bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of COVID-19 on paediatric TB service delivery and patients’ comfort receiving TB services in Cameroon and Kenya during COVID: a qualitative assessment
Authors: Mbunka Muhamed Awolu , Katirayi Leila , McCormick Samantha , Ndimbii James , Masaba Rose , Denoeud-Ndam Lise , Petnga Saint-Just , Ouma Millicent , Kuate Albert , Okomo Gordon , Simo Leonie , Yara Donald , Tiam Appolinaire , Tchounga Boris 
Published: July 2024

BackgroundThe outbreak of COVID-19 has caused a setback to the gains achieved in tuberculosis (TB) control by impairing TB diagnosis, delaying treatment initiation and aggravating TB deaths. This study explored the effect of COVID-19 on paediatric TB services provided through the Catalysing Paediatric TB Innovations (CaP-TB) project among caregivers of children receiving TB services and healthcare workers (HCWs) providing TB services in Cameroon and Kenya.MethodsFrom March to September 2021, in-depth interviews (44) were conducted with caregivers whose children under 5 years had gone through TB services and programme managers (10) overseeing the CaP-TB project. Focus group discussions were conducted with HCWs (07) and community health workers (04) supporting TB care services. Transcripts were coded and analysed by using MAXQDA V.12.ResultsThe COVID-19 pandemic has caused fear and anxiety among HCWs and caregivers. This fear was motivated by stigma related to COVID-19 and affected the ability to screen patients for TB due to the similarity of symptoms with COVID-19. The health-seeking behaviour of patients was affected, as many caregivers avoided hospitals and those accessing the facilities concealed their sickness due to fear of testing positive or being vaccinated. In addition, COVID-19 mitigation strategies implemented by both government and health facilities to curb the spread of the virus limited patient access to paediatric healthcare services. These included temporary closure of health facilities due to COVID-19 infections among staff, transfer of services to other spaces, spacing out patient appointments and reduced time spent with patients.ConclusionsThe outbreak of COVID-19 has induced fear and stigma that affected patients’ health-seeking behaviour and provider attitudes towards paediatric TB service delivery. In addition, facility and governmental measures put in place to mitigate COVID-19 impact negatively affected paediatric service delivery. Training for health personnel, timely provision of personal protective equipments and appropriate communication strategies could help mitigate COVID-19 impact on paediatric TB service delivery.
Real-world impact of ivacaftor in people with cystic fibrosis and select ivacaftor-responsive mutations
Authors: McKinnon Craig , Thorat Teja , Craft Alexander , Higgins Mark 
Published: July 2024

BackgroundIvacaftor approval was extended to people with cystic fibrosis (CF) with ≥1 of 28 additional ivacaftor-responsive mutations in the USA in 2017 based on preclinical in vitro data. This retrospective, observational study assessed real-world clinical response to ivacaftor in people with CF with ≥1 of these mutations, using data from the US Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Patient Registry.MethodsParticipants aged ≥2 years with ≥1 of 28 eligible mutations initiating ivacaftor between May 2017 and December 2018 were included. Clinical outcomes data were evaluated for ≤1 year before and ≤2 years after ivacaftor initiation. Participants initiating ivacaftor between May and December 2017 (2017 cohort) were used for the primary analysis because up to 2 years of post-ivacaftor-initiation data were available. Analyses were descriptive; key outcomes included percent predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 s (ppFEV1), body mass index (BMI) and BMI z-score, pulmonary exacerbations (PEx) and hospitalisations.ResultsThe study included 1004 eligible participants. In the 2017 cohort (n=613), mean absolute change in ppFEV1from pre-ivacaftor initiation was 1.9 (95% CI 1.4, 2.4) and 1.8 (95% CI 1.0, 2.7) percentage points in years 1 and 2 post-ivacaftor initiation, respectively; mean absolute change in BMI was 0.6 (95% CI 0.5, 0.7) and 1.0 (95% CI 0.8, 1.2) kg/m2in years 1 and 2, respectively; BMI z-score was unchanged. Annualised event rates of PEx and hospitalisations per patient-year were lower with ivacaftor (0.24 (95% CI 0.21, 0.26) and 0.28 (95% CI 0.25, 0.31), respectively) compared with pre-ivacaftor initiation (0.41 (95% CI 0.37, 0.46) and 0.45 (95% CI 0.41, 0.49), respectively).ConclusionsThese real-world observational study findings support the effectiveness of ivacaftor in people with CF aged ≥2 years with selectedCFTRmutations.
Low household income increases risks for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in young population: a nationwide retrospective cohort study in South Korea
Authors: Chung Chiwook , Lee Kyu Na , Shin Dong Wook , Lee Sei Won , Han Kyungdo 
Published: July 2024

