Observational Studies In Epidemiology Research Articles

The Relationship Between the Neighbourhood Environment and Mental Health: Integrating Subjective and Objective Perspectives.

To explore the relationship between neighbourhood environments and mental health by integrating subjective and objective perspectives. A cross-sectional study. From September 2023 to January 2024, adult residents at the physical examination centers of two public hospitals in China completed measurements of subjective neighbourhood environment, depressive and anxiety symptoms, psychological stress, and socio-demographic characteristics. Geographic information systems (GIS) were employed to extract objective environmental data including parks, bus stops, sports facilities, leisure facilities, residential housing, restaurants, food retail facilities, and street connectivity within a buffer zone of 500-m radius of the participants' residential areas. Data were analysed using univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses. This study included 438 participants (mean age, 36.98 ± 11.05 years; 55.3% female). The mean scores for depression, anxiety, and psychological stress were 3.55 ± 2.99, 3.16 ± 2.91, and 13.11 ± 4.88, respectively. The total score of the subjective neighbourhood environment was 78.33 ± 10.63, with the mean scores of each dimension ranging from 5.14 to 23.76. After adjusting for potential confounders, higher scores on street environment and higher density of sports facility were statistically significantly associated with reduced risk of depressive symptoms and psychological stress. Additionally, higher scores on walking environment and social cohesion were significantly associated with reduced risk of anxiety symptoms. This study found that street environments, walking environments, social cohesion, and density of sports facilities were independently associated with the mental health of adult residents in China. The findings provide valuable insights for healthcare providers to consider specific health-related environmental factors and develop tailored interventions to promote the mental health of the residents. Understanding the relationship between the subjective and objective environmental factors on mental health is crucial for developing effective intervention strategies, preventing psychological issues, enhancing the quality of care, and advancing public health policies and research. The study was reported following the strengthening of the reporting of observational studies in epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines. No patient or public contribution.

Pneumococcal Vaccination Coverage Among Adults at Risk in the Russian Federation

Relevance. Pneumococcal infection remains one of the most significant health problems worldwide. Vaccination of adults against it has been carried out in the Russian Federation for over 10 years. During this time, more than 9 million people have been vaccinated. However, data on the level of coverage among adults of certain risk categories are not routinely collected. Our study in 2019 showed that it was low in most groups. Given the significant increase in the volume of vaccination over the past five years, it seems appropriate to conduct a study to assess changes in the level of coverage.Aim. To study the level of vaccination coverage against pneumococcal infection in adult risk groups in the Russian Federation.Materials and methods. An observational descriptive retrospective epidemiological study was conducted. Information on the number and contingents of people vaccinated against pneumococcal infection was collected by sending a request to the executive authorities of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation in the field of healthcare. The depth of data collection was 8 years (from 2015 to 2023 inclusive), information was received from 74 out of 89 regions. In addition, federal statistical observation forms were used: No. 5 «Information on preventive vaccinations» and No. 6 «Information on the contingents of children and adults vaccinated against infectious diseases», data from the Unified Interdepartmental Information and Statistical System. The results obtained were compared with the indicators obtained in the 2019 study, which was conducted according to a similar design. The analysis was carried out using descriptive statistics methods.Results. The coverage rate of vaccination against pneumococcal infection among the adult population in the Russian Federation increased from 1.5% in 2018 to 7.7% in 2023. The most significant coverage rates were achieved among persons subject to conscription for military service (78.5%) and persons over 60 years old, living in residential care facilities (87.7%). By 2023, vaccination coverage has increased among the following risk categories: individuals with chronic bronchopulmonary diseases (from 15.1% in 2018 to 47.9% in 2023), chronic heart diseases (from 3.8% to 17.0%), patients with endocrine diseases (from 1.1% to 17.6%), liver diseases (from 4.0% to 12.0%), healthcare workers (from 4.9% to 19.7%), school and preschool employees (from 3.1% to 12.9%), employees of residential care facilities (homes for elderly, nursing homes, ect.) (from 0.1% to 26.9%), the elderly population as a whole (from 1.4% to 12.7%), and working-age men (from 1.4% to 7.0%). There was virtually no increase in coverage among all groups of immunocompromised patients (1.0% in 2018, 6.2% in 2023), the working population with risk factors harmful to the respiratory system (0.9% in 2018, 5.0% in 2023), workers in the oil and gas and chemical industries (1.3% in 2018, 1.8% in 2023).Conclusion. The obtained results indicate the need to develop a strategy of measures to promote increased vaccination coverage in risk groups that are insufficiently covered by vaccination against pneumococcal infection.

