bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Latent tuberculosis prevalence in healthcare workers in Laos: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Duangmixay Sypaseuth , Virachith Siriphone , Hübschen Judith M. , Siphanthong Phitsada , Suthepmany Sakhone , Sayasone Somphou , Black Antony P. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Background
Individuals with latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) have a high risk of active infection, morbidity and mortality. Healthcare workers are a group who have increased risk of infection and onward transmission to their patients and other susceptible individuals; however, LTBI is often undiagnosed, and individuals are asymptomatic. Interferon gamma release assays (IGRA) can detect evidence of TB infection in otherwise asymptomatic individuals and are a good indication of LTBI. Laos, a resource limited country in southeast Asia, has limited data on TB prevalence in the general population or in healthcare workers. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of LTBI in Lao healthcare workers in Vientiane Capital.

Methods
Healthcare workers from high-risk departments from 3 central hospitals in Laos were included (n = 196) and venous blood was tested by IGRA. A questionnaire was administered to determine their knowledge, attitude and practice towards TB and LTBI.

Results
10.2% of the participants were positive by IGRA, none of whom were previously aware of their TB status. The questionnaire revealed that knowledge and awareness of TB and LTBI were low.

Discussion
A significant proportion of healthcare workers in this study had evidence of LTBI infection. These individuals were unaware of their TB status and we suggest that testing and treatment, as well as prevention strategies, should be routinely administered in Lao hospitals.
Health security—Why is ‘public health’ not enough?
Authors: Akhavein Delaram , Sheel Meru , Abimbola Seye 
Published: January 2025

AbstractThere is a growing tendency in global discourse to describe a health issue as a security issue. But why is this health security language and framing necessary during times of crisis? Why is the term “health security” used when perhaps simply saying “public health” would do? As reference to ‘health security’ grows in contemporary discourse, research, advocacy, and policymaking, its prominence is perhaps most consequential in public health. Existing power dynamics in global health are produced and maintained through political processes. Securitisation of health, which facilitates urgent and exceptional measures in response to an event, is a politically charged process with the tendency to further marginalise already marginalised individuals, groups, and nations. By exploring the ethical and practical consequences of a powerful actor’s move to securitise health, the essay highlights the importance of considering the perspectives and well-being of marginalised individuals, groups and nations who may be impacted by the move. The essay challenges the assumption that securitising health or framing health as a security issue necessarily leads to good outcomes. It highlights the historical roots and explores the contemporary implications of “health security”, and invites critically informed discourse on its use within global health.
A modified technique for radial artery access: how interventional radiologists can optimise the cardiologists’ technique to suite their procedures
Authors: Aldin Zaid , Weaver Josephine , Khan Maha , Sadik Tara , Manolas Viktor , Tsampoukas Georgios , Khatri Tariq , Rebek Marius , Gharib Ali , Diss James 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Background
This is a single-centre prospective observational study examining radial access in 62 Prostatic Artery Embolisation (PAE) procedures. Evaluation of left radial artery diameter using high frequency ultrasound before and after administration of sublingual glycerl trinitrate (GTN). Pre-procedure questionnaires calculating symptom severity score compared with post-procedure.

Results
Sublingual GTN resulted in a statistically significant increase in radial artery diameter (p < .00001). There was a statistically significant reduction in both average International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and Quality of Life (QoL) from pre-procedure to post-PAE. The radial sheath was successfully inserted in 100% of cases. Crossover rate to femoral access was low (4%). Radial artery access had a low complication rate (2%). Radial artery variant anatomy was reasonably common (7%).

Conclusions
Sublingual GTN significantly increase radial artery diameter. PAE from radial access is associated with a symptomatic improvement at 2-month follow-up.
Current status of bicompartmental arthroplasty
Authors: Gao Yingjian , Yue Bing , Xin Weiwei 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Background
Bicompartmental arthroplasty (BCA) serves as a less invasive alternative to total knee arthroplasty. This review aims to present the current status of BCA.

