bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Success of the German Cystic Fibrosis Registry
Authors: Naehrlich Lutz , Burkhart Manuel ,   Registry Working Group of the German CF Registry
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTThe German Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Registry (GCFR) is a national General Data Protection Regulation–compliant centralised database sponsored by the German Cystic Fibrosis Association (Mukoviszidose e.V.) and based on informed consent for each participating patient, ethical approval, and data protection votes. The aims of the GCFR are to optimise quality of care for CF at the centres, generate epidemiologic overviews, address research questions related to improved CF care, and inform caregivers, patients (aimed at patient empowerment), and health authorities and industry (aimed at care planning and pharmacovigilance). Established in 1995, the Registry has captured data on > 9600 individuals with a combined total of more than 140 000 annual assessments with an estimated coverage rate of > 90%. Patient data are collected after informed consent and confirmed diagnosis of CF, or a CFTR‐related disorder, or a screening‐positive inconclusive diagnosis of CF (i.e., CFSPID). The registry collects core, encounter, and annual health data. Data include demographics, anthropometrics, lung function, microbiology, CF‐specific complications and chronic medications, hospitalisations, demand‐oriented antibiotic therapies, and outcomes (death and transplants). Real world and pharmacovigilance studies have been published and additional research underway; there is a formal process for requesting access to the GCFR.
More Drugs and Fewer Strokes? Time Trends in CVD Medication and Incidence of Stroke With German Health Insurance Data
Authors: Mond Lieselotte , Geyer Siegfried , Tetzlaff Juliane , Weißenborn Karin , Schneider Johanna , Epping Jelena 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTBackgroundSuccessful prevention of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) may reduce the burden of diseases. Preventive medication is an important measure to decrease the risks of cardiovascular events, in particular myocardial infarction and stroke. The aim of this study is to analyze the prevalence of CVD preventive medication in Germany over time with respect to sex and age and to compare it with the temporal development of strokes.MethodsThe study is based on statutory health insurance claims data from the AOK Niedersachsen (AOKN) covering the years 2005–2018. The study population comprises all AOKN insured persons aged 18 years and older (N = 2 088 495). Age‐standardized time trends of the prevalence of CVD preventive medication and incidence of stroke were calculated for men and women in different age groups. After that, the relationship of both measures was examined in an ecological correlation.ResultsWe found a clear increase in medication prevalence over time. In 2018, about 35% of the total population and about 85% of those over 85 years of age received CVD preventive medication. At the same time, age‐standardized incidence rates of ischemic stroke were decreasing slightly. The ecological correlation showed a negative association between medication prevalence and stroke incidence especially in the higher age groups.ConclusionHigh correlation coefficients indicate that higher medication prevalence could be linked to better population health. Further research is needed to draw conclusions about the effects of increasing medicalization, including adverse risks and side effects at the population level.
Evaluating an ICD‐10 Based Proxy for Date of Birth in Electronic Health Record Data
Authors: Burns Sara , Mueller Ariel , Smith Matthew , Houle Timothy , Farber Michaela K. , Hossain Tanzeema , Manjourides Justin 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTPurposeTo comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) Privacy Rule, many real‐world data providers mask a patient's date of birth by supplying only year of birth to data users. The lack of granularity around patient age is a challenge when using RWD, especially for pediatric research studies. In this study, a proxy for patient date of birth is evaluated using electronic health record (EHR) data.MethodsThis validation study leverages a retrospective cohort of EHR data from Mass General Brigham (MGB) patients born between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2022, to assess the use of the date of a patient's first observed International Classification of Diseases 10th Revision Clinical Modification (ICD‐10‐CM) day‐of birth code (Z37* or Z38*) as a proxy for date of birth. Alternative proxy measures such as date of first other infancy‐related ICD‐10‐CM code and date of first clinical activity were also assessed.ResultsOf 82 398 patients born during the five‐year study period, 58 047 (70.4%) had an ICD‐10‐CM birth code and were included in the primary analysis. The mean difference between true date of birth and first observed birth code was 0.3 days with a standard deviation of 15.0 days. The first observed birth code occurred within 30 days of the true date of birth in 99.9% of cases.ConclusionResults from this study suggest that the date of the first day‐of ICD‐10‐CM birth code can be used as a proxy for true patient date of birth in pediatric RWD studies.
