bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Adding Physician Recommendation in Digitally-Enabled Outreach for COVID-19 Vaccination in Socially/Economically Disadvantaged Populations Subtitle: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Sumar Kamal , Blue Lisa , Fatahi Gina , Bhatti Atiq , Sumar Mehek , Alvarez Stephanie , Cons Pedro , Valencia Nathalie , Williams Zachary , Parthasarathy Sairam , Doubeni Chyke A. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Introduction: People from backgrounds that are economically/socially disadvantaged experienced disproportionately high COVID-19 death rates and had lower vaccination rates. Effective outreach strategies for increasing vaccine uptake during the pandemic are not fully known. Among patients receiving care at a Federally Qualified Health Center, we tested whether community engaged digitally-enabled outreach increased COVID vaccine uptake.
Study Design, Setting, and Participants: A 3-parallel-arm randomized controlled trial with a hybrid effectiveness-implementation design was conducted among patients ≥18 years old on study enrollment during 2021 with 1,650 assigned in 3:10:20 ratio; 2,328 were later selected for two subsequent implementation rounds.
Interventions: From April 13 to June 10, 2021, patients were proactively sent a text-messaging invitation to make an appointment for vaccination as part of the routine practice (Arm 1, n=150) with added personalized clinician recommendation alone (Arm 2, n=500) or with an explicit nudge for answers to frequently asked questions (Arm 3, n=1,000). Further implementation used messaging addressing vaccine hesitancy (n=1,323) or adverse reactions to vaccines (n=1,005).
Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was the completion of the first SARS-Cov-2 vaccine dose determined at 14, 30 and 90 days after outreach.
Results: Of 1,650 patients in effectiveness Arms, 61% was female. Vaccination rates for Arms 1, 2, and 3, were 6% (n=9), 5.4% (n=27) and 3.3% (n=33) at 14 days, and 11.5% (n=17), 11.6% (n=58), and 8.5% (n=85) at 90 days, respectively, which were similar in pairwise comparisons. At 90 days, vaccination rates were similar across the two implementation rounds (3.9% vs. 3.6%) and were similar to the rate (3.3%) among patients who were not selected for intervention arms or implementation rounds (n=8,671).
Conclusions: Digitally-enabled outreach that included SMS messaging outreach augmented with clinician recommendations did not improve COVID-19 vaccination rates.
Trial Registration: This study is registered at ClinicalTrails.gov Identifier: NC-T04952376
Investigating the Metabolite-Mediated Impact of Smoking on Lung Squamous Cell Carcinoma — A Univariate and Multivariate Two-Step Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Xu Zhilong , Wu Yimu , Zeng AO , Chen Keyi , Yin Yanze , Wang Chao , Fang Xinyun , Abuduwayiti Abudumijiti , Dai Jie , Jiang Gening , Wang Jiarui 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
This research focuses on smoking as a key factor in lung squamous cell carcinoma, aiming to understand its precise mechanisms. Emphasizing blood metabolites as intermediary variables, the study employs a two-step Mendelian randomization analysis, including univariable and multivariable approaches, to uncover pathways connecting smoking to lung cancer. The significance of this investigation lies in addressing the prevalence of smoking-related cancers, contributing to preventive strategies. Identified blood metabolites may serve as biomarkers or therapeutic targets. Tasks include using MR methods like inverse variance weighting, MR-Egger regression, and weighted median, considering potential confounding factors. Prerequisite knowledge encompasses the understanding of genetic variants associated with smoking, blood metabolites, and lung squamous cell carcinoma for a nuanced analysis.
Comparative Study of Permeation Effects between Vibrating Microneedle and Low-Frequency Sonophoresis Systems
Authors: LIU Tingting , CHEN Kai , YAN Zhigang , WANG Qiao 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background: Microneedle transdermal administration and low-frequency ultrasound represent two important physical penetration-promoting methods for enhancing drug penetration. This article aims to investigate and compare the effects of drug penetration enhancement through transdermal administration using vibrating microneedles versus low-frequency sonophoresis.
