bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Equality as the Core of Justice
Authors: Rodrigues Valerian 
Published: June 2024

AbstractAmbedkar argues that despite the differences in which human beings are caught, the measure of equal value is the only appropriate yardstick for treating them. The principle of equal value, however, may result in differential outcomes. Mandating equality of outcomes is not merely an affront to freedom, but to initiative as such. Therefore, the only fair measure of equal value is ‘initial equality’ as it is in consonance with desert for effort, and freedom. Initial equality and differential outcomes may call for a variegated range of preferential considerations. Every accomplishment cannot be rewarded or rewarded in equal measure given the demands of the common good. Democracy is an essential requirement to resolve competing demands and fair distribution. Ambedkar inveighed against Brahmanism for assigning human beings to a ranked order of inequality by birth, throwing to the wind the principle of equal value.
Depicting deterministic variables within directed acyclic graphs: an aid for identifying and interpreting causal effects involving derived variables and compositional data
Authors: Berrie Laurie , Arnold Kellyn F , Tomova Georgia D , Gilthorpe Mark S , Tennant Peter W G 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Deterministic variables are variables that are functionally determined by one or more parent variables. They commonly arise when a variable has been functionally created from one or more parent variables, as with derived variables, and in compositional data, where the “whole” variable is determined from its “parts.” This article introduces how deterministic variables may be depicted within directed acyclic graphs (DAGs) to help with identifying and interpreting causal effects involving derived variables and/or compositional data. We propose a 2-step approach in which all variables are initially considered, and a choice is made as to whether to focus on the deterministic variable or its determining parents. Depicting deterministic variables within DAGs brings several benefits. It is easier to identify and avoid misinterpreting tautological associations, that is, self-fulfilling associations between deterministic variables and their parents, or between sibling variables with shared parents. In compositional data, it is easier to understand the consequences of conditioning on the “whole” variable and to correctly identify total and relative causal effects. For derived variables, it encourages greater consideration of the target estimand and greater scrutiny of the consistency and exchangeability assumptions. DAGs with deterministic variables are a useful aid for planning and interpreting analyses involving derived variables and/or compositional data.
Patient Practices, Perceptions, and Barriers to Self-measurement of Blood Pressure in a Rural Health System
Authors: Parmar Sunny , Commodore-Mensah Yvonne , Singh Gurmukteshwar , Foti Kathryn , Himmelfarb Cheryl , Chang Alexander Richard , Bucaloiu Ion Dan 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Self-measurement of blood pressure (SMBP) is endorsed by current guidelines for diagnosing and managing hypertension (HTN). We surveyed individuals in a rural healthcare system on practices and attitudes related to SMBP that could guide future practice.

METHODS
Survey questions were sent via an online patient portal to a random sample of 56,275 patients with either BP &gt; 140/90 mm Hg or cardiovascular care in the system. Questions addressed home blood pressure (BP) monitor ownership, use, willingness to purchase, desire to share data with providers, perceptions of patient education, and patient-centeredness of care. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine patient characteristics associated with SMBP behaviors.

RESULTS
The overall response rate was 12%, and 8.4% completed all questions. Most respondents, 60.9%, owned a BP monitor, while 51.5% reported checking their BP at home the month prior. Among device owners, 45.1% reported receiving instructions on SMBP technique, frequency, and reading interpretation. Only 29.2% reported sharing readings with providers in the last 6 months, whereas 57.9% said they would be willing to do so regularly. Older age, female sex, and higher income were associated with a higher likelihood of device ownership. Younger age, lower income, and Medicaid insurance were associated with a greater willingness to share SMBP results with providers regularly.

