bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Swiss common garden network: testing assisted migration of tree species in Europe
Authors: Streit Kathrin , Brang Peter , Frei Esther R.
Published: June 2024

A warmer climate with drier summers will affect the suitability of tree species in their current range in most of Europe. To preserve ecosystem services in the future, many European countries are looking for tree species adapted to the expected future climate and are setting up trials to test them in different environments. In collaboration with forest practitioners and federal and regional authorities, we have established a network of 57 common gardens across large environmental gradients in Switzerland. Over a period of 30 to 50 years, the vitality, growth and survival of 18 tree species from 117 seed sources will be monitored to develop tree species recommendations for forest managers. In this article, we outline the considerations, challenges and trade-offs involved in designing this experiment, as well as the participatory process with a variety of stakeholders, from local foresters to the Federal Office for the Environment. Further, we list experiments testing multiple species on multiple sites in Europe and compare experimental designs, tree species and environmental gradients. The Swiss common garden network complements other European experiments and broadens the potential network by extending the covered environmental gradients to colder and moister conditions. Such targeted assisted migration trials are key to promoting tree species that can cope with the future climate and can help us to foster forest ecosystems that can adapt to rapidly changing climates.
An antibody to IL-1 receptor 7 protects mice from LPS-induced tissue and systemic inflammation
Authors: Jiang Liqiong , Lunding Lars P. , Webber William S. , Beckmann Karsten , Azam Tania , Falkesgaard Højen Jesper , Amo-Aparicio Jesus , Dinarello Alberto , Nguyen Tom T. , Pessara Ulrich , Parera Daniel , Orlicky David J. , Fischer Stephan , Wegmann Michael , Dinarello Charles A. , Li Suzhao
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Interleukin-18 (IL-18), a pro-inflammatory cytokine belonging to the IL-1 Family, is a key mediator ofautoinflammatory diseases associated with the development of macrophage activation syndrome (MAS).High levels of IL-18 correlate with MAS and COVID-19 severity and mortality, particularly in COVID-19patients with MAS. As an inflammation inducer, IL-18 binds its receptor IL-1 Receptor 5 (IL-1R5), leadingto the recruitment of the co-receptor, IL-1 Receptor 7 (IL-1R7). This heterotrimeric complex subsequentlyinitiates downstream signaling, resulting in local and systemic inflammation.

Methods

We reported earlier the development of a novel humanized monoclonal anti-human IL-1R7 antibody whichspecifically blocks the activity of human IL-18 and its inflammatory signaling in human cell and wholeblood cultures. In the current study, we further explored the strategy of blocking IL-1R7 inhyperinflammation in vivo using animal models.

Results

We first identified an anti-mouse IL-1R7 antibody that significantly suppressed mouse IL-18 andlipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced IFNg production in mouse splenocyte and peritoneal cell cultures. Whenapplied in vivo, the antibody reduced Propionibacterium acnes and LPS-induced liver injury and protectedmice from tissue and systemic hyperinflammation. Importantly, anti-IL-1R7 significantly inhibited plasma,liver cell and spleen cell IFNg production. Also, anti-IL-1R7 downregulated plasma TNFa, IL-6, IL-1b,MIP-2 production and the production of the liver enzyme ALT. In parallel, anti-IL-1R7 suppressed LPSinducedinflammatory cell infiltration in lungs and inhibited the subsequent IFNg production andinflammation in mice when assessed using an acute lung injury model.

Discussion

Altogether, our data suggest that blocking IL-1R7 represents a potential therapeutic strategy to specificallymodulate IL-18-mediated hyperinflammation, warranting further investigation of its clinical application intreating IL-18-mediated diseases, including MAS and COVID-19.
Improving patient-centered mental health promotion in primary care in vulnerable communities through mindfulness training in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Authors: Teixeira Débora Silva , Fortes Sandra , Kestenberg Celia , Alves Kali , Campos Mônica Rodrigues , Neto Alfredo Oliveira , Ortega Francisco , García-Campayo Javier , Demarzo Marcelo
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Brazilian Primary Health Care (PHC) is responsible for all-sanitary actions for a community-based population, including health promotion and mental health care. Mindfulness Based Health Promotion (MBHP) is an intervention that can promote self-care and psychosocial support in PHC.

Objective

To discuss the effects of mindfulness based psychosocial group interventions for health promotion in primary care units in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Methods

The intervention was based on the MBHP model adapted for SUS. Nine groups were held in Rio de Janeiro. A quali-quanti research was held with two parts: (a) quantitative study, pre and after the 8 weeks intervention, evaluating the effect on mindfulness and self-compassion and their association with levels of anxiety, depression, and quality of life. (b) Qualitative research using Focus Groups with the participants to investigate their experience at the end of the mindfulness groups.

Results and discussion

Sixty-two participants finished the 9 groups where 86% were women, mostly between 30 and 59 years of age and low income, and around 80% under regular medical care in PHC in SUS. In the studied sample 80% had at least one chronic health condition under treatment, including 42% with anxiety and 35% with depression. The effects included significant improvement in Anxiety and Depression and in Quality of Life, mainly in the psychological but also in the physical and interrelation domains. The qualitative study showed that most patients joined the group on the recommendation of health professionals for managing physical and mental health symptoms. Patients reported being able to use the practices taught in the sessions to manage symptoms such as insomnia and emotionally distressing situations in their daily lives. Including family members in mindfulness practices was a strategy to negotiate not only a space at home to meditate, but also to obtain a different approach to health problems. Participants pointed to mindfulness as a complementary therapeutic option to medication and psychotherapy.

