bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Remote appointments in orthodontics and oral and maxillofacial surgery: Part 2 clinician perceptions
Authors: Hans Gurdeep Kaur , Hunt Nigel Peter , Travess Helen 
Published: December 2024

Objectives: To assess clinician perceptions of and satisfaction with remote appointments in orthodontics and oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS). Design: Cross-sectional questionnaire-based study. Setting: Orthodontic and OMFS departments in six acute NHS hospital Trusts in the UK. Participants: A total of 36 (a mixture of consultants, specialty doctors, registrars and therapists in both orthodontics and OMFS) completed responses were received. Method: Once piloted, questionnaires were disseminated across six hospital Trusts to orthodontic and OMFS clinicians. A combination of face-to-face (F2F) and online dissemination was used. Results: A total of 28 of 36 (77.8%) questionnaires were completed, 75% (n = 21) by orthodontic clinicians and 25% (n = 7) by OMFS clinicians. A 100% (n = 21) response rate was achieved for orthodontic clinicians, compared to a 47% (n = 7/15) response rate for OMFS clinicians. High levels of clinician satisfaction were found for clinician confidentiality; however, concerns remained around patient confidentiality and the inability to conduct a clinical examination. The majority (n = 21, 75%) of clinicians felt that remote appointments had their place in the post-pandemic era, particularly for retainer reviews in orthodontics and biopsy results in OMFS. Conclusion: When appropriately triaged, the majority of remote appointments do save a face-to-face visit, and there is a place for remote platforms in both specialties going forward. However further research is required in the post-pandemic era to ascertain the full long-term applicability of remote orthodontic and OMFS consultations.
Remote appointments in Orthodontics and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery: Part 1 service evaluation
Authors: Hans Gurdeep Kaur , Hunt Nigel Peter , Travess Helen 
Published: December 2024

Objective: To assess the type, number and outcome of remote appointments in Orthodontics and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMFS) in one acute hospital trust and to establish whether remote appointments carried out during the Covid-19 pandemic were successful in saving a face-to-face appointment. Design: Service evaluation. Setting: Orthodontic and OMFS departments at Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust. Method: A retrospective service evaluation was carried out, analysing the types, numbers and outcomes of remote appointments in Orthodontics and OMFS over a nine-month period (March-December 2020) during the Covid-19 pandemic in one hospital trust. Data were collected from the trust online booking system and departmental spreadsheets and recorded on Microsoft® Excel. Results: A total of 901 remote appointments were analysed, 42% (n = 387) of which were Orthodontic and 58% (n = 523) OMFS. Low failure to attend rates were seen in both specialties (3% (n = 18) OMFS; 6% (n = 21) Orthodontics). Retainer reviews accounted for 83% (n = 315) of all Orthodontic remote appointments and the most common outcome of remote appointments was discharge after attendance (49% n = 189). New patient consultations accounted for 41% (n = 212) of OMFS remote appointments and the most common outcomes were Oral Medicine review (31% n = 162) and discharge following attendance (20% n = 103). Remote platforms saved a follow-up face-to-face appointment in 92% (n = 352) of Orthodontic appointments, compared to 81% (n = 421) for OMFS remote appointments. Conclusion: When appropriately triaged, the majority of remote appointments do save a face-to-face visit, and there is a place for remote platforms in both specialties going forward. However further research is required in the post-pandemic era to ascertain the full long-term applicability of remote Orthodontic and OMFS appointments.
Experiences and needs of residents with dementia in relocating to an innovative living arrangement within long-term care: A qualitative study
Authors: Brouwers Mara , Landeweer Elleke GM , de Boer Bram , Groen Wim G , Schreuder Miranda C , Verbeek Hilde , consortium RELOCARE 
Published: December 2024

