bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Personality Traits Predict Social Network Size in Older Adults
Authors: Rollings Jasmine , Micheletta Jérôme , Van Laar Darren , Waller Bridget M.
Published: April 2022

Humans live in unusually large groups, where relationships are thought to be maintained through complex socio-communicative abilities. The size and quality of social networks are associated with health and well-being outcomes throughout life. However, how some individuals manage to form larger social networks is not well understood. If socio-communicative traits evolved to form and maintain relationships, personality traits should be associated with variation in network size. Here, using the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA), we investigate the impact of extraversion, agreeableness, and verbal communication on network size ( N = 5,202) and network size change over time ( N = 1,511) in later life for kin and friend networks. Higher levels of extraversion and agreeableness were associated with greater social network sizes but did not predict network size change over 14 years. The findings are discussed considering the evolutionary hypothesis that communicative and affiliative traits may have evolved to support the maintenance of social networks.
The administration of harm: From unintended consequences to harm by design
Authors: Broom Alex , Peterie Michelle , Kenny Katherine , Ramia Gaby , Ehlers Nadine
Published: April 2022

Harm is a recurring theme in the social sciences. Scholars in a range of empirical areas have documented the deleterious outcomes that at times emerge from social structures, institutions and systems of governance. Yet these harms have often been presented under the rubric of ‘unintended consequences’. The outcomes of systems are designed to appear devoid of intentionality, in motion without any clear agency involved, and are thus particularly adept at evading accountability structures and forms of responsibility. Drawing insights from decades of social theory – as well as three illustrative examples from Australia's health, welfare and immigration systems – this article argues that many social structures are in fact intended to cause harm, but designed not to appear so. In presenting this argument, we offer a theoretical framework for conceptualising harm as actively administered. We also challenge scholars from across the social sciences to reconsider the partially depoliticising narrative of ‘unintended consequences’, and to be bolder in naming the intended harms that permeate social life, often serving powerful political and economic interests.
Comparison of novel stabilisation device with various stabilisation approaches: A finite element based biomechanical analysis
Authors: Jain Pushpdant , Khan Mohammed Rajik
Published: April 2022

The treatment of spinal failure requires suitable instrumentation, which is based on numerous concepts such as rigid fixation, semi-rigid and dynamic stabilisation. In the present work, the biomechanical investigation of various fixation systems on the lumbar segment L2–L3 was performed employing finite element analysis. Different devices were considered: novel stabilisation device (NSD), rigid implant (RI) and existing dynamic stabilisation device (EDSD). All instrumented models were loaded with a condition of 400 N compressive force with a moment of 10Nm during flexion, extension, lateral bending and axial rotation. The results of range of motion change (RMC), von-Mises stress and strain were compared. The spinal biomechanics post instrumentation resulted significantly sensitive to the geometrical feature of the implant. The obtained results showed that NSD has intermediate motion characteristics in between dynamic stabilisation and rigid fixation. However, the optimum features of a novel stabilisation device for the treatment of spinal failure still need to be verified employing in-vivo, in-vitro studies.
Promoting Students’ Programming Logic and Problem-Solving Awareness With Precision Feedback: A Two-Tier Test-Based Online Programming Training Approach
Authors: Hwang Gwo-Jen , Tung Li-Hsien , Fang Jian-Wen
Published: April 2022

Fostering students' computer programming skills has become an important educational issue in the globe. However, it remains a challenge for students to understand those abstract concepts when learning computer programming, implying the need to provide instant learning diagnosis and feedback in computer programming activities. In this study, a Two-Tier Test-Based Programming Training (T3PT) approach was proposed. Accordingly, an online learning system was developed to provide students with precision feedback for guiding them to identify misconceptions of computer programming to improve their computer programming learning achievement. In order to examine the effects of the proposed approach, a learning system was developed and a quasi-experiment was conducted. Two classes of 99 eighth-grade students from Taiwan were divided into an experimental group and a control group. The students in the experimental group used the learning system based on the T3PT approach, while the control group used the conventional learning system. The experimental results showed that the proposed approach was significantly superior to the conventional programming learning approach in terms of students' programming logic concepts, problem-solving awareness, technology acceptance, and satisfaction with the learning approach. Accordingly, discussion and suggestions are provided for future research.
Evaluation des bénéfices d’un dispositif d’entraînement à l’usage des doigts en mathématiques
Authors: Bonneton-Botté Nathalie , Ollivier Fanny , Hili Hélène , Bara Florence
Published: April 2022

Numerous studies have shown a significant positive relationship between the mental representation of hands in young children and their calculation performance. The literature indicates that certain components of manual motor skills may be critical to the quality of this relationship. The main objective of this study is to measure the benefit of an explicit training and teaching device for finger use in mathematics by measuring the initial motor imitation abilities of young children. A protocol of pretest, training, and post-test type was proposed to 101 children with an average age of 5 years and 3 months. Measurements focused on manual motor skills and arithmetical skills. The 12-week classroom-based device was designed to develop manual motor skills and explicitly teach finger use in mathematics. The results indicate that significant progress was made in arithmetic for the students who benefited from the training. Interestingly this progress is modulated by the children’s initial motor imitation skills. This contribution opens up new research and application perspectives on the relationships between mental motor imagery, fine motor skills, and arithmetic ability.
Movement Disorders Secondary to Novel Antiseizure Medications in Pediatric Populations: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Risk
Authors: Peacock Dakota J. S. J. , Yoneda Joshua R. K. , Siever Jodi E. , Vis-Dunbar Mathew , Boelman Cyrus
Published: April 2022

