bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on traumatic brain injury emergency department visits, interfacility transfer and mortality in the United States, 2016–2020: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Gilkey Sydney , Armstrong Megan , Alexander Robin , Osong Biche , Sribnick Eric A , Stanley Rachel M , Groner Jonathan I , Cook Lawrence J , Lu Bo , Xiang Henry 
Published: November 2024

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to determine how the COVID-19 pandemic affected patient demographics, injury mechanisms, interhospital transfers and mortality of patients with traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) treated in US emergency departments (EDs).DesignThis cross-sectional study analysed 2016–2020 Nationwide Emergency Department Sample (NEDS) data.SettingUS EDs contained in the NEDS.ParticipantsParticipants were patients with moderate and severe TBI who visited the ED.Primary and secondary outcome measuresProbability sampling design and survey weights generated nationally representative estimates of ED visits by patient demographics, hospital characteristics and COVID-19 diagnosis and the top four leading TBI causes. To assess COVID-19 impact, we calculated the per cent change of estimated TBI ED visits and disposition outcomes from 2016 to 2019 and 2019 to 2020, and proportion and 95% CI of injury severity groups and admitted/transfer by hospital type and trauma centre level. A multivariable logistic regression model identified the mortality OR by patient demographics, injury severity, hospital characteristics and COVID-19 positive diagnosis.ResultsIn 2020, there were 527 123 ED visits nationally for TBI, 4.3% higher than 2016 but 1.0% lower than 2019. Patients with TBI transferring to short-term hospitals and other facilities increased by 16.0% and 18.2%, respectively, from 2016 to 2019 and were 3.7% and 14.1% higher in 2020 than in 2019. An estimated 3317 patients with TBI died (in ED or later in hospital) in 2020, which is 9.8% higher than 2019. Firearm-related TBI proportion was 15.1% higher in 2020 than in 2019. Patients with TBI with injury severity scores 25–75 were significantly higher at nontrauma (29.4% vs 31.9 %) and level III trauma centres (34.9% vs 38.2%) in 2020 than in 2019. Patients with TBI treated at rural hospitals had significantly higher odds of mortality (OR=1.95, CI=1.58–2.40) than those at urban hospitals.ConclusionsTBI patient mortality was higher at all US hospital types and almost all trauma centre levels in 2020 than in 2019. Patients with TBI treated at rural hospitals had a significantly higher mortality risk.
Evaluation of BBIBP-CorV Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness in Sri Lanka: a test-negative case control study
Authors: De Silva Shamila Thivanshi , Ediriweera Dileepa Senajith , Wimalasena Wathsala , Kariyawasam Manjula , Kosinna Gihan , Bogoda Gayan , Senaratne Sumudu , Rathnayake Kanchana , Weerarathna Inosha , Premaratna Ranjan , Gunasena Prasanna 
Published: November 2024

ObjectivesThere is limited research on real-world effectiveness of BBIBP-CorV Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine. This study evaluated real-world effectiveness of Sinopharm vaccine in Sri Lanka by assessing absolute vaccine efficacy.Design and settingA retrospective test-negative case-control study was conducted at ten large government hospitals across the country.ParticipantsConsecutive adults aged ≥18 years attending outpatient departments who tested reverse-transcription-PCR positive for SARS-CoV-2 during the study period were recruited.Main outcome measuresAn interviewer-administered questionnaire was administered, and outcome of COVID-19 infection was assessed in cases.ResultsOf 1829 recruited, 914 (49.9%) were male, and mean age was 45.2 (SD 15.3) years; 1634 (89.3%) were vaccinated with two doses of BBIBP-CorV Sinopharm vaccine, while 195 (10.1%) were vaccine-naïve. Compared with the vaccinated, unvaccinated persons were older but otherwise similar in their demographic and medical profiles. Unvaccinated were more likely to have fever, shortness of breath and vomiting as symptoms and were more likely to seek treatment. Significantly more vaccinated individuals received treatment at home. After admission, the unvaccinated were more likely to receive oxygen. Significantly more unvaccinated persons died of COVID-19 compared with the vaccinated. Sinopharm vaccine was 78.2% (94% CI 69.0% to 85.0%) effective at preventing COVID-19 infection, 88.7% (81.6%–93.2%) effective at preventing severe infection and 85.6% (69.6%–93.6%) effective at preventing death.ConclusionsBBIBP-CorV Sinopharm vaccine is effective at mitigating severity of illness and reducing the likelihood of hospitalisation, severe illness and death, in those who received primary vaccination, compared with the unvaccinated.
Identifying practices of information transfer between the hospital and primary care for older adults: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Yang Dimitri , Alkot Martina , Quaiattini Andrea , Lessard Sabrina , Zaripova Aigul , Pavoni Carolyn , Couture Sandrine , Desmarais Philippe , Huang Yu Qing , McDonald Emily G. , Richer Catherine , Chabot Julia , Pageau Felix , Tannou Thomas , Layani Géraldine , Rouabhia Dounia , Calafiore Matthieu , Fink Karin , Yilmaz Gulin , Jean-Baptiste Beuscart , Godard-Sebillotte Claire 
Published: November 2024

