bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sparse Blind Spherical Deconvolution of diffusion weighted MRI
Authors: Fuchs Clément , Dessain Quentin , Delinte Nicolas , Dausort Manon , Macq Benoît
Published: May 2024

Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging provides invaluable insights into in-vivo neurological pathways. However, accurate and robust characterization of white matter fibers microstructure remains challenging. Widely used spherical deconvolution algorithms retrieve the fiber Orientation Distribution Function (ODF) by using an estimation of a response function, i.e., the signal arising from individual fascicles within a voxel. In this paper, an algorithm of blind spherical deconvolution is proposed, which only assumes the axial symmetry of the response function instead of its exact knowledge. This algorithm provides a method for estimating the peaks of the ODF in a voxel without any explicit response function, as well as a method for estimating signals associated with the peaks of the ODF, regardless of how those peaks were obtained. The two stages of the algorithm are tested on Monte Carlo simulations, as well as compared to state-of-the-art methods on real in-vivo data for the orientation retrieval task. Although the proposed algorithm was shown to attain lower angular errors than the state-of-the-art constrained spherical deconvolution algorithm on synthetic data, it was outperformed by state-of-the-art spherical deconvolution algorithms on in-vivo data. In conjunction with state-of-the art methods for axon bundles direction estimation, the proposed method showed its potential for the derivation of per-voxel per-direction metrics on synthetic as well as in-vivo data.
Advancements and challenges in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Bradford David , Rodgers Kathleen E.
Published: May 2024

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) continues to pose a significant challenge due to the disease complexity and heterogeneous manifestations. Despite recent drug approvals, there remains a critical need for the development of more effective therapies. This review explores the underlying mechanisms involved; including neuroinflammation, glutamate mediated excitotoxicity, mitochondrial dysfunction, and hypermetabolism, and how researchers are trying to develop novel drugs to target these pathways. While progress has been made, the unmet need of ALS patients highlights the urgency for continued research and resource allocation in the pursuit of effective treatments.
Ketamine modulates disrupted in schizophrenia-1/glycogen synthase kinase-3β interaction
Authors: Liu Jia-Ren , Han Xiao Hui , Yuki Koichi , Soriano Sulpicio G.
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Disrupted in schizophrenia-1 (DISC1) is a scaffolding protein whose mutated form has been linked to schizophrenia, bipolar affective disorders, and recurrent major depression. DISC1 regulates multiple signaling pathways involved in neurite outgrowth and cortical development and binds directly to glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β). Since ketamine activates GSK-3β, we examined the impact of ketamine on DISC1 and GSK-3β expression.

Methods

Postnatal day 7 rat pups were treated with ketamine with and without the non-specific GSK-3β antagonist, lithium. Cleaved-caspase-3, GSK-3β and DISC1 levels were measured by immunoblots and DISC1 co-localization in neurons by immunofluorescence. Binding of DISC1 to GSK-3β was determined by co-immunoprecipitation. Neurite outgrowth was determined by measuring dendrite and axon length in primary neuronal cell cultures treated with ketamine and lithium.

Results

Ketamine decreased DISC1 in a dose and time-dependent manner. This corresponded to decreases in phosphorylated GSK-3β, which implicates increased GSK-3β activity. Lithium significantly attenuated ketamine-induced decrease in DISC1 levels. Ketamine decreased co-immunoprecipitation of DISC1 with GSK-3β and axonal length.

Conclusion

These findings confirmed that acute administration of ketamine decreases in DISC1 levels and axonal growth. Lithium reversed this effect. This interaction provides a link between DISC1 and ketamine-induced neurodegeneration.
Expression of guanylate cyclase C in human prefrontal cortex depends on sex and feeding status
Authors: Ratko Martina , Crljen Vladiana , Tkalčić Martina , Mažuranić Anton , Bubalo Pero , Škavić Petar , Banovac Ivan , Dugandžić Aleksandra
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Guanylate cyclase C (GC-C) has been detected in the rodent brain in neurons of the cerebral cortex, amygdala, midbrain, hypothalamus, and cerebellum.

Methods

In this study we determined GC-C protein expression in Brodmann areas (BA) 9, BA10, BA11, and BA32 of the human prefrontal cortex involved in regulation of feeding behavior, as well as in the cerebellar cortex, arcuate nucleus of hypothalamus and substantia nigra in brain samples of human 21 male and 13 female brains by ELISA with postmortem delay < 24 h.

Results

GC-C was found in all tested brain areas and it was expressed in neurons of the third cortical layer of BA9. The regulation of GC-C expression by feeding was found in male BA11 and BA10-M, where GC-C expression was in negative correlation to the volume of stomach content during autopsy. In female BA11 there was no correlation detected, while in BA10-M there was even positive correlation. This suggests sex differences in GC-C expression regulation in BA11 and BA10-M. The amount of GC-C was higher in female BA9 only when the death occurred shortly after a meal, while expression of GC-C was higher in BA10-O only when the stomach was empty. The expression of GC-C in female hypothalamus was lower when compared to male hypothalamus only when the stomach was full, suggesting possibly lower satiety effects of GC-C agonists in women.

