bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Implementation outcomes of tuberculosis digital adherence technologies: a scoping review using the RE-AIM framework
Authors: Chilala Chimweta I , Foster Nicola , Bahukudumbi Shruti , Mohamed Mona Salaheldin , Zary Miranda , Kafie Cedric , Patel Barbie , Gore Genevieve , Schwartzman Kevin , Subbaraman Ramnath , Fielding Katherine L 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionGlobally, tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the leading infectious causes of death, with 1.3 million deaths. Digital adherence technologies (DATs) have the potential to provide person-centred care and improve outcomes. Using the reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation and maintenance (RE-AIM) framework, we conducted a scoping review of DAT implementations for TB treatment.MethodsWe searched seven databases for papers published between January 2000 and April 2023, using keywords for ‘tuberculosis’ and ‘digital adherence technology’. Articles meeting prespecified inclusion criteria and containing data on RE-AIM domains were included. We defined ‘reach’ as comprising cellphone ownership and engagement by people with TB (PWTB) with DATs, ‘adoption’ as engagement by healthcare providers with DAT programmes, ‘implementation’ as the fidelity of the DAT programme implemented and ‘maintenance’ as longer-term uptake of DATs.ResultsOf 10 313 records, 102 contributed to the synthesis. DATs included short message service (SMS), phone, 99DOTS, video-supported therapy (VST) and pillboxes. For ‘reach’, across various settings, cellphone access varied from 50%–100% and 2%–31% of PWTB was excluded from accessing DATs due to technology challenges. 36%–100% of PWTB agreed to use a DAT. The weighted mean of DAT engagement over dose-days was 81% for SMS, 85% for phone, 61% for 99DOTS, 87% for pillbox and 82% for VST. Concerning ‘implementation’, the fidelity of DAT implementations was affected by technological issues such as cellphone coverage, DAT malfunction and provider-facing issues, including failure to initiate intensified patient management following low DAT engagement. Findings related to RE-AIM dimensions of ‘adoption’ and ‘maintenance’ were limited.ConclusionOur findings suggest that the ‘reach’ of DATs may be limited by a cascade of barriers, including limitations in cellphone accessibility and suboptimal sustained DAT engagement by PWTB. Video and pillbox DATs have higher levels of engagement. Implementation challenges included technological and provider-facing issues. Improving implementation outcomes may be important for TB DATs to achieve a broader public health impact.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42022326968
Real-world efficacy and safety of 8 mg aflibercept in neovascular AMD: a case series
Authors: Sambhara Deepak , Vakharia Priya , Eichenbaum David A 
Published: February 2025

ObjectiveThis real-world retrospective case series evaluates the safety and efficacy of aflibercept 8 mg in patients diagnosed with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD).Methods and analysesTreatment-naïve or treatment-experienced patients with nAMD receiving aflibercept 8 mg with at least 6 months of follow-up were assessed.Results40 eyes from 33 patients were included, of which 36/40 eyes were previously treated. The mean age of subjects is 79.84 years. At baseline, 29/36 eyes had intraretinal fluid (IRF)/subretinal fluid (SRF) at an average interval of 40.97 days, logMAR VA of 0.346, and average central subfield thickness (CST) of 341.53 µm. At final follow-up, average logMAR VA was 0.315 and average CST decreased by 39.39 µm, with an average number of days since last treatment of 52.9. Of the 32 eyes with IRF, SRF, or both at the time of switch, 12 eyes achieved anatomical quiescence without IRF/SRF after the first injection of aflibercept 8 mg, including three of four treatment-naive patients.ConclusionsThis early case series suggests that patients treated with aflibercept 8 mg may achieve greater duration between treatments while preserving and, in some cases, improving visual acuity and anatomical outcomes in a real-world clinic setting. In this retrospective study, the patient population primarily consisted of treatment-experienced cases with recalcitrant disease or high treatment burdens, potentially using aflibercept 8 mg as salvage therapy. This selection bias limits generalisability to broader real-world populations. The small sample size precludes formal statistical conclusions. Multiple investigators made unstandardised treatment decisions based on individual clinical judgement, including whether to continue aflibercept 8 mg or revert to prior therapy, sometimes after just one injection.
Diverse coping modes of maize in cool environment at early growth
Authors: Sowiński Paweł , Wieliczko-Manowska Katarzyna , Grzybowski Marcin , Jończyk Maciej , Sowiński Jakub , Sobkowiak Alicja , Kowalec Piotr , Rogacki Janusz 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Maize cultivation has considerably expanded beyond its place of origin in Central America. The successful adaptation of maize to temperate climates can be achieved by selecting genotypes that demonstrate tolerance to low temperatures, especially in cold springs. In maize, cold tolerance at the early growth stages enables early sowing, a long growing season, and eventually high yields, even in temperate climates. Maize adaptation during early growth has not been thoroughly investigated; therefore, we tested the working hypothesis that several distinct and independent adaptation strategies may be involved in maize habituation to cool temperate climates during seedling establishment.

