bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Orogenital and anal infection by Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Mycoplasma genitalium, and other sexually transmitted infections in men who have sex with men in Lisbon
Authors: Minetti Corrado , Rocha Miguel , Duque Luís Miguel , Meireles Paula , Correia Cristina , Cordeiro Dora , João Inês , Manita Carla , Soeiro Sofia , Santos João Almeida , Matos Rita , Almeida Catarina , Martins Helena Cortes , Vinagre Elsa , Lopo Sílvia , Borrego Maria José 
Published: January 2024

Background Men who have sex with men (MSM) are at risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), but more data on extragenital carriage are needed. Aim We assessed the genital and extragenital prevalence of bacterial and other STIs in MSM in a Lisbon sexual health clinic. Methods We screened oral, anal, and urine samples of MSM visiting the GAT-CheckpointLX clinic June 2017-December 2021 for Chlamydia trachomatis (including lymphogranuloma venereum, LGV), Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Mycoplasma genitalium, Trichomonas vaginalis, Mycoplasma hominis, Ureaplasma urealyticum, and U. parvum. Ano-oro-genital lesions were tested for LGV, Treponema pallidum, and Herpes Simplex Virus. Blood was tested for HIV and T. pallidum antibodies. Results N. gonorrhoeae was found in 16.6% of the MSM followed by C. trachomatis (13.2%), M. genitalium (10.3%) and T. vaginalis (0.2%). The most frequent occurrence was anorectal ( C. trachomatis, M. genitalium) and oral ( N. gonorrhoeae). We found high carriage of U. urealyticum (36.1%) and M. hominis (22.1%). LGV was detected in 21.8% of chlamydia-positive anorectal swabs. Syphilis was detected in 22.6% of tested MSM, while 13.8% had HIV. Gonorrhoea and chlamydia were significantly more prevalent in MSM with concomitant HIV or syphilis. Conclusion The substantial extragenital prevalence of bacterial STIs in MSM, and HIV and syphilis coinfections, suggest screening has value in identifying hidden carriage and in contributing for providing better care.
A qualitative study of facilitators of medication adherence in systemic lupus erythematosus: Perspectives from rheumatology providers/staff and patients
Authors: Herndon Shannon , Corneli Amy , Dombeck Carrie , Swezey Teresa , Clowse Megan EB , Rogers Jennifer L , Criscione-Schreiber Lisa G , Sadun Rebecca E , Doss Jayanth , Eudy Amanda M , Bosworth Hayden B , Sun Kai 
Published: January 2024

Objective Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) disproportionately affects patients from racial and ethnic minority groups. Medication adherence is lower among these patient populations, and nonadherence is associated with worse health outcomes. We aimed to identify factors that enable adherence to immunosuppressive medications among patients with SLE from racial and ethnic minority groups. Methods Using a qualitative descriptive study design, we conducted in-depth interviews with purposefully selected (1) patients with SLE from racial and ethnic minority groups who were taking immunosuppressants and (2) lupus providers and staff. We focused on adherence facilitators, asking patients to describe approaches supporting adherence and for overcoming common adherence challenges and providers and staff to describe actions they can take to foster patient adherence. We used applied thematic analysis and categorized themes using the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation, Behavior (COM-B) model. Results We interviewed 12 patients (4 adherent and 8 nonadherent based on medication possession ratio) and 12 providers and staff. Although each patient described a unique set of facilitators, patients most often described social support, physical well-being, reminders, and ability to acquire medications as facilitators. Providers also commonly mentioned reminders and easy medication access as facilitators as well as patient education/communication and empowerment. Conclusion Using an established behavioral change model, we categorized a breadth of adherence facilitators within each domain of the COM-B model while highlighting patients’ individual approaches. Our findings suggest that an optimal adherence intervention may require a multi-modal and individually tailored approach including components from each behavioral domain—ensuring medication access (Capability) and utilizing reminders and social support (Opportunity), while coupled with internal motivation through improved communication and empowerment (Motivation).
Alleviating Help-Seeking Stigma Among Depressed College Students Through Shadow Social Marketing: A Meso-Level Intervention to a Wicked Problem
Authors: Goswami Paromita , Ghosh Jaideep 
Published: January 2024

