bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the effects of gabapentin on the physiologic and echocardiographic variables of healthy cats: a prospective, randomized and blinded study
Authors: Veronezi Tayná M , Lopes Daniela J , Zardo Izadora L , Ferronatto João VB , Trojan Marcelo M , Franck Kirian R , de Azevedo André F , Spiering Adriana G , Nunes Luciana N , Fadel Leandro , da Costa Fernanda VA 
Published: November 2022

Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate, using echocardiography, the effects of oral administration of a single dose of gabapentin on the physiologic variables (heart rate [HR], respiratory rate [RR] and systolic blood pressure [SBP]) and systolic and diastolic cardiac function of healthy cats. Methods This was a prospective, randomized and blinded study with 40 healthy cats aged between 6 months and 2 years. The cats’ health status was assessed on the first appointment (T1) when they underwent a physical examination, complete blood count, biochemical profile, assessment of physiologic variables and echocardiogram. The echocardiogram was used to measure the left ventricle’s (LV) internal diameter during systole and diastole, isovolumic relaxation time, transmitral flow, E-wave deceleration time and HR. The cats were randomly divided into two groups: (1) a treatment group with 20 cats that received a single oral dose of gabapentin (100 mg/cat); and (2) a control group with 20 cats that received a single oral dose of placebo. All variables of the physiologic and echocardiographic variables were re-evaluated 1–3 weeks after T1 (T2), 90 mins after medication or placebo administration. Results There was no difference in the physiologic variables evaluated in both groups. The proportion of cats in the treatment group that had their ventricular filling waves fused on T1 but did not have them fused on T2 was significantly higher (45%) compared with cats in the control group (15%; P = 0.0384). Conclusions and relevance There was no difference between the groups in regard to SBP, HR, RR and echocardiographic variables. Gabapentin improved evaluation of diastolic function on echocardiogram because it reduced the fusion of ventricular filling waves during the evaluation of the diastolic function of the LV. Gabapentin did not cause adverse effects on the cardiovascular hemodynamics of young healthy cats.
Association of risk stratification score with dialysis vascular access stenosis
Authors: Kumbar Lalathaksha , Astor Brad C , Besarab Anatole , Provenzano Robert , Yee Jerry 
Published: November 2022

Backgrounds: Clinical monitoring is the recommended standard for identifying dialysis access dysfunction; however, clinical monitoring requires skill and training, which is challenging for understaffed clinics and overburdened healthcare personnel. A vascular access risk stratification score was recently proposed to assist in detecting dialysis access dysfunction. Purpose: Our objective was to evaluate the utility of using vascular access risk scores to assess venous stenosis in hemodialysis vascular accesses. Methods: We prospectively enrolled adult patients who were receiving hemodialysis through an arteriovenous access and who had a risk score ⩽3 (low-risk) or ⩾8 (high-risk). We compared the occurrence of access stenosis (>50% on ultrasonography or angiography) between low-risk and high-risk groups and assessed clinical monitoring results for each group. Results: Of the 38 patients analyzed (18 low-risk; 20 high-risk), 16 (42%) had significant stenosis. Clinical monitoring results were positive in 39% of the low-risk and 60% of the high-risk group ( p = 0.19). The high-risk group had significantly higher occurrence of stenosis than the low-risk group (65% vs 17%; p = 0.003). Sensitivity and specificity of a high score for identifying stenosis were 81% and 68%, respectively. The positive predictive value of a high-risk score was 65%, and the negative predictive value was 80%. Only 11 (58%) of 19 subjects with positive clinical monitoring had significant stenosis. In a multivariable model, the high-risk group had seven-fold higher odds of stenosis than the low-risk group (aOR = 7.38; 95% CI, 1.44–37.82; p = 0.02). Positive clinical monitoring results and previous stenotic history were not associated with stenosis. Every unit increase in the score was associated with 34% higher odds of stenosis (aOR = 1.34; 95% CI, 1.05–1.70; p = 0.02). Conclusions: A calculated risk score may help predict the development of hemodialysis vascular access stenosis and may provide a simple and reliable objective measure for risk stratification.
Predictors of Retention and Drug Use Among Patients With Opioid Use Disorder Transferred to a Specialty “Second Chance” Methadone Program
Authors: Moses Tabitha E , Rhodes Gary L , Tavakoli Emytis , Christensen Carl W , Amirsadri Alireza , Greenwald Mark K 
Published: November 2022

