bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Robust Approach to Quantifying Uncertainty in Matching Problems of Causal Inference
Authors: Morucci Marco , Noor-E-Alam Md. , Rudin Cynthia 
Published: October 2022

Unquantified sources of uncertainty in observational causal analyses can break the integrity of the results. One would never want another analyst to repeat a calculation with the same data set, using a seemingly identical procedure, only to find a different conclusion. However, as we show in this work, there is a typical source of uncertainty that is essentially never considered in observational causal studies: the choice of match assignment for matched groups—that is, which unit is matched to which other unit before a hypothesis test is conducted. The choice of match assignment is anything but innocuous and can have a surprisingly large influence on the causal conclusions. Given that a vast number of causal inference studies test hypotheses on treatment effects after treatment cases are matched with similar control cases, we should find a way to quantify how much this extra source of uncertainty impacts results. What we would really like to be able to report is that no matter which match assignment is made, as long as the match is sufficiently good, then the hypothesis test results are still informative. In this paper, we provide methodology based on discrete optimization to create robust tests that explicitly account for this possibility. We formulate robust tests for binary and continuous data based on common test statistics as integer linear programs solvable with common methodologies. We study the finite-sample behavior of our test statistic in the discrete-data case. We apply our methods to simulated and real-world data sets and show that they can produce useful results in practical applied settings. History: Galit Shmueli served as the senior editor for this article. Funding: Financial support from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada and the National Science Foundation [Grant IIS 2147061] is gratefully acknowledged. Data Ethics & Reproducibility Note: No data ethics considerations are foreseen related to this paper. Code and data to reproduce all the results in this paper are avilable at https://github.com/marcomorucci/robusttests and in the e-Companion to this article (available at https://doi.org/10.1287/ijds.2022.0020 ).
Strong Formulations for Distributionally Robust Chance-Constrained Programs with Left-Hand Side Uncertainty Under Wasserstein Ambiguity
Authors: Ho-Nguyen Nam , Kilinç-Karzan Fatma , Küçükyavuz Simge , Lee Dabeen 
Published: October 2022

Distributionally robust chance-constrained programs (DR-CCPs) over Wasserstein ambiguity sets exhibit attractive out-of-sample performance and admit big-M–based mixed-integer programming reformulations with conic constraints. However, the resulting formulations often suffer from scalability issues as problem size increases. To address this shortcoming, we derive stronger formulations that scale well with respect to the problem size. Our focus is on ambiguity sets under the so-called left-hand side uncertainty, where the uncertain parameters affect the coefficients of the decision variables in the linear inequalities defining the safety sets. The interaction between the uncertain parameters and the variable coefficients in the safety set definition causes challenges in strengthening the original big-M formulations. By exploiting the connection between nominal chance-constrained programs and DR-CCP, we obtain strong formulations with significant enhancements. In particular, through this connection, we derive a linear number of valid inequalities, which can be immediately added to the formulations to obtain improved formulations in the original space of variables. In addition, we suggest a quantile-based strengthening procedure that allows us to reduce the big-M coefficients drastically. Furthermore, based on this procedure, we propose an exponential class of inequalities that can be separated efficiently within a branch-and-cut framework. The quantile-based strengthening procedure can be expensive. Therefore, for the special case of covering and packing type problems, we identify an efficient scheme to carry out this procedure. We demonstrate the computational efficacy of our proposed formulations on two classes of problems, namely stochastic portfolio optimization and resource planning. Funding: This work was supported by the DARPA Lagrange Program [Grant N660011824020], the National Science Foundation [Grant 1740707], the Office of Naval Research [Grant N00014-19-1-2321], and the Institute for Basic Science [Grants IBS-R029-C1 and IBS-R029-Y2].
Prozessmodularisierung und -standardisierung als Grundlage für die Digitalisierung von Prozessen im Öffentlichen Gesundheitsdienst
Authors: von Tsurikov Artemiy , Engert Martin , Hein Andreas , Krcmar Helmut 
Published: October 2022

