bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Establishing conversion of the 16‐item Informant Questionnaire on Cognitive Decline in the Elderly scores into interval‐level data across multiple samples using Rasch methodology
Authors: Truong Quoc Cuong , Numbers Katya , Choo Carol C. , Bentvelzen Adam C. , Catts Vibeke S. , Cervin Matti , Jorm Anthony F. , Kochan Nicole A. , Brodaty Henry , Sachdev Perminder S. , Medvedev Oleg N. 
Published: February 2023

BackgroundThe 16‐item Informant Questionnaire on Cognitive Decline in the Elderly (IQCODE‐16) is a well‐validated and widely‐used measure of cognitive changes (CCs) among older adults. This study aimed to use Rasch methodology to establish psychometric properties of the IQCODE‐16 and validate the existing ordinal‐to‐interval transformation algorithms across multiple large samples.MethodsA Partial Credit Rasch model was employed to examine psychometric properties of the IQCODE‐16 using data (n = 918) from two longitudinal studies of participants aged 57–99 years: the Older Australian Twins Study (n = 450) and the Canberra Longitudinal Study (n = 468), and reusing the Sydney Memory and Ageing Study (MAS) sample (n = 400).ResultsInitial analyses indicated good reliability for the IQCODE‐16 (Person Separation Index range: 0.82–0.90). However, local dependency was identified between items, with several items showing misfit to the model. Replicating the existing Rasch solution could not reproduce the best Rasch model fit for all samples. Combining locally dependent items into three testlets resolved all misfit and local dependency issues and resulted in the best Rasch model fit for all samples with evidence of unidimensionality, strong reliability, and invariance across person factors. Accordingly, new ordinal‐to‐interval transformation algorithms were produced to convert the IQCODE‐16 ordinal scores into interval data to improve the accuracy of its scores.ConclusionsThe findings of this study support the reliability and validity of the IQCODE‐16 in measuring CCs among older adults. New ordinal‐to‐interval conversion tables generated using samples from multiple independent datasets are more generalizable and can be used to enhance the precision of the IQCODE‐16 without changing its original format. An easy‐to‐use converter has been made available for clinical and research use.
Trust the process? Hyloenergeism and biological processualism
Authors: Skrzypek Jeremy W. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractIn this paper, I propose a theory of living organisms that captures the insights of both traditional Aristotelian hylomorphism and John Dupré's “biological processualism”. Like traditional Aristotelian hylomorphism, the proposed theory understands material objects to be comprised of both matter and form. Unlike contemporary structural varieties of hylomorphism, however, it does not understand the form of a material object to be a relation, configuration, or structure exhibited by its parts but an activity or process in which its matter is continuously engaged. Following Mark Steen, I call the proposed theory “Hyloenergeism”. As a version of hylomorphism, hyloenergeism better captures the inherent dynamism of living organisms than contemporary structural approaches. And it does so not by abandoning the substantialist paradigm, as Dupré's biological processualism does, but by reconceptualizing the nature of material substances as possessing a processual core. Hyloenergeism, then, paves a middle way for those looking for a substance view of living organisms sensitive to the concerns raised by contemporary processualist philosophers of biology.
Examining how using dichotomous and partial credit scoring models influence sixth‐grade mathematical problem‐solving assessment outcomes
Authors: May Toni A. , Koskey Kristin L. K. , Bostic Jonathan D. , Stone Gregory E. , Kruse Lance M. , Matney Gabriel 
Published: February 2023

AbstractDetermining the most appropriate method of scoring an assessment is based on multiple factors, including the intended use of results, the assessment's purpose, and time constraints. Both the dichotomous and partial credit models have their advantages, yet direct comparisons of assessment outcomes from each method are not typical with constructed response items. The present study compared the impact of both scoring methods on the internal structure and consequential validity of a middle‐grades problem‐solving assessment called the problem solving measure for grade six (PSM6). After being scored both ways, Rasch dichotomous and partial credit analyses indicated similarly strong psychometric findings across models. Student outcome measures on the PSM6, scored both dichotomously and with partial credit, demonstrated strong, positive, significant correlation. Similar demographic patterns were noted regardless of scoring method. Both scoring methods produced similar results, suggesting that either would be appropriate to use with the PSM6.
Defining and validating the system is broken index
Authors: Young Clifford , Jackson Chris , Boyon Nicolas 
Published: February 2023

