bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Factors associated with mortality in early stages of parkinsonism
Authors: van Rumund Anouke , Esselink Rianne A. J. , Berrevoets-Aerts Marjolein B. , Otto Markus , Bloem Bastiaan R. , Verbeek Marcel M. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractPrognosis of patients with parkinsonism varies greatly between the various parkinsonian syndromes. However, it is often difficult to distinguish the different forms, particularly in early stages. We examined predictors of mortality and functional outcome in patients with recent-onset parkinsonism with an initially uncertain diagnosis (n = 156). Patients were recruited between 2003 and 2006, comprehensively investigated, and followed prospectively (up to 15 years, mean 7 years). A final clinical diagnosis was established after follow-up. Independent predictors of mortality were investigated with multivariable Cox regression and combined into a simple prediction model. Model performance to predict 5- and 10-year mortality and functional outcome after 3 years was evaluated and externally validated in a second cohort of 62 patients with parkinsonism with an initially uncertain diagnosis. Ninety-one patients died (58%). Orthostatic hypotension, impaired cognition, abnormal tandem gait, and elevated neurofilament light chain concentration in serum or CSF were associated with mortality. A simple model that combined these factors showed excellent performance for prediction of functional outcome after 3 years and mortality after 5 and 10 years (c-statistic ~0.90 for all models). Model performance was confirmed after external validation: prediction of functional outcome after 3 years (c-statistic 0.89, 95% CI 0.80–0.98) and mortality after 5 years (c-statistic 0.91, 95% CI 0.84–0.99) were comparable to the results in the discovery cohort. These findings help clinicians to estimate a patient’s prognosis, irrespective of the specific diagnosis.
Toroidal vortices of light
Authors: Wan Chenhao , Cao Qian , Chen Jian , Chong Andy , Zhan Qiwen 
Published: June 2022

AbstractToroidal vortices, also known as vortex rings, are whirling, closed-loop disturbances that form a characteristic ring shape in liquids and gases and propagate in a direction that is perpendicular to the plane of the ring. They are well-studied structures and commonly found in various fluid and gas flow scenarios in nature, for example in the human heart, underwater air bubbles and volcanic eruptions1–3. Here we report the experimental observation of a photonic toroidal vortex as a new solution to Maxwell’s equations, generated by the use of conformal mapping4–7. The resulting light field has a helical phase that twists around a closed loop, leading to an azimuthal local orbital angular momentum density. The preparation of such an intriguing state of light may offer insights for exploring the behaviour of toroidal vortices in other disciplines and find important applications in light–matter interactions, optical manipulation, photonic symmetry and topology, and quantum information8–17.
Impact of climate change on river water temperature and dissolved oxygen: Indian riverine thermal regimes
Authors: Rajesh M. , Rehana S. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractThe impact of climate change on the oxygen saturation content of the world’s surface waters is a significant topic for future water quality in a warming environment. While increasing river water temperatures (RWTs) with climate change signals have been the subject of several recent research, how climate change affects Dissolved Oxygen (DO) saturation levels have not been intensively studied. This study examined the direct effect of rising RWTs on saturated DO concentrations. For this, a hybrid deep learning model using Long Short-Term Memory integrated with k-nearest neighbor bootstrap resampling algorithm is developed for RWT prediction addressing sparse spatiotemporal RWT data for seven major polluted river catchments of India at a monthly scale. The summer RWT increase for Tunga-Bhadra, Sabarmati, Musi, Ganga, and Narmada basins are predicted as 3.1, 3.8, 5.8, 7.3, 7.8 °C, respectively, for 2071–2100 with ensemble of NASA Earth Exchange Global Daily Downscaled Projections of air temperature with Representative Concentration Pathway 8.5 scenario. The RWT increases up to7 °C for summer, reaching close to 35 °C, and decreases DO saturation capacity by 2–12% for 2071–2100. Overall, for every 1 °C RWT increase, there will be about 2.3% decrease in DO saturation level concentrations over Indian catchments under climate signals.
Quantitative relaxometry using synthetic MRI could be better than T2-FLAIR mismatch sign for differentiation of IDH-mutant gliomas: a pilot study
Authors: Kikuchi Kazufumi , Togao Osamu , Yamashita Koji , Momosaka Daichi , Kikuchi Yoshitomo , Kuga Daisuke , Hata Nobuhiro , Mizoguchi Masahiro , Yamamoto Hidetaka , Iwaki Toru , Hiwatashi Akio , Ishigami Kousei 
Published: June 2022

