bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Significant Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Methane Emissions Evaluated by Comprehensive Statistical Analysis of Satellite Data
Authors: Trisna Beni Adi , Park Seungnam , Lee Jeongsoon 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly influenced various aspects of society, including environmental factors such as methane emissions. This study investigates the changes in methane concentrations in Seoul, South Korea, from 2019 to 2023, using TROPOMI satellite data and rigorous statistical analyses. By employing analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post-hoc tests (Bonferroni correction, Tukey’s HSD, Scheffe's method), the study identifies significant differences in methane levels across different years. The results reveal no significant difference in methane concentrations between 2019 and 2020, but a noticeable increase in methane levels post-2021, correlating with the "new normal" policy implemented in South Korea. This suggests that changes in industrial activities and transportation patterns due to the "new normal" have contributed to higher methane emissions. Student's t-test and Welch’s t-test validate these findings, indicate the impact of socio-economic changes on methane emissions. Additionally, the results from the Shapiro-Wilk (S-W) and Kolmogorov-Smirnov (K-S) tests indicate that the sample data can be considered to come from a normal distribution confirming the validity of t-tests and ANOVA analyses for these data. The S-W test showing better discriminative power than K-S test. This study provides a robust quantitative assessment of the pandemic's impact on methane levels and sets a methodological statistical approach for future research in the environmental research community.
Recombinant ferritin-based nanoparticles as neoantigen carriers significantly inhibit tumor growth and metastasis
Authors: Zheng Wei , Li Shixiong , Shi Zhongliang , Su Kailing , Ding Yu , Zhang Luyue , Tang Qian , Han Jiani , Zhao Han , Wang Fengwei , Zhang Hongru , Hong Zhangyong 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Tumor neoantigen peptide-based vaccines, systemic immunotherapies that enhance antitumor immunity by activating and expanding antigen-specific T cells, have achieved remarkable results in the treatment of a variety of solid tumors. However, how to effectively deliver neoantigens to induce robust antitumor immune responses remains a major obstacle.
Results
Here, we developed a safe and effective neoantigen peptide delivery system (neoantigen-ferritin nanoparticles, neoantigen-FNs) that successfully achieved effective lymph node targeting and induced robust antitumor immune responses. Genetically engineered self-assembled particles with a size of 12 nm were obtained by fusing a neoantigen with optimized ferritin, which rapidly migrates to and continuously accumulates in lymph nodes. The neoantigen-FNs vaccine induced a greater quantity and quality of antigen-specific CD8+ T cells and resulted in significant growth control of multiple tumors, dramatic inhibition of melanoma metastasis and regression of established tumors. In addition, no obvious toxic side effects were detected in the various models, indicating the high safety of optimized ferritin as a vaccine carrier.
Conclusions
Homogeneous and safe neoantigen-FNs could be a very promising system for neoantigen peptide delivery because of their ability to efficiently migrate to lymph nodes and induce efficient antitumor immune responses.
A rare case of Bow Hunter’s syndrome: intermittent vision loss as a result of cervical uncovertebral arthrosis
Authors: Hasner M. C. , Hund H. M. , Baharoglu I. , Dujardin M. , Wolfs J. F.C. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background Bow Hunter’s Syndrome (BHS) is caused by vertebrobasilar insufficiency due to mechanical occlusion during head rotation. This case of BHS highlights a rare presentation of intermittent left-sided occlusion of the vertebral artery caused by cervical degenerative disease in a patient with a with an anomaly of the posterior circulation of the circle of Willis. The article depicts how neurological examination and imaging modalities could help clinicians in their diagnostic approach in the context of an unusual presentation of BHS. We present this case to outline the clinical process that led from first presentation to diagnosis, and treatment of the patients’ disease.Case presentation The sixty-year-old patient initially presented with headaches, and ultimately reported progressive transient symptoms right-sided homonymous hemianopia, vertigo and tinnitus upon left-sided rotation of the head. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) revealed mechanical occlusion of the left vertebral artery as a result of uncovertebral arthrosis at the C4-C5 level when rotating the head to the left. The right vertebral artery was hypoplastic with a PICA ending and ipsilateral fetal PCOM. Surgical decompression of C4-C5 with anterior discectomy and fusion was performed.Conclusions We emphasize that computed tomography angiography (CTA) could reveal underlying vascular anatomical variations predisposing to the symptomology of BHS. DSA is necessary to make the definitive diagnosis of BHS because of its dynamic nature. Removal of spondylotic spurring and decompression of the vertebral artery completely resolved the patients’ signs and symptoms.
