bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Common measures or common metrics? the value of IRT-based common metrics
Authors: Terwee Caroline B. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThere is a clear need to harmonize outcome measurement. Some authors propose to express scores as T scores to facilitate interpretation of PROM results in clinical practice. While this is a step in the right direction, there are important limitations to the acceptance of the T score metric as a common metric when T scores are based on raw sum scores of ordinal items: Such T scores of different instruments are not exactly comparable because they are not interval scaled; T scores of different measures are only on the same scale if exactly the same reference group is used; and the T sore metric cannot be maintained because it is reference population-dependent and needs to be updated regularly. These limitations can be overcome by using an item response theory (IRT)-based metric. Items from different measures can be placed on the same IRT metric to make scores comparable on an interval scale. The PROMIS initiative used IRT to develop item banks for measuring various health outcomes. Other PROMs have been linked to the PROMIS metric. Although PROMIS uses a T-score metric for practical reasons, the underlying PROMIS metric is actually an IRT metric. An IRT approach also enables further development of an item bank while preserving the underlying metric. Therefore, IRT-based metrics should be considered as common metrics for the future.
Reliable knowledge graph fact prediction via reinforcement learning
Authors: Zhou Fangfang , Mi Jiapeng , Zhang Beiwen , Shi Jingcheng , Zhang Ran , Chen Xiaohui , Zhao Ying , Zhang Jian 
Published: November 2023

AbstractKnowledge graph (KG) fact prediction aims to complete a KG by determining the truthfulness of predicted triples. Reinforcement learning (RL)-based approaches have been widely used for fact prediction. However, the existing approaches largely suffer from unreliable calculations on rule confidences owing to a limited number of obtained reasoning paths, thereby resulting in unreliable decisions on prediction triples. Hence, we propose a new RL-based approach named EvoPath in this study. EvoPath features a new reward mechanism based on entity heterogeneity, facilitating an agent to obtain effective reasoning paths during random walks. EvoPath also incorporates a new postwalking mechanism to leverage easily overlooked but valuable reasoning paths during RL. Both mechanisms provide sufficient reasoning paths to facilitate the reliable calculations of rule confidences, enabling EvoPath to make precise judgments about the truthfulness of prediction triples. Experiments demonstrate that EvoPath can achieve more accurate fact predictions than existing approaches.
Describing the experience of livestock producers from Ohio, USA with ticks and associated diseases
Authors: Eleftheriou Andreas , Swisher Samantha , Arruda Andréia , Berrian Amanda , Pesapane Risa 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
As tick ranges expand across North America, the risk of tick bites and tick-borne diseases (TBDs, i.e. diseases or syndromes associated with ticks) rises for humans and animals, making prevention critical. Several U.S. studies have examined knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding ticks and TBDs for various cohorts of people. However, among occupational groups with high exposure risk from ticks and TBDs are livestock producers, of which we know little about. To help address this gap, an electronic questionnaire was distributed to livestock producers in Ohio, U.S, a state with a robust agricultural sector.

Methods
We generated descriptive statistics and conducted a multiple correspondence analysis followed by hierarchical clustering on principal components to identify producers with similar response profiles.

Results
Responses from 57 producers showed that most (52.6%) think the American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis) is found in Ohio but are unsure about other species. Although several TBDs are present in Ohio, most (> 50%) producers were unsure or unaware of their presence. Interestingly, most (54.4%) thought ticks pose major health risks for their livestock but fewer (49.1%) thought the same for humans. Regardless, most producers did employ at least one prevention method for themselves (96.5%) and their animals (82.5%). Cluster analysis (n = 48) identified three groups: the largest (n = 21) was considered “aware and cautious” consisting primarily of farm owners. The others generally practiced less prevention and consisted primarily of farm employees.

