bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Altered Spontaneous Brain Activity in Betel Quid Dependence Chewers: A Resting-State Functional MRI Study With Percent Amplitude of Fluctuation
Authors: Fu Lili , Chen Huijuan , Liu Tao , Liu Liting , Fu Qingqing , Huang Weiyuan , Chen Feng 
Published: May 2022

ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate brain spontaneous neural activity changes in betel quid dependence (BQD) chewers using the percent amplitude of fluctuation (PerAF) method.MethodsThis study included 48 BQD chewers. The healthy control (HC) group comprised 35 volunteers who were matched with BQD chewers in age, gender, and educational status. All subjects underwent resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) and neuropsychological tests. The PerAF method was used to identify BQD-related regional brain activity changes. An independent samples t-test was used to evaluate the PerAF difference across two groups. The association between PerAF changes and clinical features such as BQD scores, duration of BQD, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale-24 item (HAMD-24), and Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale-14 item (HAMA-14) was evaluated by using Spearman's correlation analysis. It assessed the ability of the PerAF method to distinguish between BQD chewers and HCs using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.ResultsCompared to the control group, BQD chewers showed decreased PerAF in right anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), right middle frontal gyrus (MFG), right insula, right precuneus, left putamen, left supramarginal gyrus (SMG), and left cerebellum and increased PerAF in right orbitofrontal and left superior temporal gyrus (STG) [P &lt; 0.05, Gaussian random field (GRF) corrected]. PerAF values of the right MFG and right ACC had a significant negative relationship with the duration of BQD (P &lt; 0.05). The average values of PerAF in the left putamen, left cerebellum, and left STG showed significant discriminatory power in distinguishing BQD chewers from HCs, with relatively prime area under the curve (AUC) values.ConclusionOur findings suggested that betel quid chewing is associated with spontaneous neural activity alterations in the impulsivity areas (MFG and ACC), cognitive (MFG, ACC, precuneus, and the cerebellum), and reward (orbitofrontal, putamen, and insula) systems, which may be correlated with neuropathological mechanisms of BQD. Also, PerAF may be useful as a potential sensitive biomarker for identifying spontaneous brain activity changes in BQD chewers.
The Sleep Quality of the Frontline Healthcare Workers and the Improving Effect of Tai Chi
Authors: Zhan Jingye , Yang Kangdi , Sun Zhuoer , Bai Lingling , Lu Xiaoying , Wang Xiuhong , Liu Weizhi , Yi Chen , Wang Lina 
Published: May 2022

BackgroundA number of studies have documented that coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) brought more negative impact on the physical and psychological functioning of frontline healthcare workers. Especially, sleep quality was focused. This study aimed to investigate the sleep quality of frontline healthcare workers, risk factors for sleep quality, and the effect of Tai Chi training.MethodsA total of 98 frontline healthcare workers were recruited, coming from the infection department, fever clinic, laboratory, and medical imaging department in a COVID-19-designated hospital in Shanghai. Of them, 50 participated in a 2-week intervention and were randomized to receive a Tai Chi training or relaxation training. Participants were assessed at baseline, 7 and 14 days after participation. Demographic information, sleep quality, and anxiety were measured by using the demographic questionnaire, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI).Results13.3% participants were above the cut-off score (&gt;10) for the PSQI. Regression analysis showed gender, age, working years, and job category had effect on sleep quality. Compared to the control group, participants in the Tai Chi training group had lower scores on both PSQI (p &lt; 0.05) and BAI (p &lt; 0.01) after the 2-week intervention.ConclusionIt was demonstrated that poor sleep quality existed in the frontline healthcare workers, which was related to gender, age, working years, and job category. Tai Chi training can dramatically improve their sleep quality and reduce anxiety symptoms.
Risky Sexual Practice and Associated Factors Among Youth Preparatory Students in Gondar City, Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Azene Zelalem Nigussie , Tsegaye Lanchisl , W/Gebriel Mekdes , Tadesse Adamu , Tadele Abreham , Aynalem Getie Lake , Andualem Zewudu , Taye Birhan Tsegaw 
Published: May 2022

