bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Implications of CD45RA and CD45RO T cell subsets in patients of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis infected with Aspergillus flavus
Authors: Rai Gargi , Das Shukla , Ansari Mohammad Ahmad , Singh Praveen Kumar , Dar Sajad Ahmad , Gupta Neelima , Sharma Sonal , Ramachandran Vishnampettai Ganapathysubramanian , Jain Charu 
Published: August 2023

AbstractT cell subsets (CD4 and CD8) play a prominent role in the development of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP). Colonization with Aspergillus flavus is recognized as a trigger for the growth of nasal polyps. The fungal proteins initiate the recruitment of T cells into the nasal mucosa, which contributes to the progression of nasal polyps. The study included 50 cases of CRSwNP and 50 healthy controls. Biopsies were subjected to KOH and culture for mycological investigation. We examined the changes in T helper (CD4+) and T cytotoxic (CD8+) in total T cells (CD3+) and expression of naive (CD45RA) and memory (CD45RO) cell markers in T cell subsets in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) challenged by A. flavus antigens in cases before and after treatment and in healthy controls by flow cytometry. Predominantly, A. flavus (86%) identified in nasal polyp biopsies of patients. An increased percentage of CD3+CD4+ T cells observed after A. flavus stimulation in patients when compared with healthy controls. The expression of CD4+CD45RA+ cells was significantly (P < .05) reduced in patients and increased CD4+CD45RO+ was observed upon stimulation with A. flavus in patients when compared with healthy control. Continuous exposure to inhaled fungal spores may induce aberrant immune responses to A. flavus spores, causing an allergic immunological reaction with high CD4+T cell responses, resulting in an unfavourable outcome. Elevated CD4+CD45RO+ T cells may transform the pathogenic response and highlight the chances of A. flavus reactive T cells involvement in prompting inflammation in CRSwNP.
Estimating absorption time distributions of general Markov jump processes
Authors: Ahmad Jamaal , Bladt Martin , Bladt Mogens 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThe estimation of absorption time distributions of Markov jump processes is an important task in various branches of statistics and applied probability. While the time‐homogeneous case is classic, the time‐inhomogeneous case has recently received increased attention due to its added flexibility and advances in computational power. However, commuting sub‐intensity matrices are assumed, which in various cases limits the parsimonious properties of the resulting representation. This paper develops the theory required to solve the general case through maximum likelihood estimation, and in particular, using the expectation‐maximization algorithm. A reduction to a piecewise constant intensity matrix function is proposed in order to provide succinct representations, where a parametric linear model binds the intensities together. Practical aspects are discussed and illustrated through the estimation of notoriously demanding theoretical distributions and real data, from the perspective of matrix analytic methods.
Communication‐efficient low‐dimensional parameter estimation and inference for high‐dimensional Lp$$ {L}^p $$‐quantile regression
Authors: Gao Junzhuo , Wang Lei 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThe ‐quantile regression generalizes both quantile regression and expectile regression, and has become popular for its robustness and effectiveness especially when . In this paper, we consider the data that are inherently distributed and propose two distributed ‐quantile regression estimators for a preconceived low‐dimensional parameter in the presence of high‐dimensional extraneous covariates. To handle the impact of high‐dimensional nuisance parameters, we first investigate regularized projection score for estimating low‐dimensional parameter of main interest in ‐quantile regression. To deal with the distributed data, we further propose two communication‐efficient surrogate projection score estimators and establish their theoretical properties. The finite‐sample performance of the proposed estimators is studied through simulations and an application to Communities and Crime data set is also presented.
Family mental health during the COVID‐19 pandemic: Changes in parent‐adolescent internalizing symptoms in the United States
Authors: Mercado Evelyn , Barbieri Marielena , Suh Se Min 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThe current paper examined the temporal linkage of internalizing symptoms among parent‐adolescent dyads during the beginning of the COVID‐19 pandemic, and whether COVID‐19‐related concerns were associated with parent‐adolescent linkage of symptoms. Using a 5‐week survey‐based study, parent‐adolescent dyads filled out weekly surveys measuring COVID‐19 concerns and internalizing symptoms. Parent and adolescent depressive symptoms did not change over time; however, adolescents experienced decreases in anxiety. Parent‐adolescent dyads exhibited linkage in depressive symptoms but not anxiety symptoms. However, linkage in anxiety symptoms varied by parent's COVID‐related stress. Study findings provide insight into how COVID‐19 disruptions impacted family well‐being during adolescence.
Mapping peat thickness and carbon stock of a degraded peatland in West Sumatra, Indonesia
Authors: Fiantis Dian , Rudiyanto  , Ginting Frisa Irawan , Agtalarik Aldo , Arianto Destri Tito , Wichaksono Panji , Irfan Rahmad , Nelson Malik , Gusnidar Gusnidar , Jeon Sangho , Minasny Budiman 
Published: August 2023

