The role of alexithymia in suicide ideation among Taiwanese army military personnel: A serial mediation model investigating the effects of perceived stress and depression.

Maintaining the good mental health of Taiwanese military personnel is crucial, especially in light of incidents such as the Taiwan Strait crisis. Suicide is a leading cause of death among military personnel and alexithymia is a significant risk factor for suicidal ideation. However, the mechanisms linking alexithymia and suicidal ideation in this psychologically burdened population remain poorly understood. In total, 863 voluntary army military personnel from Taiwanese reserve brigades and combined-arms brigades were enroled between May 2020 and February 2021. Structured questionnaires about alexithymia, perceived stress, depression, suicidal ideation, and background characteristics were used. Mediation analyses were conducted to examine the serial mediation roles of perceived stress and depression in the relationship between alexithymia and suicidal ideation. Significant positive correlations were observed between alexithymia, perceived stress, depression, and suicidal ideation in bivariate analyses. Serial mediation analyses revealed that alexithymia significantly predicted higher levels of perceived stress, subsequently leading to depressive symptoms, which were associated with suicidal ideation. Depression served as a significant mediator between alexithymia and suicidal ideation. The strongest mediating effect (71.4%) was observed in the pathway from alexithymia through perceived stress and depression to suicidal ideation. Limitations included the utilization of cross-sectional data and a reliance on retrospective self-report measures. Perceived stress and depression were identified as serial mediators in the association between alexithymia and suicidal ideation. Clinically, it is crucial to prioritise interventions that target emotional regulation skills and assess the presence of alexithymia to effectively reduce suicidal ideation in military personnel.

Effects of bradycardia, hypoxemia and early intubation on bronchopulmonary dysplasia in very preterm infants: An observational study.

BACKGROUND: Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is the most common pulmonary complication in preterm infants. OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to explore the effects of bradycardia, hypoxemia, and early intubation on BPD in very preterm infants. METHODS: This is a prospective observational cohort study. Preterm infants with a mean gestational age of 28.67 weeks were recruited from two level III neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) in Taiwan. Continuous electrocardiography was used to monitor heart rates and oxygen saturation (SpO2). Infants were monitored for heart rates of <100 beats per minute and SpO2 levels of <90 % lasting for 30 s. Generalized estimating equations were used to analyze the effects of bradycardia, hypoxemia, and early intubation on BPD in very preterm infants. Model fit was visually assessed using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. RESULTS: Bradycardia, hypoxemia, and early intubation significantly increased the odds of BPD among the preterm infants (N = 39) during NICU stay; the odds ratios for bradycardia, hypoxemia, and early intubation for BPD versus non-BPD were 1.058, 1.013, and 29.631, respectively (all p < 0.05). A model combining bradycardia, hypoxemia, and early intubation accurately predicted BPD development (area under the curve = 0.919). CONCLUSIONS: Bradycardia, hypoxemia, and early intubation significantly increased the odds of BPD among very preterm infants during NICU stay. The model combining bradycardia, hypoxemia, and early intubation accurately predicted BPD development.

Sense of Coherence as a Mediator Between Functional Status and Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients With Heart Failure.

BACKGROUND: Poor functional status relating to heart failure (HF) negatively affects health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Patients with HF, especially those with New York Heart Association (NYHA) Class III or IV HF, often exhibit poor HRQOL because of physical limitations and HF-related symptoms. Although sense of coherence (SOC) has been reported to be a determinant of HRQOL, its role as a mediator between functional status and HRQOL remains unclear, and few studies have explored the prevalence of HF in patients in NYHA Classes I and II. PURPOSE: This study was designed to investigate SOC as a mediator between different functional status classes and HRQOL in patients with HF. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on patients with HF recruited from a hospital in northern Taiwan from April 2020 to September 2020. The Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire and a questionnaire on sociodemographic characteristics; functional classification in terms of NYHA Classes I, II, and III; and SOC were administered. The PROCESS v3.5 (by Andrew F. Hayes) macro was applied to analyze the effects, and Model 4 was used to examine the mediating role of SOC on the relationship between NYHA functional class and HRQOL. RESULTS: Of the 295 participants, SOC was found to mediate the effects of functional status on HRQOL more significantly in patients in Class II than those in Class III but not more significantly in patients in Class I than those in Class III. A weaker mediating effect of SOC was noted on the relationship between functional status and HRQOL in patients with HF in NYHA Class II than those in Class III. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with HF, poor functional status often reduces HRQOL significantly. SOC mediates the relationship between functional status and HRQOL more significantly in those in NYHA Class II than those in Class III. Nursing staff should work to increase patients' SOC by strengthening their coping capacity and improving their functional status to improve their HRQOL.

