bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
“Telemedicine has certainly changed the way we work: We do more phone consultations now.”
Authors: Stummer Florian O , Mayrhofer Mira , Szabo Nathallie , Hoffmann Kathryn 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background
Teleconsultation has gained increased attention in primary care as a means to deliver healthcare services remotely. This qualitative study explores the perceptions and challenges of healthcare providers regarding the implementation and use of teleconsultation in their practice.
Method
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with GPs working in different organizational primary care forms, to gain insights into their experiences with teleconsultation. The interviews focused on the perceived benefits, limitations, and barriers associated with teleconsultation, as well as the expectations for its future role in healthcare.
Results
The most noteworthy finding is that GPs overwhelmingly refer to telephone consultations when talking about remote consultations or telemedicine. When it comes to the experiences regarding these remote consultations, GPs identified the challenges associated with managing patient behavior and massively increased workload as most important. Only after inquiry, video consultation was mentioned as mean of remote consultation. Regarding video-consultation technological issues, such as outdated software and the need for user-friendly platforms, were hindering factors. Concerns regarding patient privacy and data protection emerged as important considerations in the use of teleconsultation. Moreover, the lack of institutional support and infrastructure for telemedicine implementation was a recurring theme, emphasizing the need for investments and resources.
Conclusion
It is of great importance to know that GPs mainly mean telephone consultations when talking about remote consultations. This is in contrary to literature, where video consultations or consultations through specific apps or messenger services were meant with remote consultations. Against this background, it becomes clear where GPs need to be picked up in communication. Furthermore, GPs identified various challenges and limitations associated with the implementation of remote consultations which should be tackled immediately if the topic should evolve in Austria. These findings provide valuable insights for healthcare organizations and policymakers aiming to enhance telemedicine implementation in primary care settings.
Heterostigmatic mites (Acari: Prostigmata) associated with mushroom-forming fungi (Basidiomycota: Agaricomycetes), with description of a new microdispid mite (Microdispidae)
Authors: MAJIDI SAFOORA , Rahiminejad Vahid , RAZAVI ESMAEEL , NADIMI AHMAD 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

A new species of Heterostigmatic mites from the family Microdispidae, Premicrodispus (Premicrodispus) abani Rahiminejad & Majidi sp. nov., is described and illustrated based on female individuals recovered from macro-fungi, Trichaptum sp. (Fungi: Polyporales), in forestry areas of Gorgan, northern Iran. Additionally, distributional records of four pygmephoroid species belonging to Pediculaster Vitzthum, 1931, MetapygmephorellusRahiminejad, Hajiqanbar & Khaustov, 2015, and Krczaldania Sasa, 1961 are reported from various mushrooms over the sampling region. All the fungi, including Trichaptumsp. (Polyporales), Psathyrellasp., and Pleurotus sp. (Fungi: Agaricales), are recorded for the first time as host of Heterostigmata. Moreover, Pediculaster sklarii Sevastianov & Chydyrov, 1994 and P. amerahae Sevastianov & Abo-korah, 1984,are recorded for the first time in the arthropod fauna of Iran. Eventually, an overview of heterostigmatic mites associated with macro-fungi, as well as their host range and location, has been provided.
Combination Activity of Standard Antituberculosis Drugs and Extracts of Medicinal Plants Commonly Used in Traditional Treatment of Tuberculosis in Uganda
Authors: Mpeirwe Moses , Komakech Kevin , Ssesazi Duncan , Ogwang Patrick Engeu , Bazira Joel 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
Despite the increasing acceptance of medicinal plant use in combination with conventional antituberculosis drugs in treatment of tuberculosis (TB) in Uganda, there is paucity of knowledge on their combination effect. This research aimed to find combination activity of standard antituberculosis drugs with extracts of Zanthoxylum leprieurii and Rubia cordifolia, the two common antituberculosis medicinal plants, against pansensitive (H37Rv) and multi-drug resistant (MDR) Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Methods
Two reference MTB strains (H37Rv and MDR strain) were inoculated on Middlebrook 7H11 medium containing a combination of standard anti-TB drugs and methanol extracts of Z. leprieurii and R. cordifolia at varying concentrations. The number of colonies on the plates were observed and counted weekly for up to 8 weeks. In vitro combination activity was determined using proportion method. Mean percentage inhibition was calculated for the reduction of number of colonies on drug-extract combination medium in relation to drug-extract-free control medium.
