bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In vitro blood sample assessment: investigating correlation of laboratory hemoglobin and spectral properties of dual-energy CT measurements (ρ/Z)
Authors: Schulz Bastian , Euler André , Schmid Hans-Ruedi , Kubik-Huch Rahel A. , Thali Michael , Niemann Tilo 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Objectives
Our study comprised a single-center retrospective in vitro correlation between spectral properties, namely ρ/Z values, derived from scanning blood samples using dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) with the corresponding laboratory hemoglobin/hematocrit (Hb/Hct) levels and assessed the potential in anemia-detection.

Methods
DECT of 813 patient blood samples from 465 women and 348 men was conducted using a standardized scan protocol. Electron density relative to water (ρ or rho), effective atomic number (Zeff), and CT attenuation (Hounsfield unit) were measured.

Results
Positive correlation with the Hb/Hct was shown for ρ (r-values 0.37–0.49) and attenuation (r-values 0.59–0.83) while no correlation was observed for Zeff (r-values −0.04 to 0.08). Significant differences in attenuation and ρ values were detected for blood samples with and without anemia in both genders (p value < 0.001) with area under the curve ranging from 0.7 to 0.95. Depending on the respective CT parameters, various cutoff values for CT-based anemia detection could be determined.

Conclusion
In summary, our study investigated the correlation between DECT measurements and Hb/Hct levels, emphasizing novel aspects of ρ and Zeff values. Assuming that quantitative changes in the number of hemoglobin proteins might alter the mean Zeff values, the results of our study show that there is no measurable correlation on the atomic level using DECT. We established a positive in vitro correlation between Hb/Hct values and ρ. Nevertheless, attenuation emerged as the most strongly correlated parameter with identifiable cutoff values, highlighting its preference for CT-based anemia detection.

Clinical relevance statement
By scanning multiple blood samples with dual-energy CT scans and comparing the measurements with standard laboratory blood tests, we were able to underscore the potential of CT-based anemia detection and its advantages in clinical practice.

Key Points

Prior in vivo studies have found a correlation between aortic blood pool and measured hemoglobin and hematocrit.

Hemoglobin and hematocrit correlated with electron density relative to water and attenuation but not Zeff.

Dual-energy CT has the potential for additional clinical benefits, such as CT-based anemia detection.

Graphical Abstract
Introduction and reflections on the comparative physiology of sleep and circadian rhythms
Authors: Foster Russell G. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractCircadian rhythms and the sleep/wake cycle allows us, and most life on Earth, to function optimally in a dynamic world, adjusting all aspects of biology to the varied and complex demands imposed by the 24-hour rotation of the Earth upon its axis. A key element in understanding these rhythms, and the success of the field in general, has been because researchers have adopted a comparative approach. Across all taxa, fundamental questions relating to the generation and regulation of sleep and circadian rhythms have been address using biochemical, molecular, cellular, system and computer modelling techniques. Furthermore, findings have been placed into an ecological and evolutionary context. By addressing both the “How” – mechanistic, and “Why” – evolutionary questions in parallel, the field has achieved remarkable successes, including how circadian rhythms are generated and regulated by light. Yet many key questions remain. In this special issue on the Comparative Physiology of Sleep and Circadian Rhythms, celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Journal of Comparative Physiology, important new discoveries are detailed. These findings illustrate the power of comparative physiology to address novel questions and demonstrate that sleep and circadian physiology are embedded within the biological framework of an organism.
Inflammatory diseases causing joint and bone destruction: rheumatoid arthritis and hemophilic arthropathy
Authors: Terashima Asuka , Ono Kumiko , Omata Yasunori , Tanaka Sakae , Saito Taku 
Published: June 2024

