bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Would the width of a metal rib spreader affect postoperative pain in patients who undergo video-assisted mini-thoracotomy (VAMT)?
Authors: Wang Linlin , Ge Lihui , Fu Ninghua , Ren Yi
Published: October 2022

Background

Hitherto, no study has evaluated postoperative pain in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated with video-assisted mini-thoracotomy (VAMT). In this study, we aimed to assess postoperative pain related to the width of the metal rib spreader in patients who underwent lobectomy using VAMT.

Methods

We retrospectively analysed the data of 94 consecutive patients with NSCLC who underwent lobectomy using VAMT at our institution between March 2019 and May 2022. We divided the patients into groups according to the width ratio of the rib spreader to that of a single intercostal space. Patients with width ratios ≤ 2.5 times were assigned to group A, and those with width ratios > 2.5 times were assigned to group B. Pre-, intra-, and postoperative data were collected and reviewed.

Results

We successfully performed VAMT in 94 patients with NSCLC. Forty-five patients were in group A, and 49 were in group B. There were no intraoperative mortalities, although one patient, due to respiratory failure, experienced 30-day mortality. There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of the blood loss volume, operative time, drainage time, postoperative complications, length of hospital stay, or number of lymph node stations explored and retrieved. The drainage volumes (Day 1–Day 3) were higher in group B than in group A (P < 0.05). The postoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) pain scores were significantly lower in Group A than in Group B at 12, 24, and 48 h (P < 0.05), although there was no significant difference in the VAS scores between the two groups at 72 h and 1 week postoperatively (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

The smaller the width of the metal rib spreader used in surgery, the less pain experienced by the patient and the faster the recovery. Multicentre, randomised, controlled trials should be conducted in the future.
Investigating the predictive value of vascular endothelial growth factor in the evaluation of treatment efficacy and prognosis for patients with non-surgical esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Kong Ze , Sun Fei , Meng Qinghong , Zhou Mengyun , Yu Jingping , Hu Lijun
Published: October 2022

In this study, we aim to investigate the predictive value of serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in evaluating treatment efficacy and long-term prognosis for patients with non-surgical esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). The patients diagnosed with ESCC by histopathology who didn’t receive surgical treatment were retrospectively analyzed. Through follow-up and prognostic analysis, we explored the value of serum VEGF changes before, during, and after radiotherapy for predicting treatment efficacy, and identified important indicators to construct the predictive model. Eighty-four patients were enrolled in this study, and the objective response rate (ORR) after treatment was 75.0%. The serum VEGF before, during and after radiotherapy were 108.2 ± 38.4, 98.6 ± 20.3 and 96.9 ± 20.0pg/ml, respectively. Staging and serum VEGF during radiotherapy were the independent factors affecting the treatment efficacy of non-surgical ESCC patients (OR=0.182 and 0.959, P<0.05). The median overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were 24.4 and 15.8 months. The 3-year, 5-year, 10-year OS rates and PFS rates were 35.7%, 26.2%, 14.4%, and 26.2%, 22.6%, 12.3%, respectively. By performing COX regression analysis, we found that the TNM stage, changes of VEGF after radiotherapy (∆VEGF2), and endoscopic histopathological response were the independent prognostic factors for OS and PFS (P<0.05). The R2 of the constructed prediction model was 0.328 and 0.362, and the C-index was 0.697 and 0.708, respectively. The follow-up time-dependent AUC showed that the predicted AUC was stable and greater than 0.7 as the follow-up time increased. For patients with non-surgical ESCC, those with low VEGF levels during radiotherapy had better treatment efficacy, and those with significant VEGF reduction after radiotherapy had a better prognosis. In summary, our results demonstrate that it is feasible to construct a model to evaluate and predict the efficacy and prognosis of patients with non-surgical ESCC based on serum VEGF measurement.
Association between vessels that encapsulate tumour clusters vascular pattern and hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence following liver transplantation
Authors: Dennis Claude , Prince David S. , Moayed-Alaei Leila , Remash Devika , Carr-Boyd Emily , Bowen David G. , Strasser Simone I. , Crawford Michael , Pulitano Carlo , Kench James , McCaughan Geoffrey W. , McKenzie Catriona , Liu Ken
Published: October 2022

Background

Vessels that encapsulate tumor clusters (VETC) is a novel vascular pattern seen on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) histology which has been shown to independently predict tumor recurrence and survival after liver resection. Its prognostic value in HCC patients receiving liver transplantation (LT) is unclear.

Methods

We retrospectively studied consecutive adults who underwent deceased-donor LT with active HCC found on explant between 2010-2019. Tumor tissue was stained for CD34 and quantified for VETC. Primary and secondary endpoints were time to recurrence (TTR) and recurrence-free survival (RFS).

