This paper presents Visualization Badges, graphical labels shown alongside visualizations to communicate provenance and design considerations to enhance understandability and transparency. Badges may, for example, highlight a major finding, disclose that an axis has been truncated, or warn of possible visual artifacts. Inspired by nutrition and energy labels on product packaging, visualization badges aim (i) to allow visualization authors to justify and disclose analysis and design decisions and (ii) to make readers aware of important information when viewing and interpreting visualizations. Collectively, visualization badges aim to foster trust in visualizations and prevent readers from drawing incorrect conclusions. Based on a series of co-design workshops, we define and evaluate the concept of visualization badges and formulate a conceptual framework for analysis, application, and further research. Our framework includes a catalog of 132 visualization badges, categorization schemes, design options for their visual representations, applied visualization examples, and guidelines for their use. We hope that visualization badges will help communicate data and collectively improve communication, visualization literacy, and the quality of visualization techniques. Our badges, workshops, and guidelines can be found online https://vis-badges.github.io.
In January 2023, the South Carolina Science Writing Initiative for Trainees (SC-SWIFT), an internship in the College of Graduate Studies at the Medical University of South Carolina, began offering tiered digital badges in science communications. The badges' purpose was to encourage graduate students and postdoctoral fellows to engage in extracurricular science writing opportunities available through SC-SWIFT and to document acquired communications skills for employers. The badges have been well received, with 18 interns earning the beginner badge in the first two years of the program. In March 2025, SC-SWIFT queried 25 interns who had earned a beginner badge or completed half the requirements for doing so in 2023-2024 to gauge how important they considered the badges to their engagement in science communications and how valuable they would be in a job search. All 14 respondents found the badges important in engaging them in science communications, and 86% either strongly agreed or agreed that digital badges would be an asset when job searching. Eleven of 12 respondents (92%) thought that their confidence in telling their own research story had increased. These initial results suggest that digital badges could be useful tools for documenting science communications skills acquired during extracurricular, experiential learning.
Assembly quality is frequently assessed using independent measures of assembly span, contiguity, sequence composition and completeness. Among contiguity metrics, contig and scaffold N50 have perhaps gained the most traction, despite well known limitations. Several authors have suggested considering the complete Nx curve rather than just the N50 value, but while using N90 values or considering the area under the Nx curve with auN statistics provide more complete measures of contiguity, they share the limitation of being unsuited to direct comparison across a range of genome sizes. We introduced snail plots to provide a genome-size independent way to summarise a range of commonly used assembly metrics. Here we demonstrate that easily-learnt visual differences between snail plots allow simultaneous consideration of metrics across several key areas of assembly quality to rapidly identify high- and low-quality assemblies. We show that prominent features in snail plots of high-quality assemblies effectively highlight N50, N90 and auN contiguity statistics. As the presentation is scaled to the longest scaffold, we also show that plots can be compared effectively across a wide range of taxa and assembly sizes. We use the core features of a snail plot to derive a proportional measure of assembly quality based on auN, adjusted for non-ATGC bases and scaled to the length of the longest scaffold. We show that this "snail score" value corresponds closely to a qualitative assessment of overall assembly quality from visual interpretation of a snail plot and supports corrections for expected genome size.
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First impressions often hinge on visible cues, leading people to infer the trustworthiness of strangers from their appearance and dress. While religiosity is generally associated with greater perceived trustworthiness, little is known about how visible religious markers, such as clothing and grooming styles, shape trust judgments in Muslim-majority societies, where such signals are widespread and easily recognizable. We examine this question using a large-scale vignette experiment embedded in a nationally representative face-to-face survey in Turkey. By experimentally varying profile characteristics, we identify the causal effect of a Muslim headscarf or beard on perceived trustworthiness. Contrary to expectations, individuals displaying these religious badges are generally viewed as less trustworthy than otherwise identical profiles, even by highly religious respondents. Mediation analyses show that these effects arise because religious badges signal multiple attributes, not only religiosity but also political orientation and physical attractiveness-and that these inferred meanings differ by gender: women's headscarves and men's beards prompt distinct patterns of inference. These findings show that visible religious markers shape trust judgments through multivalent social inferences rather than perceived piety alone. The results highlight how observers draw on broader social and political associations when interpreting religious markers, providing evidence on how public expressions of religion affect everyday trust judgments.
