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PeerJ 2024Reviewers rarely comment on the same aspects of a manuscript, making it difficult to properly assess manuscripts' quality and the quality of the peer review process. The...
BACKGROUND
Reviewers rarely comment on the same aspects of a manuscript, making it difficult to properly assess manuscripts' quality and the quality of the peer review process. The goal of this pilot study was to evaluate structured peer review implementation by: 1) exploring whether and how reviewers answered structured peer review questions, 2) analysing reviewer agreement, 3) comparing that agreement to agreement before implementation of structured peer review, and 4) further enhancing the piloted set of structured peer review questions.
METHODS
Structured peer review consisting of nine questions was piloted in August 2022 in 220 Elsevier journals. We randomly selected 10% of these journals across all fields and IF quartiles and included manuscripts that received two review reports in the first 2 months of the pilot, leaving us with 107 manuscripts belonging to 23 journals. Eight questions had open-ended fields, while the ninth question (on language editing) had only a yes/no option. The reviews could also leave and . Answers were independently analysed by two raters, using qualitative methods.
RESULTS
Almost all the reviewers ( = 196, 92%) provided answers to all questions even though these questions were not mandatory in the system. The longest answer (Md 27 words, IQR 11 to 68) was for reporting methods with sufficient details for replicability or reproducibility. The reviewers had the highest (partial) agreement (of 72%) for assessing the flow and structure of the manuscript, and the lowest (of 53%) for assessing whether interpretation of the results was supported by data, and for assessing whether the statistical analyses were appropriate and reported in sufficient detail (52%). Two thirds of the reviewers ( = 145, 68%) filled out the section, of which 105 (49%) resembled traditional peer review reports. These reports contained a Md of 4 (IQR 3 to 5) topics covered by the structured questions. Absolute agreement regarding final recommendations (exact match of recommendation choice) was 41%, which was higher than what those journals had in the period from 2019 to 2021 (31% agreement, = 0.0275).
CONCLUSIONS
Our preliminary results indicate that reviewers successfully adapted to the new review format, and that they covered more topics than in their traditional reports. Individual question analysis indicated the greatest disagreement regarding the interpretation of the results and the conducting and the reporting of statistical analyses. While structured peer review did lead to improvement in reviewer final recommendation agreements, this was not a randomized trial, and further studies should be performed to corroborate this. Further research is also needed to determine whether structured peer review leads to greater knowledge transfer or better improvement of manuscripts.
PubMed: 38948202
DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17514 -
Vector Borne and Zoonotic Diseases... Jul 2024Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is caused by the tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV). TBEV infection can cause symptoms of central nervous system (CNS) inflammation and...
Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is caused by the tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV). TBEV infection can cause symptoms of central nervous system (CNS) inflammation and result in severe consequences including death. TBE is an increasing health threat in the Czech Republic and elsewhere in Europe. In 2020, 23% of 3734 TBE cases reported to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control were from the Czech Republic. TBE vaccination is universally recommended in the Czech Republic, but a full analysis of TBE vaccine effectiveness (VE) in the Czech Republic has not been published. TBE is a notifiable disease in the Czech Republic with mandatory reporting of cases ( laboratory-confirmed TBEV infected patient with symptoms of CNS inflammation) and vaccination history to public health authorities. TBE VE was estimated using the screening method utilizing public health surveillance data from 2018 to 2022 and online household surveys of the general population on TBE vaccine uptake conducted in 2019-2022. In 2018-2022, 3648 TBE cases were reported in the Czech Republic; 98.1% (3105/3166) of TBE cases with known vaccination history were unvaccinated. Among 42,671 persons surveyed from the general population who had known TBE vaccination history, 66.5% were unvaccinated. VE against TBE was 97.6% (95% confidence interval 95.7-98.7). When stratified by age group, VE was 97.1% (88.4-99.3) in 1-15 years of age, 97.9% (95.3-99.0) in 16-59 years of age, and 96.9% (90.5-99.0) in ≥60 years of age. TBE vaccination averted an estimated 1020 TBE cases in the Czech Republic from 2018 to 2022. This first published study with a full analysis of TBE VE in the Czech Republic showed that vaccination was highly effective for the prevention of TBE including in children, an age group with increasing TBE disease burden. Vaccination averted hundreds of TBE cases and hospitalizations despite the relatively low compliance with TBE vaccine recommendations. To prevent additional TBE cases in the Czech Republic, enhanced efforts to increase TBE vaccine uptake are needed.
PubMed: 38946629
DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2023.0166 -
Journal of Child & Adolescent Trauma Jun 2024The purpose of this project is to assess, for practicing pediatric nurses in the U.S., what is the impact of the Stewards of Children Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) program on...
