bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sustainable leadership: A literature review and prospects for future research
Authors: Liao Yaohua
Published: November 2022

The various social issues that accompany economic development pose new challenges for leaders to integrate economic benefits, social responsibility, and environmental protection. In this context, various new leadership styles have emerged. Among them, sustainable leadership reveals the key role of leaders in balancing the triple goals of economy, society and environment, and has become an important part of leadership theory research in recent years. We searched the literature related to sustainable leadership in databases such as Web of Science, EBSCO and CNKI. Based on the existing literature, we systematically review the origins, connotations, analytical perspectives, measurement methods, and conceptual comparisons of sustainable leadership. And we also construct an integrated analytical framework of sustainable leadership on the premise of sorting out and summarizing the antecedents and consequences of sustainable leadership. Finally, we provide an outlook on the future research areas of sustainable leadership in order to further promote research of sustainable leadership.
Innovation and organizational performance: A perspective among Chinese enterprises
Authors: Zhu Chengpeng , Isaac Adubofour , Edmund Nkrumah Nana Kwame
Published: November 2022

The influence of innovation on the performance of Chinese enterprises still remains inconclusive in the literature of innovation management. The aim of this research therefore is to examine the link between innovation and performance of Chinese enterprises, and explore the influence of sentiment expressed by investors in this relationship. The data for our study are drawn from 3,500 Chinese listed firms, operating within the periods, 2009–2017. Panel autoregressive models (fixed and random effects) are employed in our empirical analyses. We further performed Hausman tests in order to ascertain which of the models is more suitable for our dataset. Results from the analysis show that innovation significantly influences the performance of Chinese enterprises and it is moderated by sentiment expressed by investors. Specifically, it is found that Chinese enterprises tend to be innovative as feedback to sentiment expressed by investors and this consequently results in higher performance.
“We are pests, we have no future”: The prediction of anxiety by perceived discrimination in patients with coronavirus: Mediating role of psychological resilience
Authors: Li Shuhan , Gu Jiayu
Published: November 2022

In a short amount of time, the COVID-19 pandemic has played havoc on social security, and people infected with coronavirus may have suffered from both physical and mental health issues requiring treatment. The purpose of our study was to examine the effect of perceived discrimination on anxiety in patients with coronavirus and to observe the role of psychological resilience as a mediator in this process. 376 patients with coronavirus were given a questionnaire, and 26 of them participated in in-depth interviews. Our results demonstrated that perceived discrimination in patients with coronavirus was predictive of anxiety and that strong perceptions of discrimination reduced patients’ psychological resilience levels, thereby triggering severe anxiety. Furthermore, psychological resilience was demonstrated to be a significant predictor of anxiety severity. Psychological resilience has been shown to act as a mediator between perceived discrimination and anxiety. As a response to COVID-19, the government, the media, and the general public should treat patients with coronavirus scientifically and rationally, minimize the secondary psychological damage caused by the perception of discrimination to the special groups of society represented by patients with coronavirus during the pandemic, correct the erroneous stigma generated by the traditional communication process, and prevent the spread of the psychosocial virus.
Personality and substance use disorder: Characteristics as measured by NEO-personality inventory–revised
Authors: Fodstad Elise Constance , Ushakova Anastasia , Pallesen Ståle , Hagen Egon , Erga Aleksander Hagen , Erevik Eilin Kristine
Published: November 2022

The present study investigates the personality characteristics of a cohort of patients with Substance Use Disorders. The included participants (n = 123) were recruited from specialized treatment for addictions in Norway. The personality scores in the current sample were compared to the Norwegian norm sample with t-tests. Age and gender differences in personality scores were assessed by bivariate correlation analyses and t-tests, respectively. The sample had higher scores on Neuroticism and lower scores on Conscientiousness, Agreeableness, Extraversion, and Openness compared to the norm sample (p < 0.01). The effect sizes of the differences between the current sample and the Norwegian norm sample were large for Neuroticism and Conscientiousness. Older participants scored higher on Agreeableness and its facets A1: Trust and A2: Straightforwardness and lower on the facet E5: Excitement-Seeking (p < 0.01). No significant (p < 0.01) gender differences in NEO-PI-R scores were found. In conclusion, the current results support previous findings regarding personality traits associated with SUD. The clinical relevance of the findings is discussed.
Virtual reality stimulation and organizational neuroscience for the assessment of empathy
Authors: Parra Vargas Elena , García Delgado Aitana , Torres Sergio C. , Carrasco-Ribelles Lucía A. , Marín-Morales Javier , Alcañiz Raya Mariano
Published: November 2022