Conclusion

Mindfulness-Based Intervention have shown to be a feasible, well-accepted and efficacious method of offering psychosocial support and promoting well-being for low-income patients in primary care in LAMIC.
MassARRAY: a high-throughput solution for rapid detection of foodborne pathogens in real-world settings
Authors: Suebwongsa Namfon , Jiemsup Surasak , Santiyanont Pannita , Hirunpatrawong Piyapha , Aswapairin Pornsiri , Thongkum Monthathip , Panumars Prakaymars , Chokesajjawatee Nipa , Wongsrichai Supaporn , Koompa Pichet , Yongkiettrakul Suganya
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Bacterial foodborne pathogens pose a substantial global public health concern, prompting government agencies and public health organizations to establish food safety guidelines and regulations aimed at mitigating the risk of foodborne illness. The advent of DNA-based amplification coupled with mass spectrometry, known as MassARRAY analysis, has proven to be a highly precise, sensitive, high-throughput, and cost-effective method for bacterial detection. This study aimed to develop, validate, and evaluate a MassARRAY-based assay for the detection and identification of significant enteropathogenic bacteria.

Methods

The MassARRAY-based assay was developed for the detection of 10 crucial bacterial foodborne pathogens, including Campylobacter coli, Campylobacter jejuni, Clostridium perfringens, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, Enterococcus faecium, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella spp., Shigella spp., and Staphylococcus aureus. The assay was optimized using the reference gDNA (n = 19), followed by validation using gDNA (n = 85) of reference and laboratory isolates. Additionally, the evaluation of the assay’s reaction using a mixture of gDNA from all nine targeted species was performed. The limit of detection of the developed MassARRAY-based assay was determined using bacterial cells. Moreover, the validation method for field samples was evaluated by comparing it with standard microbiological testing methods routinely analyzed.

Results

The developed MassARRAY-based assay demonstrated 100% concordance with known bacterial pure cultures. The assay’s reaction using a mixture of gDNA from all nine targeted species revealed the MassARRAY’s capability to detect all targeted species in a single assay with the lowest concentration of 1 ng/μL of gDNA. The limits of detection of the assay range from 357 ± 101 to 282,000 ± 79,196 cells. Moreover, the validation of the assay in field samples revealed a 100% correlation between the data obtained from the standard microbiological method and the MassARRAY-based assay.

Discussion

These findings suggested that the developed MassARRAY-based assay exhibited the excellence in high-throughput detection of foodborne bacterial pathogens with high accuracy, reliability, and potential applicability within real-world field samples.
Enteral nutritional strategy during therapeutic hypothermia: who? when? what?
Authors: Costa Simonetta , Rizzo Irene Del , Fattore Simona , Serrao Francesca , Priolo Francesca , Corsello Mirta , Tiberi Eloisa , Tana Milena , Catalano Paola , Vento Giovanni
Published: June 2024

Background

There are no guidelines regarding enteral feeding (EF) of infants with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) during and shortly after therapeutic hypothermia; consequently, clinical practice is, to date, still variable. The objective of this study is to assess whether a minimal EF strategy during therapeutic hypothermia may be associated with a shorter time to full EF of infants with HIE and to identify the clinical variables that independently affect the time to full EF.

Methods

A retrospective study, covering the period from 1 January 2015 to 30 June 2022 was performed at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of the Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “Agostino Gemelli” IRCCS, Rome, which compared infants with HIE who received minimal EF during therapeutic hypothermia with those who did not.

Results

Seventy-eight infants received minimal EF during therapeutic hypothermia, while 75 did not. Infants who were fed reached full EF significantly faster than those who were not. Moreover, they received parenteral nutrition and maintained central venous lines for a shorter time. A multivariate analysis, taking into account the variable of clinical severity, confirmed that minimal EF is an independent beneficial factor for reaching full EF in a shorter time and mechanical ventilation and seizures are independent factors for a longer time to full EF.

Conclusions

Minimal EF during therapeutic hypothermia is associated with a shorter time to full EF in stable infants with HIE. Further prospective studies are needed to better define the enteral nutrition strategy for infants during therapeutic hypothermia, regardless of the severity of clinical conditions.
Association between protein-to-energy ratio and overweight/obesity in children and adolescents in the United States: a cross-sectional study based on NHANES
Authors: Zhao Feng , Wang Yudan , Liu Zhaoyi , Wang Jiao , Xia Yinyin , Jiang Xuejun , Zhou Lixiao , Khan Ahmad , Cheng Shuqun , Zou Zhen , Chen Chengzhi , Qiu Jingfu
Published: June 2024

Background

The dietary protein proportion may be crucial in triggering overweight and obesity among children and adolescents.

Methods

Cross-sectional data from 4,336 children and adolescents who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Survey (NHANES) between 2011 and March 2020 were analyzed. Multivariate logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Restricted cubic splines assessed the nonlinear relationships between dietary protein intake and the prevalence of overweight and obesity.

