bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The prevalence of sedentary behavior among university students in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alahmadi Mohammad A. , Almasoud Khalid H. , Aljahani Amani H. , Alzaman Naweed S. , Al-Nozha Omar M. , Alahmadi Osama M. , Jalloun Rola A. , Alfadhli Eman M. , Alahmadi Jomana M. , Zuair Areeg A. , Alzahrani Naif S. , Alahmdi Ahmed A. , Alghamdi Mansour A. , Aldayel Abdulaziz A. , Aljaloud Sulaiman O. , Alharbi Obead M. , Al-Nuaim Anwar , Alshqaq Shokrya S. , Alsaedi Basim S. , Alrashidi Afaf , Alamri Osama A. , Alshaikhi Abdulwahed S. , Al-Thumali Fahad J. , Alshdokhi Khaled A. , Awn Abdulmohsen Bin , Jifri Ali Abdullah , Aljuhani Osama , Aljaloud Khalid S. , Al-Mudarra Munirah Fayez , Ansari Mohammed G. A. , Al-Daghri Nasser M.
Published: February 2024

Background

A considerable body of research has demonstrated that reducing sitting time benefits health. Therefore, the current study aimed to explore the prevalence of sedentary behavior (SB) and its patterns.

Methods

A total of 6975 university students (49.1% female) were chosen randomly to participate in a face-to-face interview. The original English version of the sedentary behavior questionnaire (SBQ) was previously translated into Arabic. Then, the validated Arabic version of the SBQ was used to assess SB. The Arabic SBQ included 9 types of SB (watching television, playing computer/video games, sitting while listening to music, sitting and talking on the phone, doing paperwork or office work, sitting and reading, playing a musical instrument, doing arts and crafts, and sitting and driving/riding in a car, bus or train) on weekdays and weekends.

Results

SBQ indicated that the total time of SB was considerably high (478.75 ± 256.60 and 535.86 ± 316.53 (min/day) during weekdays and weekends, respectively). On average, participants spent the most time during the day doing office/paperwork (item number 4) during weekdays (112.47 ± 111.11 min/day) and weekends (122.05 ± 113.49 min/day), followed by sitting time in transportation (item number 9) during weekdays (78.95 ± 83.25 min/day) and weekends (92.84 ± 100.19 min/day). The average total sitting time of the SBQ was 495.09 ± 247.38 (min/day) and 58.4% of the participants reported a high amount of sitting time (≥ 7 hours/day). Independent t-test showed significant differences (P ≤ 0.05) between males and females in all types of SB except with doing office/paperwork (item number 4). The results also showed that male students have a longer daily sitting time (521.73 ± 236.53 min/day) than females (467.38 ± 255.28 min/day). Finally, 64.1% of the males reported a high amount of sitting time (≥ 7 hours/day) compared to females (52.3%).

Conclusion

In conclusion, the total mean length of SB in minutes per day for male and female university students was considerably high. About 58% of the population appeared to spend ≥7 h/day sedentary. Male university students are likelier to sit longer than female students. Our findings also indicated that SB and physical activity interventions are needed to raise awareness of the importance of adopting an active lifestyle and reducing sitting time.
Prevalence and factors associated with second hand smoke exposure among a sample of pregnant women in Cairo, Egypt
Authors: Stevens Elizabeth R. , Mead-Morse Erin L. , Labib Kareem , Kahn Linda G. , Choi Sugy , Sherman Scott E. , Oncken Cheryl , Williams Natasha J , Loney Tom , Shahawy Omar El
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This study estimated the prevalence of and factors associated with secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure, and assessed attitudes and knowledge about SHS among pregnant women in Cairo, Egypt.

Methods

Pregnant women in the third trimester were recruited to participate in a survey assessing tobacco smoking and SHS exposure during their current pregnancy. Participants were recruited from three antenatal clinics in Cairo, Egypt, from June 2015 to May 2016. We examined differences in sociodemographic characteristics and SHS exposure, attitudes, and knowledge by smoking/SHS status. We used multivariable ordinary least squares regression to examine the association between husbands’ smoking and pregnant women’s mean daily hours of SHS exposure, adjusting for women’s smoking status, age group, education, and urban (vs. suburban/rural) residence.

Results

Of two hundred pregnant women aged 16–37 years, about two-thirds (69%) had a husband who smoked tobacco. During their current pregnancy, most women reported being non-smokers (71%), and 38% of non-smokers reported being SHS-exposed. Non-smokers exposed to SHS tended to live in more rural areas and have husbands who smoked in the home. In adjusted analyses, having a husband who smoked was significantly associated with a greater mean number of hours of SHS exposure per day exposed, and this difference was driven by husbands who smoked in the home (p < 0.001). Women in the SHS-exposed group were less likely than other groups to agree that SHS exposure was harmful to their own or their future child’s health; however, all groups agreed that SHS was harmful to newborn health.

