bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inflammatory and Oxidant Responses to Arduous Military Training: Associations with Stress, Sleep, and Performance
Authors: KARGL CHRISTOPHER K. , GAGE CATHERINE R. , FORSE JENNIFER N. , KOLTUN KRISTEN J. , BIRD MATTHEW B. , LOVALEKAR MITA , MARTIN BRIAN J. , NINDL BRADLEY C. 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACT

Background
Arduous military training frequently consists of prolonged physical activity, sleep disturbance, and stress that increases musculoskeletal injury risk and performance decrements. Inflammatory and oxidative stress responses have been reported in response to arduous training, but with inconsistencies across markers and with underrepresentation of women. The purpose of the current report was to measure circulating inflammation and oxidative stress responses to military training and to correlate biomarkers with subjective measures of stress and sleep quality as well as military fitness test performance.

Methods
Candidates undergoing the 10-wk Marine Corps Officer Candidate School (OCS; 101 men, 62 women) were monitored, with demographic and questionnaire data collected, and blood drawn before and after OCS. Blood was analyzed for six markers of inflammation and three markers of oxidative stress. Associations between biomarkers and questionnaire and fitness test performance were tested.

Results
All measured inflammatory markers as well as plasma antioxidant capacity were elevated following OCS. The inflammatory increase was higher in women for several markers. Sleep disturbance and stress perception were associated with interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, and C-reactive protein concentrations, suggesting that low sleep disturbance and stress perception were associated with low inflammatory load. In addition, those with the highest inflammation at each time point performed worse on fitness tests than those with low inflammation.

Conclusions
Following arduous military training, the circulating environment in a significant portion of officer candidates resembled chronic low-grade inflammation. This circulating inflammatory environment appeared worse with poor sleep, high stress perception, and poor fitness test performance, with utility observed for C-reactive protein, IL-6, and IL-10 as biomarkers of these responses. Because inflammation may contribute to musculoskeletal injury and performance decrements, minimizing chronic inflammation during military training should be explored.
Demonstration and optimization of coherent Doppler wind LiDAR with low sampling resolution
Authors: Huang Kai , Zhang Yunpeng , Yang Jinqing , Chen Xiao , Zhu Xiaopeng , Liu Jiqiao 
Published: August 2024

A low sampling resolution scheme for coherent Doppler wind LiDAR (CDWL) is proposed. The CDWL offers advantages in precision and detection resolution but suffers from the requirement of high-speed data acquisition (DAQ) with high sampling resolution, such as 12- or 14-bit, which leads to an increase of the computational complexity and the system cost. The use of a DAQ system with lower sampling resolution can provide a solution to mitigate this problem. The feasibility of the proposed scheme is validated by simulations and experiments. The detection performance can be greatly affected by the quantization interval selected during sampling. It is shown that the optimal quantization interval exists and only depends on the carrier-to-noise ratio (CNR), and the optimal quantization intervals of several sampling resolutions are given at different CNRs. With the given optimal quantization configuration, the low sampling resolution data can be used for reliable wind field measurements. For long-distance detection with a CNR lower than −13dB, the CNR deterioration of 1-bit, 2-bit, 3-bit, and 4-bit signals can be as low as 2, 0.5, 0.2, and 0.1 dB.
Information preferences of patients with chronic blood cancer: A qualitative investigation
Authors: Howell Debra A. , McCaughan Dorothy , Smith Alexandra , Patmore Russell , Roman Eve 
Published: August 2024

Background
Haematological malignancies (blood cancers) often follow chronic trajectories that can span many months or years. Management of these diseases typically involves periods of ‘Watch & Wait’, whereby patients are monitored by the hospital and only treated at progression, if or when this occurs, which might be never or on multiple occasions. Such remitting-relapsing pathways are unpredictable and can cause anxiety and distress. This study aimed to generate evidence about information preferences, with a view to underpinning future patient-facing resources; potentially mitigating psycho-social difficulties and promoting effective shared decision-making.

