bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diphtheria in Pakistan post-COVID-19, a potential public health threat: an update
Authors: Saeed Mahnoor , Shahid Muhammad Bilal , Naeem Aroma , Tabassum Shehroze , Dave Tirth 
Published: May 2023

AbstractDiphtheria, a vaccine-preventable disease, remains a concern in Pakistan as cases have risen post-COVID-19 pandemic causing more than 45 deaths in Pakistan in the year 2022. The respiratory variant of the disease is more common and can lead to serious complications, such as myocarditis and respiratory insufficiency. Diphtheria has caused havoc in the past killing millions of people worldwide before the development of its vaccine. Although the diphtheria toxoid vaccine is effective against toxigenic strains, there have been cases of treatment-resistant strains, particularly the non-toxigenic strains of C. diphtheriae. Pakistan's economic and health systems have suffered setbacks, which have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic has disrupted routine vaccination programs, and recent floods have contributed to an increase in diphtheria cases and rendered millions homeless. Poor immunization services, inadequate training of vaccination teams, and wealth inequality have all contributed to unequal vaccination coverage in Pakistan. The rising cases of diphtheria call for prompt action, including booster shots, updating vaccination records and administering immediate doses of the toxoid to close contacts.
Effect of Waiting Time for Radioactive Iodine Therapy on Outcome in N1 Stage Papillary Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Sun Yungang , Sun Qiaoling , Tian Jinyu , He Xiaochuan 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Context
The waiting time for radioactive iodine therapy (WRAIT) after total thyroidectomy (TT) in patients with papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) and lymph node metastases (N1) has not been sufficiently investigated for risk of adverse outcomes.

Objective
This work aimed to estimate the effect of WRAIT on the outcomes of disease persistence and recurrence among patients with N1 PTC and investigate factors predictive of delayed radioactive iodine therapy (RAIT).

Methods
This retrospective cohort study was conducted in a university hospital. A total of 909 patients with N1 PTC were referred for RAIT between 2014 and 2018. WRAIT is the duration between TT and initial RAIT. The optimal WRAIT threshold determined using recursive partitioning analysis was used to define early and delayed RAIT. The primary end point was tumor persistence/recurrence. We compared the outcomes of patients with early and delayed RAIT using inverse probability weighting based on the propensity score.

Results
The WRAIT threshold that optimally differentiated worse long-term remission/excellent response outcomes was greater than 88 days (51% of our cohort; n = 464). WRAIT exceeding 88 days was associated with an augmented risk of disease persistence/recurrence (odds ratio, 2.47; 95% CI, 1.60-3.82) after adjustment. Predictors of delayed RAIT included residence in lower-income areas, reoperation before the initial RAIT, TT at a nonuniversity-affiliated hospital, multifocality, extrathyroidal extension, N1b disease, and pre–RAIT-stimulated thyroglobulin level less than 1 ng/mL.

Conclusion
Delayed RAIT beyond 88 days after TT in patients with N1 PTC independently increased the risk of disease persistence/recurrence. Evaluation of the predictive determinants of prolonged WRAIT may help target at-risk patients and facilitate interventions.
Demography's Changing Intellectual Landscape: A Bibliometric Analysis of the Leading Anglophone Journals, 1950–2020
Authors: Merli M. Giovanna , Moody James , Verdery Ashton , Yacoub Mark 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Much of what we know about the intellectual landscape of anglophone demography comes from two sources: subjective narratives authored by leaders in the field, whose reviews and observations are derived from their research experience and field-specific knowledge; and professional histories covering the field's foundational controversies, which tend to focus on individuals, institutions, and influence. Here we use bibliographic information from all articles published in the three leading journals of anglophone demography—Demography, Population Studies, and Population and Development Review—to survey the changing contours of anglophone demography's key research areas over the past 70 years. We characterize the field of demography by applying a two-pronged, data-grounded approach from the sociology of science. The first uses natural language processing that lets the substance of the field emerge from the contents of publication records and applies social network analyses to identify groups of papers that talk about the same thing. The second uses bibliometric tools to capture the “conversations” of demography with other disciplines. Our goals are to (1) identify the primary topics of demography since the discipline first gained prominence as an organized field; (2) assess changes in the field's intellectual cohesion and the topical areas that have grown or shrunk; and (3) examine how demographers place their work in relationship to other disciplines, the visibility and influence of demographic research in the broader scientific literature, and the cross-disciplinary translational reach of demographic research. Results provide a dynamic view of the field's scientific development in the second half of the twentieth century and the first two decades of the twenty-first century.
Adaptive echolocation behavior of bats and toothed whales in dynamic soundscapes
Authors: Moss Cynthia F. , Ortiz Sara Torres , Wahlberg Magnus 
Published: May 2023

