bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ongoing Excess Hospitalizations for Severe Pediatric Group A Streptococcal Disease
Authors: Schöbi Nina , Duppenthaler Andrea , Horn Matthias , Bartenstein Andreas , Keitel Kristina , Kopp Matthias V , Agyeman Philipp KA , Aebi Christoph 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Objectives
A major, Europe-wide outbreak of invasive pediatric Group A streptococcal infections (iGAS) began in late fall 2022. Here we report the evolution of GAS hospitalizations in children and adolescents during the second outbreak year in 2023-2024 at a tertiary care pediatric center in Bern, Switzerland.
Methods
Ongoing prospective monitoring of all in-patient cases below 16 years of age of GAS infections including those fulfilling the iGAS criteria. We compared case frequencies and clinical characteristics of GAS hospitalizations in 3 periods including the prepandemic years 2013-2020, the first (2022-2023) and the second outbreak year (2023-2024), respectively. In-patient surveillance for respiratory viruses consisted of panel diagnostics in nasopharyngeal specimens of all patients admitted for acute respiratory tract disease.
Results
Annual GAS hospitalizations increased from a median of 25 case (range 11-28) in 2013-2020 to 89 and 57 cases in the epidemiologic years 2022-2023 and 2023-2024, respectively. iGAS cases evolved similarly (2013-2020, median 4 cases, range 3-8; 2022-2023, 32 cases; 2023-2024, 19 cases). The decline in cases from 2022-2023 to 2023-2024 included all types of GAS organ involvement except complicated suppurative infections in the head area, which remained largely unchanged (48 vs. 42 cases). Pleural empyema and bacteremic pneumonia declined from 13 to 6 cases, possibly explained by a poor overlap of the GAS and influenza curves in 2023-2024 compared to 2022-2023.
Conclusion
We present evidence for the prolongation of the GAS outbreak into its second winter season in 2023-2024, however with substantial a decline of iGAS, pleural empyema, skin and soft tissue infection and infections of bone, joint and muscle.
Climate change effects on Peruvian Lomas plant distribution
Authors: Vivar Sofia Flores , Bracke Sarah , Haesen Stef , Meerbeek Koenraad Van 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

