bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Minimum Required Distance for Clinically Significant Measurement of Habitual Gait Speed
Authors: Park Myung Woo , Chung Sun Gun , Beom Jaewon , Kim Kyung Su , Kim Joonghee , Park Chul-Hyun , Lee Jinkyu , Kim Keewon 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background: Gait speed indicates morbidity and life expectancy in older adults, but the minimum walking distance for measurement remains unclear. This study aimed to determine the minimum distance required to measure clinically reliable gait speed using a smartphone camera and pose estimation, and whether the distance is influenced by subject characteristics or measurement methods.
Methods: Twenty-four healthy volunteers (> 65 years old) performed a video-recorded 10-m gait test, excluding acceleration and deceleration. Fourteen body points were derived using a pose-estimation algorithm. Speed was calculated based on the center of mass or a leading foot which simulates a condition with a walkway sensor and validated against manual measurements. Multiple videos of gait over varying distances were obtained by cropping video frames at 0.1-meter intervals. Variance in gait speed over specific distances was calculated using ANOVA. “Minimum required distance” was defined as the shortest distance where the confidence interval of gait speed did not exceed the minimal clinically important difference (0.1 m/sec). We also investigated which clinical, anthropometric, or epidemiological variables might influence it by assessing their association with gait speed variance using mean squared error from linear regression.
Results: Gait speed measured by pose estimation (1.55 ± 0.18 m/s) highly corresponded with manual measurement (1.56 ± 0.14 m/s) (r = 0.866, p < 0.001). “Minimum required distance” was 2.1 meter when gait speed was calculated with the center of mass with 95% confidence interval while “minimun required distance” based on a leading foot was 4.7 meter with 90% confidence interval. Gait speed itself and muscle strength was positively correlated with gait speed variance (r = 0.250, p = 0.036 for gait speed; r = 0.312, p = 0.008 for knee extensor strength; r = 0.230, p = 0.053 for grip strength) while other epidemiologic or clinical parameters including age and physical performance scales did not.
Conclusions: Clinically reliable measurement of gait speed could be achieved over 2.1 meter using a smartphone and pose estimation inducing the center of mass with 95% confidence level. The weaker the muscle strength or the slower the gait speed, the shorter the distance might be required.
Dietary L-leucine supplementation improves ruminal fermentation parameters and epithelium development in fattening Angus beef cattle
Authors: An Jishan , Ge Yu , He Huitian , Ge Hao , Li Jing , Li Zhiqing , Liu Lei , Wang Zuo , Lan Xinyi , Shen Weijun , Cheng Anwei , Wan Fachun 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background Leucine can play a crucial role in regulating rumen fermentation, rumen bacterial composition, and nutrient degradation, however, most of these findings are derived from in vitro rumen fermentation results. In this study, the effects of L-leucine (Leu) on rumen fermentation parameters, rumen epithelium development, amino acid metabolism, rumen bacterial communities and metabolites in beef cattle were investigated. Twenty-four Angus cows of similar initial weight (575.5 ± 22.1 kg) were randomly assigned to 2 treatments with 6 replicate pens (2 cattle per pen). They were fed a basal diet or a basal diet supplemented with 6.0 g/100 kg BW per day of L-Leu for 120 days.
Results (1) Leu increased the ruminal concentrations of total volatile fatty acid (VFA) (P = 0.017), propionate (P = 0.023), iso-valerate (P = 0.001), branched-chain volatile fatty acid (BCVFA) (P = 0.01) at 4 h post-feeding, and tended to increase acetate (P = 0.083) and decrease the ammonia-N (NH3-N) concentration (P = 0.055), but it did not affect ruminal pH (P > 0.1). Leu also increased microbial crude protein (MCP) (P = 0.026) at 4 h post-feeding, but decreased MCP at 8 h post-feeding (P < 0.05). (2) Supplementation with L-Leu increased the ruminal concentrations of phenylalanine (P = 0.011), lysine (P = 0.034), and tyrosine (P = 0.033), and decreased the cystine concentrations (P = 0.010). (3) Leu increased the thickness of stratum spinosum and basal (P < 0.05), while decreased the thickness of stratum granulosum. (4) Leu up-regulated the relative mRNA expression of genes involved in tight junction proteins (P < 0.05) and VFA absorption and metabolism (P < 0.01) in the rumen epithelium, and this upregulation was positively correlated with ruminal isovalerate and BCVFA concentrations (P < 0.01). (5) L-Leu did not affect the diversity and richness of ruminal microbes (P > 0.05), but differential bacterial biomarkers (LEfSe, LDA>2) were positively or negatively correlated with ruminal MCP, NH3-N, and BCVFA concentrations (P < 0.001), and differential bacterial metabolites (OPLS-DA, VIP>1.5) were primarily enriched in the amino acid metabolism pathway (P < 0.05).
