bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A survey of the use of ultrasound by small animal veterinary clinicians
Authors: Zelachowski Kendra A. , Rishniw Mark , DeFrancesco Teresa C. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis study aimed to determine the current use of ultrasound amongst small animal veterinarians. A total of 1216 small animal veterinary practitioners responded to an electronic survey that was administered through the Veterinary Information Network to all its members. Descriptive statistics were generated; limited inferential statistics were performed to examine specific relationships. Eighty‐four percent of respondents had access to an ultrasound unit, and 86% of respondents reported using their unit multiple times per week. The most common uses were assistance with cystocentesis (93%) and abdominocentesis (71%), pregnancy diagnosis (69%), limited abdominal evaluation (63%), to aid in thoracocentesis (59%), and limited thoracic evaluation (52%). Eighty‐nine percent of respondents received some formal training in ultrasound, most commonly from continuing education courses. Most respondents (52%) reported receiving ≤25 h of training. Additionally, 88% of respondents believed it was either extremely or very important for there to be ultrasound training for veterinary students prior to graduation. Based on this survey, most small animal practitioners commonly use ultrasound for limited examinations, being most confident in the sonographic evaluation and centesis of the bladder and for the detection and centesis of effusion in a body cavity. With most respondents having ≤25 h of training in ultrasound, typically obtained in postgraduate courses, an expansion in standardized basic ultrasound training within the veterinary curriculum may be warranted.
Implant Strength Contributes to the Osseointegration Strength of Porous Metallic Materials
Authors: Mathey Elizabeth , Pelletier Matthew H. , Walsh William R. , Gall Ken , Carpenter Dana 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Creating the optimal environment for effective and long term osseointegration is a heavily researched and sought-after design criteria for orthopedic implants. A validated multimaterial finite element (FE) model was developed to replicate and understand the results of an experimental in vivo push-out osseointegration model. The FE model results closely predicted global force (at 0.5 mm) and stiffness for the 50–90% porous implants with an r2 of 0.97 and 0.98, respectively. In addition, the FE global force at 0.5 mm showed a correlation to the maximum experimental forces with an r2 of 0.90. The highest porosity implants (80–90%) showed lower stiffnesses and more equitable load sharing but also failed at lower a global force level than the low porosity implants (50–70%). The lower strength of the high porosity implants caused premature plastic deformation of the implant itself during loading as well as significant deformations in the ingrown and surrounding bone, resulting in lower overall osseointegration strength, consistent with experimental measurements. The lower porosity implants showed a balance of sufficient bony ingrowth to support osseointegration strength coupled with implant mechanical properties to circumvent significant implant plasticity and collapse under the loading conditions. Together, the experimental and finite element modeling results support an optimal porosity in the range of 60–70% for maximizing osseointegration with current structure and loading.
Exploring the Influence of Facet Orientation and Tropism on Neutral Zone Properties
Authors: Trevorrow Rory M. , Zehr Jackie D. , Barrett Jeff M. , Callaghan Jack P. , Fewster Kayla M. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Lumbar spine pathologies have been linked independently to both neutral zone (NZ) properties and facet joint anatomical characteristics; however, the effect of facet joint orientation (FO) and tropism (FT) on NZ properties remains unclear. The aim of the present study was to investigate how axial plane FO and FT relate to NZ range and stiffness in the human lumbar spine and porcine cervical spine. Seven human lumbar functional spine units (FSUs) and 94 porcine cervical FSUs were examined. FO and FT were measured, and in vitro mechanical testing was used to determine anterior-posterior (AP) and flexion–extension (FE) NZ range and stiffness. FO and FT were found to have no significant relationship with AP and FE NZ range. Increases in FT were associated with greater FE and AP NZ stiffness in human FSUs, with no FT-NZ stiffness relationship observed in porcine specimens. A significant relationship (p &lt; 0.001) between FO and FE NZ stiffness was observed for both porcine and human FSUs, with a more sagittal orientation of the facet joints being associated with decreased FE NZ stiffness. Given the link between NZ stiffness and pathological states of the lumbar spine, further research is warranted to determine the practical significance of the observed facet joint anatomical characteristic-NZ property relationship.
New avenues for potentially seeking microbial responses to climate change beneath Antarctic ice shelves
Authors: Llorenç-Vicedo Aitana , Lluesma Gomez Monica , Zeising Ole , Kleiner Thomas , Freitag Johannes , Martinez-Hernandez Francisco , Wilhelms Frank , Martinez-Garcia Manuel 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT

The signs of climate change are undeniable, and the impact of these changes on ecosystem function heavily depends on the response of microbes that underpin the food web. Antarctic ice shelf is a massive mass of floating ice that extends from the continent into the ocean, exerting a profound influence on global carbon cycles. Beneath Antarctic ice shelves, marine ice stores valuable genetic information, where marine microbial communities before the industrial revolution are archived. Here, in this proof-of-concept, by employing a combination of single-cell technologiesand metagenomics, we have been able to sequence frozen microbial DNA (≈300 years old) stored in the marine ice core B15 collected from the Filchnner-Ronne Ice Shelf. Metagenomic data indicated that
Proteobacteria
and
Thaumarchaeota
(e.g.,
Nitrosopumilus
spp.), followed by
Actinobacteria
(e.g., Actinomarinales), were abundant. Remarkably, our data allow us to “travel to the past” and calibrate genomic and genetic evolutionary changes for ecologically relevant microbes and functions, such as
Nitrosopumilus
spp., preserved in the marine ice (≈300 years old) with those collected recently in seawater under an ice shelf (year 2017). The evolutionary divergence for the ammonia monooxygenase gene
amoA
involved in chemolithoautotrophy was about 0.88 amino acid and 2.8 nucleotide substitution rate per 100 sites in a century, while the accumulated rate of genomic SNPs was 2,467 per 1 Mb of genome and 100 years. Whether these evolutionary changes remained constant over the last 300 years or accelerated during post-industrial periods remains an open question that will be further elucidated.

IMPORTANCE
Several efforts have been undertaken to predict the response of microbes under climate change, mainly based on short-term microcosm experiments under forced conditions. A common concern is that manipulative experiments cannot properly simulate the response of microbes to climate change, which is a long-term evolutionary process. In this proof-of-concept study with a limited sample size, we demonstrate a novel approach yet to be fully explored in science for accessing genetic information from putative past marine microbes preserved under Antarctic ice shelves before the industrial revolution. This potentially allows us estimating evolutionary changes as exemplified in our study. We advocate for gathering a more comprehensive Antarctic marine ice core data sets across various periods and sites. Such a data set would enable the establishment of a robust baseline, facilitating a better assessment of the potential effects of climate change on key genetic signatures of microbes.
The impact of hypertension on clinical manifestations of Omicron variant BA.1 infection in adult patients
Authors: Wang Jingyu , Dong Henan , Zhao Jie , Zhou Chunlei , Wang Meng , Cui Yuechuan , Gao Guangfeng , Ji Xiaodong , Mu Hong , Peng Lin 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT

COVID-19 caused by Omicron BA.1 has resulted in a global humanitarian crisis. In this COVID-19 pandemic era, hypertension has been receiving increased attention. Omicron BA.1 infection combined with hypertension created a serious public health problem and complicated the treatment and prognosis of COVID-19. The aim of our study was to assess the implications of hypertension for the clinical manifestations of adult patients (APs) infected with Omicron BA.1. This single-center retrospective cohort study enrolled consecutive COVID-19 APs, who were admitted to Tianjin First Central Hospital from 01 August 2022 to 30 November 2022. All included APs were divided into two groups: hypertension and non-hypertension group. The APs’ baseline demographic, laboratory, clinical, and radiological characteristics were collected and analyzed. Of 512 APs admitted with PCR proven COVID-19, 161 (31.45%) APs had comorbid hypertension. Hypertension APs have older age, higher body mass index, lower Ct-values of the viral target genes at admission, and longer hospital stay than non-hypertension APs. Furthermore, hypertension aggravates the clinical classification, impairs liver, kidney, and myocardium function, and abnormalizes the coagulation system in Omicron BA.1- infected APs. Moreover, hypertension elevates inflammation levels and lung lesion involvement while weakened virus-specific IgM level in APs with Omicron BA.1 infection. Hypertension APs tend to have worse clinical conditions at baseline than those non-hypertension APs. This study indicates that hypertension is a contributor to the poor clinical manifestations of Omicron BA.1-infected APs and supports that steps to control blood pressure should be a vital consideration for reducing the burden of Omicron BA.1 infection in hypertension individuals.

