bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of Risk Factors and Comorbidities With Chronic Pain in the Elderly Population
Authors: Mookerjee Neil , Schmalbach Nicole , Antinori Gianna , Thampi Subhadra , Windle-Puente Dylan , Gilligan Amy , Huy Ha , Andrews Megha , Sun Angela , Gandhi Roshni , Benedict William , Chang Austin , Sanders Ben , Nguyen Justin , Keesara Maanika Reddy , Aliev Janet , Patel Aneri , Hughes Isaiah , Millstein Ian , Hunter Krystal , Roy Satyajeet
Published: February 2024

Introduction/Objective:

Chronic pain disorders affect about 20% of adults in the United States, and it disproportionately affects individuals living in the neighborhoods of extreme socioeconomic disadvantage. In many instances, chronic pain has been noted to arise from an aggregation of multiple risk factors and events. Therefore, it is of importance to recognize the modifiable risk factors. The aim of this study was to investigate the comorbid medical conditions and risk factors associated with chronic pain disorders in patients aged 65 years and older.

Methods:

Our team retrospectively reviewed medical records of elderly patients (65 years and older) who were evaluated in our outpatient medicine office between July 1, 2020 and June 30, 2021 for acute problems, management of chronic medical problems, or well visits. We divided our patients into a group who suffered from chronic pain disorder, and another group who did not have chronic pain disorder. The association of variables were compared between those groups.

Results:

Of the 2431 patients, 493 (20.3%) had a chronic pain disorder. A higher frequency of females in the group with chronic pain disorder was found compared to the group without a chronic pain disorder (60.6% vs 55.2%; P = .033). The mean ages between the two groups were similar in the group with a chronic pain disorder compared to the group without (76.35 ± 7.5 year vs 76.81 ± 7.59 year; P = .228). There were significant associations of certain comorbidities in the group with a chronic pain disorder compared to the group without a chronic pain disorder, such as depression (21.9% vs 15.2%; P < .001), anxiety (27.0% vs 17.1%; P < .001), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (8.7% vs 6.1%; P = .036), obstructive sleep apnea (16.8% vs 11.6%; P = .002), gastroesophageal reflux disease (40.8% vs 29.0%; P < .001), osteoarthritis (49.3% vs 26.1%; P < .001), other rheumatologic diseases (24.9% vs 19.4%; P = .006), and peripheral neuropathy (14.4% vs 5.3%; P < .001).

Conclusion:

Female sex, depression, anxiety, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, obstructive sleep apnea, gastroesophageal reflux disease, osteoarthritis, other rheumatologic diseases, and peripheral neuropathy were significantly associated with chronic pain disorder in elderly patients, while BMI was not associated with chronic pain disorder.
Empowering Students for Cybersecurity Awareness Management in the Emerging Digital Era: The Role of Cybersecurity Attitude in the 4.0 Industrial Revolution Era
Authors: Ahamed Bulbul , Polas Mohammad Rashed Hasan , Kabir Ahmed Imran , Sohel-Uz-Zaman Abu Saleh Md. , Fahad Abdullah Al , Chowdhury Saima , Rani Dey Mrittika
Published: February 2024

The purpose of the study is to examine how cybersecurity knowledge, password security, and self-perception of skill affect cybersecurity awareness issues via the mediating lens of cybersecurity attitude among university students in Bangladesh. A sample of 430 university students from two public and three private universities provided the data in Dhaka, Bangladesh. An approach known as stratified random sampling was used in this cross-sectional study. The positivist approach was used, and a hypothetical statistical induction technique was used. The research constructs, which were adopted from earlier studies, were measured using scales that had undergone validation. Smart PLS-SEM 3.3.9 was used to quantitatively analyze the data. The results indicated a positive and significant association between cybersecurity knowledge and password security with cybersecurity awareness. No conventional association was found between self-perception of skills and cybersecurity awareness. Moreover, the data analysis confirmed that cybersecurity attitudemediates the relationship between cybersecurity knowledge, password security and self-perception of skills with cybersecurity awareness. This study implies that more effort needs to be put into informing the general people likely students about cybersecurity and ethical internet use. Furthermore, the main contribution of this study is to emphasize the need of raising cybersecurity awareness among students.
New missions for universities in the era of innovation: European and global perspectives for excellence and sustainability
Authors: Ruano-Borbalan Jean-Claude
Published: February 2024

Analyzing the evolving landscape of higher education, the article looks at historical, political, and contemporary challenges. It highlights the global impact of innovation doctrines over the last fifty years, and their influence on public policy and societal structures, and especially higher education. It highlights the major shift in the dominant regime of knowledge production that has taken place over the same period, leading to the dominance of the entrepreneurial university, utilitarian knowledge and “strategic research”. This transformative paradigm has led to the conceptualization of the “third mission” of economic and societal development. By examining European and national programs such as the Excellence Initiatives, the article shows how universities are adapting while contributing to national innovation systems. The analysis reveals different perspectives on knowledge production, emphasizing rationalization and productivity while highlighting the complex consequences of societal activities on their production and environment.
In search of decent work: Human resource managers as custodians of fair reward in international NGOs
Authors: Geradine Katie , McWha-Hermann Ishbel
Published: February 2024