Conclusions Dietary supplementation with L-Leu improved rumen fermentation parameters and patterns, promoted epithelial development, and enhanced rumen epithelium VFA absorption and metabolism in beef cattle.
Emergency department use during pregnancy by Medicaid type
Authors: Hersh Alyssa , Acevedo Ann Martinez , Mandelbaum Ava , Choo Esther , Rodriguez Maria 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background: Emergency department (ED) use is common among patients with Medicaid insurance during pregnancy. However, it is unknown how ED utilization differs among those with different types of Medicaid such as Emergency Medicaid, with which access to outpatient care is more restricted.
Objective: We sought to compare differences in ED use during between pregnant persons with Emergency Medicaid and Traditional Medicaid and pregnancy outcomes by ED utilization.
Study Design: This was a retrospective cohort study of all births among Medicaid recipients in South Carolina from 2010 to 2019. The main comparator was type of Medicaid. Our primary outcome was an ED visit during pregnancy. Secondary outcomes included average number of visits, perinatal outcomes, and prenatal and hospital charges.
Results: There were 240,597 births that met inclusion criteria for this analysis. Over the study period, the proportion of patients with at least one ED visit increased for all groups. A higher proportion of patients with Traditional Medicaid had at least one ED visit compared with Emergency Medicaid (58.2% versus 22.7%). Patients who had at least one ED visit were more likely to be younger, of Black race, live rurally, nulliparous, have lower or higher body mass index, and have a higher prevalence of pre-existing medical co-morbidities.
Conclusion: We found that individuals with Traditional Medicaid were more likely to have an antenatal ED visit than individuals with Emergency Medicaid.
‘Asram' is not for hospital’: Perceptions and management of newborn illnesses in two urban slums in Accra, Ghana
Authors: Adimazoya¹* Edward Akolgo , Ganle²† John Kumuuori , Asampong³† Emmanuel , Glozah³† Franklin , Adongo³† Philip Baba 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background: Neonatal mortality remains a significant public health challenge globally, and Ghana is no exception. In Ghana, neonatal deaths accounts for 61% of infant deaths and 43% of under-five deaths. While the illnesses that affect neonates and contribute to neonatal mortality are widely known, and interventions for managing these illnesses exist, it is not clear how these illnesses are perceived and managed in many local communities including urban slums in Ghana. This paper explored the illnesses affecting neonates and their perceptions and management in two urban slums in Accra, Ghana.
Methods: This qualitative study forms part of a concurrent mixed methods cross-sectional study that was conducted in two large urban slums (Ashaiman and Sodom and Gomorrah) in Accra. The qualitative component of the study involved 14 focus groups discussions and 13 in- depth interviews with purposively sampled mothers, traditional birth attendants, caregivers, community leaders and health workers at national and sub national level. Interviews were tape-recorded, transcribed and analyzed thematically using NVivo 12 Pro.
Results: Several common newborn illnesses were reported including diarrhoea, fever, cough, acute respiratory infections, neonatal jaundice, and rashes. There were also other locally themed newborn illnesses including “tomatoes”, “asram”, “obopremu”, “obobre” “bosu -bosu”. Most locally themed illnesses were generally perceived as caused by evil spirits and therefore “not for hospital”. Rather, these illnesses are managed by pastors, mallams, herbalists through exorcism and herbal concoctions. Key barriers to newborn care in the slums include inadequate infrastructure, lack of newborn resuscitation equipment, poor provider skills and competencies, and negative attitude of health service providers.
