bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Early exposure to added sugars via infant formula may explain high intakes of added sugars during complementary feeding beyond maternal modeling
Authors: Griebel-Thompson Adrianne K. , Fazzino Tera L. , Cramer Emily , Paluch Rocco A. , Morris Katherine S. , Kong Kai Ling 
Published: September 2023

BackgroundResearch has shown that early exposure to added sugars from table food is related to increased intake of added sugars in later childhood. The earliest window of exposure to added sugars may be in infancy via infant formula. However, beyond the well-established factors of maternal lifestyle and modeling, there is a lack of research examining how exposure to added sugars from infant formula influences infant/toddler added sugar intakes from table foods and sugar sweetened beverages (SSB).ObjectiveWhile accounting factors previously associated with infant/toddler added sugar intakes and maternal SSB consumption (proximal measure of maternal modeling), this study aims to examine if there is an association between added sugars in infant formula and added sugar intakes from table foods and SSB during the complementary feeding period.MethodsThis is a secondary, cross-sectional analysis using three-day caregiver-reported 24-h dietary recalls in a cohort of infant/toddlers (n = 95), ages 9- &lt; 16 mos., enrolled in a music intervention trial. Hierarchical stepwise regression was used to estimate the association between exposure to added sugars from infant formula and (1) intake of added sugars from table food and (2) SSB consumption. Infant/toddler SSB consumption was transformed to account for distributional properties. We performed incremental F-tests to determine whether the addition of each step improved model fit (R2).ResultsEarly exposure to added sugars via infant formula was associated with infant/toddler SSB (ΔR2 = 0.044, Finc (1, 87) =6.009, p = 0.016) beyond sociodemographic and maternal SSB consumption, but not with infant/toddler added sugar intakes from table foods (ΔR2 = 0.02, Finc (1, 87) =3.308, p = 0.072).ConclusionWhile past studies have identified circumstantial (i.e., sociodemographic), or indirect (i.e., maternal lifestyle and modeling), mechanisms contributing to higher infant/toddler added sugar intakes, this study identifies exposure to added sugars from infant formula as a possible direct mechanism explaining why some infants/toddlers consume more added sugars.
Association of the clinical profile and overall survival of pediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Correa Bruno Terra , Silva Gabriela Sales Serra , Mendes Webert Joaquim Silva , Maia Amanda de Moraes , Aleluia Augusto Cezar Magalhães , Fonseca Teresa Cristina Cardoso , da Guarda Caroline Conceição , Gonçalves Marilda de Souza , Aleluia Milena Magalhães 
Published: September 2023

IntroductionThe clarification of etiopathology, the improvement of chemotherapy regimens and their risk stratifications, and the improvement in treatment support have increased the survival of children and adolescents affected by Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) past few years. This study aimed to estimate overall survival (OS) and event-free survival (EFS) in an onco-hematology treatment center in Brazil, reports the main clinical-laboratory characteristics of patients at diagnosis, verify the frequency of treatment-related adverse effects and the main causes of death.Material and methodsRetrospective analysis involving patients diagnosed with ALL, treated with the protocol of the Brazilian Group for Treatment of Leukemias in Childhood (GBTLI), between 2010 and 2020 was carried out; the outcomes (relapse, deaths, development of new neoplasms) were analyzed SPSS® software was used for the statistical analyses, and the p-value was considered significant when less than 0.05 for all analyses.Results109 patients were included in the study; the median age was 5 years, with a slight predominance of males. Sixty-six patients were classified as high-risk (HR) group and 43 patients were classified as low-risk (LR) group. After 5 years of diagnosis, the OS was 71.5%, and the EFS was 65%. No statistical difference was found between the HR and LR groups for OS and EFS, while leukocyte counts were statistically associated with the outcome of death (p = 0.028). Among the patients, 28 (25.6%) died due to infection accounting 46.4% of death causes. Among the 34 patients with unfavorable outcomes (death and/or relapse), 32 had no research for the minimal residual disease at the end of remission induction, and 25 were not investigated for the presence of chromosomal abnormalities. The most reported complications and treatment-related adverse effects were increased liver transaminases (85.9%), airway infection (79.4%), oral mucositis (67.2%), febrile neutropenia (64.4%), and diarrhea (36.4%).ConclusionsThe rates of OS and EFS obtained in this cohort are similar to those obtained in the few previous similar studies in Brazil and lower than those carried out in developed countries. The unavailability of prognostic tests may have hindered risk stratification and influenced the results obtained.
Improving the stability of bivariate correlations using informative Bayesian priors: a Monte Carlo simulation study
Authors: Delfin Carl 
Published: September 2023

