bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development and initial validation of the Kiswahili version of the Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS‐K) questionnaire
Authors: Nagri Aliasgar , Patel Miten , Mwansisya Tumbwene , Adebayo Philip B. 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe Migraine Disability Assessment Scale (MIDAS) is one of the tools for measuring and understanding disability caused by migraine. The purpose of this study was to validate a Kiswahili translation of the MIDAS (MIDAS‐K) among patients suffering from migraines in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.MethodsA psychometric validation study of MIDAS was conducted after translation to Kiswahili. A total of 70 people with migraine were recruited by systematic random sampling and they completed the MIDAS‐K questionnaire twice, 10–14 days apart. Internal consistency, split‐half reliability, and test‐retest reliability, convergent and divergent validity were examined.Results70 patients (F:M; 59:11) with median (25th, 75th) headache days of 4.0 (2.0, 7.0) were recruited. Twenty‐eight out of 70 (40%) of the population had severe disability on MIDAS‐K. The overall test‐retest reliability of MIDAS‐K was high (ICC = 0.86; 95% CI = 0.78–0.92 p < 0.001). Factor analysis showed a two‐factor structure; the number of days missed and reduced efficiency. MIDAS‐K had a good internal consistency of 0.78, good split‐half reliability of 0.80 and acceptable test‐retest reliability for all items as well as total MIDAS‐K scores.ConclusionThe Kiswahili version of the MIDAS questionnaire (MIDAS‐K) is a valid, responsive, and reliable tool to measure migraine‐related disability among Tanzanians and other Swahili‐speaking populations. Quantification of migraine disability in the region will guide policies directed at care allotment, improvement in the provision of interventions for migraine, as well as enhancement of health‐related quality of life for patients with migraine in our region.
Charging CAR by electrostatic power
Authors: Wang Haopeng , Huang Yuwei , Xu Chenqi 
Published: June 2023

SummaryChimeric antigen receptor (CAR)‐T cell therapy has emerged as a promising approach for cancer treatment. CAR is a synthetic immune receptor that recognizes tumor antigen and activates T cells through multiple signaling pathways. However, the current CAR design is not as robust as T cell receptor (TCR), a natural antigen receptor with high sensitivity and efficiency. TCR signaling relies on specific molecular interactions, and thus electrostatic force, the major force of molecular interactions, play critical roles. Understanding how electrostatic charge regulates TCR/CAR signaling events will facilitate the development of next‐generation T cell therapies. This review summarizes recent findings on the roles of electrostatic interactions in both natural and synthetic immune receptor signaling, specifically that in CAR clustering and effector molecule recruitments, and highlights potential strategies for engineering CAR‐T cell therapy by leveraging charge‐based interactions.
A case study of virtually delivered emotion‐focused family therapy
Authors: Smith Jackson A. , Bandealy Ahad , Browne Dillon T. 
Published: June 2023

