bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes in loneliness and coping strategies during COVID‐19
Authors: van Scheppingen Manon A. , Reitz Anne K. , De Caluwé Elien , Lodder Gerine
Published: October 2023

The social distancing measures implemented to slow the spread of COVID‐19 impacted many aspects of people's lives. Previous research has reported negative consequences of these measures for people's psychological well‐being, and that people differed in the impact on their psychological well‐being. The present study aimed to describe the different coping strategies Dutch people used to deal with these measures and to link these strategies to loneliness. In addition, the study aimed to examine mean‐level changes in loneliness and to explore individual differences in loneliness change. We used data from 2009 participants of a panel study of representative Dutch households. We assessed coping strategies used during the first wave of the COVID‐19 pandemic in May 2020 and examined changes in loneliness between October 2019 (before COVID‐19) and May 2020 (during the first wave of COVID‐19). First, results showed that most people employed specific coping strategies. The most frequently used social strategies were chatting and (video)calling; the most frequently used non‐social strategies were going outside, doing chores, watching TV, reading and self‐care. Second, people who used more coping strategies reported lower levels of loneliness. Third, analyses revealed an average increase in loneliness between October 2019 and May 2020. Fourth, we observed two significant interaction effects, showing a stronger positive link between the number of social coping strategies and initial loneliness levels among those with a partner or living with others than for those who were single or lived alone. Yet, no moderating effects on changes in loneliness were found: people using more coping strategies did not differ in loneliness changes from people using fewer coping strategies. Together, findings suggest that loneliness increased in the Netherlands during the first phase of COVID‐19 and that, while people's coping strategies were related to loneliness levels, they did not buffer against loneliness increases.
Current state of technical transfusion medicine practice for out‐of‐hospital blood transfusion in Canada
Authors: Blais‐Normandin Isabelle , Rymer Tihiro , Feenstra Shelley , Burry Anne , Colavecchia Connie , Duncan Jennifer , Farrell Michael , Greene Adam , Gupta Akash , Huynh Queenie , Lawrence Robin , Lehto Paula , Lett Ryan , Lin Yulia , Lyon Bruce , McCarthy Joanna , Nahirniak Susan , Nolan Brodie , Peddle Michael , Prokopchuk‐Gauk Oksana , Sham Lawrence , Trojanowski Jan , Shih Andrew W.
Published: October 2023

Background and Objectives

Canadian out‐of‐hospital blood transfusion programmes (OHBTPs) are emerging, to improve outcomes of trauma patients by providing pre‐hospital transfusion from the scene of injury, given prolonged transport times. Literature is lacking to guide its implementation. Thus, we sought to gather technical transfusion medicine (TM)‐specific practices across Canadian OHBTPs.

Materials and Methods

A survey was sent to TM representatives of Canadian OHBTPs from November 2021 to March 2022. Data regarding transport, packaging, blood components and inventory management were included and reported descriptively. Only practices involving Blood on Board programme components for emergency use were included.

Results

OHBTPs focus on helicopter emergency medical service programmes, with some supplying fixed‐wing aircraft and ground ambulances. All provide 1–3 coolers with 2 units of O RhD/Kell‐negative red blood cells (RBCs) per cooler, with British Columbia trialling coolers with 2 units of pre‐thawed group A plasma. Inventory exchanges are scheduled and blood components are returned to TM inventory using visual inspection and internal temperature data logger readings. Coolers are validated to storage durations ranging from 72 to 124 h. All programmes audit to manage wastage, though there is no consensus on appropriate benchmarks. All programmes have a process for documenting units issued, reconciliation after transfusion and for transfusion reaction reporting; however, training programmes vary. Common considerations included storage during extreme temperature environments, O‐negative RBC stewardship, recipient notification, traceability, clinical practice guidelines co‐reviewed by TM and a common audit framework.

Conclusion

OHBTPs have many similarities throughout Canada, where harmonization may assist in further developing standards, leveraging best practice and national coordination.
A Comparative Study on Critical Thinking Skills of ISEC and Non-ISEC Teachers in Institutions of Higher Education in the North of China
Authors: Tang Liqin , Allen Erica , Matt John
Published: October 2023

Viewed as one of the essential skills needed to succeed in the 21st Century, advancing student's critical thinking (CT) is a significant focus in higher education. This study utilized a non-experimental causal-comparative methodology with an explanatory mixed methods research design. The purpose of this study was to explore the status quo (current situation) of Chinese teachers’ (including ISEC and non-ISEC teachers) CT, as well as the perception, attitude, and practice of CT among them in institutions of higher education in the north of China. There were 102 participants took the California Critical Thinking Skills Test (CCTST). The results from the quantitative research showed the CT skills of Chinese teachers fell in the upper range of moderate level. There were no significant differences or relationships in CT skills for ISEC and non-ISEC teachers based on the variables: gender, professional rank, educational background, discipline taught, age, and years of teaching. Twelve participants were interviewed. The core phenomenon or theory emerged from the qualitative data: Chinese teachers advocated and supported CT instruction, but they had a varied and fragmented perception about CT. Although they held a positive attitude towards CT and CT instruction, they applied limited CT teaching strategies in their practice. All participants displayed a strong desire to participate in CT training programs. The findings from the qualitative paradigm supported, complemented, and deepened the findings from the quantitative paradigm.
Risk Approach Based on the FRAM Model for Vessel Traffic Management
Authors: Viran Adem , Mentes Ayhan
Published: October 2023

