bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of a 2-dose varicella vaccination program in Changzhou, China, during the transitional period (2017–2022): a registry-based case-cohort study
Authors: Xiong Suting , Han Changlei , Wu Dan , Mi Xiaomeng , Zhang Peipei , Gao Han , Cao Gan , Yao Fang , Chen Cong , Lv Xufeng 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
The benefits of improving coverage and timeliness of varicella vaccination need to be quantified in countries where varicella vaccine (VarV) has not yet been included in national immunization programs. This longitudinal study analyzed the vaccine effectiveness (VE) of the varicella vaccination program implemented in Changzhou City during the transitional period (2017–2022).

Methods
Using the Immunization Information System and National Notifiable Infectious Disease Surveillance System registry data, this retrospective case-cohort study assessed the VEs of varicella vaccination for Changzhou children born from 2016 to 2021. The subcohort was sampled using inverse probability weighting for the survival analysis design to evaluate the VEs under different dosages and cost types, eliminating confounding by age and location area. Sensitivity analysis for the exclusion part assessed the study's robustness.

Results
A total of 5,172 children (1.12%) were sampled to the subcohort for studies, including 2,299 cases. VEs significantly rose with each successive dose, reaching 82.54% and 97.91%. VEs were lower for the single-dose subgroups until 2020, with significant increases in VEs in all subgroups in 2020 and after that. Most children who did not benefit from the “1–4” Vaccination Program had lower VEs due to delayed vaccination.

Conclusion
Improving 2-dose VarV vaccine coverage and timely vaccination could enhance the immune barrier for susceptible children. During the transitional period, the “1–4” Vaccination Program of VarV positively impacted coverage and timeliness in Changzhou.
Carbon footprint of private dental clinics in Egypt: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Elwan Amira H , Tantawi Maha El , Fouda Ahmed Mahmoud 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Climate change is a global challenge, caused by increasing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Dental clinical practice contributes to these emissions through patient and staff travel, waste, energy and water consumption and procurement. Carbon footprinting quantifies GHG emissions. This study assessed the Carbon Footprint (CFP) of private dental clinics in Egypt.

Materials and methods
Data were collected from private dental clinics in Alexandria and Elbeheira, in Northwestern Egypt from July to August 2024 through interview questionnaires. A CFP calculator was used to estimate carbon emissions from patient and staff travel, waste, energy and water consumption, and procurement. To determine the average CFP per clinic and per patient visit, the CFP of all clinics was averaged, both with and without considering the depreciation of dental equipment.

Results
Data from 27 dental clinics were collected. The average CFP of an Egyptian private dental clinic, which, per year, received 3,322 patient visits, and where 5 personnel worked 279 days was 14,426.8 kg CO2e, or 4.3 kg CO2e per patient visit. The largest contributor to the CFP was patient travel (45.6%), followed by staff travel (19.6%), energy consumption (18%), procurement (12.4%), waste (4.2%), and water consumption (0.3%). After considering the yearly depreciation of dental equipment, the CFP per clinic in a year increased by 12.2%.

Conclusion
Private dental clinics in Egypt produce substantial carbon emissions. Patient travel was the major contributor to the CFP. While there was a high CFP of electricity consumption, the CFP of gas was zero. The high CFP of waste was likely due to improper segregation and the lack of recycling. Country-specific CFP calculators are needed to accurately measure the carbon emissions of dental clinics in various settings. Preventing oral diseases, raising public awareness to sustainable practices, promoting walking and cycling, improving public transportation, implementing waste recycling, shifting to renewable sources of energy, and local manufacturing of dental products are important to reduce carbon emissions in dental clinics.
A parallel bioreactor strategy to rapidly determine growth-coupling relationships for bioproduction: a mevalonate case study
Authors: Banner Alec , Webb Joseph , Scrutton Nigel 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
The climate crisis and depleting fossil fuel reserves have led to a drive for ‘green’ alternatives to the way we manufacture chemicals, and the formation of a bioeconomy that reduces our reliance on petrochemical-based feedstocks. Advances in Synthetic biology have provided the opportunity to engineer micro-organisms to produce compounds from renewable feedstocks, which could play a role in replacing traditional, petrochemical based, manufacturing routes. However, there are few examples of bio-manufactured products achieving commercialisation. This may be partially due to a disparity between academic and industrial focus, and a greater emphasis needs to be placed on economic feasibility at an earlier stage. Terpenoids are a class of compounds with diverse use across fuel, materials and pharmaceutical industries and can be manufactured biologically from the key intermediate mevalonate.

