bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Case of Polyarteritis Nodosa with Positive Anti-Phospholipid Antibodies Presenting with Multifocal Myositis
Authors: Thu Ha Nguyen Thi , Le Chi Quynh , Hoang Thach Ngoc , Nguyen Giang Dinh , Van Anh Nguyen Thi 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background: Polyarteritis nodosa (PAN) is a rarely necrotizing vasculitis in childhood and is characterized by the inflammation of small and medium vessels affecting multiple organs. Although the presence of antiphospholipid (aPL) antibodies in PAN has been documented, there is limited data on the prevalence and understanding of pathogenesis and management for such co-incidence.
Case presentation: We herein reported that a 7-year-old boy without significant past medical history presented initially with high-grade fever, painful subcutaneous nodules, and ankle arthritis for 14 days prior to hospitalization. Biological findings revealed increased acute inflammatory biomarkers and no evidence of infection. The deep skin biopsy taken from the subcutaneous nodule proved leukocytoclastic medium-sized vasculitis suggestive of the PAN diagnosis. He eventually achieved a complete response with the use of intravenous corticosteroids (2 mg/kg/day) and subcutaneous methotrexate (15 mg/m2 body surface area (BSA)/week). However, the patient developed painfulness of bilateral proximal muscles and new-onset subcutaneous nodules of lower limbs after 1-week maintenance. Though the creatine phosphokinase (CPK) level was normal, the magnetic resonant imaging (MRI) showed multiple foci myositis of bilateral gluteal and femur regions. The serum level of D-dimer was remarkably elevated, and the lupus anticoagulant was positive. A combination of subcutaneous enoxaparin and pulsed cyclophosphamide (500 mg/m2 BSA) and three-day methylprednisolone (30 mg/kg/day) have contributed to a favorable outcome in this case. She further sustained remission on maintenance of gradually tapering doses of oral prednisolone and methotrexate.
Conclusions: We describe a case of PAN with the presence of aPL antibody manifesting with multifocal myositis. It is recommended that general testing for aPL antibodies should be undergone in patients with PAN, as well as other systemic vasculitis. Despite unusual co-incidence, aPL antibodies might worsen systemic vasculitis through thrombotic events, which clinicians should consider adequate coagulant therapeutics besides immunosuppressors.
Research on the Application of Heterotrophic Nitrification-Aerobic Denitrification Bacteria in Membrane Bioreactor (MBR)
Authors: zhai Tianrui , Zhao Tiantao , zhong Yuhao , Chen Peipei , Li Guojian , Teng Liang , Zhang Lijie , Liu Hao 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

The inoculation of heterotrophic nitrification-aerobic denitrification bacteria (HN-AD) in MBR facilitates the simultaneous nitrification and denitrification process. However, many HN-AD will be lost during operation. Therefore, this study compares the application results of enhancing MBR with a self-designed biological amplifier coupled with HN-AD against the performance of conventional MBR. Post-enhancement, the MBR achieved removal efficiency of 96.7% for NH4+-N (100 mg/L), 96.4% for COD(400 mg/L) in synthetic wastewater, with a 33% increase in the removal efficiency of TN(100 mg/L). Before enhancement, the dominant denitrifying genus of MBR was Thauera, with the highest abundance of 56.1%. After enhancement, the dominant bacterial in the MBR were Alcaligenes (48.4%) and Thauera (15.2%). In addition, the abundance of denitrification genes (nirK, norB, nosZ) increased in the enhanced MBR, which contributed to an improved TN removal efficiency. The use of biological amplifier effectively solved the problem of HN-AD loss in sewage treatment.
Comparative transcriptomics suggests a highly species-specific nature of the phenotypic plasticity associated with the outbreaks of the two main pest locusts.