Discussion

These results point toward the possible role of GC-C in regulation of feeding behavior. Since, this is first study of GC-C regulation and its possible function in prefrontal cortex, to determine exact role of GC-C in different region of prefrontal cortex, especially in humans, need further studies.
Mediators between body mass index and atrial fibrillation: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Gao Ziting , Wei Hongye , Xiao Jun , Huang Wuqing
Published: May 2024

Background

Although obesity is a recognized risk factor of atrial fibrillation (AF), the mechanisms are not fully understood.

Objective

We aimed to identify the potential mediators between body mass index (BMI) and AF.

Methods

We conducted a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis using publicly available summary-level data from genome-wide association studies. Univariable MR analyses were applied to identify potential mediators, and then the multivariable MR analyses were conducted to explore the mediated roles of circulating biomarkers, metabolic markers and comorbidities in the association between BMI and AF.

Results

This MR study found a significant causal association between BMI and AF (OR = 1.41, 95% CI = 1.33–1.50; p < 0.001), which was attenuated to 1.21 (95% CI = 1.03–1.43) after being adjusted for leptin, in which 48.78% excess risk was mediated. After further adjustment for leptin and some cormorbidies, the association was attenuated to null (adjusted for leptin and sleep apnoea: OR=1.05, 95% CI = 0.85–1.30; adjusted for leptin and coronary heart disease: OR = 1.08, 95% CI = 0.90–1.30; adjusted for leptin and systolic blood pressure: OR = 1.11, 95% CI = 0.88–1.41), resulting in 87.80%, 80.49% and 73.17% excess risk being mediated, respectively.

Conclusion

These results identified an important mediated role of leptin, particularly for individuals with sleep apnoea, coronary heart disease or hypertension, providing some clues for the underlying mechanisms behind the impact of obesity on AF risk.
Intraoperative in vivo confocal endomicroscopy of the glioma margin: performance assessment of image interpretation by neurosurgeon users
Authors: Xu Yuan , On Thomas J. , Abramov Irakliy , Restelli Francesco , Belykh Evgenii , Mathis Andrea M. , Schlegel Jürgen , Hewer Ekkehard , Pollo Bianca , Maragkou Theoni , Quint Karl , Porter Randall W. , Smith Kris A. , Preul Mark C.
Published: May 2024

Objectives

Confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE) is an intraoperative real-time cellular resolution imaging technology that images brain tumor histoarchitecture. Previously, we demonstrated that CLE images may be interpreted by neuropathologists to determine the presence of tumor infiltration at glioma margins. In this study, we assessed neurosurgeons’ ability to interpret CLE images from glioma margins and compared their assessments to those of neuropathologists.

Methods

In vivo CLE images acquired at the glioma margins that were previously reviewed by CLE-experienced neuropathologists were interpreted by four CLE-experienced neurosurgeons. A numerical scoring system from 0 to 5 and a dichotomous scoring system based on pathological features were used. Scores from assessments of hematoxylin and eosin (H&E)-stained sections and CLE images by neuropathologists from a previous study were used for comparison. Neurosurgeons’ scores were compared to the H&E findings. The inter-rater agreement and diagnostic performance based on neurosurgeons’ scores were calculated. The concordance between dichotomous and numerical scores was determined.

Results

In all, 4275 images from 56 glioma margin regions of interest (ROIs) were included in the analysis. With the numerical scoring system, the inter-rater agreement for neurosurgeons interpreting CLE images was moderate for all ROIs (mean agreement, 61%), which was significantly better than the inter-rater agreement for the neuropathologists (mean agreement, 48%) (p < 0.01). The inter-rater agreement for neurosurgeons using the dichotomous scoring system was 83%. The concordance between the numerical and dichotomous scoring systems was 93%. The overall sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were 78%, 32%, 62%, and 50%, respectively, using the numerical scoring system and 80%, 27%, 61%, and 48%, respectively, using the dichotomous scoring system. No statistically significant differences in diagnostic performance were found between the neurosurgeons and neuropathologists.

