bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessing the cost-effectiveness of contraceptive methods from a health provider perspective: case study of Kiambu County Hospital, Kenya
Authors: Ngacha James Kiragu , Ayah Richard 
Published: January 2022

AbstractBackgroundKenya’s contraceptive prevalence rate at 53% is low, with wide disparity among the 47 counties that make up the country (2–76%). Significant financial investment is required to maintain this level of contraceptive use and increase it to levels seen in more developed countries. This is in the context of a growing population, declining donor funding, limited fiscal space and competing health challenges. Studies have shown that long-term contraceptive methods are more cost-effective than short-term methods. However, it is unclear if this applies in Sub-Saharan Africa; with limited financial resources, lower social economic status among users, and publicly managed commodity supply chains, in vertical programs largely dependent on donor funding. This study assessed the cost-effectiveness of contraceptive methods used in Kenya.MethodsA cross-sectional study was undertaken in a county referral hospital in mid-2018. Purposive sampling of 5 family planning clinic providers and systematic sampling of 15 service delivery sessions per method was done. Questionnaire aided interviews were done to determine inputs required to provide services and direct observation to measure time taken to provide each method. Cost per method was determined using activity based costing, effectiveness via couple year protection conversion factors, and cost-effectiveness was expressed as cost per couple year protection.ResultsThe intra-uterine copper device was most cost-effective at 4.87 US dollars per couple year protection followed by the 2-Rod Implant at 6.36, the 1-Rod Implant at 9.50, DMPA at 23.68, while the combined oral contraceptive pills were least cost-effective at 38.60 US dollars per couple year protection. Long-term methods attracted a higher initial cost of service delivery when compared to short-term methods.ConclusionLong-term contraceptive methods are more cost-effective. As such, investing in long-term contraceptives would save costs despite higher initial cost of service delivery. It is recommended, therefore, that Sub-Saharan Africa countries allocate more domestic financial resources towards availability of contraceptive services, preferably with multi-year planning and budget commitment. The resources should be invested in a wide range of interventions shown to increase uptake of long-term methods, including reduction of cost barriers for the younger population, thereby increasing contraceptive prevalence rates.
Blood-based epigenome-wide analyses of cognitive abilities
Authors: McCartney Daniel L. , Hillary Robert F. , Conole Eleanor L. S. , Banos Daniel Trejo , Gadd Danni A. , Walker Rosie M. , Nangle Cliff , Flaig Robin , Campbell Archie , Murray Alison D. , Maniega Susana Muñoz , Valdés-Hernández María del C. , Harris Mathew A. , Bastin Mark E. , Wardlaw Joanna M. , Harris Sarah E. , Porteous David J. , Tucker-Drob Elliot M. , McIntosh Andrew M. , Evans Kathryn L. , Deary Ian J. , Cox Simon R. , Robinson Matthew R. , Marioni Riccardo E. 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background
Blood-based markers of cognitive functioning might provide an accessible way to track neurodegeneration years prior to clinical manifestation of cognitive impairment and dementia.

Results
Using blood-based epigenome-wide analyses of general cognitive function, we show that individual differences in DNA methylation (DNAm) explain 35.0% of the variance in general cognitive function (g). A DNAm predictor explains ~4% of the variance, independently of a polygenic score, in two external cohorts. It also associates with circulating levels of neurology- and inflammation-related proteins, global brain imaging metrics, and regional cortical volumes.

Conclusions
As sample sizes increase, the ability to assess cognitive function from DNAm data may be informative in settings where cognitive testing is unreliable or unavailable.
Relative asymptotic equivalence of dynamic equations on time scales
Authors: Duque Cosme , Leiva Hugo , Tridane Abdessamad 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThis paper aims to study the relative equivalence of the solutions of the following dynamic equations $y^{\Delta }(t)=A(t)y(t)$