Conclusion

Among our sample of pregnant women in Cairo, Egypt, there was a high rate of SHS exposure as well as misconceptions about the safety of SHS exposure to a developing fetus. Our findings suggest a need for targeted education and gender-sensitive messaging about SHS exposure, along with improved enforcement of existing tobacco control policies.
New dental graduates transition into UK professional practice; a longitudinal study of changes in perceptions and behaviours through the lens of evidence-based dentistry
Authors: Al-Yaseen Waraf , Nanjappa Sucharita , Jindal-Snape Divya , Innes Nicola
Published: February 2024

Background

This longitudinal study using qualitative methodology aims to investigate the perceptions, and implementation, of evidence-based guidelines into practice among new dental graduates (NDGs) during their transition from university into professional practice, by identifying factors that influence the adoption of evidence-based practice (EBP) in dental practice.

Methods

The study invited NDGs from one UK dental school (N = 66) and employed longitudinal, multiple qualitative methodologies for data collection, throughout the participants’ Vocational Dental Training (VDT) year. Initial interviews (Interview 1) conducted upon graduation and follow-up interviews (Interview 2) carried out between six and nine months into professional practice were combined with participants longitudinal audio diaries (LADs) recorded between the interviews. The study.

Results

A total of 12 NDGs agreed to participate. For Interview 1, twelve participants were interviewed, seven of whom agreed to participate in Interview 2 and six recorded the LADs. Interview 1 exposed diverse views among NDGs about EBP, acknowledging its significance but facing obstacles in implementation due to time and financial constraints. They intended to use evidence selectively, often aligning with trainers’ or NHS treatment options, while hesitating to fully embrace EBP in a busy dental practice. During VDT, LAD entries showed initial enthusiasm for EBP, but integrating evidence-based guidelines within the NHS system led to pragmatic treatment decisions, balancing gold-standard and cost-effective options. Over time, NDGs became more comfortable with alternative treatments, considering patients’ financial constraints, yet they expressed frustration with external pressures limiting their clinical decision-making autonomy. In Interview 2, after six to nine months in practice, NDGs exhibited mixed attitudes towards EBP. Some actively used dental guidelines like SDCEP, others associated EBP with hi-tech or expensive materials, while others would thought to rely on colleagues’ recommendations. None consistently sought direct evidence for treatment decisions.

Conclusion

NDGs’ attitudes towards EBP changed and became more negative over their first year in professional practice, leading to challenges in their applying it. It questions the assumption that teaching EBP during undergraduate education ensures its implementation. Further understanding the influences on the development of attitudinal challenges will help to devise effective strategies for fostering lifelong learning and supporting evidence-based practice in dentistry.
Conceptual design of a generic data harmonization process for OMOP common data model
Authors: Henke Elisa , Zoch Michele , Peng Yuan , Reinecke Ines , Sedlmayr Martin , Bathelt Franziska
Published: February 2024

Background

To gain insight into the real-life care of patients in the healthcare system, data from hospital information systems and insurance systems are required. Consequently, linking clinical data with claims data is necessary. To ensure their syntactic and semantic interoperability, the Observational Medical Outcomes Partnership (OMOP) Common Data Model (CDM) from the Observational Health Data Sciences and Informatics (OHDSI) community was chosen. However, there is no detailed guide that would allow researchers to follow a generic process for data harmonization, i.e. the transformation of local source data into the standardized OMOP CDM format. Thus, the aim of this paper is to conceptualize a generic data harmonization process for OMOP CDM.

Methods

For this purpose, we conducted a literature review focusing on publications that address the harmonization of clinical or claims data in OMOP CDM. Subsequently, the process steps used and their chronological order as well as applied OHDSI tools were extracted for each included publication. The results were then compared to derive a generic sequence of the process steps.

Results

From 23 publications included, a generic data harmonization process for OMOP CDM was conceptualized, consisting of nine process steps: dataset specification, data profiling, vocabulary identification, coverage analysis of vocabularies, semantic mapping, structural mapping, extract-transform-load-process, qualitative and quantitative data quality analysis. Furthermore, we identified seven OHDSI tools which supported five of the process steps.

Conclusions

The generic data harmonization process can be used as a step-by-step guide to assist other researchers in harmonizing source data in OMOP CDM.
Crop insect pest detection based on dilated multi-scale attention U-Net
Authors: Wang Xuqi , Zhang Shanwen , Zhang Ting
Published: February 2024

Background

Crop pests seriously affect the yield and quality of crops. Accurately and rapidly detecting and segmenting insect pests in crop leaves is a premise for effectively controlling insect pests.

Methods

Aiming at the detection problem of irregular multi-scale insect pests in the field, a dilated multi-scale attention U-Net (DMSAU-Net) model is constructed for crop insect pest detection. In its encoder, dilated Inception is designed to replace the convolution layer in U-Net to extract the multi-scale features of insect pest images. An attention module is added to its decoder to focus on the edge of the insect pest image.

Results

The experiments on the crop insect pest image IP102 dataset are implemented, and achieved the detection accuracy of 92.16% and IoU of 91.2%, which is 3.3% and 1.5% higher than that of MSR-RCNN, respectively.

