bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical presentation and outcome of diphtheria in health facility in North-East Nigeria
Authors: Denue Ballah Akawu , Ngoshe Rakiya Mohammed , Abdul Habu , Akawu Cecilia Balla , Gana Mohammad Lawan , Hussaini Anas Yusuf , Bamidele Ajayi Babajide 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Background
Frequent outbreak of diphtheria occurs in Nigeria and some developing nations due to poverty, poor environmental sanitation, and vaccination coverage.

Aim
To determine the clinical presentation and outcome of diphtheria in cases admitted in a Yobe Specialist Hospital Potiskum, Yobe State, North-East Nigeria.

Methods
This is an observational study involving consecutive cases of diphtheria admitted in diphtheria treatment unit (DTU) in the hospital. Cases were admitted from 27th May to 30th October 2023.

Results
A total of 640 patients were admitted with median age of 9 (1–62), with males constituting 350 (54.6%). Only 9 (1)% of patients had vaccination. Common clinical features included pseudomembrane (90.7%), fever (79.7%), neck pain (78.3%), gross cervical lymphadenopathy (GCL; 69.1%), and sore throat (44.2%). The case fatality rate was 7%, higher in < 5 years (8.4%) than 5–14 years (7.4%) and ≥ 15 years (2.2%) respectively. Independent risk for fatality included delay in presentation (adjusted odd ratio (AOR) = 1.21, 95% confidence interval (CI) [1.10, 1.42], p < 0.001), vomiting (AOR = 3.6, 95% CI [1.36, 9.6], p = 0.01), bleeding from orifices (AOR = 3.76, 95% CI [5.76, 6.98], p < 0.001), blood transfusion (AOR = 8.12, 95% CI [3.34, 19.74], p < 0.001), and diphtheria antitoxin (DAT) administration (AOR = 3.17, 95% CI [1.37, 7.25], p = 0.07).

Conclusion
Clinical presentation was consistent with diphtheria. Risk of fatality included vomiting, bleeding from orifices, anemia necessitating blood transfusion, delay in presentation, and DAT administration.
The Ednrb–Aim2–AKT axis regulates neural crest-derived melanoblast proliferation during early development
Authors: Chen Yu , Li Huirong , Wang Jing , Yang Shanshan , Su Zhongyuan , Wang Wanxiao , Rao Chunbao , Hou Ling 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT
Ednrb is specifically required to develop neural crest (NC) stem cell-derived lineages. However, it is still unknown why Ednrb signaling is only needed for the early development of melanoblasts in the skin and eye. We show that Ednrb is required for the proliferation of melanoblasts during early mouse development. To understand the mechanism of melanoblast proliferation, we found that the gene absent in melanoma 2 (Aim2) is upregulated in Ednrb-deficient NC cells by RNA-sequencing analysis. Consequently, the knockdown or knockout of Aim2 partially rescued the proliferation of Ednrb-deficient melanoblasts. Conversely, the overexpression of Aim2 in melanoblasts suppressed their proliferation. We further show that Ednrb signaling could act through the microRNA miR-196b to block the suppression of melanoblast proliferation by Aim2 in primary NC cell cultures. These results reveal the Ednrb–Aim2–AKT axis in regulating melanocyte development and suggest that Ednrb signaling functions as a negative regulator of Aim2, which inhibits the proliferation of melanoblasts in early development. These findings uncover a previously unreported role for Aim2 outside the inflammasome, showing that it is a significant regulator controlling NC stem cell-derived lineage development.
Mutations in the DNA processivity factor POL30 predispose the FLO11 locus to epigenetic instability in S. cerevisiae
Authors: Sauty Safia Mahabub , Fisher Ashley , Dolson Andrew , Yankulov Krassimir 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT
The FLO genes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae are repressed by heterochromatin formation, involving histone deacetylases, transcription factors and non-coding RNAs. Here, we report that mutations in the processivity factor POL30 (PCNA) that show transient derepression at the subtelomeres and the mating-type loci do not derepress FLO loci. However, deletions of the replisome stability factors RRM3 and TOF1 along with pol30 mutations induced flocculation phenotypes. The phenotypes correlated with increased expression of reporter proteins driven by the FLO11 promoter, the frequency of silent to active conversions of FLO11, and reduced expression of the regulatory long non-coding RNAs ICR1 and PWR1. Alterations in the local replication landscape of FLO11 indicate a link between defects in the fork protection complex and the stability of gene silencing. Analyses of these mutants at the subtelomeres and the HMLα locus showed a similar derepression phenotype and suggest transient instability of both active and silent states of FLO11. We conclude that RRM3 and TOF1 interact differentially with the pol30 mutations to promote transient derepression or complete epigenetic conversions of FLO11. We suggest that the interaction between POL30, RRM3 and TOF1 is essential to maintain epigenetic stability at the studied loci.
A systematic review of the follow-up priorities of colorectal cancer survivors
Authors: Coughlan Claire , Alexis Obrey , Matheson Lauren , Watson Eila 
Published: November 2024