Results

During the study period, 158 patients received LT where HCC was present on explant. VETC pattern was seen in 76.5% of explants. Patients with VETC-positive tumors spent longer on the waitlist (6.4 vs. 4.1 months, P=0.048), had higher median tumor numbers (2 vs. 1, P=0.001) and larger tumor sizes (20mm vs. 13mm, P<0.001) on explant pathology compared to those with VETC-negative tumors. Correspondingly, VETC-positive patients were more likely to be outside of accepted LT criteria for HCC. After 56.4 months median follow-up, 8.2% of patients developed HCC recurrence post-LT. On multivariable Cox regression, presence of VETC pattern did not predict TTR or RFS. However, the number of VETC-positive tumors on explant was an independent predictor of TTR (hazard ratio [HR] 1.411, P=0.001) and RFS (HR 1.267, P=0.014) after adjusting for other significant variables.

Conclusion

VETC pattern is commonly observed in HCC patients undergoing LT. The number of VETC-positive tumors, but not its presence, is an independent risk factor for TTR and RFS post-LT.
Incidence of celiac disease autoimmunity and associations with maternal tuberculosis and pediatric Helicobacter pylori infections in 4-year-old Ethiopian children followed up in an HLA genotyped birth cohort
Authors: Gudeta Adugna Negussie , Andrén Aronsson Carin , Binagdie Bayissa Bekele , Girma Alemayehu , Agardh Daniel
Published: October 2022

Background

The prevalence of celiac disease in the general population is mainly unknown in most of sub-Saharan African countries. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of celiac disease autoimmunity (CDA) and its associations with latent Mycobacterium tuberculosis (LMTB) and Helicobacter pylori (HP) infections in Ethiopian children aged 4 years in an HLA genotyped cohort study.

Methods

Of 1,389 recruited children between 2018 and 2022, 1,046 (75.3%) had been screened at least twice for celiac disease between the ages of 2 and 4 years using a tissue transglutaminase autoantibody (tTGA) ELISA kit. Tissue TGA-positive children were retested using radio-binding assays. CDA was defined as persistent-confirmed tTGA positivity in two consecutive samples. Associations of CDA with LMTB and HP were tested in a subpopulation of 752 children born to mothers who were previously tested for LMTB with IFN-γ and anti-HP antibodies in samples collected at a mean age of 49.3 ± 5.3 months.

Results

Screening detected 38 out of 1,046 (3.6%) IgA-tTGA-positive children. Ten (1.0%) were confirmed to be positive, with six (0.6%) children diagnosed with CDA. The incidence of CDA at 4 years of age was 1.2 per 1,000 person-years. LMTB was found in 4 of 6 (66.7%) mothers with CDA children compared with 340 of 734 (46.3%) mothers of children without CDA (p = 0.424), while HP was found in 3 of 6 (50.0%) CDA children compared with 315 of 746 (42.2%) children without CDA (p = 0.702).

Conclusion

The incidence of CDA in Ethiopian children is lower than the pooled global incidence. Neither LMTB nor HP infections are associated with CD in Ethiopian children.
Cost-effectiveness analysis of adebrelimab combined with chemotherapy for extensive-stage small cell lung cancer
Authors: You Maojin , Chen Ruijia , Wu Qingfeng , Zhu Wei , He Ying , Huang Yufan
Published: October 2022

Background: The findings of the CAPSTONE-1 trial showed that adebrelimab in combination with chemotherapy (etoposide-carboplatin) (ADCHM) is clinically beneficial as a first-line treatment for patients with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC), compared with placebo plus chemotherapy (PLCHM, etoposide-carboplatin). However, owing to the higher cost of adebrelimab, it is unclear whether ADCHM is cost-effective compared with PLCHM. This study aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of ADCHM as a first-line treatment for patients with ES-SCLC from the perspective of the Chinese healthcare system.

Methods: A Markov model with three health states was developed to assess the cost-effectiveness of ADCHM as a first-line treatment option with ES-SCLC. Clinical data were obtained from the CAPSTONE-1 trial. Costs of the drug were calculated at national tender prices, and other costs and utility values were obtained from published literature. The outcomes included life years (LYs), quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs). One-way sensitivity analysis and probabilistic sensitivity analysis were used to validate the robustness of the model.

Results: The ADCHM group achieved 1.21 QALYs (2.47 LYs) for $25,312, whereas the PLCHM group achieved 0.81 QALYs (1.59 LYs) for $14,846. The ICER for ADCHM versus PLCHM was $25914 per QALY gained. The variables with the greatest impact on the model results were the utility value of progressive disease, the utility value of progression-free survival, and the price of adebrelimab (100 mg). At a willingness-to-pay threshold of $37,653/QALY, ADCHM had an 89.1% probability of being cost-effective compared with PLCHM.

