bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pseudaphelenchus taedae n. sp. (Tylenchina: Aphelenchoididae) found in loblolly pine logs from the USA and peat from Lithuania
Authors: Gu Jianfeng , Zhao Lirong , Yan Fei , Fang Yiwu , Ma Xinxin , Wu Mutao , Bian Yong 
Published: April 2024

Summary
Pseudaphelenchus taedae n. sp., isolated from loblolly pine logs (Pinus taeda L.) from the USA and peat from Lithuania, is described and figured. It is characterised by the male 355 (305-401) μm and female 427 (318-520) μm body lengths and by the presence of three equal incisures in the lateral field. The slender stylet has small but conspicuous basal knobs. Valve is located at posterior part of metacorpus. The excretory pore is located at the same level as valve plates or anterior. Spicules are paired, thorn-like, separate, condylus broadly rounded, rostrum conical or triangular with a bluntly pointed tip, calomus smoothly tapering together with lamina, thin and strongly arcuate in middle then tapering towards bluntly pointed distal tip, cucullus absent. A narrow bursa surrounds three quarters of tail but is inconspicuous in most cases. The conical male tail is bluntly rounded but mostly with a short pointed or blunt mucron. The female tail is conical in various shapes, smoothly tapering, slightly ventrally bent or curved, with broadly rounded or pointed terminus. Detailed phylogenetic analysis based on the 18S and D2-D3 region of 28S sequences confirmed the status of this nematode as a new species.
The application potential of mepiquat chloride in soybean: improvement of yield characteristics and drought resistance
Authors: Wang Xiyue , Zhao Wei , Wei Xinhe , Song Shuang , Dong Shoukun 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Drought can result in yield losses, the application of plant growth regulators is an effective measure to improve drought resistance and yield. The objective of the study was to explore the application potential of mepiquat chloride (MC) in regulating soybean yield and drought resistance.

Methods
In this study, a three-year field experiment was designed and combined with drought experiments to measure the yield of popularized varieties during 2021–2022 and drought-resistant and drought-sensitive varieties were selected, and planted in the field in 2023.

Results
MC increased the yield of HN84 and HN87 for two consecutive years from 2021 to 2022 and improved their physiological characteristics under field conditions. Under M200 treatment, the yield of HN84 increased by 6.93% and 9.46%, and HN87 increased by 11.11% and 15.72%. Different concentrations of MC have different effects on soybeans. The maximum increase of SOD, POD and proline in HN84 under M400 treatment reached 71.92%, 63.26% and 71.54%, respectively; the maximum increase of SOD, POD and proline in HN87 under M200 treatment reached 21.96%, 93.49% and 40.45%, respectively. In 2023, the foliar application of MC improved the physiological characteristics of HN44 and HN65 under drought-stress conditions. On the eighth day of drought treatment, compared to the drought treatment, the leaf and root dry weight of HN44 under M100 treatment increased by 17.91% and 32.76%, respectively; the dry weight of leaves and roots of HN65 increased by 20.74% and 29.29% under M200 treatment, respectively. MC also reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) content, decreased antioxidant enzyme activity and proline content. In addition, different concentrations of MC increased the chlorophyll fluorescence parameters (Fs, Fv/Fm, YII, and SPAD). In the field, the plant height of the two varieties decreased significantly, the yield increased, the number of two-grain and three-grain pods increased, and the stem length at the bottom and middle decreased with MC induction.

Conclusions
The application of 100–200 mg/L MC effectively improved drought resistance and increased yield. This study provided support for the rational application of MC in soybean production.
Predicting the need for urgent endoscopic intervention in lower gastrointestinal bleeding: a retrospective review
Authors: Ridha Barzany , Hey Nigel , Ritchie Lauren , Toews Ryan , Turcotte Zachary , Jamison Brad 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB) is a common reason for emergency department visits and subsequent hospitalizations. Recent data suggests that low-risk patients may be safely evaluated as an outpatient. Recommendations for healthcare systems to identify low-risk patients who can be safely discharged with timely outpatient follow-up have yet to be established. The primary objective of this study was to determine the role of patient predictors for the patients with LGIB to receive urgent endoscopic intervention.

