bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analyzing Chinese interest in osteoporosis-related diseases by using the Baidu index
Authors: Wu Jianjun , Lin Yanping , Chen Jingyi , Huang Jiachun , Huang Hongxing 
Published: November 2023

AbstractPurposeUnderstanding the public’s concern about osteoporosis in China is crucial for guiding public health campaigns and educational efforts, as it is significant public health concern in country. Using the Baidu index, this study aims to examine the Chinese fascination with diseases associated with osteoporosis.MethodsThe research gathered information on the search frequency of osteoporosis-related terms on Baidu between January 2012 and December 2022. To gauge the popularity of subjects associated with osteoporosis, the Baidu index was utilized. The study analyzed the trends and patterns of search volume and identified the most popular topics related to osteoporosis.ResultsThe study found an increasing trend in interest in osteoporosis-related diseases in China over the past ten years. The search volume for osteoporosis-related keywords increased steadily from 2012 to 2022. The most popular diseases related to osteoporosis were hyperosteogeny, fracture, osteoarthritis, and metabolic diseases.ConclusionsThe study offers valuable information about the level of understanding and awareness among the general population in China regarding diseases associated with osteoporosis. The growing fascination with subjects related to osteoporosis indicates that the general population is developing a greater understanding of the significance of maintaining bone health. The results of the study can provide valuable guidance for public health campaigns and educational efforts focused on enhancing the prevention and management of osteoporosis-related conditions in China.
Forecasting COVID-19 New Cases Using Transformer Deep Learning Model
Authors: Patil Saurabh , Mollaei Parisa , Farimani Amir Barati 
Published: November 2023

AbstractMaking accurate forecasting of COVID-19 cases is essential for healthcare systems, with more than 650 million cases as of 4 January,1making it one of the worst in history. The goal of this research is to improve the precision of COVID-19 case predictions in Russia, India, and Brazil, a transformer-based model was developed. Several researchers have implemented a combination of CNNs and LSTMs, Long Short-Term Memory (LSTMs), and Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) to calculate the total number of COVID-19 cases. In this study, an effort was made to improve the correctness of the models by incorporating recent advancements in attention-based models for time-series forecasting. The resulting model was found to perform better than other existing models and showed improved accuracy in forecasting. Using the data from different countries and adapting it to the model will enhance its ability to support the worldwide effort to combat the pandemic by giving more precise projections of cases.
Gestational diabetes as a risk factor for GBS maternal rectovaginal colonization: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Mercado-Evans Vicki , Zulk Jacob J. , Hameed Zainab A. , Patras Kathryn A. 
Published: November 2023

ABSTRACTBackgroundMaternal rectovaginal colonization by group BStreptococcus(GBS) increases the risk of perinatal GBS disease that can lead to death or long-term neurological impairment. Factors that increase the risk of rectovaginal GBS carriage are incompletely understood resulting in missed opportunities for detecting GBS in risk-based clinical approaches. There is a lacking consensus on whether gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a risk factor for rectovaginal GBS. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to address current conflicting findings and determine whether GDM should be clinically considered as a risk factor for maternal GBS colonization.MethodsPeer-reviewed studies that provided GDM prevalence and documented GBS vaginal and/or rectal colonization in women with and without GDM were included in this analysis.From study inception to October 30, 2023, we identified 6,275 relevant studies from EMBASE and PUBMED of which 19 were eligible for inclusion. Eligible studies were analyzed and thoroughly assessed for risk of bias with a modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale that interrogated representativeness and comparability of cohorts, quality of reporting for GDM and GBS status, and potential bias from other metabolic diseases. Results were synthesized using STATA 18 and analyzed using random-effects meta-analyses.ResultsStudies encompassed 266,706 women from 10 different countries, with study periods spanning from 1981 to 2020. Meta-analysis revealed that gestational diabetes is associated with a 16% increased risk of rectovaginal GBS carriage (OR 1.16, CI 1.07-1.26,P= 0.003). We also performed subgroup analyses to assess independent effects of pregestational vs. gestational diabetes on risk of maternal GBS carriage. Pregestational diabetes (Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes mellitus) was also associated with an increased risk of 76% (pooled OR 1.76, CI 1.27-2.45,P= 0.0008).ConclusionsThis study achieved a consensus among previously discrepant observations and demonstrated that gestational diabetes and pregestational diabetes are significant risk factors for maternal rectovaginal carriage of GBS. Recognition of GDM as a risk factor during clinical decisions about GBS screening and intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis may decrease the global burden of GBS on maternal-perinatal health.
