bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Declining Trends in Crime Reporting and Victims’ Trust of Police in the United States and Major Metropolitan Areas in the 21st Century
Authors: Xie Min , Ortiz Solis Veyli , Chauhan Preeti
Published: August 2023

Victims’ willingness to report crime and their opinions about the police are important indicators of police performance, police legitimacy, and trust in the justice system. This study examines two decades of trends in police notification and victims’ perceptions of the police in the United States and major metropolitan areas since 2000, using data from the National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS). In contrast to previous studies indicating an increase in police notification in the 1980s and 1990s, the present study shows a progressive decline in police notification observed in the last two decades, especially since 2010. Furthermore, there has been a marked increase in victims’ mistrust of police responsiveness since the mid-2000s. Using multivariable regression models that control for potential changes in the characteristics of crime and survey methodology, we find that the victims’ rising distrust of the police is widespread in many metropolitan areas, in all racial/ethnic and socioeconomic groups, and especially so for victims of theft, burglary, and simple assault. In the discussion, we suggest that the changing policing strategies and the evolving economic, political, and social environments of the 21st century may help explain the trends identified by this research. Understanding victim reporting trends and victims’ opinions of the police may affect data and policy and help the justice system to better serve victims and enhance public safety.
The connection between missing school and Indigenous community: challenges and complexities
Authors: Zamzuri Norol Hamiza , Hanafiah Mohd Hafiz , Suzila Tengku Intan , Mat Nor Norzanah , Rosnan Herwina
Published: August 2023

This commentary elaborates on the issues pertaining to absenteeism among Indigenous children and explores their perceived challenges and complexities. The qualitative study focuses on the Malaysian Semaq Beri Indigenous community, with 1 of the 19 Orang Asli (the Indigenous people of Peninsular Malaysia). Data were collected via semi-structured interviews. The findings indicate that despite various initiatives and incentives by the government to increase access to education, their acceptance of the modern education system is still limited, caused by a complex set of underlying factors: distance to school, lack of transportation assistance, less commitment to modern education, enclave cultural demand, socio-economic disparity, and lack of technology readiness. The study recommends more horizontal and vertical policy-making strategies to inculcate a culture of lifelong learning among the young Indigenous generation. These are seen as preconditions to success through consolidating and sustaining the Indigenous community’s cultural beliefs with current education policies.
Positionality, inter-subjectivity and reflexivity in Muslim minority research
Authors: Hall C Michael , Prayag Girish , Oh Youri , Mahdavi Mahshid Ahdiyeh , Xin Jean Lim
Published: August 2023

Drawing substantially on epistemologies developed in the context of vulnerable populations and responding to calls for greater epistemic justice in marketing research, an intersectional framework involving positionality, partiality, reflexivity, and situated knowledges is proposed to reflect on undertaking market research with Muslim minority populations in non-Muslim majority countries. This population is often highly vulnerable due to stigmatisation, Islamophobia and processes of othering that affect Muslim consumer behaviour, practices and identity. The framework is derived from reflexive experiences of market research undertaken by the authors on and with Islamic consumers both on an individual and collective basis and from relevant literature. The framework highlights the relational nature of the research experience and the situatedness and positionality of both the researcher and researched. In the case of research with Muslim populations we also draw out the significance of religious identity, ideology and religiosity; intersectionalities, including gender; and religious and cultural power as framed by cultural and institutional practices and which affect notions of class and attitudes to the other. We propose an approach that helps overcome Muslim/non-Muslim binaries that flatten the lived notions of the Muslim experience and consumption practices and instead provide for a richer and more representative account of Muslim identity. However, this approach also heightens researcher sensitivity to the situatedness of Muslims within social norms and the implications that this has for anonymity.
Research on Electroacupuncture Parameters for Cancer Pain Based on Data Mining
Authors: Li Quan-yao , Yang Wen-xiao , Liu Hui , Jiao Li-Jing , Gong Ya-bin , Shi Jun
Published: August 2023

Background:

Cancer pain, a common complication of this disease, has been widely treated by electroacupuncture in recent years. However, there are numerous treatment parameters that are not conducive to clinical translation applications. This study aims to summarize the stimulation parameters commonly used in electroacupuncture treating cancer pain by data mining and visualization techniques to provide a basis for the future acupuncture technology transformation and selection of optimal stimulation parameters.

Methods:

Nine databases, including Pubmed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, OVID, China National Knowledge Infrastructure Database, China Biology Medicine disk, China Science and Technology Journal Database, and Wanfang Database, were searched for clinical studies on electroacupuncture treatment cancer pain published between January 2012 and September 2022. A database was established using Microsoft Excel 2020 and analyzed with SPSS Modeler 18.1 software and SPSS statistics 26.0 software.

