bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Making the Most of Familismo to Curb the Diabetes Epidemic: Early Evidence of Success Delivering the Same Intervention to Latinas at Risk for and With Diabetes
Authors: Joachim-Célestin Maud , Montgomery Susanne B 
Published: September 2024

Background/objectives: In the USA, diabetes disproportionately affects Hispanics/Latinx, continuing to contribute to health disparities. To address the diabetes epidemic, separate programs for pre-diabetes and diabetes are promoted nationwide. However, engagement by Hispanics/Latinx in either program is lagging. Recent evidence suggests that offering a single community health worker delivered intervention that includes both groups and allows family members to participate may be more effective and in harmony with Latino cultural values, especially if offered to Latino women (Latinas) who traditionally are in charge of food preparation. Our objective was to explore the results of an intervention delivered to low-income Latinas at various dysglycemic levels (diabetic and pre-diabetic). Methods: In this quasi-experimental mixed-methods cohort study we longitudinally assessed biometric outcomes and health behaviors among obese Latinas at risk for—and with—diabetes, participating in the same intervention. Data were collected at baseline and 3 months post-intervention. Focus group discussions and interviews provided qualitative data to help contextualize findings. Results: Participants at different levels of the dysglycemic spectrum benefited equally from the intervention across most measures. Among participants whose relatives had diabetes, weight loss exceeded that of participants without diagnosed relatives. Domestic partners’ support, attending the program in a group setting, and previous diagnoses from a healthcare professional were associated with better results. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that a community health worker-delivered intervention for Hispanics/Latinx with—and at-risk for—diabetes is feasible and could be more effective in reducing Hispanics/Latinx’ diabetes burden. Health educators and clinicians should consider tapping into the collective nature of the Latinx/Hispanic culture to encourage healthy behaviors among individuals whose family members have diabetes, regardless of their dysglycemic status. We recommend replicating this study with a more rigorous randomized design, a larger number of participants and longer-term follow-up.
Maternal and fetal outcomes in an Italian multicentric cohort of women with multiple sclerosis exposed to dimethyl fumarate during pregnancy
Authors: Landi Doriana , Bartolomeo Silvia , Bovis Francesca , Amato Maria Pia , Bonavita Simona , Borriello Giovanna , Buccafusca Maria , Bucello Sebastiano , Cavalla Paola , Cellerino Maria , Centonze Diego , Cocco Eleonora , Conte Antonella , Cortese Antonio , D’Amico Emanuele , Di Filippo Massimiliano , Docimo Renato , Fantozzi Roberta , Ferraro Elisabetta , Filippi Massimo , Foschi Matteo , Gallo Antonio , Granella Franco , Ianniello Antonio , Lanzillo Roberta , Lorefice Lorena , Lucchini Matteo , Lus Giacomo , Mataluni Giorgia , Mirabella Massimiliano , Moiola Lucia , Napoli Francesca , Nicoletti Carolina Gabri , Patti Francesco , Ragonese Paolo , Realmuto Sabrina , Schirò Giuseppe , Signoriello Elisabetta , Sinisi Leonardo , Stromillo Maria Laura , Tomassini Valentina , Vecchio Domizia , Sormani Maria Pia , Marfia Girolama Alessandra 
Published: September 2024

Background: Evidence on the impact of dimethyl fumarate (DMF) during pregnancy in women with multiple sclerosis (MS) is limited. Objectives: To investigate disease activity and pregnancy outcomes in a retrospective cohort of women exposed to DMF in early pregnancy. Methods: Women discontinuing DMF after pregnancy confirmation were identified from 29 Italian MS Centers. Disease activity 12 months before conception, during pregnancy, and 12 months postpartum were recorded, exploring reactivation predictors. Pregnancy and fetal outcomes were assessed. Results: The study analyzed 137 pregnancies (12 pregnancy losses, 125 live births) from 137 women (mean age 32.9 ± 4.7 years), discontinuing DMF within a median (interquartile range (IQR)) interval of 4.9 (3.7–5.7) weeks from conception. In live birth pregnancies, annualized relapse rate (ARR) significantly decreased during pregnancy (ARR = 0.07, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.03–0.14, p = 0.021) compared to pre-conception (ARR = 0.21 (95% CI: 0.14–0.30)) and increased postpartum ((ARR = 0.22 (95% CI: 0.15–0.32), p = 0.006). Median time to first relapse (TTFR) was 3.16 (IQR: 1:87–5.42) months. Higher pre-conception relapse number (hazard ratio (HR) = 2.33, 95% CI: 1.08–5.02) and Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS; HR = 1.81, 95% CI: 1.17-2.74) were associated with shorter TTFR, while treatment resumption with longer TTFR (HR = 0.29, 95% CI: 0.11–0.74). Fetal outcomes were unaffected by DMF exposure. Conclusion: DMF discontinuation does not increase relapse risk during pregnancy. Early therapy restart prevents postpartum relapses. Early DMF exposure shows no adverse fetal outcomes.
Can combining existing behavioral tools improve identification of infants at elevated likelihood of autism in the first year of life?
Authors: Talbott Meagan R , Young Gregory S , Ozonoff Sally 
Published: September 2024