Conclusion: The main illnesses affecting newborns in the slums are diarrhoea, fever, cough, acute respiratory infections, “asram”, “obobre” neonatal jaundice, rashes, “tomatoes” and “bosu-bosu”. The key barriers to newborn care included cost, waiting time, distance and negative attitude of health care providers. Importantly, the findings suggested that how people in urban spaces perceive the cause of their newborn illness determined the nature and type of treatment. It is critical therefore that targeted health educational interventions are designed and implemented in these urban slums to address misconceptions and improve care for newborns.
Soil Detachment Efficiency Coefficient Functions for an Unpaved Road in Southern Brazil
Authors: Jerszurki Lucas , Schultz Gilson Bauer , Jerszurki Daniela , Santos Irani dos 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Soil detachment is a key parameter to describe the hydrosedimentological cycle in rural and urban watersheds. Few studies explore the applicability of equations for calculating soil detachment efficiency, especially in specific environments such as unpaved roads in Pinus taeda L. reforestation areas. The aim of this study was to compare the methodologies for estimation of soil detachment efficiency coefficient, available in the openLISEM hydrological model (Rauws and Govers 1988; Morgan et al. 1998; and Morgan 2001), for a section of an unpaved rural road in a Pinus taeda forest in Southern Brazil, over six contrasting rainfall events monitored in 2013. The results of the simulations were compared with monitored series of discharge and sediment production. The Morgan et al. (1998) function resulted in the lowest soil detachment rate, while the Rauws and Govers (1988) function presented better adjusted accumulated values, which are highly affected by the site properties and initial calibration. These results can help in calculating the coefficient of soil detachment by runoff in regions with similar climates.
Early Life History Traits and Elevated Growth Trajectories Associated with Survival into Winter in Range-Expanding Coral Reef Fish.
Authors: Rigg Alexander , Fowler Ashley M , Sommer Brigitte , Booth David J 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Climate change is driving the poleward range expansion of sub-tropical and tropical marine species into temperate ecosystems, with ocean-warming hotspots experiencing rapid shifts in species distributions. While recruitment to temperate waters by expatriating tropical vagrant fish is increasing, surviving through the cooler winters remains a significant barrier to their establishment. This study investigates the links between early life history traits and survival into winter in the Sergeant Major (Abudefduf vaigiensis), a tropical damselfish expanding its range into temperate southeastern Australia. Using otolith microstructure analysis, we reconstructed the early life histories of 122 individuals collected from rocky reef in Sydney (33.8oS) Australia in 2022 and 2023 and assessed their early life history traits. Our results demonstrate that individuals surviving into the winter (hereafter “wintered fish”) had a larger size at hatching, longer pelagic larval duration, and higher body condition than fish collected before winter. Lower settlement water temperatures were positively associated with winter survival, indicating that a settlement date closer to the onset of winter was favourable. Additionally, wintered fish, exhibited higher growth rates in early life compared to fish sampled prior to winter onset. These findings suggest that some early life history traits are selected for survival into winter, potentially mediating the physiological impacts of declining water temperature. If such traits increase overwinter survival they may facilitate the establishment of this range-expanding species in temperate rocky reef environments.
Modelling the Impact of Climate on Cholera
Authors: Shackleton Debbie , Dutta Shanta , Kanungo Suman , Deb Alok , Economou Theo 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Cholera remains a persistent killer in many parts of the world. The disease is highly climate sensitive, however previous attempts to model its future under climate change have been limited to statistical analyses. Mechanistic models are an essential addition because they permit a deeper understanding of the complex feedback loops involved in infectious disease transmission, allowing for better modelling of potential scenarios such as interventions or changes in pathogen dynamics.
Methods
We compare four mathematical models with differing assumptions of climate sensitivity and fit them to a cholera dataset from Kolkata, India using MCMC. We then use bias-corrected climate projections of temperature and rainfall from 10 independent global climate models to produce climate-based cholera projections for the period 2080–2099.
