bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A case with a trend of QT interval prolongation due to the introduction of methadone to a pancreatic cancer patient on levofloxacin
Authors: Ouchi Ryusuke , Nagao Munenori , Suzuki Shinju , Yamagata Toshihiro , Chiba Mie , Kurata Naoko , Usui Kensuke , Watanabe Takashi , Koyama Kaori , Okada Kouji 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
As methadone can prevent the development of opioid resistance, it has application in alleviating cancer-related pain that proves challenging to manage with other opioids. QT interval prolongation is a serious side effect of methadone treatment, with some reported deaths. In particular, owing to the increased risk of QT interval prolongation, caution should be exercised when using it in combination with drugs that also prolong the QT interval.

Case presentation
This study presents a case in which methadone was introduced to a patient (a man in his 60s) already using levofloxacin, which could prolong the QT interval—a serious side effect of methadone treatment—and whose QTc value tended to increase. Given that levofloxacin can increase the risk of QT interval prolongation, we considered switching to other antibacterial agents before introducing methadone. However, because the neurosurgeon judged that controlling a brain abscess was a priority, low-dose methadone was introduced with continuing levofloxacin. Owing to the risks, we performed frequent electrocardiograms. Consequently, we responded before the QTc increased enough to meet the diagnostic criteria for QT interval prolongation. Consequently, we prevented the occurrence of drug-induced long QT syndrome.

Conclusions
When considering the use of methadone for intractable cancer pain, it is important to eliminate possible risk factors for QT interval prolongation. However, as it may be difficult to discontinue concomitant drugs owing to comorbidities, there could be cases in which the risk of QT interval prolongation could increase, even with the introduction of low-dose methadone. In such cases, frequent monitoring, even with simple measurements such as those used in this case, is likely to prevent progression to more serious conditions.
Involving parents of children treated for cancer in Sweden as public contributors to inform the design and conduct of an evaluation of internet-administered self-help for parents of children treated for cancer: a protocol
Authors: Woodford Joanne , Reuther Christina , Ljungberg Johan Lars , von Essen Louise 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Introduction
Public contribution in research can facilitate the design and conduct of meaningful research, resulting in feasible and sustainable solutions to healthcare challenges. However, the evidence concerning the acceptability, feasibility, and impact of public contribution in research is limited. We will embed a mixed-method examination of public contribution activities into the CHANGE trial. The overall aim of the CHANGE trial is to evaluate the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of an internet-administered, guided, low-intensity cognitive behavioral therapy-based self-help intervention (EJDeR) plus treatment as usual (TAU) versus TAU for symptoms of depression and/or Generalized Anxiety Disorder in a superiority randomized controlled trial with an internal pilot phase. In this protocol we describe how we aim to: (1) involve parents of children treated for cancer in the managing and undertaking, analysis and interpretation, and dissemination phases of the CHANGE trial; and (2) examine the acceptability, feasibility, and perceived impact of Parent Advisory Board contribution to the trial from the perspective of board members and public contribution coordinators.

Methods
We will recruit around six parents of children treated for cancer to the Parent Advisory Board. Board members will contribute throughout the trial during online workshops and steering group meetings. An impact log will be used during workshops to record activities and examine the perceived impact of activities according to board members and public contribution coordinators, including anticipated and unanticipated changes to the research process and potential benefits and harms. Activities will be reported using the Guidance for Reporting Involvement of Patients and the Public checklist. We will conduct semi-structured interviews with board members and public contribution coordinators 6 months after the board is established and at the end of the trial to examine the acceptability, feasibility, and perceived impact of public contribution activities. We will also conduct interviews with board members and public contribution coordinators who withdraw participation. Findings will be reported in accordance with the Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research checklist.

Discussion
We hope adding public contribution to the CHANGE trial will provide guidance on how to embed public contribution in research and add to the evidence base concerning the impact of public contribution.
Evaluation of retinal structural and functional changes after silicone oil removal in patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment: a retrospective study
Authors: Dou Ran , Li Rui , Li Rui-chan , Yu Yan-ru , Zhou Jin-xiu , Li Rui-mei , Wang Xia-ping , Zhang Dong-chang , Jiang Jian , Chen Song 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
To evaluate retinal structural and functional changes after silicone oil (SO) removal in eyes with macula-off rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD).

