bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is the approach avoidance compatibility effect moderated by word imageability?
Authors: Pillaud Nicolas , Ballot Claire , Robert Christelle , Mathey Stéphanie , Ric François
Published: August 2023

The approach/avoidance (AA) compatibility effect refers to the fact that individuals respond faster by an approach movement to positive than to negative stimuli, whereas they respond faster by an avoidance movement to negative than to positive stimuli. Although this effect has been observed in many studies, the underlying mechanisms remain still unclear. On the basis of recent studies suggesting a key role of sensorimotor information in the emergence of the AA compatibility effect, the present study aimed to investigate the specific role of visual information, operationalised through word imageability, in the production of the AA compatibility effect. We orthogonally manipulated the emotional valence (positive/negative) and the imageability (low/high) of words in an incidental online-AA task (i.e., in the absence of valence processing goals) using a stimulus onset asynchrony (SOA) of 300 ms. In line with previous studies, Experiment 1 revealed an AA compatibility effect in the absence of valence processing goals. However, this effect was not moderated by word imageability. In Experiment 2, we examined whether the absence of influence of word imageability could be due to the short SOA (300 ms) used in this experiment. We used the same design as in Experiment 1 and manipulated the SOA (400 vs 600 ms). We again observed an AA compatibility effect which was not moderated by word imageability, whatever the SOA used. The results of both experiments suggest the absence of any influence of sensorimotor information in the AA compatibility effect, at least when provided by the to-be-approached/avoided stimulus.
Do linguistic stimuli activate experiential colour traces related to the entities they refer to and, if so, under what circumstances?
Authors: Tsaregorodtseva Oksana , Frazier Lyn , Stolterfoht Britta , Kaup Barbara
Published: August 2023

The simulation view of language comprehension holds that lexical-semantic access prompts the re-enactment of sensorimotor experiences that regularly accompany word use. For the colour domain, this suggests that reading about a stop sign reactivates experiences involving the perception of the stop sign and hence experiences involving the colour red. However, it is still not clear what circumstances would limit reactivation of colour experiences during comprehension, if the activation takes place. To address this question, we varied in our study the conditions in which the target colour stimuli appeared. The experimental stimuli were individual words (Experiment (Exp.) 1, Exp. 7, 8) or sentences (Exp. 2–6) referring to objects with a typical colour of either green or red (e.g., cucumber or raspberry). Across experiments, we manipulated the presence of fillers (present or not), and whether fillers referred to objects with other colour (e.g., honey) or objects without any particular colour (e.g., car). The stimuli were presented along with two clickable “yes” and “no” buttons, one of which was red and the other green. Location and button colour varied from trial to trial. The tasks were lexical decision (Exp. 1, Exp. 7–8) and sensibility judgement (Exp. 2–6). We observed faster response times in the match vs mismatch condition in all word-based experiments, but only in those sentence-based experiments that did not have fillers. This suggests that comprehenders indeed reactivate colour experiences when processing linguistic stimuli referring to objects with a typical colour, but this activation seems to occur only under certain circumstances.
A study on the modification of nano-barium sulfate using a grafting method
Authors: Liu Yue , Li Yan , Li Guo-en
Published: August 2023

In this paper, the wet modification method is compared with the grafting method to modify nano-barium sulfate. The effects of the modification method, the modification time, the modifier dosage, the modification temperature, and other factors on the degree of activation of modified nano-barium sulfate are investigated to solve the nano-barium sulfate agglomeration problems and to make it a suitable process for industrial production. Thermogravimetric analysis, infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy are used to characterize the morphology and encapsulation of modified nano-barium sulfate. The grafting method is used to modify nano-barium sulfate with a modification time of 120 min, a modifier dosage of 27%, and a modification temperature of 80 °C. From the experimental results, a hydrophobic nano-barium sulfate in powder form with 76.86% activation degree and 77.41% oil absorption value is obtained.
Empirical versus tailored therapy based on genotypic resistance detection for Helicobacter pylori eradication: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Li Meng , Wang Xiaolei , Meng Wenting , Dai Yun , Wang Weihong
Published: August 2023

Background:

The eradication rate of Helicobacter pylori infection with empirical therapy has decreased due to increased drug resistance. The latest guidelines recommend genotypic resistance-guided therapy, but its clinical efficacy remains unclear.

Objectives:

The purpose of our study was to evaluate whether tailored therapy based on genotypic resistance is superior to empirical therapy for H. pylori infection.

Design:

A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing tailored therapy based on genotypic resistance with empirical therapy was performed.