Utilizing Fuzzy CODAS for Optimal Selection of Condition Monitoring Equipment in Industrial Rotating Machinery
Authors: Andukuri Ravindra , Ch Maheswara Rao 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Choosing condition-monitoring equipment for rotating machinery is critical to improving operational reliability and efficiency. Researchers frequently treat this problematic decision-making process as a 'Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM)' problem. In this paper, we suggest a fuzzy extension of the 'Combinative Distance-Based Assessment (CODAS)' method to deal with the inherent uncertainties in decision-making. The CODAS approach can efficiently evaluate condition monitoring equipment by integrating linguistic factors and trapezoidal fuzzy numbers. In a case study, we use the suggested fuzzy CODAS approach to select condition-monitoring equipment for rotating machinery in unpredictable situations. To validate our findings, we compared the fuzzy CODAS technique with two other multi-criteria decision-making methods: fuzzy AHP (Analytic Hierarchy Process) and fuzzy VIKOR. Additionally, we conducted a sensitivity analysis to assess the robustness of the fuzzy CODAS results. They generate ten random criteria weights and apply each set to the case study. The comparisons and the sensitivity analysis show that the proposed fuzzy CODAS method gives consistent and reliable results.
Fluoride ingestion induces formation of unusual macromolecular complexes in gut lumen which retard absorption of essential minerals and trace elements by chelation
Authors: Sarwar Saba , Quadri Javed Ahsan , Shariff A 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

This research study aimed to elucidate the impact of chronic fluoride exposure on absorption of essential minerals in gut and to decipher the mechanism of mineral deficiency due to fluoride ingestion. Male Wistar rats were randomly selected and divided in to three groups. Group-1 (G-1) was taken as control (non-fluoride exposed), while group-2 & group-3 (G-2&G-3) were administered a human equivalent dose of fluoride (50 and 100 ppm ad-libitum, HED=5 & 10 ppm in human, respectively) for 75-days. Serum fluoride concentrations were measured. Blood and stool concentration of essential minerals and trace elements were measured by ICP-MS. Chemical compounds present in the stool were also analysed by XRD. The chemical compounds and macromolecular complexes having fluoride and essential minerals were identified and quantified by Match3 software. In the fluoride exposed groups, the blood concentrations of essential minerals were significantly (≤0.05) lower than the control. While excretion of essential elements in stool were significantly higher in fluoride administered groups (≤0.05) compared to control group. The XRD analysis of stool showed formation of various unusual macromolecular chemical complexes in fluoride treated groups and the types and concentrations of these compounds increased with increasing fluoride dosage. The presence of fluoride in stomach, chelates minerals and reduced absorption. The fluoride induces formation of unusual high molecular weight macromolecular chelation complexes change the chemical species in the gut and the absorption of essential minerals reduced.