Methods
A retrospective chart review was performed on 142 patients. Data was collected on patient demographics, clinical features, comorbidities, medications, hemodynamic parameters, laboratory values, and diagnostic imaging. Logistic regression analysis, independent samples t-testing, Mann Whitney U testing for non-parametric data, and univariate analysis of categorical variables by Chi square test was performed to determine relationships within the data.

Results
On logistic regression analysis, A hemoglobin drop of > 20 g/L was the only variable that predicted endoscopic intervention (p = 0.030). Tachycardia, hypotension, or presence of anticoagulation were not significantly associated with endoscopic intervention (p > 0.05).

Conclusions
A hemoglobin drop of > 20 g/L was the only patient parameter that predicted the need for urgent endoscopic intervention in the emergency department.
Identifying novel acute pancreatitis sub-phenotypes using total serum calcium trajectories
Authors: Li Chang-li , Lin Xing-chen , Jiang Meng 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Acute pancreatitis (AP) has heterogeneous clinical features, and identifying clinically relevant sub-phenotypes is useful. We aimed to identify novel sub-phenotypes in hospitalized AP patients using longitudinal total serum calcium (TSC) trajectories.

Methods
AP patients had at least two TSC measurements during the first 24 h of hospitalization in the US-based critical care database (Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care-III (MIMIC-III) and MIMIC-IV were included. Group-based trajectory modeling was used to identify calcium trajectory phenotypes, and patient characteristics and treatment outcomes were compared between the phenotypes.

Results
A total of 4518 admissions were included in the analysis. Four TSC trajectory groups were identified: “Very low TSC, slow resolvers” (n = 65; 1.4% of the cohort); “Moderately low TSC” (n = 559; 12.4%); “Stable normal-calcium” (n = 3875; 85.8%); and “Fluctuating high TSC” (n = 19; 0.4%). The “Very low TSC, slow resolvers” had the lowest initial, maximum, minimum, and mean TSC, and highest SOFA score, creatinine and glucose level. In contrast, the “Stable normal-calcium” had the fewest ICU admission, antibiotic use, intubation and renal replace treatment. In adjusted analysis, significantly higher in-hospital mortality was noted among “Very low TSC, slow resolvers” (odds ratio [OR], 7.2; 95% CI, 3.7 to 14.0), “moderately low TSC” (OR, 5.0; 95% CI, 3.8 to 6.7), and “Fluctuating high TSC” (OR, 5.6; 95% CI, 1.5 to 20.6) compared with the “Stable normal-calcium” group.

Conclusions
We identified four novel sub-phenotypes of patients with AP, with significant variability in clinical outcomes. Not only the absolute TSC levels but also their trajectories were significantly associated with in-hospital mortality.
Seasonality of influenza-like illness and short-term forecasting model in Chongqing from 2010 to 2022
Authors: Chen Huayong , Xiao Mimi 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Influenza-like illness (ILI) imposes a significant burden on patients, employers and society. However, there is no analysis and prediction at the hospital level in Chongqing. We aimed to characterize the seasonality of ILI, examine age heterogeneity in visits, and predict ILI peaks and assess whether they affect hospital operations.

Methods
The multiplicative decomposition model was employed to decompose the trend and seasonality of ILI, and the Seasonal Auto-Regressive Integrated Moving Average with exogenous factors (SARIMAX) model was used for the trend and short-term prediction of ILI. We used Grid Search and Akaike information criterion (AIC) to calibrate and verify the optimal hyperparameters, and verified the residuals of the multiplicative decomposition and SARIMAX model, which are both white noise.

Results
During the 12-year study period, ILI showed a continuous upward trend, peaking in winter (Dec. - Jan.) and a small spike in May-June in the 2–4-year-old high-risk group for severe disease. The mean length of stay (LOS) in ILI peaked around summer (about Aug.), and the LOS in the 0–1 and ≥ 65 years old severely high-risk group was more irregular than the others. We found some anomalies in the predictive analysis of the test set, which were basically consistent with the dynamic zero-COVID policy at the time.