Patient Experiences of Receiving Stroke Discharge Information in Accordance With Preferences.

To examine survivors' experiences of discharge information including risk communication after hospitalisation for a stroke and the characteristics associated with receiving information in accordance with their preferences. With advances in acute stroke care and an ageing population, the number of survivors of stroke is increasing. It is important that healthcare providers ensure patients have adequate information after a stroke-related hospitalisation. Cross-sectional study. Adults recently discharged after a stroke from eight Australian hospitals were mailed a survey. Items examined risk and discharge care information, with participants asked to indicate both their preferences for and receipt of the information. Concordance with preferences was calculated, and characteristics associated with information preference concordance were assessed with binomial logistic regression. Study reported in accordance with STROBE Checklist. Of 1161 eligible patients invited, 403 (35%) completed the survey. All items were endorsed by 80% or more of respondents as being wanted. However, for all items, fewer respondents reported the care as received. Only 28% of participants received information on all five items according to their preferences. Hospital site, Body Mass Index and age were statistically significantly associated with participants receiving information in accordance with their preferences. Most participants indicated a preference to receive recommended discharge information. Findings suggest that patients may benefit from increased information provision prior to hospital discharge after stroke. Nurses have an important role in the provision of stroke care and information. The findings of this study may be used to improve the provision of post-hospital discharge care and support for survivors of stroke, and assist in identifying patients at lower odds of experiencing information aligned with their preferences and who may benefit from support. Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) checklist for cross-sectional studies. No patient or public contribution.

Classifying and Characterising Unmet Integrated Care Needs of Older Adults With Multimorbidity: A Latent Profile Analysis.

To classify the unmet integrated care needs of older adults with multimorbidity and to explore the factors associated with different categories of unmet integrated care needs among the target population. A cross-sectional survey using the statistical method of latent profile analysis. From July 2022 to March 2023, 397 older adults with multimorbidity, aged 60 years or older, were recruited from one primary healthcare setting and from four secondary and tertiary hospitals to participate in face-to-face questionnaire surveys. The questionnaire used in this study to assess unmet integrated care needs among older adults with multimorbidity was self-designed through a series of steps, including a scoping review, expert consultation and cognitive interviews. Latent profile analysis was applied to uncover distinct profiles of unmet integrated care needs, and multinomial logistic regression was employed to explore whether the profiles were further distinguished by participants' sociodemographic and health-related covariates. The data were analysed using IBM SPSS v.29.0 and Mplus v.8.0. The optimal solution was a four-profile model, characterised by high unmet integration needs, high unmet system integration needs, low unmet system integration needs and low unmet integration needs, respectively. Multinomial logistic regression results indicated that profile differences were associated with place of residence, number of coresidents and the presence or absence of complex multimorbidity. The integrated care needs of older adults with multimorbidity have not yet been fully met. Classifying and characterising unmet integrated care needs profiles is a crucial step in the rational allocation of integrated care resources. This study was reported based on the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) for cross-sectional studies. All participants were older adults with multimorbidity, and they were informed that they could withdraw from the study at any time.

Early Clinical Deterioration Risk Assessment in Inpatient Units of a Public University Hospital

Background: Clinical deterioration occurs due to changes in vital signs, which can be identified early to prevent negative outcomes. We used the NEWS2 system to assess the potential for early clinical deterioration in adult inpatient units at a public university hospital in southeastern Brazil. Materials and Methods: This was an exploratory study conducted at a public hospital in southeastern Brazil, following the guidelines of the Reporting of Strengthening Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) initiative. Data was collected from January to April 2021, involving 251 inpatients. A questionnaire was used to gather sociodemographic and clinical data, and the Brazilian version of NEWS2 was used to assess the risk of clinical deterioration. Data analysis included descriptive analyses, linear correlation tests, and comparative tests. Results: The average NEWS2 score was 2.9 points among 251 patients, indicating a moderate level of care complexity and recommending assessment by a registered nurse every 4–6 hours. There was no significant correlation between age and NEWS2 score, but the NEWS2 score was significantly higher for men. Conclusions: This study highlights the necessity of using robust assessment tools to evaluate the risk of early clinical deterioration, enabling clinicians to manage patient conditions effectively.

