Cross-sectional Pilot Study Research Articles

Oral cancer perceptions amongst adult attendees of a Dental Hospital in the Republic of Ireland: A cross-sectional pilot study

Objectives This study aimed to assess (i) awareness of the signs and symptoms of oral cancer and its risk factors and (ii) awareness and attitudes towards oral cancer screening, in an Irish cohort. Methods A cross-sectional self-administered survey was used in a convenience sample of patients > 18 years with no cancer history attending the Dublin Dental University Hospital. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s Chi-squared and Fisher’s exact tests. Results 124 responses were received. 83.7% reported knowing little/nothing about oral cancer risk factors. 12.8% did not identify smoking, 35.3% alcohol consumption, 90.5% betel nut, 35.3% age and 80.2% male gender, as risk factors. 46% were unaware that a dentist is trained to check for oral cancer. Participants were more likely to seek advice regarding a persistent oral white or red patch from their doctor than their dentist but were more likely to attend their dentist in relation to a persistent ulcer, swelling or pain. The study did not find any statistically significant relationship between gender, age, educational level and either awareness of the signs and symptoms of oral cancer and its risk factors, or with experiences and attitudes towards oral cancer screening. Conclusions The study demonstrated a lack of knowledge of the risk factors, signs and symptoms of oral cancer, and of awareness of the role of dentists in screening for oral cancer. It should be repeated in a larger cohort in non-dental settings to inform the development of oral cancer awareness programmes that address those areas where awareness is lacking.

Critical Success Factors and Acceptance of the Casemix System Implementation Within the Total Hospital Information System: Exploratory Factor Analysis of a Pilot Study.

The health care landscape is evolving rapidly due to rising costs, an aging population, and the increasing prevalence of diseases. To address these challenges, the Ministry of Health of Malaysia implemented transformation strategies such as the Casemix system and hospital information system to enhance health care quality, resource allocation, and cost-effectiveness. However, successful implementation relies not just on the technology itself but on the acceptance and engagement of the users involved. This study aims to develop and refine items of a quantitative instrument measuring the critical success factors influencing acceptance of Casemix system implementation within the Ministry of Health's Total Hospital Information System (THIS). A cross-sectional pilot study collected data from medical doctors at a hospital equipped with the THIS in the federal territory of Putrajaya, Malaysia. This pilot study's minimum sample size was 125, achieved through proportionate stratified random sampling. Data were collected using a web-based questionnaire adapted from the human, organization, and technology-fit evaluation framework and the technology acceptance model. The pilot data were analyzed using exploratory factor analysis (EFA), and the Cronbach α assessed internal reliability. Both analyses were conducted in SPSS (version 25.0; IBM Corp). This study obtained 106 valid responses, equivalent to an 84.8% (106/125) response rate. The Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin measure of sampling adequacy was 0.859, and the Bartlett test of sphericity yielded statistically significant results (P<.001). Principal component analysis identified 9 components explaining 84.07% of the total variance, surpassing the minimum requirement of 60%. In total, 9 unique slopes indicated the identification of 9 components through EFA. While no new components emerged from the other 7 constructs, only the organizational factors construct was divided into 2 components, later named organizational structure and organizational environment. In total, 98% (41/42) of the items had factor loadings of >0.6, leading to the removal of 1 item for the final instrument for the field study. EFA ultimately identified 8 main constructs influencing Casemix implementation within the THIS: system quality, information quality, service quality, organizational characteristics, perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, intention to use, and acceptance. Internal reliability measured using the Cronbach α ranged from 0.914 to 0.969, demonstrating high reliability. This study provides insights into the complexities of EFA and the distinct dimensions underlying the constructs that influence Casemix system acceptance in the THIS. While the findings align with extensive technology acceptance literature, the results accentuate the necessity for further research to develop a consensus regarding the most critical factors for successful Casemix adoption. The developed instrument is a substantial step toward better understanding the multidimensional challenges of health care system transformations in Malaysia, postulating an underpinning for future fieldwork and broader application across other hospitals.

