bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Toronto public hearings on electroshock: Testimonies from ECT survivors – Review and content analysis
Authors: Froede Emmeline , Baldwin Steve 
Published: December 2024

There is a controversy about whether or not ECT is a “beneficial” treatment. Critics have emphasised the major side effects, such as disturbed memory, impaired comprehension, automatic movements, dazed facial expressions, motor restlessness, confusion, dizziness, nausea, vomiting and headaches. Supporters have argued it is a safe, reliable, effective procedure. Testimonies of eighteen ECT survivors were subjected to document analysis and content analysis, to determine the main themes/effects ECT had on recipients. The main themes identified were: fear, physical symptoms after ECT, consent, memory loss, attitudes towards ECT, degradation/dehumanisation, control, information about treatment. These data suggest that ECT is not a form of healing, but instead the cause of more damage. Alternatives to ECT should be used more frequently, as ECT removes feelings of control. Human rights are often ignored. ECT is invasive and destructive and should be prohibited.
Gender at birth and meteorological factors
Authors: Grech Victor , Vella Catherine C. , Vassallo‐Agius P. , Savona‐Ventura Charles 
Published: December 2024

Objective. In a previous study, we showed that the ratio of gender at birth (M/F ratio) appeared to vary by latitude. We postulate that meteorological factors may be responsible for this variation. In this study, M/F ratio in a central Mediterranean island were correlated to latitude dependent meteorological factors. Design. The 1957–1998 live birth monthly sex ratios in Malta were correlated with mean monthly temperatures and mean monthly bright sunshine hours. Results. A positive but not statistically significant correlation was found between M/F ratios and mean monthly temperatures and sunshine hours even over the narrow range of meteorological values investigated. Conclusions. While no significant trends could be confirmed, the results suggest that M/F ratios may be linked to meteorological factors influenced by latitude. Further studies in countries with a wider mean monthly meteorological value range may confirm or exclude this hypothesis.
Risk of medicines: Counterfeit drugs
Authors: Akunyili Dora Nkem , Nnani Ijeoma P.C. 
Published: December 2024

Living in general is a risky endeavour. Certain risks are taken without much thought because of the apparent overwhelming benefits. This is often the case for many consumers of medicines who assume medicines to be wholly safe and health care providers infallible. Patients rely on healthcare providers for information, risk assessment, and protection from risks due to medical interventions. Some common risks due to medical interventions include medication errors, exposure to radiation, over/under dosing, adverse events/reactions, hospital acquired infections, counterfeit drugs, etc. Unfortunately, risk factors such as counterfeit medicines (though occurring for a long time) are just becoming apparent in the last three decades, first to only a few countries while others still seem unaware or choose to dwell in denial of their existence. There has been an astronomical increase in the detection of counterfeit medicines worldwide. The magnitude of this increase and consequent death toll demands greater attention in the consideration of the safety of medicines. Counterfeit medicines constitute a risk to the pharmaceutical industry, healthcare providers, the healthcare system as a whole and ultimately to the patient. The risks to the patient include, lack of effect, toxicity, adverse drug reactions (ADRs), loss of economic and other resources and ultimately death. Due to dearth of information and research and lack of a globally coordinated approach to anti‐counterfeiting, global estimates of deaths due to counterfeit medicines can only be guessed. Indications from both published data and anecdotal evidence indicate that millions of lives may be saved annually if there are no counterfeit antibiotics, antiretrovirals, anti‐malarial, anti‐tubercular drugs, vaccines and other life saving medicines. This paper identifies these risks and proposes a concerted global action towards reducing the production and circulation of counterfeit pharmaceuticals on the world market. It also suggests a possible role for pharmacovigilance in anti‐counterfeiting.
