bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chronic condition change and its longitudinal association with health care utilization among rural older adults: Intergenerational financial support as a possible moderator?
Authors: Yang Shijun , Gao Tingting , Fu Peipei , Li Jie , Wang Yi , Zhou Chengchao , Zhao Dan 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Background:The prevalence of chronic conditions increases rapidly among older population. However, it is unclear how different chronic conditions progression contributes to the health care utilization, and whether intergenerational support modified this relationship. This study aimed to explore the longitudinal link between chronic condition progression and health care utilization, and examine whether intergenerational financial support is a moderator in this relationship among Chinese rural older people.
Methods: Data was derived from the Shandong Rural Elderly Health Cohort (SREHC), which was conducted from 2019 to 2020. A total of 2,785 participants were included in this study. Kruskal-Wallis rank tests and generalized estimating equation (GEE) models were employed to analyze the association between chronic condition progression and health care utilization. Moderating effect analysis was performed using GEE model and margins plot.
Results:Older people with progressive chronic conditions used more outpatient (no chronic condition to emerging multimorbidity: OR = 1.83; p = 0.028; one chronic condition to emerging multimorbidity: OR = 2.17; p < 0.001; remained multimorbidity while chronic conditions increased: OR = 3.26; p < 0.001) and inpatient services (no chronic condition to emerging multimorbidity: OR = 2.76; p < 0.001; one chronic condition to emerging multimorbidity: OR = 3.40; p < 0.001; remained multimorbidity while chronic conditions increased: OR = 5.32; p < 0.001) than those remained no chronic conditions. Intergenerational financial support may alleviate outpatient utilization of older people with multimorbidity (remained multimorbidity × intergenerational financial support: OR = 0.40; p = 0.013; remained multimorbidity while chronic conditions increased × intergenerational financial support: OR = 0.35; p = 0.019).
Conclusion: This study showed that the changes of chronic condition were associated with health care utilization, and intergenerational financial support moderated this relationship. It is vital to continuously monitor and timely intervene the chronic condition progression among rural older people.
Effects of Twitter Use on Academic Performance and Satisfaction in a Pathophysiology Course Among Omani Nursing Students: A Quasi-Experimental Study
Authors: Joseph Mickael Antoine , Natarajan Jansirani , Seshan Vidya , Roach Erna Judith , Omari Omar Al , Karkada Suja 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Background
Nursing students often find bioscience courses, such as pathophysiology, challenging. Utilizing Twitter to provide concise course content and answer students' questions before exams may be beneficial. The objective of this study was to determine if using Twitter can improve nursing students’ academic performance and satisfaction with pathophysiology courses.
Methods
A post-test, two-group quasi-experimental research design was employed in this study. It involved second-year Bachelor of Nursing students participating in a pathophysiology course at the College of Nursing, Sultan Qaboos University, in Muscat, Oman. Seventy-three second-year Bachelor of Nursing students participated in the pathophysiology course; 50 students opted to use Twitter, forming the experimental group, while the remaining 23, who chose not to use Twitter, formed the control group. We used Twitter to provide concise course content for the pathophysiology course and conduct one-hour question-and-answer sessions the night before exams. Academic performance was assessed through examination scores, and student satisfaction levels with Twitter was measured using five-point Likert scale questionnaires. Data were analyzed using Mann-Whitney and t-tests.
Results
Although there was no significant difference in final exam scores between the experimental and control groups, survey results showed that students were generally satisfied with the incorporation of Twitter in the pathophysiology course, including the question-and-answer sessions.
Conclusions
The findings suggest that Twitter can serve as a valuable tool for enhancing nursing student satisfaction with the pathophysiology course.
A study protocol for Project I-Test: a cluster randomized controlled trial of a practice coaching intervention to increase HIV testing in substance use treatment programs
Authors: Frimpong Jemima A. , Parish Carrigan , Feaster Daniel J. , Gooden Lauren K. , Matheson Tim , Haynes Louise , Linas Benjamin P. , Assoumou Sabrina A. , Tross Susan , Kyle Tiffany , Nelson C. Mindy , Liguori Terri K. , Toussaint Oliene , Siegel Karolynn , Annane Debra , Metsch Lisa R. 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Background People with substance use disorders are vulnerable to acquiring HIV. Testing is fundamental to diagnosis, treatment, and prevention; however, in the past decade, there has been a decline in the number of substance use disorder (SUD) treatment programs offering on-site HIV testing. Fewer than half of SUDs in the United States offer on-site HIV testing. In addition, nearly a quarter of newly diagnosed cases have AIDS at the time of diagnosis. Lack of testing is one of the main reasons that annual HIV incidences have remained constant over time. Integration of HIV testing with testing for HCV, an infection prevalent among persons vulnerable to HIV infection, and in settings where they receive health services, including opioid treatment programs (OTPs), is of great public health importance.