Use of Causal Framework to Evaluate Effect of Abuse Deterrent Properties of Extended‐Release Oxycodone on Tampering in a Real‐World Settings
Authors: Rockhill Karilynn M. , Burkett Hannah , Dart Richard , Black Joshua C. 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTPurposeTo assess whether exposure to an extended‐release (ER) oxycodone with abuse deterrent properties (ADF) reduced tampering of oxycodone in a real‐world, postmarket setting to address the thinking behind Category 4 labeling by the FDA.MethodsData from an observational cross‐sectional study of the general adult population (2022) was used under a causal framework to estimate the confounding‐adjusted odds of tampering oxycodone after exposure to two types of ADF ER oxycodone. The tampering behaviors of those who used only single entity immediate‐release (SE‐IR) oxycodone was used as a comparison. The tampering outcome was defined as use by snorting, smoking, or injecting any oxycodone (ER or SE‐IR). A directed acyclic graph was used to identify covariates. Average treatment effect among the treated was estimated using inverse propensity score weighting combined with survey weights in a regression.ResultsIn 2022, 0.14% and 3.0% among the general population reported using the two ER oxycodone groups, while 2.4% used SE‐IR oxycodone. Propensity score analyses with both comparators (common support > 98%) balanced demographic, health, and drug use covariates. After adjustment for selection and confounding bias, among those who used ER oxycodone group 1 the odds ratio of tampering with any form of oxycodone was elevated but not statistically significant (2.25; 95% CI: 0.94, 5.39). The odds ratio of tampering by users of ER oxycodone group 2 was significantly elevated (1.90; 95% CI: 1.08, 3.19).ConclusionsTampering of ER oxycodone products by individuals was rare. We found evidence suggestive of elevated odds of tampering behaviors with use of an ADF ER oxycodone.
Using Quantitative Bias Analysis to Adjust for Misclassification of COVID‐19 Outcomes: An Applied Example of Inhaled Corticosteroids and COVID‐19 Outcomes
Authors: Bokern Marleen , Rentsch Christopher T. , Quint Jennifer K. , Hunnicutt Jacob , Douglas Ian , Schultze Anna 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTBackgroundDuring the pandemic, there was concern that underascertainment of COVID‐19 outcomes may impact treatment effect estimation in pharmacoepidemiologic studies. We assessed the impact of outcome misclassification on the association between inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) and COVID‐19 hospitalisation and death in the United Kingdom during the first pandemic wave using probabilistic bias analysis (PBA).MethodsUsing data from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink Aurum, we defined a cohort with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) on 1 March 2020. We compared the risk of COVID‐19 hospitalisation and death among users of ICS/long‐acting β‐agonist (LABA) and users of LABA/LAMA using inverse probability of treatment weighted (IPTW) logistic regression. We used PBA to assess the impact of non‐differential outcome misclassification. We assigned beta distributions to sensitivity and specificity and sampled from these 100 000 times for summary‐level and 10 000 times for record‐level PBA. Using these values, we simulated outcomes and applied IPTW logistic regression to adjust for confounding and misclassification. Sensitivity analyses excluded ICS + LABA + LAMA (triple therapy) users.ResultsAmong 161 411 patients with COPD, ICS users had increased odds of COVID‐19 hospitalisations and death compared with LABA/LAMA users (OR for COVID‐19 hospitalisation 1.59 (95% CI 1.31–1.92); OR for COVID‐19 death 1.63 (95% CI 1.26–2.11)). After IPTW and exclusion of people using triple therapy, ORs moved towards the null. All implementations of QBA, both record‐ and summary‐level PBA, modestly shifted the ORs away from the null and increased uncertainty.ConclusionsWe observed increased risks of COVID‐19 hospitalisation and death among ICS users compared to LABA/LAMA users. Outcome misclassification was unlikely to change the conclusions of the study, but confounding by indication remains a concern.
