bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Validation of the sleep disturbance scale for children (SDSC) in infants and toddlers from mainland China
Authors: Chen Xianrui , Xu Ping , Chen Yanhui , Chen Shan , Yao Yonghua , Lin Xiaoxia
Published: November 2022

The sleep disturbance scale for children (SDSC) has been validated in the population of Chinese children (aged 5–16 years) and has good psychometric properties. However, valid assessment tools for sleep problems in the population of infants and young children from mainland China are relatively scarce, and rates of screening and management for pediatric sleep problems are low.

Objective

This study is to evaluate the reliability and validity of SDSC among infants (aged 6–36 months), and to provide a reference for expanding the application of the SDSC for Chinese infants (SDSC-I).

Materials and methods

From April to November 2021, parents of infants from Fuzhou, Quanzhou, Longyan, Sanming, and Nanping cities in Fujian Province, China completed the SDSC-I. Several factor analyses were performed to evaluate the reliability and validity of the scale.

Results

Of note, 432 out of 469 samples were valid. After item selections and exploratory factor analyses, the SDSC-I concluded six dimensions (disorders of initiating sleep, disorders of maintaining sleep, sleep hyperhidrosis, sleep breathing disorders, parasomnias, and non-restorative sleep and excessive somnolence) with 23 items. The Cronbach’s α coefficient of the scale was 0.863, and those for the six dimensions were within 0.576–0.835. The values of parameters for content validity of the scale were: IR = 0.87, I-CVI > 0.78, Kappa value > 0.74, S-CVI/UA = 0.87, S-CVI/Ave = 0.98. Principal component analysis revealed that the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) value was 0.84, and the factor loading of items ranged from 0.328 to 0.849, with six factors of eigenvalue more than one, which could explain 58.274% of the total variance. The confirmatory factor analysis results showed that χ2/DF was 3.556, root-mean-square error of approximation (RMSEA) was 0.077, comparative fit index (CFI) was 0.809, and standardized RMR (SRMR) was 0.070.

Conclusion

Our study provides evidence that the SDSC-I is reliable and valid, and it is effective for the screening and management of sleep disturbances among infants (aged 6–36 months). Compared with other questionnaires such as the Brief Infant Sleep Questionnaire (BISQ), it is worthy of popularization and application in pediatric primary care.
Cervical cancer screening uptake: A randomized controlled trial assessing the effect of sending invitation letters to non-adherent women combined with sending their general practitioners a list of their non-adherent patients (study protocol)
Authors: Teigné Delphine , Banaszuk Anne-Sophie , Grimault Charlotte , Abes Linda , Gaultier Aurélie , Rat Cédric
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Cervical cancer (CC) is the fourth most common cancer among women. It can be cured if diagnosed at an early stage and treated promptly. The World Health Organization suggests that 70% of women should be screened with a high-performance test by the age of 35. This paper reports a protocol to assess the effect of two modalities of organized CC screening programmes on CC screening uptake.

Methods and analysis

Design and setting: The design involves a 3-arm randomized controlled study performed in a French geographic area on the west coast. A total of 1,395 general practitioners will be randomized, depending on their general practice surgeries. Participants: The design is based on a total of 94,393 women aged 40 to 65 years who are eligible for CC screening. Intervention: In the “optimized cancer screening” group, the intervention will combine sending invitation letters to non-adherent women with sending general practitioners (GPs) a list of their non-adherent patients. In the “standard cancer screening” group, the intervention will be limited to sending invitation letters to non-adherent women. In the “usual care” group, no letter will be sent either to women or to their GPs. Primary endpoint: CC screening test uptake will be assessed after a 6-month follow-up period. Statistical analysis: The percentage of women who are up-to-date with their screening at 6 months after the intervention will be compared across arms using a generalized mixed linear model.

Discussion

A large-scale randomized trial of this nature is unprecedented. The study will enable us to assess a strategy relying on GPs, identified as the coordinators in this screening strategy. The study results should help policy makers to implement organized CC screening programs in the future.

Ethics and dissemination

The study was approved was approved by the Ethics Committee of the National College of Teaching General practitioners (IRB00010804). It was recorded in ClinicalTrials.gov on the number NCT04689178 (28 December 2020). The study findings will be used for publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals and presentations in scientific meetings.
Virtual reality for neurorehabilitation: A bibliometric analysis of knowledge structure and theme trends
Authors: Guo Qi-Fan , He Lin , Su Wei , Tan Hui-Xin , Han Lian-Yi , Gui Chen-Fan , Chen Yi , Jiang Han-Hong , Gao Qiang
Published: November 2022

Background

As an emerging technology, virtual reality (VR) has been broadly applied in the medical field, especially in neurorehabilitation. The growing application of VR therapy promotes an increasing amount of clinical studies. In this paper, we present a bibliometric analysis of the existing studies to reveal the current research hotspots and guide future research directions.

Methods

Articles and reviews on the related topic were retrieved from the Science Citation Index Expanded of Web of Science Core Collection database. VOSviewer and Citespace software were applied to systematically analyze information about publications, countries, institutions, authors, journals, citations, and keywords from the included studies.

