bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predicting the night-to-night variability in the severity of obstructive sleep apnea: the case of the standard error of measurement
Authors: Anitua Eduardo , Duran-Cantolla Joaquin , Almeida Gabriela Zamora , Alkhraisat Mohammad Hamdan 
Published: February 2020

Study objectives Night-to-night variability in the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) may affect the accuracy of the diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and treatment selection. This study was conducted to assess the utility of the standard error of measurement (SEM) in predicting the night-to-night variability in the OSA.
Methods Ninety nine patients underwent a 3-consecutive nights of sleep monitoring with a validated home portable monitoring devise (BTI-APNiA, BTI Biotechnology Institute, Vitoria, Spain). The night-to-night variability in apnea- and hypopnea-related measures and blood desaturation were assessed. The agreement between the three nights was also assessed. The SEM and the AHI of the first night were used to calculate a range for the severity of the OSA. This range was then challenged to predict the most frequent OSA severity, the OSA severity in nights 2 and 3, and the OSA severity in the three nights.
Results Ninety nine patients (mean age: 56±14 years) participated in the study. The mean body mass index was 25.4±4.0 Kg/m2 and the mean score of Epworth questionnaire was 8±5. The AHI of the first, second and third nights were 13.96±13.46, 13.76±12.76 and 13.52±12.91 events/h, respectively. The night-to-night variability in the AHI and the sleep time in supine position over the three nights were not statistically significant. However, the differences in the severity of the OSA was statistically significant (range of agreement in the diagnosis: 41.7%-83.3%). The standard error of measurement (SEM) considering the AHI was 4.64 events/h.. The SEM was efficient in predicting the most frequent OSA severity (among the three nights) in more than 96% of the cases.
Conclusions The night-to-night variability in the AHI might affect the diagnosis of OSA. The use of standard error of measurement and the AHI of one single night would be of interest to predict the night-to-night variability in the severity of OSA.
Age-dependent influence of gender on symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea in adults
Authors: Forcelini Cassiano Mateus , Buligon Camilla Müller , Costa Gabriel Juan Kettenhuber , Petter Gabrielle do Canto , Scapin Henrique Perosa , Augustin Igor Alexander , Dal-Piva Larissa Daiane Michelon , Durgante Raquel Erbice , Lorenzoni Vinícius Paz 
Published: February 2020

Objective Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is linked to classical symptoms of snoring and excessive sleepiness. However, many women with OSA may present with a diverse profile. The influence of age on the clinical differences between genders is unclear. This survey aimed to compare the clinical and polysomnographic findings of OSA between adult males and females, but considering different age groups.
Methods This cross-sectional study comprised a sample of 472 consecutive adult patients with OSA who underwent full-night polysomnography. Data from the medical and polysomnographic records was obtained, as well as the score on Portuguese validated version of the Epwoth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). Comparisons of main clinical aspects of OSA between genders were stratified according to three groups: young (< 30 years old), middle-aged (30 - 50 y.o.), and older patients (> 50 y.o.).
Results Men comprised the majority of the sample (male/female ratio of 1.6). Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) was higher in men than women (median [interquartile range]: 29.7 [18.1-47.8] vs. 21.9 [11.5-36.1]; p < 0.0001), and body mass index alike (mean ± standard deviation: 29.0±4.9 vs. 27.6±5.2; p = 0.004). Snoring was more common in male than in female patients (92% vs. 84.7%; p = 0.015). In the subset of subjects younger than 30 years-old the differences between genders were prominent (male/female; AHI: 19.6 [13.1-28.1] vs. 11.8 [7.7-18.8], p = 0.012; sno ring: 89.7% vs. 55.2%, p = 0.007), accompanied by a trend to lower score in ESS in male patients (7.1 ± 4.3 vs. 9.2 ± 4.3; p = 0.066).
Discussion Results suggest that a classical clinical picture of snoring and severe daytime sleepiness is lacking in a considerable proportion of OSA sufferers, particularly young women, who tend to be sleepier than male patients. The awareness of OSA in young women should be based more in mild excessive daily sleepiness than in other typical OSA symptoms.