Results
We studied the effect of mild cold stress (day/night 16/12 °C) on early growth stage followed by regrowth at optimal daily temperatures (24/21 °C). Automated plant phenotyping was performed on 30 inbred lines selected from a diverse genetic pool during preliminary studies. As a result, we generated time series based on selected morphological parameters, spectral parameters, and spectral vegetation indices. These curves were clustered and four classes of maize with clearly contrasting growth modes and changes in their physiological status were distinguished at low temperatures and during regrowth. Two classes comprised either cold-sensitive (slow growth and poor physiological status in cold) or cold-tolerant (moderately fast growth and good physiological status in cold) lines. However, two other classes showed that growth rate and physiological status at low temperature is not necessarily related, for instance one class included lines with small seedlings but good physiological status and the other grouped seedlings with rapid growth despite poor physiological status. These classes clearly exhibited different modes of cold adaptation. Moreover, a class containing cold-sensitive inbred lines may represent a distinct and novel type of cold-adaptation strategy related to the arrest of coleoptile emerge related with ability to recover rapidly under favourable conditions.

Conclusions
Our results support the hypothesis that maize may have several adaptation strategies to cold environments at early growth stages based on independent mechanisms. These findings suggest that maize adaptability to adverse environments is likely more complex than previously understood.
Elevated plasma soluble lectin-like oxidised low-density lipoprotein receptor 1 as an independent prognostic biomarker in sepsis
Authors: Mester Patricia , Birner Charlotte , Schmid Stephan , Müller Martina , Pavel Vlad , Buechler Christa 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Soluble lectin-like oxidised low-density lipoprotein receptor 1 (sLOX-1) is overproduced during inflammation, with its expression and release triggered by C-reactive protein (CRP). As CRP levels are typically elevated in sepsis, this study aimed to investigate whether sLOX-1 levels increase in parallel.

Methods
Plasma sLOX-1 levels of 52 patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), 45 patients with sepsis, 88 patients with septic shock and 37 controls were measured by ELISA. Associations with CRP, underlying diseases, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and bacterial infections were analysed.

Results
Plasma sLOX-1 levels were similarly elevated in patients with SIRS, sepsis, or septic shock compared to controls. Plasma sLOX-1 levels did not differ between male and female controls or patients. Plasma sLOX-1 levels were comparable in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2, Gram-negative bacteria, or Gram-positive bacteria. No association was observed between sLOX-1 levels and underlying liver cirrhosis or pancreatitis. Notably, plasma sLOX-1 levels correlated positively with leukocyte and basophil counts but showed no correlation with CRP or procalcitonin. Of clinical relevance, positive correlations were also found with aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and bilirubin levels. Among the 41 patients who did not survive, sLOX-1, AST, and bilirubin levels were significantly higher compared to those of survivors.