ObjectiveMuch of psychological research has suffered from small sample sizes and low statistical power, resulting in unstable parameter estimates. The Bayesian approach offers a promising solution by incorporating prior knowledge into statistical models, which may lead to improved stability compared to a frequentist approach.MethodsSimulated data from four populations with known bivariate correlations (ρ = 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4) was used to estimate the sample correlation as samples were sequentially added from the population, from n = 10 to n = 500. The impact of three different, subjectively defined prior distributions (weakly, moderately, and highly informative) was investigated and compared to a frequentist model.ResultsThe results show that bivariate correlation estimates are unstable, and that the risk of obtaining an estimate that is exaggerated or in the wrong direction is relatively high, for sample sizes for below 100, and considerably so for sample sizes below 50. However, this instability can be constrained by informative Bayesian priors.ConclusionInformative Bayesian priors have the potential to significantly reduce sample size requirements and help ensure that obtained estimates are in line with realistic expectations. The combined stabilizing and regularizing effect of a weakly informative prior is particularly useful when conducting research with small samples. The impact of more informative Bayesian priors depends on one’s threshold for probability and whether one’s goal is to obtain an estimate merely in the correct direction, or to obtain a high precision estimate whose associated interval falls within a narrow range. Implications for sample size requirements and directions for future research are discussed.
The prevalence of chronic dehydration and associated with cardiometabolic risks among agriculture and aquaculture workers
Authors: Wang Ta-Chin , Tsai Yuan-Hsiung , Yang Jen-Tsung , Lin Ming-Shyang , Lin Yu-Chih , Huang Tung-Jung , Chen Mei-Yen 
Published: September 2023

BackgroundChronic dehydration is associated with complications and mortality in acute ischemic stroke patients. Prior literature indicates that farmers and fishery workers are commonly affected by cardiometabolic diseases and there is a need for early prevention of stroke. This study explores the prevalence of dehydration and the association of cardiometabolic risk profiles in agricultural and aquaculture workers.MethodsWe conducted a community-based, cross-sectional study of agriculture and aquaculture workers in Yunlin County of Taiwan between August 1 and December 31, 2021. Data on demographic characteristics and health-related lifestyles were collected through one-on-one interviews using a questionnaire. The threshold for dehydration is defined as serum osmolality ≥295 mOsm/kg, and physiological biomarkers were collected from a collaborating hospital. Multivariable logistic regression analyses adjusted for demographic characteristics were performed to investigate the association between dehydration levels, cardiometabolic risks, and health-related behaviors.ResultsA total of 962 Taiwanese agriculture and aquaculture workers who were predominantly women (65%) with a mean age of 64 years (SD = 13.8) were enrolled. The findings showed a high prevalence of dehydration (36%), metabolic syndrome (44.5%), abnormal waist circumference (64.4%), and abnormal blood pressure (68.5%). Multivariate logistic regression demonstrated that dehydration was significantly associated with metabolic syndrome (p &lt; 0.001), 10-year stroke risk prediction (p &lt; 0.001), and an unhealthy lifestyle (p &lt; 0.001).ConclusionThe prevalence of chronic dehydration was higher in Taiwanese agriculture and aquaculture workers, which was significantly associated with cardiometabolic risks and unhealthy lifestyles.
Reduction in contraceptive use during the COVID-19 pandemic among women in an indigenous Mexican community: a retrospective crossover study
Authors: Castro-Porras Lilia V. , Aguilar-Rodríguez María Alejandra , Rojas-Russell Mario E. , Salinas-Iracheta Bertha A. 
Published: September 2023

