bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interpretable artificial intelligence for advancing slope stability assessment techniques with Technosols
Authors: Li Sijia , Huang Manxue , Ma Mingxia , Heng Jingmei , Song Chuan , Huang Zhi 
Published: February 2025

AbstractSlope stability is a critical factor in ensuring the safety and longevity of infrastructure, especially in areas prone to landslides and soil erosion. Traditional methods of slope stability assessment, while widely used, often struggle to provide accurate results when applied to Technosols—soils modified by human activities and composed of waste materials. This study proposes a novel approach that combines artificial intelligence techniques to improve the precision of slope stability predictions in these complex soil types. The method utilizes a model based on artificial neural networks, trained on a large dataset of slope stability factors. Unlike conventional techniques, the proposed model integrates multiple environmental and material properties to provide a more accurate assessment compared to other models. The model's performance is demonstrated by R2 values of .999975 for the test datasets, which is significantly better than similar work by statistical analysis. Moreover, by incorporating Shapley Additive Explanations (SHAP), we provide a clear understanding of the impact of various soil parameters on slope stability. The findings suggest that the proposed machine learning‐based method offers a more reliable tool for slope stability evaluation in Technosols, making it a valuable addition to the field.
Process and Dynamics in AI and Language Use
Authors: Gregoromichelaki Eleni , Mills Gregory J. 
Published: February 2025

AbstractIn this volumed, Randall Beer and Joanna Rączaszek‐Leonardi have opened an important discussion of what is further needed to enhance the reach of dynamical approaches to cognition. Focusing on issues concerning the nature of language and developments in language technology, we have attempted, in this brief contribution, to place their proposals in a larger philosophical framework that suggests lines of inquiry that we believe will yield fruitful outcomes. In particular, we suggest that the adoption of a process metaphysics suggests that dynamic approaches appropriately conceived within the context of current scientific advances are at basis adequate as a framework; however, the more profound implications of its adoption have not yet been sufficiently explored.
Deglycerolization of manually glycerolized, frozen red cell concentrates using a closed system cell processor
Authors: Howell Anita , Kurach Jayme , William Nishaka , Hill Angela , Dennis Brandie , Acker Jason P. 
Published: February 2025

AbstractBackgroundHistorically, red cell concentrates (RCCs) have been manually glycerolized and deglycerolized using an open system (COBE 2991, Terumo). Implementation of a closed system cell processor (ACP‐215, Haemonetics) for glycerolization and deglycerolization of RCCs creates a challenge for management of the historic cryopreserved RCC inventory. A study was undertaken to determine whether manually glycerolized frozen RCCs could be deglycerolized using the closed system processor, as the open system processors are being discontinued.Study Design and MethodsThirteen ABO/Rh matched RCCs were pooled and split to produce six large (approximately 354 mL) and six small (approximately 244 mL) RCCs. All units were stored for 14 days post‐collection, manually glycerolized and frozen at ≤ −65°C for ≥72 h. Half of the units of each size were deglycerolized using the COBE 2991 and resuspended in 0.9% saline, and the remaining units were centrifuged, deglycerolized on the ACP‐215, and resuspended AS‐3. RBC quality was tested at 24 ± 2 h post‐deglycerolization.ResultsAll units deglycerolized on the ACP‐215 had significantly lower hemolysis (p < .001) levels than those processed on the COBE2991. Large ACP‐215 deglycerolized units had lower hematocrits (p < .05), hemoglobin (p < .01), and recovery (p = .001) than did large units deglycerolized on the COBE 2991. All ACP‐215 units met the regulatory standards for hemolysis, hematocrit, hemoglobin, and recovery.DiscussionThe closed‐system ACP‐215 processor significantly reduced post‐deglycerolization hemolysis in all units, and hemoglobin content in large units. The ACP‐215, in combination with a centrifugation step, is suitable for processing cryopreserved RCCs that have been manually glycerolized.
Evaluation of the analytical performance of a point‐of‐care analyzer for the measurement of feline serum thyroxine concentration in comparison with a chemiluminescence enzyme immunoassay
Authors: Gläsel Agnes C. , Weiler Kristina , Pankraz Alexander , Bauer Natali 
Published: February 2025

