bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Risk factors for disease progression and clinical outcomes in patients with COVID-19 in Taiwan: a nationwide population-based cohort study
Authors: Kuo Raymond N. , Chen Wanchi , Shau Wen-Yi 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Since 2021, COVID-19 has had a substantial impact on global health and continues to contribute to serious health outcomes. In Taiwan, most research has focused on hospitalized patients or mortality cases, leaving important gaps in understanding the broader effects of the disease and identifying individuals at high risk. This study aims to investigate the risk factors for disease progression through a nationwide population-based cohort study on COVID-19 in Taiwan.

Methods
This study included 15,056 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 between January 1, 2021, and December 31, 2021, using the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. Baseline and clinical characteristics were collected to verify the association with progression to severity outcomes, including hospital admission, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, invasive ventilatory support, fatal outcome, and the composite outcome of these four events. Patients were observed for 30 days for disease progression. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to calculate odd ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for each outcome, adjusting for age, sex, region, risk factors, and vaccination status.

Results
Overall, 8,169 patients diagnosed during outpatient visits and 6,887 patients diagnosed during hospitalization were analyzed. Adjusting for age, sex, region, risk factors, and vaccination status, elderly patients had higher risks of hospital admission, ICU admission, invasive ventilatory support, fatal outcome, and composite outcome. Specifically, the risk of the fatal outcome was significantly higher for patients aged 75–84 (odds ratio: 6.11, 95% CI: 4.75–7.87) and those aged 85 years and older (12.70, 9.48–17.02). Patients with cardiovascular disease exhibited higher risks of hospital admission (1.60, 1.31–1.96), ICU admission (1.52, 1.31–1.78), invasive ventilatory support (1.57, 1.26–1.96), and fatal outcomes (1.26, 1.03–1.54) and the composite outcome (1.66, 1.20–1.54). Diabetes mellitus was identified as a significant risk factor for all clinical outcomes (hospital admission: 1.89, 1.53–2.35; ICU admission: 1.53, 1.30–1.79; invasive ventilatory support: 1.27, 1.01–1.60; the composite outcome: 1.45, 1.28–1.66), except for the fatal outcome.

Conclusions
This study indicated the impact of sex, age, and risk factors on the clinical outcomes of COVID-19 patients in Taiwan. Elderly patients and those with cardiovascular disease or diabetes mellitus had higher risks for severe outcomes, including hospitalization, ICU admission, invasive ventilatory support, and mortality. These findings can provide evidence for a better understanding of risk factors for disease progression and inform targeted intervention.
Implicit bias assessment by career stage in medical education training: a narrative review
Authors: Crump Alisha , Al-Jorani May Saad , Ahmed Sunya , Abrol Ekas , Jain Shikha 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Implicit biases involve associations outside conscious awareness that lead to a negative evaluation of a person based on individual characteristics. Early evaluation of implicit bias in medical training can prevent long-term adverse health outcomes related to racial bias. However, to our knowledge, no present studies examine the sequential assessment of implicit bias through the different stages of medical training. The objective of this narrative review is to examine the breadth of existing publications that assess implicit bias at the current levels of medical training, pre-medical, graduate, and postgraduate. Protocol for this study was drafted using the Scale for the Assessment of Narrative Reviews (SANRA). Keyword literature search on peer-reviewed databases Google Scholar, PubMed, Ebsco, ScienceDirect, and MedEd Portal from January 1, 2017, to March 1, 2022, was used to identify applicable research articles. The online database search identified 1,512 articles. Full screening resulted in 75 papers meeting the inclusion criteria. Over 50% of extracted papers (74%) were published between 2019 and 2021 and investigated implicit bias at the post-graduate level (43%), followed by the graduate level (34%), and pre-medical level (9.4%). Fourteen percent were classified as mixed. Studies at the medical and medical graduate level identified an implicit preference towards white, male, non-LGBTQIA+, thin, patients. Study findings highlight notable gaps within the sequential assessment of implicit bias, specifically at the pre-medical training level. Longitudinal epidemiological research is needed to examine the long-term effect of implicit biases on existing healthcare disparities.
Genotype-driven sensitivity of mice to tick-borne encephalitis virus correlates with differential host responses in peripheral macrophages and brain
Authors: Berankova Michaela , Holoubek Jiri , Hönig Vaclav , Matusova Zuzana , Palus Martin , Salat Jiri , Krayem Imtissal , Vojtiskova Jarmila , Svoboda Pavel , Pranclova Veronika , Valihrach Lukas , Demant Peter , Lipoldova Marie , Ruzek Daniel 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is the most common tick-borne viral infection in Eurasia. Outcomes range from asymptomatic infection to fatal encephalitis, with host genetics likely playing a role. BALB/c mice have intermediate susceptibility to TBE virus (TBEV) and STS mice are highly resistant, whereas the recombinant congenic strain CcS-11, which carries 12.5% of the STS genome on the BALB/c background, is more susceptible than BALB/c mice. In the present study, we employed these genetically distinct mouse models to investigate the host response to TBEV infection in both peripheral macrophages, one of the initial target cell populations, and the brain, the terminal target organ of the virus.

