Time Trends Research Articles

Spatiotemporal Variability and Trend of Ozone Pollution from Satellite Data (2003- 2021) in Iraq

Ozone (O3) occurs naturally in the Earth's upper atmosphere, and at ground level is a dangerous pollutant hurts plants and lung tissue and it’s a major component of smog. The purpose of this study to analyze the time series, trend, and spatial-temporal changes of monthly Relative Humidity (RH), Outgoing Longwave Radiation (OLR), and O3 in Iraq using the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) ascending AIRS3STM data during 2003 - 2021. The time series over six stations (Mosul, Sulaymaniyah, Khanaqin, Rutba, Baghdad, and Basra) have been analyzed and showed similar changes and fluctuation in O3 and OLR. The results of the study obtained were: minimum (decreasing, January–December) and maximum (increasing, May–August), and the mean and standard deviation were (0.044±0.003 ppmv) for O3 and (298± 22 Wm-2) for OLR during the study period. During December to February, the highest RH values were recorded, while the lowest RH values occurred from June to August. The monthly mean and standard deviation of RH was (28.66±29.54 g/kg). Further O3 trends revealed negative results in their annual series over all stations, except for Khanaqin and Basra, which had a positive trend. The O3 concentrations were consistently connected with other meteorological variables (the O3 has a negative correlation with RH and a beneficial correlation with temperature). The O3 spatiotemporal maps showed recorded the highest values recorded in April and May over Mosul and Sulaymaniyah (0.055–0.057), and in December, at middle and southern regions (Baghdad and Basra), there were the lowest O3 value (0.033). These results were due to meteorological and geographical factors. The results showed the efficient use of AIRS data to analyze the variations and distributions of atmospheric factors over different regions. In addition, AIRS observations can be used to obtain atmospheric, climatic, and environmental scientific reports and analyses for large, regional, and global regions and for long, continuous periods.

Time trends of cancer incidence in young adults (20-49 years) in Italy. A population - based study, 2008-2017.

To evaluate short-term (2008-2017) cancer incidence trends in Italy for individuals aged 20-49 years by sex and cancer type. Observational study from population-based data collected by 20 Italian Cancer Registries, covering 33% of the Italian population. The age-standardized incidence rates (ASRs), overall and stratified by area, sex, cancer site or type, and major age groups (i.e., 20-39, 40-49), were computed. In 2008-2017, cancer incidence rates were almost two times higher in Italian women aged 20-49 than in age-corresponding men (202.2 vs 112.4 per 100,000) on account of elevated rates of breast and thyroid cancers. Contrasting trends emerged according to cancer sites/types. ASRs for female breast cancer increased steadily from 2008 (82.4) to 2014 (86.2) and remained unchanged thereafter (i.e., 86.5 in 2017). During the study period, there was an increase for testicular cancer, skin melanoma in both sexes, and thyroid cancer until 2013 (followed by a slight decrease from 2014 to 2017). Conversely, ASRs consistently declined for colorectal cancer and were substantially stable or slightly decreasing for cervix uteri (from 8.1 to 7.7), ovary (from 7.5 to 6.9) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (from 8.3 to 7.6 in men and from 5.9 to 5.5 in women). Study findings do not support a unique temporal pattern for the incidence of early-onset cancer in Italy until 2017, as reported in other countries. Increases in incidence documented in both sexes for some tumor sites was counterbalanced by a decrease in other sites. The importance of supporting prevention strategies from the youngest of ages must be emphasized, and the role of anticipated screening should be carefully addressed.

