bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prognostic factors of pain, disability, and poor outcomes in persons with neck pain – an umbrella review
Authors: Gerard Thomas , Naye Florian , Decary Simon , Langevin Pierre , Cook Chad , Hutting Nathan , Martel Marylie , Tousignant-Laflamme Yannick 
Published: October 2024

Objective The aim of this study was to identify prognostic factors pertaining to neck pain from systematic reviews. Data sources A search on PubMed, Scopus, and CINAHL was performed on June 27, 2024. Additional grey literature searches were performed. Review methods We conducted an umbrella review and included systematic reviews reporting the prognostic factors associated with non-specific or trauma-related neck pain and cervical radiculopathy. Prognostic factors were sorted according to the outcome predicted, the direction of the predicted outcome (worse, better, inconsistent), and the grade of evidence (Oxford Center of Evidence). The predicted outcomes were regrouped into five categories: pain, disability, work-related outcomes, quality of life, and poor outcomes (as “recovery”). Risk of bias analysis was performed with the ROBIS tool. Results We retrieved 884 citations from three databases, read 39 full texts, and included 16 studies that met all selection criteria. From these studies, we extracted 44 prognostic factors restricted to non-specific neck pain, 47 for trauma-related neck pain, and one for cervical radiculopathy. We observed that among the prognostic factors, most were associated with characteristics of the condition, cognitive-emotional factors, or socio-environmental and lifestyle factors. Conclusion This study identified over 40 prognostic factors associated mainly with non-specific neck pain or trauma-related neck pain. We found that a majority were associated with worse outcomes and pertained to domains mainly involving cognitive-emotional factors, socio-environmental and lifestyle factors, and the characteristics of the condition to predict outcomes and potentially guide clinicians to tailor their interventions for people living with neck pain.
Efficacy of pelvic floor muscle training with physical therapy for low back pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Lim Youngeun , Do Yerim , Lee Seon Heui , Lee Haneul 
Published: October 2024

Objective To assess the efficacy of pelvic floor muscle training and physical therapy interventions in patients with low back pain. Data sources The Ovid–Medline, Ovid–Embase, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, Web of Science, and PEDro databases were searched for randomised, controlled trials published in English or Korean between database inception and September 2024. Review Methods Studies providing pelvic floor muscle training in individuals with low back pain were included. The risk of bias using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool and the grading of recommendation, assessment, development, and evaluation (GRADE) system was used to evaluate the quality of evidence. The meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager software 5.4. Results Nineteen studies were included in this review. Pelvic floor muscle training showed low certainty evidence for improving pain (standardised mean difference = −0.73, 95% CI [−1.10, −0.36]) and reflected a clinically meaningful reduction in pain. The evidence for disability improvement had a low certainty (mean difference = −5.21, 95% CI [−7.15, −3.26]) due to high heterogeneity. Substantial improvements in pain and disability were observed when pelvic floor muscle training was added to standard physical therapy, with low certainty of evidence supporting these findings. Whereas pelvic floor muscle training substantially improved pain compared to other interventions, there was no marked improvement in disability. Conclusion Pelvic floor muscle training is potentially beneficial in addition to physical therapy for reducing low back pain, particularly in pregnancy-related cases. However, the evidence should be interpreted considering the quality and risk of bias.
A gradient model of renal ischemia reperfusion injury to investigate renal interstitial fibrosis
Authors: Yang Fan , Zhu Baoping , Ozols Elyce , Bai Haitao , Jiang Mengjie , Ma Frank Y , Nikolic-Paterson David J , Jiang Xiaoyun 
Published: October 2024

Background: The progression from acute kidney injury to chronic kidney disease poses a significant health challenge. Nonetheless, a constraint in existing animal models of renal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is the necessity for a severe injury, almost reaching a life-threatening level, to trigger the subsequent onset of renal fibrosis. Hence, we explored an adapted gradient approach to induce I/R injury, aiming to promote the progression of renal fibrosis while preserving the overall normal functioning of the kidney. Methods: In each group, 6-8 male C57BL/6 mice were used for model construction, with all undergoing sodium pentobarbital anesthesia and left kidney removal. Subsequently, a silk thread was passed beneath the lower renal branch, elevating the right kidney under a 20-g weight’s tension via a pulley system for durations of 30, 40, or 60 min. Afterwards, we lowered the kidney, sutured the wound, and administered intraperitoneal saline. Mice in different groups were euthanized following reperfusion for 1, 3, 7, or 28 days. Results: We observed a complete cessation of blood flow in the lower pole, while an incomplete cessation in the upper pole in the elevated kidney. Significant renal impairment was evident on day 1 with a 60min ischemic period (187.0 ± 65.3 vs 17.9 ± 4.8 μmol/L serum creatinine in normal; p < .001), but not with 30 or 40min. On day 1, tubular necrosis and hyaline cast formation was evident in both lower and upper poles. On day 3, renal function returned to normal and remained normal through day 28. Histologic damage resolved in the upper pole over days 3 to 7, resulting in normal histology on day 28. By contrast, there was sustained tubular damage tubular in the lower pole on days 3 and 7, which failed to resolve and led to significant renal fibrosis by day 28. Conclusion: We created a model demonstrating clinically “silent” renal fibrosis.
Food Safety Knowledge, Attitude, and Hygienic Practices of Food Handlers in Yeka Sub-city, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Mulat Medina , Birri Dagim Jirata , Kibret Tilahun , Alemu Wongelawit Moges , Geteneh Alene , Mihret Wude 
Published: October 2024

