bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
‘A system that is struggling’: understanding health protection resilience in England during the COVID-19 pandemic through the experiences of local health protection responders
Authors: Rotheram Suzanne , Clayton Stephen , Buchan Ian , Ghebrehewet Sam , Barr Ben 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Local health protection systems play a crucial role in infectious disease prevention and control and were critical to COVID-19 pandemic responses. Despite this vital function, few studies have explored the lived experience of health protection responders managing COVID-19. We provide new insights by examining how COVID-19 shaped infectious disease prevention and control in local health protection systems in England.

Methods
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with twenty local health protection responders from three contrasting local authority areas, and Public Health England (PHE) health protection teams, in England between June 2021 - March 2022. Participants were from: PHE health protection teams (n=6); local authority public health teams (n=5); local authority Public Protection Services (n=7); and local authority commissioned Infection Prevention and Control Teams (n=2). Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.

Results
First, participants acknowledged the pandemic caused an unprecedented workload and disruption to local health protection service delivery. There was not enough capacity within existing local health protection systems to manage the increased workload. PHE health protection teams therefore transferred some COVID-19 related health protection tasks to other staff, mainly those employed by local authorities. Second, health protection responders highlighted how COVID-19 drew attention to the weaknesses in local health protection systems already stressed by reduced funding in the years leading up to the pandemic. Injecting money into the COVID-19 response did not completely overcome former losses in specialist health protection workforce. Third, health protection responders described how pandemic management raised the profile of public health, especially infectious disease prevention and control. Managing COVID-19 strengthened collaborative working, resulting in enhanced capacity of local health protection systems at the time.

Conclusion
The COVID-19 pandemic challenged the public health preparedness of all countries. Health protection responders in this study also expressed many challenges. There was insufficient resilience in these local health protection systems and an inability to scale up the specialist health protection workforce, as required in a pandemic situation. The UK needs to learn from the pandemic experience by acknowledging and addressing the challenges faced by local health protection responders so that it can more effectively respond to future threats.
The role of extracellular vesicles in COPD and potential clinical value
Authors: Liu Shasha , Tan Xiaowu , Liu Sha 
Published: February 2024

AbstractChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a heterogeneous lung disease and a major health burden worldwide. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nanosized vesicles which possess a lipid bilayer structure that are secreted by various cells. They contain a variety of bioactive substances, which can regulate various physiological and pathological processes and are closely related to the development of diseases. Recently, EVs have emerged as a novel tool for intercellular crosstalk, which plays an essential role in COPD development. This paper reviews the role of EVs in the development of COPD and their potential clinical value, in order to provide a reference for further research on COPD.
The optimal co-insurance rate for outpatient drug expenses of Iranian health insured based on the data mining method
Authors: Momahhed Shekoofeh Sadat , Sefiddashti Sara Emamgholipour , Minaei Behrouz , Arab Maryam 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Objective
A more equal allocation of healthcare funds for patients who must pay high costs of care ensures the welfare of society. This study aimed to estimate the optimal co-insurance for outpatient drug costs for health insurance.

Setting
The research population includes outpatient prescription claims made by the Health Insurance Organization that outpatient prescriptions in a timely manner in 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019 were utilized to calculate the optimal co-insurance. The study population was representative of the research sample.

Design
At the secondary level of care, 11 features of outpatient claims were studied cross-sectionally and retrospectively using data mining. Optimal co-insurance was estimated using Westerhut and Folmer's utility model.

Participants
One hundred ninety-three thousand five hundred fifty-two individuals were created from 21 776 350 outpatient claims of health insurance. Because of cost-sharing, insured individuals in a low-income subsidy plan and those with refractory diseases were excluded.

Results
Insureds were divided into three classes of low, middle, and high risk based on IQR and were separated to three clusters using the silhouette coefficient. For the first, second, and third clusters of the low-risk class, the optimal co-insurance estimates are 0.81, 0.76, and 0.84, respectively. It was equal to one for all middle-class clusters and 0.38, 0.45, and 0.42, respectively, for the high-risk class. The insurer's expenses were altered by $3,130,463, $3,451,194, and $ 1,069,859 profit for the first, second, and third clusters, respectively, when the optimal co-insurance strategy is used for the low-risk class. For middle risks, it was US$29,239,815, US$13,863,810, and US$ 14,573,432 while for high risks, US$4,722,099, US$ 6,339,317, and US$19,627,062, respectively.

