bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Community-acquired pneumonia: use of clinical characteristics of acutely admitted patients for the development of a diagnostic model – a cross-sectional multicentre study
Authors: Cartuliares Mariana B , Mogensen Christian Backer , Rosenvinge Flemming S , Skovsted Thor Aage , Lorentzen Morten Hjarnø , Heltborg Anne , Hertz Mathias Amdi , Kaldan Frida , Specht Jens Juel , Skjøt-Arkil Helene 
Published: May 2024

ObjectivesThis study aimed to describe the clinical characteristics of adults with suspected acute community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) on hospitalisation, evaluate their prediction performance for CAP and compare the performance of the model to the initial assessment of the physician.DesignCross-sectional, multicentre study.SettingThe data originated from the INfectious DisEases in Emergency Departments study and were collected prospectively from patient interviews and medical records. The study included four Danish medical emergency departments (EDs) and was conducted between 1 March 2021 and 28 February 2022.ParticipantsA total of 954 patients admitted with suspected infection were included in the study.Primary and secondary outcomeThe primary outcome was CAP diagnosis assessed by an expert panel.ResultsAccording to expert evaluation, CAP had a 28% prevalence. 13 diagnostic predictors were identified using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression to build the prediction model: dyspnoea, expectoration, cough, common cold, malaise, chest pain, respiratory rate (>20 breaths/min), oxygen saturation (<96%), abnormal chest auscultation, leucocytes (<3.5×109/L or >8.8×109/L) and neutrophils (>7.5×109/L). C reactive protein (<20 mg/L) and having no previous event of CAP contributed negatively to the final model. The predictors yielded good prediction performance for CAP with an area under the receiver-operator characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.85 (CI 0.77 to 0.92). However, the initial diagnosis made by the ED physician performed better, with an AUC of 0.86 (CI 84% to 89%).ConclusionTypical respiratory symptoms combined with abnormal vital signs and elevated infection biomarkers were predictors for CAP on admission to an ED. The clinical value of the prediction model is questionable in our setting as it does not outperform the clinician’s assessment. Further studies that add novel diagnostic tools and use imaging or serological markers are needed to improve a model that would help diagnose CAP in an ED setting more accurately.Trial registration numberNCT04681963.
Evidence of community health workers’ delivery of physical rehabilitation services in sub-Saharan Africa: a scoping review
Authors: Mapulanga Miriam , Kgarosi Kabelo , Maluleke Kuhlula , Hlongwa Mbuzeleni , Dlungwane Thembelihle 
Published: May 2024

ObjectivesTo map the evidence and scope of physical rehabilitation services delivered by community health workers (CHWs) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).DesignScoping reviewData sourcesPubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Central and databases within the EBSCOhost platform. We also searched other literature sources including reference lists, conference presentations and organisational websites such as WHO, Ministries of Health and non-governmental organisations in SSA.Eligibility criteria for selection of studiesArticles presenting evidence on CHWs’ delivery of physical rehabilitation services in SSA from September 1978 to June 2023.Data extraction and synthesisScreening was conducted by two reviewers and was guided by the inclusion criteria. Thematic content analysis of data was employed. The results are presented according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis extension for scoping reviews.ResultsA total of 6996 articles were identified through various databases, with only 20 studies qualifying for data extraction. Evidence was presented by Eritrea, Ethiopia, Malawi, Mauritius, Namibia, South Africa and Uganda. Assessments, case management, health education, community liaison with support, health systems linkage and administration were the CHWs’ scope of practice identified. The review identified home-based, community-based, community and facility-based, home and community-based and facility-based as modes of delivery. The barriers experienced are resources, societal and community attitudes, governance, geographical barriers and delivery capacity, while proximity to the community, positive job attitude and support with collaboration facilitated service delivery.ConclusionTraining and integrating CHWs in national health care systems, with careful selection of existing CHWs, would minimise the barriers faced.
Families in transition (FIT) study protocol: feasibility, acceptability and preliminary effects of a group-based parent training in parents of youth in psychiatric residential treatment
Authors: Herbell Kayla , Breitenstein Susan M , Tan Alai , Melnyk Bernadette Mazurek , Thai Anh Thu , Berger Sophie 
Published: May 2024

