bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The prognostic impact of peripheral blood eosinophil counts in metastatic renal cell carcinoma patients treated with nivolumab
Authors: Yoshimura Akihiro , Nagahara Akira , Ishizuya Yu , Yamamoto Yoshiyuki , Hatano Koji , Kawashima Atsunari , Nakai Yasutomo , Nakayama Masashi , Nishimura Kazuo , Nonomura Norio , Kato Taigo 
Published: May 2024

AbstractAlthough immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have gained approval for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC), the response rate is still limited. Therefore, it is urgent to explore novel markers of responses to ICIs that can help assess clinical benefits. Recently, it has been noted that peripheral blood eosinophil counts are an independent factor correlated with clinical outcome of ICIs in some types of cancer. We investigated peripheral blood absolute eosinophil counts (AECs) at baseline and 4 weeks after the initiation of nivolumab for mRCC patients between February 2016 and May 2022. In addition, we examined clinicopathological features including irAEs and analyzed the correlation between AECs and clinical efficacy of nivolumab. The median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) for all patients were 5.7 and 25.5 months, respectively. The median AECs in patients with irAEs were significantly higher at baseline and 4 weeks after the treatment compared to those without irAEs (p < 0.001 and p = 0.001). With the cutoff value of AECs of 329 cells/µL at 4 weeks after the treatment for prediction of irAEs, high-AECs groups had significantly higher number of responders compared with that in low-AECs group (p < 0.001). Accordingly, the PFS and OS were significantly better in patients with high-AECs group than those in low-AECs group (p = 0.03 and p = 0.009). High-AECs at 4 weeks after the treatment serve as the prominent surrogate marker associated with the incidence of irAEs and better clinical outcome in mRCC patients receiving nivolumab.
How sustainable finance creates impact: transmission mechanisms to the real economy
Authors: Caldecott Ben , Clark Alex , Harnett Elizabeth , Liu Felicia 
Published: May 2024

AbstractWhen and how does sustainable finance tangibly contribute to creating a better world? In this paper, we outline mechanisms through which impact on sustainability outcomes is transmitted from financial systems to the real economy. We argue that, to have a positive impact on sustainability outcomes, financial institutions must make a clear contribution to: (1) reducing (increasing) the cost of capital for firms’ (un)sustainable activities; (2) increasing (reducing) their access to liquidity; and (3) encouraging or enabling sustainable corporate practices. We assess the potential for impact in each category across several asset classes. We analyse how financial institutions can integrate the development of “impact budgets” into strategic asset allocation. Finally, we consider ways in which future research could consider the implications for impact-oriented portfolio construction in more detail and develop empirical methods for further testing and quantifying the impact of the different transmission mechanisms we discuss.
Principle of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography
Authors: Mine Yoshitaka , Takada Etsuo , Sugimoto Katsutoshi , Moriyasu Fuminori 
Published: May 2024

AbstractSonazoid, an ultrasound contrast agent, has been covered by insurance in Japan since January 2007 for the diagnosis of hepatic mass lesions and is widely used for diagnosing not only primary liver cancer but also liver metastases such as those from breast cancer and colorectal cancer. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound for breast mass lesions has been covered by insurance since August 2012 after phase II and phase III clinical trials showed that the diagnostic performance was significantly superior to that of B-mode and contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging. This paper describes the principles of imaging techniques in contrast-enhanced ultrasonography including the filter, pulse inversion, amplitude modulation, and amplitude-modulated pulse inversion methods. The pulse inversion method, which visualizes the second-harmonic component using the nonlinear scattering characteristics of the contrast agent, is widely used regardless of the contrast agent and target organ because of its high resolution. Sonazoid has a stiffer shell and requires a higher acoustic amplitude than Sonovue to generate nonlinear vibrations. The higher transmitted sound pressure generates more tissue harmonic components. Since pulse inversion allows visualization of the tissue harmonic components, amplitude modulation and amplitude-modulated pulse inversion, which include few tissue harmonic components, are primarily used. Amplitude modulation methods detect nonlinear signals from the contrast agent in the fundamental band. The mechanism of the amplitude modulation is considered to be changes in the echo signal’s phase depending on the sound pressure. Since the tissue-derived component is minor in amplitude modulation methods, good contrast sensitivity can be obtained.
Pathomic model based on histopathological features and machine learning to predict IDO1 status and its association with breast cancer prognosis
Authors: Zhuo Xiaohua , Deng Hailong , Qiu Mingzhu , Qiu Xiaoming 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Purpose
To establish a pathomic model using histopathological image features for predicting indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) status and its relationship with overall survival (OS) in breast cancer.

