bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bias-Adjusted Predictions of County-Level Vaccination Coverage from the COVID-19 Trends and Impact Survey
Authors: Reitsma Marissa B. , Rose Sherri , Reinhart Alex , Goldhaber-Fiebert Jeremy D. , Salomon Joshua A. 
Published: December 2023

Background The potential for selection bias in nonrepresentative, large-scale, low-cost survey data can limit their utility for population health measurement and public health decision making. We developed an approach to bias adjust county-level COVID-19 vaccination coverage predictions from the large-scale US COVID-19 Trends and Impact Survey. Design We developed a multistep regression framework to adjust for selection bias in predicted county-level vaccination coverage plateaus. Our approach included poststratification to the American Community Survey, adjusting for differences in observed covariates, and secondary normalization to an unbiased reference indicator. As a case study, we prospectively applied this framework to predict county-level long-run vaccination coverage among children ages 5 to 11 y. We evaluated our approach against an interim observed measure of 3-mo coverage for children ages 5 to 11 y and used long-term coverage estimates to monitor equity in the pace of vaccination scale up. Results Our predictions suggested a low ceiling on long-term national vaccination coverage (46%), detected substantial geographic heterogeneity (ranging from 11% to 91% across counties in the United States), and highlighted widespread disparities in the pace of scale up in the 3 mo following Emergency Use Authorization of COVID-19 vaccination for 5- to 11-y-olds. Limitations We relied on historical relationships between vaccination hesitancy and observed coverage, which may not capture rapid changes in the COVID-19 policy and epidemiologic landscape. Conclusions Our analysis demonstrates an approach to leverage differing strengths of multiple sources of information to produce estimates on the time scale and geographic scale necessary for proactive decision making. Implications Designing integrated health measurement systems that combine sources with different advantages across the spectrum of timeliness, spatial resolution, and representativeness can maximize the benefits of data collection relative to costs. Highlights The COVID-19 pandemic catalyzed massive survey data collection efforts that prioritized timeliness and sample size over population representativeness. The potential for selection bias in these large-scale, low-cost, nonrepresentative data has led to questions about their utility for population health measurement. We developed a multistep regression framework to bias adjust county-level vaccination coverage predictions from the largest public health survey conducted in the United States to date: the US COVID-19 Trends and Impact Survey. Our study demonstrates the value of leveraging differing strengths of multiple data sources to generate estimates on the time scale and geographic scale necessary for proactive public health decision making.
Comparative Evaluation of Durability and Hygiene Between Multistrand Round Dead Soft and 8-Braid Flat Dead Soft Stainless Steel Retainer Wire
Authors: Gautam Nitu , Nanda Smruti Bhusan , Nayak Tusar K. , Mishra Sumita , Pani Saibalini , Jana Debapratim 
Published: December 2023

Aim and Objectives The present study aims at evaluation and comparison of durability and hygiene between 2 different lingual retainer wires bonded between premolar to premolar, that is, maxillary or mandibular arch in the same patient. Materials and Methods Eighty retainer wires were placed in 40 patients. They were assigned to 2 groups and subjected to 2 different types of retainer wires (multistrand round and 8-braid flat). Results The mean durability of multistrand round retainer wire (235.7 ± 67.28 days) was more than 8-braid flat retainer wire (153.5 ± 43.85 days) irrespective of arches to which they were bonded, which was statistically significant. Scores for plaque index, calculus index, and gingival index were found more with 8-braid flat retainers and in lower arch than multistrand round retainer and in upper arch but these are statistically not significant. Conclusion The mean durability of multistrand round retainer wire was more than 8-braid flat retainer wire. The analysis did not find any statistical significant association for deposition of plaque, calculus, and gingival inflammation between different retainer wires and between arches.
Evaluation of Antimicrobial Effect of Biologically Safe Selenium Nanoparticles-coated Clear Aligner—An In vitro Study
Authors: D Hemamalini , Mary Priya Riona , KM Shahul Hameed Faizee , Dhayananth Xavier 
Published: December 2023

