bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain affects balance in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy
Authors: Hrvatin Ivana , Rugelj Darja , Šćepanović Darija 
Published: March 2024

Introduction
During pregnancy, many changes in the musculoskeletal system and pregnancy-related disorders affect posture and postural stability. Pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain (PPGP) is a common disorder in pregnancy; the cause remains unknown. The purpose of the present study was to determine if PPGP affects static postural stability and its relation to the stage of pregnancy.

Methods
Sixty-three pregnant women between the ages of 18 and 45 and between the 12th and 38th weeks of gestation were included in the study. They were divided into four groups according on the trimester and the presence of PPGP. Static balance was assessed using a force plate on firm and compliant surfaces with eyes open and closed.

Results
Pregnant women with PPGP had significantly (p < 0.05) greater centre-of-pressure velocity and sway area compared to pregnant women without PPGP, especially in the third trimester of pregnancy. In the second trimester, only two significant differences in COP parameters were observed between pregnant women with and without PPGP. Pregnant women in the third trimester of pregnancy had significantly (p < 0.05) greater centre-of-pressure velocity and larger postural sway area compared to pregnant women in the second trimester of pregnancy, regardless of PPGP.

Discussion and conclusion
Pregnant women with PPGP had poorer static stability when compared to pregnant women without pain, especially in the third trimester of pregnancy. The cause could be found in the poorer ability to stabilise the trunk and pelvis, poorer proprioception, and issues with automatic movement patterns.
How professional and academic pre-qualifications relate to success in medical education: Results of a multicentre study in Germany
Authors: Schröpel Carla , Festl-Wietek Teresa , Herrmann-Werner Anne , Wittenberg Tim , Schüttpelz-Brauns Katrin , Heinzmann Andrea , Keis Oliver , Listunova Lena , Kunz Kevin , Böckers Tobias , Herpertz Sabine C. , Zipfel Stephan , Erschens Rebecca 
Published: March 2024

Objective
Every year, many applicants want to study medicine. Appropriate selection procedures are needed to identify suitable candidates for the demanding curriculum. Although research on medical school admissions has shown good predictive validity for cognitive selection methods (undergraduate GPA, aptitude tests), the literature on applicants with professional and/or academic experience prior to entering medical school remains slim. In our study, we therefore aimed to examine the association between academic success in medical school and having previously completed vocational training in the medical field, voluntary service (≥11 months) or an academic degree.

Methods
Data were collected in a multicentre, cross-sectional study at five medical schools in Germany (Baden-Wuerttemberg) from students during medical school (i.e. 3rd-, 6th-, and 10th-semester and final-year students). Academic success was assessed according to scores on the first and second state examinations, the total number of examinations repeated and the number of semesters beyond the standard period of study. For the analysis we calculated ordinal logistic regression models for each outcome variable of academic success.

Results
A total of N = 2,370 participants (response rate: RR = 47%) participated in the study. Having completed vocational training was associated with a higher amount of repeated examinations (small effect), while having an academic degree was associated with worse scores on the second state examination (medium effect). No significant association emerged between voluntary service and academic success.

Conclusion
The results indicate that professional and academic pre-qualifications pose no advantage for academic success. Possible associations with the financing of study and living conditions of students with pre-qualifications were analysed and discussed in an exploratory manner. However, the operationalisation of academic success from objective and cognitive data should be critically discussed, as the benefits of prior experience may be captured by personal qualities rather than examination results.
Investigating the association between blood metabolites and telomere length: A mendelian randomization study
Authors: Gao Chen 
Published: March 2024

Background
Telomere length refers to the protective cap at the end of chromosomes, and it plays a crucial role in many diseases. The objective of this study is to explore the relationship between blood metabolites and telomere length, aiming to identify novel biological factors that influence telomere length.

