bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Users of reimbursed glaucoma medications in Finland in 1986–2023: A nationwide study
Authors: Lehtonen E. , Tuulonen A. , Leinonen S. , Vepsäläinen K. , Uusitalo‐Jarvinen H.
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The study evaluates the long‐term trends in the number of patients using reimbursed glaucoma medications in Finland.

Methods

Reimbursement data of 193 082 new glaucoma patients in 1986–2023 were collected from the registry of Finnish Insurance Institution (Kela). The numbers of new, current and deceased users of reimbursed glaucoma medications in Finland at end of each year were analysed by gender and in different age groups.

Results

The number of glaucoma reimbursees per total Finnish population increased 2.5‐fold during 37 years. However, in 2015–2023 the data demonstrated an unexpected decelerating trend in the difference between the number of new and deceased users of glaucoma medications (i.e. ‘net change’ in the medication users). In addition, differences in glaucoma medication users between Finland, other Nordic countries and Scotland were detected.

Conclusions

The 37‐year period demonstrates an overall increasing trend in the number of glaucoma medication reimbursees in Finland. However, the slowing growth in the net change during the recent years is to the contrary to what has generally been forecasted in Finland and globally. Future studies, including an updated prediction model, will be required to clarify whether the number of glaucoma patients under treatment will increase, or decrease in Finland in future as well as to figure out the reasons for the variations.
Expression and functional analysis of adipokinetic hormone reveal its different roles in larval development and female fecundity in Panonychus citri (McGregor) (Acari: Tetranychidae)
Authors: Kong Xinyan , Xie Ying , Cao Ying , Li Yujing , Zhang Yujie , Zou Zhiwen , Xia Bin , Xin Tianrong
Published: December 2024

Adipokinetic hormone (AKH), a crucial neuropeptide, participates in the important physiological processes by specially binding to its receptor to activate the AKH signalling pathway. AKH regulates energy metabolism. However, it remains unknown whether AKH affects larval development and adult reproduction by influencing energy metabolism. In the present study, the AKH was identified from Panonychus citri and contained the conserved functional domain ‘Q‐[LIV]‐[NT]‐F‐[ST]‐X (2)‐W’ that characterises the AKH family. The relative expression levels of PcAKH revealed different patterns of AKH expression at different developmental stages of P. citri. Feeding of double‐standard RNA against PcAKH induced decreased fecundity and reduced survival, which was accompanied by the down‐regulation of vitellogenin gene expression. In addition, after silencing the PcAKH, lipid metabolism and carbohydrate homeostasis were disrupted, manifested by increased body width and weight, and fasting phenomenon. Further investigation found that compared with the control, physiological changes in trehalose and triglyceride contents were accompanied by variations in the mRNA expression levels of genes related to lipid metabolism and carbohydrate metabolism. The disorder of lipid and carbohydrate metabolism may affect adult female reproduction, which may lead to insufficient vitellogenin deposition. Moreover, the silencing of PcAKH seriously affected the growth and development of larvae, which was manifested as delayed development period and difficulty in moulting. Conclusively, all these results in current study demonstrated that double‐stranded RNA silencing system targeting PcAKH effectively inhibited larval development and female fecundity by disturbing lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, and PcAKH is a specific RNAi target for control of P. citri in the design and development of biopesticide in sustainable agriculture.
Experience of patients and healthcare practitioners with interdisciplinary care in immune‐mediated inflammatory diseases with skin manifestations: A systematic scoping review
Authors: Van den Steen Ellen , De Cock Diederik , Lambert Jo Lydie Wilfried , Reynaert Valerie , Eyerich Kilian , Marinović Branka , Gutermuth Jan
Published: December 2024

Immune‐mediated inflammatory diseases with skin manifestations (skIMIDs) may affect multiple organs. Interdisciplinary care (IC) can overcome the fragmented knowledge used in the management of skIMIDs. In skIMIDs‐care, patient and healthcare practitioner (HCP) satisfaction with IC is unknown. Yet, patient experience influences adherence and medical outcomes. Moreover, HCP experience influences professional satisfaction, perception of care quality and autonomy. Thus, measuring patient and HCP experience can identify areas for improvement in care delivery. The aim of this scoping review was to gather evidence on patient‐ and HCP perceptions on skIMID‐IC and their measurement. We systematically searched on 30 August 2023 PubMed/EMBASE/Cinahl/Web of Science. Eligible studies had to address explicitly experience of IC by patients or HCPs. A conceptional synthesis appraised how experiences were measured and IC was perceived by patients and HCPs. The database search resulted in 21 eligible studies. Fourteen described positive patient and HCP experiences with a specific IC programme. These studies were heterogenous on the levels of IC models, medical conditions, measurement methods and outcomes. Despite that patients and HCPs rated such tailored IC models positively, seven studies on a geographically broader region reported less satisfaction with IC. A conceptual analysis identified domains deemed as important regarding IC: ‘general satisfaction’, ‘patient‐HCP interaction’, ‘information’, ‘functioning of IC’, ‘benefits of IC’. For patients, ‘access to care’ and ‘disease management’ were added. For HCPs ‘illness perception’ was deemed relevant. The heterogeneous way in how IC experience is captured hinders strong conclusions, which mandates the development of standardized analysis tools. Experience with IC in skIMIDs strongly depends on the context of the provided IC and patient experience seems to be better in local IC programmes than systems rolled out in larger geographical regions. Future need is to develop a core IC outcome set including medical outcomes, process indicators, financial indicators, plus patient and HCP care experience measures.
The Receipt of Venting at Work: A Multi‐Study Investigation of Affective and Behavioral Reactions for Venting Recipients
Authors: Gabriel Allison S. , Lee Young Eun , Koopman Joel , Rosen Christopher C. , Dutli Aqsa , Bush John T.
Published: December 2024

