bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of timeframes to define long term conditions and sociodemographic factors on prevalence of multimorbidity using disease code frequency in primary care electronic health records: retrospective study
Authors: Beaney Thomas , Clarke Jonathan , Woodcock Thomas , Majeed Azeem , Barahona Mauricio , Aylin Paul 
Published: February 2024

ObjectiveTo determine the extent to which the choice of timeframe used to define a long term condition affects the prevalence of multimorbidity and whether this varies with sociodemographic factors.DesignRetrospective study of disease code frequency in primary care electronic health records.Data sourcesRoutinely collected, general practice, electronic health record data from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink Aurum were used.Main outcome measuresAdults (≥18 years) in England who were registered in the database on 1 January 2020 were included. Multimorbidity was defined as the presence of two or more conditions from a set of 212 long term conditions. Multimorbidity prevalence was compared using five definitions. Any disease code recorded in the electronic health records for 212 conditions was used as the reference definition. Additionally, alternative definitions for 41 conditions requiring multiple codes (where a single disease code could indicate an acute condition) or a single code for the remaining 171 conditions were as follows: two codes at least three months apart; two codes at least 12 months apart; three codes within any 12 month period; and any code in the past 12 months. Mixed effects regression was used to calculate the expected change in multimorbidity status and number of long term conditions according to each definition and associations with patient age, gender, ethnic group, and socioeconomic deprivation.Results9 718 573 people were included in the study, of whom 7 183 662 (73.9%) met the definition of multimorbidity where a single code was sufficient to define a long term condition. Variation was substantial in the prevalence according to timeframe used, ranging from 41.4% (n=4 023 023) for three codes in any 12 month period, to 55.2% (n=5 366 285) for two codes at least three months apart. Younger people (eg, 50-75% probability for 18-29 yearsv1-10% for ≥80 years), people of some minority ethnic groups (eg, people in the Other ethnic group had higher probability than the South Asian ethnic group), and people living in areas of lower socioeconomic deprivation were more likely to be re-classified as not multimorbid when using definitions requiring multiple codes.ConclusionsChoice of timeframe to define long term conditions has a substantial effect on the prevalence of multimorbidity in this nationally representative sample. Different timeframes affect prevalence for some people more than others, highlighting the need to consider the impact of bias in the choice of method when defining multimorbidity.
Depression and associated factors among HIV-positive smokers receiving care at HIV outpatient clinics in Vietnam: a cross-sectional analysis
Authors: Nguyen Nam Truong , Nguyen Trang , Vu Giap Van , Truong Nga , Pham Yen , Guevara Alvarez Gloria , Armstrong-Hough Mari , Shelley Donna 
Published: February 2024

ObjectivesTo assess the prevalence of depressive symptoms and associated factors among people living with HIV (PLWH) who were current cigarette smokers and receiving treatment at HIV outpatient clinics (OPCs) in Vietnam.DesignA cross-sectional survey of smokers living with HIV.SettingThe study was carried out in 13 HIV OPCs located in Ha Noi, Vietnam.ParticipantsThe study included 527 PLWH aged 18 and above who were smokers and were receiving treatment at HIV OPCs.Outcome measuresThe study used the Centre for Epidemiology Scale for Depression to assess depressive symptoms. The associations between depressive symptoms, tobacco dependence and other characteristics were explored using bivariate and Poisson regression analyses.ResultsThe prevalence of depressive symptoms among smokers living with HIV was 38.3%. HIV-positive smokers who were female (prevalence ratio, PR 1.51, 95% CI 1.02 to 2.22), unmarried (PR 2.06, 95% CI 1.54 to 2.76), had a higher level of tobacco dependence (PR 1.06, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.11) and reported their health as fair or poor (PR 1.66, 95% CI 1.22 to 2.26) were more likely to have depression symptoms compared with HIV-positive smokers who were male, married, had a lower level of tobacco dependence and self-reported their health as good, very good or excellent.ConclusionThe prevalence of depressive symptoms among smokers receiving HIV care at HIV OPCs was high. Both depression and tobacco use screening and treatment should be included as part of ongoing care treatment plans at HIV OPCs.
How far back do we need to look to capture diagnoses in electronic health records? A retrospective observational study of hospital electronic health record data
Authors: Lewis Jadene , Evison Felicity , Doal Rominique , Field Joanne , Gallier Suzy , Harris Steve , le Roux Peta , Osman Mohammed , Plummer Chris , Sapey Elizabeth , Singer Mervyn , Sayer Avan A , Witham Miles D 
Published: February 2024