The International Commission on Radiation Units and Measurements (ICRU), in collaboration with the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP), has introduced new operational quantities in ICRU Report 95. Among these, the personal dose Hp addresses the significant limitations of the currently used Hp (10), which can overestimate the effective dose by up to a factor of 5.5 at photon energies below 70 keV. These changes necessitate a re-estimation of dosemeter response to evaluate potential modifications in dose algorithms and detector design. In this study, the performance of CaSO4:Dy thermoluminescent dosemeter (TLD) badges was investigated for the new operational quantity Hp and compared with the existing Hp (10). The badge response was simulated over photon energy range 12.3-1250 keV using the Monte Carlo Simulation code FLUKA and benchmarked against experimental validation. To correct for energy-dependent overestimation at lower photon energies, a new dose evaluation algorithm for Hp was developed based on disc dose ratio (R12). The disc dose ratio (R12) refers to the ratio of absorbed doses measured in CaSO₄:Dy TL discs D1 and D2 positioned under different filtration conditions within the badge and serves as an energy-sensitive parameter for correcting the over-response of the dosemeter in terms of Hp. The proposed algorithm demonstrated strong compliance with IEC 62387:2020 performance criteria (acceptance range 0.71-1.67), with 95% of estimated Hp values lying within 0.9-1.3 of the delivered dose. These results confirm that CaSO4:Dy TLD badges, when combined with the improved algorithm, are fully compatible with the new operational quantities recommended in ICRU Report 95, ensuring reliable application in personnel dosimetry.
Effective translation relies on high performance teams integrating diverse disciplines to bring new drugs, medical devices, diagnostics or behavioral interventions into improved health. Despite substantial advancements informed by the Science of Team Science (SciTS), challenges remain in effective translational team (TT) operations, while limited institutional, scholarly, and practitioner legitimacy of team science expertise constrains efforts to address them. Here, we describe an essential member of the TT, the Team Science Professional (TSP). Serving as a team educator and facilitator of team interventions, the TSP plays a pivotal role in facilitating effective team performance. Current challenges faced by this nascent profession are defining career pathways and establishing competencies needed for expert performance. To address these challenges, the authors, representing a spectrum of academic universities organized as a special interest group (SIG) of the Association of Clinical and Translational Science (ACTS), propose a suite of individualized, standardized and pathway-selective micro-credentials (digital badges). Digital badges in "Team Science (TS) Fundamentals," "TS Practitioner," "TT Trainer" and "TT Intervention Expert" are described, along with preliminary feasibility and usability evaluations of the submission process. These stackable credentials provide a customizable, portable recognition of skills and help advance career pathways for TSPs. In so doing, the Digital Badge Initiative will enhance the capacity of translational science "Hubs" such as those supported by Clinical and Translational Science Awards to conduct effective and rigorous translation. Moving forward, the ACTS TSP SIG will be examining the impact of digital badging on standardization and its effect on career recognition and retention.
The cluster randomized controlled trial interprof ACT evaluated the effects of a complex intervention designed to improve collaboration between general practitioners (GPs) and registered nurses (RNs) in nursing homes (NHs). The intervention includes six components (“Name badges”, “Mandatory availability rules”, “Designated contact persons”, “Standardized GPs’ home visits”, “Pro re nata medication”, “Shared goal setting”). The findings showed a nonsignificant reduction in hospital admissions in the intervention group (IG) compared to the control group (CG) within twelve months. The aims of this process evaluation were to describe (1) the dose, reach and fidelity of implementation (“implementation performance”), (2) the effects on the quality of RN-GP collaboration, and (3) potential moderating factors. Process evaluation with a mixed-methods triangulation design involving all clusters (17 NHs per IG and CG) and 323 nursing home residents (NHRs) (n = 166 IG, n = 157 CG): We collected quantitative and qualitative data from multiple perspectives (e.g., RNs, GPs, NHRs) at several measurement points. We quantitatively compared groups by means of medians, interquartile ranges, proportions (all outcome domains) or Mann‒Whitney U tests (implementation performance) and analyzed qualitative data inductively via content analysis. The key findings were triangulated narratively and via a joint display. Compared to those in the CG, we noted relevant improvements in the implementation of “Name badges”, “Mandatory availability rules”, “Designated contact persons” and “Pro re nata medication” in ≥50% of the IG clusters, of which the group difference for “Mandatory availability rules” reached statistical significance. The implementation performance of IG clusters was moderated by resource-related and other organizational attributes of NHs and GP offices and attributes of involved professionals, especially their attitudes and awareness. Implementation of the components induced greater standardization of care processes together with positive changes in interprofessional communication and coordination among GPs and RNs. Implementation of the interprof ACT components varied between components and NHs but showed potential for improving RN-GP collaboration. The standardization of shared care procedures emerged as a key mediator for improvement. For larger and more sustainable implementation we recommend a stronger focus on locally available resources and communication of potential benefits for all involved parties. ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03426475; registered 07 February 2018, https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03426475?lead=NCT03426475%26;rank=1. The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12913-026-14270-2.
