bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quality and safety management of advanced medical technologies in home care organisations: A qualitative survey along the road to uniformity in the Netherlands.
Authors: Haken Ingrid ten , Allouch Somaya Ben , Harten Wim H. van 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background:
A Quality Management System (QMS) in health care organisations encompasses not only policies, processes and necessary procedures, but should also encompass quality, safety, and risk management of medical technology (MT). Tactical and operational decision-making levels should be closely interconnected. Previous studies showed that nurses at the operational level do have a good awareness of patient safety, but especially in teams with a strong degree of self-organisation the interaction with tactical levels is an issue.
Methods:
A qualitative methodology was employed to explores the perspectives of employees who are responsible at a tactical level in homecare organisations concerning the quality and safety of advanced medical technologies (AMTs). Fifteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with purposively sampled employees across the Netherlands. Data were analyzed thematically using mainly a deductive approach.
Results:
All organisations possess a QMS, with only seven participants indicating that there is a plan for the quality and safety of AMTs. Most organisations apply the national protocols in the use of AMTs and rely on the supplier’s maintenance protocols. Although some participants say that their organisation has no formal procedure for resolving malfunctions with AMTs, all know pathways to solve problems. Organisations use tailored training programs for nurses in using AMTs, but not all are testing knowledge and skills and/or demand the formal registration of competence of nurses. Professionals report an incident on a separate form in the electronic client file or via a separate reporting system. However, there is no uniformity within organisations about handling incidents. Most interviewees state that in any case, incidents are discussed in the team. On the dimension ‘reporting, evaluating and learning from incidents’, the prevalent patient safety culture is ‘proactive’ on average.
Conclusions:
There is a lack of uniformity regarding quality and safety procedures for the use of AMTs in homecare organisations and structured policies for the implementation, use and maintenance are needed. This study identified additional risk factors regarding individual competencies in the use of AMTs at home. Employees at a tactical level, seem to be more positive about the patient safety culture with AMTs in their organisations than nurses at operational level.
Resilience Promoting Social Networks Among Unpaid Dementia Caregivers: An Exploratory Project Protocol
Authors: Peckham Allie , Guest M. Aaron , Pituch Keenan , Hook Jane , Mporanyi Marlene Umubyeyi , Sadow Sage 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Unpaid caregivers of people living with dementia often experience lower levels of perceived life satisfaction and higher rates of depression and anxiety compared to those caring for individuals without Alzheimer’s Disease or Related Dementias. While research on unpaid caregiver well-being and satisfaction has primarily focused on the characteristics of people living with dementia and their dyadic relationships, it has not adequately explored the role of social networks in supporting unpaid caregiver well-being. In this study, we aim to fill this gap by taking an egocentric social network approach to understand the multiple dimensions of social relations among unpaid caregivers of people living with Alzheimer's Disease or Related Dementia.
Methods
We will conduct a mixed-methods, two-year exploratory study that involves a structured survey-based telephone interview in year one and semi-structured interviews in year 2 with caregivers of persons living with dementia (PLWD) recruited through community and healthcare partners. Participants will participate in one 60-minute interview in year 1 (n = 100) and a 45 to 60-minute semi-structured interview in year 2 (n = 75). Eligibility for caregivers includes being an unpaid caregiver, aged 40 years or older, residing and providing care in Arizona or Nevada. The survey consists of questions about caregiver and care recipient demographics, caregiver background, caregiver stress, resilience, well-being, and egocentric social network data. Network composition attributes, such as tie strength, the function of the relationship, and reliance on network members, will also be assessed. In year 2, qualitative semi-structured interviews will supplement these quantitative measures to understand network selection, perceived network changes over time, and network strength.
Discussion
This study aims to identify new insights into the attributes of unpaid caregivers caring for someone living with dementia and to understand which social network compositions are most effective in supporting caregiver well-being and resilience. Our findings will offer valuable insights into the types and qualities of support networks that can promote resilience and well-being among unpaid caregivers of persons living with dementia. The findings will be beneficial to understand how different roles, such as age, relationship type, and quality, shape experiences and outcomes associated with caregiving. Understanding which network attributes contribute to caregiver resilience and well-being will support the development of interventions promoting effective support networks for unpaid caregivers of people living with dementia.
