bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mesentero-axial gastric volvulus with gastric outlet obstruction
Authors: Bharadwaj Saraswathula , Vaidya Shirish , Parihar Pratapsingh , Mishra Gaurav Vedprakash
Published: November 2024

This case report describes a woman in her late 50s with mesenteric volvulus, an uncommon and potentially fatal condition. She developed excessive abdominal distension, nausea and vomiting for a duration of 2 days. The preliminary ultrasound indicated a large, thick-walled, tight fluid region in her upper abdomen, indicating a probable gastric outlet obstruction. A subsequent contrast-enhanced CT scan of the abdomen confirmed the diagnosis, showing significant distension of the stomach with a thick septum displacing adjacent organs. The mesenteric volvulus was surgically treated as an emergency to restore blood flow to the afflicted mesentery. This condition poses a serious concern due to decreased blood flow and ischaemia, and this example emphasises the necessity of a CT scan for early and precise diagnosis and offers a comprehensive insight into the nature of the volvulus, resulting in prompt surgical treatment and improved patient outcome.
Caffey disease in an infant
Authors: Tandon Anupama , Raza Fozia , Tandon Rajesh , Alam Anwer
Published: November 2024

A previously healthy female infant was brought to the paediatrics outpatient department by her mother reporting increased irritability and swelling behind her left shoulder, accompanied by restricted movement in her left arm. The irritability had been present for the past 5 months, with swelling also noticed at that time, gradually increasing in size. On examination, a large, firm, immobile mass was detected on the left scapular region. The mass was tender to touch, without any hardening or induration of the overlying skin. The child was afebrile, and her vital signs were stable. Subsequent imaging revealed hyperostosis in the left scapula, along with swelling of the surrounding soft tissue. After ruling out conditions such as chronic osteomyelitis, Ewing’s sarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, trauma or child abuse, chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis and hypervitaminosis A, the findings pointed to Caffey disease. Although infantile cortical hyperostosis, or Caffey disease, is rare, it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a bony swelling in a young child.
Severe lactic acidosis associated with oral linezolid
Authors: Ertmann Anya , Thompson Rachael E , Hoo Zhe Hui , Edenborough Frank P
Published: November 2024

We present the case of a patient with cystic fibrosis on long-term oral linezolid treatment forMycobacteria abscessuslung infection who developed severe linezolid-induced lactic acidosis (LILA) resulting in deranged clotting and pancytopenia. The lactic acidosis was resistant to treatment with intravenous fluid but resolved within 20 hours of initiating continuous veno-venous haemofiltration. An unintended consequence of haemofiltration was that vascular access interfered with effective chest physiotherapy, resulting in worsened lung consolidation requiring prolonged intravenous antibiotic therapy for coexistingPseudomonas aeruginosainfection. Given the potential mortality and morbidity of LILA, monitoring lactate levels may be clinically important but the optimum timing of monitoring is currently unclear.
Clinical characteristics and optical coherence tomography features of ocular toxoplasmosis inHIV-positive patients: report 1
Authors: Patel Anamika , Saldanha Merlin , Kelagaonkar Anup , Yediballi Thorani , Testi Ilaria , Pavesio Carlos , Pathengay Avinash
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This study aimed to identify the various clinical characteristics and ocular imaging features of ocular toxoplasmosis (OT) in HIV patients.

Methods

Observational retrospective study of 52 eyes of 38 HIV patients with OT.

Results

68% of patients were male. 53.8% of eyes had keratic precipitates, anterior chamber cells were seen in 61.5%. 57.69% (n=30) eyes had de novo presentation of retinitis and 42.3% (n=22) of eyes had a retinochoroidal scar at presentation. Bilateral presentation was seen in 37% (n=14). Unifocal retinitis was noted in 38.4% (n=20) and 61.5% of eyes had multifocal (multizonal) retinitis (n=32). The most common multizonal involvement was noted in combined zone 1+2(n=14, 26.9%). The average horizontal and vertical measurements retinitis was 8.35 mm and 7.48 mm, respectively. The average area of retinitis was 66.2 mm2. Localised posterior vitreous detachment was seen in 83% of eyes and posterior hyaloid precipitates were noted in (n=7,39%) of eyes. Retinitis without retinal pigment epithelium elevation occurred in 88.8% of cases, compared with retinitis with retinal pigment epithelium elevation seen in 44.4% of eyes. 50% of eyes had thickened choroid beneath the retinitis lesion. Other unique signs of optical coherence tomography (OCT) noted were angular signs of Henle fibre layer hyper-reflectivity sign (n=1), halo lesions with central hypo (n=3) and choroidal excavation (n=1).

Conclusions

OT in HIV patients presents with large, bilateral, multifocal retinitis, generally devoid of haemorrhages and can rarely have central clearing. These lesions may present with or without a previous retinochoroidal scar. These lesions have horizontal spread and may not always have thickened choroid on OCT.
Stability and predictability of Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development: evidence from a south Indian birth cohort prospective study
Authors: Koshy Beena , Srinivasan Manikandan , Scharf Rebecca , Strand Tor A , Mohan Venkata Raghava , Beulah Rachel , John Sushil , Muliyil Jayaprakash , Kang Gagandeep
Published: November 2024

Objectives

There is limited information about the stability and predictability of Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development (BSID) assessing child development in low- and middle-income settings. The objective of the present study was to analyse stability and predictive validity of BSID using an existing birth cohort.

