bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Experiences of patients and health care professionals on the quality of telephone follow-up care during the COVID-19 pandemic: a large qualitative study in a multidisciplinary academic setting
Authors: van Erkel Famke M , Pet Myrthe J , Bossink Elles HM , van de Graaf Cathy F M , Hodes Marije T J , van Ogtrop Sonja N , Mourits Marian J E , Welker Gera A , Halmos Gyorgy B , van Leeuwen Barbara , Racz Emoke , Reyners Anna K L , van Munster Barbara C , van der Zaag-Loonen Hester J 
Published: March 2022

ObjectiveTo evaluate the perceived quality of follow-up telephone consultations (TCs) from the perspective of patients and healthcare professionals (HCPs) of multiple medical disciplines during the COVID-19 pandemic.DesignA qualitative study using semi-structured interviews and reflexive thematic analysis.SettingSeven medical disciplines (general dermatology, dermato-oncology, head and neck oncology, internal medicine, medical oncology, gynaecological oncology and surgical oncology) at a large university hospital in the Netherlands.ParticipantsPatients who received and HCPs who provided TCs as a substitute for outpatient follow-up appointments during the COVID-19 pandemic.ResultsEighty-two patients and 58 HCPs were interviewed. Predominantly, patients and HCPs were satisfied with the quality of care by TCs. They regarded TCs as efficient, accessible and of acceptable quality, provided there was an established patient-HCP relationship, medical complaints were absent and physical examination was not indicated. However, most patients were worried about the accuracy of their health assessment in the absence of physical examination and non-verbal communication. Both patients and HCPs wish to use TCs in the future alternatively with face-to-face consultations.ConclusionThis study concludes that TCs seem a valuable contribution to the context of follow-up care and could partially replace face-to-face consultations. TCs can be performed in stable, chronic patients with whom a doctor-patient relationship has already been established. Face-to-face consultations are considered more appropriate in the case of new patients, challenging or emotionally charged consultations and when clinically relevant physical examination is indicated. Due to the context-dependent nature of experiences of patients and HCPs, TCs should be used with an individually customised approach based on patient and disease specifics, in which shared decision-making plays an extensive role. Before major implementation is considered, sufficient data on the safety regarding missed diagnoses or cancer recurrences should be assembled first.
Testing and treatment for latent tuberculosis infection in people living with HIV and substance dependence: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Runels Tessa , Ragan Elizabeth J , Ventura Alicia S , Winter Michael R , White Laura F , Horsburgh C Robert , Samet Jeffrey H , Saitz Richard , Jacobson Karen R 
Published: March 2022

ObjectiveTo quantify the proportion of people living with HIV (PLWH) with other tuberculosis (TB) risk factors that completed the latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) care cascade and describe factors associated with attrition. The care cascade was defined as follows: (1) receipt of an LTBI test and result, (2) initiation of LTBI treatment and (3) completion of LTBI treatment.DesignProspective cohort study.SettingReactivation of LTBI remains a large source of active TB disease in the USA. PLWH and those who use substances are at greater risk and are harder to engage and retain in care.ParticipantsParticipants enrolled in a Boston cohort of PLWH from 2012 to 2014.Primary and secondary outcome measuresOur primary outcome was the number and proportion of participants who completed each stage of the cascade and the factors associated with completing each stage. Our secondary outcomes were differences between participants tested with an interferon gamma release assay (IGRA) versus tuberculin skin test and differences between participants who tested positive versus negative for LTBI.ResultsOnly 189 of 219 (86.3%) participants completed testing. Five of the 11 with LTBI initiated and three completed treatment. Participants tested with an IGRA were more likely to complete testing (OR 3.87, 95% CI 1.05 to 14.30) while among participants successfully tested, being foreign-born was associated with a positive test result (OR 3.95; 95% CI 1.13 to 13.77).ConclusionsAlthough the majority completed LTBI testing, our findings warrant further investigation in a larger cohort to better understand factors that lead to suboptimal treatment initiation and completion in a low-burden country.
Establishing and evaluating a quality improvement collaborative to address hospital to home transitions for older people
Authors: Laver Kate , Lynch Elizabeth , Rupa Jesmin , Mcnamara Carmel , Crotty Maria , Harvey Gillian 
Published: March 2022

