bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Psychological Emptiness Scale: a psychometric evaluation
Authors: Herron Shona Joyce , Saunders Rob , Sani Fabio , Feigenbaum Janet 
Published: February 2024

Background
Feelings of emptiness are commonly reported as deeply distressing experiences. Despite established relationships between emptiness and many mental health difficulties, alongside self-harm and suicide, further study into this phenomenon has been restricted by vague definition and clinical measures with limited utility. Recently the first definition validated by individuals with lived experience of emptiness has been conceptualised, providing an opportunity to create a new measure of emptiness.

Aims
This study aimed to psychometrically evaluate the 31-item Psychological Emptiness Scale (PES), identifying redundancy, and thus creating a psychometrically robust scale with optimised clinical utility.

Method
Utilising an online survey design, 768 participants completed the 31 items of the initial PES alongside other measures of mental health. Exploratory factor analysis was conducted, and item response theory employed to identify item redundancy and reduce test burden. Expert clinicians provided ratings of each item's clinical relevance and, combined with the psychometric analysis, led to the removal of a number of items. Confirmatory factor analysis was then undertaken. Reliability including test–retest, validity and sensitivity of the measure were evaluated.

Results
A two-factor structure encompassing ‘nothingness’ and ‘detachment’ was identified, and found to have acceptable fit. The resulting 19-item PES was found to have internal consistency (α = 0.95), convergent validity and test–retest reliability.

Conclusions
This study demonstrated strong psychometric properties of the PES. The PES has potential to support research into the role of emptiness in psychological distress and treatment in clinical practice.
Access to and Timeliness of Lung Cancer Surgery, Radiation Therapy, and Systemic Therapy in New Zealand: A Universal Health Care Context
Authors: Gurney Jason , Davies Anna , Stanley James , Cameron Laird , Costello Shaun , Dawkins Paul , Henare Kimiora , Jackson Christopher G.C.A. , Lawrenson Ross , Whitehead Jesse , Koea Jonathan 
Published: February 2024

PURPOSE Lung cancer is the biggest cancer killer of indigenous peoples worldwide, including Māori people in New Zealand. There is some evidence of disparities in access to lung cancer treatment between Māori and non-Māori patients, but an examination of the depth and breadth of these disparities is needed. Here, we use national-level data to examine disparities in access to surgery, radiation therapy and systemic therapy between Māori and European patients, as well as timing of treatment relative to diagnosis. METHODS We included all lung cancer registrations across New Zealand from 2007 to 2019 (N = 27,869) and compared access with treatment and the timing of treatment using national-level inpatient, outpatient, and pharmaceutical records. RESULTS Māori patients with lung cancer appeared less likely to access surgery than European patients (Māori, 14%; European, 20%; adjusted odds ratio [adj OR], 0.82 [95% CI, 0.73 to 0.92]), including curative surgery (Māori, 10%; European, 16%; adj OR, 0.72 [95% CI, 0.62 to 0.84]). These differences were only partially explained by stage and comorbidity. There were no differences in access to radiation therapy or systemic therapy once adjusted for confounding by age. Although it appeared that there was a longer time from diagnosis to radiation therapy for Māori patients compared with European patients, this difference was small and requires further investigation. CONCLUSION Our observation of differences in surgery rates between Māori and European patients with lung cancer who were not explained by stage of disease, tumor type, or comorbidity suggests that Māori patients who may be good candidates for surgery are missing out on this treatment to a greater extent than their European counterparts.
Dietary Magnesium Replacement for Prevention of Hypomagnesemia in Patients With Ovarian Cancer Receiving Carboplatin-Based Chemotherapy
Authors: Liu Wenli , Meyer Larissa , Morse Meroë , Li Yisheng , Song Juhee , Engle Rosalinda , Lopez Gabriel , Narayanan Santhosshi , Soliman Pamela T. , Ramondetta Lois , Bruera Eduardo , Cohen Lorenzo 
Published: February 2024

