bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Control in patients with advanced cancer: an interpretative phenomenological study
Authors: Rodríguez-Prat Andrea , Pergolizzi Denise , Crespo Iris , Balaguer Albert , Porta-Sales Josep , Monforte-Royo Cristina 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Background
In the context of life-threatening illness, loss of control is argued as a source of suffering and loss of perceived dignity, whereas having control over the dying process has been seen as a way of maintaining personal independence. Little is known about the meaning of control from the patients’ perspectives. Thus, the aim of this study was to explore how patients with advanced cancer understand control, in terms of underlying beliefs, attitudes, and expectations consistent with self-efficacy, in different dimensions of their life, their illness, and their healthcare.

Methods
We conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews using an interpretive phenomenological analysis approach. Patients with advanced cancer from an oncology unit and a palliative care unit from Barcelona (Spain) were recruited. The inclusion criteria were a) ≥ 18 years old; b) fluency in Spanish or Catalan; c) outpatients diagnosed with advanced cancer; d) Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) between 0 and 3; e) judged by their physician or nurse to be emotionally stable; f) considered to have control over their illness and circumstances according to their responsible physician; and g) signed informed consent.

Results
We interviewed eight participants (ages ranged from 29 to 70 years, six were female). Two themes were identified: 1) factors that influence the perception of control, with subthemes: uncertainty about future suffering, character traits underlying a need for control; sense of lack of care as a source of loss of control; and 2) perceiving control over an uncontrollable illness, explained by perceived control over subjective wellbeing and adjusting the focus of control. The data allowed us to identify strategies that promote a sense of control in these patients.

Conclusions
The illness, according to the participants, was experienced as series of losses. However, attention was often focused on areas where they continued to have control. These findings selectively reflect experiences of those who see themselves able to effect outcomes in life, suggesting future research should address how both family members and healthcare professionals can help to empower all patients.
Exploration factors on smoking among female adolescents based on the viewpoints of Iranian adolescent girls
Authors: Tehrani Hadi , Mahdizadeh Mehrsadat , Peyman Nooshin , Gholian-Aval Mahdi , Charoghchian Khorasani Elham , Jafari Alireza 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Background
In recent years, the prevalence of smoking in women has increased significantly. This study aimed to explain the effective factors in the tendency to smoke in female adolescents, employing a qualitative method of content analysis in Mashhad, Iran.

Methods
The data for this conventional content analysis were obtained by conducting semi‑structured interviews with 20 female adolescent smokers. For open coding, integrating codes, creating main category and subcategories, and extracting quotation associated with codes and subcategories, MAXQDA software version 10 was used.

Results
Based on the results of the study, one main category and six subcategories were identified to influence the decision to smoke. The main category was interconnection of psychological and gender experiences. The subcategories included self-management weakness, ignoring the side effects, gender orientation, negative psychological experiences, the attraction of cigarettes, and positive psychological experiences.

Conclusion
Psychological and gender factors play an important role in initiating people's behavior and tendency to smoke and smoking prevention programs in educational settings need to focus efforts around what is known about young women smokers.
Nurses’ perceptions on the effects of high nursing workload on patient care in an intensive care unit of a referral hospital in Malawi: a qualitative study
Authors: Banda Zione , Simbota Mirriam , Mula Chimwemwe 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Background
The Malawi health system has taken numerous actions to reduce high nurse workloads, despite this, shortage of nurses especially in critical care settings still persists due to lack of prioritisation of critical care. Therefore, it is important to understand the effects of high nursing workload in Intensive Care Unit (ICU). This study aimed at exploring the perceptions of nurses regarding the effects of high nursing workload on patient care in ICU at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital.

Methods
This qualitative descriptive study was conducted in a general ICU at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital in Blantyre, Malawi. A purposive sample of 12 nurses working in the ICU was selected. Participants included full-time nurses working in the ICU. A total of 10 In-depth interviews were conducted to collect data upon which data saturation was reached. A semi-structured interview guide was used for data collection. Data was analysed manually using thematic analysis method by Braun & Clarke.