Methods
In this study, we extracted genome-wide association study (GWAS) data for blood metabolites from a sample of 7824 Europeans. Additionally, GWAS data for telomere length were obtained from the Open GWAS database (GWAS ID: ieu-b-4879). The primary analysis of this study utilized the random inverse variance weighted (IVW) method. Complementary analyses were also conducted using the MR-Egger and weighted median approaches. Sensitivity analyses were performed to assess the robustness of the findings. These included the Cochran Q test, MR-Egger intercept test, MR-PRESSO, and leave-one-out analysis. To investigate the possibility of reverse causation, reverse MR analysis was conducted. Additionally, multivariable MR was utilized to evaluate the direct effect of metabolites on telomere length.

Results
The results suggested a potential association between 15-methylpalmitate, taurocholate, levulinate, and X-12712 and telomere length. MVMR analysis further showed that 15-methylpalmitate, taurocholate, and levulinate can directly influence telomere length, regardless of other metabolites.

Conclusions
This study suggests that 15-methylpalmitate, taurocholate, and levulinate are likely factors correlated with telomere length. These findings will contribute to the development of strategies for protecting telomeres, preventing related diseases, and establishing a new biological foundation for achieving healthy aging.
Exploring the needs and experiences of contact tracing staff during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ireland
Authors: Fulham-McQuillan Hugh , O’Donovan Róisín , Buckley Claire M. , Crowley Philip , Gilmore Brynne , Martin Jennifer , McAuliffe Eilish , Martin Gregory , Moore Gemma , Morrissey Mary , Ní Shé Éidín , O’Hara Mary Clare , Sweeney Mary Rose , Wall Patrick , De Brún Aoife 
Published: March 2024

Background
Contact tracing is a key component in controlling the spread of COVID-19, however little research has focused on learning from the experiences of contact tracing staff. Harnessing learning from those in this role can provide valuable insights into the process of contact tracing and how best to support staff in this crucial role.

Methods
Thematic analysis was used to analyse 47 semi-structured interviews conducted with contact tracing staff via telephone or Zoom at three time points in 2021: March, May and September-October.

Results
Six themes related to the contact tracing role were identified, including training, workforce culture, systems issues, motivation and support. While initially nervous in the role, participants were motivated to contribute to the pandemic response and believed the role provided them with valuable transferable skills. Participants described the training as having improved over time while desiring more proactive training. Sources of frustration included a perceived lack of opportunity for feedback and involvement in process changes, feelings of low autonomy, and a perception of high staff turnover. Participants expressed a need for improved communication of formal emotional supports. Increased managerial support and provision of opportunities for career advancement may contribute to increased motivation among staff.

Conclusions
These findings identify the experiences of contact tracing staff working during the COVID-19 pandemic, and have important implications for the improvement of the contact tracing system. Recommendations based on learning from participants offer suggestions as to how best to support the needs of contact tracing staff during a pandemic response.
Factors associated with informal human milk sharing among donors and recipients: A mixed-methods systematic review
Authors: Vickers Niamh , Matthews Anne , Paul Gillian 
Published: March 2024

Background
The multiple benefits associated with the provision of human milk exceed individual health outcomes, engendering substantial economic, societal and environmental domains. Human milk is the absolute, unparalleled source of nutrition for infants. Informal human milk sharing is a modernistic and rapidly progressing practice. No systematic review of the factors associated with this contemporary practice among donors and recipients of informal human milk sharing exists.

Aim
The aim of this review was to identify, evaluate, synthesize and integrate the evidence on the factors associated with informal human milk sharing among donors and recipients.

Methods
A mixed methods systematic review was conducted according to the Joanna Briggs Institute methodological guidance utilizing a convergent integrated approach. The following databases were systematically searched: CINAHL, Scopus, Medline and Embase and Web of Science between inception to August 2023. A grey literature search was conducted using multiple techniques. This review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines.

Results
Twenty-four studies were included in this review. Ten integrated findings relating to the factors associated with informal human milk sharing among donors and recipients were identified. The four integrated findings pertaining to donors included: altruistic motivation and value, resistance to commercialization and overcoming inaccessibility, uniting digital and personal connectedness and lack of awareness and acceptance of informal human milk sharing in healthcare settings. The six integrated findings relating to recipients included: maternal or infant factors, superiority and advantageous impact of breastmilk, human milk bank influences, digital connections and transparency, healthcare professional facilitation of informal human milk sharing, and professional and logistical implications.