PURPOSE Hypomagnesemia is a common side effect of platinum-based chemotherapy and predicts poor overall survival in some cancers. Standard magnesium replacement strategies are often inadequate for maintaining magnesium levels. We hypothesized that a daily dietary magnesium replacement approach through magnesium-rich foods would help maintain adequate magnesium levels during platinum-based treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS We conducted a prospective feasibility study of magnesium-rich diets in patients 18 years and older with previously untreated ovarian cancer scheduled to receive carboplatin-containing chemotherapy of at least six consecutive cycles. Education about magnesium-rich diets was provided at enrollment and then weekly during chemotherapy. Feasibility was defined as ≥60% completion of dietary recalls and ≥280 mg average daily dietary magnesium intake across all patients. RESULTS Twenty-one of 26 patients enrolled completed at least five chemotherapy cycles and were included in the analysis. Adherence to the study diet was 76%. Daily dietary magnesium intake was 100.5 mg at baseline and increased throughout each cycle: 6% of patients at baseline, 24% after the first cycle, and 67% after the fifth cycle reached ≥280-mg/day magnesium intake. Seven (33%) of 21 had at least one incident of hypomagnesemia. Patients who were adherent had significantly lower incidence of hypomagnesemia (19% v 80%, P = .03) and less need for intravenous magnesium (6% v 60%, P = .03) than those who were nonadherent. CONCLUSION The study achieved primary feasibility objectives of retention and adherence to the study intervention. Weekly education about magnesium-rich diets was effective in increasing dietary magnesium intake. Adequate dietary magnesium appeared to be protective against hypomagnesemia.
Microsurgical Resection of a Thalamic Tumor Using an Endoscopic Contralateral Supracerebellar Infratentorial Keyhole Approach: 2-Dimensional Operative Video
Authors: Stoica Sergiu , Mocanu Bogdan , Pavel Sebastian 
Published: February 2024

The surgical treatment of the thalamic lesions is one of the most technically challenging interventions because of their deep-seated location and the proximity of the surrounding vital neurovascular structures: thalamic nuclei, limbic system components, visual and oculomotricity pathways, deep cerebral veins, and posterior cerebral artery branches.
1

Traditional microsurgical approaches for these lesions usually require large open craniotomies and further retraction or resection of neural tissue to facilitate better visualization, associating significant postoperative morbidity or even mortality.
The recent improvements in high-resolution fiber optics technology have allowed neurosurgeons to expand their surgical armamentarium for tackling these difficult-to-reach lesions.
The patient consented to the procedure, and in this surgical video, we try to emphasize the advantages of an endoscopic supracerebellar infratentorial approach over the classic microsurgical approach, along with the keyhole craniotomy and the sitting positioning of the patient. The endoscope provides better visualization—dynamic in-depth view of the anatomic and pathological structures, angled-optics help the surgeon to see “around-the-corner,” and the entire procedure is a more comfortable experience for the surgeon and also for the patient, using the minimally invasive techniques. Moreover, we underline the need for a strong collaboration with an experienced endoscopic surgeon (for eg, ear, nose and throat surgeon), as for other endoscopic skull base approaches.
The participants and any identifiable individuals consented to publication of his/her image.
Search engine optimisation (SEO) strategy as determinants to enhance the online brand positioning
Authors: Ahmad Umar Faruq , Mahdee Junainah , Abu Bakar Normazalila 
Published: February 2024

Background Marketers face evolution of online brand positioning marketing strategy due to changes of search engine algorithm that affects the reaching out of brands to potential internet users. Brand owners realise that to be relevant in modern market, they need to transition and focus more into online market. However, many brand owners have ignored the power of search engine optimisation (SEO) strategy for attracting the online market, which is highly competitive and faces rapid changes. A brand can be considered as old fashioned if it does not utilise the SEO as their marketing strategy, in penetrating the online marketplace. Various studies have analysed factors that can enhance the persistency of using the SEO strategy, however gaps remain regarding the relationship of this strategy with the online brand positioning. The main aim of this study was to identify the persistency of using the SEO strategy including the niche point of differentiation, valuable content, targeted keyword and scalable link building, as the determinants that enhance the success of online brand positioning. Methods This study applies quantitative design using online survey to gather information from the online business entrepreneurs. The survey questionnaire was arranged to focus on the use of SEO as a new way to strategise online business. Results Based on the results of this study, most online entrepreneurs have somewhat realised the effects of using the SEO strategy to enhance effectiveness of online brand positioning. Conclusion This research provides insights into the importance of SEO strategy in online business positioning. It is hoped that online entrepreneurs will consider the SEO strategy in the positioning of their brand in the marketplace. Implication This research focused on SEO as a new strategy to enhance brand positioning for online businesses. Future research may expand into another dimension of business such as customer satisfaction and business performance.
Central band interosseus membrane reconstruction for longitudinal instability injuries of the forearm
Authors: Gallego Juan A. , Rotman Dani , Watts Adam C. 
Published: February 2024

