bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Social conditions impact functional outcome in patients with hand osteoarthritis: the low-income hand osteoarthritis (LIHOA) cohort
Authors: de Azevedo Francisco Vileimar Andrade , Borges João Pedro Sobreira , de Souza Filho Antonio Matos , Junior José Carlos Godeiro Costa , Silveira Cláudio Régis Sampaio , Rocha Francisco Airton Castro 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Background
Hand osteoarthritis (HOA) is a highly prevalent disease that may be impacted by social inequalities. Few studies in HOA are from underdeveloped regions. We intend to contribute to fill this gap presenting clinical characteristics of our low-income HOA cohort (LIHOA).

Methods
Data from 119 patients with a HOA diagnosis fulfilling ACR criteria seen between August 2019 and May 2023 in Fortaleza/Brazil. Evaluations included pain (VAS, visual analogue scale), X-ray (KL, Kellgren-Lawrence), grip and pinch strength (KgF), Cochin hand functional scale (CHFS), FIHOA, and SF-12 scores. Social data included monthly (<1, 1≥/<3, ≥3 MW) minimum wage earnings, occupation, and literacy [</≥ 9 school-years (SY)].

Results
107 out of the 119 patients were included. Mean age was 61.9 (±10.3) years with 94 (92%) women. Systemic arterial hypertension (48%), metabolic syndrome (42.8%), dyslipidemia (28.4%), and obesity (25%) were the most common comorbidities. Mean disease duration was 7.5 ± 7.1 years. Median VAS values at rest and activity were 3 (3–5) and 8 (5–9), respectively (p < 0.001). Fifty-seven (56.4%) patients had ≥4 symptomatic joints with a median of 4 (2–8) painful joints at activity. The 2nd distal interphalangeal (IF), joint was the most symptomatic (21; 23.3%) and most had >4 IF nodes. OA in other joints: 37 (36.2%) spine, 28 (29.4%) knee, 21 (20.5%) bunions. Functional impairment was mild [8 (5–14) median FIHOA]. Median serum CRP was 0.2 mg/dL (0.1–0.4) with 14 (20%) patients above reference value. Mean total KL score was 27.6 ± 13.6 with 21 (23%), 38 (41.7%), and 33 (36.2%) KL2, KL3, and KL4, respectively; 51 (54.8%) and 42 (45.2%) patients declared </≥3 MW earnings, respectively. Most declared >9SY including 37.2% with a university degree. Individuals earning <3 MW had lower pinch (p < 0.004) and grip strength (p < 0.01), and higher FIHOA scores (p < 0.007), as compared to ≥3 MW earning group. Literacy or occupation did not impact outcome. SYSADOA were used by 13 (12.7%), 6 used oral and 3 topical anti-inflammatory drugs and 2 used 5 mg/d prednisone.

Conclusion
Clinical characteristics in our LIHOA cohort mirror those reported in affluent regions. Socioeconomic disparities influenced functional outcome in LIHOA cohort.
Mitral valve repair and replacement in infectious endocarditis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical outcome
Authors: Nuthalapati Umesh , Bathinapattla Manoj Reddy , Cardoso Rayner Peyser , Jesi Nusrat Jahan , Singh Kanwarmandeep , Moradi Iman , Gostomczyk Karol , Afzal Maham , Omer Moosa Bin , Mian Zorez Rashid , Patel Soham , Sachdeva Pratyush , Malik Muhammad Nauman , Abbas Mohammad , Singh Jugraj , Shafique Muhammad Ashir 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Background
Infective endocarditis (IE) poses significant clinical challenges, often necessitating surgical intervention for improved patient outcomes. The choice between mitral valve repair (MVP) and mitral valve replacement (MVR) is crucial in managing IE. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to compare the effectiveness of MVP and MVR in treating IE, focusing on outcomes such as postoperative bleeding, mortality, recurrent endocarditis, and stroke.

Main text
A comprehensive literature search was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Studies directly comparing MVP and MVR in IE patients were included. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed, and meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan software. Thirty-two studies involving 82,123 patients were included. MVP was associated with significantly lower rates of postoperative bleeding (OR: 0.58, 95% CI: 0.40–0.84) and reduced long-term mortality (OR: 0.40, 95% CI: 0.32–0.51) compared to MVR. However, MVR showed lower rates of recurrent endocarditis. MVP was also associated with a decreased likelihood of postoperative stroke (OR: 0.52, 95% CI: 0.40–0.68).2, 4

