bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The association between coronary artery calcification and vectorcardiography in mechanically ventilated COVID-19 patients: the Maastricht Intensive Care COVID cohort
Authors: Aydeniz Eda , van Rosmalen Frank , de Kok Jip , Martens Bibi , Mingels Alma M. A. , Canakci Mustafa Emin , Mihl Casper , Vernooy Kevin , Prinzen Frits W. , Wildberger Joachim E. , van der Horst Iwan C. C. , van Bussel Bas C. T. , Driessen Rob G. H. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Coronary artery calcification (CAC) is associated with poor outcome in critically ill patients. A deterioration in cardiac conduction and loss of myocardial tissue could be an underlying cause. Vectorcardiography (VCG) and cardiac biomarkers provide insight into these underlying causes. The aim of this study was to investigate whether a high degree of CAC is associated with VCG-derived variables and biomarkers, including high-sensitivity troponin-T (hs-cTnT) and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP).

Methods
Mechanically ventilated coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) patients with an available chest computed tomography (CT) and 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) were studied. CAC scores were determined using chest CT scans. Patients were categorized into 3 sex-specific tertiles: low, intermediate, and high CAC. Daily 12 leads-ECGs were converted to VCGs. Daily hs-cTnT and NT-proBNP levels were determined. Linear mixed-effects regression models examined the associations between CAC tertiles and VCG variables, and between CAC tertiles and hs-cTnT or NT-proBNP levels.

Results
In this study, 205 patients (73.2% men, median age 65 years [IQR 57.0; 71.0]) were included. Compared to the lowest CAC tertile, the highest CAC tertile had a larger QRS area at baseline (6.65 µVs larger [1.50; 11.81], p = 0.012), which decreased during admission (− 0.27 µVs per day [− 0.43; − 0.11], p = 0.001). Patients with the highest CAC tertile also had a longer QRS duration (12.02 ms longer [4.74; 19.30], p = 0.001), higher levels of log hs-cTnT (0.79 ng/L higher [0.40; 1.19], p < 0.001) and log NT-proBNP (0.83 pmol/L higher [0.30; 1.37], p = 0.002).

Conclusion
Patients with a high degree of CAC had the largest QRS area and higher QRS amplitude, which decreased more over time when compared to patients with a low degree of CAC. These results suggest that CAC might contribute to loss of myocardial tissue during critical illness. These insights could improve risk stratification and prognostication of patients with critical illness.
Six methods to determine expiratory time constants in mechanically ventilated patients: a prospective observational physiology study
Authors: Depta Filip , Chiofolo Caitlyn M. , Chbat Nicolas W. , Euliano Neil R. , Gentile Michael A. , Rybár Dušan , Donič Viliam , Zdravkovic Marko 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Expiratory time constant (τ) objectively assesses the speed of exhalation and can guide adjustments of the respiratory rate and the I:E ratio with the goal of achieving complete exhalation. Multiple methods of obtaining τ are available, but they have not been compared. The purpose of this study was to compare six different methods to obtain τ and to test if the exponentially decaying flow corresponds to the measured time constants.

Methods
In this prospective study, pressure, flow, and volume waveforms of 30 postoperative patients undergoing volume (VCV) and pressure-controlled ventilation (PCV) were obtained using a data acquisition device and analyzed. τ was measured as the first 63% of the exhaled tidal volume (VT) and compared to the calculated τ as the product of expiratory resistance (RE) and respiratory system compliance (CRS), or τ derived from passive flow/volume waveforms using previously published equations as proposed by Aerts, Brunner, Guttmann, and Lourens. We tested if the duration of exponentially decaying flow during exhalation corresponded to the duration of the predicted second and third τ, based on multiples of the first measured τ.

Results
Mean (95% CI) measured τ was 0.59 (0.57–0.62) s and 0.60 (0.58–0.63) s for PCV and VCV (p = 0.45), respectively. Aerts method showed the shortest values of all methods for both modes: 0.57 (0.54–0.59) s for PCV and 0.58 (0.55–0.61) s for VCV. Calculated (CRS * RE) and Brunner’s τ were identical with mean τ of 0.64 (0.61–0.67) s for PCV and 0.66 (0.63–069) s for VCV. Mean Guttmann’s τ was 0.64 (0.61–0.68) in PCV and 0.65 (0.62–0.69) in VCV. Comparison of each τ method between PCV and VCV was not significant. Predicted time to exhale 95% of the VT (i.e., 3*τ) was 1.77 (1.70–1.84) s for PCV and 1.80 (1.73–1.88) s for VCV, which was significantly longer than measured values: 1.27 (1.22–1.32) for PCV and 1.30 (1.25–1.35) s for VCV (p < 0.0001). The first, the second and the third measured τ were progressively shorter: 0.6, 0.4 and 0.3 s, in both ventilation modes (p < 0.0001).

