bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Complete sequences of two
Paenibacillus
sp. strains and one
Lysinibacillus
strain isolated from the environment on STAA medium highlight biotechnological potential
Authors: Attéré Sabrina A. , Piché Laurie C. , Intertaglia Laurent , Lami Raphaël , Charette Steve J. , Vincent Antony T.
Published: April 2024

Streptomycin thallous acetate actidione medium is typically used to isolate
Brochothrix thermosphacta
bacteria from food. Using this medium, three bacterial strains were isolated from the environment. Genomic sequences demonstrated that these bacteria are of the genera
Lysinibacillus
and
Paenibacillus
and are of biotechnological interest.
Metagenome-assembled genome of
Zalaria obscura
strain JY119
Authors: Vighnesh Lakshmanan , Jagadeeshwari Uppada , Sasikala Chintalapati , Venkata Ramana Chintalapati
Published: April 2024

Here, we report a 22.1-Mbp genome sequence of microcolonial fungi,
Zalaria obscura
, isolated from a pine tree bark. The microbiome of the new fungi is predicted to be largely associated with
Acidobacteriota
. The genome sequence of
Zalaria obscura
will help us in understanding the unusual relationship with
Acidobacteriota
member(s).
Draft genome sequences of 13
Salmonella enterica
subsp.
enterica
isolates from chickens, cows, and Canadian
Salmonella
outbreaks
Authors: Suh Jinha , O'Brien Bridget , Glenn II Paul D. , Cai Zhangbin , Daigle France , Faucher Sébastien P. , Ronholm Jennifer
Published: April 2024

Salmonella enterica
is the etiological agent responsible for salmonellosis. Here, we report the draft whole genome sequences of 13
S
.
enterica
subsp.
enterica
isolates from chickens and cows, as well as from previous Canadian
Salmonella
outbreaks investigated by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
Draft genome sequence of
Galbibacter
sp. PAP.153, isolated from a marine sponge in Papua, Indonesia
Authors: ‌ Riyanti , Zumkeller Celine M. , Spohn Marius , Mihajlovic Sanja , Schwengers Oliver , Goesmann Alexander , Riviani Riviani , Meinita Maria Dyah Nur , Hastuti Dewi Wisudyanti Budi , Prihatiningsih Isnaini , Dewi Rose , Schäberle Till F.
Published: April 2024

Galbibacter
sp. PAP.153 was isolated from a marine sponge. Here, we report its 4.12 Mbp draft genome sequence and rate its specialized metabolite production capacity with specific focus on the chemotaxonomic marker flexirubin.
Kinetics-based inference of environment-dependent microbial interactions and their dynamic variation
Authors: Song Hyun-Seob , Lee Na-Rae , Kessell Aimee K. , McCullough Hugh C. , Park Seo-Young , Zhou Kang , Lee Dong-Yup
Published: April 2024

Microbial communities in nature are dynamically evolving as member species change their interactions subject to environmental variations. Accounting for such context-dependent dynamic variations in interspecies interactions is critical for predictive ecological modeling. In the absence of generalizable theoretical foundations, we lack a fundamental understanding of how microbial interactions are driven by environmental factors, significantly limiting our capability to predict and engineer community dynamics and function. To address this issue, we propose a novel theoretical framework that allows us to represent interspecies interactions as an explicit function of environmental variables (such as substrate concentrations) by combining growth kinetics and a generalized Lotka-Volterra model. A synergistic integration of these two complementary models leads to the prediction of alterations in interspecies interactions as the outcome of dynamic balances between positive and negative influences of microbial species in mixed relationships. The effectiveness of our method was experimentally demonstrated using a synthetic consortium of two
Escherichia coli
mutants that are metabolically dependent (due to an inability to synthesize essential amino acids) but competitively grow on a shared substrate. The analysis of the
E. coli
binary consortium using our model not only showed how interactions between the two amino acid auxotrophic mutants are controlled by the dynamic shifts in limiting substrates but also enabled quantifying previously uncharacterizable complex aspects of microbial interactions, such as asymmetry in interactions. Our approach can be extended to other ecological systems to model their environment-dependent interspecies interactions from growth kinetics.

IMPORTANCE

Modeling environment-controlled interspecies interactions through separate identification of positive and negative influences of microbes in mixed relationships is a new capability that can significantly improve our ability to understand, predict, and engineer the complex dynamics of microbial communities. Moreover, the prediction of microbial interactions as a function of environmental variables can serve as valuable benchmark data to validate modeling and network inference tools in microbial ecology, the development of which has often been impeded due to the lack of ground truth information on interactions. While demonstrated against microbial data, the theory developed in this work is readily applicable to general community ecology to predict interactions among macroorganisms, such as plants and animals, as well as microorganisms.
Mesoproterozoic to Paleozoic tectonics, Pleistocene landforms, and Holocene seismicity in the Blue Ridge: Results from integrated studies of the 9 August 2020, Mw 5.1 earthquake area near Sparta, North Carolina, USA
Authors: Merschat* Arthur J. , Carter* Mark W. , Lynn* Ashley , Stewart* Kevin G. , Figueiredo* Paula M. , Odom* William E. , McAleer* Ryan J. , Vazquez* Jorge , Powell* Nicholas E. , Holm-Denoma* Christopher S.
Published: April 2024

