bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Features of different asset types and extreme risk transmission during the COVID-19 crisis
Authors: Tsai I-Chun 
Published: February 2024

AbstractUnlike the current extensive literature, which discusses which assets can avoid the risks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, this study examines whether the characteristics of different assets affect the extreme risk transmission of the COVID-19 crisis. This study explores the effects of COVID-19 pandemic–related risk factors (i.e., pandemic severity, pandemic regulations and policies, and vaccination-related variables) on the risk of extreme volatility in asset returns across eight assets. These eight assets belong to the following classes: virtual, financial, energy, commodities, and real assets. To consider the different possible aspects of the COVID-19 impact, this study adopts both empirical methods separately, considering variables related to the pandemic as exogenous shocks and endogenous factors. Using these methods, this study enabled a systematic analysis of the relationship between the features of different asset types and the effects of extreme risk transmission during the COVID-19 crisis. The results show that different types of asset markets are affected by different risk factors. Virtual and commodity assets do not exhibit extreme volatility induced by the COVID-19 pandemic. The energy market, including crude oil, is most affected by the negative impact of the severity of the pandemic, which is unfavorable for investment at the beginning of the pandemic. However, after vaccinations and pandemic regulations controlled the spread of infection, the recovery of the energy market made it more conducive to investment. In addition, this study explains the differences between the hedging characteristics of Bitcoin and gold. The findings of this study can help investors choose asset types systematically when faced with different shocks.
Improved-RSSI-based indoor localization by using pseudo-linear solution with machine learning algorithms
Authors: Maduranga M. W. P. , Tilwari Valmik , Abeysekera Ruvan 
Published: February 2024

AbstractWith the rapid advancement of the Internet of Things and the popularization of mobile Internet-based applications, the location-based service (LBS) has attracted much attention from commercial developers and researchers. Received signal strength indicator (RSSI)-based indoor localization technology has irreplaceable advantages for many LBS applications. However, due to multipath fading, noise, and the limited dynamic range of the RSSI measurements, precise localization based on a path-loss model and multiliterate becomes highly challenging. Therefore, this study proposes a machine learning (ML)-based improved RSSI-based indoor localization approach in which RSSI data is first augmented and then classified using ML algorithms. In addition, we implement an experimental testbed to collect the RSSI value based on Wi-Fi using various reference and target nodes. The received RSSI measurements undergo pre-processing using pseudo-linear solution techniques for closed-form solutions, approximating the original system of nonlinear RSSI measurement equations with a system of linear equations. Finally, the RSSI measurement are trained using ML models such as linear regression, polynomial regression, support vector regression, random forest regression, and decision tree regression. Consequently, the experimental results express in terms of root mean square error and coefficient of determinant compared with various machine learning models with hyper-parameter tuning.
Predicting Human Dermal Drug Concentrations Using PBPK Modeling and Simulation: Clobetasol Propionate Case Study
Authors: van Osdol William W. , Novakovic Jasmina , Le Merdy Maxime , Tsakalozou Eleftheria , Ghosh Priyanka , Spires Jessica , Lukacova Viera 
Published: February 2024