ObjectivesAnalysis of routinely collected electronic health data is a key tool for long-term condition research and practice for hospitalised patients. This requires accurate and complete ascertainment of a broad range of diagnoses, something not always recorded on an admission document at a single point in time. This study aimed to ascertain how far back in time electronic hospital records need to be interrogated to capture long-term condition diagnoses.DesignRetrospective observational study of routinely collected hospital electronic health record data.SettingQueen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham (UK)-linked data held by the PIONEER acute care data hub.ParticipantsPatients whose first recorded admission for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbation (n=560) or acute stroke (n=2142) was between January and December 2018 and who had a minimum of 10 years of data prior to the index date.Outcome measuresWe identified the most common International Classification of Diseases version 10-coded diagnoses received by patients with COPD and acute stroke separately. For each diagnosis, we derived the number of patients with the diagnosis recorded at least once over the full 10-year lookback period, and then compared this with shorter lookback periods from 1 year to 9 years prior to the index admission.ResultsSeven of the top 10 most common diagnoses in the COPD dataset reached >90% completeness by 6 years of lookback. Atrial fibrillation and diabetes were >90% coded with 2–3 years of lookback, but hypertension and asthma completeness continued to rise all the way out to 10 years of lookback. For stroke, 4 of the top 10 reached 90% completeness by 5 years of lookback; angina pectoris was >90% coded at 7 years and previous transient ischaemic attack completeness continued to rise out to 10 years of lookback.ConclusionA 7-year lookback captures most, but not all, common diagnoses. Lookback duration should be tailored to the conditions being studied.
Quantum mechanics on a p-adic Hilbert space: Foundations and prospects
Authors: Aniello Paolo , Mancini Stefano , Parisi Vincenzo 
Published: February 2024

We review some recent results on the mathematical foundations of a quantum theory over a scalar field that is a quadratic extension of the non-Archimedean field of [Formula: see text]-adic numbers. In our approach, we are inspired by the idea — first postulated in [I. V. Volovich, [Formula: see text]-adic string, Class. Quantum Grav. 4 (1987) L83–L87] — that space, below a suitably small scale, does not behave as a continuum and, accordingly, should be modeled as a totally disconnected metrizable topological space, ruled by a metric satisfying the strong triangle inequality. The first step of our construction is a suitable definition of a [Formula: see text]-adic Hilbert space. Next, after introducing all necessary mathematical tools — in particular, various classes of linear operators in a [Formula: see text]-adic Hilbert space — we consider an algebraic definition of physical states in [Formula: see text]-adic quantum mechanics. The corresponding observables, whose definition completes the statistical interpretation of the theory, are introduced as SOVMs, a [Formula: see text]-adic counterpart of the POVMs associated with a standard quantum system over the complex numbers. Interestingly, it turns out that the typical convex geometry of the space of states of a standard quantum system is replaced, in the [Formula: see text]-adic setting, with an affine geometry; therefore, a symmetry transformation of a [Formula: see text]-adic quantum system may be defined as a map preserving this affine geometry. We argue that, as a consequence, the group of all symmetry transformations of a [Formula: see text]-adic quantum system has a richer structure with respect to the case of standard quantum mechanics over the complex numbers.
Families of metrics with positive scalar curvature on spectral sequence cobordisms
Authors: Gong Sherry 
Published: February 2024

