bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The association of comorbidities with sleep quality among Australians with multiple sclerosis: Insights from the Australian Multiple Sclerosis Longitudinal Study
Authors: Dagnew Baye , Laslett Laura L , Honan Cynthia A , Blizzard Leigh , Winzenberg Tania , Taylor Bruce V , van der Mei Ingrid 
Published: May 2024

Background: Comorbidities and poor sleep quality are prevalent among individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). Our understanding of the effects of comorbidities on sleep quality in MS remains limited. Objectives: The objectives were to investigate whether the number and presence of specific comorbidities have associations with sleep quality and to assess the relative contribution of comorbidity groups to sleep quality. Methods: We collected data on sleep quality (using Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI)) and presence of comorbidities in people with MS ( n = 1597). Associations between comorbidities and sleep quality were examined using linear regression and dominance analysis. Results: Having more comorbidities was associated with poorer sleep quality ( p for trend < 0.001). All 13 groups of comorbidities explained 12.9% of the variance in PSQI from which half of the variance was contributed by mental health disorders. In total, 16 of the 28 comorbidities were associated with significantly worse sleep quality, with the strongest associations seen for ‘other autoimmune diseases’ (β = 1.98), depression (β = 1.76), anxiety (β = 1.72) and rheumatoid arthritis (β = 1.62). Conclusions: Many individual comorbidities are associated with poorer sleep quality, with mental health disorders making the largest relative contribution. Optimal management of comorbidities that make the greatest contributions could have the largest benefit for improving sleep in MS.
Contemporary Therapy of Femoropopliteal In-Stent Restenosis / Occlusion, 36-month Follow up Study
Authors: Suzuki Kenji , Takahara Mitsuyoshi , Tobita Kazuki , Hayakawa Naoki , Mori Shinsuke , Iwata Yo , Horie Kazunori , Nakama Tatsuya 
Published: May 2024

Background Drug-eluting devices improved outcomes of endovascular therapy (EVT) for femoropopliteal lesions, but mainly for de novo lesions. Endovascular therapy for in-stent restenosis/occlusion (ISR/O) is challenging, and large trials and long-term data are not well reported. Materials and Methods This study is a physician initiated, multicenter, and retrospective design. From 7 Japanese institutes, 3635 femoropopliteal cases were enrolled in the study. Among these, 346 cases of first ISR/O were studied. We defined drug-coated-balloon, drug-eluting stent, and covered stent as New devices. Balloon angioplasty and bare nitinol stent were included in the control group. Results The propensity score matching extracted 112 pairs. At 12 months, the primary patency rate was 80.3% in the new device group and 52.7% in the control group, and there was a significant intergroup difference ( P = .004). However, at 36 months, the rate was 43.3% vs 39.2%, with no significant difference ( P = .090). No baseline characteristics had any significant interaction effect (all P > .05). Conclusions The New devices were more effective than the control group for ISR/O at 1 year, but caught up at 3 years.
Examining menstrual health experiences in Philadelphia, PA: A qualitative investigation
Authors: Casola Allison R , Pando Oriana , Medley Lynette , Kunes Brianna , McGlone Nya , Rea Olivia 
Published: May 2024

Background: While menstruation is a physiologic process, it remains highly stigmatized. Despite the sheer number of menstruators, menstruation is a highly individualized experience, with wide variation in duration, symptoms, and management. This wide variability lends itself to large disparities in access to menstruation management products and subsequently the lived experience of menstruators. Objectives: The research team sought to understand lived menstrual experiences, symptoms, management tactics, and commonly used and desired resources among 20 cisgendered women aged 18–45 years in Philadelphia. Design: This project was a qualitative research study. Methods: We used a collaborative, community-based participatory research approach with No More Secrets, a Philadelphia-based grassroots sexuality awareness and menstrual health hub. Semi-structured telephone interviews were used to gain insight into general menstruation-related experiences, communication, worries, and concerns, with subsequent thematic analysis via Key Words in Context approach. Results: Four themes emerged following analysis: cycle characteristics, menstruation management, coping resources, and future resources. Participants largely spoke about their menses as a negative experience, asked for more comprehensive, verified sources of information and needed greater access to menstrual management supplies. Conclusion: Menstruation is a highly individualized experience with a large variety in knowledge, menstrual product use, and individual needs. Despite the individuality of menstruation, our community-based research shows that there is a dire need for interventions that promotes knowledge and access to menstrual care.
Long-term therapy with dienogest or other oral cyclic estrogen-progestogen can reduce the need for ovarian endometrioma surgery
Authors: Ferrari Federico , Epis Matteo , Casarin Jvan , Bordi Giulia , Gisone Emanuele Baldo , Cattelan Chiara , Rossetti Diego Oreste , Ciravolo Giuseppe , Gozzini Elisa , Conforti Jacopo , Cromi Antonella , Laganà Antonio Simone , Ghezzi Fabio , Odicino Franco 
Published: May 2024

