bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Blood Lead Level Is Negatively Associated With Bone Mineral Density in U.S. Children and Adolescents Aged 8-19 Years
Authors: Cui Aiyong , Xiao Peilun , Hu Baoliang , Ma Yuzhuo , Fan Zhiqiang , Wang Hu , Zhou Fengjin , Zhuang Yan 
Published: July 2022

ContextThe relationship of lead (Pb) exposure with bone health in children and adolescents remains controversial.ObjectionWe aimed to investigate the association of blood lead levels (BLL) with bone mineral density (BMD) in American children and adolescents using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), 2005-2010.MethodsWe analyzed 5,583 subjects aged 8-19 years (mean age, 13.49 ± 3.35 years) from the NHANES 2005-2010. BLL was tested using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. BMD was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) at the lumbar spine, total femur, and femur neck. Multivariate linear regression models were used to explore the association between BLL and BMD, adjusting for age, gender, race/ethnicity, poverty income ratio (PIR), body mass index (BMI), serum calcium, and serum phosphorus.ResultsBLL was negatively correlated with BMD at different sites of interest in children and adolescents. For every 1mg/dl increase in BLL, the BMD of the total spine, total hip, and femoral neck decreased by 0.011 g/cm2, 0.008 g/cm2, and 0.006 g/cm2. In addition, Pb affected the lumbar spine more than the femur. The effect estimates were stronger in girls than boys at the lumbar spine (P for interaction= 0.006). This negative association remained significant in American children and adolescents after excluding individuals with BLL more than 3.5 ug/dl.ConclusionOur study indicates that BLL is negatively correlated with BMD at different sites of interest in children and adolescents aged 8-19 years, even in the reference range. More research is needed to elucidate the relationships between Pb and bone health in children and adolescents, including specific mechanisms and confounding factors like race/ethnicity, gender, and age.
DCBLD1 Overexpression Is Associated With a Poor Prognosis in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Fu Ling-ling , Yan Ming , Ma Min-Xian , Luo Yi , Shao Min , Gosau Martin , Friedrich Reinhard E. , Vollkommer Tobias , Feng Hong-chao , Smeets Ralf 
Published: July 2022

BackgroundDCBLD1 is highly expressed in several kinds of cancer and plays a potential prognostic factor. However, the prognostic value and immune infiltration in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma remain unclear and need further research.Materials and MethodsDCBLD1 expression and clinical information were obtained from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. The mRNA level in cell lines (SCC25 and CAL27) and gingival fibroblasts were detected using quantitative PCR. Cox regression analysis was used to evaluate the prognostic values of DCBLD1 and clinical data in HNSCC. A nomogram was also established to predict the impact of DCBLD1 on prognosis based on Cox multivariate results. The methylation level of DCBLD1 in HNSC and its prognosis were analyzed in UALACN and MethSurv. Finally, the potential biological functions of DCBLD1 were investigated using gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and single-sample GSEA (ssGSEA).ResultsThe mRNA and protein expression levels of DCBLD1 were highly expressed in HNSCC tissue and cell lines. The Cox analyses demonstrate that highly expressed DCBLD1 is an independent prognosis marker (p &lt; 0.05). ROC curve analysis showed the performance of DCBLD1 (area under the ROC curve: 0.948, sensitivity: 93.2%, specificity: 84.7%). The methylation was increased in HNSCC patients compared with normal subjects (p &lt; 0.05) and was associated with poor prognosis at sites cg27642470 and cg21104965. Additionally, DCBLD1 expression is poorly associated with immune cell infiltration and immunological checkpoints PD-L1 and TIM-3.ConclusionIn head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, DCBLD1 is overexpressed, associated with poor patient prognosis. The detailed underlying mechanism merits further research.
Detection of the Largest Deep-Sea-Endemic Teleost Fish at Depths of Over 2,000 m Through a Combination of eDNA Metabarcoding and Baited Camera Observations
Authors: Fujiwara Yoshihiro , Tsuchida Shinji , Kawato Masaru , Masuda Kotohiro , Sakaguchi Sakiko Orui , Sado Tetsuya , Miya Masaki , Yoshida Takao 
Published: July 2022

