bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Understanding the process of adolescent assent for voluntary male medical circumcision in Zimbabwe: findings from a cross-sectional study
Authors: West Rebecca L. , Sharma Sunny , Hurst Nisa , Bench Will , Nhando Nehemiah , Maponga Brian , Bullock Lucy , Egualeonan Darius , Reast Jemma , Xaba Sinokuthemba , Hatzold Karin , Gumede-Moyo Sehlulekile 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
Voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) is a method for combination HIV prevention for adolescents > 15 years in settings with generalized epidemics. In Zimbabwe, policy currently allows VMMC in adolescents > 15 years old, but there is consideration to lower the threshold to 13 years old. There is a need to understand current practices in assent/consent, and parents’ requirements for assent/consent to inform policy recommendations for the VMMC programme in lowering its age threshold.

Methods
Cross-sectional surveys were conducted in September 2022 using convenience sampling among three respondent groups: uncircumcised adolescents/young men (AYM) aged 13–16 years (n = 881), circumcised AYM aged 13–20 years (n = 247), and parents of uncircumcised adolescents aged 13–16 years (n = 443). Surveys asked about VMMC knowledge, experiences with mobilisers, circumcised AYM’s assent/consent experiences, and parents’ preferences for assent/consent processes.

Results
Knowledge of VMMC was significantly lower among younger adolescents aged 13–14 than their 15–16 year-old peers. 57% (142/247) of circumcised AYM had a one-to-one discussion with their provider before having the procedure, 32% (80/247) said they were not fully informed about VMMC prior to the procedure, and 54% (134/247) wanted more information about procedure-related pain. Over half (56%, 42/75) of circumcised AYM whose parents had not provided consent in-person for them to receive the procedure reported that their parents had never been contacted to verify consent.

Conclusions
There are gaps in the current assent/consent process for VMMC in Zimbabwe. Providers should be trained to give balanced information on risks and benefits of the procedure, including potential for pain. One-on-one discussions between providers and adolescents prior to the procedure, age-appropriate counselling, and tools for providers to ascertain adolescents’ understanding and ability to provide assent are essential processes, especially if the age threshold is lowered to include younger adolescents. it is also imperative to improve communication with parents, particularly to verify consent for their children has been given, per national guidelines.
A comprehensive review of recent advances in research on COVID in communication studies
Authors: Cyrek Barbara , Peltonen Jenna 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
The COVID-19 pandemic initiated a great global crisis, during which media influenced society and social interactions affected media use. Researchers from various research fields have studied the pandemic both globally and locally. This study aims to summarize the research on COVID-19 pandemic within communication studies, taking into account 358 articles published in SJR best ranked journals in 2020–2022.

Methods
The study uses both qualitative and quantitative methods. Using manual coding and qualitative content analysis, we investigate articles’ distribution according to journals, time, accessibility (either open, free or restricted) and methodological approaches. We also provide a qualitative summary of trending research themes. Using quantitative social network analysis (SNA) we present the distribution of institutions and countries in articles’ affiliations, and the collaboration network at institutional and country level.

Results
Results show an in-time increase of COVID-related publications. Articles were affiliated with 490 institutions from 68 countries, with the USA having the greatest representation. There was an underrepresentation of African and South American countries, which reflects the core-periphery challenge in knowledge production. The network analysis revealed that very few of possible connections were actually achieved. There is an observable trend of using quantitative methods. A growth on the gap between qualitative and quantitative studies was observed each year. More than a half of articles using qualitative methods were published in restricted access. Our qualitative summary of the addressed topics and main findings in articles related to COVID-19, media and society revealed a wide research interest in pandemics impacts on news consumption, media use and journalism, as well as infodemic, conspiracy narratives, science mistrust and discrimination and inequalities increased by the pandemic.

