bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chemical characteristics and health risk assessment of fine particulate matter from typical emission source in Xi'an, Northwestern China
Authors: Meng Ziqi , Xing Yan , Zhang Xin , Niu Shaomin , Tian Weihua , Zhang Qian 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

To establish and complete the source profile of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in a Chinese megacity- Xi’an, the morphology, chemical characteristics and health risks of PM2.5 emitted from different sources were explored. In this study, scanning electron microscope, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer, ion chromatograph and carbon analyzer were utilized to analyze and determine the source emission PM2.5 samples. The results showed that PM2.5 emitted from stationary source was mostly regular spherical, while the dust including soil wind dust and urban dust was practically irregular and with large size. PM2.5 of mobile source was aggregated porous carbonaceous particles, and of biomass burning was floc or lamellar. Si was regarded as the marker of soil wind dust PM2.5. Si and SO42− accounted for a relatively high proportion in urban dust PM2.5 (52.2% and 27.9%). Ca could be used as the tracer of construction cement dust due to its high mass fraction. Compared to other sources, mobile source showed higher NO3− proportion while biomass burning was dominated by Na and K. Attributed to relatively higher OC/EC in Xi'an than other cities, the secondary pollution was more serious. The health risk assessment results showed that the risk of Cr through inhalation route was 10− 6~10− 4 for a stationary source, which was over the threshold. In particular, the non-carcinogenic risk and carcinogenic risk of children were all higher than adults.
Age- and sex-dependent reference intervals of inhibin B in Chinese children on chemiluminescence analyzer
Authors: Zhou Bin , Luo Jinjun , Dai Xiang , He Xuelian , Yao Hui 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Backgroud: Inhibin B (INHB) is an emerging biomarker of sexual function diseases, but its clinical use in children is hindered due to the lacking reference intervals (RIs) based on age sex.Methods: A total of 622 healthy Chinese children were included and serum INHB and six conventional sex hormones were measured. INHB was partitioned by four age groups (<1y, 1~5y, 5~10y, 10~18y) and the corresponding RIs were determined with quantile. The effect of age on INHB was assessed using five models including linear, quadratic, cubic, S, and logarithmic. Spearman correlation was used to examine the associations between INHB and sex hormones.Results: Compared to the boys, girls had lower median concentrations and variability in INHB across four age groups. The optimal models for the effect of age on INHB were cubic (R2=0.440 for boys). The INHB concentration in the first and oldest age groups was more high than other groups (P≤0.001). Spearman’s correlation analysis showed sex-dependent association between INHB and conventional sex hormones (e.g. a positive association with PRL in boys).Conclusions: INHB level is influenced by age and gender, and our results provide specific RIs to facilitate to screen sexual function diseases in Chinese children.
Clinical application of percutaneous vertebral-intervertebral plasty in very severe osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture: A new technique
Authors: Wang Tong-Hao , Yang Guo-Yue , Liu Yin , Han Li-Qiang , Wu Kai-Nan , Tian Yong-Gang , Liu Zhi , Guo Shu-Zhang 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Safe and effective minimally invasive treatments are lacking for very severe osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (vsOVCF) , especially in patients with upper and lower endplate fractures or nonunion of old fractures.This study introduces a minimally invasive approach for the treatment of vsOVCF and introduces a new concept called functional spinal unit height (FSUH) to assess biomechanical stability of the spine after surgery. From January 2020 to January 2022,forty patients with vsOVCF who received percutaneous vertebral-intervertebral plasty (PVIP) were retrospectively reviewed. The clinical and radiological assessments were reviewed. One patients had adjacent vertebral fractures(AVF) due to a trauma after the operation (rate of AVF, 2.9%).The mean course of patients was 56.2±40.3 d, bone mineral density (T-Score) was -3.6±-0.6, mean operation time was 81.8±12.1 min, mean blood loss was 42.5+12.9 mL, and mean hospital stay was 5.6±2.2 d. The average VAS, ODI, and TLK scores before operation were 6.9±0.8, (74.0±6.3)%, and (29.0±7.6)°, decreasing to 2.6±1.1, (32.3±3.9)%, and (21.8±4.1)° 1 week after operation, to 2.1±0.8，(28.1±4.0)%, and (19.9±3.7)° 6 months after operation, and further decreased to 1.0±0.7，(24.4±3.9)%, and (20.0±4.1)° at the last follow-up. Differences in VAS, ODI, and TLK scores were statistically significant postoperatively.The average FSUH increased from (64.1±7.6) mm before surgery to (75.1±7.8) mm 1 week after surgery, and no significant change in height at 6 months or at the final follow-up was observed, which was still statistically different from that before the surgery. PVIP is a minimally invasive surgical technique for the treatment of vsOVCF that can increase FSUH, improve partial kyphotic deformity, maintain spinal biomechanical stability, and reduce the occurrence of AVF.