AbstractObjective: The aim of this article is to define and validate the “system is broken” index. The index measures anti‐establishment attitudes cross‐nationally.Methods: Using survey data from 25 countries, we test the reliability of the system is broken index and then demonstrate its convergent and divergent validity.Results: The results reveal that the system is broken index is a reliable and valid measure capturing perceptions that the political system, in any given country, is broken and is not working for the average person. The index predicts related attitudes (nativism and populism) and provides stable estimates of anti‐establishment attitudes over time.Conclusions: The system is broken index helps to predict the conditions that give rise to anti‐establishment candidates and populist movements. Tracking the measure across three decades provides unique insights into the challenges confronting contemporary politics, including the rise of populism movements.
Association between divisional location and short‐term outcome of liver mass resection in 124 dogs
Authors: Moore Vaughan W. , White Joanna , Marchevsky Andrew Malcolm 
Published: February 2023

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the association between divisional location of liver masses on short‐term outcomes after surgical excision.Study designRetrospective case series.AnimalsClient‐owned dogs (n = 124).MethodsRecords were reviewed for demographics, surgical findings, and outcomes. The associations between mass location and mortality, intraoperative complications, and postoperative complications were tested with multivariable logistic regression models.ResultsLiver masses (124) were more common in the left (72) division than the central (34) and right (18) divisions. Median follow up was 286 (range: 14 to 2043) days. Intraoperative complications occurred in 14/124 dogs (11.3%) and postoperative complications in 35/122 dogs (28.7%). No association was detected between mass location and mortality in 8/124 dogs (6.5%). Postoperative complications were more likely if the incision extended to the thorax (P < .001), which was more common during resection of right divisional masses (P = .020). Postoperative complications were less likely when surgery was performed with a thoracoabdominal (TA) stapler (P = .005), by a specialist surgeon (P = .033), and in heavier dogs (P = .027). The odds of intraoperative complications were 19 times higher when surgery was performed without a TA stapler (P = .006). Intraoperative complications were less commonly associated with left (P = .007), but not central (P = .0504) divisional masses than right divisional masses.ConclusionRight divisional masses were prone to intraoperative but not postoperative complications.Clinical significanceClinicians should anticipate an increased risk of intraoperative complications when planning treatment of right divisional masses.
Reductions of triangulated categories and simple‐minded collections
Authors: Jin Haibo 
Published: February 2023

AbstractSilting and Calabi–Yau reductions are important processes in representation theory to construct new triangulated categories from given ones, which are similar to Verdier quotient. In this paper, first we introduce a new reduction process of triangulated category, which is analogous to the silting (Calabi–Yau) reduction. For a triangulated category with a pre‐simple‐minded collection (pre‐SMC) , we construct a new triangulated category such that the SMCs in bijectively correspond to those in containing . Second, we give an analogue of Buchweitz's theorem for the singularity category of a SMC quadruple : the category can be realized as the stable category of an extriangulated subcategory of . Finally, we show the simple‐minded system (SMS) reduction due to Coelho Simões and Pauksztello is the shadow of our SMC reduction. This is parallel to the result that Calabi–Yau reduction is the shadow of silting reduction due to Iyama and Yang.
Mixed-methods study on pharmacies as contraception providers to Kenyan young people: who uses them and why?
Authors: Gonsalves Lianne , Wyss Kaspar , Cresswell Jenny A , Waithaka Michael , Gichangi Peter , Martin Hilber Adriane 
Published: February 2023

ObjectivesThis study sought to answer two questions: (1) what are the characteristics of young Kenyans aged 18–24 who use contraception obtained at pharmacies, and (2) why are pharmacies appealing sources of contraception?Design and settingThis was a mixed-methods study in one peri-urban part of Kwale County, Kenya. Methods included cross-sectional survey (n=740), six focus group discussions, 18 in-depth interviews and 25 key-informant interviews. Quantitative data analysis identified factors pushing young people to pharmacies for modern contraception versus other sources. Qualitative data analysis identified reasons pharmacies were perceived to be appealing to young clients.ParticipantsParticipants were (1) young people aged 18–24 from the study area, including a subset who had recently purchased contraception from a pharmacy; or (2) pharmacy personnel and pharmacy stakeholders.ResultsAmong surveyed participants who had ever had sexual intercourse and had used modern contraception at last sexual intercourse, 59% obtained it from a pharmacy. In multivariable analysis, participants who used a condom or emergency contraception as well as those living alone were significantly more likely to get contraception from pharmacies. Pharmacies were valued for their convenience, privacy, non-judgmental and personable staff, service speed, as well as predictable and affordable prices.ConclusionsOur findings indicate a high percentage of young people in Coastal Kenya use pharmacies for contraception. Our inclusion of emergency contraception users partially explains this. Pharmacies were perceived to be everything that health facilities are not: fast, private and non-limiting. Policy-makers should recognise the role of pharmacies as contraception providers and look for opportunities to link pharmacies to the public health system. This would create a network of accessible and appealing contraception services for young people.
Metabolomics for prediction of hypertension in pregnancy: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol
Authors: Mayrink Jussara , Leite Debora Farias Batista , Costa Maria Laura , Cecatti Jose Guilherme 
Published: February 2023

