bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Therapeutic efficacy of acupuncture point stimulation for stomach cancer pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhou Xuancheng , Zhang Jieying , Jiang Lai , Zhang Shengke , Gu Yuheng , Tang Jingyi , Pu Tong , Quan Xiaomin , Chi Hao , Huang Shangke 
Published: April 2024

PurposeIn recent years, traditional Chinese medicine has received widespread attention in the field of cancer pain treatment. This meta-analysis is the first to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture point stimulation in the treatment of stomach cancer pain.MethodsFor this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, WANFANG, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Chinese Journal of Science and Technology (VIP) databases as well as forward and backward citations to studies published between database creation to July 27, 2023. All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on acupuncture point stimulation for the treatment of patients with stomach cancer pain were included without language restrictions. We assessed all outcome indicators of the included trials. The evidence from the randomized controlled trials was synthesized as the standardized mean difference (SMD) of symptom change. The quality of the evidence was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. This study is registered on PROSPERO under the number CRD42023457341.ResultsEleven RCTs were included. The study included 768 patients, split into 2 groups: acupuncture point stimulation treatment group (n = 406), medication control group (n = 372). The results showed that treatment was more effective in the acupuncture point stimulation treatment group than in the medication control group (efficacy rate, RR = 1.63, 95% CI 1.37 to 1.94, p &lt; 0.00001), decreasing in NRS score was greater in acupuncture point stimulation treatment group than in the medication control group (SMD = −1.30, 95% CI −1.96 to −0.63, p &lt; 0.001).Systematic Review Registrationhttps://clinicaltrials.gov/, identifier CRD42023457341.
Predictors of sexual satisfaction among patients with chronic pain
Authors: Barr Aex , Moore Kayla , Flegge Lindsay G. , Atsaphanthong Emily , Kirby Krissa E. , Craner Julia R. 
Published: April 2024

ObjectivesSexual satisfaction is an important aspect of quality of life. Chronic pain, depression and anxiety, and relational problems correspond with higher risk for sexual difficulties. Less is known about how risk factors for sexual dysfunction and other problems—such as medical conditions, pain severity, and medication side effects—affect the sexual satisfaction of people with chronic pain. Using a biopsychosocial framework, this study explored factors related to sexual satisfaction among patients presenting for evaluation of chronic pain.MethodsResearchers used a hierarchical multiple regression analysis to model potential predictors of sexual satisfaction. Variables analyzed were demographic features, medical history, average pain severity, depressed mood, anxiety, and perceived significant other support. Data collection involved administration of retrospective questionnaires and chart review. The sample included male and female participants (N = 134) presenting for evaluation at a multidisciplinary pain rehabilitation clinic.ResultsMedical history (i.e., medical conditions, surgical history, and medications) and clinical self-report variables (i.e., pain severity, depressed mood, anxiety, and perceived significant other support) were associated with sexual satisfaction. In this sample, antidepressant use and higher pain severity were unique predictors of lower sexual satisfaction. Married marital status and higher levels of perceived significant other support were predictive of greater sexual satisfaction.DiscussionFindings highlight the importance of understanding the unique impact of biopsychosocial variables on the sexual satisfaction of patients presenting for evaluation at a multidisciplinary pain rehabilitation clinic. Further exploration of protective factors that account for sexual satisfaction among individuals with chronic pain may help inform screening, referrals, and treatment.
Prevalence and factors of sleep problems among Japanese children: a population-based study
Authors: Kuki Asami , Terui Ai , Sakamoto Yui , Osato Ayako , Mikami Tamaki , Nakamura Kazuhiko , Saito Manabu 
Published: April 2024