Assessment of a new index of myocardial strain for the diagnosis of cardiac sarcoidosis

Abstract Background The diagnosis of cardiac involvement in sarcoidosis is challenging and often expensive. Purpose The aim of this study is to assess whether a new strain index proposed by the authors has incremental value in the evaluation of cardiac involvement, compared to the use of left ventricular (LV) global longitudinal strain (GLS). Methods This is a single-center, non-blinded, pilot cross-sectional study. Patients of both genders, &amp;gt;18 years old, with confirmed diagnosis of cardiac sarcoidosis according to the Heart Rhythm Society criteria, and controls consisting of individuals diagnosed with systemic sarcoidosis without cardiac involvement, were included. Patients with obesity grade 2 or higher , moderate or severe primary heart valve disease, myocardial diseases of other etiologies, established coronary artery disease, and inadequate acoustic window were excluded. All patients underwent transthoracic echocardiography, with subsequent measurements performed on a workstation. The following LV indexes were evaluated: GLS and the new proposed index, calculated by the ratio between LVEF and the sum of the two segments with the lowest absolute strain values. ROC curves were calculated for both parameters using an online dedicated software, with determination of the optimal cutoff point for both variables, corresponding to the point of highest sensitivity and specificity. Confidence intervals were established by the DeLong method, and curves were compared using the Bonferroni method. A two-tailed p value of 0.05 was considered significant. Results Twenty patients with cardiac involvement and twenty patients without cardiac involvement were evaluated. The results of the variables are presented in table 1. Conclusions The new index showed a larger area under the curve compared to isolated GLS, as well as higher sensitivity and specificity for the identified cutoff point, although without statistical significance, possibly due to the small sample size. Further studies are needed for subsequent validation of this innovative index.

Vaccination health literacy: cultural validation and pilot testing of the HLS19-VAC instrument

Abstract Introduction Vaccinаtion health literacy (VHL) is considered an extremely important aspect of health literacy. HLS19-VAC questionnaire is a 14-item ‘subjective’ perception-based instrument used for measuring VHL in the M-POHL Health Literacy Survey 2019-2021, which Serbia was not part of. Aim Translation and cultural validation of the HLS19-VAC questionnaire and using the validated Serbian version (HLS19-VAC_RS) for pilot study research. Materials and methods The English version of HLS19-VAC was translated using a systematic approach; three forward and one back-translations were synthesized and compared by an expert committee. Thereafter, cognitive interviews with 11 participants produced a version that was culturally validated by an expert panel. We conducted a cross-sectional pilot study using a HLS19-VAC_RS, on a convenient sample of the general population in Serbia. VHL was assessed by calculating the score for 4 out of 14 questions. Additional data were collected through a general questionnaire with 30 questions. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used. Results Cognitive interviews showed some problems in wording, and cultural adaptation resulted in minor refinements to eight out of 14 items. The instrument was pretested by 11 experts who adjusted it accordingly to produce culturally validated HLS19 -VAC_RS. Of 439 respondents in a pilot study, 15% had problematic VHL, while the levels of sufficient and excellent VHL were nearly the same (38.5% and 35.1%, respectively). There was difficulty in deciding whether to receive the flu vaccine (15.0%) and to find information about recommended vaccines (12.3%). There was a significant statistical difference in responses to VHL and monthly income and alcohol consumption. Most of the respondents contacted pharmacists as primary sources of information about medication (42.7%). Conclusions HLS19 -VAC_RS could be implemented in a local context as culturally appropriate. Further testing on a population level is needed. Key messages • HLS19-VAC_RS Questionnaire is culturally appropriate for assessing vaccination health literacy in Serbia. • Majority of respodents had sufficient or excellent vaccination health literacy.

Влияние избыточной массы тела и ожирения на спирометрические, гематологические показатели, уровень общего иммуноглобулина Е и интерлейкина-6 в сыворотке крови у детей и подростков с бронхиальной астмой