Diabetes self-care behaviours among people diagnosed with serious mental illness: A cross-sectional correlational study.

WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT?: People diagnosed with serious mental illness have a high risk of diabetes and are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes at ages below 60 years. Effective diabetes self-care behaviours among people diagnosed with serious mental illness can improve glycaemic control and reduce vascular complications. Few studies have investigated diabetes self-care behaviours and their associations with health literacy and self-efficacy in people diagnosed with serious mental illness. WHAT THE PAPER ADDS TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE?: Diabetes self-care behaviours in people diagnosed with serious mental illness were suboptimal; the least frequently performed self-care activities were self-monitoring of blood glucose. Factors associated with diabetes self-care behaviours are gender, age, communicative and critical health literacy and self-efficacy. Self-efficacy is the strongest predictor of self-care behaviours among people diagnosed with comorbid serious mental illness and type 2 diabetes. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS OF PRACTICE?: Mental health nurses should assess diabetes-specific health literacy of people diagnosed with serious mental illness to ensure that they possess the knowledge and skills related to diabetes self-care. When treating young people and those with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes, nurses should incorporate strategies to minimise their perceptions of diabetes-related distress and increase their confidence in managing comorbid diabetes. ABSTRACT: Introduction People diagnosed with serious mental illness (SMI) experience greater challenges in managing their type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) than do those diagnosed with T2DM alone. Aim This study investigated diabetes self-care activities and the factors associated with these activities in people diagnosed with SMI in a hospital setting. Methods A cross-sectional correlational study was conducted among 126 people diagnosed with comorbid SMI and T2DM in Taipei, Taiwan, between October 2020 and April 2021. Data were collected using self-report questionnaires and a chart review. Three-step hierarchical multiple regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with diabetes self-care behaviours. Results Diabetes self-care behaviours in people diagnosed with SMI were suboptimal overall. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses revealed that age (ß = 0.18, p = .037) and self-efficacy (ß = 0.27, p = .004) significantly associated with diabetes self-care behaviours. Discussion Self-efficacy is the strongest predictor of self-care behaviours among people diagnosed with comorbid SMI and T2DM. Implications for Practice Mental health professionals should focus on enhancing confidence in managing comorbid diabetes in people diagnosed with comorbid SMI, especially young people and those with newly diagnosed T2DM.

Physical health attitude scale among mental health nurses in Taiwan: Validation and a cross-sectional study.

The Physical Health Attitude Scale (PHASe) is an internationally valid and reliable scale for assessing mental health nurses' attitudes toward providing physical health care to people with serious mental illness. This study translated the PHASe into traditional Chinese and evaluated its psychometric properties in the context of Taiwan. A descriptive, cross-sectional study design was adopted, and convenience sampling was used to recruit 520 mental health nurses from 11 hospitals across Taiwan. Data were collected between August and December 2019. Brislin's translation model was used for the validation process. Exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were used to establish the construct validity of the scale, and Cronbach's alpha and composite reliability were used to determine its reliability. The factor analysis results revealed that the 4-factor 17-item traditional Chinese version of the PHASe accounted for 44.2% of the total variance. Each factor had adequate internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.70 to 0.80). We also noted significant differences between groups with different attitudes, demonstrating known-group validity. Our findings indicate that the traditional Chinese version of the PHASe is acceptable for evaluating nurses' attitudes toward providing physical health care in Taiwan.