This study analyzes the risks in ship traffic services management using the functional resonance analysis method (FRAM), a novel approach that focuses on identifying interactions leading to performance variability rather than errors. The research area is the Turkish Straits vessel traffic service management (VTSM) region, known for frequent risky ship passages. The goal is to ensure safe VTSM, minimize the negative impacts on people, goods, and the environment. The daily routine functions of the VTSM, determined through consultations with vessel traffic operators (VTOs), are explained by following FRAM analysis principles. Qualitative methods, aligned with expert opinions, are used to examine potential performance variabilities and hazard factors. The resulting risk situation for each function is categorized by criticality on a color-coded scale. Solution proposals are provided to manage critical function variability, enhancing the VTSM system's responsiveness and adaptability.
Conjugate Heat Transfer Evaluation of Turbine Blade Leading-Edge Swirl and Jet Impingement Cooling With Particulate Deposition
Authors: Yang Xing , Hao Zihan , Feng Zhenping , Ligrani Phillip , Weigand Bernhard
Published: October 2023

Internal cooling structures for gas turbine engines are becoming more complicated to push the hot gas temperature as high as possible, which, however, allows particulates drawn into the coolant air to be more readily to deposit within these passages and thus greatly affect their flow loss and thermal performance. In this study, internal swirl cooling and jet impingement cooling subjected to particulate deposition were evaluated and compared using a conjugate heat transfer method, with an emphasis on the thermal effects of the insulative deposits. To accomplish the goal, an unsteady conjugate mesh morphing simulation framework was developed and validated, which involved particle tracking in an unsteady fluid flow, particle–wall interaction modeling, conjugate mesh morphing of both fluid and solid domains, and a deposit identification method. The swirl and the jet impingement cooling configurations modeled the internal cooling passage for the leading-edge region of a turbine blade and were investigated in a dust-laden coolant environment at real engine conditions. Coupling effects between the dynamic deposition process and the unsteady flow inside the two cooling channels were examined and the insulative effects of the deposits were quantified by comparing the temperatures on the external and internal surfaces of the metal channel walls, as well as on the deposit layers. Results demonstrated the ability of the newly developed, unsteady conjugate simulation framework to identify the deposits from the original bare wall surface and to predict the insulation effects of the deposits in the dynamic deposition process. The dust almost covered the entire impingement channel, while deposits were only seen in the vicinity of the jets in the swirl channel. Despite this, a dramatical decrease of convection heat transfer was found in the swirl channel because the swirling flow was sensitive to the interruption of the deposits. In contrast, the deposits improved the heat transfer rate in the impingement channel. When the thermal effects of the deposit layer were taken into account, the wall temperatures of both two cooling geometries were substantially elevated, exceeding the allowable temperature of the metal material. Due to the denser deposit coverage, the impingement channel wall had a greater temperature increase than the swirl channel. In terms of flow loss, the presence of the deposits inhibited the swirl intensity by interrupting the swirling flow and thus reduced the friction loss, whereas the pressure loss was improved by the deposits in the impingement cooling.
Effects of obstruent voicing on vowel fundamental frequency in Dutch
Authors: Pinget Anne-France , Quené Hugo
Published: October 2023

It has been known for a long time and a wide variety of languages that vowel fundamental frequency (F0) following voiceless obstruents tends to be significantly higher than F0 following voiced obstruents. There has been a long-standing debate about the cause of this phenomenon. Some evidence in previous work is more compatible with an articulatory account of this effect, while others support the auditory enhancement account. This paper investigates these consonant-related F0 perturbations in Dutch after initial fricatives (/v, f/) and stops (/b, p/), as compared to after the nasal /m/. Dutch is particularly interesting because it is a “true voicing” language, and because fricatives are currently undergoing a process of devoicing. Results show that F0 was raised after voiceless, but largely unaffected after voiced obstruents. Fricative voicing in /v/ and F0 level tend to covary: the less voicing in /v/, the higher F0 at onset. There was no trace of an active gesture to explicitly lower pitch after highly devoiced fricatives, as would be predicted by an auditory account. In conclusion, F0 perturbations after Dutch obstruents and their covariation patterns are taken as additional evidence to support an articulatory cause of consonant-related F0 effects.
Universal scaling of shear thickening transitions
Authors: Ramaswamy Meera , Griniasty Itay , Liarte Danilo B. , Shetty Abhishek , Katifori Eleni , Del Gado Emanuela , Sethna James P. , Chakraborty Bulbul , Cohen Itai
Published: October 2023