This field trip examines the results of integrated geologic studies of the 9 August 2020, Mw 5.1 earthquake near Sparta, North Carolina, USA. The earthquake generated ~4 km of coseismic surface rupture of the Little River fault and uplifted a surface area of ~11 km2. The Little River fault is a thrust fault oriented 110–130°/45–70°SW, and mapped fault segments are en echelon with scarp heights from <5–30 cm. The epicenter is in polydeformed rocks of the Ashe and Alligator Back Metamorphic Suites in the eastern Blue Ridge. Bedrock structure formed during multiple Paleozoic orogenies; the regional foliation strikes NE-SW and dips SE (mean orientation 063°/52°SE). Mapping identified late Paleozoic veins and shear zones, a regional joint set striking 330–340° and 250–240°, and brittle faults that cut the Paleozoic foliation. Brittle faults oriented similar to the Little River fault are mapped up to 4 km along strike from the coseismic rupture along Bledsoe Creek valley, and the combined length of the Little River fault system is ~8 km. Paleoseismic trenches across the Little River fault corroborate the reactivation of an older fault by the 2020 earthquake and reveal two events during late Pleistocene (<50 ka). Surficial mapping identified several terrace deposits, including a deposit along Bledsoe Creek that yielded a 26Al/10Be isochron burial age of 0.46 ± 0.13 Ma and overlies a brittle fault, thus constraining the timing of movement of the fault at that location. Paleoliquefaction studies document soft-sediment deformation features in alluvium that may represent paleoseismic events. Collectively, these results highlight long-lived paleoseismicity of the Blue Ridge and that the 9 August 2020 earthquake reactivated an older, suitably oriented brittle fault in the bedrock. The Little River fault is an example of a previously unknown but active fault lying outside of known seismic zones with demonstrated recurrence of paleo-ruptures, raising questions about the assumption that damaging earthquakes are limited to areas of ongoing background seismicity, which is counter to seismic hazard assessments in the eastern United States.

Bedrock mapping separates eastern Blue Ridge lithostratigraphy of the Lynchburg Group and Ashe and Alligator Back Metamorphic Suites into separate fault-bound packages juxtaposed over various 1.3–1.0 Ga basement rocks of the northern French Broad massif by the Gossan Lead fault.
Sweet syndrome with peripheral neuropathy in a patient with metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Monkman Rebecca , Monfregola Meng , Waibel Christine , Scheidegger Paul
Published: April 2024

A female patient in her 70s with a newly diagnosed clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) with osseous metastasis presented with sudden onset erythematous painful blistering skin lesions on the dorsum of both hands, with associated intermittent fever episodes. Blood tests showed elevated inflammatory marker levels (C reactive protein 257.8 mg/dL, leucocytes 17.79×10⁹/L, with 94% neutrophils). Histologically, there was predominately neutrophil dermal infiltrate without leucocytoclastic vasculitis. The diagnostic criteria of Sweet syndrome were fulfilled. A week later, the patient developed abrupt left-hand palsy, which was confirmed as a medial and ulnar sensorimotor axonal peripheral neuropathy of paraneoplastic origin. The patient was prescribed a course of oral high-dose steroids, which significantly improved the skin lesions. The peripheral nerve palsy improved after 3 months. This case describes the two very rare concurrent paraneoplastic manifestations of ccRCC occurring simultaneously, which have been rarely reported.
Four distinct patterns of anterior cruciate ligament injury in women’s professional football (soccer): a systematic video analysis of 37 match injuries
Authors: Achenbach Leonard , Bloch Hendrik , Klein Christian , Damm Theresa , Obinger Matthias , Rudert Maximilian , Krutsch Werner , Szymski Dominik
Published: April 2024

Background

To identify mechanisms and patterns of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in adult women’s professional football by means of video match analysis.

Methods

ACL match injuries sustained in Germany’s first women’s league during the 2016–2017 to 2022–2023 seasons were prospectively analysed by three expert raters using a standardised observation form. Epidemiological and injury data, as well as the medical history of ACL tears, were obtained from media reports and the statutory accident insurance for professional athletes.

Results

Thirty-seven ACL injuries sustained in official football matches were included in the video analysis, of which 24 (65%) had associated knee injuries, mainly meniscus and collateral ligament injuries. According to the categorised contact mechanisms, 17 (46%) were non-contact injuries, 14 indirect contact injuries (38%) and six direct contact injuries (16%). Of the 17 non-contact injuries, seven (41%) occurred during the first 15 min of the match. Contact mechanisms did not differ between primary and secondary ACL injuries to the same or the contralateral side. Most injuries (80%) of field players occurred during horizontal movements such as sprinting (n=9, 26%), change-of-direction manoeuvres (n=7, 19%), stopping (n=5, 14%) and lunging (n=5, 14%). Four distinct repetitive patterns of ACL match injuries were identified: (1) non-contact ‘pressing ACL injury’ (n=9), (2) indirect contact ‘parallel sprinting and tackling ACL injury’ (n=7), (3) direct contact ‘knee-to-knee ACL injury’ (n=6) and (4) non-contact ‘landing ACL injury’ (n=4).

