bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Generating EQ-5D-5L health utility scores from BASDAI and BASFI: a mapping study in patients with axial spondyloarthritis using longitudinal UK registry data
Authors: Neilson Aileen R. , Jones Gareth T. , Macfarlane Gary J. , Pathan Ejaz MI , McNamee Paul 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background
Preference-based health-state utility values (HSUVs), such as the EuroQol five-dimensional questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L), are needed to calculate quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) for cost-effectiveness analyses. However, these are rarely used in clinical trials of interventions in axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). In these cases, mapping can be used to predict HSUVs.

Objective
To develop mapping algorithms to estimate EQ-5D-5L HSUVs from the Bath Ankylosing Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) and the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI).

Methods
Data from the British Society for Rheumatology Biologics Register in Ankylosing Spondylitis (BSRBR-AS) provided 5122 observations with complete BASDAI, BASFI, and EQ-5D-5L responses covering the full range of disease severity. We compared direct mapping using adjusted limited dependent variable mixture models (ALDVMMs) and optional inclusion of the gap between full health and the next feasible value with indirect response mapping using ordered probit (OPROBIT) and generalised ordered probit (GOPROBIT) models. Explanatory variables included BASDAI, BASFI, and age. Metrics to assess model goodness-of-fit and performance/accuracy included Akaike and Bayesian information criteria (AIC/BIC), mean absolute error (MAE) and root mean square error (RMSE), plotting predictive vs. observed estimates across the range of BASDAI/BASFI and comparing simulated data with the original data set for the preferred/best model.

Results
Overall, the ALDVMM models that did not formally include the gap between full health and the next feasible value outperformed those that did. The four-component mixture models (with squared terms included) performed better than the three-component models. Response mapping using GOPROBIT (no squared terms included) or OPROBIT (with squared terms included) offered the next best performing models after the three-component ALDVMM (with squared terms). Simulated data of the preferred model (ALDVMM with four-components) did not significantly underestimate uncertainty across most of the range of EQ-5D-5L values, however the proportion of data at full health was underrepresented, likely due in part to model fitting on a small number of observations at this point in the actual data (4%).

Conclusions
The mapping algorithms developed in this study enabled the generation of EQ-5D-5L utilities from BASDAI/BASFI. The indirect mapping equations reported for the EQ-5D-5L facilitate the calculation of the EQ-5D-5L utility scores using other UK and country-specific value sets.
Cost-minimisation analysis of oritavancin for the treatment of acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections from a United Kingdom perspective
Authors: Zinzi Daniela , Vlachaki Ioanna , Falla Edel , Mantopoulos Theo , Nathwani Dilip 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background
Early discharge (ED) from hospital and outpatient parenteral antibiotic therapy (OPAT) are effective approaches for the management of a range of infections, including acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections (ABSSSI). Strategies that facilitate ED, thereby reducing complications such as healthcare-acquired infection whilst enhancing patient quality of life, are being increasingly adopted in line with good antimicrobial stewardship practice. This study presents a cost-minimisation analysis for the use of oritavancin at ED versus relevant comparators from a National Health Service (NHS) and personal and social services United Kingdom perspective.

Methods
A cost-minimisation model considering adult patients with ABSSSI with suspected or confirmed methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection, was developed based on publicly available NHS costs, practice guidelines for ABSSSI and clinical expert’s opinion. Cost of treatment and treatment days were compared for oritavancin at ED to dalbavancin, teicoplanin, daptomycin and linezolid.

Results
Following the empiric use of either flucloxacillin or vancomycin in the inpatient setting, oritavancin was compared to OPAT with dalbavancin, teicoplanin and daptomycin, and oral linezolid from day 4 of treatment. Oritavancin at ED reduced treatment duration by 0.8 days and led to cost savings of £281 in comparison to dalbavancin. In comparison to teicoplanin, daptomycin and linezolid, oritavancin reduced treatment duration by 5 days, with marginally higher costs (£446, £137, and £1,434, respectively).

