scholarly journals The perceived health effects of e-cigarette use among adult smokers

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joey Cheng ◽  
BCIT School of Health Sciences, Environmental Health ◽  
Dale Chen
Keyword(s):  
Health Effects ◽  
Smoking Status ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Health Benefits ◽  
Target Population ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Multiple Choice Questions ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Objective Health ◽  
The Government

Background: Vaping and e-cigarettes have been an epidemic among youths in recent years. In addition, as of April 2020, there has been hundreds of vaping related illnesses causing fatalities. As such there has been increased coverage by media and the government in regard to reporting vaping-related dangers and implementing regulatory changes such as bans. These actions could deter the target population from engaging in vaping – tobacco users. Research has shown that e-cigarettes are significantly less toxic relative to tobacco and that it could be more effective as a cessation treatment relative to nicotine gums or patches. This study surveyed current perceptions of Canadians with regards to vaping in order to determine if certain groups (i.e. varying ages, smoking status) hold different opinions in terms of harm, health benefits, and support for stricter e-cigarette regulations. Methods: Self-administered online surveys created on Survey Monkey were distributed to Canadians via online platforms Reddit and Facebook. The survey assessed opinions and perceptions of Canadians through multiple choice questions and were collected over a three week period. Results: This study received 157 respondents the majority of which were under 35 (73.08%) and from British Columbia (65.38%). Thirteen chi-square tests were performed comparing group variables (age, smoking status, and awareness of vaping related news) to perception variables (perceived harm, health benefits, safety). There was no association found between age and the tested perception variables. Several associations were found where e-cigarette users viewed e-cigarettes more favourably relative to tobacco users and non-users based on chi-square results. Chi-square associations between media awareness and harm perceptions could not be established due to a small sample size (n< 30). Conclusion: The results indicated that there are associations with e-cigarette perceptions and a person’s smoking status. This may be an indication that there is possible misinformation between groups when it comes to evaluating objective health effects of e-cigarettes. Non-users and a percentage of tobacco users seem to overstate

scholarly journals A Pilot Placebo Controlled Randomized Trial of Dexamethasone for Chronic Subdural Hematoma

2016 ◽  
Vol 43 (2) ◽  
pp. 284-290 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michel Prud’homme ◽  
François Mathieu ◽  
Nicolas Marcotte ◽  
Sylvine Cottin
Keyword(s):  
Conservative Treatment ◽  
Adverse Events ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Chronic Subdural Hematoma ◽  
Symptomatic Patient ◽  
Placebo Treatment ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Serious Adverse Events ◽  
Before And After

AbstractBackground: Current opinions regarding the use of dexamethasone in the treatment of chronic subdural hematomas (CSDH) are only based on observational studies. Moreover, the use of corticosteroids in asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic patient with this condition remains controversial. Here, we present data from a prospective randomized pilot study of CSDH patients treated with dexamethasone or placebo. Methods: Twenty patients with imaging-confirmed CSDH were recruited from a single center and randomized to receive dexamethasone (12 mg/day for 3 weeks followed by tapering) or placebo as a conservative treatment. Patients were followed for 6 months and the rate of success of conservative treatment with dexamethasone versus placebo was measured. Parameters such as hematoma thickness and clinical changes were also compared before and after treatment with chi-square tests. Adverse events and complications were documented. Results: During the 6-month follow-up, one of ten patients treated with corticosteroids had to undergo surgical drainage and three of ten patients were treated surgically after placebo treatment. At the end of the study, all remaining patients had complete radiological resolution. No significant differences were observed in terms of hematoma thickness profile and impression of change; however, patients experienced more severe side effects when treated with steroids as compared with placebo. Dexamethasone contributed to many serious adverse events. Conclusions: Given the small sample size, these preliminary results have not shown a clear beneficial effect of dexamethasone against placebo in our patients. However, the number of secondary effects reported was much greater for corticosteroids, and dexamethasone treatment was responsible for significant complications.

scholarly journals Uterus transplantation: joys and frustrations of becoming a ‘complete’ woman—a qualitative study regarding self-image in the 5-year period after transplantation

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (8) ◽  
pp. 1855-1863 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stina Järvholm ◽  
Anders Enskog ◽  
Catrina Hammarling ◽  
Pernilla Dahm-Kähler ◽  
Mats Brännström
Keyword(s):  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Post Transplantation ◽  
Uterus Transplantation ◽  
Self Image ◽  
Registration Number ◽  
Competing Interest ◽  
The Government