IMPORTANCE
This study provided inclusive insight regarding the relationship between hypertension and Omicron BA.1 infection and supported that hypertension was an adverse factor for COVID-19 APs. In conclusion, this study showed that hypertension was considered to be associated with severe conditions, and a contributor to poor clinical manifestations. Proper medical management of hypertension patients is an imperative step in mitigating the severity of Omicron BA.1 variant infection.
Regional Sources and CH4 Seasonal Cycle in Central Siberia and the Arctic: Observations and Numerical Calculations
Authors: Moiseenko K. B. , Shtabkin Yu. A. , Vasileva A. V. , Skorokhod A. I. , Fedorova E. I. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Contributions of anthropogenic and wetland methane emissions in Northern Eurasia (>40° N) and Russia into the near-surface CH4 abundance are quantified using GEOS-chem global chemical transport model at ZOTTO, Teriberka, and Tiksi measurement sites. Numerical results agree well with the proposed semianalytical solution, in which the total contribution (atmospheric response) in the CH4 level at a given site is decomposed into direct (synoptic) and global terms. On an advection timescale corresponding to a synoptic time interval, the annual average direct contribution of Russian anthropogenic emissions into the CH4 mixing ratio measured at ZOTTO (38.6 ppbv) is more than twice as large as that for Western Europe sources (17.7 ppbv). For the Arctic sites, the anthropogenic inputs from Russian and European sources are roughly similar (19.5 and 12.4 ppbv, respectively). The input from continental sources into near-surface methane abundance and its annual variations at the Arctic sites are generally lower compared to those at the ZOTTO site due to larger transport times from upstream CH4 source regions. Model-based atmospheric responses in methane levels at the Teriberka and Tiksi sites to continental CH4 sources are found to be very close owing to the relatively homogeneous (circumpolar) spatial distributions of the anthropogenic and biogenic signals at high latitudes.
Randomised multicentre effectiveness trial of rapid syndromic testing by panel assay in children presenting to European emergency departments with acute respiratory infections—trial protocol for the ADEQUATE Paediatric trial
Authors:   ADEQUATE Paediatric Trial Group
Published: April 2024

IntroductionSyndromic panel assays, that is, using one test to simultaneously target multiple pathogens with overlapping signs and symptoms, have been integrated into routine paediatric care over the past decade, mainly for more severely ill and hospitalised patients. Their wider availability and short turnaround times open the possibility to apply them to non-hospitalised patients as well. In this context, it is important to trial how clinicians make use of pathogen detection data and if their early availability influences management decisions, particularly antibiotic use and hospitalisation.Methods and analysisAdvanced Diagnostics for Enhanced QUality of Antibiotic prescription in respiratory Tract infections in Emergency rooms is an individually randomised, controlled, open-label effectiveness trial comparing the impact of a respiratory pathogen panel assay (BIOFIRE Respiratory Panel 2.1plus) used as a rapid syndromic test on nasopharyngeal swabs in addition to the standard of care versus standard of care alone. The trial will 1:1 randomise 520 participants under the age of 18 at 7 paediatric emergency departments in 5 European countries. Inclusion criteria for the trial consist of two sets, with the first describing respiratory tract infections in paediatric patients and the second describing the situation of potential management uncertainty in which test results may immediately affect management decisions. Enrolment started in July 2021 and is expected to be completed in early 2024. We will perform a two-sample t-test assuming a pooled variance estimate to compare the log-transformed mean time on antibiotic treatment (in hours) and number of days alive out of the hospital within 14 days after study enrolment between the control and intervention arms.Ethics and disseminationThe trial protocol and materials were approved by research ethics committees in all participating countries. The respiratory pathogen panel assay is CE marked (assessed to meet European regulations) and FDA (United States Food and Drug Administration) cleared for diagnostic use. Participants and caregivers provide informed consent prior to study procedures commencing. The trial results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and at national and international conferences. Key messages will also be disseminated via press and social media where appropriate.Trial registration numberNCT04781530.
HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis uptake, retention and adherence among female sex workers in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review
Authors: Mpirirwe Ruth , Segawa Ivan , Ojiambo Kevin Ouma , Kamacooko Onesmus , Nangendo Joanita , Semitala Fred C , Kyambadde Peter , Kalyango Joan N , Kiragga Agnes , Karamagi Charles , Katahoire Anne , Kamya Moses , Mujugira Andrew 
Published: April 2024

