bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Outcomes of peritoneal dialysis in cirrhosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Mekraksakit Poemlarp , Suppadungsuk Supawadee , Thongprayoon Charat , Miao Jing , Leelaviwat Natnicha , Thongpiya Jerapas , Qureshi Fawad , Craici Iasmina M , Cheungpasitporn Wisit 
Published: May 2024

Background: Cirrhosis and end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) are significant global health concerns, contributing to high mortality and morbidity. Haemodialysis (HD) is frequently used to treat ESKD in patients with cirrhosis. However, it often presents challenges such as haemodynamic instability during dialysis sessions, leading to less than optimal outcomes. Peritoneal dialysis (PD), while less commonly used in cirrhotic patients, raises concerns about the risks of peritonitis and mortality. Our systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess outcomes in PD patients with cirrhosis. Methods: We executed a comprehensive search in Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane databases up to 25 September 2023. The search focused on identifying studies examining mortality and other clinical outcomes in ESKD patients with cirrhosis receiving PD or HD. In addition, we sought studies comparing PD outcomes in cirrhosis patients to those without cirrhosis. Data from each study were aggregated using a random-effects model and the inverse-variance method. Results: Our meta-analysis included a total of 13 studies with 15,089 patients. Seven studies compared ESKD patients on PD with liver cirrhosis (2753 patients) against non-cirrhosis patients (9579 patients). The other six studies provided data on PD (824 patients) versus HD (1943 patients) in patients with cirrhosis and ESKD. The analysis revealed no significant difference in mortality between PD and HD in ESKD patients with cirrhosis (pooled odds ratio (OR) of 0.77; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.53–1.14). In PD patients with cirrhosis, the pooled OR for peritonitis compared to non-cirrhosis patients was 1.10 (95% CI: 1.03–1.18). The pooled ORs for hernia and chronic hypotension in cirrhosis patients compared to non-cirrhosis controls were 2.48 (95% CI: 0.08–73.04) and 17.50 (95% CI: 1.90–161.11), respectively. The pooled OR for transitioning from PD to HD among cirrhotic patients was 1.71 (95% CI: 0.76–3.85). Mortality in cirrhosis patients on PD was comparable to non-cirrhosis controls, with a pooled OR of 1.05 (95% CI: 0.53–2.10). Conclusions: Our meta-analysis demonstrates that PD provides comparable mortality outcomes to HD in ESKD patients with cirrhosis. In addition, the presence of cirrhosis does not significantly elevate the risk of mortality among patients undergoing PD. While there is a higher incidence of chronic hypotension and a slightly increased risk of peritonitis in cirrhosis patients on PD compared to those without cirrhosis, the risks of hernia and the need to transition from PD to HD are comparable between both groups. These findings suggest PD as a viable and effective treatment option for ESKD patients with cirrhosis.
Exploring patient and staff member views on a ‘consent for contact’ system for sexual health research: A mixed methods study
Authors: Hudda Aliza , Bird Emily , Holmes Daisy , Khoury Emma G , Massias Joseph , Woods Hannah , Obasi Angela , Clarke Emily 
Published: May 2024

Background Recruitment in sexual health research is challenging. This study explores the potential of a Consent for Contact system (C4C) - generic consent for research contact - to improve participant recruitment and engagement in sexual health research. Our objectives were to understand patient and staff understanding of research, their views on a separate C4C system, and their preferences for its acceptability in a sexual health clinic setting. Methods A two-stage study was conducted at a large urban UK sexual health clinic from November 2021 to July 2022. Stage one involved a self-completed questionnaire administered to all patients and staff. In Stage 2, semi-structured interviews (SSIs) further explored patient concerns and preferences. Survey data were analysed using chi-square and Fisher’s exact test and thematic analysis was applied to free-text responses and SSIs. Results A total of 205/300 patient (68%) and 41/280 staff questionnaires (15%) were completed. Motivations for research participation included altruism and personal interest. Statistically significant differences were found between patients’ and staff members’ concerns on confidentiality and anticipated feeling of pressure to participate. The majority of staff ( n = 38, 93%) and half of patients ( n = 100, 49%) supported implementation of a sexual health C4C system. Participants recognised the potential benefits of a sexual health C4C system, including enhanced privacy and increased research opportunities. Concerns were raised about stigma, terminology, and signing-up methods. Conclusion This study found the C4C system has the potential to enhance participant recruitment and engagement in sexual health research, but implementation support is narrowly divided with concerns around privacy and sign-up processes. These insights call for a patient-centred design approach, emphasising clear communication and privacy. Future research should focus on implementing and evaluating a sexual health C4C system to further explore their effectiveness and acceptability in different contexts.
Exploring Digital-based Therapies for Adolescents with Substance Use Disorders: A Brief Literature Review
Authors: Jo Youngsuhk , Edwards Nazaree , Shah Rishubh , Vas Sarah 
Published: May 2024

