bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pretreatment attrition after rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis diagnosis with Xpert MTB/RIF or ultra in high TB burden countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Jouego Christelle Geneviève , Decroo Tom , Netongo Palmer Masumbe , Gils Tinne 
Published: January 2025

IntroductionThe WHO endorsed the Xpert MTB/RIF (Xpert) technique since 2011 as initial test to diagnose rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis (RR-TB). No systematic review has quantified the proportion of pretreatment attrition in RR-TB patients diagnosed with Xpert in high TB burden countries.Pretreatment attrition for RR-TB represents the gap between patients diagnosed and those who effectively started anti-TB treatment regardless of the reasons (which include pretreatment mortality (death of a diagnosed RR-TB patient before starting adequate treatment) and/or pretreatment loss to follow-up (PTLFU) (drop-out of a diagnosed RR-TB patient before initiation of anti-TB treatment).MethodsIn this systematic review and meta-analysis, we queried EMBASE, PubMed and Web of science to retrieve studies published between 2011 and 22 July 2024, that described pretreatment attrition for RR-TB using Xpert in high TB burden countries. Data on RR-TB patients who did not start treatment after diagnosis and reasons for not starting were extracted in an Excel table. A modified version of the Newcastle-Ottawa scale was used to evaluate the risk of bias among all included studies. The pooled proportion of pretreatment attrition and reasons were assessed using random-effects meta-analysis. Forest plots were generated using R software.ResultsThirty eligible studies from 21 countries were identified after full-text screening and included in the meta-analysis. Most studies used routine programme data. The pooled proportion of pretreatment attrition in included studies was 18% (95% CI: 12 to 25). PTLFU and pretreatment mortality were, respectively, reported in 10 and nine studies and explained 78% (95% CI: 51% to 92%) and 30% (95% CI: 15% to 52%) of attrition.ConclusionPretreatment attrition was widespread, with significant heterogeneity between included studies. National TB programmes should ensure accurate data collection and reporting of pretreatment attrition to enable reliable overall control strategies.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42022321509.
Applying implementation science frameworks to understand why fisherfolk continue or discontinue pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV prevention in Uganda: a qualitative analysis
Authors: Mwima Simon , Bogart Laura M , Musoke William , Mukama Semei C , Allupo Stella , Kadama Herbert , Naigino Rose , Mukasa Barbara , Wanyenze Rhoda Kitti 
Published: January 2025

Introduction
In Uganda, fisherfolk have an HIV prevalence between 15% and 40%, significantly higher than the national average of 5.5%. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is effective in preventing HIV but faces challenges in uptake and continuation among fisherfolk. This study explores factors influencing PrEP continuation and discontinuation among fisherfolk in Uganda using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR).

Methods
Participants were recruited from two fishing communities near Entebbe, Uganda. One community received enhanced PrEP support (adherence support, educational workshops and check-in calls), while the other received standard healthcare outreach. Forty fisherfolk (20 who continued PrEP and 20 who discontinued PrEP) were interviewed 6 months after initiating PrEP. Data were analysed using directed content analysis, with high inter-rater consistency. Ethical approval and informed consent were obtained.

Results
Findings highlighted several determinants of PrEP continuation and discontinuation across the CFIR domains. Intervention characteristics such as side effects and the pill burden were significant barriers, particularly for women who reported nausea and stomach issues. Individual characteristics revealed that perceived HIV risk influenced PrEP use, with women’s decisions often influenced by their partners' behaviours and mobility. However, insufficient information and education, especially among women, led to misunderstandings and discontinuation. Inner-setting factors like mobility issues and the distance to healthcare clinics posed significant barriers exacerbated by the geographical isolation of fishing communities. In the outer setting, high HIV prevalence motivated PrEP initiation, but stigma, particularly the misconception that PrEP is an antiretroviral drug used by people living with HIV, led to discontinuation.

Conclusion
Fisherfolk in Uganda encounter multiple barriers to PrEP continuation, with women facing more significant challenges. Enhanced support strategies are essential for improving PrEP adherence and informing future HIV prevention interventions in high-risk populations.
Virtual consultation in kidney care: a mixed-methods study on a model for safe and effective integration into routine clinical care
Authors: Courtney Mark , Thompson Stephanie , Klarenbach Scott , Ye Feng , Zaidi Deenaz , Smith Terry J , Bello Aminu K 
Published: January 2025

