bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between air pollutants and initiation of biological therapy in patients with ankylosing spondylitis: a nationwide, population-based, nested case–control study
Authors: Kao Chung-Mao , Chen Yi-Ming , Huang Wen-Nan , Chen Yi-Hsing , Chen Hsin-Hua 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background
Outdoor air pollution has been found to trigger systemic inflammatory responses and aggravate the activity of certain rheumatic diseases. However, few studies have explored the influence of air pollution on the activity of ankylosing spondylitis (AS). As patients with active AS in Taiwan can be reimbursed through the National Health Insurance programme for biological therapy, we investigated the association between air pollutants and the initiation of reimbursed biologics for active AS.

Methods
Since 2011, hourly concentrations of ambient air pollutants, including PM2.5, PM10, NO2, CO, SO2, and O3, have been estimated in Taiwan. Using Taiwanese National Health Insurance Research Database, we identified patients with newly diagnosed AS from 2003 to 2013. We selected 584 patients initiating biologics from 2012 to 2013 and 2336 gender-, age at biologic initiation-, year of AS diagnosis- and disease duration-matched controls. We examined the associations of biologics initiation with air pollutants exposure within 1 year prior to biologic use whilst adjusting for potential confounders, including disease duration, urbanisation level, monthly income, Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), uveitis, psoriasis and the use of medications for AS. Results are shown as adjusted odds ratio (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results
The initiation of biologics was associated with exposure to CO (per 1 ppm) (aOR, 8.57; 95% CI, 2.02–36.32) and NO2 (per 10 ppb) (aOR, 0.23; 95% CI, 0.11–0.50). Other independent predictors included disease duration (incremental year, aOR, 8.95), CCI (aOR, 1.31), psoriasis (aOR, 25.19), use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (aOR, 23.66), methotrexate use (aOR, 4.50; 95% CI, 2.93–7.00), sulfasalazine use (aOR, 12.16; 95% CI, 8.98–15.45) and prednisolone equivalent dosages (mg/day, aOR, 1.12).

Conclusions
This nationwide, population-based study revealed the initiation of reimbursed biologics was positively associated with CO levels, but negatively associated with NO2 levels. Major limitations included lack of information on individual smoking status and multicollinearity amongst air pollutants.
Hypoglossal nerve trunk stimulation: electromyography findings during drug-induced sleep endoscopy: a case report
Authors: Thuler E. R. , Rabelo F. A. W. , Santos Junior Vanier , Kayamori F. , Bianchini E. M. G. 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background
Literature has demonstrated hypoglossal nerve stimulation to be a safe and effective treatment for patients with obstructive sleep apnea nonadherent to positive airway pressure therapy. However, the recommended criteria for patient selection are still unable to identify all the unresponsive patients, highlighting the need for improved understanding about hypoglossal nerve stimulation for obstructive sleep apnea.

Case presentation
A 48-year-old Caucasian male patient with obstructive sleep apnea had been successfully treated with electrical stimulation of the hypoglossal nerve trunk, documented by level 1 polysomnography data. However, due to snoring complaints, he underwent postoperation drug-induced sleep endoscopy for evaluation of electrode activation during upper airway collapse, aiming to improve electrostimulation parameters. Concurrent surface electromyography of the suprahyoid muscles and masseter was obtained. Activation of electrodes 2, 3, and 6 promoted upper airway opening most strongly at the velopharynx and tongue base during drug-induced sleep endoscopy. The same channels also significantly increased the electrical activity on suprahyoid muscles bilaterally, but predominantly on the stimulated side (right). The masseters also presented a considerable asymmetry in electrical potential on the right side (> 55%).