Sources and methods:

We retrieved relevant studies from PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library. The primary outcome was H. pylori eradication rate and the adverse events (AEs) was the secondary outcome. A random-effect model was applied to compare pooled risk ratios (RRs) with related 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results:

A total of 12 qualified RCTs containing 3940 patients were identified in our systematic review and meta-analysis. The pooled eradication rates of tailored therapy based on the detection of genotypic resistance were consistently higher than those in the empirical treatment group, with no statistical significance. In triple therapy, the eradication rate was significantly higher in the tailored group than in the empirical group by intention-to-treat analysis (ITT) and per-protocol analysis (PP) analysis ( p < 0.0001, RR: 1.20; 95% CI: 1.12–1.29; p < 0.0001, RR: 1.20; 95% CI: 1.15–1.25). In quadruple therapy, the eradication rate was higher in the empirical group ( p = 0.001, RR: 0.93; 95% CI: 0.89–0.97; p = 0.009, RR: 0.95; 95% CI: 0.92–0.99). And this result was true for both bismuth quadruple therapy (BQT) and non-BQT. Regarding total AEs, the pooled rate was 34% in the tailored group and 37% in the empirical group, and no difference between the two groups was found ( p = 0.17, RR: 0.88; 95% CI: 0.74–1.06).

Conclusion:

In conclusion, tailored therapy based on molecular methods may offer better efficacy than empirical triple therapy, but it may not be superior to empirical quadruple therapy in eradicating H. pylori infection. Larger and more individualized RCTs are needed to aid clinical decision-making.

Registration (PROSPERO):

CRD42023408688
In vivo vascularized scaffold with different shear-exposed models for lymphatic tissue regeneration
Authors: Hsiao Hui-Yi , Mackert Gina Alicia , Chang Yung-Chun , Liu Jia-Wei , Chang Frank Chun-Shin , Huang Jung-Ju
Published: August 2023

Current clinical treatments on lymphedema provide promising results, but also result in donor site morbidities. The establishment of a microenvironment optimized for lymphangiogenesis can be an alternative way to enhance lymphatic tissue formation. Hemodynamic flow stimuli have been confirmed to have an influential effect on angiogenesis in tissue engineering, but not on lymphatic vessel formation. Here, the three in vivo scaffolds generated from different blood stimuli in the subcutaneous layer, in the flow through pedicle, and in an arterio-venous (AV) loop model, were created to investigate potential of lymphangiogenesis of scaffolds containing lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs). Our results indicated that AV loop model displayed better lymphangiogenesis in comparison to the other two models with slower flow or no stimuli. Other than hemodynamic force, the supplement of LECs is required for lymphatic vessel regeneration. The in vivo scaffold generated from AV loop model provides an effective approach for engineering lymphatic tissue in the clinical treatment of lymphedema.
Crossing boundaries in the delivery of healthcare – a qualitative study of an eHealth intervention in relation to boundary object theory
Authors: Saidi Trust , Mork Erlend , Aminoff Sofie , Lobban Fiona , Romm Kristin Lie
Published: August 2023

With the increasing trend of digitalisation in the health sector, eHealth is being deployed to facilitate interaction between health professionals and service users without physical contact or close proximity. It became prominent during the COVID-19 era when mobility for physical meetings was restricted. Focusing on a video-supported digital toolkit, REACT-NOR, this study explored the experiences of caregivers and supporters in relation to the notion of boundary object. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 supporters and 11 caregivers to gather first-hand experience on the use of the digital tool. It emerged from the study that the use of REACT-NOR made a huge difference for the involved parties by bridging the knowledge gap between supporters and caregivers. The use of the video in particular was useful in engaging and emotionally connecting the supporters and caregivers, resulting in an exciting digital experience. The effectiveness of the digital tool can be explained in the context of a boundary object in that it facilitated the processes of transferring, translating and transforming knowledge. The tool exhibited the attributes of dynamism, flexibility, standardisation and shared structure, which resonates with the notion of a boundary object. An understanding of how boundary objects work is crucial especially with remote care, as depicted in this study, due to the fact that the transfer of knowledge involves multiple processes such as sharing of new and existing knowledge, translation to make it accessible to others and transformation to render it usable across different boundaries.
Urban Housing Inequality and the Nature of Relationship Between Formal and Informal Settlements in Enugu Metropolis, Nigeria
Authors: Anierobi Christopher M. , Nwalusi Dickson M. , Efobi Kingsley O. , Nwosu Kelechi I. , Nwokolo Nneka C. , Ibem Eziyi O.
Published: August 2023

The proliferation of urban informal settlements indicates a failure in housing delivery. Stipulations in the SDGs for better affordable housing for all toward eradicating the heinous housing inequality in society seem to be lacking in a deeper understanding of why housing inequality prevails. Debates on housing inequality were mostly concerned with market transition, changing the order of social stratification, and transitions from a centrally planned economy to a market economy; hence the emphasis on the need for a better understanding of the role of housing in social-spatial equity and justice. This study, therefore, aims to fill this research gap by examining the nature of the relationship between informal and formal neighborhoods of the Enugu metropolis, Southeast Nigeria to make an evidence-based contribution to the body of knowledge on this subject. A cross-sectional survey using a quantitative approach was adopted and 24 informal settlements were identified and studied. The data were analyzed using descriptive analysis and Chi-square. Findings showed the nature of housing inequality in the area as a product of spatially inherent symbiotic relationships embedded in social exclusion, deprivation, and dependency between the formal and informal settlements situating in juxtaposition to one another. At a Chi-square value of 42.643, p = .317 significant at 0.01; residents perceived significant differences in access/availability of decent housing and housing facilities/utility. Interestingly, these informal settlements accommodated over 361,785 unaccounted spill-over populations representing over 60,298 households, constituting 34.69% of the city population not captured in official census records, including over 72.58% of migrants claiming to have relatives residing in these settlements.
State international income position, trade openness, and mass antigovernment protests
Authors: Liao Tianjing
Published: August 2023