UNLABELLED
The purpose of this project is to assess, for practicing pediatric nurses in the U.S., what is the impact of the Stewards of Children Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) program on their attitudes about reporting suspected CSA. A sample size of 32 nurses completed an online 2-hour continuing education course by Stewards of Children, with a pre/post-test survey. A modified 14-item version of the Teachers Reporting Attitudes Scale for Child Sexual Abuse (TRAS-CSA) was used to measure the nurses' attitudes before and after educational training. The surveys were analyzed to assess changes in attitudes using two-tailed sign tests. Nurses' commitment to reporting CSA is high, even before training. Nurses' confidence in the system of reporting and in the response of authorities related to CSA increased after taking the Stewards of Children online course. While these results are limited in strength by low sample sizes and some null changes, they indicate that trainings like the Stewards of Children course can positively impact nurses' attitudes towards reporting CSA, particularly with regards to confidence in reporting, and therefore warrant further investigation into CSA training for nurses and its effects.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION
The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40653-023-00581-7.
PubMed: 38938958
DOI: 10.1007/s40653-023-00581-7 -
Voprosy Kurortologii, Fizioterapii, I... 2024The number of middle-aged and elderly population is increasing every year. At the same time, the course of most chronic diseases worsens with age, which can be explained...
UNLABELLED
The number of middle-aged and elderly population is increasing every year. At the same time, the course of most chronic diseases worsens with age, which can be explained by significant changes in body composition, including redistribution and increase of fat mass and decrease in muscle and skeletal mass. Thus, a decrease in muscle mass becomes intrinsic for the body from the age of 40 and develops on average by 0.5-1.0% per year. The prevalence of patients with sarcopenia is estimated to be between 11 and 50% in different age groups of population: middle, elderly and senile. In addition, the decline in physical activity associated with the urbanization and automation of labor exacerbates the disease at a younger age, which predicts an increase in the number of such patients in the future.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the role of physical rehabilitation in sarcopenia.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
A systematic review including studies found in PubMed, MedLine, Scopus and Web of Science Core Collections databases for 2019-2022 was conducted. The used enrollment criteria were the following: systematic reviews, including cross-over or cohort studies targeting at persons aged from 40 to 90 years of both sexes, with available data on sarcopenia, its severe form or other combinations of physical performance markers called sarcopenia. The mandatory parameter for inclusion in the study was the presence of the effectiveness assessment of physical rehabilitation without limiting its parameters. The systematic review was performed in accordance with the recommendations of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020.
RESULTS
The best kind of training are 30-60-minute comprehensive methods with predominance of resistance exercises with minimum duration of the course of 3 months and frequency of 3 inconsistent in-person trainings per week under the supervision of a specialist for patients with sarcopenia in order to increase muscle strength and mass, as well as performance. The intensity should consist of the following parameters: start with fewer sets but more repetitions (12-15) with less intensity (55% of maximum) and move to more sets with less repetition (4-6) and greater intensity (>80% of maximum).
CONCLUSION
This article describes the parameters of exercises that are most effective in terms of muscle strength and mass increase and safe for patients. The compilation and further study of this complex in practice are needed.
Topics: Sarcopenia; Humans; Female; Male; Aged; Middle Aged; Adult; Aged, 80 and over
PubMed: 38934959
DOI: 10.17116/kurort202410103156 -
Medycyna Pracy Jun 2024Voivodeship Occupational Medicine Centres (VOMC), being higher-level units towards basic units providing preventive care for employees in Poland, play a consultative,...
BACKGROUND
Voivodeship Occupational Medicine Centres (VOMC), being higher-level units towards basic units providing preventive care for employees in Poland, play a consultative, appeal, supervisory and registration role towards them. Additionally, they perform many other tasks specified in the Occupational Medicine Service Act, including conducting diagnostic and jurisprudential activities related to occupational diseases and postgraduate education in occupational medicine.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
The analysis covers data from 2017-2022 on VOMCs activities, derived from mandatory MZ-35 reporting.
RESULTS
Over 6 years, the number of employed physicians at VOMCs decreased from 830 in 2017 to 820 in 2022, with >20% of employment contracts transitioning to other forms of cooperation. The number of employed nurses decreased from 375 to 342, and the number of psychologists from 86 to 82. During the 3 years of the pandemic (2020-2022), compared to 2017-2019, the consultative activity of VOMCs for basic units of occupational health service decreased by nearly 30%, while appeal and supervisory activities decreased by 15.2% and 15.8%, respectively. The number of individuals receiving outpatient medical rehabilitation for occupational pathology decreased by >32%, and the number of services provided for established occupational pathology decreased by >14%. The number of certifications for occupational diseases decreased from 3963 in 2019 to 3518 in the first year of the pandemic, then increased to 4145 in 2021 and 3990 in 2022.
