Random Effects Regression Models Research Articles

Police personnel allocation and homicide clearance

PurposeThis paper applies novel techniques from the field of operations management to examine the allocation of patrol and investigative personnel to identify which is most effective in improving police performance around homicide clearance.Design/methodology/approachA panel sample of homicide clearance rates from the 100 largest US cities between 2000 and 2013 were analyzed in two steps: first, a random-effects regression model was performed to locate influential factors; second, optimum analysis was applied to locate the optimal values that yield maximal homicide clearance.FindingsBoth patrol and investigative personnel levels have a significant impact on homicide clearance. Maximal clearance can be achieved by allocating departmental personnel to investigative roles.Research limitations/implicationsGiven recent trends around “defunding” police and public sector austerity measures, future research should continue to explore the utility of optimum analysis for efficient allocation of policing personnel.Originality/valueThis study provides proof of concept for the use of optimum analysis in policing research.

The effects of geographical and business proximity on affiliates’ R&D investment: a proximity theory perspective

Purpose This study aims to examine the impact of geographical and business proximity between parent companies and affiliates on R&D investments in business groups. Furthermore, it compares the moderating effect of value chain participants’ bargaining power and the performance-aspiration gap. Design/methodology/approach This study uses data from 411 Chinese private manufacturing listed firms affiliated with business groups. This paper conducts regression analysis using Stata 16.0 software. Additionally, this paper employs combined random effects regression models, the 2SLS method and GMM method. Findings Geographical distance between focal affiliates and parent companies is negatively related to focal affiliates’ R&D. The higher the business proximity between focal affiliates and parent companies, the more R&D investments are made. Further research shows that with stronger bargaining power and a wider performance-aspiration gap, the negative relationship between geographical distance and R&D investment weakens. Originality/value This study contributes to the R&D investment literature by offering a novel perspective on why proximity influences affiliates’ R&D investments in Chinese business groups. This study enriches the proximity theory by introducing business proximity as a new dimension into the framework. Furthermore, this study highlights the boundary conditions of the proximity theory by ascertaining the moderating effects of bargaining power and the performance-aspiration gap.

Potential efficacy of digital polymerase chain reaction for non-invasive prenatal screening of autosomal aneuploidies: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundDigital Polymerase Chain Reaction (dPCR) presents a promising approach for quantifying DNA and analyzing copy number variants, particularly in non-invasive prenatal testing. This method offers a streamlined and time-efficient procedure in contrast to the widely used next-generation sequencing for non-invasive prenatal testing. Studies have reported encouraging results for dPCR in detecting fetal autosomal aneuploidies. Consequently, this systematic review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of dPCR in screening for trisomy 21, 18, and 13.MethodsA systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Sciences, and Embase for relevant articles published up to December 30, 2023. The Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 (QUADAS-2) was utilized for the quality assessment of the included articles. Furthermore, a bivariate random-effect regression model was used to conduct a meta-analysis on the utility of dPCR for trisomy 21 screening.ResultsA total of 9 articles were included in this review, with all of them assessing the utility of dPCR in trisomy 21 screening, and 2 and 1 studies conducting additional analysis on the screening abilities of dPCR for trisomy 18 and 13, respectively. A bivariate random-effects model calculated pooled sensitivity and specificity with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Meta-analysis of 6 studies comparing trisomy-21 screening with karyotyping demonstrated dPCR's pooled sensitivity of 98% [95% CI: 94 -100] and specificity of 99% [95% CI: 99 -100]. While conducting a meta-analysis for trisomy 13 and 18 proved impractical, reported values for sensitivity and specificity were favorable.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that dPCR holds promise as an effective tool for non-invasive prenatal testing, presenting a less time-consuming and intricate alternative to next-generation sequencing. However, further research is necessary to evaluate dPCR's applicability in clinical settings and to delineate its specific advantages over next-generation sequencing. This study contributes valuable insights into the potential of dPCR for enhancing prenatal screening methodologies.Trial registrationThe protocol of this study was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) on 7/3/2024, with a registration code of CRD42024517523.