This study aimed to evaluate the viability of a new procedure based on machine learning (ML), virtual reality (VR), and implicit measures to discriminate empathy. Specifically, eye-tracking and decision-making patterns were used to classify individuals according to their level in each of the empathy dimensions, while they were immersed in virtual environments that represented social workplace situations. The virtual environments were designed using an evidence-centered design approach. Interaction and gaze patterns were recorded for 82 participants, who were classified as having high or low empathy on each of the following empathy dimensions: perspective-taking, emotional understanding, empathetic stress, and empathetic joy. The dimensions were assessed using the Cognitive and Affective Empathy Test. An ML-based model that combined behavioral outputs and eye-gaze patterns was developed to predict the empathy dimension level of the participants (high or low). The analysis indicated that the different dimensions could be differentiated by eye-gaze patterns and behaviors during immersive VR. The eye-tracking measures contributed more significantly to this differentiation than did the behavioral metrics. In summary, this study illustrates the potential of a novel VR organizational environment coupled with ML to discriminate the empathy dimensions. However, the results should be interpreted with caution, as the small sample does not allow general conclusions to be drawn. Further studies with a larger sample are required to support the results obtained in this study.
Development and delivery cost of digital health technologies for mental health: Application to the Narrative Experiences Online Intervention
Authors: Paterson Luke , Rennick-Egglestone Stefan , Gavan Sean P. , Slade Mike , Ng Fiona , Llewellyn-Beardsley Joy , Bond Carmel , Grundy Andrew , Nicholson Joe , Quadri Dania , Bailey Sylvia , Elliott Rachel A.
Published: November 2022

Background

The increasing development and use of digital health interventions requires good quality costing information to inform development and commissioning choices about resource allocation decisions. The Narrative Experiences Online (NEON) Intervention is a web-application that delivers recorded mental health recovery narratives to its users. Two randomized controlled trials are testing the NEON Intervention in people with experience of psychosis (NEON) and people experiencing non-psychosis mental health problems (NEON-O).

Aim

This study describes and estimates the cost components and total cost of developing and delivering the NEON Intervention.

Materials and methods

Total costs for the NEON Trial (739 participants) and NEON-O Trial (1,024 participants) were estimated by: identifying resource use categories involved in intervention development and delivery; accurate measurement or estimation of resource use; and a valuation of resource use to generate overall costs, using relevant unit costs. Resource use categories were identified through consultation with literature, costing reporting standards and iterative consultation with health researchers involved in NEON Intervention development and delivery. Sensitivity analysis was used to test assumptions made.

Results

The total cost of developing the NEON Intervention was £182,851. The largest cost components were software development (27%); Lived Experience Advisory Panel workshops (23%); coding the narratives (9%); and researchers' time to source narratives (9%). The total cost of NEON Intervention delivery during the NEON Trial was £118,663 (£349 per NEON Intervention user). In the NEON-O Trial, the total delivery cost of the NEON Intervention was £123,444 (£241 per NEON Intervention user). The largest cost components include updating the narrative collection (50%); advertising (19%); administration (14%); and software maintenance (11%). Uncertainty in the cost of administration had the largest effect on delivery cost estimates.

Conclusion

Our work shows that developing and delivering a digital health intervention requires expertise and time commitment from a range of personnel. Teams developing digital narrative interventions need to allocate substantial resources to curating narrative collections.

Implications for practice

This study identifies the development and delivery resource use categories of a digital health intervention to promote the consistent reporting of costs and informs future decision-making about the costs of delivering the NEON Intervention at scale.

Trial registration

NEON Trial: ISRCTN11152837, registered 13 August 2018, http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN11152837. NEON-O Trial: ISRCTN63197153, registered 9 January 2020, http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN63197153.
A narrative review of the epigenetics of post-traumatic stress disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder treatment
Authors: Cao-Lei Lei , Saumier Daniel , Fortin Justine , Brunet Alain
Published: November 2022

Epigenetic research in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is essential, given that environmental stressors and fear play such a crucial role in its development. As such, it may provide a framework for understanding individual differences in the prevalence of the disorder and in treatment response. This paper reviews the epigenetic markers associated with PTSD and its treatment, including candidate genes and epigenome-wide studies. Because the etiopathogenesis of PTSD rests heavily on learning and memory, we also draw upon animal neuroepigenetic research on the acquisition, update and erasure of fear memory, focusing on the mechanisms associated with memory reconsolidation. Reconsolidation blockade (or impairment) treatment in PTSD has been studied in clinical trials and, from a neurological perspective, may hold promise for identifying epigenetic markers of successful therapy. We conclude this paper by discussing several key considerations and challenges in epigenetic research on PTSD in humans.
Association between prenatal exposure to ambient ozone, birth weight, and macrosomia in healthy women
Authors: Zheng Chengyi , Tian Jiaqi , Ma Lan , Ding Chunjie , Zhang Lin
Published: November 2022