As a form of social communication at work, venting—expressing negative feelings about a person or event to others—is fairly ubiquitous. Yet little is known about how those who are the recipients of venting react affectively and behaviorally to this experience at work. To advance our understanding of venting receipt in the workplace, we integrate the archaic view of vicarious emotions into research related to venting at work to develop theory regarding how receiving venting is likely to evoke feelings of personal distress and empathy as employees react to and process this social information. In turn, we theorize that while personal distress leads to venting enactment, empathy leads to helping that can promote more positive social relations, highlighting the double‐edged nature of this phenomenon. Finally, beyond clarifying the theoretical ways that venting recipients react, we also consider how the broader social context—namely, coworker similarity—has the potential to shape these reactions. Across two within‐person field studies, both of which utilize a newly developed measure of venting receipt at work, and a supplemental recall experiment, our research highlights why and when venting at work can have divergent effects on venting recipients.
Urban political ecologies of sewage surveillance: Creating vital and valuable public health data from wastewater
Authors: Arefin Mohammed Rafi , Prouse Carolyn
Published: December 2024

With the outbreak of COVID‐19, wastewater surveillance for public health rapidly emerged and expanded globally. In this article we chart the variegated ecosystem of private firms that work closely with public and non‐profit entities to transform metabolic flows of sewage into vital and valuable bioinformation, thereby creating new multi‐institutional spaces of public health governance. We draw on literature in urban political ecology and political economy to ask: what are the emerging political economic actors, practices, and relations of wastewater surveillance? And how are emergent multi‐institutional public‐private partnerships and contracts transforming public health governance? To answer these questions, we use mixed qualitative methods to trace the field across North America, the Middle East and South Asia. Drawing on interviews, document and report reviews, financial reporting and observation at conferences, we find that these emerging public‐private partnerships present concerning transformations in health governance where profits displace public health needs, proprietary technologies blackbox public health decisions, and vulnerable populations are experimented on for prototyping technology. Our work contributes to renewed interest in urban political ecology's analysis of metabolism by tracing how, during health crises and their aftermath, public and private actors are together reconfiguring flows of waste, labour and technology to unlock new metabolic reservoirs of bioinformation.
Serum amikacin concentrations in dogs with naturally occurring open wounds treated with topical amikacin in carboxymethylcellulose hydrogel
Authors: Peng Zong H. , Dickerson Vanna M. , Fajt Virginia R. , Gould Emily N. , Droog Madeline , Thieman Mankin Kelley M.
Published: December 2024

Objective

To quantify serum amikacin concentrations in dogs undergoing wound management with topical amikacin (45 mg/mL) 3% carboxymethylcellulose hydrogel.

Study design

Prospective clinical study.

Sample population

Eleven client‐owned dogs.

Methods

Dogs with naturally occurring wounds, undergoing treatment with topical amikacin gel, were enrolled. A whole blood sample was collected prior to initial application of the gel. Up to a maximum dose of 30 mg/kg of gel, was applied directly on the wound and the wound was bandaged. Serial blood sampling was performed at approximately 2, 4, 8, 12, 18, 24, 32, 40, 48, 56, 64, and 72 h after application of amikacin gel. The sampling schedule was reset following each bandage change and new application of the gel. Up to 20 samples per dog were collected. The Siemens Syva EMIT Amikacin Assay was used to quantify the concentration of amikacin in each blood serum sample. The lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) of the test was 2.5 μg/mL.

Results

Amikacin gel was applied a total of 31 times (dose range, 0.1–24.9 mg/kg). A total of 153 samples were analyzed. Five samples in three different dogs were above the LLOQ at approximately 2 h after gel application (range 2.75–3.82 μg/mL). All other samples were below the LLOQ.

Conclusion

Routine use of amikacin gel for open wound management did not result in serum amikacin levels above 5 μg/mL.