Identifying infants at elevated likelihood for autism and other developmental differences in the first year of life remains a significant challenge. This study explored associations between behavioral differences in infancy and developmental outcomes in toddlerhood. We conducted a secondary data analysis of 256 infants with an older autistic sibling followed from 6 to 36 months of age. We defined conceptually driven cutoffs for three behavioral measures collected at 6, 9, and 12 months and examined the utility of these measures, individually and in combination, in predicting 36-month outcome classification (typical development or developmental concerns, including autism). Overall, relatively few infants met multiple measure definitions (range: 5 to 43 infants across ages). However, infants meeting multiple definitions had a higher likelihood of developmental concerns outcomes at all ages. Positive predictive values for meeting all three measure definitions combined ranged from 0.67 [0.22, 0.96] at 6 months to 0.95 [0.75, 1.0] at 12 months. These findings suggest that while majority of infants ultimately classified with developmental concerns do not show significant behavioral differences in the first year, when early differences are present, they have predictive value. Combining behavioral tools may help to improve identification of infants most in need of early supports. Lay abstract Many families have concerns about their infants’ development in the first year of life. Current screeners cannot tell whether these differences might be related to autism, developmental delays, or likely to resolve on their own. As a result, many families are told to “wait and see.” In this study, we looked at whether combining multiple behavior measures can improve prediction of outcomes in toddlerhood. This could help to provide families with more information about the significance of early behavioral differences. We assessed 256 infants with an older autistic sibling at 6, 9, and 12 months. We created three markers of behavioral differences at these ages. We looked at whether infants who had two or more markers were more likely to be on the autism spectrum or have other developmental differences than to have typically developing outcomes at 36 months. We found that very few infants had more than one marker at any age. However, infants who showed two or more markers were more likely to be on the spectrum or have other developmental differences at 36 months than infants who showed only one marker. These findings suggest that when behavioral differences are present on multiple measures, there is no need to wait and see before referring for services.
Limited input and the acquisition of Finnish: The evolution of a child speaker in a multilingual environment
Authors: Halmari Helena 
Published: September 2024

Aims and Objectives/Research Question: This is a case study of a toddler acquiring Finnish in a trilingual (Finnish–Spanish–English) setting. Despite the apparent ease of the child’s acquisition of Finnish, the pressure of the majority language (English) suppresses the use of the acquired minority language. Is it feasible to expect an early-childhood minority language to be maintained at the level of production? Design/Methodology: Video-recordings were collected in domestic settings, mostly with the Finnish-speaking mother in interactions with the child, who was between the ages of 3;6 and 4;6. The approach follows loosely the principles of interactional sociolinguistics. Data and Analysis: The data were collected in 2008, when the child was 3 years old, and the follow-up data 8 months later, when the child was four. Samples of this corpus are analyzed in detail for the emerging target-like Finnish case endings and verbal inflections, as well as for deviations from adult Finland Finnish. The mother’s strategies of maximizing the effects of the limited input are also discussed. Findings/Conclusions: Even though the input the child receives is limited, his acquisition of Finnish morphosyntax follows monolingual patterns and shows overgeneralizations typical of monolingual Finnish children’s language. Some transfer from the contact with English and Spanish languages is present. The question of ultimate attainment in a heritage-language situation is addressed. Originality: The study is rare, as it documents the rapid transition from the child’s well acquired minority language to English, the majority language, in the matter of months. Significance: This article confirms the vulnerability of childhood bilingualism: even a few months between the two longitudinal datasets show a sharp decline in the child’s output in the heritage Finnish, but the dichotomy between “maintenance” versus “loss” is challenged because the decline in output does not necessarily extend to the loss of comprehension.
Lignin dispersion in polybutadiene rubber (BR) with different mixing parameters
Authors: Koskinen Jukka , Kemppainen Noora , Sarlin Essi 
Published: September 2024

