bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pericapsular Nerve Group (PENG) Block on Cadavers: A Scoping Review
Authors: Margenfeld Felix , Zendehdel Adib , Poilliot Amélie , Tamborrini Giorgio , Beck Matthias , Müller-Gerbl Magdalena 
Published: December 2024

Objective: The implementation of sonography has revolutionized anesthesia, especially local anesthesia. High-resolution sonography as an essential, well-established, and versatile technique now makes it possible to perform targeted nerve blocks and therefore to anesthetize with increasing precision. Ultrasonographic (US)-guided nerve blocks on cadavers are often used as pilot studies to investigate new techniques. The aim of this review was to map out US-guided pericapsular nerve group (PENG) block in human cadavers. Materials and Methods: A systematic scoping review following PRISMA-ScR guideline. A systematic literature review has been carried out, with relevant studies discovered in the following databases: MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, BIOSIS Previews, and Web of Science Core Collection. The publishing year was not subject to any extra limitations. Only sonography studies on human cadavers were included. The article was included if the PENG block was the subject of the study. Results: The search found 9821 matches, from which 291 investigated nerves. Four studies investigated the PENG block. A total volume of 2396 ml dye was injected with an average volume of 19.01 ml for each PENG block. 126 US-guided PENG blocks were performed on human cadavers. Conclusion: Based on our assessment, this study is the first review to screen US-guided PENG blocks on human cadavers. US-guided labeling techniques in human cadavers are a widespread tool to examine new nerve block techniques through staining targeted nerves by dye and investigating staining quality and quantity by dissecting. These results suggest that PENG block should be further investigated on cadavers to determine the MEV90 for the targeted nerves of the PENG block and to test possible novel injection pathways of these nerves.
A critical multi-parameter analysis of the densification process on the dimensional stability and bending performance of densified timber
Authors: Cabral John Paul , Subhani Mahbube , Ashraf Mahmud , Kafle Bidur , Reiner Johannes 
Published: December 2024

AbstractTimber densification is a process wherein various parameters can affect the physical and mechanical properties of the final product. Therefore, it is vital to understand the effects of these parameters to fully exploit the benefits of densification such as improved density, stiffness, and strength. The purpose of this study is to improve on the mechanical properties of Radiata pine (Pinus radiata) and to determine the influence of the process parameters. The densification process and the bending properties of the densified timber were investigated using a fractional factorial experimental design to determine the influence of various parameters (compression ratio, moisture content, compression temperature, heating time, setting temperature, and setting time) on the final product. Among the six process parameters, the compression ratio was the most significant factor with respect to bending properties of the densified timber, while the effect of the other parameters does not show a specific trend with respect to the load–displacement behaviour of the test specimens. A predictive model has been proposed herein to determine the properties of densified timber based on a reduced number of process parameters, with examples based on different design applications.
Elucidation of molecular function of phage protein responsible for optimization of host cell lysis
Authors: Kim Jinwoo , Kim Joonbeom , Ryu Sangryeol 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
Bacteriophages (or phages) replicate by utilizing bacterial resources and destroy their host cells at the end of the replication cycle. Phages employ multiple proteins to optimize host cell lysis, thereby maximizing the production of phage particles. However, elucidating the entire lysis process is challenging due to the abundance of uncharacterized genes in the phage genome.

Results
In this study, we identified a gene orf52 from BSPM4 phage genome that showed antibacterial activity in Salmonella. Investigation of physiological role of ORF52 in the phage replication revealed that ORF52 could modulate the holin function to fine-tune a cell lysis, providing replication advantages to phages under high phage population density.

