bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Learning from the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review of mathematical vaccine prioritization models
Authors: Gonzalez-Parra Gilberto , Mahmud Md Shahriar , Kadelka Claus 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAs the world becomes ever more connected, the chance of pandemics increases as well. The recent COVID-19 pandemic and the concurrent global mass vaccine roll-out provides an ideal setting to learn from and refine our understanding of infectious disease models for better future preparedness. In this review, we systematically analyze and categorize mathematical models that have been developed to design optimal vaccine prioritization strategies of an initially limited vaccine. As older individuals are disproportionately affected by COVID-19, the focus is on models that take age explicitly into account. The lower mobility and activity level of older individuals gives rise to non-trivial trade-offs. Secondary research questions concern the optimal time interval between vaccine doses and spatial vaccine distribution. This review showcases the effect of various modeling assumptions on model outcomes. A solid understanding of these relationships yields better infectious disease models and thus public health decisions during the next pandemic.
Impact of Multimodal Prompt Elements on Diagnostic Performance of GPT-4(V) in Challenging Brain MRI Cases
Authors: Schramm Severin , Preis Silas , Metz Marie-Christin , Jung Kirsten , Schmitz-Koep Benita , Zimmer Claus , Wiestler Benedikt , Hedderich Dennis M. , Kim Su Hwan 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundRecent studies have explored the application of multimodal large language models (LLMs) in radiological differential diagnosis. Yet, how different multimodal input combinations affect diagnostic performance is not well understood.PurposeTo evaluate the impact of varying multimodal input elements on the accuracy of GPT-4(V)-based brain MRI differential diagnosis.MethodsThirty brain MRI cases with a challenging yet verified diagnosis were selected. Seven prompt groups with variations of four input elements (image, image annotation, medical history, image description) were defined. For each MRI case and prompt group, three identical queries were performed using an LLM-based search engine (© PerplexityAI, powered by GPT-4(V)). Accuracy of LLM-generated differential diagnoses was rated using a binary and a numeric scoring system and analyzed using a chi-square test and a Kruskal-Wallis test. Results were corrected for false discovery rate employing the Benjamini-Hochberg procedure. Regression analyses were performed to determine the contribution of each individual input element to diagnostic performance.ResultsThe prompt group containing an annotated image, medical history, and image description as input exhibited the highest diagnostic accuracy (67.8% correct responses). Significant differences were observed between prompt groups, especially between groups that contained the image description among their inputs, and those that did not. Regression analyses confirmed a large positive effect of the image description on diagnostic accuracy (p ≪ 0.001), as well as a moderate positive effect of the medical history (p < 0.001). The presence of unannotated or annotated images had only minor or insignificant effects on diagnostic accuracy.ConclusionThe textual description of radiological image findings was identified as the strongest contributor to performance of GPT-4(V) in brain MRI differential diagnosis, followed by the medical history. The unannotated or annotated image alone yielded very low diagnostic performance. These findings offer guidance on the effective utilization of multimodal LLMs in clinical practice.
Re-irradiation to the Prostate using stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) after initial definitive Radiotherapy – A systematic review and Meta-analysis of recent trials
Authors: Schröder Christina , Tang Hongjian , Buchali André , Zwahlen Daniel Rudolf , Förster Robert , Windisch Paul 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundThere is increasing data on re-irradiation to the prostate using stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) after definite radiotherapy for prostate cancer. There has been increasing evidence on prostate re-irradiation using a C-arm LINAC or a MR LINAC in the last years. We therefore conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis on prostate re-irradiation including studies published from 2020-2023 to serve as an update on existing meta-analysis.MethodsWe searched the Pubmed and Embase databases in October 2023 with queries including combinations of “repeat”, “radiotherapy”, “prostate”, “re-irradiation”, “reirradiation”, “re treatment”, “SBRT”, “retreatment”. Publication date was set to be from 2020 to 2023. There was no limitation regarding language. We adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) recommendations. After data extraction, heterogeneity testing using I2. Afterwards a random effects model with a restricted maximum likelihood estimator was used for estimating the combined effect. Funnel plot asymmetry was assessed visually and using Eggers test to estimate the presence of publication and/or small study bias.Results14 publications were included in the systematic review. The rates of acute ≥ grade 2 (G2) GU and GI toxicities reported in the included studies range from 0.0-30.0% and 0.0-25.0% respectively. For late ≥G2 GU and GI toxicity, those values are 4.0-51.8% and 0.0-25.0%. The pooled rate of acute GU and GI toxicity ≥G2 were 13% (95% CI: 7-18%) and 2% (95% CI: 0-4%). For late GU and GI toxicity ≥G2 the pooled rates were 25% (95% CI: 14-35%) and 5% (95% CI: 1-9%). The pooled 2-year biochemical recurrence-free survival was 72% (95% CI: 64-92%).ConclusionsSBRT in the re-irradiation of radiorecurrent prostate cancer is overall safe and effective also when applied with a C-arm Linac or an MR Linac. Further prospective data are warranted.
Perceived acceptability of self-administered topical therapy for cervical precancer treatment among women undergoing cervical cancer screening in Kenya
Authors: Mungo Chemtai , Ellis Grace K , Rop Mercy , Zou Yating , Omoto Jackton , Rahangdale Lisa 
Published: March 2024