Conclusion

Most of the identified patterns of ACL injuries in women’s professional football have great potential for prevention.
Effect of vitamin D in addition to letrozole on the ovulation rate of women with polycystic ovary syndrome: protocol of a multicentre randomised double-blind controlled trial
Authors: Ko Jennifer K Y , Yung Sofie S F , Lai Shui Fan , Wan Rebecca S F , Wong Catherine K Y , Wong Keedon , Cheung Ching-Lung , Ng Ernest H Y , Li Raymond H W
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Low vitamin D status is prevalent among women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The objective of the study is to assess the effect of vitamin D supplementation on (1) the ovulation rate to letrozole and (2) other reproductive, endocrine and metabolic outcomes after 1 year of supplementation in women with PCOS.

Methods and analysis

This is a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, controlled clinical trial. A total of 220 anovulatory women with PCOS diagnosed by the Rotterdam criteria will be recruited. They will be randomly assigned to either the (1) vitamin D supplementation group or (2) placebo group. Those in the vitamin D group will take oral Vitamin D3 50 000 IU/week for 4 weeks, followed by 50 000 IU once every 2 weeks for 52 weeks. Those who remain anovulatory after 6 months will be treated with a 6-month course of letrozole (2.5 mg to 7.5 mg for 5 days per cycle titrated according to response) for ovulation induction. The primary outcome is the ovulation rate. All statistical analyses will be performed using intention-to-treat and per protocol analyses.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval was sought from the Institutional Review Board of the participating units. All participants will provide written informed consent before joining the study. The results of the study will be submitted to scientific conferences and peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number

NCT04650880.
Efficacy and safety of seven Chinese patent medicines combined with conventional triple/quadruple therapy forHelicobacter pylori-positive peptic ulcers: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Jiang Zhenyu , Deng Boning , Zhang Yaqi , Li Ye , Yu Zhijun , Deng Haiying , Chen Yajun
Published: April 2024

Objectives

To compare the efficacy and safety of seven Chinese patent medicines (CPMs) combined with conventional triple/quadruple therapy (T/Q) forHelicobacter pylori-positive peptic ulcers.

Design

A systematic review and network meta-analysis.

Data sources

China National Knowledge Infrastructure, VIP database, Wanfang database, ScienceDirect, EBSCO, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and PubMed were searched through 1 June 2022.

Eligibility criteria

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) testing CPMs combined with T/Q forH. pylori-positive peptic ulcers were included. The CPMs included Anweiyang capsule, Jianweiyuyang tablets/capsule/granule, Jinghuaweikang capsule, Kangfuxin liquid, Puyuanhewei capsule, Weifuchun tablets/capsule and Weisu granule. At least one of the following outcome indicators was recorded: complete ulcer healing rate (CUHR), effective rate (ER),H. pylorieradication rate (HPER), rate of peptic ulcer recurrence (RPUR) and incidence of adverse reactions (IAR).

Data extraction and synthesis

Two researchers independently conducted the study selection and extracted data for included studies. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. A pairwise meta-analysis was performed using RevMan V.5.3. Network meta-analysis was performed using STATA/MP V.15.0. Confidence in the evidence was assessed using Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation.

Results

A total of 36 RCTs involving 3620 patients were included. Compared with T/Q alone, Weisu+T/Q, Weifuchun+T/Q and Puyuanhewei+T/Q had the highest CUHR, ER andHPER, respectively. Weisu+T/Q and Jianweiyuyang+T/Q had the lowest RPUR and IAR, respectively. The cluster analysis results showed Jianweiyuyang+T/Q might be the best choice concerning efficacy and safety simultaneously, followed by Kangfuxin+T/Q.

Conclusion

Among the combination therapies with the CPMs, Jianweiyuyang+T/Q might be the most favourable option forH. pylori-positive peptic ulcers, followed by Kangfuxin+T/Q. Considering the limited quantity and quality of the included RCTs, the results should be interpreted with caution.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42022327687.
Effect of a national infection control programme in Sweden on prosthetic joint infection incidence following primary total hip arthroplasty: a cohort study
Authors: Wildeman Peter , Rolfson Ola , Wretenberg Per , Nåtman Jonatan , Gordon Max , Söderquist Bo , Lindgren Viktor
Published: April 2024

Objectives

Prosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a serious complication following total hip arthroplasty (THA) entailing increased mortality, decreased quality of life and high healthcare costs.

The primary aim was to investigate whether the national project: Prosthesis Related Infections Shall be Stopped (PRISS) reduced PJI incidence after primary THA; the secondary aim was to evaluate other possible benefits of PRISS, such as shorter time to diagnosis.

Design

Cohort study.

Setting

In 2009, a nationwide, multidisciplinary infection control programme was launched in Sweden, PRISS, which aimed to reduce the PJI burden by 50%.

Participants

We obtained data on patients undergoing primary THA from the Swedish Arthroplasty Registry 2012–2014, (n=45 723 patients, 49 946 THAs). Using personal identity numbers, this cohort was matched with the Swedish Prescribed Drug Registry. Medical records of patients with ≥4 weeks’ antibiotic consumption were reviewed to verify PJI diagnosis (n=2240, 2569 THAs).