There is undoubtedly insufficient number of studies dedicated to the interleukin-6 (IL-6) in blood serum of children and adolescents with bronchial asthma (BA) and those are contradictory. Connection between the IL-6 serum level and systemic markers of type 2 inflammation in BA in children and adolescents depending on the nutritional status remains a subject to discussion as well. The purpose of this research was to study the effect of excess body weight (BW) and obesity on spirometric, hematological parameters, total immunoglobulin E (IgE), IL-6 levels in blood serum of children and adolescents with BA. Materials and methods used: a single-center observational cross-sectional pilot study of 76 adolescents aged 6 to 17 y/o (75% (57) boys) with BA was conducted. All were measured for anthropometric and spirometric parameters, body composition, hematological parameters, total IgE and IL-6 levels in blood serum. Dysanapsis was diagnosed when three conditions were simultaneously met: 1. high or high-to-normal zFVC (above 0.674), 2. normal zFEV1 (above -1.645), and 3. low FEV1/FVC index (below 80%). Results: the number of monocytes (109/l) in peripheral blood and the serum IL-6 level (pg/ml) were statistically significantly higher in the group of patients with overweight and obesity compared to patients with underweight/normal BW (0.55 [0.49; 0.77] v 0.51 [0.42; 0.58], p=0.043 and 1.99 [1.20; 5.78] v 1.28 [0.31; 2.43], p=0.002, respectively). In patients with excess BW and obesity, an inverse statistically significant relationship was found between the serum IL-6 level, zFEV1/FVC and the dysanapsis ratio (R=-0.53, p=0.009, R=-0.61, p=0.002, respectively). Conclusion: formation of an obstructive pattern in children and adolescents with BA with excess BW and obesity may be associated with non-T2-dependent inflammatory mechanisms.

Взаимосвязь уровня неконьюгированного билирубина и спирометрических показателей у подростков с бронхиальной астмой

Either a high-to-normal or slightly elevated total bilirubin level may have external respiration protective effect in patients with bronchial asthma (BA). However, Authors have searched but not found any studies related to the connection between the unconjugated bilirubin level and spirometric parameters in adolescents. The purpose of this research was to study the connection between unconjugated bilirubin level and spirometric parameters in adolescents with BA. Materials and methods used: a single-center observational cross-sectional pilot study of 74 adolescents aged 10 to 17 y/o with BA was conducted. All participants had undergone measurements of anthropometric and spirometric parameters, hematological parameters, both total and unconjugated bilirubin level. Results: elevated total bilirubin (17.1 mmol/l and higher) occurred in 40.5% (30) being the highest in homozygous carriers of UGT1A1 gene polymorphisms with an increased number of TA repeats, the differences were statistically insignificant. The unconjugated bilirubin level and such spirometric indicators as z-ratio of forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1)/forced vital capacity of the lungs (FVC) and z-criterion of the mean forced expiratory flow during the 25-75% of FVC (MEF25-75) had statistically significant direct correlation (R=0,42, p&lt;0,001, R=0,37, p=0,001, respectively). Patients with obstructive lung ventilation disorders at the time of examination (zFEV1/FVC less than -1.645) had lower levels of both total and unconjugated bilirubin, the differences were statistically significant (p=0.002 and p=0.004, respectively). Conclusion: statistically significant correlations between unconjugated bilirubin level and such spirometric parameters as zFEV1/FVC and zMEF25-75 as well as unconjugated bilirubin low level identification in patients with spirometric indicators of bronchial obstruction suggest a protective effect of unconjugated bilirubin on the development of bronchial obstruction in adolescents with BA.

Responses of several measures to different intensity levels of upper limb exergames in children with neurological diagnoses: a pilot study

BackgroundTherapy intensity is among the most critical factors influencing neurorehabilitative outcomes. Because of its simplicity, time spent in therapy is the most commonly used measure of therapy intensity. However, time spent in therapy is only a vague estimate of how hard a patient works during therapy. Several measures have been proposed to better capture the amount of work a patient puts forth during therapy. Still, it has never been analyzed how these measures respond to changes in therapist-selected exercise intensity in children with neurological conditions.ObjectivesTo investigate the response and the reliability of heart rate variability (HRV), skin conductance (SC), activity counts per minute (AC/min), movement repetitions per minute (MOV/min), and perceived exertion to different therapist-tailored intensity levels of upper limb technology-assisted therapy in children with neurological conditions.MethodsIn this pilot cross-sectional study, participants engaged in three personalized, randomized exergame intensity levels (“very easy”, “challenging”, “very difficult”) for eight minutes each. We assessed all measures at each intensity level. The experiment was conducted twice on two consecutive days. We quantified reliability using intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC).ResultsWe included 12 children and adolescents aged 11.92 (±3.03) years. HRV, MOV/min, and perceived exertion could differentiate among the three intensity levels. HRV, MOV/min, perceived exertion, and AC/min showed moderate to excellent (0.62 ≤ ICC ≤ 0.98) test-retest reliability.ConclusionHRV, MOV/min, and perceived exertion show potential for becoming valid and reliable intensity measures for an upper limb robotic rehabilitative setting. However, studies with larger sample sizes and more standardized approaches are needed to understand these measures’ responses better.