AbstractPurposeInnovative strategies are urgently needed to meet the World Health Organization’s 2030 target of treating 90% of women with precancerous cervical lesions, especially in countries most affected by cervical cancer. We assessed the acceptability of self-administered intravaginal therapies for treating cervical precancer in women undergoing cervical cancer screening and precancer treatment in Kenya.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study among women aged 18 to 65 years undergoing cervical cancer screening or precancer treatment between January and October 2023 in Kisumu County, Kenya. Participants completed a questionnaire about their perceptions and perceived acceptability of self- or provider-administered topical therapies for cervical precancer treatment. Quantitative data were summarized using descriptive statistics.ResultsA total of 379 questionnaires were completed. The median age of participants was 35 years (IQR 25-62), 62% had a primary education or less, and 71% earned $5 or less daily. All participants had been screened for cervical cancer, and 191 (51%) had received precancer treatment, primarily thermal ablation. Ninety-eight percent of participants were willing to use a self-administered intravaginal therapy for cervical precancer, if available. The majority, 91%, believed their male partner would support their use. Given a choice, 63% preferred self-admiration at home compared to provider-administration of a topical therapy in the clinic, citing time and cost savings. In multivariate analysis, married women were more likely to expect partner support for self-administration than single women. Participants preferred a therapy used less frequently but for a longer duration, compared to daily use therapy with a shorter duration of use.ConclusionsSelf-administered intravaginal therapies for cervical precancer treatment are highly acceptable among women undergoing screening and precancer treatment in Kenya.
MUSCLE ENDURANCE, NEUROMUSCULAR FATIGABILITY AND COGNITIVE CONTROL DURING PROLONGED DUAL-TASK IN PEOPLE WITH CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE: A CASE-CONTROL STUDY
Authors: Chatain Cyril , Vallier Jean-Marc , Paleiron Nicolas , Cucchietti Waltz Fanny , Ramdani Sofiane , Gruet Mathieu 
Published: March 2024

