bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The ethical problems of ‘intelligence–AI’
Authors: Bellaby Ross 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Interest in artificial intelligence (AI) has grown rapidly alongside the ability to examine information in far vaster quantities and from more diverse sources, and to provide previously unattainable forms of evaluation. For the intelligence community, AI offers an important solution to their data collection bottleneck, allowing the data to be processed and analysed at speeds and in ways not previously possible. While AI has received some general criticism, when it is combined with the reach, secrecy, and coercive power of the intelligence community it creates unique ethical problems. Intelligence–AI exacerbates the biases AI creates, undermines proposed transparency solutions, and creates new ethical dilemmas and harms. This article examines intelligence–AI across its collection, processing, and analysis phases. It argues that open-source does not necessarily mean ethical, as the AI collection en masse of social media data violates citizens' privacy, consent and autonomy. The article also argues that AI-aided categorization is overly reductive and perpetuates harmful social binaries, while also revealing new private information beyond what was initially shared. Finally, it argues that the secretive intelligence environment prevents critical interrogation while promoting practices that, through the coercive power of the state, cause unequal harms across society.
Just another tool in their repertoire: uncovering insights into public and patient perspectives on clinicians’ use of machine learning in perioperative care
Authors: Gonzalez Xiomara T , Steger-May Karen , Abraham Joanna 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Objectives
Successful implementation of machine learning-augmented clinical decision support systems (ML-CDSS) in perioperative care requires the prioritization of patient-centric approaches to ensure alignment with societal expectations. We assessed general public and surgical patient attitudes and perspectives on ML-CDSS use in perioperative care.

Materials and methods
A sequential explanatory study was conducted. Stage 1 collected public opinions through a survey. Stage 2 ascertained surgical patients’ experiences and attitudes via focus groups and interviews.

Results
For Stage 1, a total of 281 respondents’ (140 males [49.8%]) data were considered. Among participants without ML awareness, males were almost three times more likely than females to report more acceptance (OR = 2.97; 95% CI, 1.36-6.49) and embrace (OR = 2.74; 95% CI, 1.23-6.09) of ML-CDSS use by perioperative teams. Males were almost twice as likely as females to report more acceptance across all perioperative phases with ORs ranging from 1.71 to 2.07. In Stage 2, insights from 10 surgical patients revealed unanimous agreement that ML-CDSS should primarily serve a supportive function. The pre- and post-operative phases were identified explicitly as forums where ML-CDSS can enhance care delivery. Patients requested for education on ML-CDSS’s role in their care to be disseminated by surgeons across multiple platforms.