AbstractTropical peatlands store a large amount of carbon and act as carbon sinks, thus have crucial roles in regulating climate by preventing CO2 emission and enhancing carbon sequestration. However, the conversion of these peatlands for agricultural purposes, such as oil palm plantations, leads to carbon loss and increased CO2 emissions. To effectively protect and manage vulnerable areas, accurate mapping of peatland thickness and carbon stocks is essential, aligning with Indonesia's National Determined Contribution to climate action. This research article aims to assess the status of peatland in Agam‐West Pasaman, Western Sumatra, which was cleared between 1990 and 2000 for oil palm cultivation. Digital Soil Mapping (DSM) approaches were employed to map peat thickness, carbon stock and estimate carbon loss resulting from land use change. The study area, spanning 54,000 hectares, was covered by peat‐swamp forest in 1989. A grid of 2 km was used for a soil survey, resulting in 134 observation points of peat thickness, water level and subsidence. Various spatial prediction methods, including geostatistics, machine learning (ML) and their combination, were tested to map peat thickness, carbon stocks, subsidence rate and carbon loss. The covariates considered in the analysis were elevation, nearest distance from rivers and Sentinel 1a radar images. The results obtained through 10‐fold cross‐validations revealed that ordinary kriging exhibited the best performance, with an R2 of 0.44 for peat thickness and 0.39 for carbon stocks. The superior performance of ordinary kriging can be attributed to the severe impact of human activities in the area, which disrupted the clear relationship between peat parameters and environmental covariates. The estimated carbon stock of the area was 107 Mt C (std. dev. 0.143 Mt), while the carbon loss since the establishment of oil palm plantations was estimated to be 19.50 Mt C (std. dev. 0.017 Mt C) based on subsidence data. These findings provide insights into the degradation of the peatland and the magnitude of carbon loss over the past three decades. This information supports informed decision‐making and contributes to efforts aimed at preserving and restoring peatlands.
Diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis in Ceará state, Brazil: A flow analysis of cases between 2007 and 2021
Authors: de Sousa Cavalcante Kellyn Kessiene , Cavalcante Francisco Roger Aguiar , Boigny Reagan Nzundu , Borges Kelvia Maria Oliveira , Alencar Carlos Henrique 
Published: August 2023

AbstractObjectivesTo analyse the flow of cases of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in the state of Ceará, Brazil, between 2007 and 2021.MethodsAn ecological study was conducted using a spatial approach of newly confirmed cases of VL recorded in the Notifiable Diseases Information System. We identified individuals whose municipality of diagnosis differed from that of their residence. Flow maps, constructed using Tabwin 32 and ArcMap 9.2, allowed for the identification of the volume of traffic between the municipality of residence and that of initial care.ResultsThere were 6775 confirmed VL cases. As a flow indicator, 178 counties had at least one resident diagnosed in another municipality in Ceará, with 2491 VL cases and an average trip of 79 km. The largest hub for receiving cases for diagnosis was the capital Fortaleza (1478 patients from 129 other municipalities), followed by Sobral, located in the northwestern region of Ceará (599 from 55 municipalities), and Barbalha, in the southern region (171 from 29 municipalities). In this southern region, 25 municipalities moved 55 people for treatment to Juazeiro do Norte and 11 municipalities moved 39 patients to Crato. A total of 255 patients with VL from 11 municipalities in other Brazilian states, mainly from the Northeast and North, were observed and notified in health services in Ceará.ConclusionsThe major centres of VL diagnosis outside residence were in the cities of Fortaleza, Sobral, Barbalha, Juazeiro do Norte and Crato. There was also an outflow of cases from other municipalities located in the northeastern and northern regions of Brazil. The flows were more intense during the first triennium of the analysis and milder from 2019 to 2021. Understanding the diagnostic flow of VL helps in decision making and the development of public policies to improve the lives of the population.
Understanding interventions delivered in the emergency department targeting improved asthma outcomes beyond the emergency department: an integrative review
Authors: Skene Imogen , Kinley Emma , Pike Katherine , Griffiths Chris , Pfeffer Paul , Steed Liz 
Published: August 2023

