bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improved extraction efficiency of radioactive copper produced via Accelerator Neutrons method through Phosphate Buffer-enhanced column pre-treatment
Authors: Mikhail Mary Alfonse George , Kin Tadahiro , Eto Taisei , Tsukada Kazuaki 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

We report a straightforward and robust method for isolating medical copper radioisotopes, 64Cu and 67Cu, generated by an accelerator neutrons technique from natZn(n,x). This study reveals the key role of a phosphate buffer pre-treatment of the cation exchange column in the separation process. The incorporation of the phosphate buffer into the column pre-treatment, markedly enhances the retention of copper isotopes within the column throughout the separation procedure. This approach yields a high-purity copper sample (almost 100%) with a high extraction efficiency of 94.37(± 1.48)% of the initially produced copper within a short experimental time (approximately 5 hours for 100 g of the starting material). This one-step separation scheme is reproducible across a range of starting material target sizes, from small (10 g) to large (100 g). The high-quality copper radioisotopes obtained are suitable for use in pre-clinical and clinical studies. Thus, this approach offers a more effective means for routine preparation of copper radioisotopes.
RDCorpus: labeled medical records for the timely detection of rare diseases
Authors: Rolando Matias , Raggio Victor , Naya Hugo , Spangenberg Lucia , Cagnina Leticia 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Rare diseases (RD) are a group of pathologies that individually affect less than 1 in 2000 people but collectively impact around 7% of the world's population. Most of them affect children, are chronic and progressive, and have no specific treatment. RD patients face diagnostic challenges, with an average diagnosis time of 5 years, multiple specialist visits, and invasive procedures. This ‘diagnostic odyssey’ can be detrimental to their health. Machine learning (ML) has the potential to improve healthcare by providing more personalized and accurate patient management, diagnoses, and in some cases, treatments. Leveraging the MIMIC-III database and additional medical notes from different sources such as in-house data, PubMed and chatGPT, we propose a labeled dataset for early RD detection in hospital settings. Applying various supervised ML methods, including logistic regression, decision trees, support vector machine (SVM), deep learning methods (LSTM and CNN), and Transformers (BERT), we validated the use of the proposed resource, achieving 92.7% F-measure and a 96% AUC using SVM. These findings highlight the potential of ML in redirecting RD patients towards more accurate diagnostic pathways and presents a corpus that can be used for future development and refinements.
Minimally Invasive Management of Cervical Spondylodiscitis. A Multicenter Experience
Authors: SEGBEDJI Felix Kouma Kossi , MALLEREAU Charles-Henry , DANNHOFF Guillaume , DEMBOUR Victoria , CEBULA Helene , CERASE Alfonso , MUZII Vitaliano Francesco , ZALAFFI Alessandro , CARANGELO Biagio Roberto , SPATOLA Giorgio , ZAED Ismael , CARDIA Andrea , ROMANO Antonio , CASTELLANI Paola , TARANTINO Francesca , GANAU Mario , TODESCHI Julien , CHIBBARO Salvatore 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
The urgent etiological diagnosis represents the main management objective of cervical spondylodiscitis (CSD) to start as soon as possible antibiotic treatment to prevent neurological deterioration. The present study aimed to evaluate a multicenter experience implementing a minimally invasive surgical approach (MISA) to manage such pathology vs the most complex and aggressive surgical strategies currently used.
Patients and methods Retrospective multicenter study on a prospectively built database of a 70 patients’ series in 5 European tertiary neurosurgical centers. Seventy consecutive patients harboring primary CSD undergoing MISA were included. Formal diagnosis was made in all patients on clinical presentation, imaging findings, and laboratory investigation and confirmed by histopathological and bacteriological analysis of perioperative specimens.
Results
Forty-one patients were men and 29 were women with a mean age of 47.67 years. Severe neck pain was the most common symptom in 45/70 patients. Fifty-one patients presented a single cervical level of spondylodiscitis, 14/70 double level, and 5/70 triple level respectively. The most commonly identified microorganism was Staphylococcus aureus in 49/70 patients. Each patient received a mean of 3 months' antibiotics treatment. With a mean follow-up period of 48 months, all patients showed a complete recovery without neurological deficits. Neither spine instability nor kyphotic deformation was recorded and bony fusion was confirmed radiologically in all patients. No infection recurrence occurred.