Results

Adjusted logistic regression models showed that each 1% increase in dietary protein proportion was associated with a 4% higher risk of overweight and obesity (OR = 1.04, 95% CI: 1.01–1.07). A nonlinear relationship was noted in children aged 6–11 years (P < 0.05), as demonstrated by restricted cubic spline analysis. After dividing dietary protein intake into quartiles, the highest quartile had an adjusted OR of 2.07 (95% CI: 1.35, 3.16, P = 0.001) compared to the lowest, among children aged 6–11 years.

Conclusion

Dietary protein intake is positively linked to overweight and obesity in American children, irrespective of individual characteristics and total energy consumption.
Permanent cutaneous vesicostomy: a pragmatic approach to safely manage lower urinary tract dysfunction in pediatric patients with chronic and life-limiting conditions and neuropathic bladders
Authors: Vallasciani Santiago , Al Saeedi Ahmed , Khalil Ibrahim A. , Mohamed Reem Babiker , Muneer Eshan , Abdelmaguid Nadra , Pippi Salle Joao Luiz
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD) in cerebral palsy (CP) and other neuromuscular diseases can present with chronic retention that leads to hydronephrosis, recurrent urinary tract infections (UTI), and stone formation. Whenever the conservative treatment of LUTD fails for any reason, it is considered to be complicated LUTD, in which a surgical approach is warranted. Cutaneous vesicostomy (CV) is a simple, well-tolerated, and potentially reversible procedure that protects the upper tracts. We describe our experience using CV for this complex population.

Materials and methods

Children with CP and other neuromuscular diseases admitted to pediatric long-term care units for palliative care between 2015 and 2019 were included in the study. They present multi-system involvement, polypharmacy, and Gross Motor Function Classification System levels of 4 or 5. We retrospectively studied this population's indications and results of CV.

Results

Of the 52 admitted patients, 18 presented LUTD with UTI (n:18; 100%), stones (n:5; 28%), progressive hydroureteronephrosis (n:3; 17%), or stones (n:2; 11%). Conservative initial management (catheterizations, prophylaxis antibiotics) was effective in half the cases. The remaining nine were defined as complicated LUTD and underwent CV. After a mean follow-up of 11.3 months, the follow-up showed improved hydronephrosis in all nine (100%) patients. Recurrent UTIs were no longer seen in eight of nine patients, although three patients required bladder irrigations; bladder stones did not recur after CV; the kidney stones needed further intervention. Revision of the CV was required in two (11%) cases at 12 and 24 months postoperatively due to stoma stenosis.

Conclusion

CV is a relatively simple and effective procedure representing a pragmatic solution for managing complicated LUTD in complex long-term institutionalized pediatric palliative care patients with neuropathic bladders.
Several major herb pairs containing Coptidis rhizoma: a review of key traditional uses, constituents and compatibility effects
Authors: Li Shi-Yu , Xu Ding-Qiao , Chen Yan-Yan , Fu Rui-Jia , Tang Yu-Ping
Published: June 2024

Herb compatibility is the soul of traditional Chinese Medicine prescriptions. Coptidis rhizoma (CR) (Coptis chinensis Franch., Coptis deltoidea C.Y.Cheng et Hsiao, or Coptis teeta Wall.; family Ranunculaceae), is a well-known herb. The bitter and cold nature of CR can irritate the spleen and stomach, and certain ingredients in CR may trigger allergic reactions. Herb combinations can help alleviate the side effects caused by CR. Through data analysis and literature research, there are many herbs combined with CR have a high frequency, but only a few are currently used as formulae in clinical practice. The results showed that these six herb pairs are usually widely studied or used as prescriptions in the clinic. This paper describes the six herb pairs from the key traditional uses, changes in bioactive constituents, and compatibility effects, especially with Euodiae fructus (family Rutaceae), Scutellariae radix (family Lamiaceae), Magnoliae Officinalis cortex (family Magnoliaceae), Glycyrrhizae radix et rhizoma (family Fabaceae), Ginseng radix et rhizoma (family Araliaceae), and Aucklandiae radix (family Asteraceae), and found that herbs are more effective when used in combination. Therefore, it is feasible to establish some methods to study herb pairs comprehensively from different perspectives. This paper aims to provide the latest and most comprehensive information on the six herb pairs and summarize the pattern of CR compatibility effects. It aims to attract more attention, and further experimental studies will be conducted to investigate and evaluate the effects of herb pairs containing CR. These data can also provide valuable references for researchers and also provide more possibilities for future applications in clinical practice and new drug development.
Effects of thinning and understory removal on soil phosphorus fractions in subtropical pine plantations
Authors: Jian Zunji , Zeng Lixiong , Lei Lei , Liu Changfu , Shen Yafei , Zhang Jiajia , Xiao Wenfa , Li Mai-He
Published: June 2024

