bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A retrospective longitudinal study of adenovirus group F, norovirus GI and GII, rotavirus, and enterovirus nucleic acids in wastewater solids at two wastewater treatment plants: solid-liquid partitioning and relation to clinical testing data
Authors: Boehm Alexandria B. , Shelden Bridgette , Duong Dorothea , Banaei Niaz , White Bradley J. , Wolfe Marlene K. 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT

Enteric infections are important causes of morbidity and mortality, yet clinical surveillance is limited. Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) has been used to study community circulation of individual enteric viruses and panels of respiratory diseases, but there is limited work studying the concurrent circulation of a suite of important enteric viruses. A retrospective WBE study was carried out at two wastewater treatment plants located in California, United States. Using digital droplet polymerase chain reaction (PCR), we measured concentrations of human adenovirus group F, enteroviruses, norovirus genogroups I and II, and rotavirus nucleic acids in wastewater solids two times per week for 26 months (
n
= 459 samples) between February 2021 and mid-April 2023. A novel probe-based PCR assay was developed and validated for adenovirus. We compared viral nucleic acid concentrations to positivity rates for viral infections from clinical specimens submitted to a local clinical laboratory to assess concordance between the data sets. We detected all viral targets in wastewater solids. At both wastewater treatment plants, human adenovirus group F and norovirus GII nucleic acids were detected at the highest concentrations (median concentrations greater than 10
5
copies/g), while rotavirus RNA was detected at the lowest concentrations (median on the order of 10
3
copies/g). Rotavirus, adenovirus group F, and norovirus nucleic acid concentrations were positively associated with clinical specimen positivity rates. Concentrations of tested viral nucleic acids exhibited complex associations with SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory viral nucleic acids in wastewater, suggesting divergent transmission patterns.

IMPORTANCE
This study provides evidence for the use of wastewater solids for the sensitive detection of enteric virus targets in wastewater-based epidemiology programs aimed to better understand the spread of enteric disease at a localized, community level without limitations associated with testing many individuals. Wastewater data can inform clinical, public health, and individual decision-making aimed to reduce the transmission of enteric disease.
Effects of operational parameters on bacterial communities in Hong Kong and global wastewater treatment plants
Authors: Zhang Yulin , Deng Yu , Wang Chunxiao , Li Shuxian , Lau Frankie T. K. , Zhou Jizhong , Zhang Tong 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT

Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are indispensable biotechnology facilities for modern cities and play an essential role in modern urban infrastructure by employing microorganisms to remove pollutants in wastewater, thus protecting public health and the environment. This study conducted a 13-month bacterial community survey of six full-scale WWTPs in Hong Kong with samples of influent, activated sludge (AS), and effluent to explore their synchronism and asynchronism of bacterial community. Besides, we compared AS results of six Hong Kong WWTPs with data from 1,186 AS amplicon data in 269 global WWTPs and a 9-year metagenomic sequencing survey of a Hong Kong WWTP. Our results showed the compositions of bacterial communities varied and the bacterial community structure of AS had obvious differences across Hong Kong WWTPs. The co-occurrence analysis identified 40 pairs of relationships that existed among Hong Kong WWTPs to show solid associations between two species and stochastic processes took large proportions for the bacterial community assembly of six WWTPs. The abundance and distribution of the functional bacteria in worldwide and Hong Kong WWTPs were examined and compared, and we found that ammonia-oxidizing bacteria had more diversity than nitrite-oxidizing bacteria. Besides, Hong Kong WWTPs could make great contributions to the genome mining of microbial dark matter in the global “wanted list.” Operational parameters had important effects on OTUs’ abundance, such as the temperature to the genera of
Tetrasphaera
,
Gordoni
a and
Nitrospira
. All these results obtained from this study can deepen our understanding of the microbial ecology in WWTPs and provide foundations for further studies.