ABSTRACTJournal of Experimental Biology has a long history of reporting research discoveries on animal echolocation, the subject of this Centenary Review. Echolocating animals emit intense sound pulses and process echoes to localize objects in dynamic soundscapes. More than 1100 species of bats and 70 species of toothed whales rely on echolocation to operate in aerial and aquatic environments, respectively. The need to mitigate acoustic clutter and ambient noise is common to both aerial and aquatic echolocating animals, resulting in convergence of many echolocation features, such as directional sound emission and hearing, and decreased pulse intervals and sound intensity during target approach. The physics of sound transmission in air and underwater constrains the production, detection and localization of sonar signals, resulting in differences in response times to initiate prey interception by aerial and aquatic echolocating animals. Anti-predator behavioral responses of prey pursued by echolocating animals affect behavioral foraging strategies in air and underwater. For example, many insect prey can detect and react to bat echolocation sounds, whereas most fish and squid are unresponsive to toothed whale signals, but can instead sense water movements generated by an approaching predator. These differences have implications for how bats and toothed whales hunt using echolocation. Here, we consider the behaviors used by echolocating mammals to (1) track and intercept moving prey equipped with predator detectors, (2) interrogate dynamic sonar scenes and (3) exploit visual and passive acoustic stimuli. Similarities and differences in animal sonar behaviors underwater and in air point to open research questions that are ripe for exploration.
Edge computing for Vehicle to Everything: a short review
Authors: Abdullah Mohd. Fikri Azli , Yogarayan Sumendra , Abdul Razak Siti Fatimah , Azman Afizan , Muhamad Amin Anang Hudaya , Salleh Mazrah 
Published: May 2023

Vehicle to Everything (V2X) communications and services have sparked considerable interest as a potential component of future Intelligent Transportation Systems. V2X serves to organise communication and interaction between vehicle to vehicle (V2V), vehicle to infrastructure (V2I), vehicle to pedestrians (V2P), and vehicle to networks (V2N). However, having multiple communication channels can generate a vast amount of data for processing and distribution. In addition, V2X services may be subject to performance requirements relating to dynamic handover and low latency communication channels. Good throughput, lower delay, and reliable packet delivery are the core requirements for V2X services. Edge Computing (EC) may be a feasible option to address the challenge of dynamic handover and low latency to allow V2X information to be transmitted across vehicles. Currently, existing comparative studies do not cover the applicability of EC for V2X. This review explores EC approaches to determine the relevance for V2X communication and services. EC allows devices to carry out part or all of the data processing at the point where data is collected. The emphasis of this review is on several methods identified in the literature for implementing effective EC. We describe each method individually and compare them according to their applicability. The findings of this work indicate that most methods can simulate the EC positioning under predefined scenarios. These include the use of Mobile Edge Computing, Cloudlet, and Fog Computing. However, since most studies are carried out using simulation tools, there is a potential limitation in that crucial data in the search for EC positioning may be overlooked and ignored for bandwidth reduction. The EC approaches considered in this work are limited to the literature on the successful implementation of V2X communication and services. The outcome of this work could considerably help other researchers better characterise EC applicability for V2X communications and services.
Local and long-distance migration among young people in rural Malawi: importance of age, sex and family
Authors: McLean Estelle , Dube Albert , Kalobekamo Fredrick , Slaymaker Emma , Crampin Amelia C , Sear Rebecca 
Published: May 2023

