bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of preference-based health-related quality of life measures for chronic neck pain: a pooled analysis of data from three RCTs
Authors: Lee Seong Min , Kim Soo-Jin , Nam Dongwoo , Park Yeon Cheol , Kim Eun-Jung , Ha In-Hyuk , Lee Yoon Jae 
Published: December 2024

ObjectivesThis study aimed to identify a preference-based health-related quality of life (HRQOL) measure that best reflects disease-specific features in patients with neck pain by comparing the characteristics of the instruments.DesignPooled data from three multicentre randomised controlled clinical trials (RCTs) on neck pain were included for analysis in this study.SettingAll three RCTs were conducted between 2017 and 2020 in Korea, and patients were recruited from four hospitals and one university teaching hospital.ParticipantsIn total, 313 patients with neck pain were included in the three RCTs.Primary and secondary outcome measuresA correlation analysis was conducted using Spearman’s correlation coefficients between preference-based HRQOL scores (EuroQol-5 Dimension 5 Levels (EQ-5D-5L) and Short-Form 6-Dimension version 1 (SF-6Dv1)) and the disease-specific measures for pain and function (Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Neck Disability Index (NDI) and Northwick Park Questionnaire).ResultsSpearman’s correlation analyses (p value <0.01 for all) showed that EQ-5D-5L exhibited slightly stronger negative correlations with pain-related measures (VAS: −0.277, NRS: −0.262) compared with SF-6Dv1 (VAS: −0.207, NRS: −0.182). For functional outcomes, EQ-5D-5L demonstrated stronger negative correlations with function-related measures such as NDI (−0.636 to −0.711) compared with SF-6Dv1 (−0.506 to −0.579). In patients with moderate-to-severe neck pain (VAS>5), EQ-5D-5L appeared to better capture functional and pain aspects. Despite these differences, both instruments consistently reflected treatment-related improvements in pain and function. Distribution analysis further indicated that EQ-5D-5L and SF-6Dv1 were not fully interchangeable due to variations in domain-level scoring patterns and ceiling effects observed in EQ-5D-5L.ConclusionsEQ-5D-5L showed stronger negative correlations with both pain and functional outcomes compared with SF-6Dv1, suggesting that it may better capture the functional aspects of chronic neck pain, particularly in moderate-to-severe conditions. However, the ceiling effect observed in EQ-5D-5L warrants caution when interpreting results in patients with mild neck pain. These findings provide practical guidance for selecting preference-based HRQOL measures in economic evaluations of musculoskeletal conditions, supporting more informed healthcare decision-making.Trial registration numberNCT03294785, Post-results;NCT03558178, Results;NCT04035018, Post-results.
Effect of electroacupuncture versus sham electroacupuncture on postoperative ileus after laparoscopic surgery for left-sided colorectal cancer: study protocol for a multicentre, randomised, sham-controlled trial
Authors: Zhou Yan , Zhang Mingming , Yang Chen , Li Shu-Hao , Guixing Xu , Zihan Yin , Sun Ming-Sheng , Yang Jiao , Wang Yang-Yang , Dai Wei , He Yueyi , Han Lin , Lin Jie , Liang Fan-rong , Liu Fang 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionPostoperative ileus (POI) is an inevitable complication after abdominal surgery, often hindering recovery and prolonging hospital stay. Despite the increasing use of electroacupuncture (EA) as an alternative treatment for gastrointestinal dysfunction, its effectiveness for POI is still controversial. This study aims to verify the efficacy and safety of EA in alleviating POI.Methods and designThe study is a multicentre, randomised, sham-controlled trial. A total of 174 patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery for left‐sided colorectal cancer will be randomly assigned to an EA group and a sham acupuncture group at a ratio of 1:1. Treatment for both groups will commence on the first day after the operation and continue once a day for four consecutive days. The primary outcome is time to first defecation. Secondary outcomes include time to first flatus, time to first tolerance to liquid and semiliquid diet, Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Colorectal (FACT-C, V.4.0), postoperative nausea and vomiting, postoperative pain and abdominal distension, the Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index, Self-Rating Depression Scale, Self-Rating Anxiety Scale, Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale, length of the postoperative hospital stay, time to first postoperative ambulation, evaluation of the expected value of acupuncture, and satisfaction evaluation.Ethics and disseminationThe results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications. This study protocol (V.2.0, 1 October 2023) involves human participants and has been approved by the Ethics Committee of Sichuan Cancer Hospital (number KY-2023-041-01), Meishan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine (number 2024LC001) and The Seventh People’s Hospital of Chengdu (number KY2024-001-01). Each individual who agrees to participate in the research will provide written informed consent after the objectives and procedures of this study are explained to them.Trial registration numberChiCTR2400079645. Registered on 8 January 2024.
Cross-sectional study on behavioural determinants associated with sugary foods and beverages and their correlates with body mass index among adolescents in Nagarjun municipality, Nepal
Authors: Gautam Laxmi , Thapa Milan , Pokhrel Poonam , Sapkota Parash Mani , Bhatt Anjali , Paudel Kiran 
Published: December 2024