Conclusion
Oritavancin, used to support ED, is associated with lower costs compared with dalbavancin and reduced treatment duration relative to all comparators. Its use would support an ED approach in MRSA ABSSSI management.
Networks as mediating variables: a Bayesian latent space approach
Authors: Di Maria Chiara , Abbruzzo Antonino , Lovison Gianfranco 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe use of network analysis to investigate social structures has recently seen a rise due to the high availability of data and the numerous insights it can provide into different fields. Most analyses focus on the topological characteristics of networks and the estimation of relationships between the nodes. We adopt a different perspective by considering the whole network as a random variable conveying the effect of an exposure on a response. This point of view represents a classical mediation setting, where the interest lies in estimating the indirect effect, that is, the effect propagated through the mediating variable. We introduce a latent space model mapping the network into a space of smaller dimension by considering the hidden positions of the units in the network. The coordinates of each node are used as mediators in the relationship between the exposure and the response. We further extend mediation analysis in the latent space framework by using Generalised Linear Models instead of linear ones, as previously done in the literature, adopting an approach based on derivatives to obtain the effects of interest. A Bayesian approach allows us to get the entire distribution of the indirect effect, generally unknown, and compute the corresponding highest density interval, which gives accurate and interpretable bounds for the mediated effect. Finally, an application to social interactions among a group of adolescents and their attitude toward substance use is presented.
Improving Healthy Living in Residential Care Facilities: Feasibility, Acceptability, and Appropriateness of Implementing a Multicomponent Intervention for Diabetes Risk Reduction in Adults with Serious Mental Illnesses
Authors: Sommerfeld David H. , Brunner Amy M. , Glorioso Danielle , Lee Ellen E. , Ibarra Cynthia , Zunshine Elizabeth , Daly Rebecca E. , Zoumas Christine , Jeste Dilip V. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractPersons with serious mental illnesses experience high rates of medical comorbidity, especially diabetes. This study examined initial implementation feasibility, acceptability, and appropriateness of a new 6-month Multicomponent Intervention for Diabetes risk reduction in Adults with Serious mental illnesses (MIDAS) among persons in residential care facilities (RCFs). We conducted a mixed-methods study using four types of quantitative and qualitative data sources (administrative data; structured facility-level observations; resident assessments including blood-based biomarkers, 24-h dietary recalls, and self-report physical activity; and focus groups/interviews with staff and participants), to assess evidence of and factors affecting intervention feasibility, acceptability, and appropriateness. It was feasible to provide a high percentage of MIDAS class sessions (mean 50 of 52 intended sessions delivered) and make nutrition-related RCF changes (substitutions for healthier food items and reduced portion sizes). Class attendance rates and positive feedback from residents and staff provided evidence of MIDAS acceptability and appropriateness for addressing identified health needs. The residents who attended ≥ 85% of the sessions had greater improvement in several desired outcomes compared to others. Implementing a fully integrated MIDAS model with more extensive changes to facilities and more fundamental health changes among residents was more challenging. While the study found evidence to support feasibility, acceptability, and appropriateness of individual MIDAS components, some challenges for full implementation and success in obtaining immediate health benefits were also apparent. The study results highlight the need for improving health among RCF populations and will inform MIDAS adaptations designed to improve intervention fit and effectiveness outcomes.
Gadolinium Doped Layered Double Hydroxides for Simultaneous Drug Delivery and Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Zhang Ziwei , Wells Connor J. R. , Liang Ruizheng , Davies Gemma-Louise , Williams Gareth R. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractIn this study, gadolinium (Gd) doped MgAl layered double hydroxides (LDHs) were synthesized via a ‘bottom-up’ method and fully characterized by X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy and relaxivity measurements. Two cytotoxic agents were then intercalated via ion-exchange. X-ray diffraction patterns exhibit expanded interlayer spacings as a result of successful drug intercalation. Infrared spectra also showed characteristic peaks of the incorporated methotrexate (MTX) or 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). The LDHs were found to be highly stable under physiological conditions, while in acidic conditions a small proportion of Gd was freed into the immersion medium. Dissolution tests revealed that both 5FU and MTX were rapidly released from the LDH carrier. The longitudinal relaxivity of Gd-LDHs remains largely stable during drug release over 24 h, and was higher in acidic environments. Overall, the drug-loaded Gd-LDH systems prepared in this study could serve as pH-sensitive theranostic platforms for MRI-guided anti-cancer therapy.
Psychological Distress in Australian Onshore and Offshore Immigration Detention Centres from 2014–2018
Authors: Essex Ryan , Kalocsányiová Erika , Young Peter , McCrone Paul 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThis study examines the impact of length of detention and location of detention on psychological distress amongst Australian immigration detainees. This study employs a repeated measures cross-sectional study, utilising Australian government data from 2014 to 2018 that relied on the Kessler-10 (K10) to measure psychological distress. There were 21,703 assessments conducted which included 15,264 assessment onshore over a 5 year period and 6439 assessments offshore over a 3 year period. The mean overall K10 score onshore was 18.85, while offshore it was 24.37. K10 scores increased with length of time detained both onshore and offshore, with K10 scores offshore generally higher at each time point. The results of this study add to a growing body of evidence that suggests that length of time detained and particularly offshore detention has a substantial impact on mental health.
A Strong Version of the Skorohod Representation Theorem
Authors: Pratelli Luca , Rigo Pietro 
Published: February 2022

AbstractFor each $$n\ge 0$$

n
≥
0

, let $$\mu _n$$

μ
n

be a tight probability measure on the Borel $$\sigma $$
σ
-field of a metric space S. Let $$(T,{\mathcal {C}})$$

