bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ambient air pollution and cardiovascular disease mortality in Anhui province: An individual-level case-crossover study
Authors: Zhang Tao , Wang Xueting , Zhang Xu , Ni Jianping , Fang Lanlan , Zhao Hui , Ma Yubo , Pan Faming 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: Investigating the short-term dynamics between air pollution and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality presents a compelling research imperative. Prior studies have noted associations, yet few have captured the intricate, short-term interactions within the Anhui Province, a region undergoing rapid urbanization and industrialization.
Methods: A comprehensive case-crossover analysis was conducted in Hefei, Anhui Province, China,
between 2017 and 2020. Our objective was to discern the immediate effects of six prevalent air pollutants on CVD mortality risks. By harnessing high-resolution satellite data, we traced daily concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5), inhalable particulate matter (PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide (CO), and ozone (O3) to the exposure dosages of individuals.
Results: The analysis unveiled a substantial correlation between elevated levels of all six pollutants and an increase in CVD mortality. The temporal lag between exposure and peak mortality differed among pollutants, with exposure-response (E-R) curves delineating a mostly linear pattern, especially pronounced at lower concentrations of PM2.5, PM10, and CO. A notable uptick in effect was observed at higher concentrations of NO2, SO2, and O3, with SO2 emerging as the most impactful on CVD mortality. Additionally, our gender-specific examinations revealed a heightened vulnerability to air pollutants among women, with seasonality also influencing exposure sensitivity.
Conclusions: This research corroborates the adverse effects of short-term air pollution exposure on CVD mortality and underscores the heightened risk associated with certain pollutants and demographic
cohorts. The findings foster a nuanced understanding of exposure-mortality relationships and advocate for public health initiatives aimed at mitigating air pollution exposure, particularly in more susceptible populations and during certain seasons. This study fills an important knowledge gap in regional case-crossover research and lays the groundwork for informed air quality management and health policy in Anhui Province.
Effects of an outdoor exercise program in persons with schizophrenia: Study protocol
Authors: Lourenço Paulo , Bastos Tânia , Pizarro Andreia , Corredeira Rui 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: Schizophrenia is a chronic psychiatric disorder that affects around 1% of the population worldwide. Regular physical activity and exercise has been proposed as a non-pharmacological strategy for prevention and management of the disorder. Outdoor activities such as aerobic training can be an effective approach to promote health. The study will evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of a 24-week outdoor exercise program and the long-term effects of a 12-week follow-up on the physical and mental health of persons with schizophrenia. A detailed description of the rationale, design and methods of the protocol study will be provided.
Methods: The study will be a quasi-experimental controlled trial using a parallel-group design with multiple assessments over an 8-month period. The study will comprise outpatients between the ages of 18 and 60, clinically diagnosed with schizophrenia. Participants will be allocated to the experimental and control group. The experimental group will perform outdoor exercise twice a week, switching between walking and cycling for 24-weeks, while the control group will continue with regular daily activities. Assessments will be carried out at baseline, post-intervention and at 12-week follow-up. The expected results will be improvements in functional capacity, physical fitness, physical activity levels, self-esteem, motivation to physical activity and quality of life. Also, improvements in anthropometric measures will be expected.
Discussion: The study protocol and future results will add knowledge about the beneficial contribution of outdoor exercise on mental health policies. This study may also contribute to provide guidelines on exercise prescription for persons with schizophrenia.
To biopsy or not to biopsy adrenal mass: is that the question ?
Authors: PURENNE Edouard , Cornu Erika , Mezzarobba Vincent , Beauvy Julie , Juttet Pauline , Berre Jean Philippe Le , Cimarelli Sébastien , Watkin Emmanuel , Paepegaey Anne-Cécile 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Purpose. European Society of Endocrinology recommend surgical approach for suspicious adrenal mass with a limited role for adrenal biopsy. We report here a case of a patient with a 70 mm adrenal mass in whom adrenal biopsy avoided unnecessary adrenalectomy.
