bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research on measurement indexes and evaluation for the collaborative efficiency of emergency information sharing in coastal cities of China
Authors: Jiang Zou , Xing Huang
Published: December 2022

Background

The paper established indexes of coordination efficiency, the theoretical framework and operation mechanism of emergency information sharing for coastal cities of China.

Method

First of all, we analyzed the operational relationship between the participants of emergency information sharing and information transmission, and based on the collaborative theory, constructed the emergency information sharing framework and operational mechanism suitable for the actual disaster prevention and reduction of coastal cities. Around the 3 dimensions of emergency information sharing mechanism construction, resource guarantee ability and collaborative driving force of emergency information sharing, the paper proposed the evaluation index system and the evaluation method.

Results

The empirical results showed that the efficiency of emergency information sharing in coastal cities in China was generally low, and the contribution rate of the construction level of emergency information sharing mechanism is higher than that of the resource guarantee ability and the collaborative driving force of emergency information sharing, but the efficiency of emergency information sharing in coastal cities in China was still at the bottom level.

Conclusion

The research results provided theoretical basis and methods for the emergency management departments of coastal cities in China.
Dose- and time-dependent effects of collagenase clostridium histolyticum injection on transverse carpal ligament elastic modulus and thickness in vitro
Authors: Hawk Jocelyn L. , Daulat Sohail R. , Margolis David S. , Li Zong-Ming
Published: December 2022

A potential treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome is to biochemically alter the mechanical properties of the transverse carpal ligament (TCL) through Collagenase Clostridium Histolyticum (CCH) injection. The purpose of this study was to determine the time- and dose-dependent effects of CCH injection on TCL elastic modulus and thickness. Nine TCLs were dissected from cadaveric hands for this study. CCH doses of 50U, 100U, 150U, 200U, and 250U were injected into five points on the TCL, respectively. B-mode and shear wave elastography images were taken of each injection point using robot-assisted ultrasound imaging immediately after injection, as well as 2, 4, 6, 8, and 24 hours after injection. TCL thickness and mean shear wave speed were measured for each CCH dose at each time point. CCH doses of 200U and 250U decreased shear wave speed by 18.70% and 30.01% (p<0.05), respectively, after 24 hours. CCH doses of 150U, 200U, and 250U decreased TCL thickness by 7.28%, 10.97%, and 14.92%, respectively, after 24 hours (p<0.05). Our findings suggest that CCH injection may be effective in degrading TCL tissue, with higher doses of CCH resulting in greater tissue degradation up to 24 hours after injection.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of the efficacy and safety of oseltamivir (Tamiflu) in the treatment of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Authors: Aliyu Basiru , Raji Yakubu Egigogo , Chee Hui-Yee , Wong Mui-Yun , Sekawi Zamberi Bin
Published: December 2022

Efforts are ongoing by researchers globally to develop new drugs or repurpose existing ones for treating COVID-19. Thus, this led to the use of oseltamivir, an antiviral drug used for treating influenza A and B viruses, as a trial drug for COVID-19. However, available evidence from clinical studies has shown conflicting results on the effectiveness of oseltamivir in COVID-19 treatment. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to assess the clinical safety and efficacy of oseltamivir for treating COVID-19. The study was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines, and the priori protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021270821). Five databases were searched, the identified records were screened, and followed by the extraction of relevant data. Eight observational studies from four Asian countries were included. A random-effects model was used to pool odds ratios (ORs), mean differences (MD), and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the study analysis. Survival was not significantly different between all categories of oseltamivir and the comparison groups analysed. The duration of hospitalisation was significantly shorter in the oseltamivir group following sensitivity analysis (MD -5.95, 95% CI -9.91—-1.99 p = 0.003, heterogeneity I2 0%, p = 0.37). The virological, laboratory and radiological response rates were all not in favour of oseltamivir. However, the electrocardiographic safety parameters were found to be better in the oseltamivir group. However, more studies are needed to establish robust evidence on the effectiveness or otherwise of oseltamivir usage for treating COVID-19.
Patient-derived three-dimensional cortical neurospheres to model Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Raja Waseem K. , Neves Esther , Burke Christopher , Jiang Xin , Xu Ping , Rhodes Kenneth J. , Khurana Vikram , Scannevin Robert H. , Chung Chee Yeun
Published: December 2022

