Category: Statistics

Behav Ther. 2024 Sep;55(5):1015-1025. doi: 10.1016/j.beth.2024.02.008. Epub 2024 Mar 7.

ABSTRACT

Pain, substance use, and mental health conditions are common among people living with HIV (PLWH), and avoidance and rumination may influence the co-occurrence of these conditions. The present study examined longitudinal associations between avoidance/rumination and pain outcomes, anxiety, anger, and substance use among PLWH. Participants (N = 187) with chronic pain and depressive symptoms completed self-report assessments over a 1-year period. Greater avoidance/rumination was positively associated with mental health outcomes (anxiety, anger), pain interference, and alcohol use across participants after controlling for depression severity. At time points with greater avoidance/rumination than average, participants also reported increased pain severity and interference, anxiety and anger symptoms, and alcohol use. No associations were found between avoidance/rumination and cannabis use. Results suggest a mechanistic effect of avoidance/rumination, such that increases in avoidance/rumination correspond with poorer health outcomes among PLWH over time. Targeting avoidance/rumination through intervention approaches may be beneficial for addressing comorbid health conditions among PLWH. Additional research is necessary to investigate this possibility and further characterize the effects of avoidance/rumination on health outcomes for PLWH.

PMID:39174262 | DOI:10.1016/j.beth.2024.02.008

Fungal Biol. 2024 Oct;128(6):2022-2031. doi: 10.1016/j.funbio.2024.07.010. Epub 2024 Jul 25.

ABSTRACT

Understanding species habitat preferences is essential for conservation and management efforts, as it enables the identification of areas with a higher likelihood of species presence. Lactarius deliciosus (L.) Gray, an economically important edible mushroom, is influenced by various environmental variables, yet information regarding its ecological niche remains elusive. Therefore, in this study, we aim to address this gap by modeling the fundamental niche of L. deliciosus. Specifically, we explore its distribution patterns in response to large-scale environmental factors, including long-term temperature averages and topography. We employed 242 presence-only georeferenced points in Europe obtained from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF). Utilizing the Kuenm R package, we constructed 210 models incorporating five sets of environmental variables, 14 regularization multiplier values, and three feature class combinations. Evaluation metrics included statistical significance, predictive power, and model complexity. The final model was transferred to Turkiye, with careful consideration of extrapolation risk using MESS (multivariate similarity surface) and MoD (most dissimilar variable) metrics. In alignment with all three evaluation criteria, the algorithm implemented in Kuenm identified the best model as the linear-quadratic combination with a regularization multiplier of 0.2, based on variables selected by the contribution importance method. Results underscore temperature-related variables as critical determinants of L. deliciosus habitat preferences within the calibration area, with solar radiation also playing a significant role in the final model. These results underscored the effectiveness of ecological niche modeling (ENM) in understanding how climatic patterns may alter the distribution of species like L. deliciosus. The findings contribute to the development of informed conservation strategies and decision-making in dynamic environments. Emphasizing a comprehensive approach to ecological modeling is crucial for promoting sustainable forest management.

PMID:39174237 | DOI:10.1016/j.funbio.2024.07.010

Kidney Int. 2024 Sep;106(3):366-368. doi: 10.1016/j.kint.2024.07.001.

ABSTRACT

Identifying people at risk for progressive chronic kidney disease and connecting them with recommended care is crucial for providing timely and optimal treatment. The ASSIST-CKD (A programme to Spread eGFR [estimated glomerular filtration rate] graph Surveillance for the early identification, Support and Treatment of people with progressive CKD [chronic kidney disease]) trial evaluated the effect of graphical eGFR reporting to primary care physicians on late presentation to a nephrologist in the United Kingdom. Trial data were obtained from the UK Renal Registry. Although the results were neutral, the data generated from the ASSIST-CKD trial are informative and provide useful estimates of the intervention effect. The trial also provides valuable insights into the challenges of implementing complex interventions in busy health care environments, which can be used to guide the designs of future interventions.

PMID:39174199 | DOI:10.1016/j.kint.2024.07.001

J Emerg Nurs. 2024 Sep;50(5):591-600. doi: 10.1016/j.jen.2024.07.001.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Workplace violence is a pervasive, perpetual, and underreported problem in the emergency department. Nurses experience devastating physical and psychological consequences owing to workplace violence exposure. Understanding workplace violence is challenging due to nurse underreporting. Improvement in capturing workplace violence cases can help drive data-informed, sustainable solutions to workplace violence prevention. The purpose of this project was to better capture the full extent of workplace violence in the emergency department through enhanced nurse workplace violence reporting.

METHODS: In collaboration with emergency nurses and management, the project team used a multi-interventional approach and designed a feasible electronic reporting instrument to capture workplace violence events in real time by reducing nurse reporting barriers. Participating nurses accessed the instrument by scanning a quick-response code with their mobile phones. This code was strategically located on wall flyers and individual name badge stickers. Data were collected using Qualtrics software and analyzed using SPSS Statistics, which summarized the descriptive statistics.

