bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Safety of high-dose amikacin in the first week of all-oral rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis treatment for the prevention of acquired resistance (STAKE): protocol for a single-arm clinical trial
Authors: Snobre Jihad , Gasana Joel , Ngabonziza Jean Claude Semuto , Cuella-Martin Isabel , Rigouts Leen , Jacobs Bart Karl , de Viron Emeline , Herssens Natacha , Ntihumby Jean Baptiste , Klibazayre Annualithe , Ndayishimiye Clement , Van Deun Armand , Affolabi Dissou , Merle Corinne S , Muvunyi Claude , Sturkenboom Marieke G G , Migambi Patrick , de Jong Bouke C , Mucyo Yves , Decroo Tom 
Published: July 2024

IntroductionAn effective rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis (RR-TB) treatment regimen should include prevention of resistance amplification. While bedaquiline (BDQ) has been recommended in all-oral RR-TB treatment regimen since 2019, resistance is rising at alarming rates. This may be due to BDQ’s delayed bactericidal effect, which increases the risk of selecting for resistance to fluoroquinolones and/or BDQ in the first week of treatment when the bacterial load is highest. We aim to strengthen the first week of treatment with the injectable drug amikacin (AMK). To limit the ototoxicity risk while maximising the bactericidal effect, we will evaluate the safety of adding a 30 mg/kg AMK injection on the first and fourth day of treatment.Methods and analysisWe will conduct a single-arm clinical trial on 20 RR-TB patients nested within an operational study called ShoRRT (All oral Shorter Treatment Regimen for Drug resistant Tuberculosis). In addition to all-oral RR-TB treatment, patients will receive two doses of AMK. The primary safety endpoint is any grade 3–4 adverse event during the first 2 weeks of treatment related to the use of AMK. With a sample size of 20 patients, we will have at least 80% statistical power to support the alternative hypothesis, indicating that less than 14% of patients treated with AMK experience a grade 3–4 adverse event related to its use. Safety data obtained from this study will inform a larger multicountry study on using two high doses of AMK to prevent acquired resistance.Ethics and disseminationApproval was obtained from the ethics committee of Rwanda, Rwanda Food and Drug Authority, Universitair Ziekenhuis, the Institute of Tropical Medicine ethics review board. All participants will provide informed consent. Study results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals and conferences.Trial registration numberNCT05555303.
Cost-effectiveness of hospital-based treatment compared with community treatment centres: an analysis of Korea National Health Insurance claims data
Authors: Lee Jeongeun , Lee Donghyun , Kwon OhTak 
Published: July 2024

ObjectivesWe compared the cost-effectiveness of hospital-based treatment and that of community treatment centres (CTCs).DesignWe performed statistical analysis to compare the expenses incurred by COVID-19 patients who received hospital care with those incurred by COVID-19 patients who went to CTCs.Setting and participantsA study was conducted on 411 530 COVID-19 inpatients and 243 329 CTC patients from January 2020 to December 2021.Main outcome measuresWe calculated the probability of severe disease, hospitalisation period and medical expenses for inpatients and CTC patients. Subsequently, we analysed the cost-effectiveness of CTC compared with hospitalisation.ResultsComparing medical expenses, CTC patients incurred 2 220 000 KRW on average, which is less than the expenses incurred by hospitalised COVID-19 patients.ConclusionsThe study suggests that using a CTC may be more cost-effective than a hospital service alone.
Development and validation of the Global Adolescent and Child Physical Activity Questionnaire (GAC-PAQ) in 14 countries: study protocol
Authors: Larouche Richard , Rostami Haji Abadi Mahdi , Aubert Salomé , Bhawra Jasmin , Brazo-Sayavera Javier , Carson Valerie , Colley Rachel C , Nyström Christine Delisle , Esliger Dale W , Harper-Brown Ryan , Gonzalez Cifuentes Silvia Alejandra , Jáuregui Alejandra , Katewongsa Piyawat , Khadilkar Anuradha , Kira Geoff , Kuzik Nicholas , Liu Yang , Lof Marie , Loney Tom , Manyanga Taru , Mwase-Vuma Tawonga W , Oyeyemi Adewale L , Reilly John J , Richards Justin , Roberts Karen , Sarmiento Olga Lucia , Silva Diego Augusto Santos , Smith Melody , Subedi Narayan , Vanderloo Leigh M , Widyastari Dyah Anantalia , Wilson Oliver W A , Wong S H , Tremblay Mark S 
Published: July 2024