BackgroundLow socioeconomic status is a risk factor for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); however, the association between low household income and COPD in young populations remains unclear.MethodsWe screened individuals aged 20–39 years who underwent the national health examination between 2009 and 2012 using the Korean National Health Information Database, which was searched until December 2019. We identified 5 965 366 eligible individuals, and 13 296 had newly developed COPD based on health insurance claims. We evaluated household income levels based on the health insurance premiums, categorised them into quartiles and ‘Medical aid’ (the lowest 3% income group), and assessed the annual income status from the preceding 4 years. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate the adjusted HR (aHR) of risk factors for COPD.ResultsIn the Medical aid group, the incidence rate for developing COPD was 0.56/1000 person-years, with an aHR of 2.45 (95% CI 1.91 to 3.13) compared with that of the highest income quartile group. This association was prominent in consecutive recipients of Medical aid (aHR 2.37, 95% CI 1.80 to 3.11) compared with those who had never been Medical aid beneficiaries. Those who experienced a decline in household income between the previous (preceding 4 years) and baseline time points had an increased risk of developing COPD, regardless of previous income status.ConclusionLow household income was associated with an increased risk of developing COPD in the young population. This risk was augmented by sustained low income and declining income status.
Combination of carvedilol with variceal band ligation in prevention of first variceal bleed in Child-Turcotte-Pugh B and C cirrhosis with high-risk oesophageal varices: the ‘CAVARLY TRIAL’
Authors: Tevethia Harsh Vardhan , Pande Apurva , Vijayaraghavan Rajan , Kumar Guresh , Sarin Shiv Kumar 
Published: July 2024

Objectives
Beta-blockers and endoscopic variceal band ligation (VBL) have been preferred therapies for primary prophylaxis of variceal bleeding. However, the choice of therapy in patients with advanced liver disease with high-risk varices is not clear. A comparison of these therapies alone or in combination to prevent the first variceal bleed in advanced cirrhosis patients was carried out.

Design
330 Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) B and C cirrhosis patients, with ‘high-risk’ varices were prospectively enrolled (n=110 per group) to receive carvedilol (group A), VBL (group B) or combination (group C). Primary endpoint was reduction in the incidence of first variceal bleed at 12 months. The secondary endpoints included overall mortality, bleed-related mortality, new-onset decompensation, change in hepatic vein pressure gradient (HVPG) and treatment-related adverse events.

Results
The patients were predominantly males (85.2%), aged 51.4±10.5 years with CTP score of 8.87±1.24, MELD score 15.17±3.35 and HVPG-16.96±3.57 mm Hg. The overall incidence of variceal bleed was 23.8% (n=78) at 1 year. Intention-to-treat analysis showed that the combination arm (group C) significantly reduced the incidence of first variceal bleed by 62.9% as compared with group B (HR 0.37, 95% CI 0.192 to 0.716, p<0.003) and by 69.3% as compared with group A (HR 0.31, 95% CI 0.163 to 0.578, <0.001). The overall mortality was 13.6% (45/330). The 1-year mortality in group C was lowest among the three groups (A, B, C=20%, 14.5%, 6.3%, p=0.012). Reduction in HVPG (20.8% vs 25.1%, p=0.54) and the rate of non-response to carvedilol (53.4% vs 41.25%, p=0.154) were not different between group A and C patients. The incidence of new-onset ascites, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, shock, and acute kidney injury and postbleed organ failure was also comparable between the groups.

Conclusion
In CTP B and C cirrhosis patients with high-risk varices, combination of carvedilol and VBL is more effective than either therapy alone, for primary prevention of variceal bleeding.

