bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“I Thank My Lucky Star for the Time spent with my Family”: Efforts to Reunite with Families among Members of the Great Emigration
Authors: Zajac Oliver
Published: August 2024

The present text brings to light the social and political challenges of reuniting with families among members of the Great Emigration and the intricate question of the possibility of travel and permanent or partial return from emigration. These questions are examined through two case studies: that of Władysław Zamoyski and his three attempts at a short-term reunion with his family, and that of Józef Głębocki and his struggles to obtain a one-year return to Austrian Galicia. The main focus of the analysis is the communication between the emigrants, their family members, and representatives of the Austrian Empire. Despite many differences, the same elements can be found in both cases, such as the emphasis on the emotional difficulty of emigration for the emigrants and their families and the desire to be reunited with elderly and sick parents. Declarations of non-political purposes of the return to Austria and financial guarantees of material assets of the émigrés are mentioned as arguments for their cases. At the same time, the analysed cases also shed light on the societal and political challenges faced by the emigrants when communicating with Austrian authorities and the problem of the long-term consequences of the partitions of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.
The People of the Book(s): On Jewish Reading Habits in the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries
Authors: Nalewajko-Kulikov Joanna
Published: August 2024

Review of: Nathan Cohen, Yiddish Transformed: Reading Habits in the Russian Empire, 1860–1914, trans. Rebecca Wolpe, New York–Oxford, 2023, Berghahn Books, 431 pp.; Dan Tsahor, The Book of the People: The Hebrew Encyclopedic Project and the National Self, Berlin–Boston, 2023, de Gruyter, 228 pp. (Studia Judaica, 117); Marat Grinberg, Soviet Jewish Bookshelf: Jewish Culture and Identity Between the Lines, Waltham, 2023, Brandeis University Press, 284 pp. (The Tauber Institute Series for the Study of European Jewry)
Tradução e adaptação transcultural do questionário “Barriers to Being Active Quiz (BBAQ)’’ para a língua portuguesa brasileira
Authors: Sampaio Bruno Oliveira Amorim , Sousa Thiago Ferreira de , Sasaki Jeffer Eidi , Sebastião Emerson , Papini Camila Bosquiero , Andaki Alynne Christian Ribeiro
Published: August 2024

Objetivou-se nesse estudo a tradução e validação transcultural do questionário Barriers to Being Active Quiz (BBAQ) para adolescentes brasileiros. Foram realizadas as seguintes etapas: (1) tradução do questionário original em inglês para o português; (2) resolução de divergências entre a versão 1 e a versão 2 e criação da versão síntese; (3) retrotradução para o inglês; (4) revisão e avaliação do comitê de especialistas, construção da versão pré-teste; e (5) pré-teste com a avaliação da compreensão por uma amostra (n = 30) da população-alvo. A versão final do BBAQ possui 21 questões. O questionário foi considerado de fácil entendimento por 70,0% dos adolescentes e os outros 30,0% dos adolescentes avaliaram o entendimento e a dificuldade de compreensão do questionário como moderado. Nenhum adolescente considerou o questionário como de difícil compreensão. O tempo médio para o preenchimento do BBAQ foi de 11 min (IC 95% = 9 – 12). O valor geral do Alfa de Cronbach com base nos itens padronizados do questionário foi de 0,86. O estudo apresentou evidências satisfatórias de validade e confiabilidade. Portanto, recomenda-se a utilização da adaptação transcultural do BBAQ para a avaliação de barreiras à prática de atividade física em adolescentes brasileiros.
Mothers’ Perspectives on Childhood Vaccination Programmes after the COVID-19 Pandemic and Subsequent News/Rumours About Vaccination
Authors: Demirtaş Mehmet Semih , Yaman Artunç Nihal
Published: August 2024

Objective: Vaccine hesitation in parents against the childhood vaccination is an important public health problem that affects the whole society, especially children. In this study, we aimed to evaluate vaccine hesitancy in parents after COVID-19.

Methods: The study consisted of a total of 161 parents who applied to the paediatric outpatient clinics of the University Hospital between February and August 2023 for the follow-up of healthy children aged 0-2 years. Sociodemographic information about infants and parents was obtained through a questionnaire and the vaccine hesitancy scale was used in the study.

Results: The mean age of the infants was 7.4 ± 1.01 months; that of the mothers was 29.8 ± 4.3 years. 75.8% of parents considered the routine childhood vaccination programme safe. The rate of negatively affected by vaccine news/rumours after COVID-19 infection/pandemic was 23% in the hesitant group, while this rate was 2.5% in the safe group (p < 0.001). The vaccine hesitancy scale score was found to be higher in the group (22.5 ± 4.96) affected by vaccine news/rumours (p < 0.001). The vaccine hesitancy scale score of the parents who found childhood routine vaccination safe was lower than the hesitant group (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: Parents can be affected by news/rumours and posts on social media, and therefore parents need to be aware of digital parenting and health literacy. For parents who are trying to make the most accurate and appropriate decision for their children, the most accurate information about early vaccination/disease should be provided from all health professionals, especially paediatricians.
Perancangan Promosi Brand Fashionistas Dengan Konsep Timeless Fashion Sebagai Upaya Meningkatkan Penjualan
Authors: Ranita Siti Faradhila , Sabar Sabar
Published: August 2024

