bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Medication adherence prediction through temporal modelling in cardiovascular disease management
Authors: Hsu William , Warren James R. , Riddle Patricia J. 
Published: November 2022

AbstractBackgroundChronic conditions place a considerable burden on modern healthcare systems. Within New Zealand and worldwide cardiovascular disease (CVD) affects a significant proportion of the population and it is the leading cause of death. Like other chronic diseases, the course of cardiovascular disease is usually prolonged and its management necessarily long-term. Despite being highly effective in reducing CVD risk, non-adherence to long-term medication continues to be a longstanding challenge in healthcare delivery. The study investigates the benefits of integrating patient history and assesses the contribution of explicitly temporal models to medication adherence prediction in the context of lipid-lowering therapy.MethodsData from a CVD risk assessment tool is linked to routinely collected national and regional data sets including pharmaceutical dispensing, hospitalisation, lab test results and deaths. The study extracts a sub-cohort from 564,180 patients who had primary CVD risk assessment for analysis. Based on community pharmaceutical dispensing record, proportion of days covered (PDC)$$\ge$$≥ 80 is used as the threshold for adherence. Two years (8 quarters) of patient history before their CVD risk assessment is used as the observation window to predict patient adherence in the subsequent 5 years (20 quarters). The predictive performance of temporal deep learning models long short-term memory (LSTM) and simple recurrent neural networks (Simple RNN) are compared against non-temporal models multilayer perceptron (MLP), ridge classifier (RC) and logistic regression (LR). Further, the study investigates the effect of lengthening the observation window on the task of adherence prediction.ResultsTemporal models that use sequential data outperform non-temporal models, with LSTM producing the best predictive performance achieving a ROC AUC of 0.805. A performance gap is observed between models that can discover non-linear interactions between predictor variables and their linear counter parts, with neural network (NN) based models significantly outperforming linear models. Additionally, the predictive advantage of temporal models become more pronounced when the length of the observation window is increased.ConclusionThe findings of the study provide evidence that using deep temporal models to integrate patient history in adherence prediction is advantageous. In particular, the RNN architecture LSTM significantly outperforms all other model comparators.
Patient safety culture in the operating room: a cross-sectional study using the Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture (HSOPSC) Instrument
Authors: Nwosu Arinze D.G. , Ossai Edmund , Ahaotu Francis , Onwuasoigwe Okechukwu , Amucheazi Adaobi , Akhideno Irene 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Background
Credible evidence has established a link between the level of patient safety culture in healthcare environments and patient outcomes. Patient safety culture in the operating room has received scant attention despite the burden of adverse events among surgical patients. We aimed to evaluate the safety culture in our operating rooms and compare with existing data from other operating room settings.

Methods
We investigated the patient safety culture in the operating rooms of our hospital as perceived by the surgeons, nurse anaesthetists and perioperative nurses using the Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture (HSOPSC) instrument. IBM Statistical Package for Social Science software, version 25, was used for data entry and analysis. Differences were considered significant when p < 0.05.

Results
Only 122 completed surveys were returned out of a survey population of 132 frontline staff, yielding a response rate of 92.4%. The overall average composite score was 47%. The average composite scores ranged from 17–79.6% across the 12 dimensions of the HSOPSC, with teamwork within units being the only dimension with demonstrable strength. Non-punitive response to error, communication openness, feedback and communication about error”, frequency of events reported”, handoffs and transition and staffing need improvement. The perceived safety culture varied according to work areas and professional roles with nurse anaesthetists having the highest perception and the surgeons the least.