As the world faces increasing environmental, social and financial crises, as a result of climate change, deepening unrest about inequality, and the cost of living crisis, there are growing calls for organisations to play a role in responding to them. Scholars in the field of sustainable human resource management (HRM) have elaborated various avenues through which the field of HRM can contribute to this response. One such contribution HRM can make to global grand challenges is through contributing to the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Of particular relevance for HRM is SDG8, which calls for decent work. In this study we empirically explore why, how and what influences HR managers in international non-governmental organisations (INGOs) to seek to enact fair reward, a key component of decent work. Based on our analysis, we find evidence that HR managers can be strategic actors in enacting fair pay, and we identify a complex interplay between HR managers and their context in the behaviours underpinning this enactment. HR managers adopt one of at least three identified roles to proactively enact fair reward (visionary, gatekeeper or technical consultant). Each role adopts differing strategic and fairness enactment behaviours to navigate the constraints posed by the context in which they work, including focussing on influencing different justice dimensions, and leveraging disruption in the external environment. By drawing out the key role HR managers can play in enacting fairness, we offer support for the importance of HRM in contributing to decent work and global grand challenges. Ultimately our study offers support for a common good HRM, in which HR manager actions are influenced and driven by challenges beyond the scope of their organisation. We offer empirical support and theoretical development related to how context shapes HR manager roles at work.
Sliding tribological properties of nano-sized ceramic particles as oil-based lubricant additives
Authors: Wang Bingxu , Wang Renxu , Xiang Xinbo , Zarooq Slim Dailamy , Yuan Yongfeng , Guo Shaoyi , Barber Gary C
Published: February 2024

The present research investigated the lubricating performance of ZnO, SiO2, and WS2 nanoparticles as oil additives applied on steel frictional pairs. The study consisted of two stages. In first stage, the lubricating properties of nanofluids were examined using the various nanoparticle concentrations. It was obtained that the 3wt% ZnO, 5wt% SiO2, and 3wt% WS2 nanofluids showed the best performance. In second stage, an orthogonal test matrix was designed to understand the influences of load, sliding frequency and surface roughness on the lubricating behavior of the nanofluids. It was found that the frequency and load had the most significant effects on the friction reduction and anti-wear properties of ZnO, SiO2, and WS2 nanofluids. By using scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy for potential mechanisms. It was found that the nanoparticles could be physically embedded, and adhered to the worn areas to form tribo-films resulting in improved tribological performance.
Bioconvective flow analysis of non-Newtonian fluid over a porous curved stretching surface
Authors: Ahsan Naveed , Aslam Muhammad Nauman , Khan Muhammad Naveed , Az-Zo’bi Emad A
Published: February 2024

The aim of current investigation is to explore the two-dimensional Darcy flow of second grade fluid with homogenous and heterogeneous reactions toward a porous curved stretching surface. The thermal features the bioconvective flow are observed with the impact of joule heating, nonlinear thermal radiation, and non-uniform heat source/sink. The thermal stratification conditions are imposed on the boundary of the surface with magnetic field which is normal to surface. Flow model momentum and energy equations are converted into the system of nonlinear ordinary differential equations with some appropriative transformation. These nonlinear equations are tackled numerically with the utilization of Bvp4c approach. The graphical and tabulated results are obtained and discussed thoroughly. It is noticed that for the larger Darcy-Forchheimer number F, porosity parameter [Formula: see text], and Hartman number M, the fluid velocity decreases, while curvature parameter [Formula: see text] exhibits the reverse trend on the velocity field. Further, increment in the fluid temperature is observed by the escalation of the Hartman number M and Eckert number Ec, because more resistance produces larger energy in the fluid. This research contributes to understanding the complex interplay of parameters governing fluid dynamics and thermal behavior near porous curved surfaces, shedding light on the impact of various factors on velocity and temperature distributions.
Sodium intake and public health -- methodological pitfalls in assessing the relationship between sodium intake and health outcomes
Authors: Gao Jian
Published: February 2024

Background and aims

The findings on the relationship between sodium intake and health outcomes such as cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality have been controversial. Some studies found the relationship between sodium intake and all-cause mortality was linear while others found a U-shaped or J-shaped relationship. This study aimed to identify the methodological issues contributing to the conflicting findings.

Methods and results

The present study investigated methodological gaps in assessing the relationship between sodium intake and health outcomes (hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and all-cause mortality). The contradictory findings appear to stem from flawed methods used in the published studies: (1) Both spot and 24-h urinary sodium collection methods underestimate the adverse effects of low sodium intake and overestimate the harmful effects of high sodium intake, (2) the linear relationship between sodium intake and all-cause mortality appears to be a result of random chance due to small sample sizes, and (3) the divergent temporal trends of sodium consumption and hypertension prevalence indicate sodium intake was not the primary cause of the worldwide hypertension epidemic.

