bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Secular trends in the utility of SGLT‐2 inhibitors in heart failure patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus across Metro South Health hospitals in South‐East Queensland
Authors: Lu Zhen Qi , McCourt Elizabeth , Goodhew Karen , Gupta Deepali , Chuan Francine , Mok Leonie , Peters Robyn , Ha Tina , Fowler Daniel , Dobbyn Daniel Michael , Hetherington Justine , Challa Prasad , Kannan Shanthi , Korczyk Dariusz , Russell Anthony , Mugwagwa Augustine Nyasha 
Published: December 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe 2018 Australian Heart Failure (HF) guidelines strongly recommended commencing sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitors (SGLT‐2is) in HF patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The uptake of SGLT‐2is for HF patients with T2DM in our health service is unknown.AimsTo determine the adoption of the 2018 HF guidelines by assessing the temporal trends of SGLT‐2is' usage in HF patients with T2DM at Metro South Health (MSH) hospitals, in South‐East Queensland.MethodsRetrospective analysis of all HF patients (ejection fraction (EF) < 50%) with T2DM who were managed within MSH hospitals between June 2018 and June 2021.ResultsA total of 666 patients met the inclusion criteria with 918 HF encounters. Mean age was 72 years and 71% were male (473/666). Mean EF was 30% (SD ± 11%), and mean estimated glomerular filtration rate was 48 mL/min/1.73 m2 (SD ± 25). Fifty‐four per cent (362/666) had contraindications to SGLT‐2is. Among those without contraindications, there was a five‐fold increase in the utility of SGLT‐2is, 7% (2/29) before versus 38% (103/275) after implementation of the HF guidelines (P < 0.001). Patients on SGLT‐2is were younger (64 years vs 69 years, P = 0.002) and had a lower number of HF hospitalisations (1.1 vs 2.1, P = 0.01).ConclusionsDuring the study period, 54% of our HF patients with T2DM were not on SGLT‐2is due to prescribing guidelines/limitations in the Australian context. We observed a five‐fold significant increase in the uptake of SGLT‐2is before and after implementation of HF guidelines among patients without contraindications to SGLT‐2is. There were significantly fewer HF hospitalisations among patients on SGLT‐2is compared to those without.
Relationship of hearing impairment, social participation and depressive symptoms to the incidence of frailty in a community cohort
Authors: Ning Hongting , Zhang Hua , Xie Zhihai , Jiang Weihong , Xie Shaobing 
Published: December 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe mediating effect of social participation and depressive symptoms on the relationship between hearing impairment and frailty remains unclear.MethodsA total of 3981 participants from three waves of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) were included. The outcome was incidental frailty. Hearing impairment, social participation, and depressive symptoms were the main variables. Cox regression models and structural equation models were adopted to examine the relationship between hearing impairment, social participation, depressive symptoms, and the incidence of frailty, with adjustments for demographic characteristics and lifestyle variables at baseline.ResultsHearing impairment (hazard ratio [HR] 1.31, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.12, 1.74), social participation (HR 0.72, 95% CI 0.55, 0.94), and depressive symptoms (HR 1.78, 95% CI 1.37, 2.30) were associated with the incidence of frailty. Hearing impairment was associated with frailty not only through social participation (β = 0.015, 95% CI 0.003, 0.037) and depressive symptoms (β = 0.070, 95% CI 0.037, 0.116) separately but also through social participation and depressive symptoms sequentially (β = 0.002, 95% CI 0.001, 0.004). Furthermore, the effect of social participation on frailty occurred in participants with hearing impairment, while the effect of depressive symptoms on frailty occurred in participants with normal hearing status.ConclusionsHearing impairment is associated with frailty, in which social participation and depressive symptoms partly mediate the association. The effect of social participation and depressive symptoms on frailty varies across hearing statuses. Integrated and comprehensive intervention measures, including hearing screenings, promoting social participation, and improving depressive symptoms, are suggested to prevent frailty.
