bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Towards Realist-informed Ripple Effects Mapping: Positioning the approach
Authors: Harris Kevin , Nobles James , Ryan Louis , Szedlak Christoph , Taylor Hannah , Hawkins Rowena , Cline Alice , Smith Elizabeth 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background: Evaluation approaches such as ripple effects mapping (REM) and realist evaluation have emerged as popular methodologies to evidence impact, and the processes of change within public health as part of whole systems approaches. Despite the various examples of their implementation across different evaluation settings, there has been little or no evidence of how they might be effective when combined.
Methods: With REM’s potential to pragmatically illustrate impact, and realist evaluation’s strength to identify how and why impacts emerge, this paper develops a rationale and process for their amalgamation. Following this, we outline a realist-informed ripple effects mapping (RREM) protocol that may be suitable for application within evaluation settings in a range of public health, whole system and physical activity settings.
Discussion: Combining these two approaches has the potential to more effectively illuminate the impacts that we see within public health and whole system approaches and initiatives. What is more, given the complexity often imbued within these approaches and initiatives they hold capability for also capturing the causal mechanisms that explain these impacts.
Conclusions: It is our conclusion that when combined, this novel approach may help to inspire future research as well as more effective evaluation of public health and whole system approaches. This is crucial if we are to foster a culture for learning, refinement and reflection.
Prediction Models for Retinopathy of Prematurity Occurrence Based on Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Wu Rong , Chen He , Bai Yichen , Zhang Yu , Feng Songfu , Lu Xiaohe 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Introduction:
Early prediction and timely treatment are essential for minimizing the odds of visual loss or new onset of blindness of retinopathy of prematurity, emphasizing the importance of ROP screening in clinical routine.
Objective
To establish predictive models for ROP occurrence based on the risk factors using artificial neural network.
Methods
A cohort of 591 infants was recruited in this retrospective study. The association between ROP and perinatal factors was analyzed by univariate analysis and multivariable logistic regression. We developed predictive models for ROP screening using back propagation neural network, which was further optimized by applying genetic algorithm method. To assess the predictive performance of the models, the areas under the curve, sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value, positive predictive value and accuracy were used to show the performances of the prediction models.
Results
ROP of any stage was found in 193 (32.7%) infants. Twelve risk factors of ROP were selected. Based on these factors, predictive models were built using BP neural network and genetic algorithm-back propagation (GA-BP) neural network. The areas under the curve for prediction models were 0.857, and 0.908 in test, respectively.
Conclusions
We developed predictive models for ROP using artificial neural network. GA-BP neural network exhibited superior predictive ability for ROP when dealing with its non-linear clinical data.
The Effect of Transrectal Povidone Iodine Use Before Prostate Biopsy Procedure Guided by Transrectal Ultrasound on Postoperative Infectious Complications: A Single-Center Retrospective Study
Authors: BASARANOGLU MERT , BIYIKOGLU MELIH , NEBIOGLU ALI , BOZLU MURAT , AKBAY ERDEM 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to assess post-biopsy infectious complications in patients undergoing who underwent transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy (TRUS-Bx) with and without transrectal povidone-iodine application by rectal mucosa cleansing. METHODS: A retrospective review of 118 patients at Mersin University Hospital (September 2022 to September 2023) who underwent TRUS-Bx was conducted. Biopsy indications included abnormal digital rectal exam (DRE) findings with any prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and/or PSA > 4 ng/ml. Patient demographics, comorbidities, PSA levels, prostate volumes, pathology results, D'Amico risk score, and infectious complications were analyzed. All patients received prophylactic cefpodoxime (200 mg orally, twice daily) for five days, starting the day before the procedure. Group 1 (48.3%) received cefpodoxime alone, while Group 2 (51.7%) received both cefpodoxime and transrectal povidone-iodine (50 cc, 15 minutes before the procedure). Hospitalizations post-procedure were noted, with a focus on infectious complication rates. RESULTS: A significant post-procedure increase in white blood cell counts was observed overall (p = 0.004). Within the groups, Group 2 showed a statistically insignificant increase (p = 0.307), while Group 1 exhibited a significant increase (p = 0.003). Leukocyte counts and C-reactive protein values increased significantly after TRUS-Bx, with Group 1 experiencing a substantial increase in leukocyte counts and C-reactive protein levels (p < 0.05). No significant differences existed between the groups in terms of demographics, comorbidities, PSA levels, prostate volumes, pathology results, D'Amico risk score, and cancer detection rates. CONCLUSIONS: In addition to antibiotic prophylaxis, transrectal povidone-iodine application effectively reduced post-biopsy infectious complications. This easily applicable, cost-effective, reliable, and well-tolerated method is recommended for all prostate biopsy procedures.