This research provides a state-level systemic explanation for antigovernment insurgencies. We posit that state international income position influences antigovernment movements, which effect, however, hinges on the level of trade openness. By analyzing 157 states from 1990 through 2018, it is found that for a state having an unclosed market, its internationally relative income level is negatively associated with mass antigovernment protests. This study implies that trade liberalization may exert a context-specific impact on domestic political insurgency, which helps understand why trade liberalization seems to be a reason for mass anti-government movements in some contexts while enhancing a regime in other cases.
Gray Platelet Syndrome—Unusual Presentation with Spontaneous Splenic Rupture: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Barghouthi Duha I. , Abu-Hilal Lila H. , Njoum Yumna , Hasan Abeer Dar , Alshawwa Khaled , Hourani Fadi
Published: August 2023

Gray platelet syndrome (GPS) is a rare hereditary hemorrhagic disorder characterized by macrothrombocytopenia and the absence of alpha-granules in platelets. Clinically, mild-to-moderate bleeding is the main manifestation, often accompanied by thrombocytopenia, splenomegaly, and myelofibrosis. Here, we present a case of a 15-year-old male patient with a history of hepatosplenomegaly, and thrombocytopenia for 8 years, who presented with sudden generalized abdominal pain. Despite initial suspicion of gastroenteritis, diagnostic imaging revealed an extensive hemoperitoneum. Subsequent genetic testing confirmed the diagnosis of GPS, which had not been previously identified. This case highlights the importance of considering inherited platelet disorders should be considered in adolescents with long-standing thrombocytopenia, and emphasizes the need for thorough evaluation in patients with suggestive symptoms.
Odyssey of a Misclassified Genomic Variant: Insight from an Incidental Finding Assessment
Authors: Zgheib Omar , Trombetti Andrea , Juillerat André , Fokstuen Siv
Published: August 2023

Genetic evaluation of a teenager with seizure found no pathogenic variant in a large gene panel, but an incidental likely pathogenic HNF4A variant, deemed to cause MODY1 diabetes. Diabetes history was absent and glycated hemoglobin normal, but serum calcium was severely low, with abnormally high parathyroid hormone. Thus, pseudohypoparathyroidism was suspected and confirmed by molecular genetic testing. Calcium and calcitriol supplementation led to calcium normalization and neurological symptom improvement. Given the absence of personal or family diabetes history, the HNF4A variant was reassessed and found to encode an alternative transcript with poor expression and activity levels, hence downgraded on expert advice from ‘likely pathogenic’ to ‘likely benign’. Besides illustrating the importance of structured medical workup before launching extensive targeted exome sequencing, this case highlights the need for caution in incidental finding interpretation in patients lacking compatible phenotype or family history, and the value of expert advice in such variant interpretation.
Too old for modern work? An explicit and implicit measure of the modern-work-is-young stereotype
Authors: Drazic Ivana , Schermuly Carsten C
Published: August 2023

With organizational practices such as working from home, agile project management, and shared leadership, the world of work is becoming increasingly dynamic and flexible. Simultaneously, the workforce in most industrialized nations is getting older. We hypothesized that both an explicit and implicit stereotype exists that associates modern work practices (MWP) more strongly with younger workers than with older workers (i.e. modern-work-is-young stereotype). With a focus on other-stereotyping, we surveyed participants who identified as younger or middle-aged workers ( N = 186). Based on the contact hypothesis, we assumed that contact to older coworkers and contact with MWP are negatively related to both explicit and implicit endorsement of the modern-work-is-young stereotype. Furthermore, we examined differences in résumé evaluations for a job involving MWP, presenting an older and a younger hypothetical applicant. The results indicate the existence of a moderate explicit as well as implicit modern-work-is-young stereotype. The proposed contact hypothesis held true for the explicit but not for the implicit modern-work-is-young stereotype. Lastly, the younger applicant received significantly more positive evaluations than the older applicant, and only the explicit modern-work-is-young stereotype predicted the extent of age discrimination. The results suggest that the explicit modern-work-is-young stereotype can harm older employees and hamper intergenerational collaboration. These findings are especially important in times of demographic change, when workforces are becoming increasingly age-heterogeneous and retaining older workers seems more important than ever.
Influence of Pectinase Adsorption on Scouring Efficiency of Mercerized Cotton Yarns
Authors: Gorgieva Selestina , Mladenovic Nina , Petkovska Jovana , Luxbacher Thomas , Jordanov Igor
Published: August 2023