ZusammenfassungDie Digitalisierung des Öffentlichen Gesundheitsdienstes (ÖGD) in Deutschland weist nach wie vor Defizite auf, was nicht zuletzt im Kontext der Pandemiebewältigung zu Problemen führte. Zur Bewältigung ihrer Aufgaben benötigen die etwa 400 deutschen Gesundheitsämtern, eine entsprechende Softwareausstattung, deren Bereitstellung auch durch die Heterogenität des ÖGD erschwert wird. Entsprechend stellt die Standardisierung und Modularisierung von Prozessen die Grundlage für eine nachhaltige Digitalisierung des ÖGD dar. Aufbauend auf diesen Prozessmodellen können geeignete und breit anwendbare Softwaremodule für diverse Aufgabenbereiche der Gesundheitsämter entwickelt und bereitgestellt werden. Die durchgeführte Studie leistet einen ersten wichtigen Beitrag im Kontext der Digitalisierung des ÖGD, indem sie eine Vorgehensweise zur Prozessstandardisierung und -modularisierung entwickelt und beispielhaft anwendet. Im Rahmen dieser Studie erfolgte eine Standardisierung und Modularisierung von Prozessen im Bereich der Wasserhygiene basierend auf den Prozessen eines Gesundheitsamtes in Berlin. In einer Kombination von Design Science Research und Business Process Standardization (BPS) wurden stakeholderübergreifende Ende-zu-Ende Prozesse identifiziert, deren Ist-Zustände mit BPMN (Business Process Model and Notation) visualisiert und anschließend in generalisierbare Soll-Zustände überführt. Die Ergebnisse wurden schließlich mit zwei weiteren Gesundheitsämtern validiert. Die angewandte Methodik und die entwickelten Artefakte können einerseits zur Skalierung dieses Vorgehens in weiteren Gesundheitsämtern und andererseits als eine Grundlage für die Entwicklung von passenden und breit anwendbaren Softwarekomponenten genutzt werden.
Die elektronische Patientenakte als zentraler Bestandteil der digitalen Transformation im deutschen Gesundheitswesen – Eine Analyse von Akzeptanzfaktoren aus Patientensicht
Authors: Kus Kevin , Kajüter Patricia , Arlinghaus Tim , Teuteberg Frank 
Published: October 2022

ZusammenfassungDer demografische Wandel sowie der Fachkräftemangel in der medizinischen und pflegerischen Versorgung stellen das deutsche Gesundheitswesen vor große Herausforderungen. Die elektronische Patientenakte (ePA) als zentraler Bestandteil der Digitalisierung im Gesundheitswesen soll dabei helfen, den Datenaustausch zwischen den beteiligten Akteuren zu vereinfachen, Leistungserbringer zu entlasten und gleichzeitig die Datenhoheit beim Patienten zu belassen. Neben benötigten IT-Spezialisten ist die Akzeptanz der beteiligten Akteure, die insbesondere die Leistungserbringer und Patienten umfassen, von entscheidender Bedeutung für die erfolgreiche Adoption der ePA. In unserer Analyse beleuchten wir insbesondere die Faktoren, die auf die Nutzungsabsicht der ePA aus Sicht der Patienten einwirken, von denen bisher nur sehr wenige die ePA verwenden. Nach einer initialen Erläuterung der ePA und dem Einbezug relevanter Literatur werden 16 semistrukturierte Interviews mit Patienten durchgeführt, um wichtige Praxiserkenntnisse der (potenziellen) Nutzer zu erhalten. Darauf aufbauend wird ein Kategoriensystem von Akzeptanzfaktoren, die die Nutzung der ePA aus Patientensicht beeinflussen, entwickelt. Es lassen sich sechs Akzeptanzfaktoren identifizieren: (1) Informationsstand, (2) Gewohnheiten und normative Einflüsse, (3) Datenschutz, (4) Anwenderfreundlichkeit, (5) Medienkompetenz sowie (6) Funktionalitäten. Aus den Analyseergebnissen werden Handlungsempfehlungen für die ePA-Anbieter abgeleitet, die zu einer größeren Akzeptanz der ePA aus der Patientenperspektive führen können. Unser Forschungsvorhaben leistet einen wichtigen Beitrag dazu, welche Faktoren bei der Entwicklung und Bereitstellung der ePA aus Sicht der Patienten zu beachten sind und wie potenzielle Probleme dieser Nutzergruppe gelöst werden können.
Host selection and forage ratio in West Nile virus–transmitting Culex mosquitoes: Challenges and knowledge gaps
Authors: Riccetti Nicola , Fasano Augusto , Ferraccioli Federico , Gomez-Ramirez Jaime , Stilianakis Nikolaos I. 
Published: October 2022

Background
To date, no specific therapy or vaccination is available for West Nile virus (WNV) infections in humans; preventive strategies represent the only possibility to control transmission. To focus these strategies, detailed knowledge of the virus dynamics is of paramount importance. However, several aspects of WNV transmission are still unclear, especially regarding the role of potential vertebrate host species.
Whereas mosquitoes’ intrinsic characteristics cause them to favour certain hosts (host preference), absolute selection is impossible in natural settings. Conversely, the selection carried out among available hosts and influenced from hosts’ availability and other ecological/environmental factors is defined as host selection.