Conclusion

Considering, (1) sodium is an essential nutrient, (2) the adverse effects of low and high sodium intake appear to be under- and over-estimated, respectively, (3) large studies have found a U-shaped or J-shaped relationship between sodium intake and all-cause mortality, and (4) sodium consumption is unlikely to be the major driver behind the worldwide hypertension epidemic and has little effect on the blood pressure of most normotensive individuals, the recommendation for population-wide low sodium intake merits further evaluation.
High-content image screening to identify chemical modulators for peroxisome and ferroptosis
Authors: Zheng Daheng , Li Fei , Wang Shanshan , Liu Pu-Ste , Xie Xin
Published: February 2024

Background

The peroxisome is a dynamic organelle with variety in number, size, shape, and activity in different cell types and physiological states. Recent studies have implicated peroxisomal homeostasis in ferroptosis susceptibility. Here, we developed a U-2OS cell line with a fluorescent peroxisomal tag and screened a target-selective chemical library through high-content imaging analysis.

Methods

U-2OS cells stably expressing the mOrange2-Peroxisomes2 tag were generated to screen a target-selective inhibitor library. The nuclear DNA was counterstained with Hoechst 33342 for cell cycle analysis. Cellular images were recorded and quantitatively analyzed through a high-content imaging platform. The effect of selected compounds on ferroptosis induction was analyzed in combination with ferroptosis inducers (RSL3 and erastin). Flow cytometry analysis was conducted to assess the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cell death events.

Results

Through the quantification of DNA content and peroxisomal signals in single cells, we demonstrated that peroxisomal abundance was closely linked with cell cycle progression and that peroxisomal biogenesis mainly occurred in the G1/S phase. We further identified compounds that positively and negatively regulated peroxisomal abundance without significantly affecting the cell cycle distribution. Some compounds promoted peroxisomal signals by inducing oxidative stress, while others regulated peroxisomal abundance independent of redox status. Importantly, compounds with peroxisome-enhancing activity potentiated ferroptosis induction.

Conclusions

Our findings pinpoint novel cellular targets that might be involved in peroxisome homeostasis and indicate that compounds promoting peroxisomal abundance could be jointly applied with ferroptosis inducers to potentiate anticancer effect.

Graphical Abstract
Decoding the complexity of on-target integration: characterizing DNA insertions at the CRISPR-Cas9 targeted locus using nanopore sequencing
Authors: Zhao Juan-Juan , Sun Xin-Yu , Tian Sai-Ning , Zhao Zong-Ze , Yin Meng-Di , Zhao Mei , Zhang Feng , Li Si-Ang , Yang Zhi-Xue , Wen Wei , Cheng Tao , Gong An , Zhang Jian-Ping , Zhang Xiao-Bing
Published: February 2024

Background

CRISPR-Cas9 technology has advanced in vivo gene therapy for disorders like hemophilia A, notably through the successful targeted incorporation of the F8 gene into the Alb locus in hepatocytes, effectively curing this disorder in mice. However, thoroughly evaluating the safety and specificity of this therapy is essential. Our study introduces a novel methodology to analyze complex insertion sequences at the on-target edited locus, utilizing barcoded long-range PCR, CRISPR RNP-mediated deletion of unedited alleles, magnetic bead-based long amplicon enrichment, and nanopore sequencing.

Results

We identified the expected F8 insertions and various fragment combinations resulting from the in vivo linearization of the double-cut plasmid donor. Notably, our research is the first to document insertions exceeding ten kbp. We also found that a small proportion of these insertions were derived from sources other than donor plasmids, including Cas9-sgRNA plasmids, genomic DNA fragments, and LINE-1 elements.

Conclusions

Our study presents a robust method for analyzing the complexity of on-target editing, particularly for in vivo long insertions, where donor template integration can be challenging. This work offers a new tool for quality control in gene editing outcomes and underscores the importance of detailed characterization of edited genomic sequences. Our findings have significant implications for enhancing the safety and effectiveness of CRISPR-Cas9 gene therapy in treating various disorders, including hemophilia A.
Validated WGS and WES protocols proved saliva-derived gDNA as an equivalent to blood-derived gDNA for clinical and population genomic analyses
Authors: Kvapilova Katerina , Misenko Pavol , Radvanszky Jan , Brzon Ondrej , Budis Jaroslav , Gazdarica Juraj , Pos Ondrej , Korabecna Marie , Kasny Martin , Szemes Tomas , Kvapil Petr , Paces Jan , Kozmik Zbynek
Published: February 2024

Background

Whole exome sequencing (WES) and whole genome sequencing (WGS) have become standard methods in human clinical diagnostics as well as in population genomics (POPGEN). Blood-derived genomic DNA (gDNA) is routinely used in the clinical environment. Conversely, many POPGEN studies and commercial tests benefit from easy saliva sampling. Here, we evaluated the quality of variant call sets and the level of genotype concordance of single nucleotide variants (SNVs) and small insertions and deletions (indels) for WES and WGS using paired blood- and saliva-derived gDNA isolates employing genomic reference-based validated protocols.

