Follow-up Testing Research Articles

Development of Staff Evaluation Software Based on Association Matrix Methods and Data Mining Using the Streamlit Framework

This study discusses evaluating employee performance in microbiology laboratories using an association matrix implemented in web-based software with the Streamlit framework. The purpose of the research is to improve the employee performance evaluation process, which previously used conventional methods. This software is built from a sample receipt recording history data stored in a MySQL database. The initially unstructured data was processed using Python libraries such as NumPy, Matplotlib, Pandas, and Difflib to generate personnel evaluation information such as specialization, task duration, workload, and individual competencies. This software can provide a fast and accurate performance assessment according to the evaluation period. In a test with the System Usability Scale (SUS), the software scored 75.83, which was rated "good.". These results show that the software is easy to use and can improve the efficiency of employee performance evaluation. Follow-up tests with questionnaires given to 18 users showed that this system was preferable to previous conventional methods. This software helps laboratory managers evaluate employee performance effectively and efficiently.

Positivity and Follow-up Testing of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae Infections in Universally Screened Female Basic Military Trainees

Positivity and Follow-up Testing of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae Infections in Universally Screened Female Basic Military Trainees

A survey of the effect of an information-motivation-behavioral model-based intervention on university students’ osteoporosis knowledge, health beliefs, and self-efficacy

ABSTRACT This randomized controlled trial investigated the effectiveness of a Healthy Living Awareness Program for the Prevention of Osteoporosis based on the Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills Model (HLAPPO-IMB) in university students [intervention group (n = 43), control group (n = 44)]. The intervention group completed the online training to prevent osteoporosis in the information stage of the IMB. In the motivation stage, the researchers texted (WhatsApp) the intervention group spot and reminder notifications concerning the prevention of osteoporosis. They also provided them with telephone counseling. In the final stage, the researchers evaluated whether the intervention group participants developed target behavioral skills. The intervention group had significantly higher mean posttest and follow-up Osteoporosis Knowledge Test scores than the control group (respectively, r = .519, r = .513, p < .001), indicating a large effect size in the posttest and follow-up test. There was no significant difference in pretest and follow-up Osteoporosis Health Belief Scale, Osteoporosis Self-Effective Scale, and International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form scores between the groups (p > .05). The results showed that the HLAPPO-IMB helped the intervention group participants expand their knowledge of osteoporosis. However, it did not improve their self-efficacy in doing weight-bearing exercises, taking calcium, and engaging in physical activity.

Adults with Down syndrome and obstructive sleep apnea treated with hypoglossal nerve stimulation.

To examine the feasibility, adherence to therapy, and efficacy of hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HGNS) in adults with Down syndrome (DS) with obstructive sleep apnea. Adults patients with DS who met criteria for hypoglossal nerve stimulation were prospectively enrolled. Objective adherence was extracted from a cloud-based compliance database. Pre-operative sleep studies were compared to follow-up testing performed no sooner than 3 months after device activation. Eleven adults with DS underwent implantation of HGNS between May 2021 and July 2024. Median age was 27 years old (interquartile range 26, 33), BMI 28.5kg/m2 (26.5, 32.4), 27% were female, and had severe OSA (apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) 40/hr, (28.4, 42.9)). All patients were successfully implanted on an outpatient basis with no post-operative complications or readmissions and activated on schedule at 1 month after surgery. Adherence data show nightly usage longer than 4 hours was 100% and 96% of nights and a median of 9.2 and 8.5 hours/night in the first 30 and 90 days, respectively. Seven patients have undergone follow up testing and the median entire night AHI was reduced by 76%. All patients experienced a >50% decrease in AHI and to less than 15/hr. Median time spent below 88% improved from 2.0% (0.3,5.0) to 0.2% (0,0.6), and oxygenation nadir improved from 79.0% (75.5,85) to 88.0% (86.5,91). In this small initial cohort, HGNS appears to be a safe, well-tolerated and efficacious treatment option for adults with DS with moderate-severe obstructive sleep apnea and positive airway pressure therapy intolerance.

