bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Social-cognitive Skills Training on Interpersonal Understanding of Social Norms During Adolescence
Authors: Jacob Leema , Reddy K. Jayasankara 
Published: June 2024

Background: Social-cognitive skills training (SCST) in a therapeutic setup can result in more positive outcomes when incorporated with psychotherapy, especially among adolescents with minor social-cognitive impairments in their social interactions. It may result in multifarious benefits to mitigate their social-cognitive dysfunction. This study aimed to identify the effects of SCST on interpersonal understanding of social norms in adolescents with low social cognition. Methods: In this quasi-experimental research, 80 adolescents (10–19 years) with low social cognition, no previous experience of skills training, and absence of any psychological disorders, especially those that affect their social-cognitive functioning, with assent from the participants and written informed consent from the parents/guardian and a score below 58 on the Need For Social-Cognition Scale, were included. They were randomly allocated into SCST or waitlist control group. SCST consists of 20 sessions with indoor activities, games, and discussions, and it has been arranged for 1 hour per 3 days a week for 3 months. Edinburgh social cognition test (ESCoT) was used to assess the degree of interpersonal understanding of social norms among adolescents as part of pre and posttests. Results: The Wilcoxon Sign Ranked Test showed that the interpersonal understanding of social norms after SCST is significantly higher than the interpersonal understanding of social norms SCST with a large effect size. The mean (standard deviation) scores in the ESCoT test improved significantly ( P < 0 .001) following [ W = 0.001, P < .001, r = –1.000]. Conclusion: SCST effectively improves the interpersonal understanding of social norms, an essential developmental milestone during adolescence. It highlights the importance of focusing on mental health as a developmental asset that can influence social-cognitive development in the future.
What are we planning, exactly? The perspectives of people with intellectual disabilities, their carers and professionals on end-of-life care planning: A focus group study
Authors: Bruun Andrea , Cresswell Amanda , Jordan Leon , Keagan-Bull Richard , Giles Jo , Gibson Sarah L , Anderson-Kittow Rebecca , Tuffrey-Wijne Irene 
Published: June 2024

Background: Deaths of people with intellectual disabilities are often unplanned for and poorly managed. Little is known about how to involve people with intellectual disabilities in end-of-life care planning. Aim: To explore the perspectives of people with intellectual disabilities, families, health and social care professionals and policy makers on end-of-life care planning within intellectual disability services. Design: A total of 11 focus groups and 1 semi-structured interview were analysed using qualitative framework and matrix analysis. The analysis was conducted inclusively with co-researchers with intellectual disabilities. Setting/participants: A total of 60 participants (14 people with intellectual disabilities, 9 family carers, 21 intellectual disability professionals, 8 healthcare professionals and 8 policy makers) from the UK. Results: There were differences in how end-of-life care planning was understood by stakeholder groups, covering four areas: funeral planning, illness planning, planning for living and talking about dying. This impacted when end-of-life care planning should happen and with whom. Participants agreed that end-of-life care planning was important, and most wanted to be involved, but in practice discussions were postponed. Barriers included issues with understanding, how or when to initiate the topic and a reluctance to talk about dying. Conclusions: To develop effective interventions and resources aiding end-of-life care planning with people with intellectual disabilities, clarity is needed around what is being planned for, with whom and when. Research and development are needed into supporting intellectual disability staff in end-of-life care planning conversations. Collaboration between intellectual disability staff and palliative care services may facilitate timely end-of-life care planning and thus optimal palliative end-of-life care.
Meta-analysis of clinical and safety profiles after reperfusion therapy in acute posterior circulation strokes: insights and implications
Authors: Chowdhury Ashek , Killingsworth Murray C , Calic Zeljka , Bhaskar Sonu MM 
Published: June 2024

