bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Follow-Up Period Affects the Association between Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Concentration and Incidence of Dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease, and Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Grant William B. 
Published: August 2024

Background/Objectives: Vitamin D’s effect on risk health outcomes is often evaluated using prospective cohort studies. Risk ratios (RRs; e.g., hazard ratios or odds ratios) are determined for incidence for participants with baseline serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations below or above specified values. Serum 25(OH)D concentrations vary over time, thereby diluting the effect of 25(OH)D for long follow-up periods. Inverse relationships between RR and follow-up period have been reported for all-cause mortality rate and cancer incidence rates. Here I evaluate the effect for neurological outcomes. Methods: I analyzed how follow-up period affected results from 10 cohort studies of all-cause dementia, 6 studies of Alzheimer’s disease, and 9 for cognitive impairment with respect to vitamin D deficiency. Results: For all-cause dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and cognitive impairment, respectively, the linear regression fits are RR = 2.9 – 0.14 × years, r = 0.73, p = 0.02; RR = 2.9 – 0.14 × years, r = 0.69, p = 0.13; and RR = 1.8 – 0.066 × years, r = 0.72, p = 0.03. The regression fit to RR for the shortest follow-up period for each outcome is considered the best estimate of vitamin D deficiency’s effect on risk. Those values are approximately twice that found by averaging all RRs without considering the effect of follow-up period. Conclusions: Vitamin D’s effect on risk of neurological conditions should be determined with relatively short follow-up periods after repeated 25(OH)D measurements as warranted during follow-up.
Abortion Return Rates and Wait Times Before and After Texas’ Executive Order Banning Abortion During COVID-19
Authors: Whitfield Brooke , Sierra Gracia , Lerma Klaira , Goyal Vinita , Thaxton Lauren , Kumar Bhavik , Gilbert Allison , White Kari 
Published: August 2024

Objectives. To assess the associations between the executive order that Texas governor Greg Abbott issued on March 22, 2020, postponing procedures deemed not immediately medically necessary, and patients’ access to abortion care in Texas. Methods. We used 17 515 individual-level patient records from 13 Texas abortion facilities for matched periods in 2019 and 2020 to examine differences in return rates for abortion after completion of a state-mandated ultrasound and median wait times between ultrasound and abortion visits for those who returned. Results. Patients were less likely to return for an abortion if they had an ultrasound while the executive order was under effect (82.8%) than in the same period in 2019 (90.4%; adjusted odds ratio = 2.06; 95% confidence interval = 1.12, 3.81). Compared with patients at or before 10.0 weeks’ gestation at ultrasound, patients at more than 10 weeks’ gestation had higher odds of not returning for an abortion or, if they returned, experienced greater wait times between ultrasound and abortion visits. Conclusions. Texas’ executive order prohibiting abortion during the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted patients’ access to care and disproportionately affected patients who were past 10 weeks’ gestation. ( Am J Public Health. 2024;114(10):1013–1023. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2024.307747 )
Ring-Embedded Finger Over Proximal Interphalangeal Joint with Preserved Neurovascularization
Authors: Chen Wei-Cheng , Chi Kuan-Yu , Chiang Chang-Jung , Chen Chia-Hsien 
Published: August 2024

Case:
We present a unique case of a 45-year-old man with his right middle finger embedded with rings. Limited finger flexion was noted because of flexor tendon injury caused by the dorsal migration of the embedded ring through joint. The rings were removed under anesthesia, resulting in the resolution of swelling and recover of osseous structure. Follow-up examinations revealed no residual edema or numbness, indicating preserved neurovascularization, despite the dorsal migration of the ring.

Conclusion:
Our unique case reveals continuous finger ring migration without compromising neurovascular bundles, with review of 30 cases emphasizing the importance of psychiatric consultation. Timely intervention yielded nearly half of patients achieving full recovery.
