bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Are social support, loneliness, and social connection differentially associated with happiness across levels of introversion-extraversion?
Authors: Card Kiffer G , Skakoon-Sparling Shayna
Published: June 2023

This study examines whether extraversion moderates the association between subjective happiness and measures of social connectedness using data from Canadian residents, aged 16+, recruited online during the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic (21 April 2021–1 June 2021). To accomplish this aim we tested the moderating effect of extraversion scores on the association between Subjective Happiness scores and several social health measures: Perceived Social Support, Loneliness, social network size, and time with friends. Among 949 participants, results show that lower social loneliness ( p < .001) and higher social support from friends ( p = .001) and from family ( p = .007) was more strongly correlated with subjective happiness for people with low extraversion compared to those with high extroversion. Anti-loneliness interventions should consider the need to promote social connections among individuals across the introversion-extraversion continuum.
Hospital Mortality and Adverse Events Following Repair of Congenital Heart Defects in Developing Countries
Authors: Bateson Brian P. , Deng Luqin , Ange Brittany , Austin Erle , Dabal Robert , Broser Taylor , Pennington John , Sivakumar Sivalingam , Lee Cheul , Truong Nguyen Ly Thinh , Jacobs Jeffery P. , Cervantes Jorge , Kirklin James K. , St. Louis James
Published: June 2023

Background

Mortality associated with the correction of congenital heart disease has decreased to approximately 2% in developed countries and major adverse events are uncommon. Outcomes in developing countries are less well defined. The World Database for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Surgery was utilized to compare mortality and adverse events in developed and developing countries.

Methods

A total of 16,040 primary procedures were identified over a two-year period. Centers that submitted procedures were dichotomized to low/middle income (LMI) and high income (HI) by the Gross National Income per capita categorization. Mortality was defined as any death following the primary procedure to discharge or 90 days inpatient. Multiple logistic regression models were utilized to identify independent predictors of mortality.

Results

Of the total number of procedures analyzed, 83% (n  =  13,294) were from LMI centers. Among all centers, the mean age at operation was 2.2 years, with 36% (n  =  5,743) less than six months; 85% (n  =  11,307) of procedures were STAT I/II for LMI centers compared with 77% (n = 2127) for HI centers ( P < .0001). Overall mortality across the cohort was 2.27%. There was a statistical difference in mortality between HI centers (0.55%) versus LMI centers (2.64%) ( P < .0001). After adjustment for other risk factors, the risk of death remained significantly higher in LMI centers (odds ratio: 2.36, 95% confidence interval: 1.707-3.27).

Conclusion

Although surgical expertise has increased across the globe, there remains a disparity with some outcomes associated with the correction of congenital heart disease between developing and developed countries. Further studies are needed to identify specific opportunities for improvement.
Strategic Flexibility and Organizational Performance: Mediating Role of Innovation
Authors: Awais Muhammad , Ali Amanat , Khattak Muhammad Sajid , Arfeen Muhammad Irfanullah , Chaudhary Muhammad Azam I. , Syed Aleena
Published: June 2023

Strategic flexibility is deemed to be an important organizational capability for enhancing innovation and improving organizational performance (OP) in uncertain, turbulent, and ever-changing business environments. Many studies have investigated the impact of strategic flexibility on innovation and OP in various contexts and found that strategic flexibility enhances innovation and improves OP. Other studies have found negative association or no association between strategic flexibility and OP. Therefore, it is not much clear whether strategic flexibility improves OP directly or through innovation. Especially, the mediating role of innovation in the association between strategic flexibility and OP in engineering project-based organizations has not been fully grabbed in prior literature and Pakistan remained unexplored. This study has strived to examine the mediating role of innovation in the association between strategic flexibility and OP in this context. Drawing upon resource based and dynamic capability views, an explanatory model was developed and tested by applying PLS-SEM higher order component modeling approach using sample data from 184 organizations in Pakistan. The results revealed that strategic flexibility is positively associated with innovation and OP. Innovation is positively associated with OP. The association between strategic flexibility and OP is partially mediated by innovation. The study promotes academic rigor and provides a new theoretical model. Mangers, decision-makers, and policy-makers can utilize the results to update their plans to achieve sustainable OP. The other organizations in various countries operating under similar conditions can also take the advantage of this study.
Tele-Assessment of Functional Capacity: Validity, Intra- and Inter-rater Reliability
Authors: Özel Aslıyüce Yasemin , Fanuscu Aybüke , Aslıyüce Abdurahim , Ülger Özlem
Published: June 2023

Background:

Functional capacity evaluation is a standardized tool that assesses work-related skills. Although there are different test batteries, the most frequently used one is Work Well Systems. This study aims to determine the validity and inter- and intra-rater reliability of remote implementation of functional capacity tests (repetitive reaching, lifting object overhead, and working overhead) in asymptomatic individuals.

Methods:

A total of 51 asymptomatic individuals were included in the study. Participants completed all tests both face-to-face and remotely. Remote assessment videos were rewatched by the same researcher and different researchers for intra- and inter-rater reliability. All processes were scored by two independent researchers.

