bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Frequency and risk factors of psychological distress among individuals with epilepsy before and during the outbreak of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant in China: an online questionnaire survey
Authors: Hao Xiaoting , Zhang Qi , Zhong Chenxi , Li Enzhi , Jiang Yingqi , Xu Jiajun , Li Yuanyuan , Zhou Dong , Yan Bo 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
The COVID-19 pandemic substantially increases the risk of severe psychological distress among people with epilepsy (PWE), especially those with monthly household income < 5000 RMB or with uncontrolled seizures. Patients with Kessler scores > 12 should consult a psychiatrist, especially during major disasters. This study was aimed to compare the frequency of psychological distress among Chinese PWE before and during the outbreak of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant, and to identify risk factors for such distress.

Methods
In this prospective study, we collected sociodemographic data of PWE aged > 14 years, who were treated at our center during December 1 to 15, 2022. All participants completed the 6-item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale before the outbreak and again during the outbreak. Health visitors who were unrelated to those patients during the outbreak were included as a control. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors of severe psychological distress and its exacerbation.

Results
Of the 223 PWE, 127 were tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, while 174 of 218 controls were positive for SARS-CoV-2. The neurological symptoms were similar between PWE and controls with SARS-CoV-2. The average Kessler score of PWE was significantly higher during the outbreak than before it (9.93 ± 3.98 vs. 8.52 ± 0.23, P < 0.001). The average score of controls during the outbreak (5.146 ± 0.35, P < 0.001) was significantly lower than that of the PWE. We identified three independent predictors for severe psychological distress in PWE during the outbreak, i.e., monthly household income < 5000 RMB (OR = 0.252, 95%CI 0.064–0.998, P = 0.048), severe psychological distress before the outbreak (OR = 0.067, 95%CI 0.026–0.174, P < 0.001), and seizure onset within 30 days before the assessment during the outbreak (OR = 0.356, 95%CI 0.157–0.805, P = 0.013). Of the three predictors, the last one was also an independent predictor for exacerbation of psychological distress during the outbreak (OR = 0.302, 95%CI 0.123–0.741, P = 0.009).

Conclusions
Our analysis suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic has substantially increased psychological distress of individuals with epilepsy, regardless of the viral infection or not. Various neurological symptoms similar to those of “long COVID” appeared for the first time among these individuals during the Omicron outbreak, highlighting the need for clinicians to screen carefully for this condition. Management of epilepsy during the pandemic or a similar major disaster should focus on the control of seizures and maintenance of mental health, especially among those with monthly household incomes below 5000 RMB, suffering uncontrolled seizures and having a history of severe psychological distress.
An initial investigation of the non-isotropic feature of GNSS tropospheric delay
Authors: Xu Ying , Yang Zaozao , Zhou Hongzhan , Zhang Fangzhao 
Published: January 2024

