bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the Impacts of COSMIC-2 GNSS RO Bending Angle Assimilation on Atlantic Hurricane Forecasts Using the HWRF Model
Authors: Miller William J. , Chen Yong , Ho Shu-Peng , Shao Xi 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
This study evaluates the impact of assimilating Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) radio occultation (RO) bending angles from Formosa Satellite Mission-7/Constellation Observing System for Meteorology, Ionosphere, and Climate-2 (COSMIC-2) receiver satellites on Hurricane Weather Research and Forecasting (HWRF) Model tropical cyclone (TC) forecasts. Launched in June 2019, the COSMIC-2 mission provides significantly higher tropics data coverage compared to its predecessor COSMIC constellation. GNSS RO measurements yield information about atmospheric pressure, temperature, and water vapor profiles. HWRF is cycled with and without COSMIC-2 bending angle data assimilation for six 2020 Atlantic hurricane cases. COSMIC-2 assimilation has little impact on HWRF track forecasts, consistent with HWRF’s design limiting cycled data assimilation impacts on surrounding large-scale flows; however, COSMIC-2 assimilation results in a statistically significant ∼8%–12% mean absolute forecast error reduction in minimum central sea level pressure for t = 36-, 54-, 60-, and 108–120-h lead times. Forecasts initialized from analyses assimilating COSMIC-2 observations also have a 1%–4% smaller 600–700-hPa specific humidity (SPFH) root-mean-squared deviation compared to radiosondes and dropwindsondes for most lead times. While not all HWRF intensity forecasts benefit from COSMIC-2 assimilation, a few show notable improvement. For example, assimilating two COSMIC-2 profiles within the inner core of developing Hurricane Hanna (2020) increases 800-hPa SPFH by up to 1 g kg−1 locally, helping to correct a dry bias. The forecast initialized from this analysis better captures Hanna’s observed intensification rate, likely because its moister inner core facilitates development of persistent deep convection near the TC center, where diabatic heating is more efficiently converted to cyclonic wind kinetic energy.

Significance Statement
Tropical cyclone (TC) intensification can be strongly sensitive to the lower-to-midtropospheric water vapor distribution near the storm. The COSMIC-2 GNSS radio occultation (RO) receiver satellite mission provides denser spatial coverage of atmospheric water vapor and temperature profiles over the tropics compared to other GNSS RO observation platforms. Herein, using six 2020 Atlantic TC cases, we evaluate the impacts of assimilating COSMIC-2 RO bending angles into a regional forecast model that already assimilates clear-sky satellite radiances. It is shown that COSMIC-2 assimilation yields a modest ∼10% intensity forecast skill improvement for several lead times, although more substantial intensity forecast improvement is found for a few forecasts where the COSMIC-2 observation assimilation helps correct a lower-to-midtropospheric water vapor bias.
The Impact of Tropical SST Biases on the S2S Precipitation Forecast Skill over the Contiguous United States in the UFS Global Coupled Model
Authors: Bai Hedanqiu , Li Bin , Mehra Avichal , Meixner Jessica , Moorthi Shrinivas , Ray Sulagna , Stefanova Lydia , Wang Jiande , Wang Jun , Worthen Denise , Yang Fanglin , Stan Cristiana 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
This work investigates the impact of tropical sea surface temperature (SST) biases on the Subseasonal to Seasonal Prediction project (S2S) precipitation forecast skill over the contiguous United States (CONUS) in the Unified Forecast System (UFS) coupled model Prototype 6. Boreal summer (June–September) and winter (December–March) for 2011–18 were analyzed. The impact of tropical west Pacific (WP) and tropical North Atlantic (TNA) warm SST biases is evaluated using multivariate linear regression analysis. A warm SST bias over the WP influences the CONUS precipitation remotely through a Rossby wave train in both seasons. During boreal winter, a warm SST bias over the TNA partly affects the magnitude of the North Atlantic subtropical high (NASH)’s center, which in the reforecasts is weaker than in reanalysis. The weaker NASH favors an enhanced moisture transport from the Gulf of Mexico, leading to increased precipitation over the Southeast United States. Compared to reanalysis, during boreal summer, the NASH’s center is also weaker and in addition, its position is displaced to the northeast. The displacement further affects the CONUS summer precipitation. The SST biases over the two tropical regions and their impacts become stronger as the forecast lead increases from week 1 to 4. These tropical biases explain up to 10% of the CONUS precipitation biases on the S2S time scale.
Tackling colourism through storytelling in an online course for public health professionals
Authors: Santoso Monique , Agrawal Reena , Tiwari Kritika , Manjanatha Deepa , Austin S Bryn , McAdams-Mahmoud Ayesha , Craddock Nadia , Raffoul Amanda 
Published: April 2023

