bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact and cost-effectiveness of SARS-CoV-2 self-testing strategies in schools: a multicountry modelling analysis
Authors: Chevalier Joshua M , Han Alvin X , Hansen Megan A , Klock Ethan , Pandithakoralage Hiromi , Ockhuisen Tom , Girdwood Sarah J , Lekodeba Nkgomeleng A , de Nooy Alexandra , Khan Shaukat , Johnson Cheryl C , Sacks Jilian A , Jenkins Helen E , Russell Colin A , Nichols Brooke E 
Published: February 2024

ObjectivesTo determine the most epidemiologically effective and cost-effective school-based SARS-CoV-2 antigen-detection rapid diagnostic test (Ag-RDT) self-testing strategies among teachers and students.DesignMathematical modelling and economic evaluation.Setting and participantsSimulated school and community populations were parameterised to Brazil, Georgia and Zambia, with SARS-CoV-2 self-testing strategies targeted to teachers and students in primary and secondary schools under varying epidemic conditions.InterventionsSARS-CoV-2 Ag-RDT self-testing strategies for only teachers or teachers and students—only symptomatically or symptomatically and asymptomatically at 5%, 10%, 40% or 100% of schools at varying frequencies.Outcome measuresOutcomes were assessed in terms of total infections and symptomatic days among teachers and students, as well as total infections and deaths within the community under the intervention compared with baseline. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) were calculated for infections prevented among teachers and students.ResultsWith respect to both the reduction in infections and total cost, symptomatic testing of all teachers and students appears to be the most cost-effective strategy. Symptomatic testing can prevent up to 69·3%, 64·5% and 75·5% of school infections in Brazil, Georgia and Zambia, respectively, depending on the epidemic conditions, with additional reductions in community infections. ICERs for symptomatic testing range from US$2 to US$19 per additional school infection averted as compared with symptomatic testing of teachers alone.ConclusionsSymptomatic testing of teachers and students has the potential to cost-effectively reduce a substantial number of school and community infections.
Knowledge, attitudes and practices towards the diagnosis and management of paediatric sepsis among paediatric physicians and nurses: a cross-sectional study of 21 hospitals in Hubei Province, China
Authors: Yue Jing , Zhao Hui , Li Jie , Wu Jiannan , Zheng Ronghao 
Published: February 2024

ObjectivesTo evaluate the knowledge, attitudes and practices towards diagnosing and managing paediatric sepsis among paediatric physicians and nurses.DesignA cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study.Setting21 hospitals in Hubei Province between February 2023 and March 2023.ParticipantsPaediatric physicians and nurses.InterventionsNone.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe questionnaire contained 35 items across four dimensions (demographic information, knowledge, attitude and practice).ResultsThe study included 295 participants (173 women). The average knowledge, attitude and practice scores were 10.93±2.61 points (possible range, 0–20 points), 32.22±2.65 points (possible range, 7–35 points) and 36.54±5.24 points (possible range, 9–45 points), respectively. Knowledge had a direct influence on both attitude (β=0.240, 95% CI 0.136 to 0.365, p=0.009) and practice (β=0.278, 95% CI 0.084 to 0.513, p=0.010), which also indirectly influenced practice through attitude (β=0.162, 95% CI 0.078 to 0.290, p=0.007). Attitude directly influenced practice (β=0.677, 95% CI 0.384 to 0.902, p=0.025). A higher attitude score was associated with good practice (OR=1.392; 95% CI 1.231 to 1.576; p<0.001), while not working in a tertiary hospital reduced the odds of good practice (OR=0.443; 95% CI 0.2390.821; p=0.010).ConclusionsThe knowledge regarding paediatric sepsis, especially knowledge about sepsis management, is poor among paediatric physicians and nurses in Hubei Province. The findings of this study may facilitate the development and implementation of training programmes to improve the diagnosis and management of paediatric sepsis.
Trend of cerebral aneurysms over the past two centuries: need for early screening
Authors: Burlakoti Arjun , Kumaratilake Jaliya , Taylor Jamie , Henneberg Maciej 
Published: February 2024