Fashionistas is a local Indonesian brand with specifications for women's fashion needs that have been established for 15 years. This brand raises the concept of Timeless Fashion which has not been done by many other local brands. Fashionistas have carried out promotions, but based on the data collected, the promotions have not been able to increase sales Therefore we need a promotional design to increase these sales. This design was carried out through several research methods including literature studies on the topic of the fashion industry, brand promotion, and timeless fashion. Existing studies and comparative studies on the promotion of similar fashion brands in Indonesia were carried out to add references and insight. Observation of the Fashionistas offline store was carried out to find out the state of the store directly. Depth interviews were conducted with the founder and team from Fashionistas to obtain more detailed data. Questionnaires were conducted to gather data regarding the target segment. Experimental studies to determine design concepts consisting of communication concepts, visual concepts, and media concepts, then an evaluation of the designs was carried out with expert sources. The purpose of this design is as a media campaign to increase Fashionistas sales with the concept of timeless fashion. In addition, through this design it is hoped that it can provide education about timeless fashion itself. The implementation of the media used in designing this promotion includes video ads, social media content, and promotional cards.
RESEARCH ROUNDUP
Authors: Winter George
Published: August 2024

George Winter provides an overview of recently published articles that may be of interest to practice nurses. Should you wish to look at any of the papers in more detail, a full reference is provided
The power of motivational interviewing in healthcare
Authors: Oldman Crystal
Published: August 2024

In the last few months, it has become apparent that there have been some unintended consequences within primary care of implementing the digital badge processes. Crystal Oldman explains why a national approach to regulation by the NMC is vital for the recognition of advanced practice
Comparison between SCOFF and EAT-26: an Italian Study on Young Female Adults
Authors: Chinello A. , Corlazzoli G. , Scuotto R.S. , Cadeo S. , Zappa L.E. , Ricciardelli P.
Published: August 2024

Early screening for eating disorders often occurs in primary care or in non-psychiatric settings by using rapid and easy questionnaires, such as EAT-26 and the SCOFF. Here, the study compares the Italian translations of SCOFF and EAT-26 to confirm their screening validity and risk distribution in a non-clinical sample composed by young women (aged 18-30 years).
Our findings show a strong risk correlation between the two tools, with frequent and overlapped questions exploring similar constructs. However, mismatching results regarding the detection of clinical risk for eating disorders involve about a quarter of the sample, mostly due to their internal specificity/sensitivity, translation discrepancies, tool training and use modality.
In general, both screening tools are reliable for EDs detection in the general population. In the case of EAT-26, the combined use of both questionnaires improve robustly the risk detection (+23%) for eating disorders in young female adults, especially in universities and work places adopting an online administration. Further studies may occur to better understand the specific factors influencing mismatching results, in terms of EDs risk, between the two questionnaires.
Hip-spine parameters change with increasing age
Authors: Kleeman-Forsthuber Lindsay , Kurkis Gregory , Madurawe Chameka , Jones Tristan , Plaskos Christopher , Pierrepont Jim W. , Dennis Douglas A.
Published: August 2024

Aims

Spinopelvic pathology increases the risk for instability following total hip arthroplasty (THA), yet few studies have evaluated how pathology varies with age or sex. The aims of this study were: 1) to report differences in spinopelvic parameters with advancing age and between the sexes; and 2) to determine variation in the prevalence of THA instability risk factors with advancing age.

Methods

A multicentre database with preoperative imaging for 15,830 THA patients was reviewed. Spinopelvic parameter measurements were made by experienced engineers, including anterior pelvic plane tilt (APPT), spinopelvic tilt (SPT), sacral slope (SS), lumbar lordosis (LL), and pelvic incidence (PI). Lumbar flexion (LF), sagittal spinal deformity, and hip user index (HUI) were calculated using parameter measurements.

Results

With advancing age, patients demonstrate increased posterior APPT, decreased standing LL, decreased LF, higher pelvic incidence minus lumbar lordosis (PI-LL) mismatch, higher prevalence of abnormal spinopelvic mobility, and higher HUI percentage. With each decade, APPT progressed posteriorly 2.1°, LF declined 6.0°, PI-LL mismatch increased 2.9°, and spinopelvic mobility increased 3.8°. Significant differences were found between the sexes for APPT, SPT, SS, LL, and LF, but were not felt to be clinically relevant.

Conclusion

With advancing age, spinopelvic biomechanics demonstrate decreased spinal mobility and increased pelvic/hip mobility. Surgeons should consider the higher prevalence of instability risk factors in elderly patients and anticipate changes evolving in spinopelvic biomechanics for young patients.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(8):792–801.
Total knee arthroplasty using a cemented single-radius, condylar-stabilized design performed without posterior cruciate ligament sacrifice
Authors: Hall Andrew J. , Cullinan Rachael , Alozie Glory , Chopra Swati , Greig Leanne , Clarke Jon , Riches Philip E. , Walmsley Phil , Ohly Nicholas E. , Holloway Nicholas
Published: August 2024

