bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development and Internal Validation of a Disability Algorithm for Multiple Sclerosis in Administrative Data
Authors: Marrie Ruth Ann , Tan Qier , Ekuma Okechukwu , Marriott James J. 
Published: November 2021

Objective: We developed and internally validated an algorithm for disability status in multiple sclerosis (MS) using administrative data.Methods: We linked administrative data from Manitoba, Canada to a clinical dataset with Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores for people with MS. Clinical EDSS scores constituted the reference standard. We created candidate indicators using the administrative data. These included indicators based on use of particular health care services (home care, long-term care, rehabilitation admission), use of specific diagnostic codes (such as spasticity, quadriplegia), and codes based on use of Employment and Income Insurance. We developed algorithms to predict severe disability (EDSS ≥6.0), and to predict disability as a continuous measure. We manually developed algorithms, and also employed regression approaches. After we selected our preferred algorithms for disability, we tested their association with health care use due to any cause and infection after potential confounders.Results: We linked clinical and administrative data for 1,767 persons with MS, most of whom were women living in urban areas. All individual indicators tested had specificities &gt;90% for severe disability, and all but a diagnosis of visual disturbance had positive predictive values (PPV) &gt;70%. The combination of home care or long-term care use or rehabilitation admission had a sensitivity of 61.9%, specificity of 90.76%, PPV of 70.06% and negative predictive of 87.21%. Based on regression modeling, the best-performing algorithm for predicting the EDSS as a continuous variable included age, home care use, long-term care admission, admission for rehabilitation, visual disturbance, other paralytic syndromes and spasticity. The mean difference between observed and predicted values of the EDSS was −0.0644 (95%CI −0.1632, 0.0304). Greater disability, whether measured using the clinical EDSS or either of the administrative data algorithms was similarly associated with increased hospitalization rates due to any cause and infection.Conclusion: We developed and internally validated an algorithm for disability in MS using administrative data that may support population-based studies that wish to account for disability status but do not have access to clinical data sources with this information. We also found that more severe disability is associated with increased health care use, including due to infection.
A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Prevalence of Congenital Myopathy
Authors: Huang Kun , Bi Fang-Fang , Yang Huan 
Published: November 2021

Background: Congenital myopathy constitutes a heterogeneous group of orphan diseases that are mainly classified on the basis of muscle biopsy findings. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of congenital myopathy through a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature.Methods: The PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for original research articles published in English prior to July 30, 2021. The quality of the included studies was assessed by a checklist adapted from STrengthening the Reporting of OBservational studies in Epidemiology (STROBE). To derive the pooled epidemiological prevalence estimates, a meta-analysis was performed using the random effects model. Heterogeneity was assessed using the Cochrane Q statistic as well as the I2 statistic.Results: A total of 11 studies were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. Of the 11 studies included, 10 (90.9%) were considered medium-quality, one (9.1%) was considered low-quality, and no study was assessed as having a high overall quality. The pooled prevalence of congenital myopathy in the all-age population was 1.62 (95% CI, 1.13–2.11) per 100,000, while the prevalence in the child population was 2.76 (95% CI, 1.34–4.18) per 100,000. In the pediatric population, the prevalence among males was 2.92 (95% CI, −1.70 to 7.55) per 100,000, while the prevalence among females was 2.47 (95% CI, −1.67 to 6.61) per 100,000. The prevalence estimates of the all-age population per 100,000 were 0.20 (95% CI 0.10–0.35) for nemaline myopathy, 0.37 (95% CI 0.21–0.53) for core myopathy, 0.08 (95% CI −0.01 to 0.18) for centronuclear myopathy, 0.23 (95% CI 0.04–0.42) for congenital fiber-type disproportion myopathy, and 0.34 (95% CI, 0.24–0.44) for unspecified congenital myopathies. In addition, the prevalence estimates of the pediatric population per 100,000 were 0.22 (95% CI 0.03–0.40) for nemaline myopathy, 0.46 (95% CI 0.03–0.90) for core myopathy, 0.44 (95% CI 0.03–0.84) for centronuclear myopathy, 0.25 (95% CI −0.05 to 0.54) for congenital fiber-type disproportion myopathy, and 2.63 (95% CI 1.64–3.62) for unspecified congenital myopathies.Conclusions: Accurate estimates of the prevalence of congenital myopathy are fundamental to supporting public health decision-making. The high heterogeneity and the lack of high-quality studies highlight the need to conduct higher-quality studies on orphan diseases.
Clinical and Laboratory Characteristics of Kikuchi-Fujimoto Disease According to Age
Authors: Kim Hye-Young , Jo Ha Young , Kim Seong Heon 
Published: November 2021