I reflect on my tenure as Editor-in-Chief of Law and Human Behavior, including my attempts to improve the scientific impact of the work published in the journal and to increase the representation of traditionally minoritized groups among those who reviewed for it. I also describe the introduction of the nascent open science movement to the field and the journal, with the journal being the first journal published by the American Psychological Association to offer open science badges. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).
Research coordinators play a central role in approaching ICU patients and families for research, yet little is known about how factors such as attire influence first impressions and study perceptions. We examined patients' and families' perceptions of coordinator attire, its importance, and associations with participant characteristics. We conducted a cross-sectional, survey-based study of consecutively admitted ICU patients and family members across four ICUs. The survey included open-and closed-ended questions on attire preferences and factors influencing first impressions. Open-ended responses were analyzed using content analysis to complement quantitative findings. A total of 329 participants completed the survey, most of whom were family members (213/329, 65%) and women (199/329, 60%). Just over half (173/329, 53%) reported that attire influenced their perception of the study, whereas 145/329 (44%) said it did not, and 11/329 (3%) preferred not to say. Smart casual (129/329, 39%) and business casual (98/329, 30%) were the most preferred styles. Family members were more likely than patients to report that neat grooming (OR 2.28, 95% CI 1.25-4.16), good hygiene (OR 3.75, 1.70-8.27), wearing a name tag (OR 2.67, 1.33-5.37), and a study button or lanyard (OR 4.78, 2.22-10.28) positively influenced their impressions. Research coordinator attire is important to many ICU patients and families, who prefer business or smart casual styles that convey professionalism and approachability. Beyond attire, hygiene, demeanor, communication, and visible identification (e.g., name tags or study badges) strongly shape first impressions.
Background Vitamin D (Vit. D) plays a vital role in bone health and calcium-phosphorus homeostasis. Its deficiency is a major global health concern, affecting populations even in sun-rich countries like India. Indian adolescents, predominantly urban dwellers and girls, show a higher deficiency of Vit. D. Objective assessment of sunlight exposure in the Indian pediatric population in relation to Vit. D status is limited. Objectives This study examined the association between Vit. D concentrations, sunlight exposure (as measured using Polysulphone (PSU) dosimeter badges), and anthropometric parameters among urban and rural Indian adolescents across six states. The study investigated the differences in Vit. D status with changes in seasons, sex, and geographical regions. Methods A large-scale, multi-center research project that included 2500 children and their reported Vit. D prevalence was conducted from July 2016 to October 2017. This cross-sectional study was conducted in six Indian states across urban and rural settings. The study took place during the winter and rainy seasons. Vit. D status was determined using a previously standardized liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS)/MS-based method to measure 25-hydroxy-vitamin D3 (25(OH)D3) from dried blood spots, as 25(OH)D accounts for over 90% of the total 25(OH)D3 concentration in Indians. In the current study, we report data on a subset of 545 children who wore PSU badges on their wrists. Anthropometric data - height, weight, and BMI - were collected following standard protocols. Vit. D concentrations were measured from dried blood spots. Sunlight exposure was quantified as standard erythemal dose (ED) using PSU badges. Statistical analyses of the data included correlation, Mann-Whitney U tests, and multiple regression. Results Urban children were taller, heavier, and had lower Vit. D concentrations, sunlight exposure, and ED than rural children (p < 0.05). Rural boys had the highest Vit. D concentrations (24.6 ng/ml). Vit. D had a significant negative correlation with weight in urban girls (p < 0.05). Significant negative correlation (p < 0.05) was found between BMI, waist circumference, and Vit. D concentrations, and a positive association was found between ED and Vit. D concentrations in urban areas. There was a strong positive correlation between ED, sunlight exposure, and Vit. D concentrations (p>0.05). The winter season and rural settings saw notably higher ED as compared to the rainy season and the urban setting. Conclusion Sunlight exposure was a significant predictor of Vit. D status in Indian adolescents. Rural residence and winter season were associated with higher sunlight exposure and better Vit. D status. Girls were particularly vulnerable to Vit. D deficiency. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions, especially in urban areas and among girls, to improve sunlight exposure and Vit. D status. Policy efforts should consider promotion of outdoor activity, with particular emphasis on improving Vit. D status during the monsoon season.