Conclusions
MISA treatment of CSD is a valuable management option to identify the microorganism involved and/or to decompress the spinal cord ensuring as much as possible mechanical stability resulting in excellent patient outcomes.
Epidemiology, clinical characteristics and life-threatening risk profile of WPW in children: 30 years population follow up at a single centre in South Wales
Authors: Uzun Orhan , Duman Derya , Sahin Gulhan Tunca , Donmez Yasemin Nuran , Haji Afzal Abubakker Bapputty , Walsh Mark , Corcia Cecilia Gonzalez , O’Callaghan Peter , Leong Fong , Stuart Graham 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Backgrounds and Aims :
This study aims to assess the epidemiology, clinical presentation, management, and outcomes of pediatric Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome, as well as the incidence of life-threatening events (LTE) in South Wales.
Methods
retrospective review of patients (< 17 years old) diagnosed with WPW syndrome between 1986 and 2019 in South Wales.
Results
The study population consisted of 160 patients, of whom 86 (54%) were male. The prevalence of WPW syndrome was 0.028%. Thirty percent of cases were diagnosed during infancy, while 63% presented after aged 5. Incidental diagnosis occurred in 47 (29,3%) asymptomatic patients. Spontaneous resolution of delta wave was observed in 19 patients (11.9%). Thirteen children (8.1%, 11 males) presented with an LTE, resulting in an estimated LTE risk of 3.8 per 1000 person-years during childhood in South Wales. Acute management was required in 36% (55/154) of patients, with seven experiencing preexcited atrial fibrillation (4.5%). Among children with preexcited atrial fibrillation and rapid ventricular conduction, only three out of seven children experienced aborted sudden cardiac death (1.9%). No deaths directly attributable to isolated WPW and related arrhythmia were recorded.
Conclusions
Asymptomatic WPW in children demonstrated a high propensity for life-threatening events in South Wales, prompting a policy shift towards earlier referral for electrophysiology study (EPS) prior to adolescence. These findings underscores the need for more rigorous risk stratification and closer follow-up of all WPW patients, as asymptomatic cases do not guarantee safety.
Clinical and Imaging Risk Factors for Early Neurological Deterioration and Long-Term Neurological Disability in Patients with Single Subcortical Small Infarction
Authors: feng Xiao , Taiwakuli Meiherinisa , Du junyong , Zhu wenhao , Xu Shabei 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Introduction: This study aims to evaluate the clinical and imaging risk factors for early neurological deterioration (END) and long-term neurological disability in patients with Single subcortical small infarction (SSSI).
Methods: We retrospectively included SSSI patients hospitalized. Outcomes were defined as modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score >2 at follow-up and the occurrence of END during hospitalization. Multivariate logistic regression identified independent predictors of END and long-term outcomes. Stepwise regression analysis was used to develop a predictive model for poor outcomes. The predictive performance of risk factors and the model was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.
Results: A total of 289 SSSI patients were included. During hospitalization, 18 patients (6.2%) experienced END, and 29 patients (10%) had neurological disability at a median follow-up of 21.4 (16.7–25.2) months. Multivariate analysis showed the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score (OR 1.438, 95% CI 1.182–1.749, P < 0.001), Total cholesterol (TC) (OR 1.545, 95% CI 1.014–2.355, P = 0.043), neutrophil to High density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (NHR) (OR 1.371, 95% CI 1.074–1.75, P = 0.011), and neutrophil count (OR 1.333, 95% CI 1.025–1.733, P = 0.032) were independently associated with END. Age (OR 1.083, 95% CI 1.008–1.163, P = 0.029), lesion diameter (OR 1.121, 95% CI 1.001–1.255, P = 0.048), NIHSS (OR 1.685, 95% CI 1.33–2.134, P < 0.001), symptomatic intracranial artery stenosis (OR 6.655, 95% CI 1.618–27.38, P = 0.009), lacune grading (OR 3.644, 95% CI 1.468–9.048, P = 0.005), and The degree of brain atrophy (OR 2.232, 95% CI 1.199–4.154, P = 0.011) were independently associated with neurological disability. The predictive model for END (included NIHSS score and NHR level) and long-term neurological disability (included age, NIHSS score, symptomatic intracranial artery stenosis, number of lacunes, and brain atrophy) showed areas under the ROC curve of 0.836 and 0.926, respectively.
