bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and risk factors for Q fever, spotted fever group rickettsioses, and typhus group rickettsioses in a pastoralist community of northern Tanzania, 2016–2017
Authors: Moorthy Ganga S. , Rubach Matthew P. , Maze Michael J. , Refuerzo Regina P. , Shirima Gabriel M. , Lukambagire AbdulHamid S. , Bodenham Rebecca F. , Cash‐Goldwasser Shama , Thomas Kate M. , Sakasaka Philoteus , Mkenda Nestory , Bowhay Thomas R. , Perniciaro Jamie L. , Nicholson William L. , Kersh Gilbert J. , Kazwala Rudovick R. , Mmbaga Blandina T. , Buza Joram J. , Maro Venance P. , Haydon Daniel T. , Crump John A. , Halliday Jo E. B. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundIn northern Tanzania, Q fever, spotted fever group (SFG) rickettsioses, and typhus group (TG) rickettsioses are common causes of febrile illness. We sought to describe the prevalence and risk factors for these zoonoses in a pastoralist community.MethodsFebrile patients ≥2 years old presenting to Endulen Hospital in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area were enrolled from August 2016 through October 2017. Acute and convalescent blood samples were collected, and a questionnaire was administered. Sera were tested by immunofluorescent antibody (IFA) IgG assays using Coxiella burnetii (Phase II), Rickettsia africae, and Rickettsia typhi antigens. Serologic evidence of exposure was defined by an IFA titre ≥1:64; probable cases by an acute IFA titre ≥1:128; and confirmed cases by a ≥4‐fold rise in titre between samples. Risk factors for exposure and acute case status were evaluated.ResultsOf 228 participants, 99 (43.4%) were male and the median (interquartile range) age was 27 (16–41) years. Among these, 117 (51.3%) had C. burnetii exposure, 74 (32.5%) had probable Q fever, 176 (77.2%) had SFG Rickettsia exposure, 134 (58.8%) had probable SFG rickettsioses, 11 (4.8%) had TG Rickettsia exposure, and 4 (1.8%) had probable TG rickettsioses. Of 146 participants with paired sera, 1 (0.5%) had confirmed Q fever, 8 (5.5%) had confirmed SFG rickettsioses, and none had confirmed TG rickettsioses. Livestock slaughter was associated with acute Q fever (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 2.54, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.38–4.76) and sheep slaughter with SFG rickettsioses case (OR 4.63, 95% CI 1.08–23.50).DiscussionAcute Q fever and SFG rickettsioses were detected in participants with febrile illness. Exposures to C. burnetii and to SFG Rickettsia were highly prevalent, and interactions with livestock were associated with increased odds of illness with both pathogens. Further characterisation of the burden and risks for these diseases is warranted.
The epidemiological profile of incidence and mortality from epidemics in complex humanitarian emergencies from 1990 to 2022 – A scoping review
Authors: Arcos González Pedro , Cabria Fernández Julián , Gan Rick Kye , Fernández Camporro Ángel , Cernuda Martínez José Antonio 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAimThis study aimed to investigate the impact of communicable diseases with epidemic potential in complex emergency (CE) situations, focusing on the epidemiological profile of incidence and mortality and exploring underlying factors contributing to increased epidemic risks.MethodsUsing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses for Scoping Review (PRISMA‐ScR) guidelines, we conducted a scoping review of articles published between 1990 and 2022. The search included terms related to complex emergencies, communicable diseases, outbreaks, and epidemics. We identified 92 epidemics related to CE occurring in 32 different countries.ResultsCommunicable diseases like Shigellosis, Cholera, Measles, Meningococcal meningitis, Yellow Fever, and Malaria caused significant morbidity and mortality. Diarrhoeal diseases, particularly Cholera and Shigellosis, had the highest incidence rates. Shigella specifically had an incidence of 241.0 per 1000 (people at risk), with a mortality rate of 11.7 per 1000, while Cholera's incidence was 13.0 per 1000, with a mortality rate of 0.22 per 1000. Measles followed, with an incidence of 25.0 per 1000 and a mortality rate of 0.76 per 1000. Meningococcal Meningitis had an incidence rate of 1.3 per 1000 and a mortality rate of 0.13 per 1000. Despite their lower incidences, yellow fever at 0.8 per 1000 and malaria at 0.4 per 1000, their high case fatality rates of 20.1% and 0.4% remained concerning in CE. The qualitative synthesis reveals that factors such as water, sanitation, and hygiene, shelter and settlements, food and nutrition, and public health and healthcare in complex emergencies affect the risk of epidemics.ConclusionEpidemics during complex emergencies could potentially lead to a public health crisis. Between 1990 and 2022, there have been no statistically significant changes in the trend of incidence, mortality, or fatality rates of epidemic diseases in CE. It is crucial to understand that all epidemics identified in CE are fundamentally preventable.
SlMYC2 promotes SlLBD40‐mediated cell expansion in tomato fruit development
Authors: Liu Lun , Zhang Jialong , Xu Jiayi , Li Yafei , Lv Hongmei , Wang Fei , Guo Junxin , Lin Tao , Zhao Bing , Li Xin‐Xu , Guo Yang‐Dong , Zhang Na 
Published: March 2024

