bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Correlation of sibling couple infertility history with semen parameters of infertile men, a cohort study
Authors: Menbari Oskouie Iman , Akhavizadegan Hamed , Kasaeian Amir , Esmaeilpanah Shima , Lotfi Mohammad 
Published: September 2024

Introduction: Infertility is a growing issue globally, particularly in industrialized cultures, affecting 13%–18% of couples of reproductive ages. In recent years, numerous studies have aimed to identify prognostic factors for infertility and abnormal semen analysis. To date, no study has examined the relationship between the number of infertile siblings and abnormal sperm parameters. This study aims to investigate whether the number of infertile siblings can be considered a prognostic factor for abnormal sperm parameters. Method: Semen samples were collected from the male partners of couples experiencing infertility issues. Study participants completed a questionnaire detailing demographic information including age and family history of infertility. Each participant provided two semen samples, with a minimum 15-day interval between collections. Sperm concentration, motility, and morphology were assessed for each sample. Clinical investigators conducted physical examinations, using an orchidometer to measure testicular size. Results: The number of infertile brothers and testis volume were prognostic factors for abnormal sperm count (OR = 1.374, p-value = 0.03; OR = 0.786, p-value < 0.001; respectively) and abnormal motility (OR = 1.514, p-value = 0.018; OR = 26.74, p-value < 0.001, respectively). There was no significant association between the percentage of abnormal morphology of sperm cells and the mentioned prognostic factors. The optimal cut-off point of the number of infertile brothers for both abnormal sperm count and abnormal sperm motility was one. Conclusion: It is recommended that males with at least one infertile brother, undergo sperm analysis to identify individuals at risk of infertility.
Cooperative effect of hybrid polyethylene-basalt fibers on crack width control and mechanical properties in ECC
Authors: Teng Xiaodan , Sun Huihuang , Li Yonghong , Yao Qiyao , Lu Chenyu 
Published: September 2024

Engineered cementitious composite (ECC) reinforced with polyethylene (PE) fiber has large crack width and high production cost, and these two shortcomings affect its application in practical projects. In this study, basalt fiber (BF) was hybrid with PE fiber to achieve cooperative effect, developing a PE/BF-hybrid fiber ECC (PE/BF-HyECC) with tighter crack width and more economic advantages. The impacts of different fiber content on the pore structure, mechanical, and cost performance of PE/BF-HyECC were investigated. The PE/BF-HyECC with positive cooperative effect of 1.5 vol.% PE and 1.0 vol.% BF had higher strength and tighter crack width compared to PE-ECC with 2.0 vol.% PE. Its cost performance ratio was 1.19 to 1.37 times that of PE-ECC with 2.0 vol.% PE. The better performance and higher cost performance of PE/BF-HyECC is expected to expand its practical application.
Plasma Adsorption with the MTx.100 Column in Critically Ill COVID-19 Patients: A Prospective Study and Propensity Score Analysis
Authors: Choi Christopher , De Simone Nicole , Webb Christopher B. , Lahsaei Peiman , Yates Sean G. , Raval Jay S. , Harkins Michelle S. , Hillebrand Donald J. , Belli Antonio , Schlapobersky Nicolas A. , Ipe Tina S. , Banez-Sese Grace C. , Khangoora Vikramjit S. , Nathan Steven D. , Demko Trudy M. , Young David C. , Caron Sigalit , Sarode Ravi 
Published: September 2024

