bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Informal carers' support needs, facilitators and barriers in the transitional care of older adults: A qualitative study
Authors: Allen Jacqueline , Lobchuk Michelle , Livingston Patricia M. , Layton Natasha , Hutchinson Alison M. 
Published: September 2022

AbstractIntroductionInclusion of informal carers in transitional care is challenging because of fast throughput and service fragmentation. This study aimed to understand informal carers' needs during the care transitions of older adults from inpatient care to the community.MethodsA qualitative exploratory design was used with mixed‐methods data collection. Seventeen semi‐structured telephone interviews were conducted with family carers; one focus group was conducted by videoconference with two family carers and three community‐based advocacy and aged care providers; and eight semi‐structured telephone interviews were undertaken with healthcare practitioners from rehabilitation services. Data were thematically analysed.FindingsAll carers described the main social challenge that they needed to address in transitional care as ‘Needing to sustain family’. Carers reported their social needs across five solutions: ‘Partnering with carers’, ‘Advocating for discharge’, ‘Accessing streamlined multidisciplinary care’, ‘Knowing how to care’ and ‘Accessing follow‐up care in the community’. Focus group participants endorsed the findings from the carer interviews and added the theme ‘Putting responsibility back onto carers’. All healthcare practitioners described the main social challenge that they needed to address as ‘Needing to engage carers’. They reported their social solutions in three themes: ‘Communicating with carers’, ‘Planning with carers’ and ‘Educating carers’.DiscussionFindings highlight the importance of reconstructing the meaning of transitional care and relevant outcomes to be inclusive of carers' experiences and their focus on sustaining family. Transitional care that includes carers should commence at the time of hospital admission of the older adult.ConclusionsFuture sustainable and high‐quality health services for older adults will require transitional care that includes carers and older adults and efficient use of inpatient and community care resources. Healthcare professionals will require education and skills in the provision of transitional care that includes carers. To meet carers' support needs, models of transitional care inclusive of carers and older adults should be developed, implemented and evaluated.Public ContributionThis study was conducted with the guidance of a Carer Advisory Group comprising informal carers with experience of care transitions of older adults they support and community‐based organizations providing care and advocacy support to informal carers.
Detection of major VOCs in exhaled breath under ppb level using porous ZnO nanobelts
Authors: Kim Kyusung , Choi Pil gyu , Itoh Toshio , Masuda Yoshitake 
Published: September 2022

AbstractAtomic defects can enhance catalytic efficiency by providing coordinatively unsaturated sites in the crystal structure of metal oxides. It allows facile chemical reactions because the sites can react with other molecules with relatively lower energy. Therefore, atomic defect engineering can be a cost‐effective strategy to replace novel metal catalysts for the development of ultrasensitive gas sensors. Herein, we fabricated porous ZnO nanobelts with atomic step structures for acetone, ethanol, and isoprene gas sensing under the parts‐per‐billion (ppb) level. Numerous atomic step structures could be formed by removing H and F atoms during the conversion process of ZnOHF at 500°C. The synthesis method of metal oxide nanomaterial by conversion from metal hydroxide fluoride will provide the atomic defects and it will be useful to prepare ultrasensitive sensing material. Furthermore, the gas selectivity of the porous ZnO nanobelt was investigated based on the appearance energy associated with the separation of the methyl group.
Lactic acid bacteria: an essential probiotic and starter culture for the production of yoghurt
Authors: Ayivi Raphael D. , Ibrahim Salam A. 
Published: September 2022