Conclusion
Beyond the genioglossus muscle, our findings demonstrate recruitment of other muscles during hypoglossal nerve stimulation, which may be attributed to the electrical stimulation of the nerve trunk. This data provides new insights on how stimulation of the hypoglossal nerve trunk may contribute to obstructive sleep apnea treatment.
Isolated gastric involvement of recurrent Hodgkin lymphoma: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Kohansal Soroush , Ashouri Mohammad , Mohammadzadeh Narjes 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background
Although the gastrointestinal tract is one of the most common sites for extranodal lymphoma, gastrointestinal lymphoma is a rare disease that is almost exclusively non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Case presentation
We present a rare condition of Hodgkin lymphoma relapse after 12 years as isolated gastric involvement caused massive gastrointestinal bleeding in a 34-year-old Iranian woman. According to the result of the upper endoscopy, laparotomy was performed, and a large mass in the upper part of the fundus, alongside the esophagogastric junction, was seen, so gastrectomy was performed.

Conclusion
All symptoms and paraclinical findings for gastrointestinal Hodgkin lymphoma are nonspecific. Therefore, the preoperative diagnosis is challenging. It seems that surgery is a suitable diagnostic and therapeutic method in this field.
MUSIB: musical score inpainting benchmark
Authors: Araneda-Hernandez Mauricio , Bravo-Marquez Felipe , Parra Denis , Cádiz Rodrigo F. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractMusic inpainting is a sub-task of automated music generation that aims to infill incomplete musical pieces to help musicians in their musical composition process. Many methods have been developed for this task. However, we observe a tendency for each method to be evaluated using different datasets and metrics in the papers where they are presented. This lack of standardization hinders an adequate comparison of these approaches. To tackle these problems, we present MUSIB, a new benchmark for musical score inpainting with standardized conditions for evaluation and reproducibility. MUSIB evaluates four models: Variable Length Piano Infilling (VLI), Music InpaintNet, Music SketchNet, and AnticipationRNN, and over two commonly used datasets: JSB Chorales and IrishFolkSong. We also compile, extend, and propose metrics to adequately quantify note attributes such as pitch and rhythm with Note Metrics, but also higher-level musical properties with the introduction of Divergence Metrics, which operate by comparing the distance between distributions of musical features. Our evaluation shows that VLI, a model based on Transformer architecture, is the best performer on a larger dataset, while VAE-based models surpass this Transformer-based model on a relatively small dataset. With MUSIB, we aim at inspiring the community towards better reproducibility in music generation research, setting an example for strongly founded comparisons among SOTA methods.
The comparative impacts of portfolio-based assessment, self-assessment, and scaffolded peer assessment on reading comprehension, vocabulary learning, and grammatical accuracy: insights from working memory capacity
Authors: Hammad Al-Rashidi Anwar , Vadivel Balachandran , Ramadan Khalil Nawroz , Basim Nirvana 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThis research was carried out to comparatively study the impacts of portfolio-based assessment, self-assessment, and scaffolded peer assessment on reading comprehension, vocabulary learning, and grammatical accuracy of Afghan English as a foreign language learners. To accomplish this, 172 learners enrolled at a language institute, through an Oxford Quick Placement Test (OQPT), 120 lower-intermediate learners and 5 higher-intermediate learners were selected. These selected participants were assigned into four groups: portfolio group (N = 30), self-assessment group (N = 30), scaffolded peer assessment group (N = 35), and control group (N = 30). The five higher-intermediate learners were injected into the scaffolded peer assessment group to function as the mediators, hence more participants in the group. After selecting the participants, through a reading-span test developed by Shahnazari (2013), learners’ working memory (WM) span was determined. It was discovered that 16 subjects in the portfolio condition, 14 self-assessment learners, 18 participants in the peer assessment group, and 13 participants in the control condition had high WM, while the rest of the participants had low WM. Thereafter, through validated instructor-made tests, subjects’ reading comprehension, knowledge of targeted lexical items, and grammatical accuracy at baseline were determined. Then, a ten-session treatment began. After the treatment, a follow-up post-test was administered. The results of three two-way between-group MANOVA disclosed that all three experimental conditions outstripped the comparison group on the second occasion and that high WM learners outstripped low WM learners (with a large effect size on reading comprehension test (partial eta squared = .365), a moderate effect size on the same test among high vs. low WM learners (partial eta squared = .095), a large effect size on vocabulary post-test (partial eta squared = .465), a moderate effect size on the same test among high vs. low WM learners (partial eta squared = .083), a large effect size on grammar test (partial eta squared = .500), and a moderate effect size on the same test among high vs. low WM learners (partial eta squared = .072)). The results further revealed that subjects in the scaffolded peer assessment group outstripped subjects in other experimental conditions, but the difference was non-significant. Additionally, the difference between the portfolio assessment and self-assessment group was not statistically significant. The implications of the study are reported.
Premature farrowing and stillbirths in two organic sow farms due to riboflavin deficiency
Authors: Torreggiani Camilla , Maes Dominiek , Franchi Luigi , Raffi Valeria , Borri Elena , Prosperi Alice , Chiapponi Chiara , Luppi Andrea 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background
Riboflavin deficiency can lead to premature farrowing, stillborn piglets, weak-born piglets and neonatal death. Riboflavin (vitamin B2) is considered essential for reproductive function. The longer the period on riboflavin-deficient diets, the more severe the clinical signs become. Litter size as well as body size of piglets can also be considered risk factors that may contribute to the problem.

