bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spatiotemporal analysis of Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte binding antigen-175 gene dimorphism in Ghana
Authors: Kpirikai Abraham Y. , Ofosu Belinda A. , Okai Josie N. A. , Kornu Victor , Kassim Abdul Rashid , Donkor Esther , Malm Frederica , Ahmed Osumanu , Sakyi Mona-Liza E. , Saiid Samirah , Kudakpo Albert Yao , Mensah Charles , Dzabeng Francis , Morang’a Collins , Awandare Gordon A. , Aniweh Yaw , Amenga-Etego Lucas N. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Malaria remains a leading cause of death worldwide, claiming over 600,000 lives each year. Over 90% of these deaths, mostly among children under 5 years, occur in sub-Saharan Africa and are caused by Plasmodium falciparum. The merozoites stage of the parasite, crucial for asexual development invade erythrocytes through ligand-receptor interactions. Erythrocyte binding antigen (EBA)-175 is one of the key ligands facilitating invasion via interaction with glycoprotein A (GpA) receptors on the erythrocytes. EBA-175 is known to exist in two dimorphic allelic (F and C) forms with each found to infer different virulence. There is paucity of data on the prevalence of these alleles and their epidemiology in the Ghanaian malaria landscape and hence this study.

Methods
Parasite gDNA was extracted from archived Dried Blood Spots (DBS) prepared from 700 confirmed malaria-infected individuals and analysed for P. falciparum EBA-175 dimorphism. Selective eba-175 gene amplification via nested PCR and allele scoring using agarose gel electrophoresis for F, C and F/C alleles.

Results
Of the total 632 successfully genotyped samples, prevalence of F, C, and F/C allelic forms were 61.2% (n = 387), 20.7% (n = 131), and 18.0% (n = 114), respectively. Seasonality analysis did not reveal a statistically significant difference in the prevalence of dimorphic forms between the wet (n = 475) and dry (n = 157) seasons (p = 0.051). The prevalence ratio (wet/dry) for C, F and F/C were determined to be 1.0, 1.1 and 1.4, respectively. Between 2019 and 2022, the prevalence of the alleles changed significantly (χ2 = 6.5427, p = 0.03). Geometric mean parasite density for the C, F, and F/C alleles were 21,477.1 [95%CI 15,749.2 − 29,288.1], 18,308.0 [95%CI 15,149.9–22,124.5] and 22,690.4[95% CI 16,891.9–30,479.2], respectively.

Conclusion
The F-allele was the most prevalent form across all age groups, followed by the C allele and mixed F/C alleles. No significant difference in allele prevalence was observed between the high malaria season (wet) and low malaria season (dry). However, a statistically significant difference in the temporal prevalence of pure alleles (F & C) between two time points was observed.
The current study adds to the existing body of knowledge on eba-175 allelic dimorphism and highlights the co-circulation of alleles in high malaria endemic areas in Ghana.
Motif clustering and digital biomarker extraction for free-living physical activity analysis
Authors: Liang Ya-Ting , Wang Charlotte 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Analyzing free-living physical activity (PA) data presents challenges due to variability in daily routines and the lack of activity labels. Traditional approaches often rely on summary statistics, which may not capture the nuances of individual activity patterns. To address these limitations and advance our understanding of the relationship between PA patterns and health outcomes, we propose a novel motif clustering algorithm that identifies and characterizes specific PA patterns.

Methods
This paper proposes an elastic distance-based motif clustering algorithm for identifying specific PA patterns (motifs) in free-living PA data. The algorithm segments long-term PA curves into short-term segments and utilizes elastic shape analysis to measure the similarity between activity segments. This enables the discovery of recurring motifs through pattern clustering. Then, functional principal component analysis (FPCA) is then used to extract digital biomarkers from each motif. These digital biomarkers can subsequently be used to explore the relationship between PA and health outcomes of interest.

Results
We demonstrate the efficacy of our method through three real-world applications. Results show that digital biomarkers derived from these motifs effectively capture the association between PA patterns and disease outcomes, improving the accuracy of patient classification.