IntroductionGlobal surveillance of physical activity (PA) of children and adolescents with questionnaires is limited by the use of instruments developed in high-income countries (HICs) lacking sociocultural adaptation, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs); under-representation of some PA domains; and omission of active play, an important source of PA. Addressing these limitations would help improve international comparisons, and facilitate the cross-fertilisation of ideas to promote PA. We aim to develop and assess the reliability and validity of the app-based Global Adolescent and Child Physical Activity Questionnaire (GAC-PAQ) among 8–17 years old in 14 LMICs and HICs representing all continents; and generate the ‘first available data’ on active play in most participating countries.Methods and analysisOur study involves eight stages: (1) systematic review of psychometric properties of existing PA questionnaires for children and adolescents; (2) development of the GAC-PAQ (first version); (3) content validity assessment with global experts; (4) cognitive interviews with children/adolescents and parents in all 14 countries; (5) development of a revised GAC-PAQ; (6) development and adaptation of the questionnaire app (application); (7) pilot-test of the app-based GAC-PAQ; and, (8) main study with a stratified, sex-balanced and urban/rural-balanced sample of 500 children/adolescents and one of their parents/guardians per country. Participants will complete the GAC-PAQ twice to assess 1-week test–retest reliability and wear an ActiGraph wGT3X-BT accelerometer for 9 days to test concurrent validity. To assess convergent validity, subsamples (50 adolescents/country) will simultaneously complete the PA module from existing international surveys.Ethics and disseminationApprovals from research ethics boards and relevant organisations will be obtained in all participating countries. We anticipate that the GAC-PAQ will facilitate global surveillance of PA in children/adolescents. Our project includes a robust knowledge translation strategy sensitive to social determinants of health to inform inclusive surveillance and PA interventions globally.
Determinants of women’s preferences for surgical versus conservative management for pelvic organ prolapse: a survey-based study from Italy
Authors: Ferrari Amerigo , Bellè Nicola , Giannini Andrea , Simoncini Tommaso , Vainieri Milena 
Published: July 2024

Background and objectivePelvic organ prolapse (POP) affects 40% of women, with a 12%–19% lifetime surgical risk. Italy showed high practice variation in POP surgery, possibly impacting equity of access to healthcare services, a central goal of Beveridge-like health systems. According to the literature, unwarranted variation, influenced by physician attitudes or resource allocation, must be reduced. We aimed to identify determinants influencing women’s choice when asked whether they prefer surgical or conservative POP management.Design, setting and populationIn this nationwide prospective study, we distributed a Qualtrics questionnaire via social media to any Italian women over 18 years old who voluntarily decided to participate in the survey.InterventionA grade 3 POP scenario was presented. Women were asked how likely they would have surgery. Each woman randomly received only 1 question out of 11: 1 question was the reference question (‘How likely would you have surgery?’) while 10 questions contained a potential determinant influencing woman’s choice (‘How likely would you have surgery if…?’).OutcomeThe outcome was the chance of choosing surgery expressed as a percentage. We analysed the effect of each factor on the outcome by using adjusted beta regression models.ResultsRespondents (n=222) opted for surgery with a median probability of 61.5%. Factors significantly increasing the chance of choosing surgery were advice from physicians, the presence of a trusted physician during hospitalisation, surgical approach with low complication rates, uterine-sparing surgery, the absence of postoperative abdominal scars and nearby hospital.ConclusionsOur findings provide health managers and policy-makers with new evidence to better understand women’s decision-making and partly capture the determinants of unwarranted variation. These inputs may also be used as attributes for a future discrete choice experiment.
Assessment of vitamin D-related knowledge, attitudes and practices among Sultan Qaboos University students in Oman: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Al Hadhrami Rahma Said , Al Kaabi Rehab , Al Shuaibi Hajer Juma , Al Abdulsalam Rawan Salim 
Published: July 2024

