bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical outcomes of chikungunya: A systematic literature review and meta-analysis
Authors: Rama Kris , de Roo Adrianne M. , Louwsma Timon , Hofstra Hinko S. , Gurgel do Amaral Gabriel S. , Vondeling Gerard T. , Postma Maarten J. , Freriks Roel D. 
Published: June 2024

Background
Chikungunya is a viral disease caused by a mosquito-borne alphavirus. The acute phase of the disease includes symptoms such as fever and arthralgia and lasts 7–10 days. However, debilitating symptoms can persist for months or years. Despite the substantial impact of this disease, a comprehensive assessment of its clinical picture is currently lacking.

Methods
We conducted a systematic literature review on the clinical manifestations of chikungunya, their prevalence and duration, and related hospitalization. Embase and MEDLINE were searched with no time restrictions. Subsequently, meta-analyses were conducted to quantify pooled estimates on clinical outcomes, the symptomatic rate, the mortality rate, and the hospitalization rate. The pooling of effects was conducted using the inverse-variance weighting methods and generalized linear mixed effects models, with measures of heterogeneity reported.

Results
The systematic literature review identified 316 articles. Out of the 28 outcomes of interest, we were able to conduct 11 meta-analyses. The most prevalent symptoms during the acute phase included arthralgia in 90% of cases (95% CI: 83–94%), and fever in 88% of cases (95% CI: 85–90%). Upon employing broader inclusion criteria, the overall symptomatic rate was 75% (95% CI: 63–84%), the chronicity rate was 44% (95% CI: 31–57%), and the mortality rate was 0.3% (95% CI: 0.1–0.7%). The heterogeneity between subpopulations was more than 92% for most outcomes. We were not able to estimate all predefined outcomes, highlighting the existing data gap.

Conclusion
Chikungunya is an emerging public health concern. Consequently, a thorough understanding of the clinical burden of this disease is necessary. Our study highlighted the substantial clinical burden of chikungunya in the acute phase and a potentially long-lasting chronic phase. Understanding this enables health authorities and healthcare professionals to effectively recognize and address the associated symptoms and raise awareness in society.
SillyPutty: Improved clustering by optimizing the silhouette width
Authors: Bombina Polina , Tally Dwayne , Abrams Zachary B. , Coombes Kevin R. 
Published: June 2024

Clustering is an important task in biomedical science, and it is widely believed that different data sets are best clustered using different algorithms. When choosing between clustering algorithms on the same data set, reseachers typically rely on global measures of quality, such as the mean silhouette width, and overlook the fine details of clustering. However, the silhouette width actually computes scores that describe how well each individual element is clustered. Inspired by this observation, we developed a novel clustering method, called SillyPutty. Unlike existing methods, SillyPutty uses the silhouette width for individual elements as a tool to optimize the mean silhouette width. This shift in perspective allows for a more granular evaluation of clustering quality, potentially addressing limitations in current methodologies. To test the SillyPutty algorithm, we first simulated a series of data sets using the Umpire R package and then used real-workd data from The Cancer Genome Atlas. Using these data sets, we compared SillyPutty to several existing algorithms using multiple metrics (Silhouette Width, Adjusted Rand Index, Entropy, Normalized Within-group Sum of Square errors, and Perfect Classification Count). Our findings revealed that SillyPutty is a valid standalone clustering method, comparable in accuracy to the best existing methods. We also found that the combination of hierarchical clustering followed by SillyPutty has the best overall performance in terms of both accuracy and speed.
Availability: The SillyPutty R package can be downloaded from the Comprehensive R Archive Network (CRAN).
Incidence and risk factors of pancreatic cancer during 15 years follow-up in the Golestan Cohort Study in Iran
Authors: Mirzamohamadi Sara , HajiAbbasi Mohammad Navid , Roshandel Gholamreza , Alimadadi Mehdi , Mirheidari Seyed Behzad , Ghorbani Somayeh , Pourshams Akram , Zahedi Maryam 
Published: June 2024

Background
Cancer is one of the main causes of death in the worldwide. Pancreatic Cancer (PC) is prevalent in developed and increasing in developing countries. PC is important because of its low survival rate, high fatality, and increasing incidence. Therefore, identifying risk factors to prevent its development is necessary. This study aimed to determine incidence of PC and its risk factors in the Golestan Cohort Study (GCS) in Iran.

