bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Adult Influenza Vaccination Coverage Before, During and After the COVID-19 Pandemic in Canada
Authors: Chen Ruoke , Gilbert Nicolas L. , Dubé Ève 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Vaccination prevents seasonal influenza and its complications, particularly among high-risk populations. The COVID-19 pandemic has been reported to impact healthcare behaviors and vaccination patterns. This study aims to assess influenza vaccination coverage and changes in vaccination settings among Canadian adults from the 2018–2019 to the 2023–2024 seasons.
Method
We conducted a retrospective analysis of data from multiple cycles of the Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Coverage Survey (SIVCS). Vaccination coverage was examined across different seasons, stratified by population groups. Odds ratios (ORs) were calculated to compare vaccination likelihoods across seasons, with 2018–2019 serving as the reference. Chi-square tests were applied to determine whether there were significant differences in the place of vaccination since the pre-pandemic season.
Results
When comparing vaccine uptake before, during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, we observed a temporary coverage decline in 2021–2022 season (OR = 0.882, 95% CI = 0.787–0.988) compared to the pre-pandemic season in 2018–2019. By the 2022–2023 and 2023–2024 seasons, vaccination coverage returned to pre-pandemic levels. Coverage among adults aged 18–64 without chronic medical condition consistently remained lower than in other groups. The places of vaccination shifted markedly, with pharmacies becoming the predominant site, increasing from 35.4% in 2018–2019 to 57.4% in 2023–2024, while doctor's offices saw a decline from 32.7–15.2% over the same period.
Conclusion
Our findings highlight the transient effect of the pandemic on flu vaccine uptake in Canada. The increasing use of pharmacies for vaccinations underscores the importance of accessible and convenient vaccination sites. Future efforts should focus on maintaining and improving vaccination coverage through diverse and adaptable vaccination settings.
Examining local truth regimes on flooding and river management in the Lower Missouri River Basin, USA
Authors: Catalano Angela J. , Hall Damon M. , Gentil Gerardo M. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Riverine flooding is increasing in frequency and intensity, requiring river management agencies to consider new approaches to working with communities on flood mitigation planning. Communication and information sharing between agencies and communities is complex, and mistrust and misinformation arise quickly when communities perceive that they are excluded from planning. Subsequently, riverfront community members create narratives that can be examined as truth regimes — truths created and repeated that indicate how flooding and its causes are understood, represented, and discussed within their communities — to explain why flooding occurs in their area. To better understand community perceptions of river management related to repeated flooding, we employed a qualitative methodology of semi-structured interviews with 112 community members in 3 communities on the Missouri River, USA. Discourse analysis of the interviews revealed three dominant truth regimes that shape perceptions of river management in these communities: 1) upstream reservoir releases are driven by recreational aims, such as fishing and boating, instead of flood control; 2) endangered species management surpasses other uses; and 3) river navigation for commerce is no longer prioritized. For environmental managers, understanding the truths circulating within communities can help moderate mistrust of and frustration with governing bodies, guide project messaging to disarm false truth regimes, and improve the communication of science and policy.
IOT edge computing layer modification based cyber-attack detection using Federated-Active Learning
Authors: Vinothini J , E Srie Vidhya Janani 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

The Internet of Things and its practical uses are becoming more widespread as the number of connected devices increases, but it always carries a risk to network security. Therefore, it is vital for an IoT network design to rapidly and accurately identify potential attackers. While many proposed solutions focus on secure IoT algorithms, little attention has been given to reducing complexity. To address this gap, this paper proposes an IOT edge computing layer modification based cyber-attack detection edge-cloud architecture that enables quick response by detecting attacks at the Intelligent Buffalo based Secure Edge-enabled Computing layer near their source, offering versatility while decreasing the Cloud’s workload. Additionally, F-AL, a low-complexity multi-attack detection model for deployment at the edge zone, leveraging high accuracy federated active learning approaches, is introduced. The performance evaluation is conducted using the latest BoT-IoT dataset against other Machine Learning and Deep Learning methods which demonstrate that FAL outperforms SVM, FLAD, DL, DNN in terms of accuracy.
