bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Relative activity of 15 bacterial strains against the larvae of Helicoverpa armigera, Spodoptera exigua, and Spodoptera litura (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Authors: Cao Sheng-Kai , Du Xing-Xing , Chen Gong , Zeng Ai-Ping , Yu Huan 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Crystal toxins produced by different strains of entomopathogenic Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) have been characterized and widely applied as commercial biological pesticides owing to their excellent insecticidal properties. This study aimed to identify novel bacterial strains effective in controlling Spodoptera exigua Hübner, Helicoverpa armigera Hübner, and Spodoptera litura Fabricius. Fifteen culturable bacterial strains were isolated from 60 dead larvae (H. armigera and S. exigua) collected in the field. The biochemical characteristics and 16S rRNA sequences of these strains indicated that one strain (B7) was Lysinibacillus sp., 12 strains (B1, B3, B4, B5, B6, B8, P2, P3, P4, P5, P6, and DW) were Bt kurstaki, and P2-2 and B2 were Bacillus velezensis subsp. Laboratory bioassays indicated that strains B3, P6, B6, and P4 showed high toxicity to second-instar larvae of S. exigua, with LC50 values of 5.11, 6.74, 205.82, and 595.93 µg/ml, respectively; while the strains P5, B5, B6, and P6, were the most efficient against second-instar larvae of H. armigera with LC50 values of 725.82, 11,022.72, 1,282.90, 2,005.28, respectively, and strains DW, P3, P2, and B4 had high insecticidal activity against second-instar larvae of S. litura with LC50 values of 576.69, 1,660.96, 6,309.42, and 5,486.10 µg/ml, respectively. In conclusion, several Bt kurstaki strains with good toxicity potential were isolated and identified in this study. These strains are expected to be useful for biointensive integrated pest management programs to reduce the use of synthetic insecticides.
The safety and utility of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound for effective blood–brain barrier penetration in the treatment of glioblastoma: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Ayantayo Temitayo , Emhemed Marwa S A , Nabin Asadur R , Murhega Roméo B , Eltingary Mazin M , Naeem Ahmed , Mugenyi Nathan , Ibekwe Jonas L , Akano Lordstrong , Mustapha Mubarak J , Maroo Bhavya R , Abongha Gobti B , Dossou Mèhomè W , Agada Nicaise K , Bankole Nourou D A , Kyaruzi Victor M 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is one of the most aggressive central nervous system tumours with suboptimal treatment options and associated poor prognosis. A major impediment to systemic treatment is the limitation of drug delivery to the tumour by the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Several novel techniques to permeate the BBB have been described, however of significant promise is the disruption of the blood brain barrier with low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPU) to facilitate the delivery of varying therapeutic agents. This emerging technique has been demonstrated in clinical studies to enhance delivery of chemotherapeutic agents to the tumour. This study protocol seeks to guide the comprehensive review of literature concerning the safety and utility of LIPU for effective BBB penetration in the treatment of GBM. This protocol follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA ScR) guideline 2020. The search strategy was performed on four databases: PubMed, EMBASE, SCOPUS, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. All observational and human randomised controlled studies describing the use of LIPU in the treatment of GBM will be included. Excluded studies include non-human randomized control trials, abstract only articles, letters to the editor, conference proceedings. Our outcomes include frequency of LIPU used, duration of intervention, clinical outcomes, complications, and challenges associated with the use of LIPU. This study aims to assess the safety and feasibility of this technique in the management of the GBM and proscribe its use if found effective to improve the outcomes in these patients.
Women's Group Treatment for Substance Use Disorder
Authors: Epstein Elizabeth E. , McCrady Barbara S. 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Women’s Group Treatment for Substance Use Disorder: Evidence-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy—Therapist Guide is a session-by-session treatment manual for therapists to use in group or individual therapy to treat women with alcohol use disorder (AUD) and other substance use disorders (SUDs) in outpatient or inpatient settings. The manual addresses the unique problems and treatment needs of women with AUD and SUD and is based on scientific evidence accumulated over 25 years. The manual provides step-by-step guidance to deliver each session, sample dialogue, informational handouts, and worksheets, and is designed to be used with the corresponding Client Workbook. This cognitive behavioral motivational enhancement program covers 12 weekly sessions to help women to become abstinent, to prevent relapse to drinking or drug use, and to improve their quality of life. Step-by-step instructions are provided for addressing behaviors around drinking and drug use and for improving general coping skills such as problem-solving, assertiveness training, wellness behaviors, and communication training. Additional female-specific interventions include enhancing clients’ social network support; building healthy, supportive relationships; and alleviating depression, anxiety and trauma symptoms.