Results

A total of 1,556 papers published between 1995 and 2021 were identified. The annual number of papers increased gradually over the past three decades, with a peak publication year in 2021 (n = 276). Countries and institutions from North America and Western European were playing leading roles in publications and total citations. Current hotspots were focused on the effectiveness of VR therapy in cognitive and upper limb motor rehabilitation. The clusters of keywords contained the four targeted neurological diseases of VR, while the burst keywords represented that the latest studies were directed toward more defined types of VR therapy and greater study design.

Conclusions

Our study offers information regarding to the current hotspots and emerging trends in the VR for rehabilitation field. It could guide future research and application of VR therapy in neurorehabilitation.
Association of visit-to-visit HbA1c variability with cardiovascular diseases in type 2 diabetes within or outside the target range of HbA1c
Authors: Sun Bao , Gao Yongchao , He Fazhong , Liu Zhaoqian , Zhou Jiecan , Wang Xingyu , Zhang Wei
Published: November 2022

Background

Although a growing attention has been recently paid to the role of HbA1c variability in the risk of diabetic complications, the impact of HbA1c variability on cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in type 2 diabetes is still debated. The aim of the study is to investigate the association of HbA1c variability with CVD in individuals within or outside the target range of HbA1c.

Methods

Using data from Action in Diabetes and Vascular disease: preterAx and diamicroN-MR Controlled Evaluation (ADVANCE), we enrolled 855 patients with type 2 diabetes in China. The primary outcomes included major macrovascular events and major microvascular events. Visit-to-visit HbA1c variability was expressed as the coefficient of variation (CV) of five measurements of HbA1c taken 3–24 months after treatment. Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate adjusted hazard ratios (aHR).

Results

Among 855 patients in the intensive glucose treatment group, 563 and 292 patients were assigned to the group of “within the target range of HbA1c” (WTH) (updated mean HbA1c ≤ 7.0%) and “outside the target range of HbA1c” (OTH) (updated mean HbA1c > 7.0%), respectively. HbA1c variability was positively associated with the risk of major microvascular events in all patients and both the subgroups during a median follow-up period of 4.8 years. Particularly, the risk related to HbA1c variability was higher in patients in WTH group for the new or worsening nephropathy [aHR: 3.35; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.05–10.74; P = 0.042].

Conclusions

This retrospective cohort study confirmed the positive correlation between HbA1c variability and major microvascular events, especially in subjects in WTH or OTH.
Environmental pollution and economic growth: Evidence of SO2 emissions and GDP in China
Authors: Yan Chao , Li Huixuan , Li Zhigang
Published: November 2022

This study explores the inherent linkage mechanism between environmental pollution and economic growth using a non-linear MS (M)–VAR (p) model. The results indicate that, first, the growth rates of China's gross domestic product (GDP) and SO2 emissions are in a state of significant inertia. Second, when the system was in a medium-growth regime, the growth rates of SO2 emissions and GDP had a positive correlation, characterized by lower probability and weaker durability. Third, when the system was in a high- or low-growth regime, their growth rates were negatively correlated, characterized by higher probability and stronger durability. Overall, economic growth increases environmental pollution emissions, which intensifies as well as inhibits economic growth. The correlation and sustainability of SO2 emissions and GDP are closely related to the regional status of the entire system. This study is helpful in analyzing the reasons for the nonlinear linkage mechanism between environmental pollution and economic growth.
Factors associated with older adults' perception of health risks of hot and cold weather event exposure: A scoping review
Authors: Ratwatte Priyanjali , Wehling Helena , Kovats Sari , Landeg Owen , Weston Dale
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Hot and cold weather events are increasingly becoming a global burden resulting in premature and preventable morbidity and mortality, particularly in vulnerable groups such as older people and people with chronic health conditions. However, risk perception regarding weather is generally poor among vulnerable groups which often acts as a barrier to the uptake of critical health-protective behaviours. A more cohesive understanding of determinants of risk perception is needed to inform public health risk communication and behaviour change interventions that promote protective health behaviours. This scoping literature review aimed to understand factors influencing perception of personal health risks in vulnerable groups as a result of exposure to hot and cold weather events.

Methods

A five-stage scoping review framework was followed. Searches were run across Medline, PsychInfo, Web of Science and EMBASE. Papers were included if they provided rationale for risk perceptions in vulnerable groups in indoor/domestic environments and focussed on samples from OECD countries.

Results

In total, 13 out of 15,554 papers met the full inclusion criteria. The majority of papers focused on hot weather events: one study exclusively examined cold weather events and one study addressed both cold and hot weather events. Included papers focused on older adults aged 65+ years. The papers identified eight factors that were associated with older adults' personal health risk perception of hot and cold weather events: (1) Knowledge of the relationship between hot/cold weather and health risks, (2) presence of comorbidities, (3) age and self-identity, (4) perceived weather severity, (5) Beliefs associated with regional climate, (6) past experience with weather, (7) misconceptions of effectiveness of protective behaviours, and (8) external locus of control.