Effects of an intervention for fear of progression in childhood cancer patients and their parents: results of a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Herrmann Jessy , Kern Laura , Santel Anja , Kulisch Leonard Konstantin , Hoffmann Rahel , Engelhardt-Lohrke Christa , Herzog Kristina , Chen-Santel Christiane , Christiansen Holger , Schepper Florian 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background: For pediatric oncology patients and their parents, Fear of Progression (FoP) is a main psychosocial burden. We developed an intervention and examined its effectiveness in a small sample.
Methods: 29 families with a child with cancer in acute treatment or follow-up care and elevated FoP-levels participated. The intervention consists of psychoeducation, anxiety confrontation, and resource activation and is proofed in a randomized control study with a wait list group who received treatment as usual (tau). All participants completed questionnaires on FoP and secondary outcomes (e.g. depression) at different time points. We calculated Mann-Whitney-U-tests for between as well as Friedman and Wilcoxon tests for within group comparisons. Multiple regression was used to explore differential effectiveness.
Results: There was a significant difference in FoP after intervention/tau between the two groups (W=65.5, p=.023) with high effect size (g=-0.855, 95% CI [-1.596;-0.115]). The pre-post and follow-up comparison showed that parental (χ²[2]=24.14, p<.001, ω=0.377, CI [0.18;0.62]) and child’s (χ²[2]=24,14, p<.001, ω=0.124, 95% CI [0.19;0.62]) FoP differed between the measurement points but only for parental FoP post-hoc tests revealed a decrease after intervention (W=462.5, p<.001, g=0.855; 95% CI [0.517;1.193]) and follow-up (W=503, p<.001, g=0.893; 95% CI [0.586; 1.218]). Time since diagnosis may influence the intervention effect (β=-0.447; p=.004).
Discussion: The intervention can reduce parental FoP and seems promising for children. A major limitation of our study is the small sample size.
Conclusion: The intervention represents an initial approach to treat elevated FoP in pediatric oncology. Retrospectively registered at the German Trail Registry (TRN: DRKS00024106, 04.05.2022).
Calcium oxalate in the bark of stone birch (Betula ermanii): morphology, age trends, and biomineralization dynamics under salt stress in mud volcanic environments
Authors: Kopanina Anna , Sokol Ella , Talskikh Anastasia , Vlasova Inna , Deviatiiarova Anna , Ershov Valery , Filippova Kseniya 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

The patterns of crystalline Сa oxalate (whewellite) accumulation can be a proxy of tolerance in plants exposed to stress from drought, high salinity, climate changes, pollution, etc. Age-dependent variations in the distribution and morphology of Сa oxalate in the bark of Betula ermanii growing in salt stress conditions in the Yuzhno-Sakhalinsky mud volcano were investigated for the first time and compared with the respective data from a typical environment (southern Sakhalin Island, northeastern Asia). The samples of bark were analyzed by: inductively coupled plasma optical emission and mass spectrometry, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, light microscopy. The specific number of Сa oxalate in the bark was found out to decrease systematically with age (1–147-150 year), being the highest in the parenchyma of young (1–5 year) crown branches. The decreasing age-trend of Сa oxalate in conducting phloem follows the logarithmic law and correlates with carbon flows along the phloem. The bark of trees growing in the mud volcano accumulates many elements which have higher enrichment than in the typical area: 1.2–1.6 times for K, Mg, Zn, Na, and S, 2–3 times for Ba, Ca, Sr, B, and Sb, 10 times for Li. The Сa oxalate show morphological diversity: single crystals, contact twins, spherulites nucleated around organic clots. Spherulites mainly occur in parenchyma near apical and lateral meristems. They may represent a dynamic system of emergency storage/release of C and Ca which the plants can use for metabolism and growth as a prompt response to salt stress associated with mud volcanic activity.
