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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Mental health help-seeking by children and adolescents in Uganda’s refugee settlements

Lancet Child Adolesc Health. 2024 Aug;8(8):546-547. doi: 10.1016/S2352-4642(24)00166-4.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:39025555 | DOI:10.1016/S2352-4642(24)00166-4

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Validity and Reliability of the 21st-Century Skills Scale

J Nurs Meas. 2024 Jul 18:JNM-2023-0122.R1. doi: 10.1891/JNM-2023-0122. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Background Purpose: This study was carried out to assess the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the 21st-Century Skills Scale in Nursing Students. Methods: It is a methodological type of research. In the validity study of the scale, language validity, content validity, and structure validity were examined. Internal consistency analysis was performed in the reliability study. Results: According to the exploratory factor analysis, the total variance explained by the eight-factor structure was calculated as 57.15%. Items 63, 62, 60, and 15 were removed from the scale, as they did not contribute to any factor. Confirmatory factor analysis showed that the model was statistically significant and valid (χ2 /df = 2.255). Conclusions: The results of this research indicate that the 21st-Century Skills Scale is a valid scale with 8 sub-dimensions and 59 items in Turkish society and can be used reliably to determine the 21st-century skills of nursing students.

PMID:39025521 | DOI:10.1891/JNM-2023-0122

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Average age of starting fertility treatment rises to over 35 in UK

BMJ. 2024 Jul 18;386:q1591. doi: 10.1136/bmj.q1591.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:39025507 | DOI:10.1136/bmj.q1591

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Effectiveness of influenza vaccine among the population in Chongqing, China, 2018-2022: A test negative design-based evaluation

Hum Vaccin Immunother. 2024 Dec 31;20(1):2376821. doi: 10.1080/21645515.2024.2376821. Epub 2024 Jul 18.

ABSTRACT

Influenza vaccination is the most cost-effective strategy for influenza prevention. Influenza vaccines have been found to be effective against symptomatic and medically attended outpatient influenza illnesses. However, there is currently a lack of data regarding the effectiveness of inactivated influenza vaccines in Chongqing, China. We conducted a prospective observational test-negative design study. Outpatient and emergency cases presenting with influenza-like illnesses (ILI) and available influenza reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were selected and classified as cases (positive influenza RT-PCR) or controls (negative influenza RT-PCR). A total of 7,307 cases of influenza and 7,905 control subjects were included in this study. The overall adjusted influenza vaccine effectiveness (IVE) was 44.4% (95% confidence interval (CI): 32.5-54.2%). In the age groups of less than 6 years old, 6-18 years old, and 19-59 years old, the adjusted IVE were 32.2% (95% CI: 10.0-48.9%), 48.2% (95% CI: 30.6-61.4%), and 72.0% (95% CI: 43.6-86.1%). The adjusted IVE for H1N1, H3N2 and B (Victoria) were 71.1% (95% CI: 55.4-81.3%), 36.1% (95% CI: 14.6-52.2%) and 33.7% (95% CI: 14.6-48.5%). Influenza vaccination was effective in Chongqing from 2018 to 2022. Evaluating IVE in this area is feasible and should be conducted annually in the future.

PMID:39025479 | DOI:10.1080/21645515.2024.2376821

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Rational redesign of an introductory pharmacy practice experience curriculum

Am J Pharm Educ. 2024 Jul 16:100762. doi: 10.1016/j.ajpe.2024.100762. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To utilize a process to identify strengths and weaknesses of an introductory pharmacy practice experience (IPPE) curriculum from stakeholder perspectives and undergo IPPE curricular revision.

METHODS: An IPPE Curriculum Redesign Taskforce was created, and a five-step systematic quality improvement (QI) process was developed and applied to redesign an IPPE curriculum. Steps were to (1) identify existing curriculum challenges and strengths; (2) determine potential solutions to challenges; (3) redesign IPPE curricular structure; (4) obtain stakeholder input and support; and (5) redesign IPPE content. Throughout these steps, surveys were administered, and feedback was solicited from stakeholder groups through focus groups and meetings. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Qualitative data were analyzed using inductive content analysis and peer debriefing to identify themes.

RESULTS: Student survey and focus group results identified desires to limit student-preceptor negotiations when scheduling hours, decrease conflict between IPPE hours and scheduled classes, and increase direct patient care opportunities. Structural revisions included transition of IPPE hours from the first- and second-year of the program into the third-year (P3), revising course schedule grids to allow P3 students one day per week to complete hours, and aligning rotation dates during class-free times. Curricular content was strengthened through curricular mapping, threading, and course coordinator collaborations.

CONCLUSION: A 5-step IPPE redesign systematic QI process utilizing solicitation, analysis, and incorporation of stakeholder feedback was used to revise an IPPE curriculum to maintain framework and content strengths and address weaknesses. Other pharmacy programs could utilize this process to redesign their IPPE curriculum.