Glutathione alterations in depression: a meta-analysis and systematic review of proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy studies.

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a common and serious psychiatric disorder associated with significant morbidity. There is mounting evidence for the role of oxidative stress in the pathophysiology of depression. To investigate alterations in the brain antioxidant glutathione in depression by undertaking a meta-analysis of proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS). MEDLINE, EMBASE and Psych Info databases were searched for case-control studies that reported brain glutathione levels in patients with depression and healthy controls. Means and variances (SDS) were extracted for each measure to calculate effect sizes. Hedges g was used to quantify mean differences. The Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. 8 studies that reported measurements for 230 patients with depression and 216 controls were included. Three studies included data for the occipital cortex and five studies for the medial frontal cortex. In the occipital cortex, GSH was lower in the patient group as compared to controls (g = -0.98, 95% [CI, -1.45--0.50], P = < 0.001). In both the medial frontal cortex and in the combined all areas analysis there was no significant difference in GSH levels between cases and controls. This study found reduced levels of GSH specifically in the occipital region of patients with MDD. This provides some support for the role of oxidative stress in depression and suggests that targeting this system may provide future therapeutic opportunities. However, the meta-analysis was limited by the small number and quality of the included studies. More studies using high quality MRS methods in a variety of brain regions are needed in the future to test this putative hypothesis.

Community-onset pediatric status epilepticus: Barriers to care and outcomes in a real-world setting.

Status epilepticus (SE) is a neurological emergency in childhood, often leading to neuronal damage and long-term outcomes. The study aims to identify barriers in the pre-hospital and in-hospital management of community-onset pediatric SE and to evaluate the effectiveness of pediatric scores on outcomes prediction. This monocentric observational retrospective cohort study included patients treated for community-onset pediatric SE in a tertiary care hospital between 2010 and 2021. Data were extracted following Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines. Inclusion criteria were community-onset SE (according to the International League Against Epilepsy [ILAE] Task Force on SE Classification), admission to the pediatric emergency department (PED), age: 1 month to 18 years. Pre-hospital, in-hospital management and outcomes were analyzed. Pediatric scores for prediction of clinical worsening (Pediatric Early Warning Score - PEWS) and SE outcome (Status Epilepticus in Pediatric patients Severity Score - STEPSS; Pre-status Epilepticus PCPCS, background Electroencephalographic abnormalities, Drug refractoriness, Semiology and critical Sickness Score - PEDSS) were retrospectively assessed for their accuracy in predicting short-term and long-term outcomes. A total of 103 consecutive episodes of SE were included. Out-of-hospital rescue medications administration occurred in 54.4% of cases and was associated with higher SE resolution rate before PED admission (48.2% vs 27.6%, p = .033). Longer in-PED time to treatment was observed in case of delay to PED referral (r = 0.268, p = .048) or non-red triage labels (12 vs 5 min, p = 0.032), and was associated with longer in-PED duration of SE (r = 0.645, p < .001). Longer SE duration was observed in episodes leading to hospitalization compared to those discharged (50 vs 16 min, p < .001). In-PED electroencephalography (EEG) recordings were available in 39.8% of events. Predictive scores varied in accuracy, with PEWS ≥5 showing high sensitivity for intensive care unit (ICU) admission but low specificity. No patients died, 6.3% of SE was refractory. Effective pre-hospital administration of rescue medications and prompt PED management are crucial to reduce SE duration and improve outcomes. Predictive scores can aid in assessment of the severity and prognosis of SE; their utility is still not defined. Identifying and addressing actionable care barriers in SE management pathways is essential to enhance patient outcomes in pediatric SE.

Impact of intraoperative recurrent laryngeal nerve monitoring on minimally invasive esophagectomy outcomes for esophageal cancer: a meta-analysis of case-control studies.