Design

Prospective birth cohort follow-up study.

Setting and participants

A community-based birth cohort of 251 newborns was recruited and followed-up in urban Vellore, South India, until 9 years of age. Using BSID-III, child development was measured at 6, 15, 24 and 36 months. Cognition was assessed using the Wechsler Preschool Primary Scales of Intelligence at 5 years, and the Malin’s Intelligence Scale for Indian Children scale at 7 and 9 years of age. The stability of BSID measurements across time points was expressed by intraclass correlation (ICC) and concordance correlation coefficients. Linear regression was used to describe the predictability of BSID-III of cognition at 5, 7 and 9 years.

Results

The ICC for domain-wise BSID scores between time points of measurement suggested a weak correlation. The BSID scores at 36 months correlated best with Full-Scale Intelligence Quotient (FSIQ) at 5 years (r: 0.40–0.49), 7 years (r: 0.35–0.48) and 9 years (r: 0.36–0.38). BSID scores at 36 months predicted FSIQ better at 5, 7 and 9 years with R2ranging from 23.3% to 28.6%, when compared with 24 months BSID scores (R2- 16.0% to 25.9%).

Conclusion

Poor stability and predictability of BSID warrant caution in the predictive projection of early childhood assessments. Better predictability of future cognition of 36 months’ BSID scores highlights its advantage over the 24 months’ assessment.
Scoping review of review methodologies used for guiding evidence-based practice in critical care: a protocol
Authors: Davies Hugh , Watkins Paige Marie , Freeman-Sanderson Amy , Nickels Marc Richard , Ankravs Melissa , Ridley Emma J , Brooks Kate , Udy Andrew A , Massey Debbie
Published: November 2024

Introduction

A literature review provides a synthesis on a selection of papers about a specific topic. This is used by health practitioners in critical care as in other specialities when making clinical practice decisions. The task of knowledge transfer through the review process of scientific papers involves a variety of methodologies with differing expectations on the quality and rigour that is applied. Exploration on the types of review methodologies selected by the authors of critical care literature may reveal the extent that choice of methodology has on how papers are selected and appraised may influence evidence-based practice recommendations. This scoping review aims to systematically map the breadth of current literature with the objective of identifying the types of review methodologies used by interdisciplinary authors synthesising the literature in adult critical care.

Methods and analysis

Arksey and O’Malley’s approach in conducting a scoping review will be followed and use of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Review guidelines in the reporting of findings. Papers with diverse review methodologies will be identified by searching four electronic databases (CINAHL/EBSCO, MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus and Embase). Grey literature will be excluded due to the clinical nature of the review question. Search results will be reviewed independently by two researchers based on title and abstract followed by full-text papers that meet inclusion criteria. Characteristics of review methodologies will be collected and analysed using a tool developed by the interdisciplinary research team.

Ethics and dissemination

This scoping review will provide an overview of the types of review methodologies most often undertaken with the interdisciplinary research team synthesising the quality of critical care literature. Scrutiny will be applied to the review methodologies selected, the challenges faced and current trends in the transfer of knowledge towards evidence-based practice. The results will be disseminated by publication through a peer-reviewed journal and by presentation as a part of conference proceedings. Ethics approval is not applicable for this scoping review.
Constipation among workers with depression/anxiety: a retrospective study using a claims database and survey data in Japan
Authors: Karasawa Yusuke , Nozawa Kazutaka , Nomoto Keisuke , Fukudo Shin
Published: November 2024

Objectives

To investigate the prevalence, associated factors, treatment status and burden of constipation in workers with depression or anxiety.

Study design

This was a retrospective observational study using a pre-existing database.

Setting

Claims data from October to November 2022 and data from the survey conducted in November 2022 were extracted from the database.

Participants

This study included self-reported workers who completed the survey, after excluding those with major mental disorders diagnosed as distinct from depression or anxiety and constipation due to organic diseases identified by International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) codes.

Outcome measures

The subjects were divided into three groups: treated depression/anxiety, untreated depression/anxiety and no depression/anxiety. The prevalence of constipation, factors associated with constipation and medications prescribed for constipation were analysed. Work productivity and quality of life (QOL) were compared between three subgroups based on constipation status: treated constipation, untreated constipation and no constipation subgroup.

Results

Of the 18 585 respondents in the analysis population, 950 respondents (5.1%) were classified into the treated depression/anxiety group, 6035 respondents (32.5%) into the untreated depression/anxiety group and the remaining respondents into the no depression/anxiety group (11 600 (62.4%)). The prevalence of constipation was 22.5% in the treated group, 22.3% in the untreated group and 10.4% in the no depression/anxiety group, respectively. Depression and anxiety severity were independently associated with an increased risk of constipation. In all groups, the most commonly prescribed drug class was osmotic laxatives. Work productivity and QOL tended to indicate a greater burden in the untreated constipation subgroup than in the treated or no constipation subgroups.