Conclusions
This study introduced a novel approach to analyzing free-living PA data by identifying and characterizing specific activity patterns (motifs). The derived digital biomarkers provide a more nuanced understanding of PA and its impact on health, with potential applications in personalized health assessment and disease detection, offering a promising future for healthcare.
Impact of early versus late artificial rupture of membranes during oxytocin induction of labour on the incidence of chorioamnionitis: a randomised controlled trial (ARM trial)
Authors: Hill Meghan G. , Wise Michelle R. , Pauleau Emmanuelle , Treadwell Beatrice , Sadler Lynn 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
The approach to induction of labour differs internationally, with timing of amniotomy being controversial. Some institutions favour performing artificial rupture of membranes prior to commencement of oxytocin infusion, with the belief that the labour will progress more efficiently. In other institutions, the approach recommended is for oxytocin infusion with intact amniotic membranes until the person has reached the active phase of labour, citing risk of infection with early amniotomy. Current evidence is inconclusive. We are performing a randomised controlled trial assessing whether delaying amniotomy until the active phase of labour can decrease the rate of chorioamnionitis.

Methods
This is a randomised controlled trial at a single centre in New Zealand. Pregnant people undergoing induction of labour at ≥ 37 weeks gestational age with intact membranes and a singleton gestation are eligible for the trial. Participants are randomised to ‘Early’ amniotomy, at the commencement of oxytocin infusion, or to ‘Late’ amniotomy, when they have reached a cervical dilation of 6 or more centimetres or when they have been receiving oxytocin infusion for 12 h. The primary outcome of the trial is chorioamnionitis. To detect a decrease in chorioamnionitis from 9 to 3% with a power of 80% and a 95% CI, we will require 488 participants in total, randomised in a 1:1 ratio.

Discussion
If delaying amniotomy reduces the rate of chorioamnionitis, this is important to inform future practice. Chorioamnionitis entails risk to both the pregnant person and the fetus and is an important contributor to neonatal sepsis, neonatal intensive care unit admission, maternal sepsis, caesarean, wound infection and postoperative infective complications. Conversely, if the rate of chorioamnionitis is not affected by timing of amniotomy, this will allow for safe individualization of care.

Trial registration
The trial is registered on the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, anzctr.org.au. Full registry title is ‘Impact of early versus late artificial rupture of membranes during oxytocin induction of labour on the incidence of chorioamnionitis: A randomised controlled trial’. Trial ID: ACTRN12621000405819. Date registered 14 April 2021.
Interrupted time series datasets from studies investigating the impact of interventions or exposures in public health and social science: a data note
Authors: Turner Simon L , Korevaar Elizabeth , Karahalios Amalia , Forbes Andrew B , McKenzie Joanne E 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Objectives
The interrupted time series (ITS) design is commonly used to investigate the impact of an intervention or exposure in public health. There are many statistical methods that can be used to analyse ITS data and to meta-analyse their results. We undertook two empirical studies to investigate: (i) how effect estimates (and associated statistics) compared when six statistical methods were applied to 190 real-world datasets; and (ii) how meta-analysis effect estimates (and associated statistics) compared when the combinations of two ITS analysis methods and five meta-analysis methods were applied to 17 real-world meta-analyses including 283 ITS datasets. Here we present a curated repository of a subset of ITS datasets from these studies.

Data description
The repository includes 430 ITS datasets curated from the two empirical studies. The datasets are diverse in the populations, interruptions and outcomes examined, and are methodologically diverse in the outcome types, aggregation time intervals, number of timepoints and segments. Most of the datasets are from public health. For each dataset, we provide the outcome value at each timepoint and the segment (indicating different interruptions), along with characteristics of the dataset. This repository may be of value for future research of ITS studies, and as a source of examples of ITS for use in teaching.
Results comparison of cervical cancer early detection using cerviray ® with VIA test
Authors: Harsono Ali Budi , Susiarno Hadi , Suardi Dodi , Mantilidewi Kemala Isnainiasih , Wibowo Viko Duvadilan , Hidayat Yudi Mulyana 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Objectives
This study investigates the performance of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, namely Cerviray AI®, compared with Cerviray® expert, aiming to compare its sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC ROC). The Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA) test is used as the gold standard.