IntroductionHospital use increases with age. Older people and their families have reported poor experiences of care at the time of discharge home from hospital. As part of a larger project, we established and evaluated a quality improvement collaborative to address hospital to home transitions for older people.MethodsWe convened an expert panel of 34 stakeholders to identify modifiable issues in the hospital-home transition period. We established a collaborative involving health professionals across a range of agencies working to common goals. Teams were supported by a network manager, three learning sessions and quality improvement methodology to address their identified area for improvement. We used mixed methods to evaluate whether the establishment of the quality improvement collaborative built networks, built capacity in the health professionals and improved the quality of care for older people. Evaluation methods included interviews, surveys, network mapping and case studies.ResultsNine teams (n=41 participants) formed the collaborative and attended all meetings. Mapping showed an increase in networks between participants and organisations at the conclusion of the collaborative. Interview data showed that building relationships across services was one of the most important parts of the collaborative. Survey results revealed that most (77%) believed their quality improvement skills had developed through participation. Advice and regular meetings to progress project work were considered important in ensuring teams stayed focused. In terms of improving the quality of care, some participants indicated that they achieved the stated aims of their project better than expected (21%), most (41%) felt they achieved their aim as expected, 26% got close to their aim and the rest did not know the outcome (13%).ConclusionsEstablishing a quality improvement collaborative was a positive activity in terms of building a network across organisations and progressing quality improvement projects which aimed to achieve the same overall goal.
Prevalence and burden of COPD misclassification in the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA)
Authors: Farooqi M A Malik , Ma Jinhui , Ali Muhammad Usman , Zaman Michele , Huang Julie , Xie Yangqing , Dragoman Alex , Chen Steven Jiatong , Raina Parminder S , Duong MyLinh 
Published: March 2022

IntroductionTo examine the prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) misclassification and the associated burden of symptoms, healthcare utilisation and physical performance status in the Canadian general population. This information is presently lacking from large population-based studies with high-quality spirometry data that can be generalised to the general population.MethodsThe prevalence of self-reported physician-diagnosed COPD and the concordance with spirometry airflow obstruction (AO) were assessed in a cross-sectional cohort of Canadian older adults. The associations between confirmed COPD, under-diagnosis and over-diagnosis with self-reported respiratory symptoms, healthcare utilisation and physical performance (timed up and go, handgrip strength and 4 metres walk test) were assessed, adjusting for baseline characteristics using multivariable linear and logistic models.ResultsA total of 21 242 participants (mean age 64 (SD 10) years; 42% men) with high quality spirometry were included. Physician-diagnosed COPD was reported in (n=973) 5% of the participants. Only (n=217) 1% of the entire cohort had confirmed COPD supported by spirometry AO. Discordance between self-reported COPD and spirometry findings was observed in (n=1565) 8%: with 4% representing under-diagnosis cases (no self-reported COPD but AO) and 4% representing over-diagnosis cases (self-reported COPD but no AO). Compared with normals (no self-reported COPD and normal spirometry), those with confirmed, under-diagnosed or over-diagnosed COPD showed higher risks for respiratory symptoms (adjusted OR (aOR) 2.1 (95% CI: 1.6 to 2.7); aOR 1.8 (95% CI: 1.6 to 2.1]; aOR 1.6 (95% CI: 1.4 to 1.9)); healthcare utilisation in the prior 12 months (β coefficient 0.8 (95% CI: 0.2 to 2.6); β 0.9 (95% CI: 0.5 to 1.5); β 1.6 (95% CI: 0.7 to 4.0)). Mood disorders were higher in confirmed and over-diagnosed COPD (aOR 1.7 (95% CI: 1.3 to 2.4); 1.7 (95% CI: 1.4 to 2.0), respectively). Physical performance was lower for COPD groups.ConclusionsThe prevalence of COPD misclassification is high in the general population of older adults. These were associated with significantly high burden of respiratory symptoms, healthcare utilisation and low physical performance compared with the general population with normal spirometry and no self-reported COPD. These findings highlight the high burden of COPD misclassification, which may be substantially reduced with greater accessibility to spirometry measurements in the community.
Rapid serum clot tubes reduce haemolysis due to pneumatic tube transport
Authors: Koch Christopher D , Vera Michael A , El-Khoury Joe M 
Published: March 2022