CONCLUSIONS
While a significant proportion of respondents performed SMBP regularly, many reported insufficient education on SMBP, and few shared their home BP readings with providers. Patient-centered interventions and telemedicine-based care are opportunities that emerged in our survey that could enhance future HTN care.
Placental apoptosis increased by hypoxia inducible factor-1 stabilization is counteracted by leptin
Authors: de Dios Nataly , Riedel Rodrigo , Schanton Malena , Balestrini Paula , Pérez Luciano , Pérez-Pérez Antonio , Etcheverry Tomás , Casale Roberto , Farina Mariana , Sánchez-Margalet Víctor , Maymó Julieta , Varone Cecilia 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
During pregnancy, apoptosis is a physiological event critical in the remodeling and aging of the placenta. Increasing evidence has pointed toward the relevance of hypoxia as modulator of trophoblast cell death. Previous reports have shown that leptin, a placental cytokine, promotes cell survival in both cell culture and placental explant models. The aim of this work is to establish the role of leptin in apoptosis under hypoxic condition in trophoblast cells. In this study, we evaluated the effect of cobalt chloride, a hypoxia mimicking agent that stabilizes the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha, on Swan-71 and human placental explants. Hypoxia chamber was also used to generate 2% oxygen. Apoptosis was determined by the presence of apoptotic nucleus, fragmentation of DNA and Caspase-3 and PARP-1 cleavage. The pro-apoptotic proteins BAX, BID, BAD, and BAK and the anti-apoptotic effectors BCL-2, B-cell lymphoma-extra-large, and myeloid cell leukemia-1 were also analyzed. We found that hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha stabilization increased the appearance of apoptotic nucleus, fragmentation of DNA, and Caspase-3 and PARP-1 cleavage. Hypoxia mimicking conditions enhanced the expression of pro-apoptotic effectors BAX, BID, BAD, and BAK. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha stabilization also downregulated the level of BCL-2, B-cell lymphoma-extra-large, and myeloid cell leukemia-1. All these apoptotic parameters changes were reversed with leptin treatment. Moreover, we showed that leptin action on apoptosis modulation involves PI3K and MAPK signaling pathways. Obtained data demonstrate that hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha stabilization induces apoptosis in human placenta and leptin counteracts this effect, reinforcing its role as a survival cytokine.
Measurement properties and interpretability of the Patient-Reported Impact of Dermatological Diseases (PRIDD) measure
Authors: Pattinson Rachael , Trialonis-Suthakharan Nirohshah , Pickles Tim , Austin Jennifer , FitzGerald Allison , Augustin Matthias , Bundy Christine 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are crucial in assessing the impact of dermatological conditions on people’s lives, but the existing dermatology-specific PROMs are not recommended for use, according to COSMIN. We developed the Patient-Reported Impact of Dermatological Diseases (PRIDD) measure in partnership with patients. It has strong evidence of content validity, structural validity, internal consistency, acceptability and feasibility.

Objectives
To test the remaining measurement properties of the PRIDD and establish the interpretability of scores against the COSMIN criteria, using classic and modern psychometric methods.

Methods
A global longitudinal study consisting of two online surveys administered 2–4 weeks apart was carried out. Adults (≥ 18 years of age) living with a dermatological condition were recruited via the International Alliance of Dermatology Patient Organizations’ (GlobalSkin) membership network. Participants completed PRIDD, a demographics questionnaire and other related measures, including the Dermatology Life Quality Index. We tested the criterion validity, construct validity and responsiveness (Spearman’s ρ, independent-samples t-tests and Anova); test–retest reliability [interclass correlation coefficient (ICC)]; measurement error [smallest detectable change or limits of agreement (LoA), distribution-based minimally important change (MIC)]; floor and ceiling effects (number of minimum and maximum scores and person–item location distribution maps), score bandings (κ coefficient of agreement) and the anchor-based MIC of the PRIDD.

Results
In total, 504 people with 35 dermatological conditions from 38 countries participated. Criterion validity (ρ = 0.79), construct validity (76% hypotheses met), test–retest validity (ICC = 0.93) and measurement error (LoA = 1.3 &lt; MIC = 4.14) were sufficient. Floor and ceiling effects were in the acceptable range (&lt; 15%). Score bandings were determined (κ = 0.47); however, the anchor-based MIC could not be calculated owing to an insufficient anchor.

Conclusions
PRIDD is a valid and reliable tool to evaluate the impact of dermatological disease on people’s lives in research and clinical practice. It is the first dermatology-specific PROM to meet the COSMIN criteria. These results support the value of developing and validating PROMs with a patient-centred approach and using classic and modern psychometric methods. Further testing of responsiveness and MIC, cross-cultural translation, linguistic validation and global data collection are planned.
Publications in the BJD: the impact of being read (and cited)
Authors: McGrath John A 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
The BJD prides itself on the quality and breadth of its content. Our current publications span the Journal’s key domains of translational research, clinical trials, epidemiology, global health, evidence-based dermatology, and outcomes and qualitative research, with the editorial aim of publishing the best clinically relevant science, advances in dermatology and items of clinical or practical value and interest to dermatologists and other colleagues working in related disciplines.
From Spiritual Climate to Social Workers’ Job Performance: A Serial Mediation Model of Organisational Commitment and Work Engagement
Authors: Jiang Chaoxin , Zhou Leyi , Jiang Shan 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
The significance of the spiritual climate in enhancing job performance is acknowledged, yet there exists a notable lack of empirical understanding regarding mechanisms, particularly in the social work profession. This study aims to address this gap by examining the serial mediation effect of organisational commitment and work engagement in delineating the relationship between spiritual climate and job performance. A sample of 1,023 social workers from H City, China, was procured using a multistage cluster random sampling approach. The results of the serial mediation analyses show a direct positive effect of spiritual climate on job performance (b = 0.130, p &lt; 0.001) and significant indirect effects through organisational commitment (b = 0.640, p &lt; 0.001) and work engagement (b = 0.516, p &lt; 0.001), underscoring the crucial roles these variables play in mediating spiritual climate’s influence on job performance. Findings reveal a sequential mediating pathway from organisational commitment to work engagement, operating between spiritual climate and job performance. This research clarifies the complex mechanisms linking spiritual climate and job performance, augmenting the limited empirical knowledge within the social work profession. Additionally, it offers practical implications for meeting social workers’ spiritual needs at work.
When annuloplasty is not enough: a case report of ventricular arrhythmias stepwise abolition after mitral valve re-repair
Authors: Azzola Guicciardi Nicolò , Ascione Guido , Alfieri Ottavio , Maisano Francesco , De Bonis Michele 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Some patients affected by mitral valve (MV) prolapse (MVP) are at higher risk of ventricular arrhythmias (VAs), but the underlying pathogenesis, as well as the effects of surgery on VA, remain not fully understood. Mitral valve repair, however, represents a privileged point of view to deepen the understanding of arrhythmogenesis in this context. Hence, we report an interesting case of MV re-repair.