AbstractQuantitative in silico tools may be leveraged to mechanistically predict the dermato-pharmacokinetics of compounds delivered from topical and transdermal formulations by integrating systems of rate equations that describe permeation through the formulation and layers of skin and pilo-sebaceous unit, and exchange with systemic circulation via local blood flow. Delivery of clobetasol-17 propionate (CP) from DermovateTM cream was simulated using the Transdermal Compartmental Absorption & Transit (TCATTM) Model in GastroPlus®. The cream was treated as an oil-in-water emulsion, with model input parameters estimated from publicly available information and quantitative structure-permeation relationships. From the ranges of values available for model input parameters, a set of parameters was selected by comparing model outputs to CP dermis concentration-time profiles measured by dermal open-flow microperfusion (Bodenlenz et al. Pharm Res. 33(9):2229–38, 2016). Predictions of unbound dermis CP concentrations were reasonably accurate with respect to time and skin depth. Parameter sensitivity analyses revealed considerable dependence of dermis CP concentration profiles on drug solubility in the emulsion, relatively less dependence on dispersed phase volume fraction and CP effective diffusivity in the continuous phase of the emulsion, and negligible dependence on dispersed phase droplet size. Effects of evaporative water loss from the cream and corticosteroid-induced vasoconstriction were also assessed. This work illustrates the applicability of computational modeling to predict sensitivity of dermato-pharmacokinetics to changes in thermodynamic and transport properties of a compound in a topical formulation, particularly in relation to rate-limiting steps in skin permeation. Where these properties can be related to formulation composition and processing, such a computational approach may support the design of topically applied formulations.
Development of Aerosol Dry Powder Chemotherapeutic-Loaded Microparticles for the Treatment of Lung Cancer
Authors: Ivone Ryan , Karabots Ana , Meenach Samantha A. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractLung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, resulting in the highest mortality rates among both men and women with respect to all other types of cancer. Difficulties in treating lung cancer arise from late-stage diagnoses and tumor heterogeneity and current treatment involves a combination of chemotherapeutics, surgery, and radiation. Chemotherapeutics administered systemically can lead to undesirable side effects and severe off-site toxicity. For example, chronic administration of the chemotherapeutic doxorubicin (DOX) leads to cardiotoxicity, thereby limiting its long-term use. Systemic administration of the highly lipophilic molecule paclitaxel (PTX) is hindered by its water solubility, necessitating the use of solubilizing agents, which can induce side effects. Thus, in this investigation, formulations consisting of spray-dried microparticles (MP) containing DOX and PTX were produced to be administered as dry powder aerosols directly to the lungs. Acetalated dextran (Ac-Dex) was used as the polymer in these formulations, as it is a biocompatible and biodegradable polymer that exhibits pH-responsive degradation. Solid-state characterization revealed that DOX and PTX remained in solubility favoring amorphous states in the MP formulations and that both drugs remained thermally stable throughout the spray drying process. In vitro release studies demonstrated the pH sensitivity of the formulations due to the use of Ac-Dex, as well as the release of both therapeutics over the course of at least 48 h. In vitro aerosol dispersion studies demonstrated that both formulations exhibited suitable aerosol dispersion properties for deep lung delivery.
Graphical Abstract
Magnesium Depletion Score and Metabolic Syndrome in US Adults: Analysis of NHANES 2003 to 2018
Authors: Wang Xiaohao , Zeng Zhaohao , Wang Xinyu , Zhao Pengfei , Xiong Lijiao , Liao Tingfeng , Yuan Runzhu , Yang Shu , Kang Lin , Liang Zhen 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Context
The association between magnesium status and metabolic syndrome (MetS) remains unclear.

Objective
This study aimed to examine the relationship between kidney reabsorption-related magnesium depletion score (MDS) and MetS among US adults.

Methods
We analyzed data from 15 565 adults participating in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2003 to 2018. MetS was defined according to the National Cholesterol Education Program's Adult Treatment Panel III report. The MDS is a scoring system developed to predict the status of magnesium deficiency that fully considers the pathophysiological factors influencing the kidneys' reabsorption capability. Weighted univariate and multivariable logistic regression were used to assess the association between MDS and MetS. Restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis was conducted to characterize dose-response relationships. Stratified analyses by sociodemographic and lifestyle factors were also performed.

Results
In both univariate and multivariable analyses, higher MDS was significantly associated with increased odds of MetS. Each unit increase in MDS was associated with approximately a 30% higher risk for MetS, even after adjusting for confounding factors (odds ratio 1.31; 95% CI, 1.17-1.45). RCS graphs depicted a linear dose-response relationship across the MDS range. This positive correlation remained consistent across various population subgroups and exhibited no significant interaction by age, sex, race, adiposity, smoking status, or alcohol consumption.