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer worldwide. Survival has improved over recent years and CRC survivors are a growing group of patients living with and beyond a diagnosis of cancer. Aims: This study aims to explore the follow-up priorities of CRC survivors and to determine if all those affected by CRC have been given a voice through current literature. Method: A systematic integrative literature review was performed across three databases— CINAHL, Medline and PsycINFO—from 2014 to 2024. This yielded 12 papers for inclusion. Thematic analysis was undertaken with themes from each paper identified and coded. Common themes were grouped and renamed. Results: Six themes emerged: understanding and managing long-term effects of treatment; the importance of good information; delivery of follow-up care; ease of access to care and investigations; fear of recurrence; and the changing impact of cancer treatment. Ethnic minority groups and non-native language speakers appeared underrepresented in the included studies; only 50% of included studies made ethnicity data available. It was not possible to determine whether other groups had been included, such as members of the LGBTQ+ community, those with learning disabilities or those with mental health conditions. Conclusions: Survivors of CRC require access to information and support to manage the effects of treatment in the short, medium and long term to optimise their quality of life post treatment. The approach to this should be shaped to the preference and need of the individual. Colorectal cancer Clinical Nurse Specialists need to tailor practice and use their expertise to meet the needs of CRC survivors during follow-up care processes. More evidence is needed on the follow-up priorities of CRC survivors from underrepresented groups to ensure that their voices are heard and their needs addressed.
Musculoskeletal Disorders in COVID-19 Surveillance Staff Members: An Analysis of Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Coping Strategies
Authors: Zhang Huiying , Liu Yanyan , Liu Yan , Luo Yan 
Published: November 2024

Aims/Background During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the COVID-19 surveillance staff members experienced an increased risk for musculoskeletal disorders. Thus, it is necessary to further investigate the causal factors stemming from COVID-19 surveillance work, especially nucleic acid testing, and establish their relationship with work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) by building upon the previous research. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of WMSDs and the major risks faced by the COVID-19 surveillance staff members. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in May 2022. The Quick Exposure Check (QEC), Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ), and Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) were used to evaluate ergonomic factors, musculoskeletal symptoms and pressure among 131 COVID-19 surveillance staff members in four hospitals in South-central Henan Province. Additionally, data regarding the coping strategies adopted by the respondents for lowing the risk of developing WMSDs were collected using a self-report questionnaire. Results The QEC results showed that the back, neck, and should/arm of the COVID-19 surveillance staff members bore high ergonomic loads, while the wrist suffered a medium load. The neck (75.6%), shoulder (66.4%), upper back (58%), and wrist (55.7%) were at higher risk for musculoskeletal disorder. Most of the respondents claimed a low sense of achievement (124, 94.7%) and slightly less than half of them had endured emotional exhaustion at work (61, 46.6%). Prolonged period of maintaining the same posture at work, awkward bending or twisting of back side, task repetition and so on were the perceived job risk factors precipitating WMSDs among the participants in this study. The top three coping strategies for lowering the risk of WMSDs included adjusting the plinth/bed height (49.6%), utilizing different parts of the body at work (47.3%), and taking short breaks when required (33.6%). Conclusion Prolonged large-scale nucleic acid detection can aggravate the musculoskeletal injuries of the neck, shoulder, upper back, and wrist in COVID-19 surveillance staff members. Prevention measures for musculoskeletal injuries factors must be in place to deter such incidence at work.
Comparison of Effects between Nasal Bi-Level Positive Airway Pressure and Nasal Synchronized Intermittent Mandatory Ventilation in Neonatal Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Authors: Zhang Yu , Zhang Juan 
Published: November 2024

