bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A qualitative study assessing acceptability and appropriateness of a technology-assisted mental health intervention by community frontline workers: mPareshan implementation research in rural Pakistan
Authors: Akhtar Samina , Rabbani Fauziah , Nafis Javeria , Siddiqui Amna , Merali Zul 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
With a shortage of mental health specialists and a significant rural population in Pakistan, leveraging community-based healthcare workers becomes crucial to address mental health needs. Equipping the healthcare workers with digital tools such as mobile applications have the potential to increase access to mental health support in low-resource areas. This study examines the acceptability, appropriateness, barriers, and facilitators to implementing a technology-assisted mental health intervention (mPareshan) delivered by Lady Health Workers (LHWs) in rural Pakistan.
Methods
This is a qualitative study embedded within a larger implementation research trial assessing the feasibility of an mHealth intervention aimed at improving anxiety and depression. 8 focus group discussions and 18 in-depth interviews were conducted. Perceptions were sought before and after intervention from stakeholders comprising of policymakers, LHWs, Lady Health Supervisors (LHSs), and community participants. Data underwent thematic analysis using the RE-AIM framework.
Results
Six main themes emerged from the data. All participants had realization of rising burden of mental illnesses and identified key determinants for mental ill-health. Delivery of mental health counselling by LHWs through a technology-assisted intervention was deemed acceptable and appropriate. LHWs were considered capable and trustworthy by the community to deliver a home-based mHealth intervention, given their easy accessibility as residents of the same community. The technology demonstrated potential for easy adoption as these frontline health workers were already familiar with smartphone technology. Some barriers identified during implementation roll-out included heavy workload of LHWs and difficulty in internet connectivity. Use of videos for counselling, and supportive supervision by LHSs emerged as key facilitators for implementation.
Conclusion
This study highlights that a technology-focused mental health intervention is feasible, acceptable, and appropriate to be implemented by community frontline workers in resource-constrained rural Pakistani settings. The mPareshan intervention can be easily adopted within the LHW-P. Further research should investigate how implementation barriers can be addressed for successful delivery.
Mapping impacts of alien species on biodiversity in the face of climate change
Authors: Kumschick Sabrina , Journiac Lysandre , Boulesnane-Genguant Océane , Botella Christophe , Pouteau Robin , Rouget Mathieu 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Risk maps are a useful tool to prioritise sites for management and allocate resources where they are most needed as they can show us where impacts of biological invasions are most likely to happen or expected to be largest. Given the pace of global changes, we need to understand not only the risks under current conditions, but future risks taking into account aspects such as climate change. In this study, we use Australian acacias alien to South Africa as a case study to model their potential distribution under climate change scenarios, and map their potential impacts and the uncertainty related to variability across socio-economic pathways and climatic models, to help us set better priorities for the future. We found that although climatic suitability and therefore the potential high risk area is predicted to decrease under climate change, the highly vulnerable fynbos biome remains an area with high projected impacts. We found that potential impacts would decrease under climate change within protected areas of the Western Cape. However, in this province, national parks and other areas with high levels of protection would experience greater impacts than private protected areas of lower protection status. This can help us prioritise management actions and aid the development of suitable plans to protect biodiversity not only under current, but also future climate conditions.
Osteoarthritis-related knee pain: MRI-guided focused ultrasound ablation treatment
Authors: Tiegs-Heiden Christin A , Long Zaiyang , Lu Aiming , Gorny Krzysztof R , Hesley Gina K 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Osteoarthritis of the knee is a common cause of pain, functional disability, and reduced quality of life in the elderly. Despite its prevalence, there are limited currently available noninvasive treatment options. MRI-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) is a noninvasive thermal ablation method which is used in a spectrum of musculoskeletal conditions. It is FDA approved for the treatment of painful bone metastases and osteoid osteoma, and has been considered for the treatment of other painful conditions such as osteoarthritis. The purpose of this case report is to describe the use of MRgFUS for the treatment of osteoarthritic knee pain in a 72-year-old male. The patient led an active lifestyle, however suffered significant limitations due to lateral knee pain with jogging and walking down the stairs. MRgFUS ablation treatment was performed to the lateral knee, targeting the periosteum in the patients’ area of pain. Following treatment, he experienced considerable reduction in his activity limiting symptoms with a duration of at least 6 months. Similar pain reduction was observed in two small series of MRgFUS treatment of knee pain from Japan. It is important for radiologists to be aware of MRgFUS as an innovative ablation modality. MRgFUS appears promising as a safe, non-invasive treatment option for temporary relief of knee pain. This may be particularly valuable for patients who are unwilling or unable to undergo total knee arthroplasty.