Forest management changes the physical environments and nutrient dynamics and then regulates the forest productivity. Soil phosphorus (P) availability is critical for productivity in tropical and subtropical forests. However, it was still poorly understood how soil P content and fraction respond to various forest management practices in these regions. Here, we measured the soil total P, available P, and Hedley’s P fractions, including inorganic and organic P (Pi and Po), in subtropical pine plantations treated with understory removal (UR), non-dominant species thinning (NDST) and dominant species thinning (DST) after nine years. Compared to plantations without management (CK), treatments such as UR, NDST, and DST decreased soil total P at 0–10 cm and soil available P at 0–10 cm and 10–20 cm. Increases in resin-Pi, NaOH-Pi, and C.HCl-Pi resulted in a higher total Pi in 0–10 cm (p < 0.05) in treated plots (UR, NDST, and DST) than in CK plots. UR, NDST, and DST treatments increased NaHCO3-Po and NaOH-Po (p < 0.05) but decreased C.HCl-Po at a depth of 0–10 cm. Regardless of management treatments, soil total P, available P, and P fractions in 0–10 cm showed higher contents than those in 10–20 cm. There were positive relationships between total P and total Po (p < 0.01) and between available P and total Pi. There were also positive relationships between total P, available P, NaHCO3-Pi, and NaOH-Pi (p < 0.05). In conclusion, forest management such as UR, NDST, and DST decreased soil total P and available P, and transforming soil P fractions to available P will meet the P demand following management in the pine plantations of subtropical China.
Naturalizing relevance realization: why agency and cognition are fundamentally not computational
Authors: Jaeger Johannes , Riedl Anna , Djedovic Alex , Vervaeke John , Walsh Denis
Published: June 2024

The way organismic agents come to know the world, and the way algorithms solve problems, are fundamentally different. The most sensible course of action for an organism does not simply follow from logical rules of inference. Before it can even use such rules, the organism must tackle the problem of relevance. It must turn ill-defined problems into well-defined ones, turn semantics into syntax. This ability to realize relevance is present in all organisms, from bacteria to humans. It lies at the root of organismic agency, cognition, and consciousness, arising from the particular autopoietic, anticipatory, and adaptive organization of living beings. In this article, we show that the process of relevance realization is beyond formalization. It cannot be captured completely by algorithmic approaches. This implies that organismic agency (and hence cognition as well as consciousness) are at heartnotcomputational in nature. Instead, we show how the process of relevance is realized by an adaptive and emergent triadic dialectic (a trialectic), which manifests as a metabolic and ecological-evolutionary co-constructive dynamic. This results in a meliorative process that enables an agent to continuously keep a grip on its arena, its reality. To be alive means to make sense of one’s world. This kind of embodied ecological rationality is a fundamental aspect of life, and a key characteristic that sets it apart from non-living matter.
Documenting and analyzing pre-reflective self-consciousness underlying ongoing performance optimization in elite athletes: the theoretical and methodological approach of the course-of-experience framework
Authors: Terrien Eric , Huet Benoît , Iachkine Paul , Saury Jacques
Published: June 2024

Traditional theories of motor learning emphasize the automaticity of skillful actions. However, recent research has emphasized the role of pre-reflective self-consciousness accompanying skillful action execution. In the present paper, we present the course-of-experience framework as a means of studying elite athletes’ pre-reflective self-consciousness in the unfolding activity of performance optimization. We carried out a synthetic presentation of the ontological and epistemological foundation of this framework. Then we illustrated the methodology by an in-depth analysis of two elite windsurfers’ courses of experience. The analysis of global and local characteristics of the riders’ courses of experience reveal (a) the meaningful activities accompanying the experience of ongoing performance optimization; (b) the multidimensionality of attentional foci and the normativity of performance self-assessment; and (c) a micro-scale phenomenological description of continuous improvement. These results highlight the fruitfulness of the course-of-experience framework to describe the experience of being absorbed in an activity of performance optimization.
Exploring age-related differences in metacognitive self-regulation: the influence of motivational factors in secondary school students
Authors: Katsantonis Ioannis
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Metacognitive self-regulation is a crucial factor that promotes students’ learning and achievement. However, the evidence regarding age differences in metacognitive skills is rather mixed, with some evidence pointing toward further refinement and development and other evidence suggesting declining levels. Academic motivation, an important antecedent of metacognitive self-regulation, has also been reported to decline steeply in adolescence. Hence, this raises the question whether there are any age-related differences in academic motivation and metacognitive self-regulation of adolescents and whether age differences in academic motivation drive decreases in metacognitive self-regulation.

Method

A large sample size of 1,027 Greek adolescents (ages 12–16, Mage = 13.95, SD = 0.78) was utilized in the present study. Multigroup measurement invariance analyses were deployed to compare the latent means of motivational factors (self-efficacy, task value, mastery, and performance goals) and metacognitive self-regulation across age groups. Cholesky decomposition was applied to test the independent contribution of motivational factors to and the indirect effects of age on metacognitive self-regulation.

Results

Invariance analyses revealed scalar invariance for metacognitive self-regulation, language self-efficacy, mastery and performance goal orientations and partially scalar invariance for task value. Older adolescents scored lower on metacognitive self-regulation, mastery and performance goals, and self-efficacy. Older students scored lower on metacognitive self-regulation via indirect effects through Cholesky decomposed motivational factors.

