bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
What constitutes evidence for over-the-counter medicines? A cross-sectional study of community pharmacists’ knowledge, attitude, and practices
Authors: De Chun Lik , Anwar Mudassir 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Objectives
To assess the knowledge, attitude and practices of evidence-based medicine (EBM) with regard to over-the-counter (OTC) medicines among New Zealand community pharmacists.

Methods
A pre-piloted, self-administered online questionnaire was disseminated through email to 2788 registered community pharmacists. The questionnaire covered the aspects of knowledge, attitude and barriers towards EBM, and factors influencing pharmacists’ product recommendations. Responses were collected over 4 weeks in January 2021. Data were analysed using SPSS (version 26).

Key findings
A total of 326 responses were collected (11.7% response rate). Participants had an average knowledge score of 15.6 (out of 33). More than 50% had a favourable attitude towards EBM. Insufficient time (20.2%) and a lack of resources (16.4%) were reported as the major barriers to practicing EBM. The majority (72.8%) of participants believed that guideline recommendations were important for OTC recommendations; however, 44.9% would always use their own judgement. Recent graduates (P = 0.048) and pharmacists with a higher level of education (P = 0.00) scored significantly higher for knowledge. A higher knowledge score predicted ‘more favourable’ attitude towards EBM.

Conclusions
Deficiencies exist in community pharmacists’ EBM-related knowledge, attitude and practices. An educational intervention targeting older pharmacists is required since the relevant knowledge was found to be deteriorating with age.
A retained foreign body in a jejunal diverticulum
Authors: Phillipos Joseph , Jaya Joseph , Mills Chris 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Retained foreign bodies in small bowel diverticula are a rare occurrence. Batteries and battery containing products can cause bowel perforation, and when retained in diverticula, retrieval methods may need to be considered. We present a novel case of a hearing aid powered by lithium battery getting stuck in a jejunal diverticulum, and outline an approach to retrieval.
Intraventricular ganglioglioma: a rare case report
Authors: Thoma Constantinos , McKenna Gráinne 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
We report a case of an intraventricular ganglioglioma in a 23-year-old male. The patient presented with a 3-day history of headache and vomiting. Preoperative brain imaging revealed a calcified lesion within the trigone of the right lateral ventricle, with irregular enhancement, causing entrapment of the temporal horn of the lateral ventricle. At surgery, the lesion was haemorrhagic, easily friable and exhibited evidence of a previous recent haemorrhage. Histological and immunohistochemical studies showed a ganglioglioma with World Health Organisation Grade 1 characteristics. Gangliogliomas of the central nervous system are uncommon, and rarely occur in the lateral ventricle.
Identifying an optimal ejaculation latency for the diagnosis of men reporting orgasmic/ejaculation difficulty
Authors: Horvath Zsolt , Hevesi Krisztina , Kövi Zsuzsanna , Rowland David L 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Background
Criteria for the definition and diagnosis of delayed ejaculation (DE) are yet under consideration.

Aim
This study sought to determine an optimal ejaculation latency (EL) threshold for the diagnosis of men with DE by exploring the relationship between various ELs and independent characterizations of delayed ejaculation.

Methods
In a multinational survey, 1660 men, with and without concomitant erectile dysfunction (ED) and meeting inclusion criteria, provided information on their estimated EL, measures of DE symptomology, and other covariates known to be associated with DE.

Outcomes
We determined an optimal diagnostic EL threshold for men with DE.

Results
The strongest relationship between EL and orgasmic difficulty occurred when the latter was defined by a combination of items related to difficulty reaching orgasm and percent of successful episodes in reaching orgasm during partnered sex. An EL of ≥16 minutes provided the greatest balance between measures of sensitivity and specificity; a latency ≥11 minutes was the best threshold for tagging the highest number/percentage of men with the severest level of orgasmic difficulty, but this threshold also demonstrated lower specificity. These patterns persisted even when explanatory covariates known to affect orgasmic function/dysfunction were included in a multivariate model. Differences between samples of men with and without concomitant ED were negligible.

Clinical Implications
In addition to assessing a man’s difficulty reaching orgasm/ejaculation during partnered sex and the percent of episodes reaching orgasm, an algorithm for the diagnosis of DE should consider an EL threshold in order to control diagnostic errors.

