bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The PlexiQoL, a patient-reported outcome measure on quality of life in neurofibromatosis type 1-associated plexiform neurofibroma: translation, cultural adaptation and validation into the Dutch language for the Netherlands
Authors: Dhaenens Britt A. E. , van Dijk Sarah A. , Taal Walter , Noordhoek D. Christine , Coffey Anna , McKenna Stephen P. , Oostenbrink Rianne 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Half of the patients with Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) develop one or more tumours called plexiform neurofibromas, which can have a significant impact on Quality of Life (QoL). The PlexiQoL questionnaire is a disease-specific QoL measure for adults with NF1-associated plexiform neurofibromas. The aim of this study was to adapt and validate a Dutch version of the PlexiQoL for the Netherlands.

Methods
The PlexiQoL was translated using the dual-panel methodology, followed by cognitive debriefing interviews to assess face and content validity. The psychometric properties were evaluated by administering the questionnaire on two separate occasions to a sample of adults with NF1 and plexiform neurofibromas. Feasibility was evaluated by the presence of floor/ceiling effects. Reliability was assessed by evaluating Cronbach’s alpha coefficient and test-retest reliability, using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficients. Mann-Whitney U tests were used to check for known group validity. The Nottingham Health Profile (NHP) questionnaire was used as comparator questionnaire to evaluate convergent validity.

Results
The translation and cognitive debriefing interviews resulted in a Dutch version of the PlexiQoL that reflected the original concept and underlying semantic meanings of the UK English version. Forty participants completed the validation survey. The Dutch PlexiQoL demonstrated excellent internal consistency (Cronbach’s α 0.825) and test-retest reliability (Spearman correlation coefficient 0.928). The questionnaire detected differences in PlexiQoL scores between participants based on self-reported general health and disease severity. Convergent validity was confirmed for relevant NHP subsections.

Conclusions
The Dutch PlexiQoL demonstrated excellent psychometric properties and can be reliably used to measure plexiform neurofibroma-related QoL in adults with NF1 in the Netherlands.
A review of the current status of the water quality in the Nile water basin
Authors: Kipsang Nathan K. , Kibet Joshua K. , Adongo John O. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundWater contamination has become one of the most challenging problems to clean water supply and infrastructure in the twenty-first century. Accordingly, access to clean water is limited by negative impacts of climate change and pollutants of varying health risks. Overtime, global population has experienced an exponential growth, which has put pressure on the limited water resources. At least 3 billion people globally rely on water whose quality is largely unknown.Main body of the abstractThe Nile water basin, found in East and Central Africa, covers 11 countries including DRC, Tanzania, South Sudan, Kenya, Uganda, Burundi, Egypt, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Sudan, and Rwanda. The Nile River flows through it before draining its water into the Mediterranean Sea in Egypt. Nile River water was pivotal for the ancient civilization in the Sudan and Egypt through provision of fertile soil and water for irrigation, drinking, fishing, animal husbandry, and channel of transport and in modern times, on top of the historical utilization, for generation of hydroelectric power leading to conflict and cooperation over the shared water resources. Literature on water quality in the Nile water basin is summarized, using the traditional review method to point out gaps, compare the water quality with other areas and suggest recommendations based on the findings of this study. The Nile water basin has been contaminated by numerous pollutants such as toxic heavy metals and organic contaminants, therefore pushing the resident water quality above the World health organization (WHO) acceptable guidelines for drinking water, agricultural irrigation, and aquatic life support. Cases of contamination outside the recommended limits of cadmium in little Akaki River in Ethiopia, aldrin and dieldrin in the Tanzanian side of L. Victoria and other areas clearly show contamination above the WHO limits in the Nile water basin.Short conclusionThe effect of fish cages, micro-plastics, heavy metals, organic contaminants and suspended sediment load primarily from human activities like agriculture, industries and municipal wastes is continuously contaminating the Nile basin water toward poor quality water status. Consequently, interventions like transboundary laws and regulations to mitigate the risks must be enforced.
Barley chitinase genes expression revamp resistance against whitefly (Bemisia Tabaci) in transgenic cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)
Authors: Bashir Samina , Yaqoob Amina , Bashir Rohina , Bukhari Shanila , Shahid Naila , Azam Saira , Bakhsh Allah , Husnain Tayyab , Shahid Ahmad Ali , Rao Abdul Qayyum 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Chitinase is an enzyme that hydrolyzes chitin, a major component of the exoskeleton of insects, including plant pests like whiteflies. The present study aimed to investigate the expression of chemically synthesized barley ch1 and chi2 genes in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) through Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. Fifty-five putative transgenic cotton plants were obtained, out of which fifteen plants successfully survived and were shifted to the field. Using gene-specific primers, amplification of 447 bp and 401 bp fragments confirmed the presence of the ch1 and chi2 genes in five transgenic cotton plants of the T0 generation. These five plants were further evaluated for their mRNA expression levels. The T0 transgenic cotton plants with the highest mRNA expression level and better yield performance in field, were selected to raise their subsequent progenies.

