bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and associated factors of active trachoma among 1–9 years of age children in Andabet district, northwest Ethiopia, 2023: A multi-level mixed-effect analysis
Authors: Asmare Zufan Alamrie , Seifu Beminate Lemma , Mare Kusse Urmale , Asgedom Yordanos Sisay , Kase Bizunesh Fantahun , Shibeshi Abdu Hailu , Tebeje Tsion Mulat , Lombebo Afework Alemu , Sabo Kebede Gemeda , Fente Bezawit Melak , Teshale Achamyeleh Birhanu , Asebe Hiwot Altaye 
Published: August 2023

BackgroundTrachoma is the chief cause of preventable blindness worldwide and has been earmarked for elimination as a public health problem by 2030. Despite the five-year Surgery, Antibiotics, Facial cleanliness, and Environmental improvement (SAFE)-based interventions in the Andabet district, the prevalence of trachomatous follicular (TF) was 37%. With such a high prevalence of TF, the determinant factors were not revealed. Besides, there were no reports on the overall prevalence of active trachoma (i.e.TF and or trachomatous intense (TI)).ObjectiveTo determine the prevalence and associated factors of active trachoma among 1–9 years of age children in the Andabet district.MethodA community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among children aged under nine years from March 1–30, 2023 in Andabet district, Northwest Ethiopia. Multi-stage systematic random sampling was employed to reach 540 children. A multilevel mixed-effect logistic regression analysis was employed to assess factors associated with active trachoma. We fitted both random effect and fixed effect analysis. Finally, variables with p<0.05 in the multivariable multilevel analysis were claimed to be significantly associated with active trachoma.ResultIn this study, the overall prevalence of active trachoma was 35.37% (95% CI: 31.32%, 39.41%). The prevalence of TF and TI was 31.3% and 4.07% respectively. In the multilevel logistic regression analysis ocular discharge, fly-eye contact, latrine utilization, and source of water were significantly associated with the prevalence of active trachoma.ConclusionIn this study, the prevalence of active trachoma was much higher than the World Health Organization (WHO) threshold prevalence. Ocular discharge, fly-eye contact, latrine utilization, and source of water were independent determinants of active trachoma among children (1–9 years). Therefore, paying special attention to these high-risk groups could decrease the prevalence of a neglected hyperendemic disease, active trachoma.
Exploring patient perspectives: A qualitative inquiry into healthcare perceptions, experiences and satisfaction in Lebanon
Authors: Khalife Jade , Ekman Björn , Ammar Walid , El-Jardali Fadi , Al Halabi Abeer , Barakat Elise , Emmelin Maria 
Published: August 2023

Background
Patient perspectives have received increasing importance within health systems over the past four decades. Measures of patient experience and satisfaction are commonly used. However, these measures do not capture all the information that is available through engaging with patients. An improved understanding of the various types of patient perspectives and the distinctions between them is needed. The lack of such knowledge limits the usefulness of including patient perspectives as components within pay-for-performance initiatives. This study aimed to explore patient perspectives on hospital care in Lebanon. It also aimed to contribute insights that may improve the national pay-for-performance initiative and to the knowledge on engaging patients towards person-centered health systems.

Methods
We conducted a qualitative study using focus group discussions with persons recently discharged after hospitalization under the coverage of the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health. This study was implemented in 2017 and involved 42 participants across eight focus groups. Qualitative content analysis was used to analyze the information provided by participants.

Results
Five overall themes supported by 17 categories were identified, capturing the meaning of the participants’ perspectives: health is everything; being turned into second class citizens; money and personal connections make all the difference; wanting to be treated with dignity and respect; and tolerating letdown, for the sake of right treatment. The most frequently prioritized statement in a ranking exercise regarding patient satisfaction was regular contact with the patient’s doctor.

