bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
On temporal changes in the role of different age groups in propagating the Omicron epidemic waves in England
Authors: Goldstein Edward 
Published: December 2022

AbstractBackgroundThere is limited information on the role of individuals in different age groups in the spread of infection during the Omicron epidemics, especially ones beyond the winter epidemic wave in 2021-2022. COVID-19 booster vaccination in England during the Autumn 2022 was restricted to persons aged over 50y, and persons in clinical risk groups.MethodsWe used previously developed methodology to evaluate the role of individuals in different age groups in propagating the Spring, Summer, and Autumn waves of the Omicron epidemic in England. This methodology utilizes the relative risk (RR) statistic that measures the change in the proportion of cases in each age group among all COVID-19 cases in the population before the peak of an epidemic wave vs. after the peak of an epidemic wave. Higher values for the RR statistic represent age groups that experienced a disproportionate depletion of susceptible individuals during the ascent of the epidemic (due to increased contact rates and/or susceptibility to infection).ResultsFor the 2022 Spring wave, the highest RR estimate belonged to children aged 5-9y (RR=2.05 (95%CI (2.02,2.08)), followed by children aged 10-14y (RR=1.68 (1.66,1.7)) and children aged 0-4y (RR=1.38 (1.36,1.41)). For the Summer wave, the highest RR estimates belonged to persons aged 20-34y: (RR=1.09 (1.07,1.12) in aged 20-24y, RR=1.09 (1.07,1.11) in aged 25-29y, RR=1.09(1.07,1.11) in aged 30-34y). For the Autumn wave, the highest RR estimates belonged to those aged 70-74y (RR=1.10 (1.07,1.14)), followed by adults aged 35-39y (RR=1.09 (1.06,1.12)), adults aged 40-44y (RR=1.09 (1.06,1.12)), and adults aged 65-69y (RR=1.08 (1.05,1.11)).ConclusionsAs time progressed, the greatest relative roles in propagating different waves of the Omicron epidemic in England shifted from school-age children to younger adults to adults aged 35-44y and 65-74y. Extending booster vaccination to all adults, and possibly to children should help limit the spread of Omicron infections in the community.
The impact of social pension scheme on the quality of labor supply: empirical evidence based on health human capital
Authors: Xu Shulin , Tong Zefeng , Li Cheng , Chen Shuoqi 
Published: December 2022

PurposeHigh-quality labor supply is inevitable to maintain sustainable and steady economic growth. This study mainly explores the impact of the social pension system on the health of human capital, and further explores its impact mechanism.Design/methodology/approachOn the basis of the data from China Family Panel Studies from 2012 to 2018, this article uses the fixed effect model and the mediation effect model to empirically study the influence of the social pension scheme on the health of human capital and further explore its influence mechanism.FindingsThis study shows that the social pension scheme can significantly improve the physical and mental health of laborers, especially for low-income and agricultural groups. The implementation of the social pension scheme contributes to increasing medical services and reducing the labor supply for the benefit of human health capital. Therefore, the government should continue to expand the coverage of the social pension scheme and comprehensively improve the importance of human health capital on economic growth.Practical implicationsMedical costs and labor supply play a mediating effect in the relationship between social pension and rural labors' health status, which indicates that medical costs and labor supply level are still important factors affecting the health status of rural labor. There are essential factors affecting the health status of the rural labor force, and their role should be given more consideration in the process of system design and improvement.Originality/valueThe existing studies have more frequently studied the effect of the implementation of social pension schemes from the perspective of economic performance, but this paper evaluates the policy effect of social pension schemes based on the perspective of health human capital, which enriches research on health performance in related fields.
Structural clarity is brought to adhesion G protein‐coupled receptor tethered agonism
Authors: Gupta Charu , Bernadyn Tyler F. , Tall Gregory G. 
Published: December 2022

