bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Home fever management in children: a systematic review
Authors: Yuniati Faiza , Erwin Erwin , Shobur Sherli , Ardianty Septi , Sutrisno Sutrisno
Published: September 2024

Fever is a prevalent illness among children. Physical cooling interventions worsen the child’s condition as a result of parents’ anxiety and misconceptions about fever. This study aims to identify parental physical cooling intervention as fever management for feverish children in the scientific literature. The study adhered to the guidelines in the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA). The investigations were conducted within scientific electronic databases: ProQuest, Pubmed, Scopus, EBSCO, Google Scholar, and Cochrane, published in English, from January 2013 to August 2023. Authors screened articles for inclusion. After exclusion, there were ten studies included in the analysis with 15,488 participants. The literature review demonstrated that the physical cooling methods employed for home fever management were taking off excess clothes, providing extra fluid, warm compresses, sponging, showering and environmental measures. Sponging techniques and cold compresses are popular among parents. However, the methods have negative effects and are not recommended. Effective fever management optimizes the body's physiological response by ensuring adequate hydration, nutrition, and a conducive environment. When the fever worsens, parents should consider seeking medical treatment.
Socio-demographic segmentation in sanitation based engagement in Koja, Jakarta
Authors: Aji Angga Dheta Shirajjudin , Septiariva Iva Yenis , Nastiti Almira Davina , Sofiyah Evi Siti , Ridhosari Betanti , Suryawan I Wayan Koko , Suhardono Sapta , Prayogo Wisnu
Published: September 2024

Urban public health initiatives rely heavily on community participation to ensure success and sustainability. This study explores the socio-demographic determinants of community engagement in the public health initiatives of Koja Subdistrict, Jakarta. A cross-sectional survey was conducted, employing both qualitative interviews and quantitative questionnaires to gather data from a representative sample. Binary logistic regression was used to analyze the data, focusing on aesthetics, public health sanitation performance, community socialization, gender, age, and education. The findings reveal that aesthetic considerations, perceived sanitation performance, socialization practices, and demographic factors significantly influence the willingness to participate. Aesthetics and community socialization positively impacted engagement, while perceived high sanitation performance paradoxically discouraged individual participation. Furthermore, demographic factors such as gender, age, and education level showed varying degrees of influence, with gender disparities and higher education correlating with increased engagement. This study contributes to understanding public health participation dynamics and offers insight into designing tailored community engagement strategies. Policymakers and health officials can leverage these insights to effectively enhance community involvement and address public health challenges.
Particulate matter 2.5 pollution, perception, and mental stress
Authors: Khanthavit Raabkwan , Khanthavit Anya
Published: September 2024

Multivariate mediation analyses were used to relate perceptions of particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) pollution level directly and indirectly to mental stress of residents in Bangkok, Thailand. PM2.5 induced concerns about respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, health, and unemployment served as mediators of the indirect effects. This study decomposed full perception into correct perception (actual PM2.5 level) and misperception so that the effects of perception and its components can be examined separately. The data were daily time series, beginning July 30, 2016, and ending September 30, 2023. Unobserved perception, PM2.5 induced concerns, and mental stress were proxied by Google’s relative search volume indexes. Correct perception was the actual PM2.5, whereas misperception was the regression residual of the full perception on the actual PM2.5. In the full sample, full perception and misperception had significant indirect effects, whereas correct perception had a significant direct effect. Respiratory disease was the main contributor to the significant indirect effect, although concern itself was not significant. For the COVID-19 subsample, full perceptions showed significant total, direct, and indirect effects. The significant indirect effect was explained by concerns regarding respiratory diseases and health. Correct perception had a significant direct effect; its indirect effect was small and nonsignificant. The results for misperceptions were similar to those for perceptions.
Utilising consumer reviews for passive surveillance of foodborne illnesses: insights and challenges from the Indian restaurant
Authors: Prabhune Akash , Hari Vinay Sri , Sethiya Neeraj Kumar , Gauniyal Mansi
Published: September 2024

This study explores the feasibility of leveraging consumer reviews for passive surveillance of foodborne illnesses, drawing parallels with pharmacovigilance systems. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, including a literature review, qualitative interviews with key stakeholders, and quantitative analysis of 56,000 restaurant reviews using a bidirectional encoder representation from transformers (BERT-based) aspect-based sentiment analysis model, the study seeks to understand the potential of social media data in enhancing food safety regulations. Despite the promise shown by the aspect-based analysis in identifying hygiene-related concerns, challenges such as data reliability, language diversity, and the absence of verifiable evidence limit the direct application of consumer reviews for regulatory purposes. Key informants highlighted the need for a tailored surveillance system, considering the Indian restaurant industry’s diversity and scale. The quantitative analysis revealed hygiene concerns in a significant portion of reviews, yet the specificity and verifiability of these complaints remain issues. The study suggests a cautious yet optimistic approach towards integrating social media data into foodborne illness surveillance, emphasizing the enhancement of traditional reporting mechanisms, targeted awareness campaigns, and industry collaboration. The findings advocate for a comprehensive strategy that includes developing a common platform for stakeholder communication and strengthening policy frameworks to support a collaborative surveillance system, particularly in developing contexts like India.
Determinants of parental involvement in early literacy development: a scoping review
Authors: Solichah Novia , Fardana Nur Ainy , Samian Samian
Published: September 2024

