bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An examination of machine learning to map non‐preference based patient reported outcome measures to health state utility values
Authors: Aghdaee Mona , Parkinson Bonny , Sinha Kompal , Gu Yuanyuan , Sharma Rajan , Olin Emma , Cutler Henry 
Published: June 2022

AbstractNon‐preference‐based patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs) are popular in health outcomes research. These measures, however, cannot be used to estimate health state utilities, limiting their usefulness for economic evaluations. Mapping PROMs to a multi‐attribute utility instrument is one solution. While mapping is commonly conducted using econometric techniques, failing to specify the complex interactions between variables may lead to inaccurate prediction of utilities, resulting in inaccurate estimates of cost‐effectiveness and suboptimal funding decisions. These issues can be addressed using machine learning. This paper evaluates the use of machine learning as a mapping tool. We adopt a comprehensive approach to compare six machine learning techniques with eight econometric techniques to map the Patient‐Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Global Health 10 (PROMIS‐GH10) to the EuroQol five dimensions (EQ‐5D‐5L). Using data collected from 2015 Australians, we find the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) model out‐performed all machine learning techniques and the adjusted limited dependent variable mixture model (ALDVMM) out‐performed all econometric techniques, with the LASSO performing better than ALDVMM. The variable selection feature of LASSO was then used to enhance the performance of the ALDVMM in a hybrid model. Our analysis identifies the potential benefits and challenges of using machine learning techniques for mapping and offers important insights for future research.
Decellularization of porcine esophageal tissue at three diameters and the bioscaffold modification with EETs‐ECM gel
Authors: Orozco‐Vega Adriana , Montes‐Rodríguez Metzeri I. , Luévano‐Colmenero Guadalupe H. , Barros‐Gómez Jimena , Muñoz‐González Pedro U. , Flores‐Moreno Mauricio , Delgadillo‐Holtfort Isabel , Vega‐González Arturo , Rojo Francisco J. , Guinea Gustavo V. , Mendoza‐Novelo Birzabith 
Published: June 2022

AbstractDamaged complex modular organs repair is a current clinical challenge in which one of the primary goals is to keep their biological response. An interesting case of study it is the porcine esophagus since it is a tubular muscular tissue selected as raw material for tissue engineering. The design of esophageal constructs can draw on properties of the processed homologous extracellular matrix (ECM). In this work, we report the decellularization of multilayered esophagus tissue from 1‐, 21‐ and 45‐days old piglets through the combination of reversible alkaline swelling and detergent perfusion. The bioscaffolds were characterized in terms of their residual composition and tensile mechanical properties. The biological response to esophageal submucosal derived bioscaffolds modified with ECM gel containing epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) was then evaluated. Results suggest that the composition (laminin, fibronectin, and sulphated glycosaminoglycans/sGAG) depends on the donor age: a better efficiency of the decellularization process combined with a higher retention of sGAG and fibronectin is observed in piglet esophageal scaffolds. The heterogeneity of this esophageal ECM is maintained, which implied the preservation of anisotropic tensile properties. Coating of bioscaffolds with ECM gel is suitable for carrying esophageal epithelial cells and EETs. Bioactivity of EETs‐ECM gel modified esophageal submucosal bioscaffolds is observed to promote neovascularization and antiinflammatory after rabbit full‐thickness esophageal defect replacement.
A semiparametric approach for meta‐analysis of diagnostic accuracy studies with multiple cut‐offs
Authors: Frömke Cornelia , Kirstein Mathia , Zapf Antonia 
Published: June 2022

