bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predictors of health-related quality of life in patients undergoing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for acute severe respiratory failure
Authors: Mostafa Ahmed MHAM , Tuttle Christopher J , Mckie Mikel A , Fowles Jo-Anne , Parmar Jasvir , Vuylsteke Alain
Published: June 2022

Background

Veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO) is a form of life support used in severe respiratory failure. While the short-term complications of VV-ECMO are well described, impacts on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) are less well characterised. This study aims to assess the HRQOL of patients who underwent VV-ECMO for acute severe respiratory failure and explore predictors of poor HRQOL.

Methods

We performed a retrospective, observational study of a large cohort of adults who underwent VV-ECMO for acute severe respiratory failure in a single tertiary centre (June 2013–March 2019). Patients surviving critical care discharge were invited to a six-month clinic, where they completed an EQ-5D-5L questionnaire assessing HRQOL. Multivariate analysis was performed to assess prognostic factors for HRQOL.

Results

Among the 245 consecutive patients included in this study (median age 45 years), 187 (76.3%) survived until ECMO decannulation and 172 (70.2%) until hospital discharge. Of those, 98 (57.3%) attended a follow-up clinic at a mean (±SD) of 204 (±45) days post-discharge. Patients reported problems with pain/discomfort (56%), usual daily activities (53%), anxiety/depression (49%), mobility (46%), and personal care (21%). Multivariate analysis identified limb ischaemia (−0.266, 95% C.I. [−0.116; −0.415], p = 0.0005), renal replacement therapy (−0.149, [−0.046; −0.252], p = 0.0044), and having received more than four platelet units (−0.157, [−0.031; −0.283], p = 0.0146) as predictors of poor HRQOL.

Conclusion

We report that survivors of VV-ECMO have reduced HRQOL in multiple domains at 6 months, with pain reported most frequently. Patients who had limb ischaemia, renal replacement therapy or were transfused more than four units of platelets are particularly at risk of poor HRQOL and may benefit from added support measures.
Analyzing visual imagery for emergency drone landing on unknown environments
Authors: Bektash Oghuz , Naundrup Jacob Juul , la Cour-Harbo Anders
Published: June 2022

Autonomous landing is a fundamental aspect of drone operations which is being focused upon by the industry, with ever-increasing demands on safety. As the drones are likely to become indispensable vehicles in near future, they are expected to succeed in automatically recognizing a landing spot from the nearby points, maneuvering toward it, and ultimately, performing a safe landing. Accordingly, this paper investigates the idea of vision-based location detection on the ground for an automated emergency response system which can continuously monitor the environment and spot safe places when needed. A convolutional neural network which learns from image-based feature representation at multiple scales is introduced. The model takes the ground images, assign significance to various aspects in them and recognize the landing spots. The results provided support for the model, with accurate classification of ground image according to their visual content. They also demonstrate the feasibility of computationally inexpensive implementation of the model on a small computer that can be easily embedded on a drone.
Unearthing the common core for reflective teacher training in Antigua and Barbuda, England, and Canada
Authors: Maynard Donna-Maria B , Jules Mia A , Marshall Ian A
Published: June 2022

Teacher education and training vary across the world, yet research from diverse cultures supports the development of reflective teachers. Claiming that the complex dynamics of the 21st-century classroom can be managed best by reflective teachers. Through the reflective process, teachers are empowered as change agents to modify learning environments to benefit their students. Teachers hold the power to influence student learning. Therefore, it is important to understand the training processes that serve to produce reflective practitioners. In conducting rigorous cross-cultural comparative research, identifying common evaluative indicators underpinned by a theoretical framework is critical. Hence, the principles of the pre-service emerging reflective teacher training (PERTT) model were explored quantitatively and explained qualitatively to specifically focus on teachers’ perceptions of their experiences of the psychosocial interpersonal process outcomes of the teacher-training environment (i.e. reflective practices, instructional scaffolding, guidance and support, modelled behaviours and reinforcement) provided during their teacher training. Such an exploration is critical because the philosophical underpinnings of the PERTT model have not been interrogated outside of Barbados. The findings demonstrate that there is merit to key theoretical principles of the PERTT model based on the lived experiences of the teachers in Antigua and Barbuda, England, and Canada during their teacher training.
Big data analyses and individual health profiling in the arena of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs)
Authors: De Cock Diederik , Myasoedova Elena , Aletaha Daniel , Studenic Paul
Published: June 2022