IntroductionAlthough adolescents make treatment gains in psychiatric residential treatment (RT), they experience significant difficulty adapting to the community and often do not sustain treatment gains long term. Their parents are often not provided with the necessary support or behaviour management skillset to bridge the gap between RT and home. Parent training, a gold standard behaviour management strategy, may be beneficial for parents of these youth and web-based parent training programmes may engage this difficult-to-reach population. This study focuses on a hybrid parent training programme that combines Parenting Wisely (PW), a web-based parent training with facilitated discussion groups (Parenting Wisely for Residential Treatment (PWRT)). This study aims to: (1) establish the feasibility and acceptability of PWRT, (2) evaluate whether PWRTengages target mechanisms (parental self-efficacy, parenting behaviours, social support, family function) and (3) determine the effects of PWRTon adolescent outcomes (internalising and externalising behaviours, placement restrictiveness).Methods and analysisIn this randomised control trial, parents (n=60) will be randomly assigned to PWRTor treatment as usual. Each week for 6 weeks, parents in the PWRTcondition will complete two PW modules (20 min each) and attend one discussion group via Zoom (90 min). Adolescents (n=60) will not receive intervention; however, we will evaluate the feasibility of adolescent data collection for future studies. Data from parents and adolescents will be collected at baseline, post intervention (6 weeks post baseline) and 6 months post baseline to allow for a robust understanding of the longer-term effects of PWRTon treatment gain maintenance.Ethics and disseminationThe study has been approved by The Ohio State University Institutional Review Board (protocol number 2022B0315). The outcomes of the study will be shared through presentations at both local and national conferences, publications in peer-reviewed journals and disseminated to the families and organisations that helped to facilitate the project.Trial registration numberNCT05764369(V.1, December 2022).
Can FDG-PET/CT imaging be used to predict decline in quality of life in interstitial lung disease? A prospective study of the relationship between FDG uptake and quality of life in a UK outpatient setting
Authors: Jordon Louise Helen , Ganeshan Balaji , Nadeem Iftikhar , Hoy Luke , Mahdi Noor , Porter Joanna C , Groves Ashley , Win Thida 
Published: May 2024

Background18Fluorine-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) CT imaging has been used in many inflammatory and infectious conditions to differentiate areas of increased metabolic activity. FDG uptake differs between areas of normal lung parenchyma and interstitial lung disease (ILD).ObjectivesIn this study, we investigated whether FDG-PET/CT parameters were associated with a change in the quality of life (QoL) in patients with ILD over 4 years of follow-up.MethodsPatients underwent PET-CT imaging at diagnosis and were followed up with annual QoL assessment using the St George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) until death or 4 years of follow-up. Maximum standard uptake value (SUVmax) and Tissue-to-Background Ratio (TBR) were assessed against SGRQ overall and subscale scores.Results193 patients (94 patients in the idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) subgroup and 99 patients in the non-IPF subgroup) underwent baseline FDG-PET/CT imaging and QoL assessment. Weak-to-moderate correlation was observed between baseline SUVmax and SGRQ scores in both ILD subgroups. No relationship was observed between baseline SUVmax or TBR and change in SGRQ scores over 4 years of follow-up. In the IPF subgroup, surviving patients reported a decline in QoL at 4 years post diagnosis whereas an improvement in QoL was seen in surviving patients with non-IPF ILD.ConclusionsWeak-to-moderate positive correlation between baseline SUVmax and SGRQ scores was observed in both ILD subgroups (IPF:rs=0.187, p=0.047, non-IPF: rs=0.320, p=0.001). However, baseline SUVmax and TBR were not associated with change in QoL in patients with IPF and non-IPF ILD over 4 years of follow-up. At 4 years post diagnosis, surviving patients with IPF reported declining QoL whereas improvement was seen in patients with ILD who did not have IPF.
Cross-sectional study of prevalence, causes and trends in visual impairment in Nirmal District, Telangana, India: Nirmal Eye Evaluation for Trends study
Authors: Marmamula Srinivas , Chinya Aritra , Yelagondula Vijay Kumar , Varada Rajashekar , Khanna Rohit C , Narayanan Raja 
Published: May 2024