Clinical significance

Topical amikacin gel may be a safe treatment option for wounds in dogs with resistant infections or biofilms.
The potential of weeds in arable fields to support pollinator assemblages
Authors: Milberg Per , Bergman Karl‐Olof , Björklund Linnéa , Westerberg Lars
Published: December 2024

To what extent are weeds on arable land useful to pollinators in an arable‐dominated landscape? We sampled the weed flora in fields under conventional or organic farming in SE Sweden. More specifically, we noted the frequency of flowering among weeds that scored high on a pollinator index, henceforth ‘pollinator‐friendly weeds’. Furthermore, we sampled pollinating insects within cereal crops using transect walks and colour pan traps. As expected, weeds were ubiquitous and occurred in most sampling plots (0.25 m2). In the pan traps, more than 100 species of pollinators were caught, including 26 Syrphidae, 19 social bees, 37 solitary bees and 22 other Hymenoptera. In the transects walks, the probability of encountering bees increased with flowering of pollinator‐friendly weeds, and there was a similar but weaker pattern among hoverflies. Organically grown fields differed from conventional ones by having more pollinator‐friendly weeds, more flowering of such weeds, and more bees. There was also a tendency for hoverflies and other Hymenoptera to be more abundant in organic fields. Three conclusions emerged. First, pollinator‐friendly weeds made up one third to almost half of the weed occurrences recorded. Second, substantial numbers of pollinators searched for flowers within arable fields, and some increased with the abundance of flowering of pollinator‐friendly weeds. Third, flowering pollinator‐friendly weeds and some pollinators were more abundant in organic fields than in conventional ones. Overall, we showed that weeds on arable land are a potential and sought after resource among pollinators, and that even conventionally grown crops should be considered a potential habitat for bees.
Numerical Investigations on the Start-Up Characteristics and Heat Transfer Performance of a Single-Loop Oscillating Heat Pipe With Different Surface Wettable Vertical Tubes
Authors: Chinchedu Raghuvaran , Kumar K. Kiran , V. P. Chandramohan
Published: December 2024

The heat transfer performance of an oscillating heat pipe (OHP) was significantly enhanced by changing the inner wall surface wettability and filling ratios. Among the various wettability types, a hybrid surface, where the evaporator and condenser have different wettability, has shown enhancement of heat transfer performance significantly. The effects of different surface wettable vertical tubes are yet to be investigated. Therefore, in this study, a single-loop OHP with three different surface wettable vertical tubes, namely, alternate wettability OHP (AWOHP) were numerically investigated at different filling ratios of 30–90%. The different wettability rates of two vertical tubes caused an uneven distribution of slugs and plugs, which generated an unbalanced pressure difference between the tubes, thereby reducing the start-up time by 60–79%. The bulk mean temperature of the left and right adiabatic tubes was investigated to understand the nature of fluid flow. For filling ratios (FRs) of 30–70%, the right tube temperature was always higher than the left tube in AWOHP 3 (hydrophilic left tube, super-hydrophobic right tube), indicating unidirectional circulatory flow, with an occasional change in direction at 70% FR. At lower FR of 30%, AWOHP 2 (super-hydrophilic left tube, super-hydrophobic right tube) exhibited the highest heat transfer performance. In contrast, at higher FRs of 50–90%, AWOHP 3 exhibited the highest heat transfer performance with conductance (G) of 1075 W/m2 K at an FR of 70%, 55% higher than conventional oscillating heat pipe (COHP).
Freedom from infection: enhancing decision-making for malaria elimination
Authors: Nelli Luca , Surendra Henry , Byrne Isabel , Ahmad Riris Andono , Arisanti Risalia Reni , Lesmanawati Dyah A S , Elyazar Iqbal R F , Dumont Elin , Wu Lindsey , Drakeley Chris , Matthiopoulos Jason , Stresman Gillian
Published: December 2024

Assessing elimination of malaria locally requires a surveillance system with high sensitivity and specificity to detect its presence without ambiguity. Currently, the WHO standard criteria of observing the absence of locally acquired cases for 3 consecutive years, combined with a health systems assessment, are used to justify claims of malaria elimination. However, relying on a qualitative framework to support the application of this guideline can lead to early, over-optimistic relaxation of control measures with the potential for resurgence. Overcoming this challenge requires innovative approaches to model the coupled processes of malaria transmission and its clinical observation.

We propose a novel statistical framework based on a state-space model to probabilistically demonstrate the absence of malaria, using routinely collected health system data (which is extensive but inherently imperfect). By simultaneously modelling the expected malaria burden within the population and the probability of detection, we provide a robust estimate of the surveillance system’s sensitivity and the corresponding probability of local elimination (probability of freedom from infection).

Our study reveals a critical limitation of the traditional criterion for declaring malaria elimination, highlighting its inherent bias and potential for misinterpreting ongoing transmission. Such oversight not only misrepresents ongoing transmission but also places communities at risk for larger outbreaks. However, we demonstrate that our integrated approach to data comprehensively addresses this issue, effectively detecting ongoing transmission patterns, even when local reports might suggest otherwise.

Our integrated framework has far-reaching implications for malaria control but also for infectious disease control in general. Our approach addresses the limitations of traditional criteria for declaring freedom from disease and opens the path to true optimisation of the allocation of limited resources. Our findings emphasise the urgent need to reassess existing methods to accurately confirm malaria elimination, and the importance of using comprehensive modelling techniques to continually monitor and maintain the effectiveness of current surveillance systems, enabling decisions grounded in quantitative evidence.
Exploring the link of personality traits and tutors’ instruction on critical thinking disposition: a cross-sectional study among Chinese medical graduate students
Authors: Wang LingYing , Chang WenLing , Tang HaiTao , He WenBo , Wu Yan
Published: December 2024

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the associations between critical thinking (CT) disposition and personal characteristics and tutors’ guidance among medical graduate students, which may provide a theoretical basis for cultivating CT.

