bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Factors Influencing Public Attitudes and Willingness to Utilize Telepharmacy Services in the UAE
Authors: Jarab Anan S. , Al-Qerem Walid , Mukattash Tareq , Al-Azayzih Ahmad , Kharaba Zelal , Heshmeh Shrouq Abu , Al-Momani Joud , Hamdan Rama , Al Hamarneh Yazid N. , Eberhardt Judith 
Published: August 2024

Background: Telepharmacy, utilizing telecommunications to dispense pharmaceutical products and deliver patient care, offers numerous benefits for both the public and pharmacists. Previous research on exploring attitudes and willingness to use telepharmacy services has primarily focused on pharmacists rather than the general population.Aim: This study is aimed at assessing the attitudes and willingness of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) population to utilize telepharmacy services and identifying the factors influencing their inclination to use these services.Methods: In this cross‐sectional study, a survey was distributed using convenience and snowball sampling to individuals aged 18 or older across the UAE through various social media platforms, including Twitter, Facebook, and WhatsApp. The survey domains included sociodemographics, attitudes, and readiness to utilize a telepharmacy service. A binary logistic regression analysis was conducted to investigate the variables associated with participants’ willingness to utilize telepharmacy in the future.Results: In total, 963 individuals participated in the study. Participants showed overall positive attitudes towards telepharmacy, with 70.9% believing that telepharmacy saved time and effort. While only 32% of the participants acknowledged that numerous telepharmacy services were available for use in the UAE, most were interested in using telepharmacy services in the future (79.2%). Participants who had higher attitude scores (AOR = 1.147, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.11–1.18) and those who had used these services previously (AOR = 3.270, 95% CI: 1.692–6.320) were more interested in using telepharmacy services in the future.Conclusion: Forthcoming healthcare strategies should focus on expanding the availability of telepharmacy services throughout various regions of the country. This expansion will facilitate the broader utilization of these services and ultimately contribute to improved health outcomes.
Academic Freedom & the Politics of the University
Authors: Scott Joan Wallach 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
In this essay, I explore the relationship between the politics of the production of knowledge and partisan attempts to interfere with it. I argue that, despite changing historical contexts, the line between this politics (understood as contests about meaning and power) and partisanship has never been secured. That is because there is a tension inherent in knowledge production that cannot be resolved by legislation, administrative fiat, or academic punditry. Academic freedom mediates the tension but does not resolve it because knowledge production is inherently critical of prevailing norms (whether in the sciences, social sciences, or humanities)-norms whose partisans seek to defend their integrity and their truth. The tension between politics and partisanship is the state (or the fate) of democratic higher education in America.
Mating with Multi-Armed Bandits: Reinforcement Learning Models of Human Mate Search
Authors: Conroy-Beam Daniel 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Mate choice requires navigating an exploration-exploitation trade-off. Successful mate choice requires choosing partners who have preferred qualities; but time spent determining one partner’s qualities could have been spent exploring for potentially superior alternatives. Here I argue that this dilemma can be modeled in a reinforcement learning framework as a multi-armed bandit problem. Moreover, using agent-based models and a sample of k = 522 real-world romantic dyads, I show that a reciprocity-weighted Thompson sampling algorithm performs well both in guiding mate search in noisy search environments and in reproducing the mate choices of real-world participants. These results provide a formal model of the understudied psychology of human mate search. They additionally offer implications for our understanding of person perception and mate choice.
Artificial intelligence enabled interpretation of ECG images to predict hematopoietic cell transplantation toxicity
Authors: Shaffer Brian C. , Brown Samantha , Chinapen Stephanie , Mangold Kathryn E. , Lahoud Oscar , Lopez-Jimenez Francisco , Schaffer Wendy , Liu Jennifer , Giralt Sergio , Devlin Sean , Shah Gunjan , Scordo Michael , Papadopoulos Esperanza , Landau Heather , Usmani Saad , Perales Miguel-Angel , Friedman Paul A. , Gersh Bernard J. , Attia Itzhak Zachi , Noseworthy Peter A. , Kosmidou Ioanna 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Artificial intelligence (AI)–enabled interpretation of electrocardiogram (ECG) images (AI-ECGs) can identify patterns predictive of future adverse cardiac events. We hypothesized that such an approach would provide prognostic information for the risk of cardiac complications and mortality in patients undergoing hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). We retrospectively subjected ECGs obtained before HCT to an externally trained, deep-learning model designed to predict the risk of atrial fibrillation (AF). Included were 1377 patients (849 autologous [auto] HCT and 528 allogeneic [allo] HCT recipients). The median follow-up was 2.9 years. The 3-year cumulative incidence of AF was 9% (95% confidence interval [CI], 7-12) in patients who underwent auto HCT and 13% (10%-16%) in patients who underwent allo HCT. In the entire cohort, pre-HCT AI-ECG estimate of AF risk correlated highly with the development of clinical AF (hazard ratio [HR], 7.37; 95% CI, 3.53-15.4; P &lt; .001), inferior survival (HR, 2.4; 95% CI, 1.3-4.5; P = .004), and greater risk of nonrelapse mortality (NRM; HR, 95% CI, 3.36; 1.39-8.13; P = .007), without increased risk of relapse. Association with mortality was only noted in allo HCT recipients, where the risk of NRM was greater. The use of cyclophosphamide after transplantation resulted in greater 90-day incidence of AF (13% vs 5%; P = .01) compared to calcineurin inhibitor–based graft-versus-host disease prophylaxis, corresponding to temporal changes in AI-ECG AF prediction after HCT. In summary, AI-ECG can inform risk of posttransplant cardiac outcomes and survival in HCT patients and represents a novel strategy for personalized risk assessment.
Unmasking of molecular players: proteomic profiling of vitreous humor in pathologic myopia
Authors: Wen Yue , Ren Chi , Zhu Li , Huang Lvzhen , Qi Huijun , Yu Wenzhen , Wang Kai , Zhao Mingwei , Xu Qiong 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Background
This study aimed to identify the differentially expressed proteins in the vitreous humor (VH) of eyes with and without pathologic myopia (PM), providing insights into the molecular pathogenesis.