Discussion and conclusion
The general public and surgical patients are receptive to ML-CDSS use throughout their perioperative care provided its role is auxiliary to perioperative teams. However, the integration of ML-CDSS into perioperative workflows presents unique challenges for healthcare settings. Insights from this study can inform strategies to support large-scale implementation and adoption of ML-CDSS by patients in all perioperative phases. Key strategies to promote the feasibility and acceptability of ML-CDSS include clinician-led discussions about ML-CDSS’s role in perioperative care, established metrics to evaluate the clinical utility of ML-CDSS, and patient education.
Lethal disruption of the bacterial gut community in Eastern subterranean termite caused by boric acid
Authors: Ashbrook Aaron R , Schwarz Melbert , Schal Coby , Mikaelyan Aram 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
The Eastern subterranean termite, Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar) (Blattodea: Rhinotermitidae), is a significant pest, causing extensive damage to structures that amount to substantial economic losses. Boric acid is widely used for wood preservation due to its stability and broad-spectrum insecticidal properties, yet its impact on termite gut microbiomes and the implications of such effects remain understudied. Our study evaluates the dose-dependent mortality of R. flavipes upon being provided boric acid treated filter papers and investigates the resulting dysbiosis within the termite gut microbiome. Consistent with reports from other insects, mortality increased in a dose-dependent manner, with the highest boric acid concentration (203.7 µg/cm2 of filter paper) significantly reducing termite survival. 16S rRNA gene sequencing of the gut bacterial microbiome revealed notable shifts in composition, indicating boric acid-induced dysbiosis. Aside from an overall decrease in bacterial diversity, the relative abundance of some symbionts essential for termite nutrition decreased in response to higher boric acid concentrations, while several opportunistic pathogens increased. Our findings extend the understanding of boric acid’s mode of action in termites, emphasizing its ability to significantly modulate the bacterial symbiont community, which can have dire effects on termite biology. Considering its ability to protect wood from further termite consumption, our study supports the continued use of boric acid and related compounds for termite-resistant treatments for wood.
Nearctic female Agriotes pubescens and Palearctic female A. lineatus (Coleoptera: Elateridae) produce the same sex pheromone
Authors: van Herk Willem G , Saguez Julien , Watson Alora Caelen , Gries Regine , Gries Gerhard 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
In central Canada, surveys for the three invasive (Palearctic) Agriotes species—A. obscurus, A. lineatus, and A. sputator—commonly collect A. pubescens, a North American native (Nearctic) click beetle (Coleoptera: Elateridae) that generally co-occurs with Nearctic A. mancus. Despite the abundance of A. pubescens on farmland, its life history and potential economic impact remain largely unknown. Here, we report the identification and field testing of the A. pubescens sex pheromone. We collected headspace volatiles from a single female beetle on Porapak Q, then extracted the female’s pheromone gland, and analyzed aliquots of both Porapak extract and pheromone gland extract by gas chromatographic–electroantennographic detection (GC–EAD) and by GC–mass spectrometry. In GC–EAD recordings of gland extract, two esters—geranyl butanoate and geranyl octanoate—elicited antennal responses from A. pubescens males. In a field experiment in Quebec, traps baited with a 1:1 blend of these esters captured approximately 100× more A. pubescens males than traps baited with a single ester. This is the same trap lure used for capturing A. lineatus. In this experiment, and in a similar one run in British Columbia, heterospecific pheromone components added to conspecific pheromone lures reduced captures of A. mancus, A. sputator, A. lineatus, and A. obscurus by 29%, 96%, 44%, and 71%, respectively. These data indicate that, in North America, lures containing pheromone components of multiple Agriotes congeners may not be optimally attractive to all target species.
The Expropriation of Sanctioned Assets: Does Ukrainian Jurisprudence Respond to Human Rights Concerns?
Authors: Horbachevska Tamara , Barabash Iurii , Uvarova Olena 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
This policy and practice note raises human rights concerns about the Law of Ukraine ‘On Sanctions’ imposed during time of war. Despite its legitimate aim to stop the war aggression, the expropriation of sanctioned assets into state income, newly introduced in 2022, significantly risks human rights violations. The current jurisprudence in Ukraine on the expropriation of assets of sanctioned individuals and entities into state income raises the following four key human rights concerns: (1) duplication of the offence and punishment from national criminal law; (2) retroactive effect of the introduced sanction; (3) inadequate procedural safeguards for sanctioned persons; and (4) unlimited scope of persons and their assets that can be expropriated. This note argues that these significant drawbacks cannot be legitimized even in time of war.
Highlights of veterinary entomology, 2023: beyond the barnyard: exploring the wild side of veterinary entomology
Authors: Machtinger Erika T 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Due to economic and food security concerns, veterinary entomology has traditionally focused on livestock pests and ectoparasites. However, recognizing the significant environmental changes of the Anthropocene era, there is a need to broaden the scope to include pests and ectoparasites of wildlife. This review highlights key studies from 2023 that go beyond the barnyard and represent this expanded focus. Key areas explored include the development and application of unique methodologies, the impact of arthropods on behavior, and the effects of anthropogenic and environmental influences on pests, ectoparasites, and hosts. By adopting a broader perspective, veterinary entomologists can develop new collaborations and better understand the complex interactions between pests, ectoparasites, and a diverse array of nonhuman vertebrates. This comprehensive understanding is essential for advancing global health and biodiversity conservation.
Distribution and seasonality of viral respiratory infections in pediatric oncologic patients in a tropical country
Authors: García Gustavo , Freire Dolores 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Comprehension of the distribution and seasonality viral respiratory infections pediatric oncologic patients in tropical localities remains poor. Due to lack mandatory report of all viruses and limitations in access to molecular biology techniques there is currently few data published on this topic. We report the distribution and seasonality of pediatric viral respiratory infections at a tertiary care oncological hospital in Guayaquil, Ecuador.

