bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Proliferative vitreoretinopathy: a revised concept of retinal injury and response
Authors: Assi Alexandre , Charteris David 
Published: May 2024

Previous concepts for the pathogenesis of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) have focused on the central role of retinal pigment epithelium cells only, potentially contributing to the lack of clinical advances. More recent studies have demonstrated the essential role of retinal glial cells in the PVR healing response but failed to identify a consistent triggering mechanism.We propose a revised concept for the pathogenesis of PVR based on retinal injury and response. A posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) is invariably present in patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment and PVR. There is evidence to suggest that the shearing forces of acute PVD can cause mechanical injury to the inner retina and trigger a subsequent intraretinal glial healing response. That response is characterised by subclinical glial cell activation and proliferation that may then be amplified into full-blown PVR by coexisting pathology such as retinal breaks and detachment.Whether a PVD causes interface pathology depends on the plane of separation of the posterior vitreous and areas of increased vitreoretinal adhesions. If the vitreous separates in a plane or location that damages the inner retina then glial cell activation and proliferation are likely to develop. The severity of the subclinical inner retinal damage may then represent one of the missing links in our understanding of the pathogenesis of PVR and would explain many of the findings we encounter in clinical practice. Controlling the process of acute PVD and subsequent intraretinal response may be essential in the prevention and management of PVR.
Exploring functional abilities and competing risks among stroke patients: a longitudinal and survival analysis study at Felege Hiwot Referral Hospital, Ethiopia
Authors: Berehan Haymanot Berelie , Dessie Zelalem G. , Tesfaw Lijalem Melie 
Published: May 2024

ObjectivesThis study aimed to evaluate competing risks and functional ability measures among patients who had a stroke.DesignA joint model comprising two related submodels was applied: a cause-specific hazard submodel for competing drop-out and stroke-related death risks, and a partial proportional odd submodel for longitudinal functional ability.SettingFelege Hiwot Referral Hospital, Ethiopia.ParticipantsThe study included 400 patients who had a stroke from the medical ward outpatient stroke unit at Felege Hiwot Referral Hospital, who were treated from September 2018 to August 2021.ResultsAmong the 400 patients who had a stroke, 146 (36.5%) died and 88 (22%) dropped out. At baseline, 14% of patients had no symptoms and/or disability while 24% had slight disability, and 25% had severe disability. Most patients (37.04%) exhibited moderate functional ability. The presence of diabetes increased the cause-specific hazard of death by 3.95 times (95% CI 2.16 to 7.24) but decreased the cause-specific hazard of drop-out by 95% (aHR 0.05; 95% CI 0.01 to 0.46) compared with non-diabetic patients who had a stroke.ConclusionA substantial proportion of patients who had a stroke experienced mortality and drop-out during the study period, highlighting the importance of considering competing risks in stroke research. Age, diabetes, white cell count and stroke complications were significant covariates affecting both longitudinal and survival submodels. Compared with stand-alone models, the joint competing risk modelling technique offers comprehensive insights into the disease’s transition pattern.
Exploring type 2 diabetes self-management practices in rural Bangladesh: facilitators, barriers and expectations—a qualitative study protocol
Authors: Chowdhury Hasina Akhter , Joham Anju E , Kabir Ashraful , Rahman A K M Fazlur , Ali Liaquat , Harrison Cheryce L , Billah Baki 
Published: May 2024

BackgroundType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a global public health crisis impacting low-income and middle-income countries such as Bangladesh. While self-management is encouraged for individuals with T2DM, there is a significant lack of knowledge regarding the factors of facilitators, barriers and expectations associated with T2DM self-management in Bangladesh. This research aims to investigate the potential elements that support, impede and are anticipated in the effective practice of self-management for T2DM in rural areas of Bangladesh.Methods and analysisThis study will use an exploratory qualitative approach. 16 focus group discussions, 13 in-depth interviews and 9 key informant interviews will be conducted among multilevel stakeholders, including people with T2DM, their caregivers, healthcare providers, health managers/administrators and policy planners. Interviews will be audio-recorded, transcribed, translated and analysed using thematic analysis.Ethics and disseminationThis research project has been approved by the Monash University Human Research Ethics Committee (project reference number: 39483) and the Ethical Review Committee of the Centre for Injury Prevention and Research, Bangladesh (Memo: CIPRB/ERC/2023/14). Research findings will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journals and conference presentations. Published reports will include group data. Individual data privacy will be strictly maintained.
Prevalence and health effects of post-COVID-19 condition in Africa: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Ansah Edward Wilson , Salu Promise Kwame , Daanko Martin Sumani , Banaaleh David N , Amoadu Mustapha 
Published: May 2024