Novel antiseizure medications are thought to be safer than their conventional counterparts, though no dedicated analysis of movement disorder risk among pediatric populations using novel antiseizure medications has been completed. We report a systematic review with meta-analysis describing the relationship between novel antiseizure medications and movement disorders in pediatrics.

MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the World Health Organization’s International Clinical Trials Registry Platform were searched up to October 2020 for randomized controlled trials investigating novel antiseizure medications in pediatric populations. Antiseizure medications included lacosamide, perampanel, eslicarbazepine, rufinamide, fenfluramine, cannabidiol, and brivaracetam. Outcomes were pooled using random effects models; risk difference (RD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated.

Twenty-three studies were selected from 1690 nonredundant manuscripts (n = 1912 total). There was a significantly increased risk of movement disorders associated with perampanel (RD 0.07, 95% CI 0.01-0.13; n = 133), though only 1 relevant trial was found. No increased risk of movement disorders was found with other antiseizure medications.

Our findings indicate most novel antiseizure medications are safe to use in pediatric populations with respect to movement disorders. However, findings were limited by quality of adverse event reporting.
Potential Reporters of Suspected Child Maltreatment are Sensitive to the Amount of Evidence and the Potential Consequences of Reporting
Authors: Price Heather L. , Kehn Andre
Published: April 2022

The context of suspected maltreatment cases is likely to influence the decision of whether or not to make a formal report. Across one pilot study ( N = 368) and two experiments (Exp. 1 N = 444; Exp. 2 N =416), undergraduate students and online community participants reported their anticipated actions and beliefs when confronted with evidence of child maltreatment. Participants reviewed case dossiers built from real-world child neglect cases in which increasing levels of evidence were presented and the consequences of reporting, or not reporting, the maltreatment were made salient to the adult or child. The experiments revealed a clear difficulty in deciding whether or not to report suspected maltreatment. Highlighting the impact on either the child or the adult by describing potential consequences moved participants either closer to (child-salient) or farther from (adult-salient) a formal report. Participants were also sensitive to the amount of evidence to support a suspicion of abuse, which influenced the likelihood of a formal report. This work suggests that increasing the salience of maltreatment consequences to child victims may increase the likelihood that suspected maltreatment will be reported.
Envy and Originality: van Kaam-Parse Connections and Reflections
Authors: Ortiz Mario R.
Published: April 2022

Originality and envy arise with humanbecoming and leading-following situations. Originality in leadership is significant because there is always pushing-resisting to cocreate something new and carve-out paths that differ from what already is. Envy and originality are lived out in unique patterns by all persons, in some way. How these patterns are lived depends on the choices persons make about how they live their unique originality among infinite possibilities. In this exploration, the author utilized ideas about originality and envy from existentialist psychologist and formative spiritualist, Adrian van Kaam, and nurse theorist, Rosemarie Rizzo Parse.
Nursing Ethics Embedded in Nursing Theoretical Frameworks
Authors: Doe Mi Jin
Published: April 2022

This author reviews and provides an introduction to Glasgow et al.’s Legal and Ethical Issues in Nursing Education: An Essential Guide. Moreover, the author shares further insight about nursing ethics embedded in nursing theoretical frameworks.
Nursing Administration: Watson’s Theory of Human Caring
Authors: Gunawan Joko , Aungsuroch Yupin , Watson Jean , Marzilli Colleen
Published: April 2022

Watson’s human caring theory is widely used in nursing clinical practice, education, and research; however, further discussion on the application of this theory in administration is needed. The authors in this article aim to substruct Watson’s theory of human caring for nursing administration. Major elements of the theory—transpersonal caring dimensions, caring competencies, and caring moments—are presented in a model of substruction that links the theoretical basis to methodology. In conclusion, this theory can be used as a framework or a conceptual model in nursing administration within an organization.
Burden of kidney disease among patients with peritoneal dialysis versus conventional in-centre haemodialysis: A randomised, non-inferiority trial
Authors: Fan Li , Yang Xiao , Chen Qinkai , Zhang Hao , Wang Jianqin , Chen Menghua , Peng Hui , Ni Zhaohui , Wan Jianxin , Yang Hongtao , Li Yun , Wang Li , Peng Ai , Lin Hongli , Zhang Jinyuan , Shen Huaying , Xiong Fei , He Yongcheng , Zha Yan , Xie Minyan , Jiao Jundong , Jiang Gengru , Zheng Xunhuan , Xiao Jun , Rong Rong , Qian Jiaqi , Yu Xueqing
Published: April 2022

Background:

Little is known about the impact of haemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD) on health-related quality of life (HRQoL). We compared HRQoL between conventional in-centre HD and home-based PD in 1082 newly diagnosed kidney failure patients.

