bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TRIZ – Systematic Innovation in Manufacturing: Book Review
Authors: Wan Mohd Zawawi Wan Akmal Izzati , Jusoh Mazura , Pusppanathan Jaysuman
Published: May 2024

"TRIZ - Systematic Innovation in Manufacturing" is a comprehensive guide unveiling the transformative potential of the Theory of Inventive Problem Solving (TRIZ) within manufacturing contexts. This insightful book delves into the core principles of TRIZ, equipping professionals and engineers with a structured approach to tackle intricate challenges and drive innovation. Offering a blend of theory and practical applications, the book elucidates TRIZ methodologies through illustrative case studies, examples, and exercises tailored to the manufacturing sector. It navigates through inventive principles and contradiction resolution strategies, showcasing TRIZ's efficacy in optimizing processes, enhancing designs, and overcoming operational bottlenecks. While potentially challenging for those new to TRIZ, this resource serves as an invaluable asset for professionals seeking inventive solutions and systematic problem-solving approaches within manufacturing environments.
Performance Analysis of a New Cascade Waste Heat Recovery System With a Wider Range of Applications
Authors: Sun Dahan , Wang Cong , Liu Zekuan , Qin Jiang , Liu Zhongyan
Published: May 2024

This paper proposes a new cascade waste heat recovery system with low power consumption and the ability to recover waste heat in a wider temperature range, namely, the absorption–compression coupled heat pump system. Simulations were conducted to reveal the effects of generator inlet and outlet water temperatures, supply hot water inlet and outlet water temperatures, and intermediate temperature on system performance. The results demonstrate that the coefficient of performance and exergy efficiency of the new system increase with an increase in generator outlet water temperature. The coefficient of performance and exergy efficiency of the new system decrease with an increase in supply heating water outlet water temperature. The coefficient of performance of the new system decreases with an increase in supply heating water inlet water temperature, while the exergy efficiency increases with an increase in supply heating water inlet water temperature. As the intermediate temperature increases, the coefficient of performance of the new system shows an increasing trend, and the exergy efficiency shows a decreasing trend. In addition, compared to the single-effect absorption heat pump system, the new system can recover heat at lower heat source temperatures, and compared to the compression heat pump system, it can reduce electricity consumption.
Molecular-caged metal-organic frameworks for energy management
Authors: Wu Minghong , Lin Gengye , Li Rui , Liu Xing , Liu Shumei , Zhao Jianqing , Xie Weiqi
Published: May 2024

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) hold great promise for diverse applications when combined with polymers. However, a persistent challenge lies in the susceptibility of exposed MOF pores to molecule and polymer penetration, compromising the porosity and overall performance. Here, we design a molecular-caged MOF (MC-MOF) to achieve contracted window without sacrificing the MOF porosity by torsional conjugated ligands. These molecular cages effectively shield against the undesired molecule penetration during polymerization, thereby preserving the pristine porosity of MC-MOF and providing outstanding light and thermal management to the composites. The polymer containing 0.5 wt % MC-MOF achieves an 83% transmittance and an exceptional haze of 93% at 550 nanometers, coupled with remarkable thermal insulation. These MC-MOF/polymer composites offer the potential for more uniform daylighting and reduced energy consumption in sustainable buildings when compared to traditional glass materials. This work delivers a general method to uphold MOF porosity in polymers through molecular cage design, advancing MOF-polymer applications in energy and sustainability.
Diagnostic accuracy of a sequence-specificMtb-DNA hybridization assay in urine: a case-control study including subclinical TB cases
Authors: Tschan Yves , Sasamalo Mohamed , Hiza Hellen , Fellay Jacques , Gagneux Sébastien , Reither Klaus , Hella Jerry , Portevin Damien
Published: May 2024

Tuberculosis (TB) caused byMycobacterium tuberculosis(Mtb) remains one of the deadliest infectious diseases globally. Timely diagnosis is a key step in the management of TB patients and in the prevention of further transmission events. Current diagnostic tools are limited in these regards. There is an urgent need for new accurate non-sputum-based diagnostic tools for the detection of symptomatic as well as subclinical TB. In this study, we recruited 52 symptomatic TB patients (sputum Xpert MTB/RIF positive) and 58 household contacts to assess the accuracy of a sequence-specific hybridization assay that detects the presence ofMtbcell-free DNA in urine. Using sputum Xpert MTB/RIF as a reference test, the magnetic bead-capture assay could discriminate active TB from healthy household contacts with an overall sensitivity of 72.1% [confidence interval (CI) 0.59–0.86] and specificity of 95.5% (CI 0.90–1.02) with a positive predictive value of 93.9% and negative predictive value of 78.2%. The detection ofMtb-specific DNA in urine suggested four asymptomatic TB infection cases that were confirmed in all instances either by concomitant Xpert MTB/RIF sputum testing or by follow-up investigation raising the specificity of the index test to 100%. We conclude that sequence-specific hybridization assays on urine specimens hold promise as non-invasive tests for the detection of subclinical TB.

