bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exposure to indoor air pollution and adverse pregnancy outcomes in low and middle-income countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Daba Chala , Asmare Lakew , Demeke Bayou Fekade , Arefaynie Mastewal , Mohammed Anissa , Tareke Abiyu Abadi , Keleb Awoke , Kebede Natnael , Tsega Yawkal , Endawkie Abel , Kebede Shimels Derso , Mesfin Kaleab , Abeje Eyob Tilahun , Bekele Enyew Ermias 
Published: May 2024

IntroductionExposure to indoor air pollution such as biomass fuel and particulate matter is a significant cause of adverse pregnancy outcomes. However, there is limited information about the association between indoor air pollution exposure and adverse pregnancy outcomes in low and middle-income countries. Therefore, this meta-analysis aimed to determine the association between indoor air pollution exposure and adverse pregnancy outcomes in low and middle-income countries.MethodsInternational electronic databases such as PubMed, Science Direct, Global Health, African Journals Online, HINARI, Semantic Scholar, and Google and Google Scholar were used to search for relevant articles. The study was conducted according to the updated Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. A random effect model at a 95% confidence interval was used to determine the association between indoor air pollution exposure and adverse pregnancy outcomes using STATA version 14. Funnel plot and Higgs I2 statistics were used to determine the publication bias and heterogeneity of the included studies, respectively.ResultsA total of 30 articles with 2,120,228 study participants were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled association between indoor air pollution exposure and at least one adverse pregnancy outcome was 15.5% (95%CI: 12.6–18.5), with significant heterogeneity (I2 = 100%; p &lt; 0.001). Exposure to indoor air pollution increased the risk of small for gestational age by 23.7% (95%CI: 8.2–39.3) followed by low birth weight (17.7%; 95%CI: 12.9–22.5). Exposure to biomass fuel (OR = 1.16; 95%CI: 1.12–1.2), particulate matter (OR = 1.28; 95%CI: 1.25–1.31), and kerosene (OR = 1.38; 95%CI: 1.09–1.66) were factors associated with developing at least one adverse pregnancy outcomes.ConclusionsWe found that more than one in seven pregnant women exposed to indoor air pollution had at least one adverse pregnancy outcome. Specifically, exposure to particulate matter, biomass fuel, and kerosene were determinant factors for developing at least one adverse pregnancy outcome. Therefore, urgent comprehensive health intervention should be implemented in the area to reduce adverse pregnancy outcomes.
“We’re one small piece of the puzzle”: evaluating the impact of short-term funding for tier two weight management services
Authors: Beaumont Jordan D. , Ioannou Elysa , Harish Krishna , Elewendu Nnedinma , Corrigan Nicola , Nield Lucie 
Published: May 2024

IntroductionOverweight and obesity are a global health epidemic and many attempts have been made to address the rising prevalence. In March 2021 the UK government announced £100 million of additional funding for weight management provisions. Of this, £30.5 million was split across local authorities in England to support the expansion of tier two behavioural weight management services for adults. The present work aimed to explore how this funding was used within the Yorkshire and Humber region to consolidate learning, collate best practice, and provide recommendations for future funding use.MethodOne-hour semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 weight management service commissioners representing 9 of the 15 local authorities in the region. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and analysed using an established health inequality framework. From this, recommendations were co-developed with the commissioner group to establish best practice for future funding use.ResultsCommissioners recognised that targeted weight management services were only one small piece of the puzzle for effectively managing obesity. Therefore, recommendations include targeting underserved communities, focussing on early prevention, addressing weight management in a whole systems context, and embracing innovative and holistic approaches to weight management.DiscussionCurrent short-term funding and restrictive commissioning processes of tier two services prevents sustainable and innovative weight management practice which is detrimental to patients, falls short of addressing health inequalities and negatively impacts staff health and wellbeing.
Education and training of telemental health providers: a systematic review
Authors: Jiang Qiaoling , Deng Yongjia , Perle Jonathan , Zheng Wanhong , Chandran Dilip , Chen Jingru , Liu Feiyue 
Published: May 2024

