bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the impact of COVID-19 protection measures and staff absence on radiotherapy practice: A simulation study
Authors: Jambor Elisabeth , Viana Joe , Reuter-Oppermann Melanie , Müller-Polyzou Ralf 
Published: January 2025

Background
Radiotherapy practice for cancer treatment is resource-intensive and demands optimised processes for patient throughput while guaranteeing the quality and safety of the therapy. With the COVID-19 pandemic, ad-hoc changes in the operation of radiotherapy centres became necessary to protect patients and staff. This simulation study aimed to quantify the impact of designated COVID-19 protection measures and pandemic-related staff absence on patient waiting times and throughput. The approach also enables analysis of protective measures and process adjustments for future business disruptions.

Methods
A discrete event simulation model of a stand-alone radiotherapy centre was developed and used to analyse changes in patient flow when implementing COVID-19 protection measures and experiencing staff absence. The simulation results support business continuity planning and decision-making in radiotherapy. In total, twenty-one scenarios in three categories were analysed. Category 1 scenarios investigated the effect of healthcare staff and equipment shortfalls. Category 2 scenarios simulated the impact of additional COVID-19 protection measures at low COVID-19 incidence rates, while category 3 scenarios evaluated the changes at high incidence rates.

Results
The simulation results suggested increased patient waiting times when staff is absent. Most scenarios of the three categories behave similarly despite increased patient waiting times due to COVID-19 protection measures in categories 2 and 3. The most significant increase in patient waiting times occurs when only two radiation therapists are available. The absence of a linear accelerator for cancer treatment also leads to increased waiting times. Scenarios where one administrator is absent show the longest average and maximum waiting times for low COVID-19 incidence rates. COVID-19 protection measures reduce patient throughput. In all scenarios, with reduced patient throughput, follow-up radiation appointments were affected.

Conclusions
The simulated scenario results suggest that appropriate staffing of the radiotherapy centre during a pandemic crisis is essential and that staff absence can lead to prolonged patient waiting times and reduced throughput with severe continuity of care consequences. The simulation model demonstrated that centre administrators are a bottleneck if they must perform COVID-19 protection measures in addition to their administrative duties. The effect could be mitigated by outsourcing COVID-19 protection tasks to external service providers or other centre staff.
Association of the abdominal aortic calcification with all-cause and cardiovascular disease-specific mortality: Prospective cohort study
Authors: Sheng Chang , Cai Zhou , Yang Pu 
Published: January 2025

Background
Abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) is a prevalent form of vascular calcification associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes. While previous studies on AAC and cardiovascular risk exist, many have limitations such as small sample sizes and limited clinical significance outcomes. This study aims to prospectively investigate the association between AAC and all-cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD)-specific mortality rates in a nationally representative sample of adults in the United States, using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).

Methods
The study, conducted on NHANES participants aged 40 years or older during the 2013–2014 cycle, assessed AAC using the Kauppila scoring system. Demographic characteristics, mortality data, and comorbid factors such as age, gender, diabetes, and hypertension were considered. Statistical analyses, including weighted percentages, Kaplan-Meier survival curves, and multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models, were employed to evaluate the associations between AAC and mortality risks.

Results
After analyzing a final sample of 2717 participants, the study found a significant association between severe AAC (SAAC) and higher all-cause mortality risk (HR 1.70, 95% CI 1.17–2.48). The dose-response relationship indicated an increased risk with higher AAC scores. However, no independent association was observed between AAC and cardiovascular mortality. Stratified analysis revealed variations in the AAC-all-cause mortality association based on gender and hypertension.

Conclusion
This population-based study provides valuable insights into the prospective association between AAC and all-cause mortality, emphasizing the potential role of AAC assessment in identifying individuals at higher risk.
A recurrence model for non-puerperal mastitis patients based on machine learning
Authors: Li Gaosha , Yu Qian , Dong Feng , Wu Zhaoxia , Fan Xijing , Zhang Lingling , Yu Ying 
Published: January 2025

Objective
Non-puerperal mastitis (NPM) is an inflammatory breast disease affecting women during non-lactation periods, and it is prone to relapse after being cured. Accurate prediction of its recurrence is crucial for personalized adjuvant therapy, and pathological examination is the primary basis for the classification, diagnosis, and confirmation of non-puerperal mastitis. Currently, there is a lack of recurrence models for non-puerperal mastitis. The aim of this research is to create and validate a recurrence model using machine learning for patients with non-puerperal mastitis.

