bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Protocol for an automated, pragmatic, embedded, adaptive randomised controlled trial: behavioural economics-informed mobile phone-based reminder messages to improve clinic attendance in a Botswanan school-based vision screening programme
Authors: Allen Luke N , Ratshaa Bakgaki , Macleod David , Bolster Nigel , Burton Matthew , Kim Min , Bastawrous Andrew , Ho-Foster Ari , Chroston Hannah , Nkomazana Oathokwa 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Background
Clinic non-attendance rates are high across the African continent. Emerging evidence suggests that phone-based reminder messages could make a small but important contribution to reducing non-attendance. We will use behavioural economics principles to develop an SMS and voice reminder message to improve attendance rates in a school-based eye screening programme in Botswana.

Methods
We will test a new theory-informed SMS and voice reminder message in a national school-based eye screening programme in Botswana. The control will be the standard SMS message used to remind parents/guardians to bring their child for ophthalmic assessment. All messages will be sent twice. The primary outcome is attendance for ophthalmic assessment. We will use an automated adaptive approach, starting with a 1:1 allocation ratio.

Discussion
As far as we are aware, only one other study has used behavioural economics to inform the development of reminder messages to be deployed in an African healthcare setting. Our study will use an adaptive trial design, embedded in a national screening programme. Our approach can be used to trial other forms of reminder message in the future.

Trial registration
ISRCTN https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN96528723. Registered on 5 January 2022.
Prevention and early treatment of the long-term physical effects of COVID-19 in adults: design of a randomised controlled trial of resistance exercise—CISCO-21
Authors: Morrow A. , Gray Stuart R. , Bayes H. K. , Sykes R. , McGarry E. , Anderson D. , Boiskin D. , Burke C. , Cleland J. G. F. , Goodyear C. , Ibbotson T. , Lang C. C. , McConnachie  , Mair F. , Mangion K. , Patel M. , Sattar N. , Taggart D. , Taylor R. , Dawkes S. , Berry C. 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Background
Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) infection causes persistent health problems such as breathlessness, chest pain and fatigue, and therapies for the prevention and early treatment of post-COVID-19 syndromes are needed. Accordingly, we are investigating the effect of a resistance exercise intervention on exercise capacity and health status following COVID-19 infection.

Methods
A two-arm randomised, controlled clinical trial including 220 adults with a diagnosis of COVID-19 in the preceding 6 months. Participants will be classified according to clinical presentation: Group A, not hospitalised due to COVID but persisting symptoms for at least 4 weeks leading to medical review; Group B, discharged after an admission for COVID and with persistent symptoms for at least 4 weeks; or Group C, convalescing in hospital after an admission for COVID.
Participants will be randomised to usual care or usual care plus a personalised and pragmatic resistance exercise intervention for 12 weeks. The primary outcome is the incremental shuttle walks test (ISWT) 3 months after randomisation with secondary outcomes including spirometry, grip strength, short performance physical battery (SPPB), frailty status, contacts with healthcare professionals, hospitalisation and questionnaires assessing health-related quality of life, physical activity, fatigue and dyspnoea.

Discussion
Ethical approval has been granted by the National Health Service (NHS) West of Scotland Research Ethics Committee (REC) (reference: GN20CA537) and recruitment is ongoing. Trial findings will be disseminated through patient and public forums, scientific conferences and journals.

Trial registration
ClinicialTrials.gov NCT04900961. Prospectively registered on 25 May 2021
Construction of a domestic wastewater disinfection filter from biosynthesized and commercial nanosilver: a comparative study
Authors: Taher Heba S. , Sayed Rania , Loutfi Asmaa , Abdulla Hesham 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Purpose
Biosynthesis of nanoparticles is an eco-friendly process and considered one of the most significant aspects of nanotechnology. Silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) have a better bactericidal activity due to its high surface area to volume ratio. In this paper, Streptomyces sp. U13 (KP109813) was used to biosynthesize silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) to construct wastewater disinfection filter.

Methods
The biosynthesized nanosilver and a commercially available ink nanosilver were characterized, and their wastewater disinfection efficiency was compared. The nanometrological characteristics of both nanosilver such as structure, shape, and size were investigated using the X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HR-TEM), and UV-visible spectroscopy.

Result
The results revealed that the biosynthesized and ink Ag NPs were well dispersed and had a spherical shape, with sizes ranged from 5 to 37 nm and from 2 to 26 nm, respectively. To examine the disinfection capabilities, Ag NPs were loaded on two substrates, foam and limestone gravel, and packed into a glass column receiving domestic wastewater. Results showed that Ag NPs attached to limestone gravel eliminate 100% of the coliform bacteria better than foam. Comparing to control columns (without silver), only 50 and 10% reduction of the total coliform in gravel and foam column were achieved, respectively.