Risky procedures: Experiences and views of psychiatrists and views of management of mental health care institutions
Authors: de Bie J. , Cuperus-Bosma J.M. , Stortenbeeker S.K. , Gevers J.K.M. , Wal G. van der 
Published: December 2024

Objective: To evaluate the functioning of the reserved procedures regulations in the Netherlands, which are included in the Individual Health Care Professions Act (1997), the experiences and views of psychiatrists and the views of management of mental health care institutions were studied with regard to risky procedures in mental health care. Method: Postal questionnaires were sent to all 105 mental health care institutions in the Netherlands and a random sample of 300 psychiatrists. Results: Response rates were 60% for the psychiatrists, 67% for the psychiatric hospitals and 62% for the ambualtory care institutions. According to 32% of the psychiatrists there were procedures in mental health care that are not legally regulated, but are so risky that they should only be carried out by or on the orders of psychiatrists. Two thirds of the psychiatrists (66%) thought that psychotherapy should be classified as a reserved procedure. The majority of the psychiatrists (65–96%) were of the opinion that assessment of the need for seclusion, treatment in a crisis situation and the termination of treatment can only be safely carried out by or on the orders of psychiatrists. Although 60% of the psychiatrists working in an institution had protocols, 72% were of the opinion that these guidelines were not, or partially satisfactory. Over two thirds of the institutions (69%) thought that the reserved procedures regulations provide adequate protection for patients. Conclusions: More attention should be paid by legislators, institutions and professional organisations to risky procedures in mental health care, in particular in the field of diagnostics and therapeutic procedures.
From mono, multiple to extensive drug resistant TB: Where are we heading for?
Authors: Khan Sohil A. , Chundru Sakunthala D. , Rodrigues Gabriel S. , Pokharel Nabin , Kansakar Prasanbir S. 
Published: December 2024

Background: A short course of antitubercular drugs in 1960s offered the prospect of eradicating this disease. By late 1980s HIV pandemic lead to a rapid upsurge of tuberculosis (TB) and shattered this hope. In the 1990s, multidrug-resistant (MDR) tuberculosis received widespread attention and in this present decade, we are heading towards an emergence of extensively drug-resistant (XDR) TB and adding a new chapter to the history of this disease. Methods: The emergence of XDR-TB, spread and the reasons for its emergence was studied from the available and published literature from January 1996 till December 2006. Search strategy involved primary, secondary literatures with search term: XDR-TB, spread of XDR-TB. Official websites of WHO and Global TB Alliance were also accessed for latest updates. Data extraction was independently done by the authors. Available relevant information was pooled and arranged with respect to XDR-TB emergence, reasons, clinical studies and preventive measures. Current status on anti-TB drug research was also looked into. Results: A total of 14 articles were obtained. However, these were clinical studies from single or multicenters highlighting the incidence of XDR-TB. Information on reasons for drug resistance, preventive measures, status in developing countries were obtained from WHO website. Global TB Alliance mentioned only 3 compounds under clinical testing against TB. Major causes for XDR-TB emergence included an incorrect prescription of drug regimens, poor drug quality, erratic drug supply, non-adherence by patients and poor infection control. Conclusion: XDR-TB has emerged due to negligent case-management and poorly functioning public-health services. An acquisition and transmission of drug-resistant strains add to their incidence. However till date the overall incidence is arguably infrequent. The real problem from a public-health perspective therefore is to prevent transmission of resistant strains. The need of the hour is to gear up a sound public-health practice. Major attention to issues like research in developing safe and effective newer anti-TB compounds, which should be made available at an economical rate, is what we recommend.
A prospective study of medication errors arising out of look-alike and sound-alike brand names confusion
Authors: Joshi M.C. , Joshi H.S. , Tariq K. , Ejaj A. , Prayag S. , Raju A. 