The Yokozuna Slickhead Narcetes shonanmaruae is a recently described deep-sea fish species and an active-swimming, relatively large top predator in Suruga Bay, Japan. Its only known habitat is the deepest part of the bay (&gt;2,000 m); six individuals have been collected thus far (up to 138 cm in total length). During our monitoring survey of faunal diversity on seamounts within marine protected areas in Japanese waters, environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding revealed the Yokozuna Slickhead 12S ribosomal RNA gene sequence on/around three seamounts belonging to the Nishi-Shichito Ridge (at depths of around 2,000 m) located 400–600 km south of the known locality. A baited camera system deployed at the foot of one of the three seamounts at a depth of 2,091 m captured a Yokozuna Slickhead individual that was over 250 cm in total length, threatening Pacific Grenadiers Coryphaenoides acrolepis around the bait and attacking the bait cage. A combination of eDNA metabarcoding and baited camera observation represents a powerful tool for the detection of rare predatory fish species and the study of their ecology even in the deep sea, thus helping to better understand vulnerable marine ecosystems and reveal the impact of the rapidly changing global ocean.
Thermal Conductivity of Ti-6Al-4V in Laser Powder Bed Fusion
Authors: Bartsch Katharina , Bossen Bastian , Chaudhary Waqar , Landry Michael , Herzog Dirk 
Published: July 2022

With increasing maturity of the laser powder bed fusion (PBF-LB/M) process, the related products are becoming more complex. The more conventional parts are integrated into one design, the more requirements regarding local material properties arise. This concerns for instance products with high demands regarding temperature management. Here, different thermal conductivities within the part enable the control of the temperature distribution as well as the direction of heat flows. The realization of those local properties poses a challenge, though, as the use of multiple materials in PBF-LB/M is not broadly available. However, the different states of material in PBF-LB/M, i.e. bulk and powder material, provide the opportunity to create thermal metamaterials with locally varied thermal conductivities. To enable part design utilizing the bulk material as well as enclosed powder, this study investigates the respective thermal conductivities of Ti-6Al-4V. Powder and printed samples were measured at RT by the Modified Transient Plane Source method, resulting in an effective thermal conductivity of 0.13 W/mK for powder and 5.4 W/mK for bulk material (compared to 6.5 W/mK in prior experiments). For complete assessment of the powder material, because of the many uncertainties due to the particle size distribution and powder application, a computational model following the network modeling approach is created. The model is used to create a data set of 60 different powder bed configurations, which is then statistically evaluated to provide a description independent from powder packing. Finally, the application of the investigations to achieve thermal metamaterials capable of local temperature management with a single material is presented in a numerical study. Here, the use cases of thermal shielding as well as the concentration of heat flow is demonstrated.
Take-Home Video Shortens the Time to First Ambulation in Patients With Inguinal Hernia Repair Under General Anesthesia: A Retrospective Observational Study
Authors: Ma Guozhen , Jiang Pengjun , Mo Beirong , Luo Yijun , Zhao Yongling , Wang Xingguang , Shi Chunmiao , Huang Yanhui 
Published: July 2022