During the last decade, an increasing number of care organizations have chosen to rebuild or build a new care facility to provide better person-environments for residents with dementia. This has inevitably led to an increase in relocations. This study investigated how residents with dementia experienced a relocation from a regular nursing home to an innovative living arrangement. A qualitative study was performed, using semi-structured interviews and observations. Two nursing homes offering 24 h care to residents with psychogeriatric symptoms that planned a relocation to an innovative living arrangement were selected. Sixteen residents were included. Five themes from the data described what was of importance to residents when moving, including (1) the physical environment of the new location, (2) the belongings of residents, (3) feeling at home, (4) the importance of social contact when relocating, and (5) the need to be engaged in daily life. This study found that the residents were not actively involved in the relocation process, despite the clear desire they expressed to be involved and of importance. As the residents with dementia were able to express what was important to them in this study, relocation processes should focus more on involving such residents and incorporating them within relocation processes.
Femoral vein transposition fistula with short skip incisions: an optimised minimally invasive technique
Authors: Norton de Matos A , Guedes da Rocha Henrique , Sousa Clemente 
Published: December 2024

Objectives Femoral vein transposition (tFV) is a complex procedure that provides high patency rates for patients with exhausted upper-limb vascular access. Traditionally, the procedure involves a long single incision in the thigh to harvest the femoral vein, but this approach is associated with increased risks of local complications such as infections and haematomas. Skip incisions have shown to lower complication rates and shorten maturation times. We present an optimised, minimally invasive technique that transposes the femoral vein through three short skip incisions on the anterior thigh. Methods We present the technical details and outcomes of three patients who underwent femoral vein transposition (tFV) for haemodialysis access. Additionally, we conducted a literature review on lower-limb vascular access options for haemodialysis. Results Pre-operative clinical and ultrasound assessments confirmed femoral vein transposition (tFV) eligibility. The procedure involved three short skip incisions along the medial thigh to harvest the femoral vein. Subcutaneous tunnelization was performed through the anterior thigh. The arteriovenous anastomosis was sized at 3–4 mm to minimise the risk of lower-limb steal syndrome. The average procedure duration was 120 min. Postoperative recovery was uneventful, with patients discharged an average of 6 days after surgery. Wound healing was satisfactory, and the access was cannulated approximately 3 weeks post-procedure. Conclusions This method reduces wound complications and significantly improves the comfort of patients and dialysis nursing staff by enhancing cannulation access and increasing the availability of puncture sites, thereby improving the overall patient care experience.
Prevalence of gender-based violence and factors associated with help-seeking among university students in sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Owusu-Antwi Ruth , Fedina Lisa , Robba Maria Jose Baeza , Khatibi Kristie , Bosomtwe Dennis , Nsereko Etienne , Shadare Oluwatobiloba , Compton Sarah , Akinyemi Akanni , Randa Moreoagae Bertha , Afolabi Abiola A , Munro-Kramer Michelle L. 
Published: December 2024

Background: Gender-based violence (GBV) is a global public health problem. While research exists on GBV and associated help-seeking behaviors among university students, few studies have assessed the prevalence of GBV, including experiences and barriers to help-seeking, within sub-Saharan African university settings. Objectives: The objective of this study was to examine the prevalence of GBV victimization among university students in six sub-Saharan African countries and describe experiences of formal and informal help-seeking among students who self-identified as victims of GBV since attending university. Design: An online, cross-sectional survey study was administered to university students from July to October 2023 at nine participating universities in sub-Saharan Africa. Methods: Descriptive statistics were used to describe types of violence experienced among students ( N = 2249). Bivariate analyses ( t-tests, chi-square) and multivariate logistic regressions were used to examine demographic factors associated with formal and informal help-seeking behavior among a sub-sample of GBV victims ( n = 298). Results: Among the 2249 sample of students, the prevalence of physical violence was 30.9%, 18.7% for sexual violence, 64.9% for psychological violence, and 63.7% for stalking. Among a sub-sample of GBV victims ( n = 298), most (78.2%) sought informal help from friends, partners, or family members and less than one-third (29.5%) sought help from formal sources (e.g., university administrators, police). Logistic regression results indicated that university country was associated with formal help-seeking; that is, students in Ghana and Rwanda were over twice as likely to seek formal help than students in Nigeria (odds ratio (OR) = 2.58, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.38–4.85, p < 0.01; OR = 2.62, 95% CI: 1.20–5.71, p < 0.05, respectively). While differences by gender were noted in formal help-seeking behavior at the bivariate level, gender was not associated with formal help-seeking after adjusting for GBV training and other demographics. Conclusion: GBV is a significant public health issue among university students in sub-Saharan Africa. University policies and prevention programs are needed to reduce GBV and increase the capacity of formal sources to effectively respond to GBV.
Exploring spousal disparities: Age, earnings, and education as predictors of intimate partner violence in 29 developing countries
Authors: Amir-ud-Din Rafi , Idrees Rubina , Farooqui Javaria , Abbasi Abdus Sattar 
Published: December 2024