ObjectivesThe emergency department (ED) represents a place and moment of opportunity to provide interventions to improve long-term asthma outcomes, but feasibility, effectiveness and mechanisms of impact are poorly understood. We aimed to review the existing literature on interventions that are delivered in the ED for adults and adolescents, targeting asthma outcomes beyond the ED, and to code the interventions according to theory used, and to understand the barriers and facilitators to their implementation.MethodsWe systematically searched seven electronic databases and research registers, and manually searched reference lists of included studies and relevant reviews. Both quantitative and qualitative studies that reported on interventions delivered in the ED which aimed to improve asthma outcomes beyond management of the acute exacerbation, for adolescents or adults were included. Methodological quality was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool and informed study interpretation. Theory was coded using the Theoretical Domains Framework. Findings were summarised by narrative synthesis.Results12 articles were included, representing 10 unique interventions, including educational and medication-based changes (6 randomised controlled trials and 4 non-randomised studies). Six trials reported statistically significant improvements in one or more outcome measures relating to long-term asthma control, including unscheduled healthcare, asthma control, asthma knowledge or quality of life. We identified limited use of theory in the intervention designs with only one intervention explicitly underpinned by theory. There was little reporting on facilitators or barriers, although brief interventions appeared more feasible.ConclusionThe results of this review suggest that ED-based asthma interventions may be capable of improving long-term outcomes. However, there was significant variation in the range of interventions, reported outcomes and duration of follow-up. Future interventions would benefit from using behaviour change theory, such as constructs from the Theoretical Domains Framework.PROSPERO registration numberCRD 42020223058.
Progression and incidence of myopia among schoolchildren in the post-COVID-19 pandemic period: a prospective cohort study in Shantou, China
Authors: Guo Chengyao , Li Yuancun , Luo Li , Lin Jianwei , Qiu Kunliang , Zhang Mingzhi 
Published: August 2023

ObjectivesTo determine the progression and incidence of myopia in Chinese schoolchildren in the post-COVID-19 pandemic period in Shantou, China.DesignProspective cohort study.SettingShantou Myopia Study, China.Participants1-year follow-up data were available for 621 881 schoolchildren (301 999 females). Data on spherical equivalent refraction (SER) were collected.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe primary outcomes were myopia progression and incidence. Myopia progression is defined as a change of SER towards the negative direction in the follow-up visit. Incidence is defined as the proportion of schoolchildren who were not myopic but developed myopia in the follow-up study. Age, sex and SER at baseline were evaluated as associated factors for myopia burden, which were defined as the secondary outcomes.ResultsMean progression of SER was −0.35±0.97 D for the population (ranging from −0.06 D at 18 years of age to −0.46 D at 11 years of age), with a rapid myopic progression for students at the age of 10–12 years (−0.50 D in girls and −0.44 D in boys). A myopic shift greater than −0.50 D/year occurred in 256 299 eyes (41.21%). Myopic progression in refraction was associated with the 10–12 years age groups (OR 1.42; 95% CI 1.39 to 1.45, p<0.001), female sex (OR 1.09; 95% CI 1.08 to 1.10, p<0.001) and higher refractive errors at baseline (OR>1.00, p<0.001). The annual incidence of myopia among schoolchildren was 24.85%, with an incidence of 26.69% in girls and 23.02% in boys.ConclusionsOur study revealed an annual myopia progression of −0.35 D and an incidence of 24.85% among schoolchildren in the post-COVID-19 pandemic period. Myopia progressed rapidly at 10–12 years of age, with −0.50 D in girls and −0.44 D in boys. The incidence was higher for children aged 10–11 years and for girls.
Global burden and trends of transport injuries from 1990 to 2019: an observational trend study
Authors: Wan Rui , Xia Jun , Duan Fangfang , Min Li , Liu Tan 
Published: August 2023

