bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The socioeconomic burden of pediatric tuberculosis and role of child-sensitive social protection
Authors: Shah Kinari , Nakafeero Jascent , Kadota Jillian L. , Wambi Peter , Nanyonga Gertrude , Kiconco Emma , Deus Atwiine , Sekadde Moorine P. , Nabukenya-Mudiope Mary G. , Tukamuhebwa Hellen Aanyu- , Mupere Ezekiel , Mohanty Swomitra , Cattamanchi Adithya , Wobudeya Eric , Shete Priya B. , Jaganath Devan 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
Households of children with tuberculosis (TB) experience financial and social hardships, but TB-specific social protection initiatives primarily focus on adults.

Methods
We conducted a single-arm, pilot study of multi-component supportive benefits for children with pulmonary TB in Kampala, Uganda. At diagnosis, participants received in-kind coverage of direct medical costs, a cash transfer, and patient navigation. Caregivers were surveyed before diagnosis and 2 months into TB treatment on social and financial challenges related to their child’s illness, including estimated costs, loss of income and dissaving practices.

Results
We included 368 children from 321 households. Pre-diagnosis, 80.1% of caregivers reported that their child’s illness negatively impacted household finances, 44.1% of caregivers missed work, and 24% engaged in dissaving practices. Catastrophic costs (> 20% annual income) were experienced by 18.4% (95% CI 13.7–24.0) of households. School disruption was common (25.6%), and 28% of caregivers were concerned their child was falling behind in development. Two months post-diagnosis, 12 households (4.8%) reported being negatively affected by their child’s TB disease (difference -75.2%, 95% CI -81.2 to -69.2, p < 0.001), with limited ongoing loss of income (1.6%) or dissavings practices (0.8%). Catastrophic costs occurred in one household (0.4%) at 2 months post-diagnosis.

Conclusions
Households face financial and social challenges prior to a child’s TB diagnosis, and child-sensitive social protection support may mitigate ongoing burden.
“Here, your only relative is money…” why slum social networks do not facilitate neighborhood community development: insights through a sanitation lens
Authors: Kwiringira Japheth Nkiriyehe , Rujumba Joseph , Ariho Paulino , Mugisha James , Zakumumpa Henry , Mohling Elizabeth W Perry , Akugizibwe Mathias , Tumwebaze Innocent Kamara , Onyutha Charles 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Introduction
Though social networks which are deemed vehicles of community development exist in slum areas, underdevelopment still persists in these areas. We explored the nature and role of social networks in facilitating community development in the slums of Kampala through a sanitation lens.

Methods
Qualitative Social Network Analysis (SNA) was done to understand the nature of slum social networks primarily through the analysis of sanitation behavior. Data were collected through six Focus Group Discussions (FGD), six In-depth Interviews (IDIs), and 18 Key Informant Interviews (KII) with Government, civil society and private stakeholders. We used both inductive and deductive thematic analysis.

Results
Four themes emerged in our analysis; i); Unsupportive environments, uncooperative neighbours and uncertainty of tenure: participants reported slums as unsupportive of community development due to a shortage of space, poverty and unplanned services. Tenants perceived landlords as exploitative and predatory and wished the tables are turned. This notion of cyclic exploitation did not encourage collective action for community good. Short-term economic survival trumped long-term community interests ii) Patronage and poor service delivery: varying degrees of patronage led to multiple forms of illegalities and violations such as tax evasion. Due to vested interests and corruption among public officials, the slum population was lethargic. iii) Intersecting realities of poverty and unemployment: slum dwellers lived on the margins daily. Hence, poor living conditions were a secondary concern. iv) Social relations for personal development: Slum social networks were driven by individual interests rather than community good. Slum dwellers prioritized connections with people of common socio-economic interests. As such social networks were instrumental only if they ‘added value’.

