bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between folic acid levels and sarcopenia in American adults: evidence from NHANES
Authors: Qiao Qincheng , Xiang Yingyue , Shi YiHan , Wang Lina , Chen Li , Wang Chuan , Hou Xinguo 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Sarcopenia is associated with several health problems, and people with type 2 diabetes have a significantly increased risk.Nonetheless，it is unclear whether folic acid levels are associated with sarcopenia in individuals with type 2 diabetes.This study aims to investigate the relationship between serum and red blood cell folate levels and muscle mass，and the incidence of sarcopenia in American adults with diabetes，and to assess the mediating role of heavy metal levels.
Methods
This study involved 3，371 adult patients with diabetes，based on data gathered from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey(NHANES)between 1999 and 2018.Muscle mass was assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry(DXA)，and participants were grouped according to serum and red blood cell folate levels.Multivariable linear and logistic regression models were used to assess linear associations between folate levels and sarcopenia，while restricted cubic spline regression was used to assess non-linear associations.The role of heavy metals was assessed using mediation effect analysis.
Results
In diabetic men，higher levels of serum and red blood cell folate were linked to a greater muscle mass index ALMBMI and a lower incidence of sarcopenia.Blood lead levels were a partial mediator of the association between folate levels and sarcopenia.In women，there was no significant association found between folate levels and sarcopenia.
Conclusions
The study found that in American male diabetic patients, higher serum and red blood cell folate levels are associated with better muscle mass and a lower incidence of sarcopenia, with blood lead levels playing a partial mediating role. This suggests that folate might reduce the risk of sarcopenia by lowering levels of heavy metals, particularly lead, especially in male diabetic patients.Future studies should continue to investigate this correlation and its underlying mechanisms.
Risk Factors for Refractory Respiratory Distress Syndrome among Very-Low-Birth- Weight Infants
Authors: Shin Jeongmin , Choi Chang Won , Lee Byung Kook 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The objective was to evaluate refractory respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) risk factors among very-low-birth-weight infants (VLBWIs). The data of VLBWIs born from January 2013–December 2020 and registered in the Korean Neonatal Network (KNN) were analyzed. Infants who died within 5 postnatal days or who were not given surfactant were excluded. Infants were divided into a well-responding RDS group, which received surfactant replacement therapy (SRT) only once, and a refractory RDS group, which received SRT twice or more. The associations between perinatal characteristics and refractory RDS were investigated via multivariate logistic regression analysis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that low gestational age (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] =1.26), male sex (aOR = 1.17), cesarean section (aOR = 1.58), maternal hypertensive disorder (aOR = 1.54), and low 5-minute Apgar scores (aOR = 1.24) were significantly associated with refractory RDS. Antenatal corticosteroid use (aOR = 0.81) and maternal chorioamnionitis (aOR = 0.79) were significantly inversely associated with refractory RDS. Compared with nonrefractory RDS, refractory RDS was significantly associated with increased major neonatal morbidity and mortality risk at 5 postnatal days. Refractory RDS was associated with unfavorable neonatal outcomes. Maternal hypertensive disorder is a significant risk factor for refractory RDS.
Influence of fiber orientation on the behavior of macro synthetic fiber in short- and long-term pullout tests
Authors: Rocha Thais da Silva , Bitencourt Luís A. G. , Cardoso Daniel 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Synthetic fibers deforming over time can be a concern in structural design, particularly in serviceability limit states. Short-term pullout tests are commonly used to predict fiber–matrix interactions, but even in this case, an individualized evaluation of the pullout behavior of single fibers oriented parallel to the load direction may not be sufficient to predict the efficiency of the composite. In the present work, short- and long-term pullout tests were performed with fibers oriented at angles of 15°, 30°, and 45° with respect to the direction of the load to investigate the influence of macro synthetic fibers orientation on fiber–matrix interactions. In short-term tests, optical microscopy images were obtained on the pulled-out fibers to correlate the surface degradation of the fibers with the stress versus strain curves. In quasi-static pullout (short-term), small reductions in pullout strength were observed for all fibers and angles, in addition to an intensive degradation of their surfaces owing to the significant snubbing effect of this type of fiber. In contrast, for the long-term tests, a creep reduction was observed with increasing fiber inclination angle caused by the creep reduction of the fiber due to non-axial loading and additional force components produced by the deviation of the axial force. The parameters of Burgers rheological model were written as a function of the fiber orientation angle, with excellent adjustment to the experimental data.
