bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Knowledge, attitudes and behaviours on tobacco, alcohol and other drugs among Nigerian secondary school students: Differences by geopolitical zones
Authors: Vigna‐Taglianti Federica , Alesina Marta , Damjanović Ljiljana , Mehanović Emina , Akanidomo Ibanga , Pwajok Juliet , Prichard Glen , van der Kreeft Peer , Virk Harsheth K. ,   the Unplugged Nigeria Coordination Group
Published: August 2019

Introduction and Aims

Nigeria is composed of six geopolitical zones plus one Federal Capital Territory. Differences between zones can differentially influence the adoption of risk behaviours by adolescents. This paper aims to describe the knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, risk perception, skills and substance use among Nigerian secondary school students highlighting the differences by geopolitical zone.

Design and Methods

The population size of each zone was taken into account in extracting the 32 schools for the survey. The characteristics of the social environment, tobacco, alcohol and substance use, knowledge, beliefs, risk perception, attitudes, personal skills and school climate were investigated through an anonymous questionnaire.

Results

A total of 4078 adolescents participated in the survey: 5.1% reported they had smoked cigarettes at least once in their life, 33.6% drank alcohol, 13.1% experienced drunkenness, 7.5% used cannabis and 11.6% other drugs. The highest rates of alcohol use were observed in the South, whilst the use of tobacco, cannabis and other drugs was higher in the North. Knowledge about tobacco, alcohol and marijuana was quite low across all zones. Scores for self‐esteem, decision‐making and refusal skills, risk perception and beliefs were lower in the North.

Discussion and Conclusions

This study shows a high prevalence of adolescent alcohol and substance use in Nigeria. There is a need for planning and implementing evidence‐based drug education and prevention programs across the country. Prevention activities targeting adolescents could help to reduce the later life burden of disease related to use of tobacco, alcohol and other drugs.
The assessment of treatment outcomes in patients with acute viral myocarditis by speckle tracking and tissue Doppler methods
Authors: Gursu Hazım Alper , Cetin Ibrahim Ilker , Azak Emine , Kibar Ayse Esin , Surucu Murat , Orgun Ali , Pamuk Utku
Published: August 2019

Objectives

The aim was to evaluate the role of tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) and speckle tracking echocardiography (STE), to identify myocardial dysfunction, and to evaluate myocardial segmental deformation in acute viral myocarditis.

Methods

Twenty‐one patients and twelve healthy children were studied prospectively. The TDI and STE were performed before and after treatment. The myocardial velocities (Sm, Em, and Am) and time intervals (isovolumic contraction, isovolumic relaxation, and ejection times [ET]) at interventricular septum (IVS), left, and right ventricular basal segments were examined by TDI. The left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LVGLS) and strain rate (LVGLSR), left ventricular global circumferential strain (LVGCS) and strain rate (LVGCSR), and right ventricular global longitudinal strain (RVGLS) and strain rate (RVGLSR) were examined by STE.

Results

Sm and Em at IVS and at LV, ET at IVS, ET at RV, ET at LV were significantly lower in patients before treatment than controls. LVGLS, LVGLSR, LVGCS, LVGCSR, RVGLS, RVGLSR were significantly decreased in patients before treatment than controls. There was significant improvement for LVGLS, LVGLSR, LVGCS, LVGCSR, and RVGLS in patients after treatment. Sm, Em, and Am at LV were significantly lower in patients before treatment than in patients after treatment. In spite of improvements, Sm, Em, and ET at IVS, LVGLS, LVGLSR, LVGCS, LVGCSR were significantly lower in patients after treatment than controls.

Conclusions

The TDI and STE were useful methods for detection of early myocardial dysfunction and evaluation of treatment outcomes in acute viral myocarditis.
The early alteration of left ventricular strain and dys‐synchrony index in breast cancer patients undergoing anthracycline therapy using layer‐specific strain analysis
Authors: Li Hairu , Liu Cong , Zhang Ge , Wang Chao , Sun Ping , Du Guoqing , Tian Jiawei
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The primary aim of this study was to evaluate early changes in cardiac function after anthracycline therapy with layer‐specific speckle‐tracking echocardiography (STE) and mechanical dys‐synchrony.

Methods

A total of 78 breast cancer patients (ranging 31~72 years) exposed to anthracycline treatment were recruited in this study. All patients received both conventional two‐dimensional speckle‐tracking echocardiographs at baseline, as well as after the completion of 2 and 4 cycles of the regimen. Layer‐specific longitudinal strain (LS) and circumferential strain (CS) of the 3 myocardial layers (endocardium, mid‐myocardium, and epicardium) were automatically measured. Peak systolic dispersion (PSD) was defined as the standard deviation of the time to peak strain of the 18 segments, divided by the RR interval.

Results

There were no significant differences in conventional echocardiographic parameters during treatment (all P > .05). Peak endocardium CS at basal level decreased significantly after 2 and 4 cycles compared with baseline (both P = .001), while PSD significantly increased in that same period versus baseline (both P = .000). Endocardium and mid‐myocardium LS, peak mid‐myocardium and epicardium CS at the basal level, peak CS of all three layers at the papillary level, and peak endocardium and mid‐myocardium CS at the apical level all significantly decreased after 4 cycles, compared with baseline and 2 cycles (all P = .000).