Effectiveness of mass dengue vaccination with CYD-TDV (Dengvaxia®) in the state of Paraná, Brazil: integrating case-cohort and case-control designs

CYD-TDV (Dengvaxia®) was the first dengue vaccine approved, launched in Brazil in 2015 for individuals aged 9-44 years. We aimed to estimate the effectiveness of CYD-TDV in preventing symptomatic dengue cases during a campaign targeting individuals aged 15-27 years in selected municipalities in Paraná, Brazil. Additionally, we examined whether a history of dengue, as recorded by the surveillance system, modified the vaccine's effectiveness. We conducted a case-cohort analysis comparing the frequency of vaccination, with at least one dose of CYD-TDV, in individuals with dengue confirmed by RT-PCR, identified by the surveillance system during 2019 and 2020, with the vaccination coverage in the target population. Moreover, in a case-control design using weighted controls, we assessed the documented history of dengue as a modifier of the vaccine's effectiveness. We used a logistic random-effects regression model, with data clustered in municipalities and incorporating covariates such as the incidence of dengue before the campaign, age, and sex. We calculated vaccine effectiveness (VE) as (1-relative risk) x 100%. 1869 dengue cases were identified, which had a vaccination frequency significantly lower than the overall vaccination coverage in the target population (50.3% vs. 57.2%, respectively; overall VE: 21.3%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 13.4%-28.4%). In individuals with a documented history of dengue, vaccination had a VE of 71% (95% CI: 58%-80%) in reducing the incidence of dengue. However, vaccination was not associated with a significant reduction in the overall dengue case risk in individuals without a documented history of dengue (VE: 12%; 95% CI:-21% to 36%). In this last stratum, vaccination was associated with reduced cases due to DENV-1 and DENV-4, but an excess of DENV-2 cases. Vaccination led to a significant reduction in reported dengue cases within the target population. The case-control design suggested that this reduction was primarily driven by the benefits observed in individuals with a documented history of dengue. In endemic regions with limited serological testing facilities, a previous history of dengue diagnosis recorded by epidemiological surveillance could be used to triage candidates for CYD-TDV vaccination. Research supported by Sanofi.

The relation between reading and externalizing behavior: a correlational meta-analysis

Reading proficiency is important because it has life-long consequences and influences success in other academic areas. Many students with behavior problems are poor readers and many students with learning disabilities have more behavior problems than their typical peers. We conducted a correlational meta-analysis to examine the association between reading and externalizing behavior in students ages 5–12. We identified 33 studies that reported 88 effect sizes. Using a random-effects linear regression model with robust variance estimation, we found a significant, negative correlation (r= −0.1698, SE = 0.01, p < 0.0001) between reading and externalizing behavior. We tested several moderators related to measurement and sample characteristics. We found that rater type, behavior dimension (e.g., aggression), time between longitudinal measurement points, age of the sample, and percentage male of the sample moderated the relation between reading and behavior. Whether the reading assessment measured comprehension or word reading and socioeconomic status of the sample did not moderate the relation. Understanding the association between reading and externalizing behavior has implications for disability identification and intervention practices for children in elementary school. Future research should examine shared cognitive factors and environmental influences that explain the relation between the constructs.

Multicentre, retrospective cohort study protocol to identify racial and ethnic differences in acute kidney injuries in children and adolescents with diabetic ketoacidosis

IntroductionApproximately 40% of children with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) develop acute kidney injury (AKI), which increases the risk of chronic kidney damage. At present, there is limited knowledge of racial or...

Patterns of national emergency department utilization by fee-for-service Medicare beneficiaries with dementia.

Individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) often face high acute care clinical utilization and costs with unclear benefits in survival or quality of life. The emergency department (ED) is frequently the site of pivotal decisions in these acute care episodes. This study uses national Medicare data to explore this population's ED utilization. Retrospective cohort study of persons aged ≥66 years enrolled in traditional Medicare with a Chronic Condition Warehouse diagnosis of dementia. Primary 1-year outcome measures included ED visits with and without hospitalization, ED visits per 100 days alive, and health-care costs. A multivariate random effects regression model (clustered by county of residence), adjusted for sociodemographics and comorbidities, examined how place of care on January 1, 2018, was associated with subsequent ED utilization. In 2018, 2,680,006 ADRD traditional Medicare patients (mean age 82.9, 64.2% female, 9.4% Black, 6.2% Hispanic) experienced a total of 3,234,767 ED visits. Over half (52.2%) of the cohort experienced one ED visit, 15.5% experienced three or more, and 37.1% of ED visits resulted in hospitalization. Compared with ADRD patients residing at home without services, the marginal difference in ED visits per 100 days alive varied by location of care. Highest differences were observed for those with hospitalizations (0.48 visits per 100 days alive, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.47-0.49), skilled nursing facility (rehab/skilled nursing facility [SNF]) stays (0.27, 95% CI 0.27-0.28), home health stays (0.25, 95% CI 0.25-0.26), or observation stays (0.82, 95% CI 0.77-0.87). Similar patterns were observed with ED use without hospitalization and health-care costs. Persons with ADRD frequently use the ED-particularly those with recent hospitalizations, rehab/SNF stays, or home health use-and may benefit from targeted interventions during or before the ED encounters to reduce avoidable utilization and ensure goal-concordant care.

Tramadol use in U.S. Adults With Commercial Health Insurance, 2005–2021

IntroductionTramadol has been associated with chronic opioid use and emergency room (ER) visits. However, little is known about trends in prescription tramadol use in the US. MethodsOptum's de-identified Clinformatics® Data Mart Database was used to assess trends in monthly incident and prevalent tramadol use from 2005 to 2021, stratified by sex and age (18-64 vs. ≥65 years). State-specific trends following scheduling of tramadol as Class IV controlled substance in August 2014 were analyzed with random effects regression models. Demographics, comorbidities, initiation setting, dose, and co-dispensing with other opioids and central nervous system (CNS) agents were assessed in people initiating tramadol, stratified by age and initiation year (2005-2010, 2011-2015, 2016-2021). Analyses were performed in 2023 and 2024. ResultsDuring 2005-2021, the mean percentage using tramadol in a given month was 0.88% of younger females, 0.55% of younger males, 1.97% of older females, and 1.14% of older males; 5,729,652 initiations were identified. Since 2014, estimated relative yearly decrease was 4% (95% CI 3%; 5%) in use and 5% (95% CI 4%; 5%) in initiation, with variation across states. Primary care percentage of tramadol initiations declined from 49.2% in 2005-2010 to 37.2% in 2016-2021. During 2016-2021, co-dispensing with other CNS agents occurred in 37.8% of younger and 32.1% of older adults initiating tramadol. ConclusionsTramadol use was higher in females and older adults, exhibited heterogeneous trends across states, and shifted from primary care to ER and specialist settings over time. Co-dispensing with other CNS agents was common and warrants further monitoring.

Safety profiles of offspring born from early-follicular long-acting GnRH agonist protocol and daily mid-luteal GnRH agonist protocol: a retrospective study

BackgroundThe gonadotropin hormone-releasing hormone agonists (GnRH-a) have been widely used for controlled ovarian stimulation in assisted reproductive technology (ART). The early-follicular long-acting GnRH-a long protocol (EFL) and the luteal phase short-acting GnRH-a long protocol (LPS) are commonly used GnRH agonist protocols. We conducted a retrospective analysis to assess and compare the rates of congenital abnormalities and safety profiles in offspring born from the EFL and LPS protocols.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study to analyze and compare neonatal data from patients who using EFL or LPS protocols at our center between January 1, 2014, and June 30, 2017. The study ultimately included 1810 neonates from 1401 cycles using the EFL protocol and 2700 neonates from 2129 cycles using the LPS protocol.The main outcome measures are gestational age at delivery, birth weight, and congenital anomaly rate.To assess the influence of various factors on congenital abnormalities, a random-effects logistic regression model was employed.ResultsThe EFL and LPS protocols led to similar congenital anomaly rates (1.64% vs. 2.35%, P = 0.149). No significant differences were found between the two groups regarding birth weight and its categories, newborn gender and congenital anomaly rate. The results of the multivariate logistic regression model indicated no association between congenital anomaly and BMI, duration of infertility, treatment protocol, fertilization method, or embryo transfer stage. Compared with singleton pregnancies, the probability of congenital defects in multiple pregnancies was 2.64 times higher (OR: 2.64, 95% CI: 1.72–4.05, P < 0.0001). Newborns with congenital defects were born with a lower gestational age compared with full-term pregnancies.ConclusionIn conclusion, the EFL protocol is considered a safe option for ensuring offspring safety, comparable with the LPS protocol; however, multiple pregnancies represent an independent risk factor for congenital abnormalities. This approach can be widely adopted; however, prioritizing single embryo transfers is strongly recommended to minimize the potential risks associated with multiple pregnancies in offspring.

