bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trajectories of academic performance in sexually abused children and potential correlates
Authors: Jean-Thorn Arianne , Hébert Martine
Published: September 2024

Background: Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) is associated with detrimental consequences in children, including lower academic performance. However, studies have rarely explored the diversity of longitudinal academic profiles among CSA victims. Objectives: The objectives of this study were (1) to identify trajectories of academic performance in CSA victims and (2) to explore potential correlates of these trajectories. Participants and settings: The study involved 738 Canadian children between the ages of 5 and 14 who had experienced CSA and their non-offending parent and their teacher. Methods: At three different assessment times, spaced 6 months apart, the child’s teacher was invited to complete a questionnaire regarding the child’s academic performance. Measures of potential correlates of the trajectories were assessed by teacher (child’s behavior problems), parents (children’s experience of peer victimization) and children (coping strategies). Results: The three-trajectory model was selected as the final model. The High functioning trajectory (42%) included children who exhibited high academic performance at the first assessment but decreased slightly over time. The Low and Increasing trajectory (16%) identified children whose academic results were initially low but improved over time. Finally, the Moderate and Stable trajectory (42%) comprised children with an average academic performance over time. Compared to the other two groups, children in the High functioning trajectory were less likely to report peer victimization and show externalizing and internalizing behavior problems as assessed by caregiver and teacher. They were also younger and living in more socially and economically advantaged backgrounds. Conclusions: These results emphasize the crucial role of available resources in a child’s environment and their protective effect on their academic adaptation.
Treatment Journey and Healthcare Resource Use Among Patients With Alcohol Use Disorder Who Initiated Extended-Release Naltrexone: An Analysis of Veterans Affairs Data
Authors: Grebla Regina , Liu Jieruo , O’Sullivan Amy K , Shi Sherry , Swallow Elyse , Lax Angela , Sullivan Maria A , Liu Shuqian , Shi Lizheng , Witkiewitz Katie , Drexler Karen
Published: September 2024

Background:

The US Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Defense (VA/DoD) clinical guidelines recommend extended-release naltrexone (XR-NTX) as a treatment option for moderate-to-severe alcohol use disorder (AUD); however, contemporary real-world outcomes related to this guideline are lacking. This retrospective, observational, descriptive study examined treatment patterns and healthcare resource use (HCRU) among veterans with an AUD diagnosis who initiated XR-NTX.

Methods:

Veterans with incident AUD who initiated XR-NTX between 8/2014 and 11/2018 were identified. Treatment patterns and HCRU were assessed during the 1-year baseline period before and following XR-NTX initiation (the index date).

Results:

Of the 3665 VA patients (mean [SD] age: 46 [12.5] years; male: 89.7%; White: 76.9%) included in the study, time from AUD diagnosis to XR-NTX initiation was highly variable (mean [range]: 13.6 [0-50.5 months]). Patients received a mean [SD] of 6.8 [6.1] XR-NTX administrations; 44.4% received ⩾6. Mean [SD] time to XR-NTX discontinuation was 93.4 [75.7] days, and 31.3% of discontinuing patients resumed XR-NTX therapy. Of those who received other subsequent medications for AUD, 38.6% (acamprosate) to 47.8% (disulfiram) re-initiated XR-NTX. The proportion of patients with ⩾1 inpatient admissions decreased during follow-up compared with baseline (all-cause: 61.5% to 37.8%; AUD-related: 58.0%-35.4%); with a smaller decrease observed in emergency department (ED) visits. In contrast, more patients had ⩾1 outpatient visits during follow-up (all-cause: 97.5%-99.7%; AUD-related: 84.4%-92.7%). Compared with baseline, mean number of inpatient admissions and ED visits decreased during follow-up, while the number of outpatient visits increased for both all-cause and AUD-related care.

Conclusions:

Among VA patients with AUD who initiated XR-NTX, we observed reductions in all-cause and AUD-related acute care, and increases in outpatient care. This finding demonstrates a possible transition from acute, inpatient treatment to long-term, outpatient care that may reflect a reduction in disease severity. Additional research is warranted.
CT strain metrics allow for earlier diagnosis of bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome after hematopoietic cell transplant
Authors: Sharifi Husham , Bertini Christopher D. , Alkhunaizi Mansour , Hernandez Maria , Musa Zayan , Borges Carlos , Turk Ihsan , Bashoura Lara , Dickey Burton F. , Cheng Guang-Shing , Yanik Gregory , Galban Craig J. , Guo Huawei Henry , Godoy Myrna C. B. , Reinhardt Joseph M. , Hoffman Eric A. , Castro Mario , Rondon Gabriela , Alousi Amin M. , Champlin Richard E. , Shpall Elizabeth J. , Lu Ying , Peterson Samuel , Datta Keshav , Nicolls Mark R. , Hsu Joe , Sheshadri Ajay
Published: September 2024

Bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS) after hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. Quantitative computed tomography (qCT) can help diagnose advanced BOS meeting National Institutes of Health (NIH) criteria (NIH-BOS) but has not been used to diagnose early, often asymptomatic BOS (early BOS), limiting the potential for early intervention and improved outcomes. Using pulmonary function tests (PFTs) to define NIH-BOS, early BOS, and mixed BOS (NIH-BOS with restrictive lung disease) in patients from 2 large cancer centers, we applied qCT to identify early BOS and distinguish between types of BOS. Patients with transient impairment or healthy lungs were included for comparison. PFTs were done at month 0, 6, and 12. Analysis was performed with association statistics, principal component analysis, conditional inference trees (CITs), and machine learning (ML) classifier models. Our cohort included 84 allogeneic HCT recipients, 66 with BOS (NIH-defined, early, or mixed) and 18 without BOS. All qCT metrics had moderate correlation with forced expiratory volume in 1 second, and each qCT metric differentiated BOS from those without BOS (non-BOS; P < .0001). CITs distinguished 94% of participants with BOS vs non-BOS, 85% of early BOS vs non-BOS, 92% of early BOS vs NIH-BOS. ML models diagnosed BOS with area under the curve (AUC) of 0.84 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.74-0.94) and early BOS with AUC of 0.84 (95% CI, 0.69-0.97). qCT metrics can identify individuals with early BOS, paving the way for closer monitoring and earlier treatment in this vulnerable population.
Analysis of Hybrid NAR-RBFs Networks for complex non-linear Covid-19 model with fractional operators
Authors: Ahmad Aqeel , Farman Muhammad , Sultan Muhammad , Ahmad Hijaz , Askar Sameh
Published: September 2024

The Hybrid NAR-RBFs Networks for COVID-19 fractional order model is examined in this scientific study. Hybrid NAR-RBFs Networks for COVID-19, that is more infectious which is appearing in numerous areas as people strive to stop the COVID-19 pandemic. It is crucial to figure out how to create strategies that would stop the spread of COVID-19 with a different age groups. We used the epidemic scenario in the Hybrid NAR-RBFs Networks as a case study in order to replicate the propagation of the modified COVID-19. In this research work, existence and stability are verified for COVID-19 as well as proved unique solutions by applying some results of fixed point theory. The developed approach to investigate the impact of Hybrid NAR-RBFs Networks due to COVID-19 at different age groups is relatively advanced. Also obtain solutions for a proposed model by utilizing Atanga Toufik technique and fractal fractional which are the advanced techniques for such type of infectious problems for continuous monitoring of spread of COVID-19 in different age groups. Comparisons has been made to check the efficiency of techniques as well as for finding the reliable solutions to understand the dynamical behavior of Hybrid NAR-RBFs Networks for non-linear COVID-19. Finally, the parameters are evaluated to see the impact of illness and present numerical simulations using Matlab to see actual behavior of this infectious disease for Hybrid NAR-RBFs Networks of COVID-19 for different age groups.
The effect of dwelling size on the mental health and quality of life of female caregivers living in informal tiny homes in Hong Kong
Authors: Chan Crystal Ying , Lai Ruby Yuen Shan , Hoi Becky , Li Maggie Ying Yee , Chan Joyce Ho Yi , Sin Henry Ho Fai , Chung Edwin Shun Kit , Cheung Rowan Tak Yuen , Wong Eliza Lai Yi
Published: September 2024

Background

Although the adverse impact of substandard informal housing has been widely documented, most studies concentrated on developing societies, thereby leaving informal housing in developed regions underexplored. This study examines Hong Kong, where limited dwelling size is a distinctive feature that characterises informal housing, to explore the impact of housing informality on mental health, with a particular focus on dwelling size. It centers on subdivided units (SDUs), which are tiny compartments partitioned from a large domestic quarter, to understand how housing informality and housing size affect the mental well-being of female caregivers, who typically bear the brunt of the housework.

Methods

In partnership with nongovernment organisations in three SDU-abundant districts, this mixed-methods study conducted a survey on 413 female caregivers aged 18—65 and qualitative research combining ethnographic observations and in-depth interviews on 36 families living in SDUs in Hong Kong between 2021 and 2023. The mental health outcomes and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of the participants were assessed by using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 and a EuroQol-5 Dimension-5 Level questionnaire.

Results

Depression, anxiety and stress were prevalent across the female caregivers living in SDUs (12.4%), as well as a significantly lower HRQoL compared with that of the general population (0.882 vs. 0.919). Findings showed that a total floor area smaller than 13.0 m2 was associated with increased likelihood of experiencing anxiety and depression and reduced HRQoL. Cramped living space adversely affected the caregivers’ well-being through the 1) physical, 2) relational and 3) personal aspects of home experiences. Negative experiences at home can cause housework burnout, exacerbate family conflicts and lead to feelings of repression and low self-efficacy.