Discussion

Self-efficacy, mastery and performance goals, and task value are similarly understood across adolescents in different age groups. Decreased mastery and performance goals and task value can lead to reduced metacognitive self-regulation in adolescents. The implications of the findings underscore the key role of making students more engaged with lessons’ content in order to promote greater academic motivation and prevent decreases in metacognitive self-regulation.
Semantic versus perceptual priming: dissecting their impact on intuitive judgments of semantic coherence
Authors: Sweklej Joanna , Balas Robert
Published: June 2024

This research explores the mechanisms underlying the intuitive processing of semantic coherence, focusing on the effects of semantic and perceptual priming on semantic coherence detection. Two studies examined how these priming types influence individuals’ abilities to discern semantic incoherence. In Study 1, we used solutions to semantically coherent triads as primes, finding that such priming significantly improves participants’ accuracy and confidence in identifying incoherent elements within word tetrads. These results corroborate the hypothesis that intuitive judgments in linguistic tasks are closely tied to the processing fluency elicited by semantic connections. In Study 2, we show that perceptual priming does not significantly enhance accuracy, albeit it does increase the confidence with which individuals make their judgments. Distinct effects of semantic and perceptual priming on intuitive judgments highlight the complex interplay between processing fluency and affect in shaping intuitive judgments of semantic coherence. We discuss the nuanced roles of semantic and perceptual factors in influencing the accuracy and confidence of intuitive decisions.
Strategies associated with improved healthiness of consumer purchasing in supermarket interventions: a systematic overview of reviews and evaluation of primary articles
Authors: Brooker Paige G. , Howlett Caitlin A. , Brindal Emily , Hendrie Gilly A.
Published: June 2024

Background

Growing evidence suggests that it is possible to change the retail food environment to enable healthier choices via in-store interventions. It has been difficult to draw clear conclusions as to which interventions are most effective in positively influencing consumer purchasing behaviour given the significant heterogeneity within the food retail research literature. The aim of this study was to (1) summarise current high-quality systematic, scoping, and/or narrative reviews (Part I: overview of reviews); and (2) synthesise high-quality original research, to understand the range, types and effectiveness of strategies implemented in food retail settings (Part II: evaluation of primary studies).

Methods

To identify reviews describing the effects of intervention strategies aiming to improve the healthiness of consumer purchasing in supermarkets, a systematic search across seven electronic databases was completed in April 2023. The methodological quality of reviews was assessed using the risk of bias in systematic reviews for systematic and scoping reviews, and the Scale for the Assessment of Narrative Review Articles for narrative reviews. High-quality reviews were further inspected and synthesised narratively (Part I). Next, to understand strategies associated with improved healthiness of consumer purchasing high-quality, primary articles from high-quality reviews identified in Part I were retrieved, and the strategies implemented within these interventions were summarised (Part II).

Results

Thirty-eight reviews met the inclusion criteria for Part I; two-thirds (n = 25, 66%) were rated as high-quality (66%). These reviews indicated that pricing strategies had the greatest proportion of reported positive or promising effects on outcomes (n = 8 of 11 reviews, 73%). Twenty reviews met the inclusion criteria for Part II and the 771 primary articles from these reviews were screened with 23 high-quality primary articles included in analysis. Findings indicated that promotional strategies in combination with another strategy appeared to be most successful among regular shoppers (the general population), whereas pricing was most successful in low socio-economic status and rural sub-groups.

Conclusion

Promotion, pricing and prompting were the most commonly tested strategies across the overview of reviews and review of primary articles. Promotion, in combination with other strategies, and pricing appear to be most promising, but the effectiveness of pricing strategies may vary by sub-groups of the population. How pricing and promotion in combination with other strategies can be implemented responsibly and sustainably to change purchase habits towards healthier items should be explored further.

Systematic Review registration

OSF, https://osf.io/jyg73/.
Access to PrEP and other sexual health services for cisgender women in the United States: a review of state policy and Medicaid expansion
Authors: Chory Ashley , Bond Keosha
Published: June 2024

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has the potential to prevent new HIV infections, but it is unclear how state policies governing sexual and reproductive health services (SRH) impact access for cisgender women. The objective of this review is to identify barriers to PrEP access for cisgender women in the United States. Using the CDC Atlas Program, 20 states with the highest HIV incidence among cisgender women were included in this analysis. Through a search conducted in May–July 2022 of CDC, PrEPWatch.org, and other State Department and Insurance websites, Medicaid expansion status, pharmacist PrEP prescribing laws, financial support programs, and Traditional Medicaid coverage of PrEP, HIV testing, and emergency contraception were reviewed. Of the included states, nearly half did not expand Medicaid at the state level. Emergency contraception and HIV testing was covered under Traditional Medicaid for almost all included states, but insurance stipulations and eligibility requirements remain. Although PrEP is covered under all Traditional Medicaid plans, six states require pre-authorization. Three states have HIV testing mandates, four allow pharmacists to prescribe PrEP and six have financial support programs to cover the cost of PrEP. Medicaid expansion, pre-authorization requirements for PrEP prescriptions and emergency contraception, and limitations on pharmacist prescribing abilities were identified as barriers to SRH access for cisgender women. Medicaid expansion should be prioritized as an approach to expanding access to HIV prevention services at the state level.
Spatiotemporal analysis of HPV vaccination and associated neighborhood-level disparities in Texas—an ecological study
Authors: Ramphul Ryan , Zamorano Abigail S. , Upadhyay Saswati , Desai Manali , Bauer Cici
Published: June 2024

Background

HPV is responsible for most cervical, oropharyngeal, anal, vaginal, and vulvar cancers. The HPV vaccine has decreased cervical cancer incidence, but only 49% of Texas adolescents have initiated the vaccine. Texas shows great variation in HPV vaccination rates. We used geospatial analysis to identify areas with high and low vaccination rates and explored differences in neighborhood characteristics.

