bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Perceptions Surrounding Cochlear Implants Among At-Risk and Qualifying Older Adults in the United States
Authors: Carlson Matthew L. , Lohse Christine M. , Marinelli John P. , Sydlowski Sarah A. , Collaborative Hearing Health 
Published: October 2023

Objective
Limited evidence to date has examined public perceptions of cochlear implants among adult hearing aid users with moderate to profound hearing loss. The current work was conceived with the chief objective of characterizing the perceptions surrounding cochlear implants among the prospective candidate pool.

Study design
National cross-sectional survey study.

Setting
United States.

Patients
Adults between 50 and 80 years of age with self-reported moderate to moderately severe (n = 200) or moderately severe to profound (n = 200) hearing loss currently using hearing aids.

Results
The overall survey response rate was 12%. Median age at time of survey for the 400 respondents was 66 years (interquartile range, 60–71 yr) and included 215 (54%) men. In total, 26% did not think of hearing loss as a medical condition, and another 23% were unsure. Overall, 63% of respondents had heard of cochlear implants, but only 2% indicated they were very familiar with them. Despite 52% of respondents reporting “very positive” or “somewhat positive” feelings about cochlear implants, only 9% indicated they were “very likely” to get a cochlear implant in the future, including 7% of those with estimated moderately severe to profound hearing loss at time of survey.

Conclusions
Even among people with presumed qualifying levels of hearing loss, there exists a widespread lack of familiarity with cochlear implantation as a viable treatment option. This limited awareness seems influenced by a generally poor appreciation for hearing loss as a chronic disease state that warrants treatment. However, among those familiar with cochlear implants, they are generally viewed favorably.
The climate impact of dialysis
Authors: Phua Elaine , Shen Yvonne 
Published: October 2023

Purpose of review
A reciprocal relationship currently exists between climate change and healthcare, mutually influencing each other. There have been significant planetary shifts in recent decades, marked by escalating temperatures, frequent natural calamities, a disturbing surge in climate-linked fatalities, and a heightened incidence of kidney disease diagnoses.

Recent findings
Dialysis, a life-preserving treatment for kidney failure, extends to 2–3 million patients globally, mainly through in-centre haemodialysis. This treatment exerts an environmental toll, contributing to the healthcare sector's carbon footprint through water usage, energy consumption, waste generation, and current procurement practices. Diligent scrutiny and data collection of these facets have spurred sustainability initiatives, beginning at the local level with water, energy, and waste management. Still, this represents just the tip of the iceberg, with a pressing need for more comprehensive and habitual sustainable dialysis practices.

Summary
This review examines the carbon footprint from dialysis, probes its ecological ramifications, and underscores potential solutions to lessen its climate impact.
Short and Long-Term Outcomes in Hirschsprung Disease: Are the Syndrome-Associated Patients Really Doing Worse?
Authors: Gagnon Hugo , Duguay Sophie , Prasil Pascale , Castilloux Julie 
Published: October 2023

Introduction:
Given the lack of data to help caregivers in the follow-up of Hirschsprung disease (HD), this study aimed to compare the functional outcomes of isolated Hirschsprung disease (I-HD) to syndrome-associated Hirschsprung disease (SA-HD) at 1, 3, 5, and 10 years.

Methods:
A retrospective chart review of patients diagnosed with HD between January 1990 and May 2021 at our pediatric center was performed to collect data on patient characteristics, investigations, and treatments. Ninety-five patients were identified, of whom 76 were included in the study. SA-HD is defined as a syndrome known to be associated with HD or cognitive impairment.

Results:
Patient characteristics were comparable between groups (P > 0.05). There were 52 patients with I-HD and 24 with SA-HD. The patients median age was 9 days at diagnosis and 1.5 month at surgery. SA-HD patients became bowel continent at a significantly older age (mean age 8.43 vs 4.94 years, P = 0.0471) and received more bowel continence medications. At 5 years, SA-HD patients requiring ≥2 medications for bowel continence represented 54.5% versus 11.1% of I-HD patients (P = 0.009). Lastly, SA-HD patients had urinary incontinence at a significantly older age (P = 0.0136, 5 years).