The Lomas ecosystem, situated along the arid coast of Peru, is a key refuge for biodiversity. Lomas vegetation has evolved diverse adaptive mechanisms to thrive in this unique environment, strongly influenced by fog masses during winter months while allowing vegetation growth in the dry season. However, climate change poses a threat to this fragile ecosystem. Despite species’ resilience to drought, changing rainfall patterns and soil moisture reduction from aridification have led to population declines in recent decades, affecting various taxa. Understanding changes in habitat suitability and species distribution is crucial for mitigating increased extinction risks due to climate change. Urgent research is needed to comprehend these impacts on Peruvian Lomas, especially amidst urbanization and population growth, threatening their survival. In this study, Species Distribution Models (SDMs) predicted Lomas plant species distribution within the Andes and Lomas regions under two future (SSP1-2.6 and SSP3-7.0) scenarios. Both regions were expected to experience declines in habitat suitability, with Lomas being the most vulnerable, particularly under the SSP3-7.0 scenario. Endemic species were anticipated to migrate upslope, utilizing their unique adaptations, while non-endemic species might move downslope. High-elevation species were projected to undergo larger range shifts, while low-elevation species could face more pronounced habitat alterations, influenced by key traits and vegetation interactions. Due to the discontinuous distribution of Lomas systems along the coast, certain species already face threats that could alter these responses in the future. Urgent conservation efforts are necessary to mitigate habitat loss and fragmentation’s impacts on vulnerable plant species, especially with increasing urbanization and desertification in the region.
Fishery, growth, and mortality of threatened Asian Sunfish, Horabagrus brachysoma (Gu¨nther 1864) in five rivers of Western Ghats hotspot, India
Authors: Renjithkumar Chelapurath Radhakrishnan , Roshni Kuttanelloor 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Community-based data monitoring (CBM) systems in small-scale inland fisheries provide insights into the catch patterns of diverse fish species over extended periods. In this study, a participatory approach was employed to ascertain the fishery, demography, and exploitation patterns of Asian Sun fish catfish, Horabagrus brachysoma, across five river systems within the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot of India. H. brachysoma (Gu¨nther 1864) is a commercially important food fish that is heavily exploited from rivers of Kerala state, India and is listed as ‘Vulnerable’ on the IUCN red list. The monthly catches of this species from various landing centres across the Western Ghats' rivers varied between 303 kg to 631 kg annually. These fish typically measured between 11.00 and 41.10 cm in Total Length (TL) and weighed between 26.00 g to 470.00 g in Total Weight (TW). Using the annual length frequency data provided by local fishers, the estimated growth parameters of H. brachysoma are estimated as; asymptotic length ((L∞) between 316.05 and 421.05 mm, growth coefficient (K) between 0.58 and 1.10 yr− 1 from different rivers. The total mortality (Z) was calculated to range between1.25 yr− 1 and 2.91 yr− 1 while the fishing mortality (F) was estimated between 0.62 yr− 1 and 2.09 yr− 1. The fishing mortality rate of H. brachysoma in the Periyar River, at 2.09 yr⁻¹, appears to be one of the highest recorded for this species. This rate suggests a potentially indiscriminate level of exploitation by local fishers in this area. The calculated exploitation rate (E) ranging from 0.49 to 0.72 yr⁻¹ exceeds the anticipated optimum exploitation levels (0.5). This suggests that the populations of H. brachysoma in the river systems of the Western Ghats are experiencing overexploitation. This approach includes measures such as implementing fishing closures during spawning seasons, imposing restrictions on mesh sizes, non-fishing zones and establishing quota systems for local fishermen. These strategies collectively aim to promote sustainable practices and preserve the population of H. brachysoma.
Synthesis of Fingolimod Loaded Sodium Alginate Nanoparticles and Investigation of Efficacy on Membrane Damage Induced Human U- 87 MG Glioma Cell
Authors: PENCECI Buse , CAKIR Rabia 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

The most common demyelinating disease is multiple sclerosis, and for the disease for which there is no curative treatment, there are only treatments used to reduce the frequency of attacks and symptoms. Fingolimod, one of the most important of these, is an immunomodulatory drug that acts as a sphingosine-1 phosphate receptor regulator and has many side effects. Nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems are modified as desired and given to the body, the dose and release time can be controlled. Sodium alginate is a biocompatible polysaccharide and preferred in nanoparticle formulations for drug delivery systems. It is aimed to encapsulation of fingolimod in alginate nanoparticles to reduce side effects and increase its effectiveness on membrane damage induced Human U-87 MG Glioma Cells. Nanoparticles with an average size of 106 nm were obtained by encapsulating Fingolimod with sodium alginate polymer and characterized by Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Scannig Electron Microscope (SEM), Atomic Force Microcope (AFM) and Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis. Membrane damage was induced using lysophosphatidylcholine on the U-87 MG cell line. In order to demonstrate the efficacy of Fingolimod loaded sodium alginate nanoparticles on cells, cytotoxicity, neuroproliferative effect, neuroregenerativeness and neuroprotectivity analysis, apoptotic effect, cell migration, and cellular uptake were demonstrated. Within the scope of the study, the effectiveness of Fingolimod loaded sodium alginate nanoparticles, which have not been studied before in the literature, were examined and it was concluded that in addition to the limited symptomatic effects of Fingolimod mentioned in the literature, it also showed neuroregenerative, neuroprotective and neuroproliferative effects at the cellular level. This efficiency of Fingolimod has been increased by encapsulation of sodium alginate nanoparticles and has been studied at a level that can be a basis for future studies.
Visualizing Type 2 Diabetes Prevalence: Localizing Model Feature Impacts
Authors: Sultan Youssef , Hammad Mohammad , Lester Kelly 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