PMID:39025465 | DOI:10.1016/j.ajpe.2024.100762

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Relationship between the serum level, polymorphism and gene expression of IL-33 in samples of recurrent miscarriage Iraqi women infected with toxoplasmosis

Exp Parasitol. 2024 Jul 16:108799. doi: 10.1016/j.exppara.2024.108799. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

One of the many warm-blooded hosts that toxoplasmosis-causing intracellular protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii can infect is humans. Cytokines are crucial to stimulate an effective immune response against T. gondii. Interleukin-33 (IL-33) is a unique anti-inflammatory cytokine that suppresses the immune response. The levels of cytokine gene expression are regulated by genetics, and the genetic polymorphisms of these cytokines play a functional role in this process. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are prognostic indicators of illnesses. This study aimed to determine whether toxoplasmosis interacts with serum levels of IL-33 and its SNP in miscarriage women as well as whether serum levels and IL-33 gene expression are related in toxoplasmosis-positive miscarriage women. Two hundred blood samples from patients and controls were collected from AL-Alawiya Maternity Teaching Hospital and AL-Yarmouk Teaching Hospital in Baghdad, Iraq from 2021 to 2022 in order to evaluate the serum level of IL-33 using ELISA test. For the SNP of IL-33, the allelic high-resolution approach was utilized, and real time-PCR was performed to assess gene expression. The results showed that compared to healthy and pregnant women, recurrent miscarriage with toxoplasmosis and recurrent miscarriage women had lower IL-33 concentrations. Additionally, there were significant differences among healthy women, pregnant women, and women with repeated miscarriage who experienced toxoplasmosis. Furthermore, no differences between patients and controls were revealed by gene expression data. The results revealed that recurrent miscarriage, pregnancy, and healthy women all had a slightly higher amount of the IL-33 gene fold. Additionally, the SNP of IL-33 data demonstrated that there was no significant genetic relationship between patients and controls. Recurrent miscarriage women with toxoplasmosis have showed significant differences from pregnant women in the genotypes GG and AA as well as the alleles A and G. There were notable variations between recurrent miscarriage with and without toxoplasmosis in terms of the genotypes AA and AC. The genotypes GG, AA, and allele A in recurrent miscarriage women with toxoplasmosis and recurrent miscarriage women is a protective factor. Taking together, there was a statistically significant negative correlation between toxoplasmosis and IL-33 gene expression, which calls for more quantitative investigation in order to fully comprehend the interaction of mRNA and protein.

PMID:39025462 | DOI:10.1016/j.exppara.2024.108799

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Clinical Evaluation of a New Chemically-Cured Bulk-Fill Composite in Posterior Restorations: 6-Month Multicenter Double-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial

J Dent. 2024 Jul 16:105246. doi: 10.1016/j.jdent.2024.105246. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the postoperative sensitivity (POS), as well as the clinical performance of posterior restorations using a new chemically-cured bulk-fill composite (Stela Automix and Stela Capsule, SDI) comparing with a light-cured bulk-fill composite after 6 months.

METHODS: Fifty-five participants with at least three posterior teeth needing restoration were recruited. A total of 165 restorations were performed on Class I or Class II cavities. After the application of Stela primer, the chemically-cured composite (Stela Automix or Stela Capsule) was inserted. For the light-cured composite group, a universal adhesive (Scotchbond Universal) was applied with a bulk-fill composite (Filtek One). Participants were evaluated for spontaneous and stimulated POS in the baseline, after 48 hours, 7 days, and 6 months. Additionally, each restoration was assessed using the updated version of FDI criteria after 6 months. The differences in the proportions of the groups were compared by Cochran test statistics (α=0.05).

RESULTS: Both chemically-cured composites showed a lower risk of POS compared to the light-cured composite at baseline and up to 48 hours (p<0.04). A significantly lower surface luster and texture was observed for the Stela Capsule composite compared to the light-cured bulk-fill composite (baseline and 6 months; p=0.03). A significant color mismatch was observed for the light-cured bulk-fill composite compared to the chemically-cured composites (baseline and 6 months; p=0.03). No significant differences were observed in any other item evaluations (p>0.05).

CONCLUSION: Chemically-cured composites exhibit lower postoperative sensitivity and less color mismatch compared to a light-cured bulk-fill composite after 6 months of clinical service.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The chemically-cured composites appear to be an appealing option for restoring posterior teeth, as they exhibit lower postoperative sensitivity compared to a light-cured bulk-fill composite, both at baseline and up to 48 hours, and less color mismatch.

