bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spirometry at different Latin-American altitudes: A Global Lung Function Initiative project
Authors: Gochicoa-Rangel Laura , Martínez-Briseño David , Bowerman Cole , Stanojevic Sanja , Enrique Busi Luciano , Arce Santiago C. , Gutiérrez-Clavería Mónica , Rodríguez-Martínez Carlos E , Aguirre-Franco Carlos , Moya-Olivares Ana , Vernazza Vanessa , Luz Nilda , Chambilla Palma , Villca-Alá Nelson , Fernández-Plata Rosario , Pérez-Padilla Rogelio , Guzmán-Valderrábano Carlos , Solange-Caussade Marie , Torre-Bouscoulet Luis 
Published: February 2025

Approximately 20% of people in Latin American live above 2500 meters above sea level. In this ethnically and socioeconomically diverse population, it is challenging to differentiate the effects of altitude from population differences in lung function.AimTo quantify the contribution of altitude on the variability in lung function measured by spirometry in Latin America.MethodsData from healthy individuals living in nine cities across Latin American, (from sea level to >2500 meters above sea level) were collated. Z-scores for FEV1, FVC, and FEV1/FVC were calculated using available reference equations. Mixed-effects linear regression models were used to quantify the variance in spirometry explained by altitude. The percentage of individuals that were below the lower limit of normal (LLN; 5th percentile) were summarized.ResultsA total 4480 subjects (3 to 94 years) were included. Average FEV1and FVC z-scores differed between the altitude groups, whereas FEV1/FVC did not. After adjusting for sex, height and age, altitude explained up to ∼18% of the variability in lung function measured by spirometry.ConclusionFor people living at altitude existing approaches to interpret spirometry measures may mis-classify individuals.
International consensus statement on routine blood testing in primary ciliary dyskinesia
Authors: Altaraihi Sarah , Marthin June K. , Anagnostopoulou Pinelopi , Boon Mieke , Carr Siobhan B. , Castillo-Corullón Silvia , Dehlink Eleonora , Destouches Damien M. S. , Duckers Jamie , Haarman Eric G. , Karadag Bülent , Kavouridou Christina , Loebinger Michael R. , Maitre Bernard , Mazurek Henryk , Morgan Lucy , Omran Heymut , Ozcelik Ugur , Peckam Daniel , Pifferi Massimo , Pohunek Petr , Qvist Tavs , Raidt Johanna , Reix Phillipe , Ringshausen Felix C. , Robinson Phil , Robson Evie , Röhmel Jobst , Santamaria Francesca , Schlegtendal Anne , Ullmann Nicola , Walker Woolf , Yiallouros Panayiotis , Thouvenin Guillaume , Crowley Suzanne , Nielsen Kim G. 
Published: February 2025

BackgroundPrimary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by dysfunction of motile cilia. Symptoms include recurrent and chronic airway infections which can lead to deteriorating lung function and inflammatory destructive lung disease in the form of persistent atelectasis and bronchiectasis. Routine blood testing may be used as a tool for disease monitoring and management. However, currently there are no consensus-based guidelines within the field of PCD. BEAT-PCD together with ERN-LUNG PCD-Clinical Trial Network aimed to develop an international expert consensus statement on which routine blood tests should be conducted in patients with PCD.MethodsAn international panel of 33 PCD experts from 17 countries was established to generate consensus on routine blood testing in PCD. A modified Delphi technique with three e-survey rounds was used to reach consensus which was defined as at least 80% agreement for each statement. Two patient representatives were included in the consensus process.ResultsThe expert panel reached consensus on 51/101 statements (50%) on routine blood testing in children and adults with PCD to be performed at diagnosis, annually and on exacerbation. The statements include biomarkers for inflammation, haemoglobin, iron status, vitamin D, immune function, inhalant allergies, liver and kidney function, and allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA).ConclusionThis is the first international consensus on routine blood testing in PCD. It highlights blood tests that may be relevant to perform at diagnosis, annually and on exacerbation in people with PCD. Further research on the clinical usefulness of routine blood testing in PCD is needed.
Evaluation of crossbreeding strategies for improved adaptation and productivity in African smallholder cattle farms
Authors: Vanvanhossou Sèyi Fridaïus Ulrich , Yin Tong , Gorjanc Gregor , König Sven 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Crossbreeding is successfully implemented worldwide to improve animal productivity and adaptability. However, recurrent failures of crossbreeding programmes in African countries imply the need to design effective strategies for the predominant smallholder production systems.