AbstractAn elusive problem in the adhesion G protein‐coupled receptor (AGPCR) field is full understanding of the activation mechanisms of the 33‐member receptor class. With the recent solution of active‐state structures of nearly one quarter of AGPCRs, clarity has been brought to how AGPCRs are activated in response to endogenous full agonists. AGPCRs are self‐activated via a tethered peptide agonist (TA) that transitions from a concealed or encrypted location to a decrypted state that binds to a typical GPCR orthosteric binding pocket. Here, we summarize the key milestones that led to the discovery of the AGPCR TA activation mechanism and discuss how extracellular shear forces may initiate TA decryption in physiological contexts. We compare the new active‐state AGPCR structures and note that the orthosteric site‐engaged TAs adopt a remarkably similar partial α‐helical hook‐like conformation, despite divergence of overall receptor similarity. Further, we contrast the TA‐bound AGPCR structures to a partially active AGPCR structure to highlight the transitions AGPCRs may undergo during activation. Finally, we provide commentary on the validity of alternative AGPCR activation mechanisms.
Stabilized Direct Learning for Efficient Estimation of Individualized Treatment Rules
Authors: Shah Kushal S. , Fu Haoda , Kosorok Michael R. 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
In recent years, the field of precision medicine has seen many advancements. Significant focus has been placed on creating algorithms to estimate individualized treatment rules (ITRs), which map from patient covariates to the space of available treatments with the goal of maximizing patient outcome. Direct learning (D-Learning) is a recent one-step method which estimates the ITR by directly modeling the treatment–covariate interaction. However, when the variance of the outcome is heterogeneous with respect to treatment and covariates, D-Learning does not leverage this structure. Stabilized direct learning (SD-Learning), proposed in this paper, utilizes potential heteroscedasticity in the error term through a residual reweighting which models the residual variance via flexible machine learning algorithms such as XGBoost and random forests. We also develop an internal cross-validation scheme which determines the best residual model among competing models. SD-Learning improves the efficiency of D-Learning estimates in binary and multi-arm treatment scenarios. The method is simple to implement and an easy way to improve existing algorithms within the D-Learning family, including original D-Learning, Angle-based D-Learning (AD-Learning), and Robust D-learning (RD-Learning). We provide theoretical properties and justification of the optimality of SD-Learning. Head-to-head performance comparisons with D-Learning methods are provided through simulations, which demonstrate improvement in terms of average prediction error (APE), misclassification rate, and empirical value, along with a data analysis of an acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) randomized clinical trial.
Experimental investigation on the mechanical properties of thermally damaged granite specimens containing pre‐existing holes
Authors: Huang Yan‐Hua , Yang Sheng‐Qi , Tian Wen‐Ling , Wu Shi‐Yan 
Published: December 2022

AbstractA comprehensive understanding of the mechanical behavior of thermally damaged rock is crucial for the design, prediction, and stability control of rock engineering. However, the strength and fracture characteristics of rock containing pre‐existing flaws have not been studied systematically. Therefore, in this study, uniaxial compression tests were conducted on preholed granite specimens using MTS816 rock mechanics testing and acoustic emission (AE) monitoring systems. The mechanical properties, AE characteristics, and failure patterns of thermally damaged granite specimens were analyzed, and the alteration of the mechanical behavior was explained by the P‐wave velocity, effective porosity, mineral components, and thermal cracking. The results show that the peak strength and elastic modulus of preholed granite specimens first increased and then decreased with the increasingly high temperature. Cracks were always initiated from the left and right perimeters of the pre‐existing hole, and the crack coalescence modes between the two pre‐existing holes were independent of the high temperature. After 150°C treatment, thermal cracks were observed, and the complexity and interconnectivity of the fracture surface increased with temperature. The variations of the mineral component and crystal structure induced by increasing the high temperature contributed to the thermal damage of the granite. The experimental results are expected to enhance the understanding of the macromechanical and mesomechanical behaviors of rock with respect to high temperature.
TCR gene segment usage and HLA alleles that are associated with cancer survival rates also represent racial disparities
Authors: Angelakakis George , Serraneau Karisa S. , Barker Vayda R. , Callahan Blake M. , Tong Wei Lue , Zaman Saif , Huda Taha I. , Blanck George 
Published: December 2022

