bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of a modified short all oral treatment regimen for rifampicin-multidrug resistant tuberculosis in Dominican Republic
Authors: Rodríguez María , Bustos Yamile Celis , Encarnación Melanea , Muñoz Elisabet , De los Santos Sandra , Sánchez Ingrid , Portorreal Lissette , Sombie Seydou Benjamín , Sall Fatimata Bintou , Merle Corinne Simone , Perez Freddy 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness, safety, and impact on health-related quality of life (HQoL) of a fully oral shortened regimen for Rifampicin-Resistant/Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis (RR/MDR-TB) over 9 to 12 months under programmatic conditions.

Methods
A prospective cohort study was conducted on an all-oral modified Shortened Treatment Regimen (mSTR) comprising linezolid (Lzd), bedaquiline (Bdq), levofloxacin (Lfx), clofazimine (Cfz), and cycloserine (Cs). Patients with RR/MDR-TB were enrolled between January and December 2022 across seven drug-resistant TB units in the Dominican Republic.

Results
A total of 113 patients were enrolled, with 87% achieving culture conversion at two months. Treatment outcomes revealed that 79% of patients were successfully treated and didn’t relapse six months after the end of the treatment, 14% were lost to follow-up during the treatment, 6% deceased, and one experienced treatment failure due to Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs). Adverse events of Special interest (AESI) were common, with 82% of patients experiencing at least one AE with high proportion of QT interval prolongation, elevated transaminases, and anemia. A total of 12% of the patients experiencing Serious Adverse Events (SAEs). Improvement in HQoL dimensions was noted throughout treatment, with the EQ-VAS score increasing by an average of 15.5 by treatment end.

Conclusion
The high treatment success rate of the 5-drug mSTR facilitated the adaptation and integration of a shortened treatment regimen lasting 9 to 12 months in routine care in Dominican Republic. SAEs were -rare. Although AESI were frequent, they were manageable in most cases. Continuous monitoring, particularly with regard to the use of Lzd and Bdq, is crucial to effectively mitigating risks. Since September 2023, this short all oral treatment regimen is the recommended approach for patients with RR/MDR-TB in the Dominican Republic.
Three-year changes in ocular biometric components in children with amblyopia
Authors: Khorrami-Nejad Masoud , Aliyari Roqayeh , Nouraeinejad Ali , Heirani Mohsen , Emamian Mohammad Hassan , Hashemi Hassan , Fotouhi Akbar 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Amblyopia is associated with structural differences in ocular biometrics, but existing studies often lack long-term follow-ups. This study compares three-year changes in ocular biometric components in amblyopic and non-amblyopic eyes.

Methods
In this prospective cohort, study data were collected in 2015 and 2018 in Shahroud, northeast Iran. The sample comprised 4968 primary students (9935 eyes), including 4931 non-amblyopic students (9893 eyes) and 37 students with amblyopia (42 eyes). Axial length, keratometry, central corneal thickness, lens thickness, pupil diameter, anterior chamber depth, lens power and vitreous chamber depth were measured using Lenstar LS900. Multilevel mixed-effects regression models were used to determine any association between variables.

Results
The mean age of children without and with amblyopia at baseline were 9.7 ± 1.7 and 9.9 ± 1.5 years, respectively. The mean axial elongation in amblyopic and non-amblyopic groups over three years was 0.37 (95% CI: 0.34–0.40) and 0.33 mm (95% CI: 0.31–0.34), respectively (p < 0.001). Amblyopic eyes showed greater axial elongation than non-amblyopic eyes (p < 0.001). Anterior chamber depth was constant in amblyopic eyes while it decreased in non-amblyopic eyes by 0.13 mm. Vitreous chamber depth increased significantly in both groups, with a greater increase observed in the amblyopic eyes (0.36 vs. 0.28 mm) (p < 0.001). Flat and steep keratometry increased significantly in amblyopic eyes (p < 0.001), while it was constant in non-amblyopic eyes. Lens power decreased significantly in both groups (p < 0.001). The increase in the axial length and vitreous chamber depth in the amblyopic eye was greater than in the non-amblyopic eyes (p < 0.001). The spherical equivalent change in both groups was − 0.31 D.