Strengths and Limitations
This study is the first to specify an empirically supported procedure for diagnosing DE. Cautions include the use of social media for participant recruitment, relying on estimated rather than clocked EL, not testing for differences between DE men with lifelong vs acquired etiologies, and the lower specificity associated with using the 11-minute criterion that could increase the probability of including false positives.

Conclusion
In diagnosing men with DE, after establishing a man’s difficulty reaching orgasm/ejaculation during partnered sex, using an EL of 10 to 11 minutes will help control type 2 (false negative) diagnostic errors when used in conjunction with other diagnostic criteria. Whether or not the man has concomitant ED does not appear to affect the utility of this procedure.
Mutagenesis of the melon Prv gene by CRISPR/Cas9 breaks papaya ringspot virus resistance and generates an autoimmune allele with constitutive defense responses
Authors: Nizan Shahar , Amitzur Arie , Dahan-Meir Tal , Benichou Jennifer I C , Bar-Ziv Amalia , Perl-Treves Rafael 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
The majority of plant disease resistance (R) genes encode nucleotide binding-leucine-rich repeat (NLR) proteins. In melon, two closely linked NLR genes, Fom-1 and Prv, were mapped and identified as candidate genes that control resistance to Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. melonis races 0 and 2, and to papaya ringspot virus (PRSV), respectively. In this study, we validated the function of Prv and showed that it is essential for providing resistance against PRSV infection. We generated CRISPR/Cas9 [clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9] mutants using Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of a PRSV-resistant melon genotype, and the T1 progeny proved susceptible to PRSV, showing strong disease symptoms and viral spread upon infection. Three alleles having 144, 154, and ~3 kb deletions, respectively, were obtained, all of which caused loss of resistance. Interestingly, one of the Prv mutant alleles, prvΔ154, encoding a truncated product, caused an extreme dwarf phenotype, accompanied by leaf lesions, high salicylic acid levels, and defense gene expression. The autoimmune phenotype observed at 25 °C proved to be temperature dependent, being suppressed at 32 °C. This is a first report on the successful application of CRISPR/Cas9 to confirm R gene function in melon. Such validation opens up new opportunities for molecular breeding of disease resistance in this important vegetable crop.
The Gaia-ESO Survey: empirical estimates of stellar ages from lithium equivalent widths (eagles)
Authors: Jeffries R D , Jackson R J , Wright Nicholas J , Weaver G , Gilmore G , Randich S , Bragaglia A , Korn A J , Smiljanic R , Biazzo K , Casey A R , Frasca A , Gonneau A , Guiglion G , Morbidelli L , Prisinzano L , Sacco G G , Tautvaišienė G , Worley C C , Zaggia S 
Published: April 2023

ABSTRACT
We present an empirical model of age-dependent photospheric lithium depletion, calibrated using a large homogeneously analysed sample of 6200 stars in 52 open clusters, with ages from 2 to 6000 Myr and −0.3 &lt; [Fe/H] &lt; 0.2, observed in the Gaia-ESO spectroscopic survey. The model is used to obtain age estimates and posterior age probability distributions from measurements of the Li i 6708 Å equivalent width for individual (pre) main-sequence stars with 3000 &lt; Teff/K &lt; 6500, a domain where age determination from the HR diagram is either insensitive or highly model-dependent. In the best cases, precisions of 0.1 dex in log age are achievable; even higher precision can be obtained for coeval groups and associations where the individual age probabilities of their members can be combined. The method is validated on a sample of exoplanet-hosting young stars, finding agreement with claimed young ages for some, but not others. We obtain better than 10 per cent precision in age, and excellent agreement with published ages, for seven well-studied young moving groups. The derived ages for young clusters (&lt;1 Gyr) in our sample are also in good agreement with their training ages, and consistent with several published model-insensitive lithium depletion boundary ages. For older clusters, there remain systematic age errors that could be as large as a factor of 2. There is no evidence to link these errors to any strong systematic metallicity dependence of (pre) main-sequence lithium depletion, at least in the range −0.29 &lt; [Fe/H] &lt; 0.18. Our methods and model are provided as software – ‘Empirical AGes from Lithium Equivalent widthS’ (eagles).
New quasar proximity zone size measurements at z ∼ 6 using the enlarged XQR-30 sample
Authors: Satyavolu Sindhu , Eilers Anna-Christina , Kulkarni Girish , Ryan-Weber Emma , Davies Rebecca L , Becker George D , Bosman Sarah E I , Greig Bradley , Mazzucchelli Chiara , Bañados Eduardo , Bischetti Manuela , D’Odorico Valentina , Fan Xiaohui , Farina Emanuele Paolo , Haehnelt Martin G , Keating Laura C , Lai Samuel , Walter Fabian 
Published: May 2023

