bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characteristics and treatment outcomes of patients with multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis at Abbassia Chest Hospital
Authors: Nofal Ibrahim Mostafa Mohamed , AbdelHalim Hesham Atef , Almaraghy Ashraf Abbass , Awad Amr Mohammed , Farrag Mohamed Ali 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
Multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) remains a significant health concern. This study analyzes patients admitted to Abbassia Chest Hospital, focusing on their characteristics, drug resistance patterns, treatment outcomes, and risk factors for poor prognosis.

Methods
A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 121 patients admitted to the MDR unit at Abbassia Chest Hospital. TB diagnosis was confirmed using sputum smear microscopy, microbiological culture and sensitivity testing, and molecular methods (GeneXpert). Patient data were extracted from hospital records for statistical analysis.

Results
The mean age of MDR-TB patients was 40 years, with 75.21% being male. Key risk factors included prior TB interrupted treatment, smoking, and contact with MDR-TB patients. Resistance rates exceeded 90% for cycloserine, ethionamide, pyrazinamide, and levofloxacin, while 71.9% were resistant to amoxicillin. Sputum conversion occurred in 95.04% of patients, with a mean conversion time of 2.21 ± 1.44 months. Successful treatment was achieved in 84.3% of cases, while 45.45% experienced side effects, the most common being hyperuricemia (28.1%), gastritis, and ototoxicity (11.57% each). Bad prognosis was associated with comorbidities like ischemic heart disease (OR 15.34, p = 0.02) and delayed sputum conversion (OR 1.63/month, p = 0.03). Side effects were not linked to bad outcomes.

Conclusion
While most MDR-TB patients achieved successful treatment outcomes, certain factors, such as comorbidities (particularly ischemic heart disease) and delayed sputum conversion, significantly contributed to bad prognosis.
Adoption of a sustainable land management practice for invasive
Prosopis juliflora
in East Africa
Authors: Eschen René , Kaaya Omega Emmanuel , Kilawe Charles Joseph , Malila Barnabas Philip , Mbwambo John Richard , Mwihomeke Mickfanaka Steven , Nunda Winnie 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background

Woody invasive alien species are among the world’s worst invaders, significantly affecting ecosystem services, increasing the cost of farming and reducing access to land.
Prosopis juliflora
(“prosopis”), a spiny shrub or tree, was introduced from its native Latin America into Eastern Africa to reduce dust and sandstorms and provide wood and fodder for livestock, but it has spread from the original areas of introduction and invaded large areas of land, thereby replacing grazing and arable land with impenetrable thickets. Stakeholders in two invaded regions of Kenya and Tanzania selected and tested, through an inclusive and participatory process guided by the Woody Weeds project, one sustainable land management (SLM) practice to manage prosopis through uprooting and subsequent use of the cleared land for continuous crop and fodder production. The practice was successful and was adopted by stakeholders in the communities where it was tested.

Methods
We assessed reasons why people adopted the practice or not, as well as whether there was an effect of the Woody Weeds project on the adoption, through in-person interviews with 154 household heads in Baringo, Kenya, and 148 in Kahe, Tanzania.

Results
About 75% of the respondents implemented the practice, 76 didn’t implement the practice and ten respondents no longer implemented the practice. We found that the likelihood of people adopting was higher for male than female respondents and was positively related to farm size. Results of a choice experiment revealed that almost all respondents prefer the SLM over a situation where their land is invaded by prosopis, even if the investment is high, which confirms that people prefer farming over prosopis, and that their perception of the SLM became more positive over time. Altogether, our results illustrate the beneficial effects of the SLM practice, despite high initial investment and risk of injury while uprooting prosopis. The results further indicate the value of communal meetings for dissemination, as many people learn about new practices through observation of their neighbours’ activities and during public barazas and village meetings.

