bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quality of life among people living with HIV aged 50 years and over in Australia: Identifying opportunities to support better ageing
Authors: Dawe Joshua , Cassano Dean , Keane Richard , Ruth Simon , Wilkinson Anna Lee , Elsum Imogen , Gunn Jack , Brown Graham , West Michael , Hoy Jennifer , Power Jennifer , Stoové Mark 
Published: November 2023

AbstractObjectivesImproved life expectancy has led to an ageing population of people living with HIV in most countries. Research on ageing among people living with HIV has predominantly focused on physical and health‐related quality of life rather than multidimensional quality of life. We measured quality of life among older people living with HIV in Australia and identified opportunities to guide the development and implementation of appropriate interventions.MethodsIn a national health and wellbeing survey of Australian people living with HIV, participants aged ≥50 years completed additional questions relevant to ageing. Quality of life was measured using PozQoL, a validated multidimensional instrument assessing quality of life among people living with HIV (range 1–5). Exploratory bivariate analyses aimed to identify sociodemographic characteristics associated with quality of life. Adjusted linear regressions aimed to assess changes in PozQoL score associated with recent experiences (last 12 months) of four exposures: food insecurity, HIV‐related stigma, isolation from the HIV community, and difficulties accessing non‐HIV health services.ResultsAmong 319 older people living with HIV, the mean PozQol score was 3.30 (95% confidence interval [CI] 3.20–3.39). In bivariate analyses, PozQol scores were significantly higher among participants who were older (p = 0.006), had higher educational attainment (p = 0.009), were in a relationship (p = 0.005), were employed (p = 0.005), and had a higher income (p = 0.001). In adjusted regression models, PozQoL scores were lower among participants who reported recent experiences of food insecurity (β −0.49; 95% CI −0.74 to −0.24), stigma (β −0.53; 95% CI −0.73 to −0.33), isolation from the HIV community (β −0.49; 95% CI −0.70 to −0.29), and difficulties accessing non‐HIV health services (β −0.50; 95% CI −0.71 to −0.30).ConclusionsOverall, older people living with HIV in this study had a moderate quality of life. Our findings suggest that HIV services should integrate programmes to support economic security and foster connections within the HIV community and across health services.
Effect of clinical experience and training with visual feedback on standardized palpation outcomes—Potential implications for assessment of jaw muscle sensitivity
Authors: Iwata Yoshihiro , Nishimori Hideta , Iida Takashi , Masuda Manabu , Yoshida Kazuhiro , Ishii Yuki , Yamakawa Yuichirou , Hayakawa Hidetoshi , Svensson Peter , Komiyama Osamu 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe evaluation of muscle pain and sensitivity by manual palpation is an important part of the clinical examination in patients with myalgia. However, the effects of clinical experience and visual feedback on palpation of the masticatory muscles with or without a palpometer are not known.ObjectiveTo estimate the effects of clinical experience and visual feedback on the accuracy of palpation in standardized settings.MethodsThirty‐two dentists (age 35 ± 11 years) classified as either specialists (n = 16) or generalists (n = 16) participated in this experiment. All dentists were instructed to target force levels of 500‐ or 1000‐gf, as determined on an electronic scale using either standardized palpometers or manual palpation (MP). All dentists participated in four different tests: MP, MP with visual feedback (MPVF), palpometer (PAL) and PAL with visual feedback (PALVF). Actual force values for each type of palpation from 0 to 2, 2 to 5 and 0 to 5 s were analysed by calculating target force level.ResultsThe relative differences during 2–5 and 0–5 s with 1000 gf were significantly lower for generalists than for specialists (p < .05). In generalists and specialists, the coefficients of variation and the relative differences during 2–5 s were significantly lower for PAL and PALVF than for MP (p < .05).ConclusionsThese findings suggest that the use of a palpometer, but not clinical experience with palpation of masticatory muscles, increases the accuracy of palpation, and ≥2 s of palpation with a palpometer is optimal for masticatory muscles.
Campo del Cielo modeling and comparison with observations: II. Funnels and craters
Authors: Luther R. , Schmalen A. , Artemieva N. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe Campo del Cielo impact structure exhibits several penetration funnels and impact craters. Here, we model the formation of these funnels with pre‐impact conditions consistent with the results of meteoroid entry models. We study vertical impacts to find the dependence of funnel geometry (depth, diameter) on impact velocity and target porosity. At velocities above 1 km s−1, we observe strong deformation of the projectile and transformation of funnels into regular impact craters. We also use 3‐D impact models to study oblique impacts and find that in the case of impact angles <25° to the horizon, the projectile bounces off the target. Instead of a funnel, an elongated groove forms, while the fragmented projectile escapes and moves farther downrange. At steeper impact angles, funnels form with the projectile at its tip. Early interpretations of the Campo del Cielo impact angle at 9–10° were based on (i) an oversimplified atmospheric model allowing “correct” strewn field elongation and (ii) the results of excavation in which the sloping boundary between breccia‐like materials and infilling loess was interpreted as a true crater floor and its slope was equated to the impact angle. As our models show, the projectile trajectory within the target is not a straight line, and the angle to horizon changes from a steep one at the impact point to zero and then to a negative value (the projectile is moving upward). We also model two impact craters (Hoyo de la Cañada and Laguna Negra) created by high‐velocity fragments to demonstrate the projectile remnants ricochet in the downrange direction.
Explaining the Decline Of Suicide Terrorism in Turkey
Authors: Demir Sertif , Ülgül Murat 
Published: November 2023

