bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on hand surgery: a FESSH perspective
Authors: Herren Daniel B. , Verstreken Frederik , Lluch Alex , Naqui Zaf , van der Heijden Brigitte
Published: April 2022

COVID-19 has affected us all. The following collection of short essays highlights various aspects of the pandemic and how it has impacted hand surgery and lessons learned, from the perspective of the Federation of European Societies for Surgery of the Hand (FESSH) Executive Committee members. A range of topics were individually chosen by each of the five committee members and presented.
Anterior Capsule Reconstruction in the Setting of PVNS
Authors: Lukosius Eric , Chopra Aman , Parekh Selene
Published: April 2022

Background:

Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) is a benign proliferative disease affecting tendon sheaths and synovial tissue. Pigmented villonodular synovitis in the foot and ankle has a high rate of recurrence, which can be destructive if incompletely removed. This case series analyzes functional outcomes after PVNS operative resection with an anterior ankle capsular reconstruction, using a novel technique.

Methods:

Three patients with PVNS underwent surgery between 2010 and 2020. The operative technique involved a posterior, midline approach for PVNS resection of the affected ankle joint, followed by a standard anterior approach for capsular excision. Subsequent anterior capsular reconstruction was performed with a regenerative tissue matrix and a bioresorbable anchoring system. Preoperative and postoperative range of motion for the ankle and subtalar joints, visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, and return to daily activities was assessed along with appropriate radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) imaging.

Results:

All 3 surgeries had a mean follow-up period of 52.3 (range, 4-123) months and resulted in successful recovery as assessed by the VAS and self-reported activity. Preoperative ankle dorsiflexion and plantarflexion along with subtalar inversion and eversion range of motion were all normal. Postoperative ankle motion and subtalar motion were not statistically different. No complications or recurrence of PVNS was observed.

Conclusion:

Further investigation is warranted to better understand the clinical outcomes of this technique designed to successfully eliminate PVNS recurrence.

Level of Evidence:

IV- Retrospective case series
Physics-informed regularisation procedure in neural networks: An application in blast protection engineering
Authors: Pannell Jordan J , Rigby Sam E , Panoutsos George
Published: April 2022

Machine learning offers the potential to enable probabilistic-based approaches to engineering design and risk mitigation. Application of such approaches in the field of blast protection engineering would allow for holistic and efficient strategies to protect people and structures subjected to the effects of an explosion. To achieve this, fast-running engineering models that provide accurate predictions of blast loading are required. This paper presents a novel application of a physics-guided regularisation procedure that enhances the generalisation ability of a neural network (PGNN) by implementing monotonic loss constraints to the objective function due to specialist prior knowledge of the problem domain. The PGNN is developed for prediction of specific impulse loading distributions on a rigid target following close-in detonation of a spherical mass of high explosive. The results are compared to those from a traditional neural network (NN) architecture and stress-tested through various data holdout approaches to evaluate its generalisation ability. In total the results show five statistically significant performance premiums, with four of these being achieved by the PGNN. This indicates that the proposed methodology can be used to improve the accuracy and physical consistency of machine learning approaches for blast load prediction.
Muslim bias or fear of fundamentalism? A survey experiment in five Western European democracies
Authors: Helbling Marc , Jäger Felix , Traunmüller Richard
Published: April 2022

Several studies have shown that attitudes toward immigrants to Europe are marked by a Muslim bias. More recently, Helbling and Traunmüller (2020) have suggested that this Muslim bias is in fact driven by a religiosity bias and thus that the strength of migrant’ religiosity has a bigger effect on attitudes towards them than their nominal faith. The aim of this paper is to replicate and expand Helbling and Traunmüller with a fresh full factorial survey experiment, fielded in 2016/17. We go beyond the limitations of Helbling and Traunmüller, who study the effects of nominal faith, religiosity, and Nigerian as well as Bulgarian immigrants in Great Britain, by including Austria, Germany, France, and Switzerland to rule out idiosyncratic context effects. Moreover, we distinguish between labor migrants and refugees and include Syrian origin. For different groups of migrants in all five countries, our results confirm that the Muslim bias is mainly driven by the degree of migrants’ and refugees’ religiosity: secular and devout Muslims are viewed more positively than both Muslim and Christian fundamentalists.
Fragile civility and the seeds of conflict among youth in contemporary Indonesia
Authors: Sirry Mun’im , Suyanto Bagong , Sugihartati Rahma , Hidayat Medhy Aginta , Srimulyo Koko
Published: April 2022

This article highlights various forms of uncivil behavior among Indonesian students which may become the seed of conflict, including bullying, which reflect how fragile youth civility is. Civility and incivility are different yet linked concepts that manifest with complexity in schools and beyond. Anecdotal evidence of incivility among young people is present in various forums, including social media and news coverage. Based on a mixed-methods design of quantitative and qualitative research, this study shows that incivility, bullying, intolerant, and aggressive behavior are prevalent both within and beyond the school environment in Indonesia. However, these uncivil behaviors have not been addressed with a sense of urgency in the country. It is hoped that this article will shed some light on the seriousness of uncivil behavior among Indonesian youth, which requires close attention on the part of schools, policy-makers and society at large.
Trabecular Bone Remodeling as a New Indicator of Osteointegration After Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion
Authors: Segi Naoki , Nakashima Hiroaki , Shinjo Ryuichi , Kagami Yujiro , Ando Kei , Machino Masaaki , Ito Sadayuki , Koshimizu Hiroyuki , Tomita Hiroyuki , Ouchida Jun , Imagama Shiro
Published: April 2022

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Objectives

We newly found that trabecular bone remodeling (TBR) often appeared in the fixed adjacent vertebrae during bony fusion. Thus, TBR might indicate osteointegration. Hence, we aimed to investigate whether TBR in the early postoperative period could predict future bony fusion after posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF).