Published: December 2024

Objective: The study was conducted to estimate and to analyze the medications errors because of look-alike & sound-alike brand names confusion and prepare the list of such brand names and further to suggest methods to reduce errors arising out of such confusion. Materials and methods: The study was conducted in a general hospital in Delhi over a period of six months. The possibilities of errors because of brand name confusion was high when the staff nurses were sending drug orders to the pharmacy because these drug orders were send electronically. In the used software the brand names of drugs were displayed alphabetically and the nurse had to select the drug by clicking on it. After making the list of prescribed drugs, it is sent to the pharmacy for dispensing. The errors in the drug ordering method were assessed for six months and a list of commonly involved brand names was made which was further classified into different categories (Category 1 – Look alike drugs with same generic name, Category 2 – Look alike drugs with different generic name, Category 3 – Sound alike drugs with same generic name, Category 4 – Sound alike drugs with different generic name, Category 5 – Identical brand names with same generic name) and analyzed for seriousness on the basis of there potential to cause patient harm. Results: The occurrence of these 5 different categories in percentages was: Category 1 – 4.51%, Category 2 – 4.92%, Category 3 – 0%, Category 4 – 6.56% and Category 5 – 84.01%. Category 5 errors were most commonly seen. Further, the monthly trend for category 5 errors showed a decreasing number of errors and improvement in quality of drug order entry. Conclusion: Most commonly brand name confusion is seen with almost identical brand names for combination drugs. Such type of errors could be dangerous (e.g., in antihypertensive or hypoglycemic drug combinations). They also increase the cost of therapy and unnecessary exposure of the patient to more drugs and there side effects. Brand name confusion could be prevented by strict adherence to the hospital drug formulary. It would be a good practice to write the generic name of the prescribed drug in brackets along with the brand name. This matter requires some serious legal steps to stop the marketing of those brand names with intentional look alike and sound alike names.
RELIGIOUS PRACTICES OF THE ARMENIANS OF THE ORDUBAD DISTRICT OF THE NAKHICHEVAN ASSR IN THE 1950–1980s
Authors: Andreeva Julia O. , Guliaeva Evgenia Y. , Dalalyan Tork 
Published: December 2024

The article is devoted to the religious practices of Armenians who lived in the 1950s-1980s on the territory of the Ordubad district of the Nakhichevan Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic. The main task is to introduce new materials into the scientific circulation, a preliminary analysis of which is offered in this article. The research was carried out within the framework of the oral history approach and is based on the materials of interviews with former residents of the Nakhichevan ASSR, who were forced or voluntarily left there in the late Soviet period. Fieldwork was conducted in Armenia and Russia in 2021-2023. Despite the religious persecution in the pre-war time, Armenians continued to identify themselves as Christians, visit holy places, light candles, and celebrate Christian holidays. Most of the informants were not baptized, all rites of the life cycle were limited to civil ceremonies. At the same time, many in one way or another celebrated some religious holidays, and for the residents of the Ordubad district the most significant event of the year was Vardavar (Transfiguration of Jesus). This day was timed to the pilgrimage to holy places, the sacrifice of matagh and the feast. Our interlocutors almost did not tell anything about the persecution or restrictions on participation in religious holidays. Our field material showed that the absence of functioning religious institutions in Nakhichevan led to the fact that religious life shifted to the sphere of domestic and informal.
Transcatheter mitral valve replacement to treat rheumatic mitral stenosis: a case series
Authors: Jin Ping , Guo Hong , Mao Yu , Zhai Mengen , Liu Yang , Yang Jian 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundRheumatic mitral stenosis (RMS) is a common valvular heart disease in developing countries. We sought to evaluate the early experience of patients with RMS undergoing transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR).MethodsIn this retrospective study, a total of 5 RMS patients accepted TMVR. All patients underwent computed tomography and echocardiography before having the procedure. After the preprocedural comprehensive evaluations, the surgeons planned to use the Prizvalve (a novel balloon-expandable transcatheter aortic valve system which is now under the clinical registration study) for TMVR. Clinical data were collected at baseline, before discharge, and at the 30-day follow-up.ResultsThe median age of the 5 RMS patients was 61 years (range 60–77 years); 60% were male, and the median Society of Thoracic Surgeons score was 13.3% (range 6.2–17.1%). TMVR was successful in all patients. Postoperative transesophageal echocardiography showed that 60.0% (n = 3) of the patients had no paravalvular leakage and 40.0% (n = 2) had trace paravalvular leakage. The median postoperative peak velocity decreased to 1.4 m/s (range 1.1–1.7 m/s), and the median pressure gradient decreased to 3 mmHg (range 2–3 mmHg). No deaths occurred at the 30-day follow-up, and all patients had an improvement of ≥1 on the New York Heart Association functional rating.ConclusionsOur early experience with TMVR in RMS patients suggests that it is a safe and feasible procedure. The early results of the procedure are acceptable and provide bright prospects and directions for the precision treatment of RMS.
Clinical Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov, identifier (NCT02917980).