Studies have shown that prenatal ozone exposure is associated with an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, among which abnormal birth weight is a detrimental factor for diseases in adulthood, but the association between birth weight and ozone is inconclusive. Herein, we conducted this study by enrolling 407 couples of pregnant women and collected their demographical materials, their exposure to ambient ozone was assessed according to the place of their residence. The hourly monitored ozone was first averaged to the daily level, then monthly and whole-gestationally levels. After adjusting confounders, we processed a multivariate generalized addictive analysis to predict the association between prenatal ozone exposure and birth weight. We also divided the cohort into two categories according to whether the infant met the standard of macrosomia, and the occurrence of macrosomia was studied via univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses as extreme conditions of the effects of ozone exposure on birth weight. We found that the ground-level ozone in Jinan changed with temperature periodically, higher in summer and lower in winter. Over the past 8 years from 2014, the ambient ozone increased by 1.74 μg/m3 per year. Of the 407 singleton-pregnant women, 21 infants were diagnosed with macrosomia. After adjusting confounders, we found that each unit increase in prenatal ozone exposure caused 8.80% [ORozone90%CI: 0.912 (0.850, 0.978)] decreased risk of macrosomia, but the splined ambient ozone exposure data was not statistically associated with birth weight, which is probably due to the limited sample size. In conclusion, prenatal ozone exposure is associated with decreased risk of macrosomia but is weakly linked to birth weight.
The safety and effectiveness comparison of Delta Medical's PEEK interface screw and Endobutton and that of Smith & Nephew's in arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: A multicenter prospective double-blind randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Gao Peng , Yuan Minghao , Xu Yongsheng , Wu Yufeng , Lin Xiaohang , Li Yanlin , Li Shensong , Wang Jing
Published: November 2022

Background

To reduce the costs and financial burden in the ACLR treatment, we compare the early clinical outcomes and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) results of Delta Medical's PEEK (polyether ether ketone) interference screw and EndoButton with those of Smith & Nephew's PEEK interference screw and EndoButton in patients with arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

Methods

A total of 104 patients in five different medical centers were randomly allocated into two groups: 1: Delta Medical's PEEK interference screw and EndoButton (53 patients); 2: Smith & Nephew's PEEK interference screw and EndoButton (51 patients). The modified Lysholm knee score, the laxity examination, and clinical and functional range of motion were evaluated at 3 and 6 months postoperatively. The clinical effective rate was calculated and classified as excellent and good at 6 months postoperatively. MRI examinations were performed at 3 and 6 months postoperatively to determine the healing process. Computerized tomography (CT) was performed at 2 weeks and 3 months postoperatively to evaluate the complications.

Results

Significant improvements in knee function and functional scores were observed in both groups after surgery regardless of the fixation materials applied (P < 0.05). No differences were observed in the functional scores and range of motion. The assessments of Lysholm knee scores at 3 and 6 months produced no statistical differences (both P > 0.05). The clinical effective rate revealed no difference between the groups at 6 months postoperatively (non-inferiority analysis P = 0.0220). The differences of laxity examination between the groups were not statistically significant (Fisher's test, P = 0.6139, 0.2004, respectively). No significant differences in the functional range of motion were found at each follow-up time-point (P > 0.05). No major intra- or postoperative complications, such as infection, and vessel or nerve injury were observed.

Conclusions

Knee function and functional scores were improved after ACLR in both groups, regardless of the PEEK interference screw and EndoButton applied. The difference in functional scores and range of motion were not significant in groups 1 and 2. Delta Medical's PEEK interference screw and EndoButton had a non-inferiority effect compared to Smith & Nephew's PEEK interference screw and EndoButton. Delta Medical's PEEK interference screw and EndoButton were suitable for arthroscopic ACLR.
Psychological and sleep disturbances among first-line, second-line, and at home medical staff during the COVID-19 pandemic in Shanghai, China
Authors: Wang Ping , Shen Xiaolei , Jiang Yuhan , Wu Li , Shen Jun , Nie Xin , Chen Wei , Liu Jianren
Published: November 2022

Objectives

Medical workers are prone to psychological and sleep disturbances during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Little is known about the varying degrees of influence among vaccinated medical staff working in different positions. The current study is aimed to evaluate and compare depression, anxiety and sleep disturbances among first-line, second-line and at home vaccinated medical staff during the COVID-19 pandemic in Shanghai, China.

Methods

A cross-sectional online survey was conducted in May 2022. In addition to demographic data, levels of depression, anxiety, sleep quality, and insomnia were measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS).

Results

A total of 236 vaccinated medical workers completed the questionnaires, including 85 first-line medical staff (FMS), 82 second-line medical staff (SMS) and 69 at home medical staff (HMS). The proportions of depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, poor sleep quality, and insomnia were 52.1, 44.1, 55.9, and 49.2%, respectively. Compared with HMS, medical staff at work (FMS and SMS) got significantly higher frequency of poor sleep quality (both p < 0.001), insomnia (both p < 0.001), depressive (p < 0.001 and p = 0.003, respectively) and anxiety symptoms (p < 0.001 and p = 0.002, respectively). Compared with SMS, FMS were more likely to have poor sleep quality (p = 0.020). Besides, nurses got significantly higher percentage of poor sleep quality (OR = 1.352, p = 0.016) and insomnia (OR = 1.243, p = 0.041) than doctors. Whereas, the proportion of anxiety symptoms was increased in females than in males (OR = 2.772, p = 0.008).

