality. In this article, we propose a novel dynamic Bayesian approach for modelling and forecasting the age-at-death distribution, focusing on a three-component mixture of a Dirac mass, a Gaussian distribution and a skew-normal distribution. According to the specified model, the age-at-death distribution is characterized via seven parameters corresponding to the main aspects of infant, adult and old-age mortality. The proposed approach focuses on coherent modelling of multiple countries, and following a Bayesian approach to inference we allow to borrow information across populations and to shrink parameters towards a common mean level, implicitly penalizing diverging scenarios. Dynamic modelling across years is induced through an hierarchical dynamic prior distribution that allows to characterize the temporal evolution of each mortality component and to forecast the age-at-death distribution. Empirical results on multiple countries indicate that the proposed approach outperforms popular methods for forecasting mortality, providing interpretable insights on its evolution.
Robust optimal estimation of location from discretely sampled functional data
Authors: Kalogridis Ioannis , Van Aelst Stefan 
Published: March 2022

AbstractEstimating location is a central problem in functional data analysis, yet most current estimation procedures either unrealistically assume completely observed trajectories or lack robustness with respect to the many kinds of anomalies one can encounter in the functional setting. To remedy these deficiencies we introduce the first class of optimal robust location estimators based on discretely sampled functional data. The proposed method is based on M‐type smoothing spline estimation with repeated measurements and is suitable for both commonly and independently observed trajectories that are subject to measurement error. We show that under suitable assumptions the proposed family of estimators is minimax rate optimal both for commonly and independently observed trajectories and we illustrate its highly competitive performance and practical usefulness in a Monte‐Carlo study and a real‐data example involving recent Covid‐19 data.
How Do Coaches Operationalise Long-Term Technical Training in Elite Golf?
Authors: Orr Steven , Carson Howie J. , Cruickshank Andrew 
Published: March 2022

Long-term training is a common approach within the applied setting for components of physiology and strength and conditioning, for example. However, less is known about the reality of training across similar timescales from a technical perspective. Taking the highly technical sport of golf, current research rarely considers coaching technique beyond a single session or with the aim to understand the reality for, or challenges faced by, coaches working at the elite level. Accordingly, this qualitative study explored the goals, structure, and methods of coaches’ long-term technical work with players at macro-, meso-, and microlevels. Findings revealed that (a) coaches attempted to undertake technical refinement with players but without a clear systematic process, (b) there is little coherence and consistency across the levels of work, (c) the process and timescales of technical work are considered unpredictable and uncertain, and (d) long-term planning is seen as subservient to meeting players’ immediate performance needs. These results highlight the complexity of long-term technical work at the elite level and the need for coaches to develop both a sound and clear rationale through a more comprehensive case conceptualisation process, as well as a greater alignment to the scientific literature, to advance future practice.
Adolescent experiences of mistreatment during childbirth in health facilities: secondary analysis of a community-based survey in four countries
Authors: Irinyenikan Theresa Azonima , Aderoba Adeniyi Kolade , Fawole Olufunmilayo , Adeyanju Olusoji , Mehrtash Hedieh , Adu-Bonsaffoh Kwame , Maung Thae Maung , Balde Mamadou Dioulde , Vogel Joshua P , Plesons Marina , Chandra-Mouli Venkatraman , Tunçalp Özge , Bohren Meghan A 
Published: March 2022