Background The current study addresses the issue of societal stigma attached to mental health issues of college students, which strongly suppress their attempts at help-seeking. Focus of the Article ✓We design a meso-level midstream intervention to effect a behavior change of mentally depressed students, who, due to internalized societal stigma attached to mental health issues, strongly evade help-seeking. ✓We use theoretical arguments and formative research to design a shadow social marketing (SSM) meso-intervention to normalize help-seeking behavior of individuals suffering from mental health issues. ✓We perform field-testing of our intervention to ascertain its comparative efficacy against two competing micro-interventions. Research Question To address a complex problem that does not have a direct, clear-cut solution at either the micro or the macro level, we investigate, in this study, whether an SSM meso-intervention performs better than micro-interventions in alleviating social stigma attached to mental health issues. Its primary benefit is to establish a connection between the micro and the macro levels. Importance to the Social Marketing Field Social marketing scholarship underscores a number of undesirable consequences of micro-level social marketing interventions that directly target individuals who suffer from mental depression, because their attempts at help-seeking are grossly suppressed by societal stigma attached to mental health issues. Our study contributes to the understanding of how the SSM meso-intervention could serve as a better alternative to direct interventions in normalizing help-seeking behaviour of affected individuals. We hope that changes of social norms at the community level can eventually lead to societal macro-level changes with modification and enhancement of institutional norms. Methods We use an SSM approach to design a meso-level, midstream intervention to alleviate societal stigma that deters help-seeking of mentally depressed students in an educational institution. We use survey methods for data collection and Tobit regression for data analysis to empirically test our meso-intervention against two other micro-level interventions. Results Our hypothesis that stigmatized individuals are more likely to avail of wellbeing-related services offered by a platform based on an SSM, meso-intervention rather than by one that does not adopt such a strategy is empirically supported strongly ([Formula: see text]). Recommendations for Research or Practice A meso-level intervention is an essential prerequisite to bring about macro-level changes to address stigma attached to mental health issues. As a practical matter, changes of social norms at the community level have a strong potential for bringing about societal macro-level changes with modifications and enhancements of institutional norms and eventual micro-level help-seeking behavior.
Relationship Between Change in Participation and Later Mental Health Problems in Children
Authors: Lo Oi Ying Heidi , Wong Yi Man , Kwok Nga Ting , Ma Pui-Sze , Chien Chi-Wen 
Published: January 2024

Background: Participation in everyday activities is beneficial for mental health. However, little is known about the extent to which changes in children’s participation are associated with later mental health. Objectives: To investigate the association between changes in the frequency and involvement in home, school, and community activities and subsequent mental health problems in children. Methodology: We recruited 242 school-aged children. Their parents completed the Participation and Environment Measure for Children and Youth twice, and after 2 years, they completed the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Results: After controlling for demographic factors, hierarchical regression analysis revealed that reductions in children’s involvement in home and community activities were significantly associated with elevated levels of externalizing and internalizing problems. Furthermore, an increase in children’s involvement in school activities showed significant relationships with better mental health outcomes. Conclusion: These findings inform participation-based interventions for occupational therapists aimed at mitigating children’s future mental health problems.
The Effect of Radial Inclination on the Stage of Kienbock Disease at the Time of Initial Diagnosis
Authors: Wassef Christina , Rechter Griffin R. , Tatapudi Suhas , Sambhariya Varun , Pientka William F. 
Published: January 2024