Design

A cross-sectional study was conducted.

Setting

This study was conducted in Sichuan and Chongqing from November to December 2021.

Participants

A total of 1488 graduate students from clinical medical schools were included in this study.

Data analysis

The distribution of the study participants’ underlying characteristics and CT was described and tested. The Spearman rank correlation coefficient was used to evaluate the correlation between each factor and the CT score. The independent risk factors for CT were assessed using a logistic regression model.

Results

The average total CT score was 81.79±11.42 points, and the proportion of CT (score ≥72 points) was 78.9% (1174/1488). Female sex (OR 1.405, 95% CI 1.042 to 1.895), curiosity (OR 1.847, 95% CI 1.459 to 2.338), completion of scientific research design with reference (OR 1.779, 95% CI 1.460 to 2.167), asking ‘why’ (OR 1.942, 95% CI 1.508 to 2.501) and team members’ logical thinking ability (OR 1.373, 95% CI 1.122 to 1.681) were positively associated with CT while exhaustion and burn-out (OR 0.721, 95% CI 0.526 to 0.989), inattention (OR 0.572, 95% CI 0.431 to 0.759), Following others’ opinions in decision-making (OR 0.425, 95% CI 0.337 to 0.534) and no allow of doubt to tutors (OR 0.674, 95% CI 0.561 to 0.809) had negative associations with the formation of CT disposition in the fully adjusted model.

Conclusions

Factors associated with motivation and internal drive are more important in the educational practice of cultivating CT. Educators should change the reward mechanism from result-oriented to motivation-maintaining to cultivate students’ CT awareness.
Associations between pre-existing comorbidities and in-hospital cardiovascular events and mortality among COVID-19 patients in Bangladesh: a secondary analysis of a prospective cohort study
Authors: Islam Farzana , Salahin Kazi Fayzus , Chowdhury Abdul Wadud , Amin Md. Robed , Rahim Abdur , Akter Shahin , Talukder Shamim , Islam Quazi Monirul , Liabsuetrakul Tippawan
Published: December 2024

Objective

To identify the associations of in-hospital cardiovascular events and mortality with pre-existing comorbidities and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors among COVID-19 patients in Bangladesh without vaccine availability.

Design

A secondary analysis of a prospective multicountry study.

Setting

Three COVID-19-designated hospitals in Bangladesh.

Participants

Adult patients aged ≥18 years with PCR-positive COVID-19 admitted between 10 October 2020 and 31 July 2021 at participating hospitals.

Outcome measures

In-hospital cardiovascular events and mortality.

Main exposures

Pre-existing comorbidities and cardiovascular risk factors.

Results

In 897 COVID-19 patients, 18.7% developed cardiovascular events and 12.6% died. After adjusting for clinical information and treatment, patients with two comorbidities (excluding CVD risk factors) were significantly associated with cardiovascular events (adjusted (adj.) OR 2.47, 95% CI 1.24 to 4.90). Patients with a higher heart rate at admission (adj. OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.04) and those who were receiving intravenous fluids (adj. OR 2.13, 95% CI 1.23 to 3.70) or antibiotics (adj. OR 4.54, 95% CI 1.47 to 14.01) had significantly higher odds of cardiovascular events. The odds of cardiovascular events were lower in those receiving antiviral medications (adj. OR 0.31, 95% CI 0.18 to 0.53). There were no interactions between comorbidities and other covariates in the models. Comorbidities and cardiovascular risk factors were not significantly associated with 30-day mortality in the Cox regression models after adjusting with clinical information and treatment. The mortality within 30 days of admission was significantly higher in patients receiving corticosteroids (adj. HR 2.82, 95% CI 1.48 to 5.38) and lower in those receiving antiviral treatment (adj. HR 0.53, 95% CI 0.34 to 0.81). Those having cardiovascular events significantly increased mortality hazard.

Conclusions

Clinical factors and treatment affected in-hospital cardiovascular events, which subsequently increased the risk of mortality within 30 days for COVID-19 patients. COVID-19 patients regardless of CVD risk factors and comorbidities require close monitoring for cardiovascular events.
Associations between 24-hour activity behaviours and emotional and behavioural problems of left-behind children: a component analysis of data from a cross-sectional study
Authors: Lu Bin , Huang Zan , Lou Jiaying , Li Rui , Zhou Yulan
Published: December 2024

Objectives

This study employed compositional data analysis to examine the association between 24-hour activity behaviours and emotional and behavioural problems among left-behind children (LBC).

Design

Cross-sectional analysis.

Setting

The research used a cross-sectional approach to analyse data collected from LBC living in Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, southern China, between February and May 2023.

Participants

A total of 275 LBC aged 9–15 years old were recruited.

Outcome measures

The measurement of 24-hour activity behaviour, incorporating sleep, sedentary behaviour (SED), light physical activity (LPA) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), was accomplished using accelerometers. Emotional and behavioural problems were assessed through the application of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Compositional data analysis was used to evaluate the potential relationship between the composition of 24-hour activity and emotional and behavioural problems.

