bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Equality in Hip Arthroscopy Outcomes Can Be Achieved Regardless of Patient Socioeconomic Status
Authors: Saks Benjamin R. , Ouyang Vivian W. , Domb Elijah S. , Jimenez Andrew E. , Maldonado David R. , Lall Ajay C. , Domb Benjamin G.
Published: November 2021

Background:

Access to quality health care and treatment outcomes can be affected by patients’ socioeconomic status (SES).

Purpose:

To evaluate the effect of patient SES on patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) after arthroscopic hip surgery.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Demographic, radiographic, and intraoperative data were prospectively collected and retrospectively reviewed on all patients who underwent hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) and labral tear between February 2008 and September 2017 at one institution. Patients were divided into 4 cohorts based on the Social Deprivation Index (SDI) of their zip code. SDI is a composite measure that quantifies the level of disadvantage in certain geographical areas. Patients had a minimum 2-year follow-up for the modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), Nonarthritic Hip Score (NAHS), International Hip Outcome Tool—12, and visual analog scale (VAS) for both pain and satisfaction. Rates of achieving the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) and patient acceptable symptom state (PASS) were calculated for the mHHS, NAHS, and VAS pain score. Rates of secondary surgery were also recorded.

Results:

A total of 680 hips (616 patients) were included. The mean follow-up time for the entire cohort was 30.25 months. Division of the cohort into quartiles based on the SDI national averages yielded 254 hips (37.4%) in group 1, 184 (27.1%) in group 2, 148 (21.8%) in group 3, and 94 (13.8%) in group 4. Group 1 contained the most affluent patients. There were significantly more men in group 4 than in group 2, and the mean body mass index was greater in group 4 than in groups 1 and 2. There were no differences in preoperative radiographic measurements, intraoperative findings, or rates of concomitant procedures performed. All preoperative and postoperative PROMs were similar between the groups, as well as in the rates of achieving the MCID or PASS. No differences in the rate of secondary surgeries were reported.

Conclusion:

Regardless of SES, patients were able to achieve significant improvements in several PROMs after hip arthroscopy for FAIS and labral tear at the minimum 2-year follow-up. Additionally, patients from all SES groups achieved clinically meaningful improvement at similar rates.
After a Global Platform Leaves: Understanding the Heterogeneity of Gig Workers through Capital Mobility
Authors: Lee Youngrong
Published: November 2021

We know a great deal about global capital mobility in traditional industries, such as manufacturing, but very little about emerging capital mobility in the gig economy. Using the case of Canadian Foodora, a multinational platform that left Canada in 2020, I situate global capital mobility in the local labour market. Drawing upon interview data with former Foodora couriers and ethnographic data collected from a gig workers’ union, I investigate the social, economic and political subjectivities of gig workers activated by a global platform’s capital mobility. My findings reveal unexpected parallel effects caused by capital mobility in the gig economy and traditional industries. My research highlights how heterogeneity is salient for understanding divergent worker subjectivities. The economic and social impacts upon financially dependent gig workers and the emotional connections of devoted and organized gig workers challenge the dominant discourse that gig workers are simply part-timers and hence free from work commitments.
Kinematics of wings from Caudipteryx to modern birds
Authors: Talori Yaser Saffar , Zhao Jing-Shan , O'Connor Jingmai K
Published: November 2021

This study seeks to better quantify the parameters that drove the evolution of flight from non-volant winged dinosaurs to modern birds. In order to explore this issue, we used fossil data to model the feathered forelimbs of Caudipteryx, the most basal non-volant maniraptoran dinosaur with elongated pennaceous feathers that could be described as forming proto-wings. In order to quantify the limiting flight factors, we created three hypothetical wing profiles for Caudipteryx with incrementally larger wingspans. We compared them with what revealed through fossils in wing morphology. These four models were analyzed under varying air speed, wing beat amplitude, and wing beat frequency to determine lift, thrust potential, and metabolic requirements. We tested these models using theoretical equations in order to mathematically describe the evolutionary changes observed during the evolution of modern birds from a winged terrestrial theropod like Caudipteryx. Caudipteryx could not fly, but this research indicates that with a large enough wing span, Caudipteryx-like animal could have flown. The results of these analyses mathematically confirm that during the evolution of energetically efficient powered flight in derived maniraptorans, body weight had to decrease and wing area/wing profile needed to increase together with the flapping angle and surface area for the attachment of the flight muscles. This study quantifies the morphological changes that we observe in the pennaraptoran fossil record in the overall decrease in body size in paravians, the increased wing surface area in Archaeopteryx relative to Caudipteryx, and changes observed in the morphology of the thoracic girdle, namely, the orientation of the glenoid and the enlargement of the sternum.
Robust sliding mode preview control for uncertain discrete-time systems with time-varying delay
Authors: Ren Junchao , Jiang Changbin
Published: November 2021