Methods/Design In this 3-arm cluster-RCT of opioid use disorders treatment programs, we test the effect of two evidence-based “practice coaching” (PC) interventions on: the provision and sustained implementation of on-site HIV testing, on-site HIV/HCV testing, and linkage to care. Using the National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services data available from SAMHSA, 51 sites are randomly assigned to one of the three conditions: practice coach facilitated structured conversations around implementing change, with provision of resources and documents to support the implementation of (1) HIV testing only, or (2) HIV/HCV testing, and (3) a control condition that provides a package with information only. We collect quantitative (e,g., HIV and HCV testing at six-month-long intervals) and qualitative site data near the time of randomization, and again approximately 7-12 months after randomization.
Discussion Innovative and comprehensive approaches that facilitate and promote the adoption and sustainability of HIV and HCV testing in opioid treatment programs are important for addressing and reducing HIV and HCV infection rates. This study is one of the first to test organizational approaches (practice coaching) to increase HIV and HIV/HCV testing and linkage to care among individuals receiving treatment for opioid use disorder. The study may provide valuable insight and knowledge on the multiple levels of intervention that, if integrated, may better position OTPs to improve and sustain testing practices and improve population health.
Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03135886. (02 05 2017)
Validation of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) in a Moroccan sample with substance use disorder
Authors: EL-AMMARI Abdelfettah , MALKI Hicham EL , MOUTAWAKKIL Salma Ghofrane , HILALY Jaouad EL , HOUARI Fatima EL , GNAOUI Samir EL , RAGALA Mohammed El Amine , RHAZI Karima EL , ZARROUQ Btissame 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Background
Transcultural validation studies of depression scales are rare in Morocco. The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) is commonly one of the most common and frequently used screening instruments for depressive symptoms, but the scale has not, up to date, been validated in dialect of Arabic in Moroccan contexts. Given the importance of assessing and preventing depressive symptoms in our Moroccan context, this study aims to validate the CES-D, translated, and adapted to the dialect of Arabic and Moroccan culture, in a sample with substance use disorder.
Methods
The data were analyzed in two successive phases. First, exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was used to assess the factor structure in the pilot sample (N = 140). Then, this structure was confirmed in the validation sample (N = 205) using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA).
Results
Exploratory factor analysis extracted three factors different from the four factors in the original version. Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the structure of three factors. The fit indices level showed acceptable to good performance of the measurement model. The instrument showed sufficient reliability and convergent validity, as demonstrated by acceptable values of composite reliability (CR = 0.89–0.93) and average variance extracted (AVE = 0.64–0.66), respectively. The square roots of AVE were higher than factor-factor pairs correlations, and the Heterotrait-Monotrait ratio (HTMT) of correlations values was less than 0.85, indicating acceptable discriminant validity.
Conclusions
Overall reliability and both convergent and discriminant validity tests indicated that the Moroccan dialectal Arabic version of the CES-D had a good performance and may serve as a valid tool for measuring the severity of depression in people with substance use disorder.
Structure of a heteropolymeric type 4 pilus from a monoderm bacterium
Authors: Fronzes Remi , Anger Robin , Pieulle Lartitia , Shahin Meriam , Valette Odile , Guenno Hugo Le , Pelicic Vladimir , Kosta Artemis 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Type 4 pili (T4P) are important virulence factors, which belong to a superfamily of nanomachines ubiquitous in prokaryotes, called type 4 filaments (T4F). T4F are defined as helical polymers of type 4 pilins. Recent advances in cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) led to structures of several T4F. This revealed that the long N-terminal α-helix, the trademark of pilins, packs in the centre of the filaments to form a hydrophobic core, which in bacteria is accompanied by the melting (unfolding) of a portion of α1. Since all available bacterial T4F structures are from diderm species, we tested whether this architecture is conserved in phylogenetically distant species by determining the structure of the T4P of the monoderm Streptococcus sanguinis. Our 3.7 A resolution cryo-EM structure of this heteropolymeric T4P, and the resulting full atomic model including all minor pilins, highlight universal features of bacterial T4F and have widespread implications in understanding their biology.