Methods
Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) testing, microperimetry, and optical coherence tomography angiography were performed in 48 eyes with macula-off RRD before and 3 months after SO removal. The values of healthy contralateral eyes were used as control data. Correlations between retinal vessel density (VD), retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFLT), the interval between retinal detachment and surgery, the duration of SO tamponade, the follow-up time after SO removal, and visual function were analyzed.

Results
Significant increases in 2˚ fixation rate (FR), 4˚ FR, 2˚ mean retinal sensitivity (MRS), 6˚ MRS, parafoveal superficial capillary plexus VD and RNFLT were observed after SO removal (all P < 0.05). The increase of 2˚ MRS and 6˚ MRS were correlated with the duration of SO tamponade and the follow-up time after SO removal respectively (all P < 0.05). The last 2˚ MRS and 6˚ MRS were correlated with the duration of SO tamponade, the interval between retinal detachment and surgery, and the follow-up time after SO removal (all P < 0.01). The last FR in RRD eyes was close to that of contralateral eyes (P > 0.05).

Conclusion
Retinal structure and function improved to different degrees after SO removal. Fixation stability and retinal sensitivity increased more than BCVA postoperatively. Retinal sensitivity, which was affected by the interval between retinal detachment and surgery and the duration of SO tamponade, gradually recovered after SO removal.
Discrimination against HIV/AIDS patients and associated factors among women in East African countries: using the most recent DHS data (2015–2022)
Authors: Terefe Bewuketu , Jembere Mahlet Moges 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Introduction
The biggest health problem in East Africa is the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Combating stigma and discrimination related to HIV/AIDS is a key goal of many international organizations in their efforts to ensure universal access to HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, care, and support programs. However, previous studies in various regions of Africa have shown that the prevalence of discriminatory attitudes related to HIV/AIDS is particularly high. Furthermore, there is a current evidence gap in the region. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of discriminatory attitude toward HIV/AIDS patients, and its associated factors among women in East African countries.

Methods
The data we utilized were gathered from the most recent Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS), which were carried out in east African nations between 2016 and 2022. We integrated DHS data from ten countries into our investigation. For our analysis, a weighted sample of 139,812 women overall was employed. The analysis used multiple logistic regressions. The adjusted odds ratio and its 95% confidence interval were then shown, and components with binary logistic regression p values of less than or equal to 0.2 and < 0.05 were regarded as significant predictors of discrimination against HIV/AIDS patients.

Results
In this study, 32.73% (95% CI 34.48–32.97) of respondents had a discriminatory attitude toward HIV/AIDS patients. In the multiple logistic regression analysis, being in the older age groups, having a better education level, being from a wealthy household, having employment status, having ANC follow-up, institutional delivery, mass media exposure, and having female household heads were associated with higher odds of not having a discriminatory attitude toward HIV/AIDS patients. However, being unmarried and living far from the health facilities were associated with higher odds of discriminatory attitudes toward HIV/AIDS patients.

Conclusion
This study concluded that women in East Africa still had a very discriminatory attitude toward HIV/AIDS patients. The good news for East Africa is that prevalence has decreased when compared to earlier findings. Improving women's empowerment, maternal health services, and health facilities' accessibility are crucial.
Revisiting bicoid function: complete inactivation reveals an additional fundamental role in Drosophila egg geometry specification
Authors: Baumgartner Stefan 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Introduction
The bicoid (bcd) gene in Drosophila has served as a paradigm for a morphogen in textbooks for decades. Discovered in 1986 as a mutation affecting anterior development in the embryo, its expression pattern as a protein gradient later confirmed the prediction from transplantation experiments. These experiments suggested that the protein fulfills the criteria of a true morphogen, with the existence of a homeodomain crucial for activation of genes along the anterior-posterior axis, based on the concentration of the morphogen. The bcd gene undergoes alternative splicing, resulting in, among other isoforms, a small and often neglected isoform with low abundance, which lacks the homeodomain, termed small bicoid (smbcd). Most importantly, all known classical strong bcd alleles used in the past to determine bcd function apparently do not affect the function of this isoform.