Background Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, patients with severe disease admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) had a high incidence of mortality. We aimed to investigate whether plasma adsorption with the MTx.100 Column could improve survival. Methods We performed a prospective, single-arm, multicenter, Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) trial in patients admitted to the ICU with severe COVID-19 who were worsening despite standard therapy. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality on day 28. Outcomes were analyzed using both a pre-specified performance goal (PG), and a propensity score-matched (PSM) analysis from the highest enrolling center, in which patients treated with the standard of care (SOC) plus the MTx.100 Column (n = 70) were compared to a contemporaneous cohort treated at the same center with SOC only (n = 244). Findings Between May 21, 2020, and November 2, 2021, 107 patients with severe COVID-19 (mean age 58.1) at 7 US centers were enrolled and had at least one plasma adsorption treatment initiated. All-cause mortality on day 28 was 37.4% (40/107), an improvement over the prespecified PG (88.1%, p < 0.0001). There were no serious adverse events attributable to the MTx.100 Column or plasmapheresis. Improvements in most metabolic and inflammatory markers were also noted. The PSM analysis showed that survival odds were three times higher for MTx.100 Column-treated patients (95% CI: 1.56-5.88) than for those treated with SOC only. Interpretation The MTx.100 Column treatment in severe COVID-19 resulted in a lower mortality than SOC by both pre-specified PG and PSM analysis. Trial Registration clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04358003).
Determinants of Tangible Breastfeeding Support Among Health Workers: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Alao Michael Abel , Ibrahim Olayinka Rasheed , Elo-Ilo Jacinta Chinyere , Briggs Datonye Christopher , Nri-Ezedi Chisom Adaobi , Diala Udochukwu Michael , Yekinni Sakiru Abiodun , Borokinni Ayodeji Matthew , Sotimehin Sikirat Adetoun , Olasinde Yetunde Toyin , Aliu Rasaki , Olaniyi-George Joyce Foluke , Adeniyi Temilade Oluwatoyosi , Bello Olubunmi Oyeronke , Usman Hadiza Ashiru , Tongo Olukemi Oluwatoyin 
Published: September 2024

Background: Breastfeeding is crucial in providing infants with needed nutrition and immunity to foster their healthy growth and development; yet, optimal support from health workers is critical for it to be successful. Aim: To determine factors influencing tangible breastfeeding support among health workers in Nigeria. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones between August 2022 and February 2023 among health workers ( N = 2,922). Data were gathered through an interviewer-administered, validated questionnaire. Significant factors of tangible breastfeeding support were identified through multivariable logistic regression, and corresponding odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were reported. Results: The mean age of the health workers was 28.6 ( SD = 9.3) years. Just 45% (1,316) achieved optimal scores for tangible breastfeeding support. Only 31.4% (918) of lactation support providers/specialists practice tangible breastfeeding support and half (50.6%, 1,479) had a favorable attitude towards providing tangible breastfeeding support. About two-fifths (39.3%, 1,148) engaged caregivers in reviewing breast milk storage procedures, whereas, 54.6% (1,595) and 78.0% (2,279) of health workers assisted with breast pumps and breastfeeding attachment respectively. The odds of having optimal tangible breastfeeding support were higher for health workers aged 52 years or older compared to those aged under 20 years (aOR 1.88, 95% CI [1.13, 3.12]), a positive attitude (aOR 1.43, 95% CI [1.22, 1.69]), availability of a breastfeeding champion (aOR 1.47, 95% CI [1.21, 1.79]), 1.69]), provision of breast-pump videos (aOR; 2.33, 95% CI [1.85, 2.95]), and hand-expression videos (aOR; 1.41, 95% CI [1.02, 1.79]). (duplication) Conclusion: Health workers’ tangible breastfeeding support in Nigeria is suboptimal and is driven by age, service level, attitude, availability of breastfeeding champions, and appropriate practice aids. Targeted interventions to improve health workers’ attitudes, technical skills, provision of aids, and task shifting to non-specialists are needed for optimal tangible breastfeeding support.
Baby-Friendly Hospitals, Social Determinants of Health, and Disparities in Breastfeeding Initiation in a Low-Income Population, 2017–2020
Authors: Robert Rebecca C. , Roess Amira A. , Kuehn Doris , Vinjamuri Swathi 
Published: September 2024