Methodology/Principal findings
In July 2022, we searched PubMed database for original articles exploring host selection among WNV-transmitting Culex mosquitoes, the main WNV vector. We considered only original field studies estimating and reporting forage ratio. This index results from the ratio between the proportion of blood meals taken by mosquitoes on potential host species and the hosts’ relative abundance.
From the originally retrieved 585 articles, 9 matched the inclusion criteria and were included in this review. All but one of the included studies were conducted in the Americas, six in the United States, and one each in Mexico and Colombia. The remaining study was conducted in Italy.
American Robin, Northern Cardinal, and House Finch were the most significantly preferred birds in the Americas, Common Blackbird in Italy.

Conclusions/Significance
Although ornithophilic, all observed WNV-transmitting mosquitoes presented opportunistic feeding behaviour. All the observed species showed potential to act as bridges for zoonotic diseases, feeding also on humans. All the observed mosquitoes presented host selection patterns and did not feed on hosts as expected by chance alone.
The articles observe different species of mosquitoes in different environments. In addition, the way the relative host abundance was determined differed. Finally, this review is not systematic. Therefore, the translation of our results to different settings should be conducted cautiously.
Clustering ICU patients with sepsis based on the patterns of their circulating biomarkers: A secondary analysis of the CAPTAIN prospective multicenter cohort study
Authors: Misset Benoît , Philippart François , Fitting Catherine , Bedos Jean-Pierre , Diehl Jean-Luc , Hamzaoui Olfa , Annane Djillali , Journois Didier , Parlato Marianna , Moucadel Virginie , Cavaillon Jean-Marc , Coste Joël ,   for the CAPTAIN Study Group
Published: October 2022

BackgroundAlthough sepsis is a life-threatening condition, its heterogeneous presentation likely explains the negative results of most trials on adjunctive therapy. This study in patients with sepsis aimed to identify subgroups with similar immune profiles and their clinical and outcome correlates.MethodsA secondary analysis used data of a prospective multicenter cohort that included patients with early assessment of sepsis. They were described using Predisposition, Insult, Response, Organ failure sepsis (PIRO) staging system. Thirty-eight circulating biomarkers (27 proteins, 11 mRNAs) were assessed at sepsis diagnosis, and their patterns were determined through principal component analysis (PCA). Hierarchical clustering was used to group the patients andk-means algorithm was applied to assess the internal validity of the clusters.ResultsTwo hundred and three patients were assessed, of median age 64.5 [52.0–77.0] years and SAPS2 score 55 [49–61] points. Five main patterns of biomarkers and six clusters of patients (including 42%, 21%, 17%, 9%, 5% and 5% of the patients) were evidenced. Clusters were distinguished according to the certainty of the causal infection, inflammation, use of organ support, pro- and anti-inflammatory activity, and adaptive profile markers.ConclusionsIn this cohort of patients with suspected sepsis, we individualized clusters which may be described with criteria used to stage sepsis. As these clusters are based on the patterns of circulating biomarkers, whether they might help to predict treatment responsiveness should be addressed in further studies.Trial registrationThe CAPTAIN study was registered on clinicaltrials.gov on June 22, 2011, #NCT01378169.
Comparison of arterial and venous allograft bypass in chronic limb-threatening ischemia
Authors: Garbaisz Dávid , Osztrogonácz Péter , Boros András Mihály , Hidi László , Sótonyi Péter , Szeberin Zoltán 
Published: October 2022

Introduction
Femoro-popliteal bypass with autologous vascular graft is a key revascularization method in chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI). However, the lack of suitable autologous conduit may occur in 15–45% of the patients, necessitating the implantation of prosthetic or allogen grafts. Only little data is available on the outcome of allograft use in CLTI.

Aims
Our objective were to evaluate the long term results of infrainguinal allograft bypass surgery in patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) and compare the results of arterial and venous allografts.