Conclusion
Social networks in slums are only concerned about survival needs. Slums require responses that address the complexity of slum formation and broader livelihood challenges, as well as re-assessing the meaning of community. We posit that more needs to be done in understanding the meaning and workings of a sociology beyond physical societies. Poverty is a modifier of social systems and processes and should be a concern for all stakeholders involved in slum development.
Mental health and resilience after the covid-19 pandemic: a multi-ethnic longitudinal survey
Authors: Sumner Jennifer , Chen Mark , En Alexius Matthias Soh Sheng , Xun Vanessa Lim Wei , Neo Sin Hui , Lim Yee Wei 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
Longitudinal work on the impact of COVID-19 on population mental health and resilience beyond the first year of the pandemic is lacking. We aimed to understand how mental health and resilience evolved during the pandemic (2020) and two years later (2022) in a multi-ethnic Singaporean population. In addition, we assessed what characteristics were associated with mental health and resilience scores.

Methods
We surveyed and analysed two balanced panel samples up to four times between 30th April 2020 and 11th July 2022. One panel assessed psychological distress (Kessler-10) and well-being (short Warwick Edinburgh Mental Well-being scale) n = 313, and one panel assessed resilience (10-item Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale©) n = 583. A linear panel regression model with random effects assessed the temporal patterns for psychological distress, well-being, and resilience.

Results
Mean psychological distress scores (Kessler-10) were relatively stable over time and were not statistically significantly worse than baseline at any follow-up. Well-being scores improved over time and were significantly better than baseline by the third survey (22nd Jul-18th Aug 2020) (0.54 p = 0.007, Cohen’s d 0.12). Scores had worsened by the last survey (27th June-11th July 2022) but were not significantly different from baseline 0.20 p = 0.30. Resilience scores declined over time. Scores at both follow-ups (14th Aug- 4th Sep 2020 and 27th June-11th July 2022) were statistically significantly lower than baseline: -1.69 p < 0.001 (Cohen’s d 0.25) and -0.96 p = 0.006 (Cohen’s d 0.14), respectively.

Conclusions
Our study joins a body of work measuring the longitudinal effects of COVID-19 on population mental health and resilience. While, the magnitude of the effect related to resilience decline is small, our findings indicate that particular attention should be given to ongoing population surveillance, with the aim of maintaining good health and well-being.
Doubts and concerns about COVID-19 uncertainties on imaging data, clinical score, and outcomes
Authors: Nardi Cosimo , Magnini Andrea , Calistri Linda , Cavigli Edoardo , Peired Anna Julie , Rastrelli Vieri , Carlesi Edoardo , Zantonelli Giulia , Smorchkova Olga , Cinci Lorenzo , Orlandi Martina , Landini Nicholas , Berillo Edoardo , Lorini Chiara , Mencarini Jessica , Colao Maria Grazia , Gori Leonardo , Luzzi Valentina , Lazzeri Chiara , Cipriani Elisa , Bonizzoli Manuela , Pieralli Filippo , Nozzoli Carlo , Morettini Alessandro , Lavorini Federico , Bartoloni Alessandro , Rossolini Gian Maria , Matucci-Cerinic Marco , Tomassetti Sara , Colagrande Stefano 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackgroundCOVID-19 is a pandemic disease affecting predominantly the respiratory apparatus with clinical manifestations ranging from asymptomatic to respiratory failure. Chest CT is a crucial tool in diagnosing and evaluating the severity of pulmonary involvement through dedicated scoring systems. Nonetheless, many questions regarding the relationship of radiologic and clinical features of the disease have emerged in multidisciplinary meetings. The aim of this retrospective study was to explore such relationship throughout an innovative and alternative approach.Materials and methodsThis study included 550 patients (range 25–98 years; 354 males, mean age 66.1; 196 females, mean age 70.9) hospitalized for COVID-19 with available radiological and clinical data between 1 March 2021 and 30 April 2022. Radiological data included CO-RADS, chest CT score, dominant pattern, and typical/atypical findings detected on CT examinations. Clinical data included clinical score and outcome. The relationship between such features was investigated through the development of the main four frequently asked questions summarizing the many issues arisen in multidisciplinary meetings, as follows 1) CO-RADS, chest CT score, clinical score, and outcomes; 2) the involvement of a specific lung lobe and outcomes; 3) dominant pattern/distribution and severity score for the same chest CT score; 4) additional factors and outcomes.Results1) If CT was suggestive for COVID, a strong correlation between CT/clinical score and prognosis was found; 2) Middle lobe CT involvement was an unfavorable prognostic criterion; 3) If CT score < 50%, the pattern was not influential, whereas if CT score > 50%, crazy paving as dominant pattern leaded to a 15% increased death rate, stacked up against other patterns, thus almost doubling it; 4) Additional factors usually did not matter, but lymph-nodes and pleural effusion worsened prognosis.ConclusionsThis study outlined those radiological features of COVID-19 most relevant towards disease severity and outcome with an innovative approach.
Tofacitinib in the treatment of primary Sjögren’s syndrome-associated interstitial lung disease: study protocol for a prospective, randomized, controlled and open-label trial
Authors: Gao Ronglin , Pu Jincheng , Wang Yanqing , Wu Zhenzhen , Liang Yuanyuan , Song Jiamin , Pan Shengnan , Han Fang , Yang Lufei , Xu Xianghuai , Tang Jianping , Wang Xuan 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Introduction
Tofacitinib, a selective inhibitor of JAK1 and/or JAK3, is considered to alleviate the pulmonary condition of primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS)-associated interstitial lung disease (ILD) through its anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic effects.

