bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Does timing of tocilizumab administration affect mortality in COVID-19? A Scottish multicentre retrospective cohort study
Authors: MacGregor Fiona , Oprey Alison , Caulfield Carolyn , MacTavish Pamela , Lowrie Richard , Henderson Philip 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundThe optimal timing of tocilizumab treatment during the disease course of COVID-19 has yet to be adequately defined in the context of randomised controlled trials and the effect of tocilizumab on real-world populations remains unclear. We examined the effect of different timing of tocilizumab, on mortality, in a cohort of adults with COVID-19.MethodsAll adults (≥18 years old) with confirmed COVID-19 admitted to four hospitals in the West of Scotland between 8 January 2021 and 31 March 2021 and who received tocilizumab were included in a retrospective observational cohort study. Patients were assigned to either an early (day of admission or first day after admission) or late (days 2–7 of admission) cohort based on tocilizumab initiation. The primary outcome was 90-day all-cause mortality in early versus late cohorts. Secondary outcomes were 28 and 180-day all-cause mortality.Results203 patients were included in the analysis (138 in the early cohort, 65 in the late cohort). Mortality in 90 days in the early cohort was 22% (n=30) compared with 45% (n=29) in the late cohort (p<0.001). The adjusted mortality was significantly higher in the late cohort compared with the early cohort (adjusted OR: 3.33; 95% CI: 1.29 to 8.54; p=0.012). The secondary outcomes demonstrated the same effect with higher rates of death in 28 days (late cohort adjusted OR: 3.28; 95% CI: 1.23 to 8.75; p=0.018) and 180 days (late cohort adjusted OR: 3.70; 95% CI: 1.45 to 9.45; p=0.006). The effect was seen whether the outcome was adjusted or unadjusted.ConclusionEarly administration of tocilizumab within the first 2 days of hospitalisation was associated with a significant survival benefit compared with late exposure. Late administration was associated with particularly high mortality. The observed association may be a result of residual confounders and further research is needed.
Geospatial analysis of injury severity on major roads in Ghana (2017–2020): implications for targeted injury prevention and control initiatives
Authors: Mesic Aldina , Damsere-Derry James , Feldacker Caryl , Larley Joshua , Opoku Irene , Wuaku Daniel Hardy , Afram Martin Owusu , Ekuban Ernest , Mooney Stephen J , Gyedu Adam , Mock Charles N , Kitali Angela E , Wagenaar Brad H , Osei-Ampofo Maxwell , Stewart Barclay T 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundRoad safety authorities in high-income countries use geospatial motor vehicle collision data for planning hazard reduction and intervention targeting. However, low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) rarely conduct such geospatial analyses due to a lack of data. Since 1991, Ghana has maintained a database of all collisions and is uniquely positioned to lead data-informed road injury prevention and control initiatives.MethodsWe identified and mapped geospatial patterns of hotspots of collisions, injuries, severe injuries and deaths using a well-known injury severity index with geographic information systems statistical methods (Getis-Ord Gi*).ResultsWe identified specific areas (4.66% of major roads in urban areas and 6.16% of major roads in rural areas) to target injury control. Key roads, including National Road 1 (from the border of Cote D’Ivoire to the border of Togo) and National Road 6 (from Accra to Kumasi), have a significant concentration of high-risk roads.ConclusionsA few key road sections are critical to target for injury prevention. We conduct a collaborative geospatial study to demonstrate the importance of addressing data and research gaps in LMICs and call for similar future research on targeting injury control and prevention efforts.
Assessing the national and subnational firearm violence trends in Mexico from 1990 to 2019: secondary data analysis from the Global Burden of Diseasestudy
Authors: Dávila-Cervantes Claudio Alberto , Pardo-Montaño Ana Melisa 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundMexico is among the countries with the highest mortality rates by firearms worldwide. We aimed to analyse the trend in the burden of firearm violence (FV) by age and sex in Mexico at a national and subnational level, and the association between this burden and the Sociodemographic Index.MethodsWe used estimates from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD)-2019 study for the analysis of FV mortality, premature mortality and disability for all available age-groups and by sex. The GBD data separates FV into three categories—interpersonal violence from firearms, unintentional injuries from firearms and self-harm from firearms. We used a joinpoint regression analysis to analyse the temporal trends of the FV burden.ResultsFV exhibited a non-significant increase. By cause, there was a significant increase in the burden of interpersonal violence from firearms, a non-significant decrease in the burden of self-harm from firearms and a significant decrease in the burden of unintentional injuries from firearms. Most of the FV burden is attributed to interpersonal violence from firearms. Almost the entirety of the burden of FV results from premature mortality. The incidence of FV disability adjusted life years (DALYs) was significantly higher among males than females, and was most concentrated in males aged 20–44 and females aged 15–49. Significant heterogeneity in FV DALY trends was observed at the subnational level.ConclusionThese results may help to better understand the burden of FV and help the design and implementation of national and local preventive policies.