This article focuses on the problem of robust sliding mode preview control for a class of non-linear delayed systems. It is assumed that the reference signal is previewed with a fixed length ahead and the norm of uncertainty is bounded. A model transformation is introduced to approximate the time-varying delay such that augmented error systems can be constructed. Conditions of asymptotic stability of sliding motion are established via the small gain theorem. The sliding mode preview controller is designed such that the controlled system state can be attracted to the switching surface and keep on it thereafter. A numerical example is presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed control design.
Hospital Discharge: An Opportune Time for Antimicrobial Stewardship
Authors: Parsels Katie A. , Kufel Wesley D. , Burgess Jeni , Seabury Robert W. , Mahapatra Rahul , Miller Christopher D. , Steele Jeffrey M.
Published: November 2021

Background:

Approximately 30% of antimicrobials prescribed in the outpatient setting are unnecessary and up to 50% are inappropriate. Despite this, antimicrobial stewardship (AS) efforts mostly focus on the inpatient setting, and limited data describe AS interventions at hospital discharge. Acknowledging the potential value of discharge AS, we used our existing resources to review discharge oral antimicrobial prescriptions.

Objective:

The primary objective of this retrospective, single-center study was to evaluate the impact of an AS program on discharge oral antimicrobial prescriptions.

Methods

Discharge oral antimicrobial prescriptions sent to our hospital-operated outpatient pharmacy, reviewed by an infectious diseases (ID) pharmacist, and recorded into our data collection tool from September 1, 2020, to February 28, 2021, were evaluated retrospectively. The primary outcome was to identify the frequency a drug-related problem (DRP) was identified by an ID pharmacist. Secondary outcomes included DRP characterization, percentage of prescriptions with interventions, intervention acceptance rate, and reduction in antimicrobial days dispensed at discharge when interventions to limit treatment duration were accepted.

Results:

Of the 803 discharge oral antimicrobial prescriptions reviewed, at least 1 DRP was identified in 43.1% (346/803). The most frequently identified DRPs pertained to treatment duration, drug selection, and dose selection. At least 1 intervention was recommended in 42.8% (344/803) of prescriptions. In total, 438 interventions were made and the acceptance rate was 75.6% (331/438). The most common types of interventions included recommendations for a different duration, a different dose or frequency, and antimicrobial discontinuation. When interventions to reduce treatment duration were accepted, the median (interquartile range) number of antimicrobial days decreased from 8 (5-10) days to 4 (0-5.5) days ( P < 0.001).

Conclusion and Relevance:

An ID pharmacist’s review of discharge oral antimicrobial prescriptions sent to our hospital-operated outpatient pharmacy resulted in identification of DRPs and subsequent interventions in a substantial number of prescriptions.
Impact of a Pharmacist-Led Hypertension Management Program for Oral Chemotherapy in a Specialty Pharmacy Setting
Authors: Wang Gabriel , Truong Havan , Dang Richard
Published: November 2021

Introduction

Oral chemotherapy agents are a growing area of oncology treatment, but some are associated with a high incidence of hypertension. Management of hypertension in oncology patients may be insufficient due to a variety of reasons. A pharmacist-led hypertension management service within the specialty pharmacy setting has the potential to help patients on oral chemotherapy achieve and maintain adequate blood pressure control. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of a pharmacist-led hypertension management program on the blood pressure control of patients on oral chemotherapy.

Methods

This retrospective, single-center study compared data from two groups of patients receiving oral chemotherapy agents from a health systems specialty pharmacy within an academic medical center, before and after the establishment of a pharmacist-led hypertension management program.

Results

Twenty-one of 50 (0.42) patients in the control group had blood pressure overall at goal, compared to 19 of 29 (0.66) patients in the intervention group who had blood pressures at goal at the end of the specified 3-month time period (p  =  0.04). In cases where a pharmacist intervention was necessary per the hypertension management program's protocol, the rate of provider acceptance of recommendations regarding modifying or initiating antihypertensive therapy was high.

Conclusion

When followed with a pharmacist-led hypertension management program, patients on oral chemotherapy showed improved blood pressure control and reduced mean blood pressure readings over time.
“I Can’t Go Far”: Perceptions and Experiences of Heart Failure Patients Regarding Physical Activity: A Qualitative Study Using Semistructured Face-to-Face Interviews
Authors: Charuel Elodie , Bernard Martial , Vaillant Roussel Hélène , Cambon Benoit , Ménini Thibault , Lafarge Elodie , Dutheil Frédéric , Vorilhon Philippe
Published: November 2021

Background

Participation in regular physical activity (RPA) is beneficial to the quality of life and life expectancy of patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). However, it is inadequate in many patients.

Aims

To determine the factors that influence the practice of RPA in patients with CHF managed in general practice.

Method

This was a qualitative study using semistructured, individual face-to-face interviews. Patients with CHF (New York Heart Association Stages 1–3) capable of participating in RPA were enrolled by their general practitioner. A longitudinal and transversal inductive thematic analysis was performed by two researchers.

Results

Five themes emerged from the 19 interviews that were conducted. Poor knowledge of the disease and the benefits of participating in RPA, as well as the lack of motivation or enjoyment, in particular due to the absence of previous participation, were considered significant obstacles. Fear associated with CHF or other comorbidities was also an obstacle. Attendance at a rehabilitation center, family and social circles, and having a pet all appeared to be beneficial. Family and friends were important for motivating the patient to participate in an activity but could also be an obstacle when they were overprotective.