Methods
We retrospectively collected laboratory data from 120 NPM patients, dividing them into a non-recurrence group (n = 59) and a recurrence group (n = 61). Through random allocation, these individuals were split into a training cohort and a testing cohort in a 90%:10% ratio for the purpose of building the model. Additionally, data from 25 NPM patients from another center were collected to serve as an external validation cohort for the model. Univariate analysis was used to examine differential indicators, and variable selection was conducted through LASSO regression. A combination of four machine learning algorithms (XGBoost、Logistic Regression、Random Forest、AdaBoost) was employed to predict NPM recurrence, and the model with the highest Area Under the Curve (AUC) in the test set was selected as the best model. The finally selected model was interpreted and evaluated using Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves, calibration curves, Decision curve analysis (DCA), and Shapley Additive Explanations (SHAP) plots.

Results
The logistic regression model emerged as the optimal model for predicting recurrence of NPM with machine learning, primarily utilizing three variables: FIB, bacterial infection, and CD4+ T cell count. The model showed an AUC of 0.846 in the training cohort and 0.833 in the testing cohort. The calibration curve indicated excellent calibration of the model. DCA revealed that the model possessed favorable clinical utility. Furthermore, the model effectively achieved in the external validation group, with an AUC of 0.825.

Conclusion
The machine learning model developed in this study, serving as an effective tool for predicting NPM recurrence, aids doctors in making more individualized treatment decisions, thereby enhancing therapeutic efficacy and reducing the risk of recurrence.
Distinct immunological features of oropharyngeal cancer peritumoral tonsillar tissues from inflammatory tonsils and regional lymph nodes: A pilot study
Authors: Wakisaka Naohiro , Moriyama-Kita Makiko , Kondo Satoru , Kobayashi Eiji , Ueno Takayoshi , Nakanishi Yosuke , Endo Kazuhira , Sugimoto Hisashi , Yoshizaki Tomokazu 
Published: January 2025

Background
Cancer immune responses are generated in secondary lymphoid organs, such as the lymph nodes and tonsils. In the current study, transcriptional profiles of peritumoral tonsillar tissues (PTTs) from oropharyngeal cancers (OPCs) were assessed and compared with those of inflammatory tonsils and regional lymph nodes (rLNs).

Methods
RNA samples of PTTs and rLNs from 13 OPCs, and 4 inflammatory tonsils were subjected to microarray analysis, and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) identified from 730 nCounter Panel immune-related genes. Gene Set enrichment Analysis (GSEA) was used for DEG profiling of PTTs and rLNs between lymph node metastasis-negative and metastasis-positive cases. The top 20 genes, as ranked by GSEA metric scores, were extracted and subjected to principal component analysis (PCA). The correlation of each patient’s PCA score with lymph node status was assessed by Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) analysis.

Results
Comparing DEG analyses of PTTs with those of inflammatory tonsils and rLNs revealed 144 and 45 upregulated genes, respectively. ClueGO, a widely used Cytoscape plug-in, revealed activated pathways in PTTs, including lymphocyte proliferation (followed by T cell activation involved in the immune response) and positive regulation of leukocyte migration (followed by antimicrobial humoral immune response mediated by antimicrobial peptides) as the most significantly enriched immune system process functions in the gene ontology when comparing inflammatory tonsils and rLNs. The area under the ROC curves of PTTs and rLNs were 0.806 and 0.389, and were significant by DeLong’s test (p = 0.025).