AbstractClinical psychologists and therapists are increasingly taking advantage of internet and mobile‐based technologies to deliver mental health services for individuals and groups since the COVID‐19 pandemic. However, there is a dearth of research evaluating the appropriateness of virtual platforms for family interventions. Further, no research has examined the effectiveness of weekly emotion‐focused family therapy (EFFT). This case study presents a virtually delivered 8‐week EFFT intervention, which supported caregivers to manage child symptoms of depression, anxiety, and anger, facilitate emotion processing, and strengthen relationships. Two parents from one family during a marital separation participated and completed brief measures of therapeutic alliance, family functioning, parental self‐efficacy, and parental and child psychological distress at 12 time points as well as a posttreatment semistructured interview. A strong therapeutic alliance was formed, and general family functioning, parental self‐efficacy, parent psychopathology, and child depression, anger, and anxiety symptoms improved over the course of therapy.
A retrospective study on the clinical features of skin lesions in Chinese acquired digital fibrokeratoma patients
Authors: Liu Yang , Zhu Yueqian , Chen Guodong , Xu Hui , Rao Yamin , Liu Ke 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackgroundAcquired digital fibrokeratoma (ADFK) is an uncommon benign fibro‐epithelioma, which is rarely reported in China.AimsTo analysis the clinical features of ADFK in Chinese people from current cases.MethodsFrom December 2019 to October 2021, there were 21 patients diagnosed with ADFK, we made a retrospective analysis on the clinical features of skin lesions in them. To summarize the clinical morphology, location, and surgical follow‐up of ADFK.ResultsWe concluded that ADFK is more common in females than males on the hands (7:3), while the male‐to‐female ratio is largely the same in feet (6:5). It occurs more frequently on the third finger (60%) and first toe (45.5%). As to clinical morphology, it is typically rod‐shaped (52.4%), followed by dome‐shaped (42.8%) and wart‐shaped (4.8%). It is typically dome‐shaped on the hands (80%) and rod‐shaped on the feet (81.8%). In terms of location on the fingers (toes), such skin lesions are most common at the proximal nail fold (52.4%), which can also occur at the nail matrix (14.3%), periungual area (23.8%), and subungual area (9.5%). Nevertheless, this ratio also varies on the hands and feet. All patients got surgical excision of the skin lesion, who were followed up for 6–12 months, without recurrence.ConclusionsMost ADFKs are associated with trauma, whose clinical features are related to location and gender. ADFKs on the hands are different from those on the feet regarding clinical morphology and location on fingers (toes), and surgery is effective in treating this condition.
The Brain's Control Networks in Reading: Insights From Cross‐Task Studies of Youth
Authors: Church Jessica A. 
Published: June 2023

AbstractHumans engage multiple brain systems to read successfully, including using regions important for vision, language, and control. Control refers to the set of executive processes in the brain that guide moment‐to‐moment behavior in service of our goals. There is a growing appreciation for the role of the brain's control system in reading comprehension, in reading skill change over time, and in those who have difficulty with the reading process. One way to understand the brain's control engagement in reading may be to study control engagement across multiple tasks in order to study consistencies, or cross‐task similarities, relative to reading‐specific variations. In this commentary, I briefly summarize some of our recent work studying the brain's control networks across different tasks (e.g., when reading, or doing different executive function tasks). I then review our findings of when control activation does or does not relate to measures of reading ability, and reading growth over time. The utility of cross‐task comparisons in neuroimaging is noted, as well as the need to better understand multiple sources of heterogeneity in our developmental samples. I end by discussing a few of the many future directions for further study of the brain with regard to the brain's control processing and academic achievement.
What are the holistic care impacts among individuals living through the COVID‐19 pandemic in residential or community care settings? An integrative systematic review
Authors: Jackson N. , Turner M. , Paterson C. 
Published: June 2023