Early Detection of Primary Open Angle, Angle Closure, and Normal Tension Glaucoma in an Asian Population Using Optical Coherence Tomography.

PRCIS: Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) facilitates early glaucoma detection in the Chinese population in Taiwan. The best parameters for primary open angle glaucoma (POAG), primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG), normal tension glaucoma (NTG), and suspected glaucoma (GS) detection are temporal inferior Bruch's membrane opening-minimum rim width (BMO-MRW), inner temporal macular ganglion cell layer (mGCL), temporal superior Circumpapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (cpRNFL), and mean global BMO-MRW, respectively. PURPOSE: We investigated the diagnostic capability of SD-OCT for different types of early glaucoma among the Chinese population in Taiwan. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: One eye each was assessed from 113 individuals with healthy eyes, 125 individuals with suspected glaucoma (GS), and 156 patients with early glaucoma (POAG, 87; PACG, 50; and NTG, 19). Circumpapillary (cp) RNFL thickness (global and sectoral), BMO-MRW, and macular parameters, including the macular RNFL (mRNFL), mGCL, and macular inner plexiform layer (mIPL), were assessed using SD-OCT. The areas under receiver operator characteristic curves (AUCs) were calculated to evaluate the diagnostic capacity of the parameters to differentiate between healthy and early glaucomatous eyes. RESULTS: The parameters most suitable for detecting early POAG, PACG, NTG, and GS were temporal inferior BMO-MRW (AUC, 0.847), inner temporal mGCL (AUC, 0.770), temporal superior cpRNFL (AUC, 0.861), and mean global BMO-MRW (AUC, 0.768), respectively. Among the macular parameters, the mGCL exhibited the highest diagnostic capacity. The diagnostic capacity of the mGCL was lower than that of cpRNFL and BMO-MRW for POAG and NTG but not PACG. After adjusting for confounding variables in multivariable analysis, the AUC was determined to be 0.935 for POAG and 0.787 for GS. CONCLUSION: SD-OCT facilitates the detection of early POAG, PACG, and NTG. Using a combination of cpRNFL, BMO-MRW, and macular parameters may enhance their diagnostic capacities. Further studies are necessary to validate these findings.

Knowledge of Chinese Pediatric Professionals Regarding Pediatric Pain Management.

Many healthcare professionals base their perceptions of pediatric pain on their knowledge of the subject. Therefore, knowledge deficits in this area may yield negative attitudes toward pain management and add to the complexity of pain management in hospitalized children. This study evaluated the knowledge of pediatric clinicians in China regarding pediatric pain management. Adopting a cross-sectional descriptive comparative design, we surveyed pediatric clinicians using a structured questionnaire. Inclusive criteria were pediatric clinicians, both pediatricians and nurses, with professional pediatric experience of over one year. A total of 507 pediatric clinicians participated. Most were aware of the importance of pain management in sick children but misunderstood pediatric pain, lacked knowledge for performing pediatric pain assessments and lacked knowledge for providing pain relief interventions. Background factors including differing professions (pediatricians and nurses; p = 0.012), age (p < 0.05) and hospital setting of employment (p = 0.003) were significantly related to clinicians' knowledge regarding pain management. Participating pediatricians had higher levels of knowledge of pediatric pain management than nurses. Research revealed four barriers affecting clinicians' knowledge, including misconception of pain in children, lack of professional knowledge and confidence in the practice of pediatric pain assessment, lack of professional knowledge to provide pain relief interventions, and a significant knowledge gap between pediatricians and nurses. The results point out a crucial need for multidisciplinary education to remedy these deficiencies. Further study is needed to explore strategies to strengthen clinicians' knowledge of this vital area of practice.

