bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pyogenic liver abscess in pediatric populations in Beijing (2008–2023)
Authors: Xie Yue , Guo Ling-yun , Liu Bing , Hu Hui-li , Hu Bing , Chen Tian-ming , Qian Su-yun , Hei Ming-yan , Liu Gang 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
Data on pyogenic liver abscess (PLA) of children in China have been limited. We aimed to summarize the clinical feather, microbiological characteristics, management, and outcome of PLA in children.

Method
We retrospectively reviewed PLA cases from January 2008 to June 2023 at Beijing Children’s Hospital. Clinical characteristics, pathogens and management were analyzed.

Results
We diagnosed 57 PLA patients in our center. The median onset age was 4.5 years and the male-to-female ratio was 1.6:1. The median diagnostic time was nine days and the median length of stay was 22 days. Twenty-eight patients (49.1%) had predisposing factors, around 71.4% of the patients had malignant hematology and primary immunodeficiency disease. Patients with underlying factors were more likely to have extrahepatic organ involvement (p = 0.024), anemia (p < 0.001), single abscess (p = 0.042), unilateral involvement (p = 0.039), and small size of the abscess (p = 0.008). Twenty-four patients (42.1%) had extrahepatic organ involvement. Pathogens were identified in 17 patients (29.8%), the most common pathogens were Klebsiella pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus. The positive rate of metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) was 87.5% (7/8). On multivariable analysis, the extrahepatic organ involved (p = 0.029) and hepatomegaly (p = 0.025) were two independent factors associated with poor outcomes.

Conclusions
PLA is usually seen in children with predisposing factors. Malignant hematology and primary immunodeficiency disease were the most common underlying diseases. Extrahepatic organ involvement and hepatomegaly are associated with poor prognosis. Increased use of mNGS could be beneficial for identifying pathogens.
Experiences of family caregivers of individuals undergoing hemodialysis in Iran about caring during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study
Authors: Hejazi Sima , Manzour Rezvaneh , Shahsavari Arezoo , Ghasemi Saeed , Roshan-Nejad Mahdieh 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has significantly affected various aspects of public health. The virus poses a particular threat to individuals with kidney failure undergoing hemodialysis and their caregivers. The present study investigated the experience of family caregivers of individuals undergoing hemodialysis about caring during the COVID-19 pandemic in Iran.

Methods
This qualitative study was conducted with 17 family caregivers of individuals undergoing hemodialysis in Bojnurd, Iran using inductive qualitative content analysis. The participants were selected using convenience and purposive sampling method with maximum variation. Semi-structured interviews were used in data collection based on the interview guide. The data were analyzed with MAXQDA10.

Results
The results culminated in the identification of a main category of the COVID-19 care burden on caregivers and two generic categories including the COVID-19 Overt (financial/constraining) care burden (subcategories: Non-adherence to Health Protocols, COVID-19 Financial Costs, COVID-19 Restrictions and Hemodialysis Appointments, and Decreased Caregiver Support during the COVID-19 Era), and the COVID-19 Covert (emotional/psychological) Care Burden (subcategories: Caregiver’s Loneliness in the Care, Stress of Contracting COVID-19, Psychological Consequences of individuals undergoing hemodialysis Staying at Home, The burden of other Individuals’ Expectations of the Caregiver, and Physical and emotional pressure on the Caregiver).

Conclusion
Caregivers during the COVID-19 period have experienced both overt and covert care burden. The results of this study can contribute to understanding the experiences of caregivers of individuals with chronic diseases such as kidney failure, in critical conditions like the COVID-19 pandemic, by healthcare teams and devising strategies and programs to support them.
Health systems response to climate change adaptation: a scoping review of global evidence
Authors: Ansah Edward Wilson , Amoadu Mustapha , Obeng Paul , Sarfo Jacob Owusu 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
The health system plays a critical role in safeguarding the well-being of communities in the face of health risks associated with climate change. This review maps evidence on health systems' adaptation to climate risk and barriers to effective adaptation.

