bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Number of physiotherapy sessions in work-related absenteeism due to musculoskeletal disorders, by gender, age and occupation. A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Rodríguez-Bagó Mònica , Ronda-Pérez Elena , Molina-Vega Emili , Sampere-Valero Maite , Martínez-Martínez José-Miguel 
Published: February 2025

Background The number of physiotherapy sessions needed to treat musculoskeletal conditions varies in the literature; age and gender may partly explain the discordant reports. However, no research has analysed whether occupation may influence this outcome in the working population. Objectives To assess the number of physiotherapy sessions performed for low back pain (LBP), cervicalgia (CG), and whiplash syndrome (WS) in workers on sickness absence, according to gender, age, and occupation. Methods In this retrospective cohort study, the outcome variable was the number of physiotherapy sessions needed to recover from LBP, CG, and WS. Explanatory variables were sex, age, occupation, year when physiotherapy ended, and treatment centre. The adjusted median differences in the number of sessions (MDa) were calculated. Results Older workers (55–65 years) needed a median of 2.6 additional sessions for LBP, 3.0 more sessions for CG, and 3.6 for WS. Men underwent fewer sessions than women (LBP and CG: MDa −0.9 sessions; WS: MDa −1.7 sessions). Compared to crafts and related trades workers, plant and machine operators and assemblers required more sessions to recover from LBP (MDa 0.7), as did service and sales workers (MDa 0.7). In CG and WS, differences were observed for technicians and associate professionals (MDa 1.3 and MDa 1.7, respectively), and for professionals (MDa 2.4 and MDa 1.6). Clerical support workers also needed significantly more sessions for CG. Conclusions The number of sessions required to recover from LBP, CG, and WS in workers on work-related sickness absence is different according to gender, age, and occupation.
“It’s always happy to see me”: Exploring LOVOT robots as companions for older adults
Authors: Hung Lillian , Wong Joey , Wong Karen Lok Yi , Tan Kelvin Cheng-Kian , Lou Vivian Wei-Qun 
Published: February 2025

Background AI-enabled social robots present the potential to resolve the loneliness and social isolation of older adults in long-term care (LTC). There is limited research on how older adults perceive and make sense of these robots and how human-robot companionship is formed. This study investigated older adults’ experiences using LOVOT, a social robot. Methods Using an ethnographic study design, we introduced LOVOT robots to a Canadian LTC home for four weekly interaction sessions. Thirty-six residents, seven family members and two healthcare staff participated. Data collection involved observational field notes and conversational interviews. The analysis was guided by ikigai, a Japanese well-being concept. Findings Reflexive thematic analysis identified four key themes. 1) Joy: The robot offers joy and excitement through interactions. 2) Acceptance: For older adults with mobility or cognitive impairments, LOVOT gives consistent positive responses, offering a sense of unconditional acceptance. 3) Creativity: The robot’s non-verbal communication allows older adults to grow creative imagination, encouraging personal expression and expanding interaction possibilities. 4) “Not for me”: Not all participants like the LOVOT robot. Conclusion AI-enabled social robots show potential in supporting the psychosocial needs of older adults, which have broader implications for LTC practices and future research directions. Future research should further explore the creative utility of social robots among LTC residents.
Identification and validation of genomic regions for pod shatter resistance in Brassica rapa using QTL-seq and traditional QTL mapping
Authors: Raman Rosy , Qiu Yu , Coombes N. , Raman Harsh 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Pod shatter resistance is an important trait in Brassica species, significantly impacting the yield and profitability of growers. Identifying genomic regions and understanding genes underlying shatter resistance is a major objective of breeding programs. Brassica rapa, commonly known as rape or field mustard, is an ancestral species of Brassica napus and Brassica juncea – the most widely oilseed crops grown worldwide. In this study, we performed diversity analysis of B. rapa accessions, bulked segregant analysis based quantitative trait locus-sequencing (QTL-seq), and traditional quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping in an F2 population to identify genomic regions associated with pod shatter resistance in B. rapa.