Nearly, all dense suspensions undergo dramatic and abrupt thickening transitions in their flow behavior when sheared at high stresses. Such transitions occur when the dominant interactions between the suspended particles shift from hydrodynamic to frictional. Here, we interpret abrupt shear thickening as a precursor to a rigidity transition and give a complete theory of the viscosity in terms of a universal crossover scaling function from the frictionless jamming point to a rigidity transition associated with friction, anisotropy, and shear. Strikingly, we find experimentally that for two different systems—cornstarch in glycerol and silica spheres in glycerol—the viscosity can be collapsed onto a single universal curve over a wide range of stresses and volume fractions. The collapse reveals two separate scaling regimes due to a crossover between frictionless isotropic jamming and frictional shear jamming, with different critical exponents. The material-specific behavior due to the microscale particle interactions is incorporated into a scaling variable governing the proximity to shear jamming, that depends on both stress and volume fraction. This reformulation opens the door to importing the vast theoretical machinery developed to understand equilibrium critical phenomena to elucidate fundamental physical aspects of the shear thickening transition.
The
Shigella flexneri
virulence factor apyrase is released inside eukaryotic cells to hijack host cell fate
Authors: Perruzza Lisa , Zagaglia Carlo , Vitiello Laura , Sarshar Meysam , Strati Francesco , Pasqua Martina , Grassi Fabio , Nicoletti Mauro , Palamara Anna Teresa , Ambrosi Cecilia , Scribano Daniela
Published: October 2023

Intestinal epithelial cells represent the first line of defense from invading enteric pathogens. During the course of infection, pro-inflammatory programmed cell death is an effective way to eliminate invading microbes and to create a localized inflammatory environment. On the other hand, pathogens evolved countless strategies to overcome cell death and to keep the host alive ensuring their spread. It was previously shown that
Shigella flexneri
apyrase interacts with OmpA to contribute to a proper polar exposition of IcsA, which mediates actin-based motility. However, apyrase is also an ATP-diphosphohydrolase whose catalytic activity function has not been elucidated yet. Herein, we demonstrated that apyrase contributes to the manipulation of host cell fate by
S. flexneri
since it is released within the host cell cytoplasm during infection to degrade intracellular ATP. Thus, apyrase contributes to prevent caspase-1 activation, thereby downregulating the activation of pyroptosis in infected cells. Overall, apyrase is involved in the modulation of host cell survival and dampens the inflammatory response.

IMPORTANCE

In this paper, we demonstrated that apyrase is released within the host cell cytoplasm during infection to target the intracellular ATP pool. By degrading intracellular ATP, apyrase contributes to prevent caspases activation, thereby inhibiting the activation of pyroptosis in infected cells. Our results show, for the first time, that apyrase is involved in the modulation of host cell survival, thereby aiding this pathogen to dampen the inflammatory response. This work adds a further piece to the puzzle of
Shigella
pathogenesis. Due to its increased spread worldwide, prevention and controlling strategies are urgently needed. Overall, this study highlighted apyrase as a suitable target for an anti-virulence therapy to tackle this pathogen.
Complications of hymenoplasty
Authors: Pace Margherita , Broquet Celine , Peter Clarisse , Abdulcadir Jasmine
Published: October 2023

We present the case of a woman in her late 20s who consulted our gynaecology emergency department due to dyspareunia and vaginal penetration issues. She had undergone a ‘virginity reconstruction’ procedure 10 days before her wedding in Africa. Clinical examination revealed suture of the inferior part of inner labia (labia minora), narrowing of the vaginal introitus and abnormal vaginal discharge. We performed an inferior defibulation procedure and removed the sutures under general anaesthesia. Postoperative care included systemic metronidazole, counselling, vaginal dilators and topical estrogens for 1 month. There were no complications during the postoperative follow-up, and a month later, the woman confirmed a satisfactory outcome. The aim of this paper is to discuss the practice of so-called ‘virginity reconstruction’, currently classified among female cosmetic genital surgeries despite being very similar to what is defined as female genital mutilation, and the care that can be provided to women in such cases.
Risk prediction model of self-reported hypertension for telemedicine based on the sociodemographic, occupational and health-related characteristics of seafarers: a cross-sectional epidemiological study
Authors: Sagaro Getu Gamo , Angeloni Ulrico , Battineni Gopi , Chintalapudi Nalini , Dicanio Marzio , Kebede Mihiretu M , Marotta Claudia , Rezza Giovanni , Silenzi Andrea , Amenta Francesco
Published: October 2023

Objectives

High blood pressure is a common health concern among seafarers. However, due to the remote nature of their work, it can be difficult for them to access regular monitoring of their blood pressure. Therefore, the development of a risk prediction model for hypertension in seafarers is important for early detection and prevention. This study developed a risk prediction model of self-reported hypertension for telemedicine.

Design

A cross-sectional epidemiological study was employed.

Setting

This study was conducted among seafarers aboard ships. Data on sociodemographic, occupational and health-related characteristics were collected using anonymous, standardised questionnaires.

