bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Therapeutic effect of a single lumbar puncture in idiopathic intracranial hypertension
Authors: Zaic Sina , Krajnc Nik , Macher Stefan , Michl Martin , Müller Nina , Mitsch Christoph , Marik Wolfgang , Novak Klaus , Wöber Christian , Pemp Berthold , Bsteh Gabriel 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background. Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a neurological disorder characterized by increased intracranial pressure. Whilst lumbar puncture (LP) is necessary for the diagnosis of IIH, its therapeutic effect remains unclear. Our aim was to evaluate the therapeutic effect of a single LP in patients with IIH (pwIIH).
Methods. In this prospective observational study, we analysed short-term neurological and ophthalmological outcomes in pwIIH before, one (D1) and seven days (D7) after the LP. The primary endpoint was the change in papilledema degree from baseline. Secondary endpoints included visual outcomes, morphological changes in optical coherence tomography (peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer [pRNFL] thickness and ganglion cell layer [GCL] volume) and transbulbar sonography (arachnoid optic nerve sheath diameter [AONSD]), and headache outcomes (peak and median headache severity and burden related to headache).
Results. We included 30 pwIIH (mean age 32.8 years [SD 8.4], 93.3% female, median CSF opening pressure 33.0 cmH2O [IQR 26.9–35.3], median body mass index (BMI) 34.8 kg/m2 [IQR 30.9–40.9]). The median papilledema grading at baseline was 2 (1–3) and was significantly reduced at D7 (2 [1–2], p=0.011). Median pRNFL thickness had decreased significantly at D7 (-9µm [-62.5, -1.3], p=0.035), with pRNFL thickness at baseline being associated with the pRNFL change (F(1,11)=18.79, p=0.001). Mean AONSD had decreased significantly at both D1 (-0.74mm [0.14], p<0.001) and D7 (-0.65mm [0.17], p=0.01), with AONSD at baseline being associated with the change in AONSD at both time points (D1: b= -0.89, 95% CI -1.37, -0.42, p=0.002; D7: b= -0.85, 95% CI -1.42, -0.28, p=0.007). Peak headache severity was slightly lower at D7 (-1/10 [-3, 0], p=0.026), whereas median headache severity and headache burden remained unchanged.
Conclusions. This short-term follow-up study in pwIIH undergoing a single LP suggests a moderate effect on ophthalmological but not headache outcomes. The usefulness of LP as a therapeutic measure in IIH remains controversial and should likely be reserved for patients with limited treatment options, e.g., in pregnancy or intolerability to medication.
A Fact-Finding Survey of the Concerns of Patients with Cancer: A Network Analysis
Authors: Yamamoto Kazumasa , Tanabe Yuko , Nonogaki Kiyomi , Okumura Hiroki , Ozaki Haruka , Kuno Masahiro , Watanabe Shogo , Takemura Kohji , Yamanaka Taro , Kizawa Rika , Yamaguchi Takeshi , Tanaka Kiyo , Kobayashi Yoko , Ogura Takuya , Tamura Nobuko , Kawabata Hidetaka , Suyama Koichi , Miura Yuji 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Despite advances in supportive cancer care, patients experience various interrelated concerns affecting their quality of life. This study aimed to elucidate the frequency, severity, and complex interrelationships of diverse physical, psychological, and social concerns among patients with cancer.
Methods
In this cross-sectional study, a 74-item questionnaire assessing symptoms and problems across 12 categories was administered to 300 patients with various cancer types. Each item was rated from 0 (none) to 3 (severe). Sex and cancer type differences were analyzed. Network analysis examined and visualized the centrality and clustering of patient concerns.
Results
Overall, 127 males and 173 females (median age, 66 years) participated in this study. Cancer types included breast (28.0%), gastrointestinal (27.3%), urologic (17.3%), hepatobiliary/pancreatic (14.7%), gynecological (6.7%), and others (6.0%). Females reported significantly higher overall distress than males (30.4 vs. 22.5, p < 0.01). The most common concerns were physical decline (81.7%), fatigue (80.5%), muscle weakness (65.9%), numbness/pain (63.0%), and hair loss (54.9%). Items with the highest centrality were muscle weakness, nutritional management, fatigue, changes in appearance, and physical decline. Network structures differed between sexes, with males exhibiting higher centrality in sexual function and social concerns and females in psychological symptoms.