ABSTRACT
Proximity zones of high-redshift quasars are unique probes of their central supermassive black holes as well as the intergalactic medium (IGM) in the last stages of reionization. We present 22 new measurements of proximity zones of quasars with redshifts between 5.8 and 6.6, using the enlarged XQR-30 sample of high-resolution, high-SNR quasar spectra. The quasars in our sample have ultraviolet magnitudes of M1450 ∼ −27 and black hole masses of 109–1010 M⊙. Our inferred proximity zone sizes are 2–7 physical Mpc, with a typical uncertainty of less than 0.5 physical Mpc, which, for the first time, also includes uncertainty in the quasar continuum. We find that the correlation between proximity zone sizes and the quasar redshift, luminosity, or black hole mass, indicates a large diversity of quasar lifetimes. Two of our proximity zone sizes are exceptionally small. The spectrum of one of these quasars, with z = 6.02, displays, unusually for this redshift, damping wing absorption without any detectable metal lines, which could potentially originate from the IGM. The other quasar has a high-ionization absorber ∼0.5 pMpc from the edge of the proximity zone. This work increases the number of proximity zone measurements available in the last stages of cosmic reionization to 87. This data will lead to better constraints on quasar lifetimes and obscuration fractions at high redshift, that in turn will help probe the seed mass and formation redshift of supermassive black holes.
QPE or QPO? – Quasiperiodic activity in low-mass galaxy nuclei
Authors: King Andrew 
Published: April 2023

ABSTRACT
Quasiperiodic eruptions (QPEs) from low-mass galaxy centres may result from accretion from a white dwarf in a very eccentric orbit about the central massive black hole. Evolution under gravitational radiation losses reduces the separation and eccentricity. I note that below a critical eccentricity ecrit ≃ 0.97, the accretion disc’s viscous time-scale at pericentre passage is probably longer than the orbital period P, and periodic eruptive behaviour is no longer possible. These QPE descendant systems (QPEDs) are then likely to produce quasiperiodic oscillations rather than eruptions, varying more smoothly over the orbital cycle, with duty cycles ∼1. I identify 2XMM J123103.2+110648 (P ≃ 3.9 h) and (more tentatively) RE J1034+396 (P ≃ 1 h) as candidate systems of this type, and find agreement with their deduced eccentricities e &lt; ecrit. The absence of eruptions and the lower accretion luminosities resulting from the smaller gravitational radiation losses may make QPED systems harder to discover. Ultimately they must evolve to have viscous times much longer than the orbital period, and either remain steady, or possibly have infrequent but large outbursts. The latter systems would be massive analogues of the soft X-ray transients produced by low stellar-mass X-ray binaries.
Genomic Evidence for the Nonpathogenic State in HIV-1–Infected Northern Pig-Tailed Macaques
Authors: Pang Wei , Shao Yong , Zhuang Xiao-Lin , Lu Ying , He Wen-Qiang , Zheng Hong-Yi , Xin Rong , Zhang Ming-Xu , Zhang Xiao-Liang , Song Jia-Hao , Tian Ren-Rong , Shen Fan , Li Yi-Hui , Zhao Zu-Jiang , Wu Dong-Dong , Zheng Yong-Tang 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
HIV-1 is a highly host-specific retrovirus that infects humans but not most nonhuman primates. Thus, the lack of a suitable primate model that can be directly infected with HIV-1 hinders HIV-1/AIDS research. In the previous study, we have found that the northern pig-tailed macaques (NPMs) are susceptible to HIV-1 infection but show a nonpathogenic state. In this study, to understand this macaque–HIV-1 interaction, we assembled a de novo genome and longitudinal transcriptome for this species during the course of HIV-1 infection. Using comparative genomic analysis, a positively selected gene, Toll-like receptor 8, was identified with a weak ability to induce an inflammatory response in this macaque. In addition, an interferon-stimulated gene, interferon alpha inducible protein 27, was upregulated in acute HIV-1 infection and acquired an enhanced ability to inhibit HIV-1 replication compared with its human ortholog. These findings coincide with the observation of persistently downregulated immune activation and low viral replication and can partially explain the AIDS-free state in this macaque following HIV-1 infection. This study identified a number of unexplored host genes that may hamper HIV-1 replication and pathogenicity in NPMs and provided new insights into the host defense mechanisms in cross-species infection of HIV-1. This work will facilitate the adoption of NPM as a feasible animal model for HIV-1/AIDS research.
Non-crystalline light chain proximal tubulopathy, a morphologically protean entity
Authors: Kousios Andreas , Blakey Sarah , Moran Linda , Atta Maria , Charif Rawya , Duncan Neill , Smith Andrew , Tam Frederick W K , Levy Jeremy B , Chaidos Aristeidis , Roufosse Candice 
Published: April 2023

