bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Experiences of older adult Filipino-Americans surrounding eye surgery and factors in health decision-making: a qualitative study
Authors: Jiro Marycon C. , Sigua Michael , Dio Migel , Hennein Lauren , Cocohoba Jennifer 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
The greater San Francisco metropolitan bay area is home to 270,000 Filipino immigrants and the second largest Filipino-American population in the United States. Despite this, Filipino-Americans are aggregated with the general “Asian-American” category, making it a challenge to obtain accurate population health data on social determinants of health. One area that is concerning is the lack of research on Filipino-American eye health experiences. The Filipino-American population is an older community with a median age of 48 years old that experiences a high prevalence of diabetes and hypertension. Preserving sight in high risk patients against age-related eye disease depends on routine eye examinations and timely treatment. Therefore, it is important to explore older adult Filipino-American eye surgery experiences and factors in eye health decision-making.

Methods
An exploratory qualitative study was conducted with thirteen Filipino-American adults residing in the nine San Francisco Bay Area counties who had a history of eye surgery (cataract, glaucoma, or retinal). Data were collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews. A thematic analysis was performed informed by critical race theory and PEN3 cultural model. Standard methods of coding followed by determination of themes were conducted and consensus was reached among the three coders.

Results
The mean participant age was 73.3 years old (95% CI 69.7–76.9). All participants were born in the Philippines, and 85% identified as female. Four themes emerged: the value of social networks and self-efficacy in decision-making; the importance of informed communication; the integral role of trust and the physician–patient relationship; and the impact of cultural humility, beliefs, and concordance on ocular care. Communication with trusted peers, clinicians and clinical staff prior to surgery was a key factor in alleviating worries and misconceptions, yet interpreter services were inconsistently offered. Many saw clinicians as experts, which dampened their agency in asking questions or elicited shame in obtaining a professional second opinion.

Conclusions
How clinicians convey information is crucial. Filipino-Americans patients can interpret eye surgery expectations through a cultural lens, which may result in lasting impressions about the surgical experience and outcomes. Expanding cultural humility training and improved incorporating interpreter services can help patients feel supported.
Associations of care continuity and care coordination with the overuse of healthcare services: a nationwide population-based study
Authors: Chang Guann-Ming , Chang Hsien-Yen , Kuo Wen-Yu , Tung Yu-Chi 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
Care continuity and care coordination have received increased attention as important ways of decreasing overuse/low-value care. Prior research has verified an association between care continuity and overuse or an association between care coordination and overuse. However, little is known about the relative influences of care continuity and care coordination on overuse. We used nationwide population-based data from Taiwan to examine the relative associations of care continuity and care coordination with overuse.

Methods
We analyzed 1,462,960 beneficiaries in 2015 randomly sampled from all people enrolled in the Taiwan National Health Insurance. Having adjusted for patient characteristics, the multivariable logistic regression model was used to examine the associations of the Continuity of Care (COC) Index and care density on overuse, using a previously validated set of 18 potentially low-value care services.

Results
Higher COC index was associated with lower overuse (low vs. medium: odds ratio [OR], 1.11; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.09–1.12; high vs. medium: OR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.795–0.813). Higher care density was associated with lower overuse (low vs. medium: OR, 1.01; 95% CI, 1.001–1.024; high vs. medium: OR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.87–0.89).

Conclusions
Increased care continuity and care coordination are associated with decreased overuse. Facilitating care continuity and care coordination may be an important strategy for reducing overuse/low-value care.
Effects of pre-pregnancy body mass index on cardiometabolic biomarkers in pregnant emirati women
Authors: Almekhaini Lolowa A. , Awar Shamsa A. , Zoubeidi Taoufik , Al Hamad Sania , Yasin Javed , George Junu V. , Khaled Maha , Qasem Nehaya , Bahwan Fatima , Narchi Hassib , Aburawi Elhadi H. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
To study effect of pregnancy on obese women’s maternal cardiometabolic biomarkers as a signature for maternal morbidity and complications.