AbstractUnderstanding racial disparities in cancer outcomes continues to be a challenge, with likely many factors at play, including socioeconomic factors and genetic polymorphisms impacting basic cellular and molecular functions. Additionally, it is possible that specific combinations of environment and genetics have specific impacts. T‐cell receptor (TCR) gene segment usage, HLA allele combinations have been associated with autoimmune and infectious disease courses, and more recently, TCR gene segment usage, HLA allele combinations have been associated with distinct survival outcomes in cancer as well. We examined several such, previously reported cancer‐related TCR gene segment usage, HLA allele combinations for evidence of racial disparities, with regard to the prevalence of the combination in different racial groups. Results indicated that TCR gene segment usage, potentially reflecting environmental factors related to previous pathogen exposure, in combination with certain HLA alleles or independently, may represent a novel explanation for racial disparities in cancer outcomes. Overall, at this point, a genetic connection to racial disparities in cancer outcomes is detectable but remains modest, suggesting that other factors, such as socioeconomic factors, remain as important considerations.
An evaluation framework for juvenile defense: A theory of change and logic model measurements
Authors: Pelletier Emily K. 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThis paper presents an evaluation framework for juvenile defense. The evaluation framework establishes a theory of change, logic model categories, and potential measurements for understanding the systemic variation in juvenile defense across the US. Grounded in the US Supreme Court case affirming the due process right to defense counsel, In re Gault, the evaluation framework offers a method of studying juvenile defense to assist youth in delinquency court, defenders, policymakers, and researchers. The methodological shift to an evaluation framework asserts a refocus on the legal objectives for provision of defense counsel in delinquency court.
“We're not your traditional police department.” A qualitative implementation evaluation of a juvenile diversion program
Authors: Barrett James G. , Lee Esther , Odayar Varshini , Moyer Margo , Cook Benjamin Lê , Cortés Dharma E. 
Published: December 2022

AbstractYouth in the juvenile criminal justice system experiencing mental health conditions are often neglected and offered few resources to seek treatment for behavioral health and substance use disorders. This leads to greater recidivism rates, pointing to the need for diversion programs that work directly with youth, family members, schools, and police. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the Safety Net Program upon three implementation outcomes: acceptability, adoption, and appropriateness through qualitative interviews. Additionally, the study aims to amplify the stories of those with lived experiences, adding to the existing body of quantitative research in support of diversion models. Ten in‐depth semi‐structured qualitative interviews with police officers, school partners, and one parent were conducted to understand perspectives from the key stakeholders participating in the Safety Net model. The study found that integrating police officers in schools allows for the development of close relationships with students, families, and police which further facilitates better outcomes for youth.
Using loop‐mediated isothermal amplification combined with gold nanoparticles for optically rapid detection of shrimp Vibrio parahaemolyticus
Authors: Sun Yu‐Ling , Lu Chug‐Lun , Lee Chia‐Hung , Tu En‐I , Lin Chih‐Sheng 
Published: December 2022

AbstractShrimp is one of the most important aquatic products in the world. Early detection, prevention, and treatment of shrimp pathogens is important. One major shrimp pathogen, Vibrio parahaemolyticus causes acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease (VPAHPND) has been studied, but research into pathogen detection needs to be strengthened. Therefore, we were targeting to VPAHPND and using emerging molecular biotechnologies to develop a method for pathogens detection for the shrimp industry. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have an unique color change property. Free AuNPs in solution are the color of claret‐red, while the aggregated AuNPs appear slight purple. Based on the characteristics of visible color difference of AuNPs, we worked on establishing a simple, fast, and specific loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) detection method for VPAHPND diagnosis using AuNPs. This method, amplified the target DNA of VPAHPND by LAMP and the DNA were directly added onto AuNPs solution for detection. The test results show a color change, so that the results can be visually inspected by naked eye. Using the methods, shrimp VPAHPND can be early detected and treated, boost the economic benefits, and efficiency of shrimp farming.
Prevalence and predictors of Twiddler's syndrome
Authors: Gomez Jorge O. , Doukky Rami , Pietrasik Grzegorz , Wigant Rebecca R. , Mungee Sudhir , Baman Timir S. 
Published: December 2022