AbstractBackgroundTotal thyroxine (TT4) measurement is used to assess thyroid status in cats.ObjectivesThe aim of the prospective study was to evaluate the analytical performance of the point‐of‐care analyzer (POCA) Immuno AU10V using the v‐T4 test kit for feline TT4 measurement. Additionally, method comparison with a benchtop analyzer (IMMULITE 2000) was done.MethodsValidation included linearity, inter‐ and intra‐assay precision, precision near the lower limit of quantification (LloQ), and interference testing for hemoglobin, lipid, and bilirubin. Correlation and bias were assessed.ResultsLinearity was given within the dynamic range. Coefficients of variation (CV) were ≤4% near the LloQ as well as for intra‐and inter‐assay precision. No interference was observed for lipid and bilirubin, while hemoglobin caused a negative bias of 28%. Method comparison included 74 samples within three TT4 concentration ranges (0.5–3.7, >3.7–5.13, >5.13–8 μg/dL). Correlation between POCA and reference method was excellent (rs = 0.95) with a slight proportional bias of 4.5%. TEobs was between 7.0% and 9.8%. Despite substantial agreement, discordant results on thyroid status occurred in 15% of samples.ConclusionsThe analytical performance of the POCA was excellent, as was its correlation with the reference method. Except for the interferent effect of hemoglobin, the TEobs was <TEa for all analyses. Analysis of severely hemolytic samples is not advised. However, the relatively small dynamic range of the POCA precludes quantitative analysis of samples with TT4 >8 μg/dL, and de novo reference intervals need to be established.
What Is the Evidence to Support Ongoing Nasogastric Tube Position Testing? A Prospective Observational Study of Adverse Events in Australia and the United Kingdom
Authors: Glen Kate , Weekes Christine Elizabeth , Banks Merrilyn , Hannan‐Jones Mary 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTBackgroundOngoing nasogastric tube (NGT) testing guidelines aim to prevent the use of a displaced NGT; however, guidelines vary, and the relative risks and benefits of different testing methods are unknown.AimTo observe methods used in two hospitals to confirm ongoing NGT position and any differences in outcomes.MethodsData were collected prospectively from the medical records of 256 patients with NGTs across a London National Health Service Trust and a Brisbane hospital. These hospitals use different methods of ongoing NGT position confirmation, predominantly pH tests and external tube length measurement (ETLM), respectively. Statistical models explored outcomes associated with test results, including confirmation of NGT position, number of X‐rays, and delivery of enteral nutrition and medication.ResultsMost ongoing NGT position tests in London were pH (83.4%) and in Brisbane were ETLM (98.6%). Overall, eight NGTs were reported as displaced, of which six were identified by oral cavity inspection. One hundred and eighty‐five (31.8%) ongoing pH tests failed to confirm that the NGT remained correctly positioned. Failed ongoing NGT position tests were associated with significantly more X‐rays, which resulted in disruptions to enteral nutrition and medications in London (n = 64, 47.1%) compared to Brisbane (n = 9, 7.5%) (p < 0.001).Linking Evidence to ActionOverall, NGT displacement occurred rarely. Compared to ETLM, pH tests frequently failed to confirm that the tube remained correctly positioned, resulting in X‐rays and disruptions to enteral nutrition and medications. Oral cavity inspection alongside ETLM could be a safe alternative method to pH testing but requires more research to examine generalizability.
Exercise echocardiography for improved assessment of diastolic filling dynamics
Authors: Fischer Mads , Bonne Thomas , Klaris Magnus Bak , Lenzing Emil , Stöhr Eric J. , Bejder Jacob , Lundby Carsten , Nordsborg Nikolai B. , Nybo Lars 
Published: February 2025

AbstractDuring exercise stress, heart rate (HR) increases to support cardiac output, which also reduces ventricular filling time. Although echocardiography is widely used to assess cardiac function, studies display conflicting data on the dynamic changes in the healthy trained and untrained heart during rest and acute exercise stress. To address these discrepancies, we tested a new echocardiography exercise protocol on two groups with significant differences in cardiorespiratory fitness. Ten untrained individuals with maximal oxygen uptake of 38 ± 8 ml/kg/min and 10 endurance‐trained athletes matched for body surface area but with higher maximal oxygen uptake (71 ± 5 ml/kg/min) were evaluated at rest, during semi‐recumbent cycling at 25 and 75 W and at a relative workload intensity eliciting a HR of 140 beats/min (HR140). Stroke volume was 36% higher in the trained at rest, and this difference increased during exercise to 42% at 25 W, 46% at 75 W and 63% at HR140 (all P < 0.05). In contrast, no group differences were found in markers of myocardial function (ventricular contraction and relaxation velocities) or other traditional echocardiographic measures of ventricular function at rest or exercise for a given HR. However, while similar at rest, diastolic and systolic function provided limited insight into differences between less fit and highly fit individuals. The new exercise echocardiography protocol improves the ability to uncover differences in dynamic changes in diastolic filling capacity that explain the previously reported higher end‐diastolic compliance in endurance‐trained athletes.
HCN channels promote Na/K‐ATPase activity during slow afterhyperpolarization after seizure‐like events in vitro
Authors: Amakhin Dmitry V. , Sinyak Denis S. , Soboleva Elena B. , Zaitsev Aleksey V. 
Published: February 2025

