bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploring Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use for the Management of Acne Vulgaris Among University Students: Forms, Trends, and Information Sources
Authors: Taha Sari , Taha Manal , Zyoud Sa'ed H. 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTBackgroundAcne vulgaris is a common skin disease that has physical and psychological impacts. Patients diagnosed with acne often use complementary and alternative medicine, despite the insufficient evidence.AimsThis cross‐sectional study sought to identify the types, trends in and reasons for utilizing complementary and alternative medicine for acne among university students.Patients/MethodsThe study was conducted among health sciences students from March to June, 2023, using clinical examination and a questionnaire. All participants were assessed for a diagnosis of acne.ResultsThe final sample size consisted of 367 participants, of whom 68.9% were females and 31.1% were males. The study revealed a high prevalence of acne (74.4%). Among those with acne, 59.7% reported using complementary and alternative medicine, with the biological forms being most frequent at 90.2%. The reasons commonly stated for using complementary and alternative medicine were lack of severity (48.5%) and the potential for internet‐based self‐treatment (33.1%). The main sources of information were the internet (44.8%) and social media (41.1%). Age, gender, and the occurrence of acne on the chin were associated with complementary and alternative medicine use (p < 0.05).ConclusionsThe use of complementary and alternative medicine for treating acne is widespread, with a tendency toward biological forms. Healthcare practitioners should be familiar with the patterns of complementary and alternative medicine use for the treatment of acne to better meet patient needs and concerns. Policymaking can leverage the role of online resources in addressing the use of unconventional treatment modalities.
Efficacy of ultrasound‐indicated cerclage without prior preterm birth
Authors: Suga Naoko , Koizumi Akari , Takamizu Ai , Ueki Norikazu , Yoshida Koyo , Makino Shintaro 
Published: January 2025

AbstractAimOur study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of ultrasound‐indicated cerclage in singleton pregnancies with cervical shortening (<25 mm), excluding those with a history of preterm birth (PTB) and infection/inflammation.Materials and methodsAmong the 1556 women admitted for a cervix measuring <25 mm via transvaginal ultrasound at Juntendo University Urayasu Hospital between January 2001 and December 2023, our study focused on 47 singleton patients with no prior history of PTB. After receiving information on both risks and benefits, 25 patients opted for ultrasound‐indicated cerclage (cerclage group), while 22 chose expectant management (expectant management group). All participants underwent screening for infection/inflammation of the lower genital tract. The primary outcome, the rate of PTB (<37 weeks', <34 weeks', and <28 weeks' gestation), was assessed in both groups.ResultsThe cerclage group demonstrated a significantly lower rate of PTB before 37 and 34 weeks' gestation. Although there was no statistically significant difference, the cerclage group exhibited a delay of 3.6 weeks in the average week of gestation compared to the expectant management group. Notably, the hospitalization period in the cerclage group was significantly reduced by 42 days.ConclusionPerforming an ultrasound‐indicated cerclage in cases of a short cervical length <25 mm without a prior history of PTB and infection/inflammation reduces the rates of PTB (<37 and <34 weeks' gestation) and hospitalization period.
Finding a Needle in a Haystack: A Systematic Approach for Searching Through Public Databases for Youth Mental Well‐Being Programs
Authors: Balter Alice‐Simone , Pulat Doga , Suri Anjali , Moloney Madison , Al‐Khooly Dina , Somir Indika , Bandoles Emerald , Utchay Clementine , Sylvestre Desiree , Pierre Sandra , Parkes Sheldon , Brodkin Sabrina , Andrade Brendan F. 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTBackgroundThis practice paper exemplifies a systematic approach used to learn about existing mental well‐being programs for youth 11–14 years to inform curriculum development for after‐school settings.MethodsWe reviewed 3389 mental well‐being programs from publicly accessed databases and conducted a content analysis using inductive and deductive coding to explore the domains each program addressed.ResultsThrough our content analysis of the final eight programs, we found strong alignment with the Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning (CASEL) core social–emotional competencies: self‐awareness, self‐management, social awareness, relationship skills, and decision‐making.Implications for PracticeAlthough using established processes (e.g., PICO, CFIR) to review public databases is an effective research strategy, engaging in research‐intensive endeavors is time consuming and may not be practical for after‐school administration. The benefits of community–academic partnerships, such as EMPOWER, are highlighted as an approach, and opportunity, to promote evidence‐based research practices to inform programming in community organizations.ConclusionEnhancing youth social emotional competencies is an important means to supporting youth mental well‐being. Incorporating a systematic approach to select youth mental well‐being programs provides a structure, for our EMPOWER project, that can steer the choice of curricula to meet the needs of after‐school program contexts.