Health care processes are under constant development and will need to embrace advances in technology and health science aiming to provide optimal care. Considering the perspective of increasing treatment options for people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases, but in many cases not reaching all treatment targets that matter to patients, care systems bare potential to improve on a holistic level. This review provides an overview of systems and technologies under evaluation over the past years that show potential to impact diagnosis and treatment of rheumatic diseases in about 10 years from now. We summarize initiatives and studies from the field of electronic health records, biobanking, remote monitoring, and artificial intelligence. The combination and implementation of these opportunities in daily clinical care will be key for a new era in care of our patients. This aims to inform rheumatologists and healthcare providers concerned with chronic inflammatory musculoskeletal conditions about current important and promising developments in science that might substantially impact the management processes of rheumatic diseases in the 2030s.
A retrospective cohort study about hip luxation in non-ambulatory cerebral palsy patients: The point of no return
Authors: Faccioli Silvia , Sassi Silvia , Corradini Elena , Toni Francesca , Kaleci Shaniko , Lombardi Francesco , Benedetti Maria Grazia
Published: June 2022

Purpose:

The migration percentage is a widely used criterion for surgery in displaced hips. Literature suggests that no hip can spontaneously improve if the migration percentage exceeds 45%, in a mixed population of cerebral palsy children. The aim of the present article was to identify the point of no return of the migration percentage in a selected sample of non-ambulatory cerebral palsy children, being the most exposed to hip luxation.

Methods:

This single-center retrospective cohort study included patients with spastic or dyskinetic cerebral palsy, Gross Motor Function Classification System level IV or V, age 0–18, having at least three pelvic radiographies, excluding radiographies relative to hips having previously undergone surgery. The following information was collected: sex, cerebral palsy subtype, Gross Motor Function Classification System level, presence of drug-resistant epilepsy, migration percentage, age at assessment, use of walking or standing assistive devices, previous botulinum injection, oral or intrathecal baclofen, and hip pain. Data were analyzed at the level of the individual hips. Descriptive statistics were presented. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was conducted to investigate which value of the migration percentage could be adopted as the “point of no return”: that is, the cutoff value beyond which no migration percentage reduction, by more than 5%, could be expected.

Results:

The optimal cutoff value was identified as migration percentage ≥50%, with a sensitivity of 84.5% and a specificity of 100% (p-value <0.001).

Conclusion:

Based on the present study, migration percentage ≥50% is the “point of no return” for Gross Motor Function Classification System IV-V cerebral palsy patients, representing the cutoff value beyond which no spontaneous cerebral palsy reduction may be expected, unless addressing surgery.

Level of evidence:

level II—retrospective study.
Children treated for developmental dysplasia of the hip at birth and with normal acetabular index at 1 year: How many had residual dysplasia at 5 years?
Authors: Håberg Øyvind , Bremnes Thomas , Foss Olav A , Angenete Oskar , Lian Øystein B , Holen Ketil J
Published: June 2022

Purpose:

The purpose of the study was to assess the effect of further follow-up for children treated for developmental dysplasia of the hip, with normal clinical and radiological findings at 1-year time point. The effect was quantified by the number of hips with a pathologic deterioration up to 5 years.

Methods:

Among 47,289 children born in Sør-Trøndelag county in Norway between 2003 and 2015, 265 children had developmental dysplasia of the hip. Of these, 164 children (239 hips) treated for developmental dysplasia of the hip with normal clinical findings and normal acetabular index at the 1-year time point were included in the study. The number of hips with pathologic acetabular index at the 5-year time point were reported. The diagnostic uncertainty related to radiological measurements was quantified together with the effect of introducing a second radiographic measurement, the center edge angle.

Results:

A total of 239 treated hips were normal at the 1-year time point. At 5-year time point, 10 (4.2%) hips had a pathologic acetabular index measurement and none classified to have developmental dysplasia of the hip caused by measurement inaccuracy. Eight (3.3%) hips had pathologic center edge angle measurement. Four hips had both pathologic acetabular index and center edge angle measurements, with three later treated with surgery. The intra- and interobserver repeatability coefficients were within 3.1°–6.6°.

Conclusion:

The repeatability coefficient of the acetabular index measurements was high and no hips could be classified to have developmental dysplasia of the hip at the 5-year time point when taking this repeatability into account. Hips classified as pathologic combining acetabular index and center edge angle measurements were likely to be treated with surgery for residual dysplasia. We recommend further follow-up for these children.

Level of evidence:

level II.
Current trends in the treatment of supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children: Results of a survey of the members of European Paediatric Orthopaedic Society
Authors: Pavone Vito , Vescio Andrea , Accadbled Franck , Andreacchio Antonio , Wirth Thomas , Testa Gianluca , Canavese Federico
Published: June 2022

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the current trends in the treatment of supracondylar humerus fractures as well as the preferred post-operative follow-up protocol among members of the European Paediatric Orthopaedic Society.

Methods:

The survey was composed by four main domains and 26 items: (1) surgeon information (3 items); (2) treatment (8 items); (3) post-operative treatment (3 items); and (4) factors influencing the outcome (12 items). All active members of European Paediatric Orthopaedic Society were invited by email to answer an electronic questionnaire.