Research perspectives of supply chain knowledge management: A bibliometrics study

The purpose of this article is to present a bibliometric analysis of scientific publications on knowledge management (KM) and supply chain (SC), provide an overview of research activities in this field and recognise its most substantial and fundamental aspects. In addition, this study aims to quantitatively analyse KM in SC in other words supply chain knowledge management (SCKM) research trends, forecasts and citations from 1999 to 2021 in Web of Science (WOS). A total of 499 documents related to SCKM research were collected from the following databases: SCI-EXPAND, SSCI, AHCI and ESCI. These documents were carefully reviewed and subjected to bibliometric data analysis techniques. We map the time trend, disciplinary distribution, high-frequency keywords and topics, major authors and influential publications to show emerging topics. Based on the findings of other researchers, many implications emerged that improve one’s understanding of the identity of SCKM as a distinct multi-discipline scientific field, and its publication has grown significantly since 2018. SC papers were published in engineering and Operations Research and Management Science journals, while the coverage of research topics related to KM and SCKM is broader and more interdisciplinary than those of SC papers. High-frequency keywords associated with SCKM research are listed. From the citation of 499 papers with both KM and SC as keywords, we find the most popular one.

The Association of Hospital-Cardiologist Integration With Patient Outcomes, CareQuality, and Utilization.

Cardiologists are increasingly moving from independent practice to direct employment by hospitals. Hospital employment has the potential to improve care coordination and delivery, but little is known about its effect on care quality and outcomes. In this study, we sought to assess the association between hospital employment of cardiologists and patient outcomes, care quality, and utilization among patients hospitalized with incident acute myocardial infarction (AMI) or heart failure (HF). We used a sample of Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries hospitalized with incident AMI or HF from 2008 to 2019. We identified the accountable cardiologists that cared for these patients and determined their employment status by means of tax identification numbers. We used difference-in-differences methods to compare clinical outcomes, quality measures, and utilization for patients treated by hospital-employed cardiologists after switching from independent to hospital-employed practice, to outcomes for patients treated by cardiologists who remained independent. Models were adjusted for time trends and patient, hospital, and cardiologist characteristics. Patient outcomes were in-hospital mortality, 30-day mortality, and 30-day readmission. Quality measures were receipt of: 1) a guideline-recommended test to assess cardiac function; and 2) a 30-day follow-up clinic visit. Utilization measures were length of stay and, for AMI patients, the proportion receiving coronary revascularization. The proportion of U.S. cardiologists employed by hospitals increased from 26% in 2008 to 63% in 2019. We identified 186,052 AMI and 259,849 HF patients cared for by cardiologists who switched to hospital employment and 168,052 AMI and 245,769 HF patients cared for by independent cardiologists. Patient characteristics were similar (mean age 80.8 years; 47% men). We found no significant differences in outcomes (eg, adjusted difference in 30-day mortality 0.03% [95%CI:-0.39% to 0.45%] for AMI patients and-0.05% [95%CI:-0.37% to 0.27%] for HF patients); no differences in most quality metrics except a small increase in the proportion of HF patients with 30-day follow-up (adjusted difference: 1.04%; 95%CI: 0.46%-1.62%); and no differences in utilization between patients treated by hospital-employed cardiologists (postswitch) vs independent cardiologists. Among U.S. cardiologists, there has been a large shift from independent practice to direct employment by hospitals. We found minimal evidence that cardiologist employment by hospitals improves care quality or outcomes.

Gabapentinoids and Risk of Hip Fracture.

