bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Revisiting the self‐supply model: A foundational, not a complimentary model for water supply in rural households
Authors: Wainaina George Kiambuthi , Barbosa Helen 
Published: September 2024

AbstractIn this opinion article, we propose that self‐supply, as a model for household‐managed water supply in rural areas, is the foundational model for water supply in rural households. Any other model is only complementary while it lasts. Therefore, self‐supply needs more emphasis in research and intentional exposure and support in practice. This is underscored by the fact that despite the use of taxes, transfers, and tariffs that fund other service models, major water service gaps still exist in rural households forcing them to invest directly in self‐supply. Over 2.2 billion people globally still lack access to safe water. Our argument is not that other models such as communal or government models are irrelevant; rather, it is that self‐supply is the foundational and often preferred model for rural households due to reliability, predictability, control, and flexibility. Yet it is overlooked often. Therefore, we call for investing in research informing self‐supply policy, practice, and funding especially where it links with other models to be prioritized. This will likely accelerate the achievement of SDG 6.
Artificial Intelligence Methods for Evaluating Mitochondrial Dysfunction: Exploring Various Chemical Notations Suitable for Neural Language Processing Models
Authors: Viganò Edoardo Luca , Colombo Erika , Ballabio Davide , Roncaglioni Alessandra 
Published: September 2024

AbstractIn recent years, the integration of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning methods, such as Neural Language Processing (NLP), with biochemical and biomedical research has revolutionized the field of toxicology defining a profound advancement in our understanding of the toxicological effects of diverse chemical compounds on biological systems.Among various toxic effects, mitochondrial dysfunction has emerged as a crucial endpoint due to its role in various diseases related to the liver, heart brain, and more in general related to different physiological processes. Indeed, mitochondria are indispensable organelles in cells that serve as the primary hub for energy production, and they are responsible for critical functions in cell metabolism, signaling, and cellular demise. Traditional methods for assessing chemical hazards and their impact on mitochondrial function have relied heavily on experimental assays and animal studies, which are often time-consuming, resource-intensive, and limited in scalability. To overcome these limitations, in silico methods have emerged as indispensable tools in toxicological research to reduce the need for traditional in vivo testing and saving valuable resources in terms of time and money.This study utilized NLP models to explore diverse chemical notations utilized to encode chemical information such as Simplified Molecular Input Line Entry System (SMILES), DeepSMILES and Self-Referencing Embedded Strings (SELFIES), with the aim of evaluating toxic interactions between chemicals and specific biological targets, achieving high predictivity performance.
Balancing Imbalanced Toxicity Models: Using MolBERT with Focal Loss
Authors: Masood Muhammad Arslan , Kaski Samuel , Ceulemans Hugo , Herman Dorota , Heinonen Markus 
Published: September 2024

AbstractDrug-induced liver injury (DILI) presents a multifaceted challenge, influenced by interconnected biological mechanisms. Current DILI datasets are characterized by small sizes and high imbalance, posing difficulties in learning robust representations and accurate modeling. To address these challenges, we trained a multi-modal multi-task model integrating preclinical histopathologies, biochemistry (blood markers), and clinical DILI-related adverse drug reactions (ADRs). Leveraging pretrained BERT models, we extracted representations covering a broad chemical space, facilitating robust learning in both frozen and fine-tuned settings. To address imbalanced data, we explored weighted Binary Cross-Entropy (w-BCE) and weighted Focal Loss (w-FL) . Our results demonstrate that the frozen BERT model consistently enhances performance across all metrics and modalities with weighted loss functions compared to their non-weighted counterparts. However, the efficacy of fine-tuning BERT varies across modalities, yielding inconclusive results. In summary, the incorporation of BERT features with weighted loss functions demonstrates advantages, while the efficacy of fine-tuning remains uncertain.
Revisiting the fermion-field nontopological solitons
Authors: Xie Ke-Pan 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Nontopological fermionic solitons exist across a diverse range of particle physics models and have rich cosmological implications. This study establishes a general framework for calculating fermionic soliton profiles under arbitrary scalar potentials, utilizing relativistic mean field theory to accurately depict the interaction between the fermion condensate and the background scalar field. Within this framework, the conventional “fermion bound states” are revealed as a subset of fermionic solitons. In addition, we demonstrate how the analytical formulae in previous studies are derived as special cases of our algorithm, discussing the validity of such approximations. Furthermore, we explore the phenomenology of fermionic solitons, highlighting new formation mechanisms and evolution paths, and reconsidering the possibility of collapse into primordial black holes.
Indirect constraints on third generation baryon number violation
Authors: Beneke Martin , Finauri Gael , Petrov Alexey A. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
The non-observation of baryon number violation suggests that the scale of baryon-number violating interactions at zero temperature is comparable to the GUT scale. However, the pertinent measurements involve hadrons made of the first-generation quarks, such as protons and neutrons. One may therefore entertain the idea that new flavour physics breaks baryon number at a much lower scale, but only in the coupling to a third generation quark, leading to observable baryon-number violating b-hadron decay rates. In this paper we show that indirect constraints on the new physics scale ΛBNV from the existing bounds on the proton lifetime do not allow for this possibility. For this purpose we consider the three dominant proton decay channels p → $$ {\ell}^{+}{\nu}_{\ell}\overline{\nu} $$