Conclusion
To provide a wider perspective on the worldwide impact of pandemic, more studies from underrepresented countries are needed. The collaboration between institutions and countries requires strengthening. Qualitative studies were conducted considerably less than quantitative studies and they were usually published in restricted access, which leads to a methodological gap.
Use of multiple pharmacies by people living with HIV
Authors: Sahloff Eric G. , Sturgill Kuan , Vaidya Varun , Duggan Joan M. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractUsing multiple pharmacies has been linked to negative outcomes including increased inappropriate drug use, toxicity, and mortality, yet up to half of all patients in the US use multiple pharmacies. A pilot survey was administered to measure pharmacy use in people living with HIV (PWH) and examine the associated attitudes and outcomes. In a midwestern HIV clinic, a convenience sample was surveyed based on using single (SPU) versus multiple pharmacies (MPU). One hundred forty-two subjects participated (69 SPU; 73 MPU): 75% male, 59% white, and > 70% being ≥ 40 years old. There was a trend towards increased recall of self-reported CD4 and viral load status for SPUs vs MPUs [OR 2.26 (95%, 0.91–5.64)]. SPU participants indicated acquiring all meds in one place [Likert Scale weighted average (LS WA) = 4.45], proximity (LS WA = 3.64), the identification of adverse effects (LS WA = 4.17), and concerns about missing potential drug-drug interactions (LS WA = 4.06) as reasons for preferring a single pharmacy. The desire to keep HIV status private (LS WA = 3.65) was noted as a significant reason for using a separate pharmacy specifically for acquiring antiretrovirals in MPU participants. Results indicate patients often have justifiable reasons for using single versus multiple pharmacies.
Validation of IMU against optical reference and development of open-source pipeline: proof of concept case report in a participant with transfemoral amputation fitted with a Percutaneous Osseointegrated Implant
Authors: Ahmed Kirstin , Taheri Shayan , Weygers Ive , Ortiz-Catalan Max 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
Systems that capture motion under laboratory conditions limit validity in real-world environments. Mobile motion capture solutions such as Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs) can progress our understanding of "real" human movement. IMU data must be validated in each application to interpret with clinical applicability; this is particularly true for diverse populations. Our IMU analysis method builds on the OpenSim IMU Inverse Kinematics toolkit integrating the Versatile Quaternion-based Filter and incorporates realistic constraints to the underlying biomechanical model. We validate our processing method against the reference standard optical motion capture in a case report with participants with transfemoral amputation fitted with a Percutaneous Osseointegrated Implant (POI) and without amputation walking over level ground. We hypothesis that by using this novel pipeline, we can validate IMU motion capture data, to a clinically acceptable degree.

Results
Average RMSE (across all joints) between the two systems from the participant with a unilateral transfemoral amputation (TFA) on the amputated and the intact sides were 2.35° (IQR = 1.45°) and 3.59° (IQR = 2.00°) respectively. Equivalent results in the non-amputated participant were 2.26° (IQR = 1.08°). Joint level average RMSE between the two systems from the TFA ranged from 1.66° to 3.82° and from 1.21° to 5.46° in the non-amputated participant. In plane average RMSE between the two systems from the TFA ranged from 2.17° (coronal) to 3.91° (sagittal) and from 1.96° (transverse) to 2.32° (sagittal) in the non-amputated participant. Coefficients of Multiple Correlation (CMC) results between the two systems in the TFA ranged from 0.74 to > 0.99 and from 0.72 to > 0.99 in the non-amputated participant and resulted in ‘excellent’ similarity in each data set average, in every plane and at all joint levels. Normalized RMSE between the two systems from the TFA ranged from 3.40% (knee level) to 54.54% (pelvis level) and from 2.18% to 36.01% in the non-amputated participant.

Conclusions
We offer a modular processing pipeline that enables the addition of extra layers, facilitates changes to the underlying biomechanical model, and can accept raw IMU data from any vendor. We successfully validate the pipeline using data, for the first time, from a TFA participant using a POI and have proved our hypothesis.
Maximizing tree carbon in croplands and grazing lands while sustaining yields
Authors: Sprenkle-Hyppolite Starry , Griscom Bronson , Griffey Vivian , Munshi Erika , Chapman Melissa 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
Integrating trees into agricultural landscapes can provide climate mitigation and improves soil fertility, biodiversity habitat, water quality, water flow, and human health, but these benefits must be achieved without reducing agriculture yields. Prior estimates of carbon dioxide (CO2) removal potential from increasing tree cover in agriculture assumed a moderate level of woody biomass can be integrated without reducing agricultural production. Instead, we used a Delphi expert elicitation to estimate maximum tree covers for 53 regional cropping and grazing system categories while safeguarding agricultural yields. Comparing these values to baselines and applying spatially explicit tree carbon accumulation rates, we develop global maps of the additional CO2 removal potential of Tree Cover in Agriculture. We present here the first global spatially explicit datasets calibrated to regional grazing and croplands, estimating opportunities to increase tree cover without reducing yields, therefore avoiding a major cost barrier to restoration: the opportunity cost of CO2 removal at the expense of agriculture yields.