Conclusion
Patient safety culture in our operating rooms is adjudged to be weak, with only one of the twelve dimensions of HSOPSC demonstrating strength. This is notwithstanding its comparative strengths relative to other operating room settings.
Assessment of formats and completeness of paper-based referral letters among urban hospitals in Rwanda: a retrospective baseline study
Authors: Kalume Zamzam , Jansen Bart , Nyssen Marc , Cornelis Jan , Verbeke Frank , Niyoyita Jean Paul 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Background
Patient referral is a process in which a healthcare provider decides to seek assistance due to the limitations of available skills, resources and services offered locally. Paper-based referrals predominantly used in low-income countries hardly follow any procedure. This causes a major gap in communication, coordination, and continuity of care between primary and specialized levels, leading to poor access, delay, duplication and unnecessary costs. The goal of this study is to assess the formats and completeness of existing paper-based referral letters in order to improve health information exchange, coordination, and continuity of care.

Methods
A retrospective exploratory research was conducted in eight public and three private healthcare facilities in the city of Kigali from May to October 2021. A purposive sampling method was used to select hospitals and referral letters from patients’ files. A data capture sheet was designed according to the contents of the referral letters and the resulting responses were analyzed descriptively.

Results
In public hospitals, five types of updated referral letters were available, in total agreement with World Health Organization (WHO) standards of which two (neonatal transfer form and patient monitoring transfer form) were not used. There was also one old format that was used by most hospitals and another format designed and used by a district hospital (DH) separately. Three formats were designed and used by private hospitals (PH) individually. A total of 2,304 referral letters were perused and the results show that “external transfer” forms were completed at 58.8%; “antenatal, delivery, and postnatal external transfer” forms at 47.5%; “internal transfer” forms at 46.6%; “Referral/counter referral” forms at 46.0%; district hospital referrals (DH2) at 73.4%. Referrals by private hospitals (PH1, PH2 and PH3) were completed at 97.7%, 70.7%, and 0.0% respectively. The major completeness deficit was observed in counter referral information for all hospitals.

Conclusion
We observed inconsistencies in the format of the available referral letters used by public hospitals, moreover some of them were incompatible with WHO standards. Additionally, there were deficits in the completeness of all types of paper-based referral letters in use. There is a need for standardization and to disseminate the national patient referral guideline in public hospitals with emphasis on referral feedback, referral registry, triage, archiving and a need for regular training in all organizations.
Gastrointestinal parasites of cats in Egypt: high prevalence high zoonotic risk
Authors: Abbas Ibrahim , Al-Araby Moustafa , Elmishmishy Bassem , El-Alfy El-Sayed 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Background
Several gastrointestinal parasites that infect cats pose potential health threats for humans and animals. The present study is the first to report gastrointestinal (GIT) parasites in feces of stray cats from Gharbia governorate, Egypt. Findings were combined with those published in the earlier surveys from various Egyptian governorates, and various meta-analyses were conducted to underline the parasitic zoonoses from cats in Egypt.

Results
Out of 143 samples tested in Gharbia, 75 (52.4%) were found infected with 13 different parasites. Co-infections were observed in 49.3% of positives. Several parasites were detected, e.g., Toxocara cati (30.0%), Toxascaris leonina (22.4%), hookworms (8.4%), taeniids (4.2%), Strongyloides spp. (2.1%), Physaloptera spp. (2.1%), Alaria spp. (1.4%) and Dipylidium caninum (0.7%). Opisthorchis-like eggs were found in a single sample being the first report from cats in Africa. Oocysts of 4 coccidian parasites were identified, and a few Toxoplasma gondii-like oocysts were detected in 2 samples (1.4%). Results of the meta-analysis illustrated that occurrence of T. gondii oocysts in feces of cats from Egypt may have been overestimated in earlier studies; 1432 cats have been tested and displayed a 5 times higher pooled prevalence (11.9%) than the published global pooled prevalence for T. gondii oocysts in cats. This overestimation might have occurred because some small-sized oocysts that belong to other coccidian parasites were mis-identified as T. gondii. Toxocara cati had a high pooled prevalence (22.5%) in cats from Egypt, which is even greater than the published pooled prevalence in cats globally; however, several reports from Egypt have neglected the role of T. cati in human toxocarosis. Dipylidium caninum displayed also a high prevalence (26.7%).