Participants

This study involved 8125 seafarers aged 18–70 aboard 400 vessels between November 2020 and December 2020. 4318 study subjects were included in the analysis. Seafarers over 18 years of age, active (on duty) during the study and willing to give informed consent were the inclusion criteria.

Outcome measures

We calculated the adjusted OR (AOR) with 95% CIs using multiple logistic regression models to estimate the associations between sociodemographic, occupational and health-related characteristics and self-reported hypertension. We also developed a risk prediction model for self-reported hypertension for telemedicine based on seafarers’ characteristics.

Results

Among the 4318 participants, 55.3% and 44.7% were non-officers and officers, respectively. 20.8% (900) of the participants reported having hypertension. Multivariable analysis showed that age (AOR: 1.08, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.10), working long hours per week (AOR: 1.02, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.03), work experience at sea (10+ years) (AOR: 1.79, 95% CI 1.33 to 2.42), being a non-officer (AOR: 1.75, 95% CI 1.44 to 2.13), snoring (AOR: 3.58, 95% CI 2.96 to 4.34) and other health-related variables were independent predictors of self-reported hypertension, which were included in the final risk prediction model. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of the predictive model were 56.4%, 94.4% and 86.5%, respectively.

Conclusion

A risk prediction model developed in the present study is accurate in predicting self-reported hypertension in seafarers’ onboard ships.
Prevalence and associated factors of poor sleep quality among industrial workers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: findings from a cross-sectional study
Authors: Hailu Tesfaye Amensisa , Masresha Addisu Genene , Tadesse Tirhas , Aragaw Fantu Mamo , Desye Belay , Abere Giziew
Published: October 2023

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and associated factors of poor sleep quality among Bole Lemi Industrial Park workers in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia.

Design

An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from July to August 2022. The data were collected using a validated and standardised Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index Questionnaire. The collected data were entered into EpiData V.4.6 and analysed using Stata V.14. A multivariable binary logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify factors associated with poor sleep quality. The association was determined using an adjusted OR (AOR) with a 95% CI at a p value of <0.05.

Setting

The study was conducted in Bole Lemi Industrial Park in Addis Ababa.

Participants

A total of 370 workers participated in this study.

Outcome measures

The primary outcome of the study was the prevalence of poor sleep quality.

Results

The total response rate was 87.7%. The majority (260, 70.3%) of the participants were female. The mean (±SD) age of the participants was 30.5 (±10.6) years. The prevalence of poor sleep quality during the last months was found to be 75.4% (n=279) (95% CI: 70.7% to 79.7%). Undiversified dietary intake (AOR: 1.63; 95% CI (1.09 to 2.78)), caffeine consumption more than 250 mg per day (AOR: 2.57; 95% CI (1.12 to 6.05)) and night shift work (AOR: 2.36; 95% CI (1.27 to 4.41)) were risk factors for poor sleep quality among sampled workers.

Conclusion

This study detected that poor sleep quality is highly prevalent among garment and textile industry workers, indicating that it is a significant public health issue that requires immediate attention. Therefore, modifications of the work environment involving night shift work and the improvement of workers’ personal lifestyles involving dietary diversification and caffeine consumption are needed to minimise the burden of poor sleep quality among workers.
Older high-cost patients in Norwegian somatic hospitals: a register-based study of patient characteristics
Authors: Lønhaug-Næss Morten , Jakobsen Monika Dybdahl , Blix Bodil Hansen , Bergmo Trine Strand , Hoben Matthias , Moholt Jill-Marit
Published: October 2023

Objective

Two-thirds of the economic resources in Norwegian hospitals are used on 10% of the patients. Most of these high-cost patients are older adults, which experience more unplanned hospital admissions, longer hospital stays and higher readmission rates than other patients. This study aims to examine the individual and clinical characteristics of older patients with unplanned admissions to Norwegian somatic hospitals and how these characteristics differ between high-cost and low-cost older patients.

Design

Observational cross-sectional study.

Setting

Norwegian somatic hospitals.

Participants

National registry data of older Norwegian patients (≥65 years) with ≥1 unplanned contact with somatic hospitals in 2019 (n=2 11 738).

Primary outcome measure

High-cost older patients were defined as those within the 10% of the highest diagnosis-related group weights in 2019 (n=21 179). We compared high-cost to low-cost older patients using bivariate analyses and logistic regression analysis.

Results

Men were more likely to be high-cost older patients than women (OR=1.25, 95% CI 1.21 to 1.29) and the oldest (90+ years) compared with the youngest older adults (65–69 years) were less likely to cause high costs (OR=0.47, 95% CI 0.43 to 0.51). Those with the highest level of education were less likely to cause high costs than those with primary school degrees (OR=0.74, 95% CI 0.69 to 0.80). Main diagnosis group (OR=3.50, 95% CI 3.37 to 3.63) and dying (OR=4.13, 95% CI 3.96 to 4.30) were the clinical characteristics most strongly associated with the likelihood of being a high-cost older patient.

