bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Using an Innovative Method for Self-Collection of Capillary Blood for HIV and Syphilis Testing Among Men Who Have Sex With Men Who Use Pre-exposure Prophylaxis in the Netherlands; Limburg4zero
Authors: Goense Cornelia J.D. , Evers Ymke J. , van Loo Inge H.M. , Heuts Rosalie J.M. , Hoebe Christian J.P.A. , Cannon Chase A. , Dukers-Muijrers Nicole H.T.M. 
Published: June 2024

Background
Home-based sampling could create accessible testing opportunities for men who have sex with men (MSM) who use pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Blood collection is required for the most reliable laboratory results for HIV and syphilis testing. An innovative blood collection method (Tasso+) creates a vacuum and semi-automatically collects larger volumes of blood from the upper arm. This study aimed to assess acceptability and feasibility of this device among PrEP-using MSM and the performance of blood collection.

Methods
Between August 2022 and January 2023, 47 MSM were recruited during their routine PrEP consultations at a Dutch Centre for Sexual Health. Participants tested the method directly after consultation, and an online questionnaire determined acceptability and feasibility. Blood and residual serum volumes were measured after sampling and after HIV and syphilis testing.

Results
Of the participants, 87% had a positive attitude toward use of the device, and 77% would use it again for self-sampling at home. Participants rated the use of the blood collection device as easy (96%). On average, 536 μL whole blood (244 μL serum) was collected. All samples were tested for HIV and syphilis, and most samples had sufficient blood for routine HIV (91%) and syphilis testing (89%). Most samples (85%) had 220 μL residual blood, sufficient for further testing (e.g., confirmation).

Conclusions
Blood self-sampling with a method that creates a vacuum from the upper arm is highly acceptable by users and performs well in blood collection for multiple tests. This method has promising potential for use in home-based sexual health care for PrEP-using MSM.
Feasibility and Acceptability of Point-of-Care Testing for Sexually Transmitted Infections in Outpatient Clinics Offering Integrated Services in Eswatini
Authors: Nuwagaba-Biribonwoha Harriet , Simelane Samkelo , Sithole Trevor , Dlamini Sindisiwe , Mavimbela Mpumelelo , Dube Nkululeko , Mamba Siboniso , Mamba Mabutho , Sahabo Ruben , El Sadr Wafaa M. , Abrams Elaine J. , Justman Jessica 
Published: June 2024

Background
Lack of point-of-care testing (POCT) for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is a continuing missed opportunity in Sub-Saharan Africa. We assessed feasibility and acceptability of STI POCT in Eswatini.

Methods
Sexually transmitted infection POCT for Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) was piloted among sexually active adults 18 to 45 years old attending 2 urban outpatient clinics offering integrated services. Women were randomized 1:1 to provide urine or vaginal swab, and all men provided urine samples for CT/NG testing using Cepheid CT/NG cartridges on existing GeneXpert platforms. Results were returned in-person or by telephone call. We assessed duration of procedures, participant and health care worker acceptability of services (5-point Likert scale), time spent on STI POCT services, and correlates of CT/NG infection.

Results
Of 250 adults triaged, 99% (248 of 250) accepted STI POCT, including 44% (109 of 248) people living with HIV. Sexually transmitted infection POCT procedures took a median of 3:22 hours. Most adults (90% [224 of 248]) received results within a day (61% same day, 29% next day). CT/NG was detected among 22% (55 of 248): 31 of 55 CT, 21 of 55 NG, and 3 of 55 coinfections. Youth 18 to 25 years old, history of any sexual intercourse, and condomless sex within the previous 7 days were significantly associated with CT/NG detected (P < 0.05). Most adults with CT/NG were treated (51 of 55 [93%]). Most participants were satisfied with STI POCT (217 of 241 [90%]) and would accept again/recommend it. All 32 health care workers who participated were satisfied with STI POCT.

