bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Practices and knowledge of community pharmacists towards the use of proton pump inhibitors: a cross-sectional study in Jordan
Authors: Gharaibeh Lobna , Alameri Mariam Ahmad , AL-Hawamdeh Mai I , Daoud Enas , Atwan Randa , Lafi Zainab , Zakaraya Zainab Zaki 
Published: February 2025

ObjectivesThe widespread use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) raised concerns on the safety of long-term use of these drugs. Community pharmacists have great responsibility of educating patients on these drugs which requires having adequate knowledge. The aim of this study was to assess the practices and knowledge of community pharmacists regarding PPIs.DesignThis was a cross-sectional study conducted by filling in a questionnaire. The questionnaire was developed after a comprehensive literature review and assessed knowledge and practices.SettingsCommunity pharmacists with at least 1 year of experience working in a community pharmacy were enrolled in the study.ParticipantsCommunity pharmacists with at least 1 year of experience working in a community pharmacy were enrolled in the study.Primary outcome measuresThe knowledge, attitudes, and practices of community pharmacists towards PPIs dispensing.ResultsA total of 459 community pharmacists were approached for participation in the study, 451 (98.3%) community pharmacists agreed to be enrolled. The most dispensed PPIs in Jordan were lansoprazole and the most commonly treated medical condition with PPIs was gastric ulcer. PPIs were dispensed by the pharmacists very frequently and one-fourth of the participants did not review instructions with patients to ensure their proper use of PPIs. Participants had an average knowledge of 6.1±1.7 (the highest knowledge score is 12). More than one-third of participants (180, 39.9%) had inadequate knowledge (a score of less than 6). Being a PharmD graduate was the only significant factor that predicted adequate knowledge in the logistic regression model, with an adjusted OR of 5.671, p=0.002.ConclusionTo provide adequate pharmaceutical care services, community pharmacists must possess appropriate knowledge on different aspects of PPIs concerning administration, efficacy and long-term and short-term side effects.
How do serum cytokine levels change in myocarditis and inflammatory dilated cardiomyopathy relative to healthy individuals? A protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Lewandowski Piotr , Baron Maciej , Rojek Marcin A , Goławski Marcin , Krystek Karol , Żegleń Magdalena , Zytkiewicz Pascal , Kancerek Jakub , Lis Klaudia Gabriela , Warecki Jakub , Kufel Jakub , Kuśpiel Kamila , Wojnicz Romuald 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionMyocarditis is an inflammatory heart disease resulting from infections, toxic exposures or autoimmune reactions. Irrespective of the factors responsible for this disease, cytokines play an important role in regulating the immunological response involved in its development and progression. Accordingly, this protocol aims to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis summarising previous research on serum and plasma levels of cytokines in patients with myocarditis and inflammatory dilated cardiomyopathy.Methods and analysisFour scientific databases: PubMed, Embase, Scopus and Web of Science, will be searched. The estimated date of the search will be 30 March 2024. Each stage of the review, including the study selection, data extraction, risk of bias and quality of evidence assessments, will be performed in duplicate. Studies meeting the following criteria will be eligible for inclusion: (1) studies involving ‘myocarditis’ or ‘inflammatory dilated cardiomyopathy’ and (2) studies are required to report serum levels of any cytokine. Meta-analyses will be used to summarise serum levels of each cytokine if possible. Subgroup analysis will be stratified by age, sex, sample size, New York Heart Association scale, cardiac Troponin T, N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide, C reactive protein, number of lymphocytes per mm2in the endomyocardial biopsy.Ethics approval and disseminationThis study does not require ethics approval. After completion, the results will be published in a peer-reviewed paper. Data generated during the study will be published in an open access repository.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42024519625
Temporal trends in guideline-recommended medical therapy after an acute heart failure decompensation event: an observational analysis from Generator Heart Failure DataMart
Authors: Laborante Renzo , Delvinioti Agni , Tudor Andrada Mihaela , Lenkowicz Jacopo , Iacomini Chiara , Iaconelli Antonio , Paglianiti Donato Antonio , Galli Mattia , Rodolico Daniele , Patarnello Stefano , Restivo Attilio , Ciliberti Giuseppe , Rizzo Gaetano , Bianchini Emiliano , Busti Matteo , Sensini Luca , Valentini Vincenzo , Scambia Giovanni , Gasbarrini Antonio , Crea Filippo , Cesario Alfredo , Savarese Gianluigi , Patti Giuseppe , D'Amario Domenico 