Results

Changes in allocation, such as transferring time from SED to sleep and LPA, were associated with better internalising (βsleep=−0.53, 95% CI −0.60 to −0.46; βLPA=−0.46, 95% CI −0.55 to −0.38) and externalising problems (βsleep=−0.31, 95% CI −0.39 to −0.22; βLP=−0.23, 95% CI −0.32 to −0.13). Furthermore, reallocating time from LPA to MVPA was associated with reduced internalising problems (β=−0.40, 95% CI −0.84 to −0.12). Positive associations with prosocial behaviour were observed when the time was reallocated to MVPA from sleep (β=0.81, 95% CI 0.57 to 1.05), SED (β=0.75, 95% CI 0.51 to 0.99) and LPA (β=0.82, 95% CI 0.57 to 1.08).

Conclusions

The composition of 24-hour activity behaviours is correlated with emotional and behavioural problems in LBC. The findings indicate that redistributing time from SED to sleep and LPA is linked to improved internalisation and externalisation problem scores. Additionally, the substitution of MVPA for any other behaviours is positively associated with enhanced prosocial behaviours.
Young people’s sense of agency and responsibility towards promoting mental health in Brazil: a reflexive thematic analysis
Authors: Mendes Josimar Antônio de Alcântara , Murta Sheila Giardini , Siston Felipe Rodrigues , da Cunha Rafaela de Oliveira , Seabra Brenda Thallys Rocha , Ferreira Julyana Alves , de Souza Rafa Ribeiro Alves , Santos Victor Hugo de Lima , Singh Ilina , Pavarini Gabriela
Published: December 2024

Objectives

This study investigated how Brazilian young people perceive their role in promoting and supporting their peer community’s mental health and well-being, and the conditions and contexts influencing their engagement.

Design

Co-produced qualitative study using in-depth interviews and focus groups with adolescents. The sessions were audio-recorded, transcribed and anonymised. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.

Setting

Data collection took place remotely across Brazil via audio or video calls conducted by a youth collaborator and a senior researcher.

Participants

46 Brazilian adolescents aged between 15 and 18 years old, recruited primarily via social media.

Results

Our analysis generated four overarching themes: (1) young people’s sense of responsibility and motivation—many participants felt committed to promoting the mental health and well-being of their friends and community, while also critically emphasising responsibilities of and partnerships with adult stakeholders to make a meaningful difference; (2) strategies for promoting peer mental health—suggested strategies included peer-to-peer support, such as non-judgemental listening, and collective actions such as forming school groups; (3) intrapersonal barriers—key barriers to participation included a lack of necessary skills and self-efficacy; and (4) contextual barriers—young people reported feeling unheard, invalidated, and fearing judgement due to mental health stigma.

Conclusion

These findings support an ecological view of youth participation in the promotion of mental health as dependent on intrapersonal, interpersonal and contextual factors. Realising young people’s potential in advancing mental health in their communities requires fostering youth–adult partnerships, providing peer support training, and combating adultism and mental health stigma.
Association between trochanteric fractures and gluteal muscle size, density in older women: a cross-sectional study at a university hospital
Authors: Huang Pengju , Ge Yufeng , Liu Yandong , Geng Jian , Zhang Wei , Liang Wei , Yu Aihong , Wu Xinbao , Wang Ling , Cheng Xiaoguang
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate differences in hip muscle area and density between older women with femoral neck fractures (FNF) and trochanteric fractures (TRF).

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting and participants

The study was conducted at a university hospital. A total of 554 older women patients were enrolled, comprising 314 with FNF (mean age 77.02±7.15 years) and 240 with TRF (mean age 79.70±6.91 years), for comparative analysis.

Methods

CT scans were used to measure the area and density of the gluteus medius and minimus muscles (G.Med/MinM) and the gluteus maximus muscle (G.MaxM). Areal bone mineral density (aBMD) of the total hip (TH) and femoral neck (FNaBMD) were quantified using quantitative CT. The cohort was stratified by age (cut-off 80 years) to explore age-specific associations.

Results

Among all subjects, the FNF group exhibited significantly higher muscle parameters compared with the TRF group (p<0.001). With adjustments made for age, body mass index (BMI) and THaBMD, all muscle parameters, except G.Med/MinM density, showed significant correlations with TRF. In the age ≥80 group, no statistically significant correlations were observed between hip muscle parameters and TRF. Conversely, in the age <80 group, adjusting for age, BMI and THaBMD revealed significant associations between decreased muscle density and area of both G.MaxM and G.Med/MinM with TRF.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that in older women, particularly those under 80 years of age, gluteus muscle parameters are associated with TRFs, independently of BMD.
Interventions to improve patient health education competence among nursing personnel: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Wang Guiyun , Wang Shuyi , Liu Ke , Tang Siyuan , Qi Yanxia , Chen Qirong
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Patient health education has gradually become an indispensable and important part of nursing work. However, nursing personnel’s performance in this domain remains below satisfactory levels. The absence of patient health education competence (PHEC) constitutes a significant impediment to the effective implementation of such education by nursing personnel. Effective training in PHEC can enable nursing personnel to recognise the importance of patient health education, improve their attitudes towards patient health education and gain comprehensive knowledge and skills, thus improving patients’ health outcomes and quality of life, while also enhancing the overall quality of nursing. However, the related research is fragmented and there is a lack of systematic review of related literature. The scoping review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the existing interventions related to cultivating the PHEC of nursing personnel.