Results:

Twenty-four articles were included according to the established criteria. The most used electroacupuncture stimulation parameters were a dilatational wave, the current frequency of 2/100 Hz, stimulation duration of 30 minutes per treatment, and frequency of treatment once a day. Fifty-eight acupoints were mentioned, and the total frequency of acupoints involved was 156 times. The most used ones include Zusanli (ST36), Sanyinjiao (SP06), Hegu (LI04), Neiguan (PC06), Quchi (LI11), Taichong (LR03), Ashi point, Jiaji point, and those most generally used acupoints that are closely arranged on the Stomach Channel of Foot Yangming and the Spleen Channel of Foot Taiyin. The association analysis of acupoints revealed that the most supported acupoint pair was Sanyinjiao (SP06) and Zusanli (ST36). Cluster analysis demonstrated 3 groups, 1 for obligatory acupoints, 1 for Ashi point, and the third for Jiaji point.

Conclusions:

A dilatational wave, the current frequency of 2/100 Hz, 30-minute stimulation, and acupoints of the Stomach Channel of Foot Yangming and the Spleen Channel of Foot Taiyin selection are frequently used in electroacupuncture for treating cancer pain. Due to the limitations of this study, further research and more standardized, multi-center, large-sample clinical trials can be carried out to guide optimizing acupuncture treatment schemes and promote the formation of TCM-characteristic technologies for cancer pain.
Ozaki Procedure Plus Aortic Annular Enlargement in an Extremely Narrow Aortic Annulus: A Surgical Challenge
Authors: Callalli-Mattos Edmy , Gonzales-Castro Silvana , Salas-Escobedo Giuseppe , Ríos-Ortega Josías C.
Published: August 2023

We report a 19-year-old woman with a history of percutaneous aortic valve (AV) balloon valvuloplasty 3 years ago. She was admitted with severe symptomatic AV stenosis with narrow aortic annulus. We decided to perform AV reconstruction with autologous pericardium. However, surgical findings revealed a very narrow AV annulus with a unicuspid valve; therefore, an AV enlargement was added.
Initial clinical experience with the Bendit steerable articulating tip microcatheter for intracranial access and intervention
Authors: Qiao Yang , Zhang Yi J , Tsappidi Samuel , Mehta Tej I , Hui Ferdinand K
Published: August 2023

Background

The increasing complexity and sophistication of neurovascular implants and other therapeutic devices depend on access and delivery systems. Advancements in access technologies are required to improve minimally invasive endovascular procedures. Steerable catheters have been available in other disciplines, however, their implementation in neurovascular interventions has been a barrier previously due to issues with miniaturization and vascular caliber/complexity.

Methods

A retrospective review of the neurovascular stroke database was conducted in accordance with local IRB to identify patients that received neurointerventional endovascular procedures using a novel first iteration 0.021'' microcatheter with controlled articulating tip flexion. Indications, management, demographics, comorbidities, and clinical and technical outcomes were recorded and analyzed. Primary operator feedback on the novel catheter was collected and reviewed.

Results

Ten consecutive patients receiving treatment that involved a novel steerable 0.021'' microcatheter were identified and analyzed. No complications were reported. Novel useful features of the catheter were reported on a case-by-case basis.

Conclusions

Initial clinical experience with the controlled articulation that permits flexion at the tip of the microcatheter demonstrated it to be safe. Access to difficult proximal origin curves, and distal clinoidal/ophthalmic segment anatomy may be improved due to the high torque transmission, and acute angulation of this microcatheter. Further experience with the delivery of therapeutic devices will be necessary to better understand the potential role that the present catheter may play in modern neurointerventional procedures.
Adoption of electronic patient medication records in community pharmacies in the United Arab Emirates: A cross-sectional survey
Authors: Al Meslamani Ahmad Z , Jarab Anan S. , Abdel-Qader Derar H , Mohamed Ibrahim Osama , Al Mazrouei Nadia
Published: August 2023

Background:

Access to accurate and relevant patient health information is crucial for community pharmacists to deliver high-quality care. The use of electronic patient medication records (e-PMR) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is currently limited to hospital settings, and community pharmacists do not have access to patient records.

Objective:

To evaluate the perceptions of community pharmacists regarding the potential benefits, barriers, and concerns associated with the implementation of the e-PMR system in community pharmacies in the UAE.

Method:

A validated questionnaire was administered to a sample of licensed community pharmacists using proportionate random sampling. The survey was structured and consisted of 40 questions in four sections: characteristics of community pharmacists and pharmacies; perceived usefulness of e-PMR; perceived barriers; and concerns about the use of e-PMR.

Results:

In total, 552 pharmacists filled out the questionnaire (82.1% response rate). The majority of participants somewhat or strongly agreed that e-PMR would reduce drug abuse (71.6%), dispensing errors (64.4%) and prescribing errors (69.0%), and believed that e-PMR would enhance pharmacists’ ability to perform medication reviews (76.0%). Pharmacists in charge (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.5; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.6–3.6), facing difficulty tracking the medical history of patients (AOR = 3.2; 95% CI: 2.8–3.9) and working in pharmacies providing telepharmacy services (AOR = 3.4; 95% CI: 2.7–3.8) were more likely to consider e-PMR useful.

