bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Developing a prediction model for successful aging among the elderly using machine learning algorithms
Authors: Ahmadi Maryam , Nopour Raoof , Nasiri Somayeh
Published: May 2023

Objective

The aging phenomenon has an increasing trend worldwide which caused the emergence of the successful aging (SA)1 concept. It is believed that the SA prediction model can increase the quality of life (QoL)2 in the elderly by decreasing physical and mental problems and enhancing their social participation. Most previous studies noted that physical and mental disorders affected the QoL in the elderly but didn't pay much attention to the social factors in this respect. Our study aimed to build a prediction model for SA based on the physical, mental, and specially more social factors affecting SA.

Methods

The 975 cases related to SA and non-SA of the elderly were investigated in this study. We used the univariate analysis to determine the best factors affecting the SA. AB3, XG-Boost J-48, RF4, artificial neural network5, support vector machine6, and NB7 algorithms were used for building the prediction models. To get the best model predicting the SA, we compared them using positive predictive value (PPV)8, negative predictive value (NPV)9, sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, F-measure, and area under the receiver operator characteristics curve (AUC).

Results

Comparing the machine learning10 model's performance showed that the random forest (RF) model with PPV = 90.96%, NPV = 99.21%, sensitivity = 97.48%, specificity = 97.14%, accuracy = 97.05%, F-score = 97.31%, AUC = 0.975 is the best model for predicting the SA.

Conclusions

Using prediction models can increase the QoL in the elderly and consequently reduce the economic cost for people and societies. The RF can be considered an optimal model for predicting SA in the elderly.
Christ-enlivened practices: An action research investigation of shared meals in a higher education classroom
Authors: Cettolin Angelo Ulisse
Published: May 2023

The Christian practice of a shared meal, including shared hospitality, sacred meal, testimony and prayer, stimulates students’ engagement to act on issues of justice in relation to classmates and the wider community. Integration between the teacher’s personal faith and the pedagogical approach by redesigning teaching practices re-imagines the class beyond rejigging techniques. Seriously considering each student as a creative human being made in the image of God and embodied participation in communal activities that reshapes pedagogy is instructive as we move into a post-Covid era revealing a need for deeper relational approaches to education.
The Mechanism Explaining the Effect of HEXACO Traits on Vietnamese University Graduates’ Networking Behavior for Finding Employment
Authors: Le Son-Tung
Published: May 2023

This study examines the relationships between university graduates’ HEXACO traits and networking behavior for finding a job through job search network size. We integrate individual difference theory and social network theory to explain these links in two manners. We use individual difference theory to demonstrate that graduates with HEXACO personality traits have different job search network sizes, and we apply social network theory to test whether job search network size affect the networking intensity of graduates. The sample of 773 graduates was collected at two points with a 3 months-lagged time. Our results suggest that three HEXACO traits had an effect on job search network size. At the same time, job search network size play role in increasing networking behavior. Specifically, job search network size served as partial mediator in the relationships between HEXACO traits and networking behavior. The findings, theoretical, practical implications, and future research are discussed further.
Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Lower Extremity Injuries in Japanese Collegiate Men’s Basketball Players
Authors: Sekine Yuta , Kamada Kotaro , Koyama Takeshi , Hoshikawa Seigo , Ito Eri , Uchino Sayuri , Komatsu Takayuki
Published: May 2023

Background:

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic significantly affected the lives of Japanese collegiate men’s basketball players.

Purpose:

To describe the incidence of lower extremity injuries in Japanese collegiate men’s basketball during the COVID-19 pandemic and examine the effects of the pandemic on injury patterns.

Study Design:

Descriptive epidemiological study.

Methods:

Using data from a surveillance project of the Department of Medicine and Science of the Kanto Collegiate Basketball Federation, the authors included data from 6 men’s basketball teams during the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons (11 team seasons). Injury rates per 1000 athlete-exposures (AEs) were calculated according to injury type, location, and frequency. Injury burden was estimated by multiplying the injury rate by the mean days lost. Injuries from the 2020-21 to 2021-22 seasons were compared with those before the pandemic (2013-14 to 2019-20 seasons) using injury rate ratios (IRRs), with significant differences indicated when the 95% CI did not include 1.0.

Results:

In total, 135 lower extremity injuries were reported during 27,249 AEs. The overall injury rate of the 2020-21 to 2021-22 seasons was significantly higher than that of the 2013-14 to 2019-20 seasons (IRR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.12-1.67). Lateral ankle sprains (IRR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.02-1.86), hamstring strains (IRR, 2.86; 95% CI, 1.34-6.12), jumper’s knee (IRR, 2.68; 95% CI, 1.13-6.37), and stress fractures of the proximal fifth metatarsal (IRR, 7.16; 95% CI, 1.31-39.08) were significantly higher during the 2020-21 to 2021-22 seasons compared with the 2013-14 to 2019-20 seasons.