Background: Negative ulnar variance is a widely accepted risk factor for the development of Kienbock disease (KD). Variation in radial inclination has been proposed as a risk factor, but evidence thus far has been inconclusive. We aim to clarify the relationship between radial inclination and KD. Methods: A retrospective analysis of all KD patients from a single institution from 2007 to 2021 was conducted. Radiographs were reviewed to measure anatomic parameters and stage of disease. An exploratory multinomial regression model was created to examine the association of patient age, radial height, ulnar variance, radial inclination, volar tilt, scapholunate angle, duration of symptoms prior to evaluation, history of wrist trauma, and diagnosis of diabetes with stage of disease. Results: Fifty-seven cases of KD were identified, with a mean duration of disease of 33.3 months. A history of trauma to the wrist was common (53%) and significantly associated with stage of disease at initial presentation. Twenty-seven cases (47%) were stage IIIB or greater. The average initial radial inclination, radial height, and ulnar variance was 21.9°, 10.7 mm, and −1.23 mm, respectively. A multinominal logistic regression model revealed decreased initial radial inclination is associated with Lichtman stage IIIB or greater at the time of initial patient presentation. Conclusions: A correlation exists between decreased radial inclination and more advanced KD at presentation, suggesting this may be a risk factor for disease progression. This correlation is strengthened by our finding of decreased ulnar variance being associated with later stage at presentation, which is one of the most widely accepted proposed risk factors for development and progression of disease. Level of evidence: IV.
The Clinical and Imaging Outcome of the Tandem Growing Rod Technique in Early-Onset Scoliosis With the Proximal Upper Thoracic Curve Progression: A Modified Technique of Growing Rod
Authors: Hu Weiran , Wang Hongqiang , Yang Guang , Ma Haohao , Wu Xiaonan , Gao Yanzheng 
Published: January 2024

Study Design Retrospective cohort study. Objective The orthopaedic ability of traditional GR for severe EOS is limited. The proximal upper thoracic curve may progress during the lengthening procedure, which may lead to coronal imbalance and inhibit the longitudinal growth of the spine. In this retrospective cohort study, we investigated the clinical outcome of tandem GR. Methods We modified the traditional technique by using two groups of GR devices to control the major and the proximal upper thoracic curve, connected the two groups of GR in series, and named it tandem GR. The clinical and imaging outcomes of the new technique were evaluated and compared with traditional technique. Results Twenty one patients were enrolled in the tandem GR group, and 30 patients were treated with traditional GR as the control. The baseline parameters were consistent between the two groups. In the tandem GR group, the secondary curve progressed from 24.9 ± 3.9° to 31.4 ± 3.2° ( P = .006) in the procedure with the traditional GR and improved to 18.4 ± 4.5° ( P = .001) after the switch. Meanwhile, the clavicular angle aggravated from 1.6 ± 1.0° to 2.6 ± .7° ( P = .041), and improved to 1.7 ± .8° after changed to the tandem GR ( P = .033). At the final of the follow-up, the secondary curve was higher in the control group (27.1 ± 8.3° vs 18.4 ± 4.5°, P = .034), the clavicle angle was 2.4 ± 1.1° in control and 1.7 ± .8° in the tandem GR group ( P = .028), the T1-S1 height was 28.2 ± 4.8 cm in the control and 33.3 ± 3.0 cm in the tandem GR group ( P = .027). The average growth rate was 1.0 ± .3 cm/year in the control and 1.2 ± .4 cm/year in the tandem GR group ( P = .046). Conclusion Tandem GR can effectively improve the proximal upper thoracic curve progression during the treatment of EOS. Compared with the traditional GR, tandem GR can achieve better curve correction, better shoulder balance, and retains more capacity for longitudinal spine growth.
Training Master of Social Work Students in Brief Intervention for Unhealthy Alcohol Use: Results of a Validated Adherence Assessment
Authors: Berger Lisa , Topitzes James , Di Paolo Michelle 
Published: January 2024

Background: Many social workers receive limited training in working with clients engaged in unhealthy substance use. As a result, national organizations and agencies such as the Council on Social Work Education and individual social work programs are beginning to address this need by incorporating training into higher education social work programs. The purpose of this study was to examine Master of Social Work (MSW) students’ adherence to a brief intervention protocol for unhealthy alcohol use. Methods: A total of 91 MSW students consented to the assessment of their digital, audio-recorded class assignment by independent raters. Results: Although 90% of MSW student participants were found to be overall adherent to the protocol, gaps in training quality were also identified. Conclusions: Lessons learned for addressing the gaps are discussed, along with future directions for teaching and learning in social work related to substance use.
Xylazine-Associated Wounds and Related Health Concerns Among People Who Use Drugs: Reports From Front-Line Health Workers in 7 US States
Authors: Carroll Jennifer J. 
Published: January 2024