Methods
A qualitative study was conducted, set within a UK population-based cohort of patients with haematological malignancies. Sampling was purposive, based on age (initially around the median age of diagnosis) and disease subtype (chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, follicular lymphoma, marginal zone lymphoma and myeloma); and in-depth interviews took place with 35 patients (10 with relatives). Analysis drew on qualitative description and thematic content analysis and included critical reading and annotation of transcripts, identification of common and rare phenomena, generation of codes and coding of material, and theme development.

Results
Patients discussed their preferences and experiences at length and rich data were generated from diagnosis onwards, across diagnostic subtypes. The overarching theme identified was ‘Variations in preferences’ with needs seen to differ from person to person; as well as changing over time for individuals. Five sub-themes were identified: 1) To know or not to know? 2) Needs are dynamic; 3) The polarising issue of prognosis; 4) Preferred sources; and 5) Differences in content, depth and presentation.

Conclusions
Varied, dynamic information preferences indicate that resources should be developed in a way that provides maximum choice, enabling patients to select relevant material at different time-points on their trajectory. The development of blood cancer subtype-specific “real-world clinical scenarios” could improve patient experiences and inform shared decision-making.
HIV and hepatitis B virus co-infection in Mozambique: Policy review and health professionals’ knowledge and practices
Authors: dos Muchangos Vanda , Chambal Lucia , Nilsson Charlotta , Sevene Esperança 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundHuman Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) co-infection is a public health problem affecting 2.7 million worldwide. In Mozambique, the prevalence of this co-infection is 9.1%, calling for specific policies on prevention, diagnosis and adequate management in health facilities caring for HIV patients. This study aimed to review the existing policies and to assess the knowledge and practices of health professionals about HIV/HBV co-infection.MethodsA document and literature review to describe the existing policies and guidelines on HIV/HBV co-infection in Mozambique was performed. Key informants were contacted to clarify or add information. Health Professionals who care for HIV-positive patients in four health centers in Maputo City, the capital of Mozambique, responded to a questionnaire on knowledge and practices about this co-infection. Qualitative analysis was done to identify main themes using content analysis. Descriptive statistics of socio-demographic, knowledge and practice variables was presented using the SPSS Program version 20 and bivariate analysis was applied to describe the association between variables.ResultsTwenty-one policy documents were found, and five key informants were interviewed. Fifty-two participants answered the questionnaire. Only one policy document explicitly referred to HIV/HBV co-infection treatment. Most Health Professionals (96%) were aware of HIV/HBV co-infection. Although the only existing policy is on the treatment, few (33%) referenced antiretroviral formulations containing Tenofovir and Lamivudine. Only 29% of Health Professionals reported screening HIV patients for HBV and 21% practiced HIV/HBV co-infection counselling. No statistically significant differences were found when relating the socio-demographic variables with knowledge and practices.ConclusionPolicy documents relating to prevention, diagnosis and clinical management of HIV/HBV co-infection were rare or absent. Health Professionals had little knowledge about HIV/HBV co-infection. Defining adequate policies and training of Health Professionals may help increase awareness, increase counselling of patients for disease prevention, diagnosis and proper management of HIV/HBV co-infected patients.
Challenges in managing HIV and non-communicable diseases and health workers’ perception regarding integrated management of non-communicable diseases during routine HIV care in South Central Uganda: A qualitative study
Authors: Kasango Asani , Daama Alex , Negesa Lilian 
Published: August 2024

Background
Non-communicable diseases are highly prevalent among adults living with HIV, emphasizing the need for comprehensive healthcare strategies. However, a dearth of knowledge exists regarding the health systems challenges in managing HIV and non-communicable diseases and the perception of health workers regarding the integrated management of non-communicable diseases during routine HIV care in rural Ugandan settings. This study aims to bridge this knowledge gap by exploring the health system challenges in managing HIV and non-communicable diseases and health workers’ perception regarding the integration of non-communicable diseases in routine HIV care in South Central Uganda.

