bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of 1-year weight loss with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality: a cohort study based on NHANES 1999--2018
Authors: Yu Yan , Wu Tongtong , Chen Genghang , Chen Xueyin , Liu Shaonan , Xie Changcai , Guo xinfeng , Chen Yu , Yang Lihong 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Objective
To investigate the associations between 1-year weight loss and both all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in overweight and obese adults.
Methods
All the data used were acquired from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 1999 to 2018, including 11,872 overweight and obese adults. Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality associated with 1-year percentage weight loss.
Results
During a median follow-up of 9.2 years, there were 1,401 and 425 cases of all-cause and cardiovascular death. Compared with individuals who had a 1-year weight loss of less than 5%, the HRs of all-cause mortality were 1.15 (0.91, 1.45), 1.00 (0.72, 1.39), and 1.58 (1.11, 2.24) for those with a 1-year weight loss of 5%-9.9%, 10%-14.9%, and ≥ 15%, respectively. A significantly increased risk of all-cause mortality for a 1-year weight loss of ≥ 15% was observed among individuals aged ≥ 60 years, females, non-Hispanic White adults, those with hypertension, without diabetes, and regardless of the presence of hyperlipidemia. There was no significant association between 1-year weight loss and cardiovascular mortality across the entire population sample; however, an increased risk was observed among the female and elderly subgroups. Notably, a strong protective association between 1-year weight loss of 10–14.9% and cardiovascular mortality was found in individuals with diabetes.
Conclusions
1-year weight loss of more than 15% in overweight and obese adults is associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality.
Straightening the Facts: Early versus Late Adolescent Surgery in Idiopathic Scoliosis
Authors: Choi Ji Uk , Lee Choon Sung , Lee Dong-Ho , Cho Jae Hwan , Park Sehan , Je Mingeol , Hwang Chang Ju 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate how age at surgery influences outcomes in teenage patients with AIS, addressing the gap in comparative analysis within the adolescent years.
Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, patients with AIS who underwent posterior spinal fusion were divided into two groups: <14 years (Y-14) and ≥14 years (O-14). Inclusion criteria were Lenke Type 1A curve, Cobb angle between 45° and 80°, and minimum 2-year follow-up. Radiographic parameters, correction rates, and Scoliosis Research Society-22 (SRS-22) scores were compared. Univariable and multivariable regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with curve correction rates.
Results: The study included 168 patients (Y-14, n=37; O-14, n=131). The Y-14 group demonstrated significantly larger preoperative main thoracic (MT) curves (59.65° vs. 53.29°) and greater curve flexibility (52.88% vs. 46.35%) than the O-14 group. The Y-14 group achieved higher correction rates both immediately after surgery (83.25% vs. 77.49%) and at two-year follow-up (82.28% vs. 75.61%), maintaining more favorable MT curve correction over time (Final follow-up: 10.18° vs. 12.91°). The SRS-22 scores showed no significant differences between groups. In univariable analysis, age, height, weight, MT bending, and flexibility were significantly associated with MT curve correction. Multivariable analysis confirmed age as an independent predictor of correction.
Conclusion:Patients who underwent AIS surgery before the age of 14 years demonstrated superior radiographic outcomes and maintained better correction over time than those who underwent the surgery at 14 years or older, while clinical outcomes measured using the SRS-22 scores were similar between the groups.
Fluorescent carbon dot embedded polystyrene nanoplastic: In vivo toxicity assessment and bioaccumulation study in Daphnia magna
Authors: S Ashmi C , R. Nisha A. , Nair Suresh N , Sajith V , B Varsha , Jose Agnes 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

The levels of nano- and microplastic in the aquatic environment rises due to the industrial production of plastic and the degradation of plastic into smaller particles. We have limited knowledge about what happens to nanoplastic specifically in freshwater environments. Acute toxicity study of carbon dot embedded polystyrene nanoplastic (CDPS-NP) was conducted according to OECD-202 guidelines (OECD, 2004) in Daphnia magna. The distribution of CDPS-NPs and its impact on aspects of D. magna’s life cycle, such as growth, motility and mortality rate and occurrence of malformations was examined. Daphnids were placed in individual containers and exposed to various concentrations of test media over a 48-hr period. Mortality was taken as the endpoint of the test. The exposure of CDPS-NPs led to reduced body size and severe disruptions in reproduction. Its bioaccumulation in body was confirmed using fluorescent microscopy. Exposure to PS-NPs caused an increase in mortality with an increase in concentration. The changes observed were found to be time and concentration dependent. Overall, these data indicated that the acute toxic effects of CDPS-NPs exposure on neonates were more pronounced than in adults.