Conclusions

Future research should explore risk communication methods by implementing the identified risk perception determinants from this review into health protection interventions targeting older adults. Further understanding is needed regarding risk perceptions in non-elderly vulnerable groups, for examples individuals with chronic diseases or disabilities.
Village doctors' dilemma in China: A systematic evaluation of job burnout and turnover intention
Authors: Chen Yuquan , You Yanwei , Shen Yaying , Du Zifei , Dai Tao
Published: November 2022

Background

Village doctors (VDs) in China undertook arduous primary healthcare missions. However, they received little attention in comparison to doctors in urban public secondary and tertiary hospitals. There is an urgent need to explore the overall situation of turnover intention and job burnout among VDs to evaluate and adjust current health manpower policy.

Methods

In this study, seven databases like PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science (WOS), WanFang, China Science and Technology Journal Database (VIP), Chinese BioMedical Literature Database (CBM), and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) were systematically searched, relevant experts were consulted, and empirical research on job burnout and turnover intention among VDs in international publications was evaluated. Therefore, we evaluated the prevalence of job burnout among VDs in general, across all dimensions and different severity levels, as well as the scores of each category. For turnover intention, we assessed the prevalence of different groups and their overall situation and also identified significant contributors.

Results

In this study, we integrated 20 research evidences on job burnout and turnover intention among 23,284 VDs from almost all provinces in China, and the prevalence of turnover intention among VDs in China was as high as 44.1% [95% confidence interval (CI): 34.1–54.2], which was two to four times that of primary health workers in high-income countries, but not much different from some developing countries. Simultaneously, VDs with the highest risk of turnover intention were men [odds ratio (OR): 1.22 (1.05–1.43)], those with a monthly income below USD 163.4 [OR: 0.88 (0.78–0.98)], those with a high educational level [OR: 0.88 (0.78–0.98)], and those <40 years old [OR: 1.27 (1.16–1.40)]. Similarly, the detection rate of job burnout toward them was 59.8% (95% CI: 38.7–79.1) with the MBI-GS score being 44.44 (95% CI: 37.02–51.86) in a total of 90, while the detection rate of job burnout in moderate and above almost reached 20%. The most significant contributor that affects job burnout was low personal accomplishment (LPA), and the detection rate for moderate and higher severity was 65.2% (95% CI: 58.7–71.7).

Conclusion

Attention should be paid to the high turnover intention and severe job burnout of primary health workers in rural areas of developing countries, and targeted measures should be taken to improve the situation. Health policymakers should increase financial subsidies for VDs, set a reasonable workload, improve various health policies such as pension insurance for VDs, and encourage “targeted training” for medical students to enrich and expand their team.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier: CRD42021289139.
Dialect culture and the utilization of public health service by rural migrants: Insights from China
Authors: Zhao Qingjun , Xu Siyu , Aziz Noshaba , He Jun , Wang Yue
Published: November 2022

The right to health is a fundamental human right for human beings to live in dignity. Everyone has the right to enjoy the fair and accessible highest standard of health by utilizing public health services. However, access to essential public health services also highly depends on the dialect culture. It is believed that the dialect culture also influences the efficiency of public health policies. To explore the phenomenon empirically, the current study utilized data sourced from geographical distribution information of Chinese dialects and the China Migrants Dynamic Survey for 2017. The study employed the Probit, IVprobit, and Eprobit models to estimate the impact of dialect culture on migrants' use of public health services. The findings revealed that the dialect culture significantly hinders the migrants' utilization of public health services. Further, by employing heterogeneity analysis, the findings revealed that the results are more pronounced in migrants, born after 1980, and are female with low educational background and also those migrants having local medical experiences and moving toward non-provincial cities. Finally to explore the mechanism of dialect culture influencing migrants' public health service, the study employed mediation analysis and KHB Method. The findings revealed that information transmission, health habits, social capital, and cultural identity are the potential pathways influencing the migrants' use of public health services. The findings conclude that rural-to-urban migrants' access to public health services is influenced by their cultural adaptation. Hence, the study proposes that the government should amend the policy inefficiency concerns caused by cultural differences and strengthen the regional cultural exchanges to build trust.
Sustainability in pediatric hospitals: An exploration at the intersection of quality improvement and implementation science
Authors: Malone Sara , Newland Jason , Kudchadkar Sapna R. , Prewitt Kim , McKay Virginia , Prusaczyk Beth , Proctor Enola , Brownson Ross C. , Luke Douglas A.
Published: November 2022

Background

Although new evidence-based practices are frequently implemented in clinical settings, many are not sustained, limiting the intended impact. Within implementation science, there is a gap in understanding sustainability. Pediatric healthcare settings have a robust history of quality improvement (QI), which includes a focus on continuation of change efforts. QI capability and sustainability capacity, therefore, serve as a useful concept for connecting the broader fields of QI and implementation science to provide insights on improving care. This study addresses these gaps in understanding of sustainability in pediatric settings and its relationship to QI.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional observational study conducted within pediatric academic medical centers in the United States. Clinicians surveyed worked with one of three evidence-based clinical programs: perioperative antimicrobial stewardship prescribing, early mobility in the intensive care unit, and massive blood transfusion administration. Participants completed two assessments: (1) the Clinical Sustainability Assessment Tool (CSAT) and (2) a 19-question assessment that included demographics and validation questions, specifically a subset of questions from the Change Process Capability Questionnaire, a QI scale. Initial descriptive and bivariate analyses were conducted prior to building mixed-effects models relating perceived QI to clinical sustainability capacity.