Results:

The survey was submitted to 397 European Paediatric Orthopaedic Society active members; 184 members answered (46.3%) the questionnaire. Among respondents, 64.1% declared >10 years of experience and 55.4% declared to treat >20 supracondylar humerus fractures per year. Closed reduction, percutaneous pinning, and supine position were the preferred treatment option for Gartland type II and III supracondylar humerus fractures by 79.9%, 95.5%, and 84.8% of respondents, respectively. Supracondylar humerus fractures are treated within 24 h from trauma by 33.2% of respondents. Pins are removed 4 weeks from index procedure by 58.2% of respondents. Fracture type (72.3%), surgeon experience, and (71.2%) are of “crucial importance” for expected outcome of supracondylar humerus fractures treatment.

Conclusion:

Surgeon experience, type of fracture, treatment modality, and pins configuration were considered the main factors potentially influencing the outcome of supracondylar humerus fractures. European Paediatric Orthopaedic Society members agreed on the treatment modality of Gartland type II and III supracondylar humerus fractures, patient positioning, and timing of hardware removal. Other important issues such as timing of surgery, pins configuration, surgical approach, and post-operative protocol are still debated.

Level of evidence:

level II.
The modified Kocher criteria for septic hip: Does it apply to the knee?
Authors: Bisht Roy U , Burns Jessica D , Smith Casey L , Kang Paul , Shrader M Wade , Belthur Mohan V
Published: June 2022

Background:

Pediatric septic arthritis is a surgical emergency and timely diagnosis prevents serious complications. To differentiate between septic hip and transient synovitis, the predictive value of four original Kocher criteria (fever, inability to bear weight, elevated serum white blood cell count, and elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate) plus Caird’s addition of elevated C-reactive protein have been studied, termed the modified Kocher criteria. These criteria have not been tested extensively on septic knee. This study tested the utility of the modified Kocher criteria in predicting septic knee while validating it for septic hip.

Methods:

A retrospective chart review was conducted of pediatric patients evaluated at a single institution for irritable hip or knee between 2009 and 2018. Patients who underwent arthrocentesis were included and the modified Kocher criteria were applied to all.

Results:

One hundred fifty-five patients (96 hips and 59 knees) were identified. One hundred four (67.1%) patients had septic arthritis with 44/59 (74.6%) of knees and 60/96 (62.5%) of hips. The strongest predictors for septic hip and knee were elevated C-reactive protein (odds ratio = 26.9, p < 0.0001) and refusal to bear weight (odds ratio = 14.5, p < 0.0001), respectively. For hips, 5/5 criteria produced a 100% positive predictive value for septic arthritis. For knees, the combination of inability to bear weight and elevated C-reactive protein had a positive predictive value of 89.7%.

Conclusion:

While all five of the modified Kocher criteria are not predictive of pediatric septic knee, the combination of two specific factors (inability to bear weight and elevated C-reactive protein) is strongly predictive. This study validates previous work that the modified Kocher criteria are predictive of septic hip.

Level of evidence:

level III
The Intersection of Death Investigation and Organ Donation Systems: A Scoping Review
Authors: Cullip Mackenzie , Sarti Aimee J. , Weiss Matthew J. , Whittingham Heather , Meade Maureen O.
Published: June 2022

Introduction:

Death investigators (DIs) such as coroners, medical examiners, and forensic pathologists play important and evolving roles in deceased organ donation. DIs communicate with organ donation organizations (ODOs) to gather case-specific information and release or restrict organs depending on the medicolegal requirements. This scoping review aims to identify the breadth of roles and decision-making processes that may facilitate or hinder deceased donation in DI cases.

Methods:

This study was conducted using a scoping literature review and subsequent thematic analysis.

Results:

Thirty-one eligible papers described 8 common themes with region-specific nuances. These include: 1) shared (ODO and DI) protocols for early communication around each case; 2) shared standards and education for death investigation practices related to organ donation; 3) DI support staff or teams to facilitate organ donation; 4) DI authority to order additional testing and imaging before organ recovery; 5) donation-specific legislation to enhance DI and/or ODO operations; 6) legally trained DI authority to veto medical decisions to proceed with organ donation; 7) DI attendance at organ recovery; and 8) surgeons recording specific DI evidence during organ recovery.

Conclusion:

These findings have cultural and resource-allocation implications and expose gaps in the international literature describing practices at the intersection of deceased organ donation and death investigation. A better understanding of the rationale and execution of various systems for DI and ODO cooperation may serve to advance both organ donation and death investigation.
Why Continuity of STEM-Medicine Participation Matters: Exploring a Culture of Transformation and the Optimization of College Socialization
Authors: Rocha Janet , Cabral Brian , Landeros Judith , Yancy Clyde W.
Published: June 2022

This study examined the impact of an out-of-school science, technology, engineering, and mathematics-medicine (STEM-M) program in a large U.S. metropolitan area designed to support the learning, development, and educational resilience of high-achieving high school students of color. Students highlighted that a key aspect of the program was the cultivation of what we termed a “culture of transformation.” Using a multi-year study (2016–2019), we completed 72 interviews and conducted in-depth qualitative analysis across six cohorts of students ( n = 37). In this article, we propose an expanded conceptual model of college socialization for students of color that leverages their engagement with (1) equitable resources, (2) relevant opportunities, (3) diverse knowledge, and (4) meaningful relationships. The relationship between early STEM-M career interest and youth socialization in related out-of-school activities that address larger societal inequities in school success and life and career outcomes warrants further study.
Stimulating Results Signal a New Treatment Option for People Living With Painful Diabetic Neuropathy
Authors: Armstrong David G. , Grunberger George
Published: June 2022

Background:

Painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN) is a progressive condition that deprives many patients of quality of life. With limited treatment options available, successful pain management can be difficult to achieve.