Unveiling ecological/evolutionary insights in HIV viral load dynamics: Allowing random slopes to observe correlational changes to CpG-contents and other molecular and clinical predictors

In the context of infectious diseases, the dynamic interplay between ever-changing host populations and viral biology demands a more flexible modeling approach than common fixed correlations. Embracing random-effects regression models allows for a nuanced understanding of the intricate ecological and evolutionary dynamics underlying complex phenomena, offering valuable insights into disease progression and transmission patterns. In this article, we employed a random-effects regression to model an observed decreasing median plasma viral load (pVL) among individuals with HIV in Mexico City during 2019–2021. We identified how these functional slope changes (i.e. random slopes by year) improved predictions of the observed pVL median changes between 2019 and 2021, leading us to hypothesize underlying ecological and evolutionary factors. Our analysis involved a dataset of pVL values from 7325 ART-naïve individuals living with HIV, accompanied by their associated clinical and viral molecular predictors. A conventional fixed-effects linear model revealed significant correlations between pVL and predictors that evolved over time. However, this fixed-effects model could not fully explain the reduction in median pVL; thus, prompting us to adopt random-effects models. After applying a random effects regression model—with random slopes and intercepts by year—, we observed potential "functional changes" within the local HIV viral population, highlighting the importance of ecological and evolutionary considerations in HIV dynamics: A notably stronger negative correlation emerged between HIV pVL and the CpG content in the pol gene, suggesting a changing immune landscape influenced by CpG-induced innate immune responses that could impact viral load dynamics. Our study underscores the significance of random effects models in capturing dynamic correlations and the crucial role of molecular characteristics like CpG content. By enriching our understanding of changing host-virus interactions and HIV progression, our findings contribute to the broader relevance of such models in infectious disease research. They shed light on the changing interplay between host and pathogen, driving us closer to more effective strategies for managing infectious diseases. Significance of the studyThis study highlights a decreasing trend in median plasma viral loads among ART-naïve individuals living with HIV in Mexico City between 2019 and 2021. It uncovers various predictors significantly correlated with pVL, shedding light on the complex interplay between host-virus interactions and disease progression. By employing a random-slopes model, the researchers move beyond traditional fixed-effects models to better capture dynamic correlations and evolutionary changes in HIV dynamics. The discovery of a stronger negative correlation between pVL and CpG content in HIV-pol sequences suggests potential changes in the immune landscape and innate immune responses, opening avenues for further research into adaptive changes and responses to environmental shifts in the context of HIV infection. The study's emphasis on molecular characteristics as predictors of pVL adds valuable insights to epidemiological and evolutionary studies of viruses, providing new avenues for understanding and managing HIV infection at the population level.

A surge in food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic in a cohort in Mexico City.