Objective: Strategic storytelling can be used to reframe dominant cultural narratives and improve community health outcomes. This pilot study assessed the impact of an original, online 3-week e-course, delivered from November to December 2021, in increasing learners’ knowledge of and concern for the seriousness of skin-shade discrimination and the use of skin-lightening products in India, increasing learners’ understanding of storytelling-based communication techniques for public health promotion, and increasing learners’ intentions to use strategic storytelling for social change. Design, Setting and Method: The course used case-method pedagogy to address colourism and cosmetic skin lightening. Learners ( N = 25) completed a pre-course baseline survey on their knowledge and concerns regarding colourism and the use of skin-lightening products, as well as their expectations and interests in taking the course. Following course completion, learners completed a post-webinar survey. The Wilcoxon Signed-Rank test was used to assess differences from pre- to post-course surveys on quantitative items. Open-ended responses were also analysed using qualitative content analysis for recurring themes on learner interest and experience. Results: From pre- to post-course surveys, there were significant improvements in learners’ knowledge of skin shade discrimination and the use of skin-lightening products ( p < .05). Learners indicated being more concerned about the seriousness of skin shade discrimination post-course compared to pre-course. Learners also described a positive learning experience and indicated that the e-course enhanced their understanding of strategic storytelling. Conclusion: Findings highlight the importance of an original e-course that uses case-method pedagogy to build knowledge and skills that addresses the impacts of colourism on the health of Indian adolescents and provides new directions for future research on health education interventions that aim to tackle colourism.
Systematic review of selecting comfortable sportswear: Predicting wearing comfort based on physiological responses and materials properties
Authors: Wei He T , Chan Wing S , Chow Daniel HK 
Published: April 2023

Purpose There is insufficient research to confirm whether wearing comfort can be accurately predicted by physiological responses during exercise when wearing sportswear with functionality. This review investigated the possibility of predicting subjective comfort based on material properties when selecting sportswear. Design/methodology/approach: A systematic review was performed in accordance with PRISMA. Two independent reviewers searched six electronic databases, including Web of Science, PubMed, Medline, CINAHL, Scopus, and EMBASE, for experimental studies published between 1 January 2000 and 31 January 2022. The included studies were analyzed for their study characteristics and evaluated for their risk of bias level. Findings Twenty-five studies were selected from 5906 papers resulting from the initial searches. The results of the analysis suggested that considering factors beyond moisture management function in sportswear selection, such as type of activity, environment, individual habits, and prior experience, can help wearers better predict their comfort during exercise. Research limitations/implications: All included studies have a small sample size; the participants’ fitness level has not been properly defined and standardized; the dependent variables measured in these studies vary, and there is a lack of standard approach to measure comfort. Originality: The understanding and the correlation between wearing comfort and fabric characteristics is necessary because such relationships can be very complex. This review provides information to further advance our knowledge in understanding the dynamic interactions of the factors that may affect perceived comfort in selecting sportswear. A three-step conceptual framework consisting of material properties, physiological response, and comfort sensation is suggested to determine sportswear comfort.
Safety and efficacy of physician-modified thoracic endovascular aortic repair using a low-profile device for aortic arch lesions
Authors: Hashizume Kenichi , Mori Mitsuharu , Yagami Toshiaki , Takaki Hidenobu , Matsuoka Tadashi , Nara Tsutomu , Nishida Mayu , Shimizu Hideyuki 
Published: April 2023