IntroductionHypertension is a very important cause of maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide, despite efforts on prevention. The lack of a tool to provide effective and early prediction of hypertension for a high-risk group may contribute to improving maternal and fetal outcomes. Metabolomics has figured out as a promised technology to contribute to the improvement of hypertension in pregnancy prediction.Methods and analysisOur primary outcome is hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. A detailed systematic literature search will be performed in electronic databases PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, Latin America and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature, Scientific Electronic Library Online, Health Technology Assessment and Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects using controlled terms ‘pre-eclampsia’, ‘hypertensive disorders’, ‘metabolomics’ and ‘prediction’ (and their variations). Studies from the latest 20 years will be included, except case reports, reviews, cross-sectional studies, letter to editors, expert opinions, commentaries papers or non-human research. If possible, we will perform a meta-analysis. Two peer-reviewers will independently perform the search and in cases of discordance, a third reviewer will be consulted.Ethics and disseminationAs a systematic review, ethics approval is not required. The results of this review will present the current use and performance of metabolomics for predicting gestational hypertension. Such data could potentially guide future studies and interventions to improve existing prediction models.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42018097409.
Urogenital schistosomiasis (UGS) and female genital schistosomiasis (FGS) in Cameroon: an observational assessment of key reproductive health determinants of girls and women in the Matta Health Area
Authors: Makia Christine Masong , Fesuh Nono Betrand , Amabo Elvis Ngwa , Gamba Victoria A , Oluwole Akinola Stephen , Stothard Russell 
Published: February 2023

Objectives and settingAcross sub-Saharan Africa, urogenital schistosomiasis (UGS), in particular female genital schistosomiasis (FGS), is a significant waterborne parasitic disease, with its direct burden on the sexual and reproductive health (SRH) of sufferers infrequently measured. UGS has an established control plan, which in most endemic regions as in Cameroon, still excludes FGS considerations. Highlighting existent associations between UGS and FGS could increase the management of FGS within UGS interventions. This study seeks to identify current associations among FGS and UGS with some reproductive health indicators, to provide formative information for better integrated control.Participants304 females aged 5–69 years were all examined for UGS by urine filtration and microscopy. Among these, 193 women and girls were eligible for clinical FGS assessment based on age (>13). After selective questioning for FGS symptoms, a subgroup of 67 women and girls consented for clinical examination for FGS using portable colposcopy, with observed sequelae classified according to the WHO FGS pocket atlas.OutcomeOverall UGS and FGS prevalence was measured, with FGS-related/UGS-related reproductive health symptoms recorded. Associations between FGS and UGS were investigated by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses.ResultsOverall UGS prevalence was 63.8% (194/304), where FGS prevalence (subgroup) was 50.7% (34/67). FGS manifestation increased significantly with increasing age, while a significant decrease with ascending age was observed for UGS. Lower abdominal pain (LAP) vaginal itches (VI) and coital pain (CP) were identified as the main significant shared symptoms of both FGS and UGS, while LAP with menstrual irregularity (MI) appeared a strong symptomatic indicator for FGS.ConclusionLAP, MI, CP and VI are the potential SRH indicators that could be exploited in future for targeting of praziquantel provision to FGS sufferers within primary care, complementary with existing praziquantel distribution for UGS sufferers inSchistosoma haematobiumendemic areas.
Investigation of the feasibility and acceptability of a school-based intervention for children with traits of ADHD: protocol for an iterative case-series study
Authors: Russell Abigail Emma , Dunn Barney , Hayes Rachel , Moore Darren , Kidger Judi , Sonuga-Barke Edmund , Pfiffner Linda , Ford Tamsin 
Published: February 2023

IntroductionAttention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent and impairing cluster of traits affecting 2%–5% of children. These children are at risk of negative health, social and educational outcomes and often experience severe difficulties at school, so effective psychosocial interventions are needed. There is mixed evidence for existing school-based interventions for ADHD, which are complex and resource-intensive, contradicting teachers’ preferences for short, flexible strategies that suit a range of ADHD-related classroom-based problems. They are also poorly evaluated. In this study, a prototype intervention comprising a digital ‘toolkit’ of behavioural strategies will be tested and refined. We aim to refine the prototype so that its use is feasible and acceptable within school settings, and to establish whether a future definitive, appropriately powered, trial of effectiveness is feasible. This novel iterative study aims to pre-emptively address implementation and evaluation challenges that have hampered previous randomised controlled trials of non-pharmacological interventions.Methods and analysisA randomised iterative mixed-methods case-series design will be used. Schools will be randomised to the time (school term) they implement the toolkit. Eight primary schools and 16–32 children with impairing traits of ADHD will participate, along with school staff and parents. The toolkit will be refined after each term, or more frequently if needed. Small, theory-based and data driven changes hypothesised as relevant across school contexts will be made, as well as reactive changes addressing implementation barriers. Feasibility and acceptability will be assessed through quantitative and qualitative data collection and analyses in relation to study continuation criteria, and ADHD symptoms and classroom functioning will be tracked and visually evaluated to assess whether there are early indications of toolkit utility.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval has been obtained. Results will be presented in journal articles, conferences and through varied forms of media to reach policymakers, stakeholders and the public.
Frequency and distribution of ABO and Rh blood group systems among blood donors at the Northern Zone Blood Transfusion Center in Kilimanjaro, Tanzania: a retrospective cross-sectional study
Authors: Vuhahula Edda A M , Yahaya James , Morgan Emmanuel D , Othieno Emmanuel , Mollel Edson , Mremi Alex 
Published: February 2023