Background: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is widespread and is influenced by individual-specific factors. However, the impact of spousal sociodemographic disparities (age, earnings, education) remains understudied. Objectives: This study investigates the relationship between spousal sociodemographic disparities and women’s IPV experiences in 29 developing countries in South Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and the Middle East and North Africa. Design: We used a cross-sectional design, analyzing data from the Integrated Public Use Microdata Series-Demographic and Health Surveys (IPUMS-DHS). Methods: We conducted logistic regression to assess associations between spousal disparities and four forms of IPV including less severe physical violence (LSPV), severe physical violence (SPV), emotional violence (EV), and sexual violence (SV) based on spousal age, earnings, and education disparities. Results: The analysis revealed that spousal education disparities are significantly associated with increased IPV odds. Women with more educated husbands faced higher odds of LSPV (OR = 1.044, 95% CI = 1.01, 1.08; p < 0.05) and SV (OR = 1.085, 95% CI = 1.04, 1.14; p < 0.01), with no significant association for SPV or EV. Larger spousal age gaps were consistently associated with a reduced probability of all IPV forms, particularly LSPV (OR = 0.765, 95% CI = 0.72, 0.81; p < 0.001) and SV (OR = 0.656, 95% CI = 0.58, 0.74; p < 0.001). Earnings disparities also played a crucial role: women earning more than their husbands faced higher odds of LSPV (OR = 1.361, 95% CI = 1.23, 1.50; p < 0.001), EV (OR = 1.573, 95% CI = 1.42, 1.74; p < 0.001), and SV (OR = 1.624, 95% CI = 1.42, 1.86; p < 0.001). When husbands earned more, women also faced higher odds of IPV, although these associations were weaker. Conclusion: The findings underscore the need for targeted policies to prevent IPV, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, by addressing spousal disparities in age, earnings, and education to promote gender equality.
A multicenter retrospective study of the combination of immune checkpoint inhibitors and chemotherapy regimens with or without liver metastasis for the first-line treatment of advanced gastric cancer
Authors: Ren Jing , Wang Ke , Meng Qianhao , Xu Chang , Liu Changqing , Wang Yusheng , Wang Guangyu 
Published: December 2024

Background: Several studies have indicated that the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) can prolong the survival of patients with advanced gastric cancer (AGC). However, it remains unclear whether the presence of liver metastasis leads to systemic immune suppression, resulting in poorer immune therapy outcomes. This study aims to investigate whether liver metastasis affects the efficacy of ICI in first-line treatment for AGC patients. Methods: The data of AGC patients undergoing combined immunotherapy and chemotherapy treatment at Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital and the First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University from January 2018 to January 2023 were collected. The Kaplan–Meier method and Cox proportional hazards regression analysis were employed to analyze the overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) of the patients. Results: A total of 162 patients with AGC who were human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (Her 2) negative and treated with immunotherapy in the first line were included in the study. Patients were divided into two groups, the liver metastasis group (LM group, n = 40) and the group without liver metastasis (NLM group, n = 122) according to the presence of liver metastasis. The results of the present study indicate that there was no statistically significant difference in the median OS, with median OS of 17 and 15 months, respectively ( p = 0.29). Similarly, no significant difference was observed in the median PFS between the two groups ( p = 0.65). Conclusion: This study suggests that the presence or absence of liver metastasis does not significantly affect the prognosis of AGC patients receiving first-line treatment with ICI.
Role of Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy and T2 Relaxometry as Imaging Biomarker of Early Lumbar Intervertebral Disc Degeneration
Authors: Bhari Thippeswamy Pushpa , Rajasekaran Shanmuganathan , Ramachandran Karthik , Easwaran Murugesh , Ramadevi Shalini Sivakumar , Sri Vijay Anand KS , Shetty Ajoy Prasad , Mugesh Kanna Rishi 
Published: December 2024