The COVID-19 pandemic has not only caused tremendous loss of life and health but has also greatly disrupted the world economy. The impact of this disruption has been especially harsh in urban settings of developing countries. We estimated the impact of the pandemic on the occurrence of food insecurity in a cohort of women living in Mexico City, and the socioeconomic characteristics associated with food insecurity severity. We analyzed data longitudinally from 685 women in the Mexico City-based ELEMENT cohort. Food insecurity at the household level was gathered using the Latin American and Caribbean Food Security Scale and measured in-person during 2015 to 2019 before the pandemic and by telephone during 2020-2021, in the midst of the pandemic. Fluctuations in the average of food insecurity as a function of calendar time were modeled using kernel-weighted local polynomial regression. Fixed and random-effects ordinal logistic regression models of food insecurity were fitted, with timing of data collection (pre-pandemic vs. during pandemic) as the main predictor. Food insecurity (at any level) increased from 41.6% during the pre-pandemic period to 53.8% in the pandemic stage. This increase was higher in the combined severe-moderate food insecurity levels: from 1.6% pre-pandemic to 16.8% during the pandemic. The odds of severe food insecurity were 3.4 times higher during the pandemic relative to pre-pandemic levels (p<0.01). Socioeconomic status quintile (Q) was significantly related to food insecurity (Q2 OR = 0.35 p<0.1, Q3 OR = 0.48 p = 0.014, Q4 OR = 0.24 p<0.01, and Q5 OR = 0.17 p<0.01), as well as lack of access to social security (OR = 1.69, p = 0.01), and schooling (OR = 0.37, p<0.01). Food insecurity increased in Mexico City households in the ELEMENT cohort as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. These results contribute to the body of evidence suggesting that governments should implement well-designed, focalized programs in the context of economic crisis such as the one caused by COVID-19 to prevent families from the expected adverse health and well-being consequences associated to food insecurity, especially for the most vulnerable.

Analyzing the Effects of Age, Time of Day, and Experiment on the Basal Locomotor Activity and Light-Off Visual Motor Response Assays in Zebrafish Larvae.

The recent availability of commercial platforms for behavioral analyses in zebrafish larvae based on video-tracking technologies has exponentially increased the number of studies analyzing different behaviors in this model organism to assess neurotoxicity. Among the most commonly used assays in zebrafish larvae are basal locomotor activity (BLA) and visual motor responses (VMRs). However, the effect of different intrinsic and extrinsic factors that can significantly alter the outcome of these assays is still not well understood. In this work, we have analyzed the influence of age (5-8 days post-fertilization), time of day (8:00, 10:00, 12:00, 14:00; 16:00, 18:00, and 20:00 h), and experiment (three experiments performed at different days) on BLA and VMR results (4004 analyses for each behavior) in 143 larvae. The results from both behaviors were adjusted to a random-effects linear regression model using generalized least squares (GLSs), including in the model the effect of the three variables, the second-way interactions between them, and the three-way interaction. The results presented in this manuscript show a specific effect of all three intrinsic factors and their interactions on both behaviors, supporting the view that the most stable time period for performing these behavioral assays is from 10:00 am to 04:00 pm, with some differences depending on the age of the larva and the behavioral test.

The impact of bank’s diversity and inclusion index on profitability: evidence from Indonesia and Malaysia

The impact of bank’s diversity and inclusion index on profitability: evidence from Indonesia and Malaysia

Effect of Capital Structure on the Financial Performance of Ethiopian Commercial Banks

This study aimed to examine the effects of capital structure on the financial performance of Ethiopian commercial banks. The dependent variable, financial performance, is measured by Return on Assets (ROA), while factors such as loan-to-deposit ratio (LDR), asset-to-total equity ratio (ATER), total deposit-to-total asset ratio (TDTAR), capital adequacy ratio (CAD), and asset growth ratio (GA) were used as proxy independent variables to gauge capital structure. Using a quantitative approach and an explanatory research design, this study analyzes 6 years of audited financial reports from 14 commercial banks in Ethiopia. This investigation employs a random effect regression model and Stata 14 software package to explore the relationships among these variables. The result revealed that both the loan-to-deposit ratio and the total deposit-to-total asset ratio have a positive and significant impact on financial performance, while the asset growth ratio showed a negative effect. Based on these findings, this study recommends that bank authorities concentrate on bolstering their deposit base, managing asset growth efficiently, maintaining adequate capital levels, and optimizing leverage levels to improve financial performance and ensure long-term sustainability in the banking sector. Additionally, this research is anticipated to inform policymakers about regulatory frameworks for banks and assist banking managers in formulating effective capital financing strategies within the Ethiopian commercial banking sector, thus enriching the existing literature on the relationship between capital structure and financial performance.

