bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Discrimination of the Veterans Aging Cohort Study Index 2.0 for Predicting Cause-specific Mortality Among Persons With HIV in Europe and North America
Authors: Ambia Julie , Ingle Suzanne M , McGinnis Kathleen , Pantazis Nikos , Silverberg Michael J , Wittkop Linda , Kusejko Katharina , Crane Heidi , van Sighem Ard , Sarcletti Mario , Cozzi-Lepri Alessandro , Domingo Pere , Jarrin Inma , Wyen Christoph , Hessamfar Mojgan , Zhang Lei , Cavassini Matthias , Berenguer Juan , Sterling Timothy R , Reiss Peter , Abgrall Sophie , Gill M John , Justice Amy , Sterne Jonathan A C , Trickey Adam 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Predicting cause-specific mortality among people with HIV (PWH) could facilitate targeted care to improve survival. We assessed discrimination of the Veterans Aging Cohort Study (VACS) Index 2.0 in predicting cause-specific mortality among PWH on antiretroviral therapy (ART).

Methods
Using Antiretroviral Therapy Cohort Collaboration data for PWH who initiated ART between 2000 and 2018, VACS Index 2.0 scores (higher scores indicate worse prognosis) were calculated around a randomly selected visit date at least 1 year after ART initiation. Missingness in VACS Index 2.0 variables was addressed through multiple imputation. Cox models estimated associations between VACS Index 2.0 and causes of death, with discrimination evaluated using Harrell's C-statistic. Absolute mortality risk was modelled using flexible parametric survival models.

Results
Of 59 741 PWH (mean age: 43 years; 80% male), the mean VACS Index 2.0 at baseline was 41 (range: 0–129). For 2425 deaths over 168 162 person-years follow-up (median: 2.6 years/person), AIDS (n = 455) and non–AIDS-defining cancers (n = 452) were the most common causes. Predicted 5-year mortality for PWH with a mean VACS Index 2.0 score of 38 at baseline was 1% and approximately doubled for every 10-unit increase. The 5-year all-cause mortality C-statistic was .83. Discrimination with the VACS Index 2.0 was highest for deaths resulting from AIDS (0.91), liver-related (0.91), respiratory-related (0.89), non-AIDS infections (0.87), and non–AIDS-defining cancers (0.83), and lowest for suicides/accidental deaths (0.65).

Conclusions
For deaths among PWH, discrimination with the VACS Index 2.0 was highest for deaths with measurable physiological causes and was lowest for suicide/accidental deaths.
Household Transmission of Tinea Infections: Analysis of a Large Commercial Health Insurance Claims Database, United States, 2021
Authors: Benedict Kaitlin , Lipner Shari R , Caplan Avrom S , Gold Jeremy A W 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Among 207 914 multimember households with a tinea case, a secondary case was diagnosed in another household member in 8.5%. Excluding same-day diagnoses (20%), the median time from index case to first secondary case was 138 days. To prevent household tinea transmission, appropriate treatment and strategies to reduce environmental contamination are needed.
Impact of Catheter-Drawn Blood Cultures on Patient Management: A Multicenter, Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Wales Rebecca , McCormick Winston , Matteo Andrés Blanco-Di , Del Pozo José L , Has Phinnara , Mermel Leonard A 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Nosocomial bloodstream infections associated with intravascular catheters pose significant financial burden, morbidity, and mortality. There is much debate about whether or not blood cultures should be drawn through central venous catheters, and while guidelines advocate for catheter-drawn cultures when catheter infection is suspected, there is variable practice in this regard.

Methods
We performed a retrospective cohort study assessing episodes of positive catheter-drawn blood cultures with concomitant negative percutaneously-drawn cultures in tertiary care hospitals in the United States and Spain.

Results
We identified 143 episodes in 122 patients meeting inclusion criteria. Thirty percent of such episodes revealed growth of potential pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus. Overall, 21% of follow-up percutaneously-drawn blood cultures obtained within 48 hours revealed growth of the same microbe after an episode of positive catheter-drawn blood cultures with negative concomitant percutaneously-drawn cultures (33% when potential pathogens were isolated; 16% when common skin contaminants were isolated). Patients with cultures growing pathogenic organisms were more likely to receive targeted antimicrobial therapy and have their catheters removed sooner.

