bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Relationship Between Hand Preference and Mandibular Asymmetry: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Tercanlı Alkış Hümeyra , Bolat Gümüş Esra 
Published: March 2024

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between functional laterality (hand preference) and mandibular asymmetry in skeletal Class I, normodivergent patients.
Methods: 21 left-handed and 40 right-handed Class I normodivergent patients were included in the study. The hand preferences of the participants were determined by using the Oldfied hand preference questionnaire. Mandibular condylar height (CH), ramal height (RH), and total height (CH+RH) were measured on pretreatment panoramic radiographic images of the patients, and asymmetry values were obtained according to the formula of asymmetry indices. Data were analyzed with the Student’s t-test and Pearson chi-square.
Results: Right and left CH values were greater in left-handed patients than in right-handed patients. Right and left RH and CH+RH values were greater in right-handed patients than in left-handed. However, there was no difference between the measurements (p > .05). There was no significant relationship between the functional values and hand-use preference (p > .05).
Conclusions: Hand use preference was not associated with condylar, ramal, and total mandibular asymmetry.
Estimation of possible locations for green roofs and bioswales and analysis of the effect of their implementation on stormwater runoff control
Authors: Kinoshita Tomohiro , Ozaki Taira 
Published: March 2024

IntroductionThe objectives of this study are twofold. The first is to identify potential green infrastructure construction sites by building rooftops and sidewalks. The second is to analyze internal flooding for a wide range of drainage areas and to quantitatively evaluate the effectiveness of stormwater runoff control.MethodsThe target area has approximately 600 ha with a runoff coefficient of 0.71. Using Arc GIS Desktop 10.8.1, this study has identified green roofs and bioswales that would be highly beneficial in capturing large amounts of rainfall. In addition, Info Works ICM was used for the inundation analysis, which can simultaneously calculate the flow in sewer pipelines and above-ground inundation flow. Runoff coefficients were calculated for each land use using the urban land use subdivision mesh data with 100 m unit. This study targeted a 10-year probability rainfall (total rainfall: 86.3 mm, maximum hourly rainfall: 52.3 mm/h, duration: 3 h) with a middle concentrated rainfall waveform obtained from past experiments in the d4PDF database of ensemble climate prediction contributing to global warming.ResultsThe amount of land availability for green roofs and bioswales was about 1 and 0.1% of the drainage area, respectively. The runoff coefficients for green roofs only, bioswales only, with and without introduction of both green roofs and bioswales were 70.34, 70.87, 70.28, and 70.93%, respectively. The difference in runoff coefficients was about 0.65 percentage points even when both were constructed. As a result of inundation analysis, the reduction was 2.5% for the maximum waterlogged area, 1.5% for the flooded area, and 0.7% for the average depth of waterlogging divided by the maximum waterlogged area. The construction of green roofs and bioswales in the same area or downstream of the area shows little mitigation effect when flooding occurs in an area near the downstream end of the sewer network.DiscussionAlthough this study has mainly discussed the stormwater runoff control aspect, the most important feature of green infrastructure is its multifunctionality. In terms of utilizing and promoting green infrastructure, it is important to visualize its multifaceted effects and share them with many stakeholders.
Retrieval-based concept mapping makes a difference as a retrieval practice activity: a study with high school students
Authors: Lechuga María Teresa , Ortega-Tudela Juana M. , Gómez-Ariza Carlos J. 
Published: March 2024

IntroductionWhile specific sequences of retrieval-based activities have been shown to have a powerful effect on learning, no previous study has examined this issue in children or adolescents. Here, we aimed to determine whether the benefit of concept mapping as an initial retrieval activity observed previously with college students in a lab setting may also be found in younger and less experienced students in a more naturalistic school setting.MethodsAfter a short training in concept mapping, participants (N = 60) read an educational text and then engaged in a sequence of two learning activities that required them to retrieve relevant ideas from the text. One of the activities involved free recall by writing down as many ideas as possible and the other involved creating a concept map, both of them in the absence of educational texts. Critically, we manipulated the order in which the activities were performed.ResultsA mediation analysis with success during retrieval practice as the mediator revealed both a direct effect of retrieval sequence and an indirect effect. Creating a concept map first and then freely recalling by writing paragraphs significantly improved performance on a 2-week delayed learning test, as compared to performing the same activities in the inverse order, even when doing concept mapping first led to lower success rates during practice.DiscussionThese results support the idea that concept learning from instructional texts can be modulated by the sequence of retrieval activities performed and point to the educational value of retrieval-based concept mapping as a first learning activity within a series across different learners and educational settings.
The vegetation–topography heterogeneity coupling in the Loess Plateau, China
Authors: Luo Zhihui , Liu Yu , Zhou Hongyi 
Published: March 2024

