bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Self‐reported hepatitis B testing among noninstitutionalized adults in the United States before the implementation of universal screening, 2013–2017: A nationwide population‐based study
Authors: Yendewa George A. , Salata Robert A. , Olasehinde Temitope , Mulindwa Frank , Jacobson Jeffrey M. , Mohareb Amir M. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIn 2023, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended universal screening for hepatitis B virus (HBV); however, the proportion of US adults screened before implementing this recommendation is unknown. We analysed nationally representative data from the National Health Interview Survey (2013–2017) on self‐reported HBV testing among noninstitutionalized US adults ≥18 years. We employed Poisson logistic regression to identify factors associated with self‐reported testing, using a conceptual framework that included four overarching factors: sociodemographic characteristics, healthcare access, health‐seeking behaviours and experiences, and access to internet‐based health information. Among 149,628 survey respondents, the self‐reported HBV testing rate was 27.2% (95% CI 26.2–28.7) and increased by 1.7% from 2013 to 2017 (p = .006). In adjusted analysis, health‐seeking behaviours and experiences had the strongest associations of self‐reported testing including a history of hepatitis (AOR 2.68, 95% CI 1.92–3.73), receipt of hepatitis B vaccination (AOR 5.11, 95% CI 4.61–5.68) and prior testing for hepatitis C (AOR 9.14, 95% CI 7.97–10.48) and HIV (AOR 2.69, 95% CI 2.44–2.97). Other factors associated with testing included being male (AOR 1.14, 95% CI 1.03–1.26), ages 30–44 years (AOR 1.37, 95% CI 1.17–1.61), 45–60 years (AOR 1.55, 95% CI 1.30–1.80) and ≥60 years (AOR 1.53, 95% CI 1.28–1.84), residence in the Western US region (AOR 1.23, 95% CI 1.06–1.43), and access to internet‐based health information (AOR 1.32, 95% CI 1.18–1.47). Being Hispanic was associated with lower odds of testing (AOR 0.80, 95% CI 0.66–0.97). These findings may help guide optimal HBV screening in the universal testing era.
Next generation mycological diagnosis: Artificial intelligence‐based classifier of the presence of Malassezia yeasts in tape strip samples
Authors: Köberle Martin , Zink Alexander , Biedermann Tilo , Sitaru Sebastian 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackgroundMalassezia yeasts are almost universally present on human skin worldwide. While they can cause diseases such as pityriasis versicolor, their implication in skin homeostasis and pathophysiology of other dermatoses is still unclear. Their analysis using native microscopy of skin tape strips is operator dependent and requires skill, training and significant amounts of hands‐on time.Objectives and MethodsTo standardise and improve the speed and quality of diagnosis of Malassezia in skin tape strip samples, we sought to create an artificial intelligence‐based algorithm for this image classification task. Three algorithms, each using different internal architectures, were trained and validated on a manually annotated dataset of 1113 images from 22 samples.ResultsThe Vision Transformer‐based algorithm performed the best with a validation accuracy of 94%, sensitivity of 94.0% and specificity of 93.5%. Visualisations providing insight into the reasoning of the algorithm were presented and discussed.ConclusionOur image classifier achieved very good performance in the diagnosis of the presence of Malassezia yeasts in tape strip samples of human skin and can therefore improve the speed and quality of, and access to this diagnostic test. By expanding data sources and explainability, the algorithm could also provide teaching points for more novice operators in future.
Effect of reboxetine and citalopram on anal opening pressure in healthy women: A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled crossover study
Authors: Christoffersen Thea , Riis Troels , Sonne Jesper , Kornholt Jonatan , Sonne David P. , Klarskov Niels 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackgroundIn placebo‐controlled clinical trials, reboxetine, a selective noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor, increases urethral pressure and relieves stress urinary incontinence symptoms in women. Considering the close connection in neural regulation of the external urethral and anal sphincters, we hypothesized that reboxetine may also enhance anal sphincter pressure. Conversely, it is believed that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors may contribute to fecal incontinence by reducing anal sphincter pressure. In this study, we investigated the effect of reboxetine and citalopram on anal opening pressure in healthy female volunteers.MethodsIn a double‐blind, three‐way crossover trial, 24 female participants received single doses of 40 mg citalopram, 8 mg reboxetine, and matching placebos, with a minimum of 8‐day washout between sessions. Using anal acoustic reflectometry, we measured anal opening pressure during both resting and squeezing conditions at the estimated time of peak plasma concentration for both study drugs.Key ResultsCompared with placebo, reboxetine increased anal opening pressure with 23.4 cmH2O (95% confidence interval [CI] 16.5–30.2, p < 0.001) during rest and with 22.5 cmH2O (95% CI 15.2–29.8, p < 0.001) during squeeze. Citalopram did not change anal opening pressure statistically significantly compared to placebo.Conclusions & InferencesAn 8‐mg dose of reboxetine increased anal opening pressure substantially in healthy women, suggesting potential benefits for fecal incontinence symptoms. In contrast, a 40‐mg dose of citalopram showed a marginal and statistically insignificant effect on anal opening pressure, indicating that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors do not contribute to fecal incontinence by reducing anal sphincter tone.
Risk assessment of infection of COVID‐19 contacts based on scenario simulation
Authors: Zhang Wei‐Wen , Huang Yan‐Ran , Wang Yu‐Yuan , Lu Ze‐Xi , Sun Jia‐Lin , Jing Ming‐Xia 
Published: July 2024