IntroductionPregnancy and childbearing among adolescents—especially younger adolescents—is associated with health complications and lost opportunities for education and personal development. In addition to established challenges adolescents and young women face in sexual and reproductive healthcare, evidence suggests that they also face mistreatment during childbirth.MethodsThis is a secondary analysis of the WHO study ‘How women are treated during facility-based childbirth’ cross-sectional community survey in Ghana, Guinea, Myanmar and Nigeria. We used descriptive analysis to assess experiences of mistreatment among adolescents (15–19 years) and young women (20–24 years) and multivariable logistic regression models to assess the association between experiences of mistreatment and satisfaction with care during childbirth.Results862 participants are included (15–19 years: 287, 33.3%; 20–24 years: 575, 66.7%). The most common mistreatment was verbal abuse (15–19 years: 104/287, 36.2%; 20–24 years: 181/575, 31.5%). There were high levels of poor communication (15–19 years: 92/287, 32.1%; 20–24 years: 171/575, 29.7%), lack of supportive care (15–19 years: 22/287, 42.5%; 20–24 years: 195/575, 33.9%) and lack of privacy (15–19 years: 180/287, 62.7%; 20–24 years: 395/575, 68.7%). Women who were verbally abused were less likely to report satisfaction with care (adjusted OR (AOR): 0.19, 95% CI: 0.12 to 0.31) and less likely to recommend the facility (AOR: 0.24, 95% CI: 0.15 to 0.38). There were similar reports among those who were physically abused, had long waiting time, did not mobilise and did not give consent for vaginal examinations.ConclusionOur study shows that adolescents and young women mistreatment during childbirth, contributing to low satisfaction with care. It is critical to recognise adolescents and young women’s unique needs in maternal healthcare and how their needs may intersect with social stigma around sex and pregnancy.
Measuring perception of mental well-being in patients under isolation precautions: a prospective comparative study
Authors: Vuichard-Gysin Danielle , Nueesch Reto , Fuerer Raffaela Laura , Dangel Marc , Widmer Andreas 
Published: March 2022

ObjectivesIsolation precautions (IP) are applied to prevent transmission of pathogens in healthcare settings. Potential negative health outcomes experienced by patients have been previously described but results remain conflicting. We aimed at evaluating the psychological impact of IP in adult patients in isolation using a novel psychological assessment tool.Study designProspective matched cohort study.SettingTertiary care centre in Switzerland.ParticipantsHospitalised patients under IP and non-isolated patients were matched by ward, age and illness severity.Outcome measuresWe measured surrogates of mental and social well-being by using the Pictorial Representation of Illness and Self Measure (PRISM) instrument once during hospitalisation. PRISM is a visual psychometric instrument that has been validated as a quantitative measure of suffering. Smaller distance in self-to-illness separation (SIS) signifies higher importance for a patient.Results156 patients agreed to participate of which 63 were under IP and 93 were matched controls. Median (IQR) duration of isolation was 5 days (2–10). The median SIS (IQR) for perceived inferior nurses’ care was 22.8 (18.5–24.3) and 23.8 (23.3–25.5) for isolated and non-isolated patients, respectively (p<0.001). Similarly, median SIS (IQR) was significantly smaller in isolated than non-isolated patients for avoidance by visitors with 17.5 (7.7–22.0) and 22.2 (21.8–22.6), for loneliness with 7.5 (3.6–16.0) and 18 (10.2–21.6) and for feeling impure with 19 (17.0–21.5) and 21.5 (18.9–22.1), respectively (all p values<0.05).ConclusionsIP to prevent transmission of pathogens may negatively impact mental and social well-being. Measures to alleviate adverse effects of IP should be taken routinely.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of medicine use studies in Ethiopia using the WHO patient care indicators with an emphasis on the availability of prescribed medicines
Authors: Teni Fitsum Sebsibe , Wubishet Befikadu Legesse , Yimenu Dawit Kumilachew 
Published: March 2022