Conclusion

The results indicate that the proposed method is effective as a new insect pest detection method. The dilated Inception can improve the accuracy of the model, and the attention module can reduce the noise generated by upsampling and accelerate model convergence. It can be concluded that the proposed method can be applied to practical crop insect pest monitoring system.
Embracing the unknown: investigating medical communication around uncertainty and the implications on patient and family well-being
Authors: Devisetti Leisha
Published: February 2024

Rare diseases present immense challenges to physicians, patients, and the healthcare system at large due to a scarcity of research and knowledge in the field. This contributes to uncertainty surrounding rare diseases, which can hinder the management of these chronic conditions. An analysis of my family’s experience battling my mother’s ameloblastic carcinoma highlights the difficulties in communicating the uncertainty around rare diseases and their damaging effects on our family’s well-being. Here, we will recognize the importance of acknowledging uncertainty during diagnoses and advocating for enhanced detection strategies. The goal of this article is to emphasize that effective medical communication around rare diseases, accessibility to accurate information, proper services, and a shift toward a culture that prioritizes patient well-being are critical for improving health outcomes for rare disease patients.
Effects of body awareness therapy on balance and fear of falling in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: karaca seda , Yildiz Özer Aysel , Karakurt Sait , Polat Mine Gülden
Published: February 2024

Background

Assessment of extrapulmonary comorbidities is essential in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Deterioration of balance and increasing fear of falling are two of the most significant extrapulmonary manifestations. Although pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is well-known and effective for COPD patients, there is a need for alternative treatments to enhance balance and alleviate concerns about falling. This study aimed to investigate the effect of Body Awareness Therapy (BAT), in addition to the PR program, on balance and fear of falling in patients with COPD.

Methods

Forty-three patients were randomized into two groups: the BAT + PR group (BAT: once a week, 60 min + PR: 30 min, seven days of the week) or the PR group (PR: 30 min, seven days of the week) for eight weeks. Primary (balance, fear of falling) and secondary (dyspnea, muscle strength, functional capacity) outcomes were assessed at two different times: the baseline and end of the eight weeks.

Results

Significant improvements were found in dynamic balance (reaction time η2 = 0.777, movement velocity η2 = 0.789, endpoint excursion η2 = 0.687, maximal excursion η2 = 0.887), static balance on firm ground (eyes opened η2 = 0.679, eyes closed η2 = 0.705), dyspnea (η2 = 0.546), muscle strength (η2 = 0.803), and functional capacity (η2 = 0.859) of the BAT + PR group (p < 0.05 for all). The improvement in fear of falling was significantly greater in the BAT + PR group than in the PR group (p < 0.001, η2 = 0.331).

Conclusion

The BAT method added to PR was more effective than PR alone in improving balance and reducing the fear of falling in COPD patients.

Trial registration

This randomized controlled study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov, NCT04212676, Registered 28 December 2019.
A phase 1b study of zilovertamab in combination with paclitaxel for locally advanced/unresectable or metastatic HER2-negative breast cancer
Authors: Shatsky Rebecca A. , Batra-Sharma Hemali , Helsten Teresa , Schwab Richard B. , Pittman Emily I. , Pu Minya , Weihe Elizabeth , Ghia Emanuela M. , Rassenti Laura Z. , Molinolo Alfredo , Cabrera Betty , Breitmeyer James B. , Widhopf George F. , Messer Karen , Jamieson Catriona , Kipps Thomas J. , Parker Barbara A.
Published: February 2024

Background

Zilovertamab is a humanized monoclonal antibody targeting ROR1, an onco-embryonic antigen expressed by malignant cells of a variety of solid tumors, including breast cancer. A prior phase 1 study showed that zilovertamab was well tolerated and effective in inhibiting ROR1-signaling, which leads to activation of ERK1/2, NF-κB, and NRF2 target genes. This phase 1b study evaluated the safety and tolerability of zilovertamab with paclitaxel in patients with advanced breast cancer.

Patients and methods

Eligible patients had locally advanced, unresectable, or metastatic HER2− breast cancer with Eastern Cooperative Group performance status of 0–2 and without prior taxane therapy in the advanced setting. Study treatment included 600 mg of zilovertamab administered intravenously (IV) on Days 1 and 15 of Cycle 1 and then Day 1 of each 28-day cycle along with paclitaxel weekly at 80 mg/m2 IV.

Results

Study patients had received a median of 4 prior therapies (endocrine therapy + chemotherapy) for locally advanced, unresectable, or metastatic disease. No patient discontinued therapy due to toxicity ascribed to zilovertamab. Adverse events were consistent with the known safety profile of paclitaxel. Of 16 patients, 6 (38%) had a partial response, and 6/16 (38%) patients had stable disease as best tumor response.

Conclusion

The combination of zilovertamab and paclitaxel was safe and well tolerated in heavily pre-treated advanced breast cancer patients. Further evaluation of ROR1 targeting in breast cancer patients with zilovertamab is warranted.

Trial Registration: NCT02776917. Registered on ClinicalTrials.gov on 05/17/2016.
Epigenetic aging in older people living with HIV in Eswatini: a pilot study of HIV and lifestyle factors and epigenetic aging
Authors: Dye Christian K. , Wu Haotian , Jackson Gabriela L. , Kidane Altaye , Nkambule Rejoice , Lukhele Nomthandazo G. , Malinga Bongiwe Prudence , Chekenyere Rhinos , El-Sadr Wafaa M. , Baccarelli Andrea A. , Harris Tiffany G.
Published: February 2024

Background

People living with HIV (PLHIV) on effective antiretroviral therapy are living near-normal lives. Although they are less susceptible to AIDS-related complications, they remain highly vulnerable to non-communicable diseases. In this exploratory study of older PLHIV (OPLHIV) in Eswatini, we investigated whether epigenetic aging (i.e., the residual between regressing epigenetic age on chronological age) was associated with HIV-related parameters, and whether lifestyle factors modified these relationships. We calculated epigenetic aging focusing on the Horvath, Hannum, PhenoAge and GrimAge epigenetic clocks, and a pace of biological aging biomarker (DunedinPACE) among 44 OPLHIV in Eswatini.