AimsPneumatic tube systems (PTSs) are critical for modern hospital operations, allowing for rapid sample transport. Despite widespread use, PTSs can compromise specimen integrity and affect laboratory values. Our objective was to prove that rapid serum clot tubes (RST) provide protective benefits over plasma during PTS transport and can be a practical solution for certain PTS routes.MethodsIn this study, we compared the effects of PTS transport on cell lysis indicators: h-index, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and potassium (K+), in RST versus lithium heparin gel separator tubes using 10 volunteers.ResultsIn comparison with plasma, RST showed a median reduction in PTS-induced haemolysis of 80.4% (p=0.0049), with a reduction in post-PTS median LDH concentration (49.7%, p=0.04) and K+ concentration (50.0%, p=0.0273).ConclusionThis study demonstrates RST tubes can significantly reduce PTS-induced haemolysis and can be recommended for poor PTS routes.
Brave spaces: Indigenous children in Canada plan for a different tomorrow
Authors: Cooper Elizabeth 
Published: March 2022

When considering the impacts of historical trauma and colonization on the lived realities of Indigenous young people within Canada, it is essential that research uses strength-based, capacity-building approaches to ensure that the voices are heard and that their perspectives and advice can be actioned. A series of participatory workshops with adults and children were conducted within urban geographies to explore health-seeking behaviours, health knowledge, and community resiliency. Research took place in Manitoba, Canada (2015–2016, n = 36 girls and 24 adults) with First Nations and Métis community members and British Columbia, Canada (2017, n = 11 children and 15 adults) with Métis community members. Children participated in community transect walks, photo elicitation activities, discussion circles (with adult participant contribution), and projected community mapping exercises where they drew their ideal, imagined community. Community consensus processes were used for member checking as well as initial evaluation of research findings, including the establishment of key themes. Field notes, discussion transcripts, and images were analyzed for similarities and differences between ages, genders, cultural identifiers, and geographies. A key finding was the need for safe spaces that can also be brave spaces, or moments when the community can be free to push for change without reprimand. Children were particularly concerned with sustainable, appropriate housing, safe methods of transportation, access to green spaces, and environmental stewardship within their day-to-day lives.Novelty: Brave spaces are essential for achieving/maintaining wellness within Indigenous communities. This article responds to a need to shift to a determinants of life focus.
Polynomial Multiplication over Finite Fields in Time \( O(n \log n \)
Authors: Harvey David , van der Hoeven Joris 
Published: March 2022

Assuming a widely believed hypothesis concerning the least prime in an arithmetic progression, we show that polynomials of degree less than

\( n \)

over a finite field

\( \mathbb {F}_q \)

with

\( q \)

elements can be multiplied in time

\( O (n \log q \log (n \log q)) \)

, uniformly in

\( q \)

. Under the same hypothesis, we show how to multiply two

\( n \)

-bit integers in time

\( O (n \log n) \)

; this algorithm is somewhat simpler than the unconditional algorithm from the companion paper [
22
]. Our results hold in the Turing machine model with a finite number of tapes.
Temporal Trends and Projection of Cancer Attributable to Human Papillomavirus Infection in China, 2007–2030
Authors: Duan Rufei , Xu Kunpeng , Huang Liuye , Yuan Meiwen , Wang Honghao , Qiao Youlin , Zhao Fanghui 
Published: March 2022

Abstract

Background:
Information on temporal trends of cancer attributable to human papillomavirus (HPV) in China is limited.

Methods:
Cancer incidence and mortality during 2007 to 2015 were extracted from the Chinese Cancer Registry Annual Report and the national population from the National Bureau of Statistics. HPV-attributable cancer burden and the average annual percentage change during 2007 to 2015 were estimated and cancer burden during 2016 to 2030 was projected.

