bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and determinants of cardiovascular risk factors in Lesotho: a population-based survey
Authors: González Fernández Lucia , Firima Emmanuel , Gupta Ravi , Sematle Mamoronts'ane Pauline , Khomolishoele Makhebe , Molulela Manthabiseng , Bane Matumaole , Meli Raphaela , Tlahali Mosa , Lee Tristan , Chammartin Frédérique , Gerber Felix , Lejone Thabo Ishmael , Ayakaka Irene , Weisser Maja , Amstutz Alain , Labhardt Niklaus Daniel 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Background
There are no recent data on the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors (CVDRFs) in Lesotho. This study aims to assess the prevalence of CVDRFs and their determinants.

Methods
We conducted a household-based, cross-sectional survey among adults ≥18 y of age in 120 randomly sampled clusters in two districts.

Results
Among 6061 participants, 52.2% were female and their median age was 39 y (interquartile range 27–58). The overall prevalence of overweight, diabetes, elevated blood pressure (BP) and tobacco use was 39.9%, 5.3%, 21.6% and 24.9%, respectively. Among participants, 34.6% had none, 45.2% had one and 20.2% had two or more CVDRFs. Women were more likely to have two or more CVDRFs (20.7% vs 12.3%). Overall, 7.5% of participants had elevated total cholesterol, 52.7% had low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and 1.6% had elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Among younger participants (18–29 y), 16.1% reported tobacco use, 28.6% were overweight, 1.5% had diabetes and 3.5% had elevated BP. Household wealth positively correlated with the prevalence of elevated BP, overweight and diabetes, whereas tobacco use was higher among people in the lowest three wealth quintiles.

Conclusions
CVDRFs are highly prevalent in Lesotho across age and sex groups, underlining the importance of strengthening prevention and care programs in Lesotho and similar settings in southern Africa.
Evaluating the predictive ability of natural language processing in identifying tertiary/quaternary cases in prioritization workflows for interhospital transfer
Authors: Lee Timothy , Lukac Paul J , Vangala Sitaram , Kowsari Kamran , Vu Vu , Fogelman Spencer , Pfeffer Michael A , Bell Douglas S 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Objectives
Tertiary and quaternary (TQ) care refers to complex cases requiring highly specialized health services. Our study aimed to compare the ability of a natural language processing (NLP) model to an existing human workflow in predictively identifying TQ cases for transfer requests to an academic health center.

Materials and methods
Data on interhospital transfers were queried from the electronic health record for the 6-month period from July 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020. The NLP model was allowed to generate predictions on the same cases as the human predictive workflow during the study period. These predictions were then retrospectively compared to the true TQ outcomes.

Results
There were 1895 transfer cases labeled by both the human predictive workflow and the NLP model, all of which had retrospective confirmation of the true TQ label. The NLP model receiver operating characteristic curve had an area under the curve of 0.91. Using a model probability threshold of ≥0.3 to be considered TQ positive, accuracy was 81.5% for the NLP model versus 80.3% for the human predictions (P = .198) while sensitivity was 83.6% versus 67.7% (P&lt;.001).

Discussion
The NLP model was as accurate as the human workflow but significantly more sensitive. This translated to 15.9% more TQ cases identified by the NLP model.