ObjectiveTo determine the prevalence, causes and risk factors associated with visual impairment (VI) in the Nirmal district of Telangana, India, using extended Rapid Assessment of Visual Impairment (RAVI) methodology.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingCommunity setting.ParticipantsParticipants aged ≥16 years were enumerated from 90 randomly selected clusters and 4629/5400 (85.7%) participants were examined. Presenting visual acuity (VA) was assessed using a Snellen chart with E optotypes at a 6 m distance. Near vision was assessed binocularly using an N notation chart with tumbling E optotypes at a 40 cm distance. An anterior segment examination done followed by distance direct ophthalmoscopy at 50 cm. Non-mydriatic fundus images were obtained. VI was defined as presenting VA worse than 6/12 in the better eye. The prevalence of VI in the current study was compared with a RAVI study conducted in 2014 to assess the trends in VI among those aged ≥40 years.Primary outcomePrevalence, causes and risk factors for VI.ResultsAmong those examined, 55% were women, 53% had at least school-level education, 2.3% self-reported diabetes and 8.7% self-reported hypertension. The prevalence of VI was 8.81% (95% CI 8.01% to 9.67%). Overall, uncorrected refractive errors (49.5%) were the leading cause of VI, followed by cataracts (40.2%) and posterior segment diseases (4.9%). Among those aged ≥40 years, the prevalence of VI declined by 19.3% compared with the 2014 baseline study (from 20.2% to 16.3%; p<0.01).ConclusionThe extended RAVI study conducted in the Nirmal district showed a considerable decline in the prevalence of VI. Targeted interventions are needed to provide adequate eye care for the high-risk groups in this district.
Effectiveness of a peer-supported crisis intervention to reduce the proportion of compulsory admissions in acute psychiatric crisis interventions in an outreach and outpatient setting: study protocol for an exploratory cluster randomised trial combined with qualitative methods
Authors: Oeltjen Lena Katharina , Schulz Maike , Heuer Imke , Knigge Georg , Nixdorf Rebecca , Briel Denis , Hamer Patricia , Brannath Werner , Utschakowski Jörg , Mahlke Candelaria , Gerhardus Ansgar 
Published: May 2024

IntroductionCompulsory admissions are associated with feelings of fear, humiliation and powerlessness. The number of compulsory admissions in Germany and other high-income countries has increased in recent years. Peer support has been shown to increase the self-efficacy of individuals with mental health conditions in acute crises and to reduce the use of coercive measures in clinical settings. The objective of this study is to reduce the number of compulsory admissions by involving peer support workers (PSWs) in acute mental health crises in outreach and outpatient settings.Methods and analysisThis one-year intervention is an exploratory, cluster randomised study. Trained PSWs will join the public crisis intervention services (CIS) in two of five regions (the intervention regions) in the city of Bremen (Germany). PSWs will participate in crisis interventions and aspects of the mental health services. They will be involved in developing and conducting an antistigma training for police officers. The remaining three regions will serve as control regions. All individuals aged 18 and older who experience an acute mental health crisis during the operating hours of the regional CIS in the city of Bremen (around 2000 in previous years) will be included in the study. Semistructured interviews will be conducted with PSWs, 30 patients from control and intervention regions, as well as two focus group discussions with CIS staff. A descriptive comparison between all participants in the intervention and control regions will assess the proportion of compulsory admissions in crisis interventions during the baseline and intervention years, including an analysis of temporal changes.Ethics and disseminationThis study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the University of Bremen (file 2022-09) on 20 June 2022. The results will be presented via scientific conferences, scientific journals and communicated to policy-makers and practitioners.Trial registration numberDRKS00029377.
The 6I model: an expanded 4I framework to conceptualise interorganisational learning in the global health sector
Authors: Wodnik Breanna K , Andiappan Meena , Di Ruggiero Erica , Lavery James V 
Published: May 2024