Methods
This review followed the recommendations by Arksey and O’Malley for conducting scoping review. Search for records was conducted in PubMed, Central, Web of Science, JSTOR, Google, and Google Scholar. Only peer-reviewed papers published in English language were included in this review. All the 63 included studies were critically appraise d.

Results
We found that efforts are being made to create resilient health systems by incorporating climate change into health policies. Investments are being made in innovative technologies, climate-resilient health infrastructure, enhancing healthcare delivery, developing the capacity of climate specialists and agencies to provide high-quality evidence for resilient health systems. We also found that several obstacles prevent health system adaptation to climate risk, including poor policy implementation and evaluation. The obstacles are further exacerbated by financial constraints, including poverty, a lack of political commitment, inadequate data, and deficient healthcare systems, especially in developing countries. There is also a lack of integration of climate change into mental health actions and the health and safety of healthcare workers.

Conclusion
Efforts to develop resilient health systems against climate risks are underway, but persistent obstacles, including inadequate policy implementation, resource limitations, and a lack of integration of climate change into critical health domains, hinder comprehensive adaptation measures, particularly in developing nations.
Perceived discrimination, mental health help-seeking attitudes, and suicide ideation, planning, and attempts among black young adults
Authors: Boyd Donte T. , Quinn Camille R. , Durkee Myles I. , Williams Ed-Dee G. , Constant Andrea , Washington Durrell , Butler-Barnes Sheretta T. , Ewing Aldenise P. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
Developing an understanding of the negative impact of discrimination is critical when examining the suicidality of Black young adults in the US. Suicide rates among Black young adults have increased at alarming rates. One of the reasons for this increase is the disparities related to access to mental health services, which has long-term health consequences. This study addresses a significant gap in the literature by examining associations between experiences of everyday discrimination, attitudes towards mental health help-seeking attitudes, on the outcomes suicide ideation, planning to die by suicide, and suicide attempts.

Methods
The data came from a national study of the experiences of Black young adults regarding mental, physical, and sexual health. Participants were recruited from across the Midwestern region of the United States through Qualtrics Panels, an online survey delivery service used to recruit study participants. The total sample for this study was N = 362, and the average age of the sample was 21 (SD: 1.96). We used a logistic regression analysis to examine the role of everyday discrimination, mental health support-seeking attitudes, and covariates on the outcomes: suicide ideation, planning to die by committing suicide, and suicide attempts.

Results
Black young adults with positive mental health help-seeking attitudes were 34% less likely to attempt suicide (OR = 0.66; 95% CI: 0.46, 0.96) and 35% less likely to experience suicide ideation (OR = 0.65; 95% CI: 0.47, 0.89). However, those young adults who experienced discrimination daily were more likely to report having attempted suicide (OR = 1.70; 95% CI: 1.34, 2.15).

Conclusions
Our findings offer valuable insights into the complex interplay between experiences of discrimination, attitudes toward seeking mental health support, and suicidal behaviors. However, our research also underscores how experiences of discrimination can significantly exacerbate feelings of isolation, hopelessness, and inadequacy, further contributing to suicidal behaviors in this population. By promoting positive mental health help-seeking behaviors, actively addressing discrimination, and applying an intersectional approach to suicide prevention efforts, we can take significant strides towards building a more supportive and inclusive society. This approach aims to empower individuals to seek help, reduce the risk of suicidal behaviors, and create a more welcoming environment for all members of our community.
Associations of cognitive appraisal and patient activation on disability and mental health outcomes: a prospective cohort study of patients undergoing spine surgery
Authors: Skolasky Richard L. , Finkelstein Joel A. , Schwartz Carolyn E. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
With the increased use of patient-reported outcomes measures (PROMs) to assess spine surgery outcomes, it is important to understand how patients interpret their health changes over time. The measurement of cognitive-appraisal processes enables the quantification of how individuals think about quality of life (QOL). This study examined how appraisal processes were associated with patients’ views of their role in managing their health—patient activation.