Comparison of Coflex dynamic stabilization with BacFuse static stabilization for lumbar degenerative disease
Authors: Chen Hao , Yi Ding , Wu Gang , Hou Changju , Xie Tao , Bian Zhenyu , Li Maoqiang , Zhu Liulong , Wang Xuepeng 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Purpose: To compare the clinical efficacy between BacFuse static interlaminar stabilization and Coflex dynamic interlaminar stabilization in patients with lumbar degenerative disease.
Methods: Sixty-one patents with lumbar degenerative disease who underwent Coflex and BacFuse interlaminar stabilization were included. Patient follow-up was conducted 1, 6, and 24 months after surgery.
Results:Back and leg visual analog scale scores and Oswestry Disability Index scores were significantly improved after surgery in both groups. Anterior disc height, posterior disc height, and foramina height at the targeted segment increased after surgery in the BacFuse group by 11.69%, 22.88%, and 19.62%, respectively. Between the 1- and 24-month follow-ups, mean disc height of the segment superior to the target decreased from 18.92 ± 1.68 mm to 18.65 ± 1.94 mm in the Coflex group and from 19.52 ± 1.58 mm to 19.07 ± 1.40 mm in the BacFuse group (P < 0.05). No new symptoms developed during follow-up.
Conclusions: BacFuse is a safe and effective alternative to Coflex interlaminar stabilization in patients with lumbar degenerative disease.
Prevalence, patterns and predictors of thyroid dysfunction among adult patients with diabetes mellitus attending Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital
Authors: Tamali Nihfadh Suleiman , Peris Alina , Awobajo Funmileyi O. , Muntari Bala , Prosper Ryamugwiza Muhammad , Ali Wardat Rashid , Muhumuza Joshua 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Introduction:
Diabetes mellitus and its consequences increase morbidity and mortality. Despite the significant consequences of thyroid dysfunction and diabetes mellitus on each other reported in literature, there is lack of information about the prevalence, patterns and predictors of thyroid dysfunction among adult diabetics in Uganda. This study was aimed at determining the prevalence, patterns and predictors of thyroid dysfunction among adult patients with diabetes mellitus attending Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital (FPRRH).
Methods
This was a cross sectional study conducted at FPRRH between August and October 2023. 385 Adult patients with diabetes mellitus were enrolled and assessed for thyroid dysfunction by measuring the free thyroxin (FT4), free triiodothyronine (FT3) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). Thyroid dysfunction was diagnosed if any of the 3 was not in the normal ranges. The predictors of thyroid dysfunction were determined using bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis in SPSS version 26.
Results
Among the 385 patients enrolled, majority were female with a mean age of 54.4 (SD = 15.8) years. The prevalence of thyroid dysfunction was 22.1% (95% CI = 17.7–26.2%). The commonest pattern of thyroid dysfunction was subclinical hypothyroidism 42 (49.4%), followed by clinical hypothyroidism 22(25.9%), subclinical hyperthyroidism 13 (15.3%) and clinical hyperthyroidism 8 (9.4%). The significant independent predictors of thyroid dysfunction were duration of DM ≥ 6 years (aOR = 1.874, P = 0.003), presence of DM complications [peripheral neuropathy (aOR = 3.034, P < 0.001) and diabetic foot (aOR = 5.730, P < 0.001)] and having a high fasting blood sugar (aOR = 1.729, P = 0.017).
Conclusion
The prevalence of thyroid dysfunction was high. Routine screening for thyroid dysfunction should be done among adult patients with diabetes mellitus during their diabetes clinic in order to decrease the complications through early diagnosis and treatment.
Clinical application of SPECT/CT guided targeted bone marrow biopsy in bone metastasis involvement in lung cancer
Authors: Li Xiaomin , Zhang Wanchun , Li Sijin 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Objective
To investigate the feasibility, safety, and clinical application value of single photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT)-guided bone marrow biopsy (BMB) in lung cancer (LC) patients with suspected bone metastases (BM) and compare its diagnostic performance for detection of BM with SPECT/CT.
