bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lung clearance index short-term variability in cystic fibrosis. A pre-post pulmonary exacerbation study.
Authors: De Marchis Matteo , Montemitro Enza , Boni Alessandra , Federici Alessandra , Giovanni Daniele Di , Cristiani Luca , Cutrera Renato , Fiocchi Alessandro G. 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background: Multiple Breath washout (MBW) represents an important tool to detect early a possible pulmonary exacerbation especially in Cystic Fibrosis (CF) disease. Lung clearance index (LCI) is the most commonly reported multiple breath washout (MBW) index and in the last years was used as management measure for evaluation. Our aim was to analyze clinical utility of LCI index variability in pulmonary exacerbation in CF after intravenous (IV) antibiotic therapy.
Methods: A single-center study was conducted at CF Unit of Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital among hospitalized > 3 years patients for pulmonary exacerbations and treated with antibiotic IV treatment for 14 days. MBW and spirometry were evaluated within 72 hours of admission to hospital and at the end of hospitalization. Descriptive analysis was conducted and correlations between quantitative variables were investigated.
Results: Fifty-seven patients (M22/F35) with an average age 18.56 (± 8.54) years were enrolled. LCI2.5 was significantly reduced at the end of antibiotic treatment in both pediatric and adult populations with an average reduction of -6,99%; 37/57 patients denoted an improvement, 20/57 are stable or worsened in LCI2.5 values and 4/57 (7.02%) had a significant deterioration (>15%) at end of treatment. On the contrary a significative elevation of FEV1% and FVC% were found, respectively of +7,30% and of +5,46%. A positive good correlection among LCI 2.5 and Scond (rho= +0,615, p=0.000) and LCI 2.5 and Sacin (rho=+0,649, p=0.000) and a negative strong correlation between FEV1% and LCI 2.5 were found in post treatment period. A similar modification of LCI 2.5 and FEV1 was noticed in both adult and pediatric population.
Conclusions: LCI may have a role in the routine clinical care of both adult and pediatric CF patients as a good tool to assess response to IV antibiotic end-therapy in the same way as FEV1.
Evaluation of the Nasolacrimal Canal by Computed Tomography in Patients with Septal Deviation
Authors: Koçak Furkan Melih , Muluk Nuray Bayar , İnal Mikail , Başer Selçuk , Şencan Ziya , Cömert Ela , Özel Gökçe 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Objectives
In this study, the nasolacrimal canal was examined proximal and distally in patients with septum deviation to investigate the relationship between septum deviation and nasolacrimal canal (NLC) diameter and to reveal its relationship with maxillary sinus (MS) diameter.
Methods
Preoperative paranasal sinus computed tomography (PNSCT) images of 50 male and 50 female adult patients who underwent septoplasty were examined, and the deviated side (ipsilateral) and opposite side (contralateral) NLC diameters were measured at the proximal and distal parts. Moreover, bilateral MS height, anteroposterior and horizontal diameters were also measured.
Results
There were no significant differences between the NLC diameter of the ipsilateral and contralateral sides, either proximally or distally (p > 0.05). As a result of the measurements, it was observed that the NLC was wider in the proximal part than in the distal part without being affected by the deviation side (p < 0.05). Likewise, it was observed that the NLC was wider in males than females without being affected by the deviation side (p < 0.05). In our study, no statistically significant differences were observed between ipsilateral and contralateral MS dimensions (p > 0.05).
Conclusion
As a conclusion; the NLC is wider in men than in women; and wider proximally than distally. It may explain the fact that Primary Acquired Nasolacrimal Canal Obstruction (PANCO) is more common in women and that obstruction is frequently seen in the distal part of the canal. Whether septum deviation is one of the etiological factors causing PANCO is still a controversial issue in the medical world.
Whether Lupus patients have worse outcome of core decompression of Hip osteonecrosis?
Authors: Hadighi Pouya , Faezi Seyedeh Tahereh , Mortazavi Seyed Mohammad Javad , Rokni Mohsen , Aghaghazvini Leila , Kasaeian Amir , Nejadhosseinian Mohammad , Haerian Hoda , Fateh Hamid Reza 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background: Osteonecrosis is a major cause of morbidity for patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Although core decompression is an approved and trusted technique to prevent further joint deterioration, this surgical method seems to be less beneficial for SLE patients. We aimed to determine the probable outcome measures of core decompression in SLE patients.
Methods: In this study, 23 patients (39 affected hip joints) with osteonecrosis of the femoral head with stage II of the disease, based on the Ficat-Arlet classification system, underwent core decompression. Also, patients’ demographic characteristics, clinical data, drug history, comorbidities, laboratory findings, hip plain radiographs, history of total hip arthroplasty after core decompression, and patients’ satisfaction with joint function according to the Oxford Hip score questionnaire were obtained.