Conclusions
Sexually transmitted infection POCT was feasible, acceptable, and identified a high prevalence of STIs, highlighting the urgent need for this testing.
Jaw Thrust: A Simple Predictor of Success in Mandibular Distraction Osteogenesis
Authors: La-Anyane Okensama M. , Harmon Kelly A. , Rezania Nikki , Alba Brandon E. , Karas Anatoli F. , Shayegan Behnoosh , Tragos Christina 
Published: June 2024

Background:
The hypoplastic mandible in the congenital condition Pierre Robin sequence (PRS) displaces the base of the tongue posteriorly, which results in upper airway obstruction (UAO) that can potentially be corrected with mandibular distraction osteogenesis (MDO). Jaw thrust (JT) is routinely performed during evaluation of the airway; similar to MDO, it projects the mandible and tongue anteriorly to open the airway. The authors demonstrate that JT can be used as a criterion to predict successful MDO outcomes in infants with PRS.

Methods:
The study was a single-center, retrospective chart review of infants diagnosed with PRS between 2016 and 2023. Data regarding their demographics, comorbid diagnoses, JT success, airway anomalies, laryngeal grade of view, apnea-hypopnea index, and perioperative course were statistically analyzed.

Results:
Of the 16 patients included in the study, 11 had successful relief of their airway obstruction with JT and proceeded with MDO. The unsuccessful JT group had significantly greater proportions of females, birth prematurity, gastrostomies, tracheostomies, and longer hospital stays. In the successful JT group, both the mean laryngeal grade of view (P=0.029) and mean apnea-hypopnea index (P=0.025) improved significantly post-MDO. Post-MDO tracheostomy was also avoided in all but 1 patient who was not previously tracheostomized.

Conclusions:
There is no widely accepted algorithm to guide craniofacial surgeons on the optimal intervention for relieving UAO in infants with PRS. In our institutional experience, patients whose preoperative JT relieved UAO also successfully relieved UAO with MDO. In patients with PRS, JT may be a useful criterion for selecting appropriate candidates for MDO.
The Impact of Sex on Antiplatelet and Anticoagulant Thromboprophylaxis in Patients With Peripheral Artery Disease Post-revascularization
Authors: Suarez Sasha , Agrawal Aniket , Patel Shiv , Grobman Benjamin , Ghandour Samir , Morena Leela , Rodriguez Adriana , Machlus Kellie , Roy Trisha , Eagleton Matthew , Dua Anahita 
Published: June 2024

Objective:
The aim of this prospective study was to (1) objectively quantify the impact of sex on platelet function in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) taking antiplatelet and anticoagulant medications and (2) to develop and test a personalized, iterative algorithm that personalizes thromboprophylaxis that incorporates platelet function testing.

Background:
Women with PAD have worse outcomes as compared with their male counterparts despite having lower risk factors. This health disparity may be mitigated by personalizing thromboprophylaxis regimens.

Methods:
Patients undergoing revascularization were enrolled. Serial thromboelastography (TEG) and TEG with platelet mapping (TEG-PM) were performed up to 6 months postoperatively to determine objective coagulation profiles. In a subset of patients, the Antiplatelet Coagulation Exactness (ACE) algorithm was implemented, where patients were iteratively evaluated with TEG and given antiplatelet medications to maintain platelet inhibition at >29%. Statistical analysis was performed using unpaired t test, analysis of variance, and Fisher exact test.

Results:
One hundred eighty-one patients met the study criteria. Fifty-eight (32%) patients were females and 123 (68%) were males. In the Aspirin cohort, females showed significantly greater clot strength as maximum amplitude – arachidonic acid (MAAA) and significantly lower platelet inhibition than males: (37.26 vs 32.38, P<0.01) and (52.95% vs 61.65%, P<0.05), respectively. In the Clopidogrel cohort, females showed higher Maximum Amplitude – Adenosine Diphosphate (MAADP) (42.58 vs 40.35, P = not significant [NS]) compared with males. Females on dual antiplatelet therapy had higher MAADP (39.74 vs 35.07, P=NS) and lower platelet inhibition (45.25% vs 54.99%, P=NS) than males. The incidence of thrombosis of the revascularized segment, defined as thrombotic event, was objectively identified on an arterial duplex. Women showed significantly higher thrombotic events than men (22.95% vs 10.57%, P<0.05) on the same medication. In our pilot study, implementation of the ACE algorithm led to a significant decrease in the thrombosis rate (3%), including nonthrombotic events for females, versus the historic thrombotic rate (22%) from our institution.