AbstractRecent studies suggest that, compared to healthy individuals, people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (pwCOPD) present a reduced capacity to perform cognitive-motor dual-task (CMDT). However, these studies were focused on short-duration CMDT offering limited insight to prolonged CMDT inducing fatigue, which can be encountered in daily life. The present study aimed to explore the effect of adding a cognitive task during repeated muscle contractions on muscle endurance, neuromuscular fatigability and cognitive control in pwCOPD compared to healthy participants Thirteen pwCOPD and thirteen age- and sex-matched healthy participants performed submaximal isometric contractions of the knee extensors until exhaustion in two experimental sessions: (1) without cognitive task and (2) with a concurrent working memory task (i.e., 1-back task). Neuromuscular fatigability (as well as central and peripheral components measured by peripheral magnetic stimulation), cognitive performance and perceived muscle fatigue were assessed throughout the fatiguing tasks. Independently to the experimental condition, pwCOPD exhibited lower muscle endurance compared to healthy participants (p=0.039), mainly explained by earlier peripheral fatigue and faster attainment of higher perceived muscle fatigue (p<0.05). However, neither effect of cognitive task (p=0.223) nor interaction effect (group × condition; p=0.136) was revealed for muscle endurance. Interestingly, cognitive control was significantly reduced only in pwCOPD at the end of CMDT (p<0.015), suggesting greater difficulty for patients with dual-tasking under fatigue. These findings provide novel insights into how and why fatigue develops in COPD in dual-task context, offering a rationale for including such tasks in rehabilitation programs.
A complete mitochondrial genome of a Roman-eraPlasmodium falciparum
Authors: Llanos-Lizcano Alejandro , Hämmerle Michelle , Sperduti Alessandra , Sawyer Susanna , Zagorc Brina , Özdoğan Kadir Toykan , Guellil Meriam , Cheronet Olivia , Kuhlwilm Martin , Pinhasi Ron , Gelabert Pere 
Published: March 2024

SummaryMalaria has historically been one of the leading infection-related causes of death in human populations. To this day, it continues to pose a significant public health threat in African countries, particularly among children. Humans are affected by fivePlasmodiumspecies, withPlasmodium falciparumbeing the most lethal. The study of pathogenic DNA from ancient human remains has been vital in understanding the origin, evolution, and virulence of human-infecting pathogens. However, there have been no complete pre-20th century mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) or genomic sequences ofPlasmodium falciparumreported to date. This gap in knowledge makes it difficult to understand the genetic dynamics of this pathogen in the past. The difficulty in identifying ancient malaria cases through bioarchaeology and the infrequent presence ofPlasmodiumDNA in ancient bones contribute to these limitations. Here, we present the first complete mtDNA genome ofP. falciparumrecovered from an archaeological skeleton (a 2ndcentury CE Roman individual from Italy). The study of the 43-fold mtDNA genome supports the hypothesis of an Indian origin forP. falciparumin Europe and provides evidence for the genetic continuity of this lineage over the past 2,000 years. Additionally, our research highlights that extensive sampling may be necessary for malaria screening to gain insights into the evolution of this vector-borne disease from archaeological samples.
Step-wise evolution of azole resistance through copy number variation followed byKSR1loss of heterozygosity inCandida albicans
Authors: Zande Pétra Vande , Gautier Cécile , Kawar Nora , Maufrais Corinne , Metzner Katura , Wash Elizabeth , Beach Annette , Bracken Ryan , Maciel Eli Isael , Fernandes Caroline Mota , Solis Norma V. , Del Poeta Maurizio , Filler Scott G. , Berman Judith , Ene Iuliana V. , Selmecki Anna 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAntimicrobial drug resistance poses a global health threat, requiring a deeper understanding of the evolutionary processes that lead to its emergence in pathogens. Complex evolutionary dynamics involve multiple mutations that can result in cooperative or competitive (clonal interference) effects.Candida albicans, a major fungal pathogen, displays high rates of copy number variation (CNV) and loss of heterozygosity (LOH). CNV and LOH events involve large numbers of genes and could synergize during evolutionary adaptation. Understanding the contributions of CNV and LOH to antifungal drug adaptation is challenging, especially in the context of whole-population genome sequencing. Here, we document the sequential evolution of fluconazole tolerance and then resistance in aC. albicansisolate involving an initial CNV on chromosome 4, followed by an LOH on chromosome R that involvesKSR1. Similar LOH events involvingKSR1,which encodes a reductase involved in sphingolipid biosynthesis, were also detected in independently evolved fluconazole resistant isolates. We dissect the specificKSR1codons that affect fluconazole resistance and tolerance. The combination of the chromosome 4 CNV andKSR1LOH results in a >500-fold increase in azole resistance, illustrating a compelling example of rapid, yet step-wise, interplay between CNV and LOH in drug resistance evolution.
Heavy flavor as a probe of hot QCD matter produced in proton-proton collisions
Authors: Zhao Jiaxing , Aichelin Joerg , Gossiaux Pol Bernard , Werner Klaus 
Published: March 2024