Case report. A 80-year-old man was explored for a 67x41 mm suspect left adrenal tumor. Hormonal explorations were normal. 18F-FDG-PET/CT showed an increase of uptake of the adrenal mass (SUVmax: 44.6). As the diagnostic was uncertain, biopsy was performed. Pathology found T lymphocytic inflammatory infiltrate with CD4 phenotype without malignancy criteria. Simple close monitoring was decided in multidisciplinary meeting and with the patient’s consent. At one and three month, CT and 18F-FDG-PET/CT showed a significant decrease of size and uptake of adrenal mass (40x20 mm and 19x10 mm and SUVmax 5.9 and 0.0).
Conclusion. This report shows the interest of adrenal biopsy for well-selected cases to avoid unnecessary adrenal surgery.
Changes in serum parameters during nusinersen treatment in children with spinal muscular atrophy
Authors: Sun Ruidi , Feng Li , Jiang Jun , Cai Chunquan , Sun Dan 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

BackgroundSpinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is characterized by motor neuron degeneration and progressive muscle atrophy and weakness. Clinical trials and real-world studies have demonstrated significant and clinically meaningful benefits of Nusinersen in a broad range of symptomatic and presymptomatic patients. The parameters in serum to monitor the safety and effect of Nusinersen was rarely reported among pediatrics patients. This retrospective study aimed to characterize the parameters in serum in children with SMA during Nusinersen therapy.ResultsA total of 46 children with SMA at baseline were included. Baseline creatinine (Crn) had significant difference between SMA types while CK at baseline had no statistical difference. Serum level of Crn and CK at baseline had statistical difference between SMA with different motor function. Statistical difference in Crn was observed between patients among baseline, 6 months, and 18 months. 25-(OH) D3 is significantly higher in the patients without scoliosis than those with scoliosis(P＝0.045).ConclusionsCrn and Vitamin D can be possible biomarkers to monitor the severity of SMA disease and progression.
A phase Ⅰ clinical trial of sonodynamic therapy combined with radiotherapy for brainstem gliomas
Authors: Huangfu Linkuan , Zha Boya , Li Peihong , Wang Long , Liu Xiaohao , Cui Haiyang , Li Yuxin , Wu Jingjing , Shi Shuling , Yang Yuchuan , Sun Xiaocong , Gao Shibo , Li Huizhen , Yang Daoke , Zheng Yingjuan 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Brainstem gliomas (BSGs) are a class of clinically refractory malignant tumors for which there is no uniform and effective treatment protocol. Ultrasound and radiation can activate hematoporphyrin and produce sonodynamic and radiodynamic effects to kill cancer cells. Therefore, we conducted the first phase Ⅰ clinical trial of sonodynamic therapy (SDT) combined with radiotherapy (RT) for the treatment of BSGs to verify its safety and efficacy.
Methods
We conducted a study of SDT combined with RT in 11 patients with BSGs who received SDT and RT after hematoporphyrin administration. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed during this period to assess the tumor, and adverse events were recorded.
Results
All adverse events recorded were grade 1–2; no grade 3 or more serious adverse events were observed. Treatment was well tolerated, and no dose-limiting toxicities were observed. There were no treatment-related deaths during the course of treatment. 2 of 7 (28.6%) patients with high-grade gliomas achieved partial response (PR), and the tumors were still shrinking as of the last follow-up date. 1 of 4 (25%) patients with low-grade gliomas achieved a minor response (MR), and 3 (75%) maintained stable disease (SD). The median progression-free survival (PFS) for patients was 9.2 (95% confidence interval [CI] 6.2–12.2) months, and the median overall survival (OS) was 10.5 (95% CI 5.1–15.9) months.
Conclusion
SDT combined with RT has a favorable safety and feasibility and shows a preliminary high therapeutic potential.
Determinants of antibiotic prescribing in primary care in Vietnam: a qualitative study using the Theoretical Domains Framework
Authors: Vu Minh Duy , Nguyen Thi Hong Yen , Nagraj Shobhana , Do Thi Thuy Nga , Vu Thi Lan Huong , Nguyen Vinh Nam , Nguyen Thi Cam Tu , Nguyen Hai Yen , Cai Ngoc Thien Huong , Tran Thi Hang , Nuil Jennifer Van , Nguyen Yen Nhi , investigators Collective Action against AMR , Alban Hannah , Khuong Thanh Vinh , Duong Thi Thanh Huyen , Tran Huy Hoang , Lewycka Sonia 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: To formulate effective strategies for antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) in primary care, it is crucial to gain a thorough understanding of factors influencing prescribers' behavior within the context. This qualitative study utilizes the Theoretical Domain Framework (TDF) to uncover these influential factors.
