bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quality of Life Evaluation Using the Kidslife Scale in Individuals with Cornelia de Lange Syndrome
Authors: Trujillano Laura , Ayerza-Casas Ariadna , Puisac Beatriz , Latorre-Pellicer Ana , Arnedo María , Lucia-Campos Cristina , Gil-Salvador Marta , Parenti Ilaria , Kaiser Frank J. , Ramos Feliciano J. , Trujillano Javier , Pié Juan 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Cornelia de Lange Syndrome (CdLS) is a rare genetic disorder with multisystemic involvement. Despite numerous clinical and molecular studies, there is a paucity of research specifically addressing the evaluation of quality of life (QoL) and its relationship with syndrome-specific risk factors.
Methods
The QoL of 33 individuals diagnosed with CdLS, aged between 4 and 21 years, was evaluated through the Kidslife questionnaire. This study specifically examined the impact of 14 identified risk factors on the overall QoL and its eight domains.
Results
The study revealed below-median QoL at 45.3 percentile, with the most affected domains being physical well-being, personal development, and self-determination. Upon classifying our cohort according to QoL percentiles (Low: < p33, Medium: p33-p66, and High: > p66), the main risk factors identified included variants in the NIPBL gene, clinical scores ≥ 11, and severe behavioral and communication issues.
Conclusions
The Kidslife scale has demonstrated its utility as a valuable tool for assessing QoL in individuals diagnosed with CdLS. According to our findings, we highlight the necessity of applying specific therapies for behavioral problems after ruling out underlying causes such as pain or gastroesophageal reflux, and implementing measures that facilitate communication and promote social interaction in individuals with CdLS.
Cardinality estimation based on QDSPN for embedded databases under dynamic workload
Authors: Ding Xiaoou , Su Hongbin , Shen Ziming , Guan Yiming , Wang Hongzhi 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Cardinality estimation has been a pivotal and enduring research focus within database query optimization. While significant advancements have been made in estimating cardinalities for both individual tables and complex multi-table joins, there remains a notable gap in research pertaining to embedded database scenarios. Embedded databases are typically characterized by limited resources and a preponderance of dense, short-term hotspot queries. As a result, cardinality estimation within the constraints of embedded databases poses additional complexities and challenges. In this paper, we introduce a novel Query-driven Sum-Product Network (QDSPN), which leverages the capabilities of sum-product networks (SPNs) to learn from historical data and adapt to dynamic workload variations. This approach effectively mitigates the inherent challenges of SPNs, such as false cluster collisions and independence assumption errors, particularly under conditions of strongly correlated data.
Furthermore, we propose a two-stage query clustering framework tailored for dynamic workload environments. This framework serves to guide the structural configuration of the sum-product network, enhancing its adaptability and efficiency. We conduct extensive experiments to validate the performance of QDSPN under dynamic workloads. The experimental results demonstrate the evident advantages of the proposed QDSPN, and highlight its potential for widespread adoption in embedded database systems.
Prevalence of chronic pelvic pain and associated factors among indigenous women of reproductive age in Ecuador
Authors: Vargas-Costales José Antonio , Rosero Carmen Yolanda de las Mercedes Villa , Mazin Suleimy Cristina , Candido-dos-Reis Francisco José , Nogueira Antonio Alberto , Rosa-e-Silva Julio Cesar , Poli-Neto Omero Benedicto 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background:Chronic pelvic pain is a common disease that affects approximately 4% of women of reproductive age in developed countries. This number is estimated to be higher in developing countries, with a significant negative personal and socioeconomic impact on women. The lack of data on this condition in several countries, particularly those in development and in socially and biologically vulnerable populations such as the indigenous, makes it difficult to guide public policies.
Objectives: To evaluate the prevalence of chronic pelvic pain (dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, non-cyclical pain) and identify which variables are independently associated with the presence of the condition in indigenous women from Otavalo-Ecuador.