Aims

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with a highly congruent condylar-stabilized (CS) articulation may be advantageous due to increased stability versus cruciate-retaining (CR) designs, while mitigating the limitations of a posterior-stabilized construct. The aim was to assess ten-year implant survival and functional outcomes of a cemented single-radius TKA with a CS insert, performed without posterior cruciate ligament sacrifice.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included consecutive patients undergoing TKA at a specialist centre in the UK between November 2010 and December 2012. Data were collected using a bespoke electronic database and cross-referenced with national arthroplasty audit data, with variables including: preoperative characteristics, intraoperative factors, complications, and mortality status. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were collected by a specialist research team at ten years post-surgery. There were 536 TKAs, of which 308/536 (57.5%) were in female patients. The mean age was 69.0 years (95% CI 45.0 to 88.0), the mean BMI was 32.2 kg/m2 (95% CI 18.9 to 50.2), and 387/536 (72.2%) survived to ten years. There were four revisions (0.7%): two deep infections (requiring debridement and implant retention), one aseptic loosening, and one haemosiderosis.

Results

Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated no difference in implant survival according to sex, age, or obesity status. Ten-year PROMs were available for 196/387 (50.6%) surviving patients and were excellent: mean Oxford Knee Score 34.4 (95% CI 32.7 to 36.1); mean Forgotten Joint Score (FJS) 51.2 (95% CI 16.1 to 86.3); mean EuroQol five-dimension five-level questionnaire score 69.9 (95% CI 46.8 to 93.0); 141/196 (71.9%) achieved the 22-point FJS patient-acceptable symptom state (PASS); and 156/196 (79.6%) were “very satisfied or satisfied”.

Conclusion

This is the only large study reporting ten-year implant survival and functional outcomes of TKA using a cemented single-radius design and with a CS tibial bearing construct. The findings of excellent implant survival, safety, and functional outcomes indicate that this combination is a safe and effective option in routine TKA. Further investigation of this single-radius design TKA with CS tibial bearings with well-matched patient study groups will allow further insight into the performance of these implants.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(8):808–816.
An analysis of the effect of the COVID-19-induced joint replacement deficit in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland suggests recovery will be protracted
Authors: French Jonathan M. R. , Deere Kevin , Jones Tim , Pegg Derek J. , Reed Mike R. , Whitehouse Michael R. , Sayers Adrian
Published: August 2024

Aims

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the provision of arthroplasty services in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. This study aimed to quantify the backlog, analyze national trends, and predict time to recovery.

Methods

We performed an analysis of the mandatory prospective national registry of all independent and publicly funded hip, knee, shoulder, elbow, and ankle replacements in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland between January 2019 and December 2022 inclusive, totalling 729,642 operations. The deficit was calculated per year compared to a continuation of 2019 volume. Total deficit of cases between 2020 to 2022 was expressed as a percentage of 2019 volume. Sub-analyses were performed based on procedure type, country, and unit sector.

Results

Between January 2020 and December 2022, there was a deficit of 158,994 joint replacements. This is equivalent to over two-thirds of a year of normal expected operating activity (71.6%). There were 104,724 (-47.1%) fewer performed in 2020, 41,928 (-18.9%) fewer performed in 2021, and 12,342 (-5.6%) fewer performed in 2022, respectively, than in 2019. Independent-sector procedures increased to make it the predominant arthroplasty provider (53% in 2022). NHS activity was 73.2% of 2019 levels, while independent activity increased to 126.8%. Wales (-136.3%) and Northern Ireland (-121.3%) recorded deficits of more than a year’s worth of procedures, substantially more than England (-66.7%). It would take until 2031 to eliminate this deficit with an immediate expansion of capacity over 2019 levels by 10%.

Conclusion

The arthroplasty deficit following the COVID-19 pandemic is now equivalent to over two-thirds of a year of normal operating activity, and continues to increase. Patients awaiting different types of arthroplasty, in each country, have been affected disproportionately. A rapid and significant expansion in services is required to address the deficit, and will still take many years to rectify.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(8):834–841.
August 2024 Imaging Case of the Month: An Unexplained Pleural Effusion
Authors: Stib Matthew ,   Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic Arizona, Phoenix, AZ USA, Gotway Michael
Published: August 2024

No abstract available. Article truncated after 150 words. Clinical History: A 65-year-old woman with presents with intermittent right-sided chest pain and shortness of breath / dyspnea on exertion for several months’ duration. The patient’s past medical history includes a history of myocardial infarction with stent placement and atrial fibrillation. She has no prior surgical history aside from carpal tunnel release and tonsillectomy. The patient is a lifelong non-smoker, she reports no allergies and she drinks alcohol only socially and denies illicit drug use. Her medications include Xarelto (rivaroxaban) for her atrial fibrillation, alendronate, atorvastatin, metoprolol, and pantoprazole in addition to a multivitamin. On physical examination the patient was obese but not in acute distress, with normal blood pressure, pulse rate, and respiratory rate. Her pulmonary and cardiovascular examination was unremarkable aside for dullness to percussion over the right posterior and lateral thorax, and her musculoskeletal examination did not disclose any abnormalities. She was neurologically intact. Oxygen saturation at …
Prevalence and correlates of Human Papillomavirus infection in females from Southern Province, Zambia: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Muchaili Lweendo , Simushi Precious , Mweene Bislom C. , Mwakyoma Tuku , Masenga Sepiso K. , Hamooya Benson M.
Published: August 2024

Background

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is strongly associated with cervical cancer with almost all cases being associated with the infection. Cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among women in Zambia and the fourth leading cause of cancer death in women worldwide. However, there is limited data on the burden and associated factors of HPV in sub-Saharan Africa. This study therefore aimed to determine the prevalence and correlates of HPV infection in the Southern province of Zambia.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study conducted at Livingstone University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) among 4,612 women from different districts of the southern province being screened for HPV infection between September 2021 and August 2022. Demographic and clinical data were collected from an existing laboratory programmatic database. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate the factors associated with HPV infection.

