bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Epidemiological Dynamics in Populations Structured by Neighbourhoods and Households
Authors: Barlow Abby , Penington Sarah , Adams Ben 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Epidemiological dynamics are affected by the spatial and demographic structure of the host population. Households and neighbourhoods are known to be important groupings but little is known about the epidemiological interplay between them. In order to explore the implications for infectious disease epidemiology of households with similar demographic structures clustered in space we develop a multi-scale epidemic model consisting of neighbourhoods of households. In our analysis we focus on key parameters which control household size, the importance of transmission within households relative to outside of them, and the degree to which the non-household transmission is localised within neighbourhoods. We construct the household reproduction number

$$R_*$$

R

∗

over all neighbourhoods and derive the analytic probability of an outbreak occurring from a single infected individual in a specific neighbourhood. We find that reduced localisation of transmission within neighbourhoods reduces

$$R_*$$

R

∗

when household size differs between neighbourhoods. This effect is amplified by larger differences between household sizes and larger divergence between transmission rates within households and outside of them. However, the impact of neighbourhoods with larger household sizes on an individual’s risk of infection is mainly limited to the individuals that reside in those neighbourhoods. We consider various surveillance scenarios and show that household size information from the initial infectious cases is often more important than neighbourhood information while household size and neighbourhood localisation influences the sequence of neighbourhoods in which an outbreak is observed.
Beneath the Surface: The Emerging Role of Ultra-Processed Foods in Obesity-Related Cancer
Authors: Anastasiou Ioanna A. , Kounatidis Dimitris , Vallianou Natalia G. , Skourtis Alexandros , Dimitriou Krystalia , Tzivaki Ilektra , Tsioulos Georgios , Rigatou Anastasia , Karampela Irene , Dalamaga Maria 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Purposeof Review
Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are becoming more and more important in daily diets around the world; in some cases, they can account for as much as 60% of daily energy intake. Epidemiological evidence suggests that this shift toward high levels of food processing may be partially responsible for the global obesity epidemic and the rise in the prevalence of chronic diseases.

Recent Findings
Few prospective studies have examined the relationship between UPF consumption and cancer outcomes. According to currently available information, UPFs may increase the risk of cancer due to their obesogenic properties and exposure to substances that can cause cancer, such as certain food additives and pollution from product processing. The complex relationship between obesity and cancer involves factors such as immune dysregulation, altered adipokine and sex hormone levels, abnormal fatty acid metabolism, extracellular matrix remodeling, and chronic inflammation. Addressing cancer risk associated with UPF consumption could involve a multifaceted approach, including consumer behavior modification programs and robust public health regulations aimed at enhancing food environments. Improved knowledge of the potential dual negative impacts of UPFs on the environment and cancer risk is one of the priority areas we identify for future research and policy implications. Various approaches could be used to prevent cancers associated with UPF consumption, such as consumer behavior change programs and stricter public health regulations needed to improve the food environment.