CONCLUSIONS
The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the functioning of VOMCs. Changes in specific areas of their judicial, consultative, appeal, supervisory, training and rehabilitation activities corresponded with the socio-legal changes observed between 2020-2022. The structure of employment at VOMCs and the scope of their tasks remained stable during the pandemic. The observed changes in employment of medical staff were in line with general trends in healthcare institutions and regional conditions. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2024;75(4).
PubMed: 38934657
DOI: 10.13075/mp.5893.01502 -
Cancers Jun 2024The identification of fusions in advanced non-small-cell lung carcinoma (aNSCLC) is mandatory for targeted therapy. The current diagnostic approach employs an algorithm...
The identification of fusions in advanced non-small-cell lung carcinoma (aNSCLC) is mandatory for targeted therapy. The current diagnostic approach employs an algorithm using ALK immunohistochemistry (IHC) screening, followed by confirmation through FISH and/or next-generation sequencing (NGS). Challenges arise due to the infrequency of fusions (3-7% of aNSCLC), the suboptimal specificity of ALK IHC and FISH, and the growing molecular demands placed on small tissue samples, leading to interpretative, tissue availability, and time-related issues. This study investigates the effectiveness of RNA NGS as a reflex test for identifying fusions in NSCLC, with the goal of replacing ALK IHC in the systematic screening process. The evaluation included 1246 NSCLC cases using paired techniques: ALK IHC, FISH, and NGS. ALK IHC identified 51 positive cases (4%), while RNA NGS detected alterations in 59 cases (4.8%). Of the 59 -positive cases identified via NGS, 53 (89.8%) were confirmed to be positive. This included 51 cases detected via both FISH and IHC, and 2 cases detected only via FISH, as they were completely negative according to IHC. The combined reporting time for ALK IHC and FISH averaged 13 days, whereas ALK IHC and RNA NGS reports were obtained in an average of 4 days. These results emphasize the advantage of replacing systematic ALK IHC screening with RNA NGS reflex testing for a more comprehensive and accurate assessment of status.
PubMed: 38927925
DOI: 10.3390/cancers16122219 -
Environmental Science and Pollution... Jun 2024The growing anthropogenic contamination of natural water by microplastics (MPs) confirms the urgent need to preserve this precious resource. MPs are part of the group of...
The growing anthropogenic contamination of natural water by microplastics (MPs) confirms the urgent need to preserve this precious resource. MPs are part of the group of contaminants of emerging concern, and the occurrence studies in surface water and water for human consumption (WHC) are mandatory for environmental and human health risk assessment. This study aims to optimize and validate a Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy method coupled with optical microscopy (micro-FTIR) in transmission mode to monitor MPs in WHC. Water sample (250 mL; without sample pre-treatment) was filtered through 5 µm silicon filters. The infrared spectra identification was performed by OMNIC mathematical correlation, using various spectra libraries for polymers (including the in-house IR spectra library), a background reading on a clean silicon filter, and an aperture of 100 µm × 100 µm. The validated method showed good accuracy, with an average recovery for representative polymers of 91%, a relative standard deviation of 13%, and a reporting limit (RL) of 44 MPs/L. Sixty WHC samples from the Lisbon water supply system showed MPs ranging from 0 (< RL) to 934 MPs/L, with an average value of 309 MPs/L. The most representative polymers were polyethylene (PE, 76.8%), polyethylene terephthalate (PET, 6.9%), polypropylene (PP, 6%), polystyrene (PS, 4%), and polyamide (PA,4%). In terms of size, the microplastic particles had an average length and width of 76 µm and 39 µm, respectively.
PubMed: 38922468
DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-33966-8 -
Public Health Research & Practice Jun 2024An asymptomatic COVID-19 rapid antigen testing (RAT) screening program was implemented in Victorian schools in January 2022, to support keeping schools open throughout...
BACKGROUND
An asymptomatic COVID-19 rapid antigen testing (RAT) screening program was implemented in Victorian schools in January 2022, to support keeping schools open throughout the pandemic. This study explored compliance with the program among caregivers from priority populations in Victorian mainstream and specialist schools.
METHODS
We conducted semi-structured interviews between 7-31 March 2022 with caregivers of school-aged children participating in the RAT program in Victoria. Participants were asked about awareness, acceptability, compliance, frequency, and barriers to testing. Recordings were transcribed and deductively analysed using a framework approach.