Trial registration number

NCT03069339
.
Combined detection of SHOX2 and PTGER4 methylation with serum marker CYFRA21-1 for improved diagnosis of malignant pleural mesothelioma
Authors: Zhang Nana , Li Yongmeng , Sun Zuyu , Dong Yujie , Zhou Lijuan , Zhang Chen , Liu Zichen , Zhang Qiuyi , Li Kun , Xu Fudong , Zhang Li , She Bin , Ren Xiaosha , Che Nanying 
Published: July 2024

AimsTo investigate the performance of a combined biomarker approach using the methylation status of the short stature homeobox 2 (SHOX2) and prostaglandin E2 receptor EP4 (PTGER4) genes, along with the serum levels of CYFRA21-1, for differential diganosis of malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) from benign reactive mesothelial hyperplasia (RMH).MethodsWe analysed 48 MPM tissue or pleural effusion cell block specimens and 42 cases with RMH. Real-time quantitative methylation-specific PCR was used to examine the methylation status ofSHOX2,PTGER4, ras association domain family 1 isoform A, septin 9 gene and homeobox gene A9 genes. Additionally, we employed electrochemiluminescence immunoassay to measure nine serum tumour markers commonly used in pan-cancer screening tests.ResultsThe receiver operating curve indicated thatSHOX2,PTGER4gene methylation and serum biomarker CYFRA21-1 exhibited good diagnostic performance in identifying MPM, with area under curves (AUCs) of 0.761, 0.904 and 0.847, respectively. The combination ofSHOX2,PTGER4methylation and CYFRA21-1 yielded an AUC value of 0.972. The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of this panel in differentiating MPM from RMH were 91.3% (42/46) and 97.6% (41/42), respectively. Both tissue and cell block specimens can be used in the diagnostic process. Furthermore, elevated CYFRA21-1 levels were associated with poor prognosis (p<0.05). Hypermethylation level ofPTGER4may indicate an unfavourable prognosis of MPM, but the difference was not statistically significant.ConclusionsThe combined detection ofSHOX2andPTGER4methylation alongside serum CYFRA21-1 level significantly enhances the diagnosis of MPM. Additionally, CYFRA21-1 can serve as a prognostic indicator for MPM.
Do men who have sex with men recognise syphilis symptoms? A syphilis awareness campaign in Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Authors: Nieuwenburg Silvia Achia , van Bijnen Arjan , Vermey Koenraad , Stam Arjen , Zuilhof Wim , Hoornenborg Elske , Schim van der Loeff Maarten Franciscus , de Vries Henry John Christiaan 
Published: July 2024

IntroductionSyphilis incidence is rising among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM). To improve early health-seeking behaviour, we developed an online syphilis symptom score tool for GBMSM to self-identify a higher likelihood of infectious syphilis and promoted its use via an online and offline awareness campaign.MethodsFrom October 2018 through September 2019, a dedicated website on syphilis including the online symptom score tool was promoted. The reach of the campaign was measured by website metrics and the completion of the self-assessment tool. The impact of the campaign was assessed by comparing the monthly number of syphilis serology tests and the percentages of infectious syphilis diagnoses at the Centre for Sexual Health (CSH) in Amsterdam between three periods: 12 months preceding, 12 months during and 6 months after the campaign.ResultsDuring the campaign, 20 341 visitors viewed the website. A total of 13 499 (66.4%) visitors started the self-assessment algorithm, and 11 626 (86.1%) completed it. Prior to the campaign, the mean number of syphilis tests per month was 1650 compared with 1806 per month during the campaign (p=0.02). In the 6 months after the campaign, the mean number of tests per month was 1798 (compared with the period of the campaign, p=0.94). Prior to the campaign, the percentage of infectious syphilis diagnoses was 2.5% compared with 3.0% during the campaign (p=0.009). The percentage of infectious syphilis diagnoses in the 6 months after the campaign was 2.2% (p<0.0001 compared with the period of the campaign, and p=0.045, compared with the period prior to the campaign).ConclusionsAlthough we did not find definite proof of a (sustained) effect, syphilis symptoms awareness campaigns deserve further evaluation and improvements to help those suspected of syphilis to get tested.
High-resolution laboratory measurements of M-shell Fe EUV line emission using EBIT-I
Authors: Fairchild Alexander J. , Hell Natalie , Beiersdorfer Peter , Brown Gregory V. , Eckart Megan E. , Hahn Michael , Savin Daniel W. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Solar physicists routinely utilize observations of Ar-like Fe IX and Cl-like Fe X emission to study a variety of solar structures. However, unidentified lines exist in the Fe IX and Fe X spectra, greatly impeding the spectroscopic diagnostic potential of these ions. Here, we present measurements using the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory EBIT-I electron beam ion trap in the wavelength range 238–258 Å. These studies enable us to unambiguously identify the charge state associated with each of the observed lines. This wavelength range is of particular interest because it contains the Fe IX density diagnostic line ratio 241.74 Å/244.91 Å, which is predicted to be one of the best density diagnostics of the solar corona, as well as the Fe X 257.26 Å magnetic-field-induced transition. We compare our measurements to the Fe IX and Fe X lines tabulated in CHIANTI v10.0.1, which is used for modeling the solar spectrum. In addition, we have measured previously unidentified Fe X lines that will need to be added to CHIANTI and other spectroscopic databases.