Background: Almost 10% of women in reproductive age are diagnosed with ovarian endometriomas and can experience symptoms and infertility disorders. Ovarian endometriomas can be treated with medical or surgical therapy. Objective: To assess whether long-term therapy with dienogest or oral cyclic estrogen-progestogens is effective in reducing the size of ovarian endometriomas, alleviating associated symptoms, and reducing the requirement for surgery. Design: Prospective non-interventional cohort study. Methods: We enrolled childbearing women diagnosed with ovarian endometriomas. We collected demographic, clinical, and surgical data, including the evaluation of ovarian endometrioma-associated symptoms and pain using the visual analog scale. We grouped the women according to treatment regimen into dienogest, estrogen-progestogens, and no-treatment. Patient’s assessment was performed at baseline and after 12 months evaluating the largest ovarian endometrioma diameter (in millimeters) and the associated symptoms. Furthermore, we analyzed the impact of hormonal treatment in a sub-group of women fulfilling at baseline the criteria for a first-line surgical approach (ovarian endometrioma > 30 mm with visual analog scale > 8 or ovarian endometrioma > 40 mm before assisted reproductive treatments or any ovarian endometrioma(s) > 60 mm). Results: We enrolled 142 patients: 62, 38, and 42 in dienogest, estrogen-progestogens, and no-treatment groups, respectively. No significant differences were found regarding baseline characteristics. After 12 months, the mean largest ovarian endometrioma diameter increased in the no-treatment group (31.1 versus 33.8; p < 0.01), while a significant reduction was registered in the dienogest (35.1 versus 25.8; p < 0.01) and estrogen-progestogens (28.4 versus 16.7; p < 0.01) groups; no significant difference in ovarian endometrioma diameter reduction between these two latter groups was noted (p = 0.18). Ovarian endometrioma-associated symptoms and pain improved in dienogest and estrogen-progestogens groups, with a significantly greater effect for dienogest than for estrogen-progestogens for dysmenorrhea (74% versus 59%; p < 0.01). In the sub-group of women eligible for first-line surgery at baseline, long-term treatment with dienogest and estrogen-progestogens reduced surgical eligibility by 30%. Conclusions: Decreased mean largest ovarian endometriomas’diameter after 12 months and reduction of the need for surgical treatment by 30% were observed in dienogest and estrogen-progestogens groups. Long-term treatment with dienogest had a greater effect in alleviating dysmenorrhea and pain.
Proposed Quality Indicators for Aspects of Pediatric Acute Otitis Media Management
Authors: Cottrell Justin , Namavarian Amirpouyan , Yip Jonathan , Campisi Paolo , Chadha Neil K. , Damji Ali , Hong Paul , Lachance Sophie , Leitao Darren , Nguyen Lily H. P. , Saunders Natasha , Strychowsky Julie , Yunker Warren , Vaccani Jean-Philippe , Chan Yvonne , de Almeida John R. , Eskander Antoine , Witterick Ian J. , Monteiro Eric 
Published: May 2024

