bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Multi-Center Randomized Study Assessing If Validated Short Videos Improve Sinus Education
Authors: Bailey Christopher Eric , Cabrera-Muffly Cristina , Chen Philip G. , Farrell Nyssa , Rangarajan Sanjeet V. , Yim Michael , Irish Joseph , Le Christopher H. , Chang Eugene H. 
Published: February 2025

Objective: To determine if a short 10-minute video of either CT images (Video1: V1) or CT and endoscopic surgical videos (Video 2: V2) could be used to improve sinonasal anatomy knowledge in medical students (Med) and otolaryngology residents (OtoR). Background: YouTube is a widely used platform for surgical training, yet many educational videos are of poor quality. We developed and validated two 10-minute narrated videos of sinus anatomy, the first (V1) incorporated CT images of critical structures while the second (V2) combined CT images and surgical endoscopic video. In tandem, we developed a sinonasal assessment used to test sinonasal anatomy, surgical landmarks, and situational awareness. Methods: We performed a multicenter, randomized IRB-approved educational study evaluating the efficacy of the V1 and V2 videos by comparing pre-test (PrT) and post-test (PoT) scores in Med and OtoR subject groups. Subjects then watched the alternate video and preferences were assessed. Results: A total of 30 Med and 37 OtoR successfully completed the study at 6 different institutions. There were significant differences in pre-test knowledge with OtoR scoring higher than Med in all 3 pre-test subdomains [(S1: 4.3 v s2.9, P < .0001, S2: 4.4 vs 3.1, P < .0001, and S3: 4.6 vs 3.2, P < .0001)]. In the Med group, both V1 and V2 educational videos significantly improved post-test scores compared to pre-test scores (V1: 10.06 vs 12.59, P = .0005; V2: 8.23 vs 11.08, P = .0008). In the OtoR group, only the V2 educational video showed significant improvement (13.24 vs 14.76, P < .0001). Both groups thought the videos were helpful and improved their spatial awareness of sinus anatomy. Conclusions: Short, validated videos significantly improve sinonasal education and should be incorporated in modern training programs.
Endothelin-1 as a Candidate Biomarker of Systemic Sclerosis: A GRADE-Assessed Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis With Meta-Regression
Authors: Mangoni Arduino A , Zinellu Angelo 
Published: February 2025

Background: There is an ongoing search for novel biomarkers of vascular dysfunction, extent of fibrosis and organ involvement in systemic sclerosis (SSc). Objectives: We critically appraised the studies investigating the circulating concentrations of endothelin-1 in SSc patients and healthy controls. Design: This was a systematic review with meta-analysis. Data sources and methods: We searched electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) from inception to 15 June 2024. We assessed the risk of bias and the certainty of evidence using the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist and GRADE, respectively. Results: Endothelin-1 concentrations were significantly higher in SSc patients than in controls (26 studies; standardised mean difference, SMD = 0.98, 95% CI 0.73-1.23, P < .001; moderate certainty of evidence). In SSc patients, there were no significant differences in endothelin-1 concentrations between those with limited and diffuse cutaneous SSc (10 studies; SMD = 0.32, 95% CI −0.07 to 0.71 P = .11; very low certainty), and with and without digital ulcers (5 studies; SMD = 0.82, 95% CI −0.06 to 1.69, P = .066; very low certainty), pulmonary arterial hypertension (7 studies; SMD = 0.22, 95% CI −0.01 to 0.45, P = .066; very low certainty) or interstitial lung disease (3 studies; SMD = 0.09, 95% CI −0.18 to 0.35, P = .51; very low certainty). There was limited evidence in SSc patients with different video capillaroscopy pattern and telangiectasias. Subgroup and meta-regression analyses showed significant associations between the effect size and geographical location (studies investigating SSc patients and controls), year of publication (studies investigating SSc patients with limited and diffuse cutaneous SSc), and biological matrix assessed (studies investigating SSc patients with and without digital ulcers). Conclusion: The results of this systematic review and meta-analysis highlight the potential role of endothelin-1 as a candidate biomarker of SSc. Further research is warranted to determine the utility of measuring endothelin-1 in SSc subgroups with different extent of fibrosis and organ involvement. Registration: PROSPERO registration number - CRD42024566461.
Plate Fixation and Hallux Valgus Deformity Impact on Nonunion Rates in First Metatarsophalangeal Arthrodesis A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Kachooei Amir R. , Moncman Tara , Ghayyad Kassem , Raikin Steven , Daniel Joseph 
Published: February 2025