ObjectivesThis study was conducted to determine the status of and factors associated with behavioural determinants (knowledge, attitude and practice) of sugary foods and beverages among adolescents in Kathmandu, Nepal.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingThe study was done at educational institutions located in Nagarjun municipality, Kathmandu, Nepal.ParticipantsIn this study, 768 adolescents from grades 8, 9 and 10 were selected using a multistage random sampling technique.Primary and secondary outcome measuresKnowledge regarding sugary foods and beverages was assessed using 9 questions, attitude was measured through 13 Likert scale statements and consumption was assessed using 9 questions through a semi-structured questionnaire. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated based on anthropometric measurements. Pearson’s χ2test and logistic regression were used to assess factors associated with those behavioural determinants, along with their correlates with BMI. A p value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultAdequate level of knowledge was found among 84.11% (95% CI: 81.52% to 86.70%) of the adolescents. Awareness of the health risks and inclination to adopt healthier behaviours was seen among 60% of the adolescents (95% CI: 56.55% to 63.49%). The percentage of adolescents consuming sugary foods and beverage items was 84.50% (95% CI: 81.94% to 87.07%). The odds of having adequate knowledge among respondents was twice (adjusted OR (AOR)=2.05, 95% CI: 1.12 to 3.76) more likely for those who were living with their parents. Female adolescents (AOR=2.51, 95% CI: 1.61 to 3.89), whose mothers are homemakers (AOR=1.99, 95% CI: 1.04 to 3.58) and fathers are engaged in foreign employment (AOR=2.09, 95% CI: 1.04 to 4.21), were more likely to consume sugary items. Prevalence of overweight and obesity was seen among 6.38% (95% CI: 4.64% to 8.11%) of respondents. Consumption was seen to be significant to the model overweight/obesity versus normal (OR=11.95 (95% CI: 1.61 to 88.42)).ConclusionAdequate knowledge alone was insufficient for influencing food selection and choices. Family-indulged interventions can be useful as familial factors seem to be impacting behavioural characteristics. Sugary foods and beverages consumption was linked to being overweight/obese, highlighting the importance of dietary discipline in reducing this risk.
Association between prenatal tobacco exposure and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder related characteristics at 6 and 8 years: a birth cohort in Japan
Authors: Itoh Mariko , Kobayashi Sumitaka , Nishihara Shinkichi , Miyashita Chihiro , Yamazaki Keiko , Tamura Naomi , Suyama Satoshi , Ikeda Atsuko , Itoh Sachiko , Ait Bamai Yu , Yamaguchi Takeshi , Masuda Hideyuki , Hanley Sharon , Kishi Reiko 
Published: December 2024

