bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Loneliness among older Chinese individuals: the status quo and relationships with activity-related factors
Authors: Wang Jiazhou , Zhou Yueyue , Zhang Qiuxia , Li Jing , Zhai Dehua , Li Jia , Han Buxin , Liu Zhengkui 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
With the rapid population aging, healthy aging has become a concern for society as a whole. In this study, loneliness and its relationships with activity-related individual factors were examined among older Chinese individuals from the perspective of mental health and daily leisure activities.

Methods
The data were from the fourth investigation of the Sample Survey of the Aged Population in Urban and Rural China, which had a total of 220,506 participants. Activity ability was assessed by the Barthel Activity of Daily Living Index, a self-designed activity type questionnaire was used to evaluate activity participation, and loneliness was measured with a single-item question.

Results
The prevalence of varying degrees of loneliness among Chinese older individuals was 36.6%. The prevalence of loneliness among the older individuals differed significantly by age gender, age, physical health status, annual household income, education level, marital status, living status, ethnic minority status, religious faith and territory of residence. There were differences in activity participation among older Chinese adults in terms of all the demographic factors mentioned above, while there were no significant differences in living status or religious faith, and significant differences in several other demographic factors in terms of activity ability. Self-care ability, as a form of activity ability, and activity participation significantly predicted loneliness among the older participants.

Conclusion
The topic of loneliness among Chinese older individuals is complex and requires greater attention. The buffering effect of activity-related factors on loneliness suggests that old people should improve their activity ability and participate more in daily activities.
The prognostic importance of the pan-immune-inflammation value in patients with septic shock
Authors: Turan Yasemin Bozkurt 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Introduction
The purpose of this study was to determine whether the pan-immune-inflammation value (PIV), a novel biomarker combining neutrophil platelet, monocyte, and lymphocyte counts, some of the most widespread indicators of systemic inflammation, can predict mortality and prognosis in patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) with septic shock.

Method
This prospective study was performed with 82 patients aged 18 or over admitted to a tertiary ICU with diagnoses of septic shock. Patients with hematological disease and neutropenia were excluded. PIV was calculated with the formula [neutrophil count (103/μL) × platelet count (103/μL) × monocyte count (103/μL)]/lymphocyte count (103/μL).

Results
Median age, presence of hypertension, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) levels, and neutrophil, monocyte, and platelet counts were lower in the low-PIV group than in the high-PIV group (p < 0.05). The highest area under ROC curve (AUC) was determined for Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) (0.94 (0.89 – 0.99)), followed by Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) (0.81 (0.70 – 0.91)), APACHE II (0.80 (0.69 – 0.91)) and lactate (0.77 (0.67 – 0.88)). Median survival was longer in the low-PIV group than in the high-PIV group (28 (15.25 – 40.76) vs 16 (9.46 – 22.55) days, respectively, p < 0.05). The univariate Cox proportional hazards (CPH) model showed that high PIV (HR = 2.13 (1.03—4.38)), low GCS (HR = 3.31 (1.34 – 8.15)), high SOFA (HR = 9.41 (2.86 – 30.95)), high APACHE II (HR = 3.08 (1.47 – 6.45)), high lactate (HR = 6.56 (2.73 – 15.75)), and high procalcitonin (PCT) (HR = 2.73 (1.11 – 6.69)) values were associated with a decreased survival time among ICU patients (p < 0.05). The multivariate CPH model showed the age-adjusted risk estimates for these six laboratory parameters. High lactate (HR = 7.97 (2.19 – 29.08)) and high SOFA scores (HR = 4.85 (1.22 – 19.32)) were significantly associated with shorter survival in ICU patients (p < 0.05).

