bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Leukopenia of Asymptomatic COVID-19 Infections under 18 Years Old in Recovery Stage (Running head: Leukopenia of Asymptomatic COVID-19 Infections)
Authors: Zhang Wei , Yuan Youshu 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Objectives
In December, 2019, a type of novel coronavirus which was designated novel coronavirus 2019 (2019-nCoV) by the World Health Organization (WHO) occurred in Wuhan, Hubei, China. There is limited information available on the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of patients under 18 years old in the recovery stage. To compare the difference of epidemiological and clinical characteristics of COVID-19 involving 25 patients under 18 years old in the recovery stage between confirmed and asymptomatic infections.
Methods
The retrospective, single-center cohort study of COVID-19 involving 25 patients under 18 years old in the recovery stage at Guizhou Provincial Staff Hospital in Guiyang, China, from January 29 to March 31, 2020; last date of follow-up was April 22. We collected and analyzed epidemiological, demographic, clinical, laboratory, radiological, and treatment data. The researchers compared the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of confirmed COVID-19 infections and asymptomatic infections.
Results
Among the 25 COVID infections under 18 years old, 16 (64%) were mild or moderate confirmed cases, and 9 (36%) were asymptomatic. The shortest treatment period was 6 days, the longest 26 days, and the average treatment period was 14 days. Four cases (44.4%) had visited Wuhan or had a living story in the city. There were 9 (100%) asymptomatic cases were familial cluster outbreak, with an average infection number was 6 cases among all families. The number of asymptomatic COVID-19 infections with leukopenia was significantly more than confirmed cases (p = 0.04).
Conclusions
Leukopenia mostly occurred in asymptomatic COVID-19 infections under 18 years old compared with the confirmed patients.
Trial registration:
The Chinese Clinical Trial Register (CCTR number: ChiCTR2000032458) registered this study retrospectively on 28 April 2020.
Measuring quantitively peacebuilding co-benefits of cocoa agroforestry systems in the Colombian Amazon
Authors: Pérez‑Marulanda Lisset , Jepsen Martin , Löhr Katharina , Morales Héctor , Castro-Nunez Augusto 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

The IPCC's 6th assessment report underscores the potential of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to bolster peacebuilding outcomes. Evidence from environmental peacebuilding connects land-use systems with climate mitigation and peace outcomes, yet lacks a theoretical framework for assessing their impact, such as cocoa agroforestry systems. Addressing this gap, this paper introduces a sustainability assessment framework incorporating peacebuilding to evaluate cocoa production systems. We surveyed 427 smallholder cocoa farmers in the conflict-affected Colombian Amazon, categorizing them based on socioeconomic characteristics and agricultural practices. Utilizing survey indicators, we analyzed variations across typologies. Our findings indicate that agroforestry cocoa production systems positively impact yields, incomes, and peacebuilding by mitigating nature resource conflicts and fostering cooperation. We advocate for promoting these systems for climate mitigation and peacebuilding, stressing the need to enhance mechanization, market integration, and incorporate food security and nutrition initiatives aligned with agroecology principles.
Summer temperature and emergency room visits due to urinary tract infection in South Korea: a national time-stratified case-crossover study
Authors: Park Jiwoo , Lee Whanhee , Kang Dukhee , Min Jieun , Jang Hyemin , Kang Cinoo , Kwon Dohoon , Kwag Youngrin , Ha Eunhee 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
Although urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common and severe public health concern, and there are clear biological mechanisms between UTI and hot temperatures, few studies have addressed the association between hot temperatures and UTI.
Methods
We designed a time-stratified case-crossover study using a population-representative sample cohort based on the national health insurance system (NHIS) in South Korea. We obtained all NHIS-based hospital admissions through the emergency room (ER) due to UTI (using a primary diagnostic code) from 2006 to 2019. We assigned satellite-based reanalyzed daily summer (June to September) average temperatures as exposures, based on residential districts of beneficiaries (248 districts in South Korea). The conditional logistic regression was performed to evaluate the association between summer temperature and UTI outcome.