The wide prevalence of substance use among adolescents has become a rising public health concern, demanding innovative approaches for effective intervention and support. Traditional therapeutic methods, such as individual counseling and group therapy, have demonstrated efficacy in addressing substance use issues. However, their reach and impact often fall short due to various barriers, including limited availability of specialized treatment providers, logistical challenges, and stigma associated with seeking help. The objective of this review was to explore the utility of digital-based therapies in the treatment of substance use disorders in adolescent populations. A review of the literature comparing digital-based psychological interventions for youth with substance use disor- ders compared to traditional therapy modalities was conducted using a set of search terms across established medical databases (EMBASE, PSYCINFO, PUBMED). Therapies for specific use disorders that were successful and even superior to in-person intervention were identified. It was seen that digital therapies do not replace traditional therapies and treatments. However, with their wide scope, digital therapies can complement existing treatments to promote accountability and the development of recovery focused life skills. It can be concluded that the emergence of digital therapies demonstrates potential in the treatment of substance use. Multiple challenges and barriers exist, including funding, privacy, ownership of the data. However, due to the nature of addictive disorders, digital therapies might be most effective when required and monitored by the treating entities.
Healthcare Waste Management Practices and Its Associated Factors Among Healthcare Workers in Health Facilities in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Atalay Yibeltal Assefa , Gelaw Kelemu Abebe 
Published: May 2024

Introduction: Waste Management Practices have garnered growing interest in hospitals, research facilities, and laboratories over the past few years. However, there seems to be noticeable absence of a comprehensive understanding regarding research on waste management practices in health facilities among healthcare workers. Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with healthcare waste management practices among healthcare workers in Ethiopia. Methods: The search was performed by using the Web of Science (WoS) database, PubMed, and the Cochrane Library. To assess the presence of publication bias, by using funnel plots, contour-enhanced funnel plots, trim and fill analysis, and Begg and Egger regression test. A significance level of P ⩽ .05 was used to indicate potential publication bias. Heterogeneity between studies was assessed using the I2 statistics. Results: From retrieved original studies, 15 studies were included in the meta-analysis with a total of n = 5260 healthcare workers. The pooled prevalence of waste management practices in Ethiopia was 52.86% (95% CI = 51.57, 54.15), with significant heterogeneity observed between studies ( I2 = 97.0%; P ⩽ .001). Sub-group analysis based on regional distribution in Ethiopia revealed that the highest prevalence of waste management practices was observed in Southern Nation and Nationalities and People’s Region with 61.9% (95% CI = 52.953, 64.449). Conclusions: This systematic review and meta-analysis revealed that the pooled prevalence of waste management practices among healthcare workers in Ethiopia was notably low. Training and the presence of guidelines were significantly associated with waste management practices. The healthcare facilities have improved access to and availability of policies related to waste management and the Ministry of Health promotes their use through various means, including training for healthcare professionals.
‘Building our own house’ as an insider-only Community-Partnered Participatory Research Council: Co-creating a safe space for Autistic knowledge production
Authors: Williams Gemma L , Ellis Rebecca , Holloway Willow , Caemawr Selena , Craine Monique , Williams Kathryn , Grant Aimee 
Published: May 2024

