bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhanced treatment of acute organophosphorus pesticide poisoning using activated charcoal-embedded sodium alginate-polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel
Authors: Yan Li , Peng Ying 
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND: The adsorption of activated charcoal is currently a major clinical treatment for acute organophosphorus pesticide poisoning (AOPP). However, the adsorption duration and efficiency of this method is unstable. OBJECTIVE: In this study, a hydrogel embedding activated charcoal was prepared and its alleviating effects on AOPP were investigated. METHODS: A composite hydrogel using sodium alginate and polyvinyl alcohol (SA-PVA) hydrogel was prepared in this study. The structural properties of the SA-PVA hydrogel were characterized via multiple analysis including FTIR, TGA, XRD, SEM, tensile strength and expansion rate. Based on these, activated charcoal (AC) was embedded within the SA-PVA hydrogel (SA-PVA-AC) and it was used for the treatment of AOPP. RESULTS: Structural characterization indicated SA-PVA hydrogel possesses excellent mechanical properties and biocompatibility. The in vivo study demonstrated that SA-PVA-AC significantly alleviated the inflammation and oxidative damage in the liver, as evidenced by reduced levels of IL-6, TNF-α, and, IL-1β, SOD, and MDA. Furthermore, SA-PVA-AC treatment effectively re-regulated the activities of serum AST and ALT, exhibiting an improved effect on liver function. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that activated charcoal embedded within SA-PVA hydrogel has significant potential as a therapeutic agent in treating AOPP, and offering a novel approach to managing pesticide-induced toxicity.
Who are small-scale food producers in Italy? Comparisons among different approaches
Authors: Gismondi Roberto 
Published: April 2024

The question “What is a small-scale producer?” keeps receiving different answers depending on the context in which is posed. Alternative ways of defining smallholders reflect heterogeneous historical and institutional eco-systemic contexts and depend upon what is the role of small-scale agriculture in the rural economy. This has become a pressing issue given the need to monitor the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which refers to “small” farmers. Two important related issues are: 1) the adoption of a specific and robust definition of small-scale food producer (SSFP) and 2) the empirical implementation of this definition to determine the SSFPs. The calculations require suitable databases with microdata at the level of individual farms. Based on the 2020 agricultural census results, we identified the small food producers in Italy. We also proposed and compared other approaches to identify SSFPs, that are simpler than that proposed by the FAO and could also be calculated for other census years. Since revenues are not available for every farm – even the census did not collect this information – the standard indicator of production was used instead of revenues to identify SSFPs.
De amor y muerte. Premio Nacional de Literatura Joven Raúl Padilla López 2023
Authors:   Universidad de Guadalajara, Barrón Pérez Gabriel , Cordero Novo Melissa , Laguna Molina Goretti Naomi 
Published: April 2024

Amor y muerte son las pulsaciones que mayores pasiones provocan en nuestra especie. Ambas familiares y al mismo tiempo extrañas, pues cualquiera las puede reconocer y constantemente se vive en su horizonte. Pero cuando se manifiestan resultan insólitas. Este volumen contiene el poemario ganador del Premio Nacional de Literatura Joven Raúl Padilla López 2023, Hundir las manos temblorosas, de Melissa Cordero Novo. Un preciso recorrido por la experiencia de quien deja su lugar de origen para sumergirse en distintos paisajes y diálogos, un conjunto de poemas en prosa que también resultan un espléndido viaje por el lenguaje. Al texto ganador lo acompaña la mención honorífica Mi vida no es la luz de Marte, de Goretti Naomi Laguna Molina, poemario en el cual la muerte y amor se presentan como dos horizontes para la interpretación del mundo, tensados en la relación con uno mismo. En las siguientes páginas se encontrarán dos formas de practicar la poesía y dos formas de entender nuestra relación lingüística y humana con la muerte y el amor.
РОЗВИТОК ОРГАНІЗАЦІЙНОГО ВИВЧЕННЯ І ВПРОВАДЖЕННЯ ДОСВІДУ У ЗБРОЙНИХ СИЛАХ УКРАЇНИ ТА ЙОГО ЕФЕКТИВНІСТЬ ПІД ЧАС РОСІЙСЬКО-УКРАЇНСЬКОЇ ВІЙНИ НА ДОНБАСІ (2014–2021)
Authors: Дайсон Том , Пащук Юрій Михайлович 
Published: April 2024