Conclusions
We recommend awareness raising about these SLM practices and their benefits and upscaling of the practices to other areas infested by prosopis.
Entrustable professional activities in postgraduate psychiatric training
Authors: Varvari Ioana , Duddu Venugopal , Ranjith Gopinath 
Published: December 2024

SUMMARY
Entrustable professional activities (EPAs) have gained traction in the medical education field as a means of assessing competencies. Essentially, an EPA is a profession-specific task that a trainee is entrusted to conduct unsupervised, once deemed competent by their supervisor through prior evaluations and discussions. The integration of EPAs into postgraduate assessment strategies enhances the delivery of capability-based curricula. It strategically bridges the theoretical–practical divide and addresses existing issues associated with workplace-based assessments (WBPAs). This article aims to (a) provide an overview of EPAs, (b) review the application of EPAs in postgraduate psychiatry so far, exploring their conceptual framework, implementation, qualities and potential benefits and concerns, and (c) propose a theoretical framework for their integration into the UK psychiatry curriculum.
Efficacy of esketamine nasal spray over quetiapine extended release over the short and long term: sensitivity analyses of ESCAPE-TRD, a randomised phase IIIb clinical trial
Authors: Young Allan H. , Llorca Pierre-Michel , Fagiolini Andrea , Falkai Peter , Cardoner Narcís , Nielsen René E. , Blomqvist Ola , Godinov Yordan , Rive Benoît , Diels Joris , Mulhern-Haughey Siobhán , Reif Andreas 
Published: December 2024

Background
In patients with treatment resistant depression (TRD), the ESCAPE-TRD study showed esketamine nasal spray was superior to quetiapine extended release.

Aims
To determine the robustness of the ESCAPE-TRD results and confirm the superiority of esketamine nasal spray over quetiapine extended release.

Method
ESCAPE-TRD was a randomised, open-label, rater-blinded, active-controlled phase IIIb trial. Patients had TRD (i.e. non-response to two or more antidepressive treatments within a major depressive episode). Patients were randomised 1:1 to flexibly dosed esketamine nasal spray or quetiapine extended release, while continuing an ongoing selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor/serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. The primary end-point was achieving a Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale score of ≤10 at Week 8, while the key secondary end-point was remaining relapse free through Week 32 after achieving remission at Week 8. Sensitivity analyses were performed on these end-points by varying the definition of remission based on timepoint, threshold and scale.

Results
Of 676 patients, 336 were randomised to esketamine nasal spray and 340 to quetiapine extended release. All sensitivity analyses on the primary and key secondary end-point favoured esketamine nasal spray over quetiapine extended release, with relative risks ranging from 1.462 to 1.737 and from 1.417 to 1.838, respectively (all p < 0.05). Treatment with esketamine nasal spray shortened time to first and confirmed remission (hazard ratio: 1.711 [95% confidence interval 1.402, 2.087], p < 0.001; 1.658 [1.337, 2.055], p < 0.001).

Conclusion
Esketamine nasal spray consistently demonstrated significant superiority over quetiapine extended release using all pre-specified definitions for remission and relapse. Sensitivity analyses supported the conclusions of the primary ESCAPE-TRD analysis and demonstrated robustness of the results.
Delaying Informed Consent: An Empirical Investigation of Mobile Apps’ Upgrade Decisions
Authors: Mayya Raveesh , Viswanathan Siva 
Published: December 2024

In response to users’ evolving desire for choice and control over their personal data, numerous platforms across sectors have been updating privacy policies. Unlike public regulations that mandate uniform compliance, many platforms grant a more flexible time window for complementors to adopt privacy policies. Although several studies have examined the impact of privacy policies, the consequences of delayed policy adoption under time flexibility remain largely unexplored. This study is among the first to investigate the impact of apps delaying policy adoption in the context of a privacy policy change. The context of our research is the upgrade to Android version 6.0, which gave consumers more control over their personal data. Apps were given a three-year grace period to adopt the new privacy policy, during which apps that did not adopt the policy could still run on the latest Android version. We leverage this variation in policy adoption by apps to examine its impact on apps’ marketplace outcomes. By installing over 13,691 popular apps on emulators, we detect exactly when each app upgrades to version 6.0. We combine this unique data set with multiple data sets to quantify the impact of delaying the upgrade. We find that delaying the upgrade results in a significant loss of downloads and user ratings for apps. Frequently maintaining the apps without upgrading can only partially mitigate these declines. In further examining who delays upgrades and why, we find that apps that display in-app advertising and overreach for permissions are more likely to delay upgrading, suggesting a strategic trade-off between marketplace outcomes and the ability to collect data continuously. The findings of our study highlight the need to carefully consider participants’ potential strategic behaviors in designing policy implementation. We discuss the theoretical and practical implications of our findings. This paper was accepted by Chris Forman, information systems. Funding: Financial support from the Ed Snider Center for Enterprise and Markets at the University of Maryland is gratefully acknowledged. Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2022.00334 .
Impact of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus on Neonatal Birth Outcomes
Authors: Liu Ying , Wang Meixia , Zhou Jin 
Published: December 2024