Results

The study participants had a median age of 39 years [interquartile range (IQR) 30, 47]. The prevalence of HPV infection was 35.56% (95%CI). At multivariable analysis, the factors associated with a positive HPV result were younger age (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 0.98; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.98–0.99; p. value 0.001), having provider collected sample (AOR 2.15; 95%CI 1.66–2.79; p. value <0.001) and living with HIV (AOR 1.77; 95%CI 1.22–2.55; p. value <0.002).

Conclusion

The prevalence of HPV in women in the southern province of Zambia is high, and likely influenced by age and HIV status. Additionally, the outcome of the HPV test is affected by the sample collection method. Therefore, there is a necessity to enhance HPV and cervical cancer screening, especially among people with HIV.
Fostering active choice to empower behavioral change to reduce cardiovascular risk: A web-based randomized controlled trial
Authors: Landais Lorraine L. , Jelsma Judith G. M. , Damman Olga C. , Verhagen Evert A. L. M. , Timmermans Danielle R. M.
Published: August 2024

Objective

To investigate the effect of an active choice (AC) intervention based on creating risk and choice awareness–versus a passive choice (PC) control group–on intentions and commitment to cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk-reducing behavior.

Methods

Adults aged 50–70 (n = 743) without CVD history participated in this web-based randomized controlled trial. The AC intervention included presentation of a hypothetical CVD risk in a heart age format, information about CVD risk and choice options, and a values clarification exercise. The PC group received a hypothetical absolute numerical CVD risk and brief information and advice about lifestyle and medication. Key outcomes were reported degree of active choice, intention strength, and commitment to adopt risk-reducing behavior.

Results

More AC compared to PC participants opted for lifestyle change (OR = 2.86, 95%CI:1.51;5.44), or lifestyle change and medication use (OR = 2.78, 95%CI:1.42;5.46), than ‘no change’. No differences were found for intention strength. AC participants made a more active choice than PC participants (β = 0.09, 95%CI:0.01;0.16), which was sequentially mediated by cognitive risk perception and negative affect. AC participants also reported higher commitment to CVD risk-reducing behavior (β = 0.32, 95%CI:0.04;0.60), mediated by reported degree of active choice.

Conclusions

Fostering active choices increased intentions and commitment towards CVD risk-reducing behavior. Increased cognitive risk perception and negative affect were shown to mediate the effect of the intervention on degree of active choice, which in turn mediated the effect on commitment. Future research should determine whether fostering active choice also improves risk-reducing behaviors in individuals at increased CVD risk in real-life settings.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05142280. Prospectively registered.
The effect of Camellia sinensis ointment on perineal pain and episiotomy wound healing in primiparous women: A triple-blind randomized clinical trial
Authors: Sayahi Masoumeh , Jahangirimehr Azam , Hatami Manesh Zahra , Mojab Faraz , Nikbina Maryam
Published: August 2024

Background and objective

Episiotomy is one of the most commonly performed procedures in obstetrics. complications of episiotomy are pain, bleeding, infection, pain in the sitting position, and difficulty in taking care of the baby. This study aimed to investigate the effect of Camellia sinensis ointment on perineal pain and episiotomy wound healing in primiparous women.

Methods

This triple-blinded randomized clinical trial was conducted on 60 primiparous women who were referred to the maternity ward of Al-Hadi hospital in Shoushtar and Ganjovian hospital in Dezful, Iran, from 2020 to 2021. Participants were randomly assigned into two groups of intervention (Camellia sinensis extract ointment) and control (placebo) with a follow-up of 14 days. REEDA scale (redness, edema, ecchymosis, discharge, and approximation) was used to measure wound healing and the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) was used to measure the pain intensity.

Results

There was no significant difference between two groups before intervention in terms of sociodemographic characteristics, pain intensity, and episiotomy wound status. Scores of pain intensity and wound healing reduced on days 7, 10, and 14 post-intervention in the intervention group compared to placebo. There was a significant decrease between the groups of intervention and control in terms of the mean score of pain intensity (VAS scale) on day 10 (1.33 ± 0.71, 1.77 ± 0.93) and day 14 (0.73 ± 0.74, 1.13 ± 0.81) post-intervention (P < 0.05). Also, on day 14 post-intervention, there was a significant decrease between the groups of intervention and control in terms of the mean score of episiotomy wound healing (REEDA index) (0.53 ± 0.77, 1.77 ± 1.46) (P < 0.05). The GLM test was applied for repeated measures. REEDA index and VAS scale changed during different times (time-variable) (p < .001). But, the studied groups (group variable) and the studied groups (interaction effect of group * time) did not affect the changes in the REEDA index (p = .292, p = .306) and VAS scale (p = .47) during different times.