Background: Little information exists regarding the differences in the clinical and laboratory characteristics of Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD) according to age.Objective: To evaluate the clinical and laboratory characteristics of KFD according to age.Methods: The relevance of sex, age, clinical features, laboratory findings, courses, and follow-up results were retrospectively evaluated in patients diagnosed with KFD at Pusan National University Hospital between 2010 and 2020.Results: Eighty patients (46 children and 34 adults) with a mean age of 21.5 ± 11.8 years (range, 3–49 years) were included in the study. Those aged 10–19 years accounted for the largest number of patients (42.5%). Among children, the male sex ratio was higher, especially for patients aged ≤ 9 years. In adults, the female sex ratio was higher, especially for patients aged 20–29 years. Fever, tenderness in the lymph node, and skin rashes were more common in children, while myalgia and weight loss were more common in adults. In children, the recurrence rate was significantly higher among boys than among girls (15.8 vs. 0.0%, P = 0.001); lower platelet count and higher CRP levels were observed among boys than among girls. EBV and ANA positivity rates were higher in boys than in girls. In adults, the recurrence rate was significantly higher in women than in men (18.2 vs. 0.0%, P = 0.005). ANA positivity rates were higher in women than in men.Conclusion: The clinical features, laboratory findings, and recurrence of KFD may differ depending on age and sex. Clinicians should be aware of this.
Effects of Shexiang Baoxin Pill for Coronary Microvascular Function: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wang Mengxi , Shan Yiwen , Sun Weixin , Han Jie , Tong Huaqin , Fan Manlu , Chen Jiandong , Yu Peng , Shen Le , Chen Xiaohu 
Published: November 2021

Background: The coronary microvascular dysfunction has attracted more and more attention in recent years, but there is still a lack of effective treatment. Shexiang Baoxin Pill is one of the commonly used drugs for the treatment of coronary artery disease in China. More recently, some studies found that it has the effect of improving coronary microvascular function.Objective: To evaluate the effects of Shexiang Baoxin Pill for coronary microvascular function.Methods: Databases including MEDLINE, Web of Science, CNKI, Wanfang, The Cochrane Library, EMbase, VIP and CBM were searched from inception to June 2021 to screen out relevant clinical studies. The 2019 version 2 of the Cochrane risk of bias tool (RoB2) were used to assess the methodological quality of the included studies. RevMan 5.3 software was used for meta-analysis.Results: Eleven studies meeting the criteria were included, with a total of 1,075 patients. The results of meta-analysis showed that compared with conventional treatment alone, combination of Shexiang Baoxin Pill and conventional treatment can further increase the coronary flow reserve (CFR) [mean difference (MD) = 0.43, 95%CI (0.28, 0.58), p &lt; 0.000 01], decrease the index of microvascular resistance (IMR) [MD = −4.23, 95%CI (−5.49, −2.97), p &lt; 0.000 01], increase serum nitric oxide (NO) [MD = 11.96, 95%CI (2.74, 21.18), p = 0.001] and decrease serum hypersensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) [MD = −2.49, 95%CI (−3.08, −1.90), p &lt; 0.000 01], but did not increase the time of duration on the exercise testing (TET) [MD = 3.64, 95%CI (−1.17, 8.45), p = 0.14]. In terms of safety, a total of 10 patients developed adverse reactions in the intervention group and 17 patients developed adverse reactions in the control group.Conclusion: Current evidence suggests that Shexiang Baoxin Pill may be effective in the improvement of coronary microvascular function when used in combination with conventional treatment. However, due to the low quality of the included studies, lack of placebo control and high heterogeneity among different studies, we should take a cautious attitude towards this conclusion. Moreover, the safety of Shexiang Baoxin Pill remains uncertain, more high-quality clinical studies are needed to verify the efficacy and safety of this drug in the future.Systematic Review Registration: [website], identifier [registration number: CRD42021265113].
Serum Lipid Concentrations Are Associated With Negative Mental Health Outcomes in Healthy Women Aged 35–49 Years
Authors: Yu Jingjie , Zhang Zhihui , Li Chunjun , Zhang Jiarui , Ding Zengbo , Zhu Weili , Wang Qiang 
Published: November 2021

