bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mapping the Caregiver Experience in a Canadian Province: Research Methodology for the Saskatchewan Caregiver Experience Study
Authors: Hall Steven , Rohatinsky Noelle , Holtslander Lorraine , Peacock Shelley 
Published: January 2024

Background Policies and services for older adults are increasingly focused on living in the community, rather than relying on institutions. A total of 70–80% of community care for older adults is provided by family and friend caregivers. With Canada's aging population, the number of caregivers to older adults is growing. Purpose The purpose of this paper is to describe the research methodology that was employed in the Saskatchewan Caregiver Experience Study. The methodology was used to map the experiences and gather perspectives of caregivers in Saskatchewan and to identify their priority support needs. Methods Qualitative description was the approach in this study. An online qualitative survey was administered via SurveyMonkey and distributed via Facebook and community newsletters. The survey collected caregiver demographics and asked three open-ended questions regarding: (1) the challenges that caregivers experience; (2) the positive aspects of caregiving; and (3) the support needs and priorities of Saskatchewan caregivers. A fourth question where caregivers could freely express any other experiences or perspectives was included. Content analysis was the method used for data analysis. Results 355 individuals met the inclusion criteria for this study. Participants were evenly distributed amongst urban-large, urban-small/medium, and rural settings in Saskatchewan. The average age of caregivers and care recipients were 61 and 83 respectively. Conclusion This study has implications for research, practice, and policy. By gathering the full spectrum of the caregiver experience in Saskatchewan, this study can help to inform how communities, governments, and our healthcare system can best support caregivers in their role.
Risk factors for failure after rotational muscle flap coverage for prosthetic knee infections
Authors: Kim Billy I , Wixted Colleen M , Schwartz Andrew M , Jiranek William A , Ryan Sean P , Seyler Thorsten M 
Published: January 2024

Introduction Soft tissue defects are a devastating complication of prosthetic joint infections (PJI) after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Rotational flaps are commonly utilized to address these defects with variable reports of success. This study aimed to identify predictors of poor outcomes in rotational muscle flap placement after prosthetic knee infections. The authors hypothesized that outcomes may vary based on infecting pathogen and treatment characteristics. Methods 44 cases of rotational muscle flaps for prosthetic knee infection were retrospectively evaluated at a tertiary referral hospital from 2007 to 2020. Muscle flap types included 39 medial and four lateral gastrocnemius, and one anterior tibialis. Minimum follow-up was 1 year (median: 3.4 years). Primary outcome was flap-related complications. Secondary outcomes included recurrent infection requiring additional surgery, final joint outcomes, and mortality. Results One-year complication-free flap survivorship was 83.9%, recurrent infection-free survivorship was 65.7%, and amputation-free survivorship was 79%. Multivariable cox regression revealed that rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis (HR: 3.4; p = .028) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus-positive culture (HR: 4.0; p = .040) had increased risk, while Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus infections had reduced risk for recurrent or persistent infection (HR: 0.2; p = .023). Final joint outcome was retained TKA implant in 18 (40.9%), amputation in 15 (34.1%) patients, and definitive treatment with articulating spacer in 10 (22.7%). 5-years survivorship from death was 71.4%. Conclusion Rotational muscle flaps for soft tissue coverage of the knee are often performed in limb salvage situations with poor survivorship from flap complications, reinfections, and amputation. When considering surgical options for limb salvage, patients should be counseled on these risks.
Getting Inspired: A Qualitative Study on the Use of the Inspirisles Role-Playing Game to Teach Middle Schoolers American Sign Language
Authors: Cullinan Maryanne , Wood Laura L. 
Published: January 2024

Background The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a role-playing game (RPG) as a pedagogical tool for teaching beginning American Sign Language (ASL) to middle school students in a classroom setting. Methods In this qualitative study, n = 40 students participated in a 50-minute class centered on the ASL role-playing game, Inspirisles, for 45 days. To collect data on the student experience of the Inspirisles class, a post-process focus group was conducted with an external moderator and students (n =18) who chose to participate. Student responses were coded using applied thematic analysis. Results Students reported learning 50 to 100 words in American Sign Language, including numbers and the fingerspelling alphabet. Beyond language acquisition, they reported three main themes: a change in learning dispositions, positive social-emotional growth, and identification of important factors for success in continuing classes. Conclusion Students in the Inspirisles -based ASL class showed progress in learning ASL, with additional considerations for prosocial group learning in the classroom setting. However, further research is needed to see if this pedagogy is a viable option for long-term learning of ASL in the classroom setting.
Epidemiology of Vancomycin in Combination With Piperacillin/Tazobactam-Associated Acute Kidney Injury in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Miao , Huang Liang , Zhu Yu , Zeng Linan , Jia Zhi-Jun , Cheng Guo , Li Hailong , Zhang Lingli 
Published: January 2024