PMID:39025426 | DOI:10.1016/j.jdent.2024.105246

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Application of toxicokinetic-toxicodynamic models in the aquatic ecological risk assessment of metals: a review

Environ Toxicol Pharmacol. 2024 Jul 16:104511. doi: 10.1016/j.etap.2024.104511. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The issue of toxic metal pollution is a considerable environmental concern owing to its complex nature, spatial and temporal variability, and susceptibility to environmental factors. Current water quality criteria and ecological risk assessments of metals are based on single-metal toxicity data from short-term, simplified indoor exposure conditions, ignoring the complexity of actual environmental conditions. This results in increased uncertainty in predicting toxic metal toxicity and risk assessment. Using appropriate bioavailability and effect modeling of metals is critical for establishing environmental quality standards and performing risk assessments for metals. Traditional dose-effect models are based on a static statistical relationship and fall short of revealing the bioavailability and effect processes of metals and do not effectively assess ecological impacts under complex exposure conditions. This paper summarizes the toxicokinetic-toxicodynamic (TK-TD) model, which is gaining interest in environmental and ecotoxicological research. The key concepts, and theories of its construction theories, are discussed and the application of the TK-TD model in toxicity prediction and risk assessment of different metals in the aquatic environment, and trends in the development of the TK-TD model are highlighted. The findings of our review prove that the TK-TD model can effectively predict toxic metal toxicity in real time and under complex exposure conditions in the future.

PMID:39025423 | DOI:10.1016/j.etap.2024.104511

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Individual-Level and Community-Level Predictors of Healthy Pregnancy Outcomes in Multigravid Black Women

Obstet Gynecol. 2024 Aug 1;144(2):241-251. doi: 10.1097/AOG.0000000000005634. Epub 2024 Jun 6.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To identify individual- and community-level factors that predict the odds of multigravid Black women having consecutive pregnancies without adverse pregnancy outcomes.

METHODS: We conducted a secondary analysis of 515 multigravid Black women from a longitudinal observational study (2017-2019). We assessed the presence of adverse pregnancy outcomes (hypertensive disorders, gestational diabetes, preterm birth, fetal growth restriction, placental abruption, and pregnancy loss) for the index and prior pregnancies. We examined U.S. Census data, medical records, and surveys across multiple socioecologic domains: personal, behavioral, socioeconomic, and policy. We estimated adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% CIs for the association between individual- and community-level factors and consecutive healthy pregnancies using hierarchical logistic regression models adjusted for maternal age, body mass index (BMI), gravidity, interpregnancy interval, and median household income.

RESULTS: Among 515 multigravid Black women (age 27±5 years, BMI 31.4±8.9, gravidity 4±2), 38.4% had consecutive healthy pregnancies without adverse pregnancy outcomes. Individual-level factors associated with consecutive healthy pregnancies included normal glucose tolerance (aOR 3.9, 95% CI, 1.2-12.1); employment (aOR 1.9, 95% CI, 1.2-2.9); living in communities with favorable health indicators for diabetes, hypertension, and physical activity; and household income of $50,000 per year or more (aOR 3.5, 95% CI, 1.4-8.7). When individual and community factors were modeled together, only income and employment at the individual and community levels remained significant.

CONCLUSION: Individual and community income and employment are associated with consecutive healthy pregnancies in a cohort of Black patients, emphasizing the need for comprehensive, multilevel systems interventions to reduce adverse pregnancy outcomes for Black women.

PMID:39024647 | DOI:10.1097/AOG.0000000000005634

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Cost-effectiveness of seasonal influenza vaccination in WHO-defined high-risk populations in Bangladesh

J Glob Health. 2024 Jul 19;14:04126. doi: 10.7189/jogh.14.04126.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Bangladesh carries a substantial health and economic burden of seasonal influenza, particularly among the World Health Organization (WHO)-defined high-risk populations. We implemented a modelling study to determine the cost-effectiveness of influenza vaccination in each of five high-risk groups (pregnant women, children under five years of age, adults with underlying health conditions, older adults (≥60 years), and healthcare personnel) to inform policy decisions on risk group prioritisation for influenza vaccination in Bangladesh.

METHODS: We implemented a Markov decision-analytic model to estimate the impact of influenza vaccination for each target risk group. We obtained model inputs from hospital-based influenza surveillance data, unpublished surveys, and published literature (preferentially from studies in Bangladesh, followed by regional and global ones). We used quality-adjusted life years (QALY) as the health outcome of interest. We also estimated incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) for each risk group by comparing the costs and QALY of vaccinating compared to not vaccinating each group, where the ICER represents the additional cost needed to achieve one year of additional QALY from a given intervention. We considered a willingness-to-pay threshold (ICER) of less than one gross domestic product (GDP) per capita as highly cost-effective and of one to three times GDP per capita as cost-effective (per WHO standard). For Bangladesh, this threshold ranges between USD 2462 and USD 7386.

RESULTS: The estimated ICERs were USD -99, USD -87, USD -4, USD 792, and USD 229 per QALY gained for healthcare personnel, older adults (≥60), children aged less than five years, adults with comorbid conditions, and pregnant women, respectively. For all risk groups, ICERs were below the WHO willingness-to-pay threshold for Bangladesh. Vaccinating pregnant women and adults with comorbid conditions was highly cost-effective per additional life year gained, while vaccinating healthcare personnel, older adults (≥60), and children under five years were cost-saving per additional life year gained.

CONCLUSIONS: Influenza vaccination to all target risk groups in Bangladesh would be either cost-saving or cost-effective, per WHO guidelines of GDP-based thresholds.

PMID:39024624 | DOI:10.7189/jogh.14.04126