bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of radioactivity in soil samples from Wolaita Sodo town, Ethiopia: implications for environmental and public health
Authors: Demewoz Nigus Maregu , Kassie Lingerew Nebere , Zeleke Hailu Geremew 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
This study assesses the activity concentrations of the radionuclides 238U, 232Th, and 40K in soil samples collected from Wolaita Sodo town, located in the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples' (SNNP) Region, Ethiopia. A gamma-ray spectrometer equipped with a NaI(Tl) detector was used for the measurements. The concentrations of 238U, 232Th, and 40K varied from 3.25 ± 1.5 to 13.84 ± 2.2 Bq.kg−1, 0.4 ± 0.9 to 85.12 ± 3.4 Bq.kg−1, and 34.43 ± 2.7 to 748.07 ± 5.9 Bq.kg−1, respectively. The average activity concentrations were 7.83 ± 1.9 Bq.kg−1, 40.74 ± 2.7 Bq.kg−1, and 161.63 ± 3.9 Bq.kg−1 for 238U, 232Th, and 40K, respectively. The average radium equivalent activity was 192.25 Bq.kg−1, well below the recommended safety limit of 370 Bq.kg−1. The average gamma dose rate, and annual effective dose rate were 35.68 nGy.h−1, and 0.18 mSv.y−1, respectively. The internal and external indexes are below the recommended limit set by UNSCEAR and ICRP. However, the estimated excess lifetime cancer risk and indoor radon concentrations are slightly higher. Despite this, the overall radiological impact on the environment and public health in the study area remains negligible. This study provides valuable baseline data for radiation protection and informs urban and environmental policy in the region.
Impact of a community-based lifestyle intervention with initial sedentary reduction or physical activity increasing goals on self-reported health-related quality of life
Authors: Mitchell-Miland Chantele E , Miller Rachel G , Kriska Andrea M , Youk Ada O , Gary-Webb Tiffany L , Devaraj Susan M , Songer Thomas J , Arena Vincent C , King Wendy C , Rockette-Wagner Bonny 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
In previous efforts, health-related quality of life (HRQoL) improved for individuals at high risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease after participation in community-based lifestyle interventions (LI) with a moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) movement goal.

Purpose
It is unknown whether HRQoL improves with LI when the primary movement goal is to reduce sedentary behavior. HRQoL changes were examined among adults with overweight and prediabetes and/or metabolic syndrome randomized to a 12-month Diabetes Prevention Program-based Group Lifestyle Balance (DPP-GLB) community LI work with goals of weight-loss and either increasing MVPA (DPP-GLB) or reducing sedentary time (GLB-SED).

Methods
Study participants (N = 269) completed the Euroqol 5 dimension 3 long (EQ5D-3L index and EuroQol Visual Analog Scale (EQVAS)—visual analog scale) at baseline, and 6 and 12 months. Paired t-tests were used to evaluate pre-to-post-intervention changes by arm.

Results
Mean EQVAS improvements for the GLB-SED arm at 6 and 12 months were +5.6 (SE = 1.3; P &lt; .0001) and +4.6 (SE = 1.4; P = .0006), respectively. Similar mean EQVAS improvements were reported for the DPP-GLB arm; +5.9 (SE = 1.2; P &lt; .0001) and +4.9 (SE = 1.2; P = .0001) at 6 and 12 months, respectively. Mean EQ5D index improvements were significant in the GLB-SED arm [6 months: +0.03 (SE = 0.01; P = .004); and 12 months: +0.04 (SE = 0.01; P = .006)], but not in the DPP-GLB arm.

Conclusions
Participation in community LI with a primary movement goal to reduce sedentary behavior improved HRQoL at least as well as traditional LI focused more on MVPA improvement, supporting an alternate intervention strategy for those who can’t or won’t engage in MVPA as the primary movement goal.
Using a Serious Game to Teach Central Line Care in Pediatric Critical Care Nursing
Authors: Yabrodi Mouhammad , Abulebda Kamal , Pearson Kellie J. , Spitzer Tracy , Nitu Mara E. , Rogerson Colin M. , Tavares Nathanael Thomas , Lutfi Riad 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACT

Background:
Central venous catheters (CVCs) are used in pediatric patients to deliver IV fluids, blood products, medications, and nutrients. Potential complications include central line infection, which carries a high risk of morbidity and mortality in this population. Pediatric critical care nurses play a crucial role in helping to reduce the risk of infection.