Results

Age at HIV diagnosis was associated with Hannum epigenetic age acceleration (EAA) (β-coefficient [95% Confidence Interval]; 0.53 [0.05, 1.00], p = 0.03) and longer duration since HIV diagnosis was associated with slower Hannum EAA (− 0.53 [− 1.00, − 0.05], p = 0.03). The average daily dietary intake of fruits and vegetables was associated with DunedinPACE (0.12 [0.03, 0.22], p = 0.01). The associations of Hannum EAA with the age at HIV diagnosis and duration of time since HIV diagnosis were attenuated when the average daily intake of fruits and vegetables or physical activity were included in our models. Diet and self-perceived quality of life measures modified the relationship between CD4+ T cell counts at participant enrollment and Hannum EAA.

Conclusions

Epigenetic age is more advanced in OPLHIV in Eswatini in those diagnosed with HIV at an older age and slowed in those who have lived for a longer time with diagnosed HIV. Lifestyle and quality of life factors may differentially affect epigenetic aging in OPLHIV. To our knowledge, this is the first study to assess epigenetic aging in OPLHIV in Eswatini and one of the few in sub-Saharan Africa.
The efficacy of short acquisition time using 18F-FDG total-body PET/CT for the identification of pediatric epileptic foci
Authors: Li Min , Cui Xiao , Yue Huixin , Ma Chao , Li Kun , Chai Leiying , Ge Min , Li Hui , Ng Yee Ling , Zhou Yun , Shi Jianguo , Duan Yanhua , Cheng Zhaoping
Published: February 2024

Background

18F-FDG positron emission tomography (PET) plays a crucial part in the evaluation for pediatric epileptic patients prior to therapy. Short-term scanning holds significant importance, especially for pediatrics epileptic individuals who exhibited involuntary movements. The aim was to evaluate the effects of short acquisition time on image quality and lesion detectability in pediatric epileptic patients using total-body (TB) PET/CT. A total of 25 pediatric patients who underwent TB PET/CT using uEXPLORER scanner with an 18F-FDG administered dose of 3.7 MBq/kg and an acquisition time of 600 s were retrospectively enrolled. Short acquisition times (60 s, 150 and 300 s) were simulated by truncating PET data in list mode to reduce count density. Subjective image quality was scored on a 5-point scale. Regions of interest analysis of suspected epileptogenic zones (EZs), corresponding locations contralateral to EZs, and healthy cerebellar cortex were used to compare the semi-quantitative uptake indices of short-time images and then were compared with 600 s images. The comparison of EZs detectability based on time-dependent PET images was performed.

Results

Our study demonstrated that a short acquisition time of 150 s is sufficient to maintain subjective image quality and lesion significance. Statistical analysis revealed no significant difference in subjective PET image quality between imaging at 300 s and 150 s (P > 0.05). The overall impression scores of image quality and lesion conspicuity in G60s were both greater than 3 (overall quality, 3.21 ± 0.46; lesion conspicuity, 4.08 ± 0.74). As acquisition time decreased, the changes of SUVmax and SD in the cerebellar cortex gradually increased (P < 0.01). There was no significant difference in asymmetry index (AI) difference between the groups and the AIs of EZs were > 15% in all groups. In 26 EZs of 25 patients, the lesion detection rate was still 100% when the time was reduced to 60 s.

Conclusions

This study proposed that TB PET/CT acquisition time could be reduced to 60 s with acceptable lesion detectability. Furthermore, it was suggested that a 150 s acquisition time would be sufficient to achieve diagnostic performance and image quality for children with epilepsy.
Community mobilisation approaches to preventing adolescent multiple risk behaviour: a realist review
Authors: Tinner Laura , Kelly Claire , Caldwell Deborah , Campbell Rona
Published: February 2024

Background

Adolescent multiple risk behaviour (MRB) is a global health issue. Most interventions have focused on the proximal causes of adolescent MRB such as peer or family influence, with systematic reviews reporting mixed evidence of effectiveness. There is increasing recognition that community mobilisation approaches could be beneficial for adolescent health. There are gaps in the current literature, theory and implementation that would benefit from a realist approach. We use a theory-driven evidence synthesis to assess how and why community mobilisation interventions work/do not work to prevent adolescent MRB and in what contexts.

Methods

This realist review used a six-stage iterative process, guided by the RAMESES framework. We systematically searched PubMed, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Web of Science, CINAHL and Sociological Abstracts, from their inception to 2021. Studies were screened for relevance to the programme theory, assessed for rigour and included based on a priori criteria. Two independent reviewers selected, screened and extracted data from included studies. A realist logic of analysis was used to develop context-mechanism-outcome configurations that contributed to our programme theory.