Authors: Bakkali N. , Saadi S. , Badih A. , Bakkali M. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
Locust outbreaks cause devastation and are an important matter for fundamental research. They associate with a striking case of phenotypic plasticity; i.e., a gregarious phase versus solitarious phase polyphenism that affects most aspects of the locusts’ biology. However, changes in behaviour are the most notorious. Changes in gene expression dictate the phenotypic changes, behaviour is key to the locusts’ phase change, and the Central Nervous System (CNS) is essential to behaviour. Therefore, understanding and tackling the phenomenon requires studying the gene expression changes that the locusts’ CNS undergoes between phases. The genes that change expression the same way in different locusts would be ancestrally relevant for the phenomenon in general and those that change expression in a species-specific way would be relevant for species-specific understanding and tackling of the phenomenon.
Methods
Here, we use available raw sequencing reads to build transcriptomes using the same RNAseq pipeline and to compare the gene expression changes that the CNS of the two main pest locusts (Schistocerca gregaria and Locusta migratoria) undergo when they turn gregarious. Our aim is to find out about the species-specificity of the phenomenon, highlight the genes that respond in species-specific manner and those that respond the same way in both species.
Results
The locust phase change phenomenon seems highly species-specific, very likely due to the inter-specific differences in the biology and life conditions of the locusts. Research on locust outbreaks, gregariousness and swarming should therefore consider each locust species apart—as none seems representative of all locust species. Still, the 109 genes and 39 non-annotated sequences that change expression level the same way in the two main pest locusts provide sufficient material for functional testing in search for important genes, to better understand, or to fight against locust outbreaks. The genes that respond in a species-specific way provide material for understanding the differences between locust species and for looking for potential species-specific weapons against each of them. The still uncharacterized transcripts that change expression either in a species-specific or the same way between the two species provide material for functional testing and gene discovery.
Under-Five Child Mortality in Rural Areas of Ethiopia and its Determinants: A Mixed- Effects Analysis Using 2019 Mini Demographic Health Survey Data
Authors: Shiferaw Bisrat Zeleke , Getnet Masrie , Haile Gutama , Tura Gurmessa , Abamecha Fira , Birhanu Negaligh , Siraneh Yibeltal , Tamiru Dessalegn , Regassa Tadelle , Gambura Eyasu 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Under-five-child mortality measures the number of deaths per 1,000 live births before five years of age are reached. It is an indicator of the child health status of a country and is considered one of the sovereign state development indicators. In general, rural areas are more vulnerable to under-five mortality and have a greater risk of child mortality than urban dwellers. In particular, this disparity is more observable in developing countries, including Ethiopia. Thus, the current study aimed to identify the determinants of under-five child mortality in rural Ethiopia.
Methods
- A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted among 4425 mothers who were selected based on a Mini Ethiopian demographic and health survey conducted from March 21, 2019, to June 28, 2019. Two-level mixed effects logistic regression analyses were performed using R software (version 3.5.3). Two-level mixed effect bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed. A p value of less than 0.05 and odds ratios with 95% CIs were used to assess the determinants of under-five-child mortality in the multivariate analysis.
Results
- A total of 4425 individuals were included in the analysis. A 2019 report from the Mini Ethiopian demographic and health survey showed that under-five mortality was 67 deaths per 1,000 live births. The mixed-effect analysis of the current study at the individual and community levels revealed that birth order (i.e., being at 5th and above) [AOR 1.45, 95% CI= (1.01, 2.10)], multiple pregnancies [AOR 7.37, 95% CI= (4.29, 12.73)], a short preceding birth interval (i.e., < 24 months) [AOR 2.93, 95% CI= (1.64, 5.25)], and being a resident of Gambella [AOR 4.2, 95% CI= (1.43, 12.40)], Benisahngul Gumuze [AOR 3.52, 95% CI= (1.22, 10.21)], and Harari [AOR 3.25, 95% CI= (1.01, 10.49)] were found to be factors associated with under-five mortality in rural settings in Ethiopia, with p values < 0.05.
