bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modelling longitudinal binary outcomes with outcome dependent observation times: an application to a malaria cohort study
Authors: Martins Adelino , Herzog Sereina A. , Mugenyi Levicatus , Faes Christel , Hens Niel , Abrams Steven 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Background
In spite of the global reduction of 21% in malaria incidence between 2010 and 2015, the disease still threatens many lives of children and pregnant mothers in African countries. A correct assessment and evaluation of the impact of malaria control strategies still remains quintessential in order to eliminate the disease and its burden. Malaria follow-up studies typically involve routine visits at pre-scheduled time points and/or clinical visits whenever individuals experience malaria-like symptoms. In the latter case, infection triggers outcome assessment, thereby leading to outcome-dependent sampling (ODS). Commonly used methods to analyze such longitudinal data ignore ODS and potentially lead to biased estimates of malaria-specific transmission parameters, hence, inducing an incorrect assessment and evaluation of malaria control strategies.

Methods
In this paper, a new method is proposed to handle ODS by use of a joint model for the longitudinal binary outcome measured at routine visits and the clinical event times. The methodology is applied to malaria parasitaemia data from a cohort of $$n = 988$$

n
=
988

Ugandan children aged 0.5–10 years from 3 regions (Walukuba—300 children, Kihihi—355 children and Nagongera—333 children) with varying transmission intensities (entomological inoculation rate equal to 2.8, 32 and 310 infectious bites per unit year, respectively) collected between 2011–2014.

Results
The results indicate that malaria parasite prevalence and force of infection (FOI) increase with age in the region of high malaria intensity with highest FOI in age group 5–10 years. For the region of medium intensity, the prevalence slightly increases with age and the FOI for the routine process is highest in age group 5–10 years, yet for the clinical infections, the FOI gradually decreases with increasing age. For the region with low intensity, both the prevalence and FOI peak at the age of 1 year after which the former remains constant with age yet the latter suddenly decreases with age for the clinically observed infections.

Conclusion
Malaria parasite prevalence and FOI increase with age in the region of high malaria intensity. In all study sites, both the prevalence and FOI are highest among previously asymptomatic children and lowest among their symptomatic counterparts. Using a simulation study inspired by the malaria data at hand, the proposed methodology shows to have the smallest bias, especially when consecutive positive malaria parasitaemia presence results within a time period of 35 days were considered to be due to the same infection.
Estimation of bed net coverage indicators in Tanzania using mobile phone surveys: a comparison of sampling approaches
Authors: Worges Matt , Kamala Benjamin , Yukich Joshua , Chacky Frank , Lazaro Samwel , Dismas Charles , Aroun Sijenun , Ibrahim Raya , Khamis Mwinyi , Gitanya Mponeja P. , Mwingizi Deodatus , Metcalfe Hannah , Bantanuka Willhard , Deku Sena , Dadi David , Serbantez Naomi , Loll Dana , Koenker Hannah 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Background
Threats to maintaining high population access with effective bed nets persist due to errors in quantification, bed net wear and tear, and inefficiencies in distribution activities. Monitoring bed net coverage is therefore critical, but usually occurs every 2–3 years through expensive, large-scale household surveys. Mobile phone-based survey methodologies are emerging as an alternative to household surveys and can provide rapid estimates of coverage, however, little research on varied sampling approaches has been conducted in sub-Saharan Africa.

Methods
A nationally and regionally representative cross-sectional mobile phone survey was conducted in early 2021 in Tanzania with focus on bed net ownership and access. Half the target sample was contacted through a random digit dial methodology (n = 3500) and the remaining half was reached through a voluntary opt-in respondent pool (n = 3500). Both sampling approaches used an interactive voice response survey. Standard RBM-MERG bed net indicators and AAPOR call metrics were calculated. In addition, the results of the two sampling approaches were compared.