IntroductionTransition of care from hospital to primary care has been recognised globally as a high-risk scenario for older patients’ safety by the WHO. Indeed, sub-optimal care transitions are associated with increased mortality, morbidity and adverse events.Improving communication through timely and accurate clinical information transfer has been identified as a key component of optimal care transitions. However, timely and accurate clinical information transfer from hospital to primary care varies across countries and institutions. Information transfer practices are heterogeneous, in some places depending on individual initiative and sometimes not occurring at all.To improve current practices, we will conduct a scoping review to identify the current and suggested practices of information transfer between hospital-based physicians or pharmacists and the primary care team of older patients.Methods and analysisThis scoping review will be conducted using Arksey and O’Malley’s methodological framework, augmented by Levacet aland the JBI Manual for Evidence Synthesis, and the findings reported according to the PRISMA extension for Scoping Reviews. We will use a search strategy developed with a specialised librarian to search four databases (MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL and AgeLine) and reference lists of selected studies. All studies adhering to our iteratively created eligibility criteria outlined by the population, concept and context elements will be included. The data extraction table will also be constructed iteratively with the research team, and results will be presented tabularly and qualitatively.Ethics and disseminationEthics approval was obtained. We plan to disseminate the results as scientific communication (peer-reviewed journal and presentations) and during a deliberative dialogue workshop with key stakeholders in order to generate recommendations to improve current practices in our own clinical setting, potentially to be adapted and scaled up with our collaborators provincially, nationally and internationally.This protocol has been registered on the Open Science Framework:https://osf.io/eg958.
Investigating the effect of verapamil on preservation of beta-cell function in adults with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes mellitus (Ver-A-T1D): protocol for a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, multicentre trial
Authors: Wych Julie , Brunner Martina , Stenson Rachel , Chmura Piotr Jaroslaw , Danne Thomas , Mander Adrian Paul , Mathieu Chantal , Dayan Colin , Pieber Thomas R 
Published: November 2024

IntroductionType 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is a disorder that arises following the selective autoimmune destruction of the insulin-producing beta cells. Beta-cell protective or beta-cell regenerative approaches have gained wider attention, and pharmacological approaches to protect the patient’s own insulin-producing beta-cell mass have been proposed. Verapamil is an L-type calcium channel blocker that has been reported to effectively lowers beta-cell thioredoxin-interacting protein expression in rodent beta cells and islets, as well as in human islets, and thus promotes functional beta-cell mass.Methods and analysisThe trial is a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in participants with T1DM, investigating the effect of verapamil on preservation of beta-cell function (Ver-A-T1D). A total of 120 participants will be randomised in a 2:1 ratio between 360 mg verapamil and placebo, administered orally once daily. T1DM patients aged ≥18 and <45 years will be eligible for recruitment within 6 weeks of diagnosis (defined as day of starting insulin therapy). The primary objective will be to determine the changes in stimulated C-peptide response during the first 2 hours of a mixed meal tolerance test at baseline and after 12 months for 360 mg verapamil administered orally once daily versus placebo. Secondary objectives include the effects of 360 mg verapamil on (1) fasting C-peptide, (2) dried blood spot C-peptide, (3) glycated haemoglobin, (4) daily total insulin dose, (5) time in range by intermittent continuous glucose monitoring measures, (6) other biomarkers related to immunological changes and beta-cell death and (6) safety (vital signs, ECG).Ethics and disseminationEthics approval was sought from the research ethics committee of all participating countries. All participants provided written informed consent before joining the study. Ver-A-T1D received first regulatory and ethical approvals in Austria. The publication policy is set in the innovative approach towards understanding and arresting type 1 diabetes grant agreement (www.innodia.eu).Trial registration numberEudraCT, 2020-000435-45; ClinicalTrials.gov,NCT04545151. Protocol version: Version 8.0 (08 November 2021).
‘Counselling is the only thing to do’: healthcare providers’ experience of Kangaroo Mother Care in Bangladesh – a qualitative study
Authors: Sjömar Johanna , Thernström Blomqvist Ylva , Talha Taqbir Us Samad , Rahman Syed Moshfiqur , Målqvist Mats 
Published: November 2024

