bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Complex Landscape of Updated Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccines
Authors: Thindwa Deus , Shapiro Eugene D , Weinberger Daniel M 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Pneumococcus is a major cause of serious infections, especially among vulnerable populations. While pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) provide effective protection against disease caused by the included serotypes, a substantial burden of disease remains. Several new PCVs are under development or were recently recommended for use to counteract the remaining disease burden. This had led to complicated policy deliberations on their optimal use in different populations. We discuss how key factors should be considered in any policy decision: serotype coverage of a new PCV, prevalence of the untargeted remaining serotypes, strength of the immune response to the serotypes in a new PCV, potential for PCV evasion, PCV costs, and optimal simultaneous use of PCVs in children and adults. We also suggest the need for robust analyses of available surveillance data and continual monitoring of changes in the pneumococcal serotypes that are responsible for disease and colonization to help decision makers make optimal recommendations.
Oral microbiome and nitric oxide biomarkers in older people with mild cognitive impairment and APOE4 genotype
Authors: L’Heureux Joanna E , Corbett Anne , Ballard Clive , Vauzour David , Creese Byron , Winyard Paul G , Jones Andrew M , Vanhatalo Anni 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Apolipoprotein E4 (APOE4) genotype and nitric oxide (NO) deficiency are risk factors for age-associated cognitive decline. The oral microbiome plays a critical role in maintaining NO bioavailability during aging. The aim of this study was to assess interactions between the oral microbiome, NO biomarkers, and cognitive function in 60 participants with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and 60 healthy controls using weighted gene co-occurrence network analysis and to compare the oral microbiomes between APOE4 carriers and noncarriers in a subgroup of 35 MCI participants. Within the MCI group, a high relative abundance of Neisseria was associated with better indices of cognition relating to executive function (Switching Stroop, rs = 0.33, P = 0.03) and visual attention (Trail Making, rs = −0.30, P = 0.05), and in the healthy group, Neisseria correlated with working memory (Digit Span, rs = 0.26, P = 0.04). High abundances of Haemophilus (rs = 0.38, P = 0.01) and Haemophilus parainfluenzae (rs = 0.32, P = 0.03), that co-occurred with Neisseria correlated with better scores on executive function (Switching Stroop) in the MCI group. There were no differences in oral nitrate (P = 0.48) or nitrite concentrations (P = 0.84) between the MCI and healthy groups. Linear discriminant analysis Effect Size identified Porphyromonas as a predictor for MCI and Prevotella intermedia as a predictor of APOE4-carrier status. The principal findings of this study were that a greater prevalence of oral P. intermedia is linked to elevated genetic risk for dementia (APOE4 genotype) in individuals with MCI prior to dementia diagnosis and that interventions that promote the oral Neisseria–Haemophilus and suppress Prevotella-dominated modules have potential for delaying cognitive decline.
Implementing targeted vaccination activities to address inequalities in vaccination: a qualitative study
Authors: Bradley Fay , Nelson Pauline A , Dumville Jo 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
As the UK COVID-19 vaccination programme progressed, greater emphasis was placed on the implementation of localized targeted vaccination activities to address inequalities in vaccination coverage. This study examines one UK region’s approach to the delivery of targeted vaccination activities and identifies key factors influencing implementation.

Methods
Qualitative interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of key individuals involved in vaccination delivery across Greater Manchester (GM). A rapid analysis approach was adopted. A template based on the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research helped to guide analysis.

Results
Twenty-seven participants were interviewed, from nine of the 10 GM localities. All areas planned to implement targeted vaccination activity, but size and scope varied. Five factors influencing the implementation of targeted vaccination approaches were identified: (i) integrated working; (ii) data availability and monitoring, (iii) engagement with populations and communities, (iv) resources and infrastructure, and (v) external policies and procedures.