SummaryLactic acid bacteria (LAB) are ubiquitous and integral members of the heterogeneous class of bacteria employed for fermented food and dairy applications such as yoghurt products. LAB are gram‐positive, non‐spore‐forming, non‐respiring but aerotolerant microorganisms that are generally characterised by the production of lactic acid as a key fermentation product. LAB, specifically Lb. bulgaricus, are essential dairy starter cultures for the manufacture of several fermented dairy products such as yoghurt and cheese. In this review, we discuss the importance of LAB as starter cultures and a probiotic for yoghurt production, its mode of metabolism, acidification characteristic, synthesis of lactase (β‐galactosidase) and a perspective on LAB's growth medium for dairy fermentations.
Sin máscara: las condiciones laborales en las plataformas digitales de trabajo durante la pandemia de COVID‐19
Authors: HOWSON Kelle , USTEK‐SPILDA Funda , BERTOLINI Alessio , HEEKS Richard , FERRARI Fabian , KATTA Srujana , COLE Matthew , AGUERA RENESES Pablo , SALEM Nancy , SUTCLIFFE David , STEWARD Shelly , GRAHAM Mark 
Published: September 2022

ResumenLas plataformas digitales de trabajo se promueven a gran escala como solución a la crisis de desempleo provocada por la pandemia de COVID‐19. Sin embargo, la pandemia también ha puesto de manifiesto la vulnerabilidad de quienes trabajan en ellas en tareas consideradas esenciales. Se examinan aquí las políticas de COVID‐19 de 191 plataformas en 43 países para entender cómo la crisis ha cambiado las convenciones de la economía de plataformas. Utilizando una tipología de «trabajo de plataforma justo», se identifican avances en la protección de las y los trabajadores, pero también problemas significativos, como el afianzamiento del trabajo precario a medida que las plataformas aprovechan las oportunidades derivadas de la crisis.
Women in transit: Risky journeys and precarious lives among North Korean female escapees in China
Authors: Sung Sangmi 
Published: September 2022

AbstractThis article seeks to unpack the gendered dynamic of transit migration through a case study of North Korean women escapees in China. Drawing on the notion of situated agency, which implies that agency is a kind of social embedding, this paper analysed 30 interview narratives of North Korean women to capture the structural factors that shape their risky journeys and precarious lives in transit. The content analysis reveals key gendered dimensions of transit migration. The feminized marketization in North Korea caused a dramatic increase in the outflow of women to China. The border‐crossing and deportation experiences of female escapees are precipitated by a complicated smuggling and trafficking industry. Despite their hyper‐precarious lifeworlds in the transit country, these women show varying degrees of resilience and resourcefulness that enable them to move on to their next steps of life. The findings broaden our understanding on the meaning of gendered mobility in transit migration shaped by the deterrent border regime.
Change in functional status associated with respiratory syncytial virus infection in hospitalized older adults
Authors: Branche Angela R. , Saiman Lisa , Walsh Edward E. , Falsey Ann R. , Jia Haomiao , Barrett Angela , Alba Luis , Phillips Matthew , Finelli Lyn 
Published: September 2022

AbstractBackgroundRespiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes severe respiratory illnesses in infants and older adults. Older adults are frequently hospitalized with RSV illness and may experience loss of function. This study evaluated longitudinal changes in function associated with RSV hospitalization in older adults.MethodsAdults ≥60 years hospitalized with laboratory‐confirmed RSV were enrolled (N = 302). Demographics and comorbidities were collected. Functional status was assessed 2 weeks pre‐hospitalization by recall, at enrollment, hospital discharge and 2, 4, and 6 months post‐discharge using the Lawton–Brody Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) (scale 0–8) and Barthel ADL Index (scale 0–100).ResultsRSV‐associated hospitalization resulted in acute functional loss. Median IADL (5 vs. 3, p < 0.0001) and ADL (90 vs. 70, p < 0.0001) scores decreased significantly from pre‐hospitalization to admission and remained decreased at discharge. There were no statistically significant differences between pre‐hospitalization and 2‐, 4‐, or 6‐month scores. However, 33% and 32% of subjects experienced decreased 6‐month IADL and ADL scores, respectively. Additionally, 14% required a higher level of care at discharge. When stratified by pre‐hospitalization living situation, 6‐month IADL scores declined significantly for those admitted from a skilled nursing facility (3 vs. 1, p = 0.001). In multivariate analysis, male sex and diabetes were associated with a 6‐month decline in ADL score of ≥10.ConclusionsOlder adults hospitalized with RSV demonstrate acute functional decline that may become prolonged. Pre‐hospitalization living situation may predict patient outcomes. Further study is needed with hospitalized age‐matched controls and refined measurement tools to better define the specific impact of RSV on function.
Nurses' knowledge and confidence in recognizing and managing patients with sepsis: A multi‐site cross‐sectional study
Authors: Chua Wei Ling , Teh Chin Shim , Basri Muhammad Amin Bin Ahmad , Ong Shi Ting , Phang Noel Qiao Qi , Goh Ee Ling 
Published: September 2022