SUMMARYAs a plant‐specific transcription factor, lateral organ boundaries domain (LBD) protein was reported to regulate plant growth and stress response, but the functional research of subfamily II genes is limited. SlMYC2, a master regulator of Jasmonic acid response, has been found to exhibit high expression levels in fruit and has been implicated in the regulation of fruit ripening and resistance to Botrytis. However, its role in fruit expansion remains unknown. In this study, we present evidence that a subfamily II member of LBD, namely SlLBD40, collaborates with SlMYC2 in the regulation of fruit expansion. Overexpression of SlLBD40 significantly promoted fruit growth by promoting mesocarp cell expansion, while knockout of SlLBD40 showed the opposite result. Similarly, SlMYC2 knockout resulted in a significant decrease in cell expansion within the fruit. Genetic analysis indicated that SlLBD40‐mediated cell expansion depends on the expression of SlMYC2. SlLBD40 bound to the promoter of SlEXPA5, an expansin gene, but did not activate its expression directly. While, the co‐expression of SlMYC2 and SlLBD40 significantly stimulated the activation of SlEXPA5, leading to an increase in fruit size. SlLBD40 interacted with SlMYC2 and enhanced the stability and abundance of SlMYC2. Furthermore, SlMYC2 directly targeted and activated the expression of SlLBD40, which is essential for SlLBD40‐mediated fruit expansion. In summary, our research elucidates the role of the interaction between SlLBD40 and SlMYC2 in promoting cell expansion in tomato fruits, thus providing novel insights into the molecular genetics underlying fruit growth.
Form-Finding and Evaluation of Spherical Tensegrity Toward Applying in Locomotive Robots
Authors: Wang Meijia , Wang Yafeng , Xu Xian 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
A tensegrity-based robot is a locomotive robot that operates on the principle of tensegrity, allowing it to change its shape by adjusting its internal prestress. Tensegrity-based robots can be categorized into different types based on their shape, with the spherical tensegrity-based robot garnering the most attention. However, existing designs for spherical tensegrity-based robots tend to be relatively simple and lack standardized criteria for evaluating their performance. This paper proposes an optimization approach using the force density method to design new spherical regular tensegrity configurations. This is achieved by parameterizing the topology and configuration of the structure, taking into account structural symmetry and the even distribution of internal forces. The proposed approach generates not only classical tensegrities but also novel configurations suitable for locomotive robots. To preliminarily evaluate the suitability of classical tensegrities and novel tensegrities to be used as a rolling robot, a set of performance indexes, including inner space, compactability, prestress evenness, gait repeatability, tilt stability ratio, stride length, and path efficiency, are proposed. The proposed indexes can be quickly determined based on the geometry of the tensegrity and thus are useful in the conceptual selection of the spherical tensegrities for rolling robots. They are used to evaluate a set of six spherical tensegrities. Numerical simulations are carried out to verify the feasibility of geometry-based approximating the gait-dependent indexes. Through the evaluation, a novel spherical tensegrity consisting of 15 struts and 60 tendons is identified as a promising candidate for rolling robots.
Type Synthesis of a 3DOF Wrist Applying the Coupled-Input Cable-Driven Parallel Robot
Authors: Liu Shibo , Mei Jiangping , Wang Panfeng , Guo Fan , Li Jiaxing , Wang Shuai , Wang Ruizhi 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The spatial cable-driven parallel robots (CDPRs) with low DOF (degree-of-freedom; n &lt; 6) are like the physiological structure of bone and muscles, which are suitable for designing humanoid joints. Therefore, the type synthesis of the CDPR is of great interest for the design of new humanoid wrist joints. In this paper, we present a type synthesis of the coupled-input CDPRs to design a 3DOF wrist. Coupled input means that one actuator controls more than one cable. First, the Yamanouchi symbols of the coupled-input CDPRs are listed using the permutation group. In addition, two winding methods for the cable and the actuator are defined in the coupled-input CDPRs. Finally, a topology configuration of the coupled-input CDPR suitable for the 3DOF wrist model is determined based on a comparative analysis of the workspaces of a class of coupled-input CDPRs. It is shown that type synthesis of the coupled-input CDPRs is an effective way to innovate low DOF CDPRs.
A trans-Iapetus transform fault control for the evolution of the Rheic Ocean: Implications for an early Paleozoic transition of accretionary tectonics: Comment
Authors: Barosh Patrick J. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The premise put forth by Wu et al. (2022) that the late Proterozoic and early Paleozoic development of the Appalachian Orogen was controlled by transform faults finds no support in the geology of the region. Such faults have been well studied on and offshore over the past century and a quarter by many federal and private agencies because of the seismic hazard they pose to nuclear power plants and dams and their significance in offshore exploration. The northwest-trending transform faults developed in the Middle Jurassic across early oceanic crust as the Atlantic Basin began to open, to offset the initial northeast-trending Late Triassic–Early Jurassic rifts and extended landward. These young transform faults, which were accompanied by north-trending rifts, could have played no part in the development of the Appalachian Orogen, Laurentia, Iapetus, or the Rheic Ocean. Furthermore, the presented plate reconstructions cannot be reconciled with the well-controlled geologic history revealed in southern New England (USA), where the Appalachian Collision Zone is exposed. Relations there demonstrate that northwest Africa and Laurentia had first collided during the late Proterozoic Pan African Orogeny, long before the times shown on the reconstructions by Wu et al. (2022).
25 year trends in cancer incidence and mortality among adults aged 35-69 years in the UK, 1993-2018: retrospective secondary analysis
Authors: Shelton Jon , Zotow Ewa , Smith Lesley , Johnson Shane A , Thomson Catherine S , Ahmad Amar , Murdock Lars , Nagarwalla Diana , Forman David 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Objective
To examine and interpret trends in UK cancer incidence and mortality for all cancers combined and for the most common cancer sites in adults aged 35-69 years.