Results:
HPV-attributable cancer cases have increased by 3.8% [95% confidence interval (CI), 2.9%–4.8%] annually from 85,125 to 113,558 and age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) rose by 3.0% (95% CI, 2.5%–3.5%) from 4.67 to 5.83 per 100,000 persons during 2007 to 2015. Cervical, female anal, and vulva cancer cases have increased by 3.8% (95% CI, 2.8%–4.7%), 6.5% (95% CI, 1.2%–12.2%), and 3.7% (95% CI, 1.6%–5.8%) per year. Male anal and oropharyngeal cancer cases have elevated by 7.5% (95% CI, 2.8%–12.5%) and 4.4% (95% CI, 2.4%–6.3%) annually. The increases of cervical and anal cancer were most rapid among those aged 50 and older. HPV-attributable cancer deaths and mortality rate have risen by 4.7% (95% CI, 2.9%–6.7%) and 3.3% (95% CI, 0.9%–5.8%) respectively. HPV-attributable cancer cases and ASIR are projected to reach 214,077 and 9.35 of 100,000 persons by 2030 respectively, with 87.7% being cervical cancer, and anal cancer cases are expected to triple.

Conclusions:
HPV-attributable cancer burden has largely increased in the past and will keep rising for the next decade. Cervical cancer control should be the priority and anal cancer prevention should be addressed.

