bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Follow‐up of patients with mild COVID‐19 using subjective, acoustic, and aerodynamic measurements
Authors: Xiao Zhi‐Xue , Ren Qing‐Yi , Liang Wei‐Qing , Li Na‐Na , Huang Nan , Zhu Zhi‐Xian , Ge Ping‐Jiang , Zhang Si‐Yi , Kang Jing 
Published: February 2025

AbstractObjectivesTo gain a comprehensive understanding of the vocal repercussions experienced by mild COVID‐19 infection, as well as the duration and underlying factors contributing to these effects.MethodsTen participants with mild COVID‐19 infection were included as the experimental group to evaluate the voice metrics changes at 15 days (D15), 30 days (D30), and 60 days (D60) after mild COVID‐19 infection, and 10 healthy people were taken as the normal control group. Self‐assessment and objective measures were taken at each time point, including questionnaires for voice handicap index (VHI) and reflux symptom index (RSI), as well as acoustic and aerodynamic indicators such as fundamental frequency (F0), Jitter, Shimmer, noise‐to‐harmonics ratio, sound pressure level (SPL), phonation threshold pressure (PTP), phonation threshold flow, aerodynamic resistance(AR), aerodynamic efficiency, mean expiration airflow, maximum phonation time, and maximum loudest phonation time.ResultsNotable elevations in RSI and VHI were observed during the D15 assessment, but by D60, these levels had returned to normal. At D60, Shimmer, PTP, and PTF significantly increased compared to the control group, while HNR and AR significantly decreased (p < 0.05). F0, SPL, and PTP significantly increased compared to 15 days (p < 0.05), while other acoustic and aerodynamic indicators showed no significant changes in intra‐group and inter‐group comparisons.ConclusionsOur study demonstrated that COVID‐19 infection has a detrimental effect on voice production. Although subjective discomfort may gradually subside within 2 months after onset, alterations in phonation mode can be delayed. It is essential for healthcare professionals to remain vigilant in preventing any organic changes that may arise due to COVID‐19‐related voice disorders, such as muscle tension dysphonia.
Simultaneous Determination of Elemental Iridium and Platinum Loadings on Catalyst Coated Membranes Using a Niton XL3t X‐Ray Fluorescence Analyser
Authors: Warner Terence E. , Rossetti Nicolai Becker , Lund Peter Brilner 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTIridium and platinum have adjacent atomic numbers that account for the proximity of their x‐ray transition energies and thus the overlapping peaks in their x‐ray fluorescence spectra. This presents a challenge for the quantitative elemental analysis of IrO2⋅2H2O‐Pt binary catalyst coatings, especially where the ‘Fundamental Parameter’ method is unavailable, as in the Niton XL3t energy dispersive x‐ray fluorescence analyser. Therefore, we studied the spectral resolution of the Lα, Lη and Lβ peaks for Ir and Pt as recorded on a Niton XL3t to identify the optimal regions of interest. These ROIs were used to measure a set of discrete Ir and Pt standard samples—in which the elemental loadings were derived from the mass and formulation of the catalyst coatings—for constructing correlation graphs to enable the conversion of x‐ray intensity data (cps μA−1) to elemental loading (mg cm−2). These correlation data were fitted to a quadratic regression. The overall measurement uncertainty for the elemental loadings was determined by combining the residual standard error in the quadratic regression with the uncertainty for the elemental loadings used in the construction of the correlation graph, yielding ±0.07 mg cm−2 for Ir (ROI: 9.00–9.18 keV) and ± 0.04 mg cm−2 for Pt (ROI: 9.36–9.65 keV). The quadratic functions and their corresponding ROIs were programmed into the analyser to measure a set of IrO2⋅2H2OPt binary standard samples. This revealed a strong agreement between the elemental loadings as displayed on the analyser and those derived from the mass and formulation of these standard samples.
An efficient finite element method for computing the response of a strain‐limiting elastic solid containing a V‐notch and inclusions
Authors: Shylaja G. , Kesavulu Naidu V. , Venkatesh B. , Mallikarjunaiah S. M. 
Published: February 2025

