Tag: pubmed

BMC Psychol. 2022 May 21;10(1):128. doi: 10.1186/s40359-022-00842-4.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Empathy is one of the core medical professionalisms that distress, burnout, and lack of personal well-being is also recognized as an important influencer on lower empathy levels. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the mental health, burnout, and factors associated with the empathy levels among Thai, clinical-year medical students.

METHODS: This cross-sectional study surveyed all fourth-to sixth-year medical students at the Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, in Thailand; at the end of the 2020 academic year. The questionnaires utilized were: (1) The personal and demographic information questionnaire, (2) The Toronto Empathy Questionnaire, (3) Thai Mental Health Indicator-15, and (4) The Maslach Burnout Inventory; Thai version. All data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and factors associated with empathy levels were analyzed via the chi-square test and logistic regressions.

RESULTS: There were 466 participants, with a response rate of 91.5%. The majority were female (56.2%), and reported a below-average level of empathy (57.1%); with a median score (IQR) of 44 (40-48). The gender proportion of a below-average empathy level among male and female participants was 66.3% and 50.4%, respectively. Of the participants, 29.6% had poor mental health, 63.5% and 39.7% reported a high level of emotional exhaustion and depersonalization scores; even though most of them (96.6%) perceived having a high level of personal accomplishment. Multivariate analysis indicated that females, higher mental health, and a low level of depersonalization were statistically significant protective factors, which improved the empathy levels.

CONCLUSIONS: More than half of the clinical-year medical students reported below-average empathy levels. Female gender, better mental health, and a low level of depersonalization were related to the improvement of the empathy levels. Therefore, medical educators should emphasize the importance of focusing supporting students, of all genders and in regards to all stages of medical education, to increase their levels of empathy, to promote individual well-being, and to effectively prevent the phenomenon of student ‘burnout’.

PMID:35598029 | DOI:10.1186/s40359-022-00842-4

Biophys J. 2022 May 20:S0006-3495(22)00407-6. doi: 10.1016/j.bpj.2022.05.014. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Actin is one of the key structural components of the eukaryotic cytoskeleton that regulates cellular architecture and mechanical properties. Dynamic regulation of actin filament length and organization is essential for the control of many physiological processes including cell adhesion, motility and division. While previous studies have mostly focused on the mechanisms controlling the mean length of individual actin filaments, it remains poorly understood how distinct actin filament populations in cells maintain different lengths using the same set of molecular building blocks. Here we develop a theoretical model for the length regulation of multiple actin filaments by nucleation and growth rate modulation by actin binding proteins in a limiting pool of monomers. We first show that spontaneous nucleation of actin filaments naturally leads to heterogeneities in filament length distribution. We then investigate the effects of filament growth inhibition by capping proteins and growth promotion by formin proteins on filament length distribution. We find that filament length heterogeneity can be increased by growth inhibition, whereas growth promoters do not significantly affect length heterogeneity. Interestingly, a competition between filament growth inhibitors and growth promoters can give rise to bimodal filament length distribution as well as a highly heterogeneous length distribution with large statistical dispersion. We quantitatively predict how heterogeneity in actin filament length can be modulated by tuning F-actin nucleation and growth rates in order to create distinct filament subpopulations with different lengths. SIGNIFICANCE: Actin filaments organize into different functional network architectures within eukaryotic cells. To maintain distinct actin network architectures, it is essential to regulate the lengths of actin filaments. While the mechanisms controlling the lengths of individual actin filaments have been extensively studied, the regulation of length heterogeneity in actin filament populations is not well understood. Here we show that the modulation of actin filament growth and nucleation rates by actin binding proteins can regulate actin length distribution and create distinct sub-populations with different lengths. In particular, by tuning concentrations of formin, profilin and capping proteins, various aspects of actin filament length distribution can be controlled. Insights gained from our results may have significant implications for the regulation of actin filament length heterogeneity and architecture within a cell.