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 78 patients who underwent one-level PLIF. Demographic data were reviewed. Using computed tomography (CT) images taken at 3 months and 1 year postoperatively, we investigated the vertebral endplate cyst (VEC) formation, TBR in the vertebral body, cage subsidence, and clear zone around pedicle screw (CZPS).

Results

TBR had high interobserver reliability regardless of cage materials. VECs, TBR, and both were found in 30, 53, and 16 patients at 3 months postoperatively and in 30, 65, and 22 patients at 1 year postoperatively, respectively. The incidence of VEC, which indicates poor fixation, was lower in early (3 months postoperatively) TBR-positive patients, with a significant difference at 1 year postoperatively (3 months, P = .074; 1 year, P = .003). Furthermore, 3 (5.7%) of the 53 early TBR-positive patients had CZPS without instability at 1 year postoperatively. In 25 TBR-negative patients, 1 (4.0%) had pedicle screw cutout requiring reoperation, 1 (4.0%) had pseudarthrosis, and 4 (16%) had CZPS.

Conclusions

Patients with early TBR (3 months) did not experience pedicle screw cutout nor pseudarthrosis and had significantly fewer VECs than those without early TBR. Thus, TBR may be a new radiological marker of initial fixation after PLIF.
Medium-term outcomes of short stems in total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Morales De Cano Jaime Jose , Molina Ramon Clos , Puertolas Estela Trias
Published: April 2022

Background

Prosthetic surgery has shown good short-term results with the use of short stems, results comparable with the experience of conventional stems. The aim of this study was to investigate and describe the characteristics and clinical course of patients operated on with the short stem GTS in the medium term.

Methods

Between November 2010 and September 2014, 152 primary hip prostheses were operated on in 142 patients with a mean follow-up of 95.49 months (range 75–120). We analyzed the intraoperative and postoperative complications and the reviews performed during the follow-up.

Results

One intraoperative complications occurred; case in which a femoral calcar fracture occurred and a screw was required during the operation. The clinical evaluation at the end of the follow-up, according to the Merle D’Aubigne Scale, showed the mean value was 17.3684 (SD 0,79472), with a survival at the end of the follow-up of 99.3% of the placed GTS stems.

Conclusions

GTS short stems have shown good results after more than 6 years of follow-up, with comparable results to conventional uncemented stems. Short-stem hip arthroplasty is an advanced way to preserve bone stock while protecting soft tissue
Assessment of Prenatal Care Providers’ Competencies From the Perspective of Pregnant Women: An Iranian Study
Authors: Nahidi Fatemeh , Hajifoghaha Mahboubeh , Simbar Masoumeh , Nasiri Malihe
Published: April 2022

Background: Pregnant women have expectations from their providers; sometimes their expectations are somewhat different from the current situation. Objective: to assess of competencies of prenatal care providers according to the views of pregnant women in Iran. Method: This is a descriptive-analytical study. Sampling were 300 pregnant women. A researcher-made questionnaire with appropriate validity and reliability was used. These competencies were divided into 4 dimensions of professional skills, communication skills, individual characteristics of prenatal care providers, and the characteristics of pregnancy and childbirth centers. Results: The percentage of the expected status of professional skills’ score of prenatal care providers (97.17) did not significantly differ from the current status (96.07). Nevertheless, there was a significant difference between the percentages of scores of expected (95.61) and the current statuses (90.89) of communication skills. The percentage of expected status (94.74) and the current status (84.17) scores of individual characteristics of prenatal care providers. The percentages of the expected status scores (95.24) and the status quo (89.61) of characteristics of pregnancy and childbirth centers were a significant difference. Conclusion: It is needed to upgrade some competencies of prenatal care providers. So, providers should focus their efforts on strengthening the expected skills of their pregnant women.
Orthopedic Providers’ Preferences for Education and Training on Psychosocial Clinical Research Initiatives: A Qualitative Investigation
Authors: Sagar Isabell , Popok Paula J. , Reichman Mira , Lester Ethan G. , Doorley James , Bakhshaie Jafar , Vranceanu Ana Maria
Published: April 2022

Introduction: Psychosocial factors (e.g., depression, anxiety) increase risk for chronic pain, disability, and other health complications following acute orthopedic traumatic injury. Orthopedic providers lack skills to address these factors. Education around psychosocial factors of recovery and psychosocial clinical and research initiatives could address this gap. The purpose of this study was to understand orthopedic trauma providers’ preferences for the design and distribution of educational materials to facilitate psychosocial initiative implementation.