An autistic student at a Polish university – diagnosis and support
Authors: Baczała Ditta , Gut Arkadiusz , Matulewski Jacek 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

The research project concerns the factors determining the educational and social success of autistic people studying at selected Polish universities and recommendations for adequate students support programs. The project will use a package of psychological and pedagogical tools to diagnose this group of students and collect data, the analysis of which will allow us to know the predictors of success of autistic people studying at selected Polish universities. The collected data will allow the development of a package of solutions to support neurodivergent students in higher education. The article is a presentation of a research project under development.
Precipitation, temperature, and child undernutrition: Evidence from the Mali Demographic and Health Surveys 2012/2013 and 2018
Authors: Tanou Mariam , Kishida Takaaki , Kamiya Yusuke 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Undernutrition among children remains a severe burden in sub-Saharan Africa. Climate change is viewed as a major obstacle to enhancing children’s nutrition. Mali, a landlocked country in West Africa, has one of the highest prevalence of child undernutrition in the region. This study aimed to assess the effects of precipitation and temperature on child undernutrition in Mali, with a focus on climatic differences between the southern and northern regions.
Methods
We pooled the two most recent cross-sectional datasets from the Mali Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) 2012/2013 and 2018, and combined them with climatic variables at the DHS cluster level. The study included 12,537 children aged under 5 years. We conducted multivariate multilevel logistic regression analyses to estimate the effects of precipitation and temperature on the likelihood of child undernutrition.
Results
The average monthly precipitation during the last year, as well as the in the last two years preceding the survey, was associated with a reduced likelihood of childhood underweight and wasting in the northern part of Mali, predominantly comprising desert areas. Furthermore, we confirmed that an elevated average temperature was correlated with an increased likelihood of childhood stunting and underweight in the northern part.
Conclusions
Precipitation and temperature exerted a substantial impact on the nutritional status of children, particularly in northern Mali. Considering the growing threat of climatic variations, implementing strategies to address climate change, especially in the northern regions, is crucial for enhancing children’s nutrition.
Learning curve of stapled hemorrhoidopexy: analysis using the cumulative summation (CUSUM) method
Authors: Balmaceda Ruben , Affronti Leonardo , Recabarren Martin Galvarini , Cabo Javier Kerman 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background: Stapled hemorrhoidopexy (PPH) is a common technique for the treatment of hemorrhoidal prolapse. Although technical factors are determinant in postoperative results, there is little evidence on the learning curve of this technique. The aim of this study is to analyze the learning curve (LC) of the PPH technique using the cumulative summation method (CUSUM).
Methods: Retrospective, analytical study based on a digital survey. The early cases performed by a single surgeon were chronologically ordered. Pre, intra and postoperative variables were analyzed. CUSUM curves were constructed.
Results:Thirty-four patients were included. Three phases were identified by the CUSUM chart of operative time versus chronological order. The first phase had an ascending slope up to surgery number 18, the second phase had a descending slope up to surgery 36, and the third phase was ascending as of surgery number 37 (p<0,001, confidence level 70%). The CUSUM curves for postoperative variables did not show any trends along the learning curve (p<0.05).
Conclusion: The learning curve of the PPH technique using the CUSUM method showed a three-phase curve in terms of operative time, with a decrease between surgeries 1-18, a stabilization in surgeries 19-36 and a new increase as of surgery 37. The CUSUM curves related to pain, complications, recurrence and patient satisfaction do not show any chronologically related trends.