AbstractAims(1) To examine registered nurses' knowledge and confidence in recognizing and managing to patients with sepsis and (2) identify nurse and workplace factors that influence their knowledge on sepsis.DesignA multi‐site, cross‐sectional survey.MethodsAn online survey was developed and content validated. Data was collected from registered nurses working in the inpatient wards and emergency departments of three hospitals of a single healthcare cluster in Singapore during August 2021. Statistical analyses of closed‐ended responses and content analysis of open‐ended responses were undertaken.ResultsA total of 709 nurses completed the survey. Nurses possessed moderate levels of knowledge about sepsis (mean score = 10.56/15; SD = 2.01) and confidence in recognizing and responding to patients with sepsis (mean score = 18.46/25; SD = 2.79). However, only 369 (52.0%) could correctly define sepsis. Nurses' job grade, nursing education level and clinical work area were significant predictors of nurses' sepsis knowledge. Specifically, nurses with higher job grade, higher nursing education level or those working in acute care areas (i.e. emergency department, high dependency units or intensive care units) were more likely to obtain higher total sepsis knowledge scores. A weak positive correlation was observed between sepsis knowledge test scores and self‐confidence (r = .184). Open comments revealed that participants desired for more sepsis education and training opportunities and the implementation of sepsis screening tool and sepsis care protocol.ConclusionA stronger foundation in sepsis education and training programs and the implementation of sepsis screening tools and care bundles are needed to enhance nurses' knowledge and confidence in recognizing and managing patients with sepsis.ImpactThe findings of this study are beneficial to administrators, educators and researchers in designing interventions to support nurses in their role in recognizing and responding to sepsis.
Self‐report instruments for measuring patient dignity: A psychometric systematic review
Authors: Lam Le Trinh , Chang Hsin‐Yi , Natashia Dhea , Lai Wei‐Shu , Yen Miaofen 
Published: September 2022

AbstractAimsTo synthesize and evaluate the psychometric properties of self‐report instruments that measure patient dignity.DesignA psychometric systematic review.Data sourcesA comprehensive search of studies published from inception until February 17, 2022, was performed using PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Scopus.Review MethodsThe methodological quality of the psychometric studies was evaluated following the COnsensus‐based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) guidelines.ResultsEleven self‐report instruments that evaluate dignity were identified. For most instruments, psychometric properties, including reliability, cross‐cultural validity, responsiveness, and measurement error, had not been adequately examined. The Patient Dignity Inventory (PDI), the Jacelon's Attributed Dignity Scale (JADS), and the Inpatient Dignity Scale (IPDS) had acceptable content validity, structure validity, and internal consistency to measure dignity among adult patients under palliative care, community‐dwelling older adults, and inpatients receiving daily care.ConclusionThe PDI, the JADS, and the IPDS are recommended for future clinical practice and research to measure dignity among adult patients under palliative care, community‐dwelling older adults, and inpatients receiving daily care. Early identification of patients' dignity‐related problems in nursing care can prevent negative health outcomes and help develop a timely intervention to promote patients' health and recovery.ImpactGiven that the psychometric properties of the existing self‐report dignity instruments have not been systematically assessed, the present review utilized comprehensive methods according to COSMIN to evaluate and determine the most appropriate measure for research and practice. The PDI, the JADS, and the IPDS demonstrated satisfactory psychometric properties and are, thus, recommended for clinical and research applications. Nursing professionals can employ these instruments to assess and promptly identify dignity issues among both young and older adults in hospitals and communities.
Roles of the apicoplast across the life cycles of rodent and human malaria parasites
Authors: Buchanan Hayley D. , Goodman Christopher D. , McFadden Geoffrey I. 
Published: September 2022