Clinical and Group Management Issues in Women’s CBT Group for SUD
Authors: Epstein Elizabeth E. , McCrady Barbara S. 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
This chapter covers clinical and group management issues that are important for therapists to understand. Specific issues discussed in this chapter include handling clients’ ambivalence about change, enhancing clients’ motivation to change, setting goals, and dealing with clients who continue to drink or use drugs. Information is provided about how therapists should deal with comorbid psychological and psychiatric issues such as depression, anxiety, trauma, and suicidality. Other topics covered are physiological symptoms of withdrawal from drugs or alcohol, intimate partner violence, parenting concerns, and how to handle clients who arrive to treatment intoxicated or high. Suggestions are given for managing the group (managing time, managing group members, hybrid coping skills, and supportive group process).
Session 1: Orientation, Daily Monitoring, and Abstinence Plans
Authors: Epstein Elizabeth E. , McCrady Barbara S. 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Session 1 of the Therapist Guide explains how to deliver the treatment as a closed or open group, and introduces optional graphing to monitor client progress. At the start of the session, the therapist facilitates introductions, distributes client workbooks, reviews treatment requirements, and presents an overview and rationale for the treatment. Psychoeducation is provided about women and substance use and about alcohol and drugs. The therapist presents personalized feedback to each client about her pre-treatment substance use pattern, amounts, normative data, and consequences of use. Daily self-monitoring to identify cravings, triggers, and substance use is introduced. An abstinence plan is developed with each client. In every session, clients learn how to identify high-risk situations likely to occur in the upcoming week and brainstorm strategies to cope without using alcohol or drugs. Informational handouts and practice worksheets are used. Homework is assigned.
Session 4: Enhancing Motivation to Change and Increasing Positive Consequences of Abstinence
Authors: Epstein Elizabeth E. , McCrady Barbara S. 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Session 4 provides an overview of some motivational interviewing techniques for the therapist. In this session the clients will use a decisional matrix to evaluate the pros and cons of continuing or stopping their drinking or drug use. This is done in a personalized way for each client, with identification of clients’ values as a guide to their own pros and cons. Coping skills are introduced to increase the salience of positive consequences of abstinence and negative consequences of use. The group brainstorms positive alternatives that can replace alcohol/drug use to help make abstinence and recovery rewarding, thus reducing the risk of relapse. As in every session, new skills are taught in a client-centered way and the therapist encourages supportive and constructive interaction and shared wisdom among the group members.
Session 12: Relapse Prevention II, Maintenance Planning
Authors: Epstein Elizabeth E. , McCrady Barbara S. 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Session 12 provides psychoeducation on slips, relapses, relapse prevention, and long-term maintenance of recovery from alcohol use disorder and substance use disorder. The therapist teaches women how to identify and respond to warning signs of a slip or relapse to alcohol or drug use, and how to handle slips or relapses if they do occur. Clients are helped to develop a relapse contract so they have a plan for relapse prevention and management of slips or relapses. As in every session, women-relevant vignettes and sample worksheets are provided. As in every session, prior skills are carried forward, each client’s abstinence plan is monitored, routine interventions are delivered, and group support is encouraged.
Session 5: Well-Being and Self-Care
Authors: Epstein Elizabeth E. , McCrady Barbara S. 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Session 5 of the treatment program teaches psychological self-care via exercises that focus on identifying and replacing self-critical shame-based thoughts with self-compassion thoughts. For behavioral self-care habits, clients will learn to identify and track healthy behaviors they want to do more, as well as a more satisfying balance in life by examining their balance between “wants” and “shoulds.” These changes are designed to help clients enjoy sobriety, support and reward abstinence, and eliminate shame-based triggers to drink or use drugs. At the end of the session clients will identify upcoming high-risk situations and develop plans to cope without using alcohol or drugs. The therapist also will review homework for the upcoming week.
Session 6: Identifying Anxiety, Depression, Trauma; Coping with Cravings
Authors: Epstein Elizabeth E. , McCrady Barbara S. 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Session 6 is the first of two sessions to help clients learn about, identify, and cope with symptoms of anxiety, depression, and trauma, because these are common mental health issues among women. Clients will also learn about the relationship between mood and alcohol/drug use and how they affect each other. Even clients who do not suffer from a full-blown disorder related to depression, anxiety, or trauma can benefit from identifying and understanding types of negative or distressing feelings. Clients will also learn more about what cravings to drink/use drugs are, what they mean, and how to identify them, and will develop strategies to handle cravings without drinking or using drugs. At the end of the session clients will identify upcoming high-risk situations and develop plans to cope without using alcohol or drugs. The therapist also will review homework for the upcoming week.
