bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Seroprevalence of Human Papilloma Virus 6,11,16 and 18 among pregnant women in Mwanza-Tanzania
Authors: Mujuni Fridolin , Msemwa Betrand , Fukuru Vicent E. , Silago Vitus , Mirambo Mariam M. , Mshana Stephen E. , Gumodoka Balthazar 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Introduction:
High-risk human-papilloma viruses 16 and 18 (HR-HPV 16 and HR-HPV-18) are well known to be associated with carcinoma of the cervix, head and neck, penis, and anus. Low-risk human papillomaviruses 6 and 11 (LR-HPV 6 and LR 11) infection has been associated with anogenital warts, oral papilloma, and laryngeal papillomatosis in children. HPV infection during pregnancy (HR-HPV and LR-HPV) increases the risk of vertical transmission from infected pregnant women to unborn children. The burden of HR-HPV type 16 and 18 and LR-HPV 6 and 11 is not well documented among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics (ANC). This study determined the seroprevalence and distributions of HR-HPV 16, 18, and LR –HPV 6, 11 antibodies among pregnant women attending ANC at BMC in Mwanza, Tanzania.
Methodology:
A cross-sectional study involving 255 pregnant women enrolled in obstetrics and gynecology outpatient clinics was conducted between November 2020 and March 2021 at Bugando Medical Centre (BMC) in Mwanza. A structured pre-tested questionnaire was used to obtain patients' information. Sandwich Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) was used for quantitative detection of immunoglobulin G (IgG) from sera. Stata version 15v1 was used for data analysis.
Results
The median age was 27(IQR: 22–31) years. The overall HPV seropositivity was 63.9% (165/255), 95% CI: 58.0-69.7, whereby 37.6%( 97/255), 32.2%( 83/255), 15.5% (40/255) and 27.1% (70) were positive for HPV 6, 11, 16 and 18 respectively. Eight participants (3.1%) were positive for all 4 genotypes.
Conclusion
About two-thirds of pregnant women had antibodies against HPV 6, 11 16, and 18 indicating previous exposure to this virus. Vaccination programs should be emphasized to reduce the HPV-related manifestations in this population.
Nature play in early childhood leads to great and varied language production
Authors: Prins Jannette , Veen Chiel van der , Meeter Martijn 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Active play opportunities in nature are beneficial for healthy child development: Recent reviews have shown that playing in natural environments contributes to children’s motor skill improvement, attention restoration, play skill diversification, and has an impact on wellbeing and cognitive development. This study focuses on the benefits of nature play for productive vocabulary, which is important for learning to read in later years. We investigated the effect of playing in a nature-based environment on preschooler’s (2–4 years old) word production using language sample analysis. A total of N = 30 children (2–4 years) from three Dutch early childhood centers participated. To measure children’s productive vocabulary, we recorded their language production for ten minutes while playing in two conditions: 1) a non-nature-based playground and 2) a nature-based playground. Audio tapes were transcribed, and the total number of words and the number of unique words were counted. Findings indicated a positive effect of playing in the nature-based playground on both the total number of words spoken by the children and the number of unique words. These results suggest that nature-based play environments may support the growth of children’s productive vocabulary.
Challenges and support needs among persons with a migration background who use drugs in four European metropolitan cities
Authors: Pouille Aline , De Ruysscher Clara , Selm Lena van , Amsterdam Jan van , Brink Wim van den , Busz Machteld , Gayo Roberto Perez , Atzemis Marios , Vanderplasschen Wouter 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Substance dependence amongst persons who immigrate for economic reasons, asylum seekers and refugees is gaining attention in several European countries. This qualitative study describes the needs of Persons with a Migration background Who Use Drugs (PMWUD) living in Amsterdam, Athens, Berlin and Paris.
Methods
This study employed a community-based participatory approach. Through semi-structured interviews with PMWUD (n = 99), we tried to identify (service) needs of PMWUD. Participants were recruited through a combination of community gatekeepers, venue-based sampling, and snowball sampling. Trained community researchers conducted the interviews, which focused on participants' living situation, substance use, physical and mental health, and employment opportunities.