Methods: We conducted a qualitative study using in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with primary care workers in two provinces in rural Vietnam. Data analysis employed a combined inductive and deductive approach, with the deductive aspect grounded in the TDF.
Results: Thirty-eight doctors, doctor associates, and pharmacists participated in twenty-two interviews and two focus group discussions. We identified sixteen themes, directly mapping onto seven TDF domains: knowledge, skills, behavioral regulation, environmental context and resources, social influences, social/professional role and identity, and optimism. Factors driving unnecessary prescription of antibiotics include low awareness of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) as a health threat, diagnostic uncertainty, prescription-based reimbursement policy, inadequate supply of symptom relief medications, patients’ perception of Commune Health Centers (CHC) medication as “free” benefits, and maintaining doctor-patient relationships. Potential factors facilitating AMS activities include time availability for in-person patient consultation, experience in health communication, and willingness to take action against antimicrobial resistance.
Conclusion: Utilizing the TDF to systematically analyze and present behavioral determinants offers a structured foundation for designing impactful antimicrobial stewardship interventions in primary care. The findings underscore the importance of not only enhancing knowledge and skills but also implementing environmental restructuring, regulation, and enablement measures to effectively tackle unnecessary antibiotic prescribing in this context.
Enhanced Residual Network with Spatial and Channel Attention Mechanisms for Improved Face Recognition Performance
Authors: Ruby A. Usha , Chandran George Chellin , Ganguly Abhisek , Tiwari Bhaskar 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Face recognition is a method of biometric identification technology that uses a person's face characteristic data. Face-based characteristics can be easily acquired, unlike fingerprints, iris, and other biometrics, they can be collected without physical contact. Face recognition technology has therefore rapidly grown and is now widely employed in a variety of industries, including banking, manufacturing, banking, healthcare, and education. Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have attained good results in face recognition with the constant developments in deep learning. However, throughout the training phase, deep convolution neural networks have challenges in convergence and optimization. These issues are resolved by residual networks. Furthermore, the channel attention techniques can support networks in learning only the characteristics that carry valuable information, hence enhancing the model’s accuracy. In this study, we first use the swish function to enhance the initial residual network to produce the improved residual network and then the spatial and channel attention mechanisms, are added to the Resnet. The experimental findings of face recognition on MegaFace, CFP, LFW, and AgeDB datasets demonstrate that our model performed significantly in various metrics like specificity, sensitivity, test accuracy, F1 score, Matthew's correlation coefficient, precision, and test loss.
Sustainable leafy green production in sand media based integrated aqua vegeculture system under salinity
Authors: Subramanian Radhakrishnan , Nair Chythra S. , Manoharan Ramya , Jaleel Abdul 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Saline aquaponics is an integrated system that involves growing fish and crops in salt water. With freshwater scarcity increasing globally, saline aquaponics utilizes abundant saltwater resources, providing a sustainable solution for agriculture in arid and semi-arid regions. The sandponic system, utilizing sand for filtration and crop growth, conserves water and withstands environmental challenges. However, their performance under different salinity levels needs detailed study. This study compared the growth of lettuce plants grown in sandponic system under various salinity levels and examined the impact of saltwater on the biochemical parameters and growth of lettuce. This three-month study integrated a sandponic system into an existing aquaponic setup and primarily investigated the growth of lettuce (Lactuca sativa) and Tilapia fish (Oreochromis niloticus). Various conditions were tested, including tap water (control) and different levels of salinity (2.5%, 5%, and 10%). In the study, fish growth parameters remained unaffected by rising salinity, with all groups achieving a 90% survival rate.
Results
Elevated salinity showed potential efficiency gains in fish farming, as evidenced by better feed intake, weight gain, and feed conversion ratio in experimental groups. Lettuce growth thrived in freshwater, with promising results in 2.5% and 5% saltwater conditions, but 10% saltwater had a detrimental effect. Proximate composition analysis of lettuce indicated declining nutritional elements with increased saltwater, especially in the 10% group. Macro and micro mineral analysis showed no significant changes due to saltwater inclusion.