Methods
In this qualitative study, we collected data from 20 purposively selected key informants from Kalisizo Hospital and Rakai Hospital in South Central Uganda. Data were collected from 15th December 2020 and 14th January 2021. Data were analyzed using a thematic content approach with the help of NVivo 11.

Results
Of the 20 health workers, 13 were females. In terms of work duration, 9 had worked with people living with HIV for 11–15 years and 9 were nurses. The challenges in managing HIV and non-communicable diseases included difficulty managing adverse events, heavy workload, inadequate communication from specialists to lower cadre health workers, limited financial and human resources, unsupportive clinical guidelines that do not incorporate non-communicable disease management in HIV care and treatment, and inadequate knowledge and skills required to manage non-communicable diseases appropriately. Health workers suggested integrating non-communicable disease management into routine HIV care and suggested the need for training before this integration.

Conclusion
The integration of non-communicable disease management into routine HIV care presents a promising avenue for easing the burden on health workers handling these conditions. However, achieving successful integration requires not only the training of health workers but also ensuring the availability of sufficient human and financial resources.
Duration of face down positioning following full-thickness macular hole repair: A protocol for a randomized pilot study
Authors: Nanji Keean , Oquendo Paola Lourdes , Srinivasan Sangeetha , Vyas Chinmayi , Prasad Femin , Farrokhyar Forough , Chaudhary Varun 
Published: August 2024

Objective
Full-thickness macular holes (FTMH) are defects in the fovea involving all neural retinal layers. They reduce patients’ visual acuity (VA) and impact their quality of life. FTMHs are repaired with pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with intraocular gas tamponade and post-operative face-down positioning (FDP). There is no consensus regarding the ideal positioning requirements following FTMH repair and there lacks clear guidelines on the topic. While analysis of global practice patterns indicates that between 5–7 days is the most common duration suggested by surgeons, there is significant heterogeneity in surgeon preferences. There is, however, biological plausibility to support minimal or even no FDP following surgery and given the disabling nature of FDP for patients, there is a need to better assess key patient outcomes with different FDP durations. As such, this prospective randomized controlled pilot trial will compare 3-days of FDP to 7-days of FDP following PPV for FTMH.

Methods
This single-centered, parallel-group randomized controlled pilot trial will randomize patients 1:1 following PPV to 3 days or 7 days of FDP. This investigation has been approved by the local ethics board (HiREB # 16100) and has been registered on clinicaltrials.gov (NCT06000111). The primary objective will be focused on assessing the feasibility of a larger trial; this will be determined through an assessment of the recruitment rate, retention rate, completion rate and recruitment time. The secondary outcomes involve assessment of the following patient-important outcomes a) macular hole closure rate, b) best-recorded VA, c) a general quality of life measure and vision-specific quality of life measure, d) patient compliance and e) complication rates. Outcomes will be evaluated at 3 months following surgery.

Discussion
The results of this pilot study will determine the feasibility of a larger-scale trial that will answer a patient important question with clinical equipoise.
Estratégias de educação ambiental aplicadas a caatinga
Authors: Dulcinea dos Santos Dione , Medeiros de Araújo Frutuoso Maria Núbia 
Published: August 2024

Este trabalho teve como objetivo sistematizar estratégias de educação ambiental inovadoras que estão sendo utilizadas e que podem contribuir para a preservação do bioma caatinga. Trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa que utilizou como estratégia metodológica a pesquisa bibliográfica e análise temática sob o viés exploratório. Os estudos identificados trazem propostas relevantes à educação e gestão ambiental e tratam de temáticas referentes à flora e fauna do bioma, bem como práticas de educação ambiental e a utilização de jogos como fomento de interesse e sensibilização ambiental dos sujeitos. Tais estratégias podem ser aplicadas de maneira transversal a outros eixos temáticos de aprendizagem.
Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor Improves Prednisolone Responsiveness and 90-Day Survival in Steroid-Eligible Severe Alcohol-Associated Hepatitis: The GPreAH Study a Randomized Trial
Authors: Mishra Ajay Kumar , Shasthry Saggere Muralikrishna , Vijayaraghavan Rajan , Kumar Guresh , Sarin Shiv K. 
Published: August 2024

INTRODUCTION:
Severe alcohol-associated hepatitis (SAH) carries high 1-month mortality. Corticosteroids provide a modest 28-day but not 90-day survival benefit, due to development of infections and organ failures. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (GCSF) has shown promise in patients with SAH by its immunomodulatory and regenerative capabilities. We studied the safety and efficacy of combination (GCSF + prednisolone, GPred) therapy in management of steroid-eligible patients with SAH.

