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PloS One 2024Many have argued that discrimination against pit bulls is rooted in the breed's association with Black owners and culture. We theoretically and empirically interrogate...
Many have argued that discrimination against pit bulls is rooted in the breed's association with Black owners and culture. We theoretically and empirically interrogate that argument in a variety of ways and uncover striking similarities between the racialization of pit bulls and other racialized issues (e.g., poverty and crime) in public opinion and policy implementation. After detailing the reasons to expect pit bulls to be racialized as Black despite dog ownership in the U.S. generally being raced as white, the article shows: (1) Most Americans associate pit bulls with Black people. (2) Anti-Black attitudes, in general, are significant, independent, predictors of both anti-pit views and of preferring other breeds over them; (3) stereotypes of Black men as violent, in particular, are significant, independent, predictors of both anti-pit views and of preferring other breeds over them. (4) Implicit racialization through a national survey experiment further eroded support for legalizing pits, with the treatment effect significantly conditioned by respondent's race. And (5) state-level racial prejudice is a significant negative predictor of enacting legislation to preempt breed-specific bans. We conclude with our findings' broader insights into the nature of U.S. racial politics. Michael Tesler, [email protected], corresponding author, is Professor of Political Science at UC Irvine; Mary McThomas, [email protected], is Associate Professor of Political Science at UC Irvine. An earlier version of this paper was presented at the American Political Science Association's annual meeting. We thank Maneesh Arora, Rachel Bernhard, Nathan Chan, Louis Pickett, David Sears, DeSipio, Adam Duberstein, Jane Junn, Claire Kim, Jessica Manforti, J. Scott Matthews, Justin.
Topics: Animals; Dogs; Humans; Racism; Politics; Male; United States; Black or African American; Public Opinion; Female; Attitude
PubMed: 38941314
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0305959 -
PloS One 2024The global rise in diabetes, particularly in India, poses a significant public health challenge, with factors such as limited awareness, financial strain, and cultural...
BACKGROUND
The global rise in diabetes, particularly in India, poses a significant public health challenge, with factors such as limited awareness, financial strain, and cultural considerations hindering its effective management. Although lifestyle changes have shown promising results, their consistent implementation and maintenance continue to pose challenges. Most studies have focused primarily on dietary modifications, overlooking other essential aspects of lifestyle intervention. The DiRemI study aims to address these gaps by evaluating the efficacy of a comprehensive one-year program that combines diet, exercise, psychological support, and medical management to achieve weight loss, diabetes remission, and improved glycemic control among patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) in India, while also considering the unique needs of the Indian population.
METHODS
The DiRemI study is a prospective, open-label, matched-group trial aimed at assessing the impact of a one-year online integrated intensive lifestyle intervention (ILI) comprising dietary modifications, physical activity, psychological support, and medical management on weight loss and remission in adult T2D patients (aged 30-70 years), with a body mass index (BMI) between 25 and 35 kg/m2, and disease duration of <15 years. ILI will be compared with routine medical care (RMC). Participants will be recruited from three clinics: one providing ILI and two others providing RMC. The co-primary outcome will be weight loss and remission at 12 months, with a follow-up at 18 months. The proposed sample size is 360 participants (180 each in intervention and control group).
DISCUSSION
The DiRemI study represents the first large-scale remission study in India to show the effectiveness of an integrated approach in the remission and management of T2D and its complications. The findings of this study hold the potential to report evidence-based strategies for managing T2D both in India and globally, thus alleviating the substantial burden of diabetes on public health systems.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
Clinical Trials Registry, India (Registered Number: CTRI/2023/06/053885).
Topics: Humans; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; India; Prospective Studies; Middle Aged; Adult; Female; Male; Aged; Weight Loss; Exercise; Life Style; Remission Induction; Body Mass Index
PubMed: 38941311
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0306394 -
PloS One 2024The COmprehensive Score for Financial Toxicity (COST) has proven to be a reliable tool for quantifying the impact of financial toxicity (FT) in patients with cancer in...
INTRODUCTION
The COmprehensive Score for Financial Toxicity (COST) has proven to be a reliable tool for quantifying the impact of financial toxicity (FT) in patients with cancer in clinical and public health settings. However, the COST has not yet been validated in Vietnam. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate its reliability and validity among Vietnamese patients with cancer.
METHODS
A cross-sectional study was conducted in a sample of 300 patients with cancer aged 27-95 years (mean: 58.5±11.2) in a tertiary hospital. The COST was translated into Vietnamese and English and adjusted to suit the local culture. Reliability was evaluated using Cronbach's alpha and McDonald's omega coefficients. The construct and convergent validities were also assessed.
