bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Longitudinal stability and Autism Diagnostic Observation Scale-2 predictors of the Childhood Joint Attention Rating Scale
Authors: Bullen Jennifer C , Birkeneder Sandy L , Zajic Matthew C , Lerro Lindsay Swain , McIntyre Nancy , Sparapani Nicole , Mundy Peter 
Published: December 2024

A recent study suggests that parent report on the Social Symptom and Prosocial scales of the Childhood Joint Attention Rating Scale provides useful information about differences in the social development of school-aged autistic children. The current study provides additional psychometric data on the Childhood Joint Attention Rating Scale regarding the longitudinal stability of its scales, its construct validity, and its sensitivity to differences in the social development of clinical samples of children. The study included 64 autistic children without co-occurring intellectual disability, 27 children with symptoms of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and 36 neurotypical children between the ages of 10 and 18 years. Results indicated that scores from parent report on the Childhood Joint Attention Rating Scale were stable across a 15-month period in middle childhood for the three groups and groups received significantly different Childhood Joint Attention Rating Scale scores. Finally, construct validity was supported by the observation of correlations between tester observations of items on Autism Diagnostic Observation Scale-2 Social Affect and subsequent parent report on the Childhood Joint Attention Rating Scale. These results provide further evidence that the Childhood Joint Attention Rating Scale provides meaningful and potentially unique information about prosocial and social symptom development of school-aged autistic children. Lay abstract This study tested a measure designed to capture social development in childhood and adolescence called the Childhood Joint Attention Rating Scale. This is important to study as most measures of social behavior are for preschool-aged children. We asked parents of 64 autistic children, 27 children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and 36 neurotypical children to fill out a new parent questionnaire designed to assess social skills. Specifically, our measure asks about both strengths and difficulties their child has with sharing experiences, engaging in cooperative efforts with others, and more. It is important to have strengths included in measures, as many autism measures only take difficulties into account. The findings of this study show that this new measure can assess social skill strengths and difficulties in children and adolescents. This measure may be useful in future research to help us understand how strengths and challenges in social behaviors develop or change throughout childhood and adolescence in autistic people.
Social prescribing initiatives connecting general practice patients with community-based physical activity: A scoping review with expert interviews
Authors: Rasmussen Lene Gissel , Nielsen Rasmus Østergaard , Hawkins Jemma , Kallestrup Per , Midtgaard Julie , Ryom Knud 
Published: December 2024

Aims: The World Health Organization states that physical inactivity is one of the leading behavioural risk factors for disability and mortality in Europe. Social prescribing holds promise as a possible solution by connecting patients from general practice to community-based physical activity. Although research within social prescribing exists, the process of connecting general practice patients to community-based physical activity is not well investigated. This scoping review aimed to summarise and synthesise knowledge on social prescribing provided by health professionals in general practice towards community-based physical activity. Methods: A systematic search for literature in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, SportsDiscus and other sources was conducted to identify initiatives connecting general practice to community-based physical activity. Semi-structured interviews were then conducted with subject-specific national experts. Finally, preliminary findings from the literature and the interviews were used in a co-creation process with experts to synthesise and finalise the results of a thematic analysis across data sources. Results: Based on 19 records, five expert interviews and subsequent co-creation, we identified three themes: (a) barriers and facilitators, (b) organisational perspectives and (c) value-based considerations. Conclusions: This review illuminates the complex nature of social prescribing programmes that connect general practice patients to community-based physical activity in Denmark. It also presents practical and fundamental considerations when applying social prescribing across different settings.
Routine pulmonary lung function tests: Interpretative strategies and challenges
Authors: Barkous Balsam , Briki Chaima , Boubakri Saba , Abdesslem Mariem , Ben Abbes Narjès , Ben Hmid Wième , Ben Saad Helmi 
Published: December 2024