(
T
,
C
)

be a measurable space such that the diagonal $$\bigl \{(t,t):t\in T\bigr \}$$

{

(
t
,
t
)
:
t
∈
T

}

belongs to $${\mathcal {C}}\otimes {\mathcal {C}}$$

C
⊗
C

. Fix a measurable function $$g:S\rightarrow T$$

g
:
S
→
T

and suppose $$\mu _n=\mu _0$$

μ
n

=

μ
0

on $$g^{-1}({\mathcal {C}})$$

g

-
1

(
C
)

for all $$n\ge 0$$

n
≥
0

. Necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of S-valued random variables $$X_n$$

X
n

, defined on the same probability space and satisfying $$\begin{aligned} X_n\overset{\text {a.s.}}{\longrightarrow }X_0,\quad X_n\sim \mu _n\,\text { and } \,g(X_n)=g(X_0)\,\text { for all }n\ge 0, \end{aligned}$$

X
n

⟶
a.s.

X
0

,

X
n

∼

μ
n

and

g

(

X
n

)

=
g

(

X
0

)

for all

n
≥
0
,

are given. Such conditions are then applied to several examples. The tightness condition on $$\mu _0$$

μ
0

can be dropped at the price of some assumptions on S and g.
Core–shell titanium@silica nanoparticles impregnating in poly (itaconic acid)/poly (N-isopropylacrylamide) microgel for multifunctional cellulosic fabrics
Authors: Mohamed Amina L. , Hassabo Ahmed G. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractA novel method for multi-finishing cellulosic fabrics is based on the consolidation of a thin layer of active material containing micro-gels, titanium nanoparticles and silica. The titanium@silica core–shell particles were synthesized and characterized for their morphological, structural, and compositional properties using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The nanoparticles are approximately 250 nm in size and have a spherical shape. A microgel/titanium@silica nanoparticles composite was prepared mixing with the gel produced from copolymerizing N-isopropyl acrylamide with itaconic acid and then it was characterized. The prepared gel is characterized to be pH and temperature-sensitive. Pad dry cure from the emulsion was used to applied the prepared gel with and without titanium nanoparticles to the cellulosic fabric. Fabric treated with a gel containing and without titanium nanoparticles was tested for antibacterial properties, ultraviolet protection, temperature, and pH sensitivity. According to the evaluation, treated fabric with titanium nanoparticles has better antibacterial, ultraviolet protection, and is more sensitive to pH and temperature than treated fabric without titanium nanoparticles, and both treated fabrics outperform the untreated one.
Perceptions, beliefs and behaviors of nutritional and supplementary practices in inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Sinclair Jonathan , Dillon Stephanie , Bottoms Lindsay 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Purpose
To gain insight into the behaviors, perceptions and beliefs of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients nutritional and supplementary practices and also to explore perceptions and behaviors in relation to anti-inflammatory supplementation with specific emphasis on Montmorency tart cherries.

Methods
80 IBD patients completed a 16-item close-ended questionnaire which was divided into three sub-sections: baseline/demographic characteristics, disease characteristics and dietary and supplementary perceptions, beliefs and behaviors. One-sample chi-square goodness of fit tests were used for each question and two-way Pearson chi-square tests of independence were used to undertake bivariate cross-tabulation comparisons to test differences in responses to each question between baseline/demographic variables.

Results
The majority of participants (N = 40) did not follow a specific dietary pattern or use supplements (N = 56). Respondents also predominantly rated that diet can both positively (N = 66) and negatively (N = 68) influence IBD. In addition, participants rated that supplements can positively influence IBD (N = 65) and that lack of scientific evidence was the primary mechanism preventing them from utilizing supplements (N = 34). Finally, patients also strongly reported that they would be willing to take Montmorency tart cherry supplementation (N = 73).

Conclusions
The disconnect between behavior and beliefs in both diet and supplementary practices, indicate that interventions designed to translate beliefs/knowledge into behaviors are warranted. There is also a necessity to undertake well-designed intervention trials examining the efficacy of food supplements, and with patient’s willingness to take Montmorency tart cherry, there is a strong rationale for future randomized trials examining the efficacy of tart cherry supplementation in IBD.
Analysis of the Weighted Kappa and Its Maximum with Markov Moves
Authors: Rapallo Fabio 
Published: February 2022

AbstractIn this paper, the notion of Markov move from algebraic statistics is used to analyze the weighted kappa indices in rater agreement problems. In particular, the problem of the maximum kappa and its dependence on the choice of the weighting schemes are discussed. The Markov moves are also used in a simulated annealing algorithm to actually find the configuration of maximum agreement.
Predicting the peak particle velocity from rock blasting operations using Bayesian approach
Authors: Aladejare Adeyemi Emman , Lawal Abiodun Ismail , Onifade Moshood 
Published: February 2022