Methods
TBEV growth and the production of key cytokines and chemokines were measured and compared in macrophages derived from BALB/c, CcS-11, and STS mice. In addition, brains from these TBEV-infected mouse strains underwent in-depth transcriptomic analysis.

Results
Virus production in BALB/c and CcS-11 macrophages exhibited similar kinetics 24 and 48 h post-infection (hpi), but CcS-11 macrophages yielded significantly higher titers 72 hpi. Macrophages from both sensitive strains demonstrated elevated chemokine and proinflammatory cytokine production upon infection, whereas the resistant strain, STS, showed no cytokine/chemokine activation. Transcriptomic analysis of brain tissue demonstrated that the genetic background of the mouse strains dictated their transcriptional response to infection. The resistant strain exhibited a more robust cell-mediated immune response, whereas both sensitive strains showed a less effective cell-mediated response but increased cytokine signaling and signs of demyelination, with loss of oligodendrocytes.

Conclusions
Our findings suggest that variations in susceptibility linked to host genetic background correspond with distinct host responses, both in the periphery upon virus entry into the organism and in the brain, the target organ of the virus. These results provide insights into the influence of host genetics on the clinical trajectory of TBE.
Designing and validating an adaptation tool for endometriosis: an exploratory mixed method study protocol
Authors: Mollazadeh Sanaz , Marvi Nahid , Khadivzadeh Talat 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Endometriosis is a benign and chronic gynecological estrogen-dependent condition. Research findings have highlighted its impact on different aspects of women's lives. Enhancing quality of life and supporting the well-being of those affected is advised. Yet, none of the conducted studies have taken action toward these objectives. Therefore, the present study will be conducted with the aim of "Designing adaptation tool for endometriosis".

Methods/design
The method used in this study is an exploratory mixed-method study. The study will consist of two phases, starting with a qualitative phase followed by a quantitative phase. Upon approval Ethics Code from the endometriosis clinic at Imam Reza Hospital in Mashhad, Iran. The research will involve women of reproductive age diagnosed with endometriosis. In-depth and semi-structured interviews with open-ended questions will be conducted. The research aims to explore the experiences of women with endometriosis in adapting to the condition, utilizing qualitative content analysis with an approach based on the "ROY adaptation model." Sampling will be purposive until data saturation is achieved. Data analysis will follow the suggested steps using Elo Kingas' method and MAXQDA20 software. Tool design will involve an inductive approach (informed by qualitative findings) and a comparative method (based on literature review) to develop and refine tool items.

Discussion
This study is the first to employ a mixed-method approach in developing an adaptation tool for endometriosis. It uncovers underlying issues in the attitudes of patients, medical staff, and healthcare providers, offering insight into factors that can enhance the health and quality of life of affected women. The research findings can inform the creation of a relevant strategy for policymakers, planners, and healthcare professionals to better address the needs of women impacted by endometriosis.