Conclusion
Integrating an NLP model into existing workflows as automated decision support could translate to more TQ cases identified at the onset of the transfer process.
A novel technique for socket-shield preparation used in conjunction with immediate implant placement. A case report
Authors: Lahham Cezar , Lahham Elias Edward , Ali Ali Abu 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
The socket-shield technique is considered one of the best treatment modalities that reduce the amount of facial bone loss and gingival recession following tooth extraction. However, the difficulty in preparing the shield by partial tooth extraction makes it technique-sensitive and limits its use. This case report presents a 29-year-old medically fit male patient with a destructed non-vital lateral incisor. It was planned for immediate implant placement in conjunction with the socket-shield technique. The shield was prepared in a new technique using a nickel–titanium endodontic file, which was repeatedly adjusted to increase the diameter of the canal gradually. The canal was enlarged to reach a sufficient diameter to perform root separation safely. Following the shield preparation, immediate implant placement was preformed, and screw-retained temporary crown was done.
Bilateral giant emphysematous bullae complicate severe bronchial asthma in a young patient: case report
Authors: Ngowi Novath , Mavura Maurice , Martin Catherine 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Giant bullous emphysema is a progressive bullous disease that affects young male smokers. Bullae are unilateral and mostly present in the apical lobes. Inflammatory diseases are less common cause of underlying emphysematous deterioration of the lung than tobacco smoking or genetic conditions such as Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. The current instance, however, is relatively rare because it involved a nonsmoking 14-year-old boy who was diagnosed with asthma for 8 years, and he was taking bronchodilators inhalers during acute exacerbation of asthma; he presented to the tertiary health facility with on-and-off episodes of difficulties in breathing and chest tightness for 2 weeks despite being on maximal therapy for his asthma. He was diagnosed with bilateral large emphysematous bullae by high-resolution computed tomography scan, where staged bilateral bullectomy was performed. Thoracotomy-based bullae excision is still a feasible option for improving pulmonary function and the overall quality of life of patients with giant bullae emphysema in resource-limited settings.
Viral load dynamics and shedding kinetics of mpox infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kim Hakyoung , Kwon Rosie , Lee Hojae , Lee Seung Won , Rahmati Masoud , Koyanagi Ai , Smith Lee , Kim Min Seo , López Sánchez Guillermo F , Elena Dragioti , Yeo Seung Geun , Shin Jae Il , Cho Wonyoung , Yon Dong Keon 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Background
Viral load dynamics and shedding kinetics are critical factors for studying infectious diseases. However, evidence on the viral dynamics of mpox remains limited and inconclusive. Thus, we aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the viral load and viability of the re-emerged mpox virus since 2022.

Methods
For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase and Google Scholar for published articles that are related to mpox viral dynamics up to April 2023.

Results
From 19 studies, 880 samples and 1477 specimens were collected. The pooled median Ct values appeared in the following order: skin lesion [Ct value 21.7 (IQR 17.8–25.5)], anorectal [22.3 (16.9–27.6)], saliva [25.9 (22.5–31.1)], oral [29.0 (24.5–32.8)], semen [29.6 (25.9–33.4)], urine [30.5 (24.6–36.4)], pharyngeal [31.9 (26.5–37.3)], urethra [33.0 (28.0–35.0)] and blood [33.2 (30.4–36.1)]. People living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have a lower Ct value in the skin [skin HIV+, 19.2 (18.3–20.0) vs skin HIV−, 25.4 (21.2–29.0)]. From the Ct values and test day since symptom onset, we identified temporal trends of viral load for each specimen type. Changes in the trend were observed at 4 days in saliva, 5 days in blood, 6 days in skin, 7 days in anorectal, urine, semen and pharyngeal and 8 days in the urethra. We determined optimal Ct cutoff values for anorectal (34.0), saliva (27.7) and urethra (33.0) specimens, where a Ct value above each cutoff suggests minimal viral viability. Using these cutoff values, we derived the duration of viable viral isolation in each specific specimen type (anorectal 19 days, saliva 14 days and urethra 14 days).

Conclusion
Skin lesion, anorectal and saliva samples contained the highest viral load. The peak viral load manifests within 4–8 days after symptom onset, and viable virus detection was presumed to cease within 14–19 days from symptom onset in anorectal, saliva and urethral samples.
Strengthening the Evidence: Similar Rates of Neural Tube Defects Among Deliveries Regardless of Maternal HIV Status and Dolutegravir Exposure in Hospital Birth Surveillance in Eswatini
Authors: Gill Michelle M , Khumalo Philisiwe , Chouraya Caspian , Kunene Mthokozisi , Dlamini Futhi , Hoffman Heather J , Scheuerle Angela E , Nhlabatsi Bonisile , Mngometulu Wiseman , Dlamini-Madlopha Ntombikayise , Mthunzi Nompumelelo , Mofenson Lynne 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Birth defect surveillance in Eswatini in 2020–2021 identified 0.80% defects (197/24 599 live and stillborn infants). Neural tube defect (NTD) prevalence was 0.08%, 0.08%, and 0.15% for 4902 women on dolutegravir preconception, 17 285 HIV-negative women, and 1320 women on efavirenz preconception, respectively, more definitively refuting the dolutegravir preconception NTD safety signal.
The Effect of Rapid Point-of-Care Respiratory Pathogen Testing on Antibiotic Prescriptions in Acute Infections—A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Kuitunen Ilari , Renko Marjo 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Background
Rapid point-of-care testing for respiratory pathogens has gained increasing popularity, but its impact on antibiotic consumption is unclear. Thus, the aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to estimate the effect of rapid point-of-care testing on antibiotic prescriptions.