There is a strong need to replace carbon black and silica as a reinforcing filler in rubber industry. Lignin is a promising option as a replacement, because of its wide availability, complex chemistry and sustainable source. Typically, the reinforcing effect of lignin is weak and one major cause is the poor dispersion of filler. In this study, typical dispersion parameters in mixing are tested in a systematic way to validate their effect on kraft lignin dispersion in polybutadiene rubber. Tested mixing variables are temperature, rotor speed, mixing time, fill ratio and shear forces. The effect of variables to dispersion are analyzed from electron microscopy images with an image analysis software. With this novel method exact number of particles and their properties could be calculated. Unlike for conventional fillers (carbon black and silica), the results show clearly that only the mixing temperature has an effect on lignin dispersion in rubber. With high mixing temperatures, dispersion and hence mechanical properties improved. The better dispersion is especially seen as decreasing number of large (>Ø 5 μm) particles. Other mixing variables did not have significant effect on dispersion and the number of large particles.
Do household and childcare task divisions prospectively predict engagement in time-costly continuing education among Dutch working mothers and fathers?
Authors: van der Meulen Erik 
Published: September 2024

Despite its importance for career development, previous cross-sectional studies have shown that individuals are reluctant to consider continuing education (CE) engagement because of family responsibilities. To prospectively test these associations, a longitudinal dataset consisting of, respectively, 548 and 809 working mothers and fathers (with one or more living-at-home children of 12 years or younger) was extracted from a Dutch population–based internet survey. Whether respondents were engaged in T2 CE was prospectively predicted by T1a (with an average 466-day time-lag) household labour, childcare division, and job–household focus, while controlling for several relevant T1b job and household characteristics. Using generalised linear mixed models, outcomes reveal that only mothers are less likely to engage in CE when they had less children. Division of household labour, childcare, and job–household focus were all not predictive of CE at T2. Future studies should examine moderators of the association between family responsibilities and CE engagement.
Dietary behaviour, attitude and food perceptions of patients with ulcerative colitis – An observational study
Authors: Sahni Nancy , Rana Urvashi , Rajan Sindhuja , Jena Anuraag , Singh Anupam K , Dutta Usha , Sharma Vishal 
Published: September 2024

Background: Dietary knowledge, perception and practices may have a role in determining the nutritional status of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, the assessment of these patterns has infrequently been done in developing countries. We aimed to evaluate patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) about their dietary beliefs, practices and changes after the diagnosis. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey among patients with UC at a tertiary care centre in North India. Apart from clinical details, we collected information about dietary beliefs, sources of information, dietary practices and changes after the diagnosis of UC. The information was collected using a designed and pretested survey questionnaire. Results: We included 93 patients with a mean age of 40.6 ± 13.3 years and 49 (52.7%) were men. A majority of patients felt that diet had an important role in the causation of IBD (86%, n = 80) and triggering relapses (86%, n = 80). A total of 94.6% of patients ( n = 88) felt that certain foods (especially spicy and fatty food and milk) items increased the symptoms of IBD. Patients felt that some food items (yogurt and buttermilk) improved the symptoms. A total of 96.8% of patients ( n = 90) changed their diet in some form (commonly, restriction of milk products and outside food), 64% of patients ( n = 60) deprived themselves of their favourite food after diagnosis, 80.6% of patients ( n = 75) felt a need for additional dietary advice. Regular milk intake was seen more often by patients in remission than those with active disease in IBD (36/47 (76.6%) vs 7/15(46.6%), p = 0.03). Conclusion: Most patients believe that diet has an important role in the causation, relapses and treatment of UC. Patients also felt the need for more information regarding diet in IBD.
The Efficacy of Radiofrequency Ablation for the Treatment of Symptomatic Varicose Veins of Lower Limbs
Authors: Butt Muhammad A. , Avabde Dani , Cheema Muhammad U. , Raza Tilala , Latif Atif , Leechong Peter , Miah Mohammad M. R. 
Published: September 2024

Background Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive treatment for lower limb varicose veins. Studies indicate that RFA results in immediate occlusion of 90%–100% of treated long saphenous veins. Evidence suggests that post-operative scans rarely alter patient management or outcomes. Objective The aim of this study was to assess the potential necessity of routine postoperative scanning in the treatment of varicose veins. Method Retrospective data were collected for the patients who had RFA under a single consultant from November 2015 to June 2018. Descriptive statistics were calculated to summarize patient demographics, procedural details, and outcome measures. Results A total of 124 patients underwent radiofrequency ablation (RFA). Most of the patients (n = 114, 92%) demonstrated complete ablation, indicating a high success rate for the procedure. Conclusion This study suggested that routine postoperative scanning should be discontinued as this did not alter patient management in over 99% of cases. The resources currently used for postoperative scans could be redirected towards other critical areas.
Comparative Efficacy of Cognitive Training for Post-Stroke Aphasia: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis
Authors: Kong Qiao , Wang Jiaqi , Huang Xing , He Junyi , Chang Jingling 
Published: September 2024

