bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cost-effectiveness of comparative survey designs for helminth control programs: Post-hoc cost analysis and modelling of the Kenyan national school-based deworming program
Authors: Minnery Mark , Okoyo Collins , Morgan Grace , Wang Andrew , Johnson Olatunji , Fronterre Claudio , Montresor Antonio , Campbell Suzy J. , Mwandawiro Charles , Diggle Peter 
Published: December 2024

Background
Soil-transmitted helminths (STH) and schistosomiasis comprise the most wide-spread NTDs globally. Preventative chemotherapy is a cost-effective approach to controlling morbidity of both diseases, but relies on large scale surveys to determine and revise treatment frequency. Availability of detailed information on survey costs is limited despite recent methodological surveying innovations. We micro-costed a survey of STH and schistosomiasis in Kenya, and linked results to precision estimates of competing survey methods to compare cost-efficiency.

Methods
Costs from a 2017 Kenyan parasitological survey were retrospectively analyzed and extrapolated to explore marginal changes when altering survey size, defined by the number of schools sampled and the number of samples taken per school. Subsequent costs were applied to simulated precision estimates of model-based geostatistical (MBG) and traditional survey designs. Cost-precision was calculated for a range of survey sizes per method. Four traditional survey design scenarios, based around WHO guidelines, were selected to act as reference cases for calculating incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) for MBG design.

Findings
MBG designed surveys showed improved cost-precision, particularly if optimizing number of schools against samples per school. MBG was found to be more cost-effective under 87 of 92 comparisons to reference cases. This comprised 14 situations where MBG was both cheaper and more precise, 42 which had cost saving with precision trade off (ICERs; $8,915-$344,932 per percentage precision lost); and 31 more precise with increased cost (ICERs; $426-$147,748 per percentage precision gained). The remaining 5 comparisons represented extremes of MBG simulated site selection, unlikely to be applied in practice.

Interpretation
Efficiency gains are possible for deworming surveys when considering cost alone, such as through minimizing sample or analysis costs. However further efficiency maximization is possible when designing surveys using MBG given its improved precision and ability to optimize the balance between number of schools and sample size per school.
Dose-response effects of multiple Ascaris suum exposures and their impact on lung protection during larval ascariasis
Authors: Amorim Chiara Cássia Oliveira , Nogueira Denise Silva , Gazzinelli-Guimarães Ana Clara , Leal-Silva Thais , Barbosa Fernando Sérgio , Oliveira Fabrício Marcus Silva , Kraemer Lucas Rocha , de Almeida Raquel Martins , Souza Jorge Lucas Nascimento , Dias Magalhães Luisa Mourão , Russo Remo Castro , Caliari Marcelo Vidigal , Gaze Soraya , Bueno Lilian Lacerda , Fujiwara Ricardo Toshio 
Published: December 2024

Background
Human ascariasis is the most prevalent geohelminthiasis worldwide, affecting approximately 446 million individuals. In regions with endemic prevalence, the majority of infected adults are frequently exposed to the parasite and tend to have a low parasite load. Further studies are necessary to provide more evidence on the dynamics of infection and to elucidate the possible mechanisms involved in regulating protection, especially during the acute phase, also known as larval ascariasis. The aim of this study is to compare the impact of lung function between single and multiple infections in a murine model.

Methods
We infected BALB/c mice considering the frequency of exposures: single-exposure—SI; twice-exposures—RE 2x and thrice-exposures—RE 3x, and considering the doses of infection: 25 eggs—RE 25; 250 eggs—RE 250 and 2,500 eggs—RE 2500, followed by infection challenge with 2,500 eggs. From this, we evaluated: parasite burden in lungs, cellular and humoral response, histopathological and physiological alterations in lungs.

Results
The main results showed a reduction of parasite burden in the reinfected groups compared to the single-infected group, with protection increasing with higher exposure and dose. Furthermore, the RE 250 group exhibited a decrease of parasite burden close to RE 2500, but with less tissue damage, displaying the most favorable prognosis among the reinfected groups.