Results:

Remotely performing repetitive reaching (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC]: 0.85–0.92, p < .001), lifting object overhead (ICC: 0.98, p < .001), and working overhead (ICC: 0.88 p < .001) tests are valid and reliable.

Discussion:

Repetitive reaching, lifting an object overhead, and sustained overhead work tests in the Work Well Systems–Functional Capacity Evaluation test battery can be performed remotely through videoconferencing. Remotely evaluating these tests, which are especially important in work-related situations, may be important in pandemic conditions and hybrid working conitions.
Environmental toxicants and health adversities: A review on interventions of phytochemicals
Authors: Sokan-Adeaga Adewale Allen , Sokan-Adeaga Micheal Ayodeji , Sokan-Adeaga Eniola Deborah , Oparaji Anastasia Nkem , Edris Hoseinzadeh , Tella Esther Oluwabukunola , Balogun Francis Adeniyi , Aledeh Muhammad , Amubieya Oluwatosin Emmanuel
Published: June 2023

Toxicity arising from environmental contaminants has attracted global interest in the last few decades, due to the high morbidity and mortality associated with them. Efforts have been made to combat the consequential outcomes of environmental toxicity in humans through traditional remediation techniques and therapeutic measures which have been hampered by one or more limitations. Consequently, this scenario has triggered interest in the medicinal properties of phytochemicals. Thus, this review gives a succinct and in-depth elucidation of the various environmental contaminants and their toxicity effects on humans. It delves into the various classes of phytochemicals and their intervention roles. The study adopted a desk review of existing literatures from scientific reports and peer reviewed articles through triangulation of data sources. “Phytochemicals” are group of secondary metabolites obtained from plants with medicinal properties. These groups of compounds are included but not limited to flavonoids, tannins, saponins, alkaloids, cardenoloids, terpenoids, and phytosteroids. This review corroborates the prophylactic and therapeutics efficacy of these phytochemicals as anti-metastatic, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, anti-oxidant, anti-microbial and live saving substances with empirical findings from several laboratory, clinical trials and epidemiologic studies. It conclude that given the wide range of medicinal properties of phytochemicals, there is an urgent need for its full optimization in the pharmaceutical industry and future studies should focus on identifying the bioactive molecules in these compounds and its effectiveness against mixer toxicity.
Comparison of Volleyball-Related Injuries at US Emergency Departments Between High School and Collegiate Athletes: A 10-Year NEISS Database Study
Authors: Sandler Claire B. , Green Clare K. , Scanaliato John P. , Sandler Alexis B. , Dunn John C. , Parnes Nata
Published: June 2023

Background:

There is a paucity of current data regarding the sport-specific injury patterns and epidemiological trends associated with volleyball.

Purpose:

To provide an updated, comparative assessment of the epidemiology of volleyball-related injuries among female high school– and college-aged athletes and to characterize the burden of these injuries on emergency departments (EDs) across the United States.

Study Design:

Descriptive epidemiological study.

Methods:

Data were obtained from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System for volleyball-related injuries between 2012 and 2021 in high school–aged (14-18 years) and college-aged (19-23 years) patients. Incidence, injury characteristics, incident locales, and dispositions were analyzed with weighted population statistics based on National Federation of State High School Associations and National Collegiate Athletic Association data as well as incidence rates and incidence rate ratios (IRRs) and 95% CIs.

Results:

In total, an estimated 214,302 female athletes aged 14 to 23 years were evaluated in EDs across the United States with volleyball-related injuries between 2012 and 2021. Female college-aged athletes were nearly 3 times more likely to be evaluated with these injuries than their high school–aged counterparts, with incidence rates of 12.8 per 100 at-risk individuals among college-aged athletes and 4.3 per 100 at-risk individuals in high school–aged athletes (IRR, 0.338; 95% CI, 0.333-0.342). The ankle, head, and knee were most frequently injured, often involving strains/sprains, contusions, fractures, and concussions. The IRRs of nearly all injuries were higher among collegiate athletes, especially among knee (IRR, 4.56; 95% CI, 4.40-4.72) and shoulder (IRR, 5.07; 95% CI, 4.81-5.35) injuries.

Conclusion:

Among volleyball-related injuries evaluated in EDs between 2012 and 2021, the incidence rates of injuries in college-aged athletes far surpassed those of their high school–aged peers irrespective of injury type or bodily location. While sprains and strains were the most frequent injuries, head injuries accounted for the second most common diagnosis in both groups, suggesting that clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for concussion when evaluating players.
Neonatal Birth Trauma and Its Predisposing Factors Among Newborns Admitted to Public Hospitals in Eastern Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Tolosa Gadissa , Assefa Nega , Keneni Mulualem , Lonsako Arega Abebe , Desalew Assefa
Published: June 2023