Rationale and ObjectiveGlobally, the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a rapid introduction of virtual care delivery via telephone or videoconference. The rapid advancements in e-health technology facilitated options for virtual care, including asynchronous data transfer in virtual clinic models and patient-facing smartphone applications for communications and self-care. However, the clinical benefits of virtual consultation have not been consistently demonstrated in all facets of kidney care, and the adoption of this innovation alters workflows and health professionals’ perceptions of care delivery. This study evaluated the integration of virtual outpatient consultation safely and effectively into the kidney care programme in Alberta.Study designWe leveraged a mixed-methods approach to collate data about clinicians’ experiences and opinions, forming the basis for the qualitative part of the study.Data extractionData were collected through surveys, interviews and focus groups of nephrologists and home dialysis nurses.Analytical approachFocus group/interview transcripts for nephrologists and nurses were used to generate initial codebooks, which were iteratively refined throughout the analysis. Codes were categorised and analysed thematically, and data collected from nephrologists and nurses were analysed separately.ResultsThe findings demonstrated that clinicians support the use of routine virtual care. Clinicians’ opinions on implementation requirements emphasised logistics for routine virtual care integration, quality of care delivered, impacts on the therapeutic relationship and regulatory policy clarification.LimitationThe generalisability of the findings is limited in scope, as the study was conducted in a single nephrology programme in Canada, and may not apply to other provinces or settings.ConclusionsThese findings inform recommendations for safe and effective virtual care delivery and can be leveraged to inform virtual care designs in kidney care programmes. Further study is required to clarify the impacts of virtual care on specific population demographics based on geography (rural vs urban) and age (elderly population) in the post-COVID-19 era, and determine how to effectively integrate patient perspectives into this model of care.
Evaluation of the initial rollout of the physical activity referral standards policy in Scotland: a qualitative study
Authors: Hanson Coral L , Mchale Sheona , Neubeck Lis , Dougall Nadine , Kelly Paul 
Published: January 2025

ObjectivesPhysical activity referral schemes (PARS) allow healthcare professionals to refer patients for physical activity support. Evidence of effectiveness is equivocal. Public Health Scotland has developed ‘physical activity referral standards’ that aim to enhance quality, reduce variability in design and delivery and build further evidence of what works. This study evaluated stakeholder perspectives on the initial reach, adoption, implementation and effectiveness of the standards.DesignA qualitative study using individual, online, semistructured interviews to explore stakeholder awareness and willingness to use the standards. We analysed data using the framework method within the context of the RE-AIM (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation and Maintenance) framework.SettingData were collected across 28 local authorities in rural and urban areas of Scotland between December 2022 and June 2023.Participants73 stakeholders, including scheme managers (n=34), senior managers from provider organisations (n=9), healthcare professionals (n=19) (general practitioners, nurses, occupational therapists and physiotherapists) and policy stakeholders (n=11).Results72.6% of stakeholders were aware of the physical activity referral standards, and they were widely welcomed. Healthcare professionals were the least informed. Participants appeared willing to adopt the standards, and stakeholders reported using them to help with service planning, audit delivery processes, identify service gaps, inform monitoring and evaluation plans and understand and communicate the roles and responsibilities of different partners. Barriers to implementation included lack of healthcare professional awareness, funding and workforce capacity. Views about the minimum dataset (suggested essential or desirable data fields to be collected for monitoring and evaluation) contained in the standards were divided. Some thought it useful, but others considered it onerous or aspirational, and it was unclear whether all service delivery stakeholders would have the resources or capacity to collect and analyse the data.ConclusionsThe delivery of the standards could be enhanced by a comprehensive communication strategy and by addressing the lack of funding, workforce delivery capacity and skills/capacity required to collect and interpret the proposed minimum national dataset.
Retrospective observational study of the association between changes in physical activity and frailty in middle-aged and older adults: evidence from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (2006–2022)
Authors: Jung Ye Jun , Kim Junhyuk , Jang Yun Seo , Park Eun-Cheol 
Published: January 2025

ObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate the relationship between changes in physical activity and frailty among middle-aged and older adults in Korea, using panel data from the 2006–2022 Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (KLoSA).DesignRetrospective observational study.SettingFor this longitudinal panel study, data were sourced from the KLoSA dataset.ParticipantsWe analysed data from 5594 participants (2855 males and 2739 females) extracted from KLoSA data collected between 2006 and 2022.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe frailty index was calculated based on 6 clinical domains comprising 34 age-related health deficits. Changes in physical activity were categorised as persistently inactive, decreased, increased or persistently active. Logistic regression analysis using generalised estimating equations was conducted to assess the association between changes in physical activity and frailty.ResultsThe persistently active group (OR=0.45, 95% CI: 0.40 to 0.50) showed a lower likelihood of frailty than did the persistently inactive group. In the group that increased their physical activity, the OR was 0.57 (95% CI: 0.52 to 0.63), and higher ORs were observed for current smokers and those residing in rural areas.ConclusionsThis study demonstrated that persistent and increased physical activity is associated with lower frailty in middle-aged and older adults in Korea. Therefore, participation in physical activity in the older adults is one of the important ways to prevent frailty.
Diagnostic yield of cystic fibrosis from a South Australian monocentric cohort: a retrospective study
Authors: Markulić Jasmina , Fuller Maria 
Published: January 2025

