Additional file 1 of Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on sexual functioning and activity: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Additional file 1

Data_Sheet_1_Dataset of non-pharmaceutical interventions and community support measures across Canadian universities and colleges during COVID-19 in 2020.XLSX

The full text of this article can be freely accessed on the publisher's website

Table_1_Harnessing Big Data, Smart and Digital Technologies and Artificial Intelligence for Preventing, Early Intercepting, Managing, and Treating Psoriatic Arthritis: Insights From a Systematic Review of the Literature.docx

BackgroundRheumatological and dermatological disorders contribute to a significant portion of the global burden of disease. Big Data are increasingly having a more and more relevant role, being highly ubiquitous and pervasive in contemporary society and paving the way for new, unprecedented perspectives in biomedicine, including dermatology and rheumatology. Rheumatology and dermatology can potentially benefit from Big Data.MethodsA systematic review of the literature was conducted according to the “Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses” (PRISMA) guidelines, mining “Uno per tutti”, a highly integrated and automated tool/meta-database developed at the University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy, and consisting of 20 major scholarly electronic databases, including PubMed/MEDLINE. Big Data- or artificial intelligence-based studies were judged based on the modified Qiao’s critical appraisal tool for critical methodological quality assessment of Big Data/machine learning-based studies. Other studies designed as cross-sectional, longitudinal, or randomized investigations, reviews/overviews or expert opinions/commentaries were evaluated by means of the relevant “Joanna Briggs Institute” (JBI)’s critical appraisal tool for the critical methodological quality assessment.ResultsFourteen papers were included in the present systematic review of the literature. Most of the studies included concerned molecular applications of Big Data, especially in the fields of genomics and post-genomics. Other studies concerned epidemiological applications, with a practical dearth of studies assessing smart and digital applications for psoriatic arthritis patients.ConclusionsBig Data can be a real paradigm shift that revolutionizes rheumatological and dermatological practice and clinical research, helping to early intercept psoriatic arthritis patients. However, there are some methodological issues that should be properly addressed (like recording and association biases) and some ethical issues that should be considered (such as privacy). Therefore, further research in the field is warranted.Systematic Review RegistrationRegistration code 10.17605/OSF.IO/4KCU2.</p

Table_1_Development and Preliminary Validation of the Physical Education-Study Process Questionnaire : Insights for Physical Education University Students.pdf

BackgroundThe Revised Two Factor Study Process Questionnaire (R-SPQ-2F) is used to examine students' study approaches in higher education. The questionnaire is designed to measure two factors: deep and surface approaches. In order to measure these approaches for students in physical education and sport, a new measurement instrument should take into consideration the practical context of this field of education that makes it specific to other fields.ObjectiveThe present study aims (a) to develop and empirical test of a new instrument for measuring the study process in physical education and sports students, and (b) to test psychometric properties of the tool.MethodsTwo exploratory and confirmatory samples of physical education students enrolled in a bachelor's degree program in physical education at the High Institute of Physical Education and Sports of Kef-Tunisia, aged 19–26 years, were recruited online among female students (n = 414) and male students (n = 393). The participants filled in Google Form survey including Physical Education-Study Process Questionnaire (PE-SPQ) and the Arabic version of the Revised Study Process Questionnaire-2 Factors (R-SPQ-2F).ResultsExploratory factor analysis showed a suitable four factors solution, which is approved by confirmatory factor analysis indices [χ2 = 466.47, TLI = 0.94, CFI = 0.95; RMSEA = 0.56 IC 90% (0.050–0.062)]. Internal consistency of the PE-SPQ simultaneously checked by McDonald's ω, Cronbach's α and Gutmann's λ6 showed good reliability of the PE-SPQ. Convergent validity examined by Average variance extracted (AVE) was good. The comparison between the AVE root mean square and Pearson correlation coefficients of each factor with his indicators reveals the discriminant validity of the PE-SPQ. Furthermore, Pearson's correlation between the PE-SPQ factors and the R-SPQ-2F establishes the concurrent validity of the new scale.ConclusionThe PE-SPQ scale is valid and reliable and can be used to assess study process factors in physical education students.</p

The search strategy.