Results
The study involved 44 patients from various health centers in West Java Province. Performance of Cerviray AI®, or Cerviray® expert, and lastly VIA tests were compared in their ability to detect pre-cancerous cervical lesions in high-risk women of childbearing age. The current study indicated that Cerviray AI® had a sensitivity of 42.9%, specificity of 100%, PPV of 100%, and ROC AUC values of 71.4%. In comparison, the evaluation of the Cerviray® expert demonstrated a sensitivity of 71.4%, specificity of 97.3%, PPV of 83.3%, and ROC AUC values of 84.4%. In conclusion, the evaluation of Cerviray® expert outperformed Cerviray AI® in ROC AUC values.

Trial registration
Clinical Trials.gov Identifier NCT06518070 Retrospectively registered.
Drug-drug interaction between ensitrelvir and tacrolimus in a patient undergoing treatment for COVID-19: a case report
Authors: Miyata Yuki , Yamaguchi Ryo , Yamamoto Takehito , Kishida Toshiyuki , Ikeuchi Kazuhiko , Harada Hiroaki , Tsutsumi Takeya , Fujio Keishi , Takada Tappei 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Ensitrelvir is a novel SARS-CoV-2 3-chymotrypsin-like protease inhibitor, similar to nirmatrelvir/ritonavir. Several case reports have demonstrated the efficacy of 3-chymotrypsin-like protease inhibitors in treating prolonged coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in immunocompromised patients. Tacrolimus (TAC) is a widely used immunosuppressive agent whose blood level can increase significantly due to the inhibition of cytochrome P450 3A (CYP3A) and P-glycoprotein by nirmatrelvir/ritonavir. Since ensitrelvir also inhibits CYP3A and P-gp, similar elevations in TAC levels are expected. A prior case report observed an increase in TAC trough levels with concurrent administration of ensitrelvir. However, no studies have quantitatively described the changes in TAC blood levels and clearances before and after ensitrelvir administration when TAC administration was discontinued to mitigate the drug-drug interaction (DDI) risk; data on safe dosing protocols to avoid the DDI during co-administration of ensitrelvir and TAC remain lacking. Here, we report a case in which TAC levels were successfully managed in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who received ensitrelvir for persistent COVID-19 by preemptive discontinuation of TAC and close monitoring of TAC blood levels following ensitrelvir administration.

Case presentation
An 81-year-old Japanese woman who had been administered TAC (1.5 mg once daily) for RA received two courses of remdesivir for moderate COVID-19. However, her viral load remained high and her respiratory status deteriorated. Considering persistent COVID-19, we initiated combination therapy with remdesivir and ensitrelvir (day 0). TAC was discontinued, and the TAC blood levels decreased from 3.6 ng/mL to 1.1 ng/mL over five days. Subsequently, we re-administered TAC (0.2 mg), observing a level of 1.0 ng/mL by day 7. The TAC dose was adjusted to 1.0 mg daily, and TAC levels on day 12 and 14 were 6.5 and 3.7 ng/mL, respectively. TAC (1.5 mg daily) was resumed on day 15. The calculated t1/2 of TAC were 33.7, 71.9, and 114.6 h from day -1 to 0, day 0 to 2, and day 2 to 5, respectively. The t1/2 of TAC was extended to 3.4-fold its original duration under ensitrelvir treatment.

Conclusions
This DDI extended the half-life of TAC by approximately 3.4-fold, an effect that gradually diminished over 7 to 10 days. When patients receiving TAC treatment start ensitrelvir therapy, a dose reduction of TAC by approximately one-third to one-fourth is considered appropriate.
Associations between disease severity, depression, health-related quality of life, and physical activity in adults with sickle cell disease
Authors: Ademoyegun Adekola B. , Adeyemo Mutiu A. , Adewuyi Babatunde Y. , Ibitoye Adebukola G. , Akerele Olalekan I. , Awotidebe Taofeek O. , Mbada Chidozie E. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Individuals with sickle cell disease (SCD) are faced with a plethora of challenges that affect their quality of life, mood, and physical and social participation. Physical activity (PA) is known to reduce inflammatory activity and enhance psychosocial health in individuals with chronic illnesses; however, there exist controversies on the role of PA in disease severity (DS), depression, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in SCD.