Results
Study findings indicated that high nursing workload compromises the delivery of quality nursing care to critically ill patients, compromises patient safety and has negative impact on nurses’ wellbeing.

Conclusion
The study findings portray that nurses are aware of the negative effects that high nursing workload has on patient care. The study findings support the need for more ICU nurses in order to reduce nurse workloads and the need for nurse managers and policy makers to develop strategies to manage nurse workloads and its effects on patient care.
The adverse effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on health service usage among patients with type 2 diabetes in North Karelia, Finland
Authors: Inglin Laura , Wikström Katja , Lamidi Marja-Leena , Laatikainen Tiina 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Aims
The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged health systems and their capacity to deliver essential health services while responding to COVID-19. This study examines the pandemic’s impact on health service usage among patients with type 2 diabetes in the North Karelia region, in Finland.

Methods
This retrospective cohort study used electronic health records of 11,458 type 2 diabetes patients, comprising all primary and specialised care contacts in 2019 and 2020. We analysed diabetes and dental healthcare contacts to primary care nurses, doctors and dentists and all emergency visits in specialised care. We compared healthcare usage in three different periods in 2020 (pre-lockdown [1 January–15 March], lockdown [16 March–31 May], post-lockdown [1 June–31 December]) with the equivalent period in 2019.

Results
During the lockdown period, the number of diabetes-related contacts decreased significantly but quickly increased again to nearly the same level as in 2019. Overall, healthcare usage was lower in the pandemic year, with proportionally 9% fewer contacts per person (mean 2.08 vs 2.29) and a proportionally 9% lower proportion of patients making any contact (59.9% vs 65.8%). The proportion of remote consultations was similar in both years in the pre-lockdown period (56.3–59.5%) but then increased to 88.0% during the 2020 lockdown. Patterns were similar when analysed by age group and gender. Emergency visits went down significantly at the beginning of the lockdown period, but a “rebound effect” was observed, so after the lockdown, the number of emergency visits in 2020 exceeded the numbers of the previous year.

Conclusion
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, diabetes care was continuous, and even elderly patients aged ≥70 years accessed the health services. The delivery of many essential services was facilitated by processes that strongly relied on telemedicine already before the pandemic.
Preparing for colorectal surgery: a qualitative study of experiences and preferences of patients in Western Canada
Authors: Wang Rebecca , Yao Christopher , Hung Stanley H. , Meyers Logan , Sutherland Jason M. , Karimuddin Ahmer , Campbell Kristin L. , Conklin Annalijn I. 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Objectives
The burden and costs of abdominal surgery for chronic conditions are on the rise, but could be reduced through self-management support. However, structured support to prepare for colorectal surgery is not routinely offered to patients in Canada. This study aimed to describe experiences and explore preferences for multimodal prehabilitation among colorectal surgery patients.

Methods
A qualitative descriptive study using three focus groups (FG) was held with 19 patients who had a surgical date for abdominal surgery (April 2017-April 2018) and lived close (≤ 50 km radius) to a tertiary hospital in Western Canada (including a Surgical Lead for the British Columbia Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Collaborative). FGs were audio-taped and verbatim transcribed with coding and pile-and-sort methods performed by two independent reviewers, confirmed by a third reviewer, in NVivo v9 software; followed by thematic analysis and narrative synthesis.

Results
Four themes emerged: support, informed decision-making, personalization of care, and mental/emotional health, which patients felt was particularly important but rarely addressed. Patient preferences for prehabilitation programming emphasised regular support from a single professional source, simple health messages, convenient access, and flexibility.

Conclusions
There is an unmet need for structured preoperative support to better prepare patients for colorectal surgery. Future multimodal prehabilitation should be flexible and presented with non-medical information so patients can make informed decisions about their preoperative care and surgical outcomes. Healthcare providers have an important role in encouraging healthy lifestyle changes before colorectal surgery, though clearer communication and accurate advice on self-care, particularly mental health, are needed for improving patient outcomes.
CircSTX6 promotes pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma progression by sponging miR-449b-5p and interacting with CUL2
Authors: Meng Lingdong , Zhang Yihan , Wu Pengfei , Li Danrui , Lu Yichao , Shen Peng , Yang Taoyue , Shi Guodong , Chen Qun , Yuan Hao , Ge Wanli , Miao Yi , Tu Min , Jiang Kuirong 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Background
circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been reported to play crucial roles in the biology of different cancers. However, little is known about the function of circSTX6 (hsa_circ_0007905) in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).

