bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of a community‐based, multi‐level family planning intervention on theoretically grounded intermediate outcomes for couples in rural Uganda: Results from a mixed methods pilot evaluation
Authors: Sileo Katelyn M. , Muhumuza Christine , Wanyenze Rhoda K. , Kershaw Trace S. , Ellerbe Brooke , Muñoz Suyapa , Sekamatte Samuel , Lule Haruna , Kiene Susan M. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractObjectivesThis study tested the theoretically grounded conceptual model of a multi‐level intervention, Family Health = Family Wealth (FH = FW), by examining FH = FW's effect on intermediate outcomes among couples in rural Uganda. FH = FW is grounded in the social‐ecological model and the social psychological theory of transformative communication.DesignA pilot quasi‐experimental controlled trial.MethodsTwo matched clusters (communities) were randomly allocated to receive the FH = FW intervention or an attention/time‐matched water, sanitation and hygiene intervention (N = 140, 35 couples per arm). Quantitative outcomes were collected through interviewer‐administered questionnaires at baseline, 7‐months and 10‐months follow‐up. Focus group discussions (n = 39) and semi‐structured interviews (n = 27) were conducted with subsets of FH = FW participants after data collection. Generalized estimated equations tested intervention effects on quantitative outcomes, and qualitative data were analysed through thematic analysis—these data were mixed and are presented by level of the social‐ecological model.ResultsThe findings demonstrated an intervention effect on family planning determinants across social‐ecological levels. Improved individual‐level family planning knowledge, attitudes and intentions, and reduced inequitable gender attitudes, were observed in intervention versus comparator, corroborated by the qualitative findings. Interpersonal‐level changes included improved communication, shared decision‐making and equitable relationship dynamics. At the community level, FH = FW increased perceived acceptance of family planning among others (norms), and the qualitative findings highlighted how FH = FW's transformative communication approach reshaped definitions of a successful family to better align with family planning.ConclusionsThis mixed methods pilot evaluation supports FH = FW's theoretically grounded conceptual model and ability to affect multi‐level drivers of a high unmet need for family planning.
Preoperative lateral lymph node features and impact on local recurrence after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and total mesorectal excision for locally advanced rectal cancer: results from a multicentre international cohort study
Authors: Achilli Pietro , Ferrari Davide , Calini Giacomo , Bertoglio Camillo L. , Magistro Carmelo , Origi Matteo , Carnevali Pietro , Alampi Bruno D. , Giusti Irene , Ferrari Giovanni , Calafiore Eleonora , Spinelli Antonino , Grass Fabian , Deslarzes Philip , Hahnloser Dieter , Abdalla Solafah , Larson David W. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractAimLocally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) is commonly treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) and total mesorectal excision (TME) to reduce local recurrence (LR) and improve survival. However, LR, particularly associated with lateral lymph node (LLN) involvement, remains a concern. The aim of this study was to investigate preoperative factors associated with LLN involvement and their impact on LR rates in LARC patients undergoing nCRT and curative surgery.MethodThis multicentre retrospective study, including four academic high‐volume institutions, involved 301 consecutive adult LARC patients treated with nCRT and curative surgery between January 2014 and December 2019 who did not undergo lateral lymph node dissection (LLND). Baseline and restaging pelvic MRIs were evaluated for suspicious LLNs based on institutional criteria. Patients were divided into two groups: cLLN+ (positive nodes) and cLLN– (no suspicious nodes). Primary outcome measures were LR and lateral local recurrence (LLR) rates at 3 years.ResultsAmong the cohort, 15.9% had suspicious LLNs on baseline MRI, and 9.3% had abnormal LLNs on restaging MRI. At 3 years, LR and LLR rates were 4.0% and 1.0%, respectively. Ten out of 12 (83.3%) patients with LR showed no suspicious LLNs at the baseline MRI. Abnormal LLNs on MRI were not independent risk factors for LR, distant recurrence or disease‐free survival.ConclusionAbnormal LLNs on baseline and restaging MRI assessment did not impact LR and LLR rates in this cohort of patients with LARC submitted to nCRT and curative TME surgery.
