bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of family functioning on mental health problems of college students in China during COVID-19 pandemic and moderating role of coping style: a longitudinal study
Authors: Liu Lili , Chen Jianbin , Liang Shunwei , Yang Wenwen , Peng Xiaodan , Cai Chengcheng , Huang Andi , Wang Xiayong , Zhao Jingbo
Published: April 2023

Background

During the COVID-19 pandemic, college students were required to stay at home and maintain social distance for the entire spring semester of 2020. There is little research on how family functioning influenced mental health problems and how coping styles moderated the relationship between family functioning and mental health problems among college students during their stay-at-home period.

Methods

A total of 13,462 college students (age = 16–29 years) completed four online surveys between February and October 2020, namely the outbreak phase, remission phase, online study phase, and school reopening phase in Guangdong Province, China. Family functioning was assessed by the Family APGAR; coping styles were assessed by the Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire (SCSQ), depression symptoms and anxiety symptoms were evaluated by the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7) respectively. Generalized estimating equations were used to assess associations between variables, the logit link function was used to estimate the odds ratio of different subgroups, the Newton–Raphson method was used to estimate parameters, and the Wald test was used to test the main effect and the interaction effect.

Results

The incidence rates of depression increased during the stay-at-home period from 33.87%, 95% CI (29.88%, 38.10%) to 40.08% 95% CI (35.76%, 44.55%) after schools reopened, χ2 = 193.68, p < 0.001. The incidence rates of anxiety increased from 17.45%, 95% CI (14.59%, 20.73%) to 26.53%, 95% CI (16.94%, 23.67%) over the entire period, χ2 = 195.74, p < 0.001. The percentages of students with highly functional, moderately dysfunctional and severely dysfunctional family functioning were 48.23%, 43.91 and 7.86% at T1 and 46.20%, 45.28%, and 8.52 at T4, respectively. The percentage of subjects with active coping style was 23.9%, negative coping style was 17.4%, strong response coping was 26.9%, and weak response coping was 31.7%. The incidence rate of depression and anxiety for different family functioning groups varied at different time points, and the interaction effect was significant (χ2 = 52.97, p < 0.001 and χ2 = 51.25, p < 0.001, respectively). The incidence rate of depression and anxiety for different family functioning groups with different coping styles also varied at different time points, the interaction effect was likewise significant (χ2 = 862.09, p < 0.001 and χ2 = 583.29, p < 0.001, respectively).

Conclusions

Having a severely dysfunctional family and a negative coping style increase the incidence rates of depression and anxiety. These findings highlight the importance of paying special attention to college students' family functioning and promoting appropriate coping strategies during and after COVID-19.
Effect of household toilet accessibility on physical health of ethnic minority adolescents: a longitudinal study from the China Education Panel Survey 2013 and 2014
Authors: Jiang Yao , Yang Fan
Published: April 2023

Background

Accessing household toilets is vital for adolescent health during crucial stages of growth and development; however, some ethnic minority families in China lack toilets. The relationship between household toilet accessibility and the physical health of adolescents in China’s ethnic minority areas has been underexamined.

Methods

Using two waves of data from the China Education Panel Survey (2013 and 2014), this study explored the effect of household toilet accessibility on Chinese ethnic minority adolescents’ physical health. The sample consisted of 576 ethnic minority adolescents with an average age of approximately 13 years. To test the health effect of household toilet accessibility on ethnic minority adolescents, a fixed effects ordinary least squares model and difference-in-differences combined with propensity score matching method were used.

Results

The results of the fixed effects model and difference-in-differences combined with propensity score matching showed a significant and positive effect of household toilet accessibility on adolescents’ physical health. The heterogeneity analysis indicated that among the toilet types of soil cesspits, cement cesspits, squat toilets, and flush toilets, the flush toilets were proven to be the most efficient in improving adolescents’ physical health. Moreover, the family living arrangement was proven to play a moderating role in the effect of household toilet accessibility on the physical health of ethnic minority adolescents. The average marginal effects of household toilet accessibility on the physical health of ethnic minority adolescents who lived without parents were more evident and significant than those who lived with their parents.

Conclusion

Promoting household toilet accessibility in China’s ethnic minority areas is essential for improving adolescents’ health. Moreover, having a household toilet is not sufficient, the quality and dignity of household toilets are also important.
Learning styles of medical students from a university in China
Authors: Liu Hai-ping , Liu Yue-hui
Published: April 2023

Background

Investigating students’ learning styles can generate useful information that can improve curriculum design. This study adopts diverse measures to identify the learning styles of students despite limited literature related to clinical medical students in China. We utilized Felder’s Index of Learning Styles to examine the learning style characteristics of clinical medical students at Inner Mongolia Minzu University.

Methods

Cluster sampling (probability sampling) was used. This cross-sectional study investigated clinical medicine students with regard to their learning style preference and the difference across genders. This study also analysed data collected from other published studies. A total of 411 students from the medical school at Inner Mongolia Minzu University completed the Index of Learning Styles Questionnaire. The questionnaire assessed the learning styles of students in four dimensions: visual-verbal learning, sequential-global learning, active-reflective leaning, and sensing-intuitive learning.