IMPORTANCE

There is an urgent need for a non-sputum-based diagnostic tool allowing sensitive and specific detection of all forms of tuberculosis (TB) infections. In that context, we performed a case-control study to assess the accuracy of a molecular detection method enabling the identification of cell-free DNA fromMycobacterium tuberculosisthat is shed in the urine of tuberculosis patients. We present accuracy data that would fulfill the target product profile for a non-sputum test. In addition, recent epidemiological data suggested that up to 50% of individuals secreting live bacilli do not present with symptoms at the time of screening. We report, here, that the investigated index test could also detect instances of asymptomatic TB infections among household contacts.
Temporal dynamics of fecal microbiota community succession in broiler chickens, calves, and piglets under aerobic exposure
Authors: Oladele Paul , Ngo Jennifer , Chang Tiffany , Johnson Timothy A.
Published: May 2024

Researchers have extensively studied the effect of oxygen on the growth and survival of bacteria. However, the impact of oxygen on bacterial community structure, particularly its ability to select for taxa within the context of a complex microbial community, is still unclear. In a 21-day microcosm experiment, we investigated the effect of aerobic exposure on the fecal community structure and succession pattern in broiler, calf, and piglet feces (
n
= 10 for each feces type). Bacterial diversity decreased and community structure changed rapidly in the broiler microbiome (
P
< 0.001), while the fecal community of calves and piglets, which have higher initial diversity, was stable after initial exposure but decreased in diversity after 3 days (
P
< 0.001). The response to aerobic exposure was host animal specific, but in all three animals, the change in community structure was driven by a decrease in anaerobic species, primarily belonging to Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes (except in broilers where Bacteroidetes increased), along with an increase in aerobic species belonging to Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria. Using random forest regression, we identified microbial features that predict aerobic exposure. In all three animals, host-beneficial
Prevotella
-related ASVs decreased after exposure, while ASVs belonging to
Acinetobacter
,
Corynbacterium,
and
Tissierella
were increased. The decrease of
Prevotella
was rapid in broilers but delayed in calves and piglets. Knowing when these pathobionts increase in abundance after aerobic exposure could inform farm sanitation practices and could be important in designing animal experiments that modulate the microbiome.

IMPORTANCE

The fecal microbial community is contained within a dynamic ecosystem of interacting microbes that varies in biotic and abiotic components across different animal species. Although oxygen affects bacterial growth, its specific impact on the structure of complex communities, such as those found in feces, and how these effects vary between different animal species are poorly understood. In this study, we demonstrate that the effect of aerobic exposure on the fecal microbiota was host-animal-specific, primarily driven by a decrease in Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes, but accompanied by an increase in Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, and other pathobionts. Interestingly, we observed that more complex communities from pig and cattle exhibited initial resilience, while a less diverse community from broilers displayed a rapid response to aerobic exposure. Our findings offer insights that can inform farm sanitation practices, as well as experimental design, sample collection, and processing protocols for microbiome studies across various animal species.
Unveiling potential therapeutic targets for diabetes-induced frozen shoulder through Mendelian randomization analysis of the human plasma proteome
Authors: Chen Kun , Tian Tian , Gao Peng , Fang Xiaoxiang , Jiang Wang , Li Zongchao , Tang Kexing , Ouyang Pan , Li Liangjun
Published: May 2024

Introduction

This study aimed to assess the causal relationship between diabetes and frozen shoulder by investigating the target proteins associated with diabetes and frozen shoulder in the human plasma proteome through Mendelian randomization (MR) and to reveal the corresponding pathological mechanisms.

Research design and methods

We employed the MR approach for the purposes of establishing: (1) the causal link between diabetes and frozen shoulder; (2) the plasma causal proteins associated with frozen shoulder; (3) the plasma target proteins associated with diabetes; and (4) the causal relationship between diabetes target proteins and frozen shoulder causal proteins. The MR results were validated and consolidated through colocalization analysis and protein–protein interaction network.

Results

Our MR analysis demonstrated a significant causal relationship between diabetes and frozen shoulder. We found that the plasma levels of four proteins were correlated with frozen shoulder at the Bonferroni significance level (p<3.03E-5). According to colocalization analysis, parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHLH) was moderately correlated with the genetic variance of frozen shoulder (posterior probability=0.68), while secreted frizzled-related protein 4 was highly correlated with the genetic variance of frozen shoulder (posterior probability=0.97). Additionally, nine plasma proteins were activated during diabetes-associated pathologies. Subsequent MR analysis of nine diabetic target proteins with four frozen shoulder causal proteins indicated that insulin receptor subunit alpha, interleukin-6 receptor subunit alpha, interleukin-1 receptor accessory protein, glutathione peroxidase 7, and PTHLH might contribute to the onset and progression of frozen shoulder induced by diabetes.

Conclusions

Our study identified a causal relationship between diabetes and frozen shoulder, highlighting the pathological pathways through which diabetes influences frozen shoulder.
Effects of prednisolone tapering on effectiveness of infliximab in patients with ulcerative colitis: data from a retrospective cohort
Authors: Ovesen Pernille Dige , Attauabi Mohamed , Ilvemark Johan F K F , Wewer Mads Damsgaard , Warren David J , Burisch Johan , Klaasen Rolf A , Bolstad Nils , Steenholdt Casper , Seidelin Jakob Benedict
Published: May 2024

Background and objective

The influence of concomitant prednisolone on clinical outcomes and safety in infliximab-treated ulcerative colitis (UC) patients is unknown.

