bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Estimating dengue transmission intensity from serological data: A comparative analysis using mixture and catalytic models
Authors: Cox Victoria , O’Driscoll Megan , Imai Natsuko , Prayitno Ari , Hadinegoro Sri Rezeki , Taurel Anne-Frieda , Coudeville Laurent , Dorigatti Ilaria 
Published: July 2022

Background
Dengue virus (DENV) infection is a global health concern of increasing magnitude. To target intervention strategies, accurate estimates of the force of infection (FOI) are necessary. Catalytic models have been widely used to estimate DENV FOI and rely on a binary classification of serostatus as seropositive or seronegative, according to pre-defined antibody thresholds. Previous work has demonstrated the use of thresholds can cause serostatus misclassification and biased estimates. In contrast, mixture models do not rely on thresholds and use the full distribution of antibody titres. To date, there has been limited application of mixture models to estimate DENV FOI.

Methods
We compare the application of mixture models and time-constant and time-varying catalytic models to simulated data and to serological data collected in Vietnam from 2004 to 2009 (N ≥ 2178) and Indonesia in 2014 (N = 3194).

Results
The simulation study showed larger mean FOI estimate bias from the time-constant and time-varying catalytic models (-0.007 (95% Confidence Interval (CI): -0.069, 0.029) and -0.006 (95% CI -0.095, 0.043)) than from the mixture model (0.001 (95% CI -0.036, 0.065)). Coverage of the true FOI was > 95% for estimates from both the time-varying catalytic and mixture model, however the latter had reduced uncertainty. When applied to real data from Vietnam, the mixture model frequently produced higher FOI and seroprevalence estimates than the catalytic models.

Conclusions
Our results suggest mixture models represent valid, potentially less biased, alternatives to catalytic models, which could be particularly useful when estimating FOI from data with largely overlapping antibody titre distributions.
Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra versus Xpert MTB/RIF for diagnosis of tuberculous pleural effusion: A systematic review and comparative meta-analysis
Authors: Aggarwal Ashutosh Nath , Agarwal Ritesh , Dhooria Sahajal , Prasad Kuruswamy Thurai , Sehgal Inderpaul Singh , Muthu Valliappan 
Published: July 2022

ObjectiveWe compared diagnostic accuracy of pleural fluid Xpert MTB/RIF (Xpert) and Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra (Ultra) assays for diagnosing tuberculous pleural effusion (TPE), through systematic review and comparative meta-analysis.MethodsWe searched PubMed and Embase databases for publications reporting diagnostic accuracy of Xpert or Ultra for TPE. We used bivariate random-effects modeling to summarize diagnostic accuracy information from individual studies using either mycobacterial culture or composite criteria as reference standard. We performed meta-regression through hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic (HSROC) modeling to evaluate comparative performance of the two tests from studies reporting diagnostic accuracy of both in the same study population.ResultsWe retrieved 1097 publications, and included 74 for review. Summary estimates for sensitivity and specificity for Xpert were 0.52 (95% CI 0.43–0.60,I282.1%) and 0.99 (95% CI 0.97–0.99,I285.1%), respectively, using culture-based reference standard; and 0.21 (95% CI 0.17–0.26,I281.5%) and 1.00 (95% CI 0.99–1.00,I237.6%), respectively, using composite reference standard. Summary estimates for sensitivity and specificity for Ultra were 0.68 (95% CI 0.55–0.79,I280.0%) and 0.97 (95% CI 0.97–0.99,I292.1%), respectively, using culture-based reference standard; and 0.47 (95% CI 0.40–0.55,I264.1%) and 0.98 (95% CI 0.95–0.99,I254.8%), respectively, using composite reference standard. HSROC meta-regression yielded relative diagnostic odds ratio of 1.28 (95% CI 0.65–2.50) and 1.80 (95% CI 0.41–7.84) respectively in favor of Ultra, using culture and composite criteria as reference standard.ConclusionUltra provides superior diagnostic accuracy over Xpert for diagnosing TPE, mainly because of its higher sensitivity.
Increasing risk of mortality across the spectrum of aortic stenosis is independent of comorbidity & treatment: An international, parallel cohort study of 248,464 patients
Authors: Strom Jordan B. , Playford David , Stewart Simon , Li Stephanie , Shen Changyu , Xu Jiaman , Strange Geoff 
Published: July 2022

Background
While large scientific and medical evidence has demonstrated the increased risk of death and cardiovascular mortality in patients with severe AS, the independent contribution of moderate AS to an increased risk of death remains uncertain.