Neutralizing IL-38 activates γδ T cell-dependent antitumor immunity and sensitizes for chemotherapy
Authors: da Silva Priscila , Mora Javier , You Xin , Wiechmann Svenja , Putyrski Mateusz , Garcia-Pardo Javier , Kannt Aimo , Ernst Andreas , Bruene Bernhard , Weigert Andreas 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundThe interleukin (IL)-1-family receptor antagonist IL-38 has emerged as a negative regulator of auto-inflammation. Given the intricate interplay between antitumor immunity and auto-inflammation, we hypothesized that blocking IL-38 may enhance tumor immune control.MethodsOur hypothesis was tested in the transgenic polyoma virus middle T oncoprotein mammary carcinoma model that is suitable for identifying strong immunomodulators. To investigate the effect of acute IL-38 blockade, we used a neutralizing antibody, alone or in combination with chemotherapy. Immune cell composition and location in tumors were determined by flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry, respectively. The role of γδ T cells was studied using an antibody blocking γδ T-cell receptor signaling. Whole transcriptome RNA sequencing and RNA expression analysis were employed to determine mechanisms downstream of IL-38 neutralization. Additionally, in vitro assays with γδ T cells, CD8+ T cells and cDC1, followed by in vivo CD8+ T cell depletion, were performed to study the underlying mechanistic pathways.ResultsBoth, genetic ablation of IL-38 and neutralization with the antibody, reduced tumorigenesis, and IL-38 blockade improved chemotherapy efficacy. This was accompanied by an augmented lymphocyte infiltrate dominated by γδ T cells and CD8+ T cells, and signaling through the γδ-T-cell receptor was required for CD8+ T cell infiltration. Rather than directly interacting with CD8+ T cells, γδ T cells recruited conventional dendritic cells (cDC1) into tumors via the chemokine Xcl1. cDC1 in turn activated CD8+ T cells via the Notch pathway. Moreover, IL-38 negatively correlated with cDC1, XCL1-producing γδ T cells, T-cell infiltrates and survival in patients with mammary carcinoma.ConclusionsThese data suggest that interfering with IL-38 improves antitumor immunity even in immunologically cold tumors.
Hypercapnia during transcatheter aortic valve replacement under monitored anaesthesia care: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Chen Tzonghuei , Asher Shyamal , Apruzzese Patricia , Owusu-Dapaah Harry , Gonzalez Gustavo , Maslow Andrew 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundAcute intraoperative hypercapnia and respiratory acidosis, which can occur during monitored anaesthesia care (MAC), pose significant cardiopulmonary risks for patients with aortic stenosis undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). The goal of the present study is to assess the incidence, risk factors and impact of intraoperative hypercapnia during MAC for patients undergoing transfemoral TAVR.MethodsData was collected retrospectively from the electronic medical record of 201 consecutive patients with available intraoperative arterial blood gas (ABG) data who underwent percutaneous transfemoral TAVR with MAC using propofol and dexmedetomidine. ABGs (pH, arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) and arterial partial pressure of oxygen) were performed at the start of each case (baseline), immediately prior to valve deployment (ValveDepl), and on arrival to the postanaesthesia care unit. Data was analysed using Fisher’s exact test, unpaired Student’s t-test, Wilcoxon rank sum or univariate linear regression as appropriate based on PaCO2and pH during ValveDepl (PaCO2-ValveDepl, pH-ValveDepl) and change in PaCO2and pH from baseline to ValveDepl (PaCO2-%increase, pH-%decrease) to determine their association with preoperative demographic data, intraoperative anaesthetic and vasoactive medications and postoperative outcomes.ResultsPaCO2increased by a mean of 28.4% and was higher than baseline in 91% of patients. Younger age, male sex, increased weight and increased propofol dose contributed to higher PaCO2-ValveDepl and greater PaCO2-%increase. Patients with PaCO2-ValveDepl>60 mm Hg, pH≤7.2 and greater pH-%decrease were more likely to receive vasoactive medications, but perioperative PaCO2and pH were not associated with adverse postoperative outcomes.ConclusionsTransient significant hypercapnia commonly occurs during transfemoral TAVR with deep sedation using propofol and dexmedetomidine. Although the incidence of postoperative outcomes does not appear to be affected by hypercapnia, the need for vasopressors and inotropes is increased. If deep sedation is required for TAVR, hypercapnia and the need for haemodynamic and ventilatory support should be anticipated.
Anisotropic generalization of charged isotropic spheres with double equation of state
Authors: Thirukkanesh S. , Maharaj Sunil D. , Sharma Ranjan 
Published: August 2024