Results
Among 4,450 ER visits due to UTI were observed during the summer between 2006 and 2019 among 1,131,714 NHIS beneficiaries. For 20% increase in summer temperature (moving average of 0–2 lag days), the odd ratio (OR) was 1.05 (95% CI: 1.02, 1.09) in the total population, and the association was more prominent in the elderly (people aged 65y or older; OR: 1.09, 95% CI: 1.04, 1.15), females (OR: 1.10, 95% CI: 1.04, 1.17), and people with diabetes history (OR: 1.12, 95% CI: 1.05, 1.19). The effect modification by household income was different in the total and elderly populations. Furthermore, the association between summer temperature and UTI increased during the study period in the total population.
Conclusions
Higher summer temperatures were associated with an increased risk of ER admissions for UTI. The results are consistent with the hypothesis that higher summer temperatures increase the risk of severe UTIs.
Performance investigation of Aloe vera plant-based microbial fuel cell using anode constructed of carbonized Ipomoea carnea.
Authors: Sonu Kumar , Sogani Monika , Syed Zainab , Maheshwari Karishma , Rajvanshi Jayana , Sengupta Nishan 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

The increasing trend in global atmospheric temperature caused by a spike in atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide must be addressed as soon as feasible to avoid approaching the point of zero return. Innovative technologies based on the concepts of plant microbial fuel cell (PMFC) may help in this direction by sequestering CO2 while creating a massive amount of biomass. In the present study, the Aloe vera plant was employed to generate Cleaner and viable bioenergy in a PMFC. The carbonized Ipomoea carnea had a synergistic effect on power production and plant Growth. The highest power output of the PMFC with a carbonized Ipomoea carnea anode was 260 mW/m2, which was 186.1 mW/m2 more than the carbon rod anode. Within 35 working days, high biomass was identified in the carbonized Ipomoea carnea anode, allowing for increased generation bioelectricity.
Future changes in runoff over western and central Europe: disentangling the hydrological behavior of CMIP6 models
Authors: Deman Juliette , Boé Julien 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Large uncertainties remain in the projected changes in runoff over western and central Europe. In this study, a large ensemble of climate projections from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 is analyzed to characterize these changes in the late 21st century with a high-end emissions scenario, and to gain a better understanding of the mechanisms responsible for the inter-model spread. A hierarchical classification algorithm is used to group the models based on their hydrological response, and additional sensitivity experiments from two Model Intercomparison Projects are studied.
In most models, annual precipitation changes do not emerge from internal variability. Evapotranspiration changes generally do emerge from internal variability, but with no inter-model agreement on the sign of the signal. Finally, no robust multi-model response in annual runoff changes is projected. A quarter of the models still project a significant decrease in annual runoff. Similar annual changes in runoff can be driven by very different changes in annual precipitation and evapotranspiration, as well as contrasted seasonal evolutions. Some models project a decrease in runoff despite an increase in precipitation due to a large increase in evapotranspiration.
Due to the large uncertainties in the reference datasets, it is difficult to reject any models based on their accuracy to represent climatological averages and recent trends. Large-scale circulation and the representation of the physiological impact of CO2 are important for the extreme hydrological changes projected by some models. The soil-moisture precipitation feedback is important for the multi-model ensemble mean but not for the inter-model spread.
Comprehensive Imaging Evaluation of the Aortic Valve and Root Before Aortic Root Surgery: A Study Comparing MDCT and TEE
Authors: Li Yuan , Zhang Shuai , Qi Hongxia , Ma Xiaoyan , Qian Xiangyang , Sun Jing 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the accuracy and consistency of MDCT and TEE in the preoperative assessment of aortic root surgery.
