bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of Evidence-Based Quality Improvement on Tailoring VA’s Patient-Centered Medical Home Model to Women Veterans’ Needs
Authors: Yano Elizabeth M. , Than Claire , Brunner Julian , Canelo Ismelda A. , Meredith Lisa S. , Rubenstein Lisa V. , Hamilton Alison B. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Women Veterans’ numerical minority, high rates of military sexual trauma, and gender-specific healthcare needs have complicated implementation of comprehensive primary care (PC) under VA’s patient-centered medical home model, Patient Aligned Care Teams (PACT).

Objective
We deployed an evidence-based quality improvement (EBQI) approach to tailor PACT to meet women Veterans’ needs and studied its effects on women’s health (WH) care readiness, team-based care, and burnout.

Design
We evaluated EBQI effectiveness in a cluster randomized trial with unbalanced random allocation of 12 VAMCs (8 EBQI vs. 4 control). Clinicians/staff completed web-based surveys at baseline (2014) and 24 months (2016). We adjusted for individual-level covariates (e.g., years at VA) and weighted for non-response in difference-in-difference analyses for readiness and team-based care overall and by teamlet type (mixed-gender PC-PACTs vs. women-only WH-PACTs), as well as post-only burnout comparisons.

Participants
We surveyed all clinicians/staff in general PC and WH clinics.

Intervention
EBQI involved structured engagement of multilevel, multidisciplinary stakeholders at network, VAMC, and clinic levels toward network-specific QI roadmaps. The research team provided QI training, formative feedback, and external practice facilitation, and support for cross-site collaboration calls to VAMC-level QI teams, which developed roadmap-linked projects adapted to local contexts.

Main Measures
WH care readiness (confidence providing WH care, self-efficacy implementing PACT for women, barriers to providing care for women, gender sensitivity); team-based care (change-readiness, communication, decision-making, PACT-related QI, functioning); burnout.

Key Results
Overall, EBQI had mixed effects which varied substantively by type of PACT. In PC-PACTs, EBQI increased self-efficacy implementing PACT for women and gender sensitivity, even as it lowered confidence. In contrast, in WH-PACTs, EBQI improved change-readiness, team-based communication, and functioning, and was associated with lower burnout.

Conclusions
EBQI effectiveness varied, with WH-PACTs experiencing broader benefits and PC-PACTs improving basic WH care readiness. Lower confidence delivering WH care by PC-PACT members warrants further study.