Production of Gypsum Board Paper with Enhanced Radiation Shielding Properties
Authors: Sözbir Tamer , TUTUS Ahmet , KAVUN Yusuf 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

This study aims to produce gypsum board paper with radiation shielding properties by utilizing wastepaper and incorporating borax, colemanite and fly ash as fillers. Gypsum board papers and cartons weighing 150 and 180 g/m² were produced. The radiation absorption properties of these papers and cartons were evaluated using Cs-137 and Co-60 gamma radioisotopes. The highest results in HVL and LAC metrics were obtained from papers and cartons filled with borax and colemanite. Particularly, papers weighing 150 g/m² and containing 20% borax yielded optimal results. Additionally, papers containing colemanite exhibited excellent performance, especially in terms of HVL and LAC, at the 1333 keV energy level. Although fly ash showed positive results in terms of paper and carton properties, it demonstrated lower performance in radiation shielding compared to borax and colemanite. In conclusion, this study significantly improved the radiation shielding (absorption) capacity of gypsum board papers and cartons enhanced with colemanite, borax and fly ash. It was concluded that high-radiation absorption papers and cartons can be produced from wastepaper, offering a value-added product.
Digital logic from high-efficiency superconducting diodes
Authors: Hosur Pavan 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Recent advancements in the realizations of superconducting diodes have pushed the diode coefficient η
towards its theoretical maximum of η=1. In this work, we describe the construction of logic gates NOT, AND, OR, NAND and NOR using superconducting diodes with η≈1 by exploiting their dynamically tunable polarity. We then argue that fundamental theorems suppress η in intrinsic superconductors, rendering them likely unsuitable for the proposed devices, and point out that several previous proposals and platforms, remarkably, bypassed this suppression unwittingly. We discuss the realization of the digital logic in one such platform -- Josephson triodes that yielded η≈1 -- and argue that phases with spontaneous spatial or magnetic order can overcome some of its drawbacks. Thus, this work provides guiding principles for future platforms and develops the building blocks for superconductors-based digital electronics.
A comprehensive perspective on febrile seizures in children: prospective evaluation of clinical, laboratory, and genetic features
Authors: Yalçın¹ Gülşen , Yıldırım² Ruken , Unal³ Edip , Cebeci⁴ Dilek , Ersen¹ Atilla , Özyılmaz⁵ Berk , Tekeş Selahattin , Anıl Murat , Gürbay Aylin 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
The aim of this study is to evaluate children with febrile seizures (FS) from the perinatal period with clinical, biochemical, and genetic perspectives.
Methods
This prospective case-control study included a study group (n = 124) presenting with simple and complex FS and a control group (n = 93) presenting with febrile illnesses but without seizure in the pediatric emergency department. Perinatal history, sociodemographic, clinical features, and laboratory parameters were documented and evaluated. A genetic epilepsy panel study including 37 genes was performed using Next-Generation Sequencing in patients with FS.
Results
Among the FS cases, 69.4% (n = 86) had simple FS, and 30.6% (n = 38) had complex FS. A family history of seizures was found in 66.9% (n = 83) of patients with FS compared with 8.6% (n = 8) in the control group (p < 0.001). The maternal smoking rate during pregnancy was 37.1% (n = 46) in the FS and 12.9% (n = 12) in the control group. When simple and complex FS subgroups were compared; serum sodium, vitamin D, zinc, and selenium levels were significantly lower, and serum glucose, ferritin, prolactin, and cortisol levels were significantly higher in the complex FS group. Pathogenic/Likely Pathogenic variants were detected in 15.7% (n = 18) of the patients with FS. The SCN1A gene variant was identified in 4.8% (n = 5) and PCDH19 gene variant was identified in 26% (n = 4) of these patients. The other variants that we found were AP4B1, ASPM, BTD, CACNA1A, CHD2, KCNJ1, LDRL, PLA2G6, SCN2A, and SCN9A. Novel variants were identified in 5 patients. Genetic analysis revealed a significant decreased level of serum iron, vitamin D, zinc, and selenium in patients with positive genetic test results.
Conclusion
Our results highlight the impact of maternal smoking during pregnancy and the importance of some parameters such as sodium, vitamin D, zinc, ferritin, and cortisol levels in differential diagnosis, and suggesting the necessity of genetic testing in FS patients and provides insights for future research.
The well-being of people with anterior cruciate ligament rupture-related post-traumatic osteoarthritis in Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: O'Brien Daniel William , Rabey Martin , Reid Duncan , Ellis Richard , Uluinayau Tammi Wilson , Whittaker Jackie L. Whittaker Jackie L. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ruptures are a potent risk factor for post-traumatic knee osteoarthritis (PTOA). Annually, in Aotearoa New Zealand, approximately 2,500 people under the age of 30 undergo ACL reconstruction surgery. Due to the young age of injury and surgery, many develop osteoarthritis before age 50 and have a higher likelihood of requiring total knee replacement compared to the general population. This study aimed to gain insight into the medium- to long-term impacts of ACL rupture on people's well-being in Aotearoa New Zealand, by exploring their lived experiences five or more years post-injury.