Methods: We conducted live-video, semi-structured focus groups with outpatient orthopedic trauma providers across three Level 1 Trauma Centers, using a hybrid inductive-deductive approach to analyze qualitative data and extract themes and subthemes characterizing providers’ recommendations for appropriate psychosocial education.

Results: Four themes described providers’ recommendations for receiving educational materials: (1) provide foundational knowledge and tools about psychosocial factors; (2) provide information regarding a psychosocial initiative's purpose and procedures; (3) leverage educational materials to maximize buy-in to psychosocial clinical research initiatives; and (4) deliver information concisely, clearly, and electronically.

Conclusion: Orthopedic providers recommended ways to optimize design and dissemination of education on psychosocial care. Optimizing knowledge of psychosocial factors and clinical and research initiatives facilitates providers’ ability to appropriately target the often-underdressed psychosocial component of recovery in orthopedics.
Head Injury and Posttraumatic Oromandibular Dystonia: A Case Report
Authors: Verma Gaurav , Gothi Bhavana , Tiwari Arunesh Kumar , Agrawal Amiya
Published: April 2022

Oromandibular dystonia (OMD) can be described as a focal dystonia which is characterized by repetitive or sustained contraction of various muscles of mastication, tongue, or face resulting in involuntary jaw opening, closing, deflection, retrusion, or a combination of these. Various abnormal movements like tremor, tics, Parkinsonism, chorea, and dystonia may be seen in patients with traumatic brain injury. Tremor and dystonia are the most common movement disorder seen in such cases. The purpose of this presentation is to report a case of posttraumatic OMD in a head injury patient successfully managed by the use of Botulinum Toxin Type-A.
Crowdsourcing the Perception of the Bicoronal Scar in Open Cranial Vault Reconstruction
Authors: Roy Tulsi , Chavez Julia , Cho David , Sobota Rafal , Reid Russell R.
Published: April 2022

Purpose:

Within open cranial vault reconstruction (CVR) for craniosynostosis, efforts have been directed at minimizing the bicoronal scar, which contributes to increased patient stigmatization and decreased parental satisfaction. To understand these esthetic considerations across multiple centers, we evaluated demographic and clinical determinants of patient scar self-consciousness, parental scar satisfaction, and parental satisfaction with their children’s overall medical and surgical care.

Methods:

A 25-item questionnaire was distributed within an 18 500-member craniosynostosis parental online support group. Parents were asked to grade patient scar self-consciousness, parental scar satisfaction, and parental satisfaction with their children’s overall care on a 10-point Likert scale. A t-test and linear regression were performed for binary and continuous variables.

Results:

Of 838 responses, 516 met inclusion criteria. 32% of patients had visible scar alopecia and 25% of respondents reported their child’s hair is deliberately styled to disguise the scar. 2% of patients underwent scar revision. Older age, complications, ongoing symptoms, and increased number of surgeries were negatively associated with parental scar satisfaction, patient self-consciousness, and parental satisfaction with overall management. Ethnicity and hair texture were not associated with patient self-consciousness or parental satisfaction with care. Incision type (zig-zag/wavy compared to straight bicoronal incisions) showed no significant difference in subjective outcomes measures or rates of external stigmatizing behavior between the 2 groups.

Conclusions:

Bicoronal scarring has complex and multifaceted psychosocial effects. Advanced age, complications, ongoing symptoms, and increased number of surgeries are key determinants of patient and parent satisfaction, though parental esthetic satisfaction may be more sensitive to external stigmatizing behavior. This study calls for a reappraisal of conventional teaching regarding the impact of incision design. While craniofacial morphology, neurological development, and social functioning may be more foundational to overall patient and parent satisfaction, the esthetic value of the bicoronal scar should not be undervalued.
A Technique for Bulk Adipofascial Free Tissue Reconstruction of a Recurrent Pharyngoesophageal Injury in the Setting of Failed Anterior Cervical Hardware
Authors: Shah Shreni N. , Khan Mahnoor , Sharma Abhay , Padhya Tapan A. , Mifsud Matthew J.
Published: April 2022

Study Design

Technical Note

Objective

Pharyngoesophageal injury in the setting of previous anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is a devastating complication with no standard corrective treatment protocol. Reconstruction can thus be a complex endeavour often leading to treatment failure, recurrent pharyngoesophageal fistula and need for multiple surgical procedures. The authors present our novel approach to free tissue reconstruction of these injuries.

Methods

We utilized a bulk adipofascial flap to completely obliterate the retropharyngeal space and correct the pharyngoesophageal defect.

Results

An adipofascial flap facilitates complete separation of the injured pharyngeal/oesophageal mucosa form the cervical spine and any retained hardware.