Conclusions

This study contributes to the understanding of the consequences of housing informality in diverse geographical contexts and illuminates the effect of dwelling size by identifying the mechanisms through which housing size can affect the mental well-being of residents, which may vary depending on their family status. The findings yield important policy implications, including the need to establish a minimum space standard for subdivided residential dwellings and ensure equitable access to community spaces for deprived families.
Keep on truckin’: how effective are health behaviour interventions on truck drivers’ health? A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Virgara Rosa , Singh Ben , O’Connor Edward , Szeto Kimberley , Merkx Zydan , Rees Christian , Gilson Nicholas , Maher Carol
Published: September 2024

Background

Truck drivers are a vital workforce, but have higher rates of obesity and other chronic diseases than the general population. The occupation’s sedentary nature, limited physical activity opportunities and access to healthy food, and irregular sleeping patterns contribute to poor health. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions on health behaviours and cardiometabolic biomarkers of health in truck drivers.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted in February 2024, and reported according to PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Experimental studies targeting physical activity, sedentary behaviour, sleep, diet, weight loss, drug/alcohol use, and/or smoking were eligible. Two reviewers independently screened and completed data extraction and risk of bias assessment. Data were combined at the study level. Pooled statistics were calculated using mean differences (MD) or standardised mean differences (SMD) for outcomes that were reported in ≥2 studies. Pre- and post-intervention means and standard deviations (SD) for the intervention and control groups were used to compute effect sizes.

Results

Nineteen studies (n=2137 participants) were included. Meta-analyses found a small-to-moderate increase in fruit and vegetable consumption (SMD 0.32, p=0.03) with no other significant effects on other outcome variables.

Conclusions

Interventions are moderately effective in increasing truck drivers’ fruit and vegetable consumption, but not other outcomes. There is a dearth of research in the driver population compared to other occupational groups. Future interventions should consider workplace and environmental factors to promote the health and wellbeing of truck drivers.

Trial registration

The study protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42021283423).
Association between socioeconomic position of the household head, food insecurity and psychological health: an application of propensity score matching
Authors: Militao Elias M. A. , Uthman Olalekan A. , Salvador Elsa M. , Vinberg Stig , Macassa Gloria
Published: September 2024

Background

Mental health outcomes can be influenced by various factors, one of which has recently gained attention, namely food security. Food security is paramount to maintaining not only physical, but also mental health. There is an increasing need to understand the interplay between food insecurity (FI) and mental health outcomes, especially among vulnerable populations. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of FI on psychological health (anxiety and depression) as well as to examine the modifying effect of socioeconomic position on this relationship.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted in Maputo City, Mozambique, in 1,842 participants. Data were collected through structured interviews using a modified version of the US Department of Agriculture Household Food Security Module to measure FI, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale to measure anxiety and depression. A composite variable for psychological health was created. Propensity score matching and interaction effect analyses were employed to examine the effects of FI on psychological health and the moderating role of socioeconomic position.

Results

Of the 1,174 participants randomly assigned to propensity score matching, 787 were exposed to FI while 387 were unexposed. The analysis revealed stark disparities in psychological health outcomes associated with FI. The risk of poor psychological health among those exposed to FI was 25.79%, which was significantly higher than the 0.26% in unexposed individuals. The risk difference was 25.54% points (95% CI: 22.44–28.63), with a risk ratio of 99.82. Our assessment of population attributable fractions indicated that nearly all the risk for poor psychological health in the exposed group could be ascribed to FI. The interaction effects analysis revealed that socioeconomic status modifies this relationship. Specifically, heads of food-insecure households with a lower socioeconomic position tended to report poor mental health compared to their food-secure counterparts with a higher position.

Conclusions

The findings underscore the profound impact of FI on the mental health of household heads in Maputo City, socioeconomic position being a significant modifier. Addressing household FI along with the socioeconomic position of household heads could be pivotal to mental health promotion, especially among vulnerable populations.
Perspectives of work readiness among Australian health students trained during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Podubinski Tegan , Jessup Belinda , Kirschbaum Melissa , Bailie Jodie , Heaney Susan , Sheepway Lyndal , Bourke Lisa
Published: September 2024

Background

To explore perspectives of work readiness, including readiness to work rurally, among health students trained in Australia during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

Participants were allied health, medicine, and nursing students in the later years of their degree (third, fourth or final year of an undergraduate entry to practice degree, or second year of postgraduate entry to practice degree), where training is clinically immersive. These students had completed a University Department of Rural Health facilitated rural and remote placement between January 2021 and October 2022. They participated in a cross-sectional online survey (n = 426), comprising Likert-scale questions. Interested survey respondents participated in a semi-structured interview (n = 34). Multiple logistic regression was conducted to examine the predictors of work readiness within the survey, and interview data was analysed via reflexive thematic analysis.

Results

Among survey respondents, 69.7% felt they would be ready to be a health practitioner when the time came to graduate and 71.8% felt clinically prepared to work in a rural location. Concerns about having developed enough clinical skills on placements to competently practice on graduation and being able to continue studying their course during the pandemic were both predictive of work readiness and feeling clinically prepared to work rurally. Four themes reflecting factors impacting work readiness were developed from interview data: (1) ‘I’d estimate probably a 20–30% reduction in face-to-face handling practice over the course of all of my placements’ encompassed student concerns regarding the collective impact of cancelled placements and lower patient attendance at healthcare facilities on clinical skill development; (2) ‘Two and a half years of sitting behind a computer’ related to student experiences of superficial learning and cohort disconnectedness due to online course delivery and loss of on campus simulations; (3) ‘I’ll still need like a lot of support in my grad year’ related to students recognising the need for support and supervision post-qualifying to bridge the gaps in their learning; and (4) ‘We are the COVID nurses’ encompassed student recognition of skills gained including communication skills, competence with technology and telehealth, knowledge of infection control, and work readiness skills (e.g. adaptability and resilience) as a result of training during the global pandemic.