Results
The T1 cotton plants showed the highest mRNA expression levels of 3.5-fold in P10 (2) for the ch1 gene and 3.7-fold in P2 (1) for the chi2 gene. Fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) confirmed a single copy number of ch1 and chi2 (hemizygous) on chromosome no. 6. Furthermore, the efficacy of transgenes on whitefly was evaluated through an insect bioassay, where after 96 h of infestation, mortality rates of whitefly were calculated to be 78%–80% in transgenic cotton plants. The number of eggs on transgenic cotton plants were calculated to be 0.1%–0.12 per plant compared with the non-transgenic plants where egg number was calculated to be 0.90–1.00 per plant.

Conclusion
Based on these findings, it can be concluded that the chemically synthesized barley chitinase genes (ch1 and chi2) have the potential to be effective against insects with chitin exoskeletons, including whiteflies. The transgenic cotton plants expressing these genes showed increased resistance to whiteflies, resulting in reduced egg numbers and higher mortality rates.
An assessment of adaptation and fidelity in the implementation of an audit and feedback-based intervention to improve transition to adult type 1 diabetes care in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Ahmad Syed Zain , Ivers Noah , Zenlea Ian , Parsons Janet A. , Shah Baiju R. , Mukerji Geetha , Punthakee Zubin , Shulman Rayzel 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
The fit between an intervention and its local context may affect its implementation and effectiveness. Researchers have stated that both fidelity (the degree to which an intervention is delivered, enacted, and received as intended) and adaptation to the local context are necessary for high-quality implementation. This study describes the implementation of an audit and feedback (AF)-based intervention to improve transition to type 1 diabetes adult care, at five sites, in terms of adaptation and fidelity.

Methods
An audit and feedback (AF)-based intervention for healthcare teams to improve transition to adult care for patients with type 1 diabetes was studied at five pediatric sites. The Framework for Reporting Adaptations and Modifications to Evidence-based Implementation Strategies (FRAME-IS) was used to document the adaptations made during the study. Fidelity was determined on three different levels: delivery, enactment, and receipt.

Results
Fidelity of delivery, receipt, and enactment were preserved during the implementation of the intervention. Of the five sites, three changed their chosen quality improvement initiative, however, within the parameters of the study protocol; therefore, fidelity was preserved while still enabling participants to adapt accordingly.

Conclusions
We describe implementing a multi-center AF-based intervention across five sites in Ontario to improve the transition from pediatric to adult diabetes care for youth with type 1 diabetes. This intervention adopted a balanced approach considering both adaptation and fidelity to foster a community of practice to facilitate implementing quality improvement initiatives for improving transition to adult diabetes care. This approach may be adapted for improving transition care for youth with other chronic conditions and to other complex AF-based interventions.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03781973. Registered 13 December 2018. Date of enrolment of the first participant to the trial: June 1, 2019.
Facilitators and barriers for implementation of health programmes with Māori communities
Authors: Oetzel John , Ngawati Renei , Penetito-Hemara Darrio , Puke Tori Te , Henry Akarere , Povaru-Bourne Sulita , Sika-Paotonu Dianne 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Addressing health inequities that Māori (Indigenous peoples) communities face in New Zealand is a key aim of researchers and practitioners. However, there is limited understanding of the implementation processes and outcomes of health programmes for addressing these inequities. The aim of this study was twofold: (a) to identify correlates of implementation outcomes and (b) to identify facilitators and barriers to implementation effectiveness.

Methods
The study involved a concurrent mixed method approach. Through an online survey, 79 participants with experience in implementing a health programme with a Māori community identified outcomes and processes of the programme. Additionally, nine Māori community providers shared their perceptions and experience of facilitators and barriers to implementation effectiveness through an in-depth interview. The quantitative and qualitative findings were integrated to address the aims of the study.

Results
For the first aim, we identified two key outcomes: overall health impacts and sustainability. Three of the variables had significant and positive bivariate correlations with health impacts: cultural alignment, community engagement, and individual skills. The only significant correlate of sustainability was evidence-based. For the second aim, participants described four facilitators (leadership, whanaungatanga [relationships], sharing information, digestible information) and four barriers (system constraints, lack of funding, cultural constraints, lack of engagement) to effective implementation.