AbstractThe precise triangulation of the domain assumes a critical role in calculating numerical approximations of differential operators utilizing a collocation method. A well‐executed triangulation contributes significantly to the reduction of discretization errors. Conventional collocation techniques typically represent the smooth curved domain by triangulating a mesh, wherein boundary points are approximated using polygons. However, this methodology frequently introduces geometrical errors that adversely impact the accuracy of the numerical approximation. To mitigate such geometrical inaccuracies, isoparametric, subparametric, and iso‐geometric methods have been proposed, facilitating the approximation of curved surfaces or line segments. This paper proposes an efficient finite element method tailored to approximate the elliptic boundary value problem (BVP) solution that governs the response of an elastic solid containing a V‐notch and inclusions. The algebraically nonlinear constitutive equation and the balance of linear momentum are reduced to a second‐order quasi‐linear elliptic partial differential equation. Our approach encompasses the representation of complex curved boundaries through a smooth, distinctive point transformation. The principal objective is to utilize higher‐order shape functions to accurately compute the entries within the finite element matrices and vectors and obtain a precise approximate solution to the BVP. A Picard‐type linearization addresses the nonlinearities inherent in the governing differential equation. Numerical results derived from the test cases demonstrate a significant enhancement in accuracy.
Minimizers for an Aggregation Model with Attractive–Repulsive Interaction
Authors: Frank Rupert L. , Matzke Ryan W. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
We solve explicitly a certain minimization problem for probability measures involving an interaction energy that is repulsive at short distances and attractive at large distances. We complement earlier works by showing that in an optimal part of the remaining parameter regime all minimizers are uniform distributions on a surface of a sphere, thus showing concentration on a lower dimensional set. Our method of proof uses convexity estimates on hypergeometric functions.
Upadacitinib as rescue therapy for corticosteroid failure acute severe ulcerative colitis: an Asian experience from Taiwan
Authors: Chung Chen-Shuan , Lee Wei-Wei , Le Puo-Hsien 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Purpose
Acute severe ulcerative colitis (ASUC) is a medical emergent condition, and approximately one-third of patients with ASUC do not respond to corticosteroid. Whether small molecule drugs are efficient and safe for salvage therapy of ASUC is not well-understood.

Methods
Consecutive patients with ASUC who failed responding to first-line corticosteroid were retrospectively enrolled. Clinical, laboratory, endoscopic, and pathological data were analyzed.

Results
Five Asian male patients (median age of 38.9 years old) with ASUC who received salvage therapy with upadacitinib were enrolled. The mean (± standard deviation) disease duration was 3.44 (± 3.30, 0.53 ~ 7.88) years. Baseline Montreal disease extent, C-reactive protein, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate were four (80%) E3 and one (20%) E2 disease, 40.54 (± 74.26) mg/dl, and 24.50 (± 19.09) mm/h, respectively. Daily upadacitinib 45 mg was prescribed for 56 days in all patients. Clinical response, clinical remission, corticosteroid-free remission, and endoscopic improvement at weeks 8 and 12 were achieved in five (100%) and five (100%), four (80%) and five (100%), four (80%) and five (100%), and four (80%) and five (100%) patients, respectively. One (20%) patient achieved histo-endoscopic remission at week 24. None of them had re-hospitalization or colectomy during the follow-up period but one patient developed penile simplex-1 infection which resolved after topical antiviral ointment without upadacitinib discontinuation.