Implementation of Breast Cancer Screening and Its Effect Among Chinese Rural Women: A Mixed-Methods Evaluation Based on RE-AIM Framework
Authors: Qiao Youlin , Zhao Fanghui , Yan Huijiao , Wang Qiankun , Dang Le , Duan Xianzhi , Bai Zhirong , Feng Yinhui , Zhang Linlin , Qimuge Suyala , Gao Haiying , Wang Xinchun , Sun Min , Ma Shuxia , Yan Cailing 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background:
Many rural areas lack screening for breast cancer. This study employs the RE-AIM framework to assess the implementation, effectiveness, and sustainability of a breast cancer screening program in China to provide insights into developing an effective implementation strategy suitable for rural areas with limited health resources.
Methods:
This mixed-methods study evaluated a breast cancer screening program in Ordos, Inner Mongolia, using quantitative and qualitative approaches. Quantitative data from 2016 to 2020 were gathered through surveys and screening results involving 116,013 women aged 35–64. Qualitative data were obtained via semi-structured interviews with MCHH health workers in 2024 to identify program facilitators and barriers. Quantitative and thematic qualitative analyses were conducted, with findings compared using a convergent mixed methods approach.
Results:
The screening program reached 35.05% of the target population by 2018, rising to 52.24% among women aged 35–64 in 2020. Cancer detection rates were 0.56/1000, ranging from 0.08/1000 in women aged 35–39 to 1.89/1000 in those aged 60–64. The PPV for biopsy was over 67%, but few patients with abnormalities completed the procedure. Key facilitators included strong patient-provider communication, staff involvement, adequate funding and training, and strict supervision, while barriers involved geographical distance, lack of multi-sector support, limited service capacity, and low health awareness. The “rural outreach” model and routine hospital screening were seen as the most effective solutions for the dispersed population and low self-efficacy. Increased awareness from prior screenings improved participation and compliance in subsequent programs. A key challenge in program maintenance was reduced quality control, supervision, and training efforts.
Conclusion:
It is recommended to delay the initiation of breast cancer screening to age 40 or 45 in rural areas with low incidence rates. Improving the screening capacity at primary healthcare facilities and strengthening the patient navigation system for timely referrals to higher-level centers are essential to enhance cancer detection in these regions. The “rural outreach” model is effective in reducing health disparities among marginalized women while simultaneously raising their awareness. Further research is needed to evaluate long-term outcomes and to develop customized implementation strategies for addressing the identified barriers.
Iridoschisis in patients with atopic dermatitis Leads to Intractable Bullous Keratopathy
Authors: Kusano Yuki , Yamaguchi Takefumi , Shimazaki Jun , Dogru Murat 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
To report iridoschisis in patients with atopic dermatitis and the outcome of repeat corneal transplantations for intractable bullous keratopathy.
Case presentation:
Three patients with atopic dermatitis, iridoschisis and bullous keratopathy, underwent numerous corneal transplantation procedures including penetrating keratoplasty (PKP), and endothelial keratoplasty (EK), which failed within a short period due to rapid corneal endothelial cell (CEnC) loss without graft rejection. Aqueous humor total protein levels were overwhelmingly higher in all patients. Case1: A 26-year-old man with atopic dermatitis had iridoschisis and bullous keratopathy in the left eye. During the 10-year follow-up, he underwent six corneal transplantations (three EK, followed by three PKP). However, all grafts failed because of rapid CEnC loss without graft rejection. Case 2: A 53-year-old man with severe atopic dermatitis had iridoschisis and bullous keratopathy in the right eye. He underwent three corneal transplantations (one EK, followed by two PK) over five years. All grafts failed within short periods due to rapid CEnC loss and endothelial decompensation without graft rejection. Case 3: A 54-year-old man with severe atopic dermatitis had iridoschisis and bullous keratopathy in the right eye. He underwent two EK within short periods due to rapid CEnC loss.
Conclusions
We hereby report the association of iridoschisis with bullous keratopathy in atopic dermatitis for the first time in the literature. Clinicians should be aware that the prognosis of corneal transplants in such patients appears to be poor necessitating repeat procedures.