Conclusion

Several of the observed patient characteristics in this study may warrant further investigation as they might contribute to high healthcare costs. For example, MDGs, reflecting comprehensive healthcare needs and lower education, which is associated with poorer health status, increase the likelihood of being high-cost older patients. Our results indicate that Norwegian hospitals function according to the intentions of those having the highest needs receiving most services.
Scoping review protocol: exploration of the barriers and facilitators to the uptake of early postnatal contraception
Authors: Cutter Judith , Cooper Michelle , Sanders Julia , Cannings-John Rebecca , Strange Heather
Published: October 2023

Introduction

It is well documented that many women do not desire a short interpregnancy interval. Medical societies, government agencies and leaders in the field recommend that contraception should be part of maternity care. Short spaced and unplanned pregnancies increase the chances of mortality and morbidity in the mother and child. The WHO recommends a 24-month interpregnancy interval; however, short pregnancy intervals remain common. The goal of this scoping review will be to explore barriers and facilitators to the uptake of early postnatal contraception. A review of globally published literature relating to the implementation of a postnatal contraception service provision globally will be carried out which will highlight evidence gaps, strengths and weaknesses of studies associated with uptake and known barriers and facilitators to the uptake of early postnatal contraception.

Methods and analysis

This scoping review will be conducted in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for scoping reviews. The search strategy aims to locate both published and unpublished studies. An initial limited search of PubMed and CINAHL was undertaken to identify articles on the provision of postnatal contraception. The search strategy will be adapted for each included database CINAHL, SCOPUS, MEDLINE, PROSPERO and COCHRANE from 1 January 1993 to 1 January 2023 and reviewed by two reviewers. The data will be analysed and presented in tables, diagrams and text.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval is not required. This review is a retrospective review of widely and publicly available evidence. The review findings will be disseminated via publication in peer-reviewed journals, as part of a PhD thesis and conference presentation.

Scoping review question

What are the barriers and facilitators to early postnatal contraception provision and uptake?
Vitamin D deficiency and its associated factors among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Taderegew Mitku Mammo , Woldeamanuel Gashaw Garedew , Wondie Alemayehu , Getawey Atsede , Abegaz Abera Nesiru , Adane Fentahun
Published: October 2023

Objective

The study intended to assess the pooled prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (VDD) and its associated factors among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Design

The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were employed to plan and conduct this systematic review and meta-analysis.

Data sources

PubMed, Medline, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Science Direct and the Worldwide Science database were searched from their inception to 31 January 2023.

Methods

Data were extracted using a standardised data extraction format prepared in Microsoft Excel. The inverse variance (I2) test was used to evaluate the presence of heterogeneity across the included studies. To identify the possible source of heterogeneity, subgroup analysis was carried out. Funnel plot symmetry, Begg’s and Egger’s tests were used to evaluate the existence of publication bias. In addition, factors associated with VDD among patients with T2DM were examined. All statistical analyses were carried out with STATA V.14 software.

Results

A total of 54 studies with 38 016 study participants were included in the study. The pooled prevalence of VDD among patients with T2DM was found to be 64.2% (95% CI 60.6% to 67.8%) with a substantial level of heterogeneity (I2=98.2%; p<0.001). Results of the subgroup analysis indicated that the pooled prevalence of VDD among patients with T2DM was highest (70.9%) in African nations and lowest (57.1%) in Middle East countries. Being female (pooled OR (POR) 1.60, 95% CI 1.29 to 1.97), having poor glycaemic control (POR 2.50; 95% CI 1.74 to 3.59), hypertension (POR 1.21; 95% CI 1.08 to 1.36), obesity (body mass index ≥25) (POR 1.68; 95% CI 1.16 to 2.44), dyslipidaemia (POR 2.54, 95% CI 1.37 to 4.73), albuminuria (POR 2.22, 95% CI 1.71 to 2.95), nephropathy (POR 1.58; 95% CI 1.08 to 2.31) and retinopathy (POR 1.48: 95% CI 1.17 to 1.89) were predictors of VDD among patients with T2DM.

Conclusions

More than half of patients with T2DM were suffering from VDD. Being female, having poor glycaemic control, hypertension, obesity, dyslipidaemia, albuminuria, nephropathy and retinopathy were the predictors of VDD among patients with T2DM.
Estimating the prevalence of discrepancies between study registrations and publications: a systematic review and meta-analyses
Authors:   TARG Meta-Research Group & Collaborators
Published: October 2023

Objectives

Prospectively registering study plans in a permanent time-stamped and publicly accessible document is becoming more common across disciplines and aims to reduce risk of bias and make risk of bias transparent. Selective reporting persists, however, when researchers deviate from their registered plans without disclosure. This systematic review aimed to estimate the prevalence of undisclosed discrepancies between prospectively registered study plans and their associated publication. We further aimed to identify the research disciplines where these discrepancies have been observed, whether interventions to reduce discrepancies have been conducted, and gaps in the literature.

Design

Systematic review and meta-analyses.

