bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modelling COVID-19 pandemic control strategies in metropolitan and rural health districts in New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Rahman Azizur , Kuddus Md Abdul , Ip Ryan H. L. , Bewong Michael 
Published: June 2023

AbstractCOVID-19 remains a significant public health problem in New South Wales, Australia. Although the NSW government is employing various control policies, more specific and compelling interventions are needed to control the spread of COVID-19. This paper presents a modified SEIR-X model based on a nonlinear ordinary differential equations system that considers the transmission routes from asymptomatic (Exposed) and symptomatic (Mild and Critical) individuals. The model is fitted to the corresponding cumulative number of cases in metropolitan and rural health districts of NSW reported by the Health Department and parameterised using the least-squares method. The basic reproduction number $$({\mathrm{R}}_{0})$$

(

R
0

)

, which measures the possible spread of COVID-19 in a population, is computed using the next generation operator method. Sensitivity analysis of the model parameters reveals that the transmission rate had an enormous influence on $${\mathrm{R}}_{0}$$

R
0

, which may be an option for controlling this disease. Two time-dependent control strategies, namely preventive (it refers to effort at inhibiting the virus transmission and prevention of case development from Exposed, Mild, Critical, Non-hospitalised and Hospitalised population) and management (it refers to enhance the management of Non-hospitalised and Hospitalised individuals who are infected by COVID-19) measures, are considered to mitigate this disease’s dynamics using Pontryagin’s maximum principle. The most sensible control strategy is determined through the cost-effectiveness analysis for the metropolitan and rural health districts of NSW. Our findings suggest that of the single intervention strategies, enhanced preventive strategy is more cost-effective than management control strategy, as it promptly reduces COVID-19 cases in NSW. In addition, combining preventive and management interventions simultaneously is found to be the most cost-effective. Alternative policies can be implemented to control COVID-19 depending on the policymakers’ decisions. Numerical simulations of the overall system are performed to demonstrate the theoretical outcomes.
Outcomes of professional development activities for selected Texas school personnel helping students cope with behavioral and mental health issues
Authors: Wingenbach Gary , Koswatta Taniya J. , Engels Josephine , Freeny Jamie , Haddad Sana 
Published: June 2023

AbstractSchool personnel help youth cope with life and school stressors. However, help may depend on each person’s confidence or knowledge of such issues. In 2019 and 2020, more than 13,800 Texas educators participated in Emotional Backpack Project (EBP) training to support youth coping with behavioral and mental health issues. Post-intervention results revealed significant gains in self-perceived understanding of students’ behavioral and mental health issues, improved confidence in approaching students, parents, or other school staff to discuss students’ harmful behaviors, understanding of mindfulness activities, and increased knowledge of trauma informed schools and trauma informed educators. Teachers and other school personnel were less confident in approaching parents or guardians to discuss youth mental health issues than in approaching students, counselors, and other staff. School personnel’s knowledge, perceptions, and confidence to help students cope with behavioral and mental health issues was significantly better after EBP interventions. EBP training should be adopted widely and occur more than once annually.
Effectiveness of a probiotic combination on the neurodevelopment of the very premature infant
Authors: Baucells Benjamin James , Sebastiani Giorgia , Herrero-Aizpurua Leyre , Andreu-Fernández Vicente , Navarro-Tapia Elisabet , García-Algar Oscar , Figueras-Aloy Josep 
Published: June 2023