Conclusion
Several zoonotic parasite species have been found in stray cats from Egypt, raising concerns about the risks to the Egyptian human population as well as environmental contamination. Prompt surveillance supervised by the government and accompanied by data dissemination will be helpful for developing effective control strategies.
Naturally acquired antibodies from Beninese infants promote Plasmodium falciparum merozoite-phagocytosis by human blood leukocytes: implications for control of asymptomatic malaria infections
Authors: Fall Abdou Khadre Dit Jadir , Kana Ikhlaq Hussain , Dechavanne Célia , Garcia-Senosiain Asier , Guitard Evelyne , Milet Jacqueline , Massougbodji Achille , Garcia André , Dugoujon Jean-Michel , Migot-Nabias Florence , Theisen Michael , Courtin David 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Background
Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies are thought to play important roles in the protection against Plasmodium falciparum (P. falciparum) malaria. A longitudinal cohort study performed in the Southern part of Benin, identified a group of infants who were able to control asymptomatic malaria infections (CAIG).

Methods
IgG antibodies against distinct merozoite antigens were quantified in plasma from Beninese infants. Functionality of these antibodies was assessed by the merozoite-phagocytosis assay using THP-1 cells and primary neutrophils as effector cells. Gm allotypes were determined by a serological method of haemagglutination inhibition.

Results
Purified IgG from infants in CAIG promoted higher levels of merozoite-phagocytosis than did IgG from children who were unable to control asymptomatic infections (Ologit multivariate regression model, Coef. = 0.06, 95% CI 0.02;0.10, P = 0.002). High level of merozoite-phagocytosis activity was significantly associated with high levels of IgG against AMA1 (Coef. = 1.76, 95% CI 0.39;3.14, P = 0.012) and GLURP-R2 (Coef. = 12.24, 95% CI 1.35;23.12, P = 0.028). Moreover, infants of the G3m5,6,10,11,13,14,24 phenotype showed higher merozoite-phagocytosis activity (Generalized linear model multivariate regression, Coef. = 7.46, 95% CI 0.31;14.61, P = 0.041) than those presenting other G3m phenotypes.

Conclusion
The results of the present study confirm the importance of antibodies to merozoite surface antigens in the control of asymptomatic malaria infection in Beninese infants. The study also demonstrated that G3m phenotypes impact the functional activity of IgG. This last point could have a considerable impact in the research of candidate vaccines against malaria parasites or other pathogens.
Preoperative administration of branched-chain amino acids reduces postoperative insulin resistance in rats by reducing liver gluconeogenesis
Authors: Zhang Jin , Chi Rui , Zhang Yunpeng , Xie Yi , Liu Yunxia , Bao Qun , Lv Hengyu , Han Bo , Sun Haipeng , Sun Peng 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Background
Postoperative insulin resistance (PIR) represents an important characteristic of metabolic response following surgical injury. Clinical outcomes are negatively correlated to postoperative insulin resistance and hyperglycemia, indicating a novel treatment for reducing postoperative insulin resistance is urgently needed. The current work aimed to assess the protective effects of branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) on glucose metabolism disorders induced surgically in a rat model, and to explore the underpinning mechanism.

Methods and results
Rats were randomly assigned to 2 groups, including the control and BCAA groups. Rats were given a compulsory oral 3 mL load by gavage two hours before surgery. The results showed that BCAA remarkably reduced glycemia by suppressing liver gluconeogenesis via reduction of cAMP-response element-binding protein-regulated transcription coactivator 2 (CRTC2) and glucose-6-phosphatase (G6PC) gene and protein expression levels (all Ps < 0.05).