AbstractMalaria parasites are diheteroxenous, requiring two hosts—a vertebrate and a mosquito—to complete their life cycle. Mosquitoes are the definitive host where malaria parasite sex occurs, and vertebrates are the intermediate host, supporting asexual amplification and more significant geographic spread. In this review, we examine the roles of a single malaria parasite compartment, the relict plastid known as the apicoplast, at each life cycle stage. We focus mainly on two malaria parasite species—Plasmodium falciparum and P. berghei—comparing the changing, yet ever crucial, roles of their apicoplasts.
The role of progesterone in memory bias during spatial navigation in females
Authors: Gomez‐Perales Eamonn L. , Brake Wayne G. 
Published: September 2022

AbstractRats can use several memory systems to navigate a maze toward a reward. Two of these are place memory and response memory and female rats can be biased to predominantly use one over another. Both progesterone and estrogens have been shown to alter memory bias. Although the effects of estrogens have been well documented, the effects of progesterone remain somewhat unexplored. Mechanisms through which progesterone may be acting to exert its effects are reviewed here. Converging evidence suggests that the actions of progesterone differ depending on the presence of estrogens, frequently acting in opposition to estrogens when administered together. The hippocampus, dorsal striatum, and prefrontal cortex are likely involved, as is the progesterone metabolite, allopregnanolone. There is a need for more research on progesterone and memory bias, especially considering current formulations of hormonal contraceptives include progestins.
The impact of professional sports franchises and venues on local economies: A comprehensive survey
Authors: Bradbury John Charles , Coates Dennis , Humphreys Brad R. 
Published: September 2022

AbstractLocal governments routinely subsidize sports stadiums and arenas using the justification that hosting professional franchises produces economic development and social benefits in the community. The prevalence of venue subsidies generated an extensive and vibrant research literature, which spans over 30 years and includes more than 130 studies. We chronicle this body of research from early studies of tangible economic impacts in metropolitan areas, using basic empirical methods, through recent analyses that focus on sublocal and nonpecuniary effects and employ more sophisticated empirical methods. Though findings have become more nuanced, recent analyses continue to confirm the decades‐old consensus of very limited economic impacts of professional sports teams and stadiums. Even with added nonpecuniary social benefits from quality‐of‐life externalities and civic pride, welfare improvements from hosting teams tend to fall well short of covering public outlays. Thus, the large subsidies commonly devoted to constructing professional sports venues are not justified as worthwhile public investments. We also investigate the paradox of local governments continuing to subsidize sports facilities despite overwhelming evidence of their economic impotence. Our analysis informs academic researchers and policymakers to motivate future studies and promote sound policy decisions guided by relevant research findings.
Haematological parameters predicting cardiac involvement in children withCOVID‐19 infection
Authors: Güllü Ufuk U , İpek Sevcan , Güngör Şükrü , Yurttutan Sadık , Demiray Şeyma 
Published: September 2022

AimHaematological parameters obtained from the full blood count, such as neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR), are cost‐effective tests which have been shown to be predictive of the prognosis of many diseases. We aimed to evaluate certain haematological parameters and cardiac biomarkers to test whether they could predict cardiac involvement by COVID‐19 infection.MethodsThis retrospective study included patients aged 1 month to 18 years having a positive COVID‐19 PCR test but no comorbidity, who were admitted to the paediatric emergency department between 15 March 2020 and 1 February 2021.ResultsThere were 292 COVID‐19 PCR‐positive patients, 12 MIS‐C patients and 70 healthy controls. A receiver operator characteristic curve analysis was performed to predict MIS‐C in patients with COVID‐19 infection. An NLR value of ≥5.03 could predict MIS‐C with a sensitivity of 66.7% and a specificity of 91.6%; a proBNP value of ≥329.5 ng/L with a sensitivity of 91.7% and a specificity of 95.6%; a CKMB value of ≥2.95 μg/L with a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 77.7%; and a troponin‐I value of ≥0.03 μg/L with a sensitivity of 75% and a specificity of 99.2%. A logistic regression analysis showed that an NLR value of ≥5.03 increased the risk of MIS‐C 19.3 fold; a proBNP value of ≥329.5 ng/L increased the risk 238 fold; and a troponin‐I value of ≥0.03 μg/L increased the risk 60 fold.ConclusionsAt the time of admission, parameters such as proBNP, troponin‐I and NLR can predict the development of MIS‐C in COVID‐19 patients with high sensitivity and specificity.
Insomnia symptoms and risk of bloodstream infections: prospective data from the prospective population‐based Nord‐Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT), Norway
Authors: Thorkildsen Marianne S. , Laugsand Lars E. , Nilsen Tom I. L. , Mohus Randi M. , Høvik Lise H. , Rogne Tormod , Solligård Erik , Damås Jan K. , Gustad Lise T. 
Published: September 2022

