bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Human-AI Integrated Rating System for Improving Second Language Writing:The Case of Japanese Learners of English for General Academic Purposes
Authors: Spring Ryan 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

In order to solve the problem of teachers not assigning and evaluating student writing
but not completely trusting AI raters, I created and tested a rating scheme in which an AI
model would rate students’ language use based on understandable criteria and humans
would quickly check the AI responses while rating content and structure. Teachers tried
the scheme and improvements were made based on new data and newly available
research. An online practice tool was also created for students so that they could
understand how the AI would rate their language use and practice accordingly. The AI
rating models were improved over the course of three semesters based on student data
and the ratings of external professional raters. As a result, an increasing number of
teachers used the rating scheme, the number of students that practiced writing and were
evaluated increased university-wide, and reasonable levels of fairness assessment were
maintained.
Modulation of Conflicts in the Stroop Task: Instructions may be enough
Authors: Entel Olga , Tzelgov Joseph , Shalev Idit 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Entel and Tzelgov (2014) showed that the proportion of congruent to incongruent trials can affect congruency proportion effects just by changing the instructions about the ratio of congruent to incongruent trials. In the present study, we manipulated instructions regarding the proportion of neutral trials. Half of the participants received general instructions that did not reveal information regarding the stimulus proportions. The other half were informed that most of the stimuli would be colour words or neutrals. This held true for the stimuli in the second part of each condition. In the first part, however, the proportion of the stimuli was equal. A decreased Stroop effect was found in the mostly colour-word condition when participants received detailed instructions. Negative facilitation was observed in the mostly neutral condition as a marker of task conflict. In our second experiment, we applied an item-specific design. Some colours were presented most often as colour words and other colours as neutrals. Participants were informed about the exact pairings in advance. Once again, this held true only for the second experimental part. Informing participants in advance resulted in an item-specific proportion effect, demonstrating that this effect is not only learning-based but can also be recruited based on mere instructions regarding the proportion of neutral stimuli. In all experiments, both task conflict (defined as the latency gap between colour words and neutrals) and informational conflict (the latency gap between congruent and incongruent trials) contributed to the performance, but only informational conflict was modulated by experience. The implications of these findings for the current models of control are discussed.
Geospatial analysis of sociodemographic factors associated with the first wave of SARS- CoV-2, 6 districts, Zambia, July 2020
Authors: Chanda Stephen Longa , Imamura Tadatsugu , Malambo Warren , Bain Rommel , Musukwa Chisenga , Sinyange Nyambe , Hines Jonas 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background
The geospatialdistribution of sociodemographic factors can provide a spatial context for understanding the sociodemographic effects of infectious disease transmission, including SARS-CoV-2, a virus that is spread through respiratory secretions. We assessed the relationship between the geospatial distribution of sociodemographic factors and SARS-CoV-2 prevalence in Zambia.
Methods
We conducted a cross-sectional study of SARS-CoV-2 prevalence in six districts in July 2020, which corresponded to the upwards trend of the first wave in Zambia. In each district, 16 standard enumeration areas (SEAs) were randomly selected, and 20 households from each SEA were sampled. SARS-CoV-2 prevalence was calculated as the number of persons with a positive SARS-CoV-2 polymerase chain reaction test divided by the number tested. We analysed SEA geospatial data for population density, socioeconomic status (SES) (with lower scores indicating reduced vulnerability), literacy, access to water, sanitation, and hygiene factors. Generalized estimating equations (GEEs) were used to measure adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for SARS-CoV-2 prevalence with geospatial factors, adjusting for clustering by district. In addition, we performed multivariable analysis using conditional autoregressive (CAR) models to measure associations between SARS-CoV-2 prevalence and the spatial distribution of sociodemographicfactors.
Results
Overall, the median SARS-CoV-2 prevalence in the 96 SEAs was 41.7 (interquartile range (IQR), 0.0-96.2) infections per 1000 persons. In the multivariable GEE analysis, increasing SES vulnerability and increasing population density were associated with lower SARS-CoV-2 prevalence (aPR=0.59, 95% confidence interval: CI=0.38-0.92, aPR=0.97, 95% CI=0.95-0.99, respectively). Conversely, urban SEAs were associated with a higher SARS-CoV-2 prevalence (aPR=2.12, 95% CI=1.29-3.49). The findings were similar in the multivariable CAR analysis.