Transverse-electric Surface plasmon in graphene under uniform strain
Authors: Gómez L. A. Galeana , Cruz G. González 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Compared to surface plasmon polariton in metals, graphene can support transverse electric (TE) surface modes when the imaginary part of its conductivity is negative. TE graphene plasmons are generally weakly confined in direction perpendicular to the graphene plane and they cannot be resonantly excited by an external incident wave because their dispersion curve spectrally lies just below the light line. In this work, we investigate theoretically the light reflectance of a graphene layer under uniform strain on the top of a one-dimensional photonic crystal consisting of high and low-index dielectric materials and a material film layer on the graphene sheet. The strain not only changes the electronic band structure but also can be employed to influence the electronic collective excitations and thus the optical reflectance of graphene monolayers. We demonstrate that TE plasmon excitation is based on the observation of a pronounced sharp minimum in the reflection coefficient of the suggested photonic structure upon the incident angle and the wavelength and refractive index. Therefore, the graphene under uniform strain on the photonic structure is found to be promising in the fabrication of optical sensors devices with TE plasmons.
E-mail: bato@fis.cinvestav.mx ORCID iDs: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6710-3424
Halfway Escape Optimization: A Quantum-Inspired Solution for General Optimization Problems
Authors: Li Jiawen , Majeed Anwar PP Abdul , Lefevre Pascal 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

This paper first proposes the Halfway Escape Optimization (HEO) algorithm, a quantum-inspired metaheuristic designed to address general optimization problems. The HEO mimics the effects between quantum such as tunneling, entanglement. After the introduction to the HEO mechansims, the study presents a comprehensive evaluation of HEO's performance against extensively-used optimization algorithms, including Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), Genetic Algorithm (GA), Artificial Fish Swarm Algorithm (AFSA), Grey Wolf Optimizer (GWO), and Quantum behaved Particle Swarm Optimization (QPSO). The primary analysis encompasses 14 benchmark functions with dimension 30, demonstrating HEO's effectiveness and adaptability in navigating general optimization problems. The test of HEO in Pressure Vessel Design and Tubular Column Design also infers its feasibility and potential in real-time applications. Further validation of HEO in Osmancik-97 and Cammeo Rice Classification achieves a higher accuracy record.
New CF2H-Synthon Enables Asymmetric Radical Difluoroalkylation for Synthesis of Chiral Difluoromethylated Amines
Authors: Wang Xi-Sheng , Liu Peng , He Yan , Jiang Chen-Hui , Ren Wei-Ran , Jin Ruo-Xing , Zhang Ting , Chen Wang-Xuan , Nie Xuan 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

The difluoromethyl group (CF₂H) is a crucial fluorinated moiety with distinctive biological properties, and the synthesis of chiral CF₂H-containing analogs has been recognized as a powerful strategy in drug design and screening. To date, the most established method for accessing enantioenriched difluoromethyl compounds involves the enantioselective functionalization of nucleophilic and electrophilic CF₂H synthons. However, this approach is limited by reaction scope, lower reactivity, and reduced enantioselectivity. Leveraging the unique fluorine effect, we designed and synthesized a novel radical CF₂H synthon by incorporating isoindolinone into alkyl halides for asymmetric radical transformation. Here, we report an efficient strategy for the asymmetric construction of carbon stereocenters featuring a difluoromethyl group via nickel-catalyzed Negishi cross-coupling. This approach demonstrates mild reaction conditions, broad substrate scope, and excellent enantioselectivity. Given that optically pure difluoromethylated amines and isoindolinones are key structural motifs in bioactive compounds, this strategy offers a practical solution for the efficient synthesis of CF₂H-containing chiral drug-like molecules for pharmaceutical research and development.