The increased use of gabapentinoids has been most pronounced in older people who are also susceptible to hip fractures. To investigate the overall association between gabapentinoids and the risk of hip fractures and the stratified association across age groups, frailty status, and history of chronic kidney disease. This was a case-case-time-control study in patients hospitalized for hip fracture in Victoria, Australia, between March 1, 2013, and June 30, 2018, with at least 1 prescription for a gabapentinoid before fracture. Conditional logistic regression was used to estimate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% CI for gabapentinoid dispensing in the index (1-60 days prefracture) compared with the reference (121-180 days prefracture) period. To adjust for the underlying time trend in gabapentinoid use, each index case was matched with up to 5 controls, selected from future cases of the same age and sex. Subgroup analyses were conducted in subgroups with or without chronic kidney disease (CKD), frailty scores less than 5, and frailty scores 5 and above. Frailty was computed using the Hospital Frailty Risk Score (HFRS). Data were analyzed from November 2023 to April 2024. Gabapentinoids (pregabalin or gabapentin). Hip fracture. Of 28 293 patients hospitalized for hip fractures, 2946 (1752 [59.5%] aged ≥80 years; 2099 [71.2%] female) were dispensed a gabapentinoid before hip fracture. Gabapentinoid dispensing was associated with increased odds of hip fractures (OR, 1.96; 95% CI, 1.66-2.32). After adjusting for the exposure-time trend and concomitant use of other central nervous system medications, the odds of hip fractures remained elevated (OR, 1.30; 95% CI, 1.07-1.57). The association between gabapentinoid dispensing and hip fracture was higher in patients with HFRS 5 and above (OR, 1.75; 95% CI, 1.31-2.33) and CKD (OR, 2.41; 95% CI, 1.65-3.52). In this case-case-time-control study of Australian residents hospitalized for hip fracture, gabapentinoid use was associated with an increased risk of hip fractures, especially in patients who were frail or had chronic kidney disease. In addition to the known risk associated with kidney impairment, frailty status may be an important risk factor when considering use of gabapentinoids.

Abstract 4140192: Time Trends in Outcomes of Trans-Catheter Aortic Valve Replacement with Balloon-expanding Versus Self-expanding Valves: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Background: The research on the outcomes of transcatheter aortic valve replacement with balloon-expandable valves (BEV) and self-expanding valves (SEV) are limited. Hypothesis: This study aims to compare the clinical and hemodynamic outcomes of BEV and SEV at short-term (30 days), mid-term (1 year), and long-term (>1 year) endpoints. Methods: PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases were searched up to April 25, 2024, for randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Random-effect model (DerSimonian–Laird method) was used to pool the risk ratios (RR), mean differences (MD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for binary and continuous outcomes, respectively. Results: A total of 11 RCTs comprising 4,325 patients (2,295 BEV, 2,030 SEV) were included. At short-term, the risk of cardiovascular (RR: 0.56, 95% CI: 0.36-0.87) and all-cause mortality (RR: 0.54, 95% CI: 0.35-0.81) were lower in the BEV group. However, no differences were noted between the two treatment modalities in longer follow-ups despite the lower risk of moderate to severe paravalvular leak (PVL) among BEV patients. The risk of stroke was comparable between two groups across all three follow-up endpoints, albeit a limited number of studies suggesting the BEV group showed a greater risk of clinical valve thrombosis in mid-term and long-term assessments. The need for permanent pacemaker implantation was lower in BEV arm in short-term (RR: 0.56, 95% CI: 0.37-0.87) and mid-term (RR: 0.78, 95% CI: 0.64-0.94). Yet, this difference was not observed in long-term follow-ups. Conversely, the SEV group had a larger effective orifice area with lower mean transvalvular pressure gradient from short-term (MD: 0.17, 95% CI: 0.07-0.26 and MD: 3.71, 95% CI: 2.64-4.78, respectively) to long-term (MD: 0.25, 95% CI: 0.17-0.32 and MD: 3.73, 95% CI: 3.19-4.27, respectively) periods. Conclusions: BEV is associated with reduced risk of clinical outcomes at short-term; however, most differences diminish in longer evaluations, except for moderate to severe PVL. Conversely, SEV is linked to better hemodynamic outcomes and a lower risk of clinical valve thrombosis across all follow-up durations.

Effectiveness and Heterogeneous Effects of Purchase Grants for Electric Vehicles

AbstractWe evaluate German purchase subsidies for battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) using data on new vehicle registrations in Germany during 2015-2022. We account for confounding time trends and interacting EU-level $$\text {CO}_{2}$$ standards using neighboring countries as a control group. We find that 40% of BEV and 25% of PHEV registrations were subsidy-induced. The program had strong distributional effects, with greater uptake in wealthier and greener counties. We estimate implied abatement costs of 870 euro per ton of $$\text {CO}_{2}$$ for BEVs and 2,470 euro for PHEVs, suggesting that policy makers should re-balance support schemes away from PHEVs.