SummaryPrevious research suggests decreased immune function and increased risk of infections in individuals with insomnia. We examined the effect of insomnia symptoms on risk of bloodstream infections (BSIs) and BSI‐related mortality in a population‐based prospective study. A total of 53,536 participants in the second Norwegian Nord‐Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT2) (1995–97) were linked to prospective data on clinically relevant BSIs until 2011. In Cox regression, we estimated hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for a first‐time BSI and for BSI‐related mortality (BSI registered ≤30 days prior to death) associated with insomnia symptoms. Compared with participants who reported “no symptoms”, participants reporting having “difficulty initiating sleep” (DIS) often/almost every night had a HR for a first‐time BSI of 1.14 (95% CI 0.96–1.34). Participants reporting “difficulties maintaining sleep” (DMS) often/almost every night had a HR of 1.19 (95% CI 1.01–1.40), whereas those having a feeling of “non‐restorative sleep” once a week or more had a HR of 1.23 (95% CI 1.04–1.46). Participants frequently experiencing all three of the above symptoms had a HR of 1.39 (1.04–1.87), whilst those who had both DIS and DMS had a HR of 1.15 (0.93–1.41) and being troubled by insomnia symptoms to a degree that affected work performance was associated with a HR of 1.41 (95% CI 1.08–1.84). The HRs for BSI‐related mortality suggest an increased risk with increasing insomnia symptoms, but the CIs are wide and inconclusive. We found that frequent insomnia symptoms and insomnia symptoms that affected work performance were associated with a weak positive increased risk of BSI.
Long‐term exposure to air pollution and incident non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease and cirrhosis: A cohort study
Authors: Li Fu‐Rong , Liao Jian , Zhu Bin , Li Xia , Cheng Zhiyuan , Jin Cheng , Mo Chunbao , Wu Xianbo , Li Qian , Liang Fengchao 
Published: September 2022

AbstractBackground and aimsEpidemiological evidence regarding the association of air pollution with the risk of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is limited. This study was to examine the associations of long‐term exposure to various air pollutants and overall air pollution with risk of incident NAFLD as well as cirrhosis, a major liver‐related morbidity for NAFLD.MethodsIncluded were 456 687 UK residents. Air pollution data included PM2.5, PM2.5–10, PM10, NO2 and NOx. A weighted air pollution score was also generated from PM10 and NOx. Cox proportional hazard models were employed to estimate the hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).ResultsWe identified 4978 cases of NAFLD and 1575 cases of incident cirrhosis, over a median follow‐up of 11.9 years. PM2.5, PM10, NO2 and NOx exposures contributed to the excess risk of NAFLD associated with air pollution score; and the corresponding adjusted HRs (95% CI) were 1.10 (1.05, 1.14), 1.14 (1.09, 1.20), 1.19 (1.13, 1.24) and 1.11 (1.07, 1.15), respectively, for each interquartile range increase in the above specific air pollutants. Similar patterns were also indicated for cirrhosis risk. Alcohol consumption was an effect modifier for the association between air pollution score and NAFLD risk, whereas body mass index modified the association for cirrhosis risk.ConclusionLong‐term exposure to air pollution was associated with risks of NAFLD and cirrhosis among the UK population.