bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mortality in children under 5 years of age with congenital syphilis in Brazil: A nationwide cohort study
Authors: Paixao Enny S. , Ferreira Andrêa JF , dos Santos Idália Oliveira , Rodrigues Laura C. , Fiaccone Rosemeire , Salvi Leonardo , de Oliveira Guilherme Lopes , Santana José Guilherme , Cardoso Andrey Moreira , Teles Carlos Antônio de S. S. , Soares Maria Auxiliadora , Amaral Eliana , Smeeth Liam , Barreto Mauricio L. , Ichihara Maria Yury 
Published: April 2023

Background
Congenital syphilis (CS) is a major and avoidable cause of neonatal death worldwide. In this study, we aimed to estimate excess all-cause mortality in children under 5 years with CS compared to those without CS.

Methods and findings
In this population-based cohort study, we used linked, routinely collected data from Brazil from January 2011 to December 2017. Cox survival models were adjusted for maternal region of residence, maternal age, education, material status, self-declared race and newborn sex, and year of birth and stratified according to maternal treatment status, non-treponemal titers and presence of signs and symptoms at birth. Over 7 years, a total of 20 057 013 live-born children followed up (through linkage) to 5 years of age, 93 525 were registered with CS, and 2 476 died. The all-cause mortality rate in the CS group was 7·84/1 000 person-years compared with 2·92/1 000 person-years in children without CS, crude hazard ratio (HR) = 2·41 (95% CI 2·31 to 2·50). In the fully adjusted model, the highest under-five mortality risk was observed among children with CS from untreated mothers HR = 2·82 (95% CI 2·63 to 3·02), infants with non-treponemal titer higher than 1:64 HR = 8·87 (95% CI 7·70 to 10·22), and children with signs and symptoms at birth HR = 7·10 (95% CI 6·60 to 7·63). Among children registered with CS, CS was recorded as the underlying cause of death in 33% (495/1 496) of neonatal, 11% (85/770) of postneonatal, and 2·9% (6/210) of children 1 year of age. The main limitations of this study were the use of a secondary database without additional clinical information and the potential misclassification of exposure status.

Conclusions
This study showed an increased mortality risk among children with CS that goes beyond the first year of life. It also reinforces the importance of maternal treatment that infant non-treponemal titers and the presence of signs and symptoms of CS at birth are strongly associated with subsequent mortality.

Trial registration
Observational study.
Immunological characterization of a VIR protein family member (VIR-14) in Plasmodium vivax-infected subjects from different epidemiological regions in Africa and South America
Authors: Fantin Raianna F. , Coelho Camila H. , Berhe Anne D. , Magalhães Luisa M. D. , Pereira Dhélio B. , Salinas Nichole D. , Tolia Niraj H. , Amaratunga Chanaki , Suon Seila , Sagara Issaka , Narum David L. , Fujiwara Ricardo T. , Abejon Claudia , Campos-Neto Antonio , Duffy Patrick E. , Bueno Lilian L. 
Published: April 2023

Plasmodium vivax is a major challenge for malaria control due to its wide geographic distribution, high frequency of submicroscopic infections, and ability to induce relapses due to the latent forms present in the liver (hypnozoites). Deepening our knowledge of parasite biology and its molecular components is key to develop new tools for malaria control and elimination. This study aims to investigate and characterize a P. vivax protein (PvVir14) for its role in parasite biology and its interactions with the immune system. We collected sera or plasma from P.vivax-infected subjects in Brazil (n = 121) and Cambodia (n = 55), and from P. falciparum-infected subjects in Mali (n = 28), to assess antibody recognition of PvVir14. Circulating antibodies against PvVir14 appeared in 61% and 34.5% of subjects from Brazil and Cambodia, respectively, versus none (0%) of the P. falciparum-infected subjects from Mali who have no exposure to P. vivax. IgG1 and IgG3 most frequently contributed to anti-PvVir14 responses. PvVir14 antibody levels correlated with those against other well-characterized sporozoite/liver (PvCSP) and blood stage (PvDBP-RII) antigens, which were recognized by 7.6% and 42% of Brazilians, respectively. Concerning the cellular immune profiling of Brazilian subjects, PvVir14 seroreactive individuals displayed significantly higher levels of circulating atypical (CD21− CD27−) B cells, raising the possibility that atypical B cells may be contribute to the PvVir14 antibody response. When analyzed at a single-cell level, the B cell receptor gene hIGHV3-23 was only seen in subjects with active P.vivax infection where it comprised 20% of V gene usage. Among T cells, CD4+ and CD8+ levels differed (lower and higher, respectively) between subjects with versus without antibodies to PvVir14, while NKT cell levels were higher in those without antibodies. Specific B cell subsets, anti-PvVir14 circulating antibodies, and NKT cell levels declined after treatment of P. vivax. This study provides the immunological characterization of PvVir14, a unique P. vivax protein, and possible association with acute host’s immune responses, providing new information of specific host-parasite interaction.
Trial registration: TrialClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00663546 & ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02334462.
Prioritisation of Informed Health Choices (IHC) key concepts to be included in lower secondary school resources: A consensus study
Authors: Agaba Joseph Jude , Chesire Faith , Mugisha Michael , Nandi Pamela , Njue Jane , Nsangi Allen , Nsengimana Venuste , Oyuga Cyril , Rutiyomba Florian , Semakula Daniel , Ssenyonga Ronald , Uwimana Innocent , Oxman Andrew David 
Published: April 2023