La Incorporación de la Ética Animal al Derecho
Authors: Serra Palao Pablo 
Published: February 2020

Este trabajo tiene por objeto principal el análisis de la normativa que más afecta a la situación de los animales utilizados por el ser humano, en concreto en el sector de la ganadería industrial. Asimismo, el fundamento filosófico de la ética animal podrá ayudar a llegar a la conclusión de que la evolución hacia una sociedad más justa debe llevar aparejada, necesariamente, la supresión de una serie de prácticas que causan un enorme sufrimiento a los animales. Las medidas proteccionistas de su bienestar son insuficientes para tomar realmente en consideración sus propios intereses, puesto que perpetúan la utilización del resto de animales para nuestro beneficio. De esta manera, se presenta como una posibilidad a largo plazo el reflejo en el derecho de la abolición de todo tipo de explotación animal.
The main aim of this work is to analyse the legislation that most affects the situation of animals used by humans, particularly in the industrial livestock sector. Furthermore, the philosophical basis of animal ethics may help to conclude that the evolution towards a fairer society must necessarily lead to the elimination of a number of practices that cause enormous suffering to animals. Protectionist measures for their welfare are insufficient to really take their own interests into account, as they perpetuate the use of other animals for our benefit. In this way, the reflection in the law of the abolition of all forms of animal exploitation is presented as a long-term possibility.
Las construcciones de indefinición y el rol del contexto
Authors: Ruiz Velasco D. Liliana 
Published: February 2020

En trabajos previos hemos venido planteando la existencia de una construcción indefinida con dar la gana. En este trabajo abordamos la relación que guarda con el contexto. Para ello partimos de la teoría de la construccionalización, como un proceso de cambio lingüístico y en lo particular aquel vinculado a la gramaticalización. En este sentido diversos trabajos (Heine, 2002; Diewald, 2006) han resaltado el rol del contexto. Se plantea que el significado de indefinición surge desde la construcción más antigua dar gana y con la construcción dar la gana se verifica su carácter polisémico por el que en algunos contextos pasa a primer plano un significado volitivo mientras que en otros es el significado de indefinición.
Previous work has shown the existence of an indefinite construction with dar la gana. The present paper deals with the relationship that this construction keeps with context. The point of departure is constructionalization theory, as a process of linguistic change, particularly the process of grammaticalization. Several authors (Heine, 2002; Diewald, 2006) have emphasized the role of context. It is shown that indefiniteness meaning appears with the older construction dar gana, while with dar la gana we found a polysemous meaning according to the context: in some contexts the volitional reading comes to the front while in others it is the indefinite reading.
Comparative Study of the Effects of Methanolic Extracts of Spondias mombin Leaves and Curcuma longa Rhizomes on Serum Lipid Profile and Electrolytes in Alloxan Induced Diabetes in Male Wistar Rats
Authors: Friday Saronee , Ojeka Sunday O. , Amadi Okekem , Ilochi Ogadinma N. , Dapper Datonye V. 
Published: February 2020

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is an important risk factor for cardiovascular diseases; the possible uses of Spondias mombin and Curcuma longa rhizomes for the treatment of diabetes and cardiovascular disorders have become prevalent in our environment.
Aim: The present study attempts a Comparative assessment of the effects of methanolic extracts of Spondias mombin leaves and Curcuma longa rhizomes on serum lipid profile and electrolytes in alloxan induced diabetes in male wistar rats.
Methodology: 90 male wistar rats were randomly divided into 9 groups of 10 rats each. Diabetes was induced intraperitonially using alloxan at 200 mg/kg-bw. The different rat Groups were treated with extracts and glibenclamide orally for 42 days as follows: Group 1: untreated non diabetic; Group 2: untreated diabetic; Group 3: diabetic + low dose Spondias mombin; Group 4: diabetic + high dose Spondias mombin; Group 5: diabetic + low dose Curcuma longa; Group 6: diabetic + high dose Curcuma longa; Group 7: diabetic + low dose combined Spondias mombin and Curcuma longa; Group 8: diabetic + high dose combined Spondias mombin and Curcuma longa; and Group 9; diabetic + glibenclamide. Blood was collected on day 43 by cardiac puncture for determination of serum lipid profile and electrolytes.