Results

A total of 181 individuals from three different programs and 30 sites were included in the final analyses. QI capability scores were assessed as a single construct (5-point Likert scale), with an average response of 4.16 (higher scores indicate greater QI capability). The overall CSAT score (7-point Likert scale) was the highest for massive transfusion programs (5.51, SD = 0.91), followed by early mobility (5.25, SD = 0.92) and perioperative antibiotic prescribing (4.91, SD = 1.07). Mixed-effects modeling illustrated that after controlling for person and setting level variables, higher perceptions of QI capabilities were significantly related to overall clinical sustainability.

Conclusion

Organizations and programs with higher QI capabilities had a higher sustainability capacity, even when controlling for differences at the individual and intervention levels. Organizational factors that enable evidence-based interventions should be further studied, especially as they relate to sustainability. Issues to be considered by practitioners when planning for sustainability include bedside provider perceptions, intervention achievability, frequency of delivery, and organizational influences.
Alasdair MacIntyre on the division of goods and “the corrupting power of institutions”
Authors: Burns Tony
Published: November 2022

This paper examines the distinction between “internal goods” and “external goods” and its significance for the political thought of Alasdair MacIntyre, focusing especially on its relevance for our understanding of MacIntyre's views regarding the relationship which exists between “practices” and social “institutions. ” The paper explores the origins of this distinction in the writings of Plato and Aristotle, both of whom (like MacIntyre) associate the notion of external goods with such things as wealth, status and power. Plato argues that these things are not really “goods” at all, but rather “bads,” or things which ought to be avoided. Aristotle, on the other hand, takes issue with that view, arguing that the pursuit of such things is acceptable, morally speaking, provided it is in moderation and not to excess. The paper argues that what MacIntyre says about external goods and “the corrupting power of institutions” in After Virtue is ambivalent. For this reason, his views are open to different possible interpretations. Most commentators have read and understood him as a follower of Aristotle. There is however a strain of Platonism at times in the critical remarks which he makes about social institutions and those who manage them.
Multiperspectivity in organized sport in refugee sites: Sociological findings and pedagogical considerations
Authors: Michelini Enrico , Schreiner Laura
Published: November 2022

Refugee sites are a means to manage large-scale refugee movements, a recurring event in today's world. Sport is supposed to have beneficial effects for the residents of such sites and is therefore an activity, which is standardly organized by the sites' management. Moreover, many NGOs and “Sport for Development and Peace” programmes endorse the use of sport in emergency situations—including in refugee sites—to achieve several biopsychosocial objectives. There is a growing body of scientific literature, however, that is calling into question the beneficial effects of sport in this setting as well as the rationale behind this idea. Against this background, we explore the question “How does multiperspectivity influence sport in refugee sites?” based on two case studies. We use the ethnographic materials we were able to collect for the case studies to conduct a (sociological) analysis of multiperspectivity in sport and to develop (pedagogical) proposals on how to incorporate multiperspectivity when devising sports activities for refugees. The fact that the perspectives and motivations beyond the actual sports activities in the refugee site setting might be extremely homogenous leads us to conclude that multiperspectivity is key for planning, organizing and monitoring sports activities, and that refugees' positions must also be acknowledged. We recommend programmes and practical ways of achieving these objectives with a focus on the role of trainers and coaches.
Metabolic characterization of phosphate solubilizing microorganisms and their role in improving soil phosphate solubility, yield of upland rice (Oryza sativa L.), and phosphorus fertilizers efficiency
Authors: Fitriatin Betty Natalie , Mulyani Oviyanti , Herdiyantoro Diyan , Alahmadi Tahani Awad , Pellegrini Marika
Published: November 2022

Phosphate solubilizing microbes (PSM) can improve soil P availability by P dissolution. These microbes can make substances that regulate plant growth, which promotes plant growth. The present study aimed to characterize PSM and determine how PSM application affected P solubilization, soil phosphatase activity, and upland rice yield. The greenhouse experiment used a factorial randomized block design (RBD) with two factors and three replications. The first factor was PSM isolates, which came in four different forms: without microbes, with microbes (Burkholderia sp.), with fungus (Penicillium sp.), and with a combination of microbes (Burkholderia sp. and Penicillium sp.). The PSM isolates were characterized to analyze the production of organic acids, phosphatase enzymes, and phytohormones. The second factor was the superphosphate fertilizer dose, which has four levels: 0, 50, 75, and 100 kg P ha−1. According to the PSM characterization, it produced organic acids such as lactate acid, oxalate acid, citric acid, and acetate acid, as well as phytohormones (IAA) and the enzyme phosphatase. The pot experiment results show that the PSM inoculation raised the available P and soil phosphatase, P content of the plant, decreased soil organic P, and increased upland rice production. For improving available P, phosphatase activity, P content of the plant, and upland rice yields, mixed inoculants of phosphate-solubilizing bacteria and fungi performed better. The availability of soil P, the activity of the enzyme phosphatase, and the upland rice yields were all improved by applying P fertilizer at 75 kg P ha−1. This study showed that PSM as a biofertilizer reduced the dosage of inorganic fertilizers by up to 25%.
Efficacy analysis of 26 cases of ejaculatory duct obstruction treated by prostatic utricle neck endoscopy
Authors: Lv Kun-Long , Sun Wen-Gong , Zhang Tian-Biao , Zheng Tao , Nan Yong-Hao , Liu Yong-Fei , Zhou Yi-Fan , Wang Rui
Published: November 2022

Objective

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of transvesical incision in the treatment of ejaculatory duct obstruction.