Results
Here, we report on a method of utilising parallel bioreactors to rapidly map the growth-coupling relationship between the specific product formation rate, specific substrate utilisation rate and specific growth rate. Using mevalonate as an example product, a maximum product yield coefficient of 0.18 gp/gs was achieved at a growth rate (

$$\mu$$

μ

) of 0.34 h−1. However, this process also led to the formation of the toxic byproduct acetate, which can slow growth and cause problems during downstream processing. By using gene editing to knock out the ackA-pta operon and poxB from E. coli BW25113, we were able to achieve the same optimum production rate, without the formation of acetate.

Conclusions
We demonstrated the power of using parallel bioreactors to assess productivity and the growth-coupling relationship between growth rate and product yield coefficient of mevalonate production. Using genetic engineering, our resultant strain demonstrated rapid mevalonate formation without the unwanted byproduct acetate. Mevalonate production is quantified and reported in industrially relevant units, including key parameters like conversion efficiency that are often omitted in early-stage publications reporting only titre in g/L.
A preliminary account of Culicoides (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands with 13 new records and updated species inventory from India
Authors: Mukherjee Koustav , Kar Surajit , Naskar Atanu , Sivaperuman Chandrakasan , Banerjee Dhriti 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
The detection of multiple bluetongue virus serotypes, increasing trend in livestock density, rich biological diversity with high endemism, and the status of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as a popular tourist destination underscore the need for a faunistic survey of medically and veterinary significant vector species, specifically Culicoides, in this region. Moreover, scattered information on Indian Culicoides species complicates the planning and implementation of preventive measures for pathogens transmitted by these vectors. This study aims to provide the first comprehensive account of the Culicoides fauna in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India, along with an updated checklist of Indian Culicoides species and their state-wise distribution.

Methods
Surveys were conducted across various habitats in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in September 2022 and 2023. Midges were collected using CDC light traps, light sheets, Malaise traps, and manual collection from exposed body parts of the author and volunteers (biting collection). Identification was carried out using relevant taxonomic keys and original descriptions. Additionally, an updated checklist of Indian Culicoides, based on published and grey literature from 1910 to the present, is provided, with an emphasis on their potential role in pathogen transmission.

Results
A total of 3529 adult Culicoides were trapped during the survey, representing 5 subgenera and 3 unplaced species groups. The study recorded 23 Culicoides species, including 13 new species records for India: C. barnetti, C. gouldi, C. flaviscutellaris, C. flavipunctatus, C. hui, C. histrio, C. guttifer, C. perornatus, C. okinawensis, C. quatei, C. obscurus, C. coronalis, and C. kusaiensis.

Conclusions
The Indian Culicoides fauna now includes 93 valid species, with many of them recognized as confirmed or potential vectors of important pathogens of animal health. The enriched species composition highlights the importance of systematic surveys in this island ecosystem and the need to determine the role of midges, if any, in pathogen transmission.

Graphical Abstract
Effectiveness and utilization of a cognitive screening program for primary geriatric care
Authors: Salmon David P. , Malkina Anna , Johnson Melanie L. , Gigliotti Christina , Little Emily A. , Galasko Douglas 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Effective detection of cognitive impairment in the primary care setting is limited by lack of time and specialized expertise to conduct detailed objective cognitive testing and few well-validated cognitive screening instruments that can be administered and evaluated quickly without expert supervision. We therefore developed a model cognitive screening program to provide relatively brief, objective assessment of a geriatric patient’s memory and other cognitive abilities in cases where the primary care physician suspects but is unsure of the presence of a deficit.

Methods
Referred patients were tested during a 40-min session by a psychometrist or trained nurse in the clinic on a brief battery of neuropsychological tests that assessed multiple cognitive domains. Short questionnaires covering subjective cognitive complaints, symptoms of depression, and medical history were also administered. Results were conveyed to a dementia specialist who reviewed them and returned their judgement of the validity of the cognitive complaint to the primary care provider. Retrospective medical records review was carried out for a random (stratified) half of the sample to determine how screening results were utilized. Screening tests were repeated after two years in a subset of 69 patients.

Results
The 638 patients screened (mean age = 75.9 years; mean education = 14.9 years; 58% women) were classified by screening as having normal cognition (n = 177), depression (with possible cognitive changes; n = 115), mild cognitive impairment (MCI; n = 107), or dementia (n = 239). Classification accuracy was shown by high agreement with the eventual clinical diagnosis in the medical record (69%; Cohen’s Kappa = .38; p < .001; 77% if MCI and dementia were collapsed; Cohen’s Kappa = .58; p < .001) and longitudinal decline in cognitive test scores only in those initially classified as having MCI or dementia. Medical records documented discussion of screening results with the patient in 69% of cases (80% if MCI or dementia was detected) and often referral to a specialist (62%), new brain imaging (54%), or change in medication (58%) when screening indicated potential cognitive impairment.