Results
Population access (i.e., the percent of the population that could sleep under a bed net, assuming one bed net per two people) varied from a regionally adjusted low of 48.1% (Katavi) to a high of 65.5% (Dodoma). The adjusted percent of households that had a least one bed net ranged from 54.8% (Pemba) to 75.5% (Dodoma); the adjusted percent of households with at least one bed net per 2 de facto household population ranged from 35.9% (Manyara) to 55.7% (Dodoma). The estimates produced by both sampling approaches were generally similar, differing by only a few percentage points. An analysis of differences between estimates generated from the two sampling approaches showed minimal bias when considering variation across the indicator for households with at least one bed net per two de facto household population.

Conclusion
The results generated by this survey show that overall bed net access in the country appears to be lower than target thresholds. The results suggest that bed net distribution is needed in large sections of the country to ensure that coverage levels remain high enough to sustain protection against malaria for the population.
Influence of age on the association between the triglyceride-glucose index and all-cause mortality in patients with cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Wang Lu , Wang Yang , Liu Rui , Xu Lin , Zhong Wen , Li Lijuan , Wang Changyi , He Chengqi , Fu Chenying , Wei Quan 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Background
In patients with cardiovascular diseases, it is reported that the triglyceride-glucose index (TGI) potentially indicates prognosis. However, the results are controversial. Moreover, whether age has an impact on the predictive value of TGI remains unclear.

Methods
Participants with cardiovascular diseases were enrolled using the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) registry. TGI was calculated as ln (triglyceride×glucose/2). The survival status was recorded every 2 years in the follow-up waves. Multivariate regression analysis was carried out to determine the relationship between TGI levels and long-term all-cause mortality in patients grouped by different age. Patients younger than 65 years old were regarded as middle-aged group. Otherwise, they were classified as old group.

Results
In total, 2923 patients with cardiovascular diseases and baseline blood test results were included. After 7 years of follow-up, 242 (8.91%) patients died. Cox regression analysis revealed that higher TGI levels were associated with a higher risk of long-term all-cause mortality in middle-aged participants (hazard ratio [HR], 3.64; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.44–9.22, P = 0.006) but not in old participants (HR 1.20, 95% CI 0.62–2.32, P = 0.594, P for interaction = 0.017), after adjusting physical activity and other factors. Kaplan–Meier estimate analysis and restricted cubic spline curves showed similar results.

Conclusion
TGI was a promising marker for predicting all-cause mortality in middle-aged patients after cardiovascular diseases. Patients younger than 65 years old who have a higher level of TGI may develop a higher risk of all-cause mortality, and they are encouraged to control vascular risk factors and take more physical activity to improve their prognosis. Additionally, whether intervention in regulating TGI levels is beneficial for the prognosis of these patients needs further investigation.
Black phosphorous-based biomaterials for bone defect regeneration: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Huang Jinfeng , Santos Ana Cláudia , Tan Quanchang , Bai Hao , Hu Xiaofan , Mamidi Narsimha , Wu Zixiang 
Published: December 2022

AbstractCritical-sized bone defects are always difficult to treat, and they are associated with a significant burden of disease in clinical practice. In recent decades, due to the fast development of biomaterials and tissue engineering, many bioinspired materials have been developed to treat large bone defects. Due to the excellent osteoblastic ability of black phosphorous (BP), many BP-based biomaterials have been developed to treat bone defects. Therefore, there are abundant studies as well as a tremendous amount of research data. It is urgent to conduct evidence-based research to translate these research data and results into validated scientific evidence. Therefore, in our present study, a qualitative systematic review and a quantitative meta-analysis were performed. Eighteen studies were included in a systematic review, while twelve studies were included in the meta-analysis. Our results showed that the overall quality of experimental methods and reports of biomaterials studies was still low, which needs to be improved in future studies. Besides, we also proved the excellent osteoblastic ability of BP-based biomaterials. But we did not find a significant effect of near-infrared (NIR) laser in BP-based biomaterials for treating bone defects. However, the quality of the evidence presented by included studies was very low. Therefore, to accelerate the clinical translation of BP-based biomaterials, it is urgent to improve the quality of the study method and reporting in future animal studies. More evidence-based studies should be conducted to enhance the quality and clinical translation of BP-based biomaterials.
Development of novel monoclonal antibodies against nsp12 of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Machitani Mitsuhiro , Takei Junko , Kaneko Mika K. , Ueki Saori , Ohashi Hirofumi , Watashi Koichi , Kato Yukinari , Masutomi Kenkichi 
Published: December 2022