Methods:

We reviewed results of recent data evaluating high frequency spinal cord stimulation (SCS).

Results

from the SENZA-PDN randomized clinical trial (NCT03228420), the largest such trial to date, demonstrated 10-kHz spinal cord stimulation substantially reduced PDN refractory to conventional medical management along with improvements in health-related quality-of-life measures that were sustained over 12 months. These data supported the recent U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) approval for 10-kHz SCS in PDN patients and contributed to the body of evidence on SCS available to health care professionals managing the effects of PDN.

Conclusion:

High frequency spinal cord simulation appears to hold promise in treatment of painful diabetic neuropathy. We look forward to future works in the literature that will further elucidate these promising findings.
Psychosocial Effects of the Loop Open-Source Automated Insulin Delivery System
Authors: Wong Jessie J. , Hood Korey K. , Hanes Sarah J. , Lal Rayhan A. , Naranjo Diana
Published: June 2022

Aims:

This study examined the psychosocial impact of Loop, an open-source automated insulin dosing system that has emerged from the diabetes technology “Do-It-Yourself” (DIY) movement.

Methods:

Subsamples of 239 adults, 115 children, and 243 parents completed data collection at the time of Loop initiation and 3 and 6 months later. Surveys collected demographic and clinical information, percent time-in-range, HbA1c, and validated psychosocial measures. Analyses included paired t tests and McNemar’s tests to compare psychosocial functioning at 3 and 6 months and regression models to assess baseline predictors of psychosocial outcomes at 6 months.

Results:

Adults reported significant improvements in diabetes distress ( t = −7.20 P < .001; t = −8.01, P < .001), sleep quality ( t = 6.81, P < .001; t = 2.98, P = .003), fear of hypoglycemia ( t = −4.42, P < .001; t = −4.97, P < .001), and hypoglycemia confidence ( t = 8.68, P < .001; t = 7.96 P < .001) from baseline to 3 months and 6 months, respectively. Significant improvements in parents’ and children’s sleep quality and parents’ fear of hypoglycemia were also observed. Several baseline characteristics were associated with psychosocial outcomes at 6 months.

Conclusions:

The current findings support the broad and sustained benefits of Loop across multiple aspects of psychosocial well-being. Advancement and dissemination of such technologies has the potential to improve mental and physiological health among people living with type 1 diabetes.
Mapping Service Innovation Research in Hospitality and Tourism: An Integrative Bibliometric Analysis and Research Agenda
Authors: So Kevin Kam Fung , Kim Hyunsu , He Yueying , Li Xiang (Robert)
Published: June 2022

In light of current industry imperatives and growing scholarly attention, this study was conducted to provide a thoroughly updated bibliometric overview of how service innovation research has evolved. A total of 133 papers across 42 hospitality and tourism journals over 18 years (2003–2020) were extracted and analyzed. We first examined the publication outlets and trajectories of service innovation. Next, we applied several state-of-the-art bibliometric techniques, including co-citation and keyword co-occurrence analysis. Based on the results of co-occurrence analysis, we proposed a flowchart of the service innovation process combining organizational and customer perspectives while considering the service design, process, and outcome phases. We then summarized the major findings and limitations of service innovation studies in hospitality and tourism. A series of critical future research directions were presented accordingly.
Love in the Time of COVID: Perceived Partner Responsiveness Buffers People From Lower Relationship Quality Associated With COVID-Related Stressors
Authors: Balzarini Rhonda N. , Muise Amy , Zoppolat Giulia , Di Bartolomeo Alyssa , Rodrigues David L. , Alonso-Ferres María , Urganci Betul , Debrot Anik , Bock Pichayayothin Nipat , Dharma Christoffer , Chi Peilian , Karremans Johan C. , Schoebi Dominik , Slatcher Richard B.
Published: June 2022