Methods
This cross-sectional cohort study involved pregnant Emirati women who had regular menstrual cycles and had normal blood pressure. Pre-pregnancy body mass index was calculated using height and weight measurements recorded within three months before current pregnancy. Average systolic and diastolic blood pressure measurements were calculated from each visit. Blood samples were collected randomly once and following cardiometabolic biomarkers were measured.

Results
We enrolled 178 pregnant women, with a mean age ± standard deviation of cohort was 29.9 ± 4.97 years and Pre-pregnancy body mass index 28.11 ± 6.58 kg/m2. None of blood pressure measurements or biomarkers serum concentrations were statistically different across Pre-pregnancy body mass index groups except for soluble intercellular cytoadhesive molecule-1levels which were the highest in underweight women. Pregnant women with pre-gestational obesity had higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels compared to women with normal or overweight. All variables were statistically significantly different by trimesters except systolic blood pressure, random blood glucose, lipoprotein-A, and high-sensitivity C-Reactive Protein. After adjusting, in a multivariate linear regression model, for maternal age, trimester of pregnancy, education level, parity and smoking, none of biomarkers or blood pressure were found to be significantly associated with Pre-pregnancy body mass index. In a multivariate linear regression model adjusting for maternal age, Pre-pregnancy body mass index, education level, parity and smoking, gamma-glutamyl transferase, total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, triglycerides, apolipoprotein A & B, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha and insulin-like growth factor-1 concentrations remained significantly associated with advancing trimester of pregnancy. There was a significant interaction between Pre-pregnancy body mass index and trimester of pregnancy for serum gamma-glutamyl transferase and soluble intercellular cytoadhesive molecule-1concentration.

Conclusion
This study emphasizes how pregnancy has a significant impact on cardiometabolic markers in obese women, indicating both hyperlipidemic status of pregnancy and diabetogenic tendency in obese patients who are not diabetics. These findings may suggest that pregnancy in obese patients increases risk of developing metabolic syndrome in future, therefore more attention is recommended of pregnant obese women and further study of establishing specific cardiometabolic biomarkers screening program.
Numerical study of the effects of minor structures and mean velocity fields in the cerebrospinal fluid flow
Authors: Wang Ziyu , Majidi Mohammad , Li Chenji , Ardekani Arezoo 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe importance of optimizing intrathecal drug delivery is highlighted by its potential to improve patient health outcomes. Findings from previous computational studies, based on an individual or a small group, may not be applicable to the wider population due to substantial geometric variability. Our study aims to circumvent this problem by evaluating an individual’s cycle-averaged Lagrangian velocity field based on the geometry of their spinal subarachnoid space. It has been shown by Lawrence et al. (J Fluid Mech 861:679–720, 2019) that dominant physical mechanisms, such as steady streaming and Stokes drift, are key to facilitating mass transport within the spinal canal. In this study, we computationally modeled pulsatile cerebrospinal fluid flow fields and Lagrangian velocity field within the spinal subarachnoid space. Our findings highlight the essential role of minor structures, such as nerve roots, denticulate ligaments, and the wavy arachnoid membrane, in modulating flow and transport dynamics within the spinal subarachnoid space. We found that these structures can enhance fluid transport. We also emphasized the need for particle tracking in computational studies of mass transport within the spinal subarachnoid space. Our research illuminates the relationship between the geometry of the spinal canal and transport dynamics, characterized by a large upward cycle-averaged Lagrangian velocity zone in the wider region of the geometry, as opposed to a downward zone in the narrower region and areas close to the wall. This highlights the potential for optimizing intrathecal injection protocols by harnessing natural flow dynamics within the spinal canal.
Diagnostic imaging in the management of older adults with low back pain: analysis from the BAck Complaints in Elders: Chiropractic – Australia cohort study
Authors: Jenkins Hazel J. , Grace Kristin , Young Anika , Parker Felix , Hartvigsen Jan , Rubinstein Sidney M. , French Simon D. , de Luca Katie 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
Diagnostic imaging is commonly used in the management of low back pain (LBP), with approximately one-quarter of those who present to primary care referred for imaging. Current estimates of imaging frequency commonly exclude older adults; however, pathology detected with imaging (e.g., osteoporosis, cancer) may occur more frequently in older populations. The aims of this study were to: (i) determine the frequency and forms of diagnostic imaging use in older adults presenting for chiropractic care for LBP in Australia; (ii) describe participant characteristics associated with imaging use; and (iii) describe the types of radiographic findings.