RESULTS
The COST demonstrated good internal consistency and reliability (Cronbach's alpha = 0.913; McDonald's omega = 0.915). The exploratory factor analysis revealed two factors that explained 64.9% of the variance. The adjusted fit indices indicated a good fit of the model (χ2 (39) = 67.78, p = 0.003; standardized root mean squared residual = 0.042; Tucker-Lewis index = 0.971; comparative fit index = 0.979; root mean square error of approximation = 0.061, 90% confidence interval = 0.035-0084). Higher COST scores were significantly correlated with higher health-related quality of life (EQ-5D-5L utility score: r = 0.21, p = 0.002; EQ VAS: r = 0.28, p < 0.001). Multivariate quantile regression analysis revealed that female sex, rural residence, and unstable job/unemployment were associated with lower COST scores. There was no statistically significant difference in other factors, including clinical factors (types of cancer, staging, and treatment modalities).
CONCLUSIONS
The COST is reliable and valid, making it suitable for assessing FT severity in Vietnamese patients with cancer.
Topics: Humans; Middle Aged; Male; Female; Vietnam; Aged; Adult; Neoplasms; Cross-Sectional Studies; Aged, 80 and over; Reproducibility of Results; Surveys and Questionnaires; Cost of Illness; Southeast Asian People
PubMed: 38941304
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0306339 -
PloS One 2024Data on COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness to support regional vaccine policy and practice are limited in Africa. Thus, this review aimed to evaluate the efficacy and...
BACKGROUND
Data on COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness to support regional vaccine policy and practice are limited in Africa. Thus, this review aimed to evaluate the efficacy and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines administered in Africa.
METHODS
We systematically searched peer-reviewed randomized controlled trials (RCTs), prospective and retrospective cohort studies, and case-control studies that reported on VE in Africa. We carried out a risk of bias assessment, and the findings of this review were synthesized and presented in a narrative form, including tables and figures. The synthesis was focused on COVID-19 VE against various levels of the disease condition and outcomes (infection, hospitalization or critical, and death), time points, and variants of concern.
RESULTS
A total of 13 studies, with a total sample size of 913,285 participants, were included in this review. The majority (8/13) of studies were from South Africa and 38.5% (5/13) were randomized clinical trials. The studies reported that a full dose of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine had a VE of 100% against COVID-19 infection by Beta (B.1.351) and Delta variants and 96.7% against hospitalization by Delta variant. The Johnson and Johnson vaccine had VE ranging from 38.1%-62.0% against hospitalization and 51.9%- 86% against critical disease by Beta (B 1.351) variant. The Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine had a VE of 89.4% against hospitalization by the Omicron variant but was not effective against the B.1.351 variant (10.4%). The Sinopharm vaccine had a VE of 67% against infection and 46% against hospitalization by Delta variant.
CONCLUSIONS
COVID-19 vaccines administered in Africa were effective in preventing infections, hospitalization, and death. These review findings underscore the need for concerted efforts of all stakeholders to enhance the access and availability of COVID-19 vaccines and reinforce public awareness to reach the high-risk, unvaccinated group of the African population.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19 Vaccines; COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; Africa; Vaccine Efficacy; Hospitalization; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 38941303
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0306309 -
PloS One 2024Body mass index (BMI) is inversely proportional with adiponectin levels among adults, while insulin, C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin 6 (IL-6), resistin and tumor...
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
Body mass index (BMI) is inversely proportional with adiponectin levels among adults, while insulin, C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin 6 (IL-6), resistin and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) have been linked with elevated BMI. The role and relation of these biomarkers with BMI among a Hispanic pediatric population are less known. Thus, the objective of this study was to examine the association of inflammatory markers with the odds of overweight/obesity while controlling for several sociodemographic factors among a Hispanic youth population in Northeast Tennessee.
METHODS
Height, weight, demographic information, and blood samples were collected from 107 Hispanic children aged 2 to 10 years recruited at a large community health center in 2015-2016 in Northeast Tennessee. Data for this research were accessed and analyzed in 2022. Multivariable logistic regression was conducted to assess the relations between adiponectin, insulin, resistin, CRP, TNF-α, and IL-6, and overweight/obesity vs. having a healthy (normal) weight.
RESULTS
Adiponectin levels were significantly lower among overweight/obese Hispanic children (p = 0.0144) compared to healthy weight children. The odds of overweight/obesity decreased by 4% for every one-unit increase in serum adiponectin. Insulin levels were significantly higher among overweight/obese Hispanic children compared to healthy weight children (p = 0.0048). The odds of overweight/obesity increased by 7% for every one-unit increase in serum insulin. Resistin, IL-6, TNF-α, and CRP were not significantly associated with overweight/obesity in this population.
