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Assessing potential reductions of agricultural GHG in countries with different land productivities: Long-term integrated efficiency in DEA hybrid meta-frontier model

Globally, the agricultural sector is responsible for the emission of ca. 9.3 gigatons of CO2 equivalent annually. A realistic efficiency model orientation, considering agricultural policy objectives in a given region of the world, is a crucial premise for finding the optimal path for achieving global targets of emission reduction. The main objective of this article is to assess agricultural greenhouse gases (GHG) potential reductions in countries with different farming productivity accounting for food security and economic performance of agricultural sector. The analysis focuses on non-radial slack that, theoretically, may be easily reduced by the improvement in available resource management. The DEA-based hybrid super-efficiency meta frontier model with undesirable output was employed, using the efficiency approach integrating three sustainability dimensions. The dataset consisted of data from 99 countries (2005–2018) divided into clusters. Several potential model orientations were tested and discussed with regard to agricultural policy objectives. It was found that by reducing slacks, agricultural emissions can be decreased by 0.74 Gt of CO2eq per year. Hence, removing only management inefficiencies would help achieve up to 80% of the global reduction targets in agriculture without a substantial technological change. However, the efficiency change component turned out to be mainly negative over the period studied; thus, a specific focus on agricultural policy is needed in terms of supporting farmers with a more rational use of their resources.

Environmental risk factors for self-harm during imprisonment: A pilot prospective cohort study

Introduction Self-harm is a major public health issue in the imprisoned population. Limited high-quality evidence exists for the potential impact of prison environmental factors such as solitary confinement. This exploratory pilot prospective cohort study in a large male remand prison in England sought to estimate effect sizes for a comprehensive range of prison environmental factors in relation to self-harming behaviours. Methods A random sample of all prisoners (N = 149) starting a period of imprisonment at the study prison took part in a clinical research interview, which assessed a range of known risk factors for self-harm in prison. Information concerning environmental factors, including staff numbers, cell placement and movements, and engagement in work and activities were collected from prison records. Incidents of self-harm behaviour in the 3 months after entering prison were measured using medical records and self-report at end of follow-up. Multivariable logistic regression models were calculated individually for each predictor. Results 55.7% of participants completed follow-up (83/149). Single cell placement (OR 4.31, 95% CI 1.06–18.24, p = 0.041) and more frequent changes of cellmate (OR 1.52, CI 1.14–2.17, p = 0.009) and cell (OR 1.83, 95% CI 1.28–2.86, p = 0.003) were associated with an increased risk of self-harming behaviour. Time spent in areas with a higher number of prisoners per member of prison staff was significantly associated with reduced self-harm behaviour in adjusted models (OR 0.89, CI 0.78–0.99, p = 0.039). Following sensitivity analyses, the associations between frequent cell changes and self-harm behaviour, and between single cell placement and self-harm ideation, remained statistically significant. Discussion This exploratory pilot study provides prospective longitudinal data regarding relationships between prison environmental factors and self-harm behaviour. Findings regarding single cell accommodation and frequent cell changes are consistent with the prior evidence base largely derived from case-control study data. The finding regarding frequent cellmate changes predicting self-harm is novel. Findings regarding prisoner-staff ratio and self-harm most likely reflect a reverse causal relationship. Replication in larger cohort studies is required to address the limitations of this pilot study.

Methods for identifying adverse drug reactions in primary care: A systematic review