BackgroundBeing indigenous, being a woman, and living in poverty are social determinants that contribute to reduced access to healthcare, including reproductive health services. The COVID-19 pandemic might have exacerbated this lag.ObjectiveThis study explored how the COVID-19 pandemic affected the contraceptive use of a group of indigenous Mexican women and adolescents in their community.MethodsBetween June and December of 2021, 158 indigenous Mexican women who had experienced recurrent pregnancies were interviewed at two health centers in San Cristóbal de las Casas, Chiapas. Participants were either pregnant when they completed the questionnaire or had been pregnant during the COVID-19 pandemic. Women were asked about their contraceptive practices before and during the pandemic. The change in contraceptive practice was estimated using a logistic model.ResultsThe COVID-19 pandemic reduced contraceptive use by 50%. Among women who wanted contraception, 58% did not receive it. During the pandemic, 77% of previous contraceptive users reported difficulty obtaining contraception, and only 23% sought family planning assistance.ConclusionDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, indigenous women in the studied community used fewer contraceptive methods and did not use intrauterine devices. Additionally, there was a decline in the percentage of women using contraceptives. These results highlight the impact on indigenous populations and the difficulties they could face in accessing reproductive health services during health emergencies.
A comparative study for accessing primary healthcare between planning assessment and actual utilization for older adults: a case from Dalian City, China
Authors: Bai Jiayuan , Lu Wei 
Published: September 2023

IntroductionAs China has rapidly evolved into an aging society, the Chinese government has developed a community-oriented primary healthcare system to vigorously expedite the transfer of primary health care (PHC) from higher-level hospitals to community health centers (CHCs). However, current planning standards for CHCs have not considered the heterogeneity of older adults in supply-demand services, such that the areas with severe aging may comprise of underestimated levels of accessibility.MethodsThis study focuses on the gap in PHC access between planning assessment and actual utilization for older adults. We conducted an empirical study in the city area of Dalian based on the check-in and survey data from CHCs during the COVID-19 pandemic. A comparison model was built to calculate matching probability using a modified Gaussian Two-Step Floating Catchment Area (G2SFCA) method.ResultsAs indicated by the results, the communities in the primary healthcare shortage area (PHCSA) increased 6.8% by considering the heterogeneity of older adults; these communities with underserved PHC were ignored by the current planning assessment. Based on the comparison of actual and theoretical accessibility for older adults, we found that the average matching probability was about 76.6%, which means approximately a quarter of older adults have been misestimated the accessibility of PHC.DiscussionFurther analysis for the older adults with mismatched accessibility showed two causes of the gap, one is the lack of connection between the spatial distribution of facilities and the allocation of service supply, and the other is the subjective cross-catchment visit to CHCs for older adults.
The impact of Exergames on emotional experience: a systematic review
Authors: Marques Lucas Murrins , Uchida Pedro Makoto , Barbosa Sara Pinto 
Published: September 2023

BackgroundGamification has proven to be a significant tool for health promotion, with a particular focus on physical activities such as Exergames, which improve not only physical, but also cognitive health. However, it is still not clear what effect the practice of Exergames has on changing the emotional experience.PurposeThe objective of this systematic review is to evaluate the impact of Exergames training on emotional experience.MethodsA systematic search was conducted in the PUBMED and SCOPUS databases. The relevant articles were screened independently by three researchers. Data concerning emotional measures and Exergame practice were extracted for analysis.ResultsThe search yielded 38 articles, of which 16 were included. Exergames were found to significantly impact happiness, anxiety, depressive symptoms, mental health-related quality of life, self-worth, self-esteem, self-efficacy, perceived behavioral control, vigor, vitality, intrinsic motivation, perceived energy, and relaxation.ConclusionOur review supports the evidence that the practice of physical activity through Exergames, on the emotional experience generally generates an increase in positive emotions. In this sense, the results found support both the use of Exergames as a leisure activity that promotes wellbeing and emotional regulation, as well as for health promotion, public health, and clinical practice purposes. Our review strongly supports the notion that engaging in physical activity through Exergames generally leads to an increase in positive emotions. As a result, these findings endorse the utilization of Exergames as a leisure activity to promote well-being and emotional regulation. Moreover, Exergames hold potential for health promotion, public health, and clinical practice purposes.
Super-spreading social events for COVID-19 transmission: evidence from the investigation of six early clusters in Bahrain
Authors: Alsayyad Adel , Chlif Sadok , Mohamed Afaf , Habbash Fatema , Ayoob Zahra , Almarabheh Amer , Al Sayed Kubra , Alsaleh Aseel , Alhajeri Maryam , Alzayani Salman , Abu Alfatah Najat , Ahmed Jamil , Ben Salah Afif 
Published: September 2023

