bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of microvascular invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma using whole-lesion histogram analysis with the stretched-exponential diffusion model
Authors: Li Hongxiang , Wang LiLi , Zhang Jing , Duan Qing , Xu Yikai , Xue Yunjing 
Published: December 2021

Objectives:
To evaluate the potential role of histogram analysis of stretched exponential model (SEM) through whole-tumor volume for preoperative prediction of microvascular invasion (MVI) in single hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods:
This study included 43 patients with pathologically proven HCCs by surgery who underwent multiple b-values diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and contrast-enhanced MRI. The histogram metrics of distributed diffusion coefficient (DDC) and heterogeneity index (α) from SEM were compared between HCCs with and without MVI, by using the independent t-test. Morphologic features of conventional MRI and clinical data were evaluated with chi-squared or Fisher’s exact tests. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of different parameters for predicting MVI.

Results:
The tumor size and non-smooth tumor margin were significantly associated with MVI (all p &lt; 0.05). The mean, fifth, 25th, 50th percentiles of DDC, and the fifth percentile of ADC between HCCs with and without MVI were statistically significant differences (all p &lt; 0.05). The histogram parameters of α showed no statistically significant differences (all p &gt; 0.05). At multivariate analysis,the fifth percentile of DDC was independent risk factor for MVI of HCC(p = 0.006).

Conclusions:
Histogram parameters DDC and ADC, but not the α value, are useful predictors of MVI. The fifth percentile of DDC was the most useful value to predict MVI of HCC.

Advances in knowledge:
There is limited literature addressing the role of SEM for evaluating MVI of HCC. Our findings suggest that histogram analysis of SEM based on whole-tumor volume can be useful for MVI prediction.
Importance of respiratory syncytial virus as a predictor of hospital length of stay in bronchiolitis
Authors: Buendia Jefferson Antonio , Guerrero Patino Diana 
Published: December 2021

IIntroduction : Bronchiolitis is the leading cause of hospitalization in children. Estimate potentially preventable variables that impact the length of hospital stay are a priority to reduce the costs associated with this disease. This study aims to identify clinical variables associated with length of hospital stay of bronchiolitis in children in a tropical middle-income country Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study in 417 infants with bronchiolitis in tertiary centers in Colombia. All medical records of all patients admitted to the emergency department were reviewed. To identify factors independently associated we use negative binomial regression model, to estimate incidence rate ratios (IRR) and adjust for potential confounding variables Results : The median of the length of hospital stay was 3.68 days, with a range of 0.74 days to 29 days, 138 (33.17%) of patients have a hospital stay of 5 or more days. After modeling and controlling for potential confounders age <6 months, comorbidities (CHD or neurological), BPD, chest indrawing, RSV isolation, and C-reactive protein were independent predictors of LOS Conclusions : Our results show that in infants with bronchiolitis, RSV isolation, age <6 months, comorbidities (CHD or neurological), BPD, chest indrawing, and C-reactive protein were independent predictors of LOS. As a potentially modifiable risk factor, efforts to reduce the probability of RSV infection can reduce the high medical cost associates with prolonged LOS in bronchiolitis.
Playing Edcraft at Home: Gamified Online Learning for Recycling Intention during Lockdown
Authors: Cheng Kin Meng , Koo Ah Choo , Mohd Nasir Junita Shariza , Wong Shen Yuong 
Published: December 2021

