bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Protocol for the assessment of the development of pragmatic competencies in early childhood (PDP-PI)
Authors: Junquera Cristina , Zubiauz Begoña 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionThe design of a Protocol for the Assessment of the development of pragmatic competences in early childhood (PDP-PI) and the preliminary data obtained in a comparative study in 3–5-year-old school children are presented.MethodsThe design of the protocol is based on a model of global understanding of pragmatics that considers essential to include linguistic, intersubjective and social aspects in order to make an adequate assessment of development. Based on the taxonomies of communicative functions, four basic competencies are described (Interactional, Referential, Subjective and Figurative). These competencies make it possible to categorize most of the linguistic emissions in early childhood. The PDP-PI presents two novelties with respect to other assessment systems: (a) it allows detecting the degree of a skill development (not only the presence/absence), (b) it includes items to assess the comprehension of pragmatics. The PDP-PI was used with 40 students of kindergarten education, divided into three groups according to school year.ResultsThe results- Duncan’s post-hoc test-confirm the existence of significant differences between the different age groups in all competencies, except for referential competence. Construct validity was assessed by means of an inter-rater test (Fleiss’ Kappa = 0.76; Krippendorff’s Alpha = 0.76), and content validity was assessed by analyzing the correlations between the four competencies of the protocol. Significant correlations were found between all the competencies, except the relationship between the Referential and Interactional competencies.DiscussionThe data obtained in this study are preliminary, but they show that there is an evolution in the management of pragmatic skills, throughout early childhood, toward more complex and context-appropriate interactions. It is necessary to advance in procedures that discriminate against this evolution to establish developmental profiles which favor the detection of pragmatic difficulties or disorders at early ages.
Combining pleasant Olfactory and BRAin stimulations in treatment-resistant depression (COBRA): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Imbert Laetitia , Neige Cécilia , Dumas Maylis , Bensafi Moustafa , Mandairon Nathalie , Brunelin Jérôme 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundAnhedonia, including social, physical, and less-known, olfactory, stands as a core symptom of major depressive disorder (MDD). At the neurobiological level, anhedonia has been associated with abnormal activity within the reward system, suggesting a key role for dopamine. Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) has emerged as an innovative treatment for alleviating depressive symptoms. Stimulation of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) has been shown to both improve anhedonia and induce dopamine release. Moreover, research suggests that the efficacy of rTMS is improved when applied to an activated brain network rather than at rest. Our goal is to induce a dual activation of the reward system using a combined rTMS protocol and an intervention based on pleasant odorant exposure known to stimulate this system.MethodsIn this randomized controlled trial, we propose to combine rTMS targeting the left DLPFC with pleasant odorant stimulation to alleviate depressive symptoms. A total of 80 patients with treatment-resistant MDD will be randomly assigned to two groups and will receive 50 sessions of either: 1- rTMS and hedonic olfactory stimulations, or 2- rTMS alone. We will conduct pre- and post-assessments measuring depression severity, physical, social, and olfactory anhedonia, as well as the connectivity and activity of brain regions involved in the pathophysiology of depression and the reward circuitry.DiscussionThis study may strengthen the development of more effective rTMS interventions and pave the way for the establishment of rTMS combined with olfactory training as a safe, effective, and easily accessible treatment for MDD patients. In addition, this study will contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms and physiopathology of MDD.Trial registration number#NCT05661383.