Study Design Observational comparative study. Objective To study the role of magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) and T2 relaxometry (T2r) as imaging biomarkers for identifying early lumbar disc degeneration. Methods We evaluated 236 discs in normal volunteers and 215 discs in low back pain (LBP) patients by MRS and T2r to document the molecular spectra of various metabolites as well as disc hydration and collagen content, respectively. All volunteer discs were Pfirrmann grade 1 (PF1), whereas patients with LBP had PF 1 (n = 156) and PF 2 (n = 59). The study population was compared in three age groups: A (20-30 years), B (30-40 years), and C (40-50 years). Results T2r, an indicator of collagen and hydration, was higher in volunteers (121.8 ± 31.1), compared to PF 1 patients (110.68 ± 23.96) and PF 2 patients (90.15 ± 25.81) ( P = 0.001). Proteoglycan assessed by MRS was more stable for volunteers (3.39 ± 1.69) and PF 1 patients (3.6 ± 1.69) but reduced in PF 2 patients (2.86 ± 1.47), showing that structural molecules did not alter within the PF 1. However, lactate and other metabolites showed a difference even within PF1 between volunteers and LBP patients. We were able to identify a unique subset of PF 1 that had a normal value of proteoglycan and T2r but altered metabolite distribution, which may represent early disc degeneration (DD). Conclusion MRS and T2r can be used as imaging biomarkers for early DD by identifying altered metabolic activity with an intact matrix.
Hypoperfusion intensity ratio to differentiate between stroke etiologies in patients with a large vessel occlusion
Authors: Maruani Ari , Obadia Michael , Fontaine Louis , Savatovsky Julien , Albucher Jean-François , Calviere Lionel , Raposo Nicolas , Cognard Christophe , Viguier Alain , Albers Gregory W. , Sabben Candice , Sibon Igor , Olivot Jean-Marc , Seners Pierre 
Published: December 2024

Background: Collateral circulation plays a key role in acute ischemic stroke. We sought to determine the association between the arterial collateral status, estimated by the Hypoperfusion Intensity Ratio (HIR) on perfusion MRI, and stroke etiology in anterior circulation large vessel occlusion (LVO). Methods: We retrospectively analyzed anterior circulation LVO acute stroke patients with a baseline perfusion MRI performed within 24 h from symptom onset. To avoid selection bias, patients were chosen from (1) the prospective registry of one comprehensive stroke center that included both thrombectomy-treated and untreated patients with systematic use of perfusion MRI and (2) one prospective thrombectomy study where perfusion MRI was acquired per protocol, but treatment decisions were made blinded to the results. Stroke etiology was evaluated according to the TOAST classification. HIR, defined as the proportion of time-to-maximum (Tmax) > 6 s with Tmax > 10 s volume, was measured on perfusion imaging. The relationship between stroke etiology (large artery atherosclerosis [LAA]) versus cardioembolism [CE]) and HIR was assessed by bivariate then multivariable binary logistic regression analyses. Results: Among the 310 included patients, stroke etiology was CE in 178 (57%) and LAA in 51 (16%). Patients with CE stroke etiology had higher HIR (0.43 vs 0.31, p < 0.001) than those with LAA etiology. Higher HIR, indicating worse collateral circulation, remained independently associated with CE etiology following adjustment for the main confounders (adjusted OR = 1.5 [95%CI 1.24–1.81] per 0.1-point increase, p < 0.001). Conclusion: CE etiology is associated with worse collateral circulation in LVO-related acute stroke patients.
Empowering informal caregivers and nurses to take a person-centred view: adaptation and clinical utility of the Integrated Palliative Outcome Scale (IPOS-Dem) for use in acute and community care settings
Authors: de Wolf-Linder Susanne , Kramer Iris , Reisinger Margarete , Murtagh Fliss E. M. , Schubert Maria , Ramsenthaler Christina 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
Dementia is a progressive and terminal illness. Symptoms are present for people with dementia across all stages, leading to poor quality of life and considerable carer burden. In acute and community care services, no holistic, person-centred outcome tools are available for nurses and informal caregivers to measure symptoms and needs from the person`s with dementia point of view. We therefore undertook validation (exploring semantic/conceptual equivalence, content validity, and views on clinical utility) for a measure (IPOS-Dem) in the community and acute care setting in Switzerland.