“We can’t develop standards for a thing which doesn’t belong to us”:Assessment of infrastructure, behaviours and user satisfaction of Guardian Waiting Shelters for secondary level hospitals in southern Malawi
Authors: Panulo Mindy , Lamb Jennifer , Chidziwisano Kondwani , White Blessings , Dreibelbis Robert , Morse Tracy 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackgroundGuardian Waiting Shelters (GWSs) are an essential component of the Malawi’s health care system as they serve as a temporary home for patient guardians while taking care of their relatives admitted to the hospital. Despite GWSs valuable role in healthcare settings, there have been few studies on the specific experiences, infrastructure, and conditions provided at these facilities. The study examines GWS management structures and conditions, as well as guardian satisfaction and perception of health risks related to GWS use.MethodsIn this cross-sectional, mixed-methods study, we assessed 12 GWSs from 12 districts in the southern region of Malawi. Qualitative data included interviews (n=149) and focus group discussions with patient guardians (n=72), as well as interviews with GWS caretakers (n=5), representatives from Hospital Management (n=12) and Hospital Advisory Committees (n=11). Quantitative data included structured assessments (n=12) of infrastructure present and used at GWSs. Descriptive statistics and qualitative thematic analysis were utilized for data analysis, and a problem tree analysis was used to triangulate and summarize the findings.Results249 participants, including 221 being patient guardians, participated across the 12 GWSs. Each GWS had an average of 100 users daily, primarily middle-aged females (71%). There was a lack of clear and consistent management and responsibility for GWS operation and maintenance. GWS infrastructure conditions were poor, with inadequate functional sleeping rooms, insufficient access to water and sanitation facilities, and limited facilities for hygienic food preparation. Notably, 50% of the GWSs lacked water access, and a quarter had non-functional toilets. Overall, guardians felt unsafe and at risk of disease transmission when staying within GWS.ConclusionStudy findings highlight lack of clear, consistent GWS ownership as a root cause of challenges in GWSs. Clear policy and operational standards must be established for effective management and smooth functioning of GWSs in Malawi.
radioGWAS: link radiome to genome to discover driver genes with somatic mutations for heterogeneous tumor image phenotype in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Zheng Dandan , Grandgenett Paul M. , Zhang Qi , Baine Michael , Shi Yu , Du Qian , Liang Xiaoying , Wong Jeffrey , Iqbal Subhan , Preuss Kiersten , Kamal Ahsan , Yu Hongfeng , Du Huijing , Hollingsworth Michael A. , Zhang Chi 
Published: November 2023

AbstractAddressing the significant level of variability exhibited by pancreatic cancer necessitates the adoption of a systems biology approach that integrates molecular data, biological properties of the tumors, and clinical features of the patients. In this study, a comprehensive multi-omics methodology was employed to examine a distinctive collection patient dataset containing rapid autopsy tumor and normal tissue samples as well as longitudinal imaging with a focus on pancreatic cancer. By performing a whole exome sequencing analysis on tumor and normal tissues to identify somatic gene variants and a radiomics feature analysis to tumor CT images, the genome-wide association approach established a connection between pancreatic cancer driver genes and relevant radiomics features, enabling a thorough and quantitative assessment of the heterogeneity of pancreatic tumors. The significant association between sets of genes and radiomics features revealed the involvement of genes in shaping tumor morphological heterogeneity. Some results of the association established a connection between the molecular level mechanism and their outcomes at the level of tumor structural heterogeneity. Because tumor structure and tumor structural heterogeneity are related to the patients’ overall survival, patients who had pancreatic cancer driver gene mutations with an association to a certain radiomics feature have been observed to experience worse survival rates than cases without these somatic mutations. Furthermore, the outcome of the association analysis has revealed potential gene mutations and radiomics feature candidates that warrant further investigation in future research endeavors.
