bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reducing inequities in maternal and child health in rural Guatemala through the CBIO+ Approach of Curamericas: 3. Expansion of population coverage of key interventions
Authors: Blanco Stanley , Valdez Mario , Stollak Ira , Westgate Carey C. , Herrera Andrew , Perry Henry B. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractBackgroundThis is the third in a series of 10 articles describing the Curamericas/Guatemala Maternal and Child Health Project, 2011–2015, and its effectiveness in improving the health and well-being of 15,327 children younger than 5 years of age and 32,330 women of reproductive age in the Department of Huehuetenango in180 communities that make up the municipalities of San Sebastian Coatán, Santa Eulalia, and San Miguel Acatán. The Project combined the Census-Based, Impact-Oriented (CBIO) Approach with the Care Group Approach and the Community Birthing Center (Casa Materna Rural) Approach. This combined approach we refer to as CBIO+. The Project trained women volunteers every two weeks (in Care Groups) to provide health education to neighboring households. Messages focused on the promotion of maternal and newborn health, nutrition, prevention and treatment of acute respiratory infection and diarrhea in children, and immunizations.MethodsHousehold knowledge, practice and coverage (KPC) surveys were executed at baseline in January 2011 and at endline in June 2015 to measure changes in levels of knowledge of danger signs, key household practices (such as Essential Newborn Care and handwashing), and health service utilization (such as antenatal care and care seeking for a child with signs of pneumonia) in two separate Project Areas (Area A with 41 months and Area B with 20 months of full intervention implementation).ResultsFor the 24 indicators of the interventions under the Project’s control, statistically significant improvements were observed for 21 in Area A and 19 in Area B. However, for some of the interventions that required support from the government's Extension of Coverage Program (immunization, family planning, and vitamin A administration) no improvements were noted because of the cessation of the program by the government after Project implementation began. In both Areas A and B one-half of the indicators improved by at least two-fold.ConclusionThis community-based Project has been effective in quickly achieving marked improvements in indicators for interventions that are important for the health of mothers and children. These achievements are notable in view of the challenging context in which the Project was implemented.
Reducing inequities in maternal and child health in rural Guatemala through the CBIO+ Approach of Curamericas: 4. Nutrition-related activities and changes in childhood stunting, wasting, and underweight
Authors: Perry Henry B. , Stollak Ira , Llanque Ramiro , Blanco Stanley , Jordan-Bell Elizabeth , Shindhelm Alexis , Westgate Carey C. , Herrera Andrew , Valdez Mario 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background
This is the fourth paper in our supplement on improving the health and well-being ﻿of rural indigenous Maya mothers and children in the Western Highlands of Guatemala, where the prevalence of stunting is the highest in Latin America and among the highest in the world. Reducing childhood undernutrition was one of the objectives of the Maternal and Child Health Project, 2011–2015, implemented by Curamericas/Guatemala. The implementation research portion of the Project attempted to determine if there were greater improvements in childhood nutritional status in the Project Area than in comparison areas and whether or not a dose–response effect was present in terms of a greater improvement in the Project Area with a longer duration of interventions.

Methods
The Project provided nutrition-related messages to mothers of young children, cooking sessions using locally available nutritious foods, a lipid-based nutrient supplement (Nutributter®) for a short period of time (4 months)﻿, anti-helminthic medication, and repeated growth monitoring and nutrition counseling. Measures of height and weight for calculating the prevalence of underweight, stunting, and wasting in under-2 children were analyzed and compared with the anthropometric data for children in the rural areas of the Northwestern Region and in the Western Highlands of Guatemala.

Results
The prevalence of stunting declined in Area A from 74.5% in September 2012 to 39.5% in June 2015. Area A comprised approximately one-half of the Project Area and was the geographic area with the greatest intensity and duration of nutrition-related Project interventions. Minimal improvements in stunting were observed in the Northwestern Region, which served as a comparison area. Improvements in multiple output and outcome indicators associated with nutritional status were also observed in Areas A and B: infant and young child feeding practices, routine growth monitoring and counseling, and household practices for the prevention and treatment of diarrhea.