Data sources

Scopus and Web of Knowledge, published up to 15 December 2019.

Eligibility criteria

Articles that included quantitative data about discrepancies between registrations or study protocols and their associated publications.

Data extraction and synthesis

Each included article was independently coded by two reviewers using a coding form designed for this review (osf.io/728ys). We used random-effects meta-analyses to synthesise the results.

Results

We reviewed k=89 articles, which included k=70 that reported on primary outcome discrepancies from n=6314 studies and, k=22 that reported on secondary outcome discrepancies from n=1436 studies. Meta-analyses indicated that between 29% and 37% (95% CI) of studies contained at least one primary outcome discrepancy and between 50% and 75% (95% CI) contained at least one secondary outcome discrepancy. Almost all articles assessed clinical literature, and there was considerable heterogeneity. We identified only one article that attempted to correct discrepancies.

Conclusions

Many articles did not include information on whether discrepancies were disclosed, which version of a registration they compared publications to and whether the registration was prospective. Thus, our estimates represent discrepancies broadly, rather than our target ofundiscloseddiscrepancies betweenprospectivelyregistered study plans and their associated publications. Discrepancies are common and reduce the trustworthiness of medical research. Interventions to reduce discrepancies could prove valuable.

Registration

osf.io/ktmdg. Protocol amendments are listed in online supplemental material A.
Breastfeeding experiences of patients in baby-friendly certified hospital settings: protocol for a scoping review
Authors: Durocher Keri , Jackson Kimberley T , Booth Richard , Tryphonopoulos Panagiota , Kennedy Kelly
Published: October 2023

Introduction

The Baby-friendly Hospital Initiative is a global programme that is meant to support breastfeeding within organisations. Most of the current literature is focused on implementation and uptake of the programme; however, little is known about the patient experience of breastfeeding within these settings. By exploring this current gap in the literature, we may discover important contextual elements of the breastfeeding experience. The objective of this protocol is to provide a framework for a scoping review where we aim to understand the extent and type of evidence in relation to the patient experience of breastfeeding in Baby-friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI)-certified settings.

Methods and analysis

The proposed scoping review will be conducted in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for scoping reviews. The databases to be searched for relevant literature include MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL and Scopus in April 2023. A grey literature scan will include reviewing documents from professional organisations/associations. For all sources of evidence that meet the inclusion criteria, data will be extracted and presented in a table format. The results of the search and the study inclusion process will be reported in full in the final scoping review and presented in a Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for scoping reviews. Participants in this review will include any individual who delivered their baby in a BFHI-certified setting. Exploring the patient experience will involve reviewing their subjective perceptions of events related to breastfeeding. These events must occur in a BFHI-certified hospital, and therefore, home births and other outpatient settings will be excluded.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval is not required for this scoping review protocol or the final review. Knowledge gained from this research will be disseminated through the primary author’s PhD dissertation work, as well as manuscript publications and conference presentations.
Patients’ and clinicians’ views on the appropriate use of safety-netting advice in consultations—an interview study from Sweden
Authors: Fernholm Rita , Wannheden Carolina , Trygg Lycke Sofia , Riggare Sara , Pukk Harenstam Karin
Published: October 2023

Background

A promising approach to manage clinical uncertainty and thereby reduce the risk of preventable diagnostic harm is to use safety-netting advice (ie, communicating structured information to patients about when and where to reconsult healthcare).

Aim

To explore clinicians’ and patients’ views on when and how safety-netting can be successfully applied in primary-care and emergency-care settings.

Design and setting

An exploratory qualitative research design; we performed focus groups and interviews in a Swedish setting.

Participants

Nine physicians working in primary or emergency care and eight patients or caregivers participated. The participants were an ethnically homogeneous group, originating from Western European or Australian backgrounds.

Method

Data were analysed inductively, using the framework method. The results are reported according to the Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research guidelines for reporting qualitative research.

Results

In order to manage diagnostic uncertainty using safety-netting, clinicians and patients emphasised the need to understand thepreconditionsfor the consultation (ie, the healthcare setting, the patient’s capacity and existing power imbalance). Furthermore, participants raised the importance ofestablishing a mutual understandingregarding the patient’s perspective and the severity of the situation before engaging in safety-netting advice.

Conclusion

The establishment of a shared mental model between clinician and patient of the preconditions for the clinical encounter is a vital factor affecting how safety-netting advice is communicated and received and its ability to support patients in problem detection and planning after the visit. We suggest that successful safety-netting can be viewed as a team activity, where the clinician and patient collaborate in monitoring how the patient’s condition progresses after the care visit. Furthermore, our findings suggest that to be successfully implemented, safety-netting advice needs to be tailored to the clinical context in general and to the patient–clinician encounter in particular.
Comorbidities and mortality among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Skajaa Nils , Laugesen Kristina , Horváth-Puhó Erzsébet , Sørensen Henrik Toft
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Comorbidities are common in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Estimates of prevalence, incidence and prognostic impact of comorbidities provide foundational knowledge of COPD epidemiology. We examined the prevalence, incidence and prognostic impact of 21 comorbidities among patients with COPD compared with the Danish general population.