AbstractWe constructed a rapid infection risk assessment model for contacts of COVID‐19. The improved Wells–Riley model was used to estimate the probability of infection for contacts of COVID‐19 in the same place and evaluate their risk grades. We used COVID‐19 outbreaks that were documented to validate the accuracy of the model. We analyzed the relationship between controllable factors and infection probability and constructed common scenarios to analyze the infection risk of contacts in different scenarios. The model showed the robustness of the fitting (mean relative error = 5.89%, mean absolute error = 2.03%, root mean squared error = 2.03%, R2 = 0.991). We found that improving ventilation from poorly ventilated to naturally ventilated and wearing masks can reduce the probability of infection by about two times. Contacts in places of light activity, loud talking or singing, and heavy exercise, oral breathing (e.g., gyms, KTV, choirs) were at higher risk of infection. The model constructed in this study can quickly and accurately assess the infection risk grades of COVID‐19 contacts. Simply opening doors and windows for ventilation can significantly reduce the risk of infection in certain places. The places of light activity, loud talking or singing, and heavy exercise, oral breathing, should pay more attention to prevent and control transmission of the epidemic.
The farm shop as a retroscaped place of experiential consumption
Authors: Griffin Robert Geary , Phillips Martin 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAlternative food network research has referred to farm shops but rarely examined them in detail. This article argues that farm shops are not simply places of exchange but are complex, immersive, sensory‐rich places of meaning and experience. These arguments are developed through a study that adopts an interpretive/embodied perspective on conventions and applies them through a multi‐methods approach, incorporating autoethnography, interviews, a questionnaire and website analysis. The influence of farm shop interiors and farm context were investigated through thematic analysis. It was found that consumers desired a rustic interior aesthetic, an external ambience enabling exploration and an opportunity to escape time poverty through consumption. Farm shop owners endeavoured to provide a rich multi‐sensory interactive consumption experience, encompassing both enterprise buildings and surrounding farm sites. It is argued that use of ‘farm‐site’ consumption experiences distinguishes these enterprises from each other, contributes to consumer immersion and positively contributes to the collective identity of ‘farm shops’. Furthermore, the provision of retroscaped experiential consumption promises resilience from supermarket co‐optation.
Mapping COVID‐19 at home
Authors: Endfield Georgina H. , Waldock Jacqueline 
Published: July 2024

AbstractHand‐drawn maps are an effective method for collecting information around sense of place. In this project, we have used a hand‐drawn mapping methodology as a tool for supporting children and young people in navigating and articulating their experiences of COVID‐19 at home. The nationwide exercise was conducted in partnership with the Royal Geographical Society with the Institute of British Geographers and National Museums Liverpool, and was part of the larger AHRC‐funded ‘Stayhome Stories’ project. The mapping initiative provided a platform for children and young people to visually convey their encounters with the pandemic and provides a lens through which to view how they understood and renegotiated meanings of home through the repeated lockdowns.
How do we make trade policy in Britain? How should we?
Authors: Winters L. Alan 
Published: July 2024

