bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Home care workers - an untapped resource in preventing emergency department visits of older people? A qualitative interview study from Sweden
Authors: Bastholm-Rahmner Pia , Bergqvist Monica , Modig Karin , Gustafsson Lars-L , Schmidt-Mende Katharina 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background: Older people with functional decline and home care are frequent visitors to emergency departments (ED). Home care workers (HCWs) interact regularly with their clients and may play a crucial role in their well-being. This study aims to understand if and how HCWs can help prevent ED visits among home-dwelling older people.
Methods: In this qualitative study, 12 semi-structured interviews were conducted with HCWs from Sweden between July and November 2022. Inductive thematic analysis was used to identify barriers and facilitators to prevent ED visits in older home-dwelling people.
Results: HCWs want to actively contribute to the prevention of ED visits among clients but observe many barriers that hinder them from doing so. Barriers refer to care organization such as availability to primary care (PC) staff and information transfer; attitudes towards HCWs as co-workers; and client-related factors. Participants suggest that improved communication and collaboration with PC and discharge information from the ED to home care services could overcome barriers. Furthermore, they ask for support and geriatric education from PC nurses which may result in increased respect towards them as competent staff members.
Conclusions: HCWs feel that they have an important role in the health management of older people living at home. Still, they feel as an untapped resource in the prevention of ED visits. They deem that improved coordination and communication between PC, ED, and home care organizations, as well as the promotion of proactive care would enable them to add significantly to the improved overall well-being and the prevention of ED visits.
Microstructure and hot tearing sensitivity simulation and parameters optimization for the centrifugal casting of Al-Cu alloy
Authors: Lv Shengkun , Dou Ruifeng , He Xueli , Zhang Yanying , Wang Junsheng , Liu Xunliang , Wen Zhi 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
A mathematical model of horizontal centrifugal casting was established, and numerical simulation analysis was conducted for the centrifugal casting process of cylindrical Al-Cu alloy castings to investigate the effect of the centrifugal casting process conditions on the microstructure and hot tearing sensitivity of alloy castings. Results show that increasing the centrifugal rotation and pouring speeds can refine the microstructure of the alloy but increasing the pouring and mold preheating temperatures can lead to an increase in grain size. The grain size gradually transitions from fine grain on the outer layer to coarse grain on the inner layer. Meanwhile, combined with the modified RDG hot tearing criterion, the overall distribution of the castings’ hot tearing sensitivity was analyzed. The analysis results indicate that the porosity in the middle region of the casting was large, and hot tearing defects were prone to occur. The hot tearing tendency on the inner side of the casting was greater than that on the outer side. The effects of centrifugal rotation speed, pouring temperature, and preheating temperature on the thermal sensitivity of Al-Cu alloy castings are summarized in this paper. This study revealed that the tendency of alloy hot cracking decreases with the increase of the centrifugal speed, and the maximum porosity of castings decreases first and then increases with the pouring temperature. As the preheating temperature increases, the overall maximum porosity of castings shows a decreasing trend.
Targeting the dermis for melasma maintenance treatment
Authors: Han Hee Jeong , Kim Jin Cheol , Park Young Joon , Kang Hee Young 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background:
Melasma relapse is almost common after discontinuation of conventional treatment. Recent studies have suggested that photoaging dermis is main pathomechanism of melasma emphasizing stromal targeting therapy.
Objectives:
We investigated maintenance effect of microneedling radiofrequency (RF) for melasma treatment.
Methods:
Subjects with melasma were administered oral tranexamic acid and triple combination cream for two months and a randomly assigned half face was treated with RF. After discontinuation of conventional therapy, the half face RF continued monthly over 6 months. Modified melasma area severity index (mMASI) score and L* value by a chromameter were collected monthly.
Results:
Fifteen patients were enrolled and eleven completed the 8-month study. At 2nd month of conventional therapy, all subjects showed improvement with a 64% reduction in mMASI score. With continuous RF treatment, the improvement was well maintained; whereas in untreated side, the Δ L* gradually decreased, returning to the baseline after the conventional therapy ended.
