bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Self-stigma, religiosity, and perceived social support in people with recent-onset psychosis in the Islamic Republic of Iran: Associations with symptom severity and psychosocial functioning
Authors: Djordjevic M , Farhang S , Shirzadi M , Mousavi SB , Bruggeman R , Malek A , Mohagheghi A , Ranjbar F , Shafiee-Kandjani AR , Jongsma HE , Veling W 
Published: February 2024

Aims: Most evidence on psychosocial factors in recent-onset psychosis comes from high-income countries in Europe, Australia, Canada and the USA, while these factors are likely to differ under varying sociocultural and economic circumstances. In this study, we aimed to investigate associations of self-stigma, religiosity and perceived social support with symptom severity and psychosocial functioning in an Iranian cohort of people with recent-onset psychosis (i.e. illness duration of <2 years). Methods: We used baseline data of 361 participants ( N = 286 [74%] male, mean age = 34 years [Standard Deviation = 10.0]) from the Iranian Azeri Recent-onset Acute Phase Psychosis Survey (ARAS). We included assessments of self-stigma (Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness, ISMI), religiosity (based on Stark & Glock), perceived social support (Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, MSPSS), symptom severity (Positive And Negative Syndrome Scale, PANSS) and psychosocial functioning (clinician-rated Global Assessment of Functioning Scale, GAF, and self-reported World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0, WHODAS 2.0). Descriptive analyses were employed to characterize the study sample. Covariate-adjusted ordinal and multivariable linear regression analyses were performed to investigate cross-sectional associations of baseline ISMI, religiosity and MSPSS with concurrent PANSS, GAF and WHODAS 2.0. Results: Higher self-stigma was associated with poorer self-reported functioning ( B = 0.375 [95% Confidence Interval (CI): 0.186, 0.564]) and more severe concurrent symptoms ( B = 0.436 [95% CI: 0.275, 0.597]). Being more religious was associated with poorer clinician-rated functioning (OR = 0.967 [95% CI: 0.944, 0.991]), but with less severe symptoms ( B = −0.258 [95% CI: −0.427, −0.088]). Stronger social support was associated with poorer clinician-rated (OR = 0.956 [95% CI: 0.935, 0.978]) and self-reported functioning ( B = 0.337 [95% CI: 0.168, 0.507]). Conclusion: This study shows that self-stigma, religiosity and perceived social support were associated with symptom severity and clinician-rated as well as self-reported psychosocial functioning in an Iranian cohort of people with recent-onset psychosis. The findings extend previous evidence on these psychosocial factors to one of the largest countries in the Middle East, and suggest that it may be worthwhile to develop strategies aimed at tackling stigma around psychosis and integrate the role of religiosity and social support in mental ill-health prevention and therapy.
Fire safety study of a perlite concrete chimney and wooden ceilings used in buildings based on experimental tests and CFD analysis
Authors: Drozdzol Krzysztof , Kowalski Mateusz , Kokocinska–Pakiet Elzbieta , Junga Robert , Horak Jiri 
Published: February 2024