Comparing the Therapeutic Efficacies of Lung Cancer: Network Meta-Analysis Approaches.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, reduction of nuclear power generation and the use of coal-fired power for filling the power supply gap might have increased the risk of lung cancer. This study aims to explore the most effective treatment for different stages of lung cancer patients. METHODS: We searched databases to investigate the treatment efficacy of lung cancer. The network meta-analysis was used to explore the top three effective therapeutic strategies among all collected treatment methodologies. RESULTS: A total of 124 studies were collected from 115 articles with 171,757 participants in total. The results of network meta-analyses showed that the best top three treatments: (1) in response rate, for advanced lung cancer were Targeted + Targeted, Chemo + Immuno, and Targeted + Other Therapy with cumulative probabilities 82.9, 80.8, and 69.3%, respectively; for non-advanced lung cancer were Chemoradio + Targeted, Chemoradi + Immuno, and Chemoradio + Other Therapy with cumulative probabilities 69.0, 67.8, and 60.7%, respectively; (2) in disease-free control rate, for advanced lung cancer were Targeted + Others, Chemo + Immuno, and Targeted + Targeted Therapy with cumulative probabilities 93.4, 91.5, and 59.4%, respectively; for non-advanced lung cancer were Chemo + Surgery, Chemoradio + Targeted, and Surgery Therapy with cumulative probabilities 80.1, 71.5, and 43.1%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The therapeutic strategies with the best effectiveness will be different depending on the stage of lung cancer patients.

Generalized structural equation modeling: Symptom heterogeneity in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder leading to poor treatment efficacy.

BACKGROUND: Treatment efficacy for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is reported to be poor, possibly due to heterogeneity of ADHD symptoms. Little is known about poor treatment efficacy owing to ADHD heterogeneity. AIM: To use generalized structural equation modeling (GSEM) to show how the heterogeneous nature of hyperactivity/impulsivity (H/I) symptoms in ADHD, irritable oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), and the presentation of aggression in children interferes with treatment responses in ADHD. METHODS: A total of 231 children and adolescents completed ADHD inattention and H/I tests. ODD scores from the Swanson, Nolan, and Pelham, version IV scale were obtained. The child behavior checklist (CBCL) and parent's satisfaction questionnaire were completed. The relationships were analyzed by GSEM. RESULTS: GSEM revealed that the chance of ADHD remission was lower in children with a combination of H/I symptoms of ADHD, ODD symptoms, and childhood aggressive behavior. ODD directly mediated ADHD symptom severity. The chance of reaching remission based on H/I symptoms of ADHD was reduced by 13.494% [= exp (2.602)] in children with comorbid ADHD and ODD [odds ratio (OR) = 2.602, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.832-3.373, P = 0.000] after adjusting for the effects of other factors. Childhood aggression mediated ODD symptom severity. The chance of reaching remission based on ODD symptoms was lowered by 11.000% [= 1 - exp (-0.117)] in children with more severe baseline symptoms of aggression based on the CBCL score at study entry [OR = -0.117, 95%CI: (-0.190)-(-0.044), P = 0.002]. CONCLUSION: Mediation through ODD symptoms and aggression may influence treatment effects in ADHD after adjusting for the effects of baseline ADHD symptom severity. More attention could be directed to the early recognition of risks leading to ineffective ADHD treatment, e.g., symptoms of ODD and the presentation of aggressive or delinquent behaviors and thought problems in children with ADHD.

Structural Equation Modeling (SEM): Gaming Disorder Leading Untreated Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder to Disruptive Mood Dysregulation.

(1) Background: Internet gaming disorder (IGD) in youths likely leads to disruptive mood dysregulation, especially among those with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Whether IGD mediates the pathways leading ADHD to disruptive emotional dysfunction remains unclear. This study aims to elucidate the direct or indirect influence of IGD on ADHD; (2) Method: The Swanson, Nolan, and Pelham Version IV questionnaire was used to evaluate symptoms of ADHD and oppositional defiant disorder, and the Chen gaming disorder scale was used to measure IGD. A psychiatrist diagnosed ADHD, IGD, and disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD)-like symptoms. Structural equation modeling was applied to evaluate the role of IGD in mediating ADHD progression to disruptive mood dysregulation; (3) Results: Among a total of 102 ADHD youths, 53 (52%) of them with IGD were significantly more likely to have poor interpersonal relationships (p < 0.01) and DMDD-like symptoms (p < 0.01) than ADHD youths without IGD. IGD played a mediating role in increasing the risk of disruptive mood dysregulation in ADHD youths; (4) Conclusions: The findings suggest that IGD mediates ADHD's progression to disruptive mood dysregulation. Intensive biopsychosocial interventions are warranted for ADHD youths with IGD. More children and adolescents became mood-dysregulated after excessive gaming during the COVID-19 pandemic; this study's results suggest that child mental health experts develop earlier detection and prevention strategies for children and adolescents hidden behind internet addiction.