Conclusion: ADCHM may be a cost-effective first-line treatment strategy for ES-SCLC from the perspective of the Chinese healthcare system.
Solitary wave solutions of Fitzhugh–Nagumo-type equations with conformable derivatives
Authors: Cevikel Adem C. , Bekir Ahmet , Abu Arqub Omar , Abukhaled Marwan
Published: October 2022

The Fitzhugh–Nagumo equation is an important non-linear reaction–diffusion equation used to model the transmission of nerve impulses. This equation is used in biology as population genetics; the Fitzhugh–Nagumo equation is also frequently used in circuit theory. In this study, we give solutions to the fractional Fitzhugh–Nagumo (FN) equation, the fractional Newell–Whitehead–Segel (NWS) equation, and the fractional Zeldovich equation. We found the exact solutions of these equations by conformable derivatives. We have obtained the exact solutions within the time-fractional conformable derivative for these equations.
Redox post-translational modifications and their interplay in plant abiotic stress tolerance
Authors: Martí-Guillén José M. , Pardo-Hernández Miriam , Martínez-Lorente Sara E. , Almagro Lorena , Rivero Rosa M.
Published: October 2022

The impact of climate change entails a progressive and inexorable modification of the Earth’s climate and events such as salinity, drought, extreme temperatures, high luminous intensity and ultraviolet radiation tend to be more numerous and prolonged in time. Plants face their exposure to these abiotic stresses or their combination through multiple physiological, metabolic and molecular mechanisms, to achieve the long-awaited acclimatization to these extreme conditions, and to thereby increase their survival rate. In recent decades, the increase in the intensity and duration of these climatological events have intensified research into the mechanisms behind plant tolerance to them, with great advances in this field. Among these mechanisms, the overproduction of molecular reactive species stands out, mainly reactive oxygen, nitrogen and sulfur species. These molecules have a dual activity, as they participate in signaling processes under physiological conditions, but, under stress conditions, their production increases, interacting with each other and modifying and-or damaging the main cellular components: lipids, carbohydrates, nucleic acids and proteins. The latter have amino acids in their sequence that are susceptible to post-translational modifications, both reversible and irreversible, through the different reactive species generated by abiotic stresses (redox-based PTMs). Some research suggests that this process does not occur randomly, but that the modification of critical residues in enzymes modulates their biological activity, being able to enhance or inhibit complete metabolic pathways in the process of acclimatization and tolerance to the exposure to the different abiotic stresses. Given the importance of these PTMs-based regulation mechanisms in the acclimatization processes of plants, the present review gathers the knowledge generated in recent years on this subject, delving into the PTMs of the redox-regulated enzymes of plant metabolism, and those that participate in the main stress-related pathways, such as oxidative metabolism, primary metabolism, cell signaling events, and photosynthetic metabolism. The aim is to unify the existing information thus far obtained to shed light on possible fields of future research in the search for the resilience of plants to climate change.
Transcripts related with ammonium use and effects of gibberellin on expressions of the transcripts responding to ammonium in two invasive and native Xanthium species
Authors: Zhang Chang , Luo Jia-Jun , Zuo Jing-Bo , Zhang Zheng , Wang Shi-Ting , Zhang Xiao-Jia , Fu Tian-Si , Feng Yu-Long
Published: October 2022

Soil nitrogen forms are important for exotic plant invasions. However, little effort has been made to study the molecular mechanisms underlying the utilization of different N forms in co-occurring invasive and native plants. The invasive plant Xanthium strumarium prefers nitrate relative to ammonium, and mainly invades nitrate-dominated environments, while it co-occurring native congener X. sibiricum prefers ammonium. Here, we addressed the genetic bases for the interspecific difference in ammonium use and the effects of gibberellin (GA). Twenty-six transcripts related with GA biosynthesis and ammonium utilization were induced by ammonium in X. sibiricum, while only ten in X. strumarium and none for ammonium uptake. XsiAMT1.1a, XsiGLN1.1 and XsiGLT1b may be crucial for the strong ability to absorb and assimilate ammonium in X. sibiricum. All tested transcripts were significantly up-regulated by GA1 and GA4 in X. sibiricum. XsiGA3OX1a, which was also induced by ammonium, may be involved in this regulation. Consistently, glutamine synthetase activity increased significantly with increasing ammonium-N/nitrate-N ratio for X. sibiricum, while decreased for X. strumarium. Our study is the first to determine the molecular mechanisms with which invasive and native plants use ammonium differently, contributing to understanding the invasion mechanisms of X. strumarium and its invasion habitat selection.
What do educators need to know about the Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking: A comprehensive review
Authors: Alabbasi Ahmed M. Abdulla , Paek Sue Hyeon , Kim Daehyun , Cramond Bonnie
Published: October 2022

One of the most important questions that educators try to answer is how to prepare new generations of students for an unpredictable future. Students need to learn several skills, such as creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and communication (the 4 Cs). Creativity, especially, is an essential skill in a complex and unforeseeable world/era, and an important step in any effort to enhance creativity is to identify students’ creative strengths and relative weaknesses. This review aims to offer school psychologists and other educators such as teachers, policymakers, and curriculum designers a comprehensive and practical guide to one of the most well-known creativity assessments—the Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking (TTCT) that was developed by E. Paul Torrance in the 1960s. The paper discusses the history, components, training, psychometric properties, and uses of the TTCT. Contrary to the notion that the TTCT is only a measure of divergent thinking skills, the current article presents its other uses. It is the authors’ hope that teachers, school psychologists, and other educators will find the information reported in this article useful to better understand the TTCT and use it most effectively.
Digital transformation of business model innovation
Authors: Tsai Wan-Yi , Su Chaun-Jun
Published: October 2022