Methods

The genomic reference standard Coriell NA12878 was repeatedly analyzed using optimized WES and WGS protocols, and data calls were compared with the truth dataset published by the Genome in a Bottle Consortium. gDNA was extracted from the paired blood and saliva samples of 10 participants and processed using the same protocols. A comparison of paired blood–saliva call sets was performed in the context of WGS and WES genomic reference-based technical validation results.

Results

The quality pattern of called variants obtained from genomic-reference-based technical replicates correlates with data calls of paired blood–saliva-derived samples in all levels of tested examinations despite a higher rate of non-human contamination found in the saliva samples. The F1 score of 10 blood-to-saliva-derived comparisons ranged between 0.8030–0.9998 for SNVs and between 0.8883–0.9991 for small-indels in the case of the WGS protocol, and between 0.8643–0.999 for SNVs and between 0.7781–1.000 for small-indels in the case of the WES protocol.

Conclusion

Saliva may be considered an equivalent material to blood for genetic analysis for both WGS and WES under strict protocol conditions. The accuracy of sequencing metrics and variant-detection accuracy is not affected by choosing saliva as the gDNA source instead of blood but much more significantly by the genomic context, variant types, and the sequencing technology used.
Smoothed quantile residual life regression analysis with application to the Korea HIV/AIDS cohort study
Authors: Kim Soo Min , Choi Yunsu , Kang Sangwook , HIV/AIDS cohort study Korea
Published: February 2024

Background

The residual life of a patient with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is of major interest to patients and their physicians. While existing analyses of HIV patient survival focus mostly on data collected at baseline, residual life analysis allows for dynamic analysis based on additional data collected over a period of time. As survival times typically exhibit a right-skewed distribution, the median provides a more useful summary of the underlying distribution than the mean. In this paper, we propose an efficient inference procedure that fits a semiparametric quantile regression model assessing the effect of longitudinal biomarkers on the residual life of HIV patients until the development of dyslipidemia, a disease becoming more prevalent among those with HIV.

Methods

For estimation of model parameters, we propose an induced smoothing method that smooths nonsmooth estimating functions based on check functions. For variance estimation, we propose an efficient resampling-based estimator. The proposed estimators are theoretically justified. Simulation studies are used to evaluate their finite sample performances, including their prediction accuracy. We analyze the Korea HIV/AIDS cohort study data to examine the effects of CD4 (cluster of differentiation 4) cell count on the residual life of HIV patients to the onset of dyslipidemia.

Results

The proposed estimator is shown to be consistent and normally distributed asymptotically. Under various simulation settings, our estimates are approximately unbiased. Their variances estimates are close to the empirical variances and their computational efficiency is superior to that of the nonsmooth counterparts. Two measures of prediction performance indicate that our method adequately reflects the dynamic character of longitudinal biomarkers and residual life. The analysis of the Korea HIV/AIDS cohort study data shows that CD4 cell count is positively associated with residual life to the onset of dyslipidemia but the effect is not statistically significant.

Conclusions

Our method enables direct prediction of residual lifetimes with a dynamic feature that accommodates data accumulated at different times. Our estimator significantly improves computational efficiency in variance estimation compared to the existing nonsmooth estimator. Analysis of the HIV/AIDS cohort study data reveals dynamic effects of CD4 cell count on the residual life to the onset of dyslipidemia.
Prevalence of urinary incontinence and associated factors in nursing homes: a multicentre cross-sectional study
Authors: Jerez-Roig Javier , Farrés-Godayol Pau , Yildirim Meltem , Escribà-Salvans Anna , Moreno-Martin Pau , Goutan-Roura Ester , Rierola-Fochs Sandra , Romero-Mas Montse , Booth Joanne , Skelton Dawn A. , Giné-Garriga Maria , Minobes-Molina Eduard
Published: February 2024

Background

Urinary incontinence (UI) is a common geriatric syndrome with high health and socio-economic impacts in nursing home (NH) residents.

Objectives

To estimate the prevalence and types of UI and its associated factors in older people living in NHs in Central Catalonia (Spain). We also determined the proportion of residents who were receiving behavioural strategies to prevent/manage UI.

Design and setting

Cross-sectional study in 5 NHs conducted from January to March 2020.

Methods

We included consenting residents aged 65 + permanently living in the NHs. Residents who were hospitalized, in a coma or palliative care were excluded. UI was assessed using Section H of the Minimum Data Set. Sociodemographic and health-related variables were examined. Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate (logistic regression) analyses were performed.

Results

We included 132 subjects (82.6% women), mean age of 85.2 (SD = 7.4) years. The prevalence of UI was 76.5% (95% CI: 68.60-82.93). The most common type was functional UI (45.5%), followed by urgency UI (11.4%). Only 46.2% of residents received at least one behavioural strategy to manage UI. Most sedentary behaviour (SB) variables presented a p-value lower than 0.001 in the bivariate analyses, but none remained in the final model. Moderate-severe cognitive impairment (OR = 4.44, p =.003), anticholinergic activity (OR = 3.50, p =.004) and risk of sarcopenia using SARC-F (OR = 2.75, p =.041) were associated with UI.