CMTM6 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma invasion and metastasis and tumor-associated neutrophil immunoinfiltration through the Wnt/β-catenin pathway
Authors: Kong Panpan , Yang Huan , Liu Huifang , Tong Qing , Dong Xiaogang , Yi Mamumaimaitijiang-Abula , Yan Dong 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
CMTM6 is closely associated with the onset and progression of different types of tumors. However, the exact mechanism by which CMTM6 operates in hepatocellular carcinoma remains unclear, necessitating further investigation.
Methods
The expression levels of CMTM6 in liver cancer tissues and cells were analyzed using immunohistochemistry and qRT-PCR. The study also investigated the relationship between CMTM6 expression in liver cancer tissues and clinical pathological characteristics and patient prognosis. Additionally, the proliferation and apoptosis of liver cancer cells with silenced or overexpressed CMTM6 were assessed, along with the measurement of β-catenin and Wnt1 protein expression levels. In vivo research was conducted using a mouse subcutaneous transplantation model. Furthermore, GSEA and KEGG enrichment analysis were performed to explore the regulatory mechanism of CMTM6. The study also examined the expression level of CD66b in tumor tissue using immunohistochemistry and analyzed the immune infiltration of CMTM6 and tumor-associated neutrophils (TANs).
Result
Increased expression levels of CMTM6 in liver cancer tissues and cells have been found to be associated with a poor prognosis for patients. Furthermore, overexpression of CMTM6 in liver cancer cells has been shown to promote cell proliferation and inhibit apoptosis. Mechanistically, the expression level of CMTM6 in liver cancer tissues has been observed to be positively correlated with the expression of β-catenin. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis have demonstrated that CMTM6 is significantly enriched in the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and is involved in its regulation. Additionally, CMTM6 has been found to be associated with immune infiltration of tumor-associated neutrophils (TANs) in liver cancer tissues.
Conclusion
CMTM6 plays a crucial role in the development and progression of liver cancer by regulating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway through β-catenin. Additionally, CMTM6 has the ability to promote immune infiltration of tumor-associated neutrophils (TANs) in liver cancer tissues. Consequently, CMTM6 holds potential as both an early diagnostic marker and a novel therapeutic target for patients with liver cancer.
Costing Curative Outpatient Care for the Poorest in Burkina Faso: Informing Universal Health Coverage and Leaving No One Behind
Authors: Beaugé Yvonne , Ridde Valéry , Souleymane Sidibé , Kiendrébéogo Joël Arthur , Nguyen Hoa Thi , Bonnet Emmanuel , De Allegri Manuela 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Objective
To provide decision-makers with cost information about policies aimed at facilitating free access to curative outpatient care for the poorest as part of efforts towards achieving universal health coverage and leaving no one behind.
Methods
We conducted a micro-costing study in Burkina Faso to estimate the economic costs of providing curative outpatient healthcare services to the poorest at first-level healthcare facilities, considering a health system perspective. We measured the consumption of capital costs (building and equipment) using survey data from 32 primary health facilities and recurrent costs (drugs and consumables) from medical records of 1380 poor patients in Diébougou district. These individuals were specifically targeted and exempted from user fees through a community-based targeting approach. We obtained unit costs from official price lists, pharmacy registries, and expert interviews. Furthermore, we calculated the national budget for providing curative care services to the exempted poorest based on the average cost per first-level consultation.
Results
The estimated capital and recurrent costs of providing curative care services to the poorest ranged between USD 0.59 - USD 0.61 and USD 2.58 - USD 5.00, respectively. The total cost ranged between USD 3.17 - USD 5.61 per first-level consultation. Providing curative care to the bottom 20% of the population, assuming 0.25 healthcare contacts per person per year, would result in an annual expense ranging from USD 2.77M to USD 5.38M (0.74%-1.43% of the healthcare budget in 2019). With 2 healthcare contacts per person per year, costs increase to USD 22.19M to USD 43.05M (5.91%-11.45% of the healthcare budget).