Objective
This study aimed to assess the role of PA in the level of DS, depression, and HRQoL in SCD and investigate mediation models among DS, depression, HRQoL, and PA in adults with SCD.

Methods
A total of 385 patients with SCD (mean age 35.45 ± 12.01 years; 51.70% female) attending hematology clinics in two Nigerian tertiary hospitals participated in this cross-sectional study. Data on DS, depression, HRQoL, and PA were assessed through modified disease severity scoring protocol, patient health questionnaire-9, 12-item short-form health survey, and international physical activity questionnaire short-form, respectively. Multiple hierarchical regression and mediation analyses were applied.

Results
The findings show that 53.5% are physically inactive, and PA accounts for 27.50%, 18.40%, 38.80%, and 8.50% of the variance observed in DS, depression, and physical component summary (PCS-12) and mental component summary (MCS-12) of HRQoL, respectively. There was a significant mediating role of DS in the relationship between PA and depression (β =  − 0.0026; LLCI − 0.0031; ULCI − 0.0022), PCS-12 (β = 0.0019; LLCI 0.0013; ULCI 0.0024), and MCS-12 (β = 0.0009; LLCI 0.0001; ULCI 0.0018). The relationship between DS and depression was mediated only through PCS-12 (β = 0.2975; LLCI 0.1825; ULCI 0.4066). Similarly, only PCS-12 significantly mediated the relationship between PA and depression (β =  − 0.0021; LLCI − 0.0026; ULCI − 0.0017).

Conclusion
Individuals with SCD with high levels of PA have low levels of DS and symptoms of depression and reported better HRQoL. Furthermore, patients with better HRQoL, especially physical health showed low depressive symptoms in adults with SCD. Clinicians and policymakers should consider incorporating PA assessments and interventions into the care of patients with SCD. The formulation of specific PA guidelines for patients with SCD is also warranted.
Effects of Variable Ventilation on Gas Exchange in an Experimental Model of Capnoperitoneum: A Randomized Crossover Study
Authors: Schranc Álmos , Südy Roberta , Daniels John , Fontao Fabienne , Peták Ferenc , Habre Walid , Albu Gergely 
Published: January 2025

BACKGROUND:
The rapid advancement of minimally invasive surgical techniques has made laparoscopy a preferred alternative because it reduces postoperative complications. However, inflating the peritoneum with CO2 causes a cranial shift of the diaphragm decreasing lung volume and impairing gas exchange. Additionally, CO2 absorption increases blood CO2 levels, further complicating mechanical ventilation when the lung function is already compromised. Standard interventions such as lung recruitment maneuvers or increasing positive end-expiratory pressures can counteract these effects but also increase lung parenchymal strain and intrathoracic pressure, negatively impacting cardiac output. The application of variability in tidal volume and respiratory rate during mechanical ventilation to mimic natural breathing has shown benefits in various respiratory conditions. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the short-term benefits of variable ventilation (VV) on gas exchange, respiratory mechanics, and hemodynamics during and after capnoperitoneum, compared to conventional pressure-controlled ventilation (PCV).

METHODS:
Eleven anaesthetized rabbits were randomly assigned to PCV or VV. Oxygenation index (Pao
2/FiO2), arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide (Paco
2), and respiratory mechanical parameters were assessed after a 15-minute-long ventilation period before, during, and after capnoperitoneum. According to a crossover design, after measurements at the 3 different stages, the ventilation mode was changed, and the entire sequence was repeated.

RESULTS:
Capnoperitoneum compromised respiratory mechanics, decreased oxygenation, and caused CO2-retention compared to baseline measurements under both ventilation modalities (P < .05, for all). Application of VV resulted in lower Pao
2/FiO2 (405. 5 ± 34.1 (mean ± standard deviation [SD]) vs 370. 5 ± 44.9, P < .001) and higher Paco
2 (48. 4 ± 5.1 vs 52. 8 ± 6.0 mm Hg, P = .009) values during capnoperitoneum compared to PCV. After abdominal deflation and a lung recruitment maneuver, VV proved more beneficial for CO2 removal than PCV (41. 0 ± 2.3 vs 44. 6 ± 4.3mmHg, P = .027). No significant difference was observed in the respiratory mechanical or hemodynamic parameters between the ventilation modalities under the same conditions.