Results

The analysis results show that clinical medicine students choose to receive visual information (73.97% of the student sample) instead of verbal information. These students prioritize sensory information (67.15%) rather than intuitive information and process reflective information (51.82%) rather than active information. They prefer to process information sequentially (59.85%) instead of globally. Our results also show that male students present a higher preference for an active learning style over a reflective learning style, while female students seem to present a higher preference for a reflective learning style over an active learning style. These preferences vary between cohorts (gender), but the difference is not statistically significant. Compared to data collected from other published studies, active, visual, sensing, and sequential are the most popular styles of learning adopted by medical science students.

Conclusions

The identification of medical students’ learning style in China provides information that medical educators and others can use to make informed choices about modification, development and strengthening of medical educational programs. Our outcomes may potentially improve motivation, engagement and deep learning in medical education when used as a supplement to teaching/learning activities.
Adolescents and youths’ opinions about the factors associated with cannabis use: a qualitative study based on the I-Change model
Authors: González-Cano-Caballero María , Torrejón-Guirado María-Carmen , Cano-Caballero María Dolores , Mac Fadden Isotta , Barrera-Villalba María-Del-Carmen , Lima-Serrano Marta
Published: April 2023

Background

To learn about the experiences and opinions of adolescent non-consumers and regular cannabis users about cannabis use and the factors that determine its use, using the I-Change explanatory model as a basis.

Methods

Qualitative methodology with a content analysis was used. Focus groups were conducted with adolescents who were non-regular cannabis users (those who had not tried cannabis or had only experimented with it before) and semi-structured interviews were conducted with adolescent and young adult in recovery who were in a detoxification program. A deductive analysis of the audio-recorded and transcribed interviews was performed, using the domains of the I-Change Model as a reference.

Results

Personal problems, social problems or family problems can lead to cannabis use. There was a lack of knowledge and low risk perception about consumption of this drug. There are other factors that influence consumption, the perception of advantages, such as the feeling of freedom and the influence of the peer group. The consumption of this substance in girls is changing, becoming more and more equal to that of boys. The family has an important role to play in preventing drug use.

Conclusion

Knowledge of these factors is of vital importance as a prior step to the development of efficient intervention measures adjusted to the needs identified and the characteristics of the population.
Associations between the stringency of COVID-19 containment policies and health service disruptions in 10 countries
Authors: Reddy Tarylee , Kapoor Neena R. , Kubota Shogo , Doubova Svetlana V , Asai Daisuke , Mariam Damen Haile , Ayele Wondimu , Mebratie Anagaw Derseh , Thermidor Roody , Sapag Jaime C. , Bedregal Paula , Passi-Solar Álvaro , Gordon-Strachan Georgiana , Dulal Mahesh , Gadeka Dominic Dormenyo , Mehata Suresh , Margozzini Paula , Leerapan Borwornsom , Rittiphairoj Thanitsara , Kaewkamjornchai Phanuwich , Nega Adiam , Awoonor-Williams John Koku , Kruk Margaret E. , Arsenault Catherine
Published: April 2023

Background

Disruptions in essential health services during the COVID-19 pandemic have been reported in several countries. Yet, patterns in health service disruption according to country responses remain unclear. In this paper, we investigate associations between the stringency of COVID-19 containment policies and disruptions in 31 health services in 10 low- middle- and high-income countries in 2020.

Methods

Using routine health information systems and administrative data from 10 countries (Chile, Ethiopia, Ghana, Haiti, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Mexico, Nepal, South Africa, South Korea, and Thailand) we estimated health service disruptions for the period of April to December 2020 by dividing monthly service provision at national levels by the average service provision in the 15 months pre-COVID (January 2019-March 2020). We used the Oxford COVID-19 Government Response Tracker (OxCGRT) index and multi-level linear regression analyses to assess associations between the stringency of restrictions and health service disruptions over nine months. We extended the analysis by examining associations between 11 individual containment or closure policies and health service disruptions. Models were adjusted for COVID caseload, health service category and country GDP and included robust standard errors.

Findings

Chronic disease care was among the most affected services. Regression analyses revealed that a 10% increase in the mean stringency index was associated with a 3.3 percentage-point (95% CI -3.9, -2.7) reduction in relative service volumes. Among individual policies, curfews, and the presence of a state of emergency, had the largest coefficients and were associated with 14.1 (95% CI -19.6, 8.7) and 10.7 (95% CI -12.7, -8.7) percentage-point lower relative service volumes, respectively. In contrast, number of COVID-19 cases in 2020 was not associated with health service disruptions in any model.

Conclusions

Although containment policies were crucial in reducing COVID-19 mortality in many contexts, it is important to consider the indirect effects of these restrictions. Strategies to improve the resilience of health systems should be designed to ensure that populations can continue accessing essential health care despite the presence of containment policies during future infectious disease outbreaks.
Immunosuppressive therapy for progressive idiopathic membranous nephropathy: a cost-effectiveness analysis in China
Authors: Xu Wanyi , Zhang Zhiqi , Li Dandan , Dai Wendi , Pan Chen , Guo Mingxing , Zhao Ying , Cui Xiangli
Published: April 2023

Background

This study aims to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of immunosuppressive therapy for patients with progressive idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN) from the Chinese healthcare system perspective.