Trial Registration
The data in this paper represent results from a cluster randomized controlled trial registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02039856).
Microfracture-coagulation for the real robotic liver parenchymal transection
Authors: Navinés-López Jordi , Pardo Aranda Fernando , Cremades Pérez Manel , Espin Álvarez Francisco , Zárate Pinedo Alba , Cugat Andorrà Esteban 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe use of the robotic approach in liver surgery is exponentially increasing. Although technically the robot introduces several innovative features, the instruments linked with the traditional laparoscopic approach for the liver parenchymal transection are not available, which may result in multiple technical variants that may bias the comparative analysis between the different series worldwide. A real robotic approach, minimally efficient for the liver parenchymal transection, with no requirement of external tool, available for the already existing platforms, and applicable to any type of liver resection, counting on the selective use of the plugged bipolar forceps and the monopolar scissors, or “microfracture-coagulation” (MFC) transection method, is described in detail. The relevant aspects of the technique, its indications and methodological basis are discussed.
An Optimized and Validated QuEChERS-Based Method for the Determination of PCBs in Edible Aquatic Species
Authors: Trantopoulos Epameinondas P. , Boti Vasiliki I. , Albanis Triantafyllos A. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn the present research, a quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe (QuEChERS) method was optimized and validated for the determination of 14 selected PCB congeners in mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis) and fish samples (Sparus aurata). The optimization included the selection of different QuEChERS procedures, extraction solvent, sample weight, and suitable sorbents for the clean-up step to achieve high sensitivity and minimal matrix interferences simultaneously. The identification and quantification of the selected PCBs were carried out using GC–MS. The method was validated providing in all cases excellent linearity (r2 above 0.99). Recoveries were estimated at three different fortification levels (10, 50, and 100 ng g−1) and ranged from 72.5 to 109.5% and 72.1 to 88.4% for mussel and fish samples, respectively. In addition, for both matrices, the LOQs ranged from 1 to 2.5 ng g−1. The matrix effect was in all cases < 29%, while the expanded uncertainty U%, which was estimated at all the fortification levels, was found below 53% in all cases. Eventually, the optimized and validated method was applied to mussel and fish samples acquired from aquacultures in NW Greece, revealing the absence of the selected congeners in all cases.
Assessing Child Health Disparities: Evidence from a Household-Based Health Index in Punjab, Pakistan
Authors: Naveed Tanveer Ahmed , Shah Imran Hussain 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAround the world, undernutrition causes more than half of all deaths in children under 5 years of age. It also increases children's vulnerability to common diseases, impairs recovery, and stunts their physical and mental development. This paper investigates the state of child health and the assessment of health inequalities in children under 5 years, utilising Multiple Indicators Cluster Surveys across 36 districts in Punjab, Pakistan. We suggest a new household-based health index to identify health disparities and to help policymakers implement more successful domestic policies to offset inequalities. Additionally, this study estimates the health disparities for robustness checks applying the Palma ratio and Gini coefficient. The study's findings revealed that every second child in Punjab is malnourished and that 51% of children in Punjab had not received all of their recommended vaccinations. The results also show that health disparities in low-income districts are worse than in high-income districts. The findings further demonstrate that important contributors to health disparities include parental illiteracy, poverty, and political backwardness. This study recommends a multifaceted policy intervention to address child immunization, undernutrition, and infectious disease legislation, as well as income inequality, to reduce health disparities.
Efficacy of powdered alfalfa leaves to ameliorate the toxic effects of aflatoxin B1 in turkey poults
