bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The SARS-CoV-2 infection (COVID-19) era impact on incidence of sudden deaths due to Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack) in States and Union Territories of India- A cross-sectional comparative study (2018-2022)
Authors: Kumar Piyush , Anupama Advocate 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background-COVID-19 pandemic increased the risk of CVD (cardiovascular disease). There is lack of comparative assessment on the incidence of sudden death due to MI during and before COVID-19. This study aimed to quantify this assessment. Another quest to start this study is that several studies have reported COVID-19 vaccine-associated myocarditis/cardiomyopathy.
Methods and results-This study was based on NCRB data from all states and UTs of India who died suddenly due to MI between 1 January 2018 and 31 December 2022. 5 coastal states of India accounts for about 70 % of all MI cases related sudden death. The base year 2018 is having least whereas the last year 2022 is having the largest number of total new MI cases related mortality detected in one individual year. The largest and noteworthy percent change in sudden death due to MI in males is found in 2022 when it increased by 14.26% (is it due to delayed cardiomyopathy due to COVID-19 or its due to Vaccine? This will be a matter of research in coming era). This study revealed that there is 25.80 percent increase in total number of new MI cases related mortality in 2022 in comparison to pre-COVID-19 year of 2018. There is an overall increase of 11.24 percent in sudden death due to MI cases in males during the COVID-19 period. The Male-Sudden death due to Myocardial Infarction increased during COVID-19 year 2022 by 26.71 percent in comparison to 2018 pre- COVID-19 year.
Conclusion-Sudden death due to MI increased during COVID-19.
Aspiring to equity: virtual work experience for prospective medical students
Authors: Zhang Xiaoxi , Chan See Chai Carol , Antcliffe David , Murphy Kevin , Klaber Robert , Dick Elizabeth 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Introduction
Work experience (WEx) is important for aspiring medical students to gain insights into healthcare, enhancing their confidence and understanding of medicine. Typically, those with greater social resources find securing WEx easier, creating a disparity for students from widening participation backgrounds. With the COVID-19 pandemic, traditional in-person WEx shifted to virtual platforms; however our knowledge of the effectiveness of these programmes at engaging students and increasing their confidence and insight into medicine is limited.
Methods
In 2022, the Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust (ICHT) in the United Kingdom initiated a comprehensive 5-day virtual WEx via Microsoft Teams, targeting students from all backgrounds but prioritising students from underrepresented groups. The curriculum was strategically organised into five core themes, each designed to provide insights and practical knowledge about various facets of the entry process into medical school and the medical profession. This digital approach facilitated simulated clinical experiences, reflective group interactions and direct dialogues with medical students and doctors through live sessions.
Results
The ICHT virtual WEx saw engagement from 500 participants nationwide, half of whom were from non-selective state schools. Post-programme evaluation demonstrated that confidence (non-selective school students p < 0.0001, selective school students p < 0.0001) and knowledge (non-selective school students p = 0.002, selective school students p < 0.0001) in the medical school application process both increased. Participants expressed appreciation for exposure to a broad range of professionals within the medical community, “near-peer” learning for insights into medical careers and the interactivity of the programme.
Conclusions
The success of the ICHT’s virtual WEx underscores its ability to help aspiring students understand what it is like to work in healthcare, and what is needed to apply to Medicine and to be a doctor. This programme has been usefully employed in a hybrid format post-pandemic. By improving access and equity for aspiring medical students including from underrepresented regions, this model has potential to widen participation.
Trend Change Analysis of postural balance in Parkinson`s disease discriminates between medication state
Authors: Wodarski Piotr , Jurkojć Jurkojć , Chmura Marta , Warmerdam Elke , Romijnders Robbin , Hobert Markus A. , Maetzler Walter , Cygoń Krzysztof , Hansen Clint 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Maintaining static balance is relevant and common in everyday life and it depends on a correct intersegmental coordination. A change or reduction in postural capacity has been linked to increased risk of falls. People with Parkinson's disease (PD) experience motor symptoms affecting the maintenance of a stable posture. The aim of the study is to understand the intersegmental changes in postural sway and to apply a trend change analysis to uncover different movement strategies between PD patients and healthy adults.
