bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Estimating costs of bedside assessment by a judge in each case of mechanical restraint in Germany after new legislation
Authors: Hirsch Sophie , Flammer Erich , Steinert Tilman 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundIn 2018, the German Federal Constitutional Court decided that mechanical restraint is the most intrusive coercive measure and its use requires a judge’s decision after bedside assessment if lasting longer than 30 min. Subsequently, legal changes were realized. The objective of our study was to determine the number of saved coercive episodes and saved hours in seclusion or restraint in 2019 compared to the average of the previous years, 2015–2017, as well as costs per saved episode, hour, and case saved from any coercive measure.MethodsWe used data from the Baden–Wuerttemberg case registry for coercive measures, covering all 32 psychiatric hospitals of the Federal State and 435,767 admissions in the study period. Time expenditure was calculated as 3.5 h with an average of 51.95 € per working hour on the side of the justice system and 1.5 h (45.94 €/h) on the side of the hospital per case.ResultsThe number of coercive episodes decreased by 10.0% from 28,181 (average 2015–2017) to 25,371 (2019). The number of hours in seclusion or restraint decreased by 17.9% from 321,956 (2015–2017) to 264,423 (2019). This resulted in the cost of 872.33 € per saved episode and 42.61 € per saved hour in seclusion or restraint.ConclusionGiven the correctness of our estimations, saving 1 h in coercion by less than 1 h of an expert’s work might be justified from an ethical and economic perspective.
Uncovering transcriptomic biomarkers for enhanced diagnosis of methamphetamine use disorder: a comprehensive review
Authors: Jang Won-Jun , Lee Sooyeun , Jeong Chul-Ho 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionMethamphetamine use disorder (MUD) is a chronic relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive Methamphetamine (MA) use despite its detrimental effects on physical, psychological, and social well-being. The development of MUD is a complex process that involves the interplay of genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors. The treatment of MUD remains a significant challenge, with no FDA-approved pharmacotherapies currently available. Current diagnostic criteria for MUD rely primarily on self-reporting and behavioral assessments, which have inherent limitations owing to their subjective nature. This lack of objective biomarkers and unidimensional approaches may not fully capture the unique features and consequences of MA addiction.MethodsWe performed a literature search for this review using the Boolean search in the PubMed database.ResultsThis review explores existing technologies for identifying transcriptomic biomarkers for MUD diagnosis. We examined non-invasive tissues and scrutinized transcriptomic biomarkers relevant to MUD. Additionally, we investigated transcriptomic biomarkers identified for diagnosing, predicting, and monitoring MUD in non-invasive tissues.DiscussionDeveloping and validating non-invasive MUD biomarkers could address these limitations, foster more precise and reliable diagnostic approaches, and ultimately enhance the quality of care for individuals with MA addiction.
Prevalence, attitudes and concerns toward telepsychiatry and mobile health self-management tools among patients with mental disorders during and after the COVID-19 pandemic: a nationwide survey in Poland from 2020 to 2023
Authors: Dominiak Monika , Gędek Adam , Antosik Anna Z. , Mierzejewski Paweł 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionMobile Health (mHealth) is a rapidly growing field of medicine that has the potential to significantly change everyday clinical practice, including in psychiatry. The COVID-19 pandemic and technological developments have accelerated the adoption of telepsychiatry and mobile solutions, but patient perceptions and expectations of mHealth remain a key factor in its implementation.AimThe aim of this study was to assess (1) the prevalence, (2) attitudes, preferences and (3) concerns about mobile mental health, including telepsychiatry and self-management tools, among patients with mental disorders over the period 2020–2023, i.e., at the onset, peak and after the expiration of the COVID-19 pandemic.Materials and methodsA semi-structured survey was administrated to 354 patients with mental disorders in Poland. The questions were categorized into three section, addressing prevalence, attitudes, and concerns about telepsychiatry and mobile health self-management tools. The survey was conducted continuously from May 2020 to the end of May 2023.ResultAs many as 95.7% of patients with mental disorders used mobile devices at least once a week. Over the course of 3 years (from 2020 to 2023), there was a significant increase in the readiness of patients to embrace new technologies, with the percentage rising from 20% to 40%. In particular, a remarkable growth in patient preferences for telepsychiatry was observed, with a significant increase from 47% in 2020 to a substantial 96% in 2023. Similarly, mHealth self-management tools were of high interest to patients. In 2020, 62% of patients like the idea of using mobile apps and other mobile health tools to support the care and treatment process. This percentage also increased during the pandemic, reaching 66% in 2023. At the same time, the percentage of patients who have concerns about using m-health solutions has gradually decreased, reaching 35% and 28% in 2023 for telepsychiatry and for the reliability and safety of m-health self-management tools, respectively.ConclusionThis study highlights the growing acceptance of modern technologies in psychiatric care, with patients showing increased readiness to use telepsychiatry and mobile health self-management tools, in particular mobile applications, after the COVID-19 pandemic. This was triggered by the pandemic, but continues despite its expiry. In the face of patient readiness, the key issue now is to ensure the safety and efficacy of these tools, along with providing clear guidelines for clinicians. It is also necessary to draw the attention of health systems to the widespread implementation of these technologies to improve the care of patients with mental disorders.
