bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Verification of Regional Deterministic Precipitation Analysis Products Using Snow Data Assimilation for Application in Meteorological Network Assessment in Sparsely Gauged Nordic Basins
Authors: Abbasnezhadi Kian , Rousseau Alain N. , Foulon Étienne , Savary Stéphane 
Published: January 2021

AbstractSparse precipitation information can result in uncertainties in hydrological modeling practices. Precipitation observation network augmentation is one way to reduce the uncertainty. Meanwhile, in basins with snowpack-dominated hydrology, in the absence of a high-density precipitation observation network, assimilation of in situ and remotely sensed measurements of snowpack state variables can also provide the possibility to reduce flow estimation uncertainty. Similarly, assimilation of existing precipitation observations into gridded numerical precipitation products can alleviate the adverse effects of missing information in poorly instrumented basins. In Canada, the Regional Deterministic Precipitation Analysis (RDPA) data from the Canadian Precipitation Analysis (CaPA) system have been increasingly applied for flow estimation in sparsely gauged Nordic basins. Moreover, CaPA-RDPA data have also been applied to establish observational priorities for augmenting precipitation observation networks. However, the accuracy of the assimilated data should be validated before being applicable in observation network assessment. The assimilation of snowpack state variables has proven to significantly improve streamflow estimates, and therefore, it can provide the benchmark against which the impact of assimilated precipitation data on streamflow simulation can be compared. Therefore, this study introduces a parsimonious framework for performing a proxy validation of the precipitation-assimilated products through the application of snow assimilation in physically based hydrologic models. This framework is demonstrated to assess the observation networks in three boreal basins in Yukon, Canada. The results indicate that in most basins, the gridded analysis products generally enjoyed the level of accuracy required for accurate flow simulation and therefore were applied in the meteorological network assessment in those cases.
Mixing and Transformation in a Deep Western Boundary Current: A Case Study
Authors: Spingys Carl P. , Naveira Garabato Alberto C. , Legg Sonya , Polzin Kurt L. , Abrahamsen E. Povl , Buckingham Christian E. , Forryan Alexander , Frajka-Williams Eleanor E. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractWater-mass transformation by turbulent mixing is a key part of the deep-ocean overturning, as it drives the upwelling of dense waters formed at high latitudes. Here, we quantify this transformation and its underpinning processes in a small Southern Ocean basin: the Orkney Deep. Observations reveal a focusing of the transport in density space as a deep western boundary current (DWBC) flows through the region, associated with lightening and densification of the current’s denser and lighter layers, respectively. These transformations are driven by vigorous turbulent mixing. Comparing this transformation with measurements of the rate of turbulent kinetic energy dissipation indicates that, within the DWBC, turbulence operates with a high mixing efficiency, characterized by a dissipation ratio of 0.6 to 1 that exceeds the common value of 0.2. This result is corroborated by estimates of the dissipation ratio from microstructure observations. The causes of the transformation are unraveled through a decomposition into contributions dependent on the gradients in density space of the: dianeutral mixing rate, isoneutral area, and stratification. The transformation is found to be primarily driven by strong turbulence acting on an abrupt transition from the weakly stratified bottom boundary layer to well-stratified off-boundary waters. The reduced boundary layer stratification is generated by a downslope Ekman flow associated with the DWBC’s flow along sloping topography, and is further regulated by submesoscale instabilities acting to restratify near-boundary waters. Our results provide observational evidence endorsing the importance of near-boundary mixing processes to deep-ocean overturning, and highlight the role of DWBCs as hot spots of dianeutral upwelling.
Resection of Carotid Body Tumors in Patients of Advanced Age: Experience From a Single Center
Authors: Li Lifeng , Xu Hongbo , Zhou Jing , Mydlarz Wojciech K. , Yu Zhengya , Chen Xiaohong , London Nyall R. 
Published: January 2021