Design, setting, participants and outcome measures

A retrospective cohort study was performed, including 147 UC patients treated with infliximab at a tertiary inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) centre. Primary outcome was corticosteroid-free clinical remission (CFCR) at week 14 and week 52. Patients were grouped according to prednisolone tapering regimens: standard (≤5 mg/week), fast (>5 mg/week), direct discontinuation or no prednisolone. Patients intolerant to corticosteroids and patients stopping corticosteroids in preparation for surgery including colectomy during their initial admission were excluded.

Results

There was no overall association between prednisolone exposure or no exposure and CFCR at weeks 14 or 52 of infliximab. The proportion of patients with C reactive protein ≤5 mg/L was higher in the standard tapering at week 14 as compared with faster regimens or no prednisolone. In subgroup analyses, the standard tapering was associated with a higher rate of CFCR at week 14 compared with the fast-tapering regimen in patients receiving ≥40 mg prednisolone at initiation of infliximab (64.3% vs 26.3%, p=0.04) and among patients admitted with acute severe UC (66.6% vs 23.5%, p<0.05). Similar data were seen at week 52. Prednisolone did not affect infliximab trough levels but increased infection rates (10/77 vs 2/70, p=0.03), in particularC. difficileinfection.

Conclusion

In UC patients with limited disease burden, prednisolone did not affect effectiveness of infliximab. However, patients with increased disease burden seem to benefit from corticosteroid combination therapy.
A rapid review of the evidence on models of service delivery for correctional centre-based mothers and children’s units: does our approach need to change?
Authors: Taylor Jo , Majeed Tazeen , Remond Marc , Bagade Tanmay , Edwards Layla , Austin Kelly , Smith Emma , Howard Mark , Sullivan Elizabeth
Published: May 2024

Background

Incarcerated mothers are a marginalised group who experience substantial health and social disadvantage and routinely face disruption of family relationships, including loss of custody of their children. To support the parenting role, mothers and children’s units (M&Cs) operate in 97 jurisdictions internationally with approximately 19 000 children reported to be residing with their mothers in custody-based settings.

Aim

This rapid review aims to describe the existing evidence regarding the models of service delivery for, and key components of, custodial M&Cs.

Method

A systematic search was conducted of four electronic databases to identify peer-reviewed literature published from 2010 onwards that reported quantitative and qualitative primary studies focused on custody-based M&Cs. Extracted data included unit components, admission and eligibility criteria, evaluations and recommendations.

Results

Of 3075 records identified, 35 met inclusion criteria. M&Cs accommodation was purpose-built, incorporated elements of domestic life and offered a family-like environment. Specific workforce training in caring for children and M&Cs evaluations were largely absent. Our systematic synthesis generated a list of key components for M&C design and service delivery. These components include timely and transparent access to information and knowledge for women, evaluation of the impact of the prison environment on M&C, and organisational opportunities and limitations.

Conclusion

The next generation of M&Cs requires evidence-based key components that are implemented systematically and is evaluated. To achieve this, the use of codesign is a proven method for developing tailored programmes. Such units must offer a net benefit to both mothers and their children.
Comparative efficacy and acceptability of different exercise patterns for reducing cardiovascular events in pre-diabetes: protocol for a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Zhong Yumei , Lan Meijuan , Chen Haotian , Chen Yuanyuan , Zhang Yuping
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Exercise has been used to reverse dysglycaemic states in patients with pre-diabetes. Systematic reviews show that exercise is an effective way to reduce the incidence of diabetes, but there is conflicting evidence for reducing the occurrence of cardiovascular events. Therefore, we present a systematic review and network meta-analysis protocol designed to compare the effectiveness of different forms of exercise in reducing cardiovascular events and their tolerability in different populations.

Methods and analysis

We will include all randomised controlled trials and compare one exercise intervention to another. We will compare the following exercise patterns: standard endurance training, strength training, high-intensity interval training, mind-body exercise, and mixed strength and aerobic training. The primary outcomes are the occurrence of major cardiovascular events and the rate of patient attrition during the intervention. We will search major English and Chinese databases as well as trial registry websites for published and unpublished studies. All reference selection and data extraction will be conducted by at least two independent reviewers. We will conduct a random effects model to combine effect sizes and use the surface under the cumulative ranking curve and the mean ranks to rank the effectiveness of interventions. All data will be fitted at WinBUGS in a Bayesian framework and correlation graphs will be plotted using StataSE 14. We will also use the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) framework to evaluate the quality of evidence for the study results.

