bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Yoga Therapy on Hypothyroidism: A Systematic Review
Authors: Bhandari Rudra B. , Mahto Pintu K. 
Published: October 2024

Background Hypothyroidism (HT) is the most prevalent endocrine disorder, affecting approximately one in 10 out of 35 adults, with a higher prevalence in females and the elderly. Purpose This systematic review (SR) aimed to discuss the effects of yoga on markers and comorbid conditions of HT. Methods The SR was registered with the PROSPERO (PROSPERO 2022 CRD42022312990). Google Scholar, PubMed, Cochrane, and EMBASE were searched for the relevant English language interventional studies published from 31 December 1947 to 31 December 2023 by using the keywords ‘meditation OR breath regulation OR yoga OR yoga nidra AND hypothyroidism OR hypothyreosis OR underactive thyroid OR low thyroid’. Of the 4078 screened studies, eight eligible studies (three RCTs, two pilot studies, two pre-post trials, and one case study) with 421 HT patients (392 females and 29 males) and three to six-month yoga interventions were included. Two independent review authors extracted study characteristics and synthesised them descriptively. RCTs and NRSIs were assessed for risk-of-bias (RoB) using Cochrane tools RoB2 and ROBINS-1. Results The findings suggest that yoga effectively improves the thyroid profile, lipid profile, heart rate variability, pulmonary functions, anxiety, depression, and quality of life among HT patients. Conclusion Yoga may be an inexpensive add-on preventive and therapeutic option for HT. The clinical and methodological heterogeneity among the studies did not allow for meta-analysis (MA). Well-designed MAs are warranted by including rigorous RCTs to draw valid conclusions and defined mechanisms regarding the efficacy of yoga practices/interventions on HT.
Preoperative abaloparatide plus zoledronate treatment accelerates femoral bone healing in rats following osteotomy
Authors: Kataoka Takashi , Tsubouchi Yuta , Takase Ryota , Otsu Takefumi , Iwasaki Tatsuya , Kataoka Masashi , Kaku Nobuhiro 
Published: October 2024

Purpose: We investigated the potential efficacy of abaloparatide (Abalo) and zoledronate (ZA) combination therapy for accelerating femoral union in a rat osteotomy model. Methods: Nine-week-old male Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups ( n = 14 per group): control, abaloparatide (Abalo, 30 μg/kg via subcutaneous injection [s.c.] 5 times per week for 6 weeks), zoledronate (ZA; 0.1 mg/kg via s.c., single dose), and Abalo + ZA. Rats were then subjected to unilateral osteotomy of the femoral shaft, followed by osteosynthesis with intramedullary nailing to establish bone healing models. At 2 and 4 weeks after osteotomy, both femurs were removed from seven rats per group for soft X-ray imaging to evaluate bone union and microcomputed tomography (micro-CT) for bone morphometric evaluation. Blood samples were collected from all rats every 2 week starting 6 weeks pre- to 4 weeks postosteotomy. Toluidine blue staining was used for histopathological evaluation of the undecalcified specimens. Results: Soft X-ray imaging revealed accelerated callus formation, callus maturation, and fracture line closure in Abalo and Abalo + ZA groups compared to ZA and control groups. Micro-CT demonstrated greater cortical bone and trabecular bone to total volume ratios in contralateral (left) femurs of the Abalo + ZA group compared to the Abalo group. Both trabecular and cortical bone mineral densities were also greater in contralateral femurs of the Abalo + ZA group compared to Abalo and ZA groups. Conclusion: These findings suggest substantial additive or synergistic efficacy of abaloparatide plus zoledronate combination therapy for accelerating bone healing following osteotomy and for maintaining normal bone health.
Addressing Worker Safety and Health Through the Lens of Strategic Enforcement—Part 2
Authors: Felsen Michael 
Published: October 2024