CONCLUSIONS:
The detrimental effects of capnoperitoneum on gas exchange were more pronounced with VV. However, after the release of capnoperitoneum, VV significantly improved CO2 clearance. Therefore, VV could possibly be considered as an alternative ventilation modality to restore physiological gas exchange after, but not during, capnoperitoneum.
Masculinities and Institutional Blind Spots
Authors: Westendorf Jasmine-Kim 
Published: January 2025

Masculinities are often implicitly positioned at the heart of ‘causes’ of sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA) by peacekeepers and humanitarian workers. Moreover, policy responses tend to treat masculinities as inevitable and inherent personnel traits that must be accommodated to prevent those embodying them – men – from perpetrating SEA, rather than addressing how they are produced in patriarchal systems of power and how they intersect with other power systems, including race and capital. This chapter explores how institutions and policy makers have made sense of the causes of SEA, drawing on interviews globally. I show how the ‘masculinity’ analysis is shaped by institutional imperatives in ways that produce a clear narrative and a straightforward policy path but fail to adequately capture the complex dynamics that create conditions in which some personnel choose to perpetrate SEA against local people. Consequently, policy efforts have too often focused on individualized compliance, rather than addressing the structural, normative and contextual factors that together give rise to SEA. I argue that addressing these through proactively grappling with the multiple sets of power relations that define relationships between peacekeepers and the peacekept would more effectively prevent local individuals and communities from becoming vulnerable to SEA in the first place.
Learner beliefs about vocabulary teaching in secondary ESL classrooms: a proficiency and grade-level analysis
Authors: Chung Edsoulla , Fung Daniel , Wan Aaron 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Learner beliefs are widely acknowledged as key to the success of second language learning and teaching. Despite extensive research on English as a second language (ESL) learners’ beliefs, few studies have focused on vocabulary teaching. Our study addresses this gap by surveying 556 secondary school students in Hong Kong to explore their beliefs about various instructional practices and activities in vocabulary teaching, and how these beliefs vary with English proficiency and grade levels. The findings reveal that students valued diverse instructional methods, including specific strategies and engaging activities like games. However, they generally lacked autonomy in learning vocabulary, showing a tendency to rely on teacher instruction. The analysis also suggests that the students’ beliefs varied according to their English proficiency and grade levels. More proficient learners preferred strategy-focused instruction, while senior secondary students favoured more explicit instruction from teachers. Open-ended responses underscored the multifaceted and nuanced nature of students’ beliefs about vocabulary teaching. The study highlights the importance of promoting autonomous vocabulary learning, balancing engaging and conventional activities, and tailoring instruction to accommodate diverse needs across different proficiency and grade levels. We also provide insights for future studies on learner beliefs about vocabulary teaching.
Comparing and Assessing Statistical Distance Metrics within the Christian Apostle Paul’s Letters
Authors: Luce Alessandra , Robertson Paul 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
This study applies and compares different metrics and statistical methods to Paul’s letters and a variety of roughly contemporary texts also written in Greek. The primary objective is to elucidate the distinctions between several notable metrics and statistical methods of comparison to discern the relative impact of their application on our understanding of Paul’s letters vis-à-vis our comparanda. The secondary objective is to compare the findings from different statistical metrics in order to assess their relative merits as statistical tools for literary analysis. Such analysis extends to determining the statistical significance of different methods’ relative findings and extracting meaningful insights about each metric and method. We aim to determine which metrics are most accurate and provide the most useful information in comparing Paul’s letters to other types of literature such as Greco-Roman philosophy, formal oratory, and so-called Jewish apocalyptic literature. Such findings are especially salient when comparing these quantitative methods to qualitative conclusions from the biblical commentary traditions of literary analysis and comparison.