bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Patients’ expectations and experiences with the usage of a self-care application for heart failure: A qualitative interview study
Authors: Neumann Anne , Steiner Bianca , Verket Marlo , Kanna Niveditha Daneeza Dinesh , Hill Loreena , McNulty Anne , Boyne Josiane J. J. , Murphy Marguerite , Maaser Yannick , Fitzsimons Donna , Barrett Matthew , Ski Chantal F. , Schütt Katharina , Helms Thomas M. , Brunner-La Rocca Hans-Peter , Zippel-Schultz Bettina ,   for the PASSION-HF Consortium
Published: November 2024

Background Heart failure (HF) is a chronic disease characterized by high mortality and healthcare expenditures. Digital health solutions, including mobile health applications (apps), offer opportunities to enhance patients’ self-care and quality of life. This qualitative study aimed to explore expectations, experiences, and usage behaviour of HF-patients regarding a self-care app ( DoctorME app). Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted at 2-3 weeks (initial: n = 38), and 4–6 months (post: n = 45) of app use across four European countries. Most patients were male (initial: 84%; post: 78%), aged 60–69 years (initial and post: 29%), with mild HF symptoms. Interviews were transcribed, pseudonymised, and analysed using qualitative content analysis. Results Five key themes were identified: 1) expectations, 2) perceived usability and benefit, 3) usage behaviour and experiences, 4) self-care, and 5) social influences. Patients expected and valued continuous monitoring of vital signs and weight, early detection of deterioration, and quick feedback. The app was considered user-friendly, with most patients using it as recommended (eight times per month). Those reporting improved self-care attributed it to increased awareness and a sense of security. Patients with established self-care routines did not perceive any additional benefit. Patients’ perceptions on the impact of healthcare professionals’ and relatives opinions on app use were divided. Conclusions User-friendliness, continuous monitoring, rapid feedback, and e-learning modules are crucial for integrating self-care apps into daily HF care. While technical reliability and individualisation may enhance long-term use, most HF patients considered the app as a complement to, not a replacement for, professional healthcare guidance.
Outcomes and Complications After Elective Thoracic and Lumbar Spinal Fusion in Elderly Patients: A Comparison of Methods to Predict Adverse Events
Authors: Ramos Omar , Mueller Benjamin , Mehbod Amir , Carlson Bayard 
Published: November 2024

Study Design Retrospective study. Objectives The current study compares the ability of the modified Frailty Index (mFI), the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification, the modified Charleston Comorbidity Index (mCCI), the American College of Surgeons Surgical Risk Calculator (SRC), and the Fusion Risk Score (FRS) to predict perioperative outcomes. Methods Comorbidity indices were calculated for patients undergoing elective thoracic and lumbar spinal fusion at a single institution and assessed for their discriminative ability in predicting the desired outcomes using an area under the curve (AUC) analysis. Results 393 patients met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Patients being treated for adult spinal deformity (ASD) had the highest rate of complications (44.4%). The FRS had acceptable discrimination (AUC >0.7) and the highest ability among the methods studied to predict any adverse effects, new neurological deficit, return to OR within 90 days, and surgical site infection. It had good discrimination ability (AUC >0.8) predicting durotomy, respiratory failure (RF) requiring intubation, hemodynamic instability, and sepsis. The SRC had acceptable discrimination and highest ability to predict deep venous thrombosis (DVT). The mCCI had excellent and the highest ability to predict acute renal failure (ARF). For the other outcomes, the indices had either poor predictive ability (AUC 0.6-0.7) or no discriminative ability (AUC <0.6). Conclusions The FRS had a better ability than the ASA, mCCI, mFI, and SRC to predict the most perioperative adverse events and reoperation. Further study is needed to develop preoperative indices with better predictive ability of postoperative outcomes.
Verapamil in patients with cluster headache with concurrent migraine
Authors: Wilcha Robyn-Jenia , Goadsby Peter J. 
Published: November 2024

