bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of vitamin D supplementation and aerobic exercises on balance and physical performance in children with Down syndrome
Authors: Eid Mohamed A , Ibrahim Marwa M , Radwan Nadia L , Aly Sobhy M 
Published: February 2022

Background/Aims Children with Down syndrome are prone to vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D supplements are commonly used to treat and prevent vitamin D deficiencies. There is growing evidence that support the role of vitamin D improving muscles and central nervous system function. The aim of this study was to investigate the interaction effects of vitamin D supplementation combined with aerobic exercises and conventional physical therapy on balance and physical performance in children with Down syndrome. Methods A randomised controlled trial was conducted for 38 children with Down syndrome, with ages ranging from 8 to 12 years. They were divided randomly into two groups. The control group (n=19) received conventional physical therapy and aerobic exercises, while the study group (n=19) received conventional physical therapy, aerobic exercises and vitamin D in the form of an oral daily dose of vitamin D3 400 IU (cholecalciferol). The children in both groups participated in the same physical therapy for 45 minutes, 3 days a week for 12 weeks, and undertook 15 minutes of aerobic exercise after the physical therapy sessions. Balance was evaluated by using the Biodex Stability System and physical performance was evaluated by using the 6-Minute Walk Test. Results All groups showed a significant improvement in the medial-lateral stability index, the anterior-posterior stability index, the overall stability index and the 6-Minute Walk Test after treatment (P<0.05). The study group showed a significant improvement in the measured variables compared with that of the control group (P<0.05). Conclusions Vitamin D supplements, combined with aerobic exercises and conventional physical therapy, could improve balance and physical performance in children with Down syndrome. Therefore, vitamin D and aerobic exercises should be considered as an adjunctive to physical therapy.
Post-stroke physical rehabilitation: a byproduct of military medical history and its veteran pioneers. A narrative medical history review
Authors: Vadas Dor 
Published: February 2022

The world has been familiar with the diagnosis of stroke since the year 500 BC, as well as with the therapeutic value of physical exercise (early physical therapy). However, exercises were incorporated to promote recovery after stroke in the late 1920s, and matured into an orderly practice in the late 1940s. The synthesis of the reviewed literature suggests that this late date of emergence was, to a great extent, because of the development of relevant knowledge, specific (post-war) timing and the emergence of health professional pioneers that led this practice. This article documents the unique historical trajectory of these preconditions. This brief review demonstrates how war pushed physical rehabilitation to the threshold of being able to provide neurological rehabilitation. It also discusses the contribution of the health professional pioneers to post-stroke rehabilitation, in light of today's more accepted approach of evidence-based practice.
Accuracy improvement of single-sample calibration laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy with self-absorption correction
Authors: Deng Fan , Hu Zhenlin , Zhang Deng , Chen Feng , Niu Xuechen , Nie Junfei , Zeng Qingdong , Guo Lianbo 
Published: February 2022

