bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Phakic intraocular Lens implantation in keratoconus patients
Authors: Nowrouzi Ali , D’Oria Francesco , Alió del Barrio Jorge L , Alió Jorge L 
Published: September 2023

Background Both the anterior chamber and posterior chamber phakic intraocular lenses (pIOLs) implantation are acceptable refractive surgical approaches in keratoconus patients with high anisometropia, contact lens intolerance, or who prefer spectacle and contact lens independent. They are beneficial for correcting anisometropia in stable keratoconus cases or following corneal procedures such as intrastromal corneal ring segments (ICRS), collagen cross-linking (CXL), and keratoplasty. They are suitable for eyes without advanced keratoconus with acceptable best-corrected distance visual acuity (BCDVA) or without highly irregular astigmatism, high comma, and higher-order aberrations (HOAs). Combined procedures for irregular astigmatism reduction and corneal regularization with either ICRS or topography/wavefront-guided transepithelial PRK (with or without CXL) can be associated in advance with pIOLs implantation to improve BCDVA in these cases. Aim To study and report the evidence regarding the safety and efficacy of pIOLs for KC patients' visual and refractive rehabilitation, we have analyzed the scientific evidence published within the last 10 years (from 2012 onwards). Results No randomized controlled trials but only eleven retrospective case series and two prospective case series were identified. Satisfactory visual rehabilitation was achieved regarding uncorrected and corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) and predictability of the refractive correction. Both types of pIOL (iris claw and posterior chamber pIOLs) offer very good results in terms of safety and efficacy with indexes close to or even exceeding 1 Conclusion pIOLs implantation is a valid refractive therapeutic approach for correcting stable keratoconus with moderate-to-high refractive errors, especially anisometropia associated with regular or mildly irregular astigmatism, and good CDVA.
Novel IMPG2 variant causing adult macular vitelliform dystrophy: A case report
Authors: Ribarich Nicolò , Rivolta Maria Chiara , Sacconi Riccardo , Querques Giuseppe 
Published: September 2023

Introduction Adult-onset vitelliform macular dystrophy (AVMD) is an inherited maculopathy characterized by metamorphopsias and decrease in visual acuity occurring between the fourth and the sixth decade. It is characterized by an ‘egg yolk’ macular lesion eventually evolving towards foveal atrophy and fibrosis. It is usually an autosomal dominant inherited disorder with variable penetrance, mainly related to variants in BEST1, PRPH2, IMPG1, and IMPG2 genes. Case description A 47-year-old woman complaining of “wavy” vision was referred to our clinic. Her past medical history and reported family history did not reveal any ocular disease. Complete ophthalmological evaluation was performed. Funduscopic examination and multimodal imaging revealed a round vitelliform lesion in both eyes, leading to a diagnosis of AVMD. Genetic analysis revealed a novel, likely pathogenetic, heterozygous c.478G > T (p.Glu160Ter), (NM_016247) variant in the IMPG2 gene. Discussion Our patient exhibits a novel pathogenetic variant in a gene associated with AVMD. Heterozygous variants in the IMPG2 gene have been reported in multiple individuals with vitelliform macular dystrophy, with an autosomal dominant mode of inheritance. Genetic screening is essential to characterize patients, to predict vision loss in patients with a positive family history and to characterize eligible patients for new potential emerging therapies. Genotype-phenotype correlation studies are needed to have a clearer picture of pathogenetic mechanisms. Our study characterizes the phenotype related to a novel IMPG2 pathogenic variant through multimodal imaging.
Polyethylene thickness does not influence aseptic revision rate with highly cross-linked liners in THA with 36-mm femoral heads
Authors: Six Willem R , Koenraadt-van Oost Iris , van Boekel Leonieke C , Bolder Stefan B T 
Published: September 2023