Conclusions
These findings can improve vulnerable populations' access to costly medications, reduce resource waste, and help insurers distribute funds more efficiently.
An improved method for estimating low LDL-C based on the enhanced Sampson-NIH equation
Authors: Coverdell Tatiana C. , Sampson Maureen , Zubirán Rafael , Wolska Anna , Donato Leslie J. , Meeusen Jeff W. , Jaffe Allan S. , Remaley Alan T. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
The accurate measurement of Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is critical in the decision to utilize the new lipid-lowering therapies like PCSK9-inhibitors (PCSK9i) for high-risk cardiovascular disease patients that do not achieve sufficiently low LDL-C on statin therapy.

Objective
To improve the estimation of low LDL-C by developing a new equation that includes apolipoprotein B (apoB) as an independent variable, along with the standard lipid panel test results.

Methods
Using β-quantification (BQ) as the reference method, which was performed on a large dyslipidemic population (N = 24,406), the following enhanced Sampson-NIH equation (eS LDL-C) was developed by least-square regression analysis:
$$eS\,LDL-C= \frac{TC}{1.15}-\frac{HDL-C}{1.25}-\frac{TG}{6.99}-\frac{\left(TG\times NonHDL-C\right)}{1120}+\frac{{TG}^{2}}{8910}+\frac{\left(TG\times ApoB\right)}{1240}+\frac{ApoB}{4.54}-4.73$$

e
S

L
D
L
-
C
=

TC

1.15

-

H
D
L
-
C

1.25

-

TG

6.99

-

T
G
×
N
o
n
H
D
L
-
C

1120

+

TG

2

8910

+

T
G
×
A
p
o
B

1240

+

ApoB

4.54

-
4.73

Results
The eS LDL-C equation was the most accurate equation for a broad range of LDL-C values based on regression related parameters and the mean absolute difference (mg/dL) from the BQ reference method (eS LDL-C: 4.51, Sampson-NIH equation [S LDL-C]: 6.07; extended Martin equation [eM LDL-C]: 6.64; Friedewald equation [F LDL-C]: 8.3). It also had the best area-under-the-curve accuracy score by Regression Error Characteristic plots for LDL-C < 100 mg/dL (eS LDL-C: 0.953; S LDL-C: 0.920; eM LDL-C: 0.915; F LDL-C: 0.874) and was the best equation for categorizing patients as being below or above the 70 mg/dL LDL-C treatment threshold for adding new lipid-lowering drugs by kappa score analysis when compared to BQ LDL-C for TG < 800 mg/dL (eS LDL-C: 0.870 (0.853–0.887); S LDL-C:0.763 (0.749–0.776); eM LDL-C:0.706 (0.690–0.722); F LDL-C:0.687 (0.672–0.701). Approximately a third of patients with an F LDL-C < 70 mg/dL had falsely low test results, but about 80% were correctly reclassified as higher (≥ 70 mg/dL) by the eS LDL-C equation, making them potentially eligible for PCSK9i treatment. The M LDL-C and S LDL-C equations had less false low results below 70 mg/dL than the F LDL-C equation but reclassification by the eS LDL-C equation still also increased the net number of patients correctly classified.