Conclusions

The prevalence of UI was high in this sample of NH residents compared to the literature, yet less than half received prompted voiding as a strategy to prevent/reduce UI.UI was associated with cognitive impairment, anticholinergic activity, and risk of sarcopenia.
Ferroptosis-related genes, a novel therapeutic target for focal segmental glomerulosclerosis
Authors: Lin Yanbin , He Jinxuan , Mou Zhixiang , Chen Huiting , You Wenkang , Guan Tianjun , Chen Lan
Published: February 2024

Recent studies have suggested that ferroptosis participates in various renal diseases. However, its effect on focal segmental glomerulosclerosis remains unclear. This study analyzed the GSE125779 and GSE121211 datasets to identify the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in renal tubular samples with and without FSGS. The Cytoscape was used to construct the protein–protein interaction network. Moreover, the ferroptosis-related genes (FRGs) were obtained from the ferroptosis database, while ferroptosis-related DEGs were obtained by intersection with DEGs. The target genes were analyzed using Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis. The GSE108112 dataset was used to verify the expression of target FRGs. Besides, we built the mRNA-miRNA network regarding FRGs using the NetworkAnalyst database, and circRNAs corresponding to key miRNAs were predicted in the ENCORI database. In this study, 16 ferroptosis-related DEGs were identified between FSGS and healthy subjects, while five co-expressed genes were obtained by three topological algorithms in Cytoscape. These included the most concerned Hub genes JUN, HIF1A, ALB, DUSP1 and ATF3. The KEGG enrichment analysis indicated that FRGs were associated with mitophagy, renal cell carcinoma, and metabolic pathways. Simultaneously, the co-expressed hub genes were analyzed to construct the mRNA-miRNA interaction network and important miRNAs such as hsa-mir-155-5p, hsa-mir-1-3p, and hsa-mir-124-3p were obtained. Finally, 75 drugs targeting 54 important circRNAs and FRGs were predicted. This study identified the Hub FRGs and transcriptomic molecules from FSGS in renal tubules, thus providing novel diagnostic and therapeutic targets for FSGS.
Pain assessment tools in adults with communication disorders: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Sabater-Gárriz Álvaro , Molina-Mula Jesús , Montoya Pedro , Riquelme Inmaculada
Published: February 2024

Background

Verbal communication is the "gold standard" for assessing pain. Consequently, individuals with communication disorders are particularly vulnerable to incomplete pain management. This review aims at identifying the current pain assessment instruments for adult patients with communication disorders.

Methods

A systematic review with meta-analysis was conducted on PubMed, PEDRO, EBSCOhost, VHL and Cochrane databases from 2011 to 2023 using MeSH terms “pain assessment, “nonverbal communication” and “communication disorders” in conjunction with additional inclusion criteria: studies limited to humans, interventions involving adult patients, and empirical investigations.

Results

Fifty articles were included in the review. Seven studies report sufficient data to perform the meta-analysis. Observational scales are the most common instruments to evaluate pain in individuals with communication disorders followed by physiological measures and facial recognition systems. While most pain assessments rely on observational scales, current evidence does not strongly endorse one scale over others for clinical practice. However, specific observational scales appear to be particularly suitable for identifying pain during certain potentially painful procedures, such as suctioning and mobilization, in these populations. Additionally, specific observational scales appear to be well-suited for certain conditions, such as mechanically ventilated patients.

Conclusions

While observational scales dominate pain assessment, no universal tool exists for adults with communication disorders. Specific scales exhibit promise for distinct populations, yet the diverse landscape of tools hampers a one-size-fits-all solution. Crucially, further high-quality research, offering quantitative data like reliability findings, is needed to identify optimal tools for various contexts. Clinicians should be informed to select tools judiciously, recognizing the nuanced appropriateness of each in diverse clinical situations.

Trial registration

This systematic review is registered in PROSPERO (International prospective register of systematic reviews) with the ID: CRD42022323655.
The body mass index and the risk of ectopic pregnancy: a 5-year retrospective case-control study
Authors: Ji Jin-Shuang , Liu Ling , Huang Huan , Chen Hong-Wei , Xiao Li , Lu Xiang-Yi , Ni Yang-Yang , Jia Wen-Juan , Huang Lei
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Acknowledging the associated risk factors may have a positive impact on reducing the incidence of ectopic pregnancy (EP). In recent years, body mass index (BMI) has been mentioned in research. However, few studies are available and controversial on the relationship between EP and BMI.