y
Δ

(
t
)
=
A
(
t
)
y
(
t
)
and $x^{\Delta }(t)=A(t)x(t)+f(t,x(t))$

x
Δ

(
t
)
=
A
(
t
)
x
(
t
)
+
f
(
t
,
x
(
t
)
)
in the sense that if $y(t)$
y
(
t
)
is a given solution of the unperturbed system, we provide sufficient conditions to prove that there exists a family of solutions $x(t)$
x
(
t
)
for the perturbed system such that $\Vert y(t)-x(t) \Vert =o( \Vert y(t) \Vert )$
∥
y
(
t
)
−
x
(
t
)
∥
=
o
(
∥
y
(
t
)
∥
)
, as $t\rightarrow \infty $
t
→
∞
, and conversely, given a solution $x(t)$
x
(
t
)
of the perturbed system, we give sufficient conditions for the existence of a family of solutions $y(t)$
y
(
t
)
for the unperturbed system, and such that $\Vert y(t)-x(t) \Vert =o( \Vert x(t) \Vert )$
∥
y
(
t
)
−
x
(
t
)
∥
=
o
(
∥
x
(
t
)
∥
)
, as $t\rightarrow \infty $
t
→
∞
; and in doing so, we have to extend Rodrigues inequality, the Lyapunov exponents, and the polynomial exponential trichotomy on time scales.
Locally structured correlation (LSC) plots describe inhomogeneity in normally distributed correlated bivariate variables
Authors: Mumm Rebekka , Scheffler Christiane , Hermanussen Michael 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background
The association between bivariate variables may not necessarily be homogeneous throughout the whole range of the variables. We present a new technique to describe inhomogeneity in the association of bivariate variables.

Methods
We consider the correlation of two normally distributed random variables. The 45° diagonal through the origin of coordinates represents the line on which all points would lie if the two variables completely agreed. If the two variables do not completely agree, the points will scatter on both sides of the diagonal and form a cloud. In case of a high association between the variables, the band width of this cloud will be narrow, in case of a low association, the band width will be wide. The band width directly relates to the magnitude of the correlation coefficient. We then determine the Euclidean distances between the diagonal and each point of the bivariate correlation, and rotate the coordinate system clockwise by 45°. The standard deviation of all Euclidean distances, named “global standard deviation”, reflects the band width of all points along the former diagonal. Calculating moving averages of the standard deviation along the former diagonal results in “locally structured standard deviations” and reflect patterns of “locally structured correlations (LSC)”. LSC highlight inhomogeneity of bivariate correlations. We exemplify this technique by analyzing the association between body mass index (BMI) and hip circumference (HC) in 6313 healthy East German adults aged 18 to 70 years.

Results
The correlation between BMI and HC in healthy adults is not homogeneous. LSC is able to identify regions where the predictive power of the bivariate correlation between BMI and HC increases or decreases, and highlights in our example that slim people have a higher association between BMI and HC than obese people.

Conclusion
Locally structured correlations (LSC) identify regions of higher or lower than average correlation between two normally distributed variables.
Risk factors for nosocomial SARS-CoV-2 infections in patients: results from a retrospective matched case–control study in a tertiary care university center
Authors: Aghdassi Seven Johannes Sam , Schwab Frank , Peña Diaz Luis Alberto , Brodzinski Annika , Fucini Giovanni-Battista , Hansen Sonja , Kohlmorgen Britta , Piening Brar , Schlosser Beate , Schneider Sandra , Weikert Beate , Wiese-Posselt Miriam , Wolff Sebastian , Behnke Michael , Gastmeier Petra , Geffers Christine 
Published: January 2022

