bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mandarin-speaking children with different types of cochlear implant exhibit variations in the activation patterns of their central auditory processing
Authors: Mao Xiang , Zhang Ziyue , Yang Yijing , Wang Yue , Chen Yu , Wang Wei 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundCochlear implants (CIs) have the potential to facilitate auditory restoration in deaf children and contribute to the maturation of the auditory cortex. The type of CI may impact hearing rehabilitation in children with CI. We aimed to study central auditory processing activation patterns during speech perception in Mandarin-speaking pediatric CI recipients with different device characteristics.MethodsWe developed and implemented a multifeature paradigm for Mandarin pronunciation to capture mismatch negativity (MMN) responses in pediatric CI recipients, analyzed the cortical processing sources of MMN responses elicited by different stimuli, and identified significant differences in the frontal cerebral cortex activation between different types of CIs located in the corresponding brain regions according to the Anatomical Automatic Labeling (AAL) brain template. The clinical characteristics, aided hearing threshold (AHT), and speech perception accuracy (SPA) of these children were also recorded.ResultsThis study involved 32 pediatric CI recipients, with 12 (37.5%) receiving unilateral implants, 10 (31.3%) receiving bilateral implants, and 10 (31.3%) receiving bimodal stimulation. The cortical areas involved in the MMN response to various Mandarin pronunciation stimuli showed the greatest activity in the prefrontal lobe. In children with bimodal stimulation, there was noticeable activation in prefrontal cortical areas. Children with unilateral and bilateral implants also showed activation of the prefrontal cortex, but the activation strength was relatively reduced. The activation of cortical areas did not consistently appear stronger in children with bilateral implants than in those with unilateral implants. Consonant and intensity stimuli showed greater activation, whereas duration and vowel stimuli showed weaker activation. Significant differences in frontal cerebral cortex activation between different types of CIs were predominantly observed in the superior frontal gyrus.ConclusionBimodal stimulation should be considered whenever possible to maximize auditory benefits. For deaf children without any residual hearing, bilateral implantation is the best choice. Unilateral implantation is not as detrimental as previously thought for deaf children. Early cochlear implantation, comprehensive auditory training, and better adaptation to CI devices can efficiently compensate for unilateral hearing limitations.
Non-linear relationship between the first meal time of the day and gallstone incidence in American adults: a population-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Sun Tiange , Zhang Lidong , Lu Ying , Zhang Xianwen , Cui Jinhao , Yang Tongheng , Zhang Dan , Zheng Bowen , Zheng Shuguo 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundIrregular meal time is associated with gallstones. The time–dose effect between meal time and gallstone formation remains unknown.ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the association between the first meal time (FMT) of the day and the prevalence of gallstones.MethodsBased on data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2017 to March 2020, the associations between the FMT of the day and the prevalence of gallstones were analyzed via multivariable logistic regression, restricted cubic spline curves, subgroup analysis, and interaction tests.ResultsA total of 6,547 participants were included. The fully adjusted model indicated a positive correlation between the FMT of the day and the prevalence of gallstones (odds ratio [OR] = 1.05, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.02 ~ 1.08); this association was consistent across subgroups. The risk of developing gallstones was the greatest when the FMT was between 09:00 and 14:00 (OR [95% CI] = 1.49 [1.24 ~ 1.77]). There was a non-linear relationship between the FMT and gallstone incidence (P for non-linearity = 0.042), with an inflection point at 13.4 h. After the 13.4-h mark, the risk of developing gallstones did not increase further.ConclusionThe FMT of the day is positively correlated with the prevalence of gallstones, and there is a non-linear relationship and threshold effect between the two. Skipping breakfast is associated with a greater risk of developing gallstones. This study provides new evidence for the dietary prevention of gallstones.