AbstractThis study aimed to determine whether quantitative relaxometry using synthetic magnetic resonance imaging (SyMRI) could differentiate between two diffuse glioma groups with isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH)-mutant tumors, achieving an increased sensitivity compared to the qualitative T2-fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) mismatch sign. Between May 2019 and May 2020, thirteen patients with IDH-mutant diffuse gliomas, including seven with astrocytomas and six with oligodendrogliomas, were evaluated. Five neuroradiologists independently evaluated the presence of the qualitative T2-FLAIR mismatch sign. Interrater agreement on the presence of the T2-FLAIR mismatch sign was calculated using the Fleiss kappa coefficient. SyMRI parameters (T1 and T2 relaxation times and proton density) were measured in the gliomas and compared by the Mann–Whitney U test. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to evaluate the diagnostic performance. The sensitivity, specificity, and kappa coefficient were 57.1%, 100%, and 0.60, respectively, for the qualitative T2-FLAIR mismatch sign. The two types of diffuse gliomas could be differentiated using a cutoff value of 178 ms for the T2 relaxation time parameter with 100% sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and positive and negative predictive values, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 1.00. Quantitative relaxometry using SyMRI could differentiate astrocytomas from oligodendrogliomas, achieving an increased sensitivity and objectivity compared to the qualitative T2-FLAIR mismatch sign.
Superior adsorption performance of citrate modified graphene oxide as nano material for removal organic and inorganic pollutants from aqueous solution
Authors: Abd-Elhamid A. I. , Elgoud E. M. Abu , Emam Sh. Sh. , Aly H. F. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractThis work addressed one step preparation method to form a novel nano material composite of graphene oxide nanosheet (GO) functionalized with low-cost tri-sodium citrate (C), using, teteraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) as a cross-linker. The prepared composite (GO–C) was characterized using various advanced techniques. Among these techniques, the TGA provided interesting information concerning the functionalization process. Within this process, the (–OH) groups that located at the GO-surface were consumed in the modification process which leads to increase the thermal stability of the resulted composite. Cationic organic methylene blue (MB) and crystal violet (CV), and inorganic copper (Cu2+) and cobalt (Co2+) pollutants were displayed as a model to assess their removal performance by the developed composite (GO–C) from aqueous solution, through batch technique. According to Langmuir isotherm the GO–C present an excellent adsorption capacity for MB (222.22 mg g−1), CV (270.27 mg g−1), Cu2+ (163.4 mg g−1) and Co2+ (145.35 mg g−1) which were more than the adsorption capacities found in literature. Additionally, the regenerated composite presents higher removal ability than the original composite.
Assessing the impact of climate change and human activity on streamflow in a semiarid basin using precipitation and baseflow analysis
Authors: Saedi Javad , Sharifi Mohammad Reza , Saremi Ali , Babazadeh Hossein 
Published: June 2022