Background We investigated the safety and efficacy of physician-modified thoracic endovascular aortic repair using a low-profile device for aortic arch lesions. Methods A total of 42 consecutive patients (mean age 67.2 ± 12.7 years; 32 men) with aortic arch lesions were treated by physician-modified thoracic endovascular aortic repair using a low-profile device (Zenith Alpha Thoracic Endovascular Graft) with four scallops or 13 fenestrations for the common carotid artery and 38 fenestrations or 30 branches for the left subclavian artery. The aortic repair indications were acute type B aortic dissection (n = 17, 40.5%), degenerative aneurysm (n = 14, 33.3%), chronic dissection aneurysmal degeneration (n = 4, 9.5%), and ulcer-like projection (n = 2, 4.8%). The mean iliac artery diameter was 7.6 ± 1.1 mm. Results There were no branches covered unintentionally or patients who died and suffered from severe spinal cord ischemia perioperatively. One patient (2.4%) experienced a postoperative minor stroke with full neurological recovery. The mean follow-up time was 18 ± 11 months, with 28 patients (66.7%) having at least 12 months. One access-related complication (2.4%) occurred. Two residual Ia (4.8%) and three residual IIIa (7.1%) endoleaks were treated by reintervention. There were no open repair conversions, ruptures, or other aortic complications. Conclusion Physician-modified thoracic endovascular aortic repair using the low-profile device may be a safe, feasible, and time-saving method for preserving the cervical artery and has high reproducibility and anatomical reconstruction. However, its durability requires long-term follow-up.
Analysis of factors associated with 6MWD among older patients with chronic heart failure
Authors: Zhu Jiao , Liu Ying , Jiang Heng , Liu Qianhui , Yao Zijun , He Yuli , Xia Lili , Wu Jun 
Published: April 2023

Objectives To study the factors that influence the 6-minute walking distance (6MWD) among older patients with chronic heart failure. Methods This was a single-center, retrospective, observational study. A total of 123 patients from the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University was selected. The factors associated with the 6MWD were analyzed using Pearson correlation analysis and multivariate linear regression. Results The 6MWD of older patients was negatively correlated with age, fall risk, nutritional score, frailty, and depression but was positively correlated with educational level, fall efficacy, self-care ability, and plasma albumin. The results of independent variable multiple linear regression analysis showed that age (β = −0.098), fall risk (β = −0.262), fall efficacy (β = 0.011), self-care ability (β = −0.021), nutrition (β = −0.405), frailty (β = −0.653), and plasma albumin (β = 0.127) influenced the 6MWD. Conclusions The 6MWD of older patients with chronic heart failure was related to age, self-care ability, fall risk, nutrition, frailty, and depression.
Surface modification of anhydrous phosphogypsum and its application in isotactic polypropylene
Authors: Nie Chenchen , Zhong Jin , Liu Hao , Yang Xuejiao , Xie Guiming , Bi Jun , Yang Chunliang , Shi Yongyong , Yi Yun 
Published: April 2023

Phosphogypsum (PG) is a by-product of the wet phosphoric acid process, and anhydrous phosphogypsum (APG) prepared by PG calcination and ball milling pretreatment can be useful to prepare polypropylene composites by melt blending to yield polymer materials with improved properties. In this work, the hydrophobic effect of stearic acid (SA) modified APG was investigated by various analytical techniques. To this end, the modified APG was used as a filler for isotactic polypropylene (PP) blending to yield PP/APG composites and study the influence of APG particle size and added amount on the mechanical properties of PP/APG composites. The results showed SA coated on APG surface by chemical adsorption to form a hydrophobic layer. The water contact angle increased from 8.49° to 112.49° before to after modification, respectively. The mechanical properties of PP/APG composites were affected by the particle size and content of APG. Smaller particle size of APG led to better mechanical properties of PP/APG composites. At particle size d50 of APG filler of 2.83 μm and content of 5 wt%, characteristics like the tensile strength, flexural strength, impact strength, and tensile modulus of PP/APG composites reached 37.28 MPa, 47.71 MPa, 6.18 KJ/m2, and 422.3 MPa, respectively. Compared to pure PP, these values increased by 4.66%, 5.4%, 27.68%, and 18.28%, respectively. Smaller particle size of APG was also found more conducive to the increase in APG content within PP/APG composites, as well as reduced production cost of composites. APG prepared from PG after treatment is useful as a filler for PP and other polymer materials, promising for PG resource utilization.
Yoga vs Physical Therapy in Multiple Sclerosis: Results of Randomized Controlled Trial and the Training Protocol
Authors: Lysogorskaia Elena , Ivanov Timur , Mendalieva Ainagul , Ulmasbaeva Elena , Youshko Maxim , Brylev Lev 
Published: April 2023