Ethical code: IR.MUMS.NURSE.REC.1403.069.
Allogeneic DNT cell therapy synergizes with T cells to promote anti-leukemic activities while suppressing GvHD
Authors: Lee Jongbok , Kang Hyeonjeong , Chen Branson , Na Yoosu , Khatri Ismat , Soares Fraser , He Housheng Hansen , Law Arjun D. , Pan Tianzhong , Gerbitz Armin , Zhu Xiaoyu , Minden Mark D. , Zhang Li 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) is a second-line treatment with curative potential for leukemia patients. However, the prognosis of allo-HSCT patients with disease relapse or graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) is poor. CD4+ or CD8+ conventional T (Tconv) cells are critically involved in mediating anti-leukemic immune responses to prevent relapse and detrimental GvHD. Hence, treatment for one increases the risk of the other. Thus, therapeutic strategies that can address relapse and GvHD are considered the Holy Grail of allo-HSCT. CD3+CD4−CD8− double-negative T cells (DNTs) are unconventional mature T cells with potent anti-leukemia effects with “off-the-shelf” potential. A phase I clinical trial demonstrated the feasibility, safety, and potential efficacy of allogeneic DNT therapy for patients with relapsing acute myeloid leukemia (AML) post-allo-HSCT. Here, we studied the impact of DNTs on the anti-leukemic and GvHD-inducing activities of Tconv cells. DNTs synergized with Tconv cells to mediate superior anti-leukemic activity. Mechanistically, DNTs released soluble factors which activated and evoked potent anti-leukemic activities of Tconv cells. In contrast, DNTs suppressed GvHD-inducing activities of Tconv cells in a CD18-dependent manner by mediating cytotoxicity against proliferative Tconv cells. The seemingly opposite immunological activities of DNTs were dictated by the presence or absence of AML cells. Collectively, these results support the potential of DNTs as an adjuvant to allo-HSCT to address both disease relapse and GvHD.
Exploring ash fusion characteristics and thermal decomposition of biomass through thermogravimetric analysis
Authors: Hallad Sachin Channappa , Panwar N. L. , kumar V. Kavan 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
This study aims to investigate the ash fusion properties along with thermogravimetric examination of different biomass in an inert atmosphere at 20, and 30 °C/min. According to the accepted procedures, the physicochemical characterizations of biomass Sawdust, Soybean (Glycine max) as well as Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) were completed. Thermodynamic and kinetic parameters were determined within the active pyrolysis zone using iso-conversional models like FWO and KAS techniques. During thermal deterioration, biomass loses mass through moisture loss, passive and active pyrolysis. The active pyrolysis zone was responsible for 50–55% of the mass loss between 180 and 395 °C. The activation energy values were 175.08and 174.21 kJ/mol based on KAS and FWO models, respectively, for sawdust; 153.15 and 151.47 kJ/mol for soybean and for eucalyptus 168.70 and 167.70 kJ/mol, respectively. The ash fusion behaviours of biomass showing 1506 °C deformation temperature for soybean followed by 1465 °C for eucalyptus and 1289 °C for sawdust and their variation processes under decreasing atmosphere were examined to reduce ash-related problems during gasification.
Assessing and Managing Primary Hyperparathyroidism and Fracture Risk in England: A Survey of Medical Professionals
Authors: Song Kaiyang , Vijjhalwar Rohit , Aye Mo , Comninos Alexander N , Schini Marian , Abbas Afroze , Gittoes Neil , Javaid Muhammad Kassim 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Purpose
To describe diagnostic approaches and management strategies for patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) and recent fracture in England.

Methods
We developed a survey based on a patient at high fracture risk and a new diagnosis of probable PHPT. The survey was circulated among 50 secondary care professionals identified by the Society for Endocrinology Calcium and Bone special interest group. Descriptive statistics, combinatorial, and thematic analyses were employed.