Conclusion
The Project Area in which Curamericas/Guatemala implemented the CBIO+ Approach experienced a reduction in the prevalence of stunting and other measures of undernutrition in under-2 children. Given the burden of undernutrition in Guatemala and other parts of the world, this approach merits broader application and further evaluation.
Reducing inequities in maternal and child health in rural Guatemala through the CBIO+ Approach of Curamericas: 7. The empowering effect of Care Groups
Authors: Gregg Corey , Valdez Mario , Stollak Ira , Martin Shayanne , Story William T. , Perry Henry B. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractBackgroundWhile there is extensive published evidence regarding the effectiveness of the Care Group Approach in promoting community-wide health behavior change, there is no published evidence regarding its empowering effect on its participants. Our study aimed to understand if the Care Group Approach as applied in the Curamericas/Guatemala Maternal and Child Health Project in isolated rural mountainous communities in Guatemala produced evidence of empowerment among the female participants. This is the seventh of 10 papers describing the expanded Census-Based, Impact-Oriented (CBIO+) Approach in improving the health and well-being of mothers and children in the rural highlands of the Department of Huehuetenango, Guatemala.MethodsWe conducted semi-structured individual and group interviews with 96 female Care Group participants –including Level-1 Care Group Promoters, Care Group Volunteers, and Self-Help Group participants. The participants were from six communities – two from each of the three municipalities making up the Project Area. Data were analyzed both using deductive thematic and by exploring the following social constructs: perceived social status, self-efficacy, decision-making autonomy, and formation of social capital.ResultsThe findings supported the hypothesis that Care Group participation was an empowering process. The primary themes that emerged included increased respect accorded to women in the community, women’s willingness and ability to make decisions and their confidence in making those decisions, and the development of stronger bonds among Care Group members, with other community members, and with community leaders.ConclusionThrough increased theoretical and practical knowledge about important maternal and child health matters and through the social experience of obtaining this knowledge and sharing it with other community members, participation in the Care Group Approach empowered participants to make positive health behavior changes for themselves and for their children and families. This, in turn, led many participants to become more engaged in community activities for improved health and beyond, thereby enhancing social capital in the community. We conclude that the Care Group Approach, as applied in this setting, has made it possible for marginalized indigenous women living in a male-dominated society to become more empowered.
Epigenetics and stroke: role of DNA methylation and effect of aging on blood–brain barrier recovery
Authors: Phillips Chelsea M. , Stamatovic Svetlana M. , Keep Richard F. , Andjelkovic Anuska V. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractIncomplete recovery of blood–brain barrier (BBB) function contributes to stroke outcomes. How the BBB recovers after stroke remains largely unknown. Emerging evidence suggests that epigenetic factors play a significant role in regulating post-stroke BBB recovery. This study aimed to evaluate the epigenetic and transcriptional profile of cerebral microvessels after thromboembolic (TE) stroke to define potential causes of limited BBB recovery. RNA-sequencing and reduced representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS) analyses were performed using microvessels isolated from young (6 months) and old (18 months) mice seven days poststroke compared to age-matched sham controls. DNA methylation profiling of poststroke brain microvessels revealed 11,287 differentially methylated regions (DMR) in old and 9818 DMR in young mice, corresponding to annotated genes. These DMR were enriched in genes encoding cell structural proteins (e.g., cell junction, and cell polarity, actin cytoskeleton, extracellular matrix), transporters and channels (e.g., potassium transmembrane transporter, organic anion and inorganic cation transporters, calcium ion transport), and proteins involved in endothelial cell processes (e.g., angiogenesis/vasculogenesis, cell signaling and transcription regulation). Integrated analysis of methylation and RNA sequencing identified changes in cell junctions (occludin), actin remodeling (ezrin) as well as signaling pathways like Rho GTPase (RhoA and Cdc42ep4). Aging as a hub of aberrant methylation affected BBB recovery processes by profound alterations (hypermethylation and repression) in structural protein expression (e.g., claudin-5) as well as activation of a set of genes involved in endothelial to mesenchymal transformation (e.g., Sox9, Snai1), repression of angiogenesis and epigenetic regulation. These findings revealed that DNA methylation plays an important role in regulating BBB repair after stroke, through regulating processes associated with BBB restoration and prevalently with processes enhancing BBB injury.
Spontaneous retroperitoneal hematoma: a case report
Authors: Kurotaki Takuma , Okada Naoya , Sakurai Yasuo , Yamabuki Takumi , Takada Minoru , Kato Kentaro , Yokoyama Takeshi , Ambo Yoshiyasu , Kinoshita Yoshihiro , Nakamura Fumitaka , Kashimura Nobuichi 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background
Spontaneous retroperitoneal hematoma is defined as bleeding in the retroperitoneal space without any triggers such as trauma, invasive procedures, and abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Case presentation
A 48-year-old Japanese man who experienced sudden abdominal pain, severe hypotension, and decreased hemoglobin was diagnosed with spontaneous retroperitoneal hematoma. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed massive left retroperitoneal hematoma; however, neither extravasation nor causative aneurysm was noted. Through conservative management with close monitoring, he was treated and discharged on the tenth hospital day without any morbidity.