Background The combined effect of fixation type and preoperative deformity together might influence the union rate after the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) arthrodesis. This study aimed to compare the nonunion and failure rate of dorsal locking plate versus cross-screws for the first MTP arthrodesis considering the preoperative deformity, including hallux valgus versus rigidus. We secondarily aimed to compare the observed nonunion rate with the rate in the systematic reviews. Methods This was a retrospective cohort study including 372 patients and 378 feet. The surgical technique was identical except for the use of a dorsal locking plate in 181 (49%) and cross-screws in 191 (51%) MTP joints. The radiographic union was assessed at 3 months postoperative. Those who did not heal by the 3-month follow-up were categorized as a “symptomatic” versus “asymptomatic” nonunion. Those categorized as nonunion after 3 months were followed until union occurred. Results The results demonstrated that dorsal locking plate fixation (OR = 10.1, 95% CI: 1.3-80) and hallux valgus deformity (OR = 4.7, 95% CI: 1.2-18) were significantly associated with a higher nonunion rate. At 3-month follow-up, a total of 19 (5%) patients showed nonunion. Of the total nonunions, 15 (79%) were fixed by the locking plate, and 4 (21%) were fixed by cross-screws. Of the 15 nonunions with plate fixation, 6 (40%) underwent a second surgery due to device failure, while none of the cross-screws required a second surgery. Out of the 6 secondary surgeries, 5 (83%) demonstrated a nonunion with valgus deformity and 1 required removal of hardware due to prominent hardware. Conclusion Our results support that a dorsal locking plate for the fusion of a hallux valgus deformity is associated with a significantly higher risk of symptomatic nonunion and a secondary surgery compared to cross-screws, possibly due to the failure of the plate in neutralizing the medio-lateral deforming forces. Levels of Evidence: Level IV, Retrospective Cohort
Custom 3-Dimensional-Printed Oncologic Endoprosthesis for Reconstruction of the Calcaneus A Case Report
Authors: Lesensky Jan , Blecha Ondrej , Belzarena Ana C. , Benes Michal 
Published: February 2025

Primary tumors of the calcaneus present a reconstructive challenge. Their relatively low incidence leads to limited evidence, clinical experience, and ongoing discussion regarding the optimal surgical strategy. In this report, we present a case of a 19-year-old male diagnosed with an aggressive osteoblastoma who underwent subtotal calcanectomy. A custom 3D-printed titanium endoprosthesis was designed for limb-salvage reconstruction. Trabecular porous structure and screws were used to achieve subtalar and calcaneo-cuboid fusion and to compensate for the deficient ligamentous apparatus following resection. An innovative system for reattachment of the calcaneal tuberosity with spared of the Achilles tendon was also utilized. At 3 months, the implant was completely incorporated, allowing full weight bearing. At the 18-month follow-up, the implant showed no signs of loosening, the patient had no signs of recurrence, had excellent function, and successfully returned to all his pretreatment activities, underscoring the effectiveness of this reconstructive approach in the management of calcaneal tumors. Level of Evidence: IV, Case report
Management of urethral diverticular stone with stricture: a case report
Authors: Boddepalli Yogesh , Patnana Bhanumurthy 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Acquired male urethral diverticula are seen in patients with traumatic urethral stricture, urethral surgery, or rarely following prolonged urethral catheterization. Inadequate drainage of the urethral diverticulum leads to urinary stasis and stone formation. Excision of the urethral diverticulum with reconstruction of the urethral defect is the definitive procedure. A limited number of cases were reported in the literature.

Case presentation
Excision of the urethral diverticulum with reconstruction of the urethral defect is the definitive procedure. Large urethral diverticulum with stone following urethral surgery with adjacent stricture is challenging to manage. We report a case of a urethral diverticular stone with stricture in a 58-year-old male treated successfully using an excessive diverticular wall as a flap to reconstruct the adjacent stricture after removing the stone. We performed a retrograde urethrogram (RGU) and obtained information about the caliber of the urethra and the location of the diverticulum. The objectives in the treatment of symptomatic urethral diverticula are relief of distal obstruction, removal of all calculi, excision of the diverticulum, and closure of the urethral defect. Management options for this case are excision of the diverticulum with urethral reconstruction, optical urethrotomy and lithotripsy, perineal urethrostomy with stone extraction, and two-stage operations to remove the stone followed by urethral reconstruction.