CONCLUSION
Adiponectin behaves similarly in Hispanic youth as it does in other pediatric populations, possibly making it a valuable marker when examining metabolic health status in this population.
Topics: Humans; Child; Body Mass Index; Male; Female; Hispanic or Latino; Child, Preschool; Biomarkers; Adiponectin; C-Reactive Protein; Interleukin-6; Resistin; Insulin; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; Inflammation; Pediatric Obesity; Overweight; Tennessee
PubMed: 38941300
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0289523 -
PloS One 2024During the Omicron pandemic, clinical first-line nurses played a crucial role in healthcare. Their innovative behavior enhanced the quality of nursing and served as a...
Innovative behavior and organizational innovation climate among the Chinese clinical first-line nurses during the Omicron pandemic: The mediating roles of self-transcendence.
BACKGROUND
During the Omicron pandemic, clinical first-line nurses played a crucial role in healthcare. Their innovative behavior enhanced the quality of nursing and served as a vital factor in driving the sustainable development of the nursing discipline and healthcare industry. Many previous studies have confirmed the significance of nurses' innovative behavior worldwide. However, the correlations among innovative behaviors, organizational innovation climate, self-transcendence, and their mediating roles in Chinese clinical first-line nurses need further research.
METHODS
A cross-sectional study was conducted, and the quality reporting conformed to the STROBE Checklist. From March 2022 to February 2023, a convenience sample of 1,058 Chinese clinical first-line nurses was recruited from seven tertiary grade-A hospitals of Tianjin city in Northern China. The Demographic Characteristics Questionnaire, Nurse Innovative Behavior Scale (NIBS), Nurse Organizational Innovation Climate Scale, and the Self-Transcendence Scale were used. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation, and process plug-in mediation effect analyses.
RESULTS
The total scores of innovative behavior, organizational innovation climate, and self-transcendence were 33.19 ± 6.71, 68.88 ± 12.76, and 41.25 ± 7.83, respectively. Innovative behavior was positively correlated with the organizational innovation climate (r = 0.583, p < 0.01) and self-transcendence (r = 0.635, p < 0.01). Self-transcendence partially mediated mediating role between innovative behavior and organizational innovation climate, accounting for 41.7%.
CONCLUSION
The innovative behavior, organizational innovation climate, and self-transcendence among the first-line nurses during the Omicron pandemic were relatively moderate, which needs improving. Organizational innovation climate can directly affect the innovative behavior among Chinese clinical first-line nurses and indirectly through the mediating role of self-transcendence. It is recommended that nursing managers adjust their management strategies and techniques based on the unique characteristics of nurses during the pandemic. This includes fostering a positive and inclusive environment for organizational innovation, nurturing nurses' motivation and awareness for innovation, enhancing their ability to gather information effectively, overcoming negative emotions resulting from the pandemic, and promoting personal growth. These efforts will ultimately enhance nursing quality and satisfaction during the Omicron pandemic.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; China; Cross-Sectional Studies; Adult; Female; Male; Organizational Innovation; Surveys and Questionnaires; Pandemics; Nurses; SARS-CoV-2; Organizational Culture; Middle Aged; East Asian People
PubMed: 38941294
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0306109 -
JMIR Public Health and Surveillance May 2024Food-induced anaphylaxis (FIA) is a major public health problem resulting in serious clinical complications, emergency department visits, hospitalization, and death.
BACKGROUND
Food-induced anaphylaxis (FIA) is a major public health problem resulting in serious clinical complications, emergency department visits, hospitalization, and death.
OBJECTIVE
The objectives of this investigation were to assess the epidemiology and the trends in hospitalizations because of FIA in Spain between 2016 and 2021.
METHODS
An observational descriptive study was conducted using data from the Spanish National hospital discharge database. Information is coded based on the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision. The study population was analyzed by sex and age group and according to food triggers, clinical characteristics, admission to the intensive care unit (ICU), severity, and in-hospital mortality (IHM). The annual incidence of hospitalizations because of FIA per 100,000 person-years was estimated and analyzed using Poisson regression models. Multivariable logistic regression models were constructed to identify which variables were associated with severe FIA.
