bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Posture and Dynamic Stretching on the Electromechanical Delay of the Paraspinal Muscles
Authors: Fagbemigun Richard O. , Cavallo Melissa , Brown Stephen H.M. 
Published: April 2023

Electromechanical delay (EMD) of muscle is influenced in part by its in-series arrangement with connective tissue. Therefore, studying EMD might provide a better understanding of the muscle–connective tissue interaction. Here, EMD of the thoracic and lumbar erector spinae muscles were investigated under conditions that could influence muscle–connective tissue interaction. A total of 19 participants performed isometric back extension contractions in 3 different postures that influence lumbar spine angle: sitting, standing, and kneeling. They then performed a 15-minute dynamic stretching routine and repeated the standing contractions. Mean lumbar flexion angles of 0.5°, 9.9°, and 19.8° were adopted for standing, kneeling, and sitting, respectively. No statistically significant differences in the thoracic erector spinae EMD were found between the different postures. Lumbar erector spinae EMD was significantly longer in the sitting (94.1 ms) compared to the standing (69.9 ms) condition, with no differences compared to kneeling (79.7 ms). There were no statistically significant differences of the thoracic or lumbar erector spinae EMDs before and after dynamic stretching. These results suggest that dynamic stretching does not affect the mechanical behavior of the muscle-tendon–aponeurosis units in a way that alters force generation and transmission, but a sitting posture can alter how force is transmitted through the musculotendinous complex of the lumbar erector spinae.
Reporting of Adverse Events in Muscle Strengthening Interventions in Youth: A Systematic Review
Authors: Mack Diane E. , Anzovino Daniel , Sanderson Malcolm , Dotan Raffy , Falk Bareket 
Published: April 2023

Clear definition, identification, and reporting of adverse event (AE) monitoring during training interventions are essential for decision making regarding the safety of training and testing in youths. Purpose: To document the extent to which AEs, resulting from intervention studies targeting muscle strengthening training (MST) in youth, are reported by researchers. Methods: Electronic databases (CINAHL, PubMed, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science) were searched for English peer-reviewed articles published before April 2018. Inclusion criteria were: (1) average age <16 years, (2) use of MST, (3) statement(s) linked to the presence/absence of AEs, and (4) randomized controlled trials or quasi-experimental designs. Risk of reporting bias for AEs followed recommendations by the Cochrane Collaboration group. Results: One hundred and ninety-one full-text articles were screened. One hundred and thirty met all MST criteria, out of which only 44 (33.8%; n = 1278, age = 12.1 [1.1] y) included a statement as to the presence/absence of adverse events. The 86 other studies (66.2%) included no such statement. Of the reporting 44 studies, 18 (40.1%) indicated one or more adverse events. Of the 93 reported adverse events, 55 (59.1%) were linked to training or testing. Conclusions: Most MST studies in youth do not report presence/absence of adverse events, and when reported, adverse events are not well defined.
Stool specimen for diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis in adults: a systematic review
Authors: Sultana Saima , Afrin Sadia , Hasan Mahamudul , Ansar Adnan , Saif-Ur-Rahman KM 
Published: April 2023