Conclusions
Plasma levels of sLOX-1 are elevated in patients with SIRS or sepsis and are significantly higher in non-survivors. Of note, they do not correlate with classical inflammatory markers, suggesting that sLOX-1 may function as an independent prognostic biomarker for predicting poor outcomes in patients with SIRS or sepsis.
Determinants of SARS-CoV-2 infection across three sentinels sites in Benin during 2021: A multicentric surveillance study
Authors: Atchade Aurore , Yadouleton Anges , Fiogbe Marc , Abdoulaye Alfa Daleb , Yovo Emmanuel , Le Hesran Jean-Yves , Hounsa Sandrine , Bationo Cédric , Figueroa-Romero Antía , Gaudart Jean , González Raquel , Bonnet Emmanuel , Massougbodji Achille , Cottrell Gilles 
Published: February 2025

In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, Benin, like other regions in sub-Saharan Africa and around the world, has been grappling with a public health crisis since march 2020. The country responded to this crisis by implementing adaptive response measures. The STREESCO project is part of this dynamic effort, strengthening epidemiological surveillance at three sentinel sites. This study thoroughly examines the determinants of SARS-CoV-2 infection. This involved strategic support based in Cotonou, Allada, and Natitingou. Data collection took place from march 1 to november 30, with individuals voluntarily undergoing COVID-19 screening at dedicated health units. Before participation, free and informed consent was obtained. The collected data included sociodemographic information, clinical details, and the results of COVID-19 tests. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to identify factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Surveillance included 4178 participants, with a male/female ratio of 0.98 and a median age of 33 (IQR: 25-45). Across all sites, 13.12% of participants tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, and 85.40% of them had a SARS-CoV-2 infection.of participants were symptomatic at baseline. The proportion of positivity was 6%, 11% and 28% respectively during phases 1, 2 and 3 of the national strategy. Identified risk factors included the Allada site (aOR 2.04, 95%CI 1.59-2.62), phase 3 (aOR 3.16, 95%CI 2.34-4.27), phase 2 (aOR 1.67, 95%CI 1.12-2.51), secondary (aOR 1.67, 95%CI 1.12-2.51) and higher level of education (aOR 1.83, 95%CI 1.22-2.74), respiratory symptoms (aOR 1.88, 95%CI 1.40-2.53), and/or anosmia/ageusia (aOR 1.88, 95%CI 1.48-2.38). Conversely, the Natitingou site (aOR = 0.29, 95%CI: 0.20-0.42), group living (aOR = 0.75, 95%CI: 0.60-0.94), and digestive symptoms (aOR = 0.70, 95%CI: 0.54-0.91) were associated with a reduced risk of infection. These results underscore the importance of active surveillance during crisis situations, ensuring the acquisition of reliable and persuasive data to enhance individual care and guide health policies.

Trial registration
NCT06170320 (retrospectively registered on December 21, 2023).
Depression and physical multimorbidity: A cohort study of physical health condition accrual in UK Biobank
Authors: Fleetwood Kelly J. , Guthrie Bruce , Jackson Caroline A. , Kelly Paul A. T. , Mercer Stewart W. , Morales Daniel R. , Norrie John D. , Smith Daniel J. , Sudlow Cathie , Prigge Regina 
Published: February 2025

Background
Depression is associated with a range of adverse physical health outcomes. We aimed to quantify the association between depression and the subsequent rate of accrual of long-term physical health conditions in middle and older age.

Methods and findings
We included 172,556 participants from the UK Biobank (UKB) cohort study, aged 40–71 years old at baseline assessment (2006–2010), who had linked primary care data available. Using self-report, primary care, hospital admission, cancer registry, and death records, we ascertained 69 long-term physical health conditions at both UKB baseline assessment and during a mean follow-up of 6.9 years. We used quasi-Poisson models to estimate associations between history of depression at baseline and subsequent rate of physical condition accrual. Within our cohort, 30,770 (17.8%) had a history of depression. Compared to those without depression, participants with depression had more physical conditions at baseline (mean 2.9 [SD 2.3] versus 2.1 [SD 1.9]) and accrued additional physical conditions at a faster rate (mean 0.20 versus 0.16 additional conditions/year during follow-up). After adjustment for age and sex, participants with depression accrued physical morbidities at a faster rate than those without depression (RR 1.32, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.31, 1.34]). After adjustment for all sociodemographic characteristics, the rate of condition accrual remained higher in those with versus without depression (RR 1.30, 95% CI [1.28, 1.32]). This association attenuated but remained statistically significant after additional adjustment for baseline condition count and social/lifestyle factors (RR 1.10, 95% CI [1.09, 1.12]). The main limitation of this study is healthy volunteer selection bias, which may limit generalisability of findings to the wider population.