Methods: From January 2021 to September 2022, 118 patients who underwent aortic root surgery were included in this study. All patients underwent high-quality preoperative MDCT and TEE examinations, and the examination results were independently measured and assessed by two senior radiologists or ultrasound specialists. Bland–Altman analysis and Pearson correlation testing were employed to assess the correlation and consistency between MDCT and TEE. These analyses were then compared with actual intraoperative measurement data.
Results: Among all the patients, 73 (61.86%) had tricuspid aortic valve (TAV), and 45 (38.14%) had bicuspid aortic valve (BAV). A comparison between the TEE and MDCT measurements showed that for the annulus diameter, the area-derived diameter had the best correlation and agreement. For the sinus of Valsalva diameter, the circumference-derived diameter was optimal. However, for the STJ diameter, the minimum cross-sectional diameter showed the best agreement with TEE. In contrast, measurements of geometric height showed a weaker correlation and agreement.
Conclusion: Contrast-enhanced MDCT can be a valuable tool for perioperative evaluation in aortic root surgery, with good correlation, consistency, and feasibility when compared to TEE. The choice of MDCT measurement methodology, specifically area-derived and circumference-derived diameter, proved to be more accurate than other methods. Further research is required to enhance the understanding of aortic valve repair and associated imaging techniques.
Etiological analysis of acute respiratory infections in hospitalized children after the relaxation of COVID-19 non-pharmacological interventions in Quzhou, China
Authors: Fu Canya , Zhou Chunting , Zheng Canjie , Li Sheng , Song Wei , Yao Jiaoxian , Fu Chuanxi , Yin Zhiying 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background: Acute respiratory infections (ARIs) can cause morbidity and mortality in children. This study was to determine the characteristics of pathogens in hospitalized children with ARIs after the relaxation of COVID-19 non-pharmacological interventions (NPIs) in Quzhou, China.
Methods: Hospitalized children with ARIs were enrolled between May and October 2023, and thirteen common respiratory pathogens were tested by fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Mono- and co-infections were assessed, and the association between pathogens and age was explored using restricted cubic spline analysis.
Results: A total of 1225 children were included, 820 of them detected one pathogen and 238 of them detected two or more pathogens. Children aged 1-3 years had the highest positive detection rates. The dominant pathogen varied monthly. Mycoplasma pneumoniae (Mp) was the most common pathogen in monoinfection, followed by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and human rhinovirus (HRV), while influenza virus was detected at a lower rate. Mp+HRV was the most common combination of coinfections. The detection rates of Mp and HRV were higher in coinfections than in monoinfection, but there was no difference in the detection rate of RSV. In the restricted cubic spline models, a J-shaped association was consistently observed between age and Mp infection, the risk of HRV first increased and then decreased, the risk of RSV was relatively flat until 1.5 years and then decreased raplidly.
Conclusion: Our study revealed the epidemiological characteristics of ARIs pathogens after the relaxation of NPIs. There is still a need to enhanced pathogen surveillance, especially for Mp.
Chinese expert consensus on fetal ultrasound anatomical examination at 11 +0 to 13 +6 gestational weeks: results of the Delphi procedure
Authors: Lyu Guorong , Liao Ruibi , Jiang Qiuxia , Zheng Qingyu , Zhou Qichang , Zhong Xiaohong , Zhang Tieshan , Li Shengli , Chen Qiuyue , Cui Ligang , Cui Xinwu , Guo Jingyi , He Shaozheng , He Xiaoqin , Hou Min , Jiang Lixin , Li Liya , Li Shuiping , Li Hezhou , Liao Jianmei , Lin Lifang , Liu Jinrong , Liu Yanying , Liu Zhonghua , Ren Yunyun , Ruan Junxian , Song Wenling , Weng Zongjie , Wu Xiuming , Yu Hongxia , Yuan Lijun , Zhang Yingchun , Zhao Sheng , Zhao Yanchun 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background This study aimed to develop a standardized expert consensus on anatomical examination of first-trimester fetal ultrasound.
Methods Based on the Delphi procedure, 122 experts from 27 grades of medical institutions throughout China answered a two-round questionnaire. Items for which 75% of experts stated that they should be included were designated as recommended items; other items were designated suggested items.
