bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Calcified plaque detected on OCT with deep learning and cross-validated with optical and ultrasound signals: A complementary appraisal and preamble to combined IVUS-OCT catheter
Authors: Huang Jiayue , Ninomiya Kai , Tu Shengxian , Masuda Shinichiro , Dijkstra Jouke , Chu Miao , Ding Daixin , Hynes Sean O. , O’Leary Neil , Wijns William , Onuma Yoshinobu , Serruys Patrick W. 
Published: December 2022

Background: The optical coherence tomography (OCT)-deep learning (DL) emerged as a promising tool for automated plaque characterization. However, its findings have not been compared with optical and ultrasound signals.Objectives: The objective was to cross-validate the calcified plaque detected by OCT-DL, using comprehensive tissue characterization technologies including OCT-derived optical properties, intravascular ultrasound (IVUS)-virtual histology (VH) and echogenicity.Methods: Five years after bioresorbable scaffold (BRS) implantation, 15 patients underwent OCT and IVUS imaging. The unique platinum markers in BRS facilitated precise OCT-IVUS co-registration. Calcified plaque detected by OCT-DL were corroborated by/with optical properties, greyscale (GS)-IVUS, IVUS-VH and echogenicity. The concordance between OCT-DL and other modalities was assessed by kappa statistics. The calcium arc measured by different modalities were compared by orthogonal linear regression.Results: Forty-three calcified plaques were detected by DL in 72 matched anatomic slices, 41 (95%) were confirmed as pure (n = 29) or hybrid calcified plaque (n = 12) by optical properties. Weighted kappa between OCT-DL and GS-IVUS, IVUS-VH and echogenicity were 0.69, 0.60 and 0.60, respectively. After having excluded artifactual optical shadowing (n = 5) generated by guidewire or platinum marker, kappa increased to 0.77, 0.68 and 0.69, with agreement ranging between 90% and 93%. Calcium arc derived from OCT-DL showed moderate correlation and agreement with GS-IVUS (ICCa = 0.81, difference = 1.73 ± 15.25°), IVUS-VH (ICCa = 0.69, difference = -5.60 ± 21.19°) and echogenicity (ICCa = 0.65, difference = 10.28 ± 18.70°).Conclusion: OCT empowered by deep learning showed substantial agreement with optical and ultrasound signals. The comprehensive assessment provided by OCT and IVUS heralds the potential diagnostic value of combined IVUS-OCT catheters.
Preclinical modeling of low energy X-rays radiological burn: Dosimetry study by monte carlo simulations and EPR spectroscopy
Authors: Guillou Manon , L’Homme Bruno , Trompier François , Gruel Gaëtan , Prezado Yolanda , Dos Santos Morgane 
Published: December 2022

Interventional radiology has grown considerably over the last decades and become an essential tool for treatment or diagnosis. This technique is mostly beneficial and mastered but accidental overexposure can occur and lead to the appearance of deterministic effects. The lack of knowledge about the radiobiological consequences for the low-energy X-rays used for these practices makes the prognosis very uncertain for the different tissues. In order to improve the radiation protection of patients and better predict the risk of complications, we implemented a new preclinical mouse model to mimic radiological burn in interventional radiology and performed a complete characterization of the dose deposition. A new setup and collimator were designed to irradiate the hind legs of 15 mice at 30 Gy in air kerma at 80 kV. After irradiation, mice tibias were collected to evaluate bone dose by Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) spectroscopy measurements. Monte Carlo simulations with Geant4 were performed in simplified and voxelized phantoms to characterize the dose deposition in different tissues and evaluate the characteristics of secondary electrons (energy, path, momentum). 30 mice tibias were collected for EPR analysis. An average absorbed dose of 194.0 ± 27.0 Gy was measured in bone initially irradiated at 30 Gy in air kerma. A bone to air conversion factor of 6.5 ± 0.9 was determined. Inter sample and inter mice variability has been estimated to 13.9%. Monte Carlo simulations shown the heterogeneity of the dose deposition for these low X-rays energies and the dose enhancement in dense tissue. The specificities of the secondary electrons were studied and showed the influence of the tissue density on energies and paths. A good agreement between the experimental and calculated bone to air conversion factor was obtained. A new preclinical model allowing to perform radiological burn in interventional radiology-like conditions was implemented. For the development of new preclinical radiobiological model where the exact knowledge of the dose deposited in the different tissues is essential, the complementarity of Monte Carlo simulations and experimental measurements for the dosimetric characterization has proven to be a considerable asset.
Climate overrides fencing and soil mineral nutrients to affect plant diversity and biomass of alpine grasslands across North Tibet
Authors: Guo Chenrui , Wesche Karsten , Mărgărint Mihai Ciprian , Nowak Arkadiusz , Dembicz Iwona , Wu Jianshuang 
Published: December 2022