Conclusion: High NIHSS, TC, NHR, and neutrophil count are independent risk factors for END. Age, NIHSS, lesion size, symptomatic intracranial artery stenosis, the degree of lacunes and brain atrophy are predictors of neurological disability in SSSI patients.
Stability of cytokine and immunoglobulin concentrations in the general population: prepandemic basal concentrations and intraindividual changes until the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Gasull Magda , Pumarega José , Aguilar Ruth , Campi Laura , Prieto-Merino David , Villar-García Judit , Rius Cristina , Bolúmar Francisco , Trasande Leonardo , Dobaño Carlota , Moncunill Gemma , Porta Miquel 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background: Evidence on physiological, basal concentrations of cytokines in the general population across sociodemographic groups, and their stability, is scant. No studies have analyzed intraindividual changes in such concentrations from before the COVID-19 pandemic until its outbreak.
Objectives: To investigate: a) prepandemic concentrations of cytokines and immunoglobulins to viral exposures in a general, non-institutionalized population, and their associated sociodemographic variables; b) the intraindividual change in such concentrations between a prepandemic period (2016-17) and the initial pandemic period (2020-21); and c) whether such change was similar in participants who in 2020-21 were SARS-CoV-2 seronegative and seropositive, and between participants who did and did not develop COVID-19.
Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort study in 240 individuals from the general population of Barcelona, Spain. Thirty cytokines and 31 immunoglobulins were measured in paired serum samples collected in 2016-17 and 2020-21 in the same individuals.
Results: The median value of the relative intraindividual change in cytokine concentrations between 2016 and 2020 was <15% for 29 of the 30 cytokines. A substantial number of participants had an intraindividual increase or decrease ≥15% in some cytokines. No major differences in intraindividual changes of cytokine and immunoglobulin levels between 2016 and 2020 were observed between participants participants who did and did not develop COVID-19.
Conclusions: Intraindividual changes in cytokines and immunoglobulins during the four years were moderate, and were not affected by SARS-CoV-2 infection or COVID-19 disease. The findings are novel, and potentially useful in clinical practice and research.
Laboratory based efficacy of Citrus limon mediated Ag-Pd bimetallic nanoparticles against mosquito larvae
Authors: Minal Savy Panamkuttiyiel , Prakash Soam 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

The current study presents data on the eco-friendly biological synthesis of silver and palladium bimetallic nanoparticles (Ag-Pd BNPs) using a 10% aqueous leaf extract of plant Citrus limon. The synthesized Ag-Pd BNPs were characterized using various techniques, including UV-Visible (UV-Vis) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Scanning Electron Microscopy and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDX), Dynamic light scattering (DLS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Subsequently, the larvicidal nanotoxicity of the characterized Ag-Pd BNPs was assessed against I, II, III, and IV instar larvae of Anopheles stephensi and Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, and its impact on the predation efficiency of non-target nymphs of dragonfly and damselfly was evaluated. The results of UV-Vis displayed a maximum absorption at 300 nm ± 40 nm for the leaf extract, while for the synthesized Ag-Pd BNPs no surface plasmon resonance band was observed. FTIR analysis revealed the involvement of surface functional groups from the leaf extract in nanoparticle synthesis. TEM analysis determined a mean particle size of 21 ± 7.22 d nm, while DLS analysis confirmed a Z-average of 1956 d nm. SEM-EDX verified the presence and purity of the Ag-Pd BNPs in the sample, and XRD analysis identified the leaf extract-mediated synthesis with distinct peaks obtained for Ag and Pd. The nanotoxicity bioassay revealed significant larval mortality and the LC50 values were obtained at the time intervals of 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h of exposure for I to IV instars of both mosquito species. The predation efficiency test against the non-target nymphs of dragonfly and damselfly revealed time-dependent predation dynamics, resulting in high predation rates over specific time intervals. In conclusion, this study offers significant scientific insights into the characterization and ecotoxicological properties of Ag-Pd BNPs, demonstrating their potential under vector control while considering their impact on non-target organisms.
