bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Relationship between patient activation and utilisation of health care and harm reduction services among people who inject drugs in Baltimore, Maryland
Authors: Baker Pieter , Genberg Becky L. , Astemborski Jacquie , Mehta Shruti H. , Kirk Gregory D. , Cepeda Javier 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIntroductionGiven structural barriers, access to services is key for preventing drug‐related harms and managing chronic disease among people who inject drugs (PWID). The Patient Activation Measure (PAM), a validated scale to assess self‐efficacy in navigating one's own health care, was operationalised to improve service utilisation and outcomes but has not been assessed among PWID. We characterised PAM and its association with healthcare and harm reduction utilisation among PWID in the AIDS Linked to IntraVenous Experience cohort in Baltimore.MethodsFrom 2019 to 2020, participants completed surveys on PAM, service utilisation and drug use. We used log‐binomial regression to identify correlates of “Lower” PAM and modelled the association between lower PAM and service utilisation, stratified by recent IDU.ResultsParticipants (n = 351) were primarily male (67%), Black (85%) and 24% reported recent IDU. Lower PAM was significantly more common in those reporting IDU (aPR 1.45; 95% CI 1.03, 2.04), heavy alcohol (aPR 1.77; 95% CI 1.24, 2.51) and marijuana (aPR: 1.70; 95% CI 1.23, 2.36) but less common among women (aPR 0.57; 95% CI 0.38, 0.84) and those living with HIV (APR 0.52; 95% CI 0.35, 0.78). In modelling service utilisation, lower PAM was associated with a lower prevalence of methadone utilisation (aPR 0.27; 95% CI 0.09, 0.84) among those reporting IDU, but a higher prevalence of methadone utilisation (aPR 2.72; 95% CI 1.46, 5.08) among those not reporting IDU, after controlling for correlates of PAM.Discussion and ConclusionPAM‐tailored interventions targeting methadone utilisation warrant consideration but should account for socio‐structural barriers to utilisation and correlates of PAM among PWID.
Efficacy of mitral annular velocity as an alternative marker of left ventricular global longitudinal strain to detect the risk of cancer therapy‐related cardiac disorders
Authors: Ichikawa Naoko , Nishizaki Yuji , Miyazaki Sakiko , Nojima Masahiro , Kataoka Koshi , Kasahara Risa , Takei Junko , Asano Taku , Komiyama Nobuyuki 
Published: July 2024

AbstractPurposeLeft ventricular longitudinal function can be rapidly evaluated by measuring S' and mitral annular plane systolic excursion (MAPSE) using tissue Doppler imaging. Even when the image quality is poor and the left ventricular endocardium is not visible, S' and MAPSE can be measured if the mitral annulus is visible. However, the utility of S' and MAPSE in diagnosing cancer therapy‐related cardiac dysfunction (CTRCD) remains unclear. This study aimed to examine the diagnostic performance of S' and MAPSE and determine appropriate cutoff values.MethodsWe retrospectively enrolled 279 breast cancer patients who underwent pre‐ or postoperative chemotherapy with anthracyclines and trastuzumab from April 2020 to November 2022. We compared echocardiographic data before chemotherapy, 6 months after chemotherapy initiation, and 1 year later. CTRCD was defined as a decrease in left ventricular ejection fraction below 50%, with a decrease of ≥10% from baseline or a relative decrease in left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LVGLS) of ≥15%.ResultsA total of 256 participants were included in this study, with a mean age of 50.2 ± 11 years. Fifty‐six individuals (22%) developed CTRCD within 1 year after starting chemotherapy. The cutoff value for septal S' was 6.85 cm/s (AUC = .81, p < .001; sensitivity 74%; specificity 73%), and for MAPSE was 11.7 mm (AUC = .65, p = .02; sensitivity 79%; specificity 45%). None of the cases with septal S' exceeding 6.85 cm/s had an LVGLS of ≤15%.ConclusionsSeptal S' is a useful indicator for diagnosing CTRCD.Highlights
Septal S' decreased at the same time or earlier than the decrease in LVGLS. The septal S' demonstrated higher diagnostic ability for CTRCD compared to LVGLS.
Multi‐method sampling increases detectability and assessment of spatio‐temporal interactions of mammals and birds in wetland habitats
Authors: Hood Glynnis A. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Freshwater habitats support high levels of biodiversity and provide important habitat for wetland‐dependent taxa; however, impairment of aquatic connectivity through wetland loss, stream alterations and light pollution impacts species persistence and community resilience. Quantifying occupancy of these habitats to assess their use by mammals and birds can be challenging, especially for cryptic species.