The single sample calibration laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (SSC-LIBS) is quite suitable for the fields where the standard sample is hard to obtain, including space exploration, geology, archaeology, and jewelry identification. But in practice, the self-absorption effect of plasma destroys the linear relationship of spectral intensity and element concentration based on the Lomakin-Scherbe formula which is the guarantee of the high accuracy of the SSC-LIBS. Thus, the self-absorption effect limits the quantitative accuracy of SSC-LIBS greatly. In this work, an improved SSC-LIBS with self-absorption correction (SSC-LIBS with SAC) is proposed for the promotion of quantitative accuracy of SSC-LIBS. The SSC-LIBS with SAC can correct the intensity ratio of spectral lines in the calculation of SSC-LIBS through relative self-absorption coefficient K without complicated preparatory information. The alloy samples and pressed ore samples were used to verify the effect of the SSC-LIBS with SAC. Compared with SSC-LIBS, for alloy samples, the average RMSEP and average ARE of SSC-LIBS with SAC decreased from 0.83 wt.% and 13.75% to 0.40 wt.% and 4.06%, respectively. For the pressed ore samples, the average RMSEP and average ARE of SSC-LIBS with SAC decreased from 4.77 wt.% and 90.48% to 2.34 wt.% and 14.60%. The experimental result indicates that SSC-LIBS with SAC has a great improvement of quantitative accuracy and better universality compared with traditional SSC-LIBS, which is a mighty promotion of the wide application of SSC-LIBS.
COVID-19 mitigation measures in primary schools and association with infection and school staff wellbeing: An observational survey linked with routine data in Wales, UK
Authors: Marchant Emily , Griffiths Lucy , Crick Tom , Fry Richard , Hollinghurst Joe , James Michaela , Cowley Laura , Abbasizanjani Hoda , Torabi Fatemeh , Thompson Daniel A. , Kennedy Jonathan , Akbari Ashley , Gravenor Michael B. , Lyons Ronan A. , Brophy Sinead 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionSchool-based COVID-19 mitigation strategies have greatly impacted the primary school day (children aged 3–11) including: wearing face coverings, two metre distancing, no mixing of children, and no breakfast clubs or extra-curricular activities. This study examines these mitigation measures and association with COVID-19 infection, respiratory infection, and school staff wellbeing between October to December 2020 in Wales, UK.MethodsA school staff survey captured self-reported COVID-19 mitigation measures in the school, participant anxiety and depression, and open-text responses regarding experiences of teaching and implementing measures. These survey responses were linked to national-scale COVID-19 test results data to examine association of measures in the school and the likelihood of a positive (staff or pupil) COVID-19 case in the school (clustered by school, adjusted for school size and free school meals using logistic regression). Linkage was conducted through the SAIL (Secure Anonymised Information Linkage) Databank.ResultsResponses were obtained from 353 participants from 59 primary schools within 15 of 22 local authorities. Having more direct non-household contacts was associated with a higher likelihood of COVID-19 positive case in the school (1–5 contacts compared to none, OR 2.89 (1.01, 8.31)) and a trend to more self-reported cold symptoms. Staff face covering was not associated with a lower odds of school COVID-19 cases (mask vs. no covering OR 2.82 (1.11, 7.14)) and was associated with higher self-reported cold symptoms. School staff reported the impacts of wearing face coverings on teaching, including having to stand closer to pupils and raise their voices to be heard. 67.1% were not able to implement two metre social distancing from pupils. We did not find evidence that maintaining a two metre distance was associated with lower rates of COVID-19 in the school.ConclusionsImplementing, adhering to and evaluating COVID-19 mitigation guidelines is challenging in primary school settings. Our findings suggest that reducing non-household direct contacts lowers infection rates. There was no evidence that face coverings, two metre social distancing or stopping children mixing was associated with lower odds of COVID-19 or cold infection rates in the school. Primary school staff found teaching challenging during COVID-19 restrictions, especially for younger learners and those with additional learning needs.
Expansion of social protection is necessary towards zero catastrophic costs due to TB: The first national TB patient cost survey in the Philippines
Authors: Florentino Jhiedon L. , Arao Rosa Mia L. , Garfin Anna Marie Celina , Gaviola Donna Mae G. , Tan Carlos R. , Yadav Rajendra Prasad , Hiatt Tom , Morishita Fukushi , Siroka Andrew , Yamanaka Takuya , Nishikiori Nobuyuki 
Published: February 2022

Background
Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease associated with poverty. Moreover, a significant proportion of TB patients face a substantial financial burden before and during TB care. One of the top targets in the End TB strategy was to achieve zero catastrophic costs due to TB by 2020. To assess patient costs related to TB care and the proportion of TB-affected households that faced catastrophic costs, the Philippines National TB Programme (NTP) conducted a national TB patient cost survey in 2016–2017.

Methods
A cross-sectional survey of 1,912 TB patients taking treatment in health facilities engaged with the NTP. The sample consists of 786 drug-sensitive TB (DS-TB) patients in urban facilities, 806 DS-TB patients in rural facilities, and 320 drug-resistant TB (DR-TB) patients. Catastrophic cost due to TB is defined as total costs, consisting of direct medical and non-medical costs and indirect costs net of social assistance, exceeding 20% of annual household income.

