bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Adaptation of the normative rating procedure for the International Affective Picture System to a remote format
Authors: Lemos Thayane C. , Silva Laiz A. A. , Gaspar Sara D. J. , Coutinho Guilherme M. S. , Stariolo Jasmin B. , Oliveira Pedro G.M.R , Conceicao Lethicia S. , Volchan Eliane , David Isabel A. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Background
The Self-Assessment Manikin (SAM), a pictorial scale for the measurement of pleasure and arousal dimensions of emotions, is one of the most applied tools in the emotion research field.

Objective
We present a detailed description of a remote method to collect affective ratings in response to pictures by using the SAM scale.

Methods
To empirically validate our remote method, we conducted a study using a digitized version of the SAM scale and delivered online didactic instructions that followed the normative rating procedure for the International Affective Picture System (IAPS) to the participants. We presented 70 pictures from the IAPS and an additional set of 22 food pictures to the participants.

Results
We found strong correlations between the ratings of IAPS pictures obtained in our sample and those reported by North American and Brazilian participants in previous in-person studies that applied the same pictures and methodology. We were also able to obtain an additional standardized set of food pictures.

Conclusion
The protocols described here may be useful for researchers interested in collecting remotely valid and reliable affecting ratings.
Development and validation of an infectious disease control competency scale for public health professionals
Authors: Zhou Yiguo , Zhang Wan-Xue , Zhang Shan-Shan , Huang Ning-Hua , Zeng Jing , Yang Han , Ma Qin-Yi , Ao Le , Liu Ya-Qiong , Du Juan , Tian Xiao-Ling , Lu Qing-Bin , Cui Fuqiang 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Background
Infectious diseases persistently pose global threats, and it is imperative to accelerate the professionalization of public health workforce. This study aimed to develop and validate the infectious disease control competency scale (IDCCS) for public health professionals to fill a theoretical gap and elevate practical capabilities by informing public health professionals’ development goals.

Methods
The initial item pool was generated through a literature review, and categorized into three dimensions (knowledge, practical skills, and leadership) based on the competency iceberg model and public health leadership framework. A two-round Delphi process was conducted to determine indicators within the scale. A pilot survey was utilized for item analysis and exploratory factor analysis (EFA). A formal survey was employed for confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The weight value of each indicator was calculated using the analytic hierarchy process.

Results
An initial scale with three primary items, 14 secondary items, and 81 tertiary items was generated. Twenty experts participated in the two rounds of the Delphi process. Authority coefficients exceeded 0.9 in both rounds. Kendall's W was 0.29 and 0.19, respectively (both P < 0.001). Item analysis presented a Cronbach's Alpha of 0.98, with corrected item-total correlation coefficients ranging from 0.33 to 0.78. EFA demonstrated that cumulative variance explanations for the four primary dimensions (knowledge, practical skills, leadership, and personal quality) were 77.463%, 73.976%, 81.174%, and 68.654%, respectively. CFA indicated that all composite reliability values and average variance extracted surpassed 0.8 and 0.5, respectively. The standardized factor loadings of the items ranged from 0.630 to 0.977. Among the seven model fit indices, each of the four dimensions satisfied at least five criteria. A final three-level scale comprising four primary items, 14 secondary items, and 64 tertiary items was constructed. The weight values for the four primary items were 0.4064, 0.2878, 0.2082, and 0.0981, respectively.

Conclusions
The IDCCS was established to evaluate the competencies of knowledge, practical skills, leadership, and personal quality for public health professionals in infectious disease control. This scale demonstrates good reliability and validity, and can be used for performance evaluation, recruitment processes, curriculum development, and individual self-assessment.
Successful coronary angioplasty of a spontaneous occlusion of the conus artery causing a ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and electrical storm
Authors: Hatoum Ibrahim 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Background
Conus artery occlusion is a rare life-threatening event, typically secondary to iatrogenic etiology, and is treated mainly with conservative therapy and/or balloon angioplasty without stenting. However, treatment remains challenging.