Conclusions:
The continuous RF therapy is beneficial in maintaining the conventional therapy of melasma suggesting the protective effect of stromal targeting therapy in melasma development.
(Clinical Trial registration number: NCT05710068, date of first registration: 02/02/2023)
Severe Pulmonary Valve Stenosis in a Neonate with Necrotizing Enterocolitis: a case report
Authors: zhang Wenjing , Zhang Li 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background Patients with congenital heart disease are predisposed to neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis, especially in very low and extremely low birth weight infants. It has never been reported about the perioperative management.
Case presentation We describe the first reported case of severe pulmonary valve stenosis with neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis IIIB in an infant who successively underwent exploration of the heart and laparotomy. The infant was ultimately discharged with good improvement after treatment with linezolid anti-infective, enoxaparin anticoagulant, and organ support. In the present case, pathogenic bacteria were identified using metagenomic next-generation sequencing-guided antibiotic replacement, highlighting its usefulness in children with peritonitis complicated by ascites. The neonatal right atrial thrombus was treated with timely and regulated anticoagulation after thrombolysis and did not develop into a pulmonary embolism.
Conclusions It was a reference for the perioperative management and treatment of congenital heart disease-necrotizing enterocolitis. Utilizing metagenomic next-generation sequencing for the detection of pathogenic organisms and examining four items of thrombosis levels should be promoted for the care of patients with severe pulmonary valve stenosis with necrotizing enterocolitis.
Successful management of perilous perioperative hypoxia in a total arch replacement procedure: a case report
Authors: Qian Liu , Zhang Yujun , Liu Haibei 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background: Profound hypoxemia during total arch replacement surgery demands prompt intervention. Aortic dissection patients are susceptible to serious pulmonary complications.
Case presentation: We report a critical case of intraoperative hypoxemia in this context. Despite no existing pulmonary issues, oxygenation difficulties during cardiopulmonary bypass weaning led to challenging procedural halts. Strategies such as airway suction, lung recruitment, and protective ventilation proved inadequate to rectify the hypoxic state. Transesophageal echocardiography indicated left pleural effusion and atelectasis, with minimal improvement after drainage. Fiberoptic bronchoscopy identified significant tenacious secretions obstructing the airway and left main bronchus, with conventional suction ineffective. Ultimately, pulmonary lavage and bronchoscopic suction, combined with repeated lung recruitment, led to enhanced oxygenation.
Conclusions: It is crucial to conduct dynamic preoperative respiratory evaluations, particularly in patients with aortic dissection. Such assessments can effectively anticipate and prevent postoperative lung complications.
A Binary Linear Programming Model for a Case Study in University Timetabling Problem
Authors: Samarathunga Samarathunga D.M. , Wellahetti Lahiru L.R. 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
In this paper, a university timetabling problem is addressed, and proposed a two-phase approach to solve the problem. In the first phase, a binary linear programming model is constructed to determine the feasibility of the number of optional courses to offer at different time slots. Using the genetic algorithm, the constructed model is solved and a feasible number of optional courses to be offered at different time slots is obtained. Phase I is devoted to finding the optimal feasibility of offering a great many optional courses to different time slots while optimizing the preferable constraints. Once we get the number of optional courses to offer at different time slots, the second phase is devoted to constructing the timetabling treating the preferable constraints as objectives. The timetabling problem is a combinatorial, NP-complete optimization problem. Due to its practicability and complexity, the timetabling problem is prominent among researchers and has sound literature equipped with various methodologies and solution techniques. Among the timetabling problems, addressed in the literature, university course timetabling is more complex due to the sophisticated course structures, a large number of student groups, and many other requirements imposed by the institution. University timetabling problems can be hardly generalized due to the different inherent characteristics of the timetabling problem from institution to institution. Hence, many studies are focused on case studies while extending and generalizing to a certain extent. In this study, the timetabling for semester I of the Faculty of Science, University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka is selected as a case study.