Methods and findings
We conducted a multicenter study including a cohort of 30,865 US patients and another cohort of 217,599 Australian patients with equivalent echocardiographic and aortic valve profiling over the same period (2003–2017). During a median 5.2 years (US) and 4.4 years (Australian) follow-up, the risk of death (hazard ratio) of patients with moderate AS as compared to those without AS was 1.66 (95%CI 1.52–1.80) and 1.37 (95%CI 1.34–1.41) in the US and Australian cohorts, even after adjusting this analysis for age and sex. This increased risk of death and cardiovascular mortality (odds ratio) in patients with moderate AS was consistent also across subgroups of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (subgroups of LVEF < 40%, 40–49%, 50–59%, and ≥ 60%: OR of moderate AS for CV mortality 2.0 [95%CI 1.4–2.7], 1.7 [95%CI 1.2–2.4], 1.5 [95%CI 1.1–1.9], and 1.4 [95%CI 1.2–1.6], respectively).

Conclusions
The findings of this study suggest that patients with moderate AS have a potential increased risk of death and cardiovascular mortality, regardless of age, sex, and LVEF. Hence, these data suggest the need to develop specific strategies to detect and treat individuals with moderate AS.
Contact tracing of COVID-19 in Karnataka, India: Superspreading and determinants of infectiousness and symptomatic infection
Authors: Gupta Mohak , Parameswaran Giridara G. , Sra Manraj S. , Mohanta Rishika , Patel Devarsh , Gupta Amulya , Bansal Bhavik , Jain Vardhmaan , Mazumder Archisman , Arora Mehak , Aggarwal Nishant , Bhatnagar Tarun , Akhtar Jawaid , Pandey Pankaj , Ravi Vasanthapuram , Babu Giridhara R. 
Published: July 2022

Background
India has experienced the second largest outbreak of COVID-19 globally, yet there is a paucity of studies analysing contact tracing data in the region which can optimise public health interventions (PHI’s).

Methods
We analysed contact tracing data from Karnataka, India between 9 March and 21 July 2020. We estimated metrics of transmission including the reproduction number (R), overdispersion (k), secondary attack rate (SAR), and serial interval. R and k were jointly estimated using a Bayesian Markov Chain Monte Carlo approach. We studied determinants of risk of further transmission and risk of being symptomatic using Poisson regression models.

Findings
Up to 21 July 2020, we found 111 index cases that crossed the super-spreading threshold of ≥8 secondary cases. Among 956 confirmed traced cases, 8.7% of index cases had 14.4% of contacts but caused 80% of all secondary cases. Among 16715 contacts, overall SAR was 3.6% [95% CI, 3.4–3.9] and symptomatic cases were more infectious than asymptomatic cases (SAR 7.7% vs 2.0%; aRR 3.63 [3.04–4.34]). As compared to infectors aged 19–44 years, children were less infectious (aRR 0.21 [0.07–0.66] for 0–5 years and 0.47 [0.32–0.68] for 6–18 years). Infectors who were confirmed ≥4 days after symptom onset were associated with higher infectiousness (aRR 3.01 [2.11–4.31]). As compared to asymptomatic cases, symptomatic cases were 8.16 [3.29–20.24] times more likely to cause symptomatic infection in their secondary cases. Serial interval had a mean of 5.4 [4.4–6.4] days, and case fatality rate was 2.5% [2.4–2.7] which increased with age.

