bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A phenomenological exploration of self-identified origins and experiences of body dysmorphic disorder
Authors: Craythorne Shioma-Lei , Shaw Rachel L. , Larkin Michael
Published: September 2022

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a debilitating mental health condition that presently affects ~2% of the general population. Individuals with BDD experience distressing preoccupations regarding one or more perceived defects in their physical appearance. These preoccupations and perceived distortions can have a profound impact on key areas of social functioning and psychological health. Individuals’ BDD origins have not been explored in significant depth and have been, often unhelpfully, conflated with social media usage and exposure to idealistic imagery of the body. Such generalisations fail to acknowledge the complexity of BDD development and onset, highlighting the importance of moving towards an understanding of people’s implicit theories regarding their own experience. It is therefore essential to gain insight into how individuals make sense of the experiences which they believe led to the development and onset of BDD. The aim of this exploratory study was to elicit and phenomenologically analyse the accounts of individuals with lived experience of BDD in order to examine their beliefs about its origins and understand how they navigate the world with a distorted sense of self. Participants provided written and verbal accounts regarding both their BDD onset and experiences of living with the disorder. Both components of the study were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Four main themes were generated from the data: Exposure to bullying and external critique of appearance; Experiencing rejection, shame, and a sense of not being enough; Developing an awareness of the solidification of concerns, and Learning about and reflecting upon triggers. Participants attributed their BDD onset to adverse experiences such as childhood bullying, receiving appearance-focused criticism, rejection and being subjected to emotional and physical abuse. The findings from this study highlight the complexity of BDD development and onset in individuals, and the need for appropriate care and treatment for those affected by BDD.
Collective memory and social imaginaries of the epidemic situation in COVID-19—based on the qualitative research of college students in Wuhan, China
Authors: Luo Renqi , Feng Weiyi , Xu Yuan
Published: September 2022

This study conducted in-depth interviews with 20 students from a university in Wuhan so as to obtain data regarding their collective memory at the early stage of the COVID-19 outbreak and their social imaginaries in the longitudinal dimension of time. Compared with those in other regions, interviewees from Wuhan show more fear and dissatisfaction and think that others find it difficult to empathize with their first-hand experiences. Interviewees from Wuhan are more dependent on the media. However, media use can cause problems related to redundant information and emotional impact. While one is confined to home, he/she is forced to participate in communication with family members and the topic of the body is discussed again from a new angle. Trauma leads to self-reconciliation, as facilitated by the re-examination of and reflection on one’ nomination of and reflection on n family members and the months in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak. However, having received a collectivist education since childhood and having been guided by the discourse system created by the state media, they have since been able to shape their sense of identity and strengthen their sense of national honor.
Histamine and histamine receptors: Roles in major depressive disorder
Authors: Qian Hong , Shu Chang , Xiao Ling , Wang Gaohua
Published: September 2022

Although the incidence of major depressive disorder (MDD) is high and its social impact is great, we still know very little about the pathophysiology of depression. The monoamine hypothesis of depression suggests that 5-HT, NE, and DA synergistically affect mood, which is the basis of current drug therapy for depression. However, histamine as a monoamine transmitter is rarely studied. Our review is the first time to illustrate the effect of histaminergic system on depression in order to find the way for the development of new antidepressant drugs. The brain neurotransmitter histamine is involved in MDD, and the brain histaminergic system operates through four receptors. Histamine and its receptors can also regulate the immune response to improve symptoms of depression. In addition, H3R can interact with other depression-related transmitters (including 5-HT, DA, GLU, and MCH); thus, histamine may participate in the occurrence of depression through other neural circuits. Notably, in rodent studies, several H3R and H1R antagonists were found to be safe and effective in alleviating depression-like behavior. To highlight the complex functions of histamine in depression, and reveals that histamine receptors can be used as new targets for antidepressant therapy.
A systematic review of emotion regulation in parent-mediated interventions for autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Hendrix Nicole M. , Pickard Katherine E. , Binion Grace E. , Kushner Elizabeth
Published: September 2022

Autistic individuals are at elevated risk for difficulties with emotion regulation (ER) that emerge early in life and are associated with a range of internalizing and externalizing disorders. Existing interventions that support ER have focused on school-age autistic children and adolescents as well as adults. Proactive approaches to improving ER in early childhood are thus needed, as is understanding the approaches by which ER skills can be feasibly supported in this young population. This review summarizes how ER has been measured within parent-mediated interventions for children at or under the age of 6 years and the extent to which ER is measured concurrently with or distinctly from observable behaviors that have been referenced in existing literature as externalizing or challenging behavior. Using PsycInfo, EBSCOhost, and PubMed databases, we searched for peer-reviewed journal articles published through August 2021, that focused on the use of parent-mediated interventions targeting ER and/or challenging behavior. The systematic search resulted in 4,738 publications; following multi-stage screening, the search yielded 20 studies. Eighteen of 20 studies were designed to target challenging behavior using manualized curricula or behavior analytic methodologies and assessed child outcomes through validated caregiver rating scales and/or direct behavioral observation. One study measured changes in ER as secondary to the social communication skills that were targeted in the intervention. Only one study specifically supported ER skill development and measured changes in ER as the primary intervention outcome. Findings highlight the need for better assessment of ER outcomes within the context of parent-mediated interventions for toddlers and young autistic children.
YESS: A feasibility study of a supported employment program for youths with mental health disorders
Authors: Ow Nikki , Marchand Kirsten , Glowacki Krista , Alqutub Diana , Mathias Steve , Barbic Skye P.
Published: September 2022