Results
The global estimated maximum technical CO2 removal potential is split between croplands (1.86 PgCO2 yr− 1) and grazing lands (1.45 PgCO2 yr− 1), with large variances. Tropical/subtropical biomes account for 54% of cropland (2.82 MgCO2 ha− 1 yr− 1, SD = 0.45) and 73% of grazing land potential (1.54 MgCO2 ha− 1 yr− 1, SD = 0.47). Potentials seem to be driven by two characteristics: the opportunity for increase in tree cover and bioclimatic factors affecting CO2 removal rates.

Conclusions
We find that increasing tree cover in 2.6 billion hectares of agricultural landscapes may remove up to 3.3 billion tons of CO2 per year – more than the global annual emissions from cars. These Natural Climate Solutions could achieve the Bonn Challenge and add 793 million trees to agricultural landscapes. This is significant for global climate mitigation efforts because it represents a large, relatively inexpensive, additional CO2 removal opportunity that works within agricultural landscapes and has low economic and social barriers to rapid global scaling. There is an urgent need for policy and incentive systems to encourage the adoption of these practices.
The effects of L-carnitine supplementation on cardiovascular risk factors in participants with impaired glucose tolerance and diabetes: a systematic review and dose–response meta-analysis
Authors: Gheysari Rezvan , Nikbaf-Shandiz Mahlagha , Hosseini Amir Mehdi , Rasaei Niloufar , Hosseini Shabnam , Bahari Hossein , Asbaghi Omid , Rastgoo Samira , Goudarzi Kian , Shiraseb Farideh , Behmadi Reza 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Aims
L-carnitine plays a role related to cardiometabolic factors, but its effectiveness and safety in CVD are still unknown. We aim to assess the effect of L-carnitine supplementation on CVD risk factors.

Methods
A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus until October 2022. The main outcomes were lipid profiles, anthropometric parameters, insulin resistance, serum glucose levels, leptin, blood pressure, and inflammatory markers. The pooled weighted mean difference (WMD) was calculated using a random-effects model.

Results
We included the 21 RCTs (n = 2900) with 21 effect sizes in this study. L-carnitine supplementation had a significant effect on TG (WMD = − 13.50 mg/dl, p = 0.039), LDL (WMD = − 12.66 mg/dl, p < 0.001), FBG (WMD = − 6.24 mg/dl, p = 0.001), HbA1c (WMD = -0.37%, p = 0.013) HOMA-IR (WMD = -0.72, p = 0.038 (, CRP (WMD = − 0.07 mg/dl, P = 0.037), TNF-α (WMD = − 1.39 pg/ml, p = 0.033), weight (WMD = − 1.58 kg, p = 0.001 (, BMI (WMD = − 0.28 kg/m2, p = 0.017(, BFP (WMD = − 1.83, p < 0.001) and leptin (WMD = − 2.21 ng/ml, p = 0.003 (in intervention, compared to the placebo group, in the pooled analysis.

Conclusions
This meta-analysis demonstrated that administration of L-carnitine in diabetic and glucose intolerance patients can significantly reduce TG, LDL-C, FBG, HbA1c, HOMA-IR, CRP, TNF-α, weight, BMI, BFP, and leptin levels.
PROSPERO registration code: CRD42022366992.
Assessing blood-brain barrier dysfunction and its association with Alzheimer’s pathology, cognitive impairment and neuroinflammation
Authors: Preis Lukas , Villringer Kersten , Brosseron Frederic , Düzel Emrah , Jessen Frank , Petzold Gabor C. , Ramirez Alfredo , Spottke Annika , Fiebach Jochen B. , Peters Oliver 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
Blood-brain barrier (BBB) alterations may contribute to AD pathology through various mechanisms, including impaired amyloid-β (Aβ) clearance and neuroinflammation. Soluble platelet-derived growth factor receptor beta (sPDGFRβ) has emerged as a potential biomarker for BBB integrity. Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) offers a direct assessment of BBB permeability. However, the relationship between BBB dysfunction, cognitive impairment, and AD pathology remains unclear, with inconsistent findings in the literature.