The low scouring efficiency of mercerized cotton yarns scoured with alkaline and acid pectinases, reported in previously published articles, raised the hypothesis of the lack of pectinase adsorption onto mercerized cotton. In an attempt to identify whether low pectinase adsorption occurs, the adsorption of alkaline and acid pectinases on raw and mercerized cotton yarns is measured using the Lowry protein assay, while laser-scanning confocal fluorescence microscopy is used to visually show the presence/absence of the enzymes on the surface of the cotton yarns. In addition, the surface zeta potential of the raw and mercerized cotton yarns is measured to identify the influence of the surface charge on the adsorption ability of the used enzymes. Data suggest that although used substrates have adsorbed more alkaline than acid pectinase, the adsorption of both enzymes is more intensive onto the mercerized cotton relative to raw cotton. The similar surface zeta potential of the raw and mercerized yarns indicates that higher enzyme adsorption on mercerized cotton is not influenced by the surface charge. Laser-scanning confocal fluorescence microscopy micrographs depict an evident increase of fluorescing signal with scouring time to raw and mercerized cotton yarn. The more intensive signals after 60 min of enzymatic scouring with both enzymes suggest enzyme presence on the yarn surface after a long treatment time. The obtained results confirm the enzyme retention on the yarn surface, thus excluding the hypothesis that the absence of enzyme adsorption is a factor for the low scouring efficiency of mercerized cotton yarns.
Galba: genome annotation with miniprot and AUGUSTUS
Authors: Brůna Tomáš , Li Heng , Guhlin Joseph , Honsel Daniel , Herbold Steffen , Stanke Mario , Nenasheva Natalia , Ebel Matthis , Gabriel Lars , Hoff Katharina J.
Published: August 2023

Background

The Earth Biogenome Project has rapidly increased the number of available eukaryotic genomes, but most released genomes continue to lack annotation of protein-coding genes. In addition, no transcriptome data is available for some genomes.

Results

Various gene annotation tools have been developed but each has its limitations. Here, we introduce GALBA, a fully automated pipeline that utilizes miniprot, a rapid protein-to-genome aligner, in combination with AUGUSTUS to predict genes with high accuracy. Accuracy results indicate that GALBA is particularly strong in the annotation of large vertebrate genomes. We also present use cases in insects, vertebrates, and a land plant. GALBA is fully open source and available as a docker image for easy execution with Singularity in high-performance computing environments.

Conclusions

Our pipeline addresses the critical need for accurate gene annotation in newly sequenced genomes, and we believe that GALBA will greatly facilitate genome annotation for diverse organisms.
Genomic analyses reveal a low-temperature adapted clade in Halorubrum, a widespread haloarchaeon across global hypersaline environments
Authors: Chen Liangzhong , Hong Tao , Wu Zirui , Song Weizhi , Chen Shaoxing X. , Liu Yongqin , Shen Liang
Published: August 2023

Background

Cold-adapted archaea have diverse ecological roles in a wide range of low-temperature environments. Improving our knowledge of the genomic features that enable psychrophiles to grow in cold environments helps us to understand their adaptive responses. However, samples from typical cold regions such as the remote Arctic and Antarctic are rare, and the limited number of high-quality genomes available leaves us with little data on genomic traits that are statistically associated with cold environmental conditions.

Results

In this study, we examined the haloarchaeal genusHalorubrumand defined a new clade that represents six isolates frompolar anddeep earth environments (‘PD group’ hereafter). The genomic G + C content and amino acid composition of this group distinguishes it from otherHalorubrumand the trends are consistent with the established genomic optimization of psychrophiles. The cold adaptation of the PD group was further supported by observations of increased flexibility of proteins encoded across the genome and the findings of a growth test.

Conclusions

The PD groupHalorubrumexhibited denser genome packing, which confers higher metabolic potential with constant genome size, relative to the reference group, resulting in significant differences in carbon, nitrogen and sulfur metabolic patterns. The most marked feature was the enrichment of genes involved in sulfur cycling, especially the production of sulfite from organic sulfur-containing compounds. Our study provides an updated view of the genomic traits and metabolic potential ofHalorubrumand expands the range of sources of cold-adapted haloarchaea.
Tourniquet self-application assessment in cold weather conditions
Authors: Yánez Benítez Carlos , Lorente-Aznar Teófilo , Labaka Idurre , Ribeiro Jr Marcelo A. F. , Viteri Yosu , Morishita Koji , Baselga Marta , Güemes Antonio
Published: August 2023

Background

Our study aimed to assess the ability of nonmedical civilians to self-apply extremity tourniquets in cold weather conditions while wearing insulating technical clothing after receiving basic training.

Methods

A field study was conducted among 37 voluntary participants of an expedition party to the Spanish Antarctic base. The researchers assessed the participant’s ability to self-apply five commercial extremity tourniquets (CAT, OMNA, RMT, SWAT-T, and RATS) over cold-weather clothing and their achieved effectiveness for vascular occlusion. Upper extremity self-application was performed with a single-handed technique (OHT), and lower extremity applying a two-handed technique (THT). Perceptions of self-application ease mean values ± standard deviation (SD) were compared by applying a 5% statistical significance threshold. Frequency count determined tourniquet preference.

Results

All the tested ETs, except the SWAT-T, were properly self-applied with an OHT, resulting in effective vascular occlusion in the upper extremity. The five devices tested were self-applied correctly in the lower extremities using THT. The ratcheting marine-designed OMNA ranked the highest for application easiness on both the upper and lower extremities, and the windlass CAT model was the preferred device by most participants.

