Nevin Manimala

JMIR Res Protoc. 2022 Mar 5. doi: 10.2196/36928. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The world as we know it changed during the Covid-19 pandemic. Hope has emerged with the development of new vaccines against the disease. However, many factors hinder vaccine uptake and lead to vaccine hesitancy. Understanding the factors affecting vaccine hesitancy and how to assess its prevalence has become an imperative amidst the Covid-19 pandemic. The vaccine hesitancy scale (VHS), developed by the WHO Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE), has been modified to the adult VHS (aVHS) and validated in English and Chinese. To our knowledge, no available aVHS have been designed or validated in Arabic or French.

OBJECTIVE: This research aim is to translate the aVHS from its original English language to Arabic and French and validate the translations in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean region.

METHODS: The study will follow a cross-sectional design divided into five phases inspired by the methodology proposed in the “Guidelines for developing, translating, and validating a questionnaire in perioperative and pain medicine.” By Tsang et al. Phase 1-The original aVHS will be forward translated to Arabic and French followed by backward translation to English. An expert committee will review and rate all versions of the translations. Expert agreement will then be measured using Cohen’s coefficient Kappa(K). Phase 2-The translated aVHS will be pilot tested on two samples of participants; a group that speaks both Arabic and English and another that speaks French and English, N=100. Participants’ responses to the English version will also be collected. Phase 3-Responses will then be compared. Descriptive statistics and paired t-test or one-way ANOVA and Pearson’s correlation coefficient (Rho) will be used in preliminary validation. Phase 4-Pre-final versions (Arabic and French) will be tested on a larger sample size, N=1000 for Arabic speakers and N=1000 for French speakers. Socio-demographic information and vaccination status will be collected and used for further analysis. Phase 5-The scale’s statistical reliability and internal consistency will be measured using Cronbach’s alpha. An Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) will be used to examine model fit resulting from EFA. ANOVA analyses and/or regression models will be constructed to control for confounders. All data will be electronically collected.

RESULTS: As of January 2022, the scale has been translated to Arabic and French and is undergoing the process of back translation. All data collection tools have been prepared (i.e., Socio-demographics, vaccination status and open-ended questions) and are ready to go into their electronic formats. We expect to reach the desired sample size in this phase by June 2022.

CONCLUSIONS: This study will provide researchers with a validated tool to assess adult vaccine hesitancy within populations that speak Arabic and/or French and provide a roadmap to scale translation and ensure cross-cultural adaptation.

PMID:35247043 | DOI:10.2196/36928

Anim Sci J. 2022 Jan;93(1):e13698. doi: 10.1111/asj.13698.

ABSTRACT

The Kumamoto sub-breed of Japanese Brown cattle has unique characteristics, such as great growth rate, and their contribution as future breeding materials is expected. To develop a DNA marker for their breeding, we investigated the effects of Leptin gene, controlling energy homeostasis, on carcass traits of the Kumamoto sub-breed. Sequence comparison identified five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs): four linked synonymous mutations and one nonsynonymous mutation. Statistical analysis revealed that c.239C > T (p.A80V) had significant effects on the traits related with quality grade: beef marbling standard (p = 0.0132), meat brightness (p = 0.0383), and meat firmness (p = 0.0115). The C allele showed favorable effects; these scores of the C/C cattle were significantly higher than those of the C/T cattle. On the other hand, the effect of c.399T > C was observed on meat firmness (p = 0.0172) and beef fat standards (BFS) (p = 0.0129). The C/C cattle showed higher values of these traits than the T/T cattle. Our data suggested that these SNPs in Leptin gene could be used as a DNA marker for breeding of the Kumamoto sub-breed.

PMID:35247014 | DOI:10.1111/asj.13698

J Clin Pharm Ther. 2022 Mar 5. doi: 10.1111/jcpt.13637. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE: The Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication rate of proton pump inhibitor (PPI)-based regimen remains decreasing. Vonoprazan (VPZ), a stronger and longer-lasting acid blocker, has been proposed to treatment of H. pylori infection. However, previous reviews did not have a pre-established study protocol and did not conduct a comprehensive search of the database, so the results obtained were not robust. We aimed to perform a meta-analysis to assess the effectiveness and safety of VPZ-based regimens for treatment of H. pylori infection in comparison with other regimens.

METHODS: We conducted a systematic literature search on PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, ClinicalTrials and ChiCTR Register. Randomized clinical trials comparing VPZ-based regimens with similar eradication regimens without VPZ in the treatment of H. pylori infection were included. Eradication rate, compliance of the patients and side effects were specified as the primary outcomes. RevMan 5.4 software was used to analyze the RCTs and provide pooled risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Systematic searches, study selection, data extraction, risk of bias assessment and statistical analysis were performed by two independent researchers according to the predesigned criteria on the PROSPERO.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: A total of 8 RCTs with 2012 patients qualified for evaluation. The results showed that the eradication rate of VPZ-containing regimens was significantly superior to PPI-containing regimens for both intention-to-treat (RR, 1.14; 95% CI: 1.06-1.23; p = 0.0006) and per-protocol analyses (RR, 1.12; 95% CI: 1.04-1.20; p = 0.003). Subgroup analysis based on treatment regimens, eradication experience and clarithromycin resistance, as well as sensitivity analysis further confirmed this finding. In addition, there was no significant difference in compliance (RR, 1.02; 95% CI: 0.98-0.1.05; p = 0.35) and the frequency of adverse events (RR, 0.84; 95% CI: 0.70-1.00; p = 0.05) between the regimens.

WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION: Compared with PPI-based regimens, the VPZ-containing regimens showed a comparable or even superior eradication rate of H. pylori in terms of overall comparison and comparison of different treatment regimens, eradication experience and clarithromycin resistance. In addition, VPZ-based regimens have better tolerability and fewer adverse events. More future studies are needed to evaluate the impact of some differences in patient characteristics.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42021229598.

PMID:35247003 | DOI:10.1111/jcpt.13637

J Cosmet Dermatol. 2022 Mar 5. doi: 10.1111/jocd.14897. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Aging is an inevitable process. Eyebrows, cheeks, mandible and neck are the areas that are the most vulnerable to the aging process. The most commonly thread lifted areas of the face are the jawline, midface, eyebrows and the neck. In this retrospective study, patients who were treated with thread-lifting between January 2018 and April 2020 were evaluated and the following were noted: the age and gender of the patient; the type of thread used; number of threads used; treatment area; patient satisfaction; and complications. The effects of age, type of thread used, number of threads used and treatment area on patient satisfaction were analysed statistically.The relationship between age and patient satisfaction is statistically insignificant, p=0.697. The relationship between patient satisfaction and the type of the thread used was insignificant, p=0.533. There is no relationship between the number of threads used and patient satisfaction, p=0.783. There is no difference in patient satisfaction between treatment areas, p=0.930. The most commonly observed complications were edema, pain and ecchymosis. We report that the patient satisfaction in thread-lifting is independent of the patient’s age, treatment area, type of thread used and the number of threads used. Our study is novel since it is the first study to report that the age of the patient and the thread type do not effect patient satisfaction.

PMID:35246938 | DOI:10.1111/jocd.14897

Int J Ment Health Nurs. 2022 Mar 4. doi: 10.1111/inm.12987. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Clinical learning experiences are known to exacerbate nursing student anxiety, causing them to present to clinical placement in distressed, meaning anxious, states. Students already living with anxiety are also more likely to suffer setbacks at this time. Supervising Registered Nurses (RNs), in the clinical settings, struggle to support this student cohort. A professional development activity was designed to introduce RNs to higher education and nursing students’ known mental health concerns (such as anxiety) and to arm them with strategies for working with distressed students. A research approach that enabled researchers to collaborate with participants was employed to design the intervention. A study evaluated the impact of the educational intervention with 45 Australian RN supervisors. Two tailed T-tests were chosen to explore the statistical difference between pre- and post-test mean results across the survey items. A 95% confidence interval was used. Statistical significance was set at <0.05. The evaluation indicated the activity could be useful for improving supervising RNs’ mental health literacy, thus enhancing their understanding of how to work with distressed students. Participants recommended the activity be offered to any staff supporting student clinical learning. Collaboration between nursing researchers and nursing clinical staff produced a meaningful professional development activity and motivated the participants to increase their mental health literacy and understanding of strategies to support distressed students. Future projects should adopt similar approaches that would support both RNs’ ability to support students’ during clinical learning and students in distress would also benefit.

PMID:35246903 | DOI:10.1111/inm.12987

J Nurs Manag. 2022 Mar 4. doi: 10.1111/jonm.13575. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

AIMS: To analyse the prevalence and levels of burnout syndrome in nurse managers and to evaluate the relationship between burnout and related sociodemographic, occupational and psychological factors.

BACKGROUND: Burnout syndrome, defined as an emotional response to chronic stress, is a major problem among nurse managers.

METHODS: The study was conducted using a cross-sectional survey design and data collected by the Maslach Burnout Inventory, The revised NEO Five Factor Inventory and the Educational-Clinical Questionnaire for Anxiety and Depression. The sample population consisted of 86 nurse managers from different hospitals from the Public Health Service of Andalusia, Spain.

RESULTS: 22.4% of the participants presented high levels of emotional exhaustion, 21% experienced depersonalisation and 57.6% had little sense of personal accomplishment. Working long shifts was related to burnout. Emotional exhaustion and depersonalisation were predicted by depression, while personal accomplishment was predicted by conscientiousness, agreeableness and openness.

CONCLUSIONS: 34.1% of the participants presented high levels of burnout, manifested by feelings of low personal accomplishment. Psychological and occupational factors play an important role in the development of this syndrome.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: nurse managers should seek to detect burnout among staff and colleagues matching the risk profile for this condition and promote interventions to prevent it.