Method
This study is a prospective population-based cohort study in the frame of GCS with 15 years of follow-up for PC. GCS was launched in the Golestan province of Iran with 50045 participants who were 40 to 75 years old. variables included: age, gender, education status, smoking, alcohol consumption, opium usage, type of blood group, dyslipidemia, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), family history (FH) of PC, ethnicity, and history of diabetes mellitus (DM).

Result
Among 50045 participants of GCS during 15 years of follow up, 100 people were diagnosed PC. PC incidence was 0.2%. Age-standardized incidence rate (ASR) of PC in the study population was 11.12 per 100,000 person-years. People with age ≥60 years were 46, in 50–59 years old group were 36, and 18 of them were <50 years (p<0.001). The smoking rate in PC group was 27% (p<0.01). Univariate model of cox regression analysis showed age 50–59, ≥60 years compared to <50 years [HR:3.006, 95%CI (1.707–5.294), p<0.001], [HR: 6.727, 95% CI (3.899–11.608), p<0.001], male gender [HR:1.541, 95%CI (1.041–2.281), p = 0.031], opium use [HR:1.436, 95% CI (0.887–2.324), p = 0.141], and smoking [HR:1.884, 95%CI (1.211–2.929), p = 0.005] were predictors for PC. In the multivariate model after adjusting, age 50–59 [HR:2.99, 95% CI (1.698–5.265), p<0.001], and ≥60 years [HR: 6.564, 95% CI (3.797–11.346), p<0.001] was the only predictor for PC.

Conclusion
This study revealed an incidence of PC 0.2% in GCS in Iran. Main risk factor for PC was older age.
Family group conferencing for children and families: Evaluation of implementation, context and effectiveness (Family VOICE). Study protocol
Authors: Scourfield Jonathan , Evans Rhiannon , Pallmann Philip , Petrou Stavros , Robling Michael , Au Kar-Man , Jones-Williams Delyth , Lugg-Widger Fiona , Meindl Melissa , Schroeder Elizabeth-Ann , Wood Sophie , Wilkins David 
Published: June 2024

Background
Family group conferences (FGCs) in child welfare bring immediate and wider family members together to decide on the best way to meet a child’s needs. Unlike professionally led meetings, the aim is for decisions to be made by or with family members. Qualitative and mixed-method research with FGC participants tends to show positive experiences: most participants feel their voices are heard; FGCs facilitate family-driven solutions and closer relationships—within families and with social workers. Although there is existing literature on FGCs, there is a paucity of robust comparative UK evaluations, i.e., randomised controlled trials or quasi-experimental studies. Comparative studies internationally have focused on a narrow range of outcomes, not recognised the importance of context, and paid little attention to the quality of delivery. Some qualitative studies have considered process and context but there is scant measurement of these. The aims of this study are, firstly, to establish how FGCs improve outcomes for families and what factors vary their quality, and, secondly, to assess longer-term outcomes in terms of service use and associated costs.

Methods
Given the importance of process and context, evaluation informed by realist and complex systems approaches is needed. This multi-method evaluation includes a survey of FGC services in all UK local authorities (n = 212) to map service provision; co-design of programme theory and evaluation measures with family members who have experienced an FGC (n = 16–24) and practitioners (n = 16–24) in two sites; a prospective single-arm study of FGC variability and outcomes after six months; and comparison of service use and costs in FGC participants (n≥300 families) and a control group (n≥1000) after two years using a quasi-experiment.