AbstractVarious diseases and conditions cause joint disorders. Osteoarthritis (OA) is characterized by the degeneration of articular cartilage, synovitis, and anabolic changes in surrounding bone tissues. In contrast, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and hemophilic arthropathy (HA) display marked destruction of bone tissues caused by synovitis. RA is a representative autoimmune disease. The primary tissue of RA pathogenesis is the synovial membrane and involves various immune cells that produce catabolic cytokines and enzymes. Hemophilia is a genetic disorder caused by a deficiency in blood clotting factors. Recurrent intra-articular bleeding leads to chronic synovitis through excessive iron deposition and results in the destruction of affected joints. Although the triggers for these two joint diseases are completely different, many cytokines and enzymes are common in the pathogenesis of both RA and HA. This review focuses on the similarities between joint and bone destruction in RA and HA. The insights may be useful in developing better treatments for hemophilia patients with arthropathy and osteoporosis by leveraging advanced therapeutics for RA.
Report of the HIMSS-SIIM Enterprise Imaging Community Data Standards Evaluation Workgroup: Anatomic Ontology Assessment
Authors: Cram Dawn , Eid Monief , Goldburgh Mitchell M. , Nagels Jason , Yudkovitch Lawrence , Towbin Alexander J. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractPreviously, the lack of a standard body part ontology has been identified as a critical deficiency needed to enable enterprise imaging. This whitepaper aims to provide a comprehensive assessment of anatomical ontologies with the aim of facilitating enterprise imaging. It offers an overview of the process undertaken by the Health Information Management Systems Society (HIMSS) and Society for Imaging Informatics in medicine (SIIM) Enterprise Imaging Community Data Standards Evaluation workgroup to assess the viability of existing ontologies for supporting cross-disciplinary medical imaging workflows. The report analyzes the responses received from representatives of three significant ontologies: SNOMED CT, LOINC, and ICD, and delves into their suitability for the complex landscape of enterprise imaging. It highlights the strengths and limitations of each ontology, ultimately concluding that SNOMED CT is the most viable solution for standardizing anatomy terminology across the medical imaging community.
Genetics and genetic diagnosis of focal childhood epilepsy
Authors: Krey Ilona , Lemke Johannes R. , von Spiczak Sarah 
Published: June 2024

AbstractSelf-limiting focal epilepsies are among the most common forms of epilepsy in children. Based on family studies, a genetic basis is assumed for the epilepsy as well as the typical electroencephalographic (EEG) feature of centrotemporal spikes, although complex inheritance and possibly additional influencing factors must be considered. Variants in GRIN2A, encoding the GluN2A subunit of the N‑methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) glutamate receptor, represent the most important genetic risk factor to date. With memantine for variants with a gain-of-function effect and L‑serine for loss-of-function variants, two personalized therapeutic approaches are potentially available. Their effectiveness and significance need to be clarified in further investigations and clinical trials.
Telehealth Models for PrEP Delivery: A Systematic Review of Acceptability, Implementation, and Impact on the PrEP Care Continuum in the United States
Authors: Bonett Stephen , Li Qian , Sweeney Anna , Gaither-Hardy Denise , Safa Hussein 
Published: June 2024

AbstractPre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is pivotal in curbing HIV transmission and is integral to the national plan to end the HIV epidemic in the United States (US). Nonetheless, widespread PrEP adoption faces barriers. Telehealth delivery models for PrEP, or telePrEP, can enhance PrEP access and adherence by providing flexible care remotely. This study presents a systematic review of telePrEP programs in the US, aiming to describe model characteristics and summarize clinical, implementation, and equity outcomes. We reviewed studies published from 2012 to 2023. We included articles that described telePrEP systems in the US and measured PrEP care continuum outcomes (awareness, initiation, uptake, adherence) or acceptability of the intervention by program users. Eight articles describing six distinct telePrEP initiatives met our inclusion criteria. Studies described models implemented in community-based, academic, and commercial settings, with most programs using a direct-to-client telePrEP model. Across studies, clients reported high acceptability of the telePrEP programs, finding them easy to use, convenient, and helpful as a tool for accessing HIV prevention services. No programs were offering injectable PrEP at the time these studies were conducted. Data was limited in measuring PrEP retention rates and the reach of services to underserved populations, including Black and Latinx communities, transgender individuals, and cis-gender women. Findings underscore the potential of telePrEP to bolster the reach of PrEP care and address structural barriers to access. As telehealth models for PrEP care gain prominence, future research should concentrate on refining implementation strategies, enhancing equity outcomes, and expanding services to include injectable PrEP.
The Impact of COVID-19 on the HIV Cascade of Care in Botswana – An Interrupted Time Series
Authors: Sehurutshi Alice , Farooqui Habib , Chivese Tawanda 
Published: June 2024