ObjectiveCerebral aneurysms (CAs) are linked to variations in the cerebral basal arterial network (CBAN). This study aimed to find the optimal age for screening to detect brain arterial variations and predict aneurysms before rupture.DesignAn observational, quantitative and retrospective research.SettingThe study analysed 1127 cases of CAs published from 1761 to 1938. Additionally, CT angiography images of 173-patients at the Royal Adelaide Hospital (RAH), South Australia between 2011 and 2019 were examined for the presence and the location of aneurysms in CBAN.ParticipantsThe data were collected from patients at RAH and 407 published sources, including males and females across the entire age range, up to 100 years old.Outcome measures and resultsData, CAs cases, from 1761 to 1938 included (526 males, 573 females and 28 unknown sexes). The age of these patients varied from 18 months to 89 years (mean age=42, SD=18). Approximately 11.5% of the CAs occurred in patients aged <20 years. Among the 1078 aneurysms whose location was reported, 76% were located in the internal carotid (IC), middle cerebral (MC) and anterior communicating artery complex (AcomAC) regions, while the remaining 24% were in the vertebrobasilar region. Among 173 patients from RAH aged between 18 and 100 years (male=83 and female=90, mean age=60, SD=16), 94% of the CAs were found in the IC, MC and AcomAC regions. The pattern of aneurysm occurrence, as indicated by values at the 25th, 50th and 75th percentiles, along with the minimum and maximum patient ages, has remained consistent from 1761 to 2019.ConclusionThe distribution pattern of CAs in relation to sex, age and locations in the CBAN, remained steady over the last 260 years resulting in risk of strokes early in life. Therefore, early screening for CBAN segment variations is advised for stroke prevention if possible.
Understanding the role of household hygiene practices and foodborne disease risks in child stunting: a UKRI GCRF Action Against Stunting Hub protocol paper
Authors: Dominguez-Salas Paula , Waddington Hugh Sharma , Grace Delia , Bosire Caroline , Moodley Arshnee , Kulkarni Bharati , Dasi Teena , Banjara Santosh Kumar , Kumar Ramachandrappa Naveen , Fahmida Umi , Htet Min Kyaw , Sudibya Arienta R P , Faye Babacar , Tine Roger C , Heffernan Claire , Saxena Deepak , Dreibelbis Robert , Häsler B 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionEnvironmental hygiene and food safety are important determinants of child stunting. This research aims to explore the relationship between child stunting and household hygiene practices and behaviours, including the availability of water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities; the use of safe food and good quality drinking water (especially when used for complementary feeding); hygienic practices in food transport, storage and preparation and the control of cross-contamination from animals, their produce and waste.Methods and analysisThis study is part of a wider observational study which aims to investigate the interdisciplinary factors contributing to child stunting using a ‘whole child’ paradigm. The observational study recruits women during pregnancy in Hyderabad, India, Lombok, Indonesia and Kaffrine, Senegal, and dyads (ie, 500 mother–infant pairs per country) are followed longitudinally up to 24 months after birth. Within the interdisciplinary niche, the study here has developed tools to investigate the potential exposure pathways to environmental pathogen contamination of foods and water. Holistic WASH and food safety data collection tools have been developed to explore exposure pathways at the household level, including: (1) survey questionnaires; (2) spot-checks; (3) biological sampling of drinking water, food and domestic surfaces and (4) direct observation. An integrated analytical approach will be used to triangulate the evidence in order to examine the relationships between child stunting, WASH and food safety behaviours.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval of the study was granted by the ethics committee of the LSHTM, RVC, ILRI, ICMR, IIPHG, SEAMEO-RECFON, University of Cheikh Anta Diop. Findings of the study will be disseminated through publication in peer-reviewed journals, relevant international conferences, public engagement events, and policy-maker and stakeholder events.
Epigenetic studies in children at risk of stunting and their parents in India, Indonesia and Senegal: a UKRI GCRF Action Against Stunting Hub protocol paper
Authors: Ramsteijn Anouschka S , Ndiaye Magatte , Kalashikam Rajender Rao , Htet Min Kyaw , Yadav DM Dinesh , Augustine Little Flower , Zahra Nur L , Djigal Aicha , Yanti Dwi , Angelin Tiffany C , Nurfadilah Mifa , Gorre Manjula , Subrahamanyam Dantham , Vadakattu Sai Santhosh , Munikumar Manne , Horgan Graham W , Fahmida Umi , Faye Babacar , Kulkarni Bharati , Haggarty Paul 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionIn 2020, an estimated 150 million children under the age of 5 years were stunted. Stunting results from early-life adversity and it is associated with significant physical and cognitive deficit, lifelong socioeconomic disadvantage and reduced life expectancy. There is a need to understand the causes of stunting and its effects in order to develop strategies to avoid it and to mitigate the consequences once stunting has occurred. Epigenetics is an important mechanism through which early-life factors are thought to influence biological function, with long-term consequences. We describe a series of epigenetic studies designed to understand how early-life adversity results in stunting and to inform the development of practical tools such as predictive markers and therapeutic targets. This work is part of the UKRI GCRF Action Against Stunting Hub.Methods and analysisThe project—in India, Indonesia and Senegal—comprises an observational study of mothers, fathers, and offspring (n=500) spanning the first 1000 days of life, and an intervention study in each country. Epigenetic status (DNA methylation) is determined in saliva from babies collected within 1 month of birth and again at 18 months of age, and from mothers and fathers around the time of birth. Epigenome-wide analysis is carried out using the Illumina EPIC array, augmented by high-definition sequencing approaches. Statistical analysis is carried out at the level of candidate genes/regions, higher dimensional epigenetic states and epigenome-wide association. Data analysis focuses on the determinants of stunting, the effectiveness of interventions, population comparisons and the link between epigenetics and other thematic areas, which include anthropometry, microbiome, gut health, parasitology, cognition, nutrition, food hygiene and water sanitation, food systems and the home environment.Ethics and disseminationThis study has been approved by the relevant Ethics Committees in Indonesia, India and Senegal, and the UK. Research data will be published and posted in public repositories.
Identification of immune cell markers associated with ulcerative colitis histological disease activity in colonic biopsies
Authors: Lefevre Pavine L C , Wang Zhongya , Teft Wendy , Zou Guangyong , Van Viegen Tanja , Linggi Bryan , Jairath Vipul , Feagan Brian G , Pai Rish K , Vande Casteele Niels 
Published: February 2024

