bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The frequency-following response in late preterm neonates: a pilot study
Authors: Ribas-Prats Teresa , Arenillas-Alcón Sonia , Martínez Silvia Irene Ferrero , Gómez-Roig Maria Dolores , Escera Carles 
Published: May 2024

IntroductionInfants born very early preterm are at high risk of language delays. However, less is known about the consequences of late prematurity. Hence, the aim of the present study is to characterize the neural encoding of speech sounds in late preterm neonates in comparison with those born at term.MethodsThe speech-evoked frequency-following response (FFR) was recorded to a consonant-vowel stimulus /da/ in 36 neonates in three different groups: 12 preterm neonates [mean gestational age (GA) 36.05 weeks], 12 “early term neonates” (mean GA 38.3 weeks), and “late term neonates” (mean GA 41.01 weeks).ResultsFrom the FFR recordings, a delayed neural response and a weaker stimulus F0 encoding in premature neonates compared to neonates born at term was observed. No differences in the response time onset nor in stimulus F0 encoding were observed between the two groups of neonates born at term. No differences between the three groups were observed in the neural encoding of the stimulus temporal fine structure.DiscussionThese results highlight alterations in the neural encoding of speech sounds related to prematurity, which were present for the stimulus F0 but not for its temporal fine structure.
Effectiveness of Occupational Safety and Health interventions: a long way to go
Authors: Vitrano Gaia , Micheli Guido J. L. 
Published: May 2024

BackgroundOccupational Safety and Health (OSH) has become an area of increasing concern for organizations and institutions. As it evolves, it has gradually posed ongoing challenges, becoming more complex, for organizations. Consequently, more comprehensive studies are required to advance academic and institutional research. From this perspective, this study aims to gather research contributions on the effectiveness of existing interventions for OSH improvement and identify areas for further exploration.MethodsAccording to the nature of scientific literature, the overall process of a literature review was investigated following an integrative approach, which involved searching for, selecting, and analyzing various literature in a creative and integrated manner, without a predefined structure.ResultsThe analysis suggests that there is room for improvement in understanding the effectiveness of OSH interventions and more concrete guidance is still desirable. Based on the literature, some research areas for future developments in OSH interventions are identified. One potential area to explore further is fostering human-centered technological development and a more conscious network of stakeholders, with higher coordination, shared knowledge, and open communication.ImplicationsFocusing on the proposed directions will support scholars and practitioners in pursuing continuous OSH improvement through more effective and well-grounded workplace interventions and encourage organizations to be proactive in daily OSH management.
mNGS helped diagnose scrub typhus-associated HLH in children: a report of two cases
Authors: Jian Hui , Yang Qiu-xia , Duan Jia-xin , Lai Shu-yu , Che Guang-lu , Teng Jie , Chang Li , Liu Xiao-juan , Luo Li-li , Liu Fang 
Published: May 2024

BackgroundScrub typhus, caused by the Orientia tsutsugamushi (Ot), is a widespread vector-borne disease transmitted by chigger mites. Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is considered to be one of the potentially severe complications. The diagnosis of scrub typhus-associated HLH may be overlooked due to the non-specific clinical characteristics and the absence of pathognomonic eschar.Case presentationWe obtained clinical data from two patients in the South of Sichuan, China. The first case involved a 6-year-old girl who exhibited an unexplained fever and was initially diagnosed with sepsis, HLH, and pulmonary infection. The other patient presented a more severe condition characterized by multiple organ dysfunction and was initially diagnosed with septic shock, sepsis, HLH, acute kidney injury (AKI), and pulmonary infection. At first, a specific examination for scrub typhus was not performed due to the absence of a characteristic eschar. Conventional peripheral blood cultures yielded negative results in both patients, and neither of them responded to routine antibiotics. Fortunately, the causative pathogen Orientia tsutsugamushi (Ot) was detected in the plasma samples of both patients using metagenomics next-generation sequencing (mNGS) and further confirmed by polymerase chain reaction. Subsequently, they both were treated with doxycycline and recovered quickly.ConclusionThe unbiased mNGS provided a clinically actionable diagnosis for an uncommon pathogen-associated infectious disease that had previously evaded conventional diagnostic approaches.
An evaluation of outpatient satisfaction based on the national standard questionnaire: a satisfaction survey conducted in a tertiary hospital in Shenyang, China
Authors: Xintong Zhou , Tao Xin , Shuying Wang , Huq K. A. T. M. Ehsanul , Huiying Gao , Michiko Moriyama 
Published: May 2024