Conclusions
Spontaneous retroperitoneal hematoma treatment comprises conservative management, transcatheter arterial embolization, and surgical intervention. The mortality rate of spontaneous retroperitoneal hematoma is so high that the optimal treatment timing needs to be carefully judged on the basis of detailed evaluation, and management algorithm with clear criteria.
The feasibility and safety of eustachian tube dilation with a standard endovascular balloon: A clinical pilot study
Authors: Dahm Valerie , Lui Justin T. , Jung Soyeon , Lin Vincent Y. , Chen Joseph M. , Le Trung N. 
Published: February 2023

Background Obstructive eustachian tube dysfunction is a common pathology, generally accepted as the underlying cause for chronic ear diseases. Eustachian tube dilation has shown promising results in randomized controlled trials, but is a costly procedure. The aim of the current study was to assess the feasibility of transnasal balloon dilatation of the eustachian tube with an endovascular balloon in the context of ease of use, maneuverability, and safety. Methods Clinical pilot study carried out at a university tertiary care facility. In total, twelve patients, were included over a period of 6 months. All patients underwent tympanoplasty or tympanomastoidectomy surgeries. Eustachian tube dilation was carried out transnasal using an endovascular balloon. A computed tomography was carried out after surgery to assess for any potential damages and compared to preoperative imaging studies. Postoperative endoscopy was performed intraoperatively and at follow up to assess for any potential damages. Results All eustachian tube dilations were carried out successfully. No severe adverse events were noted during the procedure, in the postoperative period, or on imaging studies. Minor adverse events such as mild intraoperative bleeding was managed in a routine fashion. Conclusions Balloon dilation of the eustachian tube with the endovascular balloon was feasible and safe in all cases. It is likely a more cost-effective alternative to commercially available balloons with similar designs and specifications. Trial registration The study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov; NCT04809753, initial release February 24th, 2021. Graphical Abstract
New microbiological insights from the Bowland shale highlight heterogeneity of the hydraulically fractured shale microbiome
Authors: Hernandez-Becerra Natali , Cliffe Lisa , Xiu Wei , Boothman Christopher , Lloyd Jonathan R. , Nixon Sophie L. 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background
Hydraulically fractured shales offer a window into the deep biosphere, where hydraulic fracturing creates new microbial ecosystems kilometers beneath the surface of the Earth. Studying the microbial communities from flowback fluids that are assumed to inhabit these environments provides insights into their ecophysiology, and in particular their ability to survive in these extreme environments as well as their influence on site operation e.g. via problematic biofouling processes and/or biocorrosion. Over the past decade, research on fractured shale microbiology has focused on wells in North America, with a few additional reported studies conducted in China. To extend the knowledge in this area, we characterized the geochemistry and microbial ecology of two exploratory shale gas wells in the Bowland Shale, UK. We then employed a meta-analysis approach to compare geochemical and 16S rRNA gene sequencing data from our study site with previously published research from geographically distinct formations spanning China, Canada and the USA.