Background Identification of real-time adverse drug reactions [ADRs] (as opposed to the risk of ADRs) in older poly-medicated people in primary care is a challenging task, often undertaken without an explicit strategy. This systematic review aims to evaluate replicable instruments and methods for identifying and addressing ADRs. Methods A systematic search was conducted in Medline, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science and Cochrane library, using controlled vocabulary (MeSH) and free-text terms. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) implementing strategies to identify or resolve ADRs experienced by patients in primary care were included. Two reviewers independently screened studies, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Discrepancies were resolved by discussion. Results From 2,182 unique records, 49 studies were identified for full review. Eight papers reporting results from 6 RCTs were included. All six trials utilised a list of medicine-related unwanted symptoms to identify ADRs. Two of three studies using adverse drug reaction questionnaires reported statistically significant increased rates of ADR reporting. Two of three studies that combined symptom questionnaires with prescriber consultations reported reductions in the number of health problems. Overall, results suggest that the three studies that described multidisciplinary collaborations using lists of ADRs plus prescriber reviews enhanced patient safety. However, the RCTs were unblinded and reported suboptimal retention. When considered as a whole, findings are equivocal and the data are too heterogenous to warrant any firm conclusions, beyond the need for more research to optimise strategies to safeguard patient wellbeing. Implications Adaptable and scalable instruments with decision support are needed in primary care to identify and mitigate medicine-related harm in older poly-medicated people. The effectiveness of adverse drug reaction identification instruments, the value of comprehensive instruments, and the optimum method of delivery should be explored in multicentre trials.

The effect of interdisciplinary treatment on sickness absence and disability pension among chronic pain patients on partial disability pension

Studies evaluating the effects of interdisciplinary treatment (IDT) on sickness absence and disability pension (SA/DP) have yielded contradictory findings. Evidence indicates that positive treatment effects are restricted to patients with a poor SA/DP prognosis. This study therefore analyzed the effect of IDT in working age patients on partial disability pension, which is a group with a particularly poor prognosis. With data from 479 patients on partial disability pension, this register-based cohort study compared the effects of IDT to those of unspecified interventions. We considered two response variables: total net SA/DP days across the span of three years from the first visit to a Swedish specialist pain clinic, and the risk of having the maximum possible 1096 SA/DP days over the same period. Our results showed that both the total net SA/DP days (mean difference: 11; 95% confidence interval: -30 to 51) and the risk of 1096 SA/DP days (risk ratio: 1.0; 95% confidence interval: 0.6 to 1.4) were similar irrespective of intervention type. Under our theoretical model, we thereby found no support in favor of IDT over less intensive interventions in working age patients with partial DP. This raises questions about the specific criteria under which IDT proves effective.

Bithyniid snails (Gastropoda: Bithyniidae) infected with Xiphidiocercariae in Thailand include a new record of Bithynia siamensis siamensis as the intermediate host of Plagiorchis and Paralecithodendrium

Bithyniids are freshwater snails that play a crucial role in the transmission of various parasitic trematodes of medical and veterinary importance. In this study, we explored the prevalence of cercarial trematode infections in bithyniid snails from Thailand and examined the species diversity of both the intermediate snail hosts and parasite larvae. A total of 688 bithyniid snails were collected from diverse natural habitats at 24 locations in 16 provinces across 5 regions of Thailand. The presence of larval trematode infections was examined using the cercarial shedding method. Both the collected snails and the emerging cercariae were identified at the species level using a combination of morphological and molecular techniques. The mitochondrial COI and 16S rDNA sequences of bithyniid snails, along with the ITS2 sequences of cercariae, were obtained via PCR amplification and sequencing. Three species of bithyniid snails were identified in this study: Bithynia funiculata, Bithynia siamensis siamensis, and Hydrobioides nassa. Among these species, B. s. siamensis exhibited the highest population density, followed by B. funiculata and H. nassa. The overall rate of cercarial infection in the bithyniid snails was relatively low, at 1.45%. H. nassa snails had the highest infection prevalence, at 11.11%, while B. s. siamensis had a prevalence of 1.39%. Only the morphological type of the xiphidiocercariae was detected. BLASTn searches in GenBank and phylogenetic trees based on xiphidiocercariae were used to classify the samples into four different families spanning two superfamilies of digenean trematodes. The genera Plagiorchis, Prosthogonimus, Paralecithodendrium, and cercaria of Renicolidae are reported for the first time in B. s. siamensis. Plagiorchis and Paralecithodendrium are significant genera of zoonotic trematodes. These findings indicate that B. s. siamensis and H. nassa can act as the first intermediate hosts for various parasitic trematodes in Thailand.