Cost-effectiveness of ultrahigh-resolution photon-counting detector coronary CT angiography for the evaluation of stable chest pain

BackgroundThe increased specificity of ultrahigh-resolution (UHR) photon-counting detector (PCD)-CT over energy-integrating detector (EID)-CT for coronary CT angiography (CCTA) could defer unwarranted downstream tests. The objective of the study was to simulate the cost-effectiveness of UHR CCTA in stable chest pain patients with coronary calcifications. MethodsA decision and simulation model was developed using Monte Carlo simulations with 1000 bootstrap resamples to estimate the costs associated with PCD-CT in lieu of EID-CT for CCTA and the referral for subsequent testing. The model was constructed using the diagnostic accuracy metrics of 55 coronary lesions in patients who underwent CCTA on both CT systems and subsequent invasive coronary angiography (ICA). Sensitivity and specificity were defined for each Coronary Artery Disease Reporting and Data System category. The aggregate healthcare expenditures were derived from the hospital billing system. ResultsAssuming a projected cohort of 15,000 patients over the lifetime of the PCD-CT, its implementation resulted in a 18.9 ​% reduction in the number of functional follow-up tests (6330.3 ​± ​59.5 vs. 5135.7 ​± ​60.6, p ​< ​0.001), a 6.0 ​% reduction in performed ICAs (1447.7 ​± ​36.2 vs. 1360.2 ​± ​34.7, p ​< ​0.001), and a 9.4 ​% decrease in major procedure-related complications. Over a 10-year expected life expectancy, PCD-CT led to an average cost saving of $794.50 ​± ​18.50 per patient and an overall cost difference of $11,917,500 ​± ​4,350,169. ConclusionsPCD-CT has the potential to reduce the financial burden on healthcare systems and procedure-related complications for stable chest pain patients with coronary calcification when compared to EID-CT.

The effect of a cultural sensitivity education program on the intercultural sensitivity and compassion levels of Turkish nurses: A randomized controlled trial

AimThis study was performed to measure the effect of a cultural sensitivity education program in increasing Turkish nurses’ intercultural sensitivity and compassion levels. BackgroundIntercultural care encompasses compassion, an indispensable value of nursing care. The primary purpose of compassion is to ensure the well-being and welfare of the individual. DesignA parallel group randomized controlled trial. MethodsThe study was completed by 64 nurses, 32 in the intervention and 32 in the control groups. A Cultural Sensitivity Education Program was presented to the intervention group. Instruments were given to both groups before the intervention (pre-test), one week after the intervention (post-test) and three months later (follow-up test). Chi-square, independent sample t-test and two-way mixed-design variance analysis with Bonferroni Multiple Comparison Test were used to analyze the data. ResultsThe post-test and follow-up test mean scores of intercultural sensitivity and compassion of the intervention group after the intervention increased significantly compared with the control group. The intervention had a large effect size. ConclusionsThe study showed that the cultural sensitivity education program effectively increased the nurses’ intercultural sensitivity and compassion levels. Nurse managers could integrate education programs into the in-service education programs to improve the intercultural sensitivity and compassion levels of nurses.

The Effects of an Adler-oriented Parenting Group on Parenting Efficacy and Family Atmosphere Learning for Parents of the Gifted Students in Junior High School