Results
In the patient with hyperparathyroidism and a recent fracture, 54% of respondents favoured a 24-hour urinary calcium: creatinine clearance ratio, with 85% opting to do so after correcting vitamin D levels. Thirty-two percent (16/50) preferred the spot urinary calcium:creatinine clearance ratio, as a random test (56%, n = 9/16). Ninety-six percent of the respondents agreed they would include a fracture risk assessment in their management plan. Eighty-five percent of the respondents selected dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scans of the lumbar spine, total hip, and femoral neck as the most popular choice. Before initiating antiosteoporotic medications (AOMs), 94% of the respondents preferred correcting vitamin D levels with diverse regimens. IV zoledronate acid was the preferred AOM, and 58% (n = 29/50) supported cinacalcet usage if the patient was ineligible for parathyroid surgery, while 26% (n = 13/50) opposed cinacalcet use entirely. No significant correlation was found between status as an endocrinology consultant or working in a tertiary care hospital and these management preferences.

Main Conclusion
This study of National Health Service medical staff identified highly-varied clinical practices in managing PHPT in the setting of high fracture risk, highlighting the need for pragmatic guidelines and wider education.
Association between optimism and health orientation and differences across gender and exercise status. A cross-sectional study during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Orlandou Konstantina , Togas Constantinos , Alexias George 
Published: January 2025

This cross-sectional study aimed to explore the association between optimism and health orientation in the Greek general population (n=400) and to identify differences across gender and exercise status during the COVID-19 pandemic (October-December 2020). The questionnaire included sociodemographic data, health information, the Health Orientation Scale (HOS), and the Life Orientation Test-Revised (LOT-R). Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS, v. 28. The HOS revealed the highest mean score in Internal Health Control and the lowest in Health Image Concern. Significant correlations were observed between LOT-R and Health Esteem-Confidence (r=.294, p<.001), Health Expectations (r=.257, p<.001), Motivation to Avoid Unhealthiness (r=.202, p<.001), Health Status (r=.202, p<.001), Motivation for Healthiness (r=.138, p<.001), Private Health Consciousness (r=.114, p<.005), and Health Anxiety (r=-.143, p<.001). Men scored higher than women in Health Esteem-Confidence, Health Expectations, and Health Status while scoring lower in Health Anxiety. Individuals who engaged in frequent exercise had significantly higher scores than those who didn't in Private Health Consciousness, Health Image Concern, Health Esteem-Confidence, Motivation to Avoid Unhealthiness, Motivation for Healthiness, Health Expectations, and Health Status. Age, Health Esteem-Confidence, Motivation to Avoid Unhealthiness, Motivation for Healthiness, and Health Expectations positively predicted score on LOT-R. In conclusion, health orientation can play a pivotal role in enhancing optimism and addressing current and future health challenges, such as COVID-19. Health psychologists and practitioners can integrate these findings into their everyday clinical practice or use them to plan effective interventions. Additional research is recommended to further validate the above findings, especially after the end of the pandemic.
Pricing Durable Add-Ons: Selling vs. Leasing
Authors: Yu Peiwen , He Haiyang , Lei Lei 
Published: January 2025