Data-driven insights into interhospital care fragmentation: Implications for health policy and equity among older adults

Objective To determine factors leading to interhospital care fragmentation (ICF); evaluate how ICF affects rehospitalization costs, length of stays (LOS), and delayed discharge; and analyze ICF disparity among equity-seeking groups. Materials and methods We used a 13-year retrospective cohort of older adults (65+) in Ontario, Canada. Utilizing multivariable logistic regression, we identified characteristics associated with ICF and determined its association with outcomes. Results Discharge to facilities except home and homecare and travel distance were the strongest risk factors for ICF. Patients were less likely to experience ICF if they were older, frail, or had multiple comorbidities. ICF was strongly associated with an increase in the daily costs of readmission. Moreover, the risks of a prolonged LOS after ICF and delayed discharge were higher among returning surgical patients. The rural residency was a source of health inequality. Conclusions ICF exacerbates health disparities and worsens patient outcomes. Our study identified several risk factors associated with ICF, some of which are controllable, paving the way for interventions to mitigate this issue. To promote health equity and reduce adverse outcomes, policymakers should focus on policies for reducing care discontinuity, particularly addressing the controllable risk factors.

Predicting the habitat suitability of Ilex verticillata (Aquifoliaceae) in China with field-test validations

The cut branches of Ilex verticillata are highly ornamental and have high economic value. Since its introduction to China, it has received widespread attention. In the context of climate change today, ensuring its promotion and sustainable production in China is of great significance. In this study we evaluated the habitat suitability of the species using MaxEnt, combined with climate and soil variables, to assess the impact of climate change on its potential suitable habitat. We used 121 I. verticillata occurrence data and validated the model prediction using extensive field testing (12 test sites located in areas from 23.19° N to 42.91° N and 76.17° E to 125.14° E). The habitat suitability model (AUC = 0.854) performed well. Among them, three precipitation variables and one temperature variable were the main factors determining the distribution of I. verticillata in China. Field trial tests and model predictions of the suitability of I. verticillata were consistent, indicating that our model predictions are biologically meaningful and economically valuable. Under the Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs) climate change scenario, the high and medium suitable habitats for this species will be reduced in the future climate. This study helps to better understand the impact of climate change on I. verticillata and provides suggestions for the introduction and cultivation areas and protection of this species in China.

Charles Darwin’s brilliance was continuously evolving

Identification and validation of TSPAN13 as a novel temozolomide resistance-related gene prognostic biomarker in glioblastoma

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most lethal primary tumor of the central nervous system, with its resistance to treatment posing significant challenges. This study aims to develop a comprehensive prognostic model to identify biomarkers associated with temozolomide (TMZ) resistance. We employed a multifaceted approach, combining differential expression and univariate Cox regression analyses to screen for TMZ resistance-related differentially expressed genes (TMZR-RDEGs) in GBM. Using LASSO Cox analysis, we selected 12 TMZR-RDEGs to construct a risk score model, which was evaluated for performance through survival analysis, time-dependent ROC, and stratified analyses. Functional enrichment and mutation analyses were conducted to explore the underlying mechanisms of the risk score and its relationship with immune cell infiltration levels in GBM. The prognostic risk score model, based on the 12 TMZR-RDEGs, demonstrated high efficacy in predicting GBM patient outcomes and emerged as an independent predictive factor. Additionally, we focused on the molecule TSPAN13, whose role in GBM is not well understood. We assessed cell proliferation, migration, and invasion capabilities through in vitro assays (including CCK-8, Edu, wound healing, and transwell assays) and quantitatively analyzed TSPAN13 expression levels in clinical glioma samples using tissue microarray immunohistochemistry. The impact of TSPAN13 on TMZ resistance in GBM cells was validated through in vitro experiments and a mouse orthotopic xenograft model. Notably, TSPAN13 was upregulated in GBM and correlated with poorer patient prognosis. Knockdown of TSPAN13 inhibited GBM cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, and enhanced sensitivity to TMZ treatment. This study provides a valuable prognostic tool for GBM and identifies TSPAN13 as a critical target for therapeutic intervention.