Methods
The search for this systematic review with meta-analysis was performed in February 2023. Randomized controlled trials investigating the impact of testing for respiratory pathogens in all-aged patients were included regardless of the comparator. The main outcome was the antibiotic prescription rate. Analyses were stratified by test type, test setting, and patient age. A random-effects Mantel-Haenszel model was used to calculate risk ratios with 95% confidence intervals. Risk of bias was assessed for included studies, and the quality of the evidence was rated according to GRADE.

Results
A total of 754 abstracts were screened, and 10 studies were included in the analysis. Risk of bias was high in 2, low in 4, and had some concerns in 4 studies. Four studies analyzed influenza and respiratory syncytial virus tests, and 6 studies analyzed multiplex (viral and/or bacterial) testing. The prescription rate was 48.2% (496/1029) in the influenza and respiratory syncytial virus test group and 48.7% (540/1109) in the control group (risk ratio [RR], 0.97; 95% CI, 0.92–1.02; moderate-quality evidence). The prescription rate in the multiplex testing group was 54.3% (1554/2859), and it was 57.3% (1336/2326) in the control group (RR, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.96–1.04; moderate-quality evidence). In an age-stratified analysis, the prescription rates showed no evidence of a difference (children: RR, 1.03; 95% CI, 0.81–1.30; adults: RR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.96–1.01; very low- and moderate-quality evidence).

Conclusions
We found moderate-quality evidence that rapid point-of-care testing for respiratory pathogens does not decrease the antibiotic prescription rate.
Lacunarity as a quantitative measure of mixing—a micro-CT analysis-based case study on granular materials
Authors: Vásárhelyi Lívia , Sebők Dániel , Szenti Imre , Tóth Ádám , Lévay Sára , Vajtai Róbert , Kónya Zoltán , Kukovecz Ákos 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
In practically every industry, mixing is a fundamental process, yet its 3D analysis is scarce in the literature. High-resolution computed tomography (micro-CT) is the perfect X-ray imaging tool to investigate the mixing of granular materials. Other than qualitative analysis, 3D micro-CT images provide an opportunity for quantitative analysis, which is of utmost importance, in terms of efficiency (time and budget) and environmental impact of the mixing process. In this work, lacunarity is proposed as a measure of mixing. By the lacunarity calculation on the repeated micro-CT measurements, a temporal description of the mixing can be given in three dimensions. As opposed to traditional mixing indices, the lacunarity curve provides additional information regarding the spatial distribution of the grains. Discrete element method simulations were also performed and showed similar results to the experiments.
Are capital gains the Achilles’ heel of taxing the rich?
Authors: Slemrod Joel , Chen Xinyu 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
This paper considers the role of capital gains taxation in enhancing tax progressivity, and argues that capital gains are the Achilles’ heel of taxing the rich more effectively. We revisit the key aspects of how capital gains are taxed and address the main arguments against taxing capital gains more heavily: (i) it would discourage socially beneficial activities, such as innovation, (ii) implementing structural changes is unadministrable, and (iii) the ‘lock-in’ effect means that increasing the tax rate is an inefficient way to raise revenue. To address concerns with the unpopularity of taxing unrealized gains during one’s lifetime and retroactive taxes, we conclude with a partial proposal for constructive realization at death that would apply only to gains accrued after a certain date, while allowing for discounted pre-payments of tax liability.
Molecular detection of dengue and chikungunya viruses in surveillance of wild-caughtAedesmosquitoes in Punjab, North India
Authors: Kaura Taruna , Sarkar Subhabrata , Sharma Vikrant , Mewara Abhishek , Devi Seema , Singh NazatInder , Kaur Kanwalpreet , Sehgal Rakesh , Ratho R K , Grover Gagandeep Singh 
Published: August 2023

