bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
White matter paramagnetic rim and non-rim lesions share a periventricular gradient in multiple sclerosis: A 7-T imaging study
Authors: Miscioscia Alessandro , Treaba Constantina A , Barletta Valeria T , Herranz Elena , Sloane Jacob A , Barbuti Elena , Mainero Caterina 
Published: January 2024

Background: Paramagnetic rim white matter (WM) lesions (PRL) are thought to be a main driver of non-relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS) progression. It is unknown whether cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)-soluble factors diffusing from the ventricles contribute to PRL formation. Objective: To investigate the distribution of PRL and non-rim brain WM lesions as a function of distance from ventricular CSF, their relationship with cortical lesions, the contribution of lesion phenotype, and localization to neurological disability. Methods: Lesion count and volume of PRL, non-rim WM, leukocortical lesion (LCL), and subpial/intracortical lesions were obtained at 7-T. The brain WM was divided into 1-mm-thick concentric rings radiating from the ventricles to extract PRL and non-rim WM lesion volume from each ring. Results: In total, 61 MS patients with ⩾1 PRL were included in the study. Both PRL and non-rim WM lesion volumes were the highest in the periventricular WM and declined with increasing distance from ventricles. A CSF distance-independent association was found between non-rim WM lesions, PRL, and LCL, but not subpial/intracortical lesions. Periventricular non-rim WM lesion volume was the strongest predictor of neurological disability. Conclusions: Non-rim and PRL share a gradient of distribution from the ventricles toward the cortex, suggesting that CSF proximity equally impacts the prevalence of both lesion phenotypes.
Is it safe to use telephone for anaesthesia consultation in high-risk patients before non-invasive surgery? A pilot study in ophthalmology
Authors: Guerrier Gilles , Ohayon Johanna , Rothschild Pierre-Raphaël , Baillard Christophe 
Published: January 2024

Background Although telemedicine with video support for preoperative evaluation has been found effective, there is limited research on anaesthesia consultation by phone without video support, particularly among high-risk patients. To evaluate the effectiveness, safety and potential benefits of performing pre-anaesthesia evaluation by phone before eye surgery in patients having non-invasive surgery, we performed an observational study in a French teaching hospital. Method All elective patients having elective ophthalmic surgery were included to have a consultation by phone instead of an in-person consultation, regardless of the type of anaesthesia or ASA score. The incidence of day-of-surgery cancellations, patient satisfaction and time/distance saved through phone consultations were assessed. Results From February to October 2022, data of 3480 patients were analyzed, including 370 (11%) high-risk patients (ASA 3–4). Anaesthesia-related day-of-surgery cancellation rate was 0.5% ( n = 20) due to non-compliance with pre-operative instructions. No cancellation was due to inadequate pre-operative evaluation. No difference in cancellation rate was observed between low-risk patients and high-risk patients. Telephone consultations saved patients a mean of 126 min and 86 km. A younger age, an active status and living far from the hospital were associated with phone consultation preference. Conclusion Phone anaesthesia consultation seems to be effective and safe before ophthalmic surgery, regardless of patient's perioperative risk. In addition, phone consultation provides significant time and distance savings. Our results must be confirmed through a multicentric randomised study comparing phone and traditional consultation in ophthalmology as well as in other non-invasive surgical procedures in a high-risk patients population.
Complexities facing social work: Honor-based violence as lived reality and stereotype
Authors: Baianstovu Rúna í , Strid Sofia 
Published: January 2024

Summary It is widely accepted that honor-based violence is a lived reality and a serious problem. However, honor-based violence is also a contested academic and political field, characterized by a polarized debate about whether or not the violence comprises stereotyping images of immigrants. This article asks how honor-based violence can be understood in light of this polarization, and what consequences it may have for clients and social workers. It is based on interview data with 235 adults with either professional ( n = 199) or personal experiences ( n = 36) of honor-based violence in Sweden. The data has been thematically coded and analyzed using the concepts of culturalization and intersectionality. Findings Honor-based violence is simultaneously a lived reality and teeming with stereotypes that are constructed by culturalizing images of nation, gender, age, religion, and sexuality. These stereotypes constitute forms of violence themselves and decrease clients’ trust in society and its institutions. Hence, the stereotypes become obstacles to social workers’ capacity to support those exposed to violence. At a general level, the stereotypes contribute to retaining the exposed in violence. In contrast, intersectional approaches to understanding honor-based violence have the potential to capture clients’ self-perceived and complex formulations of the causes of, and the character of, their situation, and thus increase the possibilities for adequate support. Applications The article's findings can support social workers’ understanding of the complexity of honor-based violence and strengthen their possibilities and capacities to develop antiracist and nonviolent communicative practices and, thus, acknowledge clients’ varying experiences and individual needs.
Puppetry to educate social work practitioners: Telling the refugee story
Authors: Segal Uma A , Davenport Felia , Marshall Ramona , Romano Daniel “Digger” 
Published: January 2024