Methods

We conducted a nationwide, population-based cohort study based on longitudinal Danish registry data, covering all Danish hospitals (2010–2021). The cohorts comprised 142 973 patients with a first-time hospital-based diagnosis of COPD and 428 917 age-matched and sex-matched comparators from the general population. During follow-up, we estimated the 5-year risk and risk difference, using competing risk methods when applicable.

Results

At time of diagnosis, the comorbidities with the highest prevalence were mood, stress-related or anxiety disorders (25.2% for patients with COPD vs 13.1% for comparators), osteoporosis/hip fractures (17.4% vs 9.9%), diabetes (15.6% vs 10.5%), peripheral arterial disease (13.5% vs 4.9%) and heart failure (13.3% vs 4.0%). During follow-up, the risk of most incident comorbidities was markedly elevated among patients with COPD. The five comorbidities associated with the highest 5-year absolute risk difference with respect to the risk in the general population were mood, stress-related or anxiety disorders (5.7%), osteoporosis/hip fractures (5.6%), heart failure (4.2%), smoking-related cancers (2.8%) and peripheral arterial disease (2.7%). The 5-year mortality risk was 43% vs 17.7%. Among patients with COPD, the 5-year mortality risk markedly increased with the number of comorbidities present.

Conclusions

Our population-based findings underscore the importance of considering comorbidities in the management of COPD.
Location specific rupture risk of intracranial aneurysms: case of ophthalmic aneurysms
Authors: Chiaroni Pierre-Marie , Guerra Xavier , Cortese Jonathan , Burel Julien , Courret Thomas , Constant dit Beaufils Pacome , Agripnidis Thibault , Leonard-Lorant Ian , Fauché Cédric , Bankole Nourou Dine Adeniran , Forestier Géraud , L'allinec Vincent , Sporns Peter B , Gueton Gaelle , Lorena Nico , Psychogios Marios-Nikos , Girot Jean-Baptiste , Rouchaud Aymeric , Janot Kevin , Raynaud Nicolas , Pop Raoul , Hak Jean-Francois , Kerleroux Basile , Bourcier Romain , Marnat Gaultier , Papagiannaki Chrysanthi , Sourour Nader-Antoine , Clarençon Frédéric , Shotar Eimad
Published: October 2023

Background

Aneurysm location is a key element in predicting the rupture risk of an intracranial aneurysm. A common impression suggests that pure ophthalmic aneurysms are under-represented in ruptured intracranial aneurysms (RIAs). The purpose of this study was to specifically evaluate the risk of rupture of ophthalmic aneurysms compared with other aneurysm locations.

Methods

This multicenter study compared the frequency of ophthalmic aneurysms in a prospective cohort of RIAs admitted to 13 neuroradiology centers between January 2021 and March 2021, with a retrospective cohort of patients with unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs) who underwent cerebral angiography at the same neuroradiology centers during the same time period.

Results

604 intracranial aneurysms were included in this study (355 UIAs and 249 RIAs; mean age 57 years (IQR 49–65); women 309/486, 64%). Mean aneurysm size was 6.0 mm (5.3 mm for UIAs, 7.0 mm for RIAs; P<0.0001). Aneurysm shape was irregular for 37% UIAs and 73% RIAs (P<0.0001). Ophthalmic aneurysms frequency was 14.9% of UIAs (second most common aneurysm location) and 1.2% of RIAs (second least common aneurysm location; OR 0.07 (95% CI 0.02 to 0.23), P<0.0001).

Conclusions

Ophthalmic aneurysms seem to have a low risk of rupture compared with other intracranial aneurysm locations. This calls for a re-evaluation of the benefit–risk balance when considering preventive treatment for ophthalmic aneurysms.
Physical activity, social-communicative skills and fitness for military service
Authors: Silvala Jan , Hurtig T , Yliherva A , Taanila A , Korpelainen R
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Research has suggested that increased difficulties in social-communicative skills are associated with release from military service. A few studies have focused on the association between physical activity and military fitness; however, studies of the association between social-communicative skills and physical activity remain scarce. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between the amount of leisure time physical activity and fitness for military service, as well as to investigate the association between social-communicative difficulties and physical activity.

Methods

This is a population-based cross-sectional ‘Young Men in the North Project’, in which 2614 men (M age=18.1 years) participated in an obligatory military fitness call-up and filled out the study questionnaire.

Results

The results showed that higher physical performance compared with peers and attaining the weekly amount of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity were associated with lower likelihood of being permanently or temporarily released from the service. In addition, difficulties in social-communicative skills were associated with lower physical performance and lower weekly amounts of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. The results also showed that higher physical performance or attaining the recommended weekly amount of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, together with higher social-communicative skills, lowered the likelihood of being permanently or temporarily released from the service.