Conclusion
Higher urinary magnesium loss as quantified by MDS may be an independent linear risk factor for MetS in US adults, irrespective of sociodemographic and behavioral factors. Optimizing magnesium nutritional status could potentially confer benefits to patients with MetS.
Serum Prolactin Levels and Mortality in Adults Without Prolactinoma: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Papazoglou Andreas S , Leite Ana Rita , Moysidis Dimitrios V , Anastasiou Vasileios , Daios Stylianos , Borges-Canha Marta , Giannopoulos Georgios , Neves João Sérgio , Ziakas Antonios , Giannakoulas George 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Context
Prolactin (PRL) is a highly versatile, multifunctional hormone synthesized and secreted by lactotroph cells of the anterior pituitary. Its metabolic role has been extensively studied even in normoprolactinemic populations. Recently, a wealth of observational data have outlined the potential prognostic value of PRL in various clinical settings.

Objective
This systematic review aims to systematically evaluate and quantitatively synthesize the association between serum PRL levels and risk of mortality in adults without prolactinoma.

Methods
A systematic literature search was conducted up to June 10, 2023, to identify studies reporting the association of serum PRL levels with clinical outcomes of adults without prolactinoma. A random-effects meta-analysis was conducted to quantify the adjusted hazard ratios [(a)HRs] for all-cause and cardiovascular death (CVD) during follow-up.

Results
Twenty-eight studies were deemed eligible reporting the outcomes of adults without prolactinoma, in whom serum PRL levels were measured for risk-stratification. Fourteen studies reported appropriate data for meta-analysis encompassing a total of 23 596 individuals. Each unit of PRL increase was independently associated with increased risk of all-cause (pooled aHR = 1.17 [1.08-1.27]; I2 = 48%) and CV mortality (pooled aHR = 1.54 [1.14-2.09]; I2 = 89%). Individuals belonging to the highest PRL category had significantly higher risk for all-cause (pooled aHR = 1.81 [1.43-2.30]; I2 = 65%) and CV (pooled aHR = 1.59 [1.04-2.42]; I2 = 82%) mortality compared to their lowest-PRL category counterparts. The association between PRL levels and in-hospital death did not reach statistical significance.

Conclusion
PRL levels seem to be an independent predictor for mortality. Further validation is warranted before its role as a risk-stratification tool can be delineated in clinical practice.
Determination of Capillary Blood TSH and Free Thyroxine Levels Using Digital Immunoassay
Authors: Suzuki Nami , Takeuchi Miki , Miyazaki Naoko , Tanaka Katsumasa , Utsunomiya Sosuke , Arai Yoshiyuki , Yoshimura Toru , Sugino Kiminori , Ito Koichi , Noh Jaeduk Yoshimura 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
The remote performance of thyroid function blood tests is complicated because it requires blood collection.

Objective
To compare TSH and free thyroxine (FT4) levels between capillary and venous blood and assess the adequacy of measuring each value in capillary blood.

Methods
This prospective intervention study was conducted at Ito Hospital and was based on the clinical research method. The participants were 5 healthy female volunteers and 50 patients (41 females and 9 males) between the ages of 23 and 81 years. To measure TSH and FT4 levels in capillary and venous blood, a digital immunoassay (d-IA) method capable of measuring trace samples was used. Chemiluminescence measurements were used as controls. Values obtained for each assay system were compared using Spearman's correlation analysis. Capillary blood was collected using an autologous device (TAP II; not approved in Japan).

Results
Capillary plasma volume obtained using TAP II was 125 µL or more in 26 cases, 25 µL to 124 µL in 24 cases, and less than 25 µL in 5 cases. Strong correlations were noted in the TSH and FT4 levels between capillary and venous blood, with correlation coefficients of rs = 0.99 and rs = 0.97, respectively.

Conclusion
Capillary TSH and FT4 levels strongly correlate with venous blood values. Trace samples can be used in high-precision d-IA methods. These results may promote telemedicine in assessing thyroid function.
Hematologic complications in vascular malformations: A case study of 2 patients
Authors: Matus Iwona , Bator Kaja , Machaj Weronika , Krzemienowska-Cebulla Aleksandra , Dorochowicz Mateusz , Senat Hanna , Korbecki Adrian , Szuba Andrzej , Rabczyński Maciej 
Published: February 2024