Summary
This review examines for the first time the potential role of UPFs in cancer risk associated with obesity, exploring underlying biological mechanisms and identifying key areas for future research and policy action, including the dual environmental and health impact of UPFs.
Separation of phycocyanin from Arthrospira platensis (spirulina) by application of ceramic microfiltration membranes
Authors: Orang Mahsa , Ghanbarian Ebrahim , Abbasi Mohsen , Mohammadi Mehdi , Akrami Mohammad 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Phycocyanin is a phycobiliprotein that has various pharmacological properties. The nature of phycocyanin is blue, non-toxic, odorless, and slightly sweet when dissolved in water. Considering the importance and uses of phycocyanin, including oral, medicinal, and cosmetic, the aim of this research is finding a new way to extract optimal phycocyanin. In this regard, four new and economical microfiltration membranes: kaolin–zeolite (K–Z), kaolin–zeolite–fly ash (K–Z–F), kaolin–alumina (K–A), and kaolin–alumina–fly ash (K–A–F), were made by extrusion method. Some physical characteristics of the fabricated membranes were investigated. The highest porosity related to K–A–F, and the average size of the pores in the membranes was between 0.8 and 1.537 μm. SEM analysis was also performed to prove the uniformity of the membrane structure. After the cell breaking of Arthrospira platensis (spirulina) in water through freeze-thawing and centrifugation, the solution is purified by microfiltration. Finally, the performance of the membranes was compared with each other. K–A–F membrane had the best performance in phycocyanin purification (purity 0.91).
Low-order kaolinite from bauxite mine tailings in the Amazon as a precursor for geopolymers: mineralogical and mechanical properties
Authors: Barreto Igor Alexandre Rocha , Lima da Costa Marcondes , Boiadeiro Ayres Negrão Leonardo , Prazeres Filho Hélcio J. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
The bauxite beneficiation process in the Amazon generates a significant amount of tailings, which were historically stored in large basins without a designated purpose. One of these materials is clay obtained from the bauxite washing process, which is rich in Al2O3 minerals, primarily gibbsite and kaolinite, and currently lacks practical applications. This study aimed to explore an application of this tailing in the production of low-temperature geopolymers, considering its material characteristics and availability. Geopolymer synthesis was conducted following a Doehlert-type experimental design to evaluate the properties of the raw materials. The tailing was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetry-differential scanning calorimetry (TG-DSC), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES), whereas the geopolymers were characterized by XRD, FTIR, and mechanical compressive strength testing. The mineralogical composition of the bauxite tailings consists of 45% of low-ordered kaolinite, 34% of gibbsite, and 21% of other minerals. Compressive strength values of the geopolymer produced ranged from 8.99 to 41.89 MPa, a good value for the type of geopolymer produced. The best compressive strength results were obtained at a low Na/Al ratio (0.5–0.6) and low curing temperature, which favors the application of the material for the synthesis of geopolymer, contributing to lower energy consumption and lower CO2 emissions compared with usual geopolymers.
Modification of the cation exchange population and CEC values of reacted bentonites of the third retrieved package of the alternative buffer material (ABM-5) experiment operated at up to 250°C
Authors: Dohrmann R. , Gröger-Trampe J. , Kaufhold S. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Cation exchange competition (CEC) is driven by water uptake during saturation of bentonite barriers surrounding canisters releasing heat from radioactive waste. CEC differences may be used to follow smectite degradation. The unanswered question is whether processes can be understood in more detail by studying a full set of 30 bentonite blocks of the Alternative Buffer Material (ABM) test series (ABM-5) after reaction in an underground laboratory operated in crystalline rock at temperatures of ~250°C, the highest reported temperature so far. In contrast to expectations, only a minor CEC decrease of, on average, 1.8 meq 100 g–1 was detected, although processes depending on high temperature were expected to alter the swelling properties of smectites that can be followed analytically by reducing bentonite CEC values. A critical role of initial water saturation and initially ~25% Na+/CEC on exchangers was identified by comparison with the first ABM-1 package where CEC decreased by on, average, 5.5 meq 100 g–1. ABM-1 was heated from the start whereas the packages ABM-2 and ABM-5 in this study were heated after water saturation. Exchangeable cations (EC) were distributed within the whole barrier in ABM-5 with (1) more pronounced horizontal EC gradients and (2) the absence of an exchangeable Na+ decrease. In all tests, a cation equilibration with the Äspö groundwater averaged over the whole packages of many different buffer materials was observed, showing, overall, a significant range in final composition after retrieval: Na+ (27–46%/CEC), Mg2+ (7–15%/CEC), and Ca2+ (45–100%/CEC). The groundwater for saturation, however, was locally variable in composition. Although excluded from the smectite interlayer (below or equal to 2 water layers), Cl– entered the barrier from groundwater, increased significantly in nearly all ABM-5 bentonite blocks, and was found to be mobile also in the less heated ABM-1 and ABM-2 test packages.
Data technologies and analytics for policy and governance: a landscape review
