bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The genomes of the yaws bacterium, Treponema pallidum subsp. pertenue, of nonhuman primate and human origin are not genomically distinct
Authors: Janečková Klára , Roos Christian , Fedrová Pavla , Tom Nikola , Čejková Darina , Lueert Simone , Keyyu Julius D. , Chuma Idrissa S. , Knauf Sascha , Šmajs David 
Published: September 2023

BackgroundTreponema pallidumsubsp.pertenue(TPE) is the causative agent of human yaws. Yaws is currently reported in 13 endemic countries in Africa, southern Asia, and the Pacific region. During the mid-20th century, a first yaws eradication effort resulted in a global 95% drop in yaws prevalence. The lack of continued surveillance has led to the resurgence of yaws. The disease was believed to have no animal reservoirs, which supported the development of a currently ongoing second yaws eradication campaign. Concomitantly, genetic evidence started to show thatTPEstrains naturally infect nonhuman primates (NHPs) in sub-Saharan Africa. In our current study we tested hypothesis that NHP- and human-infectingTPEstrains differ in the previously unknown parts of the genomes.Methodology/Principal findingsIn this study, we determined complete (finished) genomes of tenTPEisolates that originated from NHPs and compared them toTPEwhole-genome sequences from human yaws patients. We performed an in-depth analysis ofTPEgenomes to determine if any consistent genomic differences are present betweenTPEgenomes of human and NHP origin. We were able to resolve previously undeterminedTPEchromosomal regions (sequencing gaps) that prevented us from making a conclusion regarding the sequence identity ofTPEgenomes from NHPs and humans. The comparison among finished genome sequences revealed no consistent differences between human and NHPTPEgenomes.Conclusion/SignificanceOur data show that NHPs are infected with strains that are not only similar to the strains infecting humans but are genomically indistinguishable from them. Although interspecies transmission in NHPs is a rare event and evidence for current spillover events is missing, the existence of the yaws bacterium in NHPs is demonstrated. While the low risk of spillover supports the current yaws treatment campaign, it is of importance to continue yaws surveillance in areas where NHPs are naturally infected withTPEeven if yaws is successfully eliminated in humans.
Liver injury in hospitalized patients with COVID-19: An International observational cohort study
Authors: Tirupakuzhi Vijayaraghavan Bharath Kumar , Bishnu Saptarshi , Baruch Joaquin , Citarella Barbara Wanjiru , Kartsonaki Christiana , Meeyai Aronrag , Mohamed Zubair , Ohshimo Shinichiro , Lefèvre Benjamin , Al-Fares Abdulrahman , Calvache Jose A. , Taccone Fabio Silvio , Olliaro Piero , Merson Laura , Adhikari Neill K.J. ,   the ISARIC Clinical Characterisation Group
Published: September 2023

Background
Using a large dataset, we evaluated prevalence and severity of alterations in liver enzymes in COVID-19 and association with patient-centred outcomes.

Methods
We included hospitalized patients with confirmed or suspected SARS-CoV-2 infection from the International Severe Acute Respiratory and emerging Infection Consortium (ISARIC) database. Key exposure was baseline liver enzymes (AST, ALT, bilirubin). Patients were assigned Liver Injury Classification score based on 3 components of enzymes at admission: Normal; Stage I) Liver injury: any component between 1-3x upper limit of normal (ULN); Stage II) Severe liver injury: any component ≥3x ULN. Outcomes were hospital mortality, utilization of selected resources, complications, and durations of hospital and ICU stay. Analyses used logistic regression with associations expressed as adjusted odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results
Of 17,531 included patients, 46.2% (8099) and 8.2% (1430) of patients had stage 1 and 2 liver injury respectively. Compared to normal, stages 1 and 2 were associated with higher odds of mortality (OR 1.53 [1.37–1.71]; OR 2.50 [2.10–2.96]), ICU admission (OR 1.63 [1.48–1.79]; OR 1.90 [1.62–2.23]), and invasive mechanical ventilation (OR 1.43 [1.27–1.70]; OR 1.95 (1.55–2.45). Stages 1 and 2 were also associated with higher odds of developing sepsis (OR 1.38 [1.27–1.50]; OR 1.46 [1.25–1.70]), acute kidney injury (OR 1.13 [1.00–1.27]; OR 1.59 [1.32–1.91]), and acute respiratory distress syndrome (OR 1.38 [1.22–1.55]; OR 1.80 [1.49–2.17]).