Conclusions
The introducing low levels of saltwater into irrigation systems does not adversely affect lettuce yield or nutritional quality. This finding supports the feasibility of integrating seawater into agriculture in coastal regions, provided salinity is carefully managed.
Unveiling Urban Malaria Dynamics: Beyond Insecticide Treated bed nets Coverage to Heterogeneous Human Behaviors and Spatial Realities
Authors: Savi Merveille Koissi , Childs Lauren M. , Borgemeister Christian 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background:
Despite cost efficiency, insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs) are still not extensively used: less than 2% of children sleep in completely functioning ITNs, and less than 40% of owners in Accra, Ghana, utilize them effectively. Thus, the predicted reduction in the prevalence of malaria throughout the country and in Accra is still far from being attained. This study deconstructs urban malaria dynamics, revealing the complex interplay of ITNs, spatial heterogeneity, and human behaviors.
Methods:
As such, we assessed urban malaria prevention knowledge, developed a metapopulation framework aligned with empirical findings, and incorporated behavior scenarios to better understand urban malaria dynamics.
Results:
Having an ITN does not guarantee its effective use, especially in densely populated areas. Limited living space and repurposing are identified as key barriers in Accra, Ghana, with healthcare visits emerging as catalysts for ITN use. Mathematical models that incorporate spatial and demographic factors emphasize the importance of achieving 60% ITN use in each community patch for epidemic elimination. A proxy-based approach to modeling human behavior overcomes the challenge of revealing that ITN coverage alone does not guarantee malaria expected reduction in prevalence.
Conclusion:
Shorter ITN distribution intervals and targeted education to improve community health are among the recommendations.
Molecular Structure of Flavonoids Determines the Efficacy of Glycosylation by Amylosucrase
Authors: Lee Jong Cheoul , Upadhyaya Siddha Raj , Thapa Samir Bahadur , Amoah Obed Jackson , Parajuli Niranjan , Sohng Jae Kyung 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Flavonoids are multi-active ingredients found in most cosmetics and are used as antioxidants and calming agents. They are plant-based naturally occurring pharmacological agents with a great deal of therapeutic potential. Glycosylation of flavonoids is a promising way to produce new therapeutics, fluorescent probes, and cosmetics. Amylosucrase (DgAS) isolated from Deinococcus geothermalis is a versatile enzyme that hydrolyses sucrose as well as catalyses transglucosylation with flavonoids, polyphenols, and others. This study aimed to investigate the reasons behind the differential yields of glycosylated flavonoid and their substrate diversification through in vitro assays. Molecular docking and density function theory (DFT)-based analysis were performed with nine substances (apigenin, daidzein, fisetin, kaempferol, luteolin, morin, myricetin, quercetin, and phloretin) to analyze the efficacy of O-glycosylation by DgAS in the presence of sucrose. We found through in vitro and in silico analyses that there is no glycosylation at the C-5 hydroxyl group of ring A and C-4’ hydroxyl group of ring B in flavonoids when reactions are performed using 0.5 µg/ml DgAS at 40°C for 2 h in 50 mM Tris HCl buffer (pH 7), under conditions where the molar ratio of flavonoids to sucrose was 1:50. However, there is mono-glucosylation at hydroxyl group in flavonoids under the same reaction conditions. On the other hand, natural phenol phloretin yielded a di-glucosylated product. It is concluded that the hydroxyl group of the highest acidity (weaker O-H bond) is more prone to glycosylation, and the planarity and stereochemistry of flavonoids also determine the reaction efficacy.