Body
Recent literature on BCA was reviewed and synthesized from the perspectives of function, radiological assessment, patient satisfaction, survival rate, patellar tracking, satisfaction survey, and revision rate.

Conclusion
BCA is beneficial for patients with bicompartmental arthritis and those suffering from deterioration in other compartments after unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA). Compared to total knee arthroplasty, BCA reduces trauma, accelerates recovery, and improves sports ability. While BCA is evolving towards a more exciting future, more clinical studies are warranted to exploit its potential and validate its efficacy, eventually improving outcomes and patient satisfaction.
Permeation kinetics of nano-emulsified tarragon essential oil in fermented pickled cucumbers by FTIR, antioxidant capacity potentiometry, and antimicrobial properties
Authors: Nikkhah Mahdi , Hematian Sourki Abdollah , Ghani Askar 
Published: January 2025

AbstractThe permeation kinetics of nano-emulsified tarragon essential oil (TEO) into fermented pickled cucumber texture was measured by Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FT-IR) and antioxidant capacity potentiometry. The objective was to evaluate how nano-emulsion affect the sensory, antioxidant, physicochemical, and microbial flora characteristics of the pickled cucumbers. Oil-in-water nano-emulsions (100, 200, 400 and 800 mg L−1) were prepared by ultrasonic waves and were added to the brine/vinegar and cucumber mixture. The analysis of chemical compounds by gas chromatography showed that the main components of TEO were methyl chavicol, Z-β-ocimene, E-β-ocimene, limonene, and methyl eugenol. The average particle size of nano-emulsions was ranging from 19.03 to 218.6 nm. The sensory evaluation of pickled cucumber containing nano-emulsified TEO showed that higher TEO concentrations increased the sensory characteristics significantly in the pickled cucumbers, such as their color, aroma, taste, mouthfeel, texture crispness, and overall acceptance. The microbial test proved the inhibitory effect of TEO on Penicillium expansum and Aspergillus flavus species. According to the results of FTIR, the nano-emulsified TEO penetrated well into the pickled cucumber texture. The antioxidant capacity of the pickled cucumbers revealed that by increasing the concentration of TEO, the antioxidant capacity of the pickled cucumber texture increased significantly (p < 0.05). Using nano-emulsified TEO can be a good replacement for dried vegetables in producing fermented pickled cucumbers.
Graphical Abstract
Analysis of genetic and pathologic association between diabetes mellitus and cervical cancer
Authors: Gupta Prakhar , Gupta Aankury , Khanam Bushra 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Background
Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women globally and second most common in India. As per WHO, almost 90% of new cases and deaths worldwide occurred in low- to middle-income countries in 2020. More than 95% of cervical cancers are associated with chronic Human papilloma virus infection (HPV). While high-income countries benefit from vaccination and screening programmes, such facilities are often unavailable in low- and middle-income regions. Diabetes is also rising in prevalence in these regions. It is associated with a higher risk of various cancers, including cervical, endometrial, stomach, breast, and pancreas cancers. Diabetic cancer patients are also observed to have poorer survival outcomes. This study aims to compare the prevalence of cervical pathologies in diabetic and non-diabetic females of reproductive age and investigate potential genetic overlaps.

Methods
We analysed pap smear records from diabetic and non-diabetic females and examined genetic data using GWAS to explore associations between diabetes mellitus, HPV infection, and cervical cancer.

Results
In total, 3325 pathologic sample records were analysed and 2411 genes were identified and explored for overlap between diabetes and cervical pathologies from available GWAS data. It was noted that diabetes was associated with higher occurrence of cervical pathologies like vaginitis (OR 1.42), cervicitis (OR 13.89), HPV infection (OR 2.38) and malignant changes (OR 1.29). On analysing available genetic data for diabetes mellitus (types 1 and 2), chronic HPV infection, CIN and cervical cancer, certain genes showed positive association with both spectrums (diabetes mellitus and cervical pathologies) like COLL11A2P1 (beta 0.06), INS-IGF2 (OR 1.63), TTC7B (OR 2.05) and SILC1 (OR 2.12).