Methods

We retrospectively studied the EP women as a case group and the deliveries as a control group in the central hospital of Wuhan during 2017 ~ 2021. χ2 test of variables associated with ectopic pregnancy was performed to find differences. Univariate and multivariate binary logistic regression analysis was conducted to analyze the association of the variables of age, parity, history of induced abortion, history of ectopic pregnancy, history of spontaneous abortion, history of appendectomy surgery and BMI (< 18.5 kg/m2, 18.5 ~ 24.9 kg/m2, 25 kg/m2 ~ 29.9 kg/m2, ≥ 30 kg /m2) with EP.

Results

They were 659 EP and 1460 deliveries. The variables of age, parity, history of induced abortion, history of ectopic pregnancy and BMI were different significantly(P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that the variables of age > 35 years old [(OR (Odds Ratio), 5.415; 95%CI (Confidence Interval), 4.006 ~ 7.320, P < 0.001], history of ectopic pregnancy (OR, 3.944; 95%CI, 2.405 ~ 6.467; P < 0.001), history of induced abortion(OR, 3.365; 95%CI, 2.724 ~ 4.158, P < 0.001) and low BMI (< 18.5 kg/m2) (OR, 1.929; 95%CI, 1.416 ~ 2.628, P < 0.001])increased the risk of EP.

Conclusion

The history of ectopic pregnancy, history of induced abortion and age > 35 years old were the risk factors with EP. In addition to these traditional factors, we found low BMI (< 18.5 kg/m2) with women may increase the risk to EP.
Perception and experiences of adolescent mothers and communities in caring for their preterm babies: findings from an in-depth study in rural Bangladesh
Authors: Salam Shumona Sharmin , Rahman Ahmed Ehsanur , Mhajabin Shema , Mazumder Tapas , Majid Tamanna , Samad Talha Md. Taqbir Us , Haider Rajib , Chowdhury Anika Tasneem , Islam Sharmin , Ameen Shafiqul , Jabeen Sabrina , Balen Julie , Arifeen Shams El , Nahar Quamrun , Anumba Dilly OC
Published: February 2024

Background

A significant concern for Bangladesh is the high prevalence of adolescent pregnancy and the associated negative consequences for mother and baby, including a teen-related increased risk of preterm birth (PTB). Bangladesh also has one of the highest incidences of PTB (19%). Despite these high numbers of adolescent pregnancies and PTB, little is reported about the experiences of adolescent mothers in caring for their preterm babies, and the interventions needed to support them. The aim of this study was to explore gaps and opportunities for improved care for preterm babies among adolescent mothers and communities in rural Bangladesh.

Methods

We conducted a qualitative study in rural villages of Baliakandi sub-district of Bangladesh. Data collection involved in-depth interviews with adolescent mothers of premature and term babies, adult mothers with premature babies, and family members (n = 36); focus groups with community members (n = 5); and key informant interviews with healthcare providers (n = 13). Adolescent mothers with term and adult mothers with PTBs were included to elicit similarities and differences in understanding and care practices of PTB. A thematic approach was used for data analysis.

Results

We explored two major themes- perceptions and understanding of PTB; care practices and care-seeking for illnesses. We observed gaps and variations in understanding of preterm birth (length of gestation, appearance, causes, problems faced) and care practices (thermal management, feeding, weight monitoring) among all, but particularly among adolescents. Immediate natal and marital-kins were prominent in the narratives of adolescents as sources of informational and instrumental support. The use of multiple providers and delays in care-seeking from trained providers for sick preterm babies was noted, often modulated by the perception of severity of illness, cost, convenience, and quality of services. Health systems challenges included lack of equipment and trained staff in facilities to provide special care to preterm babies.

Conclusion

A combination of factors including local knowledge, socio-cultural practices and health systems challenges influenced knowledge of, and care for, preterm babies among adolescent and adult mothers. Strategies to improve birth outcomes will require increased awareness among adolescents, women, and families about PTB and improvement in quality of PTB services at health facilities.
Psychometric evaluation of the Chinese version of the Scale of Effects of Social Media on Eating Behaviour and research of its influencing factors
Authors: Xu Kaiyan , Liang Chunguang , Zhao Ying , Zhang Fan , Zhang Chunyan , Zhang Yanhong , Zhang Yefan , Jiang Zhaoquan
Published: February 2024

Background

Social media has become an indispensable part of contemporary young people's lives, and the influence of social media on college students' eating and other health-related behaviors has become increasingly prominent. However, there is no assessment tool to determine the effects of social media on Chinese college students' eating behavior. This study aims to translate the Scale of Effects of Social Media on Eating Behaviour (SESMEB) into Chinese. Its applicability to Chinese college students was examined through reliability and validity indexes, and the influencing factors of SESMEB were explored.

Methods

The questionnaire survey included 2374 Chinese college students. The Brislin translation model was used to translate the original scale into Chinese. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were used to test the construct validity of the scale, and the content validity of the scale was assessed through the content validity index. The internal consistency of the scale was assessed by calculating Cronbach's alpha coefficient, McDonald's Omega coefficient, split-half reliability, and test–retest reliability. Multiple stepwise linear regression analysis was performed to identify potential influences on the effects of social media on eating behavior.