Implications:

The implementation of the e-PMR system in community pharmacies has potential benefits for patient safety and medication therapy management in the UAE.
Chemical Composition and In Vitro Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, and Tyrosinase-Inhibiting Activity of Essential Oils Extracted From the Leaves and Twigs of Calocedrus macrolepis var. formosana
Authors: Shyu Jiann-Gwo , Hsu Kuang-Ping , Yang Mei-Ling , Hsu Chun-Kai , Wei Liang Yu , Ho Hui-Tung , Ho Chen-Lung
Published: August 2023

In this study, we focused on evaluating the antimicrobial, antioxidant, and tyrosinase-inhibiting properties of leaf and twig essential oils from Calocedrus macrolepis var. formosana. Additionally, we determined the major components associated with these effects. The findings revealed that α-pinene (36.4%) and limonene (23.6%) were the dominant components in the leaf essential oil, while α-pinene (36.2%), ferruginol (22.5%), and limonene (13.1%) were the major constituents in the twig essential oil. However, when comparing the biological activities of the 2 essential oils, the twig essential oil demonstrated excellent inhibitory effects against skin pathogens, as well as strong antioxidant and tyrosinase-inhibiting activities, in contrast to the leaf essential oil. The twig essential oil also exhibited excellent antimicrobial activity against 5 skin pathogenic strains, with the strongest inhibitory effect being that against Staphylococcus aureus, S epidermidis, and Candida albicans, which was accompanied by an inhibition zone of 46 to 48 mm, a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 125 μg/mL, and a minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of 250 μg/mL. The inhibitory activity of the twig essential oil against lipid peroxidation was found to be potent, as evidenced by an IC50 value of 216 ± 1.9 μg/mL. It also exhibited strong scavenging activity against free radicals, including 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) (IC50 = 121.6 ± 0.5 μg/mL) and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) (IC50 = 136.8 ± 1.6 μg/mL) cation radicals. In addition, it exhibited a high cupric ion reducing–antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC), with the A0.50 value determined to be 186.28 ± 0.5 μg/mL. It also exhibited adequate activity in terms of inhibiting in vitro tyrosinase activity, as evidenced by an IC50 value of 168.5 ± 0.6 μg/mL. Further analysis revealed that ferruginol was the active component responsible for the antimicrobial, antioxidative, and tyrosinase-inhibiting activities observed in twig oil. These findings suggest that the twig oil is a promising candidate for further research because of its favorable antimicrobial, antioxidative, and tyrosinase-inhibiting activity.
Analysis and prediction of postoperative recurrence of unilateral upper ureteral calculi in 243 cases (nomogram)
Authors: Zhou Qi , Ouyang Jun , Zhang Zhi-yu
Published: August 2023

Objective: This study aimed to identify the risk factors for postoperative recurrence of unilateral upper ureteral calculi and develop a predictive nomogram. Patients and Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 243 patients diagnosed with unilateral upper ureteral calculi who were treated at our hospital between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2018. Patients were divided into two groups: recurrence or non-recurrence cohort. Differences in age, gender, smoking and/or drinking habit, laterality, stone diameter, ureteral stricture, stone incarceration, urinary tract infection, surgical intervention, operation time, body mass index, and metabolic syndrome were analyzed. Discrete risk factors were screened, and a nomogram was developed to predict the probability of stone recurrence. Results: The study found that the recurrence of ureteral calculi was associated with factors including stone diameter, ureteral stricture, stone incarceration, surgical intervention, operation time, metabolic syndrome, body mass index, triglycerides, diabetes, and high blood pressure ( p  < 0.05). Ureteral stricture, surgical intervention, metabolic syndrome, and triglycerides were found to be discrete risk factors for stone recurrence ( p < 0.05). In addition, the study revealed that the stone recurrence rate of metabolic syndrome patients was significantly elevated ( p < 0.05), as demonstrated by the survival curve. Lastly, using the nomogram, with an area under the curve value of 0.929, the recurrence rate of ureteral calculi was predicted. Conclusions: The study identified that preoperative ureteral stricture, laparoscopic ureterolithotomy, metabolic syndrome, and triglycerides are closely related to postoperative recurrence of ureteral calculi. The nomogram developed in this study can be used as a predictive tool for the recurrence rate of ureteral calculi.
A call for a fragility fractures centralised care pathway in Australia: A qualitative study among healthcare professionals
Authors: Ho An N T , Robinson Ann , Brandis Susan J
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Osteoporosis remains unrecognised and untreated in patients with fragility fractures, which leads to higher mortality rate, increasing social and economic burden related to subsequent fractures. However, the presence of a coordinated and centralised care pathway for fragility fractures is lacking. The purpose of this paper is to explore the perspectives of health professionals regarding the current management for distal radius fragility fractures, how the care pathway can be optimised for patients with distal radius fragility fractures, and where occupational therapists can contribute.

Methods

This paper uses a phenomenological qualitative methodology with selective and purposeful sampling, consisting of health professionals from an Australian Health Service ( N  =  20). Online surveys ( N  =  18) and semi-structured interviews ( N  =  16) were conducted. Content analysis was applied, followed by thematic analysis to identify emerging themes.