Methods
This longitudinal cohort study from August 2019 to January 2022 included 222 adults undergoing spine surgery for cervical (n = 107) and/or lumbar (n = 148) pathology at an academic medical center. PROMs assessed disability (Neck Disability Index for cervical or Oswestry Disability Index for lumbar) and mental health (PROMIS-29 v2.0), cognitive-appraisal processes (QOLAPv2-SF), and patient activation (Patient Activation Measure). ANOVA models were used to examine the relationships between QOL and cognitive appraisal processes before and after surgery, overall and stratified by patient-activation stage. Effect sizes facilitated interpretation.

Results
There were significant improvements in pain-related disability and mental health following surgery. Cognitive appraisal processes explained substantial amounts of variance, particularly with changes in mental health (45% before surgery, 75% at three months, and 63%, at 12-months after surgery). With respect to physical disability, less disability was associated with a lesser focus on negative aspects of QOL. Appraisal explained the most variance before surgery for high-activation patients. At 12-months post-surgery, however, appraisal explained the most variance for the low-activation patients. Appraisal explained similar amounts of variance in mental health at baseline and three-months post-surgery for all activation groups, but substantially more variance in the low-activation group at 12-months post-surgery. There were differences in the direction of appraisal-outcome associations by activation group in selected appraisal items/domains.

Conclusions
Cognitive-appraisal processes demonstrate a significant relationship with QOL among spine surgery patients. These processes explain substantial variance in pain-related disability and mental health, especially among those high in activation before surgery and those low in activation at 12-months post-surgery. Our findings suggest that patients’ ways of thinking about their health may be effective targets of motivational coaching, to help them become more engaged over the recovery trajectory.
Efficacy and safety of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation for frequent premature ventricular complexes: rationale and design of the TASC-V trial
Authors: Liu Yu , Wei Xinyao , Wang Lixin , Yang Yanling , Xu Liya , Sun Tianheng , Yang Li , Cai Song , Liu Xiaojie , Qin Zongshi , Bin Lulu , Sun Shaoxin , Lu Yao , Cui Jiaming , Liu Zhishun , Wu Jiani 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
Premature Ventricular Complexes (PVCs) are very common in clinical practice, with frequent PVCs (more than 30 beats per hour) or polymorphic PVCs significantly increasing the risk of mortality. Previous studies have shown that vagus nerve stimulation improves ventricular arrhythmias. Stimulation of the auricular distribution of the vagus nerve has proven to be a simple, safe, and effective method to activate the vagus nerve. Transcutaneous au ricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) has shown promise in both clinical and experimental setting for PVCs; however, high-quality clinical studies are lacking, resulting in insufficient evidence of efficacy.

Methods
The study is a prospective, randomized, parallel-controlled trial with a 1:1 ratio between the two groups. Patients will be randomized to either the treatment group (taVNS) or the control group (Sham-taVNS) with a 6-week treatment and a subsequent 12-week follow-up period. The primary outcome is the proportion of patients with a ≥ 50% reduction in the number of PVCs monitored by 24-hour Holter. Secondary outcomes include the proportion of patients with a ≥ 75% reduction in PVCs, as well as the changes in premature ventricular beats, total heartbeats, and supraventricular premature beats recorded by 24-hour Holter. Additional assessments compared score changes in PVCs-related symptoms, as well as the score change of self-rating anxiety scale (SAS), self-rating depression scale (SDS), and 36-item short form health survey (SF-36).

Discussion
The TASC-V trial will help to reveal the efficacy and safety of taVNS for frequent PVCs, offering new clinical evidence for the clinical practice.

Trial registration
Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT04415203 (Registration Date: May 30, 2020).
Translation and psychometric evaluation of the Korean version of the Reproductive Concerns After Cancer Scale (RCAC)
Authors: Kang Sook Jung , An Hae Jeong , Hwang Woon Young , Lee Hyerim , Kim Yoonjung 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
Improving cancer survival rates highlights post-treatment fertility implications for reproductive-aged women. To provide fertility care for cancer survivors, nurses need instruments to assess and communicate reproductive concerns with cancer survivors and healthcare providers. This study aimed to translate the Reproductive Concerns after Cancer Scale (RCAC) into Korean and examine its psychometric properties in young female cancer survivors in South Korea.