Conclusion
The ILI patient visits showed a clear cyclical and seasonal pattern. ILI prevention and control activities can be conducted seasonally on an annual basis, and age heterogeneity should be considered in the health resource planning. Targeted immunization policies are essential to mitigate potential pandemic threats. The SARIMAX model has good short-term forecasting ability and accuracy. It can help explore the epidemiological characteristics of ILI and provide an early warning and decision-making basis for the allocation of medical resources related to ILI visits.
Alcohol consumption may be a risk factor for cerebrovascular stenosis in acute ischemic stroke and transient ischemic attack
Authors: Liu Yiti , Gu Shuo , Gou Maoyuan , Guo Xiaoyan 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Atherosclerosis are well established risk factors for ischemic stroke, however the association between alcohol consumption and atherosclerosis is controversial. This study aims to explore the potential correlation between alcohol consumption and cerebral stenosis in patients with acute ischemic stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA).

Methods
Nine hundreds and eighty-eight patients with first acute ischemic stroke attack or TIA were recruited retrospectively. Alcohol consumption was classified into five consumption categories (non-drinkers, occasional drinkers, < 140 g per week [mild drinkers], 140–279 g per week [moderate drinkers], ≥ 280 g per week [heavy drinkers]). Computed tomography angiography (CTA) and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) were utilized to assess the carotid and cerebral artery in all patients. Five-step scale for degree of stenosis was applied: normal (0, 0 points), mild (< 50%, 1 point), moderate (50–69%, 2 points), severe (70–99%, 3 points), and occlusion (100%, 4 points).

Results
The carotid and cerebral artery stenosis scores were positively correlated with moderate alcohol consumption (B = 1.695, P < 0.001). Compared with nondrinkers, moderate alcohol consumption had significant increasing risk of moderate carotid and cerebral artery stenosis (OR = 4.28, 95% CI: 1.47–12.49, P = 0.008) and severe stenosis (OR = 4.24, 95% CI: 1.55–11.64, P = 0.005) and occlusion (OR = 3.87, 95% CI: 1.65–9.06, P = 0.002). Compared with nondrinkers, heavy alcohol consumption patients had significant higher risk of carotid and cerebral artery occlusion (OR = 2.71, 95% CI: 1.36–5.41, P = 0.005).

Conclusions
Higher alcohol consumption may associate with higher risk and more severity of carotid and cerebrovascular stenosis.
Quality of antenatal care in 13 sub-Saharan African countries in the SDG era: evidence from Demographic and Health Surveys
Authors: Ameyaw Edward Kwabena , Baatiema Linus , Naawa Ambrose , Odame Frederick , Koramah Doris , Arthur-Holmes Francis , Frimpong Shadrack Osei , Hategeka Celestin 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Maternal and neonatal mortality remains high in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) with women having 1 in 36 lifetime risk. The WHO launched the new comprehensive recommendations/guidelines on antenatal care (ANC) in 2016, which stresses the essence of quality antenatal care. Consequently, the objective of this cross-sectional study is to investigate the quality of ANC in 13 SSA countries.

Methods
This is a cross-sectional study that is premised on pre-existing secondary data, spanning 2015 to 2021. Data for the study was obtained from the Measure DHS Programme and included a total of 79,725 women aged 15–49 were included. The outcome variable was quality ANC and it was derived as a composite variable from four main ANC services: blood pressure taken, urine taken, receipt of iron supplementation and blood sample taken. Thirteen independent variables were included and broadly categorised into individual and community-level characteristics. Descriptive statistics were used to present the proportion of women who had quality ANC across the respective countries. A two-level multilevel regression analysis was conducted to ascertain the direction of association between quality ANC and the independent variables.

Results
The overall average of women who had quality ANC was 53.8% [CI = 51.2,57.5] spanning from 82.3% [CI = 80.6,85.3] in Cameroon to 11% [CI = 10.0, 11.4] in Burundi. Women with secondary/higher education had higher odds of obtaining quality ANC compared with those without formal education [aOR = 1.23, Credible Interval [Crl] = 1.10,1.37]. Poorest women were more likely to have quality ANC relative to the richest women [aOR = 1.21, Crl = 1.14,1.27]. Married women were more likely to receive quality ANC relative to those cohabiting [aOR = 2.04, Crl = 1.94,3.05]. Women who had four or more ANC visits had higher odds of quality ANC [aOR = 2.21, Crl = 2.04,2.38]. Variation existed in receipt of quality ANC at the community-level [σ2 = 0.29, Crl = 0.24,0.33]. The findings also indicated that a 36.2% variation in quality ANC is attributable to community-level factors.

