Tag: pubmed

J Sch Health. 2022 Jul 29. doi: 10.1111/josh.13225. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Schools are essential public health partners for safeguarding students’ health. Child Death Review (CDR) is one public health activity where collaboration with schools is integral for developing strategies to prevent child death but the degree of collaboration is unknown. This study assessed school participation in CDR and the prevalence of school problems in reviewed child death cases, comparing non-suicide and suicide-related deaths.

METHODS: Using the National Fatality Review-Case Reporting System, we created a dataset of school-aged children (5 to 20 years) whose death was reviewed from 2005 to 2017 and used frequencies, proportions, and chi-squared statistics on selected measures.

RESULTS: Educational representatives infrequently participated in CDRs (24.9%). School records were rarely accessed for reviewed deaths (5.2%). Less than half (41.2%) of reviewed deaths had any school information and of these, 35.5% of children were indicated as having problems in school. Compared with non-suicide deaths, a larger proportion of suicide deaths had school representatives attend CDRs (28.4% vs 24.1%, P < .0001), and access to educational records (4.2% vs 9.2%, P < .0001).

IMPLICATIONS: Efforts are needed to address potential barriers to systems integration, including state policies and federal educational privacy laws.

CONCLUSIONS: School participation in CDRs is lacking for both suicide and non-suicide deaths.

PMID:35906765 | DOI:10.1111/josh.13225

Community Dent Oral Epidemiol. 2022 Jul 29. doi: 10.1111/cdoe.12779. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To estimate socioeconomic inequalities in the maternal perception of children’s oral health from a birth cohort study in Brazil.

METHODS: The data from this study were collected through perinatal interviews and at the 48-month follow-up from the 2015 Pelotas Birth Cohort Study. The main outcome was the maternal perception of children’s oral health, dichotomized into positive (good/very good) and negative (fair/bad/very bad). The secondary outcome was untreated dental caries (absence and presence, according to the ICDAS index – International Caries Detection and Assessment System). For the statistical analysis, the absolute inequality index (Slope Index of Inequality – SII) and the relative concentration index (Concentration Index – CIX) were used. Analyses were stratified by maternal educational level, family income and wealth index.

RESULTS: The prevalence of outcomes was 19.4% (95% CI 18.2; 20.7) for the negative maternal perception of children’s oral health and 15.6% (95% CI 14.4; 16.8) for untreated dental caries. Socioeconomics inequalities were observed in negative maternal perception of children’s oral health in both absolute and relative terms. A SII of -16.6 (95% CI -20.8; -12.5) was observed for family income, with higher prevalence in poor families. A higher prevalence of the negative maternal perception of children’s oral health was observed in mothers without any educational level or a few years of study (CIX -21.1 [95% CI -24.5; -17.7]).

CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates socioeconomics disparities in the maternal perception of children’s oral health and in the prevalence of untreated caries in children. A higher concentration of negative maternal perception of children’s oral health was identified among the most socioeconomically vulnerable individuals. The findings reinforce the presence of socioeconomic inequalities in subjective measures about children’s oral health.

PMID:35906753 | DOI:10.1111/cdoe.12779

Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2022 Jul 29:e29898. doi: 10.1002/pbc.29898. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Systemic anticoagulation after pediatric liver transplantation (pLT) is believed to reduce the incidence of vascular thrombosis, but it may also cause an increase in hemorrhagic complications.

PROCEDURE: A 5-year retrospective review of pLT done at our institution was performed (2014-2018). The occurrence of early hemorrhagic and thrombotic complications was compared when using low-dose or high-dose anticoagulation after transplant (p < .05 considered significant).

RESULTS: Sixty-nine patients received 73 transplants during the study period. Median age at transplant was 2.3 years (40 days to 18.5 years). Low-dose anticoagulation was utilized in 71% cases. Additionally, six patients were converted from low-dose to high-dose anticoagulation because of a thrombotic event or concerns for suboptimal vascular inflow. Postoperative anticoagulation was discontinued in 18 occurrences due to bleeding (low dose 19%, high dose 47% vs. low dose to high dose 17%, p = .085). Surgical take back for bleeding occurred in 17 occasions (low dose 13.5%, high dose 53% vs. low dose to high dose 33%, p = .005). The overall incidence of hepatic artery thrombosis (HAT) and portal vein thrombosis were each 5.5%, respectively. While patient survival was not statistically different between groups, graft survival was significantly lower in the high-dose group (low dose 93%, high dose 73% vs. low dose to high dose 100%, p = .046). However, graft losses from HAT were similar between groups (low dose 2%, high dose 7% vs. low dose to high dose 0%, p = .56).

CONCLUSION: The use of a standardized risk-adjusted anticoagulation protocol after pLT is associated with a low occurrence of thrombotic and hemorrhagic complications. High-dose anticoagulation leads to more bleeding, but those risks outweigh the risks of possible graft loss.