Abstract STUDY QUESTION How is a women’s self-image affected by uterus transplantation (UTx)? SUMMARY ANSWER Women experienced receiving a uterus in both positive and negative ways, but in general, their self-image was positively affected; regardless of whether they have given birth to a child or not, recipients describe themselves as being ‘back to normal’ after the hysterectomy to remove the transplanted uterus. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY UTx has repeatedly proved to be a successful treatment for absolute uterine factor infertility. However, there has been no previous qualitative long-term research into the self-image of women undergoing UTx. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This complete, prospective cohort study included the nine recipients of the first UTxs performed in Sweden mostly in 2013. Interviews took place in the 5 years following surgery. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Eight out of the nine recipients had congenital absence of the uterus, a characteristic of Mayer–Rokitansky–Küster–Hauser syndrome, and one recipient lacked a uterus after a radical hysterectomy due to cervical cancer. The mean age of participants was 31.5 years at inclusion and at this time they all lived in stable marital relationships. Post-transplantation, interviews were performed annually for 5 years, comprising a total of 43 interviews. The interview followed a semi-structured guide. All interviews (median duration of around 25 minutes) were recorded, transcribed verbatim and then analysed by thematic approach. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The joys and frustrations of becoming a ‘complete’ woman are seen as a master theme, which influences the three underlying subthemes, a changed self-perception, a changed body and a changed sexuality. Each of these subthemes have three underlying categories. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The small sample size is a limitation. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The results provide information that will be helpful in pre-operative screening procedures and in the psychological support offered both to women who experienced successful and unsuccessful outcomes following UTx. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) Funding was received from the Jane and Dan Olsson Foundation for Science; the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation; an ALF grant from the Swedish state under an agreement between the government and the county councils; the Swedish Research Council; a Ferring Pharmaceuticals scholarship in memory of Robert Edwards; and the Iris Jonzén-Sandblom and Greta Jonzén Foundation. The authors have no competing interests. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT01844362.

Fiscal Decentralization and Public Investment in Innovation: A Country Panel Analysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 50 (4) ◽  
pp. 672-697 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel G Colombo ◽  
Jorge Martinez-Vazquez
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Spillovers ◽  
Fiscal Decentralization ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Public Investment ◽  
Empirical Support ◽  
Basic Research ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Net Income ◽  
Potential Link ◽  
The Government

Abstract This article presents a first analysis of the potential link between the level of fiscal decentralization of a country and its public investment in innovation. We present a theoretical model where a “benevolent government” invests in research and development (R&D) aiming at maximizing net income, and R&D results are subject to interregional knowledge spillovers. The model predicts that decentralization leads to a lower level of public spending on innovation, and to a lower share of basic research in the government R&D budget. These hypotheses are empirically tested using country aggregate data. The results provide empirical support to the mentioned hypotheses, as we find evidence that higher levels of both expenditure and revenue decentralization are associated with a lower intensity of basic research in public R&D and with a lower level of R&D spending. The strength of the evidence, however, is weakened by the small sample size and shortcomings of the indicators used in the analysis.

scholarly journals DNA Methylation of Regulatory Regions of Imprinted Genes at Birth and Its Relation to Infant Temperament

2016 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. GEG.S40538 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bernard F. Fuemmeler ◽  
Chien-Ti Lee ◽  
Adelheid Soubry ◽  
Edwin S. Iversen ◽  
Zhiqing Huang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dna Methylation ◽  
Smoking Status ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Methylation Status ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Infant Temperament ◽  
Imprinted Genes ◽  
Blood Leukocytes ◽  
Regulatory Regions ◽  
Size Limits

BACKGROUND DNA methylation of the differentially methylated regions (DMRs) of imprinted genes is relevant to neurodevelopment. METHODS DNA methylation status of the DMRs of nine imprinted genes in umbilical cord blood leukocytes was analyzed in relation to infant behaviors and temperament (n = 158). RESULTS MEG3 DMR levels were positively associated with internalizing ( β = 0.15, P = 0.044) and surgency ( β = 0.19, P = 0.018) behaviors, after adjusting for birth weight, gender, gestational age at birth, maternal age at delivery, race/ethnicity, education level, smoking status, parity, and a history of anxiety or depression. Higher methylation levels at the intergenic MEG3-IG methylation regions were associated with surgency ( β = 0.28, P = 0.0003) and PEG3 was positively related to externalizing ( β = 0.20, P = 0.01) and negative affectivity ( β = 0.18, P = 0.02). CONCLUSION While the small sample size limits inference, these pilot data support gene-specific associations between epigenetic differences in regulatory regions of imprinted domains at birth and later infant temperament.