Aberrant salience in cannabis-induced psychosis: a comparative study
Authors: Ricci Valerio , Di Muzio Ilenia , Ceci Franca , Di Carlo Francesco , Mancusi Gianluca , Piro Tommaso , Paggi Andrea , Pettorruso Mauro , Vellante Federica , De Berardis Domenico , Martinotti Giovanni , Maina Giuseppe 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundNatural Cannabis (NC) and Synthetic Cannabinoids (SCs) use can increase the risk and exacerbate the course of psychotic disorders. These could be influenced by the Aberrant Salience (AS) construct. It refers to an excess of attribution of meaning to stimuli that are otherwise regarded as neutral, thereby transform them into adverse, dangerous, or mysterious entities. This leads the patient to engage in aberrant and consequently incorrect interpretative efforts concerning the normal perception of reality and its relationship with our analytical abilities. AS appears to play a significant role in the onset and perpetuation of psychotic disorders. The internal conflict arising from aberrant attributions of significance leads to delusional thoughts, ultimately culminating in the establishment of a self-sustaining psychosis.AimsTo examine the differences between psychoses course not associated with cannabis use and those associated with NC-use and SCs-use, in terms of psychotic and dissociative symptoms, AS, global functioning and suicidal ideation.MethodsA sample of 62 patients with First Episode Psychosis (FEP) was divided into 3 groups: non cannabis users (non-users, N = 20); NC-users or rather Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) users (THC-users, N = 21); SCs-users, commonly referred to as SPICE-users (SPICE-users, N = 20). Each group underwent assessments at the onset of psychotic symptoms, as well as at the 3 months and 6 months marks, utilizing a range of psychopathological scales. These included the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) for investigating psychotic symptoms, the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) scale for assessing overall functioning, the Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES-II) for measuring dissociative symptoms, the Scale for Suicide Ideation (SSI) for evaluating suicidal ideation and the Aberrant Salience Inventory (ASI) scale for gauging AS.ResultsSPICE-users showed more severe and persistent positive symptoms, while negative symptoms were mostly represented among non-users. Non-users showed better recovery than SPICE-users in global functioning. All groups showed a decrease in both ASI scores and subscale scores. SPICE-users exhibited higher global AS scores and less improvement in this aspect compared to other groups.ConclusionThis study may help understanding the role of AS in both non-substance-related and substance-induced psychosis. This knowledge may lead clinician to a better diagnosis and identify patient-tailored psychopharmacological treatment.