Methods
circSTX6, a circRNA containing exons 4, 5, 6 and 7 of the STX6 gene, was identified by RNA sequencing and detected by quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT–PCR). The biological function of circSTX6 was assessed in vitro and in vivo. The relationship between circSTX6 and miR-449b-5p was confirmed by biotin-coupled circRNA capture, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and luciferase reporter assays. The interaction of circSTX6 with Cullin 2 (CUL2) was verified by RNA–protein RNA pull-down, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) and western blotting assays.

Results
circSTX6 was frequently upregulated in PDAC tissues, and circSTX6 overexpression promoted tumor proliferation and metastasis both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, circSTX6 expression was associated with tumor differentiation and N stage. Mechanistically, circSTX6 regulated the expression of non-muscle myosin heavy chain 9 (MYH9) by sponging miR-449b-5p. Moreover, circSTX6 was confirmed to participate in the ubiquitin-dependent degradation of hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF1A) by interacting with CUL2 and subsequently accelerating the transcription of MYH9.

Conclusions
Our findings indicate that circSTX6 facilitates proliferation and metastasis of PDAC cells by regulating the expression of MYH9 through the circSTX6/miR-449b-5p axis and circSTX6/CUL2/HIF1A signaling pathway. Therefore, circSTX6 could serve as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of PDAC.
Kinematics of the head and associated vertebral artery length changes during high-velocity, low-amplitude cervical spine manipulation
Authors: Gorrell Lindsay M. , Kuntze Gregor , Ronsky Janet L. , Carter Ryan , Symons Bruce , Triano John J. , Herzog Walter 
Published: June 2022

AbstractBackgroundCervical spine manipulation (CSM) is a frequently used treatment for neck pain. Despite its demonstrated efficacy, concerns regarding the potential of stretch damage to vertebral arteries (VA) during CSM remain. The purpose of this study was to quantify the angular displacements of the head relative to the sternum and the associated VA length changes during the thrust phase of CSM.MethodsRotation and lateral flexion CSM procedures were delivered bilaterally from C1 to C7 to three male cadaveric donors (Jan 2016–Dec 2019). For each CSM the force–time profile was recorded using a thin, flexible pressure pad (100–200 Hz), to determine the timing of the thrust. Three dimensional displacements of the head relative to the sternum were recorded using an eight-camera motion analysis system (120–240 Hz) and angular displacements of the head relative to the sternum were computed in Matlab. Positive kinematic values indicate flexion, left lateral flexion, and left rotation. Ipsilateral refers to the same side as the clinician's contact and contralateral, the opposite. Length changes of the VA were recorded using eight piezoelectric ultrasound crystals (260–557 Hz), inserted along the entire vessel. VA length changes were calculated as D = (L1 − L0)/L0, where L0 = length of the whole VA (sum of segmental lengths) or the V3 segment at CSM thrust onset; L1 = whole VA or V3 length at peak force during the CSM thrust.ResultsIrrespective of the type of CSM, the side or level of CSM application, angular displacements of the head and associated VA length changes during the thrust phase of CSM were small. VA length changes during the thrust phase were largest with ipsilateral rotation CSM (producing contralateral head rotation): [mean ± SD (range)] whole artery [1.3 ± 1.0 (− 0.4 to 3.3%)]; and V3 segment [2.6 ± 3.6 (− 0.4 to 11.6%)].ConclusionsMean head angular displacements and VA length changes were small during CSM thrusts. Of the four different CSM measured, mean VA length changes were largest during rotation procedures. This suggests that if clinicians wish to limit VA length changes during the thrust phase of CSM, consideration should be given to the type of CSM used.
Interobserver agreement on the sonographic severity grading of shoulder impingement syndrome
Authors: Bacha Raham , Gilani Syed Amir , Hanif Asif , Manzoor Iqra 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Background
Shoulder impingement syndrome is the painful entrapment of the soft tissues between the acromion and the humeral head. The severity of shoulder impingement could be graded according to the limitation of shoulder joint moment. The reliability of sonographic findings in the grading of shoulder impingement severity grading is required to be evaluated by the consistency of findings between the observers.