Climate Variations of Heat Waves on the Croatian Adriatic Coast for the Period 1961–2018
Authors: Koračin Darko , Pandžić Krešo , Koračin Katarina Veljović 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

An analysis of characteristics of the boreal summer season June-July-August (JJA) measured daily maximum 2-m air temperatures (BSSDMATs) and associated heat waves (HWs) for 1961–2018 was conducted for three locations on the Croatian Adriatic coast representing its northern (Rijeka), middle (Split) and southern extents (Dubrovnik). Larger values occurred in the second part of the period (1990–2018) compared to the first part (1961–1989), including significant (α = 0.01) trends in mean seasonal averages (0.44 to 0.69°C per decade), extremes, frequencies, duration, and intensity. Exceedances and HWs spanning from 10 June to 24 August were determined in 53 years (out of 58 years) by the 95th and in 9 years by the 99th percentile criteria. Since heat stress frequently affects health at the beginning of a HW, exceedances of one or more days were all considered irrespective of any minimum length or separation. In 30 years, the exceedances appeared at all three locations in the same year. There were 122–147 (30–36) HW cases lasting 245–259 (51–54) days for the 95th (99th) percentiles. The maximum event duration ranged from 9 to 12 (5) days for the 95th (99th) thresholds. Weather conditions for the longest-duration events were characterized by propagation of a strong and wide ridge from the Azores High extending to southern Europe and blocking lows from the north. Based on these results, the Croatian coast is part of a Mediterranean hot spot that has been experiencing significant increasing warming trends and associated frequency of HWs that will likely continue in the future.
Rectal Sensory-Motor Alterations: A Clinical Perspective on Anorectal Disorders
Authors: Wang Xinpeng , Gao Yanhui , Xiao Li , Wang Shuang , Xu Bohong , Zhi Yu 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Altered rectal sensation and motility are prevalent in various anorectal disorders. However, the correlation between rectal sensation and motility has not been well-defined. The aims of this study are to determine the association between these two factors in anorectal disorders and to clarify the underlying mechanisms, thereby offering innovative insights for therapeutic approaches.
Methods
Retrospectively, we evaluated clinical data from 954 patients with anorectal disorders, who underwent high-resolution anorectal manometry for rectal motility and sensory testing. Regression analysis was performed to evaluate the associations between the rectal sensation and motility across different age and gender strata within different diseases.
Results
Significant variations in rectal sensations were observed across different diseases, with patients who had undergone rectal cancer surgery exhibiting the lowest sensory threshold volumes (P < 0.01). The constipated patients exhibited significant correlations between rectal sensory thresholds and motility (P < 0.001), with positive associations with maximum squeezing pressure and negative associations with rectoanal gradient and manometric defecation index. For rectal cancer and postoperative patients, only the maximum tolerable volume showed correlation with rectal motility (P < 0.05), including anal resting pressure, rectoanal gradient, and manometric defecation index. Regression analysis revealed that age and gender had a limited impact on the correlation between rectal sensation and motility.
Conclusions
Patients with anorectal diseases exhibit substantial variations in rectal sensation and motility, with a significant correlation observed between these factors. The correlation is notably influenced by age and gender in patients with constipation and rectal cancer, suggesting that similar relationships may be observed across various anorectal disorders.
Registration number ChiCTR2400086148
Reg Date 2024-06-26 00:00:00
Quantitative assessment of masticatory function in patients with temporomandibular joint arthralgia: A study focusing on maximum bite force, chewing efficiency, chewing frequency, pressure pain threshold and mandibular range of motion
Authors: Vogt Vinzenz , Dahlmeier Leon , Colombo Vera , Özcan Mutlu , Wojczyńska Aleksandra Zumbrunn 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Objectives
Patients with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthralgia typically claim joint function impairments negatively affecting their quality of life. Aim of this study was to quantitatively assess masticatory function with instrumental measures in a group of TMJ arthralgia patients and compare it to symptom-free controls.
Materials and Methods
Masticatory function data were collected in a sample of TMJ arthralgia patients (n = 14) and symptom-free controls (n = 19). Diagnosis of arthralgia and mandibular range of motion were obtained following the DC/TMD protocol. Bite forces, chewing frequency, variance-of-hue-based (VOH) chewing efficiency, and bilateral pressure pain threshold (PPT) of temporalis and masseter muscles were measured. Group differences were examined applying t-test for independent variables (level of significance α = 0.05).
Results
In the arthralgia group, pain-free, maximum unassisted and maximum assisted mouth opening were significantly restricted (p < 0.001, p = 0.004, p = 0.019, respectively), bite force and chewing frequency were significantly lower (p < 0.001), the average chewing efficiency was 0.16 ± 0.11 VOH, PPT for both masseter muscles was significantly reduced (p = 0.011 ipsilateral and p = 0.041 contralateral to the pain side) than in controls.