Methods

The clinical data of 26 male infertile patients with ejaculatory duct obstruction were retrospectively analysed at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from June 2020 to August 2021. All patients were treated with seminal vesicle neck incision for ejaculatory duct obstruction. The general clinical characteristics, intraoperative conditions and postoperative effects on the patients were recorded, and the therapeutic effect was evaluated.

Results

The ejaculatory duct was found through fenestration, and the seminal vesicle gland was smoothly entered in 25 patients (96.2%). Among them, 22 cases underwent bilateral endoscopy and three underwent unilateral endoscopy. Sperm appeared in 23 cases (88.5%) 3 months after surgery. The sperm concentration and motility postoperatively at 6 months were higher than that at 3 months postoperatively. No postoperative complications, such as epididymitis or retrograde ejaculation, occurred.

Conclusion

Searching for the ejaculatory duct via the neck of the prostatic utricle, assisted by a low-energy holmium laser, is a new method for the treatment of ejaculatory duct obstruction. Microscopic vision is clear using this approach and the postoperative complications are few, which has high value for clinical application.
Endoscopic lumbar foraminotomy for foraminal stenosis in stable spondylolisthesis
Authors: Ahn Yong , Park Han Byeol , Yoo Byung Rhae , Jeong Tae Seok
Published: November 2022

Background

Open decompression with fusion is the gold-standard surgical technique for spondylolisthesis. However, it may be too extensive for patients with foraminal stenosis with stable spondylolisthesis. The endoscopic lumbar foraminotomy (ELF) technique was developed as a minimally invasive surgical option for foraminal stenosis. Some authors have reported the outcomes of ELF for various spondylolistheses. However, few studies have demonstrated foraminal stenosis in advanced stable spondylolisthesis. This study aimed to describe the surgical technique and results of ELF for radiculopathy due to foraminal stenosis in patients with stable spondylolisthesis.

Methods

Consecutive 22 patients who suffered from radiculopathy with spondylolisthesis underwent ELF. The inclusion criterion was unilateral radicular leg pain due to foraminal stenosis in stable spondylolisthesis. After the percutaneous transforaminal approach, foraminal decompression was performed using various surgical devices under endoscopic visualization. Surgical outcomes were measured using the visual analog pain score, Oswestry disability index, and modified MacNab criteria.

Results

Pain scores and functional outcomes improved significantly during the 12-month follow-up periods. The rate of clinical improvement was 95.5% (21 of 22 patients). One patient experienced a dural tear and subsequent open surgery.

Conclusion

ELF can be effective in foraminal stenosis in stable spondylolisthesis. Technical points specializing in foraminal decompression in spondylolisthesis are required for clinical success.
Effect of the intermediate pedicle screws and their insertion depth on sagittal balance and functional outcomes of lumbar fracture
Authors: Deng Lei , Zhang Junxin , Zhou Quan , Zheng Yifei , Hua Xi , Hu Xiayu , Liu Hao , Qian Zhonglai
Published: November 2022

Objective

This study aimed to examine the effect of the intermediate pedicle screws and their insertion depth on sagittal balance and functional outcomes of lumbar fracture.

Methods

This study reviewed 1,123 patients with lumbar fractures between January 2015 and June 2019, and 97 patients were ultimately enrolled in this study: Group A: 32 patients in the four-pedicle screws fixation group; Group B: 28 patients in the six-pedicle screws fixation with long intermediate pedicle screws group; Group C: 37 patients in the six-pedicle screws fixation with short intermediate pedicle screws group. The radiographic outcomes were assessed with lumbar lordosis (LL), segmental lordosis (SL), fractured vertebral lordosis (FL), sacral slope (SS), pelvic incidence (PI), and pelvic tilt (PT). The visual analog scale (VAS) and the Oswestry disability index (ODI) scores were used for assessing functional outcomes.