AbstractHyperpolarization‐activated cyclic nucleotide‐gated (HCN) channels are strongly involved in the regulation of neuronal excitability, with their precise role being determined by their subcellular localization and interaction with other ion channels and transporters. Their role in causing epileptic seizures is not fully understood. Using whole‐cell patch‐clamp recordings of rat brain slices, we show that HCN channels constitute a substantial fraction of the membrane conductance of deep entorhinal principal neurons. Using the 4‐aminopyridine model of epileptic seizures in vitro, we show that HCN channel blockade with ZD‐7288 increases the frequency of seizure‐like events (SLEs) and alters the time course of afterhyperpolarization after SLEs (post‐SLE AHP), promoting its faster onset and making it more transient. Simultaneous whole‐cell patch‐clamp and K+ ion‐selective electrode recordings revealed that the time course of changes in neuronal membrane potential and extracellular K+ concentration after SLEs in the presence of ZD‐7288 differed from that in the control, which can be explained by altered Na/K‐ATPase [sodium–potassium adenosine triphosphatase (sodium–potassium pump)] activity after SLEs. To confirm this hypothesis, we demonstrated the ouabain sensitivity of post‐SLE AHP and showed that loading neurons with high intracellular Na+ concentration prevented the effect of HCN channel blockade on post‐SLE AHP. Taken together, the results obtained suggest that during post‐SLE AHP, the influx of Na+ through HCN channels helps to maintain Na/K‐ATPase hyperactivity, resulting in the longer pauses between SLEs. Mathematical modelling confirmed the feasibility of the proposed mechanism. Such an interplay between Na/K‐ATPase and HCN channels may be crucial for the regulation of seizure termination in epilepsy.
imageKey points
HCN channels constitute a significant fraction of the resting membrane conductance of deep entorhinal principal neurons.
HCN channels modulate the seizure‐like events (SLEs) in the entorhinal cortex. The blockade of HCN channels increases the frequency of SLEs and reduces the duration of the afterhyperpolarization that follows them.
The results suggest that HCN channels affect intracellular sodium ion concentration dynamics, prolonging the activity of the Na/K‐ATPase [sodium–potassium adenosine triphosphatase (sodium–potassium) pump] after SLEs, which in turn results in longer pauses between them.
Use of a TaqMan Array Card for identification of enterotoxins and colonization factors directly from stool samples in an enterotoxigenic
E. coli
vaccine study
Authors: Liu Jie , Jokiranta T. Sakari , Carlin Nils , Stroup Suzanne , Zhang Jixian , Sjostrand Bjorn , Svennerholm Ann-Mari , Houpt Eric R. , Kantele Anu 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACT

Enterotoxigenic
Escherichia coli
(ETEC) is a leading cause of childhood and travelers’ diarrhea. The vaccine candidate ETVAX encompasses several ETEC colonization factors (CFs) with a hybrid LT (heat-labile toxin)/cholera toxin B subunit adjuvanted with a double-mutant LT. Stool samples from a Phase 2b ETVAX trial were tested by a PCR-based customized TaqMan Array Card (TAC), including three ETEC toxin genes (LT and heat-stable toxins, STh and STp) and 18 ETEC CFs. Stool samples were also tested with the molecular platform Amplidiag and culture, followed by GM1-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and inhibition GM1-ELISA for LT and ST and dot blot for CFs of ETECs identified among six culture isolates (maximum). Compared with Amplidiag, TAC yielded 89.4% sensitivity (320/358) and 96.4% specificity (405/420) for ETEC detection. The two methods demonstrated a good quantitative correlation (quantification cycle
R
2
= 0.827,
P
< 0.05). Compared with culture, TAC and Amplidiag each exhibited 96.8% (184/190) sensitivity and identified an additional of 151 and 174 PCR positives in 588 culture-negative stools, respectively. The concordance of stool TAC versus ELISA of ETEC colonies for LT and STh/STp was 85.5% (165/193). TAC demonstrated 98% sensitivity and 92% specificity versus the dot blot results of 793 colonies for the ETVAX CFs CFA/I, CS3, CS5, and CS6. Overall ETEC was detected by TAC in 335 (43.1%) and by Amplidiag in 358 (46.0%) of specimens compared to 190 (24.4%) by culture. We conclude that molecular diagnostic approaches of TAC or Amplidiag increase the detection of ETEC compared with culture, and TAC can also provide vaccine-subtype ETEC data.