Aaptamine Counteracts Statin-Induced PCSK9 Elevation to Improve LDL Receptor Expression and Cholesterol Uptake
Authors: Matin Abdul , Chaudhry Gul-e-Saba , Sung Yeong Yik , Muhammad Tengku Sifzizul Tengku 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Atherosclerosis arises from lipid accumulation and plaque formation, primarily driven by elevated levels of LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C). PCSK9 plays a critical role by degrading LDL receptors (LDL-R), which are responsible for the clearance of LDL-C from the bloodstream. Consequently, inhibiting PCSK9 represents a promising strategy to enhance LDL-R expression and promote LDL-C uptake. Statins are commonly used to treat high cholesterol by decreasing the production of cholesterol. However, they also raise PCSK9 levels, which may explain why some patients don't respond as well as they should to statins. Aaptamines, marine alkaloids with notable structural diversity and bioactivity, are known to regulate gene transcription. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of aaptamine in mitigating the statin-induced increase in PCSK9 expression, LDL-R levels, and LDL-C uptake. Cytotoxicity was assessed using the MTS assay for simvastatin, aaptamine, and their combination. PCSK9 mRNA levels were quantified by real-time PCR, while protein expression was analyzed via western blotting. Immunohistochemistry was employed to assess LDL-R levels and LDL-C uptake in liver cells. The results demonstrated that simvastatin significantly upregulated PCSK9 gene expression. However, co-treatment with aaptamine reduced PCSK9 expression by 94–61%. Additionally, aaptamine enhanced LDL-R protein levels and LDL-C uptake by 3.21-fold in cells co-treated with simvastatin. These results suggest that aaptamine lowers the rise in PCSK9 caused by statins and raises the expression of LDL-R, which helps liver cells get rid of LDL-C.
Enhancing Pediatric Distal Radius Fracture Detection: Optimizing YOLOv8 with Advanced AI and Machine Learning Techniques.
Authors: Amirouche Farid , Prosper Aashik Mathew , Mzeihem Majd 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
In emergency departments, residents and physicians interpret X-rays to identify fractures, with distal radius fractures being the most common in children. Skilled radiologists typically ensure accurate readings in well-resourced hospitals, but rural areas often lack this expertise, leading to lower diagnostic accuracy and potential delays in treatment. Machine learning systems offer promising solutions by detecting subtle features that non-experts might miss. Recent advancements, including YOLOv8 and its attention-mechanism models, YOLOv8-AM, have shown potential in automated fracture detection. This study aims to refine the YOLOv8-AM model to improve the detection of distal radius fractures in pediatric patients by integrating targeted improvements and new attention mechanisms.
Methods
We enhanced the YOLOv8-AM model to improve pediatric wrist fracture detection, maintaining the YOLOv8 backbone while integrating attention mechanisms such as the Convolutional Block Attention Module (CBAM) and the Global Context (GC) block. We optimized the model through hyperparameter tuning, implementing data cleaning, augmentation, and normalization techniques using the GRAZPEDWRI-DX dataset. This process addressed class imbalances and significantly improved model performance, with mean Average Precision (mAP) increasing from 63.6% to 66.32%.
Results and Discussion
The iYOLOv8 models demonstrated substantial improvements in performance metrics. The iYOLOv8 + GC model achieved the highest precision at 97.2%, with an F1-score of 67% and an mAP50 of 69.5%, requiring only 3.62 hours of training time. In comparison, the iYOLOv8 + ECA model reached 96.7% precision, significantly reducing training time from 8.54 to 2.16 hours. The various iYOLOv8-AM models achieved an average accuracy of 96.42% in fracture detection, although performance for detecting bone anomalies and soft tissues was lower due to dataset constraints. The improvements highlight the model's effectiveness in pathological detection of the pediatric distal radius, suggesting that integrating these AI models into clinical practice could significantly enhance diagnostic efficiency.
Conclusion
Our improved YOLOv8-AM model, incorporating the GC attention mechanism, demonstrated superior speed and accuracy in pediatric distal radius fracture detection while reducing training time. Future research should explore additional features to further enhance detection capabilities in other musculoskeletal areas, as this model has the potential to adapt to various fracture types with appropriate training.