Purpose
To assess the interobserver agreement in the sonographic severity grading of shoulder impingement syndrome with the help of a ratio between acromion-to-greater tuberosity distance in the abduction and neutral arm position.

Material and methods
Patients were examined by two independent observers in the coronal approach with neutral arm position. Acromion-to-greater tuberosity distance was measured in abduction and neutral shoulder position. The ratios of the distances in the abduction and neutral position were calculated to grade the severity of shoulder impingement syndrome.

Results
A total of 78 shoulders were included in this study. A strong agreement was found for the grading of shoulder impingement severity grading between the two independent observers with Kappa value of 0.94. And correlation between the results of the two observers for the severity grading of shoulder impingement syndrome was significant at 0.01 level.

Conclusion
Severity grading of the shoulder impingement syndrome was performed based on the ratio of acromion-to-greater tuberosity distance in abduction and neutral arm position. However, the sonographic findings were consistent and a strong interobserver agreement was seen in this sonographic severity grading.
Cross-sectional study on relationships between physical function and psychological readiness to return to sport after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction
Authors: Aizawa Junya , Hirohata Kenji , Ohji Shunsuke , Ohmi Takehiro , Mitomo Sho , Koga Hideyuki , Yagishita Kazuyoshi 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Background
Information about specific factors of physical function that contribute to psychological readiness is needed to plan rehabilitation for a return to sports. The purpose of this study was to identify specific physical functions related to the psychological readiness of patients aiming to return to sports 6 months after reconstruction. We hypothesized that the knee strength is a factor related to the Anterior Cruciate Ligament–Return to Sport after Injury scale (ACL-RSI) cutoff score for a return to sports.

Methods
This was a cross-sectional study. Fifty-four patients who had undergone primary reconstruction using hamstring tendon participated in this study. Psychological readiness was measured using the ACL-RSI in patients at 6 months after reconstruction. To identify specific physical functions related to the ACL-RSI score, participants were divided into groups with ACL-RSI scores of ≥ 60 or < 60. Non-paired t-tests or the Mann–Whitney test were performed to analyze group differences in objective variables in physical function: (1) knee strength in both legs; (2) leg anterior reach distance on both sides; and (3) single-leg hop (SLH) distances in three directions for both legs.

Results
Significant differences between groups were identified in knee flexion strength (60°/s) for the uninvolved limb, hamstring-to-quadriceps ratio (60°/s) for the uninvolved limb, knee flexion strength (180°/s) for the involved limb, limb symmetry index (LSI) of leg anterior reach distance, the ratio of the distance to the height of the patient and LSI of SLH distances in lateral and medial directions.

Conclusion
This study revealed that at 6 months after reconstruction, increased knee flexion strength (ratio of peak torque measured to body mass of the patient), hamstring-to-quadriceps ratio, leg anterior reach distance LSI, and lateral and medial SLH appear important to exceed the ACL-RSI cutoff for a return to sports. The present results may be useful for planning post-operative rehabilitation for long-term return to sports after reconstruction.
Effect of age and gender on pre-operative cardiovascular risk assessment
Authors: Chehab Omar , Eldirani Mahmoud , Tamim Hani , Mailhac Aurelie , Makki Maha , Dakik Habib A. 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Background
The AUB-HAS2 Cardiovascular Risk Index is a recently published tool for pre-operative cardiovascular evaluation. It is based on six data elements: history of heart disease, symptoms of angina or dyspnea, age ≥ 75 years, hemoglobin < 12 mg/dl, vascular surgery, and emergency surgery. The objective of this study is to study the effect of age and gender on the performance of the AUB-HAS2 Index in pre-operative cardiovascular risk assessment.

