bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Psychological adjustment to death anxiety: a qualitative study of Chinese patients with advanced cancer
Authors: Chen Furong , Ou Meijun , Xia Wanting , Xu Xianghua 
Published: March 2024

ObjectivesDeath anxiety (DA) refers to the negative emotions experienced when a person reflects on the inevitability of their own death, which is common among patients with cancer. It is crucial to understand the causes, coping styles and adjustment processes related to DA. The purpose of this qualitative study is to explore the adaptation process and outcome of patients with advanced cancer with DA and to provide evidence-based support for the development of targeted intervention measures to improve the mental health of such patients.DesignThis cross-sectional qualitative study sampled patients with advanced cancer (n=20). Grounded theory procedures were used to analyse transcripts and a theoretical model generated.SettingAll interviewees in this study were from a tertiary oncology hospital in Hunan Province, China. The data analysis followed the constructive grounded theory method, involving constant comparison and memo writing.ParticipantsA purposive and theoretical sampling approach was used to recruit 20 patients with advanced cancer with diverse characteristics.ResultsA total of 20 participants were included in the study. Four stages of DA in patients with advanced cancer were extracted from the interview data: (1) death reminder and prominence; (2) perception and association; (3) defence and control; (4) transformation and Acceptance.ConclusionsThis study highlights the psychological status and coping strategies of dynamic nature of patients with advanced cancer when confronted with negative emotions associated with death. It emphasises the importance of timely identification of DA in psychological nursing for patients with advanced cancer and the need for targeted psychological interventions based on their specific psychological processes.ImplicationsKnowing interventions that aim to promote the integration of internal and external resources, enhance self-esteem and facilitate a calm and accepting attitude towards death could ultimately reduce the overall DA of patients with advanced cancer.
Incidence, contributing factors and outcomes of birth injury among newborns in Africa: a systematic review of quantitative evidence protocol
Authors: Mersha Abera , Shibiru Shitaye 
Published: March 2024

IntroductionBirth injury is a significant public health problem in Africa, with a high incidence and associated mortality and morbidity. Systematic reviews that indicate the incidence, contributing factors and outcomes of birth injury in Africa provide valuable evidence to policy-makers and programme planners for improving prevention and treatment strategies. Therefore, this review is aimed to evaluate the incidence, contributing factors and outcomes of birth injury among newborns in Africa.Methods and analysisThe data will be searched and extracted from JBI Database, Cochrane Database, MEDLINE/PubMed, CINAHL/EBSCO, EMBASE, PEDro, POPLINE, Proquest, OpenGrey (SIGLE), Google Scholar, Google, APA PsycInfo, Web of Science, Scopus and HINARI. Unpublished studies and grey literature will be searched from different sources. This systematic review will include quantitative observational studies, registry and census data, and experimental studies that report on the prevalence or incidence in Africa from 1 January 1990 to 30 September 2023. The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) quality appraisal checklist will be used to select eligible studies. Two researchers will independently appraise and extract the data from included studies and resolve discrepancies through discussion. Heterogeneity will be assessed using forest plots and the I2statistic. If substantial heterogeneity is present, a random-effects model will be used to pool the data. Subgroup analyses will be used to explore the potential sources of heterogeneity. Publication bias will be assessed using funnel plots and Egger’s regression test. The software package used to conduct the meta-analysis will be JBI SUMARI. An association will be considered significant if the p<0.05.Ethics and disseminationEthical clearance is not needed for this systematic review and the results will be shared with relevant stakeholders to maximise reach and impact.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42023123637.
Scoping review of assessment tools for, magnitudes of and factors associated with problem drinking in population-based studies
Authors: Dagne Kefyalew , Myers Bronwyn , Mihretu Awoke , Teferra Solomon 
Published: March 2024

