bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
#299 : Sex Ratio in Children Born After Assisted Reproduction and After Spontaneous Conception in the Czech Republic
Authors: Sipek Antonin , Gregor Vladimir , Sipek Antonin , Klaschka Jan , Maly Marek 
Published: January 2024

Background and Aims: Various authors described slight differences in the sex ratio in the children born after the use of various assisted reproduction techniques (ART). Our goal was to investigate this trend using population-wide datasets from the official medical registries of the Czech Republic. Method: We have used data from the official medical registries run by the Institute of Health Information and Statistics of the Czech Republic, namely the National Registry of Congenital Anomalies and the National Registry of Assisted Reproduction. The registration process in the Czech Republic is population-wide and the reporting is compulsory by the national law. We analyzed the number of births of children depending on the method of conception, the presence of a congenital defect, the twinning rate, and maternal age. Study period: 2013–2020. Results: A total of 881,975 children were born in the study period, 853,131 were born after spontaneous conception, and 28,844 after ART. The frequency of males was 50,89% in the spontaneously conceived children and 50.3% in the ART-conceived children, but the difference is not statistically significant. Among the children born with some kind of congenital anomaly, the males were more frequent, but again the difference was not statistically significant. Analyzing the different subgroups according to the twinning rate also did not identify any statistically significant trend. Conclusion: Using the population-wide data we have confirmed changes in the sex ratio in children born after ART conception (especially analyzing different study subgroups according to the presence/absence of congenital anomaly and according to the twinning rate). None of the trends was classified as statistically significant. Supported by Ministry of Health, Czech Republic – conceptual development of research organization (Thomayer University Hospital - TUH, 00064190)
The Phenomenon of Presence in Virtual Reality Is Mistakenly Equated with Immersion
Authors: Korżel Konrad , Łupkowski Paweł 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
In contemporary scientific literature, the concept of presence in virtual reality is often fuzzily interpreted or conflated with the concept of immersion in video games. This paper aims to highlight that confusion, examine its possible causes and effects, and offer assistance for avoiding it in the future. Concepts of immersion and presence are analyzed in terms of their origins and current use. The distortion of the original understanding of the phenomenon of presence is highlighted, emphasizing its actual and potential harm to theoretical work and empirical research. A set of criteria for evaluating the adequacy of research methods concerning presence is introduced.
Revisiting the Populist Moments in Postcolonial India
Authors: Vasudeva Feeza , Lin Shu-Fen 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
This paper is an attempt to explore the two prominent populist moments in post- colonial India, namely Indira Gandhi’s and Narendra Modi’s politics, to understand the formation, transformation, and repercussions of populism at different historical conjunctures. To move beyond the existing accounts that have either tended to reduce populism to a rhetoric style or a campaign strategy or failed to address the dynamic relationship between populism and nationalism, the paper draws on the discursive- theoretical approach developed by Ernesto Laclau and scholars influenced by him, which sees populism as a political logic, with a specific focus on the distinction and articulation between populism and nationalism. Through a nuanced analysis of Gandhi’s and Modi’s populist politics, the paper hopes to shed light on the entanglement between populism and nationalism, or between “the people” and “the nation” in different forms that has continued to characterize the political landscape of India until today.
Measuring Coupled Fire–Atmosphere Dynamics: The California Fire Dynamics Experiment (CalFiDE)
Authors: Carroll Brian J. , Brewer W. Alan , Strobach Edward , Lareau Neil , Brown Steven S. , Valero M. Miguel , Kochanski Adam , Clements Craig B. , Kahn Ralph , Junghenn Noyes Katherine T. , Makowiecki Amanda , Holloway Maxwell W. , Zucker Michael , Clough Kathleen , Drucker Jack , Zuraski Kristen , Peischl Jeff , McCarty Brandi , Marchbanks Richard , Sandberg Scott , Baidar Sunil , Pichugina Yelena L. , Banta Robert M. , Wang Siyuan , Klofas Andrew , Winters Braeden , Salas Tyler 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
The social, economic, and ecological impacts of wildfires are increasing over much of the United States and globally, partially due to changing climate and build-up of fuels from past forest management practices. This creates a need to improve coupled fire–atmosphere forecast models. However, model performance is difficult to evaluate due to scarcity of observations for many key fire–atmosphere interactions, including updrafts and plume injection height, plume entrainment processes, fire intensity and rate-of-spread, and plume chemistry. Intensive observations of such fire–atmosphere interactions during active wildfires are rare due to the logistical challenges and scales involved. The California Fire Dynamics Experiment (CalFiDE) was designed to address these observational needs, using Doppler lidar, high-resolution multispectral imaging, and in situ air quality instruments on a NOAA Twin Otter research aircraft, and Doppler lidars, radar, and other instrumentation on multiple ground-based mobile platforms. Five wildfires were studied across northern California and southern Oregon over 16 flight days from 28 August to 25 September 2022, including a breadth of fire stages from large blow-up days to smoldering air quality observations. Missions were designed to optimize the observation of the spatial structure and temporal evolution of each fire from early afternoon until sunset during multiple consecutive days. The coordination of the mobile platforms enabled four-dimensional sampling strategies during CalFiDE that will improve understanding of fire–atmosphere dynamics, aiding in model development and prediction capability. Satellite observations contributed aerosol measurements and regional context. This article summarizes the scientific objectives, platforms and instruments deployed, coordinated sampling strategies, and presents first results.
Studies on (polytrimethylene terephthalate)/graphene oxide/f-MWCNT hybrid nanocomposites
Authors: Rath Abjesh Prasad , Krishnan P. Santhana Gopala , Kanny Krishnan 
Published: January 2024