IntroductionOvergrazing and warming are thought to be responsible for the loss of species diversity, declined ecosystem productivity and soil nutrient availability of degraded grasslands on the Tibetan Plateau. Mineral elements in soils critically regulate plant individual’s growth, performance, reproduction, and survival. However, it is still unclear whether plant species diversity and biomass production can be improved indirectly via the recovery of mineral element availability at topsoils of degraded grasslands, via grazing exclusion by fencing for years.MethodsTo answer this question, we measured plant species richness, Shannow-Wiener index, aboveground biomass, and mineral element contents of Ca, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Zn, K and P at the top-layer (0 - 10 cm) soils at 15 pairs of fenced vs grazed matched sites from alpine meadows (n = 5), alpine steppes (n = 6), and desert-steppes (n = 4) across North Tibet.ResultsOur results showed that fencing only reduced the Shannon-Wiener index of alpine meadows, and did not alter aboveground biomass, species richness, and soil mineral contents within each grassland type, compared to adjacent open sites grazed by domestic livestock. Aboveground biomass first decreased and then increased along with the gradient of increasing Ca content but did not show any clear relationship with other mineral elements across the three different alpine grassland types. More than 45% of the variance in plant diversity indices and aboveground biomass across North Tibet can be explained by the sum precipitation during plant growing months. Structural equation modelling also confirmed that climatic variables could regulate biomass production directly and indirectly via soil mineral element (Ca) and plant diversity indices.DiscussionOverall, the community structure and biomass production of alpine grasslands across North Tibet was weakly affected by fencing, compared to the robst climatic control. Therefore, medium-term livestock exclusion by fencing might have limited contribution to the recovery of ecosystem structure and functions of degraded alpine grasslands.
Living grass mulching improves soil enzyme activities through enhanced available nutrients in citrus orchards in subtropical China
Authors: Wang Na , Li Le , Gou Mengmeng , Jian Zunji , Hu Jianwen , Chen Huiling , Xiao Wenfa , Liu Changfu 
Published: December 2022