Background: To reduce the risk of dislocation, larger head size can be used in total hip arthroplasty (THA). However, larger head size leads to thinner acetabular liners. With conventional polyethylene, thickness of >8 mm has been advocated to reduce stress and wear rate of the polyethylene. Modern polyethylene has become more wear-resistant. In this study, we investigated if the thickness of sequentially cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) liners is associated with failure of THA in the medium term. Patients and methods: 3654 THAs were included (2009–2016), in which THA was performed with a XLPE liner in combination with a 36-mm femoral head. Patient and surgical characteristics were collected. We compared implant survival of THA with thin liners (<7.9 mm) and thick liners (⩾7.9 mm) with a Kaplan Meier survival analysis at 5 years, median follow-up and 10 years of follow-up with and point aseptic loosening and performed a multivariate analysis to estimate hazard ratios (HR). Results: Median follow-up was 7.7 years (IQR 5.6–9.8). In total, 179 revision procedures were performed, where 82 revisions (46%) were performed for aseptic loosening. The survival rate at 5 years, median and 10 years of follow-up showed no statistically significant difference in implant survival. The survival rate at 10 years follow-up was for thin liners 97.1% (95% CI, 96.3–97.9) and for thick liners 98.2% (95% CI, 97.4–99.0) in the aseptic loosening group (chi-square 2.55; p = 0.11). The adjusted HR for thick liners (⩾7.9 mm) was 0.65 (95% CI, 0.38–1.08) compared with the thin liners (<7.9 mm), which was not significantly different. Conclusions: From this single-centre retrospective study it appears that thinner polyethylene liners are well tolerated when using second-generation highly cross-linked polyethylene. Thickness of the XLPE liners did not influence the risk of aseptic loosening of the implants in the medium term.
Understanding the use of telemedicine across different opioid use disorder treatment models: A scoping review
Authors: Tay Wee Teck Joseph , Butner Jenna L , Baldacchino Alex 
Published: September 2023

Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic has instigated the development of telemedicine-mediated provision of medications for opioid use disorder such as buprenorphine and methadone, referred to as TMOUD in this study. As services start to return to pre-pandemic norms, there is a debate around the role of TMOUD as addition to or replacement of the conventional cascade of care for people with opioid use disorder (PWOUD). This scoping review is designed to characterize existing TMOUD services and provide insights to enable a more nuanced discussion on the role of telemedicine in the care of PWOUD. Methods The literature search was conducted in OVID Medline, CINAHL, and PsycINFO, from inception up to and including April 2023, using the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for scoping reviews. The review considered any study design that detailed sufficient descriptive information on a given TMOUD service. A data extraction form was developed to collect and categorize a range of descriptive characteristics of each discrete TMOUD model identified from the obtained articles. Results A total of 45 articles met the inclusion criteria, and from this, 40 discrete TMOUD services were identified. In total, 33 services were US-based, three from Canada, and one each from India, Ireland, the UK, and Norway. Through a detailed analysis of TMOUD service characteristics, four models of care were identified. These were TMOUD to facilitate inclusion health, to facilitate transitions in care, to meet complex healthcare needs, and to maintain opioid use disorder (OUD) service resilience. Conclusions Characterizing TMOUD according to its functional benefits to PWOUD and OUD services will help support evidence-based policy and practice. Additionally, particular attention is given to how digital exclusion of PWOUD can be mitigated against.
Microfinance Institutions’ Efficiency and its Determinants: Evidence from India
Authors: Bardhan Amit Kumar , Nag Barnali , Mishra Chandra Sekhar 
Published: September 2023

This study evaluates the financial and social efficiency of Indian Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) from 2005 to 2018 and also tries to find out the determinants of financial and social efficiency. In the first step, bias-corrected bootstrap Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) efficiency scores for financial and social efficiency were calculated using two input and two output variables. In the second step of analysis above efficiency scores have been used as dependent variables and Seemingly Unrelated Regression (SUR) model is employed to ascertain the determinants of financial and social efficiency of Indian MFIs. The study finds that the aggregate financial efficiency of Indian MFIs is higher than the social efficiency. Over the study period, efficiency of Indian MFIs shows an increasing trend. Results of SUR suggest that as compared to Non-Banking Finance Company (NBFC) MFIs, Non-NBFC MFIs’ financial and social efficiency is better. Influence of age, scale of loan portfolio, asset quality and financial leverage on efficiency of MFIs are insignificant. This study also finds that asset size of the firm is positively associated with efficiency. Evidence from this study suggests that reform measures taken post microfinance crises has negatively affected the financial efficiency. However, social efficiency has improved during post reform period. JEL Codes: G21, C33
Impingement-related osteolysis in Motec total wrist arthroplasty: an explant analysis and review of the literature
Authors: Julian Harriet S. , Kandemir Göksu , Redfern James , J. Joyce Thomas , Brown Daniel J. 
Published: September 2023