External stressors can erode relationship quality, though little is known about what can mitigate these effects. We examined whether COVID-related stressors were associated with lower relationship quality, and whether perceived partner responsiveness—the extent to which people believe their partner understands, validates, and cares for them—buffers these effects. When people in relationships reported more COVID-related stressors they reported poorer relationship quality at the onset of the pandemic ( N = 3,593 from 57 countries) and over the subsequent 3 months ( N = 1,125). At the onset of the pandemic, most associations were buffered by perceived partner responsiveness, such that people who perceived their partners to be low in responsiveness reported poorer relationship quality when they experienced COVID-related stressors, but these associations were reduced among people who perceived their partners to be highly responsive. In some cases, these associations were buffered over the ensuing weeks of the pandemic.
Minimum standards of clinical practice for physiotherapists working in adult intensive care units in Singapore
Authors: Lee Bernice X , Tiew Joyce C , Lim Jovan G , Sani Diana , Yan Clement C , Patman Shane , Chan Melissa Y , Yeung Meredith T
Published: June 2022

Background

Physiotherapists play a crucial role in rehabilitating critically ill patients in intensive care units (ICU). However, variations are found in clinical practice amongst physiotherapists working in the ICU, both locally and internationally, due to the lack of minimum clinical standards and varying knowledge on critical care rehabilitation resulting in inconsistent quality of care.

Purpose

To establish a framework of the minimum standards of clinical practice for physiotherapists working in ICU in Singapore and compare the standards with existing literature.

Methods

A three-round modified Delphi questionnaire survey technique collated responses from ICU physiotherapists. The questionnaire contained 222 items, categorised into assessments, conditions and treatments. Responses to the items were either: “Yes, it is essential”, “No, it is not essential”, or “I am not sure”. Consensus for an item was reached when 70% of participants ranked it essential or non-essential. Participants comprised registered physiotherapists who have worked in the ICU for at least six months in the last 12 months and are currently working in the ICU.

Results

23 physiotherapists (median ICU-experience 7.0 (4.3–9.8) years) gave consent and completed the initial survey. 13 completed all three rounds of questionnaires. Overall, 163 items were regarded as essential, 21 as non-essential, and 38 did not reach consensus. The identified 163 items varied from similar studies due to different scopes of physiotherapy practice and professional autonomy.

Conclusion

This framework may guide the content of the physiotherapy education curriculum on critical care rehabilitation and minimise variability in clinical practice across different healthcare institutions in Singapore.
Video games, the brain and magical thinking: A 21st century controversy
Authors: Antar Rafi
Published: June 2022

The following article is a thorough literature review, discussing the impact of media technology on brain development in the context of magical thinking. This systematic literature review discusses the impact of video gaming on magical thinking in early childhood. The purpose of this paper is to shed light on how media technology, especially video games, can influence the cognitive process in children, thus their magical thoughts. In conclusion, more research needs to be done in regards to magical thinking, and video gaming. There is still a controversy about the extent media technology can influence a child’s discrimination between fantasy, and reality.
Epidemiology, risk factors, and pathogenesis associated with a superbug: A comprehensive literature review on hepatitis C virus infection
Authors: Tariq Mehlayl , Shoukat Abu Bakar , Akbar Sedrah , Hameed Samaia , Naqvi Muniba Zainab , Azher Ayesha , Saad Muhammad , Rizwan Muhammad , Nadeem Muhammad , Javed Anum , Ali Asad , Aziz Shahid
Published: June 2022

Viral hepatitis is a major public health concern. It is associated with life threatening conditions including liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatitis C virus infects around 71 million people annually, resultantly 700,000 deaths worldwide. Extrahepatic associated chronic hepatitis C virus accounts for one fourth of total healthcare load. This review included a total of 150 studies that revealed almost 19 million people are infected with hepatitis C virus and 240,000 new cases are being reported each year. This trend is continually rising in developing countries like Pakistan where intravenous drug abuse, street barbers, unsafe blood transfusions, use of unsterilized surgical instruments and recycled syringes plays a major role in virus transmission. Almost 123–180 million people are found to be hepatitis C virus infected or carrier that accounts for 2%–3% of world’s population. The general symptoms of hepatitis C virus infection include fatigue, jaundice, dark urine, anorexia, fever malaise, nausea and constipation varying on severity and chronicity of infection. More than 90% of hepatitis C virus infected patients are treated with direct-acting antiviral agents that prevent progression of liver disease, decreasing the elevation of hepatocellular carcinoma. Standardizing the healthcare techniques, minimizing the street practices, and screening for viral hepatitis on mass levels for early diagnosis and prompt treatment may help in decreasing the burden on already fragmented healthcare system. However, more advanced studies on larger populations focusing on mode of transmission and treatment protocols are warranted to understand and minimize the overall infection and death stigma among masses.
Evidence and implication of interventions across various socioecological levels to address HIV testing uptake among men who have sex with men in the United States: A systematic review
Authors: Wang Ying , Mitchell Jason , Liu Yu
Published: June 2022

Objectives:

Strengthening HIV testing uptake is critical to curtail the HIV epidemics among men who have sex with men in the United States. Despite the implementation of various interventions to promote HIV testing among men who have sex with men, few aggregated evidence is presented to reflect the “lessons learned” and inform future directions. The objective of this systematic review is to comprehensively summarize published studies that described, tested, and evaluated outcomes (e.g. efficacy, effectiveness, acceptability, feasibility and/or qualitative opinions) associated with an HIV testing intervention and identify gaps as well as opportunities to inform the design and implementation of future interventions to enhance HIV testing uptake among men who have sex with men in the United States.