Methods and analysis
This is a single-center, prospective, randomized, open-label trial. The trial will compare a 52-week course of oral tofacitinib with traditional therapy cyclophosphamide (CYC) combined with azathioprine (AZA) in the treatment of pSS-ILD. A total of 120 patients will be randomly assigned into two treatment groups with a 1:1 ratio and followed for 52 weeks from the first dose. The primary endpoint of the study is the increase of forced vital capacity (FVC) at 52 weeks. Secondary endpoints include high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT), diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide of the lung (DLCO), the Mahler dyspnea index, the health-related quality of life (HARQoL) score, the cough symptom score, EULAR Sjögren's syndrome disease activity index (ESSDAI), and safety.

Discussion
This study will be the first randomized controlled trial to investigate tofacitinib compared to the traditional regimen of CYC in combination with AZA in the treatment of pSS-ILD, which will provide data on efficacy and safety and further elucidate the role of the JAK-STAT signaling pathway in the development of pSS-ILD.

Ethics and dissemination
Before starting the experiment, the research proposal, informed consent (ICF) and relevant documents in accordance with the ethical principles of the Helsinki Declaration and the relevant requirements of the local GCP rules for ethical approval shall be submitted to the ethics committee of the hospital. The ethical approval of this study is reviewed by the Ethics Committee of Tongji Hospital and the ethical approval number is 2021-LCYJ-007. When the experiment is completed, the results will also be disseminated to patients and the public through publishing papers in international medical journals.

Trial registration
The study was registered on the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, www.chictr.org.cn; ID ChiCTR2000031389.
Effect of coadministration of omega-3 fatty acids with glimepiride on glycemic control, lipid profile, irisin, and sirtuin-1 in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Werida Rehab H. , Ramzy Aalaa , Ebrahim Youssri Nassief , Helmy Maged Wasfy 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background and objective
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is caused by insulin resistance or tissue insensitivity to insulin, as well as relative insulin insufficiency. Diabetes that is uncontrolled for an extended period of time is linked to substantial comorbidities and organ damage. The purpose of the current study is to assess the effect of coadministration of omega-3 fatty acids with glimepiride on blood glucose, lipid profile, serum irisin, and sirtuin-1 levels in T2DM patients.

Methods
This clinical trial involved 70 type 2 diabetic patients randomly assigned to glimepiride 3 mg with either omega-3 capsules contained fish oil 1000 mg, 13% of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and 9% docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (omega-3 group, n = 35) or placebo capsules contained corn oil and linoleic acid (control group, n = 35) daily for three months. Blood samples were obtained at the start of the study and 12 weeks later for biochemical examination of HbA1c%, FBG, fasting insulin, and lipid profile. In addition, the atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) was calculated. Human enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits were utilized for assessing serum irisin and sirtuin-1 levels before and after the intervention.