Symbolic Self-Construction in Chinese University English Learners: A Longitudinal Exploration of Psychological States and Personal Development
Authors: Fu Bei 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

This study adopts the theoretical framework of symbolic self to explore the process of self-construction among Chinese university English learners and develops a mechanism for symbolic self-construction. Five non-English major college students' English learning experiences are selected as case studies, and long-term tracking research is conducted using methods such as interviews, participant observation, and journals. The study identifies seven different internal psychological states that emerge during the university English learning process, including neglect and unconsciousness, conflict transfer, conflict postponement, conflict confirmation, conflict intensification, conflict mitigation, and highly internal solidarity relationships. However, these states are by no means in linear order The study also reveals the impact of Chinese EFL Learners’ symbolic Self-Construction on their personal behavioral abilities (time management, emotional regulation, interpersonal skills). Furthermore, it further influences aspects of their personal development and growth such as identity, life goals, and values. To effectively intervene in the symbolic self of university English learners, English educators could actively understand the psychological world of foreign language learners, create a positive and supportive environment, and avoid the development of extremely negative self-concepts in foreign language learning.
Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and RGB-imaging: a comparative study of non-invasive haemoglobin assessment
Authors: Yakimov Boris , Buiankin Kirill , Denisenko Georgy , Shitova Yuliya , Shkoda Andrey , Shirshin Evgeny 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Non-invasive assessment of haemoglobin (Hb) level in blood is a hot spot in point-of-care biomedical diagnostics. Several optical methods are suggested as a solution, some of them being approved for clinical use. Still, there is no consensus on the accuracy of optical techniques, the quality of Hb assessment on different tissue sites, and whether a combined use of several optical techniques can improve the quality of Hb level prediction. In this work we examined the capabilities of two optical techniques — diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and RGB-imaging of the skin and fingernails areas — for detection of low blood Hb level. The test sample consisted of 240 adult volunteers with 70 volunteers exhibiting Hb level lower than 120 g/L. We show that using simple descriptors of the diffuse reflectance spectrum of the forearm skin and fingernails, it is possible to accurately predict a decrease in blood Hb concentration (ROC-AUC = 0.84 ± 0.08), while RGB-imaging shows similar performance when applied to the fingernail regions (ROC-AUC = 0.83 ± 0.07). The joint use of predictions from two optical methods increases the accuracy of non-invasive determination of the Hb level determination. The obtained results suggest that implementation of multimodal optical techniques is prospective for clinical use and screening purposes.
Acute Concurrent Exercise Improves Inhibitory Control and Its Non-Mediation Role of Lactate: An Event-Related Potential Study
Authors: Li Ruei-Hong , Chen Tai-Rui , Gilson Nicholas D. , Brazaitis Marius , Cheng Yi-Ting , Wu Hui-Fang , Lee Ji-Hang , Chang Yu-Kai 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: Concurrent exercise (CE), an emerging exercise modality characterized by sequential bouts of aerobic (AE) and resistance exercise (RE), has demonstrated acute benefits on executive functions (EFs) and neuroelectric P3 amplitudes. However, the effect of acute CE on inhibitory control, a sub-component of EFs, and P3 amplitudes remains inconclusive. Moreover, exploring the mechanisms underlying the effects of acute exercise on EFs contributes to scientific comprehension, with lactate recognized as a crucial candidate positively correlated with EFs. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effects of acute CE on inhibitory control via behavioral and event-related potential approaches and to examine its potential mediational role on lactate.