Background: Although the relevant underlying biological mechanisms are still lacking, mental disorders have been closely associated with several metabolic abnormalities including high rates of obesity and metabolic syndrome especially in vulnerable populations. Therefore, the current study aims to examine how metabolic parameters increase the risk for developing mood disorders in individuals stratified by gender and age.Methods: In a routine physical examination, 319 healthy participants were recruited and assigned to six different groups according to age (young adults: 25–34 Y, middle age: 35–49 Y, and older age: 50–65 Y) in both males and females. A linear regression and bivariate correlation analysis were used to analyze the relationship between mood health outcomes measured by the Kessler 10 Psychological Distress Scale (K10) and the metabolic function.Results: The results demonstrated that there was a significant association between K10 scores and metabolic parameters, including Body Mass Index (BMI), total-, LDL-cholesterol, and triglyceride. Furthermore, poor mental health (higher K10 scores) was observed in individuals with increased BMI, total-, LDL-cholesterol, and triglyceride levels particularly in middle-aged women relative to other groups.Limitations: This is a cross-sectional study with a small sample size and lacks longitudinal follow-up evidence and preventive interventions and therefore could not provide the causal inference of metabolic pathophysiology on the increased sensitivity to mental disorders.Conclusions: The potential association suggests that targeting of the metabolic parameters might give us a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms of psychiatric diseases and provide preventive strategies and potential treatment for those with metabolic disturbances especially in middle-aged females.
Pollen Feeding Reduces Predation of Northern Corn Rootworm Eggs (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae, Diabrotica barberi) by a Soil-Dwelling Mite (Acari: Laelapidae: Stratiolaelaps scimitus)
Authors: Prischmann-Voldseth Deirdre A. , Swenson Stephanie J. , Brenner Robert 
Published: November 2021

Landscape diversification with flowering plants can benefit pollinators and natural enemies, although insect pests can also use floral resources for nutrition and chemoprotection. Corn rootworms (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae, Diabrotica spp.) are major pests of corn (Zea mays L.), and while subterranean larvae primarily feed on corn roots, adult rootworms commonly consume floral resources from other plant species. We quantified the species, density, and sex of adult corn Diabroticite rootworm beetles on wild and cultivated sunflower, corn, and squash, quantified pollen within the bodies of adult northern corn rootworms [NCR, D. barberi (Smith & Lawrence)], and investigated how consumption of sunflower and corn pollen by NCR adults impacted predation of their eggs by two soil-dwelling mites with different feeding specialization. NCR were the most common Diabroticite species on sunflower inflorescences and western corn rootworm (WCR, D. v. virgifera LeConte) were more abundant in corn and squash blossoms. Pollen feeding by NCR adults did not impact egg predation by omnivorous Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Schrank) (Acari: Sarcoptiformes, Acaridae), but predatory Stratiolaelaps scimitus (Womersley) (Acari: Mesostigmata, Laelapidae) ate eggs less frequently and took longer to feed on eggs from NCR females that had fed on sunflower pollen. This research suggests pollen feeding by adult NCR can impact predation of their eggs. While increasing plant diversity can benefit natural enemies and pest control within agroecosystems, it is important to consider how floral resources alter dietary preferences of biocontrol agents.
Analysis, Modeling, and Simulation of Thin-Film Cells-Based Photovoltaic Generator Combined with Multilayer Thermoelectric Generator
Authors: Dakwar Yasir Musa , Lineykin Simon , Sitbon Moshe 
Published: November 2021