Conclusions

Civilian extremity tourniquet self-application on both upper and lower extremities can be accomplished in cold weather conditions despite using cold-weather gloves and technical clothing after receiving brief training. The ratcheting marine-designed OMNA ranked the highest for application ease, and the windlass CAT model was the preferred device.
The epidemiological characteristics and infection risk factors for extrapulmonary tuberculosis in patients hospitalized with pulmonary tuberculosis infection in China from 2017 to 2021
Authors: Niu Tianshui , He Fei , Yang Jianshe , Ma Chengxi , Xu Jingyi , Sun Tianzhi , Zhang Xin , Chen Shuyi , Ru Chuhui
Published: August 2023

Background

Pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) complicated with extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) infection can aggravate the disease, but there have been few reports.

Methods

Retrospective analysis was used to collect the clinical data of PTB patients with pathogen positive in a teaching hospital from 2017 to 2021. We describe the incidence, the invasive site of EPTB patients, and analyze the infection risk factors for PTB with EPTB by univariate and multivariate logistic regression models. We also compared the complications, disease burden with chi-square test and rank-sum test.

Results

A total of 1806 PTB were included, of which 263 (14.6%) were complicated with EPTB. The common invasive sites for EPTB were neck lymph nodes (16.49%), intestines (16.13%), and meninges (10.75%). Age ≤ 40 (OR = 1.735; 95%CI [1.267–2.376]; P = 0.001), malnutrition (OR = 2.029; 95%CI [1.097–3.753]; P = 0.022), anemia (OR = 1.739; 95%CI[1.127–2.683]; P = 0.012), and osteoporosis (OR = 4.147; 95%CI [1.577–10.905]; P = 0.004) were all independent risk factors for PTB infection with EPTB. The incidence of extrathoracic hydrothorax, intestinal bacterial infection, urinary tract bacterial infection, and abdominal bacterial infection were higher in patients with PTB with EPTB. PTB with EPTB patients also had longer median hospitalization durations (19 vs. 14 days), during which time they incurred higher total costs, laboratory test costs, imaging examination costs, and drug use costs.

Conclusion

This study found important risk factors for PTB complicated with EPTB, such as age ≤ 40, malnutrition, anemia, and osteoporosis. PTB with EPTB patients have more extrapulmonary complications and higher hospitalization disease burden.
Trends in microbiological epidemiology of orthopedic infections: a large retrospective study from 2008 to 2021
Authors: Wang Boyong , Wang Qiaojie , Hamushan Musha , Yu Jinlong , Jiang Feng , Li Mingzhang , Guo Geyong , Tang Jin , Han Pei , Shen Hao
Published: August 2023

Background

This study assessed the distribution characteristics of pathogens isolated from cases of orthopedic infections and focused on the antimicrobial susceptibility of the main pathogens.

Methods

This retrospective study involved patients with orthopedic infection in a tertiary medical center located in Shanghai, China, from 2008 to 2021.Pathogen information and the basic information of patients were identified from clinical microbiology laboratory data and the institutional medical record system.

Results

In total, the pathogen information of 2821 patients were enrolled in the study. S. aureus (37.71%) was the main causative pathogen responsible for orthopedic infection. Gender, pathogens distribution and polymicrobial infection rates were significantly different (P < 0.05) among patients with different orthopedic infection diseases.The trends in the distribution of pathogens in the total cohort, implant-related infection group (Group A), non-implant-related infection group (Group B), and the sub-group of cases with arthroplasty showed significant linear changes over time. And the polymicrobial infection rates of the total cohort (from 17.17% to 11.00%), Group B(from 24.35% to 14.47%), and the sub-group of cases with internal fixation (from 10.58% to 4.87%) decreased significantly. The antimicrobial susceptibility showed changing trends with time for some main pathogens, especially for S.aureus and Enterobacter spp.

Conclusions

Our research indicated that the pathogen distribution and antimicrobial susceptibility in orthopedic infections changed over time. And the distribution of pathogens varied significantly among different types of orthopedic infectious diseases. These findings may serve as a reference for prophylaxis and empirical treatment strategies of orthopedic infection.
The economic burden experienced by carers of children who had a critical deterioration at a tertiary children’s hospital in the United Kingdom (the DETECT study): an online survey
Authors: Costa Eduardo , Mateus Céu , Carter Bernie , Siner Sarah , Jones Dawn , Evans Leah , Preston Jenny , Mehta Fulya , Lambert Caroline , Hollingsworth Bruce , Carrol Enitan D. , Sefton Gerri
Published: August 2023

Background

Unplanned critical care admissions following in-hospital deterioration in children are expected to impose a significant burden for carers across a number of dimensions. One dimension relates to the financial and economic impact associated with the admission, from both direct out-of-pocket expenditures, as well as indirect costs, reflecting productivity losses. A robust assessment of these costs is key to understand the wider impact of interventions aiming to reduce in-patient deterioration. This work aims to determine the economic burden imposed on carers caring for hospitalised children that experience critical deterioration events.

Methods

Descriptive study with quantitative approach. Carers responded to an online survey between July 2020 and April 2021. The survey was developed by the research team and piloted before use. The sample comprised 71 carers of children admitted to a critical care unit following in-patient deterioration, at a tertiary children’s hospital in the UK. The survey provides a characterisation of the carer’s household and estimates of direct non-medical costs grouped in five different expenditure categories. Productivity losses can also be estimated based on the reported information.