There are currently no preventive or disease-modifying therapies for Parkinson’s Disease (PD). Failures in clinical trials necessitate a re-evaluation of existing pre-clinical models in order to adopt systems that better recapitulate underlying disease mechanisms and better predict clinical outcomes. In recent years, models utilizing patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) have emerged as attractive models to recapitulate disease-relevant neuropathology in vitro without exogenous overexpression of disease-related pathologic proteins. Here, we utilized iPSC derived from patients with early-onset PD and dementia phenotypes that harbored either a point mutation (A53T) or multiplication at the α-synuclein/SNCA gene locus. We generated a three-dimensional (3D) cortical neurosphere culture model to better mimic the tissue microenvironment of the brain. We extensively characterized the differentiation process using quantitative PCR, Western immunoblotting and immunofluorescence staining. Differentiated and aged neurospheres revealed alterations in fatty acid profiles and elevated total and pathogenic phospho-α-synuclein levels in both A53T and the triplication lines compared to their isogenic control lines. Furthermore, treatment of the neurospheres with a small molecule inhibitor of stearoyl CoA desaturase (SCD) attenuated the protein accumulation and aberrant fatty acid profile phenotypes. Our findings suggest that the 3D cortical neurosphere model is a useful tool to interrogate targets for PD and amenable to test small molecule therapeutics.
Artificial intelligence for localization of the acute ischemic stroke by non-contrast computed tomography
Authors: Kaothanthong Natsuda , Atsavasirilert Kamin , Sarampakhul Soawapot , Chantangphol Pantid , Songsaeng Dittapong , Makhanov Stanislav
Published: December 2022

A non-contrast cranial computer tomography (ncCT) is often employed for the diagnosis of the early stage of the ischemic stroke. However, the number of false negatives is high. More accurate results are obtained by an MRI. However, the MRI is not available in every hospital. Moreover, even if it is available in the clinic for the routine tests, emergency often does not have it. Therefore, this paper proposes an end-to-end framework for detection and segmentation of the brain infarct on the ncCT. The computer tomography perfusion (CTp) is used as the ground truth. The proposed ensemble model employs three deep convolution neural networks (CNNs) to process three end-to-end feature maps and a hand-craft features characterized by specific contra-lateral features. To improve the accuracy of the detected infarct area, the spatial dependencies between neighboring slices are employed at the postprocessing step. The numerical experiments have been performed on 18 ncCT-CTp paired stroke cases (804 image-pairs). The leave-one-out approach is applied for evaluating the proposed method. The model achieves 91.16% accuracy, 65.15% precision, 77.44% recall, 69.97% F1 score, and 0.4536 IoU.
An evidenced-based approach to understanding and informing talent management practices for internationally trained nurses in healthcare: A systematic review protocol
Authors: Ryan Nuala F. , Berkery Elaine , O’Malley Bernadette , O’Donnell Claire , Purtill Helen
Published: December 2022

This paper details a protocol for a systematic review that will be used to identify, critically appraise, and synthesize current academic evidence relating talent management practices for internationally trained nurses in healthcare organizations. Databases used in the search will include CINAHL with full text (EBSCOhost), PubMED, PsycINFO, Embase, Business Source Complete, Academic Source Complete, Web of Science, and Medline. Searches are limited to studies in English. Based on receiving funding approval in May this review will systematically search all materials in databases up until 2022, with predetermined search terms. All studies will be screened based on specific criteria and predetermined search terms using the Boolean terminology. Risk of any bias will be considered and assessed using the checklist provided by the National Institute of Health and Clinical excellence. Two assessors will review the findings using convergence and any disagreement will be settled by a third-party reviewer. The systematic review will produce a synthesis of the data related to talent management practices for internationally trained nurses in healthcare settings, as well as outlining areas for further research. The study will be the first of its type to systematically review and synthesize talent management practices for internationally trained nurses. In particular, the findings will provide the latest, validated evidence to narrate the development talent management practices specifically in relation to the strategically important cohort of internationally trained nurses in healthcare organizations. It will also help create a pipeline of suitably qualified candidates for future roles, as well as helping internationally trained nurses identify career trajectories. By systematically gathering and analyzing the relevant research, a stakeholder informed evidence-based approach to talent management for this cohort can be informed as a way of improving the quality and safety of care to the patient.
Event dependent overall survival in the population-based LIFE-Adult-Study
Authors: Zeynalova Samira , Rillich Katja , Linnebank Eike , Stegmann Tina , Brosig Michael , Reusche Matthias , Loeffler Markus
Published: December 2022

Backround

Information about the direct comparability of big data of epidemiological cohort studies and the general population still is lacking, especially regarding all-cause mortality rates. The aim of this study was to investigate the overall survival and the influence of several diagnoses in the medical history on survival time, adjusted to common risk factors in a populations-based cohort.

Methods

From 10,000 subjects of the population-based cohort LIFE-Adult-Study (Leipzig Research Centre for Civilization Diseases), the medical history and typical risk factors such as age, smoking status and body-mass-index (BMI) were assessed. The survival status was identified from the saxonian population register. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to determine the influence of the medical history and risk factors on overall survival. To develope an optimal model, the method by Collet [1] was used.

Results

The mortality rate of the participants is approximately half the mortality rate expected for the german population. The selection bias in epidemiological studies needs to be considered whenever interpreting results of epidemiological cohort studies. Nevertheless we have shown that several diagnoses proved to have a negative influence on overall survival time even in this relatively healthy cohort. This study showed the significantly increased mortality risk if the following diseases are reported in medical history of the participants in a large population-based cohort study including adults aged 18 and over: diabetes mellitus (HR 1.533, p = 0.002), hypertension (HR 1.447, p = 0.005), liver cirrhosis (HR 4.251, p < 0.001), osteoporosis (HR 2.165, p = 0.011), chronic bronchitis (HR 2.179, p < 0.001), peptic ulcer disease (HR 1.531, p = 0.024) and cancer (HR 1.797, p < 0.001). Surprisingly, asthma has the opposite effect on survival time (HR 0.574, p = 0.024), but we believe this may be due to an overrepresentation of mild to moderate asthma and its management, which includes educating patients about a healthy lifestyle.

