bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of singleton and twin birth weight reference percentile curves by gestational age and sex in extremely preterm infants: a population-based study
Authors: Song Shuting , Zhu Zhicheng , Mao Weiying , Zhu Yan , Zhang Rong , Bu Xinghe , Li Heqin , Han Yanqing , Cao Yuntao , Gao Yuan , Qiu Yin-Ping , Wei Guangyou , Zhang Pingping , Xie Jijian , Wang Min , Chen Chao , Zhu Li 
Published: April 2024

BackgroundWith the increasing survival rate of smaller newborns and twins, previous growth curves may not accurately assess the growth of extremely preterm infants (EPIs). Our study aimed to establish birth weight percentile curves for singletons and twins in EPIs from China and the USA and compare the differences between them.MethodsIn China, EPIs were from 31 provinces, from 2010 to 2021. The collected information was sex, gestational age, birth weight, singletons and twins. We used the generalised additive models for location scale and shape method to construct the birth weight percentile curves by gestational age and sex for EPIs. The National Vital Statistics System database from 2016 to 2021 was also analysed. We compared the differences between the 50th birth weight percentile curves of the two databases.ResultsWe identified 8768 neonates in China (5536 singletons and 3232 twins) and 121 933 neonates in the USA (97 329 singletons and 24 604 twins). We established the 3rd, 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 90th and 97th birth weight reference curves for China and the USA. The results showed that males had higher birth weights than females. In China, for the same gestational age and sex, birth weights in singletons and twins were found to be similar, though singleton males born in China had slightly higher birth weights than male twins. In the USA, birth weights were also similar for females and males, with the same gestational age in singletons and twins.ConclusionWe established birth weight reference percentile curves by gestational age and sex for singletons and twins among EPIs in China and the USA.
Validity and reliability of outcome measures to assess dysfunctional breathing: a systematic review
Authors: Mohan Vikram , Rathinam Chandrasekar , Yates Derick , Paungmali Aatit , Boos Christopher 
Published: April 2024

ObjectiveThis study aimed to systematically review the psychometric properties of outcome measures that assess dysfunctional breathing (DB) in adults.MethodsStudies on developing and evaluating measurement properties to assess DB were included. The study investigated the empirical research published between 1990 and February 2022, with an updated search in May 2023 in the Cochrane Library database of systematic reviews and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, the Ovid Medline (full), the Ovid Excerta Medica Database, the Ovid allied and complementary medicines database, the Ebscohost Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature and the Physiotherapy Evidence Database. The included studies’ methodological quality was assessed using the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) risk of bias checklist. Data analysis and synthesis followed the COSMIN methodology for reviews of outcome measurement instruments.ResultsSixteen studies met the inclusion criteria, and 10 outcome measures were identified. The psychometric properties of these outcome measures were evaluated using COSMIN. The Nijmegen Questionnaire (NQ) is the only outcome measure with ‘sufficient’ ratings for content validity, internal consistency, reliability and construct validity. All other outcome measures did not report characteristics of content validity in the patients’ group.DiscussionThe NQ showed high-quality evidence for validity and reliability in assessing DB. Our review suggests that using NQ to evaluate DB in people with bronchial asthma and hyperventilation syndrome is helpful. Further evaluation of the psychometric properties is needed for the remaining outcome measures before considering them for clinical use.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42021274960.
Respiratory-related deaths and associated factors in Alicho-Weriro district, southern Ethiopia: verbal autopsy data analysis
Authors: Belete Netsanet , Tadesse Sebsibe , Hailu Mulugeta 
Published: April 2024