Esophagectomy and lymphadenectomy for esophageal cancer carry an inherent risk of recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury. Intraoperative nerve monitoring (IONM) may help prevent RLN damage, though evidence on its effectiveness is still limited. This systematic review and meta-analysis (SRMA) evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of IONM during minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) for esophageal cancer. This SRMA followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) guidelines, with a registered protocol on PROSPERO (CRD42022367916). Two independent authors conducted a comprehensive literature search across multiple databases, screening studies on MIE for esophageal cancer using IONM. Case-control studies were included, focusing on the RLN palsy (RLNP) rate as the primary outcome. A total of 11 studies involving 1907 patients (IONM group: 752 patients; non-IONM group: 1155 patients) were included in the SRMA. IONM significantly reduced the incidence of RLNP (OR = 0.47, P < 0.001). Length of hospital stay (LOHS) and lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) rates were significantly reduced with IONM use. No significant differences were observed in anastomotic leak, chylothorax, total number of lymph nodes dissected, operation time, aspiration rates, or intraoperative blood loss. The pooled sensitivity and specificity of IONM for detecting RLN injury were 83.3% and 81%, respectively. IONM during MIE significantly reduces the incidence of RLNP, postoperative LRTI, and shortens the LOHS, without adding operative risks. Further research is needed to evaluate its long-term survival benefits and cost-effectiveness.

Multi-Mode Face-to-Face and Telephone Approach to Data Collection in Health Surveys: A Scoping Review.

Background/Objectives: The present study aims to identify information from health research studies that have used a mixed-methods data collection approach, considering the combination of face-to-face and telephone interviews (referred to as the MMFT approach), specifically focusing on identifying themes, objectives, designs, populations involved, and implementation processes. Methods: A scoping review was developed, with systematic searches performed in March 2024 across five databases, namely, PubMed; SciELO; Scopus; Web of Science; as well as Google Scholar and reference lists. The inclusion criteria were defined under the following categories: "Participants" (observational epidemiological studies, with no restrictions as to where they were carried out, sampling techniques, or sample profiles); "Concept" (use of MMFT in data collection), and "Context" (studies carried out in the health area, with no restrictions on the theme/subject). The review process was carried out by three researchers who worked independently. Results: From the initial 1515 potential references, the synthesis of this review included data from seven original studies, highlighting cross-sectional designs, involvement of adults and/or elderly people without specific health conditions, variability between data collection strategies, and complementary use of online approaches. Conclusions: Based on the evidence generated, it is recommended that future studies assess aspects of the MMFT approach in terms of response rate, cost reduction, and increasing the speed of conducting health surveys.

When and Why Adults Abandon Lifestyle Behavior and Mental Health Mobile Apps: Scoping Review.

With 1 in 3 adults globally living with chronic conditions and the rise in smartphone ownership, mobile health apps have become a prominent tool for managing lifestyle-related health behaviors and mental health. However, high rates of app abandonment pose challenges to their effectiveness. We explored the abandonment of apps used for managing physical activity, diet, alcohol, smoking, and mental health in free-living conditions, examining the duration of app use before abandonment and the underlying reasons. A scoping review was conducted based on the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews) guidelines and eligibility criteria were designed according to the SPIDER (Sample, Phenomenon of Interest, Design, Evaluation, Research type) framework. In total, 4 databases were searched (MEDLINE, Scopus, Embase, and PsycINFO) to identify quantitative and qualitative studies with outcome measures related to app abandonment in adults with free-living conditions, including reasons for abandonment and duration of use, for mobile apps related to WHO (World Health Organization) modifiable health behaviors and mental health. The included studies' risk of bias was appraised based on the STROBE (Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology) and COREQ (Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research) checklists. To enable data synthesis across different methodologies, app domains, demographic data, and outcome measures were categorized. Results are presented in 2 sections: quantitatively in a scatterplot to understand when users abandon apps and qualitatively through basic qualitative content analysis to identify the underlying reasons. Eighteen eligible studies (525,824 participants) published between 2014 and 2022, predominantly from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Germany, were identified. Findings revealed a curvilinear pattern of app abandonment, with sharper abandonment soon after acquisition, followed by a slowing rate of abandonment over time. Taken together, a median of 70% of users discontinued use within the first 100 days. The abandonment rate appeared to vary by app domain, with apps focusing on alcohol and smoking exhibiting faster abandonment, and physical activity and mental health exhibiting longer usage durations. In total, 22 unique reasons for abandonment were organized into six categories: (1) technical and functional issues, (2) privacy concerns, (3) poor user experience, (4) content and features, (5) time and financial costs, and (6) evolving user needs and goals. This study highlights the complex nature of health app abandonment and the need for an improved understanding of user engagement over time, underscoring the importance of addressing various factors contributing to abandonment, from technical issues to evolving user needs. Our findings also emphasize the need for longitudinal studies and a consistent definition of app abandonment to better understand and mitigate this phenomenon, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of health apps in supporting public health initiatives.