Introduction: Resection of carotid body tumor (CBT) in patients of advanced ages has not been appreciated. Objectives: This study aims to assess the clinical characteristics and perioperative comorbidities for CBT resection in patients of advanced age and to validate the application of an “isolated island” technique for extirpation of CBT. Methods: Eight patients of advanced age (≥60 years) who underwent CBT resection were enrolled as the study group (SG). Another 29 patients of younger age (<45 years old) underwent CBT extirpation were assigned as the control group (CG). The perioperative issues were compared between these 2 groups. Results: The “isolated island” technique was successfully applied for resection of CBT in all 37 patients. The prevalence of Shamblin classification I, II, and III tumors in the SG was 12.5%, 62.5%, and 25%; whereas in the CG was 10.3%, 55.2%, and 34.5%, respectively. Bilateral CBT was observed in 7 patients of the CG and none in the SG. Vascular reconstruction was required for 1 (12.5%) patient in the SG, while it was required for 8 (27.6%) patients in the CG. Postoperative vocal cord palsy occurred in 37.5% of patients in SG, whereas the vocal cord palsy (34.5%) and dysphagia (6.9%) were commonly encountered in CG. In addition to postoperative length of stay ( P = .004), no significant difference for operative time, intraoperative blood loss, or mortality were observed between these 2 groups ( P > .05). Conclusion: Extirpation of CBT in patients of advanced age is rationale in appropriately selected patients. The “isolated island” technique is safe for CBT resection with seemingly low complication rates.
Surgical Experiences of Pediatric Cervical Bronchogenic Cysts: A Case Series of 6 Patients
Authors: Li Yanzhen , Wang Shengcai , Tai Jun , Zhang Jie , He Lejian , Zhang Nan , Zhang Xuexi , Liu Qiaoyin , Sun Nian , Ni Xin 
Published: January 2021

Objectives: Bronchogenic cyst is a rare congenital disease which occurs especially in the neck region. This report presents 6 cases of bronchogenic cysts and discusses the diagnosis and surgical experience of this anomaly. Methods: A retrospective study of 6 pediatric patients with cervical bronchogenic cysts treated in our hospital during 2016 to 2019 was performed. We recorded and analyzed the clinical data of the patients, including age, symptoms, imaging findings, surgical procedure, and complications. Results: All patients underwent surgical excision. The chondroid tissues were found at the base of cysts which clung to the trachea in 5 patients and completely removed by surgery without recurrence. One patient showed recurrence due to residual cartilage after the first surgery, and the second surgery was required to resect the remaining cartilage. During the surgery, the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) detector was used, which confirmed that all the RLNs clung to the side wall of cysts. All cases were cured without complications. Conclusions: Although rare, bronchogenic cysts should be considered in the differential diagnosis of peritracheal masses in children. Complete resection of the bronchogenic cysts, including the cartilages at the base, is vital in preventing recurrence. The RLN must be protected during the surgery.
Investigation of Serum Calcium and 25-Hydroxy Vitamin D Levels in Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo Patients
Authors: Inan Hakkı Caner , Mertoğlu Cuma , Erdur Zülküf Burak 
Published: January 2021

Objective: Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is characterized by recurrent attacks of vertigo caused by head movements. It occurs as a result of otoconia falling into the semicircular canal. Calcium and 25 hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] metabolism in the inner ear play an important role in otoconia formation and degeneration. Our aim in this study was to investigate the relationship between 25(OH)D levels and BPPV. Methods: This retrospective, case–controlled study included 52 patients with posterior canal BPPV and 52 controls aged 18 to 80 years. Age, sex, serum calcium, corrected calcium, and 25(OH)D levels of the BPPV and control group were compared. Results: Twenty-three of the patients were male (44.2%) and 29 were female (55.8%). The average age was 55.6 years. The 25(OH)D level was 15.3 ng/mL in the BPPV group and 20.2 ng/mL in controls. There was no significant difference in 25(OH)D and albumin-corrected calcium values ( P = .394; P = .084, respectively). In 80.7% of the BPPV group and 61.5% of the controls, 25(OH)D levels were 20 ng/mL and below. 25 hydroxyvitamin D deficiency was found statistically significantly more frequently in patients with BPPV ( P = .030). Conclusion: In our study, serum 25(OH)D levels were found to be lower in patients with BPPV, and the rate of vitamin D deficiency was higher in these patients. Based on these results, it is recommended to examine the 25(OH)D levels of patients with BPPV at the time of diagnosis.
Association of Pediatric Hearing Loss and Head Injury in a Population‐Based Study
Authors: Kozin Elliott D. , Knoll Renata M. , Bhattacharyya Neil 
Published: January 2021