Abstract 4126000: The Association of Cardiologist Vertical Integration With Care Quality, Patient Outcomes, and Utilization

Introduction: U.S. healthcare has experienced substantial growth in vertical integration (physicians employed by hospitals), but little is known about its effect on patient care. Aims: To assess the association between cardiologist vertical integration and patient outcomes, care quality, and utilization among patients hospitalized with incident acute myocardial infarction (AMI) or heart failure (HF). Methods: We used a sample of all Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries hospitalized with incident AMI and a 75% sample of beneficiaries hospitalized with incident HF between 2008-2019. We identified the accountable cardiologists that cared for these patients and determined their integration status using tax identification numbers. We used difference-in-differences methods to compare outcomes for patients treated by integrated cardiologists after switching from non-integrated to integrated practice, to outcomes for patients treated by cardiologists who remained non-integrated. Patient outcomes were in-hospital mortality, 30-day mortality, and 30-day readmission. Quality measures were the proportion of patients that received 1) a guideline-recommended test to assess cardiac function and 2) a 30-day follow-up clinic visit. Utilization measures were length of stay and the proportion of AMI patients receiving percutaneous coronary intervention. Models were adjusted for time trends and patient, hospital, and cardiologist characteristics. Results: The proportion of U.S. cardiologists employed by hospitals increased from 26% in 2008 to 61% in 2018. We identified 186,052 AMI patients and 259,849 HF patients cared for cardiologists who switched to integrated practice and 168,052 AMI patients and 245,769 HF patients cared for by non-integrated cardiologists. Patients were similar in age, sex, race/ethnicity, and comorbidities. We found no significant differences in clinical outcomes (e.g., adjusted difference in 30-day mortality 0.03% [95% CI = -0.39%, 0.45%] for AMI and -0.05% [-0.37%, 0.27%] for HF patients); no differences in most quality metrics, and no differences in utilization between patients treated by integrated versus non-integrated cardiologists. Conclusions: We found minimal evidence that cardiologist employment by hospitals improves care quality or outcomes. Regulation of vertical integration should focus on other effects of integration such as higher prices paid by insurers.

Effects of Controlling Assist Robots to Follow Lumbar Load on Muscle Fatigue

ABSTRACTWe developed an assist robot that changes its assist force in real time according to the lumbar load estimated from the load information on the hand measured using a hand sensor device and the posture information. Furthermore, using the developed assist robot, the effect of the load‐following control on muscle fatigue was verified. The load was set at 6 and 1 kgf, and the amount of muscle activity in the lumbar region was measured using a muscle potential sensor during continuous flexion–extension exercises. The central frequency of the power spectrum was calculated as muscle fatigue, and its time trend was obtained. For comparison, similar experiments were also conducted without an assistive robot and with an existing assistive robot. Consequently, when load‐following control was used, muscle fatigue was reduced compared with existing assist robots in which the assist force was excessive in relation to the load. This shows the importance of load‐following control that is necessary to control the assist force according to the load when the assist robot is worn during work in which the load changes in a complex manner.

Time trends in maternal hypertensive disorder incidence in Brazil, Russian Federation, India, China, and South Africa (BRICS): an age-period-cohort analysis for the GBD 2021