Methods
A cross-sectional, observational study was conducted. VH samples were collected from patients undergoing vitrectomy for idiopathic epiretinal membrane (ERM), macular hole (MH), or myopic retinoschisis (MRS). Label-free quantitative proteomic analysis identified differential protein expression, with validation using ELISA.

Results
The proteomic profiling revealed significantly higher expressions of tubulin alpha 1a (TUBA1A) and eukaryotic translation elongation factor 1 alpha 1 (EEF1A1) in PM groups (MH-PM, MRS-PM) compared to controls (MH, ERM). Conversely, xylosyltransferase 1 (XYLT1), versican core protein (VCAN), and testican-2 (SPOCK2) expressions were lower in PM. ELISA validation confirmed these findings.

Conclusions
Our study provides novel insights into the molecular mechanisms of PM. The differentially expressed proteins EEF1A1, TUBA1A, XYLT1, VCAN, and SPOCK2 may play crucial roles in chorioretinal cell apoptosis, scleral extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis, and scleral remodeling in PM. These proteins represent potential new targets for therapeutic intervention in PM, highlighting the importance of further investigations to elucidate their functions and underlying mechanisms in disease pathogenesis.
Second-line pharmacotherapy intensification after metformin monotherapy in type 2 diabetes: a nationwide register study from Finland during 2011–2022
Authors: Rättö Hanna , Kurko Terhi , Pajunen Pia , Kastarinen Helena 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Background
In this nationwide register study, we examined the initiation of a second-line antidiabetic medicine (ADM) among new patients receiving regular metformin monotherapy in Finland during 2011–2022. We also reflected the second-line treatment patterns on changes in the reimbursement policy, and the national type 2 diabetes (T2D) care guidelines.

Methods
Using register data on all reimbursed ADM purchases during 2010–2022, we defined nine annual cohorts of patients initiating regular metformin monotherapy during 2011–2019, each with a three-year follow-up. Descriptive methods were used to study the patterns of metformin monotherapy and second-line intensification over time. Proportional hazards models were used to analyse the take-up of the second-line ADM.

Results
The share of new patients initiating metformin use (11–13% of all metformin users) and regular metformin use (83–85% of all new metformin users) remained stable. In all cohorts, 16–19% of the patients took up a second-line ADM (median time to intensification 1.5 years). With the 2011 cohort as reference, the highest proportion of new regular metformin users taking up a second ADM (hazard ratio 1.12. 95% confidence interval 1.07 ; 1.16, P < .0001) was in the 2019 cohort. In the 2017 cohort, the proportion of patients initiating sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors as second-line treatment surpassed those initiating dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors. The reimbursement policy restricted the use of GLP-1-analogues.

Conclusions
Second-line treatment intensification patterns over time paralleled the changes in the reimbursement system. Thus, our findings suggest that the reimbursement policy may influence the use of ADMs in Finland.
No evidence of Bartonella infections in host-seeking Ixodes scapularis and Ixodes pacificus ticks in the United States
Authors: Bai Ying , McClung Kristin L. , Osikowicz Lynn M. , Maes Sarah , Eisen Rebecca J. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Background
Bartonella spp. infect a variety of vertebrates throughout the world, with generally high prevalence. Several Bartonella spp. are known to cause diverse clinical manifestations in humans and have been recognized as emerging pathogens. These bacteria are mainly transmitted by blood-sucking arthropods, such as fleas and lice. The role of ticks in the transmission of Bartonella spp. is unclear.