Conclusion:

The rate of lower extremity injuries increased significantly in Japanese collegiate men’s basketball players during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results of this study emphasize the importance of optimal screening and specific loads for injury prevention when detraining periods are anticipated.
Reliability of MRI Interpretation of Discoid Lateral Meniscus: A Multicenter Study
Authors: Niu Emily L. , Milewski Matthew D. , Finlayson Craig J. , Stinson Zachary S. , Joughin Elaine , Nepple Jeffrey J. , Schmale Gregory A. ,   PRiSM Meniscus Research Interest Group, Beck Jennifer J.
Published: May 2023

Background:

Discoid lateral meniscus (DLM) has a varied and complex morphology that can be challenging to assess and treat. Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is frequently used for diagnosis and surgical planning; however, it is not known whether surgeons are reliable and accurate in their interpretation of MRI findings when defining the pathomorphology of DLM.

Hypothesis:

Surgeons experienced in treating DLM are able to reliably interpret DLM pathology using MRI.

Study Design:

Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Knee MRI scans from 44 patients (45 knees) were selected from a pool of surgically treated patients with DLM. Five reviewers (fellowship-trained pediatric sports medicine surgeons) performed independent review of each MRI scan using the PRiSM Discoid Meniscus Classification. Inter- and intraobserver reliability of the rating factors—primary (width, height, presence of peripheral instability or tear) and secondary (location of instability or tear, tear type)—was assessed using the Fleiss κ coefficient, designed for multiple readers with nominal variables (fair reliability, 0.21-0.40; moderate, 0.41-0.60; substantial, 0.61-0.80; excellent, 0.81-1.00). Reliability is reported as κ (95% CI).

Results:

Interobserver reliability in assessing most primary and secondary characteristics ranged from substantial (meniscal width) to moderate (peripheral instability, anterior instability, posterior instability, and posterior tear). Intraobserver reliability for most characteristics ranged from substantial (peripheral instability, presence of tear, anterior instability, posterior instability, and posterior tear) to moderate (meniscal width, anterior tear, and tear type). Notable exceptions were presence of tear, anterior tear, and tear type—all with fair interobserver reliability. Height had poor interobserver reliability and fair intraobserver reliability.

Conclusion:

Orthopaedic surgeons reliably interpret MRI scans using the PRiSM Discoid Meniscus Classification for the majority of DLM characteristics but vary in their assessment of height and presence and type of tear. MRI evaluation may be helpful to diagnose discoid by width and identify the presence of instability: 2 major factors in the decision to proceed with surgery. Arthroscopic evaluation should be used in conjunction with MRI findings for complete DLM diagnosis.
Green Approach to Recover the Cellulose Acetate Fiber from Used Cigarette Butts, and Characterize the Filter Fiber
Authors: Afroz Farhana , Mahmud Rois Uddin , Islam Raijul
Published: May 2023

Cigarette butts are one of the most discarded and littered items in the world, with a total amount of around 5.6 trillion, posing a grave threat to the environment and human health. This research seeks to recover cellulose acetate fibers from used cigarette filters and to evaluate the yarn-making capabilities of these fibers. The cigarette butts were gathered from various locations, and the fibers and coating were separated. The fibers were then treated with hydrogen peroxide and sodium hydroxide to eliminate the burned color and odor. Acetone and distilled water were used to filter and distill the material properly. The color coordinates of the chemically altered fibers, including reflectance value and color strength, were measured afterward. To assess the chemical, thermal, physical, morphological, and mechanical characteristics of the modified cigarette butt filter fiber, atomic absorption spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and tensile properties were examined. Significant and appealing findings were obtained for the mechanical parameters, particularly the tensile strength of 1.2 gm/den for a single fiber, the fiber density of 1.2 dtex, and the effective length of 25 mm, all of which indicate the fiber’s suitability for yarn production. In addition, FTIR, thermogravimetric analysis, and X-ray diffraction measurements revealed that the cigarette butt filter fiber possessed the same characteristics as commercial cellulose acetate fiber. The preliminary results obtained on the recovered cellulose acetate fiber are encouraging for the application of this recovery material from cigarette butts to create a high-demand and value-added product, such as yarn for garment production.
Characteristics and paramedic management of patients enrolled in a novel assess, see, treat and refer palliative care clinical pathway: A retrospective descriptive cohort study
Authors: Johnston Tania , Armour Richard , Muinoi Gamonluk , Helmer Jennie , Bilton Natalia
Published: May 2023

Introduction:

Patients with palliative care needs seek support from paramedics in instances of unexpected worsening of symptoms associated with their primary diagnosis, but often do not desire conveyance to an emergency department. Despite this, up to one-quarter of patients with palliative care needs will experience an avoidable admission to the emergency department. British Columbia Emergency Health Services, in collaboration with Canadian Virtual Hospice and regional health authorities, developed the Palliative Care Assess, See, Treat and Refer (ASTaR) Clinical Pathway, with palliative clinical practice guidelines and education to support paramedics minimising avoidable admissions to emergency departments.