Parental involvement plays a pivotal role in fostering early literacy skills. Understanding the factors influencing parental involvement is essential for promoting effective intervention in childhood. This study aims to identify and explore the determinants of parental involvement in early literacy development. The scoping review adheres to PRISMA guidelines from eight electronic databases: SAGE, Research Gate, Semantic Scholar, Google Scholar, Science Direct, Taylor and Francis, Scopus, and Springer. The criteria include research on parental involvement and early literacy, handling children aged 0-6 years and parents, and publishing original research articles and literature reviews. The search yielded 13 relevant studies. The analysis results show the following determinants of parental involvement in early literacy development: internal factors (i.e., parent depression, parent fidelity, parental genetics, parent's perspective, parent's support, parental positive motivation and belief, parental estimation, and parent expectation) and external factors (i.e., socioeconomic status, parents' education, parental literacy experience, family risk home literacy environment, and emergent literacy skills). The study results aim to inform targeted interventions to enhance parental involvement in early literacy across diverse contexts.
Optimizing mental health: smartphone discharge planning's on impact on stroke survivor' mood
Authors: Retnaningsih Dwi , Ramadhani Desi , Suara Eviwindha
Published: September 2024

Stroke is a disease that causes a variety of physical and psychological disorders, resulting in limitations in a person's life. Stroke patients often experience psychological problems such as depression, anxiety, and stress as a result of changes in their life activities. Discharge planning is considered an intervention that can reduce complications and improve the quality of life of stroke patients. However, there are still reports that the implementation of discharge planning is not optimal, and one of the reasons is the use of inappropriate methods. The aim of the study was to demonstrate the impact of the use of discharge planning applications on the levels of depression, anxiety, and stress in stroke patients. The research method used is quasi-experimental quantitative research with a one-group pretest and posttest design. A total of 21 respondents used purposive sampling techniques. The results showed changes in levels of depression, anxiety, and stress after application-based discharge planning. The Wilcoxon statistical test results obtained a p-value of 0.000 (p<0.005), which suggests that there is an influence of application-based discharge planning on the levels of depression, anxiety, and stress in stroke patients.
Resilience-based interventions for parents of children with cancer: a systematic review
Authors: Sinaga Sumiati , Abdul Mulud Zamzaliza
Published: September 2024

Childhood cancer diagnosis and treatment can have a negative impact, not only on the child but also on the parents. the study aims to systematically summarize the effectiveness of resilience-based interventions in parents of children with cancer. A systematic review was conducted on eight studies that met the eligibility criteria. Article searches were conducted using the PICO framework through six databases PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Proquest, WoS, and Clinical Key. The literature search followed the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Article searches were limited to publication years ranging from 2019 to 2023 using the keywords "resilience" "intervention" and "parents of children with cancer" and only in english. Studies have shown that interventions can improve parental resilience, reduce psychological distress, improve family functioning, and improve quality of life. These interventions also reduce parental hopelessness and improve coping. These outcomes are crucial for parents of cancer children to be resilient and adaptable, enabling them to support their children during treatment and care. The choice of intervention programs and approaches may vary depending on the needs of the parents. Therefore, the results of this literature review can be the basis for determining the approach used in providing nursing interventions aimed at helping parents of cancer children adapt to difficult situations.
“You’ve Got Me Feeling Emotions”: Affective Norms of Deliberation in the Philippine lgbtqia+ Rights Movement
Authors: Evangelista John Andrew G.
Published: September 2024

In contentious politics and deliberation, emotions function as rhetorical resources to substantiate claims and as evaluative criteria to assess social ties among actors. For social movements, then, emotions are vital in framing demands and sustaining collective participation. Grounded on accounts gathered from Filipinx lgbtqia+ rights movement through oral history interviews and analyzed through narrative and thematic approaches, this article illustrates the role of emotions when adherents deliberate with various interlocutors. I argue that advocates utilize affective ties to expand access to deliberative institutions and to sustain discussions of their claims. I also submit that specific ideologies motivate the idealization of particular affective norms when activists engage specific interlocutors. Hence, emotions figure in the movement both as framing tools and deliberative norms that need to be deliberated as well.
“The Righteous in Paradise are Ageless, Immortal, Fearless …”: An Edition and Annotated Translation of the Dādestān ī Mēnōg ī Xrad 7
Authors: Agostini Domenico
Published: September 2024

The destiny of the soul after death occupies an important place in religious literature. Chapter 7 of the Pahlavi book Dādestān ī Mēnōg ī Xrad (“The Judgments of the Spirit of Wisdom”), which belongs to the genre of andarz literature and contains mostly practical wisdom for Zoroastrian laymen, presents a detailed description of the architecture and role of three otherworldly abodes that await souls in the afterlife. This description contains many architectural and religious features, which characterize these abodes in most Pahlavi literature.