Conclusion
The mixed-effects analysis revealed that infant birth order, multiple pregnancy, short preceding birth interval, and residence were significant predictors of under-five mortality in rural Ethiopia. Thus, to reduce under-five mortality and achieve the SDGs, specific interventional strategies that focus on determinants, particularly maternal reproductive health-related interventions, should be designed by policymakers at different levels. Nongovernmental organizations focusing on maternal and child health should also put more effort into rural settings to lessen under-five mortality.
Psychotropic Medication and Substance Use Among Lebanese Medical and Non-Medical Students: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Saadeh Natalie , Dargham Tarek Bou , Talih Farid , Ghanimé Pia Maria , Morad Bassel , Aboukhater Diana , Ghadieh Justin , Succar Farid , Ardakani Jad 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background: Students in Lebanon are generally subject to a high level of stress given the economic and political instability in the country. Medical students in specific, and according to previous studies have a higher prevalence of psychiatric disorders that are attributed to their lifestyle, burnout, and long working hours.
Aims: To assess and examine the prevalence, predictors, and correlates of prescribed psychotropic drug use amongst medical students in Lebanon as compared to non-medical students. A secondary aim was to examine substance misuse among both groups.
Methods: This was an electronic, survey-based project. The survey comprised of 43 questions that provided information on demographic factors, mental health, psychiatric diagnoses, prescribed psychotropic medications, and lifestyle factors.
Results: The total number of participants included was 1,017. Our analysis showed no difference in the rates of prescribed psychotropic medication between the two groups; however, rates of generalized anxiety disorder (12.8%) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (4.4%) were significantly higher in medical students. Cannabis and recreational drug use was also significantly higher in medical students, while cigarette smoking was more prevalent in non-medical students. Our results showed an increase in prescribed psychotropic medication use in Lebanon.
Conclusion: Our findings align with international studies, emphasizing the pressing need for support and monitoring of Lebanese medical students vulnerable to heightened mental health issues, substance misuse, and increased psychotropic prescriptions. Stakeholders in medical education must address these concerns and raise awareness about medical students' mental health and substance abuse risks, impacting the epidemic of physician burnout.
Trunk symmetry indices can affect the risk of falling in older adults (Correlational study)
Authors: Ardakani Mohammad Karimizadeh , hemmasi kimiya 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
According to the statistics of the World Health Organization (WHO), the number of aging people is increasing. Paying attention to the issues, needs and diseases of this stage is a social necessity to maintain health and functional ability. Falling is one of the most common causes of injury in aging people and affects their health. In this regard, it is necessary to diagnose and evaluate aging patients at risk of falling with noninvasive and low-cost methods. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between trunk symmetry indices and the risk of falling in aging men.
Methods
In the present study, 50 elderly men between 75 and 85 years old were selected. Then, height and weight were measured, and anatomical points were marked on the subjects in three views. To assess the risk of falling, time up and go and functional reach tests were used. Then, with the Photoshop program, the measurements of each line and the markings of each subject were calculated with the formula for each index. The data were analyzed in the SPSS program, and the normality of the data was considered for the relationships between the variables according to the Pearson correlation coefficient at a significance level of 95% (P ≤ 0.05), which was used to evaluate the ability of the indicators to predict the risk of falling. Simple linear regression was used.
Results
Finally, the anterior and posterior trunk symmetry indices and body posture indices were significantly related to the fall risk, except for the anterior trunk symmetry index, which was significantly related to the time up and go test (P ≤ 0.05), and the ability to predict the risk of falling.
Conclusion
The results of the present study show that the presence of asymmetries and structural changes in the posture of the trunk in all three anterior, posterior and lateral views during aging causes disturbances in the balance system of people and increases the risk of falling.
A case of isolated dystextia due to subcortical infarction: A novel condition of digital device era
Authors: Hatakeyama Masahiro , Kanayama Takeshi , Tokunaga Saori , Kizaki Toshiya , Tsuboguchi Shintaro , Kanazawa Masato , Onodera Osamu 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background: In recent years, cases of dystextia (texting disabilities) and dystypia (typing disabilities) have been reported. However, reports describing isolated dystextia without aphasia or other cognitive impairments are rare, and the detailed pathophysiology is not fully understood. Most Japanese people use the alphabetical spelling system (Romaji) for texting and typing. Herein, we report the case of a man with isolated dystextia and dystypia resulting from Romaji conversion difficulties.