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the leading cause of acquired long‐term disability during childhood, and it may result in wide range of negative developmental consequences. Auditory dysfunction is generally recognized to be a possible sequela of pediatric TBI. Unfortunately, few contemporary studies have quantified the association between head injury and hearing loss in the pediatric population. The National Survey of Children’s Health (NSCH) for the combined years 2017‐2018 was used to determine the association of hearing loss with TBI. Deafness or problems with hearing were more commonly reported in children with a history or current brain injury/concussion compared to those without any such history (3.2% [70,000] and 1.2% [830,000] children, respectively; odds ratio, 2.67; P <. 001). Findings suggest a notable association between TBI and hearing loss. Children with a history of TBI are 2.67 times more likely to have concurrent hearing complaints.Level of Evidence: IV
Characterization of high-grade pineal region lesions: the usefulness of apparent diffusion coefficient volumetric values
Authors: Calandrelli Rosalinda , Pilato Fabio , Massimi Luca , Gessi Marco , Panfili Marco , Colosimo Cesare 
Published: January 2021

Background High-grade pineal region tumors are rare and heterogeneous types of primary central nervous system neoplasms; radiological differential diagnosis is challenging but it is important because it has a therapeutic relevance. Purpose To discriminate among high-grade pineal region tumors by combining apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) volumetric values and qualitative features in order to predict their histology. Material and Methods Twenty-two patients with high-grade pineal region tumors were assessed by qualitative and quantitative analysis. Margins, T2-weighted signal intensity, contrast enhancement, hemorrhage, calcifications, different volumetric ADC fractions (ADCmean, ADCmax, ADCmin) were evaluated and were compared to the histopathologic findings (cell count and proliferation index). Results Our qualitative imaging data showed that only margins were different among different tumors and each tumor type showed peculiar age onset. ADCmean was found the best quantitative value to discriminate high-grade tumors of the pineal region. ADCmean correlated with proliferation index but not with cell count. ADCmean values were lower in tumors with higher proliferation rate and a significant difference in ADCmean values were found between germinomas and pineoblastomas, between germinomas and papillary tumors and between papillary tumors and pineoblastomas. Moreover, the cut-off value of 0.865 × 10–3 mm2/s for ADCmean (ADC mean threshold value) could differentiate germinoma from pineoblastomas with the best combination of sensitivity and specificity. Conclusion The ADCmean value measured on the whole tumor, reflecting tumor proliferative activity, may be a practical and non-invasive marker for predicting tumor histology in high-grade pineal region lesions and might be useful in preoperative assessment.
Protective effect of chondroitin sulfate nano-selenium on chondrocyte of patients with Kashin-Beck disease
Authors: Qiao Lichun , Amhare Abebe F , Deng Huan , Lv Yizhen , Zhao Yan , Liu Jiaxin , Lei Jian , Wang Liyun , Chilufya Mumba M , Han Jing 
Published: January 2021

Objective To investigate the protective effect of chondroitin sulfate nano-selenium (SeCS) on chondrocyte of Kashin-Beck disease (KBD). Methods Chondrocyte samples were isolated from the cartilage of three male KBD patients (54–57 years old). The chondrocytes were respectively divided into four groups: (a) control group, (b) SeCS supplement group (100 ng/mL SeCS), (c) T-2 + SeCS supplement group (20 ng/mL T-2 + 100 ng/mL SeCS), and (d) T-2 group (20 ng/mL T-2). Live/dead staining and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to observe cell viability and ultrastructural changes in chondrocytes respectively. Expressions of Caspase-9, cytochrome C (Cyt-C), and chondroitin sulfate (CS) structure-modifying sulfotransferases including carbohydrate sulfotransferase 3, 15 (CHST-3, CHST-15), and uronyl 2-O-sulfotransferase (UST) were examined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results After one- or three-days intervention, the number of living chondrocytes in the SeCS supplement group was higher than that in the control group, while it is opposite in the T-2 + SeCS supplement group and T-2 group. The cellular villi number in the surface increased in the SeCS supplement group compared with the control group. Mitochondrial morphology density was improved in the T-2 + SeCS supplement group compared with the T-2 group. Expressions of CHST-3, CHST-15, UST, Caspase-9, and Cyt-C on the mRNA level significantly increased in the T-2 + SeCS supplement group and T-2 group compared with the control group. Conclusions SeCS supplement increased the number of living chondrocytes, improved the ultrastructure, and altered the expressions of CS structure-modifying sulfotransferases, Caspase-9, and Cyt-C.
Autonomic dysfunction in autism: The roles of anxiety, depression, and stress
Authors: Taylor Emily C , Livingston Lucy A , Callan Mitchell J , Ashwin Chris , Shah Punit 
Published: January 2021