Background: In sub-Saharan Africa, migration of young people is common and occurs for a variety of reasons. Research focus is often on international or long-distance internal migration; however, shorter moves also affect people’s lives and can reveal important information about cultures and societies. In rural sub-Saharan Africa, migration may be influenced by cultural norms and family considerations: these may be changing due to demographic shifts, urbanisation, and increased media access. Methods: We used longitudinal data from a Health and Demographic Surveillance Site in rural northern Malawi to present a detailed description of short and long distance, independent and accompanied, migration in young people between 2004-2017. We further explore the family and household factors which are associated with these moves using multi-level multinomial logistic regression modelling. Results & conclusions: We found two key periods of mobility 1) in very young childhood and 2) in adolescence/young adulthood. In this traditionally patrilocal area, we found that young women move longer distances, to live with their spouse. Despite the local patrilineal customs, we found evidence of the importance of the maternal family, and that female and male children may be treated differently from as young as age 4, with girls more likely to migrate long distances independently, and more likely to accompany their mothers in other moves. Young people living close to relatives tend to have lower chances of moving, and those from more advantaged families are more likely to move.
FEATURES OF THE RESOLUTION OF ESPORTS DISPUTES IN ARBITRATION PROCEEDINGS
Authors: Guliyev Gasan Ismail ogly 
Published: May 2023

The lack of a mechanism for consideration and resolution of esports disputes, as well as the imperfection of legal regulation of esports legal relations, cause the legal defenselessness of esports players.
Objective: to study problematic issues in the consideration of disputes related to the violation of the rights and legitimate interests of an esports athlete, to propose recommendations aimed at the need to define the concept of esports and the place of an esports athlete in the system of sports legislation, as well as to search for optimal solutions to improve the procedure for resolving esports disputes.
Methodological basis: general scientific and private scientific methods were used to achieve the purpose of the article. The general scientific method was used to analyze the current regulatory regulation of the Russian Federation in comparison with the legislation of Germany and USA. The private scientific method allowed to formulate the concept of an esports athlete, to establish the need for a definition of esports. Methods of analysis and synthesis and generalization of judicial practice were also used.
Results: the author’s position on the consolidation of the concept of esports and esports athlete, the recognition of technological doping as a type of doping, the involvement of esports athletes in rule-making activities and the need to improve the qualifications of arbitrators in the field of esports, as well as the importance of creating a centralized institution that considers esports disputes, is argued.
Conclusions: Today’s regulatory regulation of civil procedural legislation has caused a great need for lawmakers to take steps aimed at legislating cybersportsmen as subjects of cybersport disputes, as well as planned measures to establish a single body that resolves cybersport disputes.
BIBLICAL DESCRIPTION OF THE JUDGMENT OVER JESUS IN THE CONTEXT OF POLITICAL AND MANAGEMENT RELEVANCE
Authors: Kovalev Andrey A. , Katanandov Sergey L. 
Published: May 2023

Despite the insufficient development of biblical archeology, on the basis of which it would be possible to build objective factual knowledge, the topic of the trial of Jesus, described in the Bible, is of great importance, including for the political life of the modern world. The study of Jesus’ sermons, his trial and execution is no longer the subject of research only in theology and ethics. This study attempts to explore the significance of the trial and execution of Jesus for modern government. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the significance of the teachings of Jesus and the consequences that followed (trial and execution), described in the Bible, for modern public administration. The following scientific methods were used in the work: analysis, description, comparison. The novelty of the study lies in the fact that the author makes a transition to a new paradigm, studying the problem of the consequences of the trial of Jesus for the development of the public administration system, without relying on the previous paradigm of “search for the historical Jesus”, which was based on proven historical facts.
As a result of the study, it was concluded that the crucifixion of Jesus became possible due to the imperfection and viciousness of the government system of that time, and its main vice - the unwillingness of officials to bear personal responsibility for their decisions - was strongly condemned and rejected by Jesus. At the same time, the modern system of public administration is turned into the same vices that the sacrifice of Jesus and its political and administrative consequences, which are still relevant to this day, can help it get rid of.
Physical inactivity among corporate bank workers in Accra, Ghana: Implications for health promotion
Authors: Nketiah George Bediako , Odoi-Agyarko Kwasi , Ndanu Tom Akuetteh , Hayford Frank Ekow Atta , Amoh Gordon , Lawson Henry 
Published: May 2023