Session 7: Affect and Mood Management
Authors: Epstein Elizabeth E. , McCrady Barbara S. 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Session 7 expands on material from Session 6 and teaches clients about the relationship between their “automatic thoughts” and feelings. It lists different types of thoughts that are not usually helpful because they tend to aggravate bad moods; sometimes these types of thoughts are called “thinking errors.” Clients will learn to identify unhelpful thoughts and how these thoughts make them feel, and to cope with these thoughts by challenging and replacing them with more helpful thoughts, or by stepping back and letting them go using acceptance and mindfulness strategies. Clients will recognize and track unhelpful automatic thoughts going forward. They will also learn additional strategies to de-stress and to regulate strong negative emotions. At the end of the session clients will identify upcoming high-risk situations and develop plans to cope without using alcohol or drugs. the therapist also will review homework for the upcoming week.
Can Informal Providers Be Trained to Provide Good Quality Care?
Authors: Shefa Sikder Shegufta 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Healthcare providers without formal medical qualifications provide care in many rural and resource-denied areas. Although some advocate closing off access to these informal providers due to safety and ethical concerns, this study looks at whether training these informal providers may be one way to improve access to care and the quality of care where few alternatives exist. This randomized controlled trial assessed a program that provided 72 sessions of training over 9 months to informal providers. The study found that training informal providers increased correct case management rates, and the authors posit that this may offer a short-term strategy to improve healthcare outcomes and access.
A Participatory Intervention with Women’s Groups for Reducing Neonatal Mortality and Maternal Depression
Authors: Raithatha Shyamsundar J. 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
The states of Jharkhand and Odisha in India are home to a large percentage of indigenous (Adivasi) population. This population remains underserved, with high rates of unemployment, low literacy, and comparatively poor health indicators. Neonatal mortality still remains a concern, and high rates of maternal depression have been documented. This study shows that a community intervention, the participatory learning and action cycle (PLA), for addressing health problems resulted in a 32% reduction in the odds of neonatal mortality largely by improvements in home–care practices during delivery. This study was included as a result of the staggering reduction in neonatal mortality, and it is possible that the use of this method can be extrapolated to address other health problems at a community level.
A Case Management Strategy for Treating Childhood Pneumonia in a Community Setting?
Authors: Werdenberg Jennifer 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Acute respiratory infections are one of the commonest causes of childhood mortality globally. This meta-analysis looks at the efficacy of utilizing a case-management strategy to decrease infant and under-5 mortality due to pneumonia. As a result of this intervention, infant mortality overall rate reduction was 15.9% (95% CI 10.6–21.1) deaths/1000 live births, and mortality rate in children under 5 decreased by 36 deaths/1000 live births. Case-management of pneumonia, typically combined with the simultaneous targeting of interventions for other leading causes of childhood mortality, continues to be an important healthy delivery strategy.
Does Home-Based Neonatal Care of Sepsis Improve Neonatal Mortality?
Authors: Lusk Rachel 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
The neonatal mortality rate is significantly higher in developing nations where most neonates are born at home and may not be brought to the hospital for care when ill, either due to traditional beliefs, hesitancy to go to the hospital, or barriers in accessing hospital-level care. In an attempt to bridge this gap, this study looks at the use of community health workers to provide education and home-based neonatal care, including management of sepsis for those who refuse hospital care. As a result, the neonatal mortality rates in rural India were reduced from 59.6 per 1000 live births in the control group to 25.5 in the intervention group by year 3 of the intervention period. This study raises ethical concerns.
Gender Disparity and Heart Diseases in South Africa
Authors: Kole Abhisake 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Evidence shows a disparity between cardiovascular disease (CVD) and outcomes in men vs. women. Studies from high-income countries (HICs) show that women with CVD were less likely to be prescribed statins or aspirin, and mortality after myocardial infarction is higher in women. This study looked at CVD risk factor distribution by gender, and found that women had a disproportionately higher rate of CVD. Additionally, 55.8% of men had 3 or more risk factors for CVD under control, compared to only 34.2% of women. This chapter was included because it demonstrates that sex is an important social determinant of health globally.
Can Social Interventions Prevent Tuberculosis?
Authors: Tate Erica 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Associations have been drawn between social factors such as adequate nutrition and the incidence of tuberculosis (TB) disease progression. The original Papworth experiment analyzed the incidence rates of TB infection, disease, and death in 315 children living in the Papworth Village Settlement during 1918–1935. The Village provided various social interventions such as stable employment, housing, medical supervision, and nutrition during the pre-chemotherapy and pre-Bacillus Clamette Guerin (BCG) era. This study reanalyzed data from the Papworth experiment and shows the importance of social factors, such as housing, nutrition, and access to medical care, in decreasing TB disease and death rates in close contact with household members.
