bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
First use of a new frugal CPAP device: the LeVe CPAP System, in adult patients with COVID-19 pneumonitis at Mengo Hospital, Kampala, Uganda
Authors: Littlejohns Anna , Please Helen , Musasizi Racheal , Murdoch Stuart , Nampiina Gorret , Waters Ian , Birch William Davis , De Boer Gregory , Kapur Nikil , Ambrozi Tumwesigye , Carol Ninsiima , Noel Nakigudde , Parmar Jiten , Culmer Peter , Lawton Tom , Namulema Edith 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background: Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) has been a key treatment modality for COVID-19 worldwide. Globally, the demand for CPAP outstripped the supply during the pandemic. The LeVe CPAP device was developed to provide respiratory support for treatment of COVID-19 and tailored for use in low- and middle-income country (LMIC) settings. It was designed using principles of frugal innovation to be oxygen efficient, compatible with a range of oxygen sources, simple to use and sustainable to maintain. Prior to formal trial approval, received in November 2021, these devices were used in extremisto support critically unwell adult patients requiring non-invasive ventilatory support.
Methods: This is a retrospective review of adult patients with COVID-19 pneumonitis, who were treated with advanced respiratory support (CPAP and/or high-flow nasal oxygen, HFNO) at Mengo Hospital, Kampala, Uganda. Treatment was escalated as per standard local protocols for respiratory failure, and CPAP was the ceiling of care. Data were collected on patient demographics, length of time of treatment, clinical outcome, and any adverse events.
Results: Overall 43 COVID-19 positive patients were included in the study. The majority (83.7%) received CPAP only, 4.7% received HFNO only, and 11.6% received a combination of HFNO/CPAP. In terms of demographics, 58% were female and the median age was 58 years (range 28-91 years). The median duration of advanced respiratory support was 7 days (range 1-18 days). Of all patients escalated to HFNO/CPAP, 65.1% were initially commended on the LeVe device. Overall (all device) mortality was 49% and this was similar between those started on LeVe and non-LeVe devices (50% vs 47%).
Conclusions: The LeVe device was the most used CPAP device during the pandemic, bringing the hospital’s number of available HFNO/CPAP devices from two to 14. They were a critical resource for providing respiratory support to the sickest group of patients when no alternative devices were available. The devices appear to be safe and well tolerated with no serious adverse events recorded. This study is unable to assess the efficacy of the LeVe CPAP device, therefore formal comparative studies are required to inform further use.
Profiling N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation-related genes in endometriosis towards a diagnostic model
Authors: lin ying , yuan ming , huang yufei , wang guoyun 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Endometriosis is an inflammatory disease with non-specific symptoms, including chronic pelvic pain and infertility, which affects thousands of women of reproductive age. Early diagnosis of endometriosis remains challenging. We aimed to build a diagnostic model based on m6A methylation-related genes to provide a new perspective on the clinical diagnosis of endometriosis. Two datasets from previous endometriosis studies were selected. GSE51981 was for training and GSE7305 was for validation. The expression of m6A methylation-related genes between proliferative eutopic endometrium from women with and without endometriosis was compared. Most m6A methylation-related genes were down-regulated in eutopic endometrium from women with endometriosis than those without it. The random forest classifier identified 5 significant differentially expressed genes (YTHDF2, NKAP, FTO, ZCCHC4 and HNRNPC) that might be involved in the development of endometriosis by affecting miRNA maturation or immune cell infiltration. These genes were included in a logistic regression to construct a new diagnostic model for endometriosis with an area under the ROC curve of 0.852. The model was tested on another independent dataset（AUC 0.750）and not only diagnosed endometriosis well but also showed how severe it was. We also found that YTHDF2 was very good at diagnosing endometriosis on its own and was correlated with macrophage and neutrophil infiltration that may be important for endometriosis development. In conclusion, this novel diagnostic model using m6A methylation-related genes may be a new method for early non-invasive diagnosis of endometriosis.
Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate and its Metabolites Research Trend: A Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Ri Hyonju , Zhu Ying , Jo Hyonsu , Miao Xiaohan , Ri Unsim , Yin Jianli , Zhou Liting , Ye Lin 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Background:Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is one of the most widely used plasticizers.Many studies focus on the impact of continuous exposure to DEHP on humans and ecosystems.In this study, the bibliometric analysis of DEHP and its metabolites research was conducted to assess the research performances, hotspot issues, and trends in this field.