Impact:
This study supplies fundamental evidence for policy-making on HPV-attributable cancer control.
Later Stone and Iron Age Cohabitation at the Nsongezi Open-Air Site, Western Uganda
Authors: Kyazike Elizabeth 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThis research at the Nsongezi open-air site examines the intergenerational artefacts at a site where the first Stone Age artefacts were identified in Uganda. The purpose was to examine the nature and cause of the mixed Later Stone Age (LSA) and Iron Age (IA) artefacts in the same stratigraphic context at Nsongezi. The specific objectives included examining the ceramic assemblage, discussing the nature of interactions between the Later Stone Age and Iron Age people and accounting for why and how the mixture of artefacts occurs at Nsongezi. Using a documentary review, archaeological survey, and excavation, the research re-examines the theories of displacement and coexistence concerning theLSAandIAmaterial mixture, which has always been dismissed as a disturbance of stratigraphic contexts. Guided by the Law of superimposition, the association of archaeological material from different cultural periods such as the Later Stone Age and Iron Age artefacts at Nsongezi is attributed to four phenomena. First is the cultural interaction of distinctLSAandIApopulations. Secondly, theLSApopulations may have adopted Iron Age technology and pottery while continuing with some of theLSAtechnology and pottery. Thirdly, the Iron Age populations occupied theLSAsites previously abandoned, and some of theLSApeoples occupied the old Iron Age sites as the two groups crisscrossed the region in shifting agricultural and hunter-gatherer economies. Finally, the mixedLSAand Iron Age deposits might have resulted from post-abandonment taphonomic processes. Therefore, the social interactions between theLSAandIAat Nsongezi challenge the dominant narrative that theIApopulations used their metal technology’s superiority to displace and absorb theLSApeople.
German State Aid for Covid-19 Medicinal Products: A Risk for Solidarity in the European Union
Authors: Plank Kristine 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
To respond to the need for a vaccine against and a treatment for Covid-19, the German Federal Government (German government) used various economic incentives to promote pharmaceutical and biotechnological (biotech) research and development (R&D) as well as manufacturing. More specifically, it decided to subsidise several German companies working in this field. Such domestic measures might, however, present a challenge to European state aid law. It is against this backdrop that this article discusses the compatibility of the payments made with the new ‘crisis-born’ European legal framework for state aid. Furthermore, the article offers some critical comments on the aid’s effects on solidarity and cohesion in the European Union (EU) and the proposals put forward for expanding the EU’s health policy competencies.
The Multilevel Dimension of Rules-Based Disease Surveillance beyond the State
Authors: Villarreal Pedro A. 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
The timely availability of accurate information on disease outbreaks with a potential for cross-border spread is a global public good, allowing for a more effective preparedness and response. An ensuing question for national public health authorities is how such information is attained when it is gathered in territories beyond their jurisdiction. International and regional law norms emerge as an option for providing such a global public good. Therefore, the current article examines existing legal frameworks for ad hoc disease surveillance beyond the state at the international and regional levels, namely: the World Health Organization’s International Health Regulations of 2005; Regulation (EC) No. 851/2004 and Decision No. 1082/2013/EU in the European Union; the Statute of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention within the African Union; and the Protocol from the Economic Community of West African States, which created the West African Health Organisation. The comparison offers broader insights on the role of rules as a vehicle for securing prompt and reliable information of new and re-emerging communicable diseases, such as Covid-19.
Visualizing Tanks
Authors: Hacker Barton C. 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Rapidly changing technology transformed not only military affairs in the half century before 1914 but also the printing industry. In particular, images of all kinds became available to the public on an unprecedented scale. This allowed governments to call on artists both to propagandize the war effort and record the world-historical events. In the images they created during the Great War, official war artists did much to shape the public perceptions of such novel technologies as the tank. Especially in the robust war art programs of Britain and France, artists emphasized the blank menace of machines without evidence of human agency. Images of implacable machines rearing over blasted landscapes appeared in salons, books, magazines, newspapers, and in the new medium of film. The images sank home. During the interwar period, military mechanization incorporated tanks into armored forces that projected that same menace and invincibility on a larger scale, the very characteristics that commended tank forces to totalitarian regimes.
The Tommy Gun in Jungle Warfare
Authors: Moremon John 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Australian soldiers fighting on the Kokoda Trail in New Guinea in 1942 found the Thompson submachine gun to be indispensable. Lessons derived from this battle shaped Australian jungle warfare doctrine. Australian historians acknowledge the tactical use of submachine guns in this battle, which was one of the first in Southwest Pacific Area, but have somewhat overlooked the “Tommy” gun. The emphasis has instead been given to another submachine gun, the Australian-designed Owen gun, which came slightly later. This article examines the use and usefulness of the Tommy gun for Australian soldiers on the Kokoda Trail. It establishes that this gun was tactically and comparatively more important than has been presumed. The manner in which soldiers embraced and utilized the Thompson gun was important for their tactical adaptation to jungle warfare and the defeat of the Japanese.
Development Obscured
Authors: Bergman Yoel 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Two postwar publications, one by osrd’s veterans and one by Army historians, differ on the key players and events in their joint wwii recoilless project, and a prior mortar one. The osrd’s famed Dr. C. Hickman was the key player in both projects, despite the Army’s account. In 1942–1944, the range of Army’s 4.2-inch (107mm) Mortar (4.2M), was increased, mostly by improving its inner ballistics such as upgrading the propellant charge. To fire directly at bunkers, unfeasible with a mortar, an idea was raised for a recoilless version, based on a nozzle replacing the 4.2M barrel’s rear cap. By 1944, the 4.2-inch Recoilless-Rifle (4.2rr) was ready. In the osrd’s account, most likely written by Hickman himself, Hickman was first to raise the recoilless idea and the appropriate 4.2M changes. Yet in the Army’s account, an officer raised the recoilless idea while Hickman led the 4.2rr detailed design. In the same account Hickman was missing in the story of the 4.2M range increase. Supporting data for Hickman, not appearing in either source, helps clarify the history, specifically Hickman’s patents filed in 1944–1945 on inventing the 4.2rr and improving mortar propellants based on his role in the 4.2M. After the war he received a presidential award for his wwii inventions such as as recoilless, and his 4.2rr/4.2M patents were eventually approved. Being asked to assist Sandia Laboratories in New Mexico on missile development in 1950, he there filed a patent in 1952 (assigned to the Army), to improve the 4.2rr projectile penetration, even though the 4.2rr was retired in 1947. The patent is likely an outcome of Hickman’s 1950–1952, 4.2rr upgrade requested by the Army and probably for use in Korea, due to the faulty 105-mm rr. It is also proposed that Hickman and his work on the 4.2rr for the Army, may have inspired Sandia to develop recoilless in the mid-1950s, specifically the 120 mm and 155 mm short range, light recoilless guns for firing small nuclear warheads that came to be known as the Davy Crockett system. They resembled the 4.2rr and accepted by the Army over other options in 1958, Hickman’s last year for Sandia.