AbstractThe accuracy of a diagnostic test is often expressed using a pair of measures: sensitivity (proportion of test positives among all individuals with target condition) and specificity (proportion of test negatives among all individuals without target condition). If the outcome of a diagnostic test is binary, results from different studies can easily be summarized in a meta‐analysis. However, if the diagnostic test is based on a discrete or continuous measure (e.g., a biomarker), several cut‐offs within one study as well as among different studies are published. Instead of taking all information of the cut‐offs into account in the meta‐analysis, a single cut‐off per study is often selected arbitrarily for the analysis, even though there are statistical methods for the incorporation of several cut‐offs. For these methods, distributional assumptions have to be met and/or the models may not converge when specific data structures occur. We propose a semiparametric approach to overcome both problems. Our simulation study shows that the diagnostic accuracy is under‐estimated, although this underestimation in sensitivity and specificity is relatively small. The comparative approach of Steinhauser et al. is better in terms of coverage probability, but may lead to convergence problems. In addition to the simulation results, we illustrate the application of the semiparametric approach using a published meta‐analysis for a diagnostic test differentiating between bacterial and viral meningitis in children.
Lessons learnt: Undertaking rapid reviews on public health and social measures during a global pandemic
Authors: Rehfuess Eva A. , Burns Jacob B. , Pfadenhauer Lisa M. , Krishnaratne Shari , Littlecott Hannah , Meerpohl Joerg J. , Movsisyan Ani 
Published: June 2022

AbstractPublic health and social measures (PHSM) have been central to the COVID‐19 response. Consequently, there has been much pressure on decision‐makers to make evidence‐informed decisions and on researchers to synthesize the evidence regarding these measures. This article describes our experiences, responses and lessons learnt regarding key challenges when planning and conducting rapid reviews of PHSM during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Stakeholder consultations and scoping reviews to obtain an overview of the evidence inform the scope of reviews that are policy‐relevant and feasible. Multiple complementary reviews serve to examine the benefits and harms of PHSM across different populations and contexts. Conceiving reviews of effectiveness as adaptable living reviews helps to respond to evolving evidence needs and an expanding evidence base. An appropriately skilled review team and good planning, coordination and communication ensures smooth and rigorous processes and efficient use of resources. Scientific rigor, the practical implications of PHSM‐related complexity and likely time savings should be carefully weighed in deciding on methodological shortcuts. Making the best possible use of modeling studies represents a particular challenge, and methods should be carefully chosen, piloted and implemented. Our experience raises questions regarding the nature of rapid reviews and regarding how different types of evidence should be considered in making decisions about PHSM during a global pandemic. We highlight the need for readily available protocols for conducting studies on the effectiveness, unintended consequences and implementation of PHSM in a timely manner, as well as the need for rapid review standards tailored to “rapid” versus “emergency” mode reviewing.
Dietary fiber ameliorates lead‐induced gut microbiota disturbance and alleviates neuroinflammation
Authors: Yao Mei , Shao Xingfeng , Wei Yingying , Zhang Xin , Wang Hongfei , Xu Feng 
Published: June 2022

AbstractDietary fiber (DF) is a carbohydrate from the edible part of plants and has the functions of promoting gastrointestinal motility, regulating gut microbiota (GM) and improving health. Lead is a non‐essential toxic heavy metal that can accumulate in the environment over time and enter the body through the respiratory tract, skin and gastrointestinal tract. Lead not only causes disturbances in GM but also leads to loss of homeostasis of immune functions, causes neuronal damage and results in neuroinflammation. The scientific literature has reported that DF had anti‐inflammatory activity as a natural product. This review highlights the role of DF and its metabolic products in alleviating lead‐induced neuroinflammation by inducing changes in the species and quantity of GM and regulating the immune system, providing a potential dietary protective strategy for lead‐induced disease. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Clinical detection of “extremely low‐risk” follicular thyroid carcinoma: A population‐based study of 7304 patients
Authors: Le Minh‐Khang , Odate Toru , Vuong Huy Gia , Mochizuki Kunio , Kondo Tetsuo 
Published: June 2022

AbstractBackgroundPrevious studies have not been consistent in the risk of metastasis in follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC). Therefore, we conducted a large population study to stratify the risk of distant metastasis in FTC patients using only clinical parameters.MethodsWe extracted FTC patients from The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database and divided them into training and validation cohorts.ResultsThe two cohorts consisted of 4913 and 2391 patients, respectively. We developed a nomogram and risk table based on a logistic regression model using algorithm‐selected variables. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analyses showed high discriminatory power in the training and validation cohorts (Area under the curve [AUC] of 0.85 and 0.84, respectively). Extremely low, low, intermediate, and high‐risk groups had 0.3%, 1%, 3.5%, and 16.7% risk of distant metastasis, respectively.ConclusionsOur risk scoring table can separates patients into four risk groups and efficiently detect patients with almost no risk of metastasis.
Targeted protein quantitation in human body fluids by mass spectrometry
Authors: Chen Yi‐Ting , Liao Wan‐Rou , Wang Hsueh‐Ting , Chen Hsiao‐Wei , Chen Sung‐Fang 
Published: June 2022

