bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessing the burden of bronchiolitis and lower respiratory tract infections in children ≤24 months of age in Italy, 2012–2019
Authors: Barbieri Elisa , Cavagnis Sara , Scamarcia Antonio , Cantarutti Luigi , Bertizzolo Lorenzo , Bangert Mathieu , Parisi Salvatore , Cantarutti Anna , Baraldi Eugenio , Giaquinto Carlo , Baldo Vincenzo 
Published: May 2023

BackgroundBronchiolitis is the most common lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) in children and is mainly caused by the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). Bronchiolitis presents seasonally and lasts about five months, usually between October to March, with peaks of hospitalizations between December and February, in the Northern Hemisphere. The burden of bronchiolitis and RSV in primary care is not well understood.Materials and methodsThis retrospective analysis used data from Pedianet, a comprehensive paediatric primary care database of 161 family paediatricians in Italy. We evaluated the incidence rates (IR) of all-cause bronchiolitis (ICD9-CM codes 466.1, 466.11 or 466.19), all-cause LRTIs, RSV-bronchiolitis and RSV-LRTIs in children from 0 to 24 months of age, between January 2012 to December 2019. The role of prematurity (&lt;37 weeks of gestational age) as a bronchiolitis risk factor was evaluated and expressed as odds ratio.ResultsOf the 108,960 children included in the study cohort, 7,956 episodes of bronchiolitis and 37,827 episodes of LRTIs were recorded for an IR of 47 and 221 × 1,000 person-years, respectively. IRs did not vary significantly throughout the eight years of RSV seasons considered, showing a seasonality usually lasting five months, between October and March, while the peak of incidence was between December and February. Bronchiolitis and LRTI IRs were higher during the RSV season, between October and March, regardless of the month of birth, with bronchiolitis IR being higher in children aged ≤12 months. Only 2.3% of bronchiolitis and LRTI were coded as RSV-related. Prematurity and comorbidity increased the risk of bronchiolitis; however, 92% of cases happened in children born at term, and 97% happened in children with no comorbidities or otherwise healthy.ConclusionsOur results confirm that all children aged ≤24 months are at risk of bronchiolitis and LRTI during the RSV season, regardless of the month of birth, gestational age or underlying health conditions. The IRs of bronchiolitis and LRTI RSV-related are underestimated due to the poor outpatient epidemiological and virological surveillance. Strengthening the surveillance system at the paediatric outpatient level, as well as at the inpatient level, is needed to unveil the actual burden of RSV-bronchiolitis and RSV-LRTI, as well as to evaluate the effectiveness of new preventive strategies for anti-RSV.
Case report: Acute hepatitis in neonates with COVID-19 during the Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variant wave: a report of four cases
Authors: Wang Jing , Hu Wei , Wang Kexin , Yu Rong , Chang Liwen , Rong Zhihui 
Published: May 2023

BackgroundSevere Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), first emerging in December 2019 and continuously evolving, poses a considerable challenge worldwide. It was reported in the literature that neonates had mild upper respiratory symptoms and a better outcome after Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variant infection, but there was insufficient data about complications and prognosis.Case PresentationIn this paper, we present the clinical and laboratory characteristics of four COVID-19 neonate patients with acute hepatitis during the Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variant wave. All patients had a clear history of Omicron exposure and were infected via contact with confirmed caregivers. Low to moderate fever and respiratory symptoms were the primary clinical manifestations, and all patients had a normal liver function at the initial stage of the course. Then, the fever lasted 2 to 4 days, and it was noted that hepatic dysfunction might have occurred 5 to 8 days after the first onset of fever, mainly characterized by moderate ALT and AST elevation (&gt;3 to 10-fold of upper limit). There were no abnormalities in bilirubin levels, blood ammonia, protein synthesis, lipid metabolism, and coagulation. All the patients received hepatoprotective therapy, and transaminase levels gradually decreased to the normal range after 2 to 3 weeks without other complications.ConclusionsThis is the first case series about moderate to severe hepatitis in COVID-19 neonatal patients via horizontal transmission. Besides fever and respiratory symptoms, the clinical doctor should pay much attention to evaluating the risk of liver function injury after SARS-CoV-2 variants infection, which is usually asymptomatic and has a delayed onset.
A stochastic reaction–diffusion modeling investigation of FLASH ultra-high dose rate response in different tissues
Authors: Abolfath Ramin , Baikalov Alexander , Fraile Alberto , Bartzsch Stefan , Schüler Emil , Mohan Radhe 
Published: May 2023