AbstractAssessment of streamflow variations under the influence of climate change and human activity is crucial for sustainable water resource management, especially in semiarid areas. In this study, we first used the Hydrograph Separation Program to separate and analyze the base flow index (BFI) that was impacted directly by human activity and precipitation as an important climate factor from 1967 to 2016 in the Dez River Basin. Second, the Mann–Kendall trend test was used to identify trends and change points. Then, the elasticity coefficient method was applied to calculate the impacts of natural factors and anthropogenic activities. The results of the separation methods showed that the sliding interval method produced a better performance. Furthermore; the analyzed trend test at the annual scale showed a significant decreasing trend for runoff as well as increasing trends for the baseflow index in the four of five sub-basins of the Dez River at confidence levels of 95% and 99%, while the average precipitation in these sub-basins was not significant. Additionally, at the seasonal scale in these sub-basins, the average precipitation in winter showed a significant downward trend, while runoff showed a decreasing trend and the BFI index showed increasing trends in winter, spring and summer. The abrupt change point was determined after the change in the BFI index; the runoff was reduced. The maximum change occurred in the sub-basin tireh which after change point from 1977 to 1993,runoff reduced − 1.49% comparison with the base period( from 1967 to 1976) also elasticity estimation was − 0.46,but after change point in Baseflow index from 1994 to 2016 runoff reduced − 55.02% and elasticity estimation was − 0.65. The baseflow index trend and elasticity estimation also indicated that intensive human activities had more significant effects on the Dez Basin's hydrological processes and streamflow variation.
Photocycle of point defects in highly- and weakly-germanium doped silica revealed by transient absorption measurements with femtosecond tunable pump
Authors: De Michele V. , Sciortino A. , Bouet M. , Bouwmans G. , Agnello S. , Messina F. , Cannas M. , Boukenter A. , Marin E. , Girard S. , Ouerdane Y. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractWe report pump-probe transient absorption measurements addressing the photocycle of the Germanium lone pair center (GLPC) point defect with an unprecedented time resolution. The GLPC is a model point defect with a simple and well-understood electronic structure, highly relevant for several applications. Therefore, a full explanation of its photocycle is fundamental to understand the relaxation mechanisms of such molecular-like systems in solid state. The experiment, carried out exciting the sample resonantly with the ultraviolet (UV) GLPC absorption band peaked at 5.1 eV, gave us the possibility to follow the defect excitation-relaxation dynamics from the femto-picosecond to the nanosecond timescale in the UV–visible range. Moreover, the transient absorption signal was studied as a function of the excitation photon energy and comparative experiments were conducted on highly- and weakly-germanium doped silica glasses. The results offer a comprehensive picture of the relaxation dynamics of GLPC and allow observing the interplay between electronic transitions localized on the defect and those related to bandgap transitions, providing a clear evidence that the role of dopant high concentration is not negligible in the earliest dynamics.
Comparison of non-invasive, scalp-recorded auditory steady-state responses in humans, rhesus monkeys, and common marmosets
Authors: Konoike Naho , Iwaoki Haruhiko , Miwa Miki , Sakata Honami , Itoh Kosuke , Nakamura Katsuki 
Published: June 2022

AbstractAuditory steady-state responses (ASSRs) are basic neural responses used to probe the ability of auditory circuits to produce synchronous activity to repetitive external stimulation. Reduced ASSR has been observed in patients with schizophrenia, especially at 40 Hz. Although ASSR is a translatable biomarker with a potential both in animal models and patients with schizophrenia, little is known about the features of ASSR in monkeys. Herein, we recorded the ASSR from humans, rhesus monkeys, and marmosets using the same method to directly compare the characteristics of ASSRs among the species. We used auditory trains on a wide range of frequencies to investigate the suitable frequency for ASSRs induction, because monkeys usually use stimulus frequency ranges different from humans for vocalization. We found that monkeys and marmosets also show auditory event-related potentials and phase-locking activity in gamma-frequency trains, although the optimal frequency with the best synchronization differed among these species. These results suggest that the ASSR could be a useful translational, cross-species biomarker to examine the generation of gamma-band synchronization in nonhuman primate models of schizophrenia.
Synthesis of biocompatible Konjac glucomannan stabilized silver nanoparticles, with Asystasia gangetica phenolic extract for colorimetric detection of mercury (II) ion
Authors: Jayeoye Titilope John , Eze Fredrick Nwude , Olatunji Opeyemi Joshua , Tyopine Andrew Aondoaver 
Published: June 2022

