bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Global city densities: Re-examining urban scaling theory
Authors: Burger Joseph R. , Okie Jordan G. , Hatton Ian A. , Weinberger Vanessa P. , Shrestha Munik , Liedtke Kyra J. , Be Tam , Cruz Austin R. , Feng Xiao , Hinojo-Hinojo César , Kibria Abu S. M. G. , Ernst Kacey C. , Enquist Brian J. 
Published: December 2022

Understanding scaling relations of social and environmental attributes of urban systems is necessary for effectively managing cities. Urban scaling theory (UST) has assumed that population density scales positively with city size. We present a new global analysis using a publicly available database of 933 cities from 38 countries. Our results showed that (18/38) 47% of countries analyzed supported increasing density scaling (pop ~ area) with exponents ~⅚ as UST predicts. In contrast, 17 of 38 countries (~45%) exhibited density scalings statistically indistinguishable from constant population densities across cities of varying sizes. These results were generally consistent in years spanning four decades from 1975 to 2015. Importantly, density varies by an order of magnitude between regions and countries and decreases in more developed economies. Our results (i) point to how economic and regional differences may affect the scaling of density with city size and (ii) show how understanding country- and region-specific strategies could inform effective management of urban systems for biodiversity, public health, conservation and resiliency from local to global scales.200 word statement of contribution: Urban Scaling Theory (UST) is a general scaling framework that makes quantitative predictions for how many urban attributes spanning physical, biological and social dimensions scale with city size; thus, UST has great implications in guiding future city developments. A major assumption of UST is that larger cities become denser. We evaluated this assumption using a publicly available global dataset of 933 cities in 38 countries. Our scaling analysis of population size and area of cities revealed that while many countries analyzed showed increasing densities with city size, about 45% of countries showed constant densities across cities. These results question a key assumption of UST. Our results suggest policies and management strategies for biodiversity conservation, public health and sustainability of urban systems may need to be tailored to national and regional scaling relations to be effective.
Leak test for solid oxide fuel cells and solid oxide electrolysis cells
Authors: Chou Yeong-Shyung , Hardy John , Marina Olga A. 
Published: December 2022

A simple, fast, and economical alcohol penetration method for assessing the solid oxide cell to metal window frame seal in a typical planar design is presented. An alcohol such as ethanol or isopropanol is placed into the cavity of a cell sealed to the window frame. Within 3–5 min, one can determine if the glass seal is hermetic by visual observation along the seal edges on the side of the sealed frame. Cross bubbling and open circuit voltage methods for determining whether the seal failed or cracked at high temperature after final stack firing are also discussed.
Pathological complete response after neoadjuvant immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy in pediatric rectal carcinoma: A case report
Authors: Cao Xiaomeng , Luo Jianwei , Zhao Baoyin , Fu Hongjiang , Kang Wendi 
Published: December 2022

BackgroundPediatric colorectal carcinoma (PCRC) is a rare non-embryonal tumor with an incidence of 0.1% to 1% of adults. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) targeting programmed death-1 (PD-1) have shown significant efficacy in defective mismatch repair/Microsatellite instability-high (dMMR/MSI-H) metastatic CRC (mCRC). Although several studies have reported neoadjuvant immunotherapy (NIT) in MSI-H/dMMR non-mCRC patients, not all patients achieved pathological complete remission (pCR). There are differences between PCRC and adult colorectal carcinoma (CRC), and the role of NIT in PCRC remains to be further defined.Case presentationWe report the case of a 12-year-old child who was admitted to the hospital with abdominal pain and vomiting for more than 3 months. The child’s diagnosis was difficult and complex. He was initially diagnosed with intestinal obstruction, eventually diagnosed with a rare PCRC and identified as locally advanced colorectal cancer (LACRC) with genetic sequencing results showing MSI-H. After a thorough evaluation by clinicians, he received 4 cycles of Camrelizumab (anti-PD-1 antibody) + CapeOx (capecitabine and oxaliplatin) NIT combination chemotherapy. Repeat imaging and all tumor markers were unremarkable, and R0 resection was achieved. Postoperative pathology showed a tumor regression grade (TRG) of 0 grade determined as pCR. Postoperative review has not shown any recurrence or metastasis to date and the prognosis is good.ConclusionPCRC should improve the diagnostic efficiency to prevent misdiagnosis and miss the best time for treatment. NIT and or chemotherapy can be a reasonable and effective treatment option for dMMR/MSI-H locally advanced PCRC. Our report provides some support and evidence for neoadjuvant immunotherapy for locally advanced PCRC, while highlighting the importance of preoperative detection of microsatellite status for locally advanced PCRC.
Role of matrix metalloproteinases in multi-system inflammatory syndrome and acute COVID-19 in children
Authors: Pavan Kumar Nathella , Venkataraman Aishwarya , Varadarjan Poovazhagi , Nancy Arul , Rajamanickam Anuradha , Selladurai Elilarasi , Sankaralingam Thangavelu , Thiruvengadam Kannan , Selvam Ramya , Thimmaiah Akshith , Natarajan Suresh , Ramaswamy Ganesh , Putlibai Sulochana , Sadasivam Kalaimaran , Sundaram Balasubramanian , Hissar Syed , Ranganathan Uma Devi , Nutman Thomas B. , Babu Subash 
Published: December 2022

IntroductionMultisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a serious inflammatory sequela of SARS-CoV2 infection. The pathogenesis of MIS-C is vague and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) may have an important role. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are known drivers of lung pathology in many diseases.MethodsTo elucidate the role of MMPs in pathogenesis of pediatric COVID-19, we examined their plasma levels in MIS-C and acute COVID-19 children and compared them to convalescent COVID-19 and children with other common tropical diseases (with overlapping clinical manifestations).ResultsChildren with MIS-C had elevated levels of MMPs (P &lt; 0.005 statistically significant) in comparison to acute COVID-19, other tropical diseases (Dengue fever, typhoid fever, and scrub typhus fever) and convalescent COVID-19 children. PCA and ROC analysis (sensitivity 84–100% and specificity 80–100%) showed that MMP-8, 12, 13 could help distinguish MIS-C from acute COVID-19 and other tropical diseases with high sensitivity and specificity. Among MIS-C children, elevated levels of MMPs were seen in children requiring intensive care unit admission as compared to children not needing intensive care. Similar findings were noted when children with severe/moderate COVID-19 were compared to children with mild COVID-19. Finally, MMP levels exhibited significant correlation with laboratory parameters, including lymphocyte counts, CRP, D-dimer, Ferritin and Sodium levels.DiscussionOur findings suggest that MMPs play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of MIS-C and COVID-19 in children and may help distinguish MIS-C from other conditions with overlapping clinical presentation.
A study of the risk factors for phlebitis in patients stratified using the acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II score and admitted to the intensive care unit: A post hoc analysis of the AMOR-VENUS study
Authors: Kishihara Yuki , Yasuda Hideto , Moriya Takashi , Kashiura Masahiro , Koike Midori , Kotani Yuki , Kondo Natsuki , Sekine Kosuke , Shime Nobuaki , Morikane Keita , Abe Takayuki 
Published: December 2022

IntroductionPeripheral intravascular catheters (PIVCs) are inserted in most patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). Previous research has discussed various risk factors for phlebitis, which is one of the complications of PIVCs. However, previous studies have not investigated the risk factors based on the patient’s severity of illness, such as the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score. Different treatments can be used based on the relationship of risk factors to the illness severity to avoid phlebitis. Therefore, in this study, we investigate whether the risk factors for phlebitis vary depending on the APACHE II score.Materials and methodsThis study was a post hoc analysis of the AMOR-VENUS study involving 23 ICUs in Japan. We included patients with age ≥ 18 years and consecutive admissions to the ICU with PIVCs inserted during ICU admission. The primary outcome was phlebitis, and the objective was the identification of the risk factors evaluated by hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). The cut-off value of the APACHE II score was set as ≤15 (group 1), 16–25 (group 2), and ≥26 (group 3). Multivariable marginal Cox regression analysis was performed for each group using the presumed risk factors.ResultsA total of 1,251 patients and 3,267 PIVCs were analyzed. Multivariable marginal Cox regression analysis reveals that there were statistically significant differences among the following variables evaluated HR (95%CI): (i) in group 1, standardized drug administration measures (HR, 0.4 [0.17–0.9]; p = 0.03) and nicardipine administration (HR, 2.25 [1.35–3.75]; p &lt; 0.01); (ii) in group 2, insertion in the upper arm using the forearm as a reference (HR, 0.41 [0.2–0.83]; p = 0.01), specified polyurethane catheter using polyurethane as a reference (HR, 0.56 [0.34–0.92]; p = 0.02), nicardipine (HR, 1.9 [1.16–3.12]; p = 0.01), and noradrenaline administration (HR, 3.0 [1.52–5.88]; p &lt; 0.01); (iii) in group 3, noradrenaline administration (HR, 3.39 [1.14–10.1]; p = 0.03).ConclusionWe found that phlebitis risk factors varied according to illness severity. By considering these different risk factors, different treatments may be provided to avoid phlebitis based on the patient’s severity of illness.
Comparison of ischemic stroke diagnosis models based on machine learning
Authors: Yang Wan-Xia , Wang Fang-Fang , Pan Yun-Yan , Xie Jian-Qin , Lu Ming-Hua , You Chong-Ge 
Published: December 2022