Strategic turnaround: unraveling the impact of CEO power on firm performance during retrenchment

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the impact of retrenchment strategy on firm performance in the context of Pakistani firms while considering the moderating role of chief executive officer (CEO) power. By examining the influence of CEO duality and CEO share ownership on the relationship, this study contributes to strategic management and corporate governance knowledge within the Pakistani business environment. Design/methodology/approach A quantitative approach was used to analyze the relationship using data from annual financial statements. The sample consisted of 76 companies from the KSE-100 index from the year 2015 to 2020. Random effects regression models were used, along with hierarchical regression to explore the moderating effect of CEO power. Findings The findings demonstrate that the implementation of a retrenchment strategy positively impacts firm performance in Pakistani firms. The study also reveals that CEO power plays a crucial role in strengthening the relationship between retrenchment strategy and firm performance. Moreover, the study highlights the importance of considering the temporal sequence, size and age of firms when examining the impact of CEO power and retrenchment strategy on firm performance. Research limitations/implications The study enhances the understanding of the contingent nature of retrenchment strategies and the influence of CEO power in the Pakistani business context. Practically, the research contributes to strategic management and corporate governance dynamics, facilitating the development of strategies that enhance firm performance and sustainability in Pakistan. Originality/value This research provides original insights by specifically focusing on the Pakistani context and analyzing the interplay between retrenchment strategy, CEO power and firm performance. The study adds to the limited literature on the relationship between retrenchment and performance in the Pakistani business environment. Additionally, it highlights the significance of CEO power as a critical factor in determining the success of retrenchment.

Ethnic differences in metabolic syndrome in high-income countries: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

This review aimed to systematically quantify the differences in Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) prevalence across various ethnic groups in high-income countries by sex, and to evaluate the overall prevalence trends from 1996 to 2022. We conducted a systematic literature review using MEDLINE, Web of Science Core Collection, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library, focusing on studies about MetS prevalence among ethnic groups in high-income countries. We pooled 23 studies that used NCEP-ATP III criteria and included 147,756 healthy participants aged 18 and above. We calculated pooled prevalence estimates and 95% confidence intervals (CI) using both fixed-effect and random-effect intercept logistic regression models. Data were analysed for 3 periods: 1996-2005, 2006-2009, and 2010-2021. The pooled prevalence of MetS in high-income countries, based on the NCEP-ATP III criteria, was 27.4% over the studied period, showing an increase from 24.2% in 1996-2005 to 31.9% in 2010-2021, with men and women having similar rates. When stratified by ethnicity and sex, ethnic minority women experienced the highest prevalence at 31.7%, while ethnic majority women had the lowest at 22.7%. Notably, MetS was more prevalent in ethnic minority women than men. Among ethnic minorities, women had a higher prevalence of MetS than men, and the difference was highest in Asians (about 15 percentage points). Among women, the prevalence of MetS was highest in Asians (41.2%) and lowest in Blacks/Africans (26.7%). Among men, it was highest in indigenous minority groups (34.3%) and lowest among in Blacks/Africans (19.8%). MetS is increasing at an alarming rate in high-income countries, particularly among ethnic minority women. The burden of MetS could be effectively reduced by tailoring interventions according to ethnic variations and risk profiles.

Assessing the Effectiveness of a Multicomponent Intervention on Hand Hygiene and Well-Being in Primary Health Care Centers and Schools Lacking Functional Water Supply in Protracted Conflict Settings: Protocol for a Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial.