Design
Retrospective secondary data analysis.

Data sources
Cancer registration data, cancer mortality and national population data from the Office for National Statistics, Public Health Wales, Public Health Scotland, Northern Ireland Cancer Registry, NHS England, and the General Register Office for Northern Ireland.

Setting
23 cancer sites were included in the analysis in the UK.

Participants
Men and women aged 35-69 years diagnosed with or who died from cancer between 1993 to 2018.

Main outcome measures
Change in cancer incidence and mortality age standardised rates over time.

Results
The number of cancer cases in this age range rose by 57% for men (from 55 014 cases registered in 1993 to 86 297 in 2018) and by 48% for women (60 187 to 88 970) with age standardised rates showing average annual increases of 0.8% in both sexes. The increase in incidence was predominantly driven by increases in prostate (male) and breast (female) cancers. Without these two sites, all cancer trends in age standardised incidence rates were relatively stable. Trends for a small number of less common cancers showed concerning increases in incidence rates, for example, in melanoma skin, liver, oral, and kidney cancers. The number of cancer deaths decreased over the 25 year period, by 20% in men (from 32 878 to 26 322) and 17% in women (28 516 to 23 719); age standardised mortality rates reduced for all cancers combined by 37% in men (−2.0% per year) and 33% in women (−1.6% per year). The largest decreases in mortality were noted for stomach, mesothelioma, and bladder cancers in men and stomach and cervical cancers and non-Hodgkin lymphoma in women. Most incidence and mortality changes were statistically significant even when the size of change was relatively small.