AbstractHuman body fluids (biofluids) contain various proteins, some of which reflect individuals' physiological conditions or predict diseases. Therefore, the analysis of biofluids can provide substantial information on novel biomarkers for clinical diagnosis and prognosis. In the past decades, mass spectrometry (MS)‐based technologies have been developed as proteomic strategies not only for the identification of protein biomarkers but also for biomarker verification/validation in body fluids for clinical applications. The main advantage of targeted MS‐based methodologies is the accurate and specific simultaneous quantitation of multiple biomarkers with high sensitivity. Here, we review MS‐based methodologies that are currently used for the targeted quantitation of protein components in human body fluids, especially in plasma, urine, cerebrospinal fluid, and saliva. In addition, the currently used MS‐based methodologies are summarized with a specific focus on applicable clinical sample types, MS configurations, and acquisition modes.
Exploring the characteristics and most bothersome symptoms in MECP2 duplication syndrome to pave the path toward developing parent‐oriented outcome measures
Authors: Ak Muharrem , Suter Bernhard , Akturk Zekeriya , Harris Holly , Bowyer Kristina , Mignon Laurence , Pasupuleti Sasidhar , Glaze Daniel G. , Pehlivan Davut 
Published: June 2022

AbstractBackgroundMECP2 Duplication Syndrome (MDS), resulting from the duplication of Xq28 region, including MECP2, is a rare disorder with a nascent understanding in clinical features and severity. Studies using antisense oligonucleotides revealed a broad phenotypic rescue in transgenic mice. With human clinical trials on the horizon, there is a need to develop clinical outcome measures for MDS.MethodsWe surveyed caregivers of MDS individuals to explore the frequency and severity of MDS clinical features, and identify the most meaningful symptoms/domains that need to be included in the outcome measure scales.ResultsA total of 101 responses were eligible for the survey. The top six most meaningful symptoms to caregivers in descending order included epilepsy, gross motor, fine motor, communication, infection, and constipation problems. Epilepsy was present in 58.4% of the subjects and 75% were drug‐resistant, Furthermore, ~12% required intensive care unit (ICU) admission. Infections were present in 55% of the subjects, and one‐fourth of them required ICU admission. Constipation was present in ~85% of the subjects and one‐third required enemas/suppositories.ConclusionOur study is one of the largest cohorts conducted on MDS individuals characterizing the frequency and severity of MDS symptoms. Additionally, these study results will contribute to establishing a foundation to develop parent‐reported outcomes in MDS.
Recent Advances in the Applications of Water‐soluble Resorcinarene‐based Deep Cavitands
Authors: Zhu Yu‐Jie , Zhao Ming‐Kai , Rebek Julius , Yu Yang 
Published: June 2022

AbstractWe review here the use of container molecules known as cavitands for performing organic reactions in water. Central to these endeavors are binding forces found in water, and among the strongest of these is the hydrophobic effect. We describe how the hydrophobic effect can be used to drive organic molecule guests into the confined space of cavitand hosts. Other forces participating in guest binding include cation−π interactions, chalcogen bonding and even hydrogen bonding to water involved in the host structure. The reactions of guests take advantage of their contortions in the limited space of the cavitands which enhance macrocyclic and site‐selective processes. The cavitands are applied to the removal of organic pollutants from water and to the separation of isomeric guests. Progress is described on maneuvering the containers from stoichiometric participation to roles as catalysts.
Physicochemical insights into the rational designing of new acceptor molecules by donor bridge modifications for efficient solar cells: In silico chemistry
Authors: Haroon Muhammad , Fatima Wajiha , Janjua Muhammad Ramzan Saeed Ashraf 
Published: June 2022