Introduction: The diagnosis and management of common chronic respiratory diseases depend on various parameters obtained from pulmonary function tests (PFTs), such as spirometry, plethysmography, and carbon monoxide diffusion capacity (DLCO). These tests are interpreted following guidelines established by reputable scientific societies like the European Respiratory Society and the American Thoracic Society (ERS/ATS). Aim and Methods: This review aimed to offer a comprehensive framework for interpreting PFTs, incorporating the latest ERS/ATS update (i.e.; 2022), and to briefly explore some complex cases to shed light on their implications for understanding PFTs. Results: The ERS/ATS update outlines a systematic approach to interpreting PFT results, which involves several steps. Initially, results are compared to those of a healthy reference population to determine normal, low, or high parameters. Then, potential ventilatory impairments (VIs), such as obstructive or restrictive VIs, are identified, which could indicate specific chronic respiratory or extra-respiratory diseases. The severity of identified VIs or reductions in DLCO is then assessed. If bronchodilator testing is performed, its response is evaluated. Lastly, any significant changes in PFT parameters over time are noted by comparing current results with previous ones, if available. Despite the clarity provided by the ERS/ATS update, certain uncertainties persist and require clarification, such as the identification of new patterns (e.g.; non-obstructive abnormal spirometry, isolated low forced expiratory volume in 1 s), and classifications of mixed VI or lung hyperinflation in terms of functional severity. Conclusion: This review is a comprehensive framework for interpreting PFTs. Since some issues pose uncertainty in clinical practice, it would be beneficial to the ERS/ATS to reconcile some inconsistencies and provide clearer guidance on different classifications and VIs.
Ultrasound-Guided vs Non–Ultrasound-Guided Angio-Seal Vascular Hemosasis After Endovascular Treatment for Peripheral Artery Disease: An Observational Study
Authors: Groenewegen Femke Anne , Charehbili Ayoub , Panfilov Ilia A. , Engels Charla , De Jong Willem-Jan , Burgmans Mark , Van der Bogt Koen E.A. , Eefting Daniel , Van der Steenhoven Tim J. , Van der Linden Edwin , Urlings Thijs 
Published: December 2024

Background: Vascular access complications after endovascular treatment for peripheral artery disease (PAD) are relatively frequent, even after the use of vascular closure devices (VCDs). This study investigates the impact of a protocol change toward the use of ultrasound-assisted Angio-Seal closure on vascular complications, compared with non–ultrasound-guided vascular closure. Methods: All endovascular procedures for PAD from 2017 to 2018 (group 1: non–ultrasound-guided) and 2020 to 2022 (group 2: ultrasound-guided) were included in this retrospective study. Inclusion criteria were endovascular treatment for PAD in the lower extremities with femoral access and use of Angio-Seal at femoral access site. Exclusion criteria were acute ischemia. The primary endpoints were total number of complications, the number of minor complications, and the number of major complications at vascular access site. Results: A total of 1298 vascular access closures in 826 patients were included. The ultrasound-guided group showed a significant lower rate of overall complications (n=53, 7.5% vs n=75, 12.6%, p=0.002), minor complications (n=49, 7.0% vs n=58, 9.9%, p=0.001), and major complications (n=4, 0.6% vs n=16, 2.7%, p=0.001). Multivariate analysis showed significantly fewer overall complications (odds ratio [OR]=0.696, 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.459-1.056, p=0.088) after ultrasound-guided deployment of the VCD. Ultrasound guidance lowered the chance of major vascular access complications significantly (OR=0.210, 95% CI=0.070-0.635, p=0.006). Furthermore, severe calcification was shown to be an individual predictor of complications after femoral vascular access (OR=2.014, 95% CI=1.341-3.025, p=0.001). Conclusion: The use of ultrasound when deploying the Angio-Seal device results in a significant decrease in vascular access complications and could be of significant clinical relevance in PAD patients. Severe calcification is an individual predictor of vascular access complications. Clinical Impact Ultrasound visualization of vascular closure devices during endovascular access closure leads to a significant decrease in overall and major post interventional access site complications. This non-invasive and often readily available imaging technique could therefore lead to an important decrease in morbidity and subsequent overall health care costs when added to the standard intervention protocol. With the increasing use of endovascular techniques to treat peripheral artery disease, the addition of ultrasound-techniques in closure of endovascular access sites could potentially have a large clinical impact, both on patient outcomes as well as financial outcomes.
Developing and Testing a Mobile Application for Autistic Children Participating in a Therapeutic Horseback Riding Program at a Midwestern Equine Assisted Service Center: An Exploratory Sequential Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Meera Benazir , Fields Beth , Hodge Samuel R. , Roth Kristi , Columna Luis 
Published: December 2024