IntroductionSARS-CoV-2 pandemic has caused global devastations in the social, economic and health systems of every nation, but disproportionately the nations in Africa. Apart from its grave effects on the global systems, is the persistence of post-COVID-19 condition in individuals infected with the virus. Therefore, the aim of this scoping review is to collate and summarise the existing research evidence about the prevalence and health effects of post-COVID-19 infection conditions in Africa.Methods and analysisFive main databases will be thoroughly searched from 1 September 2023 to 30 April 2024, for eligible articles based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. These databases include PubMed, Central, Scopus, Dimensions AI and JSTOR. Meanwhile, Arksey and O’Malley guidelines will guide this scoping review using article published between 1 January 2020 and 30 April 2024. This review will provide a useful insight into the prevalence of the post-COVID-19 symptoms and their health effects within the population in Africa. The results and findings of the review will be valuable for health system interventions, including restructuring and reorientation of health systems in the continent.Ethics and disseminationThis scoping review will involve analysis of secondary data, therefore, no ethical approval is needed. Dissemination of the results will be done through international journals and available research conferences.
How does eligibility for GusNIP produce prescriptions relate to fruit and vegetable purchases and what factors shape the relationship? A protocol for a secondary analysis of nationally representative data in the USA
Authors: Houghtaling Bailey , Zhang Nanhua , Yaroch Amy , Milburn Atkinson Clare , Byker Shanks Carmen 
Published: May 2024

IntroductionUS Department of Agriculture (USDA) Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Programme (GusNIP) produce prescription programme (PPR) ‘prescriptions’ provide eligible participants with low income, risk for diet-related chronic disease and food insecurity a healthcare issued incentive to purchase lower to no cost fruits and vegetables (FVs). However, GusNIP requirements specify that PPR prescriptions can only be redeemed forfresh(not frozen, canned or dried) FVs. This requirement may prevent participants from fully engaging in or benefiting from GusNIP PPR, given communities with lower healthy food access may have reduced fresh FV accessibility.Methods and analysisWe will use the nationally representative 2012–2013 National Household Food Acquisition and Purchase Survey (FoodAPS) and complementary FoodAPS Geography Component data in a secondary data analysis to examine how household GusNIP PPR eligibility relates to the quantity and variety of fresh, frozen, canned and dried FV purchases and to what extent individual, household and food environment factors shape the relationship. FoodAPS data include household food purchasing and acquisition information across a 7 day period from 14 317 individuals among 4826 households and was collected between April 2012 and January 2013. The FoodAPS Geography Component provides information about the local community/environment relative to FoodAPS households. This study will examine the correlation or association of selected variables between different quantities and varieties of fresh, frozen, canned and dried FVs, as well as correlations among multilevel predictors.Ethics and disseminationWe are following data integrity standards as outlined by agreements with the USDA Economic Research Service. All results of analyses will undergo a thorough disclosure review to ensure no identifiable data are shared. Results will be disseminated to research, practice and policy communities using an Open Access peer-reviewed manuscript(s), scientific and practice presentations, and a public facing report and infographic.
Advancing progress on tobacco control in low-income and middle-income countries through economic analysis
Authors: Small Roy , Nugent Rachel , Webb Douglas , Hutchinson Brian , Spencer Garrison , Ngongo Carrie , Chestnov Roman , Tarlton Dudley 
Published: May 2024

BackgroundMore than 80% of the world’s 1.3 billion tobacco users live in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs), where progress to address tobacco and its harms has been slow. The perception that tobacco control detracts from economic priorities has impeded progress. The Secretariat of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) is leading the FCTC 2030 project, which includes technical assistance to LMICs to analyse the economic costs of tobacco use and the benefits of tobacco control.MethodsThe Secretariat of the WHO FCTC, United Nations Development Programme and WHO supported 21 LMICs between 2017 and 2022 to complete national investment cases to guide country implementation of the WHO FCTC, with analytical support provided by RTI International. These country-level cases combine customised estimates of tobacco’s economic impact with qualitative analysis of socio-political factors influencing tobacco control. This paper overviews the approach, observed tobacco control advancements and learnings from 21 countries: Armenia, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, Chad, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Eswatini, Georgia, Ghana, Jordan, Laos, Madagascar, Myanmar, Nepal, Samoa, Sierra Leone, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Tunisia and Zambia.ResultsTobacco control advancements in line with investment case findings and recommendations have been observed in 17 of the 21 countries, and many have improved collaboration and policy coherence between health and economic stakeholders.ConclusionsTobacco control must be seen as more than a health concern. Tobacco control leads to economic benefits and contributes to sustainable development. National investment cases can support country ownership and leadership to advance tobacco control.
Lung function trajectories from school age to adulthood and their relationship with markers of cardiovascular disease risk
Authors: Granell Raquel , Haider Sadia , Deliu Matea , Ullah Anhar , Mahmoud Osama , Fontanella Sara , Lowe Lesley , Simpson Angela , Dodd James William , Arshad Seyed Hasan , Murray Clare S , Roberts Graham , Hughes Alun , Park Chloe , Holloway John W , Custovic Adnan 
Published: May 2024