Increased Risk of Hearing Loss Associated with MT-RNR1 Gene Mutations: A Real-World Investigation Among Han Taiwanese Population
Authors: Chen Hou-Kuang , Hsieh Yow-Wen , Hsu Hsing-Yu , Liu Ting-Yuan , Zhang Yu-Ting , Lin Chia-Der , Tsai Fuu-Jen 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: Previous studies have implicated inherited mutations in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in sensorineural hearing loss. However, the definitive association between mitochondrial 12S rRNA (MT-RNR1) variants and hearing loss in the population has not been well established, particularly in Asia. The objective of this retrospective cohort study was to assess the association between MT-RNR1variants and the risk of hearing loss events in patients in Taiwan.
Methods: We identified a cohort of 12,969 individuals, including 1,179 patients with MT-RNR1 variants, from the China Medical University Hospital Database between January 2003 and December 2020. These patients with MT-RNR1 variants were matched with a control group of 11,790 participants without such variants. The mean age of the mtDNA variants group is 32.4 years, with a standard deviation of 19.2 years.
Results: The incidence density of hearing loss for the mutation group was 36.42 per 10,000 person-years (95% Confidence Interval [CI], 27.21-47.73), which was higher than the 23.77per 10,000 person-years (95% CI, 21.32-26.42) in the wild-type group (p<0.005). Additionally, diabetes mellitus was associated with an increased risk of developing sensorineural hearing loss in individuals with MT-RNR1 variants (adjusted hazard ratio=1.76 [95% CI, 1.00-3.09], p< 0.05).
Conclusion: This study emphasizes the elevated risk of hearing loss events in patients with MT-RNR1 variants, especially those with co-existing disease. The findings highlight the necessity for strategies to prevent hearing loss events in this high-risk group, emphasizing early intervention and consideration of associated complications.
Robotic Partial Nephrectomy Is Associated with a Significantly Decreased Rate of Postoperative Pseudoaneurysm Compared to Open and Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomy
Authors: Mahmud Husny , Haitovic Boris , Zilberman Dorit , Rosenzweig Barak , Laufer Menachem , Portnoy Orith , Fridman Eddie , Dotan Zohar A. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: While partial nephrectomy offers oncologic efficacy and preserves renal function for T1 renal tumors, renal artery pseudoaneurysm (RAP) remains a rare but potentially life-threatening complication. This study compared RAP incidence across robotic-assisted (RAPN), laparoscopic (LPN), and open (OPN) partial nephrectomies in a large tertiary oncological center.
Methods: This retrospective study analyzed 785 patients undergoing partial nephrectomy between 2012-2022 (398 RAPN, 122 LPN, 265 OPN). Data included demographics, tumor size/location, surgical type, clinical presentation, treatment, and post-operative outcomes. The primary outcome was RAP incidence, with secondary outcomes including presentation, treatment efficacy, and renal function.
Results: Seventeen patients (2.1%) developed RAP, presenting with massive hematuria (100%), hemorrhagic shock (5.8%), and clot retention (23%). The median onset was 12 days postoperatively. RAP occurred in 4 (1%), 4 (3.3%), and 9 (3.4%) patients following RAPN, LPN, and OPN, respectively (p=0.04). Only surgery length and surgical approach were independently associated with RAP. Selective embolization achieved immediate bleeding control in 94%, with one patient requiring a second embolization. No additional surgery or nephrectomy was needed. Estimated GFR at one year was similar across both groups (p=0.53).
Conclusions: RAPN demonstrated a significantly lower RAP incidence compared to LPN and OPN (p=0.04). Emergency angiographic embolization proved effective, with no long-term renal function impact.
Limitations: This retrospective study lacked randomization and long-term follow-up. Further research with larger datasets and longer follow-up is warranted.