The effect of transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on the Iowa Gambling Task: a scoping review
Authors: Salice Silvia , Antonietti Alessandro , Colautti Laura 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionAmong the tasks employed to investigate decisional processes, the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT) appears to be the most effective since it allows for deepening the progressive learning process based on feedback on previous choices. Recently, the study of decision making through the IGT has been combined with the application of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to understand the cognitive mechanisms and the neural structures involved. However, to date no review regarding the effects of tDCS on decisional processes assessed through the IGT is available. This scoping review aims to provide a comprehensive exploration of the potential effects of tDCS in enhancing decisional processes, assessed with the IGT, through the evaluation of the complete range of target cases.MethodsThe existing literature was analyzed through the PRISMA approach.ResultsResults reported that tDCS can enhance performance in the IGT and highlighted a pivotal role of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and the orbitofrontal cortex in risky and ambiguous decisions.DiscussionThus, tDCS over the brain regions identified improves the decisional processes in healthy subjects and patients, confirming its potential to enhance decision making in everyday contexts and deepen the neural correlates. Suggestions for further studies are provided to delve into decisional mechanisms and how to better support them.
‘Let it stay in the heart’: cultural and gendered experiences of distress among Syrian refugees in Jordan
Authors: Lambert Jessica E. , Abutaleb Hala , Odeh Rahaf , de Jong Joop 
Published: December 2024

ObjectiveThis study explored cultural and gendered experiences of distress among Syrian refugees in Jordan to inform mental health and psychosocial support services with the population. We sought to understand perceived causes of distress, salient expressions used to describe distress, and ways of coping.MethodsEight focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with adult Syrian refugees (four male, four female). Gender-matched Jordanian qualitative researchers facilitated the FGDs. Transcripts were analyzed in Arabic using thematic analysis and validated through a final review of translated data.ResultsFour key themes were identified related to participants’ experience of distress, perceived causes and consequences, and gender differences (and similarities) in expression and coping. Results also highlighted the complexity of terminology used, and challenges in rank ordering expressions as most salient.ConclusionResults hold implications for adapting mental health and psychosocial interventions with the population to be more gender sensitive and culturally relevant.
Telehealth in arts therapies for neurodevelopmental and neurological disorders: a scoping review
Authors: Reitere Ērika , Duhovska Jana , Karkou Vicky , Mārtinsone Kristīne 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundArts therapies, encompassing art therapy, music therapy, drama therapy, and dance movement therapy with the broader practice of expressive arts therapies, have demonstrated positive outcomes in the treatment of neurodevelopmental and neurological disorders (NNDs). Integrating arts therapies into telehealth has become increasingly important to improve accessibility for people with mobility impairments or those living in remote areas. This study aims to map the existing body of literature to provide an in-depth overview of telehealth in arts therapies for individuals with NNDs.MethodologyThis scoping review followed the PRISMA guidelines. Six databases were systematically searched, with 2,888 articles screened for eligibility. Inclusion criteria focused on primary research peer-reviewed articles in English that addressed telehealth arts therapies for NNDs.ResultsSeventeen telehealth studies published between 2009 and March 2024 were included, with a notable increase in publications after 2020. The studies covered various neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Rett syndrome, and neurological disorders such as stroke, epilepsy, cerebral palsy, central nervous system (CNS) tumors, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injuries, and mild cognitive impairment. Music therapy was the most widely studied modality. Interventions ranged from therapeutic singing and songwriting to virtual reality experiences. Different platforms and specialized virtual environments were used alongside pre-recorded sessions. Positive benefits included psychological enrichment, social connectivity, cognitive improvements, and brain changes, although some studies reported mixed or no significant effects in certain areas.ConclusionTelehealth in arts therapies significantly benefits individuals with NNDs, improving accessibility and providing psychological, emotional, social, and cognitive benefits. The positive benefits observed highlight the potential of these interventions to improve overall well-being and daily functioning. Future research may focus on high-quality qualitative studies and neuroimaging assessments to further validate the impact of telehealth arts therapies.