Developing a universal multi-epitope protein vaccine candidate for enhanced borna virus pandemic preparedness
Authors: Zhang Jingjing , Yang Youfang , Wang Binyu , Qiu Wanting , Zhang Helin , Qiu Yuyang , Yuan Jing , Dong Rong , Zha Yan 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionBorna disease virus 1 (BoDV-1) is an emerging zoonotic RNA virus that can cause severe acute encephalitis with high mortality. Currently, there are no effective countermeasures, and the potential risk of a future outbreak requires urgent attention. To address this challenge, the complete genome sequence of BoDV-1 was utilized, and immunoinformatics was applied to identify antigenic peptides suitable for vaccine development.MethodsImmunoinformatics and antigenicity-focused protein screening were employed to predict B-cell linear epitopes, B-cell conformational epitopes, and cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) epitopes. Only overlapping epitopes with antigenicity greater than 1 and non-toxic, non-allergenic properties were selected for subsequent vaccine construction. The epitopes were linked using GPGPG linkers, incorporating β-defensins at the N-terminus to enhance immune response, and incorporating Hit-6 at the C-terminus to improve protein solubility and aid in protein purification. Computational tools were used to predict the immunogenicity, physicochemical properties, and structural stability of the vaccine. Molecular docking was performed to predict the stability and dynamics of the vaccine in complex with Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4) and major histocompatibility complex I (MHC I) receptors. The vaccine construct was cloned through in silico restriction to create a plasmid for expression in a suitable host.ResultsAmong the six BoDV-1 proteins analyzed, five exhibited high antigenicity scores. From these, eight non-toxic, non-allergenic overlapping epitopes with antigenicity scores greater than 1 were selected for vaccine development. Computational predictions indicated favorable immunogenicity, physicochemical properties, and structural stability. Molecular docking analysis showed that the vaccine remained stable in complex with TLR-4 and MHC I receptors, suggesting strong potential for immune recognition. A plasmid construct was successfully generated, providing a foundation for the experimental validation of vaccines in future pandemic scenarios.DiscussionThese findings demonstrate the potential of the immunoinformatics-designed multi-epitope vaccines for the prevention and treatment of BoDV-1. Relevant preparations were made in advance for possible future outbreaks and could be quickly utilized for experimental verification.
Thymic stromal lymphopoietin modulates T cell response and improves cardiac repair post-myocardial infarction
Authors: Wang Xuhong , Zheng Qi , Zha Lingfeng , Zhang Lingxue , Huang Mingkai , Zhang Si , Zhang Xuzhe , Li Qinlin , Chen Xinglin , Xia Ni , Zhang Min , Lv Bingjie , Jiao Jiao , Lu Yuzhi , Gu Muyang , Yang Fen , Li Jingyong , Li Nana , Cheng Xiang , Zhou Zihua , Tang Tingting 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundThe inflammatory response is associated with cardiac repair and ventricular remodeling after myocardial infarction (MI). The key inflammation regulatory factor thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) plays a critical role in various diseases. However, its role in cardiac repair after MI remains uncertain. In this study, we elucidated the biological function and mechanism of action of TSLP in cardiac repair and ventricular remodeling following MI.Method and ResultWild-type and TSLP receptor (TSLPR)-knockout (Crlf2-/-) mice underwent MI induction via ligation of the left anterior descending artery. TSLP expression was upregulated in the infarcted heart, with a peak observed on day 7 post-MI. TSLP expression was enriched in the cardiomyocytes of infarcted hearts and the highest expression of TSLPR was observed in dendritic cells. Crlf2-/- mice exhibited reduced survival and worsened cardiac function, increased interstitial fibrosis and cardiomyocyte cross-sectional area, and reduced CD31+ staining, with no change in the proportion of apoptotic cardiomyocytes within the border zone. Mechanistically, reduced Treg cell counts but increased myeloid cell infiltration and an increased ratio of Ly6Chigh/Ly6Clow monocyte were observed in the ani hearts of Crlf2-/- mice. Further, TSLP regulated CD4+ T cell activation and proliferation at baseline and after MI, with a greater impact on Treg cells than on conventional T cells. RNA-seq analysis revealed significant downregulation of genes involved in T cell activation and TCR signaling in the infarcted heart of Crlf2-/- mice compared with their WT counterparts.ConclusionCollectively, our data indicate a critical role for TSLP in facilitating cardiac repair and conferring protection against MI, primarily through regulating CD4+ T cell responses, which may provide a potential novel therapeutic approach for managing heart failure after MI.