BackgroundHigh prevalence of sleep problems in not only children with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDS) but also non NDS has been established. However, there are few studies that have looked into population-based and age-specific prevalence of sleep problems of children. Moreover, there are even fewer studies that have investigated the correlation of demographic and lifestyle-related factors affecting sleep problems in children. Considering these, the purpose of this study is to assess the correlation of the prevalence of sleep problems and selected socio-demographic and lifestyle-related factors in 5-year-old Japanese children in population-based study.MethodsStudy children (SC) were recruited from two cohorts of the Hirosaki City 5-Year-Old Child Developmental Health Checkup Study. The first cohort consisted of 281 (162 males, 119 females) children recruited from 2014 to 2015, and the second cohort consisted of 2055 (1,068 males, 987 females) children from 2018 to 2019. In total there were 2,336 SC participants (1,230 males and 1,106 females). To determine the prevalence of sleep problems the Japanese Sleep Questionnaire for Preschoolers (JSQ-P) was utilized, and sleep problems are defined by a total score of ≥86. To determine socio-demographic and lifestyle-related factors affecting sleep, 10 factors (NDS diagnosis, birth month, childcare place, income, number of siblings, bedtime, waking time, sleeping hours, sleep onset delay, and screen time) were selected. Finally, to determine the correlation between prevalence of sleep problems and the selected demographic and lifestyle-related factors, data was analyzed using chi-square test.ResultsThe prevalence rate of sleep problems in 5-year-olds was 18% (369/2,055). Further, the prevalence of sleep problems was high in participants with ASD (50.4%), ADHD (39.8%), &lt;2 million yen of income (30.5%), no siblings (24.2%), &gt;22:00 of bedtime (30.7%), &gt;7:30 of waking time (30.7%), &lt;9 h of sleeping hours (25.3%), &gt;30 min of sleep onset delay (35.3%), and ≥2 h of screen time (21.1%).ConclusionThe findings report 18% prevalence rate of sleep problems in 5-year-old children. Further, the findings establish a significant correlation of sleep problems and NDS, specific socio-demographic, and lifestyle-related factors. In considering the identified modifiable lifestyle-related factors contributing to sleep problems among the participants (i.e., bed/waking times and screen times), sleep programs to address these concerns are suggested.
Thwarted belongingness and empathy's relation with organizational culture change
Authors: de Grandpré Éloïse , Suurd Ralph Cindy , Hiller Emily 
Published: April 2024

IntroductionIn response to several high-profile cases of senior leaders in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) being accused of various forms of sexual and professional misconduct, the organization has committed to culture change. Drawing on the group engagement model and empirical evidence, we propose that CAF members' experience of thwarted belongingness reduces their capacity to show empathy, which in turn affects their support for culture change.MethodParticipants were 139 Naval and Officer Cadets from the Royal Military College of Canada who were predominantly male (61%), between 18 and 21 years old (80%), and not members of a visible minority group (68%). Data was collected via an online self-report survey assessing thwarted belongingness, empathy, and attitudes toward culture change.ResultsWhether participants experienced thwarted belongingness was not directly related to their level of support for culture change. Individuals' thwarted belongingness was indirectly and negatively associated with support for culture change, through its impact on empathy.DiscussionTaken together, the results demonstrate that cadets' experience of belongingness contributed to their level of empathy, which together predicted their support for culture change initiatives. Efforts to change the culture of the CAF may need to consider improving members' levels of belongingness and, by extension, their levels of empathy. Implications for inclusion efforts are discussed.
Treatment of aggression regulation problems with virtual reality: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: van Wolffelaar Bas R. , van Horn Joan E. , Hoogsteder Larissa M. 
Published: April 2024