Background Verapamil is recommended as a first-line preventive for episodic and chronic cluster headache, however, its use is limited by a wide range of adverse events. From clinical practice at a tertiary headache centre, we have observed that the initiation of verapamil may be associated with headache worsening. The aim of this service evaluation was to examine whether verapamil initiation was associated with headache worsening, and whether these exacerbations may be attributed to comorbid migraine in some patients. Methods Patients with a diagnosis of cluster headache from June 2014 to December 2023 were identified from the tertiary headache centre at King's College Hospital, London. Data including age, sex, headache phenotype and headache frequency was collected retrospectively in a cross-sectional design through the use of clinic letters followed by a telephone interview. A Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare number of cluster headache attacks per day pre- and post-verapamil administration. A negative binomial generalized linear model was used to interrogate the relationship between the number of attacks post-verapamil and age, sex, verapamil dosing, comorbid migraine and baseline number of attacks. Results Of 168 patients included, the mean age was 31 years, 73% were male, 46% of patients had chronic cluster headache and 51% had comorbid migraine. During the latest ictal period, the median (interquartile range) frequency of cluster headache attacks per day was 3 (2–5) for the entire sample. The presence of comorbid migraine increased the likelihood of headache exacerbation by verapamil by an odds ratio of 1.616 (95% confidence interval: 1.059–2.465, χ21 = 4.955, P = 0.026). No differences were observed in the frequency of shadow attacks amongst those with comorbid migraine ( n = 54/85, 64%) versus patients without migraine ( n = 48/83, 58%) (Mann-Whitney U = 3728, z = 0.754, P = 0.451). No effect was seen on monthly migraine days pre- and post-verapamil administration ( P = 0.141). Adverse events were reported in 62 of 109 (57%) of patients taking verapamil with the most common being PR interval prolongation (15.6%), lower limb oedema (8.3%), worsened headache (6.4%) and fatigue (6.4%). Conclusions It is likely that the association of cluster headache and migraine is more common than generally thought and co-existence may go under-recognised. Our results show comorbid migraine increased the likelihood of headache exacerbation during the initiation of verapamil. In patients with headache worsening, a dual diagnosis of migraine alongside cluster headache should be considered.
Integrating patient-centred and tumour-centred cancer care: the EU-MyPath implementation project offers an innovative digital solution with care pathways
Authors: Scherrens Anne-Lore , Jacobs An , Beernaert Kim , Pardon Koen , Raemdonck Eveline , Fallon Marie , Cresswell Kathrin , Faric Nusa , Williams Robin , Lundeby Tonje , Hjermstad Marianne J. , Deliens Luc , Kaasa Stein 
Published: November 2024

Cancer is one of the leading causes of mortality, with new cases expected to rise. Medical advances increase cure rates and prolong patient lives, but survivorship involves high symptom burden, loss of function and emotional distress. Improving patient-centred care (PCC) and quality of life throughout the care process is essential. Key to this improvement are systematic use of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and patient-centred care pathways (PCCPs). Despite established benefits, current cancer care focuses on tumour-centred care approaches often neglecting the patient perspective. Evidence-based PCC guidelines fail to be routinely incorporated into clinical practices. The Horizon 2020-funded European MyPath project aims to address these gaps by developing, implementing and evaluating digital PCCPs with PROMs. MyPath will be tailored to enhance the organisational contexts of cancer centres across Europe through the application of implementation science strategies. This paper describes the current state of applying PCC in routine cancer care and presents a forward-looking perspective on how the MyPath project can successfully adopt and implement digital PROMs across countries. A literature search was conducted to provide the state-of-the art.
Validity and Test-Retest Reliability of a Hand-Held Ultrasound Device in Measuring Kidney Metrics in Healthy Young Adults
Authors: Miller Kevin E. , Walters Josee , Bautista Jimmy , Smith Bailee R. , Robinson Timothy J. , Schmitt Emily E. , Bruns Danielle R. , Schlader Zachary J. , Johnson Evan C. 
Published: November 2024