IntroductionThis study aimed to characterize six early clusters of COVID-19 and derive key transmission parameters from confirmed cases that were traced between April and June 2020 in Bahrain.MethodsPairs of “infector-infectee” allowed us to map the clusters and estimate the incubation period serial interval as the secondary attack rate. The chi-squared test, with a p-value computed using the Monte Carlo test, measured associations between categorical variables. Statistical analysis was performed using R software and the “data.tree, tidyverse” libraries.ResultsFrom 9 April to 27 June 2020, we investigated 596 individuals suspected of COVID-19, of whom 127 positive cases were confirmed by PCR and linked in six clusters. The mean age was 30.34 years (S.D. = 17.84 years). The male-to-female ratio was 0.87 (276/318), and most of the contacts were of Bahraini citizenship (511/591 = 86.5%). Exposure occurred within the family in 74.3% (411/553), and 18.9% of clusters' cases were symptomatic (23/122 = 18.9%). Mapped clusters and generations increased after 24 May 2020, corresponding to “Aid El-Fitr.” The mean incubation period was 4 days, and the mean serial interval ranged from 3 to 3.31 days. The secondary attack rate was 0.21 (95% C.I.) = [0.17–0.24].ConclusionCOVID-19 transmission was amplified due to the high number of families mixing during “Aid El Fitr” and “Ramadhan,” generating important clusters. Estimated serial intervals and incubation periods support asymptomatic transmission.
One health approach to toxocariasis in Brazilian indigenous populations, their dogs, and soil contamination
Authors: Santarém Vamilton Alvares , Doline Fernando Rodrigo , Ferreira Isabella Braghin , Farinhas João Henrique , Biondo Leandro Meneguelli , de Souza Filho Roberto Teixeira , Pettan-Brewer Christina , Giuffrida Rogério , Lescano Susana Angélica Zevallos , dos Santos Andrea Pires , Kmetiuk Louise Bach , Biondo Alexander Welker 
Published: September 2023

IntroductionAlthough socioeconomic vulnerability and lifestyle factors may contribute to the transmission of Toxocara spp., no study has investigated indigenous populations in Brazil using the One Health approach.MethodsAccordingly, this study assessed anti-Toxocara spp. antibodies in Brazilian indigenous people and healthcare professionals by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Presence of Toxocara spp. eggs (feces and hair) in dogs as definitive hosts and in soil samples of the indigenous communities were also recovered and molecularly investigated.ResultsOverall, 342/463 (73.9%) indigenous individuals and 46/147 (31.3%) non-indigenous healthcare professionals were seropositive for Toxocara spp. In addition, T. canis eggs were retrieved from 9/194 (4.6%) dog fecal samples and 4/204 (2.0%) dog hair samples, mainly from the Paraná State communities (3/42; 7.1%). Soil contamination was observed only in the Paraná State communities (36/90; 40.0%), with the molecular detection of T. canis. River water consumption was also associated with indigenous seropositivity (Odds ratio, 11.4).DiscussionIndigenous individuals in Paraná State communities were 2.72-fold more likely to be seropositive than those in São Paulo State, likely due to a lack of sanitary infrastructure. In this scenario, a primarily soil-transmitted disease may also have become waterborne, with embryonated eggs probably spread to water supplies by rain. Full-time healthcare professionals in daily contact with indigenous communities were 9.2-fold more likely to be seropositive than professionals who visited sporadically, suggesting exposure to Toxocara spp. during their work and raising health concerns. In addition, the findings herein showed a significantly higher seroprevalence in indigenous people than in healthcare workers (χ2 = 85.5; p &lt; 0.0001), likely due to overtime exposure to Toxocara spp. In conclusion, Brazilian indigenous communities are highly exposed to toxocariasis, with poor infrastructure and contact with contaminated river water as associated risk factors and a higher risk of infection in healthcare professionals working full-time in these communities.
Active cancer as the main predictor of mortality for COVID-19 in oncology patients in a specialized center
Authors: Villanueva-Cotrina Freddy , Velarde Juan , Rodriguez Ricardo , Bonilla Alejandra , Laura Marco , Saavedra Tania , Portillo-Alvarez Diana , Bustamante Yovel , Fernandez Cesar , Galvez-Nino Marco 
Published: September 2023