Results
The overall mean total cost including pre- and post-diagnostic costs was US$601. The mean total cost was five times higher among DR-TB patients than DS-TB patients. Direct non-medical costs and income loss accounted for 42.7% and 40.4% of the total cost of TB, respectively. More than 40% of households had to rely on dissaving, taking loans, or selling their assets to cope with the costs. Overall, 42.4% (95% confidence interval (95% CI): 40.2–44.6) of TB-affected households faced catastrophic costs due to TB, and it was significantly higher among DR-TB patients (89.7%, 95%CI: 86.3–93.0). A TB enabler package, which 70% of DR-TB patients received, reduced catastrophic costs by 13.1 percentage points (89.7% to 76.6%) among DR-TB patients, but only by 0.4 percentage points (42.4% to 42.0%), overall.

Conclusions
TB patients in the Philippines face a substantial financial burden due to TB despite free TB services provided by the National TB Programme. The TB enabler package mitigated catastrophic costs to some extent, but only for DR-TB patients. Enhancing the current social and welfare support through multisectoral collaboration is urgently required to achieve zero catastrophic costs due to TB.
Left Ventricular Dysfunction in Outpatients with Frequent Ventricular Premature Complexes
Authors: Park Kyoung-Min , Im Sung Il , Lee Sung Ho , Gwag Hye Bin , Park Youngjun , Park Seung-Jung , Kim June Soo , On Young Keun 
Published: February 2022

Frequent ventricular premature complexes (VPCs) and VPC QRS duration are risk factors for left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. To determine which clinical characteristics and electrocardiographic features are associated with LV dysfunction (ejection fraction, <50%) and frequent VPCs, we retrospectively reviewed data from a single-center registry of all patients diagnosed with frequent VPCs at a Korean outpatient clinic.
We identified 412 consecutive outpatients (mean age, 54.7 ± 16.8 yr; 227 women [55.1%]) who were diagnosed with frequent VPCs and had no structural heart disease from January 2010 through December 2017. Available transthoracic echocardiograms and 24-hour Holter monitoring data were evaluated to correlate the occurrence of VPCs and symptoms.
Typical VPC-related symptoms (palpitations or dropped beats) were observed in 251 patients (61.1%). Electrocardiograms revealed VPCs with a left bundle branch block–like morphology in 327 patients (79.5%) and VPCs with an inferior axis in 353 (85.8%). Twenty-six patients (6.3%) were diagnosed with VPC-related LV dysfunction. The mean VPC burden did not differ significantly by LV functional status (11.06% ± 10.13% [normal] vs 14.41% ± 13.30% [impaired]; P=0.211). Patients with impaired LV function were more often men (P=0.027), had no typical VPC-related symptoms (P=0.006), and had significantly longer VPC QRS durations (mean, 157 ms vs 139 ms; P <0.01).
Our findings suggest that male sex, absence of typical VPC-related symptoms, and a VPC QRS duration >157 ms are associated with LV dysfunction in patients with frequent VPCs, findings that may be useful in predicting such dysfunction.
Does the early aldosterone‐induced SGK1 play a role in early Kaliuresis?
Authors: Al‐Qusairi Lama , Basquin Denis , Stifanelli Matteo , Welling Paul A. , Staub Olivier 
Published: February 2022