Conclusion
PTTs exhibit unique immunological features distinguishing them from inflammatory tonsils and rLNs. Gene expression analysis of PTTs is useful for investigating the mechanism of OPC lymphatic spread, even compared with analysis of rLNs.
Quality of life identification by unsupervised cluster analysis: A new approach to modelling the burden of endometriosis
Authors: Vallée Alexandre , Arutkin Maxence , Ceccaldi Pierre-François , Ayoubi Jean-Marc 
Published: January 2025

Background
Symptoms frequently associated with endometriosis affect quality of life (QoL). Our aim investigated the hypothesis that cluster analysis can be used to identify homogeneous phenotyping subgroups of women according to the burden of the endometriosis for their QoL, and then to investigate the phenotype differences observed between these subgroups.

Methods
We developed an anonymous online survey, which received responses from 1,586 French women with endometriosis. K‐means, a major clustering algorithm, was performed to show structure in data and divide women into groups based on the burden of endometriosis. This was defined using 9 dimensions. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to highlight the association between QoL and several factors. Covariables were age, BMI, smoking, education, children, marital status and surgery.

Results
K‐means clustering was implemented with 8 clusters (optimal CCC value of 17.2162). In one cluster, women presented a high level of QoL and represented 234 women for 60% of women with a high level of QoL, and another with 410 women for 34% of women with worse QoL. Independent factors determining high QoL were age (over 45 years compared to below 25 years, OR = 0.17 [0.07–0.46], p<0.001), BMI (high vs low, OR = 0.47 [0.28–0.80], p = 0.005), having children (OR = 0.30 [0.18–0.48], p<0.001), having surgery for endometriosis (OR = 0.55 [0.32–0.94], p = 0.029), and education (high vs low, OR = 2.75 [1.75–4.31], p<0.001)

Conclusion
Cluster analysis identifies homogeneous women phenotypes for QoL with endometriosis. Implementing new methodological approaches improves QoL of endometriosis women and allows appropriate preventive strategies.
Therapeutic blockade of CCL17 in obesity-exacerbated osteoarthritic pain and disease
Authors: Lee Kevin Ming-Chin , Lupancu Tanya , Keenan Stacey N. , Bing Georgina , Achuthan Adrian A. , Biondo Mark , Lieu Kim Gia , Watt Matthew J. , Maraskovsky Eugene , Kingwell Bronwyn A. , Hamilton John A. 
Published: January 2025

Objectives
We previously reported that CCL17 gene-deficient mice are protected from developing pain-like behaviour and exhibit less disease in destabilization of medial meniscus (DMM)-induced OA, as well as in high-fat diet (HFD)-exacerbated DMM-induced OA. Here, we explored if therapeutic neutralization of CCL17, using increasing doses of a neutralizing monoclonal antibody (mAb), would lead to a dose-dependent benefit in these two models.

Design
DMM-induced OA was initiated in male mice either fed with a control diet (7% fat) or 8 weeks of a 60% HFD, followed by therapeutic intraperitoneal administration (i.e. when pain is evident) of an anti-CCL17 mAb (B293, 25mg/kg, 5mg/kg or 1mg/kg) or isotype control (BM4; 25mg/kg). Pain-like behaviour and arthritis were assessed by relative static weight distribution and histology, respectively. The effects of B293 (25mg/kg) on HFD-induced metabolic changes, namely oral glucose tolerance test, insulin tolerance test and liver triglyceride levels, were examined.

Results
Therapeutic administration of B293 results in a dramatic amelioration of DMM-induced OA pain-like behaviour and the inhibition of disease progression, compared to BM4 (isotype control) treatment. A similar therapeutic effect was observed in HFD-exacerbated OA pain-like behaviour and disease. B293 treatment did not alter the measured HFD-induced metabolic changes.

Conclusions
Based on the data presented, CCL17 could be a therapeutic target in OA patients with joint injury alone or with obesity.
Association between age at first birth and risk of rheumatoid arthritis in women: Evidence from NHANES 2011–2020
Authors: Cui Hang , Huang Chenyang , Ye Yuntian , Guo Tianci , Yu Weijie , Niu Puyu , Gao Kuiliang , Liu Jiajin , Liu Aifeng 
Published: January 2025

Objective
This study focused on investigating the relation of age at first birth (AFB) with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) risk in women based on the 2011–2020 NHANES (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey) data.