The Impact of COVID-19 on US Clinical Trial Activity
Authors: Glass Harold , Guy Andy 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has certainly been one of the singular events of the twenty-first century. With the initial impact of COVID-19, clinical trial observers and professionals anticipated major interruptions in the conduct of clinical trial research. Many expected site start-ups to slow appreciably, patient enrollment and treatment to drop significantly, and the search for scarce medical staffing resources to become more daunting. The Open Payments database, a public repository mandated by US law, provides us with a more definitive answer to the question about the impact of COVID-19 on the conduct of US clinical trial activity. While a demanding database to use, the Open Payments data demonstrate that there was surprisingly little disruption in the US clinical trial landscape in 2020-2021. There were few changes in who conducted studies, or where these studies occurred. Most critically, overall US clinical trial activity continued to increase, even when COVID-19 related studies are separated from the total payment numbers. Similarly, clinical trial activity trends among the major therapeutic areas continued much as they had before COVID-19. Areas such as oncology continued to grow, while others, such as cardiovascular, continued to decline. Even previously experienced clinical investigators conducted most of the COVID-19 studies. Open Payments contains only US data for commercially sponsored clinical trials. It may be that the results are different for NIH sponsored studies or sites outside the United States.
Müller glial cells located in the peripheral retina are more susceptible to high pressure: implications for glaucoma
Authors: Pereiro Xandra , Ruzafa Noelia , Azkargorta Mikel , Elorza Felix , Acera Arantxa , Ambrósio António Francisco , Santiago Ana Raquel , Vecino Elena 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background:
Glaucoma, a progressive neurodegenerative disease, is a leading cause of irreversible vision loss worldwide. This study aims to elucidate the critical role of Müller glia (MG) in the context of retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death, particularly focusing on the influence of peripheral MG sensitivity to high pressure (HP).
Methods:
Co-cultures of porcine RGCs with MG were isolated from both the central and peripheral regions of pig retinas and subjected to both normal and HP conditions. Mass spectrometry analysis of the MG-conditioned medium was conducted to identify the proteins released by MG under all conditions.
Results:
Peripheral MG were found to secrete a higher quantity of neuroprotective factors, effectively promoting RGC survival under normal physiological conditions. However, under HP conditions, co-cultures with peripheral MG exhibited impaired RGC survival.
Moreover, under HP conditions, peripheral MG significantly upregulated the secretion of proteins associated with apoptosis, oxidative stress, and inflammation.
Conclusions:
This study provides robust evidence suggesting the involvement of MG in RGC death in glaucoma, thus paving the way for future therapeutic investigations.
Patient-related factors that link chronic kidney disease and periodontitis: a meta-analysis and scoping review
Authors: Bunte Kübra , Brunet-Llobet Lluís , Ramírez-Rámiz Albert , Mahmoud Muhiddin Abdi , Miranda-Rius Jaume 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
Several studies proposed an association between periodontal and chronic kidney disease (CKD) based on biological assumptions. Growing evidence indicates that chronic inflammation caused by periodontitis may contribute to the advancement of chronic kidney disease. This study aims to investigate the studies that link CKD and periodontitis, including periodontitis proxies such as oral hygiene and tooth loss, and patient-related factors like inflammatory response and genetic polymorphisms. It also provides a meta-analysis of the case-control and cohort studies and a narrative from a public health perspective about strategies to improve the management of both conditions.
Materials and Methods
An electronic search was conducted on the MEDLINE (PubMed) database using advanced search option. After reviewing the articles, a total of 32 studies were included in the synthesis in three groups as interventional, case-control, and cohort studies. A meta-analysis was conducted on studies that reported the diagnosis of periodontal disease and chronic kidney disease according to the diagnostic criteria and provided measurable outcomes.
Results
A total of thirty-two studies were included in the synthesis. Of which, four studies were interventional and sixteen were cohort studies. Twelve studies had a case-control design. A total of 9 case-control or cohort studies matched the inclusion criteria for the meta-analysis. There was a high heterogeneity among results (I2 statistic, 91%) and effect size was borderline significant (random effects model, OR 1.99 95% CI [1.01; 3.91]). Overall, periodontitis prevalence was significantly higher in study participants with CKD, periodontal disease diagnosis was associated with an increase in the risk of incident CKD, periodontal disease parameters were negatively correlated with kidney function,
Conclusions
Current evidence indicate a possible association between chronic kidney disease and periodontitis and supports future longitudinal studies to investigate the bidirectional effect, causality, and pathophysiology.