Conclusion
We found significant heterogeneity in the individual-level transmissibility of SARS-CoV-2 which could not be explained by the degree of heterogeneity in the underlying number of contacts. To strengthen contact tracing in over-dispersed outbreaks, testing and tracing delays should be minimised and retrospective contact tracing should be implemented. Targeted measures to reduce potential superspreading events should be implemented. Interventions aimed at children might have a relatively small impact on reducing transmission owing to their low symptomaticity and infectivity. We propose that symptomatic cases could cause a snowballing effect on clinical severity and infectiousness across transmission generations; further studies are needed to confirm this finding.
COVID-19-associated fungal infections in Iran: A systematic review
Authors: Nazari Tina , Sadeghi Fatemeh , Izadi Alireza , Sameni Setayesh , Mahmoudi Shahram 
Published: July 2022

ObjectivesThis systematic review aims to summarize the mycological and clinical features of COVID-19-associated fungal infections (CAFIs) in Iran.MethodsPubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library, SID, Magiran, IranDoc, and Google Scholar were searched for Persian and English articles published from January 1, 2020, to November 5, 2021, using a systematic search strategy. Studies on Iranian patients suffering from CAFIs were included in the review.ResultsTwenty-two studies comprising 169 patients were retrieved. Reported CAFIs included candidiasis (85, 50.30%), mucormycosis (35, 20.71%), aspergillosis (29, 17.16%), fusariosis (6, 3.55%), three cases caused by rare pathogens(Rhodotorula mucilaginosa,Diaporthe foeniculina, andSarocladium kiliense) and 11 (6.51%) uncharacterized mold infections. The most common underlying diseases were diabetes (67/168, 39.88%), cardiovascular diseases (55/168, 32.74%), and hypertension (43/168, 25.59%). The use of antibiotics (111/124, 89.52%), corticosteroids (93/132, 70.44%), and mechanical ventilation (66, 51.16%) were the most common predisposing factors. Totally, 72 (50.35%) of 143 patients with CAFIs died (data were not available for 26 patients).ConclusionFungal infections are evident to be a complication of COVID-19 in Iran; thus, clinicians should consider them as a differential diagnosis, especially in patients with comorbidities and previous antibiotic or corticosteroid use.
Suicide following hospital admission for mental health conditions, physical illness, injury and intentional self-harm in Victoria, Australia
Authors: Fernando Dasamal Tharanga , Clapperton Angela , Berecki-Gisolf Janneke 
Published: July 2022

ObjectiveThe majority of suicide decedents have had contact with health services close to their death. Some of these contacts include admissions to hospitals for physical and mental health conditions, injury and intentional self-harm. This study aims to establish and quantify the risks of suicide following hospital admission for a range of mental and physical illnesses.MethodsA retrospective analysis was carried out on existing morbidity and mortality data in Victoria. Data was extracted from the Victorian Admitted Episodes Dataset and the Victorian Suicide Register. Unplanned hospital admissions among adult patients (> = 15 years of age), discharged between 01 January 2011 and 31 December 2016 (2,430,154 admissions), were selected. Standardised Mortality Ratios were calculated for conditions with at least five linked suicides within one year of discharge from hospital.ResultsForty-three conditions defined at the three-digit level of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems 10th Revision, were associated with at least five subsequent suicides (within one year of hospital discharge); 14 physical illnesses, 5 symptoms, signs and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings, 12 mental health conditions, and 12 types of injury and poisonings. The highest Standardised Mortality Ratios were for poisonings (range; 27.8 to 140.0) and intentional self-harm (78.8), followed by mental health conditions (range; 15.5 to 72.9), symptoms, signs and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings (range; 1.4 to 43.2) and physical illnesses (range; 0.7 to 4.9).ConclusionsHospital admissions related to mental health conditions and injury and poisonings including self-harm were associated with a greater risk of suicide than physical conditions. Mental health conditions such as depressive episodes, personality disorders and psychotic episodes, injuries caused by intentional-self-harm and poisonings by certain types of drugs, carbon monoxide and hormones such as insulin can be prioritised for targeting suicide prevention initiatives for persons discharged from hospitals.
From Camelot to Spamalot: Musical Retellings of Arthurian Legend on Stage and Screen, Megan Woller (2021)
Authors: Rush Adam 
Published: July 2022

Review of: From Camelot to Spamalot: Musical Retellings of Arthurian Legend on Stage and Screen, Megan Woller (2021)
New York: Oxford University Press, 248 pp.,
ISBN 978-0-19751-103-9, p/bk, GBP £22.99
GI Hemorrhage From an Arterio-Enteric Fistula From a Failed Pancreas Allograft
Authors: David Robin , Trieu Judy A. , Shokoohi Susanne 
Published: July 2022