AbstractBackgroundFactors contributing to the spread of SARS-CoV-2 outside the acute care hospital setting have been described in detail. However, data concerning risk factors for nosocomial SARS-CoV-2 infections in hospitalized patients remain scarce. To close this research gap and inform targeted measures for the prevention of nosocomial SARS-CoV-2 infections, we analyzed nosocomial SARS-CoV-2 cases in our hospital during a defined time period.MethodsData on nosocomial SARS-CoV-2 infections in hospitalized patients that occurred between May 2020 and January 2021 at Charité university hospital in Berlin, Germany, were retrospectively gathered. A SARS-CoV-2 infection was considered nosocomial if the patient was admitted with a negative SARS-CoV-2 reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction test and subsequently tested positive on day five or later. As the incubation period of SARS-CoV-2 can be longer than five days, we defined a subgroup of “definite” nosocomial SARS-CoV-2 cases, with a negative test on admission and a positive test after day 10, for which we conducted a matched case–control study with a one to one ratio of cases and controls. We employed a multivariable logistic regression model to identify factors significantly increasing the likelihood of nosocomial SARS-CoV-2 infections.ResultsA total of 170 patients with a nosocomial SARS-CoV-2 infection were identified. The majority of nosocomial SARS-CoV-2 patients (n = 157, 92%) had been treated at wards that reported an outbreak of nosocomial SARS-CoV-2 cases during their stay or up to 14 days later. For 76 patients with definite nosocomial SARS-CoV-2 infections, controls for the case–control study were matched. For this subgroup, the multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed documented contact to SARS-CoV-2 cases (odds ratio: 23.4 (95% confidence interval: 4.6–117.7)) and presence at a ward that experienced a SARS-CoV-2 outbreak (odds ratio: 15.9 (95% confidence interval: 2.5–100.8)) to be the principal risk factors for nosocomial SARS-CoV-2 infection.ConclusionsWith known contact to SARS-CoV-2 cases and outbreak association revealed as the primary risk factors, our findings confirm known causes of SARS-CoV-2 infections and demonstrate that these also apply to the acute care hospital setting. This underscores the importance of rapidly identifying exposed patients and taking adequate preventive measures.
Seismic Performance Assessment of Deteriorated Two-Span Reinforced Concrete Bridges
Authors: Kim Tae-Hoon 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThis paper presents a nonlinear analysis procedure for the seismic performance assessment of deteriorated reinforced concrete bridges using a modified damage index. A finite-element analysis program, RCAHEST (Reinforced Concrete Analysis in Higher Evaluation System Technology), is used to analyze deteriorated two-span simply supported reinforced concrete bridges. The new nonlinear material models for deteriorated reinforced concrete behaviors were proposed, considering corrosion effects as shown in a reduction in reinforcement section and bond strength. A modified damage index aims to quantify the seismic performance level in deteriorated reinforced concrete bridges. Several parameters of two-span simply supported deteriorated reinforced concrete bridge have been studied to determine the seismic performance levels. The newly developed analytical method for assessing the seismic performance of deteriorated reinforced concrete bridges is verified by comparison with the experimental and analytical parameter results.
The multi-actor approach in thematic networks for agriculture and forestry innovation
Authors: Feo Elena , Spanoghe Pieter , Berckmoes Els , Pascal Elodie , Mosquera-Losada Rosa , Opdebeeck Alexander , Burssens Sylvia 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThe co-creation and sharing of knowledge among different types of actors with complementary expertise is known as the Multi-Actor Approach (MAA). This paper presents how Horizon2020 Thematic-Networks (TNs) deal with the MAA and put forward best practices during the different project phases, based on the results of a desktop study, interviews, surveys and expert workshops. The study shows that not all types of actors are equally involved in TN consortia and participatory activities, meaning TNs might be not sufficiently demand-driven and the uptake of the results is not optimal. Facilitators are key to contributing to the relationships and the mutual understanding between different actors. Moreover, a user-friendly digital knowledge platform linked to demonstration activities and peer-to-peer exchange can improve the sharing of knowledge, enhancing impact in agricultural and forestry innovation in the longer term.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and associated public health response on people with eating disorder symptomatology: an Australian study
Authors: Miskovic-Wheatley Jane , Koreshe Eyza , Kim Marcellinus , Simeone Rachel , Maguire Sarah 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Objective
People with lived experience of eating disorders (ED) may be particularly vulnerable to the COVID-19 pandemic and associated public health response due to exasperating situations such as social isolation, presence of other mental and physical health conditions, disruptions to treatment, etc. This study investigates the association of the pandemic with ED symptomatology to consider impact and identify risk factors for clinical consideration.