Background
The Informed Health Choices Key Concepts are principles for thinking critically about healthcare claims and deciding what to do. The Key Concepts provide a framework for designing curricula, learning resources, and evaluation tools.

Objectives
To prioritise which of the 49 Key Concepts to include in resources for lower secondary schools in East Africa.

Methods
Twelve judges used an iterative process to reach a consensus. The judges were curriculum specialists, teachers, and researchers from Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda. After familiarising themselves with the concepts, they pilot-tested draft criteria for selecting and ordering the concepts. After agreeing on the criteria, nine judges independently assessed all 49 concepts and reached an initial consensus. We sought feedback on the draft consensus from other stakeholders, including teachers. After considering the feedback, nine judges independently reassessed the prioritised concepts and reached a consensus. The final set of concepts was determined after user-testing prototypes and pilot-testing the resources.

Results
The first panel of judges prioritised 29 concepts. Based on feedback from teachers, students, curriculum specialists, and members of the research team, two concepts were dropped. A second panel of nine judges prioritised 17 of the 27 concepts that emerged from the initial prioritisation and feedback. Based on feedback on prototypes of lessons and pilot-testing a set of 10 lessons, we determined that it was possible to introduce nine concepts in 10 single-period (40-minute) lessons. We included eight of the 17 prioritised concepts and one additional concept.

Conclusion
Using an iterative process with explicit criteria, we prioritised nine concepts as a starting point for students to learn to think critically about healthcare claims and choices.
Far from reality, or somehow accurate? Social beliefs and perceptions about traffic crashes in the Dominican Republic
Authors: Alonso Francisco , Faus Mireia , Useche Sergio A. 
Published: April 2023

Background
Despite the considerable effort made during the last decades, emerging countries are still among the highest road safety concerns because they still account for most of the deaths caused by traffic crashes. Various studies suggest that one of the factors involved in this negative outcome could be road safety. However, this issue remains pending to be addressed in most emerging countries, including the Dominican Republic.

Aim
This study aimed to assess the beliefs and perceptions of Dominicans regarding some key road risky-related issues and to discuss them in the light of objective data.

Methods
For this cross-sectional study, the responses by a full sample of 1,260 Dominicans (50.1% men, 49.9% women) with a mean age of 39.4 years participating in a set of surveys conducted across the country, were used.

Results
Although Dominicans (especially women) seem to attribute high importance to road crashes, there is a low perceived likelihood of getting involved in a traffic crash. As for subjective versus objective data comparisons, perceived crash features and objective crash report data considerably match. However, the numbers largely differ in terms of crash frequency and importance and relevance given to road crashes, and their consequences. Further, perceptions of traffic violations and lack of law enforcement were pertinent predictors of the degree of relevance attributed to traffic crashes.