The relationship between education attainment and gout, and the mediating role of modifiable risk factors: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Huang Xin , Chen Xin , Liu Qixi , Zhang Zhiwei , Miao Juan , Lai Yuchan , Wu Jinqing 
Published: January 2024

ObjectiveTo investigate the causal relationship between educational attainment (EA) and gout, as well as the potential mediating effects of individual physical status (IPS) such as body mass index (BMI) and systolic blood pressure (SBP) and lifestyle habits (LH) including alcohol intake frequency (drinking), current tobacco smoking (smoking), and time spent watching television (TV).MethodsUtilizing two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR), we analyzed the causal effects of EA on gout risk, and of IPS (BMI and SBP) and LH (smoking, drinking, and TV time) on gout risk. Multivariable MR (MVMR) was employed to explore and quantify the mediating effects of IPS and LH on the causal relationship between EA and gout risk.ResultsAn elevation of educational attainment by one standard deviation (4.2 years) exhibited a protective effect against gout (odds ratio 0.724, 95% confidence interval 0.552–0.950; p = 0.020). We did not observe a causal relationship between smoking and gout, but BMI, SBP, drinking, and TV time were found to be causal risk factors for gout. Moreover, BMI, SBP, drinking, and TV time acted as mediating factors in the causal relationship between EA and gout risk, explaining 27.17, 14.83, 51.33, and 1.10% of the causal effects, respectively.ConclusionOur study indicates that having a genetically predicted higher level of EA may provide protection against gout. We found that this relationship is influenced by IPS factors such as BMI and SBP, as well as LH including drinking and TV time.
Acute malnutrition relapse and associated factors among 6–59 months old children treated in the community-based management of acute malnutrition in Dessie, Kombolcha, and Haik towns, Northeast Ethiopia
Authors: Yitayew Yibeltal Asmamaw , Yalew Zemen Mengesha , Nebiyu Samuel , Jember Desalegn Abebaw 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionUndernutrition is a major health concern in many developing countries, and is one of the main health problems affecting children in Ethiopia. Although many children experience multiple relapses following the management of severe acute malnutrition, it is scarcely studied in Ethiopia.MethodsA community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Dessie, Kombolcha, and Haik towns among 6-59-month-old children enrolled and discharged from community-based acute malnutrition management (CMAM). The total sample size was 318 children, and data were collected from April 15, 2021, to May 14, 2021. The data were entered into EPI data version 4.4.1 before being exported and analyzed with SPSS version 25 software. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed, and a 95% confidence interval and p-value &lt;0.05 were used to identify significantly associated variables. Additionally, the weight-for-height z-score (WHZ) was generated using the WHO Anthro 3.2.2 software.ResultThe overall acute malnutrition relapse after discharge from CMAM was 35.2% (6.6% relapsed to severe acute malnutrition and 28.6% relapsed to moderate acute malnutrition). The following variables were significantly associated with the relapse of acute malnutrition: child age (AOR: 3.08, 95% CI; 1.76, 5.39), diarrhea after discharge (AOR: 2.93, 95%CI; 1.51, 5.69), have not immunized (AOR: 3.05, 95% CI; 1.14, 8.23), MUAC at discharge (AOR: 3.16, 95% CI; 1.56, 6.40), and poorest and poor wealth index (AOR: 3.65, 95% CI; 1.45, 9.18) and (AOR: 2.73, 95% CI; 1.13, 6.59), respectively.ConclusionOver one-third of children treated with the CMAM program reverted to SAM or MAM. The age of the child, diarrhea after discharge, lack of immunization, MUAC at discharge (&lt;13 cm), and poor and poorest wealth index were significantly associated with acute malnutrition relapse. Therefore, adequate health education and counseling services are essential for mothers to improve child immunization coverage and maintain adequate hygiene to prevent diarrhea. In addition, further experimental research is needed to investigate the effect of MUAC at discharge on the risk of acute malnutrition relapse.