Results

The PI, PT, and SS showed no significant differences between the three groups (P > 0.05). Compared with Group A, Groups B and C showed better FL, SL, and LL 1 month after operation (5.96 ± 1.67/4.81 ± 1.49 vs. 8.78 ± 2.90, 24.39 ± 3.80/23.70 ± 4.10 vs. 20.09 ± 3.33, 39.07 ± 3.61/39.51 ± 3.23 vs. 36.41 ± 3.11, P < 0.05) and at final follow-up (8.75 ± 1.40/6.78 ± 1.70 vs. 11.31 ± 2.61, 22.11 ± 3.39/23.70 ± 4.10 vs. 17.66 ± 2.60, 38.04 ± 3.49/39.51 ± 3.23 vs. 35.41 ± 3.11, P < 0.05). The FL of Group C were significantly better than those of Group B 1 month after operation (4.81 ± 1.49 vs. 5.96 ± 1.67, P < 0.05) and at final follow-up (6.78 ± 1.70 vs. 8.75 ± 1.40, P < 0.05). No significant differences in VAS and ODI were found between Group A and Group B (P > 0.05). There were also no significant differences in VAS and ODI between Group A and Group C (P > 0.05). However, The VAS and ODI of Group C showed better than Group B 1 month after operation (3.05 ± 0.70 vs. 3.54 ± 0.79, 17.65 ± 3.41 vs. 19.71 ± 2.35, P < 0.05) and at final follow-up (2.19 ± 0.46 vs. 2.57 ± 0.57, 13.81 ± 2.20 vs. 15.57 ± 1.73, P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Both four-pedicle screw fixation and six-pedicle screw fixation were effective in treating lumbar fracture. However, six-pedicle screw fixation with short intermediate pedicle screws showed better radiographic and functional outcomes after surgery. Therefore, we recommend six-pedicle screws fixation with short intermediate pedicle screws for the long-term recovery of sagittal balance and function.
Prophylactic tamsulosin can reduce the risk of urinary retention after surgery in male patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Li Hua , Zhang Wupeng , Xu Gaoxiang , Wang Daofeng , Xu Cheng , Zhang Hao , Zhang Licheng , Li Jiantao , Tang Peifu
Published: November 2022

Objective

The meta-analysis aimed to estimate the efficacy of prophylactic tamsulosin on postoperative urinary retention (POUR) in male patients.

Methods

Papers were searched in the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases with predetermined keywords up to March 1, 2022. The studies reporting the preventive efficacy of prophylactic tamsulosin on POUR among men were identified. Pooled risk ratios (RRs) were calculated based on the random-effects model. Meta-regression was performed to explore potential sources of heterogeneity.

Results

There were 11 studies with 1,046 patients in the tamsulosin group and 1,113 patients in the control group. The risk of POUR was significantly lower in the tamsulosin group (123/1,046 [11.8%] vs. 238/1,119 [19.0%]; RR = 0.61; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.43 to 0.87; P = 0.006; heterogeneity: I2 = 57%; P = 0.009). Administration of tamsulosin was related to higher risk of adverse events (57/688 [8.3%] vs. 33/624 [5.3%]; RR = 1.68; 95% CI: 1.13 to 2.48; P = 0.010; heterogeneity: I2 = 33%; P = 0.20). The level of evidence and mean age of the included patients were identified as the potential sources of heterogeneity.

Conclusion

The present meta-analysis indicated that prophylactic tamsulosin helps in preventing POUR and younger patients might benefit more from this preventive regimen. Administrating tamsulosin was also associated with a possibly higher risk of adverse events.
The concentration of lidocaine and mepivacaine measured in synovial fluid of different joints of horses after single intra-articular injection
Authors: Adler Ditte M. T. , Jørgensen Elin , Cornett Claus
Published: November 2022

Objective

To determine the synovial fluid (SF) concentrations of lidocaine and mepivacaine after intra-articular injection with clinically relevant doses to the distal interphalangeal (DIP), metacarpophalangeal (MCP), middle carpal (MC), and tarsocrural (TC) joint at two different time points after injection in order to be able to compare concentrations with previously established concentrations associated with cytotoxicity and antimicrobial activity.

Procedures

In the first of two experiments, 20 joints (5 MC, 5 MCP, 10 DIP joints) of five horses under general anesthesia were injected with clinically referenced doses of 2% lidocaine. Simultaneously, the horses had 19 joints (5 MC, 5 MCP, 9 DIP joints) injected with clinically referenced doses of 2% mepivacaine. Synovial fluid samples were collected ~7 min after injection. In experiment 2, 23 joints of seven horses under standing sedation were injected with clinically referenced doses of 2% lidocaine. Similarly, the horses had 21 joints injected with 2% mepivacaine. Synovial fluid samples were collected ~23 min after injection. The concentration of mepivacaine and lidocaine in the obtained SF samples was assessed using high-performance-liquid-chromatography with mass spectrometry detection (HPLC MS).

Results

Synovial fluid was obtained 6.8 ± 1.5 (experiment 1) and 23 ± 4.3 (experiment 2) min following intra-articular injection of mepivacaine and lidocaine. Synovial fluid concentrations of experiment 1 for lidocaine and mepivaciane were 6.46–19.62 mg/mL (mean 11.96 ± SD 3.89 mg/mL) and 5.01–13.38 mg/mL (mean 8.18 ± SD 1.76 mg/mL), respectively. In experiment 2, concentrations were 2.94–10.40 mg/mL (mean 6.31± SD 2.23 mg/mL) for lidocaine and 2.10–8.70 mg/mL (mean 4.97 ± SD 1.77 mg/mL) for mepivacaine.