ObjectiveTo assess the diagnostic accuracy of stool specimens to diagnose pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) in adults.DesignSystematic review.Data sourcesMEDLINE (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), Web of Science and the Cochrane database were searched from inception to 9 March 2023–10 March 2023 using a comprehensive search strategy; reference lists of selected articles and relevant review articles were manually searched.Eligibility criteria for selecting studiesStudies in English reporting diagnostic performance of stool specimens against respiratory specimens using mycobacterial culture or smear microscopy or Xpert assay to diagnose PTB in adults were eligible for this systematic review.Data extraction and synthesisTwo reviewers independently screened the retrieved citations and extracted data. The risk of bias and applicability of results were assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 tool. Narrative data synthesis was performed.ResultsA total of 1658 citations were screened, and 28 full-text articles were assessed. Nine studies met the inclusion criteria. The reported sensitivity and specificity of stool culture varied between 21.4% and 63.9%, and 61.5% and 100%, respectively. In stool smear microscopy, sensitivities and specificities ranged from 12.1% to 53.9%, and from 79.5% to 100%, respectively. The reported sensitivities of PCR assays, including Xpert assays, ranged from 69.7% to 100%, with specificities ranging from 69.8% to 100%. Most of the studies had a low risk of bias and a low applicability concern in all domains.ConclusionThis systematic review could not conclude on the diagnostic accuracy of stool specimens for PTB diagnosis in adults. Further studies are required to evaluate the accuracy of stool specimens in adults to enable meta-analyses in updates of this review as well as other systematic reviews.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42021245203.
Effect of cold atmospheric plasma therapy on wound healing in patients with diabetic foot ulcers: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Li Zinan , Zhou Qian , Yang Jiao , Qiu Xianliang , Fu Shunlian , Chen Qiu 
Published: April 2023

IntroductionDiabetic foot ulcer (DFU), one of the most common and serious consequences of diabetes, affects many individuals and often leads to amputation, death and other disastrous outcomes. Diabetic foot ulcers have a relatively poor response to therapy, which increases the likelihood of recurrence. Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) therapy is an emerging treatment method for DFU that can reduce bacterial loads and speed up the healing of chronic wounds. Although some studies have reported that CAP could improve the wound healing speed compared with conventional traditional therapy, the samples in these studies are small and not sufficiently representative. The purpose of the current systematic review and meta-analysis is to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of CAP in DFU treatment and provide a scientific basis for its clinical application.Methods and analysisThe following databases will be searched: Wanfang, China Biology and Medicine CD, Embase, PubMed and The Cochrane Library. We will retrieve publications, conference documents, current trials and internal reports written in English or Chinese related to the effect of CAP therapy on wound healing in patients with diabetic foot ulcers up to 30 June 2022. The selected articles will be read independently by two reviewers, and valid information such as first author, publication date and outcome indicators will be extracted. Researchers will also assess the quality of the literature using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool 2. RevMan 5.3.5, EndNote X7 and STATA V.13.0 will be used for data analysis.Ethics and disseminationNo ethical review is necessary for this systematic review because it is based on previously published data and does not include patient intervention. A peer-reviewed publication will publish the findings of this investigation.
Examining clinical capability of township healthcare centres for rural health service planning in Sichuan, China: an administrative data analysis
Authors: Zou Kun , Duan Zhanqi , Zhang Ziwu , Hu Jinliang , Zhang Juying , Pan Jay , Liu Chaojie , Yang Min 
Published: April 2023

ObjectiveThis study aimed to examine the clinical capability of township healthcare centres (THCs), the main primary care providers in rural China, as a basis for rural health service planning.DesignObservational study of quantitative analysis using administrative data.SettingThree counties with low, middle and high social economic development level, respectively, in Sichuan province western China.Participants9 THCs and 6 county hospitals (CHs) were purposively selected in the three counties. Summary of electronic medical records of 31 633 admissions from 1 January 2015 to 30 December 2015 of these selected health institutions was obtained from the Health Information Centre of Sichuan province.Main outcome measuresSix indicators in scope of inpatient services related to diseases and surgeries in the THCs as proxy of clinical capability, were compared against national standard of capability building of THCs, among counties, and between THCs and CHs of each county.ResultsThe clinical capability of THCs was suboptimal against the national standard, though that of the middle-developed county was better than that in the rich and the poor counties. THCs mainly provided services of infectious or inflammatory diseases, of respiratory and digestive systems, but lacked clinical services related to injuries, poisoning, pregnancy, childbirth and surgeries. A large proportion of the top 20 diseases of inpatients were potentially avoidable hospitalisations (PAHs) and were overlapped between THCs and CHs.ConclusionsThe clinical capability of THCs was generally suboptimal against national standard. It may be affected by the economics, population size, facilities, workforce and the share of services of THCs in local health systems. Identification of absent services and PAHs may help to identify development priorities of local THCs. Clarification of the roles of THCs and CHs in the tiered rural health system in China is warranted to develop a better integrated health system.
Influence of health system and patient characteristics on expectations and outcome in total hip arthroplasty patients in the Dutch-German border region: protocol for a mixed-methods prospective observational comparative study (hip across)
Authors: Mooiweer Yvet , Seeber Gesine H , Brütt Anna Levke , Eleveld Rienk , Ulitzka Raimund , Lazovic Djordje , Ansmann Lena , Stevens Martin 
Published: April 2023