Case presentation
We report the case of a 60-year-old man with a known history of coronary artery disease presenting with multiple internal defibrillator cardioversions due to an electrical storm (recurrent ventricular fibrillation). The coronary angiography showed an acute occlusion of the conus artery arising from the proximal segment of the right coronary artery, treated by percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty with stenting (drug-eluting stent) without any serious complications.

Conclusions
To our knowledge, this is the first case in the literature where a non-iatrogenic occlusion of the conus artery causing a ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and electrical storm was treated with percutaneous coronary intervention with drug-eluting stenting.

Graphical abstract
Genetic variations in PADI4 and CCR6: a comprehensive meta-analysis on rheumatoid arthritis susceptibility
Authors: Muruganantham Jethendra Kumar , Thomas Sheena Mariyam , Kalarani Iyshwarya Bhaskar , Veerabathiran Ramakrishnan 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Background
Rheumatoid arthritis is a long-term autoimmune condition that causes damage and inflammation to the joints. Genetic factors, including polymorphisms in the PADI4 and CCR6 genes, contribute significantly to RA susceptibility.

Methods
To find research on RA, PADI4, CCR6, gene polymorphisms, and SNPs, we performed a meta-analysis using PubMed, Scopus, Medline, Google Scholar, and EMBASE. Inclusion criteria comprised case–control studies providing genotypic data and allele frequencies. Review Manager 5.4 was used to conduct statistical analysis and evaluate odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals.

Results
Heterogeneity analyses of CCR6 rs3093024 showed no significant associations across genetic models: allele (OR = 0.69, 95% CI [0.36–1.32]), homozygous (OR = 2.18, 95%CI [0.58–8.22]), heterozygous (OR = 0.60, 95% CI [0.31–1.16]), dominant (OR = 1.60, 95% CI [0.64–3.95]), and recessive (OR = 1.79, 95% CI [0.75–4.27]). Similarly, PADI4 rs1748033 and rs2240340 showed insignificant associations across all genetic models.

Conclusion
This meta-analysis identifies a substantial relationship between CCR6 rs3093024 and RA susceptibility in Asian populations. However, heterogeneity analyses indicate inconsistent associations for PADI4 rs1748033 and rs2240340 across different populations and genetic models, suggesting varied genetic influences. Further large-scale studies are required to confirm these results and investigate the complex genetic and environmental interactions underlying RA pathogenesis.
Assessment of Piper longum L. (Piperaceae) leaves toxicity on the adults of Tribolium castaneum (Herbst, 1797) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)
Authors: Kumar Justin , Marin Grace , Arivoli Subramanian , Tennyson Samuel 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Background
Numerous insect pests attack stored grains causing both qualitative and quantitative losses. The most damaging pest that infests dry stored produce is the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum, a secondary pest of stored goods. This pest, especially in its adult stage, exhibits resistance to chemical insecticides, thereby rendering the traditional pesticides ineffective in controlling it. Phyto-derivatives, which are strong insecticides and also ecologically benign, have gained interest as non-chemical solutions for controlling this pest. Hence, the objective of this study was to investigate the potential of Piper longum leaf extract insecticidal action as an environmentally benign insecticide for the first time against the adults of T. castaneum. In this study, P. longum leaf ethanol extract was tested against the adults of T. castaneum by petri dish bioassay method. Ad hoc studies to verify significant mortality for the initial confirmation of adulticidal activity were conducted for 24 h at different dosages of 62.5, 125, 250, 500 and 1000 mg/L of P. longum leaf ethanol extract. Thereafter, dosages set at 10, 20, 30 and 40 mg/L for the fractions of P. longum leaf ethanol extract were conducted. Prior to this, the leaf extract of this plant was subjected to column chromatography for fractionation. The fractions tested for adulticidal activity were subjected to gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy.