Mobile health (mHealth) apps are increasingly used to support healthy lifestyle behaviors through features such as health tracking and personalized reminders. Personalized messaging, tailored to users' profiles, has been shown to improve engagement and retention in health-related contexts. Prior research has linked personality traits, based on the Big Five model, to preferences for specific app mechanisms, leading to the development of a preference matrix for personalizing mHealth apps. This matrix comprises 15 mechanisms derived from behavior change techniques and gamification elements, intended to guide developers in optimizing engagement according to user profiles. This study aimed to validate this preference matrix by examining whether the associations between mechanisms and Big Five personality traits reported in the literature align with user preferences observed in an experimental setting. A cross-sectional study was conducted using an online survey that collected demographic data, mHealth app usage, and personality traits. Participants were presented with mockups illustrating 15 mechanisms and were asked to select their preferred options. Logistic regression and ordinal logistic regression analyses were performed to examine associations between personality traits, mechanism selection, and motivation scores. All analyses were adjusted using the Bonferroni correction to account for multiple comparisons. A total of 214 participants completed the survey (mean age 29.42, SD 10.41 y; n=118, 55.1% women; n=89, 41.6% men; n=5, 2% identifying as other; and n=2, 1% nonrespondents). Higher conscientiousness significantly increased the likelihood of selecting the collection mechanism (eg, collecting badges or points; odds ratio [OR] 1.87, 95% CI 1.27-2.75). For competition (eg, competing with other users), conscientiousness (OR 3.22, 95% CI 1.73-6.00) and agreeableness (OR 1.93, 95% CI 1.08-3.45) were significant predictors. Preferences for rewards (eg, virtual incentives such as points or virtual currency) were associated with conscientiousness (OR 2.36, 95% CI 1.53-3.63) and neuroticism (OR 1.97, 95% CI 1.36-2.86). Additionally, 4 mechanisms-self-monitoring, progression, challenge, and quest-were selected by more than half of the participants, independent of personality traits. The findings partially validate the proposed preference matrix. Conscientiousness consistently emerged as a key predictor of preference across multiple mechanisms, highlighting its central role in engagement with gamified mHealth features. While some mechanisms appear to have universal appeal, others show personality-specific preferences, underscoring the value of combining baseline mechanisms with targeted personalization strategies in mHealth app design.
Approximately one-third of university students are overweight or obese, and a similar proportion experience anxiety or depression. Despite the interrelated nature of weight and mental health, interventions rarely address these issues simultaneously in young adults. Digital peer support interventions have the potential to promote healthy lifestyle and mental well-being. However, evidence is limited on whether a digital peer-driven approach can concurrently improve weight management and mental health in university populations with preobesity. This randomized controlled trial (RCT) evaluated the efficacy of a digital peer support program in concurrently improving weight management and mental health outcomes among university students with preobesity. In a single-blind parallel group RCT, 216 students with preobesity were allocated equally among three 6-month arms, which were a peer support intervention, an active wellness control, and a waitlist control. The peer support arm began with an interactive online workshop followed by moderated WeChat (Tencent) group discussions, daily micro tasks, biweekly group challenges, and digital badges to reinforce engagement. The active control group received the same schedule and formats but focused on general wellness topics. The waitlist group completed the same assessments without any intervention during the study period. The primary outcome measured the change in BMI from baseline to 6 months. Secondary outcomes included weekly physical activity measured in metabolic equivalent of task minutes, self-esteem, loneliness, anxiety, and depression assessed at 0, 2, 4, and 6 months. Analyses used linear mixed effects models. Retention exceeded 90%. At 6 months, the peer-support group achieved a greater BMI reduction than the active control by 0.47 (95% CI -0.89 to -0.04) kg/m² and waitlist by 0.54 (95% CI -0.85 to -0.01) kg/m². Weekly metabolic equivalent of task-minutes was 129.5 higher than active control (95% CI 53.3-205.6) and 152.9 higher than waitlist (95% CI 68.4-237.4). Self-esteem increased by 1.81 points versus active control (95% CI 0.22-3.39) and 1.99 points versus waitlist (95% CI 0.21-3.76). Loneliness scores fell by 3.79 points relative to active control (95% CI -7.03 to -0.56) and by 5.02 points relative to waitlist (95% CI -8.38 to -1.66). No significant differences emerged for anxiety or depression. A comprehensive digital peer-support program delivered via WeChat produced modest but clinically meaningful improvements in weight management, physical activity, self-esteem, and social connectedness among undergraduates with preobesity compared with wellness control and no intervention. These findings suggest that integrating peer support into scalable digital platforms can simultaneously address physical and psychosocial health in at-risk university populations.