Purpose: The aim of the study was to propose a theory based on topology and geometry of diffusion channels in tissue to contribute to the mechanistic understanding of normal tissue sparing at ultra-high dose rates (UHDRs) and explore an interplay between intra- and inter-track radical recombination through a reaction–diffusion mechanism.Methods: We calculate the time evolution of particle track structures using a system of coupled reaction–diffusion equations on a random network designed for molecular transport in porous and disordered media. The network is representative of the intra- and inter-cellular diffusion channels in tissues. Spatial cellular heterogeneities over the scale of track spacing are constructed by incorporating random fluctuations in the connectivity between network sites, resembling molecular mass and charge heterogeneities at the cellular level.Results: We demonstrate the occurrence of phase separation among the tracks as the complexity in intra- and inter-cellular structure increases. At the strong limit of structural disorder, tracks evolve individually like isolated islands with negligible inter-track as they propagate like localized waves in space, analogous to the Anderson localization in quantum mechanics. In contrast, at the limit of weak disorder in a homogeneous medium, such as water, the neighboring tracks melt into each other and form a percolated network of non-reactive species. Thus, the spatiotemporal correlation among chemically active domains vanishes as the inter-cellular complexity of the tissue increases from normal tissue structure to fractal-type malignancy.Conclusion: Differential FLASH normal tissue sparing may result from the interplay of the proximity of tracks over the intra- and inter-cellular landscape, a transition in the spatial distribution of chemical reactivity, and molecular crowding. In this context, insensitivities in the radiobiological responses of the tumors to FLASH-UHDR are interpreted via a lack of geometrical correlation among isolated tracks. The structural and geometrical complexities of cancerous cells prevent the clustering of tracks over a timescale, in which inter-track chemical reactivities presumably prevail in normal tissues. A series of systematic experiments on radiolysis-induced diffusivity and reactivity in actual normal and cancerous tissues must be performed to classify the tissues potentially spared by FLASH-UHDRs and verify our theory.
Hemispherical lens integrated room temperature ultra-broadband GaAs HEMT terahertz detector
Authors: Yao Chenyu , Jiang Mengjie , Wang Dong , Zhang Libo , Zhang Ning , Wang Lin , Chen Xiaoshuang 
Published: May 2023

Terahertz (THz) detection has been extensively studied in the application fields of wireless communication, non-destructive imaging and spectrum inspection, etc., in the decades. Here, we report that a self-mixing terahertz detector based on hemispherical silicon lens and antenna-coupled InGaAs/AlGaAs high electron mobility transistor (HEMT) enables wide spectrum detection, and improves detection performances. In this device configuration, the optimal log-periodic antenna is used to enhance light field in the channel, the double-gate could further adjust the carrier concentration, and the hemispheric silicon lens can concentrate the terahertz radiation in the center of the hemisphere to effectively improve the terahertz wave collection efficiency, which could improve the sensitivity of the detector. The broadband Terahertz responsivity and noise equivalent power (NEP) of the detector are characterized at the range from 0.07 to 0.82 THz at room temperature. A peak responsivity of 2 kV/W and a minimum optical noise equivalent power of 59 pW/Hz1/2 at 0.8 THz without any external field, are reached from two-terminal configuration at 0.8 THz. The minimum optical NEP of the device can be reduced to 30 pW/Hz1/2 by applying a gate voltage, realizing scanning imaging demonstration.
Phrenic nerve stimulation mitigates hippocampal and brainstem inflammation in an ARDS model
Authors: Bassi Thiago G. , Rohrs Elizabeth C. , Fernandez Karl C. , Ornowska Marlena , Nicholas Michelle , Wittmann Jessica , Gani Matt , Evans Doug , Reynolds Steven C. 
Published: May 2023