Conclusions

Universities can support work readiness during pandemic circumstances by fostering clinical skills development through continuation of quality placement experiences and face-to-face curriculum delivery. Although health graduates trained during the pandemic are likely to have a range of additional work ready skills, health services will need to proactively support their transition into the workforce in the coming years.
Association of plasma proteomics with mortality in individuals with and without type 2 diabetes: Results from two population-based KORA cohort studies
Authors: Luo Hong , Petrera Agnese , Hauck Stefanie M. , Rathmann Wolfgang , Herder Christian , Gieger Christian , Hoyer Annika , Peters Annette , Thorand Barbara
Published: September 2024

Background

Protein biomarkers may contribute to the identification of vulnerable subgroups for premature mortality. This study aimed to investigate the association of plasma proteins with all-cause and cause-specific mortality among individuals with and without baseline type 2 diabetes (T2D) and evaluate their impact on the prediction of all-cause mortality in two prospective Cooperative Health Research in the Region of Augsburg (KORA) studies.

Methods

The discovery cohort comprised 1545 participants (median follow-up 15.6 years; 244 with T2D: 116 total, 62 cardiovascular, 31 cancer-related and 23 other-cause deaths; 1301 without T2D: 321 total, 114 cardiovascular, 120 cancer-related and 87 other-cause deaths). The validation cohort comprised 1031 participants (median follow-up 6.9 years; 203 with T2D: 76 total, 45 cardiovascular, 19 cancer-related and 12 other-cause deaths; 828 without T2D: 169 total, 74 cardiovascular, 39 cancer-related and 56 other-cause deaths). We used Cox regression to examine associations of 233 plasma proteins with all-cause and cause-specific mortality and Lasso regression to construct prediction models for all-cause mortality stratifying by baseline T2D. C-index, category-free net reclassification index (cfNRI), and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) were conducted to evaluate the predictive performance of built prediction models.

Results

Thirty-five and 62 proteins, with 29 overlapping, were positively associated with all-cause mortality in the group with and without T2D, respectively. Out of these, in the group with T2D, 35, eight, and 26 were positively associated with cardiovascular, cancer-related, and other-cause mortality, while in the group without T2D, 55, 41, and 47 were positively associated with respective cause-specific outcomes in the pooled analysis of both cohorts. Regulation of insulin-like growth factor (IGF) transport and uptake by IGF-binding proteins emerged as a unique pathway enriched for all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in individuals with T2D. The combined model containing the selected proteins (five and 12 proteins, with four overlapping, in the group with and without T2D, respectively) and clinical risk factors improved the prediction of all-cause mortality by C-index, cfNRI, and IDI.

Conclusions

This study uncovered shared and unique mortality-related proteins in persons with and without T2D and emphasized the role of proteins in improving the prediction of mortality in different T2D subgroups.
An assessment of Ghana’s pilot of the RTS,S malaria vaccine implementation programme; 2019–2021: a retrospective study
Authors: Adjei Michael Rockson , Tweneboah Peter Ofori , Bonsu George , Baafi Janet Vanessa , Amponsa-Achiano Kwame , Asiedu-Bekoe Franklin , Ohene Sally-Ann , Kuma-Aboagye Patrick , Grobusch Martin Peter
Published: September 2024

Background

In May 2019, Ghana piloted the introduction of RTS,S malaria vaccine into routine immunization in 42 districts of seven of the 16 regions. The RTS,S malaria vaccine implementation programme (MVIP) post-introduction evaluation (PIE) conducted in Ghana, assessed the immunization system as well as healthcare worker and caregiver experiences during the phase-one rollout but was less expressive on quantitative grading of the respective thematic areas of the vaccine introduction plan. Given the utility of summary statistics in programme evaluation and communication, this follow-up study aimed to provide an overall rating of the country's performance regarding the MVIP .

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted from 10th January to 5th February 2024. It involved review of records to assess key thematic areas of the national MVIP plan, using a study tool adapted from the WHO New Vaccine Introduction (NVI) checklist. A composite score ranging from zero to 100 per cent was generated to assess the country's overall performance regarding introduction of the malaria vaccine, rated on a Likert scale as comprehensive, good, fair, and poor.

Results

The overall performance in the MVIP was rated 78.9% (30/38) corresponding to a grading of “good” on the Likert scale. Performance indicators under thematic areas including policy, national coordination mechanisms, waste management, health worker training, and pharmacovigilance were completely achieved. However,  some weaknesses were exhibited in areas such as financial consideration, cold chain, logistics, and vaccine management, and monitoring and evaluation.