Conclusion

This study helps highlight the difficulties for patients with CHF associated with participation in RPA. Despite the obstacles, there are enabling factors on which the general practitioner may rely to motivate their patients.
Overcoming enduring inequalities in Global Value Chains? Interpreting the case of Brazil’s Covid-19 vaccine supply through a chess metaphor
Authors: Paiva Ely L , Miguel Priscila LS
Published: November 2021

This article draws on the Covid-19 vaccine supply chain to illustrate the structural inequalities characterising Global Value Chains. We show how the highly unequal vaccine distribution between the Global North and the Global South is shaped by the concentration of high-added value activities of vaccine development and production in the Global North and their nationalistic economic policies. These policies are short-sighted, as they fail to take account of the health risks that low vaccination rates in the Global South entail, not only for the North, but for the whole world. Using the metaphor of pawns moving in a chess game, we advance two possible scenarios. In the first, regional suppliers from low- and middle-income Global South countries will remain unimportant actors in the global vaccine supply chain, leaving inequalities intact. In the second, these suppliers will upgrade their activities in the vaccine supply chain, supported by public policies fostering industrial infrastructure, systems reforms and technological standardisation, leading to a more polycentric supply chain configuration. The persisting concentration of the governance of Global Value Chains in the Global North, we argue, will not only exacerbate current inequalities, but also likely lead to worldwide health, economic and social vulnerabilities.
How children in Sweden accessed and perceived information during the first phase of the Covid-19 pandemic
Authors: Rydström Lise-Lott , Ångström-Brännström Charlotte , Blake Lucy , Brayl Lucy , Carter Bernie , Forsner Maria , Matsson Janet , Nilsson Stefan , Jenholt Nolbris Margaretha , Kirton Jennifer , Kull Inger , Protheroe Joanne , Rullander Anna-Clara , Saron Holly , Lindholm Olinder Anna
Published: November 2021

Aim:

To describe how children in Sweden accessed and perceived information about SARS-CoV2 and Covid-19 during the first phase of the outbreak.

Methods:

This study is a substudy of an international cross-sectional online mixed methods survey examining elements of children’s health literacy in relation to Covid-19. The survey included multiple-choice questions, open-ended questions and drawings and collected information from 50 Swedish children (7–12 years). Data were analysed concurrently on a descriptive level using statistics and content analysis. Quantitative and qualitative data, including the drawings, were considered equally important and resulted in six categories, illuminating how children accessed and perceived information about the pandemic.

Results:

The survey showed that children accessed information mainly from school but also from TV. They preferred information from reliable sources. Children reported the information they accessed as easy to understand and it prompted them to ask new questions. They reported they knew a lot about the pandemic, for example, the potential danger to themselves and others and how to act to protect themselves and others. They perceived the pandemic as an intrusion on their lives.

Conclusions:

This study indicates that Swedish children between 7 and 12 years old were well informed about SARS-CoV2 and Covid-19 during the first phase of the pandemic. School was shown to be an important source of information. The children could explain how to act to protect themselves and others from becoming infected by the virus.
Poly(2-vinylpyridine) as a reference compound for mass calibration in positive-ion matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-mass spectrometry on different instrumental platforms
Authors: Gross Jürgen H
Published: November 2021

Butyl-terminated poly(2-vinylpyridine) (P2VP), C4H9(C7H7N) nH, is evaluated for use as an external and internal mass calibrant in positive-ion matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS). P2VP oligomers covering the m/z 450–4500 range are employed to calibrate a time-of-flight (TOF) mass spectrometer in linear and reflector mode, an ion mobility-quadrupole-time-of-flight (IM-Q-TOF) mass spectrometer, and a Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FT-ICR) mass spectrometer. The proton affinity of P2VPs introduced by the numerous pyridyl groups leads to the almost exclusive formation of [M + H]+ ions with common acidic matrices like α-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid (CHCA) and 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHB) as well as with the non-acidic and aprotic matrices 1,8-dihydroxy-10 H-anthracen-9-on (dithranol) and 2-[(2 E)-3-(4- tert-butylphenyl)-2-methylprop-2-enylidene]malonitrile (DCTB). This prevalence of [M + H]+ ions evenly spaced at Δ( m/z) = 105.0578 renders butyl-terminated P2VP oligomers as convenient mass calibrants. The mass accuracies achieved across various m/z ranges with different mass analyzers and modes of operation are evaluated by using established standard compounds. Results as obtained by internal or external calibration are presented. Further, the compilation of mass reference lists tailored to suit the respective analyzer modes is discussed and those reference files are provided.
Biocultural Strategies for Measuring Psychosocial Stress Outcomes in Field-based Research
Authors: Brewis Alexandra , Piperata Barbara A. , Dengah H. J. François , Dressler William W. , Liebert Melissa A. , Mattison Siobhán M. , Negrón Rosalyn , Nelson Robin , Oths Kathryn S. , Snodgrass Jeffrey G. , Tanner Susan , Thayer Zaneta , Wander Katherine , Gravlee Clarence C.
Published: November 2021