Results

The cumulative incidence of PJI following the PRISS Project was 1.2% (95% CI 1.1% to 1.3%) as compared with 0.9% (95% CI 0.8% to 1.0%) before. Cox regression models for the PJI incidence post-PRISS indicates there was no statistical significance difference versus pre-PRISS (HR 1.1 (95% CI 0.9 to 1.3)). There was similar time to PJI diagnosis after the PRISS Project 24 vs 23 days (p=0.5).

Conclusions

Despite the comprehensive nationwide PRISS Project, Swedish PJI incidence was higher after the project and time to diagnosis remained unchanged. Factors contributing to PJI, such as increasing obesity, higher American Society of Anesthesiology class and more fractures as indications, explain the PJI increase among primary THA patients.
Association between accelerometer-derived physical activity and depression: a cross-sectional study using isotemporal substitution analysis
Authors: Park Jungmi , Nam Hee-Kyoung , Cho Sung-Il
Published: April 2024

Objectives

Depression is a significant public health concern, and physical activity has been identified as a non-pharmacological intervention. Understanding the dose–response relationship between physical activity and depression is crucial for designing effective exercise interventions and recommending physical activity to individuals with depression. The isotemporal substitution model is considered the gold standard for estimating the dose–response effects of physical activity. This study aims to investigate the dose–response association between depression and accelerometer-measured physical activity in the Korean population.

Design

Cross-sectional analysis.

Setting

A non-probability sample of the community population was drawn from the 2014 and 2016 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

Participants

The study included 1543 adults aged 19–64 years who completed the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and volunteered to wear an accelerometer.

Main outcome measures

Physical activity was measured using a GT3X+ accelerometer for 7 consecutive days, and activity was categorised as sedentary behaviour (SB) or light, moderate or vigorous physical activity. Depression was assessed using the PHQ-9.

Results

Physical activity and SB were associated with depression. In the single-parameter model, moderate–vigorous physical activity (MVPA) showed a significant association with reduced odds of depression (OR: 0.817, 95% CI: 0.678 to 0.985). Substituting 30 min of SB with 30 min of MVPA (OR: 0.815, 95% CI: 0.669 to 0.992) was linked to a decrease in the odds of depression. Conversely, replacing 30 min of MVPA with 30 min of SB (OR: 1.227, 95% CI: 1.008 to 1.495) was associated with an increase in the odds of depression.

Conclusions

This study provides evidence of an association between physical activity and depression in the Korean population, highlighting the importance of reducing SB and increasing MVPA to prevent and manage depression. Further research is needed to confirm causality and determine optimal levels of physical activity for preventing depression in different populations.
Maternal positional therapy for fetal growth and customised birth weight centile benefit in a Bayesian reanalysis of a double-blind, sham-controlled, randomised clinical trial
Authors: Coleman Jerry , Grewal Sahibjot , Warland Jane , Hobson Sebastian , Liu Kuan , Kember Allan
Published: April 2024

Objectives

To update the Ghana PrenaBelt Trial’s (GPT) primary outcome data with the latest fetal growth standard and reanalyse it. To estimate the posterior probability, under various clinically relevant prior probabilities, of maternal nightly positional therapy (PT) throughout the third-trimester having a beneficial effect on customised birth weight centile (CBWC) using Bayesian analyses.

Design

A reanalysis of a double-blind, sham-controlled, randomised clinical trial.

Setting

A single, tertiary-level centre in Accra, Ghana.

Participants

Two-hundred participants entered, 181 completed and 167 were included in the final analysis. Participants were Ghanaian, healthy, aged 18–35 years, with low-risk, singleton pregnancies in their third-trimester, with Body Mass Index<35 kg/m2at the first antenatal appointment for the index pregnancy and without known fetal abnormalities, pregnancy complications or medical conditions complicating sleep.

Interventions

Participants were randomised to receive treatment with either a PT or sham-PT device.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The primary outcome was the CBWC using the latest Perinatal Institute, Gestation-Related Optimal Weight calculator. Using Bayesian methods, posterior probabilities of achieving a greater than 0%, 5% and 10% benefit in CBWC with PT were estimated. There was no secondary outcome.

Results

The median (IQR) CBWC was 42% (15–71) and 28% (9–52) in the PT and sham-PT groups, respectively (difference 8.4%; 95% CI −0.30 to 18.2; p=0.06). For achieving a >0%, >5% and >10% gain in CBWC with PT, the posterior probabilities were highly probable, probable and unlikely, respectively, given a range of prior probabilities reflecting varying degrees of pre-existing enthusiasm and scepticism.

Conclusions

Maternal nightly PT throughout the third-trimester did not have a statistically significant effect on CBWC on a frequentist analysis using the latest fetal growth standard. However, from a Bayesian analysis, clinicians can infer that PT is likely to benefit fetal growth but with a modest effect size.

Trial registration number

NCT02379728.
Learning motivation and self-assessment in health economics: a survey on overconfidence in healthcare providers
Authors: Bushuven Stefan , Bentele Michael , Trifunovic-Koenig Milena , Gerber Bianka , Bentele Stefanie , Hagen Fritz , Schoeffski Oliver , Marung Hartwig , Strametz Reinhard
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Lifelong learning is the foundation for professionals to maintain competence and proficiency in several aspects of economy and medicine. Until now, there is no evidence of overconfidence (the belief to be better than others or tested) and clinical tribalism (the belief that one’s own group outperforms others) in the specialty of health economics. We investigated the hypothesis of overconfidence effects and their relation to learning motivation and motivational patterns in healthcare providers regarding healthcare economics.