Methods

To estimate the cost-effectiveness of four regimens namely cyclophosphamide, cyclosporine, rituximab and tacrolimus-rituximab in treatment of IMN recommended by the updated Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) guideline 2021, a Markov model with five discrete states (active disease, remission, dialysis, kidney transplant and death) based on IMN patients aged 50 or above over a 30-years time horizon was constructed. Total costs were imputed from the Chinese healthcare system perspective, and health outcomes were converted into quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was used to describe the results. The willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold was set at $12,044 (China’s 2021 Gross Domestic Product per capita). Sensitivity analyses were performed to test the uncertainties of the results.

Result

Compared with cyclophosphamide, both cyclosporine (incremental cost $28,337.09, incremental QALY-1.63) and tacrolimus-rituximab (incremental cost $28,324.13, incremental QALY -0.46) were considered at strictly dominated for their negative values in QALYs, and the ICER value of rituximab was positive (incremental cost $9,162.19, incremental QALY 0.44). Since the ICER of rituximab exceeds the pre-determined threshold, cyclophosphamide was likely to be the best choice for the treatment of IMN within the acceptable threshold range. The results of the sensitivity analysis revealed that the model outcome was mostly affected by the probability of remission in rituximab. In a probabilistic sensitivity analysis, cyclophosphamide had 62.4% probability of being cost-effective compared with other regimens when the WTP was $12,044 per QALY. When WTP exceeded $18,300, rituximab was more cost-effective than cyclophosphamide.

Conclusion

Compared with cyclosporine, rituximab and tacrolimus-rituximab, our model results indicated that cyclophosphamide represented the most cost-effective regimen for patients with progressive IMN in China.
Metastasis pattern and prognosis in children with neuroblastoma
Authors: Liu Shan , Yin Weimin , Lin Yaobin , Huang Sihan , Xue Shufang , Sun Gaoyuan , Wang Chengyi
Published: April 2023

Background

We aimed to investigate the different metastases and prognoses of neuroblastoma (NB) and determine the risk factors of metastasis.

Method

Data of 1224 patients with NB were obtained from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results database (2010–2018). Pearson’s chi-square test, Kaplan–Meier analysis, multivariable logistic regression and Cox regression analysis were used to determine the factors associated with prognosis.

Results

The overall incidence of NB was an age-adjusted rate of 8.2 patients per 1,000,000 children. In total, 1224 patients were included in our study, with 599 patients (48.9%) exhibiting distant metastases. Compared to patients with non-metastatic NB, a greater proportion of patients with metastatic NB were under 1 year, male, had an adrenal primary site, unilateral tumour, a tumour size > 10 cm, neuroblastoma-not otherwise specified (NB-NOS), second malignant neoplasms and were more likely to choose radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Multivariate Cox regression showed that metastasis was an independent risk factor for overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS). The survival rate of non-metastatic patients with NB was better than those with metastasis (OS: hazard ratio (HR): 0.248, P < 0.001; CSS: HR: 0.267, P < 0.001). The bone and liver were the two most common isolated metastatic sites in NB. However, no statistical difference was observed in OS and CSS between the only bone metastasis group, only liver metastasis group and bone metastasis combined with liver metastasis group (all P > 0.05). Additionally, age at diagnosis > 1 year (odds ratio (OR): 3.295, P < 0 .001), grades III–IV (OR: 26.228, P < 0 .001) and 5–10 cm tumours (OR: 1.781, P < 0 .001) increased the risk of bone metastasis of NB. Moreover, no surgical treatment (OR: 2.441, P < 0 .001) increased the risk of liver metastasis of NB.

Conclusion

Metastatic NB has unique clinicopathological features, with the bone and liver as the most common single metastatic sites of NB. Therefore, more aggressive treatment is recommended for high-risk children with NB displaying distant metastases.
Influenza vaccine effectiveness in patients hospitalized with severe acute respiratory infection in Lithuania during the 2019–2020 influenza season: a test negative case – control study
Authors: Vaikutyte Roberta , Kuliese Monika , Mickiene Aukse , Jancoriene Ligita , Zablockiene Birute , Gefenaite Giedre ,   Study group
Published: April 2023

Background

Influenza is a contagious viral airborne disease that adds to the clinical and economic burden on the healthcare system. It could be prevented substantially by seasonal influenza vaccination. Seasonal influenza vaccine effectiveness (SIVE) varies a lot and should therefore be monitored. This report aims to update age-stratified SIVE estimates among patients hospitalized due to severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) during the 2019–2020 influenza season.

Methods

We performed a test-negative case-control study between December 2019 and April 2020 influenza season. We estimated SIVE and its 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) with logistic regression as (1-odds ratio)*100%. The models were adjusted for covariates that changed the unadjusted SIVE by ≥ 10%.

Results

Among 84 participants, 32 (38.1%) were influenza positive, mostly with A(H1N1)pdm09 (25 cases; 78.1%). SIVE against any influenza adjusted for age and heart disease was 39.2% (95% CI: -119.3%, 83.1%). Age-stratified point estimates adjusted for heart diseases indicated different SIVE, and were 64.0% (95% CI: -309.2%, 96.8%) and 21.6% (95% CI: -252.2%, 82.6%) for 18–64 and ≥ 65 year-old participants, respectively.

