bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The relationship between changes in peak expiratory flow and asthma exacerbations in asthmatic children
Authors: Chen xiongbin , Shen kunling 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Background
Asthma is is one of the most common chronic airway diseases in children. The aim of this study is to analyze whether children with asthma have changes in PEF before an acute asthma exacerbation and to evaluate the relationship between peak expiratory flow (PEF) and asthma exacerbation.
METHODS
Basic information (including sex, age, atopy, BMI, etc.) and clinical information of asthmatic children registered in the Electronic China Children's Asthma Action Plan (e-CCAAP) from 1 September 2017 to 31 August 2021 were collected. Subjects with 14 consecutive days of PEF measurements were eligible. Subjects in this study were divided into an exacerbation group and a control group. We analyzed the relationship between changes in PEF% pred and the presence of asthma symptoms.
Result
A total of 194 children with asthma who met the inclusion criteria were included, including 144 males (74.2%) and 50 females (25.8%), with a male-to-female ratio of 2.88:1. The mean age of the subjects was 9.51 ± 2.5 years. There were no significant differences in sex, age, allergy history, BMI distribution or baseline PEF between the two groups. In children with and without a history of allergy, there was no significant difference between the variation in PEF at 14 days. Children who showed only a decline in PEF had a significantly greater decline in PEF than the rest of the population. The most common cause of acute exacerbations of asthma is upper respiratory tract infection. Among the causes of acute exacerbations of asthma, the variation in PEF caused by air pollution was significantly higher than that of other causes (P < 0.05). In acute exacerbations, the decrease in PEF was significantly greater in the exacerbation group than in the control group. In children with asthma symptoms, there was a decrease in PEF approximately 1.34 days before the onset of symptoms.
Conclusion
Children with asthma show a decrease in PEF 1.34 days before the onset of asthma symptoms. We recommend that asthmatic children who show a decrease in PEF should step-up asthma therapy. The most common cause of acute exacerbations of asthma was upper respiratory tract infections, and the variation in PEF caused by air pollution was significantly higher than that caused by other factors.
Performance of oxygenation indices and risk scores to predict invasive mechanical ventilation and mortality in COVID-19
Authors: Bastidas-Goyes Alirio , Tuta-Quintero Eduardo , Aguilar Maria F , Mora Angelica V , Aponte Hermencia C , Villamizar Jesus M , Galeano Susana , Mejia Paola , Muñoz Maria , Paredes Sara , Pumarejo Doris , Barragan Maria Del Mar 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
Information on the performance of oxygenation indices (IO) and risk scores in patients requiring invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) is limited. We determine the performance of the IOs and risk scores in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 to predict the requirement of IMV and death at 7, 14 and 28 days after admission.
Methods
Retrospective cohort study in patients admitted to the emergency department, hospitalization, and intensive care unit diagnosed with COVID-19 and in whom oxygenation indices were measured within the first 6 hours of admission, between 6 and 12 hours, 12 to 24 hours and greater than 24 hours. The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC-curve) were built with the OIs and risk scores to predict IMV and mortality.
Results
A total of 1402 subjects entered the final analysis, of whom 19.5% (274/1402) received IMV and 23.0% (323/1402) died at 28 days. In the general population, the mean age was 59.9 years (SD 16.19), the male sex represented 63.3% (888/1402) and the duration from the onset of symptoms was 7.3 days (SD: 13.26). Analysis with the De Long test showed that at 7, 14 and 28 days the ROC-curves with the best performance for IMV were PaO2/FiO2, 4C score, SOFA score and SaO2/FiO2, the ROC curves of the rest of the OI evaluated were lower (p < 0.001). At 28 days, the ROC-curve with the best behavior for death was 4C compared to the ROC-curves of the rest of the OI and risk scores evaluated (p < 0.001).
Conclusion
PaO2/FiO2 ≤ 300, 4C score ≥ 8, SOFA score ≥ 4 y SaO2/FiO2 ≤ 300 were weak predictors of the IMV requirement from admission, and 4C score ≥ 8 was weak predictors of the mortality from admission in patients with pulmonary involvement by COVID-19.