Patient Summary:This study suggests that robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy is associated with a significantly lower risk of RAP compared to traditional approaches. Emergency embolization effectively treats RAP without compromising long-term renal function.
Fast crystal formation of dinuclear dysprosium (III) complex using ligand derived from o-vanillin: syntheses, crystal structure and magnetic properties
Authors: Saha Samarendra Nath , Halder Pabitra , Mandal Soumik 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

A new dinuclear dysprosium (III) complex has been synthesized with the formula [DyIII2(valpico)2(NO3)4].4CH3CN, where (Hvalpico = 2-methoxy-6-((pyridin-2-ylmethylimino)methyl)phenol) in acetonitrile medium. The single crystals started to form from acetonitrile solution after 5 minutes of reaction and completed within 10 minutes at room temperature. The crystals were of good quality for single crystal X-ray diffraction measurement. The structural and magnetic properties of the dinuclear (Dy2) phenoxo-bridged motif are explored. The magnetic property of the Dy-dimer complex show single molecular magnetic (SMM) behaviour.
Skin autofluorescence and cause-specific mortality: from a population-based cohort
Authors: Boersma H. Erik , Smit Andries J. , Paterson Andrew D. , Wolffenbuttel Bruce H.R. , Klauw Melanie M. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

We aimed to assess the association of SAF with cardiovascular mortality in the general population and the possible association between SAF with other disease-specific mortality rates. We evaluated 77,143 participants without known diabetes or cardiovascular disease. The cause of death was ascertained by the municipality database. The associations between SAF and all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality and cancer mortality were assessed with Cox proportional hazard analysis.After a median follow-up of 115 months, 1447 participants were deceased (1.9%). SAF and age-adjusted SAF-z score were higher in all mortality groups. Cox regression analysis revealed that the highest quartile of SAF was associated with increased odds of cardiovascular mortality, (HR) 12.6 (7.3–21.7) and after adjusting for age (HR 1.8 (1.0-3.2)). Significance was lost after additional adjustments for sex, smoking status, and BMI (HR 1.4 (0.8–2.5). For cancer-related mortality the highest quartile of SAF was associated with higher probability of mortality in all models (unadjusted HR 8.6 (6.6–11.3), adjusted for age HR 2.1 (1.6–2.8)), adjusted for age, sex, smoking status, and BMI HR 1.7 (1.3–2.4)). SAF is associated with all-cause mortality as well as cardiovascular and cancer-related mortality in the general population.
Unlocking Academic Success: The Impact of Time Management on College Students’ Study Engagement
Authors: Fu Yangyang , Wang Qiuju , Wang Xiaofeng , Zhong Haoxuan , Chen Junqi , Fei Haoyu , Yao Yipeng , Xiao Yao , Li Wenfu , Li Na 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: In this study, the purpose was to examine the impact of time management on college students’ study engagement and to determine the mechanisms involved. Consequently, we examined the relationship between time management and engagement in study, as well as self-control and mobile phone dependence.
Methods: The Adolescence Time Management Disposition Scale (ATMD), College Student Mobile Phone Dependence Questionnaire (CSMPDQ), Utrecht Work Engagement Scale-student (UWES-S), and Self-Control Scale (SCS) were administered to 1016 college students. A Pearson’s correlation analysis and a mediation analysis using bootstrapping were performed in order to test for standard method bias using SPSS 22.0.
Results: ①Time management was positively associated with self-control and study engagement, and negatively associated with mobile phone dependence (p < 0.001). self-control was positively associated with study engagement，and negatively associated with mobile phone dependence (p < 0.001). Mobile phone dependence was negatively associated with study engagement (p < 0.01). ②Time management can not only directly predict study engagement (95%CI, 0.102-0.208) but also affects study engagement through three indirect paths: self-control was a mediator (95%CI, 0.066-0.158), mobile phone dependence was a mediator (95%CI, 0.043-0.109), and self-control and mobile phone dependence were a chain mediator (95%CI, 0.012-0.032).
Conclusion: Time management not only influences study engagement directly, but also through the mediating effect of self-control and mobile phone dependenceindirectly.