Conclusions
This study revealed that BCAA lower blood glucose levels by reducing liver gluconeogenesis without significant elevation of plasma insulin levels. We anticipate that preoperative BCAA supplementation may be a means for preventing postoperative insulin resistance.
A comprehensive understanding of ambient particulate matter and its components on the adverse health effects based from epidemiological and laboratory evidence
Authors: Li Tianyu , Yu Yang , Sun Zhiwei , Duan Junchao 
Published: November 2022

AbstractThe impacts of air pollution on public health have become a great concern worldwide. Ambient particulate matter (PM) is a major air pollution that comprises a heterogeneous mixture of different particle sizes and chemical components. The chemical composition and physicochemical properties of PM change with space and time, which may cause different impairments. However, the mechanisms of the adverse effects of PM on various systems have not been fully elucidated and systematically integrated. The Adverse Outcome Pathway (AOP) framework was used to comprehensively illustrate the molecular mechanism of adverse effects of PM and its components, so as to clarify the causal mechanistic relationships of PM-triggered toxicity on various systems. The main conclusions and new insights of the correlation between public health and PM were discussed, especially at low concentrations, which points out the direction for further research in the future. With the deepening of the study on its toxicity mechanism, it was found that PM can still induce adverse health effects with low-dose exposure. And the recommended Air Quality Guideline level of PM2.5 was adjusted to 5 μg/m3 by World Health Organization, which meant that deeper and more complex mechanisms needed to be explored. Traditionally, oxidative stress, inflammation, autophagy and apoptosis were considered the main mechanisms of harmful effects of PM. However, recent studies have identified several emerging mechanisms involved in the toxicity of PM, including pyroptosis, ferroptosis and epigenetic modifications. This review summarized the comprehensive evidence on the health effects of PM and the chemical components of it, as well as the combined toxicity of PM with other air pollutants. Based on the AOP Wiki and the mechanisms of PM-induced toxicity at different levels, we first constructed the PM-related AOP frameworks on various systems.
Graphical Abstract
Four emerging immune cellular blood phenotypes associated with disease duration and activity established in Psoriatic Arthritis
Authors: Skougaard Marie , Ditlev Sisse B. , Stisen Zara R. , Coates Laura C. , Ellegaard Karen , Kristensen Lars Erik 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Background
Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) is an immune-mediated disease with heterogenous symptoms indicating differences in the underlying immunopathogenesis. The primary objective of the study explored the dynamic mechanisms and interplay between immune cell subtypes constituting the immune response driving PsA to evaluate possible differences in immune cellular phenotypes, and secondary examined associations between emerging immune cellular phenotypes and disease outcomes.

Methods
Peripheral blood was collected from 70 PsA patients. Frequencies of nine immune cell subtypes were determined by multicolor flow cytometry. The interplay between immune cells were examined with principal component analysis (PCA) to establish immune cellular phenotypes. Disease characteristics, Disease Activity in Psoriatic Arthritis (DAPSA) and Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) were retrieved to examine associations to individual cellular phenotypes.

Results
Four components were identified using PCA resembling four immune cellular phenotypes. Component 1, explaining 25.6% of the variance with contribution from T-helper 17 cells (Th17), memory T regulatory cells (mTregs), dendritic cells and monocytes, was associated with longer disease duration and higher DAPSA. Component 2, driven by Th1, naïve Tregs and mTregs, was associated with shorter disease duration. Component 3 was driven by both Th1, Th17 and CD8+ T cells, while component 4 was characterized by a reverse correlation between CD8+ T cells and natural killer cells.

Conclusion
Four immune cellular phenotypes of PsA were suggested at baseline demonstrating complex immune cellular mechanisms in PsA implying the possibility of improving PsA patient stratification based on both clinical and immune cellular phenotypes.
Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy type 2B causes HDL-C abnormalities in patients and statin-resistant muscle wasting in dysferlin-deficient mice
Authors: White Zoe , Sun Zeren , Sauge Elodie , Cox Dan , Donen Graham , Pechkovsky Dmitri , Straub Volker , Francis Gordon A. , Bernatchez Pascal 
Published: November 2022