Conclusions
Amblyopia was associated with significant changes in key biometric parameters, offering valuable insight into the structural alterations underlying the condition.
Safety reporting in neonatal clinical trials: reflections towards optimal, globally relevant approaches
Authors: Hill Louise F. , Obiero Christina W. , Bekker Adrie , Walker Ann Sarah , Bielicki Julia A. , Sharland Mike , Schiavone Francesca 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Adverse event (AE) collection is a key part of evidence generation in clinical trials and an integral element of safety reporting. AE assessment and documentation is particularly challenging in neonates who are a heterogeneous population with high rates of co-morbidities. Neonatal research is finally gaining the attention of regulators regarding drug development and the need for optimal dosing specific to this population. However, further efforts are necessary to ensure that adverse events (AEs) are adequately collected, allowing for the generation of essential safety data. It is also crucial that the methodology used aligns with the intended trial outcomes to minimise the burden on trial sites. In resource-constrained settings, where pharmacovigilance implementation can be particularly challenging, a pragmatic approach to safety reporting is even more important given the significant public health need for effective drugs. This commentary reflects on some of the challenges and potential areas of improvement in safety reporting that could be addressed in future neonatal-focused trials.
A cost-effective strategy for identifying Angiostrongylus spp. larvae in Achatina fulica: combined morphological and molecular biology
Authors: Jiang Ling , Li Tianmei , Jiang Yingrui , Liu Yuhua , Chen Shaorong , Liu Hongkun , Fang Wen , Zhao Shenhua , Li Rong , Guo Yunhai 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
The detection of Angiostrongylus spp. larvae in intermediate host snails is a critical epidemiological investigation, essential for the effective control of disease outbreaks. Compared to molecular biological detection methods, lung microscopy, a traditional pathogen morphological detection approach, is susceptible to oversights and exhibits relatively lower sensitivity. However, we posit that lung microscopy offers irreplaceable advantages in the context of large-scale field surveys and can serve as a vital foundation for use in conjunction with other diagnostic technologies.

Methods
In this study, 348 Achatina fulica samples were examined using lung microscopy, PCR, and AcanITS1 qPCR. Statistical analysis was conducted to compare detection rates and sensitivities among these methods. DNA from a snail confirmed positive by lung microscopy was diluted and tested using PCR and AcanITS1 qPCR to assess the diagnostic efficacy of the molecular assays. Finally, we combined the highly sensitive AcanITS1 qPCR with lung microscopy for identifying Angiostrongylus spp. larvae in Achatina fulica for the first time to our knowledge and compared its diagnostic efficacy with that of individual testing methods.

Results
The lung microscopy, PCR, AcanITS1 qPCR, and combined test yielded detection rates of 29.31%, 32.18%, 38.22%, and 38.51%, respectively. These differences were statistically significant (X
2 = 9.565, p < 0.05). Notably, AcanITS1 qPCR demonstrated superior sensitivity with a detection threshold of 10 pg/μl, outperforming the PCR with a threshold of 10 ng/μl. When PCR was utilized as the gold standard, the sensitivities for lung microscopy, AcanITS1 qPCR, and the combined test were determined to be 88.39%, 97.32%, and 98.21%, respectively. Correspondingly, the specificities were 98.73%, 89.83%, and 89.83%, respectively.

Conclusions
This novel straregy, the combined test for the detection of Angiostrongylus spp. larvae in Achatina fulica exhibited superior positive detection rates and sensitivity compared to each of the three individual methods. We believe that this novel strategy is not only applicable to large-scale field investigations of Achatina fulica and Pomacea canaliculata but also has potential application value for monitoring the infection of these snails sold at the local farmers’ markets with Angiostrongylus spp. larvae. Of course, while qPCR is exceptionally sensitive, the potential for false negatives remains a consideration. Repeated experimentation is also essential to maximize the reliability and accuracy of the outcomes.