We present five cases of osteolysis in the Motec total wrist prosthesis, three around the radial implant, one around the metacarpal implant and one around both. Three of these were progressive and required revision, and biomechanical explant analyses of these revised prostheses were performed. Ex vivo testing of the contact points of the Motec implants was also performed at maximum extension. Here, impingement occurs between the metacarpal screw and the dorsal rim of the cup (non-articulating surfaces) with the short-necked prosthesis, leading to metacarpal screw damage, titanium debris formation and osteolysis. An analysis of three previously published cases suggests that this may have been the likely mode of failure in those cases. This complication is preventable by avoiding use of the short-neck prosthesis. Level of evidence: IV
Risk factors for surgical site infection after surgical treatment of closed distal radial fractures
Authors: Crook Jennifer L. , Pientka William , Zhang Andrew Y. , Golden Ann , Koehler Daniel , Sammer Douglas 
Published: September 2023

We assessed operatively treated closed distal radial fractures to identify independent risk factors for surgical site infection after treatment. A retrospective review was carried out of 531 operatively treated closed distal radial fractures over a 5-year period. Multiple logistic regression was performed with infection as the dependent variable, using a stepwise regression procedure to select variables to construct the final model. In total, 19 (3.6%) fractures were complicated by postoperative surgical site infection. Uncontrolled diabetes with HbA1c >7, the presence of external fixation or external Kirschner wires, and tobacco use were significant independent predictors of infection. Age and time in the operating room were also statistically significant predictors but deemed to be not clinically meaningful. Level of evidence: IV
Nurses’ view of benefits, enablers and constraints to the use of digital health tools with patients: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Navarro Martínez Olga , Igual García Jorge , Salcedo Vicente Traver 
Published: September 2023

Introduction Digital literacy helps patients to be more informed in order to make decisions about their health. Patient empowerment in the digital realm is a duty for all healthcare professionals, but nurses are the most numerous professionals in all healthcare systems worldwide. In addition, they have an important role in health education and patient follow-up. Therefore, the use of digital tools, by nurses to empower and help patients know more about their health, is crucial. Objective This study was conducted to identify nurses’ views on the benefits as well as constraints nurses encounter when using digital resources to empower and educate their patients. We sought to identify enablers that could help nurses use technology with their patients as a means to reinforce the care and advice they offer them. Methods An online ad hoc questionnaire was answered by 848 currently employed Spanish nurses on the benefits of using digital media with their patients, as well as on the constraints and enablers during implementation. Results The majority of the nurses considered that reliable digital information would reduce unnecessary consultations. In addition, they think that at least 50% of their patients could benefit from consulting information online. Among the constraints, nurses mainly pointed out the older age and low educational level of their patients. Younger nurses are the most likely nurses to see patient age as a problem. As for enablers, nurses pointed out the training offered to patients as well as digital tools being user-friendly for patients. Conclusions It is crucial to work while following a lifelong learning strategy, with training from university education as well as training from healthcare institutions to reduce the digital gap that affects patients’ digital empowerment.
Safety considerations for assessing the quality of apps used during pregnancy: A scoping review
Authors: Carrandi Alayna , Hayman Melanie , Harrison Cheryce L 
Published: September 2023