BackgroundAggressive conduct among delinquents presents a pervasive issue, bearing substantial implications for not only society at large but also for the victims and the individuals displaying the aggression. Traditional approaches to treating aggression regulation deficiencies generally employ Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in conjunction with analog role-playing exercises. A body of research supports the efficacy of various therapeutic models for aggression regulation, including Responsive Aggression Regulation Therapy (Re-ART). Role-playing within a therapeutic context has been shown to contribute significantly to reductions in violent reoffending. However, the practical application of these skills in real-world settings remains challenging due to the inherent risk of aggressive outbreaks. Additionally, the conventional role-playing scenarios, often conducted in a therapy room, lack contextual realism and may induce role confusion between the patient and the therapist. Virtual Reality (VR) technology could offer a viable solution to these limitations by allowing for skill training in both behavioral and cognitive domains within a realistic yet safe and controlled setting. The technology also facilitates real-time awareness of emotional states and tension levels in the patient. This paper describes the study protocol of a randomized controlled trial in which Re-ART offered in a virtual environment (Re-ART VR) is compared to Re-ART offered as treatment as usual.Methods and analysisAdult forensic outpatients with aggression regulation problems are randomly assigned to either Re-ART VR or Re-ART. The Controlling Skills, Influence of Thinking and Handling Conflicts modules will be offered to both groups during 3–6 months. Pre- and post-intervention measurements are performed. The primary outcome measurement is the degree of aggression regulation, while secondary outcome measurements include impulsivity and cognitive biases. Additionally, patient motivation and therapist motivation are expected to act as moderating factors.DiscussionTo date, scarcely previous research has been done on the effectiveness of VR in treatment of aggression regulation problems in forensic outpatients. Forensic outpatients who do not benefit sufficiently from mainly CBT-based interventions may benefit more from experiential learning. The unique capabilities of VR in this regard have the potential to enhance the treatment effect.Clinical trial registration: [https://clinicaltrials.gov/], identifier [NL78265.018.21].
Influence of comorbidity of chronic diseases on basic activities of daily living among older adults in China: a propensity score-matched study
Authors: Zeng Hongji , Miao Chen , Wang Rui , Zhao Weijia , Wang Wenjuan , Liu Yahui , Wei Shufan , Liu Anqi , Jia Huibing , Li Guoxin , Zhou Junge , Chen Xuejiao , Tian Qingfeng 
Published: April 2024

RationaleWith the accelerating process of population aging, the comorbidity of chronic disease (CCD) has become a major public health problem that threatens the health of older adults.ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess whether CCD is associated with basic activities of daily living (BADL) and explore the factors influencing BADL in older adults.MethodA cross-sectional community health survey with stratified random sampling among older residents (≥60 years old) was conducted in 2022. A questionnaire was used to collect information on BADL, chronic diseases, and other relevant aspects. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to match the older adults with and without CCD. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to explore the factors influencing BADL. PSM was used to match participants with single-chronic disease (SCD) and CCD.ResultsAmong the 47,720 participants, those with CCD showed a higher prevalence of BADL disability (13.07%) than those with no CCD (6.33%) and SCD (7.39%). After adjusting for potential confounders with PSM, 6,513 pairs of cases with and without CCD were matched. The univariate analysis found that the older adults with CCD had a significantly higher prevalence of BADL disability (13.07%, 851 of 6,513) than those without CCD (9.83%, 640 of 6,513, P &lt; 0.05). The multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that CCD was a risk factor for BADL in older adults [OR = 1.496, 95% CI: 1.393–1.750, P &lt; 0.001]. In addition, age, educational level, alcohol intake, social interaction, annual physical examination, retirement benefits, depression, weekly amount of exercise, and years of exercise were related to BADL disability (P &lt; 0.05). PSM matching was performed on participants with CCD and SCD and showed that the older adults with CCD had a significantly higher prevalence of BADL disability (13.07%, 851 of 6,513) than those with SCD (11.39%, 742 of 6,513, P &lt; 0.05).ConclusionThe older adults with CCD are at a higher risk of BADL disability than their counterparts with no CCD or SCD. Therefore, we advocate paying attention to and taking measures to improve the health and quality of life of these individuals.
Exploring adolescent mental health during the COVID-19 crisis – strengths and difficulties
Authors: Loy Johanna K. , Klam Janina , Dötsch Jörg , Frank Julia , Bender Stephan 
Published: April 2024