Conclusions
We concluded that ORF52 may optimize phage replication by modulating the timing of phage-mediated cell lysis. This study provides a unique example of a phage protein involved in fine-tuning lysis timing.
Molecular characterization and safety properties of multi drug-resistant Escherichia coli O157:H7 bacteriophages
Authors: Oluwarinde Bukola Opeyemi , Ajose Daniel Jesuwenu , Abolarinwa Tesleem Olatunde , Montso Peter Kotsoana , Njom Henry Akum , Ateba Collins Njie 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe increase in multi drug resistance (MDR) amongst food-borne pathogens such as Escherichia coli O157:H7, coupled with the upsurge of food-borne infections caused by these pathogens is a major public health concern. Lytic phages have been employed as an alternative to antibiotics for use against food-borne pathogens. However, for effective application, phages should be selectively toxic. Therefore, the objective of this study was to characterise lytic E. coli O157:H7 phages isolated from wastewater as possible biocontrol agents and access their genomes for the absence of genes that denotes virulence, resistance, toxins, and lysogeny using whole genome sequencing. E. coli O157:H7 bacteriophages showed clear plaques ranging in size from 1.0 mm to 2.0 mm. Spot test and Efficiency of plating (EOP) analysis demonstrated that isolated phages could infect various environmental E. coli strains. Four phages; vB_EcoM_EP32a, vB_EcoP_EP32b, vB_EcoM_EP57, and vB_EcoM_EP69 demonstrated broad lytic spectra against E. coli O157:H7 strains. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) showed that all phages have tails and were classified as Caudoviricetes. Growth parameters showed an average latent period of 15 ± 3.8 min, with a maximum burst size of 392 PFU/cell. The phages were stable at three distinct temperatures (4 °C, 28 °C, and 37 °C) and at pH values of 3.5, 5.0, 7.0, 9.0, and 11.0. Based on their morphological distinctiveness, three phages were included in the Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) analysis. WGS results revealed that E. coli O157:H7 phages (vB_EcoM_EP32a, vB_EcoP_EP32b, and vB_EcoM_EP57) were composed of linear double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) with genome sizes 163,906, 156,698, and 130,723 bp and GC contents of 37.61, 37, and 39% respectively. Phages vB_EcoM_EP32a and vB_EcoP_EP32b genomes were classified under the class Caudoviricetes, Straboviridae family, and the new genus “Phapecoctavirus”, while vB_EcoM_EP57 was classified under the class Caudoviricetes, Autographiviridae family. Genome analysis revealed no lysogenic (integrase), virulence, or antimicrobial resistance sequences in all three Escherichia phage genomes. The overall results provided evidence that lytic E. coli O157:H7 bacteriophages in this study, are relatively stable, can infect diverse E. coli strains, and does not contain genes responsible for virulence, resistance, toxins, and lysogeny. Thus, they can be considered as biocontrol candidates against MDR pathogenic E. coli O157:H7 strains in the food industry.
General practitioners experience multi-level barriers to implementing recommended care for hip and knee osteoarthritis: a qualitative study
Authors: Gibbs Alison J. , Barton Christian J. , Taylor Nicholas F. , Kemp Joanne L. , Wallis Jason A. , Manski-Nankervis Jo-Anne , Ezzat Allison M. 
Published: December 2024

Background
General practitioners (GPs) play a key role in managing osteoarthritis, including referring to appropriate management services. Physiotherapist-led osteoarthritis management programs and advanced practice triage services are effective, but GPs views on them are largely unknown. This study aimed to explore general practitioner perspectives on: (1) managing patients with hip and knee osteoarthritis, and (2) physiotherapy-led osteoarthritis care and referral pathways.

Methods
Interview topic guides were developed based on the theoretical domains framework. Twenty-five semi-structured interviews with GPs were conducted. All data were coded independently by at least two researchers and analysed inductively using thematic analysis, with barrier themes mapped to the socioecological model.

Results
Two interrelated themes were identified: (i) GPs had good general knowledge of recommended osteoarthritis care, but (ii) they faced multi-level challenges facilitating or directly providing evidence-based care. Nearly all GPs identified exercise as first-line care and surgery as a last resort. Most were aware imaging was not required to diagnose osteoarthritis, yet reported often referring for imaging. Many GPs expressed challenges facilitating patient engagement in physiotherapy due to patient, environmental/social and system level barriers. Key barriers included: perceived patient expectations and lack of motivation to attend physiotherapy, a lack of knowledge of available physiotherapy services, a lack of affordable physiotherapy services, and lengthy waiting times for public orthopaedic appointments. Having private health insurance was perceived as an enabler.

Conclusions
Despite having good knowledge of guideline-recommended care, GPs in our study experienced multi-level barriers to implementing this care in practice. Public health information and strategies to address patient’s beliefs and lack of motivation to exercise may help reduce barriers to engaging in appropriate care. Urgent health system funding reforms are needed to allow GPs to appropriately manage patients with hip and knee osteoarthritis.
Evaluating the effectiveness and acceptability of two positive body image media micro-interventions among children aged 4–6 years old – a study protocol
Authors: Smith H. G. , Garbett K. M. , White P. , Williamson H. , Craddock N. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
Children’s online media perpetuates appearance idealised images and can negatively impact the way children feel about their own and other people’s bodies (e.g., weight bias) at a young age. The development and evaluation of body image interventions for young children to counteract this, are scarce. There is a need for prevention efforts to nurture the development of positive body image among this group to help mitigate potential body image concerns in later childhood. Media-based approaches promoting positive body image messages have shown preliminary efficacy. In collaboration with industry partners, we have developed two positive body image media micro-interventions (a 15-minute episode and a music video) to be evaluated in a fully powered RCT.