Results
A considerable genetic variation for pod shatter resistance, measured as rupture energy (RE), varied from 0.63 to 3.49 mJ(½) was revealed among 90 accessions of B. rapa. Cluster analysis based on 10,324 DArTseq markers showed that pod shatter-resistant accessions originated from diverse sources. We further investigated the genetic and anatomical bases of variation in pod shatter resistance from two contrasting parental lines, ATC90153 (maternal parent with high RE) and ATC91215 (paternal parent with low RE). Bulked segregant resequencing analysis of parental lines and two pooled samples, prepared from 10 resistant and 10 sensitive lines to pod shatter, identified three genomic regions for shatter resistance on chromosomes A06 and A09. Traditional QTL analysis validated marker-pod shatter resistance associations on chromosomes A06 and A09 in the same F2 population using a linkage map based on 23,274 DArTseq markers. Physical positions of significantly associated markers and the priori pod dehiscence genes on the B. rapa reference genome sequence suggested BEE1/PEROXIDASE/TCP8 on A06 and ADPG1/SHP1/MYB116 genes on A09 as potential candidates for pod shatter resistance. Sequence comparison of parental lines identified sequence variants (194 SNPs and 74 InDELs on A06, and two SNPs and two InDELs on A09) in the promoter and downstream regions of B. rapa genes within the QTL.

Conclusions
We identified QTLs and priori candidate genes associated with variation in pod shatter resistance on chromosomes A06 and A09 in B. rapa. This study provides potential gene targets to understand molecular mechanisms and improve pod shatter resistance in Brassica crops.
Utilizing fundus images captured by two ultra-wide field imaging systems to measure diagnostic indicators and assess the grade of diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Sun Yaoyao , Chen Xiuju , Song Zongming , Liu Tingting , Tao Ye , Lai Tinglan , Chen Yanru , Li Minghan , Qu Jinfeng , Li Xiaoxin 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
This study compared the effectiveness of different ultrawide field fundus imaging systems (Clarus™ 500 and Optos®) in diagnosing diabetic retinopathy (DR).

Methods
This was a prospective, multicentre study. Retinal photographs were captured at four eye centres utilizing both the Clarus™ 500 and Optos® imaging systems. The image quality and the effective retinal area were compared. Then the consistency in diagnosing the severity of DR by two distinct imaging systems was compared according to three separate grading criteria (the International Council of Ophthalmology, the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study [ETDRS] grading diagnostic criteria, and the Chinese Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment Guidelines for Diabetic Retinopathy [2014]) were analysed.

Results
A total of 113 patients, 201 eyes and 402 images were included in this study. 39 images were excluded due to the poor image quality and 363 images were finally analyzed. The Clarus™ imaging system demonstrated better image quality than the Optos® imaging system (κ = 0.195). The mean effective retinal area was 490.03 ± 112.33 Disc area(DA) in the Clarus™ group and 410.41 ± 92.12 DA in the Optos® group (P = 0.000). The κ values were 0.812 for ETDRS DR severity, 0.787 for ICO DR severity, and 0.790 for the Chinese guidelines, indicating substantial agreement between the two imaging systems. However, Clarus™ indicated higher DR severity than the Optos® imaging system, with a higher detection rate of intraretinal microvascular abnormalities (IRMAs) and neovascularization.

Conclusion
Clarus™ and Optos® exhibit strong concordance in the identification of DR. Clarus™ offers better image quality and IRMA recognition than Optos® and better identifies patients who need treatment.
Risk factors for wet macular degeneration: a systematic review, with novel insights from the Scottish Heart Health Extended Cohort
Authors: Fitton Catherine A. , Quigley Madeleine M. R. , Belch Jill J. F. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a major cause of vision loss worldwide. This study aimed to assess risk factors for wet AMD by two methods: assessing risk factors measured in the Scottish Heart Health Extended Cohort (SHHEC), and to systematically review the literature.

Methods
Eighteen thousand one hundred seven volunteers were recruited to SHHEC between 1984–1995, with risk factor data collected on recruitment. Hospital records were linked to study data up to 2017 and survival analysis was used to analyse risk factors and wet AMD. Literature published between 2000–2023 was searched for studies assessing risk factors for wet AMD, resulting in 5,503 papers. Following review, 7 studies were included in the systematic review.

Results
Within the SHHEC data, 231 cases of wet AMD were reported. Increasing age (Hazard Ratio (HR) 10.51; 99% Confidence Interval (CI) 4.78–23.11) and smoking (HR 1.67; 99% CI 1.17–2.38) were significantly associated with an increased risk of wet AMD. Increased dietary intake of vitamin K (HR 0.56; 99% CI 0.34–0.94) was associated with a decreased risk of wet AMD.
According to a systematic review, smoking, high Body mass index, heavy alcohol intake, increased systolic blood pressure, increased pulse pressure, and high levels of C-reactive protein and serum triglycerides in the blood may be associated with an increased risk of wet AMD. However, the studies provide mixed evidence and no conclusive results.