Background Posterior circulation stroke (PCS) accounts for approximately 20% of all acute ischemic strokes. The optimal reperfusion therapy for PCS management remains uncertain. Purpose To evaluate the prevalence and outcomes of intravenous thrombolysis (IVT), endovascular thrombectomy (EVT), and bridging therapy in PCS patients. Material and Methods We conducted a meta-analysis of 19 studies examining reperfusion therapy outcomes in PCS patients, including 9765 individuals. We pooled prevalence data and assessed associations between reperfusion therapies and clinical, safety, and recanalization outcomes using random-effects models. Results The pooled prevalence of reperfusion therapies post-acute PCS was 39% for IVT, 54% for EVT, and 48% for bridging therapy. EVT was associated with significantly higher odds of favorable functional outcomes (modified Rankin Score [mRS] 0–3) at 90 days compared to standard medical therapy (odds ratio [OR] = 5.68; 95% confidence interval [CI]=2.07–15.59; P = 0.001). Conversely, bridging therapy was linked to reduced odds of favorable functional outcomes at 90 days compared to EVT (OR = 0.35; 95% CI=0.26–0.47; P < 0.001). Bridging therapy was also significantly associated with lower odds of good functional outcomes (mRS 0–2) (OR = 0.25; 95% CI=0.11–0.54; P < 0.001), reduced risk of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (OR = 0.26; 95% CI=0.07–0.68; P = 0.009), lower mortality (OR = 0.13; 95% CI=0.04–0.44; P = 0.001), and less successful recanalization (OR = 0.35; 95% CI=0.13–0.94; P = 0.038) relative to EVT. Conclusion Our meta-analysis underscores the favorable outcomes associated with EVT in PCS cases. With notable reperfusion rates, understanding factors influencing PCS outcomes can inform patient selection and prognostic considerations.
Improving intracranial aneurysms image quality and diagnostic confidence with deep learning reconstruction in craniocervical CT angiography
Authors: Bai Kun , Wang Tiantian , Zhang Guozhi , Zhang Ming , Fu Hongchao , Feng Yun , Liang Kaiyi 
Published: June 2024

Background The diagnostic impact of deep learning computed tomography (CT) reconstruction on intracranial aneurysm (IA) remains unclear. Purpose To quantify the image quality and diagnostic confidence on IA in craniocervical CT angiography (CTA) reconstructed with DEep Learning Trained Algorithm (DELTA) compared to the routine hybrid iterative reconstruction (HIR). Material and Methods A total of 60 patients who underwent craniocervical CTA and were diagnosed with IA were retrospectively enrolled. Images were reconstructed with DELTA and HIR, where the image quality was first compared in noise, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR). Next, two radiologists independently graded the noise appearance, arterial sharpness, small vessel visibility, conspicuity of calcifications that may present in arteries, and overall image quality, each with a 5-point Likert scale. The diagnostic confidence on IAs of various sizes was also graded. Results Significantly lower noise and higher SNR and CNR were found on DELTA than on HIR images (all P < 0.05). All five subjective metrics were scored higher by both readers on the DELTA images (all P < 0.05), with good to excellent inter-observer agreement (κ = 0.77–0.93). DELTA images were rated with higher diagnostic confidence on IAs compared to HIR ( P < 0.001), particularly for those with size ≤3 mm, which were scored 4.5 ± 0.6 versus 3.4 ± 0.8 and 4.4 ± 0.7 versus 3.5 ± 0.8 by two readers, respectively. Conclusion The DELTA shows potential for improving the image quality and the associated confidence in diagnosing IA that may be worth consideration for routine craniocervical CTA applications.
CT angiography of the lower limbs: combining small field of view with large matrix size and iterative reconstruction further improves image quality of below-the-knee arteries
Authors: Scheschenja Michael , König Alexander , Viniol Simon , Bastian Moritz B , Wessendorf Joel , Mahnken Andreas H 
Published: June 2024

Background Image quality and diagnostic accuracy in computed tomography angiography (CTA) reach their limits in imaging of below-the-knee vessels. Purpose To evaluate whether image quality in CTA of lower limbs is further improvable by combining side-separate reconstruction with a larger matrix size and whether resulting noise can be compromised with iterative reconstruction (IR). Material and Methods From CTA of the lower extremities of 26 patients (5 women, 21 men; mean age = 68.5 ± 10.3 years), the lower legs were reconstructed side-separately with different reconstruction algorithms and matrix sizes including filtered back projection (FBP) with a 512 × 512 matrix, FBP with a 1024 × 1024 matrix, IR (SAFIRE) with a 512 × 512 matrix, and IR (SAFIRE) with a 1024 × 1024 matrix. A total of 208 CT series were evaluated. Subjective image quality was assessed by two readers using a 5-point Likert scale. Image noise was assessed by measuring signal-to-noise and contrast-to-noise ratios. Results Subjective image quality was rated significantly higher when using a 1024 × 1024 matrix ( P < 0.001) and could further be increased with IR. Vessel sharpness was rated significantly better with a larger matrix ( P < 0.001). Visible and measured image noise was significantly higher with a 1024 × 1024 matrix but could be reduced by using IR ( P < 0.001), even to a level below FBP with a 512 × 512 matrix while reconstructing with a larger matrix ( P < 0.001). Conclusion Image quality, image noise, and vessel sharpness can be further improved in CTA of the lower extremities with side-separate reconstruction using a 1024 × 1024 matrix size and IR.
Troponin I as a Predictor of Transcranial Doppler Sonography Defined Vasospasm in Intensive Care Unit Patients After Spontaneous Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Bender Michael , Stein M. , Tajmiri-Gondai S. , Haferkorn K. , Voigtmann Hans , Uhl E. 
Published: June 2024