Findings

We reviewed 35 documents describing 22 separate community mobilisation intervention studies. Most studies (n = 17) had a quality assessment score of three or four (out of four). We analysed the studies in relation to three middle range theories. To uphold our theory that these interventions work by creating a social environment where adolescents are less likely to engage in MRB, interventions should: (1) embed a framework of guiding principles throughout the community, (2) establish community readiness with population data and (3) ensure a diverse coalition with the support of intervention champions. Mechanisms such as empowerment through coalition ownership over the delivery of the intervention, cohesion across the community and motivation to work collaboratively to improve adolescent health are triggered to achieve social environment shifts. However, certain contexts (e.g. limited funding) restrict intervention success as these mechanisms are not fired.

Conclusions

For community mobilisation interventions to reduce adolescent MRB, the coalitions within them must seek to alter the social environment in which these behaviours occur. Mechanisms including empowerment, cohesion and motivation lead to this shift, but only under certain contexts.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO CRD42020205342
The rehabilitation workforce in Brazil
Authors: dos Santos Sixel Taciana Rocha , Bernardo Debora , de Almeida Medeiros Arthur , Bousquat Aylene , dos Santos Mota Paulo Henrique , Schmitt Ana Carolina Basso
Published: February 2024

Background

The surge in individuals facing functional impairments has heightened the demand for rehabilitation services. Understanding the distribution of the rehabilitation workforce is pivotal for effective health system planning to address the population’s health needs.

Objective

To investigate the spatial and temporal dispersion of physical therapists, speech therapists, psychologists and occupational therapists across various tiers of care within Brazil’s Unified Health System and its regions.

Method

This is an ecological time series study on the supply of rehabilitation professionals. Data were obtained from the National Register of Health Establishments from 2007 to 2020. The density of professionals was calculated per 10,000 inhabitants annually for Brazil and its five regions. The Joinpoint regression model was used to analyze the temporal trends of the density of professionals, considering a 95% confidence interval.

Results

In 2020, the most notable concentrations of psychologists, speech therapists, and occupational therapists in Brazil were observed in the domain of Specialized Health Care, with densities of 0.60, 0.20, and 0.16 professionals per 10,000 inhabitants, respectively. Conversely, the highest density of physical therapists was found within Hospital Health Care, with a density of 1.19 professionals per 10,000 inhabitants. Notably, variations in professional dispersion across different regions were apparent. Primary Health Care exhibited the highest density of professionals in the Northeast region, while the Southern region accounted for the highest densities in all professional categories within Specialized Health Care. The southeast region exhibited the largest workforce within Hospital Health Care. A marked upsurge in professional availability was noted across all categories, notably in the occupational therapy sector within hospital care (AAPC: 30.8), despite its initial low density.

Conclusion

The implementation of public health policies played a significant role in the expansion of the rehabilitation workforce at all three levels of care in Brazil and its various regions from 2007 to 2020. Consequently, regional disparities and densities of professionals have emerged, mirroring patterns observed in low-income countries.
A new risk calculation model for complications of hepatectomy in adults over 75
Authors: Xu Lining , Wang Weiyu , Xu Yingying
Published: February 2024

Background

Owing to poor organ function reserve, older adults have a high risk of postoperative complications. However, there is no well-established system for assessing the risk of complications after hepatectomy in older adults.

Methods

This study aimed to design a risk assessment tool to predict the risk of complications after hepatectomy in adults older than 75 years. A total of 326 patients were identified. A logistic regression equation was used to create the Risk Assessment System of Hepatectomy in Adults (RASHA) for the prediction of complications (Clavien‒Dindo classification ≥ II).

Results

Multivariate correlation analysis revealed that comorbidity (≥ 5 kinds of disease or < 5 kinds of disease, odds ratio [OR] = 5.552, P < 0.001), fatigue (yes or no, OR = 4.630, P = 0.009), Child‒Pugh (B or A, OR = 4.211, P = 0.004), number of liver segments to be removed (≥ 3 or ≤ 2, OR = 4.101, P = 0.001), and adjacent organ resection (yes or no, OR = 1.523, P = 0.010) were independent risk factors for postoperative complications after hepatectomy in older persons (aged ≥ 75 years). A binomial logistic regression model was established to evaluate the RASHA score (including the RASHA scale and RASHA formula). The area under the curve (AUC) for the RASHA scale was 0.916, and the cut-off value was 12.5. The AUC for the RASHA formula was 0.801, and the cut-off value was 0.2106.

Conclusion

RASHA can be used to effectively predict the postoperative complications of hepatectomy through perioperative variables in adults older than 75 years.

Trial registration

The Research Registry: researchregistry8531. https://www.researchregistry.com/browse-the-registry#home/registrationdetails/63901824ae49230021a5a0cf/.
Cervical cancer screening barriers and facilitators from the perspectives of women with a history of criminal-legal system involvement and substance use
Authors: Emerson Amanda , Dogan Marissa , Hawes Elizabeth , Wilson Kiana , Chana Sofía Mildrum , Kelly Patricia J. , Comfort Megan , Ramaswamy Megha
Published: February 2024

Background

The wide availability of routine screening with Papanicolaou (Pap) tests and vaccinations against human papillomavirus has resulted in a decline in rates of cervical cancer. As with other diseases, however, disparities in incidence and mortality persist. Cervical cancer, is found more often, at later stages, and has worse outcomes in people who live in rural areas, identify as Black or Hispanic, and in people who are incarcerated. Studies report 4–5 times higher rates of cervical cancer incidence in people detained in jails and prisons than in community-based samples. Studies to explain cervical cancer differences have been inconclusive, though there is broad consensus that issues of access play a role. In this study, we sought to learn more from people who have a history of criminal-legal system involvement and substance use about what barriers and facilitators they perceive in accessing cervical cancer preventive health and other support services in the community.