Conclusion
This review highlighted a multitude of factors that motivate, facilitate and impede the practice of informal human milk sharing. Future research is required to explore these factors further within broader geographical locations to enhance the generalizability and rigor of the body of knowledge. Further studies should consider the exploration of the experiences and psychological impact of informal human milk sharing on donors and recipients. The provision of human milk to all infants is an imperative public health endeavor and thus positioning this as a key benchmark for research and practice is crucial.
Assessment of lymph node area coverage with total marrow irradiation and implementation of total marrow and lymphoid irradiation using automated deep learning-based segmentation
Authors: Choi Hyeon Seok , Kang Hyun-Cheol , Chie Eui Kyu , Shin Kyung Hwan , Chang Ji Hyun , Jang Bum-Sup 
Published: March 2024

Background
Total marrow irradiation (TMI) and total marrow and lymphoid irradiation (TMLI) have the advantages. However, delineating target lesions according to TMI and TMLI plans is labor-intensive and time-consuming. In addition, although the delineation of target lesions between TMI and TMLI differs, the clinical distinction is not clear, and the lymph node (LN) area coverage during TMI remains uncertain. Accordingly, this study calculates the LN area coverage according to the TMI plan. Further, a deep learning-based model for delineating LN areas is trained and evaluated.

Methods
Whole-body regional LN areas were manually contoured in patients treated according to a TMI plan. The dose coverage of the delineated LN areas in the TMI plan was estimated. To train the deep learning model for automatic segmentation, additional whole-body computed tomography data were obtained from other patients. The patients and data were divided into training/validation and test groups and models were developed using the “nnU-NET” framework. The trained models were evaluated using Dice similarity coefficient (DSC), precision, recall, and Hausdorff distance 95 (HD95). The time required to contour and trim predicted results manually using the deep learning model was measured and compared.

Results
The dose coverage for LN areas by TMI plan had V100% (the percentage of volume receiving 100% of the prescribed dose), V95%, and V90% median values of 46.0%, 62.1%, and 73.5%, respectively. The lowest V100% values were identified in the inguinal (14.7%), external iliac (21.8%), and para-aortic (42.8%) LNs. The median values of DSC, precision, recall, and HD95 of the trained model were 0.79, 0.83, 0.76, and 2.63, respectively. The time for manual contouring and simply modified predicted contouring were statistically significantly different.

Conclusions
The dose coverage in the inguinal, external iliac, and para-aortic LN areas was suboptimal when treatment is administered according to the TMI plan. This research demonstrates that the automatic delineation of LN areas using deep learning can facilitate the implementation of TMLI.
Vaccination coverage against COVID-19 among rural population in Haryana, India: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Senjam Suraj Singh , Manna Souvik , Goel Garima , Balhara Yatan Pal Singh , Ray Animesh , Gupta Yashdeep , Lomi Neiwete , Gupta Vivek , Vashist Praveen , Titiyal Jeewan Singh , Kashyap Nitin , Kumar Rajesh 
Published: March 2024