Conclusion

Neurosurgeons’ performance in interpreting CLE images was comparable to that of neuropathologists. These results suggest that CLE could be used as an intraoperative guidance tool with neurosurgeons interpreting the images with or without assistance of the neuropathologists. The dichotomous scoring system is robust yet simple and may streamline rapid, simultaneous interpretation of CLE images during imaging.
Unusual congenital goiter due to maternal Hashimoto thyroiditis: a case report
Authors: Català Laura , Casas Judit , Yeh Sean , Josa-Eritja Maria , Tirado-Capistros Mireia , Moliner Elisenda , Carreras Gemma
Published: May 2024

Congenital hypothyroidism (CH) is the most common cause of endocrinopathy in the newborn Its incidence lies between 1 in 3,000 and 1 in 2,000, However, congenital goiter is a rare form of presentation. Hypothyroidism secondary to autoimmune etiology is extremely rare, with an incidence of 1:84.700–1:31.000 newborns. Anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAb) are able to cross the placenta but rarely induce hypothyroidism in the newborn, much less goiter. A case of congenital goiter in a male newborn secondary to maternal high TPOAb levels is reported. The mother was diagnosed of Hashimoto thyroiditis prior to the pregnancy. At birth, a grade 3 goiter was detected in the newborn. Laboratory testings revealed hypothyroidism with free thyroxine of 7.6 pmol/L, thyroid-stimulating hormone of 108 mUI/L and high TPOAb levels. Treatment with Levothyroxine was started the second day of life with progressive thyroid function normalization. Neurological development has been normal until the date.
The clinical value of ultrasound in assessing ovarian strangulation in female infants and toddlers with ovarian hernia
Authors: Gu Jiaojiao , Liu Chen
Published: May 2024

Objective

To explore the clinical value of ultrasound examination in evaluating the presence of ovarian torsion in female infants with inguinal ovarian hernia.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of 91 cases of ovarian hernia diagnosed by ultrasonography at our institution. Among them, 6 cases were identified as ovarian strangulation, while 85 cases were classified as non-ovarian strangulation. All cases underwent high-frequency ultrasound examination. We analyzed whether there were differences in the associated factors between the two groups and compared the disparities in the urgency of surgery between the two groups.

Results

Significant differences were observed between the ovarian strangulation group and the non- strangulation group in terms of ovarian volume, ovarian blood flow, and the presence of incarceration. The need for emergency surgery was significantly associated with the presence of incarceration and ovarian torsion.

Conclusion

Ultrasound has good clinical value in diagnosing ovarian hernia and determining the presence of ovarian strangulation. It can assist clinical physicians in determining the timing of surgery for children with ovarian hernia.
Analysis of risk factors for difficult implant removal in children with slipped capital femoral epiphysis treated by cannulated screws
Authors: Yang Lei , Liu Lijun , Yang Xiaodong , Tang Xueyang
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Cannulated screws are widely used in the treatment of slipped capital femoral epiphysis, which can be removed after physeal closure on patient's request. This study aimed to analysis the potential risk factors for difficult removal in children with slipped capital femoral epiphysis treated by cannulated screws.

Patients and methods

This study enrolled 32 hips that had undergone removal of cannulated screws after treatment of slipped capital femoral epiphysis at our department. The primary outcomes were the difficult screw removal. The secondary outcomes were functional outcome assessed by using a modified Harris Hip Score and complications of fractures and surgical site infection. Related risk factors for difficult removal were recorded and analyzed by multivariable logistic regression.

Results

In total, 32 hips were evaluated, with a mean age of 14.9 ± 1.3 years old (range, 13–19 years). Six (18.8%) hips presented with difficult removal, including 4 cases of screws’ slip and 2 breakages. The average implantation time in the difficult removal group (5.7 ± 1.0) was also significantly longer than that in the easily removed group (3.8 ± 0.9, p = 0.001). The mean surgical time in patients with difficult removal was 66.3 ± 11.6 min, which was also significantly longer than that (54.8 ± 8.3) in the other patients (p = 0.008). The duration of screw implantation was an independent risk factor for difficult removal.

Conclusions

Prolonged screw duration was a predictor for difficult removal in children with slipped capital femoral epiphysis treated by cannulated screws. An early surgery after physeal closure might benefit those with a request for screw removal.
Effectiveness and safety of tripterygium wilfordii poly-glycosides on glomerulonephritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yan Xiaolin , Shi Juan , Zhang Yingying , Liu Juan , Lin Xiaoqing , Yu Chungang , Li Xiao
Published: May 2024

Treatment of glomerulonephritis presents several challenges, including limited therapeutic options, high costs, and potential adverse reactions. As a recognized Chinese patent medicine, Tripterygium wilfordii poly-glycosides (TWP) have shown promising benefits in managing autoimmune diseases. To evaluate clinical effectiveness and safety of TWP in treating glomerulonephritis, we systematically searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Embase databases for controlled studies published up to 12 July 2023. We employed weighted mean difference and relative risk to analyze continuous and dichotomous outcomes. This meta-analysis included 16 studies that included primary membranous nephropathy (PMN), type 2 diabetic kidney disease (DKD), and Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis (HSPN). Analysis revealed that additional TWP administration improved patients’ outcomes and total remission rates, reduced 24-h urine protein (24hUP) and decreased relapse events. The pooled results demonstrated the non-inferiority of TWP to glucocorticoids in achieving total remission, reducing 24hUP, and converting the phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R) status to negative. For DKD patients, TWP effectively reduced 24hUP levels, although it did not significantly improve the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Compared to valsartan, TWP showed comparable improvements in 24hUP and eGFR levels. In severe cases of HSPN in children, significant clinical remission and a reduction in 24hUP levels were observed with the addition of TWP treatment. TWP did not significantly increase the incidence of adverse reactions. Therefore, TWP could offer therapeutic benefits to patients with PMN, DKD, and severe HSPN, with a minimal increase in the risk of side effects.
Sertraline, citalopram and paroxetine in lactation: passage into breastmilk and infant exposure
Authors: Den Besten-Bertholee Daphne , Touw Daan J. , Damer Elvera A. , Mian Paola , Ter Horst Peter G. J.
Published: May 2024