PMID:35598045 | DOI:10.1016/j.bpj.2022.05.014

Alzheimers Res Ther. 2022 May 21;14(1):69. doi: 10.1186/s13195-022-01009-4.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Currently, Alzheimer’s disease (AD) cohort datasets are difficult to find and lack across-cohort interoperability, and the actual content of publicly available datasets often only becomes clear to third-party researchers once data access has been granted. These aspects severely hinder the advancement of AD research through emerging data-driven approaches such as machine learning and artificial intelligence and bias current data-driven findings towards the few commonly used, well-explored AD cohorts. To achieve robust and generalizable results, validation across multiple datasets is crucial.

METHODS: We accessed and systematically investigated the content of 20 major AD cohort datasets at the data level. Both, a medical professional and a data specialist, manually curated and semantically harmonized the acquired datasets. Finally, we developed a platform that displays vital information about the available datasets.

RESULTS: Here, we present ADataViewer, an interactive platform that facilitates the exploration of 20 cohort datasets with respect to longitudinal follow-up, demographics, ethnoracial diversity, measured modalities, and statistical properties of individual variables. It allows researchers to quickly identify AD cohorts that meet user-specified requirements for discovery and validation studies regarding available variables, sample sizes, and longitudinal follow-up. Additionally, we publish the underlying variable mapping catalog that harmonizes 1196 unique variables across the 20 cohorts and paves the way for interoperable AD datasets.

CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, ADataViewer facilitates fast, robust data-driven research by transparently displaying cohort dataset content and supporting researchers in selecting datasets that are suited for their envisioned study. The platform is available at https://adata.scai.fraunhofer.de/ .

PMID:35598021 | DOI:10.1186/s13195-022-01009-4

BMC Res Notes. 2022 May 21;15(1):186. doi: 10.1186/s13104-022-06070-8.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: We assessed Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of COVID-19 as an indicator to situate the performance of Nigeria relative to other selected countries. We obtained case fatality rates of different countries from data sets available from open-sources. The CFRs were calculated as the rate of deaths compared with total cases. The values were compared with Nigeria’s COVID-19 CFR. Other relevant statistical comparisons were also conducted.

RESULTS: The worst performing countries with regards to CFR in descending order were Yemen (19.5%), Peru (9.0%) Mexico (7.6%), Sudan (7.4%) and Ecuador (6.3%) while the best performing nations were Bhutan (0.11%), Burundi (0.19%), Iceland (0.20%), Laos (0.21%) and Qatar (0.25%). The CFR of Nigeria was 1.39% which falls below the 50th percentile. Other comparison done showed significant difference in the CFR values between countries similar to Nigeria and countries that are dissimilar when HDI is used. (Mann-Whitney U test 126.0, p = 0.01). The trend of the CFR in Nigeria showed a steady decline and flattening of the CFR curve which does not seem to be affected by the spikes in the daily declared cases.

PMID:35597995 | DOI:10.1186/s13104-022-06070-8

Trials. 2022 May 21;23(1):424. doi: 10.1186/s13063-022-06385-8.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has considerably disrupted nearly all aspects of daily life, including healthcare delivery and clinical research. Because pragmatic clinical trials are often embedded within healthcare delivery systems, they may be at high risk of disruption due to the dual impacts on the conduct of both care and research.

METHODS: We collected qualitative data using multiple methods to characterize the impact of COVID-19 on the research activities of 14 active pragmatic clinical trials in the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Health Care Systems Research Collaboratory. A COVID-19 impact questionnaire was administered electronically to principal investigators in June 2020. Text responses were analyzed thematically, and qualitative summaries were subsequently reviewed by five independent reviewers, who made iterative revisions. Additional COVID-19-related impacts were identified during virtual meetings with trial teams during April-July 2020 and combined with questionnaire responses for analysis.

RESULTS: Impacts of the pandemic were broadly classified into two main types: healthcare operations and social distancing. In some instances, trial delays created statistical challenges, particularly with trials using stepped-wedge designs, and necessitated changing data collection strategies or modifying interventions. The majority of projects used existing stakeholder-driven approaches to adapt interventions. Several benefits of these adaptions were identified, including expanded outreach capabilities and ability to study virtual intervention delivery. All trial teams were able to adapt to pandemic-related modifications.

CONCLUSION: In a group of 14 ongoing pragmatic clinical trials, there was significant impact of COVID-19 on trial activities. Engaging appropriate stakeholders was critical to designing and implementing trial modifications and making continued safe progress toward meeting research objectives.

