Tag: pubmed

J Perianesth Nurs. 2024 Apr 27:S1089-9472(24)00007-8. doi: 10.1016/j.jopan.2024.01.002. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To construct the comfort status scale for patients with lung cancer after thoracoscopic surgery.

DESIGN: Delphi method inquiry to 15 clinical and nursing experts.

METHODS: On the basis of the comfort status scale and the subjective experience and objective symptoms of patients with lung cancer after thoracoscopic surgery, the relevant literature was consulted, semistructured interviews and group discussions were conducted, the pool of items of the postoperative comfort status scale for patients with lung cancer was initially formed, and the postoperative comfort status scale for patients with lung cancer was finally established.

FINDINGS: The positive coefficient of experts was 100%, the coefficient of authority was 0.92 and 0.93, and the Kendal’s W was 0.257 and 0.298, the degree of coordination of expert opinions was statistically significant (P < .05). Finally, a total of 28 items in four dimensions were formed to assess the postoperative comfort status of patients with lung cancer after thoracoscopic surgery.

CONCLUSIONS: The Delphi method-based comfort status scale for patients with lung cancer after thoracoscopic surgery is scientific and reliable, and can provide a quantitative basis for the evaluation of the comfort status of patients after lung cancer thoracoscopic surgery, to further provide individual comfort care measures.

PMID:38678461 | DOI:10.1016/j.jopan.2024.01.002

J Nutr Educ Behav. 2024 Apr 25:S1499-4046(24)00052-6. doi: 10.1016/j.jneb.2024.03.007. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Describe the adaptation, implementation, and perceptions of Kids SIPsmartER’s classroom component during the coronavirus disease-impacted 2020-2021 school year.

DESIGN: Mixed methods process evaluation.

SETTING: Seven rural Appalachian middle schools (US).

PARTICIPANTS: Middle-school teachers (n = 14) and principals (n = 6).

INTERVENTION: Kids SIPsmartER was a multilevel, school-based intervention designed to decrease sugar-sweetened beverage intake. The 12-lesson classroom component was supported by an implementation protocol.

MEASURES: Implementation protocol adaptations, program perceptions, and the school context were assessed using teacher and principal interviews, teacher-completed fidelity checklists, and researcher-maintained field notes. Adaptations were mapped to the Framework for Reporting Adaptations and Modifications-Enhanced (FRAME).

ANALYSIS: Qualitative data were content coded. Quantitative data were summarized using descriptive statistics.

RESULTS: All schools maintained Kids SIPsmartER and delivered 100% of lessons. Ten adaptations were made to the implementation protocol. Schools used adapted delivery approaches to meet individual needs. Teachers and principals identified more benefits than barriers to implementing the program.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Using a strategically adapted implementation protocol that was flexible to schools’ individual needs allowed all middle schools to deliver Kids SIPsmartER during the 2020-2021 school year. Findings identify adaptation considerations that other school-based evidence-based interventions could incorporate to facilitate delivery during high-stress times.

PMID:38678457 | DOI:10.1016/j.jneb.2024.03.007

Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop. 2024 Apr 26:S0889-5406(24)00112-4. doi: 10.1016/j.ajodo.2024.02.013. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: The extraction of second premolars and associated changes in the volume of the airway have not been previously explored. This retrospective study aimed to compare the volumetric changes of the airway preorthodontic and postorthodontic treatment in relevant extraction and control samples and to identify variables that may influence the outcome.

METHODS: Cone-beam computed radiography scans of 54 patients with second premolar extraction and 59 nonextraction patients treated in a private orthodontic practice were matched for crowding. The average age for both samples was 15 years. The images were individually landmarked and measured by applying volumetric, linear, and angular parameters. The results were analyzed using repeated measures, such as variance analysis, correlation testing, and regression statistical analyses.

RESULTS: There was a statistically significant increase in the airway volume for both groups (P <0.05). The difference in increase between the groups was not statistically significant. Seven variables demonstrated a collectively significant effect on changes to airway volume (F[7,112] = 38.48; P <0.001; r² = 0.701), with 70% of the variation predicted by the variables. Multiple regression analyses indicated that changes to the area of minimum constriction (B = 32.45; t = 11.95; P <0.001) and changes to airway length (B = 94.75; t = 7.79; P <0.001) had a statistically significant effect on airway volume.

CONCLUSIONS: The volume of the airway increased in both the extraction and nonextraction samples. The biggest contributors to the increase were an increase in airway length and an increase in the area of minimum constriction, which likely occurred as a result of natural growth.