&lt;p&gt;目前能夠回應青春期資優生特性及其家長特有需求的親職團體並不多見。本研究即在探討「阿德勒取向親職團體」對國中資優生家長在親職效能感與家庭氣氛等之立即性與持續性輔導效果。本研究採前、後測準實驗設計，以高雄市某國中12名資優生家長為對象，分為實驗組及控制組，實驗組接受每週一次，每次120分鐘，共八次16小時之親職團體。本研究工具為親職效能感量表（由家長填寫）及家庭氣氛量表（由子女填寫）。兩組成員在團體開始一週前進行前測，團體結束一週內進行後測，並於結束第四週進行追蹤測。實驗組成員於團體前七次結束時填寫回饋表，並於團體最後一次結束時填寫總回饋表。研究者在團體結束後進行實驗組成員個別訪談，藉以暸解成員在參與團體後的改變情形。資料分析後發現如下：1.能立即提升整體親職效能感與人際溝通；2.能立即提升整體家庭氣氛與家庭溝通；3.能持續提升整體親職效能感、學習引導與生活督導；4.整體家庭氣氛、家庭關係與家庭溝通持續提升。本研究提出親子聯合參與團體、增加家長自我探索、納入資優學生訪談等具體建議，作為輔導應用之參考。&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The purpose of the study is to explore the immediate and continuous counseling effects of an Adlerian-oriented parenting group on parenting efficacy and family atmosphere for parents of the gifted students in junior high school. The research used a quasi-experimental design. Participants were twelve parents of gifted students in a junior high school. Six parents were in the experimental group and Six parents were in a control group. The participants in the experimental group attended 8-week group counseling sessions for two hours per week. Members of the two groups took a pre-test one week before the start of the group, a post-test within one week after the end of the group, and a follow-up test in the fourth week afterwards. Members of the experimental group filled out the feedback form at the end of the first session, and the general feedback form at the end of the last group. The researcher conducted individual interviews with the members of the experimental group after the group. Four significant results were found for those who joined the Adlerian-oriented parenting group. First, parents of the gifted students in junior high school who participated in the parenting group could immediately improve the overall parenting efficacy and &amp;quot;interpersonal communication&amp;quot;. Second, parents of the gifted students in junior high school could immediately improve the overall family atmosphere and &amp;quot;family communication&amp;quot; after participating in the parenting group. Third, parents of the gifted students in junior high school can continue to improve the overall parenting efficacy, &amp;quot;learning-guidance&amp;quot; and &amp;quot;life-supervision&amp;quot; after participating in the parenting group. Fourth, parents of the gifted students in junior high school could continue to improve the family atmosphere, &amp;quot;family relationship&amp;quot; and &amp;quot;family communication&amp;quot; after participating in the parenting group. Suggestions as above can be references to applications for the counseling and research in the future.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

Standardized Ultrasound Evaluation for Active Surveillance of Low-Risk Thyroid Microcarcinoma in Adults: 2024 Korean Society of Thyroid Radiology Consensus Statement.

Active surveillance (AS) has been widely adopted as an alternative to immediate surgery owing to the indolent nature and favorable outcomes of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC). AS is generally recommended for tumors measuring ≤1 cm without aggressive cytological subtypes, risk of gross extrathyroidal extension (ETE), lymph node metastasis (LNM), or distant metastasis. AS requires careful patient selection based on various patient and tumor characteristics, and ultrasound (US) findings. Moreover, during AS, regular US is performed to monitor any signs of tumor progression, including tumor growth, new US features of potential gross ETE, and LNM. Therefore, appropriate imaging-based assessment plays a crucial role in determining whether AS or surgery should be pursued. However, detailed recommendations concerning US evaluation are currently insufficient, necessitating the formulation of this guideline. The Korean Society of Thyroid Radiology has developed a consensus statement for low-risk PTMC, covering US assessment methods when considering AS as a management option and conducting follow-up imaging tests during AS. This guideline aims to provide optimal scientific evidence and expert opinion consensus regarding a standardized US-based assessment protocol for low-risk PTMC.