BackgroundRespiratory diseases disproportionately affect people living in resource-limited settings. However, obtaining information that explains respiratory-related deaths has been difficult, mainly due to a lack of medical certification of death and the fact that most deaths occur outside of health institutions. This study aimed to determine the proportion of respiratory-related deaths and identify associated factors in Alicho-Weriro district, southern Ethiopia, using the verbal autopsy method.MethodsA community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from April to June 2022. All deceased people in the study area from January 2020 to December 2021 were included in the study. Trained physicians ascertained the cause of death from verbal autopsy data that were collected using a pre-tested and modified WHO-designed questionnaire. The binary logistic regression models were used to identify factors associated with respiratory-related deaths.ResultsRespiratory-related deaths accounted for 25% of the deaths from all causes, with 20.8% of male and 29.5% of female deaths. Of which, 9.7% were from tuberculosis, 8.3% were from asthma and 6.2% were from acute lower-respiratory tract infections. Moreover, being female (adjusted OR, AOR: 3.3; 95% CI: (1.75 to 6.22)), age 50–64 years (AOR: 9.3; 95% CI: (1.16 to 73.90)), age above 64 years (AOR: 8.9; 95% CI: (1.130 to 70.79)), family size of five persons or more (AOR: 1.9; 95% CI: (1.15 to 3.29)), smoking (AOR: 3.9; 95% CI: (1.86 to 8.35)), using wood and/or animal dung for household cooking (AOR: 6.6; 95% CI: (1.92 to 22.59)) and poor house ventilation (AOR: 3.1; 95% CI: (1.75 to 5.38)) were significantly associated with increased odds of dying from respiratory-related diseases.ConclusionThis study has determined that about a quarter of deaths from all causes were due to respiratory diseases, mainly tuberculosis, asthma and acute lower respiratory tract infections. Therefore, interventions to reduce this burden should focus on supporting early case detection and treatment, promoting healthy lifestyles, exercising women’s equality at the household level and improving housing conditions.
Increased apathy post-interstitial laser capsulotomy for refractory obsessive–compulsive disorder
Authors: Hagy Hannah A , Lacy Maureen , Turchmanovych-Hienkel Nataliya , Grant Jon E , Biro Daniel , Warnke Peter C 
Published: April 2024

BackgroundMRI guided laser interstitial thermal therapy (M-LITT) capsulotomy has proven to be efficacious in decreasing refractory obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) related symptomatology yet capsulotomy either via radiosurgery or radiofrequency ablation has in some patients led to increased apathy following surgery. The current case series aims to investigate objective patient-reported change in apathy, disinhibition, depression, and executive dysfunction following anterior capsulotomy via M-LITT for OCD.MethodsTen consecutive patients pre- and post-M-LITT completed measures of OCD, apathy, disinhibition, executive dysfunction, and depression (Mtime between= 1.3 years; 0.42-3.7 years). Reliable Change Index (RCI) was used to evaluate change in pre- and post-M-LITT. OCD symptom response was evaluated using percent change (Y-BOCS scores: 24-34 % reduction indicating partial response; ≥35% reduction indicating full response).ResultsPositive post-surgical change was noted in OCD symptomatology with >65% reporting a partial or full response. However, six patients endorsed increased apathy with half of the non-responders (e.g., less than <24% score reduction on Y-BOCS) reporting increases in apathy. Patients reported relatively stable disinhibition and executive dysfunction, while over half reported a decrease in depression symptoms. Two of the non-responders and one responder endorsed increased apathy despite stable or improved depression symptoms, disinhibition, and executive dysfunction.ConclusionsMost patients in the current cohort achieved full-or-partial OCD recovery. Yet, 60% of patients also reported significant increases in apathy, despite experiencing a decrease in depression symptoms, with stable disinhibition and executive dysfunction. Despite these promising improvements in OCD symptomatology following M-LITT, further investigations of the impact of surgery and lesion location on apathy levels is clearly warranted using objective, quantifiable methods.
Patient experiences of randomised placebo-controlled trial participation during end-of-life palliative cancer care
Authors: Klasson Caritha , Helde Frankling Maria , Lundh Hagelin Carina , Björkhem-Bergman Linda , Alvariza Anette 
Published: April 2024

