bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Understanding Vasectomy Services’ Models of Care, Training, and Financing Among Title X Family Planning Providers
Authors: Raybon C. Denise , Spitz Stephanie , Teti Michelle , Webb Shelby , Metcalf-Wilson Kristin , Witt Jacki 
Published: November 2024

Background and Objective:
Recent evidence suggests an increased demand for vasectomies following the Supreme Court’s Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization overturning Roe v. Wade. Limited published information on vasectomies provided by publicly funded agencies exists. This study seeks to understand and document vasectomy services in Title X Family Planning health centers, including models of care, provider training, and financial strategies.

Methods:
We held qualitative interviews with 22 Title X organizations. Through an iterative, thematic analysis, our research team coded the data to produce findings illustrating the landscape of vasectomy service provision in Title X Family Planning health centers.

Results:
This qualitative research study indicated 3 central components of vasectomy care in publicly funded Title X clinics: models of care, finance models, and provider training. Individual approaches varied considerably depending on organization size, funding, provider types, and policy climate.

Conclusions:
This study confirms that a host of barriers exist to providing vasectomy services in publicly funded or “safety net” clinics, including: (1) Limited opportunities for provider training, (2) federal and state 30-day waiting periods for informed consent, and (3) low reimbursement rates. The study informs options for addressing these barriers in publicly funded settings.
Unapproved Medicine Use by Paramedics in New Zealand: A Comparative Analysis with Australian and UK Frameworks
Authors: Mordaunt Dylan A 
Published: November 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the regulation of unapproved medicines and its impact on paramedic practice in out-of-hospital settings by comparing regulatory frameworks in New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and Australia. The objective was to propose actionable policy recommendations to improve New Zealand’s current regulatory approach.MethodsA comparative analysis was conducted using theoretical frameworks including regulatory theory, public health law, institutionalism, comparative policy analysis, and health crisis management. A technical comparison was also undertaken. Data were collected from legislative texts, policy documents, and secondary sources. The analysis focused on prescribing and administration authority, administrative requirements, flexibility in emergency situations, and the impact on patient care.ResultsNew Zealand’s Section 29 of the Medicines Act 1981 imposes comprehensive reporting requirements and restricts unapproved medicine use to registered medical practitioners, hindering timely interventions by paramedics. The administrative burden and lack of flexibility in emergency situations compromise patient care. In contrast, the UK’s Human Medicines Regulations 2012 and Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 provide structured and adaptable pathways. The Therapeutic Products Act 2023 in New Zealand proposed reforms but is currently in the process of being repealed.DiscussionNew Zealand’s framework of Section 29 is ill-suited for pre-hospital emergency care, creating ethical and practical dilemmas for paramedics. Comparative insights reveal that more flexible legal frameworks in the UK and Australia better support paramedics’ ability to provide timely care. Ethical considerations emphasise the need to balance regulatory oversight with patient care imperatives.ConclusionsLegislative reforms in New Zealand are urgently needed to enable the lawful administration of unapproved medicines by paramedics, reduce administrative burdens, and align its framework with international best practices.
Humanization of Care: A Geospatial Analysis of Key Indicators of Quality and Safety of Health Care and Service in the Centre Region, Cameroon
Authors: Cheuyem Fabrice Zobel Lekeumo , Amani Adidja , Ajong Brian Ngongheh , Boukeng Lionel Berthold Keubou , Mouangue Christian , Tsafack Martine Golda Mekouzou , Bi Mvondo Esther Andriane Bitye , Nouko Ariane , Minkandi Claude Axel , Ngos Christelle Sandrine , Guissana Edwige Omona , Otsali Raissa Katy Noa , Djoulay-Hatou  , Yaya Adam , Sonfack Pamela , Nkongo Florence Kissougle 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBackgroundIntegrating the principles of humanized care into healthcare systems is critical to promoting optimal well-being throughout the patient care process. In a context of limited resources, improving the quality of care and health services means identifying priority sites to optimize cost-effectiveness. The objective was to measure key indicators of quality and safety of care in health facilities (HFs) and to map priority health districts (HDs) for effective implementation of high-impact interventions in the Centre Region.MethodsWe conducted a descriptive cross-sectional analysis using retrospective data from 2018 to 2022 from 32 HDs comprising the Centre Region were extracted in April 2023. Data were retrieved from the national database using DHIS 2 and checked for completeness. The health indicators assessed were those defined in the Cameroon Health Sector Strategy for 2020-2030.ResultsThe density of the qualified HCWs was 13.7 per 10 000 inhabitants in 2022. The density of doctors in rural areas has fallen sharply over the five-year study period, with a decline of almost 20% by 2020 in favor of urban areas. The Odza HD had the highest inpatient mortality rate over the five-year study period (49%). In rural areas, the Esse HD had the highest mortality rate (32.4%). Esse (18.8%) and Odza (6.7%) HDs had the highest perioperative mortality rates in rural and urban areas, respectively. Most of the urban HDs (5/8=62.5%) had a neonatal mortality rate higher than the regional median (RM=3.1). Half of the rural HDs had a maternal mortality ratio higher than the regional median (RM=118 per 1000 live births). The HDs of Mbandjock (357/1,000) and Mvog-Ada (285/1,000) were the most affected in rural and urban areas respectively. More than two thirds of urban HDs recorded a proportion of free malaria treatment cases below the regional median (14%).ConclusionsEfforts to humanize healthcare in the Centre Region are hindered by persistent disparities in care quality and inconsistent policy implementation. Addressing these challenges requires timely implementation of a National Strategic Plan to Improve the Quality of Healthcare and Service Delivery, emphasizing on capacity building through training and supervision.
Standards for reporting norms in the scientific literature and the development of free-access tools to apply them in practice
Authors: Blagus Rok , Leskošek Bojan , Ortega Francisco B. , Tomkinson Grant R. , Jurak Gregor 
Published: November 2024