AbstractTropospheric delay is a significant error source in Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) positioning. Slant Path Delay (SPD) is commonly derived by multiplying Zenith Tropospheric Delay (ZTD) with a mapping function. However, mapping functions, assuming atmospheric isotropy, restrict the accuracy of derived SPDs. To improve the accuracy, a horizontal gradient correction is introduced to account for azimuth-dependent SPD variations, treating the atmosphere as anisotropic. This study uncovers that, amidst atmospheric dynamics and spatiotemporal changes in moisture content, the SPD deviates from that based on traditional isotropy or anisotropy assumption. It innovatively introduces the concept that SPD exhibits non-isotropy with respect to azimuth angles. Hypothesis validation involves assessing SPD accuracy using three mapping functions at five International GNSS Service (IGS) stations, referencing the SPD with the ray-tracing method. It subsequently evaluates the SPD accuracy with horizontal gradient correction based on Vienna Mapping Function 3 (VMF3) estimation. Lastly, the non-isotropic of SPD is analyzed through the ray-tracing method. The results indicate the smallest residual (1.1–82.7 mm) between the SPDs with VMF3 and those with the ray-tracing. However, introducing horizontal gradient correction yields no significant improvement of SPD accuracy. Considering potential decimeter-level differences in SPD due to non-isotropic tropospheric delay across azimuth angles, a precise grasp and summary of these variations is pivotal for accurate tropospheric delay modeling. This finding provides vital support for future high-precision tropospheric delay modeling.
Bridging the gap: associations between gut microbiota and psychiatric disorders
Authors: Ahmed Gellan K. , Ramadan Haidi Karam-Allah , Elbeh Khaled , Haridy Nourelhoda A. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackgroundGut microbiota plays a pivotal role in the gut-brain axis and can influence neurodevelopment and mental health outcomes. This review summarizes the current evidence on the associations between gut microbiota alterations and various psychiatric illnesses.Main bodyThe composition of the gut microbiome evolves from birth through old age, and disruptions during critical periods may increase disease risk. Factors like diet, medications, stress, and infections can disturb the gut microenvironment and lead to dysbiosis. Dysbiosis has been linked to conditions like depression, anxiety, autism, ADHD, and schizophrenia. Proposed mechanisms involve microbial regulation of neurotransmitters, inflammation, oxidative stress, blood-brain barrier permeability, and the immune system. Therapeutic strategies like probiotics, prebiotics, and faecal transplantation may modulate the gut-brain axis and microbial ecosystem. However, more research is needed to elucidate the causal microbiota-psychiatry relationship. Understanding gut-brain interactions may uncover new possibilities for preventing and managing psychiatric disorders.ConclusionA growing body of research points to a close relationship between gut microbiota and mental health. While the field is still emerging, dysbiosis of gut microbial ecosystem has been associated with various neuropsychiatric conditions. The underlying mechanisms likely involve the microbiota-gut-brain axis signalling pathways. Additional research with larger samples is required to establish causal links between specific microbial changes and psychiatric outcomes.
Promoting child health through a comprehensive One Health perspective: a narrative review
Authors: Ghazy Ramy Mohamed , Saidouni Asma , Taha Sarah Hamed N. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractChildren are increasingly exposed to health risks as a result of adverse effects of climate change, including more frequent and intense extreme weather events, disruption of food systems, an increase in food-, water- and vector-borne diseases, mental health issues, clean water scarcity and zoonoses, and habitat destruction causing “zoonotic spillovers”. To address these emerging and new health risks, a holistic approach is required. Understanding how these risk drivers impact the physiological and mental development of children is a highly complex challenge. Addressing this complexity requires the collaborative development of multi-disciplinary and comprehensive approaches. In addition, factors such as inadequate nutrition that leads to stunting, maternal characteristics (including age, height, pregnancy, and postnatal care), hygiene habits at home, gender disparity, and the financial situation of the household also play crucial roles. This review is prompted by the pressing need to tackle the substantial and diverse health impacts that will affect children throughout the current century. Emphasizing the importance of adopting the One Health approach, this review aims to mitigate these effects and pave the way for a healthier future for the younger generation.
Diagnostic approach to adnexal lesions in young females in their second and third decades
Authors: Sobhi Aalaa , Hamed Soha T. , Magdy Hoda , Badr Safia 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
To review the imaging options and features of different ovarian lesions in young females. We also aimed to put a simple approach to reach the appropriate diagnosis.

Patients and methods
A retrospective study of 120 patients were included in their second and third decades. All cases had examined by ultrasound then other preferred imaging modalities were used either CT or MRI to reach the appropriate diagnosis. Further, serological and pathological assessments were done in some cases.

Results
Ovarian pathologies were 89.1% and extra-ovarian adnexal lesions were 10.8%. Non-tumoral ovarian pathologies were the upper hand in both decades, followed by benign tumors in the first decade; however, the overall malignancy was common in the second decade. The ultrasound provided substantial proof of the diagnosis in 34.1% without further need for advanced imaging with a sensitivity and specificity of 100% besides it helped in the discrimination between benignity and malignancy of the ovarian tumors with calculated overall sensitivity and specificity of 93.7 and 88%, respectively. MRI and DWI have raised the sensitivity and specificity up to 95.4% and 96.3% respectively in the setting of ovarian tumor's nature discrimination.

