bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mass drug administration coverage evaluation for lymphatic filariasis in selected endemic districts of Jharkhand, India
Authors: Biswas Bijit , Gupta Pratima , Jahnavi G , Ranjan Nishit , Patra Satya Ranjan , Varshney Saurabh 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
This study aimed to evaluate mass drug administration (MDA) coverage for lymphatic filariasis (LF) in selected endemic districts of Jharkhand, India, and to identify household-level determinants of drug consumption.

Methods
A cross-sectional coverage evaluation survey was conducted in the Deoghar, Giridih and Godda districts of Jharkhand in 2023 within 6 wk of the completion of the MDA campaign. The survey included 9039 individuals from 1680 households across 56 randomly selected clusters (three urban, eight tribal and 45 rural).

Results
Approximately 78.5% of households reported that at least one member consumed MDA drugs, with 54.5% reaching ‘complete epidemiological drug coverage’. Factors positively associated with achieving ‘complete epidemiological drug coverage’ included higher education levels (adjusted OR [AOR] 1.02), awareness of LF (AOR 2.32), prior communication about MDA (AOR 1.38) and previous MDA participation (AOR 4.42). By contrast, larger family sizes were associated with a lower likelihood of achieving complete coverage (AOR 0.78). Adverse events were experienced by 14.9% of participants, primarily when MDA drugs were consumed on an empty stomach. Key reasons for non-compliance included perceived absence of disease (25.5%), fear of side effects (22.4%) and absence during the campaign (20.9%).

Conclusions
MDA coverage was suboptimal, with only one-half of households achieving ‘complete epidemiological drug coverage’. Enhancing MDA coverage and compliance requires intensified Information, Education, and Communication efforts, especially among marginalized communities, both during campaigns and all year round.
The role of working in creative tourism on the quality of life of older artisans: evidence from Algarve, Portugal
Authors: Akdemir Hilal , de São José José Manuel Sousa , Gonçalves Maria Alexandra Patrocínio Rodrigues 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Creative tourism has emerged as a transformative force in the realm of tourism, promising to enhance not only economic outcomes but also the quality of life (QoL) of destination communities. However, the specific impact of creative tourism on the QoL of its workforce, specifically in older artisans, remains understudied. This research aims to fill this gap by investigating whether, and how, working in creative tourism affects older artisans’ QoL. Through qualitative research methods, including semistructured interviews and direct observations, the findings reveal that working in creative tourism positively contributes to the older artisans’ QoL, especially for some of its dimensions. This occurs through several mechanisms/processes, among which the sense of value stands out. These results underscore the transformative potential of creative tourism in promoting the QoL of its workforce, particularly older artisans, making contributions for theory and social intervention to 2 distinct scientific fields: creative tourism and social gerontology. By recognizing the multifaceted impacts of creative tourism, policymakers and practitioners can harness its potential to promote the QoL of its workforce and the sustainable development of local destinations.
Association of Occupational Noise Exposure and Extended High-Frequency Hearing Loss in Young Workers With Normal Hearing
Authors: Xue Panqi , Zhao Wulan , Gao Xiangjing , Wei Fang , Xu Fei , Xie Hongwei , Mao Hangze , Zou Hua , Qiu Wei 
Published: December 2024

Objectives:
Studies on the relationship between occupational noise exposure and extended high-frequency (EHF) hearing loss are limited. This study investigated the relationship between occupational noise exposure and EHF hearing loss in workers exposed to noise as measured by sound pressure level, exposure duration, and kurtosis to help provide a basis for early detection and prevention of hearing loss in noise-exposed workers.

Design:
A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 602 participants with 472 noise-exposed workers and 130 non-noise-exposed controls. General demographic characteristics, noise exposure data, and hearing thresholds at conventional frequencies (0.25 to 8 kHz) and EHF (9 to 16 kHz) were collected and analyzed. Linear mixed-effects model analyses between hearing thresholds of EHF and noise exposure indicators including the 8-h equivalent continuous A-weighted sound pressure level (L
Aeq,8h), cumulative noise exposure (CNE), and kurtosis-adjusted CNE (CNE-K) were conducted.