Design: A cross-sectional study was carried out including a sample of 2429 women of reproductive age between 14-49 years old, obtained from April 2022 to March 2023. A directed questionnaire was used, collected by bilingual interviewers (Kichwa and Spanish) belonging to the community itself; the number of patients was selected by random sampling proportional to the number of women estimated by sample calculation. Data are presented as case prevalence, odds ratio, and 95% confidence interval, with p < 0.05.
Results: The prevalence of primary dysmenorrhea, non-cyclic pelvic pain, and dyspareunia was, respectively, 26.6%, 8.9%, and 3.9%.all forms of chronic pain were independently associated with each other. Additionally, dysmenorrhoea was independently associated with hypertension, intestinal symptoms, miscegenation, long cycles, previous pregnancy, use of contraceptives and pear body shape. Urinary symptoms, late menarche, exercise, and pear body shape were associated with non-cyclic pelvic pain. And, urinary symptoms, previous pregnancy loss, late menarche, hormone usage, and pear body shape were associated with dyspareunia.
Conclusion: The prevalence of primary dysmenorrhea and non-cyclical chronic pelvic pain was notably high, in contrast with the frequency of reported dyspareunia. Briefly, our results suggest an association between dysmenorrhoea and conditions related to inflammatory and/or systemic metabolic disorders, including a potential causal relationship with other manifestations of pelvic pain, and between non-cyclical pelvic pain and signs/symptoms suggesting central sensitization. The report of dyspareunia may be influenced by local cultural values and beliefs.
WITHDRAWN: Coronavirus Disease 2019 and its Impact on the Cognition of Older Adults: Unraveling the Role of Inflammation
Authors: Mortazavi Shahrzad , Rashedi Vahid , Cheraghian Bahman , Pourshams Fatemeh , Saeidimehr Saeid , Dehghan Bahram , Pourshams Maryam 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background: The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had a significant global impact, particularly on the older adult population. To address concerns regarding the emergence and persistence of cognitive impairment and its potential risk factors, this study aimed to investigate cognitive function and its relationship with inflammation in older COVID-19 survivors during a three-month follow-up.
Methods: In this descriptive-analytical study, 177 hospitalized patients with COVID-19 aged >60 years were examined between July 2021 and February 2022.Psychiatric and cognitive assessments were conducted at discharge and at one month and three months post-discharge. All the statistical analyses were conducted using a Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24 (P<0.05). Cognitive status was analyzed with the Repeated Measures Test, and relationships between inflammatory indices and cognitive function were explored via the Pearson correlation test and Mann‒Whitney U test. The normality of the data was examined using the Kolmogorov‒Smirnov test.
Results:A cognitive assessment of patients indicated lower scores onthe informant subscales of the General Practitioner Assessment of Cognition (GPCOG) during the time of discharge, as well as at the 1-and 3-month follow-up intervals. Negative correlations were found between cognitive function and depression/anxiety. Elevated C-reactive protein (CRP), D-dimer, and Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels were linked to lower cognitive scores, while the Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and Creatine phosphokinase (CPK) were not significantly correlated. Over time, cognitive function and anxiety improved, while depression and daily activity challenges persisted.
Conclusions: This study highlights the lingering impact of inflammation on cognition among older COVID-19 survivors. Moreover, these findings underscore the urgent need for focused interventions and rehabilitation efforts to foster sustained cognitive recovery in this population.
Acetabular posterior wall morphology in slipped capital femoral epiphysis: A three-dimensional and true axial computed tomography matched-cohort study
Authors: Wiktor Łukasz , Tomaszewski Ryszard , Fabrowicz Piotr , Damps Maria 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Aims
Comparative assessment of both hip joints in patients with slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) was performed relative to the control group.
Methods
We created 3D CT reconstructions of the acetabulum in 27 hips with SCFE, 21 unaffected contralateral hips, and 108 hips of the age- and sex-matched non-SCFE control group. Following measurements performed using true axial CT scans were assessed: acetabular version angle (AVA°), posterior sector acetabular angle (PASA°), posterior wall angle (PWA°), and acetabular roofing percentage.