Purpose:
The aim of this study was to develop, implement, and evaluate the effectiveness of a serious, simulated, gaming-based intervention to improve the skills and knowledge of RNs in the early stages of their career regarding central line insertion, care, and infection prevention.

Methods:
A single-arm, pre- and postinterventional pilot study was conducted at the Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health, from July 2021 to July 2022. The study participants were bedside pediatric critical care nurses who were provided with education and skills training regarding CVC placement and maintenance through a so-called serious game—essentially, a video game with a purpose. A simulation session and multiple-choice knowledge test were used to assess skills and knowledge retention both before and after the intervention.

Results:
A total of 32 pediatric critical care nurses participated in the study; however, 1 nurse did not complete the follow-up assessment. The study revealed a statistically significant increase in the overall mean (SD) global performance score from 4.06 (2.11) before the intervention to 5.97 (1.80) afterward. Specific areas of performance also showed significant improvement: handwashing prior to the procedure (P = 0.04), covering the procedure site (P = 0.01), cleaning the site properly (P < 0.01), and ensuring central line placement before use (P < 0.01). However, there was no statistically significant difference in the nurses' performance on the multiple-choice knowledge test before and after the intervention.

Conclusion:
This study suggests that serious games have the potential to improve nursing education, particularly in complex procedures like central line insertion and maintenance. Our findings indicate that serious gaming is effective in engaging learners and enhancing their skills. More research is needed to evaluate the long-term impact of serious games on learning outcomes and patient care.
TIGIT-expression on natural killer cell subsets is an early indicator of alleviating liver inflammation following bulevirtide treatment in chronic hepatitis D
Authors: Chen Po-Chun , Deterding Katja , Engelskircher Sophie Anna , Port Kerstin , Sandmann Lisa , Chakkadath Athira , Ristic Tijana , Wu Qingyu , Bremer Birgit , Kraft Anke R.M. , Cornberg Markus , Heim Albert , Kefalakes Helenie , Björkström Niklas K , Woller Norman , Wedemeyer Heiner 
Published: January 2025

Background & aims:
Bulevirtide (BLV) is a novel and the only approved treatment option for patients with chronic hepatitis D (CHD). BLV alleviates liver inflammation already early during treatment when only minor HDV RNA changes are observed. We hypothesized that BLV-treatment may influence immune cells in CHD patients and performed a high-resolution analysis of natural killer (NK) cells before and during BLV-therapy.

Methods:
BLV-treated CHD patients (n=20) from a single-center cohort were longitudinally analyzed for clinical, molecular, and virological parameters. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were studied at baseline (BL), therapy weeks 3 (TW3) and 48 (TW48) by spectral flow cytometry. Healthy donors (HD), chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients after direct-acting antivirals (DAA)-treatment and patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) were used as controls.

Results:
Overall NK cell frequencies remained stable during BLV-treatment. However, biochemical responders (BR) showed distinct NK cell immunophenotypic features before and during therapy. TIGIT-expression increased on CD56dim and CD56bright NK cells during the course of BLV-treatment and inversely correlated with alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels in CHD but not CHC or CHB patients. High frequencies of TIGIT- CD57+ CD56dim NK cells at BL and low levels during therapy were indicative of a biochemical response.

Conclusions:
We here suggest that lacking the expression of the immune checkpoint inhibitor TIGIT on NK cell subtypes may be a hallmark of liver inflammation in HDV infection. BLV-therapy is associated with a reappearance of TIGIT on these cells, which may be one mechanism of why liver enzymes rapidly improve during therapy.
Obstacle contrast modulates gait behavior in younger and older adults
Authors: Napier-Dovorany Kierstyn , Rietdyk Shirley , Gruber Allison H. , Hassan Shirin E. 
Published: January 2025

SIGNIFICANCE
Tripping over an obstacle can cause falls in younger and older adults, potentially causing an injury. Therefore, investigating how adults adjust their behavior to step over obstacles is crucial for safety.

PURPOSE
This study investigated how obstacle contrast altered gait behavior of healthy younger and older adults.