Prevalence of Idiopathic Macular Hole in a Specialized Ophthalmological Referral Center: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study (2018-2022).

An idiopathic macular hole (IMH) is a foveal opening in the neurosensory retina caused by perifoveal vitreomacular traction and detachment. IMH prevalence varies considerably across populations,highlighting a need for further investigation, especially in underrepresented groups such asHispanics. This retrospective, descriptive, cross-sectional study analyzed IMH prevalence in a Hispanic population over four years. Electronic records of patients were reviewed at a single referral center.All patients aged 18 years and above who presented for a first-time comprehensive ophthalmology evaluation were included. IMH diagnosis was clinically made and confirmed with optical coherence tomography (OCT). Data analysis involved descriptive and inferential statistics, adhering to Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines. Of 116,655 electronic records analyzed from March 2018 to July 2022, 397 subjects were identified in our analysis. The estimated prevalence of IMH was 0.34% (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.307-0.375), with a female-to-male ratio of 4:1. The mean age of the participants was 67.75 ± 9.38 years.Initial visual acuity, laterality, comorbidities, and clinical findings were assessed.No significant gender differences were documented. Subgroup analyses revealed significant age discrepancies based on comorbidities and clinical symptoms. Our study provides insight into the prevalence of IMHs in a Hispanic population.Its findings are similar to those published for other populations.The observed prevalence emphasizes the importance of proactive screening for IMHs in older patients, especially if they are women. Clinical markers such as the Watzke-Allen sign are helpful in the early detection of IMHs.

Daily Step Count and Depression in Adults

Recent evidence syntheses have supported the protective role of daily steps in decreasing the risk of cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality. However, step count-based recommendations should cover additional health outcomes. To synthesize the associations between objectively measured daily step counts and depression in the general adult population. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, a systematic search of the PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science databases was conducted from inception until May 18, 2024, to identify observational studies using search terms related to physical activity, measures of daily steps, and depression, among others. Supplementary search methods were also applied. All identified studies were uploaded to an online review system and were considered without restrictions on publication date or language. Included studies had objectively measured daily step counts and depression data. This systematic review and meta-analysis followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses and Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology reporting guidelines. Two independent reviewers extracted the published data. Pooled effect sizes (correlation coefficient, standardized mean difference [SMD], and risk ratio [RR]) with 95% CIs were estimated using the Sidik-Jonkman random-effects method. Thirty-three studies (27 cross-sectional and 6 longitudinal [3 panel and 3 prospective cohort]) involving 96 173 adults aged 18 years or older (range of mean [SD] ages: 18.6 [0.6] to 91.2 [1.6] years) were included. Daily steps were inversely correlated with depressive symptoms in both cross-sectional and panel studies. Compared with fewer than 5000 steps/d, pooled SMDs from cross-sectional studies revealed that 10 000 or more steps/d (SMD, -0.26; 95% CI, -0.38 to -0.14), 7500 to 9999 steps/d (SMD, -0.27; 95% CI, -0.43 to -0.11), and 5000 to 7499 steps/d (SMD, -0.17; 95% CI, -0.30 to -0.04) were significantly associated with fewer depressive symptoms. Pooled estimates from prospective cohort studies indicated that participants with 7000 or more steps/d had reduced risk of depression compared with their counterparts with fewer than 7000 steps/d (RR, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.62-0.77). An increase of 1000 steps/d was associated with a lower risk of depression (RR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.87-0.94). In this systematic review and meta-analysis of 33 observational studies involving 96 173 adults, higher daily step counts were associated with fewer depressive symptoms in cross-sectional and longitudinal studies in the general adult population. Further prospective cohort studies are needed to clarify the potential protective role of daily steps in mitigating the risk of depression during adulthood.