Ethics and dissemination

This study does not involve a population-based intervention, and therefore, does not require ethical approval. We will publish the findings of this systematic review in a peer-reviewed scientific journal, and the dataset will be made available free of charge. The completed review will be disseminated electronically in print and on social media, where appropriate.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42023422737.
Development of family resource indicators for people with schizophrenic disorder in community by modified Delphi method in Beijing, China
Authors: Wang Meirong , Jin Guanghui , Li Ting , Pan Zhaolu , Lu Xiaoqin , Wang Xiaojuan
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Most people with schizophrenia in China are supported by their family members in community. The patient’s family is confronted with severe care burden and pressure, which directly affects the caregiver’s own health and social life, and indirectly affects the patient’s rehabilitation. Adequate family resources can reduce the burden and pressure on families. But there is an absence of systematic family resource indicators for people with schizophrenic disorder in China.

Objectives

This study aimed to develop a set of family resource indicators for people with schizophrenic disorder in China.

Design

Preliminary family resource indicators were generated and refined by literature review and an expert consultation meeting. Two rounds of email-based Delphi survey were carried out to identify family resource indicators.

Setting

Two rounds of email-based Delphi survey were performed from July to September 2021 in Beijing, China.

Participants

There were 15 mental health doctors from community health service centres and four psychiatrists from tertiary hospitals, and two primary care researchers from universities in the first and second rounds Delphi survey.

Results

All the 21 experts participated in both rounds of Delphi survey. A total of 46 indicators achieved consensus for inclusion in the final set of indicators after two rounds of Delphi survey. The final set of indicators was grouped into 10 domains: financial support (three indicators), psychological and spiritual support (eight indicators), medical treatment (three indicators), information and education (three indicators), structural support (two indicators), external family resources included social resources (five indicators), cultural resources (two indicators), economic resources (seven indicators), environmental resources (four indicators) and medical resources (nine indicators).

Conclusions

A set of 46 family resource indicators for people with schizophrenic disorder in community was identified by an iterative Delphi process in Beijing, China. However, the indicators still need to be validated by testing in further studies.
Real experience of caregivers of patients with HIV/AIDS from the perspective of iceberg theory: a qualitative research
Authors: Tang Jie , Ren Jingxia , Wang Huiqun , Shi Min , Jia Xiaofeng , Zhang Liman
Published: May 2024

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the caregiving behaviours and supportive needs of caregivers of patients with HIV/AIDS and provide a basis for healthcare institutions to carry out caregiver interventions.

Design

A purposive sampling method was used to select 11 caregivers of patients with HIV/AIDS in the Infectious Disease Department of a tertiary hospital in Nanjing, China, to conduct semistructured interviews. Colaizzi analysis was used to collate and analyse the interview data.

Setting

All interviews were conducted at a tertiary hospital specialising in infectious diseases in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province.

Participants

We purposively sampled 11 caregivers of people with HIV/AIDS, including nine women and two men.

Results

Analysing the results from the perspective of iceberg theory, three thematic layers were identified: behavioural, value and belief. The behavioural layer includes a lack of awareness of the disease, physical and mental coping disorders, and an increased sense of stigma; the values layer includes a heightened sense of responsibility, the constraints of traditional gender norms, the influence of strong family values and the oppression of public opinion and morality and the belief layer includes the faith of standing together through storms and stress.

Conclusion

Healthcare professionals should value the experiences of caregivers of patients with HIV/AIDS and provide professional support to improve their quality of life.
Projecting non-communicable diseases attributable to air pollution in the climate change era: a systematic review
Authors: Karim Norhafizah , Hod Rozita , Wahab Muhammad Ikram A , Ahmad Norfazilah
Published: May 2024

Objectives

Climate change is a major global issue with significant consequences, including effects on air quality and human well-being. This review investigated the projection of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) attributable to air pollution under different climate change scenarios.

Design

This systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 flow checklist. A population-exposure-outcome framework was established. Population referred to the general global population of all ages, the exposure of interest was air pollution and its projection, and the outcome was the occurrence of NCDs attributable to air pollution and burden of disease (BoD) based on the health indices of mortality, morbidity, disability-adjusted life years, years of life lost and years lived with disability.

Data sources

The Web of Science, Ovid MEDLINE and EBSCOhost databases were searched for articles published from 2005 to 2023.

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies

The eligible articles were evaluated using the modified scale of a checklist for assessing the quality of ecological studies.

Data extraction and synthesis

Two reviewers searched, screened and selected the included studies independently using standardised methods. The risk of bias was assessed using the modified scale of a checklist for ecological studies. The results were summarised based on the projection of the BoD of NCDs attributable to air pollution.

Results

This review included 11 studies from various countries. Most studies specifically investigated various air pollutants, specifically particulate matter <2.5 µm (PM2.5), nitrogen oxides and ozone. The studies used coupled-air quality and climate modelling approaches, and mainly projected health effects using the concentration–response function model. The NCDs attributable to air pollution included cardiovascular disease (CVD), respiratory disease, stroke, ischaemic heart disease, coronary heart disease and lower respiratory infections. Notably, the BoD of NCDs attributable to air pollution was projected to decrease in a scenario that promotes reduced air pollution, carbon emissions and land use and sustainable socioeconomics. Contrastingly, the BoD of NCDs was projected to increase in a scenario involving increasing population numbers, social deprivation and an ageing population.