Conclusions
Cancer mortality had a substantial reduction during the past 25 years in both men and women aged 35-69 years. This decline is likely a reflection of the successes in cancer prevention (eg, smoking prevention policies and cessation programmes), earlier detection (eg, screening programmes) and improved diagnostic tests, and more effective treatment. By contrast, increased prevalence of non-smoking risk factors are the likely cause of the observed increased incidence for a small number of specific cancers. This analysis also provides a benchmark for the following decade, which will include the impact of covid-19 on cancer incidence and outcomes.
A static glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (sGSIS) assay that is significantly predictive of time to diabetes reversal in the human islet bioassay
Authors: Molano Ruth Damaris , Pileggi Antonello , Tse Hubert M , Stabler Cherie L , Fraker Christopher A 
Published: March 2024

IntroductionStatic incubation (static glucose-stimulated insulin secretion, sGSIS) is a measure of islet secretory function. The Stimulation Index (SI; insulin produced in high glucose/insulin produced in low glucose) is currently used as a product release criterion of islet transplant potency.Research design and methodsOur hypothesis was that the Delta, insulin secreted in high glucose minus insulin secreted in low glucose, would be more predictive. To evaluate this hypothesis, sGSIS was performed on 32 consecutive human islet preparations, immobilizing the islets in a slurry of Sepharose beads to minimize mechanical perturbation. Simultaneous full-mass subrenal capsular transplants were performed in chemically induced diabetic immunodeficient mice. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine optimal cut-points for diabetes reversal time and the Fisher Exact Test was used to assess the ability of the Delta and the SI to accurately classify transplant outcomes. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed on cut-point grouped data, assessing the predictive power and optimal cut-point for each sGSIS potency metric. Finally, standard Kaplan-Meier-type survival analysis was conducted.ResultsIn the case of the sGSIS the Delta provided a superior islet potency metric relative to the SI.ConclusionsThe sGSIS Delta value is predicitive of time to diabetes reversal in the full mass human islet transplant bioassay.
The Lasting impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on outpatient neurology consultations
Authors: Tan Sean YW , Gunawardana Nushan , Roberts Rhys C 
Published: March 2024

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic prompted rapid changes in outpatient neurology services and there remain unanswered questions regarding its long-term impact. First, what are the lasting changes of the pandemic on demographics and outcomes of new referrals and patients reviewed at outpatient neurology clinics? Safety concerns about virtual consultations during the initial stages of the pandemic were also raised. Has the continual adoption of virtual consultations led to negative outcomes for patients?MethodsNew referrals and first clinic appointments in 2019 (prepandemic baseline) and 2022 (postpandemic) in a tertiary referral centre were compared retrospectively. 7294 referrals (4946 clinic appointments) in 2019 and 6989 referrals (3976 clinic appointments) in 2022 were assessed. Outcomes investigated were rates of referrals accepted, time to clinic consultation, number of outpatient investigations per appointment, rates of discharge and the risk of reassessment.ResultsThere was a change in triaging practice postpandemic, with more patients being offered virtual assessments. Virtual appointments were offered to a specific suitable cohort of patients. This resulted in a faster time to consultation, fewer investigations, higher rates of discharge, with a reduced risk of reassessment compared with prepandemic patients, and patients postpandemic who were seen face to face.ConclusionOutpatient neurology services have adapted postpandemic by effectively triaging referrals and allocating new patients appropriately to face-to-face or virtual clinics, improving patient outcomes and safety.
Effectiveness of video-assisted teaching on prevention of constipation among postpartum women admitted in postnatal ward at a tertiary care hospital: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: C Tamil Selvi , M J Kumari , S Vahitha , N S Kubera 
Published: March 2024