Objective

In Canada, employment/education support is rarely embedded as a component of mental health service delivery. This study describes a supported education/employment program (SEP) that integrates both clinical and community mental health services. The main objectives were to estimate the feasibility of a 5-week SEP among youths aged 17–24 with mental illness and to estimate the extent to which participation in this program improved employment and mental health outcomes.

Methods

This was a single cohort study. Feasibility outcomes assessed were demand, acceptability, practicality, integration, adaptation, and effectiveness. These were assessed through recruitment and retention rates, recording patterns of missing data, and examining differences between completers and non-completers. Appropriateness of the outcome measures was assessed through the strength of the association between the outcome measures at baseline. Effectiveness of the program was assessed through employment and as measured using MyLifetracker (MLT), Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), and the Canadian Personal Recovery Outcome Measure (CPROM).

Results

A total of 110 youths with a mean age of 20.6 (SD: 2.2) were recruited. At 5 weeks, 82 (74.5%) of participants remained in the program. Of the people who completed the program, 56.1% were women, 76.6% were in stable housing and 64.1% had depression. Approximately 60% of non-completers used two or more services and were in at-risk housing. More than 25% of participants improved on the patient-reported outcomes. Scores on these measures were moderately to highly correlated with each other. Employment rates varied and corresponded to the waves of the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada.

Conclusion

Results showed that this program was feasible and there was high demand for SEP during the COVID-19 pandemic but gaining employment remained difficult. Educational or employment outcomes, measured over a short period, may not be adequate. Instead, individualized and patient-reported outcome measures may be more appropriate for SEP programs.
Role of social support in poststroke depression: A meta-analysis
Authors: Bi Haiyang , Wang Mengjia
Published: September 2022

Poststroke depression significantly affects health and quality of life of stroke patients. This study evaluates the role of social support in influencing poststroke depression. The literature search was conducted in electronic databases and study selection was based on precise eligibility criteria. The prevalence rates reported by individual studies were pooled. A meta-analysis of standardized mean differences (SMD) in social support between depressed and non-depressed stroke patients was performed. The odds ratios and correlation coefficients showing the relationship between social support and depression were pooled to achieve overall estimates. Twenty-five studies (9431 patients) were included. The prevalence of depression was 36% [95% confidence interval (CI): 28, 45]. Patients with poststroke depression had significantly lower social support in comparison with patients with no or lower levels of depression [SMD in social support scores −0.338 (95% CI: −0.589, −0.087); p = 0.008]. The odds of depression were lower in patients receiving higher levels of social support [OR 0.82 (95% CI: 0.69, 0.95)] but were higher in patients who were receiving weaker social support [OR 5.22 (95% CI: −0.87, 11.31)]. A meta-analysis of correlation coefficients found a significantly inverse correlation between social support and poststroke depression [r −0.336 (95% CI: −0.414, −0.254)]. Poststroke depression has a significant independent inverse association with social support.
Timing of antipsychotics and benzodiazepine initiation during a first episode of psychosis impacts clinical outcomes: Electronic health record cohort study
Authors: Arribas Maite , Solmi Marco , Thompson Trevor , Oliver Dominic , Fusar-Poli Paolo
Published: September 2022

The impact of timing of antipsychotics and benzodiazepine treatment during a first episode of psychosis on clinical outcomes is unknown. We present a RECORD-compliant electronic health record cohort study including patients (n = 4,483, aged 14–35) with a primary diagnosis of any non-organic ICD-10 first episode of psychosis at SLAM-NHS between 2007 and 2017. The impact of antipsychotic timing (prescription > 1 week after a first episode of psychosis) was assessed on the primary outcome (risk of any psychiatric inpatient admission over 6 years), and secondary outcomes (cumulative duration of any psychiatric/medical/accident/emergency [A&E] admission over 6 years). The impact of prescribing benzodiazepine before antipsychotic at any point and of treatment patterns (antipsychotic alone, benzodiazepine alone, combination of antipsychotic with benzodiazepine) within the first week after a first episode of psychosis were also assessed. Survival analyses and zero-inflated negative binomial regressions, adjusted for core covariates, and complementary analyses were employed. Antipsychotic prescribed >1 week after a first episode of psychosis did not affect the risk of any psychiatric admission (HR = 1.04, 95% CI = 0.92–1.17, p = 0.557), but increased the duration of any psychiatric (22–28%), medical (78–35%) and A&E (30–34%) admission (months 12–72). Prescribing benzodiazepine before antipsychotic at any point did not affect the risk of any psychiatric admission (HR = 1.03, 95% CI = 0.94–1.13, p = 0.535), but reduced the duration of any psychiatric admission (17–24%, months 12–72), and increased the duration of medical (71–45%, months 12–72) and A&E (26–18%, months 12–36) admission. Prescribing antipsychotic combined with benzodiazepine within the first week after a first episode of psychosis showed better overall clinical outcomes than antipsychotic or benzodiazepine alone. Overall, delaying antipsychotic 1 week after a first episode of psychosis may worsen some clinical outcomes. Early benzodiazepine treatment can be considered with concomitant antipsychotic but not as standalone intervention.
Factors of suicidal behavior among inpatients with major depressive disorder: A retrospective case series
Authors: Liu Chaomeng , Pan Weigang , Zhu Dandi , Meng Fanqiang , Tian Tengfei , Li Li , Li Xiaohong
Published: September 2022