Results
Compared to the control group, omega-3 fatty acids decreased serum fasting blood glucose (FBG, p < 0.001), glycated hemoglobin percent (HbA1C%, p < 0.001), total cholesterol (TC, p < 0.001), triglycerides (TGs, p = 0.006), low density lipoprotein (LDL, p = 0.089), and Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR, p = 0.021) after three months of intervention. However, a significant increase was reported in serum irisin and high density lipoprotein (HDL) between both groups after intervention (p = 0.026 and p = 0.007, respectively). The atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) increased in the control group but decreased in the omega-3 group, with significant differences between the two groups (p < 0.001).

Conclusion
The present study found that supplementing with omega-3 fatty acids might dramatically enhance blood irisin levels, as well as improve glycemic control and lipid profile in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients using glimepiride.

Trial Registration
This study is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov under identifier NCT03917940. (The registration date: April 17, 2019).
Effect of physiotherapeutic procedures on the bioelectric activity of the masseter muscle and the range of motion of the temporomandibular joints in the female population with chronic pain: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Gębska Magdalena , Dalewski Bartosz , Pałka Łukasz , Kiczmer Paweł , Kołodziej Łukasz 
Published: November 2023

Summary
Introduction
Physical therapy (PT) methods applied in dentistry are increasingly discussed nowadays. Taking into account a rapidly growing number of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) and orofacial pain patients, it is reasonable to determine which of the available physiotherapeutic (PT) methods are more effective than others, especially in terms of their possible analgesic and myorelaxant effects.

Objective
To assess manual and physical factors influencing pain reduction or elimination and increased muscle tension in patients with TMD; yet the influence of the applied forms of PT on the range of motion (ROM) of temporomandibular joints (TMJ).

Material and methods
A randomized, parallel-group, RCT, single-blind, equi-randomized (1:1) study was conducted in DC/TMD Group Ib patients (20–45 years of age). An experimental group (G1, n = 104) and a control group without TMD (G2, n = 104) were created according to CONSORT guidelines. Diagnostic measurements were performed in both groups (mass sEMG, temporomandibular joint range of motion-ROM, pain intensity - NRS). Group G1 was randomly divided (envelope method) into 4 therapeutic groups, in which therapy was carried out for 10 days: magnetostimulation (MS), magnetoledotherapy (MLE), magnetolaserotherapy (MLA), manual therapy (MT). Each time after the therapy, ROM and NRS measurements were performed, and after the 5th and 10th day sEMG.

Results
Statistically significant differences were found in the sEMG values of the masseter muscles, TMJ ROM and the pain intensity in G1 and G2 (p < 0.00). The largest decrease in sEMG (% MVC) of the masseter muscle occurred in the subgroup in which the manual therapy (MT) procedures were applied, p < 0.000. There was no clinically significant difference in and between other subgroups. There was a distinct mandible ROM increase noted in the MT group, with minimal changes in the MLA and MLE groups and no changes in the MS group. There was a clear increase in the lateral mobility of both right and left TMJ in the MT group. There were no differences in the course of the study in the MS group, and slight increases in the MLA and MLE groups. In the case of pain measurements, the greatest decrease in pain intensity was observed in the MT subgroup.

Conclusions
According to our results manual therapy is an effective form of treatment in patients with pain, increased masticatory muscle tension and limitation in mandible ROM. Dental physiotherapy should become an integral part of multimodal TMD patients’ treatment.
Circ_0099630 knockdown alleviates lipopolysaccharide-induced injuries of human periodontal ligament cells through the inhibition of TLR4 by releasing miR-409-3p
Authors: Qi Hongyan , Han Bing , Che Jin 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
Periodontitis triggers tooth loss and affects the health of population worldwide. Emerging evidence hints that circular RNAs (circRNAs) are involved in various diseases, including periodontitis. This study aimed to investigate the role of circ_0099630 in the progression of periodontitis.

Methods
Periodontitis cell model was constructed by treating human periodontal ligament cells (HPDLCs) with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Quantitative real-time PCR was used to analyze the expression of circ_0099630, microRNA-409-3p (miR-409-3p) and toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) mRNA. Western blot was used for detecting protein levels of TLR4, cleaved-caspase 3, Bcl-2, CyclinD1 and NF-κB signaling markers. For function analyses, cell proliferation was assessed by CCK-8 assay and EdU assay. The releases of pro-inflammation factors were monitored by ELISA kits. The potential relationship between miR-409-3p and circ_0099630 or TLR4 was verified by dual-luciferase reporter assay, RIP assay and pull-down assay.