Determining the effective dose of esketamine combined with propofol for painless hysteroscopy: a prospective dose-finding study
Authors: Sheng Zhimin , Liu Xiang , Lin Kang , Liu Jie , Mao Junqin , Qian Xiaowei 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundThe combination of esketamine and propofol has become a common choice for total intravenous anesthesia in hysteroscopic procedures. However, the optimal effective dose has not yet been determined. The aim of this study was to determine the median effective dose (ED50) and 95% effective dose (ED95) of esketamine compounded with propofol for painless hysteroscopy.MethodsA total of 40 patients aged 20–60 years and scheduled for painless hysteroscopy under intravenous anesthesia were recruited, and a total of 31 patients were enrolled for the final analysis. Using the Dixon’s up and down method, an initial dose of 0.5 mg/kg esketamine was administered intravenously before surgery, and after 1 min, it was followed by 2 mg/kg of propofol. If the hysteroscopy failed (a positive reaction) [defined as inadequate cervical dilatation, patient body movements interfering with surgical procedures during hysteroscopy placement, frowning, or Ramsay Sedation Scale (RSS) score &lt;5 within 5 min], the subsequent patient’s esketamine dosage was increased by 0.1 mg/kg. Conversely (a negative reaction), the dosage was decreased by 0.1 mg/kg. The test was not stopped until at least 7 crossovers occurred. The perioperative adverse events of each patient were recorded. The ED50 and ED95 with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using probit regression.ResultsThe ED50 and ED95 with 95% (CIs) of esketamine in patients were 0.287 (0.220–0.342) mg/kg and 0.429 (0.365–0.705) mg/kg, respectively. No serious adverse events were observed in any patients.ConclusionA dose of 0.429 mg/kg esketamine combined with propofol is recommended for painless hysteroscopy anesthesia, as it enhances anesthesia and postoperative analgesia efficacy without significant adverse reactions. However, potential risks associated with this dosage should be carefully considered in clinical practice.Clinical Trial Registrationhttps://www.chictr.org.cn/index.html, identifier ChiCTR2300075564.
Evaluation of diflubenzuron–verapamil combination strategy for eco-safe management of Aedes aegypti
Authors: Sankar Manu , Yadav Divya , Kumar Sarita 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionAedes aegypti, the vector of multiple arboviral diseases, is a prime health concern worldwide. The surge in Aedes-borne diseases emphasizes the urgent need for efficient vector control measures. Synthetic pesticides used traditionally, however, present environmental concerns and issues like resistance development, causing the use of higher chemical doses. Hence, alternate interventions like the use of insect growth regulators (diflubenzuron; DFB) show promise because of their unique mechanism of action and environmental safety. Nevertheless, mosquitoes have the potential to develop resistance to any chemical. Thus, the present study investigates the use of DFB in combination with verapamil (DFB-V; 1:10) as a possible mosquito intervention measure.MethodsThe effects of both DFB and DFB-V were assessed on the larval development, adult emergence and expression of detoxification enzymes, non-specific esterases, glutathione S-transferase (GST), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and monooxygenases in laboratory-reared (AND-Ae. aegypti) and wild-caught (GVD-Ae. aegypti) strains of Ae. aegypti. The effects on the survival of non-target organisms were also investigated. ResultsThe investigations showed that DFB-V treatment of the Ae. aegypti fourth instars caused a 1.16–1.37 fold higher adult emergence suppression than DFB alone, reducing the IE50 values. The DFB treatment increased β-esterases, AChE, and monooxygenases but reduced the GST and α-esterase levels. The effects enhanced with the use of DFB-V, causing a significant decrease in α-esterase (7.7-fold) and an increase in monooxygenases (7.8-fold) (p &lt; 0.05) in AND-Ae. aegypti compared to the wild-caught strain. The variation in enzyme levels in the two strains may be due to the stress caused by insecticides of different chemical natures used in the fields. No negative effects were observed on the non-target organisms—Gambusia affinis, Mesocyclops thermocyclopoides, and Paramecium tetraurelia.ConclusionThe studies showed the growth regulatory efficacy of DFB and probable role of GST and α-esterases in increasing the effects of DFB when synergized with verapamil. Further, the DFB-V combination did not result in any significant negative effects on the non-target organisms ascertaining its safe use. This is the first report unraveling the effects of the DFB–verapamil combination on the defense mechanism of Ae. aegypti. Further studies may assist in developing focused and eco-safe plans for managing Ae. aegypti populations effectively.