Summary The complexities of refugee resettlement are difficult to comprehend, and alternative approaches to education may enhance empathy. Puppetry's art form often engages broad audiences, allowing puppets to tell important stories. This project developed a research-based educational puppet show to increase understanding of refugees in the United States (US). Using a mixed-method approach, this exploratory study (1) interviewed eleven refugees from five origin countries; (2) analyzed the interviews for salient themes; (3) developed a “master” play based on emergent themes; (4) delivered the play through puppetry; and (5) empirically assessed the efficacy of puppetry in disseminating information about refugees. Findings Five overarching themes regarding refugee resettlement emerged from the interviews, namely, (1) economic concerns; (2) language barriers; (3) socio-cultural differences; (4) misperceptions; and (5) altered family dynamics. Almost all 107 respondents who completed a pre- and post-show survey evidenced having gained new knowledge about resettlement in the areas of (i) refugee status; (ii) the arrival process; (iii) economic realities; (iii) adaptation issues; and (iv) refugee perceptions of opportunities in the US. Applications The salient findings of the interviews were consistent with extant literature on refugee resettlement and the 40-min research-based puppet show confirmed that puppetry can be an alternative, or supplementary, training tool. Puppetry brings life to didactic presentations for social workers and other service providers through effective portrayals of difficulties faced by both refugee and host in the adaptation process. It also suggests that puppetry can sensitize and educate practitioners on issues that can be controversial.
The association between psoriasis, psoriasis severity, and inflammatory bowel disease: a population-based analysis
Authors: Shani Uria , Ben-Shabat Niv , Qassem Roula , Lahat Adi , Omar Mahmud , Savin Einat , Dotan Arad , Patt Yonatan Shneor , Fisher Lior , Zacay Galia , Amital Howard , Watad Abdulla , Sharif Kassem 
Published: January 2024

Background: The skin–gut axis, characterized by bidirectional communication between the skin and gut, plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Objectives: We aimed to explore the association between psoriasis and IBD and identify predictors associated with IBD development among patients with psoriasis. Design: Retrospective cohort study. Methods: A retrospective study which utilized an electronic database from the Meuhedet Health Maintenance Organization (MHMO) in Israel. Psoriasis was categorized as severe if any systemic agent or phototherapy was administered. Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were used to identify specific predictors for IBD, with adjustments made for potential confounders. The study received approval from the Ethical Committee of the MHMO. Results: In total, 61,003 adult patients who were diagnosed with psoriasis between 2000 and 2022 were included. Among them, 1495/61,003 patients (2.4%) were diagnosed with IBD, as compared to 3834/244,012 patients (1.6%) in the non-psoriasis group [adjusted odds ratio (OR): 1.47; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.37–1.56; p < 0.001]. Increased age (OR: 1.01; 95% CI: 1.01–1.02; p < 0.001), male gender (OR: 1.22; 95% CI: 1.03–1.45; p = 0.024), and Jewish ethnicity (OR: 2.5; 95% CI: 1.2–4.1; p < 0.001) were identified as significant risk factors for IBD. Spondyloarthropathies, including psoriatic arthritis (OR: 2.27; 95% CI: 1.86–2.77; p < 0.001) and ankylosing spondylitis (OR: 2.82; 95% CI: 1.5–5.32; p < 0.05), were associated with a higher prevalence of IBD. Furthermore, severe psoriasis was significantly associated with a higher likelihood of IBD, compared to mild psoriasis (OR: 16.03; 95% CI: 11.02–23.34; p < 0.001). Conclusion: A significant association between psoriasis and IBD was demonstrated, including its subtypes: Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Moreover, such association may depend on psoriasis severity as determined by the treatment used. This association warrants further investigation and implies a potential need for closer monitoring of patients with severe psoriasis.
Prospective observational study to explore genes and proteins predicting efficacy and safety of brigatinib for ALK-gene rearranged non-small-cell lung cancer: study protocol for ABRAID study (WJOG11919L)
Authors: Ozawa Yuichi , Koh Yasuhiro , Hase Tetsunari , Chibana Kenji , Kaira Kyoichi , Okishio Kyoichi , Ichihara Eiki , Murakami Shuji , Shimokawa Mototsugu , Yamamoto Nobuyuki 
Published: January 2024