RESULTS
Fifty caregivers participated. They expressed confusion about the 'recommended' program, assuming it was mandatory. Caregivers wanted notification from schools of positive cases to increase motivation for compliance. Culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) families were compliant; however, in-language resources were limited. Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander (Koori) families tested less regularly and received information from their community rather than school. Caregivers of children living with disabilities reported behavioural challenges to testing, resulting in distress or non-compliance, and received non-specific information for their children.
CONCLUSIONS
To increase engagement with future surveillance programs, caregivers need clarity about optionality, conducting tests, reporting results, and timely notification of cases. Requirements unique to each priority population include: accurate in-language information for CALD caregivers, community-led communication for Koori caregivers, tailored information, less testing, and flexibility for caregivers of children living with a disability. Keeping schools open and having tailored strategies to ensure equitable access for priority populations are essential for future pandemic management.
PubMed: 38914416
DOI: 10.17061/phrp34232407 -
Psychiatry, Psychology, and Law : An... 2024A recent decision reveals how a New Zealand's disciplinary tribunal promoted justice for an unwell lawyer in a case of professional misconduct. In 2023, the Lawyers and...
A recent decision reveals how a New Zealand's disciplinary tribunal promoted justice for an unwell lawyer in a case of professional misconduct. In 2023, the Lawyers and Conveyancers Disciplinary Tribunal (LCDT) applied a 'merciful approach' when assessing the lawyer's misconduct and health issues. In [2023], the LCDT discussed the impacts of reproductive treatment in relation to the practitioner's conduct. This decision is the foundation to compare the disciplinary regime for legal and health practitioners in New Zealand. The article outlines New Zealand's framework for discipline of lawyers, noting the absence of a health pathway. The article discusses opportunities to resolve cases involving impaired lawyers outside the disciplinary system, including benefits and disadvantages of mandatory reporting. While focusing on the legal profession, the discussion is relevant to other professions and examines health-promoting regulatory strategies from other jurisdictions.
PubMed: 38895726
DOI: 10.1080/13218719.2024.2340098 -
Biology of Sex Differences Jun 2024Active and passive surveillance studies have found that a greater proportion of females report adverse events (AE) following receipt of either the COVID-19 or seasonal...
INTRODUCTION
Active and passive surveillance studies have found that a greater proportion of females report adverse events (AE) following receipt of either the COVID-19 or seasonal influenza vaccine compared to males. In a predominately young adult female population of healthcare workers, we sought to determine the intersection of biological sex and sociocultural gender differences in prospective active reporting of vaccine outcomes, which remains poorly characterized.
METHODS
This cohort study enrolled Johns Hopkins Health System healthcare workers (HCWs) who were recruited from the mandatory annual fall 2019-2022 influenza vaccine and the fall 2022 COVID-19 bivalent vaccine campaigns. Vaccine recipients were enrolled the day of vaccination and AE surveys were administered two days post-vaccination for bivalent COVID-19 and influenza vaccine recipients. Data were collected regarding the presence of a series of solicited local and systemic AEs. Open-ended answers about participants' experiences with AEs also were collected for the COVID-19 vaccine recipients.
RESULTS
Females were more likely to report local AEs after either influenza (OR = 2.28, p = 0.001) or COVID-19 (OR = 2.57, p = 0.008) vaccination compared to males, regardless of age or race. Males and females had comparable probabilities of reporting systemic AEs after either influenza (OR = 1.18, p = 0.552) or COVID-19 (OR = 0.96, p = 0.907) vaccination. Hormonal birth control use did not impact the rates of reported AEs following influenza vaccination among reproductive-aged female HCWs. Women reported more interruptions in their daily routine following COVID-19 vaccination than men and were more likely to seek out self-treatment. More women than men scheduled their COVID-19 vaccination before their days off in anticipation of AEs.
CONCLUSIONS
Our findings highlight the need for sex- and gender-inclusive policies to inform more effective mandatory occupational health vaccination strategies. Further research is needed to evaluate the potential disruption of AEs on occupational responsibilities following mandated vaccination for healthcare workers, a predominately female population, and to more fully characterize the post-vaccination behavioral differences between men and women.
Topics: Humans; Female; Male; Influenza Vaccines; Adult; COVID-19 Vaccines; Middle Aged; Sex Characteristics; Cohort Studies; Health Personnel; Vaccination; COVID-19; Influenza, Human; Young Adult
PubMed: 38890702
DOI: 10.1186/s13293-024-00625-z