Authors: Asensio Omar Isaac , Moore Catherine E. , Ulibarri Nicola , Simsekler Mecit Can Emre , Lan Tian , Rivero Gonzalo 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Data for Policy (dataforpolicy.org), a trans-disciplinary community of research and practice, has emerged around the application and evaluation of data technologies and analytics for policy and governance. Research in this area has involved cross-sector collaborations, but the areas of emphasis have previously been unclear. Within the Data for Policy framework of six focus areas, this report offers a landscape review of Focus Area 2: Technologies and Analytics. Taking stock of recent advancements and challenges can help shape research priorities for this community. We highlight four commonly used technologies for prediction and inference that leverage datasets from the digital environment: machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence systems, the internet-of-things, digital twins, and distributed ledger systems. We review innovations in research evaluation and discuss future directions for policy decision-making.
Coherent combining of large-aperture high-energy Nd:glass laser amplifiers
Authors: Lebegue Pierre , De Sousa Joanna , Rapenau Cyril , Badarau Doina , Andrieu Jordan , Audebert Patrick , Druon Frédéric , Papadopoulos Dimitrios 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
We present coherent beam combining of nanosecond pulses with 20-J energy and large beams using a Sagnac interferometer geometry based on Nd:glass rod-type amplifiers. In this study, we demonstrate that coherent beam combining is compatible with large-diameter energetic beams, presenting, therefore, an interesting and solid perspective towards the performance improvement of large-scale laser facilities, especially in terms of high-repetition-rate and high-energy operation. We demonstrate that for energy of 20 J, the coherent combination efficiency is around 92%, with high beam quality and long-term stability. A thorough temporal and spatial characterization of the system’s operation is provided to forecast the various potentialities available for large-scale facilities.
Increased costs associated with greater adherence to the EAT-Lancet Commission reference diet in the province of Québec: The PREDISE study
Authors: Rochefort Gabrielle , Paquette Marie-Claude , Robitaille Julie , Lemieux Simone , Provencher Véronique , Lamarche Benoît 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACT
The diet proposed by the EAT-Lancet Commission has faced criticism concerning its affordability. This study aimed to investigate the cost associated with a greater alignment to the EAT-Lancet reference diet in the province of Québec, Canada. The dietary habits of 1147 French-speaking adults were assessed using repeated Wed-based 24-hour recall data collected between 2015 and 2017 in the cross-sectional PRÉDicteurs Individuels, Sociaux et Environnementaux (PREDISE) study. Diet costs were calculated using a Nielsen food price database. Usual dietary intakes and diet costs were estimated using the National Cancer Institute’s multivariate Markov Chain Monte Carlo method. Adherence to the EAT-Lancet diet was assessed using the EAT-Lancet dietary index (EAT-I). Associations between diet costs and EAT-I scores were evaluated using linear regression models with restricted cubic splines. After adjustment for energy intake, a higher EAT-I score (75th vs. 25th percentiles) was associated with a 1.0 $CAD increase in daily diet costs (95%CI, 0.7 to 1.3). This increase in diet costs was mostly driven by the following component scores of the EAT-I (75th vs. 25th percentiles, higher scores reflecting greater adherence): Vegetables (1.6$CAD/day, 95%CI: 1.2, 2.1), Free sugars (1.6$CAD/day, 95%CI: 1.3, 1.9), Fish and plant-based proteins (1.4$CAD/day, 95%CI: 1.0, 1.8), Fruits (0.9$CAD/day, 95%CI: 0.4, 1.3), and Whole-grains (0.4$CAD/day, 95%CI: 0.0, 0.8). Inversely, greater scores for the Poultry and eggs component were associated with reduced diet costs (-1.2$CAD/day, 95%CI: -1.7, -0.7). This study suggests that adhering to the EAT-Lancet diet may be associated with an increase in diet costs in the province of Québec.
An Apology for Unreal Wages: Building Labourers and Living Standards in the Southern Low Countries (1290–1560)
Authors: Geens Sam , Blondé Bruno 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Although real wages have long been a cornerstone of our understanding of the premodern economy, in recent years historians have become sceptical about their usefulness as a proxy for living standards. One of the main concerns is that, before industrialization, most households did not depend on wages but were self-employed. This article therefore proposes a new methodology to test the representativeness of real wage series for the general population by comparing changes in the purchasing power of builders’ wages with the relative position of building labourers in tax lists. Not surprisingly, it confirms their exceptional position, which evolved according to remuneration. Instead of disregarding the unreal wages, the methodology shows a promising path forward. The relationship between changes in wage income and the relative position in fiscal sources can be exploited to identify other groups who were or became dependent on this type of labour. Accordingly, it holds the potential to retrace shifts in the functional distribution of income and the wage systems for different groups in the premodern economy.
Physical activity and cardiac function in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Authors: Killian Mary , Tamaroff Jaclyn , Su Karry , Crum Kimberly , George-Durrett Kristen , Markham Larry W. , Buchowski Maciej , Donnelly Thomas , Burnette W. Bryan , Soslow Jonathan H. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background:
Cardiomyopathy is the leading cause of death in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The relationship between cardiac and skeletal muscle progression is unclear. The objective of this study was to evaluate the correlation between muscle activity and cardiomyopathy. We hypothesised that cardiomyopathy and skeletal muscle activity are directly related.