Conclusions and clinical relevance

Intra-articular LA injections in horses resulted in SF concentrations above those previously associated with cytotoxic effects in vitro but also above those associated with beneficial antimicrobial activities. Local anesthetic concentration was 33–60% lower after 23 min (experiment 2) than after 7 min (experiment 1).
Clinicopathological findings and risk factors associated with Cytauxzoon spp. infection in cats: A case-control study (2008–2021)
Authors: Carli Erika , Solano-Gallego Laia , De Arcangeli Stefano , Ventura Laura , Ligorio Elisa , Furlanello Tommaso
Published: November 2022

In Europe,Cytauxzoonspp. infection was documented in domestic and wild felids. Cats often develop a subclinical infection, while fatal disease is rare. Currently, information on the epidemiology, risk factors and clinicopathological findings ofCytauxzoonspp. infection remains limited and obtained by a single subject or small groups of cats. The objective of this case-control study was to evaluate clinicopathological findings and to describe risk factors associated withCytauxzoonspp. infection in domestic cats. Infected cats (n= 39) and non-infected (n= 190) cats were selected from the database of the referral San Marco Veterinary Laboratory between 2008 and 2021. Demographic information, a preset questionnaire considering lifestyle, environment, and clinical status, and a CBC performed contextually with the PCR analysis were recorded for all cats. Data on the biochemical profile and serum protein electrophoresis were also evaluated when available. Compared to the control group, infection was more likely to occur in stray cats (24/39, 61.5%,P< 0.001), living totally/partially outdoors (36/39, 92.3%,P< 0.001), in an urban context (37/39, 94.9%,P= 0.002), taken or recently adopted from colonies (34/35, 97.1,P< 0.001), with irregular or absent parasite preventive treatments (39/39, 100%,p= 0.005), without fleas (28/35, 80%,P= 0.047) and without clinical signs (22/39, 56.4%,p= 0.026) at the time of medical evaluation. Anemia was not associated with infection, but in cats without clinical signs, the percentage of anemic-infected cats (7/22, 31.8%,P= 0.009) was higher compared to non-infected cats (5/65, 7.7%). Furthermore, a decrease in total iron serum concentration approximating the lowest reference interval [median values (IQR): 79 μg/dL (52.25) vs. 50.5 μg/dL (34),P= 0.007] was likely in infected cats. No other laboratory findings were associated with infection. Interestingly, a partial/total outdoor lifestyle was a risk factor for infection (OR: 8.58, 95% CI: 2.90–37.0,P< 0.001). In conclusion, the present study revealed thatCytauxzoonspp. infection manifests itself prevalently as a subclinical infection, based on physical examination and laboratory findings, in domestic European cats. However, subclinical infected cats were more likely to be anemic compared to non-infected.
High Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori Infection Among School-Aged Children in Ho Chi Minh City, VietNam
Authors: Che Thai Hoang , Nguyen Tu Cam , Ngo Dung Thi Thuy , Nguyen Hiep Thanh , Vo Khang Tan , Ngo Xuan Minh , Truong Dinh Quang , Bontems Patrick , Robert Annie , Nguyen Phuong Ngoc Van
Published: November 2022

Objectives: There is no study on Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection in pupils of Ho Chi Minh city (HCMC), the most overcrowded city in Vietnam. Therefore, the aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of H. pylori and its geographical spread among school-aged children.

Methods: A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 1854 pupils across 24 districts of HCMC in 2019. Multiple-stage sampling method was used to enroll pupils. We built a four-points index for geographical division based on population density and employees density to evaluate the link between H. pylori and crowded level. Stool samples were analyzed by monoclonal enzyme-immunoassay stool antigen-test to assess the infection status. Logistic regression was performed to assess possible factors related to H. pylori infection.

Results: The overall prevalence of H. pylori was 87.7%. There was a linear increasing trend in the infection rate (p < 0.001) across the 4-points index of HCMC and this trend maintained within both age and gender subgroups (p = 0.02).

Conclusion: Prevalence of H. pylori was high and it increased with population density or employees density. Therefore, it is crucial to plan and implement the reduction of H. pylori infection programs by targeting the highly concentrated population areas of HCMC.
Demands and Resources of the Work–Family Interface among Micro-Entrepreneurs in Chile
Authors: Armijo Lorena , Lara Antonia , Sepúlveda Gabriela
Published: November 2022

This research was designed to test how the demands–resources model is associated with the work–family interface. The present paper focused on time pressure and workload measured according to self-efficacy and personal autonomy as well as the perceptions of satisfaction with that balance. We developed an interpretative qualitative study of the meaning of the work–family interface by concentrating on the paradoxes that emerge from this relationship and from the bidirectionality. A qualitative methodology was used, and data were obtained through 44 semi-structured interviews with male and female micro-entrepreneurs from Chile who were selected according to inclusion criteria such as sex and type of micro-entrepreneur as well as their work–family balance. The interviewees had different family configurations. The results show that the group developed dual perceptions of the interface, with workload and time pressure becoming resources, and these aspects could be managed in their favor to reinforce the development of other personal resources such as autonomy and self-efficacy. The interviewees also made analytical adjustments to context sequences so that demands could be resolved subjectively by turning them into resources that provide meaning to the actions and give legitimacy to their personal decisions. The study contributes to the literature by providing a better understanding of the perceptions of micro-entrepreneurs regarding the positive connections between family and work and the negative consequences of the conflict to redefine the demands–resources model.
Effects of Straw Incorporation Years and Water-Saving Irrigation on Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Paddy Fields in Cold Region of Northeast China
Authors: Huang Jianyi , Nie Tangzhe , Li Tiecheng , Chen Peng , Zhang Zhongxue , Zhu Shijiang , Sun Zhongyi , E Lihua
Published: November 2022