Results
Using both temperature and rainfall as inputs, the best performing model recreates seasonal patterns highly effectively. Future projections suggest an average increase in cholera cases ranging from 81% − 150% due to climate change by 2080–2099 with earlier peaks in the infection cycle likely due to heightened transmission rates earlier in the year. Sensitivity analysis reveals that uncertainties in parameters related to the contact rate and water dynamics have the greatest impact on model projections, suggesting that these factors are critical for refining future predictions.
Conclusion
While our mechanistic model shows promise in projecting cholera under climate scenarios, it also highlights uncertainties and gaps in current literature, such as the effects of extreme temperatures and certain epidemiological parameters. Addressing these gaps through multidisciplinary collaboration and refined modelling will be essential for improving cholera projections under changing climate conditions and informing long-term control strategies.
A new optimized framework based on fractional-order gradients for enhancement of color digital images
Authors: Pereyra-Guzmán J. D. , Solís-Pérez J. E. , Gómez-Aguilar J. F. , Fair Merlin J. , Olivares-Peregrino V. H. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

This work proposes an optimized framework to enhance brightness while preserving textures and details in color digital images. The proposed method uses the conformable Gaussian and fractional Caputo–Fabrizio gradient to process the red (r), green (g), and blue (b) channels separately. The optimal models were reached via the Simulated Annealing algorithm to find the best parameters with an acceptable performance. The numerical simulations show that the parameter ξ in the fractional gradients works as a low-pass filter, whereas the conformable Gaussian gradient works as a low and high-pass filter. The proposed processing procedure is compared with other works in the literature, showing less image degradation, an acceptable structural similarity index, high contrast, and better perceptual quality.
Predictive value of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) for epileptic seizures: a systematic review and meta- analysis
Authors: Li Tiemin , Wei Da , Aihemaitiniyazi Adilijiang , Zhang Huawei , Liu Changqing 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a commonly used biomarker for inflammation and is typically elevated in patients experiencing epileptic seizures making it a valuable diagnostic indicator in clinical practice. However, there is no consensus on the predictive value of NLR in patients with epileptic seizures. Given this controversy, we conducted a meta-analysis to clarify the predictive value of NLR for epileptic seizures. We conducted a comprehensive literature search in the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases, systematically reviewing the literature from January 1, 2000, to May 1, 2024, and determined the eligible studies. NLR values and corresponding sample sizes were extracted from each included study, and a random effects model was used for the meta-analysis. Sensitivity analysis was performed to investigate heterogeneity. Subgroup analysis was conducted to explore the sources of heterogeneity. Egger's test was also used in this meta-analysis to investigate publication bias. After a comprehensive literature search and screening, we included 16 studies in our meta-analysis. The pooled results indicate that NLR levels in the epileptic seizure group are significantly higher compared to the non-seizure group (random effects model, SMD 0.49, 95% CI: 0.31, 0.67, P < 0.0001). Heterogeneity tests revealed significant heterogeneity (I² = 82%). Sensitivity analysis results indicate that our findings are robust to the influence of individual studies. Subgroup analysis results suggest that the testing time of NLR and mean/median age are sources of heterogeneity. Egger's test shows no significant publication bias in this meta-analysis. This is the first meta-analysis to demonstrate that NLR, as a biomarker, has good predictive value for epileptic seizures. The meta-analysis has been registered in the PROSPERO database (registration number CRD42024550918).