The potential health impact and healthcare cost savings of different sodium reduction strategies in Canada
Authors: Flexner Nadia , Jones Amanda C. , Amies-Cull Ben , Cobiac Linda , Nilson Eduardo , L’Abbe Mary R. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackgroundHigh dietary sodium is the main dietary risk factor for non-communicable diseases due to its impact on cardiovascular diseases, the leading cause of death globally. The Government of Canada has taken measures to reduce average dietary sodium intakes, such as setting voluntary sodium reduction targets for packaged foods and recently approving regulations mandating ‘high in’ front-of-pack labeling (FOPL) symbols.ObjectivesTo estimate the number of avoidable ischemic heart disease (IHD) and stroke incidence cases, and their associated healthcare cost and Quality-Adjusted Life Year (QALY) savings resulting from different sodium reduction strategies and recommendations in Canada.MethodsWe used the PRIMEtime model, a proportional multi-state lifetable model. Outcomes were modeled over the lifetime of the population alive in 2019, at a 1.5% discount rate, and from the public healthcare system perspective. Nationally representative data were used as inputs for the model.ResultsFully meeting Health Canada’s sodium reduction targets was estimated to prevent 219,490 (95% UI, 73,409–408,630) cases of IHD, and 164,435 (95% UI, 56,121–305,770) strokes. This led to a gain of 276,185 (95% UI, 85,414–552,616) QALYs, and healthcare costs savings of CAD$ 4,212(95% UI, 1,303–8,206) million over the lifetime of the 2019 cohort. Sodium reduction intake through FOPL regulations has the potential to prevent between 35,930 (95% UI, 8,058– 80,528) and 124,744 (95% UI, 40,125–235,643) cases of IHD, and between 26,869 (95% UI, 5,235–61,621) and 93,129 (95% UI, 30,296–176,014) strokes. This results in QALY gains ranging from 45,492 (95% UI, 10,281–106,579) to 157,628 (95% UI, 46,701–320,622), and healthcare costs savings ranging from CAD$ 695 (95% UI, 160–1,580) to CAD$ 2,415 (95% UI, 722–4,746) million over the lifetime of the 2019 Canadian cohort. Greater health and healthcare costs gains were estimated if Canadians were to meet the population-level sodium intake recommendations of the World Health Organization (2,000 mg/day) and the Adequate Intake recommendation (1,500 mg/day). All sodium reduction strategies tested were cost saving.ConclusionsReducing population-level sodium intakes is feasible and has the potential to improve health outcomes and save healthcare costs in Canada. From interventions tested, most health and healthcare costs gains were attributed to fully meeting sodium reduction targets, which highlights the importance of changing the voluntary nature of these targets to mandatory. A combination of strategies, mandatory sodium reduction targets and implementation of the ‘high in’ FOPL symbol would provide the most benefit from a public health standpoint.