Conclusions
Many episodes of positive catheter-drawn blood cultures with concomitant negative percutaneously-drawn cultures lead to growth from percutaneously-drawn follow-up blood cultures. Thus, such initial discordant results should not be disregarded. Our findings advocate for a nuanced approach to blood culture interpretation, emphasizing the value of catheter-drawn blood cultures in clinical decision making and management.
When do trademarks improve the measurement of innovation? An analysis of innovations from Dutch SMEs
Authors: Morales Pablo , Flikkema Meindert , Castaldi Carolina , de Man Ard-Pieter 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Effective innovation policymaking critically relies on monitoring innovation. An emerging literature suggests that trademarks could help measure a larger share of innovations than when only utilizing patents, particularly for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This study establishes when trademarks improve the measurement of innovation compared to solely relying on patents as innovation metrics, by examining the propensity to use trademarks for non-patented innovations from SMEs. We collected multiple original samples of innovations from Dutch SMEs and assessed the extent to which trademarks and/or patents were filed for those innovations. Our results show that trademarks can improve innovation measurement for SMEs, particularly in scale-intensive and supplier-dominated industries and in some service industries—areas where patent propensities are low. Our results bear implications for monitoring innovation and evaluating science, research, and innovation policy. Overall, by combining trademark and patent data, the number of measured innovations by SMEs increases approximately by a relative of 51.8 per cent.
Enhancing care: evaluating the impact of True North Sexual Health and Rehabilitation eTraining for healthcare providers working with prostate cancer patients and partners
Authors: Matthew Andrew G , McLeod Deborah , Robinson John W , Walker Lauren , Wassersug Richard J , Elliott Stacy , Guirguis Steven , Incze Taylor , Trachtenberg Lianne 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Educational programs that enhance healthcare providers’ competence in managing the care of patients with sexual dysfunction following prostate cancer treatments are needed to facilitate comprehensive sexual health treatments for patients and their partners.

Aim
In this study we evaluated the impact of a real-world online sexual health educational intervention called the True North Sexual Health and Rehabilitation eTraining Program. This program is designed to increase healthcare providers’ knowledge and self-efficacy in providing sexual healthcare to prostate cancer patients and their partners.

Methods
Healthcare providers were invited to join a 12-week virtual training program. Participants completed precourse surveys (n = 89), retrospective prepost surveys (n = 58), and a 3-month follow-up survey (subset n = 18) to assess retention of relevant outcomes. Additionally, a course satisfaction survey was administered to participants (n = 57) at the end of the course.

Outcomes
The main outcomes focused on participants’ perceived knowledge and self-efficacy in conducting assessments and providing interventions for various relevant physical, functional, psychological, and relational domains of sexual dysfunction in prostate cancer patients and their partners.

Results
According to the retrospective analysis of post-then-pre–survey results, graduates perceived that their knowledge of and self-efficacy in providing sexual health counseling improved after completing the course. The 3-month follow-up survey indicated that the course graduate self-efficacy remained high 3 months after the course. Furthermore, the satisfaction survey indicated that a vast majority (98.2%) of participants were satisfied with the educational intervention.

Clinical Implications
This real-world sexual health educational intervention can increase self-efficacy and knowledge in healthcare providers who are supporting prostate cancer patients dealing with sexual dysfunction.

Strengths and Limitations
The use of a retrospective post-then-pre–survey helped to mitigate response shift bias while minimizing data gaps. However, it is important to note that this investigation was not a traditional research study and lacked a control group, thus limiting causal attributions.

Conclusion
The True North Sexual Health and Rehabilitation eTraining program acts as an accessible and effective resource for healthcare providers seeking specialized training in providing sexual healthcare for prostate cancer patients and their partners.
Oral appliance therapy and hypoglossal nerve stimulation as non-positive airway pressure treatment alternatives for obstructive sleep apnea: a narrative expert review
Authors: Parthasarathy Sairam , Ayas Najib T , Bogan Richard , Hwang Dennis , Kushida Clete , Lown Jonathan S , Ojile Joseph M , Patel Imran , Prasad Bharati , Rapoport David M , Strollo Patrick , Vanderveken Oliver M , Viviano John 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
This perspective on alternatives to positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) summarizes the proceedings of a focus group that was conducted by the Sleep Research Society Foundation. This perspective is from a multidisciplinary panel of experts from sleep medicine, dental sleep medicine, and otolaryngology that aims to identify the current role of oral appliance therapy and hypoglossal nerve stimulation for the treatment of OSA with emphasis on the US practice arena. A secondary aim is to identify—from an implementation science standpoint—the various barriers and facilitators for adoption of non-PAP treatment that includes access to care, multidisciplinary expertise, reimbursement, regulatory aspects, current treatment guidelines, health policies, and other factors related to the delivery of care. The panel has contextualized the review with recent events—such as a large-scale PAP device recall compounded by supply chain woes of the pandemic—and emerging science in the field of OSA and offers solutions for multidisciplinary approaches while identifying knowledge gaps and future research opportunities.
Collusion and Violence in Underground Drug Markets
Authors: Stitt Mary Ellen , Sobering Katherine , Auyero Javier 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Poor urban neighborhoods throughout the Americas are marked by high rates of interpersonal violence, much of which is associated with the underground drug trade. Scholars have examined the social dynamics that produce and shape violence among neighborhood residents and the state agents who police them. But less is known about the clandestine collaborations between residents and agents of the state and how those collaborations might contribute to violence. This study draws on ethnographic fieldwork and an original legal archive to analyze the links between police collusion with drug market groups and interpersonal violence. We find that 1) police provide their collaborators with powerful weapons and ammunition; 2) state agents become involved and help escalate violent territorial disputes between underground market groups; and 3) violence erupts between state agents colluding with civilian dealers and those attempting to disrupt the drug trade. These findings shed new light on the social and organizational factors shaping patterns of violence in poor neighborhoods, illuminating the ways that state agents contribute to that violence. In doing so, the findings advance our understanding of policing, drug markets, and the role of the state in shaping the everyday lives of the urban poor.
Toxin for Treating Raynaud Conditions in Hands (The TORCH Study): A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Geary Ellen , Wormald Justin C.R. , Cronin Kevin J. , Giele Henk P. , Durcan Laura , Kennedy Oran , O’Brien Fergal , Dolan Roisin T. 
Published: June 2024