Ensuring the safety and health of workers in this country, who are employed at millions of workplaces presenting a dizzying array of hazards, is beyond daunting. And yet, it is exceptionally important, because the lives and well-being of countless workers, and their families, hang in the balance. Every day, workers are maimed or die of their workplace injuries or occupational illnesses. These outcomes are unacceptable. Agencies must use all the means at their disposal to keep workers safe and healthy in their workplaces. This paper addresses this challenge through the lens of strategic enforcement, with the goal of maximizing enforcement effectiveness to save lives and limbs. First, we examine how, under the Occupational Safety and Health Act, federal and state enforcement schemes are designed to interact. Next, we dive into the impressive array of strategic enforcement tools that are available to federal, state, and local enforcers, and we observe that many of them are either unrecognized or underutilized. We emphasize that these are all significant, because, given our limited enforcement resources, we need to use every tool we can muster—from strategic targeting, to enterprise-wide enforcement, to heightening deterrence through more robust penalty assessments and publicity, to valuing and making the most of partnerships and coenforcement efforts with a wide range of organizations and agencies. And we need to engage in a process of continual evaluation and improvement of our tools and assets, always striving to maximize our enforcement leverage in aid of worker safety and health. Finally, we examine an impressive list of initiatives state and local governments have taken, beyond what the OSH Act mandates, in their efforts to go the extra mile for the safety of the workers in their states and cities. These examples are intended to inspire federal, state and local agencies to do the same, or, hopefully, even better. The stakes are high. Workers deserve to work in safe and healthy environments. This paper is intended to provide practical ways in which state and local agencies can better—and potentially far better—satisfy that obligation.
Insights From Community Organizations Collaborating With Government and Academia to Foster Health Literacy
Authors: Ojeda Victoria D. , Vicente Sarah , Sheik-Mohamed Amina , Zubaidi Reem , Bearse Adriana , Nash Valerie , Kurz Stacey , Marquez Denise , Barrios Anthony , Crespo Noe C. , Melendrez Blanca 
Published: October 2024

Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately impacted ethnic minority and other underserved communities, prompting the federal government to fund community-led health literacy initiatives. This evaluation shares challenges and lessons learned, and identifies best practices from community-based organizations (CBOs) partnering with academia and local government to support health literacy programming. Methods In 2023, 20 representatives from 12 CBOs in Southern California responded to an interviewer-administered survey, including open-ended questions about lessons learned. We analyze text data to identify key themes. Results CBOs expressed a need for additional financial resources and technical assistance, including grantsmanship training, access to in-language resources, support to build and use in-house evaluation systems, and greater university oversight for student collaborators. Respondents highlighted the importance of community engagement efforts to build trust and enhance the uptake of programming. They also stressed the need for specialized training of community health workers engaged in health programs and the utilization of population sub-group data to inform policy and funding development to better serve communities’ needs. Conclusion CBOs are eager to partner with government and academia and acknowledge the need for targeted support and resources that can be facilitated through multisectoral partnerships. We offer recommendations and actionable strategies for funders and academia to create and improve equitable partnerships with CBOs. Partnerships that address the needs and systemic barriers experienced by ethnic minority communities will support local public health goals while fostering resilience and health equity.
Social work practice in complex emergencies: A study of Northwest Syria
Authors: Paul Karen , Denov Myriam , Al Houssami Lana 
Published: October 2024

Summary Existing scholarship discusses social work during war and conflict, but less social work scholarship specifically names and focuses on the reality of complex emergencies. This article discusses perspectives on “good” social work practice in complex emergencies by drawing upon a study of Northwest Syria which included 29 interviews with international and Syrian practitioners. Findings This study found that although Syria did not have a formal social work profession before the emergency, the crisis created a need for social work practice to bolster and help reactivate Syrian families and communities’ supportive nature. Participants perceived “good” social work practices as a range of practices, that are suitable to the community, which helped to reactivate the family and community's supportive role. Practitioners described how “good” social work practices incorporated Syrian culture and were best performed by practitioners with certain characteristics. Ultimately, this article argues social work practice should aim to reactivate rather than replace these important and existing culturally embedded forms of support. Applications During complex emergencies, “good” social work practice considers and incorporates cultural aspects such as spirituality and stigma. A range of social work practices, which are suitable to the community, can help to restore family and community supports. Practitioners who know the community, are trustworthy, and have a relevant background can best perform what are regarded as “good” social work practices.
Testing the Feasibility of a Newly Developed Lifestyle Practice Targeting Social Connections: Narrative Healing Circle Shared Medical Appointments
Authors: Loy Michelle H. , Audet Anne-Marie 
Published: October 2024

The aim of this pilot was to assess the feasibility and acceptability of virtual Narrative Healing Circles (NHC), a new form of Shared Medical Appointments (SMA) among mixed diagnosis population within an urban tertiary academic medical center. Methods: Multi-method, voluntary recruitment of eligible patients, included referrals, flyers, hospital events page, and patients who participated in an ongoing 7-week integrative oncology SMA series. Two physicians (lifestyle medicine and chaplaincy specialists), both trained in narrative medicine, co-led one-hour long virtual NHC SMAs held every other week for a total of either 4 or 8 sessions. Sessions included a centering meditation, brief check-in, topic introduction, short writing exercise initiated with a written, musical, or visual prompt, followed by time of sharing and listening. Optional electronic pre and post participant surveys were emailed at enrollment (7-questions, response rate 29%) and after 4-8 NHC SMA sessions (12-questions, RR 34%). Results: Virtual NHC SMA were offered from 2/23/22-8/30/23 with 62 unique participants, 266 total visits. Average age: 57 years (range: 27-84 years). Gender: 85% Female, 15% Male; Ethnicity: 73% White, 16% African American, 6% Asian, 5 % Hispanic. About half lived in underserved areas (Harlem, Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn). Payor mix included 40% Medicare, 60% Commercial insurance. Session attendance: 6 participants (mean); 1-13 (range). The number of sessions attended ranged between 1-28 sessions. Anxiety or fear (89%), depression (61%) and pain (67%) were the top 3 symptoms reported in the pre-survey. After 4-8 sessions, participants reported improvements in anxiety/fear (43%), sadness/depression/hopelessness (33%), irritability/stress (33%), isolation/loneliness (33%). They reported several positive changes: restarting yoga or meditation practice, greater focus on awe, journaling, increased mindfulness, and feeling better equipped to manage stress. 94% reported goals met, 95% would recommend the series to others. The 2 clinician leaders reported increased empathy, personal well-being, and work satisfaction. Conclusion: Virtual NHC SMA series among mixed diagnosis population is feasible, positively affects patients’ agency and well-being, and acceptable to patients and providers. A more formal study design with broader representation of diverse population and assessment of causality such as an RCT with longer follow-up is recommended.
Are pragmatism and ethical protections in clinical trials a zero-sum game?
Authors: Nix Hayden P , Weijer Charles , Taljaard Monica 
Published: October 2024

Background: Randomized controlled trials with pragmatic intent aim to generate evidence that directly informs clinical decisions. Some have argued that the ethical protection of informed consent can be in tension with the goals of pragmatism. But the impact of other ethical protections on trial pragmatism has yet to be explored. Purpose: In this article, we analyze the relationship between additional ethical protections for vulnerable participants and the degree of pragmatism within the PRagmatic Explanatory Continuum Indicator Summary-2 (PRECIS-2) domains of trial design. Methods: We analyze three example trials with pragmatic intent that include vulnerable participants. Conclusion: The relationship between ethical protections and trial pragmatism is complex. In some cases, additional ethical protections for vulnerable participants can promote the pragmatism of some of the PRECIS-2 domains of trial design. When designing trials with pragmatic intent, researchers ought to look for opportunities wherein ethical protections enhance the degree of pragmatism.
Hierarchical deep learning for autonomous multi-label arrhythmia detection and classification on real-world wearable electrocardiogram data
Authors: Zheng Guangyao , Lee Sunghan , Koh Jeonghwan , Pahwa Khushbu , Li Haoran , Xu Zicheng , Sun Haiming , Su Junda , Cho Sung Pil , Im Sung Il , Jeong In cheol , Braverman Vladimir 
Published: October 2024