AimsAccurate determination of histological activity in ulcerative colitis (UC) is essential given its diagnostic and prognostic importance. Data on the relationship between histology and immune cell markers are limited. We aimed to evaluate the association between histological disease activity and immune cell marker concentration in colonic biopsies from patients with UC.MethodsSigmoid colon biopsies from 20 patients with UC were retrospectively assessed using the Robarts Histopathology Index (RHI). Targeted mass spectrometry determined the concentration of 18 immune cell markers (cluster of differentiation (CD) 4, CD8, CD19, CD20, CD40, CD56, CD68, CD103, forkhead box p3 (FOXP3), human leucocyte antigen, DR alpha chain (HLA-DRA), interleukin 10 (IL-10), IL-23 subunit alpha (IL-23A), IL-23 receptor (IL-23R), IL-2 receptor alpha chain (IL-2RA), Ki67, lymphocyte-activation gene 3 (LAG-3), programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and PD ligand 1 (PD-L1)). The association between RHI score and immune cell marker concentration was quantified using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient (ρ) and related 95% CIs.ResultsFourteen of the 18 immune cell marker proteins were detected, with tissue concentration ranging from 0.003 to 11.53 fmol/µg. The overall RHI score was positively correlated with CD19, CD20, CD40, FOXP3, LAG-3, PD-1 and PD-L1 concentration (ρ=0.596–0.799) and negatively correlated with CD56 concentration (ρ=−0.460). There was no significant association between RHI score and CD4, CD8, CD68, CD103, HLA-DRA or Ki67 concentration.ConclusionsThis study provides insight into the correlation between immune cell marker expression and histological disease activity and the possible molecular and immunological determinants underlying microscopic disease activity in UC.
Targeting the activated microenvironment with endosialin (CD248)-directed CAR-T cells ablates perivascular cells to impair tumor growth and metastasis
Authors: Ash Sarah L , Orha Rebecca , Mole Holly , Dinesh-Kumar Meg , Lee Steven P , Turrell Frances K , Isacke Clare M 
Published: February 2024