AbstractIntroductionTo critically synthesise evidence in relation to the holistic care impacts (physical, psychological, social, spiritual, and environmental well‐being) among individuals living in residential aged care facilities (RACFs) with restrictions during the COVID‐19 pandemic.MethodsAn integrative systematic review followed a pre‐registered protocol and has been reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐analysis (PRISMA) Guidelines. Electronic databases were searched from inception to June 2022. Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods studies were included. All articles were double screened according to a pre‐determined eligibility criterion. The review process was managed using Covidence systematic review software. Data from the studies were extracted, methodological quality appraisal conducted, and a narrative synthesis conducted.Results18 studies were included. The impact of restrictive practices and periods of lockdown impacted older people on all levels of individual quality‐of‐life. With or without COVID‐19, residents experienced functional decline and many experienced malnutrition, increased incontinence, increased pain, and poorer general health and significant psychological distress. Depression increased with reduced social contact, as did anxiety and loneliness. Some residents spoke of suicidal ideation.ConclusionIt is highly plausible that further outbreaks may prompt knee‐jerk reactions from public health departments and governing bodies to continue to restrict and lockdown facilities. Public health COVID‐19 outbreak policy for aged care across the globe will need to consider the benefits verses risk debate given the findings uncovered in this review. These findings showed that it is vital that policy considers quality‐of‐life domains not solely survival rates.
Characterization of hybrid larch somatic embryo maturation by biochemical analyses and by a novel, fast mid‐infrared approach
Authors: Savane Parisa , Belmokhtar Nassim , Delile Armelle , Boizot Nathalie , Ridel Céline , Lelu‐Walter Marie‐Anne , Teyssier Caroline 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThe morphology of somatic embryos (SE) is not a sufficient criterion to determine the level of maturation and the optimal stage to transfer embryos for germination, unlike the biochemical components. This composition characterization in the laboratory is too restrictive to be considered at each maturation cycle, as would be necessary. It is, therefore, essential to consider alternative methods. The objectives of this work were to achieve a complete biochemical characterization of the embryos during their development, to serve as a reference and develop a characterization based on infrared spectrometry and chemometrics. During the precotyledonary stage (0–3 weeks of maturation), water content and glucose and fructose levels were high, which is consistent with SE development. After 4 weeks, the cotyledonary SE had a metabolism oriented towards the storage accumulation of lipids, proteins and starch, whereas raffinose only appeared from 8 weeks. Mid‐infrared calibration models were developed for water, proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, glucose, fructose, inositols, raffinose, stachyose and starch contents with an r2 average of 0.84. A model was also developed to discriminate the weeks of SE maturation. Different classes of age were discriminated with at least 72% of accuracy. Infrared analysis of the SE based on their full biochemical spectral fingerprint revealed a very slight variation in composition between 7 and 9 weeks, information that is very difficult to obtain by conventional analysis methods. These results provide novel insights into the maturation of conifer SE and indicate that mid‐infrared spectrometry could be an easy and effective method for SE characterization.
Epileptic encephalopathy and amelogenesis imperfecta: What about KohlschüttereTönz syndrome? Case report and literature review
Authors: chalbi Manel , Nefzaoui Meriem , Rhaiem Miniar , boussaid Soumaya , chemli Mohamed ali 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackgroundKohlschüttereTönz syndrome (KTS), also called amelo‐cerebro‐hypohidrotic syndrome, is a very rare genetic condition, described for the first time by Kohlschutter, which typically manifests as a triad of symptoms: amelogenesis imperfecta, infantile onset epilepsy, and intellectual disability. 47 cases were reported in English language literature since 1974–2021.Case reportA 7‐year‐old girl was referred for dental evaluation. Oral examination revealed yellowish color of all the teeth due to enamel hypoplasia. The radiographic exam revealed a thin layer of enamel with decreased radiopacity of the enamel compared to that of dentin. The diagnosis of amelogenesis Imperfecta was established. In addition to that, the child's parents reported that she had spasticity, epileptic seizures and psychomotor developmental delay. The association of all these features leads us to conclude to KTS.ConclusionIt seems that numerous cases of KTS are still undiagnosed in the world, so this paper highlights the common clinical features of Kohlschütter‐Tönz Syndrome helping to an early diagnosis and more research about this condition.
Computed tomographic evaluation of pancreatic perfusion in 10 dogs with acute pancreatitis
Authors: von Stade Lauren , Rao Sangeeta , Marolf Angela J. 
Published: June 2023

AbstractSevere canine acute pancreatitis can be fatal; imaging features that can predict the clinical course of disease are useful for clinicians. On computed tomography (CT), both pancreatic heterogeneous contrast enhancement and portal vein thrombosis have been correlated with poorer outcome. Perfusion CT is used in human medicine to evaluate pancreatic microcirculation to predict the future development of severe sequela to pancreatitis; this technology has yet to be explored in dogs with acute pancreatitis. The objective of this prospective, case‐control study is to evaluate pancreatic perfusion using contrast‐enhanced CT in dogs with acute pancreatitis and compare it with previously established values obtained in healthy dogs. Ten client‐owned dogs preliminarily diagnosed with acute pancreatitis received a full abdominal ultrasound, specific canine pancreatic lipase (Spec cPL), and perfusion CT. Computer software calculated pancreatic perfusion, peak enhancement index, time to peak enhancement, and blood volume for 3‐mm and reformatted 6‐mm slices. The data was analyzed using Shapiro–Wilk test, linear mixed model, and Spearman's rho. Values for 3‐mm slices were similar to 6‐mm slices (all P < 0.05). Dogs with acute pancreatitis had a faster time to peak enhancement than healthy dogs (P = 0.04–0.06). Dogs with acute pancreatitis and homogeneous pancreatic enhancement had higher perfusion, faster time to peak enhancement, and greater blood volume compared to healthy dogs and dogs with acute pancreatitis and heterogeneous pancreatic enhancement (all P = / < 0.05). Pancreatic perfusion decreased with increased pancreatitis severity. No correlation was identified between Spec cPL and pancreatic perfusion (all P > 0.05). These findings preliminarily support perfusion CT in dogs with acute pancreatitis.
Prophage identification and molecular analysis in the genomes of
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
strains isolated from critical care patients
Authors: González de Aledo Manuel , Blasco Lucia , Lopez Maria , Ortiz-Cartagena Concha , Bleriot Inés , Pacios Olga , Hernández-García Marta , Cantón Rafael , Tomas Maria 
Published: June 2023