ObjectivesTo examine the association between maternal plasma cotinine concentrations during pregnancy and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) related characteristics in children.DesignProspective birth cohort study from the Hokkaido Study on Environment and Children’s Health.SettingHokkaido, Japan.ParticipantsA total of 7217 children were included in the analysis. Their mothers were recruited to this study between 2003 and 2012 during early pregnancy. Blood samples of mothers in their third trimester of pregnancy were obtained.Main outcome measuresADHD-related characteristics screened by the ADHD-Rating Scale (ADHD-RS) in children at 6 and 8 years of age.ResultsThe mothers were classified into three groups according to plasma cotinine levels (median=0.22 ng/mL)—non-smokers (≤0.21 ng/mL), passive smokers (0.22–11.48 ng/mL) and active smokers (≥11.49 ng/mL). ADHD was suspected in 302 (8.6%), 334 (10.9%) and 90 (14.5%) children in the non-smoker, passive smoker and active smoker groups, respectively. Children born to mothers in the smoking group had a statistically significant increased risk of ADHD-related characteristics (adjusted RR=1.49, 95% CI=1.19–1.86 and adjusted RR=1.20, 95% CI=1.03–1.40 for the active and passive smoking groups, respectively).ConclusionThis large Japanese cohort study suggests an association between smoking during pregnancy and the risk of ADHD in children 6 and 8 years of age.
Association between exposure to gender and sexual diversity in media (GSDM) and Thai adolescents’ attitude towards LGBT individuals: a cross-sectional study in Bangkok schools
Authors: Sookpornsawan Rudeemas , Kiatrungrit Komsan , Seree Patcharin , Korpaisarn Sira , Arunakul Jiraporn 
Published: December 2024