Methods
A recently developed quadruplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplicon next-generation sequencing approach that targets Bartonella-specific fragments on gltA, ssrA, rpoB, and groEL was applied to test host-seeking Ixodes scapularis ticks (n = 1641; consisting of 886 nymphs and 755 adults) collected in 23 states of the eastern half of the United States and Ixodes pacificus ticks (n = 966; all nymphs) collected in California in the western United States for the presence of Bartonella DNA. These species were selected because they are common human biters and serve as vectors of pathogens causing the greatest number of vector-borne diseases in the United States.

Results
No Bartonella DNA was detected in any of the ticks tested by any target.

Conclusions
Owing to the lack of Bartonella detection in a large number of host-seeking Ixodes spp. ticks tested across a broad geographical region, our results strongly suggest that I. scapularis and I. pacificus are unlikely to contribute more than minimally, if at all, to the transmission of Bartonella spp.

Graphical Abstract
Comparison of subjective cognitive decline and polygenic risk score in the prediction of all-cause dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia
Authors: Trares Kira , Stocker Hannah , Stevenson-Hoare Joshua , Perna Laura , Holleczek Bernd , Beyreuther Konrad , Schöttker Ben , Brenner Hermann 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Background
Polygenic risk scores (PRS) and subjective cognitive decline (SCD) are associated with the risk of developing dementia. It remains to examine whether they can improve the established cardiovascular risk factors aging and dementia (CAIDE) model and how their predictive abilities compare.

Methods
The CAIDE model was applied to a sub-sample of a large, population-based cohort study (n = 5,360; aged 50–75) and evaluated for the outcomes of all-cause dementia, Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and vascular dementia (VD) by calculating Akaike’s information criterion (AIC) and the area under the curve (AUC). The improvement of the CAIDE model by PRS and SCD was further examined using the net reclassification improvement (NRI) method and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI).

Results
During 17 years of follow-up, 410 participants were diagnosed with dementia, including 139 AD and 152 VD diagnoses. Overall, the CAIDE model showed high discriminative ability for all outcomes, reaching AUCs of 0.785, 0.793, and 0.789 for all-cause dementia, AD, and VD, respectively. Adding information on SCD significantly increased NRI for all-cause dementia (4.4%, p = 0.04) and VD (7.7%, p = 0.01). In contrast, prediction models for AD further improved when PRS was added to the model (NRI, 8.4%, p = 0.03). When APOE ε4 carrier status was included (CAIDE Model 2), AUCs increased, but PRS and SCD did not further improve the prediction.

Conclusions
Unlike PRS, information on SCD can be assessed more efficiently, and thus, the model including SCD can be more easily transferred to the clinical setting. Nevertheless, the two variables seem negligible if APOE ε4 carrier status is available.
Unhealthy weight control behaviors and health risk behaviors in American youth: a repeated cross-sectional study
Authors: Zhao Yunan , Tran Alvin , Mattie Heather 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Background
Unhealthy weight control behaviors (UWCBs) involve weight control strategies to reduce or maintain weight, such as fasting, taking diet pills, and vomiting or taking laxatives. UWCBs in teenagers can escalate into severe health issues such as eating disorders. Understanding the trends of UWCBs and their association with risk behaviors in teenagers is crucial, as early intervention and prevention strategies are pivotal.

Methods
This study utilized eight waves of the youth risk behavior surveillance system (YRBSS) data from 1999 to 2013. Our primary outcome was UWCBs engagement. We used multinomial logistic models to analyze the association between UWCBs and risk behaviors among adolescents including driving after alcohol consumption, suicide attempts, smoking, alcohol use, and sexual intercourse.

Results
Among 109,023 participants, UWCBs prevalence was 16.64%. Body Mass Index (BMI) was significantly associated with UWCBs risk. In addition, we found the intention of weight management confounded the relationship between BMI and UWCBs. The unadjusted logistic regression indicated a monotone-increasing association between BMI and the risk of UWCBs. In contrast, the adjusted logistic regression indicated a U-shaped curve with the lowest (BMI < 17 kg/m2) and highest (BMI > 30 kg/m2) BMI groups having significantly higher odds of engaging in UWCBs compared to the reference BMI group (18.5 ≤ BMI ≤ 24.9 kg/m2).

