bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Coronary artery dilatation associated with streptococcus pneumoniae infection misdiagnosed as coronary artery aneurysm: A case report
Authors: Zhao Li , Yang Lixia , Duan Hongyu , Liu Xiaoliang , Zhou Kaiyu , Shao Shuran , Wang Chuan 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Kawasaki disease (KD) is the leading cause of coronary artery dilatation (CAD) in children. As clinicians tend to have an inadequate understanding of other febrile diseases that can caused CAD, febrile patients with CAD are easily misdiagnosed as KD and treated accordingly. Therefore, improving the understanding of CAD which is not caused by KD has important clinical significance for avoiding misdiagnosis as KD and improving the prognosis of patients. Although rare, various infections and inflammatory diseases can cause CAD. However, there are no reports of CAD caused by S. pneumoniae infection. We firstly report a case of invasive S. pneumoniae systemic infection and meningoencephalitis that was misdiagnosed as KD due to fever and CAD at the beginning of the disease, resulting in delayed treatment and serious neurological complications. These findings highlight the possibility of CAD due to non-KD causes and suggest that for febrile children with CAD, invasive S. pneumoniae infection should be considered as differential diagnosis. Furthermore, this case also has important clinical value in improving clinicians’ understanding of the involvement of S. pneumoniae infection in the cardiovascular system.
Evaluating Frontoparietal Network Topography for Diagnostic Markers of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Rogers Bayard 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Numerous prospective biomarkers are being studied for their ability to diagnose various stages of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). High-density electroencephalogram (EEG) methods show promise as an accurate, economical, non-invasive approach to measuring the electrical potentials of brains associated with AD. Event-related potentials (ERPs) may serve as clinically useful biomarkers of AD. Through analysis of secondary data, the present study examined the performance and distribution of N4/P6 ERPs across the frontoparietal network (FPN) using EEG topographic mapping. ERP measures and memory as a function of reaction time (RT) were compared between a group of (n = 63) mild untreated AD patients and a control group of (n = 73) healthy age-matched adults. Based on the literature presented, it was expected that healthy controls would outperform patients in peak amplitude and mean component latency across three parameters of memory when measured at optimal N4 (frontal) and P6 (parietal) locations. It was also predicted that the control group would exhibit neural cohesion through FPN integration during cross-modal tasks, thus demonstrating healthy cognitive functioning consistent with older healthy adults. By targeting select frontal and parietal EEG reference channels based on N4/P6 component time windows and positivity, our findings demonstrated statistically significant group variations between controls and patients in N4/P6 peak amplitudes and latencies during cross-modal testing. Our results also support that the N4 ERP might be stronger than its P6 counterpart as a possible candidate biomarker. We conclude through topographic mapping that FPN integration occurs in healthy controls but is absent in AD patients during cross-modal memory tasks.
Optimization for Turbomachinery Performance Using Inverse Design Method: Integrating Cascade System and Flow Characteristics
Authors: Ke Zhifang , Wei Wei , Guo Meng , Liu Cheng , Yan Qingdong 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Conventional optimization approaches for torque converters often rely on iterative trial-and-error methods, resulting in inherent limitations and uncertainties. To address these challenges and achieve performance optimization based on flow characteristics, this study proposes an inverse design method for turbomachinery. Introducing a novel index for blade loads, denoted as rvt , enables simultaneous optimization for both the cascade system and the flow field. Furthermore, a pump’s driven loads are introduced for the directional design of the blade load characteristics of high-capacity torque converters. Building upon the inverse design method, a directional optimization strategy is developed to enhance the pump capacity or torque ratio, guided by the concept of driven loads. The inverse design method allows for the targeted design of blade shapes while ensuring optimal blade shape and flow field distribution. The design results and the prototype demonstrate a significant 8.28% increase in pump capacity and a notable 4.9% reduction in the magnitude of blade loads in the internal flow field. These findings confirm the efficacy of the inverse design method in achieving directional enhancement of pump capacity while optimizing the smoothness of the internal flow field.