Objective

Previous studies indicate that more than half of those who died by suicide had a depressive disorder. When discussing the factors associated to suicidal behavior (SB) among patients with major depressive disorder (MDD), sociocultural contexts should also be carefully considered. This case series study explored the factors correlated to SB among MDD patients in Beijing, China.

Methods

The patient information sheets were retrieved from an electronic database that comprised patient medical information. Three forms of binary logistic regression equations were conducted to explore the factors associated to SB among patients with MDD. For the inconsistent variables produced by the three regression models, the propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was done for further verification.

Results

In this retrospective study, 1,091 depressed cases were enrolled. The difference between the SB group and non-SB group in gender, impulsivity, the severity of depression, history of major mental trauma, and family history of suicide were statistically significant in univariate comparisons (P < 0.05); the binary logistic regression analysis and the PSM analysis showed that female gender, history of major mental trauma, impulsivity, family history of suicide and severity of depression were factors correlated to SB among patients with MDD (odds ratios >1).

Conclusions

Female gender, the history of major mental trauma, impulsivity, the severity of depression, and family history of suicide were independently associated with the appearance of SB among MDD patients in Beijing, China. Inevitably, these findings should be viewed with particular caution due to the inherent drawbacks of a retrospective nature. More prospective longitudinal research should be conducted to examine those dynamic alterations in the corresponding confounders.
Global Burden of cardiomyopathy and myocarditis in the older adults from 1990 to 2019
Authors: Zhang Kexin , Cheng Xuebing , Qu Na , Song Hongwei , Luo Youhong , Ye Tongtong , Xu Qian , Tian Hongzhan , Kan Chengxia , Hou Ningning
Published: September 2022

Background

Cardiomyopathy and myocarditis (CM-MC) are common chronic diseases causing heart failure in older adults. We aimed to analyze the burden of CM-MC in older adults aged 60–89 years at the global, regional, and national levels in 204 countries from 1990 to 2019.

Methods

Detailed data on CM-MC from 1990 to 2019 were analyzed from the Global Burden of Diseases Study 2019, including incidence, mortality, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) and the proportion of deaths caused by different risks factors. All results are presented as numbers, age-standardized rates per 100,000 person-years and estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) with an uncertainty interval of 95%.

Results

Globally, there were 475,458 (339,942–638,363) incidence cases from CM-MC in 2019; with an age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) of 16 (13–19.3) per 100,000 person-years. And there were 185,308 (154,610–200,448) deaths, with the age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) being 4.4 (3.7–4.8). CM-MC resulted in 3,372,716 (2,931,247–3,693,622) DALYs, with an age-standardized DALYs rate (ASDR) of 114.8 (98.7–126.1). Estimated annual percentage change (EAPCs) for ARIS, ARMS, and ARDS has decreased. At the national level, the United States of America had the highest mortality [21,372 (18,924–24,241)] and disability-adjusted life years [407,712 (370,234–470,165)]. And China had the highest number of incident cases [122, 266 (85,925–166,095)]. Globally, high systolic blood pressure and alcohol consumption were the top two risk factors for the proportion of CM-MC deaths.

Conclusion

CM-MC is still an important cause of early death and chronic disability in older adults. Based on this study, public health agencies should seek more effective methods to prevent and treat CM-MC.
Assessing the impact of the four COVID-19 variants and the vaccine coverage on mortality in Malta over 2 years: An observational case study
Authors: Cuschieri Sarah , Grech Stephan , Grech Victor
Published: September 2022

Background

Mortality may quantify a population's disease burden. Malta, like other European countries, experienced COVID-19 surges in cases and mortality across the pandemic. This study assesses COVID-19's mortality impact, while exploring the effects of the four dominant COVID-19 variants and that of the vaccination coverage on the Maltese population.

Methods

COVID-19 data (cases, mortality, positivity, and vaccination rates) was obtained from the websites of the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control and the Malta Ministry of Health. Data was categorized into the four periods according to reported dominant COVID-19 variant. Years of life lost (YLL) and Case-Fatality-Ratio (CFR) for each period were estimated. CFR was also estimated for the pre-vaccine and post-vaccine periods.