Authors: Nava-Ramírez M. J. , Maguey-González J. A. , Gómez-Rosales S. , Hernández-Ramírez J. O. , Latorre J. D. , Du Xiangwei , López-Coello C. , Hargis B. M. , Téllez-Isaías G. , Vázquez-Durán A. , Méndez-Albores A. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis experiment was conducted to determine the effect of an adsorbent material based on powdered alfalfa leaves added in the aflatoxin B1 (AFB1)-contaminated diet of turkey poults on production parameters, blood cell count, serum biochemistry, liver enzymes, and liver histology. For this purpose, three hundred and fifty female Nicholas-700 poults were randomly assigned into five treatments: (1) Control, AFB1-free diet; (2) AF, diet contaminated with 250 ng AFB1/g; (3) Alfalfa, AFB1-free diet + 0.5% (w/w) adsorbent; (4) AF+alfalfa, diet contaminated with 250 ng AFB1/g + 0.5% (w/w) adsorbent, and (5) AF+ yeast cell wall (YCW), diet contaminated with 250 ng AFB1/g + 0.5% (w/w) of yeast cell wall (a commercial mycotoxin binder used as reference material). The in vivo efficacy of powdered alfalfa leaves was assessed during a 28-day period. In general, the addition of powdered alfalfa leaves in the AFB1-free diet gave the best performance results (body weight, body weight gain, and feed intake) and improved the values of total protein, glucose, calcium, creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen. Moreover, the addition of powdered alfalfa leaves in the AFB1-contaminated diet enhanced body weight and body weight gain and significantly reduced the feed intake, compared to the AF and AF+YCW groups. Additionally, significant alterations in serum parameters were observed in poults intoxicated with the AFB1, compared to the Control group. Furthermore, typical histopathological lesions were observed in the liver of the AF group, which were significantly ameliorated with the addition of powdered alfalfa leaves. Conclusively, these results pointed out that low inclusion of powdered alfalfa leaves in the contaminated feed counteracted the adverse effects of AFB1 in turkey poults.
Exploring the adoption of food safety measures in smallholder dairy systems in Ethiopia: implications for food safety and public health
Authors: Nyokabi Ndungu S. , Korir Lilian , Lindahl Johanna F. , Phelan Lisette , Gemechu Gizachew , Berg Stefan , Mihret Adane , Wood James L. N. , Moore Henrietta L. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractMilk is highly perishable and can be a conduit for the transmission of zoonotic foodborne pathogens. This cross-sectional survey involving 159 farming households and 18 participant observations in participating farms was undertaken in Addis Ababa and surrounding areas in Oromia, Ethiopia to assess the adoption of food safety measures in smallholder farms. Adoption of food safety measures at the farm level influences milk quality and safety across the entire milk value chain, from “grass to glass”. This study considered the adoption of 36 different food safety measures (FSM) including animal health, milking hygiene, hygienic milk storage, and hygienic milking premises. A weighted food safety index (FSI, ranging from 0 to 100) was calculated for each household based on FSM adopted. Ordinary Least Squares linear regression was used to quantify the factors of FSM adoption by smallholder farmers. The overall food safety index ranged between 59.97—60.75. A majority of farmers may be classified as moderate adopters of FSM (index ranging between 30–70%). Farm and farmers’ characteristics such as herd size, farmer’s education level, farmer’s expertise in dairying, and participation of the farm in the formal milk value- chain, were shown to positively influence the level of adoption of FSM. Low farm-level adoption of FSM has food safety and public health implications as it can lead to milk contamination and, therefore, expose consumers to foodborne diseases. There is an imperative for policymakers to design and implement policies and intervention strategies that lead to increased farmer training related to livestock production and awareness of the important role that FSM adoption can play in improving food safety and public health.
Flash flood prediction in Southwest Saudi Arabia using GIS technique and surface water models
Authors: Masoud Milad H. Z. , Basahi Jalal M. , Alqarawy Abdulaziz , Schneider Michael , Rajmohan Natarajan , Niyazi Burhan A. M. , Karthikeyan Brindha 
Published: February 2024