The narrative structure of the chapter constitutes a dialogue between a wise man (dānāg) and the Spirit of Wisdom. In the latter’s responses, a descriptive tripartite division of the afterlife is presented. This architecture of heaven and hell reflects different Zoroastrian traditions that were developed to adapt the afterlife to the tripartite ethical tenets of Zoroastrianism.
What AI Knows: Shaping Work and Pushing Ideas on Changing Organizations
Authors: Fredberg Tobias , Schwarz Gavin M.
Published: September 2024

The rise of generative AI presents both opportunities and challenges for organizations as they navigate unprecedented societal, political, and technological transformations. AI's growing influence brings fundamental questions about work, expertise, decision-making, and organizational behavior. This Special Forum on “What AI Knows: Shaping Work and Pushing Ideas on Changing Organizations”, explores the transformative influence of AI on the organization of change and organizations that change. Through a collection of thought-provoking contributions, it explores how organizations can navigate these challenges, balancing the risks and opportunities presented by AI. Ultimately, the forum aims to push the boundaries of understanding how AI will shape the future of work, organizational change, and leadership practices, and urges ongoing inquiry into AI's future impact on organizations, pushing boundaries for innovation and strategic thinking.
“Solely an Act of Prayer”—and Power? Ordination in the Swiss Reformed Church and the Question Who Ordains Who, or Not
Authors: Stephany André M.
Published: September 2024

This article discusses how the Swiss Reformed Church (SRC) is very aware of power-structures and keen to enact its democratic understanding of church in the ritual of ordination. The same Church, however, is hesitant to enter the debate about ordained ministry and to consider the ordination of those from ministries other than the stipendiary ministry of the Word and Sacrament. Following debates about the ordination of deacons and catechists, the question of which ministries should be ordained has reclaimed significance: first, because there is a growing number of lay readers who partake in the ministry of the Word and Sacrament and play an increasingly important role in the SRC and, second, from an ecumenical perspective, because the SRC is a member of the Community of Protestant Churches in Europe (CPCE) that sees ordination as the condition for the public proclamation of the Word and the administration of the sacraments. This article argues that the effort to enact ordination liturgically as a democratic and non-hierarchical act stands in marked contrast to the protectionist treatment of the one ordained stipendiary office of the Word and Sacrament. Does power play a role despite the enactment of a power-free ordination liturgy?
Performance evaluation of noninvasive prenatal testing on 24 chromosomes in a cohort of 118,969 pregnant women in Sichuan, China
Authors: Qin Shengfang , Zhao Yitong , Deng Fengqiu , Yan Mengjia , Xi Na , Chen Chun , Wei Ping , Wu Zhiling , Wang Xueyan
Published: September 2024

Objective

This study aimed to comprehensively analyze the detection capacity of non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) for chromosomal abnormalities of all 24 chromosomes, as well as high-risk indications for pregnancy and the fetal fraction, in a large cohort.

Methods

We retrospectively enrolled 118,969 pregnant women who underwent NIPT at Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital from March 2019 to June 2022. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and positive chromosomal abnormality rate were calculated. The fetal fraction based on gestational age, maternal body mass index, and number was examined.

Results

NIPT demonstrated > 99% sensitivity and specificity for almost all of the common trisomies (T21, T18, and T13), sex chromosomal aneuploidies, rare autosomal trisomies, and microdeletion/microduplication syndromes. Positive predictive values varied from 12.0% to 89.6%. Advanced maternal age was associated with an increased risk of three major aneuploidies. The fetal fraction was positively correlated with gestational age and negatively correlated with the maternal body mass index.

Conclusions

NIPT can be used to effectively screen for chromosomal abnormalities across all 24 chromosomes. Advanced maternal age is a risk factor for high-risk pregnancy, and careful consideration of the fetal fraction is essential during NIPT.
Application of polyethylenimine hyperbranched polymers in low salt reactive dyeing of cellulose
Authors: Aïda Duran-Serra , Remedios Prieto-Fuentes , Fernando Carrillo-Navarrete
Published: September 2024

This study aimed to graft a commercial amino-terminated hyperbranched polymer (AHP), specifically a low molecular weight branched polyethylenimine, onto cotton fibres through partial oxidation of cellulose with periodate. The primary objective was to assess the feasibility of achieving salt-free or low-salt dyeing of cotton with reactive dyes. The research investigated the washing, rubbing, and light fastness of modified cotton fabrics dyed in the absence or with a low-salt promoter, comparing the results with conventional dyeing methods. The findings indicated that grafting AHP through partial oxidation significantly reduced the required salt levels for dyeing with reactive dyes while maintaining colour intensity and comparable washing fastness properties.
Exploring low back and pelvic pain challenges: Administrative insights into prevalence during pregnancy among 2016–2021 South Carolina Medicaid beneficiaries
Authors: Deng Songyuan , Bennett Kevin J
Published: September 2024

Background:

Musculoskeletal changes occur during pregnancy; one-half of pregnant women experienced low back pain and/or pelvic pain during pregnancy. Prescription opioid use for Medicaid enrolled pregnant women has increased dramatically due to severe low back pain/pelvic pain.