ObjectiveTo collate the findings of studies on patient care indicators in Ethiopia using the WHO/International Network for Rational Use of Drugs indicators with a focus on the availability of medicines to patients.DesignSystematic review and meta-analysis.Data sourcesEmbase, Global Index Medicus, Google Scholar, Medline (via PubMed) and Web of Science.Eligibility criteriaMedicine use studies employing the WHO patient care indicators across health facilities in Ethiopia.Data extraction and synthesisDescriptive summary of the indicators and a random-effects meta-analysis were performed for quantitative synthesis of findings on the percentage of medicines actually dispensed. Meta-regression was performed to assess the moderator effects of different attributes of the studies.ResultsA total of 25 studies conducted in 155 health facilities with 11 703 patient exit interviews were included. The median value of average consultation time was 5.1 min (25th–75th: 4.2–6.6) and that of average dispensing time was 78 s (25th–75th: 54.9–120.0). The median percentage of medicines with adequate labelling was 22.4% (25th–75th: 5.6%–50.0%). A concerning trend of decreasing dispensing times and adequacy of labelling were observed in more recent studies. The median percentage of patients with adequate knowledge of dosage schedules of medicines was 70.0% (25th–75th: 52.5%–81.0%). In the meta-analysis, the pooled estimate of medicine availability was 85.9% (95% CI: 82.1% to 89.0%). The multivariable meta-regression showed that geographical area and quality of study were statistically significant predictors of medicine availability.ConclusionShort consultation and dispensing times, inadequate labelling, inadequate knowledge of patients on medicines and suboptimal availability of medicines were identified in health facilities of Ethiopia. Studies aimed at further exploration of the individual indicators like problems of inadequate labelling and patients’ knowledge of dispensed medicines are crucial to determine the specific reasons and improve medicine use.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42020157274.
Developing an evaluation framework for assessing the impact of recovery colleges: protocol for a participatory stakeholder engagement process and cocreated scoping review
Authors: Lin Elizabeth , Harris Holly , Gruszecki Sam , Costa-Dookhan Kenya A , Rodak Terri , Sockalingam Sanjeev , Soklaridis Sophie 
Published: March 2022

IntroductionRecovery colleges (RCs) are mental health centres aimed at equipping people with skills to live a meaningful life despite the presence of mental distress. Unique to them is the aspect of cocreation; RCs are designed collaboratively with people of lived experiences of mental health and addictions and care providers. Despite established benefits, there remains a lack of empirical evidence on how RCs work and on their impact.AimsWe aim to address this gap by designing a cocreated evaluation framework for RCs. This will be accomplished by engaging RC student/facilitators to provide perspectives on RCs/RC evaluation and cocreate a scoping review identifying evaluation gaps in the literature. Themes identified through these processes will form the evaluation framework.Methods and analysisTwo methodologies will be used to explore RC evaluation: student/facilitator engagement and a scoping review of current published and grey literature on RC evaluation. Engagement will be achieved using a participatory action research approach consisting of informant interviews of ~25 RC students/facilitators across Canada, which will be thematically analysed. The scoping review will follow methodology described by Arksey and O’Malley modified to support cocreation. Concurrent conducting of the engagement process and scoping review will allow RC students and peer facilitators the opportunity to shape RC evaluations, address gaps in the literature and codesign an evaluation framework focused on recovery-oriented processes and outcomes mattering most to RCs students/facilitators.Ethics and disseminationEthics approval was received for the RC student/facilitator engagement component from the Centre for Addictions and Mental Health Research Ethics Board (#042–2020) and Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences (#20–013-B). Scoping review results will be copresented through national and international medical education conferences and published in open-access peer-reviewed journals. Furthermore, a dissemination strategy on evaluation for the national RC community will be created.
Physical activity and/or sedentary behaviour and the development of functional disability in community-dwelling older adults in Tsuru, Japan: a prospective cohort study (the Tsuru Longitudinal Study)
Authors: Sato Shinichiro , Takeda Noriko , Yamada Takuya , Nakamura Mutsumi , Nemoto Yuta , Maruo Kazushi , Fukuda Yoshiharu , Sawada Susumu S , Kitabatake Yoshinori , Arao Takashi 
Published: March 2022