The creation of a quark-gluon plasma (QGP) is expected in heavy-ion collisions. It came as a surprise that proton-proton collisions at ultrarelativistic energies show as well a “QGP-like” behavior and signs of the creation of a fluid, although the corresponding system size is not more than a few cubic femtometers. Even more surprisingly, also heavy-flavor particles seem to be part of the fluid or at least interact with it. In this paper, we will investigate in a quantitative way this “collective behavior” of heavy flavor, by employing the newly developed EPOS4HQ approach, which has proven to be compatible with basic experimental data of light-flavor hadrons. We will investigate all observables, which may manifest collectivity, as particle spectra, elliptic flow, baryon-to-meson ratios, and two-particle correlations, and compare the results with experimental data. We will try to disentangle initial-state effects, those being due to interactions between charm quarks and plasma partons, and final-state effects (hadronization).

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Does green finance affect renewable energy development in Singapore?
Authors: Subramaniam Yogeeswari , Loganathan Nanthakumar 
Published: March 2024

PurposeGiven the importance of green finance in a discussion of energy efficiency and clean energy, it is critical to evaluate its implications for the growth of renewable energy. This study examines the impact of green finance on renewable energy development in Singapore.Design/methodology/approachThe dynamic ordinary least squares (DOLS) regression was used in this work to test such a connection.FindingsUsing the DOLS for the period 2000–2020, it was discovered that green finance aids renewable energy development in Singapore. Additionally, the findings revealed that economic growth, oil prices, energy consumption, carbon dioxide emissions and institutional factors are all positively associated with renewable energy growth, resulting in a boost in renewable energy development.Research limitations/implicationsHence, as a result, the monetary authorities of Singapore, such as financial institutions, non-governmental organisations and corporations, should prioritise renewable energy projects under green finance initiatives to boost renewable energy growth. This may assist in raising investment flows to green projects; hence, accelerating the adoption of renewable energy.Originality/valueIncreased Singapore's initiatives to accelerate green finance have prompted this study to examine the research question of whether green finance has a significant impact on renewable energy growth. Thus, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this will be the first empirical study to explore the impact of green finance on renewable energy growth in the case of Singapore.
Are you alright brand equity? Analysis of the top 100 global brands during COVID-19 outbreaks
Authors: Zahari Abdul Rahman , Esa Elinda 
Published: March 2024

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to determine whether COVID-19 had an impact on the brand equity of the Top 100 global brands in the Americas, European and Asian regions over the three years of assessment (2020–2022).Design/methodology/approachA secondary data method (document scanning) was used to gather the study’s data from Brand Finance’s Global 500 annual reports from 2019 to 2022. The data for this study was analysed using the IBM Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) Statistics for Windows, Version 26.0. The data were subjected to a descriptive test and one-way analysis of variance.FindingsThe findings showed that most of the Top 100 global brands from the Americas, Europe and Asia experienced little or no impact due to COVID-19. Thus, no significant differences were found to exist among the Top 100 global regional brands due to COVID-19 in the years 2020 and 2021. However, there is a significant difference in 2022 due to its small effect size.Originality/valueThe findings of this paper contribute to brand equity literature and global branding literature in the context of COVID-19. This paper innovatively frames brand equity and provides guidelines to help brands sustain their financial-based brand equity during a worldwide crisis.
Ethical triage in public health emergency facilities: distributive justice – a decision model
Authors: Ahmed Shamsuddin , Alsisi Rayan Hamza 
Published: March 2024

