bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mn RETAIN: An early intervention model to identify and support stay at work and return to work for injured and ill employees across industries
Authors: Breeher Laura , Omondi Nancy , Westphal Samantha , Idossa Lensa , Green Tammy , Connell John , Zabel Erik , Trihey Jakki , Carlson Amy , Apaloo Rita , Sherrard Cameron , Shahriar Arif , Valappil Usha , Pratt Akiatu , Liedke Angela , Carlson Pam , Kohlnhofer Stacy , Jerde Laura , Cowl Clayton T.
Published: December 2024

Background

The Minnesota Retaining Employment and Talent After Injury and Illness Network (MN RETAIN) is a randomized controlled study designed to evaluate early interventions promoting workforce retention among workers in Minnesota. The study compares a cohort receiving increased support for stay at work and return to work (SAW/RTW) services from healthcare organizations and resources through workforce development to a control cohort provided solely a list of SAW/RTW resources within the state they can access on their own.

Objective

This manuscript aims to describe the design of the MN RETAIN Phase 2 study and experience to date including enrollment. Target enrollment for Phase 2 of MN RETAIN is 3200 workers with approximately half receiving SAW/RTW services from a Return-to-Work Case Manager (RWTCM) who is embedded within the healthcare team. MN RETAIN is structured to be accessible to all workers within the state, with a focus on equity and reaching historically underserved populations.

Methods

Phase 2 of the RETAIN model expanded the focus from the southeast region of MN to state-wide coverage. Enrollment and services were designed to acquire a large enough cohort to reach adequate statistical power to detect differences in disability costs and rates of SAW/RTW in participating study subjects. Impact analysis of RETAIN will be performed by the federal evaluator at a future date.

Results

Characteristics of enrolled participants to date are summarized as well as considerations for sustainability of the program upon study completion.

Conclusions

To date, the study has reached diverse workers from throughout the state of MN to provide assistance with SAW/RTW.
Use of ARIMA model for forecasting fire accidents and physical consequences in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al Sulaie Saleh
Published: December 2024

Background

Modeling is one of the engineering analyses that can predict most of the accidents and thus reduce damages caused by them.

Objective

In this paper, an effort is made to forecast the fire accident and physical consequences in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) in the period 2002–2021 by one of the statistical models known as Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) models.

Methods

This retrospective investigation performed in the year 2023 within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Information, including injuries and fatalities, as well as fire accidents occurring between 2002 and 2021, was obtained from a database. Those were related to the entire Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. To forecast the variables under examination, the ARIMA model, developed by Box and Jenkins, was employed. Statistical analyses were conducted using Minitab software.

Results

The results showed that the number of accidents, injuries, deaths, and population are increasing from 2002 to 2021. It is observed that forecasted values of injuries per 100,000 persons and accidents per 100,000 persons due to fire in KSA have increasing trends, and forecasted values of deaths per 100,000 persons, injuries per 1000 accidents, and deaths per 1000 accidents had decreasing trends. Also, the results indicated that the proposed model would be well-fitted to forecast the studied parameters.

Conclusions

Based on the findings, the ARIMA technique has robust performance and high accuracy for forecasting fire accidents and physical consequences.
Determining the workload and job stress levels of nurses during the early phase of COVID 19 pandemic outbreak: A cross-sectional study
Authors: AKKÖZ ÇEVİK Semra , ÖZALP Seda , DAŞDEMİR Ayşegül
Published: December 2024

Background

Nursing is considered to be a complex and highly demanding job. A combination of the high workplace requirements, over-responsibility, and over-authority has been identified as a major source of occupational stress among nursing staff. An increasing level of stress among health care professionals was witnessed due to the pandemic of COVID 19 outbreak.

Objective

This study was conducted to determine the workload and job stress levels of nurses during the early phase of covid-19 pandemic outbreak.

Methods

This study was conducted as a descriptive cross-sectional study with 193 nurses working in xxx University Research and Practice hospital between October 26th and December 31st, 2020. The data of the study were collected using the Survey and Job Stress Questionnaire. In the evaluation of the data, t-test, one-way variance analysis (ANOVA), pearson Correlation were used. p < 0.05 value was accepted as statistically significant.

Results

Mean score of the nurses participating in the study was 16.49 ± 2.30 and 0.92 ± 0.19 for workload and job stress subscales of Job Stress Questionnaire, respectively. A significant correlation was found between the department where nurses worked during the pandemic, the fear of infecting their family with Covid-19, status of loving the profession and the status of willingness to come to the hospital on the working day and the Job Stress Questionnaire values (p < .05). A positive correlation was found between the working year and workload and work stress (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Our results indicated that healthcare professionals were under a lot of stress during the pandemic, they were too tired and they had very high working hours. High fear of infecting their families with this disease due to their profession and not being willing to come to the hospital on the shift day were factors increasing stress.
Associations between workplace bullying, psychological capital, and organizational citizenship behavior: A meta-analysis with structural equation modeling
Authors: Chen Yin-Che , Chien Yen-Ting , Chu Hui-Chuang
Published: December 2024

Background

Workplace bullying depletes psychological resources, reducing job performance and organizational citizenship behavior. According to conservation of resources theory, psychological capital functions as a as a crucial psychological resource to influence the organizational citizenship behavior of employees who experience workplace bullying.