AbstractBackgroundTwiddler's syndrome is a poorly understood clinical phenomenon when patients either consciously or subconsciously rotate their cardiac device resulting in lead dislodgement. We aimed to determine the true prevalence and risk factors associated with Twiddler's syndrome in a real‐world population.MethodsA retrospective chart review was performed on all patients who underwent cardiac device implantation from January 1st 2017 until Jan 1st 2022. We specifically searched for the terms “Twiddler” or “Twiddler's” imbedded within the text of the medical chart. Demographic and clinical variables were collected from the electronic medical record system. We utilized multivariable logistic regression analysis as well as Kaplan‐Meier prediction models to determine independent clinical predictors of Twiddler's syndrome as well as associated mortality, respectively.ResultsTwenty one out of 1793 patients (1.2%) were identified as having Twiddler's syndrome after chart review. Independent variables associated with Twiddler's syndrome were female sex (OR 3.76; 95% CI 1.29–10.95), antidepressant medications (OR 3.58; 95% CI 1.07–11.99), and BMI (OR 1.08; 95% CI 1.03–1.31). There was no increased six‐month mortality via Kaplan‐Meier analysis.ConclusionOur study shows that 1.2% of patients in our real‐world population had evidence of Twiddler's syndrome. Independent predictors of Twiddler's syndrome include female sex, antidepressant medications as well as BMI.
Sexual dysfunction in female and male patients undergoing chronic ambulatory peritoneal dialysis
Authors: Yazıcı Raziye , Yeksan Mehdi 
Published: December 2022

Background: To prolong survival and to provide a better quality of life (QoL) are two aims at the forefront in the care of peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. In this study we aimed to determine frequency of sexual dysfunction (SD) and influencing factors in PD patients. Methods: Of the 201 patients, 114 under 65 years and on chronic ambulatory PD for at least 3 months were enrolled. Forty-nine females and 65 males completed the study. Survey forms were applied using face-to-face interview method. Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) was used to assess SD in women; International Index for Erectile Function (IIEF) was used to assess erectile dysfunction (ED) in men. All patients completed SF-36 and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) forms. Results: While SD was evident in 89.8% of female patients (FSFI score:10.4 ± 9.7), ED was present in 87.7% of males (IIEF score:13.8 ± 7.9). Depression rates were 65.3% and 49.2% in female and male patients, respectively. BDI scores were 21.6 ± 10.4 and 17.1 ± 9.5; physical component scores, 52.6 ± 20.4 and 55.2 ± 20.2; mental component scores, 45.2 ± 19.8 and 49.9 ± 22, in female and male patients, respectively. FSFI was correlated with age (β = −0.53 p < 0.001) and BDI score (β = −0.23 p = 0.04), ( R2 = 0.64). ED showed correlation with age (β = −0.36 p < 0.001), BDI score (β = −0.57 p < 0.001), and hemoglobin level (β = 0.26 p = 0.003), ( R2 = 0.74). Conclusion: SD, often overlooked and not discussed by both patients and physicians, is encountered relatively frequently among PD patients. Left not discussed and untreated SD may adversely affect QoL.
Limits on using the clock drawing test as a measure to evaluate patients with neurological disorders
Authors: Heyrani Raheleh , Sarabi-Jamab Atiye , Grafman Jordan , Asadi Nesa , Soltani Sarvenaz , Mirfazeli Fatemeh Sadat , Almasi-Dooghaei Mostafa , Shariat Seyed Vahid , Jahanbakhshi Amin , Khoeini Tara , Joghataei Mohammad Taghi 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Background
The Clock Drawing Test (CDT) is used as a quick-to-conduct test for the diagnosis of dementia and a screening tool for cognitive impairments in neurological disorders. However, the association between the pattern of CDT impairments and the location of brain lesions has been controversial. We examined whether there is an association between the CDT scores and the location of brain lesions using the two available scoring systems.

Method
One hundred five patients with brain lesions identified by CT scanning were recruited for this study. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) battery including the CDT were administered to all partcipants. To score the CDT, we used a qualitative scoring system devised by Rouleau et al. (1992). For the quantitative scoring system, we adapted the algorithm method used by Mendes-Santos et al. (2015) based on an earlier study by Sunderland et al. (1989). For analyses, a machine learning algorithm was used.

Results
Remarkably, 30% of the patients were not detected by the CDT. Quantitative and qualitative errors were categorized into different clusters. The classification algorithm did not differentiate the patients with traumatic brain injury ‘TBI’ from non-TBI, or the laterality of the lesion. In addition, the classification accuracy for identifying patients with specific lobe lesions was low, except for the parietal lobe with an accuracy of 63%.

