bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Age-period-cohort analysis and prediction of tuberculosis trends in China—based on the Global Burden of Disease 2021 data
Authors: Chen Zhifei , Chen Xiaodie , Chang Minli , Lu Dongmei , Zhang Liping , Zheng Yanling 
Published: February 2025

BackgroundThis study explores the epidemic trend of tuberculosis (TB) in China from 1990 to 2021, analyzes its relationship with age-period-cohort factors from 1992 to 2021, and predicts the development trend of TB in China from 2022 to 2046.MethodsAnnual Percent Change (APC), Average Annual Percent Change (AAPC) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated by Joinpoint regression model to describe the epidemic trend of TB in China. The Age-Period-Cohort (APC) model was used to explore the effects of age, period and cohort effects on the trend of TB incidence rate, mortality and DALYs rate. APC model and Bayesian Age-Period-Cohort (BAPC) model were used to predict the epidemic trend of TB in China from 2022 to 2046.ResultsIn 2021, it is estimated that there are 617,700 incidence cases of TB, 37,300 deaths and 1,375,500 DALYs cases in China, and the corresponding number of male cases is higher than that of female cases. From 1990 to 2021, the number of TB incidence, deaths and DALYs, as well as ASIR, ASDR and ASR of DALYs in China decreased year by year. The AAPC of ASIR, ASDR and ASR of DALYs were −3.33, −7.28% and −6.77%, respectively, all p &lt; 0.05, indicating that the overall trend showed a significant decrease. With the increase of age, the incidence rate of TB first decreased, then increased and then decreased, while the mortality and DALYs rate first decreased rapidly and then decreased slowly, and both reached the highest value in the &lt;5 years age group. The period effect showed that the risk of the total population, male and female population decreased overall. The cohort effect showed that the risk of TB incidence rate, mortality and DALYs rate decreased significantly. The ASIR, ASDR and ASR of DALYs of TB in China are predicted to decrease year by year from 2022 to 2046. The BAPC model predicts that the number of incidence, deaths and DALYs will reach 177,100,077,000 and 181,700 in 2046, respectively.ConclusionThe APC model shows that the earlier the contemporary people are born, the older the age, the higher the risk of disease. APC and BAPC models predict that the ASR of TB in China will decrease year by year, but men and the older adult are still at high risk of TB burden in China. It is recommended to strengthen the screening of TB patients in key populations, especially in the older adult.
Adaptive formation learning control for cooperative AUVs under complete uncertainty
Authors: Jandaghi Emadodin , Zhou Mingxi , Stegagno Paolo , Yuan Chengzhi 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionThis paper addresses the critical need for adaptive formation control in Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) without requiring knowledge of system dynamics or environmental data. Current methods, often assuming partial knowledge like known mass matrices, limit adaptability in varied settings.MethodsWe proposed two-layer framework treats all system dynamics, including the mass matrix, as entirely unknown, achieving configuration-agnostic control applicable to multiple underwater scenarios. The first layer features a cooperative estimator for inter-agent communication independent of global data, while the second employs a decentralized deterministic learning (DDL) controller using local feedback for precise trajectory control. The framework's radial basis function neural networks (RBFNN) store dynamic information, eliminating the need for relearning after system restarts.ResultsThis robust approach addresses uncertainties from unknown parametric values and unmodeled interactions internally, as well as external disturbances such as varying water currents and pressures, enhancing adaptability across diverse environments. DiscussionComprehensive and rigorous mathematical proofs are provided to confirm the stability of the proposed controller, while simulation results validate each agent’s control accuracy and signal boundedness, confirming the framework’s stability and resilience in complex scenarios.
Artificial intelligence-produced radiographic enhancements in dental clinical care: provider and patient perspectives