Methods and analysis

We will use the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology to guide the scoping review proposed by this protocol. Between 1 April 2024 and 15 April 2024, a systematic search of electronic bibliographic databases, including Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, MEDLINE and ERIC, will be conducted. In addition, the grey literature source Google search engine will also be searched. Two reviewers will independently screen and conduct data extraction. Any discrepancies that arise will be resolved through consultation with a third reviewer. The data will be analysed and presented in tables, flow diagrams and text.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval is not applicable for this study. We will share the findings from the study at national and/or international conferences and in a peer-reviewed journal in the fields of nursing education and/or patient education.

Registration number

This scoping review had been registered on Open Science Framework (http://osf.io/dapq7).
Trauma-informed family carer education and practical skills training in dementia: a systematic scoping review protocol
Authors: Harkess-Murphy Eileen , Tolson Debbie , Cheyne Joshua , Heron Suzanne , Butler Anthony , Murray Yvonne , Mitchell Bryan , Limond Kath
Published: December 2024

Introduction

The incurable and progressive nature of dementia requires complex care, the majority of which is provided via informal caring by family members within the family home. Carers experience significant stress absorbing the challenging care needs of their family member and require education and training that can support and sustain family caring arrangements while considering the psychological distress that threatens caring breakdown. The aim of this scoping review was to map the evidence of trauma-informed principles within education and practical skills training in dementia family caring.

Methods and analysis

A two-step approach to the selection of literature will be used. In step 1, the review will consider research on active intervention education and practical skills training to support family home-based informal care for individuals with a formal diagnosis of dementia. The review will exclude passive education and self-accessed information/training provision. Only literature in the context of ‘informal’ day-to-day family caring provided by a family member or friend that takes place in the family home or residence will be included. Education and practical skills training provision within specialist care environments will be excluded. In step 2, during the full-text screen, only research where either explicit or implicit use of trauma-informed approaches has been used will be included.

Preliminary searches of MEDLINE Ovid and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) were carried out between March and May 2023 to identify literature in this area. In line with the Johanna Briggs Institute scoping review guidance, we will conduct a search of published literature within MEDLINE Ovid, Embase Ovid, CINAHL EBSCO, Cochrane Data for Systematic Reviews and Cochrane Central Register for Controlled Trials in the Cochrane Library, PsycINFO Ovid and the British Library EThOS e-theses online. Publications in English with a date range of 1990 to current, with no restriction on geographical region will be considered. The search will be managed by Rayyan software and screened by multiple independent researchers. Results will be presented using narrative summaries and tables.

We collaborated with an experienced Academic Support Librarian to develop the MEDLINE Ovid search strategy (Appendix 1), which will be adapted for searching other databases.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval was not required for this review, as it involved the synthesis of publicly available secondary data. The findings will be disseminated through publication in peer-reviewed journals, as well as presentations at national and international conferences. Additionally, stakeholder events will engage carers, individuals with lived experience, and healthcare professionals.
Utilisation and trends of laboratory testing and point-of-care testing in primary care in Germany: an analysis of claims data
Authors: Markwart Robby , Storch Josephine , Bleidorn Jutta , Freytag Antje
Published: December 2024

Objectives

German general practitioners (GPs) either order laboratory tests from external laboratories (initiated laboratory services (ILS)) or perform point-of-care tests (POCTs) within the GP practice. This study investigated the current use and time trends of laboratory testing in German GP practices with a particular focus on POC testing.

Design

Retrospective consecutive cross-sectional study by analysis of complete outpatient healthcare claims data (2017–2022).

Setting

Primary care in Thuringia, a federal state in central Germany.

Participants

Data from 2061 GPs.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Number of performed laboratory analyses per year, mean number of laboratory analyses per patient and year.

Results

In 2022, 1601 GPs performed 16.1 million laboratory analyses, with 14.9 million (92.5%) being ILS and 1.2 million (7.5%) being POCTs conducted within GP practices. The mean number of laboratory tests per patient was 15.5 in 2022. The number of laboratory tests performed per patient decreased by 18.8% from 2017 to 2022. An especially pronounced reduction was observed in the use of POCTs (−36.0%). During the whole study period, the most common initiated laboratory analyses included creatinine, blood cell count, glucose, thyroid-stimulating hormone and HbA1/HbA1c. The most frequently employed POCTs were glucose, urine test strip, prothrombin time/international normalised ratio, HbA1/HbA1c, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and microalbuminuria. POC testing instead of ILS was more likely performed in older patient groups (≥40 years) compared with young adult patients (18–39 years) (adjusted OR (aOR) 40–59 years: 1.19 (95% CI 1.14 to 1.24); aOR 60–79 years: 1.48 (95% CI 1.40 to 1.57); aOR >79 years: 1.43 (95% CI 1.34 to 1.54)).