RESULTS: Two months after implementation, the electronic reporting instrument recorded 94 quick response code scans and 59 workplace violence reports, resulting in a 1080% increase in ED workplace violence reporting compared with the 2 months prior to implementation. The 59 workplace violence reports comprised 78% registered nurses, 19% emergency medical technicians, and 3% other health care workers. Workplace violence events were most frequent from 12:01 pm to 6:00 pm in treatment rooms (37%), triage (29%), waiting room (19%), behavioral health section (15%), and hallway (12%).

DISCUSSION: A multi-interventional approach, coupled with a feasible, readily available electronic reporting instrument, enhanced ED workplace violence reporting and facilitated a better capture of ED workplace violence. Although nurse underreporting is still likely occurring, an emergence of workplace violence data trends can provide data-driven solutions in workplace violence prevention. Continued efforts to reduce the barriers that inhibit reporting are needed to foster a safe and supportive culture surrounding workplace violence reporting.

PMID:39174190 | DOI:10.1016/j.jen.2024.07.001

J Evid Based Dent Pract. 2024 Sep;24(3):101989. doi: 10.1016/j.jebdp.2024.101989. Epub 2024 Mar 16.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Radiotherapy to the head and neck region (HN) bears the risk of a rampant development of caries, making intensified prevention necessary. Aim of this systematic review was to summarize the evidence on the efficacy of caries preventive measures in these patients.

METHODS: Clinical studies investigating caries in patients with radiotherapy in the HN with at least 1 caries preventive intervention compared to any control were included. Reports in languages other than English or German were excluded. Records were identified on PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library mid-January 2024. Risk of bias was assessed with RoB2. Results were summarized. Planned meta-analyses could not be performed, because of heterogenous data.

RESULTS: Five studies were included, with a total of 355 participants. They were irradiated with up to 70 Gy and received different caries preventive interventions, including sodium fluoride or stannous fluoride gels, remineralizing solutions, an “Intraoral Fluoride Release System” and sucrose restricted diet. Caries score increased between 0.48 DMF-S and 9.2 DF-S per year. Largest differences in caries increments were measured between groups with insufficient and with rigorous fluoride application.

CONCLUSIONS: The main limitations were compromised randomization, heterogeneity of patients and small sample sizes. Clinical studies on caries prevention after radiotherapy to the HN are lacking and the existing ones bear extensive limitations. However, the large effect size and broad consensus suggest the use of fluoride to be indispensable in preventing caries in these patients. The study was funded by the Medical Center – University of Freiburg and was not registered.

PMID:39174170 | DOI:10.1016/j.jebdp.2024.101989

J Evid Based Dent Pract. 2024 Sep;24(3):101992. doi: 10.1016/j.jebdp.2024.101992. Epub 2024 Apr 9.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This systematic review aimed to describe and evaluate the caries patterns among the 21st century preschool children globally.

METHOD: Six electronic databases (Pubmed, Embase, Medline, Web of Science, EBSCOhost, and Scopus) were searched using predetermined terms. Dual independent screening of all retrieved abstracts was performed to identify studies conducted after year 2000 and the caries pattern among preschool children was investigated. Data regarding the prevalence of caries by tooth type and surface were extracted. Meta-analyses, subgroup analyses and meta-regression were carried out with the statistics software Stata using the random-effects model.

RESULTS: A total of 2642 records were screened, and 43 observational studies were finally included. Cavitated caries lesions were commonly found in the maxillary incisors and molars in both arches among preschool children. The highest caries prevalence was found in the maxillary central incisors (29.1%, 95%CI: 25.5%-32.7%) and the mandibular second molars (28.5%, 95%CI: 24.7%-32.3%), while the mandibular lateral incisors had the lowest prevalence (1.7%, 95%CI: 1.5%-2.0%). Occlusal surfaces of the mandibular molars were the most frequently affected by caries, whereas caries hardly affected the lingual surfaces of lower anterior teeth. Caries pattern on the left and right sides was symmetrical. The overall caries prevalence was significantly higher in the maxillary teeth. Caries prevalence was higher in the older children, whereas the caries pattern was not significantly different among children from countries with different human and economic development levels.

CONCLUSION: Cavitated carious lesions were more commonly observed in the maxillary incisors and molars in both arches. The prevalence of caries varies significantly with child’s age and primary tooth type. However, preschool children exhibit a similar pattern of caries, regardless of the time, socioeconomic status or geographical location.

PMID:39174169 | DOI:10.1016/j.jebdp.2024.101992

Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2024 Sep;12(9):615-616. doi: 10.1016/S2213-8587(24)00226-2.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:39174160 | DOI:10.1016/S2213-8587(24)00226-2

BMJ Open. 2024 Aug 22;14(7):e072943. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-072943.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: This study investigated sustainability and multimorbidity alongside barriers to employment including health and policy to demonstrate intersectional impact on return-to-work success within a UK welfare-to-work programme.

DESIGN: Cohort study design: The study calculated the proportion of time spent employed after experiencing a job start and the proportion retaining work over 6 months. Employment/unemployment periods were calculated, sequence-index plots were produced and visualisations were explored by benefit type and age.

