bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Adaptación inicial y pilotaje de la evaluación neuropsicológica infantil para jóvenes sordos colombianos.
Authors: Uran Loaiza Ana Jasmin , López Gualteros Brayan Stiben , Rincón Rodríguez Karen Sofía 
Published: December 2023

El 90% de los niños sordos nacen en hogares de padres oyentes y pueden experimentar retrasos en la adquisición del lenguaje debido a la falta de exposición temprana a la lengua de señas. La Evaluación Neuropsicológica Infantil 2 (ENI-2) puede ser utilizada para evaluar las habilidades lingüísticas y cognitivas de niños y jóvenes, para lo cual dispone de algunas tareas que es necesario adaptar para ser aplicada en el caso de las personas Sordas.
Esta investigación de enfoque cuantitativo, alcance descriptivo y tipo transversal consta de una adaptación inicial a la prueba ENI-2 y su respectivo pilotaje, con el fin de brindar una herramienta y datos preliminares, que pueden contribuir a generar una caracterización cognitiva y lingüística de niños y jóvenes Sordos. La adaptación realizada implicó aspectos como seleccionar las pruebas, modificar la modalidad de la respuesta de algunas tareas, postular un equivalente acorde al contexto bilingüe de las personas Sordas, ajustar estímulos e indicaciones, interpretar en lengua de señas colombiana las indicaciones, entre otras. Se debe tener en cuenta que este es solo un primer acercamiento al proceso de adaptación de la prueba, dado que se evidenció luego del pilotaje la necesidad de realizar más ajustes. Se contó con una muestra a conveniencia no probabilística, con la participación de 7 estudiantes (5 hombres y 2 mujeres) de un colegio para Sordos en la ciudad de Bogotá. Además de aportar la propuesta inicial de adaptación, los resultados de este estudio serán útiles para postular un perfil inicial de habilidades lingüísticas y cognitivas de jóvenes sordos, lo que puede facilitar el enfocar acciones de intervención fonoaudiológica, en torno a las habilidades de los escolares Sordos inmersos en un modelo educativo bilingüe-bicultural.
Efficient and sustainable extraction of uranium from aquatic solution using biowaste-derived active carbon
Authors: Ahmad Ashfaq , Khan Salah Ud-Din , Khan Rawaiz , Haneklaus Nils 
Published: December 2023

Efficient and cost-effective biosorbents derived from biowaste are highly demanding to handle various environmental challenges, and demonstrate the remarkable synergy between sustainability and innovation. In this study, the extraction of uranium U(VI) was investigated on biowaste activated carbon (BAC) obtained by chemical activation (phosphoric acid) using Albizia Lebbeck pods as biowaste. The biowaste powder (BP), biowaste charcoal (BC) and BAC were evaluated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) with nitrogen adsorption for thermal properties, chemical structures, porosity and surface area, respectively. The pHPZC for acidic or basic nature of the surface and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis were performed for BAC. The morphological and elemental analysis were performed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX). The extraction of uranium U(VI) ions from aqueous solutions using BAC as sorbent was investigated by using different variables such as pH, contact time, initial uranium U(VI) concentration and BAC dose. The highest adsorption (90.60% was achieved at 0.5 g BAC dose, 2 h contact time, pH 6, 10 ppm initial U(VI) concentration and with 200 rpm shaking speeds. The production of this efficient adsorbent from biowaste could be a potential step forward in adsorption of uranium to meet the high demand of uranium for nuclear energy applications.
The end of the game: emotional responses of older adults to climate crisis and climate mobilizations in Switzerland
Authors: Grand Jérôme 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionIn relation to climate change activism and climate emotions, the youth has captured most of the attention of researchers. This article draws on in-depth face-to-face interviews with people aged 64 and over engaged in pro-environmental behaviors in Switzerland.MethodsThrough a thematic analysis, we identify eight themes on positive and negative mental states related to the climate crisis and climate-related mobilizations.ResultsThe qualitative sample shows that older people engage in pro-environmental behaviors, not out of fear of losing access to vital resources, but out of concern for future generations, humanity, and nature. This broad sense of morality is associated with a form of anger for a world that refuses to change.DiscussionBetween generations, emotions vary in intensity but not in nature, and the strategies older adults undertake to mitigate their negative emotions are similar to the strategies mobilized by youth activists. In both cases, anger and fear are powerful negative emotions, and the pleasure, joy, and hope of protesting with like-minded others is a kind of remedy. Older people just face very different constraints and undertake actions that are compatible with their physical and cognitive capacities.