AbstractGlobally, Botswana has one of the highest burdens of HIV. This study estimated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the HIV cascade of care in Sub-Saharan Africa. We conducted an interrupted time series analysis on national-level data to estimate the effect of COVID-19 on the numbers of HIV tests, positive HIV tests and ART initiations from April 2019 until March 2021. In multivariable Poisson interrupted time series regression, the COVID-19 lockdown was associated with a 27% decrease in the monthly numbers of HIV tests (IRR 0.73, 95%CI 0.72–0.73), a 25% decrease in HIV positive tests (IRR 0.75, 95%CI 0.71–0.79), and a 43% reduction in ART initiations (IRR 0.57, 95%CI 0.55–0.60). The impact of the pandemic on all three outcomes was worse in males and those aged ≥ 50 years. In conclusion, COVID-19 had a strong negative impact on HIV screening, diagnosis and ART initiation in Botswana.
The Role of the Multidisciplinary HIV Care Center in Mitigating Social Isolation Among Patients with HIV During the Early COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Mgbako Ofole , Loughran Claire , Vaughn Michael P. , Felder Jason , Augustin Ashley , Gordon Peter , Remien Robert H. , Olender Susan 
Published: June 2024

AbstractAs the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020, significant public health mitigation efforts were vital to combat an unprecedented health crisis. These efforts, which involved social distancing and self-quarantine, likely worsened a public health crisis of social isolation and loneliness in the U.S., particularly among people with HIV (PWH). Multidisciplinary HIV care centers, which served as the main source of clinical care for PWH and in some cases the only point of social contact, faced evolving dynamics of in-person visits during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as a shift to telehealth services. Using in-depth interviews, we explored the role that multidisciplinary HIV care centers and providers played in the experience of social isolation among PWH in New York City. We recruited participants (n = 30) from a multidisciplinary HIV care center in NYC between October 2020 and June 2021. We conducted semi-structured interviews to understand the specific domains of social isolation that were mitigated. In this cohort, the major theme that drove both in-person and telehealth care continuity was the strength of the patient-provider relationship. We found that participants saw members of the HIV care center as part of their social network, and providers served both as a source of emotional support and provided important social resources and benefits. Thus, in times of heightened social isolation, HIV care centers can play a critical role in providing social support in addition to clinical care.
Unlocking the capabilities of explainable few-shot learning in remote sensing
Authors: Lee Gao Yu , Dam Tanmoy , Ferdaus Md. Meftahul , Poenar Daniel Puiu , Duong Vu N. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractRecent advancements have significantly improved the efficiency and effectiveness of deep learning methods for image-based remote sensing tasks. However, the requirement for large amounts of labeled data can limit the applicability of deep neural networks to existing remote sensing datasets. To overcome this challenge, few-shot learning has emerged as a valuable approach for enabling learning with limited data. While previous research has evaluated the effectiveness of few-shot learning methods on satellite-based datasets, little attention has been paid to exploring the applications of these methods to datasets obtained from Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), which are increasingly used in remote sensing studies. In this review, we provide an up-to-date overview of both existing and newly proposed few-shot classification techniques, along with appropriate datasets that are used for both satellite-based and UAV-based data. We demonstrate few-shot learning can effectively handle the diverse perspectives in remote sensing data. As an example application, we evaluate state-of-the-art approaches on a UAV disaster scene dataset, yielding promising results. Furthermore, we highlight the significance of incorporating explainable AI (XAI) techniques into few-shot models. In remote sensing, where decisions based on model predictions can have significant consequences, such as in natural disaster response or environmental monitoring, the transparency provided by XAI is crucial. Techniques like attention maps and prototype analysis can help clarify the decision-making processes of these complex models, enhancing their reliability. We identify key challenges including developing flexible few-shot methods to handle diverse remote sensing data effectively. This review aims to equip researchers with an improved understanding of few-shot learning’s capabilities and limitations in remote sensing, while pointing out open issues to guide progress in efficient, reliable and interpretable data-efficient techniques.