Objective To synthesize selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) from plant extract, characterize them, coat them on clear aligners, and evaluate their cytotoxicity and antimicrobial activity. Materials and Methods The green synthesis of SeNPs utilized the leaves of Withania somnifera. The biosynthesized nanoparticles are incorporated in clear aligners using sol-gel thin film dip coating method to check for antimicrobial effect against Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus species using time kill curve assay. The cytotoxicity of the material was checked using brine shrimp lethality assay. Results The optical density values indicated that the SeNPs-coated clear aligners effectively inhibited the growth of Lactobacillus sp. and S. mutans. Time kill curve assessed in varying concentration of 25 µg/mL, 50 µg/mL, and 100 µg/mL revealed greater antibacterial activity at a lower concentration with increasing time. Conclusion Clear aligners coated with SeNPs had positive antibacterial effects on suspensions of Lactobacillus sp. and S. mutans and are biocompatible.
Study Protocol for a Stepped-Wedge Cluster (Nested) Randomized Controlled Trial of Antenatal Colostrum Expression (ACE) Instruction in First-Time Mothers: The ACE Study
Authors: Cuffe Cassandra , Giglia Roslyn , Cooper Matthew N. , Hill Julie , Silva Desiree , Moorhead Anita M. , Verhasselt Valerie , Lewis Joshua R. , Ireson Deborah , Demirci Jill R. , Cotte Talea , Webb Kathryn , Patey Frances , O’Sullivan Therese A. 
Published: December 2023

Background: Although many mothers initiate breastfeeding, supplementation with human-milk substitutes (formula) during the birth hospitalization is common and has been associated with early breastfeeding cessation. Colostrum hand expressed in the last few weeks before birth, known as antenatal colostrum expression (ACE), can be used instead of human-milk substitutes. However, evidence is lacking on the efficacy of ACE on breastfeeding outcomes and in non-diabetic mothers. Methods and Planned Analysis: This multicenter stepped-wedge cluster (nested) randomized controlled trial aims to recruit 945 nulliparous pregnant individuals. The trial is conducted in two phases. During Phase 1, control group participants are under standard care. During Phase 2, participants are randomized to ACE instruction via a pre-recorded online video or a one-on-one session with a midwife. Adjusted logistic regression analysis will be used to examine the relationship between ACE instruction and breastfeeding outcomes. Research Aims and Questions: Primary aim: (1) Does advising pregnant individuals to practice ACE and providing instruction improve exclusive breastfeeding rates at 4 months postpartum? Secondary research questions: (2) Do individuals who practice ACE have higher rates of exclusive breastfeeding during the initial hospital stay after birth? (3) Is teaching ACE via an online video non-inferior to one-on-one instruction from a midwife? (4) Does expressing colostrum in pregnancy influence time to secretory activation, or (5) result in any differences in the composition of postnatal colostrum? Discussion: Trial findings have important implications for maternity practice, with the online video providing an easily accessible opportunity for ACE education as part of standard antenatal care.
Acupuncture for patients with insomnia and predictors of treatment response: a chart review
Authors: Choi Yujin , Yu Duk-jong , Ha Kee chul , Min Jong-min , Choi Woon-yong , Yun Dae-sang , Kwak Bum-hee , Kim Seung-gyeom , Yoon Jong-wuk , Kim Hang-ki , Lim Dong-kwan , Jeon Kyung-bae , Kim Seong-rok , Lee Sang-yoon , Kim Sungha 
Published: December 2023

Background: Acupuncture is a potentially effective non-pharmacological treatment for insomnia. Objective: We observed the responses of patients with insomnia to acupuncture in routine clinical practice. In addition, we explored patient characteristics that might affect the treatment response to acupuncture for insomnia. Methods: Medical records of patients with insomnia in a Korean medicine clinic with baseline Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) scores ⩾8 and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scores ⩾5 were reviewed. Acupuncture was applied at ST43, GB41, ST41, SI5, HT3, KI10, HT7 and ST3, for 1–2 months. The ISI and PSQI were measured monthly to assess insomnia severity. The effect of acupuncture over time was analyzed using a multilevel linear model for repeated measures. In addition, logistic regression was used to explore predictors of treatment response. Results: A total of 91 patients with insomnia aged 59.2 ± 12.5 years (mean ± standard deviation (SD)) (90.1% female) were included in the analysis. After the acupuncture treatment, ISI scores were significantly reduced by −3.75 (95% confidence interval (CI) = −4.99, −2.50) and −4.69 (95% CI = −6.22, −3.16) after the first and second month, respectively. The PSQI global scores also improved, and sleep duration showed a tendency to increase by 0.35 h (95% CI = −0.17, 0.86) after acupuncture treatment. Three cases of mild fatigue were reported. In addition, higher baseline pain/discomfort predicted a greater likelihood of response after acupuncture treatment (odds ratio (OR) = 1.66, 95% CI = 1.10, 2.60). Conclusion: In a real-world setting, the insomnia of outpatients in a clinic was slightly alleviated after acupuncture treatment. These findings require validation by randomized controlled trials.
The Development and Psychometric Testing of the Scale of Cultural Sensitivity of Health Care Professionals in Japan
Authors: Tanaka Hiroko , Arakida Mikako 
Published: December 2023