Results

EFA supported the one-factor structure, and the factor loadings of each item on this dimension were higher than 0.40. CFA showed good model fitness indexes. The content validity index of the scale was 0.94. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient and McDonald's Omega coefficient for the scale were 0.964, the split-half reliability coefficient was 0.953, and the test–retest reliability was 0.849. Gender, education, major, frequency of social media use, online sexual objectification experiences, fear of negative evaluations, and physical appearance perfectionism explained 73.8% of the variance in the effects of social media on eating behavior.

Conclusions

The Chinese version of the SESMEB has good psychometric properties and is a valid measurement tool for assessing the effects of social media on college students' eating behavior. Subjects who were female, highly educated, non-medical, had frequent social media use, online sexual objectification experiences, fear of negative evaluations, and physical appearance perfectionism used social media to have a higher impact on eating behavior.
Implementing a pilot study of COVID-19 self-testing in high-risk populations and remote locations: results and lessons learnt
Authors: Marbán-Castro Elena , Getia Vladimer , Alkhazashvili Maia , Japaridze Maia , Jikia Ia , Erkosar Berra , Del Rey-Puech Paula , Martínez-Pérez Guillermo Z. , Imnadze Paata , Gamkrelidze Amiran , Denisiuk Olga , Reipold Elena Ivanova , Shilton Sonjelle
Published: February 2024

Background

Rapid antigen-detection tests for SARS-CoV-2 self-testing represent a useful tool for pandemic control and expanding access to community-level case screening. COVID-19 self-tests have been extensively used in high-income countries since 2021; however, their introduction and programmatic implementation in low- and middle-income countries was delayed. We aimed to identify and continuously improve a weekly COVID-19 self-testing model among staff at healthcare facilities and schools.

Methods

This mixed-methods, observational prospective study was conducted in 5 healthcare centres and 24 schools in Georgia, between June and December 2022. The study comprised the integration of COVID-19 self-testing into the national mandatory testing programme for high-risk groups, with primary distribution of self-tests among staff performed weekly, plus secondary distribution to their household members. These use cases were selected because NCDC was seeking to strengthen their already strong weekly testing programme, by investigating self-testing to ease the burden of testing in the healthcare system. Online surveys and semi-structured interviews were used for data collection.

Results

In total, 2156 participants were enrolled (1963 female, 72%). At baseline and mid- and end-points, 88%, 97% and 99%, respectively, of participants agreed/strongly agreed they would self-test. Similarly, the majority were willing to report their self-testing results (88%, 98% and 96% at baseline and mid- and end-points, respectively). Weekly reporting of test results to the national COVID-19 database was high during all the implementation. There were 622 COVID-19 positive results reported, and linked to care, from 601 individuals (282 participants and 319 household members). Findings from qualitative interviews showed great satisfaction with self-testing for its convenience, ease of use, trust in the results, no need to travel for diagnostics, and increased perception of safety.

Conclusions

Our findings contribute to the evidence-base regarding self-testing strategies conducted via workplaces and secondary distribution to households. Willingness to perform a COVID-19 self-test increased after implementation. This pilot enhanced pandemic preparedness through expansion of the national self-testing reporting system, development of communications materials, changes in the national legal framework and coordination mechanisms, and improved perceptions around self-care in the community. The lessons learnt can inform operational aspects of the introduction and scale-up of self-care strategies.
Perceptions and beliefs of community gatekeepers about genomic risk information in African cleft research
Authors: Oladayo Abimbola M. , Odukoya Oluwakemi , Sule Veronica , Molobe Ikenna , Busch Tamara , Akodu Babatunde , Adeyemo Wasiu L. , Gowans Lord J. J. , Eshete Mekonen , Alade Azeez , Awotoye Waheed , Adeyemo Adebowale A. , Mossey Peter A. , Prince Anya E. R. , Murray Jeffrey C. , Butali Azeez
Published: February 2024

Background

A fundamental ethical issue in African genomics research is how socio-cultural factors impact perspectives, acceptance, and utility of genomic information, especially in stigmatizing conditions like orofacial clefts (OFCs). Previous research has shown that gatekeepers (e.g., religious, political, family or community leaders) wield considerable influence on the decision-making capabilities of their members, including health issues. Thus, their perspectives can inform the design of engagement strategies and increase exposure to the benefits of genomics testing/research. This is especially important for Africans underrepresented in genomic research. Our study aims to investigate the perspectives of gatekeepers concerning genomic risk information (GRI) in the presence of OFCs in a sub-Saharan African cohort.

Methods

Twenty-five focus group discussions (FGDs) consisting of 214 gatekeepers (religious, community, ethnic leaders, and traditional birth attendants) in Lagos, Nigeria, explored the opinions of participants on genomic risk information (GRI), OFC experience, and the possibility of involvement in collaborative decision-making in Lagos, Nigeria. Transcripts generated from audio recordings were coded and analyzed in NVivo using thematic analysis.