ObjectivesMaternal hypertensive disorder (MHD) is a leading cause of significant maternal and fetal mortality and morbidity. The BRICS nations are crucial in the global MHD landscape, given their large populations and varied healthcare infrastructures. This investigation evaluates the incidence trends of MHD in BRICS countries from 1992 to 2021.Study design and methodsData on the number, all-age rate, age-standardized rate (ASR), and the relative change of MHD incidence from this study were sourced from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 public dataset to investigate temporal trends in MHD incidence over three decades globally and in BRICS countries. The age-period-cohort (APC) model was used to estimate net drift, local drift, age-specific curves, and period (cohort) relative risks.ResultsA 15.87% increase in global MHD cases, alongside a 13.40% decrease in age-standardized incidence rates from 1992 to 2021. MHD incidence rates are declining across various BRICS age groups, except in China and Russian Federation, where most groups exhibit increasing trends. Annual net drift in MHD incidence ranges from − 4.25% in India to 2.38% in China. A shift in the age distribution of MHD cases from younger to older within the childbearing age range is observed in all BRICS nations. Countries exhibit similar age-effect patterns, with decreasing risk with increasing age, and varying period and cohort effects, indicative of differential control measures and temporal incidence trends.ConclusionsGlobal and BRICS-specific reductions in MHD incidence vary in magnitude. Customized preventive strategies, leveraging existing resources, are advisable for BRICS nations to address pregnancy complications. Enhancing primary healthcare and maternal care quality, particularly for older mothers, is imperative.

Trends in Medicare Reimbursement and Service Volume of Vitreoretinal Procedures: 2000 to 2021.

Purpose: To characterize trends in service volume and inflation-adjusted Medicare reimbursement of vitreoretinal procedures over the past 2 decades. Methods: Medicare Part B National Summary Data Files were accessed to identify the number of allowed services for vitreoretinal procedures. The Medicare Physician Fee Schedule was accessed to identify average annual national reimbursement rates. The Spearman correlation coefficient was used to evaluate time trends for each procedure. All analyses were conducted using Prism 9.5.1 software with 2-sided significance testing and statistical significance set at P ≤ .05. Results: From 2000 to 2021, the 2-tailed Spearman correlation showed that 20 of 38 procedures had statistically significant decreases in service volume over time. Intravitreal injections increased more than 1000-fold, from 2922 in 2000 to 3 444 500 injections in 2021 (ρ = 0.997; P < .001). Panretinal photocoagulation treatments declined from 104 865 to 48 533 procedures (ρ = -0.966; P = .003). Scleral buckling declined from 6502 to 587 procedures (ρ = -0.999; P < .001). Pars plana vitrectomy-associated procedures increased from 71 039 to 95 429 (ρ = 0.691; P < .001). From 2000 to 2021, the 2-tailed Spearman correlation showed that 29 of 38 procedures had statistically significant decreases in reimbursement over time. No procedure had a significant increase in payment. Conclusions: Vitreoretinal practice patterns have changed dramatically over the past 2 decades, with significant declines in inflation-adjusted Medicare reimbursement for most procedures. Awareness of service volume and reimbursement trends is vital to assessing economic viability and patient coverage under the current Medicare payment policies.

Evolution of Real-World Clinical Practice in Time to Surgery Following Thoracolumbar Spinal Cord Injury: An Observational Study of North American Trauma Centers from 2010 to 2020.

This study aims to estimate real-world clinical practice trends in time to surgery following thoracolumbar spinal cord injury (SCI) in trauma centers across North America over the last decade (2010-2020). A multi-center retrospective observational study was conducted using Trauma Quality Improvement Program data from 2010 to 2020. All surgically treated patients with thoracic and lumbar SCI were included. Descriptive plots and a multivariable Poisson regression model with time to spine surgery as the primary outcome were constructed. This study included 4350 adult patients with complete SCI surgically treated across 449 trauma centers. Within this group, 3978 (91.4%) patients were diagnosed with thoracic SCI and 372 (8.6%) patients were diagnosed with lumbar SCI. The overall mean time to surgery was 31.6 h (±34.1). Early surgery (≤24 h) was performed in 2599 patients (59.7%). An estimated annual reduction of 1.6 h in time to surgery was demonstrated over the study period, starting initially at a mean of 47.6 h (±40.6) in 2010, and reaching a mean of 25.3 h (±30) in 2020. Multivariable Poisson regression adjusting for patient, injury, and institution confounders, demonstrated a significant decrease in time to surgery by 5% per year over the study period (incidence rate ratios [IRR] = 0.95, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.93-0.96). Moreover, in a secondary analysis including 3270 patients with incomplete thoracolumbar SCI, a comparable significant annual reduction in time to surgery was demonstrated (IRR = 0.93, 95% CI: 0.91-0.94). This study provides real-world data on practice pattern trends with respect to time to spine surgery following traumatic thoracolumbar SCI. Over the years from 2010 to 2020, we found a significant reduction in time to surgery across trauma centers in North America.