Methods:

We followed the PRISMA guidelines and conducted a systematic review of articles (published by 23 July 2021) by searching multiple databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science and PsycINFO).

Results:

Among the total number of 3505 articles found through multiple databases, 56 papers were included into the review. Interventional modules that demonstrated acceptability, feasibility and efficacy to improve HIV testing uptake among men who have sex with men include: HIV self-testing, interpersonal-level (e.g. peer-led, couple-based) interventions, personalized interventions and technology-based interventions (e.g. mHealth). Aggregated evidence also reflects the lack of individualized interventions that simultaneously address time-varying needs across multiple socioecological levels (e.g. individual, interpersonal, community, structural and societal).

Conclusion:

Development of interventions to improve HIV testing rates and frequency of men who have sex with men has proliferated in recent years. Our review presents important implications in sustaining and improving interventions to address HIV testing uptake among men who have sex with men in the United States.
Assessment of variation in long-term outcomes of integrated care initiatives in Dutch health care
Authors: Katona Katalin , Menting Malou Dorine , Pisters Ylva Michelle
Published: June 2022

Introduction

The care for many patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 in the Netherlands, is contracted by a local care group. The healthcare providers, who collectively shape a care group, provide protocolled diabetes care. Differences exist between care groups in terms of their organizational and financial arrangements. These differences may result in variation in outcomes. The aim of this study is to assess whether variation in healthcare costs, diabetes complications and related hospital admissions on the level of care groups exist.

Methods

A quantitative cohort study was conducted. Patients who used diabetes medication (more than 180 days of defined daily doses per year) for the first time between the years 2014 and 2019 were included. Data were extracted from health insurance claims between 2014 and 2019. Generalized linear mixed models were used to analyse patient variation in healthcare costs (two and six years follow-up), diabetes-related complications and hospital admission days. Intraclass correlation coefficients were calculated to estimate the amount of variation that was attributable to the care groups.

Results

A large variation in outcome variables was observed between patients and a small variation between care groups. The intraclass correlation coefficient for long-term costs was 0.4%; for short-term costs between 0.1% and 0.3%; for complications 1% and for hospital days 4%.

Discussion

A large variation between patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 exists in terms of their healthcare costs and complications. In our study, care groups accounted minimally for this variation. A generalized linear mixed model in combination with year cohorts is a tool to study variations in the long-term outcomes of integrated care initiatives.
Soulcraft: Theorizing Black Techne in African and American Viral Dance
Authors: Royston Reginold A.
Published: June 2022

This article proposes the notion of soulcraft as an alternative framing for the work that Africans and African diasporans imbue upon material culture and social projects. Through ethnographic encounters with the practitioners of Chicago Footwork and Afrobeats dance music, the author theorizes a Black vernacular approach to the concept of techne. This essay contributes to discourse in the philosophy of technology to document spirituality in viral dance practices and forms of digital embodiment, linking them to metaphysical understandings of “soul” in African and African American philosophical thought. Interviews and critical analysis of digital media help the author illustrate the ways that these African and diasporic media innovators elide the dualistic distinctions between material tech-making and spiritual strivings, in service of an emancipatory ethos for technology.
Angry Enough to Riot: An Analysis of In-Group Membership, Misinformation, and Violent Rhetoric on TheDonald.win Between Election Day and Inauguration
Authors: Riley Jeffrey K.
Published: June 2022

This study was a mixed-method quantitative and qualitative analysis that analyzed content posted to TheDonald.win, a web forum popular with extreme supporters of Donald Trump. The purpose of this study was to expand knowledge of the dynamics of radicalized online spaces, especially the role that shifting In-Group and Out-Group membership plays in fomenting increased levels of observably radicalized language. The study examined the top-20 posts on the website every day between when the 2020 US presidential election was called and the presidential inauguration in January 2021. The study found that In-Group membership was maintained only by expressing open, public support of Trump’s claims of election fraud, that misinformation was rampant on the site but was often vague in its linguistic form, and that posters to TheDonald.win saw their own In-Group as the victims of violence more often than they used violent rhetoric against members of the Out-Group.
Serial Convalescent Plasma Infusions for the Initial COVID-19 Infections in the Appalachian Region of West Virginia
Authors: Peppers Brian P. , Shmookler Aaron , Stanley Johnathan , Giblin Sutton Lisa , Perrotta Peter L. , Kieffer Theodore , Skoner David , Mahady Stacey , Lewandrowski Callum , Damron Heath , Horspool Alexander , Sakhuja Ankit , McCarthy Paul , Hostoffer Robert W.
Published: June 2022

Purpose

The rapid spread of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that is responsible for causing COVID-19, has presented the medical community with another example of when convalescent plasma (CP) is still used today. The ability to standardize CP at the onset of a pandemic is unlikely to exist in a reliable and uniformly reproducible way. We hypothesized that CP of unknown strength given in a serial manner will promote health and reduce mortality in those inflicted with COVID-19.