A Study of Adherence to Restrictive RBC Transfusion and 30 Day Patient Outcomes

Blood ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 128 (22) ◽  
pp. 5037-5037
Author(s):  
Zhen Wang ◽  
Elaine Zhai ◽  
Aleksic Sandra ◽  
Kibola Adam ◽  
Richard May ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cardiovascular Events ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Red Blood Cell Transfusion ◽  
Current Guideline ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Exact Test ◽  
Medicine Service ◽  
Rbc Transfusion

Abstract Background: The American Association of Blood Banks (AABB) 2012 Guidelines recommend a restrictive transfusion strategy of 7 g/dL to 8 g/dL in asymptomatic, hemodynamically stable patients (pts) and for Hgb less than 8 g/dL in pts with preexisting cardiovascular disease. [1] Additional recommendations based on expert opinion include transfusion at threshold Hgb of 7 g/dL for hemodynamically stable ICU pts and Hgb less than 10 g/dL in pts with symptomatic anemia. We examined adherence to these guidelines and for differences in outcomes between restrictive and non-restrictive approaches at an academic hospital. Methods: We performed an IRB-approved retrospective review of all pts admitted to the Internal Medicine Service at University Hospital in Newark, New Jersey from July 1st to November 30th 2015 who received RBC transfusions. Charts were abstracted for demographic information, past medical history, indication for transfusion, presence of signs or symptoms of anemia (chest pain, orthostatic hypotension or tachycardia unresponsive to fluid resuscitation, or congestive heart failure), pre-transfusion Hgb, number of units transfused, and post-transfusion hgb. Outcomes were defined as requirement for additional transfusions, infections, cardiovascular events, adverse transfusion reactions, and death within 30 days of transfusion. Each transfusion was categorized as either adherent or non-adherent to the guidelines. Difference in outcomes between groups (adherent vs non-adherent) was tested using chi-square and Fisher's exact test with SAS studio version 3.4 (Cary, NC). Results: We reviewed 318 RBC transfusion records for 210 pts (median age: 55±17 years) with 157 (49%) transfusions in male and 161 (51%) in female pts. Site was ICU for 86 and the ward for 232 transfusions. The leading indication was acute bleeding (121 or 38%; pre-transfusion Hgb 6.9±1.3g/dL), followed by asymptomatic anemia (107 or 33%; pre-transfusion Hgb 6.8±0.8g/dL), and symptomatic anemia (91 or 29%; pre-transfusion Hgb 6.6±0.8g/dL). Of the 107 pts with asymptomatic anemia, 37 had pre-existing heart disease. Within this group, 35 were transfused at Hgb < 8g/dL (adherence of 95%). Seventy of the 107 transfusions were performed in pts without pre-existing cardiac disease. Fifty-nine were transfused at hgb < 7g/dL with an adherence of 84%. In the ICU, 21 of the 27 transfusions occurred for hgb < 7 g/dL in hemodynamically stable pts with an adherence of 78%. There were 91 transfusions for symptomatic anemia and all were adherent (100%). Regarding 30 day post-transfusion outcomes, there were 140 (44%) with subsequent transfusions; 54 (14%) infections; 7 (2.2%) cardiovascular events; 8 (2.5%) transfusion adverse reactions; 27(8%) deaths. No difference was detected for 30 day outcomes between the adherent group and the non-adherent group. (Table 1) Transfusion of at least 2unitsRBC in asymptomatic, symptomatic, and active bleeding pts were 25% (27/107), 44% (40/91), 57% (69/120) respectively. No difference in outcomes was found for the group receiving only 1 unit RBC (restrictive) compared to the group receiving 2 or more units RBC (non-restrictive). (Table 1) Conclusion: The majority of transfusions (92%) performed adhered to current guideline. While the restrictive approach was not associated with more complications or mortality, this study is limited by the small sample size and further work is being done. Acknowledgment: The authors are grateful to Dr. Koshy, Director of Blood Bank at University Hospital, for assistance. Reference: 1. Carson, J. L. et al. Red blood cell transfusion: a clinical practice guideline from the AABB. Ann Intern Med 157, 49-58 (2012). Disclosures Chang: Johnson and Johnson: Other: Stock; Amgen: Other: Research; Boehringer Ingelheim: Other: Research.