BackgroundRisky sexual practices can negatively affect the health of youths by predisposing them to a variety of sexually transmitted infections, including HIV/AIDS and unwanted pregnancy, which, in turn, would lead to serious lifelong deleterious health, social, and economic consequences. While youths tend to be less well-informed and require more information, little has been known in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of risky sexual practices and associated factors among youth students in Gondar city, northwest Ethiopia.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among 414 regularly attending youth students in Gondar city from April to May 2019. A simple random sampling technique was used to select the study participants. Data were collected by using a pre-tested, structured, and self-administered questionnaire. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were employed, and a multivariable binary logistic regression model was used to identify the effect of independent variables on the outcome variable at p &lt; 0.05 with its 95%CI.ResultThe prevalence of risky sexual practices was 49.3%. Peer pressure (AOR = 1.99, 95%CI: 1.21, 3.26), drinking alcohol (AOR = 4.88 95%CI: 3.06, 7.79), and watching pornography (AOR = 2.82, 95%CI: 1.74, 4.56) were positively associated with the risky sexual practice of youths. Whereas, age, gender, and pocket money did not have any association with risky sexual practice in this study.ConclusionIn this study, the prevalence of risky sexual practices was found to be high. Thus, multisector collaboration efforts are needed from parents, schools, health facilities, and the government to tackle the exposure of in-school youth toward peer pressure, drinking alcohol, and watching pornographic films, which in turn helps to bring about healthy sexual practices among them.
Development and Validation of a Self-Quantification Scale for Patients With Hypertension
Authors: Ma Guiyue , Zhong Zhuqing , Duan Yinglong , Shen Zhiying , Qin Ning , Hu Dehua 
Published: May 2022

BackgroundThe self-management ability of patients with hypertension is poor, and self-quantification increases gradually with the development of electronics. Self-quantification for patients with hypertension has important implications for individual health. However, there is a lack of relevant scales at present, and we aim to develop a self-quantified scale for patients with hypertension.MethodsThe instrument was developed based on protection motivation theory with literature review, a qualitative interview study and focus group discussions, and pilot testing. A total of 360 patients with hypertension were investigated using the scale. The psychometric properties of the scale were evaluated concerning validity and reliability employing internal consistency reliability, split-half reliability, test-retest reliability, content validity (S-CVI/Ave and I-CVI), and construct validity (exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis).ResultsThe final scale had 30 items with seven sub-domains. The Cronbach's α for all domains was 0.900 with a range of 0.817–0.938. The split-half reliability coefficient for all domains was 0.743 with a range of 0.700–0.888. The test-retest reliability coefficient for all domains was 0.880 with a range of 0.849–0.943. The S-CVI/Ave for all domains was 0.922 with a range of 0.906- 0.950, and the I-CVI of each item was a range of 0.800–1.000. The result of confirmatory factor analysis of this scale showed that χ2/df was 2.499, RMSEA = 0.065, GFI=0.865, NFI=0.894, IFI=0.934, TLI=0.914, CFI=0.933, RFI=0.865. The Pearson's coefficients between the total scale and every domain were ranging from 0.347 to 0.695, and each domain ranged from 0.130 to 0.481.ConclusionThe scale has good validity and reliability and can be used as a self-quantification scale for patients with hypertension.
Gender Differences for the Prevalence and Risk Factors of Workplace Violence Among Healthcare Professionals in Shandong, China
Authors: Sun Long , Zhang Wen , Qi Fei , Wang Yani 
Published: May 2022