Background: Gamification is an innovative approach to engaging in activities that people believe as less interesting. Recycling has been an issue not taken aware by the people in environmental sustainability. There are substantial studies on recycling intention due to the continual growth of unethical and unsustainable waste disposal. Creative approaches to recycling awareness activities should be made to fulfil youths’ increasing interest in and demand for recycling. The main objective of this study is to explore the factors related to youths’ recycling intentions after experiencing a gamified online recycling learning activity, Edcraft Gamified Learning (EGL). Gamified recycling education is believed to be a practical and engaging approach for youths. Methods: 100 students participated in EGL, consisting of two levels of plastic crafting and recycling activities. They experienced online EGL at home between May and September in 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic total lockdown in Malaysia, namely, Movement Control Order (MCO). 29 participants were selected to participate in five focus group discussions (FGDs) with five to eight participants per session to explore their opinions towards gamified learning, motivation and recycling intention. Results: This paper reports the findings of the FGDs. A codebook was developed based on the codes from the FGD feedback. The codes were rated by two raters, followed by an assessment of inter-rater reliability and thematic analysis. The findings emerged and were confirmed with four themes as factors that influence recycling intention. They are gameful experience, social influence, intrinsic motivation, and extrinsic motivation. Conclusion: The dependent variable, recycling intention, was connected to the four themes to verify the conceptual framework. One limitation of the study was the design of the EGL activity, which was only carried out over two days with two levels of gamified recycling education, as students had concurrent academic online classes during that period.
Trends and correlates of hardcore smoking in India: findings from the Global Adult Tobacco Surveys 1 & 2
Authors: Veena Kattiyeri Puthenveedu , Mathews Elezebeth , Kodali Prakash Babu , Thankappan Kavumpurathu Raman 
Published: December 2021

Background: Data on prevalence of hardcore smoking (HCS) among different socioeconomic status (SES) groups in low- and middle-income countries are limited. We looked at the prevalence and pattern of HCS in India with the following objectives: 1) to analyse the association between SES and HCS, 2) to find trends in HCS in different SES groups and 3) to find state-wide variations in hardcore smoking. Methods: Data of individuals aged ≥25 years from the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) India 2009-10 (N= 9223) and 2016-17 (N= 7647) were used for this study. If an individual met all the following criteria: (1) current smoker, (2) smokes 10 or more cigarettes/day, (3) smokes first puff within 30 minutes after waking up, (4) no quit attempt in last 12 months, (5) no intention to quit at all or in the next 12 months, (6) lack of knowledge of harmful effect of smoking, s/he was identified as a hardcore smoker. Multiple regression analysis was done to find the factors associated with HCS. Results: Prevalence of HCS deceased from 2.5% in GATS 1 to 1.9% in GATS 2: males from 6.2% to 3.9% and females from 0.3% to 0.2%. Compared to the richest group the poorest, poor and those who belonged to the middle-income group were more likely to report HCS in GATS 1 and 2. However, only in the poorest SES group there was an increase in the proportion of hardcore smokers in GATS 2 compared to GATS 1. Other factors that were significantly associated with HCS in both surveys were male gender, working adults, those with lower education, early initiation of smoking and households without any rules for smoking inside the home. Conclusions: Tobacco control and cessation efforts need to focus on individuals of poor SES groups particularly in the high prevalence Indian states.
Possible traces of Finnic influence in Latvian subdialect phonetics and morphology
Authors: Stafecka Anna 
Published: December 2021

This article discusses areas observed on geolinguistic maps showing Finnic or Finnic-like features in Latvian subdialects possibly resulting from Finnic influence. The Latvian dialect material analysed for this study shows that several such areas can be identified based on their phonetics and morphology: the Livonic dialect, the Selonic subdialects, certain Selonic subdialects on both banks of the Daugava River, certain subdialects in the former Leivu territory in northeastern Latvia near Alūksne and Gulbene, and a few subdialects in Zemgale near Bauska and Vecsaule where the Krevin Votians were settled. The shortening of word endings and generalisation of third-person verb forms is also quite regularly encountered in the subdialects spoken around Preiļi in Latgale. The least amount of language material is available about the Ludza Estonians or Lutsis who lived in eastern Latgale where their influence is seen in the tone system of the local subdialects.
Kokkuvõte. Anna Stafecka: Läänemeresoome mõju võimalikud jäljed läti murrakute foneetikas ja morfoloogias. Artikkel käsitleb läänemeresoome ja läänemeresoomepäraste joonte maa-alalist levikut läti murretes. Läti murdeainestik, mida on selle uurimuse jaoks analüüsitud, näitab, et foneetilise ja morfoloogilise eripära põhjal on võimalik määratleda mitu sellist mõjuala: liivipärased murded, teatud seeli murrakud Daugava jõe mõlemal kaldal, teatud Kirde-Läti Alūksne ja Gulbene ümbruse murrakud ajaloolisel leivu alal ning mõned semgali murrakud Bauska ja Vecsaule lähistel, kus kunagi elasid kreevini vadjalased. Sõnalõppude lühenemist ja kolmanda isiku verbivormide üldistumist on üsna regulaarselt märgitud ka Latgales Preiļi ümbruse murrakutes. Vähem on selliseid andmeid Ida-Latgalest Ludza eestlaste ehk lutside kunagistelt asualadelt. Siiski on seal lutsi mõju nähtav kohalike murrakute toonisüsteemis.
Leivu influence in the Latvian dialects of northeastern Vidzeme
Authors: Jansone Ilga 
Published: December 2021