WhatsApp-based intervention in urban Colombia to support the prevention of arboviral diseases: a feasibility study
Authors: Diaz Maria Angelica Carrillo , Gessler Alisa Maria , Ramirez Tatiana Rivera , Sanchez Rocio Cardenas , Lindenmeier Jörg , Kern Winfried V. , Kroeger Axel 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
Arboviral diseases remain a significant health concern worldwide, necessitating innovative prevention strategies. mHealth interventions with a particular focus on mobile applications like WhatsApp, offer promising results for engaging communities, educating individuals, and promoting healthier behaviours. This study explores the feasibility to integrate WhatsApp in vector control activities, aiming to improve the arbovirus prevention in Colombian urban areas.
Methods
A mixed-methods approach was employed to assess the WhatsApp-based intervention as part of a large research implementation in Colombia. WhatsApp messages were sent to 45 community women for 5 weeks to increase their knowledge and practices about dengue, Zika, and chikungunya. Pre-and-post surveys and focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted in community settings to measure the feasibility and acceptability of this mHealth intervention. Chat reviews were done to assess the usability and interaction of users. The McNemar test was used to assess improvements in the knowledge and practices of the participants.
Results
A total of 1566 messages were exchanged in 45 WhatsApp chats. High acceptance and good usability (82% of active users used the app for replying) were reported in two FGDs and chat reviews. WhatsApp messages were perceived as short, clear, and enjoyable. Users liked the frequency, and design of messages. Improvements in the level of knowledge and practices of arboviral diseases were demonstrated in pre-and-post surveys. The intention to apply this knowledge in practice was reflected in a significant improvement, particularly in cleaning the laundry tank once a week (pre 62.1% to post 89.6%, p < 0.008).
Conclusions
This study suggests that the use of WhatsApp as an additional tool could be a feasible, acceptable, and affordable strategy for improving communication actions in vector activities and improving the adoption of better practices in the prevention of dengue, Zika and chikungunya.
Barriers and facilitators to healthy living counselling in Canadian pediatric tertiary care: a survey of healthcare providers
Authors: Sweeney-Magee Molly , Nugent Colleen , Pinkney Susan , Charbonneau Kimberly , Tang Miao , Amed Shazhan 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background:
The purpose of this study is to gather HCPs’ perspectives on current practices and attitudes to Healthy Living Counselling (HLC), along with identifying barriers and facilitators to delivering HLC during clinical encounters.
Methods:
A 39-item HCP Needs Assessment Survey was administered to 705 HCPs in the Pediatric Department of a tertiary pediatric hospital in British Columbia, Canada. The survey received 290 responses, resulting in a final sample size of 244 after applying exclusion criteria. Frequencies and proportions were reported. Linear regression and chi-squared tests were used to analyze associations between responses.
Results:
HCPs reported frequent measurement of height, weight, and BMI and supported addressing health behaviours with their patients. However, assessments of healthy living behaviours (e.g., physical activity, healthy eating, screen time) were reported as occurring "rarely/half of patient visits." HLC was more commonly provided to patients perceived as overweight/obese (19.4% for most/every visit) than those with healthy weights (7.7%). While HCPs exhibited confidence in discussing health behaviours, they had lower confidence in broaching weight-specific issues. Both practical (time constraints, available support) and interpersonal (therapeutic relationship concerns) barriers to HLC provision were identified.
Conclusion:
This study highlights the recognition among HCPs of the importance of HLC provision, along with a desire for improved training opportunities to enhance their skills. Future possible interventions include motivational interviewing and weight stigma training to bolster HCPs' confidence and efficacy in delivering HLC. These findings contribute valuable insights for enhancing HCPs' abilities and willingness to promote healthy living behaviours among pediatric patients.