BackgroundPatient satisfaction survey serves as a pivotal tool in evaluating the quality of healthcare services. China’s nationwide standard patient satisfaction measurement tool was introduced in 2019. This study aimed to assess the model fit of the national standard outpatient satisfaction questionnaire in a tertiary hospital and evaluate the outpatient satisfaction levels using this tool.MethodA cross-sectional survey using the national outpatient satisfaction questionnaire was conducted via message links to all hospital outpatients who registered between April and July 2022. The data collected underwent descriptive analysis, comparative analysis, and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA).ResultsA total of 6,012 valid responses were received and analyzed during this period, with 52.9% of the participants being women. The confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) model showed a good fit and identified doctor communication as having a positive effect and environmental factors as having a negative effect on outpatients’ satisfaction, with standardized regression weights of 0.46 and 0.42, respectively. Despite the remarkably high satisfaction levels, patients’ recommendation for using the services of this hospital surpassed the overall evaluation and total satisfaction scores.ConclusionA disparity was identified between the expectations and real experiences of outpatients, leading to some extent of dissatisfaction. To enhance satisfaction levels, the hospital should improve the communication skills of all clinical staff, simplify the environment layout for first-time visitors, and manage patient overloads.
Trends and projections of age-appropriate vaccination coverage in 41 low- and middle- income countries in Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa, 2000–2030
Authors: Islam Md Rashedul , Rahman Md Mizanur , Rahman Md Shafiur , Abe Sarah Krull , Akmatov Manas K. , Hashizume Masahiro 
Published: May 2024

IntroductionRoutine immunization programs have focused on increasing vaccination coverage, which is equally important for decreasing vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs), particularly in low- and lower-middle-income countries (LMICs). We estimated the trends and projections of age-appropriate vaccination coverage at the regional and national levels, as well as place of residence and wealth index in LMICs.MethodsIn total, 174 nationally representative household surveys from 2000 to 2020 from 41 LMICs were included in this study. Bayesian hierarchical regression models were used to estimate trends and projections of age-appropriate vaccination.ResultsThe trend in coverage of age-appropriate Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG), third dose of diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTP3), third dose of polio (polio3), and measles-containing vaccine (MCV) increased rapidly from 2000 to 2020 in LMICs. Findings indicate substantial increases at the regional and national levels, and by area of residence and socioeconomic status between 2000 and 2030. The largest rise was observed in East Africa, followed by South and Southeast Asia. However, out of the 41 countries, only 10 countries are estimated to achieve 90% coverage of the BCG vaccine by 2030, five of DTP3, three of polio3, and none of MCV. Additionally, by 2030, wider pro-urban and -rich inequalities are expected in several African countries.ConclusionSignificant progress in age-appropriate vaccination coverage has been made in LMICs from 2000 to 2020. Despite this, projections show many countries will not meet the 2030 coverage goals, with persistent urban–rural and socioeconomic disparities. Therefore, LMICs must prioritize underperforming areas and reduce inequalities through stronger health systems and increased community engagement to ensure high coverage and equitable vaccine access.
SARS-CoV-2 vaccine effectiveness and clinical outcomes in hemodialysis patients: the NHIS-COVID-19 cohort study in South Korea
Authors: Lee Young-Ki , Jeong Seon A. , Park Hayne Cho , Kim Do Hyoung , Yoo Kyung Don , Yoon Hye Eun , Kim Yang Gyun , Cho Ajin 
Published: May 2024