Conclusions

In our hands, this technique has allowed successful repair of complex pharyngoesophageal injuries after previous ACDF procedures which includes resumption of normal oral intake.
Incidental discovery of interstitial lung disease: diagnostic approach, surveillance and perspectives
Authors: Tomassetti Sara , Poletti Venerino , Ravaglia Claudia , Sverzellati Nicola , Piciucchi Sara , Cozzi Diletta , Luzzi Valentina , Comin Camilla , Wells Athol U.
Published: April 2022

The incidental discovery of pre-clinical interstitial lung disease (ILD) has led to the designation of interstitial lung abnormalities (ILA), a radiological entity defined as the incidental finding of computed tomography (CT) abnormalities affecting more than 5% of any lung zone. Two recent documents have redefined the borders of this entity and made the recommendation to monitor patients with ILA at risk of progression. In this narrative review, we will focus on some of the limits of the current approach, underlying the potential for progression to full-blown ILD of some patients with ILA and the numerous links between subpleural fibrotic ILA and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Considering the large prevalence of ILA in the general population (7%), restricting monitoring only to cases considered at risk of progression appears a reasonable approach. However, this suggestion should not prevent pulmonary physicians from pursuing an early diagnosis of ILD and timely treatment where appropriate. In cases of suspected ILD, whether found incidentally or not, the pulmonary physician is still required to make a correct ILD diagnosis according to current guidelines, and eventually treat the patient accordingly.
Cardiac consequences of intermittent hypoxia: a matter of dose? A systematic review and meta-analysis in rodents
Authors: Belaidi Elise , Khouri Charles , Harki Olfa , Baillieul Sébastien , Faury Gilles , Briançon-Marjollet Anne , Pépin Jean-Louis , Arnaud Claire
Published: April 2022

Aim

Intermittent hypoxia (IH) is considered to be a major contributor to obstructive sleep apnoea-related cardiovascular consequences. The present meta-analysis aimed to assess the effects of IH on cardiac remodelling, function and infarct size after myocardial ischaemia across different rodent species and IH severities.

Methods and results

Relevant articles from PubMed, Embase and Web of Science were screened. We performed a random effect meta-analysis to assess the effect of IH on myocardium in rodents by using standardised mean difference (SMD). Studies using rodents exposed to IH and outcomes related to cardiac remodelling, contractile function and response to myocardial ischaemia–reperfusion were included. 5217 articles were screened and 92 were included, demonstrating that IH exposure induced cardiac remodelling, characterised by cardiomyocyte hypertrophy (cross-sectional area: SMD=2.90, CI (0.82–4.98), I2=94.2%), left ventricular (LV) dilation (LV diameter: SMD=0.64, CI (0.18–1.10), I2=88.04%), interstitial fibrosis (SMD=5.37, CI (3.22–7.53), I2=94.8) and apoptosis (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labelling: SMD=6.70, CI (2.96–10.44), I2=95.9). These structural changes were accompanied by a decrease in LV ejection fraction (SMD=−1.82, CI (−2.52–−1.12), I2=94.22%). Importantly, most of the utilised IH protocols mimicked extremely severe hypoxic disease. Concerning infarct size, meta-regression analyses highlighted an ambivalent role of IH, depending on its severity. Indeed, IH exposure with inspiratory oxygen fraction (FIO2) <7% was associated with an increase in infarct size, whereas a reduced infarct size was reported forFIO2levels above 10%. Heterogeneity between studies, small study effect and poor reporting of methods in included articles limited the robustness of the meta-analysis findings.

Conclusion

This meta-analysis demonstrated that severe IH systematically induces cardiac remodelling and contractile dysfunction in rodents, which might trigger or aggravate chronic heart failure. Interestingly, this meta-analysis showed that, depending on stimulus severity, IH exhibits both protective and aggravating effects on infarct size after experimental ischaemia–reperfusion procedures.
Sequencing the organelle genomes of Bougainvillea spectabilis and Mirabilis jalapa (Nyctaginaceae)
Authors: Yuan Fang , Lan Xiaozhong
Published: April 2022

Objectives

Mirabilis jalapa L. and Bougainvillea spectabilis are two Mirabilis species known for their ornamental and pharmaceutical values. The organelle genomes are highly conserved with a rapid evolution rate making them suitable for evolutionary studies. Therefore, mitochondrial and chloroplast genomes of B. spectabilis and M. jalapa were sequenced to understand their evolutionary relationship with other angiosperms.

Data description

Here, we report the complete mitochondrial genomes of B. spectabilis and M. jalapa (343,746 bp and 267,334 bp, respectively) and chloroplast genomes of B. spectabilis (154,520 bp) and M. jalapa (154,532 bp) obtained from Illumina NovaSeq. The mitochondrial genomes of B. spectabilis and M. jalapa consisted of 70 and 72 genes, respectively. Likewise, the chloroplast genomes of B. spectabilis and M. jalapa contained 131 and 132 genes, respectively. The generated genomic data will be useful for molecular characterization and evolutionary studies.
Nucleosome positioning based on DNA sequence embedding and deep learning
Authors: Han Guo-Sheng , Li Qi , Li Ying
Published: April 2022

Background

Nucleosome positioning is the precise determination of the location of nucleosomes on DNA sequence. With the continuous advancement of biotechnology and computer technology, biological data is showing explosive growth. It is of practical significance to develop an efficient nucleosome positioning algorithm. Indeed, convolutional neural networks (CNN) can capture local features in DNA sequences, but ignore the order of bases. While the bidirectional recurrent neural network can make up for CNN's shortcomings in this regard and extract the long-term dependent features of DNA sequence.