Methods
In total, 61 healthy participants, 40 young (YO), 21 old participants (OP), and 29 PD patients (13 during medication on, PDoff; 23 during medication on, PDon) were included. Participants stood quietly for 10 seconds. Inertial sensors at the head, sternum, and lumbar region collected tri-axial accelerations. Classical postural parameters and the trend change analysis (TCA) was applied on inertial measurement unit data of the head, sternum, and pelvis between groups.
Objective
This study aims to explore the potential application of TCA for the assessment of postural stability using IMUs, and secondly, to employ this analysis within the context of neurological diseases, specifically Parkinson's disease.
Results
Comparison of sensors locations revealed significant differences between head, sternum and pelvis for almost all parameters and cohorts. When comparing PDon and PDoff, the TCA revealed differences that were not seen by any other parameter.
Conclusions
While all parameters could differentiate between sensor locations, no group differences could be uncovered except for the TCA that allowed to distinguish between the PD on/off. The potential of the TCA to assess disease progression, response to treatment or even the prodromal PD phase should be explored in future studies.
Trial registration:
The research procedure was approved by the ethical committee of the Medical Faculty of Kiel University (D438/18). The study is registered in the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00022998).
Relationship of ultraviolet light exposure and cutaneous and systemic disease activity in youth with childhood-onset systemic lupus: Results from the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance Registry
Authors: Tanner Tamara I. , Agalliu Ilir , Wahezi Dawn M. , Rubinstein Tamar , Investigators CARRA Registry 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Objective
To investigate the association between sun exposure measured by ultraviolet light index (UVI) and seasonality with rash and systemic disease activity in youth with childhood-onset systemic lupus (cSLE) from the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance (CARRA) Registry.
Methods
We reviewed data on rash and disease activity from Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K) scores from cSLE CARRA Registry participants with visits between 2010 and 2019 and obtained UVI data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Our main exposures were UVI and season during the month of visit and one month prior to visit. We used mixed-effects logistic regression to examine an association between UVI/ season and rash / SLEDAI-2K score, adjusting for age, sex, race and income.
Results
Among 1222 participants, with a mean of 2.3 visits/participant, 437 visits (15%) had rash and 860 (30%) had SLEDAI-2K score ≥ 5. There were no associations between UVI during the month prior to visit, or the month of the visit and odds of rash or elevated systemic activity. However, fall season was associated with increased odds of rash (OR = 1.59, p = 0.04), but there not increased disease activity.
Conclusion
While we found no association between UVI and rash or UVI and disease activity, further studies directly measuring UVI may help further understand whether a relationship exists between sun exposure and SLE disease activity and whether this is an area that continues to require clinical attention.
Functional characterization of biodegradable films obtained from whole Paecilomyces variotii biomass
Authors: Martinez Ezequiel A. , Salvay Andres G. , Sanchez-Díaz Macarena R. , Ludemann Vanesa , Peltzer Mercedes A. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
The indiscriminate use of petroleum-based polymers and plastics for single-use food packaging has led to serious environmental problems due the non-biodegradable characteristics. Thus, much attention has been focused on the research of new biobased and biodegradable materials. Yeast and fungal biomass are low-cost and abundant sources of biopolymers with highly promising properties for the development of biodegradable materials. This study aimed to select a preparation method to develop new biodegradable films using the whole biomass of Paecilomyces variotii subjected to successive physical treatments including ultrasonic homogenization (US) and heat treatment. Sterilization process had an important impact on the final filmogenic dispersion and mechanical properties of the films. Longer US treatments produced a reduction in the particle size and the application of an intermediate UT treatment contributed favorably to the breaking of agglomerates allowing the second US treatment to be more effective, achieving an ordered network with a more uniform distribution. Samples that were not filtrated after the sterilization process presented mechanical properties similar to plasticized materials. On the other hand, the filtration process after sterilization eliminated soluble and hydratable compounds, which produced a reduction in the hydration properties of the films.