Aims/Background The purpose of this study is to investigate the risk factors for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) during pregnancy and its impact on neonatal birth outcomes. Methods A total of 2010 cases of mothers with GDM who underwent routine prenatal examinations and delivered at The Fourth Hospital of Shijiazhuang from June 2021 to April 2022, and their newborns were selected as the GDM group. For comparison, 2087 cases of mothers with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) and their newborns during the same period were selected as the NGT group. Birth outcomes of both groups were compared. Results Pregnant women in the GDM group exhibited significantly higher proportions of advanced age, higher body mass index (BMI), and irregular dietary habits compared to the NGT group (p < 0.05). Conversely, the GDM group had significantly lower proportions of nutrient supplementation and prenatal exercise compared to the NGT group (p < 0.05). The incidences of macrosomia, neonatal hypoglycemia, hyperbilirubinemia, and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) were significantly higher in the GDM group compared to the NGT group (p < 0.05 for all). Among GDM women with adverse outcomes, significant differences were observed in pre-pregnancy BMI, insufficient or excessive weight gain during pregnancy, and poor glycemic control during pregnancy compared to those without adverse outcomes (p < 0.05 for all). Poor glycemic control during pregnancy, pre-pregnancy BMI, and inadequate or excessive weight gain were significant factors influencing adverse pregnancy outcomes in GDM patients (p < 0.05). Conclusion The risk factors for GDM include advanced maternal age, being underweight, overweight, or obese prior to pregnancy, irregular eating habits, dietary nutritional deficiencies, and lack of prenatal exercise. The incidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes is higher in GDM patients compared to those without GDM. Poor glycemic control during pregnancy and higher pre-pregnancy BMI are significant factors that contribute to negative outcomes for both GDM patients and their newborns.
Polyethylene terephthalate cubic nonlinearity coefficient measurement with a modified Z-scan technique
Authors: Poteomkin Anatoly , Martyanov Mikhail , Poezzhalov Daniil , Kuzmin Igor , Gacheva Ekaterina , Mironov Sergey , Khazanov Efim 
Published: December 2024

A modified Z-scan technique was used to measure the polyethylene terephthalate (PET)
cubic nonlinearity coefficient n2 at two different wavelengths (1030
and 515 nm). The proposed technique was benchmarked with the
well-studied fused silica (FS) sample. The obtained n2 values for fused silica n2(FS,1030nm)=1.72, n2(FS,515nm)=3.1 and for PET n2(PET,1030nm)=11.5 in the units of 10−7cm2/GW agree well with the previously
published data. The nonlinear coefficient for PET at the wavelength of
515 nm n2(PET,515nm)=26.5⋅10−7cm2/GW was obtained in this work,
presumably, for the first time, and demonstrates high nonlinearity of
PET in the visible band. The proposed modified Z-scan technique
exhibits a factor of three better sensitivity with respect to the
traditional one, which was crucial for PET measurements due to its low
damage threshold.
Hematological ratios as an indicator of severity in alopecia areata: A retrospective nationwide study
Authors: Andre Nicolas , Weissmann Sarah , Cohen Bracha , Gordon Chaya Bracha , Nassar Majd , Kestenbom Inbal , Golan-Tripto Inbal , Horev Amir 
Published: December 2024

Background
Alopecia Areata (AA) is an autoimmune condition where the activation of Th1, Th2, and Th17 responses is known to stimulate other white blood cells, potentially affecting hematopoietic lineages. However, previous studies on AA have found no utility in hematological ratios. Our goals were to compare neutrophils-to-lymphocytes ratio (NLR), platelets-to-lymphocytes ratio (PLR), eosinophils-to-lymphocytes ratio (ELR), eosinophils-to-neutrophils ratio (ENR), and eosinophils-to-monocytes ratio (EMR) between patients with AA and controls, as well as between mild and moderate-severe AA cases.