The residency selection process remains a significant barrier to the actualization of competency-based education across the continuum of medical education in North America. Current residency selection practices emphasize a narrow set of comparative achievements-standardized test performance, publication counts, and honor society memberships-within a norm-referenced system, which can divert attention from developing criterion-referenced competencies that indicate readiness to provide safe, high-quality care on day 1 of residency. In this manuscript, the authors argue that the residency selection process must change in order to facilitate a growth-oriented, competency-based undergraduate medical experience that ensures preparedness for residency training across all applicants to graduate medical education programs. The authors explore current issues in residency selection, particularly the use of current measures that are nonpredictive of future success, biased, and incentivize an achievement-oriented mindset. These measures focus students away from competency toward attaining a checklist of achievements such as honors society membership, research publications, and other merit badges that are far less relevant to patient care and residency preparedness, which is antithetical to a competency-based approach. The authors propose supplanting the current application review process with a modified lottery among students deemed on track to be qualified by their medical schools to begin residency based on competency-based criterion rather than normative measures. This lottery would be for interview positions and focus on aligning students geographically and from a shared interest perspective with programs where they would ideally thrive. These students would subsequently interview with residency programs as they normally would and enter the Match. The authors detail how a modified lottery would function, including allowance for student choices, enhanced equality, and attention to special circumstances such as couples matching and international medical graduates as well as presenting pitfalls to this approach.
Game elements may inform the design of both simulations and games. However, evidence on how individual game elements inform the design of military trauma training simulations and their educational purpose remains limited. This systematic review aimed to examine which game elements are used in the design of educational simulations for military trauma management, how they are implemented, for what purpose, and what outcomes are reported related to the game elements. This is a systematic review conducted in accordance with PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. We included qualitative, quantitative, mixed methods, and design studies describing simulation-based training for military trauma management that incorporated game elements. Studies focusing solely on assessment, noninteractive interventions, or psychological trauma were excluded. Searches were conducted in Medline (Ovid), PubMed, IEEE Xplore, ERIC, Web of Science, ACM Digital Library, and CINAHL from inception to October 14, 2025, identifying 2487 records. Screening and data extraction were performed independently by 2 reviewers. Methodological quality was assessed using the Medical Education Research Study Quality Instrument (MERSQI) and the Côté and Turgeon grid. Results were synthesized using qualitative thematic synthesis. Forty-two studies published between 1986 and 2025 were included. Most studies were conducted in the United States and included a wide range of simulation modalities and learner populations. Sixteen game elements were identified, with narrative, sensation, imposed choice, time pressure, and scoring being most prevalent. The thematic synthesis identified multiple categories describing how these game elements were implemented. Justifications for the use of game elements were rarely provided; when present, they were primarily linked to realism, emotional engagement, adaptive learning, and feedback. Elements such as badges and competition were seldom used. No study explicitly linked individual game elements to specific educational outcomes. This review is constrained by heterogeneity across studies, an imperfect fit of quality appraisal tools for some study types, and the possibility of missed studies due to search vocabulary limitations. This systematic review is innovative in providing the first comprehensive synthesis of how game elements are used in military trauma simulations. Unlike previous reviews, it explicitly focuses on the pedagogical purposes of these elements. It offers an overview of the prevalence of game elements in military trauma care education and synthesizes the pedagogical rationales for their use. The lack of studies explicitly linking individual game elements to learning outcomes highlights the need for more intentional research and transparent reporting. Future studies should treat gamification as a set of targeted design choices rather than as a single overarching strategy, and explore how its motivational dimensions can be effectively leveraged in military trauma training. RR2-10.2196/45969.