Conclusions
Even though the recommended management for acquired male UD is diverticulectomy with the reconstruction of the urethra, in selected cases, less morbid procedures like urethral reconstruction with excess diverticular wall without diverticulectomy can be done to maintain urethral patency.
Integrating QTL mapping with transcriptome analysis mined candidate genes of growth stages in castor (Ricinus communis L.)
Authors: Huang Guanrong , Lu Jiannong , Yin Xuegui , Zhang Liuqin , Lin Haihong , Zhang Xiaoxiao , Liu Chaoyu , Zuo Jinying 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
The growth stages largely determine the crop yield, while little is known about their genetic mechanisms in castor. In this study, the QTL mapping and candidate gene mining of growth stages were conducted using populations F2 and BC1, combining with differential expression analysis and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). The traits studied included the emergence date (ED), the budding date of primary spike (PSBD), the flowering date of primary spike (PSFD), the maturation date of primary spike (PSMD), and the maturation date of primary branch spike (PBSMD).

Results
A total of 20 QTLs conferring four traits (ED, PSBD, PSFD and PBSMD) were identified in the F2 population, with a phenotypic variation explained (PVE) of single QTL ranged from 0.24 to 25.46%. Five QTLs underlying PSMD and PBSMD were identified in the BC1 population, with a PVE of single QTL ranged from 4.74 to 10.82%. To our surprise, almost all the identified QTLs were clustered within two marker intervals, the RCM1769-RCM1838 on linkage group 6 and RCM950-RCM917 on linkage group 3. Subsequently, 473 open reading frames (ORFs) were searched out within these two clusters and 110 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened out from these ORFs by the comparative transcriptome clean data (a total of 140.86 G) at the budding date, the initial flowering date and the full flowering date between parental racemes. With these DEGs, five distinct gene co-expression modules were generated using WGCNA. Showing significant differential expression between parents, four candidate genes (LOC8261128, LOC8278994, LOC8281165 and LOC8259049) in module MEturquoise, were recognized and were annotated as RcSYN3, RcNTT, RcGG3 and RcSAUR76 respectively. This finding implies their potential role in regulating the growth stages of castor.

Conclusion
In this study, numerous QTLs conferring growth stages were detected and four candidate genes were mined, which need to be functionally validated. The results provided a new insight into the genetic structure of ED, PSBD, PSFD, PSMD and PBSMD, offered the candidate genes and molecular markers for their improvement as well in castor.
Excess mortality in COVID-19-negative people with non-communicable disorders during the first pandemic wave
Authors: Vigo Daniel V. , Hudec Kristen L. , Ferdous Saimoom , Munthali Richard J. , Pei Julia , Munro Lonna , Pendakur Krishna , Yatham Lakshmi N. , Kessler Ronald C. , Ng Raymond T. , Puyat Joseph H. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Estimating the indirect mortality due to COVID-19 is of the utmost importance to develop adequate public health policy during future outbreaks.

Methods
From province-wide administrative datasets, we identified British Columbians who tested negative for COVID-19 during the first wave and never tested positive throughout 2020. We obtained a pre-pandemic (2018) cohort matched on age, sex, history of non-communicable disorders (NCDs), multimorbidity, and severity/acuity, and implemented a doubly robust estimation of the effect of the first pandemic wave on mortality.

Results
The adjusted odds ratio (AOR) of death was 3.2 times higher for a 2020 cohort who tested negative for COVID-19 (n = 123,133), compared to matched pre-pandemic controls. In both cohorts, a majority (72.5%) experienced at least one pre-existing NCD. Stratification by NCD shows an AOR of death ranges between 2–for people with substance use disorders– and 7–for people previously undiagnosed with NCDs (e.g., incident cases that went untreated). The largest subgroup was composed of people with mental disorders (47,413 people), with an AOR of death of 2.5. Though the COVID-19 direct mortality in the general population remained low (1.9 per 10,000), the excess mortality in this COVID-negative cohort was extremely high − 4,085 of the 123,133– which entails a minimum indirect excess mortality death rate of 6.5 per 10,000 in the general population.