ObjectivesTo clarify the association between moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and/or sedentary behaviour (SB) and the incidence of functional disability (FD) in older adults.DesignProspective cohort study.SettingLocal municipality of Tsuru, Yamanashi, Japan. We conducted a baseline survey in January 2016. Follow-up was commenced on 1 February 2016 and completed on 31 October 2018.ParticipantsAll individuals (6661 people) aged >65 years who were independently living in the community were eligible.Methods and outcome measuresMVPA (min/week) and SB (min/day) were measured using self-administered questionnaires in 5311 independently living older adults who participated in this study. The follow-up period was 33 months, and the incidence of FD was objectively determined by experts. The participants were divided into three groups based on MVPA distribution (non-MVPA, 0 min; short-MVPA, 1–299 min and long-MVPA, ≥300 min/week) and into two groups based on the median value of SB (short-SB,<190 min; and long-SB, ≥190 min/day). The participants were also classified into six categories based on different combinations of MVPA and SB. Cox proportional hazards model was used to calculate the HR and 95% CI for FD development with MVPA, SB and a combination of these behaviours.ResultsAmong the included participants, 2415 were male and 2896 were female. The mean ages (SD) of the male and female participants were 74.5 (6.8) and 74.9 (6.9) years, respectively. The total number of participants with chronic conditions was 3489 (65.7%). Using the non-MVPA group as the reference, the multivariable-adjusted HR (95% CI) was 0.68 (0.54 to 0.84) in the short-MVPA group and 0.53 (0.41 to 0.69) in the long-MVPA group. Regarding SB, the short-SB group had an HR of 0.86 (0.71 to 1.03) compared with the long-SB group. The combined behaviour showed the lowest HR in the long-MVPA and short-SB group 0.49 (0.34 to 0.72) and the long-MVPA and long-SB group 0.49 (0.34 to 0.68), respectively.ConclusionsLong-MVPA had a robust association with FD development, whereas short-SB had a modest association. Moreover, a combination of these behaviours had a stronger association than individual behaviours. If the identified associations are assumed to be causal in nature, these findings suggest that encouraging older adults to engage in MVPA and reduce SB in their daily lives could be effective to prevent or delay FD development.
‘Bringing testing closer to you’: barriers and facilitators in implementing HIV self-testing among Filipino men-having-sex-with-men and transgender women in National Capital Region (NCR), Philippines – a qualitative study
Authors: Dinglasan Jeanno Lorenz G , Rosadiño John Danvic T , Pagtakhan Ronivin G , Cruz Denis P , Briñes Matthew T , Regencia Zypher Jude G , Baja Emmanuel S 
Published: March 2022

ObjectivesOur study identified barriers and facilitators in implementing HIV self-testing (HIVST), including the perceptions of men-having-sex-with-men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW) on HIVST. Furthermore, we explored the current knowledge, practices and potential of HIVST among the MSM and TGW populations.DesignQualitative in-depth key informant interviews were administered using semistructured interviews administered in both English and Filipino. Thematic analysis of the findings was done after transcribing all audio recordings.SettingThe study was done in the National Capital Region (NCR), Philippines using online video conferencing platforms due to mobility restrictions and lockdowns caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.ParticipantsAll study participants were either MSM or TGW, 18–49 years old and residing/working in NCR. Exclusion criteria include biologically born female and/or currently on pre-exposure prophylaxis, antiretroviral therapy medications or an HIV-positive diagnosis.ResultsTwenty informants were interviewed, of which 75% were MSM, and most of them preferred the use of HIVST. Facilitators and barriers to the use of HIVST were grouped into three main themes: Acceptability, distribution and monitoring and tracking. Convenience and confidentiality, overcoming fears and normalisation of HIV testing services (HTS) in the country were the participants’ perceived facilitators of HIVST. In contrast, lack of privacy and maintenance of confidentiality during kit delivery were perceived as barriers in HIVST implementation. Moreover, social media was recognised as a powerful tool in promoting HIVST. The use of a welcoming tone and positive language should be taken into consideration due to the prevalent HIV stigma.ConclusionsThe identified facilitators and barriers from the study may be considered by the Philippine HTS programme implementers. The HIVST strategy may complement the current HTS. It will be very promising to involve the MSM and TGW communities and other key populations to know their HIV status by bringing testing closer to them.