BackgroundVitamin D deficiency, a circulating level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D <30 nmol/L, has become an emerging public health issue in recent years. Despite being a sun-rich country, vitamin D deficiency is widespread in Oman (87.5%).AimThis study aimed to evaluate knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding vitamin D among university students in Oman to assess the need for additional awareness campaigns.Methods and sittingThis descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted from September to December 2022 and involved 399 students enrolled in various degree programmes at the Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) in Muscat, Oman, using self-administered, 38-item vitamin D-related KAP (D-KAP-38) questionnaire to collect information regarding the participants’ vitamin D-related general knowledge, nutritional knowledge, attitudes and practices.ResultsOf the 399 college students, 384 (96.2%) were Omani nationals, 283 (70.9%) were women and 255 (64.1%) were between the ages of 20 and 26 years. Overall, the participants demonstrated moderate general knowledge (mean D-KAP-38 score: 77.3), poor nutritional knowledge (mean D-KAP-38 score: 45.1), moderate attitudes (mean D-KAP-38 score: 64.4) and average practices (mean D-KAP-38 score: 60.0). In general, female students demonstrated greater general knowledge (p=0.004) and more positive attitudes (p=0.007) compared with males; however, males more frequently reported better practices (p<0.001). In addition, participants who lived off-campus reported better practices compared with those living on-campus (p<0.001).ConclusionsUniversity students in Oman demonstrated moderate vitamin D-related general knowledge, attitudes and practices, while nutritional knowledge was poor.
Oral health-related knowledge, attitude and practices among nurses: a hospital-based questionnaire survey from a tertiary healthcare setting in Faridabad, India
Authors: Sood Shilpa Khullar , Jain Megha , Raj Manu , Sharma Sakshi 
Published: July 2024

BackgroundNurses play an integral part in the comprehensive delivery of healthcare services and contribute significantly to the success of public health initiatives. The knowledge, attitude and practices of nurses in the domain of oral health influence their own oral hygiene as well as that of the community. Their impact on overall oral health of the community is due to the fact that they provide health education as the primary contact of patients and their family members. The objective of this study was to evaluate the oral health knowledge, attitude and practice among nurses of a tertiary healthcare facility.MethodologyWe conducted a cross-sectional questionnaire-based study among nurses working at a tertiary healthcare setting in Faridabad, India, to assess their oral health-related knowledge, attitude and practice.ResultWe recruited a total of 300 nurses from the study institution. Among participants, 235 (78.4 %) were females. In the study population, 220 (73.4%) were nursing diploma holders, 55 (18.6%) had a bachelor’s degree, 20 (6.6%) had a post-graduate nursing diploma and 5 (1.5%) completed their master’s degree. Overall oral health-related knowledge was found to be good in 270 (90%) of participants. Overall oral health-related attitude was satisfactory in 270 (90%) participants. Among participants, 225 (75%) brushed their teeth using fluoridated toothpaste. In addition, 247 (82.6%) participants reported brushing in circular direction, 256 (85.6%) reported spending 2 min to clean their teeth and 285 (95%) reported cleaning their tongue daily.ConclusionNurses demonstrated good knowledge, good attitude and a positive outlook related to oral health. They contributed significantly towards maintenance of healthy practices regarding oral health and hygiene in the community. This was primarily by taking up an active role in motivating family and friends to have regular dental check-ups.
Frailty is associated with 30-day mortality: a multicentre study of Swedish emergency departments
Authors: Munir Ehrlington Samia , Hörlin Erika , Toll John Rani , Wretborn Jens , Wilhelms Daniel 
Published: July 2024