AimTo explore healthcare providers’ (HCPs) experiences of facility-initiated kangaroo mother care (KMC) in Bangladesh.MethodsAn explorative qualitative study based on 11 semistructured interviews with HCPs from 2 hospitals in Dhaka was conducted. Nurses, medical officers and paediatric consultants were representing the HCPs. Inductive, qualitative content analysis was used.ResultsSupporting KMC needs to be a continuous process that requires a high level of commitment from healthcare staff. Optimal implementation is, however, challenged by structural conditions such as shortage of staff, separation of mother and child, and incomplete follow-up, which need to be addressed to support KMC.ConclusionFindings from this formative research can help in designing interventions for scaling up KMC in Bangladesh by paying attention to the crucial role of HCPs and giving them training on the importance of continuous and repeated counselling to both mother and family. To enhance motivation, involving nurses in follow-up care is essential, alongside strengthening the health system for families living far away and tracking those not attending follow-up. Furthermore, after this study was conducted, the WHO updated its recommendations regarding KMC. This means that the current study, in combination with the WHO’s new recommendations, can be used for the development of new guidelines for KMC in clinical practice in Bangladesh.
Geophagy: uses and perceptions of women of childbearing age in Tshwane District, Gauteng Province—a qualitative study
Authors: Malebatja Mohora Feida , Randa Moreoagae Bertha , Mokgatle Mathildah Mpata , Oguntibeju Oluwafemi Omoniyi 
Published: November 2024

BackgroundGeophagy is a common practice among women of childbearing age across the globe associated with detrimental health effects.ObjectiveThe study aimed at ascertaining the views and uses of geophagy among women of childbearing age in Tshwane District, Gauteng Province.MethodsAn exploratory qualitative study was conducted among women of childbearing age consulting the reproductive healthcare units in Tshwane District. Focus group discussions and in-depth interviews were conducted in the public healthcare facilities.ResultsThe study findings indicate that women of childbearing age lack proper understanding of the dangers associated with the practice of geophagy. Many participants perceived geophagy as a practice that is socially acceptable and harmless, that is mostly practised by pregnant women. It was further revealed that geophagy is practised by people who have iron deficiency anaemia and those who are addicted to feed their cravings.ConclusionA conclusion has been made that the practice of geophagy is accelerated by addiction and cravings, pregnancy, social acceptability and accessibility, boredom, fun and entertainment. Influence from family members and peer pressure play a significant role when it comes to the practice of geophagy.
Risk of long-term ophthalmological complications in Taiwanese preterm infants: a nationwide cohort study
Authors: Huang Chia-Yu , Tou Sio-Ian , Lin Heng-Jun , Yen Hung-Rong 
Published: November 2024