Methods: In vitro permeation studies were conducted using Valia-Chien double chamber diffusion cells to evaluate the transdermal delivery of tetramethylpyrazine hydrochloride (TMPH). The TMPH concentration in the receiving compartment was determined using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Several combinations of microneedles and ultrasound settings were investigated, including different needle lengths, vibration frequencies, exposure times, and assorted distances of ultrasound horn and skin.
Results: The results revealed the vibrating microneedle system as the most efficacious treatment to increase the TMPH permeability into the rat skin. The combination of a larger needle, higher frequency, and a 3-min exposure led to a 41.92-fold increase in cumulative permeability compared to the control group. The ultrasound treatment exhibited a moderate enhancement effect on TMPH skin penetration. Using a horn-to-skin distance of 3 mm and a 3-min exposure resulted in a 4.34-fold increase in TMPH cumulative permeation compared to the control group.
Conclusion: It could be concluded that while both the vibrating microneedle and the low-frequency ultrasound systems act as penetration enhancers for promoting the TMPH permeation through the skin, the vibrating microneedle system notably demonstrates a more effective penetration-promoting effect.
Impact of removing ESBL testing report from cultures on the selection of antibiotics for the treatment and 30-day mortality of patients infected with ESBL-producing organisms
Authors: Waeuseng Sofia , Kiertiburanakul Sasisopin , Malathum Kumthorn 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
The increasing incidence of carbapenem-resistant organisms is well recognized as a global crisis. Several studies have identified previous carbapenem use as a risk factor for the subsequent development of infections with carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative organisms. We characterized the impact of the removal of the ESBL designation from microbiology reports on inpatient antibiotic prescribing and mortality.
Methods
This was a historical control and interventional analysis performed in a 1300-bed university hospital to compare 1 year before (1 August 2019 to 31 July 2020) and 1 year after removal of the ESBL designation (1 August 2020 to 31 July 2021), with a 1-month washout period (1 August 2020 to 31 August 2020). All statistical tests were two-tailed, and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results
A total of 213 and 207 patients were included before and after elimination of the ESBL designation in the Hospital Information System. The most commonly isolated organism was Escherichia coli. The most common specimen in which these organisms were detected was urine (57.8% and 62.2%, before and after periods). Definitive prescribing of carbapenems, as the primary outcome, decreased from 56.5–41.3% (P = 0.01); cefepime prescribing decreased from 13.6–3.5% (P < 0.05); and piperacillin-tazobactam use increased significantly from 10.4–28.7% (P < 0.05). TMP-SMX was prescribed more frequently, increasing from 0 to 2.8%; however, this change was not statistically significant. The 30-day mortality rate from any cause did not differ between the before and after periods, with 22/154 patients (14.3%) before and 24/143 (16.8%) after (P = 0.55). There was a non-statistically significant decrease in carbapenem prescriptions for definitive treatment of bacteremia caused by ESBL-producing organisms (84.4% and 68.6%; P = 0.155), while definitive piperacillin-tazobactam prescribing increased from 0 to 6.0% (P = 0.025), comparing the before and after periods, respectively. Carbapenem prescriptions for urinary tract infections decreased from 49.4–28.1% (P = 0.005), while piperacillin-tazobactam was prescribed more often (11.2% versus 32.6%; P = 0.001) (before and after, respectively); carbapenem use for pneumonia did not decrease.
Conclusions
Definitive prescribing of carbapenems and cefepime decreased and piperacillin-tazobactam use increased after removal of the ESBL report. Our findings confirm the importance of collaboration between microbiology and antimicrobial stewardship programs.