Results

In this work, we use word vectors to represent DNA sequences and propose three new deep learning models for nucleosome positioning, and the integrative model NP_CBiR reaches a better prediction performance. The overall accuracies of NP_CBiR on H. sapiens, C. elegans, and D. melanogaster datasets are 86.18%, 89.39%, and 85.55% respectively.

Conclusions

Benefited by different network structures, NP_CBiR can effectively extract local features and bases order features of DNA sequences, thus can be considered as a complementary tool for nucleosome positioning.
Comparisons of six endoscopy independent scoring systems for the prediction of clinical outcomes for elderly and younger patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding
Authors: Li Yajie , Lu Qin , Song Mingyang , Wu Kexuan , Ou Xilong
Published: April 2022

Objectives

To compare the predictive ability of six pre-endoscopic scoring systems (ABC, AIMS65, GBS, MAP(ASH), pRS, and T-score) for outcomes of upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) in elderly and younger patients.

Methods

A retrospective study of 1260 patients, including 530 elderly patients (age $$\ge$$
≥
65) and 730 younger patients (age < 65) presenting with UGIB, was performed at Zhongda Hospital Southeast University, from January 2015 to December 2020. Six scoring systems were used.

Results

ABC had the largest areas under the curve (AUCs) of 0.827 (0.792–0.858), and 0.958 (0.929–0.987) for elderly and younger groups for predicting mortality respectively. The differences of the AUCs for predicting the outcome of mortality and rebleeding between the two groups were significant for ABC and pRS (p < 0.01). For intervention prediction, significant differences were observed only for pRS [AUC 0.623 (0.578–0.669) vs. 0.699 (0.646–0.752)] (p < 0.05) between the two groups. For intensive care unit (ICU) admission, the AUC for MAP (ASH) [0.791 (0.718–0.865) vs. 0.891 (0.831–0.950)] and pRS [0.610 (0.514–0.706) vs. 0.891 (0.699–0.865)] were more effective for the younger group (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively). For comparison of scoring systems in the same cohort, ABC was significantly higher than pRS: AUC 0.710 (0.699–0.853, p < 0.05) and T-score 0.670 (0.628–0.710, p < 0.01) for predicting mortality in the elderly group. In the younger group, ABC was significantly higher than GBS and T-score (p < 0.01). MAP(ASH) performs the best in predicting intervention in both groups.

Conclusions

ABC and pRS are more accurate for predicting mortality and rebleeding in the younger cohort, and pRS may not be suitable for elderly patients. There was no difference between the two study populations for GBS, AIMS65, and T-score. Except for ICU admission, MAP(ASH) showed fair accuracy for both cohorts.
Improvement in prescriptions while maintaining overall health outcomes: a prospective observational study conducted in Japanese facilities for older people
Authors: Ashizawa Takumi , Mishina Sari , Igarashi Ataru , Kobayashi Tsukasa , Takase Yoshimasa , Ikeda Shunya
Published: April 2022

Background

Improvements in the use of polypharmacy or potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) may reduce medication costs in Japan. We aimed to evaluate the impact of improvement in prescription on both overall health outcomes and medication costs in Japanese facilities for older people.

Methods

Residents in Japanese facilities for older people between March 2019 and March 2020 were included in this study. The following five indices were used to evaluate overall health outcomes: EuroQoL-5D-5L, Barthel Index, Mini Mental State Examination, Dementia Behaviour Disturbance Scale, and Vitality Index. The team, which consisted of one physician and several pharmacists, suggested improved prescriptions for the attending physicians of the participants. The impact of improvement in prescriptions on the health outcomes score, medication costs, and the number of medications were evaluated through two comparison groups: those whose number of medications decreased (decrement group, DG) and those whose medications did not (not decrement group, NDG); those prescribed PIMs in March 2019 and those not prescribed PIMs in March 2020 (improvement group, IG) and those prescribed PIMs both in March 2019 and March 2020 (not improvement group, NIG). In both comparison groups, propensity score matching was performed to balance demographics, and all health outcome scores, medication costs, and the number of medications in March 2020 were assessed using a t-test. Statistical significance was set at a p-value of < 0.05.

Results

Eight-hundred-and-ninety-one participants (75.5% women, 86.2 ± 7.9 years old) were enrolled. After matching, in the comparison between the DG (N = 232, 77.2%, 85.7 ± 8.5) and NDG (N = 232, 78.5%, 86.0 ± 3.1), changes in the health outcomes score were nonsignificant. However, the medication costs and the number of medications significantly decreased. After matching, in the comparison between IG (N = 141, 75.2%, 86.7 ± 8.1) and NIG (N = 273, 74.2%, 86.2 ± 8.3), changes in health outcome scores and medication costs were not significant. However, the number of medications significantly decreased.

Conclusions

Improvements in prescriptions did not adversely affect the overall health outcomes. However, it impacted medication costs and the number of medications. Improvement in prescriptions could decrease medication costs while maintaining overall health outcomes.
Volunteer participation differentially moderates the association between insomnia and poor subjective well-being in community-dwelling older adults: the Yilan study, Taiwan
Authors: Wang Yu-Ting , Hsu Nai-Wei , Lin Yen-Huai , Chang Hsiao-Ting , Chou Pesus , Chen Hsi-Chung
Published: April 2022

Objectives

We aimed to elucidate the moderating effect of volunteer participation on the association between insomnia and subjective well-being.