Challenges, barriers, and solutions for implementing of clinical practice guidelines: A qualitative study in southern Iran
Authors: Salari Hedayat , Najm Fatemeh , Yazdankhahfard MohammadReza , Esfandiari Atefeh 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Background Identifying the challenges of implementing clinical practice guidelines can provide valuable information for decision-makers and health policymakers at the national and local levels. The implementation of clinical practice guidelines requires the development of strategies to facilitate their use. This research aimed to determine the challenges, barriers, and solutions for implementing clinical practice guidelines from the expert point of view in Bushehr University of Medical Sciences.Methods This is a qualitative research using content analysis conducted in 2022 in southern Iran. In-depth interviews were conducted with the physicians and experts of the health system. Interviewing continued until reaching the saturation level. Altogether, 22 experts were interviewed. The interview guide was used to explore experts' opinions. All the interviews were recorded and then transcribed. Finally, coding and data analysis was done using MAXQDA 2022 software.Results The analysis revealed 4 main themes and 20 sub-themes. The four main themes included challenges related to physician, medical education, health system and patients. The most common themes were the lack of sufficient training (related to the medical education system), the lack of equipment and infrastructure, and the lack of localization of clinical guidelines (related to the health system). The solutions included 4 main themes and 19 sub-themes.Conclusion The most mentioned topic by the experts was the training CPGs in the medical schools. In the current medical education system of Iran, the training of CPGs is not included in the curriculum. It is proposed to reform the medical education system in Iran.
Assessment of the feasibility of a community-based mental health training programme for persons with disabilities by non-specialists from different stakeholders’ perspectives in Bangladesh
Authors: Koly Kamrun Nahar , Saba Jobaida , Christopher Enryka , Hossain Anan Nisat Nabela , Akter Taslima , Rahman Zakia , Ahmed Helal Uddin , Eaton Julian 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Introduction: Bangladesh is a developing country where 11% of the population has at least one disability, but no community-level mental health service is available. There is limited evidence of the burden of mental health issues and health-seeking behaviour among this population. This study assessed the feasibility of a training intervention for persons with disabilities, where peer support providers provided community-based disability-inclusive mental health services.
Methods: Four stakeholder groups participated in this qualitative study: peer responders (trained persons with disabilities), trainers, representatives of organisations of persons with disabilities and disability-specific organisations, and officials of international and national non-governmental organisations. Two types of qualitative interviews were used to collect data, and thematic analysis techniques were utilised.
Result: Stakeholders perceived the peer responder training programme as acceptable for persons with disabilities to develop themselves as peer support providers, with potential benefits including increased mental health literacy, ensuring accessible mental health services, and improving the well-being of persons with disabilities. Potential challenges included receiving training and delivering services. Increased training duration, more fieldwork, supervision opportunities, and refresher training were recommended to mitigate training challenges. Financial support and formal community recognition were deemed necessary for training delivery.
Conclusion: The peer responder training programme was feasible to ensure accessible mental health services for persons with disabilities, build a workforce to screen for mental health conditions, and provide appropriate referrals. A multi-sectoral collaboration of government and non-governmental institutions is recommended to policy advocates to expand the peer responder training programme in the mainstream mental healthcare system.
Bacterial profiles and Predisposing factors associated with periodontitis among adult patients attending Ruhengeri Referral Hospital, Rwanda: A cross sectional study
Authors: Yadufashije Callixte , Bienvenu Nzayisenga , Mwanzia Lydia , Munyeshyaka Emmanuel , Muhimpundu Liliane , Habyarimana Thierry , Migabo Hiberte , Ngabitsinze Daniel , Kabare Isaie , Izere Cedrick , Mucumbitsi Joseph , Jacques Maniriho , Niyonzima Francois 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Background
Periodontal disease is ranked the second oral health disorder following tooth decay. About 50% of the global adult population suffers from periodontal disease, making it one of the world’s most common disease. The study was carried out to assess the bacterial profiles and Predisposing factors associated with periodontitis among adult patients at Ruhengeri Referral Hospital.
Methods
This was a cross sectional study carried out between September 2021 and February 2022. A total of 102 participants were recruited for this study. Oral swab samples were collected with sterile cotton stick, and transported to INES Ruhengeri clinical microbiology laboratory for bacterial isolation and identification. Chi-square test was used to test for association, while logistic regression was used to test for the relationship between demographic characteristics and periodontitis.
Results
Periodontitis was prevalent in the age range of 40–49 years (24%) and the high morbidity was observed among females (68%) compared to males. The most predominant isolated microorganism was Lactobacillus spp. (10.43%). The logistic regression model showed that illiterate (p < 0.00001, 95% CI: 15.909–19.970), primary education level (p < 0.00001, 95% CI: 13.777–17.436), ordinary education level (p < 0.00001, 95% CI: 14.329–18.822), and urban residence (p = 0.018, 95CI: .318-3.422) were demographic characteristics that were significantly associated with periodontitis. The statistical significant association of predisposing factors with periodontitis was observed on smoking (p < 0.00001, 95% CI: 0.5971–0.8305), oral hygiene (p = 0.015, 95% CI: 0.2095–0.5563) and Oral medication (p < 0.00001, 95% CI: 0.2711–0.6049). Ciprofloxacin was the most effective antibiotic while Vancomycin was the least effective antibiotic to isolated bacteria. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most resistant among Gram-negative bacteria while Staphylococcus epidermidis was the most resistant bacteria among Gram-positive bacteria.