Edge states in 2D A2BX4 lead halide perovskites enabled by local structural reorganization
Authors: Li Wei , Li Zhi-Gang , Li Xiang , Dong Xiao-Hui , Song Hai-Peng , Li Zi-Ying , Wu Xiang , Kupenko Ilya , Hanfland Michael , Glazyrin Konstantin , Even Jacky , Bu Xian-He 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

The edge states (ES) inherent in 2D hybrid lead halide perovskites (LHPs) play host to free carriers of low energy and extended lifetimes which is distinct from the tightly bound excitons found in the interior states (IS). Though the ES of these 2D LHPs show prospect of facilitating photovoltaic effects, the underlying mechanism remains elusive. Here, we reveal the occurrence of ES in a family of 2D A2PbBr4 (A = organic amine cation) LHPs is attributed to the Rashba/Dresselhaus (RD) spin splitting caused by local structural reorganization on the crystal edge. The experimental and theoretical characterizations reveal that the local structure on the crystal edge is significantly strained, which leads to considerable out-of-plane distortion of adjacent PbBr6 octahedra, local loss of inversion symmetry and therefore spin-splitting energy required for the formation of ES. Our findings contribute fresh perspectives to the fundamental comprehension of the RD effect, extending the boundaries of spintronics and opening promising pathways for the conceptualization and refinement of devices centered on ES.
A live online exercise program for older adults improves depression and life-space mobility: A mixed-methods pilot randomized controlled trial
Authors: Coletta Giulia , Noguchi Kenneth S. , Beaudoin Kayla D. , McQuarrie Angelica , Tang Ada , Griffin Meridith , Ganann Rebecca , Phillips Stuart M. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background
Aging is the primary risk factor for sarcopenia and mobility limitations. Exercise reduces these risks, but older adults have lower levels of participation in physical activity and exercise. We investigated the preliminary effectiveness of a live, online exercise program on community-dwelling older adults' physical activity levels.
Methods
A mixed-method pilot randomized controlled trial was conducted according to CONSORT 2010 statement: extension for pilot and feasibility trials. Sedentary, generally healthy older adults (65–80 years) were randomly assigned to the online exercise intervention (ACTIVE) or a waitlist control (CON) group. Outcomes were measured pre-randomization and following the 8-week intervention for ACTIVE and CON and two months following the end of the intervention for the ACTIVE group. Outcomes included habitual physical activity levels, depression, anxiety, loneliness, life-space mobility, nutrition risk, and feasibility. All participants were invited to participate post-intervention in individual semi-structured qualitative interviews. Reporting of the qualitative research followed the checklist for the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting research.
Results
Seventeen older adults (71% women) were allocated to ACTIVE group, while 15 were allocated to CON group (87% women). Following the intervention, participants in the ACTIVE group reported reduced feelings of depression and improved life-space mobility compared to waitlist control participants. The ACTIVE group had good adherence (97%) and acceptability (98%). Twenty-two participants participated in qualitative interviews. Four themes were identified, including (1) Feasibility of the online exercise program; (2) Perceived health benefits and improvements; (3) Registered Kinesiologists and Physiotherapists contributed to perceived safety; (4) Social connectivity associated with synchronous/live delivery; and (5) Growing old gracefully and preventing disability.
Conclusions
Our online exercise program was acceptable to older adults, had good adherence, reduced depression, and increased life space. Participants reported improved functional and mental health benefits. Further research is warranted to expand on these findings.
Trial registration
NCT04627493; 13/11/2020
Artificial Intelligence and exporting performance: Firm-level evidence from Portuga
Authors: Barbosa Natalia 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

The adoption of new digital technologies offer new opportunities and has the scope to engender positive effects on firms' expansion and success in international markets. This paper examine the main factors driving the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and AI-related digital technologies that enable the Industry 4.0 transformation and whether these new generation of digital technologies affect exporting performance at firm level. Using a rich and representative sample of Portuguese firms over the period 2014-2020, the estimated results suggest that firm's ex-ante performance, digital infrastructures and in-house ICT skills are the main drivers of digitalisation. However, conditional to ex-ante firm's performance, there are heterogenous effects on exporting performance across digital technologies and across industries. Moreover, there is evidence of positive selection towards large firms, casting doubts on the inclusiveness of the adoption process and the performance effects of AI and AI-related technologies.