BackgroundPerforming clinical trials in palliative cancer care is known to be challenging.ObjectiveThis study aimed to explore how patients with advanced cancer experienced their participation in a randomised, placebo-controlled trial while receiving palliative cancer care at end of life.MethodA descriptive design with a qualitative approach was used. 14 patients who had participated in the ‘Palliative-D’ study were interviewed. Data were analysed using content analysis.ResultsThree categories were identified understanding the study design, willingness to participate and collaboration with the research team alongside standard care. Being randomised, with the risk of receiving placebo, was perceived as non-problematic since it was understood as being important for the quality of the research. Patients showed a willingness to participate for the sake of others and also for their own sake, hoping for a cure or at least to live as long as possible. Patients felt proud of being useful and contributing to research. Consent to participate was made autonomously without discussing with others. Patients considered the study design uncomplicated and well-integrated into the standard care.ConclusionStudy participation in a randomised, placebo-controlled trial can be a positive and meaningful experience for patients despite advanced cancer in end of life. Participation may support patients’ autonomy and give hope, and therefore, might have a positive effect on quality of life. A carefully planned and simple study design, well integrated into standard care, can facilitate the feasibility of clinical studies in specialised palliative home care.
One-year outcomes of traumatic injuries among survivors in Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study on the employment outcomes and functioning state
Authors: Ahmed Ansha Nega , Lysaght Rosemary , Addissie Adamu , Zewdie Ayalew , Finlayson Marcia 
Published: April 2024

BackgroundTraumatic injury is one of the top public health challenges globally. Injury survivors often experience poor health and functioning and restricted participation in employment. In Ethiopia, there is a paucity of evidence about the long-term consequences of injuries, particularly about their employment outcomes and disability status. This study characterizes injury survivors by their preinjury status, injury characteristics, postinjury employment outcomes and disability status 1 year post injury.MethodsAn institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted on injury survivors who received services from a large public hospital in Addis Ababa. Medical records of all emergency room patients who visited the hospital within a 3-month period were reviewed to identify those who were eligible. A structured questionnaire was completed using a telephone interview. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the outcomes.ResultsOf the 254 participants, 78% were men, 48% were young adults (age 25–39 years), 41% were injured by road traffic collision, 52% were admitted to the hospital for up to a week and only 16% received compensation for the injury. Before the injury, 87% were working in manual labor. One-year after the injury, the total return to work (RTW) rate was 59%; 61% of participants experienced some level of disability, 33% had at least one type of chronic illness and 56% reported challenges of physical stressors when attempting to RTW. Among the 150 who returned to work, 46% returned within 12 weeks, 78% to the same employer and most received support from multiple sources, including community-level institutions (88%) and families/friends (67%).ConclusionTraumatic injury substantially impacted the employment outcomes of survivors and contributed to increased disability in Ethiopia. This study lays a foundation for future research and contributes crucial evidence for advocacy to improve injury prevention and trauma rehabilitation in low and middle-income contexts.Level of evidenceII.
Creation of bound half-fermion pairs by solitons
Authors: Karki Sapan , Altschul Brett 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIn the presence of topologically nontrivial bosonic field configurations, the fermion number operator may take on fractional eigenvalues, because of the existence of zero-energy fermion modes. The simplest examples of this occur in $$1+1$$

1
+
1

dimensions, with zero modes attached to kink-type solitons. In the presence of a kink-antikink pair, the two associated zero modes bifurcate into positive and negative energy levels with energies $$\pm ge^{-g\Delta }$$