AbstractNatural resource-driven approaches to bioengineering plastics are being developed to compete in the automobiles, power, and other sectors. Polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT) is a particular of them, and it was chosen for the current investigation to build an advanced nanocomposite material. Using a twin-screw micro compounder, injection moulded PTT/Graphene-Oxide (GO)/Carboxyl functionalized Multiwall Carbon nanotube (f-MWCNT) hybrid nanocomposites were prepared. The impact of GO and f-MWCNT reinforcement on the composite’s thermal and mechanical characteristics of hybrid nanocomposites was examined. GO was synthesized from the graphite powder by modified Hummer’s method and MWCNTs were functionalized using the concentrated sulfuric acid (H2SO4) and nitric acid (HNO3) with a volume ratio of 3:1 in an ultrasonic bath at room temperature. In all formulations, the investigation was done at a constant filler amount of 2 wt%. To understand the chemical interaction between PTT and nanofiller, Raman spectroscopy was used and to examine the state of dispersion, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was systematically analysed. In comparison to pristine PTT, the water absorption, tensile strength, flexural strength and impact strength of hybrid nanocomposites were improved marginally. It was also observed that GO has more prominent in increasing the mechanical properties of the hybrid and f-MWCNT in thermal properties. The 3-D geometrical bridge between GO (2-D) and f-MWCNT (1-D) made the hybrid more dispersible and effective for different applications.
Recent developments in mass-spectrometry-based targeted proteomics of clinical cancer biomarkers
Authors: Wenk Deborah , Zuo Charlotte , Kislinger Thomas , Sepiashvili Lusia 
Published: January 2024