ObjectivesThe aim was to determine whether different maturity levels and birth weights could change the risk of long-term ophthalmological complications in preterm infants.DesignThis was a cohort study.SettingThis was a nationwide population-based study.ParticipantsNewborns born between 2009 and 2012 were identified; newborns with congenital deformities, newborns with missing data on urban area, sex, gestational week at birth or birth weight and newborns who died before the age of 8 years were excluded.InterventionsInfants were divided into full-term, preterm and preterm with retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) cohorts based on their basic characteristics at birth.Primary outcome measuresThe primary outcomes were ophthalmological complications, including strabismus, refractive error, amblyopia, cataracts and glaucoma.ResultsUltimately, 735 702 infants were included in the analysis. There were 727 403, 7165 and 1134 newborns in the full term, preterm without ROP and preterm with ROP cohorts, respectively. Premature infants, whether without ROP or with ROP, had an elevated risk of various ophthalmic complications, with adjusted ORs (aORs) ranging from 1.48 to 2.74 and 1.90 to 10.34, respectively. Extremely low birth weight contributes to an increased risk of various ophthalmic complications, with aORs ranging from 2.21 to 6.55. Moreover, a higher number of negative variables, such as preterm birth or low body weight, increased the risk of various ophthalmological complications, with the aOR falling within the range of 1.03–23.86.ConclusionsImmaturity and low body weight were risk factors for ophthalmological complications in preterm infants. The presence of both of these two risk factors increased the risk of ophthalmological complications. Our results are essential for caregivers and health policy-makers to design comprehensive follow-up plans for preterm infants.
Healthcare decision-makers’ perspectives on evaluating conflict management training in paediatric healthcare: a utilisation-focused qualitative study
Authors: Phillipson Juliette , Barclay Sarah , Menson Esse , Lyons Oscar 
Published: November 2024

BackgroundConflict is prevalent across healthcare settings but is especially common in paediatrics, where high emotional stakes and parental expectations often intensify disagreements. Conflict can lead to negative outcomes for hospitals, staff and patients. Effective conflict management training can mitigate these impacts, but evaluating such training programmes remains challenging due to a lack of standardised tools and best practices.MethodsThis qualitative study aimed to explore healthcare decision-makers' perspectives on what key areas should be evaluated in conflict management training programmes in paediatric healthcare settings, employing Patton’s utilisation-focused evaluation approach. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 healthcare decision-makers and key stakeholders from various healthcare and charitable organisations. Interviews were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis by Braun and Clarke to identify key themes for evaluation.ResultsFour primary themes were generated regarding the key areas that healthcare decision-makers believe should be evaluated in conflict management training. These were experience of training sessions, staff competency and well-being, patient/family experiences of conflict and impact on staff time and on clinical resources. Interviewees identified that the evaluation of training sessions should focus on participant engagement and satisfaction. Codes relating to staff competency and well-being included the acquisition and long-term retention of conflict management skills. Codes relating to patient/family experience focused on the quality of communication and support during conflicts. The theme of resource utilisation included codes relating to the time and cost implications of conflict.ConclusionThe study identified essential evaluation areas that align with and expand on Kirkpatrick’s framework, suggesting the need for both qualitative and quantitative data and long-term follow-up. Tailoring evaluation frameworks to specific programme contexts can enhance their relevance and utility, contributing to improved conflict management in both paediatric and wider healthcare settings.
Updated classification with spinal dysraphism and treatment outcomes of arteriovenous shunts below conus: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Fan Yu-xiang , Yang Cheng-bin , Li Jing-wei , Wang Jia-chen , Hu Peng , Ye Ming , Li Gui-lin , Bian Li-song , Zhang Peng , Ma Yong-jie , Zhang Hong-qi 
Published: November 2024

BackgroundArteriovenous shunts below conus medullaris (AVS-BC) are understudied, particularly those associated with spinal dysraphism. This study aimed to refine the classification and management of AVS-BC.MethodsA retrospective analysis of patients with AVS-BC from two centers over two decades was performed, focusing on clinical presentations, angioarchitecture, and treatment outcomes. AVS-BC was classified into eight subtypes based on angioarchitecture, dural relation, and spinal dysraphism presence. Treatment efficacy was evaluated using changes in the modified Aminoff and Logue’s Scale and the modified Denis Pain and Numbness Scale.ResultsThe cohort included 140 patients (85.0% male) with a median onset age of 54 years (IQR 47–62). Spinal dural arteriovenous fistula was the most prevalent subtype (32.1%). AVS-lipoma (58.8%) and AVS with spina bifida/meningocele (75.0%) were mainly located in S3–S5, while others were above S2 (p<0.001). Most AVS-BCs were supplied by the internal iliac artery (37.1%) and drained intradurally (96.4%). Venous lakes were common in spinal epidural arteriovenous fistula (88.2%) and paravertebral arteriovenous fistula (100.0%). Larger drainage veins (>2.0 mm) were found in paravertebral arteriovenous fistula (PVAVF) (50.0%) and AVS with spina bifida/meningocele (AVS-SBD) (50.0%) (p=0.012). Embolization was the preferred treatment (50.7%), achieving a 97.1% anatomical cure rate. Despite functional improvements, 25% experienced deterioration during a median follow-up of 47 months (IQR 20–113).ConclusionsThe refined AVS-BC classification revealed significant angioarchitectural variations. Tailored treatment strategies, especially embolization, resulted in high anatomical cure rates, though post-treatment deterioration warrants further investigation.
Postoperative rectal irrigation after laparoscopic Swenson pull-through: is early instrumentation safe?
Authors: Shah Nikhil R , Maselli Kathryn M , Kim Gabriella , Rollins Paris D , Ehrlich Peter F , Jarboe Marcus D , Ralls Matthew W 
Published: November 2024