Methods
A comprehensive simulation procedure mimicked body weight (BWL) and tick count (TCL) incidence in a local taurine cattle breed and in an exotic indicine beef cattle breed (BWE and TCE, respectively). The two breeds were crossed to produce F1 and rotational animals. Additionally, synthetic breeds were created by applying four schemes defined as farm bull (FB), intra-village bull (IVB), exchanged-village bull (EVB), and population-wide bull (PWB) scheme. These schemes reflect different strategies to select and allocate bulls to smallholder farms. The different crosses were compared with the local breed over 20 generations by varying the genetic correlation between the traits (

$${r}_{g}$$

r
g

= − 0.4, 0, 0.4), genotype-by-environment effects (GxE) between local and exotic environment (

$${r}_{g\times e}$$

r

g
×
e

= 0.4, 0.6, 0.8), and the relative emphasis of TCL compared to BWL in a selection index (SI_TCL10%, SI_TCL30%, SI_TCL50%).

Results
Regardless of

$${r}_{g}$$

r
g

and

$${r}_{g\times e}$$

r

g
×
e

, EVB achieved the highest phenotypic and genetic gains for BWL and TCL over the 20 generations with SI_TCL50%. However, EVB displayed lower phenotypic means than F1 crosses in the first seven generations due to the loss of heterosis. Additive genetic variances were generally larger in synthetic crosses than in F1 and local animals, explaining the larger responses to selection. In addition, the EVB was the most effective strategy to stabilize inbreeding and retain heterosis in the advanced generations of synthetic animals. Low emphasis on TCL (SI_TCL30%, SI_TCL10%) resulted in negative phenotypic gain for TCL in synthetic animals when rg = − 0.4. In contrast to F1 and rotational crosses, GxE effects did not affect phenotypic gain in synthetic crosses.

Conclusions
The study demonstrates opportunities for long-term genetic improvement of adaptive and productive performances in smallholder cattle farms using synthetic breeding. Extensive exchange of semen between villages or regions controls inbreeding and additionally contributes to increasing genetic gain. Furthermore, the definition of a suitable selection index prevents antagonistic selection responses caused by negative correlations between traits and GxE effects.
Taiwan’s first clinical reports on the surgical effect of high-frequency deep sclerotomy for treating primary open-angle glaucoma
Authors: Wang Wei-Xiang , Ko Mei-Lan 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) leads to elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) and gradual optic nerve damage. In a study by Abushanab et al., high-frequency deep sclerotomy (HFDS) effectively treated patients with POAG. HFDS creates channels through the trabecular meshwork (TM) using a high-frequency electrocautery probe tip, promoting aqueous humor outflow and reducing IOP. In Taiwan, HFDS has been rarely used to treat POAG patients. Therefore, we conducted the first trial and presented the outcomes of two cases to evaluate its effectiveness.

Case presentation
Both patients had long-term primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) with significant optic nerve damage and visual field loss despite multiple medications. Case 1: A 66-year-old female with a preoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) of 20 mmHg and a history of diabetes mellitus (DM) underwent high-frequency deep sclerotomy (HFDS). Postoperatively, the IOP initially decreased to 12 mmHg without Abstract Pagemedications but reintroduced drops to maintain 13-15 mmHg during follow-up. Case 2: A 50-year-old female with a preoperative IOP of 18 mmHg underwent HFDS. The IOP remained stable between 11 and 13 mmHg postoperatively with a consistent medication regimen.