This article describes and reflects on the first six meetings of a newly established Autistic community council, founded to steer a participatory, longitudinal qualitative study investigating the reproductive health of Autistic people with wombs. The two key aims of these initial six meetings – involving four Autistic community leader members and three Autistic researchers – was to (1) guide the start of the project and the development of accessible recruitment materials for the future eight lay members and (2) establish a safe space and a model of accessible communication. We draw on extracts from transcripts made during meetings, member ‘field’ notes and a reflexive co-writing practice to identify the ways in which a sense of safety was built during these first community council meetings. We explore what it means to be an insider-only Community Partnered Participatory Research Council and reflect on the praxis we developed to facilitate Autistic knowledge production. Lay Abstract In recent years, there has been a growing call for participatory Autism research (i.e. research that meaningfully involves Autistic people in its design and delivery). Community Partnered Participatory Research is a research methodology that aims to share power between researchers and members of the researched community. There is some precedent for Community Partnered Participatory Research in Autism research, but it is still quite uncommon. At the start of our new research study (called Autism: From Menstruation to Menopause), we created a community council. For the first six meetings, our council was made up of four Autistic community members who were experienced in Autism advocacy and activism and three Autistic researchers. We seven are the authors of this article. In these first six meetings, we made plans for recruiting a larger number of lay community members who would join us later for the rest of the project (8 years in total). In this article, we describe and reflect what it felt like during these first six meetings to be part of a community research council where everybody is Autistic. We discuss how we co-created a safe space, how we helped each other feel valued and how we worked together to support each other’s sometimes-differing access needs so that everyone could fully participate. We provide recommendations for how to support Autistic people to lead research on their own terms with their unique insights.
Canonical babbling trajectories across the first year of life in autism and typical development
Authors: Long Helen L. , Ramsay Gordon , Bene Edina R. , Su Pumpki Lei , Yoo Hyunjoo , Klaiman Cheryl , Pulver Stormi L , Richardson Shana , Pileggi Moira L. , Brane Natalie , Oller D. Kimbrough 
Published: May 2024

This study explores vocal development as an early marker of autism, focusing on canonical babbling rate and onset, typically established by 7 months. Previous reports suggested delayed or reduced canonical babbling in infants later diagnosed with autism, but the story may be complicated. We present a prospective study on 44 infants later diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder compared with 127 infants later identified as typically developing who were followed longitudinally with day-long recordings from 0 to 13 months. Eight 5-min segments from each of their recordings were coded for canonical and noncanonical syllables. The results confirmed many reports that canonical babbling is a robust feature of human vocal development in the first year of life, with small overall mean differences in canonical babbling rates between the autism spectrum disorder and typically developing groups beginning around 9 months, primarily in males. Our findings highlight the importance of considering sex differences in vocal communication as part of the early detection and diagnosis of autism when determining the need for communication supports to maximize outcomes. Lay Abstract Our study examined how babies develop their ability to talk to help identify early signs of autism. We looked at babies’ production of babbling with mature syllables across the first year of life. Babies usually start producing mature babbling at 7 months of age before they say their first words. Some studies have suggested that babies who are later diagnosed with autism produce this kind of babbling less frequently in their first year of life, but other studies have shown complicated outcomes. In this new study, we followed 44 autistic babies and compared them to 127 typically developing babies. We recorded the babies once every month, all day long, from the time that they were born until they were around 13 months old. Then, we studied their mature babbling from segments of these recordings. We found that the rate at which babies used mature babbling was lower in boys with autism, and higher in girls with autism, compared to babies without autism. This research helps us understand how babies with autism learn to talk. It also raises important questions about differences between boys and girls with autism. Our study can help us improve how scientists and clinicians can identify autism earlier, which could lead to better communication supports for autistic children and their families.
Efficacy Analysis of Bortezomib Combined with Lenalidomide in Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma with 1q21 Gain/Amp
Authors: Zhou Qiaolin , Wen Jingjing , Xu Fang , Yue Jing , Zhang Ya , Su Jing , Liu Yiping 
Published: May 2024