New daily persistent headache after SARS-CoV-2 infection in Latin America: a cross- sectional study
Authors: Carrión-Nessi Fhabián S. , Ascanio Luis C. , Pineda-Arapé Andreína G. , Omaña-Ávila Óscar D. , Mendoza-Millán Daniela L. , Romero Sinibaldo R. , Almao-Rivero Abranny B. , Camejo-Ávila Natasha A. , Gebran-Chedid Karim J. , Rodriguez-Saavedra Carlis M. , Nobrega Diana C. Freitas-De , Castañeda Sergio A. , Forero-Peña José L. , Delgado-Noguera Lourdes A. , Meneses-Ramírez Lucianny K. , Cotuá Juan C. , Rodriguez-Morales Alfonso J. , Forero-Peña David A. , Paniz-Mondolfi Alberto E. 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

BackgroundPersistent headache is a frequent symptom after coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and there is currently limited knowledge about its clinical spectrum and predisposing factors. A subset of patients may be experiencing new daily persistent headache (NDPH) after COVID-19, which is among the most treatment-refractory primary headache syndromes.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study in Latin America to characterize individuals with persistent headache after severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and identify risk factors associated with NDPH. Participants over 18 years old who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection and reported persistent headache among their symptoms completed an online survey that included demographics, past medical history, persistent headache clinical characteristics, and COVID-19 vaccination status. Based on participants’ responses, NDPH diagnostic criteria were used to group participants into NDPH and non-NDPH groups.ResultsFour hundred and twenty-one participants from 11 Latin American countries met the inclusion criteria. One in four participants met the diagnostic criteria for NDPH. The mean age was 40 years, with most participants being female (82%). Over 90% of the participants reported having had mild/moderate COVID-19. Most participants had a history of headache before developing COVID-19 (58%), mainly migraine type (32%). The most predominant clinical characteristics in the NDPH group were occipital location, severe/unbearable intensity, burning character, and radiating pain (p < 0.05). A higher proportion of anxiety symptoms, sleep problems, myalgia, mental fog, paresthesia, nausea, sweating of the face or forehead, and ageusia or hypogeusia as concomitant symptoms were reported in participants with NDPH (p < 0.05). Palpebral edema as a concomitant symptom during the acute phase of COVID-19, occipital location, and burning character of the headache were risk factors associated with NDPH.ConclusionThis is the first study in Latin America that explored the clinical spectrum of NDPH after SARS-CoV-2 infection and its risk factors. Clinical evaluation of COVID-19 patients presenting with persistent headache should take into consideration NDPH.
Metabolic Status, Obesity, and Helicobacter pylori infection: a cross-sectional study in US adults from NHANES 1999-2000
Authors: Chen Danni , Wang Shiling , Yang Wei , Lu Hong , Qian Ren 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Objective
Recent studies on the association between Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and obesity have reported conflicting results. Therefore, the purpose of our study was to investigate the association of metabolic status and obesity with H.pylori infection.
Methods
A cross-sectional study of 1568 participants aged 20–85 years was conducted using the NHANES cycle 1999–2000. We used different anthropometric criteria to evaluate the association between general obesity, abdominal obesity, and H. pylori infection.
Results
After grouping individuals according to their body mass index and waist circumference, among subjects aged ≤ 50 years, the OR (95% CI) for subjects with a waist-height ratio of ≥ 0.5 in Model 1 was 1.87 (1.35–2.58) compared with the control group. This finding was still statistically significant in Models 2, 3, and 4, with ORs (95% CI) of 1.47 (0.99–2.18), 1.67 (1.16–2.41), and 2.23 (1.24–4.01), respectively. In Model 1, subjects older than 50 years old had an OR (95% CI) for metabolically healthy obesity of 0.09 (0.01–0.69), compared with the control group; after adjustment for major covariates, their ORs (95% CI) were 0.05 (0.00–2.87), 0.04 (0.01–0.35), and 0.04 (0.01–0.35) in Models 2, 3, and 4, respectively.
Conclusions
Abdominal obesity, as defined by the WHtR, was associated with H. pylori infection in subjects aged ≤ 50 years.