Conclusions
Our findings indicate that producers in Ohio practice prevention for themselves and their livestock, but demonstrate gaps in knowledge (e.g., TBD occurrence) and attitudes (e.g., health risks) that could be addressed via educational formats we found producers preferred (e.g., extension materials), to encourage informed prevention. This is especially important for farm employees that may practice less prevention because of lower awareness. Our study can guide others in regions faced with similar tick and TBD risks to protect occupational and livestock health.
Unveiling the microbiome during post-partum uterine infection: a deep shotgun sequencing approach to characterize the dairy cow uterine microbiome
Authors: Basbas Carl , Garzon Adriana , Schlesener Cory , van Heule Machteld , Profeta Rodrigo , Weimer Bart C. , Silva-del-Rio Noelia , Byrne Barbara A. , Karle Betsy , Aly Sharif S. , Lima Fabio S. , Pereira Richard V. 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
The goal of this study was to assess the microbial ecology and diversity present in the uterus of post-partum dairy cows with and without metritis from 24 commercial California dairy farms using shotgun metagenomics. A set subset of 95 intrauterine swab samples, taken from a larger selection of 307 individual cow samples previously collected, were examined for α and β diversity and differential abundance associated with metritis. Cows within 21 days post-partum were categorized into one of three clinical groups during sample collection: control (CT, n = 32), defined as cows with either no vaginal discharge or a clear, non-purulent mucus vaginal discharge; metritis (MET, n = 33), defined as a cow with watery, red or brown colored, and fetid vaginal discharge; and purulent discharge cows (PUS, n = 31), defined as a non-fetid purulent or mucopurulent vaginal discharge.

Results
All three clinical groups (CT, MET, and PUS) were highly diverse, with the top 12 most abundant genera accounting for 10.3%, 8.8%, and 10.1% of mean relative abundance, respectively. The α diversity indices revealed a lower diversity from samples collected from MET and PUS when compared to CT cows. PERMANOVA statistical testing revealed a significant difference (P adjusted < 0.01) in the diversity of genera between CT and MET samples (R2 = 0.112, P = 0.003) and a non-significant difference between MET and PUS samples (R2 = 0.036, P = 0.046). ANCOM-BC analysis revealed that from the top 12 most abundant genera, seven genera were increased in the natural log fold change (LFC) of abundance in MET when compared to CT samples: Bacteroides, Clostridium, Fusobacterium, Phocaeicola, Porphyromonas, Prevotella, and Streptococcus. Two genera, Dietzia and Microbacterium, were decreased in natural LFC of abundance when comparing MET (regardless of treatment) and CT, while no changes in natural LFC of abundance were observed for Escherichia, Histophilus, and Trueperella.

Conclusions
The results presented here, are the current deepest shotgun metagenomic analyses conducted on the bovine uterine microbiome to date (mean of 256,425 genus-level reads per sample). Our findings support that uterine samples from cows without metritis (CT) had increased α-diversity but decreased β-diversity when compared to metritis or PUS cows, characteristic of dysbiosis. In summary, our findings highlight that MET cows have an increased abundance of Bacteroides, Porphyromonas, and Fusobacterium when compared to CT and PUS, and support the need for further studies to better understand their potential causal role in metritis pathogenesis.
Targeting average length of hospital stay as a control measure to decrease COVID-19 hospital-acquired infection in surgical cancer patients
Authors: Nasr Sarah S. , Sherif Ghada M. , Wahab Maha Abdel , Aboelkasem Hatem 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
The global spread of coronaviruses had a great impact on the economic and social situation of most countries. As the backbone of any society, the health sector made a significant contribution through applying emergency risk management plans in order to control the pandemic. Monitoring the average length of hospital stay (ALOS) was an effective way to release the capacity of the health system during this time. The aim was to evaluate the effect of applying risk assessment/management strategies on ALOS and the impact of this ALOS on COVID-19 infection rates among cancer patients.

Methods
This is a prospective cohort study. All admitted cancer patients in 6 surgical departments from January to June 2021 were included.