Methods
Data were collected from the BAck Complaints in Elders: Chiropractic-Australia (BACE: C-A) study, a 12-month, prospective cohort study of adults aged ≥ 55 years with a new episode of LBP. Self-reported frequency of imaging use (baseline, 2 and 6 weeks, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months) was reported descriptively by imaging modality. Imaging reports were obtained, and imaging findings were independently extracted and categorised. Baseline characteristics were assessed for differences in those who received imaging compared to those who did not. Proportions of imaging use and imaging findings were presented descriptively with 95% confidence intervals.

Results
The BACE: C-A cohort comprised 217 participants of whom 60.8% reported receiving diagnostic imaging for their current episode of LBP. X-ray was performed most (44.7%), followed by computed tomography (CT) (30.8%). Participants receiving imaging reported higher low back disability, more healthcare use for LBP, more frequent leg pain, more suspected serious pathology, and stronger beliefs that imaging was important. Degenerative changes were the most common imaging finding (96.6%). Pathology of possible clinical significance, including compression fracture or suspected osteoporosis, was present in 15.5% of participants.

Conclusion
Three out of five older adults with LBP who sought chiropractic care received imaging over one-year. Participants receiving imaging tended to have more complex presentations (e.g., more disability, suspected underlying pathology) or stronger beliefs that imaging was necessary for the management of LBP. Degenerative changes were the most common imaging finding. Pathology of potential clinical relevance was present on approximately 15% of imaging reports received. No conditions requiring immediate medical attention were reported.
Identification of phytomolecules as isoform and mutation specific PI3K-α inhibitor for protection against breast cancer using e-pharmacophore modeling and molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Mili Ajay , Birangal Sumit , Giridhar Jyothi , Nandakumar Krishnadas , Lobo Richard 
Published: December 2024

AbstractPI3K-α mutation plays a critical role in cancer development, notably in breast cancer, particularly within HR + /HER2- subtypes. These mutations drive tumor growth and survival by activating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, which is essential for cell proliferation and survival. Our research aimed to identify natural compounds that can inhibit mutant and specific isoforms of PI3K-α to prevent tumor progression. e-Pharmacophore model was generated using Receptor-Ligand complex using the Inavolisib drug (PDB:8EXV) and phase screening was performed using the Molport database of natural compounds. Through molecular docking studies we identified seven promising compounds for further molecular dynamics simulations. Among these, three compounds—STOCK1N-85097, STOCK1N-85998, and STOCK1N-86060—showed significant stability and interaction with PI3K-α. These compounds demonstrated favorable results in several parameters, including RMSD, RMSF, Rg, SASA, PCA, FEL, and total energy evaluations. Therefore, these compounds are projected to function as PI3K-α inhibitors and because of its natural origin it can possess fewer side effects than the conventional medicine, which should be validated by proper in vivo and in vitro models.
Graphical Abstract
Enhancing vector control: AI-based identification and counting of Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) mosquito eggs
Authors: Wang Minghao , Zhou Yibin , Yao Shenjun , Wu Jianping , Zhu Minhui , Dong Linjuan , Wang Dunjia 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
Dengue fever poses a significant global public health concern, necessitating the monitoring of Aedes mosquito population density. These mosquitoes serve as the disease vectors, making their surveillance crucial for dengue prevention. The objective of this study was to address the difficulty associated with identifying and counting mosquito eggs of wild strains during the monitoring of Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) density via ovitraps in field surveys.