METHODS
Twenty normally sighted adults, 11 older (mean [standard deviation] age, 68.1 [5.1] years) and 9 younger (mean [standard deviation] age, 21.1 [2.1] years), walked along a 6-m, black carpeted walkway and stepped over a single obstacle positioned 4 m from the start. The obstacle varied in height (0 [no obstacle], 1, and 19 cm) and contrast (6% [“low”] and 90% [“high”] Michelson contrast). Each subject completed 10 trials for each of the 5 conditions in an unblocked, random order. Lower limb kinematics were recorded using 13 motion capture cameras. Visual acuity and contrast sensitivity were measured. A repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to assess age group differences in trail toe position before crossing, lead and trail foot clearance over the obstacle, lead heel position after crossing, and obstacle crossing speed. Planned comparisons were done with Bonferroni correction. Independent t tests were used to compare vision and survey variables between groups.

RESULTS
Visual acuity was similar in both groups (p=0.17), although contrast sensitivity was better in the younger than older adults (p=0.001). Main effects were found for age: compared with younger adults, older adults showed a farther back trail foot position, greater trail foot clearance, closer lead heel position, and slower obstacle crossing speed (p<0.001 for all effects). Main effects were found for obstacle contrast: compared with low-contrast obstacles, for high-contrast obstacles, the trail foot position was farther back, both lead and trail foot clearance were greater, and lead heel position was closer (p<0.024 for all effects).

CONCLUSIONS
Obstacle contrast impacts gait behavior for younger and older adults. It is possible that the visual characteristics of an obstacle are enhanced for high-contrast obstacles, causing changes to gait behavior that may increase safety.
Effectiveness of telehealth in patients with spinal cord injury: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Singh Roop , Malik Manmeet , Verma Bhawna , Jain Mantu , Kaur Svareen 
Published: January 2025

Background:
Spinal cord injury (SCI) impacts every aspect of an injured individual’s life and necessitates ongoing surveillance to prevent subsequent complications. The tele-assessment of different diseases has demonstrated encouraging outcomes, and there is limited literature available about SCI. The present study aimed to document the effectiveness of telehealth on clinical outcomes, quality of life improvement, accessibility, psychological health, patient satisfaction and engagement, and caregiver perspective for patients with SCI.

Methods:
This study was carried out in a tertiary care centre. Fifty-six patients with acute SCI were randomized into group “S” (study group), who were followed with telehealth telephonically and through video conferencing plus in-person visits to the hospital at second and sixth months, and group “C” (control group) with in-person visit to the hospital only. Patients were assessed for clinical effectiveness (spinal cord independence measure-III, SCI Secondary Conditions Scale, and pressure ulcer scale for healing), psychological health (World Health Organization Quality of Life, patient health questionnaire, and purdue posttraumatic stress disorder), and patient and caregiver’s perspectives (patient satisfaction questionnaire-18, Patient Health Engagement Scale, and Caregiver Strain Index). The outcome measures were compared between the groups at baseline and follow-up using an independent sample t test at a significance level of P <0.05.

Results:
The mean age of patients was 38.00 ± 14.15 years with predominantly males. The telehealth group showed statistically significant (P = 0.042) improvement in total spinal cord independence measure III (SCI-III) score at 6-month follow-up. The SCI Secondary Conditions Scale, which shows the presence of secondary conditions, had a significantly lower score in the S group at the 6-month follow-up (P = 0.01). The World Health Organization Quality of Life domain 1 was higher in the S group at 6-month follow-up (P < 0.05). Of patients, 50% in the telehealth group were satisfied according to the Modified Reintegration to Normal Living Index scale at monthly follow-up compared with 28.6% in the control group (P < 0.05). The Patient Health Engagement Scale showed that 42.9% of patients reached the final stage of the eudaimonic project in the S group at 6-month follow-up compared with only 14.3% in the control group.