Authors: Slashcheva Lyubov D. , Schroeder Kelly , Heaton Lisa J. , Cheung Hannah J. , Prosa Brenda , Ferrian Nicole , Grantz Jesse , Jacobi Deborah , O’Malley John J. , Helgeson Michael , Tranby Eric P. 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionArtificial intelligence (AI)-based software can be used with dental radiographs to facilitate dental providers’ diagnoses and to educate patients about their oral health conditions. The goal of this study was to survey dental providers and patients about the use of AI-enhanced radiographs in the diagnostic and patient education processes.MethodsWithin their Community Collaborative Practice model, Apple Tree Dental in Minnesota implemented the use of an AI software platform that annotates carious lesions and periodontal measurements on dental radiographs. Before and after implementation of this software, providers (dentists, dental hygienists, dental therapists, and dental assistants) were surveyed about what benefits and challenges they anticipated and experienced in using the AI software. A small-scale study of patients who viewed AI-generated annotations on their own radiographs examined patient perspectives on the use of this software.ResultsDental therapists reported using the software most often, with 57.2% using the software at least 50% of their clinical time; 79% of dental assistants reported using the software 25% of the time or less. While the majority of providers (n = 70 for Survey I; n = 53 for Survey II) said that AI enhancements would help facilitate patient education efforts, providers’ confidence in the ability of the AI software to improve diagnosis of dental caries and periodontal disease and its ability to improve the efficiency of their work was mixed. Patients (n = 25) found reviewing the AI-produced visual aids used by their dental provider to be helpful in understanding their oral health, and a large proportion (92%) said they planned to follow through on recommended treatment.DiscussionWhile provider and patient perceptions of the use of AI software in dental care were positive overall, attitudes among providers were mixed regarding its effectiveness in diagnosing dental disease and improving work efficiency. More research is needed to determine whether use of AI software in clinical dental practice produces changes in treatment recommendations by providers or in patient adherence to these recommendations.
Case report: Successful surgical resection of an intracranial frontal lobe dermoid cyst in a cat
Authors: Nakano Yukiko , Nozue Yuta , Hazeyama Hiromi , Matsunami Tokio , Chambers James , Uchida Kazuyuki , Kobatake Yui 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionIntracranial dermoid cysts (IDCs) are rarely observed in veterinary medicine, and reports regarding treatment strategies for feline IDCs are severely lacking. This report describes the surgical management of epileptic seizures caused by IDCs in a cat.Case presentationAn 8-year-old, spayed, female American Shorthair cat presented with epileptic seizures. The epileptic seizures, which had developed at the age of 5 years, had been controlled by phenobarbital administration. At 8 years old, the cat contracted acute hepatitis, prompting a switch from phenobarbital to other antiseizure medications. This drug switch caused an increase in the frequency of epileptic seizures. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a dermoid cyst as a heterogeneous intensity mass on T2-weighted images, without falx cerebri displacement. The preoperative seizures occurred more than three times a day (cluster seizures), even though the cat was administered multiple antiseizure medications. The seizures ceased after surgical removal of the dermoid cyst. The cat did not experience seizures for 14 months after surgery, even with discontinuation of antiseizure medications.ConclusionIn cats, surgical removal of frontal lobe IDCs may effectively control epileptic seizures without fatal complications, thus potentially leading to a great prognosis.
Treatment of c-MET Antibody-Drug Conjugate Asymptomatic Pneumonitis with a Novel Steroid Regimen in Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Case Report
Authors: Fox Daniel A. , Tran Christine , Blot Vincent , Hong David S. 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACT
Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) are a potent class of antineoplastic drugs that deliver cytotoxic agents via targeting with monoclonal antibodies; however, ADCs are associated with high rates of lung toxicities, limiting the therapeutic potential in many patients. We report a case of a patient with metastatic non–small cell lung cancer taking the ADC telisotuzumab vedotin (Teliso V) plus osimtertinib who developed ADC-induced pneumonitis despite clinical benefit. This patient was able to tolerate treatment for a prolonged period on a novel steroid regimen, using steroids when pneumonitis was asymptomatic but radiologically evident and as a daily suppressant. This treatment strategy may have implications in the broader management of ADC–interstitial lung disease/pneumonitis and underscores its potential mechanisms.
Nueva fuente de las anotaciones del Brocense en su traducción del Enchiridion de Epicteto
Authors: Carmona Centeno David 
Published: February 2025

