bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Soil properties influence on diversity and structures of dominant woody species in riparian forests in Southwestern Nigeria
Authors: Borisade Tolulope , Odiwe Anthony I. , Uwalaka Nelson O. , Oyedeji Ayodele 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Interplay between soil variables with structural and diversity indices of riparian vegetation needs to be explicated towards the conservation of this highly productive riparian forest ecosystems amidst pronounced anthropogenic activities in Southwestern Nigeria. The study was carried out in Osun State, Southwestern Nigeria. Nine sites were used for this study, within each site, ten plots (0.25 ha in size) were marked out and each plot was placed systematically, giving a total of 90 plots. Ten soil samples were collected in each plot at top (0-15 cm) and sub (15-30 cm) soil levels using soil auger and to analysed for the physicochemical properties. Woody species were identified and classified. Euphorbiaceae and Apocynaceae are the most occurring families with Musanga cecropioides, Pterocarpus santalinoides, Rothmannia hispida and Jateorhiza macrantha being dominant in the riparian sites. The soil variables correlated positively with structural parameters markedly density rather than diversity indices across study sites. Soil pH, P, TOC, OM were key edaphic factors that affected the vegetation dynamics of these ecosystems. Policies and decision making should take cognisance of these key nutrients supporting dominant species, towards conservation amidst ecological succession ongoing across the riparian forest sites.
Analytical solution for the periodic motion of a SDOF gear nonlinear system
Authors: Liu Yang , Hu Xiuli , Qi Shiyuan , Yu Guangbin 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
The present study employs the generalized harmonic balance method (GHB) to obtain an approximate analytical solution for a class of single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) nonlinear dynamic systems, which can be used to analyze gear transmission system with backlash. The accuracy of the analytical solution can be controlled by the number of harmonic terms. Bifurcations diagrams of harmonic amplitudes versus the amplitude of dynamic transmission error (DTE) are obtained by the GHB, and the influence of DTE on the stability and bifurcations of the nonlinear transmission system is also discussed. The stable intervals and bifurcations of periodic motions of the system are discussed in detail through the analysis of eigenvalues. It is found that Hopf bifurcations (HB) exist on the intersections of the stable and unstable branches, which can lead to changes in the topological structure of the system's periodic motion. The study also analyzes the stable and unstable period-1 motion of the system and provides time-histories displacement and trajectories, as well as harmonic amplitude and phase diagrams to illustrate the details of periodic motions.
Factors improving overall survival in breast cancer patients with leptomeningeal disease (LMD): A single institutional retrospective review.
Authors: Wallace Gerald , Kundalia Ronak , Cao Biwei , Kim Youngchul , Smalley Inna , Forsyth Peter , Soyano Aixa , Pina Yolanda 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Background
Breast cancer-related leptomeningeal disease (BC-LMD) is a dire diagnosis for 5–8% of patients with breast cancer (BC). We conducted a retrospective review of BC-LMD patients diagnosed at Moffitt Cancer Center (MCC) from 2011–2020, to determine the changing incidence of BC-LMD, which factors impact progression of BC CNS metastasis to BC-LMD, and which factors affect OS for patients with BC-LMD
Methods
Patients with BC and brain/spinal metastatic disease were identified. For those who eventually developed BC-LMD, we used Kaplan-Meier survival curve, log-rank test, univariable, and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression model to identify factors affecting time from CNS metastasis to BC-LMD and OS.
Results
128 cases of BC-LMD were identified. The proportion of BC-LMD to total BC patients was higher between 2016–2020 when compared to 2011–2015. Patients with HR + or HER2 + BC experienced longer times between CNS metastasis and LMD than patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Systemic therapy and whole-brain radiation therapy (WBRT) prolonged progression to LMD in all patients. Hormone therapy in patients with HR + BC delayed BC-CNS metastasis to LMD progression. Lapatinib delayed progression to LMD in patients with HER2 + BC. Patients with TNBC-LMD had shorter OS compared to those with HR + and HER2 + BC-LMD. Systemic therapy, intrathecal (IT) therapy, and WBRT prolonged survival for all patients. Lapatinib and trastuzumab improved OS in patients with HER2 + BC-LMD.