Results:
Among the 602 participants included in the analysis, 472 individuals (78.4%) were occupationally exposed to noise exposures ≥75 dBA. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed in sex, exposure duration, L
Aeq,8h, CNE, and CNE-K between the noise-exposed group and the nonexposed group. The mean hearing thresholds for all tested extended high frequencies ranging from 9 to 16 kHz were significantly higher in the noise-exposed group than in the nonexposed group (p < 0.05). The mean hearing thresholds of subjects in different groups of L
Aeq,8h exposures were generally stable with little variance in the conventional frequencies (0.25 to 8 kHz) but differed in the EHF range. Moreover, EHF hearing loss appeared to be most prominent in the subjects exposed to noise with 80 dBA < L
Aeq,8h ≤ 85 dBA. After the combination of the sound pressure level, exposure duration, and kurtosis by using the noise exposure indicators CNE and CNE-K, the subjects at the different noise exposures showed significant differences in hearing thresholds at EHF (p < 0.05). Linear mixed-effected model analyses showed that the CNE-K was the best to indicate noise-induced hearing loss among the three noise exposure indicators at EHF.

Conclusions:
The results indicate that the EHF hearing threshold testing is more sensitive to identifying early occupational noise-induced hearing loss than conventional audiometry. The CNE-K, an indicator combining noise energy, exposure duration, and kurtosis, is a more comprehensive and effective method for assessing the risk of EHF hearing loss due to occupational noise exposure.
Priorities for Research, Education, Clinical Practice, and Policy From the Long COVID Physio International Forum
Authors: McDuff Kiera , Brown Darren A. , Gross Douglas P. , Faghy Mark A. , Davenport Todd E. , Audette Jennifer , Bassi Laura , Bull Michelle , Cobbing Saul E. , Décary Simon , Flynn Alison , Jeyes Flic , Kaup Cara , Martin Malissa , Ngeh Etienne , Putrino David , Saravia André , Shiloff-Rogers Asya , Skiffington Helen , Skipper Lindsay , Vogel Julia M. , O'Brien Kelly K. 
Published: December 2024

Purpose:
Long COVID Physio (LCP) is an international peer support, education and advocacy, patient-led association of physiotherapists living with long COVID and allies. In 2022, LCP hosted an international forum. One of the aims of the forum was to identify priorities in long COVID and rehabilitation.

Methods:
We conducted an international consultation on priorities for long COVID and rehabilitation with people living with long COVID, clinicians, researchers, and other key interest-holders (referred to collectively as “consultants”) who registered for and attended the LCP International Forum. We collected feedback from consultants using web-based questionnaires, the Zoom chat from the forum, and posts on an online platform during the forum. We analyzed data using group-based content analytical techniques. Priorities were organized into 4 categories: research, practice, education, and policy.

Results:
There were 794 respondents for the consultation representing 34 countries, including 47% (n = 376) living with long COVID. Seventeen priorities for long COVID overlapped and spanned research (epidemiology, socioeconomics, pathophysiology, characterizing disability, health equity, establishing diagnostic criteria, intervention studies), education (for people living with long COVID, employers, policy makers, and health care professional students), clinical practice (safety, person-centered approaches), and policy (accessibility of care, supports for people living with long COVID and caregivers, public health messaging). Priorities were focused on long COVID and rehabilitation, but some extended beyond the scope of rehabilitation (eg, pharmacological interventions).

Conclusions:
These priorities can help to guide research, clinical practice, education, and policy, to advance health outcomes for people living with long COVID.
Dacryoscintillography in Patients With Symptomatic, but Patent, Lacrimal Drainage Systems
Authors: Rose Geoffrey E. , Vahdani Kaveh 
Published: December 2024

Purpose:
To relate dacryoscintillographic features to presenting symptoms and signs for watery-eyed patients with patent drainage systems.

Methods:
Retrospective case note and imaging review for patients with watering eye(s) and clinical evidence of impaired tear drainage who underwent dacryoscintillography (DSG). Three DSG features were graded, along with 4 symptoms, 7 signs, and the degree of fluid reflux and nasal fluid passage on gentle syringing. For symptomatic systems, the DSG characteristics were compared with the presenting symptoms and signs, and a side-to-side comparison was made for unilateral cases.

