bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An exploratory view into allelic drop‐out of sequenced autosomal STRs
Authors: Foley Megan M. , Koehler Gerwald , Fu Jun , Allen Robert , Wagner Jarrad R. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAs massively parallel sequencing is implemented in forensic genetics, an understanding of sequence data must accompany these advancements, that is, accurate modeling of data for proper statistical analysis. Allelic drop‐out, a common stochastic effect seen in genetic data, is often modeled in statistical analysis of STR results. This proof‐of‐concept study sequenced several serial dilutions of a standard sample ranging from 4 ng to 7.82 pg to evaluate allelic drop‐out trends on a select panel of autosomal STRs using the ForenSeq™ DNA Signature Prep Kit, Primer Set A on the Illumina MiSeq FGx. Parameters assessed included locus, profile, and run specific information. A majority of the allelic drop‐out occurred in DNA concentrations less than 31.25 pg. Statistical results indicated a need for locus‐specific modeling based on STR descriptors, like simple versus compound repeat patterns. No correlation was seen between average read count of scored alleles and allelic drop‐out at a locus. A statistical correlation was observed between the amount of allelic drop‐out and the starting amount of DNA in a sample, average read count of a sample, and total read count generated on a flow cell. This study supports using common allelic drop‐out factors used in fragment length analysis on sequenced STRs while including additional locus, sample, and run specific information. Results demonstrate multiple factors that can be considered when developing probability of allelic drop‐out models for sequenced autosomal STRs including locus‐specific analysis, total read count of a profile, and total read count sequenced on a flow cell.
Understanding the enablers to implementing sustainable health and well‐being programs for older adults in rural Australia: A scoping review
Authors: Cash Belinda , Lawless Michael , Robson Kristy , Fealy Shanna , Corboy Denise 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIntroductionSupporting the health and well‐being of older Australians necessitates the implementation of effective and sustainable community‐based interventions. Rural settings, however, pose unique challenges to intervention implementation and sustainability, with limited research exploring strategies employed to overcome these complexities.ObjectiveTo identify enabling strategies that support the sustainable implementation of community‐based health and well‐being interventions for older adults in rural Australia.DesignA scoping review, following methods by Arksey and O'Malley and enhanced by elements of the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for scoping reviews and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta‐Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA‐ScR), was conducted. An electronic search of seven databases was completed in April 2023. A thematic analysis was applied to provide a comprehensive and contextualised understanding of the phenomenon of interest.FindingsOf 1277 records screened, 15 studies were identified and included for review. Five themes identified key enablers for rural implementation: (1) Co‐designing for the local context; (2) Embedding local champions; (3) Leveraging existing local resources; (4) Maintaining impact beyond the end of the funded period and (5) Flexibility in funding models.DiscussionThe sustainable implementation of interventions requires active community involvement and consultation through all stages of program design and delivery to effectively meet the health and well‐being needs of older rural‐dwelling Australians.ConclusionOur findings advocate for clear implementation guidelines to support the design, delivery and adaptation of community‐based programs that appropriately reflect the unique contextual needs and strengths of rural communities.