ℓ
+

ν
ℓ

ν
¯

, p → $$ {\pi}^{+}\overline{\nu} $$

π
+

ν
¯

and p → π0ℓ+ mediated by a virtual bottom quark.
On the absence of the chiral magnetic effect in equilibrium QCD
Authors: Brandt B. B. , Endrődi G. , Garnacho-Velasco E. , Markó G. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
In this paper we investigate the chiral magnetic effect (CME): the generation of an electric current due to a homogeneous background magnetic field and a homogeneous chiral imbalance in QCD. We demonstrate that the leading coefficient describing the CME vanishes in equilibrium, both for free fermions as well as in full QCD. Our full QCD results are based on continuum extrapolated lattice simulations using dynamical staggered quarks with physical masses as well as quenched Wilson quarks. We show that it is crucial that a gauge invariant ultraviolet regularization is used to compute the CME and elaborate on why some of the existing in-equilibrium calculations of this effect gave a nonzero result. We stress that our findings imply the absence of a time-independent CME current flowing in equilibrium QCD, but do not concern the CME as an out-of-equilibrium, time-dependent effect.
Normalization of ZZ instanton amplitudes in type 0B minimal superstring theory
Authors: Chakrabhavi Vivek , Eniceicu Dan Stefan , Mahajan Raghu , Murdia Chitraang 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
We study ZZ instanton corrections in the (2, 4k) $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 1 minimal superstring theory with the type 0B GSO projection, which becomes the type 0B $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 1 super-JT gravity in the k → ∞ limit. Each member of the (2, 4k) family of theories has two phases distinguished by the sign of the Liouville bulk cosmological constant. The worldsheet method for computing the one-loop normalization constant multiplying the instanton corrections gives an ill-defined answer in both phases. We fix these divergences using insights from string field theory and find finite, unambiguous results. Each member of the (2, 4k) family of theories is dual to a double-scaled one-matrix integral, where the double-scaling limit can be obtained starting either from a unitary matrix integral with a leading one-cut saddle point, or from a hermitian matrix integral with a leading two-cut saddle point. The matrix integral exhibits a gap-closing transition, which is the same as the double-scaled Gross-Witten-Wadia transition when k = 1. We also compute instanton corrections in the double-scaled matrix integral for all k and in both phases, and find perfect agreement with the string theory results.
Rigid iatrogenic hallux varus: a decades’ worth experience with arthrodesis of the metatarsophalangeal joint
Authors: Belfiore S. , Vaggi S. , Vitali F. , Zanirato A. , Quarto E. , Formica M. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Arthrodesis of the first ray metatarsophalangeal joint (MPJ) is the gold standard in iatrogenic hallux varus (IHV) in the presence of stiffness and osteoarthritis. The purpose of this study is to collect clinical and radiographic results and complications of MPJ arthrodesis in rigid iatrogenic HV.

Methods
A retrospective evaluation of rigid iatrogenic HV undergoing arthrodesis with a minimum follow-up (FU) of two years was performed. The clinical parameters assessed were visual analog scale (VAS), the AOFAS Hallux Metatarsophalangeal-Interphalangeal Scale score and the satisfaction scale. The radiological parameters evaluated the first to second metatarsal angle (IMA) and the angle of hallux valgus (HVA). Complications were also analysed.