AbstractSince the 9/11 attacks, there has been a growing interest in the terrorism problem, in general, and the strategy of suicide bombing, in particular. Between 1996 and 2016, Turkey experienced several deadly suicide attacks by groups like the Kurdistan Workers’ Party, the Revolutionary People's Liberation Party/Front, al‐Qaeda, and the Islamic State. These attacks can be explained by individual‐oriented, institutional, socio‐psychological/economical/identity, and structural theories. However, a central question now is why there have been no suicide attacks since 2016—that is, until the attempted bombing of the Ministry of the Interior on October 1, 2023. This article advances five main reasons for this success: a shift in Turkey's antiterrorism strategy, the introduction of new technologies, terror groups’ concerns about losing legitimacy among supporters, the failure of these organizations to achieve their objectives through suicide terrorism, and changes in Turkey's external environment. The article concludes that, as the October 1 attack demonstrates, the renewal of suicide terrorism is likely, given Ankara's sole focus on the institutional and international/structural aspects of the problem, which does not allow enough attention on individual and sociological factors.
Design of a Biometric-based E-Ticketing and Access Control Framework for Public Transportation
Authors: Achimba Terfa , Iwasokun Gabriel 
Published: November 2023

The use of public transportation has increased during the previous few decades. The management of the transportation systems and the sale of tickets have become increasingly difficult tasks as a result of the rise in usage. It is encouraging to see mobile devices being used for ticketing solutions. However, present approaches are frequently rigid and demand manual interactions that result in transient data. Other issues with the current systems include conflicts, environmental degradation, extortion, misapplication of funds, and unauthorized access to vehicles. Commuters may also become frustrated while waiting in lines to buy tickets or have their smart cards scanned. This paper presents the design of an e-ticketing and access control framework for the automated collection of transport fares and control of access to vehicles. The framework consists of e-ticketing and access control modules. The e-ticketing module enables passengers to register and make payments for transport fares based on their travel destinations. The access control module was designed to use a camera to capture the passenger’s facial biometrics for processing and then make a decision on whether a passenger can board a vehicle or not. Full implementation of the framework will provide passenger convenience and improve the performance of the existing public transportation systems.
Evaluating preanalytical sample storage parameters for nucleic acid-based detection ofNeisseria gonorrhoeae
Authors: Fernando Janath A , Krysiak Marcelina , Prestedge Jacqueline , Azzato Francesca , Williamson Deborah A , Pasricha Shivani 
Published: November 2023

ObjectivesTo ensure accurate diagnosis of infectious diseases, preanalytical factors should be considered when assessing specimen quality and subsequent test result. Accordingly, we aimed to systematically assess the effect of storage time, temperature and buffer on the analytical sensitivity of detecting the sexually transmitted pathogen,Neisseria gonorrhoeaeacross multiple molecular diagnostic platforms.MethodsCulturedN. gonorrhoeaewas spiked into generic and commercial storage buffers and stored at four temperatures and five time points, ranging from −20°C to 37°C, over 30 days. Samples were processed using the Alinity m STI, Xpert CT/NG and Aptima Combo 2 nucleic acid amplification assays and an in-house quantitative PCR assay. A reduction in analytical sensitivity was defined as a significant (p<0.05) increase in cycle threshold (Ct) value relative to control samples.ResultsIn total, 2756 samples were processed, withN. gonorrhoeaedetected in 99.2% of samples. With respect to time, analytical sensitivity was maintained from day 2 (113/120; 94.2%) up to day 30 (110/120; 91.7%) relative to baseline samples. With respect to temperature, analytical sensitivity was maintained from −20°C (147/150; 98.0%) up to 37°C (136/150; 90.7%) relative to baseline samples. Generic buffers, Viral Transport Medium and Amies Liquid Media showed a reduction in analytical sensitivity compared with their commercial counterparts, Aptima Multitest Swab Transport Media and Abbott Alinity transport buffer using select diagnostic assays; this reduction appeared temperature dependent, with the largest differences in median Ct values observed at 37°C (p<0.05).ConclusionsIncreased prevalence of sample self-collection for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) warrants an evaluation of preanalytical sample storage variables on diagnostic testing performance. Here, across a range of time points, temperatures and storage buffers,N. gonorrhoeaewas successfully detected, supporting flexibility in sample storage, and by extension the feasibility of analysing self-collected samples to improve access to STI testing.
Predictive value of lung function measures for cardiovascular risk: a large prospective cohort study
Authors: Zhou Lihui , Yang Hongxi , Zhang Yuan , Wang Yuan , Zhou Xin , Liu Tong , Yang Qing , Wang Yaogang 
Published: November 2023

IntroductionAlthough lung function measures are associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD), the added predictive values of these measures remain unclear.MethodsFrom the UK Biobank, 308 415 participants free of CVD with spirometry parameters were included. The CVD outcomes included were defined by QRISK3, the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) and the European Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation (SCORE) prediction models, respectively. Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate the associations of lung function measures with CVD outcomes. The predictive capability was determined by the decision curve analyses.ResultsOver a median follow-up of 12.5 years, 21 885 QRISK3 events, 12 843 ACC/AHA events and 2987 SCORE events were recorded. The associations of spirometry parameters with CVD outcomes were L-shaped. Restrictive and obstructive impairments were associated with adjusted HRs of 1.84 (95% CI: 1.65 to 2.06) and 1.72 (95% CI: 1.55 to 1.90) for SCORE CVD, respectively, compared with normal spirometry. Similar associations were seen for QRISK3 CVD (restrictive vs normal, adjusted HR: 1.30, 95% CI: 1.25 to 1.36; obstructive vs normal, adjusted HR: 1.20, 95% CI: 1.15 to 1.25) and ACC/AHA CVD (restrictive vs normal, adjusted HR: 1.39, 95% CI: 1.31 to 1.47; obstructive vs normal, adjusted HR: 1.26, 95% CI: 1.19 to 1.33). Using models that integrated non-linear forced expiratory volume in 1 s led to additional 10-year net benefits per 100 000 persons of 25, 43 and 5 for QRISK3 CVD at the threshold of 10%, ACC/AHA CVD at 7.5% and SCORE CVD at 5.0%, respectively.ConclusionClinicians could consider spirometry indicators in CVD risk assessment. Cost-effectiveness studies and clinical trials are needed to put new CVD risk assessment into practice.
Abstract 5 — Prediction of Flare Following Glucocorticoids Withdrawal in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients with Continuation of csDMARDs: A Real-Life Study
Authors: Xie Wenhui , Zhang Zhuoli 
Published: November 2023

Background In patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), glucocorticoids (GC) should be firstly discontinued before considering tapering conventional synthetic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (csDMARD) or other biological agents. We aim to determine risk factors for flare after GC withdrawal in RA patients undergoing csDMARDs. Method RA patients who discontinued GC with continuation of csDMARD were selected from a longitudinal real-world cohort. Established RA was defined as disease duration over 12 months. Dissatisfied RA control was defined as the proportion of simplified disease activity index (SDAI)-based remission time to total time from GC initiation to discontinuation less than 50%. Logistic regression was used to analyze the independent risk factors for flare after GC discontinuation and results were expressed as odds ratio (OR). Results There were 115 eligible RA patients discounted GC with continuation of csDMARDs (methotrexate: 80%; hydroxychloroquine: 61%; csDMARDs combination: 79%). Of these, 24 patients experienced flare after GC discontinuation. Compared with relapse-free patients, flare patients were more likely to have established RA (75% vs. 49%, p=0.025), higher median cumulative prednisolone dosages (3.3g vs. 2.2g, p=0.004), and higher proportion of dissatisfied RA control during GC usage (66% vs. 33%, p=0.038). In multivariate analysis, significantly increased flare risk was predicted by established RA (OR 2.93 [1.02-8.43]), cumulative prednisolone dose > 2.5g (OR 3.69 [1.34-10.19]) and dissatisfied RA control (OR 3.00 [1.09-8.30]). Flare risk was increased with increases in number of risk factors, with highest OR of 11.56 in patients with three risk factors (p for trend=0.002). Conclusions Flare following GC withdrawal is not common in RA patients with undergoing csDMARDs therapy. Established RA, higher cumulative GC dose and dissatisfied RA control before GC discontinuation are important factors associated with flare after GC withdrawal.
Abstract 6 — Are Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs: for Rheumatoid Arthritis Associated with a Lower Risk of Dementia? A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis
Authors: Xie Wenhui , Hou Yue , Zhang Zhuoli 
Published: November 2023

Background Dysregulation of several inflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor (TNF) in dementia patients has also been identified as a key factor in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We aimed to investigate the association of disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) therapy for RA with risk of incident dementia. Methods Electronic database searches of PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Library were performed. Observational studies that assessed the association of dementia with DMARDs in RA were included. Pooled risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used as summary statistic. The certainty of evidence using the GRADE system. Results Fourteen studies involving 940,442 patients with RA were included. Pooled RR for developing dementia was 0.76 (95%CI 0.72-0.80) in patients taking biological DMARDs overall versus those taking conventional synthetic DMARDs, with 24% for TNF inhibitors (RR 0.76, 95%CI 0.71-0.82), 24% for non-TNF biologics (RR 0.76, 95%CI 0.70-0.83), separately. There was a significant subgroup effect among different types of TNF inhibitors (RR 0.58, 0.65, 0.80 for etanercept, adalimumab, infliximab, respectively; P-value between groups=0.002). However, compared with nonusers of DMARDs or investigative treatment, no significant effect on dementia incidence was observed in those receiving conventional synthetic DMARDs overall (RR 0.84, 95%CI 0.59-1.20), methotrexate (RR 0.78, 95%CI 0.54-1.12), hydroxychloroquine (RR 0.95, 95%CI 0.63-1.44), except for sulfasalazine (RR 1.27, 95%CI 1.06-1.50). Conclusions Biological DMARDs for RA are associated with decreased dementia risk, while protective effect is not observed in conventional synthetic DMARDs. Controlled clinical trials on TNF inhibitors is necessary to test their neuroprotective potentials.
Abstract 26 — Clinical Characteristics of Familial Mediterranean: Fever in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: AlKindi Fatima , Chaaban Ahmad , Al Hakim Mohammad , George Abraham , AlBashir Nihal , Saad Mohamed , Budruddin Mohammed , Khan Imran , AlNokhatha Shamma , Fahmawee Toqa , Khogali Hiba , Al-Salam Suhail , Boobes Yousef 
Published: November 2023

Introduction Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is an inherited genetic disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of fever, serositis, arthritis, and skin rash. Uncontrolled disease can lead to amyloid A disposition, nephrotic syndrome and progressive renal failure. Recurrence of AA amyloidosis post kidney transplantation has been reported. Long-term colchicine therapy will reduce the FMF attacks and risk of AA amyloidosis. Although there is high prevalence of FMF in MENA region, the data of end stage renal disease (ESRD) in FMF is limited. We report our center experience. Method A retrospective chart review study was conducted at Tawam Hospital over 12 years (January 2010 to January 2023). We included adult ESRD on hemodialysis with FMF disease and studied their management outcomes. Descriptive analysis was used. Results 1900 ESRD patients were on hemodialysis during study period, and only two patients were diagnosed with FMF and renal amyloidosis. Case 1: A 60-year-old male patient from Syria who is known to have FMF and polycystic kidney disease leading to ESRD. He underwent successful LRD kidney transplantation in 2009. He was on mycophenolic acid: 540 mg, BID, prednisolone: 5 mg, tacrolimus: 1 mg am, 0.5 mg and colchicine 0.5 mg BID. He developed progressive renal allograft dysfunction with evidence of nephrotic syndrome. The renal biopsy revealed recurrence of AA amyloidosis due to FMF in kidney allograft in 2018. He had decline in renal function over years was initiated on hemodialysis on 2022. He developed two attacks of FMF peritonitis while on hemodialysis that responded well to steroid/colchicine therapy. Case 2: 48 years old male, from Egypt, known to have irritable bowel syndrome. He presented to our hospital with bilateral lower limb edema, and progressive shortness of breath for one month. Investigations revealed heavy proteinuria (8.98 g/g Creat) and acute kidney injury. Serology and autoimmune workup were negative. Kidney biopsy showed renal amyloidosis, and chronic tubulointerstitial nephritis with severe interstitial fibrosis (60%). History taken again and was positive for FMF in his uncle. Genetic study and clinical confirmed the diagnosis of FMF. He was started on colchicine, but developed ESRD within 8 months and initiated on hemodialysis. He had attacks of FMF. Conclusion Renal amyloidosis in FMF patient leads to progressive renal failure despite colchicine therapy. In our dialysis cohort over 12 years, only two FMF patients were identified. Colchicine therapy is required in ESRD-FMF in order to managed FMF attacks and prevent other organ AA amyloidosis.
Understanding the Learner’s Course Completion in the New Normal: Graduation Cohort Analysis
Authors: San Pedro Jay R , Baniago Jocelyn , Sy Cecilia 
Published: November 2023