Determinants of Intention to Use HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis and Condom Use Among a Sample of Cisgender Female Sex Workers Working Mostly Outdoors in Madrid, Spain
Authors: Vazquez Guillamet Laia J. , Valencia Jorge , Ryan Pablo , Cuevas-Tascón Guillermo , del-Olmo-Morales Miguel Angel , Cobo Ines , Lazarus Jeffrey V. , Chevance Guillaume 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThere is scant knowledge regarding pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use among female sex workers (FSWs) in Europe. Spain recognized FSWs as a population at high risk of acquiring HIV and granted them subsidized access to PrEP when the medication first became nationally available in 2019. Nevertheless, FSWs represented just 0.2% of PrEP users in 2022. A total of 102 HIV-negative FSWs reached through field activities of local NGOs located in Madrid were interviewed between January and March 2022. Participants were selected through convenience sampling over a fixed recruitment period. FSWs completed a 73-item survey with questions about individual, occupational, social, and structural determinants. The objective of this study was to identify (1) the prevalence of intention to use oral PrEP and its determinants, and (2) the prevalence of inconsistent condom use, which is the risk factor that qualifies FSWs for subsidized PrEP in the national health system, and its determinants. Importantly, the study sample overrepresented street-based FSWs (71.6%). A quarter (25.5%) of the study participants used condoms inconsistently. PrEP awareness was low (9.8%), but intention to use PrEP was high (72.5%). Intention to use oral PrEP was significantly associated with feeling protected against HIV by taking PrEP and perceiving insufficient protection by condom use alone. Inconsistent condom use was significantly associated with frequent heroin/cocaine use, having clients who inject drugs, and willingness to take PrEP despite it not protecting 100% against HIV infection. FSWs, in this specific sample, are likely to benefit from targeted PrEP awareness campaigns and implementation projects that prioritize those who use drugs and are more likely to engage in condomless sex.
A randomized controlled trial of shared decision-making treatment planning process to enhance shared decision-making in patients with MBC
Authors: Rocque Gabrielle B. , Eltoum Noon , Caston Nicole E. , Williams Courtney P. , Oliver Marian M. , Moradi Lauren , Ingram Stacey , Azuero Andres , Pisu Maria , Bhatia Smita 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Opportunities exist for patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) to engage in shared decision-making (SDM). Presenting patient-reported data, including patient treatment preferences, to oncologists before or during a treatment plan decision may improve patient engagement in treatment decisions.

Methods
This randomized controlled trial evaluated the standard-of-care treatment planning process vs. a novel treatment planning process focused on SDM, which included oncologist review of patient-reported treatment preferences, prior to or during treatment decisions among women with MBC. The primary outcome was patient perception of shared decision-making. Secondary outcomes included patient activation, treatment satisfaction, physician perception of treatment decision-making, and use of treatment plans.

Results
Among the 109 evaluable patients from December 2018 to June 2022, 28% were Black and 12% lived in a highly disadvantaged neighborhood. Although not reaching statistical significance, patients in the intervention arm perceived SDM more often than patients in the control arm (63% vs. 59%; Cramer’s V = 0.05; OR 1.19; 95% CI 0.55–2.57). Among patients in the intervention arm, 31% were at the highest level of patient activation compared to 19% of those in the control arm (V = 0.18). In 82% of decisions, the oncologist agreed that the patient-reported data helped them engage in SDM. In 45% of decision, they reported changing management due to patient-reported data.

Conclusions
Oncologist engagement in the treatment planning process, with oncologist review of patient-reported data, is a promising approach to improve patient participation in treatment decisions which should be tested in larger studies.