Conclusions
Increasing rates of BC-LMD provide treatment challenges and opportunities for clinical trials. Trials testing lapatinib and/or similar tyrosine kinase inhibitors, IT therapies, and combination treatments are urgently needed.
Between Now and Later: A Mixed Methods Study of HPV Vaccination Delay Among Chinese Caregivers in Urban Chengdu, China
Authors: Yim Vivian Wan-Cheong , Wang Qianyun , Li Yifan , Qin Chuanyun , Tang Weiming , Tang Shenglan , Jit Mark , Smith Jennifer S. , Larson Heidi J. , Tucker Joseph D. , Li Jing , Lin Leesa , Wu Dan 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Background: Adolescent girls in China have a low HPV vaccination rate. Although vaccination is recommended by the Chinese health authorities, the cost is not covered by the national immunisation programme. Vaccination delay, among other reasons such as supply shortage and poor affordability, may contribute to low uptake. This sequential mixed methods study aimed to identify potential factors of delayed HPV vaccination among Chinese adolescent girls.
Methods: Quantitative data about the attitudes and perceptions of HPV vaccination were collected from 100 caregivers of 14–18-year-old girls using an online survey in Chengdu, China. The survey data informed a subsequent qualitative study using four focus group discussions. We conducted a descriptive analysis of the survey data and a thematic analysis of the qualitative data. The findings were interpreted using a health behaviour model adapted from the Health Belief Model and the Andersen’s Behavioural Model for Health Services Use.
Results: A total of 100 caregivers – 85 were mothers and 15 were fathers – participated in the survey; 21 caregivers joined focus group discussions. When asked about their intended course of action if the 9vHPV vaccine was out-of-stock, 74% chose to delay until the 9vHPV vaccine is available while 26% would consider 2vHPV or 4vHPV vaccines or seek alternative ways to procure the vaccine. Qualitative results confirmed that caregivers preferred delaying HPV vaccination for adolescent girls. The intent to delay was influenced by systemic barriers such as supply shortage, inadequate health communication, and individual-level factors such as a preference for the 9vHPV vaccine, safety concerns, and the belief that adolescents were unlikely to be sexually active.
Conclusion: In urban areas, Chinese caregivers’ intent to delay vaccination in favour of 9vHPV vaccine over receiving the more accessible options was influenced by a mix of individual and contextual factors. Focussed health communication strategies are needed to accelerate HPV vaccination among adolescents.
Sex-Disparities in Chest Pain Workup: A Retrospective Cohort Review of a University Based Clinical Decision Pathway
Authors: Titus Benjamin , Ream Karen , Rehman Tehreem , Allen Larry 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Background
Females have historically lower rates of cardiovascular testing when compared to males. Clinical decision pathways (CDP) that utilize standardized risk-stratification methods may balance this disparity. We sought to determine whether clinical decision pathways could minimize sex-based differences in the non-invasive workup of chest pain in the emergency department (ED). Moreover, we evaluated whether the HEART score would minimize sex-based differences in risk-stratification.
Methods
We conducted a retrospective cohort review of adult ED encounters for chest pain where CDP was employed. Primary outcome was any occurrence of non-invasive imaging (coronary CTA, stress imaging), invasive testing, intervention (PCI or CABG), or death. Secondary outcomes were 30-day major adverse cardiac events (MACE). We stratified HEART scores and primary/secondary outcomes by sex.