Objective

This study aimed to construct and validate a model of the associations between workplace bullying, psychological capital, and organizational citizenship behavior.

Methods

Meta-analysis and structural equation modeling (MASEM) was employed to analyze 40 quantitative empirical studies.

Results

Psychological capital was significantly and positively correlated with organizational citizenship behavior and significantly and negatively correlated with workplace bullying. However, organizational citizenship behavior was significantly and negatively correlated with workplace bullying, indicating heterogeneity among the variables. The total effects were as follows: workplace bullying negatively influenced psychological capital, psychological capital positively influenced organizational citizenship behavior, and workplace bullying negatively influenced organizational citizenship behavior. Psychological capital mediated the association between workplace bullying and organizational citizenship behavior.

Conclusions

Enterprises must address workplace bullying by establishing regulations and complaint channels. Additionally, they should prioritize recruiting employees with high psychological capital and develop employees’ psychological capital to enhance workplace contributions and organizational citizenship behavior.
“The more we dive into life, the more this illness fades away and gets better”: A qualitative study on the competitive work experiences of people with serious mental illness (SMI)
Authors: Ercan Doğu Selma , Gündoğmuş Ayşe Gökçen
Published: December 2024

Background

Employment is widely recognized for its crucial role in fostering recovery, promoting wellness, and facilitating community integration among individuals diagnosed with serious mental illness (SMI), despite facing inherent challenges. However, there exists a notable gap in comprehending the nuanced experiences of individuals with SMI engaged in long-term competitive employment.

Objective

This study sought to explore the long-term working journeys and narratives of recovery among individuals with SMI.

Methods

Qualitative interviews conducted from August to October 2022 employed a phenomenological method, delving into the experiences of 8 participants to explore their interpretations and constructions of workplace encounters.

Results

Following the Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), four overarching themes emerged: (1) personal recovery through employment, (2) navigating challenges related to employment, (3) developing future plans and objectives, and (4) suggestions for peers.

Conclusion

Based on the analysis, regular engagement in competitive employment emerges as a crucial component in the journey of recovery for individuals with SMI. The personal accounts of individuals underscore the significance of fostering a supportive environment to enable individuals with SMI to pursue and maintain employment opportunities. Moreover, the study shows that work plays a pivotal role in facilitating social inclusion, productivity, and enhanced social connections for individuals with SMI within society.
Unveiling the organizational impact of dependent personality disorder: Insights from a large-scale multi-sector study
Authors: Onay Ömer Alperen , Özsoy Emrah
Published: December 2024

Background

Dependent personality disorder (DPD) is one of the personality disorders in Cluster C of the DSM-V. Although it has been studied extensively in psychology and psychiatry, there is very little evidence on organisational outcomes.

Objective

This study focuses on the organisational consequences of the tendency to have a dependent personality disorder from the perspective of employees.

Methods

The study was conducted with participants from the public and private sectors (N = 710), and the relationships of DPD with job satisfaction, satisfaction with the manager, satisfaction with the organization, work overload, and abusive supervision were tested.

Results

In addition, the differentiation levels of DPD regarding socio-demographic characteristics were examined. According to the findings, a negative relationship was found between DPD and job satisfaction and satisfaction with the manager. In contrast, a positive relationship was found between DPD, work overload, and abusive supervision.

Conclusions

In addition, it was found that DPD showed statistically significant differences according to the organizational role, managerial position, and sector. The results are discussed in terms of possible causes and organizational effects.
Identification and evaluation of human errors in the care of pregnant mothers using the extensive CREAM technique
Authors: Babaei-Pouya Amin , Pajouhandeh Zahra , Shrinzadeh-Feizabadi Atefeh , Teimori-Boghsani Gholamheidar , Feiz-Arefi Maryam , Laal Fereydoon
Published: December 2024

Background

Care of pregnant mothers is one of the most important services provided in the healthcare system.

Objective

This study aims to identify and evaluate human errors in the care process of pregnant mothers using the extensive Cognitive Reliability and Error Analysis Method (CREAM).

Methods

In this study, tasks and activities related to the care of pregnant mothers in the health center and hospital were first analyzed using the HTA (hierarchical task analysis). Then, using extensive CREAM, human errors in tasks related to the care of pregnant mothers in the health center and hospital were identified and evaluated.