Methods
We aim to recruit 440 children between the ages of 4 and 6 years to be randomised into one of four conditions: (i) 15-minute episode intervention, (ii) 15-minute episode control, (iii) 3-minute music video intervention, or (iv) 3-minute music video control. This study will be conducted face-to-face, whereby children and a parent attend a media screening session and children complete pre-and post-intervention measures of positive body image and weight bias. Both the child and parent will watch their assigned media, together on a tablet device. Due to their age, children will complete outcome measures with a trained moderator in a play-based interview pre-intervention (T1), immediately post-intervention (T2) and one-week follow up (T3). A corresponding parent will complete a questionnaire on intervention acceptability at T2, and re-watch of their assigned media at T3. The primary outcome will be the change in body appreciation, and secondary outcomes include change in functionality appreciation and weight bias. Exploratory analyses will determine any effect of gender (girls vs. boys), year group (reception vs. year 1) dosage or delayed effects. Moderator fidelity will be also assessed.

Discussion
This study will evaluate two positive body image micro-interventions among children 4–6 years old. These interventions have the potential to bolster children’s positive body image and reduce weight bias. A dissemination plan is in place with project stakeholders such that the interventions can reach millions of children worldwide.

Trial registration
The trial is registered with Clinical Trial.gov, Ref number: NCT06146647.
Revisiting cost-effectiveness of folic acid supplementation in primary stroke prevention in China: considering vitamin B12 deficiency masking issue
Authors: Chen Xiyin , Bishai David 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Objectives
To identify the cost-effectiveness of four policy options related to folic acid supplements after considering the side effects of masking vitamin B12 (B12) deficiency in primary stroke prevention for hypertensive patients in China.

Study Design
A cost-effectiveness analysis.

Methods
Four policies were considered: Policy A, Do nothing to address folate status in hypertensive patients at risk for stroke; Policy B, Folate supplementation without pre-screening for vitamin B12 deficiency; Policy C, Folate supplementation with pre-screening all patients for B12 deficiency and add B12 supplements if B12 is deficient; and Policy D, Folate supplementation only for those whose folate is deficient, pre-screen all patients for both B12 and folate deficiencies and add B12 supplements if B12 is deficient. A decision tree with a five-year period of intervention based on the China Stroke Primary Prevention Trial (CSPPT) from the Chinese healthcare system perspective estimated incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) for Policy B, Policy C and Policy D vs. Policy A.

Results
At a willingness to pay (WTP) threshold of 3 times the national GDP per capita ($38,198), Policy B was not cost-effective compared to Policy A, with an ICER of $47,968 per QALY due to QALYs lost introduced by the delayed diagnosis of B12 deficiency and the potentially underestimated costs associated with treating neuropathy. However, Policy C and Policy D were cost-effective compared to Policy A, with an ICER of $32,615 and $20,287 per QALY, respectively. A probabilistic sensitivity analysis showed that there would be a 72.7% and 83.5% chance that the additional cost of Policy C and Policy D, compared with Policy A, was at or below the WTP threshold.

Conclusions
Folate supplementation with integrated screening for B12 and folate deficiencies is considered the most cost-effective strategy for primary stroke prevention in hypertensive elderly patients in China. Future research should focus on advancing precision medicine to assess the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of nationwide implementation across diverse sub-populations within the context of integrated screening, ensuring efficient and tailored public nutrition strategy delivery.
The effect of lysophosphatidic acid on myometrial contractility and the mRNA transcription of its receptors in the myometrium at different stages of endometrosis in mares
Authors: Piotrowska-Tomala Katarzyna Karolina , Szóstek-Mioduchowska Anna , Jonczyk Agnieszka Walentyna , Drzewiecka Ewa Monika , Wrobel Michał Hubert , Hojo Takuo , Ferreira-Dias Graca , Skarzynski Dariusz Jan 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
Endometrosis (chronic degenerative endometritis) results in morphological changes in the equine endometrium and impairs its secretory function. However, the effect of this condition on the myometrium remains unclear. Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) may affect female reproductive function and embryo transport by influencing uterine contractility through its receptors (LPARs). The objective of this study was to determine myometrial LPAR1–6 mRNA transcription, and the effects of LPA on myometrial contractions in mares with endometrosis during the mid-luteal and follicular phases of the estrous cycle.

Results
A reduction in myometrial LPAR1 mRNA transcription was observed in mares with endometrosis during the mid-luteal phase, in comparison to those with category I endometria (P < 0.05). While, upregulation of myometrial LPAR3 or LPAR6 mRNA transcription was observed in mares with category III or IIB endometria; respectively (P < 0.05). An increase in myometrial LPAR1, LPAR3 and LPAR5 mRNA transcription was observed during the follicular phase in mares with category IIA endometrium in comparison to their expression in category I endometrium (P < 0.05). During endometrosis progression LPA reduced the force of myometrial contractions in both phases of the estrous cycle (P < 0.05). However, in mares with category IIA endometrium during the follicular phase, LPA was found to increase the force of contraction of myometrial strips in comparison to mares with category I endometrium (P < 0.01).