RESULTS
A total of 2161 hospital admissions for FIA in were recorded in Spain from 2016 to 2021. The overall incidence rate was 0.77 cases per 100,000 person-years. The highest incidence was found in the <15-year age group (3.68), with lower figures among those aged 15-59 years (0.25) and ≥60 years (0.29). Poisson regression showed a significant increase in incidence from 2016 to 2021 only among children (3.78 per 100,000 vs. 5.02 per 100,000 person-years; p=.047). The most frequent food triggers were ""Milk and dairy products" (419/2161, 19.4% of cases) and "Peanuts and tree nuts and seeds" (409/2161, 18.9%). Overall, 256 of 2161 (11.9%) patients hospitalized because of FIA required admission to the ICU, and 11 patients (0.5%) died in hospital. Among children, the most severe cases of FIA appeared in patients aged 0 to 4 years (40/99, 40.4%). Among adults, 69.4% (111/160) of cases occurred in those aged 15 to 59 years. Multivariable logistic regression showed the variables associated with severe FIA to be age 15-59 years (OR, 5.1; 95% CI, 3.11-8.36), age ≥60 years (OR, 3.87; 95% CI, 1.99-7.53), and asthma.
CONCLUSIONS
In Spain, the incidence of hospitalization because of FIA increased slightly, although the only significant increase was among children. Even if IHM remains low and stable, the proportion of severe cases is high and has not improved from 2016 to 2021, with older age and asthma being risk factors for severity. Surveillance must be improved, and preventive strategies implemented to reduce the burden of FIA.
PubMed: 38940759
DOI: 10.2196/57340 -
Health Technology Assessment... Jun 2024Anterior cruciate ligament injury of the knee is common and leads to decreased activity and risk of secondary osteoarthritis of the knee. Management of patients with a... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND
Anterior cruciate ligament injury of the knee is common and leads to decreased activity and risk of secondary osteoarthritis of the knee. Management of patients with a non-acute anterior cruciate ligament injury can be non-surgical (rehabilitation) or surgical (reconstruction). However, insufficient evidence exists to guide treatment.
OBJECTIVE(S)
To determine in patients with non-acute anterior cruciate ligament injury and symptoms of instability whether a strategy of surgical management (reconstruction) without prior rehabilitation was more clinically and cost-effective than non-surgical management (rehabilitation).
DESIGN
A pragmatic, multicentre, superiority, randomised controlled trial with two-arm parallel groups and 1:1 allocation. Due to the nature of the interventions, no blinding could be carried out.
SETTING
Twenty-nine NHS orthopaedic units in the United Kingdom.
PARTICIPANTS
Participants with a symptomatic (instability) non-acute anterior cruciate ligament-injured knee.
INTERVENTIONS
Patients in the surgical management arm underwent surgical anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction as soon as possible and without any further rehabilitation. Patients in the rehabilitation arm attended physiotherapy sessions and only were listed for reconstructive surgery on continued instability following rehabilitation. Surgery following initial rehabilitation was an expected outcome for many patients and within protocol.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
The primary outcome was the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score 4 at 18 months post randomisation. Secondary outcomes included return to sport/activity, intervention-related complications, patient satisfaction, expectations of activity, generic health quality of life, knee-specific quality of life and resource usage.
RESULTS
Three hundred and sixteen participants were recruited between February 2017 and April 2020 with 156 randomised to surgical management and 160 to rehabilitation. Forty-one per cent ( = 65) of those allocated to rehabilitation underwent subsequent reconstruction within 18 months with 38% ( = 61) completing rehabilitation and not undergoing surgery. Seventy-two per cent ( = 113) of those allocated to surgery underwent reconstruction within 18 months. Follow-up at the primary outcome time point was 78% ( = 248; surgical, = 128; rehabilitation, = 120). Both groups improved over time. Adjusted mean Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score 4 scores at 18 months had increased to 73.0 in the surgical arm and to 64.6 in the rehabilitation arm. The adjusted mean difference was 7.9 (95% confidence interval 2.5 to 13.2; = 0.005) in favour of surgical management. The per-protocol analyses supported the intention-to-treat results, with all treatment effects favouring surgical management at a level reaching statistical significance. There was a significant difference in Tegner Activity Score at 18 months. Sixty-eight per cent ( = 65) of surgery patients did not reach their expected activity level compared to 73% ( = 63) in the rehabilitation arm. There were no differences between groups in surgical complications ( = 1 surgery, = 2 rehab) or clinical events ( = 11 surgery, = 12 rehab). Of surgery patients, 82.9% were satisfied compared to 68.1% of rehabilitation patients. Health economic analysis found that surgical management led to improved health-related quality of life compared to non-surgical management (0.052 quality-adjusted life-years, = 0.177), but with higher NHS healthcare costs (£1107, < 0.001). The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio for the surgical management programme versus rehabilitation was £19,346 per quality-adjusted life-year gained. Using £20,000-30,000 per quality-adjusted life-year thresholds, surgical management is cost-effective in the UK setting with a probability of being the most cost-effective option at 51% and 72%, respectively.
LIMITATIONS
Not all surgical patients underwent reconstruction, but this did not affect trial interpretation. The adherence to physiotherapy was patchy, but the trial was designed as pragmatic.
CONCLUSIONS
Surgical management (reconstruction) for non-acute anterior cruciate ligament-injured patients was superior to non-surgical management (rehabilitation). Although physiotherapy can still provide benefit, later-presenting non-acute anterior cruciate ligament-injured patients benefit more from surgical reconstruction without delaying for a prior period of rehabilitation.
FUTURE WORK
Confirmatory studies and those to explore the influence of fidelity and compliance will be useful.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
This trial is registered as Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN10110685; ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02980367.
FUNDING
This award was funded by the National Institute of Health and Care Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme (NIHR award ref: 14/140/63) and is published in full in ; Vol. 28, No. 27. See the NIHR Funding and Awards website for further award information.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries; Adult; United Kingdom; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction; Quality of Life; Quality-Adjusted Life Years; Middle Aged; Young Adult; State Medicine; Joint Instability; Adolescent; Technology Assessment, Biomedical
PubMed: 38940695
DOI: 10.3310/VDKB6009 -
Medeniyet Medical Journal Jun 2024Superior semicircular canal dehiscence (SSCD) is a pathologic condition within the inner ear characterized by various vestibular manifestations. Numerous studies have...
OBJECTIVE
Superior semicircular canal dehiscence (SSCD) is a pathologic condition within the inner ear characterized by various vestibular manifestations. Numerous studies have reported an incidence rate of SSCD ranging from 3.6% to 9% in the general population. The objective of this medical study was to evaluate the prevalence of superior SSCD and investigate its correlation with vestibular symptoms among patients who underwent high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scans. To the best of our knowledge, there is limited research and awareness regarding SSCD in Vietnam. In addition, the secondary aim of our investigation is to assess the prevalence of SSCD in Vietnam and compare it with findings from previous studies worldwide.
METHODS
This retrospective study was conducted at Tam Anh Ho Chi Minh General Hospital from March 2022 to February 2024. Medical records and HRCT scans of the patients were collected. Patients were categorized into two groups: those with and without vestibular disorders. SSCD was defined as the absence of bone overlying the superior semicircular canal facing toward the dura of the middle cranial fossa. Statistical analysis was performed to determine the correlation between vestibular symptoms and the presence of SSCD.
RESULTS
A total of 362 patients (including 151 men and 211 women) were recruited. The prevalence of SSCD was 10.2% according to the HRCT scan results. The study found that 18.33% of patients with vestibular disorders had SSCD on HRCT scans, whereas only 6.2% of patients without vestibular disorders exhibited SSCD, indicating a significant association (p-value <0.001).
CONCLUSIONS
These findings highlight the importance of considering SSCD as a potential etiology in patients presenting with vestibular symptoms and emphasize the diagnostic utility of HRCT.
PubMed: 38940491
DOI: 10.4274/MMJ.galenos.2024.55060 -
Medeniyet Medical Journal Jun 2024While the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has generally resulted in milder illness among children than adults, persistent respiratory symptoms have been...
OBJECTIVE
While the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has generally resulted in milder illness among children than adults, persistent respiratory symptoms have been increasingly reported in this population.
METHODS
We conducted a prospective, single-center cohort study focusing on children experiencing prolonged respiratory symptoms after contracting COVID-19. Spirometry, 6- minute walk tests (6MWTs), and tests of lung volume, the diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide (DLCO), and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) were performed on COVID-19 survivors at least 4 weeks after infection and a group of healthy control subjects.
RESULTS
Fifty-five children with long-term COVID and 55 healthy control subjects were recruited. The weight, height, and body mass index Z-scores were similar in the groups. Within a median duration of 85 days (minimummaximum: 35-194) following COVID-19 infection, a restrictive pattern was observed to be more common in the study group (p=0.021). In children with long COVID, 6MWT distances, DLCO Z-scores, and the predicted values of spirometry and lung volume tests were found to be significantly lower but in the normal range. The average predicted values for DLCO, FeNO, and 6MWT were similar in the two groups.
CONCLUSIONS
Prolonged respiratory symptoms often persist long after COVID-19 infection, necessitating comprehensive evaluation of affected children. Close monitoring, including spirometry and lung volume assessments, is crucial for children with abnormalities in lung imaging. However, FeNO measurements were found to be ineffective in monitoring long COVID.
PubMed: 38940402
DOI: 10.4274/MMJ.galenos.2024.15853