Results
The expression of circ_0099630 and TLR4 was elevated in periodontitis patients and LPS-treated HPDLCs. LPS induced HPDLC proliferation inhibition, apoptosis and inflammatory responses, while circ_0099630 knockdown or TLR4 knockdown alleviated these injuries. Besides, TLR4 overexpression reversed the inhibitory effect of circ_0099630 knockdown on LPS-induced HPDLC injuries. Mechanism analysis showed that circ_0099630 positively regulated TLR4 expression by acting as miR-409-3p sponge. MiR-409-3p restoration largely ameliorated LPS-induced HPDLC injuries by depleting TLR4. Moreover, LPS activated the NF-κB signaling pathway, while circ_0099630 knockdown inhibited the activity of NF-κB signaling via the miR-409-3p/TLR4 axis.

Conclusion
Circ_0099630 knockdown relieved LPS-induced HPDLC injury by miR-409-3p/TLR4 axis, suggesting that circ_0099630 might be a potential target for periodontitis treatment.
Barriers and enablers for oral health promotion programs amongst primary healthcare stakeholders in Qatar – a qualitative investigation
Authors: Alkhtib Asmaa Othman , Ali Kamran , Sajnani Anand K. , Anweigi Lamyia 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
Oral health of preschool children remains a concern globally. Primary healthcare providers are in a vital position to support preventive oral care programmes. This study explored current practices, perception and barriers of primary health care professionals towards oral health promotion program of children in Qatar.

Methods
The qualitative research used focus group discussions and interviewed a total of 108 participants that were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Four major themes emerged and were analysed to explore contextual patterns within the data.

Results
Participants acknowledged the high prevalence of caries in children and identified the causes in the local context which included parental practices, poor dietary habits, impact of culture lack of oral health knowledge, limitations in the healthcare system, and negative role of the media. However, complex barriers were exposed, including lack of time and ownership, system coordination between organizations, and lack of policy.

Conclusion
Health professionals and bureaucrats involved in decision-making held a positive attitude towards oral health prevention programs and were enthusiastic to initiate and support these programs.
Evaluation of implants in smoking and non-smoking patients with peri-implant disease risk analysis and esthetic scores: an observational study
Authors: Şahin Tuğba 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
This study examined how smoking affects esthetics, peri-implant health, gingiva around the implant, and implant disease risk assessment in patients with implants.

Methods
The study included two hundred ninety-eight implants of systemically healthy patients aged between 38 and 62 who applied to the Periodontology Clinic and whose functionally prosthesis-loaded implants had been at least six months and at most five years old. Implants of patients with bruxism were not included in the study. Implants are divided into two according to the patient’s smoking. Vestibule depth around the implant, keratinized gingival thickness and width, gingival recession, bleeding on probing, pocket depth, and gingival index by a sole clinician. The pink esthetic score, peri-implant disease risk assessment, and implant health scale were also examined to measure implant esthetics and success.

Results
There was a statistically significant difference in the implant disease risk assesment scores for the examined implants of smokers and nonsmokers (p < 0.05). People who had peri-implantitis had higher implant disease risk assesment score levels. The dental implant health scale revealed a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) in the likelihood of implant disease. According to the dental implant health scale, dental implants were 100% successful for non-smokers. There was a significant difference in the keratinized gingiva width between smokers and nonsmokers (p < 0.05). The results of the study showed that nonsmokers had a wider keratinized gingiva.

Conclusions
Research has demonstrated that the act of smoking has the potential to jeopardize the long-term survival of dental implants and the surrounding peri-implant tissues. The results of this study indicate that it would be advisable for dentists to provide guidance to their patients on smoking cessation and to monitor any alterations in behavior closely. Furthermore, it would be advantageous for dental professionals to elucidate the impact of smoking on the susceptibility of smokers to peri-implant disease.