Conclusions

Psychological and sleep disturbances are common among medical staff at work during the COVID-19 pandemic. More psychological intervention should be administrated for FMS, especially for nurses.
Investigation and analysis of carbapenem-resistant gram-negative bacterial infection rates across hospitals in Shandong Province in China
Authors: Liu Keke , Xu Hua , Sun Jian , Liu Yuqing , Li Weiguang
Published: November 2022

Background

The increasing incidence of carbapenem-resistant bacterial infections has become a serious public health threat. This study aimed to investigate and analyze the current regional differences in carbapenem-resistant gram-negative bacteria (CRGN) in a major Province of China, and provide suggestions for preventing hospital infections.

Methods

A questionnaire survey was used to obtain the current data on CRGN from 36 hospitals in Shandong Province, China, from 2019 to 2020. The association between the detection rates and discovery rates of CRGN and the use of antibacterial drugs was analyzed using Spearman's correlation coefficient. In addition, we compared the detection rates of CRGN and antibacterial drugs using hospitals categorized according to different levels and economic areas using the Kruskal-Wallis test.

Results

The average detection rates of CRGN across the 36 hospitals varied from 1.91% to 66.04%. The discovery rate of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) and carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) remained below 5‰, and that of carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CRPA) was below 10‰. Except for CRAB, the correlations between the detection rate and antimicrobial drug use intensity and carbapenem drug use percentage were 0.11–0.29 and 0.31–0.47, respectively. Carbapenem drug use was higher in the provincial hospital group than in the prefecture-level hospitals (P < 0.05), and that in the high-economic regional hospital group was higher than in the low-economic regional hospital group (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The detection and discovery rates of CRE were low, and those of CRAB were high in Shandong Province. Larger hospitals have higher carbapenem drug use. These results can be used as a reference for preventing CRGN infections in developing countries and provide a basis for regional carbapenem resistance prevention and control strategies.
Research on the paths and strategies of the integrated development of culture and tourism industry in urban historical blocks
Authors: Liang Feng , Pan Yu , Gu Meilong , Liu Yamei , Lei Lei
Published: November 2022

COVID-19 has brought about great impact on the global economy. Various countries have adopted different levels of spatial isolation measures to curb the spread of the epidemic. These measures not only limit the spatial flow of people and property, but also cause global anxiety and public mental health problems. Corresponding to this process, cultural demands are growing stronger and the humanistic shift in today's urban economic development also puts forward higher requirements for local culture. Historic districts are an important symbolic historical and cultural landscape of a city, and many cities regard them as important starting points for the shaping of urban characteristics and competitiveness. Taking Qingming Bridge Historical and Cultural Block in Wuxi City as an example, combined with the public's mental health needs in the context of COVID-19 and the current background of the return of humanism in urban development, and construct a more sustainable framework for the renewal and development of urban historical blocks, focusing on the integration and development of the cultural landscape and tourism in the historical block. A comprehensive analysis shows that the development of Qingming Bridge Historical and Cultural Block must be based on the comprehensive investment of “four types of resources,” such as culture, land, capital, and labor, and must rely on the cooperation of the “two sectors” of culture and tourism. By earnestly respecting the above, as well as the “triple bottom line” of regional ecology, economy, and society, sustainable development can be achieved.
Positive religious coping acts through perception of nature and silence in its association with well-being and life satisfaction among Polish Catholics
Authors: Skalski-Bednarz Sebastian Binyamin , Konaszewski Karol , Toussaint Loren L. , Büssing Arndt , Surzykiewicz Janusz
Published: November 2022

Previous studies indicate that perceptions of nature and thought-provoking silence can have positive consequences for individual functioning. The purpose of the present study was to assess the relationships between religious coping (assessed with the Brief RCOPE), perceptions of nature and silence (a subscale of the Perception of Change Questionnaire), well-being (the World Health Organization's five-item Well-Being Index) and life satisfaction (the Brief Multidimensional Life Satisfaction Scale). An online questionnaire was completed between 2021–2022 by 1,010 Polish Catholics ages 18 to 73, 61% of whom were women. Structural equation modeling showed that positive religious coping was positively related to well-being (β = 0.08, p = 0.011) and life satisfaction (β = 0.22, p < 0.001). In contrast, negative religious coping was related to reduced well-being (β = −0.07, p = 0.040) and life satisfaction (β = −0.25). In addition, more frequent perceptions of nature and reflective times of silence partially mediated the associations of positive religious coping with well-being (β = 0.04, p = 0.011) and life satisfaction (β = 0.04, p = 0.008). The data might suggest that interventions that help people develop an ability or awareness for nature as an exceptional encounter and may help to strengthen the ways they can utilize their religiosity as a resource and thus contribute to well-being and life satisfaction among Catholics.
The effectiveness of artificial intelligence-based automated grading and training system in education of manual detection of diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Qian Xu , Jingying Han , Xian Song , Yuqing Zhao , Lili Wu , Baorui Chu , Wei Guo , Yefeng Zheng , Qiang Zhang , Chunyan Chu , Cheng Bian , Kai Ma , Yi Qu
Published: November 2022

Background

The purpose of this study is to develop an artificial intelligence (AI)-based automated diabetic retinopathy (DR) grading and training system from a real-world diabetic dataset of China, and in particular, to investigate its effectiveness as a learning tool of DR manual grading for medical students.