Methods

Participants were given up to 8 CP-units depending on their condition upon entry into the study and their response.

Results

102 out of 117 participants were given CP. The earlier a participant received CP corelated with survival (p = 0.0004). The number of CP-units given, throughout all the clinical severities, was not significant with outcomes, p = 0.3947. A higher number of CP-units given to the severe/critical participants (without biological immunosuppressants or restrictive lung disease) did correlate with survival p = 0.0116 (2.8 vs. 2 units). Lower platelets on admission corelated with mortality. Platelet levels increase correlated with CP infusions p < 0.0001.

Conclusion

This study supports the serial use of CP of unknown strength based on clinical response for those infected with COVID-19. The use of 3–4 units of CP was found to be statistically significant for survival for severe and critical participants without restrictive lung disease and chronic biological immunosuppression. Increased platelet levels after CP infusions supports that CP is promoting overall health regardless of outcomes.
Correlates of attitudes toward COVID-19-related public health policies and prevention practices in six states
Authors: Glanz Karen , Avelis Jade , Kwong Pui L , Holmes John H
Published: June 2022

Objectives:

The COVID-19 pandemic rapidly impacted communities, however there is limited information about the beliefs, behaviors, and trust in government responses of populations across the country. It may be especially useful to understand state-based and regional differences that people reported early in the pandemic, to inform national and regional public health policies and communication strategies. This paper reports on correlates of perceptions of state and federal policies and prevention practices in six states with varying trajectories of COVID-19 cases and deaths, during the first major wave of the pandemic.

Methods:

A cross-sectional survey of COVID-19 policies, perceptions, and behaviors in six states (three in the northeast/mid-Atlantic and three in the southeastern United States), was conducted in April 2020 using an online platform of research volunteers. The survey asked about demographics; use of and belief about the effectiveness of preventive behaviors; experience with COVID-19 testing, diagnosis, quarantine, and hospitalization; risk behaviors and perception; opinion of local, state, and federal government guidelines and information; sources of information; and scales measuring time perspective and collectivism/individualism.

Results:

Responses from 1476 adults in six states showed that the most often-practiced prevention practices involved social distancing, and that reactions to federal government policies differed regionally and by political party affiliation.

Conclusions:

These findings improve understanding of how Americans view government responses to the pandemic, and their prevention practices, early in the pandemic. These data will help to create more effective public health policies to control the pandemic and achieve public support for control measures.
Does a food insecurity intervention improve perinatal outcomes for mother and child? A randomized control study protocol of the Fresh Rx: Nourishing Healthy Starts program
Authors: Ferris Dan , Roll Stephen , Huang Jin , Mathews Katherine , Ragain Trina , Simpson Katie , Jabbari Jason , Gilbert Kourtney , Frank Tyler , Rothman Sydney
Published: June 2022

Background

Pregnancy and postpartum periods represent critical times to support nutrition and household food security, especially for families with limited or strained economic resources. The Fresh Rx: Nourishing Healthy Starts study uses a randomized design to examine a comprehensive, holistic “food is medicine” program targeting food insecure expectant mothers in an area with high rates of inequitable adverse maternal and birth outcomes. Participants receive weekly fresh food deliveries from a Combined Community Supported Agriculture partner, cooking and nutrition supports, access to culinary skills education from a trained chef, and counseling and care management. In addition to providing basic cooking tools and pantry staples, the program links participants with locally available community resources and federal food assistance programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children.

Design and methods

This study protocol establishes a randomized control design with a control and two treatment groups to isolate distinct program components and examine variation across outcomes including household food security, maternal depressive symptoms, gestational age, and birthweight. The study design and protocol follow Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) principles to emphasize transparency and replicability.

Expected impact of the study for Public Health

Guided by the Cycle of Food Insecurity and Chronic Disease, study implications for public health are significant given the program’s potential for improving birth outcomes, reducing per capita healthcare costs, and filling a notable policy and program gap during the critical perinatal period for mother and child alike.
Can the interconnection between public health and social work help address current and future population health challenges? A public health viewpoint
Authors: Macassa Gloria
Published: June 2022