CLINICAL TRIALS

This study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov as
NCT03729219

.

IMPORTANCE

Enterotoxigenic
Escherichia coli
(ETEC) is an important cause of childhood and travelers’ diarrhea. Vaccines in development utilize specific toxins and colonization factors (CFs) as antigens. Therefore, clinical microbiologic diagnostic methods are needed to discriminate specific toxins and CFs, both for vaccine trials and to guide epidemiology. In this work, we assessed the diagnostic performance of several methods for ETEC: a PCR-based customized TaqMan Array Card (TAC) and the molecular platform Amplidiag on stool and
E. coli
culture, followed by GM1-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for toxins and dot blot for CFs. Stool samples from a Phase 2b ETEC vaccine trial were used. Overall, ETEC was detected by TAC in 335 (43.1%) and by Amplidiag in 358 samples (46.0%) compared to 190 (24.4%) by culture. TAC additionally provided CF data with 98% sensitivity and 92% specificity. We conclude that the molecular diagnostic approaches of TAC or Amplidiag increase the detection of ETEC compared with culture.
Impact of child socioemotional and cognitive development on exam results in adolescence: findings from the UK Millennium Cohort Study
Authors: Black Michelle , Akanni Lateef , Adjei Nicholas Kofi , Melendez-Torres G J , Hargreaves Dougal , Taylor-Robinson David 
Published: February 2025

BackgroundCognitive ability and socioemotional behaviour during childhood have independently been shown to impact educational outcomes. The extent to which their co-development predicts these outcomes remains unclear. This study aimed to assess associations between concurrent cognitive and socioemotional development trajectories in childhood and exam results at age 16 years.Data and methodWe analysed longitudinal data on 9084 children from the UK Millennium Cohort Study. Exposure trajectories of cognitive and socioemotional development from age 3 to 14 years were characterised using group-based multi-trajectory models. We used logistic regression to assess associations between these development trajectories and exam attainment, measured by passing five or more GCSE subjects at age 16, adjusting for confounders. Population-attributable fractions were calculated to quantify the contribution of cognitive and socioemotional problems to poor educational outcomes.ResultsCompared with the ‘no problem’ trajectory group, the odds of not achieving a standard pass in GCSE was 2.5 times higher for the ‘late socioemotional problems’ trajectory group (adjusted OR 2.5, 95% CI 2.1 to 3.1) and four times higher for the ‘early cognitive and socioemotional problems’ trajectory group (adjusted OR 4.2, 95% CI 3.4 to 5.3). The OR was highest for the trajectory group with persistent cognitive and socioemotional problems (adjusted OR 4.4, 95% CI 3.3 to 5.8). Approximately 17% of poor exam results in adolescence were attributable to cognitive and socioemotional behaviour problems in childhood (adjusted population-attributable fraction 17%, 95% CI 15% to 19%).ConclusionIn a representative UK cohort, adverse development of cognitive and socioemotional behaviour in childhood was associated with a negative impact on exam results in adolescence, more so when the adverse development co-occurs or clusters early or persistently. Cross sector health and education policy that invests in reducing cognitive and socioemotional behaviour problems in children has the potential to improve educational outcomes in adolescence.
Prospective evaluation of the impact of repeated whole prison testing for hepatitis C
Authors: Phaw Naw April , Thant Aung Min , Thompson Craig , Jelley Ryan , McQue Kate , Aldridge Jodi , Allsop Caroline , Kerry Jenna , McCullough Francesca , Miller Carolyn , Valappil Manoj , Jefferson Tony , Lawton Colin , Christensen Lee , McPherson Stuart 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionChronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is prevalent in prisons. Universal reception HCV testing is recommended, but acceptance can be suboptimal. To detect and treat missed HCV infections, a high-intensity test and treat (HITT) programme was introduced to rapidly test entire prisons. It remains unknown whether regular HITTs will be required to maintain prison microelimination. We aimed to assess the outcomes of HITTs conducted in a prison 4 years apart with ongoing reception testing.MethodsA prospective observational evaluation of the impact of HITTs was conducted in January 2020 and February 2024 at Low Newton, a female prison. The outcomes of the reception testing were reviewed in the intervening period to determine the number of newly identified HCV infections.ResultsHITTs were successful in testing almost all residents (305/307) in 2020 and (296/296) in 2024. The number of newly diagnosed HCV individuals fell from 6.6% in 2020 to 0.3% in 2024. One new HCV case was identified in the second HITT. In between the HITTs, 89% of receptions had HCV testing, increasing from 83% in 2020 to 95% in 2023. Overall, 81% (144/178) of active HCV infections received antiviral treatment, and 89% achieved sustained virological response. The proportion of active HCV infections between the HITTs was 7.2% through reception testing.ConclusionA follow-up HITT after 4 years yielded only 0.3% active HCV infection in a high HCV prevalence prison and a reasonably good reception testing and treatment programme. Therefore, resources should be focused on optimising reception testing rather than undertaking repeated HITTs.
Role of general practitioner-led rural community hospitals in Sweden: a qualitative study
Authors: Hedman Mante , Wennberg Patrik , Sjöström Malin , Brännström Margareta 
Published: February 2025