The operation of fuel-burning heating equipment results in soot build-up in the flues. Its ignition poses a significant fire risk to the building, as the flue temperature can reach 1000°C. Wooden structural elements located near the chimney (ceilings and roof penetrations) are particularly vulnerable. To date, research has focused on the fire safety of wooden ceiling elements. This is where, due to heat radiation from the chimney, wooden elements significantly increase their temperature and become the location of fire initiation in the buildings. The task of chimney designers is to limit the temperatures of heated wooden building components near these structures. The present work analysed a ceramic and concrete chimney with air space with an innovative perlite concrete casing with a dual-function (load-bearing and thermal insulation). Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analyses verified by a full-scale experiment were conducted to evaluate the fire safety of wooden building ceilings. The tests showed that a high level of safety characterised the chimney under study. The maximum temperature of the casing when testing the soot fire reached 38°C, and the wooden elements simulating the ceiling reached 28°C - this result is almost four times better than the chimney standard requirement. Furthermore, a developed CFD model exhibited high accuracy compared to the experimental results and can be used for designing this type of chimney and other research and expert work, such as that performed after fires in buildings originating from the chimney. Practical Application The article describes CFD analyses and tests of an innovative chimney in a perlite-concrete casing. The described research showed the high safety of such a chimney during soot fires. The results obtained can be used to develop changes in standards to improve the safety of chimneys and design safer and more efficient ones. The author’s chimney model and CFD analysis make it possible to determine the temperatures in the chimney during a soot fire. This CFD model allows you to assess the fire safety of the chimney and the building elements located in its vicinity.
Indications, contraindications, side effects, general assessment, and outlook for the future: An International Compression Club survey
Authors: Giovanni Mosti , Angrit Namislo , Jean Patrick Benigni , Eduardo Da Matta , Hugo Partsch , Martin Schmitz , Martin Abel 
Published: February 2024

Background The effectiveness of compression therapy (CT) and the best compression modality choice are questioned in many clinical stages of chronic venous disease (CVD). This work aims to obtain information on indications, contraindications, and the best treatment option for CT in different clinical scenarios of CVD. Method An online survey was made among members of the International Compression Club, experts in CT. Results The experts apply CT in all clinical stages of CVD, even when evidence is missing. Regarding compression materials, experts use inelastic materials in the advanced stages of CVD and compression stockings in the early or chronic stages of CVD. Conclusion The authors highlight the gap between experts’ practical use of CT and evidence-based medicine results. They also suggested that, given the cost of randomized clinical trials aimed at specifying specific indications for different devices, artificial intelligence could be used for large-scale practice surveys in the future.
Procedures and measurement properties of the 6-min step test: A systematic review with clinical recommendations
Authors: Boening Augusto , Scianni Aline A , Martins Janayna A , Santuzzi Cintia H , Liberato Fernanda MG , Nascimento Lucas R 
Published: February 2024

Objective To provide information regarding the procedures, safety, tolerability, and measurement properties of the 6-min step test. Data sources MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and SPORTDiscus (from inception until January 2024). Review methods Studies that examined adults with acute or chronic diseases, and outcomes related to procedures, safety, tolerability, or measurement properties of the 6-min step test were included. Outcome data were summarized and combined in meta-analyses. The quality of included studies was assessed by the Consensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement Instruments checklist, and the quality of evidence was determined according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation system. Results Fourteen studies, involving 847 participants, were included. All studies performed the 6-min step test in 6 min; however, some studies varied the step height and the use of upper limb support. The test appears to be safe and well tolerated by individuals. Moderate- to high-quality evidence demonstrated appropriate results for test-retest reliability (4 studies; Intraclass correlation coefficient 0.96; 95% CI 0.91–0.98; n = 125), criterion validity (4 studies; r = 0.53; 95% CI 0.30–0.71; n = 307), and construct validity (4 studies; r = 0.63; 95% CI 0.52–0.73; n = 233). Conclusion This review provides recommendations for applying the 6-min step test in clinical and research settings. No adverse events were reported, and the test appears to be well tolerated. Adequate results were found for test-retest reliability, criterion validity, and construct validity. Review Registration PROSPERO (CRD42022347744).
Latent profiles of challenge, hindrance, and threat appraisals on time pressure and job complexity: Antecedents and outcomes
Authors: Kunzelmann Arian , Rigotti Thomas , Crane Monique F. 
Published: February 2024