Conclusions:
Women with PAD exhibited higher platelet reactivity, clot strength, and reduced platelet inhibition in response to antiplatelet therapy. The use of the ACE algorithm to tailor antiplatelet medication in patients with PAD post-revascularization, resulted in a significant decrease in thrombotic event rates. This may serve as an opportune way to mitigate outcome sex-specific disparities caused by inadequate thromboprophylaxis in women.
Renoprotective Effects of Metabolic Surgery Versus GLP1 Receptor Agonists on Progression of Kidney Impairment in Patients with Established Kidney Disease
Authors: Aminian Ali , Gasoyan Hamlet , Zajichek Alexander , Alavi Mohammad Hesam , Casacchia Nicholas J. , Wilson Rickesha , Feng Xiaoxi , Corcelles Ricard , Brethauer Stacy A. , Schauer Philip R. , Kroh Matthew , Rosenthal Raul J. , Taliercio Jonathan J. , Poggio Emilio D. , Nissen Steven E. , Rothberg Michael B. 
Published: June 2024

Objective:
To examine the renoprotective effects of metabolic surgery in patients with established chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Background:
The impact of metabolic surgery compared with glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA) in patients with established CKD has not been fully characterized.

Methods:
Patients with obesity (body mass index ≥30 kg/m2), type 2 diabetes, and baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) 20-60 mL/min/1.73 m² who underwent metabolic bariatric surgery at a large US health system (2010-2017) were compared with nonsurgical patients who continuously received GLP-1RA. The primary end point was CKD progression, defined as a decline of eGFR by ≥50% or to <15 mL/min/1.73 m2, initiation of dialysis, or kidney transplant. The secondary end point was the incident kidney failure (eGFR <15 mL/min/1.73 m2, dialysis, or kidney transplant) or all-cause mortality.

Results:
425 patients, including 183 patients in the metabolic surgery group and 242 patients in the GLP-1RA group, with a median follow-up of 5.8 years (IQR, 4.4-7.6), were analyzed. The cumulative incidence of the primary end point at 8 years was 21.7% (95% CI: 12.2-30.6) in the surgical group and 45.1% (95% CI: 27.7 to 58.4) in the nonsurgical group, with an adjusted hazard ratio of 0.40 (95% CI: 0.21 to 0.76), P=0.006. The cumulative incidence of the secondary composite end point at 8 years was 24.0% (95% CI: 14.1 to 33.2) in the surgical group and 43.8% (95% CI: 28.1 to 56.1) in the nonsurgical group, with an adjusted HR of 0.56 (95% CI: 0.31 to 0.99), P=0.048.

Conclusions:
Among patients with type 2 diabetes, obesity, and established CKD, metabolic surgery, compared with GLP-1RA, was significantly associated with a 60% lower risk of progression of kidney impairment and a 44% lower risk of kidney failure or death. Metabolic surgery should be considered as a therapeutic option for patients with CKD and obesity.
Neural Prioritisation of Past Solutions Supports Generalisation
Authors: Hall-McMaster Sam , Tomov Momchil S. , Gershman Samuel J. , Schuck Nicolas W. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractGeneralisation from past experience is an important feature of intelligent systems. When faced with a new task, one efficient computational strategy is to evaluate solutions to earlier tasks as candidates for reuse. Consistent with this idea, we found that human participants (n=38) learned optimal solutions to a set of training tasks and generalised them to novel test tasks in a reward selective manner. This behaviour was consistent with a computational process based on the successor representation known as successor features and generalised policy improvement (SF&GPI). Neither model-free perseveration or model-based control using a complete model of the environment could explain choice behaviour. Decoding from functional magnetic resonance imaging data revealed that solutions from the SF&GPI algorithm were activated on test tasks in visual and prefrontal cortex. This activation had a functional connection to behaviour in that stronger activation of SF&GPI solutions in visual areas was associated with increased behavioural reuse. These findings point to a possible neural implementation of an adaptive algorithm for generalisation across tasks.
Novel cross section ratios as possible signals of saturation in ultraperipheral collisions
Authors: Kovchegov Yuri V. , Sun Huachen , Tu Zhoudunming 
Published: June 2024