Background: Several studies have shown that vancomycin combined with piperacillin/tazobactam (VPT) increased the risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) compared with other antibiotics in children. However, the epidemiology of VPT-associated AKI in children is unknown. Objective: To evaluate the incidence and risk factors of VPT-associated AKI in children. Data sources: Literature databases of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), VIP Database, WanFang Database, and China Biology Medicine Disc were searched from inception to November 2023. References of included studies were also manually checked. Study selection and data extraction: Two independent reviewers selected studies, extracted data, and quality assessment. Meta-analyses were performed to quantify the incidence and risk factors of VPT-associated AKI in children. Data synthesis: Sixteen cohort studies were identified. Overall, the incidence of VPT-associated AKI in children was 24.3% (95% CI: 17.9%-30.6%). The incidence of VPT-associated AKI in critically ill children (26.6%) was higher than that in noncritically ill children (10.9%). Moreover, higher serum vancomycin trough concentration (>15 mg/L), use of vasopressors, combination of nephrotoxins and intensive care unit admission were risk factors for VPT-associated AKI in children ( P < 0.05). Relevance to patient care and clinical practice: Identifying high-risk groups and determining safer treatments is critical to reducing the incidence of VPT-associated AKI in children. Conclusions: The incidence of VPT-associated AKI in children is high, especially in critically ill children. Medication regimens should be personalized based on the presence of individual risk factors. Moreover, renal function was regularly assessed throughout treatment with VPT.
Prevalence of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder in the United States
Authors: Briggs Farren BS , Shaia Jacqueline 
Published: January 2024

Background: Neuromyelitis optic spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is a rare demyelinating, autoimmune disease and the burden in United States is not well characterized. Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the 2022 US prevalence of NMOSD. Methods: We constructed a cross-sectional study using aggregated electronic health record data for 25.7 million patients who had a 2022 clinical encounter. The data originated from the TriNetX US Collaborative Network of 55 healthcare organizations that span all 50 states. NMOSD prevalence was determined by querying for age-interval, sex, and race combinations, with direct standardization to the 2022 US Census data. Results: There were 1772 NMOSD patients among 25,743,039 patients for a prevalence of 6.88/100,000. Prevalence was the highest in Blacks (12.99/100,000) who represented 27.7% of NMOSD patients, then Asians (9.41/100,000and Whites (5.58/100,000). Among females, the prevalence of NMOSD was 9.48/100,000, and Black and Asian females had a 2.65- and 1.94-times higher prevalence than White females. In males, the prevalence of NMOSD was 3.52/100,000 and it did not differ by race. We observed a 3/5:1 female-to-male ratio in NMOSD. The age- and sex-adjusted 2022 estimate of persons with NMOSD in the United States was 15,413 females and 6233 males. Conclusion: We estimate that there were near 22,000 Americans living with NMOSD in 2022.
Revisiting bilingual foreign language learning advantages: The role of extramural exposure
Authors: Tribushinina Elena , Boz Betül , Aalbers Vera , Blom Elma 
Published: January 2024

Aims and objectives: Prior research shows that bilingual pupils may have foreign language learning advantages over monolinguals, but evidence is controversial. Investigating English as a foreign language (EFL) in the context of the Netherlands, we hypothesized that the conflicting findings may be partly explained by differences in extramural EFL exposure. We further predicted that amount and length of EFL exposure might moderate the effects of bilingualism on EFL learning and cross-language relationships between English and the previously acquired languages. Approach: Twelve- to 14-year-old Turkish–Dutch bilinguals ( n = 30) and Dutch monolinguals ( n = 31) participated. The Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test was used to measure receptive vocabulary in English, Dutch, and Turkish. Grammatical ability was measured with a sentence repetition task. A questionnaire was used to obtain information on children’s language exposure. Data and analysis: Data were analyzed by means of multilevel linear regression. Amount and length of extramural exposure were used as control variables in the analyses comparing EFL skills of bilinguals and monolinguals. The role of exposure as a moderator of bilingual effects and cross-language relationships was also tested. Findings/conclusions: If differences in exposure were not taken into account, the bilinguals were outperformed by the monolinguals on EFL vocabulary, but not on grammar. However, the between-group difference disappeared once exposure measures were controlled for. Bilinguals with little exposure to English performed worse than monolingual peers, but at higher exposure levels, bilinguals outperformed monolinguals. In the bilingual sample, Dutch vocabulary predicted English vocabulary, but Turkish proficiency did not predict English skills. Originality: This is the first study to include measures of extramural exposure in investigating the effects of bilingualism on EFL learning. Significance/implications: This research shows that differences between monolingual and bilingual EFL learners can be either concealed or inflated if exposure is not controlled for. Furthermore, exposure moderates bilingual effects in EFL learning.
Coping and self-care: Mediating the association of job stressors with vicarious trauma and vicarious resilience
Authors: Murcia Álvarez Evelia , Lombardero Posada Xoán M , Aguiar Fernández Francisco X , Méndez Fernández Ana B , González Fernández Antonio 
Published: January 2024