AbstractIn small‐molecule organic solar cells (SM‐OSCs), it remains a big challenge to obtain favorable bulk heterojunction morphology by acceptor material design. In this report, efforts are being made to design efficient acceptor molecules for the active layer of the organic solar cell. Donor bridge modifications have been made by using effective donor units, and thus, four new molecules (KSD1–KSD4) have been designed and examined theoretically. Density functional theory (DFT) and time‐dependent density functional theory (TD‐DFT) have been employed for the calculation of various geometric and structural parameters. Transition density matrix, open‐circuit voltage, reorganizational energy of hole and electron, and photovoltaic characteristics of newly designed molecules have been examined through quantum chemical techniques. Additionally, the frontier molecular orbital analysis along with excitation and binding energies has been performed for these molecules. A narrow bandgap with a redshift in absorption spectrum is observed for KSD1–KSD4 molecules. Results of different analyses have recommended that the designed molecules are effective contributors for organic solar cell applications.
The challenges of the low birth rate in China
Authors: Lucero‐Prisno Don Eliseo , Kouwenhoven M. B. N. , Vicerra Paolo Miguel Manalang , Ma Zheng Feei , Méndez María José González , Gacutno‐Evardone Angelica Joyce Abordo , Manirambona Emery , Gyeltshen Dawa , Musa Shuaibu Saidu 
Published: June 2022

AbstractIntroductionThe population growth rate of China has been steadily declining owing to the low birth rate of the country. The Chinese census also indicates that the population is also rapidly ageing because of increasing life expectancy in conjunction with the low birth rate.MethodWe performed a commentary to point out the challenges of the low birth rate in China. A comprehensive data search was performed in data bases such as Google Scholar and PubMed using predetermined search term.ResultsThe decline in birth rate is due to societal changes including increasing standard of living. Although the Chinese government has recently allowed couples to have up to three children in a major policy shift, many couples remain unwilling to have more than one child due to the high cost. An increasing fraction of Chinese women, particularly among the highly‐educated urban dwellers, no longer regard marriage and parenthood as essential aspects of life.ConclusionIf not addressed urgently, the declining young population will impact China's future socio‐economic situation, as there will be a smaller workforce relative to an increasing dependent older population. The repercussions may cascade to other spheres of China's status, including socioeconomic, security and global influence, if not addressed decisively. It is imperative that the country develops policies, strategies, and approaches to tackle this issue, including human capital development and the use of technology and innovations.
Revisiting the issue of access to medicines in Africa: Challenges and recommendations
Authors: Adebisi Yusuff Adebayo , Nwogu Ifechukwu Benedict , Alaran Aishat Jumoke , Badmos Abubakar Olaitan , Bamgboye Adeboye Olakunle , Rufai Basirat Oluwadamilola , Okonji Osaretin Christabel , Malik Malik O. , Teibo John Oluwafemi , Abdalla Samah Faisal , Lucero‐Prisno Don Eliseo , Samai Mohamed , Akande‐Sholabi Wuraola 
Published: June 2022

AbstractBackgroundAccess to safe, effective, affordable, and quality medicines is an essential component of the right to health and is also one of the targets in the global development agenda. In this review article, we extensively discuss the challenges and issues surrounding access to medicines in the African region as well as provides recommendations for ensuring medicines security on the continent.MethodsWe conducted narrative review with the use of data reported in published literature, reports, and grey literature available in African countries on topics pertaining access to medicines. The authors also snowballed further data to gather information for this review and narrative synthesis was conducted.ResultsAfrica faces a double burden of infectious and non‐communicable diseases and the need for effective universal access to medicines cannot be deemphasized. However, access to medicines on the continent is not without issues and challenges. Some of which are the high burden of infectious diseases and non‐infectious diseases, limited pharmaceutical industries and high costs of raw materials, overdependence on countries abroad for medicines, poor supply chain systems, lack of government investment in the pharmaceutical sector, unfavourable manufacturing conditions, limited health workforce, lack of sustainable health financing mechanisms, lack of infrastructures and technical know‐how, low investment on research and development, and circulation of fake and counterfeit medicines among others.ConclusionThis review reifies that access to medicines in Africa faces numerous challenges and it emphasizes the urgent need to address these issues as the continent geared towards strengthening its health systems for universal health coverage.
Impact of abnormal karyotype on reproductive outcome in premature ovarian insufficiency
Authors: Grin Leonti , Ishizuka Bunpei , Onimaru Asami , Furuya Masataka , Kawamura Kazuhiro 
Published: June 2022