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the plasma and breastmilk concentrations for sertraline, citalopram and paroxetine for assessment of the Milk/Plasma (M/P) ratio and Absolute Infant Dose (AID), and to determine actual infant drug exposure through breastfeeding. Subsequently, informed recommendations will be formulated regarding the advisability of breastfeeding in women undergoing treatment with the three most widely used antidepressants.

Methods

A pharmacokinetic study in lactating women and their infants using sertraline, citalopram or paroxetine was performed. Paired breastmilk and plasma samples and single point infant plasma samples were collected to determine antidepressant concentrations. An Area Under the Curve (AUC) based approach with the trapezoidal rule was used to calculate M/P ratios and AID for all three antidepressants by combining all measured concentrations for the same dose.

Results

Thirty-seven lactating women and their infants participated in this study. 111 paired breastmilk and plasma samples and 37 single point infant plasma samples were collected. Detectable concentrations of sertraline, citalopram and paroxetine were present in all breastmilk samples. For sertraline and citalopram M/P ratio is above one, indicating higher breastmilk than plasma concentrations, however, drug exposure by breastmilk did not lead to detectable plasma drug levels in any of the 15 infants for sertraline, for nine (out of 13) infants for citalopram and for eight (out of nine) infants for paroxetine.

Conclusion

Given the well-known benefits of breastfeeding, our findings support breastfeeding of infants by mothers who are taking sertraline, citalopram or paroxetine is safe. Sertraline and paroxetine are the preferred antidepressants during breastfeeding, reaching mostly undetectable infant drug levels.
Evaluating a worldwide wheat collection for resistance to Hessian fly biotype ‘Great Plains’
Authors: Xu Yunfeng , Ghori Nida , Hussain Shabbir , Xu Xiaoting , Su Zhenqi , Zhang Dadong , Zhao Lanfei , Liu Xuming , Chen Ming-Shun , Bai Guihua
Published: May 2024

Hessian fly (HF), Mayetiola destructor, is a major insect pest that causes severe losses in grain yield and quality of wheat (Triticum aestivum). Growing resistant cultivars is the most cost-effective approach to minimize wheat yield losses caused by HF. In this study, 2,496 wheat accessions were screened for resistance to the HF biotype ‘Great Plains’ (GP) in the greenhouse experiments. To purify seeds from heterogeneous resistant accessions, we recovered single resistant plants from 331 accessions that had at least one resistant plant after HF infestation of a global collection of 1,595 accessions and confirmed 27 accessions with high resistance (HR), and 91 accessions with moderate resistance (MR) to the GP biotype using purified seeds. Screening of 203 U.S. winter wheat accessions in three experiments identified 63 HR and 28 MR accessions; and screening of three additional Asian panels identified 4 HR and 25 MR accessions. Together, this study identified 96 HR accessions and 144 MR accessions. Analysis of the geographic distribution of these HR and MR accessions revealed that these countries with HF as a major wheat pest usually showed higher frequencies of resistant accessions, with the highest frequency of HR (81.3%) and MR (30.6%) accessions identified from the U.S. In addition, phenotyping of 39 wheat accessions that carry known HF resistance genes showed that all the accessions except H1H2 remain effective against GP biotype. Some of these newly identified resistant accessions may contain new HF resistance genes and can be valuable sources for developing HF resistant wheat cultivars.
Motor activities to improve maths performance in pre-school children with typical development
Authors: Flores Pedro , Coelho Eduarda , Mourão-Carvalhal Maria Isabel , Forte Pedro
Published: May 2024

Poor maths skills are associated with negative outcomes throughout life, such as lower academic qualifications, decreased professional success and socio-economic results. Mathematical skills emerge continuously throughout childhood and those that children acquire in pre-school are crucial for activities that support analytical thinking, problem-solving and reasoning and argumentation skills. Many of these activities are related to motor skills, since certain cognitive and motor areas of the brain are activated simultaneously when solving maths problems. Of all motor skills, visuomotor integration skills have been documented as those that are most consistently positively and significantly associated with maths performance in pre-school children. These skills are influenced by visual perception (spatial and attention skills), fine motor coordination and gross motor skills. Early intervention can improve visuomotor integration skills in pre-school children. Of all skills that make up visuomotor integration, spatial skills, in addition to being the first skills to influence numerical knowledge and the recognition of geometric shapes, are also those skills that form part of the majority of programs and activities to be worked on with pre-school children for the development of mathematical concepts. However, most intervention programs or activities to develop spatial skills are carried out in the classroom, usually through activities involving handling small objects. In this sense and given the significant association between visuomotor integration skills and gross motor skills, the main objective of this study was to list a set of activities to develop spatial skills, with a strong involvement of gross motor skills, in a classroom, playground or home context.
The relationship between neonatal stress in preterm infants and developmental outcomes at the corrected age of 24–30 months
Authors: Pavlyshyn Halyna , Sarapuk Iryna , Kozak Kateryna
Published: May 2024