Conclusions
Patient perspectives include more than what is traditionally incorporated in measures of patient satisfaction and experience. Patient valuing of health and their perceptions on each of the health system, and access and quality of care should also be taken into account. Hospital pay-for-performance initiatives can be made more responsive through a broader consideration of these perspectives. More broadly, health systems would benefit from wider engagement of patients. We propose a framework relating patient perspectives to value-based healthcare and health system performance.
Prognostic value of coronary atherosclerosis and CAC score for the risk of chemotherapy-related cardiac dysfunction (CTRCD): The protocol of ANTEC study
Authors: Borowiec Anna , Ozdowska Patrycja , Rosinska Magdalena , Jagiello-Gruszfeld Agnieszka , Jasek Slawomir , Waniewska Joanna , Kotowicz Beata , Kosela-Paterczyk Hanna , Lampka Elzbieta , Makowka Agata , Fuksiewicz Małgorzata , Chojnacka Magdalena , Zebrowska Agnieszka , Gepner Katarzyna , Kapala Aleksandra , Cieszanowski Andrzej , Nowecki Zbigniew , Walewski Jan 
Published: August 2023

Background
Cardiological complications of oncological treatment, including the most serious one, heart failure, constitute a significant and still unsolved clinical problem. A history of dyslipidemia and complications of atherosclerosis, including coronary artery disease, are established risk factors for cardiotoxicity in cancer patients. In recent years, a protective effect of statin treatment on the development of heart failure in cancer patients has been observed. This protocol describes a study aiming to assess the prognostic value of coronary atherosclerosis burden and the CAC score on the onset of cardiac dysfunction associated with cancer therapy.

Methods
ANTEC (Atherosclerosis iN chemoTherapy-rElated Cardiotoxicity) is a single-site, prospective, observational study to evaluate the influence of the coronary atherosclerosis and CAC score assessed by computed tomography on the development of left ventricular systolic dysfunction in cancer patients with at least moderate cardiotoxicity risk. A group of 80 patients diagnosed with cancer prior to high-dose anthracycline chemotherapy (doxorubicin ≥ 240 mg / m2 body weight or epirubicin ≥ 600 mg / m2 body weight), without a history of heart failure and coronary artery disease, will be included in the study. Patient follow-up is planned for 12 months. In all patients, coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA) will be performed once at the beginning of the study. The primary endpoint is the onset of cancer therapy-related cardiovascular toxicity, defined as mild, moderate, severe and very severe according to ESC 2022 Cardio-oncology guidelines. During follow up, echocardiography with GLS assessment will be performed every three months. Additionally, new biomarkers of atherosclerosis (IL-6, MPO, TNF-alpha) will be measured every 6 months. The study registration identifier on clinicaltrials.gov is NCT05118178.

Clinical trials registry
This study is listed on cinicaltrials.gov with identifier NCT05118178.
Utility of the angle between the cervical canal and the anatomical conjugate line for predicting pouch of Douglas obliteration in patients with posterior placenta previa
Authors: Shinohara Satoshi , Kasai Mayuko , Yasuda Genki , Sunami Rei 
Published: August 2023

Aim
Pouch of Douglas obliteration, which prevents exteriorization of the uterus, increases surgical morbidity in patients with placenta previa. We aimed to identify magnetic resonance imaging features that can predict pouch of Douglas obliteration preoperatively.

Methods
We retrospectively assessed 39 women with posterior placenta previa who underwent magnetic resonance imaging for the preoperative assessment of placenta accreta spectrum. We defined the angle formed by the anatomical conjugate line (based on pelvimetry) and the cervical canal as the cervical inclination angle, which was measured on sagittal T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging. Subsequently, we analyzed the correlation between the cervical inclination angle and pouch of Douglas obliteration.

Results
The median maternal age was 34 years (range, 22–44 years) and 26 (66.7%) women delivered at term. The median cervical inclination angle was 98° (range, 71–128). Pouch of Douglas obliteration was confirmed in six patients (15.4%). The cut-off value of the cervical inclination angle for the prediction of pouch of Douglas obliteration was 102° with a sensitivity of 66.7%, specificity of 78.8%, positive predictive value of 36.4%, and negative predictive value of 92.9% (area under the curve, 0.83).