Conclusion

In the LIFE-Adult-Study, common risk factors and several diseases had relevant effect on overall survival. However, selection bias in epidemiological studies needs to be considered whenever interpreting results of epidemiological cohort studies. Nevertheless it was shown that the general cause-and-effect principles also apply in this relatively healthy cohort.
Kidney tumors associated with germline mutations of FH and SDHB show a CpG island methylator phenotype (CIMP)
Authors: Ricketts Christopher J. , Killian J. Keith , Vocke Cathy D. , Wang Yonghong , Merino Maria J. , Meltzer Paul S. , Linehan W. Marston
Published: December 2022

Germline mutations within the Krebs cycle enzyme genes fumarate hydratase (FH) or succinate dehydrogenase (SDHB, SDHC, SDHD) are associated with an increased risk of aggressive and early metastasizing variants of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). These RCCs express significantly increased levels of intracellular fumarate or succinate that inhibit 2-oxoglutarate-dependent dioxygenases, such as the TET enzymes that regulate DNA methylation. This study evaluated the genome-wide methylation profiles of 34 RCCs from patients with RCC susceptibility syndromes and 11 associated normal samples using the Illumina HumanMethylation450 BeadChip. All the HLRCC (FH mutated) and SDHB-RCC (SDHB mutated) tumors demonstrated a distinct CpG island methylator phenotype (CIMP). HLRCC tumors demonstrated an extensive and relatively uniform level of hypermethylation that showed some correlation with tumor size. SDHB-RCC demonstrated a lesser and more varied pattern of hypermethylation that overlapped in part with the HLRCC hypermethylation. Combined methylation and mRNA expression analysis of the HLRCC tumors demonstrated hypermethylation and transcription downregulation of genes associated with the HIF pathway, HIF3A and CITED4, the WNT pathway, SFRP1, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and MYC expression, OVOL1. These observations were confirmed in the TCGA CIMP-RCC tumors. A selected panel of probes could identify the CIMP tumors and differentiate between HLRCC and SDHB-RCC tumors. This panel accurately detected all CIMP-RCC tumors within the TCGA RCC cohort, identifying them as HLRCC -like, and could potentially be used to create a liquid biopsy-based screening tool. The CIMP signature in these aggressive tumors could provide both a useful biomarker for diagnosis and a target for novel therapies.
Parental bonding in retrospect and adult attachment style: A comparative study between Spanish, Italian and Japanese cultures
Authors: Hoenicka Maria Alejandra Koeneke , López-de-la-Nieta Oscar , Martínez Rubio José Luis , Shinohara Kazuyuki , Neoh Michelle Jin Yee , Dimitriou Dagmara , Esposito Gianluca , Iandolo Giuseppe
Published: December 2022

Attachment is an innate human relational mechanism that develops progressively from early childhood, influences individuals’ representations and behaviors, shapes relationships, and affects the social and cultural environment. Parental bonding refers to the ability of parents to be emotionally and behaviorally available to the child during infancy. Attachment style refers to the individual’s relational attitude in close relationships that influences adult love, bonding, handling relationships, and social exploration. The role of intergenerational, cultural and developmental factors influencing the relationship between the attachment style in adulthood and the parental bonding style recalled during childhood has been debated. This study explores the relationships between recalled parental bonding, adult attachment style, and cultural background in a sample of Spanish, Italian, and Japanese adults using a cross-sectional and cross-cultural design. For this purpose, the validated versions of the Experience in Close Relationship Scale and the Parental Bonding Instrument were administered to a non-clinical population of three hundred and five participants in the three countries. Results show that the most frequent adult attachment style is the secure style, followed by the dismissing-avoidant, the preoccupied, and the fearful-avoidant style. The dismissing-avoidant style was the most frequent insecure attachment style in the Japanese sample whereas the preoccupied style was the most frequent insecure attachment style in the Italians and Spaniards. Japanese are more anchored to the memory of maternal and paternal overprotection, which is related to more avoidance in actual close relationships. Spaniard’s current relationships are mildly independent of recalled parental bonding, showing an association between lower current avoidance to primary parental care. In the Italian sample, there is no significant relationship between current adult close relationships and recalled parental bonding. These results suggest that different cultural models influence adult attachment representations differently, in terms of the weight placed on attachment-related avoidance, attachment-related anxiety, care, and overprotection in infant and adult relationships.
Mediation of the association between stigma and HIV status and fertility intention by fertility desire among heterosexual couples living with HIV in Kunming, China
Authors: Guo Yingwu , Wichaidit Wit , Du Yingrong , Liu Jun , Chongsuvivatwong Virasakdi
Published: December 2022

Objectives

This study aimed to assess the influences of stigma and HIV status on reproductive intention among heterosexual couples living with HIV in China.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted in Kunming, China among 315 HIV-positive individuals and their spouses (n = 315 couples). An interview questionnaire was used to collect data on intention, desire, HIV Stigma Scale items, and HIV status. Dyadic fertility intention was examined using the actor-partner interdependence mediation model, based on the Traits-Desires-Intentions-Behavior framework.