Results
Despite substantial heterogeneity among the PMWUD, several common themes emerged across all groups. Participants frequently mentioned early childhood adversity, limited social networks leading to loneliness, medical, psychological, and substance use issues, histories of personal violence or poverty, homelessness, lack of necessary documents for health care, social security, and employment, and encounters with the criminal justice system. These intertwined and mutually reinforcing factors simultaneously functioned as barriers to care and support, alongside other barriers such as linguistic and cultural differences, and stigma and discrimination. Due to social exclusion, migration, and substance dependence, participants had limited reliable social networks. Therefore, they often had to rely on accessible and low-threshold services. Harm reduction services played a significant role in providing support to PMWUD. Most PMWUD indicated that basic needs for hygiene and food were met thanks to local organizations. Differences in housing opportunities and access to harm reduction services were identified in each city.
Conclusion
Structural barriers toward treatment and care, often related to administrative requirements, stand in the way of appropriate care for PMWUD. Linguistically and culturally sensitive outreach activities with limited practical requirements could break down social and treatment barriers.
Arthroscopic wafer procedure versus ulnar shortening osteotomy for treatment of ulnar impaction syndrome with a short-term follow-up
Authors: Chen Keyi , Yang Shun , Chen yabo 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Objectives
A prospective study aimed to systematically compare the efficacy and safety of arthroscopic wafer procedure (AWP) versus ulnar shortening osteotomy (USO) for treating ulnar impaction syndrome (UIS) with a short-term follow-up.
Methods
From May 2014 to January 2022, 94 patients diagnosed with UIS were recruited and categorized into the AWP and USO groups. At the follow-up, operative time, intraoperative blood loss, hospital length of stay (LOS), and complications were reported. Additionally, clinical evaluation included the visual analog scale (VAS), grip strength, wrist range of motion, and the Modified Mayo Wrist Score (MMWS) were measured at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively.
Results
A total of 47 patients in the AWP group and 44 patients in the USO group completed the follow-up. Patients in the AWP group exhibited significantly reduced operative time, intraoperative blood loss, and LOS than the USO group; however, the complication rates were comparable. Moreover, patients who underwent the AWP procedure exhibited lower VAS and better outcomes regarding grip strength, wrist range of motion, and the MMWS than those who underwent the USO procedure at one and three months postoperatively. However, no statistically significant differences were observed in the two groups at 6 and 12 months postoperatively.
Conclusions
Although the subsequent safety and efficacy of the two techniques are comparable for UIS treatment, the AWP procedure should be a superior alternative for less invasive and faster recovery. Ulnar variation larger than 4 mm is more suitable for ulnar osteotomy.
A study on the Interdependence of TGA evaluation parameters and the Hardgrove Grindability Coal Index
Authors: Gaesenngwe Gaesenngwe , Danha Gwiranai , Mamvura Tirivaviri , RAGHUPATRUNI Prasad 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

This paper focuses on the determination of physio – chemical evaluation parameters of coal and their relative effects on physio – mechanical properties. Five different coal samples were acquired having an average particles size distribution which were grouped accordingly as run-of-mine coals (56.46mm), cobbles (70.86mm), nuts (41.38mm), peas (23.88mm) and fines (14.37mm). However, to estimate clear distinction in material composition, grade, rank, coal tenacity and presence of other microscopic lithotypes, the relative abundance of intrinsic species for each type were thus established using high-temperature tube furnace combustion chamber with infrared absorption instrument and other data acquire via Thermogravimetric Analysis testing equipment. Importantly, technological parameter that measure the relative hardness of coals and quality of product structure after comminution activity was done by using the ball – ring instrument that quantifies the Hardgrove grindability index (HGI) factor for each material type. The Ash content reflect the gross weight percentage of major and minor trace elements such as SiO 2 , CaO, Fe2O3, Al2O3, TiO2, K2O, Mn3O4, BaO, SrO, P2O5, SO3 etc., and our investigation revealed a strong interdependence to the HGI value that was increased from nuts, cobbles, run-of-mine samples, fines and lastly the Peas samples. The lower HGI factor indicates material resilience to fracture and the coal samples with high moisture content evaluation parameter increases the physio-mechanical properties of coal samples such as the compressive strength, tensile strength which are fracture toughness components. Nonetheless, production efficacy improvement, optimum processing parameter selection, metallurgical accounting on coal beneficiation performance, product quality pertaining to coal utilization and other assessments related to cost of production or energy of liberation etcetera are altogether valuable information drawn from the TGA and HGI independence coefficients.
