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BMJ Open May 2024This study aims to predict the risk of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) through a back-propagation neural network (BPNN) model. It provides an early, simple and...
Risk analysis of noise-induced hearing loss of workers in the automobile manufacturing industries based on back-propagation neural network model: a cross-sectional study in Han Chinese population.
OBJECTIVES
This study aims to predict the risk of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) through a back-propagation neural network (BPNN) model. It provides an early, simple and accurate prediction method for NIHL.
DESIGN
Population based, a cross sectional study.
SETTING
Han, China.
PARTICIPANTS
This study selected 3266 Han male workers from three automobile manufacturing industries.
PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURES
Information including personal life habits, occupational health test information and occupational exposure history were collected and predictive factors of NIHL were screened from these workers. BPNN and logistic regression models were constructed using these predictors.
RESULTS
The input variables of BPNN model were 20, 16 and 21 important factors screened by univariate, stepwise and lasso-logistic regression. When the BPNN model was applied to the test set, it was found to have a sensitivity (TPR) of 83.33%, a specificity (TNR) of 85.92%, an accuracy (ACC) of 85.51%, a positive predictive value (PPV) of 52.85%, a negative predictive value of 96.46% and area under the receiver operating curve (AUC) is: 0.926 (95% CI: 0.891 to 0.961), which demonstrated the better overall properties than univariate-logistic regression modelling (AUC: 0.715) (95% CI: 0.652 to 0.777). The BPNN model has better predictive performance against NIHL than the stepwise-logistic and lasso-logistic regression model in terms of TPR, TNR, ACC, PPV and NPV (p<0.05); the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve of NIHL is also higher than that of the stepwise and lasso-logistic regression model (p<0.05). It was a relatively important factor in NIHL to find cumulative noise exposure, auditory system symptoms, age, listening to music or watching video with headphones, exposure to high temperature and noise exposure time in the trained BPNN model.
CONCLUSIONS
The BPNN model was a valuable tool in dealing with the occupational risk prediction problem of NIHL. It can be used to predict the risk of an individual NIHL.
Topics: Humans; Hearing Loss, Noise-Induced; Cross-Sectional Studies; Neural Networks, Computer; Male; China; Adult; Automobiles; Middle Aged; Risk Assessment; Manufacturing Industry; Occupational Diseases; Occupational Exposure; Noise, Occupational; Logistic Models; Risk Factors; ROC Curve; East Asian People
PubMed: 38760055
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-079955 -
Translational Vision Science &... May 2024To evaluate the visual performance in adolescents undergoing orthokeratology (OrthoK) treatment with two different optical zone diameters (OZDs). (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
PURPOSE
To evaluate the visual performance in adolescents undergoing orthokeratology (OrthoK) treatment with two different optical zone diameters (OZDs).
METHODS
This randomized, double-masked, self-controlled prospective study was conducted at Tianjin Eye Hospital (Tianjin, China) in June 2022. Thirty-six eligible schoolchildren were enrolled and fitted with corneal refractive therapy lenses with two sizes of OZDs (5 mm [5OZ] and 6 mm [6OZ]). Each participant was randomized to wear the 5OZ in one eye and the 6OZ in the contralateral eye. Subjective visual quality was assessed using visual acuity, refraction, contrast sensitivity function, and visual symptoms, and the objective optical quality was assessed using ocular higher order aberrations (HOAs) and modulation transfer function (MTF).
RESULTS
Thirty-five myopic children completed a 1-month follow-up visit. The 5OZ lens induced significantly smaller treatment zone diameters than the 6OZ lens (P < 0.001). Subjective visual quality did not differ significantly between the two groups. Compared to baseline, aberrations of Z40, coma-like, spherical-like, and total HOAs in both groups increased significantly (P < 0.05). For the 3-mm pupils, spherical aberration in the 5OZ group was significantly higher than that in the 6OZ group (P < 0.05). The MTF value of the 6OZ group was significantly higher than that of 5OZ group for 0.3 and 1.5 cycles per degree for the 3-mm pupils (P = 0.006 and P = 0.026, respectively). However, HOAs or MTF did not differ significantly between the two groups for the 5-mm pupils.
CONCLUSIONS
The difference induced by varying OZD was significant only in the smaller pupil condition. The selection of OZD in OrthoK designs in real-world patient management should be done while considering individual pupil size.
TRANSLATIONAL RELEVANCE
This study revealed that the objective visual quality of small OZD lenses was only slightly affected for the small pupil size.