Conclusions
Upadacitinib is an efficient salvage therapy for patients with ASUC. Further investigations are essential to assess long-term durability, safety profile, and viability as a bridging regimen in the treatment of ASUC.
Postprandial plasma amino acid and appetite responses to a low protein breakfast supplemented with whey or pea protein in middle-to-older aged adults
Authors: Korzepa Marie , Marshall Ryan N. , Rogers Lucy M. , Belfield Archie E. , Quinlan Jonathan I. , Huang Yijia , Gritsas Ari , Churchward-Venne Tyler A. , Glover Elisa I. , van Loon Luc J. C. , Wallis Gareth A. , Breen Leigh 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
The addition of low-dose protein to low protein-containing meals in middle-to-older aged adults may promote greater postprandial plasma aminoacidemia and mitigate declines in muscle health but may be dependent on the source and quality of protein consumed. This single-blind randomised study investigated postprandial plasma aminoacidemia and appetite regulatory responses to a typical lower protein-containing (∼0.07 g·kg body mass[BM]−1) mixed breakfast supplemented with ∼0.13 g·kg BM− 1 of whey protein concentrate (MB + WPC) or pea protein isolate (MB + PPI) in middle-to-older aged adults. Venous blood samples were collected whilst fasted and over a 180-min postprandial period to determine plasma amino acid and appetite hormone concentrations. Perceived appetite ratings were measured using Visual Analogue Scales. Plasma total amino acids and essential amino acids increased over time (both P < 0.05) with no between-group differences or overall availability over 180 min (incremental area under the curve (iAUC)). Plasma leucine concentrations increased over time (both P < 0.05) with greater peak concentrations (P = 0.032) and iAUC (P = 0.012) in MB + WPC compared with MB + PPI. Plasma total-ghrelin and total-GLP-1 concentrations and perceived ratings of hunger, fullness, and satiety were transiently altered following MB + WPC and MB + PPI (P < 0.05 for all), with no differences between groups. In middle-to-older aged adults, co-ingesting a small bolus of whey protein alongside a typical lower protein-containing breakfast elicits greater plasma leucinemia than co-ingestion of pea protein, with no differential impact on appetite regulation. Whether the addition of low-dose whey protein to typical meals of middle-to-older aged adults can enhance muscle anabolism without adversely affecting appetite remains to be determined.
Visual cortical activity in Charles Bonnet syndrome: testing the deafferentation hypothesis
Authors: daSilva Morgan Katrina , Collerton Daniel , Firbank Michael J. , Schumacher Julia , ffytche Dominic H. , Taylor John-Paul 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Visual hallucinations in individuals following sight loss (Charles Bonnet syndrome; CBS) have been posited to arise because of spontaneous, compensatory, neural activity in the visual cortex following sensory input loss from the eyes—known as deafferentation. However, neurophysiological investigations of CBS remain limited. We performed a multi-modal investigation comparing visual cortical activity in 19 people with eye disease who experience visual hallucinations (CBS) with 18 people with eye disease without hallucinations (ED-Controls; matched for age and visual acuity) utilising functional MRI, EEG, and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). A pattern of altered visual cortical activity in people with CBS was noted across investigations. Reduced BOLD activation in ventral extrastriate and primary visual cortex, and reduced EEG alpha-reactivity in response to visual stimulation was observed in CBS compared to ED-Controls. The CBS group also demonstrated a shift towards lower frequency band oscillations in the EEG, indicative of cortical slowing, with significantly greater occipital theta power compared to ED-controls. Furthermore, a significant association between reduced activation in response to visual stimulation and increased excitability (in the form of reduced TMS phosphene thresholds) was observed in CBS, indicating persistent visual cortical activation consistent with hyperexcitability, which was found to be significantly associated with increased hallucination severity. These results provide converging lines of evidence to support the role of increased visual cortical excitability in the formation of visual hallucinations in some people following sight loss, consistent with the deafferentation hypothesis.
Short-acting urapidil compared to long-acting phenoxybenzamine in the management of pheochromocytoma
Authors: Feld A. , Mintziras I. , Wächter S. , Zentgraf M. , Bartsch D. K. , Czubayko F. , Holzer K. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Purpose
In patients with pheochromocytoma current guidelines recommend preoperative alpha-adrenoceptor blockade with selective or nonselective antagonists for at least 7–14 days. To date, no information exists about orally administered urapidil retard, a short-acting selective antagonist.

Methods
The medical records of consecutive patients with pheochromocytoma between 2010 and 2023 were reviewed. Patients received phenoxybenzamine between 2010 and 2017, intravenous urapidil was given between 2017 and 2019. Orally administered urapidil retard has been used from 2019 until present.

Results
Forty-nine patients with pheochromocytomas were included. Twenty-six patients received orally administered long-acting phenoxybenzamine and 23 patients were pretreated with short-acting intravenous (n = 8) or orally administered urapidil (n = 15). Treatment prior to surgery was significantly shorter with intravenously (3 days (IQR, 3–4), p = 0.015) or orally administered urapidil (2 days (IQR 2–3), p = 0.003) compared to phenoxybenzamine (7 days (IQR, 4–10)). Side effects were more often in the phenoxybenzamine group (17/26 vs 6/23, p = 0.02). The modified hemodynamic instability (HI) score was low and there was no significant difference between patients treated with phenoxybenzamine and those treated with intravenous or oral urapidil (29 (IQR 18.5–38); 26 (IQR 18–42); 31 (IQR 15–36) ns). No 30-day postoperative mortality or cardiovascular complications occurred in any of the three groups. The postoperative hospital stay was significantly shorter in the orally administered urapidil group compared to the phenoxybenzamine group (3 days (IQR 3–5)) vs 4 days (IQR 4–5)), p = 0.04).