We propose new cross section ratios in ultraperipheral A+A and p+A collisions (UPCs) as a potential experimental signal of saturation physics. We consider the ratio R1 of elastic vector meson photoproduction cross section to the inclusive hadron or jet photoproduction cross section. The ratio can be measured in the γ+A and γ+p collisions taking place in the UPCs. We label the ratios R1(A) and R1(p), respectively. Constructing the double ratio RUPC(A)=R1(A)/R1(p), and performing a small-x calculation both in the quasiclassical approximation and by including small-x evolution, we observe that RUPC(A) exhibits a markedly different dependence on the nuclear atomic number inside and outside the saturation region. This result indicates that RUPC(A) and R1(A) measurements in UPCs may help in the experimental searches for the evidence of saturation physics.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Bs→μ+μ−γ
decay rate at large
q2
from lattice QCD
Authors: Frezzotti R. , Tantalo N. , Gagliardi G. , Sanfilippo F. , Simula S. , Lubicz V. , Martinelli G. , Sachrajda C. T. 
Published: June 2024

We determine, by means of lattice QCD calculations, the local form factors describing the Bs→μ+μ−γ decay, in the so-called electroquenched approximation. For this analysis we make use of the gauge configurations produced by the ETM Collaboration with Nf=2+1+1 flavor of Wilson-Clover twisted-mass fermions at maximal twist. To obtain the Bs meson form factors, we perform simulations for several heavy-strange meson masses mHs in the range mHs∈[mDs,2mDs], and extrapolate to the physical Bs meson point mBs≃5.367  GeV making use of the HQET scaling laws. We cover the region of large dimuon invariant masses q2>4.16  GeV, and use our results to determine the branching fraction for Bs→μ+μ−γ, which has been recently measured by LHCb in the region q2>4.9  GeV. The largest contribution to the uncertainty in the partial branching fractions at values of q2<4.8  GeV is now due to resonance and other long-distance effects, including those from “charming penguins,” which we estimate by summing over the contributions from the JP=1− charmonium resonances.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Exploring temporal dependencies among country-level logistics performance indicators
Authors: Qazi Abroon , Al-Mhdawi M.K.S. , Simsekler Mecit Can Emre 
Published: June 2024

PurposeThe Logistics Performance Index (LPI), published by the World Bank, is a key measure of national-level logistics performance. It comprises six indicators: customs, infrastructure, international shipments, service quality, timeliness, and tracking and tracing. The objective of this study is to explore temporal dependencies among the six LPI indicators while operationalizing the World Bank’s LPI framework in terms of mapping the input indicators (customs, infrastructure, and service quality) to the outcome indicators (international shipments representing cost, timeliness, and tracking and tracing representing reliability).Design/methodology/approachA Bayesian Belief Network (BBN)-based methodology was adopted to effectively map temporal dependencies among variables in a probabilistic network setting. Using forward and backward propagation features of BBN inferencing, critical variables were also identified. A BBN model was developed using the World Bank’s LPI datasets for 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018, and 2023, covering the six LPI indicators for 118 countries.FindingsThe prediction accuracy of the model is 88.1%. Strong dependencies are found across the six LPI indicators over time. The forward propagation analysis of the model reveals that “logistics competence and quality” is the most critical input indicator that can influence all three outcome indicators over time. The backward propagation analysis indicates that “customs” is the most critical indicator for improving the performance on the “international shipments” indicator, whereas “logistics competence and quality” can significantly improve the performance on the “timeliness” and “tracking and tracing” indicators. The sensitivity analysis of the model reveals that “logistics competence and quality” and “infrastructure” are the key indicators that can influence the results across the three outcome indicators. These findings provide useful insights to researchers regarding the importance of exploring the temporal modeling of dependencies among the LPI indicators. Moreover, policymakers can use these findings to help their countries target specific input indicators to improve country-level logistics performance.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the literature on logistics management by exploring the temporal dependencies among the six LPI indicators for 118 countries over the last 14 years. Moreover, this paper proposes and operationalizes a data-driven BBN modeling approach in this unique context.
Assessing the validity and reliability of enabling structure scale in mainland China
Authors: Zhang Wangying , Tsang Kwok Kuen 
Published: June 2024