Conclusions
MVP demonstrates advantages over MVR in reducing postoperative bleeding, long-term mortality, and stroke risk in IE patients. However, individual patient factors and surgical expertise must be considered in treatment decisions. Further research, including randomized controlled trials, is needed to validate these findings and refine treatment algorithms for IE management.
Copeptin as an inflammatory marker in diagnosis and prognosis of neonatal sepsis
Authors: Mabrouk Amna G. , Fahmey Sameh S. , Naguib Jhon B. , Abd-Elkareem Rehab M. , Mohamed Yasmen A. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Background
Copeptin is an immediate biomarker of individual stress response; many life-threatening diseases are causing a high elevation of its concentration in plasma, such as myocardial infarction and cardiovascular shock. Moreover, copeptin is a promising marker in sepsis. We aimed to evaluate copeptin as a diagnostic and prognostic marker in neonatal sepsis for the early initiation of appropriate therapy and the prediction of mortality. A prospective case-control study involved 237 neonates (165 cases had neonatal sepsis, and 72 served as controls). Cases were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and followed up for symptoms and signs of sepsis confirmed by laboratory data: complete blood count (CBC), c-reactive protein (CRP), and cultures. Serum copeptin level by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was measured for all included neonates. We observed that the copeptin level was significantly higher in cases than control (3.51 ± 1.4, 1.61 ± 0.51 pmol/liter, respectively). The cut-off value of copeptin at which we can discriminate between cases and controls was above 2.065 pmol/liter. Among cases, copeptin was higher in early-onset sepsis (EOS) than late-onset sepsis (LOS) neonates, and there was a significant correlation between its level and all the following: age at admission, birth weight, gestational age, history of perinatal asphyxia, maternal chorioamnionitis, and premature rupture of membrane (PROM). Also, copeptin was strongly associated with CRP level and the poor prognosis of patients. Copeptin can predict the death of cases at a cut-off value above 2.995 pmol/liter.

Conclusion
Serum copeptin level can be used as a diagnostic and prognostic marker in neonatal sepsis.
AQbD-novel strategy for analytical methods
Authors: Bairagi Amruta , Kothrukar Rutuja , Chikhale Hemant , Kosanam Sreya , Borse Laxmikant 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Background
Analytical Quality by Design (AQbD) has emerged as a pivotal paradigm in the realm of analytical chemistry, revolutionizing the approach to method development and validation. This innovative strategy integrates principles of Quality by Design (QbD) into analytical procedures, aiming to ensure the quality and robustness of analytical methods. The traditional approach to method development often involves a trial-and-error process, where parameters are adjusted until satisfactory results are obtained. However, this approach can be time-consuming, resource-intensive, and may lack reproducibility. AQbD addresses these challenges by providing a systematic framework for method development that emphasizes understanding the relationship between critical process parameters (CPPs) and critical quality attributes (CQAs).

Discussion
Analytical Quality by design (AQbD) presents an innovative approach to creating and validating analytical procedures, aimed at achieving quality measurements within the method operable design region (MODR). The QbD approach to analytical development is proactive, methodical, and risk-based significantly helps in acquiring an in-depth knowledge of how critical process parameters (CPPs) affect analytical performances, measured by critical quality attributes (CQAs). Experiment design (DoE) is an essential part of QbD, functioning to carry out the response surface analysis and screening process, and ultimately to enable the definition of the multidimensional region of the successful operating ranges of the CPPs, known as the design space (DS). The purpose of this article is to offer a thorough description of the QbD approach's method development process and its implementation in analytical procedure validation, to produce high-quality output, employing statistical analysis in conjunction with other designing tools.

Conclusion
Analytical Quality by design (AQbD) offers a systematic and proactive approach to method development in analytical procedures. By focusing on method resilience and incorporating statistical analysis and experiment design (DoE), AQbD enables the production of high-quality outputs, while minimizing out of trend (OOT) and out of specification (OOS) results. This innovative strategy enhances the reliability and reproducibility of analytical methods, ultimately leading to improved outcomes across various industries.
Prevalence, bother, and impact on pelvic floor muscles of vaginal noise among middle-aged women
Authors: Hamoda Reham E. , Saad Esraa A. , Kamel Dalia M. , El-Shafei Manal A. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Background
Vaginal noise (VN) is a natural phenomenon that arises when air is forced into the vagina and then expelled as the vaginal wall muscles naturally contract. It has been described as involuntarily passing gas from the vagina. VN is a symptom of pelvic floor (PF) dysfunction and can cause social and psychological issues. Data on it is limited, and women rarely voluntarily report it. So, this study was conducted to determine the prevalence, bother, and relation between VN and PF muscle dysfunction.

Material and methods
It was a cross-sectional study that included females with age ranges from 30 to 60 years old, body mass index (BMI) ranges from 18 to 30 kg/m2, married, single, virgin, nulliparous, and multiparous women; those with previous one or more vaginal deliveries or cesarean sections (CS) or history of anterior and/or posterior vaginal wall prolapses; and those who had undergone medical interventions such as vaginal surgeries (e.g., pelvic floor reconstruction, hysterectomy), stress urinary incontinence, urge incontinence, and fecal incontinence. The Vaginal Wind Questionnaire, Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire-Short Form 7 (PFIQ-7), and Pelvic Floor Bother Questionnaire were used as methods of evaluating the VN prevalence and bother and its relation to PF dysfunction.