Introduction: The development of cultural sensitivity is essential for health care professionals but there are few tools to measure this quality in Japan. The purpose of this study was to develop a scale of cultural sensitivity for Japanese health care professionals and examine its reliability and validity. Method: A draft scale was created through conceptual analysis and a questionnaire was completed by 515 health care professionals and 1,322 college students. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were used to determine suitable scale items and examine model fitness. Results: The four-factor 18-item scale showed acceptable model fitness. Cronbach’s α coefficient exceeded .90 and correlation coefficients for criterion-related validity were over .29. Construct validity was confirmed by the significantly higher score of the cross-culturally experienced groups. The intraclass correlation coefficient was .642 (professionals) and .722 (students). Discussion: This reliable and valid scale for Japanese health professionals and college students may be used to evaluate training programs to increase their cultural sensitivity.
Assessment of Quality and Readability of Web-Based Arabic Knowledge About Cleft Lip and/or Palate: An Infodemiology Study
Authors: Alassaf Muath S. , Hasubah Saad M. , Sharbib Shadan H. , Alhammad Reem , Othman Ahmad A. , Alsulaimani Mahmoud A. , Qazali Ahmad A. 
Published: December 2023

Objective The aim of this study is to evaluate the quality and readability of the Arabic web-based information about cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P). Materials and Method: Searching in three engines and checking eligibility for the first 300 websites. The quality of the included websites (72) was assessed using the DISCERN questionnaire, JAMA benchmarks, and HON code. The readability of the websites was assessed using three readability tests: FKGL, SMOG, and FRE. Then, data analysis was done. Results All checked websites were partly related to CL/P and contained medical facts. The affiliation of most of the websites was commercial 33 (45.8%). The mean overall DISCERN score was 2.87 (± 1.61). The maximum score was not achieved by any website, and only one (1.4%) website had the minimum score. For JAMA benchmarks, the currency was the most achieved item in 39 (54.2%) websites, and none of the websites achieved the four items. Only one website had the HON code. Based on the FRE scale, the level was very easy for most of the websites 57 (79.2%). Conclusion The available content about CL/P is readable but with moderate to poor quality and trustfulness. Undoubtedly, there is a serious need to increase and improve the quality of the web-based Arabic population's knowledge about CL/P, especially by governmental institutions and universities. Establishing specialized websites for CL/P is also needed.
Anticoagulation for Atrial Fibrillation in Acute Coronary Syndrome Survivors Reduces Major Cardiovascular Events and Mortality
Authors: Pyka Łukasz , Hudzik Bartosz , Bartuś Stanisław , Buszman Paweł , Gierlotka Marek , Wojakowski Wojciech , Hiczkiewicz Jarosław , Kleinrok Andrzej , Skrzypek Michał , Kuliczkowski Wiktor , Gąsior Mariusz 
Published: December 2023

The prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients is increasing. Data on outcomes of anticoagulation in ACS patients with AF are lacking. The aim of our study was to investigate the prevalence of stroke, myocardial infarction, bleeding complications, and all-cause mortality in this population. PL-ACS and AMI-PL registries gather an all-comer population of ACS patients in Poland, exceeding half a million records. We have selected ACS survivors with concomitant AF on admission, divided them into subgroups with regard to the administered anticoagulation, and followed up with them for a 12-month period ( n = 13,973). Subsequently, groups were propensity score matched for age, sex, ejection fraction, diabetes, heart failure, renal impairment, and type of ACS. The study population was divided with regard to the administration of anticoagulation. Anticoagulation was prescribed in 2,466 patients (17.6%). The (D)OAC+ patients were younger; however, comorbidities were more prevalent in this group. The 12-month follow-up showed that the (D)OAC+ patients had significantly lower rates of all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction, and ischemic stroke, with no significant increase in bleeding events. After matching, the study groups consisted of 2,194 patients each and showed no differences in baseline characteristics. The outcomes of the 12-month observation were similar to the findings before matching. This all-comer national registry analysis shows that the use of guideline-recommended therapy and anticoagulation in ACS survivors with AF is associated with a lower rate of all-cause mortality, recurrent myocardial infarction, and ischemic stroke.
Supersonic jet noise and screech tone suppression using cross-wire
Authors: Periyasamy Kaleeswaran , Parthasarathy Natarajan Kadiresh 
Published: December 2023