The state-of-the-art of eHealth self-management interventions for people with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: a scoping review
Authors: Braake Eline te , Vaseur Roswita M. E. , Grünloh Christiane , Tabak Monique 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Introduction:
eHealth self-management interventions may help patients with COPD to engage in their self-management. However, little is known about the actual content of these eHealth interventions. Therefore, this review investigates the state-of-the-art of eHealth self-management interventions for COPD. More specifically, we research the functionality and modality, the positive health dimensions addressed, the target population characteristics, and the self-management processes and behavioural change techniques (BCTs).
Methods
A scoping review was performed to investigate current literature. Parts of the PRISMA-ScR protocol were followed and tailored to this study. The databases: PUBMED, SCOPING, PsychINFO (EBSCO), and Wiley were searched for literature.
Results
This review found that most eHealth technologies enable patients to (self-)monitor their symptoms by using (smart)measuring devices and/or smartphones/tablets. The self-management process ‘taking ownership of health needs’, the BCT ‘feedback and monitoring’, and the positive health dimension ‘bodily functioning’ were most often addressed. The inclusion criteria of studies in combination with the population reached when carrying out the studies show that a subset of COPD patients participate in such eHealth research.
Discussion/Conclusion:
The current body of literature related to eHealth interventions addresses mainly the physical aspect of COPD self-management. The necessity to specify inclusion criteria to control variables combined with the practical challenges to recruit diverse participants leads to people with COPD being included in eHealth studies that only represent a subgroup of the whole population. These findings showcase the gaps in current literature. Therefore, future developments should aim to develop eHealth technologies more inclusively and need to address multiple dimensions of the positive health paradigm.
Prognosis Impact and Clinical Findings in Renal Cancer Patients: Comparative Analysis between Public and Private Health Coverage in a Cross-sectional and Multicenter Context
Authors: Barrera-Juarez Eduardo , Halun-Trevino Antonio Nassim , Ruelas-Martinez Manuel , Madero-Frech Andres , Camacho-Trejo Victor , Estrada-Bujanos Miguel , Bojorquez David , Uribe-Montoya Jhonatan , Rodriguez-Covarrubias Francisco , Villarreal-Garza Cynthia 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Research on disparities in prognosis and clinical characteristics between public and private healthcare sectors in developing countries remains limited. The study aimed to determine whether patients with public health coverage (1) have a greater mean tumor size at diagnosis compared to those with private health coverage; (2) exhibit differences in clinical staging and TNM classification between groups; and (3) show variations in demographic, clinical characteristics, histopathological findings, and surgical approaches among cohorts.
Methods
A cross-sectional, multicenter study was conducted on 629 patients from both private and public healthcare sectors, all histologically confirmed and surgically treated for Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC), between 2011 and 2021 in high-volume hospitals in Monterrey, Mexico. To compare variables between groups, we employed independent samples t-tests, Mann Whitney U nonparametric test, along with Pearson's chi square test complemented by post hoc analyses.
Results
Mean tumor size in the public group was 1.9 cm greater than in the private group (7.39 vs. 5.51 cm, p < 0.001). Patients in the public sector more frequently presented with larger tumors, a higher prevalence of risk factors (excluding BMI and hypertension), advanced disease (OR 2.12, CI95%: 1.43–3.16, p < 0.001), presence of symptoms, elevated TNM, lymphovascular invasion and a lower prevalence of minimally invasive surgery. A male-to-female ratio of 2.6:1 was noted in the private coverage group.
Conclusions
This study highlights a notable association between public health coverage and a higher prevalence of advanced RCC, with tumors in private coverage patients being smaller yet larger than commonly reported. There is a crucial need to develop new health policies for early detection of renal cancer in developing countries.
Untreated pulmonary sequestration with recurrent superinfection supporting COPD developement in a 42 year old male patient
Authors: Leitner Maximilian , Kühnle Jeannine L. , Ecker Petra , Khrystenko Tetiana , Tränkenschuh Wolfgang , Bals Robert , Lepper Philipp M. , Langer Frank 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background: Pulmonary sequestration is a congenital malformation in which nonfunctional lung tissue develops without connection to the bronchial system. The main complication is the occurrence of recurrent pneumonia.