Las anotaciones del Brocense en la Doctrina del estoico filósofo Epicteto (1600), la primera traducción al español del Enchiridion, sientan las bases del neoestocismo en nuestro país. Aunque Sánchez aporta material de su propia cosecha, las anotaciones resultan menos originales de lo que hasta ahora se pensaba, pues aquel usa como fuente principal los comentarios con que Thomas Naogeorgus (1508-1563), un autor protestante, glosa su versión al latín, Moralis Philosophiae Medulla (Estrasburgo, 1554). Este descubrimiento hace necesaria una nueva edición.
South African national students financial aid scheme crisis: Theory of communicative action
Authors: Albertus Rene W. , Makoza Frank 
Published: February 2025

In this article, the researchers interrogate the media discourse on the national students financial aid scheme (NSFAS) crisis, as well as how the language used by politicians and students, shaped the decision-making of stakeholders. A qualitative approach was employed to analyse online media articles. Content analysis was used to organise the online media text into themes, corresponding to the concepts of the Theory of Communicative Action (TCA), and subsequently, critically interrogate the discourses presented in the text. The findings revealed claims of corruption and irregularities in the administration of the NSFAS programme, as a network of service providers and public servants was created, to assist each other in the tender process, and facilitate the looting at NSFAS. The institution failed to act on the claims, creating the impression that students were dependent on government handouts, while stripping them of the responsibility of managing the NSFAS debt. In addition, the crisis resulted in students’ protests at several higher education institutions in South Africa. In this study, the researchers offer useful insights into issues that affect NSFAS, to policymakers and managers, regarding improvements required for the effective governance, operations, and sustainability of NSFAS.Contribution: Several studies have outlined diverse issues on the NSFAS performance, and this study goes further to highlight how the media shaped the decision-making of the stakeholders.
Incomplete Kawasaki Disease Presenting as Anterior Mediastinitis and Neck Cellulitis
Authors: Dey Subhajit , Das Barnali , Pal Priyankar , Lalbiakzuali Natasha 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background:
While classical Kawasaki disease (KD) is easily diagnosed by a well-established set of diagnostic criteria, the diagnosis of incomplete KD remains elusive.

Clinical Description:
A 1-year-old girl presented with high fever, painful swelling, and redness over the anterior part of the neck, associated with swallowing difficulty. There was no rash, redness of eyes, or lymphadenopathy.

Management and Outcome:
Considering cellulitis of the neck, antibiotics were initiated. She developed stridor and received dexamethasone. Fever subsided, dysphagia and neck swelling improved by 3 days, but fever re-appeared on day 5, with progressively rising total leukocyte counts, platelets, and C-reactive protein. Magnetic resonance imaging neck showed features of anterior mediastinitis. Bacillus Calmette–Guérin reactivation was noted on day 8. Suspecting atypical KD, echocardiography was done thereafter, which showed left main coronary artery aneurysm. Intravenous immunoglobulin and aspirin were started. Because of medium sized aneurysm at repeat echo, increasing in size, treatment was intensified with infliximab and prednisolone. Follow-up echo after 2 weeks, showed diminution in the size of aneurysm with complete regression by 2 months.

Conclusion:
The case highlights yet another atypical manifestation of KD. Only a high index of suspicion in an unusual course of febrile illness in a child can diagnose such incomplete forms of KD.
Lutembacher Syndrome in a Child with Chronic Tonsillopharyngitis
Authors: Vemala Vasudev , Reddy Jyothi Prakash 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background:
Lutembacher syndrome (LS) is a condition where congenital atrial septal defect (ASD) and acquired rheumatic mitral stenosis (MS) co-occur, seen mainly in adult population. We report LS incidentally detected in a child, while seeking medical care for unrelated problem.

Clinical Description:
A 13-year-old boy presented with chronic throat pain and was planned for tonsillectomy. During pre-anesthetic checkup, a cardiac murmur was detected and sent for cardiac evaluation. He was otherwise asymptomatic in the past. On examination, he was underweight with stable vitals, without edema, cyanosis, clubbing, or engorged neck veins. Auscultation revealed normal S1, wide split S2 with A2 >P2, and short ejection systolic in pulmonary area.