Method:The data was retrieved from a web of science core collection online database.VOSviewer 1.6.18 was used to analyze.
Result:A total of 4672 publications were retrieved from 1975 to 2022 October 21.The number of publications and citations increased annually in the last decades.China had the largest number of publications and the USA had the highest co-authorship score.The most productive and most frequently cited institutions were the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention(USA) , respectively.The journal with the most publications was Science of Total Environment and the most cited one was Environmental Health Perspectives.The most productive and cited author was Calafat AM(USA).The most cited reference was “Phthalates: Toxicology and exposure”.Four hotspot issues were as follows: influences of DEHP on the organisms and its possible mechanisms; assessment of DEHP exposure to the human and its metabolism; dynamics of DEHP in external environments; indoor exposure of DEHP and health outcomes.The research trends were DNOP, preterm birth, gut microbiota, microplastics, lycopene, hypertension, and thyroid hormones.
Conclusion:This paper will be a useful resource for researchers to rapidly take the valuable information related to the authoritative scholars, publications, journals and institutions, hotspot issues, and trends in this research field.
Effects of salinity on methane emissions and methanogenic archaeal communities in different habitat of saline-alkali wetlands
Authors: Li Feng , Li Huiju , Su Huihui , Du Wei , Gao Zhongyan , Liu Huajun , Liang Hong , Gao Dawen 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
The increase in temperature caused by global climate change has promoted the salinization of wetlands. Inland saline-alkaline wetlands have an environment of over-humidity and shallow water and are hot spots for CH4 emissions. However, there are few reports on the effect of salinity on CH4 emissions in inland saline-alkaline wetlands. This study revealed the effects of salinity, habitat, and their interactions on CH4 emissions, and explored the response of methanogenic archaea to salinity. Overall, salinity inhibited CH4 emissions. But there were different responses in the three habitat soils. Salinity decreased the relative abundance of methanogenic archaea and changed the community structure. In addition, salinity changed soil pH and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and ammonium (NH4+) concentrations, which were significantly correlated with methanogenic archaea. Our study showed that salinity changed the soil physicochemical properties and characteristics of the methanogenic archaeal community, affecting CH4 emissions.
Multi-ancestry GWAS of Fuchs corneal dystrophy highlights roles of laminins, collagen, and endothelial cell regulation
Authors: Peachey Neal , Gorman Bryan , Francis Michael , Nealon Cari , Halladay Christopher , Duro Nalvi , Markianos Kyriacos , Genovese Giulio , Hysi Pirro , Choquet Hélène , Afshari Natalie , Li Yi-Ju , Gaziano J. Michael , Hung Adriana , Wu Wen-Chih , Greenberg Paul , Pyarajan Saiju , Lass Jonathan , Iyengar Sudha 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD) is a leading indication for corneal transplantation, but its molecular pathophysiology remains poorly understood. We performed genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of FECD in the Million Veteran Program (MVP) and meta-analyzed with the previous largest FECD GWAS, finding twelve significant loci (eight novel). We further confirmed the TCF4 locus in admixed African and Hispanic/Latino ancestries, and found an enrichment of European-ancestry haplotypes at TCF4 in FECD cases. Among the novel associations are low frequency missense variants in laminin genes LAMA5 and LAMB1 which, together with previously reported LAMC1, form laminin-511 (LM511). AlphaFold 2 protein modeling suggests that mutations at LAMA5 and LAMB1 may destabilize LM511 by altering inter-domain interactions or extracellular matrix binding. Finally, phenome-wide association scans and co-localization analyses suggest that the TCF4 CTG18.1 trinucleotide repeat expansion leads to dysregulation of ion transport in the corneal endothelium and has pleiotropic effects on renal function.