Conclusion
The findings of this research suggest that PIV could predict the longer survival in patients with septic shock. Despite PIV score’s capability to show inflammation, it is not significantly associated with mortality in the multivariate analysis.
Effect of mixed Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection on rapid molecular diagnostics among patients starting MDR-TB treatment in Uganda
Authors: Komakech Kevin , Nakiyingi Lydia , Fred Ashab , Achan Beatrice , Joloba Moses , Kirenga Bruce J. , Ssengooba Willy 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Mixed M. tuberculosis (MTB) infection occurs when one is infected with more than one clonally distinct MTB strain. This form of infection can assist MTB strains to acquire additional mutations, facilitate the spread of drug-resistant strains, and boost the rate of treatment failure. Hence, the presence of mixed MTB infection could affect the performance of some rapid molecular diagnostic tests such as Line Probe Assay (LPA) and GeneXpert MTB/RIF (Xpert) assays.

Methods
This was a cross-sectional study that used sputum specimens collected from participants screened for STREAM 2 clinical trial between October 2017 and October 2019. Samples from 62 MTB smear-positive patients and rifampicin-resistant patients from peripheral health facilities were processed for Xpert and LPA as screening tests for eligibility in the trial. From November 2020, processed stored sputum samples were retrieved and genotyped to determine the presence of mixed-MTB strain infection using a standard 24-locus Mycobacterial Interspersed Repetitive Unit–Variable Number Tandem-Repeat (MIRU-VNTR). Samples with at least 20/24 MIRU-VNTR loci amplified were considered for analysis. Agar proportional Drug Susceptibility Test (DST) was performed on culture isolates of samples that had discordant results between LPA and Xpert. The impact of the presence of mixed-MTB strain on Xpert and LPA test interpretation was analyzed.

Results
A total of 53/62 (85%) samples had analyzable results from MIRU-VNTR. The overall prevalence of mixed-MTB infection was 5/53 (9.4%). The prevalence was highest among male’s 3/31 (9.7%) and among middle-aged adults, 4/30 (33.3%). Lineage 4 of MTB contributed 3/5 (60.0%) of the mixed-MTB infection prevalence. Having mixed MTB strain infection increased the odds of false susceptible Xpert test results (OR 7.556, 95% CI 0.88–64.44) but not for LPA. Being HIV-positive (P = 0.04) independently predicted the presence of mixed MTB infection.

Conclusions
The presence of mixed-MTB strain infection may affect the performance of the GeneXpert test but not for LPA. For patients with high pre-test probability of rifampicin resistance, an alternative rapid method such as LPA should be considered.
Study protocol for the family empowerment program: a randomized waitlist-controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of online Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT) on the wellbeing of family members with a relative experiencing substance dependence and mental illness
Authors: Allan Julaine , Snowdon Nicole , Thapa Subash , Ahmed Kedir Y. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackgroundSystematic reviews consistently show that family-focused interventions are effective at improving substance treatment engagement and outcomes across the lifespan. Yet, Australian substance use treatment services rarely incorporate family members and concerned significant others. Testing of family focussed interventions in the Australian context is required.MethodsThe trial is a randomized wait-list control trial assessing the effectiveness, feasibility and acceptability of online CRAFT with a parallel group. Participants will be randomised to receive either online CRAFT or to a wait-list control group who are provided with CRAFT related reading material during the waiting period. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline and then at 6- and 15-weeks post baseline. The primary outcome will be improved wellbeing of participating family members. The trial reporting will comply with SPIRIT guidelines.DiscussionThis study will focus on people living in rural areas. Substance treatment programs are limited in rural Australia. The provision of the Family Empowerment Program (CRAFT) online should make family focused substance treatment support accessible and attainable for the first time in rural areas. The outcomes of this trial could have meaningful implications for the future funding and support of family focused substance treatment services that are inclusive of people with mental health conditions.Trial registrationANZCTR, ACTRN12623000796684p, Registered 26 July 2023. Prospectively registered with protocol version 3.
Immunisation coverage and factors associated with incomplete immunisation in children under two during the COVID-19 pandemic in Sierra Leone
Authors: Wassenaar Myrte , Fombah Augustin E. , Chen Haily , Owusu-Kyei Kwabena , Williams Julian , Sunders Joe-Henry C. , Llach Mireia , Quinto Llorenç , Sesay Tom , Samai Mohamed , Menéndez Clara , González Raquel 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Routine childhood immunisation is one of the most important life-saving public health interventions. However, many children still have inadequate access to these vaccines and millions remain (partially) unvaccinated globally. As the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted health systems worldwide, its effects on immunisation have become apparent. This study aimed to estimate routine immunisation coverage among children under two in Sierra Leone and to identify factors associated with incomplete immunisation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods
A cross-sectional household survey was conducted in three districts in Sierra Leone: Bombali, Tonkolili and Port Loko. A three-stage cluster sampling method was followed to enrol children aged 10–23 months. Information regarding immunisation status was based on vaccination cards or caretaker’s recall. Using WHO’s definition, a fully immunised child received one BCG dose, three oral polio vaccine doses, three pentavalent vaccine doses and one measles-containing vaccine dose. Following the national schedule, full immunisation status can be achieved at 9 months of age. Data were weighted to reflect the survey’s sampling design. Associations between incomplete immunisation and sociodemographic characteristics were assessed through multivariable logistic regression.