AbstractNorm-referenced tests compare individuals to a group. While norms are often presented in tables and graphs, exact score evaluation relies on model parameters, often undisclosed. These models, like those from the Rgamlsspackage, include individual data protected by law and consent, hindering full transparency. Thus, this paper proposes standards for publishing test norms that allow precise score evaluation while protecting participant privacy. We outline specific requirements for norms publications: a) the exact presentation of the fitted model that contains the estimates of all model parameters and other information required for exact evaluation; b) computer sharable fit of the model that does not contain any sensitive information and can be used by those with programming skills to evaluate scores; and c) a web-based application that can be used by those without programming skills to use the results of the fitted model. To facilitate publication and utilization of norms, we have developed and provided in this manuscript an open-source R package of tools for authors and users alike.
scCompass: An integrated cross-species scRNA-seq database for AI-ready
Authors: Wang Pengfei , Liu Wenhao , Wang Jiajia , Liu Yana , Li Pengjiang , Xu Ping , Cui Wentao , Zhang Ran , Long Qingqing , Hu Zhilong , Fang Chen , Dong Jingxi , Zhang Chunyang , Chen Yan , Wang Chengrui , Liu Guole , Xie Hanyu , Zhang Yiyang , Xiao Meng , Chen Shubai ,   The X-Compass Consortium, Chen Yiqiang , Yang Ge , Zhang Shihua , Meng Zhen , Wang Xuezhi , Feng Guihai , Li Xin , Zhou Yuanchun 
Published: November 2024

AbstractEmerging single-cell sequencing technology has generated large amounts of data, allowing analysis of cellular dynamics and gene regulation at the single-cell resolution. Advances in artificial intelligence enhance life sciences research by delivering critical insights and optimizing data analysis processes. However, inconsistent data processing quality and standards remain to be a major challenge. Here we propose scCompass, which provides a data quality solution to build a large-scale, cross-species and model-friendly single-cell data collection. By applying standardized data pre-processing, scCompass integrates and curates transcriptomic data from 13 species and nearly 105 million single cells. Using this extensive dataset, we are able to archieve stable expression genes (SEGs) and organ-specific expression genes (OSGs) in human and mouse. We provide different scalable datasets that can be easily adapted for AI model training and the pretrained checkpoints with state-of-the-art (SOTA) single-cell foundataion models. In summary, the AI-readiness of scCompass, which combined with user-friendly data sharing, visualization and online analysis, greatly simplifies data access and exploitation for researchers in single cell biology(http://www.bdbe.cn/kun).
Identifying Alzheimer’s disease-associated genes using PhenoGeneRanker
Authors: Rahman Most Tahmina , Saeed Fahad , Bozdag Serdar ,   Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: November 2024

AbstractAlzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurogenerative disease that affects millions worldwide with no effective treatment. Several studies have been conducted to decipher to genomic underpinnings of AD. Due to its complex nature, many genes have been found to be associated with AD. Despite these findings, the pathophysiology of the disease is still elusive. To discover new putative AD-associated genes, in this study, we integrated multimodal gene and phenotype datasets of AD using network biology methods to prioritize potential AD-related genes. We constructed a multiplex heterogeneous network composed of patient and gene similarity networks utilizing phenotypic and omics datasets of AD patients from the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) database. We applied PhenoGeneRanker to traverse this network to discover potential AD-associated genes. To assess the impact of each network layer and seed gene, we also run PhenoGeneRanker on different variants of the network and seed genes. Our results showed that top-ranked genes captured several known AD-related genes and were enriched in Gene Ontology (GO) terms related to AD. We also observed that several top-ranked genes that are not in AD-associated gene list had literature supporting their potential relevance to AD.
Going with the flow: leveraging reef-scale hydrodynamics for upscaling larval-based restoration
Authors: Gouezo Marine , Langlais Clothilde , Beardsley Jack , Roff George , Harrison Peter , Thomson Damian P. , Doropoulos Christopher 
Published: November 2024