Background Yoga originated in the territory of modern India more than 3,000 years ago uses techniques for working with the musculoskeletal system, cardiorespiratory system, and attention. Currently, the effectiveness and safety of yoga in patients with various neurological disorders, including multiple sclerosis (MS), is of interest to many scientists and clinicians. Purpose The main aim of this study is to examine the effect of yoga on symptoms and quality of life in patients with MS vs physical therapy (exercise therapy) and no exercise. Methods The patients were randomly assigned to three groups (yoga, physical therapy (PT), or waiting list). After 12 weeks of regular exercises (or the absence of them), the effect of yoga and PT on the functional status and quality of life of patients were evaluated. The data were collected during the patients’ two visits to the study center – before the start of the study and at the end of the 12-week period. The in-person examination included a doctor’s assessment of the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), the SF-36 quality of life questionnaire, the fatigue scale, the Berg balance scale, and the 6-min walking test. Results A total of 36 patients finished the clinical study: thirty women and six men. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of improvement in MS symptoms as measured by the balance, walking test, and fatigue scales. However, in the analysis of eight criteria of SF-36 quality-of-life questionnaire by the covariation analysis, statistically significant differences were found in favor of the yoga group in terms of physical functioning (PF) ( p = .003), life activity (VT) ( p < .001), mental health (MH) ( p = 013), and social functioning (SF) ( p = .028). Conclusion Thus, regular yoga classes under the guidance of qualified staff are a promising method of non-drug rehabilitation of patients with MS with motor disorders.
Psychometric Validation of Odia Translated CYRM-R Scale
Authors: Anandan Ananya , Elumalai Rangeela , Srinivasan Shiva Prakash 
Published: April 2023

Aim: This study aims to test the psychometric properties of Odia translated Child and Youth Resilience Measure (CYRM-R) scale Method: A total of 167 participants were recruited for this study. The English version of the CYRM-R scale was translated into Odia and back-translated into English. Following item analysis, exploratory factor analysis using Oblique rotation was used to confirm the factor structure and internal consistency of the scale was established. Results: The items on the scale had a good inter-item correlation. The contextual resilience scale was removed due to low internal consistency. The final scale had two subscales namely individual and relational resilience. Significant differences were found in resilience between the two genders and CNCP & CCL population. Conclusion: The translated CYRM-R seems to be a good scale with high reliability to measure resilience among youth. However further study has to be done cross-culturally to generalise the results.
Determining the Risk of Elevated Digoxin Concentrations Following Loading Dose in Patients With Acute and Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Young Mikaela R. , Rappaport Stephen H. , Belz Sarah , Kaufman David C. , Haas Curtis E. 
Published: April 2023