Socioeconomic Status and Heart Disease
Authors: Bradke Amanda 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
The original Whitehall study demonstrated an inverse association between mortality rates and social class by stratifying coronary heart disease (CHD) deaths by employment grade among a cohort of British civil service office workers. Importantly, these differences were only partially explained by well-established heart health risk factors, such as smoking and obesity. Whitehall II thus aimed to investigate additional causes of these observed differences by using a similar, but more contemporary population that included women. The study found an inverse relationship between employment grade and prevalence of angina, EKG evidence of ischemia, and symptoms of chronic bronchitis. Persons in lower-status jobs had worse self-perceived health status with less feeling of control over their health, some increased health-risk behaviors, lower economic status, and worse scores regarding social circumstances at work and social supports. When similar populations were compared, there was no diminishing difference in morbidity over the 20 years between the two studies.
Azithromycin to Reduce Childhood Mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Ue Frances 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Results from another study incidentally showed that mass administration of azithromycin for trachoma (the world’s leading cause of preventable blindness of infectious origin) may reduce childhood mortality. The authors of this study looked to verify this, giving children in the intervention group oral azithromycin twice a year for 2 years. Childhood mortality was 13.5% lower in communities in the azithromycin group than in the placebo group. However, there was also an increase in macrolide-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae in the azithromycin group. This study was included due to the ethical considerations it raises in performing mass administration of an important drug.
Prevention of HIV
Authors: Wong Lena 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is the prevention of choice for people at “substantial risk” of HIV infection. This trial not only randomized serodiscordant heterosexual couples to pre-exposure prophylaxis, but also gave all participants HIV-1 testing with counseling, risk-reduction counseling, screening and treatment for sexually transmitted infections, free condoms, and referral for male circumcision and post-exposure prophylaxis according to national policies. This trial found an overall relative reduction in HIV acquisition of 67% with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) alone and 75% with tenofovir/emtricitabine (TDF/FTC) compared with placebo. This shows that pre-exposure prophylaxis is an effective way to prevent HIV transmission among heterosexual partners.
When to Start HIV Treatment? A Global Question
Authors: Goldman Robin , Constant Georgery 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
With advances in treatment, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) can be managed as a chronic disease. However, prior to 2015, there was little data about the timing of starting antiretroviral therapy (ART) for patients with CD4+ counts &gt;500 cells per cubic millimeter. The START trial randomized patients into immediate initiation of ART at diagnosis or deferred initiation of ART until CD4+ counts were less than 350 cells/mm3, or the patient developed an AIDS-defining condition or another condition requiring the initiation of treatment. The primary endpoint of the study was a composite of HIV-related illness, other illness, and mortality. The trial was stopped early based on interim analyses with the conclusion that immediate initiation of antiretroviral combination therapy for persons diagnosed with HIV, regardless of CD4+ count, provided benefits in terms of health outcomes.
Safety and Efficacy of Sulfamethoxazole/Trimethoprim Chemoprophylaxis for Pneumocystis carinii Pneumonia in AIDS
Authors: Shipton Linda 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
The safety and efficacy of sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim for the prevention of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia in patients with AIDS were evaluated. Sixty patients with AIDS-associated Kaposi’s sarcoma but no history of other opportunistic infections were included in the study. Antiretroviral therapy was not available at the time of this study. Half received sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim preventive therapy and another half did not. None of the patients in the sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim group developed Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia compared to 53% in the control group. While death from opportunistic infections was high in both groups, the mean length of survival was longer and the proportion of patients alive at the end of the study was greater in the trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole group. Side effects of the trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole were common.
Impact of Improved Treatment of Sexually Transmitted Diseases on HIV Infection in Rural Tanzania
Authors: Sautter Casey , Shields Ryan , Hakizimana Sadoscar 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Community-based preventive health interventions have been advocated by organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) since the 1980s; however, the efficacy of the recommendations had never been studied in randomized controlled trials. This is the first randomized trial to demonstrate an impact of a preventive intervention on HIV incidence in the general population living in areas with high prevalence of STD co-infection. The authors show that protocolized syndromic STD treatment reduced HIV incidence by about 40% in a rural population.
Artesunate versus Quinine for Severe Falciparum Malaria
Authors: Baidya Anurima 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Plasmodium falciparum is one of the deadliest species of Plasmodium that causes malaria in humans and is responsible for approximately 50% of all malaria infections. This multi-center, open-label, randomized trial determined that parenteral artesunate effectively reduces mortality by 7% compared with quinine (15% vs. 22% for artesunate and quinine, respectively) and should become the treatment of choice for severe P. falciparum malaria cases in adults. The findings from this study underpinned the inclusion of parenteral artesunate as an effective regimen for the treatment of severe malaria globally.