Rationale: In porcine healthy-lung and moderate acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) models, groups that received phrenic nerve stimulation (PNS) with mechanical ventilation (MV) showed lower hippocampal apoptosis, and microglia and astrocyte percentages than MV alone.Objectives: Explore whether PNS in combination with MV for 12 h leads to differences in hippocampal and brainstem tissue concentrations of inflammatory and synaptic markers compared to MV-only animals.Methods: Compare tissue concentrations of inflammatory markers (IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IFN-γ, TNFα and GM-CSF), pre-synaptic markers (synapsin and synaptophysin) and post-synaptic markers (disc-large-homolog 4, N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors 2A and 2B) in the hippocampus and brainstem in three groups of mechanically ventilated pigs with injured lungs: MV only (MV), MV plus PNS every other breath (MV + PNS50%), and MV plus PNS every breath (MV + PNS100%). MV settings in volume control were tidal volume 8 ml/kg, and positive end-expiratory pressure 5 cmH2O. Moderate ARDS was achieved by infusing oleic acid into the pulmonary artery.Measurements and Main Results: Hippocampal concentrations of GM-CSF, N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor 2B, and synaptophysin were greater in the MV + PNS100% group compared to the MV group, p = 0.0199, p = 0.0175, and p = 0.0479, respectively. The MV + PNS100% group had lower brainstem concentrations of IL-1β, and IL-8 than the MV group, p = 0.0194, and p = 0.0319, respectively; and greater brainstem concentrations of IFN-γ and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor 2A than the MV group, p = 0.0329, and p = 0.0125, respectively.Conclusion: In a moderate-ARDS porcine model, MV is associated with hippocampal and brainstem inflammation, and phrenic nerve stimulation on every breath mitigates that inflammation.
Employee human resource management values: validation of a new concept and scale
Authors: Drouin-Rousseau Sophie , Fernet Claude , Austin Stéphanie , Fabi Bruno , Morin Alexandre J. S. 
Published: May 2023

PurposeAlthough human resource management (HRM) practices all seek to support and improve organizational functioning, the value ascribed to various HRM practices differs greatly among employees. Drawing on an exhaustive measure of HRM practices, this study proposed a new conceptualization and measure of HRM values, the HRM Values Scale (HRM-VS).Design/methodology/approachTo examine the psychometric properties of scores obtained on this new measure, we rely on a sample of 979 employees occupying a variety of jobs within various private and public organizations.FindingsThrough the comparison of confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM) solutions, our results supported a nine-factor structure of participants’ responses to the HRM-VS and the measurement invariance of this solution across male and female employees. Specifically, they support that the HRM-VS items adequately capture core HRM values underlying independent HRM practices. Criterion-related validity was evidenced with respect to employees’ ratings of intrinsic and extrinsic job satisfaction.Research implicationsThe HRM-VS appears to represent a promising tool for research and intervention seeking to account for individual differences in the relative importance of various HRM practices, in order to devise more effective HRM systems.Practical implicationsThis new concise but complete measure could help better guide organizations in tailoring their strategic HRM.Originality/valueThis study introduces HRM values as a valid concept that characterizes what employees desire or consider to be important in relation to HRM practices.
How to improve pedestrians' trust in automated vehicles: new road infrastructure, external human–machine interface with anthropomorphism, or conventional road signaling?
Authors: Bonneviot Flavie , Coeugnet Stéphanie , Brangier Eric 
Published: May 2023