AbstractHerein, the synthesis of a biocompatible silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), for colorimetric detection of toxic mercury (II) ion (Hg2+), is reported. Phenolic-rich fraction of Asystasia gangetica leaf was extracted and used as a reductant of silver salt, all within the hydrophilic konjac glucomannan (KgM) solution as stabilizer, at room temperature (RT). The bioactive components of Asystasia gangetica phenolic extract (AGPE), as elucidated with a (UHPLC-MS-QTOF-MS), revealed plethora of phenolic compounds, which can facilitate the reduction of silver salt at ambient conditions. Sparkling yellow colloidal solution of KgM-AgNPs was realized within 1 h, at RT, having a UV–vis maximum at 420 nm. KgM-AgNPs was characterized using UV–vis, Raman and (FTIR), TEM, SEM, EDS, XRD, TGA/DTG. TEM and FESEM images showed that KgM-AgNPs were spherical, with particle size distribution around 10–15 nm from TEM. The KgM-AgNPs biocompatibility was investigated on mouse L929 fibrobroblast and rat erythrocytes, without any harmful damages on the tested cells. In aqueous environment, KgM-AgNPs demonstrated good detection capacity toward Hg2+, in a Hg2+ concentration dependent fashion, within 3 min. Absorbance ratios (A360/A408) was linear with Hg2+ concentrations from 0.010–10.0 to 10.0–60.0 µM, with an estimated (LOD) of 3.25 nM. The probe was applied in lake water sample, with satisfactory accuracy.
Efficacy of short-course colchicine treatment in hospitalized patients with moderate to severe COVID-19 pneumonia and hyperinflammation: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Cecconi Alberto , Martinez-Vives Pablo , Vera Alberto , Lavilla Olleros Cristina , Barrios Ana , Fonseca Aizpuru Eva , Roquero Pilar , Hernandez Muñiz Susana , Olivera Maria Jose , Ciudad Marianela , Pampin Sanchez Ruben , Fernandez-Madera Martínez Rosa , Bautista-Hernández Azucena , García Castillo Elena , Iturricastillo Gorane , Ávalos Elena , Prada Cotado Diana , Alejandre de Oña Alvaro , Fernandez Carracedo Eduardo , Marcos-Jimenez Ana , Sanz-Garcia Ancor , Alfranca Aranzazu , Cecconi Maurizio , de La Fuente Hortensia , Sanz de Benito Maria Angeles , Caballero Paloma , Sanchez-Madrid Francisco , Ancochea Julio , Suarez Carmen , Jimenez-Borreguero Luis Jesus , Alfonso Fernando 
Published: June 2022

AbstractSome patients with COVID-19 pneumonia develop an associated cytokine storm syndrome that aggravates the pulmonary disease. These patients may benefit of anti-inflammatory treatment. The role of colchicine in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 pneumonia and established hyperinflammation remains unexplored. In a prospective, randomized controlled, observer-blinded endpoint, investigator-initiated trial, 240 hospitalized patients with COVID-19 pneumonia and established hyperinflammation were randomly allocated to receive oral colchicine or not. The primary efficacy outcome measure was a composite of non-invasive mechanical ventilation (CPAP or BiPAP), admission to the intensive care unit, invasive mechanical ventilation requirement or death. The composite primary outcome occurred in 19.3% of the total study population. The composite primary outcome was similar in the two arms (17% in colchicine group vs. 20.8% in the control group; p = 0.533) and the same applied to each of its individual components. Most patients received steroids (98%) and heparin (99%), with similar doses in both groups. In this trial, including adult patients with COVID-19 pneumonia and associated hyperinflammation, no clinical benefit was observed with short-course colchicine treatment beyond standard care regarding the combined outcome measurement of CPAP/BiPAP use, ICU admission, invasive mechanical ventilation or death (Funded by the Community of Madrid, EudraCT Number: 2020-001841-38; 26/04/2020).
Comparing two-dimensional ultrasonography with three-dimensional ultrasonography and MRI for the levator ani defects grading
Authors: Luo Yijia , Pan Honghong , Yang Linxin , Lin Ning , Fan Zhihua , Chen Weiji 
Published: June 2022

AbstractLevator ani defect (LAD) closely correlates with pelvic floor disorders (PFD). In general, LAD was graded by three-dimensional ultrasonography (3D-US) and MRI, which could be used hardly in some developing area. Our objective was to determine whether two-dimensional ultrasonography (2D-US), a method that is almost universally accessible, could be used to diagnose the LAD. 129 Chinese women with PFD were recruited for the LAD grading by 2D-US and 3D-US and MRI. LAD was classified into intact, partial and complete avulsions. The puborectalis attachment width (PAW) was measured by 2D-US and with the software on the three-dimensional MRI-based LAD models. The results were compared and analyzed using the weighted kappa and the Pearson’s coefficient. Of the 119 patients, 64 were diagnosed with LAD by 2D-US, 70 were identified by 3D-US while 68 were confirmed by MRI. The LAD grading of 2D-US showed good agreement with MRI (kappa = 0.78, 95% CI 0.71–0.86) and 3D-US (kappa = 0.77, 95% CI 0.70–0.84). In regard to the consensus of partial or complete avulsions, 2D-US showed excellent good agreement with MRI (kappa = 0.86, 95% CI 0.73–0.97), superior than 3D-US with MRI (kappa = 0.55, 95% CI 0.36–0.71). Additionally, iliococcygeus avulsions detected by MRI (n = 7) were accompanied by complete puborectalis avulsions. The averaged PAW was 10.42 ± 5.57 mm measured by 2D-US, which correlated well with the results measured by MRI (Pearson’s coefficient = 0.90). 2D-US, 3D-US and MRI showed the good agreement on LAD diagnosis. Compared with MRI and 3D-US, 2D-US was comparable in grading LAD, especially complete avulsions.
Addressing nitrogenous gases from croplands toward low-emission agriculture
Authors: Pan Shu-Yuan , He Kung-Hui , Lin Kuan-Ting , Fan Chihhao , Chang Chang-Tang 
Published: June 2022