Because of the rising labor costs and the trade impact after joining the World Trade Organization, the textile industry in Taiwan has encountered many operational and production problems and obstacles. In addition, the lack of knowledge and resources for the digital transformation required to improve business performance has led to poor production and decision-making efficiency, and stagnant R&D for textile product innovation. In order to improve business operations, enhance customer satisfaction and experience, increase efficiency and reduce manual error, this study was conducted with senior executives and company managers in Taiwan’s textile industry as the target population. The knowledge, technological resources, and competitive pressure of digital transformation are the independent variables. The organizational innovation atmosphere is the moderating variable. The study analyzes the impact of digital transformation on the intention of enterprises. The results of the study show that the knowledge of digital transformation, technological resources, and the competitive pressure of the textile industry positively and significantly affect their perceived benefits of digital transformation. Digital transformation knowledge, technological resources, and competitive pressure will negatively and significantly affect the perceived risk of digital transformation. The perceived benefits and risks of digital transformation are related to the intention of digital transformation of enterprises. The organizational innovation atmosphere of the textile industry positively moderates the influence of perceived benefits on digital transformation intention. Finally, based on the research findings, this study provides practical recommendations to senior executives and company managers in the textile industry. It is also recommended to promote the digital transformation of related software and hardware vendors and government agencies, as well as the subsequent related research reference.
The influence of teacher support on vocational college students’ information literacy: The mediating role of network perceived usefulness and information and communication technology self-efficacy
Authors: Chen Qiaoyun , Ma Ying
Published: October 2022

This paper uses the network perceived usefulness scale, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) self-efficacy scale, teacher support questionnaire and higher vocational students’ information literacy scale to explore the multiple intermediary functions of network perceived usefulness and ICT self-efficacy in teacher support and higher vocational students’ information literacy from the perspective of multiple intermediary effects, and uses structural equation model for data modeling and analysis. The results show that the information literacy of higher vocational students is positively correlated with teacher support, usefulness of network perception and ICT self-efficacy. Teachers’ support is positively correlated with ICT self-efficacy and network perceived usefulness, and network perceived usefulness and ICT self-efficacy play a significant mediating role between teachers’ support and information literacy of higher vocational students. Based on the research results, some suggestions are put forward to guide teachers to help students clearly recognize the role of information technology, improve ICT self-efficacy, improve information literacy and better integrate into digital society.
Exploring the impact of perceived risk and trust on tourist acceptance intentions in the post-COVID-19 era: A case study of Hainan residents
Authors: Zhou Hongxia , Ibrahim Johan Afendi Bin , Mohamed Ahmad Edwin Bin
Published: October 2022

Hainan, is the only free trade port that also exudes quintessence of the culture of China. Tourism is one of Hainan's most lucrative industries. On the one hand, the regional economy is flourishing and on the other hand, the economy is facing unprecedented impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic. In response to the affected global market environment, this study investigates Hainan residents' acceptance intentions, or tolerance, of tourists. Here, based on the theory of reasoned action, which includes “subjective norm” combined with “trust,” “perceived risk,” and “perceived value.” Using “resident attitude” as a mediator, theoretical research frameworks were developed. A total of 447 valid responses were collected using online and paper-copy questionnaires distributed to Hainan residents from 15 July 2021 to 10 November 2021. The data from the questionnaires were used for three analyses namely, descriptive statistical analysis, measurement model verification, and structural equation modeling analysis. Findings show a positive effect of trust on residents' attitudes in Hainan; perceived value and subjective norm showed a positive effect on resident acceptance intentions for tourism; the perceived risk of residents showed a more negative effect on attitudes toward tourists, but the influence was small. Finally, through the results of the study, theoretical and practical implications in a post-pandemic era are discussed.
Foreign language anxiety and dependency distance in English–Chinese interpretation classrooms
Authors: Yan Jackie Xiu , Liang Junying
Published: October 2022

Foreign language anxiety (FLA) has been identified as a crucial affective factor in language learning. Similar to the situation in language classes, university students in interpretation classes are required to perform in a foreign language when their language skills are inadequate. Investigations are needed to determine the specific impact of FLA on interpretation learning. This study investigated the effects of the specific interpretation classroom FLA (ICFLA) on interpretation learning and dependency distance (DD) as an indicator of learners’ cognitive load. The participants were 49 undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in English–Chinese interpretation classes at a university in Hong Kong. The results showed a significant negative correlation between ICFLA levels and consecutive interpretation achievement scores. ICFLA was also negatively correlated with DD in consecutive interpretations. Four factors underlying ICFLA were identified. The findings of this study would provide useful insights for researchers and educators to understand the nature and effect of FLA in different settings.
Momentarily narcissistic? Development of a short, state version of the Pathological Narcissism Inventory applicable in momentary assessment
Authors: Engyel Márton , de Ruiter Naomi M.P. , Urbán Róbert
Published: October 2022

Background

Narcissism viewed as a personality process rather than a stable trait explains narcissistic functioning as a tool for maintaining a positive self-view. Studying narcissism therefore needs adequate momentary measures for collecting higher frequency longitudinal data in experience sampling method (ESM) studies. In this study, a shorter version of the Pathological Narcisissm Inventory is offered to measure vulnerable and grandiose narcissistic states, applicable in momentary assessment.