Graphical Abstract
Binary Iterative Hard Thresholding Converges with Optimal Number of Measurements for 1-Bit Compressed Sensing
Authors: Matsumoto Namiko , Mazumdar Arya 
Published: July 2024

Compressed sensing
has been a very successful high-dimensional signal acquisition and recovery technique that relies on linear operations. However, the actual measurements of signals have to be quantized before storing or processing them. One-bit compressed sensing is a heavily quantized version of compressed sensing, where each linear measurement of a signal is reduced to just one bit: the sign of the measurement. Once enough of such measurements are collected, the recovery problem in one-bit compressed sensing aims to find the original signal with as much accuracy as possible. The recovery problem is related to the traditional “halfspace-learning” problem in learning theory.

For recovery of sparse vectors, a popular reconstruction method from one-bit measurements is the
binary iterative hard thresholding (BIHT)
algorithm. The algorithm is a simple projected subgradient descent method and is known to converge well empirically, despite the nonconvexity of the problem. The convergence property of BIHT was not theoretically fully justified (e.g., it is known that a number of measurement greater than

\(\max \lbrace k^{10}, 24^{48}, k^{3.5}/\epsilon \rbrace\)

, where
k
is the sparsity and

\(\epsilon\)

denotes the approximation error, is sufficient, Friedlander et al. [2021]. In this article we show that the BIHT estimates converge to the original signal with only

\(\frac{k}{\epsilon }\)

measurements (up to logarithmic factors). Note that, this dependence on
k
and

\(\epsilon\)

is optimal for any recovery method in one-bit compressed sensing. With this result, to the best of our knowledge, BIHT is the only practical and efficient (polynomial time) algorithm that requires the optimal number of measurements in all parameters (both
k
and

\(\epsilon\)

). This is also an example of a gradient descent algorithm converging to the correct solution for a nonconvex problem under suitable structural conditions.
Impact of Unreliable Devices on Stability of Quantum Computations
Authors: Dasgupta Samudra , Humble Travis 
Published: July 2024

Noisy intermediate-scale quantum (NISQ) devices are valuable platforms for testing the tenets of quantum computing, but these devices are susceptible to errors arising from de-coherence, leakage, cross-talk, and other sources of noise. This raises concerns regarding the stability of results when using NISQ devices since strategies for mitigating errors generally require well-characterized and stationary error models. Here, we quantify the reliability of NISQ devices by assessing the necessary conditions for generating stable results within a given tolerance. We use similarity metrics derived from device characterization data to derive and validate bounds on the stability of a 5-qubit implementation of the Bernstein-Vazirani algorithm. Simulation experiments conducted with noise data from IBM washington, spanning January 2022 to April 2023, revealed that the reliability metric fluctuated between 41% and 92%. This variation significantly surpasses the maximum allowable threshold of 2.2% needed for stable outcomes. Consequently, the device proved unreliable for consistently reproducing the statistical mean in the context of the Bernstein-Vazirani circuit.
O “olhar” da imagem do transtorno do espectro autista em The Good Doctor e Atypical
Authors: Rosa Adriana da , Ferreira Raquel Marques Carriço 
Published: July 2024