Meta-analysis of global distribution of root-caries prevalence in middle-aged and elderly.

Root caries (RC) remains a global health problem leading to negative impacts on an elderly person's well-being causing oral health-related quality of life issues, as inadequate nutrition and detrimental oral functionality. The present systematic review with meta-analysis is designed to synthesize existing research findings on the prevalence and experience of root caries globally over the past 30 years. It aims to describe its distribution by country and explore its links with various socioeconomic indicators. Selection criteria: Three electronic databases (PubMed, Embase and Scopus) were screened for observational epidemiological studies (cross-sectional and cohort studies) reporting the prevalence of RC and/or mean RC experience between 1990 and 2023. No language were applied. Study selection, data extraction and quality assessment were done in duplicate. . risk of bias was graded with customized quality assessment tools (Study Quality Assessment Tools NHLBI, NIH). studies reporting on (1) root caries experience (mean and SD) and (2) on root caries prevalence (%), were used synthesize the results. It was assessed as decayed, missing, and filled teeth (RDMFT) Results: A total of 91 publications were included in the descriptive analysis; the estimated overall pooled mean RC was 2.87 teeth and the global estimated random-effects pooled RC prevalence was 41%. Low gross national income (GNI) countries reported a low mean number of RC (1.35 GNI<$5000), while high GNI countries reported a higher mean number of RC (3.45 GNI $10000- $19999). Countries of higher inequalities (Gini index) reported lower means medium RC (1.98 teeth) than countries with no inequalities (4.90 teeth). This study highlights the high caries burden among adult population globally by estimating overall trends and comparing against factors including area, GNI and Gini-index. The large magnitude of these inequities indicates that oral health equity can only be achieved taking into account socioeconomic factors on a global scale. The lack of uniform data collecting among studies as well as knowledge gap regarding the incidence and experience of RC in different countries.

Platelet-rich plasma as a potential therapy of cystocele: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Background Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, is known for its regenerative properties. PRP may be able to help with cystocele cases. This review aims to explore how it might be applied to urogynecological cases, particularly those involving cystocele. Methods The present systematic review adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guideline 2020, Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) guideline. The present systematic review was registered with PROSPERO with the registered number CRD42023414366. PubMed, Science Direct, Epistemonikos, COCHRANE, Google Scholar, and ProQuest were among the databases we searched. “(PRP OR Platelet-Rich Plasma) AND (Cystocele OR Anterior Pelvic Organ Prolapse)” from January 2007 to December 2022. Based on the PICO framework (Population = Patients with Cystocele; Intervention = Reconstruction with platelet-rich plasma injection; Compare = Reconstruction only; Outcome: Recurrency of Cystocele), four investigators (AMS, PMA, EAU, RSD, and AH) independently assessed eligibility by titles and abstracts. Using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal tool, each author evaluated full-text articles based on the kind of articles they had received. When consensus could not be obtained, disagreements were settled by involving the supervisors (EF, EMK, and BS). Results A total of 8,924 studies were identified. After removing duplicates and applying eligibility criteria, two articles were included, encompassing 65 patients. In two studies, PRP injections were found and administered post-anterior colporrhaphy at the pubovesical fascia. According to these two trials, women who had anterior colporrhaphy and PRP injections required fewer reoperations. Conclusion PRP has the potential to be a good alternative treatment to prevent cystocele recurrence. However, it cannot be generalized to large populations due to the small number of findings. Further studies with large samples examining the efficacy and safety of the therapy are needed to prove it.

Leader Humility and Affective Commitment: A Cross-Sectional Study Among Hospital Nursing Teams.