Results
Significant adulticidal action with 100% adult mortality was observed in ethanol extract of P. longum leaves. Among the fourteen fractions (F0–F13) obtained tested, only fractions, F5, F10 and F13, demonstrated adulticidal activity, and the remaining fractions displayed poor activity. One hundred per cent morality was noted in T. castaneum adults after 96 h at 40 mg/L in F5 and F10, and in F13 at 20 mg/L, and their respective LD50 values were 17.6, 26.6 and 10.0 mg/L. The fractions F5, F10 and F13 contained fatty acids, viz., hexadecanoic acid, dotriacontane and heptacosane in F5; tetradecanoic acid and nonadecanoic acid in F10; and octadecanoic acid, aspartame and tridecanoic acid in F13, revealed through gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy.

Conclusions
The results of the study showed that P. longum ethanol leaf extract revealed significant adulticidal activity and is a promising toxic agent to the adults of T. castaneum. The fatty acids in the ethanolic leaf extract fractions of P. longum could have caused toxicity to the adults of T. castaneum. According to the current literature survey, this is the first research report on the adulticidal activity of P. longum leaf extracts against the adults of T. castaneum.
Effectiveness of topical bupivacaine versus topical lidocaine/adrenaline mixture for post-adenotonsillectomy pain management
Authors: Oyedepo Olanrewaju Olubukola , Ige Olufemi Adebayo , Oparanozie Emmanuel Ikechukwu , Bolaji Benjamin Olusomi , Idris Sa’adudeen Olanrewaju , Afolabi Abdulrahman Olusola , Mohammed Akeem , Dunmade Adekunle David 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
This study aims to compare the topical administration of bupivacaine hydrochloride and lidocaine hydrochloride with epinephrine in alleviating post-tonsillectomy pain. Post-tonsillectomy pain has remained a challenge to both patient and doctors, and local anaesthetic agents applied to the tonsillar fossae post-operatively look promising.

Methods
One hundred and twenty ASA I or II children aged 2–15 years of consenting parents undergoing adenoidectomy and/or tonsillectomy were enrolled in the study. This was a randomized double-blind study in which the children were allocated into either of two groups to receive 5 ml of 0.125% bupivacaine or equal volume of lidocaine plus 1:200,000 adrenaline-soaked swab applied directly on the tonsillar floor within the fossae and/or nasopharynx after haemostasis was secured for 5 min before discontinuation of anaesthesia.

Results
Patients in the bupivacaine group had better extubating condition (p = 0.0001). There was no difference in the time to eye opening in both groups (p-value 0.316). Patients in the lidocaine group had a time to first analgesic request between 1 and 6 h, whereas in the bupivacaine group, about 25 patients (44% of the group) had a time to first analgesic request that exceeded 6 h (6–10 h). The only complication recorded in both groups following oral feeds was vomiting, and there was no difference in both groups (p = 0.968). Overall parental satisfaction was better with bupivacaine group (p = 0.00001).

Conclusion
Topical application of bupivacaine was associated with better extubation conditions and parental satisfaction when compared to topical lidocaine plus adrenaline while both demonstrated similar time to eye opening, analgesic request, haemodynamic parameters and incidence of complications.
Does reflux symptom index and reflux finding score have clinical utility in the diagnosis of laryngopharyngeal reflux disease?
Authors: Soni Annanya , Gupta Ankit , Jotdar Arijit , Gupta Amit Kumar , Yadav Manoj 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Background
Reflux symptom index(RSI) and reflux finding score (RFS) are widely used scoring systems used to diagnose laryngopharyngeal reflux disease(LPRD). However many patients do visit the outpatient department with minimal symptoms not sufficient to fit the criteria described by Belafsky et al. for diagnosing LPRD. Most of these patients are provisionally diagnosed and treated for LPRD. Reflux symptom index(RSI) and reflux finding score (RFS) are widely used scoring systems used to diagnose(LPRD) (Belafsky PC et al., J Voice 16(2):274–7, 2002, Belafsky PC et al, Laryngoscope 111(8):1313–7, 2001).
RSI has nine questions that the patient must grade from 0 to 5. An abnormal score is greater than 13. Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) may or may not be diagnosed using the RSI and RFS especially when patients present with minimum symptoms not sufficient to score more than 13 and 7 respectively. These patients may miss the diagnosis and have to be treated empirically. Pepsin’s presence in the saliva is indicative of reflux as pepsin is a gastric enzyme (NICE advice on Peptest for diagnosing gastro-oesophageal reflux, 2015, Wood JM et al., J Laryngol Otol 125(12):1218–24, 2011). Patients with minimum symptoms may be missed if diagnosis relies only on RSI AND RFS. The present study aims to see the correlation of pepsin-proven LPRD and RSI and RFS.