Conclusions
SARS-CoV-2 prevalence was higher in wealthier, urban EAs, which was counter to our expectations. Because this study was conducted early in the first wave, our findings could be unique to this period. Additional analyses from subsequent waves could confirm whether these findings persist. At the beginning of a COVID-19 wave in Zambia, it is essential that surveillance and response activities focus on urban population centres.
Development of a novel treatment based on PKMYT1 inhibition for cisplatin-resistant bladder cancer with miR-424-5p-dependent cyclin E1 amplification
Authors: Fukumoto Wataru , Okamura Shunsuke , Tamai Motoki , Arima Junya , Kawahara Ichiro , Fukuda Ikumi , Mitsuke Akihiko , Sakaguchi Takashi , Sugita Satoshi , Matsushita Ryosuke , Tatarano Shuichi , Yamada Yasutoshi , Nakagawa Masayuki , Enokida Hideki , Yoshino Hirofumi 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background: Chemotherapy including cisplatin is recommended for the treatment of advanced bladder cancer, but its effectiveness is limited due to the acquisition of drug resistance. Although several mechanisms of cisplatin resistance have been reported, there are still many unknowns, and treatment of cisplatin-resistant bladder cancer remains difficult. Accordingly, in this study, we aimed to identify and characterize microRNAs involved in cisplatin resistance.
Methods: Small RNA sequencing analysis was performed to search for microRNAs related to cisplatin resistance. The identified microRNAs were then characterized using gain-of-function studies, sensitivity analysis, target gene analysis, and cellular assays.
Results: We identified miR-424-5pas a candidate microRNA that was downregulated in cisplatin-resistant strains compared with parental strains. Notably, in gain-of-function studies, miR-424-5psuppressed the proliferative ability of cisplatin-resistant bladder cancer (CDDP-R BC). Furthermore, miR-424-5p restored sensitivity to cisplatin. RNA sequence analysis revealed seven candidate genes targeted by this microRNA. Among them, cyclin E1 (CCNE1) was chosen for subsequent analyses because its expression was upregulated in cisplatin-resistant cells compared with parental cells and because recent studies have shown that CCNE1 amplification is synthetic lethal with PKMYT1 kinase inhibition. Therefore, we performed functional analysis using the PKMYT1 inhibitor RP-6306 and demonstrated that RP-6306 inhibited cell growth through suppression of mitotic entry and restored cisplatin sensitivity in CDDP-R BC.
Conclusions: Overall, our findings provided insights into the development of novel therapeutic strategies for CDDP-R BC.
StratosPHere 2: A response-adaptive randomised placebo-controlled Phase II trial to evaluate hydroxychloroquine and phenylbutyrate in pulmonary arterial hypertension caused by mutations in BMPR2
Authors: Deliu Nina , Das Rajenki , May Angelique , Steele Jo , Duckworth Melissa , Jones Rowena J , Wilkins Martin R , Toshner Mark , Villar Sofia S 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background
• Pulmonary arterial hypertension is a life-threatening progressive disorder characterised by high blood pressure (hypertension) in the arteries of the lungs (pulmonary artery). Although treatable, there is no known cure for this rare disorder, and its exact cause is unknown. Mutations in the bone morphogenetic protein receptor type-2 (BMPR2) are the most common genetic cause of familial pulmonary arterial hypertension. This study represents the first-ever trial of treatments aimed at directly rescuing the BMPR2 pathway, repurposing two drugs that have shown promise at restoring levels of BMPR2 signalling: hydroxychloroquine and phenylbutyrate.