Summary The indirect exposure to patients’ traumatic experiences may generate contrasting reactions in helping professionals, such as vicarious trauma and vicarious resilience. Theoretical models predict that job stressors facilitate vicarious trauma and reduce vicarious resilience and that personal resources may mediate this relationship. However, there is little empirical research linking some of these variables. This study aims to test: (a) Whether job stressors (family-work conflict, work-family conflict and role conflict) predict personal resources (coping strategies and self-care practices) and reactions to indirect exposure to trauma (vicarious trauma and vicarious resilience); and (b) whether personal resources predict these reactions and mediate their association with job stressors. A convenience sample of 448 social workers from Spain completed an online questionnaire between October 2020 and January 2021. Findings Structural equation modelling revealed that job stressors generally hindered problem-focused coping and self-care and enabled emotion-focused coping; only vicarious trauma was directly associated with role conflict. Primarily, personal resources predicted the reactions to indirect exposure to trauma and mediated the influence of job stressors in these reactions. Applications In line with previous research, results support the need for personal and organizational interventions to decrease vicarious trauma and promote vicarious resilience.
Periconceptional folic acid usage and its associated factors in eastern Sudan: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Hassan Ahmed Ali , Hassan Albagir M , Bashir Amal O , Adam Gamal K , AlHabardi Nadiah , Adam Ishag 
Published: January 2024

Background: Several countries poorly adhere to the World Health Organization’s recommendation of folic acid supplementation in the periconceptional period, especially in limited-resource settings. Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of and the factors associated with folic acid usage in the periconceptional period among pregnant women at Gadarif Maternity Hospital in eastern Sudan. Study design: This is a cross-sectional study. Methods: This study was conducted in eastern Sudan from April to September 2022. A total of 720 pregnant women in their first trimester were enrolled. The sociodemographic characteristics and clinical and obstetrical data of pregnant women in their first trimester were assessed using a face-to-face questionnaire. In addition, multivariate regression analysis was performed. Results: In this study, the median (interquartile range) of the age and gravidity of the enrolled women was 26.3 (24.14–29.52) years and 2 (1–4), respectively. Of these 720 women, 423 (58.8%) used folic acid during the periconceptional period, while 27 (3.7%) women used folic acid in the preconceptional period. None of the investigated factors (age, residence, education, employment, body mass index, or gravidity) were associated with periconceptional use of folic acid. Conclusion: The study revealed a low prevalence of folic acid usage in preconceptional period among pregnant women in eastern Sudan. Additional efforts are needed to promote folic acid usage in the preconceptional period as well as in the first trimester.
Health literacy among pregnant women in the United Arab Emirates: The Mutaba’ah study
Authors: Elbarazi Iffat , Alam Zufishan , Ali Nasloon , Loney Tom , Al-Rifai Rami H , Al-Maskari Fatma , Ahmed Luai A 
Published: January 2024