Results
To overcome the uncertainty regarding which isoform regulates what, I removed the bcd locus entirely using CRISPR technology. bcdCRISPR eggs exhibited a short and round appearance. The phenotype could be ascribed to smbcd because all bcd alleles affecting the function of the major transcript, termed large bicoid (lgbcd) showed normally sized eggs. Several patterning genes for the embryo showed expression in the oocyte, and their expression patterns were altered in bcdCRISPR oocytes. In bcdCRISPR embryos, all downstream segmentation genes showed altered expression patterns, consistent with the expression patterns in “classical” alleles; however, due to the altered egg geometry resulting in fewer blastoderm nuclei, additional constraints came into play, further affecting their expression patterns.

Conclusions
This study unveils a novel and fundamental role of bcd in shaping the egg’s geometry. This discovery demands a comprehensive revision of our understanding of this important patterning gene and prompts a reevaluation of past experiments conducted under the assumption that bcd mutants were bcdnull-mutants.
Position paper to facilitate patient access to radiopharmaceuticals: considerations for a suitable pharmaceutical regulatory framework
Authors: Korde Aruna , Patt Marianne , Selivanova Svetlana V. , Scott Andrew M. , Hesselmann Rolf , Kiss Oliver , Ramamoorthy Natesan , Todde Sergio , Rubow Sietske M. , Gwaza Luther , Lyashchenko Serge , Andersson Jan , Hockley Brian , Kaslival Ravindra , Decristoforo Clemens 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Nuclear medicine has made enormous progress in the past decades. However, there are still significant inequalities in patient access among different countries, which could be mitigated by improving access to and availability of radiopharmaceuticals.

Main body
This paper summarises major considerations for a suitable pharmaceutical regulatory framework to facilitate patient access to radiopharmaceuticals. These include the distinct characteristics of radiopharmaceuticals which require dedicated regulations, considering the impact of the variable complexity of radiopharmaceutical preparation, personnel requirements, manufacturing practices and quality assurance, regulatory authority interfaces, communication and training, as well as marketing authorisation procedures to ensure availability of radiopharmaceuticals. Finally, domestic and regional supply to ensure patient access via alternative regulatory pathways, including in-house production of radiopharmaceuticals, is described, and an outlook on regulatory challenges faced by new developments, such as the use of alpha emitters, is provided.

Conclusions
All these considerations are an outcome of a dedicated Technical Meeting organised by the IAEA in 2023 and represent the views and opinions of experts in the field, not those of any regulatory authorities.
Epidemiology of soil-transmitted helminth infections and the differential effect of treatment on the distribution of helminth species in rural areas of Gabon
Authors: Edoa Jean Ronald , Adégbitè Bayodé Roméo , Honkpéhèdji Yabo Josiane , Zinsou Jeannot Fréjus , Boussougou-Sambe Stravensky Térence , Woldearegai Tamirat Gebru , Mordmüller Benjamin , Adegnika Ayola Akim , Dejon‑Agobé Jean Claude 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections are a public health concern in endemic areas. For efficient control, the epidemiology of the disease needs to be monitored. This report assesses the prevalence, incidence, post-treatment infection (PTI) rate, and risk factors for STH infections in two rural areas of Gabon.

Method
In this longitudinal and prospective study, participants aged six to 30 years from the vicinity of Lambaréné and selected households using a simple randomization process were included and followed in two consecutive periods of six and nine months. Stool samples were obtained at the beginning and the end of each follow-up phase (FUP). The Kato-Katz technique was used for the detection of STH eggs, while the Harada-Mori technique and coproculture were used for the detection of larvae in stool processed within a maximum of four hours of collection. Prevalence was determined at the three main time points of the study, incidence was assessed during the two study phases, and PTI was defined as an infection detected nine months post-treatment.