ABSTRACT

Background
Light chain proximal tubulopathy (LCPT) is a rare form of paraprotein-related disease, occurring in two main histopathological forms: crystalline and non-crystalline. The clinicopathological features, treatment strategies and outcomes, especially of the non-crystalline form, are not well described.

Methods
We conducted a single-centre retrospective case series of 12 LCPT patients, 5 crystalline and 7 non-crystalline, between 2005 and 2021.

Results
The median age was 69.5 years (range 47–80). Ten patients presented with CKD and significant proteinuria (median estimated glomerular filtration rate of 43.5 ml/min/1.73 m2; urine protein:creatinine ratio 328 mg/mmol). Only six patients had known haematological disease at the time of renal biopsy. Multiple myeloma (MM) was diagnosed in seven patients cases and monoclonal gammopathy of renal significance (MGRS) in five patients. A clone was detected in all cases combining serum/urine electrophoresis and free light chain (LC) assays. Crystalline and non-crystalline variants had similar clinical presentations. For the non-crystalline variant, a diagnosis was reached based on a combination of CKD without another cause, haematological workup, LC restriction on immunofluorescence and abnormalities on electron microscopy (EM). Nine of 12 patients received clone-directed treatment. Patients who achieved haematological response (including all non-crystalline LCPT) had improved renal outcomes over a median follow-up of 79 months.

Conclusions
The non-crystalline variant may go unrecognised because of its subtle histopathological features and requires EM to distinguish it from ‘excessive LC resorption without tubular injury’. Clone-directed treatment with good haematological response improves renal outcomes in both variants but limited data exist in MGRS. Multicentre prospective studies are needed to better define the clinicopathological characteristics associated with poor outcomes and optimize treatment strategies in patients with MGRS.
Food insecurity screening procedures used in reproductive healthcare settings
Authors: Zinga Julia , van der Pligt Paige , Lindberg Rebecca , Vasilevski Vidanka , Lee Amelia , McKay Fiona 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

Context
Food insecurity is an important determinant of health and should be identified by clinicians during routine reproductive healthcare. The procedures used in reproductive healthcare settings to identify people experiencing food insecurity have not been fully researched.

Objective
The objective of this study was to synthesize evidence from published studies that describe the procedures implemented by clinicians in healthcare settings to identify food insecurity in pregnant women, or women of reproductive age (15 years–49 years).

Data Sources
Four databases were searched in April 2022 to identify studies that met the eligibility criteria.

Data Extraction
Studies that used tools that were both validated or newly developed were considered, as were studies that incorporated food insecurity screening as part of a multidomain screening tool. Two authors completed the screening, data extraction, and quality assessment independently.

Data Analysis
There were 1075 studies identified; after screening, 7 studies were included in the narrative synthesis, including studies relating to women who were pregnant or in the postpartum period; none of the included studies related to women in the preconception stage. Four screening tools were identified: 2- and 6-item tools specifically focused on food insecurity, a 58-item multidomain tool incorporating 4 food insecurity items, and a modified version of the 2-item tool. Methods of implementing screening varied across studies. Three described subsequent processes that supported food-insecure patients once identified.

Conclusion
Few published studies have investigated optimal screening tools and their implementation within reproductive healthcare settings to address food insecurity for this priority population group. Further research is required to determine: the optimal tool, preferable screening methods from the perspectives of both patients and clinicians, and potential strategies for implementation in countries outside of the United States. An additional evidence gap remains about referral pathways and appropriate supports for this population once food insecurity is identified.