‘Mind-boggling’: US CDC orders gender-related terms cut from scientific papers

Effects of maternal healthcare service utilization on modern postpartum family planning access in Bangladesh: insights from a National representative survey

Background Access to modern family planning is critical for improving maternal and child health outcomes, yet it remains severely lacking in low- and middle-income countries, including Bangladesh. Maternal healthcare utilization during and after pregnancy is vital for promoting postpartum family planning. This study examined the effects of maternal healthcare service utilization on postpartum family planning uptake in Bangladesh. Methods Reproductive calendar data from 4,081 women with recent live births were extracted from the cross-sectional 2017/18 Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey and analyzed. The outcome variable was uptake of modern postpartum family planning methods and the exposure variables were different types of maternal healthcare services. Kaplan-Meier methods were used to calculate cumulative probabilities of modern postpartum family planning method uptake within 12 months post-delivery, and modified Poisson regression models were used to estimate the effects of utilizing maternal healthcare services on modern postpartum family planning method uptake. Results Modern family planning methods in the 12 month postpartum period were used by 72% of women, with over 60% starting after day 40. Less than 4% used long-acting family planning methods, while almost 40% relied on the oral contraceptive pill. Utilizing maternal healthcare services was associated with up to a 7% higher uptake of modern postpartum family planning methods compared to non-users. Conclusion Three-quarters of Bangladeshi women use modern family planning within the 12 months postpartum, but often rely on less effective methods. Additionally, 25% of these women resort to traditional or no use of contraceptive methods, increasing the risks of unintended pregnancy, short birth intervals, and adverse maternal and infant health outcomes. Maternal healthcare services, including private facilities, should prioritize modern postpartum family planning provision, along with education and counseling on the benefits of long-acting contraception.

Alcohol consumption associated with suicidal ideation, and suicide attempts in substance users: A cross-sectional study of an addiction registry in western Iran

Background Suicide is recognized as a major problem worldwide and is particularly prevalent among specific groups, including individuals with substance use disorders (SUDs). The present study aimed to investigate alcohol consumption as a risk factor for suicidal ideation and attempts among those with substance use disorders (SUDs) in western Iran. Methods This is a cross-sectional study, involving 1,112 individuals with SUDs who sought treatment at Farabi Hospital in Kermanshah, Iran, between the years 2019 and 2021. These participants were included in the study through a convenient sampling method as part of an interview-based assessment study. Results The participant’s average age was 37.97 years, and 982 were male (94.7%). Overall, 285 (27.5%) individuals had a history of suicide attempts, 316 (30.5%) individuals reported suicidal ideation, and 463 (41.6%) were alcohol users. In individuals who consumed alcohol, the prevalence of suicidal ideation (172 (37.2%) individuals), and a history of suicide attempts (156 (33.8%) individuals) was significantly higher compared to non-alcohol users. There was a statistically significant relationship between alcohol consumption and a history of suicide attempts (p < 0.05). The probability of suicide attempted in people with a history of alcohol consumption was 1.5 times, and in patients with a history of simultaneous substance use, it was 1.4 times that of other patients (all Ps < 0.05). Conclusion Our study results revealed that alcohol consumption among individuals with SUDs is associated with increased rates of suicidal ideation, attempts, and death. Therefore, clinicians should consider it as a separate suicide risk factor.

Three-dimensional analysis using a dental model scanner: Morphological changes of occlusal appliances used for sleep bruxism under dry and wet conditions