Aim:

To describe the paramedic management of patients enrolled in the palliative care ASTaR clinical pathway, supported by paramedic-specific education and clinical practice guidelines.

Methods:

This study was a retrospective descriptive cohort study of the first 100 patients enrolled by paramedics in the palliative care ASTaR clinical pathway following its introduction in October, 2019.

Results:

The median age of patients was 78 years (IQR 70–88), they were more often male ( n  =  58) and in a private residence at the time of 911 call ( n  =  91). Calls for assistance were in the work week ( n  =  73), but often out of business hours ( n  =  61). Primary care paramedics provided the majority of care ( n  =  64), most frequently contacting paramedic specialists for clinical advice ( n  =  32, 47%). The most common patient complaints were dyspnoea ( n  =  25), altered conscious state ( n  =  16), mobility assistance ( n  =  14), and pain ( n  =  13), with pharmaceutical intervention required in less than half of cases.

Conclusion:

Paramedics continue to play a critical role in supporting patients with palliative care needs, particularly during out-of-hours periods. When supported by robust clinical practice guidelines and integrated systems of care, this cohort study demonstrates that paramedics may be able to manage the requirements of patients with palliative care needs and their family, friends, and carers, beyond clinical care and conveyance.
CRISPR-GRANT: a cross-platform graphical analysis tool for high-throughput CRISPR-based genome editing evaluation
Authors: Fu Huancheng , Shan Ce , Kang Fanchen , Yu Ling , Li Zhonghan , Yin Yike
Published: May 2023

Backgroud

CRISPR/Cas is an efficient genome editing system that has been widely used for functional genetic studies and exhibits high potential in biomedical translational applications. Indel analysis has thus become one of the most common practices in the lab to evaluate DNA editing events generated by CRISPR/Cas. Several indel analysis tools have been reported, however, it is often required that users have certain bioinformatics training and basic command-line processing capability.

Results

Here, we developed CRISPR-GRANT, a stand-alone graphical CRISPR indel analysis tool, which could be easily installed for multi-platforms, including Linux, Windows, and macOS. CRISPR-GRANT offered a straightforward GUI by simple click-and-run for genome editing analysis of single or pooled amplicons and one-step analysis for whole-genome sequencing without the need of data pre-processing, making it ideal for novice lab scientists. Moreover, it also exhibited shorter run-time compared with tools currently available.

Conclusion

Therefore, CRISPR-GRANT is a valuable addition to the current CRISPR toolkits that significantly lower the barrier for wet-lab researchers to conduct indel analysis from large NGS datasets. CRISPR-GRANT binaries are freely available for Linux (above Ubuntu 16.04), macOS (above High Sierra 10.13) and Windows (above Windows 7) at https://github.com/fuhuancheng/CRISPR-GRANT. CRISPR-GRANT source code is licensed under the GPLv3 license and free to download and use.
A chromosome-level genome assembly of Hong Kong catfish (Clarias fuscus) uncovers a sex-determining region
Authors: Tian Chang-Xu , Lin Xing-Hua , Zhou Da-Yan , Chen Yu , Shen Yi-Jun , Ye Ming-Hui , Duan Cun-Yu , Zhang Yu-Lei , Yang Bin-Lan , Deng Si-Ping , Zhu Chun-Hua , Li Guang-Li
Published: May 2023

Background

Hong Kong catfish (Clarias fuscus) is an ecologically and economically important species that is widely distributed in freshwater regions of southern China. Hong Kong catfish has significant sexual growth dimorphism. The genome assembly of the Hong Kong catfish would facilitate study of the sex determination and evolution mechanism of the species.

Results

The first high-quality chromosome-level genome of the Hong Kong catfish was constructed. The total genome was 933.4 Mb, with 416 contigs and a contig N50 length of 8.52 Mb. Using high-throughput chromosome conformation capture (Hi-C) data, the genome assembly was divided into 28 chromosomes with a scaffold N50 length of 36.68 Mb. A total of 23,345 protein-coding genes were predicted in the genome, and 94.28% of the genes were functionally annotated in public databases. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that C. fuscus and Clarias magur diverged approximately 63.7 million years ago. The comparative genome results showed that a total of 60 unique, 353 expanded and 851 contracted gene families were identified in Hong Kong catfish. A sex-linked quantitative trait locus identified in a previous study was located in a sex-determining region of 30.26 Mb (0.02 to 30.28 Mb) on chromosome 13 (Chr13), the predicted Y chromosome. This QTL region contained 785 genes, of which 18 were identified as sex-related genes.

Conclusions

This study is the first to report the chromosome-level genome assembly of Hong Kong catfish. The study provides an excellent genetic resource that will facilitate future studies of sex determination mechanisms and evolution in fish.
Determining factors that maintain physical function or increase frailty using the Kihon checklist among community-dwelling older adults: a six-year longitudinal study in Agano, Japan
Authors: Imai Norio , Yoda Takuya , Horigome Yoji , Murakami Reiko , Wakasugi Masashi , Fujii Toshihide , Ohashi Masayuki , Kawashima Hiroyuki
Published: May 2023

Background

A significant increase in the older adult population in Japan will significantly increase healthcare costs. This study aimed to examine the risk factors contributing to robustness transitioning to frailty in older residents.