Methods
The RCAC was translated into Korean, involving expert bilingual translators for initial translation and reverse translation for cultural and semantic accuracy. In detail, the RCAC was translated into Korean and evaluated in a preliminary study involving 10 cancer survivors. Subsequently, a revised version of the instrument was administered to 182 cancer survivors and a psychometric evaluation was conducted. The process included verifying content validity, and then assessing construct validity using exploratory factor analysis and criterion validity. The reliability of the instrument was quantified by measuring its internal consistency using Cronbach’s alpha.

Results
The translated RCAC demonstrated an item-level content validity index of 1.0 and a scale-level index of 1.0. The content was finalized based on preliminary survey findings, which revealed that all participants thought the instrument was clear. The Korean version of the RCAC demonstrated a satisfactory level of validity per exploratory factor analysis, which resulted in a 14-item instrument consisting of three subscales: “fertility potential” (six items), “health problem” (five items), and “acceptance” (three items). The items and subscales explained 57.6% of the variance. Criterion validity was confirmed through an analysis of the correlation between the Korean version of the RCAC and both the FACT-G (r = -0.36, p
< .001) and PHQ-9 (r = 0.38, p
< .001). Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of the Korean version of the RCAC was 0.83.

Conclusions
The Korean version of the RCAC is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing reproductive concerns in female cancer survivors. Thus, this instrument can be used to provide tailored care to female cancer survivors of reproductive age by clarifying and assess their reproductive concerns. This may support the development of guidelines or policies to provide care for those with reproductive concerns who require nursing care.
Unveiling the epigenetic impact of vegan vs. omnivorous diets on aging: insights from the Twins Nutrition Study (TwiNS)
Authors: Dwaraka Varun B. , Aronica Lucia , Carreras-Gallo Natalia , Robinson Jennifer L. , Hennings Tayler , Carter Matthew M. , Corley Michael J. , Lin Aaron , Turner Logan , Smith Ryan , Mendez Tavis L. , Went Hannah , Ebel Emily R. , Sonnenburg Erica D. , Sonnenburg Justin L. , Gardner Christopher D. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background

Geroscience focuses on interventions to mitigate molecular changes associated with aging. Lifestyle modifications, medications, and social factors influence the aging process, yet the complex molecular mechanisms require an in-depth exploration of the epigenetic landscape. The specific epigenetic clock and predictor effects of a vegan diet, compared to an omnivorous diet, remain underexplored despite potential impacts on aging-related outcomes.

Methods
This study examined the impact of an entirely plant-based or healthy omnivorous diet over 8 weeks on blood DNA methylation in paired twins. Various measures of epigenetic age acceleration (PC GrimAge, PC PhenoAge, DunedinPACE) were assessed, along with system-specific effects (Inflammation, Heart, Hormone, Liver, and Metabolic). Methylation surrogates of clinical, metabolite, and protein markers were analyzed to observe diet-specific shifts.

Results
Distinct responses were observed, with the vegan cohort exhibiting significant decreases in overall epigenetic age acceleration, aligning with anti-aging effects of plant-based diets. Diet-specific shifts were noted in the analysis of methylation surrogates, demonstrating the influence of diet on complex trait prediction through DNA methylation markers. An epigenome-wide analysis revealed differentially methylated loci specific to each diet, providing insights into the affected pathways.

Conclusions
This study suggests that a short-term vegan diet is associated with epigenetic age benefits and reduced calorie intake. The use of epigenetic biomarker proxies (EBPs) highlights their potential for assessing dietary impacts and facilitating personalized nutrition strategies for healthy aging. Future research should explore the long-term effects of vegan diets on epigenetic health and overall well-being, considering the importance of proper nutrient supplementation.

Trial registration
Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT05297825
Exploring the relationship between condition severity and health-related quality of life in people with haemophilia A across Europe: a multivariable analysis of data from the CHESS II study
Authors: Ferri Grazzi Enrico , Hawes Charles , Camp Charlotte , Hinds David , O’Hara Jamie , Burke Tom 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
Haemophilia A (HA; Factor VIII deficiency) is a congenital X-linked bleeding disorder characterized by trauma-related or spontaneous bleeding events, most notably arising within the intraarticular space and resulting in chronic inflammation and degeneration of affected joints. Endogenous clotting factor activity relative to normal levels determines the severity of HA symptoms, as mild (> 5–40%), moderate (1–5%), or severe (< 1%). Within the current environment of rapid evolution in HA management, we seek to understand the interplay of condition severity and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) to characterise and differentiate unmet needs among people with HA (PwHA).