ABSTRACT

Prophages are bacteriophages integrated into the bacterial host’s chromosome. This research aims to analyze and characterize the existing prophages within a collection of 53
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
strains from intensive care units (ICUs) in Portugal and Spain. A total of 113 prophages were localized in the collection, with 18 of them being present in more than one strain simultaneously. After annotation, five of them were discarded as incomplete, and the 13 remaining prophages were characterized. Of 13, 10 belonged to the siphovirus tail morphology group, 2 to the podovirus tail morphology group, and 1 to the myovirus tail morphology group. All prophages had a length ranging from 20,199 to 63,401 bp and a GC% between 56.2% and 63.6%. The number of open reading frames (ORFs) oscillated between 32 and 88, and in 3/13 prophages, more than 50% of the ORFs had an unknown function. With our findings, we show that prophages are present in the majority of the
P. aeruginosa
strains isolated from Portuguese and Spanish critically ill patients, many of them found in more than one circulating strain at the same time and following a similar clonal distribution pattern. Although a great sum of ORFs had an unknown function, number of proteins in relation to viral defense (anti-CRISPR proteins, toxin/antitoxin modules, proteins against restriction-modification systems) as well as to prophage interference into their host’s quorum sensing system and regulatory cascades were found. This supports the idea that prophages have an influence in bacterial pathogenesis and anti-phage defense.

IMPORTANCE

Despite being known for decades, prophages remain understudied when compared to the lytic phages employed in phage therapy. This research aims to shed some light into the nature, composition, and role of prophages found within a set of circulating strains of
Pseudomas aeruginosa
, with special attention to high-risk clones. Given the fact that prophages can effectively influence bacterial pathogenesis, prophage basic research constitutes a topic of growing interest. Furthermore, the abundance of viral defense and regulatory proteins within prophage genomes detected in this study evidences the importance of characterizing the most frequent prophages in circulating clinical strains and in high-risk clones if phage therapy is to be used.
Switch from intravenous-to-oral antibiotics in neonatal probable and proven early-onset infection: a prospective population-based real-life multicentre cohort study
Authors: Malchau Carlsen Emma Louise , Dungu Kia Hee Schultz , Lewis Anna , Vissing Nadja Hawwa , Aunsholt Lise , Trautner Simon , Stanchev Hristo , Dayani Gholamreza Krog , Pedersen Anne-Janet L , Bjerager Mia , De Salas Maria , Vestergaard Kristian , Pedersen Pernille , Frimodt-Møller Niels , Greisen Gorm , Hansen Bo Mølholm , Nygaard Ulrikka 
Published: June 2023