Graphical Abstract
Prompt engineering in higher education: a systematic review to help inform curricula
Authors: Lee Daniel , Palmer Edward 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
This paper presents a systematic review of the role of prompt engineering during interactions with Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) in Higher Education (HE) to discover potential methods of improving educational outcomes. Drawing on a comprehensive search of academic databases and relevant literature, key trends, including multiple framework designs, are presented and explored to review the role, relevance, and applicability of prompt engineering to purposefully improve GenAI-generated responses in higher education contexts. Multiple experiments using a variety of prompt engineering frameworks are compared, contrasted and discussed. Analysis reveals that well-designed prompts have the potential to transform interactions with GenAI in higher education teaching and learning. Further findings show it is important to develop and teach pragmatic skills in AI interaction, including meaningful prompt engineering, which is best managed through a well-designed framework for creating and evaluating GenAI applications that are aligned with pre-determined contextual educational goals. The paper outlines some of the key concepts and frameworks that educators should be aware of when incorporating GenAI and prompt engineering into their teaching practices, and when teaching students the necessary skills for successful GenAI interaction.
Diagnostic markers of celiac disease in patients with newly diagnosed graves’ hyperthyroidism at diagnosis and after control of hyperthyroidism
Authors: Gameil Mohammed Ali , Marzouk Rehab Elsayed , Mostafa Marwa Khalil , Arafat Ahmed Abd E. L.-Hakim , Mostafa Mohammed Yehia , Elsherbiny Hanan Abdelhay 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
The potential clinical value of early screening of celiac disease (CD), among patients with Graves’ disease (GD) at various clinical stages has not been determined precisely. Prevalence and confirmatory tests of CD in newly diagnosed GD are still debatable. We tracked the diagnostic markers of CD in patients with GD at the time of diagnosis and after control of hyperthyroidism.

Methods
Our study included 40 patients newly diagnosed with GD, who had undergone laboratory, ophthalmology, and radiology examinations. We screen patients for endomysial antibody (EMA-Ab), tissue transglutaminase antibody (tTG-Ab), and IgG and IgA antigliadin antibodies (AGA-IgG and AGA-IgA) initially and after confirmed euthyroid state with antithyroid treatment with small intestinal biopsy for histopathology for patients with persistent seropositive antibodies.

Results
Initially, out of all 40 GD patients who underwent screening, the prevalence of positive AGA-IgA was (17.5%, n = 7/40), AGA-IgG (30%, n = 12/40), EmA-Ab (5%, n = 2/40), and IgA-tTG was (7.5%, n = 3/40). While baseline positive tTG-Ab persisted in only two patients, baseline positive AGA-IgA, AGA-IgG, and EmA-Ab were converted to negative when patients achieved euthyroid state. Thyroid function tests showed significant differences before and after treatment (P < 0.001).

Conclusion
Seropositivity for CD during the active phase of Graves’ hyperthyroidism should be confirmed with clinical and histopathological stigma after control of hyperthyroidism.
Pretreatment of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) using physicochemical methods and their effects on biodegradation
Authors: Amanna Ruth , Rakshit Sudip K. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Recently, biodegradation has gained importance as a potential solution to alleviate pollution. This study dives into the physicochemical transformations of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) to enhance biodegradation efficiency. PET films were subjected to pretreatments, including UV irradiation, thermal oxidation, size reduction, and a combination of thermal oxidation and size-reduction pretreatments. These pretreated samples were then biodegraded using either an immobilized enzyme or the whole-cell Thermobifida fusca YX. The physicochemical effects of these treatments were evaluated through techniques such as attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and weight-loss analysis. The findings revealed that UV irradiation caused repetitive cycles of photo-oxidation over 3 h, which impaired biodegradation due to increased crystallinity. Conversely, thermal oxidation improved biodegradation up to an optimal temperature of 80 °C. Higher temperatures were favorable for whole-cell biodegradation, while slightly lower temperatures (70–80 °C) were optimal for enzyme-mediated processes. A similar trend was observed for thermally oxidized size-reduced particles, with the smallest particle size exhibiting the highest biodegradation rates, 21.25 ± 0.24% with the immobilized enzyme and 16.61 ± 0.63% with whole cells. The study further demonstrated that all pretreatments primarily targeted the ester linkage, specifically the C = O and C–H bonds. Additionally, the effects of pretreatments were tested on chemical hydrolysis. Due to its inherently caustic nature, chemical hydrolysis did not require any pretreatment. These findings shed light on the interplay of physical and chemical factors influencing biodegradation, offering valuable insights into the importance of pretreatments for the biological hydrolysis of such polymers.