Conclusions
Measuring the cervical inclination angle may help in ruling out an obliteration of the pouch of Douglas. It may also be useful in the operative management of women with posterior placenta previa. However, caution should be exercised when generalizing the results of this study because of the small sample size, which makes the results prone to bias.
Parameter estimation in non-linear chemical processes: an opposite point-based differential evolution (OPDE) approach
Authors: Yadav Swati , Angira Rakesh 
Published: August 2023

AbstractIn recent years, evolutionary algorithms have been gaining popularity for finding optimal solutions to non-linear multimodal problems encountered in many engineering disciplines. Differential evolution (DE), an evolutionary algorithm, is a novel optimization method capable of handling nondifferentiable, non-linear, and multimodal objective functions. DE is an efficient, effective, and robust evolutionary optimization method. Still, DE takes large computational time to optimize the computationally expensive objective functions. Therefore, an attempt to speed up DE is considered necessary. This paper introduces a modification to the original DE that enhances the convergence rate without compromising solution quality. The proposed opposite point-based differential evolution (OPDE) algorithm utilizes opposite point-based population initialization, in addition to random initialization. Such an improvement reduces computational effort. The OPDE has been applied to benchmark test functions and high-dimensional non-linear chemical engineering problems. The proposed method of population initialization accelerates the convergence speed of DE, as indicated by the results obtained using benchmark test functions and non-linear chemical engineering problems.
How Linguistic Data Can Inform Archaeological Investigations: An Australian Pilot Study Around Combustion Features
Authors: Ward Ingrid , Ponsonnet Maïa , Miceli Luisa , Dotte-Sarout Emilie , Rustandi Jason 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
We present an interdisciplinary collaboration whereby linguistic data are explored with the aim of gaining new insights on archaeological features to enrich investigations of the past. Archaeology on its own relies on a very discontinuous record and here we argue that a fuller use of linguistic resources can offer more nuanced insights of the cultural context, and thus a more comprehensive reconstruction of both archaeological histories in general and archaeological features specifically. Languages, as complex human artefacts, often develop vocabularies that reflect speakers’ need to communicate about everyday objects and actions. Therefore, it makes sense to turn to lexicographic and semantic data as sources of additional clues about various aspects of the past. To date, this kind of collaboration has either focused on aspects of culture that leave little trace in the archaeological record or on aspects of material culture that informs wider histories of migrations and contacts. Collaboration has also, more often than not, had the goal of answering linguistic rather than archaeological questions. The novel approach we propose here is a focus on a domain which does leave a substantial trace in the archaeological record and that falls in the realm of mundane aspects of the universal human experience – i.e. domestic fire use – with the aim of gaining a more nuanced and culturally grounded understanding of archaeological features and their investigation. This article is a demonstration in principle for the potential of this approach, illustrated here with a pilot study of combustion features on the Australian continent. Having collected fire-related words in a sample of dictionaries of Australian Indigenous languages, we explain how and why the information they encapsulate can support archaeological studies.
Laboratory Testing of Ferrochrome Slag as an Aggregate in Porous Pavements
Authors: Topaloglu Sedat , Cetin Altan , Dayioglu Asli Y. , Aydilek Ahmet H. 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Porous asphalt (PA) is a bituminous mixture that is preferred in surface wearing courses because of its comparably better skid resistance and reduced spraying and hydroplaning risk, leading to improved driving quality compared with dense-graded hot mix asphalt mixtures. Use of recycled materials with satisfactory strength and durability properties as an aggregate in PA mixtures would provide both economic and environmental benefits because natural resources would be preserved, and transportation costs, and consequently CO2 emissions, would be reduced, and the stockpiled recycled material would be employed instead of occupying scarce landscape. However, because of the high air void content and exposure of a larger surface area to atmosphere in PA mixtures, the potential for raveling and rapid aging for any proposed aggregate material needs to be evaluated carefully. This study was conducted to investigate the performance of ferrochrome slag (FS), a by-product of ferrochromium industries, as an aggregate in porous asphalt. Air voids content, permeability, particle loss, tensile strength, and moisture susceptibility were measured on three different gradations of FS and the results were compared with the limits given in construction specifications. The gradation of the slag aggregates along with the bitumen content played a key role on performance of the PA mixtures. The FS specimens prepared at an optimum bitumen content of 6.5 % performed significantly better than limestone (LS) aggregate specimens at the same gradation; the air void content, permeability, and tensile strength of the FS mixtures were 2 %, 50 %, and 16 % higher than the LS mixtures, respectively.
Rapid Audiovisual Integration Guides Predictive Actions
Authors: Kreyenmeier Philipp , Schroeger Anna , Cañal-Bruland Rouwen , Raab Markus , Spering Miriam 
Published: August 2023

