bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of self-management applications in improving clinical health outcomes and adherence among diabetic individuals in low and middle-income countries: a systematic review
Authors: Dsouza Sherize Merlin , Shetty Sahana , Venne Julien , Pundir Prachi , Rajkhowa Priyobrat , Lewis Melissa Glenda , Brand Helmut 
Published: November 2022

IntroductionA variety of mobile health (mHealth) applications are available to monitor an individual’s health or lifestyle to make it convenient to access healthcare facilities at home. The usability of mHealth applications in controlling HbA1c (estimated average blood glucose) levels is unclear despite their increasing use. The burden of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is high in low and middle-income countries (LMICs), with the highest burden in the Indian population. Our objective is to identify the effectiveness of mHealth applications in managing blood glucose levels of individuals with T2DM and to assess the impact of using mHealth applications in managing T2DM concerning health-promoting behaviour among the LMICs in the context of India.Methods and analysisThe electronic databases included for search are PubMed, Ovid Medline, EBSCO, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials; additional sources of the search will be grey literature available on diabetes management websites and reference lists of included studies. Studies published in the English language in indexed and peer-reviewed sources will be considered. Studies reporting the effectiveness of mobile applications in the management of T2D in LMICs will be eligible for inclusion. The Population-Intervention-Comparison-Outcomes framework and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement 2021 will be used for reporting. Data analysis will be carried out using narrative synthesis, and a meta-analysis may be conducted if we come across homogenous data for the outcome.Ethics and disseminationAs this study is a systematic review, we will not be recruiting any participants for the study and hence will not require ethical approval. The study summary will be disseminated at a conference.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42021245517.
NET-RMDs study: networks of fatigue and pain in rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases – protocol for an international cross-sectional study
Authors: Gavilán-Carrera Blanca , Geenen Rinie , Hughes Ciara , Barbosa Lourdes , Visser Marianne , McVeigh Joseph , Ferreira Ricardo J O , Boschloo Lynn , Estévez-López Fernando 
Published: November 2022

IntroductionFatigue and pain are the main symptoms of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs). Healthcare professionals have a primary role in helping patients to manage both these symptoms, which are part of a complex network of co-occurring factors including sleep problems, psychological distress, social support, body weight, diet, inactive lifestyle and disease activity. The patterns of relationships (networks) between these factors and these symptoms, fatigue and pain, are largely unknown. The current proposal aims to reveal them using network estimation techniques. We will also consider differences in networks for subgroups of people with (1) different RMDs and (2) different clusters (profiles) of biopsychosocial factors.Methods and analysisAdults with at least one RMD will be recruited to this online cross-sectional observational project. To provide a complete overview, a large sample size from different countries will be included. A brief online survey, using 0–10 numeric rating scales will measure, for the past month, levels of fatigue and pain as well as scores on seven biopsychosocial factors. These factors were derived from literature and identified by interviews with patients, health professionals and rheumatologists. Using this input, the steering committee of the project decided the factors to be measured giving priority to those that can be modified in self-management support in community health centres worldwide. Network estimation techniques are used to detect the complex patterns of relationships between these biopsychosocial factors, fatigue and pain; and how these differ for subgroups of people with different RMDs and profiles.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval of national Institutional Review Boards was obtained. The online survey includes an information letter and informed consent form. The findings will be disseminated via conferences and publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals, while public media channels will be used to inform people with RMDs and other interested parties.
Parent, teacher, and nurse concerns and school doctor actions: an observational study of general health checks
Authors: Nikander Kirsi , Hermanson Elina , Vahlberg Tero , Kaila Minna , Kosola Silja 
Published: November 2022