ABSTRACT
Arterio-enteric fistulas involving pancreas allograft are rare complications of transplantation that manifest as gastrointestinal bleeding. We discuss the case of a 34-year-old patient with failed pancreas transplant who presented with recurrent sentinel bleeding before catastrophic hemorrhage. Multiple endoscopies did not identify the source of bleeding, and subsequent angiography demonstrated a fistulous connection between the transplanted pancreatic artery and the small bowel. A stent graft was placed with immediate stabilization. We provide a review of the literature and discuss the clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and management of arterio-enteric fistulas to highlight the importance of early recognition and intervention in preventing life-threatening bleeding.
Religious Diversity and Philanthropy in Social Work Practices: Intervention Capital in Empowerment
Authors: Alfi Imam , Halwati Umi 
Published: July 2022

This article focuses on how philanthropy and religious diversity become capital in the practice of social work. Qualitative research with a library research approach was used in this study. Data and information were carried out by searching libraries, books, documentation, journals or research results related to the object of research. Data analysis uses content analysis. This study found that religion is not only seen as an-sich doctrine, but as a social process so that it can reduce ideological clashes so as to create a harmonious life. Result also found that religious diversity as a national asset must be treated and preserved in humanitarian work. Religious diversity can be found through the social philanthropy movement for humanitarian programs. Through the philanthropic movement part of the capital in the intervention process. Community participation in a sustainable, targeted and organized manner is a meeting point. Thus, empowerment through the capital of religious pluralism and philanthropy can encourage a more just society's welfare. Keywords: Philanthropy, religious diversity, empowerment, social work intervention
Juridical Ontologies of Production and the Ricardian Machine
Authors: Quentin Clair 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
This article uses doctrinal analysis of UK tax law to address the question in political economy of where the ‘production boundary’ around value creation lies. It concludes that the ‘classical’ production boundary around material production may be encountered as an emergent feature of forensic investigations of the ontology of surplus in real world commercial contexts. This is particularly important for political economists of the global production network because of the contrasting structural phenomenon whereby value is predominantly added in immaterial production processes.
Determination of accident scenarios via freely available accident databases
Authors: Bauder Maximilian , Lecheler Katrin , Wech Lothar , Böhm Klaus , Paula Daniel , Schweiger Hans-Georg 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
The derivation of real accident scenarios from accident databases represents an important task within vehicle safety research. Simulations are increasingly used for this purpose. Depending on the research interest, a wide range of accident databases exists worldwide, which differ mainly in the number of recorded data per accident and availability. This work aims to identify critical vehicle-to-vehicle accidents based on freely available accident databases to derive concrete scenarios for a subsequent simulation. For this purpose, the method of the pre-crash matrix is applied using the example of the freely available Crash Investigation Sampling System database of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. An analysis of existing databases worldwide shows that this is the most detailed, freely available database. The derivation of scenarios succeeds here by a new method, whereby a center of gravity calculation is carried out based on the damages of the vehicles according to Collision Deformation Classification nomenclature. In addition, the determination of other necessary parameters, as well as the limits of the database, is shown in order to derive a scenario that can be simulated. As a result, the constellations of the five most frequent vehicle-to-vehicle accident scenarios according to the Crash Investigation Sampling System database are presented. In particular, other institutions should follow National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s example and make data freely available for accident research.
Women’s Entrepreneurship Policy and Access to Financial Capital in Different Countries: An Institutional Perspective
Authors: Henry Colette , Coleman Susan , Orser Barbara , Foss Lene 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
This paper explores women’s entrepreneurship policy and practice in three different countries: Canada, Ireland and the U.S. We focus specifically on policies relating to access to financial capital, and ask: How are ‘access to financial capital’ policies and practices operationalized at national and regional level? We draw on institutional theory to identify gaps in policy and practice, and to highlight similarities and differences between countries. We contribute a novel perspective on women’s entrepreneurship policy by drawing attention to the underlying institutional pillars and the importance of institutional fit in informing a coherent and future-looking policy framework. Our findings enhance understanding of how ‘access to financial capital’ policies and practices geared toward women entrepreneurs reflect different institutional contexts.
Effect of mixing conditions and polymer particle size on the properties of polypropylene/graphite nanoplatelets micromoldings
Authors: Jiang Renze , Lashkari Piyush , Zhou Shengtai , Hrymak Andrew N. 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
In this study, properties of polypropylene/graphite nanoplatelets (PP/GNP) composites and corresponding micromoldings were systematically studied in terms of filler loading concentrations and mixing methods. PP of different forms, i.e., PP pellets and powders, were adopted to fabricate PP/GNP composites. Additionally, a comparative study of precoating GNP and PP powders using solvent-based solution blending and ultrasonication-assisted mixing was performed. Results showed that PP/GNP composites prepared using powder form PP resulted in at least one order of magnitude higher electrical conductivity than using pellet form PP and further reduced the percolation threshold from 12.5 to 10 wt%, which was related to the state of filler distribution within corresponding moldings. Morphology observations revealed that microparts prepared with powder-PP/GNP composites exhibited less preferential alignment of GNP particles along the flow direction when compared with those molded using pellet-PP/GNP counterparts, which was helpful in improving the overall electrical conductivity for PP/GNP micromoldings.
Performance of concrete thrust block at several burial conditions under the influence of thrust forces generated in the water distribution networks
Authors: Dawood Murtadha Hardan , Izzet Amer Farouq , Khudair Basim Hussien 
Published: July 2022