Conclusions
Middle-aged and older adults with a history of depression have more long-term physical health conditions at baseline and accrue additional physical conditions at a faster rate than those without a history of depression. Our findings highlight the importance of integrated approaches to managing both mental and physical health outcomes.
Knowledge of behavioral risk factors for type 2 diabetes mellitus and its associated factors among women of reproductive age
Authors: Seyoum Tinsae , Tesfaye Selamnesh , Shiferaw Yohannes , Hailu Rahel , Tefera Dagim , Gebru Zeleke 
Published: February 2025

Background
Type 2 diabetes accounts for over 90% of all diabetes cases and is caused by a combination of behavioral risk factors. It is currently a serious health issue, particularly among women of reproductive age, as it is associated with reproductive disorders. Preventing it requires knowledge, but there is limited data on behavioral risk factors in Ethiopia.

Objective
To assess knowledge of the behavioral risks of type 2 diabetes mellitus and its associated factors among women of reproductive age.

Methods
A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted, with all women in the town serving as the source population. A multistage sampling method was utilized to recruit kebeles, and a systematic random technique was employed to select households at every 13th interval. We completed interview questionnaires for 623 samples. The crude odds ratio was calculated using a bivariate logistic model, and multivariate analysis was performed to control for confounding and identify associated factors among model-fitting variables using an adjusted odds ratio (AOR).

Result
The knowledge of behavioral risk factors (BRF) among women of reproductive age (WRA) is 47.0% [95% CI, 43.5–50.9], and significant associations were found with the following factors: average family income of between 3000 and 5000 Ethiopian Birr(ETH) 1.81 [95% CI, 1.03–3.18], > = 5001 ETH 1.93 [95% CI, 1.02–3.68], diabetes mellitus (DM) in the friend or relatives 4.03 [95% CI, 1.56–10.46], family history of DM 9.47 [95% CI, 4.74–18.90], source of information: health workers 1.87 [95% CI, 1.04–3.34] and friend or relatives 1.65 [95% CI, 1.04–2.62].

Conclusion
Knowledge of behavioral risk factors for type 2 diabetes was poor among study participants. Factors such as family income, diabetes mellitus (DM) in friends or relatives, family history of DM, and sources of information were strongly associated with good knowledge. It is essential to emphasize health education about behavioral risk factors for women.
Relationship between chromatin configuration and maturation ability of rat oocytes in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Gong Zhaoqing , Wang Yujie , Tang Jiayi , Xu Yang , Wang Hongkai , Zhang Yimiao , Xiong Lixin , Sun Changzheng , Li Yiyang , Yang Yan , Yao Minhua , Cai Heng , Man Zengshuo , Xuan Siyu , Tang Yangyang , Zhao Ziao , Sun Jiaxin , Liu Dongwei , Su Yanping , Xu Xinghua , Luo Mingjiu , Sui Hongshu 
Published: February 2025

Purpose
Embryo engineering requires a large number of oocytes, which undergo in vitro maturation (IVM). Understanding how to select the best quality oocytes is key to improving IVM efficiency. Oocytes have different germinal vesicle (GV) chromatin configurations, which may explain the heterogeneity in oocyte quality during IVM. However, no reports have categorized, the chromatin configuration of rat GVs or evaluated, the association between the chromatin configuration and oocytes development.

Methods
The GV chromatin configuration of rat oocytes was divided into seven types according to the degree of chromatin compaction: non-surrounded nucleolus (NSN), prematurely condensed NSN, partly NSN, partly surrounded nucleolus (SN-1), SN-1, condensed SN-1, and aggregated (SN-2). The chromatin configuration distribution was compared during the different stages of oocyte growth and maturation. We also analyzed the changes in the chromatin configuration at different GV stages during IVM. Moreover, the factors affecting the chromatin configuration were analyzed.

Results
The SN-2 configuration increased with rat oocyte growth and maturation, suggesting that SN-2 facilitates oocyte development. RNA transcription activity in rat oocyte GVs was inversely correlated with oocyte IVM.