Conclusion

Ghana’s MVIP demonstrated remarkable strengths worth leveraging  to improve the national immunization programme. The weaknesses observed in some of the thematic areas present opportunities to engage key immunization partners and stakeholders towards aligning efforts to ensure a more robust expansion phase. The lessons from the MVIP may be relevant to areas introducing malaria vaccine irrespective of the product type—RTS,S or R21.
Associations between body fat anthropometric indices and mortality among individuals with metabolic syndrome
Authors: Shi Jianyou , Chen Zhiyuan , Zhang Yuanfeng
Published: September 2024

Background

The distribution of body fat and metabolic health may contribute to the onset of metabolic syndrome (MetS), but the associations between body fat anthropometric indices (AIs) and mortality in individuals with MetS remain unclear.

Methods

Participants aged 18 years or older with MetS were recruited from the NHANES 1999–2018. The body fat anthropometric indices included the a body shape index (ABSI), body roundness index (BRI), cardiometabolic index (CMI), visceral adiposity index (VAI), waist triglyceride index (WTI), lipid accumulation product (LAP), atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), and triglyceride‒glucose (TyG) index. MetS was defined according to the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP ATPIII) criteria. Mortality data were obtained from the National Death Index through December 31, 2019.

Results

Data were collected from 8,379 individuals with MetS, with a median follow-up of 8.5 years, of whom 1,698 died from all causes and 568 from the CCD. The random survival forest (RSF) analysis indicated that the ABSI had the strongest predictive power for both all-cause mortality and CCD mortality among the eight body fat AIs. After adjusting for multiple variables, the ABSI was found to be linearly and positively associated with all-cause and CCD mortality in individuals with MetS. Participants in the highest quartile of ABSI had an increased risk of all-cause (HR = 1.773 [1.419–2.215]) and CCD (HR = 1.735 [1.267–2.375]) mortality compared with those in the lowest quartile. Furthermore, the ABSI predicted areas under the curve (AUCs) of 0.735, 0.723, 0.718, and 0.725 for all-cause mortality at 3, 5, 10, and 15 years, respectively, and 0.774, 0.758, 0.725, and 0.715 for CCD mortality, respectively.

Conclusion

Among eight body fat AIs, the ABSI exhibited the strongest predictive power for mortality in individuals with MetS. Higher ABSI values significantly increased all-cause mortality and CCD mortality in participants with MetS.
Population age structure dependency of the excess mortality P-score
Authors: Ullrich-Kniffka Niklas , Schöley Jonas
Published: September 2024

Background

Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the excess mortality P-score has gained prominence as a measure of pandemic burden. The P-score indicates the percentage by which observed deaths deviate from expected deaths. As the P-score is regularly used to compare excess mortality between countries, questions arise regarding the age dependency of the measure. In this paper we present formal and empirical results on the population structure bias of the P-score with a special focus on cross-country comparisons during the COVID-19 pandemic in Europe.

Methods

P-scores were calculated for European countries for 2021, 2022, and 2023 using data from the 2024 revision of the United Nations’ World Population Prospects and the HMDs Short Term Mortality Fluctuations data series. The expected deaths for 2021, 2022, and 2023 were estimated using a Lee–Carter forecast model assuming pre-pandemic conditions. P-score differences between countries were decomposed using a Kitagawa-type decomposition into excess-mortality and structural components. To investigate the sensitivity of P-score cross-country rankings to differences in population structure we calculated the rank-correlation between age-standardized and classical P-scores.

Results

The P-score is an average of age-specific percent excess deaths weighted by the age-distribution of expected deaths. It can be shown that the effect of differences in the distribution of deaths only plays a marginal role in a European comparison. In most cases, the excess mortality effect is the dominant effect. P-score rankings among European countries during the COVID-19 pandemic are similar under both age-standardized and classical P-scores.

Conclusions

Although the P-score formally depends on the age-distribution of expected deaths, this structural component only plays a minor role in a European comparison, as the distribution of deaths across the continent is similar. Thus, the P-score is suitable as a measure of excess mortality in a European comparison, as it mainly reflects the differences in excess mortality. However, this finding should not be extrapolated to global comparisons, where countries could have very different death distributions. In situations were P-score comparisons are biased age-standardization can be applied as a solution.
Study on the cross-resistance of Aedes albopictus (Skuse) (Diptera: Culicidae) to deltamethrin and pyriproxyfen
Authors: Lin Ling-qun , Chen Ya-hui , Tian Yi-fan , Chen Yu-sen , Zheng Zhao-yang , Wu Jing-xin , Hu Fen , Wu Cheng , Xie Li-Hua
Published: September 2024

Background

Insecticide resistance poses a significant challenge in the implementation of vector-borne disease control strategies. We have assessed the resistance levels of Aedes albopictus to deltamethrin and pyriproxyfen (PPF) in Fujian Province (China) and investigated the correlation between these resistance levels and mutations in the voltage-gated sodium channel (VGSC).

Methods

The WHO bioassay protocol was used to evaluate the resistance coefficient of Ae. albopictus to deltamethrin and PPF, comparing a susceptible population from the Foshan (FS) area with wild populations from the Sanming (SM), Quanzhou (QZ), Zhangzhou (ZZ), Putian (PT) and Fuzhou (FZ) areas in Fujian Province. Genomic DNA was analyzed by PCR and sequencing to detect knockdown resistance (kdr) in the VGSC, specifically at the pyrethroid resistance alleles V1016V, I1532I and F1534F. Molecular docking was also performed to analyze the binding interactions of PPF and its metabolite 4'-OH-PPF to cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2C19, 2C9 and 3A4 and Ae. albopictus methoprene-tolerant receptors (AeMet), respectively.