Transversal Competencies in Peruvian dental students in times of COVID-19
Authors: Gómez-Meza Dora Noelia , Lamas-Lara Victor Fernando , Mattos-Vela Manuel Antonio , Evaristo-Chiyong Teresa , Cuadrao-Zavaleta Luis Alberto , Guerrero Maria Eugenia 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
Transversal competencies are crucial for university students' academic-professional training and labor insertion. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the transversal competencies (instrumental, interpersonal, and systemic) according to sociodemographic variables in Peruvian dental students during COVID-19.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was carried out on second to sixth-year students of Peruvian dental school. A validated printed questionnaire on transversal competencies was used, which contains two sections, the first corresponding to the sociodemographic characteristics of the student and the second to the transversal competencies. The survey was conducted between May and August 2022. Descriptive statistics were applied for each of the competencies. The Friedman, Dunn-Bonferroni post-hoc, Mann-Whitney U, and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to relate the study variables.
Results
The three types of competencies presented similar median values (3); four competencies obtained lower median values. Interpersonal competencies presented lower statistically significant values (p = 0.003) when compared to instrumental and systemic competencies.
Conclusions
No connection was found between each group of transversal competencies and sociodemographic variables.
Changes in Lake Inundation and Shrinkage Within the Framework of Coevolutionary River-Lake state
Authors: Wang Hongxiang , Bai Xiangyu , Yuan Weiqi , Cheng Siyuan , Huang Lintong , Yang Huan , Ma Yanchu , Guo Wenxian 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
The Dongting Lake (DTL) area constitutes a naturally interconnected lake wetland. Alterations in river-lake relationships are poised to profoundly modify the ecological condition of lake region. This study aims to investigate the co-evolutionary attributes and ecological response mechanisms involving the Yangtze River, the Four Rivers within the DTL basin (DFR), and DTL itself during extreme hydrological events. Amidst the trajectory of wetland contraction, the impact of shifts in river-lake relationships on the wetland's state remains unclear. Thus, we employ cross-wavelet transformation and the multifractal method to establish a framework for co-evolution between rivers and lake. Through this framework, we analyze the varying progression of hydrological relationships within the river-lake system and their corresponding responses. The findings reveal that instances of low-water events in DTL predominantly manifest during winter and spring. These low-water events exhibit a propensity to occur frequently and irregularly, except during July-August, coinciding with the Yangtze River's flood regulation period. Additionally, the DFR-DTL system demonstrates a wider periodicity and more pronounced positive continuity, serving as the principal impetus behind the ecological evolution of DTL. Simultaneously, alterations in the inundation status across DTL regions display an ascending trend from west to east. The predominant influence of the Yuan River and the Yangtze River leads to the majority of water degradation areas being concentrated in the western DTL region, where sedimentation is particularly severe. The changes in river-lake relationships showcase substantial variability and exert distinct impacts on DTL's hydrological evolution through a range of confluence regions.
Serum amyloid A-dependent inflammasome activation and acute injury in a mouse model of experimental stroke
Authors: Yu Jin , Zhu Hong , Taheri Saeid , Lee June-Yong , Diamond David M. , Kirstein Cheryl , Kindy Mark S. 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Serum amyloid A (SAA) proteins increase dramatically in the blood following inflammation. Recently, SAAs are increased in humans following stroke and in ischemic animal models. However, the impact of SAAs on whether this signal is critical in the ischemic brain remains unknown. Therefore, we investigated the role of SAA and SAA signaling in the ischemic brain. Wildtype and SAA deficient mice were exposed to middle cerebral artery occlusion and reperfusion, examined for the impact of infarct volumes, behavioral changes, inflammatory markers, TUNEL staining, and BBB changes. The underlying mechanisms were investigated using SAA deficient mice, transgenic mice and viral vectors. SAA levels were significantly increase following MCAo and mice deficient in SAAs showed reduced infarct volumes and improved behavioral outcomes. SAA deficient mice showed a reduction in TUNEL staining, inflammation and decreased glial activation. Mice lacking acute phase SAAs demonstrated a reduction in expression of the NLRP3 inflammasome and SAA/NLRP3 KO mice showed improvement. Restoration of SAA expression via SAA tg mice or adenoviral expression reestablished the detrimental effects of SAA. A reduction in BBB permeability was seen in the SAA KO mice and anti-SAA antibody treatment reduced the effects on ischemic injury. SAA signaling plays a critical role in regulating NLRP3-induced inflammation and glial activation in the ischemic brain. Blocking this signal will be a promising approach for treating ischemic stroke.