Straw incorporation has a variety of impacts on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. However, few studies have focused on the effects of multi-year straw incorporation. In this study, a field experiment was established to study the effects of straw incorporation and water-saving irrigation on GHG emissions in the cold region of Northeast China. The following four treatments were included: (i) controlled irrigation (CI) with 1-year straw incorporation (C1), (ii) controlled irrigation with 5-year straw incorporation (C5), (iii) flooded irrigation (FI) with 1-year straw incorporation (F1), and (iv) flooded irrigation with 5-year straw incorporation (F5). The fluxes of N2O, CO2, and CH4 were measured by the static chamber–gas chromatography method, and their global warming potential (GWP) and greenhouse gas intensity (GHGI) in units of CO2-equivalent at the 100-year scale were calculated. The results showed that the 5-year straw incorporation reduced N2O emissions but increased CH4 emissions. Compared with C1 and F1, C5 and F5 reduced N2O emissions by 73.1% and 44.9%, respectively, while increasing the CH4 emissions by 101.7 and 195.8%, respectively. Under different irrigation regimes, CI reduced CH4 emissions by 50.4–79.7% while increasing CO2 emissions by 8.2–44.9% compared with FI. The contribution of N2O and CO2 emissions were relatively high at the mature and milk stages, respectively, with a range of 16–54% and 41–52% for the treatments. In contrast, CH4 emissions were mainly manifested at the tillering stage, with a contribution of 36–58% for the treatments. Affected by higher CH4 emissions in FI, the GWP of CI was 1.4–47.6% lower than FI. In addition, the yield of CI was 10.0–11.5% higher than FI, which resulted in a GHGI of 11.5–52.4% lower than FI, with C5 being the lowest. The irrigation regime of CI combined with 5-year straw incorporation was an effective agronomic measure to increase yield and reduce GHG emissions from paddy fields in the cold region of Northeast China.
Does the Agricultural Productive Service Embedded Affect Farmers’ Family Economic Welfare Enhancement? An Empirical Analysis in Black Soil Region in China
Authors: Xu Yuxuan , Lyu Jie , Xue Ying , Liu Hongbin
Published: November 2022

The modernization of agriculture in China has begun to take shape, but some groups of farmers still have relatively weak access to welfare and live in poverty, which is closely related to national food security and sustainable agricultural development. Based on survey data from northeastern China, this study analyzes the logical framework of “Agricultural Productive Services (APS) Embedded—Farmers’ Family Economic Welfare Enhancement” by the endogenous switching regression model. The main findings are as follows. First, the purchase of APS brings a significant positive impact on farmers’ family economic welfare improvement, mainly through the income effect and the substitution effect. Second, with the income effect, there are significant differences in the strength of the “pulling power” of different forms of APS for farmers’ family economic welfare. Compared with farmers who purchase APS for the entire production chain, farmers who purchase only some of the services are more likely to increase their welfare in the later stages. Third, with the substitution effect, the re-employment behavior of the rural surplus laborers who are “squeezed out” under the embedding of APS is promoted, which makes farmers’ income channels, income types, and income opportunities diversify, and their welfare will be more obviously strengthened after purchasing services. In order to enhance farmers’ welfare more efficiently and meet their needs for a better life, this study suggests a combination of farmer information archiving and labor market information transparency to reduce service risks, expand employment channels, and enhance the effectiveness of the linkage between farmers and service providers.
Differentiation of Yeast-Inoculated and Uninoculated Tomatoes Using Fluorescence Spectroscopy Combined with Machine Learning
Authors: Ropelewska Ewa , Slavova Vanya , Sabanci Kadir , Aslan Muhammet Fatih , Masheva Veselina , Petkova Mariana
Published: November 2022

Artificial-intelligence-based analysis methods can provide objective and accurate results. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of machine learning algorithms to classify yeast-inoculated and uninoculated tomato samples using fluorescent spectroscopic data. For this purpose, three different tomato types were used: ‘local dwarf’, ‘Picador’, and ‘Ideal’. Discrimination analysis was applied with six different machine learning (ML) algorithms. Confusion matrices, average accuracies, F-Measure, Precision, ROC (receiver operating characteristic) Area, MCC (Matthews Correlation Coefficient), and precision-recall area values obtained as a result of the application of different ML algorithms were compared. Based on the fluorescence spectroscopic data, the application of six ML algorithms showed that the first two tomato types were classified with 100% accuracy and the last type was classified with 95% accuracy. The results of the study show that the fluorescence spectroscopy data are strongly representative of tomato species. ML methods fed with these data provide high-performance discrimination.