Results

The husbands’ or wives’ internalized stigma had significant negative effects on their own fertility desire (β = −0.149, p<0.05 and β = −0.238, p<0.01, respectively). HIV-positive status of the husbands was weakly linked to their own fertility intention (β = −0.181, p<0.05). Husbands’ perceived provider stigma was associated with their own and their wives’ fertility intention via the mediating effect of their fertility desire (β = −0.374, p<0.001 and β = −0.203, p<0.01, respectively). The cumulative influence of their reproductive desire mediated the husband’s perceived provider stigma and the wife’s internalized stigma on their fertility intention.

Conclusions

Stigma and HIV status were associated with fertility intention among couples living with HIV, mediated by fertility desire. The high intra-couple correlation suggested that counseling should be conducted when both spouses are present together with extensive discussions on concerns regarding HIV-related stigma, potential discrepancies between each partner’s fertility desire and intention, and the influence of one partner on the other.
Midwifery centers as enabled environments for midwifery: A quasi experimental design assessing women’s birth experiences in three models of care in Bangladesh, before and during covid
Authors: Stevens Jennifer Rebecca , Sabin Lora L. , Onyango Monica A. , Sarker Malabika , Declercq Eugene
Published: December 2022

Background

The midwifery model of care is a human rights-based approach (HRBA) that is unique and appropriate for the majority of healthy pregnant women, yet full expression may be limited within the medical model. Midwifery centers are facilities designed specifically to enable the practice of midwifery. In high resource countries, they have been shown to be cost effective, evidence-based, avoid over medicalization, and provide safe, efficient and satisfying care.

Methods

A quasi-experimental design was used to assess the impact of three models of care on women’s experiences of respect, and trust in maternity care provision, both before and during the pandemic in Bangladesh, as well as their fear and knowledge around COVID-19, during the pandemic. The models were: “fully enabled midwifery” (“FEM”) in freestanding midwifery centers; “midwifery and medicine” (“MAM”) in medical facilities with midwives working alongside nurses and doctors; and “no midwifery” (“NoM”) in medical facilities without midwives. Phone survey data were collected and analyzed from all women (n = 1,191) who delivered from Jan 2020-June 2020 at seven health care facilities in Bangladesh. Comparison of means, ANOVA, post hoc Tukey, and effect size were used to explore the differences in outcomes across time periods.

Findings

Pre-pandemic, women served by the FEM model reported significantly higher rates of trust and respect (p<0·001) compared to the NoM model, and significantly higher rates of trust (p<0·001) compared to MAM. During the pandemic, in the FEM model, the experiences of respect and trust did not change significantly from the pre-pandemic rates, and were significantly higher than both the MAM and NoM models (p < 0·001). Additionally, during the pandemic, women served by the FEM model had the lowest experience of COVID fear (p<0·001).

Interpretation

Fully enabled midwifery in midwifery centers had a significantly positive effect on woman’s experience of respect and trust in care compared to the other models, even in the context of a pandemic.
Association of age, sex and race with prescription of anti-osteoporosis medications following low-energy hip fracture in a retrospective registry cohort
Authors: Hoit Graeme , Whelan Daniel B. , Atrey Amit , Ravi Bheeshma , Ryan Gareth , Bogoch Earl , Davis Aileen M. , Khoshbin Amir
Published: December 2022

Background

Initiation of anti-osteoporosis medications after hip fracture lowers the risk of subsequent fragility fractures. Historical biases of targeting secondary fracture prevention towards certain groups may result in treatment disparities. We examined associations of patient age, sex and race with anti-osteoporosis medication prescription following hip fracture.

Methods

A cohort of patients with a hip fracture between 2016–2018 was assembled from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program registry. Patients on anti-osteoporosis medications prior to admission were excluded. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine adjusted associations between patient age, sex and race and their interactions with prescription of anti-osteoporosis medications within 30 days of surgery.

Results

In total, 12,249 patients with a hip fracture were identified with a median age of 82 years (IQR: 73–87), and 67% were female (n = 8,218). Thirty days postoperatively, 26% (n = 3146) of patients had been prescribed anti-osteoporosis medication. A significant interaction between age and sex with medication prescription was observed (p = 0.04). Male patients in their 50s (OR:0.75, 95%CI:0.60–0.92), 60s (OR:0.81, 95%CI:0.70–0.94) and 70s (OR:0.89, 95%CI:0.81–0.97) were less likely to be prescribed anti-osteoporosis medication compared to female patients of the same age. Patients who belonged to minority racial groups were not less likely to receive anti-osteoporosis medications than patients of white race.