Conclusions
The use of the eS LDL-C equation as a confirmatory test improves the identification of high-risk cardiovascular disease patients, who could benefit from new lipid-lowering therapies but have falsely low LDL-C, as determined by the standard LDL-C equations used in current practice.
Interplay between proteasome inhibitors and NF-κB pathway in leukemia and lymphoma: a comprehensive review on challenges ahead of proteasome inhibitors
Authors: Pakjoo Mahdi , Ahmadi Seyed Esmaeil , Zahedi Mohammad , Jaafari Niloofar , Khademi Reyhane , Amini Ali , Safa Majid 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe current scientific literature has extensively explored the potential role of proteasome inhibitors (PIs) in the NF-κB pathway of leukemia and lymphoma. The ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) is a critical component in regulating protein degradation in eukaryotic cells. PIs, such as BTZ, are used to target the 26S proteasome in hematologic malignancies, resulting in the prevention of the degradation of tumor suppressor proteins, the activation of intrinsic mitochondrial-dependent cell death, and the inhibition of the NF-κB signaling pathway. NF-κB is a transcription factor that plays a critical role in the regulation of apoptosis, cell proliferation, differentiation, inflammation, angiogenesis, and tumor migration. Despite the successful use of PIs in various hematologic malignancies, there are limitations such as resistant to these inhibitors. Some reports suggest that PIs can induce NF-κB activation, which increases the survival of malignant cells. This article discusses the various aspects of PIs’ effects on the NF-κB pathway and their limitations.
The economic value of human milk from three cohort studies in Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy
Authors: Zabotti Benedetta , Buchini Sara , Milinco Mariarosa , Cattaneo Adriano , Pani Paola , Ronfani Luca 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
The Mothers’ Milk Tool, developed and launched by the Australian National University and Alive & Thrive in 2022, allows to estimate the volume and value of breastmilk using prevalence rates of breastfeeding by month of age from birth to 36 months. The objective of this study was to obtain these estimates for three cohort studies conducted in a region of Italy.

Methods
Breastfeeding data from three cohort studies carried out in 1999, 2007 and 2016, with follow-up to 12, 24 and 36 months of 842, 400 and 265 children, respectively, were entered into the downloadable version of the tool. Breastfeeding rates charts and tables with estimates of breastmilk production and value for breastfeeding of children aged 0–36 months were produced.

Results
The rates of initiation of breastfeeding were similar in the three cohorts, while the rates of any breastfeeding at subsequent ages increased over the years. The volumes and values of breastmilk per child increased accordingly, from around 130 L (13,000 USD) in 1999, to 200 L (20,000 USD) in 2007, to 226 L (22,600 USD) in 2016. The percentage of lost breastmilk decreased from 67.7% to 55.4% to 43.7%, respectively. Overall, the 1507 mothers of the three cohorts produced an estimated 250,000 L of breastmilk for their children aged 0–36 months. At 100 USD per litre, this would add up to around 25 million USD.

Conclusions
Our study shows that the Mothers’ Milk Tool can be used to estimate per child volumes and values of breastmilk produced and lost at local levels, and to provide simple indicators of the effects of breastfeeding interventions using the percentage of lost breastmilk, where datasets on rates of breastfeeding by month of age are available. The results of such studies can be used to advocate for better and adequately funded programmes for the protection, promotion and support of breastfeeding.
Assessing the effects of population-level political, economic and social exposures, interventions and policies on inclusive economy outcomes for health equity in high-income countries: a systematic review of reviews
Authors: Macintyre Anna K. , Shipton Deborah , Sarica Shifa , Scobie Graeme , Craig Neil , McCartney Gerry 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
A fairer economy is increasingly recognised as crucial for tackling widening social, economic and health inequalities within society. However, which actions have been evaluated for their impact on inclusive economy outcomes is yet unknown.

Objective
Identify the effects of political, economic and social exposures, interventions and policies on inclusive economy (IE) outcomes in high-income countries, by systematically reviewing the review-level evidence.

Methods
We conducted a review of reviews; searching databases (May 2020) EconLit, Web of Science, Sociological Abstracts, ASSIA, International Bibliography of the Social Sciences, Public Health Database, Embase and MEDLINE; and registries PROSPERO, Campbell Collaboration and EPPI Centre (February 2021) and grey literature (August/September 2020). We aimed to identify reviews which examined social, political and/or economic exposures, interventions and policies in relation to two IE outcome domains: (i) equitable distribution of the benefits of the economy and (ii) equitable access to the resources needed to participate in the economy. Reviews had to include primary studies which compared IE outcomes within or between groups. Quality was assessed using a modified version of AMSTAR-2 and data synthesised informed by SWiM principles.