Results

We conducted semi-structured interviews with open-ended questions by telephone with 20 self-identified women, ages 22–58, in Birmingham, Alabama. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed and the transcripts analyzed using immersion-crystallization techniques. Our team identified two main themes, making connections: the importance of interpersonal communication, which stressed barriers and facilitators related to what makes for effective and humanistic interactions in cervical health prevention and other services, and getting it done: the logistics of access and availability, which highlighted elements of cost and payment; scheduling; transportation; and clinic policies.

Conclusions

People with a history of criminal-legal system involvement and substance abuse meet with a variety of enabling and impeding factors at personal and interpersonal as well as systemic levels in obtaining cervical health services. To better ensure that women in this high-risk group have equitable access to cervical cancer prevention and treatment—and thus better cancer outcomes—will require multilevel efforts that include an emphasis on improving the human connection in health care encounters and improving the nuts-and-bolts logistics related to accessing that care.
Effects of physical health beliefs on college students’ physical exercise behavior intention: mediating effects of exercise imagery
Authors: Zhang Li , Bai Donghuan , Song Pengwei , Zhang Jia
Published: February 2024

Objective

This study explores the relationship between physical health beliefs and physical exercise behavior intention of college students and constructs a mediation model through the mediation role of exercise imagery.

Methods

Using the stratified cluster sampling method, 1356 college students were measured in group psychology by using the Physical Health Beliefs Scale, Exercise Imagery Inventory, and Physical Exercise Behavior Intention Scale. The statistical software Mplus 8.1, SPSS 22.0 and SPSS PROCESS 3.3 were used for statistical processing. The common method deviation test was carried out by Harman single-factor control method. Finally, the bootstrap sampling test method and process plug-in were used to test the significance of intermediary effect.

Results

(1) physical health beliefs have a significant predictive effect on physical exercise behavior intention (β = 0.32,p < 0.001); (2) exercise imagery (β = 0.13,p < 0.001) mediate the relationship between physical health beliefs and physical exercise behavior intention (physical health beliefs → exercise imagery → physical exercise behavior intention (95% Cl: 0.14, 0.32)).

Conclusion

physical health beliefs can directly improve the physical exercise behavior intention of college students, which can also affect college students’ physical exercise behavior intention indirectly through exercise imagery. The findings suggest that exercise imagery are important variables that mediate the effect of the college students’ physical health beliefs on their physical exercise behavior intention.
Is having your cell phone the key to happiness, or does it really matter? Evidence from a randomized double-blind study
Authors: McElroy Todd , Young William
Published: February 2024

Background

Affect can influence people’s perceptions, decisions, and the way they make sense of an experience. Some studies show that having one’s cell phone removed will lead to negative emotional reactions, while others have found no significant impact on how we feel. In this paper we investigate the impact of cell phone possession and removal on participant’s affective state.

Methods

We use a randomized double-blind procedure to examine whether cell phone removal enhances negativity, promotes positivity, or is emotionally inconsequential. We measure affect using a PANAS self-report scale as well as a less transparent temporal-estimation procedure.

Results

Our findings suggest that cell phone possession or removal has no influence on a person’s affective state.

Conclusions

Measured through both the PANAS self-report scale and temporal estimation task, affect remained consistent regardless of cell phone possession. These results suggest that cell phones may not carry the emotional weight often attributed to them. This finding challenges a common theme revolving around the negative emotional impact of cell phones and technology. Consequently, these findings may have important implications for the generally perceived notion that cell phones are having a negative effect on people’s emotions.
Enhancing language skills and student engagement: investigating the impact of Quizlet in teaching Chinese as a foreign language
Authors: Ma Xiaohan
Published: February 2024

This research explores the use of the Quizlet application in teaching Chinese as a foreign language, employing a mixed methods approach. The participants of this study were 60 international students who majored in Chinese at a university in China. The students were divided into two groups and received instruction through traditional teaching methods and Quizlet-based teaching activities, respectively. The pre-and post-performance tests were used to collect quantitative data on students’ Chinese listening, speaking, reading, and writing scores, while the open-ended questions were used to measure qualitative data on student engagement. The integration of Quizlet is found to enhance Chinese listening, speaking, and reading skills, promoting student engagement through behavioral, emotional, and cognitive dimensions. However, its influence on writing skills is less significant, warranting further investigation. The results of this study endorse Quizlet as a valuable tool for language instruction, highlighting its potential for facilitating Chinese language education and inspiring innovative teaching methods.
Exploring the therapeutic role of early heparin administration in ARDS management: a MIMIC-IV database analysis
Authors: Xiao Ling-Xi , Zhu De Liang , Chen Juan , Lv Jing , Liu Mei-Jun , Dai Xue , Wang Dao-Xin , Deng Wang
Published: February 2024

Background

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a severe respiratory condition characterized by a high mortality rate, the management of which relies on supportive care and a profound understanding of its pathophysiology. Heparin, with its anticoagulant and potential anti-inflammatory properties, offers a new therapeutic opportunity for the treatment of ARDS.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, we examined the MIMIC-IV database for ARDS patients who received prophylactic heparin within the first 72 h of ICU admission. Employing propensity score matching and inverse probability weighting (IPW) analysis, we evaluated the impact of early heparin use on patient outcomes, focusing on mortality rates.