Conclusions
The majority of adnexal lesions were benign in this age group. It was not always possible to distinguish between benign and malignant adnexal tumors using ultrasound only, so adding CT and /or MRI for more characterization of some lesions raises the diagnostic performance of the diagnosis to achieve proper management for saving fertility and crucial when ovarian cancer discovered to help adjuvant therapy and enhance patient outcomes.
Financial technology decision support systems
Authors: Pahsa Alper 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe financial technology industry was the first and most successful to combine machine learning algorithms based on big data with artificial intelligence techniques. The use of decision support systems (DSSs) procedures will deliver financial products, service channels, service methodologies, and risk management in the quickest and most cost-efficient manners. The deep service value chain’s high-end finance was significantly impacted by the inventive and quick development of smart artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) techniques brought about by all of the decision-making processes. This study presents digital services, including DSS procedures utilized in financial service operations. The fundamentals of DSS approaches, as well as AI and ML, are then demonstrated, and an example application of a campaign management system for tax repayment rescheduling is provided.
Relationship between airway inflammation, small airway dysfunction, and frequency of acute exacerbations in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Abdelgawad Taha Taha , Eliwa Azza , Fouda Ahmed , Khedr Doaa , Abdelsalam Ramy A. , Mansour Ahmed Elsayed 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Context
Recurrent exacerbations in COPD patients are associated with accelerated reduction in lung function. Airway inflammation and small airway dysfunction were recognized for a long time as an essential feature of COPD.

Aim
To study the relationship between neutrophilic airway inflammation, small airway dysfunction, and frequency of acute exacerbations in COPD patients.

Settings and design
This was a cross-sectional study.

Patients and methods
Thirty COPD patients were enrolled and classified into two groups: infrequent exacerbators (IFE) “who developed ≤ 1 exacerbation per year” and frequent exacerbators (FE) “who developed ≥ 2 exacerbations per year” in the last year prior to this study. All patients included in the study underwent clinical evaluation, and assessment of small airway dysfunction by pulmonary function testing (MEF 25–75, RV/TLC, and DLCO) and paired inspiratory and expiratory HRCT-chest to measure the mean lung density (MLD) as well as assessment of neutrophilic airway inflammation by taking BAL via bronchoscopy and examined for differential cell count.

Results
The small airway dysfunction is more severe in the case of the FE COPD group as there were statistically significant differences between FE and IFE COPD groups in %MEF 25–75 and RV/TLC (p = 0.038 and p = 0.030, respectively). The mean value of the BAL neutrophil % was higher in FE than in IFE COPD patients but without a significant statistical difference (p = 0.513). There were statistically significant negative correlations between %FEV1 (p = 0.026), %FVC (p = 0.020), and %MEF25–75 (p = 0.005) and MLD(E/I) in all studied COPD patients.

Conclusion
COPD patients associated with small airway dysfunction and increased BAL neutrophil cell count are more prone to frequent exacerbations.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06040931. Registered 18 Sept 2023—Retrospectively registered.
Transport and retention of micro-polystyrene in coarse riverbed sediments: effects of flow velocity, particle and sediment sizes
Authors: Munz Matthias , Loui Constantin , Postler Denise , Pittroff Marco , Oswald Sascha E. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractRiverbed sediments have recently been found to be an important reservoir for microplastics. But the hydrogeological factors that control the abundance of microplastics are complex and conceptual frameworks priorising the parameters affecting their transport and retention during deep riverbed filtration are still missing. In this study a series of saturated column experiments was conducted to investigate the vertical distribution patterns of secondary polystyrene fragments (100–2000 μm) in dependence on their particle size, grain size of the sediment, seepage velocity and duration of infiltration flow. The columns with a length of 50 cm were operated with flow velocities between 1.8 m d−1 and 27 m d−1. Invasive samples obtained after the experiments were density separated and then depth profiles of microplastic concentrations were retrieved using fluorescence imaging analysis. Most polystyrene particles were retained in the upper 20 cm and 15 cm of the medium gravel and coarse sand sediments, respectively. Through the high particle retention riverbed sediments can act as a temporary sink or long term retention site for the transport of microplastic particles (MPPs) from streams to oceans. A small fraction of particles ranging from 100 to 500 μm in size was observed down to infiltration depths of 50 cm suggesting that MPPs at the pore scale have the potential to be advectively transferred via hyporheic exchange or induced bank filtration into coarse riverbed sediments and alluvial aquifers. MPP abundance over column depth follows an exponential relationship with a filter coefficient that was found to depend significantly on the flow rate, MPP and sediment grain size, as indicated by multiple linear regression (R2 = 0.92). The experimentally derived empirical relation allows to estimate particle abundances of initially negatively buoyant MPP in riverbed sediments by surface water infiltration.
Identification of novel serological agents for porcine deltacoronavirus infection based on the immunogenic accessory protein NS6
Authors: Li Yali , Shi Fangshu , Cao Lingxiang , Zheng Qiankun , Feng Yaoyu , Wang Bin , Huang Yaowei 
Published: January 2024