Methods

Participants were aged 70 in 2016 and 76 in 2022. Participants were evaluated using the Kihon Checklist (KCL).

Results

Participants for this longitudinal study included 444 older persons who completed the KCL surveys in 2016 and 2022. The follow-up rate was 80.6%; therefore, 358 participants were included in the analysis. The median KCL score increased significantly from 2 to 2016 to 3 in 2022 (p < 0.001). The prevalence of robustness significantly decreased from 60.9 to 48.6% (p = 0.042). In a stepwise logistic regression analysis, robustness was independently associated with regular continuous walks for 15 min and a body mass index of above 18.5%. The following variables were associated with the transition to prefrailty: experiencing a fall in the past year and not going out at least once a week. For the transition to frailty, the variables were turned to family or friends for advice, experienced a fall in the past year, and felt helpless in the last two weeks. The independent factor for the transition from prefrailty to frailty was having a BMI of less than 18.5. In contrast, the independent factor for improving from frailty to robustness or prefrailty was going out at least once a week.

Conclusions

We recommend maintaining continuous walking for more than 15 min, maintaining a BMI of at least 18.5, and going out more than once a week to improve being house-bounded and depressive mood, not only to prevent the transition to prefrailty or frailty but also to improve frailty.
Interferon-γ release assay and mantoux response in infants with tuberculous meningitis in low and intermediate burden countries
Authors: Yang Yan-Hua , Hou Jie , He Yu , Zhang Yan-An , Wang Mao-Shui
Published: May 2023

Aim

Until now, the performance of interferon-γ release assay (IGRA) and Mantoux tests remains unclear in infant tuberculous meningitis (TBM). Therefore, a systematic review is performed to evaluate the sensitivity of IGRA and Mantoux tests for the diagnosis of infant TBM in low and intermediate tuberculosis (TB) burden countries, while following PRISMA.

Methods

Several databases, including PubMed, EBSCO, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, ClinicalTrials.gov, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, were searched. Articles describing the results of IGRA or Mantoux tests among infant TBM were included for analysis. Data, such as age, sex, Mantoux test or IGRA, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) microbiological examinations (such as acid-fast bacilli (AFB) smear, TB PCR, and TB culture), were extracted from each study.

Results

A total of 31 articles were enrolled for further analysis, including 48 cases. The mean age was 9.4 ± 5.8 months and boys accounted for 57.1% of infants (24/42). Mantoux test was positive in 57.4% (27/47) of tested infants and IGRA was positive in 77.8% (7/9) of infants. In addition, among the infants with confirmed TB, 18 (52.9%, 18/34) of them have positive Mantoux responses and 7 (20.0%, 7/35) have positive IGRA results.

Conclusions

In low or intermediate TB burden countries, the Mantoux test has a poor performance for diagnosing TBM among infants, and IGRAs appear to have a moderate sensitivity for the diagnosis of infant TBM.
Intra- and peritumoral MRI radiomics assisted in predicting radiochemotherapy response in metastatic cervical lymph nodes of nasopharyngeal cancer
Authors: Xu Hao , Wang Ai , Zhang Chi , Ren Jing , Zhou Peng , Liu Jieke
Published: May 2023

Background

To establish and validate radiomic models combining intratumoral (Intra) and peritumoral (Peri) features obtained from pretreatment MRI for the prediction of treatment response of lymph node metastasis from nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC).

Methods

One hundred forty-five NPC patients (102 in the training and 43 in the validation set) were retrospectively enrolled. Radiomic features were extracted from Intra and Peri regions on the metastatic cervical lymph node, and selected with the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was applied to build radiomic models. Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and the area under the curve (AUC) of receiver operating characteristics were employed to evaluate the predictive power of each model.

Results

The AUCs of the radiomic model of Intra, Peri, Intra + Peri, and Clinical-radiomic were 0.910, 0.887, 0.934, and 0.941, respectively, in the training set and 0.737, 0.794, 0.774, and 0.783, respectively, in the validation set. There were no significant differences in prediction performance among the radiomic models in the training and validation sets (all P > 0.05). The calibration curve of the radiomic model of Peri demonstrated good agreement between prediction and observation in the training and validation sets.