Conclusion
The pathologic and genetic association may help in understanding the connection between the two diseases in a better way. It may also help in guiding targeted approach and screening programmes in regions with higher preponderance towards upregulation of such genes.
Effect of preoperative right ventricular dysfunction and dilatation on survival after left ventricular surgical restoration
Authors: Elsayed Abdelhameed , Alawami Murtadha H. , Elnaggar Ismail M. , Mohamed Tamer N. , Kiddo Musab , Shalaby Mostafa A. , Alotaibi Khaled A. , Arafat Amr A. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Background
This study investigated the impact of preoperative right ventricular (RV) dysfunction and dilatation on survival outcomes following left ventricular surgical restoration (LVSR) in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 137 patients who underwent LVSR between 2009 and 2021.

Results
The results indicated that hospital mortality was significantly associated with older age [OR, 1.10; P = 0.01], higher EuroSCORE II [OR, 1.08, P = 0.03], recent myocardial infarction [OR, 4.24, P = 0.02], lower creatinine clearance [OR, 0.97, P = 0.02], and left ventricle longitudinal [OR, 0.95, P < 0.01] and transverse diameter [OR, 0.95; P < 0.01]. Although RV dysfunction alone did not significantly impact survival (log-rank P = 0.48), a trend toward lower survival rates was observed in patients with concurrent RV dilatation and dysfunction (log-rank P = 0.08). Long-term follow-up revealed no significant reduction in RV diameter after surgery. Multivariable analysis revealed that EuroSCORE II [HR, 1.05; P < 0.01], atrial fibrillation [HR, 3.34; P < 0.01], left ventricular longitudinal diameter [HR, 0.97; P < 0.01], and right ventricular basal diameter [HR, 1.06, P < 0.01] were independent predictors of long-term mortality.

Conclusions
This study underscores the importance of comprehensive preoperative evaluation of RV dimensions and function in predicting outcomes after LVSR, emphasizing the need for tailored management strategies for patients with RV abnormalities.
The role of artificial intelligence in pandemic responses: from epidemiological modeling to vaccine development
Authors: Gawande Mayur Suresh , Zade Nikita , Kumar Praveen , Gundewar Swapnil , Weerarathna Induni Nayodhara , Verma Prateek 
Published: January 2025

AbstractIntegrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) across numerous disciplines has transformed the worldwide landscape of pandemic response. This review investigates the multidimensional role of AI in the pandemic, which arises as a global health crisis, and its role in preparedness and responses, ranging from enhanced epidemiological modelling to the acceleration of vaccine development. The confluence of AI technologies has guided us in a new era of data-driven decision-making, revolutionizing our ability to anticipate, mitigate, and treat infectious illnesses. The review begins by discussing the impact of a pandemic on emerging countries worldwide, elaborating on the critical significance of AI in epidemiological modelling, bringing data-driven decision-making, and enabling forecasting, mitigation and response to the pandemic. In epidemiology, AI-driven epidemiological models like SIR (Susceptible-Infectious-Recovered) and SIS (Susceptible-Infectious-Susceptible) are applied to predict the spread of disease, preventing outbreaks and optimising vaccine distribution. The review also demonstrates how Machine Learning (ML) algorithms and predictive analytics improve our knowledge of disease propagation patterns. The collaborative aspect of AI in vaccine discovery and clinical trials of various vaccines is emphasised, focusing on constructing AI-powered surveillance networks. Conclusively, the review presents a comprehensive assessment of how AI impacts epidemiological modelling, builds AI-enabled dynamic models by collaborating ML and Deep Learning (DL) techniques, and develops and implements vaccines and clinical trials. The review also focuses on screening, forecasting, contact tracing and monitoring the virus-causing pandemic. It advocates for sustained research, real-world implications, ethical application and strategic integration of AI technologies to strengthen our collective ability to face and alleviate the effects of global health issues.
Pacific Peoples' Experiences of Cancer and Its Treatment in Aotearoa New Zealand Through Talanoa: A Qualitative Study of Samoan and Tongan Participants
Authors: Perelini Olivia M. , Nosa Vili H. , Wilson Michelle K. , Lawrence Nicola J. , McNeill Rob B. , Wilson Sheridan 
Published: January 2025

PURPOSE
In Aotearoa New Zealand, there are inequitable outcomes for Pacific peoples who experience higher rates of preventable cancers and poorer survival compared with other ethnicities. The aim of this study was to explore Pacific peoples lived experience of cancer and its treatment in the Auckland setting.