Conclusions

The prevalence of constipation was twice as high if workers had depression/anxiety. Considering that the comorbidity of constipation with mental disorders may increase multiple burdens, appropriate medical interventions are required to treat both mental (depression/anxiety) and physical (constipation) conditions. This should be widely recognised by physicians and employers.
Effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of guided self-help for depression for autistic adults: the Autism Depression Trial (ADEPT-2) – protocol for a multicentre, randomised controlled trial of a remotely delivered low-intensity intervention
Authors: Mckeon Holly Emily , Cotton Leonora , Aldridge Rona , Cape Alison , Clout Madeleine , Cooper Kate , Dagnan Dave , Dawn Ed , Frost Jessica , Georgakopoulou Aikaterini , Garfield Kirsty , Horwood Jeremy , Ingham Barry , Jervis Vicky , Kessler David , Langdon Peter , Metcalfe Chris , Rai Dheeraj , Realpe Alba , Russell Christine , Sheridan Hannah , Slowinska Karolina , Thorn Joanna , Wen Liping , Wiles Nicola , Russell Ailsa
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Depression is three to four times more prevalent in autistic people and is related to reduced quality of life. There is a need for empirically supported psychological interventions for depression specifically adapted to meet the needs of autistic adults. ADEPT-2 aims to establish the clinical and cost-effectiveness of an adapted low-intensity psychological intervention (guided self-help) for depression in autistic adults.

Methods and analysis

A two parallel-group multicentre pragmatic randomised controlled trial investigating the effectiveness of GSH for depression in autistic adults. Participants (n=248) aged ≥18 years with a clinical diagnosis of autism currently experiencing depression will be randomised to GSH or treatment as usual (TAU). GSH is a low-intensity psychological intervention based on the principles of behavioural activation adapted for autism. GSH comprises informational materials for nine individual sessions facilitated online by a GSH coach who has received training and supervision in delivering the intervention. The primary outcome will be Beck Depression Inventory-II depression scores at 16 weeks post randomisation with follow-up measures at 32 and 52 weeks. Additional measures of anxiety, patient-rated global improvement, quality of life, work and social adjustment, positive and negative affect will be measured 16 and 52 weeks post randomisation. The primary health economic analysis will assess the cost-effectiveness of GSH compared with TAU over 52 weeks, from a societal perspective including the National Health Service, personal social services, personal expenses, voluntary services and productivity. An embedded qualitative study will explore the acceptability, experiences and adherence of participants and therapists to treatment principles.

Ethics and dissemination

This trial has been approved by the East of England - Essex Research Ethics Committee on 10 June 2022 (REC Reference number: 22/EE/0091). The findings of the research will be submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journals and disseminated in an appropriate format to trial participants and the wider public.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN17547011.
Exploring the role of health applications in promoting health among older adults: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Silva Angélica Baptista , Leal Maria Tereza , Sindico Sergio Ricardo Ferreira , Serrano-Miguel Mercedes , Loureiro Helena Maria Almeida Macedo
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Evidence on the use of health apps to support healthcare and promote the health of individuals aged 55 and older is limited. Older adults face challenges with literacy, usability and accessibility of digital tools. This scoping review aims to explore how digital health apps promote healthy living and self-empowerment while identifying successful applications for older adults

Methods and analysis

This study will adopt the JBI methodology for scoping reviews, guided by the (Population, Concept, Context) framework. The results will be comprehensively reported in the final scoping review and illustrated using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews. The inclusion criteria include studies from 2016 to 2024 that investigate the use of health applications within healthcare services for older adults.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval is not required for this scoping review. The findings will highlight potential directions for future research and improve knowledge among professionals, researchers and the public. The results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and disseminated through professional networks. Data will be available from the Open Science Framework.
Osteoporosis management in a rural community hospital in Japan: a cross-sectional retrospective study
Authors: Mabuchi Sayaka , Ohta Ryuichi , Sano Chiaki
Published: November 2024

Objectives

Osteoporosis is a condition characterised by decreased bone strength and an increased risk of fragility fractures. Its prevalence is increasing in developed countries, highlighting the need for appropriate diagnosis and intervention. However, in practice, adequate testing and treatment are not often provided. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the status of osteoporosis management in a rural community hospital in Japan.

Design

Cross-sectional retrospective study.

Setting

Department of General Medicine from a rural community hospital in Japan.

Participants

A total of 984 women aged≥65 years who were recommended to undergo osteoporosis screening were included.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Bone mineral density (BMD) testing rates and characteristics of patients who underwent these tests, including diagnosis and treatment rates for osteoporosis.

Results

The BMD testing rate was 14%. Despite being at risk of osteoporosis, older patients and those requiring nursing care had a lower rate of testing. The proportion of patients diagnosed with osteoporosis was 41%, and the treatment rate was 19%.