Methods: Seventy-eight adults (Mage = 22.95, SD = 1.75 years) were randomly assigned to either a CE, AE, or control (CON) group. Participants in the CE group engaged in 12-minutes of AE (40%–59% of heart rate reserve [HRR]) coupled with 13-minutes of RE (1 set, with 75% of 10-repetition maximum, and 12 repetitions of 8 movements). The AE group participated in 25 minutes of AE (40%–59% HRR). Prior to and following exercise onset, participants in both the CE and AE groups completed a 5-minute warm-up and cool-down. Participants in the CON group read books for 35 minutes. Lactate concentrations were measured at timepoint of 0-, 17-, and 30-minutes relative to the treatment onset. Response time (RT) and accuracy in the Stroop test, as well as P3 amplitudes, were assessed before and after the treatment.
Results: The results revealed that both the CE and AE groups had significantly shorter RTs compared to the CON group, with no significant differences in accuracy among groups. A decrease in P3 amplitudes was observed for the CE group compared to the AE and CON groups. The mediating effects of lactate between acute exercise and inhibitory control were insignificant.
Conclusions: The findings suggest that both CE and AE improve inhibitory control and CE potentially enhances the efficient allocation of attention resources. The lack of a significant mediating effect of lactate warrants further investigation.
Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT06370286. Registered 12 April 2024 - Retrospectively registered, https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06370286.
Definitive orbital control on the origin and preservation of Lofer cyclicity in the Late Triassic Dachstein platform
Authors: Vallner Zsolt , Haas János , Pálfy József 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The Upper Triassic Dachstein Limestone is an archetypal example of platform carbonate formation that consists of peritidal-subtidal Lofer cycles. However, despite a long history of study, their allocyclic vs autocyclic origin remains controversial. Using modern cyclostratigraphic methodology, here we revisit the archive data of the Dachstein Limestone in core Po-89 from the Transdanubian Range, Hungary. Analysis of high-resolution time series of the Lofer facies types, colour, greyscale, and lithology revealed several spectral peaks that are identified with the Milankovitch cycles. The Lofer cycles correspond to a robust peak with a period of 3.6 m that is the expression of precession cycles with a period 21.65 kyr. The sedimentary rate is 16.5 cm/kyr, thus the studied core section represents 2.5 Myr. Our model of cyclic carbonate deposition suggests that aquifer- and limno-eustasy were the most likely drivers of cyclic sea level changes. Differences in the depositional processes and preservation of the Lofer cycles led to variations in their completeness that is also orbitally controlled and responds primarily to long eccentricity forcing. We detected several sub-Milankovitch cycles, of which the 13.5, 7, 5, 3.4, 2.4, and 1.48 kyr cycles are the most prominent. Our results are in good agreement with other studies of Upper Triassic Lofer cyclic successions. The similarities in the thickness of individual Lofer cycles, the periods of all identified cycles, and the sedimentary rates suggest common allocyclic processes. Our findings provide definitive evidence for the orbital forcing of carbonate sedimentation in the Late Triassic Dachstein platform system.
Vitamin K2 status in children with chronic kidney diseases
Authors: Sawires Happy , Abdalla Shrouk , Ramadan Mohamed , Abdel-Halim Radwa , Ramadan Yasmin 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: We aimed to investigate the relationship between vitamin K2 status, as measured by uOC, and bone health assessed through a bone turnover marker (bone alkaline phosphatase- BAP) in children with CKD taking in consideration the impact of eGFR.
Methods: We enrolled 75 patients classified into 3 groups: group A; CKD without KRT, group B; CKD on regular HD and group C; renal transplant recipients. Another 25 healthy individuals were involved as a control group. Under carboxylated osteocalcin (uOC) (as a sensitive indicator of vitamin K2 level) and BAP were measured in all patients. 24-hour dietary recall was used to assess vitamin k2, calcium, and phosphorus intake. Vitamin and mineral intake was calculated as a percent of target requirements of age and sex-matched healthy children.
Results: uOC was found significantly higher in the patient groups in comparison to the control group (p <0.001). The highest level of uOC was detected in the HD group. In all groups, robust negative correlations were observed between uOC and vitamin K intake (%) levels. There was a statistically significant difference in uOC (p < 0.001) between those with history of bone fractures (No.= 7) compared to those without fractures (No.= 93). By logistic regression analysis, patients with a history of fractures were more likely to have a higher uOC (p = 0.012).