Methods:
Physical activity was assessed with accelerometers worn for 7 days. Average activity (vector magnitude/min) and percentage of time in different activities were reported. Cardiac MRI was used to assess left ventricular ejection fraction, global circumferential strain (Ecc), late gadolinium enhancement, and cardiac index. Associations were assessed between physical activity and cardiac variables using a Spearman correlation.

Results:
Duchenne muscular dystrophy subjects (n = 46) with an average age of 13 ± 4 years had a mean left ventricular ejection fraction of 57 ± 8%. All physical activity measures showed significant correlations with left ventricular ejection fraction (rho = 0.38, p = 0.01) and left ventricular cardiac index (rho = 0.51, p < 0.001). Less active subjects had lower left ventricular ejection fraction (p = 0.10) and left ventricular cardiac index (p < 0.01). Non-ambulatory patients (n = 29) demonstrated a stronger association between physical activity and left ventricular ejection fraction (rho = 0.40, p = 0.03) while ambulatory patients demonstrated a stronger association between physical activity and left ventricular cardiac index (rho = 0.53, p = 0.03). Ecc did not associate with physical activity in either cohort.

Conclusion:
Physical activity correlates with left ventricular ejection fraction and left ventricular cardiac index and is modified by ambulation. Future analysis should assess the temporal relationship between physical activity and cardiomyopathy.
Achieving caloric goal in postoperative management of CHD surgery
Authors: Tanyildiz Murat , Erden Selin Ece , Yakici Asli Ece , Ozden Omer , Otrav Ipek , Bicer Mehmet , Akcevin Atif , Odemis Ender 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background:
This study investigated the prevalence of malnutrition, time to achieve caloric goals, and nutritional risk factors after surgery for CHD in a cardiac ICU.

Method:
This retrospective study included patients with CHD (1 month-18 years old) undergoing open-heart surgery (2021–2022). We recorded nutritional status, body mass index-for-age z-score, weight-for-length/height z-score, cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic cross-clamp time, Paediatric Risk of Mortality-3 score, Paediatric Logistic Organ Dysfunction-2 score, vasoactive inotropic score, total duration of mechanical ventilation, length of stay in the cardiac ICU, mortality, and time to achieve caloric goals.