Objective This study used a dental model scanner and best-fit alignment to analyze the deformation patterns of stabilized occlusal appliances (OcAs) used to treat sleep bruxism when stored in wet or dry conditions. Methods Eight OcAs were prepared using polymethyl methacrylate, stored in water at room temperature for 4 weeks (wet storage), and then in air for 4 weeks (dry storage). After being stored in water for one month for hydration, they were 3D-scanned and digitized on days 0, 28, and 56. 3D-deformation patterns were obtained by comparing the storage-D group data using a best-fit alignment program that aligns the nearest points of the corresponding images in a virtual space and calculates the difference between the two images. The maximum deviation and deformed area in the ± direction, and the volume of the wet (W) and the dry (D) condition groups were compared using Wilcoxon’s signed rank test. Results OcA showed no obvious deformities in the W group at 4 weeks. However, in the D Group, a typical deformation pattern was detected at 4 weeks, with the posterior margin of the molars shrinking anteriorly, the palatal side of the molars lifted, and the buccal side retracted inward. The Ⅾ group was significantly larger than the W groups in terms of maximum deviation in the ± direction, deformed area, and volume. Conclusions After 4 weeks of storage under dry conditions, OcA showed a typical deformation pattern of shrinkage toward the center, with in-center lifting toward the palatal side. Significantly greater surface deviations, deformation areas, and deformation volumes were observed under dry conditions than in wet conditions.

Trends, gender, and racial disparities in patients with mortality due to paroxysmal tachycardia: A nationwide analysis from 1999–2020

Background Paroxysmal tachycardia encompasses various heart rhythm disorders that cause rapid heart rates. Its episodic occurrence makes it difficult to identify and measure its prevalence and trends in the population. Additionally, there is limited data on disparities and trends in mortality due to paroxysmal tachycardia, which is essential for assessing current medical approaches and identifying at-risk populations. Methods Our study examined death certificates from 1999 to 2020 using the CDC WONDER Database to identify deaths caused by paroxysmal tachycardia in individuals aged 25 and older, using the ICD-10 code I47. Age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs) and annual percent changes (APC) were calculated by year, gender, age group, race/ethnicity, geographic location, and urbanization status. Trends in AAMRs were analyzed using the Joinpoint Regression Program to identify significant changes and inflection points in mortality trends throughout the study period. Results Between 1999 and 2020, 155,320 deaths were reported in patients with paroxysmal tachycardia. Overall, AAMR decreased from 4.8 to 3.7 per 100,000 population between 1999 and 2020, despite showing a significant increase from 2014 to 2020 (APC: 4.33; 95% CI: 3.53 to 5.56). Men had consistently higher AAMRs than women (4.7 vs. 2.2). Furthermore, we found that AAMRs were highest among Non-Hispanic (NH) Black or African Americans and lowest in NH Asian or Pacific Islanders (4 vs. 1.9). Nonmetropolitan areas had higher AAMRs than metropolitan areas (3.6 vs. 3.2). Conclusions Our analysis showed a significant decrease in mortality from paroxysmal tachycardia since 1999, although there has been a slight increase in recent years. However, disparities remain, with higher AAMRs among men, NH Black or African Americans, and residents of non-metropolitan areas. These findings call for immediate public health actions to curb the rising trends and reduce potential disparities.

Navigating uncertainty in environmental DNA detection of a nuisance marine macroalga

Early detection of nuisance species is crucial for managing threatened ecosystems and preventing widespread establishment. Environmental DNA (eDNA) data can increase the sensitivity of biomonitoring programs, often at minimal cost and effort. However, eDNA analyses are prone to errors that can complicate their use in management frameworks. To address this, eDNA studies must consider imperfect detections and estimate error rates. Detecting nuisance species at low abundances with minimal uncertainty is vital for successful containment and eradication. We developed a novel eDNA assay to detect a nuisance marine macroalga across its colonization front using surface seawater samples from Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument (PMNM), one of the world’s largest marine reserves. Chondria tumulosa is a cryptogenic red alga with invasive traits, forming dense mats that overgrow coral reefs and smother native flora and fauna in PMNM. We verified the eDNA assay using site-occupancy detection modeling from quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) data, calibrated with visual estimates of benthic cover of C. tumulosa that ranged from < 1% to 95%. Results were subsequently validated with high-throughput sequencing of amplified eDNA and negative control samples. Overall, the probability of detecting C. tumulosa at occupied sites was at least 92% when multiple qPCR replicates were positive. False-positive rates were 3% or less and false-negative errors were 11% or less. The assay proved effective for routine monitoring at shallow sites (less than 10 m), even when C. tumulosa abundance was below 1%. Successful implementation of eDNA tools in conservation decision-making requires balancing uncertainties in both visual and molecular detection methods. Our results and modeling demonstrated the assay’s high sensitivity to C. tumulosa, and we outline steps to infer ecological presence-absence from molecular data. This reliable, cost-effective tool enhances the detection of low-abundance species, and supports timely management interventions.

