bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Consonant and vowel production in children with cochlear implants: acoustic measures and multiple factor analysis
Authors: Fagniart Sophie , Charlier Brigitte , Delvaux Véronique , Huberlant Anne , Harmegnies Bernard Georges , Piccaluga Myriam , Huet Kathy 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionThe acoustic limitations of cochlear implants (CIs) can lead to perceptual limitations and consequently to imprecise phonological representations and production difficulties. The aim of the study is to document the phonological and phonetic skills of children with CIs and their typically hearing peers. Phonetically, three types of segments were targeted, each characterized by contrasting acoustic information: nasal/oral vowels, fricative segments, and voiced/voiceless stops.MethodsForty-seven typically hearing children (TH) and 23 children with CIs performed a picture-naming task. Productions were analyzed to obtain phonological measures (percentages of correct phonemes, types of errors), and various acoustic measures were collected to characterize the productions on the three types of segments investigated. Multiple factor analyses were conducted to study productive profiles on the various acoustic measures, and the dimensions were correlated with phonological measures.ResultsThe results showed lower performance in lexical (target word retrieval) and phonological (percentages of correct phonemes) skills among children with CIs (CI group), although with better performances among children exposed to CS. Acoustically, children in the CI group exhibited productions significantly different from those of the TH group in terms of the distinction of fricative consonants, marking nasalization through nasal resonance cues, and in the production of voiceless stops. However, the CI group demonstrated compensatory strategies (lengthening of VOT for voiced stops, marking of nasalization through oropharyngeal configuration cues).ConclusionsThe results indicate that children with CIs are at risk of experiencing difficulties in both phonetic and phonological domains. However, there are opportunities for compensation through the exploitation of acoustic cues better coded by the CI and/or through perceptual means (utilization of visual cues).
Effect of AMH on primordial follicle populations in mouse ovaries and human pre-pubertal ovarian xenografts during doxorubicin treatment
Authors: Wei Xi , Bjarkadottir Briet D. , Nadjaja Devi , Sheikh Sairah , Fatum Muhammad , Lane Sheila , Williams Suzannah A. 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionSurvival rates of the childhood cancer patients are improving, however cancer treatments such as chemotherapy may lead to infertility due to loss of the primordial follicle (PMF) reserve. Doxorubicin (DXR) is a gonadotoxic chemotherapy agent commonly used in childhood cancers. Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) has been reported to have a protective effect on the mouse ovarian reserve against DXR in vivo. However, whether AMH can prevent PMF loss in conjunction with DXR in human ovarian tissue in vivo has not been determined.MethodsIn order to investigate this, we first established an optimum dose of DXR that induced PMF loss in cultured mouse ovaries and investigated the efficacy of AMH on reducing DXR-induced PMF loss in mice in vitro. Second, we investigated the effects of DXR on pre-pubertal human ovarian tissue and the ability of AMH to prevent DXR-induced damage comparing using a mouse xenograft model with different transplantation sites.ResultsMouse ovaries treated with DXR in vitro and in vivo had reduced PMF populations and damaged follicle health. We did not observe effect of DXR-induced PMF loss or damage to follicle/stromal health in human ovarian cortex, this might have been due to an insufficient dose or duration of DXR. Although AMH does not prevent DXR-induced PMF loss in pre-pubertal and adult mouse ovaries, in mouse ovaries treated with higher concentration of AMH in vitro, DXR did not cause a significant loss in PMFs. This is the first study to illustrate an effect of AMH on DXR-induced PMF loss on pre-pubertal mouse ovaries. However, more experiments with higher doses of AMH and larger sample size are needed to confirm this finding.DiscussionWe did not observe that AMH could prevent DXR-induced PMF loss in mouse ovaries in vivo. Further studies are warranted to investigate whether AMH has a protective effect against DXR in xenotransplanted human ovarian tissue. Thus, to obtain robust evidence about the potential of AMH in fertility preservation during chemotherapy treatment, alternative AMH administration strategies need to be explored alongside DXR administration to fully interrogate the effect of DXR and AMH on human xenografted tissues.