Methods

We developed an automated DR grading and training system equipped with an AI-driven diagnosis algorithm to highlight highly prognostic related regions in the input image. Less experienced prospective physicians received pre- and post-training tests by the AI diagnosis platform. Then, changes in the diagnostic accuracy of the participants were evaluated.

Results

We randomly selected 8,063 cases diagnosed with DR and 7,925 with non-DR fundus images from type 2 diabetes patients. The automated DR grading system we developed achieved accuracy, sensitivity/specificity, and AUC values of 0.965, 0.965/0.966, and 0.980 for moderate or worse DR (95 percent CI: 0.976–0.984). When the graders received assistance from the output of the AI system, the metrics were enhanced in varying degrees. The automated DR grading system helped to improve the accuracy of human graders, i.e., junior residents and medical students, from 0.947 and 0.915 to 0.978 and 0.954, respectively.

Conclusion

The AI-based systemdemonstrated high diagnostic accuracy for the detection of DR on fundus images from real-world diabetics, and could be utilized as a training aid system for trainees lacking formal instruction on DR management.
Genome access and other web-based IT solutions: Genetic counseling in the digital era
Authors: Cazzaniga Alessia , Plebani Marta , Crimi Marco
Published: November 2022

Genetic counselors are healthcare professionals who are trained in both medical genetics and counseling to help guide individuals through what is known about genetic predispositions toward a variety of diseases, how they are inherited, and what impact this information can have on them and their partners and families. The range and scope of practice of GC has greatly expanded beyond where it started and now, it is employed in a variety of clinical and research settings. The traditional approach to GC involves meeting with a counselor in person. However, with the increasing availability of online resources, more people are seeking information about genetic disorders online. This shift has led to the development of online GC services. Indeed, genetic counselors are no strangers to improvements in terms of adopting digital solutions in their clinical routine, however, there are few studies assessing genetic counselors' attitudes regarding existing digital tools. Genome Access® is a digital platform that improves patient knowledge in the field of genetic diseases and supports specialists throughout different stages of counseling. This study aims to present Genome Access and discuss the importance of adopting digital technologies designed specifically for GC and what tools these solutions should include.
How does physicians' educational knowledge-sharing influence patients' engagement? An empirical examination in online health communities
Authors: Ma Xiumei , Zhang Pengfei , Meng Fanbo , Lai Kee-hung
Published: November 2022

Online health communities (OHCs) are popular channels increasingly used by patients for acquiring professional medical knowledge to manage their own health. In OHCs, physicians provide not only consultation services but also educational medical knowledge to improve patient education. So far, it remains unknown regarding how the educational medical knowledge sharing influence engagement of patients in OHCs. Drawing on the signaling theory, we examined the effects of paid vs. free knowledge-sharing of physicians on patients' engagement behaviors (i.e., patient visit and patient consultation). Data collected from one of the largest OHCs in China show that both paid and free knowledge-sharing are favorable for patients' engagement. Particularly, these two types of knowledge-sharing vary in their impacts. Moreover, physicians' registration duration in OHCs has a positive moderating effect on the relationship between physician's knowledge-sharing and patient engagement. Managers seeking to engage patients at OHCs are advised to share educational medical knowledge to entice them and the patient engagement is more salient for the knowledge shared by physicians active at the platforms for longer time history.
A systematic review of the efficacy, effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of workplace-based interventions for the prevention and treatment of problematic substance use
Authors: Morse Ashleigh K. , Askovic Mina , Sercombe Jayden , Dean Kate , Fisher Alana , Marel Christina , Chatterton Mary-Lou , Kay-Lambkin Frances , Barrett Emma , Sunderland Matthew , Harvey Logan , Peach Natalie , Teesson Maree , Mills Katherine L.
Published: November 2022

Employee alcohol and other drug use can negatively impact the workplace, resulting in absenteeism, reduced productivity, high turnover, and worksite safety issues. As the workplace can influence employee substance use through environmental and cultural factors, it also presents a key opportunity to deliver interventions, particularly to employees who may not otherwise seek help. This is a systematic review of workplace-based interventions for the prevention and treatment of problematic substance use. Five databases were searched for efficacy, effectiveness and/or cost-effectiveness studies and reviews published since 2010 that measured use of psychoactive substances (i.e., alcohol, cannabis, hallucinogens, inhalants, opioids, sedatives, hypnotics, anxiolytics, and stimulants) as a primary or secondary outcome, in employees aged over 18. Thirty-nine articles were identified, 28 describing primary research and 11 reviews, most of which focused solely on alcohol use. Heterogeneity between studies with respect to intervention and evaluation design limited the degree to which findings could be synthesized, however, there is some promising evidence for workplace-based universal health promotion interventions, targeted brief interventions, and universal substance use screening. The few studies that examined implementation in the workplace revealed specific barriers including lack of engagement with e-health interventions, heavy use and reluctance to seek help amongst male employees, and confidentiality concerns. Tailoring interventions to each workplace, and ease of implementation and employee engagement emerged as facilitators. Further high-quality research is needed to examine the effectiveness of workplace substance use testing, Employee Assistance Programs, and strategies targeting the use of substances other than alcohol in the workplace.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=227598, PROSPERO [CRD42021227598].
Transition patterns of weight status: A cohort study of Chinese school-age children
Authors: Hu Xin , Tan Linglin , Wang Zhaoxin , Zhang Jing
Published: November 2022