This research challenges the a priori classification of time pressure and job complexity as challenge stressors and seeks to illuminate the emergence of different appraisal configurations using a latent profile approach. The sample consisted of 629 employees (66.1% male). Employees who appraised time pressure and job complexity as challenges reported higher job satisfaction and work engagement and felt less emotionally exhausted and mentally stressed compared to those with dominant hindrance/threat appraisals. Employees who report to be more resilient and have autonomy are more likely to fall into a Dominant Challenge Appraisal profile. Those who face high emotional demands are more likely to be in a Dominant Hindrance/Threat Appraisal profile. This research offers a fresh perspective on why it is essential for employers to consider their teams’ perceptions and resources when introducing new tasks or deadlines. By providing employees with adequate resources, organizations can promote a more adaptive approach to work challenges. JEL Classification: L20, L29, L00
Minimum 10-Year Outcomes of Matrix-Induced Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation in the Knee: A Systematic Review
Authors: Wang Allen S. , Nagelli Christopher V. , Lamba Abhinav , Saris Daniël B.F. , Krych Aaron J. , Hevesi Mario 
Published: February 2024

Background: Matrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implantation (MACI) is an established cell-based therapy for the treatment of chondral defects of the knee. As long-term outcomes are now being reported in the literature, it is important to systematically review available evidence to better inform clinical practice. Purpose: To report (1) subjective patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and (2) the rate of graft failure, reoperation, and progression to total knee arthroplasty (TKA) after undergoing MACI of the knee at a minimum 10-year follow-up. Study Design: Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A comprehensive search of Ovid MEDLINE and Epub Ahead of Print, In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations and Daily; Ovid Embase; Ovid Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials; Ovid Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews; and Scopus from 2008 to September 15, 2022, was conducted in the English language. Study eligibility criteria included (1) full-text articles in the English language, (2) patients undergoing a MACI within the knee, (3) clinical outcomes reported, and (4) a minimum 10-year follow-up. Results: In total, 168 patients (99 male, 69 female; mean age, 37 years [range, 15-63 years]; mean body mass index, 26.2 [range, 18.6-39.4]) representing 188 treated chondral defects at a minimum 10-year follow-up after MACI were included in this review. Significant and durable long-term improvements were observed across multiple PRO measures. Follow-up magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), when performed, also demonstrated satisfactory defect fill and an intact graft in the majority of patients. The all-cause reoperation rate was 9.0%, with an overall 7.4% rate of progression to TKA at 10 to 17 years of follow-up. Conclusion: At a minimum 10-year follow-up, patients undergoing MACI for knee chondral defects demonstrated significant and durable improvements in PROs, satisfactory defect fill on MRI-based assessment, and low rates of reoperation and TKA. These data support the use of MACI as a long-term treatment of focal cartilage defects of the knee.
Assessment of Platelet Indices as Biomarker for Neonatal Sepsis
Authors: Yadav Brij Bhushan , Maini Baljeet , Jhinger Prabhjot , Gaur Bablu Kumar 
Published: February 2024

Introduction There is a need to increase the diagnostic capability of the traditional septic screen by adding additional markers. Platelet indices are one such marker that is readily available in routine hemogram reports. Materials and Methods In this cross-sectional study, all newborn babies were recruited who had signs or symptoms of sepsis or had high-risk factors. Those who had clinical sepsis with positive cultures and/or a positive sepsis screen were classified under group “cases” ( n = 174), whereas all neonates suspected to have sepsis but who had a negative blood culture and a negative sepsis screen were classified under group “control” ( n = 126). Blood culture, sepsis screen, and platelet indices [platelet count, mean platelet volume (MPV), and platelet distribution width (PDW)] were performed on all babies. Babies with congenital or acquired causes of platelet abnormalities (including medication use by mothers with antiplatelet activity) were excluded from this study. Results In this study, a total of 300 newborn babies were recruited for final analyses. Overall culture positivity was 38%. The mean platelet count was lower in the cases group ( P < 0.001). MPV and PDW were higher in septic babies with statistically significant differences ( P < 0.0001 and P = 0.012, respectively). Thrombocytopenia was the most sensitive marker (85.60%). However, it had low specificity (28.2%). On combining all three platelet markers, specificity increased to 48.4% (with a sensitivity of 64.5%) in detecting babies with neonatal sepsis. The sensitivity of the septic screen alone was 58% (with a specificity of 32.62%). When combining the sepsis screen and platelet indices, the specificity for the diagnosis of neonatal sepsis increased to 62.6%. On receiver operator curve analyses, thrombocytopenia had the highest area under the curve (0.692), followed by MPV (0.644). Conclusion Platelet indices may be used as sensitive markers in combination with traditional sepsis screening to make an early diagnosis of neonatal sepsis.
Outcomes of “a new modification of Jensen technique combined with medial rectus recession” in patients with complete sixth cranial nerve palsy
Authors: Farvardin Hajar , Norouzpour Amir , Farvardin Hadi , Farvardin Majid 
Published: February 2024