A pilot intervention trial to reduce the use of post-procedural antimicrobials after common endourologic surgeries.

Post-procedural antimicrobial prophylaxis is not recommended by professional guidelines but is commonly prescribed. We sought to reduce use of post-procedural antimicrobials after common endoscopic urologic procedures. A before-after, quasi-experimental trial with a baseline (July 2020-June 2022), an implementation (July 2022), and an intervention period (August 2022-July 2023). Three participating medical centers. We assessed the effect of a bundled intervention on excess post-procedural antimicrobial use (ie, antimicrobial use on post-procedural day 1) after three types of endoscopic urologic procedures: ureteroscopy and transurethral resection of bladder tumor or prostate. The intervention consisted of education, local champion(s), and audit-and-feedback of data on the frequency of post-procedural antimicrobial-prescribing. 1,272 procedures were performed across all 3 sites at baseline compared to 525 during the intervention period; 644 (50.6%) patients received excess post-procedural antimicrobials during the baseline period compared to 216 (41.1%) during the intervention period. There was no change in the use of post-procedural antimicrobials at sites 1 and 2 between the baseline and intervention periods. At site 3, the odds of prescribing a post-procedural antimicrobial significantly decreased during the intervention period relative to the baseline time trend (0.09; 95% CI 0.02-0.45). There was no significant increase in post-procedural unplanned visits at any of the sites. Implementation of a bundled intervention was associated with reduced post-procedural antimicrobial use at one of three sites, with no increase in complications. These findings demonstrate both the safety and challenge of guideline implementation for optimal perioperative antimicrobial prophylaxis.This trial was registered on clinicaltrials.gov, NCT04196777.

Differences in Trends in Cancer Incidence Rates Among People with HIV during 2001-2019 By Race and Ethnicity and By Risk Group in the United States.

Cancer risk among people with HIV (PWH) has declined over time as a result of antiretroviral therapy, but it is unclear whether all racial/ethnic groups and transmission risk groups have experienced equal declines. We used data on PWH aged ≥20 years old from the HIV/AIDS Cancer Match Study during 2001-2019. We used Poisson regression to assess time trends in incidence rates for each cancer site by racial/ethnicity and risk group, adjusting for age, registry, and sex. We also estimated adjusted rate ratios across racial and ethnic and risk groups in 2001-2004 and 2015-2019. Trends in age-standardized rates differed across Black, White and Hispanic PWH, and across risk groups for some cancers. For example, liver cancer rates declined 23% per 5-year period among White PWH, 11% in Black PWH and 18% in Hispanic PWH. Anal cancer rates declined among men who have sex with men, were stable among people who inject drugs, and increased among other risk groups Between 2001-2004 and 2015-2019, relative difference in cancer incidence rates by race/ethnicity increased for HL and liver cancer but decreased for NHL; by risk group, relative differences increased for NHL and liver cancer, and decreased for HL, lung and anal cancers. Among PWH in the US, during 2001-2019, HL, lung, liver, and cervical cancer rate trends were different across racial/ethnic groups. HL, lung, anal, and liver cancer rates trends were different across risk groups. Future work should examine underlying causes of the differences in trends.