Methods

This was a community-based, cross-sectional study that targeted community-dwelling older adults aged ≥ 65 years in Yilan city, Taiwan. Whether individuals had volunteered in the past month was asked. Insomnia was measured using the Athens Insomnia Scale-5. Subjective well-being was evaluated using self-rated health, self-rated happiness, the physical component summary (PCS), and the mental component summary (MCS) of Short-form 12. Interaction terms between volunteer participation and insomnia were examined to test the moderating effect of volunteer participation on subjective well-being.

Results

In total, 3,875 participants were included in the study. After controlling for confounders, older adults with insomnia were more likely to have poor subjective well-being, except with respect to PCS. By contrast, volunteering was associated with a low risk of association between self-rated health and happiness. The interaction terms for volunteering with self-rated happiness (p = 0.03) and the MCS (p = 0.02) were significant. The association between insomnia and poor self-rated happiness among volunteers (odds ratio [OR] = 3.91, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.85–8.28) was significantly stronger than that in non-volunteers (OR = 1.48, 95% CI = 1.18–1.86). However, insomnia was linked with poor MCS in non-volunteers (OR = 1.53, 95% CI = 1.21–1.94), but not in volunteers (OR = 0.64, 95% CI = 0.27–1.50).

Discussion

Volunteer participation moderated the association between insomnia and subjective well-being; specifically, volunteering strengthened the association between insomnia and poor self-rated happiness but mitigated the relationship between insomnia and poor MCS.
Diagnosis of Coxiella burnetii infection via metagenomic next-generation sequencing: a case report
Authors: Zhang Jingjia , Hao Yan , Wang Zhi , Yang Qiwen
Published: April 2022

Background

Coxiella burnetii, the etiologic agent of Q fever, is mainly responsible for endocardite. But there are only a few cases of Coxiella burnetii-caused wound infection have been published, because the pathogen is very difficult to isolate using conventional culture methods.

Case presentations

A 76-year-old man, underwent endovascular repair of ruptured left iliac aneurysm plus abdominal aortic aneurysm under general anesthesia in 2018. Left iliac fossa mass resection was performed in 2020. After operation, the wound in the left iliac fossa was repeatedly ruptured and not healing. We used the wound tissue to perform the Metagenomics next-generation sequencing (mNGS), Coxiella burnetii was detected. Sanger sequencing and serologic verification of Coxiella burnetii all showed positive results.

Conclusions

This study proved that mNGS was an effective method to detect clinically unexplained infections, and showed the ability of pathogen identification with high sensitivity and accuracy.
Polish attitudes towards unspecified kidney donation: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Kurleto Paulina , Tomaszek Lucyna , Milaniak Irena , Bramstedt Katrina A.
Published: April 2022

Background

Chronic kidney disease effects about 4.2 million people in Poland, yet Polish organ donation research is rare. In addition, compared to other countries in the world, Poland has a relatively low living donation rate. Still, little is known about how Poles would react to the possibility of living kidney donation to strangers. A study was conducted to examine public opinion about living kidney donation, as well as their knowledge about it, willingness to donate to a stranger, and support for a possible expansion of existing Polish organ donation legislation to include living donation to strangers.

Methods

A self-report questionnaire, which included a socio-demographic datasheet (9 questions), 16 questions about attitudes towards living donation, and 1 question about knowledge concerning transplantation law was sent to the respondents from December 2020 – February 2021. Logistic regression was used to assess factors affecting the support of the legalization of unspecified kidney donation amongst the participants.

Results

More than sixty percent (62.1) of respondents supported legalization of unspecified living kidney donation. Such legalization would be accepted by people who accept a choice of a family member to donate a kidney to a stranger (OR = 3.50; Cl 95%: 1.49 to 4.85), who think bone-marrow transplant is safe (OR = 2.65; Cl 95%: 1.80 to 3.91), recognize the benefit of carrying out tests before donating a kidney (OR = 2.56; Cl 95%: 1.79 to 3.69), would agree to receive a kidney from another person (OR = 2.24; Cl 95%: 2.53 to 3.13), or would agree to donate organs after death (OR = 2.06; Cl 95%: 1.45 to 2.95). However, support for unspecified living kidney donation would not be given by respondents fearing the risk of organ trafficking (OR = 0.54; Cl 95%: 0.38 to 0.79).

Conclusions

In Poland there is strong support for legalization of unspecified living kidney donation. It is vital that future legislation define organ trafficking as a crime with serious punishment so that legal unspecified living kidney donation is not hindered.

Trial registration

The study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (ID: NCT04789122) on 08/03/2021.
Potential determinant factors of under-five mortality in the Amhara region of Ethiopia
Authors: Tibebu Nigusie Selomon , Emiru Tigabu Desie , Tiruneh Chalie Marew , Nigat Adane Birhanu , Abate Moges wubneh , Getu Bisrat Dessie , Mekonnen Amsalu Belete
Published: April 2022

Background

Even though child mortality decreased greatly (44%, since 1990), children in developing countries are eight times more likely to die before they attain their five years birthday. When comparing under-five mortality around the world, the African including Ethiopia and Southeast Asian regions showed an uneven child death rate. Therefore, this study was aimed to identify the potential determinant factors of under-five mortality in the Amhara regional state of Ethiopia.