Conclusions

The point estimates suggested low to moderate SIVE against any influenza among hospitalized 18-64-year-old SARI participants, while low estimates were found in the ≥ 65-year-old group. Although broad SIVE confidence intervals indicate a small sample size and therefore the results can serve only as indicatory, they are in line with the estimates reported by other studies during the 2019–2020 season.
Clinico-pathologic relationships with Ki67 and its change with short-term aromatase inhibitor treatment in primary ER + breast cancer: further results from the POETIC trial (CRUK/07/015)
Authors: Bliss Judith M. , Tovey Holly , Evans Abigail , Holcombe Chris , Horgan Kieran , Mallon Elizabeth , Vidya Raghavan , Skene Anthony , Dodson Andrew , Hills Margaret , Detre Simone , Zabaglo Lila , Banerji Jane , Kilburn Lucy , Morden James P. , Robertson John F. R. , Smith Ian , Dowsett Mitch ,   the POETIC Trialists
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Ki67 assessed at diagnosis (Ki67baseline) is an important prognostic factor in primary oestrogen receptor-positive (ER +) breast cancer. Proportional change in Ki67 after 2 weeks (∆Ki672week) is associated with clinical benefit from endocrine therapies and residual Ki67 (Ki672week) with recurrence-free survival. The aim was to define the association between Ki67baseline and after aromatase inhibitor (AI) exposure ∆Ki672week and Ki672week with key prognostic and biologic factors utilising data from the POETIC study.

Patients and methods

In POETIC 4480 postmenopausal patients with primary ER and/or PgR + breast cancer were randomised 2:1 to 2 weeks’ presurgical AI (anastrozole or letrozole) or no presurgical treatment (control). Ki67 was measured centrally in core-cut biopsies taken prior to AI and in core-cuts or the excision biopsy at surgery. Relationships between the Ki67 and biologic factors were explored using linear regression.

Results

Established associations of Ki67baseline with biologic factors including PgR status, tumour grade, tumour size, histological subtype, nodal status, and vascular invasion were confirmed in the HER2- subpopulation. In the HER2 + subpopulation only grade and tumour size were significantly associated with Ki67baseline. In control group Ki672week was 18% lower than Ki67baseline (p < 0.001) when Ki672week was measured in excision biopsies but not when measured in core-cuts. Median suppression by AIs (∆Ki672week) was 79.3% (IQR: −89.9 to −54.6) and 53.7% (IQR: −78.9 to −21.1) for HER2-negative and HER2-positive cases, respectively. Significantly less suppression occurred in PgR- vs PgR + and HER2 + vs HER2- tumours which remained apparent after adjustment for 2-week sample type.

Conclusions

The magnitude of this study allowed characterisation of relationships between Ki67baseline, ∆Ki672week and Ki672week with high degrees of confidence providing a reference source for other studies. Lower values of Ki67 occur when measured on excision biopsies and could lead to apparent but artefactual decreases in Ki67: this should be considered when either ∆Ki672week or Ki672week is used in routine clinical practice to aid treatment decisions or in clinical trials assessing new drug therapies.
DNA methylation age at birth and childhood: performance of epigenetic clocks and characteristics associated with epigenetic age acceleration in the Project Viva cohort
Authors: Bozack Anne K. , Rifas-Shiman Sheryl L. , Gold Diane R. , Laubach Zachary M. , Perng Wei , Hivert Marie-France , Cardenas Andres
Published: April 2023

Background

Epigenetic age acceleration (EAA) and epigenetic gestational age acceleration (EGAA) are biomarkers of physiological development and may be affected by the perinatal environment. The aim of this study was to evaluate performance of epigenetic clocks and to identify biological and sociodemographic correlates of EGAA and EAA at birth and in childhood. In the Project Viva pre-birth cohort, DNA methylation was measured in nucleated cells in cord blood (leukocytes and nucleated red blood cells, N = 485) and leukocytes in early (N = 120, median age = 3.2 years) and mid-childhood (N = 460, median age = 7.7 years). We calculated epigenetic gestational age (EGA; Bohlin and Knight clocks) and epigenetic age (EA; Horvath and skin & blood clocks), and respective measures of EGAA and EAA. We evaluated the performance of clocks relative to chronological age using correlations and median absolute error. We tested for associations of maternal-child characteristics with EGAA and EAA using mutually adjusted linear models controlling for estimated cell type proportions. We also tested associations of Horvath EA at birth with childhood EAA.

Results

Bohlin EGA was strongly correlated with chronological gestational age (Bohlin EGA r = 0.82, p < 0.001). Horvath and skin & blood EA were weakly correlated with gestational age, but moderately correlated with chronological age in childhood (r = 0.45–0.65). Maternal smoking during pregnancy was associated with higher skin & blood EAA at birth [B (95% CI) = 1.17 weeks (− 0.09, 2.42)] and in early childhood [0.34 years (0.03, 0.64)]. Female newborns and children had lower Bohlin EGAA [− 0.17 weeks (− 0.30, − 0.04)] and Horvath EAA at birth [B (95% CI) = − 2.88 weeks (− 4.41, − 1.35)] and in childhood [early childhood: − 0.3 years (− 0.60, 0.01); mid-childhood: − 0.48 years (− 0.77, − 0.18)] than males. When comparing self-reported Asian, Black, Hispanic, and more than one race or other racial/ethnic groups to White, we identified significant differences in EGAA and EAA at birth and in mid-childhood, but associations varied across clocks. Horvath EA at birth was positively associated with childhood Horvath and skin & blood EAA.