Conclusion
The cognitive screening program was well accepted by primary care providers as an efficient and effective way to evaluate concerns about cognitive decline in older adults.
The effectiveness of humanitarian aid in conflict zones: practitioner views on the transition from in-kind assistance to multi-purpose cash transfers
Authors: Alsina Dani Grané , Eldridge Derek 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The views of humanitarian practitioners in Somalia, South Sudan, Tigray and Yemen are gathered to enlarge understanding on the extent to which multi-purpose cash transfers (CTs) are superseding in-kind assistance in meeting the needs of beneficiaries. The reasons for the choice between the two forms of assistance are exposed together with the identification of the constraints faced when planning and delivering aid in the context of on-going conflict. Key areas of concern for agencies are identified on achieving effective targeting, ensuring internal arrangements support cash transfers, maximising coordination between agencies, upholding human dignity and enhancing the role of women as beneficiaries. Overall, the findings suggest that multi-purpose cash transfers can be an effective form of assistance in conflict zones, and recommendations are made for agencies as they contemplate an expansion of this form of assistance.
Bilateral medial malleolar fractures in a young athlete: the role of biomechanics in non-contact injuries
Authors: Landers Josh , Fortinberry Austin 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Medial malleolar fractures are relatively uncommon, typically resulting from significant trauma or high-impact events. The likelihood of sustaining such fractures in both ankles independently, particularly in non-contact situations, is exceedingly rare. This case study presents a unique scenario involving a patient who suffered medial malleolar fractures in both the left and right ankles under separate, non-contact mechanisms of injury. Both injuries were managed through a combination of immobilization and physical therapy, with the right ankle requiring surgical intervention initially.
Given the rarity of bilateral medial malleolar fractures in non-contact events, this case raises questions about potential underlying biomechanical factors contributing to the injuries. Upon further examination, the patient was found to have genu varus, a condition characterized by an inward angulation of the lower leg, which shifts the weight-bearing axis medially, and hindfoot valgus, a condition characterized by outward angulation of the Achilles tendon near the calcaneus. This malalignment can increase the stress on the medial aspect of the ankle during weight-bearing activities, potentially predisposing the individual to fractures in the medial malleolus.
This case study explores the biomechanical relationship between genu varus and medial malleolar fractures, highlighting how the altered forces in the ankle joint may increase the risk of injury. The discussion will delve into the potential for genu varus and hindfoot valgus to act as a predisposing factor in the occurrence of such fractures, particularly in the absence of significant external trauma. Understanding this relationship could lead to better identification of at-risk individuals and the development of targeted interventions to prevent similar injuries.
Comparison of the efficacy and safety of bupropion versus aripiprazole augmentation in adults with treatment-resistant depression: a nationwide cohort study in South Korea
Authors: Lee Dong Yun , Park Rae Woong , Jeon Soo Min 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) affects 10–30% of patients with major depressive disorder, leading to increased comorbidities, higher mortality, and significant economic and social burdens. This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of bupropion and aripiprazole as augmentation therapies for TRD.

Methods
This population-based, retrospective cohort study included adults aged ≥18 years with a diagnosis of depressive disorder who met the criteria for TRD. Data were collected from a nationwide claims database in South Korea. Patients prescribed bupropion were matched 1:1 with those prescribed aripiprazole. Subgroup analyses were performed according to age. An as-treated analysis was performed as the primary analysis, and an intention-to-treat analysis was performed to identify different risk windows. The primary outcome was depression-related hospitalization, and the secondary outcomes were first-time diagnoses of movement disorder and seizure.

Results
A total of 5,619 patients (bupropion: n = 1,568; aripiprazole: n = 4,051) were included in this study. Bupropion was associated with lower risks of hospitalization (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.51; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.29–0.86) and movement disorders (HR: 0.56; 95% CI 0.36–0.85) than aripiprazole. No significant difference in seizure risk (HR: 0.65; 95% CI 0.30–1.31) was observed between the two treatments. The subgroup analysis of participants aged ≥60 years revealed no significant differences in the three outcomes between the two medications.

Conclusions
Bupropion augmentation is associated with a significantly lower risk of depression-related re-hospitalization and movement disorders in patients with TRD. Therefore, bupropion augmentation can be a comprehensive treatment strategy for TRD.
Clonal Hematopoiesis in Women With Breast Cancer
Authors: Mayerhofer Christina , Freedman Rachel A. , Parsons Heather A. , Partridge Ann H. , Miller Peter G. 
Published: January 2025

PURPOSE
Clonal hematopoiesis (CH) has been associated with a variety of adverse outcomes, most notably hematologic malignancy and ischemic cardiovascular disease. A series of recent studies also suggest that CH may play a role in the outcomes of patients with solid tumors, including breast cancer. Here, we review the clinical and biological data that underlie potential connections between CH, inflammation, and breast cancer, with a focus on the prevalence and impact of clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential in patients with breast cancer.