Assessing the precision of machine learning for diagnosing pulmonary arterial hypertension: a systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic accuracy studies
Authors: Fadilah Akbar , Putri Valerinna Yogibuana Swastika , Puling Imke Maria Del Rosario , Willyanto Sebastian Emmanuel 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionPulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a severe cardiovascular condition characterized by pulmonary vascular remodeling, increased resistance to blood flow, and eventual right heart failure. Right heart catheterization (RHC) is the gold standard diagnostic technique, but due to its invasiveness, it poses risks such as vessel and valve injury. In recent years, machine learning (ML) technologies have offered non-invasive alternatives combined with ML for improving the diagnosis of PAH.ObjectivesThe study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of various methods, such as electrocardiography (ECG), echocardiography, blood biomarkers, microRNA, chest x-ray, clinical codes, computed tomography (CT) scan, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), combined with ML in diagnosing PAH.MethodsThe outcomes of interest included sensitivity, specificity, area under the curve (AUC), positive likelihood ratio (PLR), negative likelihood ratio (NLR), and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR). This study employed the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 (QUADAS-2) tool for quality appraisal and STATA V.12.0 for the meta-analysis.ResultsA comprehensive search across six databases resulted in 26 articles for examination. Twelve articles were categorized as low-risk, nine as moderate-risk, and five as high-risk. The overall diagnostic performance analysis demonstrated significant findings, with sensitivity at 81% (95% CI = 0.76–0.85, p &lt; 0.001), specificity at 84% (95% CI = 0.77–0.88, p &lt; 0.001), and an AUC of 89% (95% CI = 0.85–0.91). In the subgroup analysis, echocardiography displayed outstanding results, with a sensitivity value of 83% (95% CI = 0.72–0.91), specificity value of 93% (95% CI = 0.89–0.96), PLR value of 12.4 (95% CI = 6.8–22.9), and DOR value of 70 (95% CI = 23–231). ECG demonstrated excellent accuracy performance, with a sensitivity of 82% (95% CI = 0.80–0.84) and a specificity of 82% (95% CI = 0.78–0.84). Moreover, blood biomarkers exhibited the highest NLR value of 0.50 (95% CI = 0.42–0.59).ConclusionThe implementation of echocardiography and ECG with ML for diagnosing PAH presents a promising alternative to RHC. This approach shows potential, as it achieves excellent diagnostic parameters, offering hope for more accessible and less invasive diagnostic methods.Systematic Review RegistrationPROSPERO (CRD42024496569).
Application value of ultrasonic contrast imaging and ultrasonic parameters in post-transplant renal surgery
Authors: Liu Xinwei , Liu Dikuan , Long Meizhen , Chen Feng 
Published: August 2024

ObjectiveUtilize VUEBOX quantitative analysis software to perform quantitative analysis dynamic ultrasound contrast images of post-transplant renal patients were assessed quantitatively five parameters of ultrasonic contrast and two-dimensional ultrasound are examined to explore their six value in Diagnosing Renal Graft Dysfunction.MethodsA retrospective analysis was conducted on 73 post-transplant renal patients who underwent ultrasound contrast examinations at Yiyang Central Hospital from July 2022 to December 2023, They were diagnosed clinically and pathologically. Based on pathological and clinical diagnostic results, the patients were divided into three groups: 47 cases in the stable renal function group, 18 cases in the acute rejection (AR) group, and 8 cases in the delayed graft function (DGF) group. All patients underwent routine ultrasound and ultrasound contrast examinations post-transplantation. By comprehensively assessing renal function test results, clinical course, and pathological findings, differences in ultrasonic contrast quantitative parameters were analyzed. Additionally, ROC curves were constructed to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of ultrasound contrast in discriminating between transplant renal rejection reactions and delayed renal function recovery.ResultsStatistically significant differences in characteristics, such as renal segmental artery resistance index, were observed among the stable renal function group, AR group, and DGF group (all P &lt; 0.05), while peak systolic velocity showed no statistical significance (P &gt; 0.05). Differences in cortical time to peak (TTP), medullary time to peak(TTP), main renal artery rise time (RT), main renal artery(TTP), and main renal artery fall time (FT) were statistically significant among the stable renal function group, AR group, and DGF group (P &lt; 0.05). ROC curve analysis demonstrated that the accuracy of quantitative parameters for the DGF group and AR group was as follows: Renal artery TTP = Renal artery RT &gt; Renal artery FT &gt; Medulla TTP &gt; Cortex TTP (with respective area under the curve values of 0.828, 0.828, 0.758, 0.742, 0.719). Among these, Renal artery TTP and Renal artery RT exhibited larger AUC values, with sensitivities of 87.5% each and specificities of 81.2 and 87.5%, respectively.ConclusionThere are discernible differences in VUEBOX quantitative parameters between post-transplant AR and DGF cases, thereby providing imaging references for diagnosing of acute rejection and functional impairment following renal transplantation.
