bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Subjective versus objective refraction in healthy young adults
Authors: Kozlov Yuval , Kinori Michael , Armarnik Sharon , Yahalomi Tal , Ekshtein Aya , Levian Leora , Mezad-Koursh Daphna , Pikkel Joseph , Ben-Ari Oded 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Purpose
To evaluate objective and subjective refraction differences in healthy young adults.

Methods
Data concerning candidates for the Israeli Air Force Flight Academy, as well as active air force pilots in all stages of service who underwent a routine health checkup between the years 2018 and 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Objective refraction measured using a single autorefractometer was compared with subjective refraction measured by an experienced military optometrist during the same visit. The results were converted to power vectors (spherical equivalent [SE], J0, and J45). To interpret astigmatism using power vector values, the cylinder power (Cp) was determined.

Results
This study included 1,395 young adult participants. The average age was 22.17 years (range, 17–39, 84.8% males). The average SE was − 0.65 ± 1.19 diopter (D) compared with − 0.71 ± 0.91D in the auto- and subjective refraction, respectively (p = 0.001). Cp was 0.91 ± 0.52D and 0.67 ± 0.40D, respectively (p < 0.001). This difference was more common in older participants (p < 0.001). J0 and J45 value differences were not significant. The absolute SE value of subjective refraction was lower in the myopic (p < 0.001) and hyperopic (p < 0.001) patients.

Conclusions
Young hyperopic participants tended to prefer “less plus” in subjective refraction compared with autorefraction. Young myopic participants tended to prefer “less minus” in subjective refraction compared with autorefraction. All participants, but mainly older participants, preferred slightly “less Cp” than that measured using autorefraction; The astigmatic axis did not differ significantly between the methods.
Internet use and difficulties in acquiring health resources among older adults with disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic: a population-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Yang Eunjin , Kim Min Jung , Lee Kyung Hee 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
The various restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic may have worsened the digital divide and health inequality. However, research to ascertain the association between Internet use and difficulties in acquiring health resources among older adults with disabilities is scarce. This study aimed to explore the relationship between Internet use and difficulties in acquiring health resources among older adults with disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic and explore the associated factors by disability severity.

Methods
Data from the 2020 survey of people with disabilities in South Korea were used. This secondary analysis study included 4,871 older adults aged 55 and above among 7,025 total responders. Complex sample logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify the association between Internet use and difficulties in acquiring health resources during the pandemic.

Results
Only 23.66% of older adults with disabilities used the Internet. Internet non-users were more likely to experience difficulties in obtaining health resources than Internet users. The relationship between Internet non-use and difficulties in acquiring COVID-19-related information (OR 1.57, 95% CI 1.28–1.92) and buying and using personal protective equipment (OR 1.36, 95% CI 1.11–1.65) were statistically significant in the overall sample. Whereas, difficulties with using medical services were not statistically significantly associated with Internet use. Additionally, factors associated with difficulties in acquiring health resources differed by disability severity.

Conclusions
Considering that older adults with disabilities experience triple the burden amid COVID-19 due to old age, disabilities, and the digital divide, policymakers, healthcare professionals, and engineers should aim to narrow the gaps between Internet users and Internet non-users among this population. Narrowing the gaps will make decreasing health gaps and increasing well-being among older adults with disabilities more attainable.
Prenatal phthalate exposure and neurodevelopmental differences in twins at 2 years of age
Authors: Xiao Han , Hu Liqin , Tang Tingting , Zhong Jufang , Xu Qiao , Cai Xiaonan , Xiang Feiyan , Yang Pan , Mei Hong , Zhou Aifen 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Previous studies of singletons evaluating prenatal phthalate exposure and early neurodevelopment reported mixed results and the associations could be biased by parental, obstetrical, and genetic factors.

Methods
A co-twin control design was employed to test whether prenatal phthalate exposure was associated with children’s neurocognitive development. We collected information from 97 mother-twin pairs enrolled in the Wuhan Twin Birth Cohort between March 2016 and October 2018. Fourteen phthalate metabolites were measured in maternal urine collected at each trimester. Neurodevelopmental differences in twins at the age of two were examined as the outcome of interest. Multiple informant model was used to examine the covariate-adjusted associations of prenatal phthalate exposure with mental development index (MDI) and psychomotor development index (PDI) scores assessed at 2 years of age based on Bayley Scales of Infant Development (Second Edition). This model also helps to identify the exposure window of susceptibility.