Methods
The records of lung cancer patients referred for bone scintigraphy (BS), SPECT/CT and SPECT/CT-guided BMB from July of 2020 to July of 2023 in our hospital were retrospectively reviewed. 35 Patients were consecutively included in this study, all 34 specimens were analyzed by pathological and immunohistochemical studies.The biopsy success rate, total examination time, biopsy operation time, complications, CT radiation dose, and pathological and immunohistochemical results were recorded. The diagnostic performance based on SPECT/CT and SPECT/CT-guided BMB were compared with pathological, immunohistochemical examinations and the results of subsequent follow-up.
Results
Bone samples of the sites with high uptake were obtained in 34 patients under BMB, with a success rate of 97.1%(34/35). No severe postoperative complications occurred. Among all 34 cases, 29 specimens were positive for metastatic lung cancer (85%, 29/34), and positive for benign tissue in 5 cases (15%, 5/34). The average total examination time of 24 patients was (46.2 ± 7.3) minutes, and the biopsy operation time was (31.4 ± 8.2) minutes; The effective radiation dose generated during the entire inspection process is (2.2 ± 0.9) mSv. SPECT/CT-guided BMB demonstrated significantly higher negative predictive value (NPV) when compared to SPECT/CT (p = 0.021 < 0.05). The sensitivity, specificity, and negative predictive value (NPV) of BMB guided by SPECT/CT were significantly higher than those of SPECT/CT (p < 0.05).
Conclusion
It is insufficient to evaluate BM in LC patients using 99mTC-MDP SPECT/CT imaging. SPECT/CT-guided BMB was safe, accurate, and feasible and provided significantly higher sensitivity and NPV when compared to SPECT/CT for detection of BM in LC patients. In addition, our study initially showed the integrated approach that includes SPECT /CT and SPECT/CT-guided BMB, which can obtain one-stop imaging, pathological and molecular typing diagnosis in nuclear medicine department and offer important opportunities for precision treatment to improve quality of life of LC patients with BM.
Single intravenous subanesthetic dose of esketamine failed to relieve postoperative pain in obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery: a randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Hu Tao , Zhang Yu , Yang Ting , Liao Hongbing , Zhou Ying , Fu Qiang 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background:Multimodal analgesia during bariatric surgery is beneficial to accelerate postoperative recovery. Esketamine has been used in anesthesia and analgesia. However, the analgesic effect of single infusion subanesthetic dose of esketamine in obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery is unclear yet. The study aimed to illustrate whether intraoperative intravenous subanesthetic dose of esketamine could relieve pain in bariatric surgery patients.
Methods:Patients (n = 51) scheduled for laparoscopic bariatric surgery were randomly divided into two groups: the esketamine group (group E: 0.2 mg/Kg esketamine before surgical incision) or the saline group (group S: equivalent dose saline before surgical incision). The primary outcomes included pain in Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) and on the first postoperative day (POD1), and the intravenous morphine equivalent (IVME) on POD1. The second measures included adverse reactions, postoperative nausea and vomitting (PONV), duration of extubation, incidence of intraoperative hypotension and first time out of bed after surgery.
Results:Finally, 40 patients completed the study. PACU and POD1 numerical rating scale (NRS) scores revealed no significant difference, nor did IVME on POD1.
Conclusions: Single infusion subanesthetic doses of esketamine does not relieve acute pain or reduce morphine consumption postoperative in patients undergoing bariatric surgery. To realize meaningful postoperative analgesic benefit, increased dosages or prolonged infusions of esketamine might be required.
Trial registration: The study was registered at Chinese Clinical Trial Registry https://www.chictr.org.cn/, (Registration date: 7/12/2021; Identifier: ChiCTR2100054038).
Bridging the Buzz: In vivo EPR imaging unlocking the secrets of honey bee health
Authors: Mojović Miloš , Nakarada Đura , Glavinić Uroš , Ristanić Marko , Popović Milan , Stevanović Jevrosima , Stanimirović Zoran 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Honey bees, crucial for ecosystems and human health, confront rising mortality from parasites, pesticides, habitat loss, nutrition issues, and climate change. This affects the environment, economy, and human well-being. Progress in EPR instrumentation offers promise for in vivo imaging of small samples, like bees. This paper introduces a pioneering in vivo EPR imaging methodology to explore redox processes in honey bee intestines, advancing our understanding of these vital insects' health.