Post-COVID changes in lung function 6 months after veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: a prospective observational clinical trial
Authors: Pálfi Alexandra , Balogh Ádám L. , Polónyi Gabriella , Schulcz Domonkos , Zöllei Éva , Bari Gábor , Fodor Gergely H. , Baráth Kristóf , Somfay Attila , Peták Ferenc , Babik Barna 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundSevere coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may require veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (V-V ECMO). While V-V ECMO is offered in severe lung injury to COVID-19, long-term respiratory follow-up in these patients is missing. Therefore, we aimed at providing comprehensive data on the long-term respiratory effects of COVID-19 requiring V-V ECMO support during the acute phase of infection.MethodsIn prospective observational cohort study design, patients with severe COVID-19 receiving invasive mechanical ventilation and V-V ECMO (COVID group, n = 9) and healthy matched controls (n = 9) were evaluated 6 months after hospital discharge. Respiratory system resistance at 5 and 19 Hz (R5, R19), and the area under the reactance curve (AX5) was evaluated using oscillometry characterizing total and central airway resistances, and tissue elasticity, respectively. R5 and R19 difference (R5–R19) reflecting small airway function was also calculated. Forced expired volume in seconds (FEV1), forced expiratory vital capacity (FVC), functional residual capacity (FRC), carbon monoxide diffusion capacity (DLCO) and transfer coefficient (KCO) were measured.ResultsThe COVID group had a higher AX5 and R5–R19 than the healthy matched control group. However, there was no significant difference in terms of R5 or R19. The COVID group had a lower FEV1 and FVC on spirometry than the healthy matched control group. Further, the COVID group had a lower FRC on plethysmography than the healthy matched control group. Meanwhile, the COVID group had a lower DLCO than healthy matched control group. Nevertheless, its KCO was within the normal range.ConclusionSevere acute COVID-19 requiring V-V ECMO persistently impairs small airway function and reduces respiratory tissue elasticity, primarily attributed to lung restriction. These findings also suggest that even severe pulmonary pathologies of acute COVID-19 can manifest in a moderate but still persistent lung function impairment 6 months after hospital discharge.Trial registrationNCT05812196.
Electroacupuncture for relieving itching in atopic eczema: study protocol for a multicenter, randomized, sham-controlled trial
Authors: Wang Si-han , Liang Rui-long , Yang Han , Cai Xiao-ce , Wang Jiao , Sun Xiao-ying , Chen Jia-le , Wang Chun-xiao , Jiang Wen-cheng , Li Xin 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundAtopic eczema (AE) is a common atopic inflammatory skin disease affecting 2.1–4.9% of the population in different countries. Pruritus, one of the most burdensome symptoms, is often underestimated for the problems it can cause, creating a vicious loop of itching, scratching, and lichenification. Therefore, further research into practical and safe treatments that relieve itchy symptoms and enhance skin protection is key to overcoming AE. Acupuncture, with or without electrical stimulation, is one of the most commonly used therapeutic measures to treat AE. This trial aimed to objectively evaluate the efficacy and safety of the electroacupuncture (EA) antipruritic technique in AE pruritus and obtain high-level clinical evidence for the popularization and application of EA for AE.Methods and analysisThis multicenter, single-blinded, randomized controlled trial is planned to transpire from April 15, 2023, to June 30, 2025. We will recruit 132 participants with AE (44 per group). Participants will be assigned randomly to three equal-sized groups: EA, sham electroacupuncture, and sham acupuncture. Treatment will be administered three times a week during the 2-week intervention phase. The primary outcome measure is the Visual Analog Scale, with a numeric rating scale to evaluate pruritus. Secondary outcome measures include the Eczema Area and Severity Index and Dermatology Life Quality Index. Other outcome measures include physical examination, serum IgE, and safety evaluation. The number, nature, and severity of adverse events will be carefully recorded.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, 22Y11922200. Registered 3 September 2022, https://register.clinicaltrials.gov.