Results

Eighteen health professionals participated in the presurvey of which 16 were interviewed. The identified themes presented the gaps in the knowledge and awareness of fragility fractures and osteoporosis, as well as a lack of coordination in the system, especially the referral process.

Discussion

These findings are consistent with previous studies which also highlight the importance of communication, coordination, collaboration, cooperation, responsibility, and a population approach in achieving integrated care. This study contributes to the global call for a centralised and coordinated care pathway for fragility fractures. The study explores personal experiences of health professionals who expressed interest in fragility fractures management. Exploring patients’ perspectives on their journey of fragility fractures management provides opportunity for future research.
From Prohibition to Promotion: Framing and Sourcing the Legalization of Sports Betting in the U.S.
Authors: Petrotta Brian A.
Published: August 2023

The purpose of this study is to examine a massive shift in the framing of sports betting legalization in the United States. Thematic analysis from newspaper reports covering seminal moments in sports betting between 1991 (when public hearings were held prior to the passage of PASPA) and June 2018 (to include reports that immediately followed the fall of PASPA) identifies dominant frames and sources found in U.S. newspapers. Findings from this study reveal important implications for journalism and future policy making in a new era of widespread state-sponsored sports betting in the United States. Findings suggest that over time economic frames smothered moral/social and integrity frames surrounding legal sports betting. The discourse transformed from one of protecting vulnerable populations and the integrity of the games to one of protecting “consumers” who might gamble in a “safe, regulated” environment while contributing taxes to the state. Further, data revealed that official sources (e.g., professional sports representatives and elected officials) used access to newspaper reporting to assert tremendous influence over policy by shifting the narrative from prohibition to promotion of legalized sports betting.
Effect of Dynamic Pressure Feedback Orifice on Stability of Cartridge-Type Hydraulic Pilot-Operated Relief Valve
Authors: Yin Yaobao , Wang Dong , Fu Junyong , Jian Hong-chao
Published: August 2023

Current research on pilot-operated relief valve stability is primarily conducted from the perspective of system dynamics or stability criteria, and most of the existing conclusions focus on the spool shape, damping hole size, and pulsation frequency of the pump. However, the essential factors pertaining to the unstable vibration of relief valves remain ambiguous. In this study, the dynamic behavior of a pilot-operated relief valve is investigated using the frequency-domain method. The result suggests that the dynamic pressure feedback orifice is vital to the dynamic characteristics of the valve. A large orifice has a low flow resistance. In this case, the fluid in the main spring chamber flows freely, which is not conducive to the stability of the relief valve. However, a small orifice may create significant flow resistance, thus restricting fluid flow. In this case, the oil inside the main valve spring chamber is equivalent to a high-stiffness liquid spring. The main mass–spring vibration system has a natural frequency that differs significantly from the operating frequency of the relief valve, which is conducive to the stability of the relief valve. Good agreement is obtained between the theoretical analysis and experiments. The results indicate that designing a dynamic pressure feedback orifice of an appropriate size is beneficial to improving the stability of hydraulic pilot-operated relief valves. In addition, the dynamic pressure feedback orifice reduces the response speed of the relief valve. This study comprehensively considers the stability, rapidity, and immunity of relief valves and expands current investigations into the dynamic characteristics of relief valves from the perspective of classical control theory, thus revealing the importance of different parameters.
First filter feeding in the Early Triassic: cranial morphological convergence between Hupehsuchus and baleen whales
Authors: Fang Zi-Chen , Li Jiang-Li , Yan Chun-Bo , Zou Ya-Rui , Tian Li , Zhao Bi , Benton Michael J. , Cheng Long , Lai Xu-Long
Published: August 2023

Modern baleen whales are unique as large-sized filter feeders, but their roles were replicated much earlier by diverse marine reptiles of the Mesozoic. Here, we investigate convergence in skull morphology between modern baleen whales and one of the earliest marine reptiles, the basal ichthyosauromorph Hupehsuchus nanchangensis, from the Early Triassic, a time of rapid recovery of life following profound mass extinction. Two new specimens reveal the skull morphology especially in dorsal view. The snout of Hupehsuchus is highly convergent with modern baleen whales, as shown in a morphometric analysis including 130 modern aquatic amniotes. Convergences in the snout include the unfused upper jaw, specialized intermediate space in the divided premaxilla and grooves around the labial margin. Hupehsuchus had enlarged its buccal cavity to enable efficient filter feeding and probably used soft tissues like baleen to expel the water from the oral cavity. Coordinated with the rigid trunk and pachyostotic ribs suggests low speeds of aquatic locomotion, Hupehsuchus probably employed continuous ram filter feeding as in extant bowhead and right whales. The Early Triassic palaeoenvironment of a restrictive lagoon with low productivity drove Hupehsuchus to feed on zooplankton, which facilitated ecosystem recovery in the Nanzhang-Yuan’an Fauna at the beginning of the Mesozoic.
Primary care engagement in health system change: a scoping review of common barriers and effective strategies
Authors: Taglione Michael Sergio , Brown Judith Belle
Published: August 2023

Background

The complexity of health systems necessitates coordination between a multitude of stakeholders to enact meaningful change. Primary care physicians are a crucial partner to engage, as their investment and participation are critical to the success of any system-level initiative. The aim of this scoping review is to identify common barriers and effective strategies when engaging primary care physicians in designing and implementing health system change.