Conclusions
Liver enzyme abnormalities are common among COVID-19 patients and associated with worse outcomes.
Burden, risk factors and outcomes associated with adequately treated hypothyroidism in a population-based cohort of pregnant women from North India
Authors: Dhabhai Neeta , Chowdhury Ranadip , Virmani Anju , Chaudhary Ritu , Taneja Sunita , Mittal Pratima , Dewan Rupali , Dang Arjun , Kaur Jasmine , Bhandari Nita 
Published: September 2023

Hypothyroidism is the commonest endocrine disorder of pregnancy, with known adverse feto-maternal outcomes. There is limited data on population-based prevalence, risk factors and outcomes associated with treatment of hypothyroidism in early pregnancy. We conducted analysis on data from an urban and peri-urban low to mid socioeconomic population-based cohort of pregnant women in North Delhi, India to ascertain the burden, risk factors and impact of treatment, on adverse pregnancy outcomes- low birth weight, prematurity, small for gestational age and stillbirth. This is an observational study embedded within the intervention group of the Women and Infants Integrated Interventions for Growth Study, an individually randomized factorial design trial. Thyroid stimulating hormone was tested in 2317 women in early (9–13 weeks) pregnancy, and thyroxin replacement started hypothyroid (TSH ≥2.5mIU/mL). Univariable and multivariable generalized linear model with binomial family and log link were performed to ascertain risk factors associated with hypothyroidism and association between hypothyroidism and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Of 2317 women, 29.2% (95% CI: 27.4 to 31.1) had hypothyroidism and were started on thyroxin replacement with close monitoring. Overweight or obesity was associated with increased risk (adjusted RR 1.29, 95% CI 1.10 to 1.51), while higher hemoglobin concentration was associated with decreased risk (adjusted RR 0.93, 95% CI 0.88 to 0.98 for each g/dL) for hypothyroidism. Hypothyroid women received appropriate treatment with no increase in adverse pregnancy outcomes. Almost a third of women from low to mid socio-economic population had hypothyroidism in early pregnancy, more so if anemic and overweight or obese. With early screening and adequate replacement, adverse pregnancy outcomes may be avoided. These findings highlight the need in early pregnancy for universal TSH screening and adequate treatment of hypothyroidism; as well as for attempts to reduce pre and peri-conception overweight, obesity and anemia.
Clinical trial registration: Clinical trial registration of Women and Infants Integrated Interventions for Growth Study Clinical Trial Registry–India, #CTRI/2017/06/008908; Registered on: 23/06/2017, (http://ctri.nic.in/Clinicaltrials/pmaindet2.php?trialid=19339&EncHid=&userName=society%20for%20applied%20studies).
Outcome of 1939 traumatic brain injury patients from road traffic accidents: Findings from specialist medical reports in a low to middle income country (LMIC)
Authors: Teh Justina , Mazlan Mazlina , Danaee Mahmoud , Waran Ria Johanna , Waran Vicknes 
Published: September 2023