IntroductionTotal hip arthroplasty (THA) is the treatment of choice for end-stage osteoarthritis of the hip. Management of THA differs between countries, and it is hypothesised that this can influence patients’ expectations and self-efficacy. Using Chen’s intervening mechanism evaluation approach, this study aims to explore how structure of care influences expectations and self-efficacy of patients undergoing THA, and how expectations and self-efficacy in turn influence outcome in terms of perceived physical function and satisfaction.Methods and analysisA mixed-methods study will be conducted in two German and two Dutch hospitals near the Dutch-German border. In the quantitative part, patients will complete questionnaires at three timepoints: preoperatively and at 3 and 6 months postoperatively. Data analysis will include multiple regression analysis and structural equation modelling. In the qualitative part, interviews will be held with patients (preoperatively and 3 months postoperatively) and healthcare providers. Analysis will be performed using structured qualitative content analysis.Ethics and disseminationThe study is approved by the Institutional Review Boards of both Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg (2021–167) and University Medical Center Groningen (METc 2021/562 and METc 2021/601). The results will be disseminated in the international scientific community via publications and conference presentations.Trial registration numberThe study is registered in the German Clinical Trials Registry (DRKS: DRKS00026744).
Using sociotechnical theory to understand medication safety work in primary care and prescribers’ use of clinical decision support: a qualitative study
Authors: Jeffries Mark , Salema Nde-Eshimuni , Laing Libby , Shamsuddin Azwa , Sheikh Aziz , Avery Tony , Chuter Antony , Waring Justin , Keers Richard Neil 
Published: April 2023

ObjectivesThe concept of safety work draws attention to the intentional work of ensuring safety within care systems. Clinical decision support (CDS) has been designed to enhance medication safety in primary care by providing decision-making support to prescribers. Sociotechnical theory understands that healthcare settings are complex and dynamically connected systems of fluid networks, human agents, changing relationships and social processes. This study aimed to understand the relationship between safety work and the use of CDS.Design and settingThis qualitative study took place across nine different general practices in England. Stakeholders included general practitioners (GPs) and general practice-based pharmacists and nurse prescribers. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to illicit how the system was used by the participants in the context of medication safety work. Data analysis conducted alongside data collection was thematic and drew on socio-technical theory.ParticipantsTwenty-three interviews were conducted with 14 GPs, three nurse prescribers and three practice pharmacists between February 2018 and June 2020.ResultsSafety work was contextually situated in a complex network of relationships. Three interconnected themes were interpreted from the data: (1) the use of CDS within organisational and social practices and workflows; (2) safety work and the use of CDS within the interplay between prescribers, patients and populations; and (3) the affordances embedded in CDS systems.ConclusionThe use of sociotechnical theory here extends current thinking in patient safety particularly in the ways that safety work was co-constituted with the use of CDS alerts. This has implications for implementation and use to ensure that the contexts into which such CDS systems are implemented are taken into account. Understanding how alerts can adapt safety culture will help improve the efficacy of CDS systems, enhance prescribing safety and help to further understand how safety work is achieved in primary care.
Psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the Activities Scale for Kids (ASK): reliability, validity and the Rasch model
Authors: Santamaría-Vázquez Montserrat , Guijo-Blanco Valeriana , Puente-Martínez Alicia , Ubillos-Landa Silvia 
Published: April 2023