Effects of underweight, overweight, and obesity on the body growth of preschoolers
Authors: Chen Jiebo , Luo Dongmei , Fan Xue 
Published: December 2024

ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the impact of underweight, overweight, and obesity on the growth and development of preschoolers by comparing body shape characteristics across different weight statuses.MethodsA total of 729 preschoolers (5.2 ± 0.83 years, 53.8% boys) from three kindergartens were assessed for 11 different body shape measurements. Two-way ANOVA was employed to examine BMI variations across different ages and sexes. Discriminant analysis was utilized to identify body shape measurements correlated with BMI, and one-way ANOVA was conducted to compare the body shape differences among preschoolers with varying BMI.Results(1) There was no significant interaction effect of gender and age on BMI (F = 1.602, p = 0.173). Additionally, neither the main effect of age (F = 1.461, p = 0.228) nor the main effect of sex (F = 0.905, p = 0.345) was significant. (2) The results of the stepwise discriminant analysis showed that chest circumference, calf length, calf circumference, foot length, and width between greater trochanters entered the discriminant model, with the three discriminant functions explaining 95.8, 3.1, and 1.1% of variance, respectively. (3) Compared to their normal-weight counterparts, obese preschoolers displayed significantly larger measurements in chest circumference, width between greater trochanters, calf circumference, calf length, and foot length (p &lt; 0.05). Overweight preschoolers also exhibited larger chest and calf circumferences, and width between greater trochanters (p &lt; 0.05), while underweight children showed lagging development in various body shape measurements (p &lt; 0.05).ConclusionVariations in BMI were significantly correlated with preschoolers’ body shape which included chest circumference, calf length, calf circumference, foot length, and the distance between the greater trochanters. Overweight and obese preschoolers experienced faster body growth; conversely, underweight preschoolers often showed delayed growth. This underscores that the underweight group also merits attention and concern.
Spatial heterogeneity and predictors of stunting among under five children in Mozambique: a geographically weighted regression
Authors: Tamir Tadesse Tarik , Tekeba Berhan , Mekonen Enyew Getaneh , Zegeye Alebachew Ferede , Gebrehana Deresse Abebe 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionChildhood stunting, a major public health concern in many developing countries, is associated with impaired physical and cognitive development, increased risk of infectious diseases, and long-term adverse health and economic consequences. Mozambique is among the countries with the highest stunting rates in sub-Saharan Africa. This study aims to examine the spatial variation and identify the predictors of stunting among children under the age of five years in Mozambique.MethodsWe utilized children’s recode data and geographic coordinates extracted from the 2022–23 Mozambique Demographic and Health Survey dataset. A stratified two-stage cluster sampling approach was employed. The study included a total weighted sample of 3,910 children under the age of five years. A geographically weighted regression was used to identify predictors of stunting.ResultsThe prevalence of stunting among children under the age of five in Mozambique was 31.26% (95% CI: 29.88 to 32.65%). The Nampula (46.00%), Cabo Delgado (43.79%), Manica (40.88%), Zambezia (38.27%), Niassa (35.52%), and Tete (34.85%) regions of Mozambique were identified as hotspot areas of stunting. Several factors were significantly associated with the spatial heterogeneity in stunting, where household wealth index (poor and middle categories) and Mother’s age (15–19 years) were positively associated with higher occurrence of stunting, while having an employed mother and being a child under 2 years of age were negatively associated with stunting occurrence.ConclusionThe spatial heterogeneity in stunting patterns highlighted by this analysis suggests that a one-size-fits-all approach to address child undernutrition in Mozambique may not be effective. Instead, tailored, location-specific strategies that account for the predictors of stunting are necessary to effectively combat this persistent public health challenge. Policymakers and program implementers should prioritize the hotspot regions for targeted interventions, while also maintaining and strengthening the factors contributing to the lower stunting prevalence in the cold spot areas.