Results

The original COVID-19 period (36 weeks) had the highest YLL (4,484), followed by the Omicron variant period (12 weeks; 1,398). The Alpha variant period (7 weeks) had the highest CFR (1.89%) followed by the Original COVID-19 (1.35%). The pre-vaccine (1.59%) period had higher CFR than the post-vaccine period (0.67%).

Conclusion

Various factors contributed to mortality, but the variant's infectivity, transmissibility, and the effectiveness of the vaccine against the variant play an important role. Reducing mortality by embracing mass vaccination that targets current variants along with other non-pharmaceutical interventions remains paramount.
Housing-related challenges during COVID-19 pandemic among urban poor in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic review and gap analysis
Authors: Dubey Shubhankar , Sahoo Krushna Chandra , Dash Girish Chandra , Sahay Mili Roopchand , Mahapatra Pranab , Bhattacharya Debdutta , Barrio Mariam Otmani del , Pati Sanghamitra
Published: September 2022

The abysmal health of the urban poor or slum dwellers was attributed to structural inequities such as inadequate housing, water, and sanitation. This review aimed to assess housing-related opportunities and challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic among urban poor in low-and middle-income countries. For study identification, a comprehensive search was performed in 11 databases that yielded 22 potential studies. The inadequate housing infrastructure makes the lives of the urban poor more precarious during COVID-19. Typically, the houses lacked lighting, ventilation, and overcrowding. This review reflected that it is crucial to reimagine housing policy for the urban poor with an emphasis on pandemic/epidemic guidelines.
Family Functioning and Optimism as Protective Factors of Life Satisfaction Among Stroke Patients During the COVID-19 Epidemic in Shenyang, China
Authors: Song Yuequn , Cui Can , Jia Yajing , Zhang Weiyu , Meng Lifang , Sznajder Kristin K. , Xu Yuanyuan , Yang Xiaoshi
Published: September 2022

The coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic may result in detrimental consequences for stroke patient's wellbeing. Family functioning and optimism could help stroke patients cope with crises leading to possible improvements in life satisfaction. This study aims to explore the protective effects of family functioning and optimism on life satisfaction among stroke patients during the COVID-19 pandemic in China. This study was designed as a cross-sectional survey. A total of 207 stroke inpatients who were receiving pharmacotherapy and rehabilitation in general public hospital of Liaoning province during the COVID-19 pandemic in China were consecutive selected and interviewed by online questionnaires via the WeChat platform effectively from April 8 to 30, 2020. The scales included: Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), Family Adaptation, Partnership, Growth, Affection, and Resolve (APGAR) Scale and Revised Life Orientation Test (LOT-R). Hierarchical multiple regression (HMR) analysis was conducted to test the associated factors of life satisfaction. Stroke patient's life satisfaction was at a high level (Mean = 26.46, SD = 6.23) during the pandemic. Stroke patient's residence, duration of stroke, stroke type, and community shut down measures were the strong predictors of life satisfaction. Family functioning and optimism increased life satisfaction among stroke patients. This study contributes to the research on the association between family functioning and optimism on life satisfaction among stroke patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. Interventions that improve family functioning and enhance optimism should be provided in order to elevate life satisfaction for stroke patients.
A Comprehensive Systematic Review of Data Linkage Publications on Diabetes in Australia
Authors: Dinh Ngan T. T. , Cox Ingrid A. , de Graaff Barbara , Campbell Julie A. , Stokes Brian , Palmer Andrew J.
Published: September 2022

Aims

Our study aimed to identify the common themes, knowledge gaps and to evaluate the quality of data linkage research on diabetes in Australia.

Methods

This systematic review was developed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (the PRISMA Statement). Six biomedical databases and the Australian Population Health Research Network (PHRN) website were searched. A narrative synthesis was conducted to comprehensively identify the common themes and knowledge gaps. The guidelines for studies involving data linkage were used to appraise methodological quality of included studies.

Results

After screening and hand-searching, 118 studies were included in the final analysis. Data linkage publications confirmed negative health outcomes in people with diabetes, reported risk factors for diabetes and its complications, and found an inverse association between primary care use and hospitalization. Linked data were used to validate data sources and diabetes instruments. There were limited publications investigating healthcare expenditure and adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in people with diabetes. Regarding methodological assessment, important information about the linkage performed was under-reported in included studies.