Results

The analysis of resistance to deltamethrin and PPF among Ae. albopictus populations from the various regions revealed that except for the sensitive population in FS and the SM population, the remaining four regional populations demonstrated resistance levels ranging from 4.31- to 18.87-fold for deltamethrin and from 2.85– to 3.62-fold for PPF. Specifically, the FZ and PT populations exhibited high resistance to deltamethrin, whereas the ZZ and QZ populations approached moderate resistance levels. Also, the resistance of the FZ, PT and ZZ populations to PPF increased slowly but consistently with the increasing trend of deltamethrin resistance. Genomic analysis identified multiple non-synonymous mutations within the VGSC gene; the F1534S and F1534L mutations showed significant resistance to deltamethrin in Ae. albopictus. Molecular docking results revealed that PPF and its metabolite 4'-OH-PPF bind to the Ae. albopictus AeMet receptor and CYP2C19.

Conclusions

The wild Ae. albopictus populations of Fujian Province showed varying degrees of resistance to deltamethrin and PPF and a trend of cross-resistance to deltamethrin and PPF. Increased vigilance is needed for potential higher levels of cross-resistance, especially in the PT and FZ regions.

Graphical Abstract
Whole genome sequencing analysis identifies sex differences of familial pattern contributing to phenotypic diversity in autism
Authors: Kim Soo-Whee , Lee Hyeji , Song Da Yea , Lee Gang-Hee , Ji Jungeun , Park Jung Woo , Han Jae Hyun , Lee Jee Won , Byun Hee Jung , Son Ji Hyun , Kim Ye Rim , Lee Yoojeong , Kim Jaewon , Jung Ashish , Lee Junehawk , Kim Eunha , Kim So Hyun , Lee Jeong Ho , Satterstrom F. Kyle , Girirajan Santhosh , Børglum Anders D. , Grove Jakob , Kim Eunjoon , Werling Donna M. , Yoo Hee Jeong , An Joon-Yong
Published: September 2024

Background

Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) analyses have found higher genetic burden in autistic females compared to males, supporting higher liability threshold in females. However, genomic evidence of sex differences has been limited to European ancestry to date and little is known about how genetic variation leads to autism-related traits within families across sex.

Methods

To address this gap, we present WGS data of Korean autism families (n = 2255) and a Korean general population sample (n = 2500), the largest WGS data of East Asian ancestry. We analyzed sex differences in genetic burden and compared with cohorts of European ancestry (n = 15,839). Further, with extensively collected family-wise Korean autism phenotype data (n = 3730), we investigated sex differences in phenotypic scores and gene-phenotype associations within family.

Results

We observed robust female enrichment of de novo protein-truncating variants in autistic individuals across cohorts. However, sex differences in polygenic burden varied across cohorts and we found that the differential proportion of comorbid intellectual disability and severe autism symptoms mainly drove these variations. In siblings, males of autistic females exhibited the most severe social communication deficits. Female siblings exhibited lower phenotypic severity despite the higher polygenic burden than male siblings. Mothers also showed higher tolerance for polygenic burden than fathers, supporting higher liability threshold in females.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that genetic liability in autism is both sex- and phenotype-dependent, expanding the current understanding of autism’s genetic complexity. Our work further suggests that family-based assessments of sex differences can help unravel underlying sex-differential liability in autism.
The predictive significance of uric acid to high density lipoprotein- cholesterol ratio and uric acid for the severity and mortality of coronavirus disease-19
Authors: Rohani-Rasaf Marzieh , Ghavidel Farideh , Hosseini Hossein , Teimouri Maryam
Published: September 2024

Objective

The non-invasive and inexpensive predictive indicators seem to be essential for the evaluation of coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) prognosis. Uric acid to high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol ratio (UHR) have been known as inflammatory and metabolic biomarker in some disorders. This study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of serum uric acid (UA) and UHR values on admission as prognostic indicators for the severity and mortality of COVID-19. Regression models were accomplished to assess the association between UA and UHR with the severity and mortality of COVID-19.

Results

This study was performed with 424 confirmed COVID-19 patients. The mean UA and UHR values of the severe group and deceased group were statistically higher than those mild group and survivor group, respectively (P < 0.05). Compared to the survivor cases, deceased subjects had lower serum concentrations of HDL-c (p < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that UHR and UA values statistically are correlated with the severity (OR = 1.20 CI:1.07–1.35, OR = 1.19 CI:1.023–1.381 respectively) and mortality (OR = 10.04 CI:1.50–67.30, OR = 10.73 CI:1.47–87.11, respectively) of COVID-19. Compared with a reference range, serum UA levels ≥ 7.3 mg/dl and a UHR value greater than 0.185 increase the risk of critical care of COVID-19 almost 2.5 and 3.5 times, respectively. In summary, our results revealed that UHR index value and serum UA levels are useful biochemical indicators for predicting the severity and mortality of COVID-19.
Exploring client violence during home visits: a qualitative study of perceptions and experiences of Israeli nurses
Authors: Sela Yael , Grinberg Keren , Halevi Hochwald Inbal
Published: September 2024