Results

In general, 34 main tasks and 106 subtasks were identified in the process of caring for pregnant Mothers. Thirty seven activities are related to midwifery associates or experts, and 19 activities are related to gynecologists. The highest Cognitive Failure Probability total (CFPt) was related to the duties of measures related to the infant, preparing the pregnant mother for transfer to the operating room, routine obstetric measures, taking delivery, measures related to resuscitation, and measures related to the control of the condition after delivery.

Conclusions

The process of caring for pregnant mothers is very vital and prone to errors due to different levels of service. The presence of experienced and capable personnel can largely prevent the occurrence of human errors. Increasing the number of personnel can be effective in reducing workload and preventing errors.
Examining the Structure of Personality Dysfunction Among Individuals Involved in Mental Health treatment: A Registered Report
Authors: Ghosh Ashmita , Phillips Nathaniel L. , Sleep Chelsea E. , Lynam Donald R. , Miller Joshua D.
Published: December 2024

Personality dysfunction is a core element of the diagnosis of personality disorders in both main diagnostic systems ( Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders [5th ed.] Personality Disorders and ICD-11 [ International Classification of Diseases, 11th Revision] Personality Disorders). A recent study by Sleep et al. explored the structure of personality dysfunction ( N = 517 undergraduates) with exploratory bass-ackward factor analyses at the item level using items from six measures of personality functioning. The present study represents a replication of the study by Sleep and colleagues in a community sample of individuals currently in or seeking psychological/psychiatric treatment. Participants were recruited from Prolific who completed items from six measures of personality dysfunction ( N = 457). The primary factor analysis identified three lower-order factors of impairment (Negative Self-Regard, Disagreeableness, and Intimacy Problems). These dysfunction factors showed moderate to strong relations to the factors generated by Sleep et al.; however, there were important differences in the overall structure suggesting a lack of formal replication.
Insights About Dyadic Cancer Survivorship Interventions for Black Women and Their Caregivers: A Rapid Qualitative Analysis of Collaborator Perspectives
Authors: Thompson Tess , Lero Christi M. , Levitan Julia , Bradley Cory D. , James Aimee S. , Heiden-Rootes Katie , Sargent Emani , Johnson LaShaune P.
Published: December 2024

Background

Breast cancer patients and their informal caregivers often report unmet psychosocial, relational, and physical health needs. Dyadic interventions may improve patient and caregiver outcomes, but few have been integrated into clinical care or designed for Black breast cancer patients and their female caregivers. We used the Health Equity Implementation Framework to design for dissemination by identifying facilitators and barriers to implementing a dyadic survivorship intervention delivered via video teleconferencing (e.g., Zoom).

Methods

We conducted semi-structured interviews with a purposive sample of 18 collaborators with roles at a comprehensive cancer center and community organizations to understand facilitators and barriers to implementing a dyadic intervention for Black breast cancer patients and their caregivers. We used rapid qualitative analysis (templated summaries synthesized in matrices) to conduct a directed content analysis. We identified patterns in responses to interview guide questions and developed cross-cutting themes.

Results

Collaborators’ roles fell into four domains: patient-facing mental health (33%), patient-facing physical health (28%), research/administration (28%), and cancer-focused community groups (11%). Participants were supportive of a dyadic intervention for Black women with breast cancer and female caregivers. Collaborators noted that psychosocial care at the cancer center was already being delivered via Zoom and saw benefits to including caregivers. Overarching themes include the need to address gaps in care (for caregivers, Black women, and long-term breast cancer survivors); the importance of representation in building trust and mitigating stigma; and the challenges within the healthcare system around providing care services to dyads.

Conclusion

Application of these findings can help address the challenges of implementing a dyadic survivorship intervention for Black women with breast cancer and their caregivers in clinical settings. Expanding models such as the Health Equity Implementation Framework to include caregivers may help focus dissemination and implementation efforts on both members of a dyad and improve outcomes for both.
Fixed-time reinforcement learning and optimal control design
Authors: Niroomand Mahdi , Kardehi Moghaddam Reihaneh , Modares Hamidreza , Naghibi Sistani Mohammad-Bagher
Published: December 2024

This paper presents a fixed-time optimal control design approach using reinforcement learning (RL) that guarantees not only fixed-time convergence of the learning algorithm to an optimal controller but also fixed-time stability of the learned control solution. To ensure the former, zero-finding capabilities of the zeroing neural networks (ZNNs) are leveraged, and novel adaptive laws are presented accordingly. To ensure the latter, conditions on the cost function are provided for which its corresponding optimal controller assures the fixed-time stability of the closed-loop system. It is also shown that imposing a fixed-time stability constraint on the infinite-horizon optimal control solution actually solves the classical fixed-final-time (FFTM) finite-horizon optimal control problem. The Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman (HJB) equation for the FFTM optimal control problem is time-varying, which makes it hard or even impossible to learn it directly online using RL. The presented approach bypasses this difficulty by developing an online solution for infinite-horizon optimal control problems under fixed-time stability constraints and with fixed-time convergent tuning laws. This approach makes learning and closed-loop system settling times predictable, tunable, and bounded. Simulation results for fixed-time optimal adaptive stabilization of a torsional pendulum system clarify this new design for nonlinear optimal control theory.
US Home Care Worker’s Access to and Use of Benefits During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Mixed-Methods Study
Authors: Lee Danbi , van Eijk Marieke S. , Oster Natalia V. , Frogner Bianca K. , Skillman Susan M.
Published: December 2024