Conclusion
All six methods to determine τ show similar values and are feasible in postoperative mechanically ventilated patients in both PCV and VCV modes.
Troposphere delay modeling in SLR based on PMF, VMF3o, and meteorological data
Authors: Drożdżewski Mateusz , Sośnica Krzysztof 
Published: March 2024

AbstractSatellite laser ranging (SLR) requires accurate troposphere delay models to properly correct the observed distances to satellites and derive fundamental geodetic and geodynamic parameters. The currently used models for the tropospheric delay employ in situ meteorological data collected simultaneously with laser measurements. However, the standard models assume full symmetry of the atmosphere above the SLR stations because all meteorological data come from one sensor. In this study, we evaluate various methods of troposphere delay modeling based on numerical weather models, such as the Potsdam Mapping Function (PMF) and Vienna Mapping Function for optical frequencies (VMF3o), in situ measurements, the Wrocław gradient model (WGM) and the combination of different models. We found large discrepancies between pressure, temperature, and humidity records between in situ measurements and numerical models. The best results for the zenith delays are obtained when using in situ meteorological data with the estimation of tropospheric biases. For stations with some deficiencies in proper humidity measurements, e.g., Zimmerwald in Switzerland, the best results are obtained when using hydrostatic zenith delays based on in situ data and wet delays based on numerical weather models. Finally, we found that using horizontal gradients of the tropospheric delay is indispensable to avoid biases in the SLR-based Earth rotation parameters of approximately 20 $$\upmu$$
μ
as for polar motion. The horizontal gradients successfully account for the asymmetry of the troposphere above SLR stations and can be derived from PMF, VMF3o, or a parameterized WGM model with similar accuracies.
Potential applications of artificial intelligence in image analysis in cornea diseases: a review
Authors: Tey Kai Yuan , Cheong Ezekiel Ze Ken , Ang Marcus 
Published: March 2024

AbstractArtificial intelligence (AI) is an emerging field which could make an intelligent healthcare model a reality and has been garnering traction in the field of medicine, with promising results. There have been recent developments in machine learning and/or deep learning algorithms for applications in ophthalmology—primarily for diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration. However, AI research in the field of cornea diseases is relatively new. Algorithms have been described to assist clinicians in diagnosis or detection of cornea conditions such as keratoconus, infectious keratitis and dry eye disease. AI may also be used for segmentation and analysis of cornea imaging or tomography as an adjunctive tool. Despite the potential advantages that these new technologies offer, there are challenges that need to be addressed before they can be integrated into clinical practice. In this review, we aim to summarize current literature and provide an update regarding recent advances in AI technologies pertaining to corneal diseases, and its potential future application, in particular pertaining to image analysis.
Association Between Total Genotype Score and Muscle Injuries in Top-Level Football Players: a Pilot Study
Authors: Massidda Myosotis , Flore Laura , Cugia Paolo , Piras Francesco , Scorcu Marco , Kikuchi Naoki , Cięszczyk Pawel , Maciejewska-Skrendo Agnieszka , Tocco Filippo , Calò Carla Maria 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Recently, genetic predisposition to injury has become a popular area of research and the association between a few single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and the susceptibility to develop musculoskeletal injuries has been shown. This pilot study aimed to investigate the combined effect of common gene polymorphisms previously associated with muscle injuries in Italian soccer players.