Results: Compared to Group 2, total serum cholesterol, triglyceride, low density lipoprotein and electrolytes were significantly reduced while high density lipoprotein was significantly increased in all treated Groups (p<0.05). Compared to Groups 3 to 6, Groups 7 and 8 rats showed a significant reduction in total cholesterol, triglyceride and low density lipoprotein as well as electrolytes (p<0.05): however, high density lipoprotein was significantly increased (p<0.05).
Conclusion: Spondias mombin showed better hypolipidemic effects compared to Curcuma longa. However, results show that combined treatment with both extracts had better hypolipidemic effects than administration of individual extracts. Further research is recommended to evaluate the possible mechanism of action of these extract.
New estimates of greenhouse gas emissions from biomass burning and peat fires using MODIS Collection 6 burned areas
Authors: Prosperi Paolo , Bloise Mario , Tubiello Francesco N. , Conchedda Giulia , Rossi Simone , Boschetti Luigi , Salvatore Mirella , Bernoux Martial 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe Paris Agreement calls on parties to undertake ambitious efforts to combat climate change by engaging in appropriate policies and measures as put forward through Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), to strengthen transparency when reporting their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and to increase their mitigation contributions to climate action from 2020. It also calls for regular and transparent monitoring and reporting of the GHG emissions and on the NDCs implementation efforts. Biomass fires significantly affect the GHG atmospheric balance, with fire emissions representing more than 5% of total emissions from agriculture, forestry, and other land use (AFOLU), according to recent estimates produced by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). We update previously published Tier 1 estimates of GHG emissions in FAOSTAT—which had been used in the IPCC AR5 analysis—by using new burned area activity data from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) known as MCD64A1, Collection 6. The previous FAOSTAT estimates had used as input the Global Fire Emission Database v.4 (GFED4) burned area product, based on older MODIS Collection 5.1 burned area product. In line with differences between the input data used, the new FAOSTAT estimates indicate roughly 30% higher fire emissions globally than previously published. Our analysis also confirms that the FAOSTAT Tier 1 approach produces fire emissions estimates that are comparable to those computed at Tier 3 by GFED, and thus represent a useful complementary tool in support of country GHG reporting.
Between Spiritual Economy and Religious Commodification: Negotiating Temple Autonomy in Contemporary China
Authors: Chang Kuei-min 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThis research investigates the contentious use of temple assets amid widespread local state-led religious commodification in contemporary China. Based on a comparative analysis of 22 historic temples, this paper argues that given the choice, temple leaders strive for property-management autonomy, which they negotiate on two fronts. Externally, owing to the immobility of historic temple assets, temple leaders avoid antagonizing local state agents by demonstrating political conformity and the temple's economic contribution. Internally, they seek to build a donation-based merit economy to sustain the monastic institution. Since such autonomy must operate within the authoritarian state's regulatory framework, the restrained contestation of the religious leadership actually helps to strengthen state control over religion.
Routine machine quality assurance tests for a self‐shielded gyroscopic radiosurgery system
Authors: Lee Yongsook C. , Tolakanahalli Ranjini , Wieczorek D Jay , Mehta Minesh P. , McDermott Michael W. , Kotecha Rupesh , Gutierrez Alonso N. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractPurposeThis report describes routine machine quality assurance (QA) (daily, monthly, and annual QA) tests for the Zap‐X® Gyroscopic Radiosurgery® platform.MethodsFollowing the recommendations of the American Association of Physicists in Medicine Task Group (AAPM TG)‐142 and Medical Physics Practice guideline (MPPG) 8.b, routine machine QA tests for the Zap‐X system were implemented. The implementation included (1) daily, monthly, and annual QA tests encompassing dosimetry, mechanical, safety and imaging tests, (2) QA methods of each test specific to the Zap‐X, (3) a tolerance value for each test, and (4) necessary QA equipment.ResultsBaseline values and key results of daily, monthly, and annual QA tests are presented in this report. This report also discusses QA tests not adopted from TG 142 or MPPG 8.b (e.g., distance indicator) due to unique features of the Zap‐X system as well as additional QA tests added from the vendor's recommendations (e.g., self‐check) and from TG‐135 recommendations (e.g., monthly end‐to‐end testing) because of similarities between Zap‐X and CyberKnife systems.ConclusionsThe comprehensive information on routine machine QA tests presented in this report will assist Zap‐X teams in other Neurosurgery centers or Radiation Oncology clinics in establishing and maintaining their QA programs until AAPM endorsed guidelines become available.