As the COVID-19 pandemic evolved and more resources , PhD and information became available, state and federal governments and home care agencies developed system-level changes to support the retention of home care workers during the pandemic. This mixed-methods study used an online survey and individual qualitative interviews to understand which pandemic-related benefits home care workers received in unionized states and how workers perceived and used these benefits. A total of 108 home care workers from Illinois, Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Washington responded to the survey, and 23 home care workers were interviewed. The study found that most home care workers received additional benefits during the pandemic, including temporary financial incentives such as wage increases and paid time off. These benefits were not guaranteed, and the distribution and type of support differed across and within states. The findings of this study provide insights that can assist policymakers and employers in developing policies and resources to support the workforce and enable home care workers to continue providing high-quality home care services.
Impact of Educational Background on the Quality of Standardized Residency Training Program: The Case of China, a Cohort Study
Authors: Tu Xiaoyu , Ding Xiaoquan , Huang Wanru , Xu Xiangrong , Moreira Paulo , Zhang Runju
Published: December 2024

Objectives:

Residency training is important worldwide and recent studies have put more emphasis on its quality evaluation. This study aims to first explore the impact of educational backgrounds on the quality of gynecology and obstetrics (OB-GYN) standardized resident training (SRT) program in China, which may provide crucial evidence for policy considerations to improve SRT quality.

Methods:

A total of 397 OB-GYN resident graduates were enrolled in this retrospective cohort study. They were divided into three groups according to their educational background, that is Bachelor of Medicine (BM), Master of Medicine (MM), and Doctor of Medicine (DM) groups. The characteristics and the results of SRT graduation examination and annual assessment of these residents were collected and compared using one-way analysis of variance or Pearson’s chi-square test. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the association between sociodemographic variables and pass rates of SRT graduation examination. Besides, a subgroup analysis on training time for the DM group was performed. Strobe protocol was followed.

Results:

The residents were older in DM group than that in BM and MM groups ( P < 0.001). There was significant difference of the training length and the proportion taking part in SRT graduation examination among three groups ( P < 0.001). Although the written test scores of SRT graduation examination were the lowest in BM group ( P = 0.015), there was no significant difference in other results among three groups. No significant variable was found associated with the pass rates of SRT examination. No significant difference was found in the subgroup analysis of DM group.

Conclusion:

Overall, the SRT quality of OB-GYN residents with different educational backgrounds was good and comparable. However, residents with BM degrees had lowest written scores and need to be strengthened during training. The training time of residents with DM degrees can be shortened according to their own conditions.
Synthesizing Efficiency Tools in Radiotherapy to Increase Patient Flow: A Comprehensive Literature Review
Authors: Ramiah Duvern , Mmereki Daniel
Published: December 2024

The promise of novel technologies to increase access to radiotherapy in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is crucial, given that the cost of equipping new radiotherapy centres or upgrading existing machinery remains a major obstacle to expanding access to cancer treatment. The study aims to provide a thorough analysis overview of how technological advancement may revolutionize radiotherapy (RT) to improve level of care provided to cancer patients. A comprehensive literature review following some steps of systematic review (SLR) was performed using the Web of Science (WoS), PubMed, and Scopus databases. The study findings are classified into different technologies. Artificial intelligence (AI), knowledge-based planning, remote planning, radiotherapy, and scripting are all ways to increase patient flow across radiation oncology, including initial consultation, treatment planning, delivery, verification, and patient follow-up. This review found that these technologies improve delineation of organ at risks (OARs) and considerably reduce waiting times when compared with conventional treatment planning in RT. In this review, AI, knowledge-based planning, remote radiotherapy treatment planning, and scripting reduced waiting times and improved organ at-risk delineation compared with conventional RT treatment planning. A combination of these technologies may lower cancer patients’ risk of disease progression due to reduced workload, quality of therapy, and individualized treatment. Efficiency tools, such as the application of AI, knowledge-based planning, remote radiotherapy planning, and scripting, are urgently needed to reduce waiting times and improve OAR delineation accuracy in cancer treatment compared with traditional treatment planning methods. The study’s contribution is to present the potential of technological advancement to optimize RT planning process, thereby improving patient care and resource utilization. The study may be extended in the future to include digital integration and technology’s impact on patient safety, outcomes, and risk. Therefore, in radiotherapy, research on more efficient tools pioneers the development and implementation of high-precision radiotherapy for cancer patients.
Real-World Effectiveness of Tildrakizumab for Moderate-to-Severe Plaque Psoriasis in Canada
Authors: Abu-Hilal Mohannad , Cowger Jeff , Bawazir Mohammed , Sajic Dusan , Savinova Iryna , Yap Belinda , El-Sayegh Rami , Bolatova Talshyn , Chan Pak , Cy Ajith
Published: December 2024

Background:

Tildrakizumab is an interleukin-23 inhibitor approved in Canada in 2021 for the treatment of adults with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis.