Discussion and conclusions
HFDS is a minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) that effectively lowers the IOP in patients unresponsive to conventional treatments. This report presents two of Taiwan’s first patients with POAG treated by HFDS, showing IOP reductions of 30% and 33.3% over one year with mild corneal endothelial cell loss, which is consistent with previous studies. HFDS demonstrated a significant IOP reduction compared to that in other MIGS techniques and fewer complications than traditional surgeries. Further research should optimize the postoperative management, consider the anatomical differences and pocket healing.
Acceptability of self-sampling and self-testing for infections: a rapid systematic review on public users’ views
Authors: Borek Aleksandra J. , Roleston Caity , Lazzarino Runa , Cooray Mineli , Hayward Gail , Roberts Nia , Blandford Edward , Fowler Tom , Tonkin-Crine Sarah 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Self-sampling and self-testing have been increasingly used for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and quickly became widespread during the COVID-19 pandemic. User acceptability, preferences, and experiences are important factors affecting self-sampling/self-testing uptake. Understanding these factors is key to managing infections and planning responses to health emergencies. This review aimed to identify user views and experiences related to the acceptability, usability, motivations and preferences for self-sampling/self-testing for infections.

Methods
We conducted a rapid systematic review. We searched Medline, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Web of Science, limiting records to those published in English between 2014 and 2023. We also searched manually for additional peer-reviewed and grey literature. We included reports of public users’ views on self-sampling/self-testing for any symptomatic and asymptomatic infections (except human papillomavirus) with qualitative, mixed-methods or survey data relevant to the review aim. Data were extracted into tables and qualitative findings were coded in NVivo. We synthesised data narratively.

Results
We identified 194 eligible reports, including 64 from Europe (which we prioritised for detailed synthesis) and 130 from outside of Europe. In Europe, the studied infections were respiratory (n = 42, including 37 for COVID-19), STIs/HIV/genital infections (n = 20), and hepatitis C (n = 2). Findings indicate that users found self-sampling/self-testing acceptable across infection/sampling types, populations, settings, and countries. Users wanted self-sampling/self-testing to help determine infection status and protect others. The main benefits were privacy and convenience, helping reduce the potential stigma of STIs/HIV/genital infections, and (for COVID-19) informing behaviour (e.g., socialising, self-isolating) and contributing to research. Easier to perform and less invasive sampling approaches were more acceptable. However, some participants reported challenges to self-sampling/self-testing, such as not understanding instructions, pain/discomfort in collecting samples, and lack of confidence in interpreting results.

Conclusions
This review synthesised evidence on the acceptability of SS/ST and factors affecting it across different infections, sampling approaches, settings, and populations. Evidence shows that most people with experience of self-sampling/self-testing found it acceptable and were willing to accept some discomfort in favour of several perceived benefits. This amenability to self-sampling/self-testing could be leveraged for diagnosing infections and preventing transmission. It can be used to support the viability of new models of clinical care and pandemic preparedness.

Trial registration
The review was pre-registered on PROSPERO (ref. CRD42024507656).
A scoping review of gamified applications in English language teaching: a comparative discussion with medical education
Authors: Zolfaghari Zahra , Karimian Zahra , Zarifsanaiey Nahid , Farahmandi Amir Yousef 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
With the increasing integration of technology in education, understanding how gamification can enhance language learning is crucial for developing effective teaching strategies. This scoping review explored the current landscape of gamified applications within TEFL while discussing comparative insights from medical education to outline effectiveness and potential across disciplines.

Method
A systematic search following the PRISMA-ScR protocol was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, ERIC, and Embase databases to identify studies published between 2010 and 2024. English or Persian Quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-methods research examining interventional approaches or gamified applications in TEFL reporting on the effectiveness of these applications, detailing their design and implementation strategies, and identify the target student populations were included.

Results
A total of 33 studies were included in the review, with an emphasis on their publication year, geographical distribution, study designs, delivery modes, technology utilization, gamification elements, and measurement tools. The review revealed that most publications were concentrated in 2018, with a significant number originating from Asia. The total number of students involved in the intervention studies was 2,531. Quasi-experimental pretest/posttest designs were the most common methodologies used, followed by mixed-method approaches. Online delivery emerged as the predominant mode of instruction, with mobile learning technologies frequently utilized. Feedback was identified as the most commonly employed gamification element, followed by challenges that fostered learner engagement.