AbstractSince Brexit, the UK has been responsible for its own trade policymaking rather than inputting into the collective policy of the European Union. This paper starts by sketching how that policy has been developed and implemented and how it is turning out. Overall, it is not very complimentary about the UK Government's efforts and so it then moves on to consider how we might do better. One dimension of this is how trade policy could be made more inclusive in formulation. I propose three (sets of) institutional reforms: increasing Parliamentary (and other) scrutiny of the government's trade policy plans; after examining how the UK public thinks about trade policy, it asks whether (how) one should take into account public attitudes to trade policy issues; finally, it argues for creating an independent source of advice and analysis on trade policy. It concludes by noting that while recent history has been disappointing, trade policy by any government would be improved by the reforms recommended.
Retrospective evaluation of the neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio as a prognostic marker in cats with blunt trauma (2018–2021): 177 cases
Authors: Doulidis Pavlos G. , Vali Yasamin , Frizzo Ramos Caroline , Guija‐de‐Arespacochaga Abigail 
Published: July 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the utility of the neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) as a prognostic marker in cats with blunt trauma.DesignRetrospective study from January 2018 to December 2021.SettingUniversity teaching hospital.AnimalsMedical records of 177 cats admitted with blunt trauma were evaluated. History, clinical findings, blood cell count‐based ratios, thoracic radiographs on presentation, and outcome were reviewed. The Animal Trauma Triage (ATT) score was assessed in each cat and classified as mild (1–3), moderate (4–7), and severe trauma (≥8). Forty‐eight healthy blood donor cats served as the control population. NLR, neutrophil counts, and lymphocyte counts were compared between cats with blunt trauma and controls, and among trauma patients.InterventionsNoneMeasurements and Main ResultsNLR, neutrophil counts, and lymphocyte counts significantly differ in cats with blunt trauma compared to controls (p < 0.001), and NLR was higher in patients with thoracic trauma (p = 0.044). Nonsurvivors had lower lymphocyte counts (p = 0.041), although those values do not appear to be clinically relevant. A significant increase in NLR was observed with increasing severity of trauma (p < 0.001). The NLR was not associated with the length of hospitalization, intensive care assistance, or mortality.ConclusionNLR is a widely available diagnostic tool, which can be used in addition to ATT to assess trauma severity, although in our study it was not predictive of the outcome.
On curvature bounds in Lorentzian length spaces
Authors: Beran Tobias , Kunzinger Michael , Rott Felix 
Published: July 2024

AbstractWe introduce several new notions of (sectional) curvature bounds for Lorentzian pre‐length spaces: On the one hand, we provide convexity/concavity conditions for the (modified) time separation function, and, on the other hand, we study four‐point conditions, which are suitable also for the non‐intrinsic setting. Via these concepts, we are able to establish (under mild assumptions) the equivalence of all previously known formulations of curvature bounds. In particular, we obtain the equivalence of causal and timelike curvature bounds as introduced by Kunzinger and Sämann.
Shi arrangements and low elements in Coxeter groups
Authors: Dyer Matthew , Fishel Susanna , Hohlweg Christophe , Mark Alice 
Published: July 2024

AbstractGiven an arbitrary Coxeter system and a non‐negative integer , the ‐Shi arrangement of is a subarrangement of the Coxeter hyperplane arrangement of . The classical Shi arrangement () was introduced in the case of affine Weyl groups by Shi to study Kazhdan–Lusztig cells for . As two key results, Shi showed that each region of the Shi arrangement contains exactly one element of minimal length in and that the union of their inverses form a convex subset of the Coxeter complex. The set of ‐low elements in were introduced to study the word problem of the corresponding Artin–Tits (braid) group and they turn out to produce automata to study the combinatorics of reduced words in . In this article, we generalize and extend Shi's results to any Coxeter system for any : (1) the set of minimal length elements of the regions in a ‐Shi arrangement is precisely the set of ‐low elements, settling a conjecture of the first and third authors in this case; (2) the union of the inverses of the (0‐)low elements form a convex subset in the Coxeter complex, settling a conjecture by the third author, Nadeau and Williams.
Is Travel Associated With Match Performance in Elite North American Professional Soccer? An Exploratory Study
Authors: Draper Garrison , Chesterton Paul , Wright Matthew David 
Published: July 2024