Interpretation

Only 26% of patients were prescribed anti-osteoporosis medications following hip fracture, despite consensus guidelines urging early initiation of secondary prevention treatments. Given that prescription varied by age and sex, strategies to prevent disparities in secondary fracture prevention are warranted.
Clinical and laboratory factors associated with mortality among hospitalized patients with COVID-19 infection in Lebanon: A multicenter study
Authors: Chebli Marianne , Shebly Anthony , Kerbage Georges , El Zouki Christian Joseph , Hayek Elissar , Salameh Pascale , Hallit Rabih , Hallit Souheil
Published: December 2022

Background

With the dire economic situation in Lebanon, many of the basic resources of the hospitals needed to help fight COVID-19 infections are not available. In this paper, we studied the possible factors associated with increased mortality in a sample of Lebanese adults enrolled in three hospitals.

Method

In this retrospective cohort study, we analyzed data from 416 adults hospitalized in three institutions for a COVID-19 infection, from the opening of the COVID unit until their closure (period extending from March 2020 to June 2021). We used multivariate analyses to assess potential factors associated with COVID-19 mortality: gender, age, the presence of underlying medical conditions, and some medication taken during hospitalization.

Results

Using variables related to baseline characteristics entered as independent variables, acute kidney injury (aOR = 4.057) and older age (aOR = 1.053) were associated with a higher probability of death. After adjusting baseline characteristics and factors related to admission entered as independent variables, enoxaparin intake (aOR = 0.435) was significantly associated with a lower probability of death, whereas old age (aOR = 1.049) and ventilation (aOR = 1.2) were significantly associated with higher odds of death. When all variables that showed significance in bivariate analysis were entered, old age (aOR = 1.243) and highest PaCO2 during hospitalization (aOR = 1.192) were significantly associated with higher mortality. With a weak effect, atrial fibrillation, COPD, and higher leucocyte counts on admission were significantly associated with higher odds of death.

Conclusion

These findings could help us prevent severe diseases in patients with several comorbidities and adjust therapeutic care to improve future outcomes. More studies should compare the outcome of different COVID-19 strains as well as the impact of vaccination on those with multiple comorbidities, especially on the mortality rate culminating from disease complications.
Information acquisition and cognitive processes during strategic decision-making: Combining a policy-capturing study with eye-tracking data
Authors: Pizzo Alice , Fosgaard Toke R. , Tyler Beverly B. , Beukel Karin
Published: December 2022

Policy-capturing (PC) methodologies have been employed to study decision-making, and to assess how decision-makers use available information when asked to evaluate hypothetical situations. An important assumption of the PC techniques is that respondents develop cognitive models to help them efficiently process the many information cues provided while reviewing a large number of decision scenarios. With this study, we seek to analyze the process of answering a PC study. We do this by investigating the information acquisition and the cognitive processes behind policy-capturing, building on cognitive and attention research and exploiting the tools of eye-tracking. Additionally, we investigate the role of experience in mediating the relationship between the information processed and judgments in order to determine how the cognitive models of student samples differ from those of professionals. We find evidence of increasing efficiency as a function of practice when respondents undergo the PC experiment. We also detect a selective process on information acquisition; such selection is consistent with the respondents’ evaluation. While some differences are found in the information processing among the split sample of students and professionals, remarkable similarities are detected. Our study adds confidence to the assumption that respondents build cognitive models to handle the large amounts of information presented in PC experiments, and the defection of such models is not substantially affected by the applied sample.
Anxiety state impact on recovery of runners with lower extremity injuries
Authors: Madsen Aimee , Sharififar Sharareh , Oberhaus Jordan , Vincent Kevin R. , Vincent Heather K.
Published: December 2022

This prospective cohort study examined the impact of high anxiety levels on psychological state and gait performance during recovery in runners with lower body injuries. Recreational runners diagnosed with lower body injuries who had reduced running volume (N = 41) were stratified into groups using State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) scores: high anxiety (H-Anx; STAI ≥40 points) and low anxiety (L-Anx; STAI <40 points). Runners were followed through rehabilitation to return-to-run using monthly surveys. Main outcome measures included kinesiophobia (Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia, TSK-11), Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS; Positive and negative scores), Lower Extremity Function Scale (LEFS), running recovery (University of Wisconsin Running Injury and Recovery Index [UWRI]) and CDC Healthy Days modules for general health, days of anxiety/tension, disrupted sleep and work/usual activities. Running biomechanics were assessed at baseline and the final visit using 3D motion capture and a force-plated treadmill. The time to return-to-running for was 5.0±3.1 and 7.9±4.1 months for L-Anx and H-Anx, respectively and participants who withdrew (n = 15) did so at 7.7±6.2 months. L-Anx maintained low anxiety and H-Anx reduced anxiety from baseline to final visit (STAI = 31.5 to 28.4 points, 50.4 to 37.8 points, respectively), whereas the withdrawn runners remained clinically anxious at their final survey (41.5 to 40.3 points; p < .05). Group by time interactions were found for PANAS positive, LEFS UWRI, general health scores, and days feeling worry, tension and anxiety (all p < .05). Final running performance in L-Anx compared to H-Anx was most improved with cadence (8.6% vs 3.5%; p = .044), impact loading rate [-1.9% vs +8.9%] and lower body stiffness [+14.1% vs +3.2%; all p < .05). High anxiety may identify runners who will experience a longer recovery process, health-related functional disruptions, and less optimization of gait biomechanics during rehabilitation after a lower extremity injury.
Percutaneous nephrostomy for complex renal stones: Percutaneous renal access behind the stone versus renal calyx dilation
Authors: Ahn Jae Kyeong , Won Jung Ho , Choi Dae Seob , Choi Ho Cheol , Choi Hye Young , Jo Sa Hong , Choi Jae Hwi , Lee Seung Hye , Kim Mi Ji , Park Sung Eun , Shin Ji Hoon
Published: December 2022