Results:
Of the 75 included patients, malnutrition was detected in 17% (n= 8) based on the body mass index-for-age z-score and in 35% (n= 10) based on the weight-for-length/height z-score. Sex, mortality, cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic cross-clamp time, Paediatric Risk of Mortality-3, Paediatric Logistic Organ Dysfunction-2, and vasoactive inotropic score, duration of mechanical ventilation, and length of cardiac ICU stay were similar between patients with and without malnutrition. Patients who achieved caloric goals on the fourth day and those who achieved them beyond the fourth day showed statistical differences in mortality, maximum vasoactive inotropic score, duration of mechanical ventilation, cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic cross-clamp time, Paediatric Risk of Mortality-3, Paediatric Logistic Organ Dysfunction-2, and length of cardiac ICU and hospital stay (p< 0.05). Logit regression analysis indicated that the duration of mechanical ventilation, Paediatric Logistic Organ Dysfunction-2 and Paediatric Risk of Mortality-3 score was a risk factor for achieving caloric goals (p< 0.05).

Conclusions:
Malnutrition is prevalent in patients with CHD, and concomitant organ failure and duration of mechanical ventilation play important roles in achieving postoperative caloric goals.
Aetiological distribution and clinical features in children with large pericardial effusion who underwent pericardiocentesis
Authors: Donbaloğlu Furkan , Doğan Vehbi , Çelebi Serpil Kaya , Beyazal Meryem , Sayıcı İlker U. , Donbaloğlu Zeynep 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background:
We aimed to evaluate the clinical and laboratory characteristics and aetiological factors of patients who underwent pericardiocentesis for moderate to large pericardial effusion.

Method:
A total of 38 patients who underwent pericardiocentesis due to moderate-severe pericardial effusion and not related to cardiac surgery were included in the study.

Results:
The male-to-female ratio was 2.16, and found to be 7.5 in patients over 3 years of age. Mean age and body weight of the patients were 69.4 ± 74.9 months and 22.5 ± 22.4 kg. Dyspnoea (51.7%) was the most common complaint, followed by chest pain (37.9%). Tamponade was present in 23.7% of the patients. The largest diameter of effusion was 24.4 ± 10.4 mm. The amount of fluid drained was 279.24 ± 279 ml. Macroscopic appearance was serous in 12 (34.3%), and haemorrhagic in 18 (51.4%). No complication related to procedure was seen. Aetiology for efusion was infectious in 26%, idiopathic in 18%, iatrogenic in 11%, rheumatological in 11%, malignancy in 8%, cardiomyopathy in 8%, and other factors related in 18%. Of the 38 patients, 16 received nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), and colchicine and corticostreoid were added in nine and two patients, respectively. A total of eight (21%) patients died during follow-up.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, percutaneous pericardiocentesis can be applied safely and the underlying aetiology is decisive in the prognosis of the patient. Although pericardial effusion in children is often due to inflammation of the pericardium, it can develop as a finding of many local or systemic diseases that should be kept in mind.
Population-based assessment of major congenital malformations in the United States: smoking risk association
Authors: de Andrade Diancarlos P. , Marques Camila M. , Andrade Dayane C.R. , Laureano Henrique , Lenzi Luana , Oliveira Cláudia S. , Pereira Meire E. , Figueiredo Bonald C. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
The incidence of congenital malformations (CM) among non-Hispanic White American (NHWA) mothers was reviewed to identify and evaluate the geographic differences in the most frequent CM subtypes associated with smoking and other risk factors. Data on CM were obtained from 150,775 children (2000-2004) from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Risk factors associated with CM development were the mother’s age < 21 and > 35 years, body weight gain during pregnancy, anemia, diabetes mellitus, eclampsia (cases of preeclampsia were omitted), smoking, and alcohol use during pregnancy. Among smoking mothers, the most common CM was omphalocele, club foot, cleft lip, and polydactyly. The highest incidences (CM/10,000 births/year) of observed CM in children of smoking mothers were clubfoot, 25.51 cases (Utah), cleft lip, 22.47 (South Dakota), polydactyly, 21.23 (North Dakota), and omphalocele, 13.14 (Montana). The presence of maternal comorbidities, tobacco and alcohol consumption, and their association with other environmental factors can affect the incidence of CM in NHWA mothers. Further comparisons among the American states regarding the overall changes in CM over the last two decades should uncover crucial outcomes in terms of CM and smoking.