Conclusions
This study elucidated the complex symptom interrelationships among the concerns of patients with cancer. Females experienced a greater symptom burden than males. Fatigue, weakness, and nutritional management were central symptoms linked to other concerns. These intricate symptom networks highlight the need for multidisciplinary interventions targeting multiple interconnected concerns to optimize supportive care. Therefore, sex-specific approaches are warranted.
In Sync or Out of Sync? Understanding Stress and Learning Performance in Collaborative Healthcare Simulations through Physiological Synchrony and Arousal
Authors: Yan Lixiang , Gašević Dragan , Echeverria Vanessa , Zhao Linxuan , Jin Yueqiao , Li Xinyu , Martinez-Maldonado Roberto 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Physiological synchrony and arousal are increasingly utilised to understand students' affective and cognitive states, such as stress, which can influence their learning performance and satisfaction in collaborative settings. However, it remains uncertain whether these physiological indicators can meaningfully reflect students' stress and learning performance during embodied collaborative learning (ECL). With advancements in sensing technologies, AI, and multimodal learning analytics (MMLA), it is now possible to model learners' affective and physiological states in such dynamic and physically active settings. This study investigates the role of physiological synchrony and arousal as indicators of stress and learning performance in ECL using a mixed-method approach. We first developed two linear mixed models using heart rate and survey data from 172 students participating in collaborative high-fidelity nursing simulations. The findings were then presented to educators to gain insights into their interpretation of the current findings on the relationship between students' physiological responses and their learning performance. Results indicate that physiological synchrony is a significant indicator of students' perceived stress and collaboration performance, while physiological arousal is a significant indicator of task performance, even after accounting for individual and group differences. Educators confirmed that these findings align with their assumptions about the relationships between students' physiological responses and their performance, validating the ecological validity of the results. They also expressed interest in using these insights to refine simulation activities and enhance reflective practices. These findings provide empirical evidence to support the development of context-aware analytic tools using AI and MMLA to enhance collaborative learning.
Effectiveness of long-lasting insecticide treated net use by socioeconomic status: a cross-sectional household study in area along Lake Victoria, Kenya
Authors: Iwashita Hanako , Nagi Sachiyo , Bahati Felix , Kagaya Wataru , Larson Peter S. , Kongere James , Kanoi Bernard N. , Hayasaka Reiko , Sugishita Tomohiko , Gitaka Jesse , Kaneko Akira 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background This study focused on the importance of integrated vector mosquito management (IVM) in malaria control, particularly the pivotal role of long-lasting insecticide treated nets (LLINs). The objective was to assess the effectiveness of LLINs when properly used by no more than two people, controlling for differences in socioeconomic status (SES). We hypothesized that LLIN effectiveness would differ by SES and that LLIN effectiveness should be analyzed with adjustment for differences in SES.Methods We conducted a household level survey in an area in the Lake Victoria region in Suba North Sub-County, Homa Bay County, Western Kenya between June and September 2021. We assessed the number of people living in the home and the number of LLINs along with other demographic data. We calculated the ratio of people reporting sleeping under an LLIN to the total number of LLINs in the home. Through a school based, community survey, researchers administered blood-spot, PCR tests for Plasmodium infection. Community workers linked individual malaria tests to homes which participated in the household survey through names and geographic identifiers. A generalized linear model (GLM) tested the associations between household parasitemia risk in children and the ratio of people to LLINs, stratifying on asset-based household level SES measures.Results A stratified model by SES level indicated that using LLINs with no more than two people significantly reduced risk in middle SES households (OR 0.32, 95%CI 0.12–0.92) and in combined middle and low SES households (OR 0.37, 95% CI: 0.17–0.87).Conclusions Our results suggest that promoting the use of one LLIN by no more than two people, as recommended by WHO, can reduce the risk of malaria. Efforts to promote LLINs as an effective means of preventing malaria in children might encourage LLIN compliance and maintain community level control targets. If households have been excluded from LLIN distribution, LLINs should be distributed immediately along with information about their effectiveness. Strategies to sustain LLINs use and community benefits should be considered. These strategies could also promote community-wide IVM, including the use of LLINs.