Mycorrhizal fungus Rhizophagus irregularis protects olive trees from Verticillium wilt and promotes growth
Authors: BOUTAJ HANANE , Abdelilah Meddich , Said Wahbi , Zainab El Alaoui-Talibi , Allal Douira , Abdelkarim Filali-Maltouf , Cherkaoui El Modafar 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (AMF) Rhizophagus irregularis and its interaction with Verticillium dahliae were investigated in the susceptible olive "Picholine Marocaine" cultivar under controlled conditions. Olive plants were first inoculated with R. irregularis for three months, and then infected with V. dahliae. The present study assessed the impact of this combined inoculation on root colonization, plant growth parameters, nutrient uptake, and disease tolerance. Results showed that R. irregularis significantly increased mycorrhizal colonization in terms of vesicles and arbuscules compared to non-mycorrhizal controls, even in the presence of V. dahliae. This enhanced colonization was associated with improved plant growth, including increased shoot and root length, number of leaves and branches, and total dry biomass. Furthermore, R. irregularis significantly reduced disease severity as measured by dwarfing and leaf alteration indices. Mycorrhizal inoculation also led to a substantial increase in nutrient uptake, particularly potassium, calcium, and available phosphorus, in both shoots and roots of olive plants. Interestingly, sodium uptake was higher in plants solely colonized by R. irregularis, suggesting potential influence on specific nutrient dynamics. In general, this study demonstrates that R. irregularis can effectively promote root colonization, enhance plant growth and nutrient uptake, and significantly improve disease tolerance against Verticillium wilt in susceptible olive cultivars.
The effect of practicing selected sports on the value of the COP index
Authors: Hawrylak Arletta , Demidaś Aneta , Hawrylak Adam 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Center of pressure (COP) analysis is a method used in postural control research. The purpose of this study was to determine whether training for a marathon and powerlifting could affect the value of COP in static and dynamic testing assessed with the FreeMed ground reaction force platform. A barometric mat was used to evaluate COP values, using Free Step computer software. The study was performed in three groups: marathon runners (M, n = 31), powerlifters (PL, n = 24), and a control group (C, n = 30). Basic descriptive statistics (mean ± standard deviation) were calculated for COP in the static, anteroposterior (AP), and mediolateral (ML) directions, followed by dynamic test variables for the dominant (D) and non-dominant (ND) lower limb. One-factor ANOVA, two-factor MANOVA, and r-Pearson correlation coefficient between COP and D, as well as ND lower limbs in the three study groups, were calculated. No statistically significant differences were observed between the means of the COP in the groups studied in the static test. A statistically significant difference between the COP of the D and ND lower limb (p < 0.001) was observed in the dynamic test only in the M group. In this study, there was a high correlation between the lower limbs tested only in the PL group. Conclusions. Only in the M group, statistically significant differences between the D and ND lower limbs were found in the dynamic study. These athletes developed specific postural strategies characterized by the difference between the length of the sway path between the D and ND lower limbs.
Morphological variations of fissures, lobes, and hilar pattern of the lung in a select South African sample
Authors: Mpolokeng Kentse , Petersen Megan , Seleka Refilwe 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Introduction:
The lungs are essential respiratory organs divided into lobes by the horizontal and oblique fissures. The mediastinal surface of each lung consists of the hilum which allows the bronchus, pulmonary vein, and pulmonary artery to enter and exit. This study aims to investigate and record the variations in the morphology of lung fissures, lobes, and hilar patterns observed in a South African sample.