Background To report the outcomes of “our modified Jensen technique” for treating esotropia in cases with complete sixth cranial nerve (CN VI) palsy. Methods This study is a 30-year case series of isolated complete CN VI palsy who underwent combined medial rectus recession and our modified Jensen operation. We modified the original technique by anchoring the muscle-unifying sutures to the sclera near the equator using a non-absorbable suture. Major outcomes such as postoperative diplopia, face turn, horizontal and vertical eye deviations, and abduction limitation were assessed. Successful surgery was defined as orthotropia or esotropia equal to or less than 8 prism diopters (PD) and the absence of any vertical deviation. Results Fifty-three cases with a mean age of 28 years old were included in this study. The male-to-female ratio was 3 to 1. Forty-five cases (85%) presented with unilateral palsy, whereas 8 patients (15%) had bilateral palsy. Trauma was the most common etiology (85%). Diplopia or face turn, presented in 42 patients before the operation, remained in seven cases after the operation. Primary position esotropia, which was the main complaint in all patients, decreased from 49 PD to 4 PD in unilateral palsy and from 101 PD to 10 PD in bilateral palsy. The mean reduction of abduction deficit was 1.78 in unilateral and 1.75 in bilateral palsy. The success rate was 76% in unilateral and 62% in bilateral palsy. Conclusion Our modified Jensen operation was effective in treating patients with complete CN VI palsy, producing no significant permanent complications.
Retro-mode imaging in acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy
Authors: Rabinovich Mark , Mehanna Carl-Joe , Lopez Juan Manual , Souied Eric H. 
Published: February 2024

Aim to provide a detailed description and multimodal imaging (MMI) including retro-mode imaging of acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy (APMPPE). Methods Case report of a young male patient presenting with APMPPE picture. Initially, visual acuity testing was performed, followed by biomicroscopic and fundus examinations along with MMI including Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), fundus autofluorescence (FAF), fluorescein angiography (FA), Indocyanine Green (ICG) angiography, and Retro-mode imaging. The patient was then monitored over a duration of two months. Results visual acuity was 20/20 with normal biomicroscopic examination; fundus examination detected multiple pale placoid lesions. MMI was consistent with typical APMPPE. Notably, Retro-mode imaging revealed numerous crater-like round lesions that corresponded to those observed on angiography. Conclusion Retromode imaging in APMPPE can serve as a non-invasive tool that highlights the number and distribution of lesions as well as on angiography.
The association between rurality, dual Medicare/Medicaid eligibility and chronic conditions with telehealth utilization: An analysis of 2019–2020 national Medicare claims
Authors: Bogulski Cari A , Pro George , Acharya Mahip , Ali Mir M , Brown Clare C , Hayes Corey J , Eswaran Hari 
Published: February 2024