A potential approach to translating benefits acquired from therapeutic horseback riding (THR) sessions into the daily routines of autistic children is by involving parents as co-interventionists through the utilization of digital technology. In this three-phase exploratory sequential mixed methods study, we develop and test a parent-mediated mobile application complementing a THR program for autistic children. Qualitative interviews informed the digital tool’s development, followed by a quantitative assessment of usability and social validity. Findings present proof of concept, indicating that participants perceived the parent-mediated mobile application as useful and user-friendly. This article contributes to mixed methods literature a pioneering approach in the field of THR incorporating subjective and objective assessments into the development and evaluation of the parent-mediated mobile application. Clinical trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT05689541.
Investigation of artificial intelligence–based clinical decision support system’s performance in reducing the fine needle aspiration rate of thyroid nodules: A pilot study
Authors: Barnes Amy , White Rebecca , Venables Heather , Lam Vincent , Vaidhyanath Ram 
Published: December 2024

Introduction: This pilot study aims to evaluate the clinical impact of artificial intelligence–based decision support, Koios Decision Support™, on the diagnostic performance of ultrasound assessment of thyroid nodules, and as a result to avoid fine needle aspiration. Methods: This retrospective pilot study was conducted on ultrasound images of thyroid nodules investigated with fine needle aspiration from January 2022 to December 2022. Orthogonal ultrasound images of thyroid nodules, previously investigated with fine needle aspiration, were compared with the Koios Decision Support™ suggestion to perform fine needle aspiration. Surgical histology was used as ground truth. Results: A total of 29 patients (76% women) with a mean age of 48 ± 16.5 years were evaluated, n = 15 (52%) were histologically proven benign and n = 14 (48%) were malignant. In the benign group, Koios Decision Support™ suggested avoidable fine needle aspiration in n = 8 (53%). In the malignant group, Koios Decision Support™ suggested follow-up or no fine needle aspiration in n = 2 (14%). Sensitivity is 85.7% ( n = 12) ( p = 0.027), whereas specificity is 53.3% ( n = 8) ( p = 0.027). The positive predictive value is 63.2% ( n = 12), negative predictive value is 80% ( n = 8), false-negative value is 20% ( n = 2) and false-positive value is 36.8% ( n = 7). Based on artificial intelligence decision, one cancer would have been missed. Conclusion: Artificial intelligence can improve specificity without significantly compromising sensitivity. There was a suggested reduction in the fine needle aspiration rate, in the histologically proven benign nodules, by 53%. This had no statistical significance, likely due to the small population, however, it is thought to be the largest study to date. Further investigation with wider-ranging studies is suggested.
Patient perspectives on treatment-related toxicities and therapeutic drug monitoring with tyrosine kinase inhibitors for the treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer
Authors: Gulikers Judith , Bruinsma Jeroen , Schoenmaekers Janna , Dursun Safiye , Tjan-Heijnen Vivianne , van Geel Robin , Croes Sander , Hendriks Lizza 
Published: December 2024

