bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Increased mortality in socioeconomic disadvantaged municipalities during the first phase of the COVID-19 pandemic in Lombardy region
Authors: Alicandro Gianfranco , Gerli Alberto , La Vecchia Carlo 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
Lombardy was the first European region most severely affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic in the spring of 2020. During that period, a substantial increase in socioeconomic inequality in total mortality was observed. This study aims to evaluate mortality data in the region up to September 2023 to verify whether the increased disparities between the poorest and the wealthiest municipalities persisted in the subsequent phases of the pandemic.

Methods
This study analyzed mortality data from January 2019 to September 2023 in Lombardy's municipalities by month and pandemic phases characterized by the predominance of the different severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants. Municipalities were grouped according to the average income or pension of their residents. Age-standardized mortality rates (ASMRs) and the ASMR ratio between the poorest and the wealthiest municipalities were compared throughout the study period.

Results
In the pre-pandemic period (January 2019 - February 2020), the ASMR ratio at all ages between the poorest and the wealthiest municipalities fluctuated between 1.12 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.07–1.16] and 1.29 (95% CI: 1.25–1.34). In March 2020, the ASMR ratio increased to 1.49 (95% CI: 1.45–1.52 95%) and returned to values registered before the pandemic thereafter. A similar pattern was observed in the analysis of mortality ≥ 65, using the average pension for group municipalities.

Conclusions
During the dramatic circumstances that the region faced in March 2020, pre-existing socioeconomic inequalities substantially widened. With the reorganization of the health system and the availability of vaccines, these disparities returned to the levels recorded before the pandemic.
Nanobody-based food allergen surveillance: current status and prospects
Authors: Wang Yi , Wu Sihao , Li Ang , Lv Huan , Ji Xuemeng , Hu Yaozhong , Wang Shuo 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The incidence of food allergy has increased in recent decades, posing drastic risks to sensitive individuals, leading to mild to severe allergic symptoms. There is still no effective immune therapeutic strategy for food allergy that addresses accurate analytical methods to indicate the presence of allergens to prevent exposure of sensitive individuals. Currently, the most commonly applied detection method is immunoassay developed with food allergen-specific antibodies, especially the conventional formats of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and polyclonal antibodies (pAbs), which serve as dominant detection reagents for food allergen analysis, although with the disadvantages of being labor-intensive, costly, batch differences, and significant cross-reaction, etc. Camelid-derived nanobodies (Nbs) have attracted tremendous attention to explore their application in food hazard analysis because of robust characteristics like unique paratopes, high stability and affinity that strongly contribute to the beneficial effect. However, extensive analysis is needed to validate the potential use of Nbs as detection reagents and the advantages for food allergen surveillance. Previous reports have demonstrated the potential of Nbs for immunoassay development against food allergens, such as macadamia allergen Mac i 1, peanut allergens Ara h 1 and Ara h 3, lupin allergen Lup an 1, milk allergen β-lactoglobulin, etc. In this review, we comprehensively summarize the structural and biochemical properties of Nbs that benefit the application of Nb-based immunoassay, as well as the representative detection strategies, to provide research data for newly developed Nb formats for food allergen analysis, and investigate the future establishment of Nb-based surveillance against major food allergens.
Decomposition of medical imaging spending growth between 2010 and 2021 in the US employer–insured population
Authors: Horný Michal , Chang Daniel , Christensen Eric W , Rula Elizabeth Y , Duszak Richard 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Medical imaging, identified as a potential driver of unsustainable US health care spending growth, was subject to policies to reduce prices and use in low-value settings. Meanwhile, the Affordable Care Act increased access to preventive services—many involving imaging—for employer-sponsored insurance (ESI) beneficiaries. We used a large insurance claims database to examine imaging spending trends in the ESI population between 2010 and 2021—a period of considerable policy and benefits changes. Nominal spending on imaging increased 35.9% between 2010 and 2021, but as a share of total health care spending fell from 10.5% to 8.9%. The 22.5% growth of nominal imaging prices was below inflation, 24.3%, as measured by the Consumer Price Index. Other key contributors to imaging spending growth were increased use (7.4 percentage points [pp]), shifts toward advanced modalities (4.0 pp), and demographic changes (3.5 pp). Shifts in care settings and provider network participation resulted in 2.5-pp and 0.3-pp imaging spending decreases, respectively. In sum, imaging spending decreased as a share of all health care spending and relative to inflation, as intended by concurrent cost-containment policies.