ObjectivesABO and Rh blood group systems are the major factors affecting the blood transfusion safety. The frequency and distribution of these blood group systems vary worldwide. We aimed to determine the frequency and distribution of ABO and Rh blood group systems among first-time blood donors at the Northern Zone Blood Transfusion Center in Kilimanjaro, Tanzania.DesignCross-sectional descriptive population-based study.SettingData on ABO and Rh blood group systems were obtained and analysed from the Northern Zone Blood Transfusion Center among first-time blood donors.ParticipantsThere were 65 535 first-time blood donors aged 15–55 years who donated at the Northern Zone Blood Transfusion Center from January 2017 to December 2019.Outcome measuresThe percentage of ABO and Rh blood group systems among different categories of blood donors was calculated.ResultsRetrospective data from Blood Establishment Computer System of 65 535 first-time blood donors were analysed in the present study. The mean age of the blood donors was 30.6±11.2 years (range: 15–55 years). The vast majority of the blood donors 84.2% (n=55 210) were men. Also, the majority 69.6% (n=45 595) were aged ≥35 years. Blood group O was the most common blood group which was found in over half 52.4% (n=34 333) of the blood donors and majority 95.3% (n=62 461) of the donors were Rh positive. Moreover, the majority 78.3% (n=51 336) were voluntary donors and the remaining 21.7% (n=14 199) were replacement donors.ConclusionMajority of the donors had blood group O and also the vast majority of the donors were Rh positive. Considering the large size of our study population, this has provided a more comprehensive information regarding the frequency and patterns of ABO and Rh blood group systems in Tanzania. The observed association of blood group A with one of the regions from which donors were coming from, is intriguing and further studies may confirm possible related genetic evolution.
Exploring the interface between adolescent dysmenorrhoea and endometriosis: a protocol for a cohort and nested case–control study within the QResearch Database
Authors: Dixon Sharon , Ranger Tom A , Burchardt Judith , Patone Martina , Snelling Andrew JHL , Vincent Katy , Hippisley-Cox Julia 
Published: February 2023

IntroductionDysmenorrhoea affects up to 70%–91% of adolescents who menstruate, with approximately one-third experiencing severe symptoms with impacts on education, work and leisure. Dysmenorrhoea can occur without identifiable pathology, but can indicate underlying conditions, including congenital genital tract anomalies or endometriosis. There is a need for evidence about the management and incidence of dysmenorrhoea in primary care, the impact of treatments in adolescence on long-term outcomes and when to consider the possibility of endometriosis in adolescence.Methods and analysisThis study aims to improve the evidence base for adolescents presenting to primary care with dysmenorrhoea. It comprises three interlinked studies. Using the QResearch Database, the study population includes all female at birth participants aged 10–19 years any time between 1 January 2000 and 30 June 2021. We will undertake (1) a descriptive study documenting the prevalence of coded dysmenorrhoea in primary care, stratified by demographic variables, reported using descriptive statistics; (2) a prospective open cohort study following an index cohort of all adolescents recorded as attending primary care with dysmenorrhoea and a comparator cohort of five times as many who have not, to determine the HR for a diagnosis of endometriosis, adenomyosis, ongoing menstrual pain or subfertility (considered singly and in combination) anytime during the study period; and (3) a nested case–control study for adolescents diagnosed with endometriosis, using conditional logistic regression, to determine the OR for symptom(s) preceding this diagnosis.Ethics and disseminationThe project has been independently peer reviewed and received ethics approval from the QResearch Scientific Board (reference OX46 under REC 18/EM/0400).In addition to publication in peer-reviewed academic journals, we will use the combined findings to generate a resource and infographic to support shared decision-making about dysmenorrhoea in community health settings. Additionally, the findings will be used to inform a subsequent qualitative study, exploring adolescents’ experiences of menstrual pain.