Result
A total of 18 patients (19 procedures) with a mean FU of 5.5 ± 2.5 years were included. The mean VAS improved from 7.3 ± 1.6 to 1.3 ± 1.2 (p < 0.05) at the last FU. Similarly, the AOFAS Hallux Metatarsophalangeal-Interphalangeal scale score significantly improved to 82 ± 9.2 (p < 0.05). Radiological evaluation demonstrated a 1–2 IMA improvement from 4.4 ± 2.2° preoperatively to 8.9 ± 2.4° at 3 months post-operatively. Similarly, there was a significant (p < 0.05) improvement of the HVA from − 22.7 ± 4.1° to 13.1 ± 4.1° at three months post-operative (p < 0.05). No signification loss of correction was noted at the last follow-up (p > 0.05). In one case, a delayed fusion at the arthrodesis site required surgical revision to promote fusion. No patient experienced pain with stress from the first MTP joint arthrodesis site or identified the arthrodesis site as a source of pain. No patient required implant removal. Re-operation and revision rates were 5.3%. The overall complications rate was 15.8%.

Conclusions
MPJ fusion effectively corrects Iatrogenic Hallux Varus in cases of rigid and fixed deformities in the medium- to long-term follow-up, with lasting improvements in AOFAS and VAS scores. The procedure is characterised by a non-negligible risk of complications, reoperations and revisions.

Level of evidence
Level IV, case series.
Catalysing Environmental Action: a Governance Framework for Enhancing Individual Participation in Sub-Saharan Africa’s Plastic Circular Economy
Authors: Ambituuni Ambisisi , Ajala Olubunmi , Schroeder Patrick , Oyinlola Muyiwa 
Published: September 2024

AbstractPlastic waste poses a significant challenge to achieving sustainable production and consumption of resources, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa where effective governance and waste management systems are lacking. In this paper, we develop an empirical understanding of the influence of public governance system on promoting circular economy (CE) for plastic actions among individuals. Through a survey of 1475 participants across five sub-Saharan African countries, we tested five hypotheses drawing on New Governance Theory and CE Action Recipe to explore the relationship between governance and individual’s actions supporting CE for plastic. We found that a governance system that supports CE practices and exhibits governance efficiency is positively associated with individuals’ actions supporting CE for plastic. The awareness of government policies, laws and regulations, institutions, processes, and programmes have a significant impact on individuals’ engagement in plastic circularity practices. The paper’s theoretical and governance implications highlight the relevance of public governance in shaping action towards a CE for plastic at the individual level.
Delayed Shift in Microbiota Composition in a Marine Microcosm Pollution Experiment
Authors: Ramirez Luis Yndy Ariem , Angell Inga Leena , Nilsen Tonje , Rudi Knut 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBenthic habitats are the largest habitats on Earth, being essential for marine ecosystem functioning. Benthic habitats are particularly vulnerable towards pollution and anthropogenetic influence due to general oligotrophic nature. We, therefore, simulated pollution events involving nitrate and sulphate, in combination with organic carbon. We then observed the microbiota composition the following month. Surprisingly, upon nitrate addition, an abrupt response was observed between two and three weeks after the pollution event. We observed a threefold reduction in species richness, with a dominance of the genus Pseudarchobacter within the Campylobacteriota phylum, concurring with a decrease in nitrification potential and an increase in Dissimilatory Nitrate Reduction to Ammonium (DNRA) and a regain in denitrification. Likewise, addition of sulphate contributed to a delayed response with reduction in species richness albeit weaker than for nitrate, leading to a shift towards potential spore-forming Firmicutes. There was also an increase in DNRA, but only for the oxic conditions, concurring with a regain in sulphate reductio and denitrification. For the nitrate addition experiments, the delay in response could potentially be attributed to the genus Pseudarchobacter which rely on sulphides for denitrification, while for the sulphate addition experiments, the delayed response might be explained by the germination of spores. The late increase of DNRA may indicate a shift towards a different metabolic regime for nitrogen. In conclusion, our microcosm experiments revealed delayed abrupt microbiota shifts resembling tipping points that can potentially be overlooked in natural ecosystems.
Suboptimal osteoporosis care in hospitalized patients: a retrospective analysis of vertebral compression fractures detected on computed tomography
Authors: Minalyan Artem , Li Terrence , D’Anna Kathleena , Alfraji Nasam , Gabrielyan Lilit , Downey Christina 
Published: September 2024