A Round-shaped, Radio-opaque Foreign Body on Chest Radiograph of an Elderly Woman, Identified as An Intact Lanthanum Carbonate Tablet
Authors: Tungtrongchitr Nuttapat , Krisem Massupa , Taesilapasathit Chalothorn , Suppadungsuk Supawadee , Thammavaranucupt Kanin 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Background:Lanthanum carbonate is a phosphate binder in the form of a chewable tablet, which is commonly prescribed in chronic kidney disease patients. We reported an unusual radio-opaque foreign body which was accidentally found in a chest X-ray of an elderly female patient and later identified as an intact lanthanum carbonate tablet.Case Presentation:A 60-year-old woman with end stage renal disease, receiving lanthanum carbonate was found having a coin-shaped, homogeneous radiopaque foreign body in the position of esophagus of her chest X-ray. Due to awareness of mimicking other conditions (e.g. button battery or coin ingestion), urgent endoscopy was performed. An intact lanthanum carbonate tablet was found in the upper stomach and was removed successfully.Conclusion:Physicians should be aware of unchewed lanthanum carbonate tablets when a metallic-like object is detected on chest radiograph of a lanthanum carbonate user. Also, prescription of chewing medication should be cautioned particularly in an elderly female patient.
Characterization of autoimmune eye disease in association with Down's Syndrome
Authors: Rosenbaum James , Zaki Amr , Pasadhika Sirichai , Huang Jerry , Thomas Akshay , Burkholder Bryn , Lim Lyndell , Llop Stephanie , Suhler Eric , Adamus Grazyna 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background
Autoimmunity and deficiency of the transcription factor autoimmune regulator protein (AIRE) are known associations with Down Syndrome (DS). Lack of AIRE abrogates thymic tolerance. The autoimmune eye disease associated with DS has not been characterized. We identified a series of subjects with DS (n = 8) and uveitis. In 3 consecutive subjects, we tested the hypothesis that autoimmunity to retinal antigens might be a contributing factor.
Subjects/Methods:
This was a multicentered, retrospective case series. De-identified clinical data of subjects with both DS and uveitis were collected via questionnaire by uveitis-trained ophthalmologists. Anti-retinal autoantibodies (AAbs) were detected using an Autoimmune Retinopathy Panel tested in the OHSU Ocular Immunology Laboratory.
Results
We characterized 8 subjects (mean age 29 [range, 19–37] years). The mean age of uveitis onset was 23.5 [range, 11–33] years. All 8 subjects had bilateral uveitis (p < 0.001 based on comparison to published university referral patterns), with anterior and intermediate uveitis found in 6 and 5 subjects respectively. Each of three subjects tested for anti-retinal AAbs was positive. Detected AAbs included anti-carbonic anhydrase II, anti-enolase, anti-arrestin, and anti-aldolase.
Discussion
A partial deficiency in the AIRE on chromosome 21 has been described in DS. The similarities in the uveitis presentations within this patient group, the known autoimmune disease predisposition in DS, the recognized association of DS and AIRE deficiency, the reported detection of anti-retinal antibodies in patients with DS in general, and the presence of anti-retinal AAbs in 3 subjects in our series supports a causal association between DS and autoimmune eye disease.
Application of adaptive genetic algorithm and machine learning in English text analysis teaching system
Authors: Wang Xuan , Chen Yuanyuan 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Fuzzy English text recognition will be affected by the complex background, resulting in low recognition accuracy. In order to improve the effect of English text recognition, it is necessary to remove the background. Based on the machine vision algorithm, this paper improves the traditional genetic algorithm to obtain an adaptive genetic algorithm, and builds an English text background elimination model based on the adaptive genetic algorithm. Moreover, this paper introduces the hill-climbing method with better local optimization effect to perform local optimization in the iterative process of genetic algorithm, and constructs an adaptive genetic algorithm based on the hill-climbing method to make up for the defects of local optimization in the evolution process of genetic algorithm. In addition, this paper constructs a projection pursuit clustering model based on hill-climbing adaptive genetic algorithm, and constructs the functional module of the English text background elimination model based on actual needs. Finally, this paper designs a control experiment to verify the performance of the model. The research results show that the effect of the model constructed in this paper is good.
125I seeds implantation for lymph nodes metastasisfrom radioactive iodine-refractory differentiated thyroid carcinoma: A short-term efficacy and dosimetry study
Authors: Lu Guoxiu , Zhang Wenwen , Hao Shanhu , Wang Zhiguo , Ji Liqiu , Ge Xiangyan , Li Gen , Wang Youchao , Zhang Guoxu 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Objective: To investigate the feasibility and evaluate the safety and efficacy of CT-guided 125I radioactive particle implantation for the treatment of radioiodine-refractory differentiated thyroid cancer (RAIR-DTC) lymph node metastases. To verify the accuracy of the computerized three-dimensional treatment planning system (TPS) in the treatment of lymph node metastasis with the aid of 125I particle implantation from the dosimetric level.