Methods and Materials:
This was a cross-sectional observational study with a descriptive analysis. A total of 48 formalin-fixed bodies comprising females (n = 24) and males (n = 24) from the Department of Human Biology at the University of Cape Town were studied. The fissures were classified according to the Craig and Walker criteria. Permission to conduct the study was given by the Cadaveric Research Governance Committee: CRGC 2023/006.
Results and Discussion
The Craig and Walker classification was used to describe the frequencies of variations observed in the study. 25 right sided and 30 left sided lungs had incomplete oblique fissures. Incomplete horizontal fissures were observed in 39 right lungs. One right lung had both an absent horizontal and oblique fissure. Accessory fissures were found in five right and 7 left lungs. Regarding the hilar pattern, variations were seen in the number and arrangement of structures of both the right and left lungs.
Conclusion
Variations in the completeness of fissures as well as the hilar pattern are a common occurrence. Thus, surgeons and radiologist need to be aware of these morphological variations as they may cause misdiagnosis and complications during surgical procedures.
Eating behavior patterns, metabolic parameters and circulating oxytocin levels in patients with obesity: an exploratory study
Authors: Elena Colonnello , Flavia Libotte , Davide Masi , Mariaignazia Curreli , Chandra Massetti , Orietta Gandini , Elena Gangitano , Mikiko Watanabe , Stefania Mariani , Lucio Gnessi , Carla Lubrano 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Purpose.
Obesity is a complex heterogeneous disease often associated with dysfunctional eating behavior patterns. Oxytocin (OT) is a neurohormone involved in the regulation of energy metabolism and eating behavior. The aim of the present study was to evaluate in a population of patients with obesity circulating levels of OT and dysfunctional eating behaviors in relation to anthropometric, hormonal and metabolic parameters.
Methods.
A prospective, observational, single-center study was conducted at the Center of High Specialization for the Care of Obesity of Sapienza University of Rome. Adult subjects with Body Mass Index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m2 were recruited. Body Impedance Assessment (BIA), biochemical and hormonal parameters, plasma OT concentration analysis and the Eating Behaviors Assessment for Obesity (EBA-O) questionnaire were evaluated.
Results.
A total of 21 patients, 16 females and 5 males, with a mean age of 45.7 ± 15.1 years, mean BMI of 40.89 ± 8.02 Kg/m2 and plasma OT concentration of 1365.61 ± 438.03 pg/mL were recruited. The dysfunctional eating behavior traits investigated by the EBA-O appear significantly associated with metabolic derangements. In particular, night eating is associated with alterations in lipid metabolism (p < 0.01). Circulating OT correlates positively with BMI (r = 0,43; p < 0.05), and Hepatic Steatosis Index (HIS) (r = 0.46; p < 0.05), while its role in subjects with obesity and alterations in glucose metabolism is less clear. Interestingly, circulating OT levels < 1312.55 pg/mL may be predictive of food addiction (100% sensitivity; 62.5% specificity).
Conclusions
Despite the need for larger studies to confirm their validity, the clinical utility of the EBA-O and circulating OT in identifying dysfunctional eating behaviors appears promising.
Comparative cost-effectiveness of tislelizumab plus chemotherapy versus standard chemotherapy in first-line treatment for extensive-stage small cell lung cancer: perspectives from the U.S. and Chinese healthcare systems
Authors: Lang Wenwang , Ai Qi , He Yulong , Pan Yufei , Jiang Qinling , Ouyang Ming , Sun Tianshou 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Tislelizumab combined with chemotherapy has shown significant clinical benefits in improving overall survival compared to chemotherapy alone for patients with extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC).
Aim
This study aimed to evaluate its cost-effectiveness for both US and Chinese ES-SCLC patient populations.