Results
Our findings revealed that fluids recovered from exploratory wells in the Bowland are characterized by moderate salinity and high microbial diversity. The microbial community was dominated by lineages known to degrade hydrocarbons, including members of Shewanellaceae, Marinobacteraceae, Halomonadaceae and Pseudomonadaceae. Moreover, UK fractured shale communities lacked the usually dominant Halanaerobium lineages. From our meta-analysis, we infer that chloride concentrations play a dominant role in controlling microbial community composition. Spatio-temporal trends were also apparent, with different shale formations giving rise to communities of distinct diversity and composition.

Conclusions
These findings highlight an unexpected level of compositional heterogeneity across fractured shale formations, which is not only relevant to inform management practices but also provides insight into the ability of diverse microbial consortia to tolerate the extreme conditions characteristic of the engineered deep subsurface.
The effect of pre-event instructions on eyewitness identification
Authors: Baldassari Mario J. , Moore Kara N. , Hyman Ira E. , Hope Lorraine , Mah Eric Y. , Lindsay D. Stephen , Mansour Jamal , Saraiva Renan , Horry Ruth , Rath Hannah , Kelly Lauren , Jones Rosie , Vale Shannan , Lawson Bethany , Pedretti Josh , Palma Tomás A. , Cruz Francisco , Quarenta Joana , Van der Cruyssen Ine , Mileva Mila , Allen Jessica , Jeye Brittany , Wiechert Sera 
Published: February 2023

AbstractResearch on eyewitness identification often involves exposing participants to a simulated crime and later testing memory using a lineup. We conducted a systematic review showing that pre-event instructions, instructions given before event exposure, are rarely reported and those that are reported vary in the extent to which they warn participants about the nature of the event or tasks. At odds with the experience of actual witnesses, some studies use pre-event instructions explicitly warning participants of the upcoming crime and lineup task. Both the basic and applied literature provide reason to believe that pre-event instructions may affect eyewitness identification performance. In the current experiment, we tested the impact of pre-event instructions on lineup identification decisions and confidence. Participants received non-specific pre-event instructions (i.e., “watch this video”) or eyewitness pre-event instructions (i.e., “watch this crime video, you’ll complete a lineup later”) and completed a culprit-absent or -present lineup. We found no support for the hypothesis that participants who receive eyewitness pre-event instructions have higher discriminability than participants who receive non-specific pre-event instructions. Additionally, confidence-accuracy calibration was not significantly different between conditions. However, participants in the eyewitness condition were more likely to see the event as a crime and to make an identification than participants in the non-specific condition. Implications for conducting and interpreting eyewitness identification research and the basic research on instructions and attention are discussed.
Measurement properties of PROMIS short forms for pain and function in patients receiving knee arthroplasty
Authors: Stephan Anika , Stadelmann Vincent A. , Preiss Stefan , Impellizzeri Franco M. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractBackgroundWhile there are a few studies on measurement properties of PROMIS short forms for pain and function in patients with knee osteoarthritis, nothing is known about the measurement properties in patients with knee arthroplasty. Therefore, this study examined the measurement properties of the German Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) short forms for pain intensity (PAIN), pain interference (PI) and physical function (PF) in knee arthroplasty patients.MethodsShort forms were collected from consecutive patients of our clinic's knee arthroplasty registry before and 12 months post-surgery. Oxford Knee Score (OKS) was the reference measure. A subsample completed the short forms twice to test reliability. Construct validity and responsiveness were assessed using scale-specific hypothesis testing. For reliability, Cronbach’s alpha, intraclass correlation coefficients, and agreement using standard error of measurement (SEMagr) were used. Agreement was used to determine standardised effect sizes and smallest detectable changes (SDC90). Individual-level minimal important change (MIC) was calculated using a method of adjusted prediction.ResultsOf 213 eligible patients, 155 received questionnaires, 143 returned baseline questionnaires and 119, 12-month questionnaires. Correlations of short forms with OKS were large (│r│ ≥ 0.7) with slightly lower values for PAIN, and specifically for men. Cronbach’s alpha values were ≥ 0.84 and intraclass correlation coefficients ≥ 0.90. SEMagrwere around 3.5 for PAIN and PI and 1.7 for PF. SDC90 were around 8 for PAIN and PI and 4 for PF. Follow-up showed a relevant ceiling effect for PF. Correlations with OKS change scores of around 0.5 to 0.6 were moderate. Adjusted MICs were 7.2 for PAIN, 3.5 for PI and 5.7 for PF.ConclusionOur results partly support the use of the investigated short forms for knee arthroplasty patients. The ability of PF to differentiate between patients with high perceived recovery is limited. Therefore, the advantages and disadvantages should be strongly considered within the context of the intended use.
Nigerian physiotherapists’ knowledge, attitude, and practice of digital physical therapy: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Awotidebe Taofeek Oluwole , Fasakin Olufesola Motunrayo , Oyewole Olufemi Oyeleye , Bello Usman Eniola , Ademoyegun Adekola Babatunde , Onigbinde Ayodele Teslim , Mbada Chidozie E. , Odunlade Adekola John , Adedoyin Rufus Adesoji 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background
The increasing demand for physical therapy services worldwide calls for innovations to be made to meet the challenges of service delivery. However, little is known about the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of digital physical therapy among Nigerian physiotherapists. Hence, this study aimed to evaluate the level of KAP of digital physical therapy among physiotherapists in Nigeria.