Objective Elevation of Troponin I (TnI) in spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) patients is a well-known phenomenon and associated with cardiopulmonary complications and poor outcome. The present study was conducted to investigate the association of the TnI value on admission, and the occurrence of cerebral vasospam in SAH patients. Patients and Methods A total of 142 patients with SAH, who were admitted to the neurosurgical intensive care unit (ICU) between December 2014 and January 2021 were evaluated. Blood samples were drawn on admission to determine TnI value. Each patient's demographic, radiological and medical data on admission, the modified Ranking Scale score at discharge as well as continuous measurements of transcranial Doppler sonography were analyzed. A maximum mean flow velocity (MMFV) > 120 cm/sec was defined as any vasospasm. These were stratified into severe vasospasms, which were defined as at least two measurements of MMFVs > 200 cm/sec or an increase of MMFV > 50 cm/sec/24 h over two consecutive days or a new neurological deterioration and mild vasospasm defined as MMFVs > 120 cm/sec in absence of severe vasospasm criteria. The total study population was dichotomized into patients with an initially elevated TnI (>0.05 µg/L) and without elevated TnI (≤0.05 μg/L). Results A total of 52 patients (36.6%) had an elevated TnI level upon admission, which was significantly associated with lower GCS score (p < 0.001), higher WFNS score (p < 0.001) and higher Fisher grade (p = 0.01) on admission. In this context a higher rate of ischemic brain lesions (p = 0.02), a higher modified Rankin Scale score (p > 0.001) and increased mortality (p = 0.02) at discharge were observed in this group. In addition, TnI was identified as an independent predictor for the occurrence of any vasospasm and severe vasospasm. Conclusion An initially elevated TnI level is an independent predictor for the occurrence of any and severe vasospasm in patients with SAH.
The Story of De- dollarization and Internationalization of the Chinese Renminbi
Authors: Banik Nilanjan , Das Khanindra Ch. 
Published: June 2024

In recent times, numerous commentaries have written about de- dollarization. We analyse the factors which are contributing to de- dollarization. On the economic front, there is reduced fiscal and financial capacity of the US economy that can strain economic trust in the dollar. The internationalization of the Chinese currency is another factor. Additionally, a lower forecast for the world economic growth outlook, a higher debt financing in the United States, and a war in Europe are also leading to central banks around the world buying more gold and reducing investment in the US treasury bonds. While these factors may lead to reduced demand for dollars and increase the use of alternate international currencies, including digital currencies, we argue that dislodging the dollar as a global anchor currency is at best going to be restricted by economic and geopolitical reasons. JEL Codes: E42, F33, F34
Inpatient versus Outpatient Alveolar Bone Grafting: A Nationwide Cost Analysis
Authors: Roohani Idean , Choi Dylan G. , Stanton Eloise W. , Trotter Collean , Turk Marvee , Naidu Priyanka , Urata Mark M. , Magee William P. , Hammoudeh Jeffrey A. 
Published: June 2024

Objective To compare postoperative outcomes and costs between inpatient and outpatient ABG in the United States. Design Retrospective cohort. Setting Multi-institutional/national. Patients and Participants Patients who underwent ABG (n = 6649) were identified in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Pediatric database from 2012–2021. Inpatient and outpatient cohorts were matched using coarsened exact matching. Main outcomes measure(s) Thirty-day readmission, reoperation, and complications. A modified Markov model was developed to estimate the cost difference between cohorts. One-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed. Results After matching, 3718 patients were included, of which 1859 patients were in each hospital-setting cohort. The inpatient cohort had significantly higher rates of reoperations (0.6% vs. 0.2%; p = 0.032) and surgical site infections (0.8% vs. 0.2%; p = 0.018). The total cost of outpatient ABG was estimated to be $10,824 vs. $20,955 for inpatient ABG, resulting in $10,131 cost savings per patient. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis revealed that all 10,000 simulations resulted in consistent cost savings for the outpatient cohort that ranged from $8000 to $24,000. Conclusions Outpatient ABG has become increasingly more popular over the past ten years, with a majority of cases being performed in the ambulatory setting. If deemed safe for the individual patient, outpatient ABG may confer a lower risk of nosocomial complications and offer significant cost savings to the healthcare economy.
Tympanostomy Tube Otorrhea: Microbiological Differences Between Children with and Without Cleft Palate
Authors: Solis Roberto N. , Young Kurtis , Velazquez-Castro Oscar S. , Farber Nicole I. , Tollefson Travis T. , Senders Craig W. , Funamura Jamie L. 
Published: June 2024