Methods and findings
We performed a retrospective, population-based cohort study involving adult patients enrolled in the largest national health maintenance organization in Israel. The study comprised 147,020 AA patients and 141,598 healthy controls. AA patients exhibited a higher likelihood of elevated NLR and ELR compared to controls. Upon further classification based on severity, moderate-severe AA patients displayed higher values of NLR, PLR, ELR, and EMR compared to mild AA individuals OR = 1.11 [1.09–1.1], P<0.001; OR = 1.09 [1.05–1.13], P<0.001; OR = 2.06 [1.67–2.53], P<0.001; OR = 1.07 [1.03–1.07)], P<0.001, respectively). Similar trends were observed 12 to 18 months before diagnosis.

Conclusion
Our results not only deviate from the current literature but also offer a cost-effective, accessible, and efficient tool for enhanced disease prediction and management.
Mapping retracted articles and exploring regional differences in China, 2012–2023
Authors: Shi Liping , Zhang Xue , Ma Xiaojun , Sun Xian , Li Jiangping , He Shulan 
Published: December 2024

Background
China is one of the top countries with the most significant number or proportion of retracted publications, which has garnered significant attention.

Methods
Using the Retraction Watch Database, we collected retracted articles written by Chinese authors from 31 provinces in mainland China, spanning the period between January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2023. We used Geographical Information Science to analyze spatial distribution characteristics of retracted articles by Chinese authors and identify high-risk clusters of retracted areas.

Results
A total of 14,445 retracted articles authored by researchers from 31 provinces in China between 2012 and 2023 were analyzed. The Spatial trend surface analysis and Gravity center movement indicated a gradual increase in the number of retracted articles from the west to the east. The spatial autocorrelation analysis showed that revealed significant spatial clustering in the distribution of retracted articles across the 31 provinces. The results of the spatial-temporal clustering analysis showed that the hotspots were primarily concentrated in Shandong, Jiangsu, Shanghai, Henan, and Anhui.

Conclusion
There is a discernible spatial clustering among these retractions, with a gradual increase in the number of retracted articles from west to east. Shandong, Jiangsu, Shanghai, Henan, and Anhui are the hotspots for retractions.
Symptomatic Improvement in Adults and Adolescents With Eosinophilic Esophagitis Requires Higher Systemic Dupilumab Exposure Than Histologic Response
Authors: Dellon Evan S. , Kosloski Matthew P. , Shabbir Arsalan , Glotfelty Lila , Xu Christine , Kamal Mohamed A. 
Published: December 2024

INTRODUCTION:
We assessed potential mechanisms behind the requirement for more frequent dupilumab dosing in eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) compared with other approved indications.

METHODS:
Results for the phase 3 LIBERTY EoE TREET study coprimary endpoints (proportion of patients achieving a peak intraepithelial eosinophil count of ≤6 eosinophils per high-power field and absolute change from baseline in Dysphagia Symptom Questionnaire total score) were pooled in exposure–response analyses.

RESULTS:
A steep initial relationship then plateau was observed between higher dupilumab steady-state trough concentrations and decreased eosinophilic infiltration at week 24, whereas a graded exposure–response relationship was observed for symptomatic improvement at week 24. Patients with the highest exposures were more likely to achieve greater symptomatic benefit, independent of strictures or history of dilation.