Social inequities influencing diabetes self-management among persons with disabilities: A Cross-Sectional Study from rural Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: Research Rajeswaran Thiagesan , Soundari Hilaria , Kosalram Kalpana , Gopichandran Vijayaprasad 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Self-management of diabetes is a crucial component of treatment. This involves diet, exercise, medications, blood sugar monitoring, reducing harmful behaviors like smoking and alcohol, and foot care. Persons with disabilities find it challenging to adopt self-management behaviors. Various social factors like age, gender, caste, and socioeconomic status further complicate this inequity in adoption of self-management behaviors.
Objectives
To study the social inequities influencing the adoption of diabetes self-management behaviors among persons with disabilities.
Methods
We conducted a cross-sectional comparative study of diabetes self-management behaviors among persons with and without disabilities in a rural block in Tamil Nadu, India. We used the Summary Diabetes Self-Care Activities (SDSCA) tool to assess the diabetes self-management practices among the study participants. We also collected information on other social factors including age, gender, caste, and socioeconomic status as estimated by the Modified Kuppusamy Scale. To study the influence of these social factors on disability we applied multivariable logistic regression analysis in SPSS version 22. We also performed a path analysis to study the potential causal pathway of how disability influences physical exercises using JAMOVI software version 2.3.21.
Results
We interviewed 414 persons with diabetes of whom 190 (46%) were people with disabilities. There was no difference in diabetes self-management behaviors in any of the domains between people with and without disabilities except for physical activity. Disability (OR = 3.384 (C.I. 1.282–8.930, p = 0.014)) and lower socioeconomic status (6.617 (C.I. 3.151–13.895, p = 0.000)) are independently associated with poor physical exercise behavior. The path analysis revealed that among persons with disabilities, as the difficulty in performing activities of daily living worsens (β = 5.46; p < 0.001) it affects the quality of life (β=-1.31; p < 0.001) thereby reducing adoption of physical activity behaviors (β = 0.05; p < 0.001).
Conclusion
Disability and socioeconomic status strongly influence diabetes self-management, especially the physical activity component. There is a need for customized interventions for people with disability to improve their physical activity and improve their diabetes self-management behaviors.
Clinical-Epidemiological Characteristics of Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy and its Relationship With the Parkland Classification.
Authors: Cervantes Pablo Meneses , Portales Marisol Ramos , García Margarita García , Macías Monserrat Tapia , Hernández Juan Carlos Sainz 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Introduction: Biliary stone disease is the most common condition that affects the gallbladder and biliary tree. The Parkland Cholecystitis Scale (PCS) is a tool for staging the severity of gallbladder disease using intraoperative imaging.
The main objective of this study is to describe the clinical-epidemiological characteristics of patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) in the period from March 2018 to December 2021, with the secondary objective being to investigate whether there is a relationship between the presence of presurgical leukocytosis and grades 3, 4 and 5 in the PCS.
Methods: This is a cross-sectional and single center study, which exhaustively analyze patients undergoing LC at the Institute of Security and Social Services of State Workers (ISSSTE by its acronym in Spanish) León Regional Hospital, in the period from March 2018 to December 2021.
Results: A total of 289 patients were included in the study of which 214 (74%) were female and 75 (26%) were male, with a mean age of 50 ± 5.7 years. It was identified that being male, type 2 diabetes mellitus, as well as the presurgical presence of leukocytosis (≥ 10x 109/L), hyperbilirubinemia (total bilirubin ≥ 1.2 mg/dl), thickened gallbladder wall reported by ultrasound (≥ 4 mm), and bile duct dilation (> 6 mm) showed a statistically significant association with difficult cholecystectomies.
Conclusion: It is essential to use different rescue tools or even consider converting to open surgery when faced with a patient with these characteristics to avoid an unfavorable outcome in patients with difficult cholecystectomy.