The domestication of SARS-CoV-2 into a seasonal infection by viral variants
Authors: McClelland Ryley D. , Lin Yi-Chan James , Culp Tyce N. , Noyce Ryan , Evans David , Hobman Tom C. , Meier-Stephenson Vanessa , Marchant David J. 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic was caused by the zoonotic betacoronavirus SARS-CoV-2. SARS-CoV-2 variants have emerged due to adaptation in humans, shifting SARS-CoV-2 towards an endemic seasonal virus. We have termed this process ‘virus domestication’.MethodsWe analyzed aggregate COVID-19 data from a publicly funded healthcare system in Canada from March 7, 2020 to November 21, 2022. We graphed surrogate calculations of COVID-19 disease severity and SARS-CoV-2 variant plaque sizes in tissue culture.Results and DiscussionMutations in SARS-CoV-2 adapt the virus to better infect humans and evade the host immune response, resulting in the emergence of variants with altered pathogenicity. We observed a decrease in COVID-19 disease severity surrogates after the arrival of the Delta variant, coinciding with significantly smaller plaque sizes. Overall, we suggest that SARS-CoV-2 has become more infectious and less virulent through viral domestication. Our findings highlight the importance of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and help inform public policy on the highest probability outcomes during viral pandemics.
Comparison of the response of microbial communities to region and rootstock disease differences in tobacco soils of southwestern China
Authors: Yi Kai , Li Zhenquan , Shang Deshuang , Zhang Chunguang , Li Molun , Lin Dengzheng , Wang Shihai , Sun Jianbin , Wang Wei , Yang Xiaoqian , Wang Yiming 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionSoil microorganisms are essential for crop growth and production as part of soil health. However, our current knowledge of microbial communities in tobacco soils and their impact factors is limited.MethodsIn this study, we compared the characterization of bacterial and fungal communities in tobacco soils and their response to regional and rootstock disease differences.Results and discussionThe results showed that the diversity and composition of bacterial and fungal communities responded more strongly to regional differences than to rootstock diseases, while bacterial niche breadth was more sensitive than fungi to regional differences. Similarly, the core bacterial and fungal taxa shared by the three regions accounted for 21.73% and 20.62% of all OTUs, respectively, which was much lower than that shared by RD and NRD in each region, ranging from 44.87% to 62.14%. Meanwhile, the differences in topological characteristics, connectivity, and stability of microbial networks in different regions also verified the high responsiveness of microbial communities to regions. However, rootstock diseases had a more direct effect on fungal communities than regional differences.ConclusionThis provided insight into the interactions between microbial communities, regional differences, and rootstock diseases, with important implications for maintaining soil health and improving tobacco yield and quality.
Brain changes: aerobic exercise for traumatic brain injury rehabilitation
Authors: Snowden Taylor , Morrison Jamie , Boerstra Meike , Eyolfson Eric , Acosta Crystal , Grafe Erin , Reid Hannah , Brand Justin , Galati Matthew , Gargaro Judith , Christie Brian R. 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionTraumatic Brain Injury (TBI) accounts for millions of hospitalizations and deaths worldwide. Aerobic exercise is an easily implementable, non-pharmacological intervention to treat TBI, however, there are no clear guidelines for how to best implement aerobic exercise treatment for TBI survivors across age and injury severity.MethodsWe conducted a PRISMA-ScR to examine research on exercise interventions following TBI in children, youth and adults, spanning mild to severe TBI. Three electronic databases (PubMed, PsycInfo, and Web of Science) were searched systematically by two authors, using keywords delineated from “Traumatic Brain Injury,” “Aerobic Exercise,” and “Intervention.”ResultsOf the 415 papers originally identified from the search terms, 54 papers met the inclusion criteria and were included in this review. The papers were first grouped by participants’ injury severity, and subdivided based on age at intervention, and time since injury where appropriate.DiscussionAerobic exercise is a promising intervention for adolescent and adult TBI survivors, regardless of injury severity. However, research examining the benefits of post-injury aerobic exercise for children and older adults is lacking.