Conclusion

The included studies widely reported increased premature mortality, CVD and respiratory disease attributable to PM2.5. Future NCD projection studies should consider emission and population changes in projecting the BoD of NCDs attributable to air pollution in the climate change era.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42023435288.
Morbidity and mortality outcomes of patients requiring isolated tricuspid valve surgery: a retrospective cohort study of 537 patients in New South Wales between 2002 and 2018
Authors: Harvey Gregory , Chow Vincent , Rubenis Imants , Brieger David , Kritharides Leonard , Ng Austin Chin Chwan
Published: May 2024

Objectives

The aim of the study was to evaluate mortality and morbidity outcomes following open-heart isolated tricuspid valve surgery (TVSx) with medium to long-term follow-up.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

New South Wales public and private hospital admissions between 1 January 2002 and 30 June 2018.

Participants

A total of 537 patients underwent open isolated TVSx during the study period.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Primary outcome was all-cause mortality tracked from the death registry to 31 December 2018. Secondary morbidity outcomes, including admission for congestive cardiac failure (CCF), new atrial fibrillation (AF), infective endocarditis (IE), pulmonary embolism (PE) and insertion of a permanent pacemaker (PPM) or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), were tracked from the Admitted Patient Data Collection database. Independent mortality associations were determined using the Cox regression method.

Results

A total of 537 patients underwent open isolated TVSx (46% male): median age (IQR) was 63.5 years (43.9–73.8 years) with median length of stay of 16 days (10–31 days). Main cardiovascular comorbidities were AF (54%) and CCF (42%); 67% had rheumatic tricuspid valve. In-hospital and total mortality were 7.4% and 39.3%, respectively (mean follow-up: 4.8 years). Cause-specific deaths were evenly split between cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular causes. Predictors of mortality included a history of CCF (HR=1.78, 95% CI 1.33 to 2.38, p<0.001) and chronic pulmonary disease (HR=2.66, 95% CI 1.63 to 4.33, p<0.001). In-hospital PPM rate was 10.0%. At 180 days, 53 (9.9%) patients were admitted for CCF, 25 (10.1%) had new AF, 7 (1.5%) had new IE and <1% had PE, post-discharge PPM or ICD insertion.

Conclusion

Open isolated TVSx carries significant mortality risk, with decompensated CCF and new AF the most common morbidities encountered after surgery. This report forms a benchmark to compare outcomes with newer percutaneous tricuspid interventions.
Risk and time preferences in individuals with lifestyle-related and non-lifestyle-related cardiovascular diseases: a pilot study
Authors: Kairies-Schwarz Nadja , Mussio Irene , Bulla-Holthaus Natalia , Wankmüller Esther , Wolff Georg , Gontscharuk Veronika , Heinen Yvonne , Perings Stefan , Brockmeyer Maximilian , Kelm Malte , Icks Andrea
Published: May 2024

Objectives

To (1) pilot a study of behavioural characterisation based on risk and time preferences in clinically well-characterised individuals, (2) assess the distribution of preferences in this population and (3) explore differences in preferences between individuals with ‘lifestyle-related’ (LS) and ‘non-lifestyle-related’ (NLS) cardiovascular diseases.

Design

Cross-sectional study with an economic online experiment to collect risk and time preferences, a detailed clinical characterisation and a sociodemographic and lifestyle survey. A definition of LS and NLS groups was developed.

Setting

Specialist outpatient clinics of the clinic for cardiology and pneumology of the University Hospital Düsseldorf and patients from a cardiology practice in Düsseldorf.

Participants

A total of 74 individuals with cardiovascular diseases.

Outcomes

Risk and time preferences.

Results

The implementation of the study process, including participant recruitment and data collection, ran smoothly. The medical checklist, the survey and the time preference instrument were well received. However, the conceptual understanding of the risk preference instrument resulted in inconsistent choices for many participants (47%). The remaining individuals were more risk averse (27%) than risk seeking (16%) and risk neutral (10%). Individuals in our sample were also more impatient (49%) than patient (42%). The participant classification showed that 65% belonged to the LS group, 19% to the NLS group and 16% could not be assigned (unclear allocation to lifestyle (ULS) group). Excluding the ULS group, we show that individuals in the LS group were more risk seeking, and unexpectedly, more patient than those in the NLS group.

Conclusions

The process of the pilot study and its results can be used as a basis for the design of the main study. The differences in risk and time preferences between the LS and NLS groups provide us with a novel hypothesis for unhealthy behaviours: individuals never give up a bad habit, they simply postpone the latter, which can be tested alongside other additional research questions.
Mapping scoping reviews in neurosurgery: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Lee Ching-Yi , Lai Hung-Yi , Chen Mi-Mi , Lee Ching-Hsin
Published: May 2024

Introduction

The realm of neurosurgery is currently witnessing a surge in primary research, underscoring the importance of adopting evidence-based approaches. Scoping reviews, as a type of evidence synthesis, offer a broad perspective and have become increasingly vital for managing the ever-expanding body of research in swiftly evolving fields. Recent research has indicated a rising prevalence of scoping reviews in healthcare literature. In this context, the concept of a ‘review of scoping reviews’ has emerged as a means to offer a higher level synthesis of insights. However, the field of neurosurgery appears to lack a comprehensive integration of scoping reviews. Therefore, the objective of this scoping review is to identify and evaluate the extent of scoping reviews within neurosurgery, pinpointing research gaps and methodological issues to enhance evidence-based practices in this dynamic discipline.