Methods
Single center, retrospective study analysing the outcomes of infrainguinal allograft bypass surgery in patients with CLTI between January 2007 and December 2017.

Results
During a 11-year period, 134 infrainguinal allograft bypasses were performed for CLTI [91 males (67.9%)]. Great saphenous vein (GSV) was implanted in 100 cases, superficial femoral artery (SFA) was implanted in 34 cases. Early postoperative complications appeared in 16.4% of cases and perioperative mortality (<30 days) was 1.4%. Primary patency at one, three and five years was 59%, 44% and 41%, respectively, while secondary patency was 60%, 45% and 41%, respectively. Primary patency of the SFA allografts was significantly higher than GSV allografts (1 year: SFA: 84% vs. GSV: 51% p = 0,001; 3 years: SFA: 76% vs. GSV: 32% p = 0,001; 5 years: SFA: 71% vs. GSV: 30% p = 0.001). Both primary and secondary patency of SFA allograft implanted in below-knee position were significantly higher than GSV bypasses (p = 0.0006; p = 0.0005, respectively). Limb salvage at one, three and five years following surgery was 74%, 64% and 62%, respectively. Long-term survival was 53% at 5 years.

Conclusion
Allograft implantation is a suitable method for limb salvage in CLTI. The patency of arterial allograft is better than venous allograft patency, especially in below-knee position during infrainguinal allograft bypass surgery.
Psychometric and biomedical outcomes of glycated haemoglobin target-setting in adults with type 1 and type 2 diabetes: Protocol for a mixed-methods parallel-group randomised feasibility study
Authors: Westall Samuel J. , Watmough Simon , Narayanan Ram Prakash , Irving Greg , Hardy Kevin 
Published: October 2022

Background
The disease burden of diabetes can have wide-ranging implications on patients’ psychological well-being and health-related quality of life. Glycated haemoglobin targets are commonly used to guide patient management in diabetes to reduce the future risk of developing diabetes complications, but little is known of the psychological impact of glycated haemoglobin target-setting. This protocol describes a study to determine the feasibility of evaluating psychological outcomes when setting explicit glycated haemoglobin targets in people with diabetes.

Methods
This single-centre randomised feasibility study will follow a mixed-methods approach across four sub-studies. In sub-study A, eligible adults (aged 18 and over) with type 1 or type 2 diabetes will complete baseline validated psychometric questionnaires evaluating health-related quality of life (EuroQoL-5D-5L), diabetes-related distress (Problem Areas In Diabetes), self-care (Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities), well-being (Well-Being Quetionnaire-12) and diabetes-related psychosocial self-efficacy (Diabetes Empowerment Scale-Long Form). Participants will be randomised to receive explicit glycated haemoglobin intervention targets 5mmol/mol above or below current glycated haemoglobin readings. Rates of eligibility, recruitment, retention and questionnaire response rate will be measured. Psychometric outcomes will be re-evaluated 3-months post-intervention. Sub-studies B and C will use qualitative semi-structured interviews to evaluate experiences, views and opinions of diabetes patients and healthcare professionals in relation to the acceptability of study processes, the use of glycated haemoglobin targets, the impact of diabetes on psychological well-being and, in sub-study D, barriers to participation in diabetes research.

Discussion
This mixed-methods study aims to provide a novel insight into the psychological implications of glycated haemoglobin target-setting for people with diabetes in secondary care, alongside testing the feasibility of undertaking a larger project of this nature.

Trial registration
The study is registered with the ISRCTN (registration number: 12461724; date registered: 11th June 2021). Protocol version: 2.0.5, 26th February 2021.
Participatory peer research exploring the experience of learning during Covid-19 for allied health and healthcare science students
Authors: Daly Lynn Jean , Ramsey Lucia , Marley Joanne , Rohde Johanna , McGuigan Toni-Marie , Reaney Adam , O’Neill Brenda , Jones Andrea , Kerr Danny , Hughes Ciara , McFadden Sonyia 
Published: October 2022