Conclusion
We have demonstrated that increasing age and smoking are high-risk factors for the development of wet AMD, while vitamin K is associated with a reduced risk of wet AMD.
Effect of intra-socket application of hyaluronic acid gel on soft and hard tissue healing following impacted mandibular third molars extraction (a randomized controlled clinical trial)
Authors: Elkady Omnia , Sweedan Osama , Amer Tasneem 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
One of the most frequent dental operations is the surgical extraction of an impacted third molar. The study aimed to evaluate the impact of the intra-socket application of 0.8% Hyaluronic Acid (HA) gel on hard & soft tissue healing after surgical removal of the impacted 3rd molar.

Objective

Materials and methods
This randomized controlled clinical study included thirty patients aged from 21–36 years who were scheduled for surgical removal of impacted mandibular third molar. 0.8% hyaluronic acid gel (HA group) was applied immediately after surgery in the intra-socket of 15 patients, and nothing (No HA group) was applied to the socket of the other 15 patients. Soft tissue healing was assessed after extraction on the third, seventh, and fourteenth day. Bone healing was assessed 2 months post-extraction by measuring bone density and socket length from cone beam computerized tomography.

Results
The soft tissue healing index was significantly better (very good or excellent) in the HA group compared with no HA group after fourteen days postoperative (p < .001). Also, the percentage increase of bone density in the HA group was statistically significantly higher after two months than in the no HA group ((p < .001).

Conclusion
Hyaluronic acid 0.8% gel application improves soft tissue healing and bone density healing following surgical extraction of the mandibular third molar. It could be considered a valuable material for improving bone healing and soft tissue.

Trial registration
The trial is retrospectively registered at the Pan African Clinical Trial Registry with the identification number for the registry PACTR202407576478340 on 30/07/2024.
Evaluation of CareStart™ malaria HRP2/pLDH (Pf/PAN) combo rapid diagnostic test for diagnosis of Plasmodium falciparum infection in malaria co-endemic areas in association with parasite density
Authors: Christian Michael , Ekawati Lenny Lia , Pratama Aa Raka , Cahyaningati Syavira , Bere Hermina K. , Rustam Muhammad , Kalbuadi Ichsan , Andini Jeltsin , Yuliana Jeng , Fadilah Ihsan , Ley Benedikt , Thriemer Kamala , Price Ric N. , Sutanto Inge , Baird J. Kevin 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
As a widely accepted field standard diagnostic tool for malaria, microscopic examination is often difficult to perform in resource-poor settings. The immunochromatographic HRP2/pLDH (Pf/Pan) Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) serve as alternatives to microscopic examination for falciparum and non-falciparum malaria in co-endemic areas by detecting the histidine-rich protein 2 (HRP2) and pan-plasmodial lactate dehydrogenase (pLDH) antigen. However, Pf/Pan RDTs do not directly quantify parasitaemia. In this study, the diagnostic performance of Pf/Pan RDT and its association with parasite density was examined.

Methods
Blood smears from patients who were screened for PRIMA Clinical Trial (Trial Registration Number: NCT03916003) conducted in East Sumba, Indonesia, and enrolled to its sub-study, ACROSS, were examined for microscopic examination and RDT using CareStart™ Malaria HRP2/pLDH (Pf/PAN) Combo (CareStart™ Pf/Pan RDT). Results were analysed for both diagnostic performance of RDT and its relationship with parasite density using a logistic regression model.

Results
317 participants were included in this study and 158 (49.8%) were malaria positive by microscopy. Among all malaria-positive participants, Plasmodium falciparum infections accounted for 149 (94.3%) cases. The sensitivity and specificity of HRP2 band were 97.3% (95% CI 93.3–99.2) and 97.6% (95% CI 94.0–99.4), respectively, while that of pLDH band were 87.3% (95% CI 81.1–92.0) and 100% (95% CI 97.7–100). For each ten-fold increase in parasite density, the RDT had 12 times the odds of returning Pf/Pan-positive results (n = 126) compared to Pf-positive (n = 19) (OR: 12.1; 95% CI 5.18 to 34.8; p < 0.001).

Conclusions
CareStart™ Pf/Pan RDT is reliable in diagnosing falciparum malaria and Pf/Pan-positive results indicate higher parasite density. Pf/Pan-positive results should alert the clinical staff of the increased risk of poor clinical outcome, and should be prioritized for microscopic examination compared to Pf-positive results.
Patient self-management of warfarin therapy – a long-term follow up study
Authors: Hall Erland Hegardt , Sølsnes Marit Holm , Sandberg Sverre , Sølvik Una Ørvim 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Patient self-management (PSM) of anticoagulant treatment with vitamin K antagonist (VKA) has emerged as an effective approach for maintaining the international normalized ratio (INR) within the therapeutic range. The objective of this quality assurance project, conducted in clinical practice, was to evaluate the long-term effectiveness and safety of anticoagulant treatment with warfarin during PSM compared to conventional treatment administered by general practitioners (GPs).