A new model for a multi-stage thermoelectric generator (TEG) is developed. An electrical and thermal model is built and simulated for different configurations of photovoltaic (PV) stand-alone hybrid systems, combining different stages of a TEG. The approach is evaluated with and without cooling by coupling a cold plate to a multi-stage hybrid PVTEG system. The model can be adjusted by sizing and specifying the influence of stage number on the overall produced power. Amorphous silicon thin-film (a-Si) is less affected by rising temperature compared to other technology. Hence, it was chosen for evaluating the lower limit gain in a hybrid system under various ambient temperatures and irradiances. The dynamics of the PVTEG system are presented under different coolant water flow rates. Finally, comparative electrical efficiency in reference to PV stand-alone was found to be 99.2% for PVTEG without cooling, 113.5% for PVTEG, and 117.3% for multi-stage PVTEG, accordingly installing multi-stage PVTEG at Israel in a typical year with an average PV yield of 1750 kWh/kW/year generates an extra 24 kWh/year per module hence avoiding fossil energy and equivalent CO2 emissions.
A Pilot Study of the Effect of Lactobacillus casei Obtained from Long-Lived Elderly on Blood Biochemical, Oxidative, and Inflammatory Markers, and on Gut Microbiota in Young Volunteers
Authors: Mei Li-Hua , Zheng Wen-Xuan , Zhao Zheng-Tao , Meng Ning , Zhang Qin-Ren , Zhu Wen-Jun , Li Rui-Ding , Liang Xiao-Lin , Li Quan-Yang 
Published: November 2021

Probiotic intake has been shown to improve certain physiological health indicators. We aimed to examine effects of Lactobacillus casei LTL1879, obtained from long-lived elderly volunteers, on blood biochemical, oxidative, and inflammatory markers and gut microbiota in twenty healthy, young volunteers. Volunteers were randomly divided into equal probiotic and placebo groups and changes in blood biochemical indicators, oxidative and inflammatory markers, and gut microbiota were examined after three weeks of probiotic intervention. The probiotic group’s antioxidant levels were significantly enhanced post-intervention. Total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) levels were significantly increased (p < 0.0001), while malondialdehyde (MDA) levels decreased (p < 0.05), and total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) levels increased, but with no significant difference. In addition, Interleukin-10 (IL-10) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels were significantly up-regulated and down-regulated (p < 0.05, respectively). Escherichia coli, Enterococcus, and Bacteroides expression was significantly reduced (p < 0.05), while Clostridium leptum, Bifidobacterium, and Lactobacillus expression increased (p < 0.05). Volunteer health status was quantified using principal components and cluster analysis, indicating that the probiotic group’s overall score was higher than that of the placebo group. The results of this pilot study suggest L. casei LTL 1879 can significantly improve specific immune, oxidative, and gut microbiota characteristics related to health factors.
Design and Implementation of a Vacuum Forming Machine
Authors: Birton Botond-Antal , Gergely Attila 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
The purpose of this work is to present the design of a laboratory scale vacuum forming machine, which can be used for the processing of thermoplastic sheets. The designed machine can process an A4 format plastic sheet. An important consideration in the design process was to follow a cost-effective approach. The vacuum forming instrument is made for educational purposes in the framework of a final project for the Polymer Technology Laboratory of the Department of Mechanical Engineering of the Sapientia EMTE University in Târgu Mureș. The structure and the operation of the machine is similar to that found in the industry. However, the cost of production is significantly lower. The main components of the machine include the frame, heater, vacuum pump and the clamping device.
Application of the Balance of Probabilities Standard of Proof in Judicial Practice
Authors: But Illia 
Published: November 2021