Well‐being interventions for rural health professionals: A scoping review
Authors: McKennon Skye , Fricke Suzanne , DeWitt Dawn 
Published: January 2025

AbstractIntroductionThe objective of this scoping review is to identify interventions to promote well‐being that have been tried or proven effective to prevent or address burnout in rural health care professionals and trainees (HCPTs). Secondarily, we aimed to identify potentially applicable and feasible well‐being interventions that could help rural HCPTs.Methods and analysisWe used PRISMA guidelines to conduct a scoping review of peer‐reviewed English language studies, from all countries, published in core health sciences databases. We focused on intervention studies for burnout and well‐being in rural HCPTs published from July 2013 to January 2024. Searches identified 571 studies; 18 additional studies were identified from hand searches of websites, reviews, and bibliographies identified in the original search strategy. Two authors screened and extracted all data using Covidence.FindingsAfter deduplication, 507 studies were screened for inclusion, and 50 full‐text studies were assessed for eligibility. After discussion and consensus, 30 studies were selected for inclusion. We included selected “applicable” studies, for example, online interventions. We excluded potentially applicable studies that would not be feasible in rural settings, that is, health system interventions requiring substantial personnel and infrastructure. Interventions included individual interventions (eg, mindfulness), increased support for professionals (eg, remote pharmacist assistance), and interventions to improve quality or teamwork.ConclusionsFew interventional studies have been done to support well‐being and prevent burnout in vulnerable rural HCPTs. While individual interventions, such as mindfulness, are most effective to date, studies replicating or extending these interventions, and to identify supports that address workload and systems issues are needed.
Panel Threshold Mixed Data Sampling Models With a Covariate‐Dependent Threshold
Authors: Yang Lixiong , Chen I‐Po , Lee Chingnun , Ye Yihang 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTThis paper introduces a panel threshold mixed data sampling model with a covariate‐dependent threshold and unobserved individual‐specific threshold effects (PTMIDAS‐CDT), in which we allow for a covariate‐dependent threshold effect in the relationship between dependent and independent variables sampled at different frequencies, and allow for unobserved individual‐specific threshold effects. Based on the Chamberlain–Mundlak correlated random effects (CRE) device and Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) technique, we develop the estimator of model parameters and suggest test statistics for threshold effect, threshold constancy, the equal weighting scheme, and unobserved individual‐specific threshold effects. We establish the asymptotic properties of the proposed estimator in the small‐threshold‐effect framework and derive the limiting distributions of the suggested test statistics. Monte Carlo simulations are conducted to examine the performance properties of the estimation and testing procedures. The simulation results point out that the estimation procedure works well in finite samples, and the test statistics have good size and power properties. The model is illustrated with an application to the nexus between climate change and economic growth.
Expression of osteogenic proteins in kidneys of cats with nephrocalcinosis
Authors: Hengtrakul Nuttha , Furrow Eva , Borofsky Michael , Toth Ferenc , Lulich Jody P. 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundNephrocalcinosis is a common pathological finding in cats with chronic kidney disease and nephrolithiasis. Understanding its pathogenesis may identify future therapeutic targets.HypothesisNephrocalcinosis is associated with expression of an osteogenic phenotype.AnimalsKidneys with medullary mineralization were obtained from 18 cats (10 with and 8 without nephroliths) undergoing necropsy.MethodsCross‐sectional study. Microradiography and histopathology (modified von Kossa stain) were used to confirm parenchymal mineralization. Immunohistochemistry for 5 osteogenic markers was performed to determine their co‐localization with nephrocalcinosis. The proportion of kidneys with stronger immunointensity in mineralized versus non‐mineralized regions was analyzed using 1‐tailed sign tests. The proportion of kidneys with co‐localization of nephrocalcinosis and each marker was compared between kidneys with and without nephroliths using Fisher's exact tests.ResultsNephrocalcinosis co‐localized with osteopontin immunoreactivity in all 18 cats (100%) and with osteocalcin in 12 cats (67%). Both osteogenic markers had stronger immunointensity in mineralized regions compared with non‐mineralized regions. Limited co‐localization was observed with other markers: bone morphogenic protein‐2 in 2 kidneys (both with nephroliths) and tissue non‐specific alkaline phosphatase in 1 kidney (without nephroliths); runt‐related transcription factor‐2 was undetected. No statistically significant differences were found in the co‐localization of nephrocalcinosis with osteogenic proteins between kidneys with and without nephroliths.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceExpression of osteogenic proteins in areas of nephrocalcinosis indicates that nephrocalcinosis is associated with the development of an osteogenic phenotype. Targeting these processes could offer a novel approach to prevent nephrolithiasis at its origin.