Conclusion
Periodontitis affected people of the age range between 40 years and 69 years, and females were the most affected by the disease. The patients should seek for a dentist when they present signs of periodontitis and early detection of the disease is recommended.
Experimental study on the axial tensile properties of polypropylene fiber reinforced concrete
Authors: Zhang Xutao , Yin Ruijie , Chen Yunjuan , Lou Chao 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
In order to study the axial tensile properties of polypropylene fiber reinforced concrete, an axial tensile test device for concrete is developed in this paper. The device is composed of three parts: rigid frame, spherical hinge and puller, and specimen fabrication part. The test device can accurately measure the tensile strength and peak tensile strain of concrete, and perfectly solves the eccentricity problem of concrete specimens under tension. It can measure the post peak segment tensile strain, such that the whole process tensile stress-strain curve can be obtained. The axial tensile test of polypropylene fiber concrete was carried out using the above test device, and the results show that the tensile strength of concrete can be clearly improved by adding polypropylene fiber, which makes the tensile failure of concrete show certain plastic characteristics. The effects of polypropylene fiber content and curing age on the tensile properties of concrete were studied and the optimum polypropylene fiber content was determined. The splitting tensile test of concrete under the same condition was carried out simultaneously. The damage phenomenon and test results of the axial tensile test and splitting tensile test of concrete were compared and analyzed, and the applicability of the new developed device in the concrete axial tensile test was verified.
A Hybrid Model for Prediction of Diabetes Using Machine Learning Classification Algorithms and Random Projection
Authors: V Poornima , R Ramya Devi 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

The medical industry has risen quickly to be particularly interested in the concept of machine learning. Clinical sets of information used in research predictions and studies aid in preventative care by offering effective interventions and monitoring. One of the diseases that is spreading fastest in the world is diabetes, which needs to be monitored constantly. We investigate various machine learning techniques that will aid in the early diagnosis of this disease to verify this. In this study, a reliable diabetes prediction system using Random Projection (RP) feature reduction has been developed. the hybrid approach of random projection with machine learning classification algorithms can be used for disease prediction. In the field of medical informatics, high-dimensional data, such as gene expression data or imaging data, is often used to predict diseases or diagnose conditions. The use of random projection in combination with machine learning classification algorithms can help reduce the dimensionality of the data and improve the accuracy of disease prediction. Three steps make up the proposed framework's overall process: 1) Pre-processing 2) Dimensionality reduction using Random Projection 3) Prediction using Hybrid Classifier. For categorization, a number of Machine Learning (ML) methods are employed, including Bayesian Net, Ada Boost, Logit Boost, Decision Table and Hoeffding Tree. This study investigated whether RP is best suited for use with machine learning methods to increase illness prediction accuracy. In this case, the dataset from the repository of UCI is used for testing in order to assess the system's performance and compare it to assessment criteria such as classification accuracy, True Positive ROC Curve, PRC Curve and Precision.
Neuropsychological stimulation for children living in low socioeconomic level suburbs from Guatemala City: A study protocol
Authors: Rodríguez-Prieto Pablo , Simpson Ian Craig , Gómez-Baya Diego , Cadena Claudia García de la , Ruiz-Aranda Desirée , Ibáñez-Alfonso Joaquín A. 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Background
Guatemala remains one of the poorest countries in the American continent and suffers from high rates of social inequality and violence. Among other potential disadvantages, this unfavourable socioeconomic context poses a risk to children’s emotional and cognitive development (1, 2). In addition to the negative impact that two years without attending school has had on Guatemalan children, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the country’s economic stability has worsened the socioeconomic divide that these children face. The present work presents a registered protocol designed for the implementation and assessment of a cognitive and emotional stimulation program that aims to increase the academic performance of these children and consequently improve their quality of life.
Methods
The protocol proposes the implementation of a randomized controlled trial to assess the efficacy of a 24-session-long cognitive and emotional stimulation program. The program contains activities targeting the cognitive functions of attention, language, executive functions, and social cognition using the digital neurorehabilitation platform NeuronUP. The 5th grade participants (n = 480) will be randomly assigned to either the Experimental or Control group. Pre- and post-intervention assessments will be carried out, together with a follow-up in the following academic year, in which both groups will change roles. This will be done to ensure that all participants can benefit from the intervention, as mandated by current ethical research principles.
Discussion
Mid- and long-term results are still unknown, however if the program achieves the intended impact on the participants, effective interventions based on this protocol are expected to facilitate the following benefits for the participants: (1) Develop cognitive and emotional abilities to a level that would previously have been difficult to achieve; (2) Improve academic performance and subsequent educational level; (3) As a consequence of the first two points, provide the children with a better chance of accessing more resources and life opportunities.
Trial registration:
This project has been registered in the Open Science Foundation data base on the 10th of February 2022 (https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/JVZ6W).