Diagnostic implication of thyroid spherules for cytological diagnosis of thyroid nodules
Authors: Sohn Heeseung , Kakudo Kennichi , Jung Chan Kwon 
Published: January 2024

AbstractObjectiveThyroid fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) is a principal diagnostic procedure for thyroid nodules. A specific cytomorphological structure, known as the thyroid spherule, is often seen in FNA specimens. The clinical significance of these spherules in terms of diagnosis and prevalence remains largely unexplored.MethodsWe performed a retrospective study on 310 thyroid FNA specimens and categorized them according to the Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology. The presence, size and number of thyroid spherules in each specimen were examined and these data were subsequently correlated with the clinicopathological features.ResultsThyroid spherules were almost exclusively detected in benign cases, comprising 7.6% of all benign diagnoses. The average diameter of spherules in benign cases was 84.9 μm. Benign cases and cases with atypia of undetermined significance cases primarily exhibited low cellularity, while follicular neoplasms and malignant cases typically showed moderate to high cellularity. In the subgroup of FNA cases with moderate to high cellularity, spherules were identified in 12 (20%) of 59 benign FNA cases. Within this group, the sensitivity and specificity of thyroid spherules for detecting benign FNA cases were 20% and 100%, respectively.ConclusionsOur results suggest that the presence of thyroid spherules in FNA specimens can serve as a highly specific marker for benign thyroid conditions. The prevalence of spherule detection is strongly influenced by the cellularity. In cases with moderate to high cellularity, the identification of spherules can assist the cytopathologists in diagnosing thyroid FNA cases as benign.
Prisoners’ perceived oral and general health and their experience with accessing, understanding and assessing health information: A qualitative study
Authors: Bergum Kathrine Høyvik , Bull Vibeke Hervik , Stein Linda Maria , Evensen Kjersti Berge 
Published: January 2024

AbstractPrisoners’ oral health and general health are closely connected and generally poorer than that of the wider population. Moreover, knowledge of prisoners’ health literacy is scarce. This study aimed to explore prisoners’ perceived oral and general health and how they accessed, understood and assessed health information to gain insight into their health literacy. Twelve prisoners in a high‐security prison and a halfway house participated in individual semi‐structured interviews. Data was analysed through thematic analysis, which identified five themes: inconsistent self‐reporting of general and oral health; autonomous health behaviour through utilizing personal resources; preference for personalized adapted health information; psychological and physical proximity; and barriers. The prisoners perceived their oral and general health as good despite several health problems. They expressed scepticism towards health information from public authorities and made their own health‐related choices based on previous experiences, their own ‘common sense’ and the experiences of people they trusted. Health information was considered useful when adjusted to their needs. Obtaining health‐related information through physical encounters was considered more accessible than through online platforms. Adapting the communication to prisoners’ expressed needs and their health literacy can enhance the accessibility to improve their oral and general health. In‐person encounters would be preferable.
How context influences primates' decisions about reciprocity
Authors: Brosnan Sarah F. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractReciprocally patterned behavior is widespread in animals in the wild, but experimental evidence has been frustratingly inconsistent. Contrary to earlier contentions that this inconsistency is because reciprocity in non‐human species is a rare or fragile effect, recent authors have argued that the evidence suggests that reciprocity is widespread, that it often relies on cognitive mechanisms that are common across species, and is potentially an important factor in animals' daily lives. Another possible explanation for its apparent rarity, then, is that due to experimental studies' (intentionally) structured environment, they can lack the appropriate context to promote and support reciprocity. Focusing on outcomes from experimental reciprocal tasks in non‐human primates, I consider several factors that may be important, including the identity of the interactors and their relationship to one another, whether there is free choice of partners, whether the individuals are interacting directly, the timing of the interaction, the commodity involved, whether individuals have a reason to reciprocate, and the equity of the interaction. Clarifying the role of each of these factors will help improve experimental tasks and the social and ecological contexts that promote reciprocity.