ObjectiveTo evaluate the implementation of switch from intravenous-to-oral antibiotic therapy with amoxicillin in neonates with early-onset infection (EOI).Design, setting and patientsA population-based multicentre cohort study. All term-born neonates with EOI were prospectively included between 1 December 2018 to 30 November 2020.InterventionIntravenous-to-oral switch antibiotic therapy in clinically stable neonates.Main outcome measuresThe primary outcome was readmission due to infection. Secondary outcomes were days of hospitalisation and antibiotic use in the pre-implementation versus post implementation period.ResultsDuring 2 years, 835 neonates commenced antibiotics for EOI (1.5% (95% CI 1.4% to 1.6%)) of all term live births). Of those, 554 (66%) underwent a full course of treatment. There were 23 episodes of culture-proven infection (0.42 per 1000 term live births (95% CI 0.27 to 0.63)). A total of 478 of 531 (90%) neonates with probable infection underwent switch therapy. None was readmitted due to infection. The median duration of hospitalisation was 3.0 days (IQR 2.5–3.5) and 7.4 days (IQR 7.0–7.5) in the switch and intravenous therapy groups, respectively. According to antibiotic surveillance data, 1.2% underwent a full course of treatment following implementation of oral switch therapy (2019–2020), compared with 1.2% before (2017–2018).ConclusionIn clinical practice, switch therapy was safe and used in 9 of 10 neonates with probable EOI. Knowledge of the safety of antibiotic de-escalation is important as home-based oral therapy ameliorates the treatment burden for neonates, caregivers and healthcare systems. Despite the ease of oral administration, implementation of switch therapy did not increase the overall use of antibiotics.
Utilisation of services along the continuum of maternal healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic in Lubumbashi, DRC: findings from a cross-sectional household survey of women
Authors: Galle Anna , Kavira Gladys , Semaan Aline , Malonga Kaj Françoise , Benova Lenka , Ntambue Abel 
Published: June 2023

ObjectivesThe continuum of maternal care along antenatal (ANC), intrapartum and postnatal care (PNC) is fundamental for protecting women’s and newborns’ health. The COVID-19 pandemic interrupted the provision and use of these essential services globally. This study examines maternal healthcare utilisation along the continuum during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).DesignThis is a cross-sectional study using data collected on a survey of 599 households in Lubumbashi, DRC, using stratified random sampling.ParticipantsWe included 604 women (15–49 years) who were pregnant between March 2020 and May 2021.Outcome measuresA structured interview involved questions on sociodemographic characteristics, attitudes regarding COVID-19 and maternal service use and cost. Complete continuum of care was defined as receiving ANC 4+ consultations, skilled birth attendance and at least one PNC check for both mother and newborn. Data were analysed in SPSS using descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression.ResultsOne-third (36%) of women who gave birth during the COVID-19 pandemic completed the continuum of maternal healthcare. Factors significantly associated with completing the continuum included higher education (aOR=2.6; p<0.001) and positive attitude towards the COVID-19 vaccination (aOR=1.9; p=0.04). Reasons for not seeking maternal care included lack of money and avoiding COVID-19 vaccination.ConclusionDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, maternal healthcare seeking behaviours were shaped by vaccine hesitancy and care unaffordability in Lubumbashi. Addressing the high cost of maternal healthcare and vaccine hesitancy appear essential to improve access to maternal healthcare.
Engagement with regular asymptomatic COVID-19 testing in young people in North West England: a qualitative focus group study
Authors: Thorpe Lisa , Carter Holly , Robin Charlotte 
Published: June 2023

ObjectivesCommunities in North West England had some of the highest incidence of COVID-19, particularly in their younger populations. Test kits were provided to young people in Blackburn with Darwen to encourage regular testing and reduce COVID-19 transmission. The aim of this study was to identify barriers and facilitators to engaging in regular asymptomatic testing in young people.DesignFocus groups.SettingYoung people and parents of school-aged children in North West England.Participants14 participants aged 12–15 years, 13 participants aged 16–25 years and 9 participants who were parents of school-aged children.ResultsSix focus groups (36 participants) were conducted. Analysis identified young people were not against testing and many wanted to test to protect others; however, they felt their needs were not met when they were seeking information on the importance of testing and accessing tests. Young people also felt they wanted more autonomy to make decisions and access tests themselves, without having to rely on parents. Language barriers and challenges with the testing process, particularly reporting the results, were also identified as barriers for parents and young people. Parents were reluctant to test in the absence of symptoms and also noted that young people were very adaptable and testing became more acceptable to them as the pandemic progressed.ConclusionsTailored messaging for young people would help this group engage in regular testing and feel part of the COVID-19 response. Regular testing is not currently required in England, however, it is important to understand barriers to engaging in testing for young people, as testing may be reintroduced in response to this or future pandemics.