Conclusions
Overall, the results of this study suggest that, despite a relative awareness of their actual traffic crash features, Dominicans systematically underestimate the causes, frequency, and consequences of these crashes, including yearly fatality rates. These outcomes suggest the need to strengthen road safety awareness and beliefs in further road safety actions and policymaking in the region.
Incidence, demographics and rehabilitation after digital nerve injury: A population-based study of 1004 adult patients in Sweden
Authors: Evertsson Linda , Carlsson Carin , Turesson Christina , Ezer Melih Selcuk , Arner Marianne , Navarro Cecilia Mellstrand 
Published: April 2023

Objective
The main objective of this study was to describe the epidemiology of surgically repaired digital nerve injuries in a Swedish population. Secondary objectives were to describe the demographics of the patient population, injury characteristics, post-operative care and rehabilitation.

Methods
From 2012 to 2018, 1004 patients with a surgically repaired digital nerve injury resident in the Stockholm region were identified in the Swedish national quality registry for hand surgery and all medical records were thoroughly reviewed.

Results
The incidence rate was 8.3 per 100.000 person-years and these injuries were more common in men than women. The median age at the time of injury was 37 years and a sharp cut was the most common mechanism of injury. Injuries were equally distributed over weekdays and the year, but surgery was most often performed on Mondays. There were no differences in treatment and rehabilitation regimens between sexes, except women were more likely than men to be operated within three days from injury. Timing and content of rehabilitation varied largely between individuals. One third of patients did not receive any sensory relearning and sensory assessment was performed in only 7%.

Conclusion
The epidemiology shows no major changes over the last decade. However, we found a large individual variation in follow up visits, rehabilitation content and assessments indicating large differences in consumption of health care resources. Our findings expose the need to further improve and evaluate rehabilitation regimens after digital nerve injury.
The use of culturally adapted and translated depression screening questionnaires with South Asian haemodialysis patients in England
Authors: Sharma Shivani , Norton Sam , Bhui Kamaldeep , Mooney Roisin , Caton Emma , Bansal Tarun , Day Clara , Davenport Andrew , Duncan Neill , Kalra Philip A. , Da Silva-Gane Maria , Randhawa Gurch , Warwick Graham , Wellsted David , Yaqoob Magdi , Farrington Ken 
Published: April 2023

BackgroundDepression is common amongst patients receiving haemodialysis (HD). Assessment and intervention when faced with language and cultural barriers is challenging. To support clinician decisions, we conducted a cross-sectional study to assess the use of culturally adapted and translated versions of commonly-used depression screening questionnaires with South Asian patients receiving HD in England.MethodsPatients completed adapted versions of the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), the Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale Revised (CESD-R), and the Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II). All questionnaires were available in Gujarati, Punjabi, Urdu, and Bengali. A comparative sample of white-Europeans completed the questionnaires in English. The research was based across 9 National Health Service (NHS) Trusts in England. Structural validity of translated questionnaires was assessed using confirmatory factor analysis. Diagnostic accuracy was explored in a subgroup of South Asians against ICD-10 categories using the Clinical Interview Schedule Revised (CIS-R) with receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis.Results229 South Asian and 120 white-European HD patients participated. A single latent depression factor largely accounted for the correlations between items of the PHQ-9, CESD-R and BDI-II. Issues with measurement equivalence implied that scores on the translations may not be comparable with the English language versions. Against CIS-R based ICD-10 diagnosis of depression, sensitivity was modest across scales (50–66.7%). Specificity was higher (81.3–93.8%). Alternative screening cut-offs did not improve positive predictive values.ConclusionsCulturally adapted translations of depression screening questionnaires are useful to explore symptom endorsement amongst South Asian patients. However, data indicate that standard cut-off scores may not be appropriate to classify symptom severity. Use of the CIS-R algorithms for optimal case identification requires further exploration in this setting. Strategies to encourage recruitment of under-represented groups in renal research are also warranted, especially for in-depth discussions related to psychological care needs.
Development of predictive equation and score for 5-year metabolic syndrome incidence in Japanese adults
Authors: Salim Anwar Ahmed , Kawasoe Shin , Kubozono Takuro , Ojima Satoko , Kawabata Takeko , Hashiguchi Hiroshi , Ikeda Yoshiyuki , Miyata Masaaki , Miyahara Hironori , Tokushige Koichi , Nishio Yoshihiko , Ohishi Mitsuru 
Published: April 2023

Background
Predicting metabolic syndrome (MetS) is important for identifying high-risk cardiovascular disease individuals and providing preventive interventions. We aimed to develop and validate an equation and a simple MetS score according to the Japanese MetS criteria.