Methods
Women were analyzed using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data from 2011 to 2020 in the US. Both AFB and RA diagnoses were obtained through self-reported questionnaires. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were determined using logistic regression models.

Results
Among the 7,449 women included in this study, 552 (7%) were diagnosed with RA. In comparison with women who had an AFB of 30–32 years (reference group), those who had an AFB < 18, 18–20, 21–23, 24–26, and > 35 years had the fully adjusted ORs and 95% CIs of 4.00 (95% CI 1.70, 9.40), 2.90 (95% CI 1.25, 6.73), 3.00 (95% CI 1.32, 6.80), 3.18 (95% CI 1.36–7.42), and 3.36 (95% CI 1.04–10.7), respectively. Due to the limitations inherent in cross-sectional studies, we have not observed significant differences in the risk of RA between women aged 27–29 and 33–35 at the AFB. Further research is warranted to refine these findings.

Conclusion
Women with an AFB < 26, or > 35 years have a higher risk of developing RA later in life. Policymakers may consider focusing more on women in these AFB age ranges in screening RA and making preventive measures.
Evaluating the Sustainability of the Productive Effects of a Universal Cash Transfer in Rural Uganda: Do Impacts on Savings, Investment, Production and Labour Persist After Program end?
Authors: Grisolia Filippo , Holvoet Nathalie , Dewachter Sara 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The productive impacts of cash transfer (CT) programs have not been widely studied, though interest in this area is growing, with existing evidence generally pointing to rather positive findings. Notably, one key takeaway from the (limited) available research is the debunking of a common criticism drawn against cash transfers and social assistance, more in general – namely, the assumption that social programs disincentivize or discourage work. Even less is known about the sustainability of CT impacts, as these interventions are typically designed as short-term programs. To address this gap, we conducted a quasi-experimental study of a universal unconditional cash transfer initiative in rural Uganda. Our study examined whether effects on savings, debt, investment, incomes, assets and labour allocation (if any) persisted after the end of the transfer. Despite the concurrent outbreak of COVID-19, our findings revealed several sustained impacts, particularly on savings, (agricultural) incomes and business ownership.
Decision making, symmetry and structure: Justifying causal interventions
Authors: Johnston David O. , Ong Cheng Soon , Williamson Robert C. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
We can use structural causal models (SCMs) to help us evaluate the consequences of actions given data. SCMs identify actions with structural interventions. A careful decision maker may wonder whether this identification is justified. We seek such a justification. We begin with decision models, which map actions to distributions over outcomes but avoid additional causal assumptions. We then examine assumptions that could justify causal interventions, with a focus on symmetry. First, we introduce conditionally independent and identical responses (CIIR), a generalisation of the IID assumption to decision models. CIIR justifies identifying actions with interventions, but is often an implausible assumption. We consider an alternative: precedent is the assumption that “what I can do has been done before, and its consequences observed,” and is generally more plausible than CIIR. We show that precedent together with independence of causal mechanisms (ICM) and an observed conditional independence can justify identifying actions with causal interventions. ICM has been proposed as an alternative foundation for causal modelling, but this work suggests that it may in fact justify the interventional interpretation of causal models.
Quantum super-resolution imaging: a review and perspective
Authors: Yue Xiaoran , Wu Hui , Wang Jizhou , He Zhe 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Quantum super-resolution imaging provides a nonlabeling method to surpass the diffraction limit of imaging systems. This technique relies on measurement of the second-order correlation function and usually employs spatially entangled photon sources. We introduce recent methods that achieve spatial resolution enhancement through quantum approaches, particularly the imaging techniques utilizing biphoton states. The fundamental mechanisms are discussed in detail to explain why biphoton states enable super-resolution. Additionally, we introduce multiple algorithms that extract the correlation function from the readings of two-dimensional detectors. Several cases are reviewed to evaluate the advantages and prospects of quantum imaging, along with a discussion of practical developments and potential applications.
A scoping review of the effectiveness of underwater treadmill exercise in clinical trials of chronic pain
Authors: Miglietta Michael , Maunder Larah , Rooke Piera , Gorchinsky Erin , Keshavari Sonia , Douglas Griffin , Held Nicholas 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Objective
The objective of this scoping review was to investigate the available literature on physical and quality of life (QoL) outcomes of underwater treadmill exercise trials in clinical chronic pain samples.