Conclusion

Our study showed that Camellia sinensis extract ointment has a small effect on the healing process and pain reduction of episiotomy wounds. to confirm its effect, a study with a larger sample size should be conducted.

Trial registration

This trial was registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials on 04/10/2019 with the IRCT ID: IRCT20190804044428N1. Participants were enrolled between 11 April 2020 and 20 January 2021. URL of registry: https://en.irct.ir/trial/41326.
Continuous adductor canal block versus continuous femoral nerve block for postoperative pain in patients undergoing knee arthroplasty: An updated meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Gong Jinyan , Tang Lu , Han Yuyu , Liu Pengcheng , Yu Xue , Wang Fei
Published: August 2024

Continuous adductor canal block (CACB) is almost a pure sensory nerve block and can provide effective analgesia without blocking the motor branch of the femoral nerve. Thus, the objective of this study was to systematically evaluate the efficacy of CACB versus continuous femoral nerve block (CFNB) on analgesia and functional activities in patients undergoing knee arthroplasty. PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (from inception to 3 October 2023) were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared CACB with CFNB in patients undergoing knee arthroplasty. Registration in the PROSPERO International prospective register of the meta-analysis was completed, prior to initiation of the study (registration number: CRD42022363756). Two independent reviewers selected the studies, extracted data and evaluated risk of bias by quality assessment. Revman 5.4 software was used for meta-analysis and the summary effect measure were calculated by mean differences and 95% confidence intervals. Eleven studies with a total of 748 patients were finally included. Pooled analysis suggested that both CACB and CFNB showed the same degree of pain relief at rest and at motion at 12 h, 24 h and 48 h in patients undergoing knee arthroplasty. Compared with CFNB, CACB preserved the quadriceps muscle strength better (P<0.05) and significantly shortened the discharge readiness time (P<0.05). In addition, there was no significant difference in opioid consumption, knee extension and flexion, timed up and go (TUG) test, or risk of falls between the two groups. Thus, Compared with CFNB, CACB has similar effects on pain relief both at rest and at motion and opioid consumption for patients undergoing knee arthroplasty, while CACB is better than CFNB in preserving quadriceps muscle strength and shortening the discharge readiness time.
Applications and outcomes of implementing telemedicine for hypertension management in COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review
Authors: Hayavi-haghighi Mohammad Hosein , Gharibzade Abdullah , Choobin Niloofar , Ansarifard Haniyeh
Published: August 2024

Introduction

COVID-19 presented a significant challenge for patients with hypertension in terms of access to care. However, telemedicine offered the healthcare system opportunities that had previously been underutilized. Therefore, this study aims to systematically review the applications and outcomes of telemedicine for hypertension management during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Method

A structured search was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines across multiple databases, including PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Science, and Scopus. The search was limited to studies published from December 2019 until May 2023, resulting in a total of 3727 studies. After quality appraisal using the CASP checklists version 2018, 29 articles were included in the final review. Data analysis was performed using thematic analysis.

Results

Most of the studies reviewed had used the proprietary platforms (N = 14) and 11 studies had used public platforms such as social messengers or email. Also 9 studies relied on phone calls (N = 9) to record and transmit the clinical data. Some studies had applied two different approaches (proprietary/public platforms and phone). six articles (20.7%) focused only on hypertension control, while 23 articles (79.3%) examined hypertension as a comorbidity with other diseases. Also, the study identified 88 unique concepts, 15 initial themes, and six final themes for outcomes of using telemedicine for hypertension management during the COVID-19 pandemic. These themes include BP control, BP measurement and recording, medication management, mental health, care continuity and use and acceptance.

Conclusion

Telemedicine provides patients with hypertension with the opportunity to engage in medical consultations in a more convenient and comfortable manner, with the same validity as in-person visits. Telemedicine facilitates the creation of a connected network to support patients with high BP at any time and in any location. Limitations and issues may arise due to patients and healthcare staff’s unfamiliarity with telemedicine. These issues can be resolved through the ongoing use and continuous feedback.
Factors affecting the intention to use COVID-19 contact tracing application “StaySafe PH”: Integrating protection motivation theory, UTAUT2, and system usability theory
Authors: Ong Ardvin Kester S. , Prasetyo Yogi Tri , Tapiceria Regina Pia Krizzia M. , Nadlifatin Reny , Gumasing Ma. Janice J.
Published: August 2024

Purpose

StaySafe PH is the Philippines’ official contact tracing software for controlling the propagation of COVID-19 and promoting a uniform contact tracing strategy. The StaySafe PH has various features such as a social distancing system, LGU heat map and response system, real-time monitoring, graphs, infographics, and the primary purpose, which is a contact tracing system. This application is mandatory in establishments such as fast-food restaurants, banks, and malls.

Objective and methodology

The purpose of this research was to determine the country’s willingness to utilize StaySafe PH. Specifically, this study utilized 12 latent variables from the integrated Protection Motivation Theory (PMT), Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT2), and System Usability Scale (SUS). Data from 646 respondents in the Philippines were employed through Structural Equation Modelling (SEM), Deep Learning Neural Network (DLNN), and SUS.