Results
Based on the morphology of the posterior acetabular wall, we found three type I (closed) and 24 type II (open) hips in the SCFE group. We noticed a flattening of the posterosuperior quadrant of the acetabulum in 66.66% (18 out of 27 hips) of the hips affected by SCFE. For both SCFE (p = 0.004) and unaffected hips (p = 0.009), the AVA at the proximal hip level was significantly lower than in the control group. We observed no significant between-group differences in PASA (p > 0.05). The mean values of the PWA for the SCFE group were significantly higher than in the contralateral hip (p = 0.025) and control group (p = 0.018).
Conclusions
Hips with SCFE tend to be flattened at the posterosuperior quadrant and have higher PWA values. PWA better defines the morphology of the posterior wall than the PASA. As the PWA angle increases, the mechanical shearing forces at the femoral physis may increase; however, this requires further research.
Hefei’s Land Use Simulation and UDB Determination in Economic Development Scenario
Authors: Zhang Sheng , Tao Jie 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Along with the scale development of the world's cities, large-scale urban development cannot be achieved without scientific urban planning, but the national spatial planning based on the current situation is far from being able to meet the needs of exponential scale growth of cities.Using a patch-generating land use simulation (PLUS) model, this study predicted Hefei’s land use change from 2020 to 2060 and determined its urban development boundaries based on ecological service value data. The main findings are summarised as follows: First, the PLUS model accurately simulated Hefei’s land use change. Second, the main trend of land use change was the transformation of nonconstruction land to construction land, with arable land to construction land accounting for by far the largest proportion. The comparison with ecological land showed that the government attaches more importance to ecological protection than grain security. Third, Hefei’s construction land development follows a typical extensive growth pattern, and human intervention (e.g., urban planning) and natural conditions (e.g., DEM-derived elevation) influence the development of urban construction land. By superimposing Hefei’s predicted construction land with eco-logical service value, this study verified the reasonability of Hefei’s territorial spatial planning and the pro-activeness of its urban development strategy. In conclusion, multi-scenario simulation results combined with ecological data can provide a decision-making reference and theoretical support for Hefei’s territorial spatial planning and urban development boundary determination.
On the derivation of unsteady closed-form analytical solution for the solidification of pure and eutectic materials with boundary conditions of the third kind
Authors: Ferreira I. L. , Júnior G. E.M. Santos , Moreira A. L.S. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Solidification and fusion are important processes applied in several fields of science and technology. Recently, far beyond the realms of materials science and metallurgy, many applications have risen in latent heat thermal energy storage and melting and growth of ice plates. Due to the relative difficulty in obtaining numerical solutions for moving boundary problems for a wide range of space and time scales. In this work, four closed-form solutions for the transient solidification of pure and eutectic materials are proposed for one- and three-dimensional semi-infinite slabs considering convective boundary conditions and melting superheating. The analytical results are plotted against the numerical simulation results.
Short post-injection seizure duration is associated with reduced power of ictal brain perfusion SPECT to lateralize the seizure onset zone
Authors: Karimzadeh Amir , Salimi Kian , Voges Berthold , Apostolova Ivayla , Sauvigny Thomas , Lanz Michael , Klutmann Susanne , Stodieck Stefan , Meyer Philipp T , Buchert Ralph 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background: The aim of this study was to assess the impact of the post-injection electrical seizure duration on the identification of the seizure onset zone (SOZ) in ictal brain perfusion SPECT in presurgical evaluation of drug-resistant epilepsy.
Methods: 176 ictal SPECT performed with 99mTc-HMPAO (n=140) or -ECD (n=36) were included retrospectively. Visual interpretation of the SPECT images (together with individual MRI and statistical hyperperfusion maps) with respect to lateralization (right, left, none) and localization (temporal, frontal, parietal, occipital) of the SOZ was performed by 3 independent readers. Between-readers agreement was characterized by Fleiss’ κ. An ictal SPECT was considered "lateralizing" if all readers agreed on right or left hemisphere. It was considered "localizing" if it was lateralizing and all readers agreed on the lobe within the same hemisphere. The impact of injection latency and post-injection seizure duration on the proportion of lateralizing/localizing SPECT was tested by ANOVA with dichotomized (by the median) injection latency and post-injection seizure duration as between-subjects factors.