Methods

The method framework of Arksey and O’Malley will be used to conduct the scoping review. A thorough literature search will be performed on Medline, Scopus and Web of Science to find eligible studies using the keywords related toneurosurgery,scoping review and its variants. Two reviewers will independently revise all of the full-text articles, extract data and evaluate the study extent. A narrative overview of the findings from included studies will be given.

Ethics and dissemination

This review will involve secondary analysis of published literature, and therefore ethics approval is not required. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews checklist will be used to guide translation of findings. Results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals and presented in conferences via abstract and presentation.
Implementation of the WHO Safe Childbirth Checklist: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Gama Zenewton André da Silva , Lima Milena Thaisa Silva de , Semrau Katherine E A , Tuller Danielle E , Fifield Jocelyn , Fernández-Elorriaga María , Saraiva Cecília Olívia Paraguai de Oliveira , Freitas Marise Reis de , Pellense Márcia Cunha da Silva , Rosendo Tatyana Maria Silva de Souza , Molina Rose L
Published: May 2024

Introduction

The WHO Safe Childbirth Checklist (WHO SCC) was developed to accelerate adoption of essential practices that prevent maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality during childbirth. This study aims to summarise the current landscape of organisations and facilities that have implemented the WHO SCC and compare the published strategies used to implement the WHO SCC implementation in both successful and unsuccessful efforts.

Methods and analysis

This scoping review protocol follows the guidelines of the Joanna Briggs Institute. Data will be collected and reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews report. The search strategy will include publications from the databases Scopus, PubMed, Embase, CINAHL and Web of Science, in addition to a search in grey literature in The National Library of Australia’s Trobe, DART-Europe E-Theses Portal, Electronic Theses Online Service, Theses Canada, Google Scholar and Theses and dissertations from Latin America. Data extraction will include data on general information, study characteristics, organisations involved, sociodemographic context, implementation strategies, indicators of implementation process, frameworks used to design or evaluate the strategy, implementation outcomes and final considerations. Critical analysis of implementation strategies and outcomes will be performed with researchers with experience implementing the WHO SCC.

Ethics and dissemination

The study does not require an ethical review due to its design as a scoping review of the literature. The results will be submitted for publication to a scientific journal and all relevant data from this study will be made available in Dataverse.

Trial registration number

https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/RWY27.
DORIS study: domestic violence in orthopaedics, a prospective cohort study at a Swedish hospital on the annual prevalence of domestic violence in orthopaedic emergency care
Authors: Svensson Malchau Karin , Caragounis Eva-Corina , Sundfeldt Mikael
Published: May 2024

Background

Domestic violence (DV) is a major problem which despite many efforts persists globally. Victims of DV can present with various injuries, whereof musculoskeletal presentation is common.

Objectives

The DORIS study (Domestic violence inORthopaedIcS) aimed to establish the annual prevalence of DV at an orthopaedic emergency department (ED) in Sweden.

Design

Female adult patients with orthopaedic injuries seeking treatment at a tertiary orthopaedic centre between September 2021 and 2022 were screened during their ED visit.

Setting

This is a single-centre study at a tertiary hospital in Sweden.

Participants

Adult female patients seeking care for acute orthopaedic injuries were eligible for the study. During the study period, 4192 female patients were provided with study forms and 1366 responded (32.5%).

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The primary outcome measure was to establish the annual prevalence of injuries due to DV and second, to establish the rate of current experience of any type of DV.

Results

One in 14 had experience of current DV (n=100, 7.5%) and 1 in 65 (n=21, 1.5%) had an injury due to DV.

Conclusions

The prevalence of DV found in the current study is comparable to international findings and adds to the growing body of evidence that it needs to be considered in clinical practice. It is important to raise awareness of DV, and frame strategies, as healthcare staff have a unique position to identify and offer intervention to DV victims.
Defining practices suitable for care via teleconsultation in gynaecological and obstetrical care: a French Delphi survey
Authors: Rousseau Anne , Baumann Sophie , Constant Jennifer , Deplace Sylvie , Multon Olivier , Lenoir-Delpierre Laure , Gaucher Laurent
Published: May 2024

Objective

Delineate the scope of teleconsultation services that can be effectively performed to provide women with comprehensive gynaecological and obstetrical care.

Design

Based on the literature and experts’ insights, we identified a list of gynaecological and obstetrical care practices suitable for teleconsultation. A three-round Delphi consensus survey was then conducted online among a panel of French experts. Experts using a 9-point Likert scale assessed the relevance of each teleconsultation practice in four key domains: prevention, gynaecology and antenatal and postnatal care. Consensus was determined by applying a dual-criteria approach: the median score on a 9-point Likert scale and the percentage of votes either below 5 or 5 and higher.