Longitudinal Changes in Adolescents’ Sedentary, Light, Moderate and Vigorous Physical Activity Levels

Background and purpose: In recent years, sedentary behaviour (SB) has become a significant risk factor for health, alongside the decline of physical activity (PA) in the population. This study explored adolescents’ PA and SB using a longitudinal design, from the age of 13 to 15, to elucidate any changes and when they potentially occur. Method: The data material from the accelerometer measurements was analysed using the program SPSS, version 28. Repeated measures ANOVA (and follow-up test with Bonferroni corrections) were used to assess changes in the four activity levels during the three years. Independent t-tests were used to examine gender differences in each year and at each activity level and to determine differences in activity level between participants with valid data for all three years and those with valid data only at 13 and/or 14 years of age. Results: Statistical analyses of the accelerometer measurements revealed a significant increase in time in the lowest activity level and a decrease in light, moderate and vigorous intensity PA levels during the three years. These changes were larger from 13 to 14, than from 14 to 15, years of age. However, no significant interaction was found between time and gender. Analyses also showed a significantly higher time spent in SB and lower time spent in moderate activity among girls compared to boys at 13, but not at the age of 14 and 15. Conclusions: The findings, which indicate a reduction in PA and increased sedentary time with increasing age, are discussed, which we argue are important to increase and solidify involvement in PA among adolescents. Emphasized here is the importance of communicating the diverse possibilities of movement and challenging understandings of what PA can be for youth.

Follow-Up of Neonatal Hearing Screening in the Risk Factor Group for Hearing Loss: Results from a Tertiary Medical Center

Introduction: Universal newborn hearing screening has been successfully implemented in many places around the world, and it is recommended that cases with risk factors for hearing loss be followed-up regardless of hearing screening results. However, there is a need for clarity regarding the recommended rate of follow-up and which tests should be performed. The aim of this study was to assess the audiologic follow-up program for the group with risk factors. Method: Our retrospective study involved children of various ages with a risk factor for hearing loss who passed the initial neonatal hearing test but were later diagnosed with hearing loss. Out of 113,708 children born at Hadassah University Medical Center during the years 2013–2021, 6763 were at risk of hearing loss, and their follow-up audiologic test results were studied. Results: Audiologic testing including ABR, OAE, tympanometry and behavioral audiometry was performed in 1534 of 6763 (23%) of the risk factor group that returned to the hospital. In total, 73 children (4.7%) were diagnosed with hearing loss, 54 of whom failed the initial screening and 19 who had passed it. Further examination of the children that passed the initial screening and were later diagnosed with a hearing loss revealed that four cases had been missed in screening (one familial mild hearing loss, one familial progressive loss, one premature infant with a high tone loss, and one NICU graduate with CNS involvement). Another nine cases had late-onset hearing loss (three meningitis, five CMV, and one with a mitochondrial disease). An additional six cases were diagnosed late, and the age of onset of the hearing loss was unknown (two intubated, two with hydrocephalus, one with Cerebral Palsy, and one with general developmental delay). Conclusions: These results reveal the importance of implementing a refined protocol for monitoring hearing in the high-risk group of children that pass neonatal hearing screening with respect to which hearing tests should be conducted, at what age, and the duration of follow-up. Also, barriers to follow-up must be dealt with, and parents should be more involved in the monitoring process.

Interpreting the direct- and derived-Trail Making Test scores in Argentinian children: regression-based norms, convergent validity, test-retest reliability, and practice effects