METHODS:
Steroid eligible patients with SAH (discriminant function scores 32–90) were randomized to receive prednisolone (GrA, n = 42), GPred (GrB, n = 42), or GCSF alone (GrC, n = 42). GCSF was given as 150–300 mcg/d for 7 days followed by every third day for a maximum of 12 doses in 1 month. Prednisolone 40 mg/d was given for 7 days and continued for 28 days in responders (Lille score <0.45).

RESULTS:
Baseline characteristics of patient groups were comparable. On intention-to-treat analysis, the primary endpoint of 90-day survival was achieved in 64.3% (27/42) in prednisolone, 88.1% (37/42) in GPred, and 78.6%(33/42) in GCSF groups, respectively (P = 0.03, prednisolone vs GPred). The 28-day survival was not different between the groups (85.7%, 95.2%, and 85.7%, respectively [P = 0.27]). The GPred group had more responders by day 7 (71.4% vs 92.9% vs 76.2%, P = 0.037) and had greater reduction in discriminant function (−7.33 ± 4.78, −24.59 ± 3.7, −14.59 ± 3.41, P = 0.011) and MELDNa (−1.69 ± 1.26, −7.02 ± 1.24, −3.05 ± 0.83, P = 0.002) by day 90. The prednisolone-only group had higher incidence of new infections (35.7%, 19%, 7.1%, respectively, P < 0.002). Acute kidney injury (33.3%, 7.1%, 11.9%, P = 0.002), hepatic encephalopathy (35.7%, 9.5%, 26.2%, P = <0.001), and rehospitalizations (59.5%, 14.3%, 30.9%, P=<0.01) were lower in the GPred group.

CONCLUSION:
Addition of GCSF to prednisolone improves steroid responsiveness and 90-day survival with fewer infections and new onset complications in patients with SAH.
Potency of Eucalyptus Oil and Citronella Oil in Suppressing Virulence Factors of Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae
Authors: Alifia Nur Ayusma  , Widiastuti Ani , Triwidodo Arwiyanto  
Published: August 2024

Bacterial leaf blight, caused by the bacterium Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo), is an important disease of rice and can cause yield losses of 10-50%. Efforts to control bacterial leaf blight in rice using eucalyptus oil and citronella oil have not been widely reported. This study aims to evaluate the potential inhibition of eucalyptus oil and citronella oil against X. oryzae pv. oryzae isolate code BaK_2 in vitro, focusing on X. oryzae pv. oryzae virulence factors. The virulence factor assay consisted of biofilm formation, exopolysaccharide (EPS) production and motility. The results showed that eucalyptus oil and citronella oil could inhibit the growth of X. oryzae pv. oryzae in vitro. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was 15% for eucalyptus oil and 5% for citronella oil. Virulence factor tests showed that eucalyptus oil and citronella oil had no significant effect on biofilm formation, but could reduce EPS formation and limit the movement of X. oryzae pv. oryzae by both swimming motility and motility.
Impact of COVID-19 infection on medication adherence and medication taking behavior among rural-dwelling older adults with chronic diseases: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Zhang Baoyi , Li Xinxin , Xie Jingyue , Gong Ni , Cheng Yu , Zhang Meifen 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Objectives
To explore the impact of COVID-19 infection on medication adherence among rural-dwelling older adults with chronic diseases, and identify the medication taking behavior and its influencing factors among rural-dwelling older adults with COVID-19 infection.