Results: Median [interquartile range] (full range) of injection latency and post-injection seizure duration were 30 [24, 40] (3 – 120) s and 50 [27, 70] (-20 – 660) s, respectively. Fleiss’ κ for lateralization of the SOZ was largest for the combination of early (<30s) injection and long (>50s) post-injection seizure duration (κ=0.894, all other combinations κ=0.659 – 0.734). Regarding Fleiss’ κ for localization of the SOZ in the 141 (80.1%) lateralizing SPECT, it was largest for early injection and short post-injection seizure duration (κ=0.575, all other combinations κ=0.329 – 0.368). The proportion of lateralizing SPECT was lower with short compared to long post-injection seizure duration (estimated marginal means 74.3% versus 86.3%, p=0.047). The effect was mainly driven by cases with very short post-injection seizure duration ≤ 10s (53.8% lateralizing). Injection latency in the considered range had no significant impact on the proportion of lateralizing SPECT (p=0.390). The proportion of localizing SPECT among the lateralizing cases did not depend on injection latency or post-injection seizure duration (p≥0.603).
Conclusions: Short post-injection seizure duration is associated with a lower proportion of lateralizing cases in ictal brain perfusion SPECT.
Association of platelet count with P1NP level in patients with osteoporotic fractures: a retrospective cross- sectional study
Authors: Liu Zhou-hang , Lu Ke , Zhou Xiao-jie , Xu Min-zhe , Li Chong 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Platelets play a crucial part in bone remodeling and may regulate bone formation by releasing cytokines. Pre-collagen type 1 N-terminal peptide (P1NP) is a key biomarker that indicates new bone formation. However, the association between platelet count and P1NP level in patients with osteoporotic (OP) fractures remains unclear.This retrospective cross-sectional study analyzed data from 752 OP fracture patients hospitalized between January 2015 and March 2022. Serum P1NP concentration serve as the dependent variable, while platelet count was used as the exposure variable. Covariates included age, gender; Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), body mass index (BMI), lymphocyte (Lym), neutrophil (Neu), monocyte (Mono). Independent associations between platelet count and P1NP level were assessed by employing generalized estimating equations after adjusting for covariates. Non-linear relationships were detected with the help of generalized additive models. The present study found a positive association between platelet count and P1NP level in patients with OP fractures (β = 0.05; 95% CI [confident interval] = 0.02 to 0.08; P = 0.0011). This association remained significant after multivariate adjustment. Moreover, the nonlinear model showed a threshold effect, with platelet count above 220.5 (109/L) being positively correlated with P1NP (β = 0.13; 95% CI = 0.06 to 0.21; P = 0.0004). However, this correlation did not hold true for platelet count below 220.5 (109/L) (β = 0.01; 95% CI = -0.05 to 0.08; P = 0.67). The present work demonstrates an independent positive association between platelet count and P1NP level in osteoporotic fracture patients. This study also revealed a nonlinear association and a threshold effect between platelet count and P1NP level. Platelet count may be indicative of new bone formation, providing a basis for fracture risk assessment. Further research is warranted to validate these results.