IntroductionThe SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has significantly impacted children and adolescents, leading to mental health challenges. Knowledge on their resources and difficulties is crucial and there is a need for valid instruments to assess their psychosocial condition especially in this exceptional situation. We assessed psychopathological symptoms using the SDQ during the pandemic, comparing to pre-pandemic data. Our study aims to understand adolescents’ strengths and difficulties amidst COVID-19, evaluating the SDQ’s utility in crisis settings.MethodsWithin the German school-based surveillance study (“B-Fast”), we assessed behavioral strengths and difficulties in 664 adolescents aged 11–17 years during the peak of the German COVID-19 pandemic using the validated Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) for both external and self-assessed data collection. Data were collected between November 2020 and April 2021. We compared self-assessed SDQ-scores to pre-pandemic data from a comparable sample and examined adolescent classification as “normal” or “borderline/abnormal” based on both external and self-assessed SDQ subscale scores using established cut-off values. Additionally, we conducted sex and rater-based score comparisons.ResultsIn our study, we observed a significant worsening of “Emotional Symptoms” compared to pre-pandemic levels, while “Conduct Problems” and “Prosocial Behavior” showed improvement. Variations in classification to “normal” and “abnormal” emerged when applying German versus British cut-off values. Females scored higher on “Emotional Symptoms” while males scored higher on “Hyperactivity Symptoms.” Correlations between external and self-assessed SDQ ratings ranged from 0.43 (p &lt; 0.001) for “Prosocial Behavior” among girls to 0.62 (p &lt; 0.001) for “Peer Problems” among boys, indicating moderate to high consistency.Discussion/conclusionOur study contributes to understanding the psychosocial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on German adolescents. Compared to other symptoms, we observed a particular worsening in “Emotional Symptoms” based on our data. Despite the moderate correlation between parental and self-reported evaluations, there appears to be a certain discrepancy in the perception of adolescent quality of life. Therefore, it seems prudent to assess both the external and self-reported evaluations and amalgamate the results from both parties to obtain a comprehensive problem profile of the individual. These findings underscore the importance of using country-specific cutoff values and reaffirm the utility of the SDQ as a valuable assessment tool, even within the unique circumstances posed by a pandemic.
Perceived pressure to breastfeed negatively impacts postpartum mental health outcomes over time
Authors: Grattan Rebecca E. , London Sophie M. , Bueno Georgia E. 
Published: April 2024

IntroductionPositive maternal mental health is associated with improved outcomes for infants, and yet the consideration of maternal mental health is often neglected in breastfeeding interventions. Breastfeeding interventions typically focus on breastfeeding promotion, and do not always include supports for the mother. This may result in isolated perceived pressure to breastfeed, the mental health impacts of which are not well understood.MethodsThis mixed-methods, longitudinal study examined whether perceived pressure to breastfeed was associated with depression, suicide ideation, anxiety, birth trauma and stress concurrently and 4 weeks later for postpartum mothers. It also examined qualitative experiences of feeding.ResultsPerceived pressure to breastfeed was associated with increased anxiety, stress and birth trauma symptoms four weeks later. Thematic analysis suggested this may be due to difficulties living up to the “breast is best” ideal, believing breastfeeding was part of success as a mother, lack of choices and autonomy in feeding choices for infants and general lack of support.DiscussionAs such it appears we may be doing more harm than good by focusing our interventions for breastfeeding primarily on increasing pressure to breastfeed, and interventions should consider strategies for promoting positive maternal mental health alongside breastfeeding.
Acceptability and feasibility of policy implementation strategies for taxes earmarked for behavioral health services
Authors: Purtle Jonathan , Stadnick Nicole A. , Wynecoop Megan , Walker Sarah C. , Bruns Eric J. , Aarons Gregory A. 
Published: April 2024