Methods
Participants with self-reported ED diagnosis and/or symptomatology over 16 years were invited to complete an online survey during the first months of the pandemic in Australia. Questions included history of ED, occurrence of co-occurring mental health conditions, change in ED symptoms since the start of the pandemic, and validated measures of ED illness, state mental health and loneliness.

Results
Of 1723 participants (mode age 24.9 years, 91.6% identifying as female, EDE-Q Global Score x = 4.08, SD = 1.18, 79.0% reporting co-occurring mental health condition, predominantly obsessive–compulsive disorder and/or anxiety), 88.0% reported an increase in body image concerns, 74.1% in food restriction, 66.2% binge eating and 46.8% driven exercise during the pandemic. Increased ED symptomatology was associated with poorer state mental health (i.e., depression, anxiety, and stress) and loneliness across the ED symptom profile. Most participants were negatively impacted by various aspects of the public health response, more so for those with more acute ED illness as measured by the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q).

Conclusions
Associated with the COVID-19 pandemic is a mental health crisis, particularly for those with a lived experience of an eating disorder. With 40.5% of participants not having sought formal diagnostic assessment and less than half in treatment, this study provides evidence for the detrimental impact of the pandemic on people with a lived experience of an eating disorder, especially for those not yet supported by the health care system.
Effect of reducing agents on the synthesis of anisotropic gold nanoparticles
Authors: Yoo Sunghoon , Nam Dong Hwan , Singh Thangjam Ibomcha , Leem Gyu , Lee Seunghyun 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThe seed-mediated method is a general procedure for the synthesis of gold nanorods (Au NRs), and reducing agents such as ascorbic acid (AA) and hydroquinone (HQ) are widely used for the growth process. Further, they are mild reducing agents; however, when AA is used, controlling the size of Au NRs with a higher aspect ratio (localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) peak, λLmax > 900 nm) is challenging because it results in a faster growth rate of Au NRs. In contrast, when HQ is used, Au NRs with a higher aspect ratio can be synthesized as it slows down the growth rate of the Au NRs and greatly enhanced the λLmax. However, the increase in λLmax is still needs not satisfactory due to the limited enhancement in the aspect ratio of Au NRs due to utilization of single reducing agent. The growth kinetics of the Au NRs can be modulated by controlling the reducing power of the reducing agents. In such scenario, judicious use of two reducing agents such as AA and HQ simultaneously can help us to design Au NRs of higher aspect ratio in a controlled manner due to the optimum growth rate resulting from the combined effect of both the reducing agents. In this study, we investigated the effect of the two reducing agents by controlling the volume ratios. When the growth solution contains both the reducing agents, the growth of Au NRs is first initiated by the fast reduction of Au3+ to Au+ due to stronger reducing power of the AA and when the AA in the growth solution is completely utilized, further growth of the Au NRs continues as a result of the HQ thereby resulting to high aspect ratio Au NRs. Consequently, the LSPR peak (λLmax > 1275 nm) can be tuned by controlling the volume ratios of the reducing agents.
Resting state fMRI connectivity is sensitive to laminar connectional architecture in the human brain
Authors: Deshpande Gopikrishna , Wang Yun , Robinson Jennifer 
Published: January 2022

AbstractPrevious invasive studies indicate that human neocortical graymatter contains cytoarchitectonically distinct layers, with notable differences in their structural connectivity with the rest of the brain. Given recent improvements in the spatial resolution of anatomical and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), we hypothesize that resting state functional connectivity (FC) derived from fMRI is sensitive to layer-specific thalamo-cortical and cortico-cortical microcircuits. Using sub-millimeter resting state fMRI data obtained at 7 T, we found that: (1) FC between the entire thalamus and cortical layers I and VI was significantly stronger than between the thalamus and other layers. Furthermore, FC between somatosensory thalamus (ventral posterolateral nucleus, VPL) and layers IV, VI of the primary somatosensory cortex were stronger than with other layers; (2) Inter-hemispheric cortico-cortical FC between homologous regions in superficial layers (layers I–III) was stronger compared to deep layers (layers V–VI). These findings are in agreement with structural connections inferred from previous invasive studies that showed that: (i) M-type neurons in the entire thalamus project to layer-I; (ii) Pyramidal neurons in layer-VI target all thalamic nuclei, (iii) C-type neurons in the VPL project to layer-IV and receive inputs from layer-VI of the primary somatosensory cortex, and (iv) 80% of collosal projecting neurons between homologous cortical regions connect superficial layers. Our results demonstrate for the first time that resting state fMRI is sensitive to structural connections between cortical layers (previously inferred through invasive studies), specifically in thalamo-cortical and cortico-cortical networks.
CNS Malformations in the Newborn
Authors: Barañano Kristin , Burd Irina 
Published: January 2022