Results:
DSGs were reviewed for 65 patients (43% males), presenting at a mean age of 62.8 years, and 57/65 (88%) having bilateral symptoms. The objective increase in tear lake was inversely related to all 3 DSG measures in 122 symptomatic drainage systems, whereas fluorescein disappearance correlated directly with tracer entry into the lacrimal sac (p < 0.05). Tracer entry into the nasolacrimal duct mirrored nasal fluid passage on lacrimal irrigation (p = 0.00055) and was inversely related to ocular fluid reflux (p = 0.0086). In 8 patients with unilateral symptoms, some DSG parameters on the symptomatic side were related to clinical signs; in contrast, on the asymptomatic side, only the nasal entry of tracer was (inversely) related to an objective increase in the tear lake (p < 0.05).

Conclusion:
Abnormal DSG tracer clearance occurs at various levels in watery-eyed patients with patent lacrimal systems, but the findings do not add significantly to the results of a thorough clinical examination. Abnormalities of clearance were also often present in asymptomatic fellow eyes.
Oral microbiota as a biomarker for predicting the risk of malignancy in indeterminate pulmonary nodules: a prospective multicenter study
Authors: Ma Qiong , Huang Chun-Xia , He Jia-Wei , Zeng Xiao , Qu Yu-Li , Xiang Hong-Xia , Zhong Yang , Lei Mao , Zheng Ru-Yi , Xiao Jun-Jie , Jiang Yu-Ling , Tan Shi-Yan , Xiao Ping , Zhuang Xiang , You Li-Ting , Fu Xi , Ren Yi-Feng , Zheng Chuan , You Feng-Ming 
Published: December 2024

Background:
Determining the benign or malignant status of indeterminate pulmonary nodules (IPN) with intermediate malignancy risk is a significant clinical challenge. Oral microbiota-lung cancer (LC) interactions have qualified oral microbiota as a promising non-invasive predictive biomarker in IPN.

Materials and methods:
Prospectively collected saliva, throat swabs, and tongue coating samples from 1040 IPN patients and 70 healthy controls across three hospitals. Following up, the IPNs were diagnosed as benign (BPN) or malignant pulmonary nodules (MPN). Through 16S rRNA sequencing, bioinformatics analysis, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and seven machine learning algorithms (support vector machine, logistic regression, naïve Bayes, multi-layer perceptron, random forest, gradient-boosting decision tree, and LightGBM), we revealed the oral microbiota characteristics at different stages of HC-BPN-MPN, identified the sample types with the highest predictive potential, constructed and evaluated the optimal MPN prediction model for predictive efficacy, and determined microbial biomarkers. Additionally, based on the SHAP algorithm interpretation of the ML model’s output, we have developed a visualized IPN risk prediction system on the web.

Results:
Saliva, tongue coating, and throat swab microbiotas exhibit site-specific characteristics, with saliva microbiota being the optimal sample type for disease prediction. The saliva-LightGBM model demonstrated the best predictive performance (AUC = 0.887, 95%CI: 0.865–0.918), and identified Actinomyces, Rothia, Streptococcus, Prevotella, Porphyromonas, and Veillonella as biomarkers for predicting MPN. FISH was used to confirm the presence of a microbiota within tumors, and external data from a LC cohort, along with three non-IPN disease cohorts, were employed to validate the specificity of the microbial biomarkers. Notably, coabundance analysis of the ecological network revealed that microbial biomarkers exhibit richer interspecies connections within the MPN, which may contribute to the pathogenesis of MPN.

Conclusion:
This study presents a new predictive strategy for the clinic to determine MPNs from BPNs, which aids in the surgical decision-making for IPN.
Vacuum suction catheter semi-rigid ureteroscopic laser lithotripsy for impacted upper ureteral stones: randomized controlled trial
Authors: Wang Xing-Huan , Wu Zhong-Hua , Liu Tong-Zu , Li Bing , Li Sheng , Wang Yong-Zhi , Chen Ping 
Published: December 2024

Purpose:
To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of an upgraded integrated vacuum suction catheter in semi-rigid ureteroscopic laser lithotripsy (VC-URSL) compared to traditional methods for treating impacted upper ureteral stones.

Patients and methods:
This prospective, randomized controlled trial was conducted from September 2022 to March 2024 at a single center, enrolling 95 patients aged 18–70 years with a single radiopaque impacted upper ureteral stone. Participants were randomized into two groups: the VC-URSL group used an integrated vacuum suction catheter featuring a stainless steel stabilizing tube and a narrowed distal end to prevent obstruction, while the T-URSL group underwent standard ureteroscopic lithotripsy without vacuum assistance. Both groups utilized a holmium-YAG laser under general anesthesia. Primary outcomes included operative time, stone-free rates on the first postoperative day and after one month, and complication rates, specifically fever and stone retropulsion.