Introduction: Foodborne diseases pose a significant global public health threat, often originating from improper food handling practices. Given the crucial role of food handlers in preventing transmission of foodborne diseases, this study assessed the food safety knowledge, attitudes, and hygiene practices related to foodborne diseases among food handlers in food service establishments in Yeka Sub-city, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Method: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 373 randomly selected food handlers. Data collection involved observing the kitchen hygiene practices and food handling practices through an observational checklist, and administering structured/standardized questionnaires. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 20, with associations examined using the linear by linear association test. Spearman’s correlation assessed relationships between knowledge, attitude, and practice cut points. Pre-testing and Cronbach’s alpha were used to ensure the reproducibility, and reliability of the questionnaire. Results: Majority of food handlers (50.1%) were aged less than 25 years, with 78.8% being female, and attended secondary school (46.4%). The overall knowledge (65%), positive attitude (92.2%), and hygiene practices (44%) of the food handlers toward food safety were good. Regarding the knowledge perspective, gaps existed in understanding disease transmission, notably Hepatitis A and tuberculosis. Although positive attitudes toward food safety were reported, observed practices were inconsistent, with a significant proportion admitting to working while ill. Compliance with uniform and protective gear was lacking. Marital status, Experience in food safety, and Work satisfaction has been shown to affect the knowledge, attitude, and hygiene practices of food handlers in this study. Conclusion: This study highlights critical gaps in understanding disease transmission, and hygiene practices of food handlers in Yeka sub-city. Addressing these gaps will necessitate targeted interventions, including continuous education and training programs. Enhanced regulatory oversight is also needed to ensure compliance with food safety standards in public food establishments.
The Value of Topological Radiomics Analysis in Predicting Malignant Risk of Pulmonary Ground-Glass Nodules: A Multi-Center Study
Authors: Wang Miaoyu , Wei Yuanhui , Zhu Minghui , Yu Hang , Guo Chaomin , Chen Zhigong , Shi Wenjia , Ren Jiabo , Zhao Wei , Yang Zhen , Chen Liang-an 
Published: October 2024

Background Early detection and accurate differentiation of malignant ground-glass nodules (GGNs) in lung CT scans are crucial for the effective treatment of lung adenocarcinoma. However, existing imaging diagnostic methods often struggle to distinguish between benign and malignant GGNs in the early stages. This study aims to predict the malignancy risk of GGNs observed in lung CT scans by applying two radiomics methods: topological data analysis and texture analysis. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 3223 patients from two centers between January 2018 and June2023. The dataset was divided into training, testing, and validation sets to ensure robust model development and validation. We developed topological features applied to GGNs using radiomics analysis based on homology. This innovative approach emphasizes the integration of topological information, capturing complex geometric and spatial relationships within GGNs. By combining machine learning and deep learning algorithms, we established a predictive model that integrates clinical parameters, previous radiomics features, and topological radiomics features. Results Incorporating topological radiomics into our model significantly enhanced the ability to distinguish between benign and malignant GGNs. The topological radiomics model achieved areas under the curve (AUC) of 0.85 and 0.862 in two independent validation sets, outperforming previous radiomics models. Furthermore, this model demonstrated higher sensitivity compared to models based solely on clinical parameters, with sensitivities of 80.7% in validation set 1 and 82.3% in validation set 2. The most comprehensive model, which combined clinical parameters, previous radiomics features, and topological radiomics features, achieved the highest AUC value of 0.879 across all datasets. Conclusion This study validates the potential of topological radiomics in improving the predictive performance for distinguishing between benign and malignant GGNs. By integrating topological features with previous radiomics and clinical parameters, our comprehensive model provides a more accurate and reliable basis for developing treatment strategies for patients with GGNs.
Lifestyle Medicine Implementation in Family Medicine Clinic
Authors: Bashir Kiren , Johnson-Gonzalez Courtney B. , Dhiman Akshima , Crawford Timothy N. , Lee Jennifer S. 
Published: October 2024