Conclusion
This work concluded that the type of substrate controls the amount of Ag NPs loaded on it and thus controls the disinfection process. No significant difference between biosynthesized and ink nanosilver in wastewater disinfection was observed. Using limestone gravel filter loaded with 200 mg/l Ag NPs with contact time of 150 min achieves a complete eradication of coliform bacteria.
A pattern of livestock depredation by snow leopard to the yak herding pastoralist in western Bhutan
Authors: Dorji Phub , Powrel Reta Bahadur 
Published: August 2022

AbstractThe pastoralists co-exist with wild predators and livestock depredation by predators causes an immense impact on the livelihood of the herders and instigates a negative attitude towards the conservation of these wild predators. Yak herders in western Bhutan move from place to place for herding on pasture and they face challenges with livestock predation by top predators like snow leopard (Panthera uncia) and dhole (Cuon aplinus). To investigate patterns of livestock depredation by the snow leopard and determine the attitude of herders towards snow leopard conservation, we conducted a household interview with all 56 itinerant yak herders in the west of Bhutan. Each herd was keeping a mean of 84 (± 29) yaks per herd. Yaks were mainly kept for milk and bulls for breeding and bullocks for meat to sustain their family livelihood. Predation of livestock by predators (42.9%) was among the top problems faced by the yak herders. A total of 398 yaks were lost to snow leopards (78.86%) followed by dhole (18.3%), Himalayan black bear (Ursus thibetanus) (2.7%), and common leopard (Panthera pardus) (0.2%) in the past 5 years (2015–2019). The majority (87.22.8%) of the kills by snow leopards were young yak and most (60.5%) kills were recorded during summer. Snow leopards are considered harmful (73.2%), and herders (71.1%) are not in favour of snow leopard conservation. Herders’ conflict with snow leopards is severe in the current study site, and we recommend social development for conservation programmes like livelihood alternatives for the herders, compensation and insurance schemes, and conservation awareness programmes for the yak herders as an intervention to create harmonic co-existence between the yak herder and the snow leopard.
Mechanical Properties and Microstructure of Basalt Fiber Reinforced Concrete Under the Single-Side Salt-Freezing–Drying–Wetting Cycles
Authors: Zeng Hao , Zhang Jin , Li Yang , Su Xin , Gu CongZhi , Zhang Kai 
Published: August 2022

AbstractIn the past, the salt freezing test does not often accord with the actual service environment of engineering, thus, we designed a test method of single-side salt-freezing–drying–wetting cycles. The mechanical properties and microstructure of ordinary concrete and basalt fiber reinforced concrete were studied. The mechanical property test is aimed at the splitting tensile strength and compressive strength of concrete after different cycles. The microstructure test is to study the hydration products by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and the pore structure of concrete by mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) test. The results indicate that the addition of basalt fiber can improve the compactness and pore structure of concrete. It is beneficial to enhance the durability of concrete under single-side salt-freezing–drying–wetting cycles. The improving effect of basalt fiber is better on the splitting tensile strength of concrete than the compressive strength. Basalt fiber exerts the best effect on reducing harmful holes in concrete. However, there is an optimal range of basalt fiber content, the performance of concrete will deteriorate with excessive fiber content. The cycles will destroy the hydration products of concrete and the synergistic effect between hydration products and fibers, but has little effect on the three-dimensional network constructed by basalt fibers. The pore structure of concrete is correlated with the mechanical properties of it under cyclic conditions, which is worth further study.
Microbial functional genes are driven by gradients in sediment stoichiometry, oxygen, and salinity across the Baltic benthic ecosystem
Authors: Broman Elias , Izabel-Shen Dandan , Rodríguez-Gijón Alejandro , Bonaglia Stefano , Garcia Sarahi L. , Nascimento Francisco J. A. 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Background
Microorganisms in the seafloor use a wide range of metabolic processes, which are coupled to the presence of functional genes within their genomes. Aquatic environments are heterogenous and often characterized by natural physiochemical gradients that structure these microbial communities potentially changing the diversity of functional genes and its associated metabolic processes. In this study, we investigated spatial variability and how environmental variables structure the diversity and composition of benthic functional genes and metabolic pathways across various fundamental environmental gradients. We analyzed metagenomic data from sediment samples, measured related abiotic data (e.g., salinity, oxygen and carbon content), covering 59 stations spanning 1,145 km across the Baltic Sea.

Results
The composition of genes and microbial communities were mainly structured by salinity plus oxygen, and the carbon to nitrogen (C:N) ratio for specific metabolic pathways related to nutrient transport and carbon metabolism. Multivariate analyses indicated that the compositional change in functional genes was more prominent across environmental gradients compared to changes in microbial taxonomy even at genus level, and indicate functional diversity adaptation to local environments. Oxygen deficient areas (i.e., dead zones) were more different in gene composition when compared to oxic sediments.