Background

Childhood overweight and obesity are increasing public concerns. However, little is known about the transition patterns of childhood weight status, especially in developing countries. In this study, we aimed to evaluate patterns of change in weight status and the risk factors among Chinese school-age children.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included 2,334 children aged 6 years with complete 5-year (2012–2017) physical examination data in Minhang District, Shanghai. A time-homogeneous three-state Markov model was fit to the longitudinal data with dynamic outcomes (normal weight, overweight, and obesity).

Results

According to the Markov model, 42.3% of school-age children who were initially overweight transitioned to another weight status within 1 year, with 24.8% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 23.1, 27.0) transitioning to normal weight and 17.5% (95% CI: 15.9, 19.3) becoming obese. In contrast, children who were initially normal weight (92.9% [95% CI: 92.3, 93.5]) or obese (83.1% [95% CI: 81.1, 84.8]) tended to maintain their initial weight status. Male sex, semi-urban area, absence of late adiposity rebound, lower annual height increments, higher annual weight increments, and higher initial body mass index were significantly associated with a higher risk of developing or maintaining overweight and obesity (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The weight status of Chinese school-age children is more likely to change among those who are initially overweight than in those who are initially obese. Interventions to promote healthy weight status may be more effective if key groups are targeted, such as overweight and pre-school-age children.
Age-specific transmission dynamic of mumps: A long-term large-scale modeling study in Jilin Province, China
Authors: Yang Tianlong , Wang Yao , Zhao Qinglong , Guo Xiaohao , Yu Shanshan , Zhao Zeyu , Deng Bin , Huang Jiefeng , Liu Weikang , Su Yanhua , Chen Tianmu
Published: November 2022

Objectives

Despite the adoption of a new childhood immunization program in China, the incidence of mumps remains high. This study aimed to describe the epidemiological characteristics of mumps in Jilin Province from 2005 to 2019 and to assess the transmissibility of mumps virus among the whole population and different subgroups by regions and age groups.

Methods

The Non-age-specific and age-specific Susceptible–Exposed–Pre-symptomatic–Infectious–Asymptomatic–Recovered (SEPIAR) models were fitted to actual mumps incidence data. The time-varying reproduction number (Rt) was used to evaluate and compare the transmissibility.

Results

From 2005 to 2019, a total of 57,424 cases of mumps were reported in Jilin Province. The incidence of mumps was the highest in people aged 5 to 9 years (77.37 per 100,000). The two SEPIAR models fitted the reported data well (P < 0.01). The median transmissibility (Rt) calculated by the two SEPIAR models were 1.096 (range: 1.911 × 10−5–2.192) and 1.074 (range: 0.033–2.114) respectively. The age-specific SEPIAR model was more representative of the actual epidemic of mumps in Jilin Province from 2005–2019.

Conclusions

For mumps control, it is recommended that mumps-containing vaccines (MuCV) coverage be increased nationwide in the 5–9 years age group, either by a mumps vaccine alone or by a combination of vaccines such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. The coverage of vaccines in Jilin Province should be continuously expanded to establish solid immunity in the population. China needs to redefine the optimal time interval for MuCV immunization.
Design theory to better target public health priorities: An application to Lyme disease in France
Authors: Vourc'h Gwenaël , Un Katherine , Berthet Elsa , Frey-Klett Pascale , Le Masson Pascal , Weil Benoit , Lesens Olivier
Published: November 2022

In the context of complex public health challenges led by interdependent changes such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and resistance to treatment, it is important to mobilize methods that guide us to generate innovative interventions in a context of uncertainty and unknown. Here, we mobilized the concept-knowledge (CK) design theory to identify innovative, cross-sectoral, and cross-disciplinary research and design programs that address the challenges posed by tick-borne Lyme disease in France, which is of growing importance in the French public health and healthcare systems. Within the CK methodological framework, we developed an iterative approach based on literature analysis, expert interviews, analysis of active French research projects, and work with CK experts to contribute to design “an action plan against Lyme disease.” We produced a CK diagram that highlights innovative concepts that could be addressed in research projects. The outcome is discussed within four areas: (i) effectiveness; (ii) environmental sustainability in prevention actions; (iii) the promotion of constructive involvement of citizens in Lyme challenges; and (iv) the development of care protocols for chronic conditions with an unknown diagnosis. Altogether, our analysis questioned the health targets ranging from population to ecosystem, the citizen involvement, and the patient consideration. This means integrating social and ecological science, as well as the multidisciplinary medical patient journey, from the start. CK theory is a promising framework to assist public health professionals in designing programs for complex yet urgent contexts, where research and data collection are still not sufficient to provide clear guidance.
Robotic versus open extended cholecystectomy for T1a–T3 gallbladder cancer: A matched comparison
Authors: Yang Jun , Li Enliang , Wang Cong , Luo Shuaiwu , Fu Zixuan , Peng Jiandong , Liao Wenjun , Wu Linquan
Published: November 2022