Methods
We conducted a cross-sectional study using data from the DELCODE and DESCRIBE cohorts to investigate BBB dysfunction in participants with normal cognition (NC), mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and AD dementia. BBB function was assessed using DCE-MRI and sPDGFRβ levels in cerebrospinal fluid and AD biomarkers Aβ and tau were measured. In a subset of patients, the CSF/plasma-ratio of albumin (QAlb) as a standard marker of BBB integrity and markers of neuroinflammation were analyzed.

Results
91 participants (NC: 44, MCI: 21, AD: 26) were included in the analysis. The average age was 74.4 years, 42% were female. Increased hippocampal BBB disruption was observed in the AD-group (Ktrans: 0.55 × 10− 3 min− 1 ± 0.74 × 10− 3 min− 1) but not the MCI-group (Ktrans: 0.177 × 10− 3 min− 1 ± 0.22 × 10− 3 min− 1), compared to the NC group (Ktrans: 0.19 × 10− 3 min− 1 ± 0.37 × 10− 3 min− 1, p < .01). sPDGFRβ was not significantly different between the cognitive groups. However, sPDGFRβ levels were significantly associated with age (r = .33, p < .01), independent of vascular risk factors. Further, sPDGFRβ showed significant positive associations with soluble Aβ levels (Aβ40: r = .57, p < .01; Aβ42: r = .39, p < .01) and YKL-40 (r = .53, p < .01), a marker of neuroinflammation. sPDGFRβ/DCE-MRI was not associated with overall AD biomarker positivity or APOE-status.

Conclusion
In dementia, but not MCI, hippocampal BBB disruption was observed. sPDGFRβ increased with age and was associated with neuroinflammation independent of cognitive impairment. The association between Aβ and sPDGFRβ may indicate a bidirectional relationship reflecting pericytes’ clearance of soluble Aβ and/or vasculotoxic properties of Aβ.
Maximum length binary sequences and spectral power distribution of periodic signals
Authors: Orth Sebastian , Klingbeil Harald 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe maximum length binary sequence (MLBS) is widely used as a broadband pseudo-random noise excitation signal, for example, for system identification. Although its properties have been known for decades, misleading or inaccurate statements can be found in many references. For example, it is sometimes stated that the spectrum of the MLBS is white, whereas in other references a sinc behavior is stated. In this paper, we therefore analyze the MLBS properties based on precise definitions for the given context (time-discrete vs. time-continuous, periodic vs. non-periodic, etc.), especially with respect to Fourier analysis. Another difficulty arises from the fact that in the literature the mathematical definitions are often simplified by means of normalizations which makes the physical interpretation difficult. Therefore, special emphasis is put on scaling factors which allow such a physical interpretation.
In-depth analysis of the medical supply for indigenous people in North-Eastern Colombia: a dominance of infectious diseases and only insufficient therapeutic options
Authors: Bauer Hannah , Frickmann Hagen , Concha Gustavo , Kreienbrock Lothar , Hartmann Maria , Warnke Philipp , Hagen Ralf Matthias , Molitor Ernst , Hoerauf Achim , Kann Simone 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
Colombian indigenous Wiwas are exposed to a variety of partly complex medical conditions with a predominance of infectious diseases. The study provided here aims at verifying of falsifying previous suspicions on therapeutic shortcomings and neglect of disease categories.

Material and methods
Local diagnoses within various subpopulations of indigenous Wiwas obtained by a study physician and local health brigades and health points between 2017 and 2018 were coded following the ICD 10 classification from 2019. Proportions of diagnoses per ICD-10 sub-chapter were evaluated to find diseases and to rank the occurrence of diagnoses in the population of indigenous people. Thereafter, the available medication provided by the indigenous health care provider Dusakawi for the treatment of the indigenous patients was analyzed in regard of its sufficiency to cover the recorded diseases.

Results
The majority of the diseases found in the communities cannot at all (32%) or only partially (56%) be treated according to available guidelines. Only few (12%), predominantly infectious diseases, were covered completely by the provided medication. Notably, there are some ICD chapters with diseases that do only rarely appear at all in the gained datasets, e.g., complications during birth, mental disorders or cancer.