Methods

We conducted a national convenience online survey of 116 healthcare workers recruited from social and personal networks to detect overconfidence effects and clinical tribalism and to assess learning motivation. Instruments included self-assessments for five learning dimensions (factual knowledge, skills, attitude, problem-solving and behaviour) and a four-item situational motivation scale. The analysis comprised paired t-tests, correlation analyses and two-step cluster analyses.

Results

We detected overplacement, overestimation and signs of clinical tribalism. Responders in the physician subgroup rated themselves superior to colleagues and that their professional group was superior to other professions. Participants being educators in other competencies showed high overconfidence in health economics. We detected two groups of learners: overconfident but motivated persons and overconfident and unmotivated learners. Learning motivation did not correlate with overconfidence effects.

Discussion

We could show the presence of overconfidence in health economics, which is consistent with studies in healthcare and the economy. The subjective perception of some medical educators, being role models to students and having a superior ‘attitude’ (eg, morality) concerning the economy may foster prejudice against economists as students might believe them. It also may aggravate moral distress and disrupts interactions between healthcare providers managers and leaders. Considering the study’s limitations, lifelong interprofessional and reflective training and train-the-trainer programmes may be mandatory to address the effects.
Digital resources in the monitoring of patients with cleft lip and palate: protocol for a scoping review
Authors: Carvalho Livian Isabel Medeiros , de Araújo Eduarda Gomes Onofre , de Souza Breno Estevam Silva , Martins Hélder Domiciano Dantas , Lacerda Rosa Helena Wanderley , Bonan Paulo Rogerio Ferreti
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Cleft lip and/or palate (CL+/-P) is a congenital malformation affecting the lip and palate, requiring long-term treatment due to potential associated complications. For this reason, it is important for the patient to be continuously monitored and followed for health promotion and prevention, as well as improving the quality of life. The aim of this scoping review protocol is to identify and map the available evidence regarding the application of digital resources and technologies in the monitoring and follow-up of patients with CL+/-P.

Methods and analysis

This scoping review protocol follows the guidelines recommended by the Joanna Briggs Institute Manual, employing the PCC acronym (Patient/Concept/Context). Searches will be conducted, in May 2024, of PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature, ScienceDirect, as well as grey literature indexed in ProQuest Open Access Dissertations & Theses and Google Scholar. The review will consider all types of published studies, including grey literature, in English, Portuguese and Spanish languages, and will consider studies regardless of publication date. Exclusions will apply to studies that do not address the use of digital resources and technologies in CL+/-P monitoring and follow-up.

Ethics and dissemination

As this is a scoping review, no ethics committee approval is required. After completion, the plan is to publish results in scientific journals on craniofacial malformations.

Study registration

Open Science Framework, DOI:10.17605/OSF.IO/Y6AG8.
Maternity healthcare professionals’ experiences of supporting women in decision-making for labour and birth: a qualitative study
Authors: Hardman Kitty , Davies Anna , Demetri Andrew , Clayton Gemma , Bakhbakhi Danya , Birchenall Katherine , Barnfield Sonia , Fraser Abigail , Burden Christy , McGuinness Sheelagh , Miller Rachel , Merriel Abi
Published: April 2024

Objectives

To explore and characterise maternity healthcare professionals’ (MHCPs) experience and practice of shared decision-making (SDM), to inform policy, research and practice development.

Design

Qualitative focus group study.

Setting

Large Maternity Unit in the Southwest of England.

Participants

MHCPs who give information relating to clinical procedures and pregnancy care relating to labour and birth and are directly involved in decision-making conversations were purposively sampled to ensure representation across MHCP groups.

Data collection

A semistructured topic guide was used.

Data analysis

Reflexive thematic analysis was undertaken.

Results

Seven focus groups were conducted, comprising a total of 24 participants (3–5 per group). Two themes were developed: contextualising decision-making and controversies in current decision-making. Contextual factors that influenced decision-making practices included lack of time and challenges faced in intrapartum care. MHCPs reported variation in how they approach decision-making conversations and asked for more training on how to consistently achieve SDM. There were communication challenges with women who did not speak English. Three controversies were explored: the role of prior clinical experience, the validity of informed consent when women were in pain and during life-threatening emergencies and instances where women declined medical advice.

Conclusions

We found that MHCPs are committed to SDM but need better support to deliver it. Structured processes including Core Information Sets, communication skills training and decision support aids may help to consistently deliver SDM in maternity care.
Development of a patient decision aid for children and adolescents following anterior cruciate ligament rupture: an international mixed-methods study
Authors: Gamble Andrew R , McKay Marnee J , Anderson David B , Pappas Evangelos , Alvarez Cooper Ignatius , Macpherson Sophie , Harris Ian A , Filbay Stephanie R , McCaffery Kirsten , Thompson Rachel , Hoffmann Tammy C , Maher Christopher G , Zadro Joshua R
Published: April 2024

Aim

To develop and user test an evidence-based patient decision aid for children and adolescents who are considering anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.