Conclusion:
Clinicians should be aware that SA-HD patients are more prone to bladder dysfunction and became bowel continent at an older age than I-HD patients. They need more and prolonged bowel management medications, and other important complications need to be addressed in patient care. These results should prompt a longer follow-up period for these patients, especially in SA-HD.
Prevalence and predictors of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae among HIV-negative pregnant women in Kenya
Authors: Mogaka Jerusha N. , Drake Alison L. , Matemo Daniel , Kinuthia John , McClelland R. Scott , Unger Jennifer A. , Richardson Barbra A. , John-Stewart Grace , Pintye Jillian 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background

Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) infections in pregnancy contribute to adverse perinatal outcomes. We identified predictors of CT and/or NG infection among pregnant Kenyan women.

Methods
Women without HIV were enrolled at two antenatal clinics in Western Kenya. CT and NG were assessed using endocervical samples for nucleic acid amplification tests (NAAT). Poisson regression models were used to evaluate potential CT/NG risk factors. Classification and regression trees (CART) were generated to evaluate the joint effects of predictors.

Results
Overall, 1276 women had both CT and NG assessments. Women enrolled at a median of 26 weeks gestation (IQR 22-31), median age was 22 years (IQR 19-27), and 78% were married. In total, 98 (7.7%) tested positive for CT/NG: 70 (5.5%) for CT, 32 (2.5%) for NG, 4 of whom (0.3%) had co-infections. Two-thirds (66%) of CT/NG cases were asymptomatic and would have been missed with only syndromic management. Risk factors of CT/NG included age < 22 years, crowded living conditions, being unmarried, being in partnerships for <1-year, abnormal vaginal discharge, previous STI history, and T. vaginalis diagnosis(p < 0.05). CART analyses identified unmarried women <22 years in relationships for <1 year as 6.1 times more likely to have CT/NG compared to women without these characteristics (26% vs. 6%, adjusted prevalence ratio = 6.1, 95% CI: 3.55–10.39, p < 0.001).

Conclusion
CT/NG was frequently asymptomatic and common among young unmarried women in newer partnerships in this cohort. Integrating CT/NG testing into routine antenatal care may be beneficial, especially for young women in Kenya.
Accuracy and Precision of New Optical Biometer Designed for Myopia Management in Measurement of Ocular Biometry
Authors: Chamarty Sruthi , Verkicharla Pavan K. 
Published: October 2023

SIGNIFICANCE
This study provides information about the repeatability of Myopia Master (Oculus, Wetzlar, Germany) and its agreement with Lenstar LS900, which might be useful for the practitioners involved in myopia management.

PURPOSE
Myopia Master is a new optical biometer that measures ocular biometry and refractive error. The purpose of this study was to assess its repeatability (intrasession and short-term intersession) and its agreement with Lenstar LS900 for the measurement of axial length and corneal curvature.

METHODS
A total of 304 participants including 254 children (mean ± standard deviation age, 13.7 ± 1.6 years) and 50 adults (24 ± 2.9 years) underwent measurements on Myopia Master and Lenstar LS900 to obtain axial length, flat K, and steep K. On a subset of 30 participants, measurements were obtained with Myopia Master in two sessions that were spread over 10 minutes to assess the short-term intersession repeatability.

RESULTS
The mean standard deviation of Myopia Master in the measurement of axial length in the total sample was 0.01 mm for intrasession, when the best three measurements were considered. The short-term intersession mean standard deviation for axial length, flat K, and steep K was 0.06 mm, 0.15 D, and 0.21 D, respectively. There were statistically significant differences in mean values of axial length (−0.04 ± 0.06 mm), flat K (−0.07 ± 0.15 D), and steep K (−0.24 ± 0.29 D) between Lenstar LS900 and Myopia Master, with the Lenstar providing slightly longer axial length and steeper K values. Adults showed better repeatability with Myopia Master and better agreement between the biometers for axial length measurement than children. Neither axial length nor refractive error influenced the repeatability or agreement.