A predictive model for Epstein-Barr virus-associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis
Authors: Huang Rui , Wu Dan , Wang Ling , Liu Ping , Zhu Xiaoru , Huang Leqiu , Chen Mengmeng , Lv Xin 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundEpstein-Barr virus-associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (EBV-HLH) is a severe hyperinflammatory disorder induced by overactivation of macrophages and T cells. This study aims to identify the risk factors for the progression from infectious mononucleosis (EBV-IM) to EBV-HLH, by analyzing the laboratory parameters of patients with EBV-IM and EBV-HLH and constructing a clinical prediction model. The outcome of this study carries important clinical value for early diagnosis and treatment of EBV-HLH.MethodsA retrospective analysis was conducted on 60 patients diagnosed with EBV-HLH and 221 patients diagnosed with EBV-IM at our hospital between November 2018 and January 2024. Participants were randomly assigned to derivation and internal validation cohorts in a 7:3 ratio. LASSO regression and logistic regression analyses were employed to identify risk factors and construct the nomogram.ResultsFerritin (OR, 213.139; 95% CI, 8.604-5279.703; P=0.001), CD3-CD16+CD56+% (OR, 0.011; 95% CI, 0-0.467; P=0.011), anti-EBV-NA-IgG (OR, 57.370; 95%CI, 2.976-1106.049; P=0.007), IL-6 (OR, 71.505; 95%CI, 2.118-2414.288; P=0.017), IL-10 (OR, 213.139; 95% CI, 8.604-5279.703; P=0.001) were identified as independent predictors of EBV-HLH. The prediction model demonstrated excellent discriminatory capability evidenced by an AUC of 0.997 (95% CI,0.993-1.000). When visualized using a nomogram, the ROC curves for the derivation and validation cohorts exhibited AUCs of 0.997 and 0.993, respectively. These results suggested that the model was highly stable and accurate. Furthermore, calibration curves and clinical decision curves indicated that the model possessed good calibration and offered significant clinical benefits.ConclusionsThe nomogram, which was based on these five predictors, exhibited robust predictive value and stability, thereby can be used to aid clinicians in the early detection of EBV-HLH.
Association of dietary inflammatory index and refractive status in American adolescents: NHANES 1999–2008
Authors: Chen Xiaodong , Li Xuewei , Xu Ningda , Li Jiarui , Guo Qianwen , Miao Heng , Wang Kai , Huang Lvzhen 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundSeveral nutrients have been found to be associated with the prevalence of myopia, and the role of dietary patterns in influencing myopia risk has recently garnered significant attention. We aim to explore the relationship between the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) and refractive status in adolescents.MethodsData from 7,331 participants were analyzed from the 2005–2008 US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Smooth curve fitting and linear regression analysis were used to explore both non-linear and linear relationships between DII and spherical equivalent refraction (SER). The threshold effect of DII on SER was analyzed using a two-piecewise linear regression model.ResultsDII was connected with a lower SER, indicating a shift toward myopia (β: –0.0586; 95% CI: −0.1109 to −0.0063; p &lt; 0.05). Compared to the first quartile, the third quartile (β: –0.2512; 95% CI: −0.4952 to −0.0072; p &lt; 0.05) and the fourth quartile (β: –0.2905; 95% CI: −0.5030 to −0.0780; p &lt; 0.01) were significantly associated with a lower SER. Smooth curve fitting revealed a non-linear relationship between DII and SER, with a turning point at 0.81. For DII values below 0.81, there was no significant association with SER (β: –0.0450; 95% CI: −0.0272 to −0.1173; p &gt; 0.05). However, for DII values ≥0.81, a significant association with lower SER was observed (β: –0.1197; 95% CI: −1.1722 to −0.0672; p &lt; 0.01).ConclusionThese findings indicate that a higher DII (≥0.81) may contribute to the progression of myopia. This study highlights the potential for dietary recommendations in myopia prevention. Prospective studies are required to validate these findings and establish causal relationships.