Body size and predator cues structure variation in defensive displays of Neotropical calico snakes (Oxyrhopus spp.)
Authors: Sealey Briana A. , Larson Joanna G. , Westeen Erin P. , Sánchez‐Paredes Ciara M. , Moore Talia Y. , Davis Rabosky Alison R. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractInteractions between predator and prey are fundamental drivers of ecological and evolutionary dynamics. Behavioral responses are one of the most common strategies that prey species use to deter predation, especially through highly stereotyped defensive displays. However, these displays are also predicted to show strong context‐dependence, in which individuals can dynamically employ different display elements as a function of their own characteristics (e.g., age and sex) or those of the predator (e.g., type of predator). In this study, we experimentally tested for the effects of four simulated predator cues on defensive displays in two species of South American calico snakes (genus Oxyrhopus). We found that juvenile snakes were both more likely to respond and to respond more strongly than adults and that displays were most common in response to tactile stimuli than to other treatments. However, we also found broad similarity across both simulated predator treatments and species in the components used in each snake's defensive display, suggesting a high degree of stereotyping. This research suggests an important role for both ontogeny and intensity of predation risk in structuring variation in defensive behavior in Neotropical snakes and emphasizes the foundational importance of context dependence in conceptual frameworks for understanding predator–prey interactions.
Enhanced quality of hESC‐derived melanocytes through modified concentration of endothelin‐1
Authors: Zeng Xuanhao , Lv Haozhen , Jin Yiting , Liu Yating , Wang Jinqi , Lian Weiling , Huang Shiyi , Shen Jiayi , Wu Fuyue , Zhang Qi , Xu Jinhua 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe study investigated the effectiveness of EDN1 and EDN3 cytokines in the differentiation of melanocytes from hESCs. The findings showed that 100 nM EDN1 was more effective in promoting hESC to CD117+/TYR+ melanoblasts compared to 100 nM EDN3. Additionally, maintaining melanoblasts is beneficial for preserving the ability to proliferate. The study found that 10 nM EDN1 helped maintain the proliferation of melanoblasts without over maturing them into melanocytes in the late stage of differentiation. Thus, using 100 nM EDN1 in the initial stage and 10 nM EDN1 in the late stage proved to be an efficient and cost‐effective method for obtaining hESC‐derived melanocytes. The preliminary results suggest that EDN1 promotes melanoblast formation during the initial differentiation stage through its binding to both the EDNRB receptor and EDNRA receptor. This study provides a valuable tool for studying the development of human melanocytes and modelling the biology of disease.
Effect of gamma irradiation on microbial growth, physicochemical properties, and non‐volatile flavour of chicken sausages during storage
Authors: You Yun , Huang Xiaoxia , Xiao Sili , Zhuang Xiaoqi , Liu Qiaoyu , Zeng Xianjun , Wei Xianling , Zeng Xiaofang , Dong Hao 
Published: January 2024

SummaryEffects of 60Co‐γ ray irradiation on physicochemical properties and non‐volatile flavour changes of chicken sausage during storage were investigated. Gamma irradiation at high doses effectively inhibited microbial growth and retarded physicochemical deterioration of chicken sausages throughout the storage period. The total fatty acid, saturated, and polyunsaturated fatty acids increased and decreased with increasing irradiation dose. In contrast, the monounsaturated acid content decreased with increasing irradiation dose. The free amino acid content exhibited a reduction of 4.27% following irradiation at a dose of 6 kGy and this decrease was further intensified during storage. Tartaric acid and pyruvate were chicken sausage's main organic acids and the most important taste‐active compounds. The irradiation dose had no significant effect on the organic acid content of chicken sausages, which continued to decrease during storage. The degradation products of nucleotides in irradiated chicken sausages demonstrated a noteworthy reduction in AMP and IMP, with no significant alterations observed in the remaining products. Thus, appropriate irradiation treatment (3 kGy) could effectively prolong the shelf life of chicken sausages without affecting their overall quality and had no adverse effects on the non‐volatile flavour compounds.