Methods
This is a prospective study, 49 patients with symptoms suggestive of LPRD who tested positive for the pepsin test were further analysed for RSI and RFS. A cut-off value of > 25 ng/mL was considered diagnostic of LPRD (Dhillon VK et al., Curr Gastroenterol Rep 18(8):44, 2016).

Result
The average RSI and RFS were respectively 10 and 4. The mean age of the patients in the study was 39 years and the mean weight was 60 kg. The association between RSI and PEPSIN detection is considered to be not statistically significant. Chi-squared equals 0.086 with 1 degree of freedom. The two-tailed P value equals 0.7698. Chi-squared equals 0.233 with 1 degree of freedom. The two-tailed P value equals 0.6295. The association between RFS and PEPSIN detection is considered to be not statistically significant.
In terms of correlation analysis, neither the RSI nor the RFS had Pearson’s correlation coefficient that was statistically significant.

Conclusion
Since salivary pepsin detection and the RSI do not have any significant correlation, the RSI is not a valid diagnostic method for LPR and should not be used exclusively.

Level of evidence
4.
Successful treatment of AA amyloidosis with tocilizumab, resulting in the disappearance of amyloid deposits: a case-based review
Authors: Tortosa-Cabañas Marina , Acosta Batlle José , Perna Cristian , Bachiller-Corral Javier 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Background
AA amyloidosis is a multisystem disease characterized by the deposition of serum amyloid A protein, which is secondary to chronic inflammation. Tocilizumab (an interleukin-6 inhibitor monoclonal antibody) was effective in suppressing inflammation, normalizing serum amyloid A protein levels, and inducing remission in patients with amyloidosis. Recently, tocilizumab treatment has been associated with the disappearance of amyloid deposits.

Case presentation
A 61-year-old woman was referred to our hospital in 2011 due to oligoarthritis of both knees and elevation of acute-phase reactants. Corticosteroids and methotrexate were prescribed for the possibility of polymyalgia rheumatica, without clinical response. Two years later, the patient presented with foamy urine, nocturia, sweating, and dizziness. An elevated C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and nephrotic-range proteinuria were found. Autoantibodies and complements levels were normal. No signs of acute infections or cardiovascular disease were evidenced and amyloidosis was suspected. Rectal and oral mucosa biopsies were performed and amyloid AA deposits were detected in both. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the right knee showed arthropathy due to amyloid deposition. Intravenous monthly tocilizumab was prescribed with rapid improvement of CRP, proteinuria, and nephrotic syndrome symptoms. Arthritis also improved significantly. Two years later, a new biopsy of the rectal mucosa did not show amyloid deposits and the right knee MRI was normal, without evidence of amyloid synovitis. In 2017, isotopic synoviorthesis of both knees was performed due to repeated episodes of arthritis. Eight years after the start of Tocilizumab, the patient continues treatment and remains clinically stable, with no evidence of recurrence.