As a result of adaptation to the environment, the great environmental spatial heterogeneity leads to the high spatial heterogeneity of vegetation status. This coupling may be more apparent in water-limited drylands, where topography is the main determinant of small-scale variation in water availability and energy. Metrics describing this coupling may contribute to the detection of the extension of vegetation reshaped by human intervention and other driven forces. In this study, the heterogeneity index of coupling (HIC) was developed to indicate the coupling between spatial heterogeneity of vegetation status (Hv) and the spatial heterogeneity of topography (HT) in the Loess Plateau in northern China. The 16-day composed MODIS normalized vegetation index (NDVI) with a resolution of 250 m and SRTM DEM were employed to quantify the heterogeneity of vegetation status and the topographical heterogeneity. The results show that HIC varies among geomorphic zones, land cover types, and land cover change categories. Among all land cover types, HIC of sandy areas was the largest, followed by the HIC of the forest, shrub, farmland, and grassland. Among geomorphic zones, the highest HIC value appeared in plains with dense residential areas, followed by sandy land that is frequently reshaped by wind, rocky mountainous areas, hilly and gully loess plateaus, and loess tableland. It was revealed that the alternation of vegetation by human activities and natural disturbances shaped greater HIC. Results of this study approved the effectiveness of the HIC in reflecting the coupling of the vegetation status with topography at regional scale.
Host–symbiont plasticity in the upside-down jellyfish Cassiopea xamachana: strobilation across symbiont genera
Authors: Sharp Victoria , Kerwin Allison H. , Mammone Marta , Avila-Magana Viridiana , Turnham Kira , Ohdera Aki , LaJeunesse Todd , Medina Mónica 
Published: March 2024

IntroductionIn the upside-down jellyfish, Cassiopea xamachana (Cnidaria: Scyphozoa), the establishment of photosymbiosis with dinoflagellates (family Symbiodiniaceae) is necessary for the sessile polyp to undergo metamorphosis (strobilation) into a free-swimming adult. C. xamachana has the capacity to associate with a wide variety of dinoflagellate species and representatives of divergent genera. While some studies have looked at the successful induction of symbiosis, none to date have examined the lasting effect of diverse symbiont taxa on host survivorship and development, which is needed to assess the fitness costs of such symbioses.MethodsOur study exposes C. xamachana polyps to 22 different cultured Symbiodinaceae strains representing 13 species from 5 genera. We analyzed the time to strobilation, the number of ephyra (juvenile medusa) produced, and the proportion of ephyra that died prematurely.ResultsHere we show that C. xamachana strobilation can be induced by nearly each symbiodinacean strain we tested, with the exception of free-living species (i.e., unknown to establish symbiosis with any other marine host). Additionally, ephyrae did not display morphological variation or survivorship differences with varying symbionts. However, we observed intraspecific variation in time to induce strobilation with different cultured dinoflagellate strains.DiscussionThis work expands the known symbiont species that can form stable mutualisms with C. xamachana, primarily in the genera Symbiodinium and Breviolum. Additionally, we provide evidence of differences in ability of cultured symbiodiniaceans to establish symbiosis with a host, which suggests population-level differences in dinoflagellate cultures impact their symbiosis success. By utilizing an animal like C. xamachana with flexible symbiont uptake, we are able to explore how symbiont diversity can influence the timing and success of symbiosis-driven development.
Type I interferon pathway activation across the antiphospholipid syndrome spectrum: associations with disease subsets and systemic antiphospholipid syndrome presentation
Authors: Cecchi Irene , Radin Massimo , Barinotti Alice , Foddai Silvia Grazietta , Menegatti Elisa , Roccatello Dario , Suárez Ana , Sciascia Savino , Rodríguez-Carrio Javier 
Published: March 2024

IntroductionWhile the type I interferon (IFN-I) pathway is crucial in autoimmunity, its role in antiphospholipid antibody (aPL)-positive subjects, including aPL carriers and antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) patients, is poorly understood. This study aims at characterizing IFN-I pathway activation within the spectrum of aPL-positive subsets.MethodsA total of 112 patients [29 aPL carriers, 31 primary APS (PAPS), 25 secondary APS (SAPS), 27 systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients without aPL, and 44 healthy controls (HCs)] were recruited. IFI6, IFI44, IFI44L, MX1, IFI27, OAS1, and RSAD2 gene expression was evaluated in whole blood, and a composite index (IFN score) was calculated.ResultsAn overall activation of the IFN-I pathway was observed across the entire APS spectrum, with differences among genes based on the specific disease subset. The composite score revealed quantitative differences across subsets, being elevated in aPL carriers and PAPS patients compared to HCs (both p &lt; 0.050) and increasing in SAPS (p &lt; 0.010) and SLE patients (p &lt; 0.001). An unsupervised cluster analysis identified three clusters, and correspondence analyses revealed differences in clusters usage across APS subsets (p &lt; 0.001). A network analysis revealed different patterns characterizing different subsets. The associations between IFN-I pathway activation and clinical outcomes differed across APS subsets. Although no differences in gene expression were observed in systemic APS, the network analyses revealed specific gene–gene patterns, and a distinct distribution of the clusters previously identified was noted (p = 0.002).ConclusionIFN-I pathway activation is a common hallmark among aPL-positive individuals. Qualitative and quantitative differences across the APS spectrum can be identified, leading to the identification of distinct IFN-I signatures with different clinical values beyond traditional categorization.
High normal alanine aminotransferase is an indicator for better response to antiviral therapy in chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Cai Chao , Shang Wen-Xuan , Lin En-Hua , Jiang Yu-Chun , Chen Hong , Xu Ke , Chen Lu , Chen Rui-Cong , Cai Yi-Jing , Lin Ji , Cai Ting-Chen , Lin Xiu-Li , Zhang Lei , Yang Nai-Bin , Zhang Hui-Fang , Lu Ming-Qin 
Published: March 2024

BackgroundEvidence shows people living with CHB even with a normal ALT (40U/L as threshold) suffer histological disease and there is still little research to evaluate the potential benefit of antiviral benefits in them.MethodsWe retrospectively examined 1352 patients who underwent liver biopsy from 2017 to 2021 and then obtained their 1-year follow-up data to analyze.ResultsALT levels were categorized into high and low, with thresholds set at &gt;29 for males and &gt;15 for females through Youden’s Index. The high normal ALT group showed significant histological disease at baseline (56.43% vs 43.82%, p&lt; 0.001), and better HBV DNA clearance from treatment using PSM (p=0.005). Similar results were obtained using 2016 AASLD high normals (male &gt;30, female &gt;19). Further multivariate logistic analysis showed that high normal ALT (both criterias) was an independent predictor of treatment (OR 1.993, 95% CI 1.115-3.560, p=0.020; OR 2.000, 95% CI 1.055-3.793, p=0.034) Both of the models had higher AUC compared with current scoring system, and there was no obvious difference between the two models (AUC:0.8840 vs 0.8835)ConclusionMale &gt;30 or female &gt;19 and Male &gt;29 or female&gt;15 are suggested to be better thresholds for normal ALT. Having a high normal ALT in CHB provides a potential benefit in antiviral therapy.
Analysis of the main indicators and risk factors of ultrasonic shear wave elastography for the diagnosis of osteoarthritis among adults
Authors: Zhang Jiong , Zheng Xiaozuo , Zhao Ying 
Published: March 2024