Integration of hepatitis B virus into patients’ sperm genome and its clinical risks
Authors: Han Ting‐Ting , Huang Ji‐Hua , Li Ling‐Xiao , Liao Xue , Meng Xiang‐Qian , Wen Zi‐Na , Sun Qian , Ma Jian , Huang Tian‐Hua 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundLike the coronavirus disease 2019, the hepatitis B virus is also wreaking havoc worldwide, which has infected over 2 billion people globally. Using an experimental animal model, our previous research observed that the hepatitis B virus genes integrated into human spermatozoa can replicate and express after being transmitted to embryos. However, as of now, this phenomenon has not been confirmed in clinical data from patients.ObjectivesTo explore the integration of the hepatitis B virus into patients' sperm genome and its potential clinical risks.Materials and methodsForty‐eight patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection were categorized into two groups: Test Group‐1 comprised 23 patients without integration of hepatitis B virus DNA within the sperm genome. Test Group‐2 comprised 25 patients with integration of hepatitis B virus DNA within the sperm genome. Forty‐eight healthy male donors were included as control. The standard semen parameter analysis, real‐time polymerase chain reaction, quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction, sperm chromatin structure assay, fluorescence in situ hybridization, and immunofluorescence assays were utilized.ResultsThe difference in the median copy number of hepatitis B virus DNA per mL of sera between Test Group‐1 and Group‐2 was not statistically significant. In Test Group‐2, the integration rate of hepatitis B virus DNA was 0.109%, which showed a significant correlation with the median copy number of hepatitis B virus DNA in motile spermatozoa (1.18 × 103/mL). Abnormal semen parameters were found in almost all these 25 patients. The integrated hepatitis B virus S, C, X, and P genes were detected to be introduced into sperm‐derived embryos through fertilization and retained their function in replication, transcription, and translation.ConclusionOur findings suggest that hepatitis B virus infection can lead to sperm quality deterioration and reduced fertilization capacity. Furthermore, viral integration causes instability in the sperm genome, increasing the potential risk of termination, miscarriage, and stillbirth. This study identified an unconventional mode of hepatitis B virus transmission through genes rather than virions. The presence of viral sequences in the embryonic genome poses a risk of liver inflammation and cancer.
Bayesian hypothesis tests with diffuse priors: Can we have our cake and eat it too?
Authors: Ormerod J. T. , Stewart M. , Yu W. , Romanes S. E. 
Published: March 2024

SummaryWe propose a new class of priors for Bayesian hypothesis testing, which we name ‘cake priors’. These priors circumvent the Jeffreys–Lindley paradox (also called Bartlett's paradox) a problem associated with the use of diffuse priors leading to nonsensical statistical inferences. Cake priors allow the use of diffuse priors (having one's cake) while achieving theoretically justified inferences (eating it too). We demonstrate this methodology for Bayesian hypotheses tests for various common scenarios. The resulting Bayesian test statistic takes the form of a penalised likelihood ratio test statistic. Under typical regularity conditions, we show that Bayesian hypothesis tests based on cake priors are Chernoff consistent, that is, achieve zero type I and II error probabilities asymptotically. We also discuss Lindley's paradox and argue that the paradox occurs with small and vanishing probability as sample size increases.
Cannabis exposure during pregnancy and perinatal outcomes: A cohort study
Authors: Brik Maia , Sandonis Miguel , Hernández‐Fleury Alina , Gil Judit , Mota Miriam , Barranco Francisco José , Garcia Itziar , Maiz Nerea , Carreras Elena 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIntroductionCannabis potency and its use during pregnancy have increased in the last decade. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of antenatal cannabis use on fetal growth, preterm birth and other perinatal outcomes.Material and methodsA propensity score‐matched analysis was performed in women with singleton pregnancies attending a tertiary care site in Barcelona. Women in the cannabis group were selected based on the results of a detection test. Primary outcomes were small for gestational age at birth (SGA), low birthweight and preterm birth. Secondary outcomes were other biometric parameters (neonatal length and head circumference), respiratory distress, admission to the neonatal intensive care unit and breastfeeding at discharge. A second propensity score‐matched analysis excluding other confounders (use of other recreational drugs and discontinuation of cannabis use during pregnancy) was performed.ResultsAntenatal cannabis was associated with a higher odds ratio of SGA (OR 3.60, 95% CI: 1.68–7.69), low birthweight (OR 3.94, 95% CI: 2.17–7.13), preterm birth at 37 weeks (OR 2.07, 95% CI: 1.12–3.84) and 32 weeks of gestation (OR 4.13, 95% CI: 1.06–16.11), admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (OR 1.95, 95% CI: 1.03–3.71), respiratory distress (OR 2.77, 95% CI: 1.26–6.34), and lower breastfeeding rates at discharge (OR 0.10, 95% CI: 0.05–0.18). When excluding other confounders, no significant association between antenatal cannabis use and SGA was found.ConclusionsAntenatal cannabis use increases the risk of SGA, low birthweight, preterm birth and other adverse perinatal outcomes. However, when isolating the impact of cannabis use by excluding women who use other recreational drugs and those who discontinue cannabis during pregnancy, no significant association between antenatal cannabis use and SGA birth was found.