Living grass mulching (LGM) is an important orchard floor management that has been applied worldwide. Although LGM can effectively enhance soil nutrient availability and fertility, its effects on microbial-mediated soil nutrient cycling and main drivers are unclear. Meanwhile, the variation of enzyme activities and soil nutrient availability with LGM duration have been rarely studied. This study aims to explore the effects of mulching age and soil layer on enzyme activities and soil nutrients in citrus orchards. In this study, three LGM (Vicia villosa) treatments were applied, i.e., mulching for eight years, mulching for four years, and no mulching (clean tillage). Their effects on the enzyme activities and soil nutrients were analyzed in different soil layers of citrus orchards in subtropical China, i.e., 0-10, 10-20, and 20-40 cm. Compared to clean tillage, mulching for four years had fewer effects on enzyme activities and soil nutrients. In contrast, mulching for eight years significantly increased available nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) nutrients, β-glucosidase, and cellobiohydrolase activities in the soil layer of 0-20 cm. In the soil layer of 0-40 cm, microbial biomass carbon (C), N, P, N-acetylglucosaminidase, leucine aminopeptidase, and acid phosphatase activities also increased (P &lt; 0.05). Mulching for eight years significantly promoted C, N, and P-cycling enzyme activities and total enzyme activities by 2.45-6.07, 9.29-54.42, 4.42-7.11, and 5.32-14.91 times, respectively. Redundancy analysis shows that mulching treatments for eight and four years had soil layer-dependent positive effects on soil enzyme activities. Microbial C and P showed the most significant positive correlation with enzyme activities, followed by moisture content, organic C, and available N (P &lt; 0.05). Available nutrients contributed almost 70% to affect enzyme activities significantly and were the main drivers of the enzyme activity variation. In summary, LGM could improve soil enzyme activities by increasing available nutrients. The promotion effect was more significant under mulching for eight years. Therefore, extending mulching age and improving nutrient availability are effective development strategies for sustainable soil management in orchard systems. Our study can provide valuable guidelines for the design and implementation of more sustainable management practices in citrus orchards.
The impact of stress, recovery and coping on burnout symptoms of young elite table-tennis players: A prospective multilevel study
Authors: Martinent Guillaume , Cece Valérian , Guillet-Descas Emma 
Published: December 2022

ObjectiveThe aim of the present study was to explore the role of stress, recovery, and coping on table-tennis athlete burnout symptoms in considering both the roles of individual and contextual (training center) factors.MethodsOne hundred and fifty-nine youth elite table-tennis players (Mage = 14.07, SD = 2.13) involved in 15 intensive training centers completed self-report questionnaires and socio-demographic data.ResultsWhen time 1 (T1) levels 1 (individual) and 2 (training group, contextual factor) stress, recovery, and coping were simultaneously entered as predictors of each of the three burnout symptoms (physical and emotional exhaustion, sport devaluation, reduced accomplishment) at T2 (controlling for levels 1 and 2 burnout at T1), the results of multilevel analyses revealed that: (a) T1 level 1 recovery significantly negatively predicted T2 reduced accomplishment (β = −0.23, p = 0.03); (b) T1 level 2 disengagement-oriented coping significantly negatively predicted T2 reduced accomplishment (β = −0.71, p = 0.03); and (c) T1 level 2 task-oriented coping marginally significantly positively predicted T2 physical and emotional exhaustion (β = 0.99, p = 0.06).ConclusionResults of the present study provided evidence for the usefulness to disentangle the variances attributable to the individual (level 1) and contextual (level 2; training group) levels of the predictors (recovery, stress and coping) of athlete burnout. Moreover, rather than examining the antecedent role of stress on athlete burnout, it could be particularly fruitful to explore theoretical constructs able to annihilate the maladaptive effects of chronic stress such as coping and recovery.
Bibliometric and visual analysis of cardiovascular diseases and COVID-19 research
Authors: Wei Namin , Xu Yan , Wang Huan , Jia Qiulei , Shou Xintian , Zhang Xuesong , Zhang Nan , Li Ya'nan , Zhai Huaqiang , Hu Yuanhui 
Published: December 2022

BackgroundThe global community has been affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which emerged in December 2019. Since then, many studies have been conducted on cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and COVID-19. The aim of this study was to perform a bibliometric and visual analysis of the published relationship between CVDs and COVID-19.Methods1,890 publications were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection database on January 5, 2022. Microsoft Office Excel and CiteSpace were then used to carry out scientometric analysis on the relevant literature according to seven aspects: document type, countries/regions, institutions, authors, journals, references, and keywords.ResultsThe research on CVDs and COVID-19 is currently in a period of rapid development, with China, USA, England, and Italy leading the field. There is active cooperation between most countries and institutions. Harvard Medical School stands out among the many institutions not only for the largest number of publications, but also for their high quality. Banerjee A, Solomon SD and Narula J are three representative authors in this field. Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine was the journal with the highest number of published studies, and The Lancet was the most cited journal. Two documents with a high degree of significance in this field were identified. Popular research topics in this field are specific diseases, such as acute coronary syndrome and heart failure; pathogenesis related to ACE2, insulin resistance and pericyte; the specific therapeutic drug chloroquine; and clinical characteristics, physical activity, and mental health. ACE2 and NF-κB will be the focus of future research.ConclusionsThis study provides useful information for the research of CVDs and COVID-19, including potential collaborators, popular research topics, and a reference for more extensive and in-depth research in the future.
At-home disposal practices of used insulin needles among patients with diabetes in China: A single-center, cross-sectional study
Authors: Tu Haixia , Lu Xueqin , Wang Jialu , Sheng Zhiqiong , Liu Danman , Li Jufang , Sun Caixia , Yin Zhiqin 
Published: December 2022