Methods
A pathomic model was constructed using machine learning and histopathological images obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas database to predict IDO1 expression. The model performance was evaluated based on the area under the curve, calibration curve, and decision curve analysis (DCA). Prediction scores (PSes) were generated from the model and applied to divide the patients into two groups. Survival outcomes, gene set enrichment, immune microenvironment, and tumor mutations were assessed between the two groups.

Results
Survival analysis followed by multivariate correction revealed that high IDO1 is a protective factor for OS. Further, the model was calibrated, and it exhibited good discrimination. Additionally, the DCA showed that the proposed model provided a good clinical net benefit. The Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed a positive correlation between high PS and improved OS. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses demonstrated that PS is an independent protective factor for OS. Moreover, differentially expressed genes were enriched in various essential biological processes, including extracellular matrix receptor interaction, angiogenesis, transforming growth factor β signaling, epithelial mesenchymal transition, cell junction, tryptophan metabolism, and heme metabolic processes. PS was positively correlated with M1 macrophages, CD8 + T cells, T follicular helper cells, and tumor mutational burden.

Conclusion
These results indicate the potential ability of the proposed pathomic model to predict IDO1 status and the OS of breast cancer patients.
The Adaptation of a Postpartum Depression Prevention Evidence-Based Intervention in Family Homeless Shelters
Authors: Kerker Bonnie D. , Milian Jacqueline , Clark Melissa R. , Weiss Dara , Lewis Kristen , Willheim Erica 
Published: May 2024

AbstractEvidence-based interventions (EBIs) are considered the gold standard but it is unclear if they are effective across settings. Reach Out and Stay Strong, Essentials for new Mothers (ROSE) has been shown to prevent postpartum depression in clinical settings, but has not been implemented or tested in homeless populations. We used the Exploration, Preparation, Implementation and Sustainment (EPIS) model overlaid with the Dynamic Adaptation Process (DAP) to adapt ROSE for implementation in a homeless shelter system in a large U.S. city, using feedback from both the organization and community. The adapted intervention was called Strong in Shelter (SIS). In this paper, we present 4 DAPS (April, 2018- December, 2020); the EPIS stages within each DAP are described. The Exploration Stage is centered around early and ongoing engagement with shelter providers and residents. The Preparation Stage includes adaptations based on learnings from the Exploration and the Implementation Stages from previous DAPs. The Implementation Stage highlights what we learned from implementation and both quantitative and qualitative feedback from shelter staff and residents. Following the DAP cycles, we created scalable plans in the Sustainment Stage. Thematic analysis was used to identify, analyze and report patterns within qualitative data, and descriptive analyses were conducted with quantitative data. Participant engagement and satisfaction were high and facilitators reported implementing SIS with fidelity to ROSE’s core components. By engaging staff and the participants early and continually, and utilizing an iterative and flexible adaptation process, EBIs such as ROSE can be adapted and implemented with fidelity in new settings.
Uncertainty Quantification for Scale-Space Blob Detection
Authors: Parzer Fabian , Kirisits Clemens , Scherzer Otmar 
Published: May 2024

AbstractWe consider the problem of blob detection for uncertain images, such as images that have to be inferred from noisy measurements. Extending recent work motivated by astronomical applications, we propose an approach that represents the uncertainty in the position and size of a blob by a region in a three-dimensional scale space. Motivated by classic tube methods such as the taut-string algorithm, these regions are obtained from level sets of the minimizer of a total variation functional within a high-dimensional tube. The resulting non-smooth optimization problem is challenging to solve, and we compare various numerical approaches for its solution and relate them to the literature on constrained total variation denoising. Finally, the proposed methodology is illustrated on numerical experiments for deconvolution and models related to astrophysics, where it is demonstrated that it allows to represent the uncertainty in the detected blobs in a precise and physically interpretable way.
Establishing the case for a May 2010 low-yield, unannounced nuclear test in North Korea
Authors: De Geer Lars-Erik , Wright Christopher M. , Robertson Lennart 
Published: May 2024