PMID:35246900 | DOI:10.1111/jonm.13575

J Prosthodont. 2022 Mar 5. doi: 10.1111/jopr.13501. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to assess the effect of internal design modifications on the mechanical properties of multi-unit Cobalt-Chromium (Co-Cr) metal-ceramic frameworks manufactured by direct metal laser sintering.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Four-unit fixed partial denture metal-ceramic frameworks were digitally designed on a metal die model using 3D software. A total of 30 specimens were prepared using Co-Cr alloy powder with direct metal laser sintering (n = 10). The control group specimens were solid where the inside of the specimens was completely full. For the test groups, the internal design of the framework was modified. Leaving the outer shell thickness of the framework at .5 mm, two different internal designs with hollow geometries were created (1.5 mm and 2 mm inner bar distances) and a cross section area of the connector was calculated. The weights of the specimens were measured and subjected to a 3-point-bending test at 1 mm/min crosshead speed. Data were statistically analyzed using One-way ANOVA followed by Tukey (α = .05).

RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference among the groups in terms of weight of the specimens (P≤ .05). However, no significant difference was observed among groups in term of both flexural strength and flexural modulus (P≤ .05).

CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of the study, it was concluded that changing the internal design of the metal frameworks decreases the weight of the framework, but does not affect the flexural strength and flexural modulus. Therefore, clinical applications of internally modified frameworks seem promising for metal-ceramic restorations. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

PMID:35246899 | DOI:10.1111/jopr.13501

Int J Nurs Pract. 2022 Mar 4:e13044. doi: 10.1111/ijn.13044. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

AIMS: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between family caregivers’ health-related quality of life and health outcomes in care recipients.

METHODS: A total of 160 female caregivers in Japan were initially assessed using self-reported baseline questionnaires to determine physical and mental aspects of their health-related quality of life. Based on these scores, they were divided into three groups: lower, middle, and higher quality of life. We followed up with the 133 participants (after excluding those that did not respond) 6 years later to assess the health of their care recipients; 36 caregivers continued to provide home care, while 97 reported that their care recipient had died or been admitted into institutionalized care.

RESULTS: Statistically, a higher risk for care recipients’ health deterioration was strongly associated with the mental component score in the lower caregivers’ quality of life group of than for the middle group, after adjusting for the care recipients’ age, health status, and caregivers’ age at baseline. There was no significant association between deterioration of health of care recipients and physical component scores of the caregivers.

CONCLUSION: Caregivers’ poor health-related quality of life, particularly poor mental health, may be linked to the deterioration of care recipients’ health.

PMID:35246893 | DOI:10.1111/ijn.13044

Neurogastroenterol Motil. 2022 Mar 5:e14342. doi: 10.1111/nmo.14342. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Diagnosing anal incontinence (AI) based on manometry results is challenging due to the variation of the normal values and overlap between patients with and without AI. This study aimed to perform a systematic review on the difference in sphincter fatigability between patients with and without AI.

METHODS: MEDLINE, EMBASE, SCOPUS, and Google Scholar were searched. Studies were included if they included adult patients and assessed anal sphincter fatigability between using manometry. The effect size was estimated as the standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals. A random-effects model was used.

RESULTS: The database searches identified 125 unique articles, and five additional articles were identified from the reference list of articles. One hundred thirteen were excluded through title and abstract review. Nine articles were included in the final analysis. There was no statistically significant difference in the resting pressure between the two groups. Patients with AI had significantly lower squeeze pressure. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in the fatigue rate. The FRI was significantly lower in patients with AI (SMD 1.636, p = 0.001). Approximately a third of the patients in one study were able to maintain a contraction for 20s without reducing pressure. There was significant heterogeneity in the studies. The data available were inadequate for more robust calculations.

CONCLUSIONS: Sphincter fatigability, measured by the Fatigability Rate Index, has good discriminating power for anal incontinence. A standardized protocol needs to be followed by future researchers. Graphical Abstract The analysis used six studies with 413 patients to compare Fatigue Rate Index between patients with AI and controls. All studies reported a lower FRI in patients with incontinence and the FRI was significantly lower in patients with AI (standardized mean difference [SMD] 1.636, p= 0.001). Conflicting results were reported on the correlation between FRI and AI symptom scores.

PMID:35246890 | DOI:10.1111/nmo.14342

Biometrics. 2022 Mar 5. doi: 10.1111/biom.13658. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

A novel feature screening method is proposed to examine the correlation between latent responses and potential predictors in ultrahigh dimensional data analysis. First, a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) model is used to characterize latent responses through multiple observed variables. The expectation-maximization algorithm is employed to estimate the parameters in the CFA model. Second, R-Vector (RV) correlation is used to measure the dependence between the multivariate latent responses and covariates of interest. Third, a feature screening procedure is proposed on the basis of an unbiased estimator of the RV coefficient. The sure screening property of the proposed screening procedure is established under certain mild conditions. Monte Carlo simulations are conducted to assess the finite sample performance of the feature screening procedure. The proposed method is applied to an investigation of the relationship between psychological well-being and the human genome. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

PMID:35246841 | DOI:10.1111/biom.13658