A web-based self-care program to promote healthy lifestyles and control blood pressure in patients with primary hypertension: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, which contributes to the worldwide mortality rate. Successful blood pressure control requires adherence to medications and lifestyle modifications. However, motivating patients with primary hypertension to change and sustain behaviors long-term is challenging. A web-based self-care program centered on self-efficacy theory could provide feedback for effective control of blood pressure. PURPOSE: To examine the effect of a web-based self-care program for patients with primary hypertension on cardiovascular risk-factors (pulse pressure and lipids), self-efficacy, and self-care behaviors (medication adherence and lifestyle). DESIGN: A two-armed randomized controlled trial with 3-month and 6-month follow-ups. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: A total of 222 patients with primary hypertension were recruited between February 2017 and August 2018 at a cardiology clinic of a medical center in Taipei, Taiwan. METHODS: Eligible patients were randomized by permuted block randomization into the intervention group (n = 111) and control group (n = 111). Patients in the intervention group received a 6-month web-based self-care program, based on the theory of self-efficacy, while patients in the control group received usual care. Baseline and outcome measures (3 and 6 months) included self-efficacy, evaluated with the Chinese version of the 6-item Self-Efficacy for Managing Chronic Diseases (SEMC6), self-care, using subscales of the Hypertension Self-Care Activity Level Effects Scale (H-SCALE) for lifestyle and medication adherence, and blood pressure and serum lipid data, collected through web-based self-reports and chart review. Generalized estimating equations evaluated the effects of the intervention. FINDINGS: At baseline, the control group had higher scores on the SEMC6, and lower cholesterol (HDL) compared with the intervention group (t = -2.70, p < 0.05; and t = 1.76, p < 0.05, respectively). Pulse pressure decreased significantly (ß = -20.30, 95% CI -23.76, -16.83), and serum triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were significantly lower compared with controls at 6 months (all p < 0.001). At 6 months, the intervention group had significantly higher mean scores for the SEMC6 compared with the control group (ß = 21.84, 95% confidence interval [CI] 19.25, 24.42) and H-SCALE subscale for medication adherence, diet, weight management, and physical activity compared with controls at 6 months (all, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The greatest benefit of this program was allowing participants to immediately consult with the researchers about self-care issues via the website. Lifestyles vary from person to person; therefore, the individuality of each participant was considered when providing feedback. We provided devising interventions for participants that would increase their confidence in self-care for hypertension and ultimately achieve home blood pressure control. We encourage incorporating this program into standard clinical care for patients with hypertension.

The Comparative Efficacy of Treatments for Children and Young Adults with Internet Addiction/Internet Gaming Disorder: An Updated Meta-Analysis.

Internet gaming disorder (IGD) is a formal mental disorder leading to bad outcomes for children and adolescents. This study comprehensively compared the estimated effect of various pharmacotherapy and psychosocial interventions for IGD from randomized controlled trials (RCT) through updated meta-analysis, using meta-regression. A search of PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and Airiti Library between 2000 and 2017 was conducted for various IA/IGD intervention modalities. A total of 124 studies from 29 selected papers involving 5601 children and young adults with IA/IGD were found. Meta-analyzing the pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) revealed a preliminary random effect of 1.399 with a 95% confidence interval of 1.272-1.527, suggesting highly effective treatment of IA/IGD. After adjusting for the confounding risks of age, publication year, type of subjects, and type of study, this study revealed that combining pharmacotherapy with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or multi-level counseling (MLC) was the most effective treatment option. Using a scale of time spent online or a severity of IA symptoms scale was a more effective measurement, with p-values = 0.006 and 0.002, respectively. IA/IGD patients with comorbid depression showed worse outcomes than youth with another comorbidity. The corresponding model goodness-of-fit indices were τ2 = 1.188; I2-Residual = 89.74%; and Adjusted-R2 = 16.10%. This systematic review indicates that pharmacotherapy combined with CBT or MLC might be an effective therapeutic strategy for youth with gaming disorder.