Methods

Using Anselin’s Local Moran’s I statistic, we conducted an ecological analysis of hot and cold spots of adolescent HPV vaccination coverage in Texas from 2017 to 2021. Next, we utilized a Mann–Whitney U test to compare neighborhood characteristics of vaccination coverage in hot spots versus cold spots, leveraging data from the Child Opportunity Index (COI) and American Community Survey.

Results

In Texas, there are 64 persistent vaccination coverage hotspots and 55 persistent vaccination coverage cold spots. The persistent vaccination coverage hot spots are characterized by ZIP codes with lower COI scores, higher percentages of Hispanic residents, higher poverty rates, and smaller populations per square mile compared to vaccine coverage cold spots. We found a more pronounced spatial clustering pattern for male adolescent vaccine coverage than we did for female adolescent vaccine coverage.

Conclusion

In Texas, HPV vaccination coverage rates differ depending on the community’s income level, with lower-income areas achieving higher success rates. Notably, there are also gender-based discrepancies in vaccination coverage rates, particularly among male adolescents. This knowledge can aid advocates in customizing their outreach initiatives to address these disparities.
Does government policy matter in the digital transformation of farmers’ cooperatives?—A tripartite evolutionary game analysis
Authors: Zheng Yangyang , Mei Linfeng , Chen Weimin
Published: June 2024

Farmers’ cooperatives, as one of the new types of agricultural businesses, are an effective carrier for the digital transformation of agriculture, yet existing studies have paid less attention to how farmers’ cooperatives realize digital transformation. As agricultural economic organizations embedded in social networks, the digital transformation of farmers’ cooperatives requires the joint efforts of governments and companies. Based on the evolutionary game theory, this paper constructs a tripartite evolutionary game model of the government, digital technology companies and farmers’ cooperatives, and simulates and analyzes the behavioral decisions of different participants in the digital transformation of farmers’ cooperatives from the perspective of government policy. The results show: Medium government subsidies can effectively promote the digital transformation of farmers’ cooperatives, and strong subsidy policies increase the government’s financial burden, which is not conducive to policy sustainability. Strong government regulation facilitates digital technology companies to actively provide high-quality services for the digital transformation of farmers’ cooperatives, but government regulation does not have a significant impact on the strategic choices of the government and farmers’ cooperatives. When farmer cooperatives and digital technology companies are in a medium or high level of cooperative trust or when the number of labors saved by digital transformation reaches a certain level, farmers’ cooperatives opt for digital transformation even if the government withdraws from policy intervention.
Satisfaction level among rural and urban physical therapy students regarding their knowledge and clinical practice: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Arshad Sabiha , Waseem Iqra , Mahmood Tahir , Tariq Komal
Published: June 2024

Background: Physical therapy (PT) is an emerging field in Pakistan. Numerous studies have been conducted to evaluate the level of satisfaction and attitude of medical students and nurses towards their clinical practice environment, but there are few studies on physical therapy students.
Objective: To assess student satisfaction levels among rural and urban physical therapy students regarding their knowledge and clinical practice.
Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted with a sample size of 250 PT students of different medical colleges in Punjab through convenient sampling technique. Physical Therapy Student Attitudes Questionnaire (PSAQ) was used. After taking consent, data was collected and analyzed by SPSS version 26.
Results: The study comprised of 250 participants, where the rural were 148 and urban were 102 with a mean age of 23.40±3.60 years. Results showed that there was neither a significant association (p-value=0.78) between gender and rural and urban students' satisfaction levels nor a significant association (p-value=0.43) between age and rural and urban students' satisfaction. The total mean score of rural and urban students was 87.91 and 89.83 respectively with a p- value = 0.39.
Conclusion: There was no significant difference between the overall satisfaction level of urban and rural students regarding their knowledge and clinical practice. Both genders and ages had no effect on students' satisfaction levels who belong to different residential areas nor did academic years of study and socioeconomic status affected the satisfaction level of students belonging to urban and rural areas.
Effects of 6 weeks of step aerobics training on pulmonary functions among female students with sedentary lifestyle
Authors: Fatima Syeda Rida , Tariq Muhammad Iqbal , Waqqar Saira , Waseem Mehwish , Manzoor Iram , Fatima Abeer
Published: June 2024