We study families of metrics on the cobordisms that underlie the differential maps in Bloom’s monopole Floer spectral sequence, a spectral sequence for links in [Formula: see text] whose [Formula: see text] page is the Khovanov homology of the link, and which abuts to the monopole Floer homology of the double branched cover of the link. The higher differentials in the spectral sequence count parametrized moduli spaces of solutions to Seiberg–Witten equations, parametrized over a family of metrics with asymptotic behavior corresponding to a configuration of unlinks with 1-handle attachments. For a class of configurations, we construct families of metrics with the prescribed behavior, such that each metric therein has positive scalar curvature. The positive scalar curvature implies that there are no irreducible solutions to the Seiberg–Witten equations and thus, when the spectral sequences are computed with these families of metrics, only reducible solutions must be counted. The class of configurations for which we construct these families of metrics includes all configurations that go into the spectral sequence for [Formula: see text] torus knots, and all configurations that involve exactly two 1-handle attachments.
Finding the Right Track: Payoffs to Vocational Education Programs with Workplace Learning
Authors: Moschion Julie , Polidano Cain 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Workplace learning in vocational education and training (VET) is often claimed to be an important metric to define “high quality” programs, but outcomes beyond initial employment are not well understood. In this study, we estimate outcomes of upper-secondary school VET programs with different levels of workplace learning in Australia—solely classroom-based, classroom-based with a workplace learning component, and training with an employment contract (apprenticeship/traineeships). Outcomes of students in each of these vocational programs are compared with outcomes of student who do not enroll up to seven years later. We use data from 2003, 2006, and 2009 Program for International Student Assessment participants who are tracked through an annual survey, adjusting for differences in student test scores, socioeconomic characteristics, post-secondary aspirations, and school and peer characteristics. Our results suggest short-term labor market benefits that disappear by year 7 out from school. However, among those who go onto further study after school, VET with workplace learning is associated with positive outcomes up to year 7. These include 5 to 10 percentage point higher rates of full-time employment, 7 to 10 percentage point higher reported rates of career job attainment, and 0.14 standard deviation higher job satisfaction. Suggestive evidence indicates that workplace learning may provide job market information and/or employer contacts that help students find good post-secondary pathways in education and training.
MMORF—FSL’s MultiMOdal Registration Framework
Authors: Lange Frederik J. , Arthofer Christoph , Bartsch Andreas , Douaud Gwenaëlle , McCarthy Paul , Smith Stephen M. , Andersson Jesper L. R. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
We present MMORF—FSL’s MultiMOdal Registration Framework—a newly released nonlinear image registration tool designed primarily for application to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images of the brain. MMORF is capable of simultaneously optimising both displacement and rotational transformations within a single registration framework by leveraging rich information from multiple scalar and tensor modalities. The regularisation employed in MMORF promotes local rigidity in the deformation, and we have previously demonstrated how this effectively controls both shape and size distortion, leading to more biologically plausible warps. The performance of MMORF is benchmarked against three established nonlinear registration methods—FNIRT, ANTs, and DR-TAMAS—across four domains: FreeSurfer label overlap, diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) similarity, task-fMRI cluster mass, and distortion. The evaluation is based on 100 unrelated subjects from the Human Connectome Project (HCP) dataset registered to the Oxford-MultiModal-1 (OMM-1) multimodal template via either the T1w contrast alone or in combination with a DTI/DTI-derived contrast. Results show that MMORF is the most consistently high-performing method across all domains—both in terms of accuracy and levels of distortion. MMORF is available as part of FSL, and its inputs and outputs are fully compatible with existing workflows. We believe that MMORF will be a valuable tool for the neuroimaging community, regardless of the domain of any downstream analysis, providing state-of-the-art registration performance that integrates into the rich and widely adopted suite of analysis tools in FSL.
Efficacy and safety of raltitrexed-eluting CalliSpheres® bead transarterial chemoembolization in patients with intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma: a single-arm, prospective study
Authors: Sun Zhanguo , Jiao Dechao , Fang Yi , Liu Yiming , Xu Kaihao , Zhang Chengzhi , Huang Yuanhao , Han Xinwei 
Published: February 2024