ObjectiveTo evaluate the association between the concerns of parents, teachers, and nurses regarding each child’s well-being and the school doctor actions conducted in routine general health checks.DesignA blinded, observational study. Prior to the health check parents, teachers, and nurses completed questionnaires assessing their concerns. Doctors, blinded to the responses, routinely examined all children accompanied by parents and reported their actions after each health check. Multilevel logistic regression was used to analyse the association of the concerns with the actions.Setting21 primary schools in four municipalities in Finland.ParticipantsBetween August 2017 and August 2018, we randomly recruited 1341 children from grades 1 and 5, aged 7 and 11 years, respectively.Outcome measuresOutcome measures were the respondents’ concerns and the school doctor actions. The extent of concerns was assessed on a five-point Likert scale. Concern refers to ‘Quite a lot or a great deal of concern’ by at least one respondent. The school doctor actions included instructions and/or significant discussions, prescriptions, laboratory tests and/or medical imaging, scheduling of follow-up appointments, referrals to other professionals, and referrals to specialised care.ResultsAltogether, respondents were concerned about 47.5% of children. The top three concerns comprised growth/and or physical symptoms (22.7%), emotions (16.2%), and concentration (15.1%). All concerns were associated with some type of school doctor action (ORs: 1.66–4.27, p≤0.05); but only concerns regarding growth and/or physical symptoms were associated with all actions. Almost all concerns were associated with referrals to other professionals (ORs: 1.80–4.52, p≤0.01); emotions had the strongest association OR 4.52 (95% CI 3.00 to 6.80, p<0.0001).ConclusionsHealth checks by school doctors may lead to referrals of children to other professionals especially for children’s psychosocial problems. This should be considered when developing the roles, training, and multiprofessional collaboration of school health care professionals.Trial registrationNCT03178331.
Association between high burn-out and workplace violence among healthcare workers in China: a WeChat-based survey
Authors: Chen Zengyu , Peng Kexin , Liu Xiaopei , Yang Jiaxin , Long Liuxin , Liu Yiting , Li Yamin , Tian Yusheng 
Published: November 2022

ObjectivesThis study is conducted to examine whether overall workplace violence (WPV) and its five types are associated with high burn-out among healthcare workers in China.DesignA WeChat-based cross-sectional survey. Snowball sampling was used in this study.ParticipantsFront-line healthcare workers (N=3706) from 149 cities across 23 provinces in China responded to the survey, and 22 questionnaires were excluded because of incomplete data.Primary and secondary outcome measures(1) The Chinese Maslach Burnout Inventory-General Survey was used to measure high burn-out. (2) WPV was assessed using the Chinese version of the Workplace Violence Scale. (3) An anonymous self-designed web-based questionnaire consisting of demographic, behavioural and occupational information was used to identify covariates.ResultsA total of 3684 front-line healthcare workers (934 physicians and 2750 nurses) were included. Of all participants, 13.3% (491/3193) experienced high burn-out. Adjusted logistic regression revealed that experience of WPV in the past year was associated with high burn-out (OR 2.10, 95% CI 1.69 to 2.62). Healthcare workers who had suffered emotional abuse, threat or verbal sexual harassment were more vulnerable to high burn-out.ConclusionThis study finds that healthcare workers with WPV, especially emotional abuse, threat and verbal sexual harassment, are more likely to experience burn-out. These types of WPV should be considered in interventions to reduce and prevent burn-out for healthcare workers.
FUTURE-GB: functional and ultrasound-guided resection of glioblastoma – a two-stage randomised control trial
Authors: Plaha Puneet , Camp Sophie , Cook Jonathan , McCulloch Peter , Voets Natalie , Ma Ruichong , Taphoorn Martin J B , Dirven Linda , Grech-Sollars Matthew , Watts Colin , Bulbeck Helen , Jenkinson Michael D , Williams Matthew , Lim Adrian , Dixon Luke , Price Stephen John , Ashkan Keyoumars , Apostolopoulos Vasileios , Barber Vicki S , Taylor Amy ,   FUTURE-GB collaborators, Nandi Dipankar 
Published: November 2022