Assessing the quality of life in children with autism spectrum disorder: a cross-sectional study of contributing factors
Authors: Tedla Jaya Shanker , Asiri Faisal , Reddy Ravi Shankar , Sangadala Devika Rani , Gular Kumar , Kakaraparthi Venkata Nagaraj 
Published: December 2024

ObjectiveThe study aimed to assess the quality of life (QoL) in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) compared to typically developing peers, identify key influencing factors such as socio-demographic and comorbid conditions, and examine the impact of symptom severity on QoL outcomes.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study conducted in Saudi Arabia, 75 children with ASD were compared to 75 typically developing children matched for age and gender. QoL was evaluated using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL), while the severity of autism symptoms was assessed using the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS). Additional variables, including socio-demographic factors, comorbid conditions, and family environment, were collected through structured interviews and clinical assessments. Statistical analyses, including independent samples t-tests, multiple linear regression, and ANOVA, were employed to compare QoL scores, identify predictors, and assess the impact of symptom severity on QoL outcomes.ResultsThe mean overall QoL score for children with ASD was 57.86 (SD = 13.25) compared to 81.67 (SD = 10.89) for typically developing children (t = -10.56, p &lt; 0.001, Cohen’s d = 1.90). Socioeconomic status (β = -0.25, t = -5.00, p &lt; 0.001), comorbid ADHD (β = -0.35, t = -5.83, p &lt; 0.001), and parental mental health issues (β = -0.45, t = -9.00, p &lt; 0.001) were significant predictors of lower QoL. ANOVA results showed that children with severe autism symptoms had the lowest QoL scores (mean = 40.12, SD = 15.67; F = 20.45, p &lt; 0.001, η² = 0.45).ConclusionChildren with ASD showed significantly lower QoL, particularly in social and school functioning, highlighting the need for targeted interventions addressing core symptoms and environmental and family factors to improve outcomes.
Association between internet use and primary headache severity among Hungarian university students: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Radvanyi Ildiko , Tibold Antal , Fejes Eva , Mak Kornel , Beke Szilvia , Fehér Gergely , Nyulas Rita , Gaal Valeria 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundRecent studies suggest that increased digital technology usage could be a factor in the rising occurrence and severity of headache episodes. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to determine whether the severity of primary headaches (migraine and tension-type headache) is associated with problematic internet use taking many covariates into account.MethodsWe conducted an online cross-sectional survey using a quantitative, descriptive questionnaire, targeting university students enrolled in correspondence courses, aged 18 to 65. The survey included socio-demographic parameters, risk factors, concomitant diseases, medical history of headaches, and details of online activities. Psychometric measurements contained the Problematic Internet Use Questionnaire, the 9-item short version of the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-SF), and the Athens Insomnia Questionnaire.ResultsA total of 550 responders (n = 480 female; n = 70 male) completed the online questionnaire package. Among the participants, 202 individuals (36.7%) reported experiencing headaches, 74 had migraines and 119 had tension-type headache. Internet addiction was detected in 46 (8.4%) participants. Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) showed that significant risk factors of all primary headaches severity included being &lt;30 years (p = 0.044, OR = 3.439), not having children (p = 0.014, OR = 2.493), being married (p = 0.035, OR = 2.528), spending more than 4 h per day on the internet (p = 0.021, OR = 1.088), experiencing mood disturbances (p = 0.033, OR = 1.345) and the presence of insomnia (p = 0.048, OR = 1.667). Furthermore, a slight positive correlation was identified between the amount of time individuals spent on the Internet and the severity of headaches (r = 0.138, r2 = 0.019, ß = 1.068, p = 0.049). Patients with migraine or tension-type headache showed different predecessors, internet use was only associated with the severity of tension-type headache (night-time internet use, OR = 3.075, p = 0.043, and internet addiction, OR = 1.221, p = 0.003).ConclusionThis research marks one of the initial epidemiological investigations in Hungary concentrating on the possible adverse impact of online activities on the severity of headache. Although our study could find slight correlation between the role of online activities and internet addiction on the severity of primary headaches, the topic merits further investigation.