Objective To characterize and compare microbiological profiles in tympanostomy tube otorrhea for children with and without cleft palate. Design Retrospective cohort study. Setting Pediatric otolaryngology and multidisciplinary cleft/craniofacial clinic at a single tertiary care center. Patients Children with and without cleft palate <18 years of age who underwent tympanostomy tube placement between 2017–2021. Main outcome measures Otopathogen profiles and antibiotic resistance patterns in ear culture specimens obtained in children presenting for treatment of recalcitrant post-tympanostomy tube otorrhea. Results Of the 886 children with tympanostomy tubes placed between 2017–2021, 345 (38.9%) had clinically significant otorrhea defined as requiring at least one otolaryngology visit for treatment. Children with cleft palate had higher rates of otorrhea (50.0% versus 35.7%; P < .01). In the 128 cultures obtained, Staphylococcus aureus was the most common organism in both groups present in 39.8% of cultures; 49% were methicillin-resistant ( MRSA). Pseudomonas aeruginosa was also frequently isolated (20.0% versus 23.4%, P = .69) in children with and without cleft palate. Collectively, fluoroquinolone resistance was observed in 68.6% and 27.6% of the S. aureus and P. aeruginosa isolates, respectively, however, no differences in fluoroquinolone resistance were observed between cleft and non-cleft cohorts. Corynebacterium species were isolated more frequently in children with cleft palate (26.7% versus 6.1%, P < .01), a finding of unclear significance. Conclusions Recalcitrant post-tympanostomy tube otorrhea is more common in children with cleft palate. MRSA was the most common isolate, which was commonly resistant to first-line fluoroquinolone therapy.
Decreased Hepatic Functional Reserve Increases the Risk of Piperacillin/Tazobactam-Induced Abnormal Liver Enzyme Levels: A Retrospective Case-Control Study
Authors: Ooi Hayahide , Asai Yuki , Koriyama Yoshiki , Takahashi Masaaki 
Published: June 2024

Background: Piperacillin/tazobactam (PIPC/TAZ), which is a combination of a beta-lactam/beta-lactamase inhibitor, often causes liver enzyme abnormalities. The albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) score is a simple index that uses the serum albumin and total bilirubin levels for estimating hepatic functional reserve. Although patients with low hepatic reserve may be at high risk for drug-induced liver enzyme abnormalities, the relationship between PIPC/TAZ-induced abnormal liver enzymes levels and the ALBI score remains unknown. Objective: This study aimed to elucidate the relationship between PIPC/TAZ-induced abnormal liver enzyme levels and the ALBI score. Methods: This single-center retrospective case-control study included 335 patients. The primary outcome was PIPC/TAZ-induced abnormal liver enzyme levels. We performed COX regression analysis with male gender, age (≥75 years), alanine aminotransferase level (≥20 IU/L), and ALBI score (≥−2.00) as explanatory factors. To investigate the influence of the ALBI score on the development of abnormal liver enzyme levels, 1:1 propensity score matching between the ≤−2.00 and ≥−2.00 ALBI score groups was performed using the risk factors for drug-induced abnormal liver enzyme levels. Results: The incidence of abnormal liver enzyme levels was 14.0% (47/335). COX regression analysis revealed that an ALBI score ≥−2.00 was an independent risk factor for PIPC/TAZ-induced abnormal liver enzyme levels (adjusted hazard ratio: 3.08, 95% coefficient interval: 1.207-7.835, P = 0.019). After 1:1 propensity score matching, the Kaplan-Meier curve revealed that the cumulative risk for PIPC/TAZ-induced abnormal liver enzyme levels was significantly higher in the ALBI score ≥−2.00 group (n = 76) than in the <−2.00 group (n = 76) ( P = 0.033). Conclusion and relevance: An ALBI score ≥−2.00 may predict the development of PIPC/TAZ-induced abnormal liver enzyme levels. Therefore, frequent monitoring of liver enzymes should be conducted to minimize the risk of severe PIPC/TAZ-induced abnormal liver enzyme levels in patients with low hepatic functional reserve.
Minimally Invasive Method for Treatment of Syndromic Congenital Vertical Talus Deformity in Children
Authors: Cummings Jason L. , Torres-Izquierdo Beltran , Schaibley Claire , Hosseinzadeh Pooya 
Published: June 2024