Method
In this Interpretive Description observational study, we conducted semi-structured interviews with people who had ruptured their ACL and had or were at risk of developing PTOA. Analysis was conducted guided by Braun and Clarke’s Reflexive Thematic Analysis.
Findings:
12 people (7 women, median age 49.5 [25–62] years) were interviewed. Three themes were generated from the data: 1) Nobody Ever Told Me…, 2) The Post-Rehabilitation Void, and 3) The Elephant in the Room: The Psychosocial Impact. Participants commonly described fear, grief and long-term psychological impacts, and most reported wanting to know more about the long-term management of their knees.
Conclusion and Impact:
The study highlights opportunities to provide better long-term support and management, improve outcomes, and reduce the burden on these individuals. ACL injury can profoundly impact people's lives in the long term. Better education, support services, and consideration of psychosocial factors are needed. Addressing identified barriers could reduce the individual and socioeconomic burden of PTOA for New Zealanders. Future research involving stakeholders must establish acceptable long-term management programs tailored to the local population.
When Q Fever Strikes Twice; Meningoencephalitis and Hepatitis B Reactivation in the Setting of Advanced HIV Infection: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Alshanaqeeti Shatha , Akshita Jain , Sharma Soumit , Lyke Kirsten 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Q fever is an emerging zoonotic disease caused by Coxiella burnetii. Its unique structure allows it to survive environmental stress as well as the intracellular acidic environment. C. burnetti also evades the immune system further contributing to it’s virulence. Human infection occurs following inhalation of fomites or contact with body fluids from infected animals. Q fever manifest in various clinical forms, with acute presentations often involving nonspecific febrile illness, hepatitis, or pneumonia. Meningioencephalitis is rare and associated with increased mortality.
Case Presentation
We present a 30-year-old male who presented with an altered mental status, fever, and acute hepatitis, found to have a new diagnosis of advanced HIV infection and hepatitis B. Q fever serologies were consistent with acute Q fever and he was treated for Q fever aseptic meningioencephalitis with Doxycyline with significant improvement in fever and mental status.
Conlusion
The findings in this case highlight the interplay of Q fever with HIV infection and its possible role in hepatitis B reactivation. Infection with C. burnetti results in CD4 cell activation and cytokine release, an effect that is impaired in patients with advanced HIV/AIDS. In this review, we explore the pathophysiology, diagnostic challenges, and management of Q fever in advanced HIV and how that interplays with hepatitis B co-infection. Further research is needed to explore the relationship between Q fever, HIV, and hepatitis B.
A New Accurate and Robust Method Based on Deep Neural Networks for Fault Location in HVDC Systems
Authors: Merlin Victor Luiz , Santos Ricardo Caneloi , Pavani Ahda , Vieira José Carlos Melo 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

This paper proposes a new method based on Deep Neural Networks and direct-current (DC) voltage signal for fault location in High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) systems. The proposed solution uses only local measurements and a reasonable sampling frequency, which ensures its applicability. Performing an intelligent signal processing, the power system reliability and availability can be improved, without additional devices or communication links. The proposed method takes advantage of the high capability of neural networks for pattern recognition, associating the frequency spectrum of faulted signals to specific fault locations. The training process is detailed and the definition of the most suited neural network architecture is presented. The method is validated by using different HVDC systems, different fault types and fault resistances. The results reveal the good performance and robustness of the proposed method and its potential for application for real scenarios.
I-Viewer: An Online Digital Pathology Analysis Platform with Agentic-RAG AI Copilot
Authors: Rong Ruichen , Luo Danni , Gu Zifan , Quan Peiran , Villanueva-Miranda Ismael , Wang Jonathan , Yang Shengjie , Chi Zhikai , Leavey Patrick , Yang Donghan M. , Xie Yang , Zhan Xiaowei , Xiao Guanghua 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Digital pathology has seen significant advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) applications. However, challenges persist in integrating these solutions into digital pathology platforms for human and AI collaborations. We introduce I-Viewer, an online AI Copilot framework designed to facilitate real-time human-AI and human-human collaboration for digital pathology analysis. The I-Viewer platform enables precise annotations and descriptions from tissue to the nuclei level through an Agentic-Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) system. By leveraging agents' outputs as reference points, aggregating information through the RAG system, and incorporating Large Language Models (LLM) for human feedback and refinement, I-Viewer sets a new standard for collaborative and accurate digital pathology analysis. We demonstrate I-Viewer's effectiveness on different pathology tasks using three datasets across different types of cancers, including non-small cell lung cancer, breast cancer, and colorectal cancer. The results show that I-Viewer achieves significant improvements in annotation speed and accuracy for pathology tasks, such as detecting cell morphology, cellular structures, and tumor growth patterns, outperforming current individual foundation models. Through its advanced AI agents, collaborative features, and LLM integrations, I-Viewer optimizes diagnostic workflows in clinical care and biomedical research.