Entropy reduction in human cortical spontaneous activity marks healthy aging
Authors: Chang Da , Zuo Xi-Nian , Wang Xiu 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Entropy trajectories remain unclear for the aging process of human brain system. We employed the open data from an accelerated longitudinal cohort (PREVENT-AD) including 24 healthy aging participants followed by 4 years with 5 visits per participant to establish the brain entropy aging curves and distinguish with the age and cohort effects. This reveals that global cortical entropy decreased with aging while a significant cohort effect was detectable that people who were born earlier showed higher entropy. Such entropy reduction were also evident for the large-scale networks although with different speeds for different networks: the primary and intermediate networks reduce their entropy faster than the higher-order transmodal networks. We conclude two specific brain entropy features with aging: the shift of the complexity hierarchy of networks and the diversity of complexity increases among networks.
Isoperiodic families of Poncelet polygons inscribed in a circle and circumscribed about conics from a confocal pencil
Authors: Dragovic Vladimir , Radnovic Milena 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Poncelet polygons inscribed in a circle and circumscribed about conics from a confocal family naturally arise in the analysis of the numerical range and Blaschke products. We examine the behaviour of such polygons when the inscribed conic varies through a confocal pencil and discover cases when each conic from the confocal family is inscribed in an n-polygon, which is inscribed in the circle, with the same n. Complete geometric characterization of such cases for n ϵ {4,6} is given and proved that this cannot happen for other values of n. We establish a relationship of such families of Poncelet quadrangles and hexagons to solutions of a Painlevé VI equation.
AMS subclass: 14H70, 37J70, 34M55, 37A10
Survival benefit of cytoreductive surgery in patients with primary stage IV endometrial cancer: a systematic review &amp; meta-analysis
Authors: Pham Eveline Ngoc Bao , Horeweg Nanda , Marel Jacolien , Nooij Linda Suzanne 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the survival outcomes following cytoreductive surgery (CRS) in patients with primary stage IV endometrial cancer (EC). The role of CRS in this context is debatable, given the limited evidence from large studies and the inherent heterogeneity among patients with stage IV EC. Methods. We systematically searched the Cochrane Library, Embase, MEDLINE/PubMed, and Web of Science for original studies reporting survival outcomes of primary stage IV EC after complete, optimal, and incomplete CRS. Pooled hazard ratios (HRs) for overall survival (OS) per CRS outcome were calculated using a random-effects model. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 and the Q-test. Results. Twelve studies, including 748 patients, were analysed. 187 patients underwent complete CRS, and 146 patients optimal CRS. Ten studies reported a significant OS benefit after complete (18–48 months) and optimal CRS (13–34 months) compared to incomplete CRS (7–19 months). A benefit was also observed in patients with serous EC or extra- abdominal metastasis. Meta-analysis showed improved OS after complete/optimal vs. incomplete CRS (HR = 0.38, 95% CI 0.21–0.69, p = 0.0016). Heterogeneity was substantial between studies (I2 = 76.7%, p < 0.0001). Conclusion. Complete/optimal CRS results in an OS benefit for patients with primary stage IV EC, including serous EC or extra-abdominal metastasis.PROSPERO registration. CRD42022302968 on May 10th, 2022.
Effectiveness of Personalized Rehabilitation in Adults Suffering from Persistent Concussion Symptoms as Compared to Usual Care: A Randomized Control Trial Protocol
Authors: Moser Nicholas , Popovic Milos R. , Kalsi-Ryan Sukhvinder 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Symptoms reported by patients who sustain a concussion are non-specific. As such, clinicians are better able to manage patients when a standardized clinical exam is performed to sub-type the driver(s) of symptoms. Aerobic exercise and multimodal rehabilitation have consistently shown to be a possibly effective means to manage this population; however, the optimal training prescription is unclear. Thus, there is a need to further examine the effectiveness of personalized rehabilitative treatments.