Conclusions
The intention of weight management confounded the relationship between Body Mass Index (BMI) and the risk of UWCBs. These findings suggest that healthcare interventions for weight management behaviors should be tailored to adolescents with BMI ≥ 25 and BMI < 18.5.
Modeling students’ algorithmic thinking growth trajectories in different programming environments: an experimental test of the Matthew and compensatory hypothesis
Authors: Yusuf Abdullahi , Noor Norah Md 
Published: August 2024

AbstractIn recent years, programming education has gained recognition at various educational levels due to its increasing importance. As the need for problem-solving skills becomes more vital, researchers have emphasized the significance of developing algorithmic thinking (AT) skills to help students in program development and error debugging. Despite the development of various text-based and block-based programming tools aimed at improving students’ AT, emerging evidence in the literature indicates insufficient AT skills among students. This study was conducted to understand the growth trajectory of students’ AT skills in different programming environments. The study utilized a multigroup experiment involving 240 programming students randomly assigned to three groups: a text-and-block-based group, a block-based-only group, and a text-based-only group. Students in the text-and-block-based group were exposed to Alice and Python; those in the block-based-only group were exposed to Alice; and those in the text-based-only group were exposed to Python. We found that participants’ growth trajectory in AT skills is linear, with a significant growth rate. Although between-person variability exists across groups, we observed a compensatory effect in the text-and-block-based and block-based-only groups. Additionally, we found significant differences in AT skills across the groups, with no evidence of a gender effect. Our findings suggest that combining text-based and block-based programming environments can lead to improved and sustained intra-individual problem-solving skills, particularly in the field of programming.
Assessing oral health knowledge among public school children in Saudi Arabian subpopulation
Authors: Almalki Sultan Abdulrahman , Adil Abdul Habeeb , Mustafa Mohammed , Karobari Mohmed Isaqali 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Introduction
Oral hygiene is paramount for maintaining optimal oral and physical health, especially among children who are particularly susceptible to dental caries and issues due to dietary habits and inadequate hygiene practices. This study aimed to evaluate the awareness and knowledge of oral health among public school children, analyse their oral hygiene habits, educate parents on the importance of oral health for their children, and implement an oral hygiene educational program in Al-Kharj City, Saudi Arabia.

Methods
Four public elementary schools were selected for the study, with a sample size of 200 school-going children participating. A structured questionnaire was used to assess awareness and knowledge of oral health among the participants. SPSS software version 26 was used for data analysis. Multiple regression analysis and correlation tests was employed to explore the relationships between the different variables measured in the study.

Results
The findings revealed a significant lack of awareness regarding oral health among school children. Oral hygiene habits were found to be inadequate in many participants. Overall, the findings highlight the need for targeted interventions aimed at promoting regular dental visits, addressing dental fear, and fostering positive oral hygiene practices among school-going children to improve oral health outcomes in the studied population.

Conclusion
The study highlighted a critical gap in oral health awareness among school children, underscoring the need for targeted interventions. While the oral hygiene educational program has been implemented and future data will shed light on its effectiveness, preliminary observations suggest that such programs could potentially improve oral health outcomes and overall engagement among students.
Sleep, cognitive functions, behavioral, and emotional disturbance in self-limited focal childhood epilepsies
Authors: Ragab Osama A. , Deeb Fatma A. El , Belal Asmaa A. , Al-Malt Ayman M. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Background
Self-limited focal epilepsies of childhood, including self-limited epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes (SeLECTS), idiopathic childhood occipital epilepsy of Gastaut (ICOE-G), and self-limited epilepsy with autonomic seizures (SeLEAS), were considered benign conditions. However, recent research assumed potential adverse impacts on sleep, cognition, behavior, and emotional well-being. Our aim was to investigate the effects of self-limited focal epilepsies on sleep architecture, cognitive functions, behavior, and emotional disturbances in drug naive children. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 46 newly diagnosed children (ages 6–12) with SeLECTS (n = 22), ICOE-G (n = 12), SeLEAS (n = 12), and 20 healthy controls. Overnight polysomnography was performed. Cognitive assessments included intelligence scales, executive function tests, verbal fluency, visuospatial abilities, and memory. Behavioral and emotional problems were evaluated using standardized questionnaires and psychiatric interviews.

Results
Children with epilepsy exhibited significant disturbances in sleep architecture, impairments in cognitive domains (executive functions, verbal fluency, visuospatial skills, and memory), and higher rates of internalizing/externalizing problems, social issues, attention deficit hyperactive disorder, depression, and anxiety compared to controls. No significant differences were found among the three epilepsy subtypes.

Conclusion
Self-limited focal epilepsies in childhood are associated with sleep disruption, cognitive deficits, behavioral issues, and psychiatric comorbidities, challenging their traditional "benign" perception. Comprehensive management approaches addressing these multidimensional impacts are warranted.