Results
A total of 1078 charts met criteria for review. Mean age at presentation was 59 years. Females represented 47% of the population. Low, intermediate, and high-risk patients as determined by the HEART score were 17%, 65%, and 18% of the population, respectively, without any significant differences between males and females. Non-invasive testing was similar between males and females when stratified by risk. Males categorized as high risk underwent more coronary angiogram (33% vs 16%, p = 0.01) and PCI (18% vs 8%, p = 0.04) than high risk females, but this was not seen in patients categorized as low or intermediate risk. Males experienced more MACE than females (9% vs 4%, p = 0.001).
Conclusions
We identified no sex-based differences in risk-stratification or non-invasive testing when the CDP was used. High risk males, however, underwent more coronary angiogram and PCI than high risk females, and consequently males experienced more overall MACE than females. This disparity may be explained by sex-based differences in the pathophysiology driving each patient’s presentation.
Screening of extra-pulmonary tuberculosis signature genes and analysis of correlation with immune cells
Authors: Xiaojiang Hu , Romani Manini Daudi , Liu Jiuming , Yanbing Li , Yingqing Lu , Qile Gao 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) is characterized by atypical clinical symptoms, difficulty in diagnosis, a high rate of disability, and a high mortality rate. Early EPTB diagnosis aids recovery. The gold standard for EPTB diagnosis needs surgery, puncture, and other invasive testing to collect a lesion sample for mycobacterium tuberculosis culture and Xpert. However, early diagnosis of EPTB has been challenging due to the lack of specificity and inability of current diagnostic methods to differentiate between active and latent EPTB infections. As a result, there is an urgent clinical need to develop new methods to improve the early detection of EPTB. In this study, we employed bioinformatics and machine learning methods to identify EPTB hallmark genes. Furthermore, we looked at the relationship between these genes and immune cell infiltration. We obtained 97 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) from the analysis. The genes were split into 14 modules by weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). Six of the intersecting genes, GBP5, UBE2L6, IFITM3, SERPING1, C1QB, and FCGR1B, were identified as EPTB hub genes at final screening using the last absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and random Forest. The presence of some immune cells in EPTB correlated with the expression of these genes.
Reference Range for Glycated Haemoglobin in Full Term Antenatal Women- a Multicentric Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Chellamma Jayakumari , V Jayakumar R , Nair Abilash , C Nirmala , Jabbar Puthiyaveettil Khadar , P Vijayan C , Babu Asha , Gopi Anjana 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Background: There are no large studies to define the normal value of Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) measured in full term pregnant women.
Research Design and Methods: The study was conducted at three government hospitals in South India. Clinical data, maternal blood sample and foetal cord blood sample were collected from women admitted for safe confinement. Mean (± SD) of HbA1c in participants with no known diabetes (gestational or pregestational) or any complications (maternal or fetal) is described, 2.5th to 97.5th centile reference range was derived.
Results: From 3 centres, 2004 women participated in the study. Data from 1039 participants who had no history of diabetes or any maternal or fetal complication were used to determine the reference range for HbA1c at term pregnancy. The mean HbA1c in subjects devoid of diabetes and its known complications was 5.0 (± 0.38) %. The reference range for normal HbA1c at term in these women was found to be 4.3 to 5.9 %. Maternal HbA1c at term pregnancy in non-diabetic pregnant women is associated with pre pregnancy BMI, maternal age and 2-hour plasma glucose level of 2nd trimester oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT).
Conclusions: The mean HbA1c at term pregnancy in non-diabetic women admitted for safe confinement is 5.00 (± 0.38) %. An HbA1c of 5.9 % or more at term should be considered abnormal and women with such a value may be kept at a close surveillance for development of diabetes.