Results
A total of 262 participants were included. The overall prevalence of STH infections was 42% (95%CI: 34–50) and 44% (95%CI: 37–51) at baseline for the six and nine month FUPs, respectively. Trichuris trichiura was the most prevalent species at each time point of assessment. The cumulative incidence of STH at the 6- and 9-month follow-ups was 18% (95%CI: 12–27) and 35% (95%CI: 27–43), respectively, while the incidence rates were 41 (95%CI: 28–55) and 56 (95%CI: 46–67) per 100 person-years, respectively. The PTI rates at the 9-month follow-up for T. trichiura, hookworm, and Ascaris lumbricoides were 58% (95%CI: 41–74), 31% (95%CI: 11–59) and 18% (95%CI: 5–40), respectively. The STH infection intensity was generally light.

Conclusion
The prevalence level of STH infection is moderate in the vicinity of Lambaréné, with T. trichiura being the most prevalent species. Our results reveal a rapid spread of the disease in the population mainly following intervention, particularly for trichuriasis, and therefore call for the full implementation of the World Health Organization’s recommendations in the area.
Trial registration clinicaltrials.gov Identifier NCT02769013. Registered 21 April 2016, https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT02769013
Impact of prenatal, neonatal, and postnatal factors on epilepsy risk in children and adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ketata Imen , Ellouz Emna , Mizouri Rahil 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackgroundEpilepsy is a common, long-term neurological condition. Several previous case-control, cohort and cross-sectional studies have highlighted the role of prenatal, delivery and postnatal factors in the onset of epilepsy. In this systematic review, we evaluate the impact of these factors on the development of epilepsy in children and adolescents.MethodsWe searched PubMed and Google Scholar for literature on the relationship between prenatal, delivery and postnatal factors and the occurrence of epilepsy. The research was performed according to the PRSIMA 2020 flowchart and checklist. Data were extracted and pooled according to the ReviewManager 5.3 software using a random-effects model. Sensitivity analysis and subgroup analysis were used to evaluate the source of heterogeneity.ResultsWe identified 25 reports, including 45,044 cases with confirmed epilepsy and 2,558,210 controls. Premature birth is significantly associated with the risk of epilepsy (pooled OR = 4.36 [95% CI: 1.26–15.09],P = 0.02). Smoking during pregnancy significantly increases this risk by 28% (pooled OR = 1.28 [95% CI:1.1–1.49],P = 0.002). Furthermore, maternal epilepsy confers a pooled OR of 2.06 [95% CI:1.26–3.36]. Eclampsia is linked to a 16.9-fold increased risk of epilepsy. In addition, both pregnancy metrorrhagia and maternal infection are significantly associated with the epilepsy risk (pooled OR = 2.24 [95% CI: 1.36–3.71] and 1.28 [95% CI: 1.17–1.41], respectively). For delivery conditions, cord prolapse (pooled OR = 2.58 [95% CI: 1.25–5.32]), prolonged labor (> 6 h) (OR = 6.74 [95% CI: 3.57–12.71]) and head trauma (pooled OR = 2.31 [95% CI: 1.54–3.48]) represent a meaningful risk of epilepsy occurrence. Moreover, birth complications (OR = 3.91 [95% CI: 2.43–6.29]), low birth weight (pooled OR = 1.83 [95% CI: 1.5–2.23]) and male birth (pooled OR = 1.18 [95% CI: 1.06–1.32]) are associated with an elevated risk of epilepsy in childhood and adolescence.ConclusionsEpilepsy in children and adolescents can be attributed to a multitude of intricate factors, notably those during pregnancy, delivery and the postnatal period. These findings highlight the crucial role of prenatal and postnatal care in reducing the impact of these factors on epilepsy occurrence.
Traditional smoking of Wallachian cheeses and sausages in Polish and Slovak parts of the Carpathian Mountains
Authors: Migdał Władysław , Marcinčák Slavomír , Walczycka Maria , Domagała Jacek , Pluta-Kubica Agnieszka , Filipczak-Fiutak Magda , Migdał Anna , Migdał Łukasz 
Published: January 2024