Causes and predictors of unplanned reoperations within 30 days post laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy: a comprehensive analysis
Authors: Zhang Shiwei , Yadav Dipesh Kumar , Wang Gaoqing , Jiang Yin , Zhang Jie , Yadav Rajesh Kumar , Singh Alina , Gao Guo , Chen Junyu , Mao Yefan , Wang Chengwei , Meng Yudi , Hua Yongfei 
Published: August 2024

ObjectiveTo delineate the risk factors and causes of unplanned reoperations within 30 days following laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (LPD).MethodsA retrospective study reviewed 311 LPD patients at Ningbo Medical Center Li Huili Hospital from 2017 to 2024. Demographic and clinical parameters were analyzed using univariate and multivariate analyses, with P &lt; 0.05 indicating statistical significance.ResultsOut of 311 patients, 23 (7.4%) required unplanned reoperations within 30 days post-LPD, primarily due to postoperative bleeding (82.6%). Other causes included anastomotic leakage, abdominal infection, and afferent loop obstruction. The reoperation intervals varied, with the majority occurring within 0 to 14 days post-surgery. Univariate analysis identified significant risk factors: diabetes, liver cirrhosis, elevated CRP on POD-3 and POD-7, pre-operative serum prealbumin &lt; 0.15 g/L, prolonged operation time, intraoperative bleeding &gt; 120 ml, vascular reconstruction, soft pancreatic texture, and a main pancreatic duct diameter ≤3 mm (all P &lt; 0.05). Multivariate analysis confirmed independent risk factors: pre-operative serum prealbumin &lt; 0.15 g/L (OR = 3.519, 95% CI 1.167-10.613), CRP on POD-7 (OR = 1.013, 95% CI 1.001-1.026), vascular reconstruction (OR = 9.897, 95% CI 2.405-40.733), soft pancreatic texture (OR = 5.243, 95% CI 1.628-16.885), and a main pancreatic duct diameter ≤3 mm (OR = 3.462, 95% CI 1.049-11.423), all associated with unplanned reoperation within 30 days post-LPD (all P &lt; 0.05).ConclusionPostoperative bleeding is the primary cause of unplanned reoperations after LPD. Independent risk factors, confirmed by multivariate analysis, include low pre-operative serum prealbumin, elevated CRP on POD-7, vascular reconstruction, soft pancreatic texture, and a main pancreatic duct diameter of ≤3 mm. Comprehensive peri-operative management focusing on these risk factors can reduce the likelihood of unplanned reoperations and improve patient outcomes.
Analysis of odontoid parameters in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients with different curve types
Authors: Li Kelin , Huang Longao , Xiao Qiongrun , Chen Weiyou , Du Yuwang , Jiang Hua 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionOdontoid incidence (OI) is an important parameter that has recently been developed. However, there are currently no studies on OI in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients. We aimed to examine the significance of OI in describing cervical sagittal alignment in AIS patients, explore the differences in cervical sagittal parameters among these patients with different curve types, and investigate the correlations between coronal deformity and cervical sagittal parameters in AIS patients.MethodsThe whole-spine anteroposterior and lateral plain radiographs of AIS patients were retrospectively analyzed. The parameters, including OI, odontoid tilt (OT), C2 slope, cervical lordosis (CL), T1 slope (T1S), and others, were measured. The AIS patients were grouped based on different curve types. Measurement parameters were compared between different groups. Pearson correlation analysis was performed for cervical sagittal parameters and Cobb angle.ResultsNinety AIS patients were included, consisting of 14 males and 76 females. The main thoracic curve group exhibited a smaller OI compared to the main thoracolumbar/lumbar curve group (P &lt; 0.05). In the AIS patients with a main thoracic curve, there was a significant correlation between Cobb angle and OI (r = −0.371, p &lt; 0.01). The odontoid parameters exhibited significant correlations with several classic cervical sagittal parameters in AIS patients with different curve types. The validation of the formula CL = 0.36 × OI−0.67 × OT−0.69 × T1S showed a significant correlation (correlation coefficient = 0.917) between the actual measurements and the predicted values, with a determination coefficient of 0.842.ConclusionThere may be a difference in OI between AIS patients with a main thoracic curve and those with a main thoracolumbar/lumbar curve. Odontoid parameters could be used to describe cervical sagittal alignment in AIS patients with different curve types.