BackgroundData on the relationship between take-home video and the time to first ambulation remains scant. Here, we aimed to investigate whether viewed take-home video during pre-hospitalization is independently associated with the time to first ambulation in postoperative patients with inguinal hernia repair under general anesthesia.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed and analyzed the relationship between viewed take-home video and the time to first ambulation between September 2020 and October 2021.The independent t-tests or Mann-Whitney U-tests was used to compare the means of two groups (viewed take-home video and non-viewed take-home video). Chi-square test was used to compare the rates between the two groups. We used a linear regression model to see if there was a difference between exposure and outcome variable. Both models were used to observe the effect size of the exposed variable. Subgroup analysis was employed to assess the impact of various factors.ResultsThis study included a total of 120 patients with inguinal hernia repair under general anesthesia following day surgery. The average age of the participants in the two groups was 43.16 and 44.83 years, respectively, and about 82.5% of the patients were male. Our fully adjusted linear regression results showed that individuals in the viewed video group were associated with a decreased time to first ambulation (h) after adjusting for confounders (β = −0.50, 95%CI: −0.83, −0.17; P = 0.004). In addition, the linear regression analysis of the relationship between viewed video and length of stay showed that β = −2.10 (95%CI:CI: −3.85, −0.34; P = 0.021). Similarly, subgroup analysis yielded similar results for the viewed video group patients compared to those in the non-viewed video group.ConclusionTaken together, our findings demonstrated that viewed video could shorten the time to first ambulation, which in turn reduce the length of stay in postoperative patients under general anesthesia.
Effects of the CarFreeMe Traumatic Injuries, a Community Mobility Group Intervention, to Increase Community Participation for People With Traumatic Injuries: A Randomized Controlled Trial With Crossover
Authors: George Stacey , Barr Christopher , Berndt Angela , Milte Rachel , Nussio Amy , Adey-Wakeling Zoe , Liddle Jacki 
Published: July 2022

IntroductionAfter traumatic injuries community participation is a common goal, promoting wellbeing and independence. Community mobility and transportation influence an individual's independence in community participation. With the ability to drive safely often compromised after traumatic injuries, the adverse consequences of driving cessation include a loss of identity and reduced participation in chosen activities. In rehabilitation, individualized community mobility intervention is not routinely provided. The primary aim of this trial was to evaluate whether a group-based intervention, the CarFreeMe TI program was more effective than standard intervention, an information sheet of alternative transport, in improving community mobility for people following traumatic injuries. The secondary aim of this study was to evaluate the effect: types of transport used, transport satisfaction, community mobility self-efficacy, quality of life, goal satisfaction and performance, for people following traumatic injuries; and to undertake a preliminary assessment of the potential resource use associated with the intervention, and lessons for implementation.DesignProspective, pilot, randomized, blind observer, controlled trial with crossover.ParticipantsTwenty individuals with traumatic injuries.InterventionSix-week group-based support and education program, the CarFreeMe TI delivered in community settings (intervention) and standard information related to transport options available (control).Primary Outcome MeasuresCommunity participation using a Global Positioning System device to record the location and number of outings from home.Secondary Outcome MeasuresCarFreeMe TI Transport Questionnaire, Community Mobility Self-efficacy Scale, quality of life measures, Modified Canadian Occupational Performance Measure for goals (importance and satisfaction), participant satisfaction survey results and researcher logs.ResultsThose who received the intervention were more likely to use public transport and transport services and had an improved quality of life, when compared to the control group. The intervention group also reported high levels of improvement in goal performance and satisfaction. Global Positioning System data collection was incomplete, with geolocation data unusable. There was no significant change in number/type of visits away from home.ConclusionsA group-based community mobility education program promoted modes of active independent transport but did not impact on outings from home. Future research could include passive collection methods using a smartphone to record community participation.Clinical Trial Registrationhttps://www.anzctr.org.au/, identifier: ACTRN12616001254482.
Human vs. Machine Learning Based Detection of Facial Weakness Using Video Analysis
Authors: Aldridge Chad M. , McDonald Mark M. , Wruble Mattia , Zhuang Yan , Uribe Omar , McMurry Timothy L. , Lin Iris , Pitchford Haydon , Schneider Brett J. , Dalrymple William A. , Carrera Joseph F. , Chapman Sherita , Worrall Bradford B. , Rohde Gustavo K. , Southerland Andrew M. 
Published: July 2022