Conclusions
Tocilizumab treatment controls chronic inflammatory disease and improves symptoms of AA amyloidosis. According to the latest evidence, long-term treatment with tocilizumab may remove amyloid deposits from tissues, leading to a definitive cure for this disease. To our knowledge, this is the first case of regression of amyloid deposits both in biopsy and magnetic resonance after treatment with tocilizumab.
Proton Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy for Liver Metastases From Malignant Pancreatic Insulinoma
Authors: Kloeber Jake A , Ebner Daniel K , Jethwa Krishan R , Merrell Kenneth W , Halfdanarson Thorvardur R , Callaghan Cameron M 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Insulin-producing pancreatic tumors are a common subtype of neuroendocrine tumor. Standard of care includes surgical resection of the pancreatic tumor and medical management with somatostatin analogs. For patients with metastatic disease, tumor control and hypoglycemic symptom relief can be achieved through surgical resection of the tumor, hepatic artery embolization, radiofrequency ablation, or radioembolization using radioactive isotopes as well as with systemic therapy such as somatostatin analogs and everolimus. We present the case of a 74-year-old male with metastatic insulin-producing pancreatic carcinoma. After a long history of successfully controlling his hypoglycemic episodes post-liver wedge resection, bland embolizations subsequently failed to maintain control of the frequency and severity of his hypoglycemic symptoms. Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) with protons was used to achieve symptomatic control and led to partial radiographic response with complete resolution of his hypoglycemic episodes. This case demonstrates the potential utility of proton SBRT in metastatic insulinomas.
Creating “Iron Triangles”
Authors: Effland Anne 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
This essay suggests the “iron triangle” concept may have possibilities as a foundation for reorienting the farm bill. The essay incorporates the broader concept of “power clusters” to more accurately reflect the shaping of farm policy and to better illustrate the premise that these influence structures might offer a viable pathway forward for a reorientation of farm policy. Focusing on congressional committee jurisdiction and executive branch implementation of policies, the essay provides examples of how power cluster interests groups have used both pathways to expand the range of debate and program coverage associated with agricultural policy, both within and outside the farm bill. Changes to tobacco policy, farm labor assistance, conservation on agricultural lands, and rural development have all been achieved through those pathways, suggesting that creative exploitation of the iron triangle or power clusters approach can offer a strategy for achieving farm bill reorientation goals.
Assessing Electronic Health Records for Describing Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities: A Research Note
Authors: Limburg Aubrey , Young Jordan , Carey Timothy S. , Chelminski Paul Roman , Udalova Victoria M. , Entwisle Barbara 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
The use of data derived from electronic health records (EHRs) to describe racial and ethnic health disparities is increasingly common, but there are challenges. While the number of patients covered by EHRs can be quite large, such patients may not be representative of a source population. One way to evaluate the extent of this limitation is by linking EHRs to an external source, in this case with the American Community Survey (ACS). Relying on a stratified random sample of about 200,000 patient records from a large, public, integrated health delivery system in North Carolina (2016–2019), we assess linkages to restricted ACS microdata (2001–2017) by race and ethnicity to understand the strengths and weaknesses of EHR-derived data for describing disparities. The results in this research note suggest that Black–White comparisons will benefit from standard adjustments (e.g., weighting procedures) but that misestimation of health disparities may arise for Hispanic patients because of differential coverage rates for this group.
Closing Gaps or Holding Steady? The Affordable Care Act, Medicaid Expansion, and Racial Disparities in Coverage, 2010–2021
Authors: Sommers Benjamin D. , Smith Rebecca Brooks , Figueroa Jose F. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Context: Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) produced major gains in coverage. However, findings on racial and ethnic disparities are mixed and may depend on how disparities are measured. This study examines absolute and relative changes in uninsurance from 2010 to 2021 by race and ethnicity, stratified by Medicaid expansion status.
Methods: The sample included all respondents younger than age 65 (N = 30,339,104) from the American Community Survey, 2010–21. Absolute and relative differences in uninsurance, compared to white Non-Hispanic individuals, were calculated for individuals who were Hispanic; Black; Asian American, Pacific Islander, and Native Hawaiian (AANHPI); American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN); and multiracial. States were stratified into ever-expanded versus nonexpansion status.
Findings: After the ACA, three patterns of coverage disparities emerge. For Hispanic and Black individuals, relative to white individuals, absolute disparities in uninsurance declined, but relative disparities were largely unchanged in both expansion and nonexpansion states. For AANHPI individuals, disparities were eliminated entirely in both expansion and nonexpansion states. For AIAN individuals, disparities declined in absolute terms but grew in relative terms, particularly in expansion states.
Conclusions: All groups experienced coverage gains after the ACA, but changes in disparities were heterogeneous. Focused interventions are needed to improve coverage rates for Black, Hispanic, and AIAN individuals.