BackgroundThe term “problem drinking” includes a spectrum of alcohol problems ranging from excessive or heavy drinking to alcohol use disorder. Problem drinking is a leading risk factor for death and disability globally. It has been measured and conceptualised in different ways, which has made it difficult to identify common risk factors for problem alcohol use. This scoping review aims to synthesise what is known about the assessment of problem drinking, its magnitude and associated factors.MethodsFour databases (PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, Global Index Medicus) and Google Scholar were searched from inception to 25 November 2023. Studies were eligible if they focused on people aged 15 and above, were population-based studies reporting problem alcohol use and published in the English language. This review was reported based on guidelines from the ‘Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews Checklist’. Critical appraisal was done using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.ResultsFrom the 14 296 records identified, 10 749 underwent title/abstract screening, of which 352 full-text articles were assessed, and 81 articles were included for data extraction. Included studies assessed alcohol use with self-report quantity/frequency questionnaires, criteria to determine risky single occasion drinking, validated screening tools, or structured clinical and diagnostic interviews. The most widely used screening tool was the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test. Studies defined problem drinking in various ways, including excessive/heavy drinking, binge drinking, alcohol use disorder, alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence. Across studies, the prevalence of heavy drinking ranged from <1.0% to 53.0%, binge drinking from 2.7% to 48.2%, alcohol abuse from 4.0% to 19.0%, alcohol dependence from 0.1% to 39.0% and alcohol use disorder from 2.0% to 66.6%. Factors associated with problem drinking varied across studies. These included sociodemographic and economic factors (age, sex, relationship status, education, employment, income level, religion, race, location and alcohol outlet density) and clinical factors (like medical problems, mental disorders, other substance use and quality of life).ConclusionsDue to differences in measurement, study designs and assessed risk factors, the prevalence of and factors associated with problem drinking varied widely across studies and settings. The alcohol field would benefit from harmonised measurements of alcohol use and problem drinking as this would allow for comparisons to be made across countries and for meta-analyses to be conducted.Trial registration numberOpen Science Framework ID:https://osf.io/2anj3.
Association between long-term use of calcium channel blockers (CCB) and the risk of breast cancer: a retrospective longitudinal observational study protocol
Authors: Ho Chau , Ha Ninh Thi , Youens David , Abhayaratna Walter P , Bulsara Max K , Hughes Jeffery David , Mishra Gita , Pearson Sallie-Anne , Preen David B , Reid Christopher M , Ruiter Rikje , Saunders Christobel M , Stricker Bruno H , van Rooij Frank J A , Wright Cameron , Moorin Rachael 
Published: March 2024

IntroductionCalcium channel blockers (CCB), a commonly prescribed antihypertensive (AHT) medicine, may be associated with increased risk of breast cancer. The proposed study aims to examine whether long-term CCB use is associated with the development of breast cancer and to characterise the dose–response nature of any identified association, to inform future hypertension management.Methods and analysisThe study will use data from 2 of Australia’s largest cohort studies; the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health, and the 45 and Up Study, combined with the Rotterdam Study. Eligible women will be those with diagnosed hypertension, no history of breast cancer and no prior CCB use at start of follow-up (2004–2009). Cumulative dose-duration exposure to CCB and other AHT medicines will be captured at the earliest date of: the outcome (a diagnosis of invasive breast cancer); a competing risk event (eg, bilateral mastectomy without a diagnosis of breast cancer, death prior to any diagnosis of breast cancer) or end of follow-up (censoring event). Fine and Gray competing risks regression will be used to assess the association between CCB use and development of breast cancer using a generalised propensity score to adjust for baseline covariates. Time-varying covariates related to interaction with health services will also be included in the model. Data will be harmonised across cohorts to achieve identical protocols and a two-step random effects individual patient-level meta-analysis will be used.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval was obtained from the following Human research Ethics Committees: Curtin University (ref No. HRE2022-0335), NSW Population and Health Services Research Ethics Committee (2022/ETH01392/2022.31), ACT Research Ethics and Governance Office approval under National Mutual Acceptance for multijurisdictional data linkage research (2022.STE.00208). Results of the proposed study will be published in high-impact journals and presented at key scientific meetings.Trial registration numberNCT05972785.
Diabetes care in the pandemic era in the Midwestern USA: a semi-structured interview study of the patient perspective
Authors: Gonzalez Bravo Carolina , Sabree Shakoora A , Dukes Kimberly , Adeagbo Morolake J , Edwards Sarai , Wainwright Kasey , Schaeffer Sienna E , Villa Aneli , Wilks Aloha D , Carvour Martha L 
Published: March 2024

ObjectivesTo understand patients’ experiences with diabetes care during the COVID-19 pandemic, with an emphasis on rural, medically underserved, and/or minoritised racial and ethnic groups in the Midwestern USA.DesignCommunity-engaged, semi-structured interviews were conducted by medical student researchers trained in qualitative interviewing. Transcripts were prepared and coded in the language in which the interview was conducted (English or Spanish). Thematic analysis was conducted, and data saturation was achieved.SettingThe study was conducted in communities in Eastern and Western Iowa.ParticipantsAdults with diabetes (n=20) who were fluent in conversational English or Spanish were interviewed. One-third of participants were residents of areas designated as federal primary healthcare professional shortage areas and/or medically underserved areas, and more than half were recruited from medical clinics that offer care at no cost.ResultsThemes across both English and Spanish transcripts included: (1) perspectives of diabetes, care providers and care management; (2) challenges and barriers affecting diabetes care; and (3) participant feedback and recommendations. Participants reported major constraints related to provider availability, costs of care, access to nutrition counselling and mental health concerns associated with diabetes care during the pandemic. Participants also reported a lack of shared decision-making regarding some aspects of care, including amputation. Finally, participants recognised systems-level challenges that affected both patients and providers and expressed a preference for proactive collaboration with healthcare teams.ConclusionsThese findings support enhanced engagement of rural, medically underserved and minoritised groups as stakeholders in diabetes care, diabetes research and diabetes provider education.
Laparoscopic continuous seromuscular circumsuture for myomectomy: a real-world, retrospective, East-Asian cohort study
Authors: Shi Xueqin , Wu Han , Liu Jinmei , Zhu Jianhua , Zhang Linyan 
Published: March 2024