Objective: We carried out two research studies (using a cross-sectional and a longitudinal design) to establish regression-based normative data, and to examine the convergent validity, the test-retest reliability, and the changes in performance with practice (1-month and 1-year interval) of the direct- and derived- (B-A, B + A, and B/A ratio) Trail Making Test (TMT) scores in Spanish-speaking children. Method: In S1 (n = 413 6- to 15-year-old children and adolescents), regression-based norming procedure and partial correlations were employed. In S2 (n = 110 6- to 12-year-old children), intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC2,1), Pearson’s r-product-moment correlations, and paired t-tests were used. Results: S1 demonstrated that age was associated with better performance on both TMT-A and TMT-B. This improvement was more strongly related to direct scores than derived measures B-A and B/A. Additionally, TMT-B was found to be more related to other executive functions (EF) compared to the performance of TMT-A. Among the derived scores, only the B-A was related primarily to cognitive flexibility, while the B + A index was associated with most EF, suggesting a general measure of cognitive functioning. In S2, fair to good test-retest reliability coefficients were found at Time 2 for TMT-A and TMT-B, as well as the B + A index, both in 6 to 8-year-olds (ICCs .61 to .74) and 9 to 12-year-olds (ICCs .53 to .65). There was a significant increase in performance on TMT-A and TMT-B from the first assessment (Time 1) to the follow-up testing at Time 2 in older children. However, this significant improvement was not observed for TMT-B in the younger group. Test scores on the TMT direct measures improved significantly across 1-year. The B-A and B/A ratio scores did not change across examinations. Conclusions: These findings have important implications for assessing EF and developing interventions that target cognitive flexibility in pediatric populations.

Direct annual healthcare costs in survivors of acute pulmonary embolism: estimates based on a prospective multicentre cohort study

Abstract Background Patients surviving acute pulmonary embolism (PE) necessitate long-term care and follow-up. However, the economic impact of PE on healthcare systems after the acute event remains largely unknown. Purpose To estimate the direct cost of PE during the first year after discharge from hospital for the index event, focusing on rehospitalizations, anticoagulant medication, and outpatient follow-up. Methods We analyzed the data from a multicentre cohort study of 1017 unselected patients with confirmed acute symptomatic PE in Germany. After the index episode, the costs of which were not considered, patients prospectively followed an outpatient visit plan at 3, 12 and 24 months. All rehospitalisations were documented with the main and accompanying diagnoses; hospital costs were calculated based on current reimbursement in the German Diagnosis Research Groups (G-DRG) system. The duration and type (central unique drug identifier) of anticoagulant treatment was documented at each visit. Per-patient costs of ambulatory follow-up visits and tests were calculated by multiplying (i) the costs of each visit/test (German ambulatory healthcare services reimbursement catalogue) by (ii) the probability π (0.0≤π≤1.0) of needing that specific service, based on the PE follow-up algorithm of the ESC Guidelines which we populated with the actual results per step in the present study (Figure). The primary analysis was conducted in all patients with ≥3-month follow-up. An additional sensitivity analysis included only the patients completing ≥12-month follow-up. We additionally identified the baseline predictors for the number of rehospitalizations and costs using multivariable zero-inflated Poisson and hurdle regression and accounting for censored data. Results Of 1017 enrolled patients, 958 (94%) were included in the primary analysis. Of them, 24% were rehospitalized, for a marginal mean of 0.34 (bootstrapped 95% CI: 0.30-0.39) readmissions per PE survivor. Age, coronary artery, pulmonary and kidney disease, diabetes, and (in the sensitivity analysis) cancer, emerged as independent cost predictors by multivariable hurdle gamma regression (Table). Estimated overall rehospitalisation costs were €1138 (95% CI 896-1420) per patient (€1171 [908-1479] in the sensitivity analysis). Mean anticoagulation duration was 330 days, with estimated per-patient costs of €1050 (€1190 in the sensitivity analysis). Per-patient costs of ambulatory follow-up visits and tests were estimated at €182, yielding a total cost of illness per PE survivor of €2370-2543. For the entire country, the annual direct costs after acute PE would thus amount to €202-217 million. Conclusions By estimating per-patient costs and identifying major cost drivers of post-PE care, the present study may inform decisions concerning implementation and reimbursement of follow-up programmes aiming at improved overall cardiovascular prevention.TableFigure

Augmented reality and teaching strategies in the study of volcanism in elementary and secondary schools