Background: Organizational-level interventions (i.e., Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative) that support breastfeeding and target breastfeeding initiation are critical to reducing breastfeeding disparities and promoting breastfeeding equity. Research Aim: To determine the association between delivery in a Baby-Friendly accredited hospital and breastfeeding initiation among United States recipients of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) in Washington DC, the majority of whom report their race as Black. Method: We conducted a secondary analysis of de-identified program data collected as part of routine WIC visits from the Washington DC WIC program, 2017–2020. Women who delivered a firstborn, singleton infant were included ( N = 8,225). Multivariable logistic regression models accounted for social determinants of health and other factors. One set of models included a binary exposure variable (Baby-Friendly accredited vs. non-accredited hospitals), and another set included a categorical exposure variable for hospitals (1) Baby-Friendly accredited, (2) Baby-Friendly activities but not accredited, and (3) neither Baby-Friendly activities nor accredited. Results: Breastfeeding initiation was 57.4% ( n = 1988) for women delivering in accredited hospitals versus 55.4% ( n = 2540) in non-accredited hospitals and multivariable model results were non-significant ( OR = 0.95, 95% CI [0.86, 1.05]). However, more women initiated breastfeeding who delivered in either accredited hospitals (57.4%, n = 1988) or hospitals with Baby-Friendly activities but not accredited (55.9%, n = 2430) compared to those delivering in hospitals with neither (45.3%, n = 110), and multivariable models results concurred (Baby-Friendly accredited hospitals OR = 1.44, 95% CI [1.07, 1.94]; Baby-Friendly activities but not accredited, ( OR = 1.55, 95% CI [1.16, 2.09]). Conclusion: Organizational-level interventions that create hospital environments supportive of breastfeeding initiation are important to promote equity in breastfeeding, but underlying social determinants of breastfeeding outcomes must be addressed.
Increased Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index as a Novel Indicator of Alzheimer’s Disease Severity
Authors: Algul Fatma E. , Kaplan Yuksel 
Published: September 2024

Introduction Inflammatory processes and neurodegeneration are common features of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) are easily accessible, cost-effective prognostic indicators of inflammation status. We assessed the diagnostic value of SII and compared the efficacies of NLR, PLR, and SII in predicting AD severity. Materials and Methods Between January 2021 and December 2022, this prospective, cross-sectional clinical study included 175 patients with AD and 61 controls. SII, NLR, and PLR were calculated. Results Age, white blood cell and lymphocyte counts, and NLR and PLR values were significantly different between the patient and control groups ( P <.05). Age, hemoglobin, neutrophil, NLR, and SII values were significantly different among dementia severity subgroups ( P <.05). Compared with PLR and SII, NLR was more strongly correlated with dementia severity. In the analysis of adjusted data by gender, it was found that hemoglobin level is significantly negatively associated with dementia severity in males, while in females, age and PLR are significantly positively associated with dementia severity, and lymphocyte count and SII are negatively associated. Conclusion SII, a novel inflammatory marker, was associated with dementia severity in patients with AD. Compared with PLR and SII, NLR was more strongly correlated with dementia severity. In future studies with larger populations, SII and NLR values can be used to determine dementia severity and establish follow-up plans for patients with high dementia risk.
Evaluating the effect of frigate hangar shape modifications on helicopter recovery using piloted flight simulation
Authors: Watson Neale A , Owen Ieuan , White Mark D 
Published: September 2024

Turbulent ship airwakes can present a major challenge for a pilot landing a helicopter to the ship. A recent study has proposed modifications to the hangar of a simple ship, the SFS2, to improve the air flow over the deck. To assess the effect of the proposed hangar modification on the helicopter and pilot, the unsteady air flow over the modified ship has been computed using time-accurate CFD, and then integrated with a full-motion flight simulator for a pilot to conduct deck landings to the original and modified ship geometries in wind speeds from 30 kt to 50 kt. The effectiveness of the proposed modification was assessed through pilot workload ratings for the landing task, and by recording pilot control inputs and helicopter states. The study has shown that there are some benefits from the hangar modifications. In the headwind the helicopter was deemed to be at the safe limit at 50 kt when operating to the original SFS2, while the limit was not reached in the 50 kt wind for the modified ship. In an oblique wind, the safe wind speed limit was found to be 40 kt for the original ship and 50 kt for the modified version. Although the improvements are not substantial, they do represent a positive outcome.
Who accessed STI testing in Britain during the COVID-19 pandemic and how: Findings from Natsal-COVID, a cross-sectional quasi-representative survey
Authors: Marquez Nuria Gallego , Howarth Alison R. , Dema Emily , Burns Fiona , Copas Andrew J. , Mercer Catherine H. , Sonnenberg Pam , Mitchell Kirstin R. , Field Nigel , Gibbs Jo 
Published: September 2024