Conclusions
During the first pandemic year, mortality in COVID-negative adults was several times greater than before COVID-19, in people with matched NCD distribution and severity. Our findings suggest that low direct COVID-19 mortality was accompanied by less visible–but much higher– indirect mortality due to undiagnosed and/or untreated NCDs, highlighting the need to focus not only on mitigating the harms of new agents, but also of continuing service delivery for treatable conditions.
Acculturation is associated with 12-month adherence to combined MVPA and sedentary behavior guidelines in a sample of midlife and older Latino/a adults: findings from the COMPASS physical activity trial
Authors: Zamora Astrid N. , Campero Maria I. , Garcia Dulce M. , Chavez Diana M. , King Abby C. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Although some studies have shown that greater acculturation is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) among Latino/a adults, the relationship between acculturation and modifiable health behaviors in older Latino/a adults living in the United States (US) remains underexplored. This secondary analysis of the COMPASS physical activity trial explored the relationship between acculturation and adherence to combined movement behavior guidelines for moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and sedentary behavior guidelines at 12 months among 245 midlife and older Latino/a adults from the San Francisco Bay Area.

Methods
Baseline acculturation was measured using the Short Acculturation Scale for Hispanics, yielding a total score and three subscales on a 5-point Likert scale, higher scores represented higher acculturation. MVPA was evaluated via the Community Healthy Activities Model Program for Seniors (CHAMPS) questionnaire, while sedentary behavior was measured using a validated 1-week recall survey. We employed logistic regression to analyze linear and non-linear associations between acculturation and adherence to the combined MVPA (≥ 150 min/wk) and sedentary behavior (< 8 h/day) movement behavior guidelines, adjusting for baseline MVPA and sedentary behavior, intervention arm, gender, income, body mass index, education, and years in the US.

Results
At baseline, 6.4% adhered to combined MVPA and sedentary behavior guidelines, with the prevalence of adherence rising to 30.2% at 12 months. Each one-point increase in language use acculturation subscale score was linked to 1.7 times greater adherence (p = 0.01) at 12 months. A similar pattern was observed when acculturation was operationalized as a binary variable (p = 0.03). For the summary acculturation score, participants with higher acculturation had 2.6 times higher odds of adhering to guidelines at 12 months compared to those with lower acculturation (p = 0.04).

Conclusions
Higher acculturation was associated with a higher odds of 12 month adherence to MVPA and sedentary behavior guidelines among a sample of older Latino/a adults. Results underscore the importance of incorporating acculturation into behavioral trialsand the need to tailor physical activity interventions for Latino/a older adults with lower acculturation.

Trial registration
Clinicaltrials.gov NCT02111213 Registered April 2, 2014 https//clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT02111213.
Reducing anxiety and enhancing innovation in nurses: a psychological capital intervention study in China
Authors: Yan Dexiu , Chen Lan , Li Mengyao , Zhang Yuanyuan , Zhang Yaqing 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Aim
This study aimed to test whether increasing psychological capital through psychological capital interventions affects anxiety and innovation among nursing staff through an experimental study.

Method
This study utilized a two-group (experimental and wait-list control) pre-test and post-test design. In August 2022, eighty clinical nurses from the same hospital were randomly assigned to either the experimental group (40) or the wait-list control group (40) to complete self-report questionnaires at pre-intervention (T1), post-intervention (T2), and one month post-intervention (T3). The experimental group received a 6-week training on the psychological capital intervention.

Result
The scores of anxiety, psychological capital, and innovative behaviour of experimental subjects in the two groups before and after the intervention showed no significant difference in between-group effects (P > 0.05). In contrast, the time effect and between-group × time effect were significant (P < 0.05), and the trends of anxiety, psychological capital and innovative behaviour over time differed between the two groups of nurses.