Method
We conducted an economic evaluation using a Markov state-transition model, reflecting the perspectives of US and Chinese healthcare payers. Baseline patient characteristics and essential clinical data were obtained from the RATIONALE-312 trial. The costs and utilities were derived from open-access databases and published literature. The primary outcomes measured included quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER), incremental net health benefit (INHB), and incremental net monetary benefit (INMB). Uncertainties in the model were addressed by probabilistic sensitivity analysis (PSA) and one-way sensitivity analysis (OWSA).
Results
In the base-case analysis, the addition of tislelizumab to chemotherapy provided an incremental gain of 0.27 QALYs at an additional cost of $8,352.18, resulting in an ICER of $31,136.52 per QALY. Although below the willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold of China of $38,042.49 per QALY, the cost-effectiveness was marginal, with an INHB of 0.05 QALYs and an INMB of $1,852.49. In the US, despite a slightly higher effectiveness gain of 0.29 QALYs, the increased cost of $45,157.35 resulted in an unfavorable ICER of $157,117.67 per QALY, exceeding the US WTP threshold of $150,000.00. PSA showed probabilities of cost-effectiveness of tislelizumab plus chemotherapy at 92.52% in China and 44.07% in the US.
Conclusions
Tislelizumab with chemotherapy may be a cost-effective first-line treatment option for ES-SCLC in China but not the US, highlighting significant geographical disparities in healthcare economics.
Temporal Trends in Lower Extremity Amputation in Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Region: Analysis of the GBD Dataset 1990 - 2019
Authors: Al-Ajlouni Yazan A. , Abouzid Mohamed , Tanashat Mohammad , Basheer Ahmed Ahmed , Ta’ani Omar Al , Bilgin-Badur Naciye , Islam Mohammad 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background Lower extremity amputations (LEAs) significantly contribute to mortality and morbidity, often resulting from peripheral artery disease and diabetes mellitus (DM). Traumatic injuries also account for many LEAs. Despite the global burden, the epidemiology of LEAs, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, remains underexplored. This study utilizes the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) dataset to analyze temporal trends in LEAs in the MENA region from 1990 to 2019. Methods The study utilized the 2019 GBD dataset, which includes estimates for incidence, prevalence, and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) across 369 diseases. Age-standardized incidence rates (ASIRs) for LEAs were extracted for 21 MENA countries. Trends were analyzed using percentage change calculations and Joinpoint regression to identify significant shifts in LEA rates over time. Results From 1990 to 2019, male LEA rates generally decreased, while female rates increased. Significant increases in LEA rates were observed in Syria, Yemen, and Afghanistan, correlating with periods of conflict and instability. Conversely, countries like Iraq, Palestine, Sudan, Lebanon, Iran, and Kuwait saw marked decreases. The study highlighted a complex interplay of socio-political factors, natural disasters, and chronic diseases like DM in shaping LEA trends across the region. Conclusion The study reveals variable LEA trends in the MENA region, influenced by conflicts, natural disasters, and chronic diseases. These findings underscore the need for targeted public health interventions, improved healthcare access, and robust data collection systems to reduce the burden of LEAs and improve patient outcomes in the MENA region.
Reaching the Unreachable: A mixed-method evaluation of multidimensional healthcare model addressing the healthcare service gaps in hard-to-reach Northern Riverine Bangladesh
Authors: Sajib Md Refat Uz Zaman , Hasan Kamrul , Hayder Tanvir , Hasan A M Rumayan , Rahman Md. Musfikur , Ether Saraban , Rahman Atia , Tanwi Tania Sultana , Rahman Fariya , Sayeed Abu , Bari Sanwarul , Rahman Syed Moshfiqur , Arifeen Shams El , Ahmed Anisuddin 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Remote and hard-to-reach riverine communities of northern Bangladesh face unique challenges in health care services. Friendship, an international social purpose organization, has implemented a 3-tier health care model addressing these unique challenges over the past 20 years. This study evaluates Friendship’s 3-tier health care model, focusing on general health care service-seeking practices, beneficiary and stakeholder perspectives, and cost benefits.