Results
A total of 64 Italian male top football players (age 23.1 ± 5.5 years; stature 180.2 ± 7.4 cm; weight 73.0 ± 7.9 kg) were genotyped for four gene polymorphisms [ACE I/D (rs4341), ACTN3 c.1729C > T (rs1815739), COL5A1 C > T (rs2722) and MCT1 c.1470A > T (rs1049434)].
Muscle injuries were gathered for 10 years (2009–2019). Buccal swabs were used to obtain genomic DNA, and the PCR method was used to genotype the samples. The combined influence of the four polymorphisms studied was calculated using a total genotype score (TGS: from 0 to 100 arbitrary units; a.u.). A genotype score (GS) of 2 was assigned to the “protective” genotype for injuries, a GS of 1 was assigned to the heterozygous genotype while a GS of 0 was assigned to the “worst” genotype.
The distribution of genotype frequencies in the ACE I/D (rs4341), ACTN3 c.1729C > T (rs1815739) and MCT1 c.1470A > T (rs1049434) polymorphisms was different between non-injured and injured football players (p = 0.001; p = 0.016 and p = 0.005, respectively). The incidence of muscle injuries was significantly different among the ACE I/D (rs4341), ACTN3 c.1729C > T (rs1815739) and COL5A1 C > T (rs2722) genotype groups, showing a lower incidence of injuries in the “protective” genotype than “worse” genotype (ACE, p < 0.001; ACTN3, p = 0.005) or intermediate genotype (COL5A1, p = 0.029).
The mean TGS in non-injured football players (63.7 ± 13.0 a.u.) was different from that of injured football players (42.5 ± 12.5 a.u., p < 0.001). There was a TGS cut-off point (56.2 a.u.) to discriminate non-injured from injured football players. Players with a TGS beyond this cut-off had an odds ratio of 3.5 (95%CI 1.8–6.8; p < 0.001) to suffer an injury when compared with players with lower TGS.

Conclusions
These preliminary data suggest that carrying a high number of "protective" gene variants could influence an individual's susceptibility to developing muscle injuries in football. Adapting the training load parameters to the athletes’ genetic profile represents today the new frontier of the methodology of training.
Return and volatility spillovers between non-fungible tokens and conventional currencies: evidence from the TVP-VAR model
Authors: Yousaf Imran , Youssef Manel , Gubareva Mariya 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis study investigates the static and dynamic return and volatility spillovers between non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and conventional currencies using the time-varying parameter vector autoregressions approach. We reveal that the total connectedness between these markets is weak, implying that investors may increase the diversification benefits of their multicurrency portfolios by adding NFTs. We also find that NFTs are net transmitters of both return and volatility spillovers; however, in the case of return spillovers, the influence of NFTs on conventional currencies is more pronounced than that of volatility shock transmissions. The dynamic exercise reveals that the returns and volatility spillovers vary over time, largely increasing during the onset of the Covid-19 crisis, which deeply affected the relationship between NFTs and the conventional currencies markets. Our findings are useful for currency traders and NFT investors seeking to build effective cross-currency and cross-asset hedge strategies during systemic crises.
Application of hospital–community–home linkage management model in patients with type 2 diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Xu Hong-Mei , Zhai Yan-Ping , Zhu Wen-Juan , Li Min , Wu Zhi-Ping , Wang Peng , Wang Xue-Jing 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Objective
To explore the effect of the hospital–community–home (HCH) linkage management mode in patients with type 2 diabetic nephropathy (DN).

Method
A total of 80 patients with type 2 DN hospitalised in the Department of Nephrology of our hospital between July 2021 and June 2022 were recruited and subsequently divided into the observation group and the control group using the random number table method, with 40 patients in each group. The control group received routine health education and discharge guidance. The HCH linkage management model was implemented for the observation group based on routine care. The improvements in compliance behaviour, biochemical parameters of renal function, blood glucose level and self-management ability were compared before the intervention and at 3 and 6 months after the intervention.

Results
After the intervention, the scores for compliance behaviour of the observation group were better than those of the control group, with a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05). The biochemical indicators of renal function and blood glucose level were significantly lower in the observation group compared with in the control group, with a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05). After the intervention, the observation group showed a great improvement in self-management ability and cognition of the disease, with significant differences (P < 0.05).