ObjectivesTo determine the diagnostic yield of cystic fibrosis (CF) using a two-tiered genetic testing approach. Although newborn screening includes CF, this typically only covers a selection of common genetic variants, and with over 2000 reported in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene, we hypothesised that patients will be missed and present clinically later in life.DesignA retrospective study over a 5-year period (January 2018–December 2022).SettingA single pathology service in South Australia.ParticipantsA total of 1909 CF test referrals from patients with clinical suspicion indicated by respiratory and gastrointestinal manifestations, foetal echogenic bowel and male infertility and asymptomatic CF requests for reproductive carrier screening.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe number and type of CFTR gene variants detected in symptomatic and asymptomatic testing referrals.ResultsA total of 25 patients were diagnosed with CF or CF-related disorders (2.5%) with gastrointestinal symptoms yielding the highest diagnostic rate of 4.4%. Additionally, a total of 79 carriers (4.1%) were identified uncovering a carrier frequency of 1 in 24, which is consistent with the 1 in 25 reported in the Caucasian population. CF was found to be causative of foetal echogenic bowel in 0.83% of cases.ConclusionsThis study highlights the importance of considering CF in symptomatic patients, even in a nation with >99% of newborns screened for CF. Additionally, the identification of CF in this population supports the recommendation for CF genetic testing in reproductive healthcare.
Randomised feasibility study of an intestinal adsorbent in acute diarrhoea in The Gambia
Authors: Rahden Paul , Fatty Abdoulie , Jobarteh Momodou Lamin , Sallah Abdoulwahab , Jaiteh Ebrahim , Allen Angela , Umoh Doreen , Bass Fanta , Dodd Matthew , Howell Carol , Markaryan Elena , Hnatič Radovan , Allen Stephen 
Published: January 2025

BackgroundDiarrhoea remains a leading cause of death in children. An intestinal adsorbent may reduce diarrhoea duration and severity.MethodsRandomised controlled feasibility trial with two phases: phase 1 (0–4 hours and double-blind) and phase 2 (up to 5 days and open-label). 50 children aged 6–59 months with acute diarrhoea presenting with no or some dehydration to the emergency paediatric unit and outpatient clinic at Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital, Banjul, The Gambia were randomised to either standard treatment (oral rehydration fluid and zinc) or standard treatment with polymethylsiloxane polyhydrate for up to 5 days.ResultsRecruitment was completed in 7 months. All but one child completed the study. There were no major protocol deviations although patient-held diaries did not collect reliable information. Time from randomisation to the last watery stool (primary outcome) was shorter in the intervention than control arm (mean difference −19.3 hours, 95% CI −30.9 to −7.8). Stool frequency was lower in the intervention arm on days 2 (95% CI −0.8 to −1.3 to −0.3) and 3 (95% CI −0.8; −1.3 to −0.3). One serious event (death) occurred in the control arm.ConclusionsA randomised, controlled trial is feasible. Further clinical trials are warranted to confirm the efficacy of polymethylsiloxane polyhydrate in acute diarrhoea and inform management guidelines.Trial registration numberPACTR202302683128875.
Stratification system with dual human endogenous retroviruses for predicting immunotherapy efficacy in metastatic clear-cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Lu Xiaofan , Vano Yann-Alexandre , Su Xiaoping , Verkarre Virginie , Sun Cheng-Ming , Cheng Wenxuan , Xu Li , Yan Fangrong , Kotti Salma , Fridman Wolf Hervé , Sautes-Fridman Catherine , Oudard Stéphane , Malouf Gabriel G. 
Published: January 2025