The debate over the function and role of public health in all societies (high, middle, and low-income) still continues today. Public health needs to interact with the social and translational sciences to achieve the best possible scientific evidence and practice aimed at development of effective policies for individual and population health practices. As a field, public health is most suited for development of transdisciplinary education, research and practice—improving population health would entail embedding with a variety of other disciplines including social work. Public health and social work in many ways share the same beginnings as well as their role in advocacy for social and health equity. For this reason, the transdisciplinary profession of public health social work is well placed to develop and build the inter-professional and cross-sectoral collaboration that is needed to address the many health challenges of the 21st century, based on theories, knowledge and interventions from both public health and social work. Furthermore, the profession can help in attempting to close the health inequalities gap, address social isolation, family violence and homelessness, advance long and productive lives, create social responses to the changing environment, reduce economic inequality, harness technology for social good, and work toward the achievement of justice and equality of opportunity.
Adverse and other unintended consequences of setting-based interventions to prevent illicit drug use: A systematic review of reviews
Authors: Biallas Renke L , Rehfuess Eva , Stratil Jan M
Published: June 2022

This article explores adverse and unintended consequences (AUCs) of setting-based public health interventions to prevent illicit drug use, including the mechanisms leading to these AUCs. Additionally, the reporting of AUCs in systematic reviews was assessed. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review of reviews and searched four big databases were searched. We included systematic reviews concerned with setting-based interventions to prevent illicit drug use. We used AMSTAR 2 to rate the overall confidence of the results presented in the reviews. Data on study characteristics, types and mechanisms of AUCs were extracted. An a priori categorisation of consequences drew on the WHO-INTEGRATE framework, and the categorisation of mechanisms on the Behaviour Change Wheel. For reviews reporting AUCs, the same information was also retrieved from relevant primary studies. Findings were synthesised narratively and in tables. Finally, we included 72 reviews, of which 18 reported on AUCs. From these, 11 primary studies were identified. Most of the reviews and primary studies were conducted in educational settings. The most prevalent AUCs reported in systematic reviews and primary studies were paradoxical health effects (i.e. increase of drug use). Potential mechanisms discussed primarily focussed on the change though social norms and practices. Changes of knowledge and perception were also mentioned. Concluding, the identified reviews and primary studies paid insufficient attention to AUCs of public health interventions to prevent illicit drug use. Where reported, it was mostly as an afterthought and narrowly framed as health related. No mentions of potential broader social consequences were found.
Tensions between infection control regulations and the home care working environment: An interview study with health care providers early during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Tavemark Sofia , Wijk Helle , Pettersson Cecilia
Published: June 2022

Background:

Therefore, the objective of this study was to elucidate caregivers’ experiences of ordinary homes as a working environment in home care and home health care during the COVID-19 pandemic. At the beginning of the pandemic, hospital care was in focus and the care of older adults was criticized around the world.

Design and methods:

Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted in two municipalities in Sweden between March 2020 and May 2021. One large municipality (population 155,000) with experience of care recipients with COVID-19, and a smaller municipality (population 32,000) were included; both had a focus on preventing the spread of the infection. A total of 27 participants working in home care were interviewed; these were occupational therapists, physical therapists, nurses, and assistant nurses. The interview material was analyzed using content analysis.

Results:

The interviews provided a comprehensive insight into the complex work environment in municipal home care during the pandemic. The staff had to deal with constantly changing information and new guidelines. They were also given new tasks and work routines that demanded more planning and were time-consuming. The staff experienced higher workload and pressure during the pandemic and did not have enough time to recover.

Conclusions:

During a pandemic situation, the information must be comprehensive and gathered in one place, and the managers must ensure sufficient staffing levels, time for reflection, and support for prioritization. The managers must also ensure the mental health of staff and meet their needs for recovery, both at and outside work.
The prevalence of gaming and gambling in a child and adolescent psychiatry unit
Authors: André Frida , Håkansson Anders , Johansson Björn Axel , Claesdotter-Knutsson Emma
Published: June 2022

Background:

Gaming and gambling are frequently reported from child and adolescent psychiatry and school health care. Swedish epidemiological data show that 1.3% of the population meet the criteria for gambling disorder. Risk factors are male gender, young age, single status and being born outside Sweden. Both problem gaming and gambling are associated with compulsion, psychiatric and physical symptoms, impaired cognitive development and school performance. Based on the limited knowledge and the need for more research into these behaviours among young individuals, the present study aimed to look at the prevalence of gaming and gambling in patients at the child and adolescent psychiatry department (CAP) in Skåne, a region in the south of Sweden.

Design and methods:

The overall aim is to explore gaming and gambling in a child and youth population. Children aged 8–18 years ( N = 144) from CAP in Skåne were assessed with two self-screening instruments: GASA (Game Addiction Scale for Adolescents) and NODS-CLiP (NORC Diagnostic Screen for Gambling Problems). Information were collected regarding type of care, housing situation and diagnosis.

Results:

Thirty-three percent of the study participants showed problem/addictive gaming. Fifty-two percent of the males in the study showed problem/addictive gaming. Forty-four percent of the subjects with ADHD showed problem/addictive gaming. Eleven percent of the study participants showed problem gambling.

Conclusions:

The present study reports hitherto unreported figures of problem gaming and gambling. Our results show the importance of screening children and adolescents for these conditions when admitting subjects to CAP in/outpatient care.