Subsidies for Permanent Employment in the Time of Covid‐19
Authors: Accetturo Antonio , Modena Francesca , Ziglio Giacomo 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTThis paper examines the impact of a regional policy aimed at fostering permanent employment in the aftermath of the Covid‐19 recession. Using administrative micro‐data from the Italian private sector, we identify the impact of the subsidies by exploiting the variation in their implementation across regions and time. We find that, on average, there was a positive and sizeable impact on conversion from fixed‐term to open‐ended job positions. We observe that the average effect hides some heterogeneity, with medium‐high educated workers and youths benefiting more. As a further result, we show that the policy had no effect on labour poaching.
With a Little Help From Nurseries
Authors: Puccioni Chiara , Vuri Daniela 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTThis study evaluates the impact of an Italian government initiative launched in 2007, which allocated €1 billion to regional governments to enhance early childhood care services for children aged 0–2, targeting both public and private childcare options. Exploiting variations in the timing of implementation across regions, we assess the program's effectiveness in increasing the public provision of early childcare services and maternal labor market participation. Results show a significant increase in both public childcare slots and labor market participation among mothers. However, the initiative had limited effects on less‐educated women, likely due to the service's relatively high costs, which may hinder broader accessibility.
Runs of Homozygosity and Inferences in Wild Populations
Authors: Shafer Aaron B. A. , Kardos Marty 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTLong homozygous chromosome segments are known as runs of homozygosity (ROH); these reflect patterns of identity by descent and can be used to measure individual inbreeding, map recessive traits, and reconstruct demographic histories. Here, we review some key considerations with ROH detection and the inferences pertaining to inbreeding and demographic analyses in wild populations.
Traffic estimation in work zones using a custom regression model and data augmentation
Authors: Mashhadi Ali Hassandokht , Rashidi Abbas , Hamedi Masoud , Marković Nikola 
Published: January 2025

AbstractAccurately estimating traffic volumes in construction work zones is crucial for effective traffic management. However, one of the key challenges transportation agencies face is the limited coverage of continuous count station (CCS) sensors, which are often sparsely located and may not be positioned directly on roads where construction work zones are present. This spatial limitation leads to gaps in traffic data, making accurate volume estimation difficult. Addressing this, our study utilized a custom regularized model and variational autoencoders (VAE) to generate synthetic data that improves traffic volume estimations in these challenging areas. The proposed method not only bridges the data gaps between sparse CCS sensors but also outperforms several benchmark models, as measured by mean absolute percentage error, root mean square error, and mean absolute error. Moreover, the effectiveness of VAE‐augmented models in enhancing the precision and accuracy of traffic volume estimations further underscores the benefits of integrating synthetic data into traffic‐modeling approaches. These findings highlight the potential of the proposed approach to enhance traffic volume estimation in construction work zones and assist transportation agencies in making informed decisions for traffic management.