Conclusion
The study provides wider lessons for future public health interventions around the need for collaborative working, adequately resourced community engagement, appropriate data, long-term workforce/system planning and coherence in policy and messaging. These findings have led to the generation of six key insights for the implementation of future targeted vaccination programmes.
Elite corporate networks and CEO compensation: the causes and consequences of CEO pay premiums
Authors: Henriksen Lasse Folke , Poulsen Thomas , Avent-Holt Dustin 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
CEO compensation has expanded dramatically over the past half-century, with network processes playing a pivotal role. We advance research on these processes by focusing on which CEOs are more likely to get pay premiums and how this shapes income going to other actors within the firm. Using Danish registry data and a weighted k-core measure of elite connections, our analyses highlight that CEOs embedded in the corporate elite can extract a substantial wage premium. These premiums are then followed by reductions in wages going back to workers over the next three years. However, the more of a firm’s board of directors who are similarly connected to the corporate elite, the less effective are those connections in generating a premium. These findings extend the role of social networks beyond just the diffusion of increasing compensation for CEOs to the creation of inequalities among CEOs and between CEOs and workers.
Pre-pandemic leukocyte count is associated with severity of post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection among older women in the Women's Health Initiative
Authors: Ng Ted K.S. , Beydoun Hind A. , Von Ah Diane , Shadyab Aladdin H. , Wong Shu Cheng , Freiberg Matthew , Ikramuddin Farha , Nguyen Patricia K. , Gradidge Philippe Jean-Luc , Qi Lihong , Chen Zhao , Pituch Keenan A. , Hong Suzi , Manson JoAnn E. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Objective
Although dysregulated inflammation has been postulated as a biological mechanism associated with post-acute sequelae of severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection (PASC) and shown to be a correlate and an outcome of PASC, it is unclear whether inflammatory markers can prospectively predict PASC risk. We examined the association of leukocyte count and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) concentrations, measured ~25 years prior to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, with PASC, PASC severity, and PASC-associated cognitive outcomes at follow-up among postmenopausal women.

Methods
Using biomarker data from blood specimens collected during pre-pandemic enrollment (1993‐1998) and data on 1,237 Women's Health Initiative participants who completed a COVID-19 survey between June 2021 and February 2022, we constructed multivariable regression models that controlled for pertinent characteristics. PASC status was defined according to established World Health Organization criteria.

Results
Controlling for baseline characteristics, loge-transformed leukocyte count (β = 0.27; 95% confidence interval, 0.07‐0.47, P = 0.009) and leukocyte count ≥5.5 × 1,000 cells/µL (β = 0.13; 95% confidence interval, 0.02‐0.23; P = 0.02) were positively associated with PASC severity, defined as the sum of PASC symptoms, but not associated with overall PASC occurrence or PASC-related cognitive outcomes. Concentration of hsCRP, available on only ~27% of participants, was not associated with any of the PASC outcomes, controlling for the same covariates.