Comparison between carrier transport property and crystal quality of TlBr semiconductors
Authors: Watanabe Kenichi , Sugai Yusuke , Hasegawa Sota , Tanaka Seishiro , Hitomi Keitaro , Nogami Mitsuhiro , Shinohara Takenao , Su Yuhua , Parker Joseph Don , Kockelmann Winfried 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Thallium bromide (TlBr) semiconductor detectors are being developed as promising candidates for high-detection-efficiency, high-energy-resolution, and room-temperature gamma-ray spectrometers. This study presents methods for evaluating TlBr crystal quality and carrier transport characteristics, using neutron Bragg-dip imaging and the time-of-flight method for pulsed-laser-induced carriers, respectively. Neutron Bragg-dip imaging effectively determines crystal orientation distribution, revealing crystal imperfections and grain boundaries. Time-of-flight measurements provide a spatial distribution of carrier mobility. In this study, two samples obtained from both the upstream and downstream region in the crystal ingot were evaluated. Although both samples show similar crystal quality, the upstream sample showed high carrier mobility across all areas, whereas the downstream sample exhibits low mobility in some areas. These findings suggest that, at least within the range of carrier mobility currently obtained, the effect of crystal integrity on carrier mobility is less significant than that of impurities. In conclusion, combining neutron Bragg-dip imaging with carrier mobility measurements offers a comprehensive approach to evaluating and improving TlBr detectors.
Mediating effect of smoking on the relationship between educational status and hospitalization in China with COVID-19: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Huang Zhenxiao , Li Yinghua , Su Zheng , Xie Ying , Liu Zhao , Qin Rui , Cheng Anqi , Zhou Xinmei , Li Jinxuan , Wei Xiaowen , Liu Yi , Xia Xin , Song Qingqing , Zhao Liang , Chung Kian Fan , Xiao Dan , Wang Chen 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background: Educational disparities in COVID-19 outcomes are well documented in Western countries, but evidence from China is limited. This study explored the role of smoking in these disparities.
Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study in China between January 28 and February 21, 2023. Participants who reported positive SARS-CoV-2 results via RT‒PCR and/or IgM‒IgG antigen tests provided self-reported data on COVID‒19 hospitalization, educational status, and smoking status through an online questionnaire. Logistic regressions with and without inverse probability weighting estimated odds ratios (ORs) for COVID-19 hospitalization by educational status, adjusting for potential confounders. The Karon‒Holm‒Breen (KHB) method was used to estimate the proportion of mediation attributable to smoking status.
Results: Of the 25,827 participants (56.4% male; mean age 40.9 years), 1652 (6.83%) were hospitalized, and higher ORs for COVID-19 hospitalization were found in those with primary school education or below (OR: 1.84), junior high school (OR: 1.48), high school/technical secondary school (OR: 1.44), and smoking history (OR: 1.52). Smoking mediated the relationship between educational status and hospitalization, with mediation proportion ranging from 7.62% to 13.34%, varying by sex.
Conclusion: This study highlights an educational gradient in COVID-19 hospitalization in China, with smoking as a partial mediator.
Shared practices among primary health care workers: A time-motion study
Authors: Rewa Talita , Goncalves Geisa Colebrusco Souza , Varela Andrea Liliana Vesga , Leonello Valéria Marli , Peduzzi Marina , Almeida Leticia Yamawaka , Belotti Lorrayne , Silva Debora Bernardo , Bonfim Daiana 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
Shared activities by health workers in meeting health needs are crucial to improve the health population, patient experience, quality of life of health teams and the effectiveness of care.
Objective
to analyze the activities shared by Primary Health Care (PHC) team workers, whether multiprofessional or uniprofessional.
Method
A descriptive study was, thus, carried out, based on the time-motion technique, in São Paulo-Brazil. Data collection was carried out from 2021 to 2022, through direct observations of workers, family health teams (FHT), oral health teams (OHT) and multidisciplinary teams (MultiT). The frequency rates of both activities and time of shared practices and the distribution of workers involved in information exchanges were considered.