У статті розглянуто історичні аспекти розвитку формальних процесів організаційного вивчення та впровадження досвіду (ВВД) у Збройних Силах України (ЗСУ) й ефективність цих процесів під час російсько-української війни на Донбасі (2014–2021).
Досліджено основні етапи становлення та прогресу колективного ВВД у ЗСУ, що характеризується двома послідовними системами аналізу та засвоєння уроків (АЗУ): Системою узагальнення та поширення досвіду (2014–2018) і Системою вивчення та впровадження досвіду (2019–2021). За результатами емпіричного дослідження, проведеного за участі військовослужбовців ЗСУ, а також опрацювання джерельних матеріалів, зокрема, архівних і нормативних документів, оцінено дієвість процесу ВВД у сприянні реформуванню ЗСУ відповідно до оперативних потреб. Незважаючи на те, що після ескалації російської агресії у 2014 році було зроблено певні позитивні кроки, спрямовані на імплементацію у діяльність ЗСУ найкращої світовї практики ВВД, було зроблено висновок, що ефективність процесу АЗУ, отриманих під час війни на Донбасі, в цілому була низькою.
Обгрунтовано необхідність проведення низки організаційних заходів із удосконалення діяльності ЗСУ для зниження негативного впливу бюрократичної політики та недосконалої організаційної військової культури на процес ВВД. Виокремлено важливість покращення спроможності цивільного керівництва України здійснювати ефективний контроль за розвитком ВВД, необхідність підтримки цих зусиль із боку США і НАТО.
МІЖ ВЛАДОЮ І СУСПІЛЬСТВОМ: СОЛДАТИ-ВТІКАЧІ РОСІЙСЬКОГО ВІЙСЬКА У СЕРЕДИНІ ХІХ СТ.
Authors: Скрипник Анатолій Юрійович 
Published: April 2024

У статті на основі архівних джерел та законодавчих актів досліджено та проаналізовано причини дезертирства солдат із частин регулярної армії Російської імперії. Наводяться наукові трактування й оцінки цього явища в працях сучасних українських істориків. У хронологічному порядку представлена еволюція військового та цивільного законодавства, яке створювалося з метою тотального придушення прагнення солдатів покинути військову службу, та співчуття місцевого населення до їх долі у вигляді приховування і допомоги втікачам, що на той час кваліфікувалися державою як кримінальні вчинки.
Показана взаємодія військового командування середньої ланки та повітових виконавчих, поліційних і судових установ губерній щодо розшуку, виявлення та покарання втікачів і подальшого направлення їх до штрафних рот та робітничих батальйонів.
Одним із основних завдань проведеного дослідження стала об'єктивна оцінка такого явища, як дезертирство. Доведено репресивний характер дій чиновників цивільних силових установ та офіцерського складу регулярних частин.
Разом з тим, показано протиріччя і конфлікти між представниками різних верств тогочасного соціуму у Правобережній Україні, в центрі якого опинилися втікачі з армії, а саме – мотивації до доносів, полювання на людей за грошову винагороду, зведення рахунків сільського начальства з односельцями тощо. Науково аргументовано, що дезертирство було одним з численних вад у недосконалому кріпосницькому механізмі військової машини російської держави.
Sagittal balance parameters measurement on cervical spine MR images based on superpixel segmentation
Authors: Zhong Yi-Fan , Dai Yu-Xiang , Li Shi-Pian , Zhu Ke-Jia , Lin Yong-Peng , Ran Yu , Chen Lin , Ruan Ye , Yu Peng-Fei , Li Lin , Li Wen-Xiong , Xu Chuang-Long , Sun Zhi-Tao , Weber Kenneth A. , Kong De-Wei , Yang Feng , Lin Wen-Ping , Chen Jiang , Chen Bo-Lai , Jiang Hong , Zhou Ying-Jie , Sheng Bo , Wang Yong-Jun , Tian Ying-Zhong , Sun Yue-Li 
Published: April 2024