BackgroundCurrent EMS stroke screening tools facilitate early detection and triage, but the tools' accuracy and reliability are limited and highly variable. An automated stroke screening tool could improve stroke outcomes by facilitating more accurate prehospital diagnosis and delivery. We hypothesize that a machine learning algorithm using video analysis can detect common signs of stroke. As a proof-of-concept study, we trained a computer algorithm to detect presence and laterality of facial weakness in publically available videos with comparable accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity to paramedics.Methods and ResultsWe curated videos of people with unilateral facial weakness (n = 93) and with a normal smile (n = 96) from publicly available web-based sources. Three board certified vascular neurologists categorized the videos according to the presence or absence of weakness and laterality. Three paramedics independently analyzed each video with a mean accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of 92.6% [95% CI 90.1–94.7%], 87.8% [95% CI 83.9–91.7%] and 99.3% [95% CI 98.2–100%]. Using a 5-fold cross validation scheme, we trained a computer vision algorithm to analyze the same videos producing an accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of 88.9% [95% CI 83.5–93%], 90.3% [95% CI 82.4–95.5%] and 87.5 [95% CI 79.2–93.4%].ConclusionsThese preliminary results suggest that a machine learning algorithm using computer vision analysis can detect unilateral facial weakness in pre-recorded videos with an accuracy and sensitivity comparable to trained paramedics. Further research is warranted to pursue the concept of augmented facial weakness detection and external validation of this algorithm in independent data sets and prospective patient encounters.
Alterations in White Matter Fiber Tracts Characterized by Automated Fiber-Tract Quantification and Their Correlations With Cognitive Impairment in Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder Patients
Authors: Yan Zichun , Wang Xiaohua , Zhu Qiyuan , Shi Zhuowei , Chen Xiaoya , Han Yongliang , Zheng Qiao , Wei Yiqiu , Wang Jingjie , Li Yongmei 
Published: July 2022

ObjectivesTo investigate whether patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) have tract-specific alterations in the white matter (WM) and the correlations between the alterations and cognitive impairment.Materials and MethodsIn total, 40 patients with NMOSD and 20 healthy controls (HCs) who underwent diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) scan and neuropsychological scale assessments were enrolled. Automated fiber-tract quantification (AFQ) was applied to identify and quantify 100 equally spaced nodes of 18 specific WM fiber tracts for each participant. Then the group comparisons in DTI metrics and correlations between different DTI metrics and neuropsychological scales were performed.ResultsRegardless of the entire or pointwise level in WM fiber tracts, patients with NMOSD exhibited a decreased fractional anisotropy (FA) in the left inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus (L_IFOF) and widespread increased mean diffusion (MD), axial diffusivity (AD), and radial diffusivity (RD), especially for the thalamic radiation (TR), corticospinal tract (CST), IFOF, inferior longitudinal fasciculus (ILF), superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF) [p &lt; 0.05, false discovery rate (FDR) correction], and the pointwise analyses performed more sensitive. Furthermore, the negative correlations among MD, AD, RD, and symbol digit modalities test (SDMT) scores in the left TR (L_TR) were found in NMOSD.ConclusionPatients with NMOSD exhibited the specific nodes of WM fiber tract damage, which can enhance our understanding of WM microstructural abnormalities in NMOSD. In addition, the altered DTI metrics were correlated with cognitive impairment, which can be used as imaging markers for the early identification of NMOSD cognitive impairment.
Gaz Alafi: A Traditional Dessert in the Middle East With Anticancer, Immunomodulatory, and Antimicrobial Activities
Authors: Al Safi Meena A. , Rashid Hasan M. , Afifi Fatma U. , Talib Wamidh H. 
Published: July 2022