Setting

The study was conducted at a national level in France and involved multiple healthcare centres and professionals from various geographical locations.

Participants

The panel comprised 22 French experts with 19 healthcare professionals, including 12 midwives, 3 obstetricians-gynaecologists, 4 general practitioners and 3 healthcare system users. Participants were selected to include diverse practice settings encompassing hospital and private practices in both rural and urban areas.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The study’s primary outcome was the identification of gynaecological and obstetrical care practices suitable for teleconsultation. Secondary outcomes included the level of professional consensus on these practices.

Results

In total, 71 practices were included in the Delphi survey. The practices approved for teleconsultation were distributed as follows: 92% in prevention (n=12/13), 55% in gynaecology (n=18/33), 31% in prenatal care (n=5/16) and 12% in postnatal care (n=1/9). Lastly, 10 practices remained under discussion: 7 in gynaecology, 2 in prenatal care and 1 in postnatal care.

Conclusions

Our consensus survey highlights both the advantages and limitations of teleconsultations for women’s gynaecological and obstetrical care, emphasising the need for careful consideration and tailored implementation.
Interplay between leadership and patient safety in dentistry: a dental hospital-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Saeed Muhammad Humza Bin , Raja Ulfat Bashir , Khan Yawar , Gidman Janice , Niazi Manahil
Published: May 2024

Objectives

The study aimed to study the association of leadership practices and patient safety culture in a dental hospital.

Design

Hospital-based, cross-sectional study

Setting

Riphah Dental Hospital (RDH), Islamabad, Pakistan.

Participants

All dentists working at RDH were invited to participate.

Main outcome measures

A questionnaire comprised of the Transformational Leadership Scale (TLS) and the Dental adapted version of the Medical Office Survey of Patient Safety Culture (DMOSOPS) was distributed among the participants. The response rates for each dimension were calculated. The positive responses were added to calculate scores for each of the patient safety and leadership dimensions and the Total Leadership Score (TLS) and total patient safety score (TPSS). Correlational analysis is performed to assess any associations.

Results

A total of 104 dentists participated in the study. A high positive response was observed on three of the leadership dimensions: inspirational communication (85.25%), intellectual stimulation (86%), and supportive leadership (75.17%). A low positive response was found on the following items: ‘acknowledges improvement in my quality of work’ (19%) and ‘has a clear sense of where he/she wants our unit to be in 5 years’ (35.64%). The reported positive responses in the patient safety dimensions were high on three of the patient safety dimensions: organisational learning (78.41%), teamwork (82.91%), and patient care tracking/follow-up (77.05%); and low on work pressure and pace (32.02%). A moderately positive correlation was found between TLS and TPSS (r=0.455, p<0.001).

Conclusions

Leadership was found to be associated with patient safety culture in a dental hospital. Leadership training programmes should be incorporated during dental training to prepare future leaders who can inspire a positive patient safety culture.
Successful implementation of safe practice for adult intravenous push medication in a tertiary care hospital: determination of stability of four intravenous antibiotics in syringes
Authors: Amir Muhammad , Danish Aimun , Channa Shahid
Published: May 2024

In 2017, a severe shortage of infusion bags resulted in a paradigm change in medication administration practice from intermittent infusion to intravenous push. The Institute for Safe Medication Practices proposed safe practice guidelines for adult intravenous push medications. A different study showed that ready-to-administer medication prepared in the sterile area of a pharmacy reduces the risk of harm, nurses’ time for medication administration and the cost of medications. Based on the recommendation of the Institute for Safe Medication Practices, we decided to conduct a pilot study on the implementation of sterile compounding and administration of intravenous push medication in adult patients admitted to the hospital. In the study, the stability of five intravenous push antibiotic syringes was also determined in the syringes.
Comparison of growth patterns in the first year of life between term small for gestational age and appropriate for gestational age South Indian infants
Authors: Pai Shruti R , Padmanabha Ramya , Kamalakar Sanjana , Aravind Jini V , Puttaswamy Deepa , PN Rao Suman , Jois Srinivas K , Kamath Asha , Kuriyan Rebecca
Published: May 2024

Background

Early life growth trajectories of Indian small for gestational age (SGA) infants are sparse. This study aimed to compare longitudinal growth in appropriate for gestational age (AGA) and SGA infants during their first year of life.

Methods

Apparently healthy term infants (52 SGA, 154 AGA) were recruited at birth and followed up till 1 year. Parental, sociodemographic characteristics and feeding patterns were recorded. Anthropometric measurements were assessed at birth, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months of age; Z scores and growth velocity at 3-month intervals were computed. Longitudinal measurements were compared between the two groups, using the two-way Friedmans test. Median regression with mixed effects was used to adjust covariates; p value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Result

AGA infants had significantly higher median weight (kg) (2.87 (2.67, 3.04) vs 2.39 (2.25, 2.54)) at birth, (7.08 (6.50, 7.54) vs 6.49 (6.13, 6.78)) at 6 months, (8.64 (7.92, 9.14) vs 7.90 (7.36, 8.54)) at 12 months, median length (cm) ((48.10 (47.20, 49.30) vs 46.75 (45.43, 47.50)) at birth, (65.50 (64.23, 66.98) vs 63.33 (62.26, 65.28)) at 6 months, (73.30 (71.58, 74.66) vs 71.55 (70.00, 73.30)) at 12 months. SGA infants had comparable weight velocity at all intervals except 9–12 months (6.62 (6.45, 6.79) vs (6.70 (6.51, 6.85)), being significantly higher than AGA infants. Differences in skinfold thicknesses between groups were observed only at birth. Exclusivity of breast feeding was significantly higher at 3 months in AGA, compared to SGA infants (80.9% vs 57.8%). Length velocity was comparable at all ages between groups. Sexual dimorphism was observed in the growth velocities of both groups.