The impact of detailed history taking: a case report of pediatric pulmonary and hepatic hydatid disease from Ecuador
Authors: Gallegos Camila , Vargas Ariel , Estrella David , Torres Alejandra , Andrade Carlos , Lascano Yazmina del Carmen , Garzon-Chavez Daniel , Aguilar Ana Cristina 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundEchinococcosis is a uncommon condition in pediatric patients, and encompasses alveolar and cystic forms, predominantly affecting the lungs and liver. Transmission occurs primarily through zoonotic means, such as the contamination of water and food by infected dog and other canid feces. Diagnosis can be challenging due to nonspecific symptoms that often mimic pneumonia.The caseA 6-year-old female patient from a rural area in Ecuador who initially presented with nonspecific symptoms indicative of pneumonia. However, further investigation into socio-environmental factors led to a diagnosis of pulmonary and hepatic hydatid disease.ConclusionThe timely and accurate diagnosis of this infectious disease enabled the patient to receive appropriate treatment and surgical intervention, leading to her complete recovery.
Optimising infliximab induction dosing to achieve clinical remission in Chinese patients with Crohn’s disease
Authors: Zhu Kouzhu , Ding Xiaoliang , Xue Ling , Liu Linsheng , Wang Yan , Li Yun , Xi Qinhua , Pang Xueqin , Chen Weichang , Miao Liyan 
Published: August 2024

AimsA strategy based on therapeutic drug monitoring and population pharmacokinetic (popPK) models would likely increase the rate of clinical remission (CR) after infliximab (IFX) induction in patients with Crohn’s disease (CD). This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between early IFX levels and antibodies to infliximab (ATI) and CR at week 14 and simulate the probability of attaining the identified exposure target.MethodsPatients with CD (n = 140) treated with IFX were enrolled to develop the popPK model. Of these, 43 moderate-to-severe patients with CD were followed up at week 14. Simulations were performed on patients with different dosage regimens and covariates.ResultsIFX levels &gt;20.08 μg/mL at week 2, &gt;18.44 μg/mL at week 6, and &gt;3.08 μg/mL at week 14 were linked to CR. A one-compartment model fit the data best. The covariates influencing clearance were fat free mass, albumin and ATI levels. To achieve IFX levels &gt;20.08 μg/mL at week 2, ≥400 mg IFX was predicted to be required in over 50% patients with 45–70 kg and 35–45 g/L albumin, except for patients with 70 kg and 30 g/L albumin.ConclusionIFX levels &gt;20.08 μg/mL at week 2 and absence of ATI at week 14 are associated with CR. Optimising IFX induction dosing will be critical to achieve the target of early IFX levels associated with CR.
Respiratory pathology in the TDP-43 transgenic mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Biswas Debolina D. , Sethi Ronit , Woldeyohannes Yochebed , Scarrow Evelyn R. , El Haddad Léa , Lee Jane , ElMallah Mai K. 