This experimental investigation is aimed at assessing how the introduction of a cross-wire at the exit of a CD nozzle influences the performance of a supersonic nozzle. The study focuses on cold air jets generated by De Laval nozzles equipped with cross-wires and baseline configurations, particularly at design Mach numbers of 1.5 and 1.75. The investigation involves collecting measurements from the noise field emitted by the cross-wire nozzle with a 2% obstruction at the exit. This passive control approach effectively reduces the occurrence of screech tones in both over-expanded and under-expanded conditions in the azimuthal plane at appropriate operating pressures. Various acoustic parameters, including sound pressure levels (SPL), Strouhal numbers, and the overall sound pressure level spectra (OASPL) are recorded. Schlieren imaging captures images of shock cell patterns, illustrating the impact of shock-associated noise. In comparison to a baseline nozzle, the results demonstrate that a CD nozzle equipped with a cross-wire proves to be a proficient screech tone suppressor, leading to an average reduction of up to 5 dB in OASPL in under-expanded and over-expanded scenarios.
Acoustic measurements in single-rotor/wing interaction at low disk loading and Reynolds number
Authors: Chen Mingtai , Hua Jie , Maier Nick , Burdette Dylan 
Published: December 2023

The tiltrotor design is favored for urban air mobility (UAM) prototypes due to the combination of vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) capability and efficient forward flight. With rising UAM air traffic at low altitudes, noise from these aircraft is a crucial design factor. Most tiltrotor noise research focuses on high disk loading and Reynolds number setups, leaving smaller aircraft configurations less explored. This study investigates aero-acoustic trends from rotor-wing interaction at low disk loading ([Formula: see text]100 N/m2) and Reynolds number (Re < 100,000). While prior literature suggests lowering disk loading and reducing rotor wake interference can mitigate rotor noise, such ideas lack empirical validation. The setup involves an anechoic chamber housing a two-blade rotor, along with flat and NACA 0012 airfoil wings. Microphones and a rotation stage capture acoustic data for analysis. Factors like flow recirculation, isolated rotor noise, rotor height, rotation direction/rate, and wing curvature are assessed for impact on noise signature. It is found that the deflected rotor wake in rotor-wing interaction significantly increases low-frequency broadband noise and overall sound pressure level (OASPL), compared to an isolated rotor. Dominant tonal noise diminishes based on the strength of the deflected rotor wake. These findings offer insights into reducing noise from rotor wake impingement on the wing.
High-Pressure Injection Injuries of the Hand in Community and Industrial Settings: Incidence and Trends
Authors: Johnson Charles , Newton William , LaRochelle Luke , Allen John , Daly Charles 
Published: December 2023

Background: High-pressure injection injuries to the hand have been reported in both the community and industrial setting with varying levels of severity. However, there are little epidemiologic data regarding the prevalence of pressure-injection injuries. The purpose of this study is thus to describe trends in emergency department (ED) encounters associated with pressure injection injuries, thereby informing potential investments in research and education for these injuries. Methods: The National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS), a nationally representative database of all ED encounters, was queried for all high-pressure injection injuries from 2012 to 2021. Patient demographic and injury data were collected and analyzed to describe trends in incidence, patient demographics, and sequelae of hand injury associated with an ED encounter for a pressure injection-related injury. Results: There were an estimated 15 307 (95% confidence interval: 15 051-15 562) high-pressure injection hand injuries from 2012 to 2021. Injuries were more frequent on weekends with the highest incidence on Sundays (18.9%) and Saturdays (18.0%) and during late spring and summer months (58.6%), with peak incidence occurring in May (16.8%). High-pressure paint injuries demonstrated a significantly higher rate of infection (23.7% of injuries) than pressure washer injuries (3.7%); however, pressure washer injuries were much more common overall (90% vs 10%). Conclusion: High-pressure injection injuries to the hand and upper extremity represent a particularly concerning injury mechanism. Prompt recognition and proper management are crucial for improving outcomes. People that utilize pressure washers for household projects should be aware of the risks associated with these machines and utilize proper safety techniques.
Greening Hand Surgery: Targeted Measures to Reduce Waste in Ambulatory Trigger Finger and Carpal Tunnel Decompression
Authors: Tevlin Ruth , Panton Jasmine A. , Fox Paige M. 
Published: December 2023