Conclusion
Our research indicates a dose-dependent relationship between antibody production and the intensity of the immune response required to regulate the parasite burden.
Mathematical modelling to estimate the impact of maternal and perinatal healthcare services and interventions on health in sub-Saharan Africa: A scoping review
Authors: Collins Joseph H. , Cambiano Valentina , Phillips Andrew N. , Colbourn Tim 
Published: December 2024

Introduction
Mathematical modelling is a commonly utilised tool to predict the impact of policy on health outcomes globally. Given the persistently high levels of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality in sub-Saharan Africa, mathematical modelling is a potentially valuable tool to guide strategic planning for health and improve outcomes.

Methods
The aim of this scoping review was to explore the characteristics of mathematical models and modelling studies evaluating the impact of maternal and/or perinatal healthcare interventions or services on health-related outcomes in the region. A search across three databases was conducted on 2nd November 2023 which returned 8660 potentially relevant studies, from which 60 were included in the final review. Characteristics of these studies, the interventions which were evaluated, the models utilised, and the analyses conducted were extracted and summarised.

Results
Findings suggest that the popularity of modelling within this field is increasing over time with most studies published after 2015 and that population-based, deterministic, linear models were most frequently utilised, with the Lives Saved Tool being applied in over half of the reviewed studies (n = 34, 57%). Much less frequently (n = 6) models utilising system-thinking approaches, such as individual-based modelling or systems dynamics modelling, were developed and applied. Models were most applied to estimate the impact of interventions or services on maternal mortality (n = 34, 57%) or neonatal mortality outcomes (n = 39, 65%) with maternal morbidity (n = 4, 7%) and neonatal morbidity (n = 6, 10%) outcomes and stillbirth reported on much less often (n = 14, 23%).

Discussion
Going forward, given that healthcare delivery systems have long been identified as complex adaptive systems, modellers may consider the advantages of applying systems-thinking approaches to evaluate the impact of maternal and perinatal health policy. Such approaches allow for a more realistic and explicit representation of the systems- and individual- level factors which impact the effectiveness of interventions delivered within health systems.
Randomized controlled trial of a pilot PrEP linkage intervention for individuals leaving incarceration in a southern state: Design and baseline characteristics
Authors: Horton Heather , Marshall S. Alexandra , Gu Mofan , Tody Brooklyn , Jackson Timikia , Zaller Nick 
Published: December 2024

Objective
We report baseline characteristics of a pilot intervention, PrEP-Link, which uses a community health worker (CHW) model to provide navigation to PrEP, the daily HIV preventative medication, and other medical and social services upon release from incarceration.

Trial design and methods
This pilot study uses a randomized controlled trial design. The control group receives enhanced standard of care, and the intervention receives enhanced standard of care plus personalized navigation services from the CHW for up to one year. PrEP-Link is modeled after the Transitions Clinic Program, where a CHW who has lived experience of incarceration builds close relationships with individuals and community partners. After COVID-19 restrictions prevented recruitment within local jails, recruitment for this study took place in local reentry centers which house individuals as they near completion of their jail or prison sentence. Data are collected at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. Planning and reporting was guided by the CONSORT 2010 checklist.

Results
We enrolled 80 participants between September 2021 and April 2023. Thirty-nine participants were assigned to the control group and forty-one to the intervention group. Data collected at baseline included measures of PrEP usage, HIV risk, drug and alcohol use, healthcare usage, and history of incarceration. Analysis of baseline characteristics show comparability of both demographic and HIV-related risk factors between the two arms.