Many firms offer products that consist of a durable base good (e.g., a vehicle) and a durable add-on (e.g., autopilot software). Some lease the add-on, whereas others sell it through intertemporal price discrimination or bundled pricing. Motivated by these practices, we examine whether a monopolistic firm should lease or sell the add-on when offering both durables. The literature suggests that leasing is preferable for a single durable good as it avoids the time inconsistency problem associated with selling. However, because leasing lacks an intertemporal link, it is less efficient than selling in balancing surplus extraction across consumers, leading to what we call the intraperiod imbalance problem. When the firm sells the base good, this can resolve the time inconsistency of add-on selling but perpetuate the intraperiod imbalance of add-on leasing. Thus, selling the add-on can be more profitable than leasing it. When the firm can choose between selling or leasing the base good, selling both the base good and the add-on can be more profitable than leasing both. This paper was accepted by Dmitri Kuksov, marketing. Funding: P. Yu was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China [Grants 72371038, 72033003]. L. Lei was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China [Grants 72301042, 72250065]. Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2023.03064 .
Pre-treatment subjective sleep quality as a predictive biomarker of tDCS effects in preclinical Alzheimer’s disease patients: Secondary analysis of a randomised clinical trial
Authors: Lu Hanna , Ni Xi , Man Chan Sandra Sau , Cheng Calvin Pak Wing , Chan Waichi , Lam Linda Chiu Wa 
Published: January 2025

Background
Despite transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has demonstrated encouraging potential for modulating the circadian rhythm, little is known about how well and sustainably tDCS might improve the subjective sleep quality in older adults. This study sought to determine how tDCS affected sleep quality and cognition, as well as how well pre-treatment sleep quality predicted tDCS effects on domain-specific cognitive functions in patients with mild neurocognitive disorder due to Alzheimer’s disease (NCD-AD).

Methods
This clinical trial aimed to compare the effectiveness of tDCS and cognitive training in mild NCD-AD patients (n =  201). Over the course of four weeks, patients were randomized to receive either tDCS plus working memory training, or sham tDCS plus working memory training, or tDCS plus controlled cognitive training. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was used to measured subjective sleep quality. The Alzheimer’s disease assessment scale-cognitive subscale (ADAS-Cog) was used to evaluate domain-specific cognitive functions.

Results
Recurrent tDCS treatments enhanced subjective sleep quality and cognition considerably. The poor sleepers (i.e., PSQI >  5) who received tDCS treatment had more cognitive benefits (p =  0.031, Cohen’s d =  0.605) and sleep improvements (p <  0.001, Cohen’s d =  1.209) in comparison to cognitive training. Pre-treatment subjective sleep quality was linked to tDCS-induced improvement in memory function.

Conclusion
During the course of two months, repeated tDCS could considerably enhance subjective sleep quality. For the cognitive benefits of the treatments, the status of pre-treatment subjective sleep quality is crucial. More thorough research is necessary to explore an efficient approach to managing comorbidities for preclinical AD patients.
Impact Of Wind-Induced Vibrations On Aluminum Conductor Fatigue: A Novel Testing Approach
Authors: VAINCOEUR PAUL EDSON , De Lima Felipe Maganha , Araújo Jose Alexander , Badibanga Remy Kalombo , Fereira Jorge Luiz de Almeida 
Published: January 2025

In transmission lines, wind-induced vibrations, like high-frequency wind vibrations and low-frequency galloping phenomenon, can cause fatigue damage and failure, particularly in aluminum conductors, which have greater flexibility. Wind loads are variable forces applied by the wind to structures, including conductors. These dynamic wind loads vary with weather and altitude where the conductors are located, causing mechanical dissipation energy due to wire friction, particularly in contact zones. To ensure stability and safety, these loads and the damping effect must be taken into account when planning electrical transmission systems. The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of wind loads on the conductor's self-damping characteristics using a new approach to self-damping testing. Indeed, a self-damping test was carried out at the University of Brasilia's fatigue laboratory on 838 MCM AAAC 1120. The test bench was operated at frequencies ranging from 15.25 to 35.55 Hz, with the catenary parameter H/w = 2143 m, representing the ratio between the initial horizontal tensile load (H) and the conductor weight (w) per unit length. The power dissipated per unit length was calculated using the power method. It uses a methodology that allows the dissipation of mechanical energy to be measured accurately. The analysis revealed that higher frequencies lead to greater energy dissipation. Higher normalized amplitude with respect to the conductor diameter (Y/D ratio) lead to greater dissipation at the same frequency. The increase follows a power-law behavior, which is typical of vibration systems where the dissipated energy depends on frequency and amplitude.