Methods:

This was an open-label, randomised, non-inferiority trial of adult patients with a diagnosis of end-stage kidney disease (estimated glomerular filtration rate ≤ 15 mL/min/1.73 m2) requiring maintenance dialysis from 36 sites in China randomised 1:1 to receive PD or conventional in-centre HD. The primary outcome was the ‘Burden of Kidney Disease’ assessed using the Kidney Disease Quality of Life-Short Form (KDQoL-SF) survey over 48 weeks and the main secondary outcomes were the remaining scales of KDQoL-SF and all-cause mortality. The effect of PD versus HD on the primary outcome was compared by their geometric mean (GM) ratio, and non-inferiority was defined by the lower bound of a one-sided 95% confidence interval (CI) >0.9.

Results:

A total of 725 subjects completed the trial per protocol (395 PD and 330 HD, mean age 49.8 (standard deviation (SD) 14.4) years, 41.4% women). For the primary outcome, the mean (SD) change in ‘Burden of Kidney Disease’ over 48 weeks was 2.61 (1.27) in PD group and 2.58 (1.35) in HD group, and the GM ratio (95% CI) was 1.059 (0.908–1.234), exceeding the limit for non-inferiority. For the secondary outcomes, the PD and HD groups were similar in all scales. There were 17 and 31 deaths in PD and HD groups, respectively. Patients receiving PD had more adverse events, adverse event leading to hospitalisation and serious adverse events compared to those allocated to HD, but adverse events leading to death and discontinuation of the trial were not different between PD and HD.

Conclusions:

In this trial, PD may be non-inferior to HD on the ‘Burden of Kidney Disease’ among Chinese kidney failure patients who are of younger age and have lower comorbidity after 48 weeks’ follow-up.
Human rights and the political: Assessing the allegation of human rights overreach in migration matters
Authors: Farahat Anuscheh
Published: April 2022

Europe's external borders have been the site of intense human rights struggles over the last decade. While States are inventing ever new practices to circumvent their human rights responsibility by not responding to rescue calls or using private actors as proxies for refoulement, human rights activists seek to expand State jurisdiction to effectively hold European governments responsible for human rights violations at their borders and on the high seas. At the same time, the rise of populist movements and increasing xenophobia have made expansive human rights interpretation to the benefit of migrants increasingly suspicious in public discourse. The question therefore arises: Does the expansion of migrants’ human rights and State responsibility bear features of ‘human rights overreach’ in the sense that human rights encroach too much on State sovereignty, which may ultimately decrease the acceptance of human rights themselves? Or is it a necessary ‘outreach’ of human rights, that is, an adaptation of human rights to new practices of border protection in order to ensure human rights’ effectiveness?

This paper addresses these questions in three steps. It first briefly presents current struggles about migrants’ human rights in the Mediterranean. It then deals with the increasing critique of human rights overreach in migration matters and assesses judicial practice in reaction to increasing State pressure. The core argument finally developed in this paper is that we should respond to the allegation of overreach by advancing a more political understanding of human rights, which acknowledges the methodological limits of regressive human rights interpretation and defends the idea of human rights as a concrete utopia. The paper develops this argument with a view to the concrete case law on migration issues and suggests how courts and migration law scholars should deal with the challenges of human rights struggles regarding migration.
Comparison of Clinical and Imaging Outcomes of Different Doses of Adipose-Derived Stromal Vascular Fraction Cell Treatment for Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Tsubosaka Masanori , Matsumoto Tomoyuki , Sobajima Satoshi , Matsushita Takehiko , Iwaguro Hideki , Kuroda Ryosuke
Published: April 2022

Favorable clinical outcomes of intra-articular injection of adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction (SVF) cells for knee osteoarthritis (OA) have been reported, but the effects of different doses of SVF cells have not been examined. This study aimed to compare the short-term clinical and imaging outcomes of different doses of SVF cells for knee OA treatment. This study included 60 patients with knee OA who underwent intra-articular injection of SVF cells. The follow-up period was at least 12 months. Thirty patients received an intra-articular injection of 2.5×107 SVF cells (low-dose group), and the remaining 30 patients received an intra-articular injection of 5.0×107 SVF cells (high-dose group). Clinical evaluations were performed for the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS). Imaging evaluations, including the magnetic resonance imaging Osteoarthritis Knee Score (MOAKS) features (bone marrow lesions, cartilage defects, osteophytes, Hoffa’s synovitis, and effusion synovitis), were also performed. All clinical and imaging evaluations were performed preoperatively and 12 months postoperatively and compared between the groups. In demographic data, no significant differences were found between the two groups. The total score of KOOS at 12 months postoperatively was significantly more favorable than the preoperative score in the high-dose groups. Pain and symptoms subscale scores of KOOS at 12 months postoperatively were significantly better in the high-dose group than in the low-dose group. The bone marrow lesions, Hoffa’s synovitis, and effusion synovitis improved approximately 30–40% at 12 months postoperatively compared to baseline in both groups. However, there were no significant differences in imaging evaluations between the two groups. In conclusion, the pain and symptoms subscale scores of KOOS from baseline to 12 months postoperatively improved better in the high-dose group than in the low-dose group. Our findings suggest that intra-articular injection of SVF cells for knee OA is an innovative approach.
The effects of packaging type and storage temperature on some of UHT milk quality indexes
Authors: Fayed Atef E. , El Sheikha Aly Farag , Ali Ali A. , Hassan Moustafa A.
Published: April 2022