Graphical Abstract
Does Adjuvant Mitotane Impact Cure Rates in Adrenocortical Carcinoma? Insights From the ICARO-GETTHI/SEEN Registry
Authors: Carmona-Bayonas Alberto , Álvarez-Escolá Cristina , Ballester Navarro Inmaculada , Hernando Cubero Jorge , Mangas Cruz Miguel Ángel , Garcia-Centeno Rogelio , Iglesias Clara , García-Donas Jesús , Picón María José , Paja Miguel , González Batanero Lorena , García Lourdes , Alonso Gordoa Teresa , López Carlos , Hanzu Felicia , Martínez-Trufero Javier , Febrero Beatriz , Saiz-López Patricia , Blanco Carrera Concepción , Ramón y Cajal Teresa , Veiguela Brenda , Gressani Oswaldo , Valdés Nuria , Jimenez-Fonseca Paula 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Context
Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare, aggressive malignancy with a high risk of postoperative recurrence. Although adjuvant mitotane is commonly used, its potential for achieving cure rather than simply postponing inevitable recurrence remains uncertain.

Objective
This study investigates whether mitotane impacts ACC recurrence patterns by preventing or delaying recurrence.

Methods
This retrospective analysis used data from the ICARO-GETTHI/SEEN registry, which includes 36 Spanish hospitals. Recurrence in nonmetastatic ACC patients after resection was analyzed using Cox models, flexible longitudinal models, and mixture cure models to evaluate the impact of mitotane.

Results
Among 244 patients, 133 (52%) received adjuvant mitotane, with therapeutic levels monitored in 84%. Findings suggest a possible “cure fraction” with a 32.5% estimated 30-year cure rate (95% CI, 23.4%-45.0%). Cox regression indicated a 39% reduced recurrence risk (HR 0.61; 95% CI, 0.39-0.95) for mitotane-treated patients, with effects diminishing over 24 months. Mixture cure models suggest mitotane primarily delays rather than prevents recurrence. Effect modification analysis showed significant benefit in male patients (HR 0.33; 95% CI, 0.16-0.69), younger patients, tumors with higher Ki-67% (modeled as a continuous variable), and those with venous invasion (HR 0.47; 95% CI, 0.27-0.82), with potential synergy when combined with radiotherapy.

Conclusion
This study underscores the intriguing possibility that adjuvant mitotane delays recurrence, yet questions remain as to its curative capacity. The early benefit suggests a cytostatic effect, but certain subgroups—especially males, younger individuals, and those with high-risk tumors—may experience a more durable outcome. Further research is needed to explore mitotane's curative potential in ACC management.
The Case Series of Contralateral Interhemispheric Transfalcine Approach to Medial Parietooccipital Pathologies: Surgical Technique and Results
Authors: Krystkiewicz Kamil , Orzechowska Magdalena Julita , Pytlarz Beata , Arczewski Filip , Dziedzic Karol , Furtak Jacek , Tosik Marcin 
Published: February 2025

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:
The medial parietooccipital and peritrigonal areas present challenges for neurosurgical procedures. Adjacency to the eloquent cortex—postcentral gyrus and cuneus, as well as crucial white matter tracts, such as optic radiation—makes the surgical approaches difficult. This study aims to describe the surgical technique and outcomes of treating lesions using the contralateral approach.

METHODS:
This study is a retrospective analysis of 19 surgical cases treated in the Department of Neurosurgery and Neurooncology, Copernicus Memorial Hospital, in Łódź between April 2021 and May 2024.