Conclusion
The HCH linkage management mode can improve the compliance behaviour of patients with type 2 DN, effectively improve the renal function and blood sugar level of patients, enhance the self-management ability and cognition of the disease and delay the development of the disease.
Uterine smooth muscle tumors of uncertain malignant potential: a retrospective evaluation of clinical pathology and immunohistochemistry features
Authors: Akbarzadeh-Jahromi Mojgan , Todarbary Nafiseh , Aslani Fatemeh Sari , Najib Fatemehsadat , Zare Marjan , Amirmoezi Fatemeh 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundUterine smooth muscle tumor of uncertain malignant potential (STUMP) is a group of uterine smooth muscle tumors which cannot be classified as a subtype of leiomyoma or leiomyosarcoma. Diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of these tumors are challenging due to recurrence, potential of malignancy, and metastasis.MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted in southern Iran during 2011 to 2020. We included records of 21 patients with STUMP and 24 patients with leiomyoma by simple randomized sampling in the tertiary health care centers in Shiraz, southern Iran. Slides were reviewed by an expert pathologist for examining mitosis, necrosis, and atypia, and also proper blocks were selected for immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining.ResultsFrom 45 participants, 21 (46.7%) and 24 (53.3%) patients were in the STUMP and normal leiomyoma groups, respectively. Odds ratio and 95% confidence interval (OR (95% C.I)) of pathologic size in the range of 5–10 cm was significantly higher in the STUMP group compared with normal leiomyoma. (CI: 7.22 (1.44–36.22)). Additionally, hyaline necrosis 0.05 (0.0-0.91), mild to moderate atypia 0.02 (0.0-0.4), moderate to severe atypia 0.01 (0.0-0.22), focal atypia 0.01 (0-0.26) and diffuse atypia 0.01 (0-0.26) were significantly fewer in normal leiomyoma compared to the STUMP group. Negative P16 0.01 (0.0007-0.24) and negative Bcl2 0.22 (0.06–0.81) were significantly higher in the normal leiomyoma group compared with the STUMP group. The cut-off points for predicting STUMP were 2.5% (sensitivity = 62% and specificity = 100%) and 45% (sensitivity = 43% and specificity = 96%) for P16 and bcl2, respectively.ConclusionThe category and management of STUMP continues to progress. The diagnosis for STUMP mainly depends on the histopathological manifestations. No single IHC marker such as P53, P16, and Bcl-2 has proved robust enough in separating STUMP from other leiomyoma variants; however, according to our study, we suggest combination use of P16 and Bcl-2 (cut off 2.5 and 45%, respectively) to distinguish equivocal cases of STUMP.
Trends in stroke severity at hospital admission and rehabilitation discharge before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in Hesse, Germany: a register-based study
Authors: Belau Matthias Hans , Misselwitz Björn , Meyding-Lamadé Uta , Bassa Burc 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected acute stroke care, resulting in a decrease in stroke admissions worldwide. We examined trends in stroke severity at hospital admission, including (1) probable need for rehabilitation (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score > 6 points) and (2) probable need for assistance (modified Rankin Scale score > 2 points), and discharge to rehabilitation after acute care among inpatients with acute ischemic stroke and intracerebral hemorrhage.

Methods
We compared quality assurance data for acute ischemic stroke and intracerebral hemorrhage during the pandemic with the period before the pandemic in Hesse, Germany, using logistic regression analyses.

Results
Fewer inpatients with a probable need for rehabilitation were present at the beginning of the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in September 2020 (adjusted OR (aOR) 0.85, 95% CI [0.73, 0.99]), at the end of the second national lockdown in May 2021 (aOR 0.81, 95% CI [0.70, 0.94]), and at the approaching peak of COVID-19 wave 4 in November 2021 (aOR 0.79, 95% CI [0.68, 091]). Rates of probable need for assistance were significantly lower at the beginning of COVID-19 wave 2 in August 2020 (aOR 0.87, 95% CI [0.77, 0.99]) and at the beginning of COVID-19 wave 3 in March 2021 (aOR 0.80, 95% CI [0.71, 0.91]). Rates of discharge to rehabilitation were lower from the beginning in October 2020 to the peak of COVID-19 wave 2 in December 2020 (aOR 0.83, 95% CI [0.77, 0.90]), at the beginning and end of COVID-19 wave 3 in March 2021 and May 2021 (aOR 0.86, 95% CI [0.79, 0.92]), respectively, and at the beginning of COVID-19 wave 4 in October 2021 (aOR 0.86, 95% CI [0.76, 0.98]).