AbstractWe propose a technique to generate a new class of solutions for an anisotropic charged matter distribution. We show its viability as a model to describe an ultra-compact static spherically symmetric star where anisotropy may be a dominant factor. The solution extends some previously reported stellar solutions with or without charge or anisotropy. The interior matter distribution satisfies a double equation of state with two parameters. The parameters affect the gravitational behaviour of the model and the physical features, such as stability.
Magnetic moments of hidden-bottom pentaquark states
Authors: Mutuk Halil 
Published: August 2024

AbstractWe study systematically magnetic moments of hiddden-bottom pentaquark states with quantum numbers$$J^P=\frac{1}{2}^{\pm }$$JP=12±,$$J^P=\frac{3}{2}^{\pm }$$JP=32±, and$$J^P=\frac{5}{2}^{\pm }$$JP=52±with molecular, diquark–diquark–antiquark, and diquark–triquark models. The numerical results show that magnetic moments are different within the same model according to same quantum numbers and spin-orbit couplings. The results are also different when different models are taken into account with the same angular momentum. The magnetic moments encode valuable information about inner structures. We believe that our results may be helpful for experimental studies.
Bottomonium evolution with in-medium heavy quark potential from lattice QCD
Authors: Chen Ge , Chen Baoyi , Zhao Jiaxing 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe static properties and dynamic evolution of bottomonium states in a hot QCD medium are investigated through the Schrödinger equation with complex heavy quark potentials, which have been presented recently in a lattice QCD study and with three different extractions. This approach builds a direct connection between the in-medium heavy quark potentials from the lattice QCD to the experimental observables. The yields and nuclear modification factors $$R_{AA}$$

R

AA

of bottomonium in Pb–Pb collisions at $$\sqrt{s_\textrm{NN}}=5.02$$

s
NN

=
5.02

TeV are calculated in this work. Our results show a large suppression of the bottomonium yield in heavy ion collisions due to the large imaginary potential. To understand bottomonium $$R_{AA}$$

R

AA

based on lattice QCD potentials, we propose a formation time for bottomonium states and find that experimental data can be well explained with the heavy quark potential extracted by the Padé fit, which shows no color screening in the real part potential.
Transformerless High Voltage Gain Y-Source DC–DC Converter with Switched Capacitor for Grid-Connected Photovoltaic Applications
Authors: Devi S. M. Nithya , Vijayakumar K. , Navamani Divya 
Published: August 2024