Results
A total of 720 children were enrolled between November and December 2021. Full vaccination coverage was estimated at 65.8% (95% CI 60.3%-71.0%). Coverage estimates were highest for vaccines administered at birth and decreased with doses administered subsequently. Adjusting for age, the lowest estimated coverage was 40.7% (95% CI 34.5%-47.2%) for the second dose of the measles-containing vaccine. Factors found to be associated with incomplete immunisation status were: living in Port Loko district (aOR = 3.47, 95% CI = 2.00-6.06; p-value < 0.001), the interviewed caretaker being Muslim (aOR = 1.94, 95% CI = 1.25–3.02; p-value = 0.015) and the interviewed caretaker being male (aOR = 1.93, 95% CI = 1.03–3.59, p-value = 0.039).

Conclusion
Though full immunisation coverage at district level improved compared with pre-pandemic district estimates from 2019, around one in three surveyed children had missed at least one basic routine vaccination and over half of eligible children had not received the recommended two doses of a measles-containing vaccine. These findings highlight the need to strengthen health systems to improve vaccination uptake in Sierra Leone, and to further explore barriers that may jeopardise equitable access to these life-saving interventions.
Predicting mortality risk in hospitalized COVID-19 patients: an early model utilizing clinical symptoms
Authors: Hai Cong Nguyen , Duc Thanh Bui , Minh The Nguyen , Quang Lich Ngo , Tung Son Luong Cao , Duc Loi Trinh , Duong-Quy Sy 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Despite global efforts to control the COVID-19 pandemic, the emergence of new viral strains continues to pose a significant threat. Accurate patient stratification, optimized resource allocation, and appropriate treatment are crucial in managing COVID-19 cases. To address this, a simple and accurate prognostic tool capable of rapidly identifying individuals at high risk of mortality is urgently needed. Early prognosis facilitates predicting treatment outcomes and enables effective patient management. The aim of this study was to develop an early predictive model for assessing mortality risk in hospitalized COVID-19 patients, utilizing baseline clinical factors.

Methods
We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study involving a cohort of 375 COVID-19 patients admitted and treated at the COVID-19 Patient Treatment Center in Military Hospital 175 from October 2021 to December 2022.

Results
Among the 375 patients, 246 and 129 patients were categorized into the survival and mortality groups, respectively. Our findings revealed six clinical factors that demonstrated independent predictive value for mortality in COVID-19 patients. These factors included age greater than 50 years, presence of multiple underlying diseases, dyspnea, acute confusion, saturation of peripheral oxygen below 94%, and oxygen demand exceeding 5 L per minute. We integrated these factors to develop the Military Hospital 175 scale (MH175), a prognostic scale demonstrating significant discriminatory ability with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.87. The optimal cutoff value for predicting mortality risk using the MH175 score was determined to be ≥ 3 points, resulting in a sensitivity of 96.1%, specificity of 63.4%, positive predictive value of 58%, and negative predictive value of 96.9%.

Conclusions
The MH175 scale demonstrated a robust predictive capacity for assessing mortality risk in patients with COVID-19. Implementation of the MH175 scale in clinical settings can aid in patient stratification and facilitate the application of appropriate treatment strategies, ultimately reducing the risk of death. Therefore, the utilization of the MH175 scale holds significant potential to improve clinical outcomes in COVID-19 patients.