This study investigated the impact of two teaching strategies, conventional and drawing principle, associated with the use of Augmented Reality (AR), on the school performance of pupils in the 7th-year of primary school and the 10th-year of secondary school on volcanism learning. Compared to previous research, the novelty of this study lies in the comparative analysis of these two teaching strategies and their association with AR applications. Four classes from the 7th-year and two from the 10th-year were studied, following a quasi-experimental design, with two control classes and two experimental classes in the 7th-year, and one control class and one experimental class in the 10th-year. The Classical Theory of Tests was applied to analyse the evidence of knowledge evaluation on volcanism, used in all groups in post-test and follow-up. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including Student’s t-test, were conducted for paired and unpaired groups after determining the normality and homogeneity of variance of the samples. In the 7th-year, students who used the drawing principle as a learning strategy performed better compared to those who used conventional teaching. When the drawing principle was associated with the use of AR, students achieved better results in the follow-up test. In 10th-year students, the results consistently showed better performance when the conventional teaching strategy was associated with the use of AR.

Sexual health education in Italian schools: preliminary results of EduForIST3 national project

Abstract Background School-based comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) is the best approach to disseminate scientific evidence and promote healthier sexual behaviours among young people. However, in Italy, CSE is not included in schools curricula. This study, funded by the Ministry of Health, seeks to investigate information uptake and attitudes towards sexuality among adolescents included in a pilot CSE intervention in 6 Italian regions, from December 2023 to June 2024. Methods A 10-hours education intervention was implemented in a convenient sample of 26 upper and lower secondary schools (U/LSS), covering topics such as changes in adolescence, relationships and consent, sexual identity, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), contraception and sexual health services. Students’ evaluation comprised pre/post tests assessing knowledge, attitudes towards sexuality and satisfaction. A Solomon 4-group design study was used to compare intervention and control classes. A follow-up test will be conducted 4-6 months post-intervention. Results Preliminary analysis of available data as of 30 April, 510 pre-tests and 266 post-tests, showed incremented correct answers in all items. A significant increase (p&amp;lt;.05) was found in 12/21 items for USS and in 9/19 items for LSS, especially in the domain STIs symptoms and prevention, among those mostly appreciated. Over 90% of students considered schools as suitable setting to receive CSE, preferably by external experts. Ongoing qualitative and long-term analysis will provide further insights of the overall impact of the activity. Conclusions The pilot CSE intervention increased the knowledge and attitudes of the students involved. Additional insights will be available after study completion. Findings from this study will contribute to evaluate the effects of CSE initiatives on sexual health knowledge and attitudes among Italian secondary schools students, as well as the effectiveness of such programs in fostering healthier behaviours. Key messages • Providing evidence-based, relevant information and education on sexual health to young people in secondary schools increases their knowledge and improves attitudes towards sexuality. • CSE should be included in Italian school curricula in order to promote an incremental uptake of information and to improve young people’s sexual health.

Enhancing stroke awareness in schools: efficacy of the HOBIT program in Czechia’s disadvantaged areas

Abstract Background For stroke treatment to be effective, it must be given as soon as possible. Delays are often caused by stroke bystanders failing to recognize symptoms and activate emergency medical services (EMS). This is especially a problem in socially excluded localities. This study evaluated the efficacy of a school-based intervention (HOBIT) in improving determinants and behavior intentions of EMS activation for suspected stroke in Czech socially excluded localities. Methods The quasi-experiment was conducted from May to June 2023 in the Moravian-Silesian region, Czechia. Schools were allocated to the intervention or control group (1:1). The HOBIT is a school-based intervention used to change health-seeking behavior when stroke is suspected. The primary outcome was the percentage change from the pretest to the follow-up test in the intervention group compared to the control group. The primary outcome was assessed in 4 domains: 1) knowledge, 2) behavioral intentions, 3) self-efficacy, and 4) outcome expectations. The intervention and control groups were compared using an unpaired t-test. Results We recruited 138 students aged 10-16 from 4 schools. The absolute differences in improvement between the control and intervention groups were 18% (95% CI 9-26, P &amp;lt; 0.001) for knowledge, 15% (95% CI 2-26, P = 0.01) for behavioral intentions, 6% (95% CI -4-15, P = 0.24) for self-efficacy, and 13% (95% CI 5-21, P &amp;lt; 0.001) for outcome expectations. The subgroup analysis showed that the intervention effect on self-efficacy, outcome expectations, and stroke behavior intentions was significant only in females. Conclusions The HOBIT improved stroke determinants and behavior intentions of EMS activation at schools in socially excluded areas. This study presents a health promotion practice that has the potential to improve stroke outcomes on a community level. It underscores the potential of school settings as an appropriate way to reduce health inequalities in socially excluded communities. Key messages • The HOBIT intervention improved determinants and behavior intentions of EMS activation for suspected stroke among students in socially excluded localities. • The study underscores the potential of school settings in reducing health inequalities and improving stroke-related outcomes in socially excluded localities.