PMID:35906750 | DOI:10.1002/pbc.29898

Br J Psychol. 2022 Jul 29. doi: 10.1111/bjop.12585. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Bayesian methods are becoming increasingly used in applied psychological research. Previous researchers have thoroughly written about much of the details already, including the philosophy underlying Bayesian methods, computational issues associated with Bayesian model estimation, Bayesian model development and summary, and the role of Bayesian methods in the so-called replication crisis. In this paper, we seek to provide case studies comparing the use of frequentist methods to the use of Bayesian methods in applied psychological research. These case studies are intended to ‘illustrate by example’ the ways that Bayesian modelling differs from frequentist modelling and the differing conclusions that one may arrive at using the two methods. The intended audience is applied psychological researchers who have been trained in the traditional frequentist framework, who are familiar with mixed-effects models and who are curious about how statistical results might look in a Bayesian context. Along with our case studies, we provide general opinions and guidance on the use of Bayesian methods in applied psychological research.

PMID:35906743 | DOI:10.1111/bjop.12585

Br J Math Stat Psychol. 2022 Jul 29. doi: 10.1111/bmsp.12283. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Heller (2021) generalized quasi-ordinal knowledge spaces to polytomous items. Inspired by this paper, we propose CD-polytomous knowledge space and its polytomous surmise system. A Galois connection is established between the collection $K$ of all polytomous knowledge structures and the collection $F_1$ of particular polytomous attribute functions. The closed elements of the Galois connection are CD-polytomous knowledge spaces in $K$ and polytomous surmise functions in $F_1$ , respectively. With the help of these, this paper provides a characterization of the polytomous knowledge structure corresponding to the polytomous surmise function that is weakly factorial. Based on the finite sets of items and response values, these results generalize the previous approaches for polytomous knowledge spaces.

PMID:35906736 | DOI:10.1111/bmsp.12283

Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol. 2022 Jul 29. doi: 10.1111/ajo.13602. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: In 2020, abortion was removed from the Crimes Act. Abortions under 20 weeks gestation no longer require an indication and criteria for abortion above 20 weeks gestation has broadened. Prior to law reform, all abortions were provided on licensed premises and the responsible health practitioner was a doctor. Subsequently, any health practitioner with abortion in their scope of practice can provide abortion care.

AIMS: To describe the characteristics of health practitioners who expressed an interest in participating in second trimester abortion care, and to identify and describe the barriers to providing an optimal second trimester abortion service.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was an exponential non-discriminating snowball email survey using tick boxes and open comments. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and free-text components were analysed using a general inductive approach.

RESULTS: The 113 respondents included: 38 hospital-based obstetrics and gynaecology doctors, 22 primary care doctors, 13 midwives and 14 nurses/nurse practitioners. Thirty-three (29.2%) and 62 (54.9%) respondents reported interest in providing second trimester surgical and medical abortion care respectively. The most commonly identified barrier to both surgical and medical second trimester abortion provision was lack of trained staff, followed by an unsupportive work environment. Thematic analysis aligned with these findings and commonly featured difficulty in accessing feticide.

CONCLUSIONS: We need to actively recruit and train all health practitioners interested in providing second trimester abortion care to strengthen the workforce. This requires an organisation to oversee an inclusive national framework for abortion training, including feticide, and provide professional supervision.

PMID:35906725 | DOI:10.1111/ajo.13602

Reprod Health. 2022 Jul 29;19(1):168. doi: 10.1186/s12978-022-01475-x.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: People living with the human immune deficiency virus (PLHIV) are an important group to address HIV prevention. Mostly, 90% of the HIV cases in children are usually through mother-to-child transmission. Dual contraception (barrier condoms i.e., male, and female condoms) are one of the most effective ways to avoid HIV transmission. Thus, the present study was carried out to establish the predictors associated with the use of dual contraceptives in sexually active HIV positive women in Hossana, Southern Ethiopia.

METHODS: An institution based unmatched case-control study among randomly selected 312 sexually active HIV positive women was conducted from February 2021 to May 2021. The data were collected through structured questionnaire and anti-retroviral treatment (ART) cards considering the case-to-control ratio of 1:3. The information was coded, entered into Epi-Info7.0 and exported to SPSS 20.0 for further analysis. A P-value < 0.25 in bi-variate analysis was further processed for multi-variate analysis and P-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS: A response rate of 97.2% was recorded. A significant difference was observed towards the use of dual contraceptives in sexually active HIV positive women living in urban vs rural areas (AOR = 0.28; 95% CI = 0.09-0.84), having sexual intercourse with a regular partner (AOR = 3.77; 95% CI = 1.48-9.55) and taking first initiation to use (AOR = 0.05; 95% CI = 0.02-0.11).