Results
Maternal urinary levels of mono-2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl phthalate (MEOHP) (β = 1.91, 95% CI: 0.43, 3.39), mono (2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl) phthalate (MEHHP) (β = 1.56, 95% CI: 0.33, 2.79), and the sum of di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate metabolites (∑DEHP) (β = 1.85, 95% CI: 0.39, 3.31) during the first trimester showed the strongest and significant positive associations with intra-twin MDI difference. When stratified with twin chorionicity, the positive associations of monoethyl phthalate (MEP), monoisobutyl phthalate (MiBP), mono-n-butyl phthalate (MBP), monobenzyl phthalate (MBzP), individual DEHP metabolites, and ∑DEHP exposure during pregnancy with intra-twin neurodevelopmental differences were more significant in monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA) twins than those in dichorionic diamniotic (DCDA) twins.

Conclusions
Neurodevelopmental differences in MCDA twins were strongly associated with prenatal phthalate exposure. Our findings warrant further confirmation in longitudinal studies with larger sample sizes.
Efficacy and safety of two-stage revision for patients with culture-negative versus culture-positive periprosthetic joint infection: a single-center retrospective study
Authors: Lu Hanpeng , Wang Wenqi , Xu Hong , Zhou Kai , Zhou Zongke 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
The safety and efficacy of two-stage revision for culture-negative PJI remain controversial. This study analyzed outcomes after two-stage revision in patients with culture-negative and culture-positive periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) during follow-up lasting at least two years.

Methods
Data were retrospectively analysed patients who underwent hip or knee revision arthroplasty from January 2008 to October 2020 at our medical center. The primary outcome was the re-revision rate, while secondary outcomes were the rates of reinfection, readmission, and mortality. Patients with culture-negative or culture-positive PJI were compared in terms of these outcomes, as well as survival time without reinfection or revision surgery, based on Kaplan‒Meier analysis.

Results
The final analysis included 87 patients who were followed up for a mean of 72.3 months (range, 24–123 months). The mean age was 58.1 years in the culture-negative group (n = 24) and 59.1 years in the culture-positive group (n = 63). The two groups (culture-negative versus culture-positive) did not differ significantly in rates of re-revision (0.0% vs. 3.2%, p > 0.05), reinfection (4.2% vs. 3.2%, p > 0.05), readmission (8.4% vs. 8.0%, p > 0.05), or mortality (8.3% vs. 7.9%, p > 0.05). They were also similar in survival rates without infection-related complications or revision surgery at 100 months (91.5% in the culture-negative group vs. 87.9% in the culture-positive group; Mantel‒Cox log-rank χ2 = 0.251, p = 0.616).

Conclusion
The two-stage revision proves to be a well-tolerated and effective procedure in both culture-negative and culture-positive PJI during mid to long-term follow-up.
A controlled randomized trial with a 12-week follow-up investigating the effects of medium-frequency neuromuscular electrical stimulation on pain, VMO thickness, and functionality in patients with knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Moezy Azar , Masoudi Soheila , Nazari Ahmad , Abasi Arezoo 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
One of the major contributors to disability in Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) patients is weakness in the Quadriceps Femoris muscle. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) has been used in rehabilitation for patients suffering from muscle weakness. Thus, the purpose of the study was to assess the effectiveness of NMES and exercise therapy, for improving pain, muscle weakness and function among patients with KOA.

Methods
A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 75 female patients diagnosed with KOA. Participants were divided into three intervention groups: NMES-only, exercise therapy (Exs) alone, and a combination of NMES and exercise (NMES + Exs). All patients underwent 12 supervised treatment sessions, three times a week. Outcome measures included pain intensity measured by visual analog scale (VAS), knee flexion range of motion (FROM), thigh muscle girth (TG), thickness of the Vastus Medialis Oblique (VMO), timed up and go test (TUG), six-minute walk test (6MWT), and WOMAC scores. Statistical analyses (ANOVA and Kruskal–Wallis) methods were done to compare the amounts at the baseline, immediately after treatment and after 12 weeks.

Results
The NMES group exhibited a significant reduction in pain at the 12-week follow-up compared to the other groups(p = 0.022). The NMES + Exs group showed better outcomes in terms of FROM, TG, and VMO thickness post-intervention (p < 0.0001, p < 0.004, p = 0.003, respectively) and at the 12-week follow-up (p < 0.0001, p < 0.0001, p < 0.0001, respectively). Additionally, NMES was superior in improving TUG and 6MWT post-intervention (p < 0.0001, p = 0.038, respectively) and during the follow-up assessments (p < 0.0001, p = 0.029, respectively). The NMES + Exs group achieved better WOMAC stiffness scores at both post-intervention and follow-up evaluations (p < 0.0001, p < 0.0001, respectively). Furthermore, at the 12-week follow-up, NMES + Exs group outperformed the others in WOMAC pain and function subscales (p = 0.003, p = 0.017, respectively), while the NMES group demonstrated better WOMAC total scores compared to the other groups (p = 0.007).