Methods

A scoping review was performed. A literature search was performed in March 2020 using five databases. 668 unique articles were identified and underwent a title and abstract review. 23 articles met criteria for full text review and 10 met final inclusion criteria. A backward citation analysis identified two articles. 12 articles underwent data extraction and thematic analysis.

Results

Several barriers to engagement were identified including a lack of trust between primary care physicians and decision-makers, strong professional physician identity, clinically irrelevant and complex proposals, and a lack of capacity and supports. Described strategies to overcome these barriers included building trust and relationships, contextual engagement strategies, working with physician leadership, enabling open and intentional communication channels, designing clinically relevant and straightforward initiatives, and considering financial incentives.

Conclusions

Barriers to primary care engagement should be addressed with contextually designed strategies and a focus on relationship building, collaborative efforts, and implementing relevant and feasible initiatives. Further research should explore how to best develop relationships with primary care, working with collective voices of primary care physicians, and to better understanding the impact of financial incentives on engagement.
Identifying cellular senescence associated genes involved in the progression of end-stage renal disease as new biomarkers
Authors: Xi Yu-jia , Guo Qiang , Zhang Ran , Duan Guo-sheng , Zhang Sheng-xiao
Published: August 2023

Background

Cellular senescence plays an essential role in the development and progression of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). However, the detailed mechanisms phenomenon remains unclear.

Methods

The mRNA expression profiling dataset GSE37171 was taken from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The cell senescence-associated hub genes were selected by applying protein–protein interaction (PPI), followed by correlation analysis, gene interaction analysis, Gene Ontology (GO), and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis. We next explored the relationships of hub genes with miRNAs, TFs, and diseases. The absolute abundance of eight immune cells and two stromal cells were calculated by MCPcount and the correlation of hub genes with these ten cells was analyzed. Lasso was used to selecting for trait genes. ROC curves and DCA decision curves were used to assess the accuracy and predictive power of the trait genes.

Results

A total of 65 cellular senescence signature genes were identified among patients and controls. The PPI network screened out ten hub genes. GO and KEGG indicated that ten hub genes were associated with ESRD progression. Transcription factor gene interactions and common regulatory networks of miRNAs were also identified in the datasets. The hub genes were significantly correlated with immune cells and stromal cells. Then the lasso model was constructed to screen out the five most relevant signature genes (FOS, FOXO3, SIRT1, TP53, SMARCA4). The area under the ROC curve (AUC) showed that these five characteristic genes have good resolving power for the diagnostic model.

Conclusions

Our findings suggested that cellular senescence-associated genes played an important role in the development of ESRD and immune regulation.
Secondary immunoglobulin A nephropathy with gross hematuria leading to rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis following severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 vaccination: a case report
Authors: Fukuda Miyako , Kaneko Tomohiro , Kawai Takahiro , Ishii Hiromasa , Shimizu Akira
Published: August 2023

Background

The outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection has been followed by many reports of the development and relapse of autoimmune diseases associated with SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. Some of these reports have involved relapse or onset of immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy following SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. Here, we report on a patient with IgA nephropathy who presented with gross hematuria and rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis following SARS-CoV-2 vaccination.

Case presentation

A 63-year-old male patient with a history of habitual tonsillitis underwent bilateral tonsillectomy. He had a history of alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver and microscopic hematuria and proteinuria were indicated during a health checkup 2 years before hospital admission. He developed hematuria after the SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, which led to rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis, for which he was hospitalized. A renal biopsy led to the diagnosis of IgA nephropathy. Although pulse steroid therapy during his condition resulted in hepatic encephalopathy, three courses combined with mizoribine improved his renal function.

Conclusion

SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines activate T cells, which are involved in the pathophysiology of IgA nephropathy. Therefore, this case suggests that the exacerbation of IgA nephropathy by the vaccine favors the vasculitis aspect of the disease.
Predictive power of PEN-3 cultural model in cervical cancer screening among women: a cross- sectional study in South of Iran
Authors: Dadipoor Sara , Alavi Azin , Kader Zainab , Mohseni Shokrollah , Eshaghi Sani Kakhaki Hadi , Shahabi Nahid
Published: August 2023

Background

Cervical cancer (CC) can be prevented through early detection facilitated by screening as well as an early diagnosis and effective treatment of the precancerous lesions. The present research aimed to determine the predictors of cervical cancer screening (CCS) based on the PEN-3 model constructs.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted between September 2021- March 2022 with 840 women aged 15–49 in the city of Bandar Abbas, in the south of Iran, using a cluster sampling. The participants completed a valid and reliable self-administered questionnaire in person. The questionnaire included demographic characteristics, knowledge toward CC and the constructs of the PEN-3 model toward CCS. A multivariable logistic regression was used to determine the relationship and predictive power of model constructs with behavior as an outcome variable. The data were statistically analyzed in STATA14.2. The p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