scholarly journals Competing paradigms of flood management in the Scottish/English borderlands

2016 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 314-328 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian Cook ◽  
John Forrester ◽  
Louise Bracken ◽  
Christopher Spray ◽  
Elizabeth Oughton
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Professional Community ◽  
Flood Management ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Management Regimes ◽  
The Government ◽  
Innovative Techniques ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore how flood management practitioners rationalise the emergence of sustainable flood management. Key to this analysis are differences rooted in assumptions over what flood management is and should do. Design/methodology/approach – The popularity of natural flood management offers a case with which to explore how a dominant framing persists and how individuals at the government-public interface negotiate different visions of future flood management. The authors draw on the perceptions of flood experts, elucidating a deep hold amongst a professional community “grounded” in science and economics, but also their desire to innovate and become more open to innovative practices. Findings – The authors show how the idea of “sustainable” and “natural” flood management are understood by those doing flood management, which is with reference to pre-existing technical practices. Research limitations/implications – This paper explores the views of expert decision making, which suffers from challenges associated with small sample size. As such, the findings must be tempered, but with recognition for the influence of a small group of individuals who determine the nature of flood management in Scotland. Practical implications – The authors conclude that, in the context of this study, a technical framing persists by predetermining the criteria by which innovative techniques are judged. Originality/value – Broadly, these findings contribute to debates over the evolution of flood management regimes. This recognises the importance of events while also emphasising the preparations that shape the context and norms of the flood management community between events.

scholarly journals Sacred groves as potential ecotourism sites at Tolon and Diare in Northern Region, Ghana

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
pp. 195-215
Author(s):  
Benjamin Makimilua Tiimub ◽  
◽  
Richard Amankwah Kuffour ◽  
Richard Wonnsibe Tiimob ◽  
Cletus Ankrah Kuuyeni ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Target Population ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Northern Region ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Northern Ghana ◽  
Sacred Grove ◽  
Sacred Groves ◽  
Management Measures ◽  
Land Use Plan

Purpose: Relic plant communities commonly referred as “sacred groves” in Ghana and comparatively anywhere are ecologically, genetically important resources indigenously protected as “abodes of gods or ancestral habitats” through traditional or religious beliefs and taboos. This study mainly evaluated the potentials of sacred groves for development as tourist sites at Tolon and Diare in the Northern Region of Ghana. Research methodology: Data was collected using semi structured interview questionnaire aided by vegetation survey, observational field walk through the Jaagbo and Tindangung Sacred Groves to screen natural features of the destinations and determine its potential for ecotourism. Findings: Potential areas for visitor amateurism such as the wonderful baobab tree, crocodile pond, misty stone bird sanctuary, were identified in both groves. About 220 different species of plants were identified in the entire groves. The study further discovered that with effective management measures in place, the ecotourism potentials of these sacred groves will optimize if developed to attract visitors and generate income for sustainable socio-economic development of the adjoining communities in northern Ghana. Limitations: Although the target population was above 200 people, relatively small sample size (≤ 36%), could be chosen since the opinion leaders considered the groves as sacred and were less prepared to divulge information about them. Islam and Christianity rather counteracted certain beliefs of the traditional people who adopted local measures to enhance sustainability of these sites for ecotourism functions. Contribution: The study advocates the adoption of bylaws to promote sustainable management of the sacred groves for sustainable benefits. Keywords: Jaagbo, Tindangung, Sacred grove, Crocodile pond, Bird sanctuary, Traditional bylaws, Land use plan

scholarly journals DETERMINANTS OF PREMARITAL SEXUAL BEHAVIOR AMONGST ADOLESCENTS IN INDONESIA

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 86
Author(s):  
Nadhirul Mundhiro ◽  
Ridhwan Fauzi ◽  
Mohammad Ainul Maruf ◽  
Nurfadhilah Nurfadhilah
Keyword(s):  
Alcohol Consumption ◽  
Drug Use ◽  
Smoking Status ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Premarital Sex ◽  
Sex Behavior ◽  
Strongly Correlated ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
The Government ◽  
Premarital Sexual