The goal of assessing psychosocial stress as a process and outcome in naturalistic (i.e., field) settings is applicable across the social, biological, and health sciences. Meaningful measurement of biology-in-context is, however, far from simple or straightforward. In this brief methods review, we introduce theoretical framings, methodological conventions, and ethical concerns around field-collection of markers of psychosocial stress that have emerged from 50 years of research at the intersection of anthropology and human biology. Highlighting measures of psychosocial stress outcomes most often used in biocultural studies, we identify the circumstances under which varied measures are most appropriately applied and provide examples of the types of cutting-edge research questions these measures can address. We explain that field-based psychosocial stress measures embedded in different body systems are neither equivalent nor interchangeable, but this recognition strengthens the study of stress as always simultaneously cultural and biological, situated in local ecologies, social–political structures, and time.
Establishment of Reliability of the Occupation-Based Practice Assessment
Authors: Stav Wendy B. , Brothag Alaina , Krenik Emma , Rohr Lacy , Rubeck Courtney , Singer Katherine , Zukowitz Lauren
Published: November 2021

The profession’s foundational construct, occupation, is therapeutically effective, but there remains inconsistent use as a therapeutic medium. A psychometrically strong tool can measure and maximize the use of occupation. This study establishes preliminary psychometric properties of the Occupation-Based Practice Assessment (OBPA). This methodological study tested inter-rater reliability using simulated video cases to examine the OBPA. Overall reliability was acceptable at .868. All subsections were acceptable including Meaning and Purposeful Occupation (.871), Therapeutic Intent (.819), and Engaged Participation (.807). Two items, Context (.946) and Actual Doing (.981), demonstrated excellent reliability; while three items, Meaning (.747), Adaptation (.799), and Participation (.735), fell slightly below the acceptable level. Preliminary investigation of the OBPA reveals acceptable inter-rater reliability and suggests potential for use following additional in-vivo testing to measure therapeutic interactions to enhance student learning, optimize clinical practice, facilitate professional development, evaluate programs, and quantify occupation-based practice in research.
Impact testing of snowboarding wrist protectors
Authors: Adams Caroline , Allen Tom , Senior Terry , James David , Hamilton Nick
Published: November 2021

The wrist is a common injury site for snowboarders who often fall onto an outstretched hand. Wrist protectors are worn by some snowboarders to prevent wrist injuries by attenuating impact forces and limiting wrist extension. This paper presents a bespoke pendulum test device for impacting wrist protectors when fitted to a wrist surrogate. The rig can replicate injury risk scenarios, while measuring temporal forces and wrist extension angles. Results from testing 12 snowboarding wrist protectors are presented, including differences in peak vertical force, the time to reach this peak, and energy absorption between products. When compared to an unprotected surrogate, all 12 products lowered the peak force by at least 24% and increased the time to reach this peak by at least 1.8 times. Due to the severity of the load case employed, none of the products lowered the impact force below 2.8 kN, which is the value presented in the literature to fracture a cadaveric wrist. The developed rig could be used to support the development of new wrist protectors, as well as the development of finite element models for predicting wrist protector performance.
Effects of melatonin on sleep disturbances in multiple sclerosis: A randomized, controlled pilot study
Authors: Hsu Wan-Yu , Anderson Annika , Rowles William , Peters Katherine E. , Li Vicki , Stone Katie L. , Ashbrook Liza H. , Gelfand Amy A. , Bove Riley M.
Published: November 2021

Background

Sleep disturbances are commonly reported by people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). However, optimal management of sleep disturbances is uncertain, and objective studies of sleep quality in PwMS are scarce.

Objectives

To determine the effect of exogenous melatonin on sleep quality and sleep disturbances in PwMS.

Methods

Thirty adult PwMS reporting sleep difficulties were recruited in a randomized, controlled, double-blind cross-over study. They took either melatonin or placebo for 2 weeks, and the opposite for the following 2 weeks. During weeks 2 and 4, an actigraph was used to capture mean total sleep time and sleep efficiency. Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) were collected at weeks 0, 2 and 4.

Results

Melatonin use significantly improved mean total sleep time ( p = 0.03), with a trend towards higher sleep efficiency ( p = 0.06). No PROs were significantly different; there was a trend for melatonin use to decrease mean Insomnia Severity Index score ( p = 0.07), improve Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index sleep quality component ( p = 0.07), and improve NeuroQoL-Fatigue ( p = 0.06). No other PROs showed differences between melatonin and placebo; nor did step count measured by actigraphy (all p > 0.45).