Financial Risk Tolerance during a Major Negative Life Experience: The Case of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Hochman Guy , Ofir Moran , Ayal Shahar 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

This paper investigates the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on risk-seeking behavior. Using Holt and Laury's (2002) risk tolerance measure, an online survey was conducted with 1643 participants at seven time points before the pandemic and during four restricted and two unrestricted periods. Results showed a significant reduction in financial risk-taking during the pandemic. Notably, the decrease was most evident in the first wave, despite no major differences across the restricted waves. Risk tolerance began to gradually return when restrictions were lifted but did not reach pre-pandemic levels. Subjective risk tolerance during the pandemic, which differed from the objective financial situation, influenced real-life investment decisions. These findings highlight the influence of contextual and emotional factors on risk tolerance. The results are discussed concerning risk-seeking behavior in commission-free online brokerages like Robinhood during the pandemic, with implications for policy guidelines.
SQLE promotes osteosarcoma progression via activating TGFβ/SMAD signaling pathway
Authors: Song Qi , He Lina , Feng Jing 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

The prognosis of advanced osteosarcoma (OS) has remained stagnant in last decades, requiring the identification of novel therapeutic targets. Recently, much attention was paid to the role of squalene epoxidase (SQLE), a rate-limiting enzyme in cholesterol metabolism, in the field of oncology. Here, we found the upregulation of SQLE in OS samples than that in normal tissues through data mining of public resources. A notable rise in SQLE protein levels in OS cells in comparison to human osteoblast cells was confirmed by western blot assay. Survival analysis showed that individuals with high SQLE expression had a lower median overall survival time compared to those with low SQLE expression. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses showed that SQLE might have the potency to serve as an independently prognostic biomarker in OS. Loss- and gain-of-function experiments indicated that silence of SQLE suppressed OS cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, while overexpression of SQLE exerted the opposite effects. Mechanistically, TGF-β signaling pathway was identified as the downstream pathway of SQLE through bioinformatic methods, and the results of western blot assay showed that SQLE positively regulated the activity of TGFβ1/SMAD2/3 signaling in OS. Resue experiments demonstrated that SB431542, a small molecule that inhibits TGFβ/SMAD signaling, could partly reverse the promoting effects of SQLE on OS cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Together, our results provided preliminary evidences that SQLE was a tumor-promoting factor and prognosis predictor in OS. SQLE promoted OS cell proliferation, migration, and invasion via activating TGFβ/SMAD signaling and targeting SQLE might be a potential strategy for the treatment of OS.
Left atrial size and strain in hypertensive children compared to age-, sex- and race/ethnicity- matched controls
Authors: Kaplinski Michelle , Griffis Heather , Wang Yan , Mercer-Rosa Laura , Banerjee Anirban , Quartermain Michael D. , Natarajan Shobha S. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Introduction:
Left atrial (LA) volume and peak longitudinal strain (LA strain) are indicators of left ventricular (LV) diastolic function in adults, but little is known about LA volume and strain in pediatric patients with hypertension (HTN). We evaluated LA volume and strain in pediatric cases with HTN compared to age-, sex- and race/ethnicity-matched controls.
Methods:
This was a retrospective matched case-control study of patients that presented to the HTN clinic at CHOP from 12/2011 to 9/2018. Coarctation of the aorta, cardiomyopathy or heart transplantation cases were excluded. HTN was defined by abnormal ambulatory blood pressure result. LA volume was measured by biplane area-length method and indexed to body surface area (BSA). LA strain and strain rate were measured using TOMTEC® software. Left ventricular mass index (LVMI) was measured by M-mode and the 5/6 area-length method indexed to height2.7. Measurements were compared using Chi-square, McNemar, or Wilcoxon signed rank tests.
Results:
We included 47 cases and 47 controls. There was no difference in LA volume z-scores (-1.9 vs. -0.9, p=0.068), LA strain (37.8% vs. 38.0%, p=0.735) or LA strain rate (1.4 vs. 1.5, p=0.852) in cases compared to controls. LVMI by M-mode and 5/6 area-length method was higher in cases compared to controls (40 vs. 33.7 g/m2.7, p<0.001 and 29.9 vs 24.4 g/m2.7, p=<0.001, respectively).