Purpose: Travel fatigue impacts cognitive and physiologic systems, but its association with elite soccer match performance is unclear. In this retrospective observational study, we aimed to explore the association between travel and match outcomes in elite North American soccer. Methods: Travel data and match outcomes (team points or goals scored and conceded) and physical performance outcomes from 26 elite professional soccer teams and their players were analyzed (148 matches [team-based data] and 1252 player matches from 297 players; age 22.7 [4.5] y). Player- and match-level correlations between performance measures and both acute and cumulated travel metrics were analyzed. Results: Cumulative travel metrics were positively associated with team (travel distance [r = .20; 95% CI, .03–.25], travel time [r = .20; .06–.37], and time away [r = .20; .06–.37]) and individual player (travel distance, [r = .14; .08–.19], travel time [r = .17–.23], and time away [r = .13; .07–.18]) high-intensity running. Cumulative time away was negatively associated with team points (r = −.14; −.28 to −.001) and positively associated with goals conceded (r = .14; .01–.27); no clear association between acute travel metrics and match outcomes or physical performance was observed. Conclusions: As travel cumulated, away teams and their players ran more but for less reward (team points), although the magnitude of these associations was small. These data are exploratory and do not imply a causal relationship; however, further research should consider cumulation of travel.
Complete genome sequence of
Sporomusa sphaeroides
DSM 2875
T
isolated from mud of the Leine river and
Sporomusa ovata
DSM 2662
T
isolated from sugar beet leaf silage
Authors: Böer Tim , Lüschen Alina , Daniel Rolf , Poehlein Anja 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT

We report the closed genome sequences of the acetogen
Sporomusa sphaeroides
E
T
(DSM 2875
T
) and of
Sporomusa ovata
H1
T
(DSM 2662
T
). The
S. sphaeroides
E
T
genome harbors a chromosome (4,956,256 bp) and a plasmid (59,087 bp). The genome of
S. ovata
H1
T
harbors one chromosome (5,433,971 bp).
Meta-analysis of the human gut microbiome uncovers shared and distinct microbial signatures between diseases
Authors: Jin Dong-Min , Morton James T. , Bonneau Richard 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT

Microbiome studies have revealed gut microbiota’s potential impact on complex diseases. However, many studies often focus on one disease per cohort. We developed a meta-analysis workflow for gut microbiome profiles and analyzed shotgun metagenomic data covering 11 diseases. Using interpretable machine learning and differential abundance analysis, our findings reinforce the generalization of binary classifiers for Crohn’s disease (CD) and colorectal cancer (CRC) to hold-out cohorts and highlight the key microbes driving these classifications. We identified high microbial similarity in disease pairs like CD vs ulcerative colitis (UC), CD vs CRC, Parkinson’s disease vs type 2 diabetes (T2D), and schizophrenia vs T2D. We also found strong inverse correlations in Alzheimer’s disease vs CD and UC. These findings, detected by our pipeline, provide valuable insights into these diseases.

IMPORTANCE
Assessing disease similarity is an essential initial step preceding a disease-based approach for drug repositioning. Our study provides a modest first step in underscoring the potential of integrating microbiome insights into the disease similarity assessment. Recent microbiome research has predominantly focused on analyzing individual diseases to understand their unique characteristics, which by design excludes comorbidities in individuals. We analyzed shotgun metagenomic data from existing studies and identified previously unknown similarities between diseases. Our research represents a pioneering effort that utilizes both interpretable machine learning and differential abundance analysis to assess microbial similarity between diseases.
Development of a TaqMan probe-based multiplex real-time PCR for the simultaneous detection of four clinically important filamentous fungi
Authors: Wei Yutong , Lin Yangxuan , Zhao Jingya , Li Dingchen , Yang Zhankui , Chen Fangyan , Han Li 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT

Filamentous fungi present significant health hazards to immunocompromised individuals globally; however, the prompt and precise identification of them during infection remains challenging. In this study, a TaqMan probe-based multiplex real-time PCR (M-qPCR) assay was developed to detect simultaneously the target genes of four important pathogenic filamentous fungi:
ANXC4
gene of
Aspergillus fumigatus, EF1-α
gene of
Fusarium
spp
.
, mitochondrial
rnl
gene of Mucorales, and
hcp100
gene of
Histoplasma capsulatum
. In this M-qPCR assay, the limit of detection (LoD) to all four kinds of fungi was 100 copies and the correlation coefficients (R
2
) were above 0.99. The specificity of this assay is 100%, and the minimum detection limit is 100 copies/reaction. In conclusion, an M-qPCR detection assay was well established with high specificity and sensitivity for rapid and simultaneous detection on four important filamentous fungi in the clinic.

IMPORTANCE

World Health Organization developed the first fungal priority pathogens list (WHO FPPL) in 2022.
Aspergillus fumigatus
, Mucorales,
Fusarium
spp., and
Histoplasma
spp. are the four types of pathogenic fungi with filamentous morphology in the critical priority group and high priority group of WHO FPPL. These four filamentous fungal infections have become more common and severe in immunocompromised patients with the increase in susceptible populations in recent decades, which resulted in a substantial burden on the public health system. However, prompt and precise identification of them during infection remains challenging. Our study established successfully a TaqMan probe-based multiplex real-time qPCR assay for four clinically important filamentous fungi,
A. fumigatus
,
Fusarium
spp., Mucorales, and
Histoplasma capsulatum,
with high sensitivity and specificity, which shows promising potential for prompt and precise diagnosis against fungal infection.
Curvature correlators in nonperturbative 2D Lorentzian quantum gravity
Authors: van der Duin J. , Loll R. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractCorrelation functions are ubiquitous tools in quantum field theory from both a fundamental and a practical point of view. However, up to now their use in theories of quantum gravity beyond perturbative and asymptotically flat regimes has been limited, due to difficulties associated with diffeomorphism invariance and the dynamical nature of geometry. We present an analysis of a manifestly diffeomorphism-invariant, nonperturbative two-point curvature correlator in two-dimensional Lorentzian quantum gravity. It is based on the recently introduced quantum Ricci curvature and uses a lattice regularization of the full path integral in terms of causal dynamical triangulations. We discuss some of the subtleties and ambiguities in defining connected correlators in theories of dynamical geometry, and provide strong evidence from Monte Carlo simulations that the connected two-point curvature correlator in 2D Lorentzian quantum gravity vanishes. This work paves the way for an analogous investigation in higher dimensions.
Differential elastic scattering and electron-impact ionization cross sections of nitrous oxide
Authors: Dinger M. , Park Y. , Baek W. Y. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractWith the aim of providing datasets for simulations of electron transport processes in the upper atmosphere, we measured singly differential elastic electron scattering and doubly differential electron-impact ionization cross sections of nitrous oxide. These measurements were conducted for primary electron energies between 30 eV and 1 keV in the angular range of 20°–150°. Secondary electron energies spanned from 4 eV to approximately half of the primary electron energy. In addition to the measurements, the differential elastic scattering cross sections of nitrous oxide were calculated using the IAM-SCAR + I model. Furthermore, the singly differential and total ionization cross sections of nitrous oxide were obtained by integrating the doubly differential ionization cross sections over emission angle and over both emission angle and secondary electron energy, respectively. These cross sections were compared to calculations performed using the BEB model and to experimental results of other groups, who determined the total ionization cross sections of nitrous oxide by collecting ions generated during electron impact.
Graphical abstract
Measuring corporate digital divide through websites: insights from Italian firms
Authors: Mazzoni Leonardo , Pinelli Fabio , Riccaboni Massimo 
Published: July 2024

AbstractWith the increasing pervasiveness of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the fabric of economic activities, the corporate digital divide has become a crucial issue for the assessment of Information Technology (IT) competencies and the digital gap between firms and territories. With little granular data available to measure the phenomenon, most studies have used survey data. To address this empirical gap, we scanned the homepages of 182,705 Italian companies and extracted ten characteristics related to their digital footprint to develop a new index for the corporate digital assessment. Our results show a significant digital divide between Italian companies according to size, sector and geographical location, opening new perspectives for monitoring and data-driven analysis.