BackgroundPatients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) have a high risk of novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and poor clinical outcomes. This study aimed to investigate severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccine effectiveness against infection and deaths in the South Korean population undergoing HD.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study to compare the incidence of COVID-19 and post-diagnosis mortality between patients who were either never vaccinated or fully or partially vaccinated. The Korean nationwide COVID-19 registry and the Korean National Health Insurance Service databases were used. Adult patients without a history of COVID-19 were included between October 8, 2020, and December 31, 2021. The study outcomes were COVID-19 diagnosis, severe clinical COVID-19-related events, and post-diagnosis death.ResultsEighty-five thousand eighteen patients undergoing HD were included, of whom 69,601 were fully vaccinated, 2,213 were partially vaccinated and 13,204 were unvaccinated. Compared with the unvaccinated group, the risk of being diagnosed with COVID-19 in patients who were fully vaccinated decreased during the study period (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.147; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.135–0.159). There were 1,140 (1.3%) patients diagnosed with COVID-19. After diagnosis, fully vaccinated patients were significantly less likely to die than unvaccinated patients (aOR = 0.940; 95% CI = 0.901–0.980) and to experience severe clinical events (aOR = 0.952; 95% CI = 0.916–0.988).ConclusionFull vaccination against COVID-19 was associated with a reduced risk of both infection and severe clinical outcomes in the South Korean population undergoing HD. These findings support the use of vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 among patients undergoing HD.
Immunity against measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella among homeless individuals in Germany — A nationwide multi-center cross-sectional study
Authors: Graf Wiebke , Bertram Franziska , Dost Katharina , Brennecke Anna , Kowalski Veronika , van Rüth Victoria , Nörz Dominik Sebastian , Wulff Birgit , Ondruschka Benjamin , Püschel Klaus , Pfefferle Susanne , Lütgehetmann Marc , Heinrich Fabian 
Published: May 2024

IntroductionHomeless individuals suffer a high burden of vaccine-preventable infectious diseases. Moreover, they are particularly susceptible to adverse infection outcomes with limited access to the health care system. Data on the seroprevalence of measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella within this cohort are missing.MethodsThe seroprevalence of measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella was determined within the homeless population in Germany. Predictors of lacking immune protection were determined using multivariable logistic regression analysis.ResultsHomeless individuals in Germany (n = 611) showed a seroprevalence of 88.5% (95% CI: 85.8–91.0) for measles, 83.8% (95% CI: 80.6–86.6) for mumps, 86.1% (95% CI: 83.1–88.7) for rubella, and 95.7% (95% CI 93.8–97.2) for varicella. Measles seroprevalences declined from individuals born in 1965 to individuals born in 1993, with seroprevalences not compatible with a 95% threshold in individuals born after 1980. For mumps, seroprevalences declined from individuals born in 1950 to individuals born in 1984. Here, seroprevalences were not compatible with a 92% threshold for individuals born after 1975. Seronegativity for measles, mumps and rubella was associated with age but not with gender or country of origin.DiscussionHerd immunity for measles and mumps is not achieved in this homeless cohort, while there was sufficient immune protection for rubella and varicella. Declining immune protection rates in younger individuals warrant immunization campaigns also targeting marginalized groups such as homeless individuals. Given that herd immunity thresholds are not reached for individuals born after 1980 for measles, and after 1975 for mumps, vaccination campaigns should prioritize individuals within these age groups.
Prediction of the severity of child abuse using nationwide survey data from Child Guidance Centers in Japan: focus on infancy and preschool age
Authors: Ogai Yasukazu , Nakajima-Yamaguchi Ryoko , Ohashi Hirotsuna , Niwa Kentaro , Sakurayama Toyoo , Morita Nobuaki 
Published: May 2024

IntroductionThe present study conducted a secondary data analysis of a comprehensive survey from Child Guidance Centers in Japan to identify factors that are associated with child abuse severity in infancy (0–3 years, 1,868 cases) and preschool age (4–6 years, 1,529 cases). A predictive model for abuse severity was developed.MethodsThe data originated from a nationwide survey that was conducted in April 2013, consisting of details of abuse cases, including child characteristics, abuser attributes, and family situation. Abuse severity was assessed on a five-level scale (suspected, mild, moderate, severe, and life-threatening) that was converted into a binary outcome. Logistic regression analysis was used to create a predictive model using two-thirds of the data, which was validated with the remaining third of the data.Results and discussionAs a result, in infancy, risks of severity increased with younger age of the abused child, physical abuse, neglect, witnessing domestic violence, and the involvement of Child Guidance Centers or hospitals in detection. The abuser's mental problems and cumulative child damage contributed to severity. For preschool age, similar factors applied, with additional risks that included abuse overlap and guardian separation. Cumulative abuser issues and child physical damage impacted severity. Validation yielded moderate prediction accuracy (areas under the curve: 0.703 and 0.714).
A real-time virtual outing using virtual reality for a hospitalized terminal cancer patient who has difficulty going out: a case report
Authors: Niki Kazuyuki , Egashira Satomi , Okamoto Yoshiaki 
Published: May 2024