Methods

Statistics from a national representative cross-sectional survey of the Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS) of the year 2016 were used. Data was collected from the population of all under-five children in randomly selected enumeration areas of the Amhara region of Ethiopia. To investigate the relationship between the dependent variable (under-five mortality) and various independent factors, inferential statistics such as binary logistic regression and multiple logistic regressions were used. In multivariable analysis, statistically significant variables in binary logistic regression analysis, i.e. (p-value 0.250), were entered, and P-value 0.050 was considered significant at 95% CI.

Results

The survey was included 977 children under the age of five and more than half of children in the family (68%) were ≤ 4. The findings showed that children whose mothers had no formal education were 2.59 times more likely to die than children whose mothers had formal education [AOR: 2.59(1.12–5.99)]. Similarly, children who did not receive breastfeeding from their mothers were 3.61 times more likely to die than children who received breastfeeding from their mothers [AOR: 3.61(1.83–6.19)].

Conclusion and Recommendation

The number of children in the family, as well as the mother’s educational status and current breastfeeding status, were all found to be important factors in under-five mortality in the study area. As a result, the potential determinants of under-five mortality should be addressed as part of a program targeted at lowering childhood mortality.
Incidence of acute otitis media in children < 16 years old in Germany during 2014–2019
Authors: Hu Tianyan , Podmore Bélène , Barnett Rosemarie , Beier Dominik , Galetzka Wolfgang , Qizilbash Nawab , Haeckl Dennis , Weaver Jessica , Boellinger Timo , Mihm Sarah , Petigara Tanaz
Published: April 2022

Background

Acute otitis media (AOM) remains a common infection in children despite the introduction of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines. This study estimated AOM incidence rates (IRs) over time in children < 16 years old in Germany following PCV13 introduction.

Methods

AOM episodes were identified in the InGef healthcare claims database from 2014–2019 in children aged < 16 years. Each AOM episode was classified as either simple or recurrent. Recurrent AOM was defined as 3 or more episodes identified within a 6-month period; or 4 or more episodes within a 12-month period with at least one episode in the prior 6 months. AOM-related surgical procedures within 12 months and complications within 21 days of an AOM episode were also identified. Annual IRs were calculated as number of episodes/child-years (CY) at risk. 95% Confidence intervals (95%CI) were calculated using the Wilson method. The Mann–Kendall test was used to assess trends over time.

Results

Between 2014 and 2019, the study population comprised 916,805 children with 327,726 AOM episodes, of which 15% (49,011) of all episodes were identified as recurrent AOM and 85% (278,715) as simple AOM. There were significant declines in AOM (p = 0.003) in the study population overall and in all age groups over the study period; from 101 (95%CI 101–102)/1000 CY to 79 (95%CI 78–80)/1000 CY in the total study population, from 209 (95%CI 206–212)/1000 CY to 147 (95%CI 145–150)/1000 CY in < 2-year-olds, from 239 (95%CI 237–242) to 179 (95%CI 177–182)/1000 CY in 2–4-year-olds, and from 50 (95%CI 49–50) to 38 (95%CI 37–39)/1000 CY in 5–15-year-olds. No significant trends were identified for AOM-related surgical procedures over the study period; however, AOM-related complications overall increased (p = 0.003).

Conclusion

Between 2014 and 2019, AOM incidence overall declined in children aged 0–15 years in Germany. Over the study period, the incidence of complicated AOM cases increased, however the incidence of AOM-related surgical procedures remained constant. Despite the impact of PCV13, the burden associated with AOM in Germany remains substantial.
Network analyses of Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) symptoms in children
Authors: Gomez Rapson , Stavropoulos Vasileios , Gomez Andre , Brown Taylor , Watson Shaun
Published: April 2022

Based on parent and teacher ratings of their children, this study used regularized partial correlation network analysis (EBIC glasso) to examine the structure of DSM-5 Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) symptoms. Parent and teachers (N = 934) from the general community in Malaysia completed questionnaires covering DSM-5 ODD symptoms. The most central ODD symptom for parent ratings was anger, followed by argue. For teacher ratings, it was anger, followed by defy. For both parent and teacher ratings, the networks revealed at least medium effect size connections for temper and argue, defy, and argue, blames others, and annoy, and spiteful and angry. Overall, the findings were highly comparable across parent and teacher ratings, and they showed a novel understanding of the structure of the ODD symptoms. The clinical implications of the findings for assessment and treatment of ODD are discussed.
Healthy eating index 2015 and major dietary patterns in relation to incident hypertension; a prospective cohort study
Authors: Pasdar Yahya , Hamzeh Behrooz , Moradi Shima , Mohammadi Ehsan , Cheshmeh Sahar , Darbandi Mitra , Faramani Roya Safari , Najafi Farid
Published: April 2022

Background

Since hypertension (HTN) is responsible for more than half of all deaths from cardiovascular disease, it is vital to understand the nutritional factors that reduce its risk. Little information, however, is known about it in the Kurdish population. This study was aimed to evaluate the healthy eating index (HEI) 2015 and major dietary patterns concerning incident HTN.