Methods
A generalised linear regression model (GLM) was developed to explore the relationship between HA severity and EQ-5D-5 L index score from adult HA patients sampled in the “Cost of Haemophilia across Europe – a Socioeconomic Survey II” (CHESS II) cross-sectional, retrospective burden of illness study among adults with hereditary haemophilia A or B from eight European countries. HA patients of any severity with no active inhibitors during the 12 months prior to data capture and a completeEQ-5D-5 L response were included. A base GLM model was specified with covariates for demographic and clinical characteristics (age, body mass index, country, employment, HA severity, annual bleeding rate, problem joints, and chronic pain).

Results
Of 381 evaluable patients, 221 (58.0%) had severe HA, 96 (25.2%) had moderate HA, and 64 (16.8%) had mild HA. Among the covariates included in the GLM model and after controlling for haemophilia-related outcomes, a significant association was observed between mild HA and higher EQ-5D-5 L index score (average marginal effects, 0.084; p = 0.016) relative to severe HA. Patient country of residence and magnitude of HA-related chronic pain were also associated with significant differences in index scores, with the latter showing a negative relationship with HRQoL outcomes.

Conclusions
Condition severity and chronic pain are significant predictors of HRQoL in PwHA. Durable bleeding protection and effective management of chronic pain have the potential to address unmet treatment needs in this population.
Comparison of the measurement properties and consistency between the EQ-5D-3L and EQ-5D-Y-3L in adolescents aged 15–17 in China
Authors: Wang Jiefu , Hong Tianqi , Fang Haoran , Luo Chang , He Xiaoning , Xie Shitong 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Objective
To evaluate and compare the measurement properties and consistency between the Chinese versions of EQ-5D-3L and EQ-5D-Y-3L among Chinese adolescent populations aged 15–17 years.

Methods
Chinese adolescents aged 15–17 studying in high school were recruited through online survey. Social-demographic characteristics and self-reported EQ-5D-3L and EQ-5D-Y-3L responses were collected in the survey. The consistency of responses between the two measures was assessed using redistribution property, and the consistency of utility values was assessed by intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). Convergent validity and known-group validity were examined using Spearman’s rank correlation, F-test and effect sizes, respectively. Sensitivity was compared using relative efficiency (RE).

Results
762 respondents (48.8% male; age 15–17 years;) were recruited. The EQ-5D-3L showed a more severe ceiling effect than EQ-5D-Y-3L (78.2% vs. 66.0%). Respondents reported higher proportions of having problems in four dimensions using the EQ-5D-Y-3L than using the EQ-5D-3L. The consistency of corresponding dimensions between the two measures was relatively good, while non-negligible proportions of inconsistency were observed in “pain/discomfort” (11.4%) and “anxiety/depression” (15.7%) dimensions. The ICC of the utility values between the EQ-5D-3L and EQ-5D-Y-3L was 0.852 (p < 0.001). The Spearman’s rank correlation (range: 0.385–0.620) indicated an acceptable convergent validity between the correlative dimensions of the EQ-5D-3L and EQ-5D-Y-3L. The EQ-5D-Y-3L had a higher efficiency than the EQ-5D-3L at detecting differences across EQ VAS subgroups (ES = 1.793 for EQ-5D-3L, ES = 1.920 for EQ-5D-Y-3L). Mixed results were observed in sensitivity.

Conclusions
Both the EQ-5D-3L and EQ-5D-Y-3L are demonstrated to be valid and generally consistent for measuring HRQoL among adolescents aged 15–17 years in China. Respondents reported higher proportions of having problems using the EQ-5D-Y-3L than using the EQ-5D-3L. More research is warranted to compare the discriminant validity and test-retest reliability between the two measures.