Anti‐ and pro‐inflammatory milieu differentially regulate differentiation and immune functions of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells
Authors: Zveik Omri , Rechtman Ariel , Brill Livnat , Vaknin‐Dembinsky Adi 
Published: January 2024

AbstractOligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) were regarded for years solely for their regenerative role; however, their immune‐modulatory roles have gained much attention recently, particularly in the context of multiple sclerosis (MS). Despite extensive studies on OPCs, there are limited data elucidating the interactions between their intrinsic regenerative and immune functions, as well as their relationship with the inflamed central nervous system (CNS) environment, a key factor in MS pathology. We examined the effects of pro‐inflammatory cytokines, represented by interferon (IFN)‐γ and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, as well as anti‐inflammatory cytokines, represented by interleukin (IL)‐4 and IL‐10, on OPC differentiation and immune characteristics. Using primary cultures, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and immunofluorescence stainings, we assessed differentiation capacity, phagocytic activity, major histocompatibility complex (MHC)‐II expression, and cytokine secretion. We observed that the anti‐inflammatory milieu (IL4 and IL10) reduced both OPC differentiation and immune functions. Conversely, exposure to TNF‐α led to intact differentiation, increased phagocytic activity, high levels of MHC‐II expression, and cytokines secretion. Those effects were attributed to signalling via TNF‐receptor‐2 and counteracted the detrimental effects of IFN‐γ on OPC differentiation. Our findings suggest that a pro‐regenerative, permissive inflammatory environment is needed for OPCs to execute both regenerative and immune‐modulatory functions.
Effective doses of midazolam oral solution for the prevention of preoperative anxiety in paediatric patients
Authors: Xiong Hongfei , Liu Jing , Liu Guangbo , Zhang Yunyun , Wei Ziwen , Fan Linna , Jiang Fangfang , Zhao Yingchao , Wei Wei , Li Siyuan , Xue Rongliang 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackgroundMore than 60% children exhibit anxiety before undergoing an anesthetic‐surgical procedure, particularly among pre‐school paediatric patients. Oral midazolam can provide procedural sedation for children prior to anesthesia. However, extemporaneous solutions of midazolam are usually prepared from injectable drug solutions, leading to inconsistent efficacy due to variable preparation methods. Xiaoerjing® is the first commercially available oral formulation of midazolam for procedural sedation in children in China. Despite the recommended dosage range of 0.25–0.5 mg/kg, its effective dose is still largely unknown.AimTo determine the 95% effective dose (ED95) of midazolam oral solution (Xiaoerjing®) for alleviating preoperative anxiety in children prior to mask induction of general anesthesia.DesignThe study included 61 children between the ages of 1 and 6 years undergoing elective surgery under general anesthesia. The first patient received a single dose of 0.5 mg/kg midazolam oral solution, which was adjusted for subsequent patients using the biased coin design method based on their response to the previous dose. Doses were increased or decreased at the rate of 0.1 mg/kg. An effective response was defined as having a modified Ramsay sedation score ≥3a, separation anxiety score ≤2, and mask acceptance score ≤2 during inhalational anesthesia induction.ResultsFifty‐six children were included in the final analysis. Of those, sedation was successful in 50 patients, with a median separation time of 15 (IQR: 25) min. Midazolam oral solution has an ED95 of 0.8254 mg/kg (95% CI: 0.6915–0.8700 mg/kg) for relieving preoperative anxiety in children. No adverse events occurred following drug administration.ConclusionMidazolam oral solution is a safe and effective medication for relieving preoperative anxiety in children. The ED95 of a single oral dose of midazolam oral solution is 0.8254 mg/kg (95% CI: 0.6915–0.8700 mg/kg).