AbstractPurposeThis study evaluated the reproductive potential of premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) patients with abnormal karyotypes undergoing infertility treatments.MethodsA retrospective analysis of infertility treatments in POI patients with an abnormal karyotype treatment. Clinical and laboratory data were analyzed.ResultsThe study group was forty‐nine POI patients. Follicular growth was achieved in 29% (89/307) controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) cycles in 57% (28/49) of patients. Oocyte retrieval was attempted in 47% (23/49) of patients with a proportion of successful oocyte retrieval per oocyte pick‐up (OPU) of 59.4% (41/69). The average number of retrieved oocytes was 2.4 ± 2.7 per patient and fertilization rate was 70.7% (29/41). Embryo transfer (ET) performed in eight patients with a total of nine ET attempts, resulting in 33.3% (3/9) of live birth rate per ET. Three patients delivered a healthy baby (6.1% (3/49) of live birth rate per patient). Mosaic Turner syndrome patients had a longer duration of amenorrhea and lower chances of successful follicular growth with OPU in 35.7% (5/14) of patients, whereas 47XXX had shorter duration of amenorrhea and COS with follicle growth with OPU in 83.3% (5/6).ConclusionCOS might provide an opportunity for POI women with abnormal karyotypes to conceive a biological offspring.
Anticorrosive Performance of Wild Lycium ferocissimum Miers Fruit Extract on Carbon Steel in an Acidic Medium
Authors: Fadhil Hajer , Mraihi Farouk , Ayadi Pr. Malika Trabelsi , Cherif Pr. Jamila Kalthoum 
Published: June 2022

AbstractIn the last decade, the increasing environmental awareness among scientists brought out green innovations and adequate exploitation of natural resources in corrosion inhibition technology. Herein, the phenolic extract of the Lycium ferocissimum Miers fruit plant was prepared and tested at various stages of maturity as a corrosion inhibitor on commercial carbon steel in an acidic medium (HCl,1 M). The main components of L. ferocissimum extracts were identified by high‐performance liquid chromatography‐electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HPLC‐MS/ESI). Nine phenolic compounds were found in the extract and the richness in polyphenol content was found in the first stage of maturity. The inhibition performance and mechanism were investigated using potentiodynamic polarization (PDP), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and weight loss measurements. Assay results revealed similar values in inhibition percentages, around 80 % at an extract concentration of 100 ppm. The inhibition efficiency was critically dependent on the stage of maturity and extractive solvent. Both electrochemical and loss measurements demonstrated that the first stage of maturity displays the highest corrosion inhibition effectiveness and the ethanolic extract presents the strongest active properties.
High Efficient Catalyst of N‐doped Carbon Modified Copper Containing Rich Cu−N−C Active Sites for Electrocatalytic CO2 Reduction
Authors: Sun Yingxin , Jing Haiyan , Wu Zongdeng , Yu Jia , Gao Haiwen , Zhang Yuehua , He Guangyu , Lei Wu , Hao Qingli 
Published: June 2022

AbstractThe synthesis of multi‐carbon products through electrochemical CO2 reduction reactions has attracted great interest from researchers. Herein, nitrogen‐ and carbon‐doped copper nanocatalyst (NC−Cu) containing abundant Cu−N−C active sites was prepared by thermal decomposition of the complexes containing copper and melamine. The NC−Cu catalyst exhibited an ideal current density of 22 mA cm−2 at −0.93 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode (vs. RHE) in CO2‐saturated 0.5 M KHCO3 medium, with ethanol as the predominant product at −0.93 V (vs. RHE) and a maximum Faraday efficiency of 31 %. The current density of the catalyst remained almost unchanged after 20 h of electrolysis, indicating its excellent stability. The excellent catalytic ability is attributed to the abundant Cu−N−C active sites of NC−Cu with 3D porous microstructure.