Background

Home care provides an excellent opportunity for personalizing treatment as nurses see patients in their natural environment. Along with its many advantages, the home care environment carries unique risks, as nurses are usually alone, without the protection and security provided by primary care clinics. There are no accurate data in Israel on the scope and characteristics of client violence against nurses during home visits. We conducted a qualitative study to investigate the nature of client violence faced by Israeli nurses during home visits, to gain insights into their perceptions and experiences, and to contribute to the development of effective policies and strategies to combat client violence in the healthcare sector.

Methods

Twenty-seven female nurses from primary care clinics, who were exposed to client violence during a home visit, were interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed, and categories and themes were extracted.

Results

Most nurses interviewed experienced at least three incidents of client violence, the most common of which was verbal abuse. The nurses perceived that the location of the encounter between the nurse and the patient in the patient’s natural surroundings, rather than within the controlled boundaries of a clinic, contributes to the risk of violence. Violence affected the nurses’ professional decisions. The nurses reported that their organization had no established guidelines or instructions for safely conducting home visits, they were not provided with protective or security measures for emergencies, nor did they perceive that they had sufficient training to deal with client violence in clients’ homes.

Conclusions

Nurses encounter a range of challenges that make it difficult for them to deal with client violence during home visits, affecting their personal safety and professional decisions. Their ability to manage such situations is shaped by a complex interplay of personal and organizational factors and requires a range of strategies and resources to effectively address them.
Identifying sources of interference in civil aviation radio communication
Authors: Zhou Mingsheng , Kong Mingming , Ye Yuan , Deng Binbin , Tang Yulin
Published: September 2024

Civil aviation is an important part of public transportation. However, the wireless communication systems used in the approach and tower control phases of traffic control are susceptible to external interference, posing a threat to flight safety. Traditional communication interference solutions are time-consuming and require specialized technicians to troubleshoot. To solve this problem, we propose a real-time method for monitoring abnormal signals and detecting interference sources during aviation radio communications. The method consists of three steps: real-time blind source signal separation using cubic polynomial fitting, abnormal signal monitoring based on discriminative signal residence time, and using Pearson correlation coefficients to identify abnormal interference sources. This comprehensive approach effectively ensures the frequency safety of aviation radio communications. Experiments conducted at different locations in real airport environments demonstrate that this method can efficiently identify the signal bands and their interference sources.
Variable and dynamic associations between hot weather, thermal comfort, and individuals’ emotional states during summertime
Authors: Meidenbauer Kimberly L. , Schertz Kathryn E. , Li Peiyuan , Sharma Ashish , Freeman Tiara R. , Janey Elizabeth A. , Stier Andrew J. , Samtani Anya L. , Gehrke Kathryn , Berman Marc G.
Published: September 2024

The effects of heat exposure on negative affect are thought to be central to the observed relationships between hot summer days and deleterious outcomes, such as violent crime or mental health crises. As these relationships are likely to be magnified by the effects of climate change, a better understanding of how consistent or variable the effects of hot weather on affective states is required. The current work combines data gathered from an ecological momentary assessment (EMA) study on individuals’ thermal perceptions, comfort, and affective states in outdoor environments during their daily lives with high spatiotemporal resolution climate-modeled weather variables. Using these data, associations between objective weather variables (temperature, humidity, etc.), perceived heat (thermal perception and comfort), and affective states are examined. Overall, objective weather data reasonably predicted perception and comfort, but only comfort predicted negative affective states. The variance explained across individuals was generally very low in predicting negative affect or comfort, but within-person variance explained was high. In other words, while there may be a relatively consistent relationship between temperature and psychological experience for any given person, there are significant individual differences across people. Age and gender were examined as moderators of these relationships, and while gender had no impact, participant age showed several significant interactions. Specifically, while older adults tended to experience more thermal discomfort and perceived higher temperatures as hotter, the relationship between discomfort and negative affect was lower in older adults. Taken together, these results emphasize the importance of thermal discomfort specifically in predicting negative affect, as well as the high inter-individual variability in thermal perceptions and comfort for the same ambient temperatures.
Peace, equanimity and acceptance in the cancer experience: validation of the German version (PEACE-G) and associations with mental health, health-related quality of life and psychological constructs
Authors: Sauer Christina , Hansen Till , Prigerson Holly G. , Mack Jennifer W. , Bugaj Till J. , Weißflog Gregor
Published: September 2024

Background

Systematic reviews and meta-analyses reveal the importance of an accepting attitude towards cancer for mental health and functional coping. The aim of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of the German translation of the Peace, Equanimity, and Acceptance in the Cancer Experience (PEACE) questionnaire (Mack et al., 2008) and to investigate its associations with mental health, health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and related constructs.