SHAP values have been a common approach used to understand machine learning model predictions by averaging the marginal contributions of each feature across every possible permutation of the feature set \cite{lundberg2017unified}. Our research provides a localized view of SHAP values contributing to Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) prevalence in the United States from 2012 - 2021 covering each year independently. Instead of visualizing SHAP feature importance across an entire geographical dataset using a beeswarm plot, our approach is more granular. We visualize individual SHAP values of Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) features by county on a Choropleth map. Additionally, we found that replacing geographic identifiers such as zipcode with precise latitude and longitude coordinates before applying KNN imputation reduced the MSE by 10\%. Our visualization reveals how specific factors influence T2D prevalence at the county level using a non-linear machine learning model. By re-appending the initially preserved geographic identifiers for each record by index, we traced the contribution of each SHAP value back to its locality. Our approach opens up a new geographical vantage point of the mechanisms of model predictions, thereby identifying localized key factors influencing Type 2 Diabetes (T2D). This study extends the possibilities for tailored interventions and public health policies showing how some factors have varying predictive impact on an outcome at the geographic level.
Mining differential gene expression in Fagus crenata seedlings in response to short-term soil drought stress
Authors: Torimaru Takeshi , Ao Hinako , Akaji Yasuaki , Akada Shinji , Yasunori Ohmiya , Matsuda Yousuke , Kisanuki Hiromitsu , Tomaru Nobuhiro 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Despite concern about the stress drought imposes on tree species under a warming climate, their molecular responses to drought stress have not been well-documented. We analyzed the transcriptional response of seedling leaves after exposure to short-term drought stress in Fagus crenata. After well-watered and water-stressed treatments, we mapped the RNA-seq reads derived from sampled leaves and identified 127 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), of which 89 were up- and 38 down-regulated in water-stressed plants. Several dozen up-regulated DEGs were predicted to encode proteins that would facilitate mitigating processes or avoid the adverse effects caused by drought stress, including stomatal closure, reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging, abscisic acid (ABA) accumulation and response, and osmoprotectants. The evidence of down-regulation in several genes in response to drought stress was in accordance with the results of a literature survey. The functional category of sulfate assimilation was enriched in up-regulated DEGs, although there was also evidence of sulfur deficiency in the DEGs. These results suggest the existence of molecular mechanisms in beech that are common in other plant species, representing an acclimation response to drought stress as well as sulfur metabolism under drought stress conditions. This information provides the basis for further species-specific functional genomic research within the context of a warming climate.
A simultaneous post-LASIK sequential bilateral implantation of multifocal IOLs aimed at refraction correction. A clinical case
Authors: Eskina E. N. , Belogurova A. V. , Fisenko A. I. 
Published: July 2024

The article presents a clinical example of intraocular presbyopia correction in a patient who previously underwent laser vision correction by LASIK for mild myopia. Before the surgery, the distance VA mono- and binocular was 1.0, ADD for reading distance 40 cm +2.0 D, objective refraction sph +0.5 D cyl -0.25 D ax 980, left eye sph +0.75 D cyl -0.25 D ax 660. The patient was given a simultaneous bilateral refractive lens exchange with an implantation of a trifocal aspheric intraocular lens in the right eye and a trifocal toric aspheric intraocular lens in the left eye. We used the following IOL calculation formulas: ASCRS mean IOL power, Shammas formula, Barrett true K formula, Masket formula, Modified Masket formula, Haigis-L formula. 1 week postop: UDVA OU = 1.0, UNVA 40 cm = 1.0, UVA 70 cm = 0.7. The objective refraction OD was sph +0.0, D cyl -0.75 D ax 163, OS sph +0.25 D, cyl -0.0 D. The compliance with the modified algorithms of pre-and intraoperative behavior of the operating team, thorough preparation of the patient, careful calculation of the IOL allowed us to obtain the predictive refractive result with a high level of visual satisfaction and absence of undesirable postoperative phenomena. The patient underwent the examination with Salzburg reading desk before and after the surgery, to confirm the excellent functional results of the treatment. Despite the fact that simultaneous same day IOL implantation in both eyes, especially in eyes with previously operated corneas, is still disputable, the above case confirms that with modern equipment, precise multi formula calculation, and ample experience help achieve excellent functional and refractive results.
Synthesis of Eu-doped TiO<sub>2</sub> nanoparticles by hydrothermal method
Authors: Egelskii I. V. , Pugachevskii M. A. , Martynova E. A. , Neruchev Yu. A. 
Published: July 2024