Conclusion
In the course of endometrosis in mares, a disruption in the myometrial mRNA transcription of LPARs has been observed. This is the first study to examine the impact of LPA on myometrial contractility at diffrent stage of endometrosis. However, it is essential to consider that multiple factors may contribute to this process. Alternations in contractile activity and changes in myometrial LPARs mRNA transcription may indicate impaired LPA-signaling mechanisms in equine myometrium during endometrosis.
The Australian clinical trial landscape: Perceptions of rural, regional and remote health service capacity and capability
Authors: Graffini Jenna , Johnston Karen , Farrington Alison , McPhail Steven M. , Larkins Sarah 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
Access to clinical trials is limited for rural, regional and remote Australians, adding to the current health inequity between rural and metropolitan populations. The Australasian Teletrial Model was developed to bring clinical trials “closer to home”. In 2020, the Australian Teletrial Program was funded to expand and support the uptake of the model across six Australian states and territories. The aim of this study was to explore and describe the clinical trial landscape in Australia prior to the implementation of the Australian Teletrial Program with a particular focus on rural, regional and remote health services.

Methods
This qualitative study provides a descriptive exploration of the clinical trial landscape across rural, regional and remote Australia. Data were obtained from semi-structured interviews (n = 33) and one focus group (n = 5) involving clinical trial stakeholders between August 2022 and May 2023. Deductive then inductive thematic analysis used the broad topic areas of the interview schedule as a framework, as follows: education and training, workforce, equipment and services, clinical trial sites, participant recruitment and clinical trial approval process.

Results
This study identified barriers that are generalizable to the Australian clinical trial landscape and those specific to the rural, regional and remote health service context. The main barriers to conducting clinical trials in rural, regional and remote areas were lack of investment and engagement on the part of health service executives, workforce limitations, inconsistent training, lack of physical infrastructure and competing clinical priorities. Despite these challenges, clinicians reported enthusiasm for conducting clinical trials, and opportunities were reported for these health services to partner with larger metropolitan/regional health services, regional universities and communities to support the growth of clinical trial capability and capacity.

Conclusions
The clinical trial landscape in Australian health services varies in terms of quality and availability of training, workforce capacity, executive support, site capability and approval processes. The Australian Teletrial Program has an immense opportunity to overcome some of the reported challenges by supporting capacity and capability building. Ultimately, however, sustainable reform to bring trials closer to home requires a collaborative approach that considers implementation strategies across all levels of the health service and government, alongside other initiatives.
The clinical and biochemical effectiveness and safety of cholic acid treatment for bile acid synthesis defects: a systematic review
Authors: Polak Yasmin , van Dussen Laura , Kemper E. Marleen , Vaz Frédéric M. , Klouwer Femke C. C. , Engelen Marc , Hollak Carla E. M. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
Bile acid synthesis defects (BASDs) can be severely disabling involving the liver and nervous system, potentially due to elevated levels of toxic C27-bile acid intermediates. Cholic acid (CA) supplementation is hypothesized to decrease bile acid production, stimulate bile secretion and -flow, and slowing down disease progression. This systematic review assesses the clinical and biochemical effectiveness, and safety of CA in BASDs patients.

Methods
A systematic review of MEDLINE, Embase and clinical trial registries (ClinicalTrials.gov, ICTRP registry) using controlled MeSH- and Emtree terms.

Results
From 526 articles 70 publications were deemed eligible for inclusion based on title and abstract. 14 publications were included after full-text assessment comprising case reports and -series with 1–35 patients (162 patients in total) receiving 1 week to 16,5 years of CA treatment. All presented data on effectiveness, 8 studies also presented data on safety. The included population concerned patients with Zellweger spectrum disorders (n = 73), 3β-Hydroxy-Δ5-C27-steroid oxidoreductase deficiency (n = 62), cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis (n = 22), Δ4-3-oxosteroid 5β-reductase deficiency (n = 13), and α-methylacyl-CoA racemase deficiency (n = 3). Main outcomes concerned liver disease (12 studies), general physical examinations, biochemical outcomes, and safety (9 studies), and fat-soluble vitamin absorption (7 studies). The overall risk of bias score was considered to be critical (1 study), serious (4 studies), and moderate (9 studies). Major issues were missing data (10 studies), generalized data (8 studies), and no wash-out between treatments (4 studies).

Conclusion
More controlled studies are required as the available data is insufficient to draw definite conclusions on the effectiveness and safety of CA treatment in BASD patients. Establishing an independent international disease registry could better utilize existing real-world data.