ObjectiveTo conduct a systematic literature review of education and training (E&amp;T) programs for telemental health (TMH) providers in the past 10 years to qualitatively clarify field offerings and methodologies, as well as identify areas for future growth.MethodsWe searched five major electronic databases: PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, CINAHL, and Web of Science for original publications on TMH E&amp;T from January 2013 to May 2023. We extracted information from each publication and summarized key features of training programs including setting, target group, study aims, training modality, methods of assessing quality, and outcomes.ResultsA total of 20 articles were selected for the final review. Articles meeting inclusionary criteria were predominantly comprised of case studies and commentaries, focused on a TMH service/practice for a specific region/population, and were performed after 2020. All of the selected studies demonstrated a significant increase in the measured knowledge, skills, and abilities of the participants after TMH training. Nevertheless, there remains a lack of standardization of training methodologies, limited sample sizes and demographics, variability in study methodologies, and inconsistency of competency targets across studies.ConclusionThis systematic review highlighted the diversity of methods for TMH E&amp;T. Future research on this topic could include more varied and larger-scale studies to further validate and extend current findings, as well as explore potential long-term effects of TMH training programs on both provider attitudes and patient outcomes.
Medical and dental student knowledge about COVID-19 and influenza vaccines impact opinions about vaccine advocacy and future practice
Authors: Lucia Victoria C. , Mascarenhas Ana Karina , Kelekar Arati , Afonso Nelia M. 
Published: May 2024

IntroductionThe World Health Organization has identified vaccine hesitancy as a global public health challenge. Healthcare providers are among the most influential and trusted figures for vaccine counseling. This article focuses on COVID-19 and influenza personal immunization behaviors, vaccine knowledge and opinions, and vaccine counseling confidence among future healthcare providers – dental and medical students.MethodsA cross-sectional anonymous online survey was conducted at four dental schools and one allopathic medical school in the United States. Items included personal vaccination status for the COVID-19 and influenza vaccines and vaccine-specific items developed based on past research to assess knowledge, opinions, and behaviors.ResultsTwo hundred and thirty-two medical and 221 dental students completed the survey. 68 and 55% scored average/above-average knowledge on COVID-19 and influenza vaccine items, respectively. There were significant differences between those with average/above-average and below-average knowledge scores regarding learning about, recommending, and advocating for vaccines and counseling vaccine-hesitant patients for both vaccines (p &lt; 0.0001). Although higher-knowledge students had higher vaccination rates (p &lt; 0.0001), many had insufficient knowledge about vaccines.DiscussionHealthcare providers play a crucial role in vaccine advocacy. The identified knowledge gaps are significant as they impact quality of patient care. And opinions about future vaccination practice such as recommending, providing, and counseling about vaccines. Equipping students with knowledge and communication skills will enable them to be strong vaccine advocates to improve overall public health.
Diversity and composition of gut protist in young rural Zimbabwean children
Authors: Pfavayi Lorraine Tsitsi , Sibanda Elopy Nimele , Baker Stephen , Woolhouse Mark , Mduluza Takafira , Mutapi Francisca 
Published: May 2024