Conclusion
To achieve significant improvement in the coverage of quality ANC, the focus of maternal health interventions ought to prioritise uneducated women, those cohabiting, and those who are unable to have at least four ANCs. Further, ample recognition should be accorded to the existing and potential facilitators and barriers to quality ANC across and within countries.
Relationship between lymphocytes and idiopathic macular hole
Authors: Gao Ying , Tang Yun , Yu Ting , Ding Ying , Chen Yilu , Ye Wei , Zhao Changlin , Lu Rongxin 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
An idiopathic macular hole (IMH) is a full-thickness anatomic defect extending from the internal limiting membrane to the photoreceptor layer of the macula without any known cause. Recently, clinical laboratory markers of systemic inflammatory status derived from complete blood counts have been evaluated in ocular diseases. This study aimed to explore whether they could predict the development and progression of IMHs.

Methods
A retrospective review of 36 patients with IMH and 36 sex-and-age-matched patients with cataracts was conducted. We collected complete blood counts of all participating individuals and calculated systemic immunoinflammatory indicators. The maximum base diameter of the IMH (BD), minimum diameter of the IMH (MIN), height of the IMH (H), area of the intraretinal cyst (IRC), and curve lengths of the detached photoreceptor arms were measured on optical coherence tomography (OCT) images. We used these values to calculate the macular hole index (MHI), tractional hole index (THI), diameter hole index (DHI), hole form factor (HFF), and macular hole closure index (MHCI). We performed a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis of 30 patients with IMH who were followed up 1 month after surgery.

Results
Lymphocyte counts were significantly higher in the IMH group. No other significant differences were observed between the IMH and control groups. Lymphocyte counts in the IMH group were significantly negatively correlated with MIN and BD and were significantly positively correlated with MHI, THI, and MHCI. However, lymphocyte counts were not significantly correlated with H, IRC, DHI, and HFF. In the ROC analysis, BD, MIN, MHI, THI, and MHCI were significant predictors of anatomical outcomes. According to the cut-off points of the ROC analysis, lymphocyte counts were compared between the above-cut-off and below-cut-off groups. Lymphocyte counts were significantly higher in the MIN ≤ 499.61 μm, MHI ≥ 0.47, THI ≥ 1.2, and MHCI ≥ 0.81 groups. There were no significant differences between the above-cut-off and below-cut-off BD groups.

Conclusions
Although inflammation may not be an initiating factor, it may be involved in IMH formation. Lymphocytes may play a relatively important role in tissue repair during the developmental and postoperative recovery phases of IMH.
Developing a prediction model to identify people with severe mental illness without regular contact to their GP - a study based on data from the Danish national registers
Authors: Naesager Astrid Helene Deleuran , Damgaard Sofie Norgil , Rozing Maarten Pieter , Siersma Volkert , Møller Anne , Tranberg Katrine 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Introduction
People with severe mental illness (SMI) face a higher risk of premature mortality due to physical morbidity compared to the general population. Establishing regular contact with a general practitioner (GP) can mitigate this risk, yet barriers to healthcare access persist. Population initiatives to overcome these barriers require efficient identification of those persons in need.

Objective
To develop a predictive model to identify persons with SMI not attending a GP regularly.

Method
For individuals with psychotic disorder, bipolar disorder, or severe depression between 2011 and 2016 (n = 48,804), GP contacts from 2016 to 2018 were retrieved. Two logistic regression models using demographic and clinical data from Danish national registers predicted severe mental illness without GP contact. Model 1 retained significant main effect variables, while Model 2 included significant bivariate interactions. Goodness-of-fit and discriminating ability were evaluated using Hosmer-Lemeshow (HL) test and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), respectively, via cross-validation.