Bidirectional associations between sensorineural hearing loss and depression and anxiety: a meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Zhi-qiang , Li Jing-yang , Ge Si-tong , Ma Tian-yi , Li Fu-yao , Lu Jun-liang , Si Shu-rui , Cui Zhe-zhu , Jin Yu-lian , Jin Xiang-hua 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundRecently, the prevalence of sensorineural hearing loss (SNL) has been increasing, and several studies have suggested that depression, anxiety, and SNL may be associated with each other, however, individual findings still have discrepancies. To the best of our knowledge, no scholars have systematically elucidated the bidirectional associations between SNL, depression, and anxiety disorders from the perspective of meta-analysis. In this study, we aimed to systematically evaluate the bidirectional associations between SHL and depressive and anxiety symptoms, and to provide evidence-based medical evidence for reducing SNL, depression, and anxiety disorders.MethodsWe performed systematic review based on priori protocol that was registered with PROSPERO (No. CRD42022365963). Systematic search of PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases identified articles published as of June 1, 2023, on the relationship between SNL and depression and anxiety. Meta-analysis was performed to calculate the odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the outcome metrics, and the results were combined to assess bivariate associations between the disorders with fixed or random effects. Sensitivity and subgroup analyzes were conducted to analyze sources of heterogeneity, and Egger’s and Begg’s tests combined with funnel plots were applied to assess publication bias.ResultsSummary analysis of the results of 20 studies covering 675,291 individuals showed that the bidirectional association between SNL and depression and anxiety disorders. The incidence (OR = 0.17, 95% CI: 0.09–0.28) and risk (OR = 1.43, 95% CI: 1.32–1.55) of depression and morbidity were higher in SNL patients than the general population. Elevated prevalence (OR = 0.46, 95% CI: 0.28–0.65) and risk (OR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.11–1.48) of SNL were also observed in depressed patients. The prevalence of anxiety disorders among SNL patients was about 40% (OR = 0.40, 95% CI: 0.24%-0.57), which was associated with higher risk (OR = 1.83, 95% CI: 1.42–2.24) of development than the general population. Incidence of SNL in patients with anxiety disorders was approximately 31% (OR = 0.31, 95% CI: 0.29–0.33). Additionally, subgroup analyzes showed that the bidirectional associations between SNL, depression, and anxiety disorders was influenced by age, region, and mode of diagnosis of the disorders (SNL, depression, anxiety).ConclusionThere are bidirectional associations between SNL and depression and anxiety disorders, which was influenced by age and region and the method the disorders (SNL, depression, anxiety) were diagnosed.
Risk of newly diagnosed interstitial lung disease after COVID-19 and impact of vaccination: a nationwide population-based cohort study
Authors: Kim Bo-Guen , Lee Hyun , Jeong Cho Yun , Yeom Sang Woo , Park Dong Won , Park Tai Sun , Moon Ji-Yong , Kim Tae-Hyung , Sohn Jang Won , Yoon Ho Joo , Kim Jong Seung , Kim Sang-Heon 
Published: January 2024

ObjectivesPrevious studies suggested that coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) could lead to pulmonary fibrosis, but the incidence of newly diagnosed interstitial lung disease (ILD) after COVID-19 is unclear. We aimed to determine whether COVID-19 increases the risk of newly diagnosed ILD and whether vaccination against COVID-19 can reduce this risk.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study used data from the Korean National Health Insurance claim-based database. Two study groups and propensity score (PS)-matched control groups were constructed: Study 1: participants diagnosed with COVID-19 (COVID-19 cohort) and their PS-matched controls; Study 2: COVID-19 vaccinated participants (vaccination cohort) and their PS-matched controls.ResultsIn Study 1, during a median 6 months of follow-up, 0.50% of the COVID-19 cohort (300/60,518) and 0.04% of controls (27/60,518) developed newly diagnosed ILD, with an incidence of 9.76 and 0.88 per 1,000 person-years, respectively. The COVID-19 cohort had a higher risk of ILD [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR), 11.01; 95% confidence interval (CI), 7.42–16.32] than controls. In Study 2, the vaccination cohort had a lower risk of newly diagnosed ILD than controls (aHR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.34–0.57).ConclusionUsing nationwide data, we demonstrated that COVID-19 was associated with a higher incidence rate of newly diagnosed ILD, but that this risk could be mitigated by COVID-19 vaccination.