AbstractProbiotics have shown a benefit in reducing necrotising enterocolitis in the premature infant, however the study of their effect on premature neonates’ neurodevelopment is limited. The aim of our study was to elucidate whether the effect of Bifidobacterium bifidum NCDO 2203 combined with Lactobacillus acidophilus NCDO 1748 could positively impact the neurodevelopment of the preterm neonates. Quasi-experimental comparative study with a combined treatment of probiotics in premature infants < 32 weeks and < 1500 g birth weight, cared for at a level III neonatal unit. The probiotic combination was administered orally to neonates surviving beyond 7 days of life, until 34 weeks postmenstrual age or discharge. Globally, neurodevelopment was evaluated at 24 months corrected age. A total of 233 neonates were recruited, 109 in the probiotic group and 124 in the non-probiotic group. In those neonates receiving probiotics, there was a significant reduction in neurodevelopment impairment at 2 years of age RR 0.30 [0.16–0.58], and a reduction in the degree of impairment (normal-mild vs moderate-severe, RR 0.22 [0.07–0.73]). Additionally, there was a significant reduction in late-onset sepsis (RR 0.45 [0.21–0.99]). The prophylactic use of this probiotic combination contributed to improving neurodevelopmental outcome and reduced sepsis in neonates born at < 32 weeks and < 1500 g.
Fetal sex and risk of pregnancy-associated malaria in Plasmodium falciparum-endemic regions: a meta-analysis
Authors: Unger Holger W. , Hadiprodjo Anastasia Jessica , Gutman Julie R. , Briand Valerie , Fievet Nadine , Valea Innocent , Tinto Halidou , D’Alessandro Umberto , Landis Sarah H. , Ter Kuile Feiko , Ouma Peter , Oneko Martina , Mwapasa Victor , Slutsker Laurence , Terlouw Dianne J. , Kariuki Simon , Ayisi John , Nahlen Bernard , Desai Meghna , Madanitsa Mwayi , Kalilani-Phiri Linda , Ashorn Per , Maleta Kenneth , Tshefu-Kitoto Antoinette , Mueller Ivo , Stanisic Danielle , Cates Jordan , Van Eijk Anna Maria , Ome-Kaius Maria , Aitken Elizabeth H. , Rogerson Stephen J. 
Published: June 2023

AbstractIn areas of moderate to intense Plasmodium falciparum transmission, malaria in pregnancy remains a significant cause of low birth weight, stillbirth, and severe anaemia. Previously, fetal sex has been identified to modify the risks of maternal asthma, pre-eclampsia, and gestational diabetes. One study demonstrated increased risk of placental malaria in women carrying a female fetus. We investigated the association between fetal sex and malaria in pregnancy in 11 pregnancy studies conducted in sub-Saharan African countries and Papua New Guinea through meta-analysis using log binomial regression fitted to a random-effects model. Malaria infection during pregnancy and delivery was assessed using light microscopy, polymerase chain reaction, and histology. Five studies were observational studies and six were randomised controlled trials. Studies varied in terms of gravidity, gestational age at antenatal enrolment and bed net use. Presence of a female fetus was associated with malaria infection at enrolment by light microscopy (risk ratio 1.14 [95% confidence interval 1.04, 1.24]; P = 0.003; n = 11,729). Fetal sex did not associate with malaria infection when other time points or diagnostic methods were used. There is limited evidence that fetal sex influences the risk of malaria infection in pregnancy.
Serum caffeine concentrations in preterm infants: a retrospective study
Authors: Sugino Masashiro , Kuboi Toru , Noguchi Yuta , Nishioka Katsufumi , Tadatomo Yoko , Kawaguchi Nana , Sadamura Takaaki , Nakano Akiko , Konishi Yukihiko , Koyano Kosuke , Nakamura Shinji , Okada Hitoshi , Itoh Susumu , Kusaka Takashi 
Published: June 2023

AbstractTherapeutic drug monitoring is generally unnecessary in caffeine treatment for apnea of prematurity, as serum caffeine concentrations in preterm infants are normally markedly lower than those at which caffeine intoxication occurs. However, several studies have reported preterm infants having developed toxicity. This retrospective observational study, conducted at a tertiary center in Kagawa, Japan, aimed to evaluate the correlation between the maintenance dose and serum caffeine concentrations and determine the maintenance dose leading to suggested toxic caffeine levels. We included 24 preterm infants (gestational age, 27 ± 2.9 weeks; body weight, 991 ± 297 g) who were treated with caffeine citrate for apnea of prematurity between 2018 and 2021, and 272 samples were analyzed. Our primary outcome measure was the maintenance dose leading to suggested toxic caffeine levels. We found a positive correlation between caffeine dose and serum caffeine concentrations (p < 0.05, r = 0.72). At doses of ≥ 8 mg/kg/day, 15% (16/109) of patients had serum caffeine concentrations above the suggested toxic levels. Patients who receive doses ≥ 8 mg/kg/day risk reaching the suggested toxic serum caffeine levels. It remains unclear whether suggested toxic caffeine concentrations are detrimental to neurological prognosis. Further investigation is required to understand the clinical effects/outcomes of high serum levels of caffeine and to obtain long-term neurodevelopmental follow-up data.
Sparse representation scheme with enhanced medium pixel intensity for face recognition
Authors: Zhang Xuexue , Zhang Yongjun , Wang Zewei , Long Wei , Gao Weihao , Zhang Bob 
Published: June 2023