Background

The feasibility and safety of robotic extended cholecystectomy (REC) are still uncertain. This study was performed to compare the short- and long-term outcomes of REC with those of open extended cholecystectomy (OEC) for T1a–T3 gallbladder cancer.

Methods

From January 2015 to April 2022, 28 patients underwent REC in our center. To minimize any confounding factors, a 1:2 propensity score-matching analysis was conducted based on the patients’ demographics, liver function indicators, T stage, and symptoms. The data regarding demographics, perioperative outcomes, and long-term oncologic outcomes were reviewed.

Results

The visual analogue scale score was significantly lower in the REC than OEC group immediately postoperatively (3.68 ± 2.09 vs. 4.73 ± 1.85, P = 0.008), on postoperative day 1 (2.96 ± 1.75 vs. 3.69 ± 1.41, P = 0.023), and on postoperative day 2 (2.36 ± 1.55 vs. 2.92 ± 1.21, P = 0.031). In addition, the REC group exhibited a shorter time to first ambulation (P = 0.043), a shorter time to drainage tube removal (P = 0.038), and a shorter postoperative stay (P = 0.037), but hospital costs were significantly higher in the REC group (P < 0.001). However, no statistically significant difference was found in the operation time (P = 0.134), intraoperative blood loss (P = 0.467), or incidence of postoperative morbidity (P = 0.227) or mortality (P = 0.289) between the REC and OEC groups. In regard to long-term outcomes, the 3-year disease-free survival rate was comparable between the OEC and REC groups (43.1% vs. 57.2%, P = 0.684), as was the 3-year overall survival rate (62.8% vs. 75.0%, P = 0.619).

Conclusion

REC can be an effective and safe alternative to OEC for selected patients with T1a–T3 gallbladder cancer with respect to short- and long-term outcomes.
Risk factor score for the prediction of central compartment lymph node metastasis in papillary thyroid carcinoma and its clinical significance
Authors: Pan Xiaojia , Li Qinghuai
Published: November 2022

Objective

To establish the criteria for a risk factor score (RFS) for predicting the probability of central compartment lymph node metastasis (LNM) in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and to explore the clinical significance of the RFS.

Methods

The data of 412 patients with PTC who underwent surgical resection between May 2013 and July 2016 were retrospectively analysed and divided into two groups: a central LNM group and a non-central LNM group. In each group, the frequency of six risk factors was documented: sex, age, tumour size, extracapsular spread (ECS), tumour multifocality, and tumour location. The maximum likelihood method of discriminant analysis was adopted to calculate patient scores for the six risk indicators. In addition, the data of 104 patients with PTC admitted between July 2016 and December 2016 were prospectively analysed using this method and these six risk factors. A higher score represented one certain possibility that was the more appropriate for one patient.

Results

In the retrospective group, the result was as follows: 129 patients with positive (+) lymph nodes in the central compartment and 168 patients with negative (−) lymph nodes in the central compartment, which was in line with the actual results. In the prospective group, there were 28 patients with positive lymph nodes in the central compartment and 48 patients with negative lymph nodes in the central compartment. The coincidence rates using the RFS were 71.9% for the retrospective group and 73.1% for the prospective group.

Conclusion

By simple and quantitative analyses of the presence of central LNM, the RFS is of great significance when choosing surgical approaches and postoperative individual-based treatment plans, as well as when determining the prognosis of central compartment LNM in patients with PTC.
Safety and efficacy of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy vs. flexible ureteroscopy in the treatment of urinary calculi: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Lv Guangda , Qi Wenqiang , Gao Han , Zhou Yongheng , Zhong Minglei , Wang Kai , Liu Yunxing , Zhang Qiang , Zhou Changkuo , Li Yan , Zhang Lingling , Zhang Dongqing
Published: November 2022

Objective

This study aims to compare the safety and efficacy of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) and flexible ureteroscopy lithotripsy (f-URS) in treating urinary tract stones.

Methods

We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane for literature comparing SWL with f-URS. The primary outcomes we focused on were stone-free rate (SFR) and complications; the secondary outcomes were operation time, hospital stay, retreatment rate, number of sessions, and auxiliary procedures rate. We used ReviewManager version 5.4.1 and STATA version 14.2 for meta-analysis.