Background Although cognitive training has shown potential for treating post-stroke aphasia (PSA), its efficacy varies across studies, and the optimal training approaches remain unclear. Objective To evaluate and compare the effects of distinct cognitive training interventions, either combined with or independent of speech and language therapy (SLT), on language function in individuals with PSA. Methods A systematic search encompassing PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, VIP, and Chinese Biomedical Databases was conducted for randomized controlled trials (RCTs). A network meta-analysis evaluated interventions, including computer-assisted cognitive training (CCT), conventional cognitive training (CT), virtual reality (VR)-based cognitive training (vrCT), telerehabilitation computer-assisted cognitive training (tCCT), working memory (WM) training, and attention training (AT). Results Eleven RCTs comprising 501 participants were included. Individuals with PSA who underwent combined WM training with SLT led to significantly enhanced Western Aphasia Battery (WAB) Aphasia Quotient (AQ), as well as in spontaneous speech, auditory comprehension, repetition, and naming, compared to those receiving SLT alone. This combination was more effective than both CCT with SLT and tCCT with SLT in improving WAB AQ. Similarly, it outperformed both CCT with SLT and vrCT with SLT in enhancing WAB spontaneous speech. Additionally, both AT and CT combined with SLT were more effective than SLT alone in enhancing WAB spontaneous speech. Specifically, AT combined with SLT proved more effective than vrCT with SLT in this area. Moreover, vrCT combined with SLT significantly improved auditory comprehension compared with SLT alone. Conclusions Combining WM training and SLT and integrating vrCT with SLT both significantly enhance language function in individuals with PSA, compared with SLT alone. Our findings advocate for the use of these cognitive training approaches as promising strategies for language rehabilitation in this population. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42023462361.
Minimally Invasive Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting for Multivessel Coronary Artery Disease: A Systematic Review
Authors: Sef Davorin , Thet Myat Soe , Hashim Shahrul Amry , Kikuchi Keita 
Published: September 2024

Objective: We conducted a systematic review of all available evidence on the feasibility and safety of minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting (MICS CABG) in patients with multivessel coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods: A systematic literature search in PubMed, MEDLINE via Ovid, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science was performed to identify all relevant studies evaluating outcomes of MICS CABG among patients with multivessel CAD and including at least 15 patients with no restriction on the publication date. Results: A total of 881 studies were identified, of which 26 studies met the eligibility criteria. The studies included a total of 7,556 patients. The average patient age was 63.3 years (range 49.5 to 69.0 years), male patients were an average of 77.8% (54.0% to 89.8%), and body mass index was 29.8 kg/m2 (24.5 to 30.1 kg/m2). Early mortality and stroke were on average 0.6% (range 0% to 2.0%) and 0.4% (range 0% to 1.3%), respectively. The average number of grafts was 2.8 (range 2.1 to 3.7). The average length of hospital stay was 5.6 days (range 3.1 to 9.3 days). Conclusions: MICS CABG appears to be a safe method in well-selected patients with multivessel CAD. This approach is concentrated at dedicated centers, and there is no widespread application, although it has potential to be widely applicable as an alternative for surgical revascularization. However, large randomized controlled studies with longer follow-up are still required to compare the outcomes with conventional CABG and other revascularization strategies.
Impella 5.5: A Systematic Review of the Current Literature
Authors: Valdes Carlos Alberto , Bilgili Ahmet , Reddy Akshay , Sharaf Omar , Jimenez-Contreras Fabian , Stinson Griffin , Ahmed Mustafa , Vilaro Juan , Parker Alex M. , Al-Ani Mohammad AZ , Demos Daniel , Aranda Juan , Bleiweis Mark , Beaver Thomas M. , Jeng Eric I. 
Published: September 2024

Objective: Impella 5.5 (Abiomed, Danvers, MA, USA) is a temporary mechanical circulatory support device used for patients in cardiogenic shock. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the device’s clinical effectiveness, safety profile, patient outcomes, and relevant procedural considerations. Methods: We conducted a systematic review according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines using the PubMed/MEDLINE database. The search query included articles available from October 6, 2022, through January 13, 2023. Our initial search identified 75 studies. All records were screened by 2 independent reviewers using the Covidence software for adherence to our inclusion criteria, and 8 retrospective cohort studies were identified as appropriate for inclusion. Results: Across the included studies, the sample size ranged from 4 to 275, with predominantly male cohorts. Indications for Impella support varied, and the duration of support ranged from 9.8 to 70 days. Overall, Impella support appeared to be associated with favorable survival rates and manageable complications in various patient populations. Complications associated with Impella use included bleeding, stroke, and device malfunctions. Two studies compared prolonged and Food and Drug Administration–approved Impella support, showing similar outcomes and adverse events. Conclusions: Impella 5.5 continues to be an attractive option for bridging patients to definitive therapy. Survival during and after Impella 5.5 was favorable for patients regardless of initial indication. However, device use was associated with several important complications, which calls for judicious use and a precontemplated exit strategy. Limitations of this literature review include biases inherent to the retrospective studies included, such as selection and publication bias.