ObjectiveTo evaluate oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake, retention and adherence among female sex workers (FSWs) receiving care through community and facility delivery models in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).DesignSystematic review and meta-analysis.Data sourcesWe searched online databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, SCOPUS, EMBASE, Google Scholar, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and Web of Science) between January 2012 and 3 April 2022.Eligibility criteria for studiesRandomised controlled trials, cohort studies, cross-sectional studies and quasi-experimental studies with PrEP uptake, adherence and retention outcomes among FSWs in SSA.Data extraction and synthesisSeven coders extracted data. The framework of the Cochrane Consumers and Communication Review Group guided data synthesis. The Risk of Bias In Non-Randomized Studies of Interventions tool was used to evaluate the risk of bias. Meta-analysis was conducted using a random-effects model. A narrative synthesis was performed to analyse the primary outcomes of PrEP uptake, adherence and retention.ResultsOf 8538 records evaluated, 23 studies with 40 669 FSWs were included in this analysis. The pooled proportion of FSWs initiating PrEP was 70% (95% CI: 56% to 85%) in studies that reported on facility-based models and 49% (95% CI: 10% to 87%) in community-based models. At 6 months, the pooled proportion of FSWs retained was 66% (95% CI: 15% to 100%) for facility-based models and 83% (95% CI: 75% to 91%) for community-based models. Factors associated with increased PrEP uptake were visiting a sex worker programme (adjusted OR (aOR) 2.92; 95% CI: 1.91 to 4.46), having ≥10 clients per day (aOR 1.71; 95% CI: 1.06 to 2.76) and lack of access to free healthcare in government-run health clinics (relative risk: 1.16; 95% CI: 1.06 to 1.26).ConclusionsA hybrid approach incorporating both facility-based strategies for increasing uptake and community-based strategies for improving retention and adherence may effectively improve PrEP coverage among FSWs.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42020219363.
Access to innovative anticancer medicines in China: a national survey on availability, price and affordability
Authors: Li Wei , Lu Wei , Chen Hongdou , Zhang Chi , Wang Menglei , Zheng Fangfang , Wu Huan-Huan , Wan Guang-Wen , Yang Qingqing , Ye Lu 
Published: April 2024

ObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate the availability, price, and affordability of nationally negotiated innovative anticancer medicines in China.DesignRetrospective observational study based on data from a nationwide medical database.Data sources/settingQuarterly data about the use of innovative anticancer medicines from 2020 to 2022 were collected from the Chinese Medicine Economic Information Network. This study covered 895 public general hospitals in 30 provincial administrative regions in China. Of the total hospitals, 299 (33.41%) were secondary and 596 (66.59%) were tertiary.Main outcome measuresThe adjusted WHO and Health Action International methodology was used to calculate the availability and affordability of 33 nationally negotiated innovative anticancer medicines in the investigated hospitals. Price is expressed as the defined daily dose cost.ResultsOn average, the total availability of 33 innovative anticancer medicines increased annually from 2020 to 2022. The median availability of all investigated medicines in tertiary hospitals from 2020 to 2022 was 24.04%, 33.60% and 37.61%, respectively, while the indicators in secondary hospitals were 4.90%, 12.54% and 16.48%, respectively. The adjusted prices of the medicines newly put in Medicare (in March 2021) decreased noticeably, with the decline rate ranging from 39.98% to 82.45% in 2021 compared with those in 2020. Most generic brands were priced much lower than the originator brands. The affordability of anticancer medicines has improved year by year from 2020 to 2022. In comparison, rural residents had lower affordability than urban residents.ConclusionsThe overall accessibility of 33 nationally negotiated innovative anticancer medicines improved from 2020 to 2022. However, the overall availability of most anticancer medicines in China remained at a low level (less than 50%). Further efforts should be made to sufficiently and equally benefit patients with cancer.
Child acute illness presentation and referrals at primary health clinics in Malawi: a secondary analysis of ASPIRE
Authors: Iroh Tam Pui-Ying , Twabi Hussein H , Gondwe Mtisunge , O'Byrne Thomasena , Lufesi Norman , Desmond Nicola 
Published: April 2024