Conclusions

Maternal smoking during pregnancy and child sex were associated with EGAA and EAA at multiple timepoints. Further research may provide insight into the relationship between perinatal factors, pediatric epigenetic aging, and health and development across the lifespan.
The effects of rice bran supplementation for management of blood lipids: A GRADE-assessed systematic review, dose–response meta-analysis, and meta-regression of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Hariri Zahra , Afzalzade Fatemeh , Sohrab Golbon , Saadati Saeede , Yari Zahra
Published: April 2023

Background

We aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to investigate the effects of rice bran supplementation on serum lipid profile levels.

Methods

We searched PubMed/Medline, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, and Google Scholar using related keywords. Published RCTs exploring the effects of rice bran consumption on lipid profile were searched up to June 2022. Evidence certainty was assessed on the basis of the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. The data were pooled using a random-effects model and reported as weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for each outcome.

Results

Meta-analysis of eight RCTs (with 11 effect sizes) showed no significant effect of rice bran supplementation on serum levels of triglyceride (WMD: -11.38 mg/dl; 95% CI: -27.73, 4.96; P = 0.17), total cholesterol (WMD: -0.68 mg/dl; 95% CI: -7.25, 5.88; P = 0.834), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (WMD: -1.68 mg/dl; 95% CI: -8.46, 5.09; P = 0.627) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (WMD: 0.16 mg/dl; 95% CI: -1.52, 1.85; P = 0.848) compared to control group.

Conclusion

Our meta-analysis suggests that rice bran supplementation has no significant effects on serum levels of lipid profile components. However, larger studies with longer durations and improved methodological quality are needed before firm conclusions can be reached.
Driving role of climatic and socioenvironmental factors on human brucellosis in China: machine-learning-based predictive analyses
Authors: Chen Hui , Lin Meng-Xuan , Wang Li-Ping , Huang Yin-Xiang , Feng Yao , Fang Li-Qun , Wang Lei , Song Hong-Bin , Wang Li-Gui
Published: April 2023

Background

Brucellosis is a common zoonotic infectious disease in China. This study aimed to investigate the incidence trends of brucellosis in China, construct an optimal prediction model, and analyze the driving role of climatic factors for human brucellosis.

Methods

Using brucellosis incidence, and the socioeconomic and climatic data for 2014–2020 in China, we performed spatiotemporal analyses and calculated correlations with brucellosis incidence in China, developed and compared a series of regression and Seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average X (SARIMAX) models for brucellosis prediction based on socioeconomic and climatic data, and analyzed the relationship between extreme weather conditions and brucellosis incidence using copula models.

Results

In total, 327,456 brucellosis cases were reported in China in 2014–2020 (monthly average of 3898 cases). The incidence of brucellosis was distinctly seasonal, with a high incidence in spring and summer and an average annual peak in May. The incidence rate was highest in the northern regions’ arid and continental climatic zones (1.88 and 0.47 per million people, respectively) and lowest in the tropics (0.003 per million people). The incidence of brucellosis showed opposite trends of decrease and increase in northern and southern China, respectively, with an overall severe epidemic in northern China. Most regression models using socioeconomic and climatic data cannot predict brucellosis incidence. The SARIMAX model was suitable for brucellosis prediction. There were significant negative correlations between the proportion of extreme weather values for both high sunshine and high humidity and the incidence of brucellosis as follows: high sunshine, $$r$$
r
= −0.59 and −0.69 in arid and temperate zones; high humidity, $$r$$
r
= −0.62, −0.64, and −0.65 in arid, temperate, and tropical zones.

Conclusions

Significant seasonal and climatic zone differences were observed for brucellosis incidence in China. Sunlight, humidity, and wind speed significantly influenced brucellosis. The SARIMAX model performed better for brucellosis prediction than did the regression model. Notably, high sunshine and humidity values in extreme weather conditions negatively affect brucellosis. Brucellosis should be managed according to the “One Health” concept.
How over-parenting impedes individual career exploration: a goal disengagement perspective
Authors: Wen Bin , Zhang Meng , Zhang Lei , Zhou Yue , Xu Li
Published: April 2023

Individuals’ early experiences can shape their lifelong development. Notably, healthy parenting experiences will build a good foundation for successful development, whereas inappropriate parenting experiences hinder healthy development. From the goal disengagement perspective, we propose that over-parenting can elicit individual goal disengagement in the development process, which hinders goal-pursuit behaviors. Data collected from 536 university students from China at three time points supported our hypotheses. Specifically, over-parenting promotes more career-exploration goal disengagement, inhibiting career-exploration behavior. In addition, the process mentioned above is more salient for individuals with a high need for parental approval. The theoretical and practical implications of this research are also discussed.
Cluster-based foreshock discrimination model with flexible time horizon and mainshock magnitudes
Authors: Nomura Shunichi , Ogata Yosihiko
Published: April 2023