Objective 1q21 gain/Amp is one of the most common cytogenetic abnormalities. There are controversies about its effects on prognosis and may be associated with inferior outcomes in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM). To explore the optimal induction treatment, we analyzed and compared the efficacy of combinations of bortezomib-lenalidomide-dexamethasone (VRD) and only bortezomib-based triplet regimens without lenalidomide (only bortezomib-based) as induction therapy in patients with NDMM with 1q21 gain/Amp. Methods Seventy-six NDMM patients with 1q21 gain/Amp who were admitted to our center from 2016 to 2022 were retrospectively analyzed in this study. The progression and efficacy of the patients were observed. Results Within our study group, the overall survival rate stood at 75.0%, and the progression-free survival (PFS) rate reached 40.8% in NDMM patients with 1q21 gain/Amp. The best outcome assessment was that 17.1% achieved complete response (CR) and 44.7% achieved very good partial response (VGPR). Patients in the VRD group had a deeper response (VGPR: 63.6% vs 37.0%, P = 0.034), lower disease progression rate (31.8% vs 70.3%, P = 0.002), longer sustained remission (median 49.7 months vs 18.3 months, P = 0.030), and longer PFS (median 61.9 months vs 22.9 months, P = 0.032) than those treated with only bortezomib-based induction therapy. No significant differences were found among patients with partial response or better (86.4% vs 77.8%, P = 0.532) or CR (27.3% vs 13.0%, P = 0.180). Multivariate analysis showed that only bortezomib-based induction therapy ( P = 0.003, HR 0.246, 95% CI 0.097-0.620), International Staging System stage III ( P = 0.003, HR 3.844, 95% CI 1.588-9.308) and LMR <3.6 ( P = 0.032, HR 0.491, 95% CI 0.257-0.940) were significantly associated with adverse PFS. Conclusions When compared with the sequential administration of bortezomib and lenalidomide or only bortezomib-based protocols, NDMM patients with 1q21 gain/Amp may benefit more from VRD as initial treatments.
Exploring Guolin Qigong (Mind-Body Exercise) for Improving Cancer Related Fatigue in Cancer Survivors: A Mixed Method Randomized Controlled Trial Protocol
Authors: Low Sara L. K. , Ho Gwo Fuang , Liu Bingkai , Koh Eng-Siew , Fei Yutong , Teo Chiah Shean , Zhu Xiaoshu 
Published: May 2024

Background: Cancer-related fatigue and its associated symptoms of sleep disorder and depression are prevalent in cancer survivors especially among breast, lung, and colorectal cancer survivors. While there is no gold standard for treating cancer-related fatigue currently, studies of mind-body exercises such as Qigong have reported promise in reducing symptoms. This study was designed to evaluate the feasibility and effect of Guolin Qigong on cancer-related fatigue and other symptoms in breast, lung and colorectal cancer survivors while exploring their perceptions and experiences of Guolin Qigong intervention. Methods: This is an open-label randomized controlled trial with 60 participants divided into 2 study groups in a 1:1 ratio. The intervention group will receive 12 weeks of Guolin Qigong intervention with a 4-week follow-up while control will receive usual care under waitlist. The primary outcome will be feasibility measured based on recruitment and retention rates, class attendance, home practice adherence, nature, and quantum of missing data as well as safety. The secondary subjective outcomes of fatigue, sleep quality and depression will be measured at Week-1 (baseline), Week-6 (mid-intervention), Week-12 (post-intervention), and Week-16 (4 weeks post-intervention) while an objective 24-hour urine cortisol will be measured at Week-1 (baseline) and Week-12 (post-intervention). We will conduct a semi-structured interview individually with participants within 3 months after Week-16 (4 weeks post-intervention) to obtain a more comprehensive view of practice adherence. Discussion: This is the first mixed-method study to investigate the feasibility and effect of Guolin Qigong on breast, lung, and colorectal cancer survivors to provide a comprehensive understanding of Guolin Qigong’s intervention impact and participants’ perspectives. The interdisciplinary collaboration between Western Medicine and Chinese Medicine expertise of this study ensures robust study design, enhanced participant care, rigorous data analysis, and meaningful interpretation of results. This innovative research contributes to the field of oncology and may guide future evidence-based mind-body interventions to improve cancer survivorship. Trial registration: This study has been registered with ANZCTR (ACTRN12622000688785p), was approved by Medical Research Ethic Committee of University Malaya Medical Centre (MREC ID NO: 2022323-11092) and recognized by Western Sydney University Human Research Ethics Committee (RH15124).
Prognostic value of serum oncomarkers for patients hospitalized with acute exacerbation of interstitial lung disease
Authors: Ba Cuirong , Jiang Chunguo , Wang Huijuan , Shi Xuhua , Jin Jiawei , Fang Qiuhong 
Published: May 2024