Aim

The aim of research was to study the relationship between the stress experienced by preterm infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and developmental status in the follow up, and to establish factors, associated with their neurodevelopment.

Methods

The first stage of research involved measuring stress markers (cortisol, melatonin) in infants (n = 56) during their NICU stay; the second phase assessed the developmental status at the corrected age of 24–30 months.

Results

The total ASQ-3 score, communication, problem solving, and personal-social skills scores at the corrected age of 24–30 months were positively correlated with melatonin level determined in the neonatal period (r = 0.31, p = 0.026; r = 0.36, p = 0.009; r = 0.30, p = 0.033, and r = 0.32; p = 0.022 respectively). In the same time, ASQ-3 communication and personal-social scores were negatively correlated with cortisol level (r = −0.31, p = 0.043; r = −0.35, p = 0.022). The ROC-curve analysis revealed that a decrease of melatonin below 3.44 ng/mL and 3.71 ng/mL during the neonatal period could predict communication and problem-solving delay, respectively. An increase in cortisol above 0.64 mcg/dl is predictive in personal-social delay. Negative correlation was identified between the NICU and total hospital stay duration and ASQ-3 communication scores in the follow-up (r = −0.27; p = 0.049 and r = −0.41; p = 0.002, respectively). The duration of mechanical ventilation was negatively correlated with gross motor scores (r = −0.46; p = 0.043). Apgar score was positively correlated with ASQ-3 communication (r = 0.29; p = 0.032) and personal-social scores (r = 0.28; p = 0.034); maternal age—with ASQ-3 total (r = 0.29; p = 0.034), communication (r = 0.37; p = 0.006), and personal-social scores (r = 0.29; p = 0.041). Positive correlations were observed between gestational age and communication scores (r = 0.28; p = 0.033). Infants who suffered neonatal sepsis had significantly often delay of communication (p = 0.014) and gross motor skills (p = 0.016). Children who required mechanical ventilation were more likely to have communication delay (p = 0.034).

Conclusion

Developmental outcomes in preterm infants at the corrected age of 24–30 months were associated with neonatal stress. Correlations between the communication, problem-solving and personal-social development in the follow up and cortisol and melatonin levels determined in the neonatal period supported this evidence. Factors as low gestational age, duration of hospital and NICU stay, mechanical ventilation, and sepsis were associated with more frequent delays in communication, gross motor and problems-solving skills.
Intolerance of uncertainty and negative emotions among high school art students during COVID-19 pandemic: a moderated mediation analysis
Authors: Fu Congcong , Liu Jin , Ye Baojuan , Yang Qiang
Published: May 2024

Objectives

A number of high school art students experience negative emotions during their preparation for the art college entrance examination, characterized by worries and fear of uncertainty. Therefore, how individual difference factors, such as intolerance of uncertainty, affect the negative emotions of students needs to be examined. Inspired by the integrative model of uncertainty tolerance, the current study seeks to explain the association between intolerance of uncertainty and negative emotions by testing the potential mediating role of psychological capital and the moderating role of family functioning.

Patients and methods

A total of 919 Chinese high school art students (Mage = 18.50 years, range = 16–22) participated from November 2022 to December 2022. Convenience sampling strategies were used. The participants were asked to complete the measures of intolerance of uncertainty scale, psychological capital questionnaire, depression anxiety stress scale, and family adaptability and cohesion evaluation scale. The data were analyzed using Pearson’s r correlations and moderated mediation analysis.

Results

Results showed that intolerance of uncertainty was positively associated with negative emotions but negatively associated with psychological capital, which in turn, was negatively associated with negative emotions. Psychological capital mediated the indirect link of intolerance of uncertainty with negative emotions. Family functioning buffered the impact of psychological capital on negative emotions.

Conclusion

This study can enhance our understanding of the intolerance of uncertainty on negative emotions and provide insights on interventions for high school art students’ negative emotions for educators. The interventions targeting intolerance of uncertainty, psychological capital and family functioning may be beneficial in reducing the effect of intolerance of uncertainty on negative emotions faced by high school art students.
A qualitative exploration of online forums to support resilience of rural young people in Australia
Authors: Carlisle Karen , Kamstra Peter , Carlisle Emily , McCosker Anthony , De Cotta Tracy , Kilpatrick Sue , Steiner Artur , Kahl Bianca , Farmer Jane
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Prevention and early intervention are crucial strategies for improving young people’s mental health and well-being. Building resilience is a key component of these strategies, especially among young individuals in rural areas who face well-documented mental health disparities. This study aimed to investigate how online mental health forums can contribute to enhancing individual resilience in young rural users.

Methods

A sample of forum posts (n = 1,000) made by Australian rural users (18–25 years) on an online peer support mental health forum were qualitatively analyzed. The analysis was guided by themes derived from the literature on indicators of rural resilience.

Results

Analysis of forum posts showed evidence of rural resilience in forum users. Online peer support forums offered a virtual space for individuals to establish social connections, experience a sense of belonging, share information, acquire knowledge, and offer mutual support. There were indications of increased self-efficacy among forum users, as they demonstrated their ability to implement strategies for better managing their mental health.

Discussion

These findings significantly contribute to our understanding of how online forums can enhance resilience factors that are beneficial for young people living in rural communities. In the context of prevention and early intervention, this study illustrates the intricate connections between forum design and user activity with resilience outcomes, providing valuable insights into the underlying causal mechanisms. Consequently, it emphasizes the importance of incorporating such digital interventions as integral components of mental health service ecosystems.
Exposure to indoor air pollution and adverse pregnancy outcomes in low and middle-income countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Daba Chala , Asmare Lakew , Demeke Bayou Fekade , Arefaynie Mastewal , Mohammed Anissa , Tareke Abiyu Abadi , Keleb Awoke , Kebede Natnael , Tsega Yawkal , Endawkie Abel , Kebede Shimels Derso , Mesfin Kaleab , Abeje Eyob Tilahun , Bekele Enyew Ermias
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Exposure to indoor air pollution such as biomass fuel and particulate matter is a significant cause of adverse pregnancy outcomes. However, there is limited information about the association between indoor air pollution exposure and adverse pregnancy outcomes in low and middle-income countries. Therefore, this meta-analysis aimed to determine the association between indoor air pollution exposure and adverse pregnancy outcomes in low and middle-income countries.

Methods

International electronic databases such as PubMed, Science Direct, Global Health, African Journals Online, HINARI, Semantic Scholar, and Google and Google Scholar were used to search for relevant articles. The study was conducted according to the updated Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. A random effect model at a 95% confidence interval was used to determine the association between indoor air pollution exposure and adverse pregnancy outcomes using STATA version 14. Funnel plot and Higgs I2 statistics were used to determine the publication bias and heterogeneity of the included studies, respectively.

Results

A total of 30 articles with 2,120,228 study participants were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled association between indoor air pollution exposure and at least one adverse pregnancy outcome was 15.5% (95%CI: 12.6–18.5), with significant heterogeneity (I2 = 100%; p < 0.001). Exposure to indoor air pollution increased the risk of small for gestational age by 23.7% (95%CI: 8.2–39.3) followed by low birth weight (17.7%; 95%CI: 12.9–22.5). Exposure to biomass fuel (OR = 1.16; 95%CI: 1.12–1.2), particulate matter (OR = 1.28; 95%CI: 1.25–1.31), and kerosene (OR = 1.38; 95%CI: 1.09–1.66) were factors associated with developing at least one adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Conclusions

We found that more than one in seven pregnant women exposed to indoor air pollution had at least one adverse pregnancy outcome. Specifically, exposure to particulate matter, biomass fuel, and kerosene were determinant factors for developing at least one adverse pregnancy outcome. Therefore, urgent comprehensive health intervention should be implemented in the area to reduce adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Evaluating mobile harm reduction services for youth and young adults
Authors: Yeo Ellis J. , Hausman Elizabeth , Noyes Elizabeth , Chatterjee Avik
Published: May 2024

The adolescent and young adult (AYA) population has experienced an increase in both emergency room visits and deaths related to substance use. However, AYA are less likely to engage in existing addiction treatment infrastructure. A youth-specific mobile harm reduction program has the potential to reduce substance-related morbidity and mortality including infections, overdose, and death. Launched in 2019, the Community Care in Reach AYA pilot program seeks to address the difference in patterns of substance use between AYA and adults. The results of this evaluation suggest the importance of a youth-oriented program in increasing AYA engagement with harm reduction.
“We’re one small piece of the puzzle”: evaluating the impact of short-term funding for tier two weight management services
Authors: Beaumont Jordan D. , Ioannou Elysa , Harish Krishna , Elewendu Nnedinma , Corrigan Nicola , Nield Lucie
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Overweight and obesity are a global health epidemic and many attempts have been made to address the rising prevalence. In March 2021 the UK government announced £100 million of additional funding for weight management provisions. Of this, £30.5 million was split across local authorities in England to support the expansion of tier two behavioural weight management services for adults. The present work aimed to explore how this funding was used within the Yorkshire and Humber region to consolidate learning, collate best practice, and provide recommendations for future funding use.