Conclusions
This study highlights how benthic functional genes are structured over spatial distances and by environmental gradients and resource availability, and suggests that changes in, e.g., oxygenation, salinity, and carbon plus nitrogen content will influence functional metabolic pathways in benthic habitats.
Perception of facing life's challenges in patients with spinal cord injury in Iran: a qualitative study
Authors: Mohammadi Fateme , Oshvandi Khodayar , Bijani Mostafa , Borzou Seyed Reza , khodaveisi Masoud , Masoumi Seyedeh Zahra 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Background
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is one of the most serious types of physical trauma and has become a major life-threatening condition in the recent decade. It is essential that the life perception and experiences of patients with SCI be studied and evaluated in different cultural contexts so that their needs and the challenges they face can be properly determined. The present study aims to explore the how patients with SCI in the south of Iran perceive facing life's challenges.

Methods
The present study is a qualitative research with a descriptive phenomenological design. Participants were identified through purposive sampling of patients with spinal cord injury admitted to two state hospitals affiliated with a university of medical sciences in western Iran. The researchers collected data using semi-structured, in-depth interviews with 25 SCI patients conducted between August and October 2021. Data was analyzed according to Colaizzi's method using MAXQDA v. 2007.

Results
Analysis of the data led to the emergence of three themes and nine sub-themes. The three main themes were emotional shock (crisis making and mental rumination, persistent depressive disorder, pitying behaviors, fear of the future), loss of dignity (poor self- care, sexual dysfunction, loss of job and educational status), and lack of effective support (lack of financial institutions and sponsors, lack of social support).

Conclusion
Patients with spinal cord injuries face various issues in their care and social lives. Attention to their psycho-emotional needs along with comprehensive health support play key roles in generating a sense of self efficacy and promoting the mental well-being and dignity of patients with spinal cord injuries. Accordingly, healthcare administrators and caregivers are recommended to provide more comprehensive health support to SCI patients to meet their needs more effectively.
Reduced Wheel Running via a High-Fat Diet Is Reversed by a Chow Diet with No Added Benefit from Fecal Microbial Transplants
Authors: LETSINGER AYLAND C. , YANG FANG , MENON RANI , LITTLE-LETSINGER SARAH E. , GRANADOS JORGE Z. , BREIDENBACH BRIANNE , IYER ANJUSHREE R. , PADOVANI TATIANA CASTRO , NAGEL EDWARD C. , JAYARAMAN ARUL , LIGHTFOOT J. TIMOTHY 
Published: August 2022

ABSTRACT

Purpose
Chronic overfeeding via a high-fat/high-sugar (HFHS) diet decreases wheel running and substantially alters the gut metabolome of C57BL/6J mice. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that fecal microbial transplants can modulate the effect of diet on wheel running.

Methods
Singly housed, 6-wk-old male C57BL/6J mice were fed either a grain-based diet (CHOW) or HFHS diet and provided a running wheel for 13 wk. Low-active, HFHS-exposed mice were then either switched to a CHOW diet and given an oral fecal microbial transplant from mice fed the CHOW diet, switched to a CHOW diet and given a sham transplant, or remained on the HFHS diet and given a fecal microbial transplant from mice fed the CHOW diet. Total wheel running, nutrient intake, body composition, fecal microbial composition, fecal metabolite composition, and liver steatosis were measured at various times throughout the study.

Results
We found that an HFHS diet decreases wheel running activity, increases body fat, and decreases microbial alpha diversity compared with a CHOW diet. Improvements in wheel running, body composition, and microbial alpha diversity were accomplished within 2 wk for mice switched from an HFHS diet to a CHOW diet with no clear evidence of an added benefit from fecal transplants. A fecal transplant from mice fed a CHOW diet without altering diet did not improve wheel running or body composition. Wheel running, body composition, fecal microbial composition, fecal metabolite composition, and liver steatosis percentage were primarily determined by diet.