Conclusions
The results suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic had an impact on stroke management during the pandemic, but the absolute difference in stroke severity at hospital admission and discharge to rehabilitation was small.
Quality analysis and antioxidant activity of different types of tea powder
Authors: Ye Yutong , Ai Zeyi , Li Ronglin , Tian Yang , Yang Yiyang 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAs a natural product with health benefits, tea powder (TP) is widely used in food processing field. In order to explore sensory evaluation, quality components and antioxidant activities among different types of TP, matcha TP, Huangjinya green TP, oolong TP, black TP and Pu-erh TP were used as the research objects. Our results showed that total scores of sensory evaluation of unfermented TPs were higher than those of fermented TPs, whilst the colour of those unfermented TPs was more bright. Furthermore, taste attributes showed that sweetness was conducive to the formation of the taste of black TP, and aftertaste-bitterness was beneficial to matcha and Pu-erh TP. Umami was suggested as a vital contributing factor to the mellow taste of Huangjinya green TP, while sourness and bitterness were not propitious to form the taste quality of tea powder. The non-volatile quality components analysis revealed that tea powders with more fermentation usually contained fewer amino acids and catechins, but glutamate and gamma-aminobutyric acid were higher in black TP than in oolong TP. Theanine, glutamic acid and arginine were the main iconic components affecting the amino acid composition of different types of tea powder in our study. Meanwhile, the contents of ester catechins (ECG, EGC, EGCG) in black TP and Pu-erh TP were significantly lower than those in green TP and oolong TP. In addition, the free radical scavenging ability of unfermented TPs were stronger than that of fermented TPs. Therefore, to maximize the health benefits and sensory attributes of different types of TP, the use of unfermented tea powder is recommended. However, different manufacturing process of tea powder can enrich the taste of tea foods, thus giving people more choices.
Graphical Abstract
Technologies of gene editing and related clinical trials for the treatment of genetic and acquired diseases: a systematic review
Authors: Sharaf-Eldin Wessam 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Gene editing can produce irreversible permanent changes to the genetic material at predetermined sequences, avoiding random integration, which is the major drawback of classical gene therapy. The technology has invaded all approaches of genetic engineering and biotechnology with versatile applications in agriculture, industry, and medicine.

Main body
The present review displays the different approaches and mechanisms of gene editing. Special emphasis has been given to the technology therapeutic applications where all registered clinical trials have been addressed. The Islamic ethical concerns of gene editing have also been highlighted.

Conclusion
The great advantages of gene editing technology, coupled with the splendid efforts of scientists to develop systems with superior efficacy and safety would provide an effective avenue for treating a wide range of human diseases in the near future.
Assessing physicians’ knowledge, attitude, and practice on anticoagulant therapy in non-valvular atrial fibrillation: Syrian insights
Authors: Swed Sarya , Bohsas Haidara , Alibrahim Hidar , Nasif Mohamad Nour , Abouainain Yasmeen , Jawish Nagham , Ishak Angela , Dibah Bassel , Mahmoud Eva , Mahfoud Suzanne , Sawaf Bisher , Hafez Wael , El Said Nouran Omar , Wahsh Engy Ahmed 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most prevalent cardiac condition linked to increased mortality due to complications such as stroke. Oral anticoagulant (OAC) is the mainstay in preventing cerebrovascular accidents in patients with AF. Recent evidence identified gaps in physician’s knowledge in diagnosing and managing patients with AF. This study aims to assess Syrian physicians’ knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding the use of anticoagulant therapy in non-valvular AF (NVAF) patients. A cross-sectional study was conducted using a validated web-based questionnaire, which included 56 items separated into four sections that collected information about demographics, knowledge, attitude, and practices. Chi-square and Kruskal Wallis were performed to analyze the statistical relationships between the knowledge, attitude, practice, and demographic variables.

Results
A total of 497 participants completed the survey, of which 62.6% were between the ages of 25 and 35. The average participant scores for knowledge, attitude, and practices were (48.18 ± 21.57), (81.54 ± 9.26), and (62.83 ± 12.42), respectively. Participants who demonstrated good understanding, a positive attitude, and good practices were 22.3%, 87.3%, and 25.4%, respectively. The fear of bleeding was identified as the most significant barrier to initiating anticoagulant medication in AF patients (55.5%). Doctors who attended training had a better knowledge score than those who did not (mean ± S.D. = 57.24 ± 20.7). Participants who stated that over 70% of their AF patients use aspirin received the highest attitude score (mean ± S.D = 86.98 ± 21.17). PhD participants reported higher practice scores than those with other educational backgrounds (mean ± S.D = 73.96 ± 11.3).

Conclusion
This research showed that primary care physicians in Syria had optimistic views regarding OAC therapy, suggesting that training interventions targeting physicians may lead to improvement in the treatment of patients with NVAF in Syria.