Case Presentation: A 48-year-old, right-handed Japanese man developed texting and typing difficulties. The standard neuropsychological tests showed no signs of aphasia or other cognitive impairments, except for slight executive dysfunction. Thus, isolated dystextia and dystypia were diagnosed. Furthermore, the patient experienced Romaji conversion difficulties. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a subcortical infarction in the left cerebral hemisphere. Single photon emission tomography revealed hypoperfusion, including in the left dorsolateral frontal cortex.
Conclusion: The left dorsolateral frontal cortex may be related to Romaji conversion in Japanese individuals. Therefore, diaschisis of the left dorsolateral frontal cortex due to subcortical lesions may have impaired Romaji conversion, leading to dystextia and dystypia, in this patient.
Dialogue Sentiment Analysis Based on Dialogue Structure Pre-training
Authors: Yang Liang , Yang Qi , Zeng Jingjie , Peng Tao , Yang Zhihao , Lin Hongfei 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The task of dialogue sentiment analysis aims to identify the sentiment polarity of utterances in the context of a dialogue. Pre-trained models often struggle to capture the logical structure of a dialogue, making this task challenging. To address this issue, we propose a dialogue sentiment analysis framework that leverages pre-training on dialogue structure. Our proposed framework includes three sub-tasks for pre-training: utterance order sorting, sentence backbone regularization, and sentiment shift detection. These tasks are designed to improve the model's ability to mine dialogue logical relationships and sentiment interactions. By focusing on learning the logical structure of dialogues and the perception of sentiment interactions, our framework is able to improve the performance of pre-trained models on recognizing the sentiment polarity of dialogues. This is demonstrated by the convincing results obtained on the public MEISD dataset.
Ice Age apparel – changing prey patterns towards the Last Glacial Maximum and the role of reindeer fur for clothing at Kammern-Grubgraben
Authors: Pasda Kerstin , Mayr Christoph , Pfeifer Sebastian , Reiss Lilian , Einwögerer Thomas , Händel Marc , Buchinger Norbert , Schwab William , Maier Andreas 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Isotope analyses on bone collagen from hunted animals at the Upper Palaeolithic sites Krems-Hundssteig, Krems-Wachtberg and Langenlois A (33 − 29 ka), and Kammern-Grubgraben (23 ka) indicate a strong reduction of ecological herbivore niches towards the Last Glacial Maximum. This change is accompanied by a clear shift in human prey pattern from a more diverse and balanced spectrum of hunted species in the earlier period to a clear focus on reindeer at Kammern-Grubgraben, particularly on young individuals. Moreover, new analyses of the osteological material show that the site with its massive stone constructions and high amount of lithic and faunal material was occupied exclusively in winter. In this paper, we present new results on the age and sex distribution of reindeer at Kammern-Grubgraben. We argue that winter-hunting of young reindeer, in addition to its role in providing energy-rich nutrition and raw material for organic tools, is also indicative of a focus on obtaining high-quality raw material for clothing. The fur of young reindeer in winter is particularly valuable and convenient for the production of clothing for cold environments. Together with the recovered large number of eyed needles, a tool for tight and regular seams, our findings suggest that the production of clothing and other goods made of fur and skin was an important activity at Kammern-Grubgraben.
Who is the culprit of persistent unimproved central nervous system infection? Brain abscess caused by Mycoplasma hominis:case report and review of literatures
Authors: Wang YuHui 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
Mycoplasma hominis is slow growing organism lacking a cell wall,thus they have no positive results of Gram staining.Their bacterial colonies are small,thus they are easy to miss out on culture medium.So Mycoplasma hominis infection is difficult to identify.When the central nervous system infection caused by Mycoplasma hominis occurs,because it is difficult to identify and is resistant to empirical anti-infective drugs,treatments may be failed.Mycoplasma hominis has a tendency of purulent aggregation,so the central nervous system infection is easy to develop to brain abscess,which cause fatal complications.
