bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ambient air pollution and the lungs: what do clinicians need to know?
Authors: Limaye S. , Salvi S. 
Published: October 2024

Educational aimsTo provide physicians with knowledge of the common ambient air pollutants and their adverse effects on human lungs.To emphasise the fact that neonates, children and adults with pre-existing lung diseases are a susceptible population that need to be protected from the harmful effects of ambient air pollution.To educate physicians about the role of oxidative stress in mediating the harmful effects of ambient air pollution, and the consequences that individuals with inherent defects in antioxidant defence genes may be more vulnerable to the harmful effects.To provide physicians with current knowledge on the available dietary and drug sources of antioxidants which have the potential to enhance lung defence mechanisms against the harmful effects of air pollution.To encourage physicians to act as advocates to help reduce the levels of ambient air pollutants and to conduct research that will not only identify susceptible individuals by conducting genetic studies, but will also help in developing interventions that will reduce the harmful effects of ambient air pollutants.SummaryOzone, oxides of nitrogen, sulphur dioxide and particulate matter are the important ambient air pollutants associated with adverse health effects. A large number of ambient air pollutants have been isolated from the fetal cord blood indicating that babies are exposed to air pollutants even before they are born. Children and the elderly are most susceptible to the harmful effects of ambient air pollutants. High levels of ambient air pollutants are associated with increased incidence or worsening of asthma and increased risk of developing allergic diseases, respiratory symptoms and respiratory tract infections. Mortality rates also increase in individuals with pre-existing cardiorespiratory diseases. The underlying mechanism for the harmful effects is the generation of oxidative stress which induces a strong respiratory as well as systemic inflammatory response. Individuals with genetic defects in enzymes associated with antioxidant defences seem to be particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of air pollutants. Supplementation with antioxidants such asN-acetyl cysteine and sulforaphene has shown some protective effects in preliminary studies. High doses of vitamin C and vitamin E have shown some benefit in genetically susceptible asthmatic children. Physicians should play an important role in advocating to governments for a reduction in ambient air pollutants using innovative strategies and stricter legislation. Clearly more research is required to better understand intervention strategies to reduce morbidity and mortality due to ambient air pollutants, but in the meantime, the least we can do is to supplement diets with rich sources of antioxidants.
Chili cultivars vulnerability: a multi-factorial examination of disease and pest-induced yield decline across different growing microclimates and watering regimens
Authors: Ahmad Farhan , Kusumiyati Kusumiyati , Soleh Mochamad Arief , Khan Muhammad Rabnawaz , Sundari Ristina Siti 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Background
As identified by the research, it is imperative to develop effective ways to address the pressing problem of disease and pest susceptibility in chili agriculture and secure sustainable crop yield. The research examines the impact of various growing microclimates, watering regimens, and chili cultivars on disease incidence, pest attacks, and yield loss.

Results
The study, which took place over a season, used a randomized complete block design to evaluate how well Tanjung, Unpad, and Osaka cultivars performed in four different watering regimens (100, 75, 50, and 25% ETc) and different microclimates (greenhouse, rain shelter, screen house, and open field). The findings exhibited that watering regimens and microclimates greatly influenced disease and pest occurrence, but cultivars had a minimal effect on these variables. Disease and pest attack rates were highest in the open field and lowest in the screen house. A correlation was found between lower disease and pest incidence and optimal irrigation levels (75% and 100% ETc). At lower watering regimens of 25% ETc and in the open field, yield loss was the greatest.

Conclusion
The results emphasize how crucial controlled environments and appropriate irrigation techniques are to reducing crop loss and increasing production. Enhancing watering regimens and implementing screen house cultivation are two strategies for improving the productivity and sustainability of chili output.
Clinical characteristics of pregnant women with COVID-19 and infection outcomes in one of the largest cities in the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: de Montalvão França Ana Paula Figueiredo , Paixão Jenephy Thalita Rosa , de Souza Fonseca Ricardo Roberto , Laurentino Rogério Valois , de Montalvão Leite Luana Gabriella Figueiredo , Veras Amanda Souza França , Ribeiro Francisco Jordano da Silva Feitosa , das Neves Pablo Fabiano Moura , Falcão Luís Fábio Magno , de Montalvão Serrão Ana Carla Figueiredo , Oliveira-Filho Aldemir Branco , Machado Luiz Fernando Almeida 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Background
Pregnancy can be a risk factor for the development of more severe COVID-19 with a possible increase in the risk of complications during pregnancy/birth and adverse neonatal outcomes. This study aimed to describe and analyze the clinical and epidemiological aspects of SARS-CoV-2 infection in women in the perinatal period attended in the city of Belém, northern region of Brazil.

Methods
This is a clinical, observational, analytical, and cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach, conducted at the Santa Casa de Misericórdia do Pará Foundation (FSCMPA). It included 230 pregnant women hospitalized at FSCMPA with a positive SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR molecular test between April 2020 and June 2022. Clinical and epidemiological information (origin, gestational age, prenatal care, comorbidities, birth complications, and chest tomography) were obtained from medical records, and correlation was made between the types of cases (mild, moderate, and severe) and maternal outcome. The chi-square test and G test were used to assess the possibility of association between variables.

Results
Evidence of association was observed between the severity of COVID-19 and the following parameters: gestational age, specific pregnancy comorbidities, baby and maternal death, birth complications, and prematurity. Dyspnea, headache, anosmia, odynophagia, diarrhea, and chest pain were the symptoms most related to disease aggravation. The maternal mortality rate in the study was 8.7%.

Conclusion
Specific pregnancy-related and pre-existing comorbidities associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection directly contribute to the worsening clinical condition, leading to complications such as prematurity, fetal, and maternal death.
Epidemiology of pneumococcal meningitis in sentinel hospital surveillance of Viet Nam, 2015–2018
Authors: Nguyen Dac Trung , Nguyen Thi Loan , Olmsted Allison , Duong Thi Hong , Hoang Hong Mai , Nguyen Lien Huong , Ouattara Mahamoudou , Milucky Jennifer , Lessa Fernanda C. , Vo Thi Trang Dai , Phan Van Thanh , Nguyen Thi Hien Anh , Pham Nguyen My Nguyet , Truong Huu Khanh , Phan Thi Quynh Tram , Bui Thi Hong Hoa , Pham Van Khang , Iijima Makiko , Le Binh , Kim Lindsay , Farrar Jennifer Loo 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Background
Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae), Haemophilus influenzae (H. influenzae), and Neisseria meningitidis (N. meningitidis) are leading causes of childhood bacterial meningitis and preventable by vaccines. The aim of this hospital-based sentinel surveillance is to describe the epidemiological characteristics of pneumococcal meningitis, including disease burden, and to provide baseline data on pneumococcal serotype distribution to support decision making for pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) introduction in Vietnam.

Methods
Surveillance for probable bacterial meningitis in children 1–59 months of age is conducted in three tertiary level pediatric hospitals: one in Hanoi and two in Ho Chi Minh City. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) specimens were collected via lumbar puncture from children with suspected meningitis. Specimens were transferred immediately to the laboratory department of the respective hospital for cytology, biochemistry, and microbiology testing, including culture. PCR testing was conducted on CSF specimens for bacterial detection (S. pneumoniae, H. influenzae, and N. meningitidis) and pneumococcal serotyping.

Results
During 2015–2018, a total of 1,803 children with probable bacterial meningitis were detected; 1,780 had CSF specimens available for testing. Of 245 laboratory-confirmed positive cases, the majority were caused by S. pneumoniae (229,93.5%). Of those with S. pneumoniae detected, over 70% were caused by serotypes included in currently available PCV products; serotypes 6 A/6B (27.1%), 14 (19.7%), and 23 F (16.2%) were the most common serotypes. Children with laboratory-confirmed pneumococcal meningitis were more likely to live in Hanoi (p < 0.0001) and children 12–23 months of age were at greater odds (OR = 1.65, 95% CI: 1.11, 2.43; p = 0.006) of having confirmed pneumococcal meningitis compared to children < 12 months of age when compared to those without laboratory-confirmed bacterial meningitis. Additionally, children with confirmed pneumococcal meningitis were more likely to exhibit signs and symptoms consistent with clinical meningitis compared to negative laboratory-confirmed meningitis cases (p < 0.0001) and had a greater odds of death (OR = 6.18, 95% CI: 2.98, 12.86; p < 0.0001).

Conclusions
Pneumococcal meningitis contributes to a large burden of bacterial meningitis in Vietnamese children. A large proportion are caused by serotypes covered by PCVs currently available. Introduction of PCV into the routine immunization program could reduce the burden of pneumococcal meningitis in Viet Nam.
Early Onset Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma (EOPAC): presentation, clinical course and treatment outcomes in comparison to Average Onset Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma (AOPAC): a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Rashad Noha , Gouda Abdelrahman , Sabra Esraa , Youssef Mohamed A. , Alshazly Hossam , Samir Sandra 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Background
Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAC) is a disease of decimal prognosis, with around 50% of patients presenting with metastatic disease. Previous trials reported a high incidence of early onset pancreatic cancer (EOPAC) in Egypt, presenting about 25% of patients with PAC. The clinic-pathological features and prognosis of EOPAC needs more study.