Use of metabolic glycoengineering and pharmacological inhibitors to assess lipid and protein sialylation on cells
Authors: Kranaster Petra , Blum Jonathan , Dold Jeremias E. G. A. , Wittmann Valentin , Leist Marcel 
Published: December 2022

AbstractMetabolic glycoengineering (MGE) has been developed to visualize carbohydrates on live cells. The method allows the fluorescent labeling of sialic acid (Sia) sugar residues on neuronal plasma membranes. For instance, the efficiency of glycosylation along neurite membranes has been characterized as cell health measure in neurotoxicology. Using human dopaminergic neurons as model system, we asked here, whether it was possible to separately label diverse classes of biomolecules and to visualize them selectively on cells. Several approaches suggest that a large proportion of Sia rather incorporated in non‐protein components of cell membranes than into glycoproteins. We made use here of deoxymannojirimycin (dMM), a non‐toxic inhibitor of protein glycosylation, and of N‐butyl‐deoxynojirimycin (NBdNM) a well‐tolerated inhibitor of lipid glycosylation, to develop a method of differential labeling of sialylated membrane lipids (lipid‐Sia) or sialylated N‐glycosylated proteins (protein‐Sia) on live neurons. The time resolution at which Sia modification of lipids/proteins was observable was in the range of few hours. The approach was then extended to several other cell types. Using this technique of target‐specific MGE, we found that in dopaminergic or sensory neurons >60% of Sia is lipid bound, and thus polysialic acid‐neural cell adhesion molecule (PSA‐NCAM) cannot be considered the major sialylated membrane component. Different from neurons, most Sia was bound to protein in HepG2 hepatoma cells or in neural crest cells. Thus, our method allows visualization of cell‐specific sialylation processes for separate classes of membrane constituents.image
What Women Do, Believe in, and Financially Contribute—What Matters More in Couples' Decision Making? Gender Inequality in Ghana's Small‐Scale Fisheries☆
Authors: Adjei Moses , Chan Annie Hau Nung 
Published: December 2022

AbstractStudies of couple's decision‐making power consistently show that women disproportionately occupy subordinate positions. Using survey data (N = 400) from an ethnographic study on Ghanaian female fisherfolk, we examine the influences of women's financial contributions, ownership of production assets and gender role attitudes, and how they interact with the bodily capacities required to perform different fishery tasks to shape women's decision‐making power. Findings show that financial contributions and ownership of production assets remain salient determinants of women's fishery decision‐making power. However, their participation in strenuous tasks dampens the positive relationship between their financial contributions, gender role attitudes and decision‐making power, such that financial contributions become insignificant. Women's decision‐making power varies according to the sex‐typed division of labor in small‐scale fishing, and those who violate it are ‘punished’—as evident in their decreased decision‐making power. Attention to the co‐implications of socio‐economic forces and material factors such as women's embodied experiences highlights (1) the specificities of occupational sex segregation and decision‐making in agricultural sectors of developing economies and (2) how such entanglements can be reconfigured to enhance women's decision‐making power in such contexts.
Impression technique modification and oral contracture release surgery for orthodontic treatment in a patient with severe microstomia due to recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa
Authors: Véliz Méndez Sebastián , Baeza Mauricio , Krämer Strenger Susanne 
Published: December 2022

AbstractIntroductionEpidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a group of genetic disorders characterized by fragility of the skin and mucosal membranes. Dystrophic EB (DEB) is caused by mutations in the gene coding for type VII collagen. Among the most frequent oral manifestations in Recessive DEB (RDEB) are oral ulcers and blisters, absence of tongue papillae and palatal rugae, ankyloglossia, oral vestibule obliteration, and microstomia. The following report describes a modified impression technique used in a patient with severe RDEB and severe microstomia to obtain models for orthodontic treatment with aligners.Case ReportA 25‐year‐old female patient with severe RDEB was referred for orthodontic treatment. Severe microstomia (8 mm), hindered the use of conventional trays or intraoral scanners to design the aligners. Therefore, a contracture release surgery in combination with a modified impression technique was performed to obtain an optimal impression and subsequent aligners for orthodontic treatment.DiscussionThis case presents an alternative strategy to provide orthodontic treatment with aligners in patients with severe microstomia due to severe RDEB. Reports of orthodontic treatment in people living with EB, especially in RDEB, are still rare, with few publications about fixed braces, early teeth extraction and removable devices, and none using aligners. Most of the impression techniques reported are aimed at oral rehabilitation. The multidisciplinary approach and impression technique reported should broaden the alternatives of orthodontic techniques provided to patients with EB and severe microstomia.ConclusionsThis article describes an oral contracture release surgery and modified impression technique for obtaining good quality impression for the design of orthodontic aligners in patients with severe microstomia due to severe RDEB.