IntroductionAny type of activity that results in caloric expenditure has the potential to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases; nonetheless, most people, especially office workers, are physically inactive. This study sought to evaluate the extent of physical inactivity and its determinants among the staff of selected banks in Accra, Ghana.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study involving 219 banking staff randomly selected from five commercial banking institutions in Accra, Ghana. Demographic data was collected with a structured questionnaire. Physical inactivity was assessed using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. Study associations were determined using univariate analysis, and multivariate logistic regression models with adjusted odds ratio (AOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) estimated.ResultsTwo hundred and nineteen (219) participants were recruited, out of which 56.6% were males and 43.4% were females. The mean age (± SD) of the participants was 40.0±7.9 years. Physical inactivity was observed in 179 (81.7%) participants. The following were independently associated with physical inactivity: travel-related activities (AOR, 0.151; 95% CI, 0.059–0.384; p<0.001); working in the bank for 6–10 years (AOR, 4.617; 95% CI, 1.590–13.405; p = 0.005); and working in the bank for 11 years and above (AOR, 2.816; 95% CI, 1.076–7.368; p = 0.035).ConclusionPhysical inactivity was very high among bankers. Travel-related activities reduced physical inactivity whiles working at the bank for more than six years increased physical inactivity. Thus, promoting regular physical activity, frequent monitoring, and implementation of other appropriate healthy lifestyle intervention strategies are vital to reduce risk of early onset disease conditions associated with physical inactivity in this population.
Possible role of caffeine in nicotine use onset among early adolescents: Evidence from the Young Mountaineer Health Study Cohort
Authors: Kristjansson Alfgeir L. , Kogan Steven M. , Mann Michael J. , Smith Megan L. , Lilly Christa L. , James Jack E. 
Published: May 2023

Background
Preventing nicotine use onset among children and youth is an important public health goal. One possible contributor that has received little empirical investigation is caffeine use. The goal of this study was to examine the possible contribution of caffeine to nicotine onset during early adolescence.

Methods
We used data from the Young Mountaineer Health Study Cohort. Survey data were collected from 1,349 (response rate: 80.7%) 6th grade students (mean age at baseline 11.5 years) in 20 middle schools in West Virginia during the fall of 2020 and spring of 2021. We limited our analyses to students reporting never having used any form of nicotine at baseline. Logistic regression was employed in analyses.

Results
Approximately 8% of participants reported having used nicotine at least once between baseline and the follow-up, and 4.7% reported solely using electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) and no other forms of nicotine. In multivariable analyses, we controlled for many environmental, social, and behavioral variables known to influence nicotine use such as alcohol use, peer substance use, and perceived access to nicotine. We formulated our main independent variable, caffeine consumption, as continuous deciles. Any nicotine use, as well as ENDS use only at follow-up, were modeled as dependent variables. Caffeine was significantly associated with nicotine use in both models with ORs of 1.15 (1.04–1.27) and 1.13 (1.00–1.28).

