bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cost-effectiveness of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination in Tunisia: a modelling study
Authors: Khiari Hyem , Makni Karima , Meddeb Khedija , Jaidane Olfa , Hsairi Mohamed 
Published: December 2024

ObjectivesThe objective of this study is to assess the cost utility of the implementation of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination programme in Tunisia in addition to the current cytology screening strategy. This study is very important to guide health policy decision-makers and to help them allocate their scarce healthcare resources.DesignWe used a previously described Markov model on the Online Cost Effectiveness Analysis tool programmed with R Software. The Markov cohort model was used to simulate the natural history of HPV infection and cervical cancer for a cohort of 100 000 females aged from 10 to 84 years. The model was calibrated with Tunisian parameters to calculate the long-term health benefits and costs of different cervical cancer preventive strategies in Tunisia.Outcome measuresThe primary outcome was the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of the implementation of HPV vaccination to the current cytology screening strategy to fight against cervical cancer. The ICER was calculated per life-years saved and per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gained, expressed in 2020 US$. Thresholds were fixed at one to three times the gross domestic product (GDP). One-way sensitivity analyses were carried out concerning the coverage rate of the cytology screening and vaccination as well as for the vaccination cost and doses.ResultsCompared with screening alone, the combined strategy predicted an ICER of US$1920.8 year of life saved and US$2239.3/QALY which is still lower than the GDP per capita of Tunisia in 2020 (US$3319). Sensitivity analysis showed that the cost-effectiveness of adding vaccination to the existing screening programme did not exceed the GDP per capita by varying the cost per dose upwards to US$45 (ICER would be US$2910/QALY) and vaccination coverage up to 100% (ICER of US$3245/QALY). However, the combined strategy exceeds the GDP per capita threshold when the cytological screening coverage rises to 70%, causing the ICER to rise to US$4787/QALY.ConclusionThis study showed that compared with screening alone, the implementation of HPV vaccination in addition to the current cytology screening programme in Tunisia would be considered cost-effective on the basis of the threshold GDP per capita. Improvement of the current screening programme itself also remains important and provides further potential to achieve optimal cervical cancer prevention strategies.
Long-term trends in English general practice consultation rates from 1995 to 2021: a retrospective analysis of two electronic health records databases
Authors: Wyatt Steven , Mohammed Mohammed A , de Dumast Lyvia , Marshall Tom 
Published: December 2024

ObjectivesAlthough primary care is central to healthcare provision, inconsistent methods and data sources mean that relatively little is known about long-term trends in general practice consultation rates. We aimed to explore long-term trends in English general practice consultation rates using two electronic health records databases, Clinical Practice Research Datalink Gold and Aurum, from 1995 to 2021.MethodsConsultations were identified and classified using a set of rules and code lists. Consultation rates were calculated as the ratio of the count of consultations and the registration duration. We used negative binomial regression to model the relationship between the number of consultations and the patient’s age, sex and year from each database. These models are then used to estimate annual crude consultation rates for England.ResultsThe number of general practices in the Gold database decreased from 346 (1995) to 41 (2021), while in Aurum, it increased from 555 (1995) to 1347 (2021). In Gold, the average number of consultations per person-year increased from 2.91 in 1995 to 5.12 in 2012, then fell to 4.59 in 2019 and to 4.12 in 2021. In Aurum, average consultations per person-year rose from 2.17 (1995) to 4.89 (2012), then fell to 4.76 (2019) and rose again to 5.40 (2021). Half of the total increase in consultations from Aurum was due to a new consultation code, for ‘AccurX consultations’, an electronic messaging system for communication with patients.ConclusionTrends in general practice consultation showed three distinct epochs: rising from 1995 to 2012, falling from 2012 to 2019 and rising in Aurum but falling in Gold from 2019 to 2021. Consultation rates in Gold were higher than Aurum until the inclusion of a new consultation code in Aurum in 2019, which underscores the need for operational definitions of a consultation.
Prevalence of cataract and its associated factors among adults aged 40 years and above living in Durame town, Southern Ethiopia, 2023: a community-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Latebo Ashenafi Abebe , Assefa Natnael Lakachew , Ferede Tarekegn Wuletaw , Bekele Matiyas Mamo , Demilew Ketemaw Zewdu 
Published: December 2024

ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess the prevalence of cataract and associated factors among adults aged 40 years and above in Durame town, Southern Ethiopia.DesignA community-based cross-sectional study was conducted using a systematic random sampling method.SettingThe study was conducted in Durame town, Southern Ethiopia.ParticipantsThe study included 734 adults aged ≥40 years who lived in Durame town for more than 6 months.Main outcome measuresData were collected using face-to-face interviews completed by an interviewer and ophthalmic examinations.ResultsA total of 734 study participants aged 40 years and above were involved. The prevalence of cataract was 29.16% (95% CI: 25.89% to 32.59%). Factors associated with the prevalence of cataract were older age of 70–95 years (adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=8.60, 95% CI: 3.09 to 23.90), being diabetic (AOR=2.27, 95% CI: 1.37 to 3.74), exposure to sunlight (AOR=2.83, 95% CI: 1.45 to 5.53), trauma to eye (AOR=2.39, 95% CI: 1.19 to 4.81), hypertension (AOR=1.86, 95% CI:1.16 to 2.99) and glaucoma (AOR=5.36,95% CI: 3.13 to 9.18).ConclusionThe prevalence of cataract was lower than previous national survey results. Old age, known history of trauma to eye, hypertension, diabetes, exposure to sunlight and glaucoma had statistically significant association with cataract.
Characteristics of people who report firearm suicidal ideation in the USA
Authors: Mueller-Williams Amelia Cromwell , Ilgen Mark A , Hicks Brain M 
Published: December 2024

ObjectivesFirearms are the most common method of suicide, yet little is known about the attributes of people who contemplate firearm suicide. The objective of this study was to describe people who endorse firearm suicidal ideation (FASI) in terms of associations with gun ownership and experiences, mental health problems, substance use, antisocial behaviour and personality characteristics.MethodsData were collected as part of a national online survey of adults living in the USA, the cross-sectional sample from wave 8 was analysed (N=1579). Logistic regression and analysis of variance models were fit to examine the associations between lifetime FASI and gun ownership and experience, and several mental health, substance use, antisocial behaviour and personality variables.ResultsThe rate of lifetime FASI was 10.2% (n=161). FASI was associated with gun ownership and more experience with firearms, as well as higher levels of depressed mood, anxiety, suicidal ideation, self-harm behaviours, past suicide attempts, alcohol and drug use, antisocial behaviour and intimate partner violence. In terms of personality traits, FASI was associated with greater negative emotions, desire for power but also feeling powerless, and lower agreeableness and conscientiousness.ConclusionsWhile not common, FASI is not rare and has a profile characterised by higher-intensity mental health problems, substance use, antisocial behaviour and personality traits associated with severe externalising problems and suicide. Research on FASI as a distinct construct should continue given the high lethality of firearms as a method of suicide.
Portraying the full picture of Neurofibromatosis–Noonan syndrome: a systematic review of literature
Authors: Trimeche Omeyma , Sakka Rania , Hajji Ekram , Missaoui Abdelmouhaymen , Ben Amor Bilel , Bayar Ines , Abid Sana , Marmouch Hela , Sayedi Hanen , Khochtali Ines 
Published: December 2024

Background and aimsNeurofibromatosis–Noonan syndrome (NFNS) is an extremely rare genetic entity combining the clinical phenotype of two conditions: neurofibromatosis type 1 syndrome (NF1) and Noonan syndrome (NS). Nevertheless, many inconsistencies reside in our understanding of this condition, mainly its clinical features and genetic background. Through this systematic review, we aim to shed light on the epidemiological features, the broad clinical spectrum, the underlying genetic defects and the associated comorbidities of NFNS.MethodsMedline, Scopus and Google Scholar were searched for publications on the clinical and genetic features of patients with NFNS. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were followed and the study protocol was registered in PROSPERO.ResultsOf 951 records screened, 42 were eligible. The mean age at diagnosis was 14.7 years ranging from 0 to 69 years. As for the circumstance of discovery of NFNS, it was dominated by family investigation followed by neurofibromas, facial dysmorphia and short stature (SS). Prematurity was noted in 40.9% of cases. The hallmark features of NFNS at diagnosis were ‘café au lait’ macules, typical facial dysmorphia of NS, postnatal SS, pectus abnormalities, broad neck and lentigines. Macrocephaly, scoliosis and cardiopathies occurred in 26%, 42.4% and 36.9% of cases, respectively. Tumours were found in 18.4% of cases. As for the genetic foundation of NFNS,NF1gene mutations were depicted in 87.5% of individuals.ConclusionsBased on our findings, we emphasise on the importance of searching for NS features in patients with NF1 since the prognosis, comorbidities and consequently management could be altered.PROSPERO registration number42024522238.
Disease-modifying treatment and disability progression in subclasses of patients with primary progressive MS: results from the Big MS Data Network
Authors: Lorscheider Johannes , Signori Alessio , Subramaniam Suvitha , Benkert Pascal , Vukusic Sandra , Trojano Maria , Hillert Jan , Glaser Anna , Hyde Robert , Spelman Tim , Magyari Melinda , Elberling Frederik , Pontieri Luigi , Koch-Henriksen Nils , Sørensen Per Soelberg , Gerlach Oliver , Prat Alexandre , Girard Marc , Eichau Sara , Grammond Pierre , Horakova Dana , Ramo-Tello Cristina , Roos Izanne , Buzzard Katherine , Lechner Scott Jeanette , Sánchez-Menoyo José Luis , Alroughani Raed , Prévost Julie , Kuhle Jens , Gray Orla , Mathey Guillaume , Michel Laure , Ciron Jonathan , De Sèze Jérôme , Maillart Elisabeth , Ruet Aurelie , Labauge Pierre , Zephir Helene , Kwiatkowski Arnaud , van der Walt Anneke , Kalincik Tomas , Butzkueven Helmut ,   On behalf of Italian MS Register,   On behalf of Observatoire Français de la Sclérose en Plaques (OFSEP),   On behalf of MSBase Study Group,   On behalf of Swedish MS Registry
Published: December 2024