Conclusion

These results provide preliminary evidence that melatonin, a low-cost, over-the-counter supplement, could improve objective measures of sleep quality in PwMS.
Nongovernment Organizations in Humanitarian Activities in the Philippines: Local Contributions in Post-Disaster Settings and Implications for Humanitarian Action and Diplomacy
Authors: Atienza Maria Ela L. , Quilala Dennis
Published: November 2021

This article stresses the importance of localization and the role of local nongovernment organizations (NGOs) in humanitarian action and diplomacy using a post-natural hazard and a post-conflict response and rehabilitation context. It first assesses the country's framework for disaster risk reduction and management and the roles of different stakeholders, including humanitarian organizations like NGOs. This is followed by two post-disaster cases of local humanitarian work (Marawi and Haiyan), focusing on NGOs involved, their experiences in housing and livelihood projects, as well as their networks, resources, and links. Then, the analysis looks at the importance of local NGOs as actors in humanitarian diplomacy and the international humanitarian order and the relationship between local NGOs and other humanitarian actors in humanitarian diplomacy and action. The conclusion sums up the strengths, potentials, and limitations of local NGOs in humanitarian diplomacy based on the experience of the Philippines as well as recommendations to mainstream localization in humanitarian action and diplomacy.
Computed Tomography Osteoabsorptiometry Evaluation of Cervical Endplate Subchondral Bone Mineral Density
Authors: Zavras Athan G. , Dandu Navya , Espinoza-Orias Alejandro A. , Singh Kern , An Howard S. , Inoue Nozomu , Colman Matthew W.
Published: November 2021

Study Design

Basic Science.

Objective

Poor subchondral bone mineral density (sBMD) has been linked with subsidence of cervical interbody devices or grafts, which are traditionally placed centrally on the endplates. Considering that sBMD reflects long-term stress distributions, we hypothesize that the cervical uncovertebral joints are denser than the central endplate region. This study sought to investigate density distributions using computed tomography osteoabsorptiometry (CT-OAM).

Methods

Twelve human cervical spines from C3–C7 (60 vertebrae, 120 endplates) were imaged with CT and segmented to create 3D reconstructions. The superior and inferior endplates were isolated, and the sBMD of the whole endplate, endplate center, and uncus was evaluated using CT-OAM. Density distributions were compared across the subaxial cervical spine.

Results

The uncinate region of the inferior and superior endplates was significantly denser than the central endplate across all vertebral levels ( P < .01). When comparing sBMD of the whole inferior and superior endplates, the superior endplate was significantly denser than the inferior endplate ( P < .0001). However, the inferior uncus was denser than the superior uncus ( P = .035). When assessing sBMD by vertebral level, peak densities were observed at C4 and C5, while C7 was, on average, significantly less dense than all other vertebrae.

Conclusion

The subchondral bone of the cervical uncovertebral joints is significantly denser than the central endplates. While the superior endplate in its entirety is denser than the inferior endplate, the inverse was true for the uncovertebral joints. This study serves as a basis for future investigations of new implant designs and their implications on subsidence.
Tendency of Driving to the Basket Is Associated With Increased Risk of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tears in National Basketball Association Players: A Cohort Study
Authors: Schultz Blake J. , Thomas Kevin A. , Cinque Mark , Harris Joshua D. , Maloney William J. , Abrams Geoffrey D.
Published: November 2021

Background:

Driving to the basket in basketball involves acceleration, deceleration, and lateral movements, which may expose players to increased anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury risk. It is unknown whether players who heavily rely on driving have decreased performance on returning to play after ACL reconstruction (ACLR).

Hypothesis:

Players with a greater tendency to drive to the basket would be more likely to tear their ACL versus noninjured controls and would experience decreased performance when returning to play after ACLR.

Study Design:

Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Season-level performance statistics and ACL injuries were aggregated for National Basketball Association (NBA) seasons between 1980 and 2017 from publicly available sources. Players’ tendency to drive was calculated using 49 common season-level performance metrics. Each ACL-injured player was matched with 2 noninjured control players by age, league experience, and style of play metrics. Points, playing minutes, driving, and 3-point shooting tendencies were compared between players with ACL injuries and matched controls. Independent-samples t test was utilized for comparisons.

Results:

Of 86 players with a total of 96 ACL tears identified in the NBA, 50 players were included in the final analysis. Players who experienced an ACL tear had a higher career-average drive tendency than controls ( P = .047). Players with career-average drive tendency ≥1 standard deviation above the mean were more likely to tear their ACL than players with drive tendency <1 standard deviation (5.2% vs 2.7%; P = .026). There was no significant difference in total postinjury career points ( P = .164) or career minutes ( P = .237) between cases and controls. There was also no significant change in drive tendency ( P = .152) or 3-point shooting tendency ( P = .508) after return to sport compared with controls.

Conclusion:

NBA players with increased drive tendency were more likely to tear their ACL. However, players who were able to return after ACLR did not underperform compared with controls and did not alter their style of play compared with the normal changes seen with age. This information can be used to target players with certain playing styles for ACL injury prevention programs.
Increasing the Capacity of Youth-Serving Professionals: Evaluation of the Online Social Justice Approach to Youth Engagement Course
Authors: Kennedy Heather , Elnicki Jill , Torrieri Dayna , Scallan Walter Elaine
Published: November 2021