Conclusions
Functional markers including bite force, chewing frequency, PPT, and mouth opening range were limited in the patients with TMJ arthralgia when compared to controls. This is consistent with commonly reported subjective perception, allowing for an objective quantification of functional impairment.
Clinical Relevance
Instrumental measurements for symptom documentation in the clinical practice provides more objective data on functional limitations. Longitudinal observation of the parameters during treatment and the comparison of outcomes of different therapeutic approaches should accompany objective measures.
Predictors of Treatment Failure in Urethrocutaneous Fistula Repair for Hypospadias: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Zhang Ye , Sun Qihang , Zhang Kaiping , Zhang Yin , Jiang Jiabin , Chao Min 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Purpose
This study aimed to identify risk factors associated with the recurrence of urethrocutaneous fistula (UCF) following repair in patients with hypospadias, beyond the intrinsic characteristics of the fistula itself.
Methods
Clinical data of patients who underwent UCF repair were retrospectively reviewed. Potential risk factors included age and body mass index at UCF repair, history of low birth weight and prematurity, urethral defect length, operative approaches and urethral covering during hypospadias repair (HR), interval between urethroplasty and UCF presentation, interval between urethroplasty and UCF repair, meatal stenosis, size, number and location of UCFs. Univariate and multivariate analysis were used to identify the risk factors of UCF recurrence.
Results
A total of 136 patients underwent UCF repair from 2013 to 2022, and UCF recurred in 31 patients (22.8%) after a median follow-up of 36.2 months. Results of multivariate analysis showed that the UCF with a diameter exceed 4mm (OR6.968, 95% CI 1.522–31.898, P=0.012), multiple UCFs (OR 4.017, 95% CI 1.284–12.571, P=0.017), coronal UCF (OR 2.964, 95% CI 1.142–7.695, P=0.026) and urethral covering with non-Buck’s fascia (OR 2.631, 95% CI 1.015–6.819, P=0.047) were statistically significant, correlating with the risk of UCF recurrence.
Conclusion
UCF repair was more prone to failure if the size of UCF exceeds 4 mm, if it is located at the coronary sulcus, if multiple UCFs are present. Employing Buck’s fascia during HR would reduce the incidence of UCF recurrence.
Prehospital undertriage of older injured patients in Western Switzerland: An observational cross-sectional study
Authors: Poncet Clément , Carron Pierre-Nicolas , Darioli Vincent , Zingg Tobias , Ageron Francois-Xavier 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
The ageing of the population is leading to an increase in the number of traumatic injuries and represents a major challenge for the future. Falls represent the leading cause of Emergency department admission in older people, with injuries ranging from minor to severe multiple injuries. Older injured patients are more likely to be undertriaged than younger patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the extent of undertriage in older patients with particular emphasis on access to trauma centres and resuscitation rooms.
Methods
Retrospective observational cross-sectional study based on data prospectively collected from prehospital electronic records including all patients ≥ 18 years for whom an ambulance or helicopter was dispatched between 1 January 2018 and 31 April 2023 due to a trauma. The primary outcome, admission to the resuscitation room of the regional trauma centre with trauma team activation, was assessed by age. Multivariate logistic regression was used to control for known confounders and to test for plausible effect modifiers.
Results
Emergency Medical Services treated 37,906 injured patients. Older patients ≥ 75 years represented 17,719 patients (47%). Admission to trauma centre with trauma team activation was lower in older patients, N = 121 (1%) compared to N = 599 (5%) in younger patients, P < 0.001; adjusted odds ratio: 0.33 (0.24–0.45); P < 0.001. Undertriage increased by 2-fold with age ≥ 75; OR: 1.81 (1.04–3.15); P value < 0.001. Undertriaged patients were older, more likely to be female, to have low energy trauma and to be located farther from the regional trauma centre.
Conclusion
Older injured patients were at increased risk of undertriage and non-trauma team activation admission, especially if they were older, female, had head injury without altered consciousness and greater distance to regional trauma centre.
