bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preventing oxygen desaturation during bronchoscopy in COPD patients using high flow oxygenversusstandard management: the randomised controlled PROSA 2 Trial
Authors: Darie Andrei M. , Grize Leticia , Jahn Kathleen , Salina Anna , Röcken Jonathan , Herrmann Matthias J. , Pascarella Maria , Suarez Vivian , Strobel Werner , Tamm Michael , Stolz Daiana 
Published: February 2025

BackgroundPatients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are at increased risk for developing additional respiratory comorbidities associated with smoking, and are thus prone to undergo flexible bronchoscopy. However, COPD patients have increased periprocedural complications risk and lower oxygen saturation during bronchoscopy.MethodsThis was an investigator-initiated, single centre, open-label randomised controlled trial designed to assess the benefits of high flow nasal oxygen compared to conventional low flow oxygen by nasal cannula during conscious sedation for bronchoscopy in patients with COPD. Low flow was supplied at a starting rate of 4 L / min and gradually increased up to 12 L / min to maintain the oxygen saturation (SpO2) above 90%. High flow delivered using LM Flow 100 (Löwenstein Medical GmbH, Bad Ems, Germany) starting at a rate of 60 L / min and an inspired fraction of oxygen (FiO2) of 0.6 was increased up to 80 L / min to preserve the SpO2 above 90%. The primary endpoint was cumulative hypoxaemia time.ResultsWe randomised 600 COPD cases with a median age of 69.0 (62.0–76.0) years to either high flow (295) or low flow (305). The cumulative hypoxaemia time was 53% lower in the high flow group (1.8% [95%CI 1.5–2.2]versus3.8% [95%CI 3.2–4.5] of monitoring time, p<0.001). Additionally, the high flow group experienced 3.0 (1.0–6.0) hypoxaemia events (SpO2<90%) as compared to 6.0 (3.0–10.0) in the low flow group (p<0.001). The low flow group had five-fold higher odds of experiencing hypoxaemia during bronchoscopy (OR 5.1 [95%CI 3.2–8.2], p<0.001).ConclusionHigh flow is feasible, decreases cumulative hypoxaemia time and reduces hypoxaemia events during bronchoscopy in patients with COPD but does not impact patient comfort.Clinical trial registrationThis trial was registered on the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform,ISRCTN18159882.
Study on the aggregation patterns of fleas parasitizing the great gerbil (Rhombomys opimus) in the Junggar Basin plague natural focus
Authors: Li Fang , Zhao Guoyu , Wang Yu , Zhan Shang , Tang Xine , Luo Tao , Moming Abulimiti , Wang Huiqian , Chen Jianhui , Wang Qiguo , Wu Haiyan , Zhang Yujiang 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
The great gerbil (Rhombomys opimus), whose ectoparasitic fleas significantly influence the transmission and prevalence of plague, was the dominant rodent species in the Junggar Basin in Northwestern China. However, the distribution pattern of fleas parasitizing the great gerbils and whether that pattern affected the intensity of plague prevalence in different regions remains unclear.

Methods
A total of 17,780 fleas were collected from 2258 great gerbils throughout 90 investigations. This study focused on analyzing the rate of flea infestation and the flea indices of species that parasitized the great gerbils. The aggregation patterns of fleas parasitizing the great gerbils were measured using the parameter b of Taylor’s power law, and the differences in the aggregation index of plague epidemic areas were compared.

Results
We observed an aggregated distribution of ectoparasitic fleas in the great gerbils. The aggregation degree of combined fleas was higher (P > 0.05) in the eastern area of the Junggar Basin than in the western area. The primary species of ectoparasitic fleas of the great gerbils were Xenopsylla skrjabini, Xenopsylla minax, Xenopsylla hirtipes, and Nosopsyllus laeviceps laiveceps. X. skrjabini exhibited the highest (P < 0.01) degree of aggregation in the eastern zone (III), with an aggregation index of 1.61. In addition, in the middle zone (II), the aggregation index of X. minax and X. hirtipes reached their peak, with values of 1.53 and 1.56, respectively. Conversely, the degree of aggregation of N. laeviceps was more pronounced in the eastern zone than in the western zone of the Junggar Basin. Notably, the aggregation degree of the combined fleas of the great gerbils during the low-intensity plague epidemic period, with an index of 1.93, was significantly higher (P < 0.001) than during the high-intensity epidemic period, with an index of 1.50.