Changes in health, lifestyle, and wellbeing of children with type 1 diabetes and their parents during the pandemic

ObjectiveThe COVID-19 pandemic restrictions have substantially affected people’s health and rapidly changed their daily routines. This is a prospective study that investigated the impact of the pandemic on primary school children with Type 1 diabetes and their parents during the first lockdown in Kuwait.MethodsA questionnaire battery related to mental health, well-being, and lifestyle was administered at baseline in Summer 2019 (face-to-face, at a diabetes outpatient clinic) and at follow-up during lockdown in Summer 2020 (via telephone, in adherence with COVID-19 restrictions). Data were collected for 70 dyads with children aged 9–12 years.ResultsSignificant differences were found in most scores for both children and parents. Their mental health worsened to a higher level of depression, anxiety, stress, and a poor level of wellbeing. The average scores on the follow-up tests fell within a clinical range on these measures. Significant differences in their lifestyle, compared to before the lockdown, included decreased levels of physical activity and lower healthy core nutritional intake.ConclusionsOur findings indicate that the COVID-19 lockdown has had a significant psychological and possibly physiological impact on children with Type 1 diabetes and their parents. We conclude that there is a need for mental health support services focusing on these groups. Although full lockdown restrictions will have stopped in the past year, post-pandemic stressors may be expected to continue to adversely affect this cohort.

Evaluating the impact of rational emotive behavior therapy on post-traumatic stress in farmers with experiences of natural disaster.

This study was necessary due to the increasing number of cases of natural disasters such as flood, air pollution, erosion, etc in Nigeria, particularly in the Abia state, as well as the accompanying psychological and health issues affecting individuals within families and society as a whole. The study aimed to examine the impact of rational emotive behavior therapy on farmers' post-traumatic stress (PTS) in Abia State, Nigeria. A randomized control trial was conducted in Abia state, with a sample size of 118 farmers with experiences of natural disasters. Two assessments were conducted before the treatment, immediately after the treatment, and 2 months later to evaluate PTS and irrational beliefs among the farmers. The treatment involved a self-developed PTS-focused rational emotive behavior therapy manual, consisting of 12 sessions lasting 60 minutes each, delivered by counseling psychologists trained in rational emotive behavior and family therapies. Data from the pretest, posttest, and follow-up test were analyzed using chi-square, percentage, partial eta squared, and analysis of covariance statistical tools. The results showed no significant gender differences in the socioeconomic status, employment, and debt status of the participants. The rational emotive behavior therapy was effective in reducing PTS caused by the flood among farmers. Gender did not have a significant moderating effect on farmers' experiences with PTS. The study suggested that family health specialists and rational-emotive therapists collaborate with local authorities to provide career counseling services to farmers and establish community-based rational emotive institutes in each state of Nigeria.

Long-term outcome of interstitial lung disease in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome: a retrospective observational study.