Conclusions
At baseline, participants had high clinical indication for potential PrEP benefit, particularly with respect to self-reported intravenous drug use and condomless sex. Participants responded with high PrEP acceptability within both study arms. Participants reported low preventative healthcare utilization at baseline. Barriers to accessing PrEP among the study population are significant. Results of this pilot RTC will help inform CHW lead PrEP-linkage interventions for people leaving incarceration.
Behavior of TE and TM propagation modes in nanomaterial graphene using asymmetric slab waveguide
Authors: Alwan Saib Thiab , Al-Bawee Abbas , Alrubaiy Ahmed AAG 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
In this article, the conduction of transverse electric/transverse magnetic (TE/TM) propagation modes in nanomaterial graphene utilization of asymmetric dielectric slab waveguide was studied in terms of their applicability in optical fiber communication. Nano-graphene film was deposited on silica substrate and air cladding. Three layers were exposed to electromagnetic waves with a 1.55 µm wavelength and 1 µm thick nanographene film, silica, and air covering to study the performance and optical properties of graphene nanomaterials. The models were influenced by factors such as attenuation wavenumbers, cut-off frequency, mode number, propagation wavenumbers, skin depth, and angles of total internal reflection. The impact of these parameters was assessed through numerical analysis, revealing significant correlations. The modes generated ten numbers of TE and nine numbers of TM mode dependent upon the structure of nanographene, with low loss propagation wavenumber. As the TE/TM modes increase, the decay wavenumbers of the cladding and substrate parameters diminish. This indicates that the magnetic and electric fields undergo extremely rapid decay beyond the film region, which leads to the skin depth for higher TE/TM modes traveling longer distances in the cladding and substrate than do lower-order modes. Therefore, nanographene exhibits good optical properties due to its low absorption loss. The angles of internal reflection are greater in magnitude than the substrate and cladding key angles. Still, in the tenth TE mode, the internal reflection angles are extremely close to the critical angle as a result of the small substrate decay parameter and the near operating frequency. The tenth TE mode is weakly characterized. The characteristics of TE/TM modes in an asymmetric three-layer slab waveguide structure are realized for various mode orders and various parameters of nanographene material. The field profiles of the TE/TM modes are submitted to comprehend these characteristics.
Incidence and awareness of dysphoric milk ejection reflex (DMER)
Authors: Solmonovich Rachel L. , Kouba Insaf , Bailey Christine , Andria Wendi , Demertzis Kristen , Blitz Matthew J. , Muscat Jolene 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Objectives
To determine Dysphoric Milk Ejection Reflex (DMER) incidence. Secondary objectives were to describe the symptom profiles and patient characteristics of DMER and assess DMER familiarity.

Methods
A prospective observational study of people who initiated breastfeeding after delivery between December 2022 and May 2023 at two hospitals in New York. Participants filled out an Initial Survey, assessing prior DMER familiarity, and recurring DMER Symptoms Surveys, assessing symptom presence, severity, and transiency. Medical records were reviewed for patient demographics and clinical history. Descriptive and basic inferential statistics were performed. A p<0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results
Based on the DMER definition utilized, incidence was 26.9 % (n=21), and symptom severity was mostly very mild to moderate. Those with DMER had similar baseline characteristics to those without, apart from a significantly higher rate of having delivered via cesarean section (71.4.0 vs. 33.3 %, p<0.01). Among the 55 patients who completed the initial survey, 61.8 % were unfamiliar with the condition.

Conclusions
DMER is described as brief, abrupt, negative emotions experienced by breastfeeding individuals prior to milk letdown. We found that more than 1 in 4 participants screened positive. Future research could better define, quantify, qualify, and publicize this condition to inform clinical practices and facilitate successful breastfeeding relationships.
The interaction of irrealis markers and blocking effects in counterfactual conditionals: theoretical implications
Authors: Olguín Martínez Jesus 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
There are languages in which the irrealis domain is split up into situations that may potentially occur and counterfactual situations. In these languages, one marker is only used for expressing potential situations (weak irrealis) and another marker is only used for expressing counterfactual situations (strong irrealis). Moreover, there are languages that only have either weak or strong irrealis markers. For languages containing both weak and strong irrealis markers, it has been demonstrated that the use of weak irrealis markers in counterfactual conditionals is blocked by strong irrealis markers. Based on a sample of 51 languages, the present study lends support to this theoretical claim. However, it is also shown that there are other blocking effects. First, there are languages in which the use of strong irrealis markers in counterfactual conditionals is blocked by specialized clause-linking devices (e.g., devices only used for expressing counterfactual conditional relations). Second, for languages that only contain weak irrealis markers, it is shown that the use of weak irrealis markers in counterfactual conditionals is blocked by a specialized clause-linking device. The paper further investigates whether the results obtained for counterfactual conditionals can be generalized to other counterfactual constructions.
Clinical diagnosis of the monogenic Ehlers-Danlos syndromes
Authors: van Dijk Fleur S. , Angwin Chloe , Demirdas Serwet , Ghali Neeti , Zschocke Johannes 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Monogenic Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) are a group of inherited connective tissue conditions that are clinically characterised by joint hypermobility, skin hyperextensibility and/or fragility, and generalised tissue fragility. Gene panel testing with massively parallel sequencing is currently gold standard to confirm diagnoses of the monogenic EDS types.
We aim to report on the (combination of) clinical features of the monogenic EDS types through text and photographs, to aid clinical diagnosis as despite the significant progress in genetic testing possibilities, a thorough clinical assessment which includes medical history, family history and physical examination remains important in the diagnostic process.
In addition, in those cases where no molecular diagnosis is possible, a clinical diagnosis can still guide management and surveillance.
Screening for creatine transporter deficiency in autism spectrum disorder: a pilot study
Authors: Arslan Mutluay , Yildiz Yılmaz , Olgaç Asburçe , Hekim Özlem , Yücel Çiğdem , Sertoğlu Erdim 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Objectives
Investigation of inherited metabolic disorders in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a matter of debate. X-linked creatine transporter deficiency is among the metabolic disorders which may present predominantly with features of ASD and intellectual disability. Here, we aimed to screen for creatine transporter deficiency in boys with ASD at a university hospital in Turkey.