Methods
The laboratory database with results of real time PCR panel (Biofire® respiratory panel 2.1) from January to December 2021 was reviewed to collect the relative frequency and seasonality of identifiable viral infections in pediatric (ages &lt; 18 years) patients. The frequency of infection according to sample characteristics including sex and age was compared using chi square test with a significance of 0.05. The frequency of detection was organized per month within the year. Percentage of coinfections was also determined.

Results
Out of 217 included PCR results, 143 (65.8%) tested positive for detectable viral organisms. Mean age was 7.3 years SD 4.8 years. The infection frequency for girl samples was higher than that of boy samples, X2 (1, N=217) = 4.16, p 0.041. The relation between age groups and the frequency of infection was not statistically significant X2 (2, N=217) = 5.24, p 0.073. The most prevalent viruses included Rhinovirus/Enterovirus 53 cases (relative frequency 37.0%), Parainfluenza virus 3 42 cases (relative frequency 29.3%) and Respiratory syncytial virus 19 cases (relative frequency 13.2%). Rhinovirus/Enterovirus, Paramyxovirus and Adenovirus respiratory infections occurred throughout the year while other respiratory viruses including Coronaviruses showed a higher detection rate during the rainy season (December – April). A total of 13 (5.9%) patients were coinfected with two up to four viruses. The most common combination was Parainfluenza virus 3 with Rhinovirus/Enterovirus. No bacterial targets were detected.

Conclusion
Larger and more complex studies are necessary to understand the burden of viral respiratory infections in pediatric oncological patients. In Ecuador, detection was higher in girls and school aged children. Rhinovirus/Enterovirus, Paramyxovirus and Adenovirus were present all year long while seasonality was common for other viruses following dry/rainy season pattern in the region. More understanding of seasonality will aim for preventive measures during more difficult months and to distribute resources accordingly.

Figure 1. Seasonality of respiratory viral infections.
Antifungal Resistance and Breakthrough Candidemia Among Pediatric Cancer Patients: An Emerging Threat
Authors: Madney Youssef , Khedr Reham , Hafiz Hanfy , Adel Naglaa , Elanany Mervat , Alsheshtawi Khaled , Shalaby Lobna , Elhadad Alaa 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Cancer patients are at risk for candidemia. Resistance and breakthrough Candida represent an emerging threat. The study aims to analyze the clinical features, resistance patterns and breakthrough candidemia among pediatric cancer patients.

Methods
The retrospective study was conducted from 2014 - 2020 in children admitted to Children Cancer Hospital, Egypt. Clinical, microbiological, and outcomes were analyzed. Mortality was estimated within 30 days from Candida spp. Isolation from blood.

Results
Three hundred fifty (350) pediatric cancer patients were diagnosed with candidemia. The median age was four years (4 months- 18 years). Most of the patients had hematological malignancies (54%) while solid tumors represent (46%). Clinical features of the patients included neutropenia (80%), the presence of central venous line (57%), ICU admission (44%), and steroid use (43%). Non-Albicans candida was predominant (71%) compared to Candida Albicans (29%). The isolated species were: C. Albicans (29%), C.Tropicalis (29%), C. parapsilosis (21%), C. krusei (7%), C.glabrata(3%), C. guilliermondii (1.5%)and C. famata (2%). Chronic disseminated candidiasis was reported in 30 (9%) patients, with the liver being the most affected organ. Breakthrough candidemia on top of echinocandin prophylaxis was reported among 62(18%) patients with C. parapsilosis is the most common 31(50%) isolated pathogen. From 96 patients with breakthrough candidemia, all-cause mortality was reported in 32 patient (33%) while candida attributable cause of death in elven (11%) patients. Antifungal resistance was reported in 74(21%) patients: fluconazole (15%), liposomal ampho-B (6%), echinocandin (5%) and voriconazole (3%). Among 74 patients with resistant candidemia, death was reported in 24%. Echinocandin Resistant candida was a direct cause of mortality in 3(17%) patients.
The overall day- 30 mortality rate was 24% (85/350 patients), while candida attributable of mortality was (10%). Patients with septic shock, ICU admission, and resistant candida had a higher mortality risk.