• Methods
This three-armed, double-blind, Phase II precision medicine study will investigate BMPR2 target engagement and explore the efficacy of two repurposed therapies in pulmonary arterial hypertension patients with BMPR2 mutations. Patients will be stratified based on two BMPR2 mutation classes: missense and haploinsufficient mutations. Eligible subjects will be randomised to one of the three arms (two active therapies and a placebo) following a Bayesian response-adaptive design implemented independently in each stratum and updated in response to a novel panel of primary biomarkers designed to assess biological modification of the disease.
• Discussion
The results of this trial will provide the first randomised evidence of the efficacy of these therapies to rescue BMPR2 function and will efficiently explore the potential for a differential response of these therapies per mutation class to address causes rather than consequences of this rare disease.
Trial registration
The study has been registered with ISRCTN (ISRCTN10304915, 22/09/2023)
Long-term exposure to PM2.5 and mortality in a national cohort in South Korea: Effect modification by community deprivation, medical infrastructure, and greenness
Authors: Byun Garam , Kim Sera , Choi Yongsoo , Team AiMS-CREATE , Bell Michelle L. , Lee Jong-Tae 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background: Long-term exposure to PM2.5 has been linked to increased mortality risk. However, limited studies have examined the potential modifying effect of community-level characteristics on this association, particularly in Asian contexts. This study aimed to estimate the effects of long-term exposure to PM2.5 on mortality in South Korea and to examine whether community-level deprivation, medical infrastructure, and greenness modify these associations.
Methods: We conducted a nationwide cohort study using the National Health Insurance Service-National Sample Cohort. A total of 394,701 participants aged 30 years or older in 2006 were followed until 2019. Based on modelled PM2.5 concentrations, 1 to 5-year moving averages of PM2.5 concentrations were assigned to each participant at the district level. Time‐varying Cox proportional-hazards models were used to estimate the association between PM2.5 and non-accidental, circulatory, and respiratory mortality. We further conducted stratified analysis by community-level deprivation index, medical index, and normalized difference vegetation index to represent greenness.
Results: PM2.5 exposure, based on 5-year moving averages, was positively associated with non-accidental (Hazard ratio, HR: 1.10, 95% Confidence Interval, CI: 1.01, 1.20, per 10 mg/m3 increase) and circulatory mortality (HR: 1.22, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.47). The 1-year moving average of PM2.5 was associated with respiratory mortality (HR: 1.33, 95% CI: 1.05, 1.67). We observed higher associations between PM2.5 and mortality in communities with higher deprivation and limited medical infrastructure. Communities with higher greenness showed lower risk for circulatory mortality but higher risk for respiratory mortality in association with PM2.5.
Conclusions: Our study found mortality effects of long-term PM2.5 exposure and underlined the role of community-level factors in modifying these association. These findings highlight the importance of considering socio-environmental contexts in the design of air quality policies to reduce health disparities and enhance overall public health outcomes.
Tracking Acute Flaccid Paralysis in Niger: A Half-Decade Epidemiological Portrait (2016-2021)
Authors: Ishagh El Khalef , Talatou Marc Ouédraogo , Oumarou Batouré , Kaya Mutenda Sheria , Diawara Gbaguidi Aichatou , Camara Abdoulaye Macire , Moussa Seyni , Bienvenu Kuyangisa , Toko Joseph , Harouna Hamidou , Moussa Haladou , Kofi N’Zue , TAMUZI Jacques , Katoto Patrick D. M. C. , Wiysonge Charles S. , Anya Blanche-Philomene Melanga 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background: The global incidence of wild poliovirus cases has dramatically declined, with fewer than 350,000 cases in over 125 endemic countries. Despite progress, Niger experienced vaccine-derived poliovirus outbreaks in 2018, highlighting the importance of maintaining Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) surveillance as a tool for polio eradication. This analysis aims to comprehensively assess AFP surveillance trends, patterns, and challenges in Niger, offering insights for public health initiatives in conflict-affected contexts.
Methods: Nationwide AFP surveillance data spanning 2016 to 2021 were analyzed. Data included demographic information, vaccination status, clinical history, circulating vaccine-derived polioviruses (cVDPV), AFP cases, stool specimens, and non-polio enteroviruses (NPEV). Study findings were presented through tables, graphs, and maps.