Foreshock detection before mainshock occurrence is an important challenge limiting the short-term forecasts of large earthquakes. Various models for predicting mainshocks based on discrimination of foreshocks activity have been proposed, but many of them work in restricted scenarios and neglect foreshocks and mainshocks out of their scope. In disaster prevention, it is often necessary to change the forecast period and the magnitude of target mainshocks. This paper presents a cluster-based statistical discrimination of foreshocks which is applicable all over Japan and adjustable with respect to forecasting time span and mainshock magnitudes. Using the single-link clustering method, the model updates the expanding seismic clusters and determines in real time the probabilities that larger subsequent events will occur. The foreshock clusters and the others show different trends of certain feature statistics with respect to their magnitudes and spatiotemporal distances. Based on those features and the epicentral location, a nonlinear logistic regression model is used to evaluate the probabilities that growing seismic clusters are foreshocks that will trigger mainshocks within 30 days. The log of odds is estimated between the foreshock clusters and other clusters for respective feature values as nonlinear spline functions from a Japanese hypocenter catalog for the period 1926–1999. Based on the estimated odds functions, foreshock clusters tend to have smaller differences in their two largest magnitudes, shorter time durations, and slightly longer epicentral distances within the individual clusters. Given a potential foreshock cluster, its mainshock magnitude can be predicted by the Gutenberg–Richter law over the largest foreshock magnitude. The timing of mainshock occurrences from foreshocks is also predicted by multiplying the portion of mainshocks within a shorter span from those within 30 days by the evaluated foreshock probabilities. The predictive performance of our model is validated by the holdout method using a Japanese hypocenter catalog before and after 2000. The evaluated foreshock probabilities are roughly consistent with the actual portion of foreshocks in the validation catalog and could serve as an alert for large mainshocks.
The efficacy of a porcine collagen matrix in keratinized mucosa width augmentation: a 10-year follow-up clinical prospective study
Authors: Manfredini Mattia , Poli Pier Paolo , Guerrieri Pierluigi , Beretta Mario , Maiorana Carlo
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the long-term effectiveness of a xenogeneic collagen matrix (CM) in pre-prosthetic augmentation of the keratinized mucosa width (KMW) at implant sites.

Methods

All of the patients with localized implant-supported rehabilitation previously treated with vestibuloplasty and KMW augmentation with a non-cross-linked porcine CM were recalled. KMW was measured clinically in an apico-coronal direction from the mucogingival junction to the mucosal margin at the prosthetic zenith of each crown. Measurements were performed clinically by means of a PCP-UNC15 periodontal probe and rounded to the nearest mm. KMW values recorded at 1 year, 5 and 10 years from the soft tissue augmentation procedure were compared using a one-way repeated-measures ANOVA with Bonferroni multiple comparison post-hoc analysis. The level of significance was set at 0.05.

Results

Measurements were conducted on 13 patients. All implants were in function with no signs of biological complications. All except one implant site showed KMW ≥ 2 mm. KMW decreased significantly from 1 year (3.33 ± 1.11 mm) to 5 years (2.77 ± 0.92 mm) (p = 0.001), and finally remained stable from 5 to 10 years (3.2 ± 0.99 mm) (p = 0.607). From a visual aspect, peri-implant soft tissues were characterized by a good texture and color blending compared to the adjacent teeth, highlighting good integration of the remodeled tissues and stability of the esthetic result.

Conclusions

The use of a CM in pre-prosthetic soft tissue augmentation at implant sites has proven to be effective in obtaining and maintaining at least 2 mm of KMW around dental implants over a follow-up of 10 years.
A three layered repair of a large perineal hernia: case report and review of the literature
Authors: Soback Hagai , Lahav Lauren , Franko Rotem , Avital Shmuel
Published: April 2023

Background

A symptomatic perineal hernia is an uncommon complication after abdominoperineal resection (APR). Repairs of such hernias can be achieved by usage of autologous flaps, synthetic mesh, or biologic mesh, which reduce bowel adhesions. Studies have shown that prophylactic repair of the pelvic floor with biologic mesh during APR, can reduce the incidence of perineal hernia.

Case presentation

A 71-year-old woman, after extended APR (eAPR) with primary closure of pelvic floor with absorbable mesh, presented to our outpatient clinic with a symptomatic, extensive perineal hernia. The patient underwent repair of the perineal hernia using a synthetic mesh and a bilateral gluteal flap procedure. In post operative care, signs of surgical site infection and a fluid collection demonstrated in a CT-scan, compelled a surgical drainage. A clear fluid negative for bacterial growth was drained and antibiotic treatment was initiated. After drainage, surgical site showed signs of significant improvement and patient was eventually discharged.

Conclusion

The rise in reported incidence of perineal hernia after eAPR coupled with the scarcity of data regarding the preferable repair technique suggests that there is a significant need for further prospective comparative studies.
Multidisciplinary intensive lifestyle intervention improves markers of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in patients with type 1 diabetes and obesity: a retrospective matched-cohort study
Authors: Tomah Shaheen , Salah Tareq , Al-Badri Marwa , Dhaver Shilton , Gardner Hannah , Tasabehji Mhd Wael , Hamdy Osama
Published: April 2023

Background

The prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is increasing among patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) paralleling the increasing prevalence of obesity among this population. However, little is known about the impact of intensive lifestyle intervention (ILI) on NAFLD in patients with T1D.