Conclusion
Overall, leadership, aligning culture, and building on whanaungatanga, while getting financial resources and systems support, are the core elements to supporting implementation efforts in Māori communities.
Robotic Versus Open Hepatic Arterial Infusion Pump Placement for Unresectable Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Ten Haaft Britte H. E. A. , Franssen Stijn , van Dorst Roderick W. J. J. , Rousian Merve , Pilz da Cunha Gabriela , de Wilde Roeland F. , Erdmann Joris I. , Groot Koerkamp Bas , Hagendoorn Jeroen , Swijnenburg Rutger-Jan 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Hepatic arterial infusion pump (HAIP) chemotherapy is an effective treatment for patients with unresectable intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA). HAIP chemotherapy requires a catheter inserted in the gastroduodenal artery and a subcutaneous pump. The catheter can be placed using an open or robotic approach.

Objective
This study aimed to compare perioperative outcomes of robotic versus open HAIP placement in patients with unresectable iCCA.

Methods
We analyzed patients with unresectable iCCA included in the PUMP-II trial from January 2020 to September 2022 undergoing robotic or open HAIP placement at Amsterdam UMC, Erasmus MC, and UMC Utrecht. The primary outcome was time to functional recovery (TTFR).

Results
In total, 22 robotic and 28 open HAIP placements were performed. The median TTFR was 2 days after robotic placement versus 5 days after open HAIP placement (p < 0.001). One patient (4.5%) in the robotic group underwent a conversion to open because of a large bulky tumor leaning on the hilum immobilizing the liver. Postoperative complications were similar—36% (8/22) after robotic placement versus 39% (11/28) after open placement (p = 1.000). The median length of hospital stay was shorter in the robotic group—3 versus 5 days (p < 0.001). All 22 robotic patients initiated HAIP chemotherapy post-surgery, i.e. 93% (26/28) in the open group (p = 0.497). The median time to start HAIP chemotherapy was 14 versus 18 days (p = 0.153).

Conclusion
Robotic HAIP placement in patients with unresectable iCCA is a safe and effective procedure and is associated with a significantly shorter TTFR and hospital stay than open HAIP placement.
Clinical efficacy of cyclosporin and natamycin for fungal keratitis
Authors: Yang Chengwen , Cai Jingjing , Wei Qiuhong , Lian Huifang , An Lin 
Published: March 2024

Objectives: To investigate the clinical efficacy of cyclosporin (CYSP) and natamycin (NAT) as a combination therapy in patients with fungal keratitis.
Methods: This is a retrospective study. A total of 64 patients (64 eyes) with fungal keratitis treated by Baoding No.1 Central Hospital between December 2018 and May 2022 according to their treatment methods were divided into a monotherapy (MT) group receiving NAT eye drops solely and a combination therapy (CT) group given CYSP eye drops in addition to the exact treatment provided for the MT group. The clinical responses, visual acuity changes, severity of eye symptoms, and adverse reactions were compared between the two groups.
Results: At two and four weeks post-treatment, the CT group had an overall response rate (ORR) significantly higher than that of the MT group (P< 0.05, respectively); both groups showed improved visual acuity and eye symptoms compared with the pre-treatment condition, and these improvements were more pronounced in the CT group (P < 0.05, respectively). Compared with the MT group, the CT group experienced a significantly shorter duration of eye symptoms (P < 0.05). The adverse reaction rate(ARR) was 9.38% in the CT group and 6.25% in the MT group, and the difference was not significant (P > 0.05).
Conclusion: Using CYSP and NAT as a combination therapy for fungal keratitis can substantially heighten the therapeutic effects, promote visual acuity recovery, and induce rapid remission of eye symptoms without increasing the risk of adverse reactions.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.5.7777
How to cite this: Yang C, Cai J, Wei Q, Lian H, An L. Clinical efficacy of cyclosporin and natamycin for fungal keratitis. Pak J Med Sci. 2024;40(5):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.5.7777
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Comparison of effectiveness between transthoracic echocardiography and X-ray guided closure of patent foramen ovale: A retrospective analysis
Authors: Song Haijing , Yao Yanzhi 
Published: March 2024