The paper describes key standards of proof used in common law countries: balance of probabilities and beyond reasonable doubt,applied in judicial practice in the UK, and the criminal standard beyond reasonable doubt, civil standard preponderance of evidence,and interim standard clear and convincing evidence, applied in judicial practice in the USA.
The author identifies main conditions for application of the balance of probabilities standard in foreign judicial practice: 1) thisstandard is not merely a surmise based on guesses or suspicions; such surmise shall be based on certain evidence, which in total is notenough to establish presence or absence of a certain fact unequivocally; 2) the graver is an allegation, the less probable is the occurrenceof the fact, and hence it must be proved with harder evidence; 3) the less probable is an event, the more evidence there must be to provethat it might have truly occurred; 4) there is no direct connection between graveness of an allegation (consequences) and probability ofan event: some grave harmful conduct may be fairly common or, on the contrary, may happen rather infrequently.The paper identifies step-by-step implementation of standards of proof in practice of the European Court of Human Rights(ECHR): at the first stage one can find references to standards of proof only in cases against the United Kingdom; at the second stagethere are judgments made on complaints against other countries, though in such judgments the ECHR does not assess standards ofproof, but merely reflects that those have been applied by national courts. At the third (contemporary) stage the ECHR only distingui -shes between application of standards of proof in criminal and quasi-criminal cases.The author concludes on the basis of study of empirical data that the balance of probabilities standard of proof is already appliedin the national judicial practice, however principles of its application in the judicial practice have not been developed yet. It is notedthat though the doctrine of the standards of proof was developed in the common law countries, application thereof does not contradictthe concept of judicial activism: an idea, according to which a decision must be made in favour of the party, whose statements are reliablenot per se, but in comparison with statements of the adverse party, enables courts to make judgments in cases when positions ofboth sides are impeccable, and evidence for unequivocal conclusions is not enough.
Textiles y usos litúrgicos en la Iglesia colonial hispanoamericana
Authors: Solórzano Gonzales Mónica 
Published: November 2021

Los pueblos andinos precoloniales fueron principalmente tejedores. Así lo han señalado estudiosos como L. Lumbreras (1988), J. Murra (2002) y F. Stastny (1981), quienes también han explicado la importancia de la práctica textil y los roles asignados al objeto textil en el antiguo Perú, el cual, además de ser empleado como indumentaria, se constituyó un signo y símbolo de la identidad y del estatus social, una ofrenda en los rituales festivos, fúnebres y en los sacrificios a las deidades y, un valioso tributo para el Estado inca. Con la ocupación hispana y el consecuente enfrentamiento cultural ocurrirían cambios trascendentales, sin embargo, algunos elementos del tejido andino ancestral pervivirían.
CCD Measurements of Double Stars at ASV and NAO Rozhen in 2019 and 2020
Authors: Cvetković Zorica , Pavlović Rade , Boeva Svetlana 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
We continued our series of CCD observations of double and multiple stars during 2019 and 2020. A total of 331 pairs were observed at two stations, Serbian Astronomical Station on the mountain of Vidojevica (ASV) and Bulgarian National Astronomical Observatory at Rozhen (NAOR). They were performed using two telescopes, 1.4 m at ASV, and 2 m at NAOR, and on them cameras of the same type, Andor iKon-L, are mounted. Here we give 382 relative coordinates for 331 pairs, because some pairs have measurements for several epochs or some pairs were measured at both stations. Out of this number, 18 pairs have calculated orbital elements and 11 pairs have calculated linear elements. For these pairs the residuals are given. The smallest measured separation is 1.″25, and the largest is 120.″65 for pair AC of multiple star WDS 00057+4549 = STT547. Four new pairs are also presented.
Metapocyrtus dagtum sp. nov., a new flightless weevil from Davao de Oro, Mindanao Island, Philippines (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Entiminae: Pachyrhynchini)
Authors: Cabras Analyn , Torrejos Chrestine , Medina Milton Norman 
Published: November 2021

The genusMetapocyrtusHeller, 1912 is the most speciose and taxonomically complex genus in the tribe Pachyrhynchini. It is known to be endemic in the Philippines, with most species having a very narrow range of distribution. There are already more than 230 species ofMetapocyrtusdocumented in the Philippines.Metapocyrtus dagtumsp. nov., a new species of the genusMetapocyrtusHeller, 1912 from Davao de Oro, Mindanao Island, Philippines, is described with brief notes about its ecology. Its specific epithet is from the Cebuano word “dagtum” which means pitch black referring to the colour of the integument of the species.