Results
The simple model retained 11 main effects, while the expanded model included 13 main effects and 10 bivariate interactions after backward elimination. HL tests were non-significant for both models (p = 0.50 for the simple model and p = 0.68 for the extended model). Their respective AUC values were 0.789 and 0.790.

Conclusion
Leveraging Danish national register data, we developed two predictive models to identify SMI individuals without GP contact. The extended model had slightly better model performance than the simple model. Our study may help to identify persons with SMI not engaging with primary care which could enhance health and treatment outcomes in this group.
Sexual harassment and implicit gender-career biases negatively impact women’s life expectancy in the US: a state-level analysis, 2011–2019
Authors: Cunningham George B. , Wicker Pamela 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Despite some gains, women continue to have less access to work and poorer experiences in the workplace, relative to men. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships among women’s life expectancy and two work-related factors, sexual harassment and gender-career biases.

Method
We examined the associations at the state level of analysis (and District of Columbia) in the US from 2011 to 2019 (n = 459) using archival data from various sources. Measures of the ratio of population to primary health providers, year, the percent of adults who are uninsured, the percent of residents aged 65 or older, and percent of residents who are Non-Hispanic White all served as controls.

Results
Results of linear regression models showed that, after accounting for the controls, sexual harassment and gender-career biases among people in the state held significant, negative associations with women’s life expectancy.

Conclusion
The study contributes to the small but growing literature showing that negative workplace experiences and bias against women in the workplace negatively impact women’s health.
The Role of Chief Medical officers in making Public Health Overview Documents in Norwegian Municipalities. A qualitative Study
Authors: Rønnevik Dag-Helge , Pettersen Betty J. , Grimsmo Anders , Steinsbekk Aslak 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Aims
To investigate how Chief Medical Officers experience their role in the municipalities´ work with making the public health overview documents, demanded by the Norwegian Public Health Act from 2012.

Methods
A qualitative study with semi-structured focus group interviews with 21 Chief Medical Officers from 20 different municipalities in Norway. The interviews were conducted in 2017. The data were analyzed thematically.

Results
The Chief Medical Officers were mainly positive to participating in making public health overview documents. They took on roles as leaders of the work, medical advisors, data collectors towards local GPs and listening post to other sectors. Organizational factors like too small positions and a lack of tradition to involve the CMO in public health work were experienced as barriers to their involvement. The collaboration with the public health coordinators was said to be rewarding, and the intersectoral process involved employees from other sectors in a new way in public health. Although there were some positive experiences, several CMOs considered the use and impact of the public health overview document as limited.

Conclusion
There was a large variation in the amount and the type of involvement the Chief Medical Officers had in making the public health overview documents in Norwegian municipalities. More research is needed to understand if this has any consequences for the quality of public health work in the municipalities and whether it is a sign of a changing role of the Chief Medical Officers.
Association between preoperative lactate level and early complications after surgery for isolated extremity fracture
Authors: Nishida Yusho , Yamamoto Ryo , Ono Soichiro , Sasaki Junichi 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
The role of lactate level in selecting the timing of definitive surgery for isolated extremity fracture remains unclear. Therefore, we aimed to elucidate the use of preoperative lactate level for predicting early postoperative complications.

Methods
This was a single-center retrospective observational study of patients with isolated extremity fracture who underwent orthopedic surgery. Patients who underwent lactate level assessment within 24 h prior to surgery were included. The incidence of early postoperative complications was compared between patients with a preoperative lactate level of ≥ 2 and < 2 mmol/L. Moreover, subgroup analyses were performed based on the time from hospital arrival to surgery and fracture type.

Results
In total, 187 patients were included in the study. The incidence of postoperative complications was significantly higher in patients with a preoperative lactate level of ≥ 2 mmol/L than those with a preoperative lactate level of < 2 mmol/L. This result did not change after adjusting for age and severity. Further, a high preoperative lactate level was associated with a greater incidence of postoperative complications in patients who underwent definitive surgery within 6 h after arrival.

Conclusion
A preoperative lactate level of ≥ 2 mmol/L was associated with a greater incidence of early postoperative complications in isolated extremity fractures. Nevertheless, this correlation was only observed among patients who underwent definitive fixation within 6 h after hospital arrival.