AbstractThis study was prepared to investigate the performance and behavior of concrete thrust blocks supporting pipe fittings. In the water distribution networks, it is always necessary to change the path of the pipes at different degrees or to create new branches. In these regions, an unbalanced force called the thrust force is generated. In order to counter this force, these regions are supported with concrete blocks. In this article, the system components (soil, pipe with its bend and thrust blocks) have been numerically modeled and simulated by the ABAQUS CAE/2019 software program in order to study the behavior and stability of the thrust block with different burial conditions (several burial depths) by the soil under the influence of the thrust force. Accordingly, 45° bend angles were studied with a specified pipe diameter placed on soil with known properties under the influence of internal hydrostatic test pressure. The obtained results that were relied upon to describe the behavior and stability of the block are (the lateral displacement of the block in the direction of the thrust force, as well as the vertical displacement of the block in addition to the Von Mises stresses transmitted by the block to the soil). It was concluded that the case in which the block is fully supported from its back side represents the optimum state of the block as it provides marginal sliding of the block and the least transmitted stress to the soil. It was also concluded that the transition from the first case (thrust block without soil behind it) to the second case (a quarter of the block is supported by soil), in which the maximum change in the performance of the concrete block was recorded, but after shifting to the other cases, the effect was reduced gradually.
Comprehensive assessment of cardiovascular disease risk in children with short stature due to isolated growth hormone deficiency: a case-control study
Authors: Gupta Saniya , Dayal Devi , Rohit Manoj Kumar , Gawalkar Atit A. , Raj Kumar Manish , Attri Savita Verma , Sachdeva Naresh , Kaur Harvinder 
Published: July 2022

Abstract

Objectives
Growth hormone deficiency (GHD) in adults is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Although children with GHD are also believed to have a similar cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk beginning at an early age, the available data in children is scarce. We aimed to determine the various CVD risk parameters in children with isolated GHD (IGHD).

Methods
A cross-sectional case-control study was conducted at a tertiary care centre in North India comparing various auxological, biochemical, and echocardiographic parameters between 20 IGHD children aged 5–15 years and their age and sex-matched healthy controls.

Results
The mean age of children with IGHD and controls was similar (10.5 ± 2.6 yr vs. 9.9 ± 2.7 yr, p=0.48). Children with IGHD had significantly higher waist-hip-ratio (p=0.01), total cholesterol (p=0.02), non-high-density lipoprotein–cholesterol (p=0.02), serum homocysteine (p<0.001), C-reactive protein (CRP) (p=0.01) and pro-brain natriuretic peptide (pro-BNP) (p=0.04) levels as compared to healthy controls. Left ventricular mass (LVM) and interventricular septal thickness were significantly lower (p=0.04; p=0.02) in IGHD children. Correlation analysis showed that pro-BNP and CRP levels had negative correlation (p<0.001, r=−0.70; and p=0.04, r=−0.44, respectively) and LVM had a positive correlation (p=0.02, r=0.53) with height SDS among IGHD children.

Conclusions
Children with IGHD showed abnormalities in several biochemical and cardiac parameters that may be associated with an increased CVD risk in later life. More extensive studies, including younger children with IGHD, are needed to determine the lower ages at which the CVD risk is detectable.