ObjectiveTo explore rural general practitioners’ (GPs’) experiences of providing care in rural community hospitals (CHs) in northern Sweden.DesignAn interview study, using qualitative content analysis.SettingThe study was conducted in Norrbotten and Västerbotten counties in Sweden and included eight rural CHs.ParticipantsSemi-structured interviews were conducted in 2018 with 15 rural GPs.ResultsTwo themes were identified: ‘Being the hub in the patient’s healthcare pathway’ and ‘Offering person-centred care far from hospital’. CHs are suitable for elderly, multimorbid and end-of-life patients, emphasising proximity, familiarity and discharge planning. They serve as primary care and intermediate hospital care hubs, collaborating with general hospitals and municipal caregivers. The rural GPs interviewed, as generalists, value holistic hospital patient care, and benefit from longitudinal patient knowledge. They highlighted these advantages and the cost-effectiveness of the CH model, arguing that it should be extended to urban regions. The rural GPs described their work situation as stimulating, but role conflicts in tight-knit communities, geographical distances and limited medical resources pose rural-specific ethical dilemmas.ConclusionsRural GPs value the holistic generalist perspective of CH care and emphasise the high-quality care that the CH setting enables them to provide. Despite rural-specific ethical dilemmas, they value the CH model and are concerned about its closures.
Social and geographical disparities in adverse birth outcomes in Alaska: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Smith M Luke , Vertigan Theresa , Athauda Nelsha , Hahn Micah 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionPreterm birth (PTB) affects 1 in 10 births in the USA and is associated with near-term and long-term health consequences. This study assesses social and geographical disparities in adverse birth outcomes and associated risk factors in Alaska.MethodsWe examined birth records for 218 222 singleton live births in Alaska between 2000 and 2020. We described the distribution of PTB, very PTB, and low birth weight by geographical region, assessed risk factors for adverse birth outcomes, investigated how racial and ethnic differences in birth outcomes may be related to behavioural and social risk factors, and investigated how the unique transportation network in the state may affect adverse birth outcomes.ResultsThere was an increased risk of PTB among births to mothers over 35 years of age (adjusted OR, AOR: 1.26; 95% CI: 1.20, 1.33), with prepregnancy diabetes (AOR: 3.42; 95% CI: 3.00, 3.90) or hypertension (AOR: 2.28; 95% CI: 2.08, 2.51), who used tobacco during pregnancy (AOR: 1.33; 95% CI: 1.27, 1.40), and who received <11 prenatal care visits (AOR: 2.66; 95% CI: 2.56, 2.77). Racial disparities in PTB persisted after adjustment for behavioural and healthcare-related risk factors. Nearly 40% of births took place outside the mother’s community of residence, and there was an increased risk of PTB associated with travelling for birth.ConclusionsPTB continues to be a persistent issue in Alaska, particularly among non-white mothers. Our findings regarding prenatal care utilisation, pre-existing health conditions, and tobacco use during pregnancy can support public health interventions to decrease the risk of adverse birth outcomes.