AbstractVertebral compression fractures (VCFs) are the most common osteoporotic fractures. Only 1/3 of patients with VCFs are clinically diagnosed. In our institution, the Fracture Liaison Service (FLS) was launched in 2017 to improve osteoporosis management for hospitalized patients. (1) To assess osteoporosis awareness among medical providers for emergency department (ED)/hospitalized patients aged 50 or greater; (2) To estimate the rate of FLS consults or referrals to primary care providers (FLS/PCP) by primary teams. A centralized radiology system was used to examine all thoracic and lumbar computed tomography (CT) scans conducted between June 1, 2017 and June 1, 2022. 449 studies were identified with the radiologic impression “compression fracture”. 182 studies were excluded after manual chart review. 267 hospitalizations/ED visits with lumbar and/or thoracic spine CT scans were included. Referrals to FLS (26) or PCP (27) were made in 53 cases (~ 20% of the total). In the ED subgroup (131 hospitalizations), only 17 patients had FLS/PCP referrals. The “compression fracture” was mentioned in 227 (85%) discharge notes (any part), while “osteoporosis” was mentioned in only 74 (28%) hospitalizations. A statistically significant difference was found between the two groups when “osteoporosis” was mentioned in the “assessment and plan” section (p = 0.02). Our data show that the overall osteoporosis care for affected patients is suboptimal. Medical providers often overlook the presence of osteoporosis, leading to a lack of consultation with the FLS of referral to PCPs for further evaluation and treatment.
Incremental prognostic value of left atrial strain in apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: a cardiovascular magnetic resonance study
Authors: Tang Yun , Ma Xuan , Wang Jiaxin , Yang Shujuan , Dong Zhixiang , Chen Xiuyu , Zhao Kankan , Wei Zhuxin , Xu Jing , Song Yanyan , Xiang Xiaorui , Cui Chen , Zhu Yanjie , Yang Kai , Zhao Shihua 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Objectives
This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of left atrial (LA) strain in patients with apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (ApHCM), as assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging.

Methods
Four hundred and five consecutive patients with ApHCM who underwent CMR examination were retrospectively included. The study endpoint included all-cause death, heart transplant, aborted sudden cardiac death, hospitalization for heart failure, stroke, and new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF).

Results
After a median follow-up of 97 months, 75 patients (18.5%) reached the endpoint. Patients were divided into two groups based on the median LA reservoir strain of 29.4%. The group with lower LA reservoir strain had thicker maximum wall thickness, greater late gadolinium enhancement extent, and smaller end-diastolic volume index, stroke volume index, and cardiac index (all p < 0.02). For LA parameters, this subgroup showed greater diameter and volume index and worse ejection fraction, reservoir, conduit, and booster strain (all p < 0.001). In the multivariable model, age (HR 1.88, 95% CI: 1.06–3.31, p = 0.030), baseline AF (HR 2.95, 95% CI: 1.64–5.28, p < 0.001), LA volume index (LAVi) (HR 2.07, 95% CI: 1.21–3.55, p = 0.008) and LA reservoir strain (HR 2.82, 95% CI: 1.51–5.26, p = 0.001) were all associated with the outcome. Adding LAVi and LA reservoir strain in turn to the multivariable model (age and baseline AF) resulted in significant improvements in model performance (p < 0.001).

Conclusion
In ApHCM patients, LA reservoir strain is independently associated with cardiovascular risk events and has an incremental prognostic value.

Clinical relevance statement
Left atrial reservoir strain measured by cardiac magnetic resonance is highly correlated with the prognosis of apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and has potential incremental value in the prognosis of major adverse cardiac events.

Key Points

Left atrial (LA) strain parameters may be useful for risk stratification and treatment of apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (ApHCM).

Apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (ApHCM) is independently associated with LA morphology and function.