Design

Mixed-methods study describing the development of a patient decision aid.

Setting

A draft decision aid was developed by a multidisciplinary steering group (including various types of health professionals and researchers, and consumers) informed by the best available evidence and existing patient decision aids.

Participants

People who ruptured their ACL when they were under 18 years old (ie, adolescents), their parents, and health professionals who manage these patients. Participants were recruited through social media and the network outreach of the steering group.

Primary and secondary outcomes

Semistructured interviews and questionnaires were used to gather feedback on the decision aid. The feedback was used to refine the decision aid and assess acceptability. An iterative cycle of interviews, refining the aid according to feedback and further interviews, was used. Interviews were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.

Results

We conducted 32 interviews; 16 health professionals (12 physiotherapists, 4 orthopaedic surgeons) and 16 people who ruptured their ACL when they were under 18 years old (7 were adolescents and 9 were adults at the time of the interview). Parents participated in 8 interviews. Most health professionals, patients and parents rated the aid’s acceptability as good-to-excellent. Health professionals and patients agreed on most aspects of the decision aid, but some health professionals had differing views on non-surgical management, risk of harms, treatment protocols and evidence on benefits and harms.

Conclusion

Our patient decision aid is an acceptable tool to help children and adolescents choose an appropriate management option following ACL rupture with their parents and health professionals. A clinical trial evaluating the potential benefit of this tool for children and adolescents considering ACL reconstruction is warranted.
Outcome measures for children with speech sound disorder: an umbrella review
Authors: Harding Sam , Burr Sam , Cleland Joanne , Stringer Helen , Wren Yvonne
Published: April 2024

Objective

Speech sound disorder (SSD) describes a ‘persistent difficulty with speech sound production that interferes with speech intelligibility or prevents verbal communication’. There is a need to establish which care pathways are most effective and efficient for children with SSD. Comparison of care pathways requires clearly defined, evidence-based, interventions and agreement on how to measure the outcomes. At present, no definitive list of assessments, interventions or outcomes exists. The objective of this umbrella review paper is to provide a rigorous and detailed list of assessments, interventions and outcomes which target SSD in children.

Design

In December 2022, a systematic search of Ovid Medline, OVID Embase, CINAHL, PsycInfo and Cochrane and a number of grey literature platforms were undertaken. 18 reviews were included, and subsequently 415 primary research articles were assessed for data related to assessments, interventions or outcomes. The AMSTAR (Assessing the Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews) framework was used to assess the quality of the retained reviews.

Setting

Reviews were retained which took place in any setting.

Participants

The population is children of any age with a diagnosis of SSD of unknown origin.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Reviews reporting outcomes, assessment and interventions for children with SSD.

Results

Extraction and analysis identified 37 assessments, 46 interventions and 30 outcome measures used in research reporting of SSD. Not all of the listed outcomes were linked to specific outcome measurement tools, but these were measurable through the use of one or more of the assessments extracted from the retained reviews.

Conclusions

The findings of this review will be used to develop a Core Outcome Set for children with SSD. The findings are part of a rigorous process essential for advancing healthcare research and practice in the specific area of speech and language therapy for children with SSD.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42022316284.
Understanding the health system utilisation and reasons for avoidable mortality after fatal injury within a Three-Delays framework in Karonga, Northern Malawi: a retrospective analysis of verbal autopsy data
Authors: Whitaker John , Edem Idara , Amoah Abena S , Dube Albert , D’Ambruoso Lucia , Rickard Rory F , Leather Andy J M , Davies Justine
Published: April 2024

Objectives

To use verbal autopsy (VA) data to understand health system utilisation and the potential avoidability associated with fatal injury. Then to categorise any evident barriers driving avoidable delays to care within a Three-Delays framework that considers delays to seeking (Delay 1), reaching (Delay 2) or receiving (Delay 3) quality injury care.

Design

Retrospective analysis of existing VA data routinely collected by a demographic surveillance site.

Setting

Karonga Health and Demographic Surveillance Site (HDSS) population, Northern Malawi.

Participants

Fatally injured members of the HDSS.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The primary outcome was the proportion of fatal injury deaths that were potentially avoidable. Secondary outcomes were the delay stage and corresponding barriers associated with avoidable deaths and the health system utilisation for fatal injuries within the health system.

Results

Of the 252 deaths due to external causes, 185 injury-related deaths were analysed. Deaths were predominantly among young males (median age 30, IQR 11–48), 71.9% (133/185). 35.1% (65/185) were assessed as potentially avoidable. Delay 1 was implicated in 30.8% (20/65) of potentially avoidable deaths, Delay 2 in 61.5% (40/65) and Delay 3 in 75.4% (49/65). Within Delay 1, ‘healthcare literacy’ was most commonly implicated barrier in 75% (15/20). Within Delay 2, ‘communication’ and ‘prehospital care’ were the most commonly implicated in 92.5% (37/40). Within Delay 3, ‘physical resources’ were most commonly implicated, 85.7% (42/49).