The Milan Score Predicts Objective Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in Patients With Type 2 Esophagogastric Junction
Authors: Ferrari Davide , Siboni Stefano , Sozzi Marco , Visaggi Pierfrancesco , Kristo Ivan , Tolone Salvatore , Marabotto Elisa , Bernardi Daniele , Schoppmann Sebastian F. , Rogers Benjamin D. , Hobson Anthony , Haworth Jordan , Lee Yeong Yeh , Louie Brian E. , Masuda Takahiro , Ivy Megan L. , Milito Pamela , Centorrino Erica , Theodorou Dimitrios , Triantafyllou Tania , Pasta Andrea , Calabrese Francesco , Tee Vincent , Cusmai Lorenzo , Penagini Roberto , Coletta Marina , Savarino Edoardo , Asti Emanuele , Gyawali C. Prakash , De Bortoli Nicola 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTIntroductionHigh‐resolution manometry (HRM) allows assessment of esophagogastric junction (EGJ) disruption. While type 3 EGJ predicts definitive gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), type 2 EGJ is less clearly implicated in GERD pathogenesis. This study aimed to characterize physiologic findings in type 2 EGJ to determine if the HRM‐based Milan Score can define GERD within type 2 EGJ.Methods535 patients with suspected GERD who underwent HRM and reflux monitoring were retrospectively analyzed. Clinical, HRM, and reflux study data were compared between the EGJ morphology subtypes, with objective GERD defined according to Lyon Consensus 2.0. The Milan Score, a novel metric that integrates ineffective esophageal motility, EGJ‐contractile integral, EGJ morphology, and straight leg raise response, was abnormal when ≥ 137 (risk rate 50% for GERD). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to assess the accuracy of the Milan Score to predict objective GERD.ResultsType 3 EGJ was associated with the highest rate of objective GERD, followed by type 2 and type 1 EGJ (p < 0.001), with a corresponding stepwise increase in AET from type 1 to 3 EGJ (p < 0.001). Type 2 EGJ with Milan Score < 137 resembled type 1 EGJ (objective GERD in 23.6% vs. 33.2%, p = 0.09), and type 2 EGJ with score ≥ 137 resembled type 3 EGJ (objective GERD in 88.2% vs. 78.8%, p = 0.11). On ROC analysis, the Milan Score had an area under the curve of 0.858.ConclusionWhile type 2 EGJ includes varying GERD severity, the Milan Score can segregate patients at risk for objective GERD.
The helmeted hornbill casque is reinforced by a bundle of exceptionally thick, rod‐like trabeculae
Authors: Surapaneni Venkata A. , Flaum Benjamin , Schindler Mike , Hayat Khizar , Wölfer Jan , Baum Daniel , Hu Ruien , Kong Ting Fai , Doube Michael , Dean Mason N. 
Published: January 2025

AbstractAmong hornbill birds, the critically endangered helmeted hornbill (Rhinoplax vigil) is notable for its casque (a bulbous beak protrusion) being filled with trabeculae and fronted by a very thick keratin layer. Casque function is debated but appears central to aerial jousting, where birds (typically males) collide casques at high speeds in a mid‐flight display that is audible for more than 100 m. We characterized the structural relationship between the skull and casque anatomy using X‐ray microtomography and quantitative trabecular network analysis to examine how the casque sustains extreme impact. The casque comprises a keratin veneer (rhamphotheca, ∼8× thicker than beak keratin), which slots over the internal bony casque like a tight‐fitting sheath. The bony casque's central cavity contains a network of trabeculae—heavily aligned and predominantly rod‐like, among the thickest described in vertebrates—forming a massive rostrocaudal strut spanning the casque's length, bridging rostral (impact), and caudal (braincase) surfaces. Quantitative network characterizations indicate no differences between male and female trabecular architectures. This suggests that females may also joust or that casques play other roles. Our results argue that the casque's impact loading demands and shapes a high‐safety‐factor construction that involves extreme trabecular morphologies among vertebrates, architectures that also have the potential for informing the design of collision‐resistant materials.
Manifestations of Head and Neck Cancer in Patients With Plummer–Vinson Syndrome: A Systematic Review
Authors: Silva Brunno Santos de Freitas , Souza Débora Peclat , Fernandes Alessah Carolyna de Andrade , Rodrigues Larissa Rosa Santana , Kujan Omar , Yamamoto‐Silva Fernanda Paula 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo investigate the clinical manifestations of head and neck cancer in patients with Plummer–Vinson syndrome (PVS) and to assess related oral comorbidities.Materials and MethodsCase reports covering head and neck cancer manifestations in patients diagnosed with PVS were included Studies were identified through seven main electronic databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, LILACS, and LIVIVO), and a search for gray literature was performed using ProQuest Dissertations and Theses and Google Scholar. Independent reviewers applied predefined eligibility criteria in a two‐phase selection process.ResultsOut of a total of 19,183 citations identified, seven met the inclusion criteria. Prevalent symptoms included dysphagia and esophageal webs, with atrophic glossitis and angular cheilitis being common oral manifestations. Most patients presented with long‐standing iron deficiency anemia. Head and neck cancers predominantly affected the pharynx and tongue borders, with younger age groups notably affected. The overall risk of bias attributable to the quality of the reports was assessed as “low”.ConclusionsDespite the rarity of PVS‐related head and neck cancer, this review underscores its association, particularly in younger patients. A thorough examination of dysphagia and oral manifestations in PVS patients is crucial for early detection and prevention of head and neck cancer.