Conclusion:
There was no difference in LA volume or LA strain in cases compared to controls. LVMI was significantly elevated in our cases and may be the first response to HTN, prior to affecting LA size.
What child and adolescent psychiatry in France for the second quarter of the 21 st century? An AI-assisted qualitative action research study
Authors: Falissard Bruno , Espi Pauline , Rouquette Alexandra 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

French Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (CAP) faces significant issues, primarily due to an overwhelming increase in demand and insufficient capacity. In response, the French Society for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Allied Professions (SFPEADA) initiated an action research project in June 2023 aimed at reimagining the future of CAP in France for the second quarter of the 21st century. Employing a holistic qualitative methodology that merges bottom-up and top-down approaches, the project progressed through four phases: interviews with informed individuals, consultations with trade unions or associations, synthesis of findings using thematic analysis and AI technologies, and public dissemination via a symposium at the ministry of health. The project identified 5 main themes: “CAP and Society”, “Knowledge Integration”, ”Healthcare Delivery”, “Caregivers”, ”System Organization”. This initiative underscores the importance of a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach to address the important needs of child and adolescent mental health in France, advocating for significant systemic changes to enhance CAP's efficacy and accessibility.
Machine learnINg for the rElapse Risk eValuation in Acute biliary pancreatitis. The deep learning MINERVA Study Protocol.
Authors: Podda Mauro , Pisanu Adolfo , Pellino Gianluca , De Simone Adriano , Selvaggi Lucio , Murzi Valentina , Locci Eleonora , Rottoli Matteo , Calini Giacomo , Cardelli Stefano , Catena Fausto , Vallicelli Carlo , Bova Raffaele , Vigutto Gabriele , D'Acapito Fabrizio , Ercolani Giorgio , Solaini Leonardo , Biloslavo Alan , Germani Paola , Colutta Camilla , Occhionorelli Savino , Lacavalla Domenico , Sibilla Maria Grazia , Olmi Stefano , Uccelli Matteo , Oldani Alberto , Giordano Alessio , Guagni Tommaso , Perini Davina , Pata Francesco , Nardo Bruno , Paglione Daniele , Franco Giusi , Donadon Matteo , Martino Marcello Di , Bruzzese Dario , Pacella Daniela 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Mild acute biliary pancreatitis (MABP) presents significant clinical and economic challenges due to its potential for relapse. Current guidelines advocate for early cholecystectomy (EC) during the same hospital admission to prevent recurrent acute pancreatitis (RAP). Despite these recommendations, implementation in clinical practice varies, highlighting the need for reliable and accessible predictive tools. The MINERVA study aims to develop and validate a machine learning (ML) model to predict the risk of RAP in MABP patients, enhancing decision-making processes.
Methods
The MINERVA study will be conducted across multiple academic and community hospitals in Italy. Adult patients with a clinical diagnosis of MABP who have not undergone EC during index admission will be included. Exclusion criteria encompass non-biliary aetiology, severe pancreatitis, and the inability to provide informed consent. The study involves both retrospective data from the MANCTRA-1 study and prospective data collection. Data will be captured using REDCap. The ML model will utilise convolutional neural networks (CNN) for feature extraction and risk prediction. The model includes the following steps: the spatial transformation of variables using kernel Principal Component Analysis (kPCA), the creation of 2D images from transformed data, the application of convolutional filters, max-pooling, flattening, and final risk prediction via a fully connected layer. Performance metrics such as accuracy, precision, recall, and area under the ROC curve (AUC) will be used to evaluate the model.
Discussion
The MINERVA study addresses the gap in predicting RAP risk in MABP patients by leveraging advanced ML techniques. By incorporating a wide range of clinical and demographic variables, the MINERVA score aims to provide a reliable, cost-effective, and accessible tool for healthcare professionals. The project emphasises the practical application of AI in clinical settings, potentially reducing the incidence of RAP and associated healthcare costs. The study will disseminate findings through peer-reviewed publications, conferences, and a dedicated website, facilitating broad access and adoption.
Trial Registration:
ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT06124989