Conclusion

This study showed that myocardial deformation impairment occurred as early as 2 cycles after anthracycline chemotherapy. Endocardium CS at the basal level and left ventricular dys‐synchrony index PSD were the initial cardiac abnormalities in anthracycline‐treated breast cancer patients.
Nasal respiration entrains neocortical long‐range gamma coherence during wakefulness
Authors: Cavelli Matías , Castro‐Zaballa Santiago , Gonzalez Joaquín , Rojas‐Líbano Daniel , Rubido Nicolas , Velásquez Noelia , Torterolo Pablo
Published: August 2019

Recent studies have shown that slow cortical potentials in archi‐, paleo‐ and neocortex can phase‐lock with nasal respiration. In some of these areas, gamma activity (γ: 30–100 Hz) is also coupled to the animal's respiration. It has been hypothesized that these functional relationships play a role in coordinating distributed neural activity. In a similar way, inter‐cortical interactions at γ frequency have also been associated as a binding mechanism by which the brain generates temporary opportunities necessary for implementing cognitive functions. The aim of the present study is to explore whether nasal respiration entrains inter‐cortical functional interactions at γ frequency during both wakefulness and sleep. Six adult cats chronically prepared for electrographic recordings were employed in this study. Our results show that during wakefulness, slow cortical respiratory potentials are present in the olfactory bulb and several areas of the neocortex. We also found that these areas exhibit cross‐frequency coupling between respiratory phase and γ oscillation amplitude. We demonstrate that respiratory phase modulates the inter‐cortical gamma coherence between neocortical electrode pairs. On the contrary, slow respiratory oscillation and γ cortical oscillatory entrainments disappear during non‐rapid eye movement and rapid eye movement sleep. These results suggest that a single unified phenomenon involves cross‐frequency coupling and long‐range γ coherence across the neocortex. This fact could be related to the temporal binding process necessary for cognitive functions during wakefulness.
Study of haze emission efficiency based on new co‐opetition data envelopment analysis
Authors: Wu Xianhua , Chen Yufeng , Zhao Peng , Guo Ji , Ma Zhanxin
Published: August 2019

As haze intensifies in China, controlling haze emission has become the country's top priority for environmental protection. Because haze moves across different regions, it is necessary to develop a data envelopment analysis (DEA) model underpinned by both competition and cooperation to evaluate the haze emission efficiency in different provinces. This study innovatively adopts the spatial econometrics to construct the co‐opetition matrices of Chinese provinces, then builds the co‐opetition DEA model to evaluate the haze emission efficiency of them, and finally uses the haze data of 2015 as an example to assess the applicability of the model. The results of the study include the following: First, compared with the traditional CCR (A. Charnes & W. W. Cooper & E. Rhodes) model, this study constructs the co‐opetition DEA cross‐efficiency model that integrates haze's feature of cross‐border moving; thus, it is more in line with the reality of haze emission and movement. Second, compared with the efficiency value gained from the CCR model, the haze emission efficiency values for Tianjin and Guangdong, two decision‐making units, register greater variance when using the DEA model. The reason might lie in that they have a different spatial transportation relationship with their surrounding provinces. Third, the haze emission efficiency of provinces, according to the evaluation based on the co‐opetition DEA method, varies greatly: Those with high efficiency are mostly inland provinces with slow economic growth and adverse climatic conditions, whereas many of the provinces with low efficiency are located in the relatively prosperous East China. The specific co‐opetition DEA model constructed in this study enriches the research on the DEA model, which can be applied to the emission efficiency evaluation of similar pollutants around the world and can contribute empirical support to the haze reducing efforts of the government with its empirical results.
Hazards of managing disparate species as a pooled complex: A general problem illustrated by two contrasting examples from Hawaii
Authors: DeMartini Edward E.
Published: August 2019

Surprisingly little published information exists on the pros and cons of managing extracted resources that are pooled as compound taxa such as species complexes. Current fisheries management includes many species complexes; in Hawaii, this includes two taxa of species pooled at subfamily and higher levels. These include seven species of parrotfishes (Scarinae, Labridae) and a seven‐species ‘bottomfish’ complex (the ‘Deep‐7’: comprising six species of snappers [Etelinae, Lutjanidae] and a single species of grouper [Epinephelidae]). Recent research on key vital rates (growth, reproduction) for major species in both taxa indicates that these complexes consist of species with disparate life histories. Species in the parrotfish taxon exhibit fast to very fast growth and short to moderate longevities, whilst Deep‐7 bottomfishes exhibit moderate to very slow growth and long to very long lifespans. These data clearly indicate that, although pooling species is a tempting default option in data‐poor situations, it is at best a necessary evil to be avoided when sufficient data on the demographics of component species become available. Pooling species is especially problematic when the ecosystem effects of extracting functionally dominant species should be an important management consideration in addition to that of species demographics. Assessments that recognize and quantify the ecosystem importance of habitat engineers and other ecological dominants could substantively improve management of species complexes. Ultimately, complexes of resource species need to be evaluated and managed based on many, sometimes conflicting and sometimes reinforcing, but always careful considerations such as those contrasted herein between the parrotfishes and bottomfishes of Hawaii.
Retirement Savings Habits of Business‐Owning Families in the United States
Authors: Kim Kyoung Tae , Lee Jae Min , Anderson Somer G.
Published: August 2019