ObjectivesWe aimed to assess the prevalence, presentation and referral patterns of children with acute illness attending primary health centres (PHCs) in a low-resource setting.Design, setting and participantsWe conducted a secondary analysis of ASPIRE. Children presenting at eight PHCs in urban Blantyre district in southern Malawi with both recorded clinician and mHealth (non-clinician) triage data were included, and patient records from different data collection points along the patient healthcare seeking pathway were consolidated and analysed.ResultsBetween April 2017 and September 2018, a total of 204 924 children were triaged, of whom 155 931 had both recorded clinician and mHealth triage data. The most common presenting symptoms at PHCs were fever (0.3%), cough (0.2%) and difficulty breathing (0.2%). The most common signs associated with referral for under-5 children were trauma (26.7%) and temperature (7.4%). The proportion of emergency and priority clinician triage were highest among young infants <2 months (0.2% and 81.4%, respectively). Of the 3004 referrals (1.9%), 1644 successfully reached the referral facility (54.7%). Additionally, 372 children were sent home from PHC who subsequently self-referred to the referral facility (18.7%).ConclusionsFever and respiratory symptoms were the most common presenting symptoms, and trauma was the most common reason for referral. Rates of referral were low, and of successful referral were moderate. Self-referrals constituted a substantial proportion of attendance at the referral facility. Reducing gaps in care and addressing dropouts as well as self-referrals along the referral pathway could improve child health outcomes.
Evaluating low and high vitamin D levels in Ecuadorian cities from 2018 to 2022: interrupted time series and a cross-sectional study
Authors: Zurita-Salinas Camilo , Tello Betzabé , Dueñas-Espín Iván , Zurita Jeannete , Acosta William , León Cristina Aguilera , Andrade-Muñoz Andrés , Pareja-Maldonado José 
Published: April 2024

ObjectivesTo identify differences in the mean vitamin D concentrations in samples obtained from a private laboratory in Quito and to explore their relationship with the pre-pandemic and pandemic periods spanning from 2018 to 2022.DesignA combination of an interrupted time series design and a retrospective cross-sectional approach.Setting and participantsThe study involved 9285 participants who had their 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels tested at a well-known private laboratory in Quito, Ecuador, from 2018 to 2022.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe 25(OH)D levels were analysed and assessed for correlations with age, and the year the measurements were taken.ResultsThe mean 25(OH)D level was 27.53 ng/mL (± 14.11). Approximately 68.8% of participants had serum 25(OH)D levels of less than 30 ng/mL, and 0.6% showed potential harm from excess 25(OH)D, with levels over 100 ng/mL. The analysis indicated a significant monthly increase of 0.133 units in 25(OH)D levels (p=0.006). However, the period after March 2020, compared with before, saw a non-significant decrease of 1.605 units in mean 25(OH)D levels (p=0.477).ConclusionsThe study’s findings indicate a significant prevalence of 25(OH)D deficiency, underscoring the necessity for preventative measures. However, the increasing trend in high 25(OH)D levels is concerning, emphasising the importance of prudent vitamin D supplement prescriptions and public education against self-medication. For efficient resource allocation and targeting of those with higher risks, it may be advantageous to concentrate vitamin D testing on specific population groups.