Ethical implications related to processing of personal data and artificial intelligence in humanitarian crises: A scoping review
Authors: Kreutzer Tino , Orbinski James , Appel Lora , An Aijun , Vinck Patrick 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Humanitarian organizations are rapidly expanding their use of data in the pursuit of operational gains in effectiveness and efficiency. Ethical risks, particularly from artificial intelligence (AI) data processing, are increasingly recognized yet inadequately addressed by current humanitarian data protection guidelines. This study reports on a scoping review that maps the range of ethical issues that have been raised in the academic literature regarding data processing of people affected by humanitarian crises.
Methods
We systematically searched databases to identify peer-reviewed studies published since 2010. Data and findings were standardized, grouping ethical issues into the value categories of autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice. The study protocol followed Arksey and O’Malley’s approach and PRISMA reporting guidelines.
Results
We identified 8,387 unique records and retained 98 relevant studies. One in four (n = 25) discussed technologies related to artificial intelligence. Seven studies included an author from a lower-middle income country while none included an author from a low-income country. We identified 22 ethical issues which were then grouped along the four ethical value categories of autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice. Slightly over half of included studies (n = 52) identified ethical issues based on real-world examples. The most-cited ethical issue (n = 74) was a concern for privacy in cases where personal or sensitive data might be inadvertently shared with third parties. The technologies most frequently discussed in these studies included social media, crowdsourcing, and mapping tools.
Conclusions
Studies highlight significant concerns that data processing in humanitarian contexts can cause additional harm, may not provide direct benefits, may limit affected populations’ autonomy, and can lead to the unfair distribution of scarce resources. The anticipated increase in AI tool deployment for humanitarian assistance amplifies these concerns. Urgent development of specific, comprehensive guidelines, training, and auditing methods are required to address these ethical challenges. Moreover, empirical research from low and middle-income countries, disproportionally affected by humanitarian crises, is vital to ensure inclusive and diverse perspectives. This research should focus on the ethical implications of both emerging AI systems as well as established humanitarian data management practices.
Trial registration:
Not applicable.
Ammonites from the lower and middle Toarcian (Jurassic) in the Cantabrian Range (Asturias and Basco-Cantabrian Basin, Northern Spain). Chronostratigraphy, biotic events and correlations with other Iberian basins
Authors: Goy Antonio , Comas-Rengifo Maria Jose , García-Ramos José Carlos , Piñuela Laura 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The present paper studies the ammonite associations from the terminal Pliensbachian (Spinatum Zone, Hawskerense Subzone) and from the lower-middle Toarcian (Tenuicostatum to Variabilis Zones) in two areas of the Cantabrian Range, situated in the Asturian Basin (AB) and in the Basco-Cantabrian Basin (BCB). The outcrops examined in the AB were situated on the coast, between Villaviciosa and Ribadesella and those of the BCB were located inland, in the provinces of Cantabria and Palencia. The lower boundary of the Toarcian was accurately established with the first record of the genus Dactylioceras in both basins. In the Cantabrian Range, we characterised all the standard zones and subzones of the Toarcian Stage. In order to establish the chronostratigraphic horizons, we considered the evolution of the Dactylioceratidae (Dactylioceratinae) in the Tenuicostatum Zone, of the Hildoceratidae (Harpoceratinae) in the Serpentinum Zone, of the Hildoceratidae (Hildoceratinae) from the last horizon of the Falciferum Subzone to the end of the Bifrons Zone, and of the Phymatoceratidae (Phymatoceratinae) in the Variabilis Zone. We identified the following main regional or global biotic events: 1) the mass extinction of the Amaltheidae Family in the upper part of the Hawskerense Subzone; 2) the expansion of the Dactylioceratinae Subfamily as from the base of the Tenuicostatum Zone; 3) the extinction of practically all the late Arieticeratinae (Emaciaticeras, Canavaria, Tauromeniceras), of the Lioceratoides and of the Dactylioceras (Eodactylites) in the boundary between the Paltum/Mirabile and Semicelatum subzones; 4) the final extinction of the aforementioned groups, and of the Neolioceratoides, Protogrammoceras (Paltarpites) and almost all the Dactylioceras (Orthodactylites) in the boundary between the Tenuicostatum and Serpentinum zones, coinciding with the final stage of the Jenkyns Event. When the factors that caused this event came to an end, at regional or global scale there occurred a recovery of the Dactylioceratinae, Harpoceratinae and Hildoceratinae within a short time interval, with significant radiations of these subfamilies. The Phymatoceratinae subsequently radiated from the Bifrons Zone.