Purpose of research. Synthesis, characterization and comparison of the photocatalytic properties of europium-doped titanium dioxide nanoparticles. Methods. Europium-doped titanium dioxide nanoparticles were synthesized via a hydrothermal method followed by post-treatment processes including washing and annealing. Characterization was conducted using transmission electron microscopy, X-ray phase analysis, and energy-dispersive analysis. The bandgap width of the nanoparticles was determined through diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. Photoluminescence properties were studied using scanning probe microscopy and Raman spectroscopy. The photocatalytic properties were studied by spectrophotometry to determine the degradation of methylene blue under ultraviolet radiation. Results. Transmission electron microscopy identified the average particle sizes of europium-doped titanium dioxide. Using X-ray phase analysis, it was established that the nanoparticles were in the anatase phase regardless of the europium content percentage. Energy-dispersive spectroscopy confirmed the presence of the dopant in the samples. The photoluminescence intensity peak increased proportionally with the increase in europium content percentage. The strongest photocatalytic properties were exhibited at the lowest europium content among the samples studied. Conclusion. Synthesized and processed europium-doped titanium dioxide nanoparticles with anatase polymorphic modification exhibit photoluminescent properties. The luminescence intensity depends on the concentration of europium in the particles, due to the formation of additional energy levels inside the band gap. The photocatalytic properties of europium-doped nanoparticles are significantly improved in comparison with samples synthesized without impurities. However, a europium concentration above 0,5% leads to the growth of structural defects that reduce the mobility of photogenerated charge carriers and creates a high energy barrier that prevents them from reaching the surface.
Religion, Geography, and Risky Sexual Behaviors Among International Immigrants Living in China: Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Zhou Yuyin , Cheng Feng , Xu Junfang 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Behavioral differences exist between countries, regions, and religions. With rapid development in recent decades, an increasing number of international immigrants from different regions with different religions have settled in China. The degrees to which sexual behaviors—particularly risky sexual behaviors—differ by religion and geographical areas are not known.

Objective
We aim to estimate the associations of religion and geographical areas with sexual behaviors of international immigrants and provide evidence for promoting the sexual health of international immigrants.

Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted via the internet with a snowball sampling method among international immigrants in China. In our study, risky sexual behaviors included having multiple sexual partners and engaging in unprotected sex. Descriptive analysis was used to analyze the basic characteristics of international immigrants as well as their sexual behaviors, religious affiliations, and geographical regions of origin. Multivariate binary logistic regression analyses with multiplicative and additive interactions were used to identify aspects of religion and geography that were associated with risky sexual behaviors among international immigrants.

Results
A total of 1433 international immigrants were included in the study. South Americans and nonreligious immigrants were more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviors, and Asian and Buddhist immigrants were less likely to engage in risky sexual behaviors. The majority of the Muslims had sexually transmitted infection and HIV testing experiences; however, Muslims had a low willingness to do these tests in the future. The multivariate analysis showed that Muslim (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 0.453, 95% CI 0.228‐0.897), Hindu (AOR 0.280, 95% CI 0.082‐0.961), and Buddhist (AOR 0.097, 95% CI 0.012‐0.811) immigrants were less likely to report engaging in unprotected sexual behaviors. Buddhist immigrants (AOR 0.292, 95% CI 0.086‐0.990) were also less likely to have multiple sexual partners. With regard to geography, compared to Asians, South Americans (AOR 2.642, 95% CI 1.034‐6.755), Europeans (AOR 2.310, 95% CI 1.022‐5.221), and North Africans (AOR 3.524, 95% CI 1.104‐11.248) had a higher probability of having multiple sexual partners.