Stress and Quality of Life of Parents of Children With POLR3-Related Leukodystrophy: A Cross-Sectional Pilot Study.

Background: RNA polymerase III (POLR3)-related leukodystrophy is a rare, neurodegenerative disorder characterized by hypomyelination, hypodontia, and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. Despite the challenges of caring for a child with POLR3-related leukodystrophy, few studies have examined parents' disease burden. We sought to investigate quality of life and stress levels amongst parents of children with POLR3-related leukodystrophy. Methods: 43 parents of 32 children completed questionnaires on demographics, stress, quality of life, coping mechanisms, and experience of injustice. Detailed clinical data was collected from all patients. Results: Mothers (t[27] = -8.66, P < .001) and fathers (t[16] = -4.47, P < .001) had lower quality of life scores compared to the normative population, yet 80% of parents' stress scores fell within the normal stress range. Parents' experience of injustice scores were high (>60). Correlations were found between and within parents' scores. Years since disease onset and certain life circumstances correlated to mothers' quality of life scores; however, no correlation was found between modifiable factors and fathers' quality of life scores. Helpful coping mechanisms included those that allowed parents to be involved in their child's life. Conclusions: This is the first study to assess stress and quality of life in this population. These results shed light on the importance of implementing services and social support to improve the well-being of parents.

Sperm histone modifications may predict success in human assisted reproduction: a pilot study.

Currently, assisted reproduction clinics employ various sperm selection techniques to identify the best sperm for fertilization. However, these techniques may not assess crucial sperm traits that can substantially impact embryonic quality. To address this, we propose analyzing diverse histone modifications as potential markers of sperm functionality and success in assisted reproduction techniques. Cross-sectional pilot study including infertile male patients attending an infertility clinic in CABA, Argentina between April and August 2019 was performed. We used immunofluorescence techniques to evaluate post-translational modifications of histones in sperm and established correlations with in vitro fertilization outcome and embryo quality. Our findings indicate a negative correlation between H3K4me3 and H3K4me2 marks and fertilization rate and showed a positive correlation of this parameter with H3K9me mark. In addition, there was a positive correlation between H3K27me3 and good embryo quality. This pilot study proposes a non-invasive strategy to predict embryo quality by analyzing spermatozoa prior to fertilization. The assessment of histone post-translational modifications in sperm samples could provide useful information for the recognition of epigenetic marks that could predict the health of the embryo of an assisted fertilization treatment.

Self-Advocacy Among Black Women During the Perinatal Period: Prevalence and Relationship to Patient Experiences.

Black women experience many barriers to receiving high-quality maternal healthcare. The ability of Black women to self-advocate may mitigate these threats to their health. Limited research describes Black women's self-advocacy during the perinatal period and how self-advocacy related to other relevant concepts. The aim of this study was to describe the relationship between self-advocacy, patient-provider relationships, and mental health outcomes among Black women in the perinatal period. This cross-sectional descriptive pilot study recruited Black women who were either in their 3rd trimester of pregnancy or within a year postpartum to complete surveys describing their self-advocacy (Female Self-Advocacy in Cancer Survivorship Scale adapted for perinatal period) and maternal health outcomes (trust and comfort with maternal healthcare providers-Patient-Provider Relationship Scale; abuse and disrespect during childbirth-Mothers of Respect Index; experiences of discrimination-Experiences of Discrimination scale; depression-Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale; and postpartum posttraumatic stress-City Birth Trauma Scale). N = 40 participants were recruited between January and September 2022. Participants reported moderate levels of self-advocacy which were associated with trust and comfort with healthcare providers (r = 0.57-0.76, p < 0.001). Feeling respected by healthcare providers was positively associated with two self-advocacy subscales (r = 0.42-0.44, p < 0.01). Depression was inversely related to all self-advocacy subscales (r = -0.47-0.62, p < 0.001). Black women's self-advocacy during the perinatal period is associated with trust and comfort with healthcare providers, perceptions of respect from their providers, and perinatal depression. Future research should focus on promoting trusting, respectful relationships between Black women and their maternal health providers.