Practical Minimum Energy Use of Seawater Reverse Osmosis Facilities
Authors: Warsinger David , Alnajdi Sultan , Beni Ali Naderi , Alsaati Albraa , Luhar Mitul , Childress Amy 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The global challenges of climate change and water scarcity demand increased energy efficiency of desalination technologies, especially the dominant seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO). While many studies have assessed individual improvements to SWRO like energy recovery devices, their combined potential for maximizing system energy efficiency has not been systematically explored. Therefore, this study combines a comprehensive data collection from 64 facilities, with detailed modeling of conventional, state-of-the-art, and practical minimum energy use configurations. For each of these three efficiency levels, we synthesized performances benchmarks for pump efficiency, membrane permeability, membrane spacer mass transfer coefficient, and pre- and post treatment. We use these parameters to benchmark potential efficiency gains of 39 of the facilities, examine performance across different recovery ratio and feed salinity, and prioritize the most promising innovations. The methodology encompasses detailed process- and component-level modeling, and includes the derivation of a maximum membrane mass trans- fer coefficient from the Chilton-Colburn J-factor analogy. We found that the combined state-of-the-art methods, including semi-batch reverse osmosis, could save 69% of the energy excess beyond the thermodynamic minimum, while the practical minimum, including batch RO, could save 82% of excess energy. The compiled data also show that modern facilities achieve a lower specific energy consumption (SEC) when using isobaric–energy recovery devices (ERD) compared to older devices like Pelton turbines. Factors affecting SEC and energy savings (i.e., capacity, equipment efficiency, and year of installation) are also analyzed for 39 of the SWRO facilities. Further substantial savings can be obtained by improving membrane spacers and shifting to more batch efficient configurations
Development and Usability Evaluation of a Self-Care Application for Stroke Survivors
Authors: Tadayon Hamidreza , Masoud Seyed Ali , Nabovati Ehsan , Akbari Hossein , Farzandipour Mehrdad , Babaei Masoud 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background: Stroke is the second leading cause of death worldwide and a major contributor to disability among survivors. This descriptive app-development study aims to investigate the design and evaluate the usability of a self-care app specifically designed for stroke survivors.
Methods: The app was developed using the iterative-incremental model. It is a hybrid web-android-based app that follows a client-server model, incorporating both static and dynamic content. The usability evaluation consisted of two components: an expert-based evaluation conducted with five experts using the Cognitive Walkthrough (CW) methodology, and a user-based evaluation involving 30 users who assessed the app's usability using the System Usability Scale (SUS).
Results: The app, known as SSM (Stroke Self-Management), was developed with three distinct sides: admin side, user side, and therapist side. During the evaluation process, a total of 39 usability problems were identified across various aspects, including efficiency, effectiveness, user satisfaction, error, learnability, and memorability. Notably, the number of usability problems related to efficiency and user satisfaction outweighed those of other variables. Similarly, usability problems associated with effectiveness and error were significantly more pronounced. On the other hand, the least number of usability problems (n = 1) was identified in terms of learnability.
From the users' perspective, the developed app received an average score of 75.25, which can be considered acceptable in terms of usability.
Conclusions: Most of the identified usability issues in this server-based app for stroke survivors were related to efficiency and user satisfaction. Therefore, it is recommended that future studies focus on evaluating the app for usability problems before the release phase and address high-intensity issues, such as effectiveness and errors.
Unveiling the Promising Pharmaceutical benefits of Newly Synthesized Schiff Base: DFT, Molecular docking, In silico ADME/T and PASS analysis
Authors: Cholan Siva Sankari , Rajan Arun Thesingu , Subramaniam Kamalesu , Ramasamy Subramanian , Karuppaiah Selvakumar , M Almarhoon Zainab 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Recently discovered bio-essential Schiff base compound, (E)-N'-(2-hydroxy-3,5-diiodobenzylidene)nicotinohydrazide, was obtained from the condensation of 2-hydroxy-3,5-diiodobenzaldehyde and nicotinic hydrazide. It was synthesized and characterized using a variety of chemical techniques, including elemental analysis, FT-IR, UV-Vis, 1H NMR and mass spectroscopy. To understand the molecular structure and chemical reactivity of the Schiff base ligand, we employed Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations. Additionally, molecular docking analysis has been employed to confirm the potential binding of the ligand to DNA. Importantly, the in silico prediction of ADME/Tox profiles for the complexes using pkCSM web tools indicates favorable absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion values. These parameters suggest that the complexes have good bioavailability. PASS analysis evaluated the drug-like nature of the Schiff base. In addition, the antimicrobial action of the Schiff base was investigated against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Beauveria bassiana, Aspergillus niger, and Candida albicans using the disc diffusion method.