Influence of edible flowers on the physicochemical and oxidative stability of raw ground beef patties
Authors: Duggirala Krishna Brunda , Mummaleti Gopinath , Kong Fanbin , Mohan Anand 
Published: December 2024

This study investigates the antioxidant and physicochemical characteristics of raw ground beef patties and raw ground beef patties treated with varying percentages of roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) and rose (Rosa canina L.) powders during 7 days of storage at 4°C. The analysis included key parameters such as antioxidant activity using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, lipid oxidation through 2-thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), protein oxidation markers (carbonyls, Schiff bases, and free thiols), water-holding capacity, pH, color, and texture. Both roselle and rose powders enhanced the antioxidant capacity of the patties, reducing oxidative markers (TBARS, carbonyls, Schiff bases, and free thiols) during storage. Additionally, improved water-holding capacity and reduced pH were observed across all treated patties, with minimal impact on texture. However, while roselle powder showed beneficial effects, patties treated with rose powder exhibited superior overall results. The more favorable outcomes in rose-treated patties, particularly in oxidative stability and physicochemical properties, can be attributed to the higher concentrations of bioactive compounds, such as phenolic acids and flavonoids, present in rose powder. These compounds likely contributed to enhanced free radical scavenging activity, providing stronger protection against lipid and protein oxidation. Furthermore, rose powder maintained more stable color and physicochemical properties, with patties showing acceptable color and minimal texture degradation by the 7th day of storage. These findings highlight the potential of rose powder as a highly effective natural additive for extending the shelf life and preserving the quality of ground beef patties, positioning it as a promising ingredient for future applications in the food industry.
Adopting information and communications technology in the control, prevention, and management of stroke: perspectives from patients and providers in Uganda
Authors: Namyalo Prossy Kiddu , Setekera Robert , Nakazibwe Primrose 
Published: December 2024

ObjectiveThe stroke burden in Uganda ranks ninth among the ten causes of death, a major cause of chronic illnesses, accounting for the top ten causes of hospitalization. This baseline study examined how mobile phones can improve the prevention, management, and treatment of stroke in rural Uganda.MethodsIt was a cross-sectional study that utilized a mixture of methods. Quantitative data was collected from the districts' health information management system while qualitative data were from healthcare providers and patients/caregivers/survivors using a semi-structured guide. Quantitative data was analyzed descriptively while qualitative data was inductively analyzed through creating themes.ResultsAll participants supported the use of mobile phone interventions and suggested three major types of information to be included in this intervention: warning signs and indicators, underlying causes of stroke, and prevention measures. The challenges that might be faced in implementing this intervention are contextual, health system, and economic related.ConclusionThese baseline findings support the possibility of mobile phone intervention as an important instrument to improve stroke prevention, management, and treatment in rural Uganda. Challenges that might accompany the use of ICT have to be addressed as the intervention is designed.
Evaluation of polysaccharides from Laetiporus sulphureus on the growth of gastrointestinal probiotics and in vitro digestion
Authors: Zhu Xinting , Lin Shan , Wei Qi 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionProbiotics can improve immune responses and regulate the ecosystem of microorganisms in the gastrointestinal tract.MethodsThree primary models, including the Reparameterized Gompertz, Huang, and Baranyi and Roberts models were evaluated and developed to investigate the effects of Laetiporus sulphureus polysaccharides (LSP) on the growth of Lactobacillus plantarum, Streptococcus thermophilus, Clostridium tyrobutyricum, and Bifidobacterium adolescentis.ResultsThe Huang model and Reparameterized Gompertz model were suitable for describing the growth of C. tyrobutyricum, S. thermophilus, B. adolescentis, and L. plantarum. LSP could increase the population of B. adolescentis in the fluid environment of the stomach in vitro.DiscussionThese results may support the further development of LSP as a functional food or food additive that has the ability to preserve digestive tract health.