Background: The most common loadable chemotherapeutic drugs in drug-eluting bead transarterial chemoembolization (DEB-TACE) include doxorubicin, epirubicin, etc. CalliSpheres® beads have exhibited efficient loadability and eluting characteristics for raltitrexed as well as in vitro and animal experiments. However, the efficacy and safety of raltitrexed-loaded DEB-TACE in patients with intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain unclear. Objectives: To assess the efficacy and safety of raltitrexed-loaded DEB-TACE in patients with intermediate-stage HCC. Design: The study was conducted as a single-arm prospective study. Methods: This study was a prospective, single-arm trial conducted between June 2019 and June 2022. CalliSpheres® beads loaded with raltitrexed were used in the DEB-TACE procedure. The follow-up lasted for at least 1 year or until death. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS), and the secondary endpoints were time to progression (TTP), progression-free survival (PFS), objective response rate (ORR), and adverse events (AEs). Results: The 6-month ORR and disease control rates were 90.1% and 93.8%, respectively. The median OS was 33.0 months. The 1-, 2-, and 3-year survival rates were 95.1%, 82.1%, and 43.6%, respectively. Child–Pugh class and bilobar disease occurrence were identified as independent OS predictors. The median TTP and PFS were 22.7 and 19.8 months, respectively. Eleven (11.5%) patients experienced at least one grade 3 AE, and serious AEs were reported in five participants (5.2%). No patient experienced grade 4 or 5 AEs. Conclusion: Raltitrexed-loaded DEB-TACE is feasible, safe, and effective in patients with intermediate-stage HCC. Trial registration: This trial was registered at www.chictr.org.cn under the identifier: 1900024097 on 25 June 2019.
123VCF: an intuitive and efficient tool for filtering VCF files
Authors: Eidi Milad , Abdolalizadeh Samaneh , Moeini Soheila , Garshasbi Masoud , Zahiri Javad 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
The advent of Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) has catalyzed a paradigm shift in medical genetics, enabling the identification of disease-associated variants. However, the vast quantum of data produced by NGS necessitates a robust and dependable mechanism for filtering irrelevant variants. Annotation-based variant filtering, a pivotal step in this process, demands a profound understanding of the case-specific conditions and the relevant annotation instruments. To tackle this complex task, we sought to design an accessible, efficient and more importantly easy to understand variant filtering tool.

Results
Our efforts culminated in the creation of 123VCF, a tool capable of processing both compressed and uncompressed Variant Calling Format (VCF) files. Built on a Java framework, the tool employs a disk-streaming real-time filtering algorithm, allowing it to manage sizable variant files on conventional desktop computers. 123VCF filters input variants in accordance with a predefined filter sequence applied to the input variants. Users are provided the flexibility to define various filtering parameters, such as quality, coverage depth, and variant frequency within the populations. Additionally, 123VCF accommodates user-defined filters tailored to specific case requirements, affording users enhanced control over the filtering process. We evaluated the performance of 123VCF by analyzing different types of variant files and comparing its runtimes to the most similar algorithms like BCFtools filter and GATK VariantFiltration. The results indicated that 123VCF performs relatively well. The tool's intuitive interface and potential for reproducibility make it a valuable asset for both researchers and clinicians.

Conclusion
The 123VCF filtering tool provides an effective, dependable approach for filtering variants in both research and clinical settings. As an open-source tool available at https://project123vcf.sourceforge.io, it is accessible to the global scientific and clinical community, paving the way for the discovery of disease-causing variants and facilitating the advancement of personalized medicine.
Characteristics and outcome of patients with left atrial appendage closure in China: a single-center experience
Authors: Zhang Jingrui , Li Changyi , Zhou Lu , Sang Caihua , Li Songnan , Ma Changsheng 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Clinical characteristics and long-term data on the safety and efficacy of LAAC in preventing cerebrovascular accident and thromboembolism among Chinese patients with non-valvular AF (NVAF) remain limited.

Methods
Data of consecutive NVAF patients who underwent LAAC at Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, from June 1, 2014, to December 31, 2021, were collected and analyzed retrospectively. The primary effectiveness endpoint was the composite endpoint of stroke/transient ischemic attack, systemic embolism, and death from cardiovascular causes. The primary safety endpoint is the severe bleeding defined by the LAAC Munich consensus.

Results
Of the 222 patients enrolled, the mean age was 66.90 ± 9.62 years, with a majority being male (77.03%). Many patients are non-paroxysmal AF (71.19%) with a median duration of AF of 4.00 years. The mean CHA2DS2-VASc score was 3.78 ± 1.49, and the mean HAS-BLED score was 1.68 ± 0.86. Thromboembolic events (76.58%) were the most common indication for LAAC. The device, technical, and procedural success rates were 98.65%, 98.65%, and 93.69%, respectively. The anticoagulation continuation rate was 56.36%, 31.25%, and 22.60% at 3-, 6- and 12 months post-procedure, respectively. Throughout a mean 2.81 years of follow-up, the incidence of the primary efficacy endpoint was 4.27 per 100 patient-years, predominantly attributable to stroke/TIA (3.12 per 100 PYs). Five patients experienced major bleeding during the follow-up period. Post-procedure imaging revealed minimal complications, with only one substantial peri-device leak. Device-related thrombus occurred in 2.33% of patients, resolving with anticoagulation.