Results

Seventeen studies with a total of 2,265 patients were included in the meta-analysis, including 1,038 patients in the SWL group and 1,227 patients in the f-URS group. The meta-analysis indicated that patients in the f-URS group had higher SFR than those in the SWL group [odds ratio (OR): 2.00, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.29–3.12, p = 0.002]. In addition, we found no significant difference in complications (OR: 1.08, 95% CI: 0.85–1.37) between the two treatments. Also, we found that the retreatment rate and the auxiliary procedure rate in the f-URS group were significantly lower than those in the SWL group (OR: 0.08, 95% CI: 0.02–0.24, p < 0.00001; OR: 0.30, 95% CI: 0.11–0.83, p = 0.02). Moreover, the number of sessions in the f-URS group was significantly lower than that in the SWL group [mean difference (MD): −1.96, 95% CI: −1.55 to −0.33, p = 0.003]. However, the operation time and hospital stay in the f-URS group were significantly longer than those in the SWL group (MD: 11.24, 95% CI: 3.51–18.56, p = 0.004; MD: 1.14, 95% CI: 0.85–1.42, p < 0.00001).

Conclusion

For 1–2-cm urinary stones, f-URS can achieve a higher SFR than SWL while having a lower retreatment rate, number of sessions, and auxiliary procedure rate. For urinary stones <1 cm, there was no significant difference in SFR between SWL and f-URS groups. The SWL group has a shorter operative time and hospital stay than the f-URS group.
Biomechanical effects of cement discoplasty on the lumbar spinal unit
Authors: Huang Jiajun , Zeng Weike , Li Ming , Cheng Ziying , Huang Junshen , Liang Changchun , Li Yuxi , Huang Lin
Published: November 2022

Background

Percutaneous cement discoplasty (PCD) is used to treat patients with low back and leg pain due to the intervertebral disc vacuum phenomena. Whether PCD can restore lumbar spinal stability remains unknown.

Objective

The purpose of our in vitro study was to evaluate the biomechanical changes brought about by PCD.

Methods

Eight fresh pig lumbar spines were tested in the following order: intact, after nucleotomy, and after discoplasty. Flexion/extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation were induced by pure moments. The range of motion and neutral zone were recorded. A CT scan was performed to assess the injection volume of the bone cement and to observe whether the bone cement was fractured. After removing the facet joint, a compression failure test was conducted to observe the fracture of bone cement.

Results

Compared with nucleotomy, range of motion (ROM) after discoplasty was reduced only in lateral flexion (P < 0.05). The results of the neutral zone showed that the neutral zones in flexion–extension and lateral bending were significantly reduced after discoplasty (P < 0.05). The neutral zone was more sensitive to changes in lumbar stability than ROM. Bone cement slides were observed during the biomechanical test. The CT scan and compression failure test showed that bone cement fracture was more likely to occur at the puncture channel in the annulus fibrosus region.

Conclusion

In all, the biomechanical study indicates that discoplasty helps enhance the stability of the lumbar spine in flexion–extension and lateral bending, which explains how PCD works for low back pain. Fractures and sliding of bone cement were observed after discoplasty, and this was more likely to occur at the puncture channel in the annulus fibrosus region. This suggests that bone cement displacement after PCD may cause nerve compression.
Animal welfare knowledge, attitudes, and practices among livestock holders in Ethiopia
Authors: Alemayehu Gezahegn , Berhe Tsega , Gelan Eyob , Mokria Mulugeta , Jaldessa Jarso , Molu Jarso , Wieland Barbara , Knight-Jones Theodore , Doyle Rebecca E.
Published: November 2022

Improving animal welfare is a human responsibility and influenced by a person's values and experiences. Thus, it is critical to have an in-depth understanding of the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of animal welfare among animal owners. For livestock in Ethiopia, the greatest proportion of livestock are reared by pastoral and mixed crop-livestock communities. A cross-sectional survey covering a range of species and animal welfare aspects was carried out on a total of 197 household (117 pastoral and 80 crop-livestock owners) and recorded information on 34 animal welfare KAP items. Item response theory models (IRT) were fitted to the data from KAP items to estimate the probability of correctly answering an item. This was used as a function of the respondents' KAP level. Overall, the highest percentage of desirable scores was recorded for the knowledge scale (35.7%) and the lowest was for the practice scale (24.6%). A significant correlation (P< 0.01) was found between knowledge of the farmers and their attitude toward animal welfare and self-reported practices. Generally, households practicing mixed crop-livestock farming system had better animal welfare knowledge, attitude, and practice than pastoralist. Mixed crop-livestock farmers had better knowledge on items related to observing the nutrition condition of the animal, animal-human relationship, the importance of water, and health inspection compared to pastoralists. In contrast, pastoralists had better knowledge of items related to natural behavior expression, animal care, and animal suffering than mixed crop-livestock farmers. Pastoralists had 3.3-times higher odds than mixed crop-livestock farmers to have a positive attitude to train their animals without beating. KAP scores demonstrate the need for targeted training to improve animal well-being (i.e., housing, management, nutrition, disease prevention and treatment, responsible care, humane handling) across livestock holding communities in Ethiopia.