Management and Clinical Outcomes of Neonatal Hypothermia in the Newborn Nursery
Authors: Dang Rebecca , Patel Anisha I. , Weng Yingjie , Schroeder Alan R. , Aby Janelle , Frymoyer Adam 
Published: November 2023

ABSTRACTBackground and ObjectivesNeonatal hypothermia has been shown to be commonly detected among late preterm and term infants. In preterm and very low birth weight infants, hypothermia is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Little is known about the clinical interventions and outcomes in hypothermic late preterm and term infants. This study fills this gap in the evidence.MethodsSingle-center retrospective cohort study using electronic health record data on infants ≥35 weeks’ gestation admitted to a newborn nursery from 2015-2021. Hypothermia was categorized by severity: none, mild (single episode, 36.0-36.4°C), and moderate/severe (recurrent episodes and/or <36.0°C). Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression examined associations between hypothermia and interventions/outcomes. Stratified analyses by effect modifiers were conducted when appropriate.ResultsAmong 24,009 infants, 1,111 had moderate/severe hypothermia. These hypothermic infants had higher odds of NICU transfer (aOR 2.10, 95% CI 1.68-2.60), sepsis evaluation (aOR 2.23, 95% CI 1.73-2.84), and antibiotic use (aOR 1.73, 95% CI 1.15-2.50) than infants without hypothermia. No infants with hypothermia had culture-positive sepsis and receipt of antibiotics ≥72 hours (surrogate for culture-negative sepsis and/or higher severity of illness) was not more common in hypothermic infants. Hypothermic infants also had higher odds of blood glucose measurement and hypoglycemia, higher percent weight loss and longer lengths of stay.ConclusionLate preterm and term infants with hypothermia in the nursery have potentially unnecessary increased resource utilization. Evidence-based and value-driven approaches to hypothermia in this population are needed.What’s Known on This SubjectNeonatal hypothermia has been associated with morbidity and mortality in high-risk (preterm and very low birth weight) infants. The clinical implications of hypothermia in otherwise healthy late preterm and term infants admitted to the newborn nursery are poorly defined.What This Study AddsInfants with moderate/severe hypothermia have higher odds of diagnostic interventions and NICU transfers than infants without hypothermia. No infants with hypothermia had culture-positive sepsis. With the lack of a strong evidence base, hypothermia may drive unnecessary resource overutilization.
Blood-based epigenome-wide analyses of chronic low-grade inflammation across diverse population cohorts
Authors: Hillary Robert F. , Ng Hong Kiat , McCartney Daniel L. , Elliott Hannah R. , Walker Rosie M. , Campbell Archie , Huang Felicia , Direk Kenan , Welsh Paul , Sattar Naveed , Corley Janie , Hayward Caroline , McIntosh Andrew M. , Sudlow Cathie , Evans Kathryn L. , Cox Simon R. , Chambers John C. , Loh Marie , Relton Caroline L. , Marioni Riccardo E. , Yousefi Paul D. , Suderman Matthew 
Published: November 2023

AbstractChronic inflammation is a hallmark of ageing and age-related disease states. The effectiveness of inflammatory proteins such as C-reactive protein (CRP) in assessing long-term inflammation is hindered by their phasic nature. DNA methylation (DNAm) signatures of CRP may act as more reliable markers of chronic inflammation. We show that inter-individual differences in DNAm capture 50% of the variance in circulating CRP (N=17,936, Generation Scotland). We develop a series of DNAm predictors of CRP using state-of-the-art algorithms. An elastic net regression-based predictor outperformed competing methods and explained 18% of phenotypic variance in the LBC1936 cohort, doubling that of existing DNAm predictors. DNAm predictors performed comparably in four additional test cohorts (ALSPAC, HELIOS, SABRE, LBC1921), including individuals of diverse genetic ancestry and from different age groups. The newly-described predictor surpassed assay-measured CRP and a genetic score in its associations with 26 health outcomes. Our findings forge new avenues for assessing chronic low-grade inflammation in diverse populations.