Results

Most carers reported expenditures associated to the child’s admission in the week preceding the survey completion. Two-thirds of working carers had missed at least one workday in the week prior to the survey completion. Moreover, eight in ten carers reported having had to travel from home to the hospital at least once a week. These expenditures, on average, amount to £164 per week, grouped in five categories (38% each to travelling costs and to food and drink costs, with accommodation, childcare, and parking representing 12%, 7% and 5%, respectively). Additionally, weekly productivity losses for working carers are estimated at £195.

Conclusion

Unplanned critical care admissions for children impose a substantial financial burden for carers. Moreover, productivity losses imply a subsequent cost to society. Even though subsidised hospital parking and on-site accommodation at the hospital contribute to minimising such expenditure, the overall impact for carers remains high. Interventions aiming at reducing emergency critical care admissions, or their length, can be crucial to further contribute to the reduction of this burden.

Trial Registration

Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN61279068, date of registration 07/06/2019, retrospectively registered.
Sleep deprivation and suicide risk among minoritized US adolescents
Authors: Joseph Victoria A. , Kreski Noah T. , Keyes Katherine M.
Published: August 2023

Objectives

To assess (1) the prevalence of suicide ideation/behavior among adolescents with short sleep by race/ethnicity and (2) the association between sleep duration and suicidal ideation and behavior among American youth by race/ethnicity from 2007 to 2019.

Methods

Data were drawn from the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS). Logistic regression analyses were used to assess the relationship between sleep duration and suicidal ideation/behavior.

Results

Overall, suicide ideation/behavior increased among U.S. adolescents of all racial groups from 2007 to 2019. Adjusting for race/ethnicity, sexual identity, age, sex, substance use, trauma, and bullying, those with short sleep had approximately twice the odds [OR: 1.92 (95% CI: 1.65, 2.23)] of suicide ideation/consideration compared to those with long sleep. Stratified analyses indicated that Black students with short sleep had higher odds of making a suicide plan (OR = 1.51, 95% C.I.: 1.27, 1.79) compared with Black students with long sleep. A similar pattern was observed across other racial/ethnic groups (e.g., Hispanic: (OR = 1.74, 95% C.I.: 1.53, 1.97).

Conclusion

Emphasis on suicide interventions is of the essence, especially with increasing rates. Sleep duration significantly predicts suicide risk among all adolescents. Additional research is needed to assess factors that predict suicide among minoritized adolescents, specifically Black and Hispanic adolescents.
Impact of ignoring sampling design in the prediction of binary health outcomes through logistic regression: evidence from Malawi demographic and health survey under-five mortality data; 2000-2016
Authors: Kaombe Tsirizani M. , Hamuza Gracious A.
Published: August 2023

The birth and death rates of a population are among the crucial vital statistics for socio-economic policy planning in any country. Since the under-five mortality rate is one of the indicators for monitoring the health of a population, it requires regular and accurate estimation. The national demographic and health survey data, that are readily available to the puplic, have become a means for answering most health-related questions among African populations, using relevant statistical methods. However, many of such applications tend to ignoresurvey design effectin the estimations, despite the availability of statistical tools that support the analyses. Little is known about the amount of inaccurate information that is generated when predicting under-five mortality rates. This study estimates and compares the bias encountered when applying unweighted and weighted logistic regression methods to predict under-five mortality rate in Malawi using nationwide survey data. The Malawi demographic and health survey data of 2004, 2010, and 2015-16 were used to determine the bias. The analyses were carried out in and . A logistic regression model that included various bio- and socio-demographic factors concerning the child, mother and households was used to estimate the under-five mortality rate. The results showed that accuracy of predicting the national under-five mortality rate hinges on cluster-weighting of the overall predicted probability of child-deaths, regardless of whether the model was weighted or not. Weighting the model caused small positive and negative changes in various fixed-effect estimates, which diffused the result of weighting in the fitted probabilities of deaths. In turn, there was no difference between the overall predicted mortality rate obtained using the weighted model and that obtained in the unweighted model. We recommend considering survey cluster-weights during the computation of overall predicted probability of events for a binary health outcome. This can be done without worrying about the weights during model fitting, whose aim is prediction of the population parameter.
Breast cancer screening and its associating factors among hungarian women aged 45–65: a cross-sectional study based on the European health interview surveys from 2009 to 2019
Authors: Pataki Jenifer , Dombrádi Viktor , Sárváry Attila , Szőllősi Gergő József
Published: August 2023

Background

In 2020, globally 685,000 people died, and 2.3 million women were diagnosed with breast cancer. The main cause of cancer deaths among women is breast cancer, which account for 15.5% of all cancer deaths. Most of these could have been avoided with timely diagnosis.

The aim of our study was to determine the proportion of breast screening participation in Hungary, and to identify possible factors that may influence breast screening attendance.