AbstractNew data, analyses and modelling are presented concerning the unprecedented mid-May 2010 series of fission product detections in ground level air on and around the Korean Peninsula. For the first time Ba-140 is revealed at Ussuriysk, for which only La-140 had been reported. Thus aerosol particles containing the same parent-daughter pair Ba-140/La-140 were detected at both Ussuriysk and Okinawa, establishing beyond reasonable doubt that their physical, spatial and temporal origins are the same. Together with Ce-141 and Cs-137, all with short-lived xenon isotope parents, a supercritical fission excursion, which experienced a near prompt filtered vent, is the only viable scenario for their explanation. New modelling suggests that the vent occurred around 9 s after the excursion and that the CTBT-relevant xenon isotopes Xe-133 and Xe-135 were ‘quenched’ around 25 min later and released some 10–20 h afterwards. Published corroborating seismic and infrasound data of an event at the North Korean nuclear test site 8 min and 45 s past midnight on 12 May 2010 is subsequently reviewed. These papers adopted a conventional depth of the event although the data suggested a shallower one. Despite arguments in the seismic community about its exact nature, it is prudent to test how well the waveform signals marry the radionuclide detection pattern. Thus the location and time are input into a new atmospheric transport model. The advanced software suite MATCH was used in forward mode with prompt and delayed releases, revealing the presence of plumes at each detection site at the time of their first detection and extending over the observed timeframe. Thus a very consistent picture of a shallow low yield nuclear test is obtained.
From economic wealth to well-being: exploring the importance of happiness economy for sustainable development through systematic literature review
Authors: Agrawal Shruti , Sharma Nidhi , Dhayal Karambir Singh , Esposito Luca 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe pursuit of happiness has been an essential goal of individuals and countries throughout history. In the past few years, researchers and academicians have developed a huge interest in the notion of a ‘happiness economy’ that aims to prioritize subjective well-being and life satisfaction over traditional economic indicators such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Over the past few years, many countries have adopted a happiness and well-being-oriented framework to re-design the welfare policies and assess environmental, social, economic, and sustainable progress. Such a policy framework focuses on human and planetary well-being instead of material growth and income. The present study offers a comprehensive summary of the existing studies on the subject, exploring how a happiness economy framework can help achieve sustainable development. For this purpose, a systematic literature review (SLR) summarised 257 research publications from 1995 to 2023. The review yielded five major thematic clusters, namely- (i) Going beyond GDP: Transition towards happiness economy, (ii) Rethinking growth for sustainability and ecological regeneration, (iii) Beyond money and happiness policy, (iv) Health, human capital and wellbeing and (v) Policy push for happiness economy. Furthermore, the study proposes future research directions to help researchers and policymakers build a happiness economy framework.
Extending the PROMIS item bank “ability to participate in social roles and activities”: a psychometric evaluation using IRT
Authors: Williams Guido L. , Flens Gerard , Terwee Caroline B. , de Beurs Edwin , Spinhoven Philip , Paap Muirne C. S. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Objective
Our objective was to explore whether the extension of the PROMIS item bank Ability to Participate in Social Roles and Activities (APSRA) with new items would result in more effective targeting (i.e., selecting items that are appropriate for each individual's trait level), and more reliable measurements across all latent trait levels.

Methods
A sample of 1,022 Dutch adults completed all 35 items of the original item bank plus 17 new items (in Dutch). The new items presented in this publication have been translated provisionally from Dutch into English for presentation purposes. We evaluated the basic IRT assumptions unidimensionality, local independence, and monotonicity. Furthermore, we examined the item parameters, and assessed differential item functioning (DIF) for sex, education, region, age, and ethnicity. In addition, we compared the test information functions, item parameters, and θ scores, for the original and extended item bank in order to assess whether the measurement range had improved.

Results
We found that the extended item bank was compatible with the basic IRT assumptions and showed good reliability. Moreover, the extended item bank improved the measurement in the lower trait range, which is important for reliably assessing functioning in clinical populations (i.e., persons reporting lower levels of participation).