Conclusion
Echinocandin-resistant and breakthrough Candida are significant threat with a high mortality rate among pediatric cancer patients. Antifungal stewardship may be helpful.

Figure 1. Resistance Pattern of Candidemia among Pediatric Cancer Patients
Antiviral Therapy for Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection: Does It Prevent Late-Onset Sensorineural Hearing Loss?
Authors: de Romero Concepción Alba , Lewald Zachery S , Pifer Traci , Crisan Rachelle , Malhotra Prashant S , Adunka Oliver , Findlen Ursula M , Gerth Holly , Conroy Sara , Medoro Alexandra K , Shimamura Masako , Mejías Asunción , Sánchez Pablo J 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is the leading non-genetic cause of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) in children. While SNHL is often present at birth, as many as 20% of infants with congenital CMV infection may develop late-onset hearing loss beyond the neonatal period. Antiviral therapy improves hearing outcomes, but its effect on the occurrence of late-onset SNHL is not fully known. The objective is to describe the prevalence of SNHL at birth and late SNHL among infants and children with congenital CMV infection and assess the impact of antiviral treatment on the occurrence of late-onset SNHL.

Methods
From 2013 to 2022, infants with congenital CMV infection referred to the NEO-ID Clinic at Nationwide Children’s Hospital (NCH), Columbus, OH underwent complete evaluation including hearing testing. Pertinent demographic, clinical, audiologic, laboratory, and radiographic data were obtained and stored using an electronic database (REDCap). Infants with SNHL at birth or who developed late-onset SNHL beyond a month of age were identified and compared with respect to receipt of antiviral therapy in the neonatal period.

Results
During the 10-year study period, we enrolled 204 infants with congenital CMV infection: 75% (154/204) had symptomatic disease, while 25% (50/204) had clinically inapparent infection (normal physical examination, growth parameters, and evaluation). Overall, 30% (n=62) had SNHL at birth or on follow-up audiologic evaluation with the majority (95%, 59/62) having symptomatic disease. Of the 62 infants with SNHL, 29% (n=18) had late-onset SNHL in one (n=10) or both (n=8) ears at a median age of 19 months (IQR, 8.5-42 months). Of the 122 infants who received antiviral therapy initiated in the first month of age, 12 (10%) developed late-onset SNHL in one (n=7) or both (n=5) ears. All 12 had symptomatic congenital CMV infection, and 2 received cochlear implants in one ear. Of the 82 infants who did not receive any antiviral therapy, 6 (7%) developed late-onset SNHL (3, unilateral [2, symptomatic]; 3, bilateral [1, symptomatic]) and 2 received cochlear implant. There was no difference in the occurrence of late-onset SNHL in treated (10%) vs. untreated (7%) infants with congenital CMV infection (p=0.6).

Conclusion
In this cohort of mostly symptomatic infants with congenital CMV infection, antiviral treatment did not reduce the occurrence of late-onset SNHL. Further study on the impact of early antiviral therapy on severity of the SNHL is urgently needed to inform optimal treatment management.
Bacteremias in Hemato-Oncological Pediatric Patients: Clinical and Microbiological Characteristics
Authors: Viridiana Enríquez García Estrella , Elena Martínez Bustamante María 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
In haemato-oncologic patients bacteremia is frequent increasing mortality rates, therefore surveillance and close follow up is essential to optimize treatment. The use of invasive devices used frequently in this population increases the incidence of infections by gram-positive microorganisms (currently gram-negative bacilli have been added). Therefore, we propose the characterization the microorganisms to identify the epidemiologic conditions, and the areas of improvement to establish improvement care strategies for this population.