Results: In our study, 53.8% of affected joints showed signs of radiographic deterioration in follow-up imaging. The sixty one and a half percent (61.5%) of patients had unsatisfactory joint performance. Third (33.3%) of affected hip joints underwent total hip arthroplasty up to 5 years from core decompression. SLE patients with a history of receiving bisphosphonate were 83.2% less dissatisfied with their joint function than patients without a history of bisphosphonate use (P <0.02). Among the 23 investigated cases, the mean cumulative dose of prednisolone before and after core decompression surgery was 46.41mg and 14.74mg respectively.
Conclusions: The group of patients that used bis-phosphonate, had a higher level of satisfaction with joint function after core decompression in our study.
Superlensing enables radio communication and imaging underwater
Authors: Smolyaninov Igor , Balzano Quirino , Barry Mark , Young Dendy 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Wireless radio communications provide a backbone to our technological civilization. However, radio communications are widely believed to be impossible in many situations where radios are surrounded by conductive media, such as underwater or underground, thus making ocean exploration difficult and creating well-known mine safety problems. In addition, since most imaging techniques rely on electromagnetic waves, the difficulty of electromagnetic wave propagation through biological tissues, which are mostly made of water, also severely limits bioimaging. Here we show that contrary to common beliefs, radio signals may be efficiently propagated through water over useful distances. Both radio communication and radio imaging through water may be enabled by superlensing of surface electromagnetic waves propagating along the water surface. We have demonstrated underwater radio communication over distances of several hundred skin depth in the MHz frequency range, which would require sensitivity below 10^-100 W in a conventional radio communication channel. We also demonstrated subwavelength super-resolution radio imaging in the GHz range by using water surface as a superlens. Our results indicate new ways to perform bioimaging, as well as marine life safe techniques of wireless radio communication and imaging underwater, which are essential for ocean and seafloor exploration. We also anticipate that the developed techniques will provide invaluable means of studying the extraterrestrial water worlds, such as potentially inhabitable Jovian moons.
Pregnancy loss and risk of cardiometabolic multimorbidity in Chinese women: the China Kadoorie Biobank study
Authors: Huang Sha , Zou Siyu , Hee Jiayi , Gongye Ruofan , Tang Kun 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Background
While the association between pregnancy loss and individual cardiometabolic diseases (CMDs) is well-established, its impact on the risk of coexisting CMDs remains unclear. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the association between pregnancy loss with the risk of cardiometabolic multimorbidity in Chinese women.
Method
Data of 299,582 female participants aged 30–79 years old from the China Kadoorie biobank were utilized. Cardiometabolic multimorbidity was defined as the coexistence of two or more CMDs, including coronary heart disease, stroke, hypertension, and diabetes. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate the odds ratios (ORs) between the types of pregnancy loss with the risk of cardiometabolic multimorbidity, characterized by the number and type of CMD.
Results
After adjusting for confounding factors, pregnancy loss was found to be significantly associated with increased cardiometabolic multimorbidity risk (OR, 1.12 95% CI 1.07–1.17). Specifically, pregnancy loss due to spontaneous and/or induced abortion (OR 1.09, 95% CI 1.02–1.16 and OR 1.12, 95% CI 1.07–1.18, respectively). In contrast, no significant association was found between stillbirth and cardiometabolic multimorbidity (OR 1.01, 95% CI 0.93–1.09). The risk of cardiometabolic multimorbidity increases as the number of pregnancy loss increases (one pregnancy loss: OR 1.09, 95% CI 1.04–1.15, two or more pregnancy loss: OR 1.14, 95% CI 1.08–1.20). This increase was more apparent in older women. Similarly, the diagnosis of multiple CMDs increases with increasing number of pregnancy loss. Pregnancy loss was related to higher risk of cardiometabolic multimorbidity regardless of the CMD combinations, when compared with participants without any CMDs (p < 0.05).
Conclusion
Pregnancy loss, in particular, spontaneous and induced abortion was significantly associated with greater risk of cardiometabolic multimorbidity. The associations were stronger among those with recurrent pregnancy loss.
Green tea-dependent benefit of intermittent fasting in metabolic disease
Authors: Peppelenbosch Maikel , Peppelenbosch Maikel , Ma Mingfu , Bai Wenlian , Wang Yueying , Ding Jiming , Li Fanglin , Su Yuxin , Ma Zhongren , Hansen Bettina 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Although intermittent fasting is considered an efficacious strategy in type 2 diabetes, it is widely recognised that many patients do not benefit. The success determinants of intermittent fasting for improving diabetes remain obscure at best. Thus prompted, we analysed a cohort of type 2 diabetes patients (n = 36) submitting themselves to intermittent fasting for religious reasons (Ramadan). In approximately half of this cohort, metabolic parameters improved (livers enzymes, haemoglobin 1Ac and blood pressure; n = 19), but not in the other half (n = 17), allowing analysis of success determinants. Only green tea consumption is identified as an important factor in promoting the success of intermittent fasting with respect to improving metabolism (p = 0.0068), whereas no other factor reached significance including overall fluid consumption (p = 0.832). Intriguingly, green tea consumption in conjunction with intermittent fasting was also associated with remodelling of the faecal microbiome. The association of metabolic benefits of intermittent fasting with green tea consumption and microbiome was repeated in a different cohort (n = 33). We thus propose that success of intermittent fasting in type 2 diabetes is critically dependent on a green tea-mediated change in the gut microbiome.