Case presentation
This case report involved two organic farms of 320 (farm A) and 250 sows (farm B). Between 2019 and 2020, premature farrowing with weak-born or stillborn piglets and severe intra-litter mortality, ranging from 60 to 100% were observed. Investigations for infectious causes of reproductive disease, drinking water quality and general feed composition were performed, but showed no significant results. Feed composition was subsequently evaluated more in detail. Riboflavin levels were very low specifically 1.25 mg/kg of diet (3.75 mg/kg of diet is the NRC minimum recommended level). Riboflavin as a vitamin complex supplement (B complex) was administered to sows one month before the farrowing date and this led to a rapid improvement of the problem such that no stillbirth or intra-litter mortality was observed.

Conclusions
The clinical presentation, the low riboflavin levels in the feed below the recommended levels for gestating sows and the effectiveness of the riboflavin supplementation, led to an ex juvantibus diagnosis of this deficiency condition. This case report highlights that riboflavin deficiency during gestation should be considered in case of premature parturition and stillborn litters.
Membrane-based microfluidic solvent extraction of Ga-68 from aqueous Zn solutions: towards an automated cyclotron production loop
Authors: Trapp Svenja , Lammers Tom , Engudar Gokce , Hoehr Cornelia , Denkova Antonia G. , Paulssen Elisabeth , de Kruijff Robin M. 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background
The radionuclide Ga-68 is commonly used in nuclear medicine, specifically in positron emission tomography (PET). Recently, the interest in producing Ga-68 by cyclotron irradiation of [68Zn]Zn nitrate liquid targets is increasing. However, current purification methods of Ga-68 from the target solution consist of multi-step procedures, thus, leading to a significant loss of activity through natural decay. Additionally, several processing steps are needed to recycle the costly, enriched target material.

Results
To eventually allow switching from batch to continuous production, conventional batch extraction and membrane-based microfluidic extraction were compared. In both approaches, Ga-68 was extracted using N-benzoyl-N-phenylhydroxylamine in chloroform as the organic extracting phase. Extraction efficiencies of up to 99.5% ± 0.6% were achieved within 10 min, using the batch approach. Back-extraction of Ga-68 into 2 M HCl was accomplished within 1 min with efficiencies of up to 94.5% ± 0.6%. Membrane-based microfluidic extraction achieved 99.2% ± 0.3% extraction efficiency and 95.8% ± 0.8% back-extraction efficiency into 6 M HCl. When executed on a solution irradiated with a 13 MeV cyclotron at TRIUMF, Canada, comparable efficiencies of 97.0% ± 0.4% were achieved. Zn contamination in the back-extracted Ga-68 solution was found to be below 3 ppm.

Conclusions
Microfluidic solvent extraction is a promising method in the production of Ga-68 achieving high efficiencies in a short amount of time, potentially allowing for direct target recycling.