BackgroundWorkplace violence (WPV) against healthcare professionals (HPs) has been recognized as important occupational health and societal problem in the world. Many studies were also conducted to explore the prevalence, risk factors, and adverse outcomes of WPV against HPs. Although the gender differences in the prevalence and risk factors of WPV against HPs have been implied in many studies, fewer studies were conducted to explore the gender differences for WPV against HPs, especially in China. In this study, we aim to analyze the gender differences in the prevalence and risk factors of WPV against HPs in Shandong, China.MethodsThis study was conducted among HPs with a cross-sectional design. WPV, social-demographic variables, occupational characteristics, physical disease, social support, and depression were evaluated for the participated HPs. The prevalence and risk factors of WPV among male healthcare professionals (MHPs) and female healthcare professionals (FHPs) were analyzed in this study. Student'st-tests, one-way ANOVA, and logistic regressions were performed to test the associated factors of WPV among MHPs and FHPs.ResultsThe prevalence of WPV among MHPs and FHPs was 61.4 and 48.8%, respectively. Being silent was the most common method of response to WPV among MHPs (52.3%) and FHPs (59.2%). For MHPs, the associated factors of WPV were master's degree (odds ratio (OR) =2.20,P&lt; 0.05), bachelor's degree (OR = 2.49,P&lt; 0.001), lower income level (OR = 1.81,P&lt; 0.05), manager (OR = 1.81,P&lt; 0.05), and depression (OR = 1.05,P&lt; 0.001). For FHPs, the associated factors of WPV were a master's degree (OR = 1.58,P&lt; 0.05), more working hours per week (OR = 1.02,P&lt; 0.001), and depression (OR = 1.05,P&lt; 0.001).ConclusionThe prevalence of WPV among MHPs was higher than FHPs, and the associated factors for WPV against HPs were also different among MHPs and FHPs. The findings remind us that some gender-specific interventions are needed to control WPV against HPs.
Augmenting Heritage Ocean-Color Aerosol Models for Enhanced Remote Sensing of Inland and Nearshore Coastal Waters
Authors: Montes Martin , Pahlevan Nima , Giles David M. , Roger Jean-Claude , Zhai Peng-wang , Smith Brandon , Levy Robert , Werdell P. Jeremy , Smirnov Alexander 
Published: May 2022

Satellite remote sensing of near-surface water composition in terrestrial and coastal regions is challenging largely due to uncertainties linked to a lack of representative continental aerosols in the atmospheric correction (AC) framework. A comprehensive family of absorbing aerosols is proposed by analyzing global AERONET measurements using the Partition Around Medoids (PAM) classifier. The input to the classifier is composed of Version 3, Level 2.0 daily average aerosol properties [i.e., single scattering albedo at λ = 0.44 μm, (SSA(0.44)) and the Angstrom exponents for extinction and absorption AEe(0.44–0.87) and AEa(0.44–0.87), respectively from observations from June 1993 to September 2019. The PAM classification based on low daily aerosol optical depth (AOD(0.44) ≤ 0.4) suggested 27 distinct aerosol clusters encompassing five major absorbing aerosol types (Dust (DU), Marine (MAR), Mixed (MIX), Urban/Industrial (U/I), and Biomass Burning (BB)). Seasonal patterns of dominant PAM-derived clusters at three AERONET sites (GSFC, Kanpur, and Banizoumbou) strongly influenced by U/I, DU, and BB types, respectively, showed a satisfactory agreement with variations of aerosol mixtures reported in the literature. These PAM-derived models augment the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA's) aerosol models (A2010) applied in its operational AC. To demonstrate the validity and complementary nature of our models, a coupled ocean-atmosphere radiative transfer code is employed to create a simulated dataset for developing two experimental machine-learning AC processors. These two processors differ only in their aerosol models used in training: 1) a processor trained with the A2010 aerosol models (ACI) and 2) a processor trained with both PAM and A2010 aerosol models (ACII). These processors are applied to Landsat-8 Operational Land Imager (OLI) matchups (N = 173) from selected AERONET sites equipped with ocean color radiometers (AERONET-OC). Our assessments showed improvements of up to 30% in retrieving remote sensing reflectance (Rrs) in the blue bands. In general, our empirically derived PAM aerosol models complement A2010 models (designed for regions strongly influenced by marine conditions) over continental and coastal waters where absorbing aerosols are present (e.g., urban environments, areas impacted by dust, or wildfire events). With the expected geographic expansion of in situ aquatic validation networks (e.g., AERONET-OC), the advantages of our models will be accentuated, particularly in the ultraviolet and short blue bands.
Delayed Progressive Mass Effect After Secured Ruptured Middle Cerebral Artery Aneurysm: Risk Factors and Outcomes
Authors: Li Ying-Ching , Chen Ching-Chang , Chen Chun-Ting , Tu Po-Hsun , Yeap Mun-Chun , Wu Yi-Ming , Liu Zhuo-Hao , Chang Ting-Wei , Lin Ya-Jui , Wu Tai-Wei Erich , Hsieh Po-Chuan 
Published: May 2022