Methods

The measurement tool was tested in three samples. First, we assessed the factor structure and associations with other contemporary measures of narcissism in a cross-sectional design on one English speaking (n = 319) and one Hungarian sample (n = 236). Second, we conducted a five-day long experience sampling method study with a total of 15 measurement points (n = 123).

Results

Based on structural equation modelling and multilevel analyses, the results suggest that the measure has adequate psychometric properties in both the within and between subject levels as well as acceptable convergent and discriminant validity.

Conclusions

The Pathological Narcissism Inventory – State Version (PNI-S) can be a useful tool in momentary data collection enabling the examination of personality processes behind narcissistic functioning.
From mindfulness to work engagement: The mediating roles of work meaningfulness, emotion regulation, and job competence
Authors: Chen Liang , Li Xiaobei , Xing Lu
Published: October 2022

Drawing from the grounded theory of work engagement, this research aims to explore three essential yet previously unexamined pathways—work meaningfulness, emotion regulation, and job competence in simultaneously transmitting the effects of mindfulness training to employee experience of work engagement. We employed a six-wave quasi-experimental design and recruited 129 employees (77 from experimental group and 59 from control group) to participate in the quasi-experiment, and tested our simultaneous mediating models using the structural equation modeling. Results showed that mindfulness facilitated employees’ work meaningfulness, emotion regulation, and job competence, which in turn enhanced employee work engagement. By doing so, we add to the mindfulness literature by showing that the three essential psychological states are important machanims that link mindfulness to work engagement. Practicially, this research reveals that mindfulness training is an effective tool to influence employees’ psychological states (e.g., meaningfulness, competence), which ultimately develop their work engagement in the workplace.
Unrecognized schizophrenia spectrum and other mental disorders in youth disconnected from education and work-life
Authors: Lindhardt Line , Nilsson Lars Siersbæk , Munk-Jørgensen Povl , Mortensen Ole Steen , Simonsen Erik , Nordgaard Julie
Published: October 2022

Background

Schizophrenia spectrum disorders typically emerge during adolescence or early adulthood. Often the symptomatology is vague initially, while a marked functional decline and social withdrawal can be seen. A group of young people with such social and functional impairments is the so-called “Not in Education, Employment or Training” (NEET), i.e., a youth population that is socially disconnected from education and work-life. Despite the NEET group’s disconnection from important parts of social life and a rising concern of an intersection with mental health problems, a psychopathological perspective on the problems experienced by this group remains underexplored.

Aim

To examine a NEET sample for psychopathology and if relevant allocate psychiatric diagnoses.

Methods

We performed an interview study comprising 40 participants from youth job-counseling services. All underwent a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation. Inclusion criteria were 18–29 years of age and a welfare benefit history of minimum 6 months.

Results

Diagnostic criteria of any mental disorder were fulfilled by 95% of the sample; half of whom were diagnosed with a schizophrenia spectrum disorder. The participants with schizophrenia spectrum disorders had lower global functioning, were more often in contact with the mental health services and had higher PANSS and Examination of Anomalous Self-Experiences (EASE) scores compared to those with non-schizophrenia spectrum disorders. The participants fulfilling the criteria for schizophrenia spectrum disorders had lower EASE and PANSS scores than usually reported in the literature, suggesting more “symptom-poor” presentations.

Conclusion

Psychiatric illness and particularly schizophrenia spectrum disorders affecting social interaction and the ability to take part in educational and work-life were grossly overrepresented in the NEET sample. Our findings suggest that pronounced social disconnection in youth in and of itself should lead to suspect the presence of a severe mental disorder.
The effect of perceived stress on organizational silence in emergency service doctors in Turkey: The mediating role of emotional intelligence
Authors: Erdoğan Taskin , Bayraktar Yusuf , Uçan Fatih , Atilgan Sait Sinan
Published: October 2022

Objectives

The purpose of this study is to determine the role of emotional intelligence in the relationship between the stress perceptions of emergency medicine doctors and their organizational silence behaviors.

Methods

Data were collected digitally from 434 doctors working in emergency departments in Turkey. On the assumption that perceived stress was effective on organizational silence behavior and that emotional intelligence mediates this relationship, hypotheses were developed and a mediating effect model was established. The research model and hypotheses were shaped through Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). Hayes 4th model was used to test the research hypotheses. The research model was tested via SPSS Process v4.1 by Andrew F. Hayes.