IntroductionSurgery remains the mainstay for treatment of primary glioblastoma, followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Current standard of care during surgery involves the intraoperative use of image-guidance and 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA). There are multiple other surgical adjuncts available to the neuro-oncology surgeon. However, access to, and usage of these varies widely in UK practice, with limited evidence of their use. The aim of this trial is to investigate whether the addition of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and intraoperative ultrasound (iUS) to the standard of care surgery (intraoperative neuronavigation and 5-ALA) impacts on deterioration free survival (DFS).Methods and analysisThis is a two-stage, randomised control trial (RCT) consisting of an initial non-randomised cohort study based on the principles of the IDEAL (Idea, Development, Exploration, Assessment and Long-term follow-up) stage-IIb format, followed by a statistically powered randomised trial comparing the addition of DTI and iUS to the standard of care surgery. A total of 357 patients will be recruited for the RCT. The primary outcome is DFS, defined as the time to either 10-point deterioration in health-related quality of life scores from baseline, without subsequent reversal, progressive disease or death.Ethics and disseminationThe trial was registered in the Integrated Research Application System (Ref: 264482) and approved by a UK research and ethics committee (Ref: 20/LO/0840). Results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal. Further dissemination to participants, patient groups and the wider medical community will use a range of approaches to maximise impact.Trial registration numberISRCTN38834571.
Medication management for patients with hip fracture at a regional hospital and associated primary care units in Norway: a descriptive study based on a survey of clinicians’ experience and a review of patient records
Authors: Henriksen Ben Tore , Krogseth Maria , Nguyen Caroline Thy , Mathiesen Liv , Davies Maren Nordsveen , Andersen Randi Dovland , Andersson Yvonne 
Published: November 2022

ObjectivePatients with hip fracture are at high risk of medication errors due to a combination of high age, comorbidities, polypharmacy and several care transitions after fracture. The aim was to study medication management tasks concerning patient safety: medication reconciliation, medication review and communication of key medication information in care transitions.DesignDescriptive study comprising a self-administered clinician survey (MedHipPro-Q) and a retrospective review of hospital medical records of patients with hip fracture.SettingRegional hospital and the associated primary care units (South-Eastern Norway).ParticipantsThe survey received responses from 253 clinicians, 61 medical doctors and 192 nurses, involved in the medication management of patients with hip fracture, from acute admittance to the regional hospital, through an in-hospital fast track, primary care rehabilitation and back to permanent residence. Respondents’ representativeness was unknown, introducing a risk of selection and non-response bias, and extrapolating findings should be done with caution. The patient records review included a random sample of records of patients with hip fracture (n=50).Outcome measuresMedication reconciliation, medication review and communication of medication information from two perspectives: the clinicians’ (ie, experiences with medication management) and the practice (ie, documentation of completed medication management).ResultsIn the survey, most clinicians stated they performed medication reconciliation (79%) and experienced that patients often arrived without a medication list after care transition (37%). Doctors agreed that more patients would benefit from medication reviews (86%). In the hospital patient records, completed medication reconciliation was documented in most patients (76%). Medication review was documented in 2 of 50 patients (4%). Discharge summary guidelines were followed fully for 3 of 50 patients (6%).ConclusionOur study revealed a need for improved medication management for patients with hip fracture. Patients were at risk of medication information not being transferred correctly between care settings, and medication reviews seemed to be underused in clinical practice.
Prevalence and associated factors of common childhood illnesses in sub-Saharan Africa from 2010 to 2020: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Chilot Dagmawi , Belay Daniel Gashaneh , Shitu Kegnie , Mulat Bezawit , Alem Adugnaw Zeleke , Geberu Demiss Mulatu 
Published: November 2022

ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess the prevalence and determinants of common childhood illnesses in sub-Saharan Africa.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingSub-Saharan Africa.ParticipantsUnder-5 children.Primary outcomeCommon childhood illnesses.MethodsSecondary data analysis was conducted using data from recent Demographic and Health Survey datasets from 33 sub-Saharan African countries. We used the Kids Record dataset file and we included only children under the age of 5 years. A total weighted sample size of 208 415 from the pooled (appended) data was analysed. STATA V.14.2 software was used to clean, recode and analyse the data. A multilevel binary logistic regression model was fitted, and adjusted OR with a 95% CI and p value of ≤0.05 were used to declare significantly associated factors. To check model fitness and model comparison, intracluster correlation coefficient, median OR, proportional change in variance and deviance (−2 log-likelihood ratio) were used.ResultIn this study, the prevalence of common childhood illnesses among under-5 children was 50.71% (95% CI: 44.18% to 57.24%) with a large variation between countries which ranged from Sierra Leone (23.26%) to Chad (87.24%). In the multilevel analysis, rural residents, mothers who are currently breast feeding, educated mothers, substandard floor material, high community women education and high community poverty were positively associated with common childhood illnesses in the sub-Saharan African countries. On the other hand, children from older age mothers, children from the richest household and children from large family sizes, and having media access, electricity, a refrigerator and improved toilets were negatively associated.ConclusionsThe prevalence of common illnesses among under-5 children was relatively high in sub-Saharan African countries. Individual-level and community-level factors were associated with the problem. Improving housing conditions, interventions to improve toilets and strengthening the economic status of the family and the communities are recommended to reduce common childhood diseases.
Early antibiotic use and incidence of necrotising enterocolitis in very preterm infants: a protocol for a UK based observational study using routinely recorded data
Authors: Shen Rene , Embleton Nicholas , Lyng Forman Julie , Gale Chris , Greisen Gorm , Sangild Per Torp , Uthaya Sabita , Berrington Janet 
Published: November 2022

IntroductionNecrotising enterocolitis (NEC) remains a major contributor to preterm mortality and morbidity. Prolonged duration of antibiotic therapy after delivery is associated with later NEC development but recent evidence suggests that absence of antibiotic treatment after delivery may also increase NEC risk. We will explore this controversy using a large pre-existing dataset of preterm infants in the UK.Methods and analysisThis is a retrospective cohort study using data from UK National Neonatal Research Database (NNRD) for infants born 1 January 2012 to 31 December 2020. Eligible infants will be <32 weeks gestation, alive on day 3. Primary outcome is development of severe NEC, compared in infants receiving early antibiotics (days 1–2 after birth) and those not. Subgroup analysis on duration of early antibiotic exposure will also occur. Secondary outcomes are: late onset sepsis, total antibiotic use, predischarge mortality, retinopathy of prematurity, intraventricular haemorrhage, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, focal intestinal perforation and any abdominal surgery. To address competing risks, incidence of death before day 7, 14 and 28 will be analysed. We will perform logistic regression and propensity score matched analyses. Statistical analyses will be guided by NEC risk factors, exposures and outcome presented in a causal diagram. These covariates include but are not limited to gestational age, birth weight, small for gestational age, sex, ethnicity, delivery mode, delivery without labour, Apgar score, early feeding and probiotic use. Sensitivity analyses of alternate NEC definitions, specific antibiotics and time of initiation will occur.Ethics and disseminationWe will use deidentified data from NNRD, which holds permissions for the original data, from which parents can opt out and seek study-specific research ethics approval. The results will help to determine optimal use of early antibiotics for very preterm infants.ImplicationsThis data will help optimise early antibiotic use in preterm infants.Trial registration numberISRCTN55101779.
Relationship between cerebral vasospasm vascular territory and functional outcome after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Cole Tyler S , Rudy Robert F , Faridmoayer Erfan , Gandhi Sirin , Cavallo Claudio , Catapano Joshua S , Jadhav Ashutosh P , Lawton Michael T , Albuquerque Felipe C , Ducruet Andrew F 
Published: November 2022