IntroductionAutomated vehicles need to gain the trust of all road users in order to be accepted. To make technology trustworthy, automated vehicles must transmit crucial information to pedestrians through a human-machine interface, allowing pedestrians to accurately predict and act on their next behavior. However, the unsolved core issue in the field of vehicle automation is to know how to successfully communicate with pedestrians in a way that is efficient, comfortable, and easy to understand. This study investigated the impact of three human-machine interfaces specifically designed for pedestrians' trust during the street crossing in front of an automated vehicle. The interfaces used different communication channels to interact with pedestrians, i.e., through a new road infrastructure, an external human-machine interface with anthropomorphism, or with conventional road signaling.MethodsMentally projected in standard and non-standard use cases of human-machine interfaces, 731 participants reported their feelings and behavior through an online survey.ResultsResults showed that human-machine interfaces were efficient to improve trust and willingness to cross the street in front of automated vehicles. Among external human-machine interfaces, anthropomorphic features showed significant advantages in comparison with conventional road signals to induce pedestrians' trust and safer crossing behaviors. More than the external human-machine interfaces, findings highlighted the efficiency of the trust-based road infrastructure on the global street crossing experience of pedestrians with automated vehicles.DiscussionAll of these findings support trust-centered design to anticipate and build safe and satisfying human-machine interactions.
The well-being of Iranian adult citizens; is it related to mental health literacy?
Authors: Mahmoodi Seyed Mohammad Hossein , Rasoulian Maryam , Khodadoust Elaheh , Jabari Zahra , Emami Sahar , Ahmadzad-Asl Masoud 
Published: May 2023

BackgroundSubjective well-being (SWB) is a fundamental concept in the definition of mental health and is a significant health indicator for individuals and societies. Mental health literacy (MHL) is a modifiable variable with known effects on mental health, but its relationship with SWB is not recognized. In this study, the SWB is measured, and its relationship to MHL is investigated.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study conducted in Iran in 2019, 1,682 individuals participated using a convenient sampling method. Participants with a basic ability to use internet were included. A simple online form was used to collect data. SWB and MHL were measured with three questionnaires: WHO-5 Well-Being Index, Mental Health Literacy Scale, and Mental Health Positive Knowledge.ResultsMost of the participants were young (mean age 25.99, SD 9.14), female (71.9%), and had a university degree (78.5%). The mean SWB was 50.19 out of 100 (SD 20.92). More than half of the participants (50.4%) were screen-positive for clinical depression regarding their low well-being. Significant but very small correlations were detected between SWB and both MHL measures.ConclusionThe well-being of half of the educated Iranian citizens who participated in this study was poor and lower than previous measurements. No strong correlation is detected between SWB and MHL measures in this study. This suggests that people’s well-being cannot be improved by merely implementing mental health educational programs.
The expansion of newborn neurons in hippocampus improves social recognition deficit in a mouse model of autism
Authors: Meng Hu , Li Qiongwei , Wang Jinxin , Yue Weihua , Zhang Dai , Sun Xiaoxuan , Wang Lifang , Li Jun 
Published: May 2023

IntroductionAutism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a group of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by core symptoms of impaired social interaction and communication. The pathological mechanism and treatment are not clear and need further study. Our previous study found that the deletion of high-risk gene Autism Susceptibility 2 (AUTS2) in mice led to dentate gyrus (DG) hypoplasia that highly associated with impaired social novelty recognition. Here we aim to improve the social deficit through increasing the neurogenesis in the subgranular zone (SGZ) and expanding the newborn granule neurons in DG.MethodsThree approaches including repeated oxytocin administration, feeding in enriched environment and overexpression of cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (Cdk4)-CyclinD1 complex in DG neural stem cells (NSCs) at the post-weaning stage were conducted.ResultsWe found that the number of EdU labeled proliferative NSCs or retrovirus labeled newborn neurons was significantly increased after manipulations. The social recognition deficit was also significantly improved.DiscussionOur findings suggested a possible strategy to restore the social deficit through expansion of newborn neurons in hippocampus, which might provide a new insight into the treatment of autism.
Epidemiological and demographic drivers of lung cancer mortality from 1990 to 2019: results from the global burden of disease study 2019
Authors: Fan Yaguang , Jiang Yong , Gong Lei , Wang Ying , Su Zheng , Li Xuebing , Wu Heng , Pan Hongli , Wang Jing , Meng Zhaowei , Zhou Qinghua , Qiao Youlin 
Published: May 2023