Background: ALK-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (ALK-TKIs) are effective for treating non-small-cell lung cancer with ALK gene rearrangement; however, resistance is inevitable. Brigatinib is a unique ALK-TKI that is effective against many resistance mutations. However, data on factors associated with its efficacy and resistance mechanisms are limited. Objectives: This study will evaluate the efficacy and safety of brigatinib in the real world and explore factors related to its efficacy, safety, and resistance mechanisms. Design: Prospective observational study. Ethics: This study is approved by the Ethics Committee of Wakayama Medical University. Written informed consent will be obtained from all patients before study-related procedures. Methods and analysis: This study comprises three cohorts. Cohorts A, B, and 0 will enroll patients receiving alectinib as the first ALK-TKI, receiving alectinib as the first ALK-TKI and subsequently cytotoxic agents and/or lorlatinib after alectinib, and without a history of ALK-TKI, respectively. Overall, 100, 30, and 50 patients will be enrolled in Cohorts A, B, and 0, respectively. Circulating tumor DNA before starting brigatinib and at disease progression will be analyzed in all cohorts using a hypersensitive next-generation sequencing (NGS) PGDx Elio plasma resolve panel. Serum protein levels will be analyzed using the Milliplex xMAP assay system with a Luminex 200 (Luminex, Austin, USA). The enrollment period is 31 months and the patients will be observed for 2 years after enrollment. Archived tissues will be collected for NGS analysis, gene expression analysis, and immunohistochemistry staining 1 year after completion of registration. Quality of life and safety evaluation using electronic patient-reported outcomes will be investigated. Discussion: This study will elucidate predictors of ALK-TKI efficacy and resistance mechanisms and evaluate the efficacy and safety of brigatinib in a real-world setting. The results will provide crucial information for establishing treatment strategies, discovering novel biomarkers, and developing new therapeutic agents. Trial registration: UMIN000042439.
Impostor phenomenon is a common feature among individuals with primary hyperhidrosis
Authors: Shayesteh Alexander , Boman Jens , Nylander Elisabet 
Published: January 2024

Primary hyperhidrosis consists of excessive focal sweating. Affected individuals camouflage the sweating on their body, avoiding stigmatisation. Hence, misrepresentation in social interactions is a common feature in patients with hyperhidrosis. The aim of this study was to investigate impostor phenomenon, perfectionism, self-compassion, stress and anxiety among individuals with primary hyperhidrosis. A cross-sectional study was conducted at our clinic among 100 participants with axillary and palmar primary hyperhidrosis. The questionnaire contained a hyperhidrosis part and Perceived Stress Scale-4, Generalised Anxiety Disorder Scale-2, Clinical Perfectionism Questionnaire-6, Self-Compassion Scale Short form and Clance Impostor Phenomenon Scale. Descriptive statistics was used for analyses of categorical variables. As data were normally distributed independent t-test and one-way analysis of variance with post hoc Tukey test were used to compare the mean values for the questionnaires with other variables. Pearson’s correlation was used, and a forward multiple linear regression model was performed to predict presence of impostor phenomenon with gender, age and other scales in this study. Impostor phenomenon occurred in almost half of our patients (48%) with hyperhidrosis. While feelings of impostor phenomenon were more common in women, there was no difference between gender regarding its intensity levels ( p = 0.07). In addition, we found a significant ( p < 0.001) negative correlation between impostor phenomenon and self-compassion, while feelings of impostoer phenomenon increased with stress, anxiety and perfectionism ( p < 0.001). Feelings of impostor phenomenon was found in 48% of individuals with hyperhidrosis which indicates that it is a common feature in this patient group. Future research is warranted regarding the prevalence of impostor phenomenon in hyperhidrosis and other medical conditions, among men and women, seeking medical healthcare. Psychological interventions in hyperhidrosis may be beneficial both for the individual and in public health, by facilitating management of patients’ daily lives and saving considerable resources in healthcare regarding pharmacological interventions and medical consultations.
Validation of the Bengali version of the Caregiver Collusion Questionnaire: A tool for measuring collusion among caregivers of terminally ill patients
Authors: Biswas Jheelam , Afsar Nahid , Khanam Salma Ahsan , Sarker Shima Rani , Tauhid Shamsudduha , Islam Nashid 
Published: January 2024

