J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2024 Nov 26. doi: 10.5435/JAAOS-D-24-00473. Online ahead of print.
NO ABSTRACT
PMID:39630934 | DOI:10.5435/JAAOS-D-24-00473
Category: Nevin Manimala
Sci Adv. 2024 Dec 6;10(49):eadp8915. doi: 10.1126/sciadv.adp8915. Epub 2024 Dec 4.
ABSTRACT
Most homicides in the United States are committed using a handgun, but little research examines gun carrying over critical stages of the life course and changing contexts of violence. Notably, although most of the handgun homicides are committed by adults, most research on concealed gun carrying focuses on adolescents in single cohort studies. Using more than 25 years of longitudinal multicohort data from Chicago, 1994-2021, we show that pathways of concealed gun carrying are distinct between adolescence and adulthood. Adolescent carrying is often age-limited and responsive to direct exposure to gun violence (witnessing and victimization), while adult carrying is a persistent behavior that is less tied to direct exposure. The onset of concealed carry is also a strong predictor of later gun use (shooting or brandishing), and we find distinct patterns of gun use between individuals who first carry in adolescence versus adulthood. We discuss the implications of these dual pathways for research and policies on firearm use.
PMID:39630904 | DOI:10.1126/sciadv.adp8915
Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2024 Dec 10;121(50):e2403327121. doi: 10.1073/pnas.2403327121. Epub 2024 Dec 4.
ABSTRACT
Dirac fluids-interacting systems obeying particle-hole symmetry and Lorentz invariance-are among the simplest hydrodynamic systems; they have also been studied as effective descriptions of transport in strongly interacting Dirac semimetals. Direct experimental signatures of the Dirac fluid are elusive, as its charge transport is diffusive as in conventional metals. In this paper, we point out a striking consequence of fluctuating relativistic hydrodynamics: The full counting statistics (FCS) of charge transport is highly non-Gaussian. We predict the exact asymptotic form of the FCS, which generalizes a result previously derived for certain interacting integrable systems. A consequence is that, starting from quasi-one-dimensional nonequilibrium initial conditions, charge noise in the hydrodynamic regime is parametrically enhanced relative to that in conventional diffusive metals.
PMID:39630864 | DOI:10.1073/pnas.2403327121
PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2024 Dec 4;18(12):e0012596. doi: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0012596. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
Amid profound climate change, incidence of dengue continues to rise and expand in distribution across the world. Here, we analysed dengue in three coastal departments of Peru which have recently experienced public health emergencies during the worst dengue crises in Latin American history. We developed a climate-based spatiotemporal modelling framework to model monthly incidence of new dengue cases in Piura, Tumbes, and Lambayeque over 140 months from 2010 to 2021. The framework enabled accurate description of in-sample and out-of-sample dengue incidence trends across the departments, as well as the characterisation of the timing, structure, and intensity of climatic relationships with human dengue incidence. In terms of dengue incidence rate (DIR) risk factors, we inferred non-linear and delayed effects of greater monthly mean maximum temperatures, extreme precipitation, sustained drought conditions, and extremes of a Peruvian-specific indicator of the El Niño Southern Oscillation. Building on our model-based understanding of climatic influences, we performed climate-model-based forecasting of dengue incidence across 2018 to 2021 with a forecast horizon of one month. Our framework enabled representative, reliable forecasts of future dengue outbreaks, including correct classification of 100% of all future outbreaks with DIR ≥ 50 (or 150) per 100,000, whilst retaining relatively low probability of 0.12 (0.05) for false alarms. Therefore, our model framework and analysis may be used by public health authorities to i) understand climatic drivers of dengue incidence, and ii) alongside our forecasts, to mitigate impacts of dengue outbreaks and potential public health emergencies by informing early warning systems and deployment of vector control resources.
PMID:39630856 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pntd.0012596
PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2024 Dec 4;18(12):e0011835. doi: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011835. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND/METHODOLOGY: Despite progress using mass drug administration (MDA), lymphatic filariasis (LF) remains a major public health issue in India. Vector control could potentially augment MDA towards LF elimination. We conducted a cost-effectiveness analysis of MDA alone and MDA together with vector control single (VCS) modality or vector control integrated (VCI) modalities. Data came from historical controls and a three-arm cluster randomized trial of 36 villages at risk of LF transmission in Tamil Nadu, India. The arms were: MDA alone (the standard of care); MDA plus VCS (expanded polystyrene beads covering the water surface in wells and cesspits to suppress the filariasis vector mosquito Culex quinquefasciatus); and MDA plus VCI (VCS plus insecticidal pyrethroid-impregnated curtains [over windows, doors, and eaves). Economic costs in 2010 US$ combined government and community inputs from household to state levels. Outcomes were controlled microfilaria prevalence (MfP) and antigen prevalence (AgP) to conventional elimination targets (MfP<1% or AgP<2%) from 2010 to 2013, and modeled disability adjusted life years (DALYs) averted.
PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: The estimated annual economic cost per resident was US$0.53 for MDA alone, US$1.02 for VCS, and US$1.83 for VCI. With MDA offered in all arms, all arms reduced LF prevalence substantially from 2010 to 2013. MDA proved highly cost effective at $112 per DALY averted, a very small (8%) share of India’s then per capita Gross Domestic Product. Progress towards elimination was comparable across all three study arms.
CONCLUSIONS: The well-functioning MDA program proved effective and very cost-effective for eliminating LF, leaving little scope for further improvement. Supplementary vector control demonstrated no statistically significant additional benefit on MfP or AgP in this trial.
PMID:39630851 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pntd.0011835
PLoS One. 2024 Dec 4;19(12):e0312271. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0312271. eCollection 2024.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic impacted the world in every aspect. Higher institutions were greatly affected because the outbreak disrupted the teaching and learning structure. Vaccines decrease the rate of infection and transmission of the virus, but the presence of some myths has led to hesitancy towards the vaccine.
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the survey was to assess the knowledge, perception, and acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine among undergraduate students in Enugu State, Nigeria.
METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study carried out among undergraduate students at the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), and Enugu State University of Technology Enugu state (ESUT), Nigeria between March and November 2023. These institutions were chosen based on their large student populations, diverse academic offerings, and significant geographical coverage within the state. Data collection was done using a 26-item validated self-administered questionnaire. Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) version 25 with appropriate descriptive (frequency and percentage) and inferential statistics (Chi-square) were used to analyze the data.
RESULTS: 1,143 completed questionnaires were obtained. The modal age range was 18-24 years accounting for 814 (71.2%) of the participants. A total of 577 (50.5%) participants demonstrated a good level of knowledge while 685 (59.9%) showed a positive perception of the COVID-19 vaccine. Gender (p = 0.010) and institution (p < 0.001) were associated with their perception of the COVID-19 vaccine. In addition, knowledge and perception of the COVID-19 vaccine were significantly associated with its acceptance at p = 0.038 and < 0.001, respectively.
CONCLUSION: This study reveals that COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among university students in Enugu State, Nigeria, remains low despite moderate knowledge and generally positive attitudes, with perceptions playing a more significant role than knowledge. The findings highlight the need for educational interventions that not only provide accurate information but also actively address misconceptions. To improve vaccine uptake, public health campaigns should focus on shifting perceptions through culturally sensitive, institution-specific strategies.
PMID:39630847 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0312271
Rev Bras Enferm. 2024 Nov 29;77Suppl 3(Suppl 3):e20230283. doi: 10.1590/0034-7167-2023-0283. eCollection 2024.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To identify factors associated with poor sleep quality in elderly dependent individuals in social vulnerability.
METHOD: Cross-sectional study with 59 elderly dependent individuals assisted by Family Health Units in São Carlos/SP. The following tools were used: Katz Index, Lawton and Brody Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination Revised, Fried’s Frailty Phenotype, Geriatric Depression Scale (15 items), Perceived Stress Scale, Family APGAR, Social Support Scale from the Medical Outcomes Study, and World Health Organization Quality of Life, abbreviated and “old” versions.
RESULTS: The majority of participants were women (52.5%), aged 60-74 years (71.1%), and had poor sleep quality (76.2%). Stress (OR=1.12; 95%CI=1.02-1.22) and polypharmacy (OR=7.39; 95%CI=1.22-44.73) increased the chances of poor sleep quality, while physical activity decreased these chances (OR=0.15; 95%CI=0.02-0.79).
CONCLUSION: Stress and polypharmacy are associated with poor sleep quality in elderly dependent individuals.
PMID:39630845 | DOI:10.1590/0034-7167-2023-0283
J Am Assoc Nurse Pract. 2024 Dec 1;36(12):674-676. doi: 10.1097/JXX.0000000000001076.
ABSTRACT
The document statistics tool, which authors use to review their work before submission, is explained. The tool yields readability statistics, which assess the document’s ease of reading. Authors are encouraged to take advantage of its features, which are described in full.
PMID:39630489 | DOI:10.1097/JXX.0000000000001076
JAMA Netw Open. 2024 Dec 2;7(12):e2447797. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.47797.
ABSTRACT
IMPORTANCE: Use of secure messaging for clinician-to-clinician communication has increased exponentially over the past decade, but its association with clinician work is poorly understood.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between secure messaging use and wrong-patient ordering errors.
DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This cohort study included inpatient attending physicians, trainee physicians, and advanced practice practitioners (APPs) from 14 academic and community hospitals. Secure messaging volume was assessed over a 3-month period (February 1 to April 30, 2023).
EXPOSURE: Secure messaging volume per clinician-day, measured as the count of secure messages sent and received by a clinician on a given clinician-day.
MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Retract-and-reorder events were used to identify wrong-patient ordering errors, and the presence of any retract-and-reorder event on a clinician-day was the primary outcome. Multilevel logistic regression was used to examine the association between secure messaging volume and wrong-patient ordering errors after adjusting for clinician age, sex, patient load, order volume, and clinical service.
RESULTS: A total of 3239 clinicians (median [IQR] age, 37 [32-46] years; 1791 female [55.3%]; 1680 attending physicians [51.2%], 560 trainee physicians [17.3%], and 999 APPs [30.8%]) with 75 546 clinician-days were included. Median secure messaging volume was 16 (IQR, 0-61) messages per day. Retract-and-reorder events were identified on 295 clinician-days (0.4%). Clinicians with secure messaging volume at the 75th percentile had a 10% higher odds of wrong-patient ordering errors compared with those at the 25th percentile (odds ratio [OR], 1.10; 95% CI, 1.01-1.20). After stratifying by clinician role, the association between secure messaging and wrong-patient ordering errors was observed only for attending physicians (OR, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.02-1.42) and APPs (OR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.00-1.40).
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: In this cohort study of inpatient clinicians, higher daily secure messaging was associated with increased odds of wrong-patient ordering errors. Although messaging may increase cognitive load and risk for wrong-patient ordering errors, these results do not provide conclusive evidence regarding the direct impact of secure messaging on errors, as increased messaging may also reflect greater care coordination, increased patient complexity, or communication of the presence of a wrong-patient ordering error.
PMID:39630450 | DOI:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.47797
JAMA Netw Open. 2024 Dec 2;7(12):e2449005. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.49005.
ABSTRACT
IMPORTANCE: Understanding exposure to air pollution is important to public health, and disparities in the spatial distribution of regulatory air quality monitors could lead to exposure misclassification bias.
OBJECTIVE: To determine whether racial and ethnic disparities exist in Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulatory air quality monitor locations in the US.
DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This national cross-sectional study included air quality monitors in the EPA Air Quality System regulatory monitoring repository, as well as 2022 American Community Survey Census block group estimates for racial and ethnic composition and population size. Bayesian mixed-effects models of the count of criteria pollutant monitors measuring an area were used, adjusting for population size and accounting for spatial autocorrelation. Data were analyzed from March to June 2024.
EXPOSURE: Census block group-level racial and ethnic composition.
MAIN OUTCOME AND MEASURES: Number of regulatory monitors measuring a census block group by criteria pollutant (particulate matter [PM], ozone [O3], nitrogen dioxide [NO2], sulfur dioxide [SO2], lead [Pb], and carbon monoxide [CO]).
RESULTS: This analysis included 329 725 481 individuals living in 237 631 block groups in the US (1 936 842 [0.6%] American Indian and Alaska Native, 18 554 697 [5.6%] Asian, 40 196 302 [12.2%] Black, 60 806 969 [18.4%] Hispanic, 555 712 [0.2%] Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander, 196 010 370 [59.4%] White, 1 208 267 [0.3%] some other race, and 10 456 322 [0.4%] 2 or more races). Adjusting for population size, monitoring disparities were identified for each criteria pollutant. Relative to the White non-Latino population, all groups were associated with fewer NO2, O3, Pb, and PM monitors. Disparities were consistently largest for Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander populations, followed by American Indian and Alaska Native populations and those of 2 or more races. An increase in percentage of Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander race was associated with fewer monitors for SO2 (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.91; 95% BCI, 0.90-0.91), CO (aOR, 0.95; 95% BCI, 0.94-0.95), O3 (aOR, 0.95; 95% BCI, 0.94-0.95), NO2 (aOR, 0.97; 95% BCI, 0.91-0.94), and PM (aOR, 0.96; 95% BCI, 0.95-0.96). An increase in the percentage of those of Asian race was associated with slightly more SO2 (aOR, 1.04; 95% BCI, 1.03-1.04) monitors.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: This cross-sectional study of racial and ethnic disparities in the location of EPA regulatory monitors determined that data may not be equitably representative of air quality, particularly for areas with predominantly Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander or American Indian or Alaska Native populations. Integration of multiple data sources may aid in filling monitoring gaps across race and ethnicity. Where possible, researchers should quantify uncertainty in exposure estimates.
PMID:39630448 | DOI:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.49005