Conclusions

The management of osteoporosis in a rural Japanese community hospital was found to be inadequate. The rate of BMD testing was low, particularly among older adults and those requiring nursing care. This finding suggests that osteoporosis may be underdiagnosed in many cases in this population or diagnosed but not appropriately followed up. Further cohort studies and intervention strategies are needed to fully investigate these issues.
Chronic illness and financial burden in Switzerland (FINK): a protocol for a mixed methods research project
Authors: Ribi Karin , Schöpf-Lazzarino Andrea , Visscher Rosa M.S. , Jurisic Josip , Alder Elena , Schwind Bettina
Published: November 2024

Introduction

People with cancer and other chronic illnesses, their families and caregivers report financial burden as a problem that affects multiple aspects of daily life. While cancer research has coined the term ‘financial toxicity’ to describe the financial consequences, the understanding, development and operationalisation of the concept of financial burden are still incomplete, particularly regarding subjective financial burden and its relationship with well-being. The overall aim is to investigate financial burden and its implications for the well-being of people living with chronic illness, their families, and caregivers in Switzerland.

Methods and analysis

Transdisciplinary discussion groups and a participatory action design element frame: (1) a conceptualisation using a hybrid concept analysis approach and (2) an assessment of financial burden of chronic illness in relation to well-being. The hybrid concept analysis combines the results of a scoping review with a secondary analysis of existing interviews using computational linguistics and qualitative analysis. The assessment phase will investigate the extent and nature of financial burden through a nationwide survey. Results from mobile diaries/interviews will contribute to both—the conceptualisation and assessment phases.

Ethics and dissemination

The Ethics Committee of the Canton Zurich, Switzerland, did not consider the research project to fall under the Swiss Law on Human Subjects research and issued a waiver (Req-2O23-01496). The project respects all the rules and regulations in the Swiss Federal Act on Data Protection and those by the Swiss Federal Official Responsible for Data Protection and Transparency. Results will be disseminated through presentations at conferences and publications in peer-reviewed journals and through the established multi-stakeholder network.
Gender differences in burnout among US nurse leaders during COVID-19 pandemic: an online cross-sectional survey study
Authors: Alenezi Latifah , Gillespie Gordon Lee , Smith Carolyn , Davis Kermit G
Published: November 2024

Objectives

Among nurse leaders, gender should receive particular attention, because life and work experiences and burnout during COVID-19 pandemic may vary between women and men, potentially requiring different strategies to achieve well-being. Thus, information about gender differences in burnout might be critical to burnout prevention in nurse leaders. Additionally, there has been a substantial call for attention to gender during the COVID-19 pandemic, reflecting a concern that responses to the pandemic that fail to consider gender differences and norms will be ineffective. Therefore, the objective of the current study is to examine personal burnout, client burnout and work-related burnout of nurse leaders while considering the impact of COVID-19 pandemic and work-life balance through a gender lens.

Design

A cross-sectional study design was implemented in 2023 using a convenience sampling approach.

Setting

Data on personal burnout, work-related burnout, client burnout, work-life balance and COVID-19 impact were collected electronically and assessed through a gender lens.

Participants

A sample of 210 nurse leaders filled out the online surveys that were posted on the American Organization for Nursing Leadership and on Facebook.

Conclusion

Females had significantly higher personal burnout than males (mean 56.2 vs 49.3, F=5.853, p=0.019). Males had significantly higher client-related burnout than females (mean 45.3 vs 34.8, F=7.014, p=0.008). Findings demonstrate the importance of addressing gender when examining how nurse leaders react to different factors leading to burnout. In employing a gender lens framework, future researchers might study how the pressures that working men and women nurse leaders face were intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic. To support nurse leaders in executing their roles, there is a need to widen the scope of conversations about including family-friendly policies and attention to the needs of men and women as nurse leaders. These policies might include but are not limited to paid childcare, flexible time off, access to paid time off and mandatory overtime laws.
Ophthalmological changes in children with advanced stage of chronic kidney disease: a hospital-based study
Authors: Datta Amit Kumar , Begum Afroza , Roy Ranjit Ranjan , Jesmin Tahmina , Al Mamun Abdullah , Mahfuzullah Mohammad Afzal , Chowdhury Faisal , Iktidar Mohammad Azmain
Published: November 2024

Background

Ocular disorders can arise in the advanced stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD) for various reasons, including uraemia, biochemical abnormalities, hypertension and inadequate haemodialysis treatment.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study at the Pediatric Nephrology Department, both inpatient and outpatient, of from January 2020 to July 2021. The study aimed to identify and compare ophthalmological changes among children at different stages of CKD to assess potential visual threats. A total of 92 children with advanced-stage CKD, aged 5–18 years, meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria, were included in the study. Comprehensive assessments, including medical history, physical examinations, relevant tests and detailed ophthalmological examinations, were conducted.