Background: Operating rooms (ORs) produce approximately 70% of hospital waste. Greening strategies in the OR aim to reduce the environmental impact of surgery while maintaining patient safety and outcomes. The aim of this study was to strategically reduce waste and cost associated with common ambulatory hand procedures by implementing a 3-stage “green case” plan over a 1-year period in a high-volume tertiary referral hand surgery division. Methods: A 3-stage greening initiative for hand surgery was designed and implemented in ambulatory open carpal tunnel release (CTR) and trigger finger release (TFR) cases, including: (1) introduction of minor field sterility; (2) implementation of a lean and green minor hand surgery pack and reduced instrument set; and (3) elimination of gown use by surgeons and OR staff. Surgical supply usage and costs were tracked during the study period and compared with control. Results: Each “green case” resulted in savings of $105 compared with the control cases from the preceding year, excluding cost savings associated with reduced waste processing. There was a 64% and 75% reduction in waste and costs after greening, respectively. This equates to a minimum institutional annual savings of $51 000 when used for CTR and TFR. There was no observed increase in surgical site infections or complications after the introduction of greening. Conclusion: Greening initiatives can be successfully implemented by surgeons to reduce waste and costs. With targeted greening of CTR and TFR procedures, we significantly reduced waste and decreased costs while maintaining patient safety and outcomes.
drCORRECT: An Algorithm for the Preventive Administration of Postprandial Corrective Insulin Boluses in Type 1 Diabetes Management
Authors: Pellizzari Elisa , Prendin Francesco , Cappon Giacomo , Sparacino Giovanni , Facchinetti Andrea 
Published: December 2023

Background: In type 1 diabetes therapy, precise tuning of postprandial corrective insulin boluses (CIBs) is crucial to mitigate hyperglycemia without inducing dangerous hypoglycemic events. Several heuristic formulas accounting for continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) trend have been proposed in the literature. However, these formulas suggest a lot of quantized CIB adjustments, and they lack personalization. Method: drCORRECT algorithm proposed in this work employs a patient-specific time parameter and the “dynamic risk” (DR) measure to determine postprandial CIB suggestion. The expected benefits include the reduction of time in hyperglycemia, thanks to the preventive action exploited through DR. drCORRECT has been assessed retrospectively vs the literature methods proposed by Aleppo et al (AL), Bruttomesso et al (BR), and Ziegler et al (ZI) using a data set of 49 CGM daily traces recorded in free-living conditions. Retrospective evaluation of the algorithms is made possible by the use of ReplayBG, a digital twin-based tool that allows assessing alternative insulin therapies on already collected glucose data. Efficacy in terms of glucose control was measured by temporal, risk indicators, and dedicated hyperglycemic/hypoglycemic events metrics. Results: drCORRECT significantly reduces time spent in hyperglycemia when compared with AL and BR (33.52 [24.16, 39.89]% vs 39.76 [22.54, 48.15]% and 36.32 [26.91, 45.93]%, respectively); significantly reduces daily injected insulin (5.97 [3.80, 8.06] U vs 7.5 [5.21, 10.34] U), glycemia risk index (38.78 [26.58, 55.39] vs 40.78 [27.95, 70.30]), and time spent in hypoglycemia (0.00 [0.00, 1.74]% vs 0.00 [0.00, 10.23]%) when compared with ZI, resulting overall in a safer strategy. Conclusions: The proposed drCORRECT algorithm allows preventive actions thanks to the personalized timing configuration and the introduction of the innovative DR-based CIB threshold, proving to be a valid alternative to the available heuristic literature methods.