Clinical utility of transperineal template-guided mapping prostate biopsy in a selection of patients under active surveillance and confirmation of patients with negative biopsy for prostate cancer
Authors: Koo Michael Jakun , Lee Byunghun , Song Wan , Kang Minyong , Sung Hyun Hwan , Jeong Byong Chang , Seo Seong Il , Jeon Seong Soo , Lee Chung Un , Jeon Hwang Gyun 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

We investigated the change to definitive treatment in patients under active surveillance (AS) and cancer diagnosis in non-cancerous patients for prostate cancer after confirmatory transperineal template-guided mapping prostate biopsy (TTMB). We retrospectively reviewed 336 patients who underwent TTMB between March 2017 and March 2023, with 134 AS patients and 202 non-cancerous patients. All patients were routinely followed up via prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI), and follow-up biopsy was performed when deemed clinically appropriate. Treatment changes in the AS and cancer detection in non-cancerous groups were analyzed. One hundred and thirty-four patients under the AS protocol were analyzed, of which 110 (82.1%) maintained AS for 33 months. Nine patients (6.7%) had significant findings in mpMRI (prostate imaging–reporting and data system [PI-RADS] ≥3) and received radical treatment following target biopsy via transrectal ultrasonography. Totally, 115 patients (83.3%) with insignificant findings in mpMRI (PI-RADS 1 or 2 lesions) were followed up with transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy (17.4%, N = 20), repeat TTMB (6.1%, N = 7), or no additional biopsy (76.5%, N = 88), and five (25.0%), two (28.5%), and eight (9.1%) patients converted to radical treatment from each group, respectively. In the non-cancerous group, five patients (2.5%) were diagnosed with prostate cancer, with PI-RADS ≥3 findings via mpMRI and were confirmed by target biopsy, during a mean follow-up period of 25 months, subsequently receiving radical treatment. TTMB is effective in selecting patients for AS treatment, confirming benign patients, and can be used as an effective follow-up modality.
Mapping soil properties in tropical rainforest area using UAV-based hyperspectral images and LiDAR points
Authors: Chen Yiqing , Shi Tiezhu , Li Qipei , Wang Zhensheng , Wang Ran , Wang Feng , Chen Zongzhu , Wu Tingtian , Pan Xiao , Chen Xiaohua , Lei Jinrui , Nong Shouqian , Li Yuanling 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Aims
This study aimed to integrate UAV-based hyperspectral images and LiDAR points to indirectly estimate the soil nutrient properties in tropical rainforest areas.
Methods
A total of 175 features, including vegetation indices, texture characteristics, and forest parameters, were extracted from the study area. Five machine learning models, Partial Least Squares Regression (PLSR), Random Forest (RF), AdaBoost, Gradient Boosting Decision Trees (GBDT), and Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), were constructed to predict soil nutrients. Furthermore, Bayesian optimization algorithm (BOA) was introduced to obtain more optimal model hyperparameters.
Results
The results showed that BOA can better explain the complex interactions between features and hyperparameters, leading to an average improvement of model performance by 89.38% compared to default parameter models. The GBDT model optimized by BOA outperformed other models in predicting soil pH and TN, with improvements of 512.50% and 36.36%, respectively. The XGBoost model with optimized parameters performed well in predicting SOC and TP (with gains of 206.67% and 95% improvements, respectively). In addition, point cloud features derived from LiDAR data outperformed vegetation indices in predicting soil nutrient properties, enhancing inversion accuracy by effectively characterizing vegetation growth conditions and terrain changes.
Conclusions
This study indicated that combining the advantages of UAV-based hyperspectral images and LiDAR points will advance the methodology for digitally mapping soil nutrient properties in forested areas, achieving large-scale soil nutrient management and monitoring.