Clinical Characteristics of Guillain‐Barré syndrome in Shenzhen: A Retrospective Study
Authors: GUO Feng , YAO Qian-yuan , WU Xiao-hong , GUO Hui-xia , SU Xiao-lin , ZHOU Jin-fang , REN Li-jie , ZHOU Yan-xia 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a group of immune-mediated peripheral neuropathy that causes acute flaccid paralysis. The global incidence of GBS was 0.6-4/100 000, and the incidence in China was 0.698/100 000. Although the diagnosis and treatment of GBS has made rapid progress, approximately 20% of patients with GBS are still unable to walk alone within 6 months after the onset of GBS, and 40% of patients have sequelae, such as weakened strength, limb pain, and numbness, seriously affecting their life and work. We aimed to retrospectively analyze the clinical characteristics of patients with GBS in Shenzhen, China and analyze the factors affecting disease severity to provide a reference for the precise treatment of GBS.
Methods
Clinical data of inpatients diagnosed with GBS in several hospitals in Shenzhen from April 2010 to October 2021 were obtained from an electronic medical record system (HIS system). The clinical characteristics of patients with GBS and the factors affecting disease severity were analyzed.
Results
A total of 146 patients were identified for this study, and 13 were lost during follow-up. During the follow-up period, three patients had acute-onset chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (A-CIDP). One hundred and thirty patients with complete data, comprising 90 males (69.23%) and 40 females (30.77%), with a median age of 39.50 ± 23.75 years, were included in the statistical analyses. Acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (AIDP) was the most common clinical variant (106 cases [81.54%]). Miller-Fisher syndrome (MFS), acute motor axonal neuropathy (AMAN), and acute motor-sensory axonal neuropathy (AMSAN) were noted in 21 (16.15%), 2 (1.54%), and 1 (0.77%) patients, respectively. The clinical course of the disease was mainly mild in 95 cases (73.08%), while 35 patients (26.92%) experienced severe disease. Logistic multivariate regression analysis showed that being ≥ 60 years old and having a pulmonary infection might be related to the severity of the disease.
Conclusions
AIDP is the most common manifestation of GBS in Shenzhen. Most cases of GBS in our setting are mild, and the long-term prognosis is favorable. Old age (≥ 60 years) and having a pulmonary infection are independent risk factors for severe GBS.
Investigating the Yanomami malaria outbreak puzzle: surge in mining during Bolsonaro’s government triggered peak in malaria burden
Authors: Dutra Daniela de Angeli , Fontes Cor , Braga Érika , Mordecai Erin 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The Yanomami, an Indigenous people from the Amazon, confront multifaceted challenges endangering their health and cultural integrity. Of immediate concern is the surge in malaria cases in their territory during Bolsonaro’s government. We investigated the impact of land use on malaria incidence among the Yanomami leveraging satellite imagery and ran difference-in-differences analyses to ask whether the Yanomami suffered disproportionately from malaria when illegal mining was rising in the region (2016-2022). We show a remarkable ~300% rise in malaria from 2016 to 2022 and point to mining as the primary driver of malaria among the Yanomami; when mining increases by 1%, malaria increases by 31%. After mining unfolded, the burden of malaria among the Yanomami was disproportionately higher, up to 15%, than in non-indigenous communities. Our findings underscore the impact of illegal mining on the high malaria burden suffered by the Yanomami and the importance of rainforest conservation and land sovereignty for Indigenous health.
AIF-YOLO: small traffic sign recognition based on YOLOv7
Authors: Luo Xianglong , Chen Li , Liao Cong 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Traffic sign recognition is an essential part of intelligent transportation systems and autonomous driving. However, due to the small size of traffic signs, there are a few problems in traffic sign recognition, such as missed recognition, false recognition, and so on. Therefore, we choose YOLOv7 as the baseline and propose an anti-interference feature enhancement YOLO, abbreviated as AIF-YOLO. Firstly, to enhance the network’s feature extraction capability, we add an adaptive feature extraction module (AFEM) structure to adaptive adjust the size of receptive field and refine features. Secondly, we introduce a contextual transformer into the feature extraction network of YOLOv7, resulting in the contextual transformer efficient layer aggregation network (CoT-ELAN) module. This improvement enables the model to capture the relation between traffic signs and environment and thus separate the interference signs. Furthermore, Wise-IoU loss was adopted to optimize network training, effectively addressing the poor quality label issue in the traffic sign dataset. Experiments were tested on Tsinghua-Tencent 100k dataset(TT100K), and the results show that our improved model performed better than the baseline YOLOv7, and other popular algorithms on precision, recall, and mAP@0.5.