Methods
We constructed a dataset comprising 1729 images of Ae. albopictus mosquito eggs from wild strains and employed the Segment Anything Model to enhance the applicability of the detection model in complex environments. A two-stage Faster Region-based Convolutional Neural Network model was used to establish a detection model for Ae. albopictus mosquito eggs. The identification and counting process involved applying the tile overlapping method, while morphological filtering was employed to remove impurities. The model’s performance was evaluated in terms of precision, recall, and F1 score, and counting accuracy was assessed using R-squared and root mean square error (RMSE).

Results
The experimental results revealed the model’s remarkable identification capabilities, achieving precision of 0.977, recall of 0.978, and an F1 score of 0.977. The R-squared value between the actual and identified egg counts was 0.997, with an RMSE of 1.742. The average detection time for a single tile was 0.48 s, which was more than 10 times as fast as the human–computer interaction method in counting an entire image.

Conclusions
The model demonstrated excellent performance in recognizing and counting Ae. albopictus mosquito eggs, indicating great application potential. This study offers novel technological support for enhancing vector control effectiveness and public health standards.

Graphical Abstract
Canine vector-borne parasites in the Galapagos
Authors: Culda Carla Andreea , Rodriguez Nathalie G. Tejena , Puleo Fortunato , Sosa Rafael M. Polit , Panait Luciana Cătălina , Cazan Cristina Daniela , Deak Georgiana , Leon Renato , Vinueza Rommel Lenin , Páez-Rosas Diego , Mihalca Andrei Daniel 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
The extraordinary Galapagos Islands, with an impressive number of endemic and native species, maintain the interest and curiosity for researchers from all over the world. The native species are known to be vulnerable to new pathogens, cointroduced with their invasive hosts. In the case of invasive parasitic arthropods, their evolutionary success is related to the association with other invasive hosts (such as domestic animals). These associations could become a significant driver of change, as occasionally they can seek another hosts and have the capacity to transmit pathogens between domestic and wild animals. The current study aims to identify the distribution and abundance of canine vector-borne parasites in the Galapagos Islands based on the possibility that some of them could spill over to endemic mammals.

Methods
A total of 1221 blood samples were randomly collected from privately owned dogs on San Cristóbal, Isabela, Santa Cruz, and Floreana Islands during the years 2021 and 2022. All samples were examined for vector-borne pathogens using the modified Knott’s test and conventional, nested, and multiplex polymerase chain reactions (PCRs), followed by sequencing.

Results
The PCR and Knott tests confirmed the presence of Dirofilaria immitis (2%, 25/1221) in all islands. While molecular analyses showed heartworm DNA only in dogs from the San Cristóbal (3.3%) and Isabela (2.4%) Islands. Moreover, other pathogens Babesia vogeli (3%, 37/1221) and Hepatozoon canis (0.2%, 2/1221) were detected for the first time by molecular analyses.

Conclusions
Dogs from Galapagos are hosts to various pathogens, of which some are potentially zoonotic while some other could be spill-over to endemic endangered carnivores, such as sea lions. To understand and limit their impact, long-term surveillance, control, and awareness is needed.

Graphical abstract
Genetic diversity and Wolbachia infection in the Japanese encephalitis virus vector Culex tritaeniorhynchus in the Republic of Korea
Authors: Jeon Jiseung , Kim Heung Chul , Donnelly Martin J. , Choi Kwang Shik 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
Culex tritaeniorhynchus, a major vector of Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), is found across a broad geographical range, including Africa, Asia, Australia and Europe. Understanding the population structure and genetic diversity of pathogen vectors is increasingly seen as important for effective disease control. In China and Japan, two countries in close proximity to the Republic of Korea (ROK), Cx. tritaeniorhynchus has been categorized into two clades based on the DNA barcoding region of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI), suggesting the presence of cryptic species. No comprehensive analysis of the genetic diversity in Cx. tritaeniorhynchus has been conducted in the ROK. To address this gap, we investigated the population structure of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus in the ROK.