Methods
This cohort study, using a retrospective and prospective design, included 400 patients who underwent PSM training for a 21-week period between 2011 and 2020. Clinical data extracted from the patient journal systems included hospitalization due to severe clinical complications. The primary outcome was any difference in the yearly risk of hospitalization between the conventional and PSM periods. Secondary outcomes included variations in time within the therapeutic range (TTR), INR fluctuations, and incidence of extreme INR values.

Results
The median treatment duration was 2.45 years (25th—75th percentile 0.80, 7.35) for the conventional period and 4.99 years (25th—75th percentile 2.41, 7.43) for the PSM period. The annual risk for hospitalization due to severe bleeding was 1.25% during PSM compared to 1.69% during conventional treatment (p = 0.885). The yearly risk for hospitalization due to thrombosis was 0.67% during PSM versus 1.48% during conventional treatment (p = 0.256), and the annual risk for hospitalization due to spontaneous bleeding, thrombosis, or thromboemboli was 1.12% versus 2.76% (p = 0.112). Median TTR (25th—75th percentile) increased from 71.6% (60.0, 82.7) to 78.6% (67.9, 91.7) (p < 0.001), while INR variance decreased from 21.0% to 16.5% (p < 0.001). The proportion of extreme subtherapeutic INR values (≤ 2.0 (≤ 1.5 for patients with mechanical ON-X aortic valve prostheses)) decreased from 14.0% to 5.0% (p < 0.001) during PSM, whereas the proportion of high-level INR (≥ 5.0) remained unchanged (0.6%).

Conclusions
The long-term evaluation of PSM of warfarin treatment in clinical practice suggests that PSM for suitable patients selected by GPs is as safe as conventional GP treatment.
Outcomes of switching from protease inhibitor-based antiretroviral therapy to bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide (B/F/TAF) in virologically suppressed adults with nucleos(t)ide analogue resistance– a phase IV randomised, open-label study (PIBIK study)
Authors: Iwuji Collins , Waters Laura , Milinkovic Ana , Orkin Chloe , Fox Julie , Post Frank , Perry Nicky , Bruce Chloe , Dailey Natalie , To Ye , Bremner Stephen , Churchill Duncan , Geretti Anna Maria 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
There are limited data on how historical nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) resistance-associated mutations (RAMs) other than M184V/I, affect the activity of B/F/TAF. We evaluated the outcomes of switching virologically suppressed (HIV-1 RNA < 50 copies/mL) individuals harbouring major RAMs from boosted protease inhibitor (bPI)-based therapy to B/F/TAF.

Methods
Participants had various historical genotypic patterns including M184V/I, ≤2 thymidine analogue mutations (TAMs), and other NRTI RAMs (NAMs), and no integrase resistance. Baseline RAMs were explored by retrospective sequencing of cellular HIV-1 DNA. Participants were randomised (1:1) to switching to B/F/TAF either immediately or after 24 weeks. The primary outcome was the proportion of participants maintaining virological suppression (pure virologic response) at week-24; secondary outcomes were proportion of participants with virological suppression at week-48, pre-specified safety measures, and treatment-emergent resistance.

Results
Historically, 21/72 (29.2%) participants had M184V/I, 5 (6.9%) M184V/I + 1 NAM, 31 (43.1%) 1 TAM ± M184V/I ± 1 NAM, and 15 (20.8%) 2 TAMs ± M184V/I ± 1 NAM. At week-24, proportions maintaining virological suppression were 33/33 (100%) on B/F/TAF vs. 38/39 (97.4%) on bPI (difference 2.6%; 95% CI -2.4%, 7.5%). Drug-related adverse events (AEs) were reported in 10/33 (30.3%) vs. 1/39 (2.6%), respectively. The immediate switch arm had improved lipid parameters but increased HbA1c and weight. Virological suppression was maintained at week-48. There were six discontinuations; four on B/F/TAF were drug-related and the two on bPI were not drug-related.

Conclusions
Historical NRTI resistance did not compromise the effectiveness of B/F/TAF in virologically suppressed adults. 12% experienced treatment-limiting AEs after switching.