BackgroundThe incidence, prevalence, and mortality of ischemic stroke (IS) continue to rise, resulting in a serious global disease burden. The prediction models have a great value in the early prediction and diagnosis of IS.MethodsThe R software was used to screen the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of IS and control samples in the datasets GSE16561, GSE58294, and GSE37587 and analyze DEGs for enrichment analysis. The feature genes of IS were obtained by several machine learning algorithms, including the least absolute shrinkage and selector operation (LASSO) logistic regression, the support vector machine-recursive feature elimination (SVM-RFE), and the Random Forest (RF). The IS diagnostic models were constructed based on transcriptomics by machine learning and artificial neural network (ANN).ResultsA total of 69 DEGs, mainly involved in immune and inflammatory responses, were identified. The pathways enriched in the IS group were complement and coagulation cascades, lysosome, PPAR signaling pathway, regulation of autophagy, and toll-like receptor signaling pathway. The feature genes selected by LASSO, SVM-RFE, and RF were 17, 10, and 12, respectively. The area under the curve (AUC) of the LASSO model in the training dataset, GSE22255, and GSE195442 was 0.969, 0.890, and 1.000. The AUC of the SVM-RFE model was 0.957, 0.805, and 1.000, respectively. The AUC of the RF model was 0.947, 0.935, and 1.000, respectively. The models have good sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy. The AUC of the LASSO+ANN, SVM-RFE+ANN, and RF+ANN models was 1.000, 0.995, and 0.997, respectively, in the training dataset. However, the AUC of LASSO+ANN, SVM-RFE+ANN, and RF+ANN models was 0.688, 0.605, and 0.619, respectively, in the GSE22255 dataset. The AUC of the LASSO+ANN and RF+ANN models was 0.740 and 0.630, respectively, in the GSE195442 dataset. In the training dataset, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the LASSO+ANN model were 1.000, 1.000, and 1.000, respectively; of the SVM-RFE+ANN model were 0.946, 0.982, and 0.964, respectively; and of the RF+ANN model were 0.964, 1.000, and 0.982, respectively. In the test datasets, the sensitivity was very satisfactory; however, the specificity and accuracy were not good.ConclusionThe LASSO, SVM-RFE, and RF models have good prediction abilities. However, the ANN model is efficient at classifying positive samples and is unsuitable at classifying negative samples.
Safety and effectiveness of double microcatheter technique in the treatment of ruptured aneurysms of anterior cerebral circulation
Authors: Zhao Xintong , Zhang Zihuan , Liu Jiaqiang , Qin Feiyun , Hu Liying , Li Zhenbao 
Published: December 2022