Impact of COVID-19 vaccination on adolescent and youth students’ mental health and bullying behaviors after the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions in China
Authors: Song Hong-Jun , Wang Cong , Mu Yun-Fei , Cai Jia , Deng Zhongyue , Wang Yu , Deng Ai-Ping , Liu Ting , Li Bin , Huang Yi , Chen Jin , Hu Yan , Liu Bo , Zhang Wei , Lu Lin , Ran Mao-Sheng 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundVaccination plays an important role in fighting against COVID-19. However, it is unclear about the association among vaccination, mental health, and bullying behaviors in China.MethodThis online survey was conducted to investigate the association among vaccination status, mental health problems and bullying behaviors in students from December 14, 2022 to February 28, 2023 in Sichuan, China. All participants (N = 82,873) were adolescents recruited via their teachers and professors. Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5), Sleep Severity Index Scale (ISI) and Cyberbullying behaviors were tested.ResultsThe rates of depression, anxiety and PTSD in participants without vaccination were significantly higher than that in those with vaccination. Moreover, participants with more doses of vaccines had significantly lower rates of depression, anxiety, PTSD, school and cyber bullying (p &lt; 0.001). The rates of homosexual orientation, drinking, smoking were higher in participants with three or more doses of vaccines than those with less doses of vaccines (p &lt; 0.001).ConclusionThis study suggests that COVID-19 vaccination will not only protect students’ physical health, but also improve mental health. It is crucial to explore the mechanism between vaccination and mental health problems and bullying behaviors in further studies.
Synthesis of MR fingerprinting information from magnitude-only MR imaging data using a parallelized, multi network U-Net convolutional neural network
Authors: McGee Kiaran P. , Sui Yi , Witte Robert J. , Panda Ananya , Campeau Norbert G. , Mostardeiro Thomaz R. , Sobh Nahil , Ravaioli Umberto , Zhang Shuyue (Lucia) , Falahkheirkhah Kianoush , Larson Nicholas B. , Schwarz Christopher G. , Gunter Jeffrey L. 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundMR fingerprinting (MRF) is a novel method for quantitative assessment of in vivo MR relaxometry that has shown high precision and accuracy. However, the method requires data acquisition using customized, complex acquisition strategies and dedicated post processing methods thereby limiting its widespread application.ObjectiveTo develop a deep learning (DL) network for synthesizing MRF signals from conventional magnitude-only MR imaging data and to compare the results to the actual MRF signal acquired.MethodsA U-Net DL network was developed to synthesize MRF signals from magnitude-only 3D T1-weighted brain MRI data acquired from 37 volunteers aged between 21 and 62 years of age. Network performance was evaluated by comparison of the relaxometry data (T1, T2) generated from dictionary matching of the deep learning synthesized and actual MRF data from 47 segmented anatomic regions. Clustered bootstrapping involving 10,000 bootstraps followed by calculation of the concordance correlation coefficient were performed for both T1 and T2 MRF data pairs. 95% confidence limits and the mean difference between true and DL relaxometry values were also calculated.ResultsThe concordance correlation coefficient (and 95% confidence limits) for T1 and T2 MRF data pairs over the 47 anatomic segments were 0.8793 (0.8136–0.9383) and 0.9078 (0.8981–0.9145) respectively. The mean difference (and 95% confidence limits) were 48.23 (23.0–77.3) s and 2.02 (−1.4 to 4.8) s.ConclusionIt is possible to synthesize MRF signals from MRI data using a DL network, thereby creating the potential for performing quantitative relaxometry assessment without the need for a dedicated MRF pulse sequence.
Application of laboratory frailty index in predicting delirium in elderly patients with community-acquired pneumonia
Authors: Liao Jingxian , Shen Xiaozhu , Du Zhiqiang , Miao Lei 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundWith the global aging population, community-acquired pneumonia and delirium are increasingly critical health issues among the elderly. The Laboratory Frailty Index provides an objective measure of frailty. This study explores its capacity in predicting delirium and examines the interplay between frailty and nutritional status in elderly patients with community-acquired pneumonia.Methods and materialsThis retrospective study included 481 elderly patients aged 75 and above diagnosed with community-acquired pneumonia. The Laboratory Frailty Index was calculated by dividing the sum of abnormal indicator scores by the total number of test indicators, resulting in a score ranging from 0 to 1, with higher values indicating greater frailty.ResultsHigher Laboratory Frailty Index scores were associated with an increased risk of delirium. The index’s predictive accuracy improved when combined with nutritional assessments. Patients experiencing malnutrition alongside higher frailty scores exhibited a higher risk of adverse outcomes. Nutritional status mediated the relationship between frailty and delirium, underlining the significance of addressing both variables.ConclusionThe Laboratory Frailty Index is a robust predictor of delirium in elderly patients with community-acquired pneumonia. These findings provide valuable insights for the early identification and intervention of delirium in clinical settings.