Methods

The German version of the PEACE (PEACE-G) was created and validated with cancer patients in a cross-sectional two center questionnaire study. Construct validity was tested with confirmational factor analyses (CFA); Cronbach’s alpha was used to determine internal consistency of items. We further examined associations with depression (PHQ-8), anxiety (GAD-7), distress (NCCN distress thermometer), HRQoL (SF-12), psychological flexibility (AAQ-II), resilience (RS-11) and acceptance scales, to evaluate concurrent and divergent validity.

Results

N = 213 cancer patients with different tumor entities participated in this study. Results of the CFA replicated the two-factor solution of the original PEACE (peaceful acceptance and struggle with illness) with satisfactory psychometric properties. Peaceful acceptance showed negative associations with depression, anxiety, distress, psychological inflexibility, and positive associations with HRQoL, acceptance, resilience, and mindfulness. Results of sensitivity analyses indicate a third factor (injustice/anger).

Conclusions

The results demonstrate the validity and reliability of PEACE-G in cancer patients and point to the essential role of acceptance- and mindfulness-based interventions in psycho-oncology. Further studies are needed to investigate the different facets of struggle with the cancer illness.
Accuracy of holmium-166 SPECT/CT quantification over a large range of activities
Authors: Westlund Gotby Lovisa E. L. , Lobeek Daphne , Roosen Joey , de Bakker Maarten , Konijnenberg Mark W. , Nijsen J. Frank W.
Published: September 2024

Background

Quantitative imaging is a crucial step for dosimetry in radionuclide therapies. Traditionally, SPECT/CT imaging is quantified based on scanner-specific conversion factors or self-calibration, but recently absolute quantification methods have been introduced in commercial SPECT reconstruction software (Broad Quantification, Siemens Healthineers). In this phantom study we investigate the accuracy of three quantification methods for holmium-166 SPECT/CT imaging, and provide recommendations for clinical dosimetry.

Methods

One cylindrical phantom, filled with a homogeneous holmium-166-chloride activity concentration solution, was imaged at one time point to determine a scanner-specific conversion factor, and to characterize the spatial dependency of the activity concentration recovery. One Jaszczak phantom with six fillable spheres, 10:1 sphere-to-background ratio, was imaged over a large range of holmium-166 activities (61-3130 MBq). The images were reconstructed with either an ordered subset expectation maximization (OSEM, Flash3D-reconstruction; scanner-specific quantification or self-calibration quantification) or an ordered subset conjugate gradient (OSCG, xSPECT-reconstruction; Broad Quantification) algorithm. These three quantification methods were compared for the data of the Jaszczak phantom and evaluated based on whole phantom recovered activity, activity concentration recovery coefficients (ACRC), and recovery curves.

Results

The activity recovery in the Jaszczak phantom was 28–115% for the scanner-specific, and 57–97% for the Broad Quantification quantification methods, respectively. The self-calibration-based activity recovery is inherently always 100%. The ACRC for the largest sphere (Ø60 mm, ~ 113 mL) ranged over (depending on the activity level) 0.22–0.89, 0.76–0.86, 0.39–0.72 for scanner-specific, self-calibration and Broad Quantification, respectively.

Conclusion

Of the three investigated quantification methods, the self-calibration technique produces quantitative SPECT images with the highest accuracy in the investigated holmium-166 activity range.
The development and implementation of design flowchart for probabilistic rock slope stability assessments: a review
Authors: Rusydy Ibnu , Canbulat Ismet , Zhang Chengguo , Wei Chunchen , McQuillan Alison
Published: September 2024

Background

Rock slope instability is a complex geotechnical issue that is affected by site-specific rock properties, geological structures, groundwater, and earthquake load conditions. Numerous studies acknowledge these aleatory uncertainties in slope stability assessment; however, understanding the rock behaviour could still be improved. Therefore, this paper aims to summarise the probability methods applied in rock slope stability analysis in mining and civil engineering and develop new probabilistic design and assessment methodologies for four methods, namely empirical/rock mass classifications techniques, kinematic analysis, limit equilibrium (LE), and numerical methods and introduces how to integrate all methods to determine the total probability of failure. The case studies have been conducted based on slopes from Indonesia, a seismically active country, utilising the proposed design methods.

Results

Regarding the probabilistic empirical/rock mass classification (RMC) technique, this study has identified that seven of the ten most involved input parameters in RMC naturally exhibit aleatory uncertainty. Thus, the optimal way to present the output probability of RMC is as a confidence interval (CI) or total and conditional probability associated with each rock mass class. In probabilistic kinematic analysis, this study presents a systematic method to compute the probabilities of different types of failure alongside the total probability of occurrence (PtK). The probability of failure (PoF) for jointed generalized Hoek-Brown (GHB) numerical modelling was lower than that obtained through the probabilistic LE approach for a similar slope. However, the PoF of jointed GHB is higher than the LE approach when loaded with 0.1 and 0.15 earthquake coefficients.

Conclusions

The variation of PoF across different failure criteria determines how epistemic uncertainty is apparent in the modelling process, while the aleatory uncertainty arises from input parameters. Furthermore, this study introduces the total probability of failure equation as a combination of kinematic and kinetic probabilities (limit equilibrium and numerical modelling).