Fabrication of AlN/Cu composite structure via laser metallization assisted direct bonding technology
Authors: Song Yanyu , Chen Naibin , Wang Ningning , Zhu Haitao , Fei Jingming , An Qi , Liu Duo , Tan Caiwang , Song Xiaoguo 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
In this work, an innovative and cost-effect method was proposed to fabricate AlN/Cu composite structure. The AlN ceramic was metallized by nanosecond laser irradiation without consuming extra materials. The metallurgical combination between AlN ceramic and Cu was successfully achieved based on the Al-Cu eutectic reaction at a relatively low temperature of 620 ℃. Under the laser irradiation, the AlN ceramic was thermal decomposed to form Al laeyer and microgroove. As the laser power increased, more Al was produced on the the ceramic surface and the micgroove became deeper. The microstructure, mechanical and heat transfer properties of the AlN/Cu joints were investigated. The maximum shear strength of the joint was 11.25MPa when the laser power was 56 W, and the maximum thermal conductivity was 162 W/(m·K) when the laser power was 42 W. The approach of laser-induced direct metallization of ceramics in this work provides a novel strategy for the integration of ceramics/metals composite structures.
Comparing the effects and application of telemedicine in emergency medicine for different medical specialties using the Emergency Talk Application in the U-Sim ETA Trial
Authors: O'Sullivan Seán Francis , Schneider Henning 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Introduction:
Telemedicine as a technology can support processes in the field of emergency medicine (EM) including therapies and diagnostics, but technically is often based on hardware solutions for local EM structures, especially when involving the field of pre-hospital EM. By developing an open-source, data protection compliant solution (EU GDPR and HIPAA) as well as using standardized web and open-source based technology the Emergency Talk Application (ETA) can be used as a technology that can connect emergency medical providers and include already available regional structures. By actively involving patients and connecting these with emergency or urgent care physicians ETA can be used not only as a teleconsultation system for paramedics and physicians, but in a wider network.
Methods:
Randomised simulation trial, comparing EM scenarios from the field of internal medicine, trauma and neurology. Participants were qualified as certified paramedics or emergency physicians (EP). Paramedics performed as ambulances crews and involved an EP if needed via ETA as Tele-Emergency Physicians (TEP). EP participated from a device of their choice, while being able to stay within their clinical workspace.
Results: From 141 scenarios 129 used ETA. Significant differences were found for the length of scenarios, duration of time the TEP was on scene, TEP arrival after scenario start, duration until TEP was called and the duration until a diagnosis was made. Also a strong positive and significant correlation between duration of the scenario and the time a Tele-Emergency Physician (TEP) was bound could be described.
Discussion:
Telemedicine is a technology that is increasingly used in the field of EM. Improving the use of telemedicine by using up-to date technology while allowing an integration of available technical and human resources is a challenge in the field of emergency medicine especially with its regional but also broad medical variety. When using one technical solution, understanding that different cases need a different medical and also telemedical approach can help in the understanding and improving therapies, diagnostics but also the involved processes and solutions. Such results are not only relevant for healthcare providers but especially by law and decision makers as to which type of solution could be introduced in each regional setting.
Reducing crude protein and supplementing amino acids in growing pig (50-70 kg) diets reduce nitrogen excretion but promotes different environmental impacts when using life cycle assessment
Authors: Esteves Lucas Antônio Costa , Monteiro Alessandra Nardina Tricia Rigo , Castilha Leandro Dalcin , de Araujo Gabriel Amaral , Murakami Alice Eiko , Pozza Paulo Cesar 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance, digestibility, and environmental impact of pigs in the growth phase receiving diets with reduced crude protein and supplementation of amino acids. In the metabolism experiment, 20 crossbred barrows with an initial average weight of 63.62 ± 2.21 kg were housed in metabolic cages, with four treatments and five replications, one animal per experimental unit. In performance experiment, 40 crossbred barrows were used, with an initial average weight of 49.92 ± 0.92 kg, with four treatments, ten replications. The treatments used in both experiments consisted of four diets containing 16, 15, 14, and 13% of CP, and supplementation with amino acids to meet the requirements of all digestible amino acids. For performance, backfat thickness, and depth of the longissimus lumborum muscle, no differences were observed. Plasma urea was lower in animals fed diets with protein reduction as well as the excretion of N urine and total N, but no differences were observed for retained N, P absorbed, P ingested, and P feces. Through the life cycle assessment, for the categories of eutrophication potential and land occupation, the protein reduction mitigated the impacts when referring to soybean meal produced in the southern region, but the protein reduction provided an increase in impact when the category evaluated was cumulative energy demand, considering the soybean produced in the south and that produced in the central west region.