Results: A total of 4,134 AFP cases under 15 years old were included, with a Sex Ratio of 1.3. Most cases (79.85%) were aged 1 to 4 years, and 79.44% received three or more doses of oral polio vaccine (OPV). Fever onset (90.13%), asymmetric paralysis (80.33%), and a 3-day progression (80.48%) were common. Wild poliovirus type 2 was found in 33 cases, predominantly in Zinder province. The annualized non-polio AFP rate per 100,000 population <15 years fluctuated, with the lowest at 2.5 in 2016 and highest at 8.7 in 2018 (mean 5.93). Surveillance indicators, including faecal specimen collection, follow-up exams, NPEV detection, and timely laboratory results, performed well. However, stool specimen quality was suboptimal (69% in 2016), and stool transportation times exceeded 7 days. Five districts reported less than 80% stool adequacy.
Conclusion: This study underscores the importance of continued AFP surveillance in Niger, with room for improvement in stool specimen quality and transportation times. Enhancing these aspects can improve public health efforts conflict-affected areas and contribute to polio eradication in the region.
Seprafilm® and adhesive small bowel obstruction in colorectal/gastrointestinal surgery: An Updated Systematic Review
Authors: Choy Kay Tai , Le Khang Duy Ricky , Kong Joseph Cherng Huei 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background
The efficacy of Seprafilm® in preventing clinically significant adhesive small bowel obstruction (ASBO) is controversial and deserves further review. The aim of this review was to assess the utility of Seprafilm® in preventing clinically significant adhesive bowel obstruction after gastrointestinal operations, with particular focus on colorectal resections. The secondary aim was to provide an updated literature review on the safety profile of this implant.
Methods
An up-to-date systematic review was performed on the available literature between 2000–2023 on PubMed, EMBASE, Medline, and Cochrane Library databases. The main outcome measures were rates of adhesive bowel obstruction, as well as rates of intervention. The secondary outcome was the clinical safety profile of Seprafilm® as described in current literature.
Results
A total of 17 observational studies were included, accounting for 62,886 patients. Use of Seprafilm® was associated with a significant reduction in adhesive bowel obstruction events (OR 0.449, 95% CI: 0.3271 to 0.6122, p < 0.001), with preserved efficacy seen in laparoscopic cases. This did not translate into a reduced rate of reintervention. Clinicians should also be aware of isolated reports of a paradoxical inflammatory reaction leading to fluid collections after Seprafilm® use, although they appear uncommon.
Conclusion
Seprafilm® can be considered in select patients although further study to determine which patients will benefit most is required.
Bacillus species are core microbiota of highly resistant maize varieties that induce host metabolic defense against corn stalk rot
Authors: Liu Wende , Xia Xinyao , Wei Qiuhe , Wu Hanxiang , Chen Xinyu , Xiao Chunxia , Ye Yiping , Liu Chaotian , Yu Haiyue , Guo Yuanwen , Sun Wenxian 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Microbes colonizing each niche of terrestrial plants are indispensable for maintaining crop health. Although corn stalk rot (CSR) is a severe disease infecting maize (Zea mays) worldwide, the mechanisms underlying host–microbe interactions across vertical niches in maize plants, which exhibit heterogeneous CSR resistance, remain largely uncharacterized. Here, we investigated the microbial communities associated with CSR-resistant and -susceptible maize cultivars using multi-omics analysis coupled with experimental verification. Maize cultivars resistant to CSR reshaped the microbiota and recruitedBacillusspecies with three antagonistic phenotypes to alleviate pathogen stress. By inducing the expression ofTyrosine decarboxylase 1(TYDC1), encoding an enzyme that catalyzes the production of tyramine and dopamine,Bacillusisolates that do not directly suppress pathogen infection facilitated the synthesis of berberine, an isoquinoline alkaloid that inhibits pathogen growth. These beneficial bacteria were recruited from the rhizosphere and transferred to the stems but not grains of the infected resistant plants. Our findings offer insight into how maize plants respond to and interact with their microbiome and provide valuable strategies for controlling soil-borne pathogens.