Radiomics based on dual‐layer spectral detector CT for predicting EGFR mutation status in non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Jin Dan , Ni Xiaoqiong , Tan Yanhuan , Yin Hongkun , Fan Guohua 
Published: December 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo explore the value of dual‐layer spectral computed tomography (DLCT)‐based radiomics for predicting epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation status in patients with non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).MethodsDLCT images and clinical information from 115 patients with NSCLC were collected retrospectively and randomly assigned to a training group (n = 81) and a validation group (n = 34). A radiomics model was constructed based on the DLCT radiomic features by least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) dimensionality reduction. A clinical model based on clinical and CT features was established. A nomogram was built combining the radiomic scores (Radscores) and clinical factors. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis and decision curve analysis (DCA) were used for the efficacy and clinical value of the models assessment.ResultsA total of six radiomic features and two clinical features were screened for modeling. The AUCs of the radiomic model, clinical model, and nomogram were 0.909, 0.797, and 0.922, respectively, in the training group and 0.874, 0.691, and 0.881, respectively, in the validation group. The AUCs of the nomogram and the radiomics model were significantly higher than that of the clinical model, but no significant difference was found between them. DCA revealed that nomogram had the greatest clinical benefit at most threshold intervals.ConclusionNomogram integrating clinical factors and pretreatment DLCT radiomic features can help evaluate the EGFR mutation status of patients with NSCLC in a noninvasive way.
In vivo evidence for cell body loss in cortical lesions in people with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Krijnen Eva A. , Lee Hansol , Noteboom Samantha , Chiang Florence L. , Steenwijk Martijn D. , Schoonheim Menno M. , Klawiter Eric C. , Huang Susie Y. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo quantify alterations in soma and neurite density imaging measures within and surrounding cortical lesions in people with multiple sclerosis using in vivo high‐gradient diffusion MRI.MethodsIn this cross‐sectional study, 41 people with multiple sclerosis and 34 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls underwent 3 T high‐gradient diffusion MRI. Cortical lesions were segmented on artificial intelligence‐enabled double inversion recovery images. “Inner” and “outer” perilesional layers were segmented as two expanding shells of 2 mm surrounding a cortical lesion. Intracellular, intra‐neurite, and extracellular signal fractions and apparent soma radius were estimated in (peri)lesional and normal‐appearing cortex.ResultsCortical lesions were present in all people with multiple sclerosis with a median count of 8 [IQR 5–18] and total volume of 0.16 [0.09–0.46 mL]. People with multiple sclerosis (mean 0.27 ± 0.03) showed lower normalized cortical volumes compared to healthy controls (0.30 ± 0.02). Compared to healthy controls (mean 0.58 ± 0.028), normal‐appearing cortex in multiple sclerosis (0.57 ± 0.034) showed lower intra‐cellular signal fraction. Cortical lesions (0.49 ± 0.089) exhibited lower intra‐cellular signal fractions compared to perilesional (“inner”: 0.55 ± 0.049, “outer”: 0.55 ± 0.039) and normal‐appearing cortex, demonstrating a gradation of change. The soma radius varied significantly across cortices, becoming smaller when moving outward from cortical lesions (cortical lesions: 10.38 ± 0.209 μm, “inner” layer: 10.19 ± 0.140 μm, “outer” layer: 10.07 ± 0.149 μm, normal‐appearing cortex: 9.99 ± 0.127 μm).InterpretationCortical cell body loss in multiple sclerosis is most pronounced in cortical lesions and also present in normal‐appearing cortex. Gradients of diffusion microstructural alterations moving outward from cortical lesions toward normal‐appearing cortex highlight the potential of high‐gradient diffusion MRI to identify both focal and diffuse cortical pathology.