Methods

Using Hepatic Steatosis Index (HSI), a noninvasive surrogate predictor of NAFLD, we retrospectively evaluated 88 adult patients with T1D and obesity after one year of participating in a 12-week ILI program in real-world clinical practice. Using the NAFLD guidelines of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD), we excluded 11 participants. We matched the remaining ILI cohort (age 43 ± 12 years, females 65%, diabetes duration 22 ± 9 years, A1C 8.2 ± 0.9%, body weight 101 ± 17 kg, BMI 35.3 ± 4.9 kg/m2) in 1:1 ratio with a similar cohort of patients with T1D and obesity who received standard diabetes care (SC) at the same practice and during the same period. Matching criteria included: sex, age, BMI, A1C and duration of T1D. HSI [8 + ALT/AST + BMI (+ 2 if female, + 2 if T2D)] was calculated at baseline and after 12 months of intervention.

Results

At baseline, HSI was similar between the two cohorts (46.2 ± 6.1 in the ILI cohort and 44.9 ± 5.7 in the SC cohort). After 12 months, the ILI group lost an average of 5.6 ± 2.7 kg (5.8%, p < 0.05) while the SC group maintained their baseline body weight (p < 0.001 between groups). HSI decreased significantly from baseline in the ILI group (-2.7 ± 1.1, p = 0.01), but did not change in the SC group (0.6 ± 0.9, p = 0.53, p < 0.001 between groups). Percentage of patients with high likelihood of NAFLD diagnosis decreased from 100% at baseline to 88.3% in the ILI group, and was 10.4% less compared to SC (p < 0.01). Total daily insulin dose decreased in the ILI cohort compared to the SC cohort (-6.1 ± 4.2 versus 1.34 ± 4.3 units/day, p < 0.01).

Conclusions

Twelve weeks of ILI improved HSI and decreased total daily insulin requirements in patients with T1D and obesity at one year. Short-term ILI should be implemented in the management of NAFLD for obese patients with type 1 diabetes.
Triggering economic growth to ensure financial stability: case study of Northern Cyprus
Authors: Akalpler Ergin
Published: April 2023

This study questions the importance of public debt in stable growth between 1980 and 2018, specifically, the Ricardian equivalence hypothesis and Keynesian view are questioned. This study used data obtained from the Northern Cyprus State Planning Office. A restricted vector autoregressive model is used to test the causal relationships between this model and public debt, government expenditure, total capital, consumption, investment, employment, net exports, exchange rate, and gross domestic product growth rate. To ensure financial stability, the variables that trigger economic growth through increased interactions were evaluated. Accordingly, unlike other studies, the Wald test results reveal that public debt does not have a direct effect on the gross national product but indirectly affects total capital, consumption, investment, and public expenditure, all of which influence real gross domestic product (RGDP). It has been observed that employment affects RGDP, consumption, government spending, and investment. There is also bidirectional causality between consumption, government spending, and RGDP. The estimates of the Ricardian equivalent hypothesis are important. However, today's changing economic policies, declining real incomes, and consumer behavior in the face of ever-increasing inflation require that the theory be redesigned. Therefore, contrary to theoretical predictions, consumers are concerned about maintaining their standard of living rather than directing tax deductions to savings. Contrary to the claims of Keynesian researchers, no causal relationship is observed between public debt and growth in this study. However, public debt directly affects total capital, consumption, government spending, and investment, which are important for sustainable economic policy.
Dynamic displacement estimation and modal analysis of long-span bridges integrating multi-GNSS and acceleration measurements
Authors: Niu Yanbo , Li Jun , Zhou Shukang , Liu Gaoyang , Xiang Yiqiang , Zhang He , Shu Jiangpeng
Published: April 2023

Compared with acceleration-based modal analysis, displacement can provide a more reliable and robust identification result for output-only modal analysis of long-span bridges. However, the estimated displacements from acceleration records are frequently unavailable due to unrealistic drifts. Aiming at obtaining more accurate and stable results for determining the modal parameters, this study develops a multi-rate weighted data fusion approach for estimating displacement responses in dynamic monitoring of structures based on global navigation satellite system (GNSS) and acceleration measurements. The approach initially derives the local estimations from displacement and acceleration sensors via a Kalman filter algorithm with colored measurement noise, and later uses a weighted fusion criterion of scalar linear minimum variance to fuse the results of local estimations. Then, structural modal pamameters are identified by employing data-driven stochastic subspace identification (SSI) algorithm. The proposed approach is validated in a four degree-of-freedom numerical model and then applied to a long-span bridge in engineering practice. The results illustrate that the proposed approach can reduce the error of GNSS-obtained displacement and expand recognizable frequency range by introducing dynamic displacement component from acceleration measurement.
Hemangioendothelioma of the nasal cavity: a rare case report and review of literature
Authors: Patnaik Monica , Singh Hitendra Prakash , Agarwal Preeti , Singh Jyoti
Published: April 2023

Background

Hemangioendothelioma is a rare vascular tumor of the head and neck region characterized by proliferation of endothelial cells with epithelioid morphology. This is an indolent tumor known to appear during adult life, with potential for recurrence, but unlikely to metastasize. Although reports of endotheliomas affecting soft tissues, skin, viscera, bone, or lymph nodes have been reported, very few cases of hemangioendothelioma of nasal cavity have come to light, that too in adults only.