Objectives:

To evaluate real-world effectiveness of tildrakizumab for the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in Canada.

Methods:

A multicenter, retrospective study was conducted in Canada in adults with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis for ≥1 year treated with tildrakizumab for ≥12 weeks. Effectiveness was evaluated from proportions of patients achieving ≥75%/≥90%/100% improvement from baseline in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI 75/90/100 response) and Physician Global Assessment (PGA) 0 or 1 at weeks 16 (±4), 24 (±8), and 48 (±12). Subgroup analyses were performed based on prior biologic use and special site involvement.

Results:

The study included 75 patients (mean age, 50.5 years; 52.0% female; 82.7% bio-naïve; 73.3% with special site involvement). Absolute mean (standard deviation) PASI score improved from 16.1 (6.7) at baseline to 1.3 (1.7) at the week 48 (91.7% improvement), 95.7%/69.6%/34.8% of patients achieved PASI 75/90/100 response, and 93.0% achieved PGA 0/1 at the week 48. In subgroup analyses, 94.7%/71.1%/34.2% of bio-naïve patients, 100.0%/62.5%/37.5% of bio-experienced patients, 100.0%/71.4%/28.6% of patients with special site involvement, and 81.8%/63.6%/54.6% of patients without special site involvement achieved PASI 75/90/100 response, and 87.5%, 94.3%, 97.0%, and 80.0% of patients, respectively, achieved PGA 0/1 at the week 48. None of the differences among subgroups were statistically significant; however, patient numbers were too small to support robust conclusions.

Conclusions:

Tildrakizumab is effective for the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in adults in a real-world setting in Canada.
A framework for evaluating women’s leadership programmes
Authors: Stephenson Elise , Mikolajczak Gosia , Ryan Michelle , Fisher Alexandra N. , Hayes Jack , Sojo Victor , Weaving Morgan , Tanjitpiyanond Mai
Published: December 2024

The increase in women’s leadership programmes has been paralleled by a growing demand on behalf of private and public sector stakeholders for pragmatic reporting on impact assessment. Yet, there remains limited research and tools available for conducting evaluation of women’s leadership programmes. Based on an extensive review of the literature and co-design with a sub-national Australian government, we develop an evaluation framework for women’s leadership programmes. Our framework identifies critical measures and indicators at a micro, meso and macro level that can be used by researchers and practitioners to measure the impact of women’s leadership programmes on women (and minoritised genders), organisations and structures – wider gender equality. We argue that evaluation is valuable in understanding the impact that women’s leadership programmes have as well as the impact they do not have – providing more rigorous analysis of the sometimes tenuous impacts of women’s leadership programmes. Such evaluation is critical to identifying women’s leadership programmes’ roles in tackling gender inequalities and women’s continued under-representation in leadership. It may also help identify other interventions and policy and legislative change needed to bring about a desired change.
Remaking Chemsex Event Networks in the Age of HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)
Authors: Murphy Dean A. , Race Kane , Pienaar Kiran , Lea Toby
Published: December 2024

‘Let’s be honest: it’s a party drug’, declared the president of the AIDS Healthcare Foundation of Los Angeles, following the approval of Truvada for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Drawing on the accounts of gay and queer-identifying men, we explore the ways in which PrEP has not only made chemsex possible for a new group of people, but has also changed what chemsex is. If the association with HIV infection has helped render chemsex an object of sexual health concern, PrEP can be understood to interfere with the very ontology of chemsex, and the human and more-than-human bodies imbricated in it. This rethinking invites us to consider antiretrovirals as part of the infrastructure, or event network, of chemsex, in turn producing new kinds of embodied sexual subjects. In doing so, we argue for a more expansive account of chemsex that troubles the binaries of licit and illicit drugs, therapeutic and recreational use, and normal/deviant bodies.
Short report on a distinct electroencephalogram endophenotype for MTHFR gene variation co-occurring in autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Ezedinma Uchenna , Jones Evan , Ring Alexander , Miller Spencer , Ladhams Andrew , Fjaagesund Shauna , Downer Terri , Campbell Gary , Oprescu Florin
Published: December 2024