Objectives:

This study aimed to explore the prevalence of low back pain/pelvic pain and related risk factors among a broader population.

Design:

This is a retrospective cohort study.

Methods:

This study utilized de-identified Medicaid claims data provided by the South Carolina Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Office, including individuals who gave birth between 2016 and 2021 during pregnancy. Low back pain/pelvic pain and a group of musculoskeletal risk factors were identified with International Classification of Diseases v10. Comparisons were made for the prevalence of low back pain and pelvic pain between those with pregnancy-related musculoskeletal risk and those without.

Results:

Among 167,396 pregnancies, 65.6% were affected by musculoskeletal risk factors. The overall prevalence of low back pain was 15.6%, and of pregnancy-related pelvic pain was 25.2%. The overall prevalence for either low back pain or pelvic pain was 33.3% (increased from 29.5% in 2016 to 35.3% in 2021), with 24.6% being pregnancy-induced. Pregnancies with musculoskeletal risk factors were more likely to be diagnosed with low back pain (20.7% versus 5.7%, p < 0.001) or pelvic pain (35.3% versus 6.0%, p < 0.001) than those without.

Conclusion:

This study found a very high prevalence of musculoskeletal risk and a high prevalence of low back pain or pelvic pain, with an increasing trend, among South Carolina pregnancies enrolled in Medicaid during the period 2016–2021. Most of the diagnosed low back pain or pelvic pain were pregnancy induced. Musculoskeletal risk factors were associated with low back pain or pelvic pain.
Impact of the Swine flu pandemic on General Practitioner (GP) visits in Finland: sex and age differences
Authors: Mustonen Katri , Pitkälä Kaisu , Rahkonen Ossi , Raina Marko , Kauppila Timo
Published: September 2024

Background

Swine flu might serve as a model for challenges that primary care faces during pandemics. This study examined changes in the numbers and diagnoses of general practitioner (GP) visits during and after the Swine flu pandemic in Vantaa, a Finnish city, and how GP activities recovered after the pandemic. Putative sex and age group differences were also evaluated.

Methods

The study was an observational retrospective study. The monthly number of patient visits to primary care GPs by women and men in age groups 0–19, 20–64 and 65 + years was recorded before, during and two years after the Swine flu pandemic. The recorded diagnoses were also examined. The investigation period was from 2008 to 2012.

Results

The numbers of monthly visits to primary care decreased from 12 324 (mean) to 10 817 in women and from 8563 to 7612 in men during the first six months of the Swine flu, returning to the original level afterwards. This decrease was thus slightly more prominent in women. However, as the size of the population increased during the follow-up period, the actual number of GP visits adjusted for the size of population remained at a decreased level for two years after the Swine flu. This decrease was observed especially in office-hours visits of men (from 3692 to 3260) and women (from 6301 to 5428) of 20–64 years. Swine flu did not alter the number of visits to the primary care Emergency Department. The proportion of visits with diagnostic recordings of common infectious diseases mostly decreased during the Swine flu. Only a minor impact on the distribution of recordings of chronic diagnoses was found.

Conclusion

A pandemic, such as Swine flu, may decrease office-hours visits to primary care GPs. This in turn may lead to activities of primary care being adjusted downward for a long time following the pandemic. Especially the age group 20–64 years may be affected. This risk should be considered when recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic begins. Swine flu did not affect the proportion of consultations of chronic diseases, but the number of diagnoses of common infectious diseases had diminished.
Evaluating the implementation of the Pediatric Acute Care Education (PACE) program in northwestern Tanzania: a mixed-methods study guided by normalization process theory
Authors: Mwanga Joseph R. , Hokororo Adolfine , Ndosi Hanston , Masenge Theopista , Kalabamu Florence S. , Tawfik Daniel , Mediratta Rishi P. , Rozenfeld Boris , Berg Marc , Smith Zachary H. , Chami Neema , Mkopi Namala P. , Mwanga Castory , Diocles Enock , Agweyu Ambrose , Meaney Peter A.
Published: September 2024

Background

In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), such as Tanzania, the competency of healthcare providers critically influences the quality of pediatric care. To address this issue, we introduced Pediatric Acute Care Education (PACE), an adaptive learning program to enhance provider competency in Tanzania’s guidelines for managing seriously ill children. Adaptive learning is a promising alternative to current in-service education, yet optimal implementation strategies in LMIC settings are unknown.

Objectives

(1) To evaluate the initial PACE implementation in Mwanza, Tanzania, using the construct of normalization process theory (NPT); (2) To provide insights into its feasibility, acceptability, and scalability potential.

Methods

Mixed-methods study involving healthcare providers at three facilities. Quantitative data was collected using the Normalization MeAsure Development (NoMAD) questionnaire, while qualitative data was gathered through in-depth interviews (IDIs) and focus groups discussions (FGDs).