Methods
In total, 54,198 participants (age, 54.5±10.1 years; men, 46.0%), with baseline and 5-year follow-up data were randomly assigned to ‘Derivation’ and ‘Validation’ cohorts (ratio: 2:1). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed in derivation cohort and scores were assigned to factors corresponding to β-coefficients. We evaluated predictive ability of the scores using area under the curve (AUC), then applied them to validation cohort to assess reproducibility.

Results
The primary model ranged 0–27 points had an AUC of 0.81 (sensitivity: 0.81, specificity: 0.81, cut-off score: 14), and consisted of age, sex, blood pressure (BP), body mass index (BMI), serum lipids, glucose measurements, tobacco smoking, and alcohol consumption. The simplified model (excluding blood tests) ranged 0–17 points with an AUC of 0.78 (sensitivity: 0.83, specificity: 0.77, cut-off score: 15) and included: age, sex, systolic BP, diastolic BP, BMI, tobacco smoking, and alcohol consumption. We classified individuals with a score <15 and ≥15 points as low- and high-risk MetS, respectively. Furthermore, the equation model generated an AUC of 0.85 (sensitivity: 0.86, specificity: 0.55). Analysis of the validation and derivation cohorts yielded similar results.

Conclusion
We developed a primary score, an equation model, and a simple score. The simple score is convenient, well-validated with acceptable discrimination, and could be used for early detection of MetS in high-risk individuals.
Lonnie Holley: Tangled Up in de Kooning’s Fence, Curated by Alison M. Gingeras
Lonnie Holley at the Elaine de Kooning House: Everything That Wasn’t White
Authors: Schwabsky Barry 
Published: April 2023

Review of: Lonnie Holley: Tangled Up in de Kooning’s Fence, Curated by Alison M. Gingeras
South Etna Montauk Foundation, New York, 1 May–1 August 2021

Lonnie Holley at the Elaine de Kooning House: Everything That Wasn’t White

Parrish Art Museum, Water Mill, New York, 24 April–6 September 2021
Optimization-based motion primitive automata for autonomous driving
Authors: Pedrosa Matheus V. A. , Scheffe Patrick , Alrifaee Bassam , Flaßkamp Kathrin 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Trajectory planning for autonomous cars can be addressed by primitive-based methods, which encode nonlinear dynamical system behavior into automata. In this paper, we focus on optimal trajectory planning. Since, typically, multiple criteria have to be taken into account, multiobjective optimization problems have to be solved. For the resulting Pareto-optimal motion primitives, we introduce a universal automaton, which can be reduced or reconfigured according to prioritized criteria during planning. We evaluate a corresponding multi-vehicle planning scenario with both simulations and laboratory experiments.
Trajectory-based traffic observation of cooperation at a road narrowing
Authors: Quante Laura , Gimm Kay , Schießl Caroline 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Understanding human interactions in today’s transportation system is a prerequisite for developing well-accepted cooperatively interacting autonomous vehicles. This paper is devoted to the two-sided narrow passage scenario and uses trajectory data to investigate drivers’ interaction behavior when encountering each other from opposite directions. Trajectory data of 209 encounters at a road narrowing were analyzed in terms of drivers’ approaching behavior and arrival order. The exploratory analysis has shown that in this specific location an informal traffic rule has developed: It was not the order of arrival but the direction of travel that primarily determined who passed the road narrowing first. This result shows that informal rules can influence drivers’ interaction behavior and should accordingly be considered in the development of autonomous vehicles to ensure safe and efficient encounters with human road users.
Lack of comparability of immunoassays for rheumatoid factor isotypes
Authors: Infantino Maria , Palterer Boaz , Pancani Silvia , Benucci Maurizio , Grossi Valentina , Manfredi Mariangela , Bizzaro Nicola 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

Objectives
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease characterised by the presence of autoantibodies that are used for classification of the disease. Though routine diagnostics is commonly restricted to measuring rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-citrullinated protein antibodies, detection of RF IgM, IgG and IgA isotypes, may increase the power of RA serodiagnosis by reducing the number of seronegative patients as well as provide prognostic information. The agglutination-based RF assays, such as nephelometry or turbidimetry, are unable to differentiate isotypes. We compared three different immunoassays used in current laboratory practice to detect RF isotypes.