Background: Xylazine, an adrenergic alpha-2 agonist increasingly present in the US drug supply, is associated with severe skin ulcers and other harms. Expert knowledge from front-line harm reduction and healthcare professionals is an essential component of evidence-based practice. The purpose of this study is to describe the progression and treatment of xylazine-associated wounds, other xylazine-related health concerns, and the most urgent research priorities as reported by front-line harm reduction and healthcare professionals serving people who use drugs. Methods: A convenience sample of 17 healthcare and harm reduction professionals who serve people who use drugs in the US states of Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Texas participated in semi-structured interviews. Participants were asked about the appearance and progression of xylazine-associated wounds; preferred treatment strategies; other xylazine-related harms experienced by people who use drugs; and the most urgent priorities for xylazine-related research. Findings: Xylazine-associated wounds were broadly described as small lesions appearing mostly on extremities both at and away from injection sites, often within hours or days of exposure, that quickly developed into large, complex, chronic wounds. Reported risk of secondary infection was generally low but appeared more common among unhoused populations. Most participants preferred conservative treatment strategies that included regular wound care, enzymatic debridement, and hygiene. Xylazine-associated wounds and xylazine withdrawal reportedly act as significant barriers to care, including addiction treatment. Participants reported urgent need for scientific research and evidence-based guidance on the management of xylazine-associated wounds and withdrawal. Conclusions: High-quality scientific evidence on risk factors for xylazine-associated wounds and on their biologic mechanisms is needed. Such studies could inform new strategies for the prevention and treatment of these wounds. Efforts to improve the management of xylazine withdrawal and to reduce stigma by incorporating harm reduction professionals into healthcare settings may improve access to and retention in care.
Optimization of Fixture Number in Large Thin-Walled Parts Assembly Based on IPSO
Authors: Liu Changhui , Wang Jing , Zheng Ying , Jin Ke , Yu Jianbo , Liu Jianfeng 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThere are lots of researches on fixture layout optimization for large thin-walled parts. Current researches focus on the positioning problem, i.e., optimizing the positions of a constant number of fixtures. However, how to determine the number of fixtures is ignored. In most cases, the number of fixtures located on large thin-walled parts is determined based on engineering experience, which leads to huge fixture number and extra waste. Therefore, this paper constructs an optimization model to minimize the number of fixtures. The constraints are set in the optimization model to ensure that the part deformation is within the surface profile tolerance. In addition, the assembly gap between two parts is also controlled. To conduct the optimization, this paper develops an improved particle swarm optimization (IPSO) algorithm by integrating the shrinkage factor and adaptive inertia weight. In the algorithm, particles are encoded according to the fixture position. Each dimension of the particle is assigned to a sub-region by constraining the optional position range of each fixture to improve the optimization efficiency. Finally, a case study on ship curved panel assembly is provided to prove that our method can optimize the number of fixtures while meeting the assembly quality requirements. This research proposes a method to optimize the number of fixtures, which can reduce the number of fixtures and achieve deformation control at the same time.
Mechanical properties of laminated bamboo lumber N-finity according to ISO 23478-2022
Authors: Al-Rukaibawi Layth S. , Kachichian Mansour , Károlyi György 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThis research used the new ISO 23478-2022 standard as a reference for the calculation of mechanical properties of N-finity, and to understand the failure modes in compression. Previous studies have investigated the mechanical properties of laminated bamboo lumber (LBL), however no study has evaluated the mechanical properties of LBL according to the recently published ISO 23478-2022. The compression testing programme in parallel and perpendicular-to-grain directions were conducted. The measured elastic stiffness properties and compressive strengths show anisotropy with higher compressive strength and stiffness parallel-to-grain direction as compared to those at the transversal directions. The observed failure modes at the parallel-to-grain direction exhibited a mixed mode failure, whereas perpendicular-to-grain directions exhibited failure with longitudinal splitting with crack propagation rupture. This finding can be quantified using Hills failure criterion principle to define the failure criterion and to estimate the Hill’s yield failure ratios.
Research and application of polypropylene: a review
Authors: Hossain Md. Tanvir , Shahid Md. Abdus , Mahmud Nadim , Habib Ahasan , Rana Md. Masud , Khan Shadman Ahmed , Hossain Md. Delwar 
Published: January 2024