Conclusions

In the future, more up to date data linkage research addressing costs of diabetes and its complications in a contemporary Australian setting, as well as research assessing ADRs of recently approved antidiabetic medications, are required.
The Future Positive micro-intervention protocol: A program aiming to increase a healthy life-style among employees with a low socio-economic position
Authors: Schelleman-Offermans Karen , Ruiter Robert A. C. , Massar Karlijn
Published: September 2022

This paper describes the development of a Dutch micro-intervention, Future Positive, that aims to increase health behaviors among employees with a low socio-economic position (SEP), with the ultimate aim to decrease socio-economic health inequalities. Intervention Mapping (IM) was used to adapt previously developed psychological capital interventions into a micro-intervention suitable to be delivered in the work context for employees with a low socio-economic position. The first 4 steps of IM including the results of pre-testing the developed intervention program are described. Step 1 consists of the needs assessment, and investigated (a) the individual determinants of health behavior and health inequalities, and (b) the needs of employees with a low SEP and their employers regarding the implementation of the intervention at the worksite. Matrices-of-change were produced in Step 2, and relevant methods and applications were selected in step 3. Step 4 involved the intervention development, resulting in a brief micro-intervention that will be delivered in small groups, guided by trained facilitators using motivational interviewing techniques. Program materials include informative video-clips and active and cooperative learning exercises. The intervention was pre-tested among three groups of employees. The IM process, as well as the pre-testing, revealed that emphasizing autonomy and using easy to understand and mostly visual materials offered in chunks is essential for a well-tailored intervention that is suitable for people with low SEP. Also, participation should be facilitated by employers: It should be free of costs, offered during working hours, and take place at the job site. Results showed that the Future Positive micro-intervention is substantiated by theory, applicable in a work setting (high reach), and tailored to the needs of employees with a low SEP. We therefore fill the gap in this existing range of interventions aimed to improve life-style behaviors and contribute to theory-based interventions aimed to decrease the SEP-Health gradient.
Socio-economic determinants of SARS-CoV-2 infection: Results from a population-based cross-sectional serosurvey in Geneva, Switzerland
Authors: Santa-Ramírez Hugo-Alejandro , Wisniak Ania , Pullen Nick , Zaballa María-Eugenia , Pennacchio Francesco , Lorthe Elsa , Dumont Roxane , Baysson Hélène , Guessous Idris , Stringhini Silvia
Published: September 2022

Background

SARS-CoV-2 infection and its health consequences have disproportionally affected disadvantaged socio-economic groups globally. This study aimed to analyze the association between socio-economic conditions and having developed antibodies for-SARS-CoV-2 in a population-based sample in the canton of Geneva, Switzerland.

Methods

Data was obtained from a population-based serosurvey of adults in Geneva and their household members, between November and December, 2020, toward the end of the second pandemic wave in the canton. Participants were tested for antibodies for-SARS-CoV-2. Socio-economic conditions representing different dimensions were self-reported. Mixed effects logistic regressions were conducted for each predictor to test its association with seropositive status as the main outcome.

Results

Two thousand eight hundred and eighty-nine adults completed the study questionnaire and were included in the final analysis. Retired participants and those living in suburban areas had lower odds of a seropositive result when compared to employed participants (OR: 0.42, 95% CI: 0.20–0.87) and those living in urban areas (OR: 0.67, 95% CI: 0.46–0.97), respectively. People facing financial hardship for less than a year had higher odds of a seropositive result compared to those who had never faced them (OR: 2.23, 95% CI: 1.01–4.95). Educational level, occupational position, and household income were not associated with being seropositive, nor were ethnicity or country of birth.

Discussion

While conventional measures of socio-economic position did not seem to be related to the risk of being infected in this sample, this study sheds lights on the importance of examining the broader social determinants of health when evaluating the differential impact of the pandemic within the population.
A cross-sectional study of knowledge, attitude, and practice toward COVID-19 in solid organ transplant recipients at a transplant center in the United States
Authors: Wang Lucas , Abualfoul Mujahed , Oduor Hellen , Acharya Priyanka , Cui Mingyang , Murray Anne , Dominguez Edward , Pagadala Mangesh
Published: September 2022

Objectives

Knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) have been widely used during times of pandemic to quantify and locate gaps of care during pandemics. Using this tool, we can identify and target populations who underwent solid organ transplant (SOT) to bolster preventative practices in these patients during COVID-19.

Materials and methods

An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted between June 1, 2020 and June 30, 2021 on patients who underwent a liver and/or kidney transplant at Methodist Dallas Medical Center in Dallas, Texas, USA. A KAP questionnaire of 26 questions about COVID-19 was designed based on the clinical and community management guidelines published by the WHO. The participant's overall KAP was categorized using Bloom's cut-off point. A KAP domain was considered sufficient if the score was between 60 and 100% and insufficient if the score was <60%. The strength of association was assessed by using odds ratio (OR); only significant independent factors in each tested area were assessed.

Results

Respondents with children in the household were less likely to have sufficient practices than those who did not [OR = 0.2491, 95% Confidence Interval (0.0893–0.6120), p = 0.001]. We also found that sufficient levels of knowledge correlated with higher likelihood of sufficient levels of practices [OR = 4.94, 95% CI (1.646–14.2159), p < 0.005]. Interestingly, we found that sufficient levels of attitude did not correlate with sufficient levels of practice (p = 0.201).