Anecdotal reports link a distinct, bilateral, parieto-temporally generated 4.5-Hz rhythm on an electroencephalogram to a methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene variant co-occurring in autism spectrum disorder, but the validation of its precision is needed. The electroencephalograms of children with autism spectrum disorder showing the distinct bilateral parieto-temporally generated 4.5-Hz rhythm and their clinical chart report on polymerase chain reaction screening for methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene variants, 677C>T and 1298A>C, were retrieved from an outpatient clinic between February 2019 and April 2024. Twenty-five cases were identified. Patients were between 2 and 12 (7 ± 3) years old from Asian ( n = 16, 64%), European ( n = 5, 20%), African ( n = 1, 4%) and mixed ( n = 3, 12%) ethnicities. Twenty patients (80%) were positive for 677  C>Theterozygous ( n = 3, 15%), 1298A>Cheterozygous ( n = 8, 40%) or both ( n = 9, 45%). The polymerase chain reaction testing detected neither variant in 5 (20%) patients. Therefore, the electroencephalogram-endophenotype showed 80% precision in identifying methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene variant within the sample. This preliminary data support the precision of the proposed distinct, bilateral, parieto-temporally generated 4.5-Hz rhythm in identifying methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene variants and its potential clinical applications as a valuable, non-invasive and objective measure within the population.

Lay abstract

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase mutations refer to genetic variations in the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase enzyme, which plays an important role in folate metabolism. Folate is essential for neural development and signalling. Children with autism spectrum disorder have atypical neural signals compared with control. This study used a non-invasive method to identify a distinct neural signal that may be useful in future screening for methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase mutation in children with autism spectrum disorder. Given that the underlying causes of autism spectrum disorder have multiple genetic factors and often require subjective assessment, this study introduces a potential non-invasive screening method for methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene mutation. This method could provide valuable biomarkers for screening and personalised treatments, offering hope for improved risk stratification and bespoke nutritional support and supplements to mitigate the impact on affected individuals and their descendants.
Adolescents’ screen-based media use and the relationship with moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, sports club participation and active commuting
Authors: Haug Ellen
Published: December 2024

Aim:

A worry regarding young people’s physical activity engagement relates to a potentially competing development: the role of screen-based media (SBM) in their everyday lives. The present study aimed to assess time spent on different types of SBM, self-reported moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and physical activity in different domains and their interrelations.

Methods:

The study is based on data from 3737 participants aged 11, 13 and 15 years from Norway collected in 2021/2022 as part of the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children collaborative cross-national survey.

Results:

The findings revealed high amounts of total SBM time. There were age and gender differences in physical activity, especially with lower levels of active transport during leisure time among girls than among boys. A series of binary logistic regression analyses with adjustment for age, gender and socioeconomic status showed that high levels of total SBM time were negatively associated with involvement in club sports, active school transport, active travel to friends and leisure activities, and 60 min MVPA 5 days/week. Gaming and social media use were also negatively associated with most of the physical activity indicators. All SBM variables were negatively associated with involvement in club sports and 60 min MVPA 5 days/week.

Conclusions:

The study demonstrates negative associations between SBM time among adolescents and physical activity in various domains. Actions to facilitate youth physical activity in the digital age seem crucial. Additional studies with nuanced data on these behaviours and longitudinal research design allowing for examining their interrelations over time are needed.
Characterization of PBAT/TPS blends for plastic wrapping materials of pathological waste buried in soil environments
Authors: Mohd Nizam Nuraina Hanim , Tuan Sharif Sharifah Emilia , Wen Da Oh , Ku Ishak Ku Marsilla
Published: December 2024

This study investigates the incorporation of thermoplastic starch (TPS) into polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) to create biodegradable plastic wraps for pathological waste burial in soil. TPS is added to PBAT to enhance biodegradability, as PBAT alone degrades slowly. The research examines the mechanical properties, biodegradation, morphology, and swelling behaviour of the blends. Key tests include xenon arc light exposure for accelerated aging, a formalin swelling test for permeability, and soil degradation analysis for weight loss. Results show that adding TPS significantly reduces tensile strength (65.53%) and elongation at break (93.35%), but the material still effectively serves its purpose as a wrapping for pathological waste. Morphological analysis reveals phase separation, and UV exposure further decreases tensile strength by 27.6%. The highest TPS composition (30TPS/70PBAT) shows the fastest mechanical degradation, indicating accelerated biodegradation. Despite minimal formalin absorption (16% within 1 day), the blends prevent formalin leaching, making them suitable for pathological waste containment.
Association Between Parental Adverse Childhood Experiences and Offspring’s Risk of Suboptimal Health: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wei Mengna , Deng Weixi , Wang Miyuan , Li Chunan , Jiang Yanfen , Wang Yimin , Zhang Jianduan
Published: December 2024