JEL Classi cation: L20, H81, L25
Exploring Spatial variation and determinants of the Minimum Dietary Diversity among Children in Cambodia: A Multilevel Analysis Using Four Rounds of Demographic Health Survey (2005-2022)
Authors: Singh Anjali , Rahut Dil B , Sonobe Tetsushi 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Nutritional security is fundamental for fostering the human capital development of nations and, hence, future prosperity and economic growth. The dietary diversity among children is a crucial factor influencing the nutritional status of the children; therefore, this paper uses data from five rounds of the Cambodia Demographic Health Survey spanning from 2005 to 2022 to examine the minimum dietary diversity among children aged 6–23 months. Multilevel binary regression model is used to evaluate the demographic variation such as age, sex, access to ante natal care and health services, wealth, mother education etc impact minimum dietary diversity and account for variations at the cluster and province levels. The result shows that nearly half of Cambodian children consistently lacked access to vitamin A-rich fruits and vegetables. Though the prevalence of inadequate minimum dietary diversity among children has significantly dropped from 76 percent in 2005 to 51 percent in 2021-22, it is still high and needs attention. A decomposition analysis were further used to understand the drivers of this temoparal change in diet diversity. The empirical result shows that clusters represented the most significant source of geographic variation regarding children’s dietary patterns, particularly with respect to all eight food groups and MDD. Nutritional policy should improve education and awareness, reduce socio-economic disparities, leverage media, and promote full antenatal care to improve diet diversity in Cambodia. Initiatives targeting the enhancement of insufficient minimum dietary diversity intake should encompass individual aspects and be customized to suit geographic and community settings.
Age-associated modifications in blood counts. The findings from an outpatient population of northern Italy
Authors: Bertolotti Marco , Pirotti Tommaso , Tarabini Giulia Isha Castellani , Lancellotti Giulia , Cuccorese Michela , Trenti Tommaso , Mussi Chiara 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
A reduction in hemoglobin levels is common in older subjects, and might be considered, in some instances, physiological.
The objective of this study was to investigate the association between changes in blood counts and aging, in a large outpatient population.
We examined blood count examinations in the province of Modena, Italy, in the period January 2010-August 2022. Data were analyzed with the platform Anaconda 3, Python 3.7.
Appropriate hemoglobin data were 5,116,140. Hemoglobin levels over age 75 were largely under the lower limit in both sexes (respectively, 49.3% and 35.4% over 552,938 exams). Taking a single value per person per year the trend was similar. To exclude patients with organ disease, we limited our observation to subjects with normal values of serum glucose, creatinine and ALT. In this set of 974.090 analyses, more than 25% of older males were still below normal values.
In this outpatient population a relevant proportion of older male subjects showed hemoglobin levels below normal. The exclusion of patients with altered liver or kidney tests and hyperglycemia appears to exclude significant systemic diseases.
These findings suggest caution in the interpretation of blood counts in old age, and might support a re-definition of normal laboratory values in this population.
Spatial patterns as long transients in submersed-floating plant competition with biocontrol
Authors: Xu Linhao , DeAngelis Donald L. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

A cellular automata model was developed and parameterized to test the effectiveness of application of biological control insects to water hyacinth (Pontederia crassipes), which is an invasive floating plant species in many parts of the world and outcompetes many submersed native aquatic species in southern Florida. In the model, P. crassipes is allowed to compete with Nuttall’s waterweed (Elodea nuttallii). In the absence of biocontrol acting on the P. crassipes, E. nuttallii excluded P. crassipes at low concentrations of the limiting nutrient (nitrogen), and the reverse occurred at high nutrient concentrations. At intermediate values, alternative stable states could occur; either P. crassipes alone or a mixture of the two species. When the biocontrol agent, the weevil Neochetina eichhorniae, was applied in the model, there was initially a rapid reduction of the P. crassipes, However, over time a regular striped pattern emerged of moving spatially alternating stripes of P. crassipes and E. nuttallii. This pattern of moving stripes persisted over thousands of days, but in some simulations the pattern was suddenly replaced by an irregular temporally varying pattern that lasted indefinitely. Thus, the striped patterns is an example of a long transient. The irregular spatio-temporal pattern that replaces it appears to be permanent, though that has not yet been established. Model parameters were varied to study effects of plant growth rate, nutrient concentration and nutrient diffusion rate on the dynamics of the system.