Plot‐level satellite imagery can substitute for UAVs in assessing maize phenotypes across multistate field trials
Authors: Shrestha Nikee , Powadi Anirudha , Davis Jensina , Ayanlade Timilehin T. , Liu Huyu , Tross Michael C. , Mathivanan Ramesh K. , Bares Jordan , Lopez‐Corona Lina , Turkus Jonathan , Coffey Lisa , Jubery Talukder Zaki , Ge Yufeng , Sarkar Soumik , Schnable James C. , Ganapathysubramanian Baskar , Schnable Patrick S. 
Published: January 2025

Societal Impact StatementMaize plays a key role in agricultural profitability and food security on six continents. Successful efforts to breed higher‐yielding maize varieties depend on replicated yield trials in many environments. Capturing in‐season data can help improve and accelerate the development of regionally adapted hybrids, but collecting these data can be impractical in many locations. We demonstrate that satellite remote sensing could play a similar role in crop performance assessment as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) but with far lower labor costs and the greatest ease of collection at remote field sites. This dataset and benchmarks have the potential to enable predictive models that could guide farmers and crop breeders in decision‐making.Summary
Accurate early yield estimates at fields and plots offer potential benefits to farmers in optimizing their agronomic practices and breeders in screening thousands of varieties contributing to improving agriculture and food production systems. Effective approaches to track plant growth and predict yield require large datasets of remote sensing and ground truth data collected across multiple environments.
Low‐altitude drone flights are increasingly being used to collect data from field evaluations of new crop varieties, while satellite imagery is being explored to track yield and management practices at regional scales. Satellite platforms exhibit logistical and technical advantages in scalability and accessibility and could facilitate plot‐level predictions, especially with steadily improving spatial resolution. However, plot‐level, high‐resolution satellite images capturing differences in genotypes from multiple environments with ground truth measurements are not publicly available.
Here, we generated, described, and evaluated over 20,000 plot‐level images of over 80 hybrid maize varieties grown across the US corn belt under various management practices collected from (near simultaneous) satellite and drone (synonym UAVs, UASs) flights integrated with ground truth yield measurement.
Of the six baseline models examined, models employing data collected from satellite images often matched the performance of models employing drone images for both within and cross‐environment yield prediction.
Celestial Topology, Symmetry Theories, and Evidence for a NonSUSY D3‐Brane CFT
Authors: Heckman Jonathan J. , Hübner Max 
Published: January 2025

AbstractSymmetry Theories (SymThs) provide a flexible framework for analyzing the global categorical symmetries of a ‐dimensional in terms of a ‐dimensional bulk system . In QFTs realized via local string backgrounds, these SymThs naturally arise from dimensional reduction of the linking boundary geometry. To track possible time dependent effects we introduce a celestial generalization of the standard “boundary at infinity” of a SymTh. As an application of these considerations we revisit large quiver gauge theories realized by spacetime filling D3‐branes probing a non‐supersymmetric orbifold . Comparing the imprint of symmetry breaking on the celestial geometry at small and large ‘t Hooft coupling we find evidence for an intermediate symmetry preserving conformal fixed point.
Bridging System Dynamics and Causal Epidemiology: An Opportunity for Both Fields
Authors: Uleman Jeroen F. , Petersen Anne Helby , Rod Naja Hulvej 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTThis paper examines the potential benefits of a deeper integration between system dynamics and causal inference as applied in epidemiology. We offer four suggestions for bridging these fields: two for what system dynamics can offer and two for what system dynamics stands to gain. First, we discuss the use of system dynamics to develop simulation models that emphasize feedback, (unobserved) dynamics, and multiscale interactions. Second, we note that the formalized participatory methods from system dynamics could help strengthen causal models in epidemiology. Third, we advocate for outlining and explicitly stating causal assumptions relevant to system dynamics research. Lastly, we suggest enhancing the causal structure of system dynamics models by triangulating participatory methods and literature review with data‐driven causal discovery. Through these suggestions, we envision the development of more credible and transparent causal models of complex health problems.