Objective: The use of a hand-held ultrasound device provides a portable, cost-effective solution for renal assessments in rural settings, but their accuracy and reliability in measuring kidney metrics remain uncertain. The aim of this study was to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Lumify hand-held ultrasound device (LHUS) in capturing basic kidney metrics in healthy adults. Materials and Methods: Twenty individuals underwent renal sonography measurements, which included length, height, width, cortical thickness, parenchymal echogenicity, and renal resistive index (RRI). These measurements were completed using LHUS and the Epiq Elite ultrasound equipment system. LHUS measurements were repeated for test-retest reliability (TRR). Validity and TRR were assessed using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), Bland-Altman plots, coefficient of variation (COV), and mean absolute percent error (MAPE). Results: There was poor agreement (0.414, p = .048) between equipment systems for RRI. All other measures demonstrated moderate to excellent agreement (ICC = 0.75–0.94, p < .001) between systems. The left kidney showed poor agreement for RRI (0.06, p = .45). MAPE for all measurements between devices was <5%, indicating acceptable accuracy. All repeated measurements showed moderate to excellent reliability (ICC = 0.71–0.96, p < .001), with low mean COV for each measurement (0.02–0.08). Conclusion: Based on this study, LHUS appears to be a valid and reliable tool for basic kidney metrics in healthy adults, but caution should be used when obtaining an RRI, especially in the left kidney.
Real-world improvement in ultra-low dose thoracic CT scores, systemic inflammatory markers, and patients reported outcome measures post elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor treatment
Authors: Ibrahim Hisham , O'Mahony Alexander T. , Deasy Kevin F. , Waldron Michael , McCarthy Mairead , Dorgan James , Fleming Claire , Howlett Ciara , O'Riordan Edel , McCarthy Yvonne , Twohig Sarah , Mansfield Janice , Vagg Tamara , Murphy Desmond M. , O'Regan Paul , Kirwan Laura , Eustace Joseph A. , O'Connor Owen J. , Maher Michael M. , Plant Barry J. 
Published: November 2024

BackgroundClinical trials with elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor (ETI) in people with cystic fibrosis (PWCF) were associated with significant improvements in percent predicted forced expiratory volume in one second (ppFEV1), sweat chloride, weight and quality of life in the respiratory domain from the cystic fibrosis questionnaire revised (CFQ-R). Limited data exists on its effect on structural lung disease and inflammatory cytokines.MethodsIn a real-world setting with 61 PWCF, we prospectively recorded FEV1, sweat chloride, body mass index (BMI), and CFQ-R at baseline, 3- and 6-months post commencement of ETI. In addition, changes in ultra-low dose computed tomography (ULD-CT) Bhalla score, peripheral-blood and sputum inflammatory-cytokines, and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) including sino-nasal outcomes test-22 (SNOT-22), and fatigue scale (FACIT-Fatigue).ResultsSignificant improvements in ppFEV1 (p=0.0001), sweat chloride (p<0.0001), and BMI (p=0.0147) post-ETI treatment were noted. ULD-CT scores demonstrated reductions in peri-bronchial thickening, mucus plugging, and total Bhalla score (p<0.001), and improvements in emphysema extent (p<0.0027). Improvements in systemic inflammatory status were seen with a reduction in interleukin (IL)-1β (p=0.0049), IL-6 and IL-8 (p<0.0001), and increasing IL-10 (p=0.004). Sputum cytokine analysis was not performed as only 4 of 61 patients spontaneously expectorated sputum post ETI. PROMs improved significantly for the SNOT-22 (p<0.0001), FACIT-Fatigue score (p=0.0001), and CFQ-R domains including; respiratory(p<0.0001), physical (p=0.007), vitality (p=0.0004), treatment burden (p=0.0028), health (p=0.0007), social (p=0.0073), weight (p=0.0068), and role/school domain (p=0.0018).ConclusionETI responders, demonstrate significant improvements in CT imaging, circulating cytokines and PROMs which may be of further use evaluating CFTR modulation treatment response.
The PopHEAD study: a population-based, cross-sectional study on headache burden in Norway: methods and validation of questionnaire-based diagnoses
Authors: Argren Maria Bengtson , Engstrand Helene , Husøy Andreas Kattem , Zwart John-Anker , Winsvold Bendik Slagsvold 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Background
There is a lack of up-to-date information on the prevalence and burden of headache in Norway. Here we describe the methods and validation of the diagnostic tool of the PopHEAD study, a study designed to determine the prevalence and burden of migraine, tension-type headache, and medication-overuse headache.