ObjectiveIn recent years, global media has increasingly represented lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) individuals, contributing to greater societal acceptance of diverse sexualities and gender identities. However, in Thailand, negative attitudes towards LGBT individuals remain prevalent, and media portrayals, both positive and negative, play a critical role in shaping public perceptions. These portrayals can significantly influence how different groups, particularly adolescents, view LGBT individuals. Given the importance of media in shaping attitudes, this study aims to explore the association between Thai adolescents’ exposure to gender and sexual diversity in media (GSDM) and their stigmatising attitudes towards LGBT individuals.SettingA cross-sectional survey was conducted during the first and second semesters of the academic year 2021 in eight schools located in Bangkok, Thailand.ParticipantsAdolescents from these schools completed a survey assessing demographics, exposure to GSDM, and stigmatising attitudes towards LGBT individuals. The LGBTQ stigma scale was used for attitudes, and media exposure was measured using a researcher-developed questionnaire. Linear regression analysis was conducted to test the association between exposure to GSDM and stigmatising attitudes.ResultsOut of 553 participants, with an average age of 16.34 years (ranging from 14 to 20 years), a third identified as LGBT (34.72%). Participants had moderate exposure to both positive and negative GSDM content (PGSDM and NGSDM, respectively), with those assigned female at birth more exposed to PGSDM than those assigned male at birth, and exhibiting lower levels of stigmatisation. Adolescents assigned female at birth and those who identified as LGBT displayed significantly lower stigmatisation than those assigned male at birth and non-LGBT individuals. Adolescents overall exhibited generally low stigmatisation towards LGBT individuals, with higher levels of stigmatisation linked to exposure to NGSDM (β=0.80, 95% CI 0.35 to 1.25). In contrast, PGSDM exposure was associated with reduced stigmatisation (β=−2.73, 95% CI −3.10 to −2.35).ConclusionsThai adolescents generally exhibit low levels of stigmatisation towards LGBT individuals. The study found an association between positive GSDM exposure and lower levels of stigmatisation, while negative exposure was linked to higher levels of stigmatisation. These findings suggest that media literacy programmes emphasising positive portrayals of gender diversity may be beneficial in promoting acceptance and reducing bias.
Exploring the effects of climate change on child malnutrition: protocol for a scoping review
Authors: Klapka Cecília Stanzani , Barbosa Brena Barreto , Magalhães Arthur Ramalho , Carioca Antônio Augusto Ferreira , Lourenço Barbara Hatzlhoffer , Gomes Sávio Marcelino , Martins de Carvalho Aline 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionRapid climate changes in the early 21st century have triggered a global syndemic intertwining obesity, undernutrition and climate change, profoundly affecting health, especially children. Despite increasing research, a significant gap persists in understanding the mechanisms linking climate change to child malnutrition, particularly in children under 5 years old. This protocol proposes a scoping review to address this gap, with the aim of mapping the available evidence on the relationship between climate change and malnutrition among children under 5 years old.Methods and analysisThis scoping review will be conducted according to the Joanna Briggs Manual for Evidence Synthesis, and the results will be reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) checklist to ensure a replicable process. The search will be conducted using MEDLINE (PubMed), Web of Science, Scopus and Embase databases. The studies to be included will be selected according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria defined based on the Population, Concept and Context technique. The study population will consist of children under 5 years old, with a focus on examining the impact of climate change on health outcomes related to nutrition, obesity and undernutrition. Original articles in English, Spanish and Portuguese will be selected without any restrictions on the publication year. Two researchers will independently select the articles and extract the data. The results will be presented through narrative synthesis.Ethics and disseminationThis study relies on analysing existing scientific literature and does not require ethical approval. The outcomes of this scoping review will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal, with a preference for open access.Study registrationOSF (osf.io/swt4b).
Developing standards for the implementation of stepped care in child and youth mental health service settings: protocol for a multi-method, delphi-based study
Authors: Young Bryan , Mughal Sarah , Churchill AnnMarie , Rash Joshua , Tee Karen , Salmon Amy , Shah Jai 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionCanadian youth mental health (YMH) systems have the potential to urgently tackle the mental health treatment gap currently impacting young people, and stepped care (SC) is one model that can address this need. The adoption of SC models can guide the development of better-connected YMH systems by simplifying transitions and care pathways. To do so requires robust standards that are co-created across stakeholder groups, including with lived experience experts, to ensure the effective implementation of SC models.Methods and analysisThis study aims to establish standards for implementing SC in Canadian child and YMH service settings by convening and developing a learning alliance (LA) of 65 individuals, translating guiding principles to standards via consensus methods (Delphi study), and operationalising and applying draft standards to three test ecosystems. Members of the LA will be recruited via snowball and purposive recruitment techniques to complete an e-Delphi study over three to four rounds until consensus is achieved. Participants will rank their agreement with including specific clause items in the final standard, and will be given opportunities to provide feedback and suggest revisions during each round. Comments