Background: Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have significantly improved treatment-related outcomes of patients with oncogene-driven non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). TKIs are usually well tolerated and used for a prolonged time, although experienced toxicity varies between patients. It is unclear whether patients report all (low grade) toxicities and how these impact their daily lives. The use of therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) to, for example, manage toxicities is increasingly applied, but there is limited insight into the patient perspective regarding TDM. This qualitative study aims to explore patient perspectives on TKI toxicity and TDM. Methods: Five semi-structured focus group interviews were held, each with three to four patients with NSCLC using a TKI and their (care) partners. Two researchers independently performed a directive content analysis. Results: In total, 16 patients and 12 (care) partners participated. Experienced treatment-related toxicities were encountered limitedly and patients felt no boundaries discussing these with their treatment team. However, symptoms were sometimes not reported as they were doubted as treatment related. The concept of TDM-guided dosing to, for example, reduce TKI exposure to account for dosing outside the therapeutic window resulted in feelings of uncertainty regarding treatment efficacy. Patients emphasized the need for thorough research and frequent check-ups to ensure treatment efficacy. Conclusion: Perceived TKI-related toxicities seem limited, although the treatment team should pay attention to symptoms not directly described by patients as treatment related. In general, patients are open to implement TDM-guided dosing, but only if thorough scientific evidence demonstrates retained or enhanced safety and efficacy.
Clozapine/norclozapine plasma level ratio and cognitive functioning in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders: a systematic review
Authors: Moscou Timo T. , Veerman Selene R. T. 
Published: December 2024

Background: Extant research on cognitive functioning in treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS) is limited and of poor quality. Cognitive impairments in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD) significantly influence quality of life. In patients with TRS, clozapine (CLO) is not consistently associated with improved cognitive functioning. The active metabolite n-desmethylclozapine (norclozapine (NCLO)) potentially exerts procognitive effects due to cholinergic and glutamatergic activity. Unfortunately, research on CLO/NCLO ratio and cognitive functioning is even more scarce. Objectives: To review the literature on the effect of the CLO/NCLO ratio on cognitive functioning in patients with SSD. Design: This is a systematic review. A search was carried out in the electronic databases Embase, PsycINFO, PubMed, Cochrane and the Cochrane Controlled Register of Trials with no restrictions in language or publication year. Results: We identified 15 relevant studies (longitudinal, k = 4; cross-sectional, k = 11). The study population consisted of adult clozapine users ( n = 953) with varying degrees of treatment resistance. Specific cognitive domains and overall cognitive functioning were assessed using various neuropsychological tests and a composite score, respectively. Eleven studies were considered of fair quality (longitudinal: k = 2, cross-sectional: k = 9). In one longitudinal study, a negative causal relationship was found between the CLO/NCLO ratio and attention/vigilance and a negative correlation between social cognition and the composite score ( n = 11). No significant correlations were found between the CLO/NCLO ratio and the cognitive domains processing speed, reasoning/problem solving, or for working memory ( k = 1, n = 11), verbal learning ( k = 1, n = 43) or visual learning ( k = 2, n = 54). Study designs and populations were heterogeneous, and the analysis of confounding factors was limited and inconsistent. Conclusion: Clinical evidence is too scarce to support the hypothesis of a procognitive effect of NCLO. Personalised CLO treatment by modulating the CLO/NCLO ratio remains a distant prospect. Recommendations for future CLO research and anticipated limitations are discussed. Trial registration: This systematic review was preregistered with PROSPERO (CRD42023385244).
The Threshold Effects of National Governance Quality on the Earnings Management – Performance Nexus: Evidence From Dynamic Panel Threshold Regression
Authors: Mensah Emmanuel , Boachie Christopher 
Published: December 2024

The present study revisits the relationship between earnings management (EM) and firm performance, employing a nonlinear threshold approach and introducing national governance quality (NGQ) as a potential threshold variable. This study demonstrates how NGQ at the country level influences the impact of EM on firms’ performance at the micro level. Utilizing dynamic frameworks with data encompassing 52 firm samples across nine sub-Saharan African countries spanning from 2007 to 2019, the study reveals that the beneficial impact of EM on performance materializes when NGQ falls below a certain threshold. Beyond this threshold, the influence of EM becomes marginal or occasionally adverse on firm performance. As a result, we suggest that policymakers in Africa and other emerging and developing economies consider the estimated nonlinear relationship between EM and firm performance, as well as the NGQ threshold, when devising governance strategies. It is also imperative to consider institutional quality when making investment decisions and to promote rigorous standards for earnings management and institutional issues. JEL Classification: C24, C33, C38, G30, G34, M41.
Esketamine infusion as treatment for chronic endometriosis-associated pain? Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial (EASYlight-study)
Authors: de Koning Rozemarijn , Dahan Albert , Metzemaekers Jeroen , van Cosburgh Jurjan , van den Akker-van Marle Elske , Jansen Frank Willem , Blikkendaal Mathijs , Twijnstra Andries 
Published: December 2024