To examine in hospitals whether head nurses' humility impacts nurses' affective commitment and explore the role of safety, trust and participative communication. A cross-sectional survey design. In 2023, we assessed the perceptions of 536 nurses, nested in 103 wards of 12 hospitals. The data were analysed using multilevel structural equation modelling. In line with our conceptual model, head nurses' humble leadership is positively associated with a psychological safety climate at the ward. Both humble leadership and a psychological safety climate are positively associated with nurses' trust in the head nurse, which, in turn, is positively associated with nurses' voice behaviour and their feeling of being heard (i.e., participative communication). Finally, nurses' feelings of being heard is positively associated with nurses' affective commitment, while-in contrast to our hypotheses-nurses' voice behaviour is not. This study highlights the importance of a leadership approach that contrasts with traditional power-oriented leadership styles. Head nurses in hospitals demonstrating humble leadership behaviours (e.g., appreciating others, acknowledging weaknesses), and fostering a psychologically safe environment, can build trust, encourage open communication and make nurses feel heard. This, in turn, can enhance nurses' affective commitment to their hospital. Feeling genuinely heard when speaking up is significantly more impactful than merely voicing concerns. Nurses are confronted with increasing work pressure weighing in on their affective commitment. The findings indicate that when head nurses acknowledge their limitations, ask for feedback and empower nurses in their ward, it can help build nurses' affective commitment through safety, trust and participative communication. This study adhered to the cross-sectional Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines. No Patient or Public Contribution.

Guidelines for Reporting Oral Epidemiologic Studies to Inform Burden Estimation (GROESBE).

High-quality prevalence and incidence studies of oral conditions are essential for estimation of disease burden and comparison of estimates among countries and over time, as well as for priority setting, resource allocation, and planning public health action. Existing systematic reviews of the epidemiology of untreated dental caries, severe periodontitis, and edentulism, carried out for the Global Burden of Disease study, showed inadequate and incomplete reporting of the measurement of oral conditions as well as a lack of consistency and comparability with other health conditions. These issues are more accentuated in studies from low- and middle-income countries. Studies must meet the highest standards so that these efforts do not waste resources. This report extends the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines to improve and standardize the reporting of descriptive oral epidemiologic studies of common oral conditions. The aim of the Guidelines for Reporting Oral Epidemiologic Studies to Inform Burden Estimation (GROESBE) is to promote transparency, clarity, and comparability of scientific reporting, specifically for prevalence and incidence studies of untreated caries, severe periodontitis, and edentulism. The GROESBE guidelines and checklist were developed following a structured and formal consultation process with a geographically diverse group of 23 individuals involved in the conduct and analysis of oral epidemiologic studies. GROESBE focuses on elements that are not included in STROBE, adding 14 specific recommendations to existing guidelines. They will facilitate reliable comparison of emerging prevalence and incidence data on untreated caries, severe periodontitis, and edentulism across settings worldwide and the synthesis of robust evidence to inform estimation of disease burden in future iterations of the Global Burden of Disease study.

Cranial ultrasonographic findings in newborns exposed to SARS-CoV-2: a single-centre cross-sectional analysis

BackgroundSARS-CoV-2’s potential consequences on the developing brain are still unknown. The aim of this study was to describe cranial ultrasonographic (cUS) findings in a population of newborns exposed to SARS-CoV-2 born at San Marco Hospital in Catania.MethodsTwo cohort of newborns, one exposed to SARS-CoV-2 both during gestation and at birth and one unexposed, were enrolled in this cross-sectional study conducted according to the STROBE guidelines (Strenghtening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology) and underwent cUS. We performed a statistical analysis using the Fisher’s exact test to assess whether significant differences among the two groups existed.Resultswe enrolled 139 exposed newborns (62 females, 77 males with median gestational age 38.4 ± 1.9 W and median weight at birth 3142.8 ± 594.4 g) and 139 unexposed newborns (60 females, 79 males with median gestational age 38,9 ± 1.3 W and median weight at birth 3230 ± 336 g). cUS abnormalities were found in 32 exposed patients (23%) and in 23 (16.5%) unexposed patients. A statistically significant difference was found in the incidence of minor intracranial abnormalities (p 0.036) between exposed and unexposed patients and between newborns exposed during pregnancy and unexposed patients (p 0.016).Conclusionsin our experience, the incidence of minor intracranial abnormalities was higher in SARS-COV-2-exposed newborns. Our results must be taken with caution and need further confirmation in larger studies but suggest to consider performing cUS at birth in newborns exposed to SARS-CoV-2 in research contexts.

Information Needs Among Thai Women Breast Cancer Patients During the Initial Treatment Phase: A Cross-Sectional Study.