Graphical Abstract
Metabolite changes in the posterior cingulate cortex could be a signature for early detection of Alzheimer’s disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis study based on 1H-NMR
Authors: Rahim Fakher , Khalafi Mohammad , Davoodi Mohammad , Shirbandi Kiarash 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background
Posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) is a paralimbic cortical structure with a fundamental role in integrative functions of the default mode network (DMN). PCC activation and deactivation of interconnected structures within the medial temporal lobe is essential in memory recall.

Aim
Assessing the metabolomics content changes in PCC of the patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) compared to healthy controls (HC) to find a new method for early AD detection was the primary goal of this study.

Methods
We performed a comprehensive search through eight international indexing databases. Searches were done using the medical subject headings (Mesh) keywords. Outcome measures included Population (HC/AD), Age (y), Gender (Male/Female), MRI equipment, Tesla (T), MMSE (mean ± SD), absolute and ratio absolutes metabolites in the PCC. All meta-analyses were performed using STATA V.14 tools to provide pooled figures.

Results
Studies published from 1980 to 2019 using the 1H-NMR technique of 3,067 screened studies, 18 studies comprising 1647 people (658 males and 941 females, 921 HC and 678 AD cases) were included. The results revealed a significant increase in mI content and a substantial decrease in NAA, Glu, and Glx levels of the PCC in AD patients compared to HC.

Conclusions
Our meta-analysis showed that microstructural disruptions in the PCC could be used as a marker for early AD detection. Although NAA, mI, Glu, and (NAA, Cho, and mI)/Cr biomarkers are substantial metabolites for diagnosis and are most sensitive for diagnosis.
Trial registration PROSPERO Registration: CRD42018099325.
Effects of age, seasonality, and reproductive status on the gut microbiome of Southern White Rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum simum) at the North Carolina zoo
Authors: Burnham Christina M. , McKenney Erin A. , van Heugten Kimberly Ange- , Minter Larry J. , Trivedi Shweta 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background
Managed southern white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum simum) serve as assurance populations for wild conspecifics threatened by poaching and other anthropocentric effects, though many managed populations experience subfertility and reproductive failure. Gut microbiome and host health are inextricably linked, and reproductive outcomes in managed southern white rhinoceros may be mediated in part by their diet and gut microbial diversity. Thus, understanding microbial dynamics within managed populations may help improve conservation efforts. We characterized the taxonomic composition of the gut microbiome in the managed population of female southern white rhinoceros (n = 8) at the North Carolina Zoo and investigated the effects of seasonality (summer vs. winter) and age classes (juveniles (n = 2; 0–2 years), subadults (n = 2; 3–7 years), and adults (n = 4; >7 years)) on microbial richness and community structure. Collection of a fecal sample was attempted for each individual once per month from July-September 2020 and January-March 2021 resulting in a total of 41 samples analyzed. Microbial DNA was extracted and sequenced using the V3-V4 region of the 16S rRNA bacterial gene. Total operational taxonomic units (OTUs), alpha diversity (species richness, Shannon diversity), and beta diversity (Bray-Curtis dissimilarity, linear discriminant analysis effect size) indices were examined, and differentially enriched taxa were identified.

Results
There were differences (p < 0.05) in alpha and beta diversity indices across individuals, age groups, and sampling months. Subadult females had higher levels of Shannon diversity (Wilcoxon, p < 0.05) compared to adult females and harbored a community cluster distinct from both juveniles and adults. Samples collected during winter months (January-March 2021) possessed higher species richness and statistically distinct communities compared to summer months (July-September 2020) (PERMANOVA, p < 0.05). Reproductively active (n = 2) and currently nonreproductive adult females (n = 2) harbored differentially enriched taxa, with the gut microbiome of nonreproductive females significantly enriched (p = 0.001) in unclassified members of Mobiluncus, a genus which possesses species associated with poor reproductive outcomes in other animal species when identified in the cervicovaginal microbiome.