ObjectiveTo evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the double microcatheter technique in the treatment of ruptured aneurysms of the anterior cerebral circulation.MethodsBetween 2012 and 2019, 113 patients with ruptured aneurysms of the anterior cerebral circulation were treated using the double microcatheter technique. Clinical records, angiographic results, and procedure-related complications were reviewed. Clinical and angiographic follow-up was performed.ResultsComplete occlusion, neck remnant, and partial occlusion were, respectively, recorded in 56.6, 38.9, and 4.4% of the total cases. For all patients, the incidence of intraoperative complications was 5.3% (6/113), and the overall rate of morbidity was 10.6% (12/113). Before discharge, three patients (2.7%) died. There was no procedure-related mortality. At discharge, favorable outcomes were observed in 79.6% (90/113) of the patients. High Hunt-Hess grades and receiving a craniotomy or external ventricular drainage were risk factors for clinical outcomes at discharge. Clinical follow-up was performed in 91 patients at a mean interval of 14.07 ± 11.68 months. At follow-up, favorable outcomes were observed in 92.3% (84/91) of the patients. Angiographic follow-up was performed in 66 patients at an average of 11.53 ± 11.13 months. The recurrence rate was 37.9%. Of these patients, 13 (19.7%) received retreatment.ConclusionThe double microcatheter technique can be performed in ruptured aneurysms with high technical success and low morbidity/mortality. However, recurrence remains a problem, and patients should be followed up regularly.
EEG-based Brain-Computer Interfaces for people with Disorders of Consciousness: Features and applications. A systematic review
Authors: Galiotta Valentina , Quattrociocchi Ilaria , D'Ippolito Mariagrazia , Schettini Francesca , Aricò Pietro , Sdoia Stefano , Formisano Rita , Cincotti Febo , Mattia Donatella , Riccio Angela 
Published: December 2022

BackgroundDisorders of Consciousness (DoC) are clinical conditions following a severe acquired brain injury (ABI) characterized by absent or reduced awareness, known as coma, Vegetative State (VS)/Unresponsive Wakefulness Syndrome (VS/UWS), and Minimally Conscious State (MCS). Misdiagnosis rate between VS/UWS and MCS is attested around 40% due to the clinical and behavioral fluctuations of the patients during bedside consciousness assessments. Given the large body of evidence that some patients with DoC possess “covert” awareness, revealed by neuroimaging and neurophysiological techniques, they are candidates for intervention with brain-computer interfaces (BCIs).ObjectivesThe aims of the present work are (i) to describe the characteristics of BCI systems based on electroencephalography (EEG) performed on DoC patients, in terms of control signals adopted to control the system, characteristics of the paradigm implemented, classification algorithms and applications (ii) to evaluate the performance of DoC patients with BCI.MethodsThe search was conducted on Pubmed, Web of Science, Scopus and Google Scholar. The PRISMA guidelines were followed in order to collect papers published in english, testing a BCI and including at least one DoC patient.ResultsAmong the 527 papers identified with the first run of the search, 27 papers were included in the systematic review. Characteristics of the sample of participants, behavioral assessment, control signals employed to control the BCI, the classification algorithms, the characteristics of the paradigm, the applications and performance of BCI were the data extracted from the study. Control signals employed to operate the BCI were: P300 (N = 19), P300 and Steady-State Visual Evoked Potentials (SSVEP; hybrid system, N = 4), sensorimotor rhythms (SMRs; N = 5) and brain rhythms elicited by an emotional task (N = 1), while assessment, communication, prognosis, and rehabilitation were the possible applications of BCI in DoC patients.ConclusionDespite the BCI is a promising tool in the management of DoC patients, supporting diagnosis and prognosis evaluation, results are still preliminary, and no definitive conclusions may be drawn; even though neurophysiological methods, such as BCI, are more sensitive to covert cognition, it is suggested to adopt a multimodal approach and a repeated assessment strategy.
Effects of constraint-induced movement therapy on activity and participation after a stroke: Systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: de Azevedo Joyce Araújo , Barbosa Felipe Douglas Silva , Seixas Valquiria Martins , da Silva Scipioni Kelly Regina Dias , Sampaio Priscila Yukari Sewo , da Cruz Daniel Marinho Cezar , Piscitelli Daniele , Chui Kevin K. , de Freitas Zanona Aristela 
Published: December 2022