BackgroundTransport injuries (TIs) are a major cause of global disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) and mortality. In this study, we aimed to assess the global burden and trends of TIs from 1990 to 2019.MethodsWe assessed the annual age-standardised incidence rate (ASIR) and age-standardised DALYs rate of TIs by sex, age, Social Development Index (SDI) and geographical region from 1990 to 2019 from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. The changing trends were described by estimated annual percentage changes (EAPCs).ResultsGlobally, in 2019, the ASIR and age-standardised DALYs rates of TIs were 134 6.06/100 000 (95% UI 11 42.6/100 000–157 5.57/100 000) and 97 7.91/100 000 (86 8.91/100 000–107 6.81/100 000), respectively. From 1990 to 2019, the global ASIR of TIs presented significant upwards trends with the EAPC (0.25%, 95% CI 0.19% to 0.31%), and it was significantly increased in the age groups of 15–49 (0.37%, 95% CI 0.29% to 0.45%), 50–69 (0.40%, 95% CI 0.36% to 0.44%) and 70+ (0.22%, 95% CI 0.17% to 0.28%). Prominent increases in ASIR were detected in middle-SDI areas (0.72%, 95% CI 0.57% to 0.87%), low-middle SDI areas (0.66%, 95% CI 0.59% to 0.72%) and low-SDI areas (0.21%, 95% CI 0.17% to 0.26%). The global age-standardised DALYs rate presented downwards trends with the EAPC (−1.27%, 95% CI −1.35% to −1.2%), and it was significantly decreased in all age groups and SDI areas.ConclusionGlobally, TIs still cause a serious burden, and the incidence has significantly increased, especially in people above the age of 14 and in middle-SDI and low-SDI areas, thus necessitating more attention and health interventions.
Prevalence and factors associated with occupational injuries among building construction workers in the Gambia
Authors: Kinteh Bakary , Bass Paul 
Published: August 2023

BackgroundAlthough occupational injuries among building construction workers are a major public health concern, limited studies have focused on the prevalence and factors associated with injuries among building construction workers in sub-Saharan Africa. Accordingly, this study investigates the prevalence and factors associated with occupational injuries among building construction workers in the Gambia.MethodUsing a cross-sectional design, 504 building construction workers with more than 12 months of work experience in the construction industry and aged ≥18 years were recruited from 22 registered companies in the Kanifing Municipality of the Gambia. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and an observational checklist.ResultsMore than 56% of the building construction workers reported sustaining work-related injuries in the past 12 months. Majority of injuries reported were abrasions/lacerations (28.2%), followed by cuts (26.6%), backaches (23.8%) and piercing/punctured wounds (22.8%). Results of the multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that being male worker (adjusted OR (aOR), 3.06; 95% CI 1.31 to 7.19), had <8 hours of work daily (aOR 3.46, 95% CI 1.44 to 7.78), smoke tobacco (aOR 1.97; 95% CI 1.36 to 2.85) and consume alcohol (aOR 0.27; 95% CI 0.08 to 0.95) were significantly associated with injuries from building construction work.ConclusionOur findings show that injuries among building construction workers are prevalent in the Gambia. Male gender, work hours, tobacco use and alcohol consumption were associated with occupational injuries in building construction. Introducing and enforcing workplace safety policies in the building construction industry may help reduce occupational injury among construction workers in the Gambia.
A biologic-device combination product delivering tumor-derived antigens elicits immunogenic cell death-associated immune responses against glioblastoma
Authors: Cultrara Christopher , Uhl Christopher , Kirby Kenneth , Abed Elrazaq Essam , Zellander Amelia , Andrews David W , Scott Charles B , Galluzzi Lorenzo , Exley Mark A , Zilberberg Jenny 
Published: August 2023