Results

Eighty-two healthcare providers completed the NoMAD survey. Additionally, 24 senior providers participated in IDIs, and 79 junior providers participated in FGDs. Coherence and cognitive participation were high, demonstrating that PACE is well understood and resonates with existing healthcare goals. Providers expressed a willingness to integrate PACE into their practices, distinguishing it from existing educational methods. However, challenges related to resources and infrastructure, particularly those affecting collective action, were noted. Early indicators point toward the potential for long-term sustainability of the PACE, but assessment of reflexive monitoring was limited due to the study’s focus on PACE’s initial implementation.

Conclusion

This study offers vital insights into the feasibility and acceptability of implementing PACE in a Tanzanian context. While PACE aligns well with healthcare objectives, addressing resource and infrastructure challenges as well as conducting a longer-term study to assess reflexive monitoring is crucial for its successful implementation. Furthermore, the study underscores the value of the NPT as a framework for guiding implementation processes, with broader implications for implementation science and pediatric acute care in LMICs.
Impact of manual therapy on body posture-3-D analysis with rasterstereography – pilotstudy
Authors: Harhoff Alessia Celine , Pohl Tobias , Loibl Christine , Adler Werner , Süßenbach-Mädl Martin , Ries Johannes , Seidel Anna , Wichmann Manfred , Matta Ragai-Edward
Published: September 2024

Introduction

The relationship between posture and temporomandibular disease (TMD) is unclear. The aim of our study was to determine the influence of manual therapy (MT) on posture in TMD patients compared with healthy subjects.

Material/method

After consideration of inclusion and exclusion criteria, 30 subjects were included. These were divided into two groups: group A comprised 15 healthy subjects and group B 15 patients with present proven TMD disease. Rasterstereographic images were taken at different times. Group A subjects were scanned twice within half a year and group B before initiation as well as after the first MT and after completion of the prescribed MT. The different posture variables were calculated using DIERS Formetric software.

Results

To illustrate the differences between the two groups, 10 different postural variables were examined. Significant differences between the two groups were observed in pelvic tilt, surface rotation, and kyphotic apex. Pelvic tilt: mean = 7.581, p-value = 0.029; surface rotation: mean = 3.098, p = 0.049; and mean kyphotic apex = 11.538 and 11.946, respectively, with p-values of 0.037 and 0.029, respectively.

Conclusion

MT leads to a change in posture in TMD patients. This could influence the course of TMD treatment.
Spatio-temporal dynamics of malaria in Rwanda between 2012 and 2022: a demography-specific analysis
Authors: Rubuga Felix K. , Moraga Paula , Ahmed Ayman , Siddig Emmanuel , Remera Eric , Moirano Giovenale , Cissé Guéladio , Utzinger Jürg
Published: September 2024

Background

Despite global efforts to reduce and eventually interrupt malaria transmission, the disease remains a pressing public health problem, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. This study presents a detailed spatio-temporal analysis of malaria transmission in Rwanda from 2012 to 2022. The main objective was to gain insights into the evolving patterns of malaria and to inform and tailor effective public health strategies.

Methods

The study used yearly aggregated data of malaria cases from the Rwanda health management information system. We employed a multifaceted analytical approach, including descriptive statistics and spatio-temporal analysis across three demographic groups: children under the age of 5 years, and males and females above 5 years. Bayesian spatially explicit models and spatio scan statistics were utilised to examine geographic and temporal patterns of relative risks and to identify clusters of malaria transmission.

Results

We observed a significant increase in malaria cases from 2014 to 2018, peaking in 2016 for males and females aged above 5 years with counts of 98,645 and 116,627, respectively and in 2018 for under 5-year-old children with 84,440 cases with notable geographic disparities. Districts like Kamonyi (Southern Province), Ngoma, Kayonza and Bugesera (Eastern Province) exhibited high burdens, possibly influenced by factors such as climate, vector control practices, and cross-border dynamics. Bayesian spatially explicit modeling revealed elevated relative risks in numerous districts, underscoring the heterogeneity of malaria transmission in these districts, and thus contributing to an overall rising trend in malaria cases until 2018, followed by a subsequent decline. Our findings emphasize that the heterogeneity of malaria transmission is potentially driven by ecologic, socioeconomic, and behavioural factors.

Conclusions

The study underscores the complexity of malaria transmission in Rwanda and calls for climate adaptive, gender-, age- and district-specific strategies in the national malaria control program. The emergence of both artemisinin and pyrethoids resistance and persistent high transmission in some districts necessitates continuous monitoring and innovative, data-driven approaches for effective and sustainable malaria control.

Graphical Abstract
Cognitive remediation therapy for patients with eating disorders: a qualitative study
Authors: Thorsrud Tora , Bang Marit Aspelund , Dahlgren Camilla Lindvall , Nordfjærn Trond , Weider Siri
Published: September 2024

Background

Transdiagnostic Cognitive Remediation Therapy (TCRT) is a new adaptation of cognitive remediation therapy for eating disorders (EDs) developed to address common cognitive difficulties across ED diagnoses (i.e., cognitive flexibility, central coherence, and impulsivity). This is the first evaluation of this novel treatment. The aim of this study was to explore acceptability and patients’ experience of TCRT.

Methods

Thirteen patients diagnosed with restrictive or binge/purge subtypes of EDs and concurrent cognitive difficulties completed semi-structured qualitative interviews after receiving TCRT. Interview transcripts were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis.