Aims/Background Neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (NRDS) is characterized by progressive aggravation and rapid progression of respiratory distress, with a high incidence rate among premature infants. If left untreated, NRDS results in a poor prognosis. In recent years, various respiratory support modalities have received extensive attention in clinical practice. The therapeutic effect of different respiratory support modes on NRDS has gradually become the focus of clinical research. The aim of this study was to explore the therapeutic effects of nasal bi-level positive airway pressure (nBiPAP) and nasal synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation (nSIMV) on NRDS. Methods This study retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 157 newborns with NRDS in the Mudanjiang Medical University Affiliated Second Hospital from January 2021 to December 2023, finally including 153 cases after excluding 4 cases with missing clinical data. According to the non-invasive ventilation method, these newborns were categorized into a nBiPAP group (receiving nBiPAP treatment, n = 77) and an nSIMV group (receiving nSIMV treatment, n = 76). The blood gas indices, using time of ventilator, hospitalization time, therapeutic effects, and incidence of complications were compared between the two groups. Results The PaCO2, PaO2, and pH levels in the nBiPAP group were basically consistent with those in the nSIMV group before and after treatment (p > 0.05). The use time of ventilator, hospitalization time, and therapeutic effects in the nBiPAP group were similar to those in the nSIMV group (p > 0.05). Additionally, both groups demonstrated no significant difference in the incidence of complications such as intraventricular hemorrhage, apnea, necrotizing enterocolitis, and feeding intolerance (p > 0.05). The incidence rates of ventilator-associated lung injury and neonatal bronchopulmonary dysplasia in the nBiPAP group were lower than those in the nSIMV group, with a significant difference (p < 0.05). Conclusion Both nBiPAP and nSIMV have shown good effects in treating NRDS, with nBiPAP showing a significant advantage in reducing the incidence rates of complications such as ventilator-associated lung injury and neonatal bronchopulmonary dysplasia.
Efficacy of N-Acetylcysteine as an Adjuvant Therapy for Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: He Tingting , Ren Kehui , Xiang Li , Yao Huan , Huang Yucheng , Gao Yongxiang 
Published: November 2024

Aims/Background Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory autoimmune disease and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is considered a potential therapeutic agent for RA due to strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy of NAC as an adjuvant therapy for RA. Methods A systematic search was conducted across five databases from inception to 1 August 2024, including CINAHL, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, PubMed, and Web of Science. The Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials was used to assess the quality of the included studies. Sensitivity analysis was performed when significant heterogeneity was identified. Results Four studies involving 204 patients were included in our meta-analysis. The results indicated that NAC alleviated disease activity in RA patients (Disease Activity Score 28-erythrocyte sedimentation rate (DAS28-ESR): mean difference (MD) = 0.54). Additionally, NAC reduced inflammatory markers (erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR): MD = 3.00). However, the beneficial effects of NAC on oxidative stress in RA patients were not observed. Conclusion This meta-analysis demonstrated the efficacy of NAC in reducing inflammatory markers, improving joint tenderness, and swelling in patients with RA.
Metal-assisted miniaturized refractive index sensor based on quasi-bound states in the continuum
Authors: Yang Zhengweiyi , Wang Kangni , Qian Linyong 
Published: November 2024