Conclusion
We extended the PROMIS-APSRA item bank and improved its psychometric quality. Our study contributes to PROMIS measurement innovation, which allows for the addition of new items to existing item banks, without changing the interpretation of the scores and while maintaining the comparability of the scores with other PROMIS instruments.
Evaluation of techniques for controlling non-native sea lavenders in California coastal salt marshes
Authors: Lieberman Carolyn H. , Schroeter Stephen C. , Hormick Paul , Page Henry M. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractTwo species of non-native sea lavender, Limonium ramosissimum (Poir.) Maire (Algerian sea lavender) and Limonium duriusculum (Girard) Fourr. (European sea lavender) are prolific invaders of California salt marshes. We examined the efficacy of three non-herbicide treatments [tarping, selective removal (hand pulling), and scraping], and one herbicide (Telar®) treatment, in eliminating L. ramosissimum and L. duriusulum, as well as treatment impacts to native vegetation within three southern California salt marshes. Our experiments demonstrated that the non-herbicide treatments initially suppressed cover of L. ramosissimum and L. duriusulum to near zero but varied over time in their suppression of L. ramosissimum and L. duriusulum, and their effects on native species. Depending on the tarping duration, tarping eradicates L. ramosissimum and L. duriusulum at least a year post treatment with little to no long-term negative impacts to native vegetation. Selective removal had minimal effect on native species but did not consistently suppress L. duriusulum over time. Scraping eradicates L. ramosissimum and L. duriusulum; however, its negative impacts on native species make it an undesirable treatment across large areas. The herbicide treatment was not as effective in suppressing L. ramosissimum, either initially or over time, and it negatively impacted native species. Our findings support the use of tarping as the primary management method to control or eradicate dense infestations of L. ramosissimum and L. duriusulum in salt marshes. We suggest that a combination of tarping and selective removal be used to control L. ramosissimum and L. duriusulum in areas of lower infestation.
Shortening and Personalizing Psychodiagnostic Assessments with Decision Tree-Machine Learning Classifiers: An Application Example Based on the Patient Health Questionnaire-9
Authors: Colledani Daiana , Robusto Egidio , Anselmi Pasquale 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe development of psychological assessment tools that accurately and efficiently classify individuals as having or not a specific diagnosis is a major challenge for test developers and mental health professionals. This paper shows how machine learning (ML) provides a valuable framework to improve the accuracy and efficiency of psychodiagnostic classifications. The method is illustrated using an empirical example based on the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). The results show that, compared to traditional scorings of the PHQ-9, that based on decision tree (DT) algorithms is more advantageous in terms of accuracy and efficiency. In addition, the DT-based method facilitates the development of short test forms and improves the diagnostic performance of the test by integrating external information (e.g., demographic variables) into the scoring process. These findings suggest that DT-algorithms and ML applications such as feature selection represent a valuable method for supporting test developers and mental health professionals, and highlight the potential of ML for advancing the field of psychological assessment.
Digitale Gesundheitsanwendungen in der hausärztlichen Versorgung: eine Diskussionsgrundlage zur Förderung informierter Nutzungsentscheidungen
Authors: Posselt Jacqueline , Lander Jonas , Dierks Marie-Luise 
Published: May 2024

Zusammenfassung
Hintergrund
Digitale Gesundheitsanwendungen (DiGA) in die Versorgung zu integrieren und so die (digitale) Gesundheitskompetenz (GK) der Patient*innen zu stärken, sind Ziele der Digitalisierungsstrategie des Bundesministeriums für Gesundheit. Bisherige Ergebnisse zeigen jedoch, dass Gesundheitsprofessionen es als herausfordernd empfinden, Patient*innen bei der Suche nach relevanten digitalen Angeboten zu unterstützen. Auf Basis einer Befragungsstudie mit Hausärzt*innen und Patient*innen wird der Frage nachgegangen, wie der DiGA-Einsatz im hausärztlichen Setting gefördert werden kann.

Methode
Mit Hausärzt*innen und mit Patient*innen mit leichten bis mittelgradigen Depressionen wurden 34 halbstrukturierte, leitfadengestützte Interviews geführt und inhaltsanalytisch ausgewertet.