PurposeDeveloping an enabling bureaucratic structure for school organization has been an important aim of education governance reforms in China, like many societies across the globe, since the 1990s. However, there is a lack of valid measures to investigate the extent to which the Chinese education governance reforms facilitate the development of the enabling structure of school bureaucracy and examine the antecedents and consequences of enabling school bureaucracy. Thus, the study was conducted to validate the Chinese version of the Enabling Structure Scale (ESS-Ch), which is used to assess school bureaucracy in China.Design/methodology/approachThe study surveyed 1,146 teachers enrolled in professional development courses provided by a Beijing university. The validation process involved two phases. In the first phase, the sample was divided into three subgroups for exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and cross-validation. In the second phase, reliability and validity were assessed utilizing the entire sample.FindingsIt indicated a four-factor model of the ESS-Ch: enabling formalization, coercive formalization, enabling centralization and hindering centralization. Factor loadings ranged from 0.72 to 0.88, composite reliabilities ranged from 0.82 to 0.95 and values of average variance extracted ranged from 0.61 to 0.80.Research limitations/implicationsThe study contributes to the international literature by validating the ESS-Ch so as to provide a standard measure that can be applied in comparative studies on enabling school bureaucracy between Chinese and Western cultures.Originality/valueThe study is original by validating the ESS-Ch based on a sample of 1,146 teachers in China.
Prioritizing evaluation criteria of IoT-driven warehousing startups: a silver lining to the unorganized sector in food supply chain
Authors: Vedapradha R. , Joshi Deepika , Hariharan R. 
Published: June 2024

PurposeThis research is designed to meet two research objectives: firstly, to weigh up the criteria of Internet of Things (IoT) adoption in warehousing startups; secondly, to rank warehousing startups on the basis of benefits they derive from IoT adoption catering to an unorganized sector in the food supply chain.Design/methodology/approachA blend of analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and complex proportional assessment (COPRAS) methods of multi-criteria decision-making techniques were applied. AHP determined the weights of various criteria using pairwise comparison, and COPRAS technique ranked the 10 warehousing startups on account of performance indicators. The study has been conducted at the warehousing startups of Bangalore, a hub of food warehousing startups.FindingsThe critical findings of the study revealed that these food warehouse startups attain improved productivity in terms of enhancing efficiency when implemented with IoT adoption. When evaluated using both AHP and COPRAS techniques, the combined results show WH5 as the best performing and WH10 as the least performing warehouse startups.Practical implicationsWarehouses that are embarking on their business opportunity in food storage can strategize to leverage the benefits of IoT in terms of food safety and security, capacity planning, layout design, space utilization and resilience.Originality/valueDespite the numerous research works on food supply chain, the research on IoT in warehousing startups is limited. The rankings for the 10 food warehousing startups integrated with IoT using AHP-COPRAS approaches are the novelty of this work.
Managerial entrenchment, corporate social responsability and the moderating effect of dividend policy: empirical evidence from French listed companies
Authors: Gharbi Manel , Jarboui Anis 
Published: June 2024

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to argue the relationship between managerial entrenchment (ME), corporate social responsibility (CSR) and dividend policy (DP). Specifically, this paper aims to empirically examine the impact of DP on the relationship between ME, and CSR.

Design/methodology/approach
This study uses a panel data set of firms listed at France stock exchange over 2010/2021. Both the direct and moderating effects were tested by using multiple regression techniques.

Findings
The results show that the positive relation between CSR and ME is more pronounced in companies where they opt for a DP. However, DP moderates this positive relationship.

Originality/value
This study suggests the dynamic relationship between CSR and ME.