Results
Drug-extract combinations showed good combination effect against Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains when compared with individual standard anti-TB drugs. This was more evident with MDR strain. There was however a reduction in percentage inhibition when extracts were combined with ethambutol and streptomycin against H37Rv strain.
Conclusions
Therefore, use of medicinal plants in combination with conventional antituberculosis drugs in TB treatment should be done with caution especially with susceptible cases.
Structural Variation Detection and Association Analysis of Whole-Genome-Sequence Data from 16,905 Alzheimer’s Diseases Sequencing Project Subjects
Authors: Lee Wan-Ping , Wang Hui , Dombroski Beth , Cheng Po-Liang , Tucci Albert , Si Ya-qin , Farrell John , Tzeng Jung-Ying , Leung Yuk Yee , Malamon John , Wang Li-San , Vardarajan Badri , Farrer Lindsay , Schellenberg Gerard , Project The Alzheimer’s Disease Sequencing Project The Alzheimer’s D 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Structural variations (SVs) are important contributors to the genetics of human diseases. However, their role in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) remains largely unstudied due to challenges in accurately detecting SVs. We analyzed whole-genome sequencing data from the Alzheimer’s Disease Sequencing Project (N = 16,905) and identified 400,234 (168,223 high-quality) SVs. Laboratory validation yielded a sensitivity of 82% (85% for high-quality). We found a significant burden of deletions and duplications in AD cases, particularly for singletons and homozygous events. On AD genes, we observed the ultra-rare SVs associated with the disease, including protein-altering SVs in ABCA7, APP, PLCG2, and SORL1. Twenty-one SVs are in linkage disequilibrium (LD) with known AD-risk variants, exemplified by a 5k deletion in complete LD with rs143080277 in NCK2. We also identified 16 SVs associated with AD and 13 SVs linked to AD-related pathological/cognitive endophenotypes. This study highlights the pivotal role of SVs in shaping our understanding of AD genetics.
Receipt of prescription opioid medication is associated with increased mortality in an Israeli population – a cohort study.
Authors: Cohen Matan J , Dressler Reuven L , Kaliner Ehud 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background - Despite Israel’s increased use of prescription opioids, reported deaths resulting or associated with opioids have decreased, in fact dramatically, since 2005. This contrast is unique and difficult to explain. Methods – A historical cohort analysis of Clalit Health Services (CHS) data including all adult patients prescribed opiates between 2010 and 2020, excluding patients with oncologic diagnoses. Patients were classified into three groups according to opioid use: below 50 Morphine milligram equivalents (MME) per day, 50 to 90 MME per day, and above 90 MME per day. Sex, Charlson comorbidity score, age and socioeconomic status were recorded. Mortality rates were compared between the dosage groups and additionally, age-standardized mortality rates were compare the general population mortality rates. Results - On multivariate analysis, patients receiving 90 or more MME per day were 2.4 (95%CI 2.1 to 2.7) more likely to have died compared to patients receiving below 50 MME per day. The respective hazard ratio among patients receiving between 50 and 90 MME per day was 2.2 (2.0 to 2.5). Among patients aged 18 to 50, standardized mortality ratios compared to the general population ranged between 5.4 (5.3–6.6) to 8.6 (7.8–9.7) among women, receiving between 50 and 90 MME per day, and between 8.1 (7.3–9.2) and 10.6 (9.5–12.1) among women receiving 90 or more MME per day. The respective SMRs among men were 1.2 (1.1–1.3) to 3.8 (3.5–4.2) and 2.7 (2.4-3.0) to 5.4 (4.9–5.9). Conclusion – We demonstrate that increased opioid use is associated with increased mortality among non-oncological patients, while controlling for co-morbidities. We have shown this among young adults with little or no known comorbidities. These findings are consistent with results in other countries and seem more credible than previous Israeli reports.