Conclusions
An expansion and revision of the medical supply for the indigenous population of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta is needed. An emergency kit for medical brigades and health points should be provided and in place. Awareness for neglected diseases needs to be created.
Feasibility of Regional Lymphadenectomy for Stomach-Preserving Surgery in Early Gastric Cancer Omitting Sentinel Node Navigation: A Post Hoc Analysis of the SENORITA Trial
Authors: Park Sin Hye , Kim Young-Woo , Min Jae-Seok , Yoon Hong Man , An Ji Yeong , Eom Bang Wool , Hur Hoon , Lee Young Joon , Cho Gyu Seok , Park Young-Kyu , Jung Mi Ran , Park Ji-Ho , Hyung Woo Jin , Jeong Sang-Ho , Kook Myeong-Cherl , Han Mira , Nam Byung-Ho , Ryu Keun Won 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
Sentinel node navigation (SNN) has been known as the effective treatment for stomach-preserving surgery in early gastric cancer; however, SNN presents several technical difficulties in real practice.

Objective
This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of regional lymphadenectomy omitting SNN, using the post hoc analysis of a randomized controlled trial.

Methods
Using data from the SENORITA trial that compared laparoscopic standard gastrectomy with lymphadenectomy and laparoscopic SNN, 237 patients who underwent SNN were included in this study. Tumor location was divided into longitudinal and circumferential directions. According to the location of the tumor, the presence or absence of lymph node (LN) metastases between sentinel and non-sentinel basins were analyzed. Proposed regional LN stations were defined as the closest area to the primary tumor. Sensitivities, specificities, positive predictive values, and negative predictive values (NPV) of SNN and regional lymphadenectomy were compared.

Results
Metastasis to non-sentinel basins with tumor-free in sentinel basins was observed in one patient (0.4%). The rate of LN metastasis to non-regional LN stations without regional LN metastasis was 2.5% (6/237). The sensitivity and NPV of SNN were found to be significantly higher than those of regional lymphadenectomy (96.8% vs. 80.6% [p = 0.016] and 99.5% vs. 97.2% [p = 0.021], respectively).

Conclusions
This study showed that regional lymphadenectomy for stomach-preserving surgery, omitting SNN, was insufficient; therefore, SNN is required in stomach-preserving surgery.
Application of the Valsalva maneuver in medicine and sport
Authors: Karkos Patrycja , Kuśmierczyk Katarzyna , Jurga Marta , Gastoł Bartłomiej , Mikołap Karolina , Kras Marta , Staroń Arkadiusz , Sztemberg Elena , Plizga Jakub , Głuszczyk Agnieszka 
Published: July 2024

The Valsalva maneuver, named after Antonio Maria Valsalva, is one of the vagal maneuvers. It is defined as a forced expiration against a closed glottis, leading to an increase in intrathoracic and intra-abdominal pressure. Over the years it has become a subject of interest to many clinical researchers who have comprehensively studied its physiology and clinical significance. As a result, the application of the Valsalva maneuver has expanded to become a versatile technique applied across a wide range of medical specialties as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool. Additionally, it has found its use in sport among athletes. The aim of this article is to present the current state of knowledge about the clinical significance of the Valsalva maneuver and show that this simple physiological technique described in the 18th century remains a valuable tool in modern clinical practice and has found its use in sport. The review was based on chosen literature obtained from the PubMed electronic database, Google Scholar electronic database, and other scientific articles. Search terms included keywords listed below.
Keywords: Valsalva maneuver; vagal maneuver; respiratory maneuver; autonomic system
The influence of mathematical disposition and gender on the numerical ability of Grade X students of SMAN 1 Bae Kudus
Authors: Mutiara Sela , Wahyuni Fina Tri 
Published: July 2024

The background of this study is the lack of mathematical disposition of students and different genders towards the numerical abilities of class X students of SMAN 1 Bae Kudus. This study aims to (1) determine the influence of mathematical disposition on the numerical abilities of class X students of SMAN 1 Bae Kudus; (2) knowing the influence of gender on the numerical ability of class X students of SMAN 1 Bae Kudus; (3) knowing the influence of mathematical and gender dispositions together on the numerical abilities of class X students of SMAN 1 Bae Kudus. The types and approaches of research used are correlation and quantitative. This study was conducted in class XE8 involving 32 students. The results showed that: (1) there was a positive and significant influence of mathematical disposition on numerical ability with a significant contribution of 0.000 < from 0.05, (2) there was no positive and significant influence of gender on numerical ability because the significance value was 0.975 > 0.05, and (3) there is a positive influence and the significant mathematical disposition and gender together to the numerical ability of significance values of 0.000 < 0.05 and a percentage of 61.1%.