The pandemic COVID-19 unveiled and magnified the various learning challenges experienced by learners which yield to learning gaps, losses, and higher dropout rates, especially in the tertiary level of education. With this, there is a need to investigate on how learners are able to complete their respective course programs in the new normal. This study attempted to understand the learner’s course completion through a graduation cohort analysis approach which is anchored on a quantitative-qualitative research design. Results uncovered that gender and residency of the learners are positively correlated to the length of their course completion. In addition, the course completion varies on the learners’ gender and residency. Furthermore, 79% of the learners were able to complete their course on-time with an average of 3.72 years and standard deviation of 1.09 years. Consequently, financial, mental-health, and lack of resources were the emerging reasons for the temporary discontinuation of their studies. Hence, these findings can be used as a basis for the Philippine Private Higher Education Institution to plan and implement an institutional learning recovery program.
СТАН КОЛЕКТИВНОГО ІМУНІТЕТУ ПРОТИ КОРУ У МЕШКАНЦІВ ХАРКІВСЬКОЇ ОБЛАСТІ В ЕПІДЕМІЧНИЙ ТА МІЖЕПІДЕМІЧНИЙ ПЕРІОДИ
Authors: Волянський А. Ю. , Смілянська М. В. , Кучма І. Ю. , Махота Л. С. , Зверева Н. В. , Карлова Т. О. 
Published: November 2023

З 2017 по 2023 р. методом ІФА досліджені рівні протикорових IgG у сироватці крові 16 833 здорових мешканців Харківської області віком від 9 міс. до 83 років. Середня концентрація IgG перед спалахом кору становила 911 мМО/мл, у період підйому захворюваності у 2019 р. збільшилась до 1 167 мМО/мл у зв’язку з природною бустерною імунізацією в осередку, а впродовж наступних 3,5 років поступово впала до 889 мМО/мл. Порівняно з 2017-2018 рр., у дітей віком до 8 років у 2019 р. цей показник значно збільшувався (з 1173 до 1678 мМО/мл), що пов’язано з підвищеним охопленням щепленнями в цей період. Виявлено, що найбільша кількість сприйнятливих осіб до кору відзначається у віковій групі від 18 до 47 років (4,3-6,5 % негативних результатів (відсутність захисної концентрації протикорових IgG) і 7,5-10,8 % – сумнівних); мінімальна кількість незахищених визначалася в групі віком від 48 до 57 років (0,9 % негативних і 2,1 % сумнівних результатів), а в осіб старше 57 років взагалі не виявлено негативних результатів (ймовірно тому, що більшість з них в дитинстві перехворіла на кір і має міцний довготривалий захист). Після спалаху кору у 2022-2023 рр. загальна частка людей, що мають захисні рівні IgG у Харківській області, поступово знизилася до 88,3 %, тому підйом захворюваності на кір в регіоні може відбутися найближчим часом. Враховуючи те, що найменше осіб, які мають захисну концентрацію антитіл, належить до вікових груп 9-17, 18-27, 28-37, 38-47 років, бажано визначити кількість протикорових IgG у представників цих груп з подальшою додатковою вакцинацією у разі нестачі рівня антитіл.