Conclusion

Our study found that knowledge and having children in the household correlated with higher levels of practice.
The Relationship Between Hepcidin-Mediated Iron Dysmetabolism and COVID-19 Severity: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Peng Denggao , Gao Yanzhang , Zhang Li , Liu Zhichao , Wang Huan , Liu Yingxia
Published: September 2022

Backgrounds

Hepcidin has been identified as a systemic iron-regulatory hormone. Recent studies have suggested that iron metabolism disorders may be involved in the pathogenesis of acute respiratory distress syndrome and multiple organ dysfunction in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Objectives

To re-evaluate the hepcidin-related iron metabolism parameters and explore the relationship between hepcidin-mediated iron dysmetabolism and COVID-19 severity.

Methods

COVID-19 is classified as mild and moderate as non-severe, severe and critical as severe. A meta-analysis was conducted. Four bibliographic databases were comprehensively searched up to December 31st 2021.

Results

Six unique studies with data from 477 COVID-19 patients were included. Compared to non-severe cases, severe cases had higher hepcidin (standardized mean difference (SMD), −0.39; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) [−0.76, −0.03]; P = 0.03) and ferritin (SMD, −0.84; 95% CI [−1.30, −0.38]; P = 0.0004). In five out of six studies, a total of 427 patients were tested for serum iron, and there were significant differences in their levels between severe and non-severe cases (SMD, 0.22; 95% CI [0.02, 0.41]; P = 0.03). A total of 320 patients from four out of six studies were tested for transferrin saturation, and the statistical difference was not significant (SMD, 0.06; 95% CI [−0.17, 0.28]; P = 0.64).

Conclusion

Severe COVID-19 cases had higher serum levels of hepcidin and ferritin, and lower serum iron, without significant differences in transferrin saturation. Further studies are needed to verify whether targeting the hepcidin-mediated iron metabolism axis may influence the outcome and treatment of COVID-19.
Research on the optimization of financing scheme of long-term care insurance in China based on system dynamics simulation
Authors: Zhang Liangwen , Fu Sijia , Wang Yifan , Fang Ya
Published: September 2022

Objective

The aging population in China highlights the significance of long-term care insurance (LTCI). This study provides policy suggestions for China to establish a sustainable LTCI financing mechanism by predicting the trend of funds balance and screening the appropriate financing scheme.

Method

A system dynamics model (SDM) of LTCI funds was constructed by clarifying the current situation and its main influencing factors of revenue and expenditure of LTCI funds in China. Also, through literature research and expert consultation, we found the intervention goals and predicted the changing trend of LTCI fund balance from 2020 to 2050 under different intervention schemes.

Results

The SDM of LTCI financing passes the dimensional consistency test, structural test, and historical test. Therefore, it can objectively reflect the structure and behavior of the financing system. It is found that the factors affecting the revenue and expenditure system of LTCI funds mainly include economic factors, demographic factors, and other factors. By adjusting three intervention indicators, namely, individual payment rate, reimbursement proportion, and severe disability rate, this study produces 45 financing combination schemes. By comparing the changing trend of LTCI fund balance under different intervention schemes, according to the screening principle, five better financing schemes are finally selected. These five financing schemes have no deficit and excessive balance in the forecast period, which is in line with the principle of sustainability. It can provide a reference for the selection of financing schemes in pilot areas.

Discussion

This study has optimized the policy of the LTCI financing mechanism, determined the suitable LTCI participants, financing channels and levels, and screened out the suitable LTCI financing policy optimization scheme for China. By appropriately increasing the individual payment rate, strengthening the disability intervention of the elderly, formulating scientific and objective disability evaluation standards, and finally establishing a dynamic financing adjustment mechanism of LTCI. This study can provide a basis for the scientific formulation of the LTCI financing mechanism in China and provide a reference for developing countries to establish a sustainable LTCI.
Factors associated with self-rated health among immigrant workers in South Korea: Analyzing the results of the 2020 survey on immigrants' living conditions and labor force
Authors: Kang Soo Jin , Hwang Jinseub , Kim Dohyang , Kim Bongjeong
Published: September 2022

Immigrants' health is an emerging public health issue worldwide. This study aimed to measure immigrant workers' self-rated health and identify the factors affecting it. Data were obtained from the nationwide 2020 Survey on Immigrants' Living Conditions and Labor Force in Korea. The data from 14,277 economically active immigrants who participated in the study were analyzed. Self-rated health was measured using one question and divided into dichotomized categories (good and poor). Multivariate logistic regression with a weighted sampling method was used to investigate associated factors, namely, individual, social, and living and working environment variables, and to evaluate the interaction effects with gender. Overall, 23.0% of the participants showed poor self-rated health. The odds ratios for poor self-rated health were high in participants who reported unmet healthcare needs (OR = 3.07, 95% confidence interval: 3.00–3.13) compared to those who reported other factors, followed by moderate job satisfaction (OR = 2.23, 95% confidence interval: 2.20–2.26) and unsatisfied residential environment satisfaction (OR = 1.80, 95% confidence interval: 1.74–1.86). Significant associations were found between self-rated health and most variables, including the interaction test (gender × residential environment satisfaction, education level, working hours, and length of residence). To enhance immigrants' health status, the Korean government must develop strategies to increase their access to healthcare services and minimize unmet healthcare needs. In addition, working conditions must be improved, specifically regarding long working hours and discrimination; furthermore, immigrants' living environments should be considered.
Effectiveness of the COVID-19 Community Vulnerability Index in explaining COVID-19 deaths
Authors: An Jinghua , Hoover Shelley , Konda Sreenivas , Kim Sage J.
Published: September 2022

Objectives

To explore the effectiveness of a COVID-19 specific social vulnerability index, we examined the relative importance of four COVID-19 specific themes and three general themes of the COVID-19 Community Vulnerability Index (CCVI) in explaining COVID-19 mortality rates in Cook County, Illinois.