A study on prevalence, clinical profile, severity and prescription pattern of drugs in patients with stroke
Authors: Haq Mohammed Misbah Ul , Hussain Safa , Parupugalla Swetha , Fatima Sadia , Zabeeruddin Mohammed , Almas Juveria , Shoaib Shaik Mohd 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Stroke is a leading cause of disability and death, significantly impacting both health and the economy. Strokes can be categorized into two main types: ischemic strokes which occur because some cerebral arteries are blocked while hemorrhagic strokes are due to ruptured blood vessels. The study enrolled 120 stroke patients, documenting demographic details including age, gender, residence, stroke type, severity, and treatment. The NIHSS was employed to assess stroke severity, and relevant statistical tests were applied. The results revealed that 62.5% of patients were male, indicating a higher prevalence of stroke in men. The majority of patients were aged 61–70 years. Ischemic stroke was more common (75%) compared to hemorrhagic stroke (25%). Hemiparesis, or the inability to move upper and lower limbs, was the most frequently observed symptom. Hypertension (70%) and diabetes mellitus (50%) were the most prevalent comorbid conditions. Most patients experienced moderate strokes as assessed by the NIHSS. Antiplatelets, particularly aspirin, were the most commonly prescribed drugs (80%), followed by antihypertensives (70%) and statins (65%). In conclusion, this study highlights the significant burden of stroke, particularly among the elderly and men, with ischemic stroke being the most prevalent type. Hypertension emerged as a critical comorbidity. The findings underscore the importance of early intervention, effective risk factor management, and targeted preventive strategies. Future studies with larger sample sizes could further enhance stroke management practices and improve patient outcomes.
Dynamical development of strength and stability of asteroid material under 440 GeV proton beam irradiation
Authors: Bochmann Melanie , Schlesinger Karl-Georg , Arrowsmith Charles , Alexaki Paraskevi , Poza Marta Alfonso , Ambarki Mohamed , Andersen Emily , Bilbao Pablo , Bingham Robert , Cruz Filipe , Rahmoun Aboubakr Ebn , Goillot Alice , Halliday Jonathan , Huffman Brian , Kamenicka Eva , Lazzaroni Michael , Los Eva , Quetsch Jean-Marc , Reville Brian , Rousiadou Panagiota , Sarkar Subir , Silva Luis , Simon Pascal , Soria Enrica , Stergiou Vasiliki , Zhang Sifei , Charitonidis Nikolaos , Gregori Gianluca 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

The material properties of asteroid samples exhibit a dynamic response under high-energy irradiation, which no experiments have yet been able to cover.
However, studying the material response of asteroid material is relevant in several fields. For instance, proposed asteroid deflection techniques, all require the material behavior of the object to be known very precisely to model deflection orbits accurately and to predict the transfer of kinetic energy.
In our experimental campaign at CERN's HiRadMat facility, we have, for the first time, irradiated an iron-meteorite sample with 440 GeV protons delivered by the Super Proton Synchrotron. Laser Doppler Vibrometry was utilized to measure the thermally induced stress waves in real-time, produced by energy deposition in the sample.
Our work suggests that one can deposit much higher amounts of energy into asteroid material without destruction than one would assume from the material parameters as measured before high-energy irradiation.
Single-Step Thermo-Mechano-Chemical Approach for Advance Magnet Manufacturing
Authors: Gwalani Bharat , Malakar Aniruddha , Martin Andrew , Ishrak Farhan , Yu Anqi , Pole Mayur , Darsell Jens , Wang Tianhao , Helsing Joseph , Thornton John , Lastovich Michae , Kovarik Libor , Grant Glenn , Tracy Joseph , Thuo Martin , Efe Mert 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Demand for strong permanent magnets has been rising due to their diverse and unique applications. Traditionally, these magnets are produced through powder metallurgy, but their inherent brittleness limits manufacturing yields. Herein, an alternative single-step method for mechano-chemical sintering of brittle Sm-Co magnetic powders through Friction Stir Consolidation (FSC) - resulting in a combination of mechano-chemo-thermal stimuli, is reported. Open-air FSC of commercially obtained SmCo5 (containing Sm2Co7) led to oxidation of Sm2Co7 into nano-crystalline SmCo(5-x) (where x < 1) precipitates and Sm2O3 phases. Heat generated due to the redox reaction and adiabatic heating abets compaction. Degree of phase transition during FSC was dependent on dwell time, with longer times facilitating transformation of Sm2Co7 into SmCo(5-x) and improving saturation magnetization. This study demonstrates that a low-temperature, shear-assisted deformation and consolidation process can effectively consolidate brittle powders like SmCo5 with concomitant reduction in total Sm2Co7 contaminant. Our method leads to enhancement of desired magnetic properties in Sm-Co magnets by controlling the initial powder mix and processing conditions (i.e., atmosphere and process parameters) during FSC.