SETTING: This study used confidential access to deidentified data from unemployed Work Programme clients operated by Ingeus on behalf of the UK Government in Scotland between 1 April 2013 and 31 July 2014.

PARTICIPANTS: 13 318 unemployed clients aged 18-64 years were randomly allocated to a Work Programme provider and monitored over 2 years.

RESULTS: This study has two distinct groupings. ‘Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)’ corresponding to those with work-limiting disability in receipt of related state financial support, and ‘Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)’ corresponding to unemployment claimants. Despite fewer and later job starts for ESA clients, those that gained employment spend relatively more subsequent time in employment when compared with individuals without work-limiting conditions (ESA clients under 50, 0.73; ESA clients over 50, 0.79; JSA clients under 50, 0.67 and JSA clients over 50, 0.68). Proportion in permanent jobs was higher among ESA than JSA clients (JSA under 50, 92%; JSA over 50, 92%; ESA under 50, 95% and ESA over 50, 97%).

CONCLUSION: The research demonstrated that returning to paid employment after a reliance on welfare benefits is challenging for people aged over 50 and those with disability. The study found that although fewer older ESA claimants entered employment, they typically remained in employment more than JSA clients who did not leave the Work Programme early. This indicates the importance of identifying risk factors for job loss in ageing workers and the development of interventions for extension of working lives.

PMID:39174073 | DOI:10.1136/bmjopen-2023-072943

BMJ Open. 2024 Aug 21;14(8):e081776. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-081776.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to further explore the relevant influencing factors of depression and explore the correlation between multimorbidity coexistence and depression to find the goals and methods of early intervention of depression in the elderly.

DESIGN: This study adopts a cross-sectional approach.

SETTING: The study population of this project came from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. Depression was grouped according to the 10-item version of Centre for Epidemiological Research Depression Scale. Chronic diseases, height, weight, grip strength, education, marital status, alcohol consumption, exercise and other indicators were included in the analysis.

PARTICIPANTS: 2239 adults over 60 years of age were included.

RESULTS: The proportion of women in the depression group was higher (p<0.001). The depression group had a lower grip strength than the control group (p<0.05). The sleep duration was shorter in the depression group (p<0.001). There were differences in education, marital status and alcohol consumption in the depression group (p<0.05). The depression group might have more types of coexisting chronic diseases (p<0.001). The depression group was more likely to have hypertension, dyslipidaemia, chronic lung diseases, heart attack, stroke, stomach disease and memory-related disease. Grip strength was connected with the risk of depression in the elderly (0.971 (95% CI 0.959 to 0.984)). Sleep (0.827 (95% CI 0.785 to 0.872) and education level (0.790 (95% CI 0.662 to 0.942) were related to the risk of depression in the elderly. Concomitant chronic diseases could affect the risk of depression in the elderly (1.455 (95% CI 1.243 to 1.703)).

CONCLUSION: The coexistence of multiple chronic diseases and depression is very common in the elderly. The coexistence of multiple chronic diseases is more common in older women and older depressed people. With the increase in the number of chronic diseases, the risk of depression in the elderly is significantly increased.

PMID:39174069 | DOI:10.1136/bmjopen-2023-081776

BMJ Open. 2024 Aug 21;14(8):e085819. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2024-085819.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: HIV drug resistance poses a challenge to the United Nation’s goal of ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic. The integrase strand transfer inhibitor (InSTI) dolutegravir, which has a higher resistance barrier, was endorsed by the WHO in 2019 for first-line, second-line and third-line antiretroviral therapy (ART). This multiplicity of roles of dolutegravir in ART may facilitate the emergence of dolutegravir resistance.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS: Nested within the International epidemiology Databases to Evaluate AIDS (IeDEA), DTG RESIST is a multicentre study of adults and adolescents living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, and South and Central America who experienced virological failure on dolutegravir-based ART. At the time of virological failure, whole blood will be collected and processed to prepare plasma or dried blood spots. Laboratories in Durban, Mexico City and Bangkok will perform genotyping. Analyses will focus on (1) individuals who experienced virological failure on dolutegravir and (2) those who started or switched to such a regimen and were at risk of virological failure. For population (1), the outcome will be any InSTI drug resistance mutations, and for population (2) virological failure is defined as a viral load >1000 copies/mL. Phenotypic testing will focus on non-B subtype viruses with major InSTI resistance mutations. Bayesian evolutionary models will explore and predict treatment failure genotypes. The study will have intermediate statistical power to detect differences in resistance mutation prevalence between major HIV-1 subtypes; ample power to identify risk factors for virological failure and limited power for analysing factors associated with individual InSTI drug resistance mutations.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The research protocol was approved by the Biomedical Research Ethics Committee at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa and the Ethics Committee of the Canton of Bern, Switzerland. All sites participate in International epidemiology Databases to Evaluate AIDS and have obtained ethics approval from their local ethics committee to collect additional data.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT06285110.

PMID:39174068 | DOI:10.1136/bmjopen-2024-085819