ObjectiveRoad traffic accident (RTA) is the major cause of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in developing countries and affects mostly young adult population. This research aimed to describe the factors predicting functional outcome after TBI caused by RTA in a Malaysian setting.MethodsThis was a retrospective cross-sectional study conducted on specialist medical reports written from 2009 to 2019, involving patients who survived after TBI from RTA. The functional outcome was assessed using the Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended (GOSE). Factors associated with good outcome were analysed via logistic regression analysis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to derive the best fitting Prediction Model and split-sample cross-validation was performed to develop a prediction model.ResultsA total of 1939 reports were evaluated. The mean age of the study participants was 32.4 ± 13.7 years. Most patients were male, less than 40, and with average post RTA of two years. Good outcome (GOSE score 7 & 8) was reported in 30.3% of the patients. Factors significantly affecting functional outcome include age, gender, ethnicity, marital status, education level, severity of brain injury, neurosurgical intervention, ICU admission, presence of inpatient complications, cognitive impairment, post-traumatic headache, post traumatic seizures, presence of significant behavioural issue; and residence post discharge (p<0.05). After adjusting for confounding factors, prediction model identified age less than 40, mild TBI, absence of post traumatic seizure, absence of behaviour issue, absence of cognitive impairment and independent living post TBI as significant predictors of good functional outcome post trauma. Discrimination of the model was acceptable (C-statistic, 0.67; p<0.001, 95% CI: 0.62–0.73).ConclusionGood functional outcome following TBI due to RTA in this study population is comparable to other low to middle income countries but lower than high income countries. Factors influencing outcome such as seizure, cognitive and behavioural issues, and independent living post injury should be addressed early to achieve favourable long-term outcomes.
Associations between tobacco and cannabis use and anxiety and depression among adults in the United States: Findings from the COVID-19 citizen science study
Authors: Nguyen Nhung , Peyser Noah D. , Olgin Jeffrey E. , Pletcher Mark J. , Beatty Alexis L. , Modrow Madelaine F. , Carton Thomas W. , Khatib Rasha , Djibo Djeneba Audrey , Ling Pamela M. , Marcus Gregory M. 
Published: September 2023

Background
Little is known about whether people who use both tobacco and cannabis (co-use) are more or less likely to have mental health disorders than single substance users or non-users. We aimed to examine associations between use of tobacco and/or cannabis with anxiety and depression.

Methods
We analyzed data from the COVID-19 Citizen Science Study, a digital cohort study, collected via online surveys during 2020–2022 from a convenience sample of 53,843 US adults (≥ 18 years old) nationwide. Past 30-day use of tobacco and cannabis was self-reported at baseline and categorized into four exclusive patterns: tobacco-only use, cannabis-only use, co-use of both substances, and non-use. Anxiety and depression were repeatedly measured in monthly surveys. To account for multiple assessments of mental health outcomes within a participant, we used Generalized Estimating Equations to examine associations between the patterns of tobacco and cannabis use with each outcome.

Results
In the total sample (mean age 51.0 years old, 67.9% female), 4.9% reported tobacco-only use, 6.9% cannabis-only use, 1.6% co-use, and 86.6% non-use. Proportions of reporting anxiety and depression were highest for the co-use group (26.5% and 28.3%, respectively) and lowest for the non-use group (10.6% and 11.2%, respectively). Compared to non-use, the adjusted odds of mental health disorders were highest for co-use (Anxiety: OR = 1.89, 95%CI = 1.64–2.18; Depression: OR = 1.77, 95%CI = 1.46–2.16), followed by cannabis-only use, and tobacco-only use. Compared to tobacco-only use, co-use (OR = 1.35, 95%CI = 1.08–1.69) and cannabis-only use (OR = 1.17, 95%CI = 1.00–1.37) were associated with higher adjusted odds for anxiety, but not for depression. Daily use (vs. non-daily use) of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and cannabis were associated with higher adjusted odds for anxiety and depression.