DISCUSSION:
The dupilumab 300 mg weekly regimen approved for adults and adolescents with EoE weighing ≥ 40 kg is supported by dose– and exposure–response relationships.
Nonlinear Optimal and Multi-Loop Flatness-Basedcontrol of Omnidirectional 3-Wheel Mobile Robots
Authors: Rigatos Gerasimos , Abbaszadeh Masoud 
Published: December 2024

In this article, the control problem for omnidirectional 3-wheel autonomous mobile robots is solved with the use of (i) a nonlinear optimal control method (ii) a flatness-based control approach which is implemented in successive loops. To apply method (i) that is nonlinear optimal control, the dynamic model of the omnidirectional 3-wheel autonomous mobile robots undergoes approximate linearization at each sampling instant with the use of first-order Taylor series expansion and through the computation of the associated Jacobian matrix. The linearization point is defined by the present value of the system's state vector and by the last sampled value of the control inputs vector. To compute the feedback gains of the optimal controller an algebraic Riccati equation is repetitively solved at each time-step of the control algorithm. The global stability properties of the nonlinear optimal control method are proven through Lyapunov analysis. To implement control method (ii), that is flatness-based control in successive loops, the state-space model of the omnidirectional 3-wheel autonomous mobile robot is separated into chained subsystems, which are connected in cascading loops. Each one of these subsystems can be viewed independently as a differentially flat system and control about it can be performed with inversion of its dynamics as in the case of input-output linearized flat systems. The state variables of the preceding (i-th) subsystem become virtual control inputs for the subsequent (i+1-th) subsystem. In turn, exogenous control inputs are applied to the last subsystem. The whole control method is implemented in successive loops and its global stability properties are also proven through Lyapunov stability analysis. The proposed method achieves trajectory tracking and autonomous navigation for the omnidirectional 3-wheel autonomous mobile robots without the need of diffeomorphisms and complicated state-space model transformations.
Energy efficient weed control in high density planting rainfed cotton
Authors: Sriram J , Kannan SV , Ragavan T , Sheeba S , Sivasankari B 
Published: December 2024

An experiment utilizing a split-plot design was done to ascertain the optimal plant population and weed management strategies for enhancing yield, net income, and energy efficiency in high-density rainfed cotton cultivation. The primary plot treatments comprised three spacing configurations: 100x10 cm, 150x50x10 cm, and 175x50x10 cm. Six weed management approaches were evaluated as subplot treatments, with each treatment replicated three times throughout the 2023-24 rabi season. These practices included power weeding on 20 and 45 days after sowing (DAS), intercropping with black gram, hand weeding on 20 and 45 DAS, herbicide application of Metolachlor (pre-emergence) on 5 DAS, and a combination of Pyrithiobac sodium plus Quizalofop ethyl (post-emergence) on 20 DAS, along with weedy check and weed-free check.
The 100 x 10 cm spacing combined with power weeding proved superior, achieving higher yield parameters, greater yield, increased income (Rs. 67238/ha), a benefit-cost ratio of 2.27, energy productivity of 0.38 Kg/MJ, net energy productivity of 30334 MJ/ha, and an energy use efficiency of 4.0 in high-density planting. The narrow-row spacing (100x10 cm) with power weeding also optimized plant population and enhanced per-plant productivity. This configuration also supported proper soil tilling and aeration, enabling a higher uptake of inputs with minimum energy expenditure for weeding, leading to improved overall performance.
Ugaritian Labourers
Authors: Vita Juan-Pablo 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
According to some authors, the archives of Ugarit have preserved a small group of texts that could be classified as ‘censuses’. Other authors, however, have argued that these texts record people who were able to work in some way. This article examines the clearest examples of this type of text, the two Ugaritic administrative documents RS 17.312 (KTU 4.295) and RS 18.258 (KTU 4.417). The analysis is carried out in conjunction with the Akkadian letter RS 94.2524, which may provide a better understanding of the nature of the two Ugaritic texts. The discussion also includes a third Ugaritic administrative text, RS 18.026 (KTU 4.339), which seems to complete the process described in both RS 17.312 and RS 18.258. In our view, the four texts provide further evidence of the control that the Ugaritian administration exercised over the population of the kingdom in order to mobilise them for labour purposes.