±
g

e

-
g
Δ

, in terms of the Yukawa coupling $$g\ll 1$$

g
≪
1

and the distance $$\Delta $$
Δ
between the kink and antikink centers. When the kink and antikink are moving, it seems that there could be Landau–Zener-like transitions between these two fermionic modes, which would be interpretable as the creation or annihilation of fermion-antifermion pairs; however, with only two solitons in relative motion, this does not occur. If a third solitary wave is introduced farther away to perturb the kink-antikink system, a movement of the faraway kink can induce transitions between the discrete fermion modes bound to the solitons. These state changes can be interpreted globally as creation or destruction of a novel type of pair: a half-fermion and a half-antifermion. The production of the half-integral pairs will dominate over other particle production channels as long as the solitary waves remain well separated, so that there is a manifold of discrete fermion states whose energies are either zero or exponentially close to zero.
Urolithin-A Promotes CD8+ T Cell–mediated Cancer Immunosurveillance via FOXO1 Activation
Authors: Ginefra Pierpaolo , Hope Helen Carrasco , Chiang Yi-Hsuan , Nutten Sophie , Blum Stephanie , Coukos George , Vannini Nicola 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Naïve T cells are key players in cancer immunosurveillance, even though their function declines during tumor progression. Thus, interventions capable of sustaining the quality and function of naïve T cells are needed to improve cancer immunoprevention.
In this context, we studied the capacity of Urolithin-A (UroA), a potent mitophagy inducer, to enhance T cell–mediated cancer immunosurveillance.
We discovered that UroA improved the cancer immune response by activating the transcription factor FOXO1 in CD8+ T cell. Sustained FOXO1 activation promoted the expression of the adhesion molecule L-selectin (CD62L) resulting in the expansion of the naïve T cells population. We found that UroA reduces FOXO1 phosphorylation favoring its nuclear localization and transcriptional activity. Overall, our findings determine FOXO1 as a novel molecular target of UroA in CD8+ T cells and indicate UroA as promising immunomodulator to improve cancer immunosurveillance.

Significance:
Urolithin-A, a potent mitophagy inducer, emerges as a promising tool to enhance cancer immunosurveillance by activating the FOXO1 transcription factor in CD8+ T cells. This activation promotes the expansion of naïve T cells, offering a novel avenue for improving cancer immune response and highlighting UroA as a potential immunomodulator for bolstering our body's defenses against cancer.
Pressure-Controlled Intermittent Coronary Sinus Occlusion (PiCSO) in Acute Myocardial Infarction: The PiCSO-AMI-I Trial
Authors: De Maria Giovanni Luigi , Greenwood John P. , Zaman Azfar G. , Carrié Didier , Coste Pierre , Valgimigli Marco , Behan Miles , Berry Colin , Erglis Andrejs , Panoulas Vasileios F. , Van Belle Eric , Juhl Terkelsen Christian , Hunziker Munsch Lukas , Jain Ajay K. , Lassen Jens Flensted , Palmer Nick , Stone Gregg W. , Banning Adrian P. 
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND:Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) has improved clinical outcomes in patients with ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction. However, as many as 50% of patients still have suboptimal myocardial reperfusion and experience extensive myocardial necrosis. The PiCSO-AMI-I trial (Pressure-Controlled Intermittent Coronary Sinus Occlusion-Acute Myocardial Infarction-I) evaluated whether PiCSO therapy can further reduce myocardial infarct size (IS) in patients undergoing pPCI.METHODS:Patients with anterior ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction and Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction flow 0-1 were randomized at 16 European centers to PiCSO-assisted pPCI or conventional pPCI. The PiCSO Impulse Catheter (8Fr balloon-tipped catheter) was inserted via femoral venous access after antegrade flow restoration of the culprit vessel and before proceeding with stenting. The primary end point was the difference in IS (expressed as a percentage of left ventricular mass) at 5 days by cardiac magnetic resonance. Secondary end points were the extent of microvascular obstruction and intramyocardial hemorrhage at 5 days and IS at 6 months.RESULTS:Among 145 randomized patients, 72 received PiCSO-assisted pPCI and 73 conventional pPCI. No differences were observed in IS at 5 days (27.2%±12.4% versus 28.3%±11.45%;P=0.59) and 6 months (19.2%±10.1% versus 18.8%±7.7%;P=0.83), nor were differences between PiCSO-treated and control patients noted in terms of the occurrence of microvascular obstruction (67.2% versus 64.6%;P=0.85) or intramyocardial hemorrhage (55.7% versus 60%;P=0.72). The study was prematurely discontinued by the sponsor with no further clinical follow-up beyond 6 months. However, up to 6 months of PiCSO use appeared safe with no device-related adverse events.CONCLUSIONS:In this prematurely discontinued randomized trial, PiCSO therapy as an adjunct to pPCI did not reduce IS when compared with conventional pPCI in patients with anterior ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction. PiCSO use was associated with increased procedural time and contrast but no increase in adverse events up to 6 months.REGISTRATION:URL:https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT03625869.
Climate Justice and Climate Adaptation in California: Indigenous Community Climate Adaptation Leadership and Opportunities for Scientific Collaboration
Authors: Martinez Deniss J. , Meadow Alison M. , Manning Beth Rose Middleton , Maldonado Julie 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Climate and weather-related disasters in California illustrate the need for immediate climate change action—both mitigation to reduce impacts and adaptation to protect our communities, relatives, and the ecosystems we depend upon. Indigenous frontline communities face even greater threats from climate impacts due to historical and political legacies of environmental injustice. Climate change adaptation actions have proven challenging to implement as communities struggle to access necessary climate data at appropriate scales, identify effective strategies that address community priorities, and obtain resources to act at a whole-community level. In this paper, we present three examples of Indigenous communities in California that have used a climate justice approach to climate change adaptation. These communities are drawing upon community knowledge and expertise to address the challenges of adaptation planning and taking actions that center community priorities. The three cases address emergency preparation and response, cultural burning and fire management, and community organizing and social cohesion. Across these spheres, they illustrate the ways in which a community-based and climate justice-focused approach to adaptation can be effective in addressing current threats while also addressing the legacy of imposed, socially constructed vulnerability and environmental injustices. Because we recognize the need for multiple knowledges and skills in adaptation actions, we include recommendations that have emerged based on what has been learned through these long-standing and engaged participatory research collaborations for climate scientists who wish to contribute to climate justice-focused adaptation efforts by using scientific data to support—not supplant—community efforts, target funding toward genuine community engagement and adaptation actions, and become aware of the historical and political legacies that created the climate vulnerabilities and injustices evident today.
Trade Facilitation and Global Value Chain Participation: Cross-country Analysis
Authors: Reddy Ketan , Sasidharan Subash 
Published: April 2024