Methods
A mixed-method approach was employed, including desk reviews, a cross-sectional quantitative survey, and qualitative interviews with service recipients, community representatives, health care providers, and health managers. Data were collected from five hard-to-reach riverine sub-districts across Kurigram, Gaibandha, Bogura, Sirajganj, and Jamalpur districts of Bangladesh between April 2022 and July 2023. Data analyses followed major thematic domains for a comprehensive and complementary understanding.
Results
A significant proportion (43.0%) of survey participants had no formal education, were aged 18–35 (57.5%), and earned less than 1,620 USD yearly (66.6%). Friendship's health care services at doorstep through satellite clinics and Female Community Medic Aides are widely accepted and preferred within the community for convenience, affordability (0.05–0.09 USD service charges), and superior quality, particularly the specialized treatments available on the hospital ships.
Conclusion
The 3-tier health care model offers a wide range of services, including ante- and post-natal care, family planning, and specialized treatment, complemented by nutrition demonstrations and community-based health awareness initiatives. With generalized acceptance among the target communities, Friendship's 3-tier health care model has made primary health care accessible and affordable. Upon implementing a robust referral mechanism and continuing collaboration with the Government of Bangladesh, this model has the potential to be effective in similar settings in Bangladesh and other developing countries, as well as during emergency responses.
Bias in data-driven estimates of the reproducibility of univariate brain-wide association studies.
Authors: Burns Charles D. G. , Fracasso Alessio , Rousselet Guillaume A. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Recent studies have leveraged consortium neuroimaging data to answer an important question: how many subjects are required for reproducible brain-wide association studies? These data-driven approaches could be considered a framework for testing the reproducibility of several neuroimaging models and measures. Here we test part of this framework, namely estimates of statistical errors of univariate brain-behaviour associations obtained from resampling large datasets with replacement. We demonstrate that reported estimates of statistical errors are largely a consequence of bias introduced by random effects when sampling with replacement close to the full sample size. We show that future meta-analyses can largely avoid these biases by only resampling up to 10% of the full sample size. We discuss implications that reproducing mass-univariate association studies requires tens-of-thousands of participants, urging researchers to adopt other methodological approaches.
A Biodynamics Inspired Routing Algorithm for Energy Harvesting-aided 3-D Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Hao Sheng , Chen Rui , Hong Yong , Cui Jianqun , Zhen Li 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Energy Harvesting (EH) has emerged as a signiffcant technology capable of constructing future wireless sensor networks (WSNs). Although a signiffcant body of studies has focused on designing routing algorithms for EH-aided WSN so that the harvested energy can be efffciently used, most of them do not adequately consider energy overffow and waste caused by the limited battery capacity and data buffer. In addition, these works only concentrated on twodimensional (2-D) plane scenario. In practical environment, sensor nodes are generally deployed in three-dimensional (3-D) space. In light of the above limitations, a brand-new biodynamics inspired energy-efffcient routing algorithm used for EH-aided 3-D WSN is proposed (BDRATD for short). Firstly, through fully considering the spatial distribution of nodes (including planar and vertical dimensionality), we design a classiffed channel model adapted to 3-D spatial communication conditions. On this basis, an energy assessment model is is built to determine the energy state of nodes. Next, we establish a buffer queuing model to detect the blocking level of nodes. Combining the above models, we further consider the inffuence of IEEE 802.11b medium access control (MAC) protocol, and design an idle energy prediction mechanism to improve power utilization. With the help of hemodynamics, we provide the path selection strategy of BDRA-TD for EH-aided 3-D WSN. Moreover, we analyze the complexity of our algorithm and demonstrate it has convergent property. Extensive simulation results show that our algorithm performs superior in terms of average end-to-end delay, average energy dissipation, packet success ratio, average residual energy and acceptable performance in average energy variance compared to other algorithms.