BackgroundIn approaching surgical correction of Hirschsprung disease (HSCR), laparoscopic Swenson endorectal pull-through (Lap-S-ERPT) requires less transanal dissection and sphincter stretch. This may lead to more immediate postoperative obstructive symptoms. While antibiotics and rectal irrigations are mainstays of treatment, there is concern about rectal instrumentation in the setting of recent low anal anastomosis. The purpose of this study was to assess the incidence and safety of early rectal irrigations following Lap-S-ERPT.MethodsThis is a single-center, retrospective review of all pediatric patients who underwent Lap-S-ERPT for HSCR from January 2018 to October 2023. Irrigations were performed if patients had obstructive symptoms including emesis, obstipation, and dilated colonic loops on radiographs. The primary outcome was need for postoperative rectal irrigation. Secondary outcomes included time from surgery to irrigation, duration of irrigation, and incidence of anastomotic leak.ResultsA total of 37 patients (62% male) underwent a Lap-S-ERPT at a median age of 3 months (interquartile range (IQR): 0.5, 5.0). Rectosigmoid disease was the most common diagnosis (n=29, 78.4%). There were 11 patients underwent rectal irrigations with a median time to initiation of irrigation of 46 hours (IQR: 32.0, 114.0) postoperatively and a median duration of irrigations of 3 days (IQR: 2.0, 4.5). There was no difference in anastomotic leak rate between patients who received irrigations and those who did not (9.1%v.s.7.7%,p=0.887).ConclusionFollowing Lap-S-ERPT, nearly 30% of patients underwent rectal irrigation for postoperative obstructive symptoms. Despite concerns about instrumentation with a recent low anastomosis, there was no increase in leak rate in patients who received rectal irrigations.
Probing sterile neutrino freeze-in at stronger coupling
Authors: Koivunen Niko , Lebedev Oleg , Raidal Martti 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe regime of dark matter (DM) freeze-in at stronger coupling interpolates between freeze-in and freeze-out. It relies on Boltzmann-suppressed dark matter production, implying that the Standard Model bath temperature never exceeds the dark matter mass. In this work, we study this regime in the context of sterile neutrino dark matter, which can be sufficiently long-lived for a tiny sterile-active mixing. The sterile neutrino is assumed to couple to a real singlet scalar, providing for a thermal production mechanism of the former. We find that DM mass can range from GeV to tens of TeV consistently with all the constraints. The most interesting aspect of the consequent freeze-in phenomenology is that the sterile neutrino dark matter can be probed efficiently by both direct detection experiments and invisible Higgs decay at the LHC.
Emissivity measurements on noble metals: validation of a free-electron description including the anomalous skin effect
Authors: González de Arrieta Iñigo , Echániz Telmo , Adibekyan Albert , Monte Christian , Hollandt Jörg , López Gabriel A. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe optical properties of noble metals (Cu, Ag, and Au) have been studied in the mid-infrared using emissivity measurements at 473 K. Their optical responses can be described using classical free-electron expressions in the Mott–Zener approximation with an additional term to account for the extra emission due to the anomalous skin effect, with no free parameters. Clear differences between the specular and diffuse surface scattering regimes can be observed. These results constitute metrological-quality validations of the thermal radiative properties of these important metals.
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