BackgroundConducting a study in rural pre-dominant areas will help to understand the penetration of the vaccination campaign during the COVID-19 health crisis. This study aimed to investigate vaccination coverage against COVID-19 among the rural adult population in India and to identify factors associated with vaccination coverage.MethodsA population-based cross-sectional study was conducted among the rural population in one district of north India from January to February 2023. A semi-structured questionnaire was designed on the SurveyMonkey digital platform for interviewing the participants, which consisted of questions related to socio-demographic profile, health problems, vaccination status, types of vaccine, re-infection after vaccination, and functional difficulties. The data regarding infection with COVID-19 was collected based on self-reported positive testing for SARS-CoV 2 on RT-PCR.FindingsA total of 3700 eligible individuals were enumerated for the survey, out of which 2954 (79.8%) were interviewed. The infection rate of past COVID-19 infection, based on self-report of testing positive, was 6.2% (95%CI: 5.3–7.1). Covishield vaccine was received by most participants (81.3%, 2380) followed by Covaxin (12.3%, 361) and Pfizer manufactured vaccine (0.03,1). The coverage for first, second, and booster doses of the vaccine was 98.2% (2902), 94.8% (2802), and 10.7% (315) respectively. The risk of reinfection at 12 months or more among participants with two doses of vaccine was 1.6% (46/2802, 95%CI: 1.2–2.1). The coverage among those with severe functional difficulties was lesser as compared to those with some or no difficulties.InterpretationVaccination coverage against COVID-19 in rural Haryana, India is not dependent on factors like gender or occupation but is dependent on age and education. Although the full and partial vaccination coverage is high, the booster dose coverage is poor. In addition, the presence of severe disability was significantly associated with reduced vaccination coverage.
Changes in functioning and health during the first 6-months of the COVID-19 pandemic among individuals with a spinal cord injury
Authors: Simpson Ethan , Miller William C. , Schmidt Julia , Borisoff Jaimie , Mortenson W. Ben 
Published: March 2024

Study design
Single-cohort longitudinal survey design.

Objectives
To identify what ongoing impact the COVID-19 pandemic has on functioning and health in individuals with SCI. Using the ICF model as a guide, outcome measures were chosen to explore potential constructs and aspects of health and functioning which may have been affected by regulations.

Setting
Online, Canada.

Methods
Participants provided demographic and clinical characteristics at baseline. They completed standardized online measures at three time points, each roughly one month apart (June, July, and August of 2020). The measures assessed mental health, resilience, boredom, social support, technology use, life space, and participation. Repeated measures ANOVAs were used to identify longitudinal changes for each measure.

Results
We collected data from 21 participants with SCI (mean age 54 years, 12 male). We found a large effect size for participation (η2 = 0.20), which increased over time. We also found medium effect sizes in both anxiety (η2 = 0.12) and social network usage (η2 = 0.12). Anxiety decreased over time and social networking usage fluctuated slightly but with an increase from time point one to time point two.

Conclusion
The results indicate that individuals with spinal cord injury appear to be staying relatively stable during the pandemic with improvements in a few key aspects, such as potentially increased participation and decreased anxiety. The results also suggest that it is important to continue fostering ways for individuals with spinal cord injury to stay connected, engaged, and informed.
New, simplified versus standard photodynamic therapy (PDT) regimen for superficial and nodular basal cell carcinoma (BCC): A single-blind, non-inferiority, randomised controlled multicentre study
Authors: Christensen Eidi , Mørk Erik , Foss Olav Andreas , Mørk Cato , Kroon Susanne , Dotterud Lars Kåre , Helsing Per , Vatne Øystein , Skogvoll Eirik , Mjønes Patricia , Bachmann Ingeborg Margrethe 
Published: March 2024

Background
Topical photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an approved and widely used treatment for low-risk basal cell carcinoma (BCC), comprising two sessions with an interval of 1 week. Simplification of the treatment course can be cost-effective, easier to organize, and cause less discomfort for the patients.

Methods and findings
We performed an investigator-initiated, single-blind, non-inferiority, randomized controlled multicentre study with the objective of investigating whether a simpler and more flexible PDT regimen was not >10% less effective than the standard double PDT in the treatment of primary, superficial, and nodular ≤2 mm-thick BCC and evaluate the cosmetic outcome. With a non-inferiority margin of 0.1 and an expected probability complete response of 0.85, 190 tumours were required in each group. Histologically verified BCCs from seven centres in Norway were randomly assigned (1:1) to either receive a new regimen of single PDT with one possible re-treatment of non-complete responding tumours, or the standard regimen. The primary endpoint was the number of tumours with complete response or treatment failure at 36 months of follow-up, assessed by investigators blinded to the treatment regimen. Intention-to-treat and per-protocol analyses were performed. The cosmetic outcome was recorded. The study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT-01482104, and EudraCT, 2011-004797-28.
A total of 402 BCCs in 246 patients were included; 209 tumours assigned to the new and 193 to the standard regimen. After 36 months, there were 61 treatment failures with the new and 34 failures with the standard regimen. Complete response rate was 69.5% in the new and 81.1% in the standard treatment group. The difference was 11.6% (upper 97.5% CI 20.3), i.e. > than the non-inferiority margin of 10%. Cosmetic outcomes were excellent or good in 92% and 89% following the new and standard regimens, respectively.