To examine the information needs of breast cancer patients during the initial phase of treatment and to analyse the factors that influenced these needs. Providing comprehensive and timely information during early breast cancer treatment is crucial for informed decision-making and effective coping. Healthcare providers must address these needs to enhance patient support and improve outcomes. A cross-sectional study was reported following the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines. A total of 123 post-mastectomy patients were selected through purposive sampling and completed the Thai version of the Sri Lankan Information Needs Assessment Questionnaire-BC (SINAQ-BC). Direct associations between demographic data and information needs were analysed descriptively, while bivariate analysis and linear regression were used to identify significant predictors of information needs. The findings revealed that patients exhibited high overall information needs (224.7/260.0), with the greatest demand focused on physical care, treatment and diagnosis. In contrast, needs related to disease specifics and psychosocial care were less prominent. A total of 94 respondents (76.4%) expressed a particularly high demand for information regarding physical care. Education level was identified as an influencing factor, accounting for 7.7% of the variance in information needs among women with breast cancer. Patients with higher education levels had significantly greater information needs. Nursing staff should provide customised information packages that are tailored to the participants' education levels. Further testing of the Thai version of the SLINQ-BC would also be warranted. Patients are increasingly expected to manage their own care even as medical treatment grows more complex and technical. Nursing staff can contribute to the care of patients by being ready to evaluate, monitor and address breast cancer patient's individual information needs in the early stage of treatment based on factors such as educational level. No patient or public contribution because the nature of the study's design, data analysis and writing did not require patient or public contribution.

Comparative Efficacy of Unilateral Biportal Endoscopy vs Traditional Surgery in Lumbar Degenerative Disorders.

BACKGROUND Lumbar degenerative diseases, such as lumbar disc herniation, cause significant pain and neurological deficits. Traditional surgeries like posteriior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) have drawbacks, including extensive tissue damage. We sought to evaluate the efficacy of unilateral biportal endoscopy (UBE) compared with PLIF, with a focus on clinical outcomes and complication rates. MATERIAL AND METHODS This retrospective study (January 2020 to January 2023) included 109 patients with lumbar degenerative diseases; 53 treated with UBE and 56 with PLIF. We followed Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines with ethical approval. The statistical analyses used t-tests and Chi-square tests (P<0.05). RESULTS The UBE group showed significantly shorter surgery times (107.3±11.2 minutes) and less intraoperative blood loss (50.2±5.7 mL) compared with the PLIF group (113.5±15.7 minutes; 91.3±9.0 mL). Postoperative pain reduction was greater in the UBE group, with a mean Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score of 3.50±0.85 vs 4.10±0.95 in the PLIF group (P<0.001). The UBE group also had better lumbar function recovery, with higher Japanese Orthopaedic Association scores (19.80±2.30 vs 17.20±2.05; P<0.001). The incidence of postoperative complications was lower in the UBE group (5.67%) compared with the PLIF group (14.29%), although this difference was not statistically significant (P=0.14). CONCLUSIONS UBE could offer significant clinical efficacy in treating lumbar degenerative diseases. It may improve surgical outcomes, reduce postoperative pain, and present a favorable safety profile. These findings suggest UBE might be a viable, minimally invasive option, promoting better recovery and fewer complications.

Patient-reported hope and its predicting factors in malignant and non-malignant chronic illness: a cross-sectional study.

Hope is important to patients with a life-limiting illness. Identifying factors that influence hope is important. However, little research has been undertaken to understand patient-reported hope in malignant and non-malignant chronic disease. This research aimed to determine hope level and its influencing factors in patients with malignant and non-malignant illness in advanced stages. A total of 155 patients with malignant and non-malignant illness participated in this cross-sectional study. Data was collected on sociodemographic, disease characteristics and measures of hope. Hope was assessed using the validated Herth Hope Index (HHI). Multiple linear regression models were used to determine associations of identified factors with the patient's level of hope. This paper adhered to the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines. A total of 155 patients were enrolled (mean age=54.4±10.97 years, 60% female and 54.8.% were diagnosed with chronic kidney disease and the mean duration of illness was 35.61±3.192 months. Patients had an average HHI score of 35.52 (range 26-46), were in the medium range of the HHI as specified by Herth to be 24-35. Patients who were younger and had completed higher education had a higher level of hope. These variables explained a total of 11.6% of the variation in hope. The level of hope was not optimal, and still needs to be improved further. Thus, nurses and other healthcare professionals should pay special attention to older patients, patients with a low-education level and support them to have a positive attitude.