Introduction: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is essential in diagnosing cervical spondylosis, providing detailed visualization of osseous and soft tissue structures in the cervical spine. However, manual measurements hinder the assessment of cervical spine sagittal balance, leading to time-consuming and error-prone processes. This study presents the Pyramid DBSCAN Simple Linear Iterative Cluster (PDB-SLIC), an automated segmentation algorithm for vertebral bodies in T2-weighted MR images, aiming to streamline sagittal balance assessment for spinal surgeons.Method: PDB-SLIC combines the SLIC superpixel segmentation algorithm with DBSCAN clustering and underwent rigorous testing using an extensive dataset of T2-weighted mid-sagittal MR images from 4,258 patients across ten hospitals in China. The efficacy of PDB-SLIC was compared against other algorithms and networks in terms of superpixel segmentation quality and vertebral body segmentation accuracy. Validation included a comparative analysis of manual and automated measurements of cervical sagittal parameters and scrutiny of PDB-SLIC’s measurement stability across diverse hospital settings and MR scanning machines.Result: PDB-SLIC outperforms other algorithms in vertebral body segmentation quality, with high accuracy, recall, and Jaccard index. Minimal error deviation was observed compared to manual measurements, with correlation coefficients exceeding 95%. PDB-SLIC demonstrated commendable performance in processing cervical spine T2-weighted MR images from various hospital settings, MRI machines, and patient demographics.Discussion: The PDB-SLIC algorithm emerges as an accurate, objective, and efficient tool for evaluating cervical spine sagittal balance, providing valuable assistance to spinal surgeons in preoperative assessment, surgical strategy formulation, and prognostic inference. Additionally, it facilitates comprehensive measurement of sagittal balance parameters across diverse patient cohorts, contributing to the establishment of normative standards for cervical spine MR imaging.
Neurocognitive function in procedures correcting severe aortic valve stenosis: patterns and determinants
Authors: Ranucci L. , Brischigiaro L. , Mazzotta V. , Anguissola M. , Menicanti L. , Bedogni F. , Ranucci M. 
Published: April 2024

BackgroundNeurocognitive changes occurring after a surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) or transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) procedure for the correction of severe aortic stenosis (AS) have not been widely addressed and, if addressed, have produced conflicting results. The purpose of this study is to identify the pre-procedural neurocognitive pattern and its determinants in a setting of elderly (&gt;65 years) patients with severe AS undergoing SAVR or TAVI and the changes occurring at a 2–3 month follow-up.MethodsThis was a prospective cohort study included in the Italian Registry on Outcomes in Aortic Stenosis Treatment in Elderly Patients. Patients were assessed both before and after (2–3 months) the procedure using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) test. Data on periprocedural demographics, clinical factors, and outcome measures were collected.ResultsBefore the procedure, 70% of the patients demonstrated a MoCA score &lt;23 points, which was indicative of cognitive dysfunction. The factors associated with neurocognitive dysfunction were age, functional capacity, chronic heart failure, and hemoglobin levels. After the procedure, there was an overall improvement in the MoCA score of the patients, but 28% of the patients showed a reliable worsening of their condition. The factors associated with MoCA worsening were platelet transfusions and the amount of red blood cell units transfused.ConclusionThe correction of severe AS leads to an improvement in neurocognitive function after 2–3 months. This improvement does not differentiate between SAVR and TAVI after matching for pre-procedural factors. The only modifiable factor associated with pre-procedural neurocognitive function is anemia, and anemia correction with red blood cell transfusions is associated with a worsening of neurocognitive function. This leads to the hypothesis that anemia correction before the procedure (with iron and/or erythropoietin) may limit the risk of a post-procedural worsening of neurocognitive function.
Exploration of latent early literacy profiles in German kindergarten children using a newly developed app
Authors: Stuhr Christina , Yumus Melike , Meindl Marlene , Jungmann Tanja , Hughes Charmayne Mary Lee 
Published: April 2024

IntroductionThis study explores the effectiveness of the tablet-based EuLeApp© assessment tool in identifying distinct latent early literacy profiles among German kindergarten children aged between 4.0 and 7.0 years. Additionally, the study investigates how factors such as age, biological sex, and language impairment contribute to the manifestation and prevalence of these latent literacy profiles.MethodsUtilizing latent class analysis on a diverse sample of 285 children, we administered a prototype of the EuLeApp© assessment tool to measure early literacy skills (i.e., print awareness, concepts of print, word awareness, phonological awareness, alphabet knowledge, and narrative skills). The sample included children aged between 4.0 and 7.0 years from various demographic backgrounds. Analysis involved identifying distinct early literacy profiles based on the assessment results. We also examined the influence of age, biological sex, and language impairment on the manifestation and prevalence of these profiles.ResultsThe analysis revealed four stable and interpretable early literacy profiles: Exceptional Performers (17%), Typical Performers (41%), Marginal Performers (35%), and Subpar Performers (7%). These profiles were found to be shaped by the complex interplay of age, biological sex, and language impairment status among the children.DiscussionThese findings underscore the importance of employing person-centered methodologies to characterize early childhood literacy profiles, providing a framework for tailoring intervention programs to suit the unique characteristics and requirements of individual children.
The genetic association between hyperthyroidism and heart failure: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Liu Jun , Wu Gujie , Li Shuqi , Cheng Lin , Ye Xinping 
Published: April 2024