Topics: Humans; Female; Orthokeratologic Procedures; Male; Visual Acuity; Prospective Studies; Adolescent; Myopia; Child; Double-Blind Method; Refraction, Ocular; Contrast Sensitivity; Contact Lenses
PubMed: 38758570
DOI: 10.1167/tvst.13.5.12 -
Radiology Case Reports Aug 2024Schwannoma, typically a non-cancerous tumor originating from Schwann cells, seldom occurs in the retroperitoneal area. Its clinical manifestation varies, often remaining...
Schwannoma, typically a non-cancerous tumor originating from Schwann cells, seldom occurs in the retroperitoneal area. Its clinical manifestation varies, often remaining asymptomatic for an extended period until it enlarges, exerting pressure on neighboring organs. This article presents a unique instance of retroperitoneal pelvic schwannoma in a 75-year-old woman, initially presenting with unusual lower back discomfort. Imaging was used to characterize the tumor, and anatomopathological examination established the preoperative diagnosis of pelvic schwannoma and its benign nature. The clinical, imaging, and anatomopathological aspects of this pelvic schwannoma case are elucidated herein.
PubMed: 38756950
DOI: 10.1016/j.radcr.2024.03.075 -
Frontiers in Public Health 2024The influx of undocumented migrants and asylum seekers into Lithuania, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, presents unique public health challenges. This study...
"We want our freedom back, that's our only need": a qualitative study of health and social needs among asylum seekers and undocumented migrants crossing the borders from Belarus to Lithuania.
BACKGROUND
The influx of undocumented migrants and asylum seekers into Lithuania, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, presents unique public health challenges. This study employs the Social Determinants of Health framework to explore the healthcare and social needs of this vulnerable population.
METHODS
In May 2022, we carried out a qualitative study through semi-structured interviews with asylum seekers across four centers in Lithuania. Employing both purposive and snowball sampling techniques, we selected participants for our investigation. The study comprised 21 interviews-19 conducted in Arabic and 2 in English-with durations ranging between 20 and 40 min each. We audio-recorded all interviews, transcribed them verbatim, and subsequently performed a thematic analysis using Atlas.ti software. This process of design and analysis strictly followed the principles of thematic analysis as outlined by Braun and Clarke, guaranteeing methodological precision and rigor.
FINDINGS
21 interviews revealed critical insights into the healthcare access challenges, mental health issues, and social integration barriers faced by the participants. Key themes included 'Healthcare Needs and the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic 'and 'Social needs and Aspirations Amidst Pandemic-Induced Uncertainty '. The findings highlight the multifaceted healthcare and social needs of asylum seekers, juxtaposed against significant barriers they face. Access to medical services is hindered by long waiting times and financial constraints, especially for specialized care such as dental services. Communication issues during medical appointments due to language barriers and the lack of gender-specific healthcare, such as access to gynecological services, further exacerbate the challenges. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic introduces hurdles such as limited testing, isolation measures, language-specific information barriers, and insufficient social distancing practices. Mental health has emerged as a critical concern, with asylum seekers reporting significant stress and emotional exhaustion due to uncertainty and restrictive living conditions. Social needs extend to delayed asylum application processes, inconsistent language education opportunities, inadequate clothing, and nutrition that lacks cultural sensitivity, and living conditions characterized by overcrowding and insufficient facilities. The restricted freedom of movement within asylum seeking centres severely impacts their psychological well-being, underscoring a deep longing for autonomy and a better life despite the myriad of challenges faced.
DISCUSSION
The study illustrates the complex interplay between migration, health, and social factors in the context of a global pandemic. It highlights the need for culturally sensitive healthcare services, mental health support, and structured language education programs. Offering educational avenues alongside language courses for children and adults is essential for fostering social inclusion and securing economic prosperity. Addressing the challenge of language barriers is of utmost importance, as these barriers significantly impede undocumented migrants' and asylum seekers employment opportunities and their access to crucial services. The findings emphasized immigration as a health determinant and underscored the importance of inclusive health policies and advocacy for undocumented migrants and asylum seekers' rights and needs.
CONCLUSION
There is an urgent need for comprehensive policies and practices that are grounded in the principles of equity, compassion, and human rights. Additionally, advocating for practice adaptations that are culturally sensitive, linguistically inclusive, and responsive to the unique challenges faced by undocumented migrants and asylum seekers. As global migration continues to rise, these findings are crucial for informing public health strategies and social services that cater to the diverse needs of this vulnerable population.
Topics: Humans; Lithuania; Qualitative Research; Refugees; Female; Male; Adult; COVID-19; Health Services Accessibility; Undocumented Immigrants; Health Services Needs and Demand; Middle Aged; Social Determinants of Health; Interviews as Topic; Mental Health; Transients and Migrants
PubMed: 38756883
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1371119 -
Frontiers in Public Health 2024We examined the effectiveness of three different messages for persuading individuals to get vaccinated against COVID-19, and the role that emotions play in persuasion. (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
OBJECTIVE
We examined the effectiveness of three different messages for persuading individuals to get vaccinated against COVID-19, and the role that emotions play in persuasion.