Objective

To evaluate the technical success rate and complications associated with percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN) via percutaneous renal access behind the stone and renal calyx dilation in patients with complex renal stones.

Materials and methods

From January 2010 to February 2021, we identified 69 patients with 70 complex renal stones who underwent PCN. Complex renal stones were classified as simple (renal pelvis only) (27.1%, 19/70), borderline staghorn (8.6%, 6/70), partial staghorn (51.4%, 36/70), or complete staghorn (12.9%, 9/70). All PCNs were performed under ultrasound and fluoroscopic guidance using one of two renal-entry techniques: puncture behind the stone (56%, 39/70) or renal calyx dilation (44%, 31/70). Then, we retrospectively evaluated the technical success rates and complications associated with each renal entry access technique.

Results

The overall technical success rate was 100%, and the complication rate was 20.0% (14/70). For those who underwent renal access behind the stone, the complication rate was 15.4% (6/39), and six patients (six PCNs) had transient gross hematuria. For those who underwent dilated renal calyx entry, the complication rate was 25.8% (8/31), and one patient had significant bleeding complications requiring transfusion. Furthermore, seven patients (seven PCNs) had transient gross hematuria. Overall, the complication rates did not differ between the technique groups (p = 0.279)

Conclusion

PCN for complex renal stones has a high technical success rate and an acceptable complication rate regardless of the specific technique. Renal entry behind the stone is as safe and feasible as approaching via a dilated renal calyx.
Chinese herbal therapy in the management of rhinosinusitis—A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Cui Jing , Lin Wenmin , May Brian H. , Luo Qiulan , Worsnop Christopher , Zhang Anthony Lin , Guo Xinfeng , Lu Chuanjian , Li Yunying , Xue Charlie C.
Published: December 2022

This systematic review aims to assess the effects and safety of Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs) in the management of rhinosinusitis (RS); inform clinicians of the current state of the evidence; identify the best available evidence; and suggest further directions for research. Five English and four Chinese language databases, and four clinical trial registries were searched. Eligible studies were randomised controlled trials (RCTs). Participants were diagnosed with RS based on established criteria. Test interventions were CHMs administered orally and/or nasally, excluding injections and displacement techniques. Control interventions included placebos, no additional treatment, and conventional non-invasive treatments including pharmacotherapies and/or nasal irrigation, and/or inhalations. Polyposis and post-surgical recovery were excluded. Outcomes were Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT), visual analogue scales (VAS), Lund-Mackay computed tomography score (LM), Lund-Kennedy Endoscopic score (LK), Mucociliary transport time (MTT), Mucociliary transport rate (MTR), quality of life and adverse events (AEs). Risk of bias used the Cochrane tool. Meta-analysis in Review Manager 5.4.1 used random effects for mean difference (MD) or risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence intervals. Heterogeneity was assessed as I2. Thirty-four RCTs were included, 30 of chronic RS (CRS) and four of acute RS (ARS). These enrolled 3,752 participants. Five RCTs blinded participants. For CRS, comparisons with placebo showed greater improvements in the CHM groups for SNOT-20 and VAS-TNS (total nasal symptoms). Blinded comparisons with pharmacotherapies showed no differences between groups in the degree of improvement for SNOT-20, VAS-TNS, and LM, suggesting these CHMs had similar effects, at least in the short term. In ARS, pooled results found improved scores on VAS-TNS and LK suggesting a benefit for combining these CHMs with pharmacotherapies. Limitations included inadequacies in study design and methodological reporting, and insufficient reporting of AEs. Heterogeneity in some pooled results precluded strong conclusions. Further well-designed studies are needed to test whether the results are replicable.

Systematic review registration number: PROSPERO (CRD42019119586).
Efficacy and safety of electric acupuncture in treatment of intractable facial paralysis: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhou Yihao , Huang Gan , Luo Chunhong , Huang Zhilin , Dai Anhong , Zhang Xuelian , Liu Meifang , Shi Jing
Published: December 2022

Background

Facial paralysis is a common clinical disease, it was named intractable facial paralysis when the clinical course more than 2 months. Intractable facial paralysis will produce anxiety and depression, which will seriously affect patients’ life and work. Electric acupuncture has been widely used in the treatment of intractable facial paralysis. However, the results of clinical studies on the efficacy and safety have been inconsistent. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of electric acupuncture for intractable facial paralysis patients by systematic review and meta-analysis, so as to provide clinical decision-making based on evidence-based medicine.