Results

The analysis resulted in four main themes: (1) Treatment fit (2), Treatment experience (3), Perceived outcomes, and (4) Future recommendations. Eleven of the thirteen patients evaluated the treatment positively, found the focus relevant and expressed how it contributed to new insights related to thinking style. Seven of the patients also described it as a starting point for making changes and using new strategies. Importantly, experiencing some challenges related to the cognitive difficulties addressed in the treatment seemed essential for engagement.

Conclusion

Offering TCRT as an adjunctive treatment for patients with EDs and concurrent cognitive difficulties can be a way to engage patients in treatment, build therapeutic alliances and provide important awareness and strategies to handle challenges related to thinking style.

Trial registration

This study is part of a larger randomized controlled trial, ClinicalTrials.gov Id: NCT03808467.
Single-cell, single-nucleus and xenium-based spatial transcriptomics analyses reveal inflammatory activation and altered cell interactions in the hippocampus in mice with temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Liu Quanlei , Shen Chunhao , Dai Yang , Tang Ting , Hou Changkai , Yang Hongyi , Wang Yihe , Xu Jinkun , Lu Yongchang , Wang Yunming , Shan Yongzhi , Wei Penghu , Zhao Guoguang
Published: September 2024

Background

Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is among the most common types of epilepsy and often leads to cognitive, emotional, and psychiatric issues due to the frequent seizures. A notable pathological change related to TLE is hippocampal sclerosis (HS), which is characterized by neuronal loss, gliosis, and an increased neuron fibre density. The mechanisms underlying TLE-HS development remain unclear, but the reactive transcriptomic changes in glial cells and neurons of the hippocampus post-epileptogenesis may provide insights.

Methods

To induce TLE, 200 nl of kainic acid (KA) was stereotactically injected into the hippocampal CA1 region of mice, followed by a 7-day postinjection period. Single-cell RNA sequencing (ScRNA-seq), single-nucleus RNA sequencing (SnRNA-seq), and Xenium-based spatial transcriptomics analyses were employed to evaluate the changes in mRNA expression in glial cells and neurons.

Results

From the ScRNA-seq and SnRNA-seq data, 31,390 glial cells and 48,221 neuronal nuclei were identified. Analysis of the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) revealed significant transcriptomic alterations in the hippocampal cells of mice with TLE, affecting hundreds to thousands of mRNAs and their signalling pathways. Enrichment analysis indicated notable activation of stress and inflammatory pathways in the TLE hippocampus, while pathways related to axonal development and neural support were suppressed. Xenium analysis demonstrated the expression of all 247 genes across mouse brain sections, revealing the spatial distributions of their expression in 27 cell types. Integrated analysis of the DEGs identified via the three sequencing techniques revealed that Spp1, Trem2, and Cd68 were upregulated in all glial cell types and in the Xenium data; Penk, Sorcs3, and Plekha2 were upregulated in all neuronal cell types and in the Xenium data; and Tle4 and Sipa1l3 were downregulated in all glial cell types and in the Xenium data.

Conclusion

In this study, a high-resolution single-cell transcriptomic atlas of the hippocampus in mice with TLE was established, revealing potential intrinsic mechanisms driving TLE-associated inflammatory activation and altered cell interactions. These findings provide valuable insights for further exploration of HS development and epileptogenesis.
Greenhouse gas and volatile organic compound emissions of additive-treated whole-plant maize silage: part A—anaerobic fermentation period
Authors: Deeken Hauke Ferdinand , Büscher Wolfgang , Trimborn Manfred , Schmithausen Alexander J. , Weiß Kirsten , Lipski André , Maack Gerd-Christian
Published: September 2024

Background

Silage emits climate- and environment-relevant gases during fermentation and feed-out periods. This trial aimed to determine the unknown carbon dioxide (CO2), methane, nitrous oxide, ethanol, and ethyl acetate emissions of constant maize silage material over both periods. The results will be published in two consecutive articles (Part A: anaerobic fermentation period, Part B: aerobic storage period).

Methods

The untreated control (CON) was compared with the chemical additive treatment (CHE; 0.5 g sodium benzoate and 0.3 g potassium sorbate per kg fresh matter) and the biological additive treatment (BIO; 108 colony-forming units (CFU) Lentilactobacillus buchneri and 107 CFU Lactiplantibacillus plantarum per kg fresh matter). Barrel silos (n = 4) were connected to gas bags to quantify gas formation during anaerobic fermentation (30 or 135 ensiling days). Glass jar silos (n = 12) were used for laboratory silage analysis.