AbstractSparse representation is an effective data classification algorithm that depends on the known training samples to categorise the test sample. It has been widely used in various image classification tasks. Sparseness in sparse representation means that only a few of instances selected from all training samples can effectively convey the essential class‐specific information of the test sample, which is very important for classification. For deformable images such as human faces, pixels at the same location of different images of the same subject usually have different intensities. Therefore, extracting features and correctly classifying such deformable objects is very hard. Moreover, the lighting, attitude and occlusion cause more difficulty. Considering the problems and challenges listed above, a novel image representation and classification algorithm is proposed. First, the authors’ algorithm generates virtual samples by a non‐linear variation method. This method can effectively extract the low‐frequency information of space‐domain features of the original image, which is very useful for representing deformable objects. The combination of the original and virtual samples is more beneficial to improve the classification performance and robustness of the algorithm. Thereby, the authors’ algorithm calculates the expression coefficients of the original and virtual samples separately using the sparse representation principle and obtains the final score by a designed efficient score fusion scheme. The weighting coefficients in the score fusion scheme are set entirely automatically. Finally, the algorithm classifies the samples based on the final scores. The experimental results show that our method performs better classification than conventional sparse representation algorithms.
An H I story of galaxies in Abell 2626 and beyond
Authors: Deb T. , Verheijen M. A. W. , van der Hulst J. M. 
Published: June 2023

Context. To study the effects of environment on galaxies, we use H I observations of galaxies in and around the cluster Abell 2626 (A2626). The cluster can effectively be divided into three different environments: the cluster itself, a group environment in the periphery of the cluster (we call it the Swarm), and substructure in the cluster itself. We use these to study the dependence of the galaxy properties on environment.
Aims. We have explored the relation between H I deficiency, H I morphology, and star formation deficiency for the galaxies in and around the A2626 galaxy cluster to investigate the environmental effects on these properties.
Methods. To quantify the asymmetries of the outer H I disc of a galaxy, we used 1) three visual classes based on the outermost reliable H I contour (settled, disturbed, and unsettled H I discs), 2) the offset between the H I centre and the optical centre of a galaxy, and 3) the modified asymmetry parameter Amod as defined previously.
Results. The H I deficiency of a galaxy is strongly correlated with the projected distance from the centre of A2626. Furthermore, substructure galaxies tend to be more asymmetric than the isolated galaxies in A2626, probably because tidal interactions are more efficient within the substructures than outside the substructures. Moreover, asymmetric, offset, and smaller H I discs are not necessarily the result of the cluster environment because they are also observed in substructures in A2626 and in the Swarm. This signifies that a pre-processing of the H I discs of galaxies in groups or substructures plays an important role, together with the processing in the cluster environment. Finally, the star formation rates for the galaxies in all three environments are slightly lower than the typical star formation rate for normal galaxies, as manifested by their offset from the star formation main sequence. This implies effective gas removal mechanisms in all three environments.
Proposal of a simplified methodology for reverberation time prediction in standard medium size rooms with non-uniformly distributed sound absorption
Authors: Mateus Diogo , Pereira Andreia 
Published: June 2023

Sabine, Eyring and Millington formulas are commonly used for reverberation time prediction, mainly, as a calculation tool in building acoustics design. These classical theories are valid only for rooms with diffuse sound fields, in which the energy density is constant throughout the enclosure, an acoustic condition that is achieved only when using surfaces with low sound absorption. Despite these limitations, Sabine’s formula is still the most widely used in the prediction of the reverberation time, when spaces such as classrooms or offices are addressed. However, for these rooms, after the construction works are completed, it is quite often verified that the implemented sound-absorbent surface area is manifestly insufficient to fulfill the reverberation time requirement. In this technical note a simplified approach for reverberation time prediction, based on the use of Sabine’s formula, is proposed, that can be useful in acoustic design of classrooms or offices, due to its simplicity. A previous correction to the sound absorption coefficient of the lining materials declared by the manufacturer is here proposed, making use of an empirical correction that was achieved fromin situexperimental results and through geometrical room acoustic modelling. The empirical correction can be employed for room conditions where diffuse sound field is not met, composed of small or medium volumes (volume below 300 m3), with regular geometry, approaching parallelepipedal shapes, where the average height is below 4.0 m.
Der Deutsche Diabetes Risiko Test
Authors: Schiborn Catarina , Schulze Matthias B. 
Published: June 2023