AbstractPorcine deltacoronavirus (PDCoV) is a swine enteropathogenic CoV that causes severe vomiting, diarrhea and dehydration in suckling piglets, leading to economic losses in the swine industry. There is a great need for a convenient method to detect circulating antibodies and help in accurate diagnosis and disease control. Previously, we demonstrated that a unique PDCoV accessory protein, NS6, is expressed during PDCoV infection in pigs and is incorporated into PDCoV virions; thus, we deduced that NS6 is likely an immunogenic target that can be used for the diagnosis of PDCoV infection. In this study, we first confirmed that NS6 is immunogenic in PDCoV-infected pigs by performing a serum western blot. Furthermore, we developed a novel NS6-based indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA) method and compared it to an established S1-based iELISA for the survey of anti-PDCoV IgG or IgA in pigs of different ages in China. The NS6-iELISA has high specificity for the detection of IgG antibodies and no cross-reactivity with other porcine enteric CoVs (transmissible gastroenteritis coronavirus, porcine epidemic diarrhea virus, or swine acute diarrhea syndrome coronavirus). This NS6 serology-based method has great sensitivity and good repeatability, making it a new and cost-saving option for the rapid diagnosis and immunosurveillance of PDCoV, which may also be important for the prevention and control of deltacoronavirus-related infection in pigs and other animals.
Novel therapeutic targets, including IGFBP3, of umbilical cord mesenchymal stem-cell-conditioned medium in intrauterine adhesion
Authors: Zhu Yuan , Bao Mingjie , Wang Ting , Ai Xiaoyan , Qiu Dewen , Wang Changhua 
Published: January 2024

ABSTRACT
Mesenchymal stem cells play important roles in repairing injured endometrium. However, the molecular targets and potential mechanism of the endometrial recipient cells for stem cell therapy in intrauterine adhesion (IUA) are poorly understood. In this study, umbilical cord mesenchymal stem-cell-conditioned medium (UCMSCs-CM) produced positive effects on a Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) induced IUA cell model. RNA-sequencing was performed on clinical IUA tissues, and the top 40 upregulated and top 20 downregulated mRNAs were selected and verified using high-throughput (HT) qPCR in both tissues and cell models. Based on a bioinformatic analysis of RNA-sequencing and HT-qPCR results, 11 mRNAs were uncovered to be the intervention targets of UCMSCs-CM on IUA endometrium cell models. Among them, IGFBP3 was striking as a key pathogenic gene and a potential diagnostic marker of IUA, which exhibited the area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity were 0.924, 93.1% and 80.6%, respectively in 60 endometrial tissues. The silencing of IGFBP3 exerted positive effects on the IUA cell model through partially upregulating MMP1 and KLF2. In conclusion, RNA-sequencing combined with HT qPCR based on clinical tissues and IUA cell models were used in IUA research and our results may provide some scientific ideas for the diagnosis and treatment of IUA.
Spherical harmonics analysis reveals cell shape-fate relationships in zebrafish lateral line neuromasts
Authors: Hewitt Madeleine N. , Cruz Iván A. , Linbo Tor H. , Raible David W. 
Published: January 2024