AimsTo evaluate the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the Activities Scale for Kids capability (ASKc) and ASK performance (ASKp) questionnaires.DesignIt includes an analysis of different types of reliability (internal consistency, test–retest, inter-rater, Rasch model) and validity (convergent and discriminant) values.SettingsThe sample was recruited in schools, associations and one hospital in Spain.ParticipantsThe main sample comprised 448 children (114 with disabilities); and 96 parents of the group of 114 children with disabilities, along with 2 therapists.Methods and procedureChildren with physical disabilities completed questionnaires at two different time points; while healthy children only once. Both ASK questionnaires were also administered to parents. Therapists observed 69 children in 15 of the 30 activities listed in the ASKc.Primary and secondary outcome measuresASKc and ASKp were used to measure physical disability among children. The Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ), The Screening For and Promotion of Health-Related Quality of Life in Childrenand Adolescents – a European Public Health perspective (KIDSCREEN), Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS), Manual Ability Classification System (MACS) and Functional Mobility Scale (FMS) were used to analyse convergent validity.ResultsExcellent values were obtained for the reliability of the scale. Internal consistency was >0.95 (Cronbach’s α) for both questionnaires. The intraclass correlation coefficient test–retest reliability was 0.94 (ASKc) and 0.93 (ASKp). Correlations between parents’ and children’s scores were 0.91(ASKc) and 0.90 (ASKp); and the correlation between therapists’ and children’s scores was 0.78. The Rasch analysis indicated that the Spanish version had a unidimensional structure. Furthermore, the results revealed adequate validity indices. Both ASK questionnaires correlated significantly with the CHAQ, three dimensions of the KIDSCREEN and the GMFCS, MACS and FMS. Finally, children without disabilities had higher ASKc and ASKp scores than children with disabilities (p=0.0001).ConclusionsBoth the ASKc and the ASKp versions are reliable and valid instruments that can be used to measure the capabilities of Spanish-speaking children, whose responses also demonstrate their own reliability as informants of the impact of disability on the activities of daily living.
Parental experiences of childcare in an informal urban settlement: qualitative interview findings from the Nairobi Early Childcare in Slums (NECS) project
Authors: Hughes Robert C , Muendo Ruth , Bhopal Sunil S , Onyango Silas , Kimani-Murage Elizabeth W , Kirkwood Betty R , Hill Zelee , Kitsao-Wekulo Patricia 
Published: April 2023

ObjectivesTo gain an in-depth understanding of parent/carers’ perspectives on, and decision-making about, early childhood care in general, and paid childcare specifically, in informal settlements in Nairobi.DesignIn-depth telephone interviews, conducted using a topic guide, were analysed through a combination of deductive and inductive thematic analysis and regular reflexivity meetings. We explored parents’ childcare needs and experiences over time, and their perspectives on the provision of paid childcare in the slums.SettingThree informal settlements or slums in Nairobi: Kibera; Kawangware; and Mukuru-Viwandani.ParticipantsA purposively selected sample of 21 parental and non-parental carers of children aged under 5 years who were currently living in three Nairobi slums, including men and women, and users and non-users of paid childcare.ResultsChildcare is complex, with a plurality of approaches being used. Common strategies include family member provided care (often but not exclusively by mothers, at home or at a place of work), paid childcare and informal or ad hoc arrangements with neighbours. Childcare decision-making in these settings is constrained by economics and the broader context of living in the slum. Paid childcare is frequently used, but is widely understood to be lacking in quality, especially for the poorest. Quality of childcare is understood to comprise a combination of structural factors, such as the physical space, play and learning resources and processes such as interactions between the care provider and children or parents.ConclusionsThese findings suggest a need, and opportunity, to improve early childhood care in slums. Understanding parental perspectives on both the deficiencies and valued features of childcare is likely to be vital to informing efforts to improve childcare in these settings.
Comparison of transcatheter and surgical aortic valve replacement long-term outcomes: a retrospective cohort study with overlap propensity score weighting
Authors: Li Zhe , Messika-Zeitoun David , Petrich William , Edwards Jodi 
Published: April 2023