Hand hygiene is crucial in health care centers and schools to avoid disease transmission. Currently, little is known about hand hygiene in such facilities in protracted conflict settings. This protocol aims to assess the effectiveness of a multicomponent hand hygiene intervention on handwashing behavior, underlying behavioral factors, and the well-being of health care workers and students. Moreover, we report our methodology and statistical analysis plan transparently. This is a cluster randomized controlled trial with 2 parallel arms taking place in 4 countries for 1 year. In Burkina Faso and Mali, we worked in 24 primary health care centers per country, whereas in Nigeria and Palestine, we focused on 26 primary schools per country. Facilities were eligible if they were not connected to a functioning water source but were deemed accessible to the implementation partners. Moreover, health care centers were eligible if they had a maternity ward and ≥5 employees, and schools if they had ≤7000 students studying in grades 5 to 7. We used covariate-constrained randomization to assign intervention facilities that received a hardware, management and monitoring support, and behavior change. Control facilities will receive the same or improved intervention after endline data collection. To evaluate the intervention, at baseline and endline, we used a self-reported survey, structured handwashing observations, and hand-rinse samples. At follow-up, hand-rinse samples were dropped. Starting from the intervention implementation, we collected longitudinal data on hygiene-related health conditions and absenteeism. We also collected qualitative data with focus group discussions and interviews. Data were analyzed descriptively and with random effect regression models with the random effect at a cluster level. The primary outcome for health centers is the handwashing rate, defined as the number of times health care workers performed good handwashing practice with soap or alcohol-based handrub at one of the World Health Organization 5 moments for hand hygiene, divided by the number of moments for hand hygiene that presented themselves during the patient interaction within an hour of observation. For schools, the primary outcome is the number of students who washed their hands before eating. The baseline data collection across all countries lasted from February to June 2023. We collected data from 135 and 174 health care workers in Burkina Faso and Mali, respectively. In Nigeria, we collected data from 1300 students and in Palestine from 1127 students. The endline data collection began in February 2024. This is one of the first studies investigating hand hygiene in primary health care centers and schools in protracted conflict settings. With our strong study design, we expect to support local policy makers and humanitarian organizations in developing sustainable agendas for hygiene promotion. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05946980 (Burkina Faso and Mali); https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05946980 and NCT05964478 (Nigeria and Palestine); https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05964478. DERR1-10.2196/52959.

Mosquito Bed Net Use and Burkitt Lymphoma Incidence in Sub-Saharan Africa

Burkitt lymphoma (BL) is one of the most common childhood cancers in sub-Saharan Africa and is etiologically linked to malaria. However, evidence for an effect of malaria interventions on BL is limited. To investigate the potential population-level association between large-scale rollout of insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs) in sub-Saharan Africa in the 2000s and BL incidence. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, a search was conducted in the Embase, Global Health, and Medline databases and in cancer registry publications between January 1, 1990, and February 27, 2023. All epidemiologic studies on BL incidence rates in children and adolescents aged 0 to 15 years in sub-Saharan African countries where malaria is endemic were identified by 2 reviewers blinded to each other's decision. The systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses reporting guideline. Data were extracted independently by 2 reviewers, and quality was scored based on 3 predefined criteria: data collection, case ascertainment, and calculation of person-time at risk. Incidence rates of BL during childhood and mean ITN use in the population. Data were analyzed using a random-effects negative binomial regression model. Of 2333 studies meeting selection criteria, 23 comprising 66 data points on BL incidence were included based on 5226 BL cases from locations with large-scale ITN use in 17 countries. Rates of BL were 44% (95% CI, 12%-64%) lower in the period after ITN introduction compared with before. The adjusted pooled incidence rates of BL were 1.36 (95% CI, 0.88-2.10) and 0.76 (95% CI, 0.50-1.16) per 100 000 person-years before and after introduction of ITNs, respectively. After adjusting for potential confounders, a 1-percentage point increase in mean ITN use in the population in the 10 years before BL data collection was associated with a 2% (95% CI, 1%-4%) reduction in BL incidence. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, large-scale rollout of ITNs in the 2000s was associated with a reduction in BL burden among children in sub-Saharan Africa. Although published data may not be representative of all incidence rates across sub-Saharan Africa, this study highlights a potential additional benefit of malaria control programs.