Background: Many patients in methadone treatment have difficulty achieving or maintaining drug abstinence, and many clinics have policies that lead to discharging these patients. We designed a pilot “Second Chance” (SC) program for patients scheduled to be discharged from other local methadone clinics to be transferred to our clinic. Aim: Determine whether SC patients’ retention and opioid use is related to physical or mental health conditions, non-opioid substance use, or treatment features. Methods: From December 2012 to December 2014, this program enrolled 70 patients who were discharged from other clinics in the area; we were their last remaining option for methadone treatment. Unlike the clinic’s standard policies, the treatment focus for SC patients was retention rather than abstinence. This program focused on connection to care (eg, psychiatric services) and enabled patients to continue receiving services despite ongoing substance use. Each patient was assessed at treatment entry and followed until June 2016 to evaluate outcomes. Results: SC patients receiving disability benefits (n = 37) vs. non-disabled (n = 33) had significantly ( P < .05) higher rates of current DSM-IV Axis I psychiatric diagnosis (97% vs 70%), prescriptions for opioids (84% vs 55%) and benzodiazepines (65% vs 27%), and higher methadone doses at admission (58 vs 46 mg) but did not differ significantly in rates of 6-month or 1-year retention (77% and 56%, respectively) or all-drug use (39% positive urine drug screens). Methadone doses >65 mg predicted significantly longer retention and less opioid use, but these effects were not moderated by baseline characteristics. Conclusions: Patients in methadone treatment struggling to achieve abstinence may benefit from retention-oriented harm-reduction programs. Higher methadone doses can improve retention and opioid abstinence despite psychiatric comorbidities. Further work is needed to improve program implementation and outcomes in this complex population.
‘Who is telling the truth?’ Migrants’ experiences with COVID-19 related information in Norway: a qualitative study
Authors: Czapka Elżbieta Anna , Herrero-Arias Raquel , Haj-Younes Jasmin , Hasha Wegdan , Madar Ahmed A. , Møen Kathy A. , Ortiz-Barreda Gaby , Diaz Esperanza 
Published: November 2022

Aims: The over-representation of migrants among those infected by COVID-19 in high-income countries has spurred questions about insufficient distribution of health information to society’s subgroups. Our study aimed to shed light on migrants’ experiences with information relating to COVID-19 in Norway. Methods: We conducted 55 semi-structured interviews with migrants from five different countries living in Norway: Somalia (10), Syria (15), Sri Lanka (10), Chile (10), and Poland (10). The interviews were performed by bilingual researchers with a migrant background, audio-recorded, transcribed and thematically analysed. Results: We identified the four key themes of multiple and contradictory information sources, language barriers, conspiracy theories/speculations, strategies for information provision and ways ahead. Participants accessed and combined several often transnational sources of information. Information was perceived as confusing and contradictory and there was a wish for more translated information. Conclusions: It is important to recognise the specific factors affecting migrants’ ability to receive, trust and use health-related information during pandemics and other health crises.
Working in a gray area—Healthcare staff experiences of receiving consent when caring for persons with dementia
Authors: Östlund Lena , Ernsth Bravell Marie , Johansson Linda 
Published: November 2022

Background Every person has the right to autonomy, and to be involved in decisions about their care. When persons with dementia have difficulties in expressing what they want, their autonomy is challenged. Staff should strive to involve the person in care decisions, to obtain consent and to avoid the use of coercion and restraints. However, care without consent exists and coercion and restraints are being used. In order to improve care, further knowledge is warranted. Aims The purpose of this study was to explore staff’s experiences of obtaining consent when caring for persons with dementia. Methods In total 14 focus group interviews were conducted with staff with experience of dementia care who work in either home care or residential care in Sweden. An inductive qualitative content analysis was used to analyze the collected data. Results Three categories were generated describing staff experiences of consent in dementia care: the person as the decision-maker, the staff as the decision-makers, and the viability of the consent. Overall, staff found it difficult to know if they really had consent from the individual. Even if the person verbally gave consent, it was challenging to know if the person really understood what they had consented to. Common to all three categories was the significance of the relationship between the person with dementia and staff: getting to know the person, recognizing the person’s response in terms of their facial expressions and body language as well as being able to explain and justify specific actions to the person. Conclusion Staff need better conditions in dementia care, including training and time to reflect on how to obtain consent. A person-centered approach can be one way to develop care and ensure that persons with dementia are allowed autonomy and to share in making decisions.
Long-Term Outcome of a “Mother-Child” Coaxial Dual-Catheter Technique for Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty of Central Vein Stenosis or Occlusion in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Lai Qi-Quan , Zhang Hui , Zhou Yu , Chen Bo , Hu Bo , He Fan , Xu Yong , Zhao Wen-Bo , Wan Zi-Ming 
Published: November 2022