AbstractUrinary K+ potassium excretion rapidly increases after a potassium‐rich meal. The early aldosterone‐induced sgk1 gene (encoding serum and glucocorticoid‐induced kinase 1), activates potassium clearance, but the role of this kinase in the early activation of K+ secretion has not been clearly defined. Here, we challenged inducible renal‐tubule‐specific Sgk1Pax8/LC1 knockout mice with an acute high‐potassium load (HK:5%K+) and compared the physiological and molecular responses to control mice. We observe that urinary excretion after a K+ load over the first 3 h is not dependent on SGK1 but is coincident with the rapid dephosphorylation of the Na+,Cl−‐cotransporter (NCC) to increase distal salt delivery. Molecular analyses indicate that whereas SGK1‐mediated phosphorylation of the ubiquitin‐protein ligase NEDD4‐2 begins to increase by 3h, SGK1‐dependent proteolytic activation of ENaC only becomes detectable after 6 h of HK intake. Consistent with SGK1‐dependent ENaC activation via inhibition of NEDD4‐2‐mediated ubiquitylation, Sgk1Pax8/LC1 mice are unable to efficiently inhibit NEDD4‐2 or increase ENaC cleavage after 6 h of HK. Nevertheless, no defect in acute K+ balance was detected in the mutant mice after 6 h of HK. Moreover, we found that Sgk1Pax8/LC1 mice reduce NCC phosphorylation and NCC‐mediated salt absorption to a greater extent than control mice after a K+ load, promoting increased amiloride‐sensitive Na+‐reabsorption via ENaC to maintain adequate kaliuresis. Together, these data indicate that: (a) during the early 3 h of HK intake, K+ excretion is SGK1‐independent even under an extreme K+ challenge, (b) shortly after, SGK1 inhibits NEDD4‐2 and activates ENaC to stimulate K+‐secretion, (c) SGK1‐dependent phosphorylation of NCC occurs, acting more likely as a brake pedal to prevent excessive K+ loss.
Nonparametric C- and D-vine-based quantile regression
Authors: Tepegjozova Marija , Zhou Jing , Claeskens Gerda , Czado Claudia 
Published: February 2022

AbstractQuantile regression is a field with steadily growing importance in statistical modeling. It is a complementary method to linear regression, since computing a range of conditional quantile functions provides more accurate modeling of the stochastic relationship among variables, especially in the tails. We introduce a nonrestrictive and highly flexible nonparametric quantile regression approach based on C- and D-vine copulas. Vine copulas allow for separate modeling of marginal distributions and the dependence structure in the data and can be expressed through a graphical structure consisting of a sequence of linked trees. This way, we obtain a quantile regression model that overcomes typical issues of quantile regression such as quantile crossings or collinearity, the need for transformations and interactions of variables. Our approach incorporates a two-step ahead ordering of variables, by maximizing the conditional log-likelihood of the tree sequence, while taking into account the next two tree levels. We show that the nonparametric conditional quantile estimator is consistent. The performance of the proposed methods is evaluated in both low- and high-dimensional settings using simulated and real-world data. The results support the superior prediction ability of the proposed models.
New Jersey maternal mortality dashboard: an interactive social-determinants-of-health tool
Authors: Hutchinson-Colas Juana A. , Balica Adrian , Chervenak Frank A. , Friedman Douglas , Locke Linda Sloan , Bachmann Gloria , Cheng Ru-fong Joanne 
Published: February 2022

Abstract

Objectives
The United States maternal mortality (MM) rate is the highest amid developed/industrialized nations, and New Jersey’s rate is among the highest. Healthcare professionals, public health officials, and policy makers are working to understand drivers of MM. An interactive data visualization tool for MM and health-related information (New Jersey Maternal Mortality Dashboard [NJMMD]) was recently developed.

Methods
NJMMD is an open-source application that uses data from publicly available state/federal government sources to provide a cross-sectional, high-level depiction of potential relationships between MM and demographic, social, and public health factors.

Results
MM rates or ratios (maternal deaths/1,000 women aged 15–49 years or 100,000 live births, respectively) are available by year (2005–2017), age (5-year [15–49] periods), and race/ethnicity (non-Hispanic White, Black, or Asian; Hispanic; or other), and by contextual social determinants of health (percent insured; percent covered by Medicaid; difference in nulliparous, term, singleton, vertex Cesarian birth rate from New Jersey goal; number of obstetrician/gynecologists or midwives per capita; and poverty rate). Bar graphs also can be produced with these variables.