Previous reviews and meta-analysis have not adequately explored the impact of specific parental adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) subtypes on offspring’s health. This updated systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the association between parental ACE subtypes and various offspring health outcomes. A comprehensive search was conducted in electronic databases including PubMed, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, WANFANG, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure for studies published in English and Chinese from January 1, 1998, until July 18, 2023. Two independent reviewers screened studies, extracted data, and assessed study quality using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. A random-effects model was applied to generate pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI). A total of 47 eligible studies were included in the final analysis. Overall, parental ACEs were significantly associated with several offspring’s health outcomes, including preterm birth (PTB), low birth weight (LBW), total developmental delay, social-emotional problems, and behavioral problems (total, externalizing and internalizing behaviors), with ORs ranging from 1.06 to 3.02. Specific subtypes of parental ACEs, such as household dysfunction, sexual abuse, and physical abuse (but not emotional abuse) were significantly associated with PTB. Household dysfunction was notably linked to delayed cognition ability in offspring. Parental sexual abuse, physical abuse, emotional abuse, and emotional neglect were significantly correlated with social-emotion problems, with the expception of household dysfunction. Regarding total behavioral problems, parental household dysfunction, physical abuse, emotional abuse, physical neglect, and peer bullying were all significantly associated with children’s behavioral issues, except for emotional neglect. There is a positive correlation between parental household dysfunction, sexual abuse, physical abuse, emotional abuse, emotional neglect, physical neglect, peer bullying, and neighborhood-related adversity and their children’s externalizing behavior problems. These findings underscore the significant impacts of parental ACEs on multiple adverse health outcomes in children, with specific parental ACEs subtypes exerting unique effects. This highlight the significance of comprehending the intergenerational effects of different ACE subtypes, and emphasizes the urgency of interventions to address these issues.
Modulation of NRF2 and CYP24A1 Pathways by Hookah Smoke: Implications for Male Reproductive Health
Authors: Firouzabadi Amir Masoud , Imani Maryam , Tofighi Niaki Maryam , Fesahat Farzaneh
Published: December 2024

Antioxidants act by preventing excessive oxidative stress within the developing sperm cells. Hookah smoking has been implicated in inducing oxidative stress which may be a risk factor for male infertility. This study aims to bridge this knowledge gap by evaluating the effect of hookah smoking on sperm quality and the expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 ( NRF2) and Cytochrome P450 family 24 subfamily A member 1 ( CYP24A1) genes which are involved in antioxidant response. Young fertile men in reproductive age were categorized into hookah smokers ( n = 32) and non-smokers (n=52). Sperm parameters (concentration, volume, motility, morphology) as well as gene expression of NRF2 and CYP24A1 were evaluated in each sperm sample. There was no meaningful change in sperm parameters in the case group compared with the controls. The mRNA levels of NRF2 was significantly higher in the case group compared with the controls ( p = 0.01), while CYP24A1 expression did not significantly change between the study groups. A remarkable increase in NRF2 expression in hookah smokers might be a cellular defense mechanism, indicating activation of antioxidant response in sperm to counteract potential oxidative stress caused by hookah use. However, further research is needed to understand the functional consequences of this upregulation.
Imagining New Possibilities Through Participatory Qualitative Methods
Authors: Weddle Hayley , Oliveira Gabrielle
Published: December 2024

Across a range of disciplines, researchers are employing participatory approaches to better align studies with community needs. For example, a growing body of education scholarship has outlined the value of research-practice partnerships as venues for addressing urgent problems of practice. While such partnerships represent a promising strategy for advancing equity, effective collaboration across research and practice is complex to realize. In this paper, we examine data from two partnership projects to identify strategies for actualizing participatory qualitative methods. Collaborative analysis across our projects revealed possibilities related to three strands of qualitative partnership research: gaining and sustaining access to politically complex spaces, maintaining authentic reciprocity, and making meaning across data. Within each strand, we offer in-depth examples and considerations for researchers across a range of disciplines about how to foster partnerships that promote equitable transformation. As opposed to being prescriptive, we hope to spur reflection across participatory qualitative research teams and support shifts towards more imaginative and humanized methods.
Graphic Paper: The perspectives of homeless people using the services of a mobile health clinic in relation to their health needs: a qualitative study on community-based outreach nursing
Authors: Brenchley Alex
Published: December 2024

JRN is delighted to present a graphic depiction of the 2023 JRN Veronica Bishop Paper of the Year award winners’ paper. This paper won the award for its potential to impact policy, practice and/or research.

We hope you enjoy this graphic paper and rereading the original work. We have inserted the original paper’s abstract below with links to that paper and its associated commentary.

Background:

Significant social and health issues are associated with homelessness. Negative experiences with the healthcare system are also frequent and cause people experiencing homelessness to avoid health services.

Aims:

The purpose of this study was to (1) explore participants’ health needs concerning outreach nursing services and (2) describe the perceptions and preferences of people who access this form of community-based intervention.