BackgroundThe human gut microbiome harbours diverse species of archaea, bacteria, fungi, protists and viruses. To date, most gut microbiome studies have focused on bacteria, neglecting other microbial communities. Consequently, less is known about the diversity and abundance of the latter. Here, we aimed to characterise the diversity and composition of protists in the gut of preschool-aged children (PSAC) in rural Zimbabwe relative to host age, sex, and schistosome infection status.MethodsThe gut protist of 113 PSAC (1–5 years) was examined via shotgun metagenomic sequencing and analysed for diversity. Variation in protist abundance with host and environmental factors was analysed by permutational multivariate analysis of variance (PERMANOVA). To investigate how the composition of specific taxa varies across age, sex, nutritional measures and Schistosoma hematobium infection status, analysis of the composition of microbiomes (ANCOM) was used.ResultsEighty protist genera were identified, and the most abundant genera detected was Blastocystis. The prevalence of pathogenic protists was comparatively low, with 12.4% and 3.4% of the participants’ gut colonised by E. histolytica and Cryptosporidium, respectively. Of all the independent variables only S. haematobium infection showed significant relationship with the structure of the gut protist, being associated with increases in Peronospora, Pseudoperonospora, Plasmopara and Blastocystis (FDR= 0.009).SummaryThis study provides data on the prevalence and diversity of the gut protists in young Zimbabwean children with an emphasis on the host factors; age, sex and schistosome infection status. Our results showed no association between the host factors investigated, including anthropometric measures adjusted for age and the intestinal protist composition and structure, but S. haematobium infection status was associated with composition of specific taxa. There is a need for more studies determining how pathogenic protist interact with non-pathogenic protist in people exhibiting clinical symptoms to inform therapy and nutraceuticals.
Can oral health care be a gateway to improve cardiovascular disease? A scoping review
Authors: Usmani Wania , de Courten Maximilian , Hanna Fahad 
Published: May 2024

BackgroundCardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, resulting in a high socioeconomic burden. Growing evidence has shown a link between oral diseases and several chronic conditions including CVDs. The focus of this review is to investigate and summaries the evidence surrounding oral health interventions and their potential impact on reducing both the risk and/or severity of CVDs.MethodsA scoping review was conducted to examine oral health interventions for managing CVD outcomes and risks. The review adhered to the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) framework for evidence synthesis and followed the reporting standards outlined by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis- extension to Scoping Review (PRISMA-ScR). A systematic search across EBSCOhost, PubMed, and Scopus databases from 2012 to 2024 was utilized to identify relevant studies. Inclusion criteria focused on English language articles with a sample size of at least 50, evaluating the impact of oral health interventions on CVD outcomes.ResultsOut of the initial 2,154 studies identified in the search, 12 studies met the inclusion and exclusion criteria and were included in the final analysis. Overall, the studies revealed that along with surgical and non-surgical periodontal therapy, regular oral hygiene care practices, including toothbrushing, tongue brushing, and flossing, significantly reduced the risk of cardiovascular events and mortality. These interventions in patients with or without CVD baseline have shown a decrease in CVD risk markers as well as a reduction in bacterial colonization. Similarly, consistent oral hygiene routines, combined with regular dental visits, were associated with a lower risk of heart failure and CVD risk mortality.ConclusionThe evidence extracted from this review suggests that periodontal therapy, regular dental cleaning, and re-enforcing of oral health regimes can stabilize oral health conditions and subsequently improve CVD progression/risks. However, limited to no evidence exists regarding the therapeutic effects of oral health promotion in managing CVD markers and its direct impact on disease outcomes, warranting further investigation.
Impact of zero tillage maize production on yield, income, and resource utilization in peninsular India: an action-based quasi-experimental research
Authors: Dey Shiladitya , Abbhishek Kumar , Saraswathibatla Suman , Singh Piyush Kumar , Kuntamalla Sreedhar , Bommaraboyina Prithvi Ram , Raj Abhishek , Kaliki Hamika , Choubey Abhishek Kumar , Rongali Hari Babu , Upamaka Aruna 
Published: May 2024