PMID:38678455 | DOI:10.1016/j.ajodo.2024.02.013

Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop. 2024 Apr 26:S0889-5406(24)00137-9. doi: 10.1016/j.ajodo.2024.03.014. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to examine the use of orthodontic 3-dimensional (3D) printing technology in North America and to understand why orthodontists are, or are not, incorporating 3D printing technology in their practices.

METHODS: A survey questionnaire was delivered on a secure online platform, RedCap (Case Western Reserve University Clinical and Translational Science Award; no. UL1TR002548). The survey consisted of 14-34 items with branching logic. The association between participant demographics and in-house 3D printing was assessed using a chi-square test of independence.

RESULTS: A total of 518 responses were recorded. The highest number of responses came from respondents in the 36-45-year age group. Most of the respondents were practice owners; 46.9% had 3D printers in their office. Chi-square tests of independence were performed on the data to see which associations existed. The strongest statistical associations with using an in-house 3D printer are seen with patient load, practice type, years since residency, and orthodontist’s position.

CONCLUSIONS: Approximately 75% of orthodontists use 3D printing technology in some capacity in North America. Major factors that influenced orthodontists to incorporate 3D printing technology into their office were self-interest and research. Major factors that have prevented orthodontists from not incorporating 3D printing technology into their office were space for equipment/ventilation and digital workflow training deficit. Orthodontists use their 3D printers mostly to make plastic retainers from printed models. The strongest associations with using in-house 3D printers are seen in patient load, practice type, years since residency, and orthodontist position. Increasing patient load and being in private practice increases the likelihood of having a 3D printer.

PMID:38678454 | DOI:10.1016/j.ajodo.2024.03.014

Med Educ Online. 2024 Dec 31;29(1):2345444. doi: 10.1080/10872981.2024.2345444. Epub 2024 Apr 28.

ABSTRACT

Accelerated medical school curricula, such as three-year programs, have gained attention in recent years but studies evaluating their impact are still scarce. This study examines the Fully Integrated Readiness for Service Training (FIRST) program, a three-year accelerated pathway, to assess its impact on students’ academic performance preparedness for residency. In this observational study, we compared the academic outcomes of FIRST program students to traditional four-year curriculum students from 2018 to 2023. We analyzed multiple metrics, including exam performance (United States Medical Licensing Examination Step scores, shelf exam scores, and pre-clinical course scores) and clinical performance scores during the application and individualization phases. Analysis of Variance was used to examine the effect of accelerated pathway program experience relative to traditional 4-year medical school curriculum on the learning outcomes. FIRST program students were on average 1.5 years younger upon graduation than their traditional peers. While FIRST program students scored slightly lower on Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (CK), they exhibited no significant differences in other exam scores or clinical performance relative to the traditional students. Notably, FIRST students achieved equivalent clinical performance ratings during critical clerkships and rotations. Our findings suggest that a three-year medical school curriculum can effectively prepare students for residency and produce graduates with comparable medical knowledge and clinical skills, offering potential benefits in terms of financial relief and personal well-being for medical students.

PMID:38678447 | DOI:10.1080/10872981.2024.2345444

Clin Physiol Funct Imaging. 2024 Apr 28. doi: 10.1111/cpf.12884. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

It is controversial whether people with vasovagal syncope (VVS) have abnormal autonomic responses at baseline and whether specific diagnostic manoeuvres have a diagnostic value. We investigated whether the pupillary light reflex and cardiac autonomic tests can be used to identify autonomic dysfunction in volunteers with a medical history of VVS. The study groups included 128 healthy volunteers, of whom 31 reported a history of typical VVS. The right pupil was evaluated using an automated, commercial infra-red pupillometer under strict conditions. In addition to miosis and mydriasis kinetics, pupil diameters were measured. Heart rate variability at rest and heart rate changes to standing were quantified with high-resolution electrocardiography and designated software. The demographic and clinical characteristics of both groups were statistically similar. Average constriction velocity (ACV) was significantly higher in VVS patients following a univariate analysis (3.83 ± 0.59 vs. 3.56 ± 0.73 mm/s, p = 0.042) and after correcting for potential confounders (p = 0.049). All other pupillometric and heart rate indices were comparable between groups. Patients with a history of VVS depict pupillary parasympathetic overactivity in response to light stimuli, manifested as increased ACV. The prognostic implications of this finding and the significance of using this simple clinical tool to identify patients who are at risk for developing frequent episodes of VVS or physical injuries following a syncope merits further study.

PMID:38678442 | DOI:10.1111/cpf.12884

J Water Health. 2024 Apr;22(4):701-716. doi: 10.2166/wh.2024.320. Epub 2024 Mar 18.