Results

Patients who received prophylactic heparin had a significantly lower in-hospital mortality rate compared to those who did not (13.55% vs 17.93%, HR = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.54–0.93, P = 0.012). This result remained significant after propensity score matching (12.75% vs 17.93%, HR = 0.65, 95% CI 0.47–0.90, P = 0.010). Analysis using five different statistical models indicated that early use of heparin significantly reduced the in-hospital mortality rate, with HR = 0.669 (95% CI 0.487–0.919, P = 0.013) in the doubly robust model without balanced covariates; HR = 0.705 (95% CI 0.515–0.965, P = 0.029) with all covariates considered; HR = 0.660 (95% CI 0.491–0.888, P = 0.006) in the propensity score (IPW) model; HR = 0.650 (95% CI 0.470–0.900, P = 0.010) in the propensity score matching model; and HR = 0.706 (95% CI 0.536–0.930, P = 0.013) in the multivariate Cox regression model. Secondary outcomes indicated that heparin use was also associated with reduced mortality rates at 60 days, and 90 days.

Conclusion

This research highlights that early prophylactic administration of heparin may substantially lower mortality in ARDS patients. These findings underscore the potential of heparin as a key component in the management of ARDS, offering a new perspective and novel strategies for clinical treatment.
Materials descriptors of machine learning to boost development of lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Wang Zehua , Wang Li , Zhang Hao , Xu Hong , He Xiangming
Published: February 2024

Traditional methods for developing new materials are no longer sufficient to meet the needs of the human energy transition. Machine learning (ML) artificial intelligence (AI) and advancements have caused materials scientists to realize that using AI/ML to accelerate the development of new materials for batteries is a powerful potential tool. Although the use of certain fixed properties of materials as descriptors to act as a bridge between the two separate disciplines of AI and materials chemistry has been widely investigated, many of the descriptors lack universality and accuracy due to a lack of understanding of the mechanisms by which AI/ML operates. Therefore, understanding the underlying operational mechanisms and learning logic of AI/ML has become mandatory for materials scientists to develop more accurate descriptors. To address those challenges, this paper reviews previous work on AI, machine learning and materials descriptors and introduces the basic logic of AI and machine learning to help materials developers understand their operational mechanisms. Meanwhile, the paper also compares the accuracy of different descriptors and their advantages and disadvantages and highlights the great potential value of accurate descriptors in AI/machine learning applications for battery research, as well as the challenges of developing accurate material descriptors.

Graphical Abstract
Patterns of co-evolution: analyzing fashion brand and sewing contractor company dynamics
Authors: Kwon Ki Yong
Published: February 2024

The purpose of this study is to identify the entry conditions that could form a co-evolutionary relationship between a sewing contractor company and a fashion brand, and reveal the outcome of such a relationship. In the Republic of Korea, many fashion brands and sewing companies coexist, and the situation in the fashion industry changes with the rapid development of the country, so it is a suitable environment for investigating their co-evolution strategies. A qualitative research methodology was used to examine the co-evolution process of the fashion brand and the sewing industry. In addition, an objective evaluation was conducted by using interviews with sewing contractor companies and fashion brands that have business relationships with the sewing contractor companies. The results indicated that sewing contractor companies evolve into either mass production or small production systems. In the co-evolutionary process, relational resources and business-to-business transaction suitability are the main entry conditions for sewing contractor companies to coevolve with fashion brands. Knowledge exchange, experience optimization, off-season ordering, and investment in trading companies were observed among sewing contractor companies that formed a co-evolutionary relationship with their fashion brand partners. This study identified and conceptualized factors that played a major role in the process of co-evolution and proved suitable for each production system of sewing contractor companies.
A community-based intervention study involving family gardens with aromatic herbs on changes in dietary and urinary sodium
Authors: Baston M. , Hernández-F M. , Vázquez K. , Ruiz-Morales M. , Mehner-Karam P. , Sil-Acosta M. , Acevedo N. , Granich-Armenta A. , Holz K. , Cantoral A.
Published: February 2024

Objective

To measure dietary and urinary changes in sodium (Na) intake and excretion through the implementation of family gardens with aromatic herbs and workshops for cooking, using the herbs as a substitute for salt and seasoning powder.