Results
We identified 19 reviews for inclusion, most of which were low quality, as was the underlying primary evidence. Most reviews (n = 14) had outcomes relating to the benefits of the economy (rather than access to resources) and examined a limited set of interventions, primarily active labour market programmes and social security. There was limited high-quality review evidence to draw upon to identify effects on IE outcomes. Most reviews focused on disadvantaged groups and did not consider equity impacts.

Conclusions
Review-level evidence is sparse and focuses on ‘corrective’ approaches. Future reviews should examine a diverse set of ‘upstream’ actions intended to be inclusive ‘by design’ and consider a wider range of outcomes, with particular attention to socioeconomic inequalities.
Association between circulating ECM-associated molecules and cardiovascular outcomes in hemodialysis patients: a multicenter prospective cohort study
Authors: Hwang Hyeon Seok , Baek Jihyun , Lee So-Young , Jeong Hye Yun , Kim Jin Sug , Kim Yang Gyun , Ahn ShinYoung , Kim Kipyo , Kang Seok Hui , Lee Min-Jeong , Lee Dong-Young , Lee Yu Ho 
Published: February 2024

AbstractHemodialysis patients are susceptible to cardiovascular remodeling, which increases the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Circulating extracellular matrix (ECM)-associated molecules increase during cardiovascular remodeling and can be potential biomarkers of adverse cardiovascular outcomes. However, their clinical significance in patients undergoing hemodialysis remain unclear. This study aimed to elucidate the association between circulating ECM-associated molecules and cardiovascular outcomes in patients undergoing hemodialysis. To this end, we measured levels of plasma matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, MMP-9, tenascin-C, and thrombospondin-2 in 372 patients with hemodialysis. Plasma MMP-2 levels were significantly higher in patients with future cardiovascular events than in those without future cardiovascular events (P = 0.004). All measured molecules had significant correlations with amino-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide levels, but the correlation coefficient was the strongest for plasma MMP-2 (rho = 0.317, P < 0.001). High plasma MMP-2 levels were predictive of left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction (adjusted odds ratio per a standard deviation increase = 1.48, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.05–2.08) and were independently associated with an increased risk of composite cardiovascular events (adjusted hazard ratio per a standard deviation increase = 1.30, 95% CI = 1.04–1.63). In conclusion, high plasma MMP-2 levels are associated with LV diastolic dysfunction and an increased risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes in hemodialysis patients.
Volume change after maxillary sinus floor elevation with apatite carbonate and octacalcium phosphate
Authors: Nagata Koudai , Kamata Masanobu , Okuhama Yurie , Wakamori Kana , Okubo Manabu , Tsuruoka Hayoto , Atsumi Mihoko , Kawana Hiromasa 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Maxillary molars have low alveolar bone height diameter due to the presence of the maxillary sinus; thus, a sinus lift may be required in some cases. Changes in the volume of bone substitutes can affect the success of implant therapy. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the changes in the volume of two different bone substitutes—one based on carbonate apatite and the other on octacalcium phosphate—used in maxillary sinus floor elevation.

Methods
Nineteen patients and 20 sites requiring maxillary sinus floor elevation were included in the study. Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine data for each patient obtained preoperatively and immediately and 6 months postoperatively were used to measure the volume of the bone grafting material using a three-dimensional image analysis software. The immediate postoperative volume of octacalcium phosphate was 95.3775 mm3 per piece of grafting material used. It was multiplied by the number of pieces used and converted to mL to determine the immediate postoperative volume.

Results
The mean resorption values of carbonate apatite and octacalcium phosphate were 12.7 ± 3.6% and 17.3 ± 3.9%, respectively. A significant difference in the amount of resorption of the two bone replacement materials was observed (P = 0.04).