ABSTRACTBackgroundDengue (DENV), Zika (ZIKV) and chikungunya (CHIKV) viruses are transmitted mainly by Aedes mosquitoes and are responsible for a significant global healthcare burden. The current study aimed to detect arboviruses in the Aedes mosquitoes in close proximity of patients during the transmission season.MethodsBoth immature and adult mosquitoes were collected from in and around the patients’ houses. Mosquito pools were homogenized and extracted RNA was subjected to reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction for arboviral detection. Transovarian transmission (TOT) was assessed by screening F0 adults. Mosquito positivity was correlated with the aetiological agents identified in patients.ResultsOf 46 pools, 19 consisted of wild Aedes, with arboviral positivity in 53% (10/19) of pools. Among wild A. aegypti pools, positivity of DENV mono-infection, CHIKV mono-infection and DENV+CHIKV co-infection was noted in four, two and three pools, respectively. One wild pool of Aedes albopictus was positive for DENV-1. Similarly, A. aegypti F0 (adult Aedes developed from immatures) pools showed 59.2% (16/27) positivity for arboviruses. F0 Aedes showed positivity in three, six and seven pools for DENV-2, CHIKV and DENV+CHIKV, respectively, suggestive of TOT. DENV serotypes and CHIKV from 24 patients’ serum samples were matched with strains isolated from Aedes and correlation was observed in four instances.ConclusionsThe study detected DENV and CHIKV from wild-caught Aedes and found evidence of DENV and CHIKV TOT in F0 adults.
The Necrotrophic Pathogen Parastagonospora nodorum Is a Master Manipulator of Wheat Defense
Authors: Kariyawasam Gayan K. , Nelson Ashley C. , Williams Simon J. , Solomon Peter S. , Faris Justin D. , Friesen Timothy L. 
Published: August 2023

Parastagonospora nodorum is a necrotrophic pathogen of wheat that is particularly destructive in major wheat-growing regions of the United States, northern Europe, Australia, and South America. P. nodorum secretes necrotrophic effectors that target wheat susceptibility genes to induce programmed cell death (PCD), resulting in increased colonization of host tissue and, ultimately, sporulation to complete its pathogenic life cycle. Intensive research over the last two decades has led to the functional characterization of five proteinaceous necrotrophic effectors, SnTox1, SnToxA, SnTox267, SnTox3, and SnTox5, and three wheat susceptibility genes, Tsn1, Snn1, and Snn3D-1. Functional characterization has revealed that these effectors, in addition to inducing PCD, have additional roles in pathogenesis, including chitin binding that results in protection from wheat chitinases, blocking defense response signaling, and facilitating plant colonization. There are still large gaps in our understanding of how this necrotrophic pathogen is successfully manipulating wheat defense to complete its life cycle. This review summarizes our current knowledge, identifies knowledge gaps, and provides a summary of well-developed tools and resources currently available to study the P. nodorum–wheat interaction, which has become a model for necrotrophic specialist interactions. Further functional characterization of the effectors involved in this interaction and work toward a complete understanding of how P. nodorum manipulates wheat defense will provide fundamental knowledge about this and other necrotrophic interactions. Additionally, a broader understanding of this interaction will contribute to the successful management of Septoria nodorum blotch disease on wheat. [Formula: see text] Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .
γδ T cells: Major advances in basic and clinical research in tumor immunotherapy
Authors: Zhao Yueqi , Dong Peng , He Wei , Zhang Jianmin , Chen Hui 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
γδ T cells are a kind of innate immune T cell. They have not attracted sufficient attention because they account for only a small proportion of all immune cells, and many basic factors related to these cells remain unclear. However, in recent years, with the rapid development of tumor immunotherapy, γδ T cells have attracted increasing attention because of their ability to exert cytotoxic effects on most tumor cells without major histocompatibility complex (MHC) restriction. An increasing number of basic studies have focused on the development, antigen recognition, activation, and antitumor immune response of γδ T cells. Additionally, γδ T cell-based immunotherapeutic strategies are being developed, and the number of clinical trials investigating such strategies is increasing. This review mainly summarizes the progress of basic research and the clinical application of γδ T cells in tumor immunotherapy to provide a theoretical basis for further the development of γδ T cell-based strategies in the future.
A Rare Giant Nasofrontal Meningoencephalocele with Nasal and Visual Obstruction
Authors: Aldana Celso A. , Gimenez Carlos , Avalos Orlando , Mendez Elvio , Peña Adriana , Ramirez Pablo , Amarilla Jesus , Añazco Dulce , Sandoval Jose 
Published: August 2023