Conclusions
Single PDT with possible re-treatment of primary, superficial, and nodular ≤ 2-mm-thick BCC was significantly less effective than the approved standard double treatment. The cosmetic outcome was favorable and comparable between the two treatment groups.
Evidence of Geopolitical Risk and Economic Policy Uncertainty on Equity Prices in Emerging Markets
Authors: Chiang Thomas C. , Chen Pei-Ying 
Published: March 2024

This paper presents evidence of the impact of changes in downside risk , economic policy uncertainty ( ), the geopolitical risk ( ) in six Asian equity markets while controlling for COVIDE-19. Applying the month data for the period of 1990.01– 2021.12 to Asian markets, evidence shows that national stock returns are negatively correlated with and , suggesting that these risk/uncertainty factors harmfully affect stock markets. Evidence shows that a rise in U.S. geopolitical risk adversely spillovers to Asia stock markets. Spreads of COVID-19 damage local stock returns via interacting with changes in EPU and GPR. Purpose: Present evidence of COVIDE-19 and the impact of changes in downside risk , economic policy uncertainty ( ), the geopolitical risk ( ) with different forms of nonlinear specifications in six Asian equity markets. Design/methodology/approach: The rolling regression method is used to derive time-varying coefficients of investors’ response to changes of policy uncertainty, which is sensitive to react to other uncertainty variables. Findings: Evidence shows that national stock returns are negatively correlated with and , suggesting that these risk/uncertainty factors adversely affect local stock markets. In addition, the evidence shows that a rise in U.S. geopolitical risk ( ) can adversely spillover to domestic stock markets. A spillover effect is found from COVID_19 development. Research limitations/implications: The findings are based on data from six Asian markets. More data may be collected, which would expand the analysis to a broader coverage of the global market. Practical implications: Evidence suggests that in addition to the risk from financial markets, the geopolitical risk (GPR) and COVID-19 are important factors in determining whether a risk premium should be received. From a policymaker’s point of view, geopolitical stability is the foundation for maintaining financial market stability. Originality/value: This paper presents evidence on the time-varying behavior of investors’ response to In addition to and the , the nonlinear components of , U.S. and interaction to COVID-19 have a harmful effect on national stock prices in Asian markets.
English loanwords in Hong Kong Cantonese: false friend cognates and English vocabulary acquisition
Authors: Yip Jesse W. C. , Wakefield John C. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Research on loanword semantics seldom investigates systematic patterns of change because semantic change is not nearly as constrained and predictable as phonological change. Hong Kong is a bilingual city of English and Chinese/Cantonese, where people frequently use English loanwords in Hong Kong Cantonese (ELCs). Drawing upon the notion of cognates, this questionnaire-based study examines the extent to which Hong Kong Cantonese speakers are aware of the contrasts in meaning between ELCs and the English words from which they have been borrowed. Three ELCs that are false friend cognates with their English source words were selected to be included in the study. Respondents who completed the questionnaire included a group of native English speakers (N = 19) and a group of native Cantonese speakers (N = 107). Their responses were compared and contrasted through both qualitative and quantitative methods. The results show that the ELCs affect the Cantonese speakers’ understanding of the English source words. The English proficiency of native Cantonese speakers has been identified as a contributing factor that correlates with the accuracy of understanding word meanings. This study delineates the relationship between false friend cognates, ELCs and English vocabulary acquisition. It offers pedagogical implications for vocabulary learning and teaching in bilingual contexts.