Conclusions

The pretreatment MRI-based radiomics model may be useful in predicting the treatment response of metastatic lymph nodes of NPC. Besides, the generalization ability of the radiomic model of Peri was better than that of Intra and Intra + Peri.
Evaluating a multimodal, clinical and work-directed intervention (RTW-PIA) to support sustainable return to work among employees with mental disorders: study protocol of a multicentre, randomised controlled trial
Authors: Starke Fiona , Sikora Alexandra , Stegmann Ralf , Knebel Leonie , Buntrock Claudia , de Rijk Angelique , Houkes Inge , Szycik Gregor R. , Unger Hans-Peter , Schumacher Jan Ole , Stark Heiko , Hauth Iris , Holzapfel Christian , Borgolte Anna , Schneller Carlotta , Unterschemmann Sarah-Louise , Paetow Wiebke , Jung Anna Lena , Berking Matthias , Zimmermann Johannes , Wegewitz Uta
Published: May 2023

Background

Mental disorders (MDs) are one of the leading causes for workforce sickness absence and disability worldwide. The burden, costs and challenges are enormous for the individuals concerned, employers and society at large. Although most MDs are characterised by a high risk of relapse after treatment or by chronic courses, interventions that link medical-psychotherapeutic approaches with work-directed components to facilitate a sustainable return to work (RTW) are rare. This protocol describes the design of a study to evaluate the (cost-)effectiveness and implementation process of a multimodal, clinical and work-directed intervention, called RTW-PIA, aimed at employees with MDs to achieve sustainable RTW in Germany.

Methods

The study consists of an effectiveness, a health-economic and a process evaluation, designed as a two-armed, multicentre, randomised controlled trial, conducted in German psychiatric outpatient clinics. Sick-listed employees with MDs will receive either the 18-month RTW-PIA treatment in conjunction with care as usual, or care as usual only. RTW-PIA consists of a face-to-face individual RTW support, RTW aftercare group meetings, and web-based aftercare. Assessments will be conducted at baseline and 6, 12, 18 and 24 months after completion of baseline survey. The primary outcome is the employees´ achievement of sustainable RTW, defined as reporting less than six weeks of working days missed out due to sickness absence within 12 months after first RTW. Secondary outcomes include health-related quality of life, mental functioning, RTW self-efficacy, overall job satisfaction, severity of mental illness and work ability. The health-economic evaluation will be conducted from a societal and public health care perspective, as well as from the employer’s perspective in a cost–benefit analysis. The design will be supplemented by a qualitative effect evaluation using pre- and post-interviews, and a multimethod process evaluation examining various predefined key process indicators from different stakeholder perspectives.

Discussion

By applying a comprehensive, multimethodological evaluation design, this study captures various facets of RTW-PIA. In case of promising results for sustainable RTW, RTW-PIA may be integrated into standard care within German psychiatric outpatient clinics.

Trial registration

The study was prospectively registered with the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00026232, 1 September 2021).
A theory-informed systematic review to understand physical activity among women in Gulf Cooperation Council countries
Authors: Osabi Lujain A. , van de Klundert Joris , Alhurishi Sultana A. , Cramm J. M.
Published: May 2023

Background

This systematic review was conducted to identify health beliefs and modifying factors influencing physical (in) activity among adult women in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates).

Methods

A comprehensive search of the Medline (Ovid), EMBASE, Cochrane Central, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases was conducted to identify relevant articles published between 2009 and 2019. The quality of included studies was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Data collection and analysis based on the health belief model were performed to systematically examine the relationships of health beliefs and modifying factors to physical activity.

Results

The sample comprised 15 studies (Saudi Arabia, n = 6; Oman, n = 5; Qatar, n = 2; Kuwait, n = 2). Reported physical activity prevalences were low (nearly 0% to 50%) and depended on the location, subpopulation, and measurement instrument. Evidence for relationships of modifying factors and health beliefs to physical activity was scarce and sometimes inconclusive. Among modifying factors, middle age and employment were associated positively with physical activity; marital status, educational level, income, and body mass index were not associated. Regarding health beliefs, the only conclusive evidence reported was that a lack of time was not associated significantly with physical activity in a population of men and women. Women reported a lack of social support and lack of skills significantly more frequently than men; these factors may explain the gender difference in physical activity prevalence. Differences in the reporting of fear of injury and lack of willpower were not significant.

Conclusions

Robust qualitative and quantitative research on the contributions of health beliefs and modifying factors to the low prevalence of physical activity among women in GCC countries is urgently needed. Current evidence indicates that unemployed women, women aged < 25 years, and elderly women are less likely to be physically active. Women in this population are more likely than men to believe that a lack social support and skills affects their physical activity. Many known factors and health beliefs appear to be unrelated to physical activity among adult women in GCC countries.
Effect of an educational intervention based on the theory of planned behavior on improving medication adherence in patients with multiple sclerosis treated with injectable disease-modifying drugs: randomized controlled trial
Authors: Hamtaeigashti Sara , Shamsi Mohsen , Sahraian Mohammad Ali , Soltani Raheleh , Almasi-Hashiani Amir
Published: May 2023

Background

Adherence to prescribed treatment in chronic diseases, as occurs in multiple sclerosis (MS), is a critical factor for a successful therapeutic response. This study aimed to investigate the effect of educational program based on Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) on treatment adherence in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) receiving injectable immunomodulatory drugs.