Summary:
The encephalocele is a malformation that is manifested by the protrusion of brain tissue through a defect in the skull. The meningoencephalocele contains the meninges and brain tissue. Frontoethmoidal or nasal meningoencephalocele is rare; the frequency is approximately one in 40,000 live births. Three subtypes are currently known: nasoethmoid, nasofrontal, and nasoorbital. The authors report the clinical case of a 2-month-old girl with a very rare giant nasofrontal meningoencephalocele, which affected vision and breathing. The patient underwent surgery at an early age to avoid significant functional sequelae and promote the normal development and growth of the girl.
Pedicled Latissimus Dorsi Flap for Extensive Scalp Reconstruction in Acute Burns
Authors: Alessandri-Bonetti Mario , David Joshua , Egro Francesco M. 
Published: August 2023

Summary:
Extensive full-thickness head and neck burn defects represent some of the greatest challenges because of the exposure of burned calvaria and lack of good local reconstructive options. This study reports the use of a pedicled latissimus dorsi (LD) muscle flap to cover a large full-thickness scalp burn defect measuring 20 × 15 cm, including 15 × 13.7 cm of bone exposure and extending from the posterior neck to the mastoid and vertex of the scalp. The authors discuss the technique to safely maximize the reach, which includes distal dissection to the iliac crest and thoracolumbar fascia, dissection of the pedicle to the axillary vessels, tunnel creation through the pectoralis major muscle, re-attachment of the LD origin to the pectoralis major and teres major, and undermining of the neck skin and subcutaneous tissue to avoid damage of the accessory nerve. This case highlights the reach of a pedicled LD muscle flap for extensive scalp reconstruction for defects all the way to the vertex and beyond. The size and reliability of the LD muscle makes it a valuable alternative for large scalp defects for cases of complex scalp reconstruction in patients deemed not ideal candidates for free flap reconstruction.
Emotional, Behavioral, and Cognitive Symptom Associations With Community Participation in Chronic Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Juengst Shannon B. , Wright Brittany , Vos Leia , Perna Robert , Williams Michael , Dudek Emily , DeMello Annalyn , Taiwo Zinat , Novelo Luis Leon 
Published: August 2023

Objectives:
To determine the association between self-reported emotional and cognitive symptoms and participation outcomes in chronic traumatic brain injury (TBI) and to explore the relative contribution of self-reported versus performance-based cognition to participation outcomes.

Setting:
Community.

Participants:
Community-dwelling adults (n = 135) with a lifetime history of mild to severe TBI.

Design:
Secondary analysis of a cross-sectional study on neurobehavioral symptoms in chronic TBI.

Main Measures:
Behavioral Assessment Screening Tool (BAST) (Negative Affect, Fatigue, Executive Dysfunction, Impulsivity, Substance Abuse subscales) measured self-reported neurobehavioral symptoms; Participation Assessment with Recombined Tools (Productivity, Social Relations, and Out and About) measured self-reported participation outcomes; and Brief Test of Adult Cognition by Telephone (BTACT) measured performance-based cognition (Episodic Memory and Executive Function summary scores) in a subsample (n = 40).

Results:
The BAST Executive Dysfunction was significantly associated with less frequent participation and had the strongest effect on participation in all participation domains. No other BAST subscales were associated with participation, after adjusting for all subscale scores and age, with the exception of BAST Impulsivity, which was associated with more frequent Social Relationships. Exploratory analysis in the sample including the BTACT revealed that, after accounting for subjective Executive Dysfunction using the BAST, performance-based Executive Function was associated with Productivity and Working Memory was associated with Social Relations, but neither was associated with being Out and About; the BAST Executive Dysfunction remained significant in all models even after including BTACT scores.

Conclusions:
Self-reported Executive Dysfunction contributed to participation outcomes after mild to severe TBI in community-dwelling adults, whereas self-reported emotional and fatigue symptoms did not. Performance-based cognition measures may capture different variability in participation after injury.