This study examines wetland habitat use by mammals and birds, and their spatial and temporal relationships within the Beaver Hills Biosphere in Alberta, Canada. As part of a multi‐method detection approach, camera boxes, cameras on beaver dams, and camera rafts allowed for multivariate analyses to determine temporal and spatial patterns of habitat use and species associations, while field sampling and environmental DNA (eDNA) provided data on site occupancy by a subset of semi‐aquatic mammals.

From ~50,000 images, over 84 species were detected, including 52 species of birds and 25 species of mammals. Several species were spatially associated, and although most species of mammals exhibited temporal overlap, there were distinct differences, especially on beaver dams where predators such as coyotes and white‐tailed deer shared the same space. Temporally, birds were detected most often during the day and mammals at night. During new moon phases, use of beaver dams by beavers decreased dramatically, and use of camera rafts by muskrats increased.

Winter field surveys allowed for a broad overview of wetland occupancy and abundance of some species, particularly by beavers and muskrats, and occasionally winter use by other semi‐aquatic mammals. Where there was limited detection of more cryptic species of semi‐aquatic mammals, eDNA analysis successfully detected American water shrew, American mink, North American river otter and northern bog lemming more often than camera and field methods.

Applying a multi‐method monitoring approach for mammals and birds in wetland habitats is critical at a time when freshwater systems are experiencing dramatic declines in relative abundance of monitored wildlife populations, with many of these species underrepresented in conventional surveys.
Real world management of individuals with severe FXI deficiency and its impact on clinical outcomes: Experience from a haemophilia treatment centre
Authors: Wu S Julia , Cacciola‐Price Nicholas J. , Goldberg Ilene , DeSancho Maria T. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIntroductionThe management of Factor XI deficiency is challenged by a variable association between FXI level and bleeding phenotype. Additionally, there is scarce data describing management strategies and their outcomes, specifically bleeding, thrombosis, and other complications.AimsTo evaluate bleeding, thrombosis, and other complications in individuals with severe FXI deficiency seen in our comprehensive haemophilia treatment centre (HTC). Peri‐procedural management strategies and the resulting impact on bleeding and other clinically relevant outcomes were reported.MethodsRetrospective review of the electronic medical record of adult patients with severe FXI deficiency (< 20% activity) seen at a New York City comprehensive HTC between 2017 and 2022. Procedures, haemostatic management, and outcomes were collected and analysed.ResultsWe identified 38 individuals (64%) females with severe FXI deficiency. The mean age was 56 ± 21 years (SD). The median FXI activity level was 3% (IQR: 1–8%). The mean BAT score was 3.1 ± 2.4; (52%) individuals did not have a history of bleeding. A total of 256 surgeries and procedures were performed. There was reduced bleeding with preventative or reactive treatment during procedures. Arterial but not venous thrombotic complications were observed. Plasma was mostly used for procedures associated with higher risk of bleeding and antifibrinolytics for procedures at sites of high fibrinolysis.ConclusionsCurrent management strategies pose a burden of care for these patients and manifested as nonbleeding adverse events and changes in clinical management. These findings highlight the need for novel investigation in predicting and managing bleeding for individuals with severe FXI deficiency.
Tocilizumab use in giant cell arteritis: comparing Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme eligible and ineligible cases in South Australia
Authors: Robinson Lucinda , Hamden Maddison , Griggs Kim , Simon Sumu , Hill Catherine , Limaye Vidya , Proudman Susanna 
Published: July 2024

AbstractTocilizumab (TCZ) is increasingly used as a steroid‐sparing agent in giant cell arteritis (GCA), but there are strict Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) restrictions for its use in Australia. Patients who do not meet the PBS criteria can obtain TCZ through public hospital individual patient use (IPU) schemes which may not be universally accessible. We compared patients receiving IPU‐approved TCZ with patients receiving PBS‐subsidised TCZ and found IPU approvals were granted mainly for visual loss, a serious complication of GCA, in patients who otherwise failed to meet PBS criteria. Further studies demonstrating that TCZ is comparatively more effective than prednisolone monotherapy, as well as cost‐effective, are needed to substantiate the rationale for expanding PBS approval criteria.
Dealing With a Stressful Extra Duty: The Intrapersonal Conflict Experiences of Nurses Caring for Survivors of Suicide Attempts on Medical–Surgical Wards
Authors: Lyu Xiao‐Chen , Chen Cheng , Lee Li‐Hung , Akkadechanunt Thitinut , Yang Cheng‐I , Tao Xiu‐Bin 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACTNurses are the frontline professionals caring for patients who have attempted suicide. When clinical nurses learn from medical records or nursing handover, or are proactively informed by patients or family members, that the patients they are caring for have suicidal tendencies, they often experience pressure and face challenges. However, little attention has been given to the experiences of the nurses caring for patients with suicidal intent on medical and surgical wards. We aimed to address this knowledge gap. The purpose of this study was to explore medical and surgical nurses' experiences, especially the internal conflicts they might experience while caring for patients who have a history of attempted suicide. A qualitative descriptive design and semi‐structured interviews were used in this study. Twenty‐three nurses were recruited and interviewed individually. Data were analysed by qualitative content analysis. The focus of this paper is to examine the emergent theme of intrapersonal conflict experienced by the participants. Nurses' experiences can be clustered into two themes: (1) Pity and annoyance and (2) Hard work does not necessarily pay off. Intrapersonal conflict was identified by participants as considerable fear and anxiety about the possibility of a patient's suicide, as well as a mixture of pity for and annoyance with the patients. Nurses feel sorry for such patients, but they are also annoyed by the extra work required to prevent suicide attempts in the ward. Additionally, having limited time and ability, they see that their hard work does not necessarily pay off and may sometimes lead to punishment. Our findings raise serious concerns about the adequacy of the knowledge of the nurses, their competence and their difficulties in caring for such patients. In addition, there is a need to provide them with appropriate on‐the‐job education and immediate emotional support relevant to caring for survivors of suicide attempts.
Eco‐friendly glass wet etching for MEMS application: A review
Authors: Choi Kyeonggon , Kim Seung‐Wook , Lee Jae‐Hyoung , Chu Baojin , Jeong Dae‐Yong 
Published: July 2024