Background The high incidence of pediatric acute otitis media (AOM) makes the implications of overdiagnosis and overtreatment far-reaching. Quality indicators (QIs) for AOM are limited, drawing from generalized upper respiratory infection QIs, or locally developed benchmarks. Recognizing this, we sought to develop pediatric AOM QIs to build a foundation for future quality improvement efforts. Methods Candidate indicators (CIs) were extracted from existing guidelines and position statements. The modified RAND Corporation/University of California, Los Angeles (RAND/UCLA) appropriateness methodology was used to select the final QIs by an 11-member expert panel consisting of otolaryngology—head and neck surgeons, a pediatrician and family physician. Results Twenty-seven CIs were identified after literature review, with an additional CI developed by the expert panel. After the first round of evaluations, the panel agreed on 4 CIs as appropriate QIs. After an expert panel meeting and subsequent second round of evaluations, the panel agreed on 8 final QIs as appropriate measures of high-quality care. The 8 final QIs focus on topics of antimicrobial management, specialty referral, and tympanostomy tube counseling. Conclusions Evidence of variable and substandard care persists in the diagnosis and management of pediatric AOM despite the existence of high-quality guidelines. This study proposes 8 QIs which compliment guideline recommendations and are meant to facilitate future quality improvement initiatives that can improve patient outcomes.
The Role of the Built Environment in Supporting Older Adults’ Engagement: A Narrative Literature Review
Authors: Gripko Monica , Joseph Anjali 
Published: May 2024

Objective: This literature review aimed to summarize the existing knowledge surrounding the role of the built environment in supporting older adults’ physical and social engagement and identify opportunities for future research and design that facilitates older adults’ engagement at multiple environmental scales: from interior spaces to neighborhoods. Background: Physical environments can support or impede older adults’ physical and social engagement: willful, motivated involvement in meaningful activity or occupation. Research shows that engagement is a core component of health and well-being and relates to positive health outcomes, including reduced disease risk, better mental health, and improved physical and cognitive function. Thus, designing supportive built environments for engagement can yield significant, positive health and well-being impacts. Methods: A systematized search of five databases, a hand search, and an iterative screening process identified 55 studies for inclusion in this review. Through inductive thematic analysis, this review summarizes findings regarding the built environment’s role in physical and social engagement in older age and design strategies to facilitate engagement and support health and well-being. Results: Evidence indicates that built environment characteristics can influence older people’s physical and social engagement in homes, neighborhoods, and care settings. The thematic analysis of the included studies identified three key themes concerning the relationships of built environment characteristics to older adults’ engagement across multiple environmental scales: connection, access, and security. Conclusions: Built environments influence older people’s physical and social engagement, significantly affecting their health, well-being, abilities, and longevity. Numerous design strategies can support older adults’ engagement, but more research is needed.
Long-lasting hypoaldosteronism after adrenalectomy in a cat with hyperaldosteronism
Authors: Bouccara Léa , Dunie-Merigot Antoine , Poujol Laure , Blond Laurent , Jolivet Franck 
Published: May 2024

Case summary A 10-year-old neutered male domestic shorthair cat was presented with an abdominal mass, associated renal failure, chronic vomiting, anorexia and progressive polyuria/polydipsia lasting for 3 weeks. Clinical examination and initial blood work revealed azotaemia, hypokalaemia and hypertension. Abdominal ultrasound showed an adrenal mass with a diameter of 3 cm near the right kidney. High serum aldosterone suggested primary hyperaldosteronism. Surgery enabled identification of the mass and its excision along with the right adrenal gland. Histologically, carcinoma of the adrenal cortex was diagnosed. Postoperatively, an increase in serum creatinine and potassium, along with a low serum aldosterone, led to a diagnosis of hypoaldosteronism. Mineralocorticoid therapy for 6 months was necessary, resulting in clinical and biological improvement. Relevance and novel information To our knowledge, this case describes the longest-lasting reported secondary hypoaldosteronism in a cat, after unilateral adrenalectomy for an adrenal carcinoma with hyperaldosteronism.
Black social media influencers engage higher percentages of Black gay and bisexual men in online outreach for HIV prevention research relative to paid ads
Authors: Fahey Owen B , Carr Daniel J , Ocean Erik MS , Nittas Vasilios , Kane Chanda Phelan , Monti Peter M , Wray Tyler B 
Published: May 2024