Improved Fine-Grained Image Classification in Few-Shot Learning Based on Channel-Spatial Attention and Grouped Bilinear Convolution
Authors: Zeng Ziwei , Li Lihong , Zhao Zoufei , Liu Qingqing 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

In the context of the complexities of fine-grained image classification intertwined with the constraints of few-shot learning, this paper focuses on overcoming the challenges posed by subtle inter-class differences. To enhance the model's capability to recognize key visual patterns, such as eyes and beaks, this research ingeniously integrates spatial and channel attention mechanisms along with grouped bilinear convolution techniques to adapt to the few-shot learning environment. Specifically, a novel neural network architecture is designed that integrates channel and spatial information, and interactively applies these two types of information to collaboratively optimize the weights of channel and spatial attention. Additionally, to further explore the complex dependencies among features, a grouped bilinear convolution strategy is introduced. This algorithm divides the weighted feature maps into multiple independent groups, where bilinear operations are performed within each group. This strategy captures higher-order feature interactions while reducing network parameters. Comprehensive experiments conducted on three fine-grained benchmark datasets for two few-shot tasks demonstrate the superiority of our algorithm in handling fine-grained features. Notably, in the experiments on the Stanford Cars dataset, a classification accuracy of 95.42% was achieved, confirming its effectiveness and applicability in few shot learning scenarios. Codes are available at: https://github.com/204503zzw/atb.
Effects of 3D ultrasonography and 3D printed images on maternal-fetal attachment and its correlation with overall smoking within pregnancy: A pilot study
Authors: Coté John J. , Coté Remington D. , Dilsaver Dannie , Massey Suena , Doehrman Pooja , Coté Brayden P. , Kilzer Riley , Badura-Brack Amy S. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Smoking in pregnancy continues to cause significant morbidity to mothers and babies and contributes to tremendous costs to society. Maternal-fetal attachment (MFA) may differentiate smokers who quit or pregnant smokers from non-smokers. Researchers have recommended utilizing interventions that improve MFA to help decrease smoking within pregnancy.
Methods
We performed a randomized clinical trial of pregnant smokers (n = 33) using an MFA-informed, intention-to-treat protocol. We recruited pregnant smokers and provided timeline follow back (TLFB) interviews from 27 weeks of pregnancy until 6 weeks post-partum. Salivary cotinine was also collected at five different time points. 3D ultrasonography was performed, and patients were randomly assigned a 3D picture or a 3D model of their fetus.
Results
Overall, the average percent reduction in cigarette use was 37.03% (SD = 31.18). The main effect of 3D type was not significant (3D Model vs. 3D Print Estimate = -0.09, 95% CI: − 0.19 to 0.01, p = 0.066). A total of 4 patients (12%) quit smoking within one week of delivery. A 10% reduction in cigarette use was associated with a 30.57 g increase in birth weight (Estimate = 30.57, 95% CI: -14.15 to 75.29); a 10% reduction in cigarette use was associated with a 0.14 week increase in estimate gestational age at delivery (Estimate = 0.14, 95% CI: -0.01 to 0.28).
Conclusions
Patients who smoke in pregnancy decrease the number of cigarettes smoked after receiving either a 3D picture or 3D model of their fetus.
Trial registration: clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04541121)
PhoTOS: Topology Optimization of Photonic Components using a Shape Library
Authors: Padhy Rahul Kumar , Chandrasekhar Aaditya 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Topology Optimization (TO) holds the promise of designing next-generation compact and efficient photonic components. However, ensuring the optimized designs comply with fabrication constraints imposed by semiconductor foundries remains a challenge. This work presents a TO framework that guarantees designs satisfy fabrication criteria, particularly minimum feature size and separation. Leveraging recent advancements in machine learning and feature mapping methods, our approach constructs components by transforming shapes from a predefined library, simplifying constraint enforcement. Specifically, we introduce a Convo-implicit Variational Autoencoder to encode the discrete shape library into a differentiable space, enabling gradient-based optimization. The efficacy of our framework is demonstrated through the design of several common photonic components.