Our primary aim is to evaluate the response to personalized therapy on recovery, as measured by The Rivermead Post-concussion Symptoms Questionnaire (RPQ) when compared to an active control.
Methods
We will conduct a multi-center 12-week case-crossover randomized controlled trial. 50 participants will be recruited from out-patient University Health Network clinics and community-based clinical practices around the greater Toronto area. Participants will be randomized at baseline to Group A: a personalized care program followed by an active control or Group B: an active control followed by a personalized care program. Participants will be included should they be 21 years of age and older and have symptoms that have persisted beyond 4 weeks but less than 1 year. Participants will undergo 6-weeks of care in their respective streams. After 6-weeks, participants will undergo a re-examination. They will then crossover and undertake the alternative treatment for 6 weeks. At the end of 12 weeks, participants will undertake the endpoint examinations. The primary outcome will be the Rivermead Postconcussion Questionnaire (RPQ). The secondary outcomes will be changes in standardized clinical examination, Neck Disability Index (NDI), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and an electroencephalography (EEG) via NeuroCatchTM. The statistical analysis to be performed is composed of an adjusted model using an analysis of variance, specifically using an unpaired t-test to test for associations between variables and outcomes.
Discussion
Given the recommendations from reviews on the topic of rehabilitation for adults with persistent concussion symptoms, we are undertaking a controlled trial. The documented high costs for patients seeking care for persistent symptoms necessitate the need to evaluate the effectiveness of a personalized rehabilitative program compared to the current standard of care.
Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT06069700
Blood-based DNA methylation and exposure risk scores predict PTSD with high accuracy in military and civilian cohorts
Authors: Wani Agaz , Katrinli Seyma , Zhao Xiang , Daskalakis Nikolaos , Zannas Anthony , Aiello Allison , Baker Dewleen , Boks Marco , Brick Leslie , Chen Chia-Yen , Dalvie Shareefa , Fortier Catherine , Geuze Elbert , Hayes Jasmeet , Kessler Ronald , King Anthony , Koen Nastassja , Liberzon Israel , Lori Adriana , Luykx Jurjen , Maihofer Adam , Milberg William , Miller Mark , Mufford Mary , Nugent Nicole , Rauch Sheila , Ressler Kerry , Risbrough Victoria , Rutten Bart , Stein Dan , Stein Murrary , Ursano Robert , Verfaellie Mieke , Ware Erin , Wildman Derek , Wolf Erika , Nievergelt Caroline , Logue Mark , Smith Alicia , Uddin Monica , Vermetten Eric , Vinkers Christiaan 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
Incorporating genomic data into risk prediction has become an increasingly useful approach for rapid identification of individuals most at risk for complex disorders such as PTSD. Our goal was to develop and validate Methylation Risk Scores (MRS) using machine learning to distinguish individuals who have PTSD from those who do not.
Methods
Elastic Net was used to develop three risk score models using a discovery dataset (n = 1226; 314 cases, 912 controls) comprised of 5 diverse cohorts with available blood-derived DNA methylation (DNAm) measured on the Illumina Epic BeadChip. The first risk score, exposure and methylation risk score (eMRS) used cumulative and childhood trauma exposure and DNAm variables; the second, methylation-only risk score (MoRS) was based solely on DNAm data; the third, methylation-only risk scores with adjusted exposure variables (MoRSAE) utilized DNAm data adjusted for the two exposure variables. The potential of these risk scores to predict future PTSD based on pre-deployment data was also assessed. External validation of risk scores was conducted in four independent cohorts.
Results
The eMRS model showed the highest accuracy (92%), precision (91%), recall (87%), and f1-score (89%) in classifying PTSD using 3730 features. While still highly accurate, the MoRS (accuracy = 89%) using 3728 features and MoRSAE (accuracy = 84%) using 4150 features showed a decline in classification power. eMRS significantly predicted PTSD in one of the four independent cohorts, the BEAR cohort (beta = 0.6839, p-0.003), but not in the remaining three cohorts. Pre-deployment risk scores from all models (eMRS, beta = 1.92; MoRS, beta = 1.99 and MoRSAE, beta = 1.77) displayed a significant (p < 0.001) predictive power for post-deployment PTSD.