A miniaturized optical refractive index sensor based on quasi-bound states in the continuum (quasi-BICs) is proposed in this work. By utilizing one-dimensional compound gratings with varying heights to break the symmetry of the grating, the structure supports the transition from BIC to quasi-BIC. Additionally, metallic mirrors are positioned at the edges of the grating to facilitate effective in-plane light confinement, thereby reducing light leakage and significantly enhancing peak efficiency within constrained dimensions. A comprehensive investigation was conducted to analyze the impact of metal height, edge spacing, and the number of periods on the resonance modes in finite structures, with the aim of optimizing structural parameters. An assessment of refractive index sensing performance was performed under TE and TM polarizations. The results indicate that the sensitivities for TM and TE polarizations are 427 nm/RIU and 434 nm/RIU, with a small footprint of approximately 18.51 µm and 18.48 µm, respectively. This study has the potential to enhance the design and application of miniaturized optical refractive index sensors.
Improved PGC-Arctan demodulation algorithm based on real-time feedback control
Authors: Ge Qiang , He Wen-chao , Xiao Jian , Xu Linguang , Zhang Gang 
Published: November 2024

The phase generated carrier (PGC) demodulation algorithm has the characteristics of high accuracy, good linearity, and large dynamic range, which makes it widely used in interferometric fiber optic sensors. However, due to the influence of carrier phase delay (CPD), phase modulation depth (C), and light intensity disturbance, the system introduces nonlinear distortions. To address this problem, we proposed a highly stable PGC demodulation algorithm that combines CPD compensation and C self-calibration. Multitone mixing is used in the CPD compensation and C self-calibration. The CPD compensation algorithm calculates CPD using the harmonic components and their differential components obtained from two orthogonal carrier signals and uses CPD to set the initial phase of the reference carrier to obtain the harmonic components that eliminate the influence of CPD. The C self-calibration algorithm calculates the real-time C by the ratio of the two harmonic components and introduces proportional-integral-derivative control to stabilize C at the optimal value by controlling the output voltage. The experimental results show that the standard deviation of the CPD calculated by the CPD compensation algorithm is 0.0012 rad. The real-time modulation depth of the system can quickly reach the optimal value and maintain it for a long time. The average phase modulation depth is 2.63 rad with a standard deviation of 0.00735 rad. Compared with the traditional PGC-Arctan demodulation algorithm, our algorithm yields higher SINADs and lower THDs under different CPDs; the average SINAD is 62.68 dB, and the THD is 0.075%.
Testing for reviewer anchoring in peer review: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Liu Ryan , Jecmen Steven , Conitzer Vincent , Fang Fei , Shah Nihar B. 
Published: November 2024

Objective
Peer review frequently follows a process where reviewers first provide initial reviews, authors respond to these reviews, then reviewers update their reviews based on the authors’ response. There is mixed evidence regarding whether this process is useful, including frequent anecdotal complaints that reviewers insufficiently update their scores. In this study, we aim to investigate whether reviewers anchor to their original scores when updating their reviews, which serves as a potential explanation for the lack of updates in reviewer scores.

Design
We design a novel randomized controlled trial to test if reviewers exhibit anchoring. In the experimental condition, participants initially see a flawed version of a paper that is corrected after they submit their initial review, while in the control condition, participants only see the correct version. We take various measures to ensure that in the absence of anchoring, reviewers in the experimental group should revise their scores to be identically distributed to the scores from the control group. Furthermore, we construct the reviewed paper to maximize the difference between the flawed and corrected versions, and employ deception to hide the true experiment purpose.

Results
Our randomized controlled trial consists of 108 researchers as participants. First, we find that our intervention was successful at creating a difference in perceived paper quality between the flawed and corrected versions: Using a permutation test with the Mann-Whitney U statistic, we find that the experimental group’s initial scores are lower than the control group’s scores in both the Evaluation category (Vargha-Delaney A = 0.64, p = 0.0096) and Overall score (A = 0.59, p = 0.058). Next, we test for anchoring by comparing the experimental group’s revised scores with the control group’s scores. We find no significant evidence of anchoring in either the Overall (A = 0.50, p = 0.61) or Evaluation category (A = 0.49, p = 0.61). The Mann-Whitney U represents the number of individual pairwise comparisons across groups in which the value from the specified group is stochastically greater, while the Vargha-Delaney A is the normalized version in [0, 1].
Predicting poor functional outcomes for patients with large computed tomography perfusion core infarctions treated with endovascular thrombectomy
Authors: Karamchandani Rahul R. , Satyanarayana Sagar , Yang Hongmei , Rhoten Jeremy B. , Strong Dale , Clemente Jonathan D. , Defilipp Gary , Patel Nikhil M. , Bernard Joe , Stetler William R. , Parish Jonathan M. , Wolfe Stacey Q. , Guzik Amy K. , Asimos Andrew W. 
Published: November 2024

Objective
Stroke patients with large core infarctions benefit from endovascular intervention, though only approximately 20% are functionally independent at 90 days. We studied prognostic factors for patients presenting with a large computed tomography perfusion (CTP) core.