BackgroundEffectiveness of disease-modifying treatment (DMT) in people affected by primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS) is limited. Whether specific subgroups may benefit more from DMT in a real-world setting remains unclear. Our aim was to investigate the potential effect of DMT on disability worsening among patients with PPMS stratified by different disability trajectories.MethodsWithin the framework of the Big MS Data network, we merged data from the Observatoire Français de la Sclérose en Plaques, the Swedish and Italian MS registries, and MSBase. We identified patients with PPMS that started DMT or were never treated during the observed period. Subpopulations with comparable baseline characteristics were selected by propensity score matching. Disability outcomes were analysed in time-to-recurrent event analyses, which were repeated in subclasses with different disability trajectories determined by latent class mixed models.ResultsOf the 3243 included patients, we matched 739 treated and 1330 untreated patients with a median follow-up of 3 years after pairwise censoring. No difference in the risk of confirmed disability worsening (CDW) was observed between the groups in the fully matched dataset (HR 1.11, 95% CI 0.97 to 1.23, p=0.127). However, we found a lower risk for CDW among the class of treated patients with an aggressive disability trajectory (n=360, HR 0.68, 95% CI 0.50 to 0.92, p=0.014).ConclusionsIn line with previous studies, our data suggest that DMT does not ameliorate disability worsening in PPMS, in general. However, we observed a beneficial effect of DMT on disability worsening in patients with aggressive predicted disability trajectories.
Analysis of GFAP variants in UK Biobank suggests underdiagnosis or incomplete penetrance of adult-onset Alexander disease
Authors: Gagliardi Delia , Wade Charles , Tucci Arianna , Houlden Henry , Chataway Jeremy , Barkhof Frederik , Lynch David S 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundAlexander disease is an autosomal dominant leukodystrophy caused by heterozygous pathogenic variants in the glial fibrillar acidic protein (GFAP) gene. Although increasingly recognised, there is evidence that Alexander disease, particularly later-onset disease, is significantly underdiagnosed and its true prevalence is unknown (the only population-based prevalence was estimated at one in 2.7 million). Using the extensive UK Biobank dataset, we analysed the frequency of pathogenic and likely pathogenic variants,GFAPvariants, within the UK population and identified clinical and radiological phenotypes linked to these variants.MethodsPathogenic, likely pathogenic andGFAPvariants of uncertain significance were identified in the UK Biobank whole-exome sequencing data (n=4 70 000). Demographic information, previous medical history—including symptoms associated with Alexander disease—collected from self-reported data and hospital records, family history and various MRI metrics were compared between variant carriers and controls.ResultsWe identified 36 unique pathogenic and likely pathogenicGFAPvariants in 106 carriers, yielding a carrier frequency of approximately 1 in 4435. Modelling based on the UK population estimated a prevalence of 6.8 per 100 000. Carriers of pathogenic and likely pathogenicGFAPvariants had higher odds of bladder dysfunction (OR 3.17, p<0.0001), upper airway dysfunction (OR 7.82, p=0.004) and psychiatric conditions (OR 1.51, p=0.04). Additionally, carriers were more likely to report a paternal history of dementia (OR 2.79, p<0.0001). MRI data revealed significant atrophy in brainstem regions among variant carriers.ConclusionPathogenic and likely pathogenicGFAPvariants are more prevalent in the general population than previously expected and are associated with clinical and radiological characteristics of Alexander disease. This study indicates that Alexander disease may be under-reported, misdiagnosed, or exhibit reduced penetrance.
Increase inNeisseria gonorrhoeaeinfections after ending COVID-19 lockdown measures in Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Authors: Teker Buhari , Schim van der Loeff Maarten F , Boyd Anders , Hoornenborg Elske , Stam Arjen J , de Vries Henry J C , Jongen Vita Willemijn 
Published: December 2024