Method
PopHEAD is a Norwegian population-based cross-sectional study conducted in Vestfold and Telemark County in 2023. A random sample of 28,753 individuals aged 18 to 70 was invited to participate. The study used a digital version of the Headache-Attributed Restriction, Disability, Social Handicap and Impaired Participation (HARDSHIP) questionnaire, translated into Norwegian using the Lifting The Burden translation protocol. A subsample of participants was contacted by telephone within four weeks for an interview with a headache neurologist blinded to the questionnaire responses. Headache disorders were diagnosed according to the criteria of the International Classification of Headache Disorders version 3. Validity was expressed by sensitivity, specificity and Cohen’s kappa (κ).

Results
In total, 8,265 (3,344 men and 4,921 women) responded. Most men (75.0%) and women (89.7%) reported having had a headache in the past year. Of 667 participants contacted for a telephone interview, 505 responded. The sensitivity and specificity of the questionnaire-based diagnoses were 97% and 72% for self-reported headache in the previous year (Cohen’s kappa κ = 0.72), 77% and 85% for migraine (κ = 0.61), 77% and 74% for tension-type headache (κ = 0.51), and 58% and 99% for medication-overuse headache (κ = 0.63), respectively.

Conclusion
The PopHEAD questionnaire is a valid tool for identifying individuals with lifetime headache, migraine, tension-type headache, and medication overuse headache.
The role of New World vultures as carriers of environmental antimicrobial resistance
Authors: Tallon Anaïs K. , Smith Renotta K. , Rush Scott , Naveda-Rodriguez Adrian , Brooks John P. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Background
Although antibiotics have significantly improved human and animal health, their intensive use leads to the accumulation of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the environment. Moreover, certain waste management practices create the ideal conditions for AMR development while providing predictable resources for wildlife. Here, we investigated the role of landfills in the potentiation of New World vultures to disseminate environmental AMR. We collected 107 samples (soil, water, and feces) between 2023 and 2024, in different bird use sites (roosts, landfills and boneyards).

Results
We isolated enterococci (EN), Escherichia coli (EC), and Salmonella spp. (SM), performed antibiotic susceptibility tests, and quantified the presence of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) within all samples. We identified EN, EC, and SM, in 50, 37, and 26 samples, from the three vulture use areas, respectively. AMR was mainly to aminoglycoside, cephalosporin, and tetracycline, and the prevalence of multidrug resistance (MDR) was 5.3% (EC), 78.2% (EN), and 17.6% (SM). Variations in bacterial abundance and AMR/MDR profiles were found based on the season, use site, and sample types, which was corroborated by ARG analyses.

Conclusions
Our study suggests that landfills constitute a source of zoonotic pathogens and AMR for wildlife, due to readily available refuse input. Using non-invasive molecular methods, we highlight an often-ignored ecosystem within the One Health paradigm.
Breast size, thoracic kyphosis, and thoracic spine pain: a correlational survey of Nigerian postpartum mothers
Authors: Petronilla Ojukwu Chidiebele , Chinecherem Edeani Pamela , Sunday Ede Stephen 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Background
Thoracic spine postural dysfunctions are common postpartum-related health problems, compromising breastfeeding efficacy and quality of life among women. Previous studies have particularly associated these conditions with increased breast sizes in several populations. However, such empirical evidence is scarce in the Nigerian population.