Background: The optimal loading dose of digoxin in patients with reduced kidney function is unknown. Tertiary references recommend reduced loading doses; however, these recommendations are based on immunoassays that are falsely elevated by the presence of digoxin-like immunoreactive substances, a problem that is minimized in modern assays. Objective: To determine whether chronic kidney disease (CKD) or acute kidney injury (AKI) is associated with supratherapeutic digoxin concentrations after a digoxin loading dose. Methods: A retrospective analysis on patients who received an intravenous loading dose of digoxin with a digoxin concentration collected 6 to 24 hours after the end of the dose. Patients were stratified into 3 groups: AKI, CKD, and non-AKI/CKD (NKI) based on glomerular filtration rate and serum creatinine. The primary outcome was frequency of supratherapeutic digoxin concentrations (>2 ng/mL) and secondary outcomes included frequency of adverse events. Results: A total of 146 digoxin concentrations were included (AKI = 59, CKD = 16, NKI = 71). Frequencies of supratherapeutic concentrations were similar between groups (AKI: 10.2%, CKD: 18.8%, NKI: 11.3%; P = 0.61). Pre-planned logistic regression demonstrated no significant relationship between kidney function group and the development of a supratherapeutic concentration (AKI: odds ratio [OR]: 1.3, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.4-4.5; CKD: OR 4.3, 95% CI: 0.7-23). Conclusion and Relevance: This is the first study in routine clinical practice evaluating the relationship between kidney function and digoxin peak concentrations that differentiates AKI from CKD. We did not find a relationship between kidney function and peak concentrations; however, the group with CKD was underpowered.
Pregabalin Does Not Increase Risk of Heart Failure Exacerbation in Patients With Pre-existing Heart Failure
Authors: Wynn Emma , Biskupiak Joseph , Kim Kibum , Munger Mark A. 
Published: April 2023

Background: Through actions of calcium channel trafficking inhibition and sodium/water retention, pregabalin may increase the risk of acute heart failure (AHF). Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of heart failure (HF) acute exacerbations, measured by a composite of emergency department (ED) visits, per-patient per-year (PPPY) hospitalizations, time-to first ED admission, and time-to hospitalizations in pre-existing HF patients taking pregabalin compared with those who were pregabalin-naive. Methods: A retrospective cohort study of pregabalin users with HF were propensity score–matched to pregabalin-naïve patients with HF to evaluate the composite of ED admissions or PPPY hospitalizations, time-to first ED admission, and time-to hospitalizations during the 365 days post-index. Doubly robust generalized linear regression and Cox-proportional hazard regression modeling were undertaken for analysis of differences between groups. Results: The matched cohort of 385 pregabalin users and 3460 pregabalin nonusers were principally middle-aged, equally gender distributed, and primary Caucasian. Most patients were on guideline-directed HF medical therapy. The estimated cumulative incidence of the primary outcome was a hazard ratio of 1.099 (95% CI: 0.789-1.530; P = 0.58). Conclusion and Relevance: This large, single-center, cohort study shows pregabalin is not associated with an increased risk of AHF events in patients with pre-existing HF.
Malarial retinopathy in a preschool child: A case report with long-term paediatric and ophthamological follow-up
Authors: Lazzerini Andrea , Sforza Francesca , Fornasari Elisa , Mastropasqua Rodolfo , Bergonzini Patrizia , Iughetti Lorenzo , Cavallini Gian Maria 
Published: April 2023

Aim To report a paediatric case of retinopathy-positive cerebral malaria, emphasizing the clinical significance of long-term neurological and ophthalmological follow-up (5,5 years). Case report After a recent journey in Ghana, a 17-month-old African female child was admitted at the Paediatric Emergency Room with fever and vomiting. Blood smear confirmed a Plasmodium Falciparum parasitaemia. Iv quinine was promptly administered, but after a few hours, the child developed generalized seizures, requiring benzodiazepine therapy and assisted ventilation for severe desaturation. Brain imaging (CT and MRI), lumbar puncture and several electroencephalograms showed data compatible with cerebral involvement of malaria. Schepens ophthalmoscopy and Ret-Cam pictures acquisition revealed macular haemorrhages in the left eye with central whitening and bilateral capillary abnormalities, typical signs of malarial retinopathy. Antimalarial therapy and iv Levetiracetam allowed neurological improvement. Eleven days after the admission, the child was discharged, showing no neurological symptoms and with an improved EEG signal, a normalized fundus oculi and brain imaging. Neurological and ophthalmological long-term follow-up were conducted: EEG controls didn’t reveal abnormalities and the complete ophthalmological assessment showed a regular visual acuity and fundus oculi, as well as a normal SD-OCT and electrophysiologic testing. Conclusion Cerebral malaria is a severe complication, characterized by a high fatality rate and challenging diagnosis. A helpful instrument for diagnostic and prognostic evaluation is the ophthalmological detection of malarial retinopathy and its monitoring over time. In our patient the long term visual follow-up didn’t reveal any adverse outcome.