Methods

The following databases will be searched by electronic methods: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, VIP Database, Wan-fang Data and Chinese Biomedical Database. All of them will be retrieved from the establishment date of the electronic database to March 2022, all included studies will be evaluated risk of bias by the Cochrane Handbook. The total effective rate will be the primary outcome. The systematic review will be conducted with the use of the RevMan5.3 software in this study.

Results

This study will obtain efficacy and safety of electric acupuncture for the treatment of intractable facial paralysis.

Discussion

This study will provide clinical decision-making based on evidence-based medicine that whether electric acupuncture could be used to treat intractable facial paralysis, and when and how it might be more effective and safety. It will help standardize electric acupuncture treatment strategies for intractable facial paralysis.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42021278541.
Benefits of herbal formulae containing Poria cocos (Fuling) for type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Di Yuan Ming , Sun Lu , Lu Chuanjian , Guo Xin Feng , Tang Xianyu , Zhang Anthony Lin , Fan Guanjie , Xue Charlie Changli
Published: December 2022

Background

Poria cocos(Schw.) Wolf orFulingis one of the top 10 most frequently prescribed herbs in China for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Objective

The purpose of this systematic review is to determine the additional benefit ofFulingformulae use in addition to hypoglycaemic agents for T2DM in randomised clinical trials.

Methods

English (5) and Chinese (4) medical databases were searched from their inception to August 2021. RCTs that includedFulingin herbal formulae for T2DM were included. Risk of bias were assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration’s procedures. Stata software (13.0) was used for data analysis.

Results

Seventy-three RCTs (6,489 participants) with herbal formulae containingFulingwere included. Most studies were at risk of bias and strength of the evidence were low to moderate. Meta-analysis findings showed that the addition of formulae containingFulingto hypoglycaemic agent-treatments could benefit people with T2DM by reducing fasting blood glucose (MD -0.82 [-0.93, -0.71]; I2= 79.6%,P= 0.00), 2-hour postprandial blood glucose (MD-1.15 [-1.31, -0.98], I2= 80%,P= 0.00) and haemoglobin A1c (MD-0.64 [-0.75, -0.53], I2= 84.7%,P= 0.00). Adverse events were also significantly lower in the integrative group than in the hypoglycaemic alone group (RR 0.99 [0.93, 1.06],P= 0.87).

Conclusion

Evidence from this study supports the use ofFulingformulae combined with hypoglycaemic agents for T2DM. The combined therapies appear to be well tolerated.

Trail registration

This review is registered with the PROSPERO international prospective register of systematic reviews (CRD42020214635).
Assessing the interrelationship between stigma, social influence, and cervical cancer prevention in an urban underserved setting: An exploratory study
Authors: Peterson Caryn E. , Dykens J. Andrew , Weine Stevan M. , Holt Hunter K. , Fleurimont Judes , Hutten Christina G. , Wieser John , Abuisneineh Fida , Awadalla Saria , Ongtengco Natalia P. , Gastala Nicole , Jasenof Ian G.
Published: December 2022

In the US, incidence and mortality from cervical cancer disproportionately affects racial/ethnic minorities and low-income women. Despite affordable access to primary and secondary prevention measures at Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination and screening rates are low, suggesting the presence of non-financial barriers to uptake in this population. This explanatory sequential mixed-methods study sought to explore factors that influence the acceptability of cervical cancer prevention services among parents and legal guardians of vaccine-eligible girls attending an urban FQHC and to assess social influences related to cervical cancer prevention. Participants included eight mothers, one father, and two grandparents/legal guardians. Nine participants self-identified as Black/Afro-Caribbean, or African American, two as Latinx, and one as Native American. The quantitative data suggested discordance between participants’ cervical cancer prevention knowledge and their practices. Most indicated that their daughters had received the HPV vaccine but were unsure about HPV transmission modes. Qualitative data revealed that participants were comfortable disclosing information on HPV infection and vaccination status, and most women were likely to share information related to cervical cancer testing and diagnosis. Few comments indicated personal stigma on the part of participants, but there was frequent expression of perceived public stigma (shaming and blaming women), gender differences (men are indifferent to risk), and distrust of the healthcare system. Findings highlight several concepts including the disharmony between knowledge and practice, prevalent perceived public stigma, cumbersome attitudes on the part of men regarding HPV and cervical cancer, and distrust of the healthcare system.
Medical students’ crisis-induced stress and the association with social support
Authors: Broks Vera M. A. , Stegers-Jager Karen M. , van der Waal Jeroen , van den Broek Walter W. , Woltman Andrea M.
Published: December 2022

Background

Medical schools are challenged to guard student wellbeing given the potential negative impact of the COVID-19 outbreak combined with an already high prevalence of mental distress. Although social support is generally associated with less crisis-induced stress, it is unknown whether this applies to medical students during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Objectives

The impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on perceived stress of medical students was assessed by comparing their perceived stress levels during the outbreak to both their own baseline and the previous cohort’s pre-COVID-19 stress levels. Then, the association between social support and stress during the COVID-19 outbreak was assessed.