Unilateral temporomandibular joint disorders diagnosed as both disc displacement without reduction and osteoarthritis show vertical craniofacial asymmetry in women
Authors: Han Jung , Choi Sung-Hwan , Ahn Hyung Joon , Kwon Jeong-Seung , Park Younjung , Choi Yoon Jeong 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Objevtives This study investigated the effects of unilateral temporomandibular disorders (TMDs), specifically disc displacement without reduction and osteoarthritis on one side of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), on facial asymmetry in women, while the contralateral TMJ exhibits normal findings.
Materials and methods Participants were retrospectively enrolled and divided into an affected group (n=42 with unilateral TMD) and a control group (n=49 with bilateral healthy TMJs). The affected group was dagnosed with osteoarthritis on cone-bema computed tomograph and anterior disk displacement without reduction on magnetic resonance imaging. The control group showed normal findings bilaterally on both tests. Facial asymmetry was quantified using an asymmetry index derived from posteroanterior cephalograms, comparing both groups. The relationship between TMD subfindings and facial asymmetry was also investigated.
Results Significant increases in the asymmetry indexes of the vertical distances from the antegonial notch and gonion to a horizontal reference plane were observed in the affected group (P < 0.05). Additionally, there was a noticeable upward canting of the maxillary, occlusal, and mandibular planes towards the affected side (P < 0.05). Horizontal asymmetry did not differ significantly between groups (P > 0.05). Parafunctional habits in the affected group were correlated with higher asymmetry indexes of the antegonial notch distance (P < 0.05).
Conclusion Women with unilateral TMD exhibit significantly greater vertical facial asymmetry compared to those without TMD.
Clinical relevance These findings may assist clinicians in diagnosing vertical asymmetry in patients with unilateral TMD using cephalograms and in predicting facial asymmetry progression.
Separation of microplastics from deep-sea sediment using an affordable, simple to use, and easily accessible density separation device
Authors: Shaw Katherine R. , Sandquist Rachel , Fairclough Cameron , Black Jesse , Fitzgerald Alexandra , Shaw Jaxson T. , Gallager Scott , Lynch Jennifer 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Microplastics accumulate in the environment but methods to extract particles from sediment for quantification and identification often lack accuracy and reproducibility. Existing methods vary greatly and many do not achieve adequate microplastic separation. During method development for extraction procedures, spike-recovery experiments (positive controls) are essential to ensure accurate and reproducible results from each sample matrix. Furthermore, the large variability in grain size and organic matter can affect the extraction of microplastics from the matrix; thus, no one method will likely work for all sample types. Scientists have used density separation to separate microplastics from matrices for decades, but apparatuses are often made of plastic, need to be custom made, and require multiple sample transfers from one apparatus to another. This study presents an affordable, easily accessible, and simple to use Density Separation Device (DSD) to remove plastics from deep-sea sediments. Eight polymers were spiked into replicates of environmental sediment, including six fragments: high density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene (PS), PA6 (PA6), and crumb rubber (CR) and two fibers: cellulose acetate (CA) and polyester (PEST). Two size classes of polymers were used: 100 μm to 300 μm and >300 μm. Using a sodium polytungstate solution as the dense liquid and reflectance FTIR microscopy for particle identification, recoveries of all fragments exceeded 78 % ( CR: 92.7 % ± 30.8 %, PP: 78.4 % ± 34.0 %, HDPE: 93.8 % ± 13.5 %, PS: 86.9 % ± 25.7 %, PA6: 98.4 % ± 63.2 %, PVC: 100.0 % ± 12.4 %,. Fiber recovery was much lower (PEST: 28.1 % ± 28.1 % and CA: 25.9 % ± 17.3 %) because they aggregated, passed through sieves vertically, or were obscured under other particles. The non-spiked sediment replicates were found to contain PE, PP, PEST, and polycarbonate (PC). The fragment recovery success, accessibility (available online, all parts under $200) and ease of use of this DSD should facilitate widespread use, thus helping to standardize sample preparation methods for microplastic metrology.