This study analyzed how business‐owning families prepare for their retirement using four indicators: (i) having established retirement as a goal for savings, (ii) ownership of a Defined Benefit (DB) or Defined Contribution (DC) plan, (iii) ownership of IRA/Keogh accounts, and (iv) the amount of retirement assets. Results using a pooled dataset of the 2010–2016 Survey of Consumer Finances indicated that business‐owning families with a sole proprietorship and those who intermingled assets between the family and the business were less likely to own an IRA or Keogh accounts and they had lower amounts of retirement assets than their counterparts. The age of a business was positively related to owning DB or DC plans, while the business's net worth was negatively associated with the likelihood of owning DB or DC plans and establishing retirement as a savings goal. Among family‐related factors, respondents' education, homeownership, use of a financial planner for savings and investment decisions, and risk tolerance were positively associated with owning DB/DC plans, IRA/Keogh accounts, and the amount of retirement assets. The results can be used by practitioners and educators to advise family business owners about retirement preparation.
Comparison of Diet Quality Between Women With Chronic and Episodic Migraine
Authors: Hajjarzadeh Samaneh , Nikniaz Zeinab , Shalilahmadi Davood , Mahdavi Reza , Behrouz Maryam
Published: August 2019

Background/Objectives

Different triggers including environmental, hormonal, and dietary factors have been introduced as migraine risk factors. There is some evidence to suggest that a high quality of diet could be effective regarding management of migraine. In this present study, we hypothesized that the diet quality of women with chronic migraine (CM) might be different from women with episodic migraine (EM).

Methods

In this cross‐sectional study, 116 women with chronic and 169 women with episodic migraine (25‐55 years old) were recruited from the neurology clinics of Golestan hospital in Ahvaz (southwest Iran) based on the International Classification of Headache Disorders‐III. Anthropometric data including weight, height, waist, and hip circumference were measured. Dietary intake data were obtained using a reliable and valid semi‐quantitative food frequency questionnaire that included 168 food items. The diet quality of subjects was calculated using the Healthy Eating Index‐2015 (HEI‐2015).

Results

The mean HEI score of participants was 57.29 ± 7.98. The participants were classified into 3 groups of “poor,” “needs improvement,” and “good” based on their diet quality. The frequencies of each group were 50/285 (17.5%), 233/285 (81.8%), and 2/285 (0.7%), respectively. Moreover, the mean of HEI score in women with CM was significantly lower than women with EM (55.93 ± 7.90 vs 58.93 ± 7.93, P = .02). Moreover, there was a significant negative association between CM and HEI score of women (β = −2.03; 95% CI: [−3.97 to −0.10]; P = .04).

Conclusions

Women with CM had a lower diet quality than that of EM. Moreover, CM was significantly and inversely associated with HEI score in women.
Findings from home‐based HIV testing and facilitated linkage after scale‐up of test and treat in rural South Africa: young people still missing
Authors: Baisley KJ , Seeley J , Siedner MJ , Koole K , Matthews P , Tanser F , Bärnighausen T , Smit T , Gareta D , Dlamini S , Herbst K , HM Yapa , CC Iwuji , HY Kim , D Pillay , M Shahmanesh
Published: August 2019

Objectives

The aim of the study was to estimate rates of linkage to HIV care and antiretroviral treatment (ART) initiation after the introduction of home‐based HIV counselling and testing (HBHCT) and telephone‐facilitated support for linkage in rural South Africa.

Methods

A population‐based prospective cohort study was carried out in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. All residents aged ≥ 15 years were eligible for HBHCT. Those who tested positive and were not in care were referred for ART at one of 11 public‐sector clinics. Individuals who did not attend the clinic within 2 weeks were sent a short message service (SMS) reminder; those who had not attended after a further 2 weeks were telephoned by a nurse counsellor, to discuss concerns and encourage linkage. Kaplan–Meier methods were used to estimate the proportion of newly diagnosed individuals linking to care and initiating ART.

Results

Among 38 827 individuals visited, 26% accepted HBHCT. Uptake was higher in women than in men (30% versus 20%, respectively), but similar in people aged < 30 years and ≥ 30 years (28% versus 26%, respectively). A total of 784 (8%) tested HIV positive, of whom 427 (54%) were newly diagnosed. Within 6 months, 31% of women and 18% of men < 30 years old had linked to care, and 29% and 16%, respectively, had started ART. Among those ≥ 30 years, 41% of women and 38% of men had linked to care within 6 months, and 41% and 35%, respectively, had started ART.