Correlation between Temporomandibular Joints and Craniocervical Posture in Patients with Bilateral Anterial Disc Displacement
Authors: Xiang Wanfang , Wang Min , Li Zhihui , Cai Mingqin , Pan Xiaojing 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Objective To study the changes of temporomandibular joint and craniocervical posture in adult patients with bilateral anterior disc displacement, and to explore their correlation, which may provide some clinical value for clinical diagnosis and treatment planning.
Methods Ninety-eight adult patients were divided into 3 groups: 29 patients in control group, 33 patients in bilateral Anterior Disc Displacement With Reduction group and 36 patients in bilateral Anterior Disc Displacement Without Reduction group. Dolphin and Uceph software were used to measure 14 items of temporomandibular joint and 11 items of craniocervical posture for comparison and correlation analysis between groups.
Results There were significant differences in bilateral joint space between the anterior disc displacement group. Compared with the control group, the anteroposterior diameter of the condyle was significantly reduced, the condyle was significantly displaced posteriorly and superiorly, but the joint fossa width and joint fossa depth did not change significantly. Cervical curvature and inclination were greater in patients with anterior disc displacement than controls, indicating that the craniocervical posture of adult patients with anterior disc displacement was extended and protrusive.
Conclusion Anterior displacement of articular disc can displace the condyle upwards and posteriorly and reduce the diameter of condyle, and then make the condyle closer to the wall of articular fossa to induce joint symptoms. Anterior disc displacement of the temporomandibular joint can significantly affect craniocervical postural position, which may be related to compensate for the effects of airway space.
Association of Operative Time with SSI in elderly patients with colon cancer: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Wang Xiaoqian , Fan Aqiang , Hong Liu 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Objective A significant correlation between surgery time and surgical site infection (SSI) occurrence has been found. We collected clinical information from 1542 patients aged 60 years and older who underwent radical resection for colon cancer at the Department of Gastroenterology, Xijing Hospital.
Methods In this study, clinical information of 1542 elderly colon cancer patients who met the nadir criteria was retrospectively collected for univariate and multifactorial analyses through the Electronic Medical Record. A smoothed curve between operative time and SSI was fitted using the generalized summation model (GAM). The curve was segmented by the trend of the curve to clarify the possible threshold effect of surgery time.
Results We found a significant positive correlation between operative time and SSI after 132 min after adjusting for other confounding factors. The correlation between the two was not compelling at less than 132 min. There was a significant threshold effect between operative time and the occurrence of SSI (Log-likelihood ratio test P=0.024).
Conclusions Our study shows that in elderly patients undergoing radical colon cancer, the operative time exceeding 132 min will significantly increase the odds of developing SSI.
Essential mycobacterial gene glmM as an immunotherapeutic target against tuberculosis
Authors: Nandicoori Vinay , Agarwal Meetu , Dwivedi Ved Prakash , Bhaskar Ashima , Singha Biplab , Singh Archana , Agarwal Nisheeth , Chaturvedi Shivam 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

The limitations of TB treatment are the long duration and immune-dampening effects of anti-tuberculosis therapy. The cell wall of mycobacteria helps in its survival, pathogenicity, and virulence and provides resistance against different antibiotics. Hence, cell wall biosynthesis pathways and the enzymes involved are crucial and, thus, are good therapeutic targets. Here, we identify Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) GlmM, (GlmMMtb) involved in the UDP-GlcNAc synthesis pathway as an essential enzyme. Using the CRISPR interference-mediated gene silencing approach, we generated a conditional knockdown strain, Rv-glmMkD. Depletion of GlmMMtb affects the morphology and thickness of the cell wall. The Rv-glmMkD strain attenuated Mtb survival in vitro, in the host macrophages (ex vivo), and in a murine mice infection model (in vivo). Results suggest that the depletion of GlmMMtb induces M1 macrophage polarization, prompting a pro-inflammatory cytokine response, apparent from the upregulation of activation markers, including IFNɣ and IL-17 that resists the growth of Mtb. Collectively, these observations provide a rationale for exploring GlmMMtb as a potential therapeutic target.