Results

The mean age of the participants was 12.1±3.68 years. Most of the children were boys (66%). Twenty-nine patients exhibited impaired visual acuity, children with (6/60–6/24) scores in Snellen’s chart Lid oedema and conjunctival pallor were observed in 20.7% and 60.9% of cases, respectively, which were found to statistically significant with advancing CKD stages (p<0.001). Dry eyes were found in 9.8% of CKD stage V patients receiving dialysis (VD) (p=0.003). One patient had a posterior subcapsular cataract, and 7.6% had conjunctival congestion. Patients with conjunctival congestion and hypertensive retinopathy had significantly higher levels of serum phosphate and calcium phosphate product (p<0.001). Hypertensive retinopathy was present in 16.3% of cases, with a significantly higher proportion in the haemodialysis group (93%). Haemodialysis patients exhibited higher blood pressure, lower haemoglobin levels, and a more severe reduction in estimated glomerular filtration rate (p<0.001).

Conclusion

This study highlights the significant ocular complications associated with CKD, underscoring the need for regular ophthalmological screenings.
Anxiety and care experiences in adolescents with chronic health conditions: an international, longitudinal study across the transfer of care
Authors: Alanen Anna , Kallio Mira , Culnane Evelyn , Koivisto Mari , Pasanen Miko , Salanterä Sanna , Sawyer Susan , Kosola Silja
Published: November 2024

Objectives

To evaluate changes in anxiety, care experiences and condition impact among adolescents with chronic health conditions in two countries as they transfer to adult healthcare and to assess factors influencing anxiety levels.

Design

A longitudinal international study. Data was collected by questionnaires before (2017–2021) and a year after (2018–2022) transfer of care.

Setting

Two specialist hospitals in Finland and Australia.

Participants

440 adolescents with chronic health conditions were recruited from Finland (FIN n=237; mean age 17.2) and Australia (AUS n=203; mean age 18.3) with the answering percentage FIN 68.8% and AUS 55.2% of the first time point.

Main outcome measures

The validated State-Trait Anxiety Inventory short form (STAI) was used to measure care-related anxiety. Care experiences were measured using eight questions from the Adolescent-Friendly Hospital Survey. Self-reported condition impact was measured by a Visual Analogue Scale. Care experiences, condition impact, country and age were included in regression analyses as predictors of care-related anxiety.

Results

At baseline, there were few clinically meaningful differences between participants at the two sites. Adolescents reported positive care experiences both before and after the transfer of care. In regression analyses after the transfer of care, adolescents with lower condition impact experienced lower anxiety levels than adolescents with higher condition impact (beta −9.00, 95% CI −13.85 to 4.16, p<0.001). After the transfer of care, adolescents who reported negative care experiences also reported higher anxiety (median STAI score 40.0 (IQR 30.0–50.0) versus 33.3 (IQR 23.3–41.6), p<0.001).

Conclusion

Across two different healthcare systems, most adolescents with chronic health conditions reported low anxiety and positive care experiences before and after transfer to adult healthcare. Beyond efforts to generally enhance positive care experiences, focusing on adolescents with higher-impact chronic conditions may reduce disease-related anxiety.

Trial registration number

ClinicalTrials.orgNCT04631965, submitted 21 October 2020.
Best evidence topic report: can intradermal sterile water injections provide effective pain relief in patients with renal colic?
Authors: Hunt Alexander , Pumfrey Niall
Published: November 2024

A short systematic review was undertaken to assess whether intradermal sterile water injections (ISWI) provide effective pain relief in adult patients presenting to the Emergency Department (ED) with renal colic. MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane and Google Scholar databases were searched, identifying seven relevant studies. Study information, patient characteristics, key results and methodological weaknesses were tabulated. Our results indicate that ISWI provides rapid and effective pain relief within the first 15–30 min, comparable to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, with fewer adverse effects. The short follow-up periods, exclusion of more comorbid patients and variability in study design limit the generalisability of the findings. Further research is needed to establish the long-term effectiveness of ISWI in the management of renal colic in the ED.
Developing injury prevention programmes for ladies Gaelic football: a Delphi study
Authors: Corrigan John , O'Keeffe Sinéad , Whyte Enda , O'Connor Siobhán
Published: November 2024

Background

High injury rates are evident in the community sport of ladies Gaelic football, and the costs associated with these injuries have major implications for players and the governing body. Injury prevention programmes have been designed but are not being widely adopted. This study aimed to elicit the expert opinion of academics and practitioners on the content and format of injury prevention programmes for ladies Gaelic football.

Methods

Twenty-four experts from the areas of coaching science, injury prevention, athletic therapy and physiotherapy took part in this three-round Delphi study. Each round contained multiple-choice, Likert scale and open-ended questions. For each question, consensus was defined as 67% or greater agreement among experts.

Results

The experts agreed that 17 components (eg, agility, balance) should be included in injury prevention programmes for ladies Gaelic football, with 12 considered vital for inclusion in most or every session. Programmes should require minimal/no equipment, be 10–15 min in duration and contain 3–4 versions of each exercise for progression and variation purposes. Experts recommended when certain components should be completed but generally agreed that programmes should be capable of being delivered throughout sessions. There was consensus among experts for 13 items (eg, pictures, exercise volume) to be included in full versions of programmes and six in condensed versions.