Trends in hospitalization for female breast and gynecological cancer in China from 2004 to 2020

Breast and gynecological cancers are common cancers with high mortality and have profound effects on the various physical functions of women. This study assessed trends in the number of hospitalizations, in-hospital mortality, length of stay (LOS), and hospital charges for female breast and gynecological cancer from 2004 to 2020. The data for this study come from the China Health Statistics Yearbook. Time trends of categorical variables were assessed with the Cochran-Armitage Test. The linear model was used to test for the trend of continuous variables. The hospitalizations for breast cancer increased from 15,204 to 276,387 (P for trend < 0.001) and gynecological cancer increased from 12,418 to 214,956 (P for trend < 0.001). The in-hospital mortality rate due to breast cancer decreased from 1.70 to 1.07% (P for trend < 0.001). Hospitalizations for both breast and gynecological cancer increased clearly, whether in urban or rural. The gap between urban and rural has narrowed. The average cost per hospitalization for breast cancer significantly increased. However, the average LOS for breast cancer gradually decreased (from 17.0 to 10.7 days, P for trend < 0.001). The average cost per hospitalization for gynecological cancer increased significantly. However, this steady downward trend was observed in the average LOS for gynecological cancer (from 10.34 to 6.69 days, P for trend = 0.003). The increase in hospitalizations and medical expenses for breast and gynecological cancer should encourage healthcare policymakers and healthcare system stakeholders to develop more cost-effective approaches to women’s cancer management.

The 20-Year Trend of Obesity and Recreational Screen Time Among Children Receiving Special Education Services

ABSTRACT This study examined obesity and recreational screen time trends in children receiving special education services from 1999 to 2018. We analysed data from 2565 children aged 5–17 years from the United States National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES). Their body mass index (BMI) and recreational screen time were analysed using ordinal and logistic regressions. The obesity prevalence (aOR = 1.043, 95% CI [1.006, 1.082]) and rate of recreational screen time guideline compliance (less than 2 hours [reference]; aOR = 1.082, 95% CI [1.041, 1.124]) in these children showed a small but significantly increasing trend during the two decades, respectively. This group of children also showed disparities in weight status, where growing trends were found in male, non-White, and 12–17 years old children. Children who did not meet the recreational screen time guideline were more likely to be obese compared to be in a healthy weight condition (aOR = 1.353, 95% CI [1.054, 1.736]). The findings point out the substantial need for sustainable and effective actions to reduce obesity and recreational screen time among children receiving special education services.

Debate on the relationship between Helicobacter pylori infection and inflammatory bowel disease: a bibliometric analysis

BackgroundInflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are chronic inflammation conditions affecting the gastrointestinal tract. Studies point out an association between Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and IBD. This study aims to visually assess the research trends and hotspots in the field of H. pylori infection and IBD, review mainstream perspectives in this field, and provide a foundation for future research and treatment.MethodsWe searched the Web of Science Core Collection Database for literature related to H. pylori and IBD, using VOS viewer to generate visual charts.ResultsA total of 246 publications were included, with articles being the predominant type of document. A significant increase in the number of publications was observed after 2011. China contributed the most of researches. Keyword clusters revealed that the researches primarily focused on immune mechanism, gut microbiome, diagnosis and treatment of IBD. Time trend results indicated that current researches centered on gut microbiota and immune mechanisms.ConclusionH. pylori infection may have a protective effect on IBD. The exact mechanisms remain unclear and may involve immunomodulation and changes of gut microbiota. Further researches are necessary for better understanding this relationship and its implications for clinical practice. Further researches and clinical practice should pay attention to this topic.