AbstractWallachian expansion brought to the Carpathian Mountains a system of shepherd economy—farming, production of Wallachian cheeses, animals adapted to life in difficult mountain conditions—mainly sheep of the Cakiel breed group. Mountain sheep's milk is used to produce traditional cheeses: bundz, bryndza podhalańska, oscypek, redykołka—on the Polish side and Slovenská bryndza, Slovenská parenica, Slovenský oštiepok, Ovčí hrudkový syr salašnícky—on the Slovak side. Also sausages are made from sheep meat. These cheeses and sausages are salted and then traditionally smoked. The source of heat and smoke is hard wood with appropriate humidity, burned in the hearth located in the shepherd's hut, over which the cheeses are placed under the roof. Among several hundred smoke components, there are also polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which, on the one hand, give the smoked product its taste and aroma, and on the other hand have carcinogenic and mutagenic properties. Sausages and cheeses from Poland and Slovakia, made from milk and meat of native sheep breeds, preserved by traditional smoking, were analyzed for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons content. The analyzed cheeses were characterized by a trace or low content of benzo[a]pyrene and the sum of benzo(a)pyrene, benzo(a)anthracene, benzo(b)fluoranthene and chrysene. In cheeses from outer Eastern Carpathians subprovince (Bieszczady), the high content of naphthalene, acenaphthylene, fluorene and phenanthrene is noteworthy. Polish lamb sausages were characterized by a higher content of benzo(a)pyrene and the sum of benzo(a)pyrene, benzo(a)anthracene, benzo(b)fluoranthene and chrysene. The differences result from the method of smoking (warm or cold in the south of the Carpathians—hot in the north) and the type of wood used for smoking.
An approach towards identification of leather from leather-like polymeric material using FTIR-ATR technique
Authors: Narayanan Priya , Janardhanan Sreeram Kalarical 
Published: January 2024

AbstractLeather, a by-product of the meat industry, has unique strength, elasticity, water vapor permeability, resistance to abrasion, durability, and longevity. In the background of ISO 15115:2019, the authenticity of leather has become a subject matter of concern. There is a need to distinguish leather (animal origin) from other leather-like materials derived from fossil fuel (PU, faux leather, etc.) and agro-product-driven vegan materials, which are also sold in the market as leather. For this purpose, this work relies on the signature FTIR bands of collagen (the skin-making protein) as a starting point to distinguish between animal origin and rest. A detailed investigation of all types of materials used in lifestyle products has been carried out to assess the boundary lines of this hypothesis. It is reasonably concluded that the signature Amide I, II, and III bands of collagen occurring at 1600, 1500, and 1200 cm−1 could serve as the first line to distinguish against all materials other than nylon and in the case of nylon, and the Amide A band at 3200 cm−1, forms the basis for differentiation from nylon. In essence, the FTIR spectra can be used as a robust, easy and unambiguous technique to distinguish leather from leather-like materials currently available on the market.
Graphical Abstract
Preserving coronal knee alignment of the knee (CPAK) in unicompartmental knee arthroplasty correlates with superior patient-reported outcomes
Authors: Kim Sung Eun , Yun Kuk-Ro , Lee Jae Min , Lee Myung Chul , Han Hyuk-Soo 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
The optimal alignment target for unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) remains controversial, and literature suggests that its impact on patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) varies. The purpose of this study was to identify the relationship between changes in the coronal plane alignment of the knee (CPAK) and PROMs in patients who underwent UKA.

Methods
A retrospective analysis of 164 patients who underwent UKA was conducted. The types of CPAK types categorized into unchanged, minor (shift to an adjacent CPAK type, e.g., type I to II or type I to IV), and major changes (transitioning to a nearby diagonal CPAK type or two types across, such as type I to V or type I to III). PROMs were assessed preoperatively and 1 year postoperatively using the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) scores, Knee Society (KS) scores, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and Forgotten Joint Scores (FJS). Comparison was performed between patients who experienced and who did not experience any changes in the CPAK.

Results
Patients with preserved native CPAK alignment demonstrated significantly superior 1 year postoperative outcomes, with higher HSS, KS knee, and WOMAC pain scores (p = 0.042, p = 0.009, and p = 0.048, respectively). Meanwhile, the degree of change in CPAK did not significantly influence the PROMs, and patients who experienced minor and major changes in the CPAK showed comparable outcomes.

Conclusion
Preserving the native CPAK in UKA procedures is important for achieving favorable clinical outcomes at 1 year postoperative. The extent of change in the CPAK type exerted a limited impact on PROMs, thus emphasizing the importance of change in alignment itself.