Results

Utilizing the SEM, it is found that understanding the COVID-19 vaccine, understanding the COVID-19 Delta variant, perceived vulnerability, perceived severity, performance expectancy, social influence, hedonic motivation, behavioral intention, actual use, and the system usability scale are major determinants of intent to utilize the application. Understanding of the COVID-19 Delta Variant was found to be the most important factor by DLNN, which is congruent with the results of SEM. The SUS score of the application is "D", which implies that the application has poor usability.

Implications

It could be implicated that large concerns stem from the trust issues on privacy, data security, and overall consent in the information needed. This is one area that should be promoted. That is, how the data is stored and kept, utilized, and covered by the system, how the assurance could be provided among consumers, and how the government would manage the information obtained. Building the trust is crucial on the development and deployment of these types of technology. The results in this study can also suggest that individuals in the Philippines expected and were certain that vaccination would help them not contract the virus and thus not be vulnerable, leading to a positive actual use of the application.

Novelty

The current study considered encompassing health-related behaviors using the PMT, integrating with the technology acceptance model, UTAUT2; as well as usability perspective using the SUS. This study was the first one to evaluate and assess a contact tracing application in the Philippines, as well as integrate the frameworks to provide a holistic measurement.
PC-mer: An Ultra-fast memory-efficient tool for metagenomics profiling and classification
Authors: Akbari Rokn Abadi Saeedeh , Mohammadi Amirhossein , Koohi Somayyeh
Published: August 2024

Features extraction methods, such as k-mer-based methods, have recently made up a significant role in classifying and analyzing approaches for metagenomics data. But, they are challenged by various bottlenecks, such as performance limitations, high memory consumption, and computational overhead. To deal with these challenges, we developed an innovative features extraction and sequence profiling method for DNA/RNA sequences, called PC-mer, taking advantage of the physicochemical properties of nucleotides. PC-mer in comparison with the k-mer profiling methods provides a considerable memory usage reduction by a factor of 2k while improving the metagenomics classification performance, for both machine learning-based and computational-based methods, at the various levels and also archives speedup more than 1000x for the training phase. Examining ML-based PC-mer on various datasets confirms that it can achieve 100% accuracy in classifying samples at the class, order, and family levels. Despite the k-mer-based classification methods, it also improves genus-level classification accuracy by more than 14% for shotgun dataset (i.e. achieves accuracy of 97.5%) and more than 5% for amplicon dataset (i.e. achieves accuracy of 98.6%). Due to these improvements, we provide two PC-mer-based tools, which can actually replace the popular k-mer-based tools: one for classifying and another for comparing metagenomics data.
Efficacy and safety of Saireito (TJ-114) in patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing catheter ablation procedures: A randomized pilot study
Authors: Kawaji Tetsuma , Shizuta Satoshi , Yaku Hidenori , Kaneda Kazuhisa , Yoneda Fumiya , Nishiwaki Shushi , Tanaka Munekazu , Aizawa Takanori , Hojo Shun , Nakatsuma Kenji , Kato Masashi , Yokomatsu Takafumi , Miki Shinji , Ono Koh , Kimura Takeshi
Published: August 2024

Background

Early arrhythmia recurrences commonly occur after atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation because of irritability and inflammation of left atrium. We hypothesized that short-term use of Saireito would be effective in reducing frequent atrial tachyarrhythmias in the early-phase post-ablation.

Methods

One hundred patients undergoing catheter ablation for symptomatic AF were randomly assigned to either a 30-day use of Saireito or control group. The primary endpoint was total number of episodes of frequent atrial tachyarrhythmias including definite recurrent AF and frequent premature atrial contractions during the 30-day treatment period post-ablation.

Results

Three (6.0%) out of 50 patients treated with Saireito discontinued the drug because of adverse symptoms. The Saireito group was associated with a numerically lower number of episodes of frequent atrial tachyarrhythmias than the control group (3.1 versus 5.2 times, P = 0.17). The mean daily episodes of frequent atrial tachyarrhythmias were significantly fewer in the Saireito group during Day-6 to Day-10 (0.12/day versus 0.27/day, P = 0.03), and during Day-11 to Day-15 (0.08/day versus 0.24/day, P = 0.001). The prevalence of adverse symptoms during the 30-day treatment period was significantly higher in the Saireito group (18.0% versus 2.0%, P = 0.005).