Results
A total of 1287 patients were admitted to 6 surgical departments during the selected period. About 46% of them had surgery (n = 578), while 54% did not have surgery (n = 700). Among surgical patients, admission rates were highest in February and head and neck department (24% and 22.1%, respectively), and lowest in April and chest department (12.4% and 8%, respectively). ALOS was significantly different across the 6 months (p value < 0.001) with lower ALOS in (April, May, and June) than in (January–February, and March). No significant difference was found across the 6 surgical departments (p value = 0.423). Twenty-eight patients became COVID-19 positive after admission, 25 of them (89%) were infected from March to June—during the time of the third wave—and a significant decreasing linear trend (p value = 0.009) was found.

Conclusion
ALOS had significantly reduced with commitment to infection control (IC) interventions and recommendations. The significant decreasing trend of COVID-19 infection from March to June (unlike the rising curve of the 3rd COVID-19 wave by that time) could be explained by improvement in ALOS.
A brief review on polyvinyl chloride plastic as aggregate for construction materials
Authors: M. N. Noor Azline , K. N. Byron , A. A. Farah Nora Aznieta , M. Ernaleza 
Published: November 2023

AbstractRecycling plastic waste in construction applications is a common concept for innovative concrete development. Enormous studies have been conducted for the past three decades. Yet, there is a need in understanding the behavior of the plastic, its effects on cement composite, and the possible approaches for extending the usage of plastic waste to be an alternative resource component of cement composites. For the first section, the types of plastic and its characteristic as well as the overview on the plastic production and waste generated are discussed briefly. Further, the paper is focused on the relevant information on the plastic waste in cement composites and the polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic as plastic aggregate in cement composites. The review also includes the factors that influence PVC aggregate on cement composites which are physical characteristics of PVC plastic aggregate, the effect on mechanical and permeation properties of cement composites. The paper also examines the possible approaches in improving the PVC plastic aggregate characteristics, which can enhance the usage of PVC plastic aggregate for sustainable construction material.
Differing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on youth mental health: combined population and clinical study
Authors: Qi Lu , Zhang Zuo , Robinson Lauren , Bobou Marina , Gourlan Chantal , Winterer Jeanne , Adams Rebecca , Agunbiade Kofoworola , Zhang Yuning , King Sinead , Vaidya Nilakshi , Artiges Eric , Banaschewski Tobias , Bokde Arun L. W. , Broulidakis M. John , Brühl Rüdiger , Flor Herta , Fröhner Juliane H. , Garavan Hugh , Grigis Antoine , Heinz Andreas , Hohmann Sarah , Martinot Marie-Laure Paillère , Millenet Sabina , Nees Frauke , van Noort Betteke Maria , Orfanos Dimitri Papadopoulos , Poustka Luise , Sinclair Julia , Smolka Michael N. , Whelan Robert , Stringaris Argyris , Walter Henrik , Martinot Jean-Luc , Schumann Gunter , Schmidt Ulrike , Desrivières Sylvane ,   IMAGEN Consortium, ESTRA Consortium and STRATIFY Consortium
Published: November 2023

Background
Identifying youths most at risk to COVID-19-related mental illness is essential for the development of effective targeted interventions.

Aims
To compare trajectories of mental health throughout the pandemic in youth with and without prior mental illness and identify those most at risk of COVID-19-related mental illness.

Method
Data were collected from individuals aged 18–26 years (N = 669) from two existing cohorts: IMAGEN, a population-based cohort; and ESTRA/STRATIFY, clinical cohorts of individuals with pre-existing diagnoses of mental disorders. Repeated COVID-19 surveys and standardised mental health assessments were used to compare trajectories of mental health symptoms from before the pandemic through to the second lockdown.

Results
Mental health trajectories differed significantly between cohorts. In the population cohort, depression and eating disorder symptoms increased by 33.9% (95% CI 31.78–36.57) and 15.6% (95% CI 15.39–15.68) during the pandemic, respectively. By contrast, these remained high over time in the clinical cohort. Conversely, trajectories of alcohol misuse were similar in both cohorts, decreasing continuously (a 15.2% decrease) during the pandemic. Pre-pandemic symptom severity predicted the observed mental health trajectories in the population cohort. Surprisingly, being relatively healthy predicted increases in depression and eating disorder symptoms and in body mass index. By contrast, those initially at higher risk for depression or eating disorders reported a lasting decrease.