The use of tools, such as smartphone apps, to increase the level of physical activity (PA) decreases over time. Adaptive intervention trials have been recommended to test technology-based interventions owing to the possibility of adapting interventions based on individual responses. This study aimed to investigate the effects of using a smartphone app combined with behavior change techniques on the PA level in adults and older adults (assessed using the step count). Moreover, the study investigated the time spent in sedentary behavior and time spent in moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA). In this single-blinded, sequential multiple assignment randomized trial, participants were randomized into 3 groups during a 24-week intervention (group 1: app with tailored messages; group 2: app with tailored messages plus gamification I; and control group: educational information). In the sixth week, participants from groups 1 and 2 were classified as responders and nonresponders according to their average daily step count. Nonresponders were rerandomized among the other groups, adding a second type of gamification (group 3: app with tailored messages plus gamification II). After another 6 weeks, participants were reassessed and advised to keep monitoring their step count with the app, but without interference from the researchers. Face-to-face assessments were conducted. The behavior change techniques included app features (goal setting, auto-monitoring, ranking, and virtual badges) and researcher-provided resources (tailored messages and in-person sessions of PA). The intervention effects were analyzed using linear mixed models. The study included 53 participants (control group: n=17, group 1: n=17, group 2: n=19; mean age 44.0, SD 12.7 years). Groups 1 and 2 had 63% (10/16) and 47% (7/15) responders, respectively (P=.38). Regarding the PA level, participants from group 1 showed increases in the average daily step count at all assessments (final vs initial: B=797.2 steps/day, 95% CI 475.3-1119.1; P<.001; follow-up vs initial: B=2097.6 steps/day, 95% CI 1577.2-2618.1; P<.001). All participants showed a reduction in the time spent in sedentary behavior at the final assessment compared with the initial assessment (B=-70.8 min/week, 95% CI -88.8 to -52.9; P<.001), without differences among groups. The time spent in MVPA varied across time among all participants. Regardless of the initial group and allocation in the second randomization, responders from groups 1 and 2 showed a constant increase in the average daily step count (week 6 vs week 1: B=1548.0 steps/day, 95% CI 1407.4-1688.6; P<.001; week 12 vs week 1: B=1720.3 steps/day, 95% CI 1568.8-1871.7; P<.001; week 12 vs week 6: B=172.3, 95% CI 20.8-323.8; P=.03). The adaptive intervention protocol using a smartphone app with behavior change techniques increased participants' PA levels. Stepping up behavior change techniques and progressively offering new stimuli may contribute to a change in behavior regarding PA.
The global prevalence of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) ranges from 9.1% to 13.4%, with China having the largest number of CKD and advanced CKD patients in Asia. Most patients choose hemodialysis (HD) due to its high safety. Still, long-term treatment may cause complications such as restless legs syndrome and skin itching, which seriously affect patients' quality of life. Recently, the Internet has gradually become the main medical and health information source. As one of the largest short-video platforms in China, TikTok is an important source for spreading health information. However, the reliability of content about hemodialysis on short-video platforms varies and lacks professional evaluation. This study aims to evaluate the content, reliability, and quality of short videos related to hemodialysis on TikTok. In May 2025, a new TikTok account was created, and the keyword "hemodialysis" was used for searching. The first 100 videos were evaluated using three scales: GQS, JAMA, and the Modified DISCERN. Relevant information from the videos was extracted and analyzed. Overall, the quality of short videos about hemodialysis on TikTok was not satisfactory. Most videos had GQS scores of 2-3, JAMA scores of 2, and Modified DISCERN scores of 2. Videos posted by health professionals had higher quality and reliability than those by non-health professionals (P < 0.05). Videos with diverse presentation forms had significantly higher GQS, JAMA, and Modified DISCERN scores than monotonous presentation forms (P < 0.05). Some variables, such as likes and duration, comments, and scale scores, showed no correlation, while the rest were positively correlated (P < 0.05). This study shows that the overall quality and reliability of short videos related to hemodialysis on TikTok are low, but videos posted by medical professionals and those with diverse presentation forms are of better quality. It is recommended that when users search for relevant health information on short-video platforms, they should prioritize watching videos released by qualified healthcare professionals with verified identity badges.