Relationship between sleep quality and fear of progression among partients with chronic kidney disease: A cross-sectional survey
Authors: Ye Qi-hui , Sun Tong-xin , Wang Jia-le , Li Xun-liang , Wang De-guang 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Objectives
The study aims to elucidate the direct correlation between sleep quality and fear of progression (FOP), two significant psychosocial issues that individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD) encounter.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted among patients with CKD who were recruited from the Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University.Clinical and demographic data were collected using a general information questionnaire. The Fear of Progression Questionnaire-Short Form and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index were used to measure the level of FOP and evaluate sleep quality over one month. The correlation between sleep quality and FOP was investigated utilizing Pearson correlation and hierarchical regression analysis.
Results
This study comprised 195 people in total, of which 116 (59.5%) suffered from poor sleep quality.Sleep quality and FOP were positively correlated, with higher FOP scores leading to poorer sleep quality. Gender, family financial burden, disease stage, and total FOP score could predict sleep quality. Collectively, these factors combined explained 24.7% of the variation in sleep quality, with FOP independently contributing 6.3% to the explained variance.
Conclusions
Patients with CKD often experience poor sleep quality, an issue that healthcare professionals should take seriously. Interventions focused on reducing FOP could offer a promising approach to enhancing sleep quality.
Trend and Descriptive Epidemiology of Lassa fever in Ebonyi State, 2018 - 2022
Authors: Ezenwa-Ahanene Adanna , Salawu A T , Adebowale Ayo S 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background Lassa fever’s emergence in Nigeria has been a public health concern over the years. Ebonyi state is located in the South-Eastern zone of Nigeria where a high burden of Lassa fever has been reported. Assessment of trend and risk factors for Lassa fever are yet to be fully explored in the state. We investigated the trend and descriptive epidemiology of Lassa Fever in Ebonyi state, South-East, Nigeria.
Method This study was analysis of data extracted from Ebonyi State Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) system over a five-year period (2018-2022). A total of 1578 reported Lassa fever cases was captured in the IDSR out of which 300 were laboratory-confirmed. The trend and seasonality of Lassa fever were assessed using an additive time series model to ascertain the quarter of the year when the disease is expected to be at its peak. Lassa fever cases were predicted using the identified fitted model among the linear, quadratic, cubic and exponential models (α0.05).
Results The mean age of the individuals with the reported cases of Lassa fever was 29.4 ± 17.8 years. Lassa fever showed a seasonal trend across the years. The quadratic model provided the best fit for predicting Lassa fever cumulative cases (R2 = 98.4%, P-value <0.05). Projected cases of Lassa fever for the year 2023 were 123 in the 1st quarter, 23 in the 2nd quarter, 42 in the 3rd quarter, and 17 in the 4th quarter. The seasonality index was +70.76, -28.42, -9.09, and -33.2 in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th quarters respectively. The reported cases of Lassa fever followed a declining trend (slope= -0.1363). Farmers were 70% less likely to die from Lassa fever compared to those not working (aOR:0.3, CI: 0.17-0.83).
Conclusion: Although the reported Lassa fever cases followed a declining trend in Ebonyi state, there was a seasonality in the trend over the study period. Adequate preparedness to mitigate the spread of the disease during the peak period of the disease is recommended.
Effect of low pressure on flame propagation of hydrogen-kerosene- air mixture
Authors: Liu Jian , Wang Yafen , Hou Lingyun , Pei Xinyan 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Hydrogen may play an important role in gas turbine engines for achieving carbon neutrality and performing high-altitude missions. Hydrogen influence on the flame speed of aviation kerosene at low pressures was investigated using a constant-volume bomb. The laminar flame speed of aviation kerosene at atmospheric pressure exhibited a linear relationship with increasing hydrogen mass fraction, with a more pronounced promoting effect under fuel-rich conditions. Hydrogen promotion effects on normalized kerosene laminar flame speed are weaker at low pressures than those at atmospheric pressures. The addition of hydrogen and low pressure suppresses flame instability of aviation kerosene especially under fuel-rich conditions, thereby reducing the promoting effect of turbulence on fuel-rich flame propagation. A scaling law that accounted for the influence of flame stability was successfully constructed to characterize the turbulent flame speed of hydrogen-rich aviation kerosene under different conditions.