There has been increased commitment to youth engagement in public health. However, those seeking to engage youth often lack the knowledge and skills to sustain meaningful youth engagement, constraining the potential positive impacts. Unfortunately, there is a paucity of training programs for practitioners who seek to increase their capacity to engage youth authentically. Given the need to train adults who work with youth, we developed and evaluated an online course to support public health and social service professionals in a social justice approach to youth engagement. During this 7-week course, grounded in social justice youth development theory, participants analyzed how power, privilege, and oppression operated in their own lives and engaged in conversations about disrupting systems of power that oppress young people. Fifty-eight participants completed the course as part of four cohorts, and 41 participants completed a survey (71% response rate) at all four time points (pre, post, 3-month, and 6-month follow-up). Paired t tests showed that participants experienced significant changes ( p < .0001) in their confidence to implement practices and curricula associated with social justice youth development, critique and provide evidence-informed recommendations to their organizational setting, and describe and disrupt adultism—the systematic subordination of youth by adults. Effects were sustained 6 months post course. Qualitative responses to survey items further supported the positive benefit of the course on their professional youth work. This course provides a promising model for training public health and social service professionals on how to authentically work with youth through a social justice lens.
A Bio-Psychosocial Framework for Chronic Daily Headaches: A Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Balasubramanian Bhuvaneshwari , Nair Vasundharaa. S. , George Nimmy , Reddy Ashok V. , Thomas Priya Treesa , Kulkarni Girish B.
Published: November 2021

Chronic daily headaches (CDH) are primarily understood from a psychophysiological formulation. A broad biopsychosocial understanding, where there is equal importance given to biological, psychological and socio-cultural factors, is underexplored in headache. Socio-cultural factors, such as gender, socio-economic factors can perpetuate and worsen the condition. For an effective and sustainable intervention, these factors need to be considered. The current study aims to explore and develop a biopsychosocial framework for headache disorders. A convergent parallel mixed methods design was used and participants were recruited from a tertiary referral care hospital, Bengaluru, India. Headache Assessment Sheet, GAD 7, HDRS, PSS and B COPE were used in the quantitative phase. The data was analysed using r software. Qualitative phase of the study, in depth interview guide was used and data analysed thematically. Quantitative phase, 38 participants were recruited. The average age, was 38.02 (±10.17), majority of the participants being females 31 (81.58%). The mean duration of illness was 8.63 (±4.73) years. The anxiety scores positively correlated with pain intensity (r = 0.50 at P ≤ .001) and the median anxiety scores varied with photophobia ( P ≤ .03). The anxiety scores correlated with PSS (r = 0.428 at P ≤ .007) and HDRS (r = 0.428 at P ≤ .007) scores. Gender variations in coping were seen, avoidant coping having higher median scores in women. ( P ≤ .08). In qualitative phase of the study, six participants were recruited. Three main themes emerged from the qualitative phase of the study: headache - an illness, headache factors and the impact. Chronic daily headaches are influenced by biological, psychological, environmental and socio-cultural factors. A bio-psychosocial framework will help to understand and develop targeted interventions.
Contribution of a multicomponent intervention on functional capacity and independence on activities of daily living in individuals with neurocognitive disorder
Authors: Borges-Machado Flávia , Barros Duarte , Teixeira Laetitia , Ribeiro Oscar , Carvalho Joana
Published: November 2021

Background

To examine the effects of a 6-month multicomponent (MT) exercise intervention in the functional capacity and ability to independently perform activities of daily living (ADL) of individuals diagnosed with neurocognitive disorder (NCD).

Methods

A quasi-experimental controlled trial with a parallel design study was conducted in multicentered community-based settings. Forty-three individuals (N Female: 30) were allocated to an exercise group (EG; N: 23; mean 75.09, SD = 5.54 years) or a control group (CG; N:20; mean 81.90, SD = 1.33 years). The EG engaged in a 6-month MT program (60-min sessions, twice a week). Exercise sessions were divided into a warm-up, specific training (e.g., coordination and balance, lower and upper body strength, and aerobics), and cool down. Lower body function, mobility, and gait speed were evaluated through Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), Timed-Up and Go test (TUG) and 6-Meter Walk test, respectively. The Barthel Index (BI) was administered to assess individuals’ ADL independence. Evaluations were performed before and after the 6-month intervention.

Results

Linear Mixed Models revealed a statistically significant interaction (time X group) effect factor on SPPB (B = 2.33, 95% CI: 1.39–3.28, p < 0.001), TUG (B = − 11.15, 95% CI: − 17.23 – − 5.06, p = 0.001), and 6-Meter Walk test (B = 0.17, 95% CI: 0.08–0.25, p < 0.001). No differences between groups or assessment moments were found in the ability of individuals to independently perform ADL.

Conclusions

The 6-month MT exercise intervention improves the functional capacity of older adults living with NCD.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov – identifier number NCT04095962; retrospectively registered on 19 September 2019.
Pregnancy; an opportunity to return to a healthy lifestyle: a qualitative study
Authors: Bagherzadeh Razieh , Gharibi Tayebeh , Safavi Bahare , Mohammadi Seyyedeh Zahra , Karami Fatemeh , Keshavarz Sedigheh
Published: November 2021

Background

The lifestyle of the mother during pregnancy can affectthe health of their baby. Since lifestyle change is a sociocultural act and the motivations associated with lifestyle patterns during pregnancy cannot be explained in quantitative studies, a comprehensive study of the lifestyle during pregnancy and factors influencing its patterns was needed to investigate it from different aspects. Thus, the present study aimed to explore ‘mothers’ perceptions and experiences about lifestyle patterns during and after pregnancy and the reasons for adopting these lifestyles.