Perceived importance of competencies by nurse managers at all levels: A cross-sectional study.

AIM: To explore nurse managers' perceived importance of competencies for their current job at different levels and the associated factors. BACKGROUND: Little work to date has explored the perceived importance of competencies in nursing leadership and management or considered the related factors in the Taiwan healthcare context. METHODS: Data collected from a previous large study comprising a cross-sectional web-based survey were analysed. Kruskal-Wallis test, two-sided Fisher exact test and multiple linear regression models were used for statistics analysis. RESULTS: The mix of three skills in Katz's model indicated that human skills were equally important in all three managerial levels. Of the 23 competencies, effective communication and political astuteness were rated by nurse managers at all levels as the highest-scored (M = 4.88, SD = 0.34) and lowest-scored competency (M = 3.92, SD = 0.78), respectively. Managerial level was a significant predictor of the perceived importance of competency. CONCLUSIONS: Relationship-based competencies were prominent in the perceived importance of competencies among nurse managers at different levels. Managerial hierarchy influences the relative importance of the different managerial competencies. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: This study's results provide the talent strategy framework required for improving the competencies of nurse managers at all levels.

Barriers to and Facilitators of Neonatal Palliative Care Among Neonatal Professionals in China.

OBJECTIVES: This study investigated institutional and personal barriers to and facilitators of neonatal palliative care facing neonatal professionals in China. METHODS: A cross-sectional questionnaire surveyed 231 neonatal clinicians employed in 5 neonatal intensive care units from 2 children's hospitals and 3 medical centers in China. MEASUREMENTS: The translated modified version of the Neonatal Palliative Care Attitude Scale was used to survey neonatal clinicians' attitudes and beliefs regarding neonatal palliative care. RESULTS: Findings highlight 4 facilitators and 5 barriers among participating clinicians. Participants gave contradictory responses regarding the relative importance of curative treatment versus palliative care in the NICU. Negatively traumatic feelings, cultural issues and moral distress may impact this contradictory response and discourage clinicians from providing neonatal palliative care. Additionally, neonatologists and nurses held differing attitudes on several topics (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Further research should address strategies to improve knowledge and attitudes and relieve moral distress in NICU clinicians. Neonatal clinicians providing neonatal palliative care should receive regular palliative care training addressing culture-specific issues and communication skills. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Study findings will be beneficial to inform clinical education and practice. Regular interdisciplinary team training is needed to enhance support for palliative care and decrease clinicians' moral distress during end-of-life care.

Effects of a tripartite intervention on biological stress in preterm infants during heel pricks for newborn screening: A randomized controlled trial.

This prospective randomized trial examined the effects of a tripartite intervention (behavioral state modulation + nonnutritive sucking + tucking) on stress from procedural pain during heel pricks. Blood samples for routine screening were collected by heel pricks 48 h after birth (Stage 1) and at ≥37 weeks' gestation (Stage 2); salivary cortisol levels (SCLs) pre-prick (T0) and 20 min post-prick (T1) assessed stress. Preterm infants (n = 64) sampled by convenience at Level III neonatal care units were randomly assigned to the control condition (usual care) or intervention condition (tripartite intervention). Generalized estimating equations examined differences in salivary cortisol between conditions. After adjusting for effects of gestational age, postmenstrual age, and baseline SCLs, (1) at Stage 1, the change in salivary cortisol from T0 to T1 in preterm infants who received the tripartite intervention was, on average, significantly lower by 0.431 units (log scale) than the change in preterm infants who received the control condition (p < 0.001); (2) in the tripartite intervention condition, the difference between the change in mean SCLs from T0 to T1 at Stages 1 and 2 was significantly lower by 0.287 units (log scale), on average than between the change at Stages 1 and 2 in the control condition (p = 0.026). The provision of a tripartite intervention during heel prick significantly decreased the raise of SCLs compared with infants receiving usual care, suggesting lower stress. Clinicians could easily implement the tripartite intervention for heel-stick support; however, replication is needed before recommending its incorporation into routine heel stick and other stressful procedures.