Methods

The present study is an educational randomized controlled trial research that was conducted on 100 patients with MS who had gone to MS clinic in Tehran city (Iran). The samples were randomly assigned to the intervention (N = 50) and control groups (N = 50). Data collection instrument was a researcher-made questionnaire based on TPB. Then, educational program was performed for the intervention group through four educational sessions. After three months, data collection was repeated for the two groups and data were analyzed.

Results

The knowledge and performance of the intervention group on treatment adherence drugs increased from 56.25 ± 20.3 to 78.31 ± 15.57 and 56.22 ± 5.76 to 71.62 ± 12.01 after the education respectively (p < 0.001). The mean of construct of TPB in the intervention group also increased after the intervention (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Applying the TPB model proved is very effective in developing an educational program for patients with MS, to enhance treatment adherence drugs. Besides such programs, follow-up education for controlling and monitoring are highly recommended.

Trial registration

This trial has been registered at Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials, IRCT20210808052109N1. Prospectively registered at 12-Aug-2021, (12/8/2021) available at: URL: https://en.irct.ir/trial/57994
Superspreading, overdispersion and their implications in the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic: a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature
Authors: Wegehaupt Oliver , Endo Akira , Vassall Anna
Published: May 2023

Background

A recurrent feature of infectious diseases is the observation that different individuals show different levels of secondary transmission. This inter-individual variation in transmission potential is often quantified by the dispersion parameter k. Low values of k indicate a high degree of variability and a greater probability of superspreading events. Understanding k for COVID-19 across contexts can assist policy makers prepare for future pandemics.

Methods

A literature search following a systematic approach was carried out in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, medRxiv, bioRxiv and arXiv to identify publications containing epidemiological findings on superspreading in COVID-19. Study characteristics, epidemiological data, including estimates for k and R0, and public health recommendations were extracted from relevant records.

Results

The literature search yielded 28 peer-reviewed studies. The mean k estimates ranged from 0.04 to 2.97. Among the 28 studies, 93% reported mean k estimates lower than one, which is considered as marked heterogeneity in inter-individual transmission potential. Recommended control measures were specifically aimed at preventing superspreading events. The combination of forward and backward contact tracing, timely confirmation of cases, rapid case isolation, vaccination and preventive measures were suggested as important components to suppress superspreading.

Conclusions

Superspreading events were a major feature in the pandemic of SARS-CoV-2. On the one hand, this made outbreaks potentially more explosive but on the other hand also more responsive to public health interventions. Going forward, understanding k is critical for tailoring public health measures to high-risk groups and settings where superspreading events occur.
Comparison of the burden of self-reported bacterial sexually transmitted infections among men having sex with men across 68 countries on four continents
Authors: Marcus Ulrich , Veras Maria , Casabona Jordi , Caceres Carlos F. , Lachowsky Nathan , Schink Susanne B. , Schmidt Axel J.
Published: May 2023

Background

Men who have sex with men (MSM) are in general more vulnerable to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) than the heterosexual men population. However, surveillance data on STI diagnoses lack comparability across countries due to differential identification of MSM, diagnostic standards and methods, and screening guidelines for asymptomatic infections.

Methods

We compared self-reported overall diagnostic rates for syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia infections, and diagnostic rates for infections that were classified to be symptomatic in the previous 12 months from two online surveys. They had a shared methodology, were conducted in 68 countries across four continents between October 2017 and May 2018 and had 202,013 participants.

Results

Using multivariable multilevel regression analysis, we identified age, settlement size, number of sexual partners, condom use for anal intercourse, testing frequency, sampling rectal mucosa for extragenital testing, HIV diagnosis, and pre-exposure prophylaxis use as individual-level explanatory variables. The national proportions of respondents screened and diagnosed who notified some or all of their sexual partners were used as country-level explanatory variables. Combined, these factors helped to explain differences in self-reported diagnosis rates between countries. The following differences were not explained by the above factors: self-reported syphilis diagnoses were higher in Latin America compared with Europe, Canada, Israel, Lebanon, and the Philippines (aORs 2.30 – 3.71 for symptomatic syphilis compared to Central-West Europe); self-reported gonorrhea diagnoses were lower in Eastern Europe and in Latin America compared with all other regions (aORs 0.17-0.55 and 0.34 - 0.62 for symptomatic gonorrhea compared to Central-West Europe); and self-reported chlamydia diagnoses were lower in Central East and Southeast Europe, South and Central America, and the Philippines (aORs 0.25 - 0.39 for symptomatic chlamydia for Latin American subregions compared to Central West Europe).

Conclusions

Possible reasons for differences in self-reported STI diagnosis prevalence likely include different background prevalence for syphilis and syndromic management without proper diagnosis, and different diagnostic approaches for gonorrhea and chlamydia.
Health-related quality of life of migrant workers: a systematic literature review
Authors: Cho Hyun-Jin , Kang Kyoungrim , Park Kyo-Yeon
Published: May 2023

Background

Currently, the number of migrant workers residing in Korea is continuously increasing, which is exacerbating the workforce shortage in its society. Migrant workers experience health problems or stress due to rapid environmental changes, consequently impairing their quality of life (QoL). Accordingly, this literature review aimed to prepare basic data by identifying factors related to the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of migrant workers in Korea.