CONCLUSIONS
Myopia Master is repeatable for the measurement of axial length and corneal curvature. Considering the differences in axial length between the Myopia Master and Lenstar LS900, caution must be applied when these biometers are used interchangeably.
Refractive Index Measurement of the Crystalline Lens in Vivo
Authors: He Ji C. 
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT

Significance
This study provides a new method to measure the refractive index of crystalline lens in the human eye in vivo.

Purpose
Accessing the refractive index of crystalline lenses in the human eye in vivo has long been a challenge. This study aimed to measure the refractive index of a lens in vivo using an anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) system combined with a Scheimpflug imaging system.

Method
A ray-traceable Scheimpflug imaging was developed and integrated into an AS-OCT system. A theoretical study revealed that the combination of these two systems provides a unique solution for simultaneously measuring the refractive index and the thickness of the lens. The average lens refractive index along the ray pathway (Nav) and lens shape were measured for seven subjects.

Results
The lens Nav along the central ray varies from 1.383 to 1.419 between subjects. The lens refractive index function across the lens diameter varies from subject to subject. The lens Nav increases for accommodated eyes. The thicknesses and profiles of the lenses are also determined.

Conclusions
The lens refractive index varies substantially from individual eye to individual eye, not only along the central ray pathway but also for the lens refractive index function across the lens diameter. Ray-traceable Scheimpflug imaging-equipped AS-OCT is useful for testing the refractive index of lenses in the human eye in vivo.
The Unique Properties of Tear Film Break-up Process in Patients with Nasal Unilateral Pterygium
Authors: Chang Jingyao , Lin Xinru , Kang Zhen , Xu Renfeng , Xue Chunyan 
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT

Significance
This study found that the unique properties of tear film break-up process in eyes with pterygium, which, combined with ocular surface parameters, further revealed specific dynamic mechanism. It suggested the thickness of pterygium was especially valuable in deciding the necessity of surgical management.

Purpose
To explore the dynamics mechanism of tear film instability in eyes with pterygium.

Methods
A paired-eye controlled cross-sectional study. 78 patients with nasal pterygium were enrolled. Fluorescein tear film breakup was observed. Several key parameters related to tear film quality were defined and analyzed, including total break-up area (mathematically derived from pixel size using MATLAB), break-up velocity, fluorescein break-up time, break-up location and pattern, tear meniscus height (TMH), score of fluorescein corneal staining (SCSF) and meiboscore.

Results
With comparable TMH, SCSF and meiboscore between paired eyes (P > .05), eyes with pterygium had shorter break-up time, larger break-up area and faster break-up velocity (P < .05). In eyes with pterygium, a positive correlation between meiboscore and pterygium parameters including length, thickness and size were observed (P < .001). As the thickness increased, difference of break-up time and area between paired eyes increased (P = .02 and .046). Eyes with pterygium had more fixed inferonasal break-up location and often presented as dimple break (60.3%) while random break was the most common in contralateral normal eyes (61.5%). A unique break-up pattern named pterygium-induced local dimple break was found. It displayed as irregular but vertical line-like shape appearing after lipid layer spreading, which adjacent to lower margin of pterygium and presented unique properties including inferonasal break-up location, local break-up area, shorten break-up time and faster break-up velocity.

Conclusions
Eyes with pterygium showed a unique tear film break-up process and novel break-up pattern named pterygium-induced local dimple break. Dynamic mechanism played a significant role in tear film instability of eyes with pterygium rather than aqueous-deficiency and increased-evaporation.
The microbiome as a biomarker of anal precancerous lesions in people with HIV
Authors: Ron Raquel , Moreno Elena , Rosas Cancio-Suárez Marta , Serrano-Villar Sergio 
Published: October 2023

Purpose of review
Early detection and treatment of human papillomavirus (HPV)-related anal dysplasia in some high-risk groups can help anal cancer prevention, but new tools to improve diagnostic and risk assessment are needed. Here, we aim to discuss the evidence on the role of the microbiome as a potential biomarker for anal high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSILs) in people with HIV (PWH).