Conclusions

Despite facilitated linkage, rates of timely linkage to care and ART initiation after HBHCT were very low, particularly among young men. Innovations are needed to provide effective HIV care and prevention interventions to young people, and thus maximize the benefits of universal test and treat.
The role of climate and biotic factors in shaping current distributions and potential future shifts of EuropeanNeocrepidodera(Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae)
Authors: Cerasoli Francesco , Thuiller Wilfried , Guéguen Maya , Renaud Julien , D'Alessandro Paola , Biondi Maurizio
Published: August 2019

The Western Paleartic species ofNeocrepidoderaHeikertinger (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Galerucinae: Alticini) mostly occur in medium and high elevation ecosystems particularly sensitive to climate change.

Here, using ensemble projections from state‐of‐the‐art habitat suitability modelling techniques, we investigated how climate change and associated changes in host availability may affect the persistence of three pairs of closely relatedNeocrepidoderataxa.

Modelled niches and suitability patterns reflected the current distributions of the targeted taxa.Neocrepidodera liguricaoccupies a small portion of the broader environmental niche ofN. melanostoma, and its narrow geographical range makes this species particularly vulnerable to potential loss of suitable habitats in Western Alps.Neocrepidodera cyanescens cyanescensandN. cyanescens concolorwere found to occupy separate niches, but the non‐significance of the niche similarity test suggested their divergence being probably due to allopatric processes.Neocrepidodera corpulentaandN. rhaeticashowed partially overlapping niches, coherently with their co‐occurrence in Western Alps. Most of the targeted taxa were predicted to potentially lose large portions of currently suitable areas in the forthcoming decades.

Notwithstanding the candidate host plants did not emerge as most important predictors, exceptAconitum lycoctonumforN. cyanescens concolor, a clear reduction of potential insect‐plant co‐occurrence areas resulted for most future scenarios.

Climate was confirmed to noticeably affect the distribution of the targeted taxa, among whichN. ligurica,N. cyanescens concolor,N. corpulentaandN. rhaeticamay need specific prioritisation measures in the future decades, claiming for further attention on mountainous entomofauna in a warming world.
What is of interest in Endodontology? A bibliometric review of research published in the International Endodontic Journal and the Journal of Endodontics from 1980 to 2019
Authors: Ordinola‐Zapata R. , Peters O. A. , Nagendrababu V. , Azevedo B. , Dummer P. M. H. , Neelakantan P.
Published: August 2019

Aim

To report the most common terminology used in titles of scientific papers published in the International Endodontic Journal (IEJ) and Journal of Endodontics (JOE) between 1980 and 2019 and to identify the most‐cited papers in these journals.

Methodology

The Web of Science database was searched to retrieve all the manuscripts published in the IEJ and JOE between 1980 and 2019. The articles were analysed using the VOS viewer software and the terms within the titles extracted. The top‐10 terms were categorized according to the number of occurrences and the decade of publication. Maps were created using the text data for each decade of publication. Classic papers were identified when the number of citations was >400. During the same period of time, highly cited studies were identified including the authors, institutions and countries associated with these papers.

Results

Terms such as canal, molar and periapical lesion were the most commonly used in titles between 1980 and 1999. The terms instruments, expression, case report and cell were the most often terms used between 2000 and 2019. During the last 10 years, an increase in the number of reviews and papers on cone beam computed tomography occurred. The organizations with the largest number of citations in each decade were University of São Paulo, University College London, Loma Linda University and United States Army. The country with the largest number of citations and greatest number of top 10 and top 100 manuscripts was the United States. A paper had to be associated with more than 167 citations to be included in the top‐100 most‐cited list; at least 14 papers met the criteria to be categorized as a citation classic (>400 citations).

Conclusion

While many diverse areas of endodontics have been explored in the last 40 years within the IEJ and JOE, only a relatively few topics are highly cited and can be considered as classics.
Are They Deterred by Welfare? Digging into the Drivers of Highly Skilled Temporary and Long‐term Migrants in Europe
Authors: Cebolla‐Boado Héctor , Miyar‐Busto María
Published: August 2019

Literature researching the drivers of highly skilled migration (HSM) often prioritizes labor market returns to education and downscales the importance of public welfare. This article develops an innovative empirical strategy which allows us to see how a selection of pull factors attracts temporary and long‐term educated migrants in Europe. To do so, we built a unique longitudinal contextual dataset merging information from the European Labor Force Survey (2000‐2014) with selected Eurostat and OECD country indicators. Country‐fixed effect time series allow us to concentrate on cross‐country effects. Our evidence suggests that returns to education attract temporary HSM and long‐term stayers equally. However, it is also shown that public welfare and taxation operate differently for these two groups and do not deter long‐term residents. Our article proposes revisiting the assumption that HSMs are mere income maximizers. As we argue, long‐term HSM may well be attracted by generous welfare setups.
Explaining the link between technostress and technology addiction for social networking sites: A study of distraction as a coping behavior
Authors: Tarafdar Monideepa , Maier Christian , Laumer Sven , Weitzel Tim
Published: August 2019