RationaleLung function in early adulthood is associated with subsequent adverse health outcomes.ObjectivesTo ascertain whether stable and reproducible lung function trajectories can be derived in different populations and investigate their association with objective measures of cardiovascular structure and function.MethodsUsing latent profile modelling, we studied three population-based birth cohorts with repeat spirometry data from childhood into early adulthood to identify trajectories of forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1)/forced vital capacity (FVC). We used multinomial logistic regression models to investigate early-life predictors of the derived trajectories. We then ascertained the extent of the association between the derived FEV1/FVC trajectories and blood pressure and echocardiographic markers of increased cardiovascular risk and stroke in ~3200 participants at age 24 years in one of our cohorts.ResultsWe identified four FEV1/FVC trajectories with strikingly similar latent profiles across cohorts (pooled N=6377): above average (49.5%); average (38.3%); below average (10.6%); and persistently low (1.7%). Male sex, wheeze, asthma diagnosis/medication and allergic sensitisation were associated with trajectories with diminished lung function in all cohorts. We found evidence of an increase in cardiovascular risk markers ascertained by echocardiography (including left ventricular mass indexed to height and carotid intima-media thickness) with decreasing FEV1/FVC (with p values for the mean crude effects per-trajectory ranging from 0.10 to p<0.001). In this analysis, we considered trajectories as a pseudo-continuous variable; we confirmed the assumption of linearity in all the regression models.ConclusionsChildhood lung function trajectories may serve as predictors in the development of not only future lung disease, but also the cardiovascular disease and multimorbidity in adulthood.
Prospective validation of a hospital triage predictive model to decrease undertriage: an EAST multicenter study
Authors: Biesboer Elise A , Pokrzywa Courtney J , Karam Basil S , Chen Benjamin , Szabo Aniko , Teng Bi Qing , Bernard Matthew D , Bernard Andrew , Chowdhury Sharfuddin , Hayudini Al-Hasher E , Radomski Michal A , Doris Stephanie , Yorkgitis Brian K , Mull Jennifer , Weston Benjamin W , Hemmila Mark R , Tignanelli Christopher J , de Moya Marc A , Morris Rachel S 
Published: May 2024

BackgroundTiered trauma team activation (TTA) allows systems to optimally allocate resources to an injured patient. Target undertriage and overtriage rates of <5% and <35% are difficult for centers to achieve, and performance variability exists. The objective of this study was to optimize and externally validate a previously developed hospital trauma triage prediction model to predict the need for emergent intervention in 6 hours (NEI-6), an indicator of need for a full TTA.MethodsThe model was previously developed and internally validated using data from 31 US trauma centers. Data were collected prospectively at five sites using a mobile application which hosted the NEI-6 model. A weighted multiple logistic regression model was used to retrain and optimize the model using the original data set and a portion of data from one of the prospective sites. The remaining data from the five sites were designated for external validation. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) and the area under the precision-recall curve (AUPRC) were used to assess the validation cohort. Subanalyses were performed for age, race, and mechanism of injury.Results14 421 patients were included in the training data set and 2476 patients in the external validation data set across five sites. On validation, the model had an overall undertriage rate of 9.1% and overtriage rate of 53.7%, with an AUROC of 0.80 and an AUPRC of 0.63. Blunt injury had an undertriage rate of 8.8%, whereas penetrating injury had 31.2%. For those aged ≥65, the undertriage rate was 8.4%, and for Black or African American patients the undertriage rate was 7.7%.ConclusionThe optimized and externally validated NEI-6 model approaches the recommended undertriage and overtriage rates while significantly reducing variability of TTA across centers for blunt trauma patients. The model performs well for populations that traditionally have high rates of undertriage.Level of evidence2.
Holographic Ricci dark energy in nonconservative unimodular gravity
Authors: Alvarenga Marcelo H. , Guimarães Luiz Filipe , Fabris Júlio C. , Velten Hermano 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe structure of unimodular gravity (UG) is invariant to a subclass of diffeomorphism, the transverse diffeomorphism, due to the unimodular condition $$\sqrt{-g}=\epsilon $$

-
g

=
ϵ

. Consequently, there is a freedom to define how the conservation laws of the energy–momentum tensor in unimodular gravity in the cosmological context. One of the main characteristics of the complete system of equations that describe cosmological dynamics in UG is that they form an underdetermined system if the usual conservation law of the energy–momentum tensor is not considered in your structure. In this article, we propose the construction of a background cosmological model based on the description of a holographic dark energy component with a cutoff of the order of Ricci scalar in non-conservative UG. This choice means that the complete set of equations remains underdetermined, however, the new feature of this cosmological model is the appearance of an interaction between matter and dark energy. Indeed, this is a well-known characteristic of cosmological models in which we have holographic dark energy density. Consequently, we propose an ansatz to the interaction term $$Q=\beta H \rho _{m}$$