Introduction: The role of the type, stage and status of cancer in the outcome of COVID-19 remains unclear. Moreover, the characteristic pathological changes of severe COVID-19 reveled by laboratory and radiological findings are similar to those due to the development of cancer itself and antineoplastic therapies.Objective: To identify potential predictors of mortality of COVID-19 in cancer patients.Materials and methods: A retrospective and cross-sectional study was carried out in patients with clinical suspicion of COVID-19 who were confirmed for COVID-19 diagnosis by RT-PCR testing at the National Institute of Neoplastic Diseases between April and December 2020. Demographic, clinical, laboratory and radiological data were analyzed. Statistical analyses included area under the curve and univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses.Results: A total of 226 patients had clinical suspicion of COVID-19, the diagnosis was confirmed in 177 (78.3%), and 70/177 (39.5%) died. Age, active cancer, leukocyte count ≥12.8 × 109/L, urea ≥7.4 mmol/L, ferritin ≥1,640, lactate ≥2.0 mmol/L, and lung involvement ≥35% were found to be independent predictors of COVID-19 mortality.Conclusion: Active cancer represents the main prognosis factor of death, while the role of cancer stage and type is unclear. Chest CT is a useful tool in the prognosis of death from COVID-19 in cancer patients. It is a challenge to establish the prognostic utility of laboratory markers as their altered values it could have either oncological or pandemic origins.
External Validation of Toulouse-Rangueil eGFR12 Prediction Model After Living Donor Nephrectomy
Authors: Patel Suhani S. , Lonze Bonnie E. , Chiang Teresa Po-Yu , Al Ammary Fawaz , Segev Dorry L. , Massie Allan B. 
Published: September 2023

Decreased postdonation eGFR is associated with a higher risk of ESRD after living kidney donation, even when accounting for predonation characteristics. The Toulouse-Rangueil model (TRM) estimates 12 month postdonation eGFR (eGFR12) to inform counseling of candidates for living donation. The TRM was validated in several single-center European cohorts but has not been validated in US donors. We assessed the TRM in living kidney donors in the US using SRTR data 1/2000–6/2021. We compared the 2021 CKD-EPI equation eGFR12 observed estimates to the TRM eGFR12 predictions. Median (IQR) bias was −3.4 (−9.3, 3.4) mL/min/1.73 m2. Bias was higher for males vs. females (bias [IQR] −4.4 [−9.9, 1.8] vs. −2.9 [−8.8, 4.1]) and younger (31–40) vs. older donors (&gt;50) (bias −4.9 [−10.6, 3.0] vs. −2.1 [−7.5, 4.0]). Bias was also larger for Black vs. White donors (bias (−6.7 [−12.1, −0.3], p &lt; 0.001) vs. (−3.4 [−9.1, 3.1], p &lt; 0.001)). Overall correlation was 0.71. In a sensitivity analysis using the 2009 CKD-EPI equation, results were generally consistent with exception to a higher overall bias (bias −4.2 [−9.8, 2.4]). The TRM overestimates postdonation renal function among US donors. Overestimation was greatest for those at higher risk for postdonation ESRD including male, Black, and younger donors. A new equation is needed to estimate postdonation renal function.
Conflict Management Strategies and Organizational Performance in Banking Sector of Pakistan
Authors: Akhtar Adeel , Khan Aroosa , Akhtar Shakil , Shafiq Muhammad , Tanveer Rabia 
Published: September 2023

This study identified the major factors causing conflict and studied the relationship between conflict management strategies and organizational performance by considering financial sector of Southern Punjab, Pakistan. Data collected through a self-administered questionnaire from a sample of 100 respondents and data analyzed through Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16. In order to study the relationship between conflict management strategies and organizational performance regression analysis was performed. The study reflects that key causes of conflict are related to way of expression and communication between management and employees. Conflict management strategies and organizational performance found a statistically significant and positive relationship in between. This study finding will be helpful for the managers and HR decision makers to facilitate the organizational performance through better implementation of conflict management strategies.