Conclusions
Our results suggest that diet is a primary mediator of wheel running with no clear effect from fecal microbial transplants.
Providing bilingual COVID-19 educational material for the border region during the pandemic
Authors: Nagineni Lokesh , Kichena Shravya , Bateman Emily , Takigawa Kei , Holland Nathan , Perry Cynthia , Hogg Tanis , Cervantes Jorge , Delarosa Jose Manuel , Longhurst Melanie , Janssen Herb , Pfarr Curt , Manglik Niti , Ayoubieh Houriya , Chacon Jessica 
Published: August 2022

Background: Studies show that the introduction of early public health interventions correlates with decreased rates of transmission and reductions in mortality resulting from epidemic or pandemic events. Methods: Medical educators and students from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso created the El Paso-Health Education and Awareness Team (EP-HEAT) to educate at-risk populations in the border region. The English and Spanish material created by EP-HEAT included information about disease symptoms, transmission, preventive measures and mental health resources. An online, anonymous survey was distributed to attendees to obtain feedback on the provided coronavirus disease (COVID-19) educational material. Results: The results showed that over 90% of participants agreed that the informational pamphlets increased their awareness and knowledge of COVID-19. Conclusions: In this study, educators and students created COVID-19-related material in virtual workshops and pamphlets, designed to increase knowledge about COVID-19, mitigate the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and how to address mental health issues related to the pandemic. A majority of participants agreed or strongly agreed that the COVID-19 material developed by EP-HEAT helped raise awareness, understanding, and the importance of education about SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19.
Parent-mediated play‐based interventions to improve social communication and language skills of preschool autistic children: A systematic review and meta-analysis protocol
Authors: Deniz Emre , Francis Gill , Torgerson Carole , Toseeb Umar 
Published: August 2022

Early years interventions have shown to be effective in improving the social communication and language skills of autistic children. Therefore, various play-based interventions have been developed to support those developmental areas of autistic children. Although researchers have previously reported the overall effectiveness of different types of play-based interventions on the social communication and language skills of autistic children, no previous systematic reviews have yet evaluated the effectiveness of parent-mediated play-based interventions in preschool autistic children. The overarching aims of the study will be to (i) report the key characteristics and (ii) synthesise the results of studies evaluating parent-mediated play-based interventions targeting the social communication and language skills of preschool autistic children using experimental designs. A comprehensive search for and screening of the relevant studies published between 2000 and 2021 will be undertaken. To be included, studies will have to (i) use either a randomised control trial or quasi-experimental design, (ii) focus on preschool autistic children aged six years old or younger, (iii) deliver a play-based intervention in non-educational settings, and (iv) include at least one parent as the mediator of the intervention. Data extraction of all included studies will be undertaken using a specially devised template and they will also be assessed for risk of bias using an adapted form from the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. The overall characteristics of the included studies will be reported and a narrative synthesis of the results of the included studies will be undertaken. A meta-analysis may be performed (if justified) to report the pooled effect size of the parent-mediated play-based interventions on the social communication and language skills of preschool autistic children.
Trial registration: The current study protocol was pre-registered with the international prospective register of systematic reviews (PROSPERO: CRD42022302220).
STIMULATE-ICP-CAREINEQUAL (Symptoms, Trajectory, Inequalities and Management: Understanding Long-COVID to Address and Transform Existing Integrated Care Pathways) study protocol: Defining usual care and examining inequalities in Long Covid support
Authors: Ramasawmy Mel , Mu Yi , Clutterbuck Donna , Pantelic Marija , Lip Gregory Y. H. , van der Feltz-Cornelis Christina , Wootton Dan , Williams Nefyn H. , Montgomery Hugh , Mallinson Cookson Rita , Attree Emily , Gabbay Mark , Heightman Melissa , Alwan Nisreen A. , Banerjee Amitava , Lorgelly Paula ,   for the STIMULATE-ICP Consortium
Published: August 2022

Introduction
Individuals with Long Covid represent a new and growing patient population. In England, fewer than 90 Long Covid clinics deliver assessment and treatment informed by NICE guidelines. However, a paucity of clinical trials or longitudinal cohort studies means that the epidemiology, clinical trajectory, healthcare utilisation and effectiveness of current Long Covid care are poorly documented, and that neither evidence-based treatments nor rehabilitation strategies exist. In addition, and in part due to pre-pandemic health inequalities, access to referral and care varies, and patient experience of the Long Covid care pathways can be poor. In a mixed methods study, we therefore aim to: (1) describe the usual healthcare, outcomes and resource utilisation of individuals with Long Covid; (2) assess the extent of inequalities in access to Long Covid care, and specifically to understand Long Covid patients’ experiences of stigma and discrimination.

Methods and analysis
A mixed methods study will address our aims. Qualitative data collection from patients and health professionals will be achieved through surveys, interviews and focus group discussions, to understand their experience and document the function of clinics. A patient cohort study will provide an understanding of outcomes and costs of care. Accessible data will be further analysed to understand the nature of Long Covid, and the care received.

Ethics and dissemination
Ethical approval was obtained from South Central—Berkshire Research Ethics Committee (reference 303958). The dissemination plan will be decided by the patient and public involvement and engagement (PPIE) group members and study Co-Is, but will target 1) policy makers, and those responsible for commissioning and delivering Long Covid services, 2) patients and the public, and 3) academics.