Exergetic and Economic Evaluation of Natural Gas/Hydrogen Blends for Power Generation
Authors: Olaniyi Oyeniyi , Incer-Valverde Jimena , Tsatsaronis George , Morosuk Tatiana 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Using pure hydrogen or hydrogen/natural gas blends in gas-fired power plants poses a lower carbon footprint. This paper evaluates replacing natural gas with hydrogen/natural gas blends in existing power plants. Five gas-fired power plants were evaluated. For a comprehensive evaluation, these power plants were selected in different countries: Australia, Denmark, Germany, UK, and US. Energy, exergy, and economic analysis were applied to depict the implications of the various blends. The simulation was performed using EBSILON Professional software. The results demonstrate the following advantages: lower carbon emissions and higher energy and exergy efficiencies keeping the net power output constant. However, NOx emissions and the volumetric flowrate of the fuel (hydrogen/natural gas blends) increased drastically, i.e., by nearly 16% with the introduction of 20 vol%H2. This affects to design parameters of the gas-fired power plants. The introduction of hydrogen into natural gas affects the levelized cost of fuel. However, it depends on the price disparity between hydrogen and natural gas. The main technological and economic constraints of using hydrogen/natural gas blends in existing gas-fired power plants are assessed in this paper as well.
Importance of Temperature-Dependent Non-Newtonian Fluid in Conventional Thermal Processing
Authors: Ramamurthy Thilakavathi , Krishnan Suresh 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation provides full-field variables, enabling a better understanding of flow physics and associated heat transfer. However, assumptions involved in CFD simulation should not affect flow and temperature fields and their correspondence to practical situations. Therefore, the present study analyzed the importance of temperature-dependent fluid properties in a sealed container during thermal treatment. We compared the thermal behavior trends of temperature-dependent fluid properties with those obtained from constant properties for two carboxyl methyl cellulose (CMC) solution concentrations. The results show that natural convection occurs earlier in the temperature-dependent fluid properties, which leads to attaining a desired level of sterility within a shorter time than the constant properties of the fluid. The variations in the viscosity with the shear rate and temperature played essential roles in affecting thermal behavior. So, results indicate that temperature-dependent non-Newtonian fluid must be considered to avoid miscalculating heating time in conventional thermal treatment. Besides, the thermal trends of both cases approach pure conduction when CMC solutions’ apparent viscosity increases.
Moxibustion as adjuvant therapy for preventing bone loss in postmenopausal women: protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Lu Lingyun , Wen Qian , Zhang Xin , Lv Jianqin , Zhang Leixiao , Liu Lu , Yu Xijie , Li Ning 
Published: December 2022

IntroductionPostmenopausal osteoporosis, caused by ageing and oestrogen deficiency, seriously threatens women’s physical and mental health. Postmenopausal osteopenia is the transition from healthy bone to osteoporosis, and it may be the key period for preventing bone loss. Moxibustion, a physical therapy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, has potential benefits for osteoporosis treatment and prevention, but it has not been adequately studied. This study aims to explore the clinical effects and safety of moxibustion in delaying bone loss in postmenopausal women.Methods and analysisIn this parallel-design, randomised, patient-blind and assessor-blind, controlled clinical study, 150 women with osteopenia at low fracture risk will be randomly assigned to a moxibustion treatment (MT) group or a placebo-moxibustion control (PMC) group in a 1:1 ratio. In addition to the fundamental measures (vitamin D3 and calcium) as recommended by the guidelines, participants of the two groups will receive MT or PMC treatment for 42 sessions over 12 months. The primary outcome will be the bone mineral density (BMD) of the lumbar spine at the end of the 12-month treatment, and secondary outcomes will be the BMD of the femoral neck and total hip, T-scores, bone turnover markers, serum calcium levels, serum magnesium levels, serum phosphorus levels, serum parathyroid hormone levels and 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels, intensity of bone pain, quality of life, incidence of osteoporosis and fractures, usage of emergency drugs or surgery, participant self-evaluation of therapeutic effects and the rate of adverse events. All statistical analyses will be performed based on the intention-to-treat and per-protocol principle.Ethics and disseminationEthics approval has been obtained from the Ethics Committee on Biomedical Research, West China Hospital of Sichuan University (permission number: 2021-1243). The results are expected to be published in peer-reviewed journals.Trial registration numberChiCTR2100053953.