Results
A total of 93 workers were observed, recording 21,936 activities (157,653 minutes). Of these, 72.90% were individual activities and 27.10%, shared (36.1% uni-professional and 63.9% multiprofessional). Shared activities represented 26.26% of the time. Dental surgeons presented 60.8% of their activities in the shared modality, uni-professionally (99.26%). Concerning FHT, nurses were most dedicated to shared practices (33.09%) and exchanged information the most with others. According to team practices, the greatest amount of time dedicated to shared practices was spent by FHT (80%), followed by MultiT (71%) and OHT (65%).
Conclusion
multiprofessional work in PHC is evident as a precursor to interprofessional practice. In this sense, studies and reflections on the way in which PHC indicators have been monitored and evaluated, which mainly refer to individual activities, are required.
Spiroplasma shows a Wolbachia-like effect in hampering virus replication in spider mite
Authors: Ferreira Lucas Yago Melo , Santos João Pedro Nunes , Souza David Gabriel do Nascimento , Orellana Lixsy Celeste Bernardez , de Santana Sabrina Ferreira , Sousa Anderson Gonçalves , Fonseca Paula Luize Camargos , Silva Amanda Gabrielly Santana , Santos Vinicius Castro , de Faria Isaque João da Silva , Olmo Roenick Proveti , Pacheco Luis Gustavo Carvalho , Costa Marcio Gilberto Cardoso , Pirovani Carlos Priminho , Oliveira Anibal Ramadan , Aguiar Eric Roberto Guimarães Rocha 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
Members of the Acari order, commonly known as mites, play a significant role as agricultural pests. Among these, the Tetranychidae family stands out due to its remarkable diversity, surrounding approximately 1200 species capable of infesting over 4000 plant species. By feeding on plant tissues, these mites directly harm crops and can also serve as vectors for viral pathogens, posing a substantial threat to global food security. In this study, we investigated the unexplored virome of Tetranychus truncatus exploring how biotic factors (Spiroplasma and Wolbachia endosymbionts), and abiotic stresses (abamectin and temperature) affect virus dynamics.
Results
Our metatranscriptomics analyses revealed sequences related to important arthropod- and crop-infecting viral families, including the known plant-pathogenic Potato Y virus and Cherry A virus strains and fourteen new species. Notably, abamectin treatment correlated with the absence of Potato virus Y and TtDV-2 virus, suggesting this pesticide impacts viral diversity. Interestingly, single infections of Wolbachia or Spiroplasma significantly decreased both the diversity and the abundance of viruses, with the greatest effect on dicistroviruses, indicating for the first time the potential of Spiroplasma to restrict viral infections. Surprisingly, Wolbachia-Spiroplasma co-infection leads to the loss of the virus restriction effect. Wolbachia-exclusive and Spiroplasma-exclusive responsive genes showed enrichment for similar pathways, with piRNA and autophagy enriched in up-regulated genes. In contrast, lipid metabolic processes were enriched in down-regulated elements.
Conclusions
Overall, our study describes the T. truncatus virome, unveiling the considerable influence of its microbiome, including Wolbachia and Spiroplasma, and Abamectin pesticide on both virus diversity and abundance.
Beneficial rhizobacteria mitigate combined water and phosphorus deficit effects on upland rice
Authors: Costa Niedja Bezerra , Bezerra Gustavo de Andrade , de Moraes Moemy Gomes , de Filippi Marta Cristina Corsi , Carvalho Maria da Conceição Santana , Bhosale Rahul A. , de Castro Adriano Pereira , Lanna Anna Cristina 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background and aims
Limited water and phosphorus availability are major challenges in upland rice production. Plant-microbe interactions, especially with beneficial rhizobacteria, have shown promise in mitigating these stresses. This study investigated the influence of microbial inoculants with hydration-promoting and phosphorus-solubilizing abilities on upland rice yield under drought and phosphorus deficiency.
Methods
Upland rice (BRS Esmeralda) plants were grown in a greenhouse with different water availability conditions (well-watered and drought), phosphorus levels (high 200 mg dm− 3 and low 20 mg dm− 3), and microbial treatments (no-microorganism and single and combined isolates of BRM 32114 and BRM 63523). Root and shoot traits, as well as production components, were analyzed.