Conclusions:
Telehealth is an effective tool in the continued care of SCI patients post-hospital discharge. Our findings indicate that patients in the telehealth group report improved physical quality of life, enhanced quality of daily living, and decreased occurrence of medical complications. We suggest that multiple centres at the national level should collaborate to further evaluate telehealth. In the future, we should promote telehealth in the rehabilitation of SCI patients.
Rectal Douche as HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis for Receptive Anal Intercourse: An End User Tenofovir Powder Sachet Preparation Feasibility Study (DREAM-04)
Authors: Diniz Clarissa P. , Abdul-Massih Sandra , Bagia Christina , Giguere Rebecca , Rohan Lisa C. , Wang Lin , Dolezal Curtis , Yu Michelle , Bui Vy , Beselman Sasha , Bakshi Rahul , Alvarez-Arango Santiago , Marzinke Mark , Fuchs Edward J. , Hendrix Craig W. 
Published: January 2025

BACKGROUND:
Unprotected receptive anal intercourse (RAI) carries the highest sexual HIV transmission risk. The need for diverse pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) options has encouraged the development of on-demand, topical PrEP products for those preferring non-systemic or occasional PrEP. We assessed end-users’ proficiency in preparing tenofovir douches from sachets containing two different powder types, lyophilized and spray-dried, and evaluated their experience.

METHODS:
Cisgender adult men with a history of RAI-related douching were consented, screened, and randomized 1:1 to the order of the powder type prepared. All participants prepared at least three enema bottles of each powder type. Aliquots from each prepared douche bottle were analyzed for TFV concentration, osmolality, and pH. User experience and likelihood of future product use were assessed by questionnaire.

RESULTS:
Twenty-one eligible participants were enrolled. Most participants reported both products as easy or very easy to prepare and likely or very likely to be used. Participants preferred the lyophilized product. The lyophilized and spray-dried douche bottles prepared met the osmolality specifications 89% and 61% of the time and TFV content specifications 81% and 29% of the time, respectively. Questionnaires indicated the most common challenges were tearing open the sachets and transferring the spray-dried product.

CONCLUSIONS:
The majority of participants reported the douches were easy to prepare and indicated likely future use. While the lyophilized sachets were prepared sufficiently to establish preparation feasibility, the spray-dried sachets often fell outside specifications. Failure analysis provided insights to guide product modifications to improve the proficiency of douche preparation and future product use.
Clinical Translation of a Dual-Integrin αvβ3- and CD13-Targeting PET Tracer
Authors: Zhang Xiao , Yang Biao , Qin Chunxia , Song Xiangming , Lv Xiaoying , Zeng Dexing , Gai Yongkang , Lan Xiaoli 
Published: January 2025

Purpose
Angiogenesis is essential in the development and progression of tumors. This study aimed to investigate the clinical application of 68Ga-labeled heterodimeric peptide (68Ga-HX01) targeting integrin αvβ3 and CD13 in tumor neovascularization.

Patients and Methods
Six healthy volunteers were recruited to study the biodistribution, pharmacokinetics, and radiation of 68Ga-HX01. Twelve patients with various malignancies were enrolled to seek the preliminary clinical value of 68Ga-HX01. In healthy volunteers, SUVs of each major organ on 68Ga-HX01 PET were measured. The clinical data, lesion numbers, and uptake were recorded in patients. The integrin αvβ3 and CD13 expression of the resected tumors was checked via immunohistochemistry staining.

Results
With a mean injected dose of 167.98 ± 26.32 MBq, 68Ga-HX01 was well tolerated and safe without side effects in 6 healthy volunteers. The radiation absorbed effective dose of 68Ga-HX01 was 1.94 × 10−2 mSv/MBq, and the urinary bladder wall held the highest absorbed effective dose (0.15 ± 5.87 × 10−2 mSv/MBq). In 12 patients with various malignancies, 68Ga-HX01 PET could clearly visualize the lesions from the surrounding tissues. The SUVmax values in tumors were significantly higher than those in the surrounding tissues (P < 0.05). A positive correlation trend between tumor SUVmax and semiquantitative integrin αvβ3 and CD13 expression was determined (P < 0.05).