Systematic Review Registration
PROSPERO registration no. CRD42022319687.
Beyond Undetectable: Modeling the Clinical Benefit of Improved Antiretroviral Adherence in Persons With Human Immunodeficiency Virus With Virologic Suppression
Authors: Castillo-Mancilla Jose R , Morrow Mary , Hunt Peter W , Schnittman Samuel R , Phillips Andrew N , Baker Jason V , Haberer Jessica E , Janeiro Maria Joao , Aragao Filipa , Cohen Cal , Musinguzi Nicholas , Brown Todd T , Cavassini Matthias , Glass Tracy R , Serrano-Villar Sergio , Mawhinney Samantha , Siedner Mark 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Background
Incomplete antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence has been linked to deleterious immunologic, inflammatory, and clinical consequences, even among virally suppressed (&lt;50 copies/mL) persons with human immunodeficiency virus (PWH). The impact of improving adherence in the risk of severe non-AIDS events (SNAEs) and death in this population is unknown.

Methods
We estimated the reduction in the risk of SNAEs or death resulting from an increase in ART adherence by (1) applying existing data on the association between adherence with high residual inflammation/coagulopathy in virally suppressed PWH, and (2) using a Cox proportional hazards model derived from changes in plasma interleukin 6 (IL-6) and D-dimer from 3 randomized clinical trials. Comparatively, assuming 100% ART adherence in a PWH who achieves viral suppression, we estimated the number of persons in whom a decrease in adherence to &lt;100% would need to be observed for an additional SNAE or death event to occur during 3- and 5-year follow-up.

Results
Increasing ART adherence to 100% in PWH who are suppressed on ART despite imperfect adherence translated into a 6%–37% reduction in the risk of SNAEs or death. Comparatively, based on an anticipated 12% increase in IL-6, 254 and 165 PWH would need to decrease their adherence from 100% to &lt;100% for an additional event to occur over 3- and 5-year follow-up, respectively.

Conclusions
Modest gains in ART adherence could have clinical benefits beyond virologic suppression. Increasing ART adherence (eg, via an intervention or switch to long-acting ART) in PWH who remain virally suppressed despite incomplete adherence should be evaluated.
Systematic Review of the Prevalence of Long COVID
Authors: Woodrow Mirembe , Carey Charles , Ziauddeen Nida , Thomas Rebecca , Akrami Athena , Lutje Vittoria , Greenwood Darren C , Alwan Nisreen A 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Background
Long COVID occurs in those infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) whose symptoms persist or develop beyond the acute phase. We conducted a systematic review to determine the prevalence of persistent symptoms, functional disability, or pathological changes in adults or children at least 12 weeks postinfection.

Methods
We searched key registers and databases from January 1, 2020 to November 2, 2021, limited to publications in English and studies with at least 100 participants. Studies in which all participants were critically ill were excluded. Long COVID was extracted as prevalence of at least 1 symptom or pathology, or prevalence of the most common symptom or pathology, at 12 weeks or later. Heterogeneity was quantified in absolute terms and as a proportion of total variation and explored across predefined subgroups (PROSPERO ID CRD42020218351).

Results
One hundred twenty studies in 130 publications were included. Length of follow-up varied between 12 weeks and 12 months. Few studies had low risk of bias. All complete and subgroup analyses except 1 had I2 ≥90%, with prevalence of persistent symptoms range of 0%–93% (pooled estimate [PE], 42.1%; 95% prediction interval [PI], 6.8% to 87.9%). Studies using routine healthcare records tended to report lower prevalence (PE, 13.6%; PI, 1.2% to 68%) of persistent symptoms/pathology than self-report (PE, 43.9%; PI, 8.2% to 87.2%). However, studies systematically investigating pathology in all participants at follow up tended to report the highest estimates of all 3 (PE, 51.7%; PI, 12.3% to 89.1%). Studies of hospitalized cases had generally higher estimates than community-based studies.

Conclusions
The way in which Long COVID is defined and measured affects prevalence estimation. Given the widespread nature of SARS-CoV-2 infection globally, the burden of chronic illness is likely to be substantial even using the most conservative estimates.