Methods
The study population consisted of 1,167,414 non-cardiac surgeries registered in the ACS NSQIP database. The population was stratified by age (≥ 40 and < 40 years old) and by gender (men and women). Each patient was given an AUB-HAS2 score of 0, 1, 2, 3, or > 3 based on the number of data elements s/he has. The outcome measure was all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction (MI), or stroke at 30 days after surgery.

Results
The overall 30-day event rate was higher in patients ≥ 40 years compared to those < 40 years (2.5% vs 0.3%, P < 0.0001) and in men compared to women (2.7% vs 1.8%, P < 0.0001). In both age and gender subgroups, there was a gradual and significant increase in the outcome measure (death, MI, or stroke) as the AUB-HAS2 score increased: from ≤ 0.5% in those with a score of 0 to more than 15% in those with a score > 3 (P < 0.0001). The AUB-HAS2 Index was able to stratify risk in all subgroups into low, intermediate, and high (P < 0.0001). Receiver operating characteristic curves showed the AUB-HAS2 Index has very good discriminatory power in both age (area under the curve (AUC) of 0.81 and 0.78) and gender (AUCs of 0.79 and 0.84) subgroups.

Conclusion
This study extends the validation of the newly derived AUB-HAS2 Cardiovascular Risk Index to different age and gender subgroups with very good discriminative power.
COVID-19 2022 update: transition of the pandemic to the endemic phase
Authors: Biancolella Michela , Colona Vito Luigi , Mehrian-Shai Ruty , Watt Jessica Lee , Luzzatto Lucio , Novelli Giuseppe , Reichardt Juergen K. V. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractCOVID-19, which is caused by the SARS-CoV-2, has ravaged the world for the past 2 years. Here, we review the current state of research into the disease with focus on its history, human genetics and genomics and the transition from the pandemic to the endemic phase. We are particularly concerned by the lack of solid information from the initial phases of the pandemic that highlighted the necessity for better preparation to face similar future threats. On the other hand, we are gratified by the progress into human genetic susceptibility investigations and we believe now is the time to explore the transition from the pandemic to the endemic phase. The latter will require worldwide vigilance and cooperation, especially in emerging countries. In the transition to the endemic phase, vaccination rates have lagged and developed countries should assist, as warranted, in bolstering vaccination rates worldwide. We also discuss the current status of vaccines and the outlook for COVID-19.
Nalbuphine alleviates inflammation by down-regulating NF-κB in an acute inflammatory visceral pain rat model
Authors: Ruan Dijiao , Wang Yuanyuan , Li Sisi , Zhang Chao , Zheng Wenwen , Yu Cong 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Introduction
Nalbuphine can relieve patients’ inflammation response after surgery compared to other opioid drugs. However, its molecular mechanism has not been clear. Activation of NF-κB signaling pathway under oxidative stress and inflammation can maintain pain escalation.

Methods
We firstly investigated the effect of nalbuphine on writhing test and mechanical allodynia using a rat model of inflammatory visceral pain (acetic acid (AA) administrated). Cytokines (including tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, Interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-2, and IL-6 in plasma were tested with ELISA technology. Expression levels of TNF-α, IκBα and p-NF-κB p65 at the spinal cord (L3–5) were measured by western blot or RT-qPCR.

Results
We found that the paw withdrawal threshold (PWT) values of rats were reduced in the model group, while the numbers of writhing, levels of IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, and TNF-α in plasma, and p-NF-κB protein and its gene expressions in the lumbar spinal cord were up-regulated. Subcutaneously injection of nalbuphine (10 μg/kg) or PDTC (NF-κB inhibitor) attenuated acetic acid-induced inflammatory pain, and this was associated with reversal of up-regulated IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, and TNF-α in both plasma and spinal cord. Furthermore, acetic acid increased p-NF-κB and TNF-α protein levels in the white matter of the spinal cord, which was attenuated by nalbuphine. These results suggested that nalbuphine can significantly ameliorate inflammatory pain via modulating the expression of NF-κB p65 as well as inflammation factors level in the spinal cord.

Conclusion
In conclusion, nalbuphine inhibits inflammation through down-regulating NF-κB pathway at the spinal cord in a rat model of inflammatory visceral pain.