This article examines features of several northeastern Vidzeme Latvian subdialects (spoken in Ilzene, Zeltiņi, Kalniena, Lejasciems, Sinole, etc.), which may have developed due to influence from the Leivu language historically spoken in this area. This influence is found at all levels of language. Finnic borrowings are typical of local vocabulary. The morphology shows characteristic phonetic changes like reduction of final-syllable vowels and diphthongs. Unfortunately, nearly all of these features have been lost in the 21st century and the only evidence of the Leivus’ presence exists in place names. Most Finnic-origin place names are found in the names of villages and homes; however, they are also found in the names of hills, swamps, and other objects. The most ancient examples are found among hydronyms. Even just based on the place names still existing in the 20th century, it can be safely said that Estonians, i.e., Leivus, settled in northeastern Vidzeme before 1600.
Kokkuvõte. Ilga Jansone: Leivu mõju Kirde-Vidzeme läti murretes. Artikkel käsitleb läti keele Kirde-Vidzeme murrakute (mida on räägitudIlzene, Zeltiņi, Kalniena, Lejasciems, Sinole jms piirkonnas) keelejooni, mis on võinud seal kujuneda ajalooliselt leivu keele mõjul. Läänemeresoome laenud on tüüpilised kohalike läti murrakute sõnavarale. Sõnavormides tuleb esile ka iseloomulikke foneetilisi muutusi, nagu sõnalõpuliste vokaalide ja diftongide reduktsioon. Kahjuks peaaegu kõik need jooned on 21. sajandil kadunud ja ainult kohanimedes püsib leivu keelepärand. Enamik läänemeresoome päritolu kohanimesid on küla- ja talunimed, siiski on leida ka kõrgendike, soode ja teiste loodusobjektide nimesid. Kõige vanemaid näiteid on hüdronüümidega. Isegi arvesse võttes ainult 20. sajandil kasutusel olnud kohanimesid, võib kindlalt väita, et eestlased, st leivud elasid Kirde-Vidzemes juba enne 1600. aastat.
From Sementovskij to the 20th century. Notes on the Lutsis in the Latvian press
Authors: Korjus Hannes 
Published: December 2021

The Lutsis, a historically South Estonian-speaking language island community located near the town of Ludza in southeastern Latvia, have come increasingly into public awareness in Latvia over the last decade with the release of books on Lutsi history and language suitable for both professional and lay audiences as well as other new works relating to Lutsi folk culture. However, even before this recent burst of activity, the Lutsis have been mentioned in the Latvian and Estonian press and have also appeared in the field notes of researchers whose work was connected with the Lutsis. This article traces the descriptions of the Lutsis in a variety of sources from the first descriptions in the mid-19th century, through the interwar independence of Latvia, and as late as the 1970s when important expeditions by Latvian researchers documented the impressions of the last Lutsi speakers on the state of their language and culture.
Kokkuvõte. Hannes Korjus: Sementovskijst 20. sajandisse. Märkmeid lutsidest Läti ajakirjanduses. Kunagine lõunaeestikeelne lutside kogukond elas Kagu-Lätis Ludza linna ümbruses. Lätis on nad saanud suurema avaliku tähelepanu osalisteks alles viimastel kümnenditel, kui on ilmunud raamatuid nende ajaloo ja keele kohta nii asjatundjatele kui ka laiemale huvirühmale ning on hakatud elavdama lutsi rahvakultuuri. Siiski ka enne seda viimast aktiivsuse tõusu on lutsidest kirjutatud Läti ja Eesti ajakirjanduses ja on ilmunud välitööde märkmeid lutsidega seotud uurimuste tegijatelt. Antud artikkel jälgib lutside kirjeldusi erinevates allikates alates varastest mainimistest 19. sajandi keskel, jätkates maailmasõdadevahelise perioodiga ning jõudes viimaks 1970. aastateni, kui Läti uurijad dokumenteerisid oma ekspeditsioonidel viimaste lutsi kõnelejate keelelist ja kultuurilist olukorda.
Variations of flow direction in solar wind streams of different types
Authors: Moskaleva Anastasiia , Riazantseva Maria , Yermolaev Yuri , Lodkina Irina 
Published: December 2021