Background and aimsHyperthyroidism is an endocrine disease with multiple etiologies and manifestations. Heart failure (HF) is a common, costly, and deadly medical condition in clinical practice. Numerous studies have suggested that abnormal thyroid function can induce or aggravate the development of heart disease. However, no study has demonstrated a causal relationship between hyperthyroidism and heart failure. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore the causal link between hyperthyroidism and HF.MethodsSummary data for genetically predicted hyperthyroidism were obtained from a genetic association study. The data examined for genetically determined all-cause heart failure came from 218,208 individuals from the FinnGen Consortium. Two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was used to estimate the causal link between hyperthyroidism and heart failure. Statistical analyses were conducted using the inverse variance-weighted, weighted median, simple median, weighted mode, MR-PRESSO (number of distribution = 5000), MR-Egger, and leave-one-out.ResultsThe results of the inverse-variance weighted analysis indicated a causal association between hyperthyroidism and an increased risk of all-cause heart failure (IVW: β=0.048, OR=1.049, 95%CI: [1.013 to 1.087], P=0.007). Similarly, the weighted median approach demonstrated a positive correlation between hyperthyroidism and all-cause heart failure (OR=1.049, [95% CI, 1.001-1.100]; P=0.044). Additionally, no horizontal pleiotropy or heterogeneity was observed. The leave-one-out analysis revealed that the majority of the SNP-driven associations were not influenced by a single genetic marker.ConclusionOur study observed a causal relationship between hyperthyroidism and all-cause heart failure. Hyperthyroidism may associate with heart failure genetically.
Effects of immune checkpoint inhibitor associated endocrinopathies on cancer survival
Authors: Yang Lisa , Murthy Sruthi , Cortellini Alessio , Lim Emma A. , Gonzalez Michael , Pinato David J. , Abdel-Malek Mariana , Mahmoud Sarah , Martin Niamh M. 
Published: April 2024

ObjectivesImmune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are associated with immune-related adverse events (irAEs), of which endocrinopathies are common. We characterized endocrine and non-endocrine irAEs in cancer patients receiving ICIs, identified risk factors for their development and established whether endocrine and non-endocrine irAEs were differentially associated with improved cancer prognosis.Design and methodsSingle-center, retrospective cohort study of patients with advanced or metastatic solid tumors receiving at least one ICI treatment cycle (242 men, 151 women, median age 65 years). Main outcome measures were incidence of any irAE during the study period, overall survival and time to treatment failure.ResultsNon-endocrine irAEs occurred in 32% and endocrine irAEs in 12% of patients. Primary thyroid dysfunction was the most common endocrine irAE (9.5%) and the majority of endocrinopathies required permanent hormone replacement. Women had an increased risk of developing endocrine irAEs (p = 0.017). The biggest survival advantage occurred in patients who developed both endocrine and non-endocrine irAEs (overall survival: HR 0.16, CI 0.09-0.28). Time to treatment failure was also significantly improved in patients who developed endocrine irAEs (HR 0.49, CI 0.34 – 0.71) or both (HR 0.41, CI 0.25 – 0.64) but not in those who only developed non-endocrine irAEs.ConclusionsWomen may have increased risk of endocrine irAEs secondary to ICI treatment. This is the first study to compare the effects of endocrine irAEs with non-endocrine irAEs on survival. Development of endocrine irAEs may confer survival benefit in ICI treatment and future, prospective studies are needed to elucidate this.
The prevalence and association of measured and perceived indoor air quality, housing characteristics, and residents’ behavior and health
Authors: Gabel Charlotte , Sigsgaard Torben , Petersen Steffen , Elholm Grethe 
Published: April 2024