Changes in the healthfulness of food and beverage purchases from 2006 to 2020 in formal, mixed, and informal outlets in Mexico
Authors: Domínguez-Barreto Ana Paula , Farah Irene , López-Olmedo Nancy , Perez-Ferrer Carolina , Ramírez-Toscano Yenisei , Langellier Brent A , Colchero M Arantxa , Rivera Juan A. , Barrientos-Gutiérrez Tonatiuh , Stern Dalia 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background: To better inform retail food environment policies in the global south, it is necessary to further understand the healthfulness of food and beverages purchased by type of food outlet over time.
Methods: Using repeated cross-sectional data from the National Income and Expenditure Survey (ENIGH) in Mexico (2006 to 2020), we categorized food outlets as formal (supermarkets, chain convenience stores), informal (street markets, street vendors, acquaintances), fiscally mixed (public markets, small neighborhood stores, specialty stores), and others. We estimated the proportion of total purchases in each food outlet and the percentage of the types of foods purchased by outlet for the overall sample and stratified by education level and urbanicity.
Results: In 2006, the food outlets with the largest proportions of ultra-processed foods purchases were chain convenience stores (49%), small neighborhood stores (37%) and supermarkets (35%). In contrast, the outlets with the highest proportions of minimally processed food purchases were street markets (83%), public markets (81%), and specialty stores (75%). Over time, households improved the proportion of expenditure in minimally processed foods in supermarkets and small neighborhood stores (49 to 56% and 46 to 48%, respectively). Conversely, the proportion of expenditures in minimally processed foods decreased from 70 to 63% in street vendors. Households without formal education and residing in rural localities increased their minimally processed food purchases in supermarkets and specialty stores, but decreased in street vendors, acquaintances and public markets. Households with higher education and residing in more urbanized areas increased their purchases of minimally processed foods in supermarkets and small neighborhood stores and decreased in street vendors. Households in metropolitan cities also decreased purchases of minimally processed foods in chain convenience stores and specialty stores.
Conclusions: Over time, purchases from informal outlets were healthier compared to purchases from the formal and mixed sectors, but no outlet sold only healthy or unhealthy foods. To ensure access to healthy foods, food policies should consider where the largest proportion of food purchases is being made, where the healthiest purchases are, and why some purchases from certain food outlets are becoming healthier, while in others they are becoming less healthy.
Enhancing Flood Risk Assessment in Johor River Basin through Trivariate Copula
Authors: Jafry Naqibah Aminuddin , Jamaludin Suhaila , Yusof Fadhilah , Nor Siti Rohani Mohd , Alias Nor Eliza 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Copulas have gained significant prominence as a powerful statistical tool with diverse applications, particularly in the field of hydrology, where they facilitate the measurement of complex relationships among various flood characteristics. Three primary flood features are considered which are peak discharge, flood volume, and flood duration, and their interdependencies are examined using copula functions. Trivariate copula is employed to capture the interrelation between these flood variables since bivariate and univariate flood frequency analyses have several shortcomings where they are unable to consider all three crucial flood factors simultaneously. In light of the presence of extreme values in flood variables, the L-Moment is proposed to estimate the parameters of the marginal distributions. This is due to its enhanced reliability and susceptibility to outliers and extreme values, unlike the commonly used parameter estimation in flood frequency analysis, Maximum Likelihood Estimation (MLE) and Inference Function Margin (IFM). Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) was employed to identify the best fit marginal distribution and copula. The Lognormal distribution performs well in modeling peak discharge, while the Weibull and Generalized Extreme Value (GEV) distributions provide the best fits for flood volume and duration characteristics, respectively. Several widely known copula including Elliptical and Archimedean copula families are analyzed. After assessing the dependence structure between flood variables, the Clayton copula emerged as the most suitable choice. It is expected that if more flood features are combined, the return period would be higher means the event is less likely to occur if all flood factors considered simultaneously, and it was proven that theAND-joint return period has higher return periods compared to theOR-joint return period. This comprehensive analysis facilitates improved hydrological modelling and flood risk assessment in Johor River Basin, Malaysia, by employing the L-Moment method for estimating flood distribution parameters.