Management and Outcome:
Routine laboratory investigations were normal. Electrocardiogram showed sinus rhythm, with normal PR and QT intervals. QRS axis – Right axis, normal “P” axis, incomplete RBB (V1–V3 leads) with right ventricle dominant forces. Echocardiography showed a 20 mm ASD, along with MS, thickened anterior mitral leaflet, thickened and fixed posterior mitral leaflet, and chordal thickening, consistent with rheumatic MS, thereby confirming LS. The child was started on regular penicillin prophylaxis, and was advised tonsillectomy.

Conclusion:
This case creates awareness among pediatricians regarding the possible occurrence of LS in children having a chronic source of streptococcal infection like tonsillopharyngitis. Knowledge about this condition and astute echocardiographic evaluation can identify this condition.
Lithophagia in a Child: Unraveling the Puzzle of Celiac Disease
Authors: Kalvala Koundinya , Pandey Snehavardhan , Kokitkar Smita Vilasrao , Bavdekar Ashish 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background:
Celiac disease (CD) is known to present with a wide spectrum of gastrointestinal and non-gastrointestinal manifestations. Although pica may be associated with low iron stores in CD, lithophagia as an extreme form of pica, is rarely reported in CD.

Clinical Description:
A 9-year-old boy presented with abdominal pain, without any vomiting, constipation, or diarrhea. On examination, he was overweight with mild pallor, and diffuse abdominal tenderness, without any palpable lump.

Management and Outcome:
Investigations revealed hemoglobin of 10.7 g/dL, with microcytic hypochromic red blood cells and very low ferritin levels. The abdominal radiograph showed radio-opaque foreign bodies in the entire large bowel and rectum. A review of history revealed lithophagia. These findings in a child with adequate nutrition, with no psychological disorder, raised suspicion of CD. Raised tissue transglutaminase antibody along with villous atrophy on duodenal biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of CD. The patient was treated with lactulose enemas, followed by iron supplementation and a gluten-free diet. Lithophagia resolved with these measures.

Conclusion:
The case highlights that lithophagia may be the only symptom in a child with CD. A high index of suspicion for CD needs to be kept in an otherwise psychologically normal, nutritionally adequate child having lithophagia.
Methemoglobinemia and Glucose-6-phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency in a Neonate
Authors: Aggarwal Saurabh , Garg Shubham , Sehgal Mridu Jain , Bhatia Jagpreet Singh 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background:
Methemoglobinemia is a condition where heme iron is oxidized from ferrous to ferric state, leading to hypoxia. Commonly due to drugs and toxins, it may rarely occur due to glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency.

Clinical Description:
A 20-day-old male neonate presented with lethargy, fever, loose stools, yellowish discoloration of skin, and dark urine. He had received ofloxacin earlier for diarrhea. On examination, neonate was in shock, with cyanosis and respiratory distress. Abdomen, chest, and cardiovascular system were normal.

Management and Outcome:
Despite increasing FiO2 and supportive care for shock, SpO2 did not improve. Chest X-ray, hyperoxia test, and echocardiography ruled out cyanotic cardio-pulmonary disease. Arterial blood gas showed PaO2 >100 mmHg at SpO2 84%. Co-oximetry confirmed elevated methemoglobin (MetHb) levels of 25.9%. The G6PD levels were low, precluding use of methylene blue. With high dose of Vitamin C and blood transfusion, the neonate recovered.

Conclusion:
Methemoglobinemia must be kept in mind while treating a patient with disproportionate hypoxia and cyanosis, not responding to oxygen therapy. Before giving methylene blue, G6PD deficiency should always be ruled out.
Stromal graft rejection after deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty at a tertiary care center
Authors: Almousa Khalid S. , Alkharashi Majed S. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

PURPOSE:
To evaluate the characteristics and outcomes of stromal rejection after deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) at a tertiary care center in Saudi Arabia.

METHODS:
The clinical records of 42 patients who underwent DALK between January 2019 and December 2023 were reviewed to identify patients who had experienced stromal rejection. Those patients were analyzed in terms of biodata, indications for surgery, graft size, subjective and objective clinical findings, treatment courses, and follow-ups.