The objective of the present study was to illustrate the changes in physicochemical properties in ultra-high temperature (UHT) milk packed into a pouch and Tetra Brik during storage. UHT milk samples were kept at 5 and 25 °C for 3 months and regularly analyzed monthly. During storage, significant increases ( p < 0.05) in titratable acidity (TA), water-soluble nitrogen (WSN), and non-protein nitrogen (NPN) when UHT milk was packed into pouch versus Tetra Brik and stored at 25 versus 5 °C. Neither type of packaging nor storage temperature affect pH values during storage. Spore-forming bacterial (SFB) count was always higher in UHT milk packed into pouch versus Tetra Brik. Refrigerated storage kept UHT milk without detectable SFB compared to UHT milk held at 25 °C. Pouch packages were responsible for the migration of phthalate derivatives [dimethyl phthalate “DMP”, diethyl phthalate “DEP”, dibutyl phthalate “DBP”, and di-(2-Ethylhexyl) phthalate “DEHP”] into milk with significantly greater levels than milk filled into Tetra Brik. The total sensory scores were decreased significantly during storage, which was more pronounced in UHT milk filled into pouch versus Tetra Brik or stored at 25 °C versus 5 °C. It is concluded that UHT milk filled into Tetra Brik stored at 5 and 25 °C is better in terms of quality and safety indexes than such filled into a pouch.
Seen and Heard: The Long-Term Impact of Arts Projects on Young People Living in Poverty
Authors: Nugent Briege , Deacon Kate
Published: April 2022

This article presents unique findings from research in Scotland of the long-term impact of arts projects on young people living in poverty. Through the support of creative skilled practitioners sensitive to their challenges, these initiatives provided spaces of inspiration for young people to feel seen and heard, and their area not completely forgotten. Crucially, this promoted bridging social capital or access to opportunities outside of their local environment. The young people, reflecting more than five years on from their engagement, reported that it had increased their wellbeing, confidence, hopes for the future, reduced isolation, and for some, had opened up career pathways, thus mediating against some of the effects of poverty. In an increasingly challenging funding environment and uncertain times, it is vital that the impact of the arts is understood in policy contexts, and these are accessible to young people, from all walks of life as a right.
A randomised trial of intracavitary electrocardiography versus surface landmark measurement for central venous access device placement
Authors: Alexandrou Evan , Mifflin Nicholas , McManus Craig , Sou Vanno , Frost Steven A , Sanghavi Ritesh , Doss David , Pillay Sugendran , Lawson Kenny , Aneman Anders , Konstantinou Evangelos , Rickard Claire M
Published: April 2022

Background:

Malpositioned central venous access devices (CVADs) can lead to significant patient injury including central vein thrombosis and dysrhythmias. Intra-cavitary electrocardiography (IC ECG) has been recommended by peak professional bodies as an accurate alternative for bedside CVAD insertion, to reduce risk of malposition and allowing immediate use of the device. Our objective was to compare the effect of IC ECG on CVAD malposition compared to traditional institutional practice for CVAD placement.

Methods:

Randomised controlled trial of IC ECG CVAD insertion verses traditional CVAD insertion (surface landmark measurement with post insertion x ray). Patient recruitment was from December 2016 to July 2018. The setting was a 900-bed tertiary referral hospital based in South Western Sydney, Australia. Three hundred and forty-four adult patients requiring CVAD insertion for intravenous therapy, were enrolled and randomly allocated (1:1 ratio) to either IC-ECG ( n = 172) or traditional ( n = 172) CVAD insertion. Our primary outcome of interest was the rate of catheters not requiring repositioning after insertion (ready for use). Secondary outcomes were comparison of procedure time and cost.

Results:

Of the 172 patients allocated to the IC ECG method, 170 (99%) were ready for use immediately compared to 139 of the 172 (81%) in the traditional insertion group (difference, 95% confidence interval (CI): 18%, 11.9–24.1%). The total procedure time was mean 15 min (SD 8 min) for IC ECG and mean 36 min (SD 17 min) for traditional CVAD insertion (difference–19.9 min (95% CI–14.6 to −34.4). IC ECG guided CVAD insertion had a cost reduction of AUD $62.00 per procedure.

Conclusions:

Using IC-ECG resulted in nearly no requirement for post-insertion repositioning of CVADs resulting in savings in time and cost and virtually eliminating the need for radiographic confirmation.