IMPORTANCE
Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are an indispensable component of modern cities, as they can remove pollutants in wastewater to prevent anthropogenic activities. Activated sludge (AS) is a fundamental wastewater treatment process and it harbors a highly complex microbial community that forms the main components and contains functional groups. Unveiling “who is there” is a long-term goal of the research on AS microbiology. High-throughput sequencing provides insights into the inventory diversity of microbial communities to an unprecedented level of detail. At present, the analysis of communities in WWTPs usually comes from a specific WWTP and lacks comparisons and verification among different WWTPs. The wide-scale and long-term sampling project and research in this study could help us evaluate the AS community more accurately to find the similarities and different results for different WWTPs in Hong Kong and other regions of the world.
Molecular epidemiological investigation of
Cryptococcus
spp. carried by captive koalas (
Phascolarctos cinereus
) in Japan
Authors: Omura Miki , Satoh Kazuo , Tamura Takashi , Komori Aya , Makimura Koichi 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT

Cryptococcus neoformans
and
Cryptococcus gattii
cause cryptococcosis, a systemic mycosis that infects a wide range of species. Recent molecular biological investigations have allowed for the genotyping of these species, providing more detailed information on their pathogenicity and infection routes. Koalas (
Phascolarctos cinereus
) are frequently colonized by
Cryptococcus
spp., but molecular epidemiological studies have yet to be conducted in Japan. Here, we conducted multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) analysis on
Cryptococcus
spp. colonization isolates obtained from all koalas kept in seven parks across Japan. Out of 46 koalas examined, 10 (22%) were positive for
C. gattii
and 3 (6.5%) were positive for
C. neoformans
. All
C. gattii
isolates belonged to molecular type VGI and were either sequence type (ST) 51 or a novel ST, and all
C. neoformans
isolates belonged to molecular type VNI and ST23. Despite the frequent movement of koalas between parks, the STs were relatively park-specific, suggesting that the floor of the rearing barns is a source of infection and may act as a reservoir. MLST analysis confirmed that
C. gattii
was transported, established, and spread by koalas in areas where
C. gattii
was not originally present. MLST analysis is considered useful in assessing the pathogenicity and tracing the transmission routes of
Cryptococcus
spp. carried by koalas.

IMPORTANCE

This is the first study to conduct a multi-locus sequence typing analysis on
Cryptococcus
spp. carried by captive koalas in Japan. Cryptococcosis remains a globally high-fatality fungal infection in humans, and captive koalas are known to carry a high percentage of
Cryptococcus
spp. Through this research, the molecular types and transmission routes of
Cryptococcus
spp. carried by koalas have been elucidated, revealing the potential role of enclosure flooring as a reservoir. It has been confirmed that
Cryptococcus gattii
, which is not endemic in Japan, has become established through koalas and is spreading to new individuals in Japan. This study is believed to provide valuable insights into koala conservation and contribute to the One Health approach for Cryptococcosis, a zoonotic infection.
The causal relationship between gut microbiota and neuroblastoma: a bidirectional Mendelian randomization analysis and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Zexin , Li Dongting , Xie Fengxi , Zhang Haibo 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT

Neuroblastoma (NB) is a type of neuroectodermal tumor that originates from primitive sympathetic ganglion cells. Although many risk factors contributing to the occurrence of NB have been reported in recent years, the role of the gut microbiota in its development remains unclear. A bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was conducted to elucidate the causal relationship between the gut microbiota and NB. In the MR analysis, we employed the inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method as the primary criterion for assessing causality, while also utilizing three additional approaches, including MR-Egger, weighted median model, and weighted mode, for comprehensive evaluation. For gut microbiota that were causally associated with NB, a reverse MR was also used to assess the stability of this causal relationship. Finally, we also used external cohorts for validation and performed a meta-analysis of the results. The IVW results indicated a causal relationship between six gut microbiota and NB. Among the six gut microbiota, genus
Lachnospiraceae
[IVW odds ratio (OR): 2.66, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.09–6.51,
P
value: 0.03] exhibited a detrimental effect against NB. On the other hand, the class
Actinobacteria
(IVW OR: 0.24, 95% CI: 0.07–0.77,
P
value: 0.02), the family
Bifidobacteriaceae
(IVW OR: 0.40, 95% CI: 0.17–0.96,
P
value: 0.04), the genus
Desulfovibrio
(IVW OR: 0.50, 95% CI: 0.25–0.97,
P
value: 0.04), the genus
Bifidobacterium
(IVW OR: 0.39, 95% CI: 0.16–0.92,
P
value: 0.03), and the genus
Howardella
(IVW OR: 0.55, 95% CI: 0.31–0.97,
P
value: 0.04) displayed a protective effect on NB. A reverse MR analysis did not reveal a causality between NB and the six gut microbiota. Meta-analysis showed that genus
Bifidobacterium
(meta OR: 0.41, 95% CI: 0.22–0.75,
P
< 0.01) and genus
Lachnospiraceae
(meta OR: 2.20, 95% CI: 1.01–4.79,
P
< 0.05) were still significant.