Conclusions

The outcomes of this study provide the foundation for the development of future injury prevention programmes for ladies Gaelic football. Combining these findings with the preferences of end-users throughout programme development may enhance the efficacy of future injury prevention programmes.
The ethics of synthetic DNA
Authors: Villalba Adrian , Smajdor Anna , Brassington Iain , Cutas Daniela
Published: November 2024

In this paper, we discuss the ethical concerns that may arise from the synthesis of human DNA. To date, only small stretches of DNA have been constructed, but the prospect of generating human genomes is becoming feasible. At the same time, the significance of genes for identity, health and reproduction is coming under increased scrutiny. We examine the implications of DNA synthesis and its impact on debates over the relationship with our DNA and the ownership of our genes, its potential to disrupt common understandings of reproduction and privacy, and the way in which synthetic DNA challenges traditional associations between genes and identity. We explore the degree to which synthetic DNA may further undermine overgeneticised accounts of identity, health, reproduction, parenthood and privacy that are prevalent in the public domain and in some areas of policy-making. While avoiding making normative claims of our own, we conclude that there is a need for reflection on the ethical implications of these developing technologies before they are on us.
Burden of incidental cerebral aneurysms on lifestyle and quality of life: a survey of patients in expectant management (the SPICE Study)
Authors: Rodríguez-Pardo Jorge , García-Castro Jesús , Gómez-Escalonilla Carlos , García-Torres Araceli , García-Pastor Andrés , Vivancos-Mora José , Fernández-Ferro José , Cruz-Culebras Antonio , Carneado-Ruiz Joaquín , Granja-López Juan , Estebas-Armas Carlos , Lorenzo-Diéguez Manuel , González-Sarmiento Ricardo , García-Yu Raúl , Alvarez-Muelas Alberto , Navas-Vinagre Inmaculada , Oses-Lara Marta , Iglesias-Mohedano Ana , Santos Laura , de la Rosa Carmen , Alonso de Leciñana María , Díez-Tejedor Exuperio , Ruiz-Ares Gerardo , Rigual Ricardo , de Celis Elena , Hervás-Testal Carlos , Casado-Fernández Laura , González-Martín Laura , Navía Pedro , Fernandez-Prieto Andres , Frutos Remedios , Fuentes Blanca
Published: November 2024

Background

The increasing availability of neuroimaging tests has led to a rise in the identification of incidental unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs). Their management is under debate, with no consensus on their follow-up strategy, which can cause anxiety in patients. Our aim is to evaluate the impact of diagnosis and imaging follow-up on daily activities and quality of life.

Methods

A multicenter cross-sectional study was carried out in patients with UIAs undergoing watchful waiting. Exclusion criteria were history of stroke, renal polycystic disease, symptomatic aneurysms, intervention or scheduled for intervention. The patients completed an anonymous 36-question survey about their habits and perceived quality of life after diagnosis through a validated questionnaire (PROMIS).

Results

We obtained 73 responses from 183 patients identified in eight hospitals (40%), 68 of which were included in the study (50 women (74%), median (IQR) age 62 (55–70) years). Forty-nine patients (72%) underwent at least one imaging follow-up per year. Forty-two patients (63%) found follow-up tests reassuring and 12 (18%) experienced concern about the results. Nineteen patients (28%) reported adopting a healthier lifestyle since diagnosis, while 13 (19%) acknowledged a negative impact on their daily activities. Forty-six (68%) admitted avoiding or conditioning at least one activity or situation from a list. PROMIS scores were similar to those of the general reference population. Overall, 77% rated their quality of life as ‘good’ or better.

Conclusions

The diagnosis of UIAs seems to influence the activities of the majority of patients. However, follow-up yielded more benefit in the form of healthier lifestyles than harm to daily activities, without detriment to their perceived quality of life.
Incidence of mental disorders and its predictors among air force personnel exposed to counter-insurgency operations in a West African country: a 6-month follow-up study
Authors: Akinlose Motunbi Nelson , Ndukuba A C , Onu J U
Published: November 2024

Background

Despite robust reports in the literature concerning the effect of exposure to combat on mental health, there is a paucity of studies in the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) using a longitudinal design. This study was designed to determine the incidence of mental disorders among a cohort of NAF personnel exposed to combat and highlight its association with psychosocio-religious variables.

Methods

It was a follow-up study using a total population sampling in which all the 290 deployed personnel participated. Data was collected at two intervals: Baseline and 6 months after with sociodemographic questionnaire, Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced Inventory, the Brief Religious Coping, the Oslo Social Support Scale and the Big Five Inventory, General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) and the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI-Plus). A two-staged process involving screening with the GHQ and a further diagnostic interview using MINI-Plus for participants with a GHQ score of 2 and above.