Multivariate fragility functions according to failure modes for lightly reinforced concrete columns
Authors: Koo Su Hyun , Han Sang Whan 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Fragility functions are used to estimate the probability of experiencing or exceeding a given specific damage state for a given engineering demand parameter (EDP) value. Fragility estimation is a key component of performance-based earthquake engineering. The aim of this study is to develop multivariate fragility functions for lightly reinforced concrete columns according to column failure mode. Four different damage states are considered. For this purpose, a procedure classifying column failure mode was developed. In addition, empirical equations computing the central and dispersion values of the EDP (drift ratio in the present study) associated with individual damage states are proposed based on a database containing the test data of 193 lightly reinforced concrete columns. The fragility curves of the columns can be accurately obtained using the procedure developed by the present study.
LDAR, new tool for reduction of fugitive VOC emissions in a petrochemical complex of Pars Special Economic Energy Zone, Iran
Authors: Saatloo Seyed Jafar Esmat , Jozi Seyed Ali , Monavari Seyed Masoud 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Fugitive volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from the chemical facility in the Energy zones constitute a complex issue in Iran. This research aims to identify and manage the release of volatile organic compounds from equipment in the petrochemical industry and in particular the olefin unit, which is one of the most important processes in the petrochemical industry. To recognize the emission points of the VOCs, process equipment was periodically visited by infrared technology(IR)using a leak detection camera. The Leak Detection and Repair (LDAR)program was conducted according to US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)protocols and method 21 of this protocol. The percentages of VOCs emission from process equipment such as heat exchangers, valves, compressors, pumps, and transmitters were 33%,25%,17%, 17%, and 8%, respectively. The total leakage and emission of VOCs from the studied olefin unit were calculated as 648 tons per year.
In addition to the VOCs emission, the concentration and distribution of nitrogen oxides were simulated by AERMOD software. According to the simulation, the annual mean concentration of this pollutant in the whole area of modeling is below the standard of the Iranian Environmental Protection Agency (40 μg/m3). Utilizing ArcGIS software (v.10.2), the IDW[1] interpolation method was used for zoning the emission of benzene and ethyl benzene pollutants in ambient air. Interpolation of annual mean pollutant concentrations showed that benzene concentration was higher than the environmental concentration at all unit levels, but it is lower than the standard permitted by the US National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health.
Implementing a comprehensive Leak Detection and Repair program in the petrochemical industry on a larger scale can certainly help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect the environment and the ozone layer.
[1] Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW)
Comparison of costs of four alternative ways of implementing a patient retention strategy in the Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) programme in Ebonyi State Nigeria.
Authors: Oni Timothy Foluso , Ogbonnaya Lawrence Ulu , Ossai Edmund Ndudi , Eze Irene Ifeyinwa , Akamike Ifeyinwa Chizoba , Ugochukwu Golibe Chiagozie , Salihu Idris , Olutola Ayodotun 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background:
Identifying cost-effective interventions for retention in care is important, especially with the growing need for country ownership of the HIV/AIDS response and for efficient allocation of health resources. The goal of this study was to assess the cost and cost-effectiveness ratio of four patient retention strategies in Ebonyi State ART programme.
Methods:
This was a cross-sectional comparative study. The sample size was 893 patients treated in 17 comprehensive HIV care facilities. The programme design for retention in care was enhanced patient contact through intensive HIV education at initiation of therapy, routine adherence counseling during scheduled 3-monthly clinic visits for stable patients, and phone calls and home visits for defaulting patients. The study assessed the cost of performing these tasks by either formal health care workers only (group A facilities), expert patients called Treatment Support Specialists (TSS) (Group B and C) or a combination of formal health worker and TSS (group D). Data on patient retention was extracted from patient treatment cards; Data on the retention activities in each facility and the cost of implementing them was extracted through programme document review, supplemented by data from semi-structured questionnaire interviews of programme managers and health facility project coordinators. The direct micro-costing method was used to estimate the unit cost of retention activity. Retention rates and cost effectiveness ratios were computed and compared.