Conclusion
The study demonstrates that LAAC is a safe and effective alternative option for Chinese patients with AF, with a high success rate, few complications as well as fewer long-term adverse outcome events.
Serum zinc concentration in patients with myocardial infarction: a retrospective study
Authors: Tanita Atsushi , Namiuchi Shigeto , Onodera Kenta , Sunamura Shinichiro , Ogata Tsuyoshi , Noda Kazuki , Takii Toru 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Zinc regulates the oxidative stress and inflammatory signaling cascade and affects the development and deterioration of cardiovascular disease. We investigated the prognosis of developing heart failure in patients with myocardial infarction.

Methods
Patients with myocardial infarction (n = 243) were divided using the median value of zinc concentration on admission into low (< 66 µg/dL at admission, n = 111) and high zinc group (≥ 66 µg/dL at admission, n = 132). During follow-up (mean ± SD: 734 ± 597 days; median 691 days), admission due to heart failure was observed in 12 patients: 10 and 2 cases in the low and high zinc groups, respectively.

Results
The risk of admission due to heart failure was significantly higher in the low zinc than in the high zinc group (P = 0.0043). Relative to the high zinc group, the hazard ratio for admission due to heart failure was 15.7 (95% confidence interval 1.11–221, P = 0.042) via adjusted Cox proportional hazards analysis. Even after propensity score matching, the risk of admission due to heart failure was significantly higher in the low zinc than in the high zinc group (P = 0.048).

Conclusion
Low serum zinc concentration may be a risk factor for admission due to heart failure after myocardial infarction.
Effectiveness of a thrombin-gelatin flowable for treating severe liver bleeding: an experimental study
Authors: Sánchez-del-Valle Francisco J , Sánchez-Seco María-Isabel , Jiménez Adrián González , Acosta Florentina , Fernández-Domínguez Pedro , Pérez-Alegre Juan-José 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Current scientific evidence has pointed out the relevance of hemostatic products for improving clinical outcomes in liver trauma, including increased survival rates and reductions in bleeding-related complications. The purpose of this study was to compare the use of the gelatin-thrombin flowable (Flowable) versus the standard technique of Packing in a new experimental liver injury model.

Methods
Twenty-four swine were prospectively randomized to receive either Flowable or standard packing technique. We used a novel severe liver injury model, in which the middle and left suprahepatic veins were selectively injured, causing an exsanguinating hemorrhage. The main outcome measure was the percentage of lost blood volume.

Results
The median total percentage of total blood volume per animal lost, from injury to minute 120, was significantly lower in the Flowable group (15.2%; interquartile range: 10.7–46.7%) than in the Packing group (64.9%; Interquartile range: 53.4–73.0%) (Hodges-Lehmann median difference: 41.1%; 95% CI: 18.9–58.0%, p = 0.0034). The 24-hour survival rate was significantly higher in the Flowable group (87.0%) than in the Packing group (0.0%) (Hazard ratio (HR) 0.08; 95% confidence interval 0.102 to 0.27; p < 0.0001). Mean-arterial pressure was significantly lower at minute 60 and 120 in the Flowable group than in the packing group (p = 0.0258 and p = 0.0272, respectively). At minute 120, hematocrit was higher in the Flowable than in the packing group (Hodges-Lehmann median difference: 5.5%; 95%CI: 1.0 to11.0, p = 0.0267). Finally, the overall-surgical-procedure was significantly shorter with Flowable than with Packing (Hodges-Lehmann median difference: 39.5 s, 95% CI: 25.0 to 54.0 s, p = 0.0004).

Conclusions
The use of the Flowable was more effective in achieving hemostasis, reducing blood loss, and improving survival rates than standard packing in a severe porcine-liver bleeding model.