Century of the East and Peaceful coexistence of China and India: Moderating role of Belt and Road Initiative in Emerging Asian Economies

The study focusses on historical perspective, contemporary historical perspective as well as futurologist perspective of Sino-India relations, economic development and bilateral trade. The economic growth has been examined with the interaction effect of Belt &amp; Road Initiative. The purpose of this study is to find out the reasons of correlation between Sino-India economic growth patterns for last two thousand years as well as making recommendations for the optimal level of the relations in the region in the emerging century of East. The study further aims to examine the cross-country impact of infrastructure development on other countries. A total of thirty countries which are a part of Belt and Road Initiative were selected. The data is collected from World Bank Database from 1990 to 2019 (n=900). The data were analyzed using penal data regression models (fixed random effect regression models) to test the effect of macro-economic variables on economic growth, while hierarchical moderated regression analysis was used to determine the moderating effect of Belt and Road Initiative on the economic growth of participating economies. Belt &amp; Road Initiative significantly moderate the relationship of economic growth with its factors. Therefore, we conclude that Belt &amp; Road is pivotal for economic growth of region. In the century of Asia, China and India must understand that trade cooperation and congenial relations with in the region is beneficial for all the stakeholders in Asian Region while West and USA want to utilize India to halt the progress in the region and converting India a leading state to fight with China in the best interest of West. The only resolvable issues in Sino-India relations are border marketing in Tibrt, Arnachal Perdesh and Kashmir which are not only hampering the economic growth of these areas but also deviating the focus from economic growth towards militarization of the region. The limitations of this article is that the idea of Belt &amp; Road was initiated in 2013 and different countries have joined BRI in different years. We have taken only those countries which have become a part of BRI till 2017. Another limitation is that we have selected few macroeconomic and social variables to test their effect on economic growth. We have selected those variables which are important for developing economies since majority of countries in BRI are developing. It is a unique study from the perspective, that it is using the available and estimated GDP of last two thousand years to find out the correlation between China’s and India’s economic growth and based on empirical analysis rather than theoretical one, suggesting the optimal level of relationship between China and India, why active participation of Betl &amp; Road Initiative (BRI) by India is necessary for India’s growth.

Association of Calcium Channel Blocker Use With Intradialytic Hypotension in Maintenance Hemodialysis

IntroductionCalcium channel blockers (CCBs) are common anti-hypertensive agents among patients receiving hemodialysis (HD). Despite this, the association of CCBs with intra-dialytic hypotension (IDH), an important adverse outcome that is associated with cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, remains largely unexplored. MethodsUsing kinetic modeling sessions data from the Hemodialysis Study, random-effects regression models were fit to assess the association of CCB use versus not with IDH (defined as systolic blood pressure (SBP)<90 mmHg if pre-HD SBP<160 mmHg or <100 mmHg if pre-HD SBP≥160 mmHg). Models were adjusted for age, sex, race, randomized Kt/V and flux assignments, heart failure, ischemic heart disease, peripheral vascular disease, diabetes mellitus, blood urea nitrogen, ultrafiltration rate, access type, pre-HD SBP, and other anti-hypertensives. ResultsData was available for 1,838 patients and 64,538 sessions. At baseline, 49% of patients were prescribed CCBs. The overall frequency of IDH was 14% with a mean decline from pre-to nadir-SBP of 33±15 mmHg. CCB use was associated with lower adjusted risk of IDH, compared with no use (incidence rate ratio [IRR] 0.84; 95%CI 0.78, 0.89). The association was most pronounced for those in the pre-HD SBP lowest quartile (IRR 0.77;95%CI 0.70, 0.85), compared with the highest quartile (IRR 0.86; 95%CI 0.77, 0.97; P-interaction<0.001). ConclusionAmong patients receiving HD, CCB use was associated with a lower risk of developing IDH, independent of pre-HD SBP and other anti-hypertensive use. Mechanistic studies are needed to better understand the effects of CCB and other anti-hypertensives on peri-dialytic blood pressure parameters among patients receiving HD.