Conclusion
Online psychological capital interventions can weaken the constraints of time and space to maximize the effective development of nursing staff's psychological capital, reduce anxiety, and improve nurses' innovative behaviors.
Healthcare facility readiness and availability for hypertension and type 2 diabetes care in Puno, Peru: a cross-sectional survey of healthcare facilities
Authors: Lord Katherine E. , Acevedo Parker K. , Underhill Lindsay J. , Cuentas Gonzalo , Paredes Sonia , Mendoza Juan C. , Herrera Percy , Chou Victoria B. , Dávila-Román Victor G. , Hartinger Stella M. , Checkley William 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Non-communicable diseases are a rapidly growing cause of mortality and morbidity in Peru, accounting for 73% of total deaths. There is limited research on health system readiness to manage this rising burden. Our study characterized the readiness of healthcare facilities to manage patients with hypertension and/or type 2 diabetes (T2D) across two public healthcare systems in Puno, a largely rural and low-income department in Peru.

Methods
We adapted the World Health Organization Service Availability and Readiness Assessment to characterize resources and services for hypertension and T2D care. We administered the survey to personnel at healthcare facilities in Puno. Service readiness scores were calculated based on tracer items necessary for hypertension or T2D care. Facilities with ≥ 70% of tracer items were considered ready to manage each disease.

Results
Between June 2022 and June 2023, we surveyed 85% (414/488) of Puno’s government-run healthcare facilities. Overall, only 28% and 29% were considered ready to manage hypertension and T2D, respectively. Despite larger annual cumulative case volumes at health posts and low-level health centers, lower-level facilities were significantly less likely to be ready to manage hypertension (OR = 0.20, 95% CI 0.11–0.36) or T2D (OR = 0.03, 95% CI 0.01–0.06). Areas of concern included an overreliance on aneroid blood pressure monitors, their infrequent calibration, and limited hemoglobin A1c and urine testing. Additionally, only 66% and 48% of providers self-reported that they could diagnose hypertension and T2D, respectively. There was also low essential medication availability including insulin (7.2%) and fixed-dose combinations (0.5%) and a scarcity of trained healthcare professionals, particularly community health workers at health posts (49.8% had none).

Conclusions
Healthcare facilities were largely unprepared to manage hypertension and T2D, underscoring the critical need for health system strengthening to address disparities in non-communicable disease management across Puno.
Malaria in a metropolitan region of Southern Germany: past, present and future perspectives on a protozoan infection with the potential of re-appearance in Central Europe
Authors: Esse Jan , Leven Karl-Heinz , Kampen Helge , Werner Doreen , Göttler Silke , Bogdan Christian 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Malaria occurred endemically in Germany until the twentieth century. Climate change and globalization are known to promote the spreading of malaria. Erlangen is a city with just under 120,000 inhabitants located in the Nürnberg metropolitan region, Federal State of Bavaria, Southern Germany. Historical findings, current climate data, microbiological data (local and state level) and vector surveillance data are used to estimate the risk of re-emergence and autochthonous transmission of malaria in the area of Erlangen.

Methods
Historical data was obtained by searching literature. Climatic data were retrieved from the German Climate Data Centre. Data on reported (supra-)regional infections were obtained from the Robert-Koch Institute. Cases of malaria diagnosed at the Institute of Clinical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene (University Hospital Erlangen) complement this data. The citizen science project “Mückenatlas” (Mosquito Atlas), the German mosquito database (CULBASE) and the company Biogents AG provided mosquito surveillance data.

Results
Malaria was highly endemic in Erlangen in the nineteenth century, with 18% of hospitalized patients suffering from this disease in 1860, but disappeared during the first half of the twentieth century. After the end of World War II, autochthonous ‘malaria tertiana’ (tertian malaria) occurred in neighbouring Nürnberg, demonstrating the regional malaria potential. In recent decades, the average monthly temperature increased by 1.6 °C. In Erlangen and the surrounding area, three potential vectors of tertian malaria parasites are prevalent (Anopheles messeae, Anopheles maculipennis sensu stricto, and Anopheles plumbeus). In addition, Anopheles daciae, which has unknown potential of Plasmodium transmission, and Anopheles claviger sensu lato have been detected. In recent years, malaria diagnosed in Erlangen mainly resulted from travelling to Africa. Plasmodium vivax accounted for only a small proportion of these cases (2010–2023: n = 5, 17%).

Conclusion
Future autochthonous transmission of malaria parasites in Erlangen is possible, although re-establishment of a natural transmission cycle is currently unlikely. In order to avoid unexpected autochthonous malaria, surveillance and prevention measures should be considered. Patients with fever after visiting endemic areas need to be analysed for Plasmodium infection.