AbstractAnthropogenic pressures are impacting coastal marine ecosystems, necessitating large-scale interventions to accelerate recovery. Propagule-based restoration holds the potential for restoring shallow coastal systems at hectare scales by harnessing natural dispersal. However, predicting propagule dispersal remains challenging due to the complex hydrodynamic nature of coastal marine ecosystems and the complex behaviours of marine propagules. To improve predictions of fine-scale larval dispersal patterns, we developed a 3D reef-scale (∼30 m resolution) dispersal model for Lizard Island, Australia, with the aim to predict the effect of island scale hydrodynamics on the distribution of coral spawn slicks and larvae. Usingin situfield observations, and dispersal simulations, we assessed the model’s capability to (1) forecast hydrodynamic conditions, (2) predict coral spawn slick convergence zones for collection efforts, and (3) identify optimal locations and timeframes where high particle residence time may enhance local settlement following larval delivery to damaged reefs. Predictions of convergence zones in the upper water column aligned well with field observations of coral spawn slicks. At the reef benthos, the model captured variability in current speed and direction at ∼58% of studied locations. At other locations, the model did not resolve hydrodynamic conditions due to sheltering effects and associated hydrodynamic processes occurring at a scale below 50 m. At locations where the model performed well, propagules could remain within a one-hectare area around the delivery site for 5 to 15 hours depending on locations and the timing of larval release. These high retention conditions were infrequent but occurred at least once at 15 of the 25 studied sites. Observations of local currentsa posterioriconfirmed model predictions, showing periods of little water movement lasting from 6.5 to 15 hours. Overall, our study highlights fine-scale dispersal modelling as a key tool for scaling up larval-based reef restoration, while also acknowledging the need for better predictions of local conditions in complex, shallow environments. Applications of fine-scale modelling, coupled with local knowledge of reproductive timing and larval behavioural ecology, assist with the mass collection of propagules upon release and in identifying areas and times of optimal larval deployment to achieve the greatest impact.
Organization of the Proteostasis Network of Membraneless Organelles
Authors: Lim Christine M. , Bian Yuqi , González Díaz Alicia , Pun Frank , Zhavoronkov Alex , Morimoto Richard I. , Vendruscolo Michele 
Published: November 2024

AbstractMembraneless organelles (MLOs) are dynamic macromolecular condensates that act as crucibles to modulate biological process within the cell. Since MLOs form in the absence of lipid membranes, it is important to understand how their effective regulation is achieved by the protein homeostasis (proteostasis) system. To address this question, we report a comprehensive mapping of the proteostasis network (PN) of MLOs, comprising over 220,000 protein-protein interactions. The analysis of this PN reveals how the regulatory proteins (PN proteins) occupy central roles in the overall protein-protein interaction network of MLOs. We then investigate which branches of the PN are most important in the regulation of MLOs, and find that the anabolic component, which makes up ∼30% of the PN, is more closely involved with MLOs than the catabolic component, which makes up the remaining ∼70% of the PN. We also find that translation-related PN proteins and molecular chaperones play central roles in the regulation of MLOs. We then analyse the similarity between the PNs of different MLOs, revealing that stress granules and P-bodies share large portions of their PNs. Finally, to understand how specificity is achieved despite these similarities, we further analyse the PN organization, showing that HSP70 chaperones are generic in regulating MLOs, while client-specific HSP70 co-chaperones confer specificity to the chaperone action. Taken together, these results identify the composition of the PN of MLOs, rationalize its organization, and reveal a central role of molecular chaperones in the regulation of protein conformations within MLOs.
RF shimming strategy for an open 60-channel RF transmit 7T head coil for routine use on the single transmit mode
Authors: Sajewski Andrea N , Santini Tales , DeFranco Anthony , Berardinelli Jacob , Jin Hecheng , Li Jinghang , Chu Cong , Berardo Jeremy J , Ibrahim Tamer S 
Published: November 2024