Breastmilk as a Multisensory Intervention for Relieving Pain during Newborn Screening Procedures: A Randomized Control Trial.

The study aim was to explore the effects of multisensory breastmilk interventions on short-term pain of infants during newborn screening. This is a randomized controlled trial. A total of 120 newborns were recruited and assigned by randomization to one of three treatment conditions: Condition 1 = routine care (gentle touch + verbal comfort); Condition 2 = breastmilk odor + routine care; or Condition 3 = breastmilk odor + taste + routine care. Pain was scored with the Neonatal Infant Pain Scale (NIPS). Data were collected from video recordings at 1 min intervals over the 11 phases of heel sticks: phase 1, 5 min before heel stick without stimuli (baseline); phase 2 to phase 6 (during heel stick); and phase 7 to phase 11 (recovery). Generalized estimating equations compared differences in pain scores for newborns over phases among the three conditions. Compared with the routine care, provision of the odor and taste of breastmilk reduce NIPS scores during heel sticks (B = -4.36, SE = 0.45, p < 0.001 [phase6]), and during recovery (B = -3.29, SE = 0.42, p < 0.001 [phase7]). Our findings provide new data, which supports the use of multisensory interventions that include breastmilk odor and taste in combination with gentle touch and verbal comfort to relieve pain in infants undergoing newborn screening.

Structural Equation Modeling (SEM): Childhood Aggression and Irritable ADHD Associated with Parental Psychiatric Symptoms.

BACKGROUND: Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) co-occurring with Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) further present aggressive behavior and may have a depressive parent. A child with co-occurring ADHD and ODD has differentially higher levels of behavioral and emotional difficulties. Little is known about how the irritable subtype of ADHD in children mediates the development of parental symptomatology. This study aims to elucidate the direct or indirect influence of childhood disruptive ADHD with aggressive behavior on their parental symptom using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). METHODS: A total of 231 ADHD children and their parents completed the Swanson, Nolan, and Pelham Version IV questionnaire for symptoms of ADHD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) scale for irritable symptoms, Child Behavior Check List (CBCL) for aggression, and Symptom Checklist (SCL) for parental symptom. RESULTS: The three-factor confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) model found symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity/impulsivity, irritable ODD, and aggression were inter-related. Mediational analyses demonstrated ODD mediates symptoms directly predicting the risk of increasing ADHD severity. Disruptive child symptoms (ADHD + ODD + aggression) may increase the risk of depression-related symptoms in the parent. When the child's aggression increases by one standard deviation (SD), parental psychiatric symptoms increase by 0.235 SD (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: By this SEM pathway analysis, there is the correlation between the disruptive, more aggressive subtype of ADHD in children/adolescents and the existence of psychopathological symptomatology of their parents. ADHD + ODD + aggression in children should be classified as an irritable subtype of ADHD, warranting early diagnosis and intensive treatment.