Objective: Even if hospitalized terminal cancer patients wish to go out, it is sometimes difficult for them to realize this because of various symptoms. We have been providing a virtual outing experience using virtual reality (VR) for terminal cancer patients who have difficulty going out, and have often received requests to “talk with people in the virtual outing,” but there is a problem that a large time lag occurs in conversation in a VR space under the general Internet environment. However, with the advent of systems that enable high-speed, low-latency communications, real-time communication is now possible even in VR spaces. Thus, we aimed to explore the feasibility of implementing the real-time virtual outing.Methods: The patient’s preferred virtual outing was to his daughter’s new home. The study operator used a 360° video real-time sharing system to broadcast the view of the daughter’s home. The patient experienced the images using a VR head-mounted display in his room. The patient’s wife, son, daughter, and grandson participated in this delivery using a laptop computer from a dayroom in the hospital, and his daughter’s husband participated using the 360° video real-time sharing system from the daughter’s home with the researcher. Before and after the virtual outing, changes in symptoms and emotions were assessed using the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System Revised Japanese version and the Numerical Rating Scale for headache, dizziness, pleasure, and satisfaction. In addition, we collected the patients’ impressions of the virtual outing.Results: The patient was a male in his early 70s. After approximately 30 min of real-time virtual outings, “tiredness, drowsiness, depression, and wellbeing” were improved and “pleasure, and satisfaction” were increased, while no side effects or worsening of symptoms were observed. In addition, it was observed from the patient’s comments that he felt a sense of presence, as if he were her home.Discussion: The patient and his family could enjoy smooth conversation without time lag even in the VR space. Therefore, it was suggested that real-time virtual outings using VR could help realize the wishes of hospitalized terminal cancer patients who have difficulty going out as a new approach.
Exploring unmet needs and preferences of young adult stroke patients for post-stroke care through PROMs and gender differences
Authors: Ibrahim Sarah , Francis Troy , Sheehan Kathleen A. , Kokorelias Kristina , Stanimirovic Aleksandra , Hashmi Syeda , Kalocsai Csilla , Ng Sharon , Berkhout Suze G. , Cameron Jill I. , Rac Valeria , Pikula Aleksandra 
Published: May 2024

BackgroundStroke incidence among young adults of working age (under 65 years of age) has significantly increased in the past decade, with major individual, social, and economic implications. There is a paucity of research exploring the needs of this patient population. This study assessed: (1) young adult stroke patients' physical, psychological, and occupational functioning and health-related quality of life (HRQoL); and (2) post-stroke care preferences using patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), with attention to gender differences.MethodsA cross-sectional pilot study was conducted. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were collected through chart review and data on occupational function, physical, psychological, and social wellbeing &gt;90 days post-stroke through a self-reported survey. Descriptive statistics, gender-based, and regression analyses were conducted.ResultsThe sample included 85 participants. Participants reported impairments in both, occupational functioning, with 58.7% not returned to work (RTW), and HRQoL, specifically with social activities (37%), anxiety (34%), and cognitive function (34%). Women had significantly (p &lt; 0.05) worse physical symptoms (sleep disturbance and fatigue), emotional health (depression, stigma, emotional dyscontrol) scores, and sense of self-identify post-stroke. Over 70% of participants preferred in-person post-stroke care led by health care providers and felt they would have benefited from receiving information on physical health (71.4%), emotional and psychological health (56.0%), RTW (38.1%), and self-identity (26.2%) post-stroke. Women preferred cognitive behavioral therapy (p = 0.018) and mindfulness-based stress reduction therapy (p = 0.016), while men preferred pharmacotherapy (p = 0.02) for psychological symptoms.ConclusionThis is the first study to report impaired HRQoL, psychological and occupational functioning using PROMs, with significant gender differences and preferences for post-stroke care delivery among young adult stroke patients at &gt;90 days after stroke. The findings highlight the importance of needs, gender, and age-specific post-stroke education and interventions.
Ultrasound biomicroscopy analysis of ciliary muscle dynamics and its relation to intra-ocular pressure after phacoemulsification in dogs
Authors: Kim Donghee , Park Sang-Eun , Hwang Jiyi , Kang Nanyoung , Jung Ji Seung , Park Kyung-Mee 
Published: May 2024