BackgroundIn social housing buildings, poor indoor air quality (IAQ) has been shown to be more prevalent, and residents living in social housing areas are often more vulnerable and susceptible to adverse health effects from IAQ.AimTo examine the state and the association of measured and perceived IAQ, how housing characteristics and residents' behavior are associated with IAQ, and the association with residents' health.MethodThe HOME-Health study is a cross-sectional study among residents living in social housing in Denmark (n = 432). Seasonal measurements examined the IAQ by a 14-day period measuring carbon dioxide (CO2), temperature (TP), relative humidity (RH), and air change rate. Residents' self-reported behavior, comfort, and health were obtained from a structured interview.ResultsThermal discomfort and draught were the most common challenges. During summer, the mean TP was higher, the mean RH was lower, and residents more frequently reported dry air in homes where it was not possible to create cross ventilation. There were a higher mean CO2 and RH when crowdedness increased, particularly during winter. In addition, the proportion of residents reporting dry air was higher when CO2-level was below 1,000 ppm. When the mean RH-level was above 50%, a higher proportion of residents reported experiencing damp air, and when the mean RH-level was below 40% residents more frequently reported dry air. Perception of bad air quality was higher when the mean CO2-level exceeded 1,000 ppm. Additionally, residents reported being most thermally comfortable when the TP was within the range of 20–20.99°C and least comfortable within a range of 22–22.99°C. The residents' perceived experience of impaired IAQ was associated with negative general health symptoms.ConclusionIt is key that homes have the capability to create cross ventilation in order to allow for proper ventilation and to avoid overheating. When evaluating IAQ it is important to not only consider the measured parameters but to also include the residents' behavior and perception of IAQ as these both are related to the actual IAQ and associated health effects.
Inflammatory cytokine profiles in erectile dysfunction: a bidirectional Mendelian randomization
Authors: Liu Dongze , Qin Zheng , Yi Bocun , Xie Hongbo , Liang Yunan , Zhu Liang , Yang Kuo , Zhang Hongtuan 
Published: April 2024

ObjectivesInflammatory cytokines (ICs) play an important role in erectile dysfunction (ED). Previous studies have demonstrated that most ED patients have high levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-8 (IL-8). The causality between 41 ICs and ED is investigated using the Mendelian randomization (MR) approach.MethodsSingle nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) exposure data of 41 ICs came from a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of 8293 subjects. At the same time, the FINNGEN R9 database provided the ED outcome data containing 2205 ED patients and 164104 controls. MR-Egger (ME), inverse variance weighting (IVW), and weighted median (WM) were applied to conduct the MR study and IVW was taken as the main criterion.ResultsFrom a genetic perspective, the increase of interferon-inducible protein-10 (IP-10) level significantly increased the risk of ED (P=0.043, odds ratio (OR)=1.269, 95% confidence interval (95%CI): 1.007-1.600), while the increase of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA) markedly decreased the risk of ED (P=0.037, OR=0.768, 95%CI: 0.600-0.984). Meanwhile, IP-10 (p=0.099) and IL-1RA (p=0.135) failed to demonstrate causality in reverse MR analysis.ConclusionsChanges in ICs levels will significantly affect the risk of ED, especially IP-10 as a risk component for ED and IL-1RA as a protective component for ED. In the future, we can achieve targeted treatment and prevention of ED by intervening with specific inflammatory factors.
IgM kappa proliferative glomerulonephritis with monoclonal immunoglobulin deposition complicated with nocardiosis dermatitis: a case report and review of literature
Authors: Chen Kebao , Wang Yue , Yu Jinyu , Wang Xueyao , Xu Zhonggao , Li Yanbo , Sun Weixia 
Published: April 2024

RationaleMonoclonal gammopathy of renal significance (MGRS) represents a group of disorders caused by monoclonal immunoglobulin (M protein) secreted by B cells or plasma cells. Proliferative glomerulonephritis with monoclonal immunoglobulin deposition (PGNMID) is a glomerular disease and a form of MGRS. Here, we presented a rare case of a patient with IgM kappa PGNMID complicated with nocardiosis dermatitis.Patient concerns and diagnosesA 56-year-old man was admitted to the hospital because of cutaneous purpura and proteinuria. His initial pathological diagnosis indicated membranous proliferative glomerulonephritis, IgM(++), and subacute interstitial nephritis. Based on further examination, he was finally diagnosed to have IgM kappa PGNMID and subacute interstitial nephritis. After the initial diagnosis, the patient received hormonal therapy. During the treatment, nocardiosis dermatitis emerged as a complication, and the hormonal therapy was gradually reduced. The patient refused further treatment with rituximab, and his health is currently stable.OutcomesIgM kappa PGNMID complicated with nocardiosis dermatitis is an extremely rare occurrence. Laboratory examination and pathological analysis are required to confirm the diagnosis of this disorder. Timely and accurate diagnosis is essential for the appropriate treatment of PGNMID.