Method

One-hour semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 weight management service commissioners representing 9 of the 15 local authorities in the region. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and analysed using an established health inequality framework. From this, recommendations were co-developed with the commissioner group to establish best practice for future funding use.

Results

Commissioners recognised that targeted weight management services were only one small piece of the puzzle for effectively managing obesity. Therefore, recommendations include targeting underserved communities, focussing on early prevention, addressing weight management in a whole systems context, and embracing innovative and holistic approaches to weight management.

Discussion

Current short-term funding and restrictive commissioning processes of tier two services prevents sustainable and innovative weight management practice which is detrimental to patients, falls short of addressing health inequalities and negatively impacts staff health and wellbeing.
Education and training of telemental health providers: a systematic review
Authors: Jiang Qiaoling , Deng Yongjia , Perle Jonathan , Zheng Wanhong , Chandran Dilip , Chen Jingru , Liu Feiyue
Published: May 2024

Objective

To conduct a systematic literature review of education and training (E&T) programs for telemental health (TMH) providers in the past 10 years to qualitatively clarify field offerings and methodologies, as well as identify areas for future growth.

Methods

We searched five major electronic databases: PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, CINAHL, and Web of Science for original publications on TMH E&T from January 2013 to May 2023. We extracted information from each publication and summarized key features of training programs including setting, target group, study aims, training modality, methods of assessing quality, and outcomes.

Results

A total of 20 articles were selected for the final review. Articles meeting inclusionary criteria were predominantly comprised of case studies and commentaries, focused on a TMH service/practice for a specific region/population, and were performed after 2020. All of the selected studies demonstrated a significant increase in the measured knowledge, skills, and abilities of the participants after TMH training. Nevertheless, there remains a lack of standardization of training methodologies, limited sample sizes and demographics, variability in study methodologies, and inconsistency of competency targets across studies.

Conclusion

This systematic review highlighted the diversity of methods for TMH E&T. Future research on this topic could include more varied and larger-scale studies to further validate and extend current findings, as well as explore potential long-term effects of TMH training programs on both provider attitudes and patient outcomes.
Medical and dental student knowledge about COVID-19 and influenza vaccines impact opinions about vaccine advocacy and future practice
Authors: Lucia Victoria C. , Mascarenhas Ana Karina , Kelekar Arati , Afonso Nelia M.
Published: May 2024

Introduction

The World Health Organization has identified vaccine hesitancy as a global public health challenge. Healthcare providers are among the most influential and trusted figures for vaccine counseling. This article focuses on COVID-19 and influenza personal immunization behaviors, vaccine knowledge and opinions, and vaccine counseling confidence among future healthcare providers – dental and medical students.

Methods

A cross-sectional anonymous online survey was conducted at four dental schools and one allopathic medical school in the United States. Items included personal vaccination status for the COVID-19 and influenza vaccines and vaccine-specific items developed based on past research to assess knowledge, opinions, and behaviors.

Results

Two hundred and thirty-two medical and 221 dental students completed the survey. 68 and 55% scored average/above-average knowledge on COVID-19 and influenza vaccine items, respectively. There were significant differences between those with average/above-average and below-average knowledge scores regarding learning about, recommending, and advocating for vaccines and counseling vaccine-hesitant patients for both vaccines (p < 0.0001). Although higher-knowledge students had higher vaccination rates (p < 0.0001), many had insufficient knowledge about vaccines.

Discussion

Healthcare providers play a crucial role in vaccine advocacy. The identified knowledge gaps are significant as they impact quality of patient care. And opinions about future vaccination practice such as recommending, providing, and counseling about vaccines. Equipping students with knowledge and communication skills will enable them to be strong vaccine advocates to improve overall public health.
Diversity and composition of gut protist in young rural Zimbabwean children
Authors: Pfavayi Lorraine Tsitsi , Sibanda Elopy Nimele , Baker Stephen , Woolhouse Mark , Mduluza Takafira , Mutapi Francisca
Published: May 2024

Background

The human gut microbiome harbours diverse species of archaea, bacteria, fungi, protists and viruses. To date, most gut microbiome studies have focused on bacteria, neglecting other microbial communities. Consequently, less is known about the diversity and abundance of the latter. Here, we aimed to characterise the diversity and composition of protists in the gut of preschool-aged children (PSAC) in rural Zimbabwe relative to host age, sex, and schistosome infection status.

Methods

The gut protist of 113 PSAC (1–5 years) was examined via shotgun metagenomic sequencing and analysed for diversity. Variation in protist abundance with host and environmental factors was analysed by permutational multivariate analysis of variance (PERMANOVA). To investigate how the composition of specific taxa varies across age, sex, nutritional measures and Schistosoma hematobium infection status, analysis of the composition of microbiomes (ANCOM) was used.