Trial registration
NCT03806738.
External codes for multiple unicast networks via interference alignment
Authors: Kschischang F. R. , Manganiello F. , Ravagnani A. , Savary K. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractWe introduce a formal framework to study the multiple unicast problem for a coded network in which the network code is linear over a finite field and fixed. We show that the problem corresponds to an interference alignment problem over a finite field. In this context, we establish an outer bound for the achievable rate region and provide examples of networks where the bound is sharp. We finally give evidence of the crucial role played by the field characteristic in the problem.
Demystifying Lesotho, Rwandan and Nigerian educators’ viewpoints on smart technologies supporting AI in higher education
Authors: Theodorio Adedayo Olayinka , Waghid Zayd , Mataka Tawanda Wallace , Adegoke Oyebimpe 
Published: June 2024

AbstractGiven the deluge of technology flowing into African countries from the global north, it is not a hyperbole to make a point that developed nations are better equipped to practically integrate Smart Technologies supporting Artificial Intelligence (STAI) into higher education teaching methodologies. However, conversations regarding the application of AI in higher education have been spurred by attempts at its practical implementation in developing countries such as Lesotho, Rwanda, and Nigeria. Furthermore, a dearth of literature exists regarding STAI in higher education within the contexts of higher education in Lesotho, Rwanda, and Nigeria. This dearth points to a necessity for research to be conducted to include the three countries’ higher education contexts in order for researchers to be able to comprehend the perspectives of educators in these countries on their use of STAI in teaching and learning, as well as to identify the challenges associated with integrating STAI into higher education instructional practices. This study examines these three countries as case studies to gain insights into the perspectives of these educators on smart technologies which support AI in their higher education sectors. Vygotsky’s (1978) emphasis on ‘cultural tools’ and social interaction remains crucial in the knowledge-building process, and his social constructivist learning theory underpins the study. An online, semi-structured questionnaire was designed to address the question: What are e the viewpoints of a sampled group of higher education educators from Rwanda, Nigeria and Lesotho on Smart Technologies which support AI in Higher Education? The findings revealed participant from these countries to possess varied technological knowledge of the use of STAI to facilitate content comprehension and achievement of their teaching objectives. However, we argue in this paper that the participating educators’ varied understandings of the use of STAI in higher education needs to expand and to be swiftly accommodated if the three countries are to be on par with developed countries.
Procedural efficiency is enhanced combining the pentaspline pulsed field ablation catheter with three-dimensional electroanatomical mapping system for pulmonary vein isolation
Authors: Falasca Zamponi Alessio , Olson Jens , Scheel Sergej , Englund Anders , Scorza Raffaele , Tabrizi Fariborz 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Background
Pulsed field ablation (PFA) offers a safe, non-thermal alternative for pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Currently, the pentaspline PFA-system relies heavily on fluoroscopy for catheter manipulation, which poses challenges due to the complexity of left atrium anatomy. Incorporating three-dimensional electroanatomical mapping (3D-EAM) could improve procedural efficiency reducing dependency on fluoroscopy guidance. This study aims to evaluate the effects of integration of 3D-EAM with PFA during PVI.

Methods
Between September 2022 and December 2023, we retrospectively enrolled 248 patients with paroxysmal or persistent AF undergoing PVI at our center using the pentaspline PFA catheter. The control group (n = 104) received conventional PFA with fluoroscopic guidance alone, while the intervention group (n = 144) underwent PVI with PFA with 3D-EAM integration. Primary outcomes were procedural time, fluoroscopy time (FT), and dose area product (DAP). Secondary endpoints included acute procedural success and incidence of periprocedural complications.

Results
In the 3D-EAM-PFA group, procedural time was 63.3 ± 14.3 min, compared to 65.6 ± 14.9 min in the control group (p = 0.22). The 3D-EAM group experienced significantly reduced FT (9.7 ± 4.4 min vs. 16.7 ± 5.2 min) and DAP (119.2 ± 121.7 cGycm2 vs. 338.7 ± 229.9 cGycm2) compared to the control group, respectively (p < 0.001). Acute procedural success was achieved in all cases. No major complications were observed in either group.

Conclusion
Integration of 3D-EAM with the pentaspline PFA catheter for PVI in AF treatment offers a promising approach, with significantly reduced fluoroscopy exposure without compromising procedural time and efficacy.

Graphical abstract