In this article, we examine the role of trade facilitation in fostering firm participation in global value chains (GVCs). We use cross-sectional data for 115 economies spanning 2006–2018 sourced from World Bank Enterprise Surveys. We employ four trade indicators which are as follows: customs, regulation quality, loans and digitalization proxying for trade facilitation measures and we correct for reverse causality using the instrumental variable approach. Our empirical findings highlight that customs requirements deter GVC participation of the firm. Further, adhering to government regulations, having access to loans and digital communication adoption fosters supply chain integration of the firm. The present study also finds favourable heterogenous effects of trade facilitation on GVC participation of less productive firms and larger firms. Our findings are robust to alternative methods of endogeneity correction and GVC definitions.JEL Codes: F1, F19, F14
Positive risk-taking within social care for adults with physical disabilities: A review of guidelines in practice in England
Authors: Field Leanne , Nagy Liana , Knaggs Tarnya , Collett Johnny 
Published: April 2024

Introduction: Despite practice guidelines, professionals do not feel confident in implementing positive risk-taking. This may be due to the guidance provided. Method: A scoping review of current organisational guidance for the professional practice of positive risk-taking within Adult Social Care services for people with a physical disability. Guidelines were obtained from Local Authorities in England in October 2020. The data were extracted using TIDieR to describe positive risk-taking as an intervention. The quality of the guidelines was assessed using AGREE II. Findings: In all, 36 Local Authorities responded out of 106 contacted. A total of 21 documents were included for review. Substantial variability was found in terminology, definitions and risk grading between documents. The greatest consistency was found in how to implement a positive risk-taking intervention. Consistency was also found in the policy that documents cited. There was little reference to evidence to support intervention components. Overall, AGREE II quality scores were low and stakeholder involvement, specifically with regard to the views and preferences of service users, was largely absent. Conclusion: There is a need for a greater consensus to guide the professional practice of positive risk-taking. Determining the extent of current evidence and establishing an evidence base may facilitate more consistent guidelines and support professionals’ confidence in implementing positive risk-taking.