PurposeThe present study aims to identify the crucial determinants of the adoption of zero-tillage (ZT) technology in maize production in peninsular India. The study also measures the impact of ZT adoption on maize yield, income generation, and the expenses associated with different agricultural operations.MethodologyThe study used multi-stage stratified random sampling and conducted a face-to-face questionnaire survey to collect primary data from 1,189 maize farmers. Initially, the study employed probit regression analysis to identify the ZT adoption determinants. Subsequently, using the Propensity Score Matching (PSM) approach, the study measures the impact of ZT adoption over conventional tillage in terms of yield, income, and cost management. Finally, the Endogenous Switch Regression (ESR) method was implemented to mitigate unobserved heterogeneity and sample selection bias. Additionally, ESR assessed the robustness of PSM results.FindingsThe probit model identifies that variables like education, institutional credit adoption, crop insurance, visit of extension agent, landholding size, and prior experience of new technology adoption positively influence ZT adoption. The PSM and ESR approach results suggest that ZT adoption positively impacts farmers’ yield and net income while reducing cultivation costs and labor use. Results show that ZT adoption decreases the cost of land preparation, weed, pest management, and harvesting by INR 2708 acre−1, INR 167 acre−1, and INR 649 acre−1, respectively, thereby decreasing the overall cultivation cost by INR 8376 acre−1. However, seed and seed treatment costs and irrigation costs improve by INR 108 acre−1 and 176 acre−1 due to the adoption of ZT in maize cultivation. Moreover, ZT improves maize yield by 2.53 quintal acre−1 and minimises 9.56 person-days acre−1. ESR results suggest that the net return from maize cultivation is 26.1% higher for ZT adopters than conventional farmers. Additionally, ZT adopters can save 8.23 man-days acre−1, providing additional monetary benefits of INR 3259 acre−1 compared to ZT non-adopters.Practical implicationsThe study findings may support policymakers in designing suitable agricultural policies to improve technology adoption and motivate small and marginal maize farmers for sustainable production.
Gp85 protein encapsulated by alginate-chitosan composite microspheres induced strong immunogenicity against avian leukosis virus in chicken
Authors: Lei Tianyu , Liu Rongchang , Zhuang Liyun , Dai Tingting , Meng Qingfu , Zhang Xiaodong , Bao Yinli , Huang Cuiqin , Lin Weiming , Huang Yu , Zheng Xintian 
Published: May 2024

IntroductionAvian leukosis, a viral disease affecting birds such as chickens, presents significant challenges in poultry farming due to tumor formation, decreased egg production, and increased mortality. Despite the absence of a commercial vaccine, avian leukosis virus (ALV) infections have been extensively documented, resulting in substantial economic losses in the poultry industry. This study aimed to develop alginate-chitosan composite microspheres loaded with ALV-J Gp85 protein (referred to as aCHP-gp85) as a potential vaccine candidate.MethodsSodium alginate and chitosan were utilized as encapsulating materials, with the ALV-J Gp85 protein serving as the active ingredient. The study involved 45 specific pathogen-free (SPF) chickens to evaluate the immunological effectiveness of aCHP-gp85 compared to a traditional Freund adjuvant-gp85 vaccine (Freund-gp85). Two rounds of vaccination were administered, and antibody levels, mRNA expression of immune markers, splenic lymphocyte proliferation, and immune response were assessed. An animal challenge experiment was conducted to evaluate the vaccine’s efficacy in reducing ALV-J virus presence and improving clinical conditions.ResultsThe results demonstrated that aCHP-gp85 induced a significant and sustained increase in antibody levels compared to Freund-gp85, with the elevated response lasting for 84 days. Furthermore, aCHP-gp85 significantly upregulated mRNA expression levels of key immune markers, notably TNF-α and IFN-γ. The application of ALV-J Gp85 protein within the aCHP-gp85 group led to a significant increase in splenic lymphocyte proliferation and immune response. In the animal challenge experiment, aCHP-gp85 effectively reduced ALV-J virus presence and improved clinical conditions compared to other groups, with no significant pathological changes observed.DiscussionThe findings suggest that aCHP-gp85 elicits a strong and prolonged immune response compared to Freund-gp85, indicating its potential as an innovative ALV-J vaccine candidate. These results provide valuable insights for addressing avian leukosis in the poultry industry, both academically and practically.
Case report: Magnetic resonance imaging features with postoperative improvement of atypical cervical glioma characterized by predominant extramedullary distribution in a dog
Authors: Kim Junyoung , Kim Kihoon , Chung Dai Jung , Kim Yebeen , Kim Kitae , Oh Dayoung , Lee Namsoon , Choi Jihye , Yoon Junghee 
Published: May 2024

IntroductionIntramedullary cord tumors present diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Furthermore, spinal cord tumors can move across compartments, making antemortem diagnosis difficult, even with advanced imaging. This report presents a rare case of a cranial cervical spinal glioma, confirmed by surgical histopathology, with postoperative improvement in a dog.Case descriptionA 9-year-old female Maltese dog presented with kyphotic posture, progressive left hemiparesis, and decreased appetite. Neurological examination revealed neck pain and decreased proprioception in the left limbs along with intact deep pain perception. Two days later, the patient developed non-ambulatory tetraparesis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed an ovoid, well-defined mass with homogeneously marked contrast enhancement in the second cervical spinal cord that severely compressed the spinal cord. This mass was heterogeneously hyperintense on T2-weighted images and iso-to-hypointense on T1-weighted images, showing an appearance resembling the “golf-tee” and “dural tail” signs. The MRI findings suggested an intradural extramedullary tumor. Intraoperatively, a well-demarcated mass which was locally adherent to the spinal meninges was removed. Both histopathological and genomic tumor tests were indicative of a glioma. Approximately 2 weeks postoperatively, the patient’s neurological signs returned to normal.ConclusionThis case report describes an atypical cervical glioma with complicated MR characteristics in a dog, where MRI helped guide surgical intervention.
Allele frequency of a genetic risk variant for necrotizing meningoencephalitis in pug dogs from Europe and association with the clinical phenotype
Authors: van Renen Jana , Kehl Alexandra , Buhmann Gesine , Matiasek Lara A. , Zablotski Yury , Fischer Andrea 
Published: May 2024

IntroductionNecrotizing meningoencephalitis (NME) in pugs is a potentially fatal disease, which needs lifelong treatment with immunosuppressive or immunomodulatory drugs and shares parallels with acute fulminating multiple sclerosis. Genetic variants of the DLA class II gene are associated with an increased risk for NME. Genetic testing is recommended prior to breeding. The aim of this study was to describe the current allele frequency of a previously identified NME risk variant in the European pug population. A secondary aim was to investigate the association of the NME risk variant with the clinical phenotype in pugs.MethodsResults of genetic testing for the CFA12:2605517delC variant in European pugs between 2012 and 2020 were retrieved (n = 5,974). A validated questionnaire was mailed to all submitters of samples for further information on neurological signs, diagnostic tests, and disease course.ResultsThe allele frequency of the CFA12 NME risk variant was 25.7% in the European pug population dogs; 7.4% of the dogs were homozygous and 36.7% were heterozygous for the NME risk variant on CFA12. Completed questionnaires were available in 203 dogs including 25 dogs with epileptic seizures or other neurological signs. The clinical phenotype was consistent with NME in 3.9% with a median age of onset of 1.0 years, and indicative of idiopathic epilepsy in 2.9% with a median onset of 2.5 years. Eleven dogs remained unclassified. Pugs with the NME phenotype were significantly more frequently homozygous for the NME risk variant on CFA12 compared to pugs ≥6 years without neurological signs or seizures (p = 0.008).DiscussionThe CFA12:2605517delC genetic risk variant is widely distributed in the European pug population and frequently homozygous in pugs with a NME phenotype. The data support the clinical relevance of the CFA12:2605517delC genetic risk variant.
Role of Technological Knowledge in Remote Learning/E-Learning: Exploring the Post-Pandemic Scenario of the Tertiary-Level Students of Bangladesh
Authors: Islam Md. Saiful , Akter Shayla 
Published: May 2024

The study aims to look into students’ technological knowledge from the perspective of academia. Thestudy tried to find out the advantages the students enjoy due to having the essential technological skills and the problems students faced during the online classes for requiring more skills. The results of this study look at the tech skills one should develop for an effective and smooth teachinglearning process. The recent pandemic has had a considerable impact on the studies of graduate students and has made it mandatory to have technological knowledge to conduct studies. Data have been collected through a quantitative approach.