Breathing wave solutions and Y-type soliton solutions of the (3+1)-dimensional Ito equation
Authors: Cui Jingyi , Guo Yanfeng , Zhang Jingjun 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
In this paper, we mainly concentrate on the exact solutions of the (3+1)-dimensional Ito equation. Applying the parametric limit method, the breathing wave solutions derived with the three-wave approach are degenerated into lump solutions. Then, the Y-type soliton solutions are constructed based on the N-soliton solutions. Next, employing the parametric complex conjugation technique, the N-soliton solutions are transformed into P-breathing wave solutions. Finally, the interaction solutions between breathing waves and Y-type solitons are investigated by the partial degeneration of Y-type soliton solutions.
Relationship between tobacco and nicotine products use and clinical presentation at the Emergency Department: study protocol
Authors: Campagna Davide , Farsalinos Konstantinos , Costantino Giorgio , Carpinteri Giuseppe , Polosa Riccardo 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
In the last years several alternative to smoking nicotine products have become available. While laboratory and limited clinical studies suggest that these devices are less toxic compared to classic tobacco cigarettes, very little is still known about their epidemiological impact. Visiting the Emergency Department (ED) often represents the first or the only contact of patients with the healthcare system, so a study conducted at ED to assess the impact of these products on health is reliable and reflects the real life.
Methods
The study will be an observational study, with no intervention or randomization, to analyse the association between severity of clinical presentation during an ED visit as well as the outcome (hospitalization and death) and different patterns of nicotine products use. Approximately 1500–2000 people will be enrolled and categorized according to different pattern of tobacco and nicotine consumption through a specific questionnaire.
Discussion
There is a lot of debate about the harm reduction potential of alternative nicotine products in terms of their smoking-cessation and risk reduction potential. This study represents an opportunity to document epidemiological data on the link between different nicotine product use and disease diagnosis and severity during an ED visit, and thus evaluate the harm reduction potential claims for these products.
Load-sharing characteristics of stenting and post-dilation in heavily calcified coronary artery
Authors: Dong Pengfei , Colmenarez Jose , Lee Juhwan , Hassani Neda Shafiabadi , Wilson David L. , Bezerra Hiram G. , Gu Linxia 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
In this work, stenting in non-calcified and heavily calcified coronary arteries was quantified in terms of diameter-pressure relationships and load transfer from the balloon to the artery. The efficacy of post-dilation in non-calcified and heavily calcified coronary arteries was also characterized in terms of load sharing and the changes in tissue mechanics. Our results have shown that stent expansion exhibits a cylindrical shape in non-calcified lesions, while it exhibits a dog bone shape in heavily calcified lesions. Load-sharing analysis has shown that only a small portion of the pressure load (1.4 N, 0.8% of total pressure load) was transferred to the non-calcified lesion, while a large amount of the pressure load (19 N, 12%) was transferred to the heavily calcified lesion. In addition, the increasing inflation pressure (from 10 to 20 atm) can effectively increase the minimal lumen diameter (from 1.48 mm to 2.82 mm) of the heavily calcified lesion, the stress (from 1.5 MPa to 8.4 MPa) the strain energy in the calcification (1.77 mJ to 26.5 mJ), which associated with the potential of calcification fracture. Results indicated that increasing inflation pressure can be an effective way to improve the stent expansion if a dog bone shape of the stenting profile is observed. Considering the risk of a balloon burst, our results support the design and application of the high-pressure balloon for post-dilation.