Method

In total, the literature search used seven databases to find all documents corresponding to related subject words until June 7, 2022, including PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Embase, Regional Information Sharing Systems, Korean Medical database, Science ON, and DataBase Periodical Information Academic. Furthermore, this study used the Cochrane Library and Google Scholar to manually search, to include comprehensive literature. Moreover, both English and Korean were used to search for the main terms.

Results

In total, nine articles were selected. The World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief Version tool was used in six studies to measure HRQoL. Factors affecting the HRQoL of domestic migrant workers included general characteristics such as monthly income and residence period, physical and psychological health-related characteristics such as health promotion behaviour, medical service satisfaction, and depression, and social factors such as social support and cultural adaptation stress. Social support was an important variable affecting the QoL. Particularly, increased social support improved health-related QoL. In addition, higher medical service satisfaction and lower cultural adaptation stress increased HRQoL.

Conclusions

Social factors such as social support and cultural adaptation stress affect the HRQoL of migrant workers. Therefore, the social integration program should be expanded to ensure that migrant workers can adapt to the domestic culture at an early stage. In addition, people require active support to improve the QoL in Korea through activities such as self-help groups to help them cope with stressful situations and experience positive emotions. Moreover, it is necessary to provide information on domestic medical services as well as support for medical information for self-health management to improve the quality of medical services for migrant workers.
Post-traumatic distal ulnar bifurcation in children: a case report
Authors: Wu Jia , Zhu Yong , Lin Zhang-Yuan , Lin Shao-Hai , Zhao Shu-Shan , Cheng Liang , Sun Bu-Hua , Long Hai-Tao
Published: May 2023

Background

Galeazzi fracture dislocation is a compound injury that encompasses fractures of the distal third of the radius and dislocation of the distal radial ulnar joint (DRUJ). Clinically, this condition is rare and often leads to distal ulnar bifurcation. In previous similar reports, patients were effectively managed through surgery.

Case presentation

In this case report, we describe an 11-year-old male child who presented with an ulnar bifida following trauma to the hand, and was treated with manipulation and conservative treatment without surgery. A follow-up performed over the years demonstrated that the patient recovered well, and had normal wrist movements without significant pain, and the patient expressed great satisfaction.

Conclusions

Ulnar diaphyseal fracture may occur in children or adolescents due to injuries, and may be accompanied with manipulation and repositioning. Conservative treatment can be applied to avoid the trauma associated with surgery especially in the absence of severe joint mobility impairment with good outcomes.
Descriptions of sham acupuncture in randomised controlled trials: a critical review of the literature
Authors: Xie Yixuan , Liu Xiaoyu , Liu Tinglan , Sun Chiyun , Xin Zeyin , Hu Yuzhi , Wang Yue , Zhang Cheng , Yan Shiyan
Published: May 2023

Background

Sham acupuncture is usually used to assess the specific effects of acupuncture. However, the reporting quality of sham acupuncture remains unclear despite its critical importance in understanding and analyzing the effects of acupuncture. This paper presents a literature review aimed at assessing the quality of reporting of sham acupuncture in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) based on STRICTA 2010 and TIDieR-Placebo.

Methods

Three electronic English-language databases (PubMed, MEDLINE and Embase) were searched from inception to March 7, 2022, and RCTs of sham acupuncture were identified. The reporting quality of sham acupuncture was assessed in accordance with the items recommended in STRICTA 2010 and TIDieR-Placebo. The reporting quality of other items related to sham acupuncture apart from items from these two checklists was also captured to further assess the reporting quality of sham acupuncture.

Results

A total of 609 eligible studies were included. For all of the items recommended in STRICTA 2010 and TIDieR-Placebo, 100% of the studies reported a brief name that described the sham acupuncture, 93.9% studies reported the needle type, and 90.0% reported the names of the points used. Other items for which the reporting rates were above 50% included the number, frequency and duration of treatment sessions; needle retention time; and number of needle insertions per subject per session. Overall, 49.4% of the studies revealed the rationale why sham acupuncture was chosen, 39.7% of the studies involving insertion processes reported the depth of insertion, and 37.9% of the studies reported the needle manufacturer. Other items for which the reporting rates were below 30% included practitioner-related information, response sought, evaluation of blinding, intervention mode and environment, assisting tools, and the extent to which the treatment was varied. The items “Modifications”, “How well (planned)” and “How well (actual)” were not reported in any of the analyzed studies.