Objective Pregnant women are increasingly turning to apps targeting knowledge and behaviour change for supporting healthy lifestyles and managing medical conditions. Yet, there is growing concern over the credibility and safety of content within mobile health (mHealth) apps. This scoping review aimed to systematically and thematically consolidate safety considerations described in reviews evaluating pregnancy-specific apps. Methods PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE® and EPub, CINAHL, Web of Science, Cochrane Libraries, and SCOPUS were systematically searched to identify reviews that assessed apps targeting pregnant women. Data related to safety were extracted and thematically analysed to establish a set of relevant safety considerations. Results Sixteen reviews met the inclusion criteria. The included reviews assessed an average of 27 apps each and targeted pregnancy topics, such as nutrition and physical activity. Five major and 20 minor themes were identified, including information, transparency, credibility, privacy and security, and app tailoring. Information, transparency, and credibility relate to the evidence base of information within the app, privacy and security of apps relate to the protection of personal information and data, and app tailoring relates to the consideration of contextual factors, such as local guidelines and digital health literacy. Conclusions Results present possible safety considerations when evaluating pregnancy-specific apps and emphasise a clear need for consumer guidance on how to make informed decisions around engagement and use of mHealth apps during pregnancy.
Work–Family Conflict and Depressive Symptoms of Married Working Women in Korea: The Role of Marriage Satisfaction and Organizational Gender Discrimination Climate
Authors: Kim Ji-Young , Jung Gye-Hyun , Kim Ji-Hye 
Published: September 2023

Introduction Depression is increasing worldwide. Some previous studies have explored the impact of work–family conflict on depressive symptoms of married working women. However, little is known about the moderating relationship underlying them. Objectives This study aims to determine the moderating effects of marriage satisfaction and organizational gender discrimination climate in the relationship between work–family conflict and depressive symptoms of married working women in Korea. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted using the data of the 8th Korean Longitudinal Survey of Women and Families (KLoWF). The data of 1,816 married working women employed and paid by an individual or an enterprise were analyzed. Results The work–family conflict had a significant effect on depressive symptoms of married working women. In the dynamics between work–family conflict and depressive symptoms, no significant moderating effect of marriage satisfaction was found. On the contrary, the organizational gender discrimination climate displayed a moderating effect on the relationship between work–family conflict and depressive symptoms. Conclusion Nursing strategies in the workplace or community are needed so that married working women can cope positively and actively between work–family conflicts and maintain healthy mental health. To this end, gender role awareness education should be prioritized to improve awareness of gender discrimination in the workplace. In addition, nursing interventions such as linking local or government support and information delivery should be provided so that married working women can be consulted about situations related to work–family conflicts or gender discrimination climate.
Nurses and Respiratory Therapists Lived Experience During COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Milo Razel Bacuetes , Gómez Elvira , Suarez Carol , Calero Patricia , Connelly Cynthia D. 
Published: September 2023

Introduction Nurses and respiratory therapists working on the frontline during the pandemic surge were short-staffed and worked extended hours while adding new tasks to already demanding workloads. As the world watched news covering COVID-19's effect, nurses and respiratory therapists lived through the daily stress of treating each patient with care, dignity, and compassion. Limited studies have focused on this population, which is vital to providing care and saving lives; research is needed to understand nurses’ and respiratory therapists’ experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. Objective The study aimed to understand nurses’ and respiratory therapists’ experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods A qualitative descriptive study, informed by naturalistic philosophy, was designed to obtain a detailed account of participants’ experiences during the pandemic surge. A purposive sample was recruited and enrolled from the community through professional organizations and snowball sampling from December 2021 to September 2022. Data was analyzed using thematic analysis. Results Participants were seven registered nurses and six respiratory therapists employed full-time in an intensive care unit, step-down intensive care unit, emergency department, or medical-surgical unit; seven (53.8%) with an associate degree, and six (46.2%) with a bachelor's degree. Eight (66.7%) self-identified as White, one Asian, one non-Hispanic Black, and two Pacific Islanders. The mean age was 40, and 10 (76.9%) were female. Six primary themes emerged: (a) the work–life experience before the COVID-19 pandemic, (b) the work–life experience during the COVID-19 pandemic, (c) the personal life experience during COVID-19, (d) the coping period, (e) the professional role change, and (f) the work and personal life experiences post COVID-19 surge. Conclusion The knowledge gained from this study can help improve understanding of the professional quality of life, the need for organizational and community support, and for healthcare professionals to seek help and practice self-care to prevent burnout and secondary traumatic stress.
Healthcare Providers’ Perceptions of the Cancer Pain Management Barriers at a Hospital in Zambia: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Mulonda Jennipher Kombe , Havenga Yolanda , de Villiers Martjie 
Published: September 2023