Competition or contingency? Using CRISPR/Cas9-induced mutants to examine the potential origin of a unique mutant allele in twin-tail goldfish
Authors: Lee Shu-Hua , Wang Chen Yi , Li Ing-Jia , Abe Gembu , Ota Kinya 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Artificial selection has been widely applied to genetically fix rare phenotypic features in ornamental domesticated animals. For many of these animals, the mutated loci and alleles underlying rare phenotypes are known. However, few studies have explored whether these rare genetic mutations might have been fixed due to competition among related mutated alleles or if the fixation occurred due to contingent stochastic events. Here, we performed genetic crossing with twin-tail ornamental goldfish and CRISPR/Cas9-mutated goldfish to investigate why only a single mutated allele – chdS with a E127X stop codon (also called chdAE127X) – gives rise to the twin-tail phenotype in the modern domesticated goldfish population. Two closely related chdS mutants were generated with CRISPR/Cas9 and compared with the E127X allele in F2 and F3 generations. Both of the CRISPR/Cas9-generated alleles were equivalent to the E127X allele in terms of penetrance/expressivity of the twin-tail phenotype and viability of carriers. These findings indicate that multiple truncating mutations could have produced viable twin-tail goldfish. Therefore, the absence of polymorphic alleles for the twin-tail phenotype in modern goldfish likely stems from stochastic elimination or a lack of competing alleles in the common ancestor. Our study is the first experimental comparison of a singular domestication-derived allele with CRISPR/Cas9-generated alleles to understand how genetic fixation of a unique genotype and phenotype may have occurred. Thus, our work may provide a conceptual framework for future investigations of rare evolutionary events in domesticated animals.
New methods based on a genetic algorithm back propagation (GABP) neural network for predicting the cigarette ventilation rate
Authors: Wei Jiaxin , Wang Zhengwei , Wang Xiaoming , Xu Huan , Wang Xiushan , Yao Sen , Song Weimin , Wang Youwei , Mei Chao 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
The ventilation rate of cigarettes is an important indicator that affects the suction resistance of cigarettes. This paper used multiple linear regression networks (MLR), backpropagation neural networks (BPNN), and genetic algorithm-optimized backpropagation (GABP) to construct a model for the prediction of cigarette ventilation rate. The model results indicated that the total ventilation rate was significantly positively correlated with unit weight(P<0.01), circumference, hardness, filter permeability, and suction resistance. The results showed that the MLR models' (RMSE = 0.651, R2 = 0.841) and the BPNN models' (RMSE = 0.640, R2 = 0.847) prediction ability were limited. Optimization by genetic algorithm (GA), GABP models were generated and exhibited better prediction performance(RMSE=0.606, R2=0.873). The results indicated that the GABP model has the highest accuracy in the prediction of predicting ventilation rate and can accurately predict cigarette ventilation rate. This method can provide theoretical guidance and technical support for the stability study of the ventilation rate of the unit.