Background: Health literacy is the degree to which individuals can obtain, process, understand, and communicate health-related information. Health literacy among pregnant women, in particular, may have a significant impact on maternal and child health. In the United Arab Emirates, no previous studies have been carried out to investigate the health literacy levels of pregnant women. Objective: This study aimed to investigate antenatal health literacy levels and identify associated factors among pregnant Emirati women in the United Arab Emirates. Design: This analysis was based on the baseline cross-sectional data for pregnant women participating in the prospective cohort Mutaba’ah Study, recruited between May 2017 and August 2022. Methods: Participants completed a self-administered questionnaire during their antenatal visits that collected sociodemographic and pregnancy-related information. Adequacy of health literacy was assessed using the BRIEF health literacy screening tool with adequate health literacy defined as a score ⩾ 17. Regression modeling investigated the association between the pregnant women characteristics with having adequate health literacy level (ability to read and comprehend most patient education materials). Results: A total of 2694 responses to the BRIEF health literacy screening tool were analyzed. Approximately, three-quarters (71.6%) of respondents showed adequate health literacy, followed by marginal (22.8%), and limited (5.6%) health literacy levels, respectively. Higher education levels (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.74, 95% confidence interval = 1.46–2.08), employment (adjusted odds ratio = 1.35, 95% confidence interval = 1.10–1.65), and adequate social support (adjusted odds ratio = 1.69, 95% confidence interval = 1.26–2.28) were associated with adequate health literacy levels. Participants who expressed worry about birth were less likely to have adequate literacy levels (adjusted odds ratio = 0.70, 95% confidence interval = 0.58–0.85). Conclusion: Nearly three-quarters of pregnant women have adequate health literacy. Nevertheless, measures including policies to sustain and enhance health literacy levels among all expectant mothers are required, with a specific focus on those having limited health literacy.
Prevalence of infertility and pregnancy loss among individuals with kidney disease in the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos
Authors: Reynolds Monica L , Loehr Laura R , Hogan Susan L , Hu Yichun , Isasi Carmen R , Cordero Christina , Ricardo Ana C , Lash James P , Derebail Vimal K 
Published: January 2024

Background: Hispanic/Latino individuals are less likely to receive optimal treatment for chronic kidney disease than non-Hispanic whites. This may be particularly detrimental for women of reproductive age as chronic kidney disease increases risk for infertility, menstrual irregularities, and pregnancy loss. While these maternal outcomes have been associated with advanced chronic kidney disease, their occurrence in early chronic kidney disease is unclear. Objectives/Design: Using baseline (2008–2011) and second study visit (2014–2017) data from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos, we retrospectively assessed the prevalence of chronic kidney disease as well as the association between chronic kidney disease and self-reported infertility, cessation of menses, hysterectomy, and nonviable pregnancy loss (experienced at less than 24 weeks gestation) in women of reproductive age (18–45 years). Methods: Multivariable survey logistic regression analyses determined the unadjusted and multivariable-adjusted prevalence odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals between chronic kidney disease and the separate outcomes. Results: Among 2589 Hispanic/Latino women included (mean age = 31.4 years), 4.6% were considered to have chronic kidney disease. In adjusted analyses, women with chronic kidney disease did not have a significantly increased odds of infertility (odds ratio = 1.02, 95% confidence interval = 0.42–2.49), cessation of menses (odds ratio = 1.25, 95% confidence interval = 0.52–3.04), or hysterectomy (odds ratio = 1.17, 95% confidence interval = 0.61–2.25) compared to those without chronic kidney disease. In those with chronic kidney disease, the adjusted odds of a nonviable pregnancy loss occurring after baseline visit were increased (odds ratio = 2.11, 95% confidence interval = 0.63–7.02) but not statistically significance. Conclusion: The presence of early stage chronic kidney disease did not confer a significant risk of infertility, cessation of menses, or nonviable pregnancy loss.
Women’s attitudes, prevalence, related factors, and perceived barriers of birth companionship in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Mousa Ola , Salameh Basma , Alqahtani Mohammed , David Maryshela , Almefarfesh Aishah A , Duhilan Duaa Al , Ghaly Asmaa Saber , Alsadaan Nourah , Reshia Fadia Ahmed Abdelkader , Alsandal Zainab Mohammad Ahmad 
Published: January 2024

Background: The World Health Organization recommends companionship as a critical element of respectful maternity care. However, there is paucity of literature regarding women’s attitudes, related factors, and barriers of implementation in Saudi Arabia. Objective: This study aimed to assess women’s attitudes toward birth companionship during labor and delivery, related factors, and barriers of implementing labor companionship in Saudi Arabia. Design/Methods: This study was carried out in Al Ahsa, Saudi Arabia, using a cross-sectional design. The data collection took place over a period of approximately 6 months, specifically from 16 August 2021 to 20 February 2022. A total of 418 women who had given birth at three governmental hospitals and three private hospitals in Al Ahsa participated in the survey. The study included women between the ages of 18 and 49 years who had delivered during the study period. Results: The study revealed that while around 82.8% of mothers expressed a desire for companionship during labor, only 43.2% actually had a labor companion present during delivery. The primary obstacle to labor companionship reported by 21.5% of respondents was hospital policies. Other barriers identified included husbands’ fear of being present during labor (4.7%) and limited availability of time for companionship (3.8%). Conclusion: The study concludes that birth companionship is highly desired by women in the study area. However, various physical, emotional, and institutional barriers, such as hospital policies and regulations, impede its implementation. Addressing these barriers and promoting supportive policies are essential to facilitate the provision of birth companionship and improve the childbirth experience for women in Al Ahsa.