BackgroundOlder patients living with frailty have an increased risk for adverse events. The Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) is a 9-point frailty assessment instrument that has shown promise to identify frail emergency department (ED) patients at increased risk of adverse outcomes. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between CFS scores and 30-day mortality in an ED setting when assessments are made by regular ED staff.MethodThis was a prospective multicentre observational study carried out between May and November 2021 at three EDs in Sweden, where frailty via CFS is routinely assessed by ED staff. All patients ≥65 years of age were eligible for inclusion. Mortality at 7, 30 and 90 days, admission rate, ED and hospital length of stay (LOS) were compared between patients living with frailty (CFS≥5) and robust patients. Logistic regression was used to adjust for confounders.ResultsA total of 1840 ED visits of patients aged ≥65 years with CFS assessments done during the study period were analysed, of which 606 (32.9%) were patients living with frailty. Mortality after the index visit was higher in patients living with frailty at 7 days (2.6% vs 0.2%), 30 days (7.9% vs 0.9%) and 90 days (15.5% vs 2.4%). Adjusted ORs for mortality for those with frailty compared with more robust patients were 9.9 (95% CI 2.1 to 46.5) for 7-day, 6.0 (95% CI 3.0 to 12.2) for 30-day and 5.7 (95% CI 3.6 to 9.1) 90-day mortality. Patients living with frailty had higher admission rates, 58% versus 36%, a difference of 22% (95% CI 17% to 26%), longer ED LOS, 5 hours:08 min versus 4 hours:36 min, a difference of 31 min (95% CI 14 to 50), and longer in-hospital LOS, 4.8 days versus 2.7 days, a difference of 2.2 days (95% CI 1.2 to 3.0).ConclusionPatients living with frailty, had significantly higher mortality and admission rates as well as longer ED and in-hospital LOS compared with robust patients. The results confirm the capability of the CFS to risk stratify short-term mortality in older ED patients.Trial registration numberNCT04877028.
Developmental dysplasia of the hip caused by homozygous
TRIM33
pathogenic variant affecting downstream BMP pathway
Authors: Gombosh Maya , Proskorovski-Ohayon Regina , Yogev Yuval , Eskin-Schwartz Marina , Hadar Noam , Aharoni Sarit , Dolgin Vadim , Cohen Eugen , Birk Ohad S 
Published: July 2024

Background
Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), formerly termed congenital dislocation of the hip, is the most common congenital disease of the musculoskeletal system in newborns. While familial predilection to DDH has been well documented, the molecular genetics/pathways of this common disorder are poorly understood.

Methods
Linkage analysis and whole exome sequencing; real-time PCR studies of skin fibroblasts.

Results

Consanguineous Bedouin kindred presented with DDH with apparent autosomal recessive heredity. Linkage analysis and whole exome sequencing delineated a single 3.2 Mbp disease-associated chromosome 1 locus (maximal multipoint Logarithm of the Odds score 2.3), containing a single homozygous variant with a relevant expression pattern: addition of threonine in TRIM33 (NM_015906.4); c.1648_1650dup.
TRIM33
encodes a protein that acts both in the TGF-β and the BMP pathways; however, it has been mostly studied regarding its function in the TGF-β pathway. Since BMPs are known to act in bone formation, we focused on the BMP pathway, in which TRIM33 functions as a transcription factor, both an activator and repressor. Skin fibroblasts of two affected girls and a heterozygous
TRIM33
variant carrier were assayed through reverse-transcription PCR for expression of genes known to be downstream of TRIM33 in the BMP pathway: fibroblasts of affected individuals showed significantly reduced expression of
DLX5
, significantly increased expression of
BGLAP
, increased expression of
ALPL
and no change in expression of
RUNX2
or of
TRIM33
itself.

Conclusions

DDH can be caused by a biallelic variant in
TRIM33
, affecting the BMP pathway.
Towards an understanding of the biopsychosocial determinants of CVD in SLE: a scoping review
Authors: Shantz Emily , Elliott Susan J , Sperling Christine , Buhler Katherine , Costenbader Karen H , Choi May Y 
Published: July 2024

ObjectiveSystemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune condition with significant physical, mental, psychosocial and economic impacts. A main driver of SLE morbidity and mortality is cardiovascular disease (CVD). Both SLE and CVD exhibit disparities related to gender, race and other social dimensions linked with biological outcomes and health trajectories. However, the biospsychosocial dimensions of CVD in SLE populations remain poorly understood. The objective of this study was to systematically investigate the existing literature around known social factors influencing the development of CVD in SLE.MethodsA scoping review protocol was developed according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping reviews guidelines. The search strategy encompassed three main concepts: SLE, CVD and social factors. Four databases were searched (PubMed, SCOPUS, PsychINFO and CINAHL). 682 studies were identified for screening. Articles were screened in two phases (title/abstract and full text) to determine whether they fulfilled the selection criteria.ResultsNine studies were included after screening. All were conducted in the USA between 2009 and 2017. Six studies (67%) were cross-sectional and three (33%) were longitudinal. Most employed SLE cohorts (n=7, 78%) and two drew from healthcare databases (n=2; 22%). We identified five main themes encompassing social factors: socioeconomic status and education (n=5; 56%), race and/or ethnicity (n=7; 78%), mental health (n=2; 22%), gender (n=3; 33%) and healthcare quality and/or insurance (n=2; 22%). Overall, low income, fewer years of education, black race and/or ethnicity, depression, male gender, lack of insurance and healthcare fragmentation were all associated with CVD risk factors and outcomes in SLE.ConclusionsWhile several social factors contribute to CVD in SLE populations, considerable gaps remain as many social determinants remain un(der)explored. There is rich opportunity to integrate social theory, advance conceptualisations of race and/or ethnicity and gender, expand investigations of mental health and explore novel geographical contexts. In healthcare policy and practice, identified social factors should be considered for SLE populations during decision-making and treatment, and education resources should be targeted for these groups.
Curcumin attenuates lupus nephritis by inhibiting neutrophil migration via PI3K/AKT/NF-κB signalling pathway
Authors: Yang Hui , Zhang Haiwei , Tian Lili , Guo Panpan , Liu Shanshan , Chen Hongwei , Sun Lingyun 
Published: July 2024

ObjectiveTo investigate the role of curcumin in the treatment of lupus nephritis (LN) by inhibiting the migration of neutrophils and the underlying mechanism involved.MethodsTwo lupus mouse models, MRL/lpr mice and R848-treated mice, were treated with 50 mg/kg curcumin by intraperitoneal injection. H&E and Masson staining were used to estimate histopathological changes in the kidney. Immunofluorescence was used to assess the deposition of immune complexes. The expression of inflammatory factors was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and real-time reverse transcription polymerase reaction (RT-PCR), and the protein expression was detected by western blotting.ResultsWe revealed the remarkable potential of curcumin in improving inflammatory conditions in both MRL/lpr mice and R848-induced lupus mice. Curcumin effectively decelerates the progression of inflammation and diminishes the infiltration of neutrophils and their release of pivotal inflammatory factors, thereby reducing inflammation in renal tissues. Mechanistically, curcumin significantly inhibits the expression of p-PI3K, p-AKT and p-NF-κB, which are upregulated by interleukin-8 to induce neutrophil migration and renal inflammation, thereby reducing neutrophil migration and the release of inflammatory factors.ConclusionCurcumin significantly inhibits the recruitment of neutrophils and the release of proinflammatory factors in the kidney by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT/NF-κB signalling pathway, providing new therapeutic targets and medication strategies for the treatment of LN.
Generalized approach for the perturbative dynamical braneworld in D dimensions
Authors: Lin Zi-Chao , Yu Hao , Gong Yungui 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIn this paper, we propose an approach to derive the brane cosmology in the D-dimensional braneworld model. We generalize the “bulk-based” approach by treating the 4-brane as a small perturbation to the D-dimensional spherically symmetric spacetime. The linear corrections from a static 4-brane to the metric are derived from the linearized perturbation equations, while the nonlinear corrections are found by a parameterization of the perturbed metric solution. We use a time-dependent generalization to give the nonlinearly perturbed metric solution for the dynamical braneworld model, and analyze the stability of the model under the motion of the 4-brane. Through the fine tuning, we can recover the Friedmann equations for the universe with and without an effective cosmological constant. More importantly, the de Sitter expansion of the universe can be reproduced.