Methods
Retrospective analysis from a health system stroke registry, including consecutive thrombectomy patients treated within 24 hours from August 2020-December 2022 with an anterior circulation large vessel occlusion and CTP core infarct ≥50 milliliters. Logistic regression was used to determine independent predictors of 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score 4–6. The prognostic ability of previously reported scales was also assessed.

Results
In 118 included patients, with mean age 64.3 ± 14.1 years, poor functional outcomes were present in 66 subjects (55.9%). The multivariable regression analysis demonstrated that higher presenting National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score (odds ratio [OR] 1.12, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02–1.23, p = 0.014), elevated glucose (OR 1.02, 95% CI 1.01–1.03, p = 0.002), absence of treatment with intravenous thrombolysis (OR 4.01, 95% CI 1.35–11.95, p = 0.013), and poor revascularization (OR 4.76, 95% CI 1.24–18.37, p = 0.023) were independently associated with primary outcome. The Charlotte Large artery occlusion Endovascular therapy Outcome Score (CLEOS) predicted 90-day mRS 4–6 (per 25-point increase, OR 1.22, 95% CI 1.10–1.34, p<0.001) and mRS 5–6 (per 25-point increase, OR 1.21, 95% CI 1.10–1.33, p<0.001). Nineteen of 20 (95%) patients with CLEOS ≥ 675 had 90-day mRS scores of 4–6, while 10 of 12 (83.3%) with CLEOS ≥ 725 had 90-day mRS scores of 5–6.

Conclusion
We report prognostic factors that can risk stratify thrombectomy patients with large CTP core infarctions.
MALTectomy and psoriasis risk in women: A prospective study in the French E3N prospective cohort
Authors: Conte Marco , Fournier Agnes , Rothwell Joseph A. , Boutron-Ruault Marie-Christine , Baglietto Laura , Fornili Marco , Sbidian Emilie , Severi Gianluca 
Published: November 2024

Background and aim
The involvement of mucosa associated lymphoid tissues (MALT) in the development of an autoimmune response in the skin is unclear and unstudied. In this study we sought to assess the relationship between removal of MALT tissues (MALTectomy) and the risk of development of psoriasis (overall or moderate-to-severe).

Methods
We conducted a prospective observational study based on E3N, a French cohort composed of 98 995 women born between 1925 and 1950 and insured by the health insurance of the national education system (MGEN). The study population included the 90 119 women that completed the 1990 baseline questionnaire with available information on MALTectomy and a valid incident diagnostic date for psoriasis. During the 1990–2018 follow-up period 2 433 incident cases of psoriasis were identified through self-reports while during the period for which drug reimbursement data were available from the MGEN database (2004–2018), 120 cases of moderate-to-severe psoriasis were identified. Hazard ratios (HR) and their 95% confidence intervals were estimated by Cox proportional hazards models and adjusted for known or putative psoriasis risk factors.

Results
Appendectomy was associated with an increased risk of psoriasis both in the univariate [HR: 1.17 (95% CI: 1.08–1.27)] and multivariable models [HR: 1.14 (95% CI: 1.05–1.24)]. A suggestive association with appendectomy was observed for moderate-to-severe psoriasis risk [univariate HR: 1.40 (95%CI: 0.97–2.02); multivariable HR: 1.36 (95%CI: 0.94–1.96)]. No association was observed between tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy both for overall and moderate-to-severe psoriasis.

Conclusions
The observed association between appendectomy and risk of psoriasis warrants further investigations as they may help to elucidate the disease etiology and improve risk prediction.