METHODS
Data were collected through semistructured interviews (talanoa) with Pacific patients under the Auckland Regional Cancer and Blood Service. A general inductive approach was used to analyze the data. Ethical approval was granted by the Auckland Health Research Ethics Committee (reference number AH24086).

RESULTS
Thirteen participants of Samoan and Tongan ethnicity were interviewed. Participants had a range of tumor diagnoses and were receiving curative and noncurative treatments. Five key themes were identified, giving insight into beliefs around cancer, struggles faced by patients, and potential areas of priority. These include (1) cancer means death, (2) holistic and collective approach to support, (3) communication and trust, (4) cost in accessing cancer care and treatment, and (5) Pacific representation.

CONCLUSION
This study sheds light on both positive and negative experiences of Pacific peoples living with cancer in Aotearoa New Zealand. It highlights gaps in the current model of oncology care for this population, which are multilevel and therefore require a multifaceted approach. It calls for priority toward reducing barriers to access of care and creating a more culturally safe pathway.
Quantum kernel as an indicator of secure classical message coded in a quantum string
Authors: Elkhouly E. S. , Abd-Rabbou M. Y. , Ali S. I. , Metwally N. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
In this study, the quantum kernel is utilized as an indicator of the security of encoded information within classical strings. The impact of the Hadamard gate on the behavior of single, control, and all quantum strings is analyzed. To illustrate this concept, two distinct classical strings are examined. Our findings reveal that the position of the string significantly influences the level of security of the encoded information, depending on whether it acts as a control or target string. Furthermore, the quantum string's capacity remains almost stable when it functions as a target string during the entanglement process, whereas an unstable behavior is observed when it serves as the control string.
Development and Psychometric Testing of the Perceived Environment and Muscle-Strengthening Exercise Questionnaire in Adults
Authors: Brown Elise C. , Zeigler-Hill Virgil , Rajaee Mozhgon , Drignei Dorin , Reznar Melissa M. , Regensteiner Judith G. , DeSandre Mackenzie , Gada Sagar , Bistayi Alex , Selou Angelina , Palmer Tylor 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Despite the health benefits of performing regular muscle-strengthening exercise (MSE), prevalence rates of meeting the public health guidelines for MSE remain low. Understanding barriers to MSE participation may aid in health promotion efforts and intervention design. Thus, the purpose of this study was to develop and test the psychometric properties of the Perceived Environment and Muscle Strengthening Exercise Questionnaire (PEMSE-Q), a tool that measures environmental effects on MSE.

Methods
The questionnaire included 77 items measuring physical environment, home MSE equipment accessibility, and MSE social support. This study was conducted in a combined national sample of two independent groups using an online research participant recruitment tool, Prolific: 1) healthy adults (n = 237 (female: n = 125; male: n = 111; intersex: n = 1), mean age ± standard deviation (SD) = 36.1 ± 10.7 yr) and 2) type 2 diabetes (T2D) (n = 221 (female: n = 122; male: n = 99), mean age ± SD = 46.5 ± 10.9 yr). The factor structure, internal consistency, test–retest reliability, criterion validity, construct validity, and concurrent validity of PEMSE-Q were determined using exploratory factor analyses, Cronbach’s alpha, intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), regression analyses, chi-square tests of association and logistic regression, and Pearson correlation and logistic regression, respectively.

Results
PEMSE-Q had good to excellent test–retest reliability (ICC = 0.83–0.94), acceptable criterion validity evidence (all P values <0.001, standard error = 0.033–12.043), moderate concurrent validity (r = 0.449–0.469), and apparent construct validity for public MSE facilities (χ
2 = 5.991, P = 0.01).