Background: Congenital Vertical Talus (CVT) is a rare form of rigid flatfoot commonly seen in patients with underlying neurologic syndromes. This study aims to evaluate the long-term effectiveness of the minimally invasive method for correcting CVT deformity in a large cohort of syndromic patients. Methods: A single author recorded preoperative, 2-week postoperative, 1-year postoperative, and most recent radiographic measurements and complications for 25 patients treated with the minimally invasive method from 2006 to 2021. Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) questionnaires were administered for 12 patients after January 1, 2015, when the institution began collecting PROMIS in all orthopaedic patients. Average follow-up was 55 months (13-111); 18 patients had minimum 24-month follow-up. Results: Forty feet in 25 patients were analyzed. The average preoperative lateral talar axis–first metatarsal base angle (TAMBA) was 68.7 ± 21.3 vs 12.1 ± 8.9 after initial surgical intervention ( P < .0001). There was a statistically significant increase in the lateral TAMBA between the initial postoperative and final follow-up visits (13.0 vs 21.6, P = .02). Radiographic recurrence of talonavicular deformity was noted in 12 feet (30.9%); 7 (15.55%) required corrective surgery. Larger preoperative lateral TAMBA was predictive of recurrence. Notably, patients with arthrogryposis experienced higher radiographic recurrence than other syndromic patients (45.0% vs 14.3%, P = .0384). PROMIS scores were within population norms. Conclusion: The study suggests that less than one-third of syndromic CVT patients experienced a radiographic recurrence of talonavicular deformity, with 15% requiring further surgical intervention at an average of 55 months following the initial procedure. A higher incidence of radiographic recurrence occurred in patients with distal arthrogryposis. These findings, along with the satisfactory patient-reported outcomes, suggest that the minimally invasive technique is an effective treatment method for syndromic CVT, underscoring the necessity for clinicians to provide detailed prognoses and consider more intensive follow-up for those at higher risk.
Gender inclusivity of ophthalmology journal submission guidelines and associated research metrics
Authors: Tao Brendan K. , Xie Jim S. , Leong Rachel , Xia Matton , Nguyen Anne Xuan-Lan , Ling Jennifer , Nathoo Nawaaz , Ing Edsel B. , Kohly Radha P. , Khosa Faisal 
Published: June 2024

Purpose This cross-sectional study evaluated the prevalence of inclusive author submission guidelines across ophthalmology journals. Methods Journals were identified from the 2021 Journal Citations Report (Clarivate Analytics). Independent reviewers rated each author submission guideline as “inclusive” for satisfying at-least one of six criteria: i) included examples of gender inclusive language; ii) recommended the use of gender-inclusive language; iii) distinguished between sex and gender; iv) provided educational resources on gender-inclusive language; v) provided a policy permitting name changes (e.g., in case of gender and name transition); and/or vi) provided a statement of commitment to inclusivity. The primary objective was to investigate the proportion of journals with “gender-inclusive” author submission guidelines and the elements of the gender-inclusive content within these guidelines. A secondary objective was to review the association between “gender-inclusivity” in author submission guidelines with publisher, origin country, and journal/source/influence metrics (Clarivate Analytics). Results Across 94 journals, 29.8% journals were rated as inclusive. Inclusive journals had significantly higher relative impact factor, citations, and article influence scores compared to non-inclusive journals. Of the 29.8% of inclusive journals, the three most common domains were inclusion of an inclusivity statement (71.4% of inclusive journals), distinguishing between sex and gender (67.9%), and provision of additional educational resources on gender reporting for authors (60.7%). Conclusion A minority of ophthalmology journals have gender-inclusive author submission guidelines. Ophthalmology journals should update their submission guidelines to advance gender equity of both authors and study participants and promote the inclusion of gender-diverse communities.