Registration
EudraCT no: 2018-004732-30
Incidence and risk factors for delayed intracranial hemorrhage after mild brain injury in anticoagulated patients: a multicenter retrospective study
Authors: Capsoni Nicolò , Carpani Giovanni , Tarantino Francesca , Gheda Silvia , Cugnod Jean Marc , Lanfranchi Sabrina , Lee Jhe , Lizza Simone , Marchesani Sara , Meloni Enrica , Rigamonti Annalisa , Serrai Irene , Vergani Silvia , Zuddio Elisa Ginevra , Zumbo Bruno Gherardo , Privitera Daniele , Salinaro Francesco , Bernasconi Davide , Secco Gianmarco , Galbiati Filippo , Perlini Stefano , Bombelli Michele 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Anticoagulated patients with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and a negative cerebral CT on admission, commonly undergo a repeated CT scan after observation in the emergency department (ED) to detect delayed intracranial hemorrhage (ICH). However, the utility of this practice is controversial, with recent evidence suggesting that the risk of delayed ICH in these patients is low. This study aims to evaluate incidence, outcomes, and risk factors of delayed ICH in patients receiving direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) or vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) presenting to the ED with mTBI.

Methods
A multicenter, observational, retrospective cohort study was conducted in the EDs of three hospitals in Northern Italy, from January 2017 to December 2021. All consecutive adult patients on DOACs or VKAs therapy, admitted for a mTBI, who underwent a second CT scan after 12–24 h from a negative first one, were enrolled.

Results
A total of 1596 anticoagulated patients were enrolled, 869 (54%) on DOACs and 727 (46%) on VKAs therapy. The median age was 84 [79–88] and 56% of patients were females. The incidence of delayed ICH was 1.8% (95% CI: 1.1-3.0%; 14/869 patients) for DOACs, and 2.6% (95% CI: 1.6–4.1%; 19/727 patients) for VKAs patients, with no cases requiring neurosurgical intervention. Vomiting after head injury and the onset of new symptoms during observation were associated with a higher risk of delayed bleeding (OR 4.8; 95% CI: 1.4–16.5, and OR 4.7; 95% CI 1.2–23.7, respectively). At a 30-day follow-up, 2% of patients had a new ED admission related to their previous mTBI, with no significant difference between the groups.

Conclusions
Delayed ICH is uncommon among anticoagulated patients with mTBI and has minimal impact on their outcome. Routine performance of a second CT scan may be unnecessary and may be considered only in presence of high-risk clinical risk factors or signs of deterioration.
Studies on experimental animals immunized with different antigenic vaccine combinations of Neospora caninum of cattle origin
Authors: Tang Zeyu , Wang Zhenyu , Ma Zhen , Jin Weidong , Lin Sicheng , Wang Longsheng , Min Pengfei , Li Lu , Zhao Jianhao , Jia Lijun 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background

Neospora caninum is an intracellular parasitic protozoon that can infect pregnant animals and cause symptoms such as miscarriage, stillbirth and mummified fetuses. It is one of the main causes of miscarriage in bovines. Apical membrane antigen (AMA) and dense granule protein (GRA) are two major antigenic proteins of N. caninum.

Methods
In this study, NcGRA9 recombinant subunit vaccine and Ad5-NcAMA1 recombinant adenovirus vaccine were prepared and used to immunize C57BL/6 mice and Yanbian yellow cattle.

Results
IgG, IgG1, IgG2a, IgG2b, IgA and IgE antibodies and interferon (IFN-γ), interleukin (IL-4) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) cytokines were significantly higher in immunized mice than in the control group (P < 0.0001). The biochemical indexes showed that vaccination had no effect on hepatic and renal functions. The survival rate was 70% in mice immunized with NcGRA9 vaccine, 75% in mice immunized with Ad5-NcAMA1 vaccine, 85% in the combined immunization group and 10% in the control group. The parasite load in the brain and liver tissues of the immunized groups was significantly lower than in the control group, as detected by fluorescence quantitative PCR (P < 0.0001). In cattle, IgG, IgG2a, IgG2b, IgA, IgM and IgE antibodies and IFN-γ, IL-4 and TNF-α cytokines were significantly higher in the immunized groups than in the control group (P < 0.0001). Combined immunization with NcGRA9 + Ad5-NcAMA1 was significantly better than immunization with either vaccine alone.

Conclusions
The biochemical indexes showed that the vaccine had no effect on the liver and kidney functions of cattle. Our results indicate that combined immunization with NcGRA9 + Ad5-NcAMA1 may be a candidate for bovine neosporosis vaccination.

Graphical Abstract