Trial registration:

This trial is registered at the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ( http://www.anzctr.org.au ). The registration number is ACTRN12620000919910.
Promoting Smoking Cessation Among Lesbian and Bisexual Women: Lessons Learned From a Location-Based Media Campaign in Western North Carolina
Authors: Caldwell Karen Knight , Staples Ann Houston , Bnadad Lindsey , Lee Joseph G. L.
Published: April 2022

Despite well-documented inequities in tobacco use for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender populations, there is little practical guidance for local public health officials on developing and implementing media campaigns that prioritize lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) communities. In this practice note article, we describe the development and lessons learned from a location-based media campaign to promote tobacco use cessation and raise awareness of QuitlineNC among lesbian and bisexual women in Western North Carolina. The campaign used a digital approach based on cell phone locations and marketing profiles to deliver messages across 4 years (2018–2021). Considerations for practitioners include how our project required messaging adaptation to meet Google’s restrictions against using the word “yours” and the importance of addressing privacy protection concerns with state officials to enable collection of outcome evaluation measures via a conversion pixel (code for capturing metrics).
Media use in gynecological and obstetric care and women’s perceived level of education received of lifestyle-related risks: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Bombana Manuela , Wensing Michel , Müller Gerhard , Ullrich Charlotte , Heinzel-Gutenbrunner Monika , Wittek Maren
Published: April 2022

Objective:

The application of media on lifestyle-related risk factors (LRRFs) by healthcare providers to educate women may improve women’s adherence, health literacy, and awareness of LRRFs, as well as offspring’s health outcomes. This study investigated whether exposure to media-based education in gynecological and obstetric care is associated with LRRFs perceived levels of education received during pregnancy and lactation.

Methods:

We conducted a cross-sectional, observational study across 14 randomly generated sample points in the 12 most populated cities in Baden-Württemberg, southwest Germany. Women were recruited from gynecological and obstetric institutions. Participants were 219 women who met our inclusion criteria and completed the quantitative questionnaire. We applied ordinal logistic regression analyses to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of women’s perceived level of education received related to healthcare providers’ exposure to media-based education.

Results:

Media-based education on LRRFs during pregnancy through gynecologists and/or midwives were significantly associated with women’s perceived level of education received (gynecologists: OR = 4.26 (95% CI: 2.04, 8.90; p < .001); midwives: OR = 3.86 (95% CI: 1.66, 8.98; p = .002)). Similar results were found for media-based education through gynecologists and/or midwives on LRRFs during lactation and its association with women’s self-assessed level of perceived level of education received (gynecologists: OR = 4.76 (95% CI: 2.15, 10.56; p < .001); midwives: OR = 7.61 (95% CI: 3.13, 18.53; p < .001)).

Conclusions:

This study suggests that the exposure to media-based education in gynecological and obstetric care increases women’s perceived level of education received of LRRFs during pregnancy and lactation. Therefore, it is recommendable to apply media in gynecological and obstetric care settings.
Design of the DAVOS Study: Diabetes Smartphone App, a Fully Automatic Transmission of Data From the Blood Glucose Meter and Insulin Pens Using Wireless Technology to Enhance Diabetes Self-Management—A Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Grosser Franziska , Herrmann Sandra , Bretschneider Maxi , Timpel Patrick , Schildt Janko , Bentrup Markus , Schwarz Peter E. H.
Published: April 2022

Background:

In the treatment of diabetes mellitus, the challenge is to integrate adequate self-management into clinical care. Customization including goal setting, monitoring, and feedback could be achieved through digitization. Digital linking between different devices could simplify and promote self-management. The aim of this study is to evaluate the outcome of diabetes treatment assisted by a digital health application compared with standard diabetes therapy.

Methods:

The DAVOS study is a 6-month-period prospective, multicentric, randomized controlled trial. In total, 154 diabetes patients (age ≥18; treated with insulin) will be recruited and randomized into control group or intervention group. Both groups will receive standard diabetes care. The intervention group will additionally use a diabetes app. HbA1c value will be monitored on three separate defined visits. Primary endpoint is the overall reduction of HbA1c value. Secondary endpoints (eg, usability of the app) will be determined through patient-reported outcome questionnaires.

Discussion:

Through enhanced interaction of health care professionals, providers of the app, and patients, the study aims to demonstrate improvement in the self-management of diabetes. As part of the closure management, all patients will be invited to use the examined application after completion of the study. The DAVOS study will be conducted in accordance with the valid version of the present study protocol and the internationally recognized International Conference on Harmonization–Good Clinical Practice (ICH-GCP) Guidelines. Special attention will be paid to European, national, and regional requirements for the approval, provision, and use of medical devices. The study was registered in the German Register of Clinical Trials (DRKS) with number DRKS00025996.
Smoking Cessation Interventions across Different Stages of Change
Authors: Ahmad Asrar , Singh Jagwinder
Published: April 2022