AbstractNatural movements, such as catching a ball or capturing prey, typically involve multiple senses. Yet, laboratory studies on human movements commonly focus solely on vision and ignore sound. Here, we ask how visual and auditory signals are integrated to guide interceptive movements. Human observers tracked the brief launch of a simulated baseball, randomly paired with batting sounds of varying intensities, and made a quick pointing movement at the ball. Movement end points revealed systematic overestimation of target speed when the ball launch was paired with a loud versus a quiet sound, although sound was never informative. This effect was modulated by the availability of visual information; sounds biased interception when the visual presentation duration of the ball was short. Amplitude of the first catch-up saccade, occurring ∼125 ms after target launch, revealed early integration of audiovisual information for trajectory estimation. This sound-induced bias was reversed during later predictive saccades when more visual information was available. Our findings suggest that auditory and visual signals are integrated to guide interception and that this integration process must occur early at a neural site that receives auditory and visual signals within an ultrashort time span.
Neonatal Admission Temperature in Middle- and High-Income Countries
Authors: Frade Garcia Alejandro , Edwards Erika M. , de Andrade Lopes José Maria , Tooke Lloyd , Assenga Evelyne , Ehret Danielle E. Y. , Hansen Anne 
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
Despite being preventable, neonatal hypothermia remains common. We hypothesized that the proportion of newborns with hypothermia on admission would be high in all settings, higher in hospitals in middle-income countries (MIC) compared with high-income countries (HIC), and associated with morbidity and mortality.

METHODS
Using the Vermont Oxford Network database of newborns with birth weights 401 to 1500 g or 22 to 29 weeks’ gestational age from 2018 to 2021, we analyzed maternal and infant characteristics, delivery room management, and outcomes by temperature within 1 hour of admission to the NICU in 12 MICs and 22 HICs.

RESULTS
Among 201 046 newborns, hypothermia was more common in MIC hospitals (64.0%) compared with HIC hospitals (28.6%). Lower birth weight, small for gestational age status, and prolonged resuscitation were perinatal risk factors for hypothermia. The mortality was doubled for hypothermic compared with euthermic newborns in MICs (24.7% and 15.4%) and HICs (12.7% and 7.6%) hospitals. After adjusting for confounders, the relative risk of death among hypothermic newborns compared with euthermic newborns was 1.21 (95% confidence interval 1.09–1.33) in MICs and 1.26 (95% confidence interval 1.21–1.31) in HICs. Every 1°C increase in admission temperature was associated with a 9% and 10% decrease in mortality risk in MICs and HICs, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS
In this large sample of newborns across MICs and HICs, hypothermia remains common and is strongly associated with mortality. The profound burden of hypothermia presents an opportunity for strategies to improve outcomes and achieve the neonatal 2030 Sustainable Development Goal.
Dataset for experiment 1 of A novel validation approach shows new, solid reasons why vertical jump height should not be used to predict leg power
Authors: Aragón-Vargas Luis Fernando , González-Lutz María Isabel 
Published: August 2023