AbstractMeasuring the blast-induced ground vibration at blasting sites is very important, to plan and avoid adverse effects of blasting in terms of the peak particle velocity (PPV). However, the measurement of PPV often requires time, cost, and logistic commitment, which may not be economical for small-scale mining operations. This has prompted the development of numerous regression equations in the literature to estimate PPV from a relatively easier to estimate scaled distance (SD) measurement. With numerous regression equations available in the literature, there is a challenge of how to select the appropriate model for a specific blasting site, more so that rocks behave differently from site to site because of different geological processes that rocks are subjected to. This study develops a method that selects appropriate models for specific blasting sites by comparing the evidence and occurrence probability of different regression models. The appropriate model is the model with the highest evidence and occurrence probability given the available blasting site SD data. The selected model is then integrated with prior knowledge and available blasting SD data in Bayesian framework for probabilistic characterization of PPV. The SD and PPV data at the opencast coal mine, Jharia coalfield in the Dhanbad district of Jharkhand, India, is used to illustrate and validate the approach. The mean and standard deviation of simulated PPV samples from the proposed approach are 12.38 mm/s and 7.36 mm/s, respectively, which are close to the mean of 12.03 mm/s and standard deviation of 9.24 mm/s estimated from the measured PPV at the site. In addition, the probability distribution of the simulated PPV samples is consistent with the probability distribution of the measured PPV at the blasting site.
The Role of Patch Testing in Evaluating Delayed Hypersensitivity Reactions to Medications
Authors: Woodruff Carina M. , Botto Nina 
Published: February 2022

AbstractConfirming drug imputability is an important step in the management of cutaneous adverse drug reactions (CADR). Re-challenge is inconvenient and in many cases life threatening. We review the literature on ideal patch testing technique for specific CADRs. Testing should be performed approximately 3 months after the resolution of the eruption using standard patch testing techniques. Commercially available patch test preparations are available for a minority of drugs, so in most cases, testing should be performed with the drug at various recommended concentrations and in different vehicles. Testing to all known excipients, such as dyes, vehicles and preservatives is also important. Immunosuppressive medications should be discontinued or down titrated to the lowest tolerable dose to decrease the risk of false negative reactions. We provide an overview of expert recommendations and extant evidence on the utility of patch testing for identifying the culprit drug in common CADRs and for specific drug or drug classes. Overall, there appears to be significant variability in the patch test positivity of different drugs, which is likely the result of factors intrinsic to the drug such as dermal absorption (as a function of lipophilicity and molecular size) and whether the drug itself or a downstream metabolite is implicated in the immune reaction. Drugs with high patch test positivity rates include beta-lactam antibiotics, aromatic anticonvulsants, phenytoin, and corticosteroids, among others. Patch testing positivity varies both as a function of the drug and type of CADR. The sum of the evidence suggests that patch testing in the setting of morbilliform eruptions, fixed drug eruption, acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis, and possibly also drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome, photoallergic and eczematous reactions may be worthwhile, although utility of testing may vary on the specific drug in question for the eruption. It appears to be of limited utility and is not recommended in the setting of other complex CADR, such as SJS/TEN and leukocytoclastic vasculitis.
Impact of transforming growth factor beta 1 on normal and thyroid cancer side population cells
Authors: Latar Nani Md , Mahkamova Kamilla , Elson Joanna , Karnik Isha , Sutherland Rachel , Aspinall Sebastian , Meeson Annette 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Purpose
To determine the impact of exogenous transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) on side population (SP) cells isolated from normal, papillary thyroid cancer and anaplastic thyroid cancer cell lines and from human thyroid tissues.

Methods
All cell populations were stained with Hoechst 33342 and analysed using dual wavelength flow cytometry to identify SP cells. This SP assay was used to assess the impact of TGF-β1 treatment and withdrawal of treatment on SP percentages. Semi-quantitative and quantitative PCR were used for molecular analysis of cells pre and post TGF-β1 treatment.

Results
All cell lines expressed mRNA for both TGFB1 and its receptors, as well as showing variable expression of CDH1 and CDH2, with expressing of CDH1 being highest and CDH2 being lowest in the normal cell line. Exposure to exogenous TGF-β1 resulted in a reduction in mRNA expression of ABCG2 compared to controls which was significant between control and treated cancer cell lines. SP cells were isolated from primary human thyroid tissues, with numbers being significantly higher in papillary thyroid cancers. Exposure to TGF-β1 decreased the SP percentage in both thyroid cancer cell lines and completely abrogated these cells in the primary papillary thyroid cancer cultures. On withdrawal of TGF-β1 the SP phenotype was restored in the cancer cell lines and SP percentages increased to above that of untreated cells.

Conclusions
TGF-β1 exposure transiently regulates thyroid cancer SP cells, leading to a reduction in SP percentages, while withdrawal of TGF-β1 results in restoration of the SP phenotype.