Nonlinear Tolerancing: Variation Simulation for Multi-Station Assembly with Compliant Parts
Authors: Lupuleac Sergey , Shinder Julia , Petukhova Margarita , Zaitseva Nadezhda , Churilova Maria 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Effective modeling of multi-stage assembly processes in aircraft manufacturing that takes into account nonlinear effects is essential due to intricate component interactions and high precision requirements at every assembly stage. This paper introduces an approach for performing nonlinear variation modeling of the multi-station assembly process, specifically addressing the contact interactions between compliant parts. The presented approach accounts for a range of variation sources, including geometrical variations of parts represented as two-dimensional random fields and deviations of part fixations on assembly jigs modeled as random variable distributions.
Specialized numerical methods for solving emerging nonlinear problems make it possible to perform calculations at a speed comparable to linear variation simulations. A case study examining the assembly of the upper skin panel to the wing and subsequent assembly of the wing with fuselage illustrates the application of the proposed approach. This study evaluates the impact of different sources of variation on assembly quality at each station, the propagation of these variations throughout the assembly process, and the analysis of the resultant deviations in the final assemblies. This research demonstrates the capabilities of nonlinear variation simulations in accurate prediction of the assembly variations, thereby enhancing quality control in aerospace manufacturing.
Nanopore adaptive sampling to identify the NLR gene family in melon (Cucumis melo L.)
Authors: Belinchon-Moreno Javier , Berard Aurelie , Canaguier Aurelie , Chovelon Véronique , Cruaud Corinne , Engelen Stéfan , Feriche-Linares Rafael , Le-Clainche Isabelle , Marande William , Rittener-Ruff Vincent , Lagnel Jacques , Hinsinger Damien , Boissot Nathalie , Rampant Patricia Faivre 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background Nanopore adaptive sampling (NAS) offers a promising approach for assessing genetic diversity in targeted genomic regions. Here we designed and validated an experiment to enrich a set of resistance genes in several melon cultivars as a proof of concept.Results We showed that, using a single reference, each of the 15 regions we identified in two newly assembled melon genomes (ssp. melo) was also successfully and accurately reconstructed in a third ssp. agrestis cultivar. We obtained fourfold enrichment regardless of the tested samples, but with some variations according to the enriched regions. The accuracy of our assembly was further confirmed by PCR in the agrestis cultivar. We discussed parameters that could influence the enrichment and accuracy of NAS generated assemblies.Conclusions Overall, we demonstrated that NAS is a simple and efficient approach for exploring complex genomic regions. This approach facilitates resistance gene characterization in a large number of individuals, as required when breeding new cultivars suitable for the agroecological transition.
Effects of puffing on the quality of dried pork tendons: Structure and flavor
Authors: Miao Xiaoqing , Huang Jiabo , Li Ya , Dong Xiuping , Sun Na , Jiang Pengfei 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

To improve the portability of dried pork tendons for consumption, we investigated the effects of different puffing temperatures (190 °C - 250 °C) and times (1-7 min) on the quality and flavor of pork tendons. As the temperature and time increased, the expansion ratio of pork tendons exhibited a gradual increase, while the bulk density exhibited a gradual decrease. Moreover, the microstructure of the puffed pork tendons exhibited a uniform porous structure at 230 °C and 250 °C for 6 min. However, further puffing treatment destroyed the spatial structure, causing the void to collapse. Amino acid analysis of puffed pork tendons revealed the presence of 17 free amino acids. In addition, HS-GC-IMS identified 68 volatile organic compounds (VOCs), with the combination of GC-MS analysis indicating that the flavor of pork tendons puffed at 230 °C for 6 min was superior. Our findings provide new insights into the processing of dried pork tendons.