A high voltage gain DC–DC converter with a Y-source network is proposed in this paper for applications such as fuel cells and PV systems. The proposed converter topology is a combination of a Y-source module with a switched capacitor boost module. It is a single switch topology to produce high voltage gain at the load. The superiority of the proposed topology is the high voltage transfer ratio and continuous input current. The voltage gain of the converter can be achieved up to twenty times the input voltage at a duty cycle of 25% itself. The steady state analysis of the converter is carried out using mathematical equations and the working of the converter is explained. The design and analysis of the passive components in the circuit are explained. To illustrate the highlights of the converter, the proposed topology is compared with similar converters in the literature. The simulation of the converter is carried out using MATLAB/SIMULINK. The circuit is verified in the laboratory using a 100[Formula: see text]W prototype.
Fast frequency modulation is encoded according to the listener expectations in the human subcortical auditory pathway
Authors: Tabas Alejandro , Kiebel Stefan , Marxen Michael , von Kriegstein Katharina 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Expectations aid and bias our perception. For instance, expected words are easier to recognise than unexpected words, particularly in noisy environments, and incorrect expectations can make us misunderstand our conversational partner. Expectations are combined with the output from the sensory pathways to form representations of auditory objects in the cerebral cortex. Previous literature has shown that expectations propagate further down to subcortical stations during the encoding of static pure tones. However, it is unclear whether expectations also drive the subcortical encoding of subtle dynamic elements of the acoustic signal that are not represented in the tonotopic axis. Here, we tested the hypothesis that subjective expectations drive the encoding of fast frequency modulation (FM) in the human subcortical auditory pathway. We used fMRI to measure neural responses in the human auditory midbrain (inferior colliculus) and thalamus (medial geniculate body). Participants listened to sequences of FM-sweeps for which they held different expectations based on the task instructions. We found robust evidence that the responses in auditory midbrain and thalamus encode the difference between the acoustic input and the subjective expectations of the listener. The results indicate that FM-sweeps are already encoded at the level of the human auditory midbrain and that encoding is mainly driven by subjective expectations. We conclude that the subcortical auditory pathway is integrated in the cortical network of predictive processing and that expectations are used to optimise the encoding of fast dynamic elements of the acoustic signal.
Fighters and friends: female dominance hierarchy and male territoriality in a multicoloured poisonous frog
Authors: da Rocha Sulamita Marques Correia , Lima Albertina Pimentel 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Dendrobatid frogs are famous for their amazing body design colours and poisonous skin. The male perspective is the focus of most studies, with males known as caregivers, persistent singers, and assiduous flirts. Little is known about what females do other than reproduce or very rarely be territorial and care for their tadpoles. Two interesting questions that remain to be answered are whether dendrobatid frogs can organize themselves into a complex social system and what males and females do outside of reproductive periods. We studied the multicolour species Adelphobates galactonotus in a delimited natural environment, with 11 females and 6 males with three different body colours. Over 27 months, the individuals interacted and conducted their life histories together since their metamorphosis. Continuous daily samplings revealed that females and males are organized in a female dominance hierarchy based on aggression, with resource defence: the territory. The social repertoire involved touching, visual and sound communication, fights and grouping of individuals associated with dominant females and territorial males. Herein, we describe the social repertoire, and we tested the behavioural trait that most influences successful reproduction: fighting a lot or being a popular individual in groups.
Vocalisation in wild-living mountain gazelles (Gazella gazella): structure and context of acoustical signals
Authors: Arnon Amir , Koyama Nicola F. , Wronski Torsten 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Describing vocalisations of species in the wild is an important step to understanding their function. A wild-living population of mountain gazelles (Gazella gazella) was monitored in Israel, using camera traps, thereby providing a first detailed description of the acoustic repertoire. We described six acoustical signals that were either reported by previous authors or that were hitherto not reported. Acoustic signals were categorised according to behavioural context as alarm calls, courtship calls or threat calls and — if possible — characterised by four acoustic variables, i.e., duration, maximum amplitude frequency, three power quartiles and fundamental frequency. Vocalisations were illustrated as spectrograms supplemented by full video sequences to show the acoustical signal in its environmental, social, and behavioural context. Given the rather inconspicuous character of many acoustic signals, we proposed further in-depth studies of vocalisation in mountain gazelles and other Antilopine species to unravel new insights into their behaviour and social organisation.
Xi Jinping’s Global Civilization Initiative
Authors: Peters Michael A. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
This article examines Xi Jinping’s Global Civilization Initiative, introduced in 2023 as part of China’s broader foreign policy vision. It analyzes the key principles and components of the initiative, including its emphasis on mutual respect between civilizations, cultural exchange, common development, and multilateralism. The article contextualizes the initiative within China’s approach to global governance and modernization, comparing it to previous frameworks like the “clash of civilizations” thesis. It explores the potential implications of the Global Civilization Initiative for China’s role on the world stage and its relations with other nations. The article argues that this initiative represents a significant development in China’s diplomatic strategy, reflecting its growing global influence and desire to promote an alternative vision of world order based on Chinese values and modernization.
Human Security and Peaceful Coexistence in Islam
Authors: Rane Halim 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
This article contributes to the broader debate on interreligious relations and nonviolence in Islam by examining references to the concept of covenant (ʿahd and mīthāq) in the Qurʾān and specific covenantal documents attributed to Muhammad, the prophet of Islam. Covenants include solemn agreements, bonds, pledges and treaties, and are central to the Qurʾānic narrative of human existence and coexistence as well as the diplomacy of the Prophet, though they are understudied and underrepresented in discourses about Islam. Content analysis is used to identify the commands, narratives and themes concerning covenants in Islam’s primary, preeminent sources. The article shows that covenants in the Qurʾān and Sunnah establish human security and peaceful coexistence as the normative basis of relations between Muslims and non-Muslims, which influenced early interreligious relations but were neglected over time. While Islamic covenants establish a principle of nonviolence, the use of armed force is permitted, in self-defence, in response to armed aggression and treaty violation that threatens peace and security. These findings have profound implications for our understanding of interreligious relations and the legitimate use of force in Islam.
Factors Controlling Superrotation in a Terrestrial Aquaplanet
Authors: Zurita-Gotor Pablo , Held Isaac M. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Extending previous work with a dry model, this study investigates the sensitivity of superrotation to the location/strength of baroclinic eddies in an idealized moist aquaplanet GCM with terrestrial rotation rate and planetary radius. A suite of fixed-SST experiments is performed in which the extratropical SST gradient is flattened poleward of some specified latitude. Consistent with the dry simulations, transition to superrotation is found as this reference latitude moves near the subtropics. The superrotation is dependent on the equatorial acceleration due to interactions between equatorial Kelvin waves and subtropical Rossby waves, but is strongly enhanced by a reduction in drag by the baroclinic eddies on the subtropical upper troposphere. The reduction in the extratropical drag and the strength of superrotation depend on the strength and structure of the Hadley cell, and hence on convective closure. The transition to strong superrotation is aided by a positive feedback that cannot occur when a strong Hadley cell drag limits the equatorial vertical shear and upper-troposphere equatorial westerlies.