Interaction among homeodomain transcription factors mediates ethylene biosynthesis during pear fruit ripening
Authors: Cao Su-Hao , Guo Zhi-Hua , Liu Hong , Wang Guo-Ming , Qi Kai-Jie , Wang Ze-Wen , Tian Rui-Ping , Sha Shou-Feng , Zhang Shao-Ling , Gu Chao 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Fruit ripening is manipulated by the plant phytohormone ethylene in climacteric fruits. While the transcription factors (TFs) involved in ethylene biosynthesis and fruit ripening have been extensively studied in tomato, their identification in pear remains limited. In this study, we identified and characterized a HOMEODOMAIN TF, PbHB.G7.2, through transcriptome analysis. PbHB.G7.2 could directly bind to the promoter of the ethylene biosynthetic gene, 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid synthase (PbACS1b), thereby enhancing its activity and resulting in increased ethylene production during pear fruit ripening. Yeast-two-hybrid screening revealed that PbHB.G7.2 interacted with PbHB.G1 and PbHB.G2.1. Notably, these interactions disrupted the transcriptional activation of PbHB.G7.2. Interestingly, PbHB.G1 and PbHB.G2.1 also bind to the PbACS1b promoter, albeit different regions from those bound by PbHB.G7.2. Moreover, the regions of PbHB.G1 and PbHB.G2.1 involved in their interaction with PbHB.G7.2 differ from the regions responsible for binding to the PbACS1b promoter. Nonetheless, these interactions also disrupt the transcriptional activation of PbHB.G1 and PbHB.G2.1. These findings offer a new mechanism of ethylene biosynthesis during climacteric fruit ripening.
Windows of opportunity in integrating mental health into care of neglected tropical diseases: the Nigeria experience
Authors: Ojo Tunde M , Afolayan Oluwole G , Alex-Okoh Morenike O 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
In this invited commentary, the Mental Health and the Neglected Tropical Diseases(NTDs) Program leads in the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare share the opportunities that have arisen from recent global progress in normative guidance and political interest in the intersection of mental health and NTDs. They describe the new collaboration that has taken place between their programs, e.g. contributing to the World Health Organization Essential Care Package for Mental Health, Stigma and NTDs and integration of mental health for the first time into the new National NTD Masterplan.
Prevalence, assessment and correlates of mental health problems in neglected tropical diseases: a systematic review
Authors: Adjorlolo Samuel , Adimado Emma Efua , Setordzi Mawuko , Akorli Vincent Valentine 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are a group of disease conditions that affect the world's poorest people in low- and middle-income countries. NTDs are associated with negative behavioural experiences, including discrimination, rejection and stigmatization, that predisposes those affected to mental health problems. Consequently, researchers have shown profound interest in elucidating the mental health burden associated with NTDs. To address pertinent issues in the burgeoning literature relating to the prevalence, assessment and correlates of mental health problems in NTDs, a systematic review methodology was used. Underpinned by the PRISMA guidelines, a search was conducted of electronic databases, individual journals and bibliographies for articles that were screened and subjected to predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Sixteen articles from African, Asian and South American countries were included in the review. Depression was the most widely investigated mental health issue, followed by stress and anxiety, with prevalence estimates of 7–54%, 8–43% and 19–53%, respectively. The PHQ-9 and GAD-7 and Self-Reporting Questionnaire were the most widely administered mental health screening tools. The major correlates of mental health problems are lower education and economic status and female gender. We recommend multisectoral and multilayered mental health and related interventions to address the increasing burden of mental health in NTDs.