Purpose: This study aims to evaluate the long-term outcome and prognostic factors of a “mother-child” coaxial dual-catheter technique for percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) in the treatment of central vein stenosis (CVS) or central vein occlusion (CVO). Materials and Methods: During September 2017 to August 2020, totally, 76 hemodialysis patients with symptomatic CVS or CVO were treated with PTA using the mother-child technique. The success rate, complications, and follow-up information were collected. Cox proportional hazard analysis was used to explore the predicting factors of primary patency. Primary patency rates of different subgroups were generated with the Kaplan-Meier analysis and compared using the log-rank (Mantel-Cox) test. Results: There were 31 CVS patients and 45 CVO patients who presented with 114 PTAs. The initial procedure success rate was 98.25%. By the end of the follow-up, 57 patients (75%) had maintained functioning fistula after initial or repeated PTAs. The primary patency rates were 88.75% at 3 months, 73.36% at 6 months, 55.83% at 12 months, and 50.75% at 18 months. The secondary patency rates were 97.14% at 6 months, 87.66% at 12 months, and 82.18% at 24 months. The predictors for primary patency were history diabetes mellitus (hazard ratio [HR] = 3.1, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.31-7.30, P = .010), abnormal white blood cell count (HR = 1.44, 95% CI: 1.18-1.75, P < .001), lesion at subclavian-innominate vein (HR=2.75, 95% CI: 1.34-5.63, P = .006), and occlusion (HR=0.33, 95% CI: 0.14-0.76, P = .010). The primary patency was significantly lower in the subclavian-innominate vein subgroup, with a median primary patency of 4.5 (3-12.75) months, than in the nonsubclavian-innominate vein subgroup (8.5 [5-13] months; P = .005). The median duration of each PTA was 8 months for the first PTA, 7.5 months for the second PTA, and 5 months for the third PTA. There was no significant difference in the patency duration of repeated PTAs and the primary PTA ( P = .389). Conclusions: The mother-child coaxial dual-catheter technique has a good success rate and acceptable primary patency in the treatment of hemodialysis patients with CVS or CVO. Repeated PTA is as effective as the primary PTA. Clinical Impact This is the follow up report on the “Mother-Child” coaxial dual-catheter technique for percutaneous transluminal angioplasty of central vein stenosis or occlusion in hemodialysis patients since we first presented it in 2019. In this paper, we can see that the long-term patency rate of this technique for central venous disease is satisfactory, and repeated use of this technique does not affect the patency time. Compared with other literature reports, the surgical success rate of this technique is significantly improved. Therefore, this technique is worth popularizing in the treatment of central venous disease.
Vertebral artery course variation leading to an insufficient proximal anchoring area for thoracic endovascular aortic repair
Authors: Yu Zuanbiao , Lyu Shuyi , Lang Dehai , Wang Di , Hu Songjie , Yin Xiaoliang , Ding Yunpeng , Xu Chunbo , Lin Chen , Hu Jiangnan 
Published: November 2022

Backgrounds We aimed to demonstrate the feasibility of thoracic endovascular aortic repair for type B aortic dissection in patients with an insufficient proximal anchoring area due to the vertebral artery originating from the aortic arch. Methods In this study, we report two patients with type B aortic dissection who were complicated with left vertebral artery course variation. Specifically, the left vertebral artery originated from the aortic arch. In these patients, the anchoring area (<15 mm) was not sufficient between the left vertebral artery and the ruptured aortic dissection. Result We reconstructed the left vertebral artery during horacic endovascular aortic repair. Both patients recovered well and were discharged without any adverse events. Conclution Our experience shows that horacic endovascular aortic repair is feasible in patients with type B aortic dissection who have an insufficient proximal anchoring area due to the left vertebral artery originating from the aortic arch.
Exploring sonographer emotional well-being: NHS sonographers’ experience of the restorative function of professional supervision
Authors: Carr Ryan , White Helen 
Published: November 2022

Introduction: Following recommendations of the Francis report (2013), healthcare professional groups have formalised restorative supervision within practice in order to maintain emotional well-being among staff and provide quality of care for patients. There is a scarcity of research available on how professional supervision is utilised as a restorative device within current practice for sonographers. Methodology: An online cross-sectional, descriptive survey was used to gain qualitative details and nominal data on sonographer experiences of professional supervision. Themes were developed through thematic analysis. Results: A total of 56% of participants did not identify professional supervision as part of their current practice; 50% of participants felt emotionally unsupported within their work. The majority felt ‘unsure’ of how professional supervision would affect their working day; however, they highlighted that a restorative function would be valued equally as professional development functions of practice. The barriers to professional supervision as a restorative function demonstrate that an understanding of what sonographer needs are should be considered in approaches to professional supervision. Conclusion: This study found that participants identify professional supervision in its formative and normative functions more commonly than its restorative functions. It also found that sonographers are found wanting of emotional support, with 50% of sonographers feeling unsupported and identifying a restorative supervision need to their working practice. Implications for practice: The need to establish a system that supports the emotional well-being of sonographers is highlighted. This should help with retention of sonographers in a career where burnout is evidenced.
Exploring the perceptions and acceptability of an integrated lifestyle database for public health research and service commissioning: a qualitative study
Authors: Akanuwe JNA , Cooke S , Henderson H , Kane R 
Published: November 2022