BackgroundComputed tomography (CT) scan is a common imaging technique used to evaluate the severity of a head injury. The overuse of diagnostic interventions in the health system is a growing concern worldwide.Objectives: The aim of this systematic review is to investigate the rate of CT scan overuse in cases of mild head injury.MethodsEligibility criteria: We encompassed observational studies—either designed as cohort, case-control, or cross-sectional investigations—that reported on CT scan overuse rates for mild head injuries. Studies had to be published in peer-reviewed, English-language sources and provide full content accessInformation sources: Web of Sciences, Scopus, Medline via PubMed, the Cochrane Library and Embase were searched from inception until April 1, 2023. Studies were included if reporting the overuse of CT scans for mild head injuries using validated criteria.Risk of bias: We used the Risk Of Bias In Non-randomised Studies ‐ of Interventions (ROBINS-I) tool to evaluate the risk bias assessment of included studies. Two independent reviewers evaluated the eligibility of studies, extracted data, and assessed study quality by using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.Synthesis of results: Overuse estimates were calculated using a random-effects model. Subgroup analyses were performed to investigate any sources of heterogeneity. Point rate of overuse of CT scans for mild head injuries was the main outcome measured as percentage point estimates with corresponding 95% CIs.ResultsIncluded studies: Of the 913 potentially relevant studies identified, eight studies were selected for the final analysis.Synthesis of results: The pooled rate of CT scan overuse in patients with mild head injury was found to be 27% [95% CI: 16–43; I2 = 99%]. The rate of CT scan overuse in mild head injury cases varied depending on the criteria used. The rate of CT scan overuse was 37% [95% CI: 32–42; I2 = 0%] with the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), 30% [95% CI: 16–49; I2 = 99%] with the Canadian computed tomography head rule, and 10% [95% CI: 8–14; I2 = 0%] with the Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network criterion (PERCAN). Based on subgroup analyses, the rate of CT scan overuse in mild head injury cases was observed to be 30% with the Canadian computed tomography head rule criterion, 43% with the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence criterion, and 18% with the New Orleans criterion.ConclusionLimitations of evidence: The restricted number of included studies may impact generalizability. High heterogeneity was observed, leading to subgroup analyses based on age, assessment criteria, and study region. Absent data on overuse causes hinders drawing conclusions on contributing factors. Furthermore, this study solely addressed overuse rates, not associated harm or benefits.Interpretation: The overuse of CT scans in mild head injury patients is concerning, as it can result in unnecessary radiation exposure and higher healthcare costs. Clinicians and policymakers should prioritize the implementation of guidelines to reduce unnecessary radiation exposure, healthcare costs, and potential harm to patients.Trial registrationThe study protocol of this review was registered in PROSPERO under the identification code CRD42023416080. https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42023416080.</div

Assessment of heterogeneity of included studies for overuse of computed tomography in mild head injury using.

Baujat plot. Most studies showed similar overuse rates, but one study (Cellina) had a significantly higher rate. Excluding it, the rate was 22% (95% CI: 15–32; I2 = 98%).</p

Forest plot showing the pooled rate of overuse of computed tomography in mild head injury based on decision criteria.

Random effects model is used for analysis (95% confidence interval). The overall rate of CT overuse in mild head injury was estimated to be 27% [95% CI: 16–43; I2 = 99%].</p

Funnel plot for the assessment of publication bias among different studies.

The funnel plot exhibits asymmetry, and the presence of publication bias was not statistically significant: using Egger’s test for small-study effects did not reach significance, as the bias coefficient was 16.76 [95% CI: [-7.09: 40.62] and the P-value 0.136.</p

Table_1_Optimal Reopening Pathways With COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout and Emerging Variants of Concern.pdf

We developed a stochastic optimization technology based on a COVID-19 transmission dynamics model to determine optimal pathways from lockdown toward reopening with different scales and speeds of mass vaccine rollout in order to maximize social economical activities while not overwhelming the health system capacity in general, hospitalization beds, and intensive care units in particular. We used the Province of Ontario, Canada as a case study to demonstrate the methodology and the optimal decision trees; but our method and algorithm are generic and can be adapted to other settings. Our model framework and optimization strategies take into account the likely range of social contacts during different phases of a gradual reopening process and consider the uncertainties of these contact rates due to variations of individual behaviors and compliance. The results show that, without a mass vaccination rollout, there would be multiple optimal pathways should this strategy be adopted right after the Province's lockdown and stay-at-home order; however, once reopening has started earlier than the timing determined in the optimal pathway, an optimal pathway with similar constraints no longer exists, and sub-optimal pathways with increased demand for intensive care units can be found, but the choice is limited and the pathway is narrow. We also simulated the situation when the reopening starts after the mass vaccination has been rolled out, and we concluded that optimal pathways toward near pre-pandemic activity level is feasible given an accelerated vaccination rollout plan, with the final activity level being determined by the vaccine coverage and the transmissibility of the dominating strain.</p

The overuse of computed tomography for mild head injury by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE).

Random effects model used for analysis (95% confidence interval). The overall rate of CT overuse in mild head injury according to the NICE was estimated to be 43% [95% CI: 13–80; I2 = 99%]. (DOCX)</p