LGBTQIA+ students in Indian health professional education (HPE) institutions face stigma and discrimination. To pioneer a year-long TransCare Queer Ambassador (QA) model to promote LGBTQIA+ inclusion in admissions, classrooms, residences, and infrastructure; build awareness; and strengthen the on-campus queer community by systematically supporting LGBTQIA+ student ambassadors across HPEs in India. Eight QAs represented eight HPE institutions across seven Indian states, including Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) and Master of Public Health (MPH) students. Through mentorship, peer learning, and training in creative humanities methods like reflective writing, photography, and Forum Theatre, QAs co-developed solutions tailored to their respective institutional contexts. Among Kirkpatrick Model of training evaluation level 4 results, QAs built strong peer-support networks by initiating LGBTQIA+ clubs on campus and forming online communities. They enhanced awareness and visibility through distributing pronoun badges and handbooks about the queer community, holding arts events around lived experiences, and starting dialogue around sexual harassment of LGBTQIA+ students. QAs established gender-neutral washrooms, and inclusive admissions forms and residencies. Despite challenges, if scaled up in India and globally, the QA model could create inclusive spaces and an affirmative health workforce for queer persons. Not applicable.
The rapid expansion of pre-cooked food industry has raised concerns about food safety. Bisphenol compounds (BPs), widespread contaminants in packaged foods, have unknown prevalence in pre-cooked foods. This study analyzed 63 retail pre-cooked food samples from China using online SPE-LC-MS, identifying 13 distinct BPs with total concentrations ranging from 0.803 to 380.991 ng/g. BPF had the highest detection frequency (DF), and bisphenol A bis(2,3-dihydroxypropyl) ether (BADGE·2 H2O) exhibited the highest median and geometric mean concentrations. Comparisons of raw ingredients versus paired cooked samples showed no significant cooking-related changes, but BPZ and 4,4'-thiodiphenol (TDP) levels were significantly higher in packaged versus paired unpackaged samples. Furthermore, migration experiments conducted on paired actual samples revealed a significant increase in BP concentrations after in-package heating, indicating migration from packaging during heating. Exposure assessments showed that BADGE·2H2O posed relatively high exposure levels through pre-cooked food consumption, yet its chronic daily intake (CDI) remained well below the established tolerable daily intake (TDI). In contrast, the CDI of BPA exceeded the established TDI. This study demonstrated widespread contamination of BPs in pre-cooked foods and highlighted packaging migration as a critical risk factor. These results provided important insights for assessing health risks associated with pre-cooked food consumption.
Objective.Large vessel occlusion (LVO) stroke presents a major challenge in clinical practice due to the potential for poor outcomes with delayed treatment. Treatment for LVO involves highly specialized care, in particular endovascular thrombectomy, and is available only at certain hospitals. Therefore, prehospital identification of LVO by emergency ambulance services, can be critical for triaging LVO stroke patients directly to a hospital with access to endovascular therapy. Clinical scores exist to help distinguish LVO from less severe strokes, but they are based on a series of examinations that can be time-consuming and may be impractical for patients with dementia or those who cannot follow commands due to their stroke. There is a need for a fast and reliable method to aid in the early identification of LVO. In this study, our objective was to assess the feasibility of using 30 s photoplethysmography (PPG) recording to assist in recognizing LVO stroke.Approach.A total of 88 patients, including 25 with LVO, 27 with stroke mimic (SM), and 36 non-LVO stroke patients (NL), were recorded at the Liverpool Hospital emergency department in Sydney, Australia. Demographics (age, sex), as well as morphological features and beating rate variability measures, were extracted from the PPG. A binary classification approach was employed to differentiate between LVO stroke and NL + SM (NL.SM). A 2:1 train-test split was stratified and repeated randomly across 100 iterations.Main results.The best model achieved a median test set area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.77 (0.71-0.82).Significance.Our study demonstrates the potential of utilizing a 30 s PPG recording for identifying LVO stroke.