Introduction Cancer incidence and mortality are increasing worldwide, and pain is the most common symptom patients experience. Despite developments in cancer pain management and guidelines, the pain often remains undertreated. Effective pain management ultimately involves overcoming several complex institutional, patient, and healthcare provider-related barriers. Objective The objective of the study was to explore and describe healthcare providers’ perceptions of the cancer pain management barriers at a hospital in Zambia. Method A descriptive qualitative study was conducted. Data were collected from 10 purposively sampled medical doctors and registered nurses using prepiloted semistructured individual interviews. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was done, and trustworthiness was enhanced based on the criteria described by Lincoln and Guba. Ethical principles, as outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki, were adhered to. Results Three themes emerged, namely patient-related barriers (biographic characteristics, patient knowledge and perceptions), healthcare provider-related barriers (knowledge and perceptions and language barriers), and institution-related barriers (resource limitations and lack of standards and guidelines). Healthcare providers’ views that cultural beliefs about cancer being caused by witchcraft and the use of traditional medicine and services are barriers to cancer pain management were unique to this study. Conclusion Cancer pain management requires a total pain management approach that addresses the barriers to pain management strategies from a patient, healthcare provider, and institutional perspective. The knowledge deficit among patients and healthcare providers is a barrier to cancer pain management and one of the most common challenges reported in the literature. This study further points toward a need to develop culturally competent healthcare providers.
Epidemiology and treatment of atraumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage over 10 years in a population-based registry
Authors: Ragaglini Chiara , Foschi Matteo , De Santis Federico , Molliconi Anna Laura , Conversi Francesco , Colangeli Enrico , Ornello Raffaele , Sacco Simona 
Published: September 2023

Introduction: Incidence of atraumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is decreasing over time and its treatment is changing. We reported epidemiologic data on aneurysmal (a-) and non-aneurysmal (na-) SAH over 10 years. Patients and Methods: Our prospective population-based registry included patients with first-ever SAH occurring from January 2011 to December 2020. Clinical and neuroimaging records were screened to evaluate the presence and location of intracranial aneurysms, to identify naSAH subtypes and to retrieve information on surgical treatments. Incidence rates were standardized to the 2011 Italian and European population. We also estimated 30-day and 1-year case-fatality rates after SAH. Multivariate hazard ratios for 30-days and 1-year fatality were estimated with Cox regression analysis. Results: 194 patients (60.8% women; mean age 62.5 ± 16.0 years) were included (76.8% aSAH and 23.2% naSAH). The crude incidence rates per 100,000 person-years of SAH, aSAH, and naSAH were 6.5 (95% CI 5.6–7.5), 5.0 (95% CI 4.2–5.9), and 1.5 (95% CI 1.1–2.0), respectively, and remained stable over time. Compared to aSAH, naSAH patients had higher age (68.8 ± 19.7 yearsvs 60.6 ± 14.2 years; p = 0.012), lower cigarette smoking (17.9%vs 36.4%; p < 0.001) and higher atrial fibrillation (15.7% vs 2.8%; p = 0.005). SAH case-fatality rates within 30-days and 1-year were 28.4% (95% CI 21.4–36.9) and 37.1% (95% CI 29.0–46.7), respectively. The relative proportion of surgically treated patients did not change over time. Conclusion: We found a low and stable incidence of SAH over the 2011–2020 period. naSAH remained rare and deserves further investigation in larger prospective cohorts.