Results Fetal anatomical ultrasound examinations in early pregnancy were divided into basic (class I), detailed (class II), and targeted (class III) categories. Examinations included one measurement project (6 sub-projects) and 10 examination projects (26 sub-projects) containing recommended and suggested contents. Items measured and examined in both the basic and detailed examinations were consistent. However, items such as the anterior palate, kidney, and genital tubercle were included as recommended items in the basic examination, but not in the detailed examination. Eleven planes examined in the targeted fetal CNS examination, including suprathalamic axial view, transsection of thalamus, anteroposterior median sagittal profile, and coronal section of transfrontal lobe, were recommended, whereas the remaining seven were suggested.
Conclusions This expert consensus will help guide medical institutions of different levels and medical work of different qualifications to perform standardized ultrasonic anatomical examination of fetuses in early pregnancy. Furthermore, this expert consensus provides evidence-based medical evidence for the early screening of fetal malformations.
Evaluating barriers to reaching women with public health information in remote communities in Mali
Authors: Jones Robert T. , Spencer Freya I. , Paris Laura A. , Soumaila Diarra , Kamara Nanthilde , Hiscox Alexandra , Logan James G. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Telecommunications offers an alternative or supplement to community-based interventions as a means of extending healthcare services and improving health outcomes in remote settings, but can fail to reach target communities if barriers to access are not overcome. We conducted seven focus group discussions and 26 interviews with community health workers, community leaders, and female members of the public who declared that they had or had not previously accessed free audio health messages provided via a mobile platform in two rural communities of Mali, Koulikoro and Bougouni. A content analysis showed that participants accessed and trusted health information from a range of sources, including radio, telephone and television, as well as town criers, local relays and community health centres. Barriers to access faced by women included economic factors, lack of network or electricity, and social factors such as illiteracy, cultural restrictions and being unaware of mobile communication. Through analysis and interpretation of the participants’ responses, we have made recommendations for future campaigns for the dissemination of health-related information for women in remote settings.
Mapping malaria transmission foci in Northeast Thailand from 2011-2021: approaching elimination in a hypoendemic area
Authors: Pongsoipetch Kulchada , Walshe Rebecca , Mukem Suwanna , Kamsri Tanong , Singkham Navarat , Sudathip Prayuth , Kitchakarn Suravadee , Maude Rapeephan Rattanawongnara , Maude Richard James 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
Thailand is approaching local elimination of malaria in the eastern provinces. It has successfully reduced the number of cases over the past decade, but there are persistent transmission hot spots in and around forests. This study aimed to use data from the malaria surveillance system to describe the spatiotemporal trends of malaria in Northeast Thailand and fine-scale patterns in locally transmitted cases between 2011 and 2021.
Methods
Case data was stratified based on likely location of infection and parasite species. Annual Parasite Index per 1000 population (API) was calculated for different categories. Time series decomposition was performed to identify trends and seasonal patterns. Statistically significant clusters of high (hot spots) and low (cold spots) API were identified using the Getis-Ord Gi* statistic. The stability of those hot spots and the absolute change in the proportion of API density from baseline were compared by case type.
Results
The total number of confirmed cases experienced a non-linear decline by 96.6%, from 1,061 in 2011 to 36 in 2021. There has been a decline in both Plasmodium vivax and P. falciparum case numbers, with only 4 confirmed falciparum cases over the last 2 years. API was generally higher in Si Sa Ket province, which had peaks every 2–3 years. There was a large outbreak in Ubon Ratchathani in 2014–2016 which had a high proportion of P. falciparum reported. The proportion of cases classified increased over the study period, and the proportion of cases classed as indigenous to the village of residence increased from 0.2–33.3%. There were stable hot spots of indigenous and imported cases in the south of Si Sa Ket and southeast of Ubon Ratchathani.