Introduction Telehealth services have the potential to increase healthcare access among underserved populations, such as rural residents and racial/ethnic minority groups. The COVID-19 public health emergency led to unprecedented growth in telehealth utilization, but evidence suggests the growth has not been equitable across all patient populations. This study aimed to explore whether telehealth utilization and expansion changed equitably from 2019 to 2020 among sub-groups of Medicare beneficiaries. Methods We conducted an analysis of telehealth utilization among a 20% random sample of 2019–2020 Medicare beneficiaries on a national level. We fit multivariable logistic regression models and calculated average marginal effects (AME) to assess the association between demographic and clinical characteristics on telehealth utilization. Results We found telehealth utilization was less likely among non-Hispanic Black/African-American (2019: adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.77, AME = −0.15; 2020: aOR = 0.85, AME = −3.50) and Hispanic (2019: aOR = 0.79, AME = −0.13; 2020: aOR = 0.87, AME = −2.89) beneficiaries, relative to non-Hispanic White beneficiaries in both 2019 and 2020, with larger disparities in 2020. Rural beneficiaries were more likely to utilize telehealth than urban beneficiaries in 2019 (aOR = 2.62, AME = 0.84), but less likely in 2020 (aOR = 0.57, AME = −14.47). In both years, dually eligible Medicare/Medicaid beneficiaries were more likely than non-dually eligible beneficiaries to utilize telehealth (2019: aOR = 4.75, AME = 0.84; 2020: aOR = 1.34, AME = 2.25). However, the effects of dual eligibility and rurality changed in both models as the number of chronic conditions increased. Discussion We found evidence of increasing disparities in telehealth utilization among several Medicare beneficiary sub-groups in 2020 relative to 2019, including individuals of minority race/ethnicity, rural residents, and dually eligible beneficiaries, with disparities increasing among individuals with more chronic conditions. Although telehealth has the potential to address health inequities, our findings suggest that many of the patients in greatest need of healthcare are least likely to utilize telehealth services.
What are the autism research priorities of autistic adults in Scotland?
Authors: Cage Eilidh , Crompton Catherine J , Dantas Sarah , Strachan Khiah , Birch Rachel , Robinson Mark , Morgan-Appel Stasa , MacKenzie-Nash Charlie , Gallagher Aaron , Botha Monique 
Published: February 2024

Studies investigating autistic community research priorities indicate a mismatch between what autism research focuses on and what autistic people want to see researched. Furthermore, there has not been a research priority-setting exercise specifically with autistic people in Scotland, where there are unique cultural, political and social contexts. Using a community-based participatory design, we aimed to identify the research priorities of autistic adults living in Scotland. Autistic and non-autistic researchers designed and conducted a survey where 225 autistic adults rated and ranked research topics in order of importance and provided qualitative feedback on issues and questions important to them. The top five research priorities were mental health/well-being, identification and diagnosis of autistic people, support services, knowledge and attitudes towards autistic people and issues impacting autistic women. There were differences in priorities according to different intersections of identity, and qualitative responses indicated a desire for research to focus on support and understanding. The bottom three priorities concerned genetics, treatments and interventions and causes. These findings emphasise the need to address the gap between what autism research focuses on and the everyday lives of autistic people. Lay abstract Although research has the potential to improve autistic people’s lives, lots of funding goes towards research looking at topics which autistic people say has little impact in their everyday lives. Autistic people’s lives can be different depending on where they live, and Scotland is a unique country in many ways. We wanted to find out which topics autistic people in Scotland want to see research on. Our team of autistic and non-autistic researchers (including university-based and community researchers) created a survey where 225 autistic adults rated and ranked the importance of possible research topics and shared their thoughts on what topics mattered to them. The five most important topics were mental health and well-being, identifying and diagnosing autistic people, support services (including healthcare and social care), non-autistic people’s knowledge and attitudes and issues impacting autistic women. The three least important topics were genetics or biological aspects of autism, autism treatments/interventions and causes of autism. Our findings indicate that autistic people in Scotland want research to focus on things that matter to their day-to-day lives. Also, the Scottish government says they will be listening to autistic people in their latest policy plans, and we believe that considering autistic people’s research priorities is an important part of this. Our findings also add to growing calls for change to happen in how and what autism researchers do research on.