Methods

The present study, conducted on 20 pregnant or postpartum women living in Bushehr, Iran, has used a conventional content analysis approach.

The purposeful sampling method was used with maximum diversity and continued until data saturation. data were collected through face-to-face, in-depth, semi-structured interviews. Informed consent was obtained from all participants, and assuringthe confidentiality of their information. MAXQDA 10 software was used to analyze the data.

Results

Four main themes were defined after data analysis; "Being a mother as motivation for adopting a new healthy lifestyle"; "Access to information from media and supports from physicians as facilitators of adopting healthy lifestyle"; "Aspects of lifestyle modifications" and "Durability of healthy lifestyles". When women become pregnant, they feel a responsibility tohave a healthy pregnancy. They care about their fetuses more than themselves, which motivated them to look for the best lifestyle. In this way, access information from mass media and recommendations from professionals (physicians, midwives, and other health care providers) were helpful factors to have a healthy lifestyle, leading to modifying physical, mental, and religious aspects of lifestyle. However, despite reminding the advantages of a healthy lifestyle, these changesshift to a pre-pregnancy lifestyle due to the cessation of support and care provided during pregnancy.

Conclusion

The study results showed that pregnant women should be motivated to modify their lifestyle andadopt healthy lifestyles. Pregnant women seek to modify their lifestyle because of motherhood responsibility and and having a healthy baby. Access to information and supports from various sources promote a mother’s inner decision to change, leading to modifying different aspects of life. However, these modifications often shift to the pre-pregnancy lifestyle due to cessation of supports and care, despite reminding the benefits of the lifestyle change.

Health care providers should consider supportive measures during pregnancy and postpartum.
Trends and factors related to adolescent pregnancies: an incidence trend and conditional inference trees analysis of northern Nicaragua demographic surveillance data
Authors: Pérez Wilton , Ekholm Selling Katarina , Zelaya Blandón Elmer , Peña Rodolfo , Contreras Mariela , Persson Lars-Åke , Sysoev Oleg , Källestål Carina
Published: November 2021

Background

We aimed to identify the 2001–2013 incidence trend, and characteristics associated with adolescent pregnancies reported by 20–24-year-old women.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of the Cuatro Santos Northern Nicaragua Health and Demographic Surveillance 2004–2014 data on women aged 15–19 and 20–24. To calculate adolescent birth and pregnancy rates, we used the first live birth at ages 10–14 and 15–19 years reported by women aged 15–19 and 20–24 years, respectively, along with estimates of annual incidence rates reported by women aged 20–24 years. We conducted conditional inference tree analyses using 52 variables to identify characteristics associated with adolescent pregnancies.

Results

The number of first live births reported by women aged 20–24 years was 361 during the study period. Adolescent pregnancies and live births decreased from 2004 to 2009 and thereafter increased up to 2014. The adolescent pregnancy incidence (persons-years) trend dropped from 2001 (75.1 per 1000) to 2007 (27.2 per 1000), followed by a steep upward trend from 2007 to 2008 (19.1 per 1000) that increased in 2013 (26.5 per 1000). Associated factors with adolescent pregnancy were living in low-education households, where most adults in the household were working, and high proportion of adolescent pregnancies in the local community. Wealth was not linked to teenage pregnancies.

Conclusions

Interventions to prevent adolescent pregnancy are imperative and must bear into account the context that influences the culture of early motherhood and lead to socioeconomic and health gains in resource-poor settings.
The significant places of African American adults and their perceived influence on cardiovascular disease risk behaviors
Authors: White Michelle J. , Holliday Katelyn M. , Hoover Stephanie , Robinson-Ezekwe Nicole , Corbie-Smith Giselle , Williams Anissa , Bess Kiana , Frerichs Leah
Published: November 2021

Background

AA living in rural areas of the southeastern U.S. experience a disproportionate burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD) morbidity and mortality. Neighborhood environmental factors contribute to this disparity and may decrease the effectiveness of lifestyle interventions aimed at preventing CVD. Furthermore, the influence of neighborhood factors on AA CVD risk behaviors (i.e. physical activity) may be obscured by the use of researcher-defined neighborhoods and researcher-defined healthy and unhealthy places. The objective of this study was to elucidate the effects of neighborhood environments on AA CVD risk behaviors among AA adults who recently completed a lifestyle intervention. We specifically sought to identify AA adults’ self-perceived places of significance and their perceptions of how these places impact CVD risk behaviors including diet, physical activity and smoking.

Methods

We conducted semi-structured interviews with AA adults (N = 26) living in two rural North Carolina counties (Edgecombe and Nash, North Carolina, USA). Participants were recruited from a community-based behavioral CVD risk reduction intervention. All had at least one risk factor for CVD. Participants identified significant places including where they spent the most time, meaningful places, and healthy and unhealthy places on local maps. Using these maps as a reference, participants described the impact of each location on their CVD risk behaviors. Data were transcribed verbatim and coded using NVivo 12.