AimsAcute and chronic injuries of the interosseus membrane can result in longitudinal instability of the forearm. Reconstruction of the central band of the interosseus membrane can help to restore biomechanical stability. Different methods have been used to reconstruct the central band, including tendon grafts, bone-ligament-bone grafts, and synthetic grafts. This Idea, Development, Exploration, Assessment, and Long-term (IDEAL) phase 1 study aims to review the clinical results of reconstruction using a synthetic braided cross-linked graft secured at either end with an Endobutton to restore the force balance between the bones of the forearm.MethodsAn independent retrospective review was conducted of a consecutive series of 21 patients with longitudinal instability injuries treated with anatomical central band reconstruction between February 2011 and July 2019. Patients with less than 12 months’ follow-up or who were treated acutely were excluded, leaving 18 patients in total. Preoperative clinical and radiological assessments were compared with prospectively gathered data using range of motion and the abbreviated version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire (QuickDASH) functional outcome score.ResultsOf the 18 patients (nine male, nine female) who met the inclusion criteria, the median follow-up was 8.5 years (interquartile range (IQR) 5.6 to 10). Their mean age was 49 years (SD 11). The mean extension improved significantly from 38° (SD 15°) to 24° (SD 9°) (p = 0.027), with a mean flexion-extension arc change from 81° (SD 27°) to 93° (SD 30°) (p = 0.172) but with no forearm rotational improvement (p = 0.233) at latest follow-up. The QuickDASH functional score improved significantly from 80 (SD 14) to 52 (SD 26) following reconstruction (p = 0.031), but generally the level of disability remains high. Radiological assessment showed no progression of proximal migration of the radius, with a stable interbutton distance and ulnar variance from immediate postoperative radiograph to the latest follow-up.ConclusionCentral band interosseus membrane reconstruction using a synthetic braided cross-linked graft can improve patient-rated arm function and range of motion, but significant functional deficits remain in patients with chronic injuries.Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(2):182–188.
Photodetection performance of TiS3 nanoribbons studied by optical pump: terahertz probe spectroscopy
Authors: Paukov M. I. , Bulgakova V. V. , Goncharov Y. G. , Mishra P. , Ushakov A. A. , Syuy A. V. , Arsenin A. A. , Volkov V. , Zaytsev K. I. , Garnov S. V. , Burdanova M. G. 
Published: February 2024

Titanium trisulfide (TiS3) is an important representative of nanomaterials, which are regarded as significant candidates for nanoscale optoelectronics. Due to the promising high intrinsic charge-carrier mobility, it has been proposed as a high performance visible and near-infrared-resistive photodetector with excellent stability. However, the conventional diagnostics of such materials require specific sample preparation. Here, we present the effective utility of the optical pump–terahertz probe technique for the additional photodetector characterization, which is deprived of these shortcomings. In particular, we non-invasively determined the lifetime of charge carriers of 80 ps at a pump fluence F = 1.6 μJcm−2. The responsivity, which is defined in our research, was R = Δσ/F = 84 × 104 m2/ΩJ. The quantum efficiency Q.E. = N
e
/N
ph
= 3 × 104. These characteristics confirm that TiS3 nanoribbons are a highly desirable material for optoelectronic devices.
Aberration correction for deformable-mirror-based remote focusing enables high-accuracy whole-cell super-resolution imaging
Authors: Shi Wei , He Yingchuan , Wang Jianlin , Zhou Lulu , Chen Jianwei , Zhou Liwei , Xi Zeyu , Wang Zhen , Fang Ke , Li Yiming 
Published: February 2024