Background During the COVID-19 pandemic, online sexual health service delivery increased across Britain. We investigated inequalities in STI testing access and methods of access during the first year of the pandemic. Methods Natsal-COVID, an online-survey of people 18–59 years in Britain, explored sexual health experiences in the first year of the pandemic. We describe the socio-demographics of participants who used STI testing services and compare those who reported being “online service users”, defined as using services with no direct clinician interactions (regardless of whether they also used other methods), with those who were exclusively “other service users”, defined as face-to-face, telephone, or video calls. Results 246/6,064 participants (4.2%) reported STI testing between 03/2020–03/2021. Of those, 35.8% (95%CI 29.2–42.8) used online services. Online service users (compared to other service users) were more often white (74.9% (62.2–84.4) versus 68.5% (59.4–76.3)), less often had anxiety (39.0% (28.4–50.9) versus 57.2% (48.4–65.6)) and less often had disabilities (25.8% (16.8–37.4) versus 48.1% (39.4–56.9)). Among women (only), online users were more often in good health (91.4% (81.3–96.2) versus 69.3% (57.4–79.2)). Conclusions More than one third of STI testers used online services during this period. Differences exist in the characteristics of people accessing online versus other testing services. These data suggest that online services were more likely to be accessed by groups with typically lower risk of poor sexual health (white and in good health). Further investigation is needed, especially if online services are the only option offered, as differences in ability to access services could widen inequalities.
Campylobacter spp. in men who have sex with men: A systematic review
Authors: Wahab Natasha , Dubey Vaibhav , Sivachandran Vidhushan , Llewellyn Carrie , Richardson Daniel 
Published: September 2024

Objectives Campylobacter spp. has been reported to be a sexually transmissible enteric infection in men who have sex with men (MSM) since the 1980s causing an acute severe diarrhoeal illness and rarely an acute demyelinating polyneuropathy (Guillain-Barré syndrome). The aim of this review was to explore the factors seen in MSM with Campylobacter spp. Methods We conducted a systematic review following PRISMA guidelines by searching 7 bibliographical databases in August 2024 for manuscripts in English. Initial screening was conducted by a primary author and then two authors conducted independent full-text reviews to determine the final eligible manuscripts. We only included manuscripts which explored factors seen in MSM with Campylobacter spp.. Two authors independently used the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tools to assess risk for bias. This review was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42023464803). Results 25 manuscripts met the inclusion criteria that included 265 MSM with Campylobacter spp.. This review has highlighted demographic factors (living with HIV, living in urban MSM districts, HIV negative MSM using HIV-PrEP), biological factors (antimicrobial resistant Campylobacter spp., having a concurrent or previous sexually transmitted infection [ Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis, Herpes simplex virus, Hepatitis C, Mpox] current/previous enteric infection including non-pathogenic parasites [ Shigella spp. , Giardia duodenalis, Cryptosporidium, Entamoeba histolytica, Salmonella spp. , Entamoeba hartmanii, Entamoeba coli, Endolimax nana, Iodamoeba butchlii]) and behavioural factors (condomless receptive anal sex, oral-anal sex, oral genital sex, multiple/new sexual partners, using sex on premises venues and the internet to meet sexual partners) seen in MSM with Campylobacter spp. Conclusion This review has highlighted some important demographic, biological and behavioural risk factors seen in MSM with Campylobacter spp.. These data can be used to inform future public health interventions and clinical guidelines.
Kikuchi-Fujimoto lymphadenitis in a patient with human immunodeficiency virus infection: The importance of precision pathology
Authors: Goh Wilson GW , Soo Martin MY , Lye Priscillia PS , Tan Soo Yong , Tambyah Paul A 
Published: September 2024