Results:
The VC-URSL group achieved significantly shorter operative times (37.60 ± 3.87 min vs. 46.21 ± 7.54 min, P < 0.001) and higher initial stone-free rates (91.7% vs. 74.5%, P = 0.025) compared to T-URSL. Additionally, the VC-URSL group had fewer complications, with lower rates of fever (2.1% vs. 17.0%, P = 0.015) and stone retropulsion (6.3% vs. 21.3%, P = 0.033).

Conclusions:
VC-URSL offers a more effective, safer, and efficient alternative to T-URSL, enhancing outcomes while reducing complications. Further multicenter trials with larger populations are recommended for broader validation.
Bridging the gap: the need to integrate psychosocial oncology services into cancer genetics
Authors: Esplen Mary Jane , Kohut Kelly 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Cancer susceptibility genes were first cloned over 25 years ago, prompting the initiation of cancer genetics services. Individuals with a strong family history suggesting inherited cancer susceptibility were referred for pretest genetic counseling, with specialist services typically based in academic centers. However, genetic information is now being used to inform personalized medicine approaches to oncology care, ranging from surgical decision making to selection of therapeutic agents for precision treatment. Receiving genetic information is life altering, with relevance for mortality and health practices. The psychosocial impacts of genetic information on individuals and their family have been well documented. Adverse psychological reactions are less common within an applied framework, including clear information and emotional support. Genetics services often occur separate from oncology teams and would benefit from further integration with psychosocial care. Psycho-oncology team members are primed to bring the relevant expertise. Recommendations are offered to help bridge the current gap in psychosocial care.
Designing Brain-Friendly Ultrasound Presentations
Authors: Twist Katherine E. , Platt Kristen M. , Shikoh Fara Y. , Ayoob Andres R. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Effective presentations are crucial for disseminating knowledge and cultivating skilled learners. Cognitive load theory (CLT) offers a framework for optimizing instructional design by managing the mental effort required for learning. This article explores principles from CLT with practical suggestions to create brain-friendly presentations, focusing on intrinsic, extraneous, and germane cognitive loads. Intrinsic load can be managed through pretraining, organizing topics from simple to complex, and segmenting topics. Extraneous load should be minimized through coherence, signaling, redundancy, and spatial/temporal contiguity principles to eliminate unnecessary cognitive burden. Germane load can be enhanced by incorporating personalization, contextualization, relevance, interactive elements, and variability to promote deeper engagement and schema construction. This article emphasizes applying CLT principles to aid the reader in translating theory into practice.
Posterior Vault Distraction Osteogenesis for Craniosynostosis—Surgical Outcomes Over 12 Years
Authors: El-Nemr Mohamed , Richardson David , Duncan Christian , England Jane , Russell Luci , Parks Christopher , Sinha Ajay , Ellenbogen Jonathan , Vakharia Vejay , Hennedige Anusha Adeline 
Published: December 2024

Introduction:
Posterior vault distraction osteogenesis (PVDO) allows significant increase in intracranial volume but is associated with complications including cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks, infection and device failure. The authors outline their outcomes over 12 years and the impact of PVDO on pre-existing Chiari malformation type 1 (CM).

Method:
Retrospective review of all PVDOs in our unit over a period of 12 years from 2011 to 2023. Results: 51 patients. The mean age of surgery 9 months. The mean length of follow-up 72 months. 82% no complications, 12% dural tear with 2% CSF leak; 4% infection, 2% device failure, 10% blood transfusion. CM in 20% of patients—all are multisuture with 90% lambdoid synostosis involvement. CM is unchanged in the majority of patients post-PVDO.

Conclusion:
PVDO safe and effective with no re-do posterior vault expansions over 12 years. CM does not tend to resolve after PVDO and high-risk groups include multisuture and Crouzons.
Bone Resorption of Hyaluronic Acid Fillers Injection Induced in Chin Augmentation: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Shu Kai-Yi , Feng Wan-Ru , Zhao Jiu-Li 
Published: December 2024

Background:
Among several skin fillers developed in recent decades, hyaluronic acid (HA) is a widely used filler for face contouring and is generally believed to be safe, long-lasting, not immunogenic, and cost-effective. However, early and delayed complications can also occur following HA filler injection. Unfortunately, there have been reports of HA-related bone erosion in the chin area without clear scientific data regarding its existence and incidence. Herein, we described the clinical characteristics of HA injection-induced bone resorption in chin augmentation in the south of China.