BackgroundFrom the earliest times, manna has been widely used as a tasty local sweet or folk medicine. The type of manna being investigated in the present study is called Gaz-alafi, a mixture of insect and Quercus brantii leaves secretions from oak forests in the north of Iraq and west of Iran.MethodsAqueous and ethanol extracts were prepared as decoction. Various phytochemical tests were conducted to analyze manna composition, including total phenolic contents using the Folin-Ciocalteu method and LC-MS. Gallic acid and catechin were detected in both extracts, in addition to tiliroside presence in ethanol extract, which added more value to the phenolic content of ethanol extract. Cytotoxic activities of Gaz alafi were evaluated against breast cancer cell lines and compared to normal cell lines and doxorubicin using the MTT assay. Antimicrobial properties were assessed against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, and Candida albicans using the dilution method of the micro-titer plate. Serum levels of IFN-γ, interleukin-2 (IL-2), interleukin-4 (IL-4), and interleukin-10 (IL-10) were measured using ELISA. The effect of extracts on splenocyte proliferation was evaluated using the lymphocytes proliferation assay. Macrophage function was evaluated using the nitro blue tetrazolium assay, whereas pinocytosis was evaluated using the neutral red uptake assay. Ten days after tumor inoculation, changes in tumor size, survival rates, levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and creatinine were measured.ResultsThe growth of cancer cells was inhibited by Gaz alafi ethanol extract. An alteration in IFN- γ, IL-2, and IL-4 levels toward antiproliferation immune response were reported for both extracts. The aqueous extract efficiently stimulated lymphocyte proliferation, phagocytosis, and pinocytosis, followed by the ethanol extracts with moderate activity. After treating the mice with ethanol extracts, a significant reduction in tumor size and several undetected tumors were recorded.ConclusionsGaz alafi extracts (aqueous and ethanol) are promising sources for anticancer and immunostimulatory agents. Further studies are needed to fully identify the chemical composition of Gaz alafi extracts.
A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Prognostic Nomograms After UTUC Surgery
Authors: Pallauf Maximilian , König Frederik , D’Andrea David , Laukhtina Ekaterina , Mostafaei Hadi , Motlagh Reza Sari , Quhal Fahad , Aydh Abdulmajeed , Yanagisawa Takafumi , Kawada Tatsushi , Rajwa Pawel , Lusuardi Lukas , Soria Francesco , Karakiewicz Pierre I. , Rouprêt Morgan , Rink Michael , Lotan Yair , Margulis Vitaly , Singla Nirmish , Xylinas Evanguelos , Shariat Shahrokh F. , Pradere Benjamin 
Published: July 2022

BackgroundCurrent guidelines recommend assessing the prognosis in high-risk upper tract urothelial carcinoma patients (UTUC) after surgery. However, no specific method is endorsed. Among the various prognostic models, nomograms represent an easy and accurate tool to predict the individual probability for a specific event. Therefore, identifying the best-suited nomogram for each setting seems of great interest to the patient and provider.ObjectivesTo identify, summarize and compare postoperative UTUC nomograms predicting oncologic outcomes. To estimate the overall performance of the nomograms and identify the most reliable predictors. To create a reference tool for postoperative UTUC nomograms, physicians can use in clinical practice.DesignA systematic review was conducted following the recommendations of Cochrane’s Prognosis Methods Group. Medline and EMBASE databases were searched for studies published before December 2021. Nomograms were grouped according to outcome measurements, the purpose of use, and inclusion and exclusion criteria. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed to estimate nomogram group performance and predictor reliability. Reference tables summarizing the nomograms’ important characteristics were created.ResultsThe systematic review identified 26 nomograms. Only four were externally validated. Study heterogeneity was significant, and the overall Risk of Bias (RoB) was high. Nomogram groups predicting overall survival (OS), recurrence-free survival (RFS), and intravesical recurrence (IVR) had moderate discrimination accuracy (c-Index summary estimate with 95% confidence interval [95% CI] and prediction interval [PI] &gt; 0.6). Nomogram groups predicting cancer-specific survival (CSS) had good discrimination accuracy (c-Index summary estimate with 95% CI and PI &gt; 0.7). Advanced pathological tumor stage (≥ pT3) was the most reliable predictor of OS. Pathological tumor stage (≥ pT2), age, and lymphovascular invasion (LVI) were the most reliable predictors of CSS. LVI was the most reliable predictor of RFS.ConclusionsDespite a moderate to good discrimination accuracy, severe heterogeneity discourages the uninformed use of postoperative prognostic UTUC nomograms. For nomograms to become of value in a generalizable population, future research must invest in external validation and assessment of clinical utility. Meanwhile, this systematic review serves as a reference tool for physicians choosing nomograms based on individual needs.Systematic Review Registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=282596, identifier PROSPERO [CRD42021282596].