BackgroundTargeting of solid cancers with chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells is limited by the lack of suitable tumor-specific antigens and the immunosuppressive, desmoplastic tumor microenvironment that impedes CAR-T cell infiltration, activity and persistence. We hypothesized that targeting the endosialin (CD248) receptor, strongly expressed by tumor-associated pericytes and perivascular cancer-associated fibroblasts, would circumvent these challenges and offer an exciting antigen for CAR-T cell therapy due to the close proximity of target cells to the tumor vasculature, the limited endosialin expression in normal tissues and the lack of phenotype observed in endosialin knockout mice.MethodsWe generated endosialin-directed E3K CAR-T cells from three immunocompetent mouse strains, BALB/c, FVB/N and C57BL/6. E3K CAR-T cell composition (CD4+/CD8+ratio), activity in vitro against endosialin+and endosialin–cells, and expansion and activity in vivo in syngeneic tumor models as well as in tumor-naive healthy and wounded mice and tumor-bearing endosialin knockout mice was assessed.ResultsE3K CAR-T cells were active in vitro against both mouse and human endosialin+, but not endosialin–, cells. Adoptively transferred E3K CAR-T cells exhibited no activity in endosialin knockout mice, tumor-naive endosialin wildtype mice or in wound healing models, demonstrating an absence of off-target and on-target/off-tumor activity. By contrast, adoptive transfer of E3K CAR-T cells into BALB/c, FVB/N or C57BL/6 mice bearing syngeneic breast or lung cancer lines depleted target cells in the tumor stroma resulting in increased tumor necrosis, reduced tumor growth and a substantial impairment in metastatic outgrowth.ConclusionsTogether these data highlight endosialin as a viable antigen for CAR-T cell therapy and that targeting stromal cells closely associated with the tumor vasculature avoids CAR-T cells having to navigate the harsh immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Further, the ability of E3K CAR-T cells to recognize and target both mouse and human endosialin+cells makes a humanized and optimized E3K CAR a promising candidate for clinical development applicable to a broad range of solid tumor types.
Midterm outcomes of transcatheter aortic valve replacement in patients with active cancer
Authors: Noguchi Masahiko , Tabata Minoru , Ito Joji , Kato Nahoko , Obunai Kotaro , Watanabe Hiroyuki , Yashima Fumiaki , Watanabe Yusuke , Naganuma Toru , Yamawaki Masahiro , Yamanaka Futoshi , Shirai Shinichi , Ueno Hiroshi , Tada Norio , Yamamoto Masanori , Hayashida Kentaro 
Published: February 2024

ObjectivesThe clinical outcomes of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in patients with aortic stenosis (AS) and concomitant active cancer remain insufficiently explored. This study aimed to assess the midterm outcomes of TAVR in patients diagnosed with AS and active cancer.MethodsData from the OCEAN-TAVI, a prospective Japanese registry of TAVR procedures, was analysed to compare prognoses and clinical outcomes in patients with and without active cancer at the time of TAVR.ResultsOf the 2336 patients who underwent TAVR from October 2013 to July 2017, 89 patients (3.8%) had active cancer, whereas 2247 did not. Among patients with active cancer, 49 had limited-stage cancer (stage 1 or 2). The prevalent cancers identified before TAVR were colon (21%), prostate (18%), lung (15%), liver (11%) and breast (9%). Although the periprocedural complications and 30-day mortality rates were comparable between the groups, the 3-year survival rate after TAVR was notably lower in patients with active cancer (64.7%) than in those without active cancer (74.7%; p=0.016). Nevertheless, the 3-year survival rate of patients with limited-stage cancer (stage 1 or 2) did not significantly differ from those without cancer (70.6% vs 74.7%, p=0.50).ConclusionsThe patients with active cancer exhibited significantly reduced midterm survival rates. However, no distinct disparity existed in those with limited-stage cancer (stage 1 or 2). Although TAVR is a viable treatment in patients with AS with active cancer, the type and stage of cancer and prognosis should be carefully weighed in the decision-making process.
Circular orbits and collisions of particles with magnetic dipole moment near magnetized Kerr black holes in modified gravity
Authors: Khan Saeed Ullah , Uktamov Uktamjon , Rayimbaev Javlon , Abdujabbarov Ahmadjon , Ibragimov Inomjon , Chen Zhi-Min 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThroughout this work, we explored the dynamics of test particles with magnetic dipole moment around magnetized rotating Kerr black holes in scalar–vector–tensor gravity theory (STVG), known as modified gravity theory (MOG). We assume that the black hole is immersed in external asymptotically uniform magnetic fields. We derive effective potential for circular orbits of the magnetized particles, taking into account both the magnetic and STVG interactions. We study profiles of the position of the innermost stable circular orbits (ISCOs) of the magnetized particles. We show that the MOG interaction is essentially, and the magnetic interaction enhances its effects on the ISCO radius and the angular momentum at ISCO. Also, we consider collisional cases of magnetized particles and the maximum and minimum limits of angular momentum that ensure the particle colliding near the horizon. Finally, we analyze the center-of-mass energy of colliding magnetized particles near the black hole horizon.
Higher-order structures of local collaboration networks are associated with individual scientific productivity
Authors: Yang Wenlong , Wang Yang 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe prevalence of teamwork in contemporary science has raised new questions about collaboration networks and the potential impact on research outcomes. Previous studies primarily focused on pairwise interactions between scientists when constructing collaboration networks, potentially overlooking group interactions among scientists. In this study, we introduce a higher-order network representation using algebraic topology to capture multi-agent interactions, i.e., simplicial complexes. Our main objective is to investigate the influence of higher-order structures in local collaboration networks on the productivity of the focal scientist. Leveraging a dataset comprising more than 3.7 million scientists from the Microsoft Academic Graph, we uncover several intriguing findings. Firstly, we observe an inverted U-shaped relationship between the number of disconnected components in the local collaboration network and scientific productivity. Secondly, there is a positive association between the presence of higher-order loops and individual scientific productivity, indicating the intriguing role of higher-order structures in advancing science. Thirdly, these effects hold across various scientific domains and scientists with different impacts, suggesting strong generalizability of our findings. The findings highlight the role of higher-order loops in shaping the development of individual scientists, thus may have implications for nurturing scientific talent and promoting innovative breakthroughs.
Two-parameter deformed quantum mechanics based on Fibonacci calculus and Debye crystal model of two-parameter deformed quantum statistics
Authors: Algin Abdullah , Chung Won Sang 
Published: February 2024