Methods
We conducted a retrospective study at the haemato-oncologic diseases service at the National Medical Center “20 de Noviembre”. Prevalence of bacteremia in pediatric patients with cancer and neutropenia in Mexican population, which ranges from 8% to 36%, assuming that our results could be similar to higher percentage, employing a proportion formula with a study population of 65 patients.

Results
It was demonstrated in our population studied that in all cases of bacteremia, patients were in depth neutropenia at diagnosis. The most prevalence phase of chemotherapy was Induction phase (69.2%), with Total XV ST Jude protocol. The clinical data revealed the following frequencies in 100% of the patients: Fever (92%), Tachycardia (72%), Shivering and piloerection (65%), Elevated acute-phase reactants PCT (51%), CPR (32%), and Tachypnea (28%). Cases of Central Line-associated Bloodstream Infection (CLABSI) was reported in 86.2%, affecting individuals with vascular devices. The predominant microbiological isolate in our patients was Escherichia coli ESBL (31%), followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (18%), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (13.8%), Staphylococcus epidermidis (11%). Other bacteria were identified at even lower frequencies, such as Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (5%), Klebsiella oxytoca (5%), Staphylococcus aureus (3%), Serratia marcescens (3%), Enterococcus faecalis (3%), and Enterobacter cloacae (3%). The least observed in our population was the identification of Acinetobacter baumannii (2%). The different outcomes recorded in our sample were highly consistent, with a resolution rate of infection in 97% of cases and 3% of cases resulting in death attributable to bacteremia (Table 1).

Conclusion
The low mortality found in this study may be due to the early initiation of empirical antibiotic treatment in “golden hour”, a protocol carried out in our Center, as well as the identification of severity scales.
Design and Pilot Implementation of an ECHO Module to Facilitate Treatment of Hepatitis C Virus Infection During Pregnancy
Authors: Yee Lynn , Aronsohn Andrew , Shah Seema , Lee Karen , Rodriguez Isa , Otero Sebastian , Gower Patrick , Johnson Daniel , Jhaveri Ravi 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Pregnant patients are largely excluded from Hepatitis C virus (HCV) research and treatment. Studies show that pregnant patients want to discuss treatment while providers feel they lack the knowledge and training for these discussions. To bridge this gap, we designed an ECHO module about management of HCV in pregnancy and infancy.

Methods
Content experts from pediatric infectious diseases, hepatology, maternal-fetal medicine, bioethics and members of ECHO-Chicago discussed: prior data, potential topics, target audience and scheduling of sessions. We held 8 one-hour sessions with 20-30 minutes of didactics and 30-40 minutes of solicited case discussion. Participants included those who participated in prior ECHO training and prenatal providers in local and regional practices. A 7-point Likert scale pre- and post-training survey was administered to assess metrics of self-efficacy for management of HCV in pregnancy and childhood.

Results
The sessions were conducted from May to June 2023 on the following topics: HCV screening; HCV pathophysiology/clinical presentations; staging fibrosis in HCV; HCV Treatment in non-pregnant patients; harm reduction; clinical considerations of HCV in pregnancy; shared decision-making for HCV treatment in pregnancy; and HCV screening in infants & treatment for children. Fourteen participants completed pre- and post-surveys. In the pre-survey, participants had low ratings of self-efficacy (average 3.0). In the post-survey (Table 1), participants reported dramatic increases in all areas (average 5.2, increase of 2.2) with the largest in the following areas: “Ability to discuss and manage timing of hepatitis C treatment in a pregnant person”, average 5.1, increase of 3; “Ability to identify suitable pregnant candidates for treatment for Hepatitis C”, average 5.2, increase of 2.7. For context, a 1-point increase in self-efficacy is considered meaningful. All respondents reported increased ability to address HCV in a preconception, pregnant, postpartum, or neonatal population.

Conclusion
As pivotal studies of pan-genotypic antivirals indicate efficacy and safety during pregnancy, this ECHO module could be distributed to support providers who are discussing therapy initiation.
Table 1: Average Change in Self-Efficacy between Pre- & Post-Series Surveys