Methods

Our data were gathered from the cross-sectional European Health Interview Surveys conducted in Hungary in 2009, 2014, and 2019. In terms of categorical characteristics, Pearson’s chi-square test was performed to evaluate the differences between people who have attended breast screening within two years and who have only attended more than two years ago. To determine the factors that may have an impact on the uptake of screening, generalized linear model with logit link function regarding binomial probability distribution was executed.

Results

The responses of 2626 women between the age 45-65 were included in our study. In 2009 85% (n=741), in 2014 90% (n=851) and in 2019 87% (n=699) of the respondents claimed to have ever attended a breast screening in their life. In 2009 68% (n=594), in 2014 66% (n=630) and in 2019 64% (n=515) said that they have taken part in breast screening within two years (p=0.331). From 2014 to 2019 (AOR=0.72 [0.57-0.89]) the chance of attending breast screening was decreasing. We observed that both secondary (AOR=1.97 [1.60-2.44]) and tertiary educational level (AOR=2.23 [1.67-3.00]), higher perceived income (AOR=1.54 [1.25-1.90]), and more frequent meeting with the doctor (AOR=1.77 [1.39-2.27]) and with the specialist (AOR=1.88 [1.54-2.28]) appeared as protective factors of breast screening attendance.

Conclusions

Our results show that the lifetime prevalence of breast screening participation is high, however the recommended biennial rate is relatively low. To increase the participation rate, various initiatives would be needed, especially for women in identified risk groups, which are lower educational level, lower perceived income, and less frequent meeting with the doctor and with the specialist.
Development and acceptability of behavioral interventions promoting mothers’ brushing of pre-school children’s teeth: The preparation phase of the multi-phase optimization strategy framework
Authors: Ihab Merna , Abdelaziz Wafaa Essam El-Din , Hassan Walid , El Tantawi Maha
Published: August 2023

Background

Early childhood caries can be prevented through regular parental-supported toothbrushing, indicating the importance of behavior modification interventions targeting parents. Mobile oral health (m-oral health) interventions are gaining increased popularity although their production is not always based on solid theoretical frameworks and evidence about the efficacy of individual intervention components is not available. The Multiphase Optimization Strategy (MOST) offers a framework to develop complex m-oral health interventions and assessing the efficacy of individual components.

Aim

This study describes the development and assesses the acceptability of 3 intervention components using MOST to promote mothers’ brushing of their preschool children’s teeth.

Methods

The Theory of Planned Behavior guided the development of 3 components: motivational interviewing (MI), storytelling videos (STVs), and oral health promotion messages (OHPMs). A researcher received training to conduct MI. Twenty-four OHPMs were developed, and 14 STVs scripts were developed based on the “And, But, Therefore” framework. A feasibility pilot study was conducted to determine the optimization objective and assess mothers’ preferences regarding the frequency and timing of receiving the intervention components. The mothers participated in a semi-structured interview to assess the acceptability of the components using 7 open-ended questions based on the framework of acceptability and thematic analysis was used to analyze the qualitative data. The mothers also responded to questions assessing the perceived and experienced acceptability of the components using close-ended questions. Descriptive statistics were presented as means and standard deviations for continuous variables and median and interquartile range for categorical variables.

Results

Sixteen mothers were included. The mothers expressed positive affective attitude towards the interventions. They felt the components served as “good reminders” to brush their children’s teeth. However, “time” was a burden for the mothers. 80% of the mothers preferred receiving the OHPMs and STVs once per week, from 8 pm to 2 am (50%), and 60% indicated they can set 15–30 min to receiving the interventions.

Conclusion

The 3 components were acceptable to the mothers. The OHPMs and STVs will be sent to the mothers once per week, between 8 pm to 2 am. The MI and follow-up phone calls will be limited to 15 min.
Risk factor mining and prediction of urine protein progression in chronic kidney disease: a machine learning- based study
Authors: Lu Yufei , Ning Yichun , Li Yang , Zhu Bowen , Zhang Jian , Yang Yan , Chen Weize , Yan Zhixin , Chen Annan , Shen Bo , Fang Yi , Wang Dong , Song Nana , Ding Xiaoqiang
Published: August 2023

Background

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a global public health concern. Therefore, to provide timely intervention for non-hospitalized high-risk patients and rationally allocate limited clinical resources is important to mine the key factors when designing a CKD prediction model.

Methods

This study included data from 1,358 patients with CKD pathologically confirmed during the period from December 2017 to September 2020 at Zhongshan Hospital. A CKD prediction interpretation framework based on machine learning was proposed. From among 100 variables, 17 were selected for the model construction through a recursive feature elimination with logistic regression feature screening. Several machine learning classifiers, including extreme gradient boosting, gaussian-based naive bayes, a neural network, ridge regression, and linear model logistic regression (LR), were trained, and an ensemble model was developed to predict 24-hour urine protein. The detailed relationship between the risk of CKD progression and these predictors was determined using a global interpretation. A patient-specific analysis was conducted using a local interpretation.

Results

The results showed that LR achieved the best performance, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.850 in a single machine learning model. The ensemble model constructed using the voting integration method further improved the AUC to 0.856. The major predictors of moderate-to-severe severity included lower levels of 25-OH-vitamin, albumin, transferrin in males, and higher levels of cystatin C.