Conclusion
The CDT is not an accurate tool for detecting focal brain lesions. While the CDT still is beneficial for use with patients suspected of having a neurodegenerative disorder, it should be cautiously used with patients with focal neurological disorders.
Country- and app-level factors affecting the adoption and evaluation of COVID-19 mobile apps
Authors: Wu Yi , Ye Qianying , Shen Fei , Zhang Zhian , Jiang Crystal Li 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Background
Countries across the globe have released many COVID-19 mobile apps. However, there is a lack of systematic empirical investigation into the factors affecting the adoption and evaluation of COVID-related apps. This study explores what factors at the country level and the app levels would influence the adoption and evaluation of COVID-19 apps.

Methods
We collected data on 267 COVID-19 apps in App Store and Google Play. The number of installs, ratings, reviews and rating scores were used as indicators of adoption and evaluation. Country-level predictors include the number of infected cases and the political system (i.e., democratic vs. non-democratic). App-level predictors include developer (i.e., government vs. non-government) and functions. Four app functions were coded for analysis: providing health information, contact tracing, home monitoring, and consultation. Negative binomial regression and OLS (Ordinary Least Square) regression were used to analyze the data.

Results
Our analyses show that apps developed by countries with more infected cases (B = 0.079, CI (Confidence Interval) = 0.000, 0.158; P = .049) and by non-governmental institutions (B=-0.369, CI=-0.653, -0.083; P = .01) received more positive rating scores. Apps with home monitoring function received lower rating scores (B=-0.550, CI=-0.971, -0.129; P = .01). Regarding adoption, apps developed by governments were more likely to be installed (IRR (Incident Rate Ratio) = 8.156, CI = 3.389, 19.626; P < .001), to be rated (IRR = 26.036, CI = 7.331, 92.468; P < .001), and to receive user comments (IRR = 12.080, CI = 3.954, 37.568; p < .001). Apps with functions of contact tracing or consultation were more likely to be installed (IRR = 4.533, CI = 2.072, 9.918; p < .001; IRR = 4.885, CI = 1.970, 12.111; p < .001), to be rated (IRR = 11.634, CI = 3.486, 38.827; p < .001; IRR = 17.194, CI = 5.309, 55.680; p < .001), and to receive user comments (IRR = 5.688, CI = 2.052, 5.770; p < .001; IRR = 16.718, CI = 5.363, 52.113; p < .001). Apps with home monitoring functions were less likely to be rated (IRR = 0.206, CI = 0.047, 0.896; P = .04) but more likely to receive user comments (IRR = 3.874, CI = 1.044, 14.349; P = .04). Further analysis shows that apps developed in democratic countries (OR (Odd Ratio) = 3.650, CI = 1.238, 10.758; P = .02) or by governments (OR = 7.987, CI = 4.106, 15.534, P < .001) were more likely to include the function of contact tracing.

Conclusion
This study systematically investigates factors affecting the adoption and evaluation of COVID-19 apps. Evidence shows that government-developed apps and the inclusion of contact tracing and consultation app functions strongly predict app adoption.
Dual medial and anterior approach for excision of extraosseous synovial hip osteochondroma: a case report
Authors: Issa Mohamad , Naja Ahmad , Sultanem Serge , Elias Charbel , Saghieh Said 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Background
Osteochondromas are the most common benign bone tumors occurring near the end of long bones. In this case report, we demonstrate the successful treatment of a proximal femoral osteochondroma in a pediatric patient excised through a dual medial and anterior approach with no hip dislocation.

Case presentation
We present the case of a white Arab 14-year-old boy with chronic hip pain and inability to ambulate. He failed conservative treatment and was referred to us after X-rays revealed two osseous masses. He was diagnosed with an intra-articular hip osteochondroma confirmed on magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography scan. He was treated surgically with excision using two incisions: Smith-Petersen approach and Ferguson approach.

Conclusion
This case presents the successful resection of a symptomatic pediatric proximal femoral osteochondroma, using dual medial and anterior approaches without the need for hip dislocation. This was optimal for both the safety and accessibility of this unusual condition.