The refugee and migrant health "global competency standards for health workers": results of a survey in general practitioner trainees in Sicily.

Refugees and migrants may represent the most vulnerable communities in many societies. Health systems should be sensitive to needs of refugees and migrants. The document "The Refugee and Migrant Health: Global Competency Standards for Health Workers (the Standards)" identifies the competencies and areas of practice of health workers working with refugees and migrants. The aim of this study is to provide an analysis of these competences and training needs, identifying the educational priorities for the implementation of the Standards in Sicily, Italy. A cross-sectional analytical pilot study was conducted by administering a questionnaire, in electronic format "Google Form ®," to doctors attending the Medical Training Course for General Practitioners in Sicily (Italy). Data obtained were collected in a Microsoft Excel database and analyzed with IBM SPSS Software 24 version. Absolute and relative frequencies were calculated for relevant categorical variables. Univariate analysis of the selected variables was subsequently carried out. The significance level chosen was a p value <0.05 (two-tailed). A total of 192 General Practitioner (GP) trainees responded to the questionnaire. They were asked if their training course comprised a Global Health Course that included the topic of health protection and social and health care for migrant populations and the 65.4% of them answered "No" or "Do not Know." GP trainees were also asked if they considered useful to include a Global Health Course dedicated to the management of patients with a migratory background within the training course in general medicine. Of the total 192 participants, 81.9% answered "Yes." Overall, in a simple regression model, the perception of having addressed migrants' health needs is positively correlated with having attended a Global Health Course (OR = 3.34 95%CI 1.2-9.1; p = 0.018). This study identified educational priorities for the implementation of the Standards in Sicily for doctors attending the Medical Training Course for General Practitioners. We hope that the results of this study will guide and inform possible future projects to implement the Standards at a national level.

Comorbid Diabetes Is Associated with Dyspnea Severity and Cardiometabolic Biomarkers in Black Adults with Heart Failure.

Comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes mellitus significantly and adversely influence heart failure outcomes, especially in Black adult populations. Likewise, heart failure has a negative effect on diabetes and cardiometabolic outcomes. Dyspnea, a common symptom of heart failure, often correlates with disease severity and prognosis. However, the relationship between comorbid diabetes, dyspnea severity, and cardiometabolic biomarkers in Black adults with heart failure remains understudied. The purpose of this pilot study was to examine differences in the distressing heart failure symptom of dyspnea and in cardiometabolic and inflammatory biomarkers in Black adults living with heart failure with and without diabetes. Black adults with heart failure were enrolled in this cross-sectional pilot study. Cardiometabolic and inflammatory biomarkers were measured via multiplex immunoassay. Univariate general liner models were used to identify group differences between persons with heart failure with comorbid diabetes and those without, controlling for age, sex, and comorbid burden. Participants were mostly female with a mean age of 55 years and mean left ventricular ejection fraction of 33%. Participants with diabetes exhibited higher dyspnea scores compared to those without diabetes, indicating greater symptom burden. Moreover, individuals with comorbid diabetes demonstrated higher levels of cardiometabolic and inflammatory markers. Comorbid diabetes was associated with higher dyspnea severity and adverse cardiometabolic profiles in Black adults with heart failure. These findings underscore the importance of targeted interventions addressing diabetes management and cardiometabolic risk factors to improve symptom control and outcomes in this high-risk population. Further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and develop tailored therapeutic strategies for managing comorbidities in persons with heart failure, particularly in minoritized communities.

Diet Quality and Eating Frequency Were Associated with Insulin-Taking Status among Adults.

This pilot cross-sectional study explored differences in dietary intake and eating behaviors between healthy adults and a group of adults taking insulin to manage diabetes. A characteristic questionnaire and up to four Automated Self-Administered 24-Hour dietary recalls were collected from 152 adults aged 18-65 years (96 healthy and 56 adults taking insulin) from Indiana and across the U.S. from 2022 to 2023. The macronutrient intake, diet quality via the Healthy Eating Index (HEI)-2015, eating frequency, and consistency of timing of eating were calculated and compared between the two groups using adjusted linear or logistic regression models. The total mean HEI scores were very low, at 56 out of 100 and 49 out of 100 for the healthy and insulin-taking groups, respectively. Insulin-taking adults had significantly lower HEI total (p = 0.003) and component scores compared to the healthy group for greens and beans (2.0 vs. 3.0, p = 0.02), whole fruit (2.1 vs. 2.9, p = 0.05), seafood and plant proteins (2.1 vs. 3.3, p = 0.004), and saturated fats (3.7 vs. 5.4, p = 0.05). Eating frequency was significantly lower in the insulin-taking group than in the healthy group (3.0 vs. 3.4 eating occasions/day, p = 0.05). Evidence of the low diet quality and eating frequency of insulin takers may help inform and justify nutrition education to control and manage diabetes.