Results

According to the correlation analysis to determine the relationship between the variables, it was determined that perceived stress was positively correlated with organizational silence behavior, emotional intelligence was negatively correlated with perceived stress, and emotional intelligence was negatively correlated with organizational silence. As a result of the mediating effect model test, it was determined that emotional intelligence had a statistically significant mediating effect in the effect of perceived stress on organizational silence.

Conclusion

Within the framework of the findings, it is thought that emotional intelligence is a key variable in turning the negative energy between stress and silence into positive.
Associations of serum folate and vitamin C levels with metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease in US adults: A nationwide cross-sectional study
Authors: Jiang Yuqi , Cao Huanyi , Chen Xingying , Yu Genfeng , Song Cheng , Duan Hualin , Tian Feng , Wan Heng , Shen Jie
Published: October 2022

Background

Clinical research results on the relationship between folate and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease are contradictory. Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a recently proposed concept. Evidence about the relationship between serum folate and MAFLD, especially considering the status of serum vitamin C, is scarce. This study was aimed to investigate the association of serum folate levels with the prevalence of MAFLD, and further to analyze the potential impact of serum vitamin C status on their association.

Methods

Totally 2,797 participants from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2017–2018 were included. Vibration-controlled transient elastography was used to detect liver steatosis and fibrosis. Participants were divided in groups based on the tertiles of serum folate or vitamin C, and the serum folate or vitamin C level in T1 was low. Logistic regression analysis in the complex sample module was performed to illustrate the association of serum folate levels with the prevalence of MAFLD. Stratification analysis by serum vitamin C status was performed as well.

Results

Compared with the serum folate levels of T1 group, participants in the T3 group had 47.9% lower risk of MAFLD [OR = 0.521 (95% CI: 0.401–0.677)]. However, when participants were stratified by serum vitamin C levels, there was no association between the serum folate levels and MAFLD in the T1 or T2 group. Among participants in the T3 group of vitamin C status, participants in the T3 group of serum folate had a 63.6% lower risk of MAFLD compared with the T1 group [OR = 0.364 (95% CI: 0.147–0.903)].

Conclusions

High serum folate level is associated with lower prevalence of MAFLD, especially in participants with sufficient vitamin C.
Lower hydration status increased diabetic retinopathy among middle-aged adults and older adults: Results from NHANES 2005-2008
Authors: Zhang Jiayu , Ren Ziyang , Zhang Qiang , Zhang Rui , Zhang Chunmei , Liu Jufen
Published: October 2022

Background

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a common complication of diabetic patients. Retinal physiological function is affected by hydration status. We aimed to explore the association between hydration status and DR.

Methods

National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005-2008 was used to perform this cross-sectional study. Serum osmolality was used to assess hydration status for all participants and calculated osmolality was evaluated for only older people. DR and its severity were evaluated and graded into mild non-proliferative retinopathy, moderate/severe non-proliferative retinopathy, and proliferative diabetic retinopathy by the Early Treatment for Diabetic Retinopathy Study protocol and NHANES Digital Grading Protocol. Fully adjusted multivariable logistic regression models were used by SAS OnDemand for Academics.

Results

Among the 5,220 United States adults aged 40 or older, compared with the lowest osmolality group, participants with the highest quartile of serum osmolarity had higher odds of DR (OR: 1.371, 95% CI: 1.001–1.876). For participants with DR, the adjusted OR (95 % CI) of moderate/severe non-proliferative retinopathy and proliferative diabetic retinopathy in the higher serum osmolarity group was 2.119 (1.200–3.741) and 7.001 (3.175–15.438), respectively. Furthermore, in older people, higher calculated osmolarity was significantly associated with increased occurrence of DR (OR: 2.039, 95% CI: 1.305–3.186).

Conclusions

Adults with lower hydration status had higher risk of DR, moderate/severe non-proliferative retinopathy, and proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Dehydration in older adults, classified by calculated osmolality, is associated with a higher rate of DR. There was consistent trend in the results between the two methods.
Multimorbidity and catastrophic health expenditure: Evidence from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study
Authors: Li Haofei , Chang Enxue , Zheng Wanji , Liu Bo , Xu Juan , Gu Wen , Zhou Lan , Li Jinmei , Liu Chaojie , Yu Hongjuan , Huang Weidong
Published: October 2022

Background

Population aging accompanied by multimorbidity imposes a great burden on households and the healthcare system. This study aimed to determine the incidence and determinants of catastrophic health expenditure (CHE) in the households of old people with multimorbidity in China.

Methods

Data were obtained from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) conducted in 2018, with 3,511 old people (≥60 years) with multimorbidity responding to the survey on behalf of their households. CHE was identified using two thresholds: ≥10% of out-of-pocket (OOP) health spending in total household expenditure (THE) and ≥40% of OOP health spending in household capacity to pay (CTP) measured by non-food household expenditure. Logistic regression models were established to identify the individual and household characteristics associated with CHE incidence.