Leprosy in Colombia: A look from life experience
Authors: Mora Julián Andrés Uribe , Angarita Patricia Devia 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Leprosy continues to be stigmatized, causing harm to fundamental rights, pain and hopelessness in those who have suffered from it and their families. From its relationship with public and mental health, effective strategies must be implemented to reduce stigma and unlearn myths and wrong perceptions, support families, and improve quality of life through early care and detection. This article shows that those affected by leprosy are capable, functional people with much to contribute to society anywhere in the world.
Antimicrobial resistance of clinical bacterial isolates in China: current status and trends
Authors: Qin Xiaohua , Ding Li , Hao Min , Li Pei , Hu Fupin , Wang Minggui 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance surveillance systems have been established in China. Two representative national surveillance networks are the China Antimicrobial Surveillance Network (CHINET) and China Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance System (CARSS), both of which were established in 2005. For all clinical isolates collected in both of these surveillance networks, the ratio of Gram-negative bacilli to Gram-positive cocci was approximately 7:3 during the past 18 years. Generally, Gram-negative bacilli have a higher antimicrobial resistance profile in China. The prevalence of ESBLs in Escherichia coli is as high as approximately 50%. Acinetobacter baumannii-calcoaceticus complex (ABC) has a high antimicrobial resistance profile, with a carbapenem resistance rate of approximately 66%. However, the prevalence of carbapenem-resistant ABC has also shown a decreasing trend from 2018 to 2022. The prevalence of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus was low, and the prevalence of MRSA and carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa showed decreasing trends from 2005 to 2022. CHINET surveillance data demonstrated that the prevalence of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae showed a remarkable increasing trend from 2.9% (imipenem resistance) in 2005 to 25.0% in 2018, and then slightly decreased to 22.6% in 2022. The decreasing trends may reflect the antimicrobial stewardship efforts in China: a professional consensus on the rational clinical use of carbapenems was issued by the National Health Commission of China and was well implemented nationally; after that, the clinical use of carbapenems decreased slightly in China.
An Image-Rich Educational Review of Breast Pain
Authors: Bui Anthony H , Smith Gretchen J , Dyrstad Sara W , Robinson Kathryn A , Herman Cheryl R , Owusu-Brackett Nicci , Fowler Amy M 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Breast pain is extremely common, occurring in 70% to 80% of women. Most cases of breast pain are from physiologic or benign causes, and patients should be reassured and offered treatment strategies to alleviate symptoms, often without diagnostic imaging. A complete clinical history and physical examination is key for distinguishing intrinsic breast pain from extramammary pain. Breast pain without other suspicious symptoms and with a negative history and physical examination result is rarely associated with malignancy, although it is a common reason for women to undergo diagnostic imaging. When breast imaging is indicated, guidelines according to the American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria should be followed as to whether mammography, US, or both are recommended. This review article summarizes the initial clinical evaluation of breast pain and evidence-based guidelines for imaging. Additionally, the article reviews cyclical and noncyclical breast pain and provides an image-rich discussion of the imaging presentation and management of benign and malignant breast pain etiologies.
Reimagining space layout design through deep reinforcement learning
Authors: Kakooee Reza , Dillenburger Benjamin 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Space layout design is a critical aspect of architectural design, influencing functionality and aesthetics. The inherent combinatorial nature of layout design poses challenges for traditional planning approaches; thus, it demands the exploration of novel methods. This paper presents a novel framework that leverages the potential of deep reinforcement learning (RL) algorithms to optimize space layouts. RL has demonstrated remarkable success in addressing complex decision-making problems, yet its application in the design process remains relatively unexplored. We argue that RL is particularly well-suited for the design process due to its ability to accommodate offline tasks and seamless integration with existing computer-aided design software, effectively acting as a simulator for design exploration. Framing space layout design as an RL problem and employing RL methods allows for the automated exploration of the expansive design space, thereby enhancing the discovery of innovative solutions. This paper also elucidates the synergy between the design process and the RL problem, which opens new avenues for exploring the potential of RL algorithms in design. We aim to foster experimentation and collaboration within the RL and architecture communities. To facilitate our research, we have developed SpaceLayoutGym, an environment specifically designed for space layout design tasks. SpaceLayoutGym serves as a customizable environment that encapsulates the essential elements of the layout design process within an RL framework. To showcase the effectiveness of SpaceLayoutGym and the capabilities of RL as an artificial space layout designer, we employ the Proximal Policy Optimization (PPO) algorithm to train the RL agent in selected design scenarios with both geometrical constraints and topological objectives. The study further extends to contrast the effectiveness of PPO agents with that of genetic algorithms, and also includes a comparative analysis with existing layouts. Our results demonstrate the potential of RL to optimize space layouts, offering a promising direction for the future of artificial intelligence-aided design.