AbstractGlass is one of the most essential materials in various industrial fields. A representative application is as interposers in the semiconductor and display industries and microfluidic devices in the bio‐industry. Due to technological advancements, electric devices and various products are becoming lighter and smaller. Consequently, precision processing of the substrate is becoming increasingly important. One significant leading technology among these is through glass via (TGV) technology, which is attracting attention as a future alternative to through silicon via. In particular, TGV should be capable of microfabrication with a large aspect ratio and a consistent small hole size. TGV is typically fabricated using a wet etching process, so wet etching technology is a prominent focus in microfabrication. However, glass has isotropic properties, making achieving a high aspect ratio difficult. Traditionally, research on the wet etching method using hydrofluoric acid (HF) has been conducted. Nevertheless, HF etching has several disadvantages, including air pollution and human harm. Additional studies have been performed to address these issues. This review paper will cover the conventional HF‐based wet etching method and alternative HF etching processes (eco‐friendly materials). This technology would significantly help overcome the traditional problems associated with HF etching and fabricating precision‐processed glass in the semiconductor, display, and bio‐device industries.
The impact of legal representation in Israeli traffic courts: Addressing selection bias and generalizability problems
Authors: Assy Rabeea , Carmel Tomer 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThis study investigates the impact of legal representation on the process and outcomes of legal proceedings, focusing on Israeli traffic courts dealing with simple traffic offenses. It finds that legal representation significantly increased defendants' prospects of obtaining plea bargains and of avoiding demerits points. However, legally represented defendants were also exposed to higher fines compared to self‐represented defendants. Since points are typically the primary concern for defendants, we contend that legal representation improved case outcomes, overall. Considering the simplicity of the process, the minimal legal expertise required, and the low stakes involved, the representation effect was unexpectedly robust. This effect may potentially be even stronger in more complex cases and where the stakes are higher. Unlike previous observational studies, this study reduces the risks associated with selection bias and produces findings that are more credible and potentially generalizable to other contexts.
The effect of teamwork, communication skills, and structural empowerment on the provision of patient‐centered care among nurses in Eswatini: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Dlamini Bonkhe Brian , Park Myonghwa 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAimsTo identify the influence of teamwork, communication skills, and structural empowerment on providing patient‐centered care among nurses in Eswatini.DesignA quantitative, cross‐sectional survey was used.MethodsThis survey conducted in Eswatini selected registered nurses working as full‐time nurses with more than 3 months of working experience using convenience sampling. Different measures were adopted and used to collect data among 130 eligible nurses from February to March 2022. Data were analyzed using Statistical Program for Social Sciences version 26.0.ResultsA total of 123 nurses responded in the study and the mean age was 31.05 years with a standard deviation of 5.49. The overall response rate was 94.6% in this study. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis revealed that teamwork (β = 0.236, p < 0.05) and communication skills (β = 0.328, p < 0.05) were significant predictors of the provision of patient‐centered care among nurses.ConclusionTeam‐building exercises and management interventions to empower nurses should be established to improve the provision of patient‐centered care among nurses. Nurses should be empowered to provide patient‐centered care in health facilities by encouraging them to provide their input in management procedures and planning programs.ImpactClinical practice requires nurses to use effective communication skills and work as a team. Nursing care established on teamwork, respect, empathy, and communication skills allows patients to express their concerns and views in health facilities as they feel involved in care.Patient or public contributionNo patient or public contribution in this paper. This study only involved registered nurses as health professionals.
Growth patterns of facial muscles at the angle of the mouth: A histological study using midterm and near‐term human fetuses