IMPORTANCE
Bidirectional Mendelian randomization was used to explore the causality between gut microbiota and neuroblastoma (NB). The results showed that there is a causal relationship between the six gut microbiota and NB, of which two gut microbiota were further confirmed in the meta-analysis. This may provide a new perspective on the prevention and treatment of NB.
The economic impact of international travel measures used during the COVID-19 pandemic: a scoping review
Authors: Bazak Ying Liu , Sander Beate , Werker Eric , Zhumatova Salta , Worsnop Catherine Z , Lee Kelley 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionAssessment of the use of travel measures during COVID-19 has focused on their effectiveness in achieving public health objectives. However, the prolonged use of highly varied and frequently changing measures by governments, and their unintended consequences caused, has been controversial. This has led to a call for coordinated decision-making focused on risk-based approaches, which requires better understanding of the broader impacts of international travel measures (ITMs) on individuals and societies.MethodsOur scoping review investigates the literature on the economic impact of COVID-19 ITMs. We searched health, social science and COVID-19-specific databases for empirical studies preprinted or published between 1 January 2020 and 31 October 2023. Evidence was charted using a narrative approach and included jurisdiction of study, ITMs studied, study design, outcome categories, and main findings.ResultsTwenty-six studies met the inclusion criteria and were included for data extraction. Twelve of them focused on the international travel restrictions implemented in early 2020. Limited attention was given to measures such as entry/exit screening and vaccination requirements. Eight studies focused on high-income countries, 6 on low-income and middle-income countries and 10 studies were comparative although did not select countries by income. Economic outcomes assessed included financial markets (n=13), economic growth (n=4), economic activities (n=1), performance of industries central to international travel (n=9), household-level economic status (n=3) and consumer behaviour (n=1). Empirical methods employed included linear regression (n=17), mathematical modelling (n=3) and mixed strategies (n=6).ConclusionExisting studies have begun to provide evidence of the wide-ranging economic impacts resulting from ITMs. However, the small body of research combined with difficulties in isolating the effects of such measures and limitations in available data mean that it is challenging to draw general and robust conclusions. Future research using rigorous empirical methods and high-quality data is needed on this topic.
Weight-based enoxaparin thromboprophylaxis in young trauma patients: analysis of the CLOTT-1 registry
Authors: Lombardo Sarah , McCrum Marta , Knudson M Margaret , Moore Ernest E , Kornblith Lucy , Brakenridge Scott , Bruns Brandon , Cipolle Mark D , Costantini Todd W , Crookes Bruce , Haut Elliott R , Kerwin Andrew J , Kiraly Laszlo N , Knowlton Lisa Marie , Martin Matthew J , McNutt Michelle K , Milia David J , Mohr Alicia , Rogers Frederick , Scalea Thomas , Sixta Sherry , Spain David , Wade Charles E , Velmahos George C , Nirula Ram , Nunez Jade 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionOptimal venous thromboembolism (VTE) enoxaparin prophylaxis dosing remains elusive. Weight-based (WB) dosing safely increases anti-factor Xa levels without the need for routine monitoring but it is unclear if it leads to lower VTE risk. We hypothesized that WB dosing would decrease VTE risk compared with standard fixed dosing (SFD).MethodsPatients from the prospective, observational CLOTT-1 registry receiving prophylactic enoxaparin (n=5539) were categorized as WB (0.45–0.55 mg/kg two times per day) or SFD (30 mg two times per day, 40 mg once a day). Multivariate logistic regression was used to generate a predicted probability of VTE for WB and SFD patients.ResultsOf 4360 patients analyzed, 1065 (24.4%) were WB and 3295 (75.6%) were SFD. WB patients were younger, female, more severely injured, and underwent major operation or major venous repair at a higher rate than individuals in the SFD group. Obesity was more common among the SFD group. Unadjusted VTE rates were comparable (WB 3.1% vs. SFD 3.9%; p=0.221). Early prophylaxis was associated with lower VTE rate (1.4% vs. 5.0%; p=0.001) and deep vein thrombosis (0.9% vs. 4.4%; p<0.001), but not pulmonary embolism (0.7% vs. 1.4%; p=0.259). After adjustment, VTE incidence did not differ by dosing strategy (adjusted OR (aOR) 0.75, 95% CI 0.38 to 1.48); however, early administration was associated with a significant reduction in VTE (aOR 0.47, 95% CI 0.30 to 0.74).ConclusionIn young trauma patients, WB prophylaxis is not associated with reduced VTE rate when compared with SFD. The timing of the initiation of chemoprophylaxis may be more important than the dosing strategy. Further studies need to evaluate these findings across a wider age and comorbidity spectrum.Level of evidenceLevel IV, therapeutic/care management.
Geoheritage in the making: the discovery and vulnerability of deep-sea hydrothermal vents
Authors: OConnell Suzanne 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Some significant geological sites are inaccessible. Among the most inaccessible sites are the hydrothermal vents and their associated biological communities located deep in the ocean. These prime geoheritage sites, hosting what may be the most primordial life on Earth, are vulnerable to mineral and fishing exploitation. Many lie in international waters, protected only by non-binding agreements with no clearly defined means of enforcement. The discovery of these vents in 1977 fundamentally altered scientists’ view of basic Earth processes and the extreme conditions under which life can exist. The discovery of the vents was a group effort and required technological accomplishments not available to previous generations of researchers. Often overlooked in the credits for this discovery was the persistence and determination of Kathleen Crane, a graduate student at Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Many women of her era faced significant challenges as they attempted to break into an often-unwelcoming field, marine geology. The challenges were not unique to geology; women were not welcomed in many other disciplines, both scientific and non-scientific. In spite of the obstacles, few people have made as remarkable a geoscience discovery as Dr Crane.
Ready-to-Eat Food Environments and Risk of Incident Heart Failure: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Xue Qiaochu , Li Xiang , Ma Hao , Wang Xuan , Heianza Yoriko , Qi Lu 
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND:
Food environments have been linked to cardiovascular diseases; however, few studies have assessed the relationship between food environments and the risk of heart failure (HF). We aimed to evaluate the association between ready-to-eat food environments and incident HF at an individual level in a large prospective cohort.

METHODS:
Exposure to ready-to-eat food environments, comprising pubs or bars, restaurants or cafeterias, and fast-food outlets, were individually measured as both proximity and density metrics. We also developed a composite ready-to-eat food environment density score by summing the densities of 3 types of food environments. Cox proportional analyses were applied to assess the associations of each single type and the composite food environments with HF risk.