Conclusion: elevated uOC levels were observed in children with CKD and demonstrated a correlation with eGFR. Additionally, they exhibited a notable association with heightened bone turnover status, as indicated by BAP levels.
Cough recognition in pneumoconiosis patients based on a flexible patch with an embedded ACC sensor for remote monitoring
Authors: Wang Jiawen , Min Chunyan , Yu Feng , Chen Kai , Mao Ling 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

This study introduces an automated, non-intrusive method for detecting cough events in clinical settings, using a flexible chest patch with tri-axial acceleration sensors. It aims to achieve remote and automatic identification of coughing in patients with respiratory system diseases, providing clinicians with a tool for the remote and objective recording and recognition of changes in patients' cough patterns. Twenty-five young and healthy persons (hereinafter referred to as healthy adults) and twenty-five clinical diagnosed pneumoconiosis patients (hereinafter referred to as patients) participated in the experiment by wearing a flexible chest patch with an embedded ACC sensor. The top 56% of the higher scoring features were then combined using several feature selection algorithm to perform the cough classification task. The Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) method was used to select the classifier with the highest scores. The optimized classifier proposed in this paper achieved Accuracy of 87.1%, Precision of 95%, Recall of 79.1%, F1 score of 86.4%, and AUC of 95.4% for recognizing coughs in healthy adults, and Accuracy of 96.1%, Precision of 95%, Recall of 97.4%, F1 score of 96.2%, and AUC of 98.7% for recognizing coughs in patients; and an overall Accuracy of 92% for distinguishing coughs in the combined group of healthy adults and patients. Our study demonstrates the effectiveness of an automated cough recognition system in both pneumoconiosis patients and healthy adults. This approach facilitates daily remote monitoring of cough occurrences in individuals with pneumoconiosis, potentially enhancing the ability of physicians to evaluate the clinical status.
Reliability and consistency of the Japanese version of the Primary Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale
Authors: Yanagihashi Masaru , Hirayama Takehisa , Shibukawa Mari , Nagasawa Junpei , Fujita Koji , Izumi Yuishin , Morita Mitsuya , Bokuda Kota , Takahashi Kazushi , Kanai Kazuaki , Atsuta Naoki , Iguchi Yohei , Katsuno Masahisa , Murakami Yoshitaka , Mitsumoto Hiroshi , Kano Osamu 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Primary lateral sclerosis (PLS) is an extremely rare condition; therefore, to date no clinical studies have been conducted. The Primary Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale (PLSFRS) was developed in the United States of America. The PLSFRS is a crucial assessment scale for international collaborative research and future clinical trials for PLS. It is useful for evaluating medical conditions through face-to-face assessments and telephone interviews such as when a face-to-face assessment is not possible due to disasters or the burden of hospital visits. This study assessed the reliability and consistency of in-person and telephone interviews using the Japanese version of the PLSFRS.
Methods
We enrolled 19 Japanese patients who met the specific criteria for inclusion at the six collaborating institutions. The PLSFRS assessments were performed by two evaluators at defined time points and analyzed for intra-rater and inter-rater reliability and consistency between the in-person and telephone interviews.
Results
The Japanese version of the PLSFRS was developed by a specialized company and translator, and modified to consider the Japanese lifestyle through a consensus among motor neuron specialists. The quadratic-weighted kappa coefficients for the intra-rater and the inter-rater agreement were substantial (intra-rater: 0.691-1.000, inter-rater: 0.634-1.000). Moreover, the intraclass correlation coefficient for the PLSFRS total score was 0.997 (95% confidence interval, 0.992–0.999).
Conclusions
This study provides results regarding the Japanese version of the PLSFRS intra-rater and inter-rater reliability and consistency between in-person and telephone interviews.
Tocilizumab for cystoid macular edema secondary to retinitis pigmentosa
Authors: Abramowicz Stéphane , Semeu Prochore Kamgang , Nubourgh Isabelle , Postelmans Laurence , Willermain François 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Purpose: To describe the effect of tocilizumab (TCZ) on cystoid macular edema (CME) and retinal vascular leakage (RVL) in retinitis pigmentosa (RP).