Methods: A retrospective analysis of 42 patients with RAIR-DTC with lymph node metastases admitted to the Northern War Zone General Hospital between December 2016 and January 2019 was performed, in which physicians designed an intraoperative plan using TPS based on the patients' preoperative CT images and compared the dosimetric parameters validated postoperatively with the preoperative plan. This study further analyzed the changes in tumor size and tumor-related marker Tg values of patients at 2, 6, and 12 months postoperatively.
Results: The number of 125I radioactive particles implanted in 42 patients was 226. The local remission rates were 97.62% ( 41 /42), 88.10% ( 37 /42), and 85.71% ( 36 /42) at 2, 6, and 12 months postoperatively, respectively. The volume of the lesions was (4.44±1.57) cm3, (4.20±1.70) cm3, and (4.23±1.77) cm3 at 2, 6, and 12 months after treatment, respectively, which were significantly reduced from the preoperative baseline level (6.87±1.67) cm3 (t-values: 9.466, 9.923, 7.566, all p<0.05). The Tg levels were 15.95 (5.45, 73.93) μg/L, 8.90 (2.20, 39.21) μg/L, and 6.00 (1.93, 14.18) μg/L at 2, 6, and 12 months after treatment, respectively, which were significantly lower than the preoperative baseline levels of 53.50 (20.94, 222.92) μg/L (Z values: -5.258, -5.009, -4.987, all P < 0.001). Postoperatively, D90 was slightly lower than the prescribed dose in 95.23% (40/42) of patients, but the difference was not statistically significant [(12 378.8 ± 3 182.0) 、 (12 497.8 ± 1 686.4) cGy; t=0.251, P>0.05], and postoperative dose parameters D100 (6 881.5 ± 1 381.8) cGy, V150 (58.5 ±18.40)%) were lower than the preoperative plan D100 (8085.8±2330.0) cGy, V150 (66.5±17.70)%; t-value=8.913 and 3.032, both P<0.05; the remaining indicators were not significantly different from the preoperative plan (the differences in the number of implanted particles, PTV, V100, HI were not statistically significant (t/Z = - 0.593, -1.604, 1.493, -0.663, all P>0.05).
Conclusion: Referring to the preoperative plan of TPS, 125I particle implantation for RAIR-DTC lymph node metastasis can achieve the expected dose distribution, and the short-term tumor local control efficacy is definite, which is a safe and effective treatment method.
The impact of an oral nutritional supplement on body weight gain in older adults with malnutrition: an open-label randomized controlled trial
Authors: Jayawardena Ranil , Wickramawardhane Prasani , Dalpadadu Chamila , Hills Andrew P , Ranasignhe Priyanga 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background: The global aging population is expanding rapidly. This older population is particularly at higher risk of malnutrition. Malnutrition can lead to impaired body function, morbidity, and mortality. Meeting nutritional requirements is a key strategy to minimize multiple debilitating adverse outcomes associated with malnutrition in the elderly.
Oral nutritional supplements (ONS) have been widely used as a dietary intervention for malnutrition in older adults. These supplements provide additional nutrients and calories to support nutritional requirements and have been shown to improve nutritional status, physical function, and quality of life in malnourished older adults.
Methods: This is an open-label, randomized controlled, parallel-group study including 50 institutionalized older adults (aged > 60 years) with malnutrition or at risk of malnutrition, living in a selected elderly care institution in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The aim is to assess the healthy body weight gain in terms of an increase in muscle mass and fat mass in older adults with malnutrition at risk of malnutrition by using an oral nutritional supplement. The older adults will be screened for malnutrition using mini nutrition assessment (MNA) tool. Eligible participants will be randomized using simple random sampling technique to intervention and control groups (1:1 allocation ratio). The intervention group will consume 200 mL of ONS before bed continuously for 12 weeks. The primary outcome is the percentage who achieved at least 5% weight gain in the intervention group compared to the control group. Nutritional (anthropometric, biochemical, clinical, and dietary), body composition (Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry), frailty, functional (hand grip strength, knee extension, and Barthel index) cognitive (Montreal Cognitive Assessment), and physical activity will be measured as secondary outcomes prior at baseline and at the end of the 12 weeks. Some measurements will also be performed at end of the 4th week for anthropometry, dietary, and functional assessment. Data will be analyzed using SPSS V-23.