ObjectiveDelayed progressive mass effect (DPME) after securing an aneurysm is uncommon following microsurgical or endovascular repair and leads to a poor clinical outcome. Patients with ruptured middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysms have a high risk of postoperative oedema and mass effect, which may require decompressive treatment. Because few studies have discussed the risk and predictive factors, we focused on ruptured MCA aneurysms and evaluated the outcomes of these patients and the necessity of salvage surgery when DPME presented.MethodsData on 891 patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (aSAH) treated between January 2011 and February 2020 were extracted from the medical database of a tertiary referral centre. A total of 113 patients with aSAH resulting from at least one MCA aneurysm were identified. After excluding patients with several clinical confounders, we enrolled 80 patients with surgically treated aSAH. We examined the characteristics of aneurysms and hematomas, perioperative contrast pooling patterns, presence of distal hematomas, perisylvian low density, occlusive treatment modality, management strategies, the need for salvage surgical decompression, and postoperative 90-day outcomes to identify possible risk factors.ResultsDPME was observed in 27 of the 80 patients (33.7%). The DPME and non-DPME group differed significantly in some respects. The DPME group had a higher risk of salvage surgery (p &lt; 0.001) and poorer outcomes (mRS at day 90; p = 0.0018). The univariate analysis indicated that the presence of hematoma, CTA spot signs, perisylvian low density, and distal hematoma were independent risk factors for DPME. We also noted that DPME remained an independent predictor of a poorer 90-day functional outcome (mRS ≤ 2).ConclusionDPME can lead to salvage decompression surgery and directly relates to poor outcomes for patients with a ruptured MCA aneurysm. Distal hematoma, perisylvian low density, and CTA spot signs on preoperative images can predict DPME.
Liver Transplantation for Unresectable Calcifying Nested Stromal Epithelial Tumor: Case Report With a 1-Year Follow-Up and Review of Literature
Authors: Kruk Emilia , Kobryń Konrad , Rykowski Paweł , Szczepankiewicz Benedykt , Patkowski Waldemar , Zieniewicz Krzysztof 
Published: May 2022

IntroductionCalcifying nested stromal epithelial tumor (CNSET) is an extremely rare diagnosis among patients treated for primary hepatic neoplasms. There are only 45 cases reported worldwide. Histopathological characteristics are well-demarcated nests of spindle and epithelioid cells in a dense desmoplastic stroma with variable calcification and ossification. It is mostly diagnosed in children and young females. Treatment strategies implemented for the management of CNSET include radiofrequency ablation, transarterial chemoembolization, surgical resection, adjuvant and neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and liver transplantation. Given the small number of available cases, there are still no established standards of treatment for this neoplasm.Case PresentationA 28-year-old female diagnosed with CNSET presented mild abdominal pain, with normal laboratory values. The tumor was initially deemed unresectable, therefore, the patient was disqualified from liver resection. Further deterioration of the patient's clinical condition and local tumor progression led to qualification for liver transplantation. The patient underwent liver transplantation 1 year following initial diagnosis and a 12 months recurrence-free period was observed. During the course of treatment, she did not receive systemic chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or loco-regional treatment.ConclusionMultiple strategies have been implemented for the treatment of CNSET, with liver resection providing the best outcomes. Transarterial chemoembolization, radiofrequency ablation, and radiotherapy are reported to be insufficient in the management of this tumor. Various chemotherapy regimens turned out to be ineffective as well. There have been only eight reported cases of patients undergoing liver transplantation for CNSET, with tumor recurrence in two cases. CNSET appears to be a neoplasm with low malignancy potential, although an aggressive progression has subsequently been reported. Further investigation is still required in this field.
Analysis of the Rehabilitation Efficacy and Nutritional Status of Patients After Endoscopic Radical Thyroidectomy by Fast Track Surgery Based on Nutritional Support
Authors: Qu Fang , Bu Hongxia , Yang Liu , Liu Hui , Xie Chaoying 
Published: May 2022

ObjectiveTo investigate and analyze the effect of fast track surgery (FTS) based on nutritional support on the improvement of rehabilitation efficacy and nutritional status of patients after radical lumpectomy for thyroid cancer.MethodsEighty-six patients admitted to our hospital for radical lumpectomy for thyroid cancer between April 2018 and April 2021 were selected, of which 40 patients admitted between April 2018 and April 2019 were included in the control group with conventional perioperative care. Forty-six patients admitted between May 2019 and April 2021 were included in the trial group with FTS care based on nutritional support. The two groups of patients were compared in terms of postoperative feeding time, length of stay, time out of bed, VAS scores, albumin (ALB), total protein (TP) and prealbumin (PA) levels, negative emotions [Mental