Conclusions
The results of this study indicate that both bone substitute materials tend to resorb. The two bone grafting materials that are currently medically approved in Japan have not been in the market for a long time, and their long-term prognosis has not yet been reported. Further clinical data are warranted.
Does Advanced Footwear Technology Improve Track and Road Racing Performance? An Explorative Analysis Based on the 100 Best Yearly Performances in the World Between 2010 and 2022
Authors: Willwacher Steffen , Mai Patrick , Helwig Janina , Hipper Markus , Utku Burkay , Robbin Johanna 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAdvanced footwear technology (AFT) is currently being debated in sports. There is a direct evidence that distance running in AFT improves running economy. In addition, there is indirect evidence from competition performance for improved running performance from using AFTs in middle- and long-distance running and sprinting events. However, the extent to which world-class performance is affected across the full range of track and road racing events between genders has not been systematically analyzed. This study examined publicly available performance datasets of annual best track and road performances for evidence of potential systematic performance effects following the introduction of AFT. The analysis was based on the 100 best performances per year for men and women in outdoor events from 2010 to 2022, provided by the world governing body of athletics (World Athletics). We found evidence of progressing improvements in track and road running performances after the introduction of AFT for road races in 2016 and AFT for track racing in 2019. This evidence is more pronounced for distances longer than 1500 m in women and longer than 5000 m in men. Women seem to benefit more from AFT in distance running events than men. For the sprint events (100 m to 400 m hurdles), the peak performance gains in 2021 and 2022 compared to the pre-AFT period ranged from 0.6 to 1.1% and from 0.4 to 0.7% for women and men, respectively. For middle-distance events (400 m to 3000 m steeplechase), peak performance gains ranged from 0.6 to 1.9% and from 0.6 to 0.7% for women and men, respectively. For distances from 5000 m to the marathon, performance gains ranged from 2.2% to 3.5% and 0.7% to 1.4% for women and men, respectively. While the observational study design limits causal inference, this study provides a database on potential systematic performance effects after introducing advanced shoes/spikes in track and road running events in world-class athletes. Further research is needed to examine the underlying mechanisms and, in particular, potential gender differences in the performance effects of AFT.
Relation between metabolic syndrome and psychiatric symptoms severity in women with premenstrual syndrome
Authors: Yahia Mohamed Basiouny , Salah Medhat Ali , Sabry Seham , El Fattah Mahmoud Osama Ahmed Abd , El-Khouly Nashwa , Galal Samir Khamis , Hammour Mohamed Elsayed , Khafagy Wael Abd Elatief , Alkhouly Mohamed , Osman Mustafa A. A. , Rezk Eman Gomaa , Hussein Hend Mohamed , Mostafa Sarah Hossam Eldin , Abdelaziz Abdelaziz Mahmoud , Sallam Sara 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a clinical condition characterized by recurrent moderate-to-severe affective, physical, and behavioral symptoms during the menstrual cycle. The present study aimed to assess the relation between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and symptoms severity in patients with premenstrual syndrome (PMS). This multicentric propensity score matched analysis included 300 women with PMS. They comprised 150 women with MetS and 150 women without MetS. Diagnosis of PMS was based on the validated Arabic version of Premenstrual Symptoms Screening Tool (PSST). For the diagnosis of MetS, we adopted the Harmonized Joint Scientific Statement (HJSS) on metabolic syndrome recommendations.

Results
The present study included 300 patients with PMS. They comprised 150 patients with MetS and 150 patients without MetS. Comparison between the studied groups regarding the demographic and clinical data showed that patients with MetS had significantly higher BMI (30.5 ± 3.0 versus 25.2 ± 3.5 kg/m2, p < 0.001) and longer symptoms duration (4.4 ± 0.9 versus 3.3 ± 1.1 days, p < 0.001). Patients with MetS included higher frequency of moderate-to-severe PMS (35.3% versus 20.7%, p = 0.005). In patients with MetS, it was found that patients with moderate-to-severe PMS have significantly higher BMI, younger age at menarche and longer symptoms duration. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified age at menarche [OR (95% CI): 0.7 (0.55–0.9), p = 0.005], PMS symptoms duration [OR (95% CI): 4.45 (3.0–6.6), p < 0.001] and MetS [OR (95% CI): 1.67 (1.34–2.53), p = 0.017] as significant predictors of moderate-to-severe PMS.

Conclusions
MetS is related to symptoms severity in PMS patients.