Jump height continues to be widely used to predict power in humans. Individual progress is often monitored on the basis of estimated power, but prediction equations are based on group data. The objective of the study was to show that vertical jump performance (VJP) and mechanical power are poorly associated, particularly within individuals. Two experiments are presented. First, 52 physically active male college students performed five maximal vertical jumps each. Second, three young male participants performed 50 maximal jumps each. Participants rested for 1 minute between jumps. VJP was calculated from kinematic data as peak body center of mass (BCOM) minus standing BCOM; peak power (PEAKPWR) was calculated from the vertical ground reaction force registered by a force plate, and average power (MEANPWR) during propulsion from the change in potential energy of BCOM. Regression analyses were performed using standardized VJP scores as the predictor variable and standardized power scores as the resulting variables, expecting an identity function of y = x (intercept = 0, slope = 1) and R2 = 1. In experiment 1, the model for zPEAKPWR R2 = 0.9707 (p < 0.0001) but slope (0.3452) ≠ 1 (p < 0.0001). The model for zMEANPWR R2 = 0.9239 (p < 0.0001); nevertheless, slope (0.4257) ≠ 1 (p < 0.0001). In experiment 2, all individual models for zPEAKPWR and zMEANPWR resulted in poor associations (R2 ≤ 0.21) and slopes ≠ 1 (p≤0.001). In conclusion, regression analysis for individuals, and even for groups, confirms that VJP is a poor predictor of mechanical power.
Dataset for experiment 2 of A novel validation approach shows new, solid reasons why vertical jump height should not be used to predict leg power
Authors: Aragón-Vargas Luis Fernando , González-Lutz María Isabel 
Published: August 2023

Jump height continues to be widely used to predict power in humans. Individual progress is often monitored on the basis of estimated power, but prediction equations are based on group data. The objective of the study was to show that vertical jump performance (VJP) and mechanical power are poorly associated, particularly within individuals. Two experiments are presented. First, 52 physically active male college students performed five maximal vertical jumps each. Second, three young male participants performed 50 maximal jumps each. Participants rested for 1 minute between jumps. VJP was calculated from kinematic data as peak body center of mass (BCOM) minus standing BCOM; peak power (PEAKPWR) was calculated from the vertical ground reaction force registered by a force plate, and average power (MEANPWR) during propulsion from the change in potential energy of BCOM. Regression analyses were performed using standardized VJP scores as the predictor variable and standardized power scores as the resulting variables, expecting an identity function of y = x (intercept = 0, slope = 1) and R2 = 1. In experiment 1, the model for zPEAKPWR R2 = 0.9707 (p < 0.0001) but slope (0.3452) ≠ 1 (p < 0.0001). The model for zMEANPWR R2 = 0.9239 (p < 0.0001); nevertheless, slope (0.4257) ≠ 1 (p < 0.0001). In experiment 2, all individual models for zPEAKPWR and zMEANPWR resulted in poor associations (R2 ≤ 0.21) and slopes ≠ 1 (p≤0.001). In conclusion, regression analysis for individuals, and even for groups, confirms that VJP is a poor predictor of mechanical power.
CLEC11A expression as a prognostic biomarker in correlation to immune cells of gastric cancer
Authors: Fang Weidan , Wan Dewen , Yu Yi , Zhang Ling 
Published: August 2023

Gastric cancer (GC) is a prevalent malignant cancer characterized by a poor survival rate. The C-type lectin domain family 11 member A (CLEC11A) is part of the C-type lectin superfamily, and its dysregulation has been implicated in the progression of several cancers. The specific role of CLEC11A and its association with immune infiltration in GC, however, remains unclear. In this study, we employed The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, Tumor IMmune Estimation Resource (TIMER) database, Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA), UALCAN, Kaplan–Meier plotter databases, gene ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA), and the CIBERSORT algorithm to investigate CLEC11A expression, its prognostic significance, its association with tumor immune infiltration, and gene function enrichment in GC. We conducted western blotting, Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), wound healing, and transwell assays to validate CLEC11A's function. We found that CLEC11A expression was significantly elevated in GC when compared to adjacent non-tumor tissues. Elevated CLEC11A expression was strongly associated with poor survival outcomes and advanced clinicopathological stages. Moreover, heightened CLEC11A expression positively correlated with immunomodulators, chemokines, and the infiltration of immune cells, especially M2 macrophages, in GC. Additionally, CLEC11A silencing suppressed GC cells proliferation, migration and invasion in vitro. Our results elucidate the functions of CLEC11A in GC, suggesting its potential as a valuable prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for GC immunotherapy.