Evaluating Multiple Metabolic Indicators to Predict Gastric Intestinal Metaplasia Risk
Authors: Lee Chieh , Lai Chia-Yu , Yeh Ta-Sen , Chang Ming-Ling , Chen Tsung-Hsing 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Metabolic syndrome is highly associated with gastric cancer (GC) formation, although the reliability of individual indices for predicting IM (intestinal metaplasia) risk remains inconsistent. This retrospective cohort study applied univariate and multivariate analyses using Python and its statistical packages to analyze the relationships between multiple metabolic indicators and IM, including the Atherogenic Index of Plasma (AIP), the Triglyceride-Glucose Index (TyG), and levels of fasting (TC, AC: Fasting) blood glucose (AC), postprandial blood glucose (PC), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL).Our analysis of the metabolic indicators revealed that TyG and AIP were not predictors of IM. However, across all ages and genders, LDL was a significant predictor of IM. Moreover, we found that the accuracy associated with certain metabolic indicators of IM can vary according to age and gender. More specifically, HDL was a significant indicator of IM in young males, while TC was significant in young females. Additionally, for middle-aged individuals, PC was a significant indicator in males, while AC was significant in females. In elderly males, LDL, VLDL, and TyG were significant indicators, while TC and LDL were significant in elderly females. Furthermore, the AUC of elder individuals (> 60%) was significantly higher compared to young individuals (54.7%, males; 56.5%, females) and middle-aged individuals (53.6%, males; 52.5%, females). By conducting a comprehensive analysis of multiple metabolic indicators, our study reveals that significance varies according to gender and age, although LDL is a significant predictor of IM across all groups.
Using HPLC and LC-MS, a Bioanalytical method is developed and validated for the quantitative estimation of Rivaroxaban in biological matrices
Authors: Bhadru Banothu , Bogula Narender 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Using HPLC-ESI-MS/MS, a validated protein precipitation was used to estimate the amount of rivaroxaban in human plasma, with rivaroxaban-D4 serving as an internal reference. Using an Infinity Poroshell 120 EC C18 (2.1×50mm, 1.9µm) column, 20mM ammonium acetate (pH 3.5) was combined with methanol and acetonitrile (20:20:60 v/v) to create the desired chromatographic conditions. The analysis lasted three minutes in total, with a 0.5 ml/min flow rate. The mass transitions of 440.1→144.9 and 436.1→144.9 for rivaroxaban and rivaroxaban-D4 were found, respectively. Using a quadratic regression model, the standard curve displays a correlation coefficient (r2) greater than 0.9998 and a linearity range of 1.00 to 14.00pm/ml.
Clinical characteristics and initial C-reactive protein (CRP) levels associated with COVID-19 pneumonia in hospitalized patients at Huataphan Hospital, a primary care setting in Thailand
Authors: Sr Wissanu , Reechaipichitkul Wipa , Chamnan Parinya , Soontrapa Wannaporn , Tumsatan Panya , Yuajit Chaowalit 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
Rapid diagnosis of pneumonia in COVID-19 infection patients is crucial for early effective management to reduce mortality. A challenge exists for the few radiologists in community hospitals in primary care settings in Thailand, in that general practitioners usually read chest X-rays themselves and may misdiagnosed COVID-19 pneumonia.
Objective
To evaluate the initial clinical characteristics and initial CRP values associated with COVID-19 pneumonia, confirmed by two radiologists, in proven COVID-19 hospitalized patients.
Methods
A retrospective cohort study was conducted between 1 July 2021 and 31 October 2021 at Huataphan Hospital in a primary care setting in Thailand. 412 hospitalized COVID-19 patients, 51% female with a median age of 34 (IQR 24, 46) years and 15.8% of them had at least one comorbidity were evaluated. The results showed that prevalence of chest X-rays (CXR) revealed COVID-19 pneumonias were diagnosed and confirmed by two radiologists was 63%. Female sex, older age patients, and pre-existing comorbidities were more common in COVID-19 pneumonia than those without COVID-19 pneumonia. C-reactive protein (CRP) values were statistically significantly higher in COVID-19 pneumonia compared to those without COVID-19 pneumonia (median CRP 10.8 vs. 2.3 mg/dL, p < 0.001). CRP cut-off value of 4 mg/dL was associated with radiographically confirmed COVID-19 pneumonia with the area under the curve (AUC) 66.8% (95% CI, 62.0%-71.5%), sensitivity 66.7% (95% CI, 60.6%-72.4%) and specificity 66.9% (95% CI, 58.8%-74.3%). Every 1 mg/dL increase in CRP was associated with a 4% increase in presentation of COVID-19 pneumonia (aOR 1.04, 95%CI 1.02–1.06, p = 0.001).