Methods
Random urine samples were collected from males with ASD (age 3–18 years); urine creatinine, creatine and guanidinoacetate levels were determined by liquid chromatography – tandem mass spectrometry. Demographic and clinical data were obtained via history and physical examination. The primary outcome was the diagnosis of creatine transporter deficiency (elevated urinary creatine:creatinine ratio). The diagnosis of guanidinoacetate methyltransferase deficiency and the parameters associated with the creatine metabolites were secondary outcomes.

Results
Forty seven boys were enrolled, 21.3 and 19.1 % of whom had gross motor delay or paroxysmal abnormalities. 55.3 and 51.1 % patients had low urine creatine and guanidinoacetate levels, respectively, and no cases of creatine transporter deficiency or guanidinoacetate methyltransferase deficiency were identified. Age at ASD diagnosis, age at speech onset, otic or ocular dysmorphic features and psychotropic medications were weakly associated with creatine metabolites.

Conclusions
We found no evidence to support routine screening of boys with ASD for creatine transporter deficiency, but the small number of participants is a limitation. Associates of urinary creatine metabolites were not considered to be clinically significant. High proportion of patients with low creatine and guanidinoacetate levels may be due to nutritional issues, and requires further study.
The Role of Auditor Independence, Professionalism, Skepticism, and Organizational Culture on Auditor Performance
Authors: Fauzi Achmad , Lucyanda Jurica , Permana Fadil , Margaretha Tifani , Novita Mila 
Published: December 2024

Purposes: This study aims to examine the role of internal and external factors in auditor performance. This study uses auditor independence, professionalism, and skepticism as internal factors and organizational culture as external factors.
Methods: Drawing on the attribution theory to develop and test the hypotheses, this study conducts a survey method using an electronic questionnaire to collect data. The respondents are auditors working in the Big Four public accounting firms. Data are analyzed using multiple linear regression models.
Findings: The results show that auditor independence, professionalism, skepticism, and organizational culture positively influence auditor performance. These findings confirmed the attribution theory that dispositional attribution and situational attribution play a key role in individual attributions, namely auditor performance.
Novelty: This study contributes to behavioral management accounting research, specifically the performance of auditors. Limited research still uses organizational culture as an external factor that may affect auditor performance. The attribution theory complements previous studies investigating the determinants influencing auditor performance, from internal (dispositional attributions) to external (situational attributions) factors.
Histiocitosis de Langerhans. Experiencia en edad Pediátrica de 7 años en un hospital de concentración en México
Authors: García Galicia Arturo , Gracián Castro Esmeralda , Pérez Dorantes María Guadalupe , Terán Cerqueda Vanessa , Montiel Jarquín Álvaro José , Bertado Ramírez Nancy Rosalía 
Published: December 2024