Discussion
This is a pragmatic evaluation of an existing intervention, to identify what mechanisms and contexts influence effective process and longer-term outcomes. The study is registered with Research Registry (ref. 7432).
Impact of heartfulness meditation practice compared to the gratitude practices on wellbeing and work engagement among healthcare professionals: Randomized trial
Authors: Desai Kunal , O’Malley Patricia , Van Culin Emily 
Published: June 2024

Objective
To investigate whether Heartfulness meditation practice, compared to Gratitude practice, leads to measurable changes in mental wellbeing among healthcare providers across the US.

Method
Participants were randomly assigned to one of the following 6-week interventions: the trainer-guided virtual Heartfulness meditation program or the podcast-based self-guided gratitude practice group. The Professional Quality of Life Scale-5 (ProQOL-5) was used to determine Compassion Satisfaction (CS) and risk for Burnout (BO) and secondary traumatic stress (STS). The Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES) was used to assess vigor, dedication, and absorption at work. Outcomes were collected at baseline and the end of the study period. Qualitative questions regarding the experience of learning and practicing were also offered at the end of the six weeks.

Results
The majority of participants were nurses (50%), followed by allied healthcare professionals (37%) and physicians (13%) (N = 83). There was a general trend towards increases in CS in the Heartfulness group compared to the gratitude group. However, this was not statistically significant. Strong evidence suggests there was a significant improvement in BO for the Heartfulness group between Week 0 and Week 6 (p = 0.002), as well as STS (p = 0.0004) and vigor (p = 0.0392). Qualitative data analysis revealed that the subjects in the Heartfulness arm reported improved sleep and decreased reactivity to stress. Subjects in the gratitude arm reported improved mood and favorable results using gratitude practices at home with family members.

Conclusion
In our study, Heartfulness meditation practice was associated with a significant improvement in burnout and vigor at work, with a trend towards compassion satisfaction after six weeks compared with gratitude practices. Qualitative analysis indicates the benefits of both Heartfulness and Gratitude practices. Further randomized trials with a larger sample size are needed to explore these science-based practices for the wellbeing of healthcare workers.
Counterweight mass influences single-leg cycling biomechanics
Authors: Asmussen Michael J. , Casto E. Erica , MacInnis Martin J. , Nigg Benno M. 
Published: June 2024

Introduction
Single-leg cycling is a commonly used intervention in exercise physiology that has applications in exercise training and rehabilitation. The addition of a counterweight to the contralateral pedal helps single-leg cycling mimic cycling patterns of double-leg cycling. To date, no research has tested (a) the influence of a wide range of counterweight masses on a person’s cycling biomechanics and (b) the optimal counterweight mass to emulate double-leg cycling.

Objectives
The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of varying counterweights on the kinematics (joint angles) and kinetics (joint moments, work) of cycling using a 3D analysis.

Methods
Twelve participants cycled at 50W or 100W with different counterweight masses (0 to 30 lbs, 2.5 lbs increments), while we analyzed the pedal force data, joint angles, joint moments, and joint power of the lower limb using 3D motion capture and 3D instrumented pedals to create participant-specific musculoskeletal models.

Results
The results showed that no single-leg cycling condition truly emulated double-leg cycling with respect to all measured variables, namely pedal forces (p ≤ 0.05), joint angles (p ≤ 0.05), joint moments(p ≤ 0.05), and joint powers (p ≤ 0.05), but higher counterweights resulted in single-leg cycling that was statistically similar (p > 0.05), but descriptively, asymptotically approached the biomechanics of double-leg cycling.

Conclusion
We suggest that a 20-lb counterweight is a conservative estimate of the counterweight required for using single-leg cycling in exercise physiology studies, but further modifications are needed to the cycle ergometer for the biomechanics of single-leg cycling to match those of double-leg cycling.
Risk factors affecting spinal fusion: A meta-analysis of 39 cohort studies
Authors: Yang Shudong , Zhou Beijun , Mo Jiaxuan , He Ruidi , Mei Kunbo , Zeng Zhi , Yang Gaigai , Chen Yuwei , Luo Mingjiang , Tang Siliang , Xiao Zhihong 
Published: June 2024

Purpose
We performed a meta-analysis to identify risk factors affecting spinal fusion.