Is it Possible for Individuals with Pre-Existing Mental Disorders to Perform Mountain Sports at High Altitude-First Evidence from a Pilot Cross-Sectional Questionnaire Study.

Gstir, Claudia, Timo Schurr, Roxana Ehlers, Johannes Burtscher, Barbara Sperner-Unterweger, and Katharina Hüfner. Is it possible for individuals with pre-existing mental disorders to perform mountain sports at high altitude-First evidence from a pilot cross-sectional questionnaire study. High Alt Med Biol. 00:00-00, 2024. Introduction: Mountain sports at high altitude (HA) are gaining increasing popularity, but little is known about the effect of such activities on mental health, despite a great prevalence of mental disorders. Methods: Data were collected using an online self-report questionnaire assessing mental and somatic disorders in individuals performing mountain sports at HA (>2,500 m above sea level [ASL]) as well as their symptom change. Nonparametric tests were used for analyses. Results: 251 individuals without pre-existing disorders (noD), 34 with somatic disorders (somaD), and 38 with mental disorders (mentalD; mainly depressive, eating, and anxiety disorders) participated in this study. Overall, 44.7% of the mentalD group compared with 14.7% of somaD experienced ameliorated symptoms during mountain sports at HA, while 2.6% and 8.8%, respectively, reported a worsening (χ2[2] =8.13, p = 0.017). People in the mentalD compared with somaD group significantly less frequently inform tour partners (41.9% vs. 90.9%; χ2[2]=16.69, p < 0.001) about their condition or consult their physician (2.6% vs. 26.5%; χ2[1]=8.53, p = 0.003) regarding their plans to perform mountain sports at HA. 14.5% of all participants reported mental symptoms at 2,500-3,500 m ASL, 23.5% between >3,500-5,500 m ASL and 31.8% >5,500 m ASL. Conclusion: Individuals with mental disorders often report improved mental health during mountain sports at HA, possibly due to a combination of physical activity, the alpine natural environment, and/or moderate hypoxia. The fact that tour partners and physicians are rarely informed shows the need to reduce the stigma of mental disorders in the mountain sports community. The study was prospectively registered with the German Clinical Trials Registry (DRKS00024949).

Adolescent mental well-being in time of crises: The role of social and residential contexts.

The extent of the impact and the interconnections among factors within social and residential contexts during the COVID-19 lockdowns on mental well-being remain to be elucidated. We identified latent classes of each of social and residential context during the lockdown and examined their associations with mental well-being among adolescents in France 1-year after the first lockdown. We used data collected in 2021 in a cross-sectional school-based pilot study for EXIST, from 387 participants ages 12-15 years. Participants reported retrospectively on characteristics of their social and residential contexts during the lockdown, and their current mental well-being in self-report questionnaires. We used latent class analysis to identify latent classes of social and residential contexts, and linear regression models to examine the associations between these contexts and mental well-being. Four social context classes were identified: class 1 "Low opportunity for social contact at home," class 2 "Moderate opportunity for social contact at home," class 3 "High opportunity for social contact at home," and class 4 "Very high opportunity for social contact at home." Relative to class 4, lower levels of mental well-being were observed among adolescents in class 1 (b = -4.08, 95% CI [-8.06; -0.10]) 1 year after the lockdown. We identified four residential context classes based on proximity to nature, type of residence (e.g., apartment, house), and level of neighborhood deprivation. No association was detected between residential context during the lockdown and adolescent mental well-being one-year later. A limited social context may negatively impact adolescent mental well-being during crises.