Patients and methods
A retrospective analysis of patients’ records at Shefa Al-Orman comprehensive cancer center database. Patients with histo-pathologically confirmed diagnosis of PAC. We categorized patients according to the age at diagnosis into EOPAC (≤ 50 years) and average onset PAC (AOPAC). Data on risk factors, family history, presenting symptoms, clinic-pathological features, treatment, and prognosis were extracted. Patients with histopathologically confirmed diagnosis of pancreatic cancer diagnosed between December 2016-December 2022 were included.

Results
The study cohort consisted of 412 patients. EOPAC represented 20.3% of patients, with no significant differences in risk factors and family history compared to AOPAC. Duration of symptoms before diagnosis is longer in EOPAC, with the majority of EOPAC presenting with localized disease (23.8%) and locally advanced tumors (28.5%) compared to AOPAC. AOPAC presented more with metastatic disease (64% vs. 45.2%, p = 0.003). EOPAC are usually submitted to more aggressive treatment including radical surgery, neoadjuvant therapy, and aggressive chemotherapy regimens in metastatic disease. Disease free survival (DFS) of EOPAC was shorter than AOPAC (11 months vs. 17 months, p = 0.889), but overall survival OS was significantly longer in EOPAC (10 months vs. 6 months, p = 0.013).

Conclusion
Patients with EOPAC in Egypt represent around 25% of cases. EOPAC tend to have a shorter disease free survival (DFS) in patients presenting with localized disease. The overall survival (OS) is longer in EOPAC compared to AOPAC. Further studies are mandatory to identify the epidemiological and risk factors of EOPAC in Egypt.
An exploration of community food pantries in Scotland: strategic and operational perspectives on addressing food insecurity and health inequalities
Authors: Baillie Anna , Skivington Kathryn , Fergie Gillian 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Introduction
: Food insecurity and health are inextricably linked. Since 2008, Scotland has witnessed a proliferation of both food insecurity and emergency food provision. There is a recognised commitment from Scottish Government to ‘end the need for food banks’, however, the food aid landscape was ‘turbo-charged’ during COVID-19 leading to intense expansion and diversification of food-based projects, including the development of community food pantries (CFPs). These ‘new’ models are relatively under-researched, meaning we do not adequately understand their potential or realised impacts on food insecurity and health. This study aims to fill that gap.

Methods
A qualitative methodology was used to collect and analyse data from in-depth interviews with 10 representatives from both operational and policy settings related to food insecurity in Scotland. In addition, we conducted an analysis of policy documentation from Scottish Government related to tackling food insecurity to understand how CFPs fit into its overall strategy to transition away from food bank use.

Results
We found there were variations in conceptualisations of CFPs and how they operate, challenges related to addressing food insecurity at a community level and varied narratives around the role of community level interventions in tackling health inequalities. Choice and access to services were viewed as central components to the pantry model. However, there were significant challenges faced by CFPs, including territorialism, funding and food supply. Articulations of health were often multi-layered and complicated with strong recognition of the social determinants as well as acknowledgement of the limitations of tackling food insecurity and health inequalities solely at the community level.

Conclusions
Despite a commitment to transition away from emergency food provision, CFPs in Scotland appear to face many of the same issues as food banks, particularly those which impact health. Urgent critique of their reliance on surplus food redistribution is required alongside investigation of how these ‘new’ models are experienced by the people who access them. Further expansion of these models should be viewed with caution and in the same vein as traditional emergency food provision: a symptom of, rather than a solution to, the problem of food insecurity.
Perioperative medication therapy for Muslim patients in Germany undergoing oncological surgery: a retrospective study
Authors: Tekbaş Aysun , von Lilienfeld-Toal M. , Sayrafi F. , Settmacher U. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Engagement of healthcare professionals with patients from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds is crucial in our multicultural society, where miscommunication and errors in medical history taking can lead to incorrect treatment. In particular, Muslim patients may present unique considerations due to their specific cultural and religious beliefs, which can significantly impact treatment outcomes. This study focuses on perioperative medication therapy for patients undergoing upper and lower gastrointestinal tract and pancreatic tumor surgery, specifically examining whether Islamic beliefs were duly considered in medication selection compared to a matching patient cohort.

Materials and methods
Data from January 2004 to July 2023 were analyzed. Muslim patients were identified using the onomastic method and matched with non-Muslim patients at a 1:3 ratio based on age, gender, and procedure. Analysis included examination of subcutaneous, oral, and intravenous medications, with attention to ingredients and compatibility with Islamic principles.