Objective Arrhythmia detection and classification are challenging because of the imbalanced ratio of normal heartbeats to arrhythmia heartbeats and the complicated combinations of arrhythmia types. Arrhythmia classification on wearable electrocardiogram monitoring devices poses a further unique challenge: unlike clinically used electrocardiogram monitoring devices, the environments in which wearable devices are deployed are drastically different from the carefully controlled clinical environment, leading to significantly more noise, thus making arrhythmia classification more difficult. Methods We propose a novel hierarchical model based on CNN+BiLSTM with Attention to arrhythmia detection, consisting of a binary classification module between normal and arrhythmia heartbeats and a multi-label classification module for classifying arrhythmia events across combinations of beat and rhythm arrhythmia types. We evaluate our method on our proprietary dataset and compare it with various baselines, including CNN+BiGRU with Attention, ConViT, EfficientNet, and ResNet, as well as previous state-of-the-art frameworks. Results Our model outperforms existing baselines on the proprietary dataset, resulting in an average accuracy, F1-score, and AUC score of 95%, 0.838, 0.906 for binary classification, and 88%, 0.736, 0.875 for multi-label classification. Conclusions Our results validate the ability of our model to detect and classify real-world arrhythmia. Our framework could revolutionize arrhythmia diagnosis by reducing the burden on cardiologists, providing more personalized treatment, and achieving emergency intervention of patients by allowing real-time monitoring of arrhythmia occurrence.
Implementation of Virtual, Livestream Yoga Classes for Veterans at Home During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Mixed-Methods Pilot Program Evaluation
Authors: Pham Catherine , Hildebrand Caitlin , Tarasovsky Gary , Purcell Natalie , Seal Karen , Nicosia Francesca 
Published: October 2024

Background The COVID-19 pandemic and shut down of in-person complementary and integrative (CIH) wellness services at the San Francisco Veterans’ Affairs Healthcare System (SFVAHCS) required implementation of virtual program delivery. In May 2020, VA in-person group yoga classes pivoted to virtual classes for existing attendees. In October 2020, we partnered with SFVAHCS Integrative Health and the VA Office of Rural Health to formalize the TeleYoga Program to expand yoga access to Veterans in SFVAHCS’ geographically dispersed area. Objective This pilot study evaluated Veterans’ experiences and self-reported health outcomes after participating in at-home tele-yoga groups during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods The RE-AIM framework guided program delivery evaluation. Reach was assessed with medical record data. Adoption was assessed by the number of new facilities providing referrals to tele-yoga. Implementation, satisfaction, and patient-reported outcomes, were evaluated through structured interviews with Likert scale and open-ended responses. Results We offered 4-6 weekly livestreamed classes between October 2020-September 2021. The program reached 70 Veterans, including 40 new participants, with 1208 total unique encounters. Referrals increased from 2 to 6 SFVAHCS facilities. Fourteen participants completed structured interviews. Over half rated highly the convenience and overall experience of tele-yoga classes and reported improvement with pain, stress management, exercise, and flexibility. Open-ended responses indicated opportunities for social connection, maintaining mental health, cultivating resilience, improving function, and managing pain. Suggestions for improvement focused on technological aspects, including audiovisual quality. Conclusions During the COVID-19 pandemic, we successfully transitioned and expanded virtual group yoga delivery to Veterans from all geographic locations within SFVAHCS. We attribute this success to existing infrastructure for telehealth and CIH services and a virtual program orientation for new participants. The results of this pilot study suggest in-person group yoga may be successfully implemented virtually, serving as a viable modality that contributes to holistic wellbeing for Veterans.
Fuzzy Adaptive State Estimation of Distributed Drive Electric Vehicles with Random Missing Measurements and Unknown Process Noise
Authors: Zhang Zhiguo , Yin Guodong , Huang Chao , Hu Jingyu , Xu Xing , Jiang Chengyue , Wang Yan 
Published: October 2024