Conclusions
Caffeine consumption among 6th grade non-nicotine users was associated with nicotine use at approximately 6-months follow-up.
Fructose‐induced salt‐sensitive blood pressure differentially affects sympathetically mediated aortic stiffness in male and female Sprague‐Dawley rats
Authors: Komnenov Dragana , Rossi Noreen F. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractHypertension is the leading risk factor for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Aortic stiffness and sympathoexcitation are robust predictors of MACE. Combined high fructose and sodium intake increases arterial pressure, aortic stiffness, renin, and sympathetic nerve activity in male rats. We hypothesized that activation of the renin angiotensin system (RAS) and/or the sympathetic system mediates aortic stiffness in rats with fructose‐induced salt‐sensitive blood pressure. Male and female Sprague‐Dawley rats ingested 20% fructose or 20% glucose in drinking water with 0.4% NaCl chow for 1 week. Then, fructose‐fed rats were switched to 4% NaCl chow (Fru + HS); glucose‐fed rats remained on 0.4% NaCl chow (Glu + NS, controls for caloric intake). After 2 weeks, mean arterial pressure (MAP) and aortic pulsed wave velocity (PWV) were evaluated at baseline or after acute intravenous vehicle, clonidine, enalapril, losartan, or hydrochlorothiazide. Baseline global longitudinal strain (GLS) was also assessed. MAP and PWV were greater in male Fru + HS versus Glu + NS male rats (p < 0.05 andp < 0.001, respectively). PWV was similar between the female groups. Despite similarly reduced MAP after clonidine, PWV decreased in Fru + HS versus Glu + NS male rats (p < 0.01). Clonidine induced similar decreases in MAP and PWV in females on either diet. GLS was lower in Fru + HS versus Glu + NS male rats and either of the female groups. Thus, acute sympathoinhibition improved aortic compliance in male rats with fructose salt‐sensitive blood pressure. Female rats retained aortic compliance regardless of diet. Acute RAS inhibition exerted no significant effects. Male rats on fructose high salt diet displayed an early deficit in myocardial function. Taken together, these findings suggest that adult female rats are protected from the impact of fructose and high salt diet on blood pressure, aortic stiffness, and early left ventricular dysfunction compared with male rats.
Soldaten vor der Tür – die jüdische Gemeinde in Fürth im Spannungsverhältnis zwischen Militär und Obrigkeit
Authors: Strobel Franziska 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Quartering soldiers in private houses was still very prone to conflict in the 18th century. In the following article, I focus on this practice using the example of quartering during the Seven Years’ War in the households of the inhabitants of Fürth, a market town near Nuremberg. Particular attention is primarily on the reaction and the opportunities for maneuver of the Jewish community and their efforts to free themselves from the quarterings between them and the Christian community and the Jewish community, respectively, as well as the divided local authorities. This conflict shows the way in which the religious and authoritarian boundaries functioned, and the extent they gave the individual actors room for action or limited it. A praxeological, actor-centered approach is employed to generate new insights into the conditions and manifestations of Jewish life.
Coptisine mitigates diabetic nephropathy via repressing the NRLP3 inflammasome
Authors: Zhai Jiajia , Li Zeping , Zhang Huifeng , Lu Zuowei , Zhang Yi , Li Mo , Kang Jian , Yang Zelong , Ma Louyan , Ma Li , Ma Zhengquan , Ma Xiaorui , Zhao Fanghong , Ma Xiaoqing , Gao Yuan , Zhang Yuanyuan , Li Xiaomiao 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Diabetic nephropathy is a microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus, threatening the health of millions of people. Herein, we explored a blood glucose independent function of coptisine on diabetic nephropathy. A diabetic rat model was established by intraperitoneal administration of streptozotocin (65 mg/kg). Coptisine treatment (50 mg/kg/day) retarded body weight loss and reduced blood glucose. On the other hand, coptisine treatment also decreased kidney weight and the levels of urinary albumin, serum creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen, indicating an improvement of renal function. Treatment with coptisine also mitigated renal fibrosis, with alleviative collagen deposition. Likewise, in vitro study showed that coptisine treatment decreased apoptosis and fibrosis markers in HK-2 cells treated with high glucose. Furthermore, after coptisine treatment, the activation of NOD-like receptor pyrin domain containing protein 3 (NRLP3) inflammasome was repressed, with decreased levels of NLRP3, cleaved caspase-1, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-18, indicating that the repression of NRLP3 inflammasome contributed to the effect of coptisine on diabetic nephropathy. In conclusion, this study revealed that coptisine mitigates diabetic nephropathy via repressing the NRLP3 inflammasome. It is indicated that coptisine may have the potential to be used in the diabetic nephropathy treatment.