RESULTS:
Nineteen cases were treated with the contralateral posterior interhemispheric transfalcine transprecuneus approach. Six cases were vascular (all arteriovenous malformation) and 13 tumors (5 glioblastomas, 4 meningiomas, 4 metastasis, and 1 pilocytic astrocytoma). Twelve of them were in precuneus, 3 in the peritrigonal part of lateral ventricle, 2 in falx, and 2 in pulvinar. The mean surgery time was 4 hours 15 minutes ± 2 hours 21 minutes. The superior sagittal sinus was injured and managed using suture and hemostatic material in 2 cases. In 2 cases, a small anastomotic vein was sacrificed, and in none of cases, a venous infarction related to anastomotic veins was observed. A new neurologic deficit was present in 8 cases post-surgery improving after a few days. The mean hospitalization time was 11 ± 8.7 days.

CONCLUSION:
The contralateral interhemispheric transfalcine approach is a valuable surgical technique for managing medial parietooccipital and peritrigonal lesions.
Systematic review: e-cigarettes vs. conventional cigarettes
Authors: Janik Mateusz , Ufnalska Barbara , Rychlewska-Duda Joanna , Lisiecka Justyna , Fabijański Artur , Konarska Anna , Machowiak Anna , Nowak Michał , Firlej Wojciech , Dukacz Adrianna 
Published: February 2025

Introduction
Electronic cigarettes have gained widespread popularity by being marketed as a safer alternative to traditional smoking. Possibility of inhaling vapor created by heating nicotine liquid instead of combusting tobacco leaves revolutionized tobacco market, bringing a lot of questions about harmfulness or advantages of e-cigarettes. Their popularity is increasing and many aspects about their influence on health are still unclear. At the same time, better social acceptance than tobacco cigarettes brings out questions if they are a step to smoking cessation or if they encourage more people to start using nicotine.
Aim of the review
This systematic review provide an analysis of the existing literature on the influence of e-cigarettes on the human body with their economic and behavioral aspects. By examining a wide range of studies, we aim to elucidate the potential risks and benefits associated with e-cigarette use and provide a comparison of both electronic and conventional forms of nicotine consumption.

Methods
A systematic search was conducted using electronic databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Keywords included "e-cigarettes", "vaping", "health effects", "conventional cigarettes", "tobacco", "respiratory system", "cardiovascular system", "immune system", "oral health", and "cellular effects". The search was limited to studies published up to December 2023. Both observational and experimental studies were included.

Conclusion
While e-cigarettes are often promoted as a safer alternative to conventional cigarettes, the evidence suggests that they are not without significant health risks. It is important to remember that they are a new form of substance use, and many aspects related to them are still unknown. E-cigarettes and conventional cigarettes present distinct usage patterns and cost profiles. Years of research on larger sample sizes are needed to determine their impact on humans.
Case Article—Potty Parity: Stadium Restroom Design
Authors: Farajollahzadeh Setareh , Hu Ming , Roshanaei Vahid 
Published: February 2025

In view of the long wait times for women and the lack of accessibility for LGBTQ+ individuals when they use restrooms, this case provides a set of analytical tools to evaluate wait time disparity among users for different restroom configurations. A stadium manager who faces complaints about excessive restroom wait times aims to retrofit the restroom layout to improve both efficiency, measured in terms of wait time, and fairness, measured in terms of totalitarian and Rawlsian scores. Given that customers have diverse preferences over the use of restroom types, in three modules, students learn to (i) evaluate queuing parameters for a mix of heterogeneous populations, (ii) evaluate queuing metrics for various restroom layouts and discuss their wait time disparities, and (iii) evaluate and discuss the fairness of access to restroom facilities from a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) perspective. By completing this case, students gain an understanding of service systems, learn about process flexibility concepts, and become familiar with DEI concepts and measures. The primary objectives of the case for students are to understand the trade-offs between efficiency and fairness, develop an understanding of multiobjective problems, and improve their skills in employing queuing concepts and tools. Supplemental Material: The Teaching Note and Excel files are available at https://www.informs.org/Publications/Subscribe/Access-Restricted-Materials .