Case presentation: We describe the case of a patient who was incidentally diagnosed with PS as part of the diagnostic algorithm for community-acquired pneumonia. Due to the relatively late diagnosis, the recurrent bronchopulmonary was conducive to the development of COPD and pulmonary emphysema. For prognostic reasons, surgical resection was performed by posterolateral thoracotomy.
Conclusions: Although cigarette smoking is the main risk factor for developing COPD, recurring lung infections may have a synergistic effect. Sometimes recurrent infections are caused by a congenital malformation. Especially in adults who have had recurrent pneumonia since childhood.
Hepatitis B vaccination status and associated factors among people living with HIV in Gulu, Uganda: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Nakabuye Maria , Segawa Ivan , Ojiambo Kevin Ouma , Ndagga George William , Ocama Ponsiano , Byakika-Kibwika Pauline 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Introduction:
Hepatitis B vaccination is highly recommended among people with HIV (PWH) because they have a poor prognosis when infected with Hepatitis B virus (HBV). Among PWH, HBV infection s are more likely to progress to chronic hepatitis and liver cirrhosis. It is therefore important that PWH are vaccinated against HBV. However, in Uganda, hepatitis B vaccination among PWH is not standard practice indicating that its uptake may be minimal. We aimed to determine the hepatitis B vaccination status among PWH and the associated factors.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted among 385 PWH in Gulu Regional Referral Hospital, Uganda. Proportions of PWH that are fully vaccinated against hepatitis B were reported with their 95% confidence intervals (CI). A modified Poisson regression model was used to determine factors associated with hepatitis B vaccination, estimating their Prevalence ratios (PR) and 95% CI.
Results
The median age of the participants was 37 years, (interquartile range [IQR] 30-45years) and 30.9% (95% CI; 26.3–35.5) were fully vaccinated against HBV. Urban residence (adjusted PR [aPR] = 1.59, 95% CI = 1.17–2.17), family history of Hepatitis B infection (aPR = 1.66, 95% CI = 1.06–2.61), and knowledge about HBV (aPR = 1.41, 95% CI = 1.06–1.89) were associated with being fully vaccinated against hepatitis B.
Conclusion
We found low coverage of hepatitis B vaccination among PWH attending Gulu Regional Referral Hospital. Hepatitis B vaccination programs should target PWH living in rural areas, with no family history of hepatitis B to educate them about HBV vaccine to increase coverage.
Review of Soil Loss Estimation in Ethiopia: Evaluating the Use of the RUSLE Model integrated with GIS and Remote Sensing Techniques
Authors: Terefe Baye , Amene  , Tihtinaw  , Abebe  , Fekadu  , Tadele  , Aderaw  , Tatek  
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Soil erosion is one of Ethiopia's most severe ecological problems, affecting agricultural output, water quality, and ecosystem well-being. The RUSLE (Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation) model is an extensively used tool for estimating soil erosion, but its applicability in Ethiopia has yet to be effectively evaluated. This article systematically examines the RUSLE model's application in estimating soil loss, emphasizing Ethiopia. A wide-ranging search technique was used to categorize appropriate research articles, books, and other sources related to the practice of the RUSLE model for estimating soil loss in Ethiopia for this review paper. This review observes the model's strengths and limitations, examines the factors contributing to soil erosion, and identifies region-specific strategies for effective soil conservation and mitigation. This review helps the management of soil erosion challenges in Ethiopia by advancing our understanding of the model's utility and providing valuable insights. The findings of this review presented here are critical for estimating soil erosion. They will play a more significant role in improving agricultural methods, protecting soil resources, and ensuring the overall ecological well-being of the country.