RESULTS:

Closer proximity to and greater density of ready-to-eat food environments, particularly for pubs and bars and fast-food outlets (
P
<0.05 for both proximity and density metric) were associated with an elevated risk of incident HF. Compared with those with no exposure to composite ready-to-eat food environments, participants in the highest density score category had a 16% (8%–25%;
P
<0.0001) higher risk of HF. In addition, we found significant interactions of food environments with education, urbanicity, and density of physical activity facilities on HF risk (all
P
interaction
<0.05); the ready-to-eat food environments-associated risk of HF was stronger among participants who were poorly educated, living in urban areas, and without physical activity facilities.

CONCLUSIONS:
Exposure to ready-to-eat food environments is associated with a higher risk of incident HF, suggesting the potential importance of minimizing unfavorable food environments in the prevention of HF.
On a small collection of caridean shrimps (Decapoda, Caridea) from Inhaca Island, Mozambique
Authors: Fransen Charles H.J.M. , Willems Max 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
During a series of irregular visits to Inhaca Island, Mozambique in the years 1982-1987, J.H.C. Walenkamp, often aided by students and staff of the Faculty of Biology in Maputo, made extensive collections of littoral and infralittoral invertebrates. Among the extensive collections of Brachyura, several caridean shrimps were encountered, upon which we herein report. Cuapetes cf. ensifrons is recorded from Mozambique for the first time.
Cyber-diplomacy: The Emergence of a Transient Field
Authors: Barrinha André 
Published: February 2024

Summary
It is only in the last two decades that states have started to focus on the need to use traditional diplomatic means in discussions surrounding cyber-policy. This article explores how these discussions have been progressively ‘diplomatised’. Diplomatisation is proposed in this article as a process which involves external and internal dynamics of institutionalisation and positioning, both of which are essential for the successful creation of a new diplomatic field. Understanding the emergence of cyber-diplomacy is crucial to recognise the successes, frustrations and opportunities associated with the (lack of) regulation when it comes responsible state behaviour in this domain. This article does so based on 40 interviews conducted with diplomats and experts involved in the emergence of cyber-diplomacy. It looks at the idiosyncratic evolution of this field within specific nation states as well as overall developments at the international level, particularly within the context of the United Nations.
Magnitude of neonatal asphyxia and its predictors among newborns at public hospitals of Wolaita Zone in Southern Ethiopia, 2023
Authors: Gizachew Shewazerf , Wogie Girma , Getnet Mekasha , Lonsako Arega Abebe 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Neonatal asphyxia is one of preventable causes of neonatal mortality throughout the world. It could be improved by early detection and control of the underlying causes. However, there was lack of evidence on it in the study setting. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the magnitude and predictors of neonatal asphyxia among newborns at public hospitals of Wolaita Zone in Southern Ethiopia.

Method
A facility-based cross-sectional study was done among 330 mothers with neonates in selected public hospitals. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select the study participants. Data were collected through an interviewer-administered questionnaire and checklist. The collected data were entered into EpiData version 4.6 and exported to SPSS version 26 for analysis. Logistic regression was fitted to examine the association between explanatory variables and outcome variable. In multivariable logistic regression, AOR with 95% CI was reported, and p < 0.05 was used to declare statistically significant variables.

Results
The magnitude of neonatal asphyxia was 26.4% with 95% CI: (21.8, 30.9). In multivariable logistic regression analysis primiparity (AOR = 2.63 95%CI 1.47, 4.72), low-birth-weight (AOR = 3.45 95%CI 1.33, 8.91), preterm birth (AOR = 3.58 95%CI 1.29, 9.92), and premature rupture of membranes (AOR = 5.19 95%CI 2.03, 13.26) were factors significantly associated with neonatal asphyxia.

Conclusions
In this study, the magnitude of neonatal asphyxia was high. From the factors, premature rapture of the membrane, parity, birth weight of the newborn, and gestational age at birth were significantly associated with neonatal asphyxia. Attention should be given to early detection and prevention of neonatal asphyxia from complicated labor and delivery.