Genome-wide methylomics identifies pre-existing DNA methylation signatures in the prefrontal cortex of alcohol-naïve rhesus monkeys defining neural vulnerability for future risky ethanol consumption.
Authors: Cervera-Juanes Rita , Zimmerman Kip D. , Wilhelm Larry , Lowe Clara Christine , Gonzales Steven W. , Carlson Tim , Hitzemann Robert , Ferguson Betsy M. , Grant Kathy A. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a highly prevalent, complex, multifactorial, and heterogeneous disorder. Currently, 11% and 30% of adults meet the criteria for past-year and lifetime AUD, respectively. Identification of the molecular mechanisms underlying risk for AUD would facilitate effective deployment of personalized interventions. Previous studies using rhesus monkeys and rats, have demonstrated that individuals with low cognitive flexibility and a predisposition towards habitual behaviors show an increased risk for future heavy drinking. Further, low cognitive flexibility is associated with reduced dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) function in rhesus monkeys. To explore the underlying unique molecular signatures that increase risk for chronic heavy drinking, a genome-wide DNA methylation (DNAm) analysis of the alcohol-naïve dlPFC-A46 biopsy prior to chronic alcohol self-administration was conducted in 11 male macaques. The DNAm profile provides a molecular snapshot of the alcohol-naïve dlPFC, with mapped genes and associated signaling pathways that vary across individuals. The analysis identified 1,463 differentially methylated regions related to unique genes that were strongly associated with a range of daily voluntary ethanol intakes consumed over 6 months. These findings translate behavioral phenotypes into neural markers of risk for AUD, and therefore hold promise for parallel discoveries in risk for other disorders involving impaired cognitive flexibility.
Application of Mini-CEX combined with student-standardized patient in rehabilitation medicine residents’ standardized training
Authors: Zeng Yaqin , Cheng Ruidong , Shao Zhouli , Zhang Li 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background: The mini clinical evaluation exercise (Mini-CEX) is widely recognized as an effective measure for standardized training for resident physicians (RST) in European and American countries. However, in China, the Mini-CEX evaluation is limited to clinical patients. No previous studies have examined the effectiveness and correct methods of Mini-CEX, combined with student-standardized patient (SSP) evaluation, in rehabilitation medicine education. Therefore, this study aimed to explore whether combining Mini-CEX and SSP can improve resident physicians’ clinical and communication skills.
Methods: The sample comprised students who received standardized training for resident physicians from January 2022 to December 2023. Before the training began, the observation and control groups underwent Mini-CEX evaluation. During the training period, the observation group underwent Mini-CEX combined with SSP evaluation every two weeks, while the control group was not evaluated. Before leaving the department after the eighth week, the resident physicians’ learning outcomes were uniformly evaluated, including theoretical knowledge, Mini-CEX, clinical thinking ability, and specialized skill operation ability evaluation. A questionnaire survey method was adopted to collect students’ evaluations of teaching.
Results: The Mini-CEX combined with the SSP group showed a significant improvement in resident physicians’ comprehensive clinical ability (p<0.05). Compared with traditional Mini-CEX, resident physicians made greater progress in clinical thinking and patient communication skills (p<0.05). The survey results indicated that resident physicians have a high level of satisfaction with the evaluation of Mini-CEX combined with SSP.
Conclusion: Mini-CEX combined with SSP is an effective and reliable evaluation method for rehabilitation resident physician training, which fully emphasizes its advantages in improving students’ clinical abilities.
Enhancing Multi-View Deep Image Clustering via Contrastive Learning for Global and Local Consistency
Authors: Shi Fuhao , Lu Hu 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Multi-view clustering (MVC) is a data clustering method with many applications, including but not limited to image and video analysis, text and language processing, bioinformatics, and signal processing. The objective of multi-view deep clustering is to enhance the efficacy of clustering algorithms by integrating data from disparate views. However, discrepancies and inconsistencies between different views frequently reduce the precision of the clustering outcomes. In the recent popular comparative learning, it has been observed that the processing of positive and negative samples does not consider the multi-view consistency information, ultimately resulting in a decline in clustering accuracy. In this paper, we put forth a global and local consistency-based contrast learning framework to enhance the efficacy of multi-view deep clustering. First, a global consistency constraint is designed to ensure that the global representations of different views can be aligned to capture the data's main features. Secondly, we introduce a local consistency mechanism, which aims to preserve the unique local information in each view and obtain efficient, positive samples to improve the complementarity and robustness of the inter-view representations through comparative learning. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method markedly enhances the clustering performance on several real benchmark datasets, mainly when dealing with multi-view data with incompleteness.