Objectives: This study is to investigate the magnitude and predisposing factors for neonatal birth trauma in public hospitals in eastern Ethiopia. It is a major cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Despite its higher burden, evidence is limited in eastern Ethiopia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 492 newborns selected using systematic random sampling. Data were analyzed using a binary logistic regression model. Statistical significance was set at P < .05. Results: The magnitude of neonatal birth trauma was 16.9% with 95% CI: 13.7-20.5%). In multivariable analysis, instrumental delivery, early preterm (<34 weeks), macrosomia, fetal malpresentation, male sex and, facility-based delivery such as hospital and health center-based delivery were factors associated with neonatal birth trauma. Conclusions: The magnitude of neonatal birth trauma was relatively high. Promoting health facilities-based delivery, prevention of preterm birth, the early decision on the mode, and minimizing instrumental deliveries help reduce neonatal birth trauma.
White Label Fragrances: Struggles of Small Business in Botswana
Authors: Ahmed Jashim Uddin , Ahmed Asma , Uddin Mohammad Jasim , Fatema Kaniz
Published: June 2023

In over the years, new players have entered the fragrance market to bring the essence of Africa into fragrances. The case discusses one such niche luxury brand, White Label Fragrances that incorporates indigenous materials to produce African-flavored perfumes. The brand’s distinct product segments include personal fragrances, a male grooming range, body care, and home aroma solutions. The personal fragrances consist of 16 variants catered for both males and females. The company differentiates itself by providing scents to capture the essence of Africa. The case also illustrates the timeline of achievements and challenges of the company starting from inception till date followed by targets for 2025. A Fishbone analysis demonstrates the root causes of the problems faced by the company. Finally, the case portrays the goals that the brand plans to achieve and probable strategies it could implement to take White Label Fragrances to a global level.
A Realistic Framework to Assess the Barriers to SCM 4.0 in the Foundry Industry
Authors: Kulkarni Praveen M. , P. Arun Kumar , Mirji Kakasab K. , Gokhale Prayag , Pote Saurabh Anil , Tigadi Basavaraj S.
Published: June 2023

This study focuses on the barriers to implementing supply chain management (SCM) 4.0 in the foundry industry and provides insights into its practical implementation in foundry units. Our study identifies barriers such as data privacy, legal issues, SCM complexity, and barriers related to implementing Industry 4.0 (I4.0)-enabled SCM in the foundry industry. It also provides insights into the role of digital infrastructure in building effective I4.0-enabled SCM. This study provides insights into how SCM 4.0 can be implemented in the foundry industry. The findings will be helpful to policymakers and foundry consultants in designing appropriate strategies for foundry units.
Republican Rules of Reproduction and “Flipping the Script” on U.S. Health Care Reform
Authors: Loeppky Rodney
Published: June 2023

Given the relatively conservative and marketized nature of U.S. health care reform, it remains unclear both why Republican resistance has been so intractable through much of the Affordable Care Act's (ACA's) tenure and why it has so suddenly receded into the background. This article seeks an explanatory mechanism to make sense of the ACA's changing historical fortunes, from enactment to the present. It argues that the Republican Party's “rules of reproduction,” a concept of historical sociology, best explains why the ACA met with such vociferous resistance and why that resistance has given way to surprising progress on coverage. It begins with a consideration of marketized U.S. health care, as well as the ACA's quest for expanded coverage—not structural rearrangement—as the basis for progressive change. Following this, I explore the “rules of reproduction” to explain Republican political actors’ relentless attacks on the law. The final section considers how the historically-contingent COVID-19 event has dovetailed with ACA entrenchment, effectively “flipping the script” on Republican rules, making anti-Obamacare maneuvers far less politically palatable. It is in this political space that reform advocates have been able to seize opportunity and broaden access.
Neuroimaging feature extraction using a neural network classifier for imaging genetics
Authors: Beaulac Cédric , Wu Sidi , Gibson Erin , Miranda Michelle F. , Cao Jiguo , Rocha Leno , Beg Mirza Faisal , Nathoo Farouk S.
Published: June 2023

Background

Dealing with the high dimension of both neuroimaging data and genetic data is a difficult problem in the association of genetic data to neuroimaging. In this article, we tackle the latter problem with an eye toward developing solutions that are relevant for disease prediction. Supported by a vast literature on the predictive power of neural networks, our proposed solution uses neural networks to extract from neuroimaging data features that are relevant for predicting Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) for subsequent relation to genetics. The neuroimaging-genetic pipeline we propose is comprised of image processing, neuroimaging feature extraction and genetic association steps. We present a neural network classifier for extracting neuroimaging features that are related with the disease. The proposed method is data-driven and requires no expert advice or a priori selection of regions of interest. We further propose a multivariate regression with priors specified in the Bayesian framework that allows for group sparsity at multiple levels including SNPs and genes.

Results

We find the features extracted with our proposed method are better predictors of AD than features used previously in the literature suggesting that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) related to the features extracted by our proposed method are also more relevant for AD. Our neuroimaging-genetic pipeline lead to the identification of some overlapping and more importantly some different SNPs when compared to those identified with previously used features.