Background:
Raynaud disease of the hands is a complex disorder resulting in inappropriate constriction and/or insufficient dilation in microcirculation. There is an emerging role for botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) in the treatment armamentarium for refractory Raynaud disease. The aim of this systematic review was to critically evaluate the management of primary and secondary Raynaud disease treated with BTX-A intervention.

Methods:
We performed a Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses-compliant systematic review of clinical studies assessing treatment of primary or secondary Raynaud disease with BTX-A by searching Ovid MEDLINE and Embase databases from inception to first August 2023. The review protocol was prospectively registered on the PROSPERO database (CRD42022312253).

Results:
Our search strategy identified 288 research articles, of which 18 studies [four randomized controlled trials (RCTs), two non-RCTs, five case series, and seven retrospective cohort studies] were eligible for analysis. Meta-analysis demonstrated that the probability of pain visual analog scale score improvement with BTX-A intervention was 81.95% [95% confidence interval (74.12–87.81) P = 0.19, heterogeneity I
2 = 26%] and probability of digital ulcer healing was 79.37% [95% confidence interval (62.45–89.9) P = 0.02, heterogeneity I
2 = 56%].

Conclusions:
Delivery of BTX-A to digital vessels in the hand may be an effective management strategy for primary and secondary Raynaud disease. A definitive, appropriately-powered RCT with objective functional and patient-reported outcome measures is required to accurately assess and quantify the efficacy of BTX-A in Raynaud disease of the hands.
Prepectoral Breast Reconstruction with Prosthesis and Acellular Dermal Matrix: A New Technique of ADM Implantation and Fixation
Authors: Tettamanzi Matilde , Arrica Giovanni , Ziani Federico , Manconi Anna , Beatrici Edoardo , Trignano Claudia , Rubino Corrado , Trignano Emilio 
Published: June 2024

Background:
Direct-to-implant (DTI) immediate breast reconstruction has proven to be an oncologically safe technique and linked to better overall results. The introduction of new surgical techniques has prompted us to develop an acellular dermal matrix fixation technique that reduces the rate of complications and implant loss.

Methods:
We retrospectively analyzed data from patients who underwent DTI prepectoral breast reconstruction with two different techniques of acellular dermal matrix fixation to the chest wall. Descriptive statistics were reported using frequencies and percentages for categorical variables, and means and SDs for continuous variables. Pearson chi-square test was used to compare differences in categorical variables. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were fitted to investigate the predictors of complications.

Results:
From October 2019 to March 2023, 90 DTI breast reconstructions were performed, 43 using the standard technique and 47 using the new technique. The new technique demonstrated a significant reduction of major complications (P = 0.010), namely seroma (13.9% versus 2.3%), skin necrosis (9.3% versus 2.3%), implant loss (7% versus 0%), wound dehiscence (9.3% versus 0%), and infection (4.7% versus 0%). Compared with the standard technique, the new one reduced the risk of complications by 76% (OR 0.24; 95% confidence interval 0.09–0.68; P = 0.007) and 73% (aOR 0.27; 95% confidence interval 0.08–0.92; P = 0.037), at univariable and multivariable regression models. No other significant predictor of complications was identified.