BackgroundIGV-001 is a personalized, autologous cancer cell-based immunotherapy conceived to deliver a tumor-derived antigenic payload in the context of immunostimulatory signals to patients with glioblastoma (GBM). IGV-001 consists of patient-derived GBM cells treated with an antisense oligodeoxynucleotide against insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R) and placed in proprietary biodiffusion chambers (BDCs). The BDCs are then exposed to 5–6 Gy radiation and implanted at abdominal sites for ~48 hours. IGV-001 has previously been shown to be generally safe with promising clinical activity in newly diagnosed GBM patients.MethodsMouse (m) or human (h) variants of IGV-001 were prepared using GL261 mouse GBM cells or human GBM cells, respectively. BDCs containing vehicle ormIGV-001 were implanted in the flanks of C57BL/6 albino female mice in preventative and therapeutic experiments, optionally in combination with a programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) blocker. Bioactivity of the general approach was also measured against hepatocellular carcinoma Hepa 1–6 cells. Mice were followed for the growth of subsequently implanted or pre-existing tumors and survival. Draining lymph nodes from mice receivingmIGV-001 were immunophenotyped.mIGV-001 andhIGV-001 were analyzed for extracellular ATP and high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) as indicators of immunogenic cell death (ICD), along with flow cytometric analysis of viability, surface calreticulin, and reactive oxygen species. Stress and cell death-related pathways were analyzed by immunoblotting.ResultsIGV-001 causes oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum stress in GL261 cells, resulting in a cytotoxic response that enables the release of antigenic material and immunostimulatory, ICD-associated molecules including ATP and HMGB1 from BDCs. Immunophenotyping confirmed that IGV-001 increases the percentage of dendritic cells, as well as effector, and effector memory T cells in BDC-draining lymph nodes. Consistent with these observations, preventative IGV-001 limited tumor progression and extended overall survival in mice intracranially challenged with GL261 cells, a benefit that was associated with an increase in tumor-specific T cells with effector features. Similar findings were obtained in the Hepa 1–6 model. Moreover, therapeutically administered IGV-001 combined with PD-1 delayed progression in GBM-bearing mice.ConclusionsThese results support treatment with IGV-001 to induce clinically relevant ICD-driven anticancer immune responses in patients with GBM.
Single-cell sequencing on CD8+TILs revealed the nature of exhausted T cells recognizing neoantigen and cancer/testis antigen in non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Komuro Hiroyasu , Shinohara Shuichi , Fukushima Yasunori , Demachi-Okamura Ayako , Muraoka Daisuke , Masago Katsuhiro , Matsui Takuya , Sugita Yusuke , Takahashi Yusuke , Nishida Reina , Takashima Chieko , Ohki Takashi , Shigematsu Yoshiki , Watanabe Fumiaki , Adachi Katsutoshi , Fukuyama Takashi , Hamana Hiroshi , Kishi Hiroyuki , Miura Daiki , Tanaka Yuki , Onoue Kousuke , Onoguchi Kazuhide , Yamashita Yoshiko , Stratford Richard , Clancy Trevor , Yamaguchi Rui , Kuroda Hiroaki , Doi Kiyoshi , Iwata Hisashi , Matsushita Hirokazu 
Published: August 2023

BackgroundCD8+tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) are often observed in non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC). However, the characteristics of CD8+TILs, especially T-cell populations specific for tumor antigens, remain poorly understood.MethodsHigh throughput single-cell RNA sequencing and single-cell T-cell receptor (TCR) sequencing were performed on CD8+TILs from three surgically-resected lung cancer specimens. Dimensional reduction for clustering was performed using Uniform Manifold Approximation and Projection. CD8+TIL TCR specific for the cancer/testis antigen KK-LC-1 and for predicted neoantigens were investigated. Differentially-expressed gene analysis, Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) and single sample GSEA was performed to characterize antigen-specific T cells.ResultsA total of 6998 CD8+T cells was analyzed, divided into 10 clusters according to their gene expression profile. An exhausted T-cell (exhausted T (Tex)) cluster characterized by the expression ofENTPD1(CD39),TOX,PDCD1(PD1),HAVCR2(TIM3) and other genes, and by T-cell oligoclonality, was identified. The Tex TCR repertoire (Tex-TCRs) contained nine different TCR clonotypes recognizing five tumor antigens including a KK-LC-1 antigen and four neoantigens. By re-clustering the tumor antigen-specific T cells (n=140), it could be seen that the individual T-cell clonotypes were present on cells at different stages of differentiation and functional states even within the same Tex cluster. Stimulating these T cells with predicted cognate peptide indicated that TCR signal strength and subsequent T-cell proliferation and cytokine production was variable but always higher for neoantigens than KK-LC-1.ConclusionsOur approach focusing on T cells with an exhausted phenotype among CD8+TILs may facilitate the identification of tumor antigens and clarify the nature of the antigen-specific T cells to specify the promising immunotherapeutic targets in patients with NSCLC.