Transfer Learning and Self-Distillation for automated detection of schizophrenia using single-channel EEG and scalogram images
Authors: Mostafavi Mohammad Reza , Ko Seokbum , Shokouhi Shahriar Baradaran , Ayatollahi Ahmad 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Schizophrenia (SZ) has been acknowledged as a highly intricate mental disorder for a long time. In fact, individuals with SZ experience a blurred line between fantasy and reality, leading to a lack of awareness about their condition, which can pose significant challenges during the treatment process. Due to the importance of the issue, timely diagnosis of this illness can not only assist patients and their families in managing the condition but also enable early intervention, which may help prevent its advancement. EEG is a widely utilized technique for investigating mental disorders like SZ due to its non-invasive nature, affordability, and wide accessibility. In this study, our main goal is to develop an optimized system that can achieve automatic diagnosis of SZ with minimal input information. To optimize the system, we adopted a strategy of using single-channel EEG signals and integrated knowledge distillation and transfer learning techniques into the model. This approach was designed to improve the performance and efficiency of our proposed method for SZ diagnosis. Additionally, to leverage the pre-trained models effectively, we converted the EEG signals into images using Continuous Wavelet Transform (CWT). This transformation allowed us to harness the capabilities of pre-trained models in the image domain, enabling automatic SZ detection with enhanced efficiency. The accuracy achieved from the 5-second records of the EEG signal, along with the combination of self-distillation and VGG16 for the P4 channel, is 97.83% ± 1.3. This indicates a high level of accuracy in diagnosing SZ using the proposed method.
Threshold effect of governance quality in the relationship between public health expenditure and life expectancy at birth in the West African Economic and Monetary Union
Authors: BOUNDIOA Jacques , THIOMBIANO Noël 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background The population in the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) suffers poor health, as manifested in low life expectancy at birth. Public health expenditure (PHE) has long been viewed as having the potential to improve health. However, the relationship between PHE and health outcomes is inconclusive. In view of the above, poor governance could be a factor inhibiting the effect of public health expenditure on certain health indicators. This article analyzes the threshold effect of governance quality on the relationship between public health spending and life expectancy at birth in WAEMU.Methods The data used come from the Worldwide Governance Indicators (WGI) database and the World Bank's World Development Indicators and cover the period 1996–2018. Threshold-effect analysis for Hansen (1999) was performed to assess the relation between governance quality and public health expenditure with life expectancy at birth.Result The results show that governance quality is a transition variable at which public health expenditure affects life expectancy. Indeed, for public health spending to have a positive and significant effect on life expectancy at birth, the level of governance quality must be above 0.42 on a 0–1 scale.Conclusion Public health expenditure affects life expectancy if the quality of governance is high. Improving governance quality must be a prerequisite for any allocation of public resources in the health sector in WAEMU.
A level Ellipsoid for modelling regional Gravity Field
Authors: Chivatsi Jonathan Nyoka , Md Ami Hassan , Pa'suya Muhammad Faiz 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Modern, very precise gravity models are now being created in the discipline of geodesy, using purely satellite techniques. Thanks to the GOCE and GRACE missions, high quality global gravitational models have been computed and made available to users. The models allow for the derivation of gravity field functionals when coupled with reference equipotential normal ellipsoids, such as GRS80 and WGS84. These ellipsoids represent the global fit to the geoid, but may depart from the geoid in local circumstances. The precision of computed gravimetric field functionals depends on the fit of the reference model to the geoid. In this study, a regional normal ellipsoid that fits the local geoid is computed from terrestrial data, using both ordinary and combined least squares optimization techniques, applying the theory of equipotential ellipsoid. Results from the combined model were used to compute the geometrical and physical constants of the new ellipsoid A normal ellipsoid, with semi-major axis of 6378145.549089m and flattening, 269.792502072 and the same mass and angular velocity as the earth was obtained. These parameters can be used with a geopotential model to yield smoother gravity field functionals, for use in geoid modelling and other geoscience applications.