In palliative care settings, collusion or “conspiracy of silence” frequently interferes with communication and interpersonal relationships among patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals. The “Caregiver Collusion Questionnaire” is the only tool available for assessing caregiver collusion. The purpose of the study is to translate and adapt the English version of this instrument into Bengali, followed by standard validation. The study was carried out in two stages. Four independent translators conducted forward and backward translations of the English version of the “Caregiver Collusion Questionnaire” into Bengali. The Bengali version of the instrument was finalized following expert committee reviews, pre-testing, and cognitive debriefing. The final validation was carried out among 71 caregivers of patients with advanced incurable illnesses admitted to the palliative medicine and internal medicine departments of two Bangladeshi hospitals. In the final phase, the validity (content, face, and construct validity) and reliability (interclass item-wise correlation coefficient) of the translated tool were assessed. 60% of the participants fully understood 19 items, whereas 40% struggled with one or more items. The expert committee expressed their satisfaction with the face and content validity of the translated version. The Bengali version also had quite good reliability (α = 0.62). Seven components were identified using principal component analysis with the distribution of Varimax Rotation distribution. Items under each factor had adequate factor loading, ranging from 0.4 to 0.8. The Bengali version of the “Caregiver Collusion Questionnaire” was found valid reliable and culturally acceptable for measuring caregiver collusion among the Bengali-speaking people. Based on the scale, the reasons for collusion can be identified and measures can be taken for breaking the collusion.
Risk Factors for Reoperation Following Single-Level Cervical Disc Arthroplasty as Utilized in a Representative Sample of United States Clinical Practice: A Retrospective PearlDiver Study
Authors: Nilssen Paal K. , Narendran Nakul , Chen Ida , Kanim Linda E. , Walker Corey T. , Bae Hyun W. , Skaggs David L. , Tuchman Alexander 
Published: January 2024

Study Design Retrospective Cohort. Objectives Most data regarding cervical disc arthroplasty (CDA) outcomes are from highly controlled clinical trials with strict inclusion/exclusion criteria. This study aimed to identify risk factors for CDA reoperation, in “real world” clinical practice using a national insurance claims database. Methods The PearlDiver database was queried for patients (2010-2020) who underwent a subsequent cervical procedure following a single-level CDA. Patients with less than 2 years follow-up were excluded. Primary outcome was to evaluate risk factors for reoperation. Secondary outcome was to evaluate the types of reoperations. Risk factors were compared using descriptive statistics. Multivariate regression analyses were used to ascertain the association among risk factors and reoperation. Results Of 14,202 patients who met inclusion criteria, 916 (6.5%) underwent reoperation. Patients undergoing reoperation were slightly older with higher Elixhauser Comorbidity Index (ECI) scores, however both were not risk factors for reoperation. Patients with diagnoses such as smoking, myelopathy, inflammatory disorders, spinal deformity, trauma, or a history of prior cervical surgery were at greater risk for reoperation. No association was found between the year of index surgery and reoperation risk. The most common reoperation procedure was cervical fusion. Conclusions As billed for in the United States since 2010, CDA was associated with a 6.5% reoperation rate over a mean follow-up time of 5.3 years. Smoking, myelopathy, inflammatory disorders, spinal deformity, and a history of prior cervical surgery or trauma are risk factors for reoperation following CDA. Though patients who underwent a reoperation were older, age was not found to be an independent risk factor for a subsequent procedure.
Discordance between LDL-C and apolipoprotein B is associated with large-artery-atherosclerosis ischemic stroke in patients ⩽70 years of age
Authors: Kriemler Lilian , Rudin Salome , Gawinecka Joanna , Gross Felix , Arnold Markus , Schweizer Juliane , Westphal Laura , Inauen Corinne , Pokorny Thomas , Dittrich Tolga , Toebak Anna , Arnold Marcel , Christ-Crain Mirjam , von Eckardstein Arnold , Rentsch Katharina , Katan Mira , De Marchis Gian Marco 
Published: January 2024