ObjectiveThis study aimed to introduce a novel laparoscopic haemostasis for myomectomy and investigate the independent risk factors for uterine fibroid recurrence.DesignA retrospective cohort study.SettingFollowing strengthening the reporting of observational studies in epidemiology (STROBE) criteria, a retrospective study of prospectively collected available data of the consecutive patients who underwent the myomectomy in the department of obstetrics and gynaecology of the single centre between February 2018 and December 2020.Participants177 patients who underwent laparoscopic myomectomy resection were enrolled in the present cohort study.Materials and methodsPatients were classified into two groups according to their different methods of haemostasis in laparoscopic surgery. Recurrence-free survival was compared between the groups during an average follow-up of nearly 2 years.ResultsOf the 177 patients from 672 consecutive patients in the retrospective cohort, laparoscopic circular suture and baseball suture were carried out in 102 (57.6%) and 75 (42.4%) patients, respectively. The total amount of blood lost during surgery varied significantly (37.6 vs 99.5 mL) (p<0.001). Univariable analyses identified that age ≥40 years, position at intramural myoma, multiple fibroids and largest fibroid volume ≥50 mm3(HR 2.222, 95% CI 1.376 to 3.977, p=0.039; HR 3.625, 95% CI 1.526 to 6.985, p=0.003; HR 3.139, 95% CI 1.651 to 5.968, p<0.001; HR 2.328, 95% CI 0.869 to 3.244, p=0.040, respectively) are independent risk factor of the recurrence of uterine fibroids. The formula of the nomogram prediction model was established as the practical clinical tool.ConclusionThe laparoscopic continuous seromuscular circumsuture for myomectomy can effectively reduce the amount of surgical bleeding and accelerate the perioperative recovery for surgical safety. The main factors affecting the recurrence of uterine fibroids were age, location, number and volume of uterine fibroids. The nomogram can more straightforwardly assist clinicians to determine the risk of recurrence after laparoscopic myomectomy.
Developing blood-brain barrier arterial spin labelling as a non-invasive early biomarker of Alzheimer’s disease (DEBBIE-AD): a prospective observational multicohort study protocol
Authors: Padrela Beatriz , Mahroo Amnah , Tee Mervin , Sneve Markus H , Moyaert Paulien , Geier Oliver , Kuijer Joost P A , Beun Soetkin , Nordhøy Wibeke , Zhu Yufei David , Buck Mareike A , Hoinkiss Daniel C , Konstandin Simon , Huber Jörn , Wiersinga Julia , Rikken Roos , de Leeuw Diederick , Grydeland Håkon , Tippett Lynette , Cawston Erin E , Ozturk-Isik Esin , Linn Jennifer , Brandt Moritz , Tijms Betty M , van de Giessen Elsmarieke M , Muller Majon , Fjell Anders , Walhovd Kristine , Bjørnerud Atle , Pålhaugen Lene , Selnes Per , Clement Patricia , Achten Eric , Anazodo Udunna , Barkhof Frederik , Hilal Saima , Fladby Tormod , Eickel Klaus , Morgan Catherine , Thomas David L , Petr Jan , Günther Matthias , Mutsaerts Henk J M M 
Published: March 2024