Conclusions

VA is feasible for studying pathways to care and health system responsiveness in avoidable deaths following injury and ascertaining the delays that contribute to deaths. A large proportion of injury deaths were avoidable, and we have identified several barriers as potential targets for intervention. Refining and integrating VA with other health system assessment methods is likely necessary to holistically understand an injury care health system.
Navigating duplication in pharmacovigilance databases: a scoping review
Authors: Kiguba Ronald , Isabirye Gerald , Mayengo Julius , Owiny Jonathan , Tregunno Phil , Harrison Kendal , Pirmohamed Munir , Ndagije Helen Byomire
Published: April 2024

Objectives

Pharmacovigilance databases play a critical role in monitoring drug safety. The duplication of reports in pharmacovigilance databases, however, undermines their data integrity. This scoping review sought to provide a comprehensive understanding of duplication in pharmacovigilance databases worldwide.

Design

A scoping review.

Data sources

Reviewers comprehensively searched the literature in PubMed, Web of Science, Wiley Online Library, EBSCOhost, Google Scholar and other relevant websites.

Eligibility criteria

Peer-reviewed publications and grey literature, without language restriction, describing duplication and/or methods relevant to duplication in pharmacovigilance databases from inception to 1 September 2023.

Data extraction and synthesis

We used the Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines for scoping reviews and conformed with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews. Two reviewers independently screened titles, abstracts and full texts. One reviewer extracted the data and performed descriptive analysis, which the second reviewer assessed. Disagreements were resolved by discussion and consensus or in consultation with a third reviewer.

Results

We screened 22 745 unique titles and 156 were eligible for full-text review. Of the 156 titles, 58 (47 peer-reviewed; 11 grey literature) fulfilled the inclusion criteria for the scoping review. Included titles addressed the extent (5 papers), prevention strategies (15 papers), causes (32 papers), detection methods (25 papers), management strategies (24 papers) and implications (14 papers) of duplication in pharmacovigilance databases. The papers overlapped, discussing more than one field. Advances in artificial intelligence, particularly natural language processing, hold promise in enhancing the efficiency and precision of deduplication of large and complex pharmacovigilance databases.

Conclusion

Duplication in pharmacovigilance databases compromises risk assessment and decision-making, potentially threatening patient safety. Therefore, efficient duplicate prevention, detection and management are essential for more reliable pharmacovigilance data. To minimise duplication, consistent use of worldwide unique identifiers as the key case identifiers is recommended alongside recent advances in artificial intelligence.
Dry cupping as an adjuvant treatment of individuals with severe pneumonia: study protocol for a placebo-controlled, randomised study
Authors: Li Wen , Chung Shuet Ling , Lei Ming , Yang Xiaofang , Jin Zhu
Published: April 2024

Background

Severe pneumonia (SP) stands as one of the most prevalent critical illnesses encountered in clinical practice, characterised by its rapid onset and progression, numerous complications and elevated mortality rates. While modern medical interventions primarily focus on symptomatic management such as anti-infective therapy and mechanical ventilation, challenges including high drug resistance and suboptimal therapeutic outcomes for certain patients persist. Dry cupping as an ancient practice with over a millennium of clinical use in China is renowned for its convenience and perceived clinical efficacy in various illnesses. Nevertheless, the lack of well-designed studies assessing its effects remains a notable gap in the literature. This protocol describes a placebo-controlled, randomised, single-blind study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of dry cupping as an adjuvant treatment for SP.

Methods and analysis

66 patients diagnosed with SP, aged 18–80 years, will be randomly divided into two groups: intervention group, receiving 10 times of dry cupping treatment; control group, receiving placebo dry cupping therapy. Both applications are used in bilateral Fei Shu (BL13), Pi Shu (BL21) and Shen Shu (BL22) cupping. The application will be conducted once a day for 10 days. Participants will be assessed before treatment (D0), after the first intervention (D1), after the fifth intervention (D5) and after treatment ended (D10). The assessments include blood oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, traditional Chinese medicine symptom score, inflammatory response, mechanical ventilation time and oxygen condition.

Ethics and dissemination

This protocol has been approved by the Ethics Committee of Shanghai Seventh People’s Hospital (2023-7th-HIBR-070). The results of the study will be disseminated to participants through social networks and will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal and scientific meetings.

Trial registration number

ChiCTR2300076958.
Use of headphones for the delivery of music programs for people with dementia in long-term care homes: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Hung Lillian , Wong Karen Lok Yi , Huang Kitty , Cheung Daphne Sze Ki , Yeo Myung Sun , Kim Soo JI
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Dementia affects the quality of life. Excessive noise in care environments can exacerbate stress and related symptoms. Headphone-based music interventions may help improve the quality of life for people with dementia in long-term care homes. This review aims to explore and synthesise research on headphone-based music interventions for people with dementia in long-term care homes, focusing on enablers and barriers to implementing headphone-based music interventions.

Methods and analysis

Joanna Briggs Institute guidance for scoping review and Preferred Reporting Items for Scoping Reviews and Meta-analyses extension for Scoping Reviews will guide the review and report process. CINAHL, MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, AgeLine, PsycINFO and ProQuest databases will be searched for relevant literature from June 2010 to January 2024, supplemented by hand searches and Google for grey literature. Two research assistants will independently screen citations, followed by a full-text review. Data will be extracted using a data extraction tool. We will present the data in a table with narratives that answer the questions of the scoping review.