AbstractLimb-girdle muscular dystrophy (MD) type 2B (LGMD2B) and Duchenne MD (DMD) are caused by mutations to the Dysferlin and Dystrophin genes, respectively. We have recently demonstrated in typically mild dysferlin- and dystrophin-deficient mouse models that increased plasma cholesterol levels severely exacerbate muscle wasting, and that DMD patients display primary dyslipidemia characterized by elevated plasma cholesterol and triglycerides. Herein, we investigate lipoprotein abnormalities in LGMD2B and if statin therapy protects dysferlin-deficient mice (Dysf) from muscle damage. Herein, lipoproteins and liver enzymes from LGMD2B patients and dysferlin-null (Dysf) mice were analyzed. Simvastatin, which exhibits anti-muscle wasting effects in mouse models of DMD and corrects aberrant expression of key markers of lipid metabolism and endogenous cholesterol synthesis, was tested in Dysf mice. Muscle damage and fibrosis were assessed by immunohistochemistry and cholesterol signalling pathways via Western blot. LGMD2B patients show reduced serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels compared to healthy controls and exhibit a greater prevalence of abnormal total cholesterol (CHOL)/HDL-C ratios despite an absence of liver dysfunction. While Dysf mice presented with reduced CHOL and associated HDL-C and LDL-C-associated fractions, simvastatin treatment did not prevent muscle wasting in quadriceps and triceps muscle groups or correct aberrant low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR) protein expression. LGMD2B patients present with reduced serum concentrations of HDL-C, a major metabolic comorbidity, and as a result, statin therapy is unlikely to prevent muscle wasting in this population. We propose that like DMD, LGMD2B should be considered as a new type of genetic dyslipidemia.
Spatial–temporal heterogeneity and determinants of HIV prevalence in the Mano River Union countries
Authors: Laybohr Kamara Idrissa , Wang Liang , Guo Yaxin , Huo Shuting , Guo Yuanyuan , Xu Chengdong , Liao Yilan , Liu William J. , Ma Wei , Gao George F. 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Background
Utilizing population-based survey data in epidemiological research with a spatial perspective can integrate valuable context into the dynamics of HIV prevalence in West Africa. However, the situation in the Mano River Union (MRU) countries is largely unknown. This research aims to perform an ecological study to determine the HIV prevalence patterns in MRU.

Methods
We analyzed Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) and AIDS Indicator Survey (AIS) data on HIV prevalence in MRU from 2005 to 2020. We examined the country-specific, regional-specific and sex-specific ratios of respondents to profile the spatial–temporal heterogeneity of HIV prevalence and determine HIV hot spots. We employed Geodetector to measure the spatial stratified heterogeneity (SSH) of HIV prevalence for adult women and men. We assessed the comprehensive correct knowledge (CCK) about HIV/AIDS and HIV testing uptake by employing the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression to predict which combinations of CCKs can scale up the ratio of HIV testing uptake with sex-specific needs.

Results
In our analysis, we leveraged data for 158,408 respondents from 11 surveys in the MRU. From 2005–2015, Cote d'Ivoire was the hot spot for HIV prevalence with a Gi_Bin score of 3, Z-Score 8.0–10.1 and P < 0.001. From 2016 to 2020, Guinea and Sierra Leone were hot spots for HIV prevalence with a Gi_Bin score of 2, Z-Score of 3.17 and P < 0.01. The SSH confirmed the significant differences in HIV prevalence at the national level strata, with a higher level for Cote d'Ivoire compared to other countries in both sexes with q-values of 0.61 and 0.40, respectively. Our LASSO model predicted different combinations of CCKs with sex-specific needs to improve HIV testing uptake.

Conclusions
The spatial distribution of HIV prevalence in the MRU is skewed and the CCK about HIV/AIDS and HIV testing uptake are far below the threshold target set by UNAIDS for ending the epidemic in the sub-region. Geodetector detected statistically significant SSH within and between countries in the MRU. Our LASSO model predicted that different emphases should be implemented when popularizing the CCK about HIV/AIDS for adult women and men.