A cross-sectional pilot study to estimate the frequency of minor blood group alleles and phenotypes in RhD-negative North Indian blood donors by DNA microarray analysis

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: There are scarce data on Indian blood donors with respect to blood group phenotypes using molecular diagnostic modalities. Hence, we planned to estimate frequencies of blood group alleles/phenotypes using DNA microarray analysis in the north Indian RhD-negative blood donor population. With this initial pilot study, we plan to expand it to our entire donor population. METHODOLOGY: The cross-sectional prospective study was conducted on 50 Indian blood donors (O RhD negative), to study the blood group genotype frequency. Genotyping for the most relevant red blood cell antigens (Rh, Kell, Duffy, Kidd, MNS, Lutheran, and Dombrock) was done using Bioarray Precise TypeHM Human Erythrocyte Antigen BeadChip kit containing probes directed to polymorphic sites. RESULTS: In the Rh system, the most common alleles were RHCE*e/RHCE*e (98%) and RHCE*c/RHCE*c (80%). Phenotype K-k+ (genotype- KEL*02/KEL*02) was seen in 98% of samples, Js(a-b+) (KEL*02.07/KEL*02.07) was detected in 98% (49/50) of the samples tested. Jk(a + b+) (JK*01/JK*02) was the most common phenotype (48%) in the Kidd blood group system. In MNSs system, M+N+ (GYPA*01/GYPA*02) 44% and S+s+U+ (GYPB*03/GYPB*04) 34% were the most common phenotypes detected. CONCLUSION: This pilot study shows the feasibility of genotyping a Northern Indian donor population. To the best of our knowledge, it is the first study on molecular blood grouping in Indian blood donors using the Bioarray platform.

Of the article: evaluation of the masticatory efficiency of children with stainless steel crowns: a pilot cross-sectional split-mouth study

BackgroundStainless steel crowns (SSCs) are commonly employed to restore the posterior teeth of children and over the years, they are available with improved anatomical shapes. This study was conducted to evaluate and assess the effect of the placement of SSCs on the masticatory efficiency of children.MethodsThis pilot cross-sectional split-mouth study assessed masticatory efficiency in children aged 6–11 years. Fifteen participants, each with stainless-steel crowns placed unilaterally at least one month prior, were included. This study utilized two flavours of trident chewing gum (red and green) to measure masticatory efficiency. The child was asked to chew half a strip of red and green chewing gum placed one on top of the other using either the noncrown or crown side 15 times. Another set of chewing gum was given to the child to chew 20 times on the same side. The chewing exercise was repeated using teeth on the other side. Chewed gum samples were collected, photographed, and analysed via ImageJ software to determine the red and green areas. Masticatory efficiency was subsequently calculated with the help of a formula in which the red areas and green areas were calculated via ImageJ software. The data were analysed with paired t tests via SPSS (version 20.0).ResultsWhen the mean values of the crown side were compared with those of the noncrown side following 15 chewing cycles, the chewing efficiency on the noncrown side was greater, with a difference of 0.303, whereas the chewing efficiency following 20 chewing cycles was greater on the crown side, with a difference of 0.814. However, both differences were statistically nonsignificant, with t values of -0.07 and 0.26, respectively, and p values of 0.94 and 0.8, respectively.ConclusionThe presence of SSCs on the molars of children did not affect masticatory efficiency.

Antimicrobial susceptibility profiles among commensal Mannheimia haemolytica and Pasteurella multocida isolated from apparently healthy sheep processed in California: Results from a cross-sectional pilot study

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing challenge for the successful treatment of bacterial infections in both human and veterinary medicine. Despite the need to mitigate AMR, food-producing animal species lack adequate information on bacterial susceptibility to support antimicrobial stewardship for conditions that drive antimicrobial usage, such as ovine respiratory disease (ORD). In an effort to help address this gap, the upper respiratory tract (URT) from 620 apparently healthy sheep carcasses was sampled at slaughter in California (CA), from April through September 2021, to determine the antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of commensal Mannheimia haemolytica and Pasteurella multocida, two bacteria commonly associated with ORD. Sheep sampled in the study were selected based on origin prior to processing (out-of-state or CA) and marketing status (antibiotic-free or conventional management), two factors hypothesized to influence antimicrobial susceptibility profiles. Of the total 620 carcasses sampled, 343 had at least one isolate of M. haemolytica or P. multocida recovered, for a recovery rate of 55.3%. The recovery rate among sampled carcasses was 46.8% (290/620) for M. haemolytica and 15.8% (98/620) for P. multocida. Utilizing Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) clinical breakpoints as interpretive criteria, all 98P. multocida isolates were pansusceptible to the antimicrobials tested that are labeled for use in sheep, with the exception of one isolate that classified as intermediate to tilmicosin. Of the 290M. haemolytica isolates, the greatest resistance was found to penicillin, with 51.0% (148) of isolates classified as intermediate and 25.2% (73) resistant, while nine isolates were resistant to chlortetracycline and oxytetracycline and one isolate was intermediate to spectinomycin. Multidrug resistance (resistance to three or more antimicrobial classes) was not found in any isolate of either target organism. Very low to no AMR was observed across both bacterial species tested, demonstrating that M. haemolytica and P. multocida in this apparently healthy sheep population remain broadly susceptible to the antimicrobials licensed for the treatment of ORD. In addition, antimicrobial susceptibility did not differ based on origin or marketing status, as defined for this study. Sampling at slaughter provides an opportunity to collect baseline information about antimicrobial susceptibility of the commensal flora of the sheep URT that can give rise to ORD, but may not be generalizable to sheep with clinical respiratory disease or to sheep reared by non-commercial producers.