Methods
A scoping search of studies of the effectiveness of underwater treadmill exercise trials from 1947 to 2024 was conducted using the following databases: EMBASE, MEDLINE, SPORTDiscus, CINAHL, and Cochrane Reviews. To be included, studies were required to have included adult participants living with chronic pain (defined as pain lasting for 3 months or longer) who participated in an active underwater treadmill exercise intervention. No restrictions on pain diagnosis were applied. All clinical trials, including but not limited to randomized controlled trials (RCTs), feasibility trials, and pilot studies, were included in the search. Two independent reviewers determined whether studies met inclusion criteria, and a third reviewer resolved any disagreement on study inclusion.

Results
The initial search identified 2,209 studies: 314 articles were removed for duplications, 1,781 were removed because they did not meet inclusion criteria, and 113 were retained for full-text review. The full-text review yielded nine studies, all of which included samples consisting of participants with osteoarthritis. The following variables were investigated in the included studies to varying degrees: pain, QoL, mobility, balance, strength, and changes in gait kinematics. Multiple studies identified significant differences between control groups or pre-intervention groups and underwater treadmill groups or post-intervention groups in chronic pain, balance, mobility, strength, and QoL.

Conclusion
Findings suggest that underwater treadmill exercise leads to positive changes in chronic pain, balance, mobility, strength, and QoL. However, more studies, particularly RCTs with larger samples that include individuals with chronic pain conditions other than osteoarthritis, are warranted.
Branched-chain anionic surfactants with same hydrophobic tail architecture: effects of hydrophilic headgroups
Authors: Song Xuejiao , Bi Zexiang , Wei Zimeng , Li Xu , Dong Jinxiang 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The branching of the hydrophobic tail has a significant impact on the performance of branched-chain surfactants, while the influence of hydrophilic headgroups on the surface properties of branched-chain anionic surfactants is rarely reported. In this work, three branched-chain anionic surfactants with the same carbon number and hydrophobic tail architecture but different hydrophilic groups, C8 sodium branched-chain alkylsulfonate (C8 SBCAS), C8 sodium branched-chain alkylphosphonate (C8 SBCAP), C8 sodium Guerbet alcohol sulfate (C8 SGAS) with sulfonate, phosphonate and sulfate groups, respectively, were synthesized. Their surfactant properties, including equilibrium surface tension, dynamic surface tension, wetting ability and foaming property, were thoroughly investigated. The order of the critical micelle concentration (CMC) is C8 SGAS < C8 SBCAP < C8 SBCAS, and the equilibrium surface tension (γ
CMC) follows the order C8 SBCAP < C8 SBCAS < C8 SGAS. These results indicated that increasing the polarity of the hydrophilic headgroups and weakening the charge effect could reduce the hydrophobicity of surfactants, thereby improving their wetting ability and foaming properties. This study provides new insights into the influence of hydrophilic headgroups on the properties of branched-chain anionic surfactants to meet the specific needs of different sectors.
Matthias Joseph Scheeben and Czech Catholic Theology 1861–2023
Authors: Řeháková Veronika 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The study aims to clarify how widespread and to what depth Scheeben’s dogmatic-theological legacy affected Czech Catholic theologians from 1861 to the present day. The research indicates that there was a widespread awareness of both the person and the work of the German professor among clergy as well as laity from 1861 till 1948. The most accentuated themes were the Holy Spirit and grace, Mariology and the Eucharist. Czech theologians highly appreciated Scheeben’s linking dogmatics and spirituality, e. g. Christians’ life as a participation in the Trinitarian life. From 1948 on, the knowledge of Scheeben’s work diminished due to restrictions on the theological reflection during the Communist regime (till 1989), even though some Czech authors who lived and published in exile considered the Cologne professor in certain aspects as a predecessor of Vatican II. In the recent decades, Scheeben’s legacy has been highlighted only by a few Czech authors and is becoming known more through translations of foreign publications.