Background: Sedentary lifestyle is among the leading cause of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases over the globe. Aerobic conditioning is among the beneficial intervention to improve pulmonary function and manage the complications caused by sedentary life style.
Objective: To determine the effects of step aerobics training on pulmonary function among female students with Sedentary Lifestyle.
Methods: This RCT was conducted in Margalla Institute of Health Sciences from February to July 2019. Nonprobability convenient sampling was employed to collect sample of 80 students, randomly allocated into groups (40 per group) by coin toss method. Group A performed step aerobics and Group B performed cycling for 6 weeks. Pulmonary function test (FVC, FEV1, PEF) and 3-minute step test was performed at baseline, after 2, 4 and 6 weeks in both groups. Heart rate and oxygen saturation was monitored pre and post exercise.
Results: The mean age of Group A is 22.43±2.49 and Group B is 21.80±2.04. Results showed statistically significant difference in respiratory function between groups. Significant improvement of respiratory function was observed in group A which performed aerobics program as compared to group B. The level of significance was set on p <0.05.
Conclusion: Step aerobics is considered beneficial in improvement of pulmonary functions and is a good alternative for conditioning program for female adults. Cycling also improved pulmonary function but the progress was slow as compared to step aerobics which showed quick impact in improving pulmonary function test.
Clinical Trial Number: NCT04051788
Effects of dry needling on pain, range of motion and function in patients with upper cross syndrome
Authors: Uroj Komal , Shakeel ur Rehman Syed , Sanaullah Muhammad
Published: June 2024

Background: In upper cross syndrome, upper trapezius, levator scapulae, sub occipital, sternocleidomastoid, pectoralis major and minor become tight. Whereas, the phasic muscle including lower and middle trapezius, deep neck flexor and serratus anterior muscle weaken.
Objectives: To determine the effects of dry needling on pain, range of motion and function in upper cross syndrome.
Methods: This randomized clinical trial was conducted at Sheikh Zaid Hospital Rahim yar khan. Ethical approval REC/RCRS/20/1049 was obtained from Riphah International University Lahore. Group A was treated with dry needling along with conventional therapy and group B was treated with conventional therapy and 34 subjects were allocated in both groups. The duration of study was of 2 weeks with 1 session per week. The pre and post intervention scores were taken for Visual analogue scale, Neck disability index and neck range of motion. The data was analyzed using SPSS 25.
Results: There was no significant difference (p<0.05) between groups based on demographic data at baseline. The BMI in group A was 24.38(1.14) and in group B 23.19(2.59). The mean difference of VAS in group A was 2.89(1.68) with CI [1.98, 3.76] (p<0.05) and in group B was 2.87(1.03) with CI [2.33,3.42] (p<0.05). The mean difference for NDI in group A was 21.25(10.85) with CI [15.46, 27.03] (p<0.05) and in Group B was 14.68(8.42) with CI [10.20,19.17] (p<0.05). In VAS and NDI between group analysis did not show significant result (p>0.05).
Conclusion: Dry needling along with conventional therapy only improves range of motion but in term of pain and functionality, dry needling and conventional therapy are equally effective.
Clinical Trial Number: NCT04674904
Frequency and severity of neck pain among undergraduate students using screen devices
Authors: Khan Haseeb Muhammad , Javed Anam , Tariq Saad , Naeem Maria , Naveed Zoya , Saleem Sawaira , Hamza Ali
Published: June 2024

Background: Screen use time has been on the rise among the students, which has detrimental effects on their health. One of the most frequent complaints from users is neck pain that predisposes individuals to functional limitations and persistent pain, which may result in poor academic performance.
Objective: To determine the frequency and severity of neck pain among undergraduate students using screen devices.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Bashir Institute of Health Sciences from June to
October 2022. A sample of 80 students was selected using the non-probability convenient sampling technique to evaluate the relationship between screen device usage and neck pain. The participants were the undergraduate students, both male and female with age ranging from 18 to 25 years. Data was collected using a self-structured questionnaire and Numeric Pain Rating Scale and was analyzed by SPSS version 25.
Results: The findings showed that a substantial proportion of participants, specifically 71 (88.75%) reported experiencing neck pain at least once during or after device use. Moreover, the frequency of neck pain was found to be 73.8% annually, 43.8% within the last month, and 22.5% at the time of assessment. Moderate pain intensity was reported by 41 (51.3%) participants, while 22 (27.5%) reported mild pain on the Numeric Pain Rating Scale.
Conclusion: The study concluded that neck pain is frequently reported in students using screen devices with the majority having moderate level of pain severity.
Predictive Value of Multiple Scoring Systems in the Prognosis of Septic Patients with Different Infection Sites: Analysis of the Medical Information Mart for the Intensive Care IV Database
Authors: Zhang Di , Wang Changyong , Li Qianfeng , Zhu Yi , Zou Handong , Li Guang , Zhan Liying
Published: June 2024