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a potentially serious but underdiagnosed manifestation of primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS). This observational study investigated the prevalence and clinical course of ILD in pSS, together with prognostic factors. A multicenter, retrospective longitudinal study was performed using findings from baseline and follow-up pulmonary function tests and chest computed tomography. Predisposing factors for the development of ILD and acute exacerbation (AE) were identified using a logistic regression model. The risk factors for a significant decline of pulmonary function were determined by the Cox proportional hazard model. A total of 1,306 patients with pSS were included in this study (female, 98%; mean age, 54 years). Among them, 79 patients with pSS were comorbid with ILD. ILD was more frequently found in male, older patients. Nonspecific interstitial pneumonia was the most prevalent imaging pattern in pSS-ILD (51%), followed by usual interstitial pneumonia (22%). At diagnosis with pSS-ILD, 54% of patients had restrictive pulmonary function, and 41% of patients initiated pharmacological treatment. During the median 4-year follow-up period, AE, a significant decline in pulmonary function, and death occurred in 19%, 29%, and 9% of patients with pSS-ILD, respectively. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) increased 3 months prior to AE, and it was associated with AE. Older age at pSS-ILD diagnosis was a prognostic factor for a significant decline in pulmonary function. ILD accounted for 6% of the comorbidity of pSS. AE was associated with a significant decline in pulmonary function, and the NLR may predict AE.

Hepatitis Delta Virus Testing and Prevalence Among Chronic Hepatitis B Patients Across Three U.S. Safety-Net Health Systems

Background & AimsDespite a high prevalence of risk factors associated with hepatitis delta virus (HDV) infection among safety-net populations, data evaluating HDV testing and prevalence are limited. We aim to evaluate HDV testing practices and HDV prevalence among an ethnically diverse, multi-center cohort of safety-net patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). MethodsWe retrospectively evaluated 13,218 patients with CHB (54.2% male, 57.9% non-white minorities, 12.5% HIV, 23.0% HCV) across three U.S. safety-net health systems from 2010-2022 to evaluate proportion tested for HDV and proportion positive among those tested. Adjusted multivariate logistic regression models evaluated for predictors of HDV testing and predictors of anti-HDV positive. ResultsAnti-HDV testing was performed in 6.1% overall and in 4.9% that met AASLD criteria for HDV testing. Greater odds of testing was observed in men vs. women (OR 1.49, 95%CI 1.27–1.75), Asian individuals vs. white individuals (OR 2.18, 95%CI 1.74-2.72), black/African American individuals vs. white individuals (OR 1.29, 95%CI 1.07-1.56), and patients with Medicare or Medicaid. Among CHB patients tested for HDV, 15.7% were positive (22.9% among those meeting AASLD HDV testing criteria). Only 2 (1.6%) patients had follow-up HDV RNA testing. Greater proportion of anti-HDV positive was observed in patients with baseline cirrhosis (47.4% vs. 13.3%, p<0.001), and patients with Medicare or Medicaid vs. those with commercial insurance. ConclusionsAmong an ethnically diverse, multi-center safety-net cohort of CHB patients, low rates of HDV testing were observed, even among those with high-risk HDV risk factors. Among those tested, 15.7% were positive, only 2 had follow up RNA testing. This highlights the need for greater awareness, education, and advocacy to improve HDV testing rates.

The Effect of Solution-Focused Group Counseling on Emotional Eating Levels in University Students: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Emotional eating is a risk factor for obesity. It should be recognized and prevented at an early stage. The randomised control trial study aimed to determine the effect of internet-based solution-focused short-term group counseling on emotional eating levels in nursing students. Sixty students were assigned to the experimental and control groups by simple random sampling method. Those in the experimental group received of solution-focused counseling, and those in the control group received of healthy nutrition training. The data analysed by chi-square test, paired sample t test, groups t-test and repeated groups Anova test. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. A statistically significant difference was found between the pre-test, post-test and follow-up test body mass indexes of those in the experimental group (p < .05). In addition, there was a statistically significant difference between the group's pre- and post-test emotional eating scores (p < .05), and no statistically significant difference was found between their Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale scores (p > .05). The short-term solution-focused approach was found to be effective in reducing the emotional eating levels of students.