Shedding new light for nurses: Enhancing pressure injury prevention across skin tones with sub‐epidermal moisture assessment technology
Authors: Osborne Chambers Cynthia , Thompson Julie A. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractAim(s)To assess the effectiveness of sub‐epidermal moisture (SEM) assessment technology in the detection of early‐stage pressure damage in a critical care unit (CCU) and dark skin tone patients and its impact on hospital‐acquired pressure injury (HAPI) incidence.DesignQuality improvement study employing Kurt Lewin's change model emphasizing planning, implementation, evaluation and sustainable change.MethodsThe study evaluated 140 adult patients admitted to the CCU over a 24‐week period, from July to December 2022. Retrospective analysis of standard PI care pathways was performed in 90 patients admitted during a 12‐week pre‐implementation period. Fifty patients were admitted through the subsequent 12‐week implementation period. SEM assessments were performed daily at the sacrum and heels and interventions were applied based on SEM assessments; SEM delta ≥0.6 indicating localized oedema or persistent focal oedema. Statistical analyses were performed on anonymized data.ResultsPre‐implementation HAPI incidence was 8.9% (N = 8/90). All eight patients were African American with varying skin tones. A 100% reduction in HAPI incidence was achieved in the implementation period which included 35 African American patients. The relative risk of HAPI incidence was 1.6 times higher in the pre‐implementation group.ConclusionImplementing SEM assessment technology enabled equitable PI care for all population types and resulted in a 100% reduction of PIs in our CCU. Objective SEM assessments detected early‐stage PIs, regardless of skin tone and enabled providing interventions to specific anatomies developing tissue damage as opposed to universal preventive interventions.ImplicationsPI care pathways relying on visual and tactile skin assessments are inherently biased in providing equitable care for dark skin tone patients. Implementing SEM assessments empowers healthcare practitioners in driving objective clinical interventions, eliminates bias and enables positive PI health outcomes.ImpactImplementing SEM assessment technology had three main effects: it detected early tissue damage regardless of skin tone (detection effect), enabled anatomy‐specific interventions (treatment effect) and prevented PIs across all population types (prevention effect).The authors have adhered to the Standards for Quality Improvement Reporting Excellence (SQUIRE) 2.0 guidelines.Patient or Public ContributionNo patient or public contribution.What does this paper contribute to the wider global clinical community? Addressing health inequities in pressure injury prevention; Demonstrated effectiveness across patient populations; Resource optimization and enhanced patient safety.
Analyzing the concept of toxic positivity for nursing: A dimensional analysis approach
Authors: Shipp Hannah G. , Hall Katherine C. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractAimTo analyze toxic positivity and its relevance to nursing.DesignConcept analysis using Schatzman's dimensional analysis approach.Data SourcesTwo searches were conducted using Google Scholar, JSTOR, ProQuest and CINAHL (1990–2023). Keywords included “toxic positivity” (Phase 1) and “emotional suppression,” “unrealistic optimism”; “disingenuous happiness,” “forced gratitude” and “logical fallacy” (Phase 2). Retained sources (1) were in English (Phases 1 and 2); (2) used ‘toxic positivity’ as a construct reflecting the purpose of analysis (Phase 1); and (3) demonstrated relevance towards analytical findings (Phase 2). Total analytic sources were 35.MethodsThe analytic phase, identification, elucidated conceptual dimensions and contexts. The analytic phase, logistics, examined relationships among dimensions and contexts through an iterative process resulting in a dimensional matrix/conceptual model.ResultsSalient dimension is Emotional Suppression with two sub‐dimensions, Logical Fallacy and Forced Gratitude. Other dimensions include Unrealistic Optimism and Disingenuous Happiness. Contexts include intra‐ and post‐paradigmatic societal shifts and intra‐ and post‐traumatic experiences. Analysis reveals toxic positivity as an exchange between a giver and receiver with the receiver experiencing negative outcomes.ConclusionThe concept appears consistent in its application and use across contexts and is emerging in nursing literature.Implications for the ProfessionAcknowledging toxic positivity in nursing may inform theoretical and future research related to improving nursing burnout, bolstering retention, and enhancing well‐being. Nurses across work environments may encounter toxic positivity. Leaders should consider policy adoption and inclusion of trauma‐informed practices.ImpactNursing workforce issues require deeper examination of potential contributing factors. Findings suggest toxic positivity may be encountered in work environments impacting nursing at individual and system levels.Patient or Public ContributionNo patient or public contribution.