IntroductionThe teaching and learning experience of allied health and healthcare science students has altered because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Limited research has explored the experience on the future healthcare workforce using participatory research design. The aim of this study was to explore the impact of a global pandemic on the clinical and academic experiences of healthcare student using a co-production approach with student peer researchers.MethodsA participatory research approach adopting online focus groups facilitated by students trained as peer researchers was adopted. First, second and final year students from occupational therapy, physiotherapy, podiatry, healthcare science, diagnostic radiography and imaging, radiotherapy and oncology, and speech and language therapy were recruited to six focus groups. Data generated through focus groups were analysed thematically using the DEPICT model to support a partnership approach.ResultsTwenty-three participants took part in six focus groups. The themes identified were: rapid changes to learning; living alongside Covid-19 and psychological impact. Students preferred blended learning approaches when available, as reduced peer interaction, studying and sleeping in the same space, and technology fatigue decreased motivation.ConclusionDue to rapid changes in learning and the stress, anxiety and isolation created by the pandemic, managing study, personal life and placement resulted in a gap in confidence in clinical skills development for students. Students took their professional identity seriously, engaged in behaviours to reduce transmission of Covid-19 and employed a range of coping strategies to protect wellbeing. A challenge with the move to online delivery was the absence of informal peer learning and students indicated that moving forward they would value a hybrid approach to delivery. Higher Education should capitalise on innovative learning experiences developed during the pandemic however it is important to research the impact this has on student skill acquisition and learning experience.
Posthemorrhagic ventricular dilatation late intervention threshold and associated brain injury
Authors: Valverde Eva , Ybarra Marta , Benito Andrea V. , Bravo María Carmen , Pellicer Adelina 
Published: October 2022

ObjectiveTo systematically assess white matter injury (WMI) in preterm infants with posthemorrhagic ventricular dilatation (PHVD) using a high-threshold intervention strategy.Study designThis retrospective analysis included 85 preterm infants (≤34 weeks of gestation) with grade 2–3 germinal matrix-intraventricular hemorrhage. Cranial ultrasound (cUS) scans were assessed for WMI and ventricular width and shape. Forty-eight infants developed PHVD, 21 of whom (intervention group) underwent cerebrospinal fluid drainage according to a predefined threshold (ventricular index ≥p97+4 mm or anterior horn width >10 mm, and the presence of frontal horn ballooning). The other 27 infants underwent a conservative approach (non-intervention group). The two PHVD groups were compared regarding ventricular width at two stages: the worst cUS for the non-intervention group (scans showing the largest ventricular measurements) versus pre-intervention cUS in the intervention group, and at term equivalent age. WMI was classified as normal/mild, moderate and severe.ResultsThe intervention group showed significantly larger ventricular index, anterior horn width and thalamo-occipital diameter than the non-intervention group at the two timepoints. Moderate and severe WMI were more frequent in the infants with PHVD (p<0.001), regardless of management (intervention or conservative management). There was a linear relationship between the severity of PHVD and WMI (p<0.001).ConclusionsPreterm infants with PHVD who undergo a high-threshold intervention strategy associate an increased risk of WMI.
Adhesions in abdomino-pelvic surgeries: A real economic impact?
Authors: Capmas Perrine , Payen Florent , Lemaire Anais , Fernandez Hervé 
Published: October 2022

Study objective
To evaluate the epidemiologic and economic burden related to adhesions and their complications for the French healthcare system.

Design
A descriptive and economic retrospective analysis.

Setting
Medicalized information system program (PMSI), national scale of costs.

Patients
Female patients operated on to treat adhesions related complications in 2019.

Interventions
All patients with coded adhesiolysis acts were selected in order to identify the characteristics of Diagnosis related groups (DRG) and compare them with the general DRGs. Then, a sub-analysis on surgery types (laparoscopy or open procedures) was performed to evaluate impact adhesions development and Length of Stay. Lastly, direct costs of adhesions for the healthcare system were quantified based upon adhesiolysis acts coded as main diagnosis.

Measurements and main results
26.387 adhesiolysis procedures were listed in France in 2019 through 8 adhesiolysis acts regrouping open surgeries and laparoscopic procedures. Adhesiolysis was coded in up to 34% in some DRGs for laparoscopic procedures. 1551 (1461 studied in our study) surgeries have been realized in 2019 with main procedure: adhesiolysis. These surgeries were associated with an expense of €4 million for the healthcare system for rehospitalizations and reoperations only. Social costs such as sick leaves, drugs and other cares haven’t been taken in consideration.

Conclusion
Adhesions related complications represent a massive burden for patients and an expensive problem for society. These difficulties may likely to be reduced by a broader use of antiadhesion barriers, at least in some targeted procedures.