Conclusions
Initial CRP value in hospitalized COVID-19 infections can be used in the primary care hospital setting in combination with clinical assessment and chest X-ray for early diagnosis of COVID-19 pneumonia.
A New Multi-Objective Approach For Allocating Heterogeneous IoT-Based Tasks in Mobile Crowd Sensing Using Deep Learning
Authors: Vahedi Zohreh , Chabak Seyyed Javad Seyed Mahdavi , Veisi Gelareh 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Today, with the rapid growth of Internet-based service delivery services, the realization of numerous applications, including mobile mass surveillance, has become possible. In mobile mass monitoring, equipment located at the edges of the network can be used to provide computing services, storage and execution of tasks that have time priorities. Despite the many studies that have been done in the past on the application of the mobile collective monitoring approach, however, the management of heterogeneous requests considering the quality of service has not been comprehensively investigated yet. Therefore, the main goal of this thesis is to provide an approach to allocate heterogeneous tasks in the form of implementing mobile collective monitoring in such a way that both the time period for the completion of the activity is reduced and the quality of coverage and service level are observed at an optimal level. Since the participating groups in such an approach have conflict of interests, therefore, the Stackelberg inverse game theory has been used as a tool to manage the level of user participation and consider the benefit of all players. One of the features of this game model is the possibility of implementing it without having complete information of all players. In order to reach the equilibrium point of the game, the optimal strategy of the applicants is determined by using the deep reinforcement learning algorithm, because this method can be useful in finding the appropriate proposed strategy by using the history of interactions. One of the important challenges when applying learning algorithms is the lack of stability during the execution of the learning process. In this regard, an approximate policy has been used to approximate the values of the reward function, which prevents divergence during the implementation of the learning process. Another important challenge is knowing the density of user participation in mobile mass monitoring programs. In fact, the higher the number of monitoring nodes in an area, the better coverage quality can be created. For this purpose, the fuzzy system has been used, which can estimate the level of participation density by having the time range of users' presence in the study area and the level of geographic density. In this thesis, three characteristics of activity completion time frame, service quality and coverage level have been evaluated. According to the obtained results, the use of such an approach increases the coverage level by more than 17% compared to the average of common methods.
CTAB-assisted AgBr -bismuth oxybromide based novel SERS substrate for label-free, non-invasive quantitative detection of detrimental synthetic food colorants
Authors: Saroj Arti , Ramanathan Venkatnarayan 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Synthetic food colorants like Rhodamin 6G, Allura red, Amaranth, Tartrazine, and Sunset yellow although banned by several governments continues to be used in food products. A method for detection in a non-invasive label free manner is reported in two parts. Herein, a novel CTAB assisted-BiOBr (BOB), Ag0.09 BOB and Ag0.15 BOB (CTAB-AgBr-Bi3O4Br/BiOBr) substrate was prepared by chemical precipitation method and their SERS (surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy) activity was assessed by detecting the aforementioned synthetic food colorants in a non-invasive label free manner. Excellent SERS activity was observed for all these dyes. Ag0.15 BOB substrate showed higher SERS activity than others. The lowest detection limit was determined to be 10 μM for Rhodamin 6G, 50 μM for Allura red, Amaranth and 40 μM for Tartrazine and Sunset yellow. Binary mixture analysis was also performed to analyse the closely related food colorants paving way for their quantitative detection in real food products.
RETRACTED: Experimental Study of Soybean Drying in a Fluidized Bed Dryer and Simulation of Heat and Mass Transfer Processes using Luikov Model
Authors: Tellab Noureddine , Hemis Mohamed , Panigrahi Shubham Subrot , Singh Chandra B. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.