Results

CHE produced significantly (p < 0.05) less gas (6.7 ± 0.3 L per kg dry matter ensiled material (kgDM) until ensiling day 14.0 ± 0.0) and ethanol (8.6 ± 1.5 mg kgDM–1) than CON did (8.5 ± 0.2 L kgDM–1 until ensiling day 19.5 ± 6.4; 12.2 ± 1.5 (mg ethanol) kgDM–1). BIO indicates prolonged gas formation (9.1 ± 0.9 L kgDM–1 until ensiling day 61.3 ± 51.9; 12.0 ± 2.1 mg kgDM–1). CO2 is the main component of the gas formed. All treatments formed methane and nitrous oxide in small quantities. CON emitted significantly more CO2eq emissions than BIO and less than CHE (p < 0.05). Additives had no effect on ethyl acetate gas emissions. For BIO, ethanol concentrations in the material (rS = 0.609, p < 0.05) and gas quantities (rS = 0.691, p < 0.05) correlate with ethyl acetate gas quantities. All the treatments exhibited decreasing gas and CO2 quantities, and the dry matter mass increased between ensiling days 14 and 30 (− 0.810 ≤ rS ≤ 0.442; p < 0.05 to p = 0.20).

Conclusion

Silage generates climate- and environmental-relevant gases during fermentation and silage additives affect this pattern. Gas formation exceeds the fixation potential, and the carbon footprint of silage fermentation is negative.

Graphical Abstract
Changes in urinary output due to concomitant administration of sacubitril/valsartan and atrial natriuretic peptide in patients with heart failure: a multicenter retrospective cohort study
Authors: Yanagawa Tatsuki , Asai Yuki , Zakoji Nobuyuki , Hosoe Shingo , Kondo Yoshihiro , Ootsuki Shinnosuke , Kato Hidekazu , Aoki Maria , Yamamoto Yoshiaki , Yamamoto Takanori , Takahashi Masaaki
Published: September 2024

Background

Sacubitril/valsartan is an angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI) that inhibits the degradation of endogenous natriuretic peptides. Therefore, ARNIs may increase the efficacy of human atrial natriuretic peptide (hANP), a drug for acute heart failure, by mediating its pharmacological mechanism. This study was aimed at evaluating the effects of ARNIs on the pharmacological effects of hANP by using surrogate marker, such as urinary output, in patients with heart failure.

Methods

In this multicenter retrospective cohort study, adult patients with heart failure who were taking angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARB) or ARNIs combined with hANP were enrolled. Information on basic characteristics, clinical laboratory data, medical history, and severity of cardiac insufficiency were collected from electronic medical records. The primary outcome was the change in adjusted fluid balance, calculated by IN-volume (mL/day) – OUT-volume (mL/day) / daily hANP dosage (μg).

Results

Ninety-two and 62 patients in the ARB + hANP and ARNI + hANP groups, respectively, were eligible for analysis. The adjusted fluid balance in the ARNI + hANP group was significantly lower than that in the ARB + hANP group (p = 0.001). After propensity score matching, 27 patients from each group were included. Similarly, there was a significant reduction in adjusted fluid balance in the ARNI + hANP group after propensity score matching (p = 0.026).

Conclusions

These findings suggest that ARNIs may enhance the efficacy of hANP and the combination of the two may be effective in the treatment of heart failure.
Evaluation of the usability and acceptability of the P-STEP® mobile app: feasibility study protocol
Authors: Worboys Hannah , Gray Laura , Anthony Sarah , Hobson Rachel , Lucas Tim , Ng Andre
Published: September 2024

Background

The new P-STEP® (Personalised Space Technology Exercise Platform) app is designed to bring together tailored exercise guidance and up-to-date air quality information. The app allows individuals to plan outdoor exercise walking routes while minimising their exposure to air pollution. Individuals with chronic long-term conditions, particularly respiratory and cardiovascular conditions, can use the app in order to minimise the risk of their symptoms being exacerbated by pollution, while still gaining the benefits of outdoor exercise.

Methods

This study will measure the usability and acceptability of the P-STEP® app. The study will take the form of a single-arm 12-week app pilot study based in Leicestershire, United Kingdom (UK). We will recruit a maximum of 380 participants from an existing cohort study to pilot the app for 12 weeks. Questionnaire data will be collected at three timepoints, baseline, 6 weeks and 12 weeks. The primary outcome is the System Usability Scale at 12 weeks. Secondary outcomes include the User Engagement Scale Short Form, SF-12, Recent Physical Activity Questionnaire (RPAQ), bespoke, app specific usability questions, and feasibility outcomes. Additional data collected includes participant demographic information, technology self-efficacy and adverse events. Weekly anonymised usage data from the app will also be collected by the app team and analysed separately to complement the questionnaire data.

Discussion

This study will help us better understand the feasibility and acceptability of using the P-STEP® in the community. The results will also help inform future studies.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has received ethical approval from the South West Frenchay Research Ethics (23/SW/0060) Committee. There is no need for further approval from the Health Research Authority as the study is not taking place in the NHS. The ClinicalTrials.gov ID number is NCT05830318.
Optimizing the pterional approach in medial sphenoid wing meningioma: a detailed morphometric study on anterior clinoidectomy and its effect on operability score
Authors: Saad Mahmoud , Mowafy Ali A. , Shalaby Ahmed R. , Shams Amr M. , Okasha Mohamed
Published: September 2024

Background

Medial sphenoid wing meningiomas are best treated through pterional craniotomy, as pterional craniotomy provides wide and multidirectional exposure of the anterior and middle cranial fossa. Anterior clinoidectomy can increase the exposure potential. To delineate the role of anterior clinoidectomy (AC) in the standard pterional craniotomy approach through the evaluation of operability score measures (manoeuvrability arc, depth of surgical field, and surgical angle of attack). All patients with inner sphenoidal wing meningioma who underwent microsurgical excision between February 2022 and October 2023 were enrolled in the study. Preoperative and postoperative imaging studies (MR contrast studies and 3D thin-slice CT scans of the brain) were performed to determine the tumour size, extent, and pattern of optic canal involvement by comparing pre- and postoperative operability score parameters.