Conclusions
The rates of risky sexual behaviors among international immigrants living in China differed depending on their religions and geographical areas of origin. South Americans and nonreligious immigrants were more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviors. It is necessary to promote measures, including HIV self-testing, pre-exposure prophylaxis implementation, and targeted sexual health education, among international immigrants in China.
Attentional Bias, Pupillometry, and Spontaneous Blink Rate: Eye Characteristic Assessment Within a Translatable Nicotine Cue Virtual Reality Paradigm
Authors: Courtney Kelly Elizabeth , Liu Weichen , Andrade Gianna , Schulze Jurgen , Doran Neal 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Incentive salience processes are important for the development and maintenance of addiction. Eye characteristics such as gaze fixation time, pupil diameter, and spontaneous eyeblink rate (EBR) are theorized to reflect incentive salience and may serve as useful biomarkers. However, conventional cue exposure paradigms have limitations that may impede accurate assessment of these markers.

Objective
This study sought to evaluate the validity of these eye-tracking metrics as indicators of incentive salience within a virtual reality (VR) environment replicating real-world situations of nicotine and tobacco product (NTP) use.

Methods
NTP users from the community were recruited and grouped by NTP use patterns: nondaily (n=33) and daily (n=75) use. Participants underwent the NTP cue VR paradigm and completed measures of nicotine craving, NTP use history, and VR-related assessments. Eye-gaze fixation time (attentional bias) and pupillometry in response to NTP versus control cues and EBR during the active and neutral VR scenes were recorded and analyzed using ANOVA and analysis of covariance models.

Results
Greater subjective craving, as measured by the Tobacco Craving Questionnaire–Short Form, following active versus neutral scenes was observed (F1,106=47.95; P<.001). Greater mean eye-gaze fixation time (F1,106=48.34; P<.001) and pupil diameter (F1,102=5.99; P=.02) in response to NTP versus control cues were also detected. Evidence of NTP use group effects was observed in fixation time and pupillometry analyses, as well as correlations between these metrics, NTP use history, and nicotine craving. No significant associations were observed with EBR.

Conclusions
This study provides additional evidence for attentional bias, as measured via eye-gaze fixation time, and pupillometry as useful biomarkers of incentive salience, and partially supports theories suggesting that incentive salience diminishes as nicotine dependence severity increases.
Syndromic Surveillance Tracks COVID-19 Cases in University and County Settings: Retrospective Observational Study
Authors: Wass Lily Minh , O'Keeffe Hoare Derek , Smits Georgia Elena , Osman Marwan , Zhang Ning , Klepack William , Parrilla Lara , Busche Jefferson M , Clarkberg Marin E , Basu Sumanta , Cazer Casey L 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Syndromic surveillance represents a potentially inexpensive supplement to test-based COVID-19 surveillance. By strengthening surveillance of COVID-19–like illness (CLI), targeted and rapid interventions can be facilitated that prevent COVID-19 outbreaks without primary reliance on testing.

Objective
This study aims to assess the temporal relationship between confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infections and self-reported and health care provider–reported CLI in university and county settings, respectively.

Methods
We collected aggregated COVID-19 testing and symptom reporting surveillance data from Cornell University (2020‐2021) and Tompkins County Health Department (2020‐2022). We used negative binomial and linear regression models to correlate confirmed COVID-19 case counts and positive test rates with CLI rate time series, lagged COVID-19 cases or rates, and day of the week as independent variables. Optimal lag periods were identified using Granger causality and likelihood ratio tests.

Results
In modeling undergraduate student cases, the CLI rate (P=.003) and rate of exposure to CLI (P<.001) were significantly correlated with the COVID-19 test positivity rate with no lag in the linear models. At the county level, the health care provider–reported CLI rate was significantly correlated with SARS-CoV-2 test positivity with a 3-day lag in both the linear (P<.001) and negative binomial model (P=.005).

Conclusions
The real-time correlation between syndromic surveillance and COVID-19 cases on a university campus suggests symptom reporting is a viable alternative or supplement to COVID-19 surveillance testing. At the county level, syndromic surveillance is also a leading indicator of COVID-19 cases, enabling quick action to reduce transmission. Further research should investigate COVID-19 risk using syndromic surveillance in other settings, such as low-resource settings like low- and middle-income countries.