Vascular malformations are congenital vascular anomalies resulting from a disruption in the vasculogenesis process. (1) They are congenital changes that enlarge as the child develops and do not undergo spontaneous involution. They can be classified based on the type of vessels involved (capillary, arterial, venous, lymphatic, mixed) and the nature of the vascular flow (low-flow and high-flow). The clinical presentation of vascular malformations is highly diverse, and despite being congenital, they can remain asymptomatic for a long time, complicating the diagnostic process. (1,3)

The presence of malformations carries the risk of health-threatening complications. One such complication is Kasabach-Merritt syndrome, characterized by thrombocytopenia, microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, and consumptive coagulopathy in the presence of a rapidly enlarging vascular tumor. (4,5) Another threat is a coagulopathy limited to the vascular anomaly (LIC). It is characterized by elevated D-dimers and fibrin degradation products, low levels of fibrinogen, FV, FVIII, FXIII, and antithrombin, and sometimes mild to moderate thrombocytopenia. (6,7) Early implementation of anticoagulant therapy allows for the avoidance of health-threatening conditions and the development of disseminated intravascular coagulation syndrome (DIC). (8)
How does the consumption of processed food affect the pathogenesis of various diseases? - literature review
Authors: Smuszkiewicz-Różański Paweł , Różańska-Smuszkiewicz Gabriela , Koszyczarek Karolina , Kotowska Maja , Zamirska Wiktoria , Ziemiański Albin , Zięba Katarzyna , Zygmunt Anna 
Published: February 2024

Introduction and purpose:With the development of civilization, the amount of technology enabling food processing increases. Due to the implementation of these procedures, food can gain new properties that will make it more attractive in the eyes of the consumer. The aim of our work is to collect information on the relationship between the consumption of processed and ultra-processed food and the development of various diseases, with particular emphasis on civilization diseases.
State of knowledge:Processed food often contains non-nutritive ingredients, for example, artificial food additives, which have a negative impact on health. Numerous studies demonstrate the correlation between the consumption of ultra-processed food and the development of various diseases. Scientific research suggests that ultra-processed foods may lead to addictive behavioral and biological responses through their reinforcing effects. It also influences the development of various conditions, including obesity, type II diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, depression, and anxiety. Furthermore, its components pass through the placenta.
Summary:In light of the research discussed, we are convinced that we cannot remain indifferent to the role of ultra-processed food in the pathogenesis of many diseases. Its multidirectional negative effects show that it is worth conducting further research to discover more consequences of its mechanisms. At the same time, consumers should become more aware of food composition data to be able to make conscious choices and countries should strive to change the food policies.
Presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in COVID-19 survivors with post-COVID symptoms: a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Fernández-de-las-Peñas César , Torres-Macho Juan , Macasaet Raymart , Velasco Jacqueline Veronica , Ver Abbygail Therese , Culasino Carandang Timothy Hudson David , Guerrero Jonathan Jaime , Franco-Moreno Ana , Chung William , Notarte Kin Israel 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Viral persistence is one of the main hypotheses explaining the presence of post-COVID symptoms. This systematic review investigated the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in plasma, stool, urine, and nasal/oral swab samples in individuals with post-COVID symptomatology.

Content
MEDLINE, CINAHL, PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science databases, as well as medRxiv/bioRxiv preprint servers were searched up to November 25th, 2023. Articles investigating the persistence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in plasma, stool, urine or nasal/oral swab samples in patients with post-COVID symptoms were included. Methodological quality was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale or Cochrane’s Risk of Bias (Rob) tool.

Summary
From 322 studies identified, six studies met all inclusion criteria. The sample included 678 COVID-19 survivors (52 % female, aged from 29 to 66 years). The methodological quality was moderate in 88 % of the studies (n=5/6). Three papers investigated the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in plasma, three studies in nasal/oral swabs, two studies in stool samples, one in urine and one in saliva. The follow-up was shorter than two months (<60 days after) in 66 % of the studies (n=4/6). The prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA ranged from 5 to 59 % in patients with post-COVID symptoms the first two months after infection, depending on the sample tested, however, SARS-CoV-2 RNA was also identified in COVID-19 survivors without post-COVID symptoms (one study).