Clonally related tumor-reactive memory B cells reside in primary tumors and lymph nodes of ovarian cancer patients
Authors: Shulman Ziv , Nathan Nachum , Paparoditis Philipp , Sarusi-Portuguez Avital , Stoler-Barak Liat , Mazor Roei , Levy-Barda Adva , Borcherding Nicholas , Blecher-Gonen Ronnie , Ronen Revital , Nachman Inbal Bolocan , Sagi Irit , Gross Menachem , Tenenbaum Ariel , Raban Oded , Eitan Ram , Yanichkin Natalia 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

The presence of B cells in tumors is correlated with a positive prognosis in several types of cancers, including high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC)1–4. These B cells give rise to plasma cells (PCs) that originate from germinal centers (GCs) and secrete tumor-reactive antibodies5,6. GCs also give rise to memory B cells (MBCs)7,8; yet, it is not known if tumor-reactive MBCs form and disperse in cancer patients. Single-cell RNA-seq revealed that tumor-draining lymph nodes (LNs) do not support a robust B cell immune response, and primarily host quiescent class-switched MBCs. Immunoglobulin sequencing, clonal analysis, and generation of monoclonal antibodies demonstrated that these MBCs expressed tumor-reactive antibodies, some of which bound MMP14, an enzyme abundantly expressed by HGSOC tumors5. Although tumor-associated LNs did not exhibit mature GC structures, tumor binding of the MBCs derived from these LNs was dependent on somatic hypermutations (SHM), suggesting that they originated from a previous GC reaction. Different and overlapping MBC subpopulations were detected in the primary tumor and LNs from the same patient, some of which were clonally related between the two sites, and showed intratumoral PC-differentiation potential. Thus, our study extends our understanding of the anti-tumor memory response by revealing an inter-organ association between tumor-reactive MBC clones, which could potentially be manipulated in ovarian cancer patients.
Modeling the transmission dynamics of the co-infection of Malaria andTuberculosis with optimal control strategies and cost - bene t analysis
Authors: Omeje Daniel , Acheneje Godwin , Odiba Peace , Bolaji Bolarinwa 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

This research focuses on a continuous-time mathematical model to better understand thespread of co-infections involving Malaria and Tuberculosis. The study evaluates optimalcontrol strategies, including regular use of treated bed nets, fumigation, insect repellents,and public awareness campaigns about respiratory protection and co-infection risks. Theobjective is to reduce transmission rates and lessen the overall impact of these diseases onthe population. We applied the Pontryagin maximum principle in discrete time to deter-mine the best control strategies, solving the system through an iterative process. UsingMATLAB's optimization tools and the Runge-Kutta forward-backward sweep method,we ran simulations to show how these strategies a ect di erent groups, both infectedand uninfected. A cost-e ectiveness analysis was also carried out to pinpoint the most efficient measures for reducing the co-infection of Malaria and Tuberculosis, while mini-mizing costs. The ndings suggest that scaling up the use of treated bed nets, fumigation,and public health education can signi cantly curb the spread of these diseases nd theirco-infection within the population.
Outcomes of Sutureless Small Incision Descemet's Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Cung Le Xuan , Thu Luong Thi Anh , Nga Duong Mai , Dong Pham Ngoc 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the outcomes of sutureless small incision Descemet's Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSAEK-SI) for treating corneal endothelial decompensation.
Methods and analysis: This retrospective study involved sixty eyes of sixty patients with corneal endothelial decompensation who underwent DSAEK-SI between January 2018 and June 2021 at Vietnam National Eye Hospital. All patients were followed for at least one year postoperatively. The endothelial graft was inserted into the anterior chamber through a 2.8mm main corneal incision using a Busin glide. Normal pressure air tamponade of the anterior chamber was applied to attach the graft to the recipient bed. The small incision required no sutures with no need to remove part of the air from the anterior chamber and end the surgery immediately after air tamponade. Patients were instructed to lie supine for at least 6 hours postoperatively. Patients with cataracts underwent combined phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation with DSAEK-SI.
Results: The success rate of the surgery was 93.3%. Postoperatively, the best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA) improved from 20/3600 to 20/400 at discharge and reached 20/100 at 12 months. Mild astigmatism (0.5D to 2D) was observed in 91.8% of patients, with a mean cylinder of 0.9 ± 0.4D at 12 months. The endothelial cell loss rate at 12 months was 34.6 ± 16%. No graft dislocations or detachment were recorded.
Conclusions: The sutureless DSAEK-SI technique with a 2.8mm incision is an innovative approach that reduces surgical manipulation, shortens operative time, and minimizes complications, resulting in high success rates and optimal outcomes.