Methods
We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library from inception to January 6, 2023, for articles that report risk factors affecting spinal fusion. The pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using fixed-effects models for each factor for which the interstudy heterogeneity I2 was < 50%, while random-effects models were used when the interstudy heterogeneity I2 was ≥ 50%. Using sample size, Egger’s P value, and heterogeneity across studies as criteria, we categorized the quality of evidence from observational studies as high-quality (Class I), moderate-quality (Class II or III), or low-quality (Class IV). Furthermore, the trim-and-fill procedure and leave-one-out protocol were conducted to investigate potential sources of heterogeneity and verify result stability.

Results
Of the 1,257 citations screened, 39 unique cohort studies comprising 7,145 patients were included in the data synthesis. High-quality (Class I) evidence showed that patients with a smoking habit (OR, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.11 to 2.21) and without the use of bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) (OR, 4.42; 95% CI, 3.33 to 5.86) were at higher risk for fusion failure. Moderate-quality (Class II or III) evidence showed that fusion failure was significantly associated with vitamin D deficiency (OR, 2.46; 95% CI, 1.24 to 4.90), diabetes (OR, 3.42; 95% CI, 1.59 to 7.36), allograft (OR, 1.82; 95% CI, 1.11 to 2.96), conventional pedicle screw (CPS) fixation (OR, 4.77; 95% CI, 2.23 to 10.20) and posterolateral fusion (OR, 3.63; 95% CI, 1.25 to 10.49).

Conclusions
Conspicuous risk factors affecting spinal fusion include three patient-related risk factors (smoking, vitamin D deficiency, and diabetes) and four surgery-related risk factors (without the use of BMP-2, allograft, CPS fixation, and posterolateral fusion). These findings may help clinicians strengthen awareness for early intervention in patients at high risk of developing fusion failure.
Prevalence of diarrhea and water sanitation and hygiene (WASH) associated factors among children under five years in Lira City Northern Uganda: Community based study
Authors: Auma Brenda , Musinguzi Marvin , Ojuka Edward , Kigongo Eustes , Tumwesigye Raymond , Acup Walter , Kabunga Amir , Opio Bosco 
Published: June 2024

Background
Children under the age of five experience a significant disease burden from diarrheal illnesses. This poses a severe public health risk as the second leading cause of infant death worldwide, after pneumonia. Lira City in Uganda is one of the developing urban areas with limited information about the diarrheal disease among children under the age of 5 years. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and assess the water, sanitation and hygiene related factors associated with diarrheal diseases among children under five years in Lira City.

Methods
The study was conducted among 492 care takers of children under the age of 5 years in Lira City between August 2022 and September 2022. Data was collected using an interviewer administered questionnaire and a multi-stage sampling was used to select study participants. Data was analyzed by bivariate and multivariate logistic regression using STATA version 17. P-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results
Out of 541 participants, 492 responded. The majority of the respondents, 425(86.4%) were female, 146(29.7%) had children aged 1–12 months, 192 (39%) had primary level education, and 155(31.5%) were self-employed. The prevalence of diarrhea among children under five years was 130(26.4%) and the associated factors with diarrheal disease were children between 49–60 months old (AOR = 0.12, 95% CI: 0.03–0.39, P = 0.001), cleaning the latrine more times (AOR = 0.42, 95% CI: 0.22–0.81, P = 0.010) and not treating water (AOR = 1.84, 95% CI: 1.11–3.06, P = 0.018).

Conclusion
There is high prevalence of diarrhea among children under 5 years of age. The study’s findings highlight the need for ongoing efforts to lower the prevalence of diarrheal illnesses among children under the age of five in Uganda’s emerging urban areas.
Offenbarte Präferenzen in Bibliotheken
Authors: Lücke Christine , Waal Natalia , Leisering Philipp 
Published: June 2024