Conclusions
Fleas exhibited an aggregated distribution within the great gerbil population. The levels of flea aggregation varied across zones characterized by differing intensities of plague epidemics. In addition, the degree of flea aggregation was significantly correlated with the intensity of plague prevalence.

Graphical Abstract
Peak Responses to Graded Exercise Protocols in Young Children
Authors: Naylor Trey R. , Jacobs Mariana V. , Vogelaar Tori L. , Samaan Michael A. , Clasey Jody L. 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACT

Introduction
This study compared physiological and subjective measures resulting from maximal graded exercise testing (GXTmax) when the traditional Bruce protocol and a protocol designed specifically for pediatric populations (Pediatric Exercise Physiology (PEP) Lab protocol) were employed in children of varying adiposities.

Methods
Participants included 48 children (24 males, 24 females; ages 7–11 yr). GXTmax variables of interest included peak oxygen consumption (V·O2peak), peak heart rate (HRpeak), peak systolic blood pressure (SBPpeak), peak respiratory exchange ratio (RERpeak), and protocol duration. Participants were also asked to subjectively determine which GXTmax they perceived as more difficult.

Results
Comparing the whole group, there were no significant differences in V·O2peak or HRpeak between protocols; however, the PEP Lab GXTmax produced significantly greater SBPpeak and significantly lower RERpeak. All physiological variables were moderately or strongly associated between the two protocols (explained variance ranged from 23.9% to 68.5%). In addition, 87.5% of participants subjectively rated the PEP Lab protocol as easiest to complete.

Conclusions
Although similar V·O2peak and HRpeak measures were achieved, a lower perceived level of difficulty was observed for the PEP Lab protocol. We speculate that the PEP Lab protocol resulted in higher SBPpeak and lower RERpeak due to the lower initial intensity and smaller stage intensity increments, which may have permitted more gradual cardiorespiratory and metabolic adjustments.
Crystal structure of (4-ethoxybenzyl)triphenylphosphonium bromide ethanol solvate, C29H32BrO2P
Authors: Chen Shuyan , Nan Xiangbin , Yang Haoqi , Xue Yiheng , Jiang Hui 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
C29H32BrO2P, monoclinic, P21/c (no. 14), a = 8.52420(10) Å, b = 13.5027(5) Å, c = 23.3580(4) Å, β = 95.359(1)°, V = 2676.75(11) Å3, Z = 4, Rgt
(F) = 0.0386, wRref
(F
2) = 0.1039, T = 298(2) K.
Crystal structure of (2-methylbenzyl)triphenylphosphonium chloride ethanol solvate, C28H30ClOP
Authors: Ma Chaohong , Dong Xianwu , Jiang Jinke , Jiang Hui 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
C28H30ClOP, monoclinic, P21/n (no. 14), a = 9.0999(1) Å, b = 14.7077(2) Å, c = 18.5420(3) Å, β = 95.281(1)°, V = 2471.10(6) Å3, Z = 4, R
gt(F) = 0.0450, wR

ref
(F
2) = 0.1261, T = 293 K.
Averaging principle for RBDSDEs with Poisson jumps
Authors: Ndiaye Djibril , Sagna Yaya 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
This paper is devoted to presenting an averaging principle for reflected backward doubly stochastic differential equations with jumps (RBDSDEP in short), in which the obstacle process is right continuous with left limits. Under suitable Lipschitz conditions, it is shown that the solutions of RBDSDEP can be approximated by solutions to averaged stochastic systems in the mean-square sense and probability.
Therapeutic hypothermia reduces oxidative stress in newborns with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy
Authors: ÖZALKAYA ELİF , Tüten Apdulhamid , Topcuoğlu Sevilay , Karatepe Hande Özgün , Karatekin Güner 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background: To evaluate the effect of therapeutic hypothermia (TH) on oxidative stress in neonates with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy(HİE).
Method: This study was designed as a prospective study. Sixteen term neonates diagnosed with HİE who were admitted for TH in a neonatal intensive care unit within one year were included in the study. The oxidative stress markers (Total Antioxidant Capacity ( TAC) and Total Oxidative Stress (TOS) in venous blood were measured before and after TH. Oxidative stress index(OSI) was calculated as the percent ratio of TOS to TAS.
Results: After TH, the TAC increased compared to before (p=0.001), while TOS (p=0.005) and OSI (p=0.001) decreased.
Conclusion: This study demonstrates that therapeutic hypothermia applied to newborns with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy reduces oxidative stress. Adjuvant treatments that reduce oxidative stress may enhance the effect of hypothermia.
Handling electric connections in 3D-printed electrodes and sensors. Part I. Understanding and improving tracks and contacts
Authors: Verlangieri Ivan , de Oliveira Thawan Gomes , Lopes Fernando Silva , Gutz Ivano Gebhardt Rolf , Angnes Lúcio , Lago Claudimir Lucio do 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Voltammetric and amperometric sensors typically consist of three sections: an electroactive surface, an electrode substrate, and connection tracks or wires to a potentiostat or other electronic circuit. While the electrical resistance of metal-to-metal connectors can usually be disregarded in such sensors due to their low contact resistance, this is not the case when semiconductor materials, conductive polymers, or composites are involved. This study focuses on the electrical behavior of 3D-printed conductive polymer tracks and connections to metals, aiming to improve and understand their limitations. Carbon black PLA (CB-PLA) was chosen for its favorable electrical properties. Results show that the printed tracks exhibit higher resistivity (17 Ω·cm) than the raw filament (6 Ω·cm). The electrical contact resistance (ECR) found between nickel-plated metals and CB-PLA was considerably high, in the order of 102 to 103 Ω. The metal-polymer contact promoted solely by pressuring the parts (e.g., with alligator clips) proved to be unstable and, as such, a potential source of noise. Welded metalpolymer contact (WMPC) was developed using induction heating to improve and secure metal-polymer interfaces. Furthermore, it has been demonstrated that the high resistivity of the tracks and connections created by 3D printing actually has no implication on the electrochemical behavior of the sensor, other than the Ohmic drop in these sections that must be considered to ensure the proper functioning of sensors involving current flow. The findings indicate that while 3D-printed conductive polymer sensors show promise for widespread use, careful consideration of ECR and thermal effects is crucial for reliable performance.
Trends and Implications of Metabolic Syndrome in Korea, 2007-2022: A Nationwide Study
Authors: Kim Yaelim , Choi Yeonghun , Lee Kyu-Na , Sang Hyunji , Han Kyungdo , Kim Sunyoung , Rhee Sang Youl 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
This study analyzed the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) among Korean adults aged 19 and older over the past 15 years.
Methods
A cross-sectional study of data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) from 2007 to 2022 was conducted. The study included 87,397 subjects. MetS was defined according to the National Cholesterol Education Program-Third Adult Treatment Panel (NCEP-ATP) III and the Korean Society for the Study of Obesity (KOSSO) criteria.
Results
MetS prevalence increased from 22.8% in 2007 to 28.6% in 2022 but showed sex differences, with males increasing (24.5–36.8%) and females decreasing (20.6–19.5%). Among the components of MetS, hyperglycemia and abdominal obesity showed the most significant increases (1.51-fold and 1.29-fold, respectively). While hyperglycemia increased in all age groups, abdominal obesity increased most in males aged 30–39 (1.98-fold) and 19–29 (1.81-fold). Low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) was the only component that decreased (0.62-fold) and was more prevalent among females. In the sub-analysis of those aged 65 and older, MetS increased in both males and females but was more prevalent in females. Individuals with MetS had higher rates of current smoking, heavy drinking, physical inactivity, and carbohydrate consumption.
Conclusions
The prevalence of MetS is gradually increasing in Korea, and hyperglycemia and abdominal obesity are rapidly increasing, especially in younger males. Although the prevalence of MetS in females is decreasing due to changes in the social environment, continuous efforts are needed for postmenopausal females. Targeted health policies and interventions should be established.
Association between visceral fat indices and diabetic peripheral neuropathy in patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Aydogdu Nesibe , Karakeci Emel Sabaz 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Aim: To examines the relationship between visceral fat indices (Visceral Adiposity Index (VAI), Lipid Accumulation Product (LAP), and Atherogenic Plasma Index (AIP)) and diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) in patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM).
Method: We conducted a retrospective screening of patients who had been diagnosed with diabetes mellitus at our hospital between January 2022 and December 2024. Among these patients, those who scored 12 or higher on the Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs (LANSS) pain scale, along with a positive electromyography evaluation for neuropathy, were classified as Group 1. In contrast, patients with a negative electromyography evaluation were classified as Group 2. We then compared the visceral fat indices between these two groups.
Results: Our data shows that patients who developed DPN, indicated by a positive electromyography, had statistically significant higher values for body mass index, AIP, VAI and LAP compared to those without DPN, marked by a negative electromyography.
Conclusion: These findings indicate that monitoring visceral fat, in addition to traditional glycemic control, may help in the early detection and risk assessment of DPN in patients with T2DM. However, larger prospective studies are needed to validate these results and to gain a deeper understanding of the complex relationship among lipid metabolism, visceral fat, and DPN.
Dynamic Evaluation of Air Pollution in Ahvaz: Source Apportionment, SWOT-AHP Analysis, and Innovative Control Strategies
Authors: Jahedi Faezeh , Fard Neamatollah Jaafarzadeh Haghighi , Lahijanzadeh Ahmadreza , Khaksar Elham , Kaabi Helena , Rostami Soqra , shenavar Bamshad , Karimi Sirous 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background: Air pollution significantly impacts global health, contributing to approximately 3.7 million premature deaths annually. Ahvaz, as one of the most polluted cities in the world, experiences severe air pollution due to urbanization, industrial expansion, and transportation. This study aims to identify pollution sources, evaluate their impact through a hybrid SWOT-AHP analysis, and propose innovative air quality management strategies based on global best practices.
Methods: A combination of emission inventory analysis, geographic information system (GIS) mapping, and a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) approach was applied to assess key pollution sources. SWOT analysis was integrated with the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) to prioritize effective interventions for air quality improvement. Comparative analysis was conducted with cities such as Beijing, New Delhi, and Los Angeles to benchmark pollution control measures.
Results: Nitrogen oxides (NOx) were identified as the most emitted pollutants in central Ahvaz, reaching 392 tons annually. Other major pollutants included carbon monoxide (CO) (89 tons/year), suspended particles (87 tons/year), and hydrocarbons (34 tons/year). The Ramin Power Plant accounted for 54% of SO2 emissions, while oil industries contributed to 82% of total pollutants. The hybrid SWOT-AHP analysis ranked "Implementing an advanced air pollution monitoring system and smart traffic management" as the most effective strategy. Benchmarking with other global cities revealed that implementing low-emission zones and transitioning to cleaner fuels significantly reduced air pollution levels. The AHP analysis prioritized strategies as Smart Monitoring System (46.7%) - The most effective approach, emphasizing real-time pollution tracking and traffic optimization. next Clean Fuel Transition (27.7%) - Reducing emissions by shifting industries and vehicles to low-emission fuels. Low-Emission Zones (16.0%) - Establishing restricted zones to control vehicular pollution.and Urban Green Infrastructure (9.5%) - Expanding green spaces to enhance air quality.
Conclusion: Strategic investments in pollution control technologies, combined with policy interventions such as emissions-based congestion pricing and green infrastructure expansion, are crucial for mitigating pollution in Ahvaz. The SWOT-AHP framework provided a structured approach to prioritizing actionable environmental management strategies based on feasibility and effectiveness.
EEG Channel Selection Based on Time–Frequency Hellinger Distance
Authors: Lee Seungjun 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

This paper presents a novel method for EEG channel selection based on the Hellinger Distance (HD) computed over time–frequency representations (TFRs). Here, we first convert raw EEG into the time–frequency domain using Short-Time Fourier Transform (STFT) and Continuous Wavelet Transform (CWT). Leveraging Hellinger Distance, we then identify and remove outlier epochs via a z-score threshold, and rank and select the most discriminative channels by measuring how well each channel’s TFR distributions separate different classes.
Our empirical evaluation uses the BCI Competition IVa dataset to compare the proposed HD-based approach (HD-CSP) against multiple variants of the Common Spatial Pattern algorithm, including standard CSP, L1 Norm CSP, SCSP, FBCSP, and E-CSP. Results indicate that HD-CSP consistently outperforms competing methods in all tested configurations, achieving notably high classification accuracy even when the number of channels is severely restricted. In particular, HD-CSP reaches around 70\% accuracy with only three channels, while other approaches suffer significant performance drops. As the number of channels increases, HD-CSP maintains its superior accuracy, exceeding 80% in some configurations.
Overall, the proposed method is superior on performance gains and ability to adapt to diverse channel configurations suggest broad applicability, especially in resource-constrained EEG settings where efficiency and accuracy are both priorities.
Microstructure simulation to predict the influence of particle properties on permeability of porous media
Authors: Gleiß Marco , Wendling Paul , Curtis Jennifer Sinclair , Nirschl Hermann 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

This work investigates the influence of particle shape and particle roughness on the flow behavior of porous structures using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The developed framework includes the generation of particle packings with LIGGGHTS using the Discrete Element Method (DEM) and the subsequent analysis of the pore space in terms of porosity and specific surface area. CFD is then applied to analyze the flow through the pore space at a Reynolds number of Re=1. In the post-processing, the permeability of the porous structure is derived and a significant influence of the particle shape and roughness on the permeability and porosity can be seen. In the end, a comparative analysis of simulations and analytical models based on Ergun and Carman-Kozeny is conducted. The study reveals that the Carman-Kozeny approach exhibits a remarkable capacity to replicate the influence of particle shape and roughness, while the Ergun approach demonstrates a more limited suitability for describing the influence of shape and roughness.
A Cognitive-Based Intervention for Enhancing Pragmatic and Inferential Reading Processing for HFASD Young Adults: A Study Proposal
Authors: Yusuf Nermin 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

While individuals with High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder (HFASD) often demonstrate adequate decoding skills, they frequently encounter difficulties with pragmatics, inferencing skills, and reading comprehension, highlighting the need for targeted interventions. This two-phase study investigates a comprehensive skill set of pragmatic and inferential processing and underlying mechanisms in reading for young adults with HFASD, and develops a tailored cognitive intervention to address identified challenges. Phase one will explore these difficulties by collecting both offline and online data. Offline data will be gathered using a purposefully developed Pragmatic and Inferential Reading Assessment (PIRA), while online data will be collected via eye-tracking to examine real-time reading processes. Additionally, HFASD will complete assessments of Theory of Mind (ToM), Working Memory (WM), Central Coherence (CC), and Inhibitory Control (IC) to investigate the cognitive mechanisms underlying pragmatic and inferential reading comprehension; HFASD performance will be compared to another group of individuals with sub-autistic traits (IWS-AT) to offer insight into the relationship between symptom severity and the identified challenges. Based on the findings of phase one, phase two will involve the development and implementation of a cognitive-based language intervention incorporating computerized gamified activities. The intervention's effectiveness on pragmatic and inferential reading skills for HFASD compared to IWS-AT and controls will be evaluated to assess both within-group and between-group changes. It is speculated that the developed cognitive-based intervention will have the potential to enhance pragmatic and inferential reading processing, offering substantial benefits to educational and therapeutic practices.
Rainfall variability and trends in western Amhara: implication for sustainable water management and agricultural productivity
Authors: Asaye Tilahun Sewagegn , Amare Zerihun Yohannes , Geremew Belayneh Birku , Abebe Mekonen Getachew 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACT

Currently, climate change is one of the major challenges facing the global population. Rainfall variability and its unpredictable trends pose significant challenges to water resource management and agricultural productivity in western Amhara, Ethiopia. This study investigated the spatial distribution and temporal trends of rainfall using time-series rainfall data from the Enhancing National Climate Services (ENACTS) from 1991 to 2020. Rainfall variability was assessed using the coefficient of variation, precipitation concentration index (PCI), and standardized anomaly index (SAI). Mann-Kendall and Sen's slope estimator tests were also employed for rainfall trend analysis. The results show that high annual rainfall occurred during the Kiremt (wet) season, and high rainfall variability occurred during the Bega (dry) season in all rainfall grid points over the study area. SAI also witnessed the presence of inter-annual variability of rainfall with negative and positive anomalies in 46.7 and 53.3% of the reference years, respectively. Trend analysis results showed an overall non-significant increasing trend in the annual and seasonal rainfall (except Bega) during the study period. Hence, this study provides information about the spatial distribution of rainfall at different timescales, and it is crucial for water resource planners and design professionals in urban drainage, bridges, dams, and agricultural sectors.