Objectives
To investigate the relationship among breast size, thoracic-kyphosis, and -spine pain among postpartum Nigerian women.

Methods
This correlational survey involved 400 consenting postpartum mothers (between 0 and 24 months of postpartum period). Their breast size, thoracic spine posture, and pain were measured using a measuring tape (cm), inclinometer, and Revised Oswestry thoracic spine pain disability questionnaire, respectively. Data were analyzed using descriptive and relevant inferential statistics at p < 0.05.

Results
The majority of the participants fall under the category of breast cup size B (61.75%), have no history of thoracic spine pain (87.4%), and about half of them (50.2%) have normal thoracic spine posture (low category with values ranging between 20⁰ and 35⁰. Breast size was significantly (r = 0.162, p = 0.001) correlated with thoracic spine posture but showed no significant correlation (r = 0.066, p = 0.622) with thoracic spine pain.

Conclusion
Increasing breast size is weakly associated with a tendency towards a kyphotic posture of the thoracic spine. Postural education and care around adequate support of the breast with suitable fitting brassieres may help prevent kyphotic deformities. Future research with a randomized control trial and long-term follow-up is recommended to further confirm the causal relationship of these variables.
How far are we? Assessing progress in hepatitis C response towards the WHO 2030 elimination goals by the civil society monitoring in 25 European countries, period 2020 to 2023
Authors: Maticic Mojca , Cernosa J. , Loboda C. , Tamse J. , Rigoni R. , Duffell E. , Indave I. , Zimmermann R. , Darragh L. , Moura J. , Leicht A. , Windelinckx T. , Jauffret-Roustide M. , Schiffer K. , Tammi T. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Background
With the advent of direct acting antivirals (DAAs) the World Health Organisation (WHO) adopted global strategy to eliminate hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection by 2030. In Europe, people who inject drugs (PWID) account for the majority of new cases, however testing and treatment remain suboptimal. The aim was to monitor progress in HCV policy and cascade-of-care for PWID, led by the civil society organisations (CSO) that provide harm reduction services for PWID across Europe.

Methods
In period 2020–2023, CSOs representing focal points of Correlation-European Harm Reduction Network were annually invited to complete online questionnaire on use/impact of HCV test-and-treat guidelines for PWID, availability/functioning of continuum-of-care, and role/limitations of harm reduction services for PWID. A retrospective longitudinal analysis of responses to questions answered each year by the same respondents was performed, and a comparison among the studied years was made.

Results
Twenty-five CSOs from cities in 25 European countries were included and responded to 25 questions. Between 2020 and 2023, there was positive trend in number of HCV treatment guidelines, separate guidelines for PWID, and their positive impact on acess to testing/treatment (24/25, 5/25, and 16/25 in 2023, respectively). DAAs were available in all countries, predominantly prescribed by specialist physicians only (slight increase at primary care), with restrictions including active drug use, stage of liver fibrosis or/and reimbursement policies (2/25, 4/25, and 3/25 in 2023, respectively). A decrease in HCV testing sites was noted. Treatment was consistently most common at clinical settings, however an increase outside the specialist settings was detected, particularly in prisons (12/25 and 15/25 in 2020–2021, respectively). Comparing 2022–2023, number of HCV-testing services increased in many cities with positive dynamic in nearly all the settings; increase in treatment at harm reduction services/community centres was noted (6/25 to 8/25, respectively). Between 2020 and 2023 the frequency of various limitations to CSOs addressing HCV was oscillating, presenting an increase between 2022 and 2023 (9/25 to 14/25, respectively).

Conclusion
The overall progress towards WHO HCV elimination goals across Europe remains insufficient, most probably also due to the influence of Covid-19 pandemic. Further improvements are needed, also by including CSOs for PWID in continuum-of-care services, and in monitoring progress.