Racial differences in postpandemic trends in prostate-specific antigen screening
Authors: Qian Zhiyu , Alexander Jameshisa , Daniels Danesha , Abdollah Firas , Cole Alexander P , Iyer Hari S , Trinh Quoc-Dien 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Our study investigates the trends in prostate cancer screening amid the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly focusing on racial disparities between Black and White men. Utilizing data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System from 2018, 2020, and 2022, we analyzed prostate-specific antigen screening rates in men aged 45-75 years. Our findings reveal initial declines in screening rates for both groups during the pandemic, with subsequent recovery; however, the pace of rebound differed statistically significantly between races. Whereas White men showed a notable increase in screening rates postpandemic, Black men’s rates recovered more slowly. This disparity underscores the impact of socioeconomic factors, health-care access, and possibly systemic biases affecting health-care delivery. Our study highlights the need for targeted interventions to address these inequalities and ensure equitable access to prostate cancer preventive care in the aftermath of COVID-19.
Carpal tunnel syndrome, spinal canal stenosis, cardiomyopathy, renal insufficiency, enteropathy, and diffuse myopathy as an expression of systemic ATTR amyloidosis - diagnostics and therapy
Authors: Radmer Sebastian , Andresen Julian Ramin 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Systemic amyloidosis is an incurable multisystem disease, caused by fibrillar protein deposits with resulting dysfunction of affected organ systems. It mostly affects patients &gt; 60 years. Diagnosis is often delayed because the symptoms are nonspecific and highly variable. We report on an elderly patient with multi-organ involvement with proven wild-type transthyretin amyloidosis. The initial manifestation involved bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome and lumbar spinal canal stenosis. The occurrence of ligament and tendon disorders, unexplained muscle pain and polyneuropathy in elderly patients should be considered as a possible first manifestation of systemic amyloidosis.
Successful surgical correction of an incomplete atrioventricular septal defect in a 76-year-old female patient
Authors: Shirakura Kentaro , Akasaka Nobuyuki , Mizushima Daichi , Narita Masahiko , Okubo Ryo , Nakatsu Tomoki , Kobayashi Daita , Kamiya Hiroyuki 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
We report the case of a 76-year-old woman with an incomplete atrioventricular septal defect and severe congestive heart failure who underwent surgical repair. Surgical intervention involved mitral valve repair and patch closure of the ostium primum defect, resulting in a favorable postoperative course. Successful outcomes support surgery as a reasonable treatment option owing to its significant improvement in postoperative quality of life, even in elderly patients with left atrioventricular valve degeneration.
Early gastro-oesophageal junction perforation repaired using through-the-scope clips following Nissen fundoplication
Authors: Anthony Phelopatir , Andrawis Nagy 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Early gastric and oesophageal perforations are rare following laparoscopic fundoplications, with an incidence of 0.9%. If managed operatively, omentopexy or redo-fundoplication may be employed. Here, we present the case of a septic 21 year old patient who presented with an early gastro-oesophageal perforation 7 days following laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication, which was successfully repaired endoscopically using haemostatic clips. To date, this technique of perforation repair in the setting of fundoplication has yet to be reported.