Background Influencer-based social media marketing campaigns are a popular strategy to engage customers in many non-research industries (e.g., retail), but have been increasingly used in public health campaigns to reach and engage specific populations. However, few studies have directly compared the performance of influencer-based marketing with other ad strategies (e.g., paid ads) in achieving these goals. Methods From March to September 2023, we conducted an influencer-focused marketing campaign in which we identified and partnered with predominantly Black LGBTQ + influencers in the United States South to promote engagement in our ongoing research. We then used web analytics and interest form data to compare performance of influencer posts versus paid ads over the same time period. Results We contacted a total of 358 influencers, 20 of whom ultimately agreed to post (85% Black/African American) and made a total of 28 posts on our behalf. A significantly higher percentage of users who clicked through influencer posts were Black (40% vs. 15%), were not currently using pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) (67% vs. 62%), had no history of PrEP use (78% vs. 72%), and reported higher medical mistrust (12% vs. 8%) compared to those who clicked through paid ads. The percentage of Black men who have sex with men who were at high HIV risk, who were not taking PrEP, had no history of PrEP, or were high in mistrust, were all 2–3 times higher among those who clicked through influencer posts relative to paid ads. Conclusions Influencer-focused marketing may be a powerful tool to efficiently reach and engage high-priority and hard to reach populations.
The Effect of an Online Health Literacy Promotion Program for Filipino Domestic Workers: A Mixed Method Study
Authors: Cheong Pak Leng , Lam Mei Ieng , Wang Hui , Cheong Wan , Man Lei Louisa Sok 
Published: May 2024

Introduction Health literacy refers to acquiring and utilizing health information to make health-related actions and decisions. Filipino domestic workers with low health literacy are often vulnerable to health problems due to poor living and working conditions. Objective This study examined the effect of an online health literacy promotion program on health literacy and health knowledge of Filipino domestic workers in Macao. Methods The mixed method combined quantitative findings of a quasi-experimental study with qualitative results applied. The quasi-experiment included three parallel groups: a synchronous online education group (videoconference group), an asynchronous online education group (video group), and a control group. A total of 88 Filipino domestic workers were assigned to one of these groups, and eight respondents participated in two focus-group interviews respectively after the intervention. Results For quantitative data, both synchronous and asynchronous online education interventions had positive effects. While comparing with the control group, participants in the videoconference group were more likely to have better health promotion health literacy after the intervention (β = 5.36, p = .02), and participants in the video group were more likely to have better general health literacy (β = 5.17, p = .01), disease prevention health literacy (β = 5.31, p = .04), health promotion health literacy (β = 5.97, p = .01). For qualitative data, three themes and eight subthemes were extracted after the online health literacy promotion program. After integrating the findings of this study, the study found that this program was essential and beneficial for Filipino domestic workers’ health knowledge and health literacy. Conclusion Overall, online health literacy promotion programe had positive impacts on participants revealed in this study. Asynchronous online education has made significant progress in overall health literacy, which may be more suitable as a widely promoted education method because of the characteristics and working conditions of this population.
Perceptions of Bedside Nurses Caring for Patients with Left Ventricular Assist Devices (LVAD): A Qualitative Study
Authors: El Zein Sara , Fawaz Mirna , Al-Shloul Mohammad N. , Rayan Ahmad , ALBashtawy Mohammed S , Khader Imad Abu , Jallad Mohammed , Al-Kharabsheh Muna , ALBashtawy Sa'd , Alshloul Doha M. 
Published: May 2024