Current treatment options for chronic endometriosis-associated pain are often inadequate, resulting in a rise in opioid consumption in this population. Given its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-depressive properties, esketamine may be a promising alternative treatment option. While esketamine is globally used in the treatment of chronic pain conditions, no clinical trials have been conducted to investigate the efficacy of esketamine infusion to alleviate chronic endometriosis-associated (pelvic) pain. Therefore, the objective of this double-blinded randomized controlled trial (RCT) is to assess the efficacy of 8-h infusion with esketamine versus placebo (saline) to reduce chronic endometriosis-associated pain symptoms. Secondary study objectives include pain scores, quality of life, depressive symptoms, health care utilization, productivity loss, cost-effectiveness, side effects, treatment experience, and pain coping and cognition. Premenopausal women (aged ⩾18 years) diagnosed with endometriosis (peritoneal, ovarian, deep, or adenomyosis), with an indication for laparoscopic endometriosis resection surgery and who suffer from chronic pelvic pain (NRS score ⩾6) will be eligible for inclusion. In total, we aim to include 56 participants, with a follow-up of 12 weeks. Digital questionnaires will be sent at baseline and 4, 8, and 12 weeks after the day of infusion. Trial registration number The EASYlight study is registered as “EASYlight-NEK” in the Clinical Trials Register (NCT06161805)
Insight into pharmacy students’ perspectives on mandatory COVID-19 vaccines in schools and healthcare settings
Authors: Ahmed Fahamina , Ottallah Saja , Siddiqui Azeem , Smith Candice , Borghol Amne 
Published: December 2024

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has had an extreme global impact, transforming our daily lives, educational systems, and healthcare systems. Healthcare workers’ views on mandatory vaccination and experience with vaccines may play a pivotal role in vaccination rates and public health policy. Objectives: The purpose of this study is to uncover the perspectives of pharmacy students, at Xavier University of Louisiana, concerning COVID-19 vaccination mandates in educational institutions and healthcare environments, specifically the ethical, legal, and logistical dimensions. Furthermore, it will also assess the varying perceptions of vaccine safety and its impact on herd immunity while analyzing demographic characteristics. Design: A questionnaire survey. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among students at Xavier University of Louisiana College of Pharmacy. Data were collected from the students using an online, anonymous questionnaire system named QualtricsXM. The survey was distributed to all 291 XULACOP students through email, text message, and GroupMe as a web link or QR code from August 25th to August 31st, 2023. Demographic data collected in the survey included age range, gender, and race/ethnicity. The 16-question survey assessed the students’ understanding, opinions, and experiences regarding COVID-19 vaccines and mandates. Results: The study sample included 151 students, reflecting a 52% response rate. Approximately, half of the study respondents believe the vaccine should be mandatory for the public, which was associated with opinions about students believing COVID-19 vaccines should be mandatory for school admissions were seven times more likely (OR = 7.33) and students believing mandatory vaccination infringes on personal freedom were 26% less likely (OR = 0.26) to support mandatory COVID-19 vaccines for the public( p = 0.000). When analyzing demographic characteristics, there was a significant difference in outcome between Black and non-Black students in their belief about mandatory vaccination for herd immunity ( p = 0.016). Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that half of the students support making the vaccine mandatory for the public. However, significant concerns about personal freedom and individual rights were expressed by those who opposed this view. Varying pharmacy student opinions among demographic groups on vaccine mandates and understanding the factors influencing these differences can offer valuable insights into public health policy.