PMID:35597988 | DOI:10.1186/s13063-022-06385-8

BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2022 May 21;23(1):484. doi: 10.1186/s12891-022-05432-4.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: There is no agreement about the best reconstructive option following resection of proximal humerus tumors. The purpose of this study was to compare the functional outcomes of endoprosthesis reconstruction versus nail cement spacer reconstruction after wide resection of proximal humeral tumors.

METHODS: This retrospective comparative study included 58 patients with proximal humerus tumors who had undergone tumor resection and reconstruction with modular endoprosthesis (humeral hemiarthroplasties) or cement spacer. Medical records were reviewed for the epidemiological, clinical, radiological, and operative data. Lung metastasis, local recurrence, and complication were also reviewed. The functional outcome was evaluated using the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society scoring (MSTS) system.

RESULTS: Nineteen patients with a mean age of 33.4 ± 17.5 years underwent reconstruction by modular endoprosthesis, and 39 patients with a mean age of 24.6 ± 14.3 years underwent reconstruction by cement spacer. The mean MSTS score was 24.8 ± 1.1 in the endoprosthesis group and 23.9 ± 1.4 in the spacer group, P = 0.018. Complications were reported in 5 (26.3%) patients in the endoprosthesis group and 11 (28.2%) patients in the spacer group, P = 0.879. There were no statistically significant differences in the functional outcomes in both patient groups with or without axillary or deltoid resection.

CONCLUSIONS: Both endoprostheses and cement spacers are durable reconstructions with almost equal functional outcomes with no added advantage of the expensive endoprosthesis.

PMID:35597987 | DOI:10.1186/s12891-022-05432-4

Int J Equity Health. 2022 May 21;21(1):74. doi: 10.1186/s12939-022-01658-9.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Public health measures for COVID-19 containment have implied economic and social life disruptions, which have been particularly deleterious in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) due to high rates of informal employment, overcrowding, and barriers to accessing health services, amongst others social determinants. Mexico, a LMIC, is a country with a high COVID-19 mortality in which there has been a very limited governmental response to help mitigate such COVID-related disruptions. This study analyzes the association of the first wave of the COVID-19 crisis in Mexico with four well-being indicators: income, employment, anxiety, and food security.

METHODS: It uses pooled cross-sectional data (n = 5453) of five monthly nationally representative surveys collected between April and August 2020. Probit models are estimated to assess the association of the pandemic with job loss and anxiety; a multinomial logistic regression is estimated for food security, and an ordinary least squares regression assesses the association between the pandemic and changes in household’s income.

RESULTS: Females were significantly associated with worse outcomes for the 4 well-being measures with an average reduction of 2.3% in household income compared to pre-COVID-19 levels, an increased probability (6.4 pp) of being in a household that had lost jobs, decreased probability of food security (6.9 pp), and an increased risk of anxiety symptoms (8.5 pp). In addition, those with lower SES and household with children also reported worse outcomes for employment, income and food security. The month variable was also statistically significant in these models suggesting that as more months of the pandemic elapsed the effects persisted.

CONCLUSION: The currents study documents how the COVID-19 pandemic is associated with different well-being indicators in a LMIC. It suggests the urgent need to take actions to support vulnerable groups, particularly women, households with children and those in the lowest SES. If policy actions are not taken, the pandemic will increase social and gender disparities, and will jeopardize childhood development.

PMID:35597958 | DOI:10.1186/s12939-022-01658-9

Biopsychosoc Med. 2022 May 21;16(1):12. doi: 10.1186/s13030-022-00241-6.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: To apply the Bio-Psych-Social (BPS) model into clinical practice, it is important not to focus on psychosocial domains only since biomedical factors can also contribute to chronic pain conditions. The cognitive functional therapy (CFT) is the management system based on the BPS model for chronic nonspecific low back pain (CNSLBP).

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to compare CFT with the other interventions for CNSLBP regarding pain, disability/functional status, QoL and psychological factors.

DESIGN: This study was a systematic review and meta-analysis of a randomised controlled trial.

METHOD: Literature Search was conducted in electronic search engines. Enrolled participants included 1) CNSLBP and 2) primary, secondary, or tertiary care patients. CFT was the interventions included. Comparisons were any types of treatment.