Conclusions
Leukocyte count, a widely available clinical marker of systemic inflammation, is an independent predictor of PASC severity in postmenopausal women. Heightened inflammation preceding SARS-CoV-2 infection may contribute to PASC development. Limited statistical power to assess hsCRP role warrants further study.
Ultra-low to Moderate Radiation Level Neutron Dosimetry Measurements with H*10-TMFD vs. ROSPEC, Eberline, and Ludlum Detector Systems
Authors: Ozerov Stepan , Boyle Nathan , Harabagiu Catalin , DiPrete David , Whiteside Tad , Boone Alan , Noll William , Taleyarkhan Rusi P. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
H*10 neutron dosimetry (unlike gamma dosimetry), requires consideration of neutron energy spectra due to the 20× variation of the weight factor over the thermal-to-fast energy range, as well as the neutron radiation field dose rates ranging from cosmic, ~.01 μSv h−1 levels to commonly encountered ~10–200 μSv h−1 in nuclear laboratories/processing plants, and upwards of 104 Sv h−1 in nuclear reactor environments. This paper discusses the outcome of the comparison of spectrum-weighted neutron dosimetry covering thermal-to-fast energy using the novel H*-TMFD spectroscopy-enabled sensor system in comparison with measurements using state-of-the-art neutron dosimetry systems at SRNS—Rotating Spectrometer (ROSPEC), and non-spectroscopic Eberline ASP2E (“Eberline”) and Ludlum 42–49B (“Ludlum”) survey instrumentation. The H*-TMFD was validated for gamma blindness using a 2.48×1010 Bq 137Cs source. The background dose rate in Savannah River Nuclear Solutions’ (SRNS) low-scatter facility with all neutron sources withdrawn was estimated at 0.005 μSv h−1. From moderately high radiation field tests conducted with the high intensity (1.4 × 109 n s−1) 252Cf source and a total data collection time of ~0.15 h, the predicted dose rates from Eberline (non-spectroscopic), Ludlum (non-spectroscopic), and spectroscopic H*-TMFD instruments were found to be: ~170 μSv h−1, ~200 μSv h−, and ~ 120 μSv h−1, respectively. The equivalent spectroscopic (SRNS measured) H*10 dose rate from ROSPEC value is 130 μSv h−1, within 10% of H*10-TMFD measurement. Tests conducted for ultra-low intensity radiation field used a ~ 1.6 × 103 n s−1 252Cf bare neutron source for which over a collection time of ~18 h, the Eberline meter measured an instantaneous dose/count rate of 0 μSv h−1 and a pulse-integrated dose rate of 0.034 μSv h−1 at ~1 m. In contrast, the H*-TMFD panel located 0.22 m in direct line of sight of the 252Cf source spectroscopically measured ~0.4 μSv h−1 (within +/− 5%) over 1.8 h collection live time—with which spectrum matched perfectly to that of a bare 252Cf source. The H*TMFD predicted value of ~0.4 μSv h−1 was cross-checked and found to be within 10% of LLNL’s published value of ~0.37 μSv h−1 (intensity/distance corrected via 1/r2 law of 25.5 μSv h−1at 1 m for a 1 μg 252Cf source); as well as from use of ICRP 74 conversion coefficients and MCNP code simulations. As expected, for a bare 252Cf source, H*TMFD measured epithermal neutron energy-related dose rates are well below 1% of the total dose rates. For ~0.01 μSv h−1 neutron radiation fields, ROSPEC measurements for H*10 dose rates are estimated to take 7+ d, vs. under 2 h with the H*TMFD. The feasibility of using a single CTMFD in survey mode for H*10 dose rate (nSv h− to μSv h−1) measurements within 2–3 min is demonstrated.
Sex Differences in Early/Unplanned Separation Among US Service Members With a History of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Wal Isabelle , Hoover Peter , Adams Rachel Sayko. , Forster Jeri E. , Caban Jesus J. , Engler Mary B. 
Published: January 2025

Objective:
To investigate the incidence of early/unplanned (E/U) separations following mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and assess whether sex impacts the hazard of separation.

Setting:
Military Health System (MHS).

Participants:
Active duty service members (N = 75,730) with an initial mTBI diagnosis in military records between January 2011 and January 2018.

Design:
Retrospective cohort study of electronic health records in the MHS. Cause-specific Cox proportional hazards models were used with sex at birth as the primary predictor.

Main Measures:
Early/unplanned (E/U) separation, defined as military separation attributed to disability, misconduct, poor performance, death, or other medical circumstances, within 2 years following the initial mTBI.

Results:
Incidence of E/U separation within 2 years following mTBI was 13.7% (11.0% in women and 14.2% in men). Disability and misconduct separations were most common. Female service members had lower adjusted hazards for any E/U separation (Hazard Ratio [HR] = 0.65; 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 0.61,0.69), disability separation (HR = 0.71; 95% CI: 0.65, 0.78), misconduct separation (HR = 0.40; 95% CI: 0.36, 0.45), and poor performance separation (HR = 0.84; 95% CI: 0.72, 0.99), compared to males, but had higher adjusted hazards for separations due to other medical circumstances (HR = 1.24; 95% CI: 1.04, 1.48).

Conclusion:
Male and female service members had different hazards of E/U separation following mTBI. Separating early may increase the risk of adverse health and socioeconomic outcomes, so additional research is needed on why these separations occur and why they may be impacting men and women differently.
Diagnostic Capacity and Correlation of Optic Nerve Colorimetry with Structural Parameters in Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma
Authors: Salazar-Quiñones Liseth , Pérez-Quiñones Yadhira , Etxabe-Ávila Haizea , Fernández-Vigo José Ignacio , Méndez-Hernández Carmen , García-Feijóo Julián 
Published: January 2025

Précis:
The discriminant function of glaucoma, obtained by the Laguna ONhE colorimetric program, significantly correlates with the BMO-MRW. Furthermore, the diagnostic capacity was inferior to other structural tests in POAG patients.