AbstractStarting on the basis of Fibonacci calculus and Fibonacci oscillator algebra, we introduce the main properties to develop a new formalism for the two-parameter $$({q}_{1},{q}_{2})$$

(

q
1

,

q
2

)

-deformed quantum mechanics, where $${q}_{1}$$

q
1

and $${q}_{2}$$

q
2

are real positive independent deformation parameters. As applications of such a two-parameter deformed formalism, we investigate the behavior of a quantum particle in some different physical phenomena covering the free particle and the inverse-harmonic potential case. The effect of two deformation parameters on the wave functions for these applications is studied. Another application is carried out onto the quantum statistics of lattice oscillations through a model of the $$({q}_{1},{q}_{2})$$

(

q
1

,

q
2

)

-deformed phonon gas, and it is shown that the high- and low-temperature behavior of the model specific heat differs notably from the classical theories for the interval $$0<({q}_{1},{q}_{2})<\infty $$

0
<
(

q
1

,

q
2

)
<
∞

. We also construct a two-parameter deformed non-extensive entropy based on some elements of the Fibonacci calculus and discuss its possible connection with the Tsallis entropy in non-extensive statistical mechanics. Finally, other possible application areas of the present two-parameter $$({q}_{1},{q}_{2})$$

(

q
1

,

q
2

)

-deformed construction on quantum mechanics are discussed.
Graver bases of shifted numerical semigroups with 3 generators
Authors: Howard James , O’Neill Christopher 
Published: February 2024

A numerical semigroup [Formula: see text] is a subset of the non-negative integers that is closed under addition. A factorization of [Formula: see text] is an expression of [Formula: see text] as a sum of generators of [Formula: see text], and the Graver basis of [Formula: see text] is a collection [Formula: see text] of trades between the generators of [Formula: see text] that allows for efficient movement between factorizations. Given positive integers [Formula: see text], consider the family [Formula: see text] of “shifted” numerical semigroups whose generators are obtained by translating [Formula: see text] by an integer parameter [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we characterize the Graver basis [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] for sufficiently large [Formula: see text] in the case [Formula: see text], in the form of a recursive construction of [Formula: see text] from that of smaller values of [Formula: see text]. As a consequence of our result, the number of trades in [Formula: see text], when viewed as a function of [Formula: see text], is eventually quasilinear. We also obtain a sharp lower bound on the start of quasilinear behavior.