Conclusion
The findings highlighted the effectiveness of gamified applications in enhancing motivation and engagement among language learners. Immediate feedback and interactive elements are critical components that contribute to improved learning outcomes. As interest in gamification continues to grow, further research is warranted to explore its long-term impacts and potential applications across diverse educational contexts. This review underscores the importance of integrating gamification into TEFL to create dynamic and effective learning environments.
Adolescent and parental proxy online record access: analysis of the empirical evidence based on four bioethical principles
Authors: Hagström Josefin , Hägglund Maria , Blease Charlotte 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
During recent decades, providing patients with access to their electronic health records (EHRs) has advanced in healthcare. In the European Union (EU), the General Data Protection Regulation provides individuals with the right to check their data in registries such as EHRs. A proposal for a European Health Data Space has been launched, which will further strengthen patients’ right to have online access to their EHRs throughout Europe. Against these policy changes, scant attention has been paid to the ethical question about whether adolescents and parents should access the adolescent’s EHR, and if so, under what conditions.

Methods
In this paper, we apply biomedical ethical principles to explore key questions about adolescents’ and parents’ access to adolescents’ EHRs, with the aim of informing future discussions about the development of ethical and policy practice guidelines.

Results
Drawing on current empirical research, we find preliminary evidence that in some contexts, patient online record access (ORA) could help to facilitate autonomy for adolescents and parents as well as offering support in managing appointments and medications. Notably, however, we find contrasting perspectives between adolescents’ and parents’ experienced benefits and healthcare professionals’ (HCPs) perceived potential harm, with the latter worried about decreased documentation quality after access. Concerns about capacity to understand their health information, and increased anxiety among adolescents obstruct the support of adolescent autonomy among parents and HCPs. Still, research is limited, particularly with respect to adolescents’ experiences of reading their EHRs, and differences across settings have not been closely examined.

Conclusions
To advance more comprehensive understanding of the effects of ORA, and to inspire greater attention to, and development of, evidence-informed ethical guidance in this domain of clinical practice, we outline a range of empirical questions regarding adolescents’ and parents’ experiences that now warrant further study.
Preparing high-quality chromosome spreads from Crocus species for karyotyping and FISH
Authors: El-nagish Abdullah , Liedtke Susan , Breitenbach Sarah , Heitkam Tony 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
The saffron-producing Crocus sativus (L.) and its wild relative C. cartwrightianus (Herb.) are key species for understanding genetic evolution in this genus. Molecular-cytogenetic methods, especially fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH), are essential for exploring the genetic relationships in this genus. Yet, preparing high-quality chromosomes for FISH analysis across Crocus species remains difficult. A standardized protocol for achieving clear and well-separated mitotic chromosomes is still lacking. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of pretreatments with four chromosome synchronization methods for optimal chromosome spread preparation in Crocus. Root tips of different Crocus species were treated with four chromosome preparation methods namely hydroxyurea-colchicine (HC), nitrous oxide (NO), hydroxyquinoline (HQ), and ice water (IW) pretreatments to investigate their effectiveness in producing high-quality mitotic chromosome spreads. Metaphases obtained by the four methods were analyzed to assess their quality and metaphase index.

Results
Evaluation of 22,507 cells allowed us to confidently recommend a protocol for Crocus chromosome preparation. Among the methods, ice water pretreatment yielded the highest metaphase index (2.05%), more than doubling the results of HC (1.08%), NO (1.15%), and HQ (1.16%). Ice water-treated chromosomes exhibited better chromosome morphology, with relatively proper size, and non-overlapping chromosomes that were optimal for FISH analysis. Ice water pretreatment was also applied to C. cartwrightianus, the diploid progenitor of C. sativus, where it demonstrated similar efficacy. DAPI staining of chromosomes in both species allowed for clear visualization of intercalary and terminal heterochromatin. FISH analysis using 18S-5.8S-25S and 5S rDNA probes confirmed the utility of IW-prepared chromosome spreads for cytogenetic studies.