This paper investigates under what conditions stress from the use of SNS is linked to addiction to the use of the same SNS. Integrating three theoretical strands—the concept of feature‐rich Information Technology (IT), the theory of technology frames, and distraction as a coping behaviour—we theorize two types of coping behaviours in response to stressors experienced from the use of SNS. These are ‐ distraction through use of the same SNS and distraction through activities outside the use of the SNS. We hypothesize relationships between stressors from SNS use, the two coping behaviours and SNS addiction. We further articulate the role of SNS use habit. We test the hypotheses through a three‐wave survey of 444 Facebook users with data collected at three different points in time. The paper's contributions are to theorize and empirically validate the psychological concept of distraction as a coping behaviour in response to stress from the use of SNS and, in doing so, explain why there may be a link between technostress from and technology addiction to the use of the same SNS.
Multiparty sensemaking: A technology‐vendor selection case study
Authors: Yeow Adrian Yong Kwang , Chua Cecil Eng Huang
Published: August 2019

Information system (IS) procurement history is replete with poorly executed, multimillion dollar procurement decisions. Yet we barely understand what effective IS procurement should look like. IS procurement is highly challenging, as it requires the client to simultaneously select a technology and vendor. This paper explores the technology‐vendor selection process through the sensemaking perspective. Our study develops a sensemaking model for technology‐vendor selection that connects the multiple rounds of client‐vendor communicative actions with the client's sensemaking process. We show how the client reconciles fragmented and sometimes conflicting cues and information through three intertwined cycles: immediate, retrospective, and decision. Sensebreaking occurs as a separate process (and not a communicative action) when disruptive cues occur persistently and from different vendors over multiple rounds of sensemaking. We derive a set of critical factors, on the basis of the sensemaking perspective, for selecting an appropriate vendor and technical solution. These insights in turn help explain many poorly executed IS procurement decisions.
Systematic review and meta‐analysis: Physical‐procedural interventions used to reduce pain during intramuscular injections in adults
Authors: Şanlialp Zeyrek Arife , Takmak Şenay , Kurban Nevin Kuzu , Arslan Sümeyye
Published: August 2019

Aims

To assess the effectiveness of physical‐procedural interventions in reducing pain during intramuscular injections.

Design

Systematic review and meta‐analysis.

Method

English keywords were used to search databases [MEDLINE (OVID, Ebsco), SCOPUS, Science Direct, COCHRANE and the reference lists from retrieved articles] from their inception to November 2017 and randomized and quasi‐experimental trials were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. The standardized mean difference and random effects model were used.

Results

From 2,318 articles, 15 articles (1996–2017) met the criteria for the meta‐analysis. Physical‐procedural interventions described in the articles were included in this systematic review. The overall standardized mean difference was 0.595 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.417–0.773), indicating a moderate effect on pain levels. Generally, these interventions (two‐needle technique, acupressure, manual pressure, ShotBlocker, Z‐technique, air‐lock technique, injection site postinjection massage, and speed of injection) have been found to moderately reduce pain.

Conclusion

It seems difficult to conclude that a single intervention reduces pain in adults. However, we can state that the most effective interventions for reducing pain during intramuscular injections in adults involve the ventrogluteal site, the Z‐technique, and manual pressure.

Impact

The systematic review will provide guidance to clinicians, staff, and educator nurses and future studies. The systematic review will help nurses and educators apply techniques based on evidence in any setting. The systematic review will guide well‐designed and well‐reported studies to contribute to the accumulation of evidence in nursing research.
Dysphagia and factors associated with malnutrition risk: A 5‐year multicentre study
Authors: Blanař Vít , Hödl Manuela , Lohrmann Christa , Amir Yufitriana , Eglseer Doris
Published: August 2019

Aims

To describe the associations between dysphagia and malnutrition risk and to identify predictors for dysphagia in a group of persons at risk of malnutrition in hospitals and nursing homes.

Design

A secondary analysis of cross‐sectional data from the years 2012–2016.

Methods

The risk of malnutrition was assessed using the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool for Adults (MUST). The data were compared regarding malnutrition risk and dysphagia. Regression analyses were conducted to identify variables that were associated with the risk of malnutrition and dysphagia.

Results

Patients (N = 17,580) were included in the study sample. The prevalence of dysphagia was 6.6% and the prevalence of malnutrition risk was 18.9%. A multivariable logistic regression analysis resulted in the identification of dysphagia and cancer as variables with the highest odds ratios with regard to malnutrition risk. Patients with cancer, stroke or respiratory diseases represent a high‐risk group for the co‐occurrence of dysphagia and risk of malnutrition.

Conclusions

Screening for dysphagia should be carried out on patients at risk of malnutrition as an integral part of their admission to a healthcare institution and especially on the higher risk group of patients with cancer, a stroke or a respiratory disease.

Impact

What problem did the study address? This study identified the relationship between dysphagia and malnutrition risk and associated factors. What were the main findings? Dysphagia among patients in the research sample was associated with more than two times higher prevalence of the malnutrition risk. Where and on whom will the research have an impact? Thorough malnutrition risk and dysphagia screening lead to better nursing care.
A systematic review of adherence to diabetes self‐care behaviours: Evidence from low‐ and middle‐income countries
Authors: Mogre Victor , Johnson Natalie A. , Tzelepis Flora , Shaw Jonathan E. , Paul Christine
Published: August 2019

Aims

To determine diabetes patient's adherence to five self‐care behaviours (diet, exercise; medication, self‐monitoring of blood glucose [SMBG] and foot care) in low‐ and middle‐income countries.

Design

Systematic review.