AbstractPolypropylene (PP) is a versatile polymer with numerous applications that has undergone substantial changes in recent years, focusing on the demand for next-generation polymers. This article provides a comprehensive review of recent research in PP and its advanced functional applications. The chronological development and fundamentals of PP are mentioned. Notably, the incorporation of nanomaterial like graphene, MXene, nano-clay, borophane, silver nanoparticles, etc., with PP for advanced applications has been tabulated with their key features and challenges. The article also conducts a detailed analysis of advancements and research gaps within three key forms of PP: fiber, membrane, and matrix. The versatile applications of PP across sectors like biomedical, automotive, aerospace, and air/water filtration are highlighted. However, challenges such as limited UV resistance, bonding issues, and flammability are noted. The study emphasizes the promising potential of PP while addressing unresolved concerns, with the goal of guiding future research and promoting innovation in polymer applications.
Graphical Abstract
Stercoral colitis in the emergency department: a review of the literature
Authors: Bae Emily , Tran Jacqueline , Shah Kaushal 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Stercoral colitis (SC) is a rare but potentially life-threatening inflammatory colitis caused by the accumulation of impacted fecal material. Despite reported associations with bowel perforation and high mortality rates, stercoral colitis remains a poorly defined and underrecognized diagnosis in the emergency department (ED).

Objective of the review
This review aims to summarize and synthesize existing literature on SC to guide its recognition and management in the ED.

Discussion
SC primarily occurs in elderly or bedbound patients with chronic constipation; however, it does occur in younger patients with comorbidities at increased risk for fecal impaction. Patients may present acutely with abdominal pain and distension, but clinical presentation is often nonspecific and varied, and there are no established diagnostic criteria for SC to date. CT is therefore crucial for diagnosis, revealing key findings such as fecaloma, colonic dilatation, and fat stranding. Treatment depends on severity of illness, ranging from manual disimpaction and other conservative measures for most cases, to surgical intervention for complicated cases, such as stercoral perforation.

Conclusions
SC can be a challenging diagnosis in the ED, often requiring multidisciplinary collaboration. Timely recognition and appropriate treatment are essential to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with this condition. Further research is needed to establish diagnostic criteria and clear management algorithms.
Analysis of cyanotoxins in Desertifilum and Leptolyngbya from Veeranam Lake: a potential health risk for Chennai, India
Authors: Ramya Mohan , Elumalai Sanniyasi , Umamaheswari Arthanari 
Published: January 2024

AbstractGlobally, dwindling potable water supplies and toxic waste triggered by human activities and climate change are substantial concerns. Below these occurrences, the suitability of drinking water regulations and their diligent execution are critical issues in maintaining human health. Unfortunately, even in developed countries, many infectious diseases (and other unidentified health effects) are linked to drinking water. These changes impact the harmful growth of Cyanobacteria or blue-green algae. Cyanobacteria-produced toxins can harm humans if they compromise drinking or ingested foods. Toxins like microcystin kill humans and creatures, leading to severe medical conditions. The present research focussed on the isolation, and identification of Cyanobacteria from the Veeranam Lake in the Cuddalore district of Tamil Nadu, India. The (ADDA)-specific ELISA technique is preferred to check the cytotoxicity in identified strains. The IC50 values of Leptolyngbya sp. showed 17.72 (g/L), and Desertifilum sp. exhibited 19.38 (g/L). Consequently, in (ADDA)-specific Microcystin quantitative assessment, Desertifilum sp. had higher toxin concentrations than Leptolyngbya sp. after the samples' singlet, duplicate, and triplicate values. Such toxicity evidence indicates that the concerns necessitate monitoring and maximum sustainability, especially when considering the various incipient toxins and the constantly evolving techniques to deal with them.