A total of 810 questionnaires were analyzed (with a return of 95.63%). The mean and standard deviation of the participants’ age was 30.97 ± 5.80 years. Pearson correlation coefficient analysis of all constructs and CCS behavior was statistically significant (P-value < 0.05). The multivariable logistic regression analytic results were enablers toward CCS (coefficient: 0.275) and Nurturers toward CCS (coefficient: 0.182), perceptions toward CCS (coefficient: 0.077) and knowledge toward CC (coefficient: 0.048, marginal significant) were predictors of CCS behavior. For the internal validity of the designed prediction model, a sample of 1000 was selected using the bootstrap sample replacement method which demonstrated the accuracy of the model PEN-3 is about 75% in predicting CCS behavior.

Conclusions

The results of the present research showed that personal factors such as perceptions and interpersonal factors such as enablers and nurturers toward CCS can predict CCS behavior. Therefore, in order to increase the acceptance of CCS in women, a set of intrapersonal and interpersonal factors should be taken into account.
Cetuximab as first-line treatment for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC): a model-based economic evaluation in Indonesia setting
Authors: Putri Septiara , Saldi Siti Rizny F. , Khoe Levina Chandra , Setiawan Ery , Megraini Amila , Santatiwongchai Benjarin , Nugraha Ryan R. , Permanasari Vetty Y. , Nadjib Mardiati , Sastroasmoro Sudigdo , Armansyah Armansyah
Published: August 2023

Objectives

To assess the cost-effectiveness of cetuximab in combination with chemotherapy fluorouracil, oxaliplatin, and leucovorin (FOLFOX) or fluorouracil, irinotecan and leucovorin (FOLFIRI) compared to standard chemotherapy alone as a first-line treatment for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) with positive KRAS wild type patients in Indonesia.

Methods

A cost-utility analysis applying Markov model was constructed, with a societal perspective. Clinical evidence was derived from published clinical trials. Direct medical costs were gathered from hospital billings. Meanwhile, direct non-medical costs, indirect costs, and utility data were collected by directly interviewing patients. We applied 3% discount rate for both costs and outcomes. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis was performed to explore the model’s uncertainty. Additionally, using payer perspective, budget impact analysis was estimated to project the financial impact of treatment coverage.

Results

There was no significant difference in life years gained (LYG) between cetuximab plus FOLFOX/FOLFIRI and chemotherapy alone. The incremental QALY was only one month, and the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was approximately IDR 3 billion/QALY for cetuximab plus chemotherapy. Using 1–3 GDP per capita (IDR 215 million or USD 14,350) as the current threshold, the cetuximab plus chemotherapy was not cost-effective. The budget impact analysis resulted that if cetuximab plus chemotherapy remain included in the benefits package under the Indonesian national health insurance (NHI) system, the payer would need more than IDR 1 trillion for five years.

Conclusions

The combination of cetuximab and chemotherapy for mCRC is unlikely cost-effective and has a substantial financial impact on the system.
Profiling and factors associated with glaucoma diagnostic practice in sub-Saharan Africa-a cross sectional study of Nigerian and Ghanaian optometrists
Authors: Ocansey Stephen , Ekure Edgar , Osuagwu Uchechukwu L. , Ekpenyong Bernadine N. , Ovenseri-Ogbomo Godwin , Kyeremeh Sylvester , Ogbuehi Kelechi C. , Agho Kingsley E. , Mashige Khathutshelo P. , Ndep Antor O. , Naidoo Kovin S. ,   Centre for Eye Care, Public Health Intervention Initiative (CEPHII)
Published: August 2023

Background

Ghana and Nigeria are the two countries in Africa that currently run the Doctor of Optometry (OD) program in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Optometrists in these countries are licensed to provide glaucoma care. Despite the clinically relevant practice guidelines for glaucoma, there is no data on the practice patterns for glaucoma eye care in SSA, a region with the highest prevalence of glaucoma. This study aimed to profile glaucoma diagnosis adherence to practice guidelines among optometrists in two neighbouring anglophone countries (Nigeria and Ghana).

Methods

A web-based cross-sectional survey of practising optometrists was conducted in both countries. Each country data was weighted to reflect the total number of licensed and practising optometrists at the time of this survey. Descriptive analyses were performed against demography and practice factors using survey commands to adjust for sampling weights when estimating confidence intervals (CI) around prevalence estimates. Simple and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with glaucoma diagnosis.