The role of momentary emotions in promoting error learning orientation among lower secondary school students: An intervention study embedded in a short visual programming course
Authors: Schmid Rahel , Smit Robbert , Robin Nicolas , Strahl Alexander 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundStudents make many errors in visual programming. In order to learn from these, it is important that students regulate their emotions and view errors as learning opportunities.AimsThis study aimed to explore to what extent momentary emotions, specifically enjoyment, anxiety and boredom, as well as the error learning orientation of students, interacted during a 1‐day course on visual programming in an out‐of‐school learning environment.SamplesThe sample consisted of 269 lower secondary school students (grades 7–9).MethodsThe data were collected in an intervention study, with questionnaires applied directly before and after the course, and with four measurements of state emotions during the course.ResultsThe results showed that error learning orientation had an expected effect on the students' emotions at the beginning of the course. The emotions changed positively over the course of the workshop, while the error learning orientation remained stable. No differences in error learning orientation were found between the control and intervention groups. An expected, reciprocal effect of students' emotions on their error learning orientation at the end of the course day could not be found.ConclusionChanges in error learning orientation are difficult to achieve during 1‐day courses. Nevertheless, through targeted, pedagogical approaches, which aim to minimize the influence of unfavourable emotions that occur in problem‐oriented learning situations, teachers could help students develop a positive error learning orientation in the long term, whereby errors are viewed as an opportunity for learning.
A survey of the allocation of scarce resources in Türkiye during the COVID‐19 pandemic: Which criteria did healthcare professionals prioritize?
Authors: Aydin Er Rahime , Çevik Nasirlier Gülten 
Published: March 2024

AbstractCOVID‐19 caused an imbalance between medical resources and the number of patients in Türkiye like in many countries. There was not pandemic‐triage system, and this situation led to decision making based on experience, intuition, and judgment of allocation of scarce resources. The research explains the guiding criteria that healthcare professionals used to prioritize the distribution of scarce medical resources during the COVID‐19 pandemic. The criteria preferred by 928 healthcare professionals were evaluated when preventive measures for COVID‐19 were reduced and so the number of cases increased rapidly. The results indicate that Turkish healthcare professionals largely support the utilitarian approach, which focuses on medical benefit in pandemic. The main problem was that some criteria not approved in COVID‐19 triage guidelines were considered important by healthcare professionals. These criteria, which cause discrimination by preventing the provision of fair and equal medical care to patients, are a prominent issue in the study.
The effect of bolus advisors on glycaemic parameters in adults with diabetes on intensive insulin therapy: A systematic review with meta‐analysis
Authors: den Brok Elisabeth J. , Svensson Cecilie H. , Panagiotou Maria , van Greevenbroek Marleen M. J. , Mertens Peter R. , Vazeou Andriani , Mitrakou Asimina , Makrilakis Konstantinos , Franssen Gregor H. L. M. , van Kuijk Sander , Proennecke Stephan , Mougiakakou Stavroula , Pedersen‐Bjergaard Ulrik , de Galan Bastiaan E. ,   MELISSA consortium
Published: March 2024

AbstractAimTo conduct a systematic review with meta‐analysis to provide a comprehensive synthesis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and prospective cohort studies investigating the effects of currently available bolus advisors on glycaemic parameters in adults with diabetes.Materials and MethodsAn electronic search of PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane Library and ClinicalTrials.gov was conducted in December 2022. The risk of bias was assessed using the revised Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. (Standardized) mean difference (MD) was selected to determine the difference in continuous outcomes between the groups. A random‐effects model meta‐analysis and meta‐regression were performed. This systematic review was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42022374588).ResultsA total of 18 RCTs involving 1645 adults (50% females) with a median glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) concentration of 8.45% (7.95%–9.30%) were included. The majority of participants had type 1 diabetes (N = 1510, 92%) and were on multiple daily injections (N = 1173, 71%). Twelve of the 18 trials had low risk of bias. The meta‐analysis of 10 studies with available data on HbA1c showed that the use of a bolus advisor modestly reduced HbA1c compared to standard treatment (MD −011%, 95% confidence interval −0.22 to −0.01; I2 = 0%). This effect was accompanied by small improvements in low blood glucose index and treatment satisfaction, but not with reductions in hypoglycaemic events or changes in other secondary outcomes.ConclusionUse of a bolus advisor is associated with slightly better glucose control and treatment satisfaction in people with diabetes on intensive insulin treatment. Future studies should investigate whether personalizing bolus advisors using artificial intelligence technology can enhance these effects.