BackgroundUnderstanding the effects of demographic drivers on lung cancer mortality trends is critical for lung cancer control. We have examined the drivers of lung cancer mortality at the global, regional, and national levels.MethodsData on lung cancer death and mortality were extracted from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2019. Estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) in the age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) for lung cancer and all-cause mortality were calculated to measure temporal trends in lung cancer from 1990 to 2019. Decomposition analysis was used to analyze the contributions of epidemiological and demographic drivers to lung cancer mortality.ResultsDespite a non-significant decrease in ASMR [EAPC = −0.31, 95% confidence interval (CI): −1.1 to 0.49], the number of deaths from lung cancer increased by 91.8% [95% uncertainty interval (UI): 74.5–109.0%] between 1990 and 2019. This increase was due to the changes in the number of deaths attributable to population aging (59.6%), population growth (56.7%), and non-GBD risks (3.49%) compared with 1990 data. Conversely, the number of lung cancer deaths due to GBD risks decreased by 19.8%, mainly due to tobacco (−12.66%), occupational risks (−3.52%), and air pollution (−3.47%). More lung cancer deaths (1.83%) were observed in most regions, which were due to high fasting plasma glucose levels. The temporal trend of lung cancer ASMR and the patterns of demographic drivers varied by region and gender. Significant associations were observed between the contributions of population growth, GBD risks and non-GBD risks (negative), population aging (positive), and ASMR in 1990, the sociodemographic index (SDI), and the human development index (HDI) in 2019.ConclusionPopulation aging and population growth increased global lung cancer deaths from 1990 to 2019, despite a decrease in age-specific lung cancer death rates due to GBD risks in most regions. A tailored strategy is needed to reduce the increasing burden of lung cancer due to outpacing demographic drivers of epidemiological change globally and in most regions, taking into account region- or gender-specific risk patterns.
Risk factors for intimate partner emotional violence among women in union in Uganda
Authors: Nakitto Resty , Nzabona Abel , Wandera Stephen Ojiambo 
Published: May 2023

IntroductionDespite the growing evidence of the prevalence of gender-based violence in Uganda, less is known about the factors influencing intimate partner emotional violence (IPEV) among married women in the country. This study investigated the social demographic factors associated with IPEV among married women aged 15 years and older.Data and methodsThe study used the 2016 Uganda Demographic Healthy Survey (UDHS) data. A weighted sample of 5,642 women who had been in a union was selected. A binary logistic regression model was fitted to analyze the predictors of IPEV.ResultsAlmost four in 10 (38%) married women experienced IPEV. Witnessing parental violence (OR = 1.37, CI = 0.59–0.92), partner's controlling behavior (OR = 4.26, CI = 3.29–5.52), and attaining age 35+ (OR = 1.44, CI = 1.06–1.95) increased the odds of IPEV. Residing in rural areas (OR = 0.004, CI = 0.48–0.99) and having higher education (OR = 0.51, CI = 0.26–1.00) decreased the odds of IPEV.Conclusion and implicationsWitnessing parental violence, alcohol consumption, age, place of residence, partner's controlling behavior, and level of education influence IPEV among married women in Uganda. The findings have several implications including strengthening IPEV-prevention campaigns, women empowerment, and alcohol consumption regulations.