Aim: Public health lifestyle databases at local authority level are currently poorly aligned across the UK. The integration of lifestyle databases at a regional level could provide a rich resource to support research and help inform public health leads and service commissioners in improving service delivery, facilitating decision-making and developing key public health policies. Prior to its implementation, the acceptability of an integrated lifestyle database should be explored. The aim of this study was to consult with public health stakeholders to explore the acceptability of developing and implementing a regional integrated lifestyle database across four key areas of public health: smoking cessation, diet, physical activity and alcohol consumption. Method: Qualitative interviews were conducted with public health stakeholders recruited from across the East Midlands region of England. All interviews were conducted using video conferencing software and recorded, transcribed, and analysed using the Framework approach. Sixteen public health stakeholders were purposively identified and invited to participate in interviews. Results: Stakeholders viewed the integrated database as having potential to support research, service development and commissioning decisions. Barriers such as providers’ reluctance to reveal their business strategies to rival organisations, cost of setting up and running the proposed database, complex information-sharing and governance were identified. Conclusion: An integrated lifestyle database has the potential to support research and service commissioning regionally. However, several barriers were identified that must be addressed prior to the development and implementation of an integrated database.
The incidence of avascular necrosis in children with cerebral palsy after hip containment surgery
Authors: Bauer Jeremy P , Sienko Susan , Roy Dennis , Nye Deric , Tarrant Seth , Price Ryan , Raney Ellen 
Published: November 2022

Purpose: To establish the rate of avascular necrosis after hip reconstruction surgery in children with cerebral palsy and to identify risk factors that influence the development of avascular necrosis in this population. Methods: An institutional review board–approved retrospective review was conducted on children with cerebral palsy who underwent hip containment surgery at a single institution. Radiographs were evaluated at three time points. The Reimer’s migration percentage, neck shaft angle, epiphyseal shaft angle, acetabular index, center edge angle, and acetabular angle were measured. The presence of avascular necrosis was evaluated and graded by the Bucholz/Ogden and the Kalamchi/MacEwen classification systems. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify risk factors associated with the development of avascular necrosis. Results: A total of 154 children with cerebral palsy underwent hip containment surgery on 223 hips. Twenty-nine children (18.8%) underwent both pelvic and femoral procedures; 36 children (23.4%) had only femoral procedures; 47 children (30.5%) had femoral and soft tissue; and 42 children (27.3%) had pelvic, femoral, and soft tissue procedures. Using the Bucholz and Ogden or the Kalamchi classifications, the rate of avascular necrosis was 24.7% (38/154). Of the variables evaluated, preoperative Reimers was found to be significant predictors of avascular necrosis. The rate of avascular necrosis was 26.7% for Gross Motor Functional Classification System level III, 24.1% for Gross Motor Functional Classification System level IV, and 27.3% for Gross Motor Functional Classification System level V. Conclusion: The overall rate of avascular necrosis in children undergoing hip containment surgery was 26.7%. Together, age at surgery, open reduction, previous surgery, preoperative Reimers, and estimated blood loss contributed to the development of postoperative avascular necrosis; however, only preoperative Reimers significantly contributed to the development of avascular necrosis in children with cerebral palsy undergoing hip containment procedures.
Characterizing palliative care needs in people with or at risk of developing diabetic foot ulcers
Authors: Mendonça Liliane , Antunes Bárbara , Rigor Joana , Martins-Mendes Daniela , Monteiro-Soares Matilde 
Published: November 2022

Aims: Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) have a significant impact on a patient’s quality of life and life expectancy, with mortality rates comparable with malignant diseases. However, there is a lack of data regarding palliative care needs in this population. We aimed to characterize palliative care needs in people under diabetic foot surveillance using the Integrated Palliative care Outcome Scale (IPOS) and EuroQol-5D three-level version (EQ-5D-3L) and to assess differences between those with and without a DFU. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study with consecutive sampling inclusion of patients followed in a tertiary hospital’s Diabetic Foot Clinic between February and October 2019 with ( n = 20) and without ( n = 42) active DFU. Results: The most frequent symptoms encountered were pain, weakness or lack of energy, sore or dry mouth and drowsiness. Patients with an active DFU were significantly more likely to report feeling anxious or worried in comparison with those without (95% versus 55%, p = 0.002). Only 10% of the participants with an active DFU said that they were always able to share how they felt with family and friends as much as they wanted in comparison with 45% of those without ( p = 0.006). Conclusion: Our study identified palliative care needs in patients under diabetic foot surveillance with and without DFU, including a significant presence of physical symptoms. Patients in both groups showed signs of emotional/psychological distress, with a higher manifestation in patients with DFU. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study addressing and characterizing palliative care needs in this population.