Predicting the risk of radiation enteritis in cervical cancer patients using inflammatory markers through machine learning
Authors: Jiang Kaijun , Jia Lianyin , Xia Yaoxiong , Ai Yiqin , Li Yanqing 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Methods
A total of 228 patients diagnosed with cervical squamous cell carcinoma of stage IB-IIIB and undergoing radical RT were included in the study. The LASSO method was utilized to identify crucial features associated with RE. Clinical characteristics and inflammatory markers pre/post-treatment were used to develop five machine learning models, comprising a training set and validation set (80% of participants), which were then assessed in the remaining study sample (20% of participants). The area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUROC) and Brier scores were employed to compare the prediction performances of different models. The Random Forest (RF) Classifier model was employed for predicting RE, with interpretation provided by the SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) package. (3)
Results
The RF model demonstrated superior performance compared to other classifier models in the training set (area under the curve [AUC]: 1.000, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.000–1.000) and the validation set (AUC: 0.757, 95% CI: 0.636–0.878). Additionally, this model achieved the lowest Brier Score (0.163). Nine crucial variables, including LMR, Pre_N, Post_P, FIGO, Post_L, Post_Hb, UBI, Tumor, and DPT_high, were selected. (4)
Conclusions
This pioneering study's predictive model will enhance understanding of the risk of RE and provide clinicians with a valuable tool based on inflammatory markers (4 factors) and clinical parameters (5 factors) in cervical cancer for guiding patient treatment.
Research and Practice of Quasi-Geoid Model Refinement Method Based on the Gravity Field Model in the Middle Reaches of the Yangtze River Basin
Authors: Wu Hao , Zhang Xiaomeng 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

This paper described the quasi-geoid refinement methods based on the EGM2008 gravity field model and the remove-and-restore method in the Middle Yangtze River as well as strategies for improvements. We combined existing data in the Middle Yangtze River and the EGM2008 gravity field model, adopt six kinds of kriging interpolation models, two neural network models, the least squares quadratic polynomial fitting method as well as the steady weighted least squares quadratic polynomial fitting method to establish a quasi-geoid refinement model for two types of experimental areas, and analyzed the internal and external conformity accuracy for equal-precision evaluation as well as the unequal-precision evaluation accuracy for the whole quasi-geoid refinement model. All accuracy statistics results of ten model refinement methods in two different study areas satisfy the requirement of urban-level regional quasi-geoid refinement accuracy. The results show that the regional quasi-geoid refinement model based on EGM2008 can obtain comparable accuracy compared to the seven-parameter model, and avoid the disadvantages of the limited scope of the seven-parameter model and the need to build the model in sections, which can effectively reduce the workload of complicated leveling measurement.
Research on the Accuracy of Different MRI Measurement Methods in Locating the Internal Os of the Cervix
Authors: Liu Mingming , Zheng Xingzheng , Mo Na , Liu Yang , Jin Erhu , Liang Yuting 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background The correlation between the radiologicalinternal os of the cervix and histological or anatomical internal os is unclear. The study aimed to compare the accuracy of three measurement methods for locating the internal os of the cervix on MRI images.
Methods Data from 28 patients who underwent total hysterectomy for stage I endometrial cancer were prospectively collected. The cervical length was measured on MRI images. The cervical length measured on the removed uterus specimens was the standard. The differences in cervical length measured by the three methods on MRI images and their differences with the length of the cervical specimens, using the generalized estimating equations(GEE) method. The linearity method was used to compare the correlation between the cervical lengths measured on MRI images and the length of the cervical specimens.
Results On MRI images, the cervical length was 2.889cm(95% CI: 2.746cm-3.032cm), 2.843cm(95% CI: 2.686cm-3.000cm), 2.893cm(95% CI: 2.782cm-3.004cm). The length of the cervix in the uterine specimen after hysterectomy was 2.889cm(95% CI: 2.775cm-3.004cm) (P-values all >0.05). The correlation coefficients of the cervical lengths measured on MRI images and gross uterus specimens were 0.821, 0.864, and 0.842, respectively (P-values all >0.05).
Conclusion All three measurement methods on MRI can accurately locate the histological internal os of the cervix，not the anatomical internal os. This provides a basis for designing surgical procedures to preserve fertility in endometrial and cervical cancer patients.
Trial registration This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University. The informed consent was signed for this prospective analysis.