METHODS
Four hundred-thirty-six participants reported their concern about the COVID-19 pandemic and confidence/hesitancy toward vaccines. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three text conditions: (1) self-interest: a persuasive message that focused on how much of a "serious threat COVID-19 is to you," and to get vaccinated to "protect yourself"; (2) self-interest + altruistic: a persuasive message that focused on the "threat to you and your community" and to get vaccinated to "protect you and your loved ones"; (3) self-interest + altruistic + normal: a persuasive message that included (2) but added "This is the only way we can get back to a normal life."; and, (4) a baseline control: no text. After reading, participants reported their emotions toward COVID-19 vaccines and their willingness to get vaccinated.
RESULTS
Individuals in the self-interest + altruistic + normal condition were more willing to get vaccinated compared to the control condition and self-interest + altruistic condition. However, there were no differences in willingness between the self-interest + altruistic + normal condition and the self-interest condition. Moreover, emotions mediated relations between vaccine confidence/hesitancy and willingness.
CONCLUSION
A message that focuses on "getting back to normal" can achieve important public health action by increasing vaccine uptake to protect the population. Future work is needed across multiple countries and contexts (i.e., non-pandemic) to assess message effectiveness.
Topics: Humans; Persuasive Communication; Female; Male; COVID-19; Emotions; Adult; COVID-19 Vaccines; Middle Aged; Vaccination; SARS-CoV-2; Vaccination Hesitancy; Young Adult; Text Messaging; Patient Acceptance of Health Care
PubMed: 38756873
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1377973 -
Ecology and Evolution May 2024In predator-prey interactions, the prey faces extreme challenges from predation, which drives the evolution of defense or anti-predator mechanisms. Compared with adult...
In predator-prey interactions, the prey faces extreme challenges from predation, which drives the evolution of defense or anti-predator mechanisms. Compared with adult birds, nestlings are more vulnerable but not helpless. However, data on whether nestlings eavesdrop on the danger signals transmitted by other prey nestlings and the mechanisms of eavesdropping remain limited. In brood parasitism, common cuckoo () nestlings, raised by host adults who are not closely related, offer an instructive system for studying the transmission and recognition of danger signals among nestlings of different species that share special relationships. We played back the distress calls of common cuckoo nestlings to nestlings of three sympatric host species (the oriental reed warbler , which is a primary host of the common cuckoo, the reed parrotbill , an occasional host, and the vinous-throated parrotbill , which is not parasitized in the study area) to investigate whether the host nestlings reduced their begging behavior. We also quantified the degree of inhibition toward begging behavior for these nestlings. The results revealed that, in response to the distress calls, the three sympatric host species markedly suppressed their begging behavior. This response can likely be attributed to the innate response of host nestlings caused by the general characteristics of distress calls, rather than the acoustic similarity and phylogenetic relationship between host nestlings and cuckoo nestlings. Furthermore, we observed that upon hearing the distress calls of cuckoo nestlings, the oriental reed warbler nestlings exhibited the greatest reduction in the total number of calls compared to the other two host species, potentially owing to stronger predation and parasitic pressures. This study suggests that host nestlings can detect danger signals emitted by parasitic nestlings; however, further investigation is needed to determine whether they can respond to distress calls from unfamiliar nestlings in different regions.
PubMed: 38756686
DOI: 10.1002/ece3.11437 -
Spinal subdural hematoma with sudden onset of paraplegia in a patient on oral anticoagulant therapy.Clinical Case Reports May 2024Spinal subdural hematoma is uncommon but may become more prevalent with increasing anticoagulant use. Early diagnosis from symptoms like lower back pain and leg...
Spinal subdural hematoma is uncommon but may become more prevalent with increasing anticoagulant use. Early diagnosis from symptoms like lower back pain and leg paralysis is crucial for timely intervention.
PubMed: 38756616
DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.8895 -
Zhong Nan Da Xue Xue Bao. Yi Xue Ban =... Feb 2024Primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) is a systemic autoimmune disease that is prevalent in middle-aged and elderly women, characterized by dry mouth, dry eyes, fatigue, and... (Review)
Review
Primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) is a systemic autoimmune disease that is prevalent in middle-aged and elderly women, characterized by dry mouth, dry eyes, fatigue, and joint pain. Nearly one-third pSS patients have been suffering with osteoporosis (OP), displaying symptoms of lumbago, back pain, and even fracture, all of which severely affect their life quality. Common risk factors for pSS and OP include gender and age, persistent state of inflammation, immune disorders, intestinal flora imbalance, vitamin D deficiency, dyslipidemia and sarcopenia. Meanwhile, the comorbidities of pSS, such as renal tubular acidosis, primary biliary cholangitis, autoimmune thyroid diseases, and drugs (glucocorticoids, methotrexate, and cyclophosphamide) are unique risk factors for pSS complicated with OP. Education, guidance of healthy lifestyle, and OP screening are recommended for bone management of pSS patients. Early detection and intervention are crucial for keeping bone health and life quality in pSS patients.