Factors contributing to flooding and adaptation strategies employed by residents of the Tamale Metropolis to mitigate the effects of flooding in the Northern Region, Ghana
Authors: Ampofo Justice Agyei , Sekyere Ebenezer Owusu , Adongo Raymond 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

This study assessed the factors contributing to flooding and adaptation strategies employed by residents of the Tamale Metropolis to mitigate the effects of flooding in the Northern Region, Ghana. The research used mixed research approach that was descriptive with data collection by both quantitative and qualitative methods. In addition, 400 residents from the Tamale Metropolis were sampled, and the data were analyzed through a not ordered least square (OLS) model and Kendall's coefficient concordance. The research has the overall performances of the model come out by using the R-squared and Adjusted R-squared values, which amount to the 0.745 and 0.720, respectively. Furthermore, flood incidence as an independent variable in the regression analysis has a positive coefficient of 1.678, which means that a rising flood incidence is linked to an intensification of flooding in Tamale Metropolis. Besides, the research found that the two adaptation measures being the use of flood barriers and sandbags were the most favored by the population. The fact that the usage of emergency supplies is based at the last position among the adaption strategies which are meant to avert the negative effects of flooding has been ranked as the least employed strategy of mitigating the effects of flooding. The results showed that during the flood season, water level rise, infrastructural damages, poor land use classification, economic status, water supply systems, sanitation facilities, roads network, the presence of low-lying areas, agricultural land, and government agencies have a major influence on the flooding situation in the Tamale Metropolis. This study recommends that the urban planning guidelines of the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly should be enforced and implemented to oversee the management and planning of the land use, management of unplanned development and reduction of the ecological degradation by infrastructure around flooding.
Increasing evidence of humpback whale calving in the south-west of Western Australia
Authors: Jolliffe Capri , Russell Grace , McPherson Craig , Elsdon Brodie 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

An understanding of the spatial and temporal range of marine mammals, and identification of habitats that support critical behaviours is fundamental for effective species management and conservation. The humpback whale, while considered to be recovered within Australian waters, is subject to increasing levels of anthropogenic pressure across its migratory range. Increasing population size, in concert with long term climatic change, is likely to lead to intra and inter-species competition for food resources and habitat. Historically, humpback whales have been known to calf in the Kimberley region, with recent records of calving extending into the Pilbara as far south as Ningaloo Reef, off Exmouth Western Australia. This paper presents empirical evidence of significant numbers of humpback whale calves being born over 1500 km further south in Ngari Marine Park, southwest Western Australia, along their northern migratory route, including live sightings of neonates, deceased strandings of neonate calves and evidence of killer whale predation events. The presence of calving behaviour outside of known calving grounds presents challenges for species conservation and management with effective mitigation and management of anthropogenic pressures contingent on a contemporary understanding of species presence and behaviour. Further, there is considerable concern for the viability of calves this far south on their migratory route where water temperatures are cooler and sheltered areas for resting are more limited.
Comparison of Short Physical Performance Battery in Hip Fracture Patients Using Smart Insoles and Manual Methods
Authors: Kim Shinjune , Kim Soojin , Kim HyeonSu , Kim HyunBin , Yoo Jun-Il 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Introduction: The Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) is a widely used tool for assessing physical function in older adults, including those who experienced a hip fracture. Traditionally, medical professionals perform the SPPB manually, which is time-consuming and prone to subjective interpretation. However, recent technological advancements have introduced smart insoles that can automatically capture and analyze data related to gait and balance, potentially offering a more objective and efficient method for performing the SPPB.
Methods: In this study, we aimed to compare the smart insole method versus the manual method for SPPB assessment in hip fracture patients. We recruited a sample of 57 patients with hip fracture aged 50 years or older. The participants underwent both the smart insole assessment and the manual assessment simultaneously. The SPPB consists of three subtests: balance, gait speed, and chair stands.
Results: The balance test scores slightly increased with smart insoles, showing a mean difference of 0.086 and a p-value of 0.037. In contrast, chair stand and gait speed tests showed negligible differences, with p-values of 0.777 and 1.000, respectively. The overall SPPB scores were closely matched between the methods, with a minimal mean difference of 0.103 and a p-value of 0.282. High correlations were observed across the assessments, with r of 0.95 for individual tests and 0.98 for total SPPB scores.
Conclusion: The smart insole method provides a reliable and efficient alternative to the manual method for assessing SPPB in hip fracture patients. Smart insoles in assessments can save time and resources while improving accuracy and standardization of SPPB measurements.