Published: August 2024

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating neurodegenerative disease that results in death within 2–5 years of diagnosis. Respiratory failure is the most common cause of death in ALS. Mutations in the transactive response DNA binding protein 43 (TDP-43) encoded by the TARDBP gene are associated with abnormal cellular aggregates in neurons of patients with both familial and sporadic ALS. The role of these abnormal aggregates on breathing is unclear. Since respiratory failure is a major cause of death in ALS, we sought to determine the role of TDP-43 mutations on the respiratory motor unit in the Prp-hTDP-43A315T mouse model – a model that expresses human TDP-43 containing the A315T mutation. We assessed breathing using whole-body plethysmography, and investigated neuropathology in hypoglossal and phrenic respiratory motor units. Postmortem studies included quantification of hypoglossal and putative phrenic motor neurons, activated microglia and astrocytes in respiratory control centers, and assessment of hypoglossal and phrenic nerves of TDP43A315T mice. The male TDP43A315T mice display an early onset of rapid progression of disease, and premature death (less than 15 weeks) compared to control mice and compared to female TDP43A315T mice who die between 20 and 35 weeks of age. The TDP43A315T mice have progressive and profound breathing deficits at baseline and during a respiratory challenge. Histologically, hypoglossal and putative phrenic motor neurons of TDP43A315T mice are decreased and have increased microglial and astrocyte activation, indicating pronounced neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation. Further, there is axonopathy and demyelination in the hypoglossal and phrenic nerve of TDP43A315T mice. Thus, the TDP-43A315T mice have significant respiratory pathology and neuropathology, which makes them a useful translatable model for the study of novel therapies on breathing in ALS.
Effects of Trichoderma harzianum and Bacillus subtilis on the root and soil microbiomes of the soybean plant INTACTA RR2 PRO™
Authors: Rigobelo Everlon Cid , de Andrade Luana Alves , Santos Carlos Henrique Barbosa , Frezarin Edvan Teciano , Sales Luziane Ramos , de Carvalho Lucas Amoroso Lopes , Guariz Pinheiro Daniel , Nicodemo Daniel , Babalola Olubukola Oluranti , Verdi Maria Caroline Quecine , Mondin Mateus , Desoignies Nicolas 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionSoybean is a significant export product for several countries, including the United States and Brazil. There are numerous varieties of soybean. Among them, a genetically modified type known as INTACTA RR2 PRO™ has been designed to demonstrate resistance to glyphosate and to produce toxins that are lethal to several species of caterpillars. Limited information is available on the use of Trichoderma harzianum and Bacillus subtilis to promote plant growth and their impact on the plant microbiome.MethodsThis study aimed to evaluate the effects of these microorganisms on this soybean cultivar by analyzing parameters, such as root and shoot dry matter, nutritional status, and root and soil microbial diversity.ResultsThe results indicated that treatments with B. subtilis alone or in combination with T. harzianum as seed or seed and soil applications significantly enhanced plant height and biomass compared to the other treatments and the control. No significant differences in phosphorus and nitrogen concentrations were detected across treatments, although some treatments showed close correlations with these nutrients. Microbial inoculations slightly influenced the soil and root microbiomes, with significant beta diversity differences between soil and root environments, but had a limited overall impact on community composition.DiscussionThe combined application of B. subtilis and T. harzianum particularly enhanced plant growth and promoted plant-associated microbial groups, such as Rhizobiaceae, optimizing plant-microbe interactions. Furthermore, the treatments resulted in a slight reduction in fungal richness and diversity.
The role of psychological factors on improving work engagement among nurses
Authors: Abualruz Hasan , Rayan Ahmad , Al-Ghabeesh Suhair , Fawaz Mirna , Jaafeer Rayan , Qutami Batool , Alyami Hanan 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundWork engagement is affected by many psychological variables including emotional intelligence, psychological empowerment, and resilience that are not well-studied among nurses.PurposeThis study aims to examine the impact of emotional intelligence on the work engagement of critical care nurses, and the mediating role of resilience and psychological empowerment.MethodsA descriptive cross-sectional design was adopted in this study among 150 critical care nurses at one university hospital in Saudi Arabia. Independent t-test and correlational analysis were used to assess relationships between study variables. A multi-step regression model was used to assess the mediatory effect.ResultsThe results showed that a statistically significant positive association exists between each of the study variables (p &lt; 0.01). The regression model showed that higher resilience (p &lt; 0.001) and psychological empowerment (p &lt; 0.001) predicted higher work engagement. The model predicted 33.3% of the changes in work engagement scores among critical care nurses.ConclusionTo enhance work performance and quality of care rendered at critical care units, higher emphasis should be placed on emotional intelligence and other significant psychological variables.