Conclusions
We strongly recommend ice water pretreatment as a suitable and effective method for obtaining many metaphase spreads of high-quality in C. sativus and related species, particularly for applications involving a detailed cytogenetic analysis.
Epidemiological outcomes and policy implementation in the Nordic countries during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Hallberg Adam , Aakjaer Mia , Aaltonen Katri , Andersen Morten , Pedersen Elisabeth , Hajiebrahimi Mohammadhossein , Nordeng Hedvig , Nyberg Fredrik , Samuelsen Per-Jostein , Wettermark Björn 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
During the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, there was an intensive debate on which strategies would be most effective to minimize the negative societal impact of the pandemic. This study aimed to provide an overview of key epidemiological outcome measures of the disease in the Nordic countries and the subsequent policy implementation that were undertaken to curb the outbreak.

Methods
Time trends in test-positive infections, hospitalizations, and intensive care unit (ICU) admissions due to COVID-19 as well as COVID-19 mortality and excess mortality were compared between Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. The epidemiological patterns were presented in relation to 13 different policies implemented to a different degree in the countries, eight of which were related to containment and five to health systems policy. A stringency index summarized the intensity of the policies. Data were collected from Our World in Data, the Oxford COVID-19 Government Response Tracker and Eurostat. The investigated time period was 1 January 2020 to 30 April 2022.

Results
Overall, Sweden had more infections, deaths, hospitalizations, and ICU admissions than the other Nordic countries during the first three waves of the pandemic. However, in the fourth wave, Denmark exceeded Sweden in all outcomes. The overall stringency among the Nordic countries varied broadly. The lowest average stringency index was observed in Iceland and the highest in Sweden. Excess mortality over the whole study period was lowest in Iceland while Norway had very few ICU admissions.

Conclusions
The Nordic countries took vastly different approaches to contain the spread of the pandemic, but the long-term impact on excess mortality was similar. The variety in policy responses and epidemiological measures bring many opportunities for learning across the countries.
Changes in healthcare engagement during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Lockett McKenzie , Tamayo Gisselle C. , Schalet Benjamin D. , Reise Steven P. , Kimerling Rachel 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Healthcare engagement, defined as the self-efficacy to enact the behaviors needed to obtain optimal benefit from health services, is an important aspect of healthcare quality. Measuring changes to healthcare engagement is essential to informing current and ongoing adaptations to health service delivery. The objective of the present study was to explore the responsiveness of the recently developed PROMIS® Healthcare Engagement measure (PHE), a patient-reported outcome, through investigating the impact of COVID and COVID-related healthcare disruptions on healthcare engagement from pre- to peri-pandemic.

Methods
Baseline data (2018–2019) were collected via a national mail survey of Veterans receiving VA care. For follow-up data, a subset of participants was randomly selected to be invited to a follow-up survey. Administrative data was used from the VA’s Corporate Data Warehouse (CDW). We used mixed effects linear modeling to compare changes in healthcare engagement from baseline to follow-up between Veterans who reported healthcare disruptions and Veterans who did not report healthcare disruptions, adjusting for covariates.

Results
From baseline to follow-up, healthcare engagement scores increased on average by 2.84 points. Compared to Veterans who reported no disruptions, Veterans who experienced COVID-related healthcare disruptions demonstrated greater decreases to healthcare engagement (difference scores ≥ − 1.98, ps ≤ 0.002) Further, Veterans with more healthcare disruptions showed greater decreases in healthcare engagement relative to those with fewer healthcare disruptions, such that Veterans with 2 healthcare disruptions (difference score = -4.20) significantly differed from Veterans reporting only 1 healthcare disruption, and Veterans reporting 3 or more disruptions (difference score = -3.75) significantly differed from those with 2 disruptions.

Conclusion
Our results provide preliminary evidence of the PHE’s responsiveness through demonstrating that environmental factors, such as pandemic-related factors, influence healthcare engagement. The COVID-19 pandemic had a complex effect on healthcare engagement, with healthcare engagement scores increasing overall during the pandemic but Veterans reporting COVID-related healthcare disruptions showing decreased changes in healthcare engagement. These findings support the utility of the PHE as a measure of healthcare engagement.