Methods
In Daegu, mosquito collections were conducted over a 2-year period from 2022 to 2023. For all other regions, Cx. tritaeniorhynchus specimens collected in 2023 were used. The COI barcoding region was analyzed to determine the genetic structure of the populations, supplemented with data from the 28S ribosomal DNA region. Each population was also examined for the eventual presence of Wolbachia infection. Finally, a back trajectory analysis was conducted to assess the possibility of international introduction of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus into the ROK.

Results
The analysis of the COI region revealed the presence of two distinct clades within Cx. tritaeniorhynchus; these clades were the same as Cx. tritaeniorhynchus continental type (Ct-C) and C. tritaeniorhynchus Japanese type (Ct-J) previously reported. In contrast, the nuclear 28S region showed no significant genetic differentiation between these clades. Wolbachia infection was confirmed in some populations, but there was no evidence of an association with Wolbachia in Ct-C and Ct-J. It was also confirmed that the ROK is currently dominated by the Ct-J clade, with a possible introduction of Ct-C via air currents.

Conclusions
Determining the presence of cryptic species is important for preventing vector-borne diseases. The results of this study confirm the existence of two clades of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus in the ROK, with Ct-J being the dominant clade. Our findings enhance current understanding of the genetic diversity within Cx. tritaeniorhynchus and provide valuable insights for the prevention of JEV outbreaks and the effective management of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus populations in East Asia.

Graphical Abstract
Mosquito breeding water parameters are important determinants for Microsporidia MB in the aquatic stages of Anopheles species
Authors: Akorli Esinam A. , Andoh Nana Efua , Egyirifa Richardson K. , Dorcoo Christopher , Otoo Sampson , Tetteh Seraphim N. A. , Pul Reuben Mwimson , Sackitey Derrick B. , Oware Stephen K. D. , Dadzie Samuel K. , Akorli Jewelna 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
Microsporidia MB disrupts Plasmodium development in Anopheles mosquitoes, making it a possible biocontrol tool for malaria. As a tool for vector/disease control, its ecological distribution and the factors that determine their occurrence must be defined. We investigated the frequency of Microsporidia MB in Anopheles mosquitoes across selected sites in northern and southern Ghana, as well as the physicochemical parameters of mosquito breeding water that are associated with the occurrence of the fungus, by fitting regression models.

Methods
A non-column extraction method was used to extract DNA from the abdomens of 4255 adult Anopheles mosquitoes that emerged from larvae and pupae collected between August and October of 2021 and 2022. Detection of Microsporidia MB was achieved using quantitative PCR (qPCR), while mosquito species were molecularly identified using short interspersed nuclear elements (SINE), restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) methods, and the ANOSPP algorithm.

Results
Overall Microsporidia MB distribution was 2.2% (92/4255). Male mosquitoes exhibited a higher frequency of infections and had a predicted probability of infection that was 85% higher than that of females. Sites in Ghana's Savannah zone had the highest Microsporidia MB distribution (68.5%). Biochemical oxygen demand in mosquito breeding water was estimated to be positively associated with and significantly predicts Microsporidia MB in mosquitoes with an accuracy of 94%. Increasing ammonium ion concentrations reduced the chances of finding Microsporidia MB-positive mosquitoes. According to our data, all Anopheles mosquitoes, including minor species such as An. squamosus, An. pretoriensis and An. rufipes, had equal probability of Microsporidia MB infection.

Conclusions
These results provide preliminary information on micro-ecological factors that potentially support the sustainability of Microsporidia MB infection in mosquitoes during their aquatic life stages. It will be important, therefore, to explore the impact of strategies for larval source management on these factors to ensure that the symbiont's persistence during the host's aquatic stages may not be adversely affected should it be used as an integrated approach for mosquito/disease control.

Graphical abstract