Background and aims: Low density lipoprotein (LDL-C) and other atherogenic lipoproteins are coated by apolipoprotein B100 (apoB). The correlation between LDL-C and apoB is usually thight, but in some cases LDL-C underestimates apoB levels and residual cardiovascular risk. We aimed to assess if a discordance of LDL-C-levels with apoB levels is associated with LAA stroke. Methods: We included patients with an acute ischemic stroke from two prospective studies enrolled at the University Hospital Bern, Basel and Zurich, Switzerland. LDL-C and apoB were measured within 24 h of symptom onset. By linear regression, for each LDL-C, we computed the expected apoB level assuming a perfect correlation. Higher-than-expected apoB was defined as apoB level being in the upper residual tertile. Results: Overall, we included 1783 patients, of which 260 had a LAA stroke (15%). In the overall cohort, higher-than-expected apoB values were not associated with LAA. However, a significant interaction with age was present. Among the 738 patients ⩽70 years of age, a higher-than-expected apoB was more frequent in patients with LAA- versus non LAA-stroke (48% vs 36%, p = 0.02). In multivariate analysis, a higher-than-expected apoB was associated with LAA stroke (aOR = aOR 2.48, 95%CI 1.14–5.38). Among those aged ⩽70 years and with LAA, 11.7% had higher than guideline-recommended apoB despite LDL-C ⩽ 1.8 mmol/L (<70 mg/dl), compared to 5.9% among patients with other stroke etiologies ( p = 0.04). A triglyceride cut-off of ⩾0.95 mmol/L had, in external validation, a sensitivity of 71% and specificity of 52% for apoB ⩾ 0.65 g/L among patients with LDL-C <1.8 mmol/L. Conclusions: Among patients aged ⩽70 years, a higher-than-expected apoB was independently associated with LAA stroke. Measuring apoB may help identify younger stroke patients potentially benefiting from intensified lipid-lowering therapy.
Cross-sectional survey of health literacy among health science students in Singapore
Authors: Cheong Kenrick Y , Syed Mahmud Syed Munauwwar B , Chng Nicole W , Kwek Geralyn J , Yan Clement C , Yeung Meredith T 
Published: January 2024

Background: Health literacy proficiency is essential for health care professionals to provide quality patient care. There is limited research exploring health literacy proficiency among undergraduate health science students. Objectives: To determine health literacy among health science students in Singapore using the electronic Health Literacy Questionnaire (HLQ). Design: A cross-sectional survey using purposive sampling was conducted among undergraduate health science students. Methodology: This study hypothesises that health literacy is influenced by gender, and it increases with the level of health science education, attributed to the increased exposure to the health care system and health care education as undergraduates progress through the years of study. Eligible students from the 4-year entry-level programmes of diagnostic radiography, dietetics, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, radiation therapy and speech and language therapy, aged from 21 to 50, were invited. Exclusion criteria were students who were no longer studying due to dropping out or having immediately graduated from these programmes and students in the accelerated programmes whose studies would be completed in less than 4 years. Results: In total, 111 respondents (72 females and 37 males) completed surveys (response rate, 7.7%) returned from physiotherapy ( n = 69), occupational therapy ( n = 25), diagnostic radiography ( n = 12) and dietetics ( n = 5), with nil from radiation therapy and speech and language therapy. All participants were English literate. Female participants demonstrated higher HLQ with a mean total score of 30.67 (standard deviation ( SD) = 0.61) versus male participants 29.83 ( SD = 0.53). Year 2, 3 and 4 students generally scored higher than Year 1 across all nine HLQ scales. Overall, dietetics students had the highest total score on the HLQ, while the diagnostic radiography students had the lowest scores for all the nine HLQ scales. Conclusion: This study established the health literacy level of health science students in Singapore. Gender and years of study influenced health literacy levels, supporting the hypothesis.