Data sources

We searched MEDLINE, CINAHL, PUBMED, SCOPUS, PsycINFO, EMBASE, Cochrane library and EMCARE for the period January 1990 – June 2017.

Review Methods

Title, abstract and full text screening were done according to eligibility criteria. A narrative synthesis of the literature was conducted.

Results

A total of 7,109 studies were identified of which 27 met the review eligibility criteria and were included. All the studies used self‐report of adherence to diabetes self‐care. Studies reported adherence rates in two major forms: (a) mean number of days participants performed a recommended dietary behaviour/activity during the past week; and (b) proportions of participants adhering to a recommended self‐care behaviour. Mean number of days per week participants adhered to a self‐care behaviour ranged from 2.34.6 days per week for diet, 5.5–6.8 days per week for medication, 1.8–5.7 days per week for exercise, 0.2–2.2 days per week for SMBG and 2.2–4.3 days per week for foot care. Adherence rates ranged from 29.9%–91.7% for diet, 26.0%–97.0% for medication taking, 26.7%–69.0% for exercise, 13.0%–79.9% for self‐monitoring of blood glucose and 17.0%–77.4% for foot care.

Conclusion

Although most diabetes patients do not adhere to recommended self‐care behaviours, adherence rates vary widely and were found to be high in some instances.

Impact

Health services in low‐ and middle‐income countries should monitor adherence to diabetes self‐care behaviours rather than assume adherence and resources should be invested in improving adherence to the self‐care behaviours. Large‐scale accurate monitoring of adherence to diabetes self‐care behaviour is needed and consideration should be given to choice of measurement tool for such exercise.
Comparison of atrial arrhythmia recurrence after persistent atrial fibrillation ablation between patients with or without tachycardia‐induced cardiomyopathy
Authors: Yamashita Seigo , Tokuda Michifumi , Matsuo Seiichiro , Mahida Saagar , Hachisuka Eri Okajima , Sato Hidenori , Ikewaki Hirotsugu , Oseto Hirotsuna , Yokoyama Masaaki , Isogai Ryota , Tokutake Kenichi , Yokoyama Kenichi , Narui Ryohsuke , Kato Mika , Tanigawa Shinichi , Sugimoto Kenichi , Yoshimura Michihiro , Yamane Teiichi
Published: August 2019

Background

The presence of heart failure (HF) has been associated with poorer outcomes in patients undergoing catheter ablation (CA) for atrial fibrillation (AF). However, the effectiveness of CA amongst the subset of patients with tachycardia‐induced cardiomyopathy (TIC) remains poorly defined.

Methods and Results

In a retrospective analysis we compared outcomes of first‐time CA for persistent AF in a cohort of patients with previously diagnosed TIC (n = 45; age 58 ± 8 years; 91% male) to those with structurally normal hearts (non‐TIC; n = 440; age 55 ± 9 years; 95% male). TIC was defined as an impaired ventricular function (left ventricular ejection function [LVEF] <50%), which was reversed after the treatment of HF. We compared atrial arrhythmias (AAs) recurrence after the CA in the TIC and non‐TIC cohorts. In the TIC group, LVEF improved from 35.8% ± 8.1% to 57.5% ± 8.3% after treatment of HF. During 3.3 ± 1.5 years follow‐up, AAs‐free survival after CA was significantly higher in the TIC group as compared with the non‐TIC group (69% vs 42%; P = .001), despite a comparable CA strategy between the two groups. In multivariable analysis, absence of HF with TIC, longer AF duration, and complex fractionated atrial electrogram ablation were independent predictors of arrhythmia recurrence (OR, 1.02; 95% CI, 1.01‐1.03; P < .01; OR, 0.40; 95% CI, 0.20‐0.79; P < .01 and OR, 2.29; 95%CI; 1.27‐4.11; P < .01, respectively). In addition, the outcome after the last procedure was superior in the TIC cohort (89% vs 72%; P = .03) with fewer CA procedures as compared with the non‐TIC cohort (1.3 ± 0.5 vs 1.5 ± 0.7; P = .01).

Conclusions

Persistent patients with AF with TIC have a more favorable outcome after the CA as compared with those without.
Evaluation of non‐invasive prenatal testing to detect chromosomal aberrations in a Chinese cohort
Authors: Cui Wanting , Liu Xiaoliang , Zhang Yuanyuan , Wang Yueping , Chu Guoming , He Rong , Zhao Yanyan
Published: August 2019

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical feasibility of non‐invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) to detect foetal copy number variations (CNVs). Next‐generation sequencing for detecting foetal copy number variations (CNVs) was performed on the collected samples from 161 pregnancies with ultrasound anomalies and negative NIPT results for aneuploidy. The performance of NIPT for detecting chromosome aberrations was calculated. The sensitivity and specificity of NIPT for detecting CNVs > 1 Mb were 83.33% and 99.34%; the PPV and negative predictive rate (NPV) were 90.91% and 98.68%. Non‐invasive prenatal testing can be performed to detect chromosomal aberrations in first trimester with high performance for CNVs, and occasional discordant cases are unavoidable.
Global and local visual processing in autism – a co‐twin‐control study
Authors: Neufeld J. , Hagström A. , Van't Westeinde A. , Lundin K. , Cauvet É. , Willfors C. , Isaksson J. , Lichtenstein P. , Bölte S.
Published: August 2019

Background

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is associated with altered global and local visual processing. However, the nature of these alterations remains controversial, with contradictory findings and notions ranging from a reduced drive to integrate information into a coherent ‘gestalt’ (“weak central coherence” = WCC) to an enhanced perceptual functioning (EPF) in local processing.