ZUSAMMENFASSUNGDer überwiegende Anteil von Erkrankungen an Typ-2-Diabetes (T2DM) ist potenziell über Verhaltensänderung vermeidbar. Die gesetzlichen Krankenkassen können entsprechende Leistungen zur individuellen verhaltensbezogenen Primärprävention für Versicherte erbringen. Besonders profitieren davon Personen mit einem erhöhten T2DM-Risiko. Laut Praxisleitlinie der Deutschen Diabetes Gesellschaft sollte eine Einschätzung zum Erkrankungsrisiko anhand von Risikofaktoren oder Risikoscores erfolgen. Um die Anwendung der statistischen Vorhersagemodelle für T2DM und Herz-Kreislauf-Erkrankungen (HKE) in der Praxis zu ermöglichen, gibt es vereinfachte Fragebögen, die anhand eines einfachen Auswertungsschemas eine Risikoeinschätzung ohne die Notwendigkeit digitaler Geräte ermöglicht. Neben den Fragebögen wurde auch ein interaktives Online-Tool zur Risikoberechnung entwickelt. Das Tool ermöglicht inzwischen die Berechnung des 10-Jahres-Risikos für T2DM und HKE. Neben dem Ausstellen einer Präventionsempfehlung, welche die Inanspruchnahme von Präventionsangeboten der Krankenkassen fördert, sollen Ärzt*innen zudem eine Beratung zu Möglichkeiten der Risikoreduktion durchführen. Die DIfE-Risikoscores bieten hier die Möglichkeit, den Einfluss wichtiger verhaltensbezogener Faktoren auf das Risiko zu bewerten und geben entsprechend direkt Anhaltspunkte zur Verhaltensmodifikation.
Relapsing Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone Production
Responding to Tolvaptan Treatment in a Patient With a Micronodular Formation of
the Posterior Pituitary Gland
Authors: Reinke Lennart M. , Seoudy Anna Katharina , Gärtner Friedericke , Rohmann Nathalie , Schulte Dominik M. , Schreiber Stefan , Jansen Olav , Laudes Matthias 
Published: June 2023

SummaryThe syndrome of inappropriate ADH-secretion (SIADH) is a common cause of low
sodium levels with diverse aetiology. Here, we report a case of a 41 years old
male patient diagnosed with SIADH and a good response to Tolvaptan therapy. Of
interest, as a potential unique cause, magnetic resonance imaging revealed a
micronodular structure in the posterior pituitary, while no other common cause
of SIADH could be identified. Hence, to the best of our knowledge, this is the
first case of a Tolvaptan-responsive SIADH associated with a pituitary
micronodular structure.
Typ-1-Diabetes: Screening, Prävention und neue Therapien
Authors: Kick Kerstin , Teichgräber Franka Josefine , Achenbach Peter 
Published: June 2023