AbstractA flash flood is one of the hazardous phenomena, especially in dry regions. In Saudi Arabia, Jazan Province experiences data scarcity especially historical hydrological data and a lack of studies related to flash flood analysis and the rainfall and runoff interrelationship. Thus, this research aims to study the rainfall-runoff inter-relation, predict flash floods, and to map the risk areas in Jazan Province by the geological, geomorphological, and hydrogeological characteristics along with digital elevation model (DEM), watershed modeling system (WMS) and HEC-HMS models. Jazan Province encompasses 25 drainage basins, receiving a considerable amount of rainfall (ranging from 100 to 500 mm) (August, October-November, March) which intermittently cause strong and destructive flash floods. The DEM was used for delineating the catchment (drainage basins) parameters. Physiographic parameters of the catchments have been analyzed for mapping the hazard degree of the flash flood strength. Further, basins with high hazard degrees of flash floods were selected to assess rainfall-runoff inter-relation using the HEC-HMS models, GIS, and morphometric parameters. Forty %, 8%, 52% of the study area are high, medium, and low hazard degrees of flash floods, respectively. The groundwater recharge in the study area was calculated through the integration of satellite image analysis, SWAT and GIS techniques and it ranges from 0.002 mm/km2/year to 8 mm/km2/year with an average of 2.5 mm/km2/year. Rainfall-runoff inter-relation of study basins, assessed based on the integration of WMS and HEC-HMS models, indicates that the resulting runoff volume ranges from 18.5 × 106 m3 to 473.1 × 106 m3 at a recurrence period of 5 and 100 years at rainfall events of 65 mm and 116.8 mm, respectively.
Investigating the overlap of machine learning algorithms in the final results of RNA-seq analysis on gene expression estimation
Authors: Stathopoulou Kalliopi-Maria , Georgakopoulos Spiros , Tasoulis Sotiris , Plagianakos Vassilis P. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAdvances in computer science in combination with the next-generation sequencing have introduced a new era in biology, enabling advanced state-of-the-art analysis of complex biological data. Bioinformatics is evolving as a union field between computer Science and biology, enabling the representation, storage, management, analysis and exploration of many types of data with a plethora of machine learning algorithms and computing tools. In this study, we used machine learning algorithms to detect differentially expressed genes between different types of cancer and showing the existence overlap to final results from RNA-sequencing analysis. The datasets were obtained from the National Center for Biotechnology Information resource. Specifically, dataset GSE68086 which corresponds to PMID:200,068,086. This dataset consists of 171 blood platelet samples collected from patients with six different tumors and healthy individuals. All steps for RNA-sequencing analysis (preprocessing, read alignment, transcriptome reconstruction, expression quantification and differential expression analysis) were followed. Machine Learning- based Random Forest and Gradient Boosting algorithms were applied to predict significant genes. The Rstudio statistical tool was used for the analysis.
Quality monitoring for a resistance spot weld process of galvanized dual-phase steel based on the electrode displacement
Authors: Ullrich M. , Wohner M. , Jüttner S. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn previous works, it has been found out that the electrode displacement in resistance spot welding has a high potential to be used as a measurement factor to monitor joint quality and to subsequently optimize the welding parameters. By extracting characteristic points in the displacement curve, it is possible to create and evaluate different parameter sets and to predict the formation of expulsion. These characteristic points include for example the maximum displacement of the electrodes, the time of the maximum displacement, the indentation displacement in the weld and hold time, or the velocity of the electrodes. In previous work, it was already shown that the indentation displacement showed satisfying results in predicting the nugget diameter for a press hardened 22MnB5 + AS150 under laboratory conditions. Based on that, a newly derived methodology for using the electrode displacement in monitoring a resistance spot weld process is shown for a galvanized dual-phase steel CR440Y780T-DP GI50/50-U. This methodology combines the knowledge of previous research and is split into three steps: the detection of manufacturing discontinuities, the evaluation of expulsion, and the monitoring of the nugget diameter. For this, the electrode velocity at the beginning of the process and the indentation displacements in the weld and hold time are being used to evaluate the resistance spot welding process.
Evolutionary History of Periodontitis and the Oral Microbiota—Lessons for the Future
Authors: Shanmugasundaram Shashikiran , Nayak Namratha , Karmakar Shaswata , Chopra Aditi , Arangaraju Ramya 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Purpose of Review
Currently, periodontal disease is the sixth most prevalent disease in the world. Emerging evidence suggests the possibility of pre-historic humans having relatively low occurrences of oral diseases, particularly periodontitis when compared to modern humans. In this review, we look back into the history of Homo sapiens and explore the emerging scientific literature to discuss the evolution of the human oral microbiota and the prevalence of periodontitis from pre-historic to modern times.