Background and aimsRandomised controlled trials comparing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) were performed in highly selected populations and data regarding long-term secondary complications beyond mortality are scarce. This study used data from Ontario, Canada to compare mid-term and long-term clinical outcomes in a representative real-world cohort of patients who underwent TAVR and SAVR from 2007 to 2016.MethodsA novel overlap weighting propensity score method was used to match patients undergoing TAVR or SAVR. Primary outcomes were all-cause, cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular mortality either in-hospital or at 1, 3 and 5 years postdischarge. Secondary outcomes included adverse outcomes and readmission. Long-term primary and secondary outcomes were compared using a weighted competing risks subdistribution proportional hazards model.ResultsThe study included 9355 SAVR and 2641 TAVR patients. All-cause mortality at 1 year (HR 1.21; 95% CI 1.02 to 1.43), 3 years (HR 1.45; 95% CI 1.28 to 1.64) and 5 years (HR 1.48; 95% CI 1.33 to 1.65) was significantly higher among patients underwent TAVR compared with SAVR, with both cardiovascular mortality at 3 and 5 years and non-cardiovascular mortality at 1, 3 and 5 years significantly higher for TAVR. Hazards of myocardial infarction and readmission for angina at 1, 3 and 5 years were significantly greater for TAVR.ConclusionsIn this overlap weighted cohort, both cardiac and non-cardiac mortality rates were increased in TAVR patients. Residual or unmeasured confounding may have contributed to these findings. More studies are needed to identify factors predictive of long-term outcomes in real-world cohorts.
Petrogenesis and geochemical evidence from early Jurassic intrusive rocks and their implications for subduction of the Paleo-Pacific Plate in the Yanbian area, Northeast China
Authors: Zhang Xinwen , Sun Jinggui , Xu Zhikai , Liu Yang , Zhao Chuntao 
Published: April 2023

Subduction of the Paleo-Pacific Plate plays a key role in the Early Jurassic magmatism evolution in the Yanbian area, Northeast China. In this paper, zircon U–Pb ages, whole-rock geochemical, and Sr–Nd–Hf isotopic compositions are presented. The Early Jurassic gabbros, diorite enclaves, granodiorites, and granites ages range from 183 to 189 Ma. They are characterized by enrichment in large-ion lithophile elements and depletion in high-field strength elements. The gabbros are classified as low- and medium-K tholeiitic, granodiorites and granites are high-K calc-alkaline I-type, and diorite enclaves are calc-alkaline transitional series. The gabbros have zircon εHf(t) values of 6.81–9.89, whole-rock 87Sr/86Sr(i) = 0.7043–0.7044, and εNd(t) from 2.72 to 2.80. The diorite enclaves have zircons with εHf(t) values of 8.26–12.80, whole-rock 87Sr/86Sr(i) = 0.7051, and εNd(t) from 0.96 to 1.09. The granodiorites and granites have zircon εHf(t) values of 7.59–12.87, whole-rock 87Sr/86Sr(i) = 0.7042–0.7066, and εNd(t) from 2.33 to 2.61. These data indicate that gabbroic magmas were derived from partial melting of a depleted mantle wedge metasomatized by subduction-related fluids. The basaltic magma underplated and heated the juvenile crust, whereas the granodiorites and granites might be the product of fractional crystallization of a mixture of basaltic and felsic magmas or derived from partial melting of the juvenile lower crust. Our data constrain the petrogenesis of these Early Jurassic intrusive rocks which are attributed to subduction of the Paleo-Pacific Plate beneath Eurasia continent in northeastern China.