Prevention of Intrauterine Adhesion with Platelet‐Rich Plasma Double‐Network Hydrogel
Authors: Wang Zhuomin , Gu Ying , Qu Yiyuan , Huang Xujia , Sun Tao , Wu Wei , Hu Qianyu , Chen Xiao , Li Yu , Zhao Huafei , Hu Yingying , Wu Bingbing , Xu Jian 
Published: December 2024

AbstractIntrauterine adhesion (IUA) can negatively impact on pregnancy outcomes, leading to reduced pregnancy rates, secondary infertility, and an increased risk of pregnancy complications. Studies have shown that the application of platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) in IUA patients is effective. However, the clinical readhesive rate of IUA after treatment is still high, especially in severe cases. Platelet‐rich plasma double‐network hydrogel (DN gel) is an engineered PRP double network hydrogel, which is a sodium alginate (SA) based PRP hydrogel with egg carton ion cross‐linking and fibrin double network. The results of this study show that intrauterine injection of DN gel has a better effect on promoting endometrial regeneration and enhancing endometrial receptivity than PRP gel. The mechanism is analyzed through single‐cell sequencing, which may be achieved by increasing the expression of neutrophils (Neut), natural killer cells (NK), and type I classical dendritic cells (cDC1) in the endometrium and inhibiting the infiltration of M2 macrophages. Overall, based on the good healing efficiency and good biocompatibility of DN gel, it is expected to become a method of treating IUA with better efficacy and faster clinical translation.
Oxygen Vacancies Enhance SERS Performance of Tungsten‐Doped Vanadium Dioxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Liang Jiran , Zhang Lanxiang , Wang Shuai , Yu Yong , Lei Dangyuan 
Published: December 2024

AbstractSurface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is a powerful spectroscopic identification technique for analyzing chemical and biological analytes. Semiconductors are important materials that can expand the scope of SERS applications. However, the low SERS enhancements limit the application of semiconductor substrates. In this work, a new defect engineering approach is used, i.e., combining two types of defects, to enhance SERS performance by preparing of oxygen‐vacancy‐tunable W‐doped VO2 substrate. In this design, two types of defects effect in synergy to improve the SERS performance of rhodamine 6G (R6G). The oxygen vacancy concentration in W‐doped VO2 is adjusted through thermal annealing. This substrate achieves a detection limit of 1 × 10−7 m for R6G and an enhancement factor (EF) of 1.39 × 106, comparable to noble metals. XPS and DFT analysis reveal that SERS enhancement can be attributed to the high density of electronic states associated with W‐doping and oxygen vacancies. Additionally, W‐doping increases the free electron concentration in the oxygen‐deficient W‐VO2, which enhances the charge transfer (CT) between the substrate and R6G, leading to significant amplification of Raman signal. This work provides a defect‐engineering approach based on the synergistic effect of oxygen vacancies and tungsten doping for enhancing the SERS performance of metal oxide semiconductor‐based substrates.
Flexible and Multifunctional Biomass‐Based Chlorella Hydrogels for High‐Performance Wearable Electronics
Authors: Zhang Yi , Xu Lihong , Qian Fujia , Yan Bingqiang , Lin Zhaoxing , Chen Tingjie , Peng Xiangfang 
Published: December 2024

AbstractBiomass‐based hydrogels have emerged as promising soft sensing materials to prepare the flexible biomimetic electronic devices for human health monitoring, due to their good stretchability, interfacial adhesion, and biocompatibility. Here, a simple and effective freeze‐thaw method is proposed to prepare the flexible and ductile biomass‐based Chlorella hydrogels for wearable capacitive strain sensor devices. Ascribing to the formation of dynamic physical cross‐linking (hydrogen bonding) between Chlorella and polyvinyl alcohol networks, the obtained Chlorella hydrogels exhibit considerable conductivity and good stretchability (tensile strain > 450%). Moreover, this hydrogel can be used as sensing materials to fabricate the capacitive strain sensor with considerable sensitivity, remarkable mechanical durability, wide working range, and good sensing stability. Furthermore, the conductive hydrogel electrolyte is paired with activated carbon electrodes to build a sandwich‐style supercapacitor. The flexible all‐solid‐state supercapacitor exhibits excellent cycling performance and outstanding stability. Intriguingly, the Chlorella hydrogels also reveal excellent antibacterial performance (against E. coli and S. aureus) and good pH response. These functional features make the biomass‐based Chlorella hydrogels valuable for practical healthcare applications.