Tobacco smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the world. The current cessation therapies devised include cognitive-behavioral treatments and pharmacotherapies. Pharmacological strategies can have the unfortunate side-effect of opioid additions. Cognitive-behavioral techniques have been used for smoking cessation in varying degrees of efficacy. This variance results from a myopic view of interventions and a lack of understanding of the target population. The current study uses Exploratory Factor Analysis to group different interventions in cognitive, therapeutic, emotion-focused, and behavioral interventions. The current study also identifies the efficacy of different groups of interventions across different stages of change. The current research can inform future smoking cessation campaigns to develop tailored interventions for the target population.
Perceptions on mobile health use for health education in an Indigenous population
Authors: Umaefulam Valerie , Premkumar Kalyani , Koole Marguerite
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Indigenous peoples in Canada face numerous health needs and challenges and often have poor health status due to inequitable access to care. Providing culturally appropriate support for health conditions, particularly chronic conditions that require self-management, can assist in averting complications and morbidity. Mobile health is a useful medium for delivering health education across different populations. However, meaningful user involvement is necessary because mobile health interventions suitable for one population may not be appropriate for another. Indigenous people’s views will inform the use of mobile health interventions in Indigenous communities.

Objective

The study explored the perception of Indigenous women on using mobile health as a tool for receiving health information.

Methods

This was a qualitative study, and participants comprised of 22 Indigenous women (First Nations and Métis) with or at risk of diabetes, aged 18–69 years in Saskatoon, Canada. After 12 weeks of disseminating diabetic eye care information via text messaging, data were collected via sharing circle discussions and analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results

Participants indicated that the nature of messages such as the use of Indigenous languages, the message content, frequency of messages, group activities, and delivery formats such as voice messages, mobile applications, Internet, two-way messaging, and text messages were essential considerations in using mobile health as a tool for receiving health information.

Conclusion

Different factors need to be considered in using mobile health as a tool for health education among Indigenous peoples. These factors could be applicable in implementing mobile health solutions in other populations for the management of health conditions.
A Cross-Sectional Study Analyzing Predictors of Perceived Stress Among Elementary School Teachers During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Parthasarathy Nivedhitha , Li Fangyu , Zhang Feng , Chuang Ru-Jye , Mathur Mallika , Pomeroy Mike , Noyola Jacqueline , Markham Christine M. , Sharma Shreela V.
Published: April 2022

Introduction:

Teaching is a stressful occupation due to high-stake job demands and limited resources, which were exacerbated during the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our study assessed the prevalence of perceived stress and explored its predictors among elementary school teachers employed at schools serving predominantly low-income populations in five cities in the United States.

Method:

Our study analyzed the data among selected schools that were collected through the Brighter Bites teacher survey which comprised items measuring sociodemographic characteristics, perceived stress, perceived general health, food insecurity, and concerns regarding social determinants of health needs. The predictors of perceived stress were examined using generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs) with schools as the random variable.

Findings:

A total of 685 teachers were included in the analysis (84.9% female, 38.1% Hispanic, 57.6% <5 years of teaching experience). Most (85.4%) of the teachers stated they were stressed “sometimes”/“often.” Results from adjusted GLMM showed that teachers who were food insecure (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 2.33, confidence interval [CI]: [1.63, 3.35]), those who had concerns regarding financial stability (2.68 [1.91, 3.75]), food availability (1.69 [1.15, 2.48]), food affordability (2.27 [1.57, 3.28]), availability/affordability of housing (2.21 [1.33, 3.67]), access to childcare (1.76 [1.06, 2.92]), and access to a clinic/doctor (1.60 [1.10, 2.33]) were at significantly greater odds of reporting perceived stress.

Conclusion/Application for Practice:

Our study demonstrates the heightened impact of COVID-19 on the mental well-being of teachers across a wide range of social needs. Stress management and additional social service programs are suggested to support teachers to mitigate pandemic impact.
Surface Navigation and the Influence of Navigation on MIS Surgery
Authors: Alluri Ram K. , Sivaganesan Ahilan , Vaishnav Avani S. , Dupont Marcel , Qureshi Sheeraz A.
Published: April 2022

Study Design:

Literature review.

Objectives:

To review the evidence for surface-based navigation in minimally-invasive spine surgery (MIS), provide an outline for its workflow, and present a wide range of MIS case examples in which surface-based navigation may be advantageous.

Methods:

A comprehensive review of the literature and compilation of findings related to surface-based navigation in MIS was performed. Workflow and case examples utilizing surface-based navigation were described.

Results:

The nascent literature regarding surface-based intraoperative navigation (ION) in spine surgery is encouraging and initial studies have shown that surface-based navigation can allow for accurate pedicle screw placement and decreased operative time, fluoroscopy time, and radiation exposure when compared to traditional fluoroscopic imaging. Surface-based navigation may be particularly useful in MIS cervical and lumbar decompressions and MIS lumbar instrumentation cases.

Conclusions:

Overall, it is possible that surface-based ION will become a mainstay in the armamentarium of enabling technologies utilized by minimally-invasive spine surgeons, but further studies are needed assessing its accuracy, complications, and cost-effectiveness.
Trends in Intraoperative Assessment of Spinal Alignment: A Survey of Spine Surgeons in the United States
Authors: Gullotti David M. , Soltanianzadeh Amir H. , Fujita Saki , Inserni Miguel , Ruppel Edward , Franconi Nicholas G. , Zygourakis Corinna , Protopsaltis Themistocles , Lo Sheng-Fu Larry , Sciubba Daniel M. , Theodore Nicholas
Published: April 2022

Study Design:

Survey.