Case summary
A 52-year-old man was referred to our institution for severe mitral regurgitation (MR) due to P2 prolapse in the context of myxomatous MV degeneration. Pre-operative imaging showed systolic mitral annular disjunction, left ventricular (LV) wall curling, Pickelhaube’s sign, and a prolapsing tricuspid valve (TV) with only mild regurgitation. Twenty-four-hour electrocardiogram (ECG) Holter revealed a significant burden of premature ventricular contractions (PVCs), most of them originating from anterior papillary muscle (APM), posterior papillary muscle (PPM), and mitral annulus (MA). Quadrangular resection of P2 and mitral annuloplasty were performed. One year later, relapse of severe MR due to a residual P2M1 prolapse occurred. Twenty-four-hour ECG Holter showed no PVCs from PPM and MA, while those from APM persisted. A central edge-to-edge repair was effectively used to fix the residual prolapse. After 1 year from REDO surgery, a third ECG Holter confirmed the absence of any remaining LV PVCs, but still few ectopic beats originating from TV were recorded.

Discussion
Here, we report a case of VA resolution after specific, anatomical triggers addressing surgical gestures. Our experience confirms that MV surgery may have a role in MVP patients’ arrhythmias correction.
Vaccination Policy, Delayed Care and Health Expenditures
Authors: Aslim Erkmen G , Fu Wei , Liu Chia-Lun , Tekin Erdal 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
This paper evaluates the effect of COVID-19 vaccination on the individual propensity to delay or skip medical care. Our research design exploits the arguably exogenous variation in age-specific vaccine eligibility rollout across states and over time as an instrument for individual vaccination status. We find that receiving a COVID-19 vaccine reduces the likelihood of delaying care for any medical condition by 37%. Furthermore, our analysis reveals that children are significantly less likely to delay or skip healthcare as a result of their parents becoming vaccine eligible, indicating the presence of a positive health spillover within households that extends beyond protection against infection. Our analysis also shows that vaccination reduces concerns about contracting or spreading COVID-19, leading to increased mobility and potentially reducing delays or avoidance in seeking healthcare. Additionally, we find that vaccination notably increased access to elective care and surgeries, but had no significant impact on emergency department admissions, mental health cases or other medical conditions. Our results highlight the important role that vaccines play in, not only protecting against coronavirus, but also safeguarding against the worsening of health due to delayed or foregone medical care. The decline in delayed or foregone care caused by vaccination is particularly strong among minorities and those with a low socioeconomic background, revealing an important role that vaccination efforts can play in narrowing inequities in health and healthcare. In supplementary analysis, we use novel data on debit and credit card spending to demonstrate that increased vaccine uptake has a positive, albeit statistically insignificant, effect on consumer healthcare spending in the short run. Taken together, our findings imply that advancements in vaccine development coupled with a regulatory process that accelerates the availability of vaccines to the public in a safe manner can have the additional benefit of tackling unmet healthcare needs during a public health crisis.
Role of gender in short- and long-term outcomes after surgery for type A aortic dissection: analysis of a multicentre European registry
Authors: Onorati Francesco , Francica Alessandra , Demal Till , Nappi Francesco , Peterss Sven , Buech Joscha , Fiore Antonio , Folliguet Thierry , Perrotti Andrea , Hervé Amélie , Conradi Lenard , Dell’Aquila Angelo M , Rukosujew Andreas , Pinto Angel G , Lega Javier Rodriguez , Pol Marek , Rocek Jan , Kacer Petr , Wisniewski Konrad , Mazzaro Enzo , Vendramin Igor , Piani Daniela , Ferrante Luisa , Rinaldi Mauro , Quintana Eduard , Pruna-Guillen Robert , Gerelli Sebastien , Acharya Metesh , Mariscalco Giovanni , Field Mark , Kuduvalli Manoj , Pettinari Matteo , Rosato Stefano , D’Errigo Paola , Jormalainen Mikko , Mustonen Caius , Mäkikallio Timo , Di Perna Dario , Juvonen Tatu , Gatti Giuseppe , Luciani Giovanni Battista , Biancari Fausto 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Gender difference in the outcome after type A aortic dissection (TAAD) surgery remains an issue of ongoing debate. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the impact of gender on the short- and long-term outcome after surgery for TAAD.