BackgroundEndogenous retrovirus (ERV) elements are genomic footprints of ancestral retroviral infections within the human genome. While the dysregulation of ERV transcription has been linked to immune cell infiltration in various cancers, its relationship with immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) response in solid tumors, particularly metastatic clear-cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), remains inadequately explored.MethodsThis study analyzed patients with metastatic ccRCC from two prospective clinical trials, encompassing 181 patients receiving nivolumab in the CheckMate trials (−009 to –010 and −025) and 48 patients treated with the ipilimumab-nivolumab combination in the BIONIKK trial. ERV expression was quantified using the ERVmap algorithm from RNA sequencing data. Our primary objective was to correlate ERV expression with progression-free survival, with overall survival and time-to-second-treatment survival as secondary endpoints. We used bootstrap methods with univariate Cox regression on 666 substantially expressed ERVs to evaluate their prognostic significance and stability.ResultsOur analysis centered on two ERVs, E4421_chr17 and E1659_chr4, which consistently exhibited opposing prognostic impacts across both cohorts. We developed a stratification system based on their median expression levels, categorizing patients into four ERV subgroups. These subgroups were further consolidated into a three-tier risk model that significantly correlated with ICI treatment outcomes. The most responsive ERV risk category showed enhanced endothelial cell infiltration, whereas the resistant category was characterized by higher levels of myeloid dendritic cells, regulatory T cells, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, and markers of T-cell exhaustion. Notably, this ERV-based classification outperformed traditional transcriptomic signatures in predicting ICI efficacy and showed further improvement when combined with epigenetic DNA methylation markers.ConclusionsOur findings introduce a dual ERV-based stratification system that effectively categorizes patient risk and predicts clinical outcomes for ccRCC patients undergoing ICI therapy. Beyond enhancing the predictive precision of existing transcriptomic models, this system paves the way for more targeted and individualized approaches in the realm of precision oncology.
Polarization modes of gravitational waves in scalar-tensor-Rastall theory
Authors: Fan Yu-Zhi , Lai Xiao-Bin , Dong Yu-Qi , Liu Yu-Xiao 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Rastall theory, originally introduced in 1972, suggests a violation of the usual conservation law. We consider two generalizations of Rastall theory: Brans–Dicke–Rastall theory and the newly established scalar-tensor-Rastall theory, the latter being a further generalization of the former. The field equations in these two generalized theories are studied across different parameter spaces, and the polarization modes of gravitational waves, as a key focus, are subsequently investigated. The results show that the polarization modes of gravitational waves in Brans–Dicke–Rastall theory are the same as those in Brans–Dicke theory; specifically, both theories exhibit the plus, cross, and breathing modes. However, in scalar-tensor-Rastall theory, the polarization modes of gravitational waves depend on the parameter space of the theory. Particularly, over a broad range of the parameter space, regardless of some special values of the parameters, it allows only two tensor modes, just as in general relativity, without introducing any additional degrees of freedom. This indicates that Rastall theory offers a novel approach to constructing modified gravity theories that propagate only two tensor degrees of freedom. In the remaining regions of the parameter space, there is also one scalar mode in addition to the two tensor modes. The scalar mode can be either a mixture of the breathing and longitudinal modes or just a pure breathing mode, depending on the parameter space. These results will play a crucial role in constraining the theoretical parameters through future gravitational wave detection projects, such as LISA, Taiji, and TianQin.
A study of classical and quantum cosmology in modified teleparallel gravity and the role of Noether symmetry
Authors: Laya Dipankar , Hembrom Shriton , Dutta Sourav , Chakraborty Subenoy 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The present work deals with Noether symmetry approach in a modified teleparallel gravity for classical quantum cosmological description. In the background of homogeneous and isotropic flat Friedmann–Lema

$$\hat{\text{ i }}$$

i

^

tre–Robertson–Walker (FLRW) model, the Noether symmetry vector with the associated conserved charge identifies a cyclic variable so that the modified Einstein field equations get simplified and becomes solvable in the present model. In quantum cosmology, the operator version of the conserved associated momentum identifies the oscillatory part of the wave function and consequently it is possible to have the complete wave as the solution of the Wheeler–DeWitt (WD) equation. Finally, it has been examined whether classical singularity can be avoided or not by quantum description.
Successful Treatment With Evocalcet Against Familial Hypocalciuric Hypercalcemia Type 3 (FHH3) Identified by AP2S1 Gene Mutation (p.Arg15Leu)
Authors: Chida Ai , Hasegawa Yutaka , Segawa Toshie , Yamabe Daisuke , Yan Hirotaka , Chiba Yusuke , Chiba Hiraku , Kinno Hirofumi , Oda Tomoyasu , Takahashi Yoshihiko , Nata Koji , Ishigaki Yasushi 
Published: January 2025

Background: Familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia type 3 (FHH3) is a rare hereditary disorder caused by a heterozygous AP2S1 gene mutation, characterized by hypocalciuria and hypercalcemia due to impaired intracellular signal transduction of calcium (Ca)‐sensing receptors (CaSRs). All affected patients harbored a heterozygous missense mutation at the Arg15 residue of the encoded AP2σ1.Case Presentation: A 21‐year‐old female was referred to our hospital with hypercalcemia and reduced bone mineral density (BMD) detected during a preoperative examination for scoliosis surgery. She had a developmental disorder and exhibited hypocalciuria on urinalysis. Genetic testing revealed a heterozygous AP2S1 gene mutation (p.Arg15Leu), and the patient was diagnosed with FHH3. In the present case, we investigated the effects of evocalcet, a newly approved CaSR agonist. Treatment with evocalcet gradually decreased and normalized the serum Ca level, and promoted improvements in bone metabolism, without serious adverse events.Conclusion: Evocalcet may be a promising therapeutic candidate for symptomatic FHH3.