Conclusions

The pipeline we propose combines machine learning and statistical methods to benefit from the strong predictive performance of blackbox models to extract relevant features while preserving the interpretation provided by Bayesian models for genetic association. Finally, we argue in favour of using automatic feature extraction, such as the method we propose, in addition to ROI or voxelwise analysis to find potentially novel disease-relevant SNPs that may not be detected when using ROIs or voxels alone.
Assessing whole-exome sequencing data from undiagnosed Brazilian patients to improve the diagnostic yield of inborn errors of immunity
Authors: Ferreira Cristina Santos , da Silva Francisco Junior Ronaldo , Gerber Alexandra Lehmkuhl , Guimarães Ana Paula de Campos , Amendola Flávia Anisio , Pinto-Mariz Fernanda , de Souza Monica Soares , Miranda Patrícia Carvalho Batista , de Vasconcelos Zilton Farias Meira , Goudouris Ekaterini Simões , Vasconcelos Ana Tereza Ribeiro
Published: June 2023

Objectives

Inborn error of immunity (IEI) comprises a broad group of inherited immunological disorders that usually display an overlap in many clinical manifestations challenging their diagnosis. The identification of disease-causing variants from whole-exome sequencing (WES) data comprises the gold-standard approach to ascertain IEI diagnosis. The efforts to increase the availability of clinically relevant genomic data for these disorders constitute an important improvement in the study of rare genetic disorders. This work aims to make available WES data of Brazilian patients’ suspicion of IEI without a genetic diagnosis. We foresee a broad use of this dataset by the scientific community in order to provide a more accurate diagnosis of IEI disorders.

Data description

Twenty singleton unrelated patients treated at four different hospitals in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil were enrolled in our study. Half of the patients were male with mean ages of 9 ± 3, while females were 12 ± 10 years old. The WES was performed in the Illumina NextSeq platform with at least 90% of sequenced bases with a minimum of 30 reads depth. Each sample had an average of 20,274 variants, comprising 116 classified as rare pathogenic or likely pathogenic according to American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics and the Association (ACMG) guidelines. The genotype-phenotype association was impaired by the lack of detailed clinical and laboratory information, besides the unavailability of molecular and functional studies which, comprise the limitations of this study. Overall, the access to clinical exome sequencing data is limited, challenging exploratory analyses and the understanding of genetic mechanisms underlying disorders. Therefore, by making these data available, we aim to increase the number of WES data from Brazilian samples despite contributing to the study of monogenic IEI-disorders.
Synergistic antiviral activity of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Glycyrrhiza glabra against Herpes Simplex-1 Virus (HSV-1) and Vesicular Stomatitis Virus (VSV): experimental and In Silico insights
Authors: Elebeedy Dalia , Ghanem Aml , Aly Shaza H. , Ali Mohamed A. , Faraag Ahmed H. I. , El-Ashrey Mohamed K. , salem Aya M. , Hassab Mahmoud A. El , Maksoud Ahmed I. Abd El
Published: June 2023

Background

The emergence of different viral infections calls for the development of new, effective, and safe antiviral drugs. Glycyrrhiza glabra is a well-known herbal remedy possessing antiviral properties.

Objective

The objective of our research was to evaluate the effectiveness of a newly developed combination of the probiotics Lactobacillus acidophilus and G. glabra root extract against two viral models, namely the DNA virus Herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) and the RNA virus Vesicular Stomatitis Virus (VSV), with regards to their antiviral properties.

Methodology

To examine the antiviral impacts of various treatments, we employed the MTT assay and real-time PCR methodology.

Results

The findings of our study indicate that the co-administration of L. acidophilus and G. glabra resulted in a significant improvement in the survival rate of Vero cells, while also leading to a reduction in the titers of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV-1) and Vesicular Stomatitis Virus (VSV) in comparison to cells that were not treated. Additionally, an investigation was conducted on glycyrrhizin, the primary constituent of G. glabra extract, utilizing molecular docking techniques. The results indicated that glycyrrhizin exhibited a greater binding energy score for HSV-1 polymerase (− 22.45 kcal/mol) and VSV nucleocapsid (− 19.77 kcal/mol) in comparison to the cocrystallized ligand (− 13.31 and − 11.44 kcal/mol, respectively).

Conclusions

The combination of L. acidophilus and G. glabra extract can be used to develop a new, natural antiviral agent that is safe and effective.
Anticholinergic exposure and its association with dementia/Alzheimer's disease and mortality in older adults
Authors: Poonawalla Insiya B. , Xu Yihua , Gaddy Rainelle , James Alex , Ruble Matt , Burns Salina , Dixon Suzanne W. , Suehs Brandon T.
Published: June 2023

Background

Use of anticholinergic (ACH) medications is associated with increased risk of cognitive decline in the elderly. However, little is known about this association from a health plan perspective.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study used the Humana Research Database to identify individuals with at least one ACH medication dispensed in 2015. Patients were followed until incidence of dementia/Alzheimer’s disease, death, disenrollment or end of December 2019. Multivariate Cox regression models were used to assess the association between ACH exposure and study outcomes, adjusting for demographics and clinical characteristics.