Optimal Predictors of General Small Area Parameters Under an Informative Sample Design Using Parametric Sample Distribution Models
Authors: Cho Yanghyeon , Guadarrama-Sanz María , Molina Isabel , Eideh Abdulhakeem , Berg Emily 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Two challenges in small area estimation occur when (i) the sample selection mechanism depends on the outcome variable and (ii) the parameter of interest is a nonlinear function of the response variable in the assumed model. If, given the values of the model covariates, the sample selection mechanism depends on the model response variable, the design is said to be informative for the model. Pfeffermann and Sverchkov (2007) develop a small area estimation procedure for informative sampling, focusing on the prediction of small area means. Molina and Rao (2010) develop a small area estimation procedure for general parameters that are nonlinear functions of the model response variable. The method of Molina and Rao assumes noninformative sampling. We combine these two approaches to develop a procedure for the estimation of general parameters in small areas under informative sampling. We introduce a parametric bootstrap MSE estimator that is appropriate for an informative sample design. We evaluate the validity of the proposed procedures through extensive simulation studies and illustrate the procedures utilizing Mexico’s income data.
Modelling Chinese contemporary calligraphy: the WRITE data model
Authors: Pasqual Valentina , Lučić Katarina , Bisceglia Marta Rosa , Merenda Martina , Iezzi Adriana , Tomasi Francesca 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
This article presents the WRITE data model and dataset, a comprehensive collection of Chinese contemporary calligraphic data, utilizing Linked Open Data (LOD) principles. Calligraphy plays a pivotal role in Chinese culture, reflecting national identity and cultural transformations. The objective of this study is to enhance understanding and provide new tools for exploring Chinese contemporary calligraphy through LOD. The WRITE data model comprises artistic, linguistic, and socio-political-economic aspects. The WRITE data model, developed collaboratively with domain specialists, represents four collections: Contemporary Visual Art, Performance, Graffiti, and Decorative and Applied Arts. Metadata describing the artworks is structured by reusing and extending the Wikidata model. Complex relations are established between artworks and contextual elements, (e.g. people, exhibition history, organizations, and literary works). The artistic and linguistic metadata recorded over the ‘calli-writing units’ provide insights into shared and diverging characteristics with traditional calligraphy. Traditional and contemporary calligraphy practices are compared, highlighting how contemporary calligraphy challenges traditional rules. Two case studies demonstrate the formalization of specific items in the WRITE collection, showcasing the study of graffiti art’s socio-political meaning in China and the multidimensional nature of musicalligraphy performance. The WRITE dataset and data model contribute to advancing knowledge and understanding of Chinese contemporary calligraphy, offering valuable resources for artistic analysis and interdisciplinary research.
Recent advances in enzyme-free and enzyme-mediated single-nucleotide variation assay in vitro
Authors: Xiong Erhu , Liu Pengfei , Deng Ruijie , Zhang Kaixiang , Yang Ronghua , Li Jinghong 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT
Single-nucleotide variants (SNVs) are the most common type variation of sequence alterations at a specific location in the genome, thus involving significant clinical and biological information. The assay of SNVs has engaged great awareness, because many genome-wide association studies demonstrated that SNVs are highly associated with serious human diseases. Moreover, the investigation of SNV expression levels in single cells are capable of visualizing genetic information and revealing the complexity and heterogeneity of single-nucleotide mutation-related diseases. Thus, developing SNV assay approaches in vitro, particularly in single cells, is becoming increasingly in demand. In this review, we summarized recent progress in the enzyme-free and enzyme-mediated strategies enabling SNV assay transition from sensing interface to the test tube and single cells, which will potentially delve deeper into the knowledge of SNV functions and disease associations, as well as discovering new pathways to diagnose and treat diseases based on individual genetic profiles. The leap of SNV assay achievements will motivate observation and measurement genetic variations in single cells, even within living organisms, delve into the knowledge of SNV functions and disease associations, as well as open up entirely new avenues in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases based on individual genetic profiles.