Enhancing Oxygen Spectra Interpretation by Calculating Oxygen Linked to Adventitious Carbon
Authors: Henderson J. D. , Payne B. P. , McIntyre N. S. , Biesinger M. C. 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTThe presence of adventitious carbon on samples analysed by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy can complicate data interpretation. Because adventitious carbon can contain a significant amount of oxygen‐containing functional groups, accounting for its contribution is essential when analysing oxygen. For example, accurately determining the oxygen concentration—free from adventitious carbon contributions—is often crucial for some data interpretation. Additionally, when modelling high‐resolution oxygen 1s spectra, the organic oxygen must be considered to ensure accurate interpretation. Although these aspects of data interpretation should ideally be guided by stoichiometry, the process can be tedious and challenging, particularly for novice users. This Insight Note introduces a method for accounting for organic oxygen associated with adventitious carbon. It provides background information, outlines key assumptions and includes an easy‐to‐use Excel calculator to support this analysis, making the approach more accessible, especially for novice users.
Electrochemo‐Mechanical Degradation and Failure of Active Particles in High Energy Density Batteries: A Review
Authors: Li Dawei , Shen Chenhao , Zheng Yuejiu , Xu Jun 
Published: January 2025

AbstractFailure of the active particles is inherently electrochemo‐mechanics dominated. This review comprehensively examines the electrochemo‐mechanical degradation and failure mechanisms of active particles in high‐energy density lithium‐ion batteries. The study delves into the growth of passivating layers, such as the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI), and their impact on battery performance. It highlights the role of elevated temperatures in accelerating degradation reactions, such as the dissolution of transition metals and the formation of new SEI layers, leading to capacity fade and increased internal resistance. The review also discusses the mechanical degradation of electrode materials, including the fracture of active particles and the impact of stress on electrode performance. Advanced characterization techniques, such as cryogenic scanning transmission electron microscopy and 3D tomography, are explored to provide insights into the structural and chemical evolution of battery materials. By addressing the interplay between chemical, mechanical, and thermal factors, this review aims to provide guidelines for the chemistry development, material selection, structural design as well as recycling of next‐generation batteries with high safety, durability, and high energy density.
Biomimetic Cerium‐Assisted Supra‐Carbon Dots Assembly for Reactive Oxygen Species‐Activated Atherosclerosis Theranostic
Authors: Chen Qiao , Yang Xu , Yu Yao , Duan Xinmei , Ni Rongrong , Song Guojing , Zhu Li , Zhong Yuan , Qu Kai , Qin Xian , Zhang Kun , Luo Yang , Wu Wei 
Published: January 2025

AbstractTheranostic applications in atherosclerosis plaque microenvironment‐triggered nanoplatforms are significantly compromised by the complex synthesis procedure, non‐specific distribution, and limited therapeutic function. Therefore, development of a facile and feasible method to construct a pathology‐based stimuli‐responsive nanoplatform with satisfactory theranostic performance remains a demanding and highly anticipated goal. Herein, a novel class of multifunctional supra‐carbon dots (CDs), denoted as MM@Ce‐CDs NPs, by a simple nanoassembly and a subsequent coating with macrophage membrane (MM), is developed for the targeted reactive oxygen species‐trigged theranostic and positive regulation of the pathological plaque microenvironment in AS. The harvested MM@Ce‐CDs NPs exhibit activatable fluorescence properties, photoacoustic characteristics, and cascade enzyme performances, which can be effectively activated under ROS stimulation in the plaque pathological microenvironment, enabling precise control over theranostic functions, while markedly enhancing diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic efficacy for AS management. Besides, MM@Ce‐CDs NPs can effectively manipulate the plaque microenvironment by reducing ROS levels and inflammation, alleviating M1 macrophage infiltration, and inhibiting foam cell formation, all together suppressing the pathological plaque development through the synergistic mechanisms. In addition, MM@Ce‐CDs NPs inherit the biomimetic biological functions from MM, facilitating a highly specific target delivery to AS.