Results

A total of 12,209 individuals with no prior ACH use or dementia/Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis were included. As ACH polypharmacy increased (i.e., from no ACH exposure, to one, two, three, and four or more ACH medications), there was a stair-step increase in the incidence rate of dementia/Alzheimer’s disease (15, 30, 46, 56 and 77 per 1,000 person-years of follow-up) and in the incidence of mortality (19, 37, 80, 115 and 159 per 1,000 person-years of follow-up). After adjusting for confounders, ACH exposure to one, two, three and four or more ACH medications was associated with a 1.6 (95% CI 1.4–1.9), 2.1 (95% CI 1.7–2.8), 2.6 (95% CI 1.5–4.4), and 2.6 (95% CI 1.1–6.3) times, respectively, increased risk of a dementia/Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis compared to periods of no ACH exposure. ACH exposure to one, two, three and four or more medications was associated with a 1.4 (95% CI 1.2–1.6), 2.6 (95% CI 2.1–3.3), 3.8 (95% CI 2.6–5.4), and 3.4 (95% CI 1.8–6.4) times, respectively, increased risk of mortality compared to periods of no ACH exposure.

Conclusions

Reducing ACH exposure may potentially minimize long-term adverse effects in older adults. Results suggest populations which may benefit from targeted interventions to reduce ACH polypharmacy.
Knowledge and experience of midwives and gynecologists about manual rotation of persistent occiput posterior position
Authors: Allahbakhshi Nasab Pouran , Loripoor Marzeyeh , Mirzaei Khalilabadi Sakineh
Published: June 2023

Background

management of persistent occiput posterior position has always been controversial. Manual rotation by a delivery operator can reduce instrumental delivery and cesarean section.

Aim

This study aims to determine the knowledge and experience of midwives and gynecologists about manual rotation of persistent occiput posterior position.

Methods

This descriptive cross-sectional study was performed in 2022. The questionnaire link was sent to 300 participating midwives and gynecologists via WhatsApp Messenger. Two hundred sixty-two participants completed the questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using SPSS22 statistical software and descriptive statistics.

Results

189 people (73.3%) had limited information about this technique, and 240 (93%) had never performed it. If this technique is recognized as a safe intervention and is included in the national protocol, 239 people (92.6%) want to learn, and 212 (82.2%) are willing to do it.

Conclusion

According to the results, the knowledge and skills of midwives and gynecologists need to be trained and improved for manual rotation of persistent occiput posterior position.
Aspartoacylase promotes the process of tumour development and is associated with immune infiltrates in gastric cancer
Authors: Han Yalin , Wang Xuning , Xu Maolin , Teng Zhipeng , Qin Rui , Tan Guodong , Li Peng , Sun Peng , Liu Hongyi , Chen Li , Jia Baoqing
Published: June 2023

Background

Aspartoacylase (ASPA) is a gene that plays an important role in the metabolic reprogramming of cancer. However, the clinical relevance of ASPA in gastric cancer (GC) has not been demonstrated.

Methods

The link between ASPA and the clinical features of GC was determined using two public genomic databases. The multivariate Cox proportional hazard model and generalised linear regression model were applied to examine whether the ASPA level is associated with the prognosis and other pathological factors. In addition, the role of specific genes in the infiltration of immune cells in the setting of GC was investigated using a further immunological database. The expression level of various proteins was detected using a western blotting assay. Transwell and methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium tests were applied for the detection of cellular invasion and proliferation, with small hairpin ribonucleic acid used to knockdown ASPA.

Results

According to the multivariate Cox regression results, the down-regulated ASPA expression is a distinct prognostic factor. Furthermore, ASPA has significant positive correlations with the infiltration of immune cells in GC lesions. Compared to the non-cancer tissues, the GC tissues had a significantly lower level of ASPA expression (p < 0.05). Using knockdown and overexpression techniques, it was demonstrated that ASPA affects the capacity of cell lines for GC to both proliferate and invade.

Conclusion

Overall, ASPA could promote the occurrence and development of GC and presents a promising predictive biomarker for the disease since it is favourably connected with immune infiltrates and negatively correlated with prognosis.
Common mental disorders in Peruvian immigrant in Chile: a comparison with the host population
Authors: Errazuriz Antonia , Schmidt Kristin , Valenzuela Paulina , Pino Rodolfo , Jones Peter B.
Published: June 2023

Background

The Inner Santiago Health Study (ISHS) aimed to (i) estimate the prevalence of common mental disorders (CMD; i.e. depressive and anxiety disorders) among immigrants of Peruvian origin in Chile; (ii) determine whether such immigrants are at higher risk of CMD when compared with the native-born geographically matched population (i.e. non-immigrants); and (iii) identify factors associated with higher risk of any CMD among this immigrant group. A secondary aim was to describe access to mental health services by Peruvian immigrants meeting criteria for any CMD.

Methods

Findings are based on a population-based cross-sectional household mental health survey of 608 immigrant and 656 non-immigrant adults (18-64 years) residing in Santiago de Chile. Diagnoses of ICD-10 depressive and anxiety disorders and of any CMD were obtained using the Revised Clinical Interview Schedule. The relationships between demographic, economic, psychosocial, and migration-specific predictor variables, and risk of any CMD were analyzed with a series of stepwise multivariate logistic regression models.