Conclusions
Healthier young people may be at greater risk of developing depressive or eating disorder symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic. Targeted mental health interventions considering prior diagnostic risk may be warranted to help young people cope with the challenges of psychosocial stress and reduce the associated healthcare burden.
Deterministic nuclear reprogramming of mammalian nuclei to a totipotency-like state by Amphibian meiotic oocytes for stem cell therapy in humans
Authors: Wen Ming-Hsuan , Barbosa Triana Hector , Butler Richard , Hu Hsiang-Wei , Dai Yang-Hong , Lawrence Nicola , Hong Jun-Jie , Garrett Nigel , Jones-Green Rue , Rawlins Emma L. , Dong Ziqi , Koziol Magdalena J. , Gurdon J. B. 
Published: November 2023

ABSTRACT
The ultimate aim of nuclear reprogramming is to provide stem cells or differentiated cells from unrelated cell types as a cell source for regenerative medicine. A popular route towards this is transcription factor induction, and an alternative way is an original procedure of transplanting a single somatic cell nucleus to an unfertilized egg. A third route is to transplant hundreds of cell nuclei into the germinal vesicle (GV) of a non-dividing Amphibian meiotic oocyte, which leads to the activation of silent genes in 24 h and robustly induces a totipotency-like state in almost all transplanted cells. We apply this third route for potential therapeutic use and describe a procedure by which the differentiated states of cells can be reversed so that totipotency and pluripotency gene expression are regained. Differentiated cells are exposed to GV extracts and are reprogrammed to form embryoid bodies, which shows the maintenance of stemness and could be induced to follow new directions of differentiation. We conclude that much of the reprogramming effect of eggs is already present in meiotic oocytes and does not require cell division or selection of dividing cells. Reprogrammed cells by oocytes could serve as replacements for defective adult cells in humans.
Comparative study of social networks in post-socialist Western Balkan countries. Formal and informal networking for information diffusion
Authors: Tuna Emelj , Bogdanov Natalija , Nikolic Aleksandra , Simonovska Ana 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Rural areas in the Western Balkan are faced with severe socio-economic and political challenges, including a lack of access to knowledge and information as well as scepticism about formal forms of cooperation. Yet, the evidence regarding the influence of social capital and network structures on the access of the rural population to information and knowledge in these countries is still sparse, even though this can be one of the most influential factors shaping rural development. In this paper, a multi-country comparison was applied to provide empirical evidence of the existing level of social capital structures (networks) in North Macedonia, Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The conducted analyses indicate that even with the low participation rates, all farmers, both members and non-members of organisations, perceived membership in formal organisations as useful. Additionally, the results support the presumption that even sparse informal networks, mostly built on strong personal ties, are more effective channels for information transfer in the absence of efficient/active formalised types of cooperation. This implies that rural development policy should be crafted in a way to transform farmers from passive subjects into creative actors, particularly in sharing and promoting good practices.
Reshaping National Organ Allocation Policy
Authors: Papalexopoulos Theodore , Alcorn James , Bertsimas Dimitris , Goff Rebecca , Stewart Darren , Trichakis Nikolaos 
Published: November 2023

Working with U.S. policymakers to redesign national organ allocation The Organ Procurement & Transplantation Network (OPTN), which manages transplantation activities in the United States, recently partnered with the MIT Operations Research Center to design and implement novel organ allocation policies that are more equitable, efficient, and inclusive. National organ allocation policies need to strike a delicate balance between efficiency and fairness in multiple objectives, reconciling often disparate value judgments and priorities from many different stakeholders. In “Reshaping National Organ Allocation Policy,” T. Papalexopoulos, J. Alcorn, and D. Bertsimas et al. introduced a novel optimization- and machine learning-based framework to aid policy design and navigate challenging fairness-efficiency tradeoffs. The authors collaborated with the OPTN to apply the framework to the design of a new national allocation policy for lungs, which was implemented in March 2023 and is anticipated to reduce waitlist mortality by approximately 20%. Based on this success, the authors are now working toward the redesign of the entire U.S. organ allocation system, including kidneys, pancreata, hearts, and livers.
Integrated-waveguide-based acousto-optic modulation with complete optical conversion
Authors: Zhang Liang , Cui Chaohan , Chen Pao-Kang , Fan Linran 
Published: November 2023