Conclusion
Together, our results increase the understanding of age and season related microbial variation in southern white rhinoceros at the North Carolina Zoo and have identified a potential microbial biomarker for reproductive concern within managed female southern white rhinoceros.
Reclaimed water in Taiwan: current status and future prospects
Authors: Cheng Hai-Hsuan , Yu Wan-Sheng , Tseng Shu-Chuang , Wu Yi-Ju , Hsieh Ching-Lin , Lin Shi-Shuan , Chu Ching-Ping , Huang Yu-De , Chen Wan-Ru , Lin Tsair-Fuh , Whang Liang-Ming 
Published: May 2023

AbstractAccording to the Taiwan Water Resources Agency, Ministry of Economic Affairs, the average water demand shortage is 530.6 million m3 yr−1 during the period of 2011 to 2019, and the situation will worsen in the near future due to global climate change. Therefore, reclaimed water has been an important new water source in Taiwan, particularly for industrial consumers such as high-tech industries in Science Parks. In order to meet the targeted reclaimed water supply of 1.32 million m3 d−1 (CMD) in 2031, Taiwan is focusing on two major reclaimed water sources, including reclaimed water from high water-consuming industries and municipal wastewater treatment plants. This report reviews current technologies used for reclaimed water including units for pretreatment, desalting, polishing, and reclamation. Case studies in Taiwan including reclaimed water from high water-consuming industries such as thin film transistor-liquid crystal display (TFT-LCD) and semiconductor industries, as well as from municipal wastewater treatment plants are presented. The TFT-LCD company Innolux and semiconductor company Advaned Semiconductor Engineering have implemented total recycled water system to recycle and reclaim wastewater from manufacturing processes, achieving a total recycled water of 290 million m3 yr−1 with about 97% recovery and 3.5 million m3 yr−1 with 80% recovery, respectively. The Fengshan reclaimed water treatment plant produces 40,436 CMD reclaimed water from municipal wastewater for the China Steel Cooperation’s steel-making processes, at an overall operation and maintenance cost of 11.5 NT dollars m−3. Meanwhile the Yongkang plant produces 15,500 CMD of reclaimed water for semiconductor and TFT-LCD manufacturing processes at an overall operation and maintenance costs of 25.8 NT dollars m−3, which is due to low urea and boron limits requested by the user. Finally, challenges and future prospects for promoting the use of reclaimed water to meet the targeted supply in 2031 will be discussed.
Investigation of the effect of N-acetylcysteine on serum levels of oxidative inflammatory biomarkers in patients with stroke
Authors: Farzandway Mohammad , Elieh-Ali-Komi Daniel , Mohammadi Noori Ehsan , Goudarzi Farjam , Ashayeri Ahmadabad Rezan , Eshraghi Azadeh , Mirzaasgari Zahra , Navabi Seyed Mohammad , Kiani Amir 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background
N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a tolerable and safe drug capable of reducing free radicals and other oxidants. We included 74 individuals with ischemic stroke in this randomized, single-blind clinical trial and placed them into intervention (n = 37) and control (n = 37) groups. In the intervention group, in addition to standard treatment for ischemic stroke, they received NAC at a dose of 100 mg/kg bolus and then at a dose of 10 mg/kg/h for 10 h. The control group received only standard stroke treatment. Blood samples were taken before starting NAC and standard stroke treatment and 24 h after receiving the drug to measure the catalase, paraoxonase, malondialdehyde (MDA), neopterin, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and total oxidant status (TOS) parameters. The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) was also calculated before and after 24 h, 2 weeks, 1 month, and 3 months after starting the drug.

Results
There was no significant difference between the results of parameters before and after standard treatment in control group; however, NAC could significantly reduce TOS (P = 0.02) in the intervention group. Moreover, NAC administration could notably decrease NIHSS calculated at each time point when compared to control group. After subgrouping the intervention group, NAC could increase catalase (P < 0.001), paraoxonase (P < 0.001), and TAC (P < 0.001) while decreased MDA (P < 0.001), neopterin (P = 0.001) and TOS (P < 0.001) significantly in intervention-responding subgroup and decreased NIHSS significantly at each monitored time point.

Conclusion
NAC can be promising as a complementary drug and a powerful antioxidant in reducing oxidative stress and improving cognitive function in individuals with stroke.