AbstractStructural brain anomalies are relatively common and may be detected either prenatally or postnatally. Brain malformations can be characterized based on the developmental processes that have been perturbed, either by environmental, infectious, disruptive or genetic causes. Fetuses and neonates with brain malformations should be thoroughly surveilled for potential other anomalies, and depending on the nature of the brain malformation, may require additional investigations such as genetic testing, ophthalmological examinations, cardiorespiratory monitoring, and screening laboratory studies.
Aggressive behavior of anaplastic undifferentiated carcinoma arising from the hilar bile duct
Authors: Akita Masayuki , Maeda Eri , Ishida Ryo , Morikawa Tatsuya , Nishimura Tohru , Abe Koichiro , Kozuki Akihito , Tanaka Tomohiro , Imai Yukihiro , Kaneda Kunihiko 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background
Undifferentiated carcinoma of the biliary tree is extremely rare, and biliary undifferentiated carcinoma mostly originates from the gallbladder. We herein present a case of anaplastic undifferentiated carcinoma of the hilar bile duct and reviewed the literature.

Case presentation
The patient was an 81-year-old male with obstructive jaundice. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) showed a protruded tumor located at the hepatic hilum. Obstructive jaundice was relieved by endoscopic drainage. Endoscopic biopsy revealed carcinoma without glandular differentiation, and the patient was diagnosed with resectable hilar undifferentiated carcinoma. During the 5-week preoperative examination, the tumor increased in size from 23 to 45 mm. Left hemi-hepatectomy and extrahepatic bile duct resection were performed, and there were no postoperative complications. Histological findings demonstrated that the tumor was mainly composed of non-cohesive polygonal neoplasms with pleomorphic nuclei, and was diagnosed as anaplastic undifferentiated carcinoma of the common hepatic duct (T2a N0 M0 Stage II). One month after surgery, the patient was readmitted to our hospital with pyrexia due to cholangitis, and liver nodules suggestive of multiple liver metastases were detected by CT. Three months after surgery, the patient died of multiple liver metastases.

Conclusions
This is the first case report of undifferentiated cholangiocarcinoma with anaplastic features. Anaplastic undifferentiated carcinoma of the hilar bile duct showed preoperative rapid growth and early relapse despite a cancer-negative surgical margin.
Online engagement and performance on formative assessments mediate the relationship between attendance and course performance
Authors: Lu Chang , Cutumisu Maria 
Published: January 2022

AbstractIn traditional school-based learning, attendance was regarded as a proxy for engagement and key indicator for performance. However, few studies have explored the effect of in-class attendance in technology-enhanced courses that are increasingly provided by secondary institutions. This study collected n = 367 undergraduate students’ log files from Moodle and applied learning analytics methods to measure their lecture attendance, online learning activities, and performance on online formative assessments. A baseline and an alternative structural equation models were used to investigate whether online learning engagement and formative assessment mediated the relationship between lecture attendance and course academic outcomes. Results show that lecture attendance does not have a direct effect on academic outcomes, but it promotes performance by leveraging online learning engagement and formative assessment performance. Findings contribute to understanding the impact of in-class attendance on course academic performance and the interplay of in-class and online-learning engagement factors in the context of technology-enhanced courses. This study recommends using a variety of educational technologies to pave multiple pathways to academic success.