Lung microbiota of ARDS patients due to COVID-19 receiving ECMO
Authors: Mitsuyama Yumi , Shimizu Kentaro , Motooka Daisuke , Ogura Hiroshi , Fujimi Satoshi , Oda Jun 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Diversity of the microbiota, which is essential for lower airway homeostasis, is greatly altered in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is the ultimate protective treatment for the lungs of patients with severe ARDS, but little is known about its effect on the lung microbiota of these patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of ECMO on the lung microbiota of ARDS patients.
Methods
This was a prospective, observational clinical study of ARDS patients with COVID-19. We performed 16S rRNA and fungal ITS1 profiling and shotgun sequencing on bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) samples collected from patients with ARDS due to COVID-19.
Results
BALF was collected from 13 patients, five of whom underwent ECMO. The median age of the patients with ECMO was significantly younger than that of those without ECMO (44 [IQR: 36–48] years vs. 64 [IQR: 53–74] years, p < 0.007). The median APACHE II score was significantly higher in the patients with ECMO versus those without ECMO (20 [IQR: 17–22] vs. 15 [IQR: 12–18], p = 0.018). In all ARDS patients, Pseudomonas was the most abundant of the bacteria. The patients with ECMO had more Pseudomonas and more Klebsiella than those without ECMO. The most abundant fungi were unspecified fungi in the patients with ECMO and Emmia lacerata in the patients without ECMO. Alpha diversity of bacteria and fungi did not differ significantly between the two groups. Human betaherpesvirus 5 and human alphaherpesvirus 1 were predominant in all patients, with human betaherpesvirus 5 decreasing over time in the ECMO patients.
Conclusion
The patients with ARDS due to COVID-19 who received ECMO had a different lung microbiota than those who did not receive ECMO.
Conditioned medium from painful schwannomatosis tumors increases pain behaviors in mice
Authors: Rubright Randy , Caterina Michael J. , Belzberg Allan , Ostrow Kimberly Laskie 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
The majority of schwannomatosis (SWN) patients experience debilitating pain. Yet, it is not known why only some schwannomas cause pain or whether mutations in SWN-related genes, (SMARCB1 or LZTR1) differentially influence pain signaling pathways. Here, we established cell lines from SWN tumors resected from patients with varying degrees of pain and bearing mutations in different SWN-related mutations. Compared with conditioned medium (CM) collected from “nonpainful” SWN tumors, CM from “painful” SWN tumors contained elevated levels of specific inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-8, VEGF), and was able to enhance sensory neuron responsiveness to noxious TRPV1 and TRPA1 agonists in vitro. In in vivo studies, injection of CM from painful SWN into the hind paws of healthy mice evoked both more acute pain behavior and greater enhancement of mechanical stimulus-evoked behavioral responses than did CM from nonpainful SWN. Furthermore, the behavioral effects of painful CM differed as a function of the SWN-related gene mutations identified in the tumors of origin. Painful SMARCB1 mutant CM, for example, sensitized mice to mechanical stimulation at low forces, compared to non-painful tumor CM and control media, but this effect waned over time. In contrast, CM from a painful tumor with no detectable mutation in either SMARCB1 or LZTR1 caused the greatest increase in responsiveness to low mechanical forces and this effect lasted for 2 days post-injection. These experiments establish a paradigm for examining the mechanisms by which painful SWN tumors bearing different mutations produce their sensory effects and will thus facilitate better understanding and, potentially, treatment of the pain endured by SWN patients.