IntroductionHemiparesis is the main sensorimotor deficit after stroke. It can result in limitations in Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and social participation. Hemiparesis can be treated with behavioral techniques of intensive use of the affected arm, such as constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT), however, it remains unclear whether motor improvement can lead to increases in the domains of activity and participation.ObjectiveIdentify whether CIMT is superior to usual techniques to enhance activity and participation outcomes in stroke survivors.MethodsA systematic review with meta-analysis was conducted, based on the PRISMA guidelines. Search databases were: PubMed, LILACS, Embase, SciELO, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Medline, and Web of Science, with no language restriction. Meta-analysis was performed with Review Manager (version 5.3), significance level p ≤ 0.05.ResultsA total of 21 articles were included for analysis. Superior effects were observed on motor function and performance in activities of daily living of individuals treated with CIMT. The outcomes measures utilized were: Fugl-Meyer Assessment (p = 0.00001); Wolf motor function test (p = 0.01); Modified Barthel Index (p = 0.00001); Motor Activity log (MAL) Amount of use (AOU) (p = 0.01); MAL Quality of movement (QOM) (p = 0.00001); Action Research Arm Test-ARAT (p = 0.00001); and FIM (p = 0.0007).ConclusionOur results show that CIMT results in more significant gains in the functional use of the upper limb in ADL and functional independence, demonstrating superior activity and participation results in stroke survivors when compared to conventional therapies.
Computed tomography angiography assessment of the degree of simple coarctation of the aorta and its relationship with surgical outcome: A retrospective analysis
Authors: Xiao Hui-Jun , Zhan A-Lai , Huang Qing-Wen , Huang Rui-Gang , Lin Wei-Hua 
Published: December 2022

ObjectiveTo investigate the correlation between the degree of aortic coarctation and surgical prognosis in infants with simple coarctation of the aorta (CoA) using computed tomography angiography (CTA).MethodsThis study was a retrospective study. Twenty-seven infants with simple CoA who underwent surgical correction from January 2020 to June 2022 were enrolled. Aortic diameters were measured at five different levels and normalized to Z scores based on the square root of body surface area. The relevant data were collected and analyzed, and the predictors associated with surgical outcome were determined.ResultsPatients were divided into the mild CoA group and the severe CoA group according to the severity of coarctation. The mechanical ventilation duration and the length of ICU stay in the mild CoA group were significantly lower than those in the severe CoA group. Multiple linear regression analyses revealed that the degree of aortic coarctation was a significant risk factor for a prolonged postoperative ICU stay. In addition, gestational age and age at operation were risk factors for a prolonged postoperative ICU stay. Correlation analysis showed that the degree of aortic coarctation correlated with the Z scores of the ascending aorta and postcoarctation aorta.ConclusionThe degree of the CoA is an important predictor of surgical outcomes in infants with simple CoA and was significantly correlated with the ascending aorta and postcoarctation aorta Z scores. Therefore, preoperative CTA should be routinely performed to assess the degree of aortic coarctation and better identify risk factors.
Clinical characteristics, pathology features and outcomes of pediatric myeloid sarcoma: A retrospective case series
Authors: Ye Fanghua , Zhang Hui , Zhang Wen , Dong Jiajia , Deng Wenjun , Yang Liangchun 
Published: December 2022

PurposeMyeloid sarcoma (MS) is a rare extramedullary mass with myeloid expression, which is easy to be missed and misdiagnosed, especially in the pediatric population. We analyze the clinicopathological characteristics, immunophenotypic, cytogenetic, and molecular studies, therapeutic approaches, and outcomes, to optimize the management of such patients.MethodsA retrospective, single-center, case series study of eleven children diagnosed with MS by pathology was performed.ResultsThe male-to-female ratio was 8:3, and the median age at diagnosis was 7 years. The most commonly involved sites were the skin and orbital region, followed by lymph nodes, central nervous system, and testis. Seven cases (64%) with Class I-MS and four cases (36%) presented as Class II-MS. Immunohistochemically, MPO and CD117 were the most commonly expressed markers, followed by CD33, CD43, CD34, CD68, and lysozyme. Chromosomal abnormalities were detected in 4 patients. Two patients had the presence of deleterious mutations (FLT3, ASXL, KIT, and DHX15) on molecular detection. Ten patients were treated with chemotherapy based on AML regimens. The median follow-up time was 33.5 months in eleven patients. Two patients relapsed, one died, and one lost to follow-up. The 2-year overall survival (OS) rate estimated by Kaplan-Meier curves was 90.9% ± 8.7%, and the event-free survival (EFS) rate was 64.9% ± 16.7%.ConclusionsMS diagnosis is usually challenging. Adequate tumor biopsy and expanded immunohistochemistry are necessary for the correct diagnosis of MS. Early and regular systemic chemotherapy promises long-term survival.