Measuring visually guided motor performance in ultra low vision using virtual reality
Authors: Kartha Arathy , Sadeghi Roksana , Bradley Chris , Livingston Brittnee , Tran Chau , Gee Will , Dagnelie Gislin 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionUltra low vision (ULV) refers to profound visual impairment where an individual cannot read even the top line of letters on an ETDRS chart from a distance of 0.5 m. There are limited tools available to assess visual ability in ULV. The aim of this study was to develop and calibrate a new performance test, Wilmer VRH, to assess hand-eye coordination in individuals with ULV.MethodsA set of 55 activities was developed for presentation in a virtual reality (VR) headset. Activities were grouped into 2-step and 5-step items. Participants performed a range of tasks involving reaching and grasping, stacking, sorting, pointing, throwing, and cutting. Data were collected from 20 healthy volunteers under normal vision (NV) and simulated ULV (sULV) conditions, and from 33 participants with ULV. Data were analyzed using the method of successive dichotomizations (MSD), a polytomous Rasch model, to estimate item (difficulty) and person (ability) measures. MSD was applied separately to 2-step and 5-step performance data, then merged to a single equal interval scale.ResultsThe mean ±SD of completion rates were 98.6 ± 1.8%, 78.2 ± 12.5% and 61.1 ±34.2% for NV, sULV and ULV, respectively. Item measures ranged from −1.09 to 5.7 logits and − 4.3 to 4.08 logits and person measures ranged from −0.03 to 4.2 logits and −3.5 to 5.2 logits in sULV and ULV groups, respectively. Ninety percent of item infits were within the desired range of [0.5,1.5], and 97% of person infits were within that range. Together with item and person reliabilities of 0.94 and 0.91 respectively, this demonstrates unidimensionality of Wilmer VRH. A Person Item map showed that the items were well-targeted to the sample of individuals with ULV in the study.DiscussionWe present the development of a calibrated set of activities in VR that can be used to assess hand-eye coordination in individuals with ULV. This helps bridge a gap in the field by providing a validated outcome measure that can be used in vision restoration trials that recruit people with ULV, and to assess rehabilitation outcomes in people with ULV.
The value of machine learning in preoperative identification of lymph node metastasis status in endometrial cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ren Zhonglian , Chen Banghong , Hong Changying , Yuan Jiaying , Deng Junying , Chen Yan , Ye Jionglin , Li Yanqin 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundThe early identification of lymph node metastasis status in endometrial cancer (EC) is a serious challenge in clinical practice. Some investigators have introduced machine learning into the early identification of lymph node metastasis in EC patients. However, the predictive value of machine learning is controversial due to the diversity of models and modeling variables. To this end, we carried out this systematic review and meta-analysis to systematically discuss the value of machine learning for the early identification of lymph node metastasis in EC patients.MethodsA systematic search was conducted in Pubmed, Cochrane, Embase, and Web of Science until March 12, 2023. PROBAST was used to assess the risk of bias in the included studies. In the process of meta-analysis, subgroup analysis was performed according to modeling variables (clinical features, radiomic features, and radiomic features combined with clinical features) and different types of models in various variables.ResultsThis systematic review included 50 primary studies with a total of 103,752 EC patients, 12,579 of whom had positive lymph node metastasis. Meta-analysis showed that among the machine learning models constructed by the three categories of modeling variables, the best model was constructed by combining radiomic features with clinical features, with a pooled c-index of 0.907 (95%CI: 0.886-0.928) in the training set and 0.823 (95%CI: 0.757-0.890) in the validation set, and good sensitivity and specificity. The c-index of the machine learning model constructed based on clinical features alone was not inferior to that based on radiomic features only. In addition, logistic regression was found to be the main modeling method and has ideal predictive performance with different categories of modeling variables.ConclusionAlthough the model based on radiomic features combined with clinical features has the best predictive efficiency, there is no recognized specification for the application of radiomics at present. In addition, the logistic regression constructed by clinical features shows good sensitivity and specificity. In this context, large-sample studies covering different races are warranted to develop predictive nomograms based on clinical features, which can be widely applied in clinical practice.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO, identifier CRD42023420774.