Results
It was noted that there was a 76.3% prevalence of VN and 75% bother among the study population. Eighty-eight percent of them did not seek any treatment, and VN occurred in 84.3% of females with pelvic floor muscle weakness.

Conclusion
VN is common in middle-aged Egyptian women, most frequently occurring with sexual intercourse, vaginal delivery, and pelvic floor muscle weakness.
A TBC1D24 gene variant coincides with STRC compound heterozygosity in a family with hearing loss: a case report
Authors: Schwarz Martin , Hanková Kamila , Havlovicová Markéta , Kremlíková Pourová Radka , Bouček Jan 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Background
Hearing loss is a common inborn neurosensory condition. Hearing loss is very heterogeneous, and while screening programs exist for children, adolescents and adults with late-onset hearing loss often do not get referrals to geneticists.

Objective
To diagnose the cause of hearing impairment in two related late-onset hearing loss patients—father and son—on a molecular level. Both underwent audiological examinations, and both had moderate hearing loss.
Case presentation.
We used massive parallel sequencing, Sanger sequencing, MLPA, and standard audiological methods. We identified an inherited autosomal dominant likely causative variant in the TBC1D24 gene of both patients. They did not show any other TBC1D24 spectrum-related symptoms. Furthermore, the younger patient was found to be compound heterozygous for two variants in STRC gene.

Conclusions
Only a few dozen TBC1D24 hearing loss patients have been reported. On the contrary, STRC is a common hearing loss cause. We speculate that in the younger patient, the phenotype is caused by a combination of effects of both genes. The older patient’s phenotype is more likely caused only by the TBC1D24 variant. We believe that more attention should be paid to adolescent and adult-onset hearing loss patients, and more frequent referrals to geneticists are warranted.
Gender analysis of chickpea (
Cicer arietinum
) yield gap: the case of Ada’a, Ethiopia
Authors: Chiche Wubishet , Mojo Dagne , Abate Esubalew 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
One of the primary development challenges hindering poverty reduction in Africa is the existence of a yield gap between female and male farmers. However, previous studies conducted in Ethiopia have largely overlooked the role of gender-related factors in influencing this gap. This article aims to address this gap by examining the chickpea yield disparity between female and male farmers and identifying its determinants. Data were gathered from 325 respondents (163 male and 162 female farmers) in 2019, combining survey responses with qualitative insights from discussions in two women farmers' groups, two men farmers' groups, and four key informant interviews. T-tests and linear regression models were applied to quantify the extent of the yield gap and analyze the factors contributing to it. Additionally, thematic analysis of the qualitative data was conducted to complement the quantitative findings. The study revealed that female farmers produced 29% less chickpea yield in the 2019 production year compared to their male counterparts, and this difference was statistically significant. Factors such as land allocation for chickpea cultivation, soil fertility, labor availability, chickpea variety (improved or local), access to extension services, and participation in farmers' cooperatives were identified as significant contributors to the yield gap. Beyond these technical aspects, gender-related challenges like unequal treatment, restricted mobility, labor demands, and religious/cultural taboos were also factors impeding the productivity of women farmers. Addressing the yield gap necessitates an inclusive approach in all agricultural development endeavors, recognizing and rectifying gender-based disparities to enhance the productivity and livelihoods of female farmers.
Modeling, simulations, and Simulink developments in the analysis of optimal control of temperature and pH in a batch ethanol fermentation process
Authors: Asiedu Nana Yaw , Bamaalabong Peter Paul , Johnson Jesse Essuman , Bonsu Jude Kwaku , Addo Ahmad 
Published: October 2024