IntroductionLoss of blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity is hypothesised to be one of the earliest microvascular signs of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Existing BBB integrity imaging methods involve contrast agents or ionising radiation, and pose limitations in terms of cost and logistics. Arterial spin labelling (ASL) perfusion MRI has been recently adapted to map the BBB permeability non-invasively. The DEveloping BBB-ASL as a non-Invasive Early biomarker (DEBBIE) consortium aims to develop this modified ASL-MRI technique for patient-specific and robust BBB permeability assessments. This article outlines the study design of the DEBBIE cohorts focused on investigating the potential of BBB-ASL as an early biomarker for AD (DEBBIE-AD).Methods and analysisDEBBIE-AD consists of a multicohort study enrolling participants with subjective cognitive decline, mild cognitive impairment and AD, as well as age-matched healthy controls, from 13 cohorts. The precision and accuracy of BBB-ASL will be evaluated in healthy participants. The clinical value of BBB-ASL will be evaluated by comparing results with both established and novel AD biomarkers. The DEBBIE-AD study aims to provide evidence of the ability of BBB-ASL to measure BBB permeability and demonstrate its utility in AD and AD-related pathologies.Ethics and disseminationEthics approval was obtained for 10 cohorts, and is pending for 3 cohorts. The results of the main trial and each of the secondary endpoints will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.
Multicomponent (bio)markers for obesity risk prediction: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Vahid Farhad , Dessenne Coralie , Tur Josep A , Bouzas Cristina , Devaux Yvan , Malisoux Laurent , Monserrat-Mesquida Margalida , Sureda Antoni , Desai Mahesh S , Turner Jonathan D , Lamy Elsa , Perez-Jimenez Maria , Ravn-Haren Gitte , Andersen Rikke , Forberger Sarah , Nagrani Rajini , Ouzzahra Yacine , Fontefrancesco Michele Filippo , Onorati Maria Giovanna , Bonetti Gino Gabriel , de-Magistris Tiziana , Bohn Torsten 
Published: March 2024

IntroductionDespite international efforts, the number of individuals struggling with obesity is still increasing. An important aspect of obesity prevention relates to identifying individuals at risk at early stage, allowing for timely risk stratification and initiation of countermeasures. However, obesity is complex and multifactorial by nature, and one isolated (bio)marker is unlikely to enable an optimal risk stratification and prognosis for the individual; rather, a combined set is required. Such a multicomponent interpretation would integrate biomarkers from various domains, such as classical markers (eg, anthropometrics, blood lipids), multiomics (eg, genetics, proteomics, metabolomics), lifestyle and behavioural attributes (eg, diet, physical activity, sleep patterns), psychological traits (mental health status such as depression) and additional host factors (eg, gut microbiota diversity), also by means of advanced interpretation tools such as machine learning. In this paper, we will present a protocol that will be employed for a scoping review that attempts to summarise and map the state-of-the-art in the area of multicomponent (bio)markers related to obesity, focusing on the usability and effectiveness of such biomarkers.Methods and analysisPubMed, Scopus, CINAHL and Embase databases will be searched using predefined key terms to identify peer-reviewed articles published in English until January 2024. Once downloaded into EndNote for deduplication, CADIMA will be employed to review and select abstracts and full-text articles in a two-step procedure, by two independent reviewers. Data extraction will then be carried out by several independent reviewers. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews and Peer Review of Electronic Search Strategies guidelines will be followed. Combinations employing at least two biomarkers from different domains will be mapped and discussed.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval is not required; data will rely on published articles. Findings will be published open access in an international peer-reviewed journal. This review will allow guiding future directions for research and public health strategies on obesity prevention, paving the way towards multicomponent interventions.
Examining the impact of COVID-19 on Māori:non-Māori health inequities in Aotearoa, New Zealand: an observational study protocol
Authors: Curtis Elana , Jaung Rebekah , Paine Sarah-Jane , McLeod Melissa , Tamatea Jade , Atkinson June , Jiang Yannan , Robson Bridget , Reid Papaarangi , Harris Ricci B 
Published: March 2024

IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic has had both direct and indirect impacts on the health of populations worldwide. While racial/ethnic health inequities in COVID-19 infection are now well known (and ongoing), knowledge about the impact of COVID-19 pandemic management on non-COVID-19-related outcomes for Indigenous peoples is less well understood. This article presents the study protocol for the Health Research Council of New Zealand funded project ‘Mā te Mōhio ka Mārama: Impact of COVID-19 on Māori:non-Māori inequities’. The study aims to explore changes in access to healthcare, quality of healthcare and health outcomes for Māori, the Indigenous peoples of Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ) and non-Māori during the COVID-19 outbreak period across NZ.Methods and analysisThis observational study is framed within a Kaupapa Māori research positioning that includes Kaupapa Māori epidemiology. National datasets will be used to report on access to healthcare, quality of healthcare and health outcomes between Māori and non-Māori during the COVID-19 pandemic in NZ. Study periods are defined as (a) prepandemic period (2015–2019), (b) first pandemic year without COVID-19 vaccines (2020) and (c) pandemic period with COVID-19 vaccines (2021 onwards). Regional and national differences between Māori and non-Māori will be explored in two phases focused on identified health priority areas for NZ including (1) mortality, cancer, long-term conditions, first 1000 days, mental health and (2) rheumatic fever.Ethics and disseminationThis study has ethical approval from the Auckland Health Research Ethics Committee (AHREC AH26253). An advisory group will work with the project team to disseminate the findings of this project via project-specific meetings, peer-reviewed publications and a project-specific website. The overall intention of the project is to highlight areas requiring health policy and practice interventions to address Indigenous inequities in health resulting from COVID-19 pandemic management (both historical and in the future).