Results:
The retention rates at the end of 12 months follow up were 79.5%, 92.1%, 95.2% and 97.1% respectively in the group A, B, C, and D facilities respectively. The total annual cost of the programme was ten million five hundred and eighty- two thousand Nigerian Naira (10, 582, 800.00 {$25,011.6}). The average cost per patient were 21443.75 (~ $68.40), 9309.82 ($29.7), 13,885.33 ($44.3), 14,863.64 ($47.4) in groups A-D respectively.
Conclusion:
The patient retention strategies in which treatment support specialist (TSS) performed the patient retention strategy tasks achieved a higher retention rates and cost-effectiveness ratios than that where only formal health care workers (FHCW) alone or in combination with the TSS performed the tasks. However, the cost of the retention activities was feasible.
A mobile device-based game prototype (Save the Muse Home) for ADHD: the development and feasibility test
Authors: He Fan , luo jie , li fenghua , wu yuanzhen , liu xuanang , zheng qingyi , qi yanjie , huang huanhuan , xu gaoyang , Liu Zhengkui , zheng yi 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Objective:Our aim was to develop and evaluate the applicability of mobile device-based game therapy software for ADHD.
Methods: A total of 51 children with ADHD and 52 healthy children were recruited in the study. At baseline, participants underwent a series of tests including ADHD symptom-related scale assessments, computer-assisted information processing tests, and physiological-psychological tests. After completing a 4-week game intervention training at home, they repeated all tests from the baseline period and answered treatment satisfaction questions.
Results:At the completion of the 4-week intervention, the t-tests revealed that the ADHD group had significant score reductions on the Attention Deficit subscale (t = 2.833, p < .01) and Hyperactive Impulsivity subscale (t = 3.125, p < .05), and on the Continuous Performance Test (CPT), the Hit was significantly elevated (t = -7.624, p < 0.001) and the false alarm was significantly reduced (t = 5.575, p < 0.001). The biopsychological eye movement test showed significant improvements in inhibitory control and working memory functions. In contrast, the control group showed no significant changes in any of these areas before and after the intervention. In the questionnaire on children's and parents' attitudes toward games, children in both ADHD and control groups showed strong interest in the games, but ADHD children perceived games as more difficult compared to normal children. Meanwhile, parents in the ADHD group felt that the game training brought benefits to their children and were more willing to try it, while parents in the control group had relatively negative attitudes toward games.
Conclusion:This study’s findings support that serious video games (SMH) can help to enhance attentional ability as well as to relieve clinical symptoms in ADHD patients, and can be used as a supplement to current ADHD treatment modalities.
Fine-mapping identifies 27 allele-specific MPRA regulatory variants in Parkinson’s disease related loci
Authors: Farrow Sophie , Gokuladhas Sreemol , Schierding William , Pudjihartono Michael , Perry Jo , Cooper Antony , O'Sullivan Justin 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Genome wide association studies (GWAS) have identified a number of genomic loci that are associated with Parkinson’s disease (PD) risk. However, the majority of these variants lie in non-coding regions, and thus the mechanisms by which they influence disease development, and/or potential subtypes, remain largely elusive. To address this, we used a massively parallel reporter assay (MPRA) to screen the regulatory function of 5,254 variants that have a known or putative connection to PD. We identified 138 loci with enhancer activity, of which 27 exhibited allele-specific regulatory activity. The identified regulatory variant(s) typically did not match the original PD GWAS tag variant within the PD associated locus, supporting the need for deeper exploration of these loci. The existence of allele specific transcriptional impacts within cells, confirms that at least a subset of the PD associated regions mark functional gene regulatory elements. Future functional studies that confirm the putative targets of the empirically verified regulatory variants will be crucial for gaining a greater understanding of how gene regulatory network(s) modulate PD risk.