Conclusions
There has been a large, non-linear decline in the number of malaria cases reported and an increasing proportion of cases are classed as indigenous to the patient’s village of residence. Stable hot spots of ongoing transmission in the forested border areas were identified, with transmission likely persisting because of remote location and high-risk forest-going behaviours. Future efforts should include cross-border collaboration and continued targeting of high-risk behaviours to reduce the risk of imported cases seeding local transmission.
The adiposity of CRLM before targeted therapy initiation may serve as a marker to distinguish KRAS mutation status：A retrospective study
Authors: Xiao Renzhe , Wang Ning , Xiao Wei , Liu Yulin 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to explore the correlation between MRI-related parameters and the Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene (KRAS) gene mutation status in colorectal cancer liver metastases (CRLM) prior to initiating targeted therapy.
METHODS
This retrospective study enrolled 118 patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer liver metastases, each presenting up to three lesions of the largest diameter, and all underwent testing for KRAS gene mutations. Patients were categorized into two groups: the KRAS gene mutant (+) group (53 patients, 119 lesions) and the wild-type (-) group (65 patients, 155 lesions). Normality of continuous variables was assessed using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, while the Mann-Whitney U test or T test was employed for comparing continuous variables, and the Chi-square test for categorical variables. Variables exhibiting significant differences (p < 0.05) were subjected to multivariate logistic regression to identify independent factors and construct predictive models. Model performance was assessed through the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC), with the area under the curve (AUC) and its 95% confidence interval (CI) calculated.
RESULTS
The T2-SImean was higher in the KRAS(+) group compared to the KRAS(-) group (0.91 ± 0.30 vs 0.87 ± 0.39, p < 0.001). Conversely, T2FS-SImean was significantly lower in the KRAS(+) group compared to the KRAS(-) group (0.80 ± 0.27 vs 1.02 ± 0.65, p < 0.001). Additionally, the proportion of lesions with a well-defined boundary was notably higher in the KRAS(+) group compared to the KRAS(-) group (84.9% vs 65.2%, p = 0.011). ROC curve analysis demonstrated that the model (Y = 0.890 + 0.878 * Boundary + 5.955 * T2-SImean − 5.667 * T2FS-SImean) yielded an AUC value of 0.745 (95% CI: 0.688–0.802) for predicting the mutational status of the KRAS gene.
CONCLUSION
In our study, higher T2-SImean, lower T2FS-SImean and clear tumor boundaries in CRLM prior to initiating targeted therapy were associated with KRAS mutations.This implies that the adiposity of CRLM before targeted therapy initiation may serve as a marker to distinguish KRAS mutation status.
The impact of weather on the spread of COVID-19. The case of the two largest cities in Greece
Authors: Tounta Despoina D. , Nastos Panagiotis T. , Paraskevis Dimitrios N. , Sarantopoulos Athanasios D. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The new global pandemic of COVID-19 declared on March 11, 2020, by the World Health Organization, has already had an unprecedented impact on health and socioeconomic activities worldwide. The second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic swept through the United States of America and Europe in late September 2020. Compared with other southern countries, such as Greece, where there was a significant increase in cases at the end of October 2020, Northern European countries (Germany, France, Austria, Finland, and Sweden) experienced this second wave of the pandemic earlier in September 2020. To understand the epidemiological behavior of the virus in Greece, from an environmental point of view, we examined the effects of air temperature, humidity, and wind on the spread of COVID-19. More specifically, we studied whether hot and humid conditions are associated with a decrease in epidemiological indicators of the pandemic and whether cold and dry conditions are associated with an increase in these indicators and therefore contribute positively to the spread of COVID-19. We applied Pearson correlation analysis and generalized linear models (GLM) with confirmed admissions to intensive care units (ICU) with COVID-19 from the National Public Health Organization, as dependent variables and the corresponding air temperature, humidity, and wind speed from the Greek National Meteorological Service, as independent covariates. The analysis concerns Athens and Thessaloniki, the two largest cities in Greece.