Reduction in short interval intracortical inhibition from the early stage reflects the pathophysiology in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: A meta‐analysis study
Authors: Higashihara Mana , Pavey Nathan , Menon Parvathi , van den Bos Mehdi , Shibuya Kazumoto , Kuwabara Satoshi , Kiernan Matthew C. , Koinuma Masayoshi , Vucic Steve 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackground and purposeCortical hyperexcitability has been identified as a diagnostic and pathogenic biomarker of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Cortical excitability is assessed by transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), a non‐invasive neurophysiological technique. The TMS biomarkers exhibiting highest sensitivity for cortical hyperexcitability in ALS remain to be elucidated. A meta‐analysis was performed to determine the TMS biomarkers exhibiting the highest sensitivity for cortical hyperexcitability in ALS.MethodsA systematic literature review was conducted of all relevant studies published in the English language by searching PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase and Scopus electronic databases from 1 January 2006 to 28 February 2023. Inclusion criteria included studies reporting the utility of threshold tracking TMS (serial ascending method) in ALS and controls.ResultsIn total, more than 2500 participants, incorporating 1530 ALS patients and 1102 controls (healthy, 907; neuromuscular, 195) were assessed with threshold tracking TMS across 25 studies. Significant reduction of mean short interval intracortical inhibition (interstimulus interval 1–7 ms) exhibited the highest standardized mean difference with moderate heterogeneity (−0.994, 95% confidence interval −1.12 to −0.873, p < 0.001; Q = 38.61, p < 0.05; I2 = 40%). The reduction of cortical silent period duration along with an increase in motor evoked potential amplitude and intracortical facilitation also exhibited significant, albeit smaller, standardized mean differences.ConclusionThis large meta‐analysis study disclosed that mean short interval intracortical inhibition reduction exhibited the highest sensitivity for cortical hyperexcitability in ALS. Combined findings from this meta‐analysis suggest that research strategies aimed at understanding the cause of inhibitory interneuronal circuit dysfunction could enhance understanding of ALS pathogenesis.
An efficient tool to find multispecies MSY for interacting fish stocks
Authors: Del Santo O’Neill T. J. , Rossberg A. G. , Thorpe R. B. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractNatural ecological communities exhibit complex mixtures of interspecific biological interactions, which makes finding optimal yet sustainable exploitation rates challenging. Most fisheries management advice is at present based on applying the Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY) target to each species in a community by modelling it as if it was a monoculture. Such application of single‐species MSY policies to strongly interacting populations can result in tragic overexploitation. However, the idea of ‘maximising the yield from each species separately’ can be extended to take into account species interactions. This leads to a form of Nash Equilibrium, where the yields of each species are simultaneously maximised. Here we present ‘nash’, an R package that streamlines the computation of Nash equilibrium reference points for fisheries and other systems represented by a user‐defined multispecies or ecosystem model. We present two real‐world fisheries management applications alongside performance benchmarks. Satisfactory search results are shown across models with an approximate factor 7 increase in performance when compared to the expensive round‐robbing sequential optimisation algorithms used by other authors in the literature. We believe that the nash package can play an instrumental role in fully implementing ecosystem‐based management policies worldwide.