Methods

Dutch Year-1 medical students of cohort 2019 (n = 99) completed the 14-item Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-14) at two time points: baseline (pre-COVID-19) and final measurement (COVID-19). Social support—emotional-informational support and club membership—was assessed during the final measurement. PSS and social support scores were compared to similar measurements of cohort 2018 (n = 196). Students’ baseline stress levels, gender, and study performance were controlled for when comparing final stress levels.

Results

In cohort 2018 (pre-COVID-19), students’ perceived stress levels did not differ significantly between the baseline and final measurements. Additionally, baseline stress levels of the two cohorts (2018 and 2019) were not found to be significantly different. Cohort 2019’s final stress levels (COVID-19) were significantly higher compared to their baseline stress levels (paired t-test: t = 6.07, p < .001) and cohort 2018’s final stress levels (linear regression: B = 4.186, p < .001). Only during the COVID-19 outbreak higher social support levels—i.e., emotional-informational support (B = -0.75, p < .001) and club membership (B = -3.68, p < .01)—were associated with lower stress levels.

Conclusions

During the COVID-19 outbreak, medical students’ perceived stress levels were higher—especially for students with lower social support levels. Our results suggest that medical schools should optimize social support to minimize crisis-induced stress.
The effect of neighborhood walkability on changes in physical activity and sedentary behavior during a 12-week pedometer-facilitated intervention
Authors: McCormack Gavin R. , Spence John C. , McHugh Tara-Leigh , Mummery W. Kerry
Published: December 2022

Background

Pedometer-facilitated interventions encourage physical activity via the accumulation of steps. Mixed evidence suggests that neighborhood walkability might influence the effectiveness of physical activity interventions, including pedometer-facilitated interventions. Our study investigated the moderating effect of neighborhood walkability on immediate (4-week) and short-term (12-week) changes in self-reported neighborhood-specific leisure and transportation walking, leisure-based moderate and vigorous-intensity physical activity, and leisure-based screen time during a pedometer-facilitated intervention (UWALK).

Methods

This quasi-experiment undertaken in Calgary (Canada) compared behavior changes during the 12-week intervention between two neighborhood groups classified as ‘walkable’ or ‘car dependent’ based on Walk Score®. Of the 573 volunteers (adults in the contemplation and preparation stages of physical activity behavior change), 466 participated in UWALK. Surveys captured sociodemographic characteristics, perceived neighborhood walkability, neighborhood preferences, motivation, physical activity and screen-based leisure. Covariate-adjusted linear mixed models estimated the differences in physical activity and leisure screen time between the neighborhood walkability groups at baseline, 4-weeks, and 12-weeks.

Results

UWALK participants included mostly females (83%) and had an average age of 49.2 years. Weekly minutes of walking for transport inside the neighborhood was higher (p < .001) among participants from walkable versus car dependent neighborhoods at baseline (42.5 vs. 21.1), 4-weeks (81.2 vs. 48.2), and 12-weeks (87.2 vs. 48.0). Regardless of neighborhood walkability, all physical activity outcomes were higher and leisure screen time lower at 4-weeks and 12-weeks compared with baseline. We found no significant neighborhood group by time interactions.

Conclusions

Pedometer-facilitated interventions may be effective for supporting short-term changes in physical activity and sedentary behavior even among adults residing in low walkable neighborhoods.
Relationship between self-efficacy, adversity quotient, COVID-19-related stress and academic performance among the undergraduate students: A protocol for a systematic review
Authors: Ikbar Ridho Roqwan , Amit Noh , Subramaniam Ponnusamy , Ibrahim Norhayati
Published: December 2022

Background

This systematic review aims to review research manuscripts during the COVID-19 pandemic that focus on the relationship between self-efficacy, adversity quotient, COVID-19-related stress and academic performance on a range of undergraduate student.

Methods

The authors will perform comprehensive searches of published studies in electronic databases such as PMC, PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library and Web of Science by using the following search terms: ‘self-efficacy’ AND ‘adversity quotient’ AND ‘stress’ AND ‘academic performance’ AND ‘student’ AND ‘COVID-19 pandemic’. Only full-text articles in English language are included. Two reviewers will independently conduct the article selection, data extraction, and quality assessment. Any possible disagreement will be resolved by discussion, and one arbitrator (NA) will adjudicate unresolved disagreements.

Results

This review will provide an updated overview of investigating the relationship between self-efficacy, adversity quotient, COVID-19-related stress and academic performance on a range of undergraduate student during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ultimately, based on this systematic review, we will recommend the direction for future research.

Conclusion

The result of the study may help the researchers to find an updated overview of various studies in related topic.

Ethics and dissemination

Data from published studies will be used. Therefore, ethical approval is not required prior to this systematic review. The results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.