AbstractA novel coronavirus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has caused a global pandemic of coronavirus disease 19. Coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2, use RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP) for viral replication and transcription. Since RdRP is a promising therapeutic target for infection of SARS-CoV-2, it would be beneficial to develop new experimental tools for analysis of the RdRP reaction of SARS-CoV-2. Here, we succeeded to develop novel mouse monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that recognize SARS-CoV-2 nsp12, catalytic subunit of the RdRP. These anti-nsp12 mAbs, RdMab-2, -13, and -20, specifically recognize SARS-CoV-2 nsp12 by western blotting analysis, while they exhibit less or no cross-reactivity to SARS-CoV nsp12. In addition, SARS-CoV-2 nsp12 was successfully immunoprecipitated using RdMab-2 from lysates of cells overexpressing SARS-CoV-2 nsp12. RdMab-2 was able to detect SARS-CoV-2 nsp12 transiently expressed in established culture cells such as HEK293T cells by indirect immunofluorescence technique. These novel mAbs against SARS-CoV-2 nsp12 are useful to elucidate the RdRP reaction of SARS-CoV-2 and biological cell response against it.
Biomechanical evaluation of aortic regurgitation from cusp prolapse using an ex vivo 3D-printed commissure geometric alignment device
Authors: Zhu Yuanjia , Park Matthew H. , Imbrie-Moore Annabel , Wilkerson Robert , Madira Sarah , Woo Y. Joseph 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Background
Aortic regurgitation (AR) is one of the most common cardiac valvular diseases, and it is frequently caused by cusp prolapse. However, the precise relationship of commissure position and aortic cusp prolapse with AR is not fully understood. In this study, we developed a 3D-printed commissure geometric alignment device to investigate the effect of commissure height and inter-commissure angle on AR and aortic cusp prolapse.

Methods
Three porcine aortic valves were explanted from hearts obtained from a meat abattoir and were mounted in the commissure geometric alignment device. Nine commissure configurations were tested for each specimen, exploring independent and concurrent effects of commissure height and inter-commissure angle change on AR and aortic cusp prolapse. Each commissure configuration was tested in our 3D printed ex vivo left heart simulator. Hemodynamics data, echocardiography, and high-speed videography were obtained.

Results
AR due to aortic cusp prolapse was successfully generated using our commissure geometric alignment device. Mean aortic regurgitation fraction measured for the baseline, high commissure, low commissure, high commissure and wide inter-commissure angle, high commissure and narrow inter-commissure angle, low commissure and wide inter-commissure angle, low commissure and narrow inter-commissure angle, wide commissure, and narrow commissure configurations from all samples were 4.6 ± 1.4%, 9.7 ± 3.7%, 4.2 ± 0.5%, 11.7 ± 5.8%, 13.0 ± 8.5%, 4.8 ± 0.9%, 7.3 ± 1.7%, 5.1 ± 1.2%, and 7.1 ± 3.1%, respectively.

Conclusions
AR was most prominent when commissure heights were changed from their native levels with concomitant reduced inter-commissure angle. Findings from this study provide important evidence demonstrating the relationship between commissure position and aortic cusp prolapse and may have a significant impact on patient outcomes after surgical repair of aortic valves.
Phytochemical investigation of Ludwigia adscendens subsp. diffusa aerial parts in context of its biological activity
Authors: Baky Mostafa H. , Elgindi Mohamed R. , Shawky Enas M. , Ibrahim Haitham A. 
Published: December 2022