Comparative Study of OLP and OLL: Demographic and Clinical Profile in a Reference Center in Brazil
Authors: de Oliveira Thales Felipe dos Santos , Gonçalves Michelle Roxo , Martins Marco Antonio Trevizani , Martins Manoela Domingues , Lo Muzio Lorenzo , Visioli Fernanda , Carrard Vinicius Coelho 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo compare the demographic and clinical profiles of oral lichen planus (OLP) and oral lichenoid lesions (OLL) diagnosed at a reference center in Southern Brazil from 2010 to 2019.MethodsThis retrospective study included 117 cases of suspected OLP submitted for biopsy. Investigated variables comprised sociodemographic profiles, medical history, harmful habits, clinical characteristics, and histopathological features. Categorical and numerical variables were analyzed using chi‐square and Mann–Whitney tests (p < 0.01), respectively.ResultsApplying strict diagnostic criteria, 29% (n = 34) of cases were classified as OLP and 71% (n = 83) as OLL. OLP cases had mainly multifocal manifestations (82.4%), exhibiting a reticular pattern (100%) and primarily occurring on the buccal mucosa (94.1%). Conversely, OLL cases presented both unilateral (48.2%) and multifocal (51.8%) distributions, with a predominantly atrophic‐erosive pattern (77.1%) and higher occurrence on the buccal mucosa (69.9%) and tongue (48.2%). OLL patients reported a higher frequency of systemic disorders and medication use (p < 0.01). Hypertension was the most prevalent condition, leading to the frequent use of cardiovascular medications. Two OLL cases without initial dysplasia underwent malignant transformation.ConclusionPatient profiles and clinical manifestations of the entities were similar, highlighting the utility of a differential diagnosis, particularly given the apparent association between malignant transformation and OLL cases.
Nonocclusive Ablation Technique Using a Novel Cryoballoon for Failed Left Superior Pulmonary Vein Isolation Despite Complete Occlusion
Authors: Murata Kazuya , Yamauchi Yasuteru , Yasui Yumi , Oda Atsuhito , Arai Hirofumi , Sagawa Yuichiro , Arima Hideki , Kurabayashi Manabu , Miyazaki Shinsuke , Sasano Tetsuo 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTBackgroundAn indicator of successful cryoballoon (CB)‐assisted pulmonary vein (PV) isolation is complete PV occlusion. However, CBs may exhibit a weaker freezing effect on the equatorial plane. This study investigates the predictors of failed left superior PV (LSPV) isolation despite complete occlusion with novel CBs.MethodsThis retrospective analysis enrolled 300 consecutive patients who underwent first‐time ablation with POLARx or POLARxFIT between November 2021 and October 2023. Of the total, complete occlusion of the LSPV was achieved in 200 patients. Patients in whom LSPV isolation was achieved with additional nonocclusive freezing of the LSPV roof due to nonisolation of LSPV despite complete occlusion (Group A) were compared with those in whom isolation was achieved with complete PV occlusion alone (Group B).ResultsGroup A had a larger LSPV diameter (21.5 ± 4.6 mm vs. 18.8 ± 3.3 mm, p = 0.052), larger left atrial volume on CT (142.3 ± 47.8 cc vs. 117.8 ± 39.0 cc, p = 0.028), higher nadir temperature (−54.1 ± 5.1°C vs. −60.2 ± 4.4°C, p < 0.001), and smaller northern latitude of the balloon contact site on the LSPV roof side (20.9° ± 3.8° vs. 38.9° ± 6.7°, p < 0.001) compared with Group B. A 27.5° north latitude was observed in most of Group A (sensitivity, 100%; specificity, 96%).ConclusionsAdequate contact positioning of the northern hemisphere to the LSPV is critical for effective isolation, particularly when isolation is challenging despite complete occlusion. In such cases, nonocclusive cryoablation against the LSPV roof might be effective.