Conclusions
For clinical use, 68Ga-HX01 is safe with low radiation absorbed effective dose. It also indicates the efficiency of dual integrin αvβ3 and CD13-targeting PET radiotracer in tumor diagnosis, which may assist in patient prognosis and selecting eligible patients for antiangiogenic therapy.
Quantitative Evaluation of 99mTc-Galactosyl Human Serum Albumin SPECT/CT for the Prediction of Posthepatectomy Liver Failure
Authors: Okajima Yukinori , Yanagisawa Shin , Yamada Akira , Notake Tsuyoshi , Shimizu Akira , Soejima Yuji , Fujinaga Yasunari 
Published: January 2025

Purpose
To evaluate the predictive ability of 99mTc-galactosyl human serum albumin SPECT/CT quantitative parameters for posthepatectomy liver failure (PHLF).

Methods
Sixty-eight patients who underwent 99mTc-galactosyl human serum albumin scintigraphy as a preoperative examination for hepatectomy between July 2021 and December 2023 were prospectively evaluated. The patients were divided into PHLF and non-PHLF groups. The clearance index (HH15) and receptor index (LHL15) were calculated from planar images. Quantitative parameters for the total liver (SUVmax, SUVmean, peak SUV [SUVpeak], functional liver volume [FLV], SUVmean × FLV), remnant liver (r-SUVmax, r-SUVmean, r-SUVpeak, r-FLV, and r-SUVmean × r-FLV), and r-FLV/FLV were calculated from SPECT/CT images. The areas under the curve (AUCs) of parameters from planar images and SPECT/CT parameters of the total and remnant livers were calculated to evaluate the predictive ability of PHLF.

Results
PHLF occurred in 9 patients. AUC of r-FLV was significantly higher than that of HH15 (0.93; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.84–0.99 vs 0.66; 95% CI, 0.46–0.84; P = 0.026) and LHL15 (0.93; 95% CI, 0.84–0.99 vs 0.72; 95% CI, 0.55–0.86; P = 0.043). AUC of r-SUVmean × r-FLV was significantly higher than that of HH15 (0.90; 95% CI, 0.80–0.97 vs 0.66; 95% CI, 0.46–0.84; P = 0.037). There were no significant differences between the AUC of other SPECT/CT, r-FLV/FLV, and planar image parameters.

Conclusions
r-FLV can predict PHLF more accurately than HH15 or LHL15.
Factors Affecting Patient Outcomes of Abdominoplasty After Bariatric Surgery
Authors: West William , Rizk Mehdi , Alford Nicholas , Khadka Monica , Docimo Salvatore , Sujka Joseph , Mhaskar Rahul , DuCoin Christopher 
Published: January 2025

Background
Postoperative complications in body contouring surgery have been linked to several factors, including body mass index, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and skin resection weight. Prior weight loss by surgical means is another predisposing factor for postoperative complications following body contouring. This study aims to examine these previously identified variables, and several others, in the context of a spectrum of abdominal body contouring techniques following bariatric surgery. Our goal is to highlight that current evidence supports the notion that the prior history of bariatric surgery does not significantly impact body contouring surgery's success and its associated complications.

Methods
A retrospective cohort study including all consecutive patients (N = 198) who underwent abdominal body contouring between January 2011 and January 2022 following bariatric surgery was performed. Data collected included patient demographics, medical history, perioperative variables, and postoperative outcomes. Univariate and multivariate statistical analysis was performed.

Results
Sixty-four (32%) patients developed a postoperative complication. In the univariate analysis, patients who developed a postoperative complication were more likely to have a mental health disorder (63% vs 44%, P = 0.015) and to have undergone abdominal surgery other than panniculectomy (P = 0.002). They also had significantly longer median operative time (160 minutes, σ = 68.9, vs 140 minutes, σ = 72.3, P = 0.037) and longer follow-up time (99 days, σ = 471.1 vs 23 days, σ = 430.5, P < 0.001). In a multivariate logistic regression model including diabetes, hypertension, abdominoplasty type, operative time, skin excision weight, and concurrent body contouring procedure, the only significant factor in complication rate was the type of abdominal body contouring. Specifically, the traditional (odds ratio: 2.72, 95% confidence interval: 1.25–5.93) and vertical abdominoplasty (odds ratio: 5.50, 95% confidence interval: 1.17 to 25.87) techniques were more likely to lead to complications compared with panniculectomy abdominoplasty, respectively.

Conclusions
Previously cited risk factors such as diabetes, body mass index, and skin resection weight did not increase the chance of complications. Panniculectomy appears to be a safer option for those with a history of bariatric surgery.