Methods
This was a rigorous, multi-step, cross-sectional, multi-method study conducted with nurses and relatives caring for people with dementia in the community and acute care setting. Multiple components were aligned: 1) forward and backward translation from German to Swiss German to achieve semantic equivalence; 2) focus groups to explore clinical utility and conceptual equivalence; 3) cognitive debriefing to review content validity. An expert review was included at the end of each phase.

Results
Six people from the public and 24 nurses/relatives were included. Semantic equivalence was achieved after making 14 changes to the wording of items. Participants judged the IPOS-Dem (CH) as a clinically useful intervention in the domains of appropriateness, accessibility, practicability, and acceptability for the following reasons: (1) it enables support for informal caregivers, (2) it provides an overview of the priorities of care, thus supporting symptom review, (3) it allows nurses with different qualifications to contribute critical observations, thus fostering communication and teamwork, and (4) it increases an awareness of change in symptoms throughout the disease trajectory. In the cognitive debriefing interviews, setting and respondent-dependent differences in the conceptual understanding of item descriptors were observed for 11 of 31 items.

Conclusion
In this novel work, we demonstrate the newly-translated and culturally-adapted IPOS-Dem (CH) is a relevant and comprehensive measure for persons with mild to severe dementia. It can aid a generalist workforce across settings to assess palliative care-relevant symptoms and concerns.
Machine learning for the prediction of mortality in patients with sepsis-associated acute kidney injury: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Lv Xiangui , Liu Daiqiang , Chen Xinwei , Chen Lvlin , Wang Xiaohui , Xu Xiaomei , Chen Lin , Huang Chao 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
Predicting mortality in sepsis-related acute kidney injury facilitates early data-driven treatment decisions. Machine learning is predicting mortality in S-AKI in a growing number of studies. Therefore, we conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the predictive value of machine learning for mortality in patients with septic acute kidney injury.

Methods
The PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and Embase databases were searched up to 20 July 2024 This was supplemented by a manual search of study references and review articles. Data were analysed using STATA 14.0 software. The risk of bias in the prediction model was assessed using the Predictive Model Risk of Bias Assessment Tool.

Results
A total of 8 studies were included, with a total of 53 predictive models and 17 machine learning algorithms used. Meta-analysis using a random effects model showed that the overall C index in the training set was 0.81 (95% CI: 0.78–0.84), sensitivity was 0.39 (0.32–0.47), and specificity was 0.92 (95% CI: 0.89–0.95). The overall C-index in the validation set was 0.73 (95% CI: 0.71–0.74), sensitivity was 0.54 (95% CI: 0.48–0.60) and specificity was 0.90 (95% CI: 0.88–0.91). The results showed that the machine learning algorithms had a good performance in predicting sepsis-related acute kidney injury death prediction.

Conclusion
Machine learning has been shown to be an effective tool for predicting sepsis-associated acute kidney injury deaths, which has important implications for enhancing risk assessment and clinical decision-making to improve sepsis patient care. It is also eagerly anticipated that future research efforts will incorporate larger sample sizes and multi-centre studies to more intensively examine the external validation of these models in different patient populations, allowing for a more in-depth exploration of sepsis-associated acute kidney injury in terms of accurate diagnostic efficacy across a diverse range of model and predictor types.

Trial registration
This study was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42024569420).