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is associated with atypical autonomic nervous system (ANS) function. However, little is known about this relationship, while accounting for co-occurring mental health conditions (e.g. anxiety) that are also associated with ANS dysfunction. In addition, research on the ANS has typically involved physiological measurements, without using more clinically meaningful measures of ANS dysfunction, such as the self-reported frequency of ANS-related physical health symptoms. Furthermore, very little is known about ANS function in autistic adults, given that previous research has focused on ANS dysfunction in children with ASD. Addressing these gaps in the literature, we compared ANS function in adults with(out) ASD (Study 1). Although autistic adults reported greater ANS dysfunction than matched neurotypical controls, this difference was not significant after controlling for anxiety and depression. Similarly, in a large nonclinical sample (Study 2), we found that anxiety and stress mediated the relationship between autistic traits and ANS dysfunction. Together, we conclude that ANS dysfunction is not a feature of ASD per se, but instead attributable to the high levels of anxiety and stress in autistic adults. We discuss the clinical relevance of these findings for managing ANS dysfunction and other physical and mental health concerns in autistic adulthood. Lay abstract The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is responsible for the functioning of the heart, bladder, pupils and several other bodily functions. Therefore, when the ANS functions abnormally, individuals can experience a number of physical symptoms, including dizziness, abnormal sweating and digestive difficulties. Currently, it is unclear if autistic adults experience ANS dysfunction. Therefore, in this study, we investigated whether autistic adults report more ANS-related physical symptoms, indicating greater ANS dysfunction, and whether this may be related to autism, or rather anxiety, depression, or stress. The findings suggest that ANS dysfunction, where found in autism, is due to co-occurring stress and anxiety. We therefore propose that treating stress and anxiety may be an effective way to ameliorate ANS-related health problems in autistic adults.
Risk Factors for Prolonged Opioid Use After Open Treatment of Distal Radius Fractures
Authors: Qin Mia M. , Qin Charles D. , Shah Chirag M. 
Published: January 2021

Background The objective of this study was to evaluate factors associated with postoperative opioid use after open treatment of distal radius fractures. Methods The Humana insurance claims database was queried for open treatment of distal radius fractures by Current Procedural Terminology codes. The search was further refined to identify patients who filled an opioid prescription within 6 weeks after their surgery. The study’s outcomes were: (1) limited postoperative opioid use, defined as filling a prescription once in the 6-week to 6-month period after surgery; and (2) persistent postoperative opioid use, defined as filling a prescription more than once in the 6-week to 6-month period after surgery. Logistic regression models were performed to identify factors associated with limited and persistent postoperative opioid use. Subgroup analyses were performed among opioid-naïve patients and those with open fractures. Results This study identified 9141 of 19 220 total patients with limited and persistent opioid use. Significant risk factors included nonhome discharge, inpatient surgical setting, long-term pain, tobacco abuse, and age less than 65 years. Of note, both preoperative opioid use within 1 month before surgery (odds ratio [OR], 2.6; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.2-2.9) and preoperative opioid use between 1 and 6 months before surgery (OR, 4.0; 95% CI, 3.7-4.4) were significantly associated with persistent postoperative opioid use. Conclusions This study has identified numerous risk factors associated with postoperative opioid use after open treatment of distal radius fractures. Understanding these risk factors is the first step toward reducing postoperative opioid use.
Prevalence of Poor Bone Quality in Patients Undergoing Spine Surgery: A Comprehensive Approach
Authors: Paz Ricardo Díaz-Romero , Henríquez Manuel Sosa , Melián Kevin Armas , Martin Claudia Balhen 
Published: January 2021