Conclusions

Thirty-day use of Saireito following AF ablation was associated with a tendency toward reduced number of episodes of frequent atrial tachyarrhythmias during the treatment period, with more pronounced effect in the first two weeks.
Improving human activity classification based on micro-doppler signatures of FMCW radar with the effect of noise
Authors: Nguyen NgocBinh , Pham MinhNghia , Doan Van-Sang , Le VanNhu
Published: August 2024

Nowadays, classifying human activities is applied in many essential fields, such as healthcare, security monitoring, and search and rescue missions. Radar sensor-based human activity classification is regarded as a superior approach in comparison to other techniques, such as visual perception-based methodologies and wearable gadgets. However, noise usually exists throughout the process of extracting raw radar signals, decreasing the quality and reliability of the extracted features. This paper presents a novel method for removing white Gaussian noise from raw radar signals using a denoising algorithm before classifying human activities using a deep convolutional neural network (DCNN). Specifically, the denoising algorithm is used as a preprocessing step to remove white Gaussian noise from the input raw radar signal. After that, a lightweight Cross-Residual Convolutional Neural Network (CRCNN) with adaptable cross-residual connections is suggested for classification. The analysis results show that the denoising algorithm with a range-bin interval of 3 and a cut-threshold value of 3 achieves the best denoising effect. When the denoising algorithm was applied to the dataset, CRCNN improved the right classification rate by up to 10% compared to the recognition results achieved with the original noise-added dataset. Additionally, a comparison of the CRCNN with the denoising algorithm solution with six cutting-edge DCNNs was conducted. The experimental results reveal that the proposed model greatly outperforms the others.
Impact of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) interventions on gender-specific school attendance and learning outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis protocol
Authors: Dibaba Dinaol Bedada , Alemu Bezatu Mengistie , Debela Sisay Abebe
Published: August 2024

The Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) interventions have been acknowledged for their role in the public health and educational outcomes. While there are strong evidences that reveal that WASH facilities do reduce the prevalence of infectious diseases and improve the learning environment, data remain thin and equivocal on the differential impacts of WASH facilities on education by gender. The literature reviewed does not, in most cases; go to the extent of investigating if indeed both men and women students have unique needs especially in underprivileged areas. This is the point from which the present systematic review and meta-analysis intend to fill this gap by assessing the global evidence on the effect of WASH interventions on educational outcomes with due consideration given to gender. This systematic review will include international databases used for the search, such as PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Europe PubMed Central, and Scopus. Study eligibility will include cross-sectional studies published in English on the impact of WASH interventions on school attendance and academic performance, stratifying gender-specific outcomes. Data extracted will be analyzed using the STATA software version 17. The percentage of heterogeneity will be quantified through the I2 statistics to show the variability between the included studies. Based on the observed results, diversity will be checked among the outcomes of the study and based on that random-effect model will be used to estimate the pooled effect size. I will, therefore, make use of the Egger and Begg tests for checking statistical asymmetry. Publication bias will be assessed with funnel plots. These will ensure the methodologies used provide comprehensive and rigorous data analysis, which will give strong insights into the impacts of the WASH intervention on educational outcomes.

Prospero registration number: Systematic review and Meta-analysis registration number: PROSPERO CRD42024536477.
Risk factors for postoperative ileus in hysterectomy: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Hou Zhuoer , Liu Ting , Li Xiaoyan , Lv Hangpeng , Sun Qiuhua
Published: August 2024

Objective

The study intended to evaluate the risk factors of postoperative ileus in hysterectomy patients.

Study design

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods

This study conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Program for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis statement. PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, the Cochrane Library and China National Knowledge Internet were searched. The search period was restricted from the earliest records to March 2024. Key words used were: (hysterectomy) AND (postoperative ileus OR postoperative intestinal obstruction OR ileus OR intestinal obstruction). Two researchers screened literatures and extracted data, and used Newcastle-Ottawa scale and Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklist for analytical cross-sectional studies to evaluate their quality. Then, Stata17 software was used for statistical analysis.

Result

A total of 11 literatures were included. Personal factors and previous history of disease factors of postoperative ileus in hysterectomy patients included use opioids (OR = 3.91, 95%CI: 1.08–14.24), dysmenorrhea (OR = 2.51, 95%: 1.25–5.05), smoking (OR = 1.55, 95%: 1.18–2.02), prior abdominal or pelvic surgery (OR = 1.46, 95%CI: 1.16–1.83) and age (OR = 1.03, 95%: 1.02–1.04). Surgery-related factors included perioperative transfusion (OR = 4.50, 95%CI: 3.29–6.16), concomitant bowel surgery (OR = 3.79, 95%CI: 1.86–7.71), anesthesia technique (general anesthesia) (OR = 2.73, 95%CI: 1.60, 4.66), adhesiolysis (OR = 1.97, 95%CI: 1.52–2.56), duration of operation (OR = 1.78, 95%CI: 1.32–2.40), operation approach (laparoscopic hysterectomy) (OR = 0.43, 95%CI: 0.29–0.64) and operation approach (vaginal hysterectomy) (OR = 0.35, 95%CI: 0.18–0.69).

Conclusions

The results of this study were personal factors and previous history of disease factors, surgery-related factors, which may increase the risk of postoperative ileus in hysterectomy patients. After the conclusion of risk factors, more accurate screening and identification of high-risk groups can be conducted and timely preventive measures can be taken to reduce the incidence of postoperative ileus.

Trial registration

The study protocol for this meta-analysis was registered (CRD42023407167) with the PROSPERO database (www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero).
An investigation into patterns of Alcohol drinking in Scotland after the introduction of minimum unit pricing
Authors: Nguyen Duyen Thuy , Donnelly Michael , Hoang Minh Van , O’Neill Ciaran
Published: August 2024

Background

In 2018, Scotland became the second country to implement minimum unit pricing (MUP) for all types of alcoholic beverages. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of the policy.