METHODS
A multicentre European registry retrospectively included all consecutive TAAD surgery patients between 2005 and 2021 from 18 hospitals across 8 European countries. Early and late mortality, and cumulative incidence of aortic reoperation were compared between genders.

RESULTS
A total of 3902 patients underwent TAAD surgery, with 1185 (30.4%) being females. After propensity score matching, 766 pairs of males and females were compared. No statistical differences were detected in the early postoperative outcome between genders. Ten-year survival was comparable between genders (47.8% vs 47.1%; log-rank test, P = 0.679), as well as cumulative incidences of distal or proximal aortic reoperations. Ten-year relative survival compared to country-, year-, age- and sex-matched general population was higher among males (0.65) compared to females (0.58). The time-period subanalysis revealed advancements in surgical techniques in both genders over the years. However, an increase in stroke was observed over time for both populations, particularly among females.

CONCLUSIONS
The past 16 years have witnessed marked advancements in surgical techniques for TAAD in both males and females, achieving comparable early and late mortality rates. Despite these findings, late relative survival was still in favour of males.
Methodological and practical guidance for designing and conducting online qualitative surveys in public health
Authors: Thomas Samantha L , Pitt Hannah , McCarthy Simone , Arnot Grace , Hennessy Marita 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Online qualitative surveys—those surveys that prioritise qualitative questions and interpretivist values—have rich potential for researchers, particularly in new or emerging areas of public health. However, there is limited discussion about the practical development and methodological implications of such surveys, particularly for public health researchers. This poses challenges for researchers, funders, ethics committees, and peer reviewers in assessing the rigour and robustness of such research, and in deciding the appropriateness of the method for answering different research questions. Drawing and extending on the work of other researchers, as well as our own experiences of conducting online qualitative surveys with young people and adults, we describe the processes associated with developing and implementing online qualitative surveys and writing up online qualitative survey data. We provide practical examples and lessons learned about question development, the importance of rigorous piloting strategies, use of novel techniques to prompt detailed responses from participants, and decisions that are made about data preparation and interpretation. We consider reviewer comments, and some ethical considerations of this type of qualitative research for both participants and researchers. We provide a range of practical strategies to improve trustworthiness in decision-making and data interpretation—including the importance of using theory. Rigorous online qualitative surveys that are grounded in qualitative interpretivist values offer a range of unique benefits for public health researchers, knowledge users, and research participants.
A systematic scoping review and content analysis of organizational health literacy responsiveness assessment tools
Authors: Chu Teresa Cheng-Chieh , Kelly Rebecca K , Hu Yih-Jin , Elmer Shandell , Nash Rosie 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe characteristics of health literate organizations have been variously described in recognition that it is important for organizations to respond to the diversity of people’s health literacy strengths and challenges. A systematic scoping review was conducted to identify, assess and classify international self-assessment tools aimed at measuring the capability of organizations to embody health literate characteristics. Following the JBI Scoping Manual, a search was conducted in six databases and identified 2693 articles. After screening, 16 studies published between 2007 and 2023 across eight countries were eligible for inclusion. Results were summarized and a finite list of items from existing tools was generated. Content analysis was performed to classify these items. Whilst most assessment tools in the included studies were healthcare-focused, other settings included schools and government departments. The 16 assessment tools included a total of 661 items, and 647 items were retained that met the definition of health literacy responsiveness. Items were classified into six domains (communication; navigation of resources; culture; policies and practice; involvement or engagement and workforce development), with high agreement between two researchers (91.5%). The 647 items were reviewed to exclude items that were too contextually specific, focused solely on service users, were too broad or had suitable alternatives; 210 items were finally retained. This research is two-fold: provides a synthesis of existing organizational health literacy responsiveness assessment tools across settings; and provides a list of items, which will be essential to developing context specific assessment tools through Delphi methods in the future.
Physical preconditioning on biventricular temporary mechanical circulatory support while awaiting heart transplantation
Authors: Stegmann Anna , Yeter Ruhi , Knosalla Christoph , Lanmüller Pia 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Temporary mechanical circulatory support (tMCS) is increasingly used in patients with cardiogenic shock as a bridge to further treatment. We present the case of a 52-year-old female patient with biventricular heart failure who was bridged to heart transplantation employing biventricular tMCS through a non-femoral access. The ‘groin-free’ tMCS concept facilitates pre-habilitation while awaiting heart transplantation.