Case Presentation:
The article describes a 69-year-old male who suffered from central nervous infection after head trauma,but the cerebrospinal fluid Gram staining and culture continued to be negative,the empirical anti-infection program did not achieve effects,the patient continued to have fever,and then developed with brain abscess.The patient was given brain abscess debridement,and the debridement secreta was sent to mNGS(Metallic next generation sequencing) examination.The pathogenic bacterium definitely confirmed Mycoplasma hominis.The anti-infection program was adjusted,and finally he recovered.mNGS can detect all microbial genome in the sample,allowing clinicians detect pathogens through a single test making accurately diagnose and selecting the correct anti-infection program.Mycoplasma hominis was sensitive to chloramphenicol,tetracycline,and fluoroquinolones,so these drugs were used for its infection.We explore the characteristics of central nervous infection which caused by mycoplasma hominis and review of the literatures.
Conclusions
Clinicians should pay attention to the early identification and mNGS examination of central nervous system infection caused by Mycoplasma hominis,and selecting the correct anti-infection program and treatments early to save lives.
Extensive and Progressive Cerebral Infarction Associated with Mycoplasma pneumoniae Infection. A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Ni Shijia , Che Siyi , Cai Jinhua 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

BackgroundsMycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) is one of the most common respiratory pathogens causing respiratory infection in children, especially in those above 5 years old. Although rare, cerebral infarction is the most severe neurological complication of MP infection and could be fatal.Case presentationHere, we report a case of extensive and progressive acute cerebral infarction associated with MP infection, which not only received medical treatment but also underwent a decompressive craniectomy. Computed tomography angiography (CTA) and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) revealed occlusion of the left internal carotid artery, left anterior cerebral artery, and middle cerebral artery. In order to better understand the relationships between MP infection and cerebral infarction both on clinical and radiological perspectives, literature of cerebral infarction associated with MP infection were searched and reviewed.ConclusionsCerebral infarction is a rare complication of MP infection, which can result in neurological sequelae or even death. Clinicians should pay attention to neurological signs or symptoms after MP infection. CT or MR even CTA or MRA should be considered to make timely assessment and diagnosis, especially in severe and refractory cases.
Machine Learning-based Approach for Ex-post Assessment of Community Risk and Resilience Based on Coupled Human- infrastructure Systems Performance
Authors: Li Xiangpeng , Mostafavi Ali 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

While current approaches primarily focus on anticipatory or predictive resilience assessments of natural events, there is a limitation in the literature of data-driven analyses for the ex-post evaluation of community risk and resilience, particularly using features related to the performance of coupled human-infrastructure systems. To address this gap, in this study we created a machine learning-based method for the ex-post assessment of community risk and resilience and their interplay based on features related to the coupled human-infrastructure systems performance. Utilizing feature groups related to population protective actions, infrastructure/building performance features, and recovery features, we examined the risk and resilience performance of communities in the context of the 2017 Hurricane Harvey in Harris County, Texas. These features related to the coupled human-infrastructure systems performance were processed using the K-means clustering method to classify census block groups into four distinct clusters then, based on feature analysis, these clusters were labeled and designated into four quadrants of risk-resilience archetypes. Finally, we analyzed the disparities in risk-resilience status of spatial areas across different clusters as well as different income groups. The findings unveil the risk-resilience status of spatial areas shaped by their coupled human-infrastructure systems performance and their interactions. The results also inform about features that contribute to high resilience in high-risk areas. For example, the results indicate that in high-risk areas, evacuation rates contributed to a greater resilience, while in low-risk areas, preparedness contributed to greater resilience. In addition, the findings reveal disparities in the risk and resilience status of spatial areas where low-income residents reside. The outcomes of this study provide researchers and practitioners with new data-driven and machine intelligence-based methods and insights to better evaluate the risk and resilience status of communities during a disaster to inform future plans and policies.