Single-molecule localization microscopy (SMLM) enables three-dimensional (3D) investigation of nanoscale structures in biological samples, offering unique insights into their organization. However, traditional 3D super-resolution microscopy using high numerical aperture (NA) objectives is limited by imaging depth of field (DOF), restricting their practical application to relatively thin biological samples. Here, we developed a unified solution for thick sample super-resolution imaging using a deformable mirror (DM) which served for fast remote focusing, optimized point spread function (PSF) engineering, and accurate aberration correction. By effectively correcting the system aberrations introduced during remote focusing and sample aberrations at different imaging depths, we achieved high-accuracy, large DOF imaging (
∼8  μm
) of the whole-cell organelles [i.e., nuclear pore complex (NPC), microtubules, and mitochondria] with a nearly uniform resolution of approximately 35 nm across the entire cellular volume.
Renin-angiotensin system mechanism underlying the effect of auricular acupuncture on blood pressure in hypertensive patients with phlegm-dampness constitution: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Zhu Qianyin , Mu Tingyu , Dong Die , Chen Lingshan , Xu Jiayi , Shen Cuizhen 
Published: February 2024

BackgroundPhlegm-dampness constitution is a traditional Chinese medicine constitution typically associated with essential hypertension. Previous studies have demonstrated that auricular acupuncture effectively decreases blood pressure and adjusts the constitution. However, the mechanism underlying auricular acupuncture’s effect is poorly understood.MethodsA non-blinded, randomized controlled trial will be undertaken between September 2022 and May 2023. Eighty essential hypertensive patients with a phlegm-dampness constitution will be randomly allocated to one of two groups. The intervention group will receive eight weeks of auricular acupuncture and regular use of antihypertensive drugs, while the control group will only receive antihypertensive drugs. The primary outcome will be any mean differences in office systolic blood pressure. The secondary outcomes investigations will include proteins of the renin-angiotensin system, office blood pressure of different genotypes, and phlegm-dampness constitution scores.DiscussionBy demonstrating how auricular acupuncture affects the renin-angiotensin system, this research will offer significant new information on the mechanism underlying the action of auricular acupuncture in hypertension. Moreover, the results will provide crucial clinical information on the associations between renin-angiotensin system gene polymorphisms and the antihypertensive effects of auricular acupuncture.Trial registrationRegistered at thechictr.org.
Performance of machine translators in translating French medical research abstracts to English: A comparative study of DeepL, Google Translate, and CUBBITT
Authors: Sebo Paul , de Lucia Sylvain 
Published: February 2024

Background
Non-English speaking researchers may find it difficult to write articles in English and may be tempted to use machine translators (MTs) to facilitate their task. We compared the performance of DeepL, Google Translate, and CUBBITT for the translation of abstracts from French to English.

Methods
We selected ten abstracts published in 2021 in two high-impact bilingual medical journals (CMAJ and Canadian Family Physician) and used nine metrics of Recall-Oriented Understudy for Gisting Evaluation (ROUGE-1 recall/precision/F1-score, ROUGE-2 recall/precision/F1-score, and ROUGE-L recall/precision/F1-score) to evaluate the accuracy of the translation (scores ranging from zero to one [= maximum]). We also used the fluency score assigned by ten raters to evaluate the stylistic quality of the translation (ranging from ten [= incomprehensible] to fifty [= flawless English]). We used Kruskal-Wallis tests to compare the medians between the three MTs. For the human evaluation, we also examined the original English text.

Results
Differences in medians were not statistically significant for the nine metrics of ROUGE (medians: min-max = 0.5246–0.7392 for DeepL, 0.4634–0.7200 for Google Translate, 0.4815–0.7316 for CUBBITT, all p-values > 0.10). For the human evaluation, CUBBITT tended to score higher than DeepL, Google Translate, and the original English text (median = 43 for CUBBITT, vs. 39, 38, and 40, respectively, p-value = 0.003).

Conclusion
The three MTs performed similarly when tested with ROUGE, but CUBBITT was slightly better than the other two using human evaluation. Although we only included abstracts and did not evaluate the time required for post-editing, we believe that French-speaking researchers could use DeepL, Google Translate, or CUBBITT when writing articles in English.
Clinical outcomes of a joint ICU and palliative care multidisciplinary rounding model: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Shalman Dov 
Published: February 2024

Objectives
This retrospective cohort study assessed whether implementation of a joint inpatient palliative care (IPC) and ICU multidisciplinary rounding model affected clinical outcomes including ICU length of stay (LOS).