AbstractRoutine measurement of cancer biomarkers is performed for early detection, risk classification, and treatment monitoring, among other applications, and has substantially contributed to better clinical outcomes for patients. However, there remains an unmet need for clinically validated assays of cancer protein biomarkers. Protein tumor markers are of particular interest since proteins carry out the majority of biological processes and thus dynamically reflect changes in cancer pathophysiology. Mass spectrometry-based targeted proteomics is a powerful tool for absolute peptide and protein quantification in biological matrices with numerous advantages that make it attractive for clinical applications in oncology. The use of liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) based methodologies has allowed laboratories to overcome challenges associated with immunoassays that are more widely used for tumor marker measurements. Yet, clinical implementation of targeted proteomics methodologies has so far been limited to a few cancer markers. This is due to numerous challenges associated with paucity of robust validation studies of new biomarkers and the labor-intensive and operationally complex nature of LC–MS/MS workflows. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of targeted proteomics applications in cancer, workflows used in targeted proteomics, and requirements for clinical validation and implementation of targeted proteomics assays. We will also discuss advantages and challenges of targeted MS-based proteomics assays for clinical cancer biomarker analysis and highlight some recent developments that will positively contribute to the implementation of this technique into clinical laboratories.
CCL-DTI: contributing the contrastive loss in drug–target interaction prediction
Authors: Dehghan Alireza , Abbasi Karim , Razzaghi Parvin , Banadkuki Hossein , Gharaghani Sajjad 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
The Drug–Target Interaction (DTI) prediction uses a drug molecule and a protein sequence as inputs to predict the binding affinity value. In recent years, deep learning-based models have gotten more attention. These methods have two modules: the feature extraction module and the task prediction module. In most deep learning-based approaches, a simple task prediction loss (i.e., categorical cross entropy for the classification task and mean squared error for the regression task) is used to learn the model. In machine learning, contrastive-based loss functions are developed to learn more discriminative feature space. In a deep learning-based model, extracting more discriminative feature space leads to performance improvement for the task prediction module.

Results
In this paper, we have used multimodal knowledge as input and proposed an attention-based fusion technique to combine this knowledge. Also, we investigate how utilizing contrastive loss function along the task prediction loss could help the approach to learn a more powerful model. Four contrastive loss functions are considered: (1) max-margin contrastive loss function, (2) triplet loss function, (3) Multi-class N-pair Loss Objective, and (4) NT-Xent loss function. The proposed model is evaluated using four well-known datasets: Wang et al. dataset, Luo's dataset, Davis, and KIBA datasets.

Conclusions
Accordingly, after reviewing the state-of-the-art methods, we developed a multimodal feature extraction network by combining protein sequences and drug molecules, along with protein–protein interaction networks and drug–drug interaction networks. The results show it performs significantly better than the comparable state-of-the-art approaches.
Machine learning models for predicting unscheduled return visits to an emergency department: a scoping review
Authors: Lee Yi-Chih , Ng Chip-Jin , Hsu Chun-Chuan , Cheng Chien-Wei , Chen Shou-Yen 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Unscheduled return visits (URVs) to emergency departments (EDs) are used to assess the quality of care in EDs. Machine learning (ML) models can incorporate a wide range of complex predictors to identify high-risk patients and reduce errors to save time and cost. However, the accuracy and practicality of such models are questionable. This review compares the predictive power of multiple ML models and examines the effects of multiple research factors on these models’ performance in predicting URVs to EDs.

Methods
We conducted the present scoping review by searching eight databases for data from 2010 to 2023. The criteria focused on eligible articles that used ML to predict ED return visits. The primary outcome was the predictive performances of the ML models, and results were analyzed on the basis of intervals of return visits, patient population, and research scale.

Results
A total of 582 articles were identified through the database search, with 14 articles selected for detailed analysis. Logistic regression was the most widely used method; however, eXtreme Gradient Boosting generally exhibited superior performance. Variations in visit interval, target group, and research scale did not significantly affect the predictive power of the models.

Conclusion
This is the first study to summarize the use of ML for predicting URVs in ED patients. The development of practical ML prediction models for ED URVs is feasible, but improving the accuracy of predicting ED URVs to beyond 0.75 remains a challenge. Including multiple data sources and dimensions is key for enabling ML models to achieve high accuracy; however, such inclusion could be challenging within a limited timeframe. The application of ML models for predicting ED URVs may improve patient safety and reduce medical costs by decreasing the frequency of URVs. Further research is necessary to explore the real-world efficacy of ML models.
Cryptosporidium species and subtypes identified in human domestic cases through the national microbiological surveillance programme in Sweden from 2018 to 2022
Authors: Bujila Ioana , Troell Karin , Ögren Jessica , Hansen Anette , Killander Gustav , Agudelo Lady , Lebbad Marianne , Beser Jessica 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
The intestinal protozoan parasite Cryptosporidium is an important cause of diarrheal disease worldwide. A national microbiological surveillance programme was implemented in Sweden in 2018 in order to increase knowledge of the molecular epidemiology of human cryptosporidiosis to better understand transmission patterns and potential zoonotic sources. This article summarises the results of the first five years of the surveillance programme.