Conclusion
Oral pretreatment with urapidil retard is well tolerated for patients with pheochromocytoma, enabling a safe intra- and postoperative course.
Protective antibodies against enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli are generated from heat-labile toxoid vaccination and exhibit subject- and vaccine-specific diversity
Authors: Maciel Milton , Scott Jordan C. , Baudier Robin L. , Clements John D. , Laird Renee M. , Gutiérrez Ramiro L. , Porter Chad K. , Norton Elizabeth B. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Heat-labile toxin (LT) from enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) is an important pathogenic protein. Anti-LT antibodies (Abs) induced by vaccination can neutralize the toxin and potentially prevent diarrheal secretion from ~ 60% of ETEC strains expressing LT. However, only superficial investigation of the anti-toxin response is usually conducted in clinical trials. Here, we utilized human serum samples from two clinical trials performed to assess safety, immunogenicity and protection in a controlled human infection model with a LT + ST + CFA/I + H10407 ETEC strain. These Phase 1 and Phase 2b clinical trials explored a prototype ETEC adhesin (CfaE) and a chimeric adhesin-toxoid protein (dscCfaE-CTA2/LTB5) delivered intradermally or transcutaneously with a mutated form of LT (mLT) as an adjuvant. Serum samples were tested for antigen-specific IgG or IgA Abs by immunoblot, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), or functional neutralizing Abs using LT holotoxin, LTA or LTB subunits. Abs to both LT subunits were present, but the response to each was altered by vaccine formulation, dose, and delivery routes as well as subject. The anti-LT IgG response correlated best to neutralizing antibodies and protection from H10407 controlled challenge when compared to other measures including serum IgA or anti-fimbriae (CfaE) Abs. In addition, our results helped to explain cohort attack rate differences in naïve unvaccinated participants and we found higher anti-LTA IgG post-challenge significantly related to ETEC severity score. Thus, strategies generating and measuring immunity to the complete AB5 structure of LT and subunits are better determinant of assessing protective immunity against LT + or LT + ST + ETEC diarrheal secretion in humans.
Impact of different weather generator scenarios on extreme flood estimates in Switzerland
Authors: Kritidou Eleni , Kauzlaric Martina , Staudinger Maria , Evin Guillaume , Hingray Benoit , Vis Marc , Seibert Jan , Viviroli Daniel 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
The estimation of extreme floods using long continuous simulations is linked to uncertainties which are inherent in different components of the modeling chain. The main objective of this study was to investigate the role of precipitation input data from a weather generator for extreme flood estimates. A hydrometeorological modeling chain consisting of a multi-site weather generator (GWEX) at an hourly time scale, a rainfall-runoff model (HBV) and a hydrologic routing model (RS Minerve), was implemented, using different parameterizations of GWEX. While the sensitivity to the altered precipitation inputs was not uniform across the selected catchments due to their different physiographic characteristics, we found that the uncertainty of flood estimates increased with increasing return period. In addition, the flood peaks were strongly affected when a bootstrapping of precipitation was performed and to a lesser extent when weather types (WT) were used to condition the parameters of GWEX. However, the latter seemed to reduce the spread of the uncertainty both in generated precipitation and simulated floods. Therefore, results suggested that precipitation inputs strongly contribute to the uncertainties of extreme floods. Accounting for uncertainty information enhances the usefulness of long continuous simulations and is essential as a context for applications including hydraulic engineering, spatial planning and safety assessments.
Process Development and Risk Assessment for Processing Magnesium Alloys Using LPBF Technology
Authors: Haas Franz , Tiefnig Raphael , Braun Marcel , Taschauer Michael , Steinacker Stephan 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Lightweight design is very closely associated with additive manufacturing. Besides the design possibilities offered by this technology, the material used also plays a key role. Especially in the LPBF process, the production of the powder and the processing of the material is a major challenge. This applies in particular to magnesium alloys as a lightweight material. Due to its low density and good strength and rigidity properties, this material is ideal for lightweight engineering applications. The basis of this contribution is a risk assessment (including a detailed FMEA and measures to minimize risks) for the processing and handling of magnesium powder in the LPBF process. As part of the practical tests, several test specimens with existing parameters for AZ91D were printed, and their properties (relative density, microstructure and bonding behaviour) were analysed. By adjusting the alloy composition (improved evaporation characteristics) and optimizing the process (e.g. optimum inert gas flow, platform temperature) and the process parameters, it is possible to process magnesium more economically in the LPBF process.
Enigmatic intractable Epilepsy patients have antibodies that bind glutamate receptor peptides, kill neurons, damage the brain, and cause Generalized Tonic Clonic Seizures
Authors: Taiwo Rhoda Olowe , Goldberg Hadassa Sterm , Ilouz Nili , Singh Prince Kumar , Shekh-Ahmad Tawfeeq , Levite Mia 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Epilepsy affects 1–2% of the world population, is enigmatic in 30% of cases, and is often intractable, unresponsive to antiepileptic drugs, and accompanied by cognitive, psychiatric and behavioral problems. Tests for Autoimmune Epilepsy are not performed routinely, and limited to passive diagnosis of known autoimmune antibodies, without essential functional tests to reveal active pathogenic antibodies. We investigated two young Epilepsy patients with different Epilepsy characteristics, repeated intractable seizures, and enigmatic etiology. We suspected Autoimmune Epilepsy. We found that both patients have elevated IgG antibodies, and three types of glutamate receptor antibodies, to: AMPA-GluR3B, NMDA-NR1 and NMDA-NR2 peptides. In contrast, they lack autoantibodies to: LGI1, CASPR2, GABA-RB1, Amphiphysin, CV2, PNMA1, Ri, Yo, Hu, Recoverin, Soxi and Titin. IgG antibodies of both patients bound and killed human neural cells In vitro. Moreover, In vivo video EEG studies in naive rats revealed that patient’s IgG antibodies, infused continually into rat brain, bound neural cells in the hippocampus and cortex, caused neural loss in these brain regions, and induced recurrent Generalized Tonic Clonic Seizures. We assume they can do so also in the patient’s brain. This is the first model of human Autoimmune Epilepsy in rats. It can serve for discovery of patient’s pathogenic antibodies, and drug development. Tests for autoimmune antibodies that bind glutamate receptor peptides, and functional diagnostic tests, are obligatory in all enigmatic intractable Epilepsy patients. Current diagnosis of Autoimmune Epilepsy is insufficient! If pathogenic antibodies are found, intractable patients must receive available, suitable and potentially life-changing immunotherapies for Autoimmune Epilepsy.
Determinants of BMI underreporting in adults from families at high risk for type 2 diabetes in Europe: The Feel4Diabetes study
Authors: Mourouti Niki , Kantaras Paris , Mouratidou Theodora , Karaglani Makrina , Giménez-Legarre Natalia , de Miguel-Etayo Pilar , Rurik Imre , Torzsa Péter , Iotova Violeta , Tankova Tsvetalina , Bazdarska Yuliya , Wikstrom Katja , Cardon Greet , Liatis Stavros , Makrilakis Konstantinos , Manios Yannis 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Aim
The aim of this study was to investigate the determinants of body mass index (BMI) underreporting in adults from families at high risk for type 2 diabetes in Europe.