Trial registration
An independent ethics committee approved the study (Research Ethics Committee of Military Hospital 175 (No. 3598GCN-HDDD; date: October 8, 2021), which was performed in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki, Guidelines for Good Clinical Practice.
Association between spinal manipulative therapy and lumbar spine reoperation after discectomy: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Trager Robert J. , Gliedt Jordan A. , Labak Collin M. , Daniels Clinton J. , Dusek Jeffery A. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Patients who undergo lumbar discectomy may experience ongoing lumbosacral radiculopathy (LSR) and seek spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) to manage these symptoms. We hypothesized that adults receiving SMT for LSR at least one year following lumbar discectomy would be less likely to undergo lumbar spine reoperation compared to matched controls not receiving SMT, over two years’ follow-up.

Methods
We searched a United States network of health records (TriNetX, Inc.) for adults aged ≥ 18 years with LSR and lumbar discectomy ≥ 1 year previous, without lumbar fusion or instrumentation, from 2003 to 2023. We divided patients into two cohorts: (1) chiropractic SMT, and (2) usual care without chiropractic SMT. We used propensity matching to adjust for confounding variables associated with lumbar spine reoperation (e.g., age, body mass index, nicotine dependence), calculated risk ratios (RR), with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and explored cumulative incidence of reoperation and the number of SMT follow-up visits.

Results
Following propensity matching there were 378 patients per cohort (mean age 61 years). Lumbar spine reoperation was less frequent in the SMT cohort compared to the usual care cohort (SMT: 7%; usual care: 13%), yielding an RR (95% CIs) of 0.55 (0.35–0.85; P = 0.0062). In the SMT cohort, 72% of patients had ≥ 1 follow-up SMT visit (median = 6).

Conclusions
This study found that adults experiencing LSR at least one year after lumbar discectomy who received SMT were less likely to undergo lumbar spine reoperation compared to matched controls not receiving SMT. While these findings hold promise for clinical implications, they should be corroborated by a prospective study including measures of pain, disability, and safety to confirm their relevance. We cannot exclude the possibility that our results stem from a generalized effect of engaging with a non-surgical clinician, a factor that may extend to related contexts such as physical therapy or acupuncture.

Registration
Open Science Framework (https://osf.io/vgrwz).
A comparative evaluation of physical properties of CAD/CAM complete denture resins- an in vitro study
Authors: Arora Ojasvini , Ahmed Nabeel , Siurkel Yuliia , Ronsivalle Vincenzo , Cicciù Marco , Minervini Giuseppe 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
In dentistry, there is a growing preference for computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) systems over traditional laboratory procedures. However, there is not much literature comparing various CAD/CAM materials. Thus, this study aimed to assess and compare the color stability and hardness of gingival and tooth colored milled and 3D-printed acrylic resins.

Materials and methods
Four types of CAD/CAM materials were prepared: 3D-printed pink shade (PP), milled polymenthymethacrylate (PMMA) pink shade (MP), 3D-printed tooth shade (PT) and milled PMMA tooth shade (MT) (n = 6). For hardness, disc shaped samples of 15 mm × 2 mm and for color stability, bar shaped samples of 65mmx10mmx2.5 mm were prepared and polished. Vickers hardness test was performed in a microhardness tester. Color stability test was done by immersing in coffee solution and coca cola for 7 days. Day 0 and day 7 measurements were recorded using a digital spectrophotometer and the change in color was calculated. For statistical analysis, one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc tests were done.

Results
For color stability, milled PMMA was superior to 3D-printed resin samples. Milled pink and tooth shade samples had similar color stability, whereas 3D-printed tooth shade samples were more color stable as compared to pink shade 3D-printed samples. For hardness, milled tooth shade PMMA was the most superior one, followed by 3D-printed tooth shade, whereas pink shade milled PMMA and 3D-printed resin samples had similar hardness values and were inferior to the tooth shade CAD/CAM materials.