Ergebnisse
Die erwarteten Chancen und Risiken einer DiGA-Versorgung unterscheiden sich deutlich: Für Patient*innen ist der Zugang zu Wissen über verfügbare Angebote wichtig, um eine DiGA-Nutzung in Wartezeiten zu erwägen. Hausärzt*innen wiederum sehen in DiGA eine Chance, das erkrankungsbezogene Verständnis zu erhöhen. Patient*innen favorisieren Behandelnde als Anlaufstelle für Informationen über DiGA. Im Rahmen der professionellen (digitalen) GK und der Stärkung der GK der Patient*innen sollten Bedarfe, Bedürfnisse und verfügbaren Versorgungsoptionen folglich in Behandlungsgesprächen stärker thematisiert werden.

Schlussfolgerung
Für eine patientenorientierte Entscheidungsfindung über einen DiGA-Einsatz müssen zunächst das gegenseitige Verständnis von Patient*innen und Verordnenden gefördert und die Erwartungen zum DiGA-Einsatz geklärt werden. Auf Basis der Ergebnisse wurde eine Diskussionsgrundlage zur Förderung von GK in Beratungssituationen entwickelt. Diese könnte in einem nächsten Schritt in der Versorgungspraxis erprobt werden.
Organisationale Gesundheitskompetenz in deutschen Krankenhäusern während der COVID-19-Pandemie – Ergebnisse einer Querschnittstudie unter Krankenhausleitungen
Authors: Häberle Nicola , Lander Jonas , Dierks Marie-Luise , Bitzer Eva Maria 
Published: May 2024

Zusammenfassung
Hintergrund
Organisationale Gesundheitskompetenz (OGK) beschreibt Bedingungen und Maßnahmen in Einrichtungen der Gesundheitsversorgung, wie z. B. Krankenhäusern, die Patient:innen dabei unterstützen sollen, gute gesundheitsbezogene Entscheidungen zu treffen. In der COVID-19-Pandemie waren auch Krankenhäuser gefordert, ihren Patient:innen den Zugang zu und den Umgang mit Gesundheitsinformationen und -dienstleistungen zu erleichtern.

Ziel
Zielsetzung des Beitrags ist eine Bestandsaufnahme der OGK-Aktivitäten in deutschen Krankenhäusern während der COVID-19-Pandemie. Fokussiert wird dabei der Vergleich der OGK-Aktivitäten in Krankenhäusern während und außerhalb pandemischer Zeiten.

Methodik
Zwischen November und Dezember 2022 wurde eine Online-Befragung von ärztlichen, pflegerischen und kaufmännischen Krankenhausleitungen durchgeführt. Die OGK wurde anhand des HLHO-10-Fragebogens erhoben, wobei dieser für die COVID-19-Pandemie erfolgreich adaptiert wurde (gute interne Konsistenz: α = 0,89). Die Auswertung erfolgte mit SPSS 28 mittels Varianz- und Korrelationsanalysen. Zudem bestand die Möglichkeit einer Freitextangabe zu OGK-Aktivitäten, welche mithilfe von MAXQDA und einer qualitativen Inhaltsanalyse ausgewertet wurden.

Ergebnisse
Von 3301 eingeladenen Krankenhausleitungen nahmen 328 an der Befragung teil (Rücklaufquote 10 %). Die Krankenhausleitungen geben an, dass in ihren Häusern während der Pandemie darauf geachtet wurde, dass sich Patient:innen einfach zurechtfinden. Jedoch ist eine aktive Einbindung von Patient:innen bei der Gestaltung und Evaluierung von Gesundheitsinformationen kaum umgesetzt. Zum Zeitpunkt der COVID-19-Pandemie wurden statistisch signifikant mehr Mitarbeitende zum Thema Gesundheitskompetenz geschult (p < 0,001). Aus den Freitexten wird deutlich, dass die Befragten Optimierungsbedarf sehen, dem sie aufgrund mangelnder Ressourcen nur schwer nachkommen können.

Schlussfolgerung
Den Krankenhausleitungen ist bewusst, dass nicht alle Teilaspekte der OGK gleichmäßig gut umgesetzt sind. Es ist entscheidend, GK kontinuierlich in das organisatorische Handeln zu integrieren und dem Thema Priorität einzuräumen.