PurposeA new triage method, MBCE (Medical Bio Social Ethics), is presented with social justice, bio, and medical ethics for critical resource distribution during a pandemic. Ethical triage is a complex and challenging process that requires careful consideration of medical, social, cultural, and ethical factors to guide the decision-making process and ensure fair and transparent allocation of resources. When assigning priorities to patients, a clinician would evaluate each patient’s medical condition, age, comorbidities, and prognosis, as well as their cultural and social background and ethical factors.Design/methodology/approachA statistical analysis shows no interactions among the ethical triage factors. It implies the ethical components have no moderation effect; hence, each is independent. The result also points out that medical and bioethics may have an affinity for interactions. In such cases, there seem to be some ethical factors related to bio and medical ethics that are correlated. Therefore, the triage team should be careful in evaluating patient cases. The algorithm is explained with case histories of the selected patient. A group of triage nurses and general medical practitioners assists with the triage.FindingsThe MBCE triage algorithm aims to allocate scarce resources fairly and equitably. Another ethical principle in this triage algorithm is the principle of utility. In a pandemic, the principle of utility may require prioritizing patients with a higher likelihood of survival or requiring less medical care. The research presents a sensitivity analysis of a patient’s triage score to show the algorithm’s robustness. A weighted score of ethical factors combined with an assessment of triage factors combines multiple objectives to assign a fair triage score. These distinctive features of the algorithm are reasonably easy to implement and a new direction for the unbiased triage principle.Originality/valueThe idea is to make decisions about distributing and using scarce medical resources. Triage algorithms raise ethical issues, such as discrimination and justice, guiding medical ethics in treating patients with terminal diseases or comorbidity. One of the main ethical principles in triage algorithms is the principle of distributive justice.
Squamous cell carcinoma of lip: Clinical feature analysis and suggestion of reconstruction algorithm
Authors: Park Jung Won , Kim Taehee , Chung Kee Yang , Roh Mi Ryung 
Published: March 2024

AbstractReconstruction of lips after squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) removal should restore functional and aesthetic roles; however, it remains a challenge. In this study we describe the clinical features of lip SCC and suggest a reconstruction algorithm. We retrospectively analyzed 34 patients with lip SCC who underwent reconstruction after Mohs micrographic surgery between January 2006 and March 2022. The mean age of the patients was 70.2 years. Seven tumors were on the upper lip and 27 tumors were on the lower lip. Twenty‐five defects were located on the mucosal lip, eight defects involved both the mucosal and cutaneous lips, and one defect was confined to the cutaneous lip. Eighteen defects were smaller than 50% of the total lip size, and 16 were larger than 50%. Primary closure was mostly performed for defects smaller than 50% of the lip size (9/18 cases), and local flap, according to the location and size of the defects, was performed for larger defects. Thirteen patients experienced postoperative complications but improved within 1 year after surgery, except for one patient. We suggest a reconstruction algorithm with a 50% cut‐off value. Defects smaller than 50% of the lip size could be reconstructed by primary closure. Even larger defects could be reconstructed by creation of a local flap from the remaining adjacent tissue with minimal postoperative complications.
Gazing into the abyss: A glimpse into the diversity, distribution, and behaviour of heterotrophic protists from the deep‐sea floor
Authors: Cadena Lawrence Rudy , Edgcomb Virginia , Lukeš Julius 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe benthic biome of the deep‐sea floor, one of the largest biomes on Earth, is dominated by diverse and highly productive heterotrophic protists, second only to prokaryotes in terms of biomass. Recent evidence suggests that these protists play a significant role in ocean biogeochemistry, representing an untapped source of knowledge. DNA metabarcoding and environmental sample sequencing have revealed that deep‐sea abyssal protists exhibit high levels of specificity and diversity across local regions. This review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of the known heterotrophic protists from the deep‐sea floor, their geographic distribution, and their interactions in terms of parasitism and predation. We offer an overview of the most abundant groups and discuss their potential ecological roles. We argue that the exploration of the biodiversity and species‐specific features of these protists should be integrated into broader deep‐sea research and assessments of how benthic biomes may respond to future environmental changes.