Conclusion
The combination of NMES and exercise seems to be an efficient approach for managing KOA, as it enhances knee flexion range and TG, increases VMO thickness, and improves WOMAC scores. On the other hand, NMES alone was found to be effective in improving the physical function of KOA patients.

Trial registration
IRCT20101228005486N7 (06–02-2020).
Cost-effectiveness and budget impact analysis of enzalutamide in comparison to abiraterone in treatment of metastatic prostate cancer resistant to castration in Iran
Authors: Goudarzi Zahra , Lotfi Farhad , Najafpour Zhila , Hafezi AliAkbar , Zakaria Marzieh Alizadeh , Keshavarz Khosro 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Introduction
In recent years, enzalutamide and abiraterone have been widely used as treatments for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). However, the cost-effectiveness of these drugs in Iran is unknown. This study evaluated the cost-effectiveness of enzalutamide for the treatment of metastatic prostate cancer resistant to castration in Iran.

Methods
A 3-state Markov model was developed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of enzalutamide and abiraterone from a social perspective over 10 years. The clinical inputs were obtained from the meta-analysis studies. The direct medical costs were obtained from the tariffs of the healthcare system, while the direct non-medical and indirect costs were collected from the patients. The data of utilities were derived from the literature. In addition, sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess the uncertainties.

Results
Compared with Abiraterone, enzalutamide was associated with a high incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of $6,260 per QALY gained. According to the one-way sensitivity analysis, ICER was most heavily influenced by the prices of enzalutamide and Abiraterone, non-medical costs, and indirect costs. Regardless of the variation, enzalutamide remained cost-effective. The budget impact analysis of enzalutamide in the health system during 5 years was estimated at $6,362,127.

Conclusions
At current prices, adding enzalutamide to pharmaceutical lists represents the cost-effective use of the healthcare resources in Iran for the treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer.
Effect of tobacco use on cadmium accumulation in the oral keratinized mucosa
Authors: Satir Samed , Kaya Dogan Ilgaz , Ozsoy Sumeyye Celik 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the effect of tobacco use on the accumulation of cadmium (Cd), a carcinogenic element, in the oral keratinized mucosa (OKM).

Methods
OKM samples were obtained by standard punch biopsy from nonsmokers (n = 19) and smokers (n = 21). Cd analysis was performed using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The calibration curve R2 values for three wavelengths (214,439, 226,502, and 228,802 nm) were at the level of 0.9999. The frequency of consumption of foods that are Cd sources, such as seafood, rice, and vegetables, was assessed in all patients. The age, sex, and nutritional habits of all patients and the frequency of tobacco consumption by smokers were recorded. The independent t-test, Mann–Whitney U test, Fisher’s exact test, and Spearman correlation test were used for the statistical analyses, and p < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results
Although the Cd levels in nonsmokers were higher than those in smokers, no statistically significant difference was found (p > 0.05). In smokers, a positive correlation was found between age and Cd level (r = 0.574, p = 0.006). No significant relationship was found between the groups in terms of nutrition or between the frequency of tobacco consumption and Cd accumulation.

Conclusion
The OKM may not have the characteristic cumulative accumulation in terms of toxic elements. Changes in the turnover rate, keratinization, and apoptotic mechanisms in the OKM with the thermal/chemical effects of tobacco may be responsible for the difference in Cd accumulation.

Trial registration number
TCTR20230206001/06 Feb 2023 (TCTR: Thai Clinical Trials Registry).
Development and validation of a self-management self-efficacy scale for premature birth prevention (SMSE-PBP) for women of childbearing age
Authors: Kim Sun-Hee , Lee Yu-Jin 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
This study aimed to develop and evaluate the validity and reliability of a self-management self-efficacy for premature birth prevention (SMSE-PBP) in women of childbearing age (WCA).

Methods
Instrument development and validation were undertaken in three phases: conceptualization, item generation and evaluation of content validity, and evaluation of construct and concurrent validity and reliability. Data were analyzed using exploratory and second-order confirmatory factor analyses, and concurrent validity was examined using Pearson’s correlation coefficients. The reliability was analyzed using omega hierarchical and Cronbach’s ⍺.

Results
Content validity was assessed by experts and cognitive interviews of WCA. The SMSE-PBP consists of a second-order 3-dimension and 10-factor scale with 60 items; therefore, the construct and concurrent validity of the SMSE-PBP were supported. The omega values were 0.93 for pre-pregnancy SMSE-PBP, 0.92 for pregnancy SMSE-PBP, and 0.94 for hospital SMSE-PBP. Cronbach’s ⍺ was 0.88 for pre-pregnancy SMSE-PBP, 0.96 for pregnancy SMSE-PBP, and 0.96 for hospital SMSE-PBP.