METHODS
We summarize data from multiple studies, including a series of cohorts of patients with breast cancer, to assess the prevalence of CH, the relationship between CH and exposure to cytotoxic therapy, and the correlation between CH and breast cancer–specific outcomes.

RESULTS
Our findings indicate that CH is prevalent among patients with breast cancer, particularly those treated with cytotoxic therapies. However, there are no definitive data to support an association between the presence of CH and breast cancer–specific outcomes.

CONCLUSION
Current data do not support routine CH testing in patients with breast cancer, nor should the presence of CH influence decisions regarding breast cancer therapy in most patients. However, larger, long-term studies are necessary to further define the implications of CH in patients with breast cancer and guide clinical decision making.
High-bandwidth nonreciprocal optical isolator based on a cascaded chiral cavity magnonic system
Authors: Hou Yu-Bo , Ren Ya-Long , Xie Ji-Kun , Ma Sheng-Li , Li Fu-Li , Li Peng-Bo 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Cavity magnonic systems has been regarded as an ideal platform for various quantum technological applications. In this work, we propose a high-bandwidth optical isolator based on the cascading of chiral cavity magnonic systems, where each system consists of a torus-shaped microwave cavity and a YIG sphere inside. Utilizing chiral cavity-magnon coupling, the input signal in the given transmission direction along the waveguide can be fully transmitted, while the signal in the reverse direction is effectively isolated. Compared with the single-cavity setup, our optical isolator can significantly increase the effective bandwidth, enabling a nonreciprocal optical transmission with a high degree of isolation.
Lyme neuroborreliosis as initial expression of Lyme disease in an elderly patient
Authors: Mata Emidio , Lage Garcia Bárbara , Pereira André , Rego Joana , Santos Flávia , Fernandes Carlos , Cotter Jorge 
Published: January 2025

Background: Lyme disease (LD) is a multisystemic infection caused by Borrelia burgdorferi and transmitted by Ixodes ticks, affecting the skin, nervous system, heart and joints. Neuroborreliosis (LNB), a nervous system manifestation of LD, occurs in 10–15% of cases and may present with neurological symptoms at varying stages. Case description: We present the case of an 84-year-old man, admitted to the emergency department following a seizure, with fever and oropharyngeal erythema. After the administration of penicillin for presumed tonsillitis, a generalised skin rash developed and spontaneously resolved after 4 hours. Within 24 hours, two well-defined round erythematous lesions were observed on the neck and shoulder. Due to new onset of confusion and lethargy a lumbar puncture was performed, revealing polymorphonuclear pleocytosis, elevated protein levels and normal glucose. An empirical ceftriaxone course was started for suspected neuroborreliosis. Neuroborreliosis was diagnosed based on the clinical presentation of fever and neurological changes, with supporting cutaneous manifestations and compatible Borrelia burgdorferi serology. The initial rash was interpreted as a Jarisch–Herxheimer reaction, and the two skin lesions were classified as erythema migrans. After completing treatment, the patient made a full recovery. Conclusion: This case underscores the diagnostic complexity of LNB as an initial manifestation of LD, particularly in elderly patients. Early neurological symptoms, often preceding classic cutaneous signs, may lead to diagnostic delays. This highlights the importance of maintaining clinical suspicion for LD, given the limitations of serological and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) testing. Prompt recognition and intervention are essential to prevent progression and ensure favourable outcomes.
Surface plasmon resonance sensor based on a dual-hole optical fiber for temperature and refractive index detection
Authors: Cao Shichen , Tang Yi , Bao Shengchen , Chen Ming , Cheng Yu , Deng Shijie , Liu Houquan , Teng Chuanxin , Yang Hongyan , Deng Hongchang , Yuan Libo 
Published: January 2025

This paper presents a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor based on a dual-hole optical fiber, designed for the simultaneous measurement of refractive index (RI) and temperature. The sensor is fabricated by side-polishing the dual-hole fiber and coating gold and silver films in the left and right holes, respectively. Additionally, the right hole is filled with polydimethylsiloxane to enable dual-parameter detection. We analyzed the sensor’s performance using the finite element analysis software COMSOL, and the results indicate a peak sensitivity reaching 3000 nm/RIU across an RI interval of 1.34–1.38, along with a temperature sensitivity measured at −4.5nm/∘C within a range spanning from 0°C to 40°C. The proposed dual-hole fiber SPR sensor features a simple structure and demonstrates high sensitivity and effective dual-parameter sensing capabilities. This provides an efficient solution for the simultaneous monitoring of temperature and RI, making it suitable for in situ measurements in applications such as chemical reagent preparation.