BackgroundThis study's aims are to: (1) Compare the acceptability and feasibility of five types of implementation strategies that could be deployed to increase the reach of evidence-based practices (EBPs) with revenue from policies that earmark taxes for behavioral health services, and (2) Illustrate how definitions of implementation strategies and measures of acceptability and feasibility can be used in policy-focused implementation science research.MethodsWeb-based surveys of public agency and community organization professionals involved with earmarked tax policy implementation were completed in 2022–2023 (N = 211, response rate = 24.9%). Respondents rated the acceptability and feasibility of five types of implementation strategies (dissemination, implementation process, integration, capacity-building, and scale-up). Aggregate acceptability and feasibility scores were calculated for each type of strategy (scoring range 4–20). Analyses of variance compared scores across strategies and between organizational actor types.FindingsFor acceptability, capacity-building strategies had the highest rating (M = 16.3, SD = 3.0), significantly higher than each of the four other strategies,p ≤ . 004), and scale-up strategies had the lowest rating (M = 15.6). For feasibility, dissemination strategies had the highest rating (M = 15.3, significantly higher than three of the other strategies,p ≤ .002) and scale-up strategies had the lowest rating (M = 14.4).ConclusionsCapacity-building and dissemination strategies may be well-received and readily deployed by policy implementers to support EBPs implementation with revenue from taxes earmarked for behavioral health services. Adapting definitions of implementation strategies for policy-focused topics, and applying established measures of acceptability and feasibility to these strategies, demonstrates utility as an approach to advance research on policy-focused implementation strategies.
Normative performance data on visual attention in neurotypical children: virtual reality assessment of cognitive and psychomotor development
Authors: Goh Crystal , Ma Yu , Rizzo Albert 
Published: April 2024

Introduction: Virtual Reality (VR) is revolutionizing healthcare research and practice by offering innovative methodologies across various clinical conditions. Advances in VR technology enable the creation of controllable, multisensory 3D environments, making it an appealing tool for capturing and quantifying behavior in realistic scenarios. This paper details the application of VR as a tool for neurocognitive evaluation, specifically in attention process assessment, an area of relevance for informing the diagnosis of childhood health conditions such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).Methods: The data presented focuses on attention performance results from a large sample (n = 837) of neurotypical male and female children (ages 6–13) tested on a visual continuous performance task, administered within an immersive VR classroom environment. This data was collected to create a normative baseline database for use to inform comparisons with the performances of children with ADHD to support diagnostic decision-making in this area.Results: Results indicate systematic improvements on most metrics across the age span, and sex differences are noted on key variables thought to reflect differential measures of hyperactivity and inattention in children with ADHD. Results support VR technology as a safe and viable option for testing attention processes in children, under stimulus conditions that closely mimic ecologically relevant challenges found in everyday life.Discussion: In response to these stimulus conditions, VR can support advanced methods for capturing and quantifying users’ behavioral responses. VR offers a more systematic and objective approach for clinical assessment and intervention and provides conceptual support for its use in a wide variety of healthcare contexts.
EnvC Homolog Encoded by Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri Is Necessary for Cell Division and Virulence
Authors: Pena Michelle M. , Martins Thaisa Z. , Teper Doron , Zamuner Caio , Alves Helen A. , Ferreira Henrique , Wang Nian , Ferro Maria Inês T. , Ferro Jesus A. 
Published: April 2024

Peptidoglycan hydrolases are enzymes responsible for breaking the peptidoglycan present in the bacterial cell wall, facilitating cell growth, cell division and peptidoglycan turnover. Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri (X. citri), the causal agent of citrus canker, encodes an Escherichia coli M23 peptidase EnvC homolog. EnvC is a LytM factor essential for cleaving the septal peptidoglycan, thereby facilitating the separation of daughter cells. In this study, the investigation focused on EnvC contribution to the virulence and cell separation of X. citri. It was observed that disruption of the X. citri envC gene (ΔenvC) led to a reduction in virulence. Upon inoculation into leaves of Rangpur lime (Citrus limonia Osbeck), the X. citri ΔenvC exhibited a delayed onset of citrus canker symptoms compared with the wild-type X. citri. Mutant complementation restored the wild-type phenotype. Sub-cellular localization confirmed that X. citri EnvC is a periplasmic protein. Moreover, the X. citri ΔenvC mutant exhibited elongated cells, indicating a defect in cell division. These findings support the role of EnvC in the regulation of cell wall organization, cell division, and they clarify the role of this peptidase in X. citri virulence.