Conclusions
Use of tobacco and/or cannabis, particularly co-use of both substances, were associated with poor mental health. Integrating mental health support with tobacco and cannabis cessation may address this co-morbidity.
When women’s empowerment meets health communication: a critical discourse analysis of the WeChat official account “Health China”
Authors: Zhao Xin , Mao Yansheng 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Prior studies have widely investigated women’s empowerment in Chinese social media, but women’s empowerment in new media-based health communication has gained insufficient attention. With an aim to empower female health in a new media-based context of China, this study employs a critical discourse analytic approach to study female empowerment in health communication by focusing on 48 articles in Health China. The results of text analysis demonstrate Health China releases an array of themes, including “female genital organs”, “pregnancy”, “women’s mental health”, “cosmetology”, and “general disease”. The findings also indicate that power, intertextuality, and coherence are employed as discursive practices embedded in Chinese women’s empowerment. The study also sketches out the social-cultural factors, like benevolent sexism, the plummet national birth rate, and the traditional Chinese cultural values, as the primary facilitators of Chinese women’s empowerment in health communication. This study contributes to better empowering health discursive strategies for female-related health communication in China and beyond.
Development and multi-center validation of a fully automated digital immunoassay for neurofilament light chain: toward a clinical blood test for neuronal injury
Authors: Wilson David , Chan Dandan , Chang Lei , Mathis Robert , Verberk Inge , Montalban Xavier , Comabella Manuel , Fissolo Nicolas , Bielekova Bibi , Masvekar Ruturaj , Chitnis Tanuja , Ziemssen Tjalf , Akgün Katja , Blennow Kaj , Zetterberg Henrik , Brück Wolfgang , Giovannoni Gavin , Gnanapavan Sharmilee , Bittner Stefan , Zipp Frauke , Comi Giancarlo , Furlan Roberto , Lehmann Sylvain , Thebault Simon , Freedman Mark , Bar-Or Amit , Kramer Marty , Otto Markus , Halbgebauer Steffen , Hrusovsky Kevin , Plavina Tatiana , Khalil Michael , Piehl Fredrik , Wiendl Heinz , Kappos Ludwig , Maceski Aleksandra , Willemse Eline , Leppert David , Teunissen Charlotte , Kuhle Jens 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Objectives
Neurofilament light chain (NfL) has emerged as a promising biomarker for detecting and monitoring axonal injury. Until recently, NfL could only be reliably measured in cerebrospinal fluid, but digital single molecule array (Simoa) technology has enabled its precise measurement in blood samples where it is typically 50–100 times less abundant. We report development and multi-center validation of a novel fully automated digital immunoassay for NfL in serum for informing axonal injury status.

Methods
A 45-min immunoassay for serum NfL was developed for use on an automated digital analyzer based on Simoa technology. The analytical performance (sensitivity, precision, reproducibility, linearity, sample type) was characterized and then cross validated across 17 laboratories in 10 countries. Analytical performance for clinical NfL measurement was examined in individual patients with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) after 3 months of disease modifying treatment (DMT) with fingolimod.

Results
The assay exhibited a lower limit of detection (LLoD) of 0.05 ng/L, a lower limit of quantification (LLoQ) of 0.8 ng/L, and between-laboratory imprecision <10 % across 17 validation sites. All tested samples had measurable NfL concentrations well above the LLoQ. In matched pre–post treatment samples, decreases in NfL were observed in 26/29 RRMS patients three months after DMT start, with significant decreases detected in a majority of patients.