Methods

This case-cohort study was designed using Ravansar non-communicable diseases (RaNCD) cohort study data (294 participants with incident HTN and 1295 participants as representative random sub-cohort). HEI 2015 and major dietary patterns were extracted using data from their dietary intake, and three major dietary patterns were identified, including plant-based, high protein, and unhealthy dietary patterns. To analyses the association between HEI 2015 and major dietary patterns with incident HTN Cox proportional hazards regression models were applied.

Results

There was a significant positive correlation between HEI 2015 and plant-based diet (r = 0.492). The participants in the highest quartile of HEI-2015 had a 39% and 30% lower risk of incident HTN, compared to participants in the first quartile in both crude and adjusted model (HR: 0.61; 95% CI: 0.46–0.82) and (HR: 0.70; 95% CI: 0.51–0.97), respectively. Furthermore, participants with the highest tertile of the plant-based dietary pattern were at lower risk of incident HTN in both crude and adjusted models (HR: 0.69; 95% CI: 0.54–0.9) and (HR: 0.70; 95% CI: 0.53–0.94), respectively. However, the other two identified dietary patterns showed no significant association with incident HTN.

Conclusions

We found evidence indicating higher adherence to HEI 2015 and plant- based diet had protective effects on incident HTN. The HEI 2015 emphasizes limited sodium intake and adequate intake of vegetables and fruits.
Spatiotemporal trends and socioecological factors associated with Lyme disease in eastern Ontario, Canada from 2010–2017
Authors: Slatculescu Andreea M. , Duguay Claudia , Ogden Nicholas H. , Sander Beate , Desjardins Marc , Cameron D. William , Kulkarni Manisha A.
Published: April 2022

Currently, there is limited knowledge about socioeconomic, neighbourhood, and local ecological factors that contribute to the growing Lyme disease incidence in the province of Ontario, Canada. In this study, we sought to identify these factors that play an important role at the local scale, where people are encountering ticks in their communities. We used reported human Lyme disease case data and tick surveillance data submitted by the public from 2010–2017 to analyze trends in tick exposure, spatiotemporal clusters of infection using the spatial scan statistic and Local Moran’s I statistic, and socioecological risk factors for Lyme disease using a multivariable negative binomial regression model. Data were analyzed at the smallest geographic unit, consisting of 400–700 individuals, for which census data are disseminated in Canada. We found significant heterogeneity in tick exposure patterns based on location of residence, with 65.2% of Lyme disease patients from the city of Ottawa reporting tick exposures outside their health unit of residence, compared to 86.1%—98.1% of patients from other, largely rural, health units, reporting peri-domestic exposures. We detected eight spatiotemporal clusters of human Lyme disease incidence in eastern Ontario, overlapping with three clusters of Borrelia burgdorferi-infected ticks. When adjusting for population counts, Lyme disease case counts increased with larger numbers of Borrelia burgdorferi-infected ticks submitted by the public, higher proportion of treed landcover, lower neighbourhood walkability due to fewer intersections, dwellings, and points of interest, as well as with regions of higher residential instability and lower ethnic concentration (Relative Risk [RR] = 1.25, 1.02, 0.67–0.04, 1.34, and 0.57, respectively, p < .0001). Our study shows that there are regional differences in tick exposure patterns in eastern Ontario and that multiple socioecological factors contribute to Lyme disease risk in this region.
A smoking quitline integrated with clinician counselling at outpatient health facilities in Vietnam: a single-arm prospective cohort study
Authors: Huang Wan-Chun , Marks Guy B. , Pham Ngoc Yen , Nguyen Thu Anh , Nguyen Thuy Anh , Vu Van Giap , Nguyen Viet Nhung , Jan Stephen , Negin Joel , Ngo Quy Chau , Fox Greg J.
Published: April 2022

Background

Limited evidence is available about the combination of multiple smoking cessation modalities in low- and middle-income countries. The study aimed to assess the feasibility of a smoking cessation intervention that integrates follow-up counselling phone calls and scheduled text messages with brief advice from physicians in Vietnam.

Methods

This was a single-arm intervention study. Smokers were referred to the study Quitline after brief advice by physicians at three rural district hospitals in Hanoi, Vietnam. Following referral, participants received nine counselling phone calls in 12 months and a scheduled text message service that lasted for three months. Participants who reported smoking cessation for at least 30 days at the 12-month follow-up were invited for a urinary cotinine test to confirm cessation.

Results

The Quitline centre had 431 referrals from participating hospitals. Among them, 221 (51.3%) were enrolled. After the baseline phone call, 141 (63.8%) participated in all 4 follow-up calls within the first month and 117 (52.9%) participated in all phone calls in 12 months. The median number of successful phone calls was 8 (interquartile range: 6 – 8). At the end of the study, 90 (40.7%) self-reported abstinence from smoking over the previous 30 days. Among them, 22 (24.4%) submitted a sample for cotinine test, of which 13 (59.1% of those tested) returned a negative result. The proportion of biochemically-verified quitters was 5.9%.

Conclusions

The integration of brief advice and referral from healthcare facilities, Quitline counselling phone calls, and scheduled text messaging was feasible in rural health facilities in northern Vietnam.

Trial registration

ACTRN12619000554167.