Results

A total of 493 optometrists (238, 48.3% and 255, 51.7%) from Ghana and Nigeria respectively, responded to the survey-the first to document and compare the glaucoma diagnostic criteria between optometrists in Ghana and Nigeria. More Ghanaian than Nigerian optometrists diagnosed glaucoma and over 90% in both countries reported that they frequently performed either tonometry, visual field testing, or fundus examination during glaucoma diagnosis. Ghanaian optometrists were significantly more likely to diagnose glaucoma than Nigerian optometrists (adjusted odd ratio, AOR = 6.15, 95%CI:1.63–23.15,P = .007). Optometrists who have practiced for more than 10 years (AOR = 7.04; 95%CI:1.74–28.47,P = .006) and private practice optometrists (AOR = 3.33; 95%CI:1.13–9.83,P = .03) were more likely to diagnose glaucoma.

Conclusions

The study provides information for evaluating glaucoma assessment for optometrists in both countries. Optometrists in both countries are reasonably well-equipped to diagnose glaucoma and are practicing at an adequate level, but with room for improvement.
Perinatal factors impacting echocardiographic left ventricular measurement in small for gestational age infants: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Elmakaty Ibrahim , Amarah Ahmed , Henry Michael , Chhabra Manoj , Hoang Danthanh , Suk Debbie , Ron Nitin , Dygulska Beata , Sy Farrah , Gudavalli Madhu B. , Nadroo Ali M. , Narula Pramod , Gad Ashraf
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Infants born small for gestational age (SGA) have an increased risk of developing various cardiovascular complications. While many influencing factors can be adjusted or adapt over time, congenital factors also have a significant role. This study, therefore, seeks to explore the effect of perinatal factors on the left ventricular (LV) parameters in SGA infants, as assessed immediately after birth.

Methods and materials

This single-center prospective cohort study, conducted between 2014 and 2018, involved healthy SGA newborns born > 35 weeks’ gestation, delivered at New York-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, and a gestational age (GA)-matched control group of appropriate for gestational age (AGA) infants. Data analysis was performed using multivariate linear regression in STATA.

Results

The study enrolled 528 neonates, 114 SGA and 414 AGA. SGA infants exhibited a mean GA of 38.05 weeks (vs. 38.54), higher male representation (69.3% vs. 51.5%), lower birth weight (BW) (2318g vs 3381g), lower Apgar scores at birth, and a higher rate of neonatal intensive care unit admission compared to AGA infants (41.2% vs.18.9%; p<0.001). Furthermore, SGA infants were more likely to be born to nulliparous women (63.16% vs. 38.16%; p<0.001), with lower body mass index (BMI) (29.8 vs. 31.7; p=0.004), a lower prevalence of gestational maternal diabetes (GDM) (14.9 % vs. 35.5%; p<0.001), and a higher prevalence of preeclampsia (18.4 % vs. 6.52%; p<0.001). BW was identified as the most significant predictor affecting most LV parameters in this study (p<0.001), except shortening fraction, asymmetric interventricular septal hypertrophy and Inter-ventricular septal thickness/LV posterior wall ratio (IVS/LVPW). Lower GA (coefficient = -0.09, p=0.002), insulin use in GDM (coefficient = 0.39, p=0.014), and low APGAR scores at 1 minute (coefficient = -0.07, p<0.001) were significant predictors of IVS during diastole (R-squared [R2]=0.24). High maternal BMI is marginally associated with LVPW during systole (R2=0.27, coefficient = 0.01, p=0.050), while male sex was a significant predictor of LV internal dimension during diastole (R2=0.29, p=0.033).

Conclusion

This study highlights the significant influence of perinatal factors on LV parameters in SGA infants, with BW being the most influential factor. Although LV morphology alone may not predict future cardiovascular risk in the SGA population, further research is needed to develop effective strategies for long-term cardiovascular health management in this population.
Fear of childbirth and its determinants in pregnant women in the third trimester: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Zhang Teng , Liu Meilin , Min Fanli , Wei Wei , Liu Yuan , Tong Jiao , Meng Qian , Sun Lizhou , Chen Xu
Published: August 2023

Background

Fear of childbirth (FOC) is a prevalent issue among pregnant women and significantly relates to adverse outcomes for the mother and child. However, it is not clear the prevalence and risk factors of FOC among pregnant women in a region with a moderate level of economic development in China. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of FOC among pregnant women in the third trimester of pregnancy in Lianyungang city, Eastern China.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted from December 2022 to February 2023 among pregnant women in the third trimester who met the inclusion criteria and visited Lianyungang Maternal and Child Health Hospital in Jiangsu Province, Eastern China. A structured questionnaire including sociodemographic characteristics, clinical characteristics, FOC, family function, doctor-patient communication, social support, general self-efficacy, anxiety, depression, insomnia symptoms, and quality of life was used to collect data. A multiple linear regression model was used to identify predictors of FOC.