Food Insecurity among Syrian Pregnant Women: a cross- sectional study
Authors: Zabad Kareem , Alnesr Anas , Alkadah Hadel , Alchikha Muhammad , Mohammad Karam , Abbassi Haitham 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background: Food insecurity, defined as “the lack of regular and secure access to enough safe and nutritious food for normal growth, development, and active, healthy life”,is of significant importance considering its serious and long-term consequences on public health. Additionally, nations grappling with armed conflicts and economic downturns are especially susceptible to food insecurity, exacerbating their healthcare challenges. Moreover, pregnancy is considered a critical phase due to the increased nutrition demand to ensure the well-being of both the pregnant woman and her child.
Methods: The study took place in (AlTawlid University Hospital), one of the most prominent women and childbirth centers in Syria, between 20/6/2023 and 30/7/2023. Five hundred pregnant women were interviewed. An Arabic version of The U.S. Household Food Security Survey: Six-Item Module was used to identify food insecurity in our sample.
Results: The sample consisted of 460 pregnant women who completed the questionnaire and agreed to participate in the study. Seventy-three percent of pregnant women were found to be food insecure. Statisticallysignificant relationshipsbetween women's food security and their highest level of education, self-reported financial status, age, number of children, and meals consumed per day were found. It is also notable that 20% of the women came from Damascus, 67.4% from Rif Dimashq, and 12.6% from other governorates. The average number of meals pregnant women consumed per day was 2.4±0.75.
Conclusion: The prevalence of food insecurity among pregnant women in Syria is higher compared to other countries in the region, highlighting the urgent need for national programs to identify and address food insecurity, particularly among the most vulnerable populations. Our findings indicate low adherence to prenatal care, which has been linked to increased perinatal mortality rates and lower birth weights. Immediate and comprehensive interventions are necessary in Syria and other low-income, conflict-affected countries in the region to mitigate the adverse effects of food insecurity.
The relation of synaptic biomarkers with Aβ, tau, glial activation, and neurodegeneration in Alzheimer’s disease.
Authors: Wang Yi-Ting , Ashton Nicholas J. , Servaes Stijn , Nilsson Johanna , Woo Marcel S. , Pascoal Tharick A. , Tissot Cecile , Rahmouni Nesrine , Therriault Joseph , Lussier Firoza , Chamoun Mira , Gauthier Serge , Brinkmalm Ann , Zetterberg Henrik , Blennow Kaj , Rosa-Neto Pedro , Benedet Andrea L. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background Synaptic degeneration is an early pathogenic event in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Proteins related to the synaptic architecture, detectable in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), are promising tools to monitor synaptic degeneration in vivo. However, the associations between synaptic biomarkers with AD-related pathologies including Aβ, tau, glial activity, neurodegeneration, and cognitive function remained unclear at the early stages of AD. The aim of this study was to investigate, and compare, the relationships between synaptic biomarkers and AD biomarker-informed pathophysiology, as well as clinical disease progression.
Methods In the present study, we assessed neuroimaging and CSF data from the Translational Biomarkers in Aging and Dementia (TRIAD) cohort. The concentrations of presynaptic (SNAP25, SYT1, and GAP43) and postsynaptic (NRGN) markers in the CSF were measured and we evaluated how these biomarkers relate to several biomarkers of AD pathophysiology and cognitive deterioration. Spearman rank correlation tests and linear regression models were applied to evaluate the association between biomarkers. Voxel-based linear regression models were performed to understand the associations between synaptic biomarkers and imaging outcomes. We further conducted path analyses to evaluate the relationships between biomarkers simultaneously and incorporate the potential effect of these biomarkers via multiple pathways.
Results Findings showed that Aβ, tau and glial reactivity are significantly associated with CSF synaptic biomarkers, with SNAP25 showing numerically larger effect sizes. Notably, SNAP25 is also linked to neurodegeneration and cognition. Results from path analyses indicated that Amyloid CSF (represented by Aβ42/40), Tau CSF (represented by pTau181) and Glial activation (proxied by CSF GFAP) independently affect synaptic biomarker levels (Synaptic; proxied by SNAP25).
Conclusion Overall, this study suggests that CSF synaptic biomarkers exhibit a degree of interchangeability in their potential utility. SNAP25 presents associations with a greater number of AD-related biomarkers, supporting its superiority as a promising candidate for incorporation into future AD clinical trials.