Conclusion
Our study's cost data can inform policies aimed at expanding access to curative care for the poorest in Burkina Faso, contributing to the goals of universal health coverage and leaving no one behind. Further research is needed to enhance cost estimation and budgeting for higher-level care in the country.
Postoperative Endophthalmitis among Diabetic and Non-Diabetic Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Kai Yang , Chan Hoi-Chun , Chan Chi Ming 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background Postoperative endophthalmitis is a severe intraocular inflammation caused by the introduction of external infectious agents, leading to irreversible visual loss if left untreated. Diabetic patients tend to have a higher risk of developing endophthalmitis after an intraocular procedure due to an impaired immune system. Nevertheless, the risk factors, visual outcomes, and incidence rates associated with exogenous endophthalmitis between diabetic and non-diabetic patients need to be explored. Purpose This study explores the risk factors, incidence rates, signs and symptoms, and visual outcomes associated with exogenous endophthalmitis among diabetic and non-diabetic patients after intraocular procedures. Methods PubMed, Google Scholar, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library were searched. The Cochrane risk of bias tool was used to evaluate quality. Data were then systematically extracted and analyzed. Results In total, 15 studies were included (2 randomized controlled trials and 13 non-randomized controlled trials). Posterior capsule rupture is one risk associated with endophthalmitis after cataract surgery. Additionally, the prevalence of exogenous endophthalmitis was higher in diabetic patients, and diabetic patients achieved poorer visual acuity, unlike non-diabetic patients, who achieved better visual acuity. Conclusion According to this study, patients with diabetes are more likely to develop exogenous endophthalmitis and have poorer visual outcomes after an intraocular procedure than non-diabetic patients. Preventive strategies, prompt recognition of symptoms, and immediate treatment need to be implemented to mitigate endophthalmitis risk, especially in diabetic patients.
The calculation and analysis of along-track and cross-track crossover SSHs discrepancies from wide-swath altimetry data
Authors: Zhu Chengcheng , Li Zhen , Guo Jinyun , Zhou Maosheng , Li Wanqiu 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

The wide-swath sea surface height (SSH) data, obtained from the Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) project, hold great significance for studying global water distribution and improving the resolution of the ocean gravity field. Compared to traditional altimeter data, the wide-swath data provide more tracks per pass, which increases the time required for calculating crossover points. To address this, the limited area method for calculating along-track and cross-track crossover points between ascending and descending passes is proposed. Based on the varying sizes of the crossover zone at different latitudes, the crossover zone can be defined within a limited area. The crossover points are then calculated from the wide-swath data within this limited area. This method is compared with other approaches, showing that it can precisely identify crossover points in a manner consistent with the latitude difference method while requiring only about one-fourth of the time. Additionally, crossover discrepancies of SWOT-measured SSHs are analyzed. Results indicate that SSH accuracy from Level 2 products is lower at the swath edges compared to the middle. The Level 3 product achieves an accuracy of approximately 0.05 m. Overall, the limited area method efficiently determines exact crossover positions and significantly reduces time consumption, and the accuracy of SSHs from the Level 2 product at the edge of the swath is lower than that at the middle of the swath. The accuracy of SSHs from the Level 3 product is consistent with that from traditional altimeters.