Conclusions

German GPs regularly employ laboratory testing, primarily utilising external laboratory service, while POC testing plays a relatively minor role. The notable decline in the use of POCT testing may be attributed to several factors, including regulations from healthcare authorities, reimbursement guidelines and increasing test costs.
Reducing wait times for access to inpatient rehabilitation for patients with acquired brain injury: a quality improvement initiative
Authors: Neferu Ramona , Fleck Rebecca
Published: December 2024

Background

Acquired brain injury (ABI) is a major cause of disability. Timely access to inpatient ABI rehabilitation is associated with improved outcomes at the patient, system, and societal levels.

Problem

Wait times to access the inpatient ABI rehabilitation programme at the local regional rehabilitation centre by patients referred from community hospitals were consistently greater than provincial targets and benchmarks.

Objective

This initiative aimed to reduce the mean wait times from referral to admission by 30% (from 27 to 19 days) during the 12-month project period. The secondary aim was to concurrently achieve a reduction in the mean wait times for decisions from 9.5 to 5 days during the same period.

Methods

A non-randomised time-series design was undertaken. Baseline and postintervention wait times were obtained from patient intake charts. Process mapping, value analysis and five-why analysis were used to identify root causes for delays in the intake process. Referring hospital staff and the ABI Rehab interdisciplinary team members were engaged in change idea development and refinement. Iterative Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles were used to improve the change ideas’ usability and uptake. Data analysis was performed using the QI Macros package in Microsoft Excel.

Results

Root causes for delays included frequent incomplete referrals, variability in the intake process and limitations in rehab bed availability. Two change ideas were introduced: (1) a standardised intake protocol and (2) a referral checklist. Within 3 months, the mean decision wait times were reduced to 4 days (58% reduction), and the mean admission wait times were reduced to 12 days (54% reduction).

Conclusion

This initiative led to the systematic standardisation of the intake process for the local regional ABI rehab programme. Wait time improvements surpassing the initial aims were observed and may inform future benchmarks.
Effect of stellate ganglion block on perioperative myocardial injury following thoracoscopic surgery for lung cancer (SGBMI): protocol for a single-centre, randomised controlled trial
Authors: Wu Wei , Dai Haofei , Liu Meiyun , Liu Yang , Shi Hong
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Myocardial injury is a common complication of thoracoscopic surgery. The stellate ganglion block is believed to affect myocardial oxygen consumption. The Stellate Ganglion Block and Myocardial Injury (SGBMI) trial aims to test the hypothesis that stellate ganglion block can reduce the incidence of perioperative myocardial injury in patients undergoing thoracoscopic surgery for lung cancer.

Methods and analysis

The SGBMI trial is a double-blind, randomised trial comparing the effects of a stellate ganglion block and a sham procedure in patients with cardiovascular risk factors undergoing thoracoscopic surgery. The exclusion criteria include procedure-related contraindications and severe heart failure. The stellate ganglion block or sham procedures will be performed preoperatively. The primary outcome is myocardial injury within 30 days of the follow-up. The main safety outcomes are sepsis, infection and procedure-related complications. We will enrol 248 patients to ensure at least 80% power for the evaluation of the primary outcome. The primary results of the SGBMI trial are expected to be announced by the year 2027.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval for the study is obtained from the Ethics Committee of the Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital (approval number: L22-394). Written informed consent will be obtained from all participating patients. The publication of results in a peer-reviewed journal and presentations at conferences are anticipated.

Trial registration number

ChiCTR2300071469 (registered on 16 May 2023).
Elucidating the role of physical exercises in alleviating stroke-associated homeostatic dysregulation: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Villagra Moran Vanina Myuriel , Nila Irin Sultana , Madhuvilakku Rajesh , Sumsuzzman Dewan Md , Khan Zeeshan Ahmad , Hong Yonggeun
Published: December 2024

Background

This study aimed to investigate the role of physical exercises as a non-pharmacological intervention for ameliorating post-stroke dysregulated homeostatic parameters.

Methods

Embase, PubMed, PEDro, ISI Web of Science and CENTRAL were searched until April 2024. Parallel randomised controlled trials (RCTs) analysing the effect of post-stroke physical exercises (PSPE) on homeostatic parameters such as blood glucose, oxygen consumption (VO2), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) in individuals with stroke were selected.

Results

Sixteen RCTs (n=698) were included. PSPE reduced fasting glucose levels (MD=−0.22; 95% CI −0.22 to −0.02; p=0.00) and increased the VO2(MD=2.51; 95% CI 1.65 to 3.37; p=0.00) and blood HDL levels (MD=0.07; 95% CI 0.00 to 0.13; p=0.00). However, we did not observe beneficial effects on LDL, SBP and DBP parameters. Further analyses demonstrated that both low and moderate exercises are more suitable for improving blood glucose and VO2in this population.