Determinants of treatment success among drug-susceptible tuberculosis patients in Ghana: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Djochie Richard Delali Agbeko , Anto Berko Panyin , Aduele Opare-Addo Mercy Naa 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackgroundAchieving optimal rates of success in tuberculosis treatment is vital not just for the individual patient’s well-being but also for preventing the rise of drug-resistant tuberculosis strains. Unfavourable treatment outcomes pose significant challenges for healthcare systems worldwide. Identifying the factors that determine treatment success is crucial for implementing effective interventions that enhance treatment outcomes and contribute to the eradication of the disease. As a result, this study aimed to assess tuberculosis treatment outcomes and identify factors associated with treatment success.MethodsPatients diagnosed with active tuberculosis were closely monitored from the start of their treatment until its completion from January 2021 to June 2022. A data collection tool, developed using Redcap and aligned with the study objectives, was utilized to gather demographic information, and adverse reactions to antitubercular medicines and track the treatment outcomes of the participants. The participants’ quality of life was assessed using the Short-form 12 version 2 questionnaire at baseline, as well as at the end of the second and sixth months. Logistic regression was employed to evaluate the association between various participant characteristics and treatment success, with odds ratios used to quantify the strength of the associations.ResultsAmong 378 participants, 77.3% had successful TB treatment, while 13.5% were lost to follow-up, 0.5% experienced treatment failure, and 8.7% died. Factors influencing treatment success included initial body weight, weight gain during treatment, HIV status, drug adverse reactions, and mental well-being at the beginning of treatment. Multivariate analysis showed that gaining at least 3kg during treatment and having no risk of depression at the beginning significantly increased the likelihood of successful treatment.ConclusionPatients with tuberculosis who experience compromised physical and mental health-related quality of life, encounter adverse reactions to antitubercular drugs and have concurrent HIV infection should receive close monitoring and personalized interventions to improve their chances of treatment success.
The intrinsically disordered transcriptional activation domain of CIITA is functionally tuneable by single substitutions: An exception or a new paradigm?
Authors: Sreenivasan Shwetha , Heffren Paul , Suh Kyung-Shin , Rodnin Mykola V. , Kosa Edina , Fenton Aron W. , Ladokhin Alexey S. , Smith Paul E. , Fontes Joseph D. , Swint-Kruse Liskin 
Published: November 2023

ABSTRACTDuring protein evolution, some amino acid substitutions modulate protein function (“tuneability”). In most proteins, the tuneable range is wide and can be sampled by a set of protein variants that each contains multiple amino acid substitutions. In other proteins, the full tuneable range can be accessed by a set of variants that each contains a single substitution. Indeed, in some globular proteins, the full tuneable range can be accessed by the set of site-saturating substitutions at an individual “rheostat” position. However, in proteins with intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs), most functional studies – which would also detect tuneability – used multiple substitutions or small deletions. In disordered transcriptional activation domains (ADs), studies with multiple substitutions led to the "acidic exposure" model, which does not anticipate the existence of rheostat positions. In the few studies that did assess effects of single substitutions on AD function, results were mixed: The ADs of two full-length transcription factors didnotshow tuneability, whereas a fragment of a third AD was tuneable by single substitutions. Here, we tested tuneability in the AD of full-length human class II transactivator (CIITA). Sequence analyses and experiments showed that CIITA’s AD is an IDR. Functional assays of singly-substituted AD variants showed that CIITA’s function was highly tuneable, with outcomes not predicted by the acidic exposure model. Four tested positions showed rheostat behaviour for transcriptional activation. Thus, tuneability of different IDRs can vary widely. Future studies are needed to illuminate the biophysical features that govern whether an IDR is tuneable by single substitutions.
Modelling hepatitis C infection acquired from blood transfusions in the UK between 1970 and 1991 for the Infected Blood Inquiry
Authors: Hayes Sarah , McCabe Ruth , Angelis Daniela De , Donnelly Christl A , Evans Stephen JW , Medley Graham F , Spiegelhalter David J , Bird Sheila M 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe Statistics Expert Group was convened at the request of the Infected Blood Inquiry to provide estimates of the number of infections and deaths from bloodborne infections including hepatitis B virus; human immunodeficiency virus; hepatitis C virus and variant Creutzfeldt Jakob disease, as a direct result of contaminated blood and blood products administered in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (UK). In the absence of databases of HCV infections and related deaths for all nations of the UK, a statistical model was required to estimate the number of infections and subsequent deaths from HCV acquired from blood transfusions throughout January 1970 – August 1991.We present this statistical model in detail alongside the results of its application to each of the four nations in the UK. We estimated that 26,800 people (95% uncertainty interval 21,300 – 38,800) throughout the UK were chronically infected with HCV because of contaminated blood transfusions between January 1970 and August 1991. The number of deaths up to the end of 2019 that occurred as a result of this chronic infection is estimated to be 1,820 (95% uncertainty interval 650 – 3,320).