Conclusions:
The procedure performed with the proposed modality proved to be advantageous. Careful fixation of the prosthetic implant and the placement of two drains, were the keys to a drastic reduction in complications.
The State of Surgical Research in Sub-Saharan Africa: An Urgent Call for Surgical Research Trainers
Authors: Nthumba Peter M. , Odhiambo Moses , Pusic Andrea , Kamau Stephen , Rohde Christine , Onyango Onesmus , Gosman Amanda , Vyas Raj , Nthumba Michelle N. 
Published: June 2024

Background:
Surgery in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is poorly developed because of years of neglect. Sustained research on global surgery led to its recognition as an indivisible and indispensable part of primary healthcare in 2015. However, this has had little visible effect on surgical ecosystems within LMICs, especially in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). SSA surgical research systems strengthening, which includes skills transfer, with local priority setting driving the research agenda, is needed to propel global surgery into the future.

Methods:
The authors performed a literature review of the state of surgical research within SSA and also report the initial efforts of two research training nonprofits to empower young African surgeons with research skills.

Results:
Surgical research in SSA is disadvantaged even before it is birthed, facing monumental challenges at every stage of development, from research agenda determination to funding, study execution, and publication. Compared with a global output of 17.49 publications per 100,000 population, SSA produces 0.9 (P < 0.0001). The Surgeons in Humanitarian Alliance for Reconstructive, Research, and Education and Enabling Africa Clinical Health Research programs are involved in the longitudinal research mentorship of surgical residents within SSA; the improved quality of research and successful publications by participants suggest nascent steps in growing young surgical scientists.

Conclusions:
In the absence of an existing surgical research infrastructure within LMICs, global surgery research trainers should link up and collaborate to help develop a surgical research community that will provide the local data required to help transform the SSA surgical ecosystem.
Primary Practice Patterns for the Initial Management of Open Angle Glaucoma
Authors: Rhee Douglas J. , Sancheti Himani , Rothman Adam L. , Herndon Leon , Brubaker Jacob W. , Patrianakos Thomas , Radcliffe Nathan , Zhang Amy D. , Szczotka-Flynn Loretta 
Published: June 2024

Précis:
About one-fourth of survey respondents from an ASCRS database initiate treatment for primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) with laser trabeculoplasty. Factors impacting physicians’ choice of laser versus topical treatment for POAG were explored.

Purpose:
To characterize primary treatment preferences (topical medication versus laser trabeculoplasty or intracameral sustained release implants) in primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) patients and determine factors related to primary intervention selection.

Methods:
A 33-question survey was distributed to an American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery database on treatment choices made by ophthalmologists for POAG. Data collected included country of practice, years of practice, completion of glaucoma fellowship training, type of practice, and preference for the first line of treatment for POAG. Multiple logit regression was used to compare the effect of covariates on physicians’ choice of either topical medication or laser trabeculoplasty for POAG.

Results:
A total of 252 of 19,246 (1.3%) surveys were returned. Almost three-quarters of respondents used topical medication as the first line of treatment for POAG (73.6%), whereas 26.4% preferred to start with laser treatment. Significant variables associated with the selection of laser (vs. drops) are practicing in the United States (odds ratio [OR] 2.85; 95% CI, 1.33–6.10), the more recent completion of ophthalmology residency (OR 1.95; 95% CI, 1.00–3.77), the greater volume of minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries (MIGS) (OR 1.68; 95% CI, 1.18–2.40), and a glaucoma patient base greater than 25% (OR 2.21; 95% CI, 1.09–4.48).

Conclusions:
For the first-line treatment of POAG, laser trabeculoplasty is more likely to be preferred, over topical drops, by U.S. physicians who are relatively new in practice, who have a larger glaucoma patient base, and who perform more MIGS.
Academic Service Partnerships: A 21st Century Business Strategy to Integrate Physician Assistant Learners Into a Value-Based Health Care Delivery Model
Authors: Redmond Angelique 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Although there has been a surge in physician assistant (PA) programs in the United States, PA programs have concurrently experienced challenges with partnering with a sufficient pool of clinical training sites. During the long-lived fee-for-service era, many programs have relied on transactional relationships with individual clinicians, hospitals, community health centers, private practices, and other entities to provide the required clinical experiences for PA learners. These arrangements often involved bargaining a supervised clinical experience in exchange for continuing medical education credit or other incentives included in a clinician's benefits package. However, with the recent transformation of the US health care delivery system into a value-based care model, academic service partnerships have emerged as valuable solutions. Academic service partnerships uniquely integrate health professions learners into health systems by providing more sustainable, results-driven clinical experiences that benefit the program, the clinical training site, and the patients.