Study Design: A cross-sectional study. Objectives: To investigate the prevalence of poor bone quality in patients requiring spine surgery through comprehensive evaluation with bone mass density (BMD), trabecular bone score (TBS), FRAX, and vitamin D status. Methods: we prospectively recruited patients of > 50 years old candidates for lumbar or cervical spine fusion surgery at our institution. Recorded data were: demographic, body mass index (BMI), risk factors for osteoporosis, daily calcium intake, FRAX score, disability index for lumbar and cervical spine, and VAS for pain. Serum 25 OH vitamin D, BMD using DXA, and TBS was also evaluated. Results: A total of 104 patients were recruited, osteoporosis by BMD was detected in 9.6%, and osteopenia in 34.6% of patients. 69.4% of patients with osteopenia had a degraded or partially degraded bone microarchitecture by TBS. Low levels of vitamin D were detected in 79.8% of patients. Increased pain was associated with low BMD levels. Adding TBS to BMD for the determination of bone strength resulted in 33.7% of patients with poor bone quality. Lastly, the combination of BMD, TBS, and FRAX revealed 37,5% of patients with poor bone quality. Conclusions: Poor bone quality and low vitamin D levels are quite common among patients aged ≥ 50 years undergoing spine surgery. DXA alone seems not enough for preoperative identification of impaired bone quality cases. FRAX is useful for identifying high-risk patients and TBS is a valuable complement to DXA by adding the dimension of bone quality.
Injuries in Collegiate Track and Field Jumping: A 2-Year Prospective Surveillance Study
Authors: Enoki Shota , Nagao Mami , Ishimatsu Soju , Shimizu Takuya , Kuramochi Rieko 
Published: January 2021

Background: Athletes participating in track and field jumping events (long jump, triple jump, high jump, and pole vault) are exposed to ground-reaction forces on the takeoff leg that are several times their body weight. This can cause injuries specific to such activities. Purpose: To determine the incidence of injuries in collegiate jumpers using the guidelines set forth by a 2014 consensus statement on injury surveillance during track and field events. Study Design: Descriptive epidemiology study. Methods: A total of 51 jumpers between April 2016 and March 2017 and 54 jumpers between April 2017 and March 2018 participated in this study. All athletes were from a single college in Japan. Baseline information on athletes participating in the long jump, triple jump, high jump, and pole vault was collected at study enrollment. Practice and competition exposures were reported by the team trainer. Injury incidence was calculated as the number of injuries per 1000 athlete-exposures (AEs). Results: A total of 147 injuries were reported among 16,998 exposures (8.65 injuries per 1000 AEs). The most common injury locations were the posterior thigh and lateral ankle (17.0%), followed by the posterior foot or toe (12.9%); the most frequent type of injury was strain/muscle rupture/tear (21.1%). The most common injury for long jumpers was ankle sprain (23.3%); for high jumpers, flexor hallucis longus tendinosis (15.8%); and for pole vaulters, hamstring strain (13.2%). Conclusion: The overall characteristics are different for each event; therefore, injuries for each event need to be investigated.
Native tungsten from the Bol'shaya Pol'ya river valley and Mt Neroyka, Russia
Authors: Mills Stuart J. , Kartashov Pavel M. , Kampf Anthony R. , Rumsey Mike S. , Ma Chi , Stanley Chris J. , Spratt John , Rossman George R. , Novgorodova Margarita I. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractNative tungsten (IMA2011-004), W, is officially described as a new mineral from gold placers in the Bol'shaya Pol'ya river valley, Prepolar Urals, Russia, associated with yttriaite-(Y) and from quartz veins in the Mt Neroyka rock-crystal field, Ust–Puiva, Tyumenskaya Oblast', Russia. Tungsten forms polycrystalline grains and masses, and rarely cubo-octahedra. It is silver white to steel grey in colour, with metallic lustre and grey streak. The calculated density is 19.226 g/cm3. The Vickers hardness (VHN25) is 571.45 kg/mm2. In plane polarised light, tungsten is white with a pale-yellow tint and optically isotropic. Electron microprobe analyses of Bol'shaya Pol'ya river valley material provided W 99.27, Mo 0.06, Mn 0.04, Fe 0.01, total 99.38 wt.%. The five strongest powder X-ray diffraction lines are [dobs Å(I)(hkl)]: 2.2422(100)(110), 1.5835(25)(200), 1.2929(48)(211), 1.0010(23)(310) and 0.8457(24)(321). Tungsten is cubic, Im$\bar{3}$m, a = 3.1648(4) Å, V = 31.69(4) Å3 and Z = 2. Some additional occurrences of native tungsten and technogenic tungsten found in Nature are also described.