Objectives:

To characterize national practices of and shortcomings surrounding intraoperative assessments of spinal alignment.

Methods:

Spine surgeons in the US were surveyed to analyze their experience with assessing spinal alignment intraoperatively.

Results:

108 US spine surgeons from 77 surgical centers with an average of 19.2 + 8.8 years of surgical experience completed the survey. To assess alignment intraoperatively, 84% (91/108) use C-arm or spot radiographs, 40% (43/108) use full-length radiographs, and 20% utilize the T-bar (22/108). 88% of respondents’ surgical centers (93/106) possessed a navigation camera and 63% of respondents (68/108) report using surgical navigation for 40% of their deformity cases on average. Reported deterrents for using current technology to assess alignment were workflow interruption (54%, 58/108), expense (33%, 36/108), and added radiation exposure (26%, 28/108). 87% of respondents (82/94) reported a need for improvement in current capabilities of making intraoperative assessments of spinal alignment.

Conclusions:

Corrective surgery for spinal deformity is a complex procedure that requires a high level of expertise to perform safely. The majority of surveyed surgeons primarily rely on radiographs for intraoperative assessments of alignment. Despite the majority of surveyed surgical practices possessing navigation cameras, they are utilized only for a minority of spinal deformity cases. With the majority of surveyed surgeons reporting a need for improvement in technology to assess spinal alignment intraoperatively, 3 of the top design considerations should include workflow interruption, expense, and radiation exposure.
Outcomes After Hamstring ACL Reconstruction With Suture Tape Reinforcement in Adolescent Athletes
Authors: Kitchen Brock T. , Mitchell Brendon C. , Cognetti Daniel J. , Siow Matthew Y. , Howard Roland , Carroll Alyssa N. , Bastrom Tracey P. , Edmonds Eric W.
Published: April 2022

Background:

Previous studies have suggested that suture tape-reinforced anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) grafts may have higher ultimate failure loads without stress-shielding. In patients at high risk for graft failure, such as adolescents, the addition of suture tape could have beneficial outcomes.

Hypothesis:

Suture tape reinforcement (STR) of ACL grafts in adolescent patients would lead to fewer graft ruptures during early recovery, without hindering subjective outcomes.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

A retrospective review was performed on adolescent patients with a minimum 2-year follow-up after hamstring tendon autograft ACL reconstruction; enrolled were patients from both before (n = 40) and after (n = 40) a shift in surgical technique that added STR. Both the no-STR and the STR cohorts were contacted yearly to obtain patient-reported outcome data for visual analog scale (VAS; range, 0-10) for pain score, Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation, Lysholm score, Tegner activity score, patient satisfaction score (range, 0-100), and return to previous level of sport (yes/no). The cohorts were then matched based on follow-up duration, excluding those with follow-up of <2 years and >3 years to maintain consistency in duration of follow-up. Graft failure was defined as either graft rupture or recurrent instability symptoms, and failures occurring from index procedure to the 3-year mark were recorded for calculations of failure rate.

Results:

There were no differences between cohorts in mean age [STR, 15.7 years (range, 9.5-18.7 years); no STR, 14.9 years (range, 9.3-18.8 years)], follow-up duration, laterality, or graft size. While not statistically significant, 2 (5%) patients in the STR cohort experienced graft rupture compared with 7 (17.5%) patients in the no-STR cohort. The Tegner score was significantly higher in the STR cohort ( P = .017); no between-group differences were seen on the other outcome scores. A subanalysis of the STR cohort comparing small-diameter grafts (<8 mm) with grafts ≥8 mm also demonstrated no difference in outcome measures, with 1 graft failure in each cohort.

Conclusion:

Study outcomes indicated that patients treated with ACL reconstruction and STR experienced a significant improvement in Tegner scores while at the same time maintaining the other subjective outcomes.
Effectiveness of Platelet-Rich Plasma for Lateral Epicondylitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Based on Achievement of Minimal Clinically Important Difference
Authors: Niemiec Pawel , Szyluk Karol , Jarosz Alicja , Iwanicki Tomasz , Balcerzyk Anna
Published: April 2022

Background:

The effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis remains debatable.

Purpose:

To evaluate the effectiveness of PRP in lateral epicondylitis treatment using minimal clinically important difference (MCID) values as a reference and to investigate if leukocyte content can influence the effectiveness of the therapy.

Study Design:

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

Following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines, the authors searched the Medline and Scopus databases for studies on lateral epicondylitis and PRP therapy that used the following patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs): visual analog scale (VAS) for pain; Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH); Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation (PRTEE); and Mayo Clinic Performance Index (MAYO). The weighted arithmetic means for the PROMs were calculated at baseline (week 0) and follow-up weeks 4, 8, 12, 24, 52, and 104. The mean differences in outcomes (ΔVAS, ΔDASH, ΔPRTEE, and ΔMAYO) were compared with the MCID values at each follow-up point. In addition, the effectiveness of leukocyte-rich PRP (LR-PRP) versus leukocyte-poor PRP (LP-PRP) was also compared. The Student t test was used in all analyses.