Introduction Bedside nurses in the intensive care units are exposed to multiple challenges in their regular practice and recently have taken in ventricular assist device care in Lebanon since its introduction as a fairly new practice. Objectives To explore the experiences of nursing staff who work in Lebanese hospitals with Left Ventricular Assist Devices (LVAD). Methods This study employed a qualitative phenomenological research design, where semi-structured interviews were carried out among fifteen LVAD nurses in an acute care hospital. Results The qualitative data analysis produced six main themes. The first theme prevalent was “LVAD incompetence and shortage” and it reflected the deficit in properly structured training and the number of specialized LVAD nurses. The second theme that resulted from the analysis was titled, “Patient and family knowledge”, which indicated the misconceptions that families and patients usually hold about LVAD which usually sugarcoats the situation. This was followed by “Burden of complications”, “LVAD patient selection”, “Perception of the LVAD team as invulnerable”, and “High workload and patient frailty” which reflected the perspectives of LVAD nurses. Conclusion This study shows that the Lebanese LVAD nurses who participated in this study perceived inadequate competence, yet lacked proper training and induction. The nurses reported multiple challenges relating to care tasks, workload, and patient and family interactions which need to be addressed by coordinators.
Differences in Depression, Anxiety, and Stress in Relation to Changes in Living Conditions, Work Conditions, and Daily Life During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Jordan
Authors: Shaheen Abeer , Hamdan Khaldoun , Allari Rabia , Al-Bashaireh Ahmad M. , Smadi Amani Al , Amre Huda , Albqoor Maha Alkaid 
Published: May 2024

Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with numerous changes in daily life conditions that could affect the psychological response of individuals worldwide. Objective The study aimed to describe and examine differences in depression, anxiety, and stress in relation to living conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods A cross-sectional design was used. Purposive snowball sampling was employed to include 642 participants. Arabic versions of the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scales were used to collect data. Descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA, and Pearson's correlation were used to analyze the data. Results The total mean scores of depression, anxiety, and stress were 12.26 (SD = 10.53), 9.04 (SD = 9.34), and 13.49 (SD = 10.72), respectively. Of the study sample, 122 (19.5%), 139 (22.2%), and 99 (15.9%) had severe to extremely severe levels of depression, anxiety, and stress, respectively. Significant differences were found in depression, anxiety, and stress in relation to age, chronic diseases, and house size. Conclusion The findings showed an increased prevalence of depression and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mental health practitioners need to recognize the impact of pandemics on youth, females, low-income populations, and individuals with chronic diseases. Preventive mental health services among these populations, such as screening and counseling, would help reduce the health risks.
Practical application of the modification in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography treated common bile duct stones in patients with Billroth II gastroenterostomy in Vietnam
Authors: Tuyet Tran Thi Anh , Thai Nguyen Van , Thinh Nguyen Tien , Binh Mai Thanh 
Published: May 2024

Objective: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in patients who have undergone Billroth II gastroenterostomy (B-II GE) has been challenging, requiring flexibility in technical approaches during execution. The study aims to assess the effectiveness of enhanced techniques in performing ERCP on this patient group in Vietnam. Method: A total of 42 Vietnamese patients with B-II GE performed an ERCP using a duodenoscope or a modification of ERCP equipment (a cap-fitted regular forward-viewing endoscope) if the former failed. The effectiveness and safety of the ERCP technique were assessed, particularly in patients who underwent the forward-viewing endoscope method. Result: A total of 39 out of 42 patients had the Vater’s papilla identified, among whom 12 patients (30.8%) achieved successful cannulation into the bile duct using a side-viewing endoscope, significantly lower than the success rate using a forward-viewing endoscope (25/27, counted 92.6%, with p < 0.001). After successful cannulation, the rate of stone clearance, the procedural time, and the hospitalization duration of the patients were equivalent between the two methods and were not dependent on the number or size of the stones. On the other hand, post-ERCP complications in patients utilizing forward-viewing endoscopy included acute pancreatitis (22.2%), post-sphincterotomy bleeding (3.7%), septicemia (4.8%), and perforation (0%). These complications were mild and amenable to conservative endoscopic and medical management, and no mortality was observed. The rates of complications and adverse events after ERCP are comparable between the two treatment methods, even though the end-viewing endoscope is used after the failure of the side-viewing endoscope. Conclusion: Alter ERCP utilizing a cap-fitted forward-viewing endoscope can be a primary choice for treating common bile duct stones in patients with a Billroth II gastric resection history because of high efficacy and acceptable complications. It requires a high level of procedural expertise that requires multiple training sessions.