ZUSAMMENFASSUNGTyp-1-Diabetes entsteht durch eine immunvermittelte Zerstörung der Betazellen in den Langerhans-Inseln der Bauchspeicheldrüse. Dieser Autoimmunprozess führt zu einer chronischen Stoffwechselerkrankung mit lebenslangem absolutem Insulinmangel. Der Fokus der Behandlung liegt aktuell auf der Korrektur der Hyperglykämie mittels Insulintherapie. Zudem hat das Verständnis der zugrundeliegenden Immunpathogenese der Erkrankung die Entwicklung von neuen präventiven und therapeutischen Ansätzen vorangetrieben. Diese zielen darauf ab, das Entstehen bzw. die Progression des Autoimmunprozesses zu verhindern oder zu verzögern, um Betazellfunktion zu erhalten. In den USA wurde im November 2022 erstmals ein Immuntherapeutikum, der anti-CD3-Antikörper Teplizumab, zur Anwendung vor klinischer Manifestation der Stoffwechselerkrankung zugelassen – ein Meilenstein in der Therapie des Typ-1-Diabetes.
The Quality of Life after Lymphaticovenous Anastomosis in 118 Lower Limb Lymphedema Patients
Authors: Kwon Jin Geun , Kim Yeongsong , Jang Min Young , Suh Hyunsuk Peter , Pak Changsik John , Keeley Vaughan , Jeon Jae Yong , Hong Joon Pio 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Background This is a prospective study on 118 patients who underwent lymphaticovenous anastomosis (LVA) due to secondary lower limb lymphedema between January 2018 and October 2020 to evaluate patients' quality of life (QOL) using the Quality of Life Measure for Limb Lymphedema (LYMQoL) questionnaire.
Methods The outcome measurement included the LYMQoL leg scoring system tool evaluating the function, appearance, symptom, mood, and overall outcome. In addition, correlation analysis was performed for three factors: based on International Society of Lymphology (ISL) stages, disease duration, and amount of volume reduction.
Results The LYMQoL tool overall satisfaction score significantly increased at all intervals from 4.4 ± 0.2 preoperative to 6.5 ± 0.3 postoperative at 12 months (p < 0.001). Significant findings were seen for each domain scores compared preoperatively and at 12 months: function score (18.6 ± 0.5 to 15.4 ± 0.6), appearance score (17.8 ± 0.5 to 16.0 ± 0.6), symptom score (11.8 ± 0.3 to 8.9 ± 0.4), and mood score (14.5 ± 0.4 to 11.4 ± 0.5; p < 0.05). The correlation analysis between improvement of the overall score and the ISL stage (p = 0.610, correlation coefficient [r] = − 0.047), disease duration (p = 0.659, r = − 0.041), and amount of limb volume reduction (p = 0.454, r = − 0.070) showed no statistical significance.
Conclusion The QOL of secondary lower limb lymphedema patients was significantly improved after LVA regardless of the severity of disease, duration of disease, and amount of volume reduction after LVA. Understanding the patient-reported outcome measurement will help the surgeons to manage and guide the expectations of the patients.
Initial multicenter experience using a novel articulating through-the-scope traction device for endoscopic submucosal dissection
Authors: Hayat Maham , Schlachterman Alexander , Schiavone Grace , Mizrahi Meir , Park Jong Kyu , Kumbhari Vivek , Cheesman Antonio , Draganov Peter V , Hasan Muhammad Khalid , Yang Dennis 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Background and study aims A single-operator, articulating, through-the-scope (TTS) traction device was recently developed to facilitate endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). Clinical data on the performance of this device are limited. We report an initial multicenter experience with ESD using this articulating TTS traction device.
Patients and methods Retrospective analysis on all consecutive patients who underwent ESD using this traction device (T-ESD) at five centers between August 2021 and December 2022. Endpoints included: rates of en-bloc resection, R0 resection, curative resection, and adverse events.
Results Thirty-six patients (median age 64.8 years; 47.2% women) underwent ESD (median lesion size 40 mm; interquartile range [IRQ]: 27.5–67.5) for lesions in the esophagus (n=2), stomach (n=8), sigmoid colon (n=6), and rectum (n=20). Submucosal fibrosis was encountered in one-third of the lesions (33.3%). Median ESD time was 104.6 minutes (IQR: 65–122). En-bloc, R0 and curative resection were achieved in 94.4%, 91.6%, and 97.2%, respectively. The single patient with non-curative resection of an invasive rectal adenocarcinoma underwent surgery. There were no cases of delayed bleeding or perforation. There was no recurrence on surveillance endoscopy (n=20) at a median of 6 months (IQR: 3.75–6).
Conclusions This initial multicenter experience demonstrates high resection rates and excellent safety profile when performing ESD with this novel articulating TTS device. Dynamic real-time traction may lower the technical difficulty of ESD. Additional studies are needed to assess its cost-effectiveness and compare its usefulness with other traction devices and techniques during ESD.