Conclusions
The sensitivity characteristics and reproducible performance across laboratories combined with full automation make this assay suitable for clinical use for NfL assessment, monitoring in individual patients, and cross-comparisons of results across multiple sites.
A novel mechatronic absorber of vibration energy in the chimney
Authors: Salman Waleed , Kwad Ayad M. , Abdulwasea Al-othmani , Abdulghafour Ahmed S. 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
The importance of diversified energy production lies in addressing the fuel shortage resulting from high prices, high temperatures, and environmental pollution associated with its production and consumption. Vibrational energy plays a crucial role in generating electrical power. This paper introduces a new concept based on utilizing the vibration forces of chimneys caused by wind and earthquakes. A mechatronic energy-absorbing system was designed, analyzed, and the output power was calculated using SolidWorks and Matlab programs. The design of the Regenerative Damping Chimney (RDC) primarily focuses on converting vibrations into rotational movement of the chimney, which is generated by wind forces. This is achieved by using a metal rope and pulleys to transmit motion to a set of gears. The opposite direction rotation is facilitated by bevel gears and clutches, and a planetary gearbox is employed to increase the rotation of the DC 24 V 400 W generator. The use of a high-watt generator aims to enhance energy production and the damping factor, ensuring the stability of the chimney during storms and vortex winds. The results show the efficiency of 35 % may reach 45 % watts under test to verify that the proposed system is effective and suitable for chimneys and renewable energy applications in factories and companies.
Mach–Zehnder interferometer–based optical Gold sequence generator
Authors: Kumar Rajiv 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Optical wireless technology has a great potential in realizing high speed secure communication. In this paper, Gold sequence generator is proposed and investigated. The sequence is generated by modulo-2 addition of maximum length sequences. Furthermore, cross talk and extinction ratio at varying switching voltage is analyzed. The outcome successfully demonstrates the feasibility of optical Gold sequence using Mach–Zehnder interferometer as a compact solution.
Study on the performance of injection-locked single-loop optoelectronic oscillators in presence of additive white Gaussian noise
Authors: Banerjee Abhijit , Silva Gabrieli Tavares , Pacheco Gefeson Mendes 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
This paper presents a detailed study on the synchronization characteristics of a single-loop optoelectronic oscillator (OEO) under the influence of radiofrequency (RF) signal, which is contaminated with additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN). The influence of the AWGN on the performance of the injection-locked optoelectronic oscillator (IL-OEO) is investigated in terms of the probability of losing lock, average beat frequency, and frequency of skipping cycles. Fokker–Planck technique is utilized to derive the expression for the probability density function (PDF) of the phase difference between the injection RF signal and the OEO output signal. The probability of losing lock on the two sides of the IL-OEO oscillation frequency and the frequency of skipping cycles are calculated in terms of the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). An expression for the phase noise spectrum of the IL-OEO is also presented. The analytical model predicts the phase noise of the IL-OEO at very low offset frequencies with the accuracy rate of 75 %, in the presence of AWGN. Experimental verifications are carried out to prove the validity of the proposed analytical model.
What are the Effects of ICT on Intra-Industry Productivity in Sub-Saharan Africa?
Authors: Nzepang Fabrice , Nguenda Anya Saturnin Bertrand 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
The objective of this work is to assess the effects of ICT on intra-industry productivity in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Indeed, perceived through the new school of Knowledge Economy (KE), ICTs present today more opportunities and development prospects for SSA countries. As knowledge, ICTs are now an unlimited resource that SSA countries can draw on to boost productivity in each industry or sector (intra-industry productivity). This paper uses data from the World Bank’s Interprise Surveys from 2004 to 2019 and covers 28 SSA countries. We first estimate the intra-industry productivity in SSA using the Fabricant’s decomposition method, and then we investigate the effects of ICT on it using a generalized least squares regression. The main results show that the level of internet use and the level of telephony use positively and significantly affect intra-industry or basic productivity in SSA. However, the effects of telephony are more significant and larger than those of the internet. Furthermore, sensitivity analyses reveal that the effects of ICT differ according to the industries and export status of firms and the official language of countries. This study recommends that sub-Saharan economies reduce the cost of access to the internet in order to increase its proportion and network of users. It also calls for a better business climate and sufficient energy production.
Characterization of the Rate-Dependent Behavior of a High-Plasticity Stiff Sedimentary Clay
Authors: K. Sorensen Kenny , Nielsen Victor K. H. , R. Mikkelsen Astrid , Stutz Hans H. 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
This study investigates the influence of structure and stress history on the strain-rate-dependent (viscous) stress–strain behavior of a very-high-plasticity stiff sedimentary clay. Oedometer, ring shear, and triaxial compression tests with step changes in strain rate have been conducted on specimens of Søvind Marl with the aim to characterize and quantify the rate-dependent behavior of the clay in both compression and shearing pre-peak, post-peak, and at residual state. Moreover, from a comparison of intact specimens and normally consolidated and overconsolidated reconstituted specimens, the influence of diagenesis and mechanical overconsolidation on the rate-dependent behavior is assessed and discussed in the light of findings from similar studies on other high-plasticity clays.
Experimental and Modeling Study on Austenitizing Process of GCr15 Steel
Authors: Wang Hui , Su Fuyong , Wen Zhi 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
The austenitizing process of pearlite during homogenization heat treatment of GCr15 bearing steel was studied using dilatometry. A detailed study was conducted on the relationship between the volume fraction of ferrite, cementite, austenite, and residual cementite during the phase transformation process and the changes in heating temperature and heating rate. An austenizing model for the transformation of pearlite to austenite during homogenization heat treatment was proposed. The interfacial concentration, phase equilibrium, free energy of transformation, and eutectoid temperature between austenite and pearlite were calculated by Thermo-Calc software. The experimental phenomenon of the transition from pearlite to austenite during homogenizing heat treatment was theoretically explained.