IntroductionAn organisation’s ability to learn and adapt is key to its long-term performance and success. Although calls to improve learning within and across health organisations and systems have increased in recent years, global health is lagging behind other sectors in attention to learning, and applications of conceptual models for organisational learning to this field are needed.Leveraging the 4I FrameworkThis article proposes modifications to the 4I framework for organisational learning (which outlines the processes of intuition, interpretation, integration and institutionalisation) to guide the creation, retention and exchange of knowledge within and across global health organisations.Proposed ExpansionsTwo expansions are added to the framework to account for interorganisational learning in the highly interconnected field: (1) learning pathways across organisations via formal or informal partnerships and communities of practice and (2) learning pathways to and from macro-level ‘coordinating bodies’ (eg, WHO). Two additional processes are proposed by which interorganisational learning occurs:interactionacross partnerships and communities of practice, andincorporationlinking global health organisations to coordinating bodies. Organisational politics across partnerships, communities of practice and coordinating bodies play an important role in determining why some insights are institutionalised while others are not; as such, the roles of the episodic influence and systemic domination forms of power are considered in the proposed additional organisational learning processes.DiscussionWhen lessons are not shared across partnerships, communities of practice or the research community more broadly, funding may continue to support global health studies and programmes that have already been proven ineffective, squandering research and healthcare resources that could have been invested elsewhere. The ‘6I’ framework provides a basis for assessing and implementing organisational learning approaches in global health programming, and in health systems more broadly.
Impact of no publicly accessible prenatal education programming on patients and their care providers: a descriptive qualitative study in Nova Scotia, Canada
Authors: Strachan-Whaley Megan Rae , Scruton Sarah , Blennerhassett C J , Urquhart Robin 
Published: May 2024

ObjectivePatients in Nova Scotia do not have access to public prenatal education programming. This study aimed to explore whether care providers find patients are uninformed or misinformed, and the impact of that on patients and their care providers with a focus on clinical outcomes, time, resources and informed decision-making.MethodsSemistructured interviews were conducted with 13 care providers around Halifax and Cape Breton. An interview guide (supplemental) of open-ended questions was used for consistency. A descriptive qualitative approach was employed to describe the contents of the interviews. Each interview was audio-taped and transcribed verbatim by an interdependent transcriber. Transcripts were analysed using established techniques in qualitative descriptive research including coding, grouping, detailing and comparing the data using NVivo V.12 software. A co-coder (SS) independently coded two interviews for inter-rater reliability.ResultsThe study revealed six themes: (1) concern for a significant population of Nova Scotians experiencing pregnancy, birth and postpartum uninformed and misinformed, (2) consequences for patients who are uninformed and misinformed, (3) more time and resources spent on care for patients who are uninformed or misinformed, (4) patients and their care providers need a publicly available education programme, particularly vulnerable populations, (5) emphasis on programme quality and disappointment with the programme previously been in place and (6) recommendations for an effective prenatal education programme for Nova Scotians.ConclusionsThis study shows care providers believe a public prenatal education programme could improve health literacy in Nova Scotia. Patients are seeking health education, but it is not accessible to all and being uninformed or misinformed negatively impacts patients’ experiences and outcomes. This study revealed excess time and resources are being spent on individualised prenatal education by care providers with high individual and system-wide cost and explored the complicated process of providing patient-centred care for people who are uninformed or misinformed.
Hearing, sharing and applying: a qualitative study of the experiences of family caregivers’ end-of-life decision-making in Singapore
Authors: Ong Min Li , Foong Pin Sym , Tan See Mieng , Xia Xingyu , Koh Gerald Choon Huat 
Published: May 2024