Conclusions
The SN-2 chromatin configuration was related to rat oocyte growth and maturation. RNA transcription activity in rat oocytes in the GV stage was inversely correlated with oocyte maturation.
Effects of Taekwondo intervention on balance ability: A meta-analysis and systematic review
Authors: Han Zhengfa , Ju Hanyu 
Published: February 2025

Objective
This study investigated the effects of Taekwondo interventions on balance ability through meta-analysis and systematic review. Additionally, an optimal intervention protocol was proposed based on subgroup analysis of single-leg stance outcomes to enhance the overall effect.

Methods
Systematic searches were conducted in Chinese (CNKI, WANFANG DATA), English (Web of Science, PubMed), and Korean (KISS, RISS, DBPIA) databases to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs), pre-post studies, and cross-sectional studies (CSS) evaluating Taekwondo’s impact on balance. A total of 21 studies encompassing 972 participants were included. The risk of bias in the RCTs was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool version 2 (RoB 2.0), and the methodological quality of pre-post and cross-sectional studies was evaluated with the Methodology Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS) criteria. Quantitative analyses focused on measures such as single-leg stance with eyes closed, marching in place with eyes closed, and assessments using the Win pod device. Qualitative analyses addressed other assessment methods.

Results
The overall risk of bias results for the included RCTs indicated that four studies were classified as high risk, while the remaining studies demonstrated some concerns regarding risk. The methodological quality of the included non-RCTs was assessed as moderate. Furthermore, the quantitative outcomes indicated that Taekwondo interventions significantly enhanced both static (single-leg stance with eyes closed; ES = 0.862, p<0.001) and dynamic (marching in place with eyes closed; ES = 0.296, p = 0.036) balance abilities. However, analysis using the Win pod device for static balance showed no significant improvement (p>0.05). Subgroup analysis for the single-leg stance with eyes closed demonstrated the most substantial effects in adults (ES = 1.191, p = 0.001) and females (ES = 0.786, p = 0.005). The most effective Taekwondo intervention featured a duration of 12 weeks (ES = 1.375, p = 0.002), a frequency of once per week (ES = 1.406, p = 0.003), and a times length of 60–70 minutes (ES = 1.028, p<0.001). Qualitative assessments supported these findings, indicating overall beneficial impacts on balance from Taekwondo training across various populations and evaluation methods.

Conclusions
In conclusion, Taekwondo interventions are effective for enhancing static and dynamic balance abilities, especially in adult females. It is recommended to follow a training protocol of 60–70 minutes per times, once weekly, for 12 weeks to optimize static balance improvements.
Deep learning based screening model for hip diseases on plain radiographs
Authors: Park Jung-Wee , Ryu Seung Min , Kim Hong-Seok , Lee Young-Kyun , Yoo Jeong Joon 
Published: February 2025

Introduction
The interpretation of plain hip radiographs can vary widely among physicians. This study aimed to develop and validate a deep learning-based screening model for distinguishing normal hips from severe hip diseases on plain radiographs.

Methods
Electronic medical records and plain radiograph from 2004 to 2012 were used to construct two patient groups: the hip disease group (those who underwent total hip arthroplasty) and normal group. A total of 1,726 radiographs (500 normal hip radiographs and 1,226 radiographs with hip diseases, respectively) were included and were allocated for training (320 and 783), validation (80 and 196), and test (100 and 247) groups. Four different models were designed–raw image for both training and test set, preprocessed image for training but raw image for the test set, preprocessed images for both sets, and change of backbone algorithm from DenseNet to EfficientNet. The deep learning models were compared in terms of accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), F1-score, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC).

Results
The mean age of the patients was 54.0 ± 14.8 years in the hip disease group and 49.8 ± 14.9 years in the normal group. The final model showed highest performance in both the internal test set (accuracy 0.96, sensitivity 0.96, specificity 0.97, PPV 0.99, NPV 0.99, F1-score 0.97, and AUROC 0.99) and the external validation set (accuracy 0.94, sensitivity 0.93, specificity 0.96, PPV 0.95, NPV 0.93, F1-score 0.94, and AUROC 0.98). In the gradcam image, while the first model depended on unrelated marks of radiograph, the second and third model mainly focused on the femur shaft and sciatic notch, respectively.

Conclusion
The deep learning-based model showed high accuracy and reliability in screening hip diseases on plain radiographs, potentially aiding physicians in more accurately diagnosing hip conditions.