Results

The median values of THE, OOP health spending, and CTP reached 19,900, 1,500, and 10,520 Yuan, respectively. The CHE incidence reached 31.5% using the ≥40% CTP threshold and 45.6% using the ≥10% THE threshold. It increased by the number of chronic conditions reported by the respondents (aOR = 1.293–1.855, p < 0.05) and decreased with increasing household economic status (aOR = 1.622–4.595 relative the highest quartile, p < 0.001). Hospital admissions over the past year (aOR = 6.707, 95% CI: 5.186 to 8.674) and outpatient visits over the past month (aOR = 4.891, 95% CI: 3.822 to 6.259) of the respondents were the strongest predictors of CHE incidence. The respondents who were male (aOR = 1.266, 95% CI: 1.054 to 1.521), married (OR = 1.502, 95% CI: 1.211 to 1.862), older than 70 years (aOR = 1.288–1.458 relative to 60–69 years, p < 0.05), completed primary (aOR = 1.328 relative to illiterate, 95% CI: 1.079 to 1.635) or secondary school education (aOR = 1.305 relative to illiterate, 95% CI: 1.002 to 1.701), lived in a small (≤2 members) household (aOR = 2.207, 95% CI: 1.825 to 2.669), and resided in the northeast region (aOR = 1.935 relative to eastern, 95% CI: 1.396 to 2.682) were more likely to incur CHE.

Conclusion

Multimorbidity is a significant risk of CHE. Household CHE incidence increases with the number of reported chronic conditions. Socioeconomic and regional disparities in CHE incidence persist in China.
Research trends and hotspots in the relationship between outdoor activities and myopia: A bibliometric analysis based on the web of science database from 2006 to 2021
Authors: Mu Jingfeng , Zhong Haoxi , Zeng Dan , Fan Jingjie , Jiang Mingjie , Liu Meizhou , Shuai Xinyi , Chen Yanjie , Zhang Shaochong
Published: October 2022

Objectives

This study aimed to explore the current status, hotspots, and emerging research trends regarding the relationship between outdoor activities and myopia.

Methods

Publications on the relationship between outdoor activities and myopia from 2006 to 2021 were collected from the Web of Science Core Collection database. CiteSpace (version 6.1.R2) was used to performed a bibliometric analysis, and R software (version 4.1.0) was used to visualize the trends and hot map of publications.

Results

A total of 640 publications were collected and analyzed in the present study. China was the major contributor (n = 204), followed by the United States of America (n = 181) and Australia (n = 137). The United States of America had the most extensive foreign cooperation (centrality = 0.25), followed by Australia (centrality = 0.20). The National University of Singapore contributed the largest number of publications (n = 48), followed by Sun Yat-Sen University (n = 41) and the Australian National University (n = 41). Among institutions, Cardiff University in the United Kingdom had the most extensive foreign cooperation (centrality = 0.12), followed by the National University of Singapore (centrality = 0.11). Saw S from Singapore had the largest number of publications (n = 39), followed by Morgan I from Australia (n = 27) and Jonas J from Germany (n = 23). Investigative ophthalmology & visual science is the most important journal to study the relationship between outdoor activities and myopia. “Global Prevalence of Myopia and High Myopia and Temporal Trends from 2000 through 2050” published by Holden BA was the most cited paper in this field with 177 citations. Co-occurrence and burst analyses of keywords showed that research trends and hotspots in this field focused mainly on “risk,” “prevention” and “school”.

Conclusions

The influence of outdoor activities on myopia remains a concern. In the future, deeper cooperation between countries or institutions is required to explore the effects of outdoor activities on myopia. Outdoor activities for the prevention of myopia and reduction of the risk of myopia among school students may be the focus of future research.
Health expenditures, environmental quality, and economic development: State-of-the-art review and findings in the context of COP26
Authors: Xing Zhenjiang , Liu Xia
Published: October 2022

There are numerous factors that affect human health. Among others, environmental degradation, bad governance, and extensive economic growth are regarded as more destructive for health-related issues. To explore the nexus of the said factors and extend the scholarly literature, the current study aims to analyze the influence of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, governance indicators, and gross domestic product (GDP) on human health expenditures—captured by domestic health expenditures and capital health expenditures. Specifically, this study contrasted variables including regulatory quality (RQ), rule of law (RL), GDP, GHG emissions, and human capital (HC) with that of human health expenditure. Covering the period from 1996 to 2020, this study uses time series specifications in the case of China, which is one of the largest pollution-emitting economies across the globe. The empirical results found that the long-run equilibrium relationship exists between the variables. For the long-run coefficients, this study utilizes the fully modified ordinary least square, dynamic ordinary least square, and canonical cointegration regression, suggesting that economic development and RQ are adversely affecting human health expenditure. However, GHG emissions, RQ, and HC significantly improve human health by increasing health expenditure in China. Based on the empirical results, policies are suggested regarding human health improvement, improved governance quality, and environmental sustainability. The study discusses the empirical conclusions and implications as per COP26 declarations.
The slow violence of racism on Asian Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Wong-Padoongpatt Gloria , Barrita Aldo , King Anthony , Strong Michelle
Published: October 2022