AbstractLudwigia adscendens subsp. diffusa (Onagraceae), an important aquatic herb widely distributed in the Nile River and canals in Egypt. The goal of the current study is to investigate the phytochemical composition of L. adscendens aerial parts n-butanol and ethyl acetate fractions and screening of its biological activities. Phytochemical investigation of L. adscendens resulted in the isolation and purification of eleven compounds belonging to flavonoids, saponins, triterpenoids, and oligosaccharides, of which one compound was identified as new using different spectroscopic techniques. Compound 2 was identified as a new compound namely, 3-O-[β-D-glucopyranoside (1 → 4) α-L-rhamnopyranoside]-23-O-feruloyl-hederagenin-28-O-[α-L-rhamnopyranoside (1 → 2) β-D-glucopyranoside], along with other 10 well know compounds. Furthermore, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective and cytotoxic activities of n-butanol and ethyl acetate fractions were investigated in vitro, revealing that ethyl acetate fraction was the most active as antidiabetic (IC50 = 62.3 µg/mL), hepatoprotective (IC50 = 80.75 µg/mL), and cytotoxic against human prostate cancer cell line (IC50 = 52.2 µg/mL). Collectively, L. adscendens aerial part is rich with a myriad of phytochemicals with potential health benefits.
Effect of plasma-derived extracellular vesicles on angiogenesis and the ensuing proliferative diabetic retinopathy through a miR-30b-dependent mechanism
Authors: Wang Ping , Li Chengqian , Deng Yujie , Yu Qing , Meng Xuxia , Jiang Tao , Wang Qing , Fu Yudong 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Background/purpose
Proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) is a major diabetic microvascular complication, characterized by pathological angiogenesis. This study sets out to investigate the potential molecular mechanism in the angiogenesis during PDR.

Methods
The expression of microRNA-30b (miR-30b) was quantified in a streptozotocin (STZ)-induced mouse model of PDR. The binding affinity between SIRT1 and miR-30b was then identified and validated. After transduction with In-miR-30b or combined with sh-SIRT1, high-glucose (HG)-induced retinal microvascular endothelial cells (RMECs) were co-cultured with extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from the plasma of PDR mice (plasma-EVs). The proliferation and angiogenesis of RMECs were then detected in vitro.

Results
miR-30b expression was upregulated in the retinal tissue of PDR mice. SIRT1 was a target gene of miR-30b and under the negative regulation by miR-30b in RMECs. In contrast, inhibition of miR-30b resulted in elevated SIRT1 expression, thus alleviating the angiogenesis of RMECs. miR-30b was enriched in the plasma-EVs and could be delivered to RMECs, in which miR-30b exerted pro-angiogenic effects. Furthermore, inhibition of miR-30b arrested the progression of PDR in mice by promoting the expression of SIRT1.

Conclusion
Collectively, the present study pinpointed the involvement of miR-30b delivered by plasma-EVs in PDR angiogenesis, thus laying the basis for the development of novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of PDR.
The use of posteromedial portal for arthroscopic treatment of synovial chondromatosis of the knee: a case report
Authors: Zanna Luigi , Secci Gregorio , Innocenti Matteo , Giabbani Niccolò , Civinini Roberto , Matassi Fabrizio 
Published: December 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe synovial chondromatosis is an uncommon proliferative metaplastic process of the synovial cells that can develop in any synovial joint. An isolated primary chondromatosis of the posterior compartment of the knee is uncommon and few cases are reported in literature. Our purpose is to describe a rare case of primary chondromatosis of the knee posterior compartment and report the arthroscopic loose bodies excision through a difficult posteromedial portal, avoiding the use of the accessory posterior portal, most commonly reported for approaching this disease.Case presentationWe report a rare case of a 35-year-old Caucasian male patient with diagnosis of chondromatosis of the posterior knee compartment. The radiographs showed multiple loose bodies of the posterior compartment. The MRI revealed minimal synovial hypertrophy areas, multiple osteophytes in the intercondylar notch, and loose bodies in the posteromedial compartment. The CT allowed us to assess the bony structures, the morphology of the intercondylar notch, and the presence osteophytes of the medial and lateral femoral condyles. The CT images were crucial to plan how to reach the posterior compartments of the knee through a trans-notch passage. The patient underwent arthroscopic surgery using anteromedial, anterolateral, and posteromedial portals. The tunneling through the intercondylar osteophytes was performed to allow the arthroscope to pass trans-notch. To avoid additional accessory posterior portals, we used a 70° arthroscope to better explore the posterior knee compartment. The cartilage-like bodies were removed and synovectomy of the inflamed areas was performed. The clinical and radiological follow-up was 12 months and the patient showed excellent clinical outcomes, returning to his activities of daily living and sport activity.ConclusionOur case report highlights the importance of the arthroscopic approach to treat synovial chondromatosis, despite the involvement of the posterior compartment of the knee. An optimal preoperative imaging allows to plan for the proper surgical procedure even in patients with severe osteoarthritis. Moreover, the adoption of an intercondylar notch tunneling and a 70° arthroscope can help surgeons to better explore the posterior knee compartment, avoiding an accessory posterior trans-septal portal. Therefore, a synovectomy of the inflamed foci may be useful to prevent recurrence.
A novel stop-gain pathogenic variant in FLT4 and a nonsynonymous pathogenic variant in PTPN11 associated with congenital heart defects
Authors: Tabib Avisa , Talebi Taravat , Ghasemi Serwa , Pourirahim Maryam , Naderi Niloofar , Maleki Majid , Kalayinia Samira 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Background
Congenital heart defects (CHDs) are the most common congenital malformations, including structural malformations in the heart and great vessels. CHD complications such as low birth weight, prematurity, pregnancy termination, mortality, and morbidity depend on the type of defect.