Indirect Immunofluorescence Test for Detecting HSV-1, 2 in Patients with Esophageal Cancer: A Pilot Cross-Sectional Survey in Kazakhstan.

To evaluate the detectability of herpes simplex virus type 1 and 2 (HSV-1, 2) antigens in the esophageal mucosa in esophageal cancer. A cross-sectional pilot study with a control group was conducted from December 2022 to May 2023. The patients were divided into two groups: the main group with verified esophageal cancer and the control group without esophageal cancer based on the histological report. Diagnosis using fibroesophagogastroscopy (FEGS), histological analysis, and indirect immunofluorescence reaction (iIFR) was accomplished according to indications at the outpatient center of the endoscopic department of the Multidisciplinary Medical Center, Astana. Descriptive statistics and nonparametric methods were used to analyze the data. A total of 30 patients were recruited in the study, with 15 patients in the main group and 15 patients in the control group. HSV-1 and HSV-2 antigens were detected in the 13 cases (86.7%) during the study of biomaterial from patients with confirmed esophageal cancer in the main group and only in one case (6.8%) in the control group (95% CI 7.35 - 1126.9%, p=0.001). The presence of lymphocytic infiltration was detected in 13 cases (86.7%) in the main group and in 5 cases (33.3%) in the control group (95% CI 2.07 - 81.48%, p = 0.008). The process of keratinization was identified in HSV-1,2 antigens positive cases in the main group in 5 cases (35.7%) G1, in 5 cases (35.7%) G2, and in 3 cases (21.4 %) G3 (95% CI 1.66 - 656.23%, p=0.002). Overall, the local activity of herpesvirus infection to a certain extent influences the malignant potential of tumor cells and the resistance of surrounding healthy tissues. A large-scale study is still needed to confirm these results. The present pilot study provided an overview of a possible method for detecting HSV-1,2 activity in malignant tissue from esophageal cancer.

Evaluation of the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire for Measuring Prevalence and the Consequence of Pain in a Danish Adult OI Population: A Pilot Study.

Pain is a challenge in persons with OI and causes much concern in the Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) population. We aim to evaluate the usability of the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) to identify painful sites in adults with OI and to describe the occurrence of musculoskeletal (MSK) pain and its impact on their work and daily activities. This cross-sectional pilot study uses the OI-NMQ to study MSK pain prevalence in nine separate anatomical regions (neck, upper back, lower back, shoulder, elbow, hand/wrist, hip, knee, and ankle/foot) and its impact on regular work and daily activities in adults with OI. The questionnaire was distributed among participants of the 2023 annual meeting of The Danish OI Society. The response rate was 68%, and all participants considered the OI-NMQ helpful in assessing the presence of pain and its consequences. The analysis included 27 adults with OI type I, III, or IV above 18years. Among all 27 participants, MSK pain was present in 15-56% of the 9 sites within the last 7days and 33-89% of the nine anatomical regions during the last 12months. In 7-48% of all the participants, their regular work and daily activities had been affected by the presence of MSK pain. The OI-NMQ was feasible in assessing MSK pain among adults with OI and displayed a high prevalence of MSK pain with a moderate impact on their regular work and daily activities in this OI population. A larger and repeated measurement of MSK pain in adults with OI is needed to confirm these results.