ObjectivesThis study aims to describe the caregivers’ end-of-life (EOL) decision-making experience, what made family caregivers feel assured when they were making the right call, and when they felt uncertain or regretful about decisions made. The objective is to describe the decision-making journey and identify how interventions can be developed for these caregivers.MethodsSemi-structured interviews with 14 adult and spousal caregivers were conducted using an interview guide and transcripts were coded inductively via reflexive thematic analysis.ResultsFirst, clarity in communication enhances satisfaction with their decisions. This involves transparency of communication channels within the family unit which is in charge of helping their patient make EOL decisions, and with the healthcare professional. Second, satisfaction was enhanced with clear prognostication of the patient’s condition to the family who then used it to discuss their options. Finally, families often elect a lead facilitator within the family unit who manages the decision-making process, and collates multiple perspectives from all the stakeholders.ConclusionsBased on these findings, we recommend that interventions to support family-based decision-making in Singapore should be based on the three principles of hearing patient values, sharing these values with other loved ones and providers and applying these values in collaboration with the providers and family members.
Number of passes and outcome of endovascular treatment of anterior circulation large core ischemic stroke: insights from the Endovascular Treatment in Ischemic Stroke (ETIS) registry
Authors: Lambrou Victoria , Gory Benjamin , Lapergue Bertrand , Marnat Gaultier , Pop Raoul , Calviere Lionel , Anadani Mohammad , Blanc Raphael , Finitsis Stephanos Nikolaos 
Published: May 2024

BackgroundThe effect of multiple attempts on the outcome of endovascular treatment (EVT) of anterior circulation large ischemic core (LIC) stroke has not been fully explored.MethodsWe analyzed data from the Endovascular Treatment in Ischemic Stroke (ETIS) registry, a prospective, observational, multicenter study of acute ischemic stroke patients treated with EVT at 21 centers in France between January 1, 2015 and June 31, 2023. We included patients with proximal intracranial occlusion and LIC defined as Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) of 0–5 up to 24 hours after last being seen well. We divided patients according to the number of passes with successful reperfusion (modified Thrombolysis In Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) ≥2b) into seven groups, according to the corresponding number of passes. We compared them to the group of patients with unsuccessful reperfusion.ResultsA total of 1235 patients with LIC constituted the study cohort. The rate of a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 0 to 3 at 90 days was significantly higher for the one-pass successful recanalization category compared to no recanalization (48.1% vs 17.2%; adjusted OR (aOR) 7.99, 95% CI 4.30 to 14.8, P<0.001) and remained so even after six or more attempts (27.7% vs 17.2%; aOR 3.59, 95% CI 1.37 to 9.39, P=0.009). The rate of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage was lower for successful recanalization up to two passes (11.1% vs 18.8%; aOR 0.36, 95% CI 0.18 to 0.69, P=0.002) without any significant differences for a higher number of passes.ConclusionIn anterior circulation LIC patients, successful reperfusion, even after six passes, is associated with favorable clinical outcomes with no increased hemorrhagic risk when compared to unsuccessful reperfusion.
Synthesis of robust memory modes for linear quantum systems with unknown inputs
Authors: Miao Zibo , Chen Xinpeng , Pan Yu , Gao Qing 
Published: May 2024

AbstractIn this paper, the synthesis of robust memory modes for linear quantum passive systems in the presence of unknown inputs has been studied, aimed at facilitating secure storage and communication of quantum information. In particular, we can switch on decoherence-free (DF) modes in the storage stage by placing the poles on the imaginary axis via a coherent feedback control scheme, and these memory modes can further be simultaneously made robust against perturbations to the system parameters by minimizing the condition number associated with imaginary poles. The DF modes can also be switched off by tuning the controller parameters to place the poles in the left half of the complex plane in the writing/reading stage. We develop explicit algebraic conditions guiding the design of such a coherent quantum controller, which involves employing an augmented system model to counter the influence of unknown inputs. Examples are provided to illustrate the procedure of synthesizing robust memory modes for linear optical quantum systems.