Exploration of different quantitative polymerase chain reaction-based genotyping methods to distinguish Apcmin/+ mice from wildtype mice

Various molecular methods have been established for genotyping single-nucleotide variants (SNVs). However, despite the widespread availability of quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) instruments in biomedical laboratories, the lack of professional analytical tools impedes the application of qPCR in genotyping. Apcmin/+ mice, which harbour a germline Apc mutation (g.2549T>A) associated with multiple intestinal neoplasms, are extensively employed in colorectal cancer research. In this study, we used Apc as a model and assessed the feasibility of different qPCR-based methods for SNV genotyping, considering approaches with and without genotyping analytical tools. We initially employed allele-specific PCR followed by electrophoresis to determine the genotypes of Apc in tail tissues from potential Apcmin/+ mice, and this method served as the benchmark for evaluating the performance of qPCR-based methods. Dye-based qPCR and melting curve assays exhibited distinct dissociation patterns that differentiated between synthesised wildtype (TT) and heterozygous mutant (TA) DNA and between TT and TA genotype mice based on analysis of tissue samples. This discrimination ability of these assays was unaffected by the use of different intercalating dyes (SYBR Green I or EvaGreen). Dual-probe qPCR assays were developed to simultaneously detect mutant and wildtype alleles using differently labelled probes. The genotyping module and delta cycle threshold method were used to facilitate the analysis of results. The qPCR-based methods displayed 100% agreement with the standard genotyping outcomes. When the PCR–electrophoresis method was used, approximately 15% of the samples required re-examination to obtain conclusive results. In contrast, when the qPCR methods were used, success rates exceeding 99% were achieved with a single test. Additionally, all qPCR-based methods determined mouse genotypes by analysis of stool samples, highlighting the applicability of these methods for non-invasive genotyping. Loss of heterozygosity in the Apc gene in intestinal polyps was detected using the dual-probe assay with delta cycle threshold method. In summary, this study successfully implemented intercalator-based and probe-based qPCR methods, with and without professional analytical modules, for characterising Apc in tissue and stool samples. Furthermore, these methods can be extended to allow genotyping of other SNVs and can facilitate non-invasive genotyping of transgenic animals.

Daily briefing: How scientists can help protect US federal research

Explainable Graph Spectral Clustering of text documents

Spectral clustering methods are known for their ability to represent clusters of diverse shapes, densities etc. However, the results of such algorithms, when applied e.g. to text documents, are hard to explain to the user, especially due to embedding in the spectral space which has no obvious relation to document contents. Therefore, there is an urgent need to elaborate methods for explaining the outcome of the clustering. We have constructed in this paper a theoretical bridge linking the clusters resulting from Graph Spectral Clustering and the actual document content, given that similarities between documents are computed as cosine measures in tf or tfidf representation. This link enables to provide with explanation of cluster membership in clusters produced by GSA. We present a proposal of explanation of the results of combinatorial and normalized Laplacian based graph spectral clustering. For this purpose, we show (approximate) equivalence of combinatorial Laplacian embedding and of K-embedding (proposed in this paper) and term vector space embedding. We performed an experimental study showing that K-embedding approximates well Laplacian embedding under favourable block matrix conditions and show that approximation is good enough under other conditions. We show also perfect equivalence of normalized Laplacian embedding and the M-embedding (proposed in this paper) and (weighted) term vector space embedding. Hence a bridge is constructed between the textual contents and the clustering results using both combinatorial and normalized Laplacian based Graph Spectral Clustering methods. We provide a theoretical background for our approach. An initial version of this paper is available at arXiv, (Starosta B 2023). The Reader may refer to that text to get acquainted with formal aspects of our method and find a detailed overview of motivation.