BackgroundVasospasm following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) contributes significant morbidity and mortality after brain aneurysm rupture. However, the association between vascular territory of vasospasm and clinical outcome has not been studied. We present a hypothesis-generating study to determine whether the location of vasospasm within the intracranial circulation is associated with functional outcome after SAH.MethodsA retrospective analysis of a prospective, intention-to-treat trial for aneurysmal SAH was performed to supplement trial outcomes with in-hospital angiographic imaging and treatment variables regarding vasospasm. The location of vasospasm and the position on the vessel (distal vs proximal) were evaluated. Modified Rankin scale (mRS) outcomes were assessed at discharge and 6 months, and predictive models were constructed.ResultsA total of 406 patients were included, 341 with follow-up data at 6 months. At discharge, left-sided vasospasm was associated with poor outcome (odds ratio (OR), 2.37; 95% CI, 1.25 to 4.66; P=0.01). At 6 months, anterior cerebral artery (ACA) vasospasm (OR, 3.87; 95% CI, 1.29 to 11.88; P=0.02) and basilar artery (BA) vasospasm (OR, 6.22; 95% CI, 1.54 to 27.11; P=0.01) were associated with poor outcome after adjustment. A model predicting 6-month mRS score and incorporating vasospasm variables achieved an area under the curve of 0.85 and a net improvement in reclassification of 13.2% (P<0.01) compared with a previously validated predictive model for aneurysmal SAH.ConclusionsIn aneurysmal SAH, left-sided vasospasm is associated with worse discharge functional status. At 6 months, both ACA and BA vasospasm are associated with unfavorable functional status.
Medicinal cannabis in palliative medicine: lessons learnt from randomised controlled trials
Authors: Gurgenci Taylan , Hardy Janet , Olson Rebecca , Huggett Georgie , Foster Karyn , Good Phillip 
Published: November 2022

ObjectivesTo detail important lessons learnt while conducting several large, medicinal cannabis (MC) randomised clinical trials in a palliative cancer population.MethodsInvestigators involved in these trials had several meetings to agree on the major lessons learnt and how the various challenges could be mitigated in the future.ResultsThe lessons were sorted into separate categories: patient confidentiality, family dynamics, driving, cost, unfounded beliefs, accessing specific MC products, trial funding, telehealth and COVID-19, and miscellaneous issues.ConclusionUsing MC as the intervention arm in such trials entails some unique regulatory, logistical and other challenges. This short report presents key lessons learnt in conducting these randomised controlled trials in a palliative care population for the benefit of future investigators planning similar trials in a similar patient population.
Can amino acid racemization be utilized for fish age validation?
Authors: Chamberlin Derek W. , Shervette Virginia R. , Kaufman Darrell S. , Bright Jordon E. , Patterson William F. 
Published: November 2022

We investigated the relationship between aspartic acid d:l ratios and otolith-derived age estimates in Gulf of Mexico red snapper, Lutjanus campechanus (ages 1–26 years; R2 = 0.89) and Caribbean yellowtail snapper, Ocyurus chrysurus (ages 2–17 years; R2 = 0.84). The estimated racemization rate was 0.61 × 10−3 year−1 for red snapper and 1.28 × 10−3 year−1 for yellowtail snapper, reflecting temperature differences between study regions. Mean jackknifed error in ages predicted from aspartic acid d:l was 1.70 ± 0.39 years for red snapper and 1.57 ± 0.41 years for yellowtail snapper. Results suggest amino acid racemization may be an effective tool for direct age estimation and potentially age validation in fishes.
The Horava–Lifshitz modifications of the Casimir effect at finite temperature revisited
Authors: Cheng Hongbo 
Published: November 2022

AbstractWe investigate the Casimir force for parallel plates at finite temperature in the Horava–Lifshitz (HL) theory. We find that the HL exponent cannot be chosen as an integer, or the Casimir energy will be a constant, and further, the Casimir force between two parallel plates will vanish. The higher temperature causes the attractive Casimir force to weaken, which is consistent with the original results confirmed theoretically and experimentally. We can select the HL factor appropriately to obtain a thermally revised Casimir force similar to the standard results for the parallel plates.