Cardiac MR examination, especially its feature-tracking technology, provides the possibility to prognosticate ApHCM at an early stage.

Graphical Abstract
Deep learning reconstruction algorithm and high-concentration contrast medium: feasibility of a double-low protocol in coronary computed tomography angiography
Authors: Caruso Damiano , De Santis Domenico , Tremamunno Giuseppe , Santangeli Curzio , Polidori Tiziano , Bona Giovanna G. , Zerunian Marta , Del Gaudio Antonella , Pugliese Luca , Laghi Andrea 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Objective
To evaluate radiation dose and image quality of a double-low CCTA protocol reconstructed utilizing high-strength deep learning image reconstructions (DLIR-H) compared to standard adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction (ASiR-V) protocol in non-obese patients.

Materials and methods
From June to October 2022, consecutive patients, undergoing clinically indicated CCTA, with BMI < 30 kg/m2 were prospectively included and randomly assigned into three groups: group A (100 kVp, ASiR-V 50%, iodine delivery rate [IDR] = 1.8 g/s), group B (80 kVp, DLIR-H, IDR = 1.4 g/s), and group C (80 kVp, DLIR-H, IDR = 1.2 g/s). High-concentration contrast medium was administered. Image quality analysis was evaluated by two radiologists. Radiation and contrast dose, and objective and subjective image quality were compared across the three groups.

Results
The final population consisted of 255 patients (64 ± 10 years, 161 men), 85 per group. Group B yielded 42% radiation dose reduction (2.36 ± 0.9 mSv) compared to group A (4.07 ± 1.2 mSv; p < 0.001) and achieved a higher signal-to-noise ratio (30.5 ± 11.5), contrast-to-noise-ratio (27.8 ± 11), and subjective image quality (Likert scale score: 4, interquartile range: 3–4) compared to group A and group C (all p ≤ 0.001). Contrast medium dose in group C (44.8 ± 4.4 mL) was lower than group A (57.7 ± 6.2 mL) and B (50.4 ± 4.3 mL), all the comparisons were statistically different (all p < 0.001).

Conclusion
DLIR-H combined with 80-kVp CCTA with an IDR 1.4 significantly reduces radiation and contrast medium exposure while improving image quality compared to conventional 100-kVp with 1.8 IDR protocol in non-obese patients.

Clinical relevance statement
Low radiation and low contrast medium dose coronary CT angiography protocol is feasible with high-strength deep learning reconstruction and high-concentration contrast medium without compromising image quality.

Key Points

Minimizing the radiation and contrast medium dose while maintaining CT image quality is highly desirable.

High-strength deep learning iterative reconstruction protocol yielded 42% radiation dose reduction compared to conventional protocol.

“Double-low” coronary CTA is feasible with high-strength deep learning reconstruction without compromising image quality in non-obese patients.
A probability model for estimating age in young individuals relative to key legal thresholds: 15, 18 or 21-year
Authors: Heldring Nina , Rezaie Ali-Reza , Larsson André , Gahn Rebecca , Zilg Brita , Camilleri Simon , Saade Antoine , Wesp Philipp , Palm Elias , Kvist Ola 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Age estimations are relevant for pre-trial detention, sentencing in criminal cases and as part of the evaluation in asylum processes to protect the rights and privileges of minors. No current method can determine an exact chronological age due to individual variations in biological development. This study seeks to develop a validated statistical model for estimating an age relative to key legal thresholds (15, 18, and 21 years) based on a skeletal (CT-clavicle, radiography-hand/wrist or MR-knee) and tooth (radiography-third molar) developmental stages. The whole model is based on 34 scientific studies, divided into examinations of the hand/wrist (15 studies), clavicle (5 studies), distal femur (4 studies), and third molars (10 studies). In total, data from approximately 27,000 individuals have been incorporated and the model has subsequently been validated with data from 5,000 individuals. The core framework of the model is built upon transition analysis and is further developed by a combination of a type of parametric bootstrapping and Bayesian theory. Validation of the model includes testing the models on independent datasets of individuals with known ages and shows a high precision with separate populations aligning closely with the model’s predictions. The practical use of the complex statistical model requires a user-friendly tool to provide probabilities together with the margin of error. The assessment based on the model forms the medical component for the overall evaluation of an individual’s age.