Recent Findings
Most of the scientific literature points to a more health-associated, eubiotic oral microbiota and a seemingly lower prevalence of periodontitis in pre-historic humans compared to modern times. The oral microbiome has evolved along with humans. Humans of the contemporary era are exposed to a far greater number of risk factors for periodontal disease. Also, major lifestyle changes induced by the agricultural revolution and the industrial revolution have led to the development of a more dysbiotic oral microbiota and a rise in the prevalence of periodontitis in modern humans.

Summary
An understanding of the prevalence of periodontitis across human history, the evolution of the oral microbiota, and the factors that influenced its nature and complexity helps identify and modify the disease-associated lifestyle factors acquired through modernization to manage the common worldwide problem of periodontitis.
Finite Element Modelling of Geogrids Reinforced Ballasted Tracks
Authors: Ngo Trung , Hasan Maheer 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis paper presents results obtained from three-dimension finite element modelling (FEM) to study the effects of geogrids on the deformation responses of ballasted tracks. In this study, a series of numerical simulations are carried out on track sections with and without the inclusion of geogrids. Sensitivity analysis was carried on parameters affecting the performance of geogrid, including the axial stiffness, interface property and the location of geogrid placement in the track substructure. The tracks are subjected to moving train loading under 150 kN wheel load travelling at a given speed of 72 km/h. Based on simulation results, it is found that geogrid provides a reinforcing function to rail track primarily in the form of confinement which resulted in reduced lateral displacement in a reinforced track compared to a traditional track. A significant reduction in vertical and lateral displacement is found from the inclusion of a geogrid layer at the ballast and capping interface while the effect of geogrid reinforcement is more pronounced with increased loading cycles. The effects of geogrid stiffness, interface conditions and geogrid placement are studied and it is found that the axial stiffness of geogrid is found to impact overall track deformation while the optimum placement of geogrid is found to directly at the ballast and capping interface.
Relationships between obesity markers and bone parameters in community-dwelling older adults
Authors: Lemoine L. , Buckinx F. , Aidoud A. , Leroy V. , Fougère B. , Aubertin-Leheudre M. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Osteoporosis is an age-related condition that can lead to fragility fractures and other serious consequences. The literature data on the impact of obesity on bone health are contradictory. The main reasons for this discrepancy could be the imperfect nature of the body mass index (BMI) as a marker of obesity, the metabolic status (inflammation and metabolically healthy obesity), and/or heterogeneity in bone variables and architecture or sex.

Aims
To examine the relationship between bone variables and three validated obesity criteria.

Methods
In this cross-sectional study, participants were classified as obese according to their BMI, waist circumference (WC), and fat mass (FM). Bone variables and architecture were assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and peripheral quantitative computed tomography, respectively.

Results
One hundred sixty-eight adults aged 55 or over (men: 68%) were included. 48 (28%) participants were obese according to the BMI, with 108 (64%) according to the FM, and 146 (87%) according to the WC. Bone variables were positively correlated with WC and BMI (Pearson’s r = 0.2–0.42). In men only, the obesity measures were negatively correlated with cortical bone density (Pearson’s r = − 0.32 to − 0.19) and positively correlated with cortical bone area (Pearson’s r = 0.22–0.39).

Conclusion
Our findings indicate that independent of sex and obesity criteria, when significant, being obese seems to lead to higher bone parameters than being non-obese, except for cortical bone density. Thus, in the obese population, assessing cortical density might help the physician to identify bone alteration. Further researches are needed to confirm our findings.
Comparison of three frailty measures for predicting hospitalization and mortality in the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging
Authors: Pasquet Romain , Xu Mengting , Sylvestre Marie-Pierre , Keezer Mark R. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Few studies have compared different measures of frailty for predicting adverse outcomes. It remains unknown which frailty measurement approach best predicts healthcare utilization such as hospitalization and mortality.

Aims
This study aims to compare three approaches to measuring frailty—grip strength, frailty phenotype, and frailty index—in predicting hospitalization and mortality among middle-aged and older Canadians.

Methods
We analyzed baseline and the first 3-year follow-up data for 30,097 participants aged 45 to 85 years from the comprehensive cohort of the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA). Using separate logistic regression models adjusted for multimorbidity, age and biological sex, we predicted participants' risks for overnight hospitalization in the past 12 months and mortality, at the first 3-year follow-up, using each of the three frailty measurements at baseline. Model discrimination was assessed using Harrell’s c-statistic and calibration assessed using calibration plots.

Results
The predictive performance of all three measures of frailty were roughly similar when predicting overnight hospitalization and mortality risk among CLSA participants. Model discrimination measured using c-statistics ranged from 0.67 to 0.69 for hospitalization and 0.79 to 0.80 for mortality. All measures of frailty yielded strong model calibration.

Discussion and conclusion
All three measures of frailty had similar predictive performance. Discrimination was modest for predicting hospitalization and superior in predicting mortality. This likely reflects the objective nature of mortality as an outcome and the challenges in reducing the complex concept of healthcare utilization to a single variable such as any overnight hospitalization.