Q
=
β
H

ρ
m

, and obtain the cosmological parameters of our model. We found a viable universe model with similar characteristics to the $$\Lambda \textrm{CDM}$$

Λ
CDM

model. We performed statistical analysis of the background model using the “Cosmic Chronometer” (CC) data for H(z), and obtain as a result using AIC, and the BIC as model selection criteria that $$\Lambda \textrm{CDM}$$

Λ
CDM

prevails as the best model. However, the proposed model is competitive when compared to the cosmological model $$\omega \textrm{CDM}$$

ω
CDM

.
Maximal steered coherence in the background of Schwarzschild space-time
Authors: Du Ming-Ming , Li Hong-Wei , Shen Shu-Ting , Yan Xiao-Jing , Li Xi-Yun , Zhou Lan , Zhong Wei , Sheng Yu-Bo 
Published: May 2024

AbstractIn the past two decades, the exploration of quantumness within Schwarzschild spacetime has garnered significant interest, particularly regarding the Hawking radiation’s impact on quantum correlations and quantum coherence. Building on this foundation, we investigate how Hawking radiation influences maximal steered coherence (MSC)-a crucial measure for gauging the ability to generate coherence through steering. We find that as the Hawking temperature increases, the physically accessible MSC degrade while the unaccessible MSC increase. This observation is attributed to a redistribution of the initial quantum correlations, previously acknowledged by inertial observers, across all bipartite modes. In particular, we find that in limit case that the Hawking temperature tends to infinity, the accessible MSC equals to $$1/\sqrt{2}$$

1
/

2

of its initial value, and the unaccessible MSC between mode A and $$\overline{B}$$

B
¯

also equals to the same value. Our findings illuminate the intricate dynamics of quantum information in the vicinity of black holes, suggesting that Hawking radiation plays a pivotal role in reshaping the landscape of quantum coherence and entanglement in curved spacetime. This study not only advances our theoretical understanding of black hole thermodynamics but also opens new avenues for investigating the interface between quantum mechanics and general relativity.
Palynology of strata associated with the Hercynian Unconformity across the Arabian Plate, from the Levant to southern Arabia
Authors: Stephenson M. H. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
A survey of the palynostratigraphy of the strata above and below the Hercynian Unconformity indicates that the range of its associated hiatus, due to either non-deposition or erosion (or both), varies considerably across the Arabian Plate depending on the position of the succession in relation to the three main highs or arches, the Levant, Al Batin and Oman-Hadhramaut arches, and any Hercynian faulting or other uplift in basinal regions, for example in the Ghawar region. As expected, the succession spanning the Hercynian Unconformity is most complete in basinal areas, for example in the Faydah-Jafurah and Nafud-Ma'aniya basins. The well with the shortest hiatus, corresponding approximately to a maximum duration of part of the Serpukhovian and Bashkirian, appears to be KH-5/1, close to the axis of the Nafud-Ma'aniya Basin.

Palynological assemblages in rocks above the Hercynian Unconformity indicate the diachronous onset of the basal Khuff clastics NW through the Arabian Plate over a period of
c.
15 Myr. The oldest strata above the Hercynian Unconformity across the Arabian Plate also indicate systematic variation, probably due to palaeoclimate, with assemblages of similar age in Iraq and northern Saudi Arabia showing some similarities to those of Oman, but differences probably due to a strong climatic gradient at the time.
The search for petroleum in the Sultanate of Oman – the first 120 years
Authors: Heward Alan Peter , Morton M. Quentin , Al Kindi Mohammed 
Published: May 2024

This is a story of failure and success, of disappointment and elation. World wars, a market glutted with cheap oil and geologists unable to access areas of interest hampered the search. Early expeditions provided the first maps of the mountains and Dhofar, and glimpses of the geology of the interior, but no evidence of oil.
Geological and geophysical surveys began in earnest in the 1950s, leading to the first exploratory drilling and the discovery of heavy oil at Marmul. Commercial oil was discovered a few years later at Fahud and Natih. All Oman's largest oilfields were found over the next 20 years based on 2D seismic data.
Early concessions were large and ill-defined. More companies became involved as interest grew in exploration offshore and as acreage was relinquished onshore. Although gas was encountered as a byproduct of oil activities, exploration for gas did not begin until 1984 when it became apparent that the known accumulations were insufficient for future needs. Large accumulations of gas and condensate were subsequently discovered in central Oman.
Petroleum continues to underpin the economy of the Sultanate as it strives to diversify and decarbonize. Useful lessons can be learned from the search so far.