Topics: Humans; Sjogren's Syndrome; Osteoporosis; Risk Factors; Female; Comorbidity; Vitamin D Deficiency; Quality of Life
PubMed: 38755728
DOI: 10.11817/j.issn.1672-7347.2024.230295 -
AIDS Research and Therapy May 2024HIV early infant diagnosis (HEID) at the centralized laboratory faces many challenges that impact the cascade of timely HEID. Point of Care (PoC) HEID has shown to...
BACKGROUND
HIV early infant diagnosis (HEID) at the centralized laboratory faces many challenges that impact the cascade of timely HEID. Point of Care (PoC) HEID has shown to reduce test turnaround times, allow for task shifting and has the potential to reduce infant mortality. We aimed at assessing the feasibility of nurse based PoC-HEID in five facilities of Mbeya region.
METHODS
We analysed data from healthcare workers at five obstetric health facilities that participated in the BABY study which enrolled mothers living with HIV and their HIV exposed infants who were followed up until 6 weeks post-delivery. Nurses and laboratory personnel were trained and performed HEID procedures using the Xpert HIV-1 Qual PoC systems. Involved personnel were interviewed on feasibility, knowledge and competency of procedures and overall impression of the use of HIV-1 Qual PoC system in clinical settings.
RESULTS
A total of 28 health care workers (HCWs) who participated in the study between 2014 and 2016 were interviewed, 23 being nurses, 1 clinical officer, 1 lab scientist and 3 lab technicians The median age was 39.5 years. Majority of the nurses (22/24) and all lab staff were confident using Gene Xpert PoC test after being trained. None of them rated Gene Xpert handling as too complicated despite minor challenges. Five HCWs (5/24) reported power cut as the most often occurring problem. As an overall impression, all interviewees agreed on PoC HEID to be used in clinical settings however, about half of them (11/24) indicated that the PoC-HEID procedures add a burden onto their routine workload.
CONCLUSION
Overall, health care workers in our study demonstrated very good perceptions and experiences of using PoC HEID. Efforts should be invested on quality training, targeted task distribution at the clinics, continual supportive supervision and power back up mechanisms to make the wide-scale adoption of nurse based PoC HEID testing a possibility.
Topics: Humans; HIV Infections; Point-of-Care Testing; Health Personnel; Female; Tanzania; Infant; Early Diagnosis; HIV-1; Infant, Newborn; Adult; Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical; Male; HIV Testing; Pregnancy; Attitude of Health Personnel
PubMed: 38755626
DOI: 10.1186/s12981-024-00619-2 -
Scientific Reports May 2024In this paper we investigate the effect of a topological defect, such as a screw dislocation in an - Aharonov-Bohm quantum ring and scrutinized the effects of an...
In this paper we investigate the effect of a topological defect, such as a screw dislocation in an - Aharonov-Bohm quantum ring and scrutinized the effects of an external transverse magnetic field and Rashba spin-orbit coupling therein. The screw dislocation yields an effective flux which reshape the periodic oscillations in the persistent current in both charge and spin sectors, with a period equal to one flux quantum. Moreover, they suffer a phase shift proportional to the degree of dislocation, and include scattering effects due to the dislocation present in the system. Such tunable oscillation of the spin persistent current highlights applications of our system as potential spintronic devices. Further, the behaviour of the current induced by the Burgers vector ( ) which denotes the strength of the dislocation is investigated in the absence and presence of an external magnetic field. In both the scenarios, an almost linear decrease in the current profile as a function of the Burgers vector is observed. Notably, without the external magnetic field, the Burgers current suffers a back flow for (dice lattice), while in the presence of the external magnetic field, for other values of (e.g., ) this back flow occurs for a specific value of . Additionally, the presence of the distortion induces a chirality effect, giving rise to an additional chiral current even in the absence of an external field. Furthermore, in the absence of field, the Burgers spin current initially rises, attains a maximum before diminishing as is enhance for all values of . However, such a non-monotonicity in the Burgers spin current is conspicuously non-existent in the presence of an external field. The chiral current discussed above may hold important applications to spintronics.
PubMed: 38755231
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-61889-4