Recent findings
This review covers relevant studies on the links between the microbiome and HPV infection, cervical dysplasia/cancer, and anal HPV disease. It focuses on anal samples and precancerous lesions.

Summary
The review highlights the promising potential of the anal microbiome as a novel biomarker for precancerous lesions in people with HIV, while also discussing limitations and future research needs.
Pan-genome analysis of different morphotypes reveals genomic basis ofBrassica oleraceadomestication and differential organogenesis
Authors: Guo Ning , Wang Shenyun , Wang Tianyi , Duan Mengmeng , Zong Mei , Miao Liming , Han Shuo , Wang Guixiang , Liu Xin , Zhang Deshuang , Jiao Chengzhi , Xu Hongwei , Chen Liyang , Fei Zhangjun , Li Jianbin , Liu Fan 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe domestication ofBrassica oleraceahas resulted in diverse morphological types with distinct patterns of organ development. Here we report a graph-based pan-genome ofB. oleraceaconstructed with high-quality genome assemblies of different morphotypes. The pan-genome harbors over 200 structural variant (SV) hotspot regions enriched with auxin and flowering-related genes. Population genomic analyses reveal that early domestication ofB. oleraceafocused on leaf or stem selection. Gene flows resulting from agricultural practices and variety improvement are detected among different morphotypes. Selective sweep analysis identifies an auxin-responsive SAUR gene and a CLE family gene as the crucial players in the leaf-stem differentiation during the early stage ofB. oleraceadomestication, and theBoKAN1gene as instrumental in shaping the leafy heads of cabbage and Brussels sprouts. Our pan-genome and functional analyses further discover that variations in theBoFLC2gene play key roles in the divergence of vernalization and flowering characteristics among different morphotypes, and variations in the first intron ofBoFLC3are involved in fine-tuning the flowering process in cauliflower. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of the pan-genome ofB. oleraceaand sheds light on the domestication and differential organ development of this globally important crop species.
Force sensing GPR133 is essential for normal balance and modulates vestibular hair cell membrane excitability via Gi signaling and CNGA3 coupling
Authors: Yang Zhao , Zhou Shu-Hua , Wang Ming-Wei , Ping Yu-Qi , Fu Xiao-Long , Zhao Ru-Jia , Xiao Peng , Lu Yan , Zhang Qi-Yue , Song Zhi-Chen , Xi Yue-Tong , Lin Hui , Zheng Yuan , Qin Wei , Yi Fan , Yu Xiao , Chai Ren-Jie , Sun Jin-Peng 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe maintenance of normal balance sensing is a fundamental prerequisite for virtually every activity of daily life. As one set most important balance information collectors, vestibular hair cells convert mechanical stimuli from head movement into electrical signals through a mechanoelectrical transduction (MET) process. The molecular mechanism underlying equilibrioception and MET in vestibular hair cells is not well understood but is generally believed to be mediated by ion channels. However, whether these procedures are also mediated by other receptors, such as GPCRs, which are known to govern light, odorant and taste sensing, is not known. Here, by screening the expression of force-sensitive adhesion GPCRs in vestibular hair cells and phenotype profiling in animal models, we identified that a seven-transmembrane receptor, GPR133, was able to sense force in utricle hair cells and was required for maintenance of normal equilibrioception. Notably, GPR133 converted mechanical stimuli into changes in intracellular cAMP levels through Gi engagement and then modulated plasma membrane excitability and mediated MET by coupling to CNGA3 activity changes in approximately 30% of GPR133-expressing utricle hair cells. GPR133-mediated MET and its coupling with CNGA3 were recapitulated by an in vitro reconstitution system. Further chemical labeling, mass spectrometry and cryo-EM analysis provided potential structural information on force-induced GPR133 activation and Gi3 engagement. Collectively, our findings reveal the essential role of GPR133 in the maintenance of normal equilibrioception and suggest that GPCR family members can participate in the MET process in utricle hair cells through modulation of intracellular second messenger levels and ion channel coupling.
Psychosocial effects of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis on Patients in Northwestern Ethiopia: A qualitative study
Authors: Fikre Helina , Mohammed Yesuf Yassin , Atinafu Saba , Mullaw Tadele , Dessie Deladergachew , Mulugeta Zemenay , Tadesse Azeb , van Griensven Johan , van Henten Saskia 
Published: October 2023