Conclusion
Results, especially those from the eMRS, reinforce earlier findings that methylation and trauma are interconnected and can be leveraged to increase the correct classification of those with vs. without PTSD. Moreover, our models can potentially be a valuable tool in predicting the future risk of developing PTSD. As more data become available, including additional molecular, environmental, and psychosocial factors in these scores may enhance their accuracy in predicting the condition and, relatedly, improve their performance in independent cohorts.
Macroeconomic antecedents of involuntary psychiatric commitments in Denmark
Authors: Singh Parvati , Griffin Marquianna , Andersen Lars H. , Hvidtfeldt Camilla 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Introduction: Economic downturns may precede reduced social tolerance towards the mentally ill that, in turn, may manifest as increased reporting of disordered individuals for involuntary psychiatric commitments (reduced tolerance hypothesis). In some instances, societies may also act out against vulnerable minority groups during economic downturns by way of increased scapegoating of such groups for involuntary psychiatric commitments (frustration-aggression-displacement hypothesis). Methods: We examined the relation between quarterly aggregated counts of unemployed persons (exposure) and involuntary psychiatric commitments (outcomes) in the (1) overall population (test of reduced tolerance), (2) among Danes (excluding non-western immigrants), and (3) among non-western immigrants (test of frustration-aggression-displacement hypothesis) in Denmark, over 72 quarters, from 2001 to 2018, using Danish register data. We specified our exposure as the quarterly counts of unemployed persons in Denmark (0, 1 quarterly lags). We used AutoRegressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) time-series analyses to control for autocorrelation and quarterly volume of voluntary (i.e. non-coercive) psychiatric inpatient admissions. Results: Results from ARIMA time-series analyses indicate 31 additional involuntary psychiatric commitments in the overall Danish population, one quarter after increase in 100,000 additional unemployed persons (p-value < 0.05). We also observe 14 additional involuntary commitments among non-western immigrants at exposure lag 1 (p-value < 0.05). We fail to reject the null for involuntary commitments among Danes (excluding non-western immigrants). Our discovered coefficients correspond with a 6.8% increase in involuntary commitments in the overall population and a 26.9% increase among non-western immigrants one quarter following a 3 standard deviation increase in unemployed persons in Denmark. Conclusions: Our findings support the reduced tolerance and frustration-aggression-displacement hypotheses in the Danish context. The pattern of results highlight the potential consequences of large macroeconomic contractions with respect to involuntary psychiatric commitments and also that minority groups may experience increased vulnerability during periods of heightened ambient stress.
Towards Video Pattern Recognition Method Based on the Classification of Copy-Right Videos Through Images
Authors: Saeed M. Imran , Shaikh M. Tahir , Shakir M. , Laghari Asif Ali , Karim Shahid 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Detecting copyright material and piracy, especially in videos, is a dedicated challenge in marketing, advertisement, and industry. The issue of video piracy has become increasingly significant. This paper introduces a video-based pattern recognition method that classifies a copyrighted video through images. More precisely, the research has concentrated on evaluating outcomes across various videos using diverse parameters. Although prior studies in this domain have primarily emphasized aspects like face recognition, finger detection, background subtraction, and various other techniques, the issue of identifying copyrighted material within videos has yet to receive much attention. This paper introduces a video-based pattern-matching technique, and multiple video sources have described a methodology for detecting copyrighted video frames. These videos may encompass advertisements or specialized journalistic content legally owned by their creators. Our technique enables matching these video clips with specific video streaming or files to ascertain whether they contain the entire or a portion of the original video. The given video clip comprises individual frames, and our approach facilitates a frame-to-frame (F2F) comparison with other live video streams to determine the extent of similarity between successive images. This proposed method holds considerable potential for monitoring and identifying instances of illegally broadcasted, copyrighted digital video content.