Methods

This study assessed the association between autism and global/local visual processing, using a large sample of monozygotic (MZ) and dizygotic (DZ) twins (N = 290, 48% females, age = 8–31 years). The Fragmented Pictures Test (FPT) assessed global processing, whereas local processing was estimated with the Embedded Figures Test (EFT) and the Block Design Test (BDT). Autism was assessed both categorically (clinical diagnosis), and dimensionally (autistic traits). Associations between visual tasks and autism were estimated both across the cohort and within‐twin pairs where all factors shared between twins are implicitly controlled.

Results

Clinical diagnosis and autistic traits predicted a need for more visual information for gestalt processing in the FPT across the cohort. For clinical diagnosis, this association remained within‐pairs and at trend‐level even within MZ twin pairs alone. ASD and higher autistic traits predicted lower EFT and BDT performance across the cohort, but these associations were lost within‐pairs.

Conclusions

In line with the WCC account, our findings indicate an association between autism and reduced global visual processing in children, adolescents and young adults (but no evidence for EPF). Observing a similar association within MZ twins suggests a non‐shared environmental contribution.
A systematic review of factors influencing treatment adherence in chronic inflammatory skin disease – strategies for optimizing treatment outcome
Authors: Eicher L. , Knop M. , Aszodi N. , Senner S. , French L.E. , Wollenberg A.
Published: August 2019

Adherence describes how a patient follows a medical regime recommended by a healthcare provider. Poor treatment adherence represents a complex and challenging problem of international healthcare systems, as it has a substantial impact on clinical outcomes and patient safety and constitutes an important financial burden. Since it is one of the most common causes of treatment failure, it is extremely important for physicians to reliably distinguish between non‐adherence and non‐response. This systematic review aims to summarize the current literature on treatment adherence in dermatology, focusing on chronic inflammatory skin diseases such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis and acne. A systematic literature search was performed using the PubMed Database, including articles from 2008 to 2018. Low treatment adherence is a multidimensional phenomenon defined by the interplay of numerous factors and should under no circumstances be considered as the patient's fault alone. Factors influencing treatment adherence in dermatology include patient characteristics and beliefs, treatment efficacy and duration, administration routes, disease chronicity and the disease itself. Moreover, the quality of the physician‐patient relationship including physician‐time available for the patient plays an important role. Understanding patients’ adherence patterns and the main drivers of non‐adherence creates opportunities to improve adherence in the future. Strategies to increase treatment adherence range from reminder programs to simplifying prescriptions or educational interventions. Absolute adherence to treatment may not be realistically achievable, but efforts need to be made to raise awareness in order to maximize adherence as far as possible.
Pain Management in Nursing Home Residents: Findings from a Pilot Effectiveness‐Implementation Study
Authors: Brunkert Thekla , Simon Michael , Ruppen Wilhelm , Zúñiga Franziska
Published: August 2019

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effectiveness and implementation of a multilevel pain management intervention in nursing homes (NHs) comprising a pain management guideline, care worker training, and pain champions.

DESIGN

An implementation science pilot study using a quasi‐experimental effectiveness‐implementation (hybrid II) design.

SETTING

Four NHs in Switzerland.

PARTICIPANTS

All consenting long‐term residents aged 65 years and older with pain at baseline (N = 62) and all registered and licensed practical nurses (N = 61).

INTERVENTION

Implementation of a contextually adapted pain management guideline, interactive training workshops for all care workers, and specifically trained pain champions.

MEASUREMENTS

Interference from pain, worst and average pain intensity over the previous 24 hours; proxy ratings of pain with the Pain Assessment in Advanced Dementia scale; and care workers' appraisal of the guideline's reach, acceptability, and adoption.

RESULTS

Pain‐related outcomes improved for self‐reporting residents (n = 43) and residents with proxy rating (n = 19). Significant improvements of average pain from baseline to T1 (P = .006), and in worst pain from baseline to T1 (P = .003) and T2 (P = .004). No significant changes in interference from pain (P = .18). With regard to the implementation efforts, about 76% of care workers indicated they were familiar with the guideline; 70.4% agreed that the guideline is practical and matches their ideas of good pain assessment (75.9%) and treatment (79.7%).