Methods:
A total of 8 patients consisting of males and females who received hyaluronic acid injection for chin augmentation and rejuvenation were enrolled in the study. The authors retrospectively compared the CT scans of patients with mentum augmentation using HA. The bone resorption area was measured as the average length, width, and depth. Injection volume, the number of injections, complications and the measurement data of bone resorption were also recorded.

Results:
From January 2023 to January 2024, 8 patients were recruited. The postoperative CT scan revealed pronounced deep concavities in the incisive fossa, with no evidence of periapical lesions. No patients complained of any instances of infection or hematoma following the injection, and no clinical symptoms were observed.

Conclusions:
Bone resorption from the chin after HA filler injection can occur. To draw a clear conclusion, more adapted and well-designed clinical trials are needed to assess the emergence of this phenomenon.
Assessing the Risk of Kidney Stone Development in Patients With Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension Treated With Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors
Authors: Muayad Jawad , Alryalat Saif Aldeen , Al Deyabat Osama , Loya Asad , Lee Andrew G. 
Published: December 2024

Background:
The prevalence of idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is rising with the global obesity epidemic. Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (CAIs), such as acetazolamide, have been shown to be effective in IIH but can also lead to kidney stone formation. This study evaluates the risk of kidney stone development in patients with IIH treated with CAIs.

Methods:
A retrospective cohort study using the TriNetX database was performed to compare patients with IIH treated with CAIs vs. untreated controls. Propensity score matching (PSM) balanced demographic and clinical variables. The primary outcome was kidney stone incidence for 3 time intervals: 1 year, 1–2 years, and 2–3 years, identified using International Classification of Diseases-10 codes. Risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) assessed the association between CAI treatment and kidney stone formation.

Results:
The study evaluated 23,182 patients with IIH treated with CAIs compared with 50,080 untreated controls. After applying PSM, each group was balanced to include 22,464 patients. The treated group had a significantly higher risk of developing kidney stones than the control group, with an RR of 1.49 (95% CI: 1.22–1.84) at 1 year, 2.24 (95% CI: 1.61–3.12) at 1–2 years, and 1.51 (95% CI: 1.05–2.18) at 2–3 years. Sensitivity analysis of patients treated with at least 500 mg of acetazolamide shared this elevated trend, and the risk remained persistently high at 2–3 years (RR: 2.18, 95% CI: 1.13–4.20). Subgroup analysis revealed higher risks in males, while Black or African American patients had a lower risk.

Conclusions:
Carbonic anhydrase inhibitor use in patients with IIH may increase kidney stone risk, particularly in certain populations. Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms behind this risk and to optimize treatment strategies.
Phased genome assemblies and pangenome graphs of human populations of Japan and Saudi Arabia
Authors: Kulmanov Maxat , Ashouri Saeideh , Liu Yang , Abdelhakim Marwa , Alsolme Ebtehal , Nagasaki Masao , Ohkawa Yasuyuki , Suzuki Yutaka , Tawfiq Rund , Tokunaga Katsushi , Katayama Toshiaki , Abedalthagafi Malak S , Hoehndorf Robert , Kawai Yosuke 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe selection of a reference sequence in genome analysis is critical, as it serves as the foundation for all downstream analyses. Recently, the pangenome graph has been proposed as a data model that incorporates haplotypes from multiple individuals. Here we present JaSaPaGe, a pangenome graph reference for Saudi Arabian and Japanese populations, both of which have been significantly underrepresented in previous genomic studies. We constructed JaSaPaGe from high-quality phased diploid assemblies which were made utilizing PacBio high-fidelity long reads, Nanopore long reads, and Hi-C short reads of 9 Saudi and 10 Japanese individuals. Quality evaluation of the pangenome graph by variant calling showed that our pangenome outperformed earlier linear reference genomes (GRCh38 and T2T-CHM13) and showed comparable performance to the pangenome graph provided by the Human Pangenome Reference Consortium (HPRC), with more variants found in Japanese and Saudi samples using their population-specific pangenomes. This pangenome reference will serve as a valuable resource for both the research and clinical communities in Japan and Saudi Arabia.