RESULTS: Three studies met the eligibility criteria. The total number of participants was 336. For pain intensity, MD [95% CIs] was -1.38 [-2.78 – 0.02] and -1.01 [-1.92 – -0.10] at intermediate and long term for two studies, respectively. About disability/functional status, SMD [95% CIs] was -0.76 [-1.46 – -0.07] at the intermediate for three studies and MD [95% CIs] was -8.48 [-11.47 – -5.49] at long term for two studies. About fear of physical activity, MD [95% CIs] was -3.01 [-5.14 – -0.88] and -3.56 [-6.43 – -0.68] at intermediate and long term for two studies, respectively. No studies reported scores associated with QOL. All the quality of the evidence was very low.

CONCLUSIONS: Three studies were included and the quality of all the evidence was very low. Although the study found statistically significant differences in some measures, the effectiveness of the CFT will need to be re-evaluated in the future.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO registration number CRD42020158182 .

PMID:35597961 | DOI:10.1186/s13030-022-00241-6

BMC Public Health. 2022 May 21;22(1):1025. doi: 10.1186/s12889-022-13441-0.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: For smokers not intending to quit, switching to a reduced-risk nicotine product should be healthier than continuing smoking. We estimate the health impact, over the period 2000-2050, had the nicotine pouch ZYN hypothetically been introduced into the US in 2000. ZYN’s toxicant profile and method of use is like that for Swedish snus, a product with known health effects much less than smoking.

METHODS: Our modelling approach is similar to others developed for estimating potential effects of new tobacco products. It starts with a simulated cohort of 100,000 individuals in the year 2000 subdivided by age, sex, and smoking status (including years since quitting). They are followed annually accounting for births, net immigrations, deaths and product use changes, with follow-up carried out in the Base Case (ZYN not introduced) and Modified Case (ZYN introduced). Using informed assumptions about initiation, quitting and switching rates, distributions of the population over time are then constructed for each Case, and used to estimate product mortality based on assumptions about the relative risk according to product use.

RESULTS: Whereas in both Base and Modified Cases, the prevalence of any current product use is predicted to decline from about 22% to 10% during follow-up, in the Modified Case about 25% of current users use ZYN by 2050, about a quarter being dual users and the rest ZYN-only users. Over the 50 years, deaths at ages 35-84 from product use among the 100,000 are estimated as 249 less in the Modified than the Base Case, equivalent to about 700,000 less in the whole US. Sensitivity analyses varying individual parameter values confirm the benefits of switching to ZYN, which increase as either the switching rate to ZYN increases or the initiation rate of ZYN relative to smoking increases. Even assuming the reduction in excess mortality risk using ZYN use is 20% of that from smoking rather than the 3.5% assumed in the main analyses, the reduction in product-related deaths would still be 213, or about 600,000 in the US.

CONCLUSIONS: Although such model-based estimates involve uncertainties, the results suggest that introducing ZYN could substantially reduce product-related deaths.

PMID:35597944 | DOI:10.1186/s12889-022-13441-0

BMC Womens Health. 2022 May 21;22(1):187. doi: 10.1186/s12905-022-01770-6.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Gender-based violence is an act that has physical, psychological, and sexual consequences for women. It is a widespread issue, particularly in developing countries, and it causes women mental distress. Despite the fact that gender-based violence has a significant impact on mental distress, there have no study in Ethiopia. As a result, the purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and associated factors of mental distress among mothers who had experienced gender-based violence and were in court.

METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 423 samples. The data was entered into Epi-data version 3.01 and analyzed with SPSS version 21. Binary logistic regression was used, and variables with p-values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant with regard to mental distress at the respective 95% CI.

RESULT: The prevalence of mental distress was found to be 59.6% in this study. Mental distress was associated with factors such as a lack of social support, a lack of formal education, a husband’s substance use, rural residence, age greater than 33 years, and a low family income.

CONCLUSION: The prevalence of mental distress is high when compared to the majority of previous findings from other countries. Screening and managing psychological distress in women with a history of violence is preferable, and integrating psychosocial care into court services is recommended.

PMID:35597941 | DOI:10.1186/s12905-022-01770-6