Racism against people of Asian descent increased by over 300% after the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak in the United States, with one in five Asian Americans reporting direct experiences with overt discrimination. Large-scale efforts and resources initially, and quite understandably, prioritized investigating the physiological impact of the coronavirus, which has partially delayed research studies targeting the psychological effects of the pandemic. Currently, two studies tracked the unique relationships between psychosocial factors, such as experiencing everyday racism, and the self-reported wellbeing of Asian Americans in the United States and compared these associations with Latinx Americans. Study 1 (April 2020–April 2021) examined how Asian and Latinx Americans varied in their levels of wellbeing, fear of the coronavirus, internalized racism, and everyday experiences with racism. Study 2 (September 2021–April 2022) included the same variables with additional assessments for victimization distress. We used the CDC Museum COVID-19 Timeline to pair collected data from our studies with specific moments in the pandemic—from its known origins to springtime 2022. Results highlighted how slow and deleterious forms of racist violence could wear and tear at the wellbeing of targeted people of color. Overall, this research underscores the possible hidden harms associated with slow-moving forms of racism, as well as some of the unseen stressors experienced by people of color living in the United States.
The diagnostic performance of ultrasound elastography for biliary atresia: A meta-analysis
Authors: Dong Bingtian , Weng Zongjie , Lyu Guorong , Yang Xiaocen , Wang Huaming
Published: October 2022

Background

Biliary atresia (BA) is a severe inflammatory obliterative cholangiopathy of infancy that requires early diagnosis and prompt surgical intervention. In this study, we aimed to obtain comprehensive evidence on the diagnostic performance of liver stiffness measurement by ultrasound elastography in the detection of BA through a meta-analysis.

Methods

The PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases were searched for studies that investigated the diagnostic performance of ultrasound elastography in the detection of BA up to January 10, 2022. In this study, in order to summarize the diagnostic performance of ultrasound elastography, the summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) modeling was constructed. Heterogeneity was estimated with the I2 statistic. Multiple subgroup analyses were also performed.

Results

Fourteen studies from eleven articles, including 774 BA patients, 850 non-BA patients, and 173 controls were included in the present meta-analysis. The summary sensitivity and specificity of ultrasound elastography for liver stiffness were 85% [95% confidence interval (CI): 79–89%] and 82% (95% CI: 73–88%) with the I2 value of 82.90 and 84.33%, respectively. The area under the SROC curve (AUROC) using ultrasound elastography for diagnosing BA was 0.90 (95% CI: 0.87–0.92). In addition, a subgroup analysis of 9 two-dimensional shear wave elastography studies was also performed. Subgroup analysis revealed that the summary sensitivity and specificity were 85% (95% CI: 77–91%) and 79% (95% CI: 71–86%), respectively, and the summary AUROC was 0.89 (95% CI: 0.86–0.92).

Conclusions

Ultrasound elastography exhibits good diagnostic accuracy for BA and can be served as a non-invasive tool to facilitate the differential diagnosis of BA.
The influence of family support during endoscopic submucosal dissection on patient's anxiety
Authors: Gao Ruo-Yu , Gan Ri-Yun , Huang Jia-Lan , Liu Ting-Ting , Wu Ben-Hua , Wang Li-Sheng , Li De-Feng , Yao Jun
Published: October 2022

Background

Psychological problems may promote peptic ulcers. Ulcer-like wounds can be formed after gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). The influence of family support on the healing of gastric ESD-induced ulcers remains largely undetermined.

Objective

In the present study, we aimed to assess the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) scores and the incidence of post-ESD complications in patients with family support in the care process and those in the non-relative group.

Materials and methods

A total of 191 patients aged between 30 and 70 years who received gastric ESD were evaluated with the Chinese version of HADS. Differences in depression and anxiety between the two groups were compared using the chi-square test and t-test. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to examine whether anxiety and depression were the risk factors for post-ESD complications.

Results

The mean values of HADS-A (4.61 ± 2.89 vs. 5.56 ± 3.07, p = 0.042) and HADS-D (4.14 ± 3.03 vs. 4.97 ± 2.61, p = 0.048) scores were significantly lower in patients with accompanying relatives compared with those in the non-relative group. Besides, through the pre-ESD and post-ESD self-contrast, the scores of anxiety and depression in the relative-group were 0.57 and 0.56, respectively (p < 0.001), while those in the non-relative group were increased by 1.43 and 1.49, respectively (p < 0.001). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that HADS-A, HADS-D scores, and age were significantly correlated with post-ESD abdominal pain (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The occurrence and degree of adverse emotions such as psychological anxiety and depression in patients who received gastric ESD with accompanying relatives during hospitalization may were reduced, and the incidence of gastric post-ESD abdominal pain may was also decreased.