Conclusions
The SMSE-PBP scale is valid and reliable for WCA; it is helpful for WCA and health professionals to assess women’s SMSE-PBP and pre-pregnancy, pregnancy, or hospital SMSE-PBP. The next steps should include assessing the relationship with pregnancy health behaviors.
Population genomics of Agrotis segetum provide insights into the local adaptive evolution of agricultural pests
Authors: Wang Ping , Jin Minghui , Wu Chao , Peng Yan , He Yanjin , Wang Hanyue , Xiao Yutao 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
The adaptive mechanisms of agricultural pests are the key to understanding the evolution of the pests and to developing new control strategies. However, there are few studies on the genetic basis of adaptations of agricultural pests. The turnip moth, Agrotis segetum (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is an important underground pest that affects a wide range of host plants and has a strong capacity to adapt to new environments. It is thus a good model for studying the adaptive evolution of pest species.

Results
We assembled a high-quality reference genome of A. segetum using PacBio reads. Then, we constructed a variation map of A. segetum by resequencing 98 individuals collected from six natural populations in China. The analysis of the population structure showed that all individuals were divided into four well-differentiated populations, corresponding to their geographical distribution. Selective sweep analysis and environmental association studies showed that candidate genes associated with local adaptation were functionally correlated with detoxification metabolism and glucose metabolism.

Conclusions
Our study of A. segetum has provided insights into the genetic mechanisms of local adaptation and evolution; it has also produced genetic resources for developing new pest management strategies.
Mechanisms of endothelial activation, hypercoagulation and thrombosis in COVID-19: a link with diabetes mellitus
Authors: Valencia Inés , Lumpuy-Castillo Jairo , Magalhaes Giselle , Sánchez-Ferrer Carlos F. , Lorenzo Óscar , Peiró Concepción 
Published: February 2024

AbstractEarly since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the medical and scientific community were aware of extra respiratory actions of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Endothelitis, hypercoagulation, and hypofibrinolysis were identified in COVID-19 patients as subsequent responses of endothelial dysfunction. Activation of the endothelial barrier may increase the severity of the disease and contribute to long-COVID syndrome and post-COVID sequelae. Besides, it may cause alterations in primary, secondary, and tertiary hemostasis. Importantly, these responses have been highly decisive in the evolution of infected patients also diagnosed with diabetes mellitus (DM), who showed previous endothelial dysfunction. In this review, we provide an overview of the potential triggers of endothelial activation related to COVID-19 and COVID-19 under diabetic milieu. Several mechanisms are induced by both the viral particle itself and by the subsequent immune-defensive response (i.e., NF-κB/NLRP3 inflammasome pathway, vasoactive peptides, cytokine storm, NETosis, activation of the complement system). Alterations in coagulation mediators such as factor VIII, fibrin, tissue factor, the von Willebrand factor: ADAMST-13 ratio, and the kallikrein-kinin or plasminogen-plasmin systems have been reported. Moreover, an imbalance of thrombotic and thrombolytic (tPA, PAI-I, fibrinogen) factors favors hypercoagulation and hypofibrinolysis. In the context of DM, these mechanisms can be exacerbated leading to higher loss of hemostasis. However, a series of therapeutic strategies targeting the activated endothelium such as specific antibodies or inhibitors against thrombin, key cytokines, factor X, complement system, the kallikrein-kinin system or NETosis, might represent new opportunities to address this hypercoagulable state present in COVID-19 and DM. Antidiabetics may also ameliorate endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, and platelet aggregation. By improving the microvascular pathology in COVID-19 and post-COVID subjects, the associated comorbidities and the risk of mortality could be reduced.
Policy implementation and outcome evaluation: establishing a framework and expanding capacity for advocacy organizations to assess the impact of their work in public policy
Authors: Whitsel Laurie P. , Honeycutt Sally , Radcliffe Reyna , Johnson Janay , Chase Paul J. , Noyes Philip 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAdvocacy organizations can play a crucial role in evaluating whether legislation or regulation has had its intended effect by supporting robust public policy implementation and outcome evaluation. The American Heart Association, working with expert advisors, has developed a framework for effective evaluation that can be used by advocacy organizations, in partnership with researchers, public health agencies, funders, and policy makers to assess the health and equity impact of legislation and regulation over time. Advocacy organizations can use parts of this framework to evaluate the impact of policies relevant to their own advocacy and public policy efforts and inform policy development and guide their organizational resource allocation. Ultimately, working in partnership, advocacy organizations can help bring capacity, commitment and funding to this important implementation and outcome evaluation work that informs impactful public policy for equitable population health and well-being.