Biochemical repercussions of light spectra on nitrogen metabolism in spinach (Spinacia oleracea) under a controlled environment
Authors: Ramezani Moazzameh , Thompson Dalton , Moreno Matte , Joshi Vijay 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionSelecting appropriate light spectra of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and optimal nutrient composition fertilizers has become integral to commercial controlled environment agriculture (CEA) platforms.MethodsThis study explored the impact of three LED light regimes (BR: Blue17%, Green 4%, Red 63%, Far-Red 13% and infrared 3%, BGR; Blue 20%, Green 23%, Red 47%, Far-Red 8% and infrared 2%; and GR; Blue 25%, Green 41%, Red 32%, and Far-Red 2%) and nitrogen levels (3.6 and 14.3 mM N) on spinach (Spinacea oleracea). ResultsUnder limited nitrogen (3.6 mM), BGR light increased the fresh shoot (32%) and root (39%) biomass than BR, suggesting additional green light’s impact on assimilating photosynthates under suboptimal nitrogen availability. Reduced chlorophyll (a and b) and carotenoid accumulation, electron transport rate (ETR), and higher oxalates under limited nitrogen availability highlighted the adverse effects of red light (BR) on spinach productivity. Increased activities of nitrogen-associated enzymes (GOGAT; Glutamate synthase, GDH; NADH-Glutamate dehydrogenase, NR; Nitrate reductase, and GS; Glutamine synthetase) in spinach plants under BGR light further validated the significance of green light in nitrogen assimilation. Amino acid distributions remained unchanged across the light spectra, although limited nitrogen availability significantly decreased the percent distribution of glutamine and aspartic acid.ConclusionOverall, this study demonstrated the favorable impacts of additional green light on spinach productivity, as demonstrated under BGR, than GR alone in response to nitrogen perturbation. However, the exact mechanisms underlying these impacts still need to be unveiled. Nevertheless, these outcomes provided new insights into our understanding of light spectra on spinach nitrogen metabolism.
Particulate air pollution and cardiovascular disease mortality in Jiangsu Province, China: a time-series analysis between 2015 and 2021
Authors: Zhu Fangyu , Yu Hao , Fan Xikang , Ding Zhen , Wang Qingqing , Zhou Jinyi 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionPrevious time-series studies have revealed a positive association between particulate matter (PM) and acute cardiovascular effects. However, the evidence mostly comes from developed countries and regions, while the majority of air-pollution-related deaths occur in developing countries. To assess the effect of short-term exposure to PM on daily cause-specific cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality in Jiangsu Province, China, we investigated 1,417,773 CVD deaths from 2015 to 2021 in Jiangsu.MethodsThe city-specific association was estimated using generalized additive models with quasi-Poisson regression, and then, random effects meta-analysis was performed to estimate the pooled provincial-average associations between acute exposure to PM2.5 and PM10 and cardiovascular disease mortality. To test the independence of PM from gaseous pollutants, we fitted two-pollutant models. Mortality data were also stratified by sex, age, and region to investigate the modification of associations. The exposure-response (E-R) curve from each city was combined using meta-analysis to drive the provincial-level E-R curve.ResultsThe results showed that each 10-μg/m3 increase in the PM2.5 concentration was associated with a 0.723% [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.512, 0.935] increase in daily total CVD mortality, a 0.669% (95% CI: 0.461, 0.878) increase in CHD mortality, a 0.758% (95% CI: 0.584, 0.931) increase in stroke mortality, a 0.512% (95% CI: 0.245, 0.780) increase in ICH mortality, and a 0.876% (95% CI: 0.637, 1.116) increase in CI mortality. The corresponding increases in daily mortality rates for the same increase in the PM10 concentration were 0.424% (95% CI: 0.293, 0.556), 0.415% (95% CI: 0.228, 0.602), 0.444% (95% CI: 0.330, 0.559), 0.276% (95% CI: 0.026, 0.526), and 0.510% (95% CI: 0.353, 0.667), respectively. The association between PM and total CVD mortality remained significant after adjusting for gaseous pollutants. Females, older adults and districts with lower average PM levels are more sensitive, especially for PM10. The E-R curve for PM on CVD mortality is steeper at lower concentrations and flattens out at higher concentrations. The estimates remained generally consistent in sensitivity analyses when excluding the data during the COVID-19 pandemic period.DiscussionOur time-series study provides evidence of positive associations between acute exposure to PM2.5 and PM10 and total and cause-specific cardiovascular disease mortality in developing countries.