Ethics and dissemination

This scoping review does not require ethics approval and participation consent, as all data will be publicly available. The scoping review results will be disseminated through conference presentations and an open-access publication in a peer-reviewed journal. The findings will provide practical insights into the adoption and efficacy of headphone-based music programmes for dementia in long-term care homes, contributing to education, practice, policy and future research.
The Pediatric Autism Research Cohort (PARC) Study: protocol for a patient-oriented prospective study examining trajectories of functioning in children with autism
Authors: Kata Anna , McPhee Patrick G. , Chen Yun-Ju , Zwaigenbaum Lonnie , Singal Deepa , Roncadin Caroline , Bennett Teresa , Carter Melissa , Di Rezze Briano , Drmic Irene , Duku Eric , Fournier Sherry , Frei Julia , Gentles Stephen J. , Georgiades Kathy , Hanlon-Dearman Ana , Hoult Lorraine , Kelley Elizabeth , Koller Judah , de Camargo Olaf Kraus , Lai Jonathan , Mahoney Bill , Mesterman Ronit , Ng Olivia , Robertson Sue , Rosenbaum Peter , Salt Mackenzie , Zubairi Mohammad S , Georgiades Stelios
Published: April 2024

Introduction

The developmentally variable nature of autism poses challenges in providing timely services tailored to a child’s needs. Despite a recent focus on longitudinal research, priority-setting initiatives with stakeholders highlighted the importance of studying a child’s day-to-day functioning and social determinants of health to inform clinical care. To address this, we are conducting a pragmatic multi-site, patient-oriented longitudinal investigation: thePediatric Autism Research Cohort(PARC) Study. In young children (<7 years of age) newly diagnosed with autism, we will: (1) examine variability in trajectories of adaptive functioning from the point of diagnosis into transition to school; and (2) identify factors associated with trajectories of adaptive functioning.

Methods and analysis

We aim to recruit 1300 children under 7 years of age with a recent (within 12 months) diagnosis of autism from seven sites: six in Canada; one in Israel. Participants will be followed prospectively from diagnosis to age 8 years, with assessments at 6-month intervals. Parents/caregivers will complete questionnaires administered via a customized online research portal. Following each assessment timepoint, families will receive a research summary report describing their child’s progress on adaptive functioning and related domains. Analysis of the longitudinal data will map trajectories and examine child, family and service characteristics associated with chronogeneity (interindividual and intraindividual heterogeneity over time) and possible trajectory turning points around sensitive periods like the transition to school.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approvals have been received by all sites. All parents/respondents will provide informed consent when enrolling in the study. Using an integrated knowledge translation approach, where stakeholders are directly engaged in the research process, thePARC Studywill identify factors associated with trajectories of functioning in children with autism. Resulting evidence will be shared with government policy makers to inform provincial and national programs. Findings will be disseminated at conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals.
Severity and impact of digestive impairment perceived by patients with systemic sclerosis: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Cano-García Laura , Redondo-Rodríguez Rocío , Mena-Vázquez Natalia , Manrique-Arija Sara , García-Studer Aimara , Ortiz-Marquez Fernando , Borregón-Garrido Paula , Fernández-Nebro Antonio
Published: April 2024

Objectives

To describe the severity and impact of gastrointestinal involvement in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and identify associated factors.

Patients and methods

Non-controlled cross-sectional study of patients with SSc (2013 American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism criteria). The main variables were severity of gastrointestinal involvement according to the University of California, Los Angeles Scleroderma Clinical Trials Consortium Gastrointestinal Tract 2.0 instrument (UCLA SCTC GIT 2.0) and dysphagia according to the Eating Assessment Tool-10 (EAT-10). We evaluated reflux, distension, diarrhoea, faecal soilage, constipation, emotional well-being and social functioning, as well as dysphagia. Clinical and epidemiological data were collected using the Mini Nutritional Assessment Short Form (MNA-SF) and the EuroQol-5D-3L. The degree of skin fibrosis was assessed using the modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS). Multivariate models were constructed to analyse factors associated with gastrointestinal involvement and dysphagia.

Results

Of the 75 patients with SSc included, 58.7% had moderate, severe or very severe reflux, 57.4% had constipation according to UCLA SCTC GIT 2.0 and 49.7% had abdominal distension. Gastrointestinal symptoms interfered significantly with social functioning (42.7%) and emotional well-being (40.0%). Dysphagia (EAT-10≥3) was recorded in 52% of patients, and according to MNA-SF poor nutrition in 30.7%, and clear malnutrition requiring a nutritional intervention in 5.3%. Multivariate adjustment revealed an association between severity of gastrointestinal symptoms according to the mRSS (β=0.249; p=0.002) and Visual Analogue Scale 3-Level EuroQol-5D (VAS-EQ-5D-3L) (β=–0.302; p=0.001), whereas presence of dysphagia was associated with the mRSS (OR=2.794; p=0.015), VAS-EQ-5D-3L (OR=0.950; p=0.005) and malnutrition (MNA-SF≤7; OR=3.920; p=0.041).

Conclusions

Patients with SSc frequently present severe gastrointestinal symptoms. These are associated with poor quality of life, more severe skin involvement and malnutrition.