Methods
Beginning in October of 2018, an IPC physician joined the pre-existing ICU multidisciplinary rounds. Data were collected for ICU patients admitted during a 6-month period before this intervention and a 6-month period after the intervention. Data were extracted from an integrated electronic medical records (EMR) data system and compared by Wilcoxon and chi-square test for continuous and categorical variables respectively. Negative binomial regression was used to analyze the primary outcome measure, ICU LOS.

Results
Patients in the intervention group spent fewer days in the ICU (3.7 vs. 3.9 days, p = 0.05; RR 0.82, 95% CI 0.70–0.97, p = 0.02) and in the hospital (7.5 vs. 7.8 days, p<0.01) compared to the pre-intervention group. The rate of CPR was lower in the intervention group, but the difference was not statistically significant [13(3.1%) vs. 23(5.3%), p = 0.10]. The groups did not differ significantly in rate of hospital mortality, number of days connected to mechanical ventilation via endotracheal tube, or bounceback to the ED or hospital. Multivariable analysis of the primary outcome demonstrated that patients with prior palliative care involvement had longer ICU LOS (RR 1.46, 95% CI 1.04–2.06, p = 0.03) when controlling for other variables.

Conclusion
The presented joint IPC-ICU multidisciplinary rounding model was associated with a statistically significant reduction in ICU and hospital LOS, but the clinical significance of this reduction is unclear.
Healthcare providers’ perception towards utilization of health information applications and its associated factors in healthcare delivery in health facilities in Cape Coast Metropolis, Ghana
Authors: Okyere Boadu Richard , Adzakpah Godwin , Kumasenu Mensah Nathan , Okyere Boadu Kwame Adu , Kissi Jonathan , Dziyaba Christiana , Bermaa Abrefa Rosemary 
Published: February 2024

BackgroundInformation and communication technology (ICT) has significantly advanced global healthcare, with electronic health (e-Health) applications improving health records and delivery. These innovations, including electronic health records, strengthen healthcare systems. The study investigates healthcare professionals’ perceptions of health information applications and their associated factors in the Cape Coast Metropolis of Ghana’s health facilities.MethodsWe used a descriptive cross-sectional study design to collect data from 632 healthcare professionals (HCPs), in the three purposively selected health facilities in the Cape Coast municipality of Ghana, in July 2022. Shapiro-Wilk test was used to check the normality of dependent variables. Descriptive statistics were used to report means with corresponding standard deviations for continuous variables. Proportions were also reported for categorical variables. Bivariate regression analysis was conducted to determine the factors influencing the Benefits of Information Technology (BoIT); Barriers to Information Technology Use (BITU); and Motives of Information Technology Use (MoITU) in healthcare delivery. Stata SE version 15 was used for the analysis. Ap-value of less than 0.05 served as the basis for considering a statistically significant accepting hypothesis.ResultsHealthcare professionals (HCPs) generally perceived moderate benefits (Mean score (M) = 5.67) from information technology (IT) in healthcare. However, they slightly agreed that barriers like insufficient computers (M = 5.11), frequent system downtime (M = 5.09), low system performance (M = 5.04), and inadequate staff training (M = 4.88) hindered IT utilization. Respondents slightly agreed that training (M = 5.56), technical support (M = 5.46), and changes in work procedures (M = 5.10) motivated their IT use. Bivariate regression analysis revealed significant influences of education, working experience, healthcare profession, and IT training on attitudes towards IT utilization in healthcare delivery (BoIT, BITU, and MoITU). Additionally, the age of healthcare providers, education, and working experience significantly influenced BITU. Ultimately, age, education, working experience, healthcare profession, and IT training significantly influenced MoITU in healthcare delivery.ConclusionsHealthcare professionals acknowledge moderate benefits of IT in healthcare but encounter barriers like inadequate resources and training. Motives for IT use include staff training and support. Bivariate regression analysis shows education, working experience, profession, and IT training significantly influence attitudes towards IT adoption. Targeted interventions and policies can enhance IT utilization in the Cape Coast Metropolis, Ghana.