Proposals for integrated public management of the menopausal transition and postmenopause through Spanish women's experiences: a qualitative study
Authors: Selva Clara 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionIn Spain, legislation protecting women during the menopausal transition and postmenopause is still in its early stages. For public policies to be effective, it is essential that their design, implementation, and evaluation actively involve women going through this stage. Only from their experience and perspective can the impact of measures be maximized and ensure that they truly respond to their needs and realities. The goal of this article is to identify and analyze proposals for action that public organizations in Spain could undertake to improve the management of and transition through menopause. On the basis of the initiatives identified through women's narratives, this study aims to establish a solid basis for the inclusion of future governmental policies and practices in Spain. Adapting to the economic conditions and sociocultural aspects specific to each region can stimulate reflection and debate on their policies regarding menopause.MethodsThis qualitative study, which was conducted in Spain, was based on 20 semistructured interviews with women who had experienced physiological and symptomatic menopause in the last five years, were postmenopausal, and were actively employed. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed following an inductive thematic analysis.ResultsThe stories of the interviewees indicate three categories of government action comprising a set of specific measures. More specifically, the categories relate to: (a) proposals for accompaniment and social awareness, (b) educational and training proposals, and (c) political and regulatory proposals.ConclusionsThis study identifies governmental proposals and specific actions to improve support for the menopausal transition and postmenopause in Spain. While its findings may be applicable to other countries, further research is needed to explore how they could be adapted to the different socioeconomic and cultural realities of those contexts. Ultimately, the proposals presented lay the groundwork for developing public policies and laws that respond to the needs of women, improving their well-being and promoting gender equity in public health.
Donor derived cell free DNA in lung transplant recipients rises in setting of allograft instability
Authors: Smith Joshua B. , Peterson Ryan A. , Pomponio Raymond , Steele Mark , Gray Alice L. 
Published: December 2024

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the correlation between longitudinal monitoring of donor-derived cell free DNA (dd-cfDNA) in lung transplant recipients and a “gold standard” of existing tools (pulmonary function testing, radiographic imaging, laboratory and bronchoscopy data, clinical judgment) to assess allograft function.Methods24 consecutive transplant recipients were prospectively enrolled in this study measuring dd-cfDNA levels monthly in the first year after bilateral lung transplant. Blinded clinical adjudications were performed at the same timepoints to categorize allograft function as stable (FEV1 within 10% of prior value or when compared to best two averaged post-transplant values) or unstable. When deemed unstable, etiology of unstable graft function was elicited based on available clinical data. We then evaluated the association between dd-cfDNA and the clinical impression of allograft function using linear mixed models which adjusted for patient-level covariates and time since transplant.ResultsUnstable allografts were associated with 54.4% higher measures of dd-cfDNA, controlling for time since transplant and demographic covariates [adjusted mean ratio (aMR) = 1.54, 95% CI: 1.25–1.91]. Females tended to have higher measures of dd-cfDNA (aMR = 1.90 95%CI: 1.14–3.16). A two-fold increase in dd-cfDNA was associated with declines in FEV1 and FVC of 0.047 and 0.066 L, respectively, controlling for time since transplant and demographic covariates (slope: −0.047 95%CI: −0.076 to −0.019, and slope: −0.066 95%CI: −0.097 to −0.035, respectively). Discussion: Donor derived cell free DNA presents a potential additional minimally invasive clinical tool in lung transplant allograft monitoring within the first year of transplant, with unstable allografts correlating with higher dd-cfDNA values.