Acousto-optic modulation in piezoelectric materials offers the
efficient method to bridge electrical and optical signals. It is
widely used to control optical frequencies and intensities in modern
optical systems including Q-switch lasers, ion traps, and optical
tweezers. It is also critical for emerging applications such as
quantum photonics and non-reciprocal optics. Acousto-optic devices
have recently been demonstrated with promising performance on
integrated platforms. However, the conversion efficiency of optical
signals remains low in these integrated devices. This is attributed to
the significant challenge in realizing large mode overlap, long
interaction length, and high power robustness at the same time. Here,
we develop acousto-optic devices with gallium nitride on a sapphire
substrate. The unique capability to confine both optical and acoustic
fields in sub-wavelength scales without suspended structures allows
efficient acousto-optic interactions over long distances under high
driving power. This leads to the complete optical conversion with
integrated acousto-optic modulators. With the unidirectional phase
matching, we also demonstrate the non-reciprocal propagation of
optical fields with isolation ratios above 10 dB. This work
provides a robust and efficient acousto-optic platform, opening new
opportunities for optical signal processing, quantum transduction, and
non-magnetic optical isolation.
The content of adipokines and myokines in the blood of children and adolescents with different genotypes according to the polymorphism rs662 of the paraoxonase-1 gene
Authors: Shestopalov A. V. , Davydov V. V. , Tumanyan G. T. , Teplyakova E. D. , Shkurat T. P. , Mashkina E. V. , Shkurat M. A. , Gaponov A. M. , Borisenko O. V. , Roumiantsev S. A. 
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND.Among the many causes of obesity, genetic factors occupy a special place. An obvious role among them belongs to the genetic polymorphism of lipid metabolism enzymes, including paraoxonase-1 (PON-1). Until now, the character of the relationship betweenPON-1polymorphism and the state of the endocrine function of mesenchymal tissues remains unclear. Its study will clarify the subtle mechanisms of the development of obesity in childhood and adolescence.AIM.The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship betweenPON-1polymorphism (rs662) and changes in the content of adipokines, myokines, and blood lipid metabolism in children and adolescents of different sexes with obesity.MATERIALSANDMETHODS.In 100 healthy children and adolescents of different sexes and 89 of their peers with obesity, a genetic study was conducted to assess the single nucleotide polymorphism of thePAO-1(rs662) genes. In blood serum, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, VLDL cholesterol, triacylglycerols, glucose and aminotransferase activity (alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase) were determined by photometric methods, as well as leptin, adiponectin, resistin, apelin, irisin, adipsin, myostatin, FGF21, osteocrine, oncostatin and insulin — by multiplex ELISA, and asprosin — by ELISA ones.RESULTS.The patients with the homozygous Arg192/Arg allele, the development of complications of obesity in boys is limited and their occurrence in girls is prevented. In other variants ofPON-1polymorphism (Gln192/Gln and Gln192/Arg genotypes), protective mechanisms are formed in the body of girls aimed at preventing complications in obesity. In boys with the Gln192/Gln genotype, obesity reveals more pronounced shifts in lipid metabolism, manifestations of alteration and an increase in the mass of adipose tissue, and in boys-carriers of the heterozygous Gln192/Arg allele, atherogenesis processes increase.CONCLUSION.Polymorphism of the paraoxonase-1 gene (rs662) contributes to the appearance of gender differences in changes in the content of adipokines and myokines in the blood during obesity in childhood and adolescence.