Surgical technique for mitral valve repair in dogs using a novel method to anchor artificial chordae tendineae with emphasis on key intraoperative decision points
Authors: Isayama Noriko , Mizuno Takeshi , Suzuki Sayaka , Sasaki Kenta , Maeda Erika , Uchimura Yusuke 
Published: December 2024

ObjectivesSurgical options for mitral valve repair in dogs are unstandardized and influenced by various factors. This study describes a four-point surgical technique (MI-4) to reduce mitral regurgitation and provides data from a study of dogs with 12 months of follow up.MethodsTwenty-five dogs with stages C or D mitral insufficiency were treated by one of two surgeons using the MI-4 procedure at Ueno no Mori Animal Hospital between October 2021 and May 2023. The surgical technique comprised: (I) determination of the valve annulus dimensions by measuring between the trigones, (II) triad-anchored chordae tendinea reconstruction, (III) determination of the appropriate position and number of chordae tendineae on the leaflets, and (IV) appropriate height determination. The regurgitation percentage was measured using B-mode color Doppler flow in the atrium in the four-chamber left long-axis view.ResultsThere were no intraoperative complications, and 23, 23, and 18 dogs were successfully re-evaluated at 1, 6, and 12 months, respectively (5 dogs have not yet reached the 12-month follow-up point). The regurgitation percentage decreased from 73.0% (interquartile range, 58.1–81.5%) preoperatively to 2.1% (0.0–8.8%), 4.6% (0.1–10.8), and 1.3% (0.0–7.1) at 1, 6, and 12 months postoperatively, respectively. All surviving dogs improved clinically.ConclusionThe MI-4 surgical technique was performed in dogs with mitral valve insufficiency with no significant complications. The surgery reduced the regurgitation percentage postoperatively, with benefits seen at least 12 months after surgery.
Drying Kinetics of Leucaena esculenta Seeds Using a Solar Dryer
Authors: Tlatelpa Becerro Angel , Rico Martínez Ramiro , Carbajal Pérez Guillermo Raúl , Navarrete Procopio Miriam , Zezatti Flores Víctor Manuel , Castañeda Magadan Erick Omar , Portillo Contreras Samuel , Avilés López Salvador Israel , López-Vidaña Erick César 
Published: December 2024

The drying kinetics and physical and chemical characteristics of Leucaena esculenta seed drying using a forced convection solar dryer are described. The drying kinetics behavior is examined for three experiments under climate conditions of three different winter days in central Mexico, observing significant effects related to the reported pH levels of the seeds with values of 6.34, 5.98, 5.97, 5.82, and 6.07. The airflow measurements inside the drying chamber were observed, including the geometric dimensions, color, appearance, weight, and moisture loss, and the effective diffusivity coefficient Deff of Leucaena esculenta with values between 1.23 × 10−7 and 8.09 × 10−9 m2s. Solar drying, with the technology used in this study, is a viable alternative to give added value to Leucaena esculenta. This study can be the basis for developing alternatives to preserve seeds for animal and human consumption.
Precise and Accurate DNA-3′/5-Ends Polishing with Thermus thermophilus Phage vb_Tt72 DNA Polymerase
Authors: Dorawa Sebastian , Kaczorowski Tadeusz 
Published: December 2024

Tt72 DNA polymerase is a newly characterized PolA-type thermostable enzyme derived from the Thermus thermophilus phage vB_Tt72. The enzyme demonstrates strong 3′→5′ exonucleolytic proofreading activity, even in the presence of 1 mM dNTPs. In this study, we examined how the exonucleolytic activity of Tt72 DNA polymerase affects the fidelity of DNA synthesis. Using a plasmid-based lacZα gene complementation assay, we determined that the enzyme’s mutation frequency was 2.06 × 10−3, corresponding to an error rate of 1.41 × 10−5. For the exonuclease-deficient variant, the mutation frequency increased to 6.23 × 10−3, with an associated error rate of 4.29 × 10−5. The enzyme retained 3′→5′ exonucleolytic activity at temperatures up to 70 °C but lost it after 10 min of incubation at temperatures above 75 °C. Additionally, we demonstrated that Tt72 DNA polymerase efficiently processes 3′/5′-overhangs and removes a single-nucleotide 3′-dA overhang from PCR products at 55 °C. These characteristics make Tt72 DNA polymerase well suited for specialized molecular cloning applications.