Results

This study included 535 pregnant women in the third trimester. The mean score of FOC was 30.67 ± 10.18, and the median score was 29.00. The prevalence of FOC was 56.64%. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that pregnant women with electronic screen exposure time more than 5 h per day (β = 2.02, 95%CI: 0.50–3.53, P < 0.05), no history of cesarean section (β = 2.66, 95%CI: 0.61–4.71, P < 0.05), likes sour food or hates greasy food (β = 1.75, 95%CI: 0.00-3.50, P < 0.05), anxiety (β = 0.50, 95%CI: 0.21–0.80, P < 0.05) and depression (β = 0.30, 95%CI: 0.04–0.57, P < 0.05) were more likely to have a greater level of FOC than their counterparts. However, a significantly lower level of FOC was observed in pregnant women who were multipara (β=-1.64, 95%CI: -3.27–0.01, P < 0.05), not worrying about delivery without family members (β=-3.75, 95%CI: -5.26–2.25, P < 0.001), had good family function (β=-0.32, 95%CI: -0.64–0.00, P < 0.05) and doctor-patient communication (β=-0.33, 95%CI: -0.64–0.02, P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The prevalence of FOC was high in Lianyungang city, Eastern China. FOC is influenced by multiple factors. There is an urgent need to develop interventions to reduce the prevalence of FOC in the third trimester of pregnancy, and to pay attention to pregnant women with risk factors for FOC.
Validation of the Occupational Depression Inventory in Sweden
Authors: Jansson-Fröjmark Markus , Badinlou Farzaneh , Lundgren Tobias , Schonfeld Irvin Sam , Bianchi Renzo
Published: August 2023

Background

The Occupational Depression Inventory (ODI) was recently devised to assess depressive symptoms that individuals specifically attribute to their work. One purpose of the ODI is to overcome limitations in current assessments of job-related distress. This study aimed to validate the Swedish version of the ODI.

Methods

The study involved 365 individuals employed in Sweden. In addition to the ODI, the study included the Satisfaction with Life Scale, the Effort-Reward Imbalance Questionnaire, the Demand-Control-Support Questionnaire, the GAD-2, and the PHQ-9. We inquired into the factorial validity, dimensionality, scalability, test-score reliability, criterion validity, convergent validity, discriminant validity, and measurement invariance of the ODI.

Results

Exploratory structural equation modeling bifactor analysis indicated that the ODI’s Swedish version meets the requirements for essential unidimensionality (e.g., explained common variance = 0.872). Measurement invariance held across sexes, age groups, and occupational categories. The instrument exhibited strong scalability (e.g., H = 0.662). The observed total scores thus accurately ranked respondents on the latent continuum underlying the scale. The ODI’s total-score reliability was high (e.g., McDonald’s ω = 0.929). Speaking to the instrument’s criterion validity, we found occupational depression to correlate, in the expected direction, with various work (e.g., job support) and nonwork (e.g., general anxiety) variables. Occupational depression showed large correlations with effort-reward imbalance (r = 0.613) and demand-control imbalance (r = 0.566) at work. Multiple regression analyses supported these associations further. As expected, we observed both a degree of convergent validity and a degree of discriminant validity when examining the ODI against the PHQ-9, an attribution-free measure of depression.

Discussion

This study indicates that the ODI performs well within the Swedish context, consistent with the findings obtained in other linguistic and geographic contexts. The ODI promises to help researchers, practitioners, and public health decision-makers address job-related distress more effectively.
Real-time forecasting of COVID-19 spread according to protective behavior and vaccination: autoregressive integrated moving average models
Authors: Cheng Chieh , Jiang Wei-Ming , Fan Byron , Cheng Yu-Chieh , Hsu Ya-Ting , Wu Hsiao-Yu , Chang Hsiao-Han , Tsou Hsiao-Hui
Published: August 2023

Background

Mathematical and statistical models are used to predict trends in epidemic spread and determine the effectiveness of control measures. Automatic regressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) models are used for time-series forecasting, but only few models of the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic have incorporated protective behaviors or vaccination, known to be effective for pandemic control.

Methods

To improve the accuracy of prediction, we applied newly developed ARIMA models with predictors (mask wearing, avoiding going out, and vaccination) to forecast weekly COVID-19 case growth rates in Canada, France, Italy, and Israel between January 2021 and March 2022. The open-source data was sourced from the YouGov survey and Our World in Data. Prediction performance was evaluated using the root mean square error (RMSE) and the corrected Akaike information criterion (AICc).

Results

A model with mask wearing and vaccination variables performed best for the pandemic period in which the Alpha and Delta viral variants were predominant (before November 2021). A model using only past case growth rates as autoregressive predictors performed best for the Omicron period (after December 2021). The models suggested that protective behaviors and vaccination are associated with the reduction of COVID-19 case growth rates, with booster vaccine coverage playing a particularly vital role during the Omicron period. For example, each unit increase in mask wearing and avoiding going out significantly reduced the case growth rate during the Alpha/Delta period in Canada (–0.81 and –0.54, respectively; bothp< 0.05). In the Omicron period, each unit increase in the number of booster doses resulted in a significant reduction of the case growth rate in Canada (–0.03), Israel (–0.12), Italy (–0.02), and France (–0.03); allp< 0.05.

Conclusions

The key findings of this study are incorporating behavior and vaccination as predictors led to accurate predictions and highlighted their significant role in controlling the pandemic. These models are easily interpretable and can be embedded in a “real-time” schedule with weekly data updates. They can support timely decision making about policies to control dynamically changing epidemics.