Discussion: This study will reveal whether the use of an ONS is effective in promoting healthy weight gain in older adults with malnutrition or at risk of malnutrition. In addition, investigating the impact of an ONS on multiple outcomes such as clinical, nutritional, functional, and cognitive function will provide a more comprehensive understanding of the potential benefits of these supplements.
Trial registration: Registered under Sri Lanka Clinical Trail Registry: SLCTR/2022/021
Clinical Outcomes and Spinal Growth After Posterior Hemivertebra Resection and Short Segment Fusion in Children
Authors: Du Yuxuan , Zhang Hongqi , Wang Yu-Xiang 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
In order to evaluate the corrective effect of posterior hemivertebra resection and short-segment fusion surgery on pediatric patients and to assess the impact of short-segment fixation surgery on vertebral development during follow-up, a retrospective analysis was performed on 28 pediatric patients who underwent posterior hemivertebra resection surgery. The corrective effect was evaluated by comparing the preoperative, postoperative, and final follow-up Cobb angle, upper and lower compensatory curves and trunk balance. Meanwhile, the vertebral and spinal canal diameters of instrumented vertebrae and adjacent noninstrumented vertebrae were measured and compared between preoperative and final follow-up to assess the vertebral and spinal canal development. The correction rate of main curve Cobb angle was 72.2%. The estimated mean vertebral volume of the instrumented vertebra was slightly lower than that of the unfused segment at the final follow-up, but the difference was not statistically significant. The growth rate of the spinal canal during follow-up was much smaller than that of the vertebral body. Although internal fixation surgery might have a slight inhibitory effect on vertebral development within the fused segment in younger patients, it does not cause iatrogenic spinal canal stenosis or neurological dysfunction. Posterior hemivertebra resection and short-segment fusion surgery are safe and effective.
Stability and Bautin bifurcation of four-wheel-steering vehicle system with driver steering control
Authors: Miao Pengcheng , Li Denghui , Grebogi Celso , Yue Yuan 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
In this paper, the lateral stability and Bautin bifurcation of a four-wheel-steering(4WS) vehicle system, by considering driver steering control, are investigated. By using the central manifold theory and projection method, the first and second Lyapunov coefficients are calculated to predict the type of Hopf bifurcation of the vehicle system. The topological structure of the Bautin bifurcation, a degenerate Hopf bifurcations of the 4WS vehicle system is presented in the parameter space and it reveals the dynamics of the vehicle system of different choices of the control parameters. The influences of system parameters on critical values of the bifurcation parameter are also analyzed. It is shown that with the increase of the frontal visibility distance of the driver control strategy coefficient and the cornering stiffness coefficients of the rear wheels, the critical speed increases. Nevertheless, the critical speed decreases with the increase of the distance from the center of gravity of the vehicle to the front axles, Driver’s perceptual time delay, and cornering stiffness coefficients of the front wheels.
Comparison of the properties of bioderived polycarbonate and traditional bisphenol-A polycarbonate
Authors: Wu Fang , Pu Zejun , Hou Hongbo , Li Xianyong , Zhu Rongli , Wang Xu , Yu DaYang , Zhong Jiachun 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
The bioderived polycarbonate (ISB-PC) was synthesized via transesterification and polycondensation of isosorbide (ISB) and diphenyl carbonate (DPC), using lithium acetoacetone as catalyst. The resulting ISB-PC exhibited high glass transition temperatures similaring to bisphenol A polycarbonate (BPA-PC), and were thermally stable up to 350 ℃. The incorporation of isosorbitol into the polymer chain imparted an improved mechanical property of ISB-PC, such as a higher bending and tensile modulus and higher elongation at break. The ISB-PC can be readily cast into transparent films with a tensile strength of 73.3 MPa and a tensile modulu of 534 MPa. The ISB-PC displayed a highly UV transmittance and possessed a blue uorescence under the UV irradiation. At the same time, ISB-PC also has strong anti-yellowing ability.