Mapping the future: The current landscape and future directions of evidence-based practice in Saudi radiology departments

Purpose To examine the current application of Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) among radiology professionals, including radiologists and radiographers, in Saudi Arabia and to identify challenges in order to propose suitable future improvement strategies if it is required. Method A mixed-method design was used in this study. A survey consisting of 23 questions addressing research activities and EBP within radiology departments was sent to radiology personnel. The sample size of the quantitative phase of the study was determined using a formula specific for an infinite or unknown population. The formula used was n = P(1-P)Z2/d2, which resulted in a required sample size of 384 participants. A total of 345 participants; however, 45 did not fully complete the questionnaire and were therefore excluded. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 27. Inferential statistics, including non-parametric tests such as the Mann-Whitney U Test and the Kruskal-Wallis Test, were used to assess the influence of demographic factors on perceptions and challenges related to the adoption of evidence-based practice (EBP) in research within Saudi Arabia. Additionally, 20 semi-structured interviews were conducted with radiology personnel across the country. The sampling technique for the qualitative phase of the study was guided by the study’s objectives and the unique characteristics of the research group. The participants were purposively sampled in order to include radiologists and radiographers who work in different types of hospitals (public, semi-public, private) in Saudi Arabia. Responses from the interviews were coded, and key themes were identified following Miles and Huberman’s framework. Results The findings revealed a positive attitude towards research and EBP among Saudi radiology personnel. Over half of the participants (74.3%) strongly agreed that they understood and were familiar with EBP. They also felt confident in their ability to conduct scientific research in radiology (Mean = 4.27) and believed that they should actively initiate projects (Mean = 4.10). Radiologists reported a higher level of agreement compared to radiographers regarding their familiarity with EBP and their ability to critically evaluate the quality of research (P-value = <0.05). However, participants indicated lower level of agreement about their ability to develop their current practice based on EBP and engage in discussions with colleagues about research evidence. Key challenges identified include a lack of training, insufficient support and limited autonomy, which may hinder EBP implementation. Conclusion This study underscores the need for comprehensive education, ongoing training and a supportive organisational culture to enhance EBP adaption.

Trends and socioeconomic inequalities of recommended antenatal care services utilization in Ethiopia: A decomposition analysis using Ethiopian nationwide Demographic Health Surveys 2011–2019

Background Antenatal care (ANC) services are essential to reduce maternal and newborn morbidity and mortality rates. However, the trends and socioeconomic inequality of utilizing recommended ANC services has not been well studied in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the trends and socioeconomic disparities in receiving recommended ANC services among Ethiopian women. Methods This study used recent Ethiopian Demographic Health Surveys (EDHS) conducted in 2011, 2016, and 2019. Binary logistic regression model was employed to assess the association between receiving the recommended ANC services and explanatory variables and socioeconomic disparities were estimated through concentration index (CIX) analysis. Moreover, Wagstaff approach was used to decompose the relative CIX to the contribution of explanatory variables for the observed disparities. Results This study found that 37.37% (95%CI: 36.46–38.28%) of mothers utilized the recommended ANC services in Ethiopia. The trend in the coverage of recommended ANC services increased from ~ 30% in 2011 to 44.70% in 2019. Mother’s age and education, household wealth status, distance of the nearest health facility, and experiencing domestic abuse (i.e., wife beating) were significantly associated with utilization of recommended ANC services. The relative estimated CIX for wealth index, mothers education, Ethiopian administrative regions, and residence were 0.15 (P < 0.001), 0.14 (P < 0.001), 0.07(P < 0.001), and −0.11(P < 0.001), respectively. Wealth status of the households contributed for almost two-thirds (66.58%) of the observed disparity in recommended ANC service utilization across wealth categories. Conclusion The study revealed that Ethiopian women’s utilization of recommended ANC services was unequal by their socioeconomic classes, with better off women more likely to utilize the recommended ANC services than worse off women. Hence, the responsible body should improve the access and quality of antenatal care services for underprivileged women in Ethiopia.