Purpose:
To evaluate the diagnostic capability for glaucoma and the correlation between peripapillary and macular parameters using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and optic nerve head hemoglobin (OHN Hb) levels assessed by the Laguna ONhE® software using colorimetric analysis.

Methods:
This cross-sectional study included 112 eyes from 112 primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) patients and 112 eyes from 112 healthy controls. The peripapillary analysis included standard peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL), Bruch’s membrane opening-minimum ring width (BMO-MRW), and peripapillary RNFL thickness measured with the Glaucoma Module Premium Edition program (RNFLT). The macular analysis assessed the ganglion cell layer (GCL), inner plexiform layer (IPL), macular RNFL (mRNFL), total retina, ganglion cell complex (GCC), and the GCL-IPL complex. The Laguna ONhE program evaluated ONH Hb levels and the glaucoma discriminant function (GDF). Pearson correlation was used to analyze the relationships between variables, and the area under the curve (AUC) was calculated.

Results:
Significant differences in AUC were found between GDF (0.80) and RNFLT global (G) (0.91), BMO-MRW G (0.89), and outer-temporal GCL (0.88). BMO-MRW showed the strongest correlation with the Laguna ONhE parameters (r from 0.271 to 0.682). Additionally, a significant correlation was observed between the temporal-inferior sector of ONH Hb and the inferior macular sector (r=0.40–0.56 for GCL-IPL) (P<0.05 for all).

Conclusions:
GDF demonstrated lower diagnostic capacity compared to other structural tests. BMO-MRW showed the strongest correlation with the Laguna ONhE parameters, and a significant relationship was identified between the temporal-inferior sector ONH Hb and the inferior macular region.
Triple-Valve Endocarditis
Authors: Peterson Christopher J. , Vattikonda Kiriti S. , Heletz Ido 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Multivalve endocarditis with triple valve involvement is a rare phenomenon and presents a unique management challenge to physicians given the paucity of summative analyses. Google Scholar and PubMed databases were searched for terms related to triple-valve endocarditis (TVE). Articles published up until December 31, 2023, were included. We identified 41 published cases of triple-valve endocarditis. The most common source of infection was dental/oral (n = 10). Streptococcus spp was the most common organism isolated (n = 15), followed by Staphylococcus organisms (n = 9). Surgical intervention occurred in 65.9% (n = 27) of cases, and the most common surgery was valve replacement (n = 24) followed by valve repair (n = 10). Endocarditis complications included valvular insufficiency (n = 33) and heart failure (n = 15). Most patients were discharged from the hospital (n = 26), but there were 10 in-hospital deaths and 4 discharged to hospice care.
Evaluating the Role of COVID-19 Vaccines in Patient Outcomes
Authors: Raisi Sarbijan Fateme , Farsiu Niloofar , Shafieipour Sara , Abousaidi Hamid , Sinaei Reza , Amirbeigi Alireza , Charostad Javad , Nakhaie Mohsen 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
The recent SARS-CoV-2 pandemic posed a significant threat to human life. Vaccines played an unprecedented role in managing adverse outcomes, but the virus's ability to mutate and produce new variants posed ongoing challenges. This research aimed to examine the association between different types and numbers of doses of COVID-19 vaccinations and the clinical and demographic characteristics of patients.

Methods
This retrospective cross-sectional study was carried out on 161 COVID-19 patients hospitalized at Afzalipour Hospital in Kerman, Iran, during the eighth wave of the pandemic. Data on demographic features, symptoms, patient status, disease outcome, and vaccination history of patients were collected.

Results
Most patients (over 75%) had received 2 or 3 doses of the vaccine. Vaccination type and the number of doses showed significant differences based on patient gender (P = 0.048) and age group (P = 0.034), respectively. Shortness of breath showed significant differences based on the type of vaccine received (P = 0.0178). Fatigue substantially differed based on the number of vaccine doses (P = 0.03975). There were no significant differences in gastrointestinal symptoms, patient or disease status based on the number or type of vaccines, but lower death rates were observed in vaccinated patients. Additionally, while trends indicated better outcomes with a higher number of vaccine doses, there were no significant variations in blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) or respiratory rate based on the type or number of vaccine doses.