Methods
In the present research, genetic analyses via whole-exome sequencing (WES) was performed on 3 unrelated pedigrees with CHDs. The candidate variants were confirmed, segregated by PCR-based Sanger sequencing, and evaluated by bioinformatics analysis.

Results
A novel stop-gain c.C244T:p.R82X variant in the FLT4 gene, as well as a nonsynonymous c.C1403T:p.T468M variant in the PTPN11 gene, was reported by WES. FLT4 encodes a receptor tyrosine kinase involved in lymphatic development and is known as vascular endothelial growth factor 3.

Conclusions
We are the first to report a novel c.C244T variant in the FLT4 gene associated with CHDs. Using WES, we also identified a nonsynonymous variant affecting protein-tyrosine phosphatase, the non-receptor type 11 (PTPN11) gene. The clinical implementation of WES can determine gene variants in diseases with high genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity like CHDs.
The association of diastolic arterial pressure and heart rate with mortality in septic shock: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Xiao Wenyan , Liu Wanjun , Zhang Jin , Liu Yu , Hua Tianfeng , Yang Min 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Background
The effects of diastolic arterial pressure (DAP) and heart rate (HR) on the prognosis of patients with septic shock are unclear, and whether these effects persist over time is unknown. We aimed to investigate the relationship between exposure to different intensities of DAP and HR over time and mortality at 28 days in patients with septic shock.

Methods
In this cohort study, we obtained data from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV, which includes the data of adult patients (≥ 18 years) with septic shock who underwent invasive blood pressure monitoring. We excluded patients who received extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) or glucocorticoids within 48 h of ICU admission. The primary outcome was mortality at 28 days. Piece-wise exponential additive mixed models were used to estimate the strength of the associations over time.

Results
In total, 4959 patients were finally included. The median length of stay in the ICU was 3.2 days (IQR: 1.5–7.1 days), and the mortality in the ICU was 12.9%, with a total mortality at 28 days of 15.9%. After adjustment for baseline and time-dependent confounders, both daily time-weighted average (TWA) DAP and HR were associated with increased mortality at 28 days and strong association, mainly in the early to mid-stages of the disease. The results showed that mortality in patients with septic shock was lowest at a DAP of 50–70 mm Hg and an HR of 60–90 beats per minute (bpm). Throughout, a significant increase in the risk of death was found with daily exposure to TWA-DAP ≤ 40 mmHg (hazard ratio 0.99, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.94–1.03) or TWA-HR ≥ 100 bpm (hazard ratio 1.16, 95% CI 1.1–1.21). Cumulative and interactive effects of harmful exposure (TWA-DAP ≤ 40 mmHg and TWA-HR ≥ 100 bpm) were also observed.

Conclusion
The optimal ranges for DAP and HR in patients with septic shock are 50–70 mmHg and 60–90 bpm, respectively. The cumulative and interactive effects of exposure to low DAP (≤ 40 mmHg) and tachycardia (≥ 100 bpm) were associated with an increased risk of death.