Background Kikuchi-Fujimoto lymphadenitis (or histiocytic necrotising lymphadenitis) is a rare disease that is usually benign and self-limiting. A higher prevalence is reported amongst East Asian populations. No clear etiology has been identified although it has been associated with some viruses, rarely the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and autoimmune pathologies. To date, there has only been a handful of cases reported globally in association with HIV, and this association is even rarer in the Asian context. Case presentation A 20-year-old Asian ethnic Malay male, with no past medical history, presented with daily fevers and chills for 2 weeks associated with constitutional symptoms and bilateral non-tender cervical, axillary and inguinal lymphadenopathy. Full blood count showed lymphocytosis with large granular lymphocytes. HIV viral load returned positive at >10 million copies/mL. His absolute CD4 T helper cell count was 375 cells/uL (7%). The rest of the infective and autoimmune workup were negative. Excision biopsy of an enlarged left cervical lymph node revealed Kikuchi lymphadenitis in the proliferative phase, with no evidence of lymphoproliferative disease. He was started on anti-retroviral therapy with resolution of the lymphadenopathy in 3 months. Conclusion We present a case of Kikuchi lymphadenitis associated with HIV. This highlights that Kikuchi lymphadenitis may mimic sinister pathologies (such as tuberculosis and lymphoma) and that it needs to be considered in the differential diagnosis before empirical treatment for tuberculosis or invasive investigations for lymphoma are done.
Early diagnosis of lupus: A possibilty. A multicentric study from SLE Special Interest Group (SIG) of Indian Rheumatology Association (IRA)
Authors: Shobha Vineeta , Preet Singh Yogesh , Malviya Sourabh , Ponniah Subramanian Arul R , Rajasekhar Liza , Gupta Ranjan , Nallasivan Subramanian , KR Rao Vijay , Jain Avinash , Singh Aradhana , V Shaleni , Selvam Sumithra , Yadav Deepak , Mathew John , Aggarwal Amita 
Published: September 2024

Introduction Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) warrants an early diagnosis and prompt management. Delay in diagnosis can result in repeated flares, permanent damage, and even death. There is a large variability in the time taken to diagnose SLE across the world. We undertook this study to determine the time taken for diagnosis of SLE in India and to identify the factors associated. Methods Patients with SLE diagnosed within the previous 1 year as per Systemic Lupus Erythematosus International Collaborating Clinics criteria (SLICC) 2012 criteria were included in a cross-sectional multicentre questionnaire-based survey. Demographic profile, self-reported socioeconomic status as per Kuppuswamy classification of socioeconomic status (version 2022) (SES), and several healthcare related parameters including referral pattern were recorded. Median time taken for diagnosis was used to demarcate early or late diagnosis and associated factors were explored. Results We included 488 patients with SLE from 10 rheumatology centres. The median time to diagnosis was 6 months Interquartile Range (IQR 3,14.7) and within 3 months in about one third [150(30.7%)]. Very early diagnosis (<1 month) was established in 78(16.0%) patients. The mean SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) at diagnosis was 10.28+7.24. In univariate analysis, an older age, lower SES, non-southern state of residence and larger family size were significantly associated with late diagnosis. In the multivariate analysis, higher SES (AOR 0.95, 95% CI: 0.92-0.98), multiple organ system involvement at initial presentation (AOR1.75 95%CI: 1.08–2.84) and place of residence in south Indian states (AOR1.92 95%CI: 1.24–2.97) had lesser odds of being associated with late diagnosis. Distance from the closest medical centre/professional did not influence the time to diagnosis. Majority of patients had first consulted a medical graduate (42.5%) or postgraduate doctor (48.2%), and referral to rheumatologist was largely done by postgraduate (65%) doctors. More than half of our patients (61%) self-finance their treatment. Conclusion Median time to diagnosis of SLE was 6 months, 1/3rd being diagnosed within 3 months and 78(16.0%) with 1 month of symptom onset. Delay in diagnosis was noted in those belonging to lower socioeconomic strata and those with single organ disease. Distance to the health care facility did not influence time to diagnosis.