Methods

We counted COVID-19 death records from the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office, geocoded incident addresses by census tracts, and appended census tracts' CCVI scores. Negative binomial regression and Random Forest were used to examine the relative importance of CCVI themes in explaining COVID-19 mortality rates.

Results

COVID-19 specific Themes 6 (High risk environments) and 4 (Epidemiological factors) were the most important in explaining COVID-19 mortality (incidence rate ratio (IRR) = 6.80 and 6.44, respectively), followed by a general Theme 2 (Minority status & language, IRR = 3.26).

Conclusion

The addition of disaster-specific indicators may improve the accuracy of social vulnerability indices. However, variance for Theme 6 was entirely from the long-term care resident indicator, as the other two indicators were constant at the census tract level. Thus, CCVI should be further refined to improve its effectiveness in identifying vulnerable communities. Also, building a more robust local data infrastructure is critical to understanding the vulnerabilities of local places.
Development and design of a culturally tailored intervention to address COVID-19 disparities among Oregon's Latinx communities: A community case study
Authors: Budd Elizabeth L. , McWhirter Ellen Hawley , De Anda Stephanie , Mauricio Anne Marie , Mueller Maryanne V. , Cioffi Camille C. , Nash Ashley , Van Brocklin Kelsey , Yarris Kristin , Jackson Arriell , Terral Heather , García Jorge I. Ramírez ,   Juntos Podemos Community and Scientific Advisory Board, Cresko William A. , DeGarmo David S. , Leve Leslie D.
Published: September 2022

Background

Latinx communities are disproportionately affected by COVID-19 compared with non-Latinx White communities in Oregon and much of the United States. The COVID-19 pandemic presents a critical and urgent need to reach Latinx communities with innovative, culturally tailored outreach and health promotion interventions to reduce viral transmission and address disparities. The aims of this case study are to (1) outline the collaborative development of a culturally and trauma-informed COVID-19 preventive intervention for Latinx communities; (2) describe essential intervention elements; and (3) summarize strengths and lessons learned for future applications.

Methods

Between June 2020 and January 2021, a multidisciplinary team of researchers and Latinx-serving partners engaged in the following intervention development activities: a scientific literature review, a survey of 67 Latinx residents attending public testing events, interviews with 13 leaders of community-based organizations serving Latinx residents, and bi-weekly consultations with the project's Public Health and Community Services Team and a regional Community and Scientific Advisory Board. After launching the intervention in the field in February 2021, bi-weekly meetings with interventionists continuously informed minor iterative refinements through present day.

Results

The resulting intervention, Promotores de Salud, includes outreach and brief health education. Bilingual, trauma-informed trainings and materials reflect the lived experiences, cultural values, needs, and concerns of Latinx communities. Interventionists (21 Promotores) were Latinx residents from nine Oregon counties where the intervention was delivered.

Conclusions

Sharing development and intervention details with public health researchers and practitioners facilitates intervention uptake and replication to optimize the public health effect in Oregon's Latinx communities and beyond.
Development of acceptable quality radiation dose levels for common computed tomography examinations: A focused multicenter study in United Arab Emirates
Authors: Elshami Wiam , Abuzaid Mohamed , Joseph Dlama Z. , Tekin H. O. , Ghonim Hatem
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Diagnostic Reference Level (DRL) is a practical tool for radiation dose optimization, yet it does not indicate the patient size or image quality. The Acceptable Quality Dose (AQD) introduced to address the limitations of the DRLs and it is based on image quality, radiation dose, and patient weight. The aim of this study is to establish the AQD for adult patients' undergoing Computed Tomography (CT) examinations (Head, chest, abdomen).

Methods

This study is conducted in the four main hospitals at the Ministry of Health and Prevention. Patient information and exposure parameters were extracted. All the acceptable images are scored for their quality assessments. Data is classified as seven weight groups, <50, 50–59, 60–69, 70–79, 80–89, 90–99, and ≥100 kg. The mean ± SD, median, and 75th are calculated for the CTDIvol and DLP for each weight group per examination.

Results

Out of 392, 358 CT examinations are scored with acceptable quality. The median CTDIvol values for the weight groups are obtained as 24.6, 25.4, 25.4, 25.0, 26.0, 27.0, and 29.0 mGy. Moreover, median DLP values are obtained as 576.7, 601.0, 616.5, 636.1, 654.0, 650.0, 780.0, and 622.5 mGy.cm, respectively, for head CT without Contrast Media (CM). Similar calculation for head CT with (CM), chest without CM, abdomen without CM, and chest and abdomen (with and without CM) CTs are presented.