ObjectiveVarious European countries noted increasingNeisseria gonorrhoeae(Ng) positivity among cis-gender women and heterosexual men. We assessed changes over time in Ng among men who exclusively have sex with men (MSM), men who exclusively have sex with women (MSW), men who have sex with men and women (MSMW), women and transgender and gender diverse people (TGP).MethodsWe analysed data collected between 2018 and 2023 at the Centre for Sexual Health, Amsterdam. We modelled temporal changes in Ng positivity rates (ie, number of positive results per 100 tests) using relative risk regression with a covariate representing three time periods: pre-COVID-19 (1 January 2018–12 March 2020), during COVID-19 (13 March 2020–1 March 2022), and post-COVID-19 (2 March 2022–31 December 2023).ResultsWe included 110 878 consultations pre-COVID-19, 84 917 during COVID-19 and 108 282 post-COVID-19. Positivity rates of Ng went from 12.4% to 13.0% in MSM, 1.7% to 2.3% in MSW, 6.7% to 9.9% in MSMW, 1.3% to 2.9% in women and 8.1% to 10.4% in TGP pre-COVID-19 and post-COVID-19, respectively. Significant increases were observed among MSW (relative risk (RR)=1.31,95% CI 1.12 to 1.53), MSMW (RR=1.47, 95% CI 1.26 to 1.72) and women (RR=2.25, 95% CI 2.03 to 2.49). An increased number of sexual partners and inconsistent condom use were associated with an increased Ng risk.ConclusionA substantial relative increase in Ng risk among MSW, MSMW and women, but not MSM or TGP, was observed post-COVID-19. Changes in sexual behaviour were associated with these changes. Continuous surveillance of Ng in heterosexual individuals is needed to monitor changes, alongside implementing prevention strategies for sexually transmitted infections.
Calibration of accelerometer transmitters to enable estimation of field metabolic rates in walleye
Authors: Ritchie Erin B. , Raby Graham D. , Smith Kurtis A. , Bzonek Paul A. , Brownscombe Jacob W. 
Published: December 2024