Results

The average age of participants was 63 (SD = 10) and 92% were female. Places participants defined as meaningful and places where they spent the most time included churches and relatives’ homes. Healthy places included gyms and parks. Unhealthy places included fast food restaurants and relatives’ homes where unhealthy food was served. Place influenced CVD risk behaviors in multiple ways including through degree of perceived control over the environment, emotional attachment and loneliness, caretaking responsibilities, social pressures and social support.

Conclusions

As we seek to improve cardiovascular interventions for rural AA in the American South, it will be important to further assess the effect of significant places beyond place of residence. Strategies which leverage or modify behavioral influences within person-defined significant places may improve the reach and effectiveness of behavioral lifestyle interventions.
Factors associated with different levels of daytime sleepiness among Korean construction drivers: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Ahn Yong Han , Lee Sangeun , Kim Su Ryeon , Lim Jeeyeon , Park So Jin , Kwon Sooyoung , Kim Heejung
Published: November 2021

Background

Commercial vehicle accidents are the leading cause of occupational fatalities and an increased risk of traffic accidents is associated with excessive fatigue, other health problems as well as poor sleep during work. This study explores individual and occupational factors associated with different levels of daytime sleepiness and identifies their association with driving risk among occupational drivers working at construction sites.

Methods

This cross-sectional and correlational study adopted a self-reported questionnaire of Korean construction drivers (N = 492). The data were collected from October 2018 to February 2019 using a battery of six validated instruments about participants’ sociodemographic, health-related, and occupational characteristics. One-way ANOVA and multinomial logistic regression were conducted using IBM SPSS WIN/VER 25.0, with a two-tailed alpha of .05.

Results

Based on the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, “moderate” (31.7%) and “severe” (10.2%) daytime sleepiness groups were identified. There were significant differences in break time, driving fatigue, depressive symptom, subjective sleep quality, physical and mental health, and driving risk among the three groups (all p-values < .001). Driving fatigue (Adjusted Odds Ratio [aOR] = 1.08, 1.17), depressive symptoms (aOR = 0.91, 0.98), subjective sleep quality (aOR = 1.18 in moderate only), and driving over the speed limit (aOR = 1.43, 2.25) were significant factors for determining “moderate” and “severe” daytime sleepiness groups, respectively.

Conclusion

A significant number of construction drivers experience excessive daytime sleepiness; thus it is important to reduce the negative impact of driving fatigue and other factors on daytime sleepiness. Our study findings suggest that occupational health care providers should pay attention to development and implementation of health management interventions to reduce driving fatigue that incorporate the drivers’ physical, mental, and occupational factors. Professional organizations need to establish internal regulations and public policies to promote health and safety among occupational drivers who specifically work at construction sites.
Friends and family matter Most: a trend analysis of increasing e-cigarette use among Irish teenagers and socio-demographic, personal, peer and familial associations
Authors: Hanafin Joan , Sunday Salome , Clancy Luke
Published: November 2021

Background

E-cigarette ever-use and current-use among teenagers has increased worldwide, including in Ireland.

Methods

We use data from two Irish waves (2015, 2019) of the European School Survey Project on Alcohol and other Drugs (ESPAD) to investigate gender and teenage e-cigarette use (n = 3421 16-year-olds). Using chi-square analyses, we report changes in e-cigarette ever-use, current-use, and associated variables. Using multivariable logistic regression, we analyse the increase in e-cigarette use and socio-demographic, personal, peer and familial associations, focusing on gender differences.

Results

E-cigarette ever-use increased from 23% in 2015 to 37% in 2019, and current-use from 10 to 18%. Compared with 2015, the odds in 2019, of becoming both an e-cigarette ever-user and current-user, were significantly higher for girls than boys (ever-use: AOR 2.67 vs 2.04; current-use: AOR 3.11 vs 1.96). Smoking and e-cigarette use are linked but never-smokers who try e-cigarettes rose significantly from 33 to 67% and those using e-cigarettes to quit smoking decreased significantly from 17 to 3%. Almost two-thirds of respondents (66%) in 2019 said that their reason for trying e-cigarettes was “out of curiosity”. Peer smoking is significantly associated with likelihood of e-cigarette ever-use (AOR 6.52) and current-use (AOR 5.45). If “Most/All friends smoke”, odds were significantly higher for boys than for girls (ever-use AOR 7.07 vs 6.23; current-use AOR 5.90 vs 5.31). Less parental monitoring is significantly associated with greater e-cigarette ever-use (AOR 3.96) and current-use (4.48), and having parents who usually don’t know where their child is on Saturday nights was also associated with significantly higher odds for boys than for girls (ever-use AOR 5.42 vs 3.33; current-use AOR 5.50 vs 3.50).

Conclusion

Respondents had significantly higher odds of being e-cigarette ever- and current-users in 2019 compared with 2015. Use is higher among boys but girls are increasingly at risk. Two-thirds had never smoked cigarettes at first e-cigarette use; two-thirds used out of curiosity but few (3%) for smoking cessation. The most prominent risk factors for e-cigarette use were peer- and parent-related, especially so for boys. Interventions that take account of friend and family influences may provide mechanisms for preventing an increasing risk of nicotine addiction.