Cyberbullying Among Adolescents in Norway: Time Trends and Factors Associated with Perpetration and Victimization

There is limited knowledge about time trends in cyberbullying involvement, and whereas previous studies have often focused on various mental health outcomes, possible outcomes of cyberbullying may concern a wide range of areas. A better understanding of cyberbullying development over time, as well as of the possible consequences, is needed for effective prevention and intervention efforts. The aims of this study were (i) to gain knowledge of time trends in cyberbullying among Norwegian adolescents, and (ii) to better understand how different forms of cyberbullying involvement is related to a variety of outcomes. Data from the Norwegian Ungdata surveys (2014–2016) were used to assess involvement in cyberbullying over time. Associations with cyberbullying involvement and four outcome variables (belief in a good and happy life, loneliness, school thriving, and depressive symptoms) were assessed using logistic regression analyses. Across years of study, the prevalence rates for cyberbullying involvement were 1.5% for perpetration, 3% for victimization, and 1% for perpetration-victimization. Compared with non-involvement, involvement in cyberbullying in any role was associated with poorer outcomes on all variables. Cyber-victims who were also perpetrators were less likely to have high levels of loneliness and depressive symptoms, compared to cyber-victims only. The prevalence of cyberbullying involvement among adolescents in Norway was relatively unchanged between 2014 and 2016. Cyberbullying involvement is associated with negative outcomes related to mental health, loneliness, school thriving, and beliefs in one’s personal future, and victims of cyberbullying appear to be the most vulnerable group.

Application of 3D printing in bacterial detection

Diseases caused by bacterial infections, especially pathogen variations and drug-resistant bacteria, are a serious threat to human health globally. Accurate and rapid identification of bacterial pathogens is essential for early diagnosis of infections and timely treatment of disease. At present, the routine diagnostic methods for identifying bacterial pathogens in clinic are bacterial culture, immunological detection, genetic analysis, etc. These methods occupy foundational position for bacterial detection that favors for clinical diagnosis of pathogen infection in daily life. Notably, 3D printing technology, together with 3D bioprinting technology, provides more options for bacterial detection due to its personalized design and manufacturing. Compared with traditional methods, 3D printing provides a more convenient, rapid and accurate bacterial detection platform, thus meeting the urgent needs of clinical and scientific research. Here, we have summarized the research progress and given a comprehensive review of 3D printing technology in bacterial detection, including bacterial detection sensors, microfluidic chips, bioprinting microarray technology, AI and spectroscopy technology, providing a scientific reference and filling in gaps in 3D printing-assistance bacterial detection. At the same time, technical advantages, challenges and future development trends will also be discussed in related healthcare fields.

AIDS mortality in Brazil, 2012–2022: a time series study

BackgroundHuman immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is a health problem in Brazil and worldwide. Without treatment, the infection can progress to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), with a high mortality potential. The objective of this study was to analyze the time trend of AIDS mortality in Brazil, macro-regions, federal units and their respective capitals, from 2012 to 2022.MethodsThis is a time-series study of all AIDS deaths in Brazil from 2012 to 2022. The study included the annual number of deaths and the crude and standardized mortality rates. The Joinpoint regression model was used for the time analysis of the standardized rates. Annual percentage change (APC) and average annual percentage change (AAPC) were calculated. A 95% confidence interval (CI) and a 5% significance level were used.ResultsDuring the period analyzed, 128,678 AIDS deaths were recorded in Brazil, with a crude mortality rate of 6.3/100,000 and a standardized mortality rate of 5.3/100,000. From 2012 to 2020, three regions showed a declining trend in AIDS mortality: Central-West (AAPC − 2.3%; 95%CI -4.3 to -0.21; p = 0.03), Southeast (AAPC − 5.6%; 95%CI -6.8 to -4.0; p < 0.001), and South (AAPC − 4.4%; 95%CI -5.27 to -3.6; p < 0.001). There was also a downward trend in 10 states and 10 capitals. There was an increase in the number of deaths from 2020 onwards in the North, Northeast and Southeast regions compared to 2019.ConclusionThere was a downward trend in AIDS mortality from 2012 to 2020 and an upward trend from 2020 to 2022. The regional differences observed could reflect the social disparities that exist in Brazil. In addition, the Covid-19 pandemic has had an impact on the process of dealing with HIV in Brazil.