Results

The one-week prevalence of any CMD was 29.1% (95% CI: 25.2-33.1) among immigrants and 34.7% (95% CI: 30.7-38.7) among non-immigrants. Depending on the statistical model used in the pooled sample, we found the prevalence of any CMD among non-immigrants to be higher (OR=1.53; 95% CI: 1.05-2.25) or similar (OR=1.34; 95% CI: 0.94-19.2) when compared with immigrants. In the multivariate stepwise regression of any CMD in immigrants only, the prevalence was higher for females, those with primary compared to higher education, in debt and exposed to discrimination. Conversely, higher levels of functional social support, sense of comprehensibility, and manageability were associated with a lower risk of any CMD in immigrants. In addition, no differences were observed between immigrants and non-immigrants reporting any CMD in mental health service utilization.

Conclusion

Our results evidence high levels of current CMD in this immigrant group, particularly amongst women. However, lower adjusted prevalence of any CMD in immigrants compared to non-immigrants was limited to preliminary statistical models, thus failing to provide clear support for a “healthy immigrant effect”. The study sheds new light on differences in CMD prevalence by immigrant status in Latin America by examining differential exposure to risk factors in immigrant versus non-immigrant groups.
The origins of California’s gun violence restraining order law: a case study using Kingdon’s multiple streams framework
Authors: Tomsich Elizabeth A. , Pear Veronica A. , Schleimer Julia P. , Wintemute Garen J.
Published: June 2023

Background

Firearm violence is a major public health problem in the United States, yet most states lack a mechanism to temporarily remove firearms from individuals who are at high and imminent risk of harming themselves or others and are not otherwise prohibited. Extreme risk protection order (ERPO) laws are intended to close this gap. The current study examines the passage of California’s gun violence restraining order (GVRO) bill using Kingdon’s multiple streams framework.

Methods

This study was based on an analysis of interview data from six key informants involved in the passage of the GVRO legislation.

Results

Findings indicate policy entrepreneurs framed the problem and designed the policy to target individuals at behavioral risk of imminent firearm violence. Policy entrepreneurs comprised an integrated policy network that engaged in a lengthy period of collaboration and bargained with interest groups to yield a bill that satisfied diverse concerns.

Conclusions

This case study may inform efforts in other states to pass ERPO policies and other firearm safety laws.
Evaluation of the usefulness of a paper–pencil group cognitive assessment for older adults in the community
Authors: Cho Daisuke , Suzuki Hiroyuki , Ogawa Susumu , Takahashi Tomoya , Sato Kenichiro , Iizuka Ai , Kobayashi Momoko , Yamauchi Misako , Kinai Anna , Li Yan , Fujiwara Yoshinori
Published: June 2023

Background

As the older population increases, the need for early detection of cognitive decline is also increasing. In this study, we examined whether our paper–pencil type group examination for cognitive assessment (PAPLICA) could detect the effects of years of education and aging.

Methods

PAPLICA was conducted on 829 older people. The inclusion criteria were age 60 years or older and the ability to come to the event site alone. The exclusion criteria were participants with a medical or psychiatric disorder or dementia.One examiner conducted the test on a group of approximately 10–20 people in approximately 25 min. Participants were instructed on tackling the issues projected on the projector, and their answers were recorded in a response booklet.

Results

An independent sample t-test was performed for years of education, and ANCOVA was performed for aging. Among the test items included in PAPLICA, the Speed I and Letter fluency tests were unable to detect the effects of aging. Furthermore, the age at which the effect of aging manifests varies depending on the test item. For instance, a decline in scores in the Speed I and Picture ECR Free recall tests was observed in the 70–74 age group; for that of Word DRT, Picture ECR cued recall, and Similarity, in the 75–79 age group; for CFT, in the 80–84 age group, and for CLOX, the decline was observed in the 85 ≤ age group.

Conclusions

PAPLICA, similar to other neuropsychological tests, was able to detect the effects of years of education and aging. Future testing should be conducted on different demographics to identify the differences in patterns of cognitive decline.
Quality indicators for osteoarthritis pain management in the primary care setting
Authors: Rizk Elsie , Tajchman Sharla , Fink Ezekiel , Aryal Dipendra K. , Iso Tomona , Flores Eleazar , Brown Anthony E. , Chokshi Sagar P. , Desai Shetal-Nicholas , Dewan Ashvin K. , Kazzaz Sarah A. , Guevara Myriam , Nagaraj Sudha , Robben Christopher P. , Vittone Veronica , Swan Joshua T.
Published: June 2023

Background

Development of valid and feasible quality indicators (QIs) is needed to track quality initiatives for osteoarthritis pain management in primary care settings.

Methods

Literature search identified published guidelines that were reviewed for QI extraction. A panel of 14 experts was assembled, including primary care physicians, rheumatologists, orthopedic surgeons, pain specialists, and outcomes research pharmacists. A screening survey excluded QIs that cannot be reliably extracted from the electronic health record or that are irrelevant for osteoarthritis in primary care settings. A validity screening survey used a 9-point Likert scale to rate the validity of each QI based on predefined criteria. During expert panel discussions, stakeholders revised QI wording, added new QIs, and voted to include or exclude each QI. A priority survey used a 9-point Likert scale to prioritize the included QIs.

Results

Literature search identified 520 references published from January 2015 to March 2021 and 4 additional guidelines from professional/governmental websites. The study included 41 guidelines. Extraction of 741 recommendations yielded 115 candidate QIs. Feasibility screening excluded 28 QIs. Validity screening and expert panel discussion excluded 73 QIs and added 1 QI. The final set of 15 prioritized QIs focused on pain management safety, education, weight-management, psychological wellbeing, optimizing first-line medications, referral, and imaging.

Conclusion

This multi-disciplinary expert panel established consensus on QIs for osteoarthritis pain management in primary care settings by combining scientific evidence with expert opinion. The resulting list of 15 prioritized, valid, and feasible QIs can be used to track quality initiatives for osteoarthritis pain management.
Comparison of pre-operative computed tomography cholangiography and intraoperative cholangiography in laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Chung Douglas
Published: June 2023

Background

The role of intra-operative cholangiography (IOC) in laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is controversial. CT cholangiography (CTC) provides a reliable assessment of biliary anatomy, potentially reducing operating times, open conversion, and complication rates. This study aims to assess the safety and effectiveness of routine pre-operative CTC.

Methods

A single centre retrospective analysis was undertaken of all elective laparoscopic cholecystectomies between 2017 and 2021. Information was obtained from a general surgical database alongside hospital electronic medical records. T-tests and Chi2 tests were used to assess statistical significance.

Results

Of 1079 patients, 129 (12.0%) underwent routine pre-operative CTC, 786 (72.8%) routine IOC, and 161 patients (14.9%) neither modality. Comparing CTC and IOC, the CTC group had higher rates of open conversion (3.1% vs. 0.6%, p 0.009), subtotal cholecystectomies (3.1% vs. 0.8%, p 0.018), and length of stay (1.47 vs. 1.18 nights, p 0.015). Comparing the prior groups together against those utilising neither modality, the latter had reduced operative time (66.29 vs. 72.47, p 0.011), but increased rate of bile leak (1.9% vs. 0.4%, p 0.037) and bile duct injury (1.2% vs. 0.2%, p 0.049). Co-dependence between operative complications was noted in linear regression.

Conclusion

Biliary imaging with either CTC or IOC is beneficial in reducing bile leak and bile duct injury, and its routine use LC is recommended. However, routine CTC is inferior to routine IOC in preventing conversions to open surgery and subtotal cholecystectomy. Further research may be undertaken to evaluate criteria for a selective CTC protocol.
Temporal trends and projections of gynecological cancers in China, 2007–2030
Authors: Duan Rufei , Zhang Hongping , Yu Jing , Deng Sisi , Yang Haijun , Zheng Yong-Tang , Huang Yunchao , Zhao Fanghui , Yang Hongying
Published: June 2023

Background

Gynecological cancer will become a more important public health problem in future years but limited evidence on gynecological cancer burden in China.

Methods

We extracted age-specific rate of cancer cases and deaths during 2007–2016 from the Chinese Cancer Registry Annual Report, and estimated age-specific population size using the data released by National Bureau of Statistics of China. Cancer burden were calculated by multiplying the rates with the population size. Temporal trends of the cancer cases, incidence, deaths, and mortality during 2007–2016 were calculated by JoinPoint Regression Program, and from 2017 to 2030 were projected by grey prediction model GM (1,1).

Results

In China, total gynecological cancer cases increased from 177,839 to 241,800, with the average annual percentage change of 3.5% (95% CI: 2.7–4.3%) during 2007–2016. Cervical, uterine, ovarian, vulva, and other gynecological cancer cases increased by 4.1% (95% CI: 3.3–4.9%), 3.3% (95% CI: 2.6–4.1%), 2.4% (95% CI: 1.4–3.5%), 4.4% (95% CI: 2.5–6.4%), and 3.6% (95% CI: 1.4–5.9%) respectively. From 2017 to 2030, projected gynecological cancer cases are changing from 246,581 to 408,314. Cervical, vulva and vaginal cancers showed evident upward trend, while uterine and ovarian cancer cases are slightly increasing. The increases for age-standardized incidence rates were similar with that of cancer cases. Temporal trends of cancer deaths and mortality were similar with that of cancer cases and incidence during 2007–2030, except that uterine cancer deaths and mortality were declined.