Conclusions

The overall reporting quality of sham acupuncture in RCTs was suboptimal. Although STRICTA 2010 and TIDieR-Placebo could be beneficial for describing sham acupuncture, neither can offer recommendations specifically for sham acupuncture. There is thus an urgent need to develop specialized guidelines for reporting sham acupuncture in clinical trials.
A Canadian survey of residency applicants’ and interviewers’ perceptions of the 2021 CaRMS R1 virtual interviews
Authors: Del Fernandes Rosephine , Relke Nicole , Soleas Eleftherios , Braund Heather , Lui Clementine Janet Pui Man , Zevin Boris
Published: May 2023

Background

All Canadian Residency Matching Service (CaRMS) R1 interviews were conducted virtually for the first time in 2021. We explored the facilitators, barriers, and implications of the virtual interview process for the CaRMS R1 match and provide recommendations for improvement.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional survey study of CaRMS R1 residency applicants and interviewers across Canada in 2021. Surveys were distributed by email to the interviewers, and by email, social media, or newsletter to the applicants. Inductive thematic analysis was used for open-ended items. Recommendations were provided as frequencies to demonstrate strength. Close-ended items were described and compared across groups using Chi-Square Fisher’s Exact tests.

Results

A total of 127 applicants and 400 interviewers, including 127 program directors, responded to the survey. 193/380 (50.8%) interviewers and 90/118 (76.3%) applicants preferred virtual over in-person interview formats. Facilitators of the virtual interview format included cost and time savings, ease of scheduling, reduced environmental impact, greater equity, less stress, greater reach and participation, and safety. Barriers of the virtual interview format included reduced informal conversations, limited ability for applicants to explore programs at different locations, limited ability for programs to assess applicants’ interest, technological issues, concern for interview integrity, limited non-verbal communication, and reduced networking. The most helpful media for applicants to learn about residency programs were program websites, the CaRMS/AFMC websites, and recruitment videos. Additionally, panel interviews were preferred by applicants for their ability to showcase themselves and build connections with multiple interviewers. Respondents provided recommendations regarding: (1) dissemination of program information, (2) the use of technology, and (3) the virtual interview format.

Conclusions

Perceptions of 2021 CaRMS R1 virtual interviews were favourable among applicants and interviewers. Recommendations from this study can help improve future iterations of virtual interviews.
Psychometric testing of the Swedish version of the measure of moral distress for healthcare professionals (MMD-HP)
Authors: Fischer-Grönlund Catarina , Brännström Margareta , Isaksson Ulf
Published: May 2023

Background

Moral distress has been described as moral constraints and uncertainty connected with guilty feelings of being unable to give care in accordance with one’s values for good care. Various instruments to measure moral distress have been developed. The instrument measure of moral distress for healthcare professionals (MMD-HP) was developed to capture the experience and frequency of moral distress among various healthcare professionals. The MMD-HP has been translated and culturally adapted into the Swedish language and context; however, the translation has not been validated. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Swedish version of the measure of moral distress for healthcare professionals (MMD-HP).

Methods

Eighty-nine staff from various professions at a hospital in northern Sweden participated in the study. A confirmatory factor analysis was performed to check for consistency with the original version of the MMD-HP. To evaluate internal consistency, Cronbach’s alpha was calculated for each domain and for the scale as a whole.

Results

The scale as a whole showed a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.96, with a range between 0.84 and 0.90 between the different subscales. A confirmatory factor analysis based on the original four-factor structure showed good fit indices with a χ2/df of 0.67, CFI at 1.00, TLI at 1.02 and NFI at 0.97. RMSEA was at 0.00, and SRMR was at 0.08. A comparison of the total score between three equally large groups of years of experience at the present workplace showed no significant differences (F = 0.09, df = 2, p = 0.912).

Conclusions

We found that the Swedish version of the MMD-HP has shown validity and reliability for use in a Swedish context for measuring moral distress among health personnel.
Omission responses in local field potentials in rat auditory cortex
Authors: Auksztulewicz Ryszard , Rajendran Vani Gurusamy , Peng Fei , Schnupp Jan Wilbert Hendrik , Harper Nicol Spencer
Published: May 2023

Background

Non-invasive recordings of gross neural activity in humans often show responses to omitted stimuli in steady trains of identical stimuli. This has been taken as evidence for the neural coding of prediction or prediction error. However, evidence for such omission responses from invasive recordings of cellular-scale responses in animal models is scarce. Here, we sought to characterise omission responses using extracellular recordings in the auditory cortex of anaesthetised rats. We profiled omission responses across local field potentials (LFP), analogue multiunit activity (AMUA), and single/multi-unit spiking activity, using stimuli that were fixed-rate trains of acoustic noise bursts where 5% of bursts were randomly omitted.

Results

Significant omission responses were observed in LFP and AMUA signals, but not in spiking activity. These omission responses had a lower amplitude and longer latency than burst-evoked sensory responses, and omission response amplitude increased as a function of the number of preceding bursts.

Conclusions

Together, our findings show that omission responses are most robustly observed in LFP and AMUA signals (relative to spiking activity). This has implications for models of cortical processing that require many neurons to encode prediction errors in their spike output.