Published: February 2025

ObjectivesTo evaluate the trend of prescription of the four foundational therapies, and their impact on 30-day urgent re-admissions and all-cause death in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) following an acute decompensation event.DesignRetrospective.SettingOne tertiary referral centre.Participants999 consecutively patients admitted with a primary diagnosis of HFrEF between January 2020 and June 2023 were identified through a validated, high‐performance technology infrastructure based on artificial intelligence. The entire cohort was divided into three time periods based on two time points: September 2021 (ie, the release of the latest European guidelines) and January 2022 (ie, reimbursement for sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors).Primary and secondary outcome measuresTrends and predictors of the prescription of each of the four foundational therapies and of the composite of all-cause death and rehospitalisation for urgent causes at 30 days.ResultsAmong the 999 included patients, β-blockers were prescribed in 93% of patients, ACE inhibitor (ACEi)/angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB)/angiotensin–neprilysin receptor inhibitor (ARNi) in 73%, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist in 30% and SGLT2 inhibitors in 18%. Over time, an increase in the prescription rate occurred only for SGLT2 inhibitors (3% vs 10% vs 32%, p<0.001), whereas the rate of the composite of all-cause death and rehospitalisation for urgent causes at 30 days remained stable (9.9% vs 10.3% vs 8.4%; p=ns). In multivariate analysis, the use of ACEi/ARB/ARNi was associated with a lower risk of 30-day all-cause death and urgent rehospitalisation (adjusted OR 0.38; 95% CI 0.24 to 0.59; p<0.01). Conversely, the prescription of furosemide at discharge (adjusted OR 2.25; 95% CI 95% 1.29 to 3.94; p<0.01) and a previous genitourinary infection (adjusted OR 4.02; 95% CI 1.67 to 9.68; p<0.01) were associated with higher risk of 30-day all-cause death and urgent rehospitalisation.ConclusionsIn our study, early adoption of guideline-recommended medical therapy is still limited, with a significant rise in SGLT2i prescriptions after January 2022 and a lower risk of the composite of all-cause death and urgent readmissions at 30 days restricted to the use of ACEi/ARB/ARNi.
Scoping review of happiness and well-being measurement: uses and implications for paediatric surgery in low- and middle-income contexts
Authors: Harrison Jillian , Pringle Cate , Dolan Carrie 
Published: February 2025

ObjectiveThis study aims to map and compare existing methodologies for creating happiness and well-being indices and examine their application to paediatric surgical interventions in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).DesignA scoping review methodology was used based on the guidelines published by the Joanna Briggs Institute and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews.Data sourcesLiterature was sourced from PubMed, ScienceDirect and Google Scholar, supplemented by references from relevant studies.Eligibility criteriaStudies were selected based on relevance to LMIC settings, paediatric surgery and well-being or happiness outcomes. Inclusion criteria covered research on paediatric surgical interventions, well-being measures, happiness indices and studies on specific conditions impacting child well-being in LMICs. Exclusions applied to non-English studies, those with unclear methods, undefined well-being concepts, a focus on socioeconomic indices, surgical techniques over outcomes or those published before 2000. Eligible sources included research articles, review articles and technical reports.Data extraction and synthesisTwo reviewers independently extracted data, including study characteristics, populations, methodologies and key findings. The data were organised in an Excel spreadsheet for clarity and accuracy. A total of 51 sources were initially identified, with 28 included in the final review.ResultsThe review revealed a broad range of well-being measurement techniques, from national population-level indices to health-related quality-of-life measures. A key finding was the strong reciprocal relationship between subjective well-being and physical health: subjective well-being impacts health outcomes, while health outcomes influence subjective well-being. However, the lack of standardised methods for assessing well-being postsurgery, particularly in LMICs, leads to inconsistent and fragmented data that complicate resource allocation and comparisons between interventions.ConclusionsThis review highlights the importance of integrating comprehensive well-being measures, particularly subjective assessments, into paediatric surgical contexts within LMICs. Such integration is critical to enhance global health interventions and capture the broader impacts of surgical care on well-being and happiness.