BackgroundThe postpartum period is a vital phase for a mother as she undergoes a role transition in her life, in addition to physiological changes. Among all discomforts experienced during this period, constipation is more common and it can cause lifelong complications such as haemorrhoids, rectal prolapse and anal fissures if left untreated. Adequate care, education and compliance with proper postpartum diet and exercise can prevent it.Aim and objectiveThis study intended to assess the effect of video-assisted teaching in preventing constipation among postpartum women in comparison with routine care.Settings and designAntenatal outpatient department and postnatal ward. Experimental research design—randomised controlled trial.Methods and materialTotally, 160 antenatal women in the III trimester were selected by convenience sampling and randomised into study and control groups. Data were collected using a semistructured questionnaire. Postpartum women in the study group received video-assisted teaching regarding the postnatal diet and exercise for the prevention of constipation developed by the researcher with reference from books, journals, Indian council of medical research Recommended dietary allowances table and expert opinion. Postpartum women in the control group received routine care as a pamphlet regarding the care of women after delivery which was routinely given to all mothers along with the discharge slip. Constipation Assessment Scale was used to assess the presence of constipation at the end of second week of post partum.Statistical analysis usedDescriptive and inferential statistics were used.ResultsData showed 27% of postpartum women in control group had constipation comparing to only 6.1% of the women in the study group (p<0.05). There was a significant association between consumption of fruits, green leafy vegetables, increased fluid intake, regular walking and the status of constipation (p<0.001).ConclusionsVideo-assisted teaching was effective in preventing constipation among postpartum women.
Country uptake of WHO recommendations on differentiated HIV testing services approaches: a global policy review
Authors: Kadye Tafadzwa , Jamil Muhammad S , Johnson Cheryl , Baggaley Rachel , Barr-DiChiara Magdalena , Cambiano Valentina 
Published: March 2024

ObjectivesIn 2015 and 2016, WHO issued guidelines on HIV testing services (HTS) highlighting recommendations for a strategic mix of differentiated HTS approaches. The policy review examines the uptake of differentiated HTS approaches recommendations in national policies.MethodsData were extracted from national policies published between January 2015 and June 2019. The WHO-recommended HTS approaches included facility-based testing, community-based testing, HIV self-testing and provider-assisted referral (or assisted partner notification). Other supportive recommendations include pre-test information, post-test counselling, lay provider testing and rapid testing. Descriptive analyses were conducted to examine inclusion of recommendations in national policies.ResultsOf 194 countries worldwide, 65 published policies were identified; 24 WHO Africa region (AFR) countries (51%, 24/47), 21 WHO European region (EUR) (40%, 21/53), 6 WHO Eastern Mediterranean region (EMR) (29%, 6/21), 5 Pan-American region (AMR) (14%, 5/35), 5 Western Pacific Region (WPR) (19%, 5/27) and 4 WHO South East Asia Region (SEAR) (36%, 4/11). Only five countries included all recommendations. 63 included a minimum of one. 85% (n=55) included facility-based testing for pregnant women, 75% (n=49) facility-based testing for key populations, 74% (n=48) community-based testing for key populations, 69% (n=45) rapid testing, 57% (n=37) post-test counselling, 45% (n=29) lay provider testing, 38% (n=25) HIV self-testing, 29% (n=19) pre-test information and 25% (n=16) provider-assisted referral. The proportion in each region that included at least one recommendation were: 100% AFR (24/47), 100% EMR (6/6), 100% AMR (5/5), 100% WPR (5/5), 100% SEAR (4/4) and 95% EUR (20/21). AFR followed by EMR included the highest number of reccomendations.ConclusionThere was substantial variability in the uptake of the WHO-differentiated HTS recommendations. Those in EMR included the most WHO-differentiated HTS recommendation followed by AFR. Countries within AMR included the least number of recommendations. Ongoing advocacy and efforts are needed to support the uptake of the WHO-differentiated HTS recommendations in country policies as well as their implementation.