Nano-Clustering in Water-Lean Solvents Establishes Novel CO2 Chemistry
Authors: Leclaire Julien , Heldebrant David , Grubel Katarzyna , Septavaux Jean , Hennebelle Marc , Walter Eric , Chen Ying , Bañuelos Jose , Zhang Difan , Nguyen Manh , Ray Debmalya , Allec Sarah , Malhotra Deepika , Joo Wontae , King Jaelynne 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Carbon capture, utilization, and storage is a key yet cost-intensive technology for the fight against climate change. In a combined experimental and modeling study of single-component water-lean solvent, we found that CO2 capture is accompanied by the self-assembly of reverse micelle-like tetrameric clusters in solution. This spontaneous aggregation leads to stepwise cooperative capture phenomena with highly contrasting kinetic and thermodynamic features. The emergence of well-defined supramolecular architectures displaying a H-bonded internal core, reminiscent of enzymatic active sites, enables the formation of unprecedented CO2-containing molecular species such as carbamic acid, carbamic-anhydride, and alkoxy carbamic anhydrides. This dynamic combinatorial system based on a single absorbent and CO2 extends the scope of adducts and mechanisms observed during carbon capture. It opens the way to new materials with a higher CO2 storage capacity as well as provides a means for carbamates to potentially act as initiators for future oligomerization or polymerization of CO2.
Context-dependent benefits of ectomycorrhizal fungi on Aleppo pine seedling performance under drought and interplant competition
Authors: Herol Lior , Avidar Mor , Yirmiahu Shahar , Zach Yair Yehoshua , Klein Tamir , Shemesh Hagai , Livne-Luzon Stav 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Seedling establishment under natural conditions is limited by numerous interacting factors. Here, we tested the combinatorial effects of drought, herbaceous competition, and ectomycorrhizal fungi (EMF) on the performance of Aleppo pine seedlings grown under shade house conditions. All pine seedlings were strongly dominated by Geopora, a fungal genus known to inoculate seedlings in dry habitats. EMF inoculum significantly increased seedling height, biomass, and the number of side branches. However, under either competition or drought, the positive effect of EMF on seedling biomass and height was greatly reduced, while the effect on shoot branching was maintained. Further, under a combination of drought and competition, EMF had no influence on either plant growth and shape. The discrepancy in pine performance across treatments highlights the complexity of benefits provided to seedlings by EMF under ecologically relevant settings.
A rapid determination of wheat flour’s components based on near infrared spectroscopy and chemometrics
Authors: Zhou WanZhu , Zhou QiDong , Lei YongQian , Wu PeiShan , Xu JingWei , Xu ChunHua 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
In this work, a rapid and simple analytical method for the quantitative determination of moisture, protein, wet gluten, starch and sedimentation index in the wheat flour was established by the combination of near infrared spectroscopy and chemometrics. The spectra of the 229 wheat flour samples were collected by a portable near infrared fast analyzer. The contents of these components were determined according to the relevant Chinese National Standards, and were taken as the corresponding reference database. Partial least squares (PLS) modeling method was used, and seven spectral pretreatment methods were employed to eliminate the optical interference from background and other noise information, then the quantitative analysis effect of the model on wheat flour index was investigated. The best result was obtained with FD + SG(15, 3) + MC method for moisture, protein, wet gluten and sedimentation index, FD + SG(15, 2) + MC method was more suitable for starch. The principal component numbers (PCs) were also optimized to obtain a superior model effect. In this study, the predicted values and the reference values in the PLS model of wheat flour showed superior linear relationship within the calibration range. Moreover, the absolute error of the predicted values and their corresponding reference values were within their confidence intervals, respectively. The deviations for moisture, protein, wet gluten and starch fluctuated less, only sedimentation index fluctuated greatly. The actual prediction correct rate of moisture, protein, wet gluten, starch and sedimentation index were 96.8%, 96.8%, 90.3%, 100.0% and 80.6%, respectively, which indicated the prediction was excellent.
Two Independent Teachers are Better Role Model
Authors: Khaled Afifa , Mubarak Ahmed , He Kun 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Recent deep learning models have attracted substantial attention in infant brainanalysis. These models have performed state-of-the-art performance, such as semi-supervised techniques (e.g., Temporal Ensembling, mean teacher). However, these models depend on an encoder-decoder structure with stacked local operators togather long-range information, and the local operators limit the efficiency and effectiveness. Besides, the MRI data contain different tissue properties (T P s) suchas T1 and T2. One major limitation of these models is that they use both dataas inputs to the segment process, i.e., the models are trained on the dataset once, and it requires much computational and memory requirements during inference. In this work, we address the above limitations by designing a new deep-learningmodel, called 3D-DenseUNet, which works as adaptable global aggregation blocksin down-sampling to solve the issue of spatial information loss. The self-attention module connects the down-sampling blocks to up-sampling blocks, and integrates the feature maps in three dimensions of spatial and channel, effectively improvingthe representation potential and discriminating ability of the model. Additionally, we propose a new method called Two Independent Teachers (2IT), that summarizes the model weights instead of label predictions. Each teacher model is trainedon different types of brain data, T1 and T2, respectively. Then, a fuse model is added to improve test accuracy and enable training with fewer parameters andlabels compared to the Temporal Ensembling method without modifying the network architecture. Empirical results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method. The code is publicly available at: https://github.com/AfifaKhaled/Two-Independent-Teachers-are-Better-Role-Model