Background: Lifestyle medicine, a patient-centered approach promoting healthy lifestyle behaviors, is an evidence-based tool for preventing and treating chronic diseases. It has been shown to reduce the burden of physical and psychological diseases. Despite this, clinical implementation is lagging, with physicians facing barriers effectively encouraging lifestyle change. Objective: This project studies the Lifestyle Medicine Assessment (LMA) tool regarding ease of implementation and influence on patient motivation, perception of lifestyle changes, and satisfaction. Methods: A two-pronged approach was conducted. First, the implementation time was recorded for multiple encounters (N = 42). Next, a different subset of patients (N = 22) receiving the LMA completed a pre- and post-encounter survey about their motivation to change, perception of lifestyle changes on well-being, and visit satisfaction. A control group (N = 21) also received these surveys. Results: The average time of application was 7.12 min. Intragroup scores for motivation to change were significantly higher in the LMA group post-intervention ( p LMA = .001), but not in the control group. Conclusion: These results show the potential benefits of the LMA tool in a clinical setting, demonstrating realistically achievable implementation times and increased patient motivation regarding better lifestyle choices. Providers should consider using the LMA tool to promote lifestyle change within their practice.
An anatomical study of thenar and hypothenar soft tissue thickness in men and women
Authors: Sgardelis Panagiotis , Giddins Grey 
Published: October 2024

We hypothesized that reduced thenar soft tissue thickness may be a risk factor for distal radial fractures. We assessed MRI scans of the wrist in 78 adults. The 51 men had significantly higher palmar soft tissue thickness compared to the 27 women, even after adjusting for hand size. Level of evidence: IV
Digital mental health intervention for schizophrenia spectrum and psychotic disorders: Protocol for a pragmatic feasibility study of Horyzons-Canada
Authors: Lal Shalini , Gleeson John F , D’Alfonso Simon , Lepage Martin , Joober Ridha , Lee Hajin , Abdel-Baki Amal , Lecomte Tania , Alvarez-Jimenez Mario 
Published: October 2024

Background Schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders (SSPD) are among the most debilitating of all mental disorders. While the evidence for psychosocial interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy and peer support has significantly improved, access to these services remains limited. This paper describes a protocol for a pragmatic feasibility study of a digital mental health intervention (HoryzonsCa) that provides access to evidence-based psychosocial interventions, social networking, and clinical and peer support services through a secured, web-based platform for adults diagnosed with SSPD. Objective The objectives are: (1) Adapt and translate HoryzonsCa for implementation in English and French; (2) Develop an implementation and training strategy; (3) Assess the acceptability, safety, and demand of HoryzonsCa; (4) Assess clinical outcomes and perceived impacts; (5) Examine the experiences and process of adapting and implementing HoryzonsCa; (6) Explore the role of sociocultural and demographic factors on HoryzonsCa outcomes and implementation. Methods This feasibility study will use a single-group, pre-post, mixed-methods (QUAN–QUAL convergent) research design, with assessments at baseline and 12 weeks. The study aims to recruit 100 individuals (ages 18–50) diagnosed with SSPD from two healthcare settings in Canada. Data collection includes interview-based psychometric measures, self-reports, focus groups, and interviews with participants. The study will also collect qualitative data from moderators and the research team, and will be conducted entirely remotely. Conclusions This study has been prospectively registered and is underway. It will provide timely information on the feasibility and potential impacts of using digital mental health services for individuals with chronic mental health conditions. Trial Registration ISRCTN12561259; https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN12561259 (250/max 250 words)
Nomads of the Void: Unpacking the Enigmatic Lives and Survival of Syrian Dom Refugee Women in North Lebanon
Authors: Diab Jasmin Lilian , Saban Asli 
Published: October 2024

Executive Summary This article investigates the challenges faced by the Syrian Dom community in Lebanon, with a particular focus on the gender-specific adversities encountered by women. Historically nomadic, the Dom have largely settled in the MENA region, though recent conflicts in Syria have displaced many to Lebanon, where they live in precarious conditions alongside other refugees. Through a mixed-methods approach, this research delves into the multiple layers of discrimination experienced by Dom women, exacerbated by their ethnic background, gender, and legal status. Such factors combine to place Dom women in highly vulnerable positions, perpetuating their marginalization and complicating their integration into Lebanese society. By focusing on vulnerabilities, forced labor, sexualization, protection, and intimate-partner and familial dynamics, this paper offers insights into how systemic inequalities intersect with identity formation in a less-explored displacement context within Lebanon. The study concludes with recommendations for targeted interventions aimed at empowering these women, improving their access to necessary services, and facilitating their social inclusion.
Effectiveness of the German pay transparency law and the gender pay gap
Authors: Vaccaro Giannina , Wydra-Somaggio Gabriele , Homrighausen Pia 
Published: October 2024