ObjectiveThis study was conducted to explore the main indicators of ultrasonic shear wave elastography (SWE) for the diagnosis of osteoarthritis (OA) and its influencing factors.MethodsWe collected 910 patients between January 2018 and November 2023 from the department of ultrasound, Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University. Logistic regression was used to analyze the effects of age, gender, body mass index (BMI), smoking, alcohol, hypertension and diabetes on the diagnosis of OA by SWE.ResultsThe results showed that medial meniscal projection distance (MMPD) and OA had a positively correlated dose–response relationship (OR = 2.12, 95%CI (1.53, 3.95), trend p &lt; 0.05). Also, medial meniscus elastometry (MME) had a positive dose–response correlation with OA (OR = 8.98, 95%CI (3.89, 11.52), trend p &lt; 0.05). In addition, regarding the analysis of factors influencing the diagnosis of OA, the risk of OA was significantly higher in the older age group [OR = 1.11, 95%CI (1.01, 1.25)], and the risk of diagnosis in OA was high in the high BMI group [OR = 1.8, 95%CI (1.23, 3.01)].ConclusionIn diagnosing OA, MMPD and MME can be used as reliable indicators, while people of advanced age and high BMI have a high possibility diagnosed with OA.
A meta-analysis of cognitive and functional outcomes in severe brain trauma cases
Authors: Shuanglong Zhang , Jiangyuan Yuan , Meng Nie , Zheng Wang , Yunshui Zhang , Wei Sun , Li Qiao , Rongcai Jiang 
Published: March 2024

BackgroundSevere traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are an important health issue worldwide, which are associated with harmful side effects. This meta-analysis investigates the cognitive and functional outcomes in severe brain trauma cases. It assesses the impact on memory, verbal and visual abilities, attention, learning, and the presence of depression. The study provides a comprehensive overview of the consequences of severe brain trauma injury on cognitive and functional domains.ObjectiveThe main objective of the current comprehensive meta-analysis study is to assess and analyze the impact of severe TBI on functional and cognitive outcomes, including verbal, visual, attention, learning, memory, and emotional stability.MethodsWe collected data from three online databases, including PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase. Case–control trials related to severe TBI association with cognitive and functional outcomes were included. Verbal strength, visual functions, learning abilities, attention, memory, and depression were considered primary outcomes.ResultsWe have included 13 case–control studies with 1,442 subjects in this meta-analysis, which provide adequate data to determine the pooled effect size for targeted outcomes. The effect of severe TBI on the inducement of depression and impairment of memory, verbal, visual, attention, and learning abilities compared to the control group showed statistically significant outcomes (p &lt; 0.05).ConclusionSevere TBI is strongly associated with impaired cognitive and functional abilities, including visual and verbal disabilities, impaired memory, depression inducement, attention deficits, and learning disabilities.
Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody titers by fixed cell-based assay: positive predictive value and impact of sample collection timing
Authors: Budhram Adrian , Rotstein Dalia L. , Yang Liju , Yeh E. Ann 
Published: March 2024

IntroductionIn January 2023, our laboratory began performing serum myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody (anti-MOG) titers by fixed cell-based assay (CBA). As a quality assurance (QA) assessment, we evaluated titer positive predictive value (PPV) as well as impact of sample collection timing on titers.MethodsAmong patients who underwent antibody titers to distinguish between low-positive (&lt;1:100) and clear-positive (≥1:100) anti-MOG, records were reviewed to classify results as true-positive (TP) or false-positive (FP) and facilitate PPV calculation. Timing of sample collection relative to administration of immunotherapy and symptom onset was determined for TP results.ResultsOverall PPV of anti-MOG was 70/85 (82%). The PPV of low-positive anti-MOG was significantly lower than clear-positive anti-MOG (72% vs. 95%, p = 0.009). The difference in PPV between low-positive and clear-positive anti-MOG was significant among adults tested, but not children. Among patients with TP anti-MOG, the proportion who received immunotherapy prior to sample collection was significantly higher and median time from symptom onset to sample collection was significantly longer for low-positive compared to clear-positive results.ConclusionOverall PPV of anti-MOG testing by fixed CBA was reasonably high. The PPV of low-positive anti-MOG was significantly lower than clear-positive anti-MOG. This was driven by the significantly lower PPV of low-positive anti-MOG in adults, possibly reflecting the lower prevalence of MOG antibody-associated disease among adults tested. Timing of sample collection relative to administration of immunotherapy and symptom onset may substantially impact titers, indicating that testing should ideally be performed prior to immunotherapy and close to time of attack.
Comparative assessment of myocardial function between late premature newborns and term neonates using the 2D speckle tracking method
Authors: Toma Daniela , Făgărășan Amalia , Cerghit-Paler Andreea , Togănel Rodica , Cucerea Manuela , Săsăran Maria Oana , Gozar Liliana 
Published: March 2024