Results

Eighty protist genera were identified, and the most abundant genera detected was Blastocystis. The prevalence of pathogenic protists was comparatively low, with 12.4% and 3.4% of the participants’ gut colonised by E. histolytica and Cryptosporidium, respectively. Of all the independent variables only S. haematobium infection showed significant relationship with the structure of the gut protist, being associated with increases in Peronospora, Pseudoperonospora, Plasmopara and Blastocystis (FDR= 0.009).

This study provides data on the prevalence and diversity of the gut protists in young Zimbabwean children with an emphasis on the host factors; age, sex and schistosome infection status. Our results showed no association between the host factors investigated, including anthropometric measures adjusted for age and the intestinal protist composition and structure, but S. haematobium infection status was associated with composition of specific taxa. There is a need for more studies determining how pathogenic protist interact with non-pathogenic protist in people exhibiting clinical symptoms to inform therapy and nutraceuticals.
Can oral health care be a gateway to improve cardiovascular disease? A scoping review
Authors: Usmani Wania , de Courten Maximilian , Hanna Fahad
Published: May 2024

Background

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, resulting in a high socioeconomic burden. Growing evidence has shown a link between oral diseases and several chronic conditions including CVDs. The focus of this review is to investigate and summaries the evidence surrounding oral health interventions and their potential impact on reducing both the risk and/or severity of CVDs.

Methods

A scoping review was conducted to examine oral health interventions for managing CVD outcomes and risks. The review adhered to the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) framework for evidence synthesis and followed the reporting standards outlined by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis- extension to Scoping Review (PRISMA-ScR). A systematic search across EBSCOhost, PubMed, and Scopus databases from 2012 to 2024 was utilized to identify relevant studies. Inclusion criteria focused on English language articles with a sample size of at least 50, evaluating the impact of oral health interventions on CVD outcomes.

Results

Out of the initial 2,154 studies identified in the search, 12 studies met the inclusion and exclusion criteria and were included in the final analysis. Overall, the studies revealed that along with surgical and non-surgical periodontal therapy, regular oral hygiene care practices, including toothbrushing, tongue brushing, and flossing, significantly reduced the risk of cardiovascular events and mortality. These interventions in patients with or without CVD baseline have shown a decrease in CVD risk markers as well as a reduction in bacterial colonization. Similarly, consistent oral hygiene routines, combined with regular dental visits, were associated with a lower risk of heart failure and CVD risk mortality.

Conclusion

The evidence extracted from this review suggests that periodontal therapy, regular dental cleaning, and re-enforcing of oral health regimes can stabilize oral health conditions and subsequently improve CVD progression/risks. However, limited to no evidence exists regarding the therapeutic effects of oral health promotion in managing CVD markers and its direct impact on disease outcomes, warranting further investigation.
COP28 and the global stocktake: a weak attempt to address climate change
Authors: Aidam Kizito
Published: May 2024

The seminal outcome of COP28 was the Global Stocktake (GST), which referenced transitioning for the first time among all the United Nations’ climate agreements. While the GST’s attempt at energy transition is welcomed, it is deficient. In this paper, the historical challenges of international climate policymaking and implementation has been explored. The challenges that undermined previous UN agreements will likely hinder the global stocktake. Moreover, the GST’s failure to use more forceful language could be a fatal flaw. Furthermore, the GST did not sufficiently define key terms like net zero and energy transition. Likewise, it did not give due consideration to energy justice. The GST missed the opportunity to take strategic advantage of state actors while creating an ecosystem for non-state actors to contribute to the fight against climate change. The GST should have taken advantage of the avalanche of scientific knowledge available on energy transition to mandate timely climate mitigation plans. Subsequent GSTs must proactively address the shortcomings of the first GST if the current generation, which is touted as the generation with the last chance to combat climate change, hopes to achieve the primary goal of the Paris Agreement.
The impact of social capital to improve rural households’ resilience against flooding: evidence from Iran
Authors: Savari Moslem , Jafari Ahmad , Sheheytavi Abbas
Published: May 2024

Floods have significantly affected many regions worldwide, imposing economic, social, and psychological consequences on human societies, in recent decades. Rural communities in Iran are particularly vulnerable to floods, and without effective risk reduction systems, the impact can be exacerbated. In this context, this study aims to investigate the role of social capital in enhancing the resilience of rural households against floods in the southwest of Iran. The statistical population includes all rural households in Shushtar County that have experienced floods at least once. The primary tool for data collection was a questionnaire and obtained data were analyzed using structural equation modeling. In examining the situation of confrontation between different groups of people based on the state of social capital and resilience, it can be said that men, older people and people with higher income had more resilience and social capital to deal with floods. In addition, the results revealed that components of social capital (social networks, social solidarity, social trust, social awareness, participation and collection action) explained 68.1% of the variance in the resilience of rural households against floods. Overall, our findings can provide new insights for policymakers in the area, contributing to the reduction of flood impacts and promoting safer living conditions in flood-prone areas.