Method

Three national household-level surveys were used: Scottish Health Surveys (2008–2021), Health Surveys in England (2011–2019), and Northern Ireland Continuous Household Survey (2011–2015). First, a generalized ordered logistic model examined patterns of drinking solely in Scotland from 2008–2021 covering current drinking, drinking categories and the weekly consumption (in alcohol units). Secondly, difference-in-difference (DID) analysis was employed to examine changes in “social drinking” behaviours in Scotland after the announcement in 2012 (2011–2015, Northern Ireland and England as comparators) and after the adoption of the policy in 2018 (England as a comparator, with two timeframes 2016–2019 and 2013–2019).

Results

Overall, drinking in Scotland began to decline prior to 2012 and dropped further with the enactment of MUP in 2018. In response to MUP, the likelihood of abstention increased along with a slight decrease in the prevalence of heavy drinking. The overall amount of drinking fell by about 8% after 2012 and 12% after 2018 (as compared to 2008–2011 level), with a significant decline seen in moderate drinkers but not of those who drank at hazardous or harmful levels. The DID analyses confirmed the reduction in current drinking in Scotland starting since 2012 and continued post-MUP in 2018.

Conclusion

This study points to the impact of MUP in Scotland with a potential role for ‘policy signalling’ by the Scottish Government’s with a multiple-buy discount ban and MUP’s announcement since 2011–2012. Indications of impact include a clear decline in alcohol consumption levels and a small but noteworthy change in prevalence of overall drinking and heavy drinking.
Sedentary behavior from television watching elevates GlycA levels: A bidirectional Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Miao Shuchuan , Wang Xiaoyan , Ma Lu , You Chao
Published: August 2024

Background

Current evidence linking sedentary behavior (SB), physical activity (PA), and inflammation raises questions about their causal relationships, prompting concerns about potential residual confounding or reverse causation.

Methods

A bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was conducted. SB data (n = 408,815) from “computer use,” “television watching,” and “driving” were included. The PA data encompassed nine types of PA (n = 460,376) over the last four weeks and included data on the frequency of vigorous PA (n = 440,512) and moderate PA (n = 440,266) for over 10 min. Additionally, three genome-wide association study datasets (n = 64,949) on light, moderate, and vigorous exercise were included to minimize potential bias from changes in exercise intensity. Inflammation data included levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) (n = 575,531), glycoprotein acetyl (GlycA) (n = 115,082), interleukin (IL)-8, IL-6, IL-6 receptor (IL-6R), and soluble IL-6R (sIL-6R) (n = 35,278). All datasets represented participants of European ancestry.

Results

Television watching as an SB showed significant positive causal effects on GlycA and CRP (inverse variance weighted (IVW), odds ratios (OR): 1.34, 95% confidence intervals (CI): 1.25–1.44, p = 3.570 × 10−17; IVW, OR: 1.21, 95% CI: 1.16–1.26, p = 1.500 × 10−19, respectively), with more robust evidence for GlycA. In the direction from inflammation to PA, a negative causal relationship between CRP and“number of days/week of moderate PA 10+ minutes”was observed (IVW, OR: 0.92, 95% CI: 0.89–0.96, p = 3.260 × 10−5). Sensitivity analyses were used to verify the robustness and reliability of the results. However, other initially observed associations ceased to be significant after controlling for obesity-related confounders.

Conclusion

Our MR analysis suggested a potential causal relationship between television watching and chronic low-grade inflammation, with more substantial evidence for GlycA. Additionally, different types of SB may have varying effects on inflammation. Obesity-related traits could partly or entirely influence the relationship between SB, PA, and inflammatory markers. Furthermore, Our findings indicate that SB is an independent risk factor for inflammation, separate from PA, and highlight the different mechanisms by which SB and PA affect disease.
The legacy of the UN Security Council sanctions on Iraq
Authors: Gordon Joy
Published: August 2024

In thinking about the legacy of the sanctions on Iraq, some things are quite clear: the long-term impact of malnutrition; the loss of life and the suffering from lack of adequate medical care; the disappearance of the middle class; the deep corruption and growth of criminal networks and so forth. But there is a different kind of legacy as well. The sanctions imposed by the United Nations (UN) Security Council for over a decade were as damaging as they were in large measure because they were deeply imbedded in bureaucracies, and bureaucratic manoeuvres, that were both arcane and opaque. These included the ‘retroactive oil pricing policy’, the reverse veto, the holds on contracts and the consensus rule within the 661 Committee. While the narrative that emerged in the aftermath of the sanctions holds that ‘we are now in the era of smart sanctions, and the old, comprehensive measures we saw in the Iraq case are now in the past’, in fact that is not at all the case. Rather, part of the legacy of the Iraq sanctions is that precisely the bureaucratic manoeuvres that made it possible to cripple Iraq’s infrastructure, healthcare, education and food security are the mainstay of contemporary sanctions regimes. This article looks at how the reverse veto and the absence of a sunset clause in the Iraq sanctions can be seen at work in the current US sanctions against Cuba; how the interminable obstacles and burdens that choked the humanitarian exemption process are now being used in the Security Council measures against North Korea; and how macroeconomic shocks that were triggered by undermining Iraq’s oil exports have been put in place in regard to UN and US sanctions against Iran and Venezuela.