IntroductionAssessment of myocardial function through speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) can bring benefits to conventional echocardiography in premature newborns, a particular vulnerable group in terms of adaptation to extra-uterine life. Furthermore, it represents a non-invasive imagistic method which can guide therapeutic approach in the hemodynamically unstable newborn. This study aims to highlight the particularities of myocardial function in late premature newborns, by conducting a comparison with a group of healthy neonates, by using STE.MethodsConducted over a timespan of two years, this prospective study enrolled 64 term neonates and 21 premature newborns, with gestational ages ranging between 28 and 36 weeks, who prior to discharge underwent a cardiac ultrasound, involving two-dimensional image acquisitions of the apical four-chamber view of both ventricles. Afterwards, the images were offline analyzed, by using the autostrain function.ResultsAfter segmental strain analysis, no significant discrepancies between the two groups in terms of interventricular values were found. However, left ventricle and right ventricle strain measurements differed significantly (p &lt; 0.01), for each of the analyzed segments (basal, medial or apical). Moreover, a linear increase in interventricular (IV) basal strain with corrected gestational age progression was noted (p = 0.04). Peak global longitudinal strain (pGLS) and EF were similar between the two study groups. Premature newborns presented significantly more negative mean values of right ventricular free wall longitudinal strain (RVFWSL), (−24.19 ± 4.95 vs. −18.05 ± 5.88, p &lt; 0.01) and of right ventricle global four chamber longitudinal strain (RV4CSL), (−19.71 ± 3.62 vs. −15.46 ± 5.59, p &lt; 0.01), when compared to term neonates.ConclusionsThe 2D STE is a reliable method for cardiac assessment of late preterm newborns. The evaluation of two-dimensional global longitudinal LV and RV strains might represent a useful tool in clinical practice. A better response of the right ventricle to the longitudinal deformation within premature neonates was noted. Thus, this study facilitates the identification of accurate reference values for this particular population segment, which will enable the evaluation of ventricular function in premature newborns with concurring disorders. Future longitudinal studies, assessing the fetal heart, could provide more insight into the development of myocardial function.
Canakinumab in the treatment of systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis: a retrospective single center study in China
Authors: Zhu Xiaona , Weng Ruohang , Huang Yanyan , Xu Yongbin , Yang Jun , He Tingyan 
Published: March 2024

ObjectiveSystemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA) is characterized by excessive production of proinflammatory cytokines. As an anti-IL-1 agent, canakinumab has been approved in the USA and Europe for the treatment of sJIA patients aged ≥2 years. However, the use of canakinumab has never been reported in China. In this study, we aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of canakinumab in Chinese patients with sJIA.MethodsA total of 11 patients with sJIA who were treated with canakinumab were included in this study. Clinical data were collected retrospectively from medical records. Efficacy was evaluated by the systemic juvenile arthritis disease activity score (sJADAS). The follow-up was performed at canakinumab initiation, at months 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12, or at the last follow-up.ResultsOf the 11 patients enrolled, 91.0% (10/11) had previously received treatment with tocilizumab. The mean duration of canakinumab was 9 (3–18) months. 45.5% (5/11) of patients showed complete response, 45.5% (5/11) showed partial response, and 9.0% (1/11) showed no response. 18.2% (2/11) experienced disease flare during the treatment with canakinumab. 81.8% (9/11) of patients successfully reduced the dose of corticosteroids, with six discontinuing corticosteroids. 45.6% (5/11) of patients experienced infection. No serious adverse events occurred during the treatment with canakinumab.ConclusionsCanakinumab may be effective and tolerable for Chinese sJIA patients, helping to reduce the dosage of corticosteroids. However, additional researches on large samples are required to evaluate its efficacy and safety.