Continuity of care for patients with dementia during COVID-19 pandemic: flexibility and integration between in-person and remote visits
Authors: Emedoli Daniele , Houdayer Elise , Della Rosa Pasquale Anthony , Zito Alice , Brugliera Luigia , Cimino Paolo , Padul Jeffrey David , Tettamanti Andrea , Iannaccone Sandro , Alemanno Federica 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionDuring the pandemic, the Cognitive Disorders Unit of San Raffaele Hospital (Milan, Italy) offered patients the opportunity to undergo neuropsychological evaluations and cognitive training through telemedicine.MethodWe conducted an investigation to assess how patients responded to this option and to determine if telemedicine could ensure continuity of care.ResultsBetween October 2019 and May 2022, a total of 5,768 telemedicine appointments and 8,190 in-person outpatient appointments were conducted, resulting in an increase in the rate of telemedicine activity from 16.81% in January 2020 to 23.21% in May 2022. Peaks in telemedicine activity reached 85.64% in May 2020 and 83.65% in February 2021, both representing a significant portion of the total activity. Interestingly, there was a notable positive correlation between telemedicine activity and the worsening of the Italian pandemic (r = 0.433, p = 0.027).DiscussionDuring the peaks of contagion, the total number of visits remained stable, highlighting that telemedicine effectively served as a valuable and efficient tool to ensure continuity of care for vulnerable patients. This was evident from the integration of remote visits with in-person appointments.
Employee investigation and contact tracing program in a pediatric cancer hospital to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 among the workforce, patients, and caregivers
Authors: Hijano Diego R. , Dennis Sandra R. , Hoffman James M. , Tang Li , Hayden Randall T. ,   St. Jude COVID-19 Case Investigation and Contact Tracing Team, Gaur Aditya H. , Hakim Hana 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundCase investigations and contact tracing are essential disease control measures used by health departments. Early in the pandemic, they were seen as a key strategy to stop COVID-19 spread. The CDC urged rapid action to scale up and train a large workforce and collaborate across public and private agencies to halt COVID-19 transmission.MethodsWe developed a program for case investigation and contact tracing that followed CDC and local health guidelines, compliant with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations and tailored to the needs and resources of our institution. Program staff were trained and assessed for competency before joining the program.ResultsFrom March 2020 to May 2021, we performed 838 COVID-19 case investigations, which led to 136 contacts. Most employees reported a known SARS-CoV-2 exposure from the community (n = 435) or household (n = 343). Only seven (5.1%) employees were determined as more likely than not to have SARS-CoV-2 infection related to workplace exposure, and when so, lapses in following the masking recommendations were identified. Between June 2021–February 2022, our program adjusted to the demand of the different waves, particularly omicron, by significantly reducing the amount of data collected. No transmission from employees to patients or caregivers was observed during this period.ConclusionPrompt implementation of case investigation and contact tracing is possible, and it effectively reduces workplace exposures. This approach can be adapted to suit the specific needs and requirements of various healthcare settings, particularly those serving the most vulnerable patient populations.
Effect of a lifestyle-integrated functional exercise (LiFE) group intervention (sLiFE) to falls prevention in non-institutionalized older adults. Protocol of a randomised clinical trial
Authors: Llamas-Ramos Inés , Llamas-Ramos Rocío , Lugones-Sánchez Cristina , González-García Susana , Tamayo-Morales Olaya , Alvarado-Omenat Jorge Juan , Pablos-Hernández Carmen , Gómez-Marcos Manuel A. , García-Ortiz Luis , Rodríguez-Sánchez Emiliano 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionPersonalized programs of integrated strength and balance activities have been shown their effectiveness in falls reduction in the older adults.ObjectiveTo measure whether a group intervention with the strength and balance principles of the sLiFE program is more effective than standard health advice in reducing the incidence of falls.MethodsThe study will comprise 650 participants with more than 65 years who live at home, observing established inclusion and exclusion criteria. Participants will be randomly assigned in two groups: group intervention (n = 325) and standard health advice (n = 325). The intervention group will follow the balance and strength activities described in the LiFE program manual. The group intervention will be carried out in groups of 12–14 and will consist of seven one-hour sessions over 12 weeks in health centres. Incidence of falls and quality of life will be assessed as primary outcome variables. Fear of falling and exercise adherence will be analysed as secondary outcome variables.DiscussionPhysical activity has been put forward as an effective treatment technique for these patients; however, long-term adherence to these programs remains a challenge. Group interventions could reduce dropout rates.ConclusionFalls represent a major health problem globally due to the disability they cause in older people. Prevention would help reduce not only their incidence but also the health costs derived from their treatment. Group intervention helps clinicians to save resources and time, being able to attend more people with the same quality of care.Clinical trial registrationhttps://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05912088?distance=50&amp;term=NCT05912088&amp;rank=1, identifier NCT05912088.