CONCLUSION: The determinants associated with lower use of dual contraceptives were residing in rural areas, sexual intercourse with a regular partner and low initiation rate at first time for use of dual contraceptives. Therefore, we strongly recommend that open discussion about sexually transmitted infections like HIV and their prevention, providing adequate facilities in rural areas can help to prevent HIV transmission and reduce the disease burden. The health professionals are encouraged to organize awareness campaigns in rural areas for use of dual contraceptives among PLHIV.

PMID:35906704 | DOI:10.1186/s12978-022-01475-x

Parasit Vectors. 2022 Jul 29;15(1):271. doi: 10.1186/s13071-022-05408-2.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii is a major concern for human and animal health. Although the metabolic understanding of toxoplasmosis has increased in recent years, the analysis of metabolic alterations through noninvasive methodologies in biofluids remains limited.

METHODS: Here, we applied liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)-based metabolomics and multivariate statistical analysis to analyze BALB/c mouse urine collected from acutely infected, chronically infected and control subjects.

RESULTS: In total, we identified 2065 and 1409 metabolites in the positive electrospray ionization (ESI +) mode and ESI – mode, respectively. Metabolomic patterns generated from principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) score plots clearly separated T. gondii-infected from uninfected urine samples. Metabolites with altered levels in urine from T. gondii-infected mice revealed changes in pathways related to amino acid metabolism, fatty acid metabolism, and nicotinate and nicotinamide metabolism.

CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to our knowledge on urine metabolic profiling of BALB/c mouse with T. gondii infection. The urine metabolome of infected mouse is distinctive and has value in the understanding of Toxoplasmosis pathogenesis and improvement of treatment.

PMID:35906695 | DOI:10.1186/s13071-022-05408-2

BMC Med Inform Decis Mak. 2022 Jul 29;22(1):199. doi: 10.1186/s12911-022-01949-9.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Pharmacists are frequent users of mobile medical apps (MMA) for drug information (DI) and clinical decision-making purposes. However, the wide range of available MMA may be of variable credibility and results in heterogeneous recommendations. The need for subscription may also influence choice of apps.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the usage pattern of MMA among hospital pharmacists, including their perceptions and factors affecting their choice of apps.

METHODS: This cross-sectional study required respondents to fill in an online questionnaire. The questionnaire included sections on respondents’ demographic data, MMA usage pattern, perceived usefulness and opinion on subscription fees. Items were adapted from available literature and validated locally. It was made accessible for 6 weeks starting November 2019 for all pharmacists working in the 23 public hospitals in Sarawak to response (universal sampling). Collected data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics.

RESULTS: A response rate of 37.2% was achieved (n = 162). Respondents were heavily reliant on MMA, with 78.4% accessing them multiple times daily. The majority also agreed that MMA contain correct and up-to-date information. A median of 5 apps were downloaded, suggesting an ultimate app catering for all DI needs was lacking. The Malaysian Drug Formulary was the most downloaded app (88.3%), whereas Lexicomp® was the most “well-rounded” in terms of functionality. Clinical pharmacists were significantly more likely to purchase MMA, in particular UpToDate® (p < 0.01) due to their need to access clinical updates. Respondents highly recommended institutional access for either UpToDate® or Lexicomp® be made available. Pre-registration pharmacists should be guided on judicious MMA usage, as they downloaded significantly more apps and were more likely to indicate not knowing which DI recommendation to follow (both p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION: MMA has become an indispensable tool for hospital pharmacists, however there was a tendency to download multiple apps for DI needs. Institutional access can be considered for credible apps identified to ensure accuracy and uniformity of DI recommendations, with purchase decision made after surveying the needs and preferences of end users.

PMID:35906649 | DOI:10.1186/s12911-022-01949-9

Nutr J. 2022 Jul 30;21(1):50. doi: 10.1186/s12937-022-00802-z.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Literature suggests a relationship between estrogen levels and migraine headache pathogenesis. However, the effect of soy isoflavones on migraine characteristic remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effect of soy isoflavones on migraine characteristics and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) levels in women with migraine.

METHODS: Eighty-three participants completed a randomized double-blind controlled trial, receiving 50 mg per day soy isoflavones or placebo supplementation for 8 weeks. Migraine severity, migraine days per month, frequency and duration of attacks, mental status, quality of life and serum CGRP levels were measured at baseline and the end of the intervention. Bivariate comparison and intention-to-treat (ITT) were used for analysis.

RESULTS: Soy isoflavones intake resulted in a significant decrease in mean frequency (-2.36 vs -0.43, P < 0.001), duration (-2.50 vs -0.02, P < 0.001) of migraine attacks and CGRP level (-12.18 ng/l vs -8.62, P = 0.002) in compared to placebo group. Also, a significant improvement was found in quality of life (16.76 vs 2.52, P < 0.001). Although, reduction in the migraine severity and mental status did not reach a statistically significant level (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION: soy isoflavones supplementation may be considered as a complementary treatment for women with migraine to improve migraine characteristics and reduce the burden of disease.

PMID:35906640 | DOI:10.1186/s12937-022-00802-z