BackgroundMost insulin injections for people with diabetes are administered at home, thus generating many used needles. Unsafe disposal of these at-home needles can lead to needle stick injuries, blood-borne disease transmission, and environmental contamination. Previous studies have shown varying results on the prevalence of and factors associated with safe sharps disposal practices of people with diabetes.ObjectiveTo assess the prevalence of and the factors associated with the safe disposal of used insulin needles among patients with diabetes.MethodsWe collected data from 271 insulin-using patients at a tertiary care hospital in China. A self-designed instrument was used to assess sociodemographic data, disease- and treatment-related characteristics, sharps disposal practices, education on diabetes self-management and sharps disposal, and awareness of the potential risks associated with unsafe sharps disposal. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to explore factors associated with safe sharps disposal practices.ResultsOnly 10.3% (28/271) of participants disposed of used at-home insulin needles in a safe manner, and 14.8% (45/271) of participants had received previous instruction on sharps disposal. Previous sharps disposal instruction (AOR = 4.143, 95% CI = 1.642–10.450) and awareness of the risk of blood-borne pathogen transmission (AOR = 3.064, 95% CI = 1.332–7.046) were associated with safe disposal of used insulin needles.ConclusionIn our study, the prevalence of safe sharps disposal practices was low, and a minority of respondents had received previous instruction on sharps disposal. Participants who had previously received instruction and were aware of the risk of blood-borne pathogen transmission were more likely to handle sharps safely. Our study findings suggest that health care professionals should pay attention to sharps disposal practices of patients with diabetes and conduct diabetes education programs that include information on safe sharps disposal methods and potential hazards of unsafe sharps disposal.
Engaging Community Health Centers to understand their perceptions and interest in longitudinal cohort research on diabetes mellitus in Native Hawaiian communities: Initial insights from the Waimānalo community
Authors: Mau Marjorie K. Leimomi Mala , Baumhofer Merritt Nicole Kau'i , Werner Kamuela , Oneha Mary Frances 
Published: December 2022

IntroductionDespite decades of research on diabetes mellitus (DM) and other health disparities affecting Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) populations, little is known about the disease mechanisms that underlie these health disparities. Ideally, a longitudinal cohort study is one of the best research design tools to examine underlying mechanisms of disease in health disparity conditions such as DM. The study purpose is to understand the perspectives and insights of people (n = 29) living in NHPI communities about conducting longitudinal cohort studies aimed at understanding mechanisms of health disparities in NHPI populations.MethodsAll interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and de-identified into written transcripts for thematic content analysis.ResultsFour major themes emerged: 1) Diabetes and other health disparities is a community priority because these diseases touch nearly everyone; 2) Cohort-type research and its outcomes should extend beyond data collection to include data sharing using a cultural context approach; 3) Cohort-type research can directly benefit everyone, especially youth, through education on new, locally-derived knowledge; 4) A longterm benefit of cohort-type research should be to support “generational change” in the community.DiscussionIn summary, potential “cohort-type research” (a.k.a. longitudinal cohort study designs) was perceived as a worthy endeavor because health disparities, such as DM, affects nearly everyone in the community. Cohort-type research is important to NHPI communities as it holds promise for impacting “generational change” on health and wellbeing through the sharing of new community-derived knowledge.
Association between Helicobacter pylori infection and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease for Asian and non-Asian population: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ma Zhiyuan , Chu Xiajing , Yan Xiang , Wang Wenjin 
Published: December 2022