Results:

A total of 26 studies were included in the analysis. After PRP injection, all PROM scores improved with time. The scores improved significantly from baseline to each follow-up time ( P < .0001), with the exception of the PRTEE (no significant difference at follow-up weeks 12 and 52). The mean difference in scores from baseline exceeded the respective MCIDs from weeks 4 to 104 for the VAS and DASH, from weeks 4 to 52 for the MAYO, and from weeks 8 to 52 for the PRTEE. The MCID for each of the PROMs was exceeded at almost every observation period in both the LR-PRP and the LP-PRP systems.

Conclusion:

Based on comparisons with the MCID values of commonly used outcome scores, PRP seems to be an effective form of treatment for lateral epicondylitis. Both the LR- PRP and the LP- PRP systems were effective in the context of meeting the MCID.
Evaluation of Physician Assistants’ Self-Reported Attitudes and Behaviors After Completion of a Hospital-Wide Multidisciplinary Communication Skills Training Workshop
Authors: Saslaw Minna , Kaplan Steven , Pavlicova Martina , Rosenbaum Marcy , Sirota Dana R.
Published: April 2022

Physician's assistants (PA) are an integral part of hospital teams. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to examine the effects of a multidisciplinary hospital-wide communication skills training (CST) workshop on PAs. From November 2017 to November 2019, all participants in the CST workshop were sent a web-based retrospective pre-post survey to measure self-reported attitudes and behaviors related to communicating with patients, CST, and specific skills taught. PA responses were analyzed alone and were compared to non-PAs. Non-PAs were physicians and 1 nurse practitioner. In total, 258 PA and 333 non-PA participants were surveyed for an overall response rate of 25%. Among PAs, in 9 out of 10 domains measured, there was a significant change in self-reported attitudes and behaviors toward communicating with patients, CST, and skills taught ( P < .05). Similar to other providers, PAs experienced positive changes in these self-reported attitudes and behaviors after CST, however, there were some significant differences found when comparing PAs and non-PAs in the covariate analysis.
Unequal Distribution of the State Power, Political Leadership and Regional Disparities in Odisha
Authors: Nanda Deepak Kumar , Jojo Bipin
Published: April 2022

This article critically examines the dynamics of state power and political leadership in connection to the regional disparities of Odisha in a historical and present context, using both historical and empirical data. It finds a pattern of highly dominant, discriminatory and exclusionary politics and leadership. That resulted in regular and frequent control of state power by ‘Brahmin–Karan–Khandayat’ of the eastern region in collaboration with the upper-caste feudal and landlord rulers of the western region. Thus it is argued that the eastern regional upper castes dominated state power derived maximum advantage over the western region in the creation, distribution and utilisation of state resources. On the other hand, the western region has remained under the control of upper-caste feudalists and landlords while by sharing the power with their eastern partners for self-gain but did not do much for the progressive transformation in the redistribution of resources.
Transcriptomic analyses of the HPG axis-related tissues reveals potential candidate genes and regulatory pathways associated with egg production in ducks
Authors: Yan Xiping , Liu Hehe , Hu Jiwei , Han Xingfa , Qi Jingjing , Ouyang Qingyuan , Hu Bo , He Hua , Li Liang , Wang Jiwen , Zeng Xianyin
Published: April 2022

Background

Egg production is one of the most important economic traits in the poultry industry. The hypothalamic-pituitary–gonadal (HPG) axis plays an essential role in regulating reproductive activities. However, the key genes and regulatory pathways within the HPG axis dominating egg production performance remain largely unknown in ducks.

Results

In this study, we compared the transcriptomic profiles of the HPG-related tissues between ducks with high egg production (HEP) and low egg production (LEP) to reveal candidate genes and regulatory pathways dominating egg production. We identified 543, 759, 670, and 181 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the hypothalamus, pituitary, ovary stroma, and F5 follicle membrane, respectively. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis revealed that DEGs from four HPG axis-related tissues were enriched in the "cellular component" category. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis indicated that the neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction pathway was significantly enriched based on DEGs commonly identified in all four HPG axis-related tissues. Gene expression profiles and Protein–Protein Interaction (PPI) network were performed to show the regulatory relationships of the DEGs identified. Five DEGs encoding secreted proteins in the hypothalamus and pituitary have interaction with DEGs encoding targeted proteins in the ovary stroma and F5 follicle membrane, implying that they were these DEGs might play similar roles in the regulation of egg production.

Conclusions

Our results revealed that neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction pathway and five key genes(VEGFC, SPARC, BMP2, THBS1, and ADAMTS15) were identified as the key signaling pathways and candidate genes within the HPG axis responsible for different egg production performance between HEP and LEP. This is the first study comparing the transcriptomic profiles of all HPG axis-related tissues in HEP and LEP using RNA-seq in ducks to the best of our knowledge. These data are helpful to enrich our understanding of the classical HPG axis regulating the egg production performance and identify candidate genes that can be used for genetic selection in ducks.