Epidemiological characteristics of first-time SARS-CoV-2 Omicron infection among hospital staff in Chengdu, China
Authors: Tang Li , Wang Ye-Yuan , Li Xue , Yang Liu , Luo Ying-Juan , Li Chun-Rong , He Yu-Lei 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background After China ended its ‘dynamic zero-COVID policy’ on 7 December 2022, a large-scale outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron infections emerged across the country. We conducted a hospital-wide prospective study to document the epidemiological characteristics of the outbreak among healthcare workers in a hospital of Chengdu, where no previous staff SARS-CoV-2 infections were detected. Methods All hospital staff members were invited to complete an online questionnaire on COVID-19 in January 2023, and SARS-CoV-2 infection cases were followed up by telephone in June 2023 to collect data on long COVID. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the risk factors of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Results A total of 2,899 hospital staff (93.5%) completed the online questionnaire, and 86.4% were infected with SARS-CoV-2 Omicron. The clinical manifestations of these patients were characterized by a high incidence of systemic symptoms. Cough (83.3%), fatigue (79.8%) and fever (74.3%) were the most frequently reported symptoms. Multivariable logistic analysis revealed that females [adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 1.48, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.13–1.96] and clinical practitioners (aOR: 9.66, 95% CI: 6.24–14.96) were associated with an increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection, whereas advanced age ≥ 60 years (aOR: 0.33, 95% CI: 0.21–0.53) and full COVID-19 vaccination with the latest dose administered 1–3 months before 7 December 2022 (aOR: 0.41, 95% CI: 0.22–0.77) were associated with reduced risk. Only 4.27% cases suffered from long COVID of fatigue, brain fog or both, and for the majority of them, the symptoms were minor. Conclusion Our findings provide a snapshot of the epidemiological situation of SARS-CoV-2 infection among healthcare workers in Chengdu after China's deregulation of COVID-19 control. Data in the study can aid in the development and implementation of effective measures to protect healthcare workers and maintain the integrity of healthcare systems during challenging times such as a rapid and widespread Omicron outbreak.
Association of insulin resistance with chronic kidney disease in individuals without diabetes in a community population in South China
Authors: Li Jiamin , Zhou Qin , Liu Zhen , Zou Hequn 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: To explore the relationship of insulin resistance (IR) with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in individuals without diabetes.
Methods: We performed a cross-sectional survey among 2142 community-based participants without diabetes from southern China from June to October 2012 and excluded the incomplete data. We divided all the participants into four groups according to the quartiles of homeostasis model assessment of IR (HOMA-IR). Logistic regression models were used to explore the associations of IR with CKD in these subjects.
Results: In the unadjusted model, compared with the quartile one group, IR was significantly associated with CKD (odds ratio [OR] = 2.24, P < 0.001; OR = 4.46, P < 0.001) in the quartile three and four groups, and the association was still significant (OR = 2.08, P = 0.005; OR = 3.89, P < 0.001 ) after adjusting for potential confounders (including age, current smoker, current alcohol use, physical inactivity, education level, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, serum triglyceride, and body mass index). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (95% confidence interval) of HOMA-IR for diagnosing CKD was 0.67 (0.64, 0.71). The cut-off value was 2.5, the sensitivity was 75.2%, and the specificity was 56.4%.
Conclusions: HOMA-IR is associated with CKD in participants without diabetes. Early intervention for IR is important for reducing the incidence of CKD.
Parallel Structure of Hybrid Quantum-Classical Neural Networks for Image Classification
Authors: Xu Zuyu , Hu Yuanming , Yang Tao , Cai Pengnian , Shen Kang , Lv Bin , Chen Shixian , Wang Jun , Zhu Yunlai , Wu Zuheng , Dai Yuehua 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Hybrid quantum-classical neural networks (QCNNs) integrate principles from quantum computing principle and classical neural networks, offering a novel computational approach for image classification tasks. However, current QCNNs with sequential structures encounter limitations in accuracy and robustness, especially when dealing with tasks involving numerous classes. In this study, we propose a novel solution - the hybrid Parallel Quantum Classical Neural Network (PQCNN) - for image classification tasks. This architecture seamlessly integrates the parallel processing capabilities of quantum computing with the hierarchical feature extraction abilities of classical neural networks, aiming to overcome the constraints of conventional sequential structures in multi-class classification tasks. Extensive experimentation demonstrates the superiority of PQCNN over traditional concatenative structures in binary classification datasets, displaying heightened accuracy and robustness against noise. Particularly noteworthy is PQCNN's significantly improved accuracy on datasets with 5 and 10 classes. These findings underscore the transformative potential of the PQCNN architecture as an advanced solution for enhancing the performance of quantum-classical-based classifiers, particularly in the domain of image classification.