Data Perturbation for Pervasive Edge Computing Environments Using Iterative Randomised Parallel Variable Perturbation in Wireless Sensor Network
Authors: Shukur Mohamed Ghouse , G Anuradha M , L Niranjan , Ahmed Mohammed Mohsin , Sabahath Asfia , P Parthasarathy , Mubarakali Azath 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
The reduction in the size of Packet Forwarding Nodes (PFNs) is a direct consequence of technological advancements in wireless sensor networks (WSN). Each node has an extra characteristic that results in diminished energy levels. The dispersed PFNs are arranged in a squared cross-sectional area, where each node functions as a Sensing Point (SP) capable of performing diverse applications such as temperature, ambient humidity, sound, and pressure measurements. The packet is partitioned into many fragments, with each fragment being classified as either having an exact or variable length. Each individual packet is sent over numerous Physical Forwarding Nodes (PFNs) on route to the data centre, using the PFNs as the underlying mechanism for transmission. The choice of route forwarding nodes (PFNs) is determined by their respective trust levels. Within the network, designated Packet Forwarding Nodes (PFNs) are strategically positioned to facilitate the delivery of packets to the data centre, ensuring the integrity of the data is preserved throughout the process. The process of selecting certain PFNs involves the calculation of meeting probability, remaining energy, data weight, and security value. The comparative analysis involves evaluating the Iterative Randomised Parallel Variable Perturbation (IRPVP) method against conventional approaches based on various parameters, including delay, link count, resource energy, healthy PFNs, non-healthy PFNs, health ratio computation, remaining energy, control to data ratio, and balancing factor. The results of the simulation demonstrate that the efficacy of the proposed Iterative Randomised Parallel Variable Perturbation (IRPVP) method surpasses that of other traditional algorithms.
Depressive Symptoms and Supraspinal Functional Connectivity in Veterans with Gulf War Illness-related Chronic Pain
Authors: Leung Albert , Le Valerie , Lopez Caleb , Ho Michael , Collin Lauren , Zeynalvand Anni , Kim Elise , Kim Stephen , Lee Roland R. 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Both chronic pain and depressive symptoms are highly prevalent in Veterans with Gulf War illness(GWI). This study assessed how the severity of depressive symptoms may correlate with pain symptomology and supraspinal pain modulatory functional connectivity(FC) in the Veterans with GWI-related chronic Headache, And body muscle and joint Pain conditions(GWI-HAP). Resting state fMRI region of interest (ROI)-to-ROI FC analyses indicated the Veterans with GWI-HAP and moderate to severe depressive symptoms reflected by Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression score ≥14(GWI≥14) showed significantly enhanced FC with the adjacent frontal cortex(Brodmann Area[BA] 44; P < 0.001; t = 4.64) and the contralateral Insula(BA 13; P < 0.001; t = 7.14), and two regions of contralateral thalamus(P < 0.01, P < 0.001; t = 5.32, t = 5.25 respectively); and decreased FC with the ipsilateral premotor cortex(BA 6; P < 0.01; t = -3.34) and contralateral anterior cingulate cortex(BA 32; P < 0.001; t = -3.64) than their counterparts with no or mild depressive symptoms(GWI < 14). These findings are correlated with more pain symptomology, and functional and quality of life impairments found in the GWI≥14 group. Potential therapeutic interventions applicable for addressing both highly prevalent co-morbid conditions may utilize this mechanistic correlation.
Pseudorabies virus causes splenic injury via inducing the oxidative stress and apoptpsos related factors in mice
Authors: Sun Wei , Liu Shanshan , Wang Qingyan , Fan Yu , Yan Yi , Okyere Samuel Kumi 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Pseudorabies virus (PRV) is an immunosuppressive disease that causes significant damage to the pig industry. This study aimed to detect the effects of PRV on oxidative stress related factors and cell apoptosis in the spleen, providing a basis for the research on the pathogenesis of PRV in mice model. Pathological observation was performed by hematoxylin and eosin Y staining. Biochemical and Flow cytometry method were performed to determine the reactive oxygen species profile of the spleen post-infection and apoptosis detection. In addition, q-PCR and Western blot were adopted to measure the apoptotic conditions of the spleen infected with PRV. The results indicated that the ROS level in the PRV infection group was remarkedly increased (p < 0 01) at a time-dependent pattern. Furthermore, the Malondialdehyde levels in the spleen of mice in the infection group increased significantly (p < 0.01) in a time-dependent mode. However, the Catalase, Superoxide dismutase, and Glutathione activity and expression levels in the infection group were significantly decreased with the control group (p < 0 01) in a time-dependent manner. Furthermore, the ratio of splenocyte apoptosis in the infection group significantly increased (p < 0 05, p < 0 01) in a time-dependent manner. In conclusion, PRV infection causes apoptosis of the spleen via oxidative stress in mice.