Discussion

PSPE have the potential to improve dysregulated post-stroke parameters by reducing blood glucose levels and increasing VO2and HDL levels. However, the small size and limited number of included studies limited the precision of our results. Further research is needed to comprehensively analyse the effects of PSPE, particularly on LDL levels and blood pressure.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42023395715.
General relativity and geodesy
Authors: Hackmann Eva , Huckfeldt Moritz , Lämmerzahl Claus , Philipp Dennis , Rievers Benny
Published: December 2024

Mass redistribution on Earth due to dynamic processes such as ice melting and sea-level rise leads to a changing gravitational field, observable by geodetic techniques. Monitoring this change over time allows us to learn more about our planet and its dynamic evolution. In this paper, we highlight the impact of General Relativity (GR) on geodesy: it provides corrections essential for the interpretation of high-precision measurements and enables a completely novel measurement approach using chronometry, i.e. clock-based observations. Focusing on the latter, we review the construction of the relativistic gravity potential and the corresponding geoid definition as an isochronometric surface to elucidate the comparison to the conventional Newtonian geoid. Furthermore, we comment on additional potentials due to the non-Newtonian degrees of freedom of the relativistic gravitational field, and assess the feasibility of clock-based measurements for Gravity Field Recovery (GFR) from space. Although clock observations in space demonstrate technical promise for GFR, achieving the necessary precision for practical applications remains challenging.
Generalized HL-modules and cluster algebras
Authors: Guo Jingmin , Duan Bing , Luo Yanfeng
Published: December 2024

We define a family of finite-dimensional simple [Formula: see text]-modules by their highest [Formula: see text]-weight monomials, call them generalized HL-modules as a generalization of Hernandez–Leclerc modules of type [Formula: see text], and prove that generalized HL-modules are real and prime. We also prove that Hernandez–Leclerc conjectures hold for a family of generalized HL-modules, that is, their equivalence classes are cluster variables in the Grothendieck ring [Formula: see text] of a monoidal subcategory [Formula: see text] of the category of finite-dimensional [Formula: see text]-modules.
Data-driven Predictive Control for Safe Motion Planning
Authors: Dai Li , Huang Teng , Gao Yulong , Li Sihang , Deng Yunshan , Xia Yuanqing
Published: December 2024

Controlling a constrained dynamic system in an environment with multiple obstacles is important yet challenging. Many existing methods are either heuristic (e.g. A* algorithm) or model-based (e.g. optimal control). In contrast to these methods, this paper addresses scenarios where the mathematical model of the dynamic system is unknown, relying solely on input–output data and environmental information. We propose a new data-driven framework to achieve safe path planning and efficient tracking control by integrating sample-based methods with more recent data-enabled predictive control. In the offline phase, we develop a safe path planning algorithm to generate a sequence of convex safe sets from the initial point to the target set. This is achieved by leveraging a sample-based planning algorithm and solving bi-linear optimization problems. The resulting adjacent safe sets have a nonempty intersection, and the distance between each safe set and any obstacle exceeds the required safe distance. In the online phase, we develop an efficient data-enabled predictive tracking control algorithm with the core of safe set contraction constraints to sequentially track the safe sets. The proposed algorithm transforms the nonconvex obstacle avoidance control problem into a convex optimization problem, which can be solved efficiently. We demonstrate that the proposed framework is safe, efficient, and scalable through quadcopter simulations, comparison simulations, and unmanned vehicle experiments.
Modeling of Small Unmanned Helicopter Using a Self-Constructed Kernel Function APSO-LSSVM
Authors: Zhou Jian , Shi Junyi , Wang Weixin , Lu Jian
Published: December 2024

The complex nonlinear and strongly coupled dynamics of small unmanned helicopters make mathematical modeling challenging. Traditional approaches often rely on least squares support vector machine (LSSVM) algorithms using standard kernel functions, which are limited in their learning and generalization capabilities, resulting in insufficient accuracy for flight control systems. This paper proposes an adaptive particle swarm optimization-based LSSVM (APSO-LSSVM) method, incorporating a self-constructed kernel function. Using Mercer’s theorem, the custom kernel addresses the limitations of conventional kernels and is integrated into the LSSVM framework. An adaptive particle swarm optimization algorithm, capable of dynamically adjusting inertia weights and learning factors, optimizes the model parameters, overcoming the standard particle swarm optimization’s tendency to get trapped in local optima. The model is trained using flight test data from a self-developed small unmanned helicopter, and its identification performance is cross-validated in the time domain against traditional models. Experimental results show that the proposed method significantly improves the modeling accuracy of small unmanned helicopters.
Water Tariffs and Affordability in Urban Water Supply and Wastewater Systems
Authors: Xenarios Stefanos , Edwards Ethan Y. , Buurman Joost
Published: December 2024

Urban water utilities attempt to achieve financial sustainability by increasing tariffs to cover the operational and maintenance costs and raise funds for infrastructural projects. Although the tariffs are relatively low compared to average household incomes in developed countries, concerns remain about the affordability in low-income groups. This study analyzes the urban water consumption and the effects of water tariffs on affordability in 266 upper-middle- and high-income cities from 44 countries for the period 2011–2021. The water consumption does not distinctively differentiate within the assessed period, and the water tariffs seem to have moderate effects on the consumption trends. The consumption is proportionally higher when fixed (flat) rates are applied and when the fixed rates are higher than the variable (usage) rates. There is high variation in the affordability rate in the sample cities; however, the cities of South Europe, Central and East Europe and South America seem to have the lowest affordability levels. The affordability appears to have improved for the majority of our sample cities from 2017 to 2021, while the higher water fees and increased consumption are associated with a decrease in affordability throughout the same period.