Methods
This cross-sectional study purposively recruited 150 Nigerian physiotherapists. Copies of modified and validated questionnaires on the KAP of digital physical therapy from a previous study were sent to registered and licensed physiotherapists via electronic survey to assess the KAP of digital physical therapy. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. Alpha level was set at p < 0.05.

Results
The mean age of the respondents was 29.76 ± 6.95 years. Most participants (81.3%) have a knowledge level above average, while 18.7% have below average. Furthermore, most (76.0%) of the respondents had a positive attitude toward digital physical therapy. In addition, more than two-thirds, 69.3% uses digital physical therapy platforms for physical therapy practice. Knowledge, attitude, and practice were not significantly associated with sociodemographic characteristics (p > 0.05). Furthermore, there was no significant association between knowledge, attitude, and practice (p > 0.05).

Conclusion
Many Nigerian physiotherapists demonstrated adequate knowledge, positive attitude, and good practice of digital physical therapy. However, knowledge, attitude, and practice of digital physical therapy were not influenced by sociodemographic characteristics.
Mental capacity in practice part 1: how do we really assess capacity?
Authors: Beale Chloe , Lee-Davey James , Lee Tennyson , Ruck Keene Alex 
Published: February 2023

SUMMARYSignificant problems exist in understanding and implementing the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA) despite it having been in place in England and Wales for more than 15 years. Although many guidelines exist on the assessment of capacity, it is difficult to apply such guidance in practice, given the complexity of actual situations. We may know the stages of the test for capacity, but do we really understand what they mean and how to assess them? In this, the first of two articles examining the MCA and challenges in its application, we add to existing legal guidance to explore capacity assessment in detail using a clinical scenario, and use case law and case studies to illustrate the subtleties and difficulties that may arise.
The Helicinidae (Gastropoda) of the Un poco del Chocó Nature Reserve (NW Pichincha province, Ecuador)
Authors: Roosen Marijn 
Published: February 2023

In 2019, an extensive survey of the terrestrial gastropods from the Un poco del Chocó Nature Reserve (UPDC) was conducted, in order to assess the gastropod biodiversity and collect some preliminary data on their ecology. During this study, many new and poorly known taxa were found. This paper is the first dedicated to describing the gastropods from UPDC, starting with the Helicinidae. Helicina ecuadoriana K. Miller, 1879 and Bourciera intermedia Roosen & Dorado, 2022 are reported for the first time from UPDC. In addition, the genus Alcadia (Microalcadia) is reported from Ecuador for the first time and one species, Alcadia (Microalcadia) chocoensis sp. nov., is introduced as new to science. Hopefully this paper will enable further research in the gastropods of North-West Ecuador and help in protecting its unique fauna.