Integrated malaria vector control strategies and their effectiveness in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review protocol for interventional studies
Authors: Kombate Gountante , Djalogue Lihanimpo , Ngangue Patrice , Soubeiga Kamba Andre-Marie , Grobbee Diederick E , van der Sande Marianne 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionSub-Saharan Africa has the highest malaria burden in the world. Several vector control strategies are being implemented to reduce mosquito density and protect the most vulnerable populations, such as children under 5 and pregnant women. This systematic review is designed to assess the effectiveness of integrated vector control versus single vector control interventions on malaria incidence and prevalence to guide decisions on controlling malaria vectors in sub-Saharan Africa.Methods and analysesWe will systematically retrieve published and grey literature from electronic databases and clinical trial registries. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines will guide us in applying a systematic approach to screening, reviewing and extracting data. An inclusion criterion will be used to independently assess full-text copies of potentially relevant articles by two review authors. Risk of bias will be assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool V.2 for randomised controlled trials and the ROBINS-I (Risk Of Bias In Non-randomised Studies - of Interventions) tool for non-randomised intervention studies. A meta-analysis will be conducted based on studies that have reported a high level of evidence (risk ratios or ORs with 95% CIs). If substantial heterogeneity is encountered, subgroup analyses will be explored.Ethics and disseminationThis review does not require ethical approval. The findings will be shared through open-access publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations to stakeholders and international policymakers for malaria control.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42024559088.
Trial protocol of an open-label pilot study of oral naltrexone–bupropion combination pharmacotherapy for the treatment of methamphetamine use disorder (the NABU trial)
Authors: Siefried Krista J , Acheson Liam , Clifford Brendan , Moller Carl , Brett Jonathan , Christmass Michael , Dunlop Adrian John , Haber Paul S , Jutras-Aswad Didier , Lintzeris Nicholas , Morley Kirsten , Shoptaw Steven , Trivedi Madhukar H , Ezard Nadine 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionMethamphetamine use disorder is a global public health concern with no approved pharmacotherapies for its treatment. One recent randomised controlled trial conducted in the USA examined a combination of bupropion and naltrexone not readily available globally. Here, we report a trial protocol for an oral formulation of combined naltrexone and bupropion.Methods and analysisThis single-arm, open-label pilot study will assess the safety and feasibility of oral naltrexone and bupropion (40 mg/450 mg daily in divided doses) in adults with methamphetamine use disorder. Participants (n=20) will be outpatients of a stimulant treatment program at an inner-city hospital in Sydney, Australia. The primary endpoint is Day 84. Participants will attend weekly study visits from Baseline to Week 12 and a follow-up telephone visit at Week 16. All participants will receive treatment as usual, such as psychosocial therapy. Primary outcomes are safety (measured by treatment-emergent adverse events (AEs)/adverse reactions) and feasibility (measured by the time taken to recruit, the proportion of ineligible participants, retention in the study and study medication adherence). Secondary outcomes will assess methamphetamine use, craving and withdrawal; treatment goals and expectations; physical and psychological well-being; depression and anxiety; and treatment satisfaction. Qualitative interviews will assess the acceptability of the intervention and outcome measures.Ethics and disseminationThis study received ethics approval from the St Vincent’s Hospital Human Research Ethics Committee (2023/ETH00549). Results will be submitted to peer-reviewed journals and scientific conferences, and a video abstract will be created to ensure that the findings are accessible to participants and people who use methamphetamines.Trial registration numberANZCTR: ACTRN12623000866606 (protocol V.2.1 dated 08 April 2024).
Assessing routine childhood vaccination acceptance, hesitancy and refusal in Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa: a mixed-method study protocol
Authors: Mathebula Lindi , Cooper Sara , Zunza Moleen , Wiysonge Charles Shey 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionVaccines have proven to be one of the most effective ways to prevent infections. Since the introduction of the Expanded Programme on Immunisation worldwide by WHO in 1974, vaccines have saved more than 150 million lives and prevented countless illnesses and disabilities. In South Africa, vaccination has contributed substantially to the decline in under-five childhood deaths from 89 418 in 2005 to 47 409 in 2013. However, the country still has limitations in achieving optimal uptake of vaccines.MethodsThis study will use a mixed-methods design to identify the factors associated with acceptance, hesitancy and refusal of childhood vaccines in three subdistricts of the Cape Town Metropolitan Health District in South Africa. In phase I of the study, we aim to estimate the uptake of childhood vaccines and assess the factors associated with uptake among a representative sample of at least 236 caregivers of children aged 0–2 years in a cross-sectional study. For phase II of the study, we will explore the behavioural and social drivers of childhood vaccination from the perspective of caregivers of children aged 0–2 years using a purposively selected sample of 20–25 participants from phase I. Finally, for phase III of the study, we will explore the behavioural and social drivers of childhood vaccination from the perspective of 20–25 healthcare workers providing vaccinations to children aged 0–2 years purposively sampled from primary healthcare facilities.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval was obtained from Stellenbosch University (S23/10/232). Various steps will be taken to ensure the anonymity and confidentiality of participants. Findings of the study will be shared with various healthcare stakeholders through conferences and presentations at relevant meetings.ConclusionEvidence from several studies conducted in South Africa shows a significant increase in vaccine hesitancy within the country. The findings of this study will provide insight into the characteristics associated with vaccine acceptance, hesitancy and refusal in Cape Town. The results will help inform the development of evidence-based interventions that can be implemented to improve vaccination coverage.