ABSTRACT
Cell shape is a powerful readout of cell state, fate and function. We describe a custom workflow to perform semi-automated, 3D cell and nucleus segmentation, and spherical harmonics and principal components analysis to distill cell and nuclear shape variation into discrete biologically meaningful parameters. We apply these methods to analyze shape in the neuromast cells of the zebrafish lateral line system, finding that shapes vary with cell location and identity. The distinction between hair cells and support cells accounted for much of the variation, which allowed us to train classifiers to predict cell identity from shape features. Using transgenic markers for support cell subpopulations, we found that subtypes had different shapes from each other. To investigate how loss of a neuromast cell type altered cell shape distributions, we examined atoh1a mutants that lack hair cells. We found that mutant neuromasts lacked the cell shape phenotype associated with hair cells, but did not exhibit a mutant-specific cell shape. Our results demonstrate the utility of using 3D cell shape features to characterize, compare and classify cells in a living developing organism.
Effect of aerobic training versus brain gym exercises to improve global cognition and quality of life in elderly - a randomised clinical trial protocol
Authors: Budhwani Yukta , Patil Dr. Shubhangi 
Published: January 2024

Literature implies that the length of life spent in good health continues to be fairly stable, indicating that additional years usually deteriorate health The aftermath for older people and society will be more profound if these extra years are primarily marked by declines in physical and mental competence. The cultures and settings individuals live in, paired with their personality traits have a lasting impact on how they age. Health can be shaped by physical and social environments that influence wellness practices. It is therefore essential to consider environmental and personal strategies as well as those that could aid in recovery, adaptation, and psychosocial development while constructing a public health response to aging. According to research, over the next three decades, there will be a more than doubling of the global elderly population. There will be 1.25 billion more people over the age of 60 in 2050, and 115.4 million of those people are expected to have dementia. 48 million people worldwide are affected by Alzheimer's disease, which accounts for 60–70% of dementia cases and causes serious societal, financial, and clinical issues. This alarms for a solution for the plethora of problems that arise with advancing age. Giving up a sedentary lifestyle and incorporating physical activity into daily activities has shown some amazing results in not only lowering the risk of developing serious illnesses but also 10 improving quality of life. Numerous studies have been conducted in recent years to determine how aerobic exercise and brain gymnastics can each improve health and life expectancy in the elderly, but relatively fewer researches have been done on how these two activities can work together. Consequently, here we intend to probe how aerobic exercise and brain training can enhance general cognition and overall quality of life.
A prospective observational study of sepsis-associated coagulopathy (SAC) in septic shock in the pediatric intensive care unit of tertiary care hospital in central rural India
Authors: Pulivarthi Chaithanya , Meshram Revat J. , Taksande Amar 
Published: January 2024

Background: Sepsis-associated coagulopathy (SAC) is a frequently encountered clinical scenario in pediatric critical care practice. The disruptions within the normal coagulation cascade in cases of sepsis significantly impact the ultimate patient outcome. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the associations between sepsis-associated coagulopathy (SAC) in pediatric septic shock cases and their corresponding clinical outcomes. Methods: This study will be conducted within a tertiary care Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), focusing on children aged one month to 18 years who have been admitted to manage sepsis. Cases diagnosed with sepsis will undergo evaluation and treatment according to the established PICU protocol. Coagulation profiles, encompassing International Normalized Ratio (INR), activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT), Prothrombin Time (PT), and platelet counts, will be subjected to analysis. Any deviations in coagulation parameters will be compared and correlated with morbidity and mortality outcomes. Expected results: This study will establish correlations between the severity of sepsis and its subsequent outcomes, specifically concerning aberrations in coagulation profile levels. A meticulous analysis will focus on critically ill cases necessitating various interventions and exhibiting deviant coagulation patterns. Conclusions: This research aims to unravel potentially pivotal prognostic correlations within sepsis cases. The coagulation profile, a standard investigation, can be a predictive tool for outcomes within the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU).