bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Discrepancies in neglected tropical diseases burden estimates in China: comparative study of real-world data and Global Burden of Disease 2021 data (2004-2020)
Authors: Yang Guo-Jing , Ouyang Han-Qi , Zhao Zi-Yu , Li Wei-Hao , Fall Ibrahima Socé , Djirmay Amadou Garba , Zhou Xiao-Nong 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Objectives
To assess the discrepancies between real-world data and the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 estimates for six neglected tropical diseases in China. Additionally, to evaluate the applicability of the GBD model within the Chinese context and to assess the effectiveness of China's historical prevention and control policies for neglected tropical diseases.

Design
Comparative study of real-world data and GBD 2021 (2004-2020).

Main outcome measures
Disability adjusted life years (DALYs).

Methods
DALYs based on reported data for leprosy, echinococcosis, schistosomiasis, visceral leishmaniasis, dengue, and rabies from 2004 to 2020 were compared with the estimated DALYs from the GBD 2021 database. Additionally, we combined and analysed China's historical policies on prevention and control of neglected tropical diseases with real-world DALYs.

Data sources
Reported data were sourced from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s China Public Health Science data centre and related reports. Data for GBD 2021 and GBD 2019 were obtained from GBD databases. These data included all of China’s 31 provinces (including autonomous regions and municipalities) and the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps.

Results

The total real-world DALYs based on reported data of six neglected tropical diseases decreased from 260 000 person years in 2004 to 19 000 person years in 2020, with a 93% (241 000/260 000 person years) reduction. The 17 year average real-world DALYs from 2004 to 2020 versus the GBD 2021 estimates for the same period were 42
v
500 for leprosy, 960
v
11 000 for echinococcosis, 64 000
v
98 000 for schistosomiasis, 56
v
16 000 for visceral leishmaniasis, 190
v
780 for dengue, and 47 000
v
67 000 for rabies. The ratios of the GBD estimates to the real-world DALYs for the six neglected tropical diseases were 17 for leprosy, 11 for echinococcosis, 1.5 for schistosomiasis, 280 for visceral leishmaniasis, 4.2 for dengue, and 1.4 for rabies.

Conclusions
The findings indicate that reliance solely on global estimates, such as those of the GBD, may not sufficiently capture the dynamics of neglected tropical diseases in China. Integrating local epidemiological data into global health assessments is crucial to develop accurate and effective public health policies. This study highlights the importance of continuously updating and improving data collection and surveillance methods to adapt public health strategies to evolving disease patterns.
Incidence of metabolic and bariatric surgery among US adults with obesity by diabetes status: 2016–2020
Authors: Cheng Yiling J , Bullard Kai McKeever , Hora Israel , Belay Brook , Xu Fang , Holliday Christopher S , Simons-Linares Roberto , Benoit Stephen R 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionMetabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) is an effective intervention to manage diabetes and obesity. The population-based incidence of MBS is unknown.ObjectiveTo estimate the incidence of MBS among US adults with obesity by diabetes status and selected sociodemographic characteristics.Research design and methodsThis cross-sectional study used data from the 2016–2020 Nationwide Inpatient Sample and Nationwide Ambulatory Surgery Sample to capture MBS procedures. The National Health Interview Survey was used to establish the denominator for incidence calculations. Participants included US non-pregnant adults aged ≥18 years with obesity. The main outcome was incident MBS without previous MBS, defined by International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision Procedure Codes, Diagnosis Related Group system codes, and Current Procedural Terminology codes. Adjusted incidence and annual percentage change (2016–2019) were estimated using logistic regression.ResultsAmong US adults with obesity, over 900 000 MBS procedures were performed in inpatient and hospital-owned ambulatory surgical centers in the USA during 2016−2020. The age- and sex-adjusted incidence of MBS per 1000 adults was 5.9 (95% CI 5.4 to 6.4) for adults with diabetes and 2.0 (95% CI 1.9 to 2.1) for adults without diabetes. MBS incidence was significantly higher for women and adults with class III obesity regardless of diabetes status. The highest incidence of MBS occurred in the Northeast region. Sleeve gastrectomy was the most common MBS surgical approach.ConclusionsIncident MBS procedures were nearly threefold higher among adults with obesity and diabetes than those with obesity but without diabetes. Continued monitoring of the trends of MBS and other treatment modalities can inform our understanding of treatment accessibility to guide prevention efforts aimed at reducing obesity and diabetes.
Predicting diabetes self-management education engagement: machine learning algorithms and models
Authors: Jiang Xiangxiang , Lv Gang , Li Minghui , Yuan Jing , Lu Z Kevin 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionDiabetes self-management education (DSME) is endorsed by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) as an essential component of diabetes management. However, the utilization of DSME remains limited in the USA. This study aimed to investigate current DSME participation among the older population and to identify comprehensive factors of DSME engagement through employing various machine learning (ML) models based on a US nationally representative survey linked to claims data.Research design and methodsData from the Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey were employed, and this study included data on US Medicare beneficiaries with diabetes from 2017 to 2019. Comprehensive variables following the National Institute on Aging Health Disparities Research Framework were employed to ensure a comprehensive evaluation of factors associated with DSME using five common ML approaches.ResultsIn our study, 37.94% of participants received DSME after the application of inclusion and exclusion criteria. A total of 95 variables were used and all ML models achieved accuracy scores exceeding 70%. Random forest had better predictive performance, with an accuracy of 85%. Seventy-four of 95 variables were identified as key variables. Racial/ethnic disparities in predictors for DSME were identified in this study.ConclusionsThis study identified comprehensive and critical factors associated with DSME engagement from biological, behavioral, sociocultural, and environmental domains using different ML models, as well as related racial/ethnic disparities. Aligning these findings with the DSME National Standards from the ADA would enhance the guidelines' effectiveness, promoting tailored and equal diabetes management approaches that cater to diverse races/ethnicities.
Enhancing end-of-life care nursing competency: a nursing education quality improvement project in general medical wards
Authors: Lee Chen Na , Lee Guozhang , Aw Fung Chee , Zulkifle Nuraishah Binte , Tan Yih Shan , Amanulla Marianah , Chua Esther Hui Hui , Koh Wei Zhi , Lee Jolin Er Huan , Woong Natalie Liling 
Published: February 2025

End-of-life care is a fundamental aspect of nursing that significantly affects patient outcomes and family well-being. Despite its importance, nurses in non-palliative care settings often lack relevant training and confidence to provide high-quality end-of-life care, resulting in suboptimal patient experiences. This paper presents a quality improvement initiative at Singapore General Hospital, the nation’s largest tertiary acute hospital, aimed at addressing this critical gap.We conducted a targeted educational needs assessment using a modified Palliative Care Quiz that showed a low pass rate of 15% among medical ward nurses. In response, we designed and implemented a structured training programme that integrated lectures with interactive case-based discussions, focusing on practical, real-world applications of end-of-life care. Our findings demonstrate a significant increase in knowledge proficiency, with the pass rate improving to 53% post-intervention. Additionally, nurses reported significant improvements in their confidence and competence across all domains of end-of-life care. Notably, scores for non-pharmacological management increased from 49% to 86%. This domain covered non-pharmacological modalities for managing dyspnoea, secretions, delirium and nausea and vomiting.These results highlight the effectiveness of targeted educational interventions in equipping nurses with the skills and knowledge to manage the complexities of end-of-life care. Integrating targeted end-of-life training into nursing curricula and institutional practices improves nurses’ confidence and competence and enhances the quality of care for patients and their families facing the end of life. This report is written based on the Standards for Quality Improvement Reporting Excellence guidelines.
In triple-negative breast cancer, fibrotic focus, the mitotic activity index and tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes have independent prognostic value: an observational population-based cohort study with very long follow-up
Authors: Kiraz Umay , Rewcastle Emma , Pettersen Kirsten B , Abono Desmond M , Raghe Sadia H , Gudlaugsson Einar G , Baak Jan P A , Janssen Emilius A M 
Published: February 2025

AimsTriple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is prognostically and therapeutically heterogeneous. The mitotic activity index (MAI) and fibrotic focus (FF) have been established as predictors in non-TNBC but not in TNBC. Late distant metastases occur in TNBC, but previous studies had short follow-up. High stromal tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (sTILs) are prognostically favourable, but prognostic sTILs-thresholds are not well assessed. We evaluated prognostic/predictive characteristics in an observational population-based cohort of 231 consecutive TNBC patients with long follow-up.MethodsMAI, FF, sTILs and other characteristics were analysed with standard receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, percentile-derived prognostic thresholds, univariate and multivariate survival methods. A TNBC index and decision tree were assessed for distant metastasis-free survival.ResultsLong follow-up was decisive: 7% of patients developed late distant metastases. In agreement with the aggressive nature of TNBC, the strongest prognostic MAI-threshold was 5 (p=0.001), lower than that for non-TNBC phenotypes. Lymph-node (LN) status (p=0.0003), FF (p=0.002), MAI5 (p=0.009) and sTILs (threshold 40%, p=0.003) were multivariable based significant and independent prognosticators, but no other characteristics (age, tumour size and grade). LN status was the strongest prognosticator, followed by FF, MAI5 and sTILs40. Subgroup analyses of patients undergoing adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT) showed that only FF and sTILs had significant prognostic value, while LN-positivity and the combination of LN-positivity and MAI≥5 could be a predictive factor for ACT outcome.ConclusionsLN status, MAI5, FF and sTILs40 are prognostic factors in TNBC patients. In TNBC patients who have undergone ACT, the combination of LN-positivity and MAI5 is predictive for response to treatment.
Cuscuton-like contribution to dark energy evolution
Authors: Bazeia D. , Dantas J. D. , da Costa S. Santos 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
This work deals with the presence of the cuscuton term in the otherwise standard dark energy evolution under the usual FLRW background. We disclose a first-order framework similar to the Hamilton-Jacobi formalism, which helps us to solve the equations of motion and find analytical solutions. We explore several possibilities, concentrating mainly on how the cuscuton-like contribution works to modify cosmic evolution. Some results are of current interest since they describe scenarios capable of changing the evolution, adding or excluding possible distinct phases during the Universe’s expansion history. Additionally, we present interesting constraints on the cuscuton-like contribution for the dark energy evolution using a set of homogeneous geometrical observational probes. Finally, based on the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC), we perform a statistical comparison of the cuscuton-like model with

$$\Lambda $$

Λ

CDM, and find strong support for our model.
LIFE-THREATENING FENTANYL OVERDOSE BEYOND MEDULLARY DEPRESSION IN BREATHING
Authors: JUDENHERC-HAOUZI Annick , Lewis Tristan , Reinhardt Amanda , Haouzi Philippe 
Published: February 2025

We sought to determine how the balance between O2 delivery (DO2)and O2 consumption is altered by fentanyl during the initial and the most critical period following a bolus iv injection of high dose fentanyl. We determined the acute changes in ventilation, gas exchange and hemodynamic - including cardiac function - along with the acid-base and arterial blood gas status - in 27 un-sedated rats, following an intravenous bolus injection of 150 microg/kg fentanyl. This injection produced an immediate coma and a central apnea, followed by the emergence of a regular and sustained, yet very depressed, breathing pattern ~ 2.5 minutes later. All rats displayed an instantaneous and profound decrease in Q̇c (from 295.7 ± 42.62 to 140.74± 74.96 ml/kg/min (p<0.0001) resulting from an abrupt bradycardia (from 333.3± 20.8 to 112.2± 36.4 b/min, p<0.05) with a transient decreased cardiac contractility, associated with a very severe hypoxemia that persisted throughout the ensuing period of hypoventilation, e.g., PaO2 = 39.0 ± 18.4 mmHg; SaO2= 50.1 ± 26.2%, at 5 min. DO2 was therefore immediately decreased by several folds; and the decrease in Q̇c was even more severely reduced than the drop in oxygenation. Twenty-four rats survived; the three remaining animals presented a rapid cardiac arrest by pulseless electrical activity. Fentanyl overdose induces an instant decrease in DO2, with a very early drop in Q̇c, out of proportion with the decrease in V̇O2, a protective mechanism produced by hypoxemia. The relevance of these findings to human hypoxic cardiac arrest are discussed.
Increased interaction between B cells and CD3+ T cells in non-progressors with human papillomavirus-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Bartemes Kathleen R. , Moore Raymond M. , Novotny Brenna C. , Pavelko Kevin D. , Sherman Will A. , Rivera Michael , Garcia Joaquin J. , Yin Linda X. , Ma Daniel J. , Moore Eric J. , Van Abel Kathryn M. , Routman David M. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Background: Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) are associated with decreased risk of recurrence in human papillomavirus-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HPV(+)OPSCC). The composition and spatial distribution of TILs and tumor-infiltrating immune cells is not well characterized. Methods: Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded primary and lymph node (LN) tumor tissues from ten progressors (cases) and ten matched non-progressors (controls) were interrogated by imaging mass cytometry. Immune, stromal, and tumor cells were quantified from selected regions of interest (ROIs) using machine learning. Nearest neighbors, cell-cell interactions, and niche analyses were performed. Results: In primary ROIs, immune cell, lymphocyte, T cell, CD8+ T cell, and innate cell prevalence was significantly greater in controls. High prevalence of immune cells, lymphocytes, innate cells, and CD4+ T cells in primary tissues was significantly associated with increased time to event (TTE). Although primary and LN prevalence of T cells, CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, macrophages, and tumor cells were significantly correlated, differences in LNs were neither significant nor associated with TTE. Average distances between T cells and nearest B cells, and between lymphocytes and nearest tumor cells were decreased in control primary tissues. Interactions between B cells and T cells were less organized in primary tissues from cases. A niche predominantly comprising lymphocytes was associated with longer TTE. Conclusion: In HPV(+)OPSCC, immune cell subset prevalence in primary tumors differs with outcome and is associated with TTE. Interactions between B cells and both T cell subsets are associated with longer TTE, underscoring the importance of active intratumoral immune responses in outcomes.
Continuous Evolution in the NK Treadmill Model
Authors: Mehra Priyanka , Hintze Arend 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
The NK fitness landscape is a well-known model with which to study evolutionary dynamics in landscapes of different ruggedness. However, the model is static, and genomes are typically small, allowing observations over only a short adaptive period. Here we introduce an extension to the model that allows the experimenter to set the velocity at which the landscape changes independently from other parameters, such as the ruggedness or the mutation rate. We find that, similar to the previously observed complexity catastrophe, where evolution comes to a halt when environments become too complex due to overly high degrees of epistasis, here the same phenomenon occurs when changes happen too rapidly. Our expanded model also preserves essential properties of the static NK landscape, allowing for proper comparisons between static and dynamic landscapes.
Banal Cities: The Constructed Urban Landscape in Contemporary South Korean Photography
Authors: Chang Boyoung 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
This article analyzes South Korean photography of the 21st century that reconstructs urban landscape to critically reflect on the country's continuing spatial transformation. Focusing on two photographers, Park Chanmin and Keum Hyewŏn, it explores the connection between photographic representations of urban spaces and actual spaces. In doing so, they contribute to a compelling dialogue that can be traced through South Korean photographic practices of the earlier generations and connects with those of adjacent East Asian countries. Taking the concept of banality, which is characterized by a preoccupation with the mundaneness of life under capitalism, a turn away from the spectacular, an affinity with commodity culture, a lack of depth, and a resistance to engagement, the study discusses their photographs of cities. Being filled with apartment complexes, construction sites, and skyscrapers but empty of people, the images are visually unremarkable and lack both depth and spectacularity. Far from being sublime or picturesque, these photographs initiate a perceptual encounter with the prosaic and depthless. In the process, digital manipulation further anonymizes and empties the photographic space to magnify a sense of boredom and prevent the viewer from moving beyond the surface of a given image. Eventually, the photographs remind us of the commodification of urban space and the attenuated relationship between abstract space and human subjects. In this way, their banal traits embody the conditions of capitalist South Korea and the urbanized status.
An Aperture Toward Abstraction in Tejal Shah's Moving-Image Works
Authors: Gopalan Lalitha 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
This article explores the moving image practice of the India based queer artist Tejal Shah. Acknowledging their preeminent status as a queer artist and activist whose media works have been exhibited widely in urban locations since the early 2000, this approach opens with a Chingari Chumma/Stinging Kiss (2000), a video work completed in collaboration with Anuj Vaidya. In this reading, we note their investment in queer subculture tied to an equally intimate rehearsals with the archive of popular Indian cinema. The second move of this articles is reserved for their five-channel video installation Between the Waves (2012). Attending to its specifics of installation, I offer a close reading of one of the channels to argue that it offers an aperture towards abstraction, queer abstraction to be on point.
Neurobiologically informed graph theory analysis of the language system
Authors: Morishima Yosuke , van den Heuvel Martijn , Strik Werner , Dierks Thomas 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Recent advancements in neuroimaging data analysis facilitate the characterization of adaptive changes in brain network integration. This study introduces a distinctive approach that merges knowledge-informed and data-driven methodologies, offering a nuanced way to more effectively understand these changes. Utilizing graph network analysis, along with existing neurobiological knowledge of domain-specific brain network systems, we uncover a deeper understanding of brain network interaction and integration. As a proof of concept, we applied our approach to the language domain, a well-known large-scale network system, using validated functional imaging data sets with specific language tasks. Our results revealed a double dissociation between motor and sensory language modules during word generation and comprehension tasks. Furthermore, by introducing a hierarchical nature of brain networks and introducing local and global metrics, we demonstrated that hierarchical levels of networks exhibit distinct ways of integration of language brain networks. This innovative approach facilitates a differentiated and thorough interpretation of brain network function in local and global manners, marking a significant advancement in our ability to investigate adaptive changes in brain network integration in health and disease.
Predicting response speed and age from task-evoked effective connectivity
Authors: Zhang Shufei , Jung Kyesam , Langner Robert , Florin Esther , Eickhoff Simon B. , Popovych Oleksandr 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Recent neuroimaging studies demonstrated that task-evoked functional connectivity (FC) may better predict individual traits than resting-state FC. However, the prediction properties of task-evoked effective connectivity (EC) remain unexplored. We investigated this by predicting individual reaction time (RT) performance in the stimulus-response compatibility task and age, using intrinsic EC (I-EC, calculated at baseline) and task-modulated EC (M-EC, induced by experimental conditions) with dynamic causal modeling (DCM) across various data-processing conditions, including different general linear model (GLM) designs, Bayesian model reduction, and different cross-validation schemes and prediction models. We report evident differences in predicting RT and age between I-EC and M-EC, as well as between event-related and block-based GLM and DCM designs. M-EC outperformed both I-EC and task-evoked FC in RT prediction, while all types of connectivity performed similarly for age. Event-related GLM and DCM designs performed better than block-based designs. Our findings suggest that task-evoked I-EC and M-EC may capture different phenotypic attributes, with performance influenced by data processing and modeling choices, particularly the GLM-DCM design. This evaluation of methods for behavior prediction from brain EC may contribute to a meta-scientific understanding of how data processing and modeling frameworks influence neuroimaging-based predictions, offering insights for improving their robustness and efficacy.
Refractions of a Grim Future
Authors: Chatta Rasha 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
This essay discusses the speculative turn in recent Arab literature and arts by focusing on the comics genre. It first attempts to outline the genealogies and ramifications of a growing canon of graphic narratives—qiṣaṣ muṣawwara as they are known in Arabic—concerned with the speculative element as a lens or tool to deal with socio-political aspects. Moreover, it focuses on the analysis of selected works by the Lebanese comic artist Barrack Rima in order to examine the ways in which speculative fiction figures the city of Beirut as the central nexus of dystopias, thereby responding to present anxieties and providing realms for projecting future visions. Paying particular attention to recurrent key tropes in Rima’s multi-layered and multi-temporal dystopic narratives as well as aesthetic and literary strategies, the genre’s potential suitability to engage with speculative futurity is explored.