Studying the direction of the solar wind flow is a topical problem of space weather forecasting. As a rule, the quiet and uniform solar wind propagates radially, but significant changes in the solar wind flow direction can be observed, for example, in compression regions before the interplanetary coronal mass ejections (Sheath) and Corotating Interaction Regions (CIR) that precede high-speed streams from coronal holes. In this study, we perform a statistical analysis of the longitude (φ) and latitude (θ) flow direction angles and their variations on different time scales (30 s and 3600 s) in solar wind large-scale streams of different types, using WIND spacecraft data. We also examine the relationships of the value and standard deviations SD of the flow direction angles with various solar wind parameters, regardless of the solar wind type.
We have established that maximum values of longitude and latitude angle modulus, as well as their variations, are observed for Sheath, CIR, and Rare, with the probability of large deviations from the radial direction (>5°) increasing. The dependence on the solar wind type is shown to decrease with scale. We have also found that the probability of large values of SD(θ) and SD(φ) increases with increasing proton temperature (Tp) in the range 5–10 eV and with increasing proton velocity (Vp) in the range 400–500 km/s.
Cortical bone thickness of the distal radius predicts the local bone mineral density
Authors: Schmidutz Florian , Schopf Christoph , Yan Shuang G. , Ahrend Marc-Daniel , Ihle Christoph , Sprecher Christoph 
Published: December 2021

Aims The distal radius is a major site of osteoporotic bone loss resulting in a high risk of fragility fracture. This study evaluated the capability of a cortical index (CI) at the distal radius to predict the local bone mineral density (BMD). Methods A total of 54 human cadaver forearms (ten singles, 22 pairs) (19 to 90 years) were systematically assessed by clinical radiograph (XR), dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), CT, as well as high-resolution peripheral quantitative CT (HR-pQCT). Cortical bone thickness (CBT) of the distal radius was measured on XR and CT scans, and two cortical indices mean average (CBTavg) and gauge (CBTg) were determined. These cortical indices were compared to the BMD of the distal radius determined by DXA (areal BMD (aBMD)) and HR-pQCT (volumetric BMD (vBMD)). Pearson correlation coefficient (r) and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were used to compare the results and degree of reliability. Results The CBT could accurately be determined on XRs and highly correlated to those determined on CT scans (r = 0.87 to 0.93). The CBTavg index of the XRs significantly correlated with the BMD measured by DXA (r = 0.78) and HR-pQCT (r = 0.63), as did the CBTg index with the DXA (r = 0.55) and HR-pQCT (r = 0.64) (all p < 0.001). A high correlation of the BMD and CBT was observed between paired specimens (r = 0.79 to 0.96). The intra- and inter-rater reliability was excellent (ICC 0.79 to 0.92). Conclusion The cortical index (CBTavg) at the distal radius shows a close correlation to the local BMD. It thus can serve as an initial screening tool to estimate the local bone quality if quantitative BMD measurements are unavailable, and enhance decision-making in acute settings on fracture management or further osteoporosis screening. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2021;10(12):820–829.
The impact of COVID-19 on clinical research for Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs): A case study of bubonic plague
Authors: Rasoanaivo Tsinjo Fehizoro , Bourner Josephine , Randriamparany Ravaka Niaina , Gamana Théodora Mayouya , Andrianaivoarimanana Voahangy , Raherivelo Mily Harijaona , Randriamampionona Harivelo , Rajerison Minoarisoa , Raberahona Mihaja , Salam Alex Paddy , Edwards Tansy , Olliaro Piero L. , Randremanana Rindra Vatosoa 
Published: December 2021