The development of anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (Anti-CCP) antibody following severe COVID-19
Authors: Roghani Seyed Askar , Dastbaz Mohammad , Shamsi Afsaneh , Abdan Zahra , Rostampour Rezvan , Soleymani Bijan , Zamanian Mohammad Hossein , Soufivand Parviz , Pournazari Mehran , Taghadosi Mahdi 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
The dysregulated immune response is one of the cardinal features of severe coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). This study has been conducted to clarify the occurrence of AABs associated with a systemic autoimmune rheumatic disease (SARD) in hospitalized patients with a moderate, severe, and critical form of COVID-19. The serum samples obtained from one hundred seventy-six hospitalized COVID-19 patients were enrolled in this study, including patients with moderate (N = 90), severe (N = 50), and critical (N = 36) forms of COVID-19. Serum samples collected from healthy subjects before the COVID-19 pandemic were used as control. The ANA, ds-DNA, c-ANCA, p-ANCA, aPL, and anti-CCP occurrence was evaluated using a solid-phase enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The occurrence of ANA, anti-dsDNA, Anti-CCP, c-ANCA, and p-ANCA was significantly higher in the COVID-19 patients compared to serum obtained from healthy subjects (P = 0.0001, P = 0.0001, P = 0.0001, P = 0.030, and P = 0.001 respectively). The positive number of anti-CCP tests increased significantly in severe COVID-19 compared to the moderate group (P = 0.002). Our study further supports the development of autoantibodies related to systemic autoimmune rheumatologic diseases (SARD). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study with a large sample size that reported the occurrence of anti-CCP in a severe form of COVID-19.
Compressive myelopathy caused by extradural liposarcoma in a cat
Authors: Mponda Phanuel , DVM Olive 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Background Extradural tumours are the most common form of feline tumor-induced myelopathy. The clinical signs are like other common chronic spinal diseases, like intervertebral disease. It is therefore important to consider extradural liposarcoma as a differential diagnosis for cats presenting for chronic progressive paraparesis and pelvic limb ataxia. This case report highlights the importance of early advanced imaging for middle aged cats presenting for progressive paraparesis and pelvic limb ataxia. Histopathology revealed an extradural liposarcoma whose atypical localization has never been reported.
Case presentation A 6-year-old European shorthair spayed female cat presented to a referral hospital for progressive ataxia with hindlimbs paresis then paralysis associated with urinary incontinence over a three-month period. The cat presented with ambulatory paraparesis and pelvic limb ataxia that was bilaterally symmetrical. The pelvic limb withdrawal response and sciatic myotatic responses were reduced bilaterally. Postural reaction responses were delayed in both pelvic limbs. The anal tone and perineal sensation were both normal at the time of examination. Urinary incontinence was also a feature. T3–L3 myelopathy was suspected.
A CT scan revealed the presence of a paravertebral mass between the first and third lumbar vertebrae associated with osteolysis and spinal cord compression. A L1 to L3 hemilaminectomy was performed and confirmed the presence of an extradural lesion emerging through the L1-L2 intervertebral foramen, associated with myelomalacia. The cat died from sudden cardiac arrest during postoperative resuscitation. Histopathology revealed a vertebral liposarcoma whose atypical localization has never been reported.
Conclusion This case report presents the first observed case of extradural tumours being a cause of a form of feline tumor-induced myelopathy. It is therefore important to consider extradural liposarcoma as a differential diagnosis for cats presenting for chronic progressive paraparesis and pelvic limb ataxia. Early advanced imaging for middle aged cats presenting for progressive paraparesis and pelvic limb ataxia is essential in achieving a definitive diagnosis. Histopathology revealed an extradural liposarcoma whose atypical localization has never been reported.