Effect of comprehensive knowledge of HIV on risky sexual behaviours associated with HIV transmission among adult Ugandans: a propensity score-matched analysis
Authors: Izudi Jonathan , Kadengye Damazo T 
Published: December 2022

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of comprehensive knowledge of HIV on extramarital sexual relationships and consistent condom use.DesignQuasi-experimental study.Setting20 880 households, Uganda.ParticipantsMarried/cohabiting men and women, aged 15–54 years.MethodsWe applied propensity score-matched analysis and defined comprehensive knowledge of HIV as knowing that consistent use of condoms during sexual intercourse and having just one faithful partner without HIV reduces the chance of getting HIV, knowing that a healthy-looking person can have HIV and rejecting two local misconceptions (HIV can be transmitted by mosquito bites and by sharing food with a person who has HIV). The primary outcome was extramarital sexual relationship defined as involvement in a sexual relationship with a partner other than a spouse or cohabiting partner, within 12 months preceding the survey. The secondary outcome was consistent condom use, defined as using a condom at every sexual intercourse with any non-spouse/non-cohabiting partner over the past 12 months.ResultsAmong 18 504 participants matched in a 1:1 ratio, comprehensive knowledge of HIV showed no effect on extramarital sexual relationships (OR 1.03, 95% CI 0.96 to 1.11) but improved consistent condom use among married/cohabiting couples in extramarital sexual relationships (OR 1.18, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.37). Among married/cohabiting men, comprehensive knowledge of HIV had no effect on extramarital sexual relationships (OR 0.95, 95% CI 0.83 to 1.08) but improved consistent use of condoms in extramarital sexual relationships (OR 1.31, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.66). However, among married/cohabiting females, there was no effect on both outcomes.ConclusionsComprehensive knowledge of HIV has no effect on extramarital sexual relationships but increases consistent condom use among those in extramarital sexual relationships. There is a need to consistently provide correct HIV prevention messages among sexually active married/cohabiting couples in Uganda.
Evaluation of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and uptake in rural Bangladesh: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Savira Feby , Alif Sheikh M , Afroz Afsana , Siddiquea Bodrun Naher , Shetty Aishwarya , Chowdhury Hasina Akhter , Bhattacharya Oashe , Chowdhury Mohammad Rocky Khan , Islam Md Shariful , Ali Liaquat , Billah Baki 
Published: December 2022

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to evaluate the acceptance and uptake of COVID-19 vaccines in rural Bangladesh.DesignThis was a cross-sectional study conducted between June and November 2021.SettingThis study was conducted in rural Bangladesh.ParticipantsPeople older than 18 years of age, not pregnant and no history of surgery for the last 3 months were eligible to participate.Primary and secondary outcomesThe primary outcomes were proportions of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and roll-out participation among the rural population. The secondary outcome was identification of correlates which contributed to COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and roll-out participation. Χ2tests and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify relevant correlates such as sociodemographic factors, clinical conditions and COVID-19-related factors.ResultsA total of 1603 participants were enrolled. The overall COVID-19 vaccine acceptance was very high (1521/1601, 95%), and half of the participants received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Majority of participants wanted to keep others safe (89%) and agreed to the benefits of COVID-19 vaccines (88%). To fulfil the requirement of online registration for the vaccine at the time, 62% of participants had to visit an internet café and only 31% downloaded the app. Over half (54%) of participants were unaware of countries they knew and trust to produce the COVID-19 vaccine. Increased age, being housewives, underweight and undergraduate education level were associated with vaccine acceptance, while being female, increased age and being overweight/obese were associated with vaccine uptake. Trust in the health department and practical knowledge regarding COVID-19 vaccines were positively associated with both vaccine acceptance and uptake.ConclusionThis study found a very high COVID-19 vaccine acceptance in rural Bangladesh. Policymakers should support interventions aimed at increasing vaccine and general health literacy and ensure ongoing vaccine supply and improvement of infrastructure in rural areas.