AbstractAccurate estimation of sideslip angle and vehicle velocity is crucial for effective control of distributed drive electric vehicles. However, as these states are not directly measured, Kalman-based approaches utilizing in-vehicle sensors have been developed to estimate them. Unfortunately, existing methods tend to ignore the impact of data loss on estimation performance. Furthermore, the process noise, which changes dynamically due to varying driving conditions, is not adequately considered. In response to these constraints, we propose a novel method called the fuzzy adaptive fault-tolerant extended Kalman filter (FAFTEKF). Initially, a fault-tolerant EKF is devised to handle missing measurements. Additionally, a fuzzy logic system that dynamically updates the process noise matrix, is built to improve estimation accuracy under different driving conditions. Extensive experimental results validate the superiority of the FAFTEKF over the traditional EKF across various scenarios with different degrees of data loss.
ADAM8 promotes alcoholic liver fibrosis through the MAPK signaling pathway
Authors: Yang Mengli , Li Sanqiang , Luo Renli , Zhao Yadi , Sun Yue , Li Haoyuan , Cui Qinyi , Wu Junfei , Mao Longfei 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe effect and molecular regulatory mechanism of A Disintegrin and Metalloproteinase 8 (ADAM8) were explored in alcoholic liver fibrosis (ALF). C57BL/6N male mice were randomly divided into control, alcohol, and ADAM8-sgRNA3 plasmid groups. The control group received control liquid diet, while the alcohol and ADAM8-sgRNA3 plasmid groups were given alcohol liquid feed diet combined with ethanol gavage treatment for 8 weeks to induce ALF modeling. In addition, the ADAM8-sgRNA3 plasmid group was injected with the effective ADAM8-sgRNA3 plasmid, while the alcohol and control group mice were injected with an equivalent amount of physiological saline. LX-2 human hepatic stellate cells were divided into control, alcohol, si-ADAM8-2, and si-ADAM8-NC groups and induced for 48 h for model establishment in vitro. Serological detection, pathological staining, Western blotting, qRT-PCR and CCK8 assay were performed for experiments. Compared with the alcohol group, ADAM8 mRNA, protein and, positive area rate, serological indicators, pathological changes, and the expression of liver fibrosis marker and MAPK signaling pathway-related factors in the ADAM8-sgRNA3 plasmid group significantly decreased in vivo. Compared with the alcohol group, ADAM8 mRNA and protein expression, cell viability, and the expression of liver fibrosis markers and MAPK signaling pathway-related factors (p-ERK1/2, PCNA, Bcl-2, p-c-Jun, TGFβ1, p–p38 MAPK and HSP27) reduced significantly in the si-ADAM8-2 group. Therefore, ADAM8 promotes ALF through the MAPK signaling pathway, a promising target for treating ALF.
Right-to-left-shunts in patients scheduled for neurosurgical intervention in semi-sitting position – a literature review based on two case scenarios
Authors: Nikolic Marina , Eisner C. , Neumann J. O. , Haux D. , Krieg S. M. , Wielpütz M. O. , Weigand M. A. , Tochtermann U. , Fischer Dania 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Background
Neurosurgery performed in the semi-sitting position provides advantages for certain procedures. However, this approach is associated with potential complications, particularly venous air embolism. Due to typically negative venous pressure at the wound site, air can be drawn into the veins. This risk is especially high in patients presenting with an intra- or extracardiac right-to-left-shunt. Transoesophageal echocardiography can be used to detect a patent foramen ovale or other possible pulmonary-systemic shunt before placing the patient in the sitting position.

Case presentation
In this report, we present two young patients undergoing scheduled microsurgical vestibular schwannoma removal in a semi-sitting position who were diagnosed with congenital heart defects during routine perioperative assessment to detect possible intracardiac right-to-left shunts, using pre- and intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and additionally conducting an agitated saline bubble study under Valsalva manoeuvre. Patient A was diagnosed with a persistent left superior vena cava and Patient B with an unroofed coronary sinus (UCS). These findings confronted the anesthesiological and surgical teams with difficult individual decisions regarding further perioperative management.

Conclusions
Perioperative transesophageal echocardiography is a diagnostic tool to both detect intraoperative position-related air embolisms and to rule out intracardiac right-to-left shunts, e.g. a patent foramen ovale, in order to decide for or against a (semi-)sitting position. Depending on the surgical circumstances a semi-sitting positioning of patients presenting with an intracardiac right-to-left-shunt, e.g. a PFO, can be feasible in individual cases if there is an implemented therapeutic algorithm to immediately terminate significant venous air entry. However, since certain other intra- or extracardiac right-to-left-shunts, such as here presented PLSVC or UCS, are rare, there is no definitive way of estimating the amount of entered air through detected shunts or anomalous vessels. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid a (semi-)sitting position in favour of a lateral or prone position for a patient undergoing intracranial surgery, once the perioperative TEE shows air bubbles in the left atrium or ventricle whose origins cannot be defined solely through TEE for certain in order to ensure patient safety by minimizing the risk of intraoperative paradoxical air embolisms.