ABSTRACT

In order to identify and effectively control the impact of NO₃^– pollution on human health, on the basis of investigation, sampling, analysis and testing, statistical analysis software (SPSS19), groundwater pollution analysis software, Nemera comprehensive index method, correlation analysis method and human health risk assessment model are applied for analysis and research. The results indicate that the groundwater in the study area is mainly Class II water, with overall good water quality. The main influencing factors for producing Class IV are NO₃^–, Fe, F^– and SO₄^2-. The use of agricultural fertilizers is the main source of NO₃^– exceeding standards in groundwater in this area. There are significant differences in the health hazards caused by NO₃^– pollution in groundwater among different populations, and infants and young children are more susceptible to nitrate pollution. The division of pollution areas and high-risk groups plays an important guiding role in preventing health risks. The new achievements will help people improve their awareness of risk prevention, caring for the environment, respecting nature and implementing precise policies, promoting society to step onto the track of scientific and healthy development.

PMID:38678423 | DOI:10.2166/wh.2024.320

Water Sci Technol. 2024 Apr;89(8):2191-2208. doi: 10.2166/wst.2024.103. Epub 2024 Mar 29.

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to assess spatiotemporal water quality variation and its suitability for irrigation and domestic purposes in Lah River using the irrigation water quality index (IWQI) and the weighted arithmetic water quality index (WAWQI). The IWQI analysis result showed that the sodium absorption ratio, residual sodium carbonate, potential salinity, Kelly index, magnesium ratio, sodium percentage, and permeability index were found to be 1.07 mEq/L, -0.43 mEq/L, 0.8 mEq/L, 0.78 mEq/L, 43.01%, 42.95%, and 63.46%, respectively. The IWQIs revealed that the water quality of the river was appropriate for agricultural use during the dry season. Furthermore, the calculated WAWQI of the river water ranged from 123.13 to 394.72 during the wet season, indicating the high pollution levels in the Lah River and incompatibility for drinking purposes. On the other hand, the principal component analysis identified two pollution sources during the wet season and three during the dry season. In addition, the positive matrix prioritization model predicted the pollution source’s contribution quite well with a signal-to-noise ratio of >2 and a residual error between -3 and 3 for both seasons. This study suggests that water quality of Lah River is degrading periodically necessitating proper pollution management.

PMID:38678418 | DOI:10.2166/wst.2024.103

Water Sci Technol. 2024 Apr;89(8):2164-2176. doi: 10.2166/wst.2024.123. Epub 2024 Apr 15.

ABSTRACT

To assess the viability and effectiveness of bioretention cell in enhancing rainwater resource utilization within sponge cities, this study employs field monitoring, laboratory testing, and statistical analysis to evaluate the water purification capabilities of bioretention cell. Findings indicate a marked purification impact on surface runoff, with removal efficiencies of 59.81% for suspended solids (SS), 39.01% for chemical oxygen demand (COD), 37.53% for ammonia nitrogen (NH₃-N), and 30.49% for total phosphorus (TP). The treated water largely complies with rainwater reuse guidelines and tertiary sewage discharge standards. Notably, while previous research in China has emphasized water volume control in sponge city infrastructures, less attention has been given to the qualitative aspects and field-based evaluations. This research not only fills that gap but also offers valuable insights and practical implications for bioretention cell integration into sponge city development. Moreover, the methodology and outcomes of this study serve as a benchmark for future sponge city project assessments, offering guidance to relevant authorities.

PMID:38678416 | DOI:10.2166/wst.2024.123

Water Sci Technol. 2024 Apr;89(8):1891-1912. doi: 10.2166/wst.2024.077. Epub 2024 Mar 12.

ABSTRACT

Urban flooding has made it necessary to gain a better understanding of how well gully pots perform when overwhelmed by solids deposition due to various climatic and anthropogenic variables. This study investigates solids deposition in gully pots through the review of eight models, comprising four deterministic models, two hybrid models, a statistical model, and a conceptual model, representing a wide spectrum of solid depositional processes. Traditional models understand and manage the impact of climatic and anthropogenic variables on solid deposition but they are prone to uncertainties due to inadequate handling of complex and non-linear variables, restricted applicability, inflexibility and data bias. Hybrid models which integrate traditional models with data-driven approaches have proved to improve predictions and guarantee the development of uncertainty-proof models. Despite their effectiveness, hybrid models lack explainability. Hence, this study presents the significance of eXplainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) tools in addressing the challenges associated with hybrid models. Finally, crossovers between various models and a representative workflow for the approach to solids deposition modelling in gully pots is suggested. The paper concludes that the application of explainable hybrid modeling can serve as a valuable tool for gully pot management as it can address key limitations present in existing models.

PMID:38678398 | DOI:10.2166/wst.2024.077