AbstractPurposeTo develop an RF shimming approach for operating the 2ndGeneration Tic Tac Toe RF Coil System (60 transmit channels integrated with 32-channel receive insert) for routine use in 7T neuro MRI on the single transmit mode.MethodsRF simulations were performed and used to develop non-subject-specific RF shim cases over three anatomically detailed head models: adult male, adult female, and child female. Multi-ROI shimming strategies were developed and implemented. B1+maps and in-vivo images were acquired on the single transmit mode of a 7T scanner using the RF shim cases derived from the computer simulations.ResultsThe availability of 60 transmit channels enables more control over RF power efficiency, SAR efficiency, and B1+homogeneity using RF shimming. On the single transmit mode, the 2ndGeneration Tic Tac Toe RF Coil System consistently provides homogeneous B1+field distribution with extended coverage into the temporal lobes, cerebellum, reaching all the way to C5-C6. Safe levels of SAR are also achieved.ConclusionBy using a non-subject specific RF shimming approach derived from computer simulations, the 2ndGeneration Tic Tac Toe RF Coil System allows for robust, routine neuroimaging (> 1750 in-vivo scanning sessions over the past 28 months) at 7T in single transmit mode.
Simple Words over Rich Imaging: Accurate Brain Disease Classification via Language Model Analysis of Radiological Reports
Authors: Gao Xin , Zhang Meihui , Chen Longfei , Qiu Jun , Zhao Shanbo , Li Junjie , Hua Tiantian , Jin Ying , Wu Zhiqiang , Hou Haotian , Wang Yunling , Zhao Wei , Li Yuxin , Duan Yunyun , Ye Chuyang , Liu Yaou 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTBrain diseases exert profound detrimental effects on human health by affecting the central nervous system. Accurate automated diagnosis of brain diseases is imperative to delay the progression of illness and enhance long-term prognosis. However, existing image-based diagnostic approaches struggle to achieve satisfactory performance due to the high dimensionality of imaging data. Radiological reports, which are required in clinical routine to describe image findings, provide a more straightforward comprehension of the imaging data, yet they have been neglected in automated brain disease classification. In this work, we explore automated brain disease classification via radiological reports and language models and compare the results with conventional image-based methods. Specifically, in the report-based diagnostic approach, we fine-tune Pre-trained Language Models (PLMs) and Large Language Models (LLMs) based on the findings part of radiological reports to achieve disease classification. Four clinically relevant brain disease classification tasks were performed in our experiments, involving 12 datasets with a total number of 14,970 patients, including two independent validation sets. The best language model reached an average area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 84.75%, an average accuracy (ACC) of 79.48%, and an average F1-score of 79.45%. Compared with the best image-based model, it achieved an average improvement of 10.34%, 10.75%, and 9.95% in terms of AUC, ACC, and F1-score, respectively. The language model also outperformed junior radiologists by 9.47% in terms of ACC. Moreover, the report-based model exhibited better adaptability to missing image contrasts and cross-site data variability than image-based models. Together, these results show that brain disease classification via language model analysis of radiological reports can be more reliable than image-based classification, and our work demonstrates the potential of using radiological reports for accurate diagnosis of brain diseases.
A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Crossover Pilot Study of the Effect of Metformin on Airway Glucose in COPD: The Metformin and Airway Glucose In COPD (MAGIC) Trial
Authors: Fiorenzo Eva , Tregoning John S. , Fahidi Isaac , Edwards Michael R. , Kebadze Tata , Mallia Patrick , Johnston Sebastian L. , Farne Hugo A. 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTBackground and ObjectivePatients with COPD have elevated levels of airway glucose. This may increase the risk of bacterial infection leading to exacerbation and disease progression. We aimed to test whether treating COPD patients with metformin, an oral hypoglycaemic used in diabetes, reduced airway glucose.MethodsIn this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover pilot study, we assigned patients with COPD to two 3-month periods of treatment with 1g metformin or placebo twice daily, followed by the alternate treatment after a 2-week washout period. Patients were required to be free of infection, antibiotic or oral steroid treatment in the 8 weeks prior to enrolment. The following were collected at baseline and monthly thereafter: sputum (lower airways sample), nasal/upper airway lining fluid samples using synthetic absorptive matrix (SAM), spirometry, and St Georges Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) and COPD Assessment Test (CAT) scores. The primary outcome was a change in sputum glucose following 3 months treatment with metformin compared to 3 months of placebo.Results14 patients were randomised of whom 3 completed the study, mainly due to withdrawals for exacerbations (8/11 withdrawals). In the n=4 patients who completed 3 months metformin treatment, there were no significant changes in sputum or nasal glucose compared to baseline. Metformin did not affect COPD symptom scores or spirometry.ConclusionsTreatment with metformin in this underpowered pilot study did not significantly reduce airway glucose in COPD. Larger studies are required to definitively evaluate this.SUMMARY AT A GLANCEElevated airway glucose is associated with bacterial infection in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations. We tested whether metformin, a drug used to treat diabetes, reduced airway glucose in patients with COPD. Recruitment/retention difficulties led to an underpowered study, which observed no difference between metformin and placebo on airway glucose.