Methods
Cryptosporidium-positive faecal and DNA samples from domestically acquired infections were collected from clinical microbiological laboratories in Sweden. Species and subtype determination was performed using 60 kDa glycoprotein and/or small subunit ribosomal RNA gene analysis.

Results
Between 2018 and 2022, 1654 samples were analysed and 11 different species were identified: C. parvum (n = 1412), C. mortiferum (n = 59), C. hominis (n = 56), C. erinacei (n = 11), C. cuniculus (n = 5), C. meleagridis (n = 3), C. equi (n = 2), C. ubiquitum (n = 2), and one each of C. canis, C. ditrichi and C. felis. Subtyping revealed seven subtype families of C. parvum (new subtype families IIy and IIz) and 69 different subtypes (11 new subtypes). The most common C. parvum subtypes were IIdA22G1c, IIdA24G1, IIdA15G2R1 and IIaA16G1R1b. For C. hominis, four different subtype families and nine different subtypes (two new subtypes) were identified. For additional species, two new subtype families (IIIk and VId) and nine new subtypes were identified. All successfully subtyped C. mortiferum cases were subtype XIVaA20G2T1, confirming previous findings in Sweden. Several outbreaks were identified of which the majority were foodborne and a few were due to direct contact with infected animals.

Conclusion
Infection with C. parvum is the leading cause of human cryptosporidiosis acquired in Sweden, where more than 90% of domestic cases are caused by this zoonotic species and only a small proportion of cases are due to infection with other species. The rodent-associated C. mortiferum is considered an emerging zoonotic species in Sweden and the number of domestically acquired human cases has surpassed that of infection with C. hominis. A high diversity of species and subtypes, as well as diversity within the same subtype, was detected. Also, cryptosporidiosis appears to affect adults to a great extent in Sweden.
Assessment of the hematological profile of children with chronic kidney disease on follow-up at St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College and Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Shenkut Melaku , Urgessa Fekadu , Alemu Rahel , Abebe Bezaye 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major public health issue with an increasing incidence and prevalence worldwide. In CKD, hematological parameters are influenced, and the effect increases with CKD stage. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess hematological profile of children with CKD on follow up at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital and St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Methods
A cross-sectional study was carried out from March 1 to June 30, 2021 among 238 children with CKD. EDTA tubes were used to collect 4 ml blood samples, which were then examined by Beckman Coulter automated hematology analyzer. SPSS Version 20 was used for statistical analysis, and a bivariate and multivariate regression model were applied to assess correlations. Mean and standard deviation was used to determine hematological profiles.

Results
The total number of patients in the study were 238, with 42 (59.7%) of them being men. The majority of the patients (81%) had CKD stage 1. Mean ± standard deviation determined for white blood cell (WBC) parameters in (thousand/µL); WBC, Neutrophil, Lymphocytes, Eosinophil, Monocytes and Basophil were 8.93 ± 3.32, 4.6 ± 8.31, 2.79 ± 1.62, 0.31 ± 0.51, 0.50 ± 3.03 and 0.03 ± 0.24, respectively. For some of red blood cell (RBC) parameters; RBC (million/ µL), Hemoglobin (Hgb) (g/dL), Hematocrit (Hct) (%) and Mean cell volume (fl.) were 4.73 ± 0.87, 12.82 ± 2.76, 38.28 ± 7.53 and 80.32 ± 7.89, respectively. For the platelet count (PLT) (thousand/µL) and Mean Platelet volume (MPV) (fL) 349.34 ± 130.18 and 9.03 ± 4.31 were determined, respectively. This study also found hematologic parameters such as RBC, HGB, HCT and MPV were found to be positively correlated with eGFR with a P-value < 0.05 for all parameters.

Conclusion
The study found that the majority of study participants were in stages 1 to 3 based on their estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Some of hematological parameters found to have positive correlation with eGFR. There is a need to improve multiple aspects of CKD management, including routine hematological tests for children with chronic kidney disease.
Discontinuation risk from adverse events: immunotherapy alone vs. combined with chemotherapy: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Shin Sangwon , Moon Jimin , Oum Chiyoon , Kim Seulki , Cho Soo Ick , Lim Yoojoo , Ock Chan-Young , Shin Seunghwan 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
While immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy (Chemo-IO) is generally recognized for providing superior outcomes compared to monotherapy (mono-IO), it is associated with a higher incidence of treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs), which may lead to treatment discontinuation. In this study, we compared the rates of treatment discontinuation between mono-IO and Chemo-IO as first-line treatments for various solid tumors.

Methods
We systematically reviewed clinical trials from databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and an additional source) published from January 1, 2018, to July 10, 2023. We included phase III randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that utilized immunotherapy agents in at least one arm as first-line treatments for a variety of solid tumors. Data extraction followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews (PRISMA) extension statement for network meta-analysis. A random effects model was used for the network meta-analysis, with the risk of bias assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool II. The primary outcomes encompassed treatment discontinuation rates due to TRAEs among patients who underwent immunotherapy, either alone or combined with chemotherapy, for various solid tumors. Pooled relative risks (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to compare between treatment groups.

Results
From 29 RCTs, a total of 21,677 patients and 5 types of treatment were analyzed. Compared to mono-IO, Chemo-IO showed a significantly higher rate of discontinuation due to TRAEs (RR 2.68, 95% CI 1.98–3.63). Subgroup analysis for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients also exhibited a greater risk of discontinuation due to TRAEs with Chemo-IO compared to mono-IO (RR 2.93, 95% CI 1.67–5.14). Additional analyses evaluating discontinuation rates due to either treatment emergent adverse events (TEAEs) or AEs regardless of causality (any AEs) consistently revealed an elevated risk associated with Chemo-IO.

Conclusions
Chemo-IO was associated with an elevated risk of treatment discontinuation not only due to TRAEs but also any AEs or TEAEs. Given that the treatment duration can impact clinical outcomes, a subset of patients might benefit more from mono-IO than combination therapy. Further research is imperative to identify and characterize this subset.
Evaluation of the relationship of posterior tibial slope with gender and age in Turkish population with 3 different methods
Authors: Kavak Seyhmus , Kaya Sehmuz 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
This study aimed to reveal the posterior tibial slope (PTS) angle with 3 different methods in a large case group in the Turkish population. In addition, the reproducibility of the measurement methods used was questioned while determining the age groups, gender and side relationship of this angle.

Materials and methods
In our retrospective study, radiographs of both knees were evaluated in all 610 patients (344 women, 56.4%) aged 25–65 years. PTS angles were measured by a radiologist and an orthopedist using anterior tibial cortex (ATC), posterior tibial cortex (PTC) and proximal tibial anatomical axis (PTAA) methods. The relationship of these angles with age group and gender, and the intra-class and inter-class correlations of all three methods were evaluated.

Results
The mean and standard deviation (SD) of PTS angle was 11.03 ± 2.33° with ATC method, 6.25 ± 2.22° with PTC and 8.68 ± 2.16° with PTAA, and the difference was significant (p < .001). In the evaluation according to age groups, the highest mean PTS angles were detected in cases aged 25–35 (9.63 ± 1.97° [mean ± SD] by PTAA method), and there was a significant difference in comparison with other age groups (p < .05). In comparison with age groups, higher mean PTS angles were found in women and on the right side, but the difference was not statistically significant (p > .05). The intraclass and interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of all three methods was excellent (ICC > 0.91).

Conclusion
This study emphasizes that the mean PTS angle in Turkish population is higher than the angle values ​​recommended by prosthesis manufacturers, and factors such as patient age and gender should be calculated in order to ensure more effective prostheses to be applied to patients.