Results

The incidence of any mental disorder was 243.1 per 1000 person-years. The top three priority conditions were: Substance use disorder (94.1 per 1000 person-years), major depressive disorder (43.8 per 1000 person-years) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (41.6 per 1000 person-years). Being deployed in early adulthood was a risk factor for developing a mental illness (adjusted OR (AOR), (95% CI): 2.89, (1.28, 6.50), p=0.01) while longer duration in the military service was a protective factor (AOR, (95% CI): 0.95, (0.91, 0.99), p=0.03). Social support, personality traits, religious coping and other coping strategies did not significantly predict mental disorders in this population (p>0.05).

Conclusion

The incidence of any mental disorder among NAF personnel exposed to combat was huge. The three top priority conditions were substance use disorder, major depressive disorder and PTSD. These findings are useful in identifying priority conditions for interventions in the NAF population.
Black bounces in Cotton gravity
Authors: Junior Ednaldo L. B. , Junior José Tarciso S. S. , Lobo Francisco S. N. , Rodrigues Manuel E. , Rubiera-Garcia Diego , Silva Luís F. Dias da , Vieira Henrique A.
Published: November 2024

Recently, J. Harada proposed a theory relating gravity to the Cotton tensor, dubbed as “Cotton gravity” (CG). This is an extension of General Relativity such that every solution of the latter turns out to be a solution of the former (but the converse is not true) and, furthermore, it is possible to derive the cosmological constant as an integration constant within it. In this work we investigate CG by coupling it to both non-linear electrodynamics (NLED) and scalar fields. We study static and spherically symmetric solutions implementing a bouncing behaviour in the radial function so as to avoid the development of singularities, inspired by the Simpson–Visser black bounce and the Bardeen model, both interpreted as magnetic monopoles. We identify the NLED Lagrangian density and the scalar field potential generating such solutions, and investigate the corresponding gravitational configurations in terms of horizons, behaviour of the metric functions, and regularity of the Kretchsman curvature scalar. Our analysis extends the class of non-singular geometries found in the literature and paves the ground for further analysis of black holes in CG.
Probing QGP droplets with charmonium in high-multiplicity proton–proton collisions
Authors: Bai Yunfan , Chen Baoyi
Published: November 2024

We study the hot medium effects in high-multiplicity proton–proton (pp) collisions at $$\sqrt{s_{NN}}=13$$

s

NN

=
13

TeV via the charmonium probes. The hot medium is described with the hydrodynamic model, while charmonium evolutions in the medium are studied with a time-dependent Schrödinger equation. The hot medium dissociation on charmonium is considered with the temperature-dependent complex potential parametrized with the results from lattice QCD calculations. The ratio $$\sigma _{\psi (2S)}/\sigma _{J/\psi }$$

σ

ψ
(
2
S
)

/

σ

J
/
ψ

of $$J/\psi $$

J
/
ψ

and $$\psi (2S)$$

ψ
(
2
S
)

production cross sections are calculated and compared with the LHCb experimental data in pp collisions. Our calculations explain the charmonium relative suppression in different transverse momentum and multiplicity bins. The suppression of this ratio is mainly affected by the effects of the deconfined medium. It is less affected by the initial effects before the generation of the heavy quark pair. We suggest this to be a clear signal of the small QGP droplets generated in high multiplicity pp collisions.
Development characteristics of joints in the Chang 6–Chang 9 reservoirs of the Yanchang Formation in southern Ordos Basin, China
Authors: Li Yanyan , Zhang Mengya , Li Lihui , Huang Beixiu
Published: November 2024

As the most important source rocks of the Ordos Basin, China, the Chang 6–Chang 9 reservoirs of the Yanchang Formation have developed an abundance of joints. Understanding the formation, geometry and distribution is very important for flow modelling and shale gas exploration in the reservoirs. To this end, we investigate the development characteristics of joints in the Chang 6–Chang 9 reservoirs based on field joint mapping and statistical analysis. A total of 1574 joints were mapped across 43 outcrops, which can be divided into three groups: NW–SE, north–south and NEE–SWW. The distributions of joint spacing (
s
) and trace lengths (
l
) and their dependence on bed thickness (
t
) are statistically analysed. We find that the distributions of joint trace lengths follow exponential distributions, while joint spacing distributions are well expressed by lognormal distributions. Besides, both the
s
−
t
and
l
−
t
relationships fit linear distributions. Here, a total of 12 sandstone layers are selected as representative layers to study the condition of joint saturation. Statistical analysis shows that the joint spacing distribution of the sandstone gradually transforms from a skewed lognormal distribution to a normal distribution as
s/t
decreases from 1.51 to 0.54, indicating that the development of joints is gradually approaching saturation.
Transactions and Serverless are Made for Each Other
Authors: Li Qian , Kraft Peter
Published: November 2024

If serverless platforms could wrap functions in database transactions, they would be a good fit for database-backed applications.
A Survey on Hallucination in Large Language Models: Principles, Taxonomy, Challenges, and Open Questions
Authors: Huang Lei , Yu Weijiang , Ma Weitao , Zhong Weihong , Feng Zhangyin , Wang Haotian , Chen Qianglong , Peng Weihua , Feng Xiaocheng , Qin Bing , Liu Ting
Published: November 2024