Subject and methods
In total, 3169 adults (65.3% females) from six European countries were included in this cross-sectional analysis using data from the baseline assessment of the Feel4Diabetes study. Anthropometric, sociodemographic, dietary, and behavioral data were assessed, and underreporting of BMI was calculated.

Results
Underreporting of BMI ranged from 20% to 84%. Women were 1.27 times more likely to underreport their BMI than men (p = 0.01), while participants from Southeastern Europe were 1.52 times more likely to underreport their BMI than those residing in Central/Northern Europe (p < 0.001). Furthermore, participants with BMI > 25 kg/m2 and those with waist circumference (WC) ≥88 cm for women and ≥102 cm for men were 3.4 and 2.6 times more likely to underreport their BMI, respectively (p < 0.001). Regarding the clinical status of the participants, the existence of (pre)diabetes, hypertension (HTN), and metabolic syndrome (MS) was also associated with underreporting of BMI. More specifically, participants with (pre)diabetes, HTN, and MS were 1.4, 1.6, and 1.8 times more likely to be under-reporters (p = 0.001, p = 0.003, and p < 0.001, respectively).

Conclusion
Given the increasing global rates of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), having a more precise estimation of obesity is crucial in order to develop effective public health policies that promote obesity prevention and contribute to the battle against obesity and NCDs.