Methods
A cross-sectional study of 111 rural-dwelling older adults was conducted from February to March 2023 in rural villages in China. Demographic and clinical characteristics, medication adherence, medication taking behavior, COVID-19 related illness perception, COVID-19 related stigma, and social network were evaluated by questionnaires. Independent-sample t test, Chi-square test, and multivariable logistic regression were performed to analyze the data.

Results
There was no significant difference in the medication adherence between COVID-19 infected group and non-COVID-19 infected group. For COVID-19 infected older adults, 63.93 % maintained taking medication for chronic diseases, but 32.79 % stopped taking medication during COVID-19 infection. COVID-19 related illness perception (OR=1.111, p=0.004) and social network (OR=1.156, p=0.010) correlated with the behaviors such as reducing the dose of medication or stopping taking medication during COVID-19 infection.

Conclusions
The COVID-19 infection has no effect on medication adherence among rural-dwelling older adults. Older adults with negative illness perception of COVID-19 and better social network were more likely to reduce or stop taking medication when they were infected with COVID-19. Thus, specific strategies to reduce negative perception about COVID-19 and strengthen social connection are warranted for rural-dwelling older adults.
The Road to Modernity: “Railway Texts” of the Meiji and Taishō Eras
Authors: Wang Jing 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
While the railway played a critical role in contributing to the industrial capitalism of almost every modern nation, it was particularly crucial to Japan’s experience of modernity. With their astonishing speed and power, trains not only altered the physical landscape but also created novel spaces within them, fostering new sensibilities at both the individual and national levels. “Railway texts” – literature featuring representations of trains – can thus demonstrate how rail transport took part in everything from transforming quotidian life to nation building. Touching on selected “railway texts” by Meiji and Taishō era authors Natsume Sōseki, Tayama Katai, Tanizaki Jun’ichirō, and Akutagawa Ryūnosuke, this paper illustrates how trains provided a means to reflect on Japan’s cultural, social, and political contexts, serving as a space for imagining modernity.
Estimation of the number needed to treat, the number needed to be exposed, and the exposure impact number with instrumental variables
Authors: Vancak Valentin , Sjölander Arvid 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Objectives
The Number Needed to Treat (NNT) is an efficacy index defined as the average number of patients needed to treat to attain one additional treatment benefit. In observational studies, specifically in epidemiology, the adequacy of the populationwise NNT is questionable since the exposed group characteristics may substantially differ from the unexposed. To address this issue, groupwise efficacy indices were defined: the Exposure Impact Number (EIN) for the exposed group and the Number Needed to be Exposed (NNE) for the unexposed. Each defined index answers a unique research question since it targets a unique sub-population. In observational studies, the group allocation is typically affected by confounders that might be unmeasured. The available estimation methods that rely either on randomization or the sufficiency of the measured covariates for confounding control result in statistically inconsistent estimators of the true EIN, NNE, and NNT. This study presents a theoretical framework for statistically consistent point and interval estimation of the NNE, EIN and NNE in observational studies with unmeasured confounders.

Methods
Using Rubin’s potential outcomes framework, this study explicitly defines the NNT and its derived indices, EIN and NNE, as causal measures. Then, we use instrumental variables to introduce a novel method to estimate the three aforementioned indices in observational studies where the omission of unmeasured confounders cannot be ruled out. To illustrate the novel methods, we present two analytical examples – double logit and double probit models. Next, a corresponding simulation study and a real-world data example are presented.

Results
This study provides an explicit causal formulation of the EIN, NNE, and NNT indices and a comprehensive theoretical framework for their point and interval estimation using the G-estimators in observational studies with unmeasured confounders. The analytical proofs and the corresponding simulation study illustrate the improved performance of the new estimation method compared to the available methods in terms of consistency and the confidence intervals empirical coverage rates.

Conclusions
In observational studies, traditional estimation methods to estimate the EIN, NNE, or NNT result in statistically inconsistent estimators. We introduce a novel estimation method that overcomes this pitfall. The novel method produces consistent estimators and reliable CIs for the true EIN, NNE, and NNT. Such a method may facilitate more accurate clinical decision-making and the development of efficient public health policies.