Zusammenfassung
Im Mittelpunkt dieses Artikels stehen die Bedürfnisse der Nutzenden in Bezug auf die Dienstleistungen der Universitätsbibliothek der Otto-von-Guericke-Universität Magdeburg als Lernort und Dritter Ort. Die sich wandelnden Bedarfe werden mit Hilfe des Konzepts der offenbarten Präferenzen näher beleuchtet. Dazu werden in diesem Artikel zunächst die theoretischen Grundlagen vorgestellt und Vorteile und Herausforderungen diskutiert. Anschließend wird anhand konkreter Praxisbeispiele gezeigt, wie Veränderungen in der Bibliothek im Sinne des Nutzendenverhaltens umgesetzt wurden.
Adaptation of the layer V supraspinal motor corticofugal projections from the primary (M1) and premotor (PM) cortices after CNS motor disorders in non-human primates: A survey
Authors: Rouiller Eric M. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Motor commands are transmitted from the motor cortical areas to effectors mostly via the corticospinal (CS) projection. Several subcortical motor nuclei also play an important role in motor control, the subthalamic nucleus, the red nucleus, the reticular nucleus and the superior colliculus. These nuclei are influenced by motor cortical areas via respective corticofugal projections, which undergo complex adaptations after motor trauma (spinal cord/motor cortex injury) or motor disease (Parkinson), both in the absence or presence of putative treatments, as observed in adult macaque monkeys. A dominant effect was a nearly complete suppression of the corticorubral projection density and a strong downregulation of the corticoreticular projection density, with the noticeable exception in the latter case of a considerable increase of projection density following spinal cord injury, even enhanced when an anti-NogoA antibody treatment was administered. The effects were diverse and less prominent on the corticotectal and corticosubthalamic projections. The CS projection may still be the major efferent pathway through which motor adaptations can take place after motor trauma or disease. However, the parallel supraspinal motor corticofugal projections may also participate in connectional adaptations supporting the functional recovery of motor abilities, representing potential targets for future clinical strategies, such as selective electrical neurostimulations.
Abundance of Fish, Source of Fat
Authors: Greco Angela , Pöllath Nadja 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Fish was an important natural resource in Lower Mesopotamia. The ancient inhabitants could easily rely on the nutrients and fats derived from fishes abundant in the diverse aquatic biomes of its rivers, lakes, marshes and the gulf. Specifically, fats held significant value in ancient societies, and, besides its nutritional benefit, fish can also provide oil as a useful fatty substance. However, archaeo(zoo)logical data are uninformative as far as fish oil is concerned, while written documents detail its usage and supply but remain silent on its production methods. This contribution aims at presenting, comparing and combining the available evidence from modern data, the archaeological remains and Early Bronze Age written sources on the local ichthyofauna, focusing on the strategies adopted to optimize the exploitation of its fat.
Effect of Free Fatty Acid on Transesterification of Waste Cooking Oil
Authors: Maniam Gaanty Pragas , Lim Hui Shan , Mat Hussin Noraini 
Published: June 2024

The presence of high free fatty acids (FFA) in the feedstock is a primary concern in biodiesel production. Waste cooking oil (WCO) is a potential environmentally friendly source, but further research is needed to fully characterize its properties. This study successfully explored the effect of FFA on the transesterification reaction and achieved the conversion of triglycerides in WCO to biodiesel under optimal conditions (molar ratio of oil to methanol 1:9, 2 hours, 65°C, catalyst loading 2.0 wt.% of WCO). The results show that for feedstocks with 0-3% FFA content, methyl ester conversion exceeds 90%, while for feedstocks containing 4-6% FFA, the conversion rate is less than 50%. Biodiesel containing 4–6% FFA undergoes saponification reaction during washing, highlighting the need for pretreatment prior to transesterification. In contrast, 0-3% FFA showed no saponification effect. The physicochemical properties of biodiesel from each FFA% feedstock, including acid value, degree of saponification, viscosity, density, and moisture content, were observed and compared with the ASTM D6751 standard. The results show that the acid value is directly proportional to FFA%, while the saponification value is inversely proportional. This study found that other properties such as viscosity, density, and moisture content were not related to biodiesel quality. In contrast, saponification value testing and GC analysis highlighted the impact of FFA percentage in the feedstock on biodiesel production.