CONCLUSION

Implementation of a multilevel pain management intervention did significantly improve average and worst pain intensity in NH residents. However, to effect clinical meaningful changes in interference from pain, a more comprehensive approach involving other disciplines may be necessary. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:2574–2580, 2019
Mast cell expression in oral lichen planus: A systematic review
Authors: Vadivel Jayanth Kumar , Govindarajan Meera , Somasundaram Elangovan , Muthukrishnan Arvind
Published: August 2019

Lichen planus is a common chronic, inflammatory, immune‐mediated mucocutaneous disorder affecting the skin and mucosa. The role of mast cells in the genesis of lichen planus has been debated. Establishing a definitive part played by mast cells and its degranulation would possibly provide a permanent, cost‐effective treatment modality for oral lichen planus (OLP). This review aims to study the expression of mast cells qualitatively and quantitatively in OLP. The research questions were framed to assess the mast cell count, localization within the epithelium basement membrane zone and degranulation of mast cells. We performed a systematic search of PubMed, Medline, Cochrane and Web of Science. We found a total of 120 studies from which 12 were found suitable for the review. There is a marked increase in the number of mast cells in OLP. The mast cells were seen in increased numbers in the epithelial and connective tissue junction at areas of basement membrane disruption. There was also an increase in the degranulation of mast cells. It is evident that there is an increase in the mast cell number in lichen planus and its subsequent degranulation.
Narrative review on attitudes toward organ donation of undergraduate nurse students
Authors: Tsubaki Michihiro , Tougo Shusuke , Kobayashi Masahiro , Arakawa Satoru , Yoshida Kazunari
Published: August 2019

Aim

We aimed at obtaining suggestions to increase the number of organ donations by conducting a meta‐analysis of researches on attitudes toward organ donation for nurse undergraduates around the world.

Methods

We looked for documents published by April 2017 using CINAHL, MEDLINE, Japan Medical Abstract Society, CiNii, and PsycINFO. We searched for English and Japanese literature including all terms of “attitude”, “students”, “nursing”, “Tissue and Organ Procurement”, “organ donation”. This study was carried out based on the Prisma Statement 2010.

Results

As a result of the search, six CINAHLs, 45 MEDLINEs, seven Japan Medical Abstract Society articles were extracted, but no papers from CiNii and PsycINFO. We extracted and analyzed 21 original papers including contents of organ donation, targeting nurse undergraduates, which also excluding scale development.
Factors related to recovery knowledge and attitudes among professionals in mental health in Japan
Authors: Chiba Rie , Umeda Maki , Goto Kyohei , Miyamoto Yuki , Yamaguchi Sosei
Published: August 2019

Aim

To explore what factors may influence recovery knowledge and attitudes among professionals in mental health.

Methods

We utilized an existing dataset from a study that surveyed 331 subjects among 475 eligible professionals. We used data from 289 participants without missing values for the analyses (valid response rate = 60.8%). The questionnaire included three psychometrically tested scales: (a) Recovery Knowledge Inventory (RKI); (b) Recovery Attitudes Questionnaire (RAQ); and (c) Internal Work Motivation, as well as other variables. Mean‐based comparisons of the RKI and RAQ scores between several subgroups were examined. We also examined the correlation between RKI and RAQ scores and the continuous variables. Multiple linear regression was implemented to examine the simultaneous effects of the factors on RKI and RAQ scores. The mean age of participants was 39.9 years and 69.2% were female and 44.0% were nursing professionals.

Results

Multiple linear regression analyses showed that the internal work motivation and the experience of discharging patients after a lengthy hospitalization were significantly and positively associated with recovery attitude. Working at community facilities and being young were significantly and weakly correlated with recovery knowledge. The experience of participation in self‐help groups exhibited positive relationships with RKI and RAQ scores, while education exhibited positive but weak relationships with RKI and RAQ scores. No significant relationship was observed in the regression analyses.

Conclusions

Internal work motivation, the experience of discharging patients after a lengthy hospitalization, working at community facilities, and being young may positively contribute to better recovery knowledge and attitudes. Future research using a longitudinal design will explore other factors.
Autologous platelet‐rich plasma therapy for pattern hair loss: A systematic review
Authors: Dervishi Gezim , Liu Haibo , Peternel Sandra , Labeit Alexander , Peinemann Frank
Published: August 2019

Background

Androgenetic alopecia (male pattern and female pattern hair loss) is characterized by thinning of the scalp hair. Intradermal injection of autologous platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) might have an effect on hair regrowth.

Aims

The aim was to evaluate efficacy and safety of platelet‐rich plasma compared to placebo or no treatment in people with pattern hair loss.

Patients/Methods

We searched the databases CENTRAL and MEDLINE on December 24, 2018 and included randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Primary outcomes were mean change of hair density from baseline and serious treatment‐related adverse events. Secondary outcome was mean change of hair thickness from baseline. Time point of outcome assessment was 6 months after start of treatment.

Results

We identified 13 relevant randomized controlled trials with 356 randomized (343 analyzed) people or half‐head areas who received PRP in a simple parallel or half‐head design. The pooled data of seven studies (171 analyzed people or half‐head areas) were favorable in the PRP group on hair density. We estimated a mean difference from baseline of 30.35 associated with a wide 95% confidence interval (1.77‐58.93), a considerable heterogeneity (I2 = 100%), and unclear risk of bias in most of the studies. Regarding hair thickness, data were also favorable in the PRP group, but these data were limited to a single study. We did not identify serious treatment‐related adverse events.

Conclusion

The results of seven RCTs indicated that autologous platelet‐rich plasma was associated with an increase of hair density when compared to placebo.