BackgroundSeveral studies have revealed a positive correlation between a Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection and the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This meta-analysis was conducted to explore further the relationship between HP infection and NAFLD in the Asian and non-Asian populations.MethodsRelevant studies published from inception to July 22, 2021, in the following databases: PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane library, and Web of Science were comprehensively searched. The odds ratio (OR) and hazard ratio (HR) with a 95% confidence interval (95%CI) were pooled by the random-effects model or fixed-effects model. Additionally, subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed. The funnel plot and the Egger test were used to estimate publication bias.ResultsThis meta-analysis included 25 studies involving 107,306 participants. Positive associations between HP infection and NAFLD were found both for the Asian (OR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.13–1.49, P &lt; 0.01; I2 = 94.30%, P &lt; 0.01) and non-Asian populations (OR = 1.42, 95% CI: 1.04–1.94, P = 0.03; I2 = 44.90%, P = 0.09). Moreover, similar results were observed in the Asian female group (OR = 1.31, 95% CI: 1.17–1.46, P &lt; 0.01; I2 = 46.30%, P = 0.07) but not for the Asian male group. Subgroup analyses for the Asian population showed that there were differences in the association among NAFLD diagnosis methods (P &lt; 0.01) and the study design (P &lt; 0.01). However, subgroup and sensitivity analyses results showed that the association for the non-Asian population was not stable enough.ConclusionsThe data obtained in this systematic review and meta-analysis suggested that an HP infection was associated with an increased risk of NAFLD for Asian and non-Asian populations. However, the association was not found for Asian males. Further studies are required to establish the causal association, especially for the non-Asian population.Systematic review registrationIdentifier: CRD42021266871.
Perceived barriers to accessing physical therapy services in Florida among individuals with low back pain
Authors: Hanney W.J. , Munyon M.D. , Mangum L.C. , Rovito M.J. , Kolber M.J. , Wilson A.T. 
Published: December 2022

BackgroundLow back pain (LBP) affects up to 84% of adults and physical therapy (PT) has been reported to be an effective approach to conservative care. For those individuals with LBP referred to PT, the decision to initiate and follow through with care is influenced by numerous factors. Currently, a paucity of evidence exists to identify barriers for patients with LBP to access PT care. Thus, the purpose of this study was to investigate perceived barriers influencing the decision to pursue PT care in the state of Florida.MethodsA purposive survey was administered via Qualtrics ESOMAR. Screener questions ensured candidates had LBP, resided in Florida, and were referred to PT. Participants that met the screener questions were offered an opportunity to participate in the full survey. Once a participant completed the full survey, variables assessing LBP, access to PT services, and potential barriers were analyzed. A partial least squares structural equation model (PLS-SEM) via WarpPLS 7.0 was used to explore which of the perceived barriers had the greatest influence on whether an individual with LBP was able to pursue PT care.ResultsThe conceptual framework that demonstrated the best fit of direct effects of potential barriers to accessing care included six independent exogenous latent variables: (a) unaware of a PT clinic near their home or work, (b) had children but no childcare for them, (c) had long PT sessions (e.g., 60 min), (d) had more than one PT session per week, (e) had fewer days active per week, and (f) exercised fewer times per day. Together the six variables explained 19% of the variance related to following through with care (R2 = 0.19).ConclusionsThe ability of an individual with LBP to access PT care in the state of Florida is multifactorial. There appears to be three broad factors that are the primary barriers, which include (a) the logistic ability (location and access to childcare) to attend PT treatment, (b) how much time is dedicated to the PT treatment, and (c) activity frequency of the individual seeking care. These findings support previous conceptual frameworks for predicting PT treatment. Practitioners and policy makers should consider these barriers when developing plans for conservative management of LBP in Florida.