Case presentation

Authors here-in present an unusual case of hemangioendothelioma of nasal cavity in a 9-year-old girl with a 6-month history of intermittent epistaxis and nasal obstruction. The tumor was excised endoscopically under general anesthesia and histopathology confirmed the diagnosis.

Conclusions

Wide excision is the treatment of choice. Regular follow-up is advised as potential for recurrence is high.
Identification of the audiological and temporal bone radiology manifestations of SOFT syndrome: a case report
Authors: Satici Sema , Kartal Ahsen , Topcuoglu Elif Dilara , Polat Zahra
Published: April 2023

Background

SOFT syndrome is characterized by prenatal onset growth retardation, brachydactyly, onychodysplasia, postpubertal onset hypotrichosis, normal psychomotor development, and facial dysmorphism including dolichocephaly, elongated triangular face, prominent forehead and nose, and abnormal ear structure. This syndrome has been described in 31 patients worldwide.

Case presentation

In this case report, the audiological and temporal bone radiological results of a 4-year- and 5-month-old patient with SOFT syndrome are presented. Bilateral internal acoustic canals (IAC) are dilated with lobulated contour.

Conclusions

This case report is the first in the literature as it reports audiological and temporal bone radiology observations in SOFT syndrome. It is thought that regular and detailed audiological and temporal bone radiology evaluations performed in patients with different SOFT syndrome will be a reference for determining the characteristic audiological and temporal bone radiological findings related to this syndrome.
Giant pediatric de novo parapharyngeal space pleomorphic adenoma: excision by semi trans-parotid cervical approach
Authors: Bhardwaj Abhishek , PS Suji , Sood Rachit , Malhotra Manu , Priya Madhu , Saikia Rosy
Published: April 2023

Background

Parapharyngeal Space tumors are rare tumors of the head and neck. They most commonly arise from the deep lobe of the parotid gland. Most of these tumors are in seen in adults and de novo origin from the minor salivary glands is extremely rare. The surgical approach needs to tailor made depending on the extent of the disease.

Case presentation

A female child presented with chief complaints of swelling below the left ear for 9 months. On examination, the swelling was firm and non-tender, measuring 6 × 4 cm. A smooth bulge was seen in the left oropharynx, pushing the uvula to the opposite side. Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) showed features of Pleomorphic Adenoma. Contrast-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) revealed a 4 × 6.1 × 6.7 cm well-defined solid lesion in the left parapharyngeal space. It was isointense on T1 and hyperintense on T2. Surgical excision was done via semi trans-parotid cervical approach. The tumor was solid and seen separately from the parotid gland, suggestive of a de novo tumor diagnosed as pleomorphic adenoma on histopathology. The patient made a good recovery and is disease free at 1 year of follow-up.

Conclusion

Semi-transparotid combined with the cervical approach is a feasible option for large parapharyngeal space tumors without the need for mandibulotomy.
Effects of chest movements while sitting on Navon task performance and stress levels
Authors: Arima Yoshiko
Published: April 2023

Background

This study explored physical activity during remote work, most of which takes place while sitting in front of a computer. The purpose of Experiment 1 was to develop a classification for body motion by creating a neural net that can distinguish among several kinds of chest movement. Experiment 2 examined the effects of chest movements on stress and performance on the Navon test to validate the model developed in Experiment 1.

Method and results

The procedures for this study were as follows.

Experiment 1: Creation of the body movement classification model and preliminary experiment for Experiment 2.

Data from five participants were used to construct a machine-learning categorization model. The other three participants participated in a pilot study for Experiment 2.

Experiment 2: Model validation and confirmation of stress measurement validity.

We recruited 34 new participants to test the validity of the model developed in Experiment 1. We asked 10 of the 34 participants to retake the stress measurement since the results of the stress assessment were unreliable.

Using LSTM models, we classified six categories of chest movement in Experiment 1: walking, standing up and sitting down, sitting still, rotating, swinging, and rocking. The LSTM models yielded an accuracy rate of 83.8%. Experiment 2 tested the LSTM model and found that Navon task performance correlated with swinging chest movement. Due to the limited reliability of the stress measurement results, we were unable to draw a conclusion regarding the effects of body movements on stress. In terms of cognitive performance, swinging of the chest reduced RT and increased accuracy on the Navon task (β = .015 [-.003,.054], R2 = .31).

Conclusions

LSTM classification successfully distinguished subtle movements of the chest; however, only swinging was related to cognitive performance. Chest movements reduced the reaction time, improving cognitive performance. However, the stress measurements were not stable; thus, we were unable to draw a clear conclusion about the relationship between body movement and stress. The results indicated that swinging of the chest improved reaction times in the Navon task, while sitting still was not related to cognitive performance or stress. The present article discusses how to collect sensor data and analyze it using machine-learning methods as well as the future applicability of measuring physical activity during remote work.