Determination of the Residual Efficacy of Broflanilide (VECTRONTM T500) Insecticide for Indoor Residual Spraying in a Semi-field Setting in Ethiopia
Authors: Simma Eba Alemayehu , Zegeye Habtamu , Kifle Yehenew G , Degefa Teshome , Zemene Endalew , Yewhalaw Delenasaw 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

The rotational use of insecticides with diverse modes of action in indoor residual spraying (IRS) is pivotal for enhancing malaria vector control and addressing insecticide resistance. A key factor in national malaria vector control programs is the rate the rate at which these insecticide’s decays. VECTRON™ T500, with broflanilide as its active ingredient, is a recently developed candidate insecticide formulation that has shown promising results in certain phase II experimental hut trials. However, its residual efficacy across different settings has not been thoroughly investigated. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of VECTRON™ T500 on various wall surfaces (mud, dung, paint, and cement) and assess its decay rates over time in Ethiopia. Insectary-reared Anopheles arabiensis Sekoru strain mosquitoes were used to evaluate the residual efficacy of VECTRON™ T500. Female mosquitoes, aged two to three days were used for the bioassays. Seven 'tukul' type test huts, each hut with a distinct wall type (mud, dung, painted, and cemented) were used for the study. Three huts received VECTRON™ T500; three huts were sprayed with Actellic 300CS, and one hut served as a negative control (sprayed with water only). The results showed that VECTRON™ T500 demonstrated remarkable efficacy, inducing over 80% mortality in mosquitoes across all wall surface types throughout the nine-month study period. In contrast, Actellic® 300CS achieved over 80% mortality for six months, except on dung wall surfaces, after which its efficacy declined sharply below 80%. Overall, the mortality rates achieved with VECTRON™ T500 were non-inferior to Actellic® 300CS and extended up to nine months across all treated wall surface types, outperforming Actellic® 300CS. This makes VECTRON™ T500 a promising candidate insecticide formulation for use in IRS in malaria-endemic countries such as Ethiopia.
In the Pursuit of Research: Investigating the Difficulties Faced by Aspiring Young Researchers in Bangladesh
Authors: Jubair Hassan , Mehenaz Mithela 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

This study delves into the challenges and impediments encountered by young Bangladeshi students aspiring to embark on a research journey. Drawing participants from high schools and universities across Bangladesh, this investigation explores the multifaceted hurdles faced by these enthusiastic learners. The findings underscore a landscape rife with challenges, encompassing the scarcity of essential resources, dearth of guidance, information gaps, and formidable financial constraints. A notable revelation surfaces in the form of a substantial proportion of respondents unfamiliar with the process of publishing research articles. These results underscore the pressing need for comprehensive assistance and guidance for the budding research enthusiasts in Bangladesh. Nurturing their passion from an early age is pivotal, contributing to the augmentation of knowledge and the nurturing of the next generation of researchers. This study also underscores the significance of youth engagement in research and presents vital insights for educators, policymakers, and researchers in Bangladesh.
Prevalence and Correlates of Psychedelic Use in Poland: A Study on a Representative Sample of Polish Adults
Authors: Holas Pawel , Kaminska Justyna 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Objective
Recent years have witnessed a resurgence in research exploring the therapeutic potential of classic psychedelics like psilocybin and LSD for treating mental disorders. However, there is a limited knowledge regarding the epidemiology of classic psychedelics consumption and the factors associated with their recreational use in Poland.
Methods
A representative sample of Polish citizens (N=1051 adults) completed an internet-based survey encompassing demographic inquiries, evaluations of psychedelic substance consumption including motivations and contexts, subjective assessments of psychedelics experience and evaluation of attitudes towards psychodelics and psychedelic-assisted therapy.
Results
Our study revealed that approximately 4% to 8% of Polish individuals, equivalent to around 2 million people, have experimented with psychedelic substances at least once in their lives. Men exhibited a higher likelihood of psychedelic use compared to women, with the largest cohort of users falling within the 25-34 age bracket and residing in urban areas. The most common motivation for reaching them was curiosity. The psychedelic experience was commonly described as a mixture of pleasant and unpleasant sensations. A significant portion of participants expressed a negative attitude towards psychedelics and psychedelic-assisted therapy, but previous experience with psychodelics was associated with more positive attitudes.
Conclusions
In this representative sample of Poles, we found a substantial percentage of adults who recreationally used classic psychedelics, with majority of them being young men coming from big cities. More studies are needed as well as educational programs that may foster scientific research into psychedelic therapy in Poland and the attitudes of Poles toward it.