Conclusion

Images with bad, unacceptable and higher than necessary qualities contribute to increasing patient dose and increasing the DRLs. The AQD for the selected examinations were lower than the proposed DRLs in the United Arab Emirates. The integration of image quality and patients size in the assessment of the AQD values provide effective model to compare radiation dose indices within facility and compare with others. The obtained results may be useful in terms of improving dose and the diagnostic quality in the national and international levels.
What are the acceptances and associated influences of hospice care in Mainland China? A national cross-sectional study
Authors: Zhang Xinyue , Zhang Xun , Li Yiqi , Chen Tianle , Siow Lixuen , Ye Xinxin , Wang Yinlin , Wang Yujia , Ming Wai-Kit , Sun Xinying , Xiang Ze , Wu Yibo , Wu Jian
Published: September 2022

Background

China ranks 53rd out of 81 countries in the Quality of Death Index for 2021. Although hospice care demand is increasing, the progress remains slow. It is of great significance to explore the acceptances and associated influencing factors of hospice care.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey by quota sampling was conducted in China from July 10th to September 15th, 2021. We collected demographic data and hospice care acceptance. A stepwise linear regression analysis was used.

Results

This survey contained 11,031 valid questionnaire results to investigate the hospice care acceptance. It was found that individuals with undergraduate or above (β = 0.04), more properties [2 (β = 0.02), 3 (β = 0.01)], and higher reimbursement types of medical insurance [employee health insurance and commercial health (β = 0.03), government insurance (β = 0.04)] had higher hospice acceptance willingness, while males (β = −0.02) were less willing to accept than females. Psychological conditions [mild anxiety (β = 0.03), moderate anxiety (β = 0.01), moderate stress (β = 0.05), and severe stress (β = 0.06)] also played an important role. The Self-Management Scale (SHMS) (β = 0.12), EuroQol Five Dimensions Questionnaire (EQ-5D) (β = 0.05), EuroQol Visual Analog Scale (EQ-VAS) (β = 0.21), Short-Form Family Health Scale (FHS-SF) (β = 0.12), higher scores of the Short-Form Health Literacy Instrument (HLS-SF12) (β = 0.16), and Perceived Social Support Scale (PSSS) (β = 0.10) also contributed. Gender subgroup showed that in the male group, age, highest educational level, marital status, number of properties, whether having children, psychological conditions, the SHMS, EQ-5D, EQ-VAS, HLS-SF12, and PSSS showed significant difference. Urban and rural subgroups showed that age, highest educational level, number of properties, whether having chronic disease or psychological conditions, the SHMS, EQ-VAS, HLS-SF12, and PSSS were contributing factors in rural areas.

Conclusion

The average score of acceptance of hospice care was 65.02 points. Gender, house, anxiety, pressure, social support, and health literacy were the main influencing factors on residents' attitudes.
Differences in health literacy domains among migrants and their descendants in Germany
Authors: Berens Eva-Maria , Klinger Julia , Carol Sarah , Schaeffer Doris
Published: September 2022

Background

Health literacy (HL) is considered to be an important precondition for health. HL research often identifies migrants as vulnerable for low HL. However, in-depth data on HL among migrants especially in its domains of health care, disease prevention and health promotion and its determinants are still scarce.

Objective

The aim of this study was therefore to analyse the current status of HL among migrants and their descendants from Turkey and from the former Soviet Union (FSU) in Germany and factors associated with it. This has not been studied using large-scale data and bilingual interviews. We differentiate between dimensions of HL, namely the domains of health care, disease prevention and health promotion which goes beyond many previous studies. In addition, we explore new mechanisms by testing the explanatory power of self-efficacy and interethnic contacts for migrants' HL.

Methods

The study includes 825 first- and second-generation adult migrants from two of the largest immigration groups in Germany, from Turkey and FSU, who were interviewed face-to-face in German, Turkish or Russian in late summer 2020. HL was measured using the HLS19-Q47 instrument. Age, gender, educational level, social status and financial deprivation, chronic illness, health-related literacy skills, self-efficacy, interethnic contacts, migration generation, duration of stay and region of origin were considered as possible determinants. Ordinary least square regressions were estimated.

Results

The average general HL score was 65.5. HL in health promotion and disease prevention was lower than in health care. Low financial deprivation, health-related literacy skills, and self-efficacy were positively correlated with each HL domain. Educational level, social status, age, gender, duration of stay and interethnic contacts were positively correlated with HL in some domains. Region of origin was only correlated with the domain of disease prevention until interethnic contact was accounted for.

Conclusion

Our study contributes to the existing knowledge by analyzing different domains of HL and testing its correlations with self-efficacy and interethnic contact among migrants. We reveal that migrants cannot generally be considered as vulnerable for low HL, as oftentimes outlined. There is a need for interventions e.g. to enhance the understanding of health information among subgroups with lower HL.