Conclusions
The findings highlight the role of vaccination in managing COVID-19 outcomes despite the reduction of vaccine efficacy against emerging variants.
Colorectal Cancer Screening Participation and Health Belief Levels of Public Hospital Patients in Türkiye
Authors: Ulubay Seval , Alptekin Hatice Merve , Ayoğlu Tulüha , Uzun Emel 
Published: January 2025

Colorectal cancer can be diagnosed early with screening tests; therefore, patients’ beliefs regarding colorectal cancer screening are closely related to clinical and pathological disease stages at the time of diagnosis. This study aimed to determine participation in colorectal cancer screening programs and health beliefs related to protection from colorectal cancer among patients aged 40–70 years and evaluate factors affecting their participation in such screening programs. This descriptive study was conducted in a state hospital in Türkiye between May 2021 and December 2021 with the participation of 1,016 patients. Study data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a questionnaire consisting of an “Introductory Information Form” and the “Health Belief Model Scale for Prevention of Colorectal Cancer.” Signed voluntary consent was obtained from all participants, as well as ethics committee approval and institutional permission from the hospital. The mean age of the participants was 50.12 ± 9.29 years, 54% were 40–50 years old, 55.5% were female, 87.3% were married, 6.8% had a primary education or below, and 39.3% were employed. The internal consistency was low for the health motivation subscale and relatively high for other subscales of the Health Belief Model Scale for Prevention of Colorectal Cancer.
The Effect of Watching Animation-Assisted Information Video on Fear and Anxiety in Children Before an Endoscopy Procedure
Authors: Koyun Merve , Uzsen Hatice , Tural Buyuk Esra , Kiroglu Nevin 
Published: January 2025

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of children watching a video about their upcoming procedure on reducing anxiety and fear before endoscopy. This randomized controlled trial included 46 children aged between 6 and 12 years who underwent endoscopy in the pediatric gastroenterology unit of a hospital in the Black Sea Region of Turkey. Children were randomly assigned to the experimental group or the control group. Children in the experimental group (n = 22) watched video about their procedure, whereas children in the control group (n = 24) received a verbal explanation about the procedure in line with standard clinical practice. The children’s pre-procedure fear levels were evaluated using the Children’s Fear Scale, and anxiety levels were evaluated using the Children’s Anxiety Meter-State measure. Parents and observers also completed the fear and anxiety level measures. Data were analyzed via SPSS version 25.0. A statistically significant difference was found between the fear and anxiety scores of the children in the experimental and control groups before and after watching the video, according to the evaluations of children, mothers, and nurses. We conclude that providing children with information about the endoscopy procedure beforehand can alleviate their associated fears and anxieties. This concern is equally important for older clients as well and suggested to be adapted to be age-appropriate for any population.
Surgeon Fear in the Operating Room and Its Link to Identity; A Constructivist Grounded Theory Study
Authors: Riesel Johanna N. , Hammond Melanie , Moulton Carol-Anne 
Published: January 2025

Objective:
We aimed to gain a deeper understanding of the underpinnings of surgeon fear in the operating room (OR).

Summary Background Data:
Fear can affect judgement, risk-tolerance, and decision-making, all of which may impact surgeon performance, yet there is little research on surgeon fear in the OR.

Methods:
Using constructivist grounded theory, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 18 attending surgeons from 14 surgical subspecialties affiliated with the same large, urban, academic institution. Snowball and purposive sampling were used to achieve diversity in sampling. Data collection and analysis were iterative and guided by theoretical sampling. A conceptual framework was generated from the data. Surgeons ranged from 1-40+ years in practice.

Results:
Most surgeons in this study experienced fear in the OR. Themes related to identity, identity enmeshment, and identity resilience were identified during coding; data were reanalyzed deductively using these categories, and findings suggested that surgeons who more intensely experienced fear in the OR potentially had lower identity resilience and were experiencing the fearful stimuli as identity threat. While this impacted the surgeon’s experience inside the OR, surgeons with identity enmeshment were impacted beyond the OR: events, good or bad, that occurred in the OR seeped into the surgeon’s personal life, thereby extending the experience of the event.

Conclusion:
Most surgeons in this study experience fear in the OR. This study offers a glimpse into the rarely explored experience of surgeon fear in the OR, highlighting the importance of identity management and emotion regulation in surgical education and practice.