The heterogeneity nature of sepsis is significantly impacted by the site of infection. This study aims to explore the predictive value of multiple scoring systems in assessing the prognosis of septic patients across different infection sites. Data for this retrospective cohort study were extracted from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV database (MIMIC-IV) (v2.2). Adult patients meeting the criteria for sepsis 3.0 and admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) were enrolled. Infection sites included were pneumonia, urinary tract infection (UTI), cellulitis, abdominal infection, and bacteremia. The primary outcome assessed was 28-day mortality. The sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score, Oxford Acute Severity of Illness Score (OASIS), and Logistic Organ Dysfunction System (LODS) score were compared. Binomial logistic regression analysis was conducted to evaluate the association between these variables and mortality. Additionally, differences in the area under the curve (AUC) of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) among the scoring systems were analyzed. A total of 4721 patients were included in the analysis. The average 28-day mortality rate was 9.4%. Significant differences were observed in LODS, OASIS, and SOFA scores between the 28-day survival and non-survival groups across different infection sites (p < 0.01). In the pneumonia group and abdominal infection group, both the LODS and OASIS scoring systems emerged as independent risk factors for mortality in septic patients (odds ratio [OR]: 1.165, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.109–1.224, p < 0.001; OR: 1.047, 95% CI: 1.028–1.065, p < 0.001) (OR: 1.200, 95% CI: 1.091–1.319, p < 0.001; OR: 1.060, 95% CI: 1.025–1.095, p < 0.001). For patients with UTI, the LODS, OASIS, and SOFA scoring systems were identified as independent risk factors for mortality (OR: 1.142, 95% CI: 1.068–1.220, p < 0.001; OR: 1.062, 95% CI: 1.037–1.087, p < 0.001; OR: 1.146, 95% CI: 1.046–1.255, p = 0.004), with the AUC of LODS score and OASIS significantly higher than that of the SOFA score (p = 0.006). Among patients with cellulitis, the OASIS and SOFA scoring systems were identified as independent risk factors for mortality (OR: 1.055, 95% CI: 1.007–1.106, p = 0.025; OR: 1.187, 95% CI: 1.005–1.403, p = 0.044), with no significant difference in prognosis prediction observed (p = 0.243). In the bacteremia group, the LODS scoring system was identified as an independent risk factor for mortality (OR: 1.165, 95% CI: 1.109–1.224, p < 0.001). The findings suggest that LODS scores offer better prognostic accuracy for predicting the mortality risk in septic patients with pneumonia, abdominal infections, bacteremia, and UTI compared to SOFA scores.
High Rates of Organ Preservation in Rectal Cancer with Papillon Contact X-ray Radiotherapy: Results from a Swiss Cohort
Authors: Picardi Cristina , Caparrotti Francesca , Montemurro Michael , Christen Daniel , Schaub Nora-Brunner , Fargier-Voiron Marie , Lestrade Laetitia , Meyer Jeremy , Meurette Guillaume , Liot Emilie , Helbling Daniel , Schmidt Jan , Gutzwiller Jean-Pierre , Bernardi Marco , Matzinger Oscar , Ris Frederic
Published: June 2024

Rectal cancer typically necessitates a combination of radiotherapy (RT), chemotherapy, and surgery. The associated functional disorders and reduction in quality of life have led to an increasing interest in organ preservation strategies. Response strongly correlates with RT dose, but dose escalation with external beam remains limited even with modern external beam RT techniques because of toxicity of the surrounding tissues. This study reports on the use of Papillon, an endocavitary Radiotherapy device, in the treatment of rectal cancer. The device delivers low energy X-rays, allowing for safe dose escalation and better complete response rate. Between January 2015 and February 2024, 24 rectal cancer patients were treated with the addition of a boost delivered by Papillon to standard RT, with or without chemotherapy, in an upfront organ preservation strategy. After a median follow-up (FU) of 43 months, the organ preservation rate was 96% (23/24), and the local relapse rate was 8% (2/24). None of our patients developed grade 3 or more toxicities. Our results demonstrate that the addition of Papillon contact RT provides a high rate of local remission with sustained long-term organ preservation, offering a promising alternative to traditional surgical approaches in patients with rectal cancer.
Preclinical Therapeutic Efficacy of RAF/MEK/ERK and IGF1R/AKT/mTOR Inhibition in Neuroblastoma
Authors: Stauffer Stacey , Roth Jacob S. , Hernandez Edjay R. , Kowalczyk Joshua T. , Sealover Nancy E. , Hebron Katie E. , James Amy , Isanogle Kristine A. , Riffle Lisa A. , Ileva Lilia , Luo Xiaoling , Chen Jin-Qiu , Kedei Noemi , Kortum Robert L. , Lei Haiyan , Shern Jack F. , Kalen Joseph D. , Edmondson Elijah F. , Hall Matthew D. , Difilippantonio Simone , Thiele Carol J. , Yohe Marielle E.
Published: June 2024

Activating mutations in the RAS/MAPK pathway are observed in relapsed neuroblastoma. Preclinical studies indicate that these tumors have an increased sensitivity to inhibitors of the RAS/MAPK pathway, such as MEK inhibitors. MEK inhibitors do not induce durable responses as single agents, indicating a need to identify synergistic combinations of targeted agents to provide therapeutic benefit. We previously showed preclinical therapeutic synergy between a MEK inhibitor, trametinib, and a monoclonal antibody specific for IGF1R, ganitumab in RAS-mutated rhabdomyosarcoma. Neuroblastoma cells, like rhabdomyosarcoma cells, are sensitive to the inhibition of the RAS/MAPK and IGF1R/AKT/mTOR pathways. We hypothesized that the combination of trametinib and ganitumab would be effective in RAS-mutated neuroblastoma. In this study, trametinib and ganitumab synergistically suppressed neuroblastoma cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in cell culture. We also observed a delay in tumor initiation and prolongation of survival in heterotopic and orthotopic xenograft models treated with trametinib and ganitumab. However, the growth of both primary and metastatic tumors was observed in animals receiving the combination of trametinib and ganitumab. Therefore, more preclinical work is necessary before testing this combination in patients with relapsed or refractory RAS-mutated neuroblastoma.