Bioenergetic modelling is valuable for addressing many questions in animal ecology. However, applying these models to wild animals is limited by challenges with collecting in situ energetics data. To enable field applications, we conducted laboratory experiments using a swim tunnel respirometer on wild ( n = 28) and hatchery-origin ( n = 19) walleye ( Sander vitreus) to calibrate acoustic accelerometer transmitters (InnovaSea V13A and V16AT) for estimating metabolic rate ( ṀO2). Walleye (0.36–3.06 kg) underwent ramp- Uc rit swim trials ( n = 70) across four temperatures (5–21°C). Using mixed effects models, we analyzed critical swimming speed ( Ucrit), swimming speed, tailbeat frequency, and ṀO2 as functions of body mass, acceleration, sex, and water temperature. ṀO2 decreased with body mass and increased with higher swimming speeds, acceleration values, and water temperatures. Notably, ṀO2 increased more rapidly with acceleration at higher temperatures. No mass-specific sex differences were observed across measured parameters, and there were no differences in Ucrit or ṀO2 between control and tagged fish. These findings support the use of accelerometers to generate field estimates of energy expenditure in wild walleye.
Measurement of the electric potential and the magnetic field in the shifted analysing plane of the KATRIN experiment
Authors:   KATRIN Collaboration, Aker M. , Batzler D. , Beglarian A. , Behrens J. , Beisenkötter J. , Biassoni M. , Bieringer B. , Biondi Y. , Block F. , Bobien S. , Böttcher M. , Bornschein B. , Bornschein L. , Caldwell T. S. , Carminati M. , Chatrabhuti A. , Chilingaryan S. , Daniel B. A. , Debowski K. , Descher M. , Barrero D. Díaz , Doe P. J. , Dragoun O. , Drexlin G. , Edzards F. , Eitel K. , Ellinger E. , Engel R. , Enomoto S. , Felden A. , Fengler C. , Fiorini C. , Formaggio J. A. , Forstner C. , Fränkle F. M. , Gauda K. , Gavin A. S. , Gil W. , Glück F. , Grössle R. , Gumbsheimer R. , Hannen V. , Hasselmann L. , Haußmann N. , Helbing K. , Heyns S. , Hickford S. , Hiller R. , Hillesheimer D. , Hinz D. , Höhn T. , Huber A. , Jansen A. , Karl C. , Kellerer J. , Khosonthongkee K. , Köhler C. , Köllenberger L. , Kopmann A. , Kovač N. , Krause H. , La Cascio L. , Lasserre T. , Lauer J. , Le T. L. , Lebeda O. , Lehnert B. , Li G. , Lokhov A. , Machatschek M. , Mark M. , Marsteller A. , Martin E. L. , McMichael K. , Melzer C. , Mertens S. , Mohanty S. , Mostafa J. , Müller K. , Nava A. , Neumann H. , Niemes S. , Parno D. S. , Pavan M. , Pinsook U. , Poon A. W. P. , Poyato J. M. L. , Pozzi S. , Priester F. , Ráliš J. , Ramachandran S. , Robertson R. G. H. , Rodenbeck C. , Röllig M. , Sack R. , Saenz A. , Salomon R. , Schäfer P. , Schlösser M. , Schlösser K. , Schlüter L. , Schneidewind S. , Schrank M. , Schürmann J. , Schütz A. K. , Schwemmer A. , Schwenck A. , Šefčík M. , Siegmann D. , Simon F. , Spanier F. , Spreng D. , Sreethawong W. , Steidl M. , Štorek J. , Stribl X. , Sturm M. , Suwonjandee N. , Jerome N. Tan , Telle H. H. , Thorne L. A. , Thümmler T. , Titov N. , Tkachev I. , Urban K. , Valerius K. , Vénos D. , Weinheimer C. , Welte S. , Wendel J. , Wiesinger C. , Wilkerson J. F. , Wolf J. , Wüstling S. , Wydra J. , Xu W. , Zadorozhny S. , Zeller G. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
The projected sensitivity of the effective electron neutrino-mass measurement with the KATRIN experiment is below 0.3 eV (90 % CL) after 5 years of data acquisition. The sensitivity is affected by the increased rate of the background electrons from KATRIN’s main spectrometer. A special shifted-analysing-plane (SAP) configuration was developed to reduce this background by a factor of two. The complex layout of electromagnetic fields in the SAP configuration requires a robust method of estimating these fields. We present in this paper a dedicated calibration measurement of the fields using conversion electrons of gaseous

$$^\textrm{83m}$$

83m

Kr, which enables the neutrino-mass measurements in the SAP configuration.
$$(g-2)_{e,\mu }$$ and lepton flavor violating decays in a left-right model
Authors: Hue L. T. , Phan Khiem Hong , Hong T. T. , Nguyen T. Phong , Nha N. H. T. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
General expressions for one-loop contributions associated with lepton-flavor violating decays of the standard model-like Higgs boson

$$h\rightarrow e_b^\pm e_a^\mp $$

h
→

e
b
±

e
a
∓

and gauge boson

$$Z\rightarrow e^\pm _b e_a^\mp $$

Z
→

e
b
±

e
a
∓

are introduced in the unitary gauge. The results are used to discuss these decays as new physics signals in a minimal left-right symmetric model containing only one bidoublet Higgs and a

$$SU(2)_R$$

S
U

(
2
)

R

Higgs doublet accommodating data of neutrino oscillations and

$$(g-2)_{\mu }$$

(
g
-
2
)

μ

. The numerical investigation indicates that some of these decay rates can reach near future experimental sensitivities.
Detecting gravitational waves via coherence degradation induced by the Unruh effect
Authors: Barros Pedro H. M. , Costa Helder A. S. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
We investigate the effects of a gravitational wave background on the coherence degradation induced by the Unruh effect of a uniformly accelerated single-qubit and quantum interferometric circuit. In both systems, we use the formalism of the evolution of the density matrix of the detector-field system, where after the interaction the field degrees of freedom are traced out to obtain the reduced density matrix of the detector. In this background, we calculate the quantum coherence and interferometric visibility in the long-wavelength regime and large interaction time. Our results indicate that the gravitational wave transfers energy to the internal states of the detector, causing, together with the Unruh effect, changes in them, amplifying the coherence degradation of the system. This amplification occurs when the polarization modes of the gravitational wave are in resonance and have modulated amplitudes. For the case of a short-wavelength, the detector does not respond to the gravitational wave because its oscillation is so fast that the detector does not have time to respond within the system timescale. Therefore, it is possible to detect the signature of gravitational waves in the coherence degradation induced by the Unruh effect within the regimes studied here.