The emergence of large language models (LLMs) has marked a significant breakthrough in natural language processing (NLP), fueling a paradigm shift in information acquisition. Nevertheless, LLMs are prone to hallucination, generating plausible yet nonfactual content. This phenomenon raises significant concerns over the reliability of LLMs in real-world information retrieval (IR) systems and has attracted intensive research to detect and mitigate such hallucinations. Given the open-ended general-purpose attributes inherent to LLMs, LLM hallucinations present distinct challenges that diverge from prior task-specific models. This divergence highlights the urgency for a nuanced understanding and comprehensive overview of recent advances in LLM hallucinations. In this survey, we begin with an innovative taxonomy of hallucination in the era of LLM and then delve into the factors contributing to hallucinations. Subsequently, we present a thorough overview of hallucination detection methods and benchmarks. Our discussion then transfers to representative methodologies for mitigating LLM hallucinations. Additionally, we delve into the current limitations faced by retrieval-augmented LLMs in combating hallucinations, offering insights for developing more robust IR systems. Finally, we highlight the promising research directions on LLM hallucinations, including hallucination in large vision-language models and understanding of knowledge boundaries in LLM hallucinations.
Collaborative Distributed Machine Learning
Authors: Jin David , Kannengießer Niclas , Rank Sascha , Sunyaev Ali
Published: November 2024

Various collaborative distributed machine learning (CDML) systems, including federated learning systems and swarm learning systems, with different key traits were developed to leverage resources for the development and use of machine learning models in a confidentiality-preserving way. To meet use case requirements, suitable CDML systems need to be selected. However, comparison between CDML systems to assess their suitability for use cases is often difficult. To support comparison of CDML systems and introduce scientific and practical audiences to the principal functioning and key traits of CDML systems, this work presents a CDML system conceptualization and CDML archetypes.
A Noise-Oriented and Redundancy-Aware Instance Selection Framework
Authors: Cunha Washington , Moreo Fernández Alejandro , Esuli Andrea , Sebastiani Fabrizio , Rocha Leonardo , Gonçalves Marcos André
Published: November 2024

Fine-tuning transformer-based deep-learning models are currently at the forefront of natural language processing (NLP) and information retrieval (IR) tasks. However, fine-tuning these
transformers
for specific tasks, especially when dealing with ever-expanding volumes of data, constant retraining requirements, and budget constraints, can be computationally and financially costly, requiring substantial energy consumption and contributing to carbon dioxide emissions. This article focuses on advancing the state-of-the-art (SOTA) on
instance selection
(IS)—a range of document filtering techniques designed to select the most representative documents for the sake of training. The objective is to either maintain or enhance classification effectiveness while reducing the overall training (fine-tuning) total processing time. In our prior research, we introduced the E2SC framework, a redundancy-oriented IS method focused on transformers and large datasets—currently the state-of-the-art in IS. Nonetheless, important research questions remained unanswered in our previous work, mostly due to E2SC’s sole emphasis on redundancy. In this article, we take our research a step further by proposing
biO-IS—
an extended
bi
-
o
bjective
i
nstance
s
election solution, a novel IS framework aimed at simultaneously removing redundant and
noisy
instances from the training. biO-IS estimates redundancy based on scalable, fast, and calibrated weak classifiers and captures noise with the support of a new entropy-based step. We also propose a novel iterative process to estimate near-optimum reduction rates for both steps. Our extended solution is able to reduce the training sets by 41% on average (up to 60%) while maintaining the effectiveness in
all
tested datasets, with speedup gains of 1.67 on average (up to 2.46x). No other baseline, not even our previous SOTA solution, was capable of achieving results with this level of quality, considering the tradeoff among training reduction, effectiveness, and speedup. To ensure reproducibility, our documentation, code, and datasets can be accessed on GitHub—
https://github.com/waashk/bio-is
.
Comparative Genomics and Epigenomics of Transcriptional Regulation
Authors: Zhou Huaijun , Clark Emily , Guan Dailu , Lagarrigue Sandrine , Fang Lingzhao , Cheng Hao , Tuggle Christopher K. , Kapoor Muskan , Wang Ying , Giuffra Elisabetta , Egidy Giorgia
Published: November 2024

Transcriptional regulation in response to diverse physiological cues involves complicated biological processes. Recent initiatives that leverage whole genome sequencing and annotation of regulatory elements significantly contribute to our understanding of transcriptional gene regulation. Advances in the data sets available for comparative genomics and epigenomics can identify evolutionarily constrained regulatory variants and shed light on noncoding elements that influence transcription in different tissues and developmental stages across species. Most epigenomic data, however, are generated from healthy subjects at specific developmental stages. To bridge the genotype–phenotype gap, future research should focus on generating multidimensional epigenomic data under diverse physiological conditions. Farm animal species offer advantages in terms of feasibility, cost, and experimental design for such integrative analyses in comparison to humans. Deep learning modeling and cutting-edge technologies in sequencing and functional screening and validation also provide great promise for better understanding transcriptional regulation in this dynamic field.