Conclusions

With the aging of population and other increased risk factors, the burden of gynecological cancers in China is likely to be grew rapidly in the future, comprehensive gynecological cancer control should be concerned.
Cytotoxic flavone-C-glycosides from the leaves of Dypsis pembana (H.E.Moore) Beentje & J.Dransf., Arecaceae: in vitro and molecular docking studies
Authors: Abdelrahim Mohamed S. , Abdel-Baky Afaf M. , Bayoumi Soad A. L. , Mohamed Shaymaa M. , Abdel-Mageed Wael M. , Backheet Enaam Y.
Published: June 2023

Background

Cancer poses a health threat, with an increased incidence worldwide. Thus, it is essential to develop new natural anticancer agents. Dypsis pembana (H.E.Moore) Beentje & J.Dransf (DP) is an ornamental plant belonging to the family Arecaceae. This study aimed to isolate and identify phytoconstituents from the leaves of this plant and evaluate their in vitro cytotoxic activities.

Methods

Different chromatographic techniques were applied to fractionate the hydro-alcoholic extract of DP and separate the major phytoconstituents. The isolated compounds were structurally elucidated based on their physical and spectroscopic data. The in vitro cytotoxic activities of the crude extract and fractions thereof were evaluated against human colon carcinoma (HCT-116), human breast carcinoma (MCF-7), and human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG-2) cell lines via MTT assay. Moreover, selected isolates were tested against HepG-2 cell line. Molecular docking analysis was performed to investigate the interactions of these compounds with two potential targets, the human topoisomerase IIα and cyclin-dependent kinase 2 enzymes.

Results

Thirteen diverse compounds were reported for the first time from DP, providing significant chemotaxonomic biomarkers. Among tested compounds, vicenin-II (7) was the most cytotoxic against HepG-2 cell line, with an IC50 value of 14.38 µg/mL, followed by isovitexin (13) (IC50 of 15.39 µg/mL). These experimental findings were complemented by molecular docking, which demonstrated that vicenin-II exhibited superior enzyme-binding affinities to the studied vital targets and shed light on the structure–activity relationships among the investigated flavone-C-glycosides members.

Conclusion

The phytochemical profile of DP was characterized for the first time, reflecting chemotaxonomic data about the concerned species, genus, or even the family. Biological and computational findings revealed that vicenin-II and isovitexin are possible lead structures as inhibitors of the human topoisomerase IIα and cyclin-dependent kinase 2 enzymes.
A call to enhance transparency among Egyptian medical schools
Authors: Talaat Wagdy , Amin Mariam Asaad , Bassiouny Mohamed Reda , Hassan Nancy Husseiny , Hamed Omayma
Published: June 2023

Background

Making accreditation results easily accessible has become a worldwide essential issue, especially after international standards were created for medical education. The Egyptian Society for Medical Education (ESME) expects Egyptian medical schools to be more open about their accreditation results to build trust with students, families, and the community. This will help ensure newly graduated doctors are of high quality. Our literature review found almost no information on how transparent Egyptian medical school websites are with posting their accreditation results. Students and families use these websites to choose schools and be confident in the quality of education, so accreditation results should be easily accessible.

Methods

This study was conducted to estimate the information transparency of Egyptian medical colleges’ websites regarding their accreditation process. Twenty-five official websites of Egyptian medical colleges, as well as official website of the National Authority for Quality Assurance and Accreditation of Education (NAQAAE) were reviewed. The websites’ search considers two main criteria for transparency. Each criterion is further divided into several information items. Data was recorded and analyzed using Research Electronic Data Capture software (REDCap). The authors excluded, from the data analysis, newly established schools of less than five years of age that were not required to apply for accreditation yet.

Results

The results of the research showed that only thirteen colleges registered their credentials on their websites. However, the amount of data available about the process, dates, and documents was very limited. Accreditation information for these thirteen schools is confirmed by information on the NAQAAE website. Other information on other important elements such as accountability and future plans was almost completely missing. Conclusion: The authors concluded that due to the lack of basic information on the websites of Egyptian medical schools about their institutional accreditation status, serious steps should be taken by medical schools and the National Accreditation Authority to encourage openness and ensure transparency towards institutional accreditation.
Perceptions and experiences of diploma nursing students on clinical learning. A descriptive qualitative study in Tanzania
Authors: Jacob Angela , Seif Saada , Munyaw Yuda
Published: June 2023

Background

The quality of nursing education depends largely on the experience student receive in the clinical environment. The learning environment is complex with factors that may positively or negatively influence students learning. The current study aimed to explore the experiences and perceptions of diploma nursing students toward their clinical learning in Dodoma-Tanzania.

Methods

A qualitative descriptive study design was employed. The study was conducted in four nursing schools involving 32 nursing students who were purposively selected. Data was collected using focus-group discussions and analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results

Three main themes emerged during the discussions: experience on personal and technical support for clinical learning, the importance of the clinical environment in clinical learning, and insufficient clinical educational planning. The majority of students had negative experiences including poor clinical supervision, lack of equipment, congestion of students, and inability to meet clinical objectives. Few students had positive experiences related to exposure to a real clinical environment and great support from staff nurses.

Conclusion

Students had mixed experiences, both positive and negative on their clinical learning. The majority of students had negative experiences. This may have a serious impact on the student completing their education, the services they will offer to patients when employed, and nursing professional development.