Conclusion

SGA infants grew in parallel to AGA infants, having significantly lower anthropometric measurements at all time points. However, growth velocities were similar; SGA infants had significantly higher weight velocity from 9 to 12 months. Longitudinal studies beyond 1 year of age, using body composition are needed to determine the quality of growth in Indian infants.
Effects of trimetazidine on heart failure with reduced ejection fraction and associated clinical outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Nassiri Soufiane , Van de Bovenkamp Arno A , Remmelzwaal Sharon , Sorea Olimpia , de Man Frances , Handoko M Louis
Published: May 2024

Background

Despite maximal treatment, heart failure (HF) remains a major clinical challenge. Besides neurohormonal overactivation, myocardial energy homoeostasis is also impaired in HF. Trimetazidine has the potential to restore myocardial energy status by inhibiting fatty acid oxidation, concomitantly enhancing glucose oxidation. Trimetazidine is an interesting adjunct treatment, for it is safe, easy to use and comes at a low cost.

Objective

We conducted a systematic review to evaluate all available clinical evidence on trimetazidine in HF. We searched Medline/PubMed, Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL and ClinicalTrials.gov to identify relevant studies.

Methods

Out of 213 records, we included 28 studies in the meta-analysis (containing 2552 unique patients), which almost exclusively randomised patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). The studies were relatively small (median study size: N=58) and of short duration (mean follow-up: 6 months), with the majority (68%) being open label.

Results

Trimetazidine in HFrEF was found to significantly reduce cardiovascular mortality (OR 0.33, 95% CI 0.21 to 0.53) and HF hospitalisations (OR 0.42, 95% CI 0.29 to 0.60). In addition, trimetazidine improved (New York Heart Association) functional class (mean difference: −0.44 (95% CI −0.49 to −0.39), 6 min walk distance (mean difference: +109 m (95% CI 105 to 114 m) and quality of life (standardised mean difference: +0.52 (95% CI 0.32 to 0.71). A similar pattern of effects was observed for both ischaemic and non-ischaemic cardiomyopathy.

Conclusions

Current evidence supports the potential role of trimetazidine in HFrEF, but this is based on multiple smaller trials of varying quality in study design. We recommend a large pragmatic randomised clinical trial to establish the definitive role of trimetazidine in the management of HFrEF.
Effectiveness, utilisation and cost associated with implantable loop recorders versus external monitors after ischaemic or cryptogenic stroke
Authors: Dhruva Sanket S , Murillo Jaime , Ameli Omid , Chaisson Christine E , Redberg Rita F , Cohen Ken
Published: May 2024

Objective

Implantable loop recorders (ILRs) are increasingly used for long-term rhythm monitoring after ischaemic and cryptogenic stroke, with the goal of detecting atrial fibrillation (AF) and subsequent initiation of oral anticoagulation to reduce risk of adverse clinical outcomes. There is a need to determine the effectiveness of different rhythm monitoring strategies in this context.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis of individuals with commercial and Medicare Advantage insurance in Optum Labs Data Warehouse who had incident ischaemic or cryptogenic stroke and no prior cardiovascular implantable electronic device from 1 January 2016 to 30 June 2021. Patients were stratified by rhythm monitoring strategy: ILR, long-term continuous external cardiac monitor (>48 hours to 30 days) or Holter monitor (≤48 hours). The primary outcome was risk-adjusted all-cause mortality at 12 months. Secondary outcomes included new diagnosis of AF and oral anticoagulation, bleeding, and costs.

Results

Among 48 901 patients with ischaemic or cryptogenic stroke, 9235 received an ILR, 29 103 long-term continuous external monitor and 10 563 Holter monitor only. Mean age was 69.9 (SD 11.9) years and 53.5% were female. During the 12-month follow-up period, patients who received ILRs compared with those who received long-term continuous external monitors had a higher odds of new diagnosis of AF and oral anticoagulant initiation (adjusted OR 2.27, 95% CI 2.09 to 2.48). Compared with patients who received long-term continuous external monitors, those who received ILRs had similar 12-month mortality (HR 1.00; 95% CI 0.89 to 1.12), with approximately $13 000 higher costs at baseline (including monitor cost) and $2500 higher costs during 12-month follow-up.

Conclusions

In this large real-world study of patients with ischaemic or cryptogenic stroke, ILR placement resulted in more diagnosis of AF and initiation of oral anticoagulation, but no difference in mortality compared with long-term continuous external monitors.