Methods
We tested 117 consecutive serum samples that were positive for total RF at nephelometry, from 55 RA and 62 non-RA subjects. IgA, IgG, and IgM isotypes of RF were tested by immunoenzymatic (ELISA, Technogenetics), fluoroenzymatic (FEIA, ThermoFisher) and chemiluminescence (CLIA, YHLO Biotech Co.) immunoassays.

Results
Diagnostic performance differed considerably between the assays, especially with regard to RF IgG isotype. Agreement among methods by Cohen’s kappa ranged from 0.05 (RF IgG CLIA vs. FEIA) to 0.846 (RF IgM CLIA vs. FEIA).

Conclusions
The poor agreement observed in this study indicates substantial lack of comparability among assays for RF isotypes. Harmonization of these tests requires further efforts before their measurement can be used in clinical practice.
Origin of block accumulations based on the near-surface geophysics
Authors: Duffek Václav , Tábořík Petr , Stacke Václav , Mentlík Pavel 
Published: April 2023

AbstractUnderstanding the internal structure of specific landforms is a crucial prerequisite for determining their origin and evolution. Near-surface geophysics represents a non-invasive way of subsurface investigation, and it can be used to describe subsurface conditions, especially in protected areas. We tested possible hypotheses of block accumulations origin and evolution by four different geophysical methods (electrical resistivity tomography [ERT], shallow seismic refraction [SSR], ground penetrating radar [GPR], and electromagnetic induction [EMI]) in the Central European Uplands. At the same time, we evaluated the applicability of geophysical methods to determine the internal structure and thickness of block accumulations. Based on the application of two suitable methods (ERT and SSR), we (1) estimated the thicknesses of block accumulations, (2) partially described their internal structure, and (3) presented the most probable hypotheses of block accumulation origin and evolution in two investigated sites.
Enhancement investigation of mass transfer and mixing performance in the static mixers with three twisted leaves
Authors: Yu YanFang , Li Yu , Meng HuiBo , Liu HuanChen , Li Bo , Li DeAo 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
The mass transfer and mixing performance in the static mixers with three twisted leaves (TKSM) were investigated by the computational fluid dynamics coupled population balance model. A high-precision and efficient gas-liquid two phase model were evaluated by considering several drag models based on experimental bubble size distributions. The bubble size prediction matched well with experimental data and the mean relative error of Sauter mean diameter (d
32) between the prediction and experiment values is 4.93 %. The drag correction factor considering hindering effect of small bubbles can improve the accuracy of cumulative probability distribution (CPD) prediction by 10.06 %. Bubble breakup capacity is quantized via gas-liquid interfacial area, and an empirical correlation between Eo and bubble aspect ratio (γ) have been proposed to predict morphological characteristics of bubble swarms. The effect of liquid Re on the mass transfer rate is much more significant than that of gas volume fraction (α
d). The coefficients of variation profiles show that RL-TKSM has better mixing efficiency compared with LL-TKSM and perfect mixing could be achieved after seven mixing elements. The micro mixing efficiency of RL-TKSM is 1.06–1.14 times that of LL-TKSM, which indicates that RL-TKSM has excellent mixing and mass transfer performances.
Automatic quality assessment of terrestrial laser scans
Authors: Hartmann Jan , Heiken Max , Alkhatib Hamza , Neumann Ingo 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
This work addresses the topic of a quality modelling of terrestrial laser scans, including different quality measures such as precision, systematic deviations in distance measurement and completeness. For this purpose, the term “quality” is first defined in more detail in the field of TLS. A distinction is made between a total of seven categories that affect the quality of the TLS point cloud. The focus in this work lies on the uncertainty modeling of the TLS point clouds especially the distance measurement. It is demonstrated that influences such as the intensity and the incidence angle can lead to systematic deviations in the distance measurement of more than 1 mm. Based on these findings, it is presented that systematic deviations in distance measurement can be divided into four classes using machine learning classification approaches. The predicted classes can be useful for deformation analysis or for processing steps like registration. At the end of this work the entire quality assessment process is demonstrated using a real TLS point cloud (40 million points).