Conclusion
PEMSE-Q is a valid and reliable tool for assessing MSE home equipment and accessibility, convenient public MSE facilities, and social support. This tool could be used by researchers, public health professionals, and clinicians to aid in identifying barriers and facilitators to MSE participation.
Doubly Optimal No-Regret Online Learning in Strongly Monotone Games with Bandit Feedback
Authors: Ba Wenjia , Lin Tianyi , Zhang Jiawei , Zhou Zhengyuan 
Published: January 2025

Doubly Optimal No-Regret Online Learning in Strongly Monotone Games with Bandit Feedback Curious about how players can learn and adapt in unknown games without knowing the game’s dynamics? In “Doubly Optimal No-Regret Online Learning in Strongly Monotone Games with Bandit Feedback,” Ba, Lin, Zhang, and Zhou present a novel bandit learning algorithm for no-regret learning in games where each player only observes its reward determined by all players’ current joint action, not its gradient. Focusing on smooth and strongly monotone games, they introduce a bandit learning algorithm using self-concordant barrier functions. This algorithm achieves optimal single-agent regret and optimal last-iterate convergence rate in multiagent learning to the Nash equilibrium. Their work significantly improves previous methods and demonstrates the algorithm’s effectiveness through numerical results in various applications.
Human and entomological determinants of malaria transmission in the Lihir Islands of Papua New Guinea: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Millat-Martínez Pere , Katusele Michelle , Kasian Bernadine , Omera Elias , Jamea Esther , Lorry Lina , Casellas Aina , Ouchi Dan , Wali Chilaka , Raulo Sylvia , Elizah Arthur , Kaman Peter , Dau Absalom , Sakur Muker , Kilepak Lemen , Yabu Siub , Koata Nelson , Kave John , Toa Michael , Urakusie Christopher , Kongs Charles , Kisba Frank , Laman Moses , Mitjà Oriol , Pomat William , Bassat Quique , Karl Stephan , Baro Bàrbara 
Published: January 2025

Background
The Lihir Islands of Papua New Guinea, located in an area with high burden of malaria and hosting a large mining operation, offer a unique opportunity to study transmission. There, we investigated human and vector factors influencing malaria transmission.

Methods
In 2019, a cross-sectional study was conducted on 2,914 individuals assessing malaria prevalence through rapid diagnostic tests (RDT), microscopy, and quantitative PCR (qPCR). A logistic regression analysis identified infection-associated factors. Anopheles species distribution, biting behaviours, and sporozoite carriage were assessed through human landing catches and larval surveys.

Results
Overall malaria prevalence (any species) was 3.6% by RDT, 4.5% by microscopy, and 15.0% by qPCR. P. vivax accounted for 37.1% of infections, P. falciparum for 34.6%, P. malariae for 3.0%, P. ovale 0.2%, and mixed infections for 24.5%. Prevalence (qPCR) varied across geographic areas, from 8.5% in the mine-impacted zone (MIZ) to 27.0% in the non-MIZ. Other factors independently associated with infection risk included cohabiting with an infected individual (aOR = 1.94, 95%CI: 1.56–2.42), and residing in traditional housing (aOR = 1.65, 95%CI: 1.21–2.25). Children had double the infection risk compared to adults, and the use of long-lasting insecticidal-treated nets did not decrease risk of infection. An. punctulatus was the major vector in one of the four geographical areas; while An. farauti was predominant in the rest of them, both with an early biting behaviour but with different biting intensities by geographical area. Entomological inoculation rates ranged from 26.9 (95%CI: 12.3–45.2) infective bites per person-year in the MIZ to 441.3 (95%CI: 315.7–572.1) in the non-MIZ.

Conclusions
Malaria transmission and infection was lower in the MIZ compared to other areas. Measures focusing on at-risk groups, including vector-control and transmission interruption methods, could be taken into account by the mine and the healthcare authorities to reduce malaria burden outside the MIZ.