Midwives’ knowledge and perspectives on neonatal resuscitation and survival before and after Helping Babies Breathe training: a qualitative study in Uganda
Authors: Myrnerts Höök Susanna , Abrahamsson Marielle , Namusoko Sarah , Byamugisha Josaphat , Bergström Anna 
Published: February 2025

ObjectivesBirth asphyxia is a significant factor contributing to neonatal mortality, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where most neonatal deaths occur. Encouraging women to deliver in hospitals has become a pivotal strategy. Numerous training programmes, such as Helping Babies Breathe (HBB), have been designed to impart neonatal resuscitation and infant care skills to support breathing at birth. Limited attention has been given to exploring the perspectives and experiences of midwives and their hospital managers in translating the acquired knowledge from these programmes into practice. This study aims to explores the understanding, perspectives, and first-hand experiences related to the factors impacting neonatal resuscitation practices and survival, both pre-HBB and post-HBB training.DesignQualitative individual interviews and focus group discussions study. A data-driven inductive content analysis approach was used for the analysis.SettingThe high-risk labour ward and theatre at a National Referral Hospital, Uganda.Participants45 clinically active midwives were enrolled; all had recently completed the HBB training programme.InterventionSemistructured individual interviews (n=2) and focus group discussions (n=43, distributed across seven groups) were held from 26 April to 4 May 2018. Discussions were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim.ResultsThree emerging themes illustrated midwives’ knowledge, opinion on and experience of neonatal resuscitation and survival. Excessive workload, limited access to clean equipment, and ethical dilemmas hampered performance and neonatal survival. Midwives, facing inadequate support, strived to ensure patient safety. While HBB training addresses malpractices, additional training was needed.ConclusionsMidwives had few opportunities to change their workload and improve their education. This highlights the need for a closer examination of the challenges faced by healthcare providers in ensuring effective neonatal resuscitation and survival in low-resource settings. To address this, we propose better routines for organising work, cleaning and maintaining equipment, and implementing better training routines.
Family-focused intervention programme to foster adolescent mental health and well-being: protocol for a multicountry cluster randomised factorial trial (FLOURISH Phase 2)
Authors: Piolanti Antonio , Mueller Janina , Waller Franziska , Heinrichs Nina , Simon Judith , Shenderovich Yulia , Sampathkumar Swetha , Wienand Dennis , Raleva Marija , Kunovski Ivo , Babii Viorel , Zhao Xiang , Moore Graham , Foran Heather M 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionAdolescent mental health problems represent a significant global health issue, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, such as the Republic of North Macedonia and the Republic of Moldova. Effective and scalable interventions are urgently needed to address these challenges.Methods and analysisThis protocol outlines a multicountry cluster randomised factorial trial, implemented according to the multiphase optimisation strategy (Phase 2), which evaluates the effectiveness and costs of three add-on components for the Parenting for Lifelong Health for Parents and Teens programme: adolescent mental health tools based on UNICEFs Helping Adolescents Thrive comics, adolescent peer support based on UNICEFs ‘I Support My Friends’ intervention and engagement booster designed to enhance attendance and programme completion through incentives. The study will recruit 720 families and involve 64 clusters in North Macedonia and Moldova. Primary outcomes will include adolescent internalising problems and social support, family functioning and attendance during the programme. Secondary outcomes will assess broader aspects of mental health among caregivers and adolescents, as well as implementation and cost outcomes. Data will be collected at baseline and postintervention, approximately, 8 weeks later. Statistical analyses will include regression models to assess the main and interaction effects of the intervention components and cost analyses.Ethics and disseminationThe study received ethical approval from the University of Klagenfurt in Austria (approval number: 2023–013), the Medical Faculty at St. Cyril and Methodius University in North Macedonia (approval number: 03-2144/4) and the National Committee of Ethical Expertise for Clinical Trials in Moldova (approval number: 1476). The results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals, conferences, webinars in multiple languages, regional forums, stakeholder meetings with policymakers and practitioners, public communication through media engagement and open access platforms, including data sharing and early release of findings.Trial registration detailsTrial registration:NCT06562244; Project page:https://www.flourish-study.org/about.html