Results

Three main themes—knowledge, beliefs, and willingness to act—emerged from exploring the perspective of gatekeepers about GRI in this group. We observed mixed opinions regarding the acceptance of GRI. Many participants believed their role is to guide and support members when they receive results; this is based on the level of trust their members have in them. However, participants felt they would need to be trained by medical experts to do this. Also, religious and cultural beliefs were crucial to determining participants’ understanding of OFCs and the acceptance and utilization of GRI.

Conclusions

Incorporating cultural sensitivity into public engagement could help develop appropriate strategies to manage conflicting ideologies surrounding genomic information in African communities. This will allow for more widespread access to the advances in genomics research in underrepresented populations. We also recommend a synergistic relationship between community health specialists/scientists, and community leaders, including spiritual providers to better understand and utilize GRI.
Efficacy of mobile-based educational intervention using Instructional Systems Design in promoting preventive behaviors for sexually transmitted infections among Iranian women: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Juyani Afsaneh Karami , Zarei Fatemeh , Maasoumi Raziyeh
Published: February 2024

Background

Women who are sexually active are at risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), which can cause serious difficulties for their reproductive health. However, despite the high global burden of STIs, most infections are preventable with education for behavioral change. The purpose of this study is to investigate the Efficacy of Mobile-Based Educational Intervention Using Instructional Systems Design in Promoting Preventive Behaviors for Sexually Transmitted Infections among Iranian Women.

Methods

This randomized controlled trial aimed at promoting preventive behaviors related to STIs in Iranian women with an educational intervention based on the Instructional Systems Design (ISD) in 2022. The participants in this study were recruited from a single center, specifically the Health House No. 3 located in District 11 of Tehran Municipality. Two instruments were used in the present study: a) a valid scale titled: “Four-Scale of STI Preventive Behaviors”, and b) a researcher-made Questionnaire titled: “Social perception affecting sexually transmitted infections (SOPESTI)”. These tools contain 8 demographic items and specific questions with a total of 68 five-point Likert scales. The intervention comprised three phases: a pre-test (baseline), a training program, and two follow-up assessments (4 and 12 weeks after the start of the training program). The experimental group received education through a mobile app, while the control group received no intervention. SPSS v.26 was used, with a significance level ofP < 0.05. The chi-square test, Fisher’s exact test, independent t-tests, analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), and repeated measures ANOVA were used to analyze the data.

Results

A total of 80 women, with a mean age of 36.524 ± 6.91 (experiment group) and 34.78 ± 8.20 (control group), respectively, participated in the trial. The study revealed a statistically significant difference in the mean score for eight domains, including STIs Knowledge, STIs Vulnerability, STIs Preventive Self-efficacy, STIs Prevention intentions, STIs Perceived social exclusion, STIs Perceived cognitive barriers, STIs Perceived social support, and STIs Perceived risks in the experiment group following the intervention compared to before the intervention (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The results of this study showed that a mobile-based educational intervention based on the ISD model had a significant effect on the preventive behaviors of STIs in Iranian women. These results highlight the potential benefit of mobile health in enhancing reproductive health.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov IRCT20200602047638N1. Registered on 22 May 2021 with the IRCTID, V1.0.https://www.irct.ir/trial/55632
Factors associated with non-fusion after direct pars repair of lumbar spondylolysis with pedicle screw and lamina hook: a clinical and CT-assessed study
Authors: Guo Xinhu , Li Zhuofu , Guo Zhaoqing , Li Weishi
Published: February 2024

Background

Pedicle screw and lamina hook (PSLH) technique is an effective and popular method for direct pars repair of lumbar spondylolysis. There is a lack of studies to explore factors that may influence the healing of spondylolysis after direct pars repair surgery. The present study aimed to investigate the factors associated with non-fusion after direct pars repair of lumbar spondylolysis with PSLH technique.

Methods

A total of 55 subjects (average age 21.1 ± 6.3 years, a total of 120 pars defects) diagnosed with symptomatic spondylolysis and underwent pars repair surgery with PSLH were followed up and their clinical data were analyzed. Subjects were divided into a non-fusion group and fusion group according to whether the pars defect had bony fusion at last follow-up assessed by CT. Radiographic data, data related to spondylolysis and clinical outcomes were collected and compared between groups.

Results

The mean follow-up time of the 55 patients was 24.8 ± 12.0 (12–64) months. Among the 120 pars defects, 101 defects were successfully fused and 19 were not fused according to CT. The fusion rate was 84.2%. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed the factors correlated with non-fusion after pars repair surgery: whether the spondylolysis segment was associated with spina bifida occulta (SBO) (P = 0.001), stage of the defect (P = 0.047), width of the defect (P = 0.002), and disc degeneration (P = 0.014).

Conclusion

Direct pars repair by PSHL is a reliable treatment for lumbar spondylolysis with a fusion rate of 84.2%. Association with SBO of the spondylolysis segment, a terminal stage of the defect, a wider defect gap, and grade III disc degeneration may be factors associated with non-fusion after direct pars repair of lumbar spondylolysis with PLSH. Non-fusion patients after pars repair appear to have worse clinical results compared to fusion patients.