INTRODUCCIÓN: La histiocitosis de células de Langerhans (HCL) es una enfermedad rara que afecta múltiples órganos y/o sistemas. No se encuentran descripciones de la experiencia en los hospitales mexicanos de concentración.
OBJETIVO: Describir las características clínicas y respuesta al tratamiento de pacientes con HCL en un hospital de concentración en Puebla, México.
MÉTODOS: Estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo y longitudinal en un hospital de 3er nivel de atención médica durante 2014 a 2021. Se revisaron expedientes de pacientes en edad pediátrica con diagnóstico histopatológico de HCL. Se utilizó estadística descriptiva.
RESULTADOS: Se evaluaron expedientes de 13 pacientes, 61.5% mujeres, edad media de 41.23 meses (DE 48.29), y 12(92.3%) con enfermedad multisistémica. Del total, 8(61.5%) requirieron tratamiento de segunda línea o más. Se observaron 2(14.2%) defunciones por progresión de la enfermedad y 1(7.14%) por complicaciones del trasplante de células progenitoras hematopoyéticas.
CONCLUSIONES: Se registraron 13 casos de HCL en niños en 7 años, es una enfermedad de mayor frecuencia en niños. La edad media de presentación fue 41.23 meses; predomina en género femenino. La mortalidad global fue de 23% con seguimiento medio de 34.15 meses. La enfermedad multisistémica de alto riesgo fue la más frecuente con 61.5%, mortalidad de 37.5% y seguimiento medio de 32 meses.
Efficacy evaluation of a supplemental polyherbal immunopotentiator liquid on broiler chicken health
Authors: Gopal Bhagwat Vishwanath , Krishnappa Varun Kumar 
Published: November 2024

A chicken's immune system is crucial for its health and disease resistance, as it directly impacts production performance. Immunomodulators are substances such as vitamins, adjuvants, polysaccharides, probiotics, prebiotics, and botanicals that help regulate the immune system and enhance disease resistance. A study was conducted with Cobb 430Y broilers to evaluate the effect of a liquid multi-herb preparation "Immunopotentiator liquid (IPL)" on immunity, performance, and carcass characteristics. The study involved 126 chickens, randomly divided into six groups of 21 birds: G1, G2, G3, G4, G5 and G6. The G3 and G5 groups were supplemented with Geriforte Vet Liquid (GVL), while the G4 and G6 groups were supplemented with IPL. GVL and IPL supplemented by mixing with daily drinking water at 5 ml/100 birds at 1–2 weeks; 10 ml/100 birds at 2–4 weeks; and 20 ml/100 birds from four weeks onward till the chicks reached the marketable age, i.e., 38 days. Additionally, groups (G2, G5, and G6 groups) were vaccinated against New Castle Disease and Infectious Bursal Disease. The results showed that IPL supplementation improved growth performance parameters like body weight and feed efficiency without affecting carcass characteristics or serum biochemical parameters. Further, the immunity parameters, including ND and IBD titers, were elevated in chicks that received IPL supplementation along with vaccinations. In conclusion, the study showed that supplementing IPL with routine vaccinations for 21 days had a positive effect on the immunity, growth performance, and general health of Cobb 430Y broilers.
AUGMENTING ISLAMIC DIGITAL PAYMENT EFFECT ON MUSLIM CUSTOMER PURCHASE DECISION ON MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES’ (MSMEs) PRODUCTS
Authors: Riofita Hendra 
Published: November 2024

To support the role of digital transaction in improving the growth of economy, the effect of Islamic digital payments on Muslim customer purchase decision on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises’ (MSMEs) products should be augmented. This study employs a modified Technology acceptance Model (TAM) to examine whether perceived values mediate or augment the effect of Islamic digital payments on purchase decisions of MSMEs’ products. Using data gathered from 477 respondents, we find that the perceived values do augment Islamic digital payment effect on Muslim customer purchase decision on MSMEs products. However, their augmentation for the case of cash payments is absent. In other words, Islamic digital payments and perceived values are together the predictors of Muslim customer purchase decision while cash payments are not. We also note that the Islamic digital payments are the predictor of perceived values.