Conclusions

These results suggest that better physical performance, or a higher level of physical activity, together with better social-communicative skills, lowers the likelihood of being permanently and temporarily released from the military service more than physical performance or physical activity alone.
Use of axle load spectra (ALS) for estimating calibration drift in weigh-in-motion (WIM) systems
Authors: Masud Muhamad Munum , Haider Syed Waqar , Selezneva Olga , Wolf Dean J.
Published: October 2023

The road agencies collect and submit weigh-in-motion (WIM) data to the Federal Highway Administration as part of their traffic monitoring program. Therefore, the WIM data should be precise and accurate. One way to evaluate WIM measurement errors is by using the test truck data collected immediately before and after equipment calibration. The limitation of this approach is that the data represent a snapshot in time and may not represent a long-term WIM site performance. This paper presents an approach for estimating WIM system accuracy based on axle load spectra attributes (normalized axle load spectra (NALS) shape factors). This alternative approach allows for characterizing temporal changes in WIM data consistency. The WIM error data collected before and after calibration were related to Class 9 NALS shape factors in the proposed methodology. This paper aims to determine WIM system errors based on axle loading without physically performing WIM equipment performance validation using test trucks. The presented methodology can be used to estimate systematic errors (drift) in the WIM system at any point in time after the equipment calibration. This approach can help highway agencies select optimum timings for routine maintenance and calibration of WIM equipment without compromising its accuracy. The results show that the WIM accuracy for the single axle (SA) and tandem axle (TA) can be estimated with SA and TA NALS shape factors with an acceptable degree of error for bending plate to quartz piezo sensors. Examples are included to demonstrate the application and significance of the developed models.
Effects of incremented auditory feedback on remote vehicle operator task performance
Authors: Dunn Matthew J.M. , Molesworth Brett R.C. , Koo Tay , Lodewijks Gabriel
Published: October 2023

Remote vehicle operators (RVO) work in a sensory-deprived environment. A reduction or absence of sensory cueing like auditory feedback, combined with variable workload, has been attributed to a number of remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) accidents. Therefore, this research sought to understand the relationship between workload and dynamic auditory feedback on RVO task performance. Twenty-four participants completed a counterbalanced series of decision-making (spatial orientation accuracy) and perception (spotting accuracy) tasks in an automated beyond visual line of sight environment, under varying workload and auditory volume levels. The management style employed by participants in dealing with the auditory information was also measured and compared with decision-making performance. A relative decline in spatial orientation accuracy was evident when auditory feedback was considered “soft” or “loud” (±10 dBA) compared with a participant-defined comfortable volume level, but contingent on an adequate level of workload experienced concurrently. From an applied perspective, these findings support the inclusion of adaptive auditory systems in future Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) designs.
Mesozoic evolution of large-scale drainage systems in the Indochina Block: evidence from palaeomagnetic and U–Pb geochronological constraints
Authors: Lai Zhenyang , Zhao Qian , Yan Yonggang , Li Danxin , Liu Bingxu , Liu Kang , Huang Baochun , Zhang Peizhen
Published: October 2023

The collage of the Indochina Block to the Eurasian continent during the Mesozoic resulted in major changes in source-to-sink systems of East Asia, whilst the sedimentation in the Khorat–Simao Basin of the Indochina Block transited from marine to continental environments. Previous studies uncovered the existence of transcontinental river systems in the East Asia mainland during the Cretaceous to Early Cenozoic, although there have been few studies on pre-Cretaceous drainage systems. To determine the impact on the evolution of palaeo-drainage systems triggered by tectonic movement of the Indochina Block, we performed palaeomagnetic and U–Pb geochronologic analyses on the Late Triassic to Early Cretaceous sedimentary rocks in the Simao Basin. Palaeomagnetic data indicate stable Jurassic tectonic environments between the Indochina and Songpan–Ganzi–South China blocks, following their Late Triassic collision. Based on detrital zircon U–Pb dating, the Late Triassic age spectra consist mainly of Phanerozoic components, while the Jurassic to Cretaceous age spectra display more Precambrian age peaks. The contribution of potential provenance to the Simao Basin changed during the Early Cretaceous, suggesting several sedimentary provenance transitions. Also, we believe that large continental-scale drainage systems flowing through the North Qiangtang, Sichuan, Simao and Khorat Basins were sourced from the Songpan–Ganzi Block since the end of the Late Jurassic.

Supplementary material:
The findings of a quantitative statistical study (Fig. S1; Table S5), the location of the Late Triassic to Early Cretaceous samples from the Simao Basin (Table S1), palaeomagnetic poles for Eurasia, South China, Indochina, North Qiangtang and Tarim (Table S2), the result of quantitative analysis for the Late Triassic and Middle Jurassic sedimentary rocks from the Simao and Sichuan basins (Table S3), and results of zircon U–Pb dating (Table S4) are available at
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.6862918

Thematic collection:
This article is part of the Mesozoic and Cenozoic tectonics, landscape and climate change collection available at:
https://www.lyellcollection.org/topic/collections/mesozoic-and-cenozoic-tectonics-landscape-and-climate-change