IntroductionThis study investigates the relationship between ciliary muscle dynamics, thickness, and the regulation of intraocular pressure (IOP), focusing on the progression of cataracts and changes post-phacoemulsification. It explores how these factors impact canine ocular health, particularly in the context of cataract development and subsequent surgical intervention.Materials and methodsData was collected using Ultrasound Biomicroscopy (UBM) from dogs at the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital of Chungbuk National University, Korea. The study involved 57 eyes from 35 dogs, categorized into five groups: 13 normal eyes, 14 with incipient cataracts, 12 with immature cataracts, 6 with mature cataracts, and 12 post-phacoemulsification. UBM measurements assessed various ciliary muscle parameters including ciliary body axial length (CBAXL), ciliary process-sclera angle (CPSA), longitudinal fibers of ciliary muscle thickness (Lf-CMT), and longitudinal and radial fibers of ciliary muscle thickness (LRf-CMT).ResultsFindings indicated a decrease in CBAXL and an increase in Lf-CMT as cataracts progressed in severity. Post-phacoemulsification, there was a notable increase in CBAXL and a decrease in CPSA, Lf-CMT, and LRf-CMT, compared to both cataractous and normal eyes. Regression analysis revealed a significant positive association between CBAXL and IOP, alongside a negative association between Lf-CMT and IOP. These findings suggest that variations in ciliary muscle dynamics and thickness, as influenced by cataract progression and phacoemulsification, have distinct impacts on intraocular pressure.DiscussionThe study proposes that phacoemulsification leads to ciliary muscle contraction, causing an inward and anterior movement of the ciliary muscle. This movement results in the narrowing of the ciliary cleft and constriction of the unconventional outflow pathway, potentially causing an increased risk of glaucoma post-surgery. Our research contributes to understanding the anatomical and physiological changes in the canine eye following cataract surgery and underscores the importance of monitoring IOP and ciliary muscle dynamics in these patients.
Outcome in paraplegic dogs with or without pain perception due to thoracolumbar fibrocartilaginous embolic myelopathy or acute non-compressive nucleus pulposus extrusion
Authors: Togawa Go , Lewis Melissa J. , Devathasan Dillon 
Published: May 2024

BackgroundFibrocartilaginous embolic myelopathy (FCEM) and acute non-compressive nucleus pulposus extrusion (ANNPE) are common causes of acute spinal cord injury in dogs. Outcome among paraplegic deep pain positive (DPP) and deep pain negative (DPN) dogs with either condition and factors influencing recovery have not been clearly established.MethodsDogs with thoracolumbar FCEM or ANNPE resulting in paraplegia presenting to university hospitals between 2012 and 2022 were retrospectively included. Diagnosis of FCEM or ANNPE was based on clinical and magnetic resonance imaging findings. Outcome was defined as successful (recovery of independent ambulation) or unsuccessful (non-ambulatory ≥3 months following diagnosis or at the time of death/euthanasia). Logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate associations between clinical or imaging variables and outcome.ResultsThirty-one dogs were included. In total, 14 dogs were initially paraplegic DPP (8 FCEM, 6 ANNPE) and 17 dogs were paraplegic DPN (11 FCEM, 6 ANNPE). Outcome was available for 26 dogs (14 DPP, 12 DPN) with a median follow-up time of 182 days (range 0–2,311) including 2 dogs euthanized at the time of diagnosis; 1 of 12 DPN dogs (8.3%) regained independent ambulation, whereas 9 of 14 DPP dogs (64.3%) regained independent ambulation. DPN dogs had a significantly higher risk of not regaining independent ambulation compared with DPP dogs (OR: 47.40, 95% CI: 2.09–1073.99). No other variables were associated with outcome.ConclusionWhile recovery of ambulation was possible, these results confirm that the absence of pain perception is a useful negative prognostic indicator in dogs with severe thoracolumbar FCEM or ANNPE.