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and X-ray guided closure of patent foramen ovale (PFO).
Methods: In this retrospective study, clinical data from 90 patients who underwent PFO occlusion surgery in the First People’s Hospital of Yongkang from January 2020 to December 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. Among them, 43 patients underwent X-ray guided PFO occlusion surgery (X-ray group) while 47 patients underwent TTE guided PFO occlusion surgery (TTE group). Perioperative, cardiac function related indicators were measured before and after treatment, along with right-to-left shunting status, and incidence of complications in both groups.
Results: There was no significant difference in the duration of surgery or hospitalization between the TTE group and the X-ray group (p>0.05). After treatment, the cardiac function indicators of both groups increased compared to before treatment (p<0.05), and there was no significant difference between the groups (p>0.05). After treatment, right-to-left shunting in the two groups improved compared to before treatment (p<0.05), with no significant difference between the groups (p>0.05). There was no significant difference in complications between the two groups (p>0.05).
Conclusions: TTE guided PFO occlusion is as effective as X-ray guided PFO occlusion in the treatment of PFO. TTE surgery is clinically beneficial for reducing radiation damage with a good safety profile.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.5.8994
How to cite this: Song H, Yao Y. Comparison of effectiveness between transthoracic echocardiography and X-ray guided closure of patent foramen ovale: A retrospective analysis. Pak J Med Sci. 2024;40(5):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.5.8994
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Low-kappa DBR grating filters on an InP generic photonic integration foundry platform
Authors: Kumar Rakesh Ranjan , Hänsel Andreas , Castera Pau , Volet Nicolas , Heck Martijn J. R. 
Published: March 2024

We demonstrate narrow-bandwidth, low-kappa, distributed Bragg reflector
(DBR) grating filters on an indium phosphide (InP) generic foundry
platform. With the varying corrugation widths of the DBR grating, we
achieve flexibility in the design of the coupling coefficients from 10
to 50cm−1, which correspond to grating
bandwidths of 0.68 nm to 1.28 nm, respectively. These values are
experimentally observed and agree well with the theoretical analysis.
The DBR grating is based on periodic rectangular grooves in quaternary
material that is placed between the waveguide core and cladding
region. Such configurations of the DBR grating provide a low
propagation loss of ∼2dB/cm near the telecom band around
1550 nm.
Large and tunable optoelectronic chromatic dispersion in PIN-type photodiodes
Authors: Dutta Ayuushi , Liokumovitch Egor , Glaser Ziv , Sternklar Shmuel 
Published: March 2024

It is known that PN-type photodiodes possess high optoelectronic chromatic dispersion (OED). Here we present a theoretical and experimental study of OED in PIN-type photodiodes. Applying the modulation phase-shift technique, a Ge PIN photodiode exhibits ∼0.5 deg/nm phase-shift sensitivity at 10 MHz modulation, corresponding to a dispersion of 1.4 ×109ps/(nm ×km), many orders of magnitude larger than high-dispersion optical materials such as chalcogenide glass. A striking feature of the PIN device is the ability to tune the amount and sign of the OED through the bias voltage. Electronic tuning between −0.8 deg/nm and +0.5 deg/nm is shown. The PIN photodiode is an on-chip device possessing significant tunable dispersion for applications in optical sensing and spectroscopy.
Linkages between maternal experience of intimate partner violence and child nutrition outcomes: A rapid evidence assessment
Authors: Bhatt Carreno Silvia , Orjuela-Grimm Manuela , Vahedi Luissa , Roesch Elisabeth , Heckman Christine , Beckingham Andrew , Gayford Megan , Meyer Sarah R. 
Published: March 2024

Background
A strong evidence base indicates that maternal caregivers’ experience of intimate partner violence [IPV] impacts children’s health, cognitive development, and risk-taking behaviors. Our objective was to review peer-reviewed literature describing the associations between a child’s indirect exposure to IPV and corresponding nutrition outcomes, with a particular focus on fragile settings in low and middle-income countries [LMICs].

Methods
We conducted a rapid evidence assessment to synthesize quantitative associations between maternal caregivers’ IPV experience and children’s nutrition/growth outcomes (birthweight, feeding, and growth indicators). We included peer-reviewed research, published in English or Spanish after the year 2000, conducted in fragile settings in LMICs.

Results
We identified 86 publications that fit inclusion criteria. Amongst all associations assessed, a maternal caregiver’s experience of combined forms of IPV (physical, sexual and emotional) or physical IPV only, were most consistently associated with lower birthweight, especially during pregnancy. Women of child-bearing age, including adolescents, exposed to at least one type of IPV showed a decreased likelihood of following recommended breastfeeding practices. Lifetime maternal experience of combined IPV was significantly associated with stunting among children under 5 years of age in the largest study included, though findings in smaller studies were inconsistent. Maternal experience of physical or combined IPV were inconsistently associated with underweight or wasting in the first five years. Maternal experience of sexual IPV during pregnancy appeared to predict worsened lipid profiles among children.

Conclusion
Maternal caregivers’ experience of IPV is significantly associated with low birthweight and suboptimal breastfeeding practices, whereas studies showed inconsistent associations with child growth indicators or blood nutrient levels. Future research should focus on outcomes in children aged 2 years and older, investigation of feeding practices beyond breastfeeding, and examination of risk during time periods physiologically relevant to the outcomes. Programmatic implications include incorporation of GBV considerations into nutrition policies and programming and integrating GBV prevention and response into mother and child health and nutrition interventions in LMIC contexts.