Stakeholder perspectives on current determinants of ultrasound-guided thoracentesis in resource limited settings: a qualitative study
Authors: Doran Jennifer , Hanna Reem , Nyagura-Mangori Tatenda , Mahotra Narayan , Das Santa Kumar , Borok Magaret , Musani Ali , Maw Anna M 
Published: December 2022

ObjectivePreprocedure pleural fluid localization using bedside ultrasound has been shown to reduce complications related to thoracentesis and is now considered the standard of care. However, ultrasound-guided thoracentesis (USGT) has not been broadly adopted in many low-resource settings. With increasing affordability and portability of ultrasound equipment, barriers to USGT are changing. The aim of this multisite qualitative study is to understand the current barriers to USGT in two resource-limited settings.SettingWe studied two geographically diverse settings, Harare, Zimbabwe, and Kathmandu, Nepal.Participants19 multilevel stakeholders including clinical trainees, attendings, clinical educators and hospital administrators were interviewed. There were no exclusion criteria.Primary outcomeTo understand the current determinants of USGT adoption in these settings.ResultsThree main themes emerged from these interviews: (1) stakeholders perceived multiple advantages of USGT, (2) access to equipment and training were perceived as limited and (3) while an online training approach is feasible, stakeholders expressed scepticism that this was an appropriate modality for procedural training.ConclusionOur data suggests that USGT implementation is desired by local stakeholders and that the development of an educational intervention, cocreated with local stakeholders, should be explored to ensure optimal contextual fit.
Understanding the barriers and facilitators that influence access to quality cardiovascular care for rural Indigenous peoples: protocol for a scoping review
Authors: Tane Taria , Selak Vanessa , Eggleton Kyle , Harwood Matire 
Published: December 2022

IntroductionMāori (the Indigenous peoples of New Zealand) are disproportionately represented in cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevalence, morbidity and mortality rates, and are less likely to receive evidence-based CVD healthcare. Rural Māori experience additional barriers to treatment access, poorer health outcomes and a more significant burden of CVD risk factors compared with non-Māori and Māori living in urban areas. Importantly, these inequities are similarly experienced by Indigenous peoples in other nations impacted by colonisation. Given the scarcity of available literature, we are conducting a scoping review of literature exploring barriers and facilitators in accessing quality CVD healthcare for rural Māori and other Indigenous peoples in nations impacted by colonisation.Methods and analysisA scoping review will be conducted to identify and map the extent of research available and identify any gaps in the literature. This review will be underpinned by Kaupapa Māori Research methodology and will be conducted using Arksey and O’Malley’s (2005) methodological framework. A database search of MEDLINE (OVID), PubMed, Embase, SCOPUS, CINAHL Plus, Australia/New Zealand Reference Centre and NZResearch.org will be used to explore empirical research literature. A grey literature search will also be conducted. Two authors will independently review and screen search results in an iterative manner. The New Zealand Ministry of Health Te Tiriti o Waitangi (Treaty of Waitangi) Framework principles will be used as a framework to summarise and construct a narrative of existing literature. Existing literature will also be appraised using the CONSolIDated critERia for strengthening the reporting of health research involving Indigenous Peoples (CONSIDER) statement.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval has not been sought for this review as we are using publicly available data. We will publish this protocol and the findings of our review in an open-access peer-reviewed journal. This protocol has been registered on Open Science Framework (DOI:10.17605/osf.io/xruhy).