Conclusions
NJMMD is the first publicly available, interactive, state-focused MM tool that takes into account the intersection of social and demographic determinants of health, which play important roles in health outcomes. Trends and patterns in variables associated with MM and health can be identified for New Jersey and each of its 11 counties, and inform areas of focus for further analysis. Outputs may enable researchers, policy makers, and others to develop appropriate interventions and be better positioned to set benchmarks, allocate resources, and evaluate outcomes.
On Natural and Transcendental Illusions in a Kantian-Pragmatist Philosophical Anthropology
Authors: Pihlström Sami 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
The covid-19 pandemic and the increasingly polarized political situation in many countries today have highlighted the significance of various humanly natural intellectual mistakes, cognitive biases, and widespread inferential errors. This essay examines, at a philosophical meta-level, the relation between our natural epistemic errors and the kind of humanly unavoidable transcendental illusion analyzed by Immanuel Kant in the Transcendental Dialectic of the First Critique. While both kinds of illusion are usually primarily discussed in an epistemological context, my approach is not exclusively epistemic. Rather, my main argument extends the broadly Kantian critique of reason – as a critical via negativa focusing on what is epistemically “wrong” about us, as the kind of cognitive agents we human beings naturally are – into a pragmatically enriched investigation of “the negative” as constitutive of the human condition, that is, our lack of sufficiently critical epistemic and ethical capacities, including our propensity to both cognitive error and moral evil. Our being inescapably inclined to manifest such negativities in our epistemic and ethical lives, and our insufficient awareness of doing so, are, arguably, “transcendental facts” about us, to be critically examined in terms of a Kantian-cum-pragmatist philosophical anthropology. This significantly enriches our picture of transcendental philosophy.
Medically Unexplained Symptoms
Authors: Baum Rebecca , Campo John 
Published: February 2022

Key Points
Medically unexplained symptoms (MUS) may include pain, fatigue, or urinary, cardiovascular, rheumatologic, or gastrointestinal concerns.Medically unexplained symptoms are often associated with mental health problems, especially with anxiety and depression. Only a small minority of MUS are due to unrecognized physical disease.Assess for physical conditions, yet avoid unnecessary medical tests.Review symptom characteristics and their effect on functioning.Consider using screening tools to help clarify the diagnosis (eg, general psychosocial screening tools, Children’s Somatization Inventory, Functional Disability Inventory).Include the diagnosis of somatic symptom and related disorders from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition, in the differential diagnosis, not merely as an excluded diagnosis.Intervention by the pediatric clinician can include all the following steps:Empathetically acknowledging distress caused by MUSReaching agreement with the patient and family on incremental steps toward improving functioning and addressing co-occurring mental health concerns and improving the family’s mental health generally (see General Treatment Approach: Universal Strategies to Reinforce Strengths and Promote Emotional Health Within Families")Encouraging the family to reinforce healthy behaviors and minimize secondary gainConveying optimism that distress will decrease with interventionEducating the patient and familyCoordinating with other clinicians involved in the child’s care to prevent unnecessary attention to physical concerns and costly, intrusive workupsWhen severe impairment occurs, refer to mental health professionals for evidence-based therapy and ensure treatment of co-occurring mental health conditions.
COVID-19 infection in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: From pathophysiology to therapy. Mini-review
Authors: Fekete Monika , Szarvas Zsofia , Fazekas-Pongor Vince , Feher Agnes , Dosa Norbert , Lehoczki Andrea , Tarantini Stefano , Varga Janos Tamas 
Published: February 2022

Abstract

Introduction
Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are a vulnerable group in terms of the outcome of coronavirus infection in relation to their disease or its treatment, with a higher risk of developing serious complications compared to the healthy population.

Aim
The aim of our summary study is to review the background and health outcomes of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and COVID-19 infection in the presence of both diseases.

Methods
Review of national and international medical databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, and MOB) with keywords COPD, COVID-19, disease risk, cause, prevention, complications, and prognosis.

Results
Meta-analyses show that COPD is one of the most common underlying conditions in patients hospitalized for COVID-19. Such patients are five times more likely to develop a serious complication due to oxygen supply problems therefore they are more likely to be admitted to intensive care units, where they may require mechanical ventilation. In the case of underlying COPD, the usual care plan for COVID-19 infection should be followed, as well as all public health recommendations to minimize the risk of developing and transmitting COVID-19.

Conclusion
Coronavirus infection is especially dangerous for COPD patients, who are much more likely to become seriously ill, so increased surveillance, prevention, early detection, adequate treatment and rehabilitation of the disease group are of paramount importance.