Germany, like many other countries, implemented a new pay transparency law to reduce the gender pay gap in 2017. The German Pay Transparency Law (ETG) targets mainly employers to reveal their wage structure, and employees are entitled to claim fair wages. This paper investigates the effectiveness of this policy via comprehensive data that link detailed information from all full-time employees in a representative sample of German establishments. Using a difference-in-discontinuity (diff-in-disc) at the two relevant establishment thresholds (approximately 200 employees and approximately 500 employees) of the law, we study changes in the gender pay gap and employment as well as its interaction with existing employee organizations to reduce unequal pay. The short-term results show that the ETG was only effective in reducing the raw gender wage gap in the presence of works councils and collective bargaining agreements for medium-sized firms (between 200 and 499 employees). In the absence of these institutions, establishments without works councils and collective bargaining agreements increased their unexplained gender wage gap after the introduction of the ETG. These results emphasize the importance of the presence of works councils and collective bargaining agreements in advancing equal pay policies. JEL classification: D22, J16, J21, J31, J71
ORGANOMETALLIC SURFACE-TREATMENT OF PBZT AND PBO ORDERED POLYMER FILMS FOR IMPROVED ADHESION
Authors: Kovar R. F. 
Published: October 2024

Poly(bisbenzothiazole) and poly(bisbenzoxazole), (PBZT and PBO, respectively) when used to make ordered polymer films, enable the fabrication of strong, lightweight, thinwalled structures without the limitations of fiber- reinforced composite structures. However, the bonding of these films to adhesive resins is weak due to the chemical inertness of their surfaces. Foster-Miller applied an organometallic surface-treatment (OST) to heat- treated PBZT and PBO films for the purpose of attaching polar carboxylic acid groups that would increase interfacial interaction in ordered polymer film- based composites. Poly(etheretherKetone) (PEEK), thermoplastic and epoxy thermoset adhesive resins were evaluated. OST significantly increased the wettability of PBZT and PBO film surfaces toward water and epoxy resin in comparison to untreated films. PBZT film/PEEK adhesive peel strength increased more than fivefold, with samples exhibiting cohesive failure. However, the absolute value for peel strength was low, a consequence of low interlaminar shear strength within the films themselves.
METHOD FOR MEASURING THE IMPACT STRENGTH OF HEAVY-GAUGE FILMS
Authors: Krohn J. V. , Jordy D. W. 
Published: October 2024

Impact strength of polyethylene films has traditionally been measured using a falling dart testing procedure. With the falling dart method, various weights are added to a dart in order to puncture a film specimen. This procedure is limited by the maximum weight that can be added to the dart, restricting the usefulness of this test method for measuring the impact strength of heavy-gauge films. Instrumented impact testing (IIT) is routinely used (ASTM D-3763) to measure the impact strength of molded plastic parts. By comparing results of this method with traditional falling dart tests over a range of film thicknesses it was concluded that this method was a suitable measurement technique for heavy-gauge films.
A decade of dinoflagellate genomics illuminating an enigmatic eukaryote cell
Authors: Lin Senjie 
Published: October 2024

AbstractDinoflagellates are a remarkable group of protists, not only for their association with harmful algal blooms and coral reefs but also for their numerous characteristics deviating from the rules of eukaryotic biology. Genome research on dinoflagellates has lagged due to their immense genome sizes in most species (~ 1-250 Gbp). Nevertheless, the last decade marked a fruitful era of dinoflagellate genomics, with 27 genomes sequenced and many insights attained. This review aims to synthesize information from these genomes, along with other omic data, to reflect on where we are now in understanding dinoflagellates and where we are heading in the future. The most notable insights from the decade-long genomics work include: (1) dinoflagellate genomes have been expanded in multiple times independently, probably by a combination of rampant retroposition, accumulation of repetitive DNA, and genome duplication; (2) Symbiodiniacean genomes are highly divergent, but share about 3,445 core unigenes concentrated in 219 KEGG pathways; (3) Most dinoflagellate genes are encoded unidirectionally and are not intron-poor; (4) The dinoflagellate nucleus has undergone extreme evolutionary changes, including complete or nearly complete loss of nucleosome and histone H1, and acquisition of dinoflagellate viral nuclear protein (DVNP); (5) Major basic nuclear protein (MBNP), histone-like protein (HLP), and bacterial HU-like protein (HCc) belong to the same protein family, and MBNP can be the unifying name; (6) Dinoflagellate gene expression is regulated by poorly understood mechanisms, but microRNA and other epigenetic mechanisms are likely important; (7) Over 50% of dinoflagellate genes are “dark” and their functions remain to be deciphered using functional genetics; (8) Initial insights into the genomic basis of parasitism and mutualism have emerged. The review then highlights functionally unique and interesting genes. Future research needs to obtain a finished genome, tackle large genomes, characterize the unknown genes, and develop a quantitative molecular ecological model for addressing ecological questions.