Anxiety and depression among adults with haemophilia A: Patient and physician reported symptoms from the real‐world European CHESS II study
Authors: Ferri Grazzi Enrico , Blenkiron Thomas , Hawes Charles , Camp Charlotte , O'Hara Jamie , Burke Tom , O'Brien Gráinne 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIntroductionThe physical pain and disability affecting many people with haemophilia A (PwHA) are known detractors from psychological wellbeing. While psychosocial support is considered a core tenet of the haemophilia comprehensive care structure, the extent to which mental health challenges are detected and monitored by the individuals treating haematologist remains relatively unexplored.AimTo describe prevalence of anxiety and depression in a real‐world cohort of adult PwHA and evaluate the congruence in reporting of anxiety or depression (A/D) between PwHA and their treating physicians.MethodsData for PwHA without inhibitors was drawn from the European ‘Cost of Haemophilia: A Socioeconomic Survey II’ (CHESS II) study. Haematologist‐indicated comorbidities of anxiety and depression were unified into a single A/D indicator. The EQ‐5D‐5L health status measure was used to characterise self‐reported A/D, with individuals stratified into two non‐mutually exclusive subgroups based on level of A/D reported (Subgroup A: ‘some’ or above; Subgroup B: ‘moderate’ or above).ResultOf 381 PwHA with evaluable EQ‐5D‐5L responses, 54% (n = 206) self‐reported at least some A/D (Subgroup A) and 17% (n = 66) reported at least moderate A/D (Subgroup B). Patient‐physician congruence in A/D reporting was 53% and 76% for Subgroups A and B, respectively. Descriptive analysis suggested that individuals with physician‐ and/or self‐reported A/D experienced worse clinical outcomes (bleeding events, joint disease, chronic pain).ConclusionWhile adverse clinical outcomes appear to correlate with A/D, self‐reports of moderate–severe symptoms occasionally lacked formal recognition from treating physicians. Cross‐disciplinary surveillance of mental health issues could improve both psychological and clinical outcomes among PwHA.
HOUSEHOLD DEBT AND THE EFFECTS OF FISCAL POLICY
Authors: Alpanda Sami , Song Melissa Hyunji , Zubairy Sarah 
Published: March 2024

AbstractWe examine how the effects of government spending shocks depend on the balance sheet position of households. Employing U.S. household survey data, we find a large, positive consumption response for households with mortgage debt, smaller response for renters, and an insignificant response for outright homeowners, in response to a positive government spending shock. We consider a model with three types of households and show that it can successfully account for these findings. Liquidity constraints and wealth effects play a crucial role in shock propagation. Our findings suggest the importance of household mortgage debt position in the transmission mechanism of fiscal policy.
Prompt effects on assessment of interactional competence in a group oral test
Authors: Lv Zhouyang 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis study serves as an attempt to validate an in‐house oral proficiency test (hereafter referred to as OPT) with a particular focus on prompt effects on assessment of interactional competence, an issue that has attracted burgeoning interest but not been adequately investigated yet. Prompts employed in the parallel versions of the group discussion task, which were supposed to be comparable, were found to differ in two dimensions, that is, topical domain and syntactic structure. The transcribed interactions from 136 sophomore test takers (34 groups) sitting in the first administration of the OPT were coded through a rigorous procedure and examined using conversation analysis. Five patterns of interaction were identified with distinct features based on two dimensions, mutuality and equality. Marked differences in distribution of patterns of interaction were detected in discourse elicited by different prompts, which should be mainly attributed to the syntactic structure of the prompts. The open‐question prompts were found more likely to elicit “conversation‐like” interaction with higher mutuality, characterized by the collaborative and unbalanced‐collaborative patterns, while the closed‐question prompts tended to elicit more “solo versus solo” interaction with lower mutuality, featured by the parallel and unbalanced‐parallel patterns. The influence of topic domain, however, was minimal. The results thereby constitute rebuttals that weaken meaningfulness and impartiality of the claim of interpretations about the construct within Bachman and Palmer's assessment use argument framework and suggest close attention from the test developers. The implications for prompt design, and development and validation of the group oral test are further provided.