RESULTS:
Of the 42 cases of DALK conducted during the study in our center, 3 (7.1%) experienced graft rejection between postoperative months 8 and 18. The mean age of patients with rejection at presentation was 30.6 years, compared to 33.5 years for those without rejection. The mean follow-up durations were 16.6 months for patients with rejection and 25.7 months for patients without rejection. All patients started intensive topical prednisolone acetate 1% (half hourly to hourly) on first presentation, and one had a pulse of intravenous methylprednisolone. A complete recovery was observed in all patients after 1–2 weeks.

CONCLUSION:
While DALK offers significant advantages over full-thickness corneal grafting, graft rejection remains a potential complication. Early presentation and timely treatment of rejection after DALK carry a good prognosis and can prevent graft failure.
A radiological assessment of the morphology and morphometry of the Vidian canal in a select Kenyan population
Authors: Njoroge Jimmy , Butt Fawzia , Mandela Pamela 
Published: February 2025

Background: The increased use of endoscopic approaches to the skull base has necessitated the identification of landmarks that assist in avoiding iatrogenic injury to structures within the skull base. The vidian canal (VC) is an established landmark for the petrous portion of the internal carotid artery (ICA). Although population differences have been reported in the literature, the area remains relatively unexplored in African populations. Materials and methods: Axial and coronal sections of 96 high-resolution computed tomography scans of Kenyan skulls were analyzed to determine VC morphometry. The VC length was determined using axial sections, and the VC - medial pterygoid plate (MPP) distance was determined using coronal sections. Results: The mean VC length studied was 16.50±2.30mm (10.50-22.40mm). No statistically significant differences were noted between sides (p=0.686) or sexes (p= 0.826, 0.593). The mean VC-MPP distance was 9.60±2.70 mm (2.40-21.40mm). No statistically significant differences were noted between sides (p=0.237) or sexes (p=0.886,0.850). The relational configurations of the VC to the SS were noted as follows: Type I (wholly within the cavity of the SS)-21.35%, Type II (VC on the floor of the SS or partially protruding into the SS) -76.57%, Type III (VC within the sphenoid corpus)- 2.08%. No significant correlation was noted between the type of VC configuration described and the side of the skull studied (p= 0.499). However, a significant correlation was noted between the type of VC configuration and sex (p=0.001). Conclusion: The increased prevalence of type I VCs among males indicates an increased risk during transsphenoidal surgical approaches in them.
Prehistoric Copper Mining Between Hohe Salve and Hahnenkamm: First Results of Mining Archaeological Surveys in the Brixental and the Grattenbergl/Kirchbichl (North Tyrol, Austria)
Authors: Lamprecht Roman , Haas Julia , Hiebel Gerald 
Published: February 2025

The Brixental was an important connecting area between the Bronze and Iron Age copper mining districts of Schwaz-Brixlegg in the west and Kitzbühel-Jochberg in the east. For this reason, the mining landscape of the Brixental, which has been little researched to date, was investigated for potential prehistoric copper mines. Through literature research and the study of geodata (DEM, orthophotos) prior to the surveys carried out in 2023, a total of six core areas were defined, which were investigated for the presence of mining archaeological features and finds. During the survey, all relevant features like mining heaps (Bergbauhalden), depressions formed by open-cast mines or collapsed adits/”mining pits” (Pingen) and underground mines (untertägige Abbaue) were documented and samples were collected for radiocarbon dating. In this way, it was possible to provide evidence of prehistoric mining at three sites based on the artefacts discovered (stone tools, pottery, slag, etc.), while in the case of Götschen near Brixen im Thale it was possible to obtain radiocarbon dating for Early to Middle Bronze Age mining. In addition, various samples provided evidence of widespread mining activities in the Late Middle Ages and Early Modern Age. In these periods the Brunnalm in Kirchberg in Tirol was particularly important. Located at the western entrance to the Brixental, Grattenbergl in Kirchbichl was investigated using geophysical methods (geomagnetic measurements), revealing evidence of metallurgical activities (smelting furnace and/or roasting bed) during the allstatt period. It can therefore be concluded that copper mining was carried out in the Brixental that was similar to the well-known mining areas (Kitzbühel-Jochberg, Schwaz-Brixlegg) in the vicinity and that traces of it have been preserved to the present day.