Results

Twenty-five patients met our inclusion criteria: 2 males (8%) and 23 females (92%). The mean age (SD) was 49.08 ± 6.42 years, with an age range of 39–60 years. The preoperative visual manifestations were as follows: eight patients (32%) had mild visual impairment, five patients (20%) had moderate visual impairment, six patients (24%) had severe visual impairment, and five patients (20%) had blindness. There was a significant positive correlation between the operability score and extent of resection (gross total resection was correlated with a higher operability score) (r = 0.301, n = 25, p = 0.005).

Conclusions

A well-planned manoeuvrable arc allows neurosurgeons to perform surgery with precision, ultimately impacting surgical outcomes and the potential for complete tumour removal with minimal patient morbidity.
Tuberculin skin test repetition after TNF-α inhibitors in patients with chronic inflammatory arthritis: a long-term retrospective cohort in endemic area
Authors: de Oliveira Magalhães Vanessa , Bonfiglioli Karina Rossi , Gomes Carina More Frade , Bonfá Eloisa , de Medeiros-Ribeiro Ana Cristina , Saad Carla Gonçalves S. , de Medeiros Pinheiro Marcelo
Published: September 2024

Objectives

To evaluate the tuberculin skin test (TST) conversion in chronic inflammatory arthropathies (CIA) patients on TNFα inhibitors (TNFi) and without previous latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) treatment.

Methods

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) with negative LTBI were retrospectively evaluated for TST conversion and active tuberculosis (TB) after six months of exposition to TNFi. Two groups were compared: patients who repeated TST (TST-repetition) during the follow-up and patients who did not (non-TST-repetition).

Results

A total of 355 CIA patients on TNFi were screened and 138 (38.9%) did not fulfill the inclusion criteria. Of the remaining 217 CIA patients, 81 (37.3%) repeated TST during TNFi treatment. TST conversion rate was observed in 18 (22.2%) patients without significant differences among CIA (p = 0.578). The number of TB cases was low (n = 10; 4.6%) and was similar in TST-repetition and non-TST-repetition groups [2 (2.5%) vs. 8 (5.9%), p = 0.328]. Of note, 30% of active TB occurred early (6–12 months of TNFi exposure) and the median (full range) time to incident TB was 1.3 (0.6–10.6) years, whereas the median (full range) time to TST repetition was later [3.3 (0.5–13.4) years]. The incidence of active TB was lower among RA patients than AS patients [342 (95% CI 41 − 1446) vs. 1.454 (95% CI 594-2993)/100,000 patient-years, p = 0.049].

Conclusion

These results indicate that TST repetition is associated with a high conversion rate, suggesting the need for recommended treatment. The delayed repetition of TST and low number of active TB cases hampered the evaluation of this strategy effectiveness to prevent active infection. Larger studies with systematic repetition patterns are necessary. In addition, the study highlights the need for a greater surveillance for TB in AS patients.
The potential role of Helicobacter pylori in chronic rhinosinusitis with or without nasal polyposis
Authors: Elsayed Mohamed Ali , Ali Osama Ahmed , Abdelsalam Ahmed Yousef , Abdelsamie Alaa Mohamed
Published: September 2024

Background

Certain gastrointestinal and extra-intestinal diseases are caused by the gram-negative bacterium Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). We aimed to determine the potential H. pylori role in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) with or without nasal polyposis. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 80 subjects. Patients were further categorised into two equal groups: study group (n = 40) were diagnosed with CRS with or without nasal polyposis (CRSWNP and CRSSNP) who had failed medical treatment and scheduled for surgery, and control group (40 patients) were admitted for septoplasty. All patients had clinical assessment, physical assessment, diagnosis of rhinosinusitis (according to EPOS), based on symptoms, rhinoscopic/endoscopic findings, CT scan findings, questionnaire for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and questionnaire for laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). Samples were collected in the operating room during surgery from both groups and PCR tissue was done.

Results

The study group patients demonstrated significantly higher history of GERD, LPR, and H. pylori. H. pylori patients had significantly lower ages than those without (P = 0.03). Patients with H. pylori revealed significantly higher GERD history (P < 0.001) and LPR (P = 0.002) than those without H. pylori. History of GERD (P = 0.003), LPR (P = 0.043), and H. pylori presence (P = 0.028) were significant predictors, controlling for the abovementioned variables.

Conclusions

We concluded that a significant correlation was observed between the H. pylori presence in the sinonasal mucosa and nasal polyps and the development of chronic rhinosinusitis with or without nasal polyps.