Background: Different types of inflammatory processes and fibrosis have been implicated in the pathogenesis of interstitial lung disease (ILD), a heterogeneous, diffuse, parenchymal lung disease. Acute exacerbation (AE) of ILD is characterized by significant respiratory deterioration and is associated with high mortality rates. Several serum oncomarkers have been used to determine the prognosis of ILD; however, the prognostic value of serum oncomarker levels in patients with AE-ILD remains unclear. Objective: To evaluate the prognostic value of serum oncomarker levels in patients with AE-ILD and its main subtypes. Design: Retrospective study Methods: The serum levels of 8 oncomarkers in 281 patients hospitalized with AE-ILD at our institution between 2017 and 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. The baseline characteristics and serum oncomarker levels were compared between the survival and non-survival groups of AE-ILD and its main subtypes. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent prognosis-related markers, and the best prognostic predictor was analyzed using receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis. Result: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF; n = 65), idiopathic nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (iNSIP; n = 26), and connective tissue disease-associated interstitial lung disease (CTD-ILD; n = 161) were the three main subtypes of ILD. The in-hospital mortality rate among patients with AE-ILD was 21%. The serum oncomarker levels of most patients with AE-ILD and its main subtypes in the non-survival group were higher than those in the survival group. Multivariate analysis revealed that ferritin and cytokeratin 19 fragments (CYFRA21-1) were independent prognostic risk factors for patients hospitalized with AE-ILD or AE-CTD-ILD. CYFRA21-1 was identified as an independent prognostic risk factor for patients hospitalized with AE-IPF or AE-iNSIP. Conclusion: CYFRA21-1 may be a viable biomarker for predicting the prognosis of patients with AE-ILD, regardless of the underlying subtype of ILD. Ferritin has a prognostic value in patients with AE-ILD or AE-CTD-ILD.
Mapping research on LGBT+ persons’ health: a bibliometric analysis
Authors: Lo Moro G , Brescia V , Scaioli G , De Angelis A , Siliquini R , Bert F 
Published: May 2024

Aims: Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and other people (LGBT+) individuals may have a greater risk of experiencing mental and physical health issues. In the past years, the predominant theme of research was HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). This study aimed to explore the most recent patterns in medical research concerning LGBT+ persons. Methods: A bibliometric analysis using Biblioshiny was conducted. Based on previous studies, years of observation ranged between 2008 and 2021. Web of Science Core Collection was used. Results: A total of 31,039 articles were selected. Top journals centered around HIV/AIDS and STIs ( n = 6), followed by sexual behaviors/sexuality ( n = 2) and LGBT+ health ( n = 2). The US led in research output ( n = 16,249). Papers were categorized into three main clusters (which showed different evolution across time): one addressing HIV/AIDS, STIs, and sexual behaviors, another focusing on mental health, discrimination, and stigma, and a third, smaller cluster examining transgender, intersex, and gender-diverse health. Conclusions: This article highlighted a growth in LGBT+ health research, uncovering research disparities among countries. While HIV/AIDS and STIs still dominated, a crucial theme concerning mental health, discrimination, and stigma has been rising. Declining interest in gender-diverse health, and disparities in research attention to different LGBT+ subgroups, underscored the need for more comprehensive and inclusive research to address complex health disparities.