AbstractThe use of nitrogen fertilizers in agriculture produces significant quantities of nitrogenous gases including ammonia, nitric oxide, and nitrous oxide. Through better farmland management practices, the emission of nitrogenous gases can be reduced while realizing clean water environment and climate-smart agriculture. In this article, we first provided an overview of the international movements on reducing nitrogenous gas emissions from farmlands. Then, we summarized the effect of agricultural management practices on nitrogen use efficiency for various crops, and evaluated their effect on nitrogenous gas emissions. The results indicated the importance of implementing site-specific sustainable management practices to enhance nitrogen use efficiency, and thus mitigate nitrogenous gas emissions. We also addressed the impact of agricultural activities on cropland nitrogen cycles, and highlighted the need to perform systematic trade-off evaluations with a well-defined scope to maximize environmental benefits and maintain ecosystem services. Lastly, we proposed three priority directions by moving toward a low-emission agriculture.
Aligning mission to digital health strategy in academic medical centers
Authors: Cohen Adam B. , Stump Lisa , Krumholz Harlan M. , Cartiera Margaret , Jain Sanchita , Scott Sussman L. , Hsiao Allen , Lindop Walter , Ying Anita Kuo , Kaul Rebecca L. , Balcezak Thomas J. , Tereffe Welela , Comerford Matthew , Jacoby Daniel , Navai Neema 
Published: June 2022

AbstractThe strategies of academic medical centers arise from core values and missions that aim to provide unmatched clinical care, patient experience, research, education, and training. These missions drive nearly all activities. They should also drive digital health activities – and particularly now given the rapid adoption of digital health, marking one of the great transformations of healthcare; increasing pressures on health systems to provide more cost-effective care; the pandemic-accelerated funding and rise of well-funded new entrants and technology giants that provide more convenient forms of care; and a more favorable regulatory and reimbursement landscape to incorporate digital health approaches. As academic medical centers emerge from a pandemic-related reactionary digital health posture, where pressures to adopt more digital health technologies mount, a broad digital health realignment that leverages the strengths of such centers is required to accomplish their missions.
Mercury levels in hair are associated with reduced neurobehavioral performance and altered brain structures in young adults
Authors: Takeuchi Hikaru , Shiota Yuka , Yaoi Ken , Taki Yasuyuki , Nouchi Rui , Yokoyama Ryoichi , Kotozaki Yuka , Nakagawa Seishu , Sekiguchi Atsushi , Iizuka Kunio , Hanawa Sugiko , Araki Tsuyoshi , Miyauchi Carlos Makoto , Sakaki Kohei , Nozawa Takayuki , Ikeda Shigeyuki , Yokota Susumu , Magistro Daniele , Sassa Yuko , Kawashima Ryuta 
Published: June 2022

AbstractThe detrimental effects of high-level mercury exposure on the central nervous system as well as effects of low-level exposure during early development have been established. However, no previous studies have investigated the effects of mercury level on brain morphometry using advance imaging techniques in young adults. Here, utilizing hair analysis which has been advocated as a method for biological monitoring, data of regional gray matter volume (rGMV), regional white matter volume (rWMV), fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD), cognitive functions, and depression among 920 healthy young adults in Japan, we showed that greater hair mercury levels were weakly but significantly associated with diminished cognitive performance, particularly on tasks requiring rapid processing (speed measures), lower depressive tendency, lower rGMV in areas of the thalamus and hippocampus, lower rWMV in widespread areas, greater FA in bilaterally distributed white matter areas overlapping with areas of significant rWMV reductions and lower MD of the widely distributed gray and white matter areas particularly in the bilateral frontal lobe and the right basal ganglia. These results suggest that even normal mercury exposure levels in Japan are weakly associated with differences of brain structures and lower neurobehavioral performance and altered mood among young adults.