Outlook
Available evidence can suggest the presence of persistent SARS-CoV-2 RNA in post-COVID patients in the short term, although the biases within the studies do not permit us to make firm assumptions. The association between post-COVID symptoms and SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the samples tested is also conflicting. The lack of comparative group without post-COVID symptoms limits the generalizability of viral persistence in post-COVID-19 condition.
Language transfer in tense acquisition: new evidence from English learning Chinese adolescents
Authors: Huang Haiquan , Qian Lina , Chen Yixiong 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Distinct from English, Mandarin verbs are not inflected to encode Past Tense, but perfective aspect is typically marked by aspectual markers -le and -guo. Moreover, resultative verb compounds are often viewed as accomplishment verbs, denoting telicity of an event. This study attempts to examine whether such linguistic properties transfer to the acquisition of English. We tested 22 English learning Chinese adolescents in two experiments, respectively using a Story Restatements Task and an Elicited Production Task. Overall, the experiments generated three major findings. First, the participants marked irregular verbs 13 % higher than regular ones. Second, the participants used bare verbs to express English Past Tense 12 % of the situations. Third, the participants adopted Mandarin-like RVCs to denote English Past Tense 10 % of the cases. Taken together, the findings indicate that besides morphophonological transfer, English learning Chinese adolescents adopt Mandarin word-formation rules to encode English Past Tense, which is new evidence of cross-linguistic transfer. We discuss the implications of our findings.
Development and validation of Questionnaire for Self-regulated Learning Writing Strategies (QSRLWS) for EFL learners
Authors: Shen Bin , Wang Lu 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Drawing on a proposed theoretical framework that integrates a social cognitive perspective of self-regulation and a process genre approach to L2 writing, this research describes the development and validation process of a new instrument, Questionnaire for Self-regulated Learning Writing Strategies (QSRLWS). QSRLWS was validated with satisfactory psychometric qualities. Nine hundred eighty Chinese university EFL learners participated in the study (N = 960 after data screening). The study first described the questionnaire development process and adopted exploratory factor analysis to validate the factorial structure with half of the sample (n = 480). It further confirmed the structure with confirmatory factor analysis with another half of the sample (n = 480). Model comparisons confirmed a four-factor second-order structure in which QSRLWS comprised 12 SRL writing strategy types into four dimensions of strategy groups, i.e., metacognitive, cognitive, social, and motivational/affective regulation. Predictive validity of these strategies on students’ English writing performance was also reported. Theoretical and pedagogical implications are discussed.
Thyroid volume in Turkish school-age children living in an iodine-sufficient region
Authors: Deveci Sevim Reyhan , Gök Mustafa , Öztürk Sercan , Çevik Özge , Erdoğan Ömer , Güneş Sebla , Ünüvar Tolga , Anık Ahmet 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Objectives
We aimed to obtain local normative data on thyroid volume evaluated by ultrasonography and iodine status by measuring urine iodine levels in school-age children living in Aydın province.

Methods
In this cross-sectional study, a sample comprising 1,553 cases was meticulously selected from a total cohort of 170,461 children aged 6–17, drawn from 21 distinct educational institutions located within the Aydın region, as participants in the investigation. Those with a known chronic disease or thyroid disease were excluded from the study. The children underwent physical examinations and ultrasonography imaging of the thyroid gland, and urine samples were collected to measure urinary iodine concentration (UIC).

Results
The median UIC was 189.5 (IQR=134.4) μg/L, which was optimal according to WHO criteria. Thyroid volume was found to be 4.6 (IQR=3.5) mL in girls and 4.2 (IQR=4.0) mL in boys (p=0.883). The thyroid volumes in our study were found to be smaller when compared to the WHO. According to WHO age and body surface area criteria, thyroid volume was over 97 % in 0.9 % (n=15) of cases. Thyroid volume was found to have a positive correlation with age, height, weight, body mass index (BMI), and body surface area (BSA) in both genders (p<0.001). However, there was no significant correlation between thyroid volume and UIC.

Conclusions
This cross-sectional study provides normative data on thyroid volume and iodine status in school-age children in iodine-sufficient population, revealing a low prevalence of goiter and correlations between thyroid volume and anthropometric measures.