Methods: Retrospective case series.
Results: We present 2 cases of RP with marked inflammatory features in the form of CME and RVL. There was initial diagnostic uncertainty with posterior uveitis. Both patients were treated with corticosteroids, conventional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (cDMARDs), and biological DMARDs (bDMARDs) for the inflammatory features with partial and inconsistent treatment response. When treatment was switched to intravenous (IV) TCZ, dramatic reduction in CME and RVL were observed in both patients. Diagnosis of RP was eventually made based on findings of ancillary tests (macular spectral-domain optical coherence tomography, visual fields, full-field electroretinogram). Genetic testing led to a molecular diagnosis of EYS-related autosomal recessive RP in patient 1, while patient 2 had negative gene panel results.
Conclusions: IV TCZ can be an effective treatment option in RP-related CME and RVL. Whether this treatment strategy has an effect on prognosis remains to be established, but it is possible considering chronic CME-related retinal damage is a major driver of central vision loss in RP.
The Fingerprints of Fetal Hormones: Investigating Tic Disorder's Origins through 2D:4D Digit Ratio Analysis
Authors: Şahin Berkan , Önal Bedia Sultan , Hoşoğlu Esra 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The high prevalence of tic disorders in males may be related to androgenic steroids during the intrauterine period. During the critical period of fetal development, the release of high levels of gonadal androgens may contribute to the etiology of tic disorders. To investigate the possible association, the ratio of two to four digits (2D:4D) was used as a measure of fetal hormone exposure. Eighty children aged 7–17 years, including 40 children diagnosed with tic disorder and 40 healthy controls, were included in a cross-sectional study. All participants had a psychopathology assessment and their 2D:4D ratio was measured digitally. The 2D:4D ratio in the left hand was significantly higher in the controls than in the cases (p = 0.003). Multivariate logistic regression analysis also supported that low left 2D:4D ratio was independently associated with tic disorder (p = 0.011). Girls showed a positive correlation between right 2D:4D ratio and vocal tic scores (r = 0.715, p = 0.013). However, the 2D:4D ratio did not appear to be significantly associated with comorbidities, age at diagnosis, age at onset of motor tic, vocal tic, or sensory phenomena. The results suggest that fetal hormones exposure may play a role in the development of tic disorders. This study showed that children and young people with tic disorders had a different 2D:4D ratio to healthy controls. A correlation between the ratio and the severity of the symptoms was also found. These novel findings provide a solid basis for further research in this area.
Intractable hypotension caused by acute superior vena cava obstruction after lung cancer surgery: a case report
Authors: Li Qing , Ding Xianqiang , Luo Jungang , Guo Peng , Wang Xianglin 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The purpose of this case report is to inform other anesthesiologists about the identification, judgment, and management of sudden severe refractory hypotension in resuscitation after right pneumonectomy. We present a patient who underwent right lung and mediastinal lymph node resection. When the patient recovered from anesthesia, due to the change of position, the mediastinal free tissue entered the space and pressed on the superior vena cava (SVC), resulting in complete obstruction of the SVC and causing severe intractable hypotension. A 48-year-old man with bronchial lung cancer developed severe hypotension while preparing to recover from open-chest surgery under general anesthesia combined with intraspinal anesthesia. There was no response to rapid dilatation, fluid replacement, or treatment with drugs that could raise blood pressure (such as ephedrine, norepinephrine, and deoxyadrenalin). Since early symptoms of acute SVC syndrome in general combined epidural anesthesia were similar to those of severe anaphylaxis, general spinal anesthesia, hemorrhagic shock, pulmonary embolism, and pericardial tamponade, it was difficult to make judgments. A second thoracic operation was performed to remove the remaining tissue that caused the compression, ultimately making a successful recovery. Severe hypotension induced by acute SVC obstruction may trigger and aggravate brain edema and other complications if we cannot quickly identify the patient or administer traditional treatment (upper limb or internal jugular vein dilation and fluid replacement). Given the risk of disease deterioration, immediate identification of the cause of intractable hypotension is crucial.