An Advanced Multivalent Ligand‐Decorated Microsphere Enrichment System Efficiently Captures Circulating Tumor Cells In Vivo
Authors: Wang Xiao‐Jie , Ji Yang‐Ze , Luo Jun , Sun Ying , Zhou Tian‐Jiao , Wang Yi , Xing Lei , Jiang Hu‐Lin 
Published: January 2025

AbstractCapturing circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in vivo from the bloodstream lessens tumor metastasis and recurrence risks. However, the absence of CTC receptors due to epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT), the limited binding capacity of a single ligand, and the complexity of the blood flow environment significantly reduce the efficiency of CTC capture in vivo. Herein, a multivalent ligand‐decorated microsphere enrichment system (MLMES) is crafted that incorporates a capture column replete with an immunosorbent that precisely recognizes and binds the stably expressed cluster of differentiation 44 (CD44) and glucose transporter protein 1 (GLUT1) receptors present on the exterior of CTCs. As peripheral blood flows through the column, CTCs are efficiently captured, achieving an in vivo capture rate of up to 64.2%, the highest reported to date. Moreover, the MLMES demonstrates excellent biocompatibility, broad‐spectrum tumor cells capture, and storage stability. Importantly, it significantly eliminates a substantial quantity of CTCs from peripheral blood, reducing the risk of metastasis. This breakthrough method has broad clinical application potential in preventing tumor metastasis and recurrence, bringing new possibilities for improving cancer treatment.
Investigation and Treatment of Infertility in a Female Black Rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis)
Authors: Bryant B. , Stoops M. A. , Conaghan J. , Williams J. , Campbell‐Ward M. , Wallace A. , Hobbs R. J. , Spiteri L. , Smith S. , O'Brien J. K. 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTA zoo‐based, 11‐year‐old, uniparous southern black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis minor) failed to conceive after weaning a calf. Behavioral observation and fecal progestagen monitoring confirmed irregular estrous cycles. Serial transrectal reproductive ultrasound examination revealed the cause to be recurrent anovulatory hemorrhagic follicles (AHFs). After four consecutive abnormal cycles dominated by AHFs, rational hormone therapy was implemented. Injectable prostaglandins, progesterone, estradiol, and a GnRH analog were given strategically to disrupt AHFs, boost normal estrus behavior, and promote ovulation. Oxytocin was added to the treatment regimen when transient accumulations of intraluminal uterine fluid consistent with endometritis were observed ultrasonographically. Oral diazepam was given judiciously for anxiolysis after the animal developed an aversion to injection. Treatment, which proceeded over eight cycles, was eventually associated with the restoration of normal behavioral estrus and ovulation. The rhinoceros conceived after natural mating and induced ovulation, delivering a healthy calf 490 days later, the longest reported gestation for the species.
An Experimental Study of Consistency and Strength Variation of 3D-Printed Concrete Mixes
Authors: Vysochinskiy Dmitry , Madsen Gunnar , Lande Ingrid 
Published: January 2025

AbstractConcrete three-dimensional (3D) printing technology has the potential to significantly reduce on-site labour activities, as 3D-printed concrete eliminates the need for formwork. However, challenges persist in ensuring the quality and strength of 3D-printed concrete. One of the factors likely to impact its strength is the fluctuation of the water-to-binder ratio (w/b) during the printing process. In contrast to traditional cast-in-place concrete, where the mix is prepared at the factory with a fixed water-to-binder ratio, 3D-printed concrete is continuously mixed from a dry mix during printing. The amount of water added to the dry mix is routinely adjusted by the printer operator to maintain optimal consistency. This adjustment affects the water-to-binder ratio, leading to variations in concrete strength. This chapter investigates the extent to which the consistency and strength of 3D-printed mortar may vary while remaining printable using an industrial-scale concrete printer. Using the same dry mix, we observed a difference of approximately 15% in the mean strength for samples cast at the 3D printing site on two different dates. Additionally, there was about a 20% difference in the strength between the thickest and thinnest printable consistencies mixed in the laboratory. This variation must be considered when determining the design strength of 3D-printed concrete.