Methods:

We conducted a critical ethnography with semi-structured interviews of 12 people experiencing homelessness who receive the services of a nurse-led mobile clinic, and 60 hours of observation during the provision of these services.

Results:

Our results describe the perspectives of people experiencing homelessness in three main categories: (1) worrisome health and social needs, (2) non-use of healthcare and (3) what connects us to health services.

Conclusions:

Timely access to healthcare is an important issue for people experiencing homelessness. Nurse-led clinics meet needs that go far beyond health issues.
Awareness of heart failure, blood pressure management and self-efficacy: The Research Goes Red for Women Registry
Authors: Conners Katherine M , Hashemian Maryam , Kinzy Claire , Hall Jennifer L , Herr Christine , Sharma Reeti , Mallya Pratheek , Zhao Juan , Ibrahim Nasrien E , Shearer Joseph J , Hong Haoyun , Roger Véronique L
Published: December 2024

Background:

Heart failure (HF) is increasing in the United States, and awareness is needed for prevention. Hypertension is the leading cause of HF, and adherence to antihypertensive medication is critical for reducing HF risk. Self-efficacy positively influences health-promoting behaviors.

Objectives:

Assess HF awareness, test associations with antihypertensive medication adherence, and self-efficacy for managing chronic conditions.

Design:

We conducted a cross-sectional, observational survey research study.

Methods:

We leveraged data from participants enrolled in the American Heart Association’s Research Goes Red™ registry, an online platform powered by Verily. Three surveys ascertained HF awareness, blood pressure management, and self-efficacy. Chi-squared and Wilcoxon rank sum determined associations between survey domains and participant characteristics.

Results:

Two thousand three hundred twenty women took the HF awareness survey, 678 the blood pressure management survey, and 755 the self-efficacy survey (response rates: 12%, 78%, and 76%, respectively). Participants were predominantly non-Hispanic White (78%), with a median age of 51 (interquartile range (IQR): 39, 62). Median HF awareness score was 4/5 (IQR: 4, 5). Participants with high HF awareness versus low were more likely to be older ( p < 0.001), non-Hispanic White ( p < 0.001), and less likely to smoke ( p < 0.001) or have depression ( p = 0.004). Nearly 90% of hypertensive participants reported medication adherence, which was not associated with HF awareness or self-efficacy. Participants with greater self-efficacy versus less were more likely to have higher HF awareness ( p = 0.01), be older ( p = 0.01), and less likely to have depression ( p < 0.001).

Conclusion:

Women’s awareness of HF and adherence to antihypertensive medication in this cohort was high. Depression and younger age may be important factors affecting women’s HF awareness and confidence in managing chronic disease medication plans.
Traumatic ureteral injury: an initial outcome and experience
Authors: Xia Mancheng , Li Xinfei , Zhao Fangzhou , Jiao Pengcheng , Li Zhihua , Xiong Shengwei , Zhang Peng , Wang Bing , Zhu Hongjian , Yang Kunlin , Zhou Liqun , Zhang Kai , Li Xuesong
Published: December 2024

Traumatic ureteral injury is a rare and challenging condition of the urinary system. To summarize the clinical features of patients with traumatic ureteral injury and examine the literature on traumatic ureteral injuries from the past 20 years. The clinical data of 30 patients with traumatic ureteral injury in Peking University First Hospital, Beijing Jiangong Hospital, as well as Emergency General Hospital from August 2015 to August 2023 were retrospectively collected. The clinical characteristics, management strategies, and follow-up outcomes were analyzed, and a review of the literature on traumatic ureteral injury from the past 20 years was conducted. The traumatic types in the case series was composed of sharp injury, impact injury, and falling injury, with 9, 16, and 5 cases, respectively. Ureteral injury was diagnosed immediately in 12 cases, while 18 cases had a delayed diagnosis. Besides, the median time from ureteral injury to operations was 8.5 months (IQR: 4–13 months) in the patients who received upper urinary tract repair surgery, including ureteral stenting in one case, ureteroureterostomy in four cases, pyeloplasty in two cases, lingual mucosal graft ureteroplasty in one case, ileal ureter replacement in five cases, and nephrectomy in one cases. The mean follow-up time is 39.1 ± 24.8 months. Concerning renal function, postoperative creatinine was substantially lower than preoperative one (78.6 ± 13.7 µmol/L vs 88.8 ± 17.0 µmol/L, p = 0.0009), and postoperative urea was significantly lower than preoperative one (4.6 ± 1.6 µmol/L vs 5.9 ± 1. 3 mmol/L, p = 0.0016). Traumatic ureteral injury is challenging to recognize due to its deep anatomical location, making timely diagnosis crucial. It is important to choose an appropriate reconstruction method based on severity, location, length to restore urinary tract continuity as early as possible.