AbstractCutaneous Leishmaniasis (CL) is a serious skin disease prevalent in many countries around the world, and in Ethiopia, it presents with stigmatizing lesions sometimes compared to leprosy. However, little attention has been given to the psychosocial impact of CL on affected individuals.To address this gap, we conducted a qualitative study using in-depth interviews with 13 CL patients (three patients with diffuse CL, three with localized CL, and seven with mucocutaneous leishmaniasisis).Interpretative phenomenological analysis was used to analyze the qualitative data collected from the in-depth interviews. Our analysis revealed two themes: psychological burden, and social burden. As to psychosocial burden, patients reported experiencing anger, sadness, shame, fear, and hopelessness, along with feelings of inferiority.. Related to the social burden of CL, self-stigmatization, stigma, disrupted life, disability, community reaction, and lack of social support were identified as subthemes.These findings highlight the overlooked psychosocial problems faced by Ethiopian CL patients and underscore the need for patient-oriented treatment packages. Policymakers and researchers should focus on creating community awareness on CL along with integrating psychological interventions.
JasMAP: A Joint Ancestry and SNP Association Method for a Multi-way Admixed Population
Authors: Mugo Jacquiline Wangui , Chimusa Emile Rugamika , Mulder Nicola 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe large volume of research findings submitted to the GWAS catalog in the last decade is a clear indication of the exponential progress of these studies and association approaches. This success has, however, been dimmed by recurring concerns about disparity and the lack of population diversity. As a result, researchers are now responding, and GWAS extension to diverse populations is under way. Initial GWAS methods were calibrated using European populations with long-range regions of linkage disequilibrium (LD) and haplotypes. This implies that, as GWAS extends to diverse populations, the development of inclusive methods targeted at these populations is imperative. Particularly in multi-way admixed populations, methods that include both genotypes and ancestry associations have been shown to improve power while controlling for the additional LD structure introduced by admixture processes. However, these methods continue to be tailored to only 2-way admixed populations. Though this is a justifiable start, the breeding structures of today suggest that the world population is more likely to increase in the number of multi-admixed individuals, and tools targeted at 2-way admixed individuals will continue to exclude a larger part of diverse populations. In this study, we propose a joint ancestry and SNP association method, JasMAP, that is tailored to multi-way admixed populations. We explore the LMM approach that has become standard in GWAS of structured populations in a Bayesian context, model local ancestry variation as prior knowledge, and update the genotype association to obtain a joint posterior probability of association (PPA). The newly developed method has been assessed using various simulated datasets from our multi-scenario simulation framework, FractalSIM (Mugo et al., 2017), and we output not only the joint statistics but also the genotype-only and the ancestry-only association statistics for the user. JasMAP has also been applied to perform a GWAS analysis of a 5-way admixed South African Coloured (SAC) population with a tuberculosis (TB) phenotype. We obtained 1 significant risk SNP using the ancestry-only association but no SNPs were found to be significant using the standard genotype-only association. 13 risk SNPs, however, were detected as significant with a PPA > 0.5 using the joint association approach. 12 of these SNPs had a marginal significance threshold in genotype-only and ancestry-only association. By functional annotation and gene mapping, the 13 SNPs were found near 8 genes, 5 of which were either found in pathways, have functionality, or were linked to social behaviour associated with an increased risk of TB. Specifically, one of the significant SNPs,rs17050321 on chromosome 4, was found close to theSLC7A11gene that has previously been linked to TB in a GWAS study of a Chinese population.