Results
While the microbial treatments affected the roots, the larger effects were seen in the shoot rice plants. When both water and phosphorus were limited, grain yield decreased significantly. However, plants inoculated with beneficial rhizobacteria showed a substantial increase in grain yield (average of 39.5% in 2019/2020 and 18.8% in 2020/2021) compared to uninoculated plants under combined stresses. This increase was especially pronounced in plants treated with BRM 63523 (strain) alone or combined with BRM 32114 (strain), both Serratia marcescens. These inoculated plants also showed improved photosynthetic activity (average increase of 24.6%), which may have contributed to the higher grain yield.
Conclusions
Inoculating upland rice with specific Serratia strains effectively increased shoot and root traits under combined water and phosphorous stresses. These findings highlight the potential of plant-microbe interactions for sustainable upland rice production.
Geographic Variation in Microbes and Water Quality in Urban Lakes Restored with Submerged Plants: Migration of Microbial Communities Across Habitats
Authors: Shen Hongye , Dong Weiwei , Zeng Yiting , Li Xihong , Zhang Yue , Zhou Chao , Peng Nan , Zhao Shumiao 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

As an important component of urban ecology, the water quality in urban lakes directly affects the stability of the entire ecosystem. However, with the acceleration of urbanization, the eutrophication of urban lakes has become increasingly serious, exacerbated by the disappearance and destruction of submerged plants. Therefore, protecting and restoring submerged plants and improving lake water quality using bioremediation have become focal points of contemporary research. This study of a treated urban lake that relies on the reconstruction of submerged plants as the objective, revealed a strong correlation between the physicochemical properties of lake water and microbial communities. The bacterial community fluctuated in species richness among different sites, but the composition of the bacterial community in different water layers at the same site was consistent. The bacterial community movement between water, submerged plants, and sludge, with species migration between water and submerged plants exceeding 70% of all movements. Microorganisms such as Methylobacterium (Methylobacterium spp.), Cloacibacterium, and Sphingomonas colonized the surface of submerged plants, enhancing the transformation of nitrogenous compounds and reducing COD levels in the lake. These findings provide a significant foundation for a deeper understanding of the microbial ecological characteristics of lake ecosystems and their purification mechanisms. Overall, this study not only provides the scientific basis and technical support for the management and restoration of eutrophic lakes but also helps to understand better and protect urban lake ecosystems and promote the sustainable development of lake ecosystems.
Sleep health and its correlates among male and female military recruits in Jordan: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Malkawi Ahmad , Kremers Stef P.J. , Meertens Ree M. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Introduction:
Determining sleep quality and duration and the factors influencing the quality of sleep among the military is crucial for designing effective interventions. Given the strict and demanding nature of the military setting, it becomes essential to explore factors impacting sleep quality in such a context. Additionally, research in the Middle East and among females on this subject is scarce. This study aims to investigate sleep quality and different sleep-related variables such as sleep duration and sleep hygiene practices in addition to the correlates of sleep quality among recruits.
Methods
This is a cross-sectional study that included 178 (Mean age = 19 years) military recruits during their basic training at two medical military colleges in Jordan. Sleep quality and sleep hygiene practices were assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Sleep Hygiene Index (SHI) respectively. Physical activity and dietary behaviors were measured using the Arab Teens Lifestyle Study (ATLS).
Results
The majority of recruits demonstrated poor sleep quality (80%) and suboptimal sleep hygiene practices (mean SHI = 21) with significantly poorer sleep hygiene practices among male recruits. The average duration of actual sleeping hours per day was around 6 hours (± 2.3 hours). Multiple regression analysis showed that age and SHI score were positively associated with the global sleep quality score (PSQI), while sleep knowledge score was negatively associated with sleep quality among the whole sample (adjusted R2 = 0.09). Performing gender breakdown for the correlates of sleep quality showed that limited sleep knowledge was specifically associated with poor sleep quality among male recruits (adjusted R2 = 0.11). Higher energy expenditure (total METs/week) and the SHI were positively associated with better sleep quality among female recruits (adjusted R2 = 0.15).
Conclusions
Jordanian military recruits on average had short sleep duration and poor sleep quality. Results showed that better sleep hygiene practices (especially among women) and more sleep knowledge (particularly among men) were associated with better sleep quality. Interventions that use cognitive and behavioral change methods to promote sleep hygiene and improve sleep knowledge are recommended to improve sleep quality among military recruits.