Conclusion
Color stability of milled PMMA is superior to that of 3D-printed resins. Hardness of tooth shade milled and 3D-printed resins is more than that of pink shade milled and 3D-printed resins.
The use of instructional videos to compensate for flexible physiology learning during the pandemic of COVID 19
Authors: Lasheen Noha N. , Fawzy Maram M. , Ibrahim Mostafa B. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
This study aimed at using instructional videos in physiology created by students to improve the process of learning Physiology especially during the COVID-19 Pandemic which enforced the lectures to be online. Additionally, it allowed students to visualize and understand clinical scenarios and the physiological reasons behind them while assessing how much they stand to gain from the experience.

Methods
This study is a project to implement FAIMER, ASU MENA-FRI Institute, Cairo, Egypt. In a foundation course for first-year medical students, the instructor utilized a variety of instructional methods including lecture, small group discussion, individual assignments, and reflection. Students were randomly allocated into 18 groups, then a topic in their physiology curriculum was chosen and they formulated a related case scenario, thereafter a video was made by themselves. This intervention was rewarded by activity mark in their course. Post-project questionnaire was used, and an external reviewer evaluated the videos presented by students. This study obtained IRB approval from the Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams Medical Ethics committee.

Results
the project helped students to improve their skills in problem-solving, teamwork, active learning, communication, planning, and time management. In addition, it also increased their confidence in their abilities to learn, face unexpected challenges, and achieve goals, while considering new life opportunities, those which became an option when the students searched by themselves and learned more about the different angles of medicine.

Conclusion
Compared to the traditional lecture format that focuses on memorizing definitions and theoretical structures, instructional videos can be regarded as an innovative teaching tool and a unique medical education method that allowed students to participate more in the learning process even if their lectures were online. This article proposes an active learning method in undergraduate medical education which compensate for limited face-to-face attended during the pandemic.
Mapping the learning styles of medical students in Brazil
Authors: Cardozo Marcel Fernando Inácio , de Jesus Gilmar Cardozo , de Sousa Maria Helena , Iatecola Amilton , Melgaço Maia Fernanda Latorre , de Carvalho Gisele Massarani Alexandre , Silva Vinícius Rodrigues , Buchaim Daniela Vieira , Moura Cardozo Adriane Gonçalves , Correia Ronny Rodrigues , Buchaim Rogerio Leone , da Cunha Marcelo Rodrigues 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Medical education has evolved based on the application of pedagogical actions that place the student as the protagonist of the learning process through the use of active teaching methodologies. Within this context, higher education teachers should use strategies that focus on the student and his/her context and avoid traditional teaching methods. Specifically in medical schools, there is an even greater challenge since the teaching methods of medical curricula differ from those used in previous schooling. Consequently, students acquire their own style of processing information that is often incompatible with the profile of medical schools. This may be one of the factors responsible for the lack of motivation among undergraduates.

Objective
The aim of this study was to characterize the learning styles of students enrolled in a Brazilian medical school using the Felder-Soloman Index of Learning Styles (ILS).

Methods
This was a cross-sectional, descriptive, quantitative study that included students from the 1st to the 6th year of a Brazilian medical school. The students participating in this study voluntarily answered 44 questions about learning styles of the Felder-Silverman instrument validated in Brazil. The instrument was divided so that each domain consisted of 11 questions with two response options in which only one could be selected. For each domain, a score (1 point) was assigned to the selected option (a, b) of the question and the learning style category was determined as the difference between these values. For data collection and tabulation, we used the Learning Syle Platform (EdA Platform) developed based on Felder’s studies since this system processes information about the dimension analyzed, the preferred style, and the most striking characteristics of each style.

Results
The results showed that sensing was the preferred learning style of the students, followed by the sequential and visual styles. It was not possible to determine whether gender or age influences the choice of learning methods because of the homogeneity of the results.

Conclusions
The present data will enable teachers of the institution involved in this study to plan pedagogical actions that improve the students’ self-awareness, as well as their teaching-learning skills, by choosing the most adequate active methodologies for the medical education programs considering the individuality of each student and class.