A Web-Based Integrated Management Program for Improving Medication Adherence and Quality of Life, and Reducing Readmission in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation: Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is related to a variety of chronic diseases and life-threatening complications. It is estimated that by 2050, there will be 72 million patients with AF in Asia, of which 2.9 million will have AF-associated stroke. AF has become a major issue for health care systems. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the effects of a web-based integrated management program on improving coping strategies, medication adherence, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with AF, and to detect the effect on decreasing readmission events. METHODS: The parallel-group, single-blind, prospective randomized controlled trial recruited patients with AF from a medical center in northern Taiwan and divided them randomly into intervention and control groups. Patients in the intervention group received the web-based integrated management program, whereas those in the control group received usual care. The measurement tools included the Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced (COPE) scale, Medication Adherence Rating Scale (MARS), the three-level version of the EuroQoL five-dimension self-report questionnaire (EQ-5D-3L), and readmission events 2 years after initiating the intervention. Data were collected at 4 instances (baseline, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months after initiating the intervention), and analyzed with generalized estimating equations (GEEs). RESULTS: A total of 231 patients were recruited and allocated into an intervention (n=115) or control (n=116) group. The mean age of participants was 73.08 (SD 11.71) years. Most participants were diagnosed with paroxysmal AF (171/231, 74%), and the most frequent comorbidity was hypertension (162/231, 70.1%). Compared with the control group, the intervention group showed significantly greater improvement in approach coping strategies, medication adherence, and HRQoL at 1, 3, and 6 months (all P<.05). In addition, the intervention group showed significantly fewer readmission events within 2 years (OR 0.406, P=.03), compared with the control group. CONCLUSIONS: The web-based integrated management program can significantly improve patients' coping strategy and medication adherence. Therefore, it can empower patients to maintain disease stability, which is a major factor in improving their HRQoL and reducing readmission events within 2 years. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04813094; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04813094.

Chinese Parental Awareness of Children's COVID-19 Protective Measures.

Objectives: In this research our aim was to investigate Chinese parents' awareness of pediatric COVID-19 in relation to protecting their children. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Fujian provinces in China using a Web-based questionnaire to survey parents of children aged 6 to 16 years old. Results: The sample included 1222 participants. Overall, 99.2% of participants were aware of respiratory transmission of COVID-19, and 75.6% also believed fecal-oral transmission to be possible. Although 98.3% of participants claimed to know how to wear and remove masks properly, some parents were unaware of good handwashing techniques and answered incorrectly regarding cough etiquette. Parents also seemed uncertain about pediatric COVID-19 symptoms. Awareness scores significantly differed across parental role, educational attainment levels, and social-economic levels (p value < .005), with fathers, more educated parents, and those of higher income showing greater levels of awareness.Conclusion: Research results suggest an urgent need for parental education regarding COVID-19 in children, especially regarding handwashing techniques and cough etiquette; educational outreach for both parents and schoolchildren is critical.

Exploring the Effects of Pharmacological, Psychosocial, and Alternative/Complementary Interventions in Children and Adolescents With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Meta-Regression Approach.

BACKGROUND: There have been various therapies for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but the previous meta-analysis of ADHD efficacy remains unclear. This study aims to systemically meta-regress the effect sizes (ES) of psychostimulant pharmacotherapy (methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine), non-stimulant pharmacotherapy (atomoxetine and alpha-2 agonists), psychosocial therapy (parental behavioral therapy [PBT]), combination therapy (psychostimulant plus PBT), and alternative/complementary interventions to determine the right treatment for ADHD. METHODS: We searched various ADHD interventions from the MEDLINE and PubMed databases (National Center for Biotechnology Information) between January 1, 1980, and July 30, 2018. Following the meta-analysis of random effects, the meta-regression analyses were used to explore factors potentially influencing treatment efficacy. The confounding variables included type of treatment, type of study, age, type of symptom scale used, and year of publication. RESULTS: A total of 107 trials (n = 9883 participants) were included. After adjustment, compared with the psychostimulant therapy (28 trial, 2134 participants), non-stimulant pharmacotherapy (28 trials, 4991 participants) and alternative/complement intervention (25 trials, 1195 participants) were less effective by the ES of -0.384 (P = .004) and -0.419 (P = .028), respectively. However, compared with psychostimulant, PBT (19 trials, 1122 participants; ES = -0.308, P = .095) and the combination of psychostimulant and PBT (7 trials, 441participants; ES = -0.196, P = .209) did not differ significantly. CONCLUSIONS: Psychostimulant therapy surpassed non-stimulant pharmacotherapy and alternative/complement intervention. Psychostimulant therapy, PBT, and the combination of psychostimulant therapy and PBT appear to be similar in efficacy according to this meta-regression.