Conclusions

Compared with the clinical single kidney function evaluation indicators (eGFR, Scr), the machine learning model proposed in this study improved the prediction accuracy of CKD progression by 17.6% and 24.6%, respectively, and the AUC was improved by 0.250 and 0.236, respectively. Our framework can achieve a good predictive interpretation and provide effective clinical decision support.
Psychometric evaluation of the Chinese version of the Positive Health Behaviours Scale for clinical nurses: a cross-sectional translation
Authors: Kong Linghui , Lu Tingting , Zheng Chen , Zhang Huijun
Published: August 2023

Background

Occupational health is essential for nurses in clinical nursing practice. However, there is no specific tool for measuring the health behaviour of clinical nurses in China. This study aimed to translate the Positive Health Behaviours Scale into Chinese and validate its psychometric properties among clinical nurses.

Design

A cross-sectional design with repeated measures.

Methods

A total of 633 clinical nurses were recruited by convenience sampling from hospitals in Liaoning Province, China. After obtaining the authorization of the original author, the PHBS was translated into Chinese by the Brislin back-translation method. Item analysis was completed to evaluate item discrimination, and the Delphi method was adopted to analyse content validity. Exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were conducted to explore and validate the underlying factor structure. Internal consistency and test-retest reliability were calculated to evaluate reliability.

Results

A total of 29 items were retained in the item analysis, and the content validity index of the translated scale was 0.956. In the EFA, four common factors were extracted (nutrition, physical activity, relaxation and behaviours related to mental health and preventive behaviours), explaining 60.81% of the total variance. The results of the CFA were as follows: χ2/df = 1.363, GFI = 0.902, NFI = 0.909, IFI = 0.974, TLI = 0.971, CFI = 0.974, RMSEA = 0.034, and RMR = 0.023. The results of the EFA and CFA showed that the translated scale had good structural validity. Cronbach’s α coefficient, the split-half reliability and the test-retest reliability of the Chinese version of the PHBS were 0.928, 0.953 and 0.891, respectively. At the same time, the translated scale had good reliability.

Conclusions

The Chinese version of the PHBS for clinical nurses had good psychometric properties. The results of the questionnaire survey effectively and comprehensively reflect the level of health behaviours in clinical nurses, which provides a scientific reference for determining the intervention target.
Sex-specific associations between adipokine profiles and carotid-intima media thickness in the Cameron County Hispanic Cohort (CCHC)
Authors: Kim Daeeun , Memili Aylin , Chen Hung-Hsin , Highland Heather M. , Polikowsky Hannah G. , Anwar Mohammad Yaser , Laing Susan T. , Lee Miryoung , McCormick Joseph B. , Fisher-Hoch Susan P. , Below Jennifer E. , North Kari E. , Gutierrez Absalon D.
Published: August 2023

Background

Adipokines are hormones secreted from adipose tissue and are associated with cardiometabolic diseases (CMD). Functional differences between adipokines (leptin, adiponectin, and resistin) are known, but inconsistently reported associations with CMD and lack of studies in Hispanic populations are research gaps. We investigated the relationship between subclinical atherosclerosis and multiple adipokine measures.

Methods

Cross-sectional data from the Cameron County Hispanic Cohort (N = 624; mean age = 50; Female = 70.8%) were utilized to assess associations between adipokines [continuous measures of adiponectin, leptin, resistin, leptin-to-adiponectin ratio (LAR), and adiponectin-resistin index (ARI)] and early atherosclerosis [carotid-intima media thickness (cIMT)]. We adjusted for sex, age, body mass index (BMI), smoking status, cytokines, fasting blood glucose levels, blood pressure, lipid levels, and medication usage in the fully adjusted linear regression model. We conducted sexes-combined and sex-stratified analyses to account for sex-specificity and additionally tested whether stratification of participants by their metabolic status (metabolically elevated risk for CMD as defined by having two or more of the following conditions: hypertension, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, and inflammation vs. not) influenced the relationship between adipokines and cIMT.

Results

In the fully adjusted analyses, adiponectin, leptin, and LAR displayed significant interaction by sex (p < 0.1). Male-specific associations were between cIMT and LAR [β(SE) = 0.060 (0.016), p = 2.52 × 10–4], and female-specific associations were between cIMT and adiponectin [β(SE) = 0.010 (0.005), p = 0.043] and ARI [β(SE) = − 0.011 (0.005), p = 0.036]. When stratified by metabolic health status, the male-specific positive association between LAR and cIMT was more evident among the metabolically healthy group [β(SE) = 0.127 (0.015), p = 4.70 × 10–10] (p for interaction by metabolic health < 0.1). However, the female-specific associations between adiponectin and cIMT and ARI and cIMT were observed only among the metabolically elevated risk group [β(SE) = 0.014 (0.005), p = 0.012 for adiponectin; β(SE) = − 0.015 (0.006), p = 0.013 for ARI; p for interaction by metabolic health < 0.1].

Conclusion

Associations between adipokines and cIMT were sex-specific, and metabolic health status influenced the relationships between adipokines and cIMT. These heterogeneities by sex and metabolic health affirm the complex relationships between adipokines and atherosclerosis.