Premarital sex is a growing social issue in Indonesia. The number of adolescents who conduct premarital sex has increased over the years. This study aimed to analyze the determinants of premarital sex behavior among adolescents in Indonesia. The study used secondary data from the 2017 Indonesian Demographic Health Survey (IDHS) with a total of 22,583 adolescent participants. The chi-square and multiple logistic regression were performed to assess the association of premarital sex behavior with socio-demographic status, tobacco, alcohol, and drug use. The results revealed that premarital sex was associated with sex, age, education level, smoking status, alcohol consumption, and drug use. Adolescents who had drunk alcohol were almost twenty times more likely (AOR = 19,888; 95% CI = 16,124-24,531) to have premarital sexual intercourse compared to adolescents who had not. The results found that premarital sex was strongly correlated with addictive substance use. Therefore, the government should formulate integrated health intervention programs to prevent risky health behaviors among adolescents. These can include integrating education on the dangers of smoking, alcohol consumption, and drugs into the Generation Planning or Generasi Berencana (GENRE) program, or Pusat Informasi dan Konseling Remaja (PIK R) or Youth Information and Counseling Center, which focuses on reproductive health in one package.

scholarly journals Factors associated with knowledge about the health effects of exposure to secondhand smoke among youth in Bangladesh

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (7) ◽  
pp. 3273
Author(s):  
Rabeya Sultana
Keyword(s):  
Health Effects ◽  
Secondhand Smoke ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cluster Sampling ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
The Government ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Exposure To Secondhand Smoke

Background: Despite the high prevalence of secondhand smoke exposure among Bangladeshi adults, little is known about the knowledge regarding the health effects of exposure to secondhand smoke among the youth aged 15-24 years in Bangladesh. Against this background, the present study was conducted among the youth in Bangladesh to ascertain their levels of knowledge regarding health effects of secondhand smoke and its associated factors.Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of 656 respondents between the age of 15-24 years old selected by multistage cluster sampling. This study was conducted in Dhaka Division, Bangladesh. Data was analyzed using Chi square testing and multivariate logistic regression.Results: The proportion of good, average and poor knowledge scores among respondents were 30.5%, 50.0% and 19.5% respectively. Age and education were significant independent predictors of good knowledge. Furthermore, education and gender were tended as independent predictor of average knowledge. OR for age: 1.12 (95% CI: 1.01 to 1.25); OR for education: 1.27 (95% CI: 1.15 to 1.40).Conclusions: Overall, the results of this study found that less than one-third of the youth had a good level of knowledge on secondhand smoke health effects. The government needs to focus more on less-educated individuals and adolescents if a successful policy is to be implemented.

scholarly journals Seroprevalence of torch infections among complicated pregnancies in Atbara river Nile state - Sudan

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 18-20
Author(s):  
Mohammed Ahmed Ibrahim Ahmed ◽  
Hanaa Elzain Musaad ◽  
Nahla Ahmed Mohammed Abdurrahman ◽  
Wadei Mohammed Yasin ◽  
Mosab Nouraldein Mohammed Hamad ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Education Level ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
P Value ◽  
River Nile ◽  
Serological Evidence ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Torch Infection

Objective: The aim of this study was to find the seroprevalence of TORCH infection among volunteered pregnant women and to find out the correlation between TORCH infection and age, complicated pregnancies and education level. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional laboratory-based study carried out between March to June 2012 at Atbara River Nile State northern Sudan. The statistical descriptive determined in means of percentages. Chi-square used for trend analysis and calculates p-values. Results: A total of (75) voluntary pregnant women, Age between 15-55 years. The most common age group was 26-35 years (37/75) 49%.Serological evidence of Toxoplasmosis were positive for (22/75) 29 %. All volunteered pregnant women were negative for other components of TORCH complex. Study showed non-significant correlation between age, education level and complicated pregnancies, P-value 0.13, 0.43 and 0.51 respectively. Conclusion: Low prevalence of Toxoplasmosis and absent of serological evidence of other TORCH complex among volunteered pregnant women in Atbara has been documented. Insignificant correlation between toxoplasmosis and age, education level as well as number of complicated pregnancies reported. This attributed, in part, to the small sample size and using screening tool as diagnostic modalities.

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