AbstractTransfer of laboratory-scale experiments to production-scale ethanol fermentation is time-consuming and involves expensive prototype systems from complex experimental designs that determine optimal operating conditions for minimal substrate and product inhibitions. The study developed and validated a Simulink-based model for optimal pH and temperature control using fuzzy logic and PID controllers respectively and taking advantage of 2D and 1D substrate and product inhibition models from which suitable ethanol fermentation reaction rates models were selected. Temperature and pH levels and substrate, product, and biomass concentrations were measured. Selected inhibition models were linear-product, linear substrate-sudden stop product, and linear substrate for cassava, maize, and sorghum, respectively. Fuzzy logic controller ascertained optimal flow rate of acid and base as 0.000196 ml/s and 0.000204 ml/s, respectively, and pH error and rate of pH error as 0.00334 and 0.00368, respectively. F-test two-sample for variances showed no significant difference between model and experimental curves (cassava: F critical = 0.9704, F calculated = 0.1905; maize: F critical 0.9704, F calculated = 0.2149; sorghum: F critical = 0.9704, F calculated = 0.2488). PID logic controller showed model curves and experimental curves with good fit. F-test two-sample for variances showed no significant difference between model and experimental curves (cassava: F critical = 0.9704, F calculated = 0.1288; maize: F critical = 0.9704, F calculated = 0.2083; sorghum: F critical = 0.9704, F calculated = 0.2016). The study provided an improved approach as solution for optimal pH and temperature conditions in order to mitigate substrate and product inhibitions during ethanol fermentation. It illustrated that the application of artificial intelligence-based controllers provides satisfactory outcomes that are desirable for implementation in the industrial space.
Graphical Abstract
The paradox of medical dramas: global aspirations versus realities
Authors: Tedeschi Roberto 
Published: October 2024

SUMMARYMedical dramas such as Grey's Anatomy influence young people's career aspirations, creating unrealistic expectations. This article examines the gap between these portrayals and the reality of medical practice, highlighting challenges such as rigorous training and high stress. Using Italy's ‘numero chiuso’ (‘closed number’) system as a case study, it addresses the global issue of intense competition in medical school admissions. The article advocates for realistic education and better support to prepare future healthcare professionals.
Evaluating a volunteer ‘Health Champions’ intervention supporting people with severe mental illness to manage their physical health: feasibility hybrid randomised controlled trial
Authors: Williams Julie , McGrath Ray , Ang Karen , Bakolis Ioannis , Healey Andy , Arias de la Torre Jorge , Mdudu Isabel , Gaughran Fiona , Sadler Euan , Pinto da Costa Mariana , Green Errol , Stepan Natalia , Tredget Gracie , Khadjesari Zarnie , Cross Sean , Sevdalis Nick 
Published: October 2024

Background
People with severe mental illness (SMI) have worse physical health than the general population. There is evidence that support from volunteers can help the mental health of people with SMI, but little evidence regarding the support they can give for physical health.

Aims
To evaluate the feasibility of an intervention where volunteer ‘Health Champions’ support people with SMI in managing their physical health.

Method
A feasibility hybrid randomised controlled trial conducted in mental health teams with people with SMI. Volunteers delivered the Health Champions intervention. We collected data on the feasibility of delivering the intervention, and clinical and cost-effectiveness. Participants were randomised by a statistician independent of the research team, to either having a Health Champion or treatment as usual. Blinding was not done.

Results
We recruited 48 participants: 27 to the intervention group and 21 to the control group. Data were analysed for 34 participants. No changes were found in clinical effectiveness for either group. Implementation outcomes measures showed high acceptability, feasibility and appropriateness, but with low response rates. No adverse events were identified in either group. Interviews with participants found they identified changes they had made to their physical health. The cost of implementing the intervention was £312 per participant.

Conclusions
The Health Champion intervention was feasible to implement, but the implementation of the study measures was problematic. Participants found the intervention acceptable, feasible and appropriate, and it led them to make changes in their physical health. A larger trial is recommended, with tailored implementation outcome measures.
Impact of COVID-19 on referrals to paediatric liaison psychiatry at Children's Health Ireland at Crumlin as the pandemic moved to endemic status
Authors: Sun B. , Adamis D. , McNicholas F. 
Published: October 2024

Background
Rates of acute mental health presentations in youth were increasing pre-pandemic internationally. Longitudinal studies following COVID-19 attest to ongoing deterioration in youth mental health, recognising adverse unintended consequences following public health restrictions.

Aims
To examine whether the initial post-COVID-19 increase in mental health presentations persisted following the reclassification of COVID-19 to endemic status, accompanied by the removal of most restrictions.

Method
All referrals to paediatric liaison psychiatry (PLP) between January 2018 and December 2022 in a Dublin tertiary children's hospital were included in the study. An interrupted time series analysis with autoregressive integrated moving average models was conducted, examining referrals with respect to different phases of COVID-19 and application of public health restrictions.

Results
Some 1385 referrals to PLP were received over the 5-year study. There was a significant decrease in PLP referrals immediately post-COVID-19, followed by a significant and sustained increase as the pandemic progressed and moved to endemic status. Public health restriction phases had a unique effect on those presenting with suicidal ideation, with a significant increase in the number of referrals. There was no effect of restrictions on other clinical profiles.

Conclusions
Increased referrals for youth with mental health difficulties, reported during the COVID-19 pandemic, persisted into the early endemic stage, after COVID-19 public health restrictions ceased. Specific impacts of restrictions on suicidal ideation referrals require further study. Investment in child and adolescent mental health services remains a priority, and future pandemic response strategies need to examine unintended consequences of any enforced public health measure.