Authors: Takahashi Sakiko , Ishizuka Satoshi , Kitamura Kei , Yang Tianyi , Abe Shin‐ichi , Murakami Gen , Rodríguez‐Vázquez Jose Francisco 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAt the angle of the mouth, spoke‐like muscle bundles converge at the “modiolus,” which is believed to appear in utero. The aim of this study was to investigate the growth of the modiolus histologically. We studied frontal histological sections of the face from 12 midterm and six near‐term fetuses. At midterm, a convergence of the levator anguli oris (LAOM) and depressor anguli oris (DAOM) was frequently present, and another convergence of the LAOM with the platysma (PM) or orbicularis oris (OOM) was also often evident. At near‐term, muscle fiber merging or interdigitation was classified into nine combinations, five of which were frequently seen: LAOM‐PM, LAOM‐DAOM, zygomaticus major (ZMM)‐orbicularis oris (OOM), buccinator (BM)‐LAOM, and BM‐PM. These combinations existed at slightly different depths and/or sites, thus allowing the angle of the mouth to receive multiple muscles. Notably, tissues interposed between the muscle fibers were limited to a thin epimysium at each crossing or interdigitation. Therefore, the LAOM, DAOM, OOM, BM, and PM appear to form a basic configuration at birth, but the development and growth were much delayed than the classical description. The modiolus is not a specific fibromuscular structure but simply represents a cluster of muscle convergence sites. Even at meeting between an elevator and depressor, a specific fibrous structure seems unlikely to connect the epimysium for the muscle convergence. Instead, the central nervous system appears to regulate the activity of related muscles to minimize tension or friction stress at the meeting site.
From identifying patient safety risks to reporting patient complaints: A grounded theory study on patients' hospital experiences
Authors: Gyberg Anna , Brezicka Thomas , Wijk Helle , Ulin Kerstin 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAimTo explore how patients with hospital experience construct patient safety, from the identification of a patient safety risk to the decision to file a complaint.BackgroundPatients play an important role in the prevention of adverse events in hospitals, but the ability of patients to act and influence their own safety is still challenged by multiple factors. Understanding how patients perceive risk and act to prevent harm may shed light on how to enhance patients' opportunities to participate in patient safety.DesignThe research design of this study is qualitative and exploratory.MethodsTwelve participants who had experienced Swedish hospital care were interviewed between June 2022 and July 2023. The method of analysis was constructivist grounded theory, focusing on social processes. The COREQ checklist for qualitative research was followed.ResultsFour categories were constructed: (1) defining the boundary between one's own capacity and that of the hospital, (2) acting to minimize the impact on one's safety, (3) finding oneself in the hands of healthcare professionals and (4) exploring the boundaries between normality and abnormality of the situation. This process was captured in the core category of navigating the path of least suffering. This illustrated how the participants constructed meaning about patient safety risks and showed that they prevented multiple adverse events.ConclusionsProvided that participants were able to act independently, they avoided a multitude of adverse events. When they were dependent on healthcare professionals, their safety became more vulnerable. Failure to respond to the participants' concerns could lead to long‐term suffering.Relevance to Clinical PracticeBy responding immediately to patients' concerns about their safety, healthcare professionals can help prevent avoidable suffering and exhaustive searching for someone in the healthcare system who will take their needs seriously.Patient ContributionA member check was performed with the help of one of the participants who read the findings to confirm familiarity.
Follow‐up clarifications concerning the authors' reply to the ‘look at the elephant!’ comment on ‘prevalence of temporomandibular disorders in adult obstructive sleep apnoea patients: A cross‐sectional controlled study’
Authors: Bernkopf Edoardo , Nardone Massimiliano , Capriotti Vincenzo 
Published: July 2024

AbstractOSAS and TMDs represent multifactorial nosologic entities, whose central, functional and psycho‐social aspects are gaining growing attention within the scientific community. In our previous commentary, we wanted to point out that structural aspects should not be forgotten in a clinical and research context. The inherent complexity of the matter could make it difficult to quantify the exact contribution of every single factor. The multifaceted nature of OSAS and TMDs pathophysiology could sustain several phenotypes in both conditions, and the anatomic parameters may assume different weights according to each phenotype, possibly justifying literature discrepancies. Thus, a patient with a co‐existing OSAS and TMD (umbrella terms per se, each of them including different pathophysiological and clinical characteristics) represents an even greater challenge to researchers and practitioners. The scientific and therapeutic community should keep on looking for evidence to offer the best possible answers to such daring questions, in the most collaborative and fruitful way.