O presente artigo estabelece uma análise comparativa sobre a construção da imagem do portador do Transtorno do Espectro Autista (TEA) nos posts/cartazes de divulgação de duas séries que trazem como tema central o autismo. As séries analisadas são The Good Doctor (O Bom Doutor) e Atypical, ambas de 2017, a série The Good Doctor na sétima temporada e a Atypical na sua quarta temporada. Através dos conceitos de dois estudiosos da teoria da imagem, Mitchell (2015) e Didi-Huberman (2012), com o suporte metodológico da análise de imagem fixa descrita por Mendes (2019) para apresentarmos as interpretações dos principais signos e símbolos do autismo nos posts retratados das séries de maior longevidade no audiovisual, que trazem dois protagonistas com TEA. Assim objetivou relacionar as semelhanças, divergências e as ideias relacionadas à imagem do portador de TEA nos cartazes. O que elas querem passar ao espectador? Qual o tipo de sensação que as imagens dos posts revelam sobre o autismo como porta de entrada para o espectador querer assistir as séries?
urbisphere-Berlin Campaign: Investigating Multiscale Urban Impacts on the Atmospheric Boundary Layer
Authors: Fenner Daniel , Christen Andreas , Grimmond Sue , Meier Fred , Morrison William , Zeeman Matthias , Barlow Janet , Birkmann Jörn , Blunn Lewis , Chrysoulakis Nektarios , Clements Matthew , Glazer Russell , Hertwig Denise , Kotthaus Simone , König Kai , Looschelders Dana , Mitraka Zina , Poursanidis Dimitris , Tsirantonakis Dimitris , Bechtel Benjamin , Benjamin Kit , Beyrich Frank , Briegel Ferdinand , Feigel Gregor , Gertsen Carlotta , Iqbal Nimra , Kittner Jonas , Lean Humphrey , Liu Yiqing , Luo Zhiwen , McGrory Megan , Metzger Swen , Paskin Matthew , Ravan Marvin , Ruhtz Thomas , Saunders Bethany , Scherer Dieter , Smith Stefan Thor , Stretton Megan , Trachte Katja , Van Hove Melania 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
For next-generation weather and climate numerical models to resolve cities, both higher spatial resolution and subgrid parameterizations of urban canopy–atmosphere processes are required. The key is to better understand intraurban variability and urban–rural differences in atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) dynamics. This includes upwind–downwind effects due to cities’ influences on the atmosphere beyond their boundaries. To address these aspects, a network of >25 ground-based remote sensing sites was designed for the Berlin region (Germany), considering city form, function, and typical weather conditions. This allows investigation of how different urban densities and human activities impact ABL dynamics. As part of the interdisciplinary European Research Council Grant urbisphere, the network was operated from autumn 2021 to autumn 2022. Here, we provide an overview of the scientific aims, campaign setup, and results from 2 days, highlighting multiscale urban impacts on the atmosphere in combination with high-resolution numerical modeling at 100-m grid spacing. During a spring day, the analyses show systematic upwind-city-downwind effects in ABL heights, largely driven by urban–rural differences in surface heat fluxes. During a heatwave day, ABL height is remarkably deep, yet spatial differences in ABL heights are less pronounced due to regionally dry soil conditions, resulting in similar observed surface heat fluxes. Our modeling results provide further insights into ABL characteristics not resolved by the observation network, highlighting synergies between both approaches. Our data and findings will support modeling to help deliver services to a wider community from citizens to those managing health, energy, transport, land use, and other city infrastructure and operations.
A thematic analysis of the perceptions of reversible inhibition of sperm under guidance as a potential family planning method in the United Kingdom
Authors: Gheorghe Cristina M , Slack Olivia , Wilson Amanda D 
Published: July 2024

Background: This exploratory study aimed to look into public perceptions of Reversible Inhibition of Sperm Under Guidance (RISUG) as a family planning method in the United Kingdom (UK). It also aimed to discover if there were any sex differences in perceptions between males and females. Design: Twelve semi-structured interviews were conducted, six with males and six with females, all residents of the UK. Methods: The audio data from the interviews then was transcribed for analysis. An inductive and a semantic thematic analysis was conducted on the data set. Results: Three main themes were constructed, including: (i) RISUG Hesitancy, (ii) Females perceived benefits of RISUG and (iii) Males perceived concerns regarding RISUG. Hesitancy was related to vaccination hesitancy, females wanted males to have more reproductive autonomy and males placed their concerns through the lens of ‘other’ males that their may be unintended side effects. Together these three themes represent both perceived risk and overall benefits of the method. However, while randomized control trails have been completed to standard for RISUG, males perceived concerns, suggesting a disconnect between the public’s perceptions and professionals understanding of trails. Conclusion: RISUG was perceived as a viable option for family planning in the future, however trust of the new contraceptive method will need to be fostered among the public in order to effectively transfer knowledge on the potential side effects and the standard of pre-market testing for these. Effective public health messages can result in better education of people concerning the new contraceptive method, including the risks and benefits. By using perceptions to inform health messages around RISUG, researchers and practitioners can learn from potential users how to best address misinformation or concerns, while at the same time building an evidence base for when new male methods reach the contraceptive market.