Results
Among 5272 patients, only 5 met the study’s inclusion criteria as Muslim patients, undergoing procedures such as anterior rectum resection, gastrectomy, and pancreatic head resection. Their religious affiliations were not documented in the admission records. According to the matched-pair analysis, consistent treatment was performed regardless of religious beliefs. All patients received subcutaneous medication, primarily enoxaparin, instead of fondaparinux, an Islam-compliant alternative. Intravenous heparin was used once for short period. Contrary to Islamic dietary restrictions and the availability of alternatives, capsules containing animal-derived gelatin and other non-compliant medications were administered orally.

Conclusion
This study underscores the importance of acknowledging Muslim patients’ cultural and religious backgrounds in the perioperative setting, as failure to do so may lead healthcare professionals to overlook their potential alternative medication needs, which are essential for providing tailored medical care in modern societies. Integration of diversity-related topics into medical curricula is essential for better preparing physicians for clinical practice and ensuring patient-centered care.
Cross-cultural adaptation and reliability of the inventory of vicarious posttraumatic growth and research of its influencing factors: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Cai Yitong , Li Yifei , Zou Jie , Zhang Jie , Luo Weixiang , Zhang Jingping , Qu Chaoran 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Objective
The purpose of this study was to translate the Vicarious Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (VPTGI) into Chinese and to assess its reliability and validity in Nurses, Additionally, it explored the correlations between vicarious posttraumatic growth (VPTG), Secondary Traumatic Stress (STS) and demographic variables.

Methods
The Brislin translation model was used to translate the VPTGI into Chinese. Validity analysis involved exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and assessments of convergent validity, discriminant validity, and content validity. Reliability analysis included split-half reliability, internal consistency reliability, and test-retest reliability. Item analysis employed the Critical Ratio Decision Value (CR) method, item-total correlation method, and reliability change method. Single-factor analysis was conducted to examine the relationship between demographic variables and VPTG, while correlation analysis explored the association between STS and VPTG.

Results
The Chinese version VPTGI demonstrated robust content validity (I-CVI: 0.83-1, S-CVI: 0.97), supported by EFA (KMO: 0.933) and significant Bartlett’s test (p < 0.001). Four factors explained 67.82% variance, CFA confirmed the model fit (χ2/df = 2.255, RMSEA = 0.079, IFI = 0.931, TLI = 0.914, CFI = 0.930, NFI = 0.882). The Chinese version VPTGI demonstrated high internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.951), with dimensions’ Cronbach’s α ranging from 0.806 to 0.912. Overall, nurses demonstrated a moderate to low level of VPTG and a severe level of STS. Furthermore, there was a significant negative correlation between STS and VPTG.

Conclusion
The Chinese version of VPTGI demonstrated satisfactory reliability, validity, and factor structure, making it a reliable tool to assess VPTG in Chinese nurses. These findings underscore the importance of promoting VPTG and addressing STS among healthcare professionals. Further research in this area is warranted to better understand and support the psychological well-being of nurses.
“Do I feel safe here?” Organisational climate and mental health peer worker experience
Authors: Reeves Verity , Loughhead Mark , Halpin Matthew Anthony , Procter Nicholas 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Background
In Australia, lived experience peer support workforces are expanding making it one of the fastest growing emerging disciplines in transdisciplinary mental health settings. This article provides insight for organisations on the contextual realities peer workers face, increases understanding of peer support services to improve service delivery environments and contributes to mental health systems reform. This study aimed to qualitatively explore peer support workers experience integrating into and working within transdisciplinary mental health service teams.

Method
Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with 18 peer support workers currently working in mental health services in Australia. The research was a qualitative descriptive study design. All data collected were analysed utilising thematic analysis.

Results
Peer workers found their experience in the workplace was influenced by their colleagues and the organisation’s understanding of the peer role. Factors relating to organisational culture and climate were a central theme throughout discussions noting that a negative climate was perceived as harmful to peer workers. Themes established through results include (1) the role of leadership, (2) attitudes and behaviours of colleagues, (3) provision of psychologically safe environments, (4) the organisations messaging and use of language and (5) organisational structures and policy.

Conclusion
This study contributes to evidence for the impact of organisational culture on integrating and supporting peer support workers in mental health service delivery. This study provides insights into peer worker experiences integrating into transdisciplinary teams, confirming findings established in previous studies, highlighting a lack of movement or change in workplace culture to support peer worker integration into mental healthcare settings.