Methods

Thirty-five participants from a neighborhood of Mexico City were included. A general questionnaire was administered to collect information on sociodemographic factors. At baseline and 3 months later, a dietary evaluation was conducted, and 24-hour urine samples were collected. Food items reported were classified according to the NOVA classification. Visits to participants´ houses were conducted to measure the amount of salt and seasoning powder added to food during the preparation of meals as well as a home food inventory. All participants were given a family garden with 6 aromatic herbs and a recipe book. The intervention included 7 cooking and 3 garden care workshops. Qualitative information on the experience was also collected. Linear regression models were run in order to estimate the contribution of each NOVA group, salt, and seasoning powder to total dietary Na intake.

Results

Participants were 44 years old on average and were mainly women (91.4%). The participation compliance in the workshops was 69.5%. After 3 months, there was a Na intake mean reduction of 976 mg. There was also a reduction in the excreted urinary Na of 325 mg per day.

Conclusion

A positive level of involvement in this program had a direct influence on dietary habits to lower Na consumption.
Preclinical comparison of [177Lu]Lu-rhPSMA-10.1 and [177Lu]Lu-rhPSMA-10.2 for endoradiotherapy of prostate cancer: biodistribution and dosimetry studies
Authors: Wurzer Alexander , De Rose Francesco , Fischer Sebastian , Schwaiger Markus , Weber Wolfgang , Nekolla Stephan , Wester Hans-Jürgen , Eiber Matthias , D’Alessandria Calogero
Published: February 2024

Background

Radiohybrid PSMA-targeted ligands (rhPSMA) have been introduced as a novel platform for theranostic applications. Among a variety of rhPSMA-ligands developed for radioligand therapy, two stereoisomers [177Lu]Lu-rhPSMA-10.1 and -10.2 have been synthesized and initially characterized in preclinical experiments with the aim to provide an optimized binding profile to human serum albumin, a reduction of charge, and thus accelerated kidney excretion, and unaffected or even improved tumor uptake. As both isomers showed similar in vitro characteristics and tumor uptake at 24 h post injection in tumor bearing mice and in order to identify the isomer with the most favorable pharmacokinetics for radioligand therapy, we carried out in-depth biodistribution and dosimetry studies in tumor-bearing and healthy mice.

Results

rhPSMA-10.1 and -10.2 were radiolabeled with lutetium-177 according to the established procedures of other DOTA-based PSMA ligands and displayed a high and comparable stability in all buffers and human serum (> 97%, 24 h). Biodistribution studies revealed fast clearance from the blood pool (0.3–0.6%ID/g at 1 h) and other background tissues within 48 h. Distinctive differences were found in the kidneys, where [177Lu]Lu-rhPSMA-10.1 displayed lower initial uptake and faster excretion kinetics compared to [177Lu]Lu-rhPSMA-10.2 expressed by a 1.5-fold and ninefold lower uptake value at 1 h and 24 h in healthy animals, respectively. Tumor uptake was comparable and in the range of 8.6–11.6%ID/g for both isomers over 24 h and was maintained up to 168 h at a level of 2.2 ± 0.8 and 4.1 ± 1.4%ID/g for [177Lu]Lu-rhPSMA-10.1 and [177Lu]Lu-rhPSMA-10.2, respectively.

Conclusion

Our preclinical data on biodistribution and dosimetry indicate a more favorable profile of [177Lu]Lu-rhPSMA-10.1 compared to [177Lu]Lu-rhPSMA-10.2 for PSMA-targeted radioligand therapy. [177Lu]Lu-rhPSMA-10.1 shows fast kidney clearance kinetics resulting in excellent tumor-to-organ ratios over a therapy relevant time course. Meanwhile, [177Lu]Lu-rhPSMA-10.1 is currently being investigated in clinical phase I/II studies in patients with mCRPC (NCT05413850), in patients with high-risk localized PC (NCT06066437, Nautilus Trial) and after external beam radiotherapy (NCT06105918).
Electronic adaptation and danish cross-cultural translation of PEmb-QoL and VEINES-QoL/Sym for patients with venous thromboembolism
Authors: Lindegaard Stine Foged , Højen Anette Arbjerg , Rolving Nanna
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Most patient-reported outcome (PROs) used in thrombosis research and clinical practice are delivered using technology like online questionnaires. However, only few have undergone formal electronic adaptation from paper to digital versions, threatening the validity and reliability of the PROs. The present study aimed to perform an electronic adaption and cross-cultural translation of two PROs measuring health-related quality of life in a Danish cohort of patients with venous thrombosis (VTE), specifically the VEINES-QoL/Sym questionnaire and the PEmb-QoL questionnaire.

Methods

The electronic adaption and cross-cultural translation processes followed the international guidelines recommended by ISPOR. The migration of the questionnaires from paper to electronic versions was conducted in the Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap). Following approval of the electronically adapted and translated versions, a pretest of the questionnaires was performed by cognitive interviewing patients with VTE recruited from a hospital setting.

Results

Nine men and ten women between the age of 19 and 73 years participated in cognitive interviews. The questionnaires were successfully adapted from paper to electronic versions, and during the migration process only a few modifications to the content and format were made. Most comments were related to technicalities, e.g. touch functions and checkboxes. The cross-cultural translation of both questionnaires was satisfactory, as only minor rephrasing was required.

Conclusions

The original and Danish version of VEINES-QoL/Sym and PEmb-QoL were successfully adapted into electronic versions and are ready to share for REDCap users. Furthermore, the Danish versions of the two questionnaires have shown satisfactory face validity.