Background
Among the many collaterals of the COVID-19 pandemic is the disruption of health services and vital clinical research. COVID-19 has magnified the challenges faced in research and threatens to slow research for urgently needed therapeutics for Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) and diseases affecting the most vulnerable populations. Here we explore the impact of the pandemic on a clinical trial for plague therapeutics and strategies that have been considered to ensure research efforts continue.

Methods
To understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the trial accrual rate, we documented changes in patterns of all-cause consultations that took place before and during the pandemic at health centres in two districts of the Amoron’I Mania region of Madagascar where the trial is underway. We also considered trends in plague reporting and other external factors that may have contributed to slow recruitment.

Results
During the pandemic, we found a 27% decrease in consultations at the referral hospital, compared to an 11% increase at peripheral health centres, as well as an overall drop during the months of lockdown. We also found a nation-wide trend towards reduced number of reported plague cases.

Discussion
COVID-19 outbreaks are unlikely to dissipate in the near future. Declining NTD case numbers recorded during the pandemic period should not be viewed in isolation or taken as a marker of things to come. It is vitally important that researchers are prepared for a rebound in cases and, most importantly, that research continues to avoid NTDs becoming even more neglected.
Dissociation between red and white stimulus perception: A perimetric quantification of protanopic color vision deficiencies
Authors: Wetzel Denise , Ungewiss Judith , Wörner Michael , Wilhelm Helmut , Schiefer Ulrich 
Published: December 2021

Significance
Horizontal visual field extension was assessed for red and white stimuli in subjects with protanopia using semi-automated kinetic perimetry. In contrast to a conventional anomaloscope, the “red/white dissociation ratio” (RWR) allows to describe protanopia numerically. For the majority of subjects with protanopia a restriction for faint red stimuli was found.

Purpose
Comparing the horizontal visual field extensions for red and white stimuli in subjects with protanopia and those with normal trichromacy and assessing the related intra-subject intra-session repeatability.

Methods
The subjects were divided into groups with protanopia and with normal trichromacy, based on color vision testing (HMC anomaloscope, Oculus, Wetzlar/FRG). Two stimulus characteristics, III4e and III1e, according to the Goldmann-classification, were presented with semi-automated kinetic perimetry (Octopus 900 perimeter, Haag-Streit, Köniz/CH). They moved along the horizontal meridian, with an angular velocity of 3°/s towards the visual field center, starting from either the temporal or nasal periphery. If necessary, a 20° nasal fixation point offset was chosen to capture the temporal periphery of the visual field. For each condition the red/white dissociation ratio (RWR); Pat Appl. DPMA DRN 43200082D) between the extent of the isopter for red (RG610, Schott, Mainz/ FRG) and white stimuli along the horizontal meridian was determined.

Results
All data are listed as median/interquartile range: Five males with protanopia (age 22.1/4.5 years) and six males with normal trichromacy (control group, age 30.5/15.2 years) were enrolled. The RWR is listed for the right eye, as no clinically relevant difference between right and left eye occurred. Protanopes’ RWR for mark III4e (in brackets: control group) was 0.941/0.013 (0.977/0.019) and for mark III1e 0.496/0.062 (0.805/0.051), respectively.

Conclusions
In this exploratory “proof-of-concept study” red/white dissociation ratio perimetry is introduced as a novel technique aiming at assessing and quantifying the severity of protanopia. Further effort is needed to understand the magnitude of the observed red-/white dissociation and to extend this methodology to a wider age range of the sample and to anomalous trichromacies (protanomalia) with varying magnitude.