will be analysed, scored and coded accordingly. Once consensus has been achieved, members of the LA will consider the application of these implementation standards in three settings that could benefit from SC. The protocol for this study was registered at Open Science Framework (https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/J5UNW).Ethics and disseminationThe protocol has been approved by the Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux (CIUSSS) de l'Ouest-de-l'Île-de-Montréal—Mental Health and Neuroscience subcommittee. As part of the ethics approval, informed consent forms for all Delphi participants were created and distributed to participants ahead of the Delphi. This includes parental consent forms for all LA members participating in the study who are under the age of 18. On completion, the project will ultimately support the implementation of SC in diverse service systems and guide the development of a robust and connected mental health delivery system in Canada. The final standard will be shared with relevant government bodies and health planners and disseminated via academic and other platforms.
Unravelling the potential relationship between the climate crisis and the health of migrant children in LAC: perceptions from migrant parents and healthcare professionals in Chile
Authors: Carreno Calderon Alejandra , Bluckaz Alice , Cabieses Baltica 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionLatin America and the Caribbean (LAC) is one of the regions most affected by the climate crisis, which is connected to international migration through a complex nexus. During the last years, migratory flows on the continent have increasingly included children and adolescents who are migrating through non-authorised crossing points. The existing literature shows how inequities negatively affect migrant children and the role that healthcare systems can play to mitigate them.ObjectiveBased on a qualitative study, the paper aims to analyse the role of the climate crisis on the healthcare needs of migrant children from LAC who are currently living in Chile, from the point of view of parents from five main countries of immigration in Chile and healthcare professionals.MethodAn exploratory study was conducted in Arica, Antofagasta and Santiago. In-depth interviews with 20 migrant parents and 20 healthcare professionals were carried out. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and a thematic analysis was performed.ResultsThree findings emerged from this study: (1) food insecurity affects LAC migrant children in their country of origin and during their migratory trajectories to Chile, (2) natural disasters and environmental degradation in the countries of origin are not the only drivers of migration for LAC families but also prevent returns, even when they remain undocumented and (3) LAC migrant children are exposed to urban pollution and contaminants in informal settlements due to difficulties in accessing formal housing, among others.ConclusionsThe climate crisis must be integrated into the study of migrant health in LAC, considering the current context of multiple political, health and economic crises in the region. Healthcare professionals and communities play a central role in creating interventions to build sustainable and resilient universal healthcare systems.
Lactylation-driven TNFR2 expression in regulatory T cells promotes the progression of malignant pleural effusion
Authors: Xue Qianqian , Peng Wenbei , Zhang Siyu , Wei Xiaoshan , Ye Linlin , Wang Zihao , Xiang Xuan , Liu Yao , Wang Haolei , Zhou Qiong 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundAlthough tumor necrosis factor receptor 2 (TNFR2) has been recognized as an attractive next-generation candidate target for cancer immunotherapy, the factors that regulate the gene expression and their mechanistic effects on tumor-infiltrating regulatory T cells (Treg cells) remain poorly understood.MethodsSingle-cell RNA sequencing analysis was employed to analyze the phenotypic and functional differences between TNFR2+Treg cells and TNFR2−Treg cells. Malignant pleural effusion (MPE) from humans and mouse was used to investigate the potential mechanisms by which lactate regulates TNFR2 expression.ResultsTreg cells with high TNFR2 expression exhibited elevated levels of immune checkpoint molecules. Additionally, the high expression of TNFR2 on Treg cells was positively correlated with a poor prognosis in MPE patients. Moreover, we revealed that lactate upregulated TNFR2 expression on Treg cells, thereby enhancing their immunosuppressive function in MPE. Mechanistically, lactate modulated the gene transcription of transcription factor nuclear factor-κB p65 (NF-κB p65) through histone H3K18 lactylation (H3K18la), subsequently upregulating the gene expression of TNFR2 and expediting the progression of MPE. Notably, lactate metabolism blockade combined with immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy effectively enhanced the efficacy of ICB therapy, prolonged the survival time of MPE mice, and improved immunosuppression in the microenvironment of MPE.ConclusionsThe study explains the mechanism that regulates TNFR2 expression on Treg cells and its function in MPE progression, providing novel insights into the epigenetic regulation of tumor development and metabolic strategies for MPE treatment by targeting lactate metabolism in Treg cells.
The “$$B\rightarrow K\pi $$ puzzle”: a new perspective
Authors: Szabelski Adam 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
A phenomenological analysis based on the published branching fractions and CP asymmetry observables of the

$$B\rightarrow K\pi $$

B
→
K
π

,

$$B\rightarrow \pi \pi $$

B
→
π
π

and

$$B\rightarrow KK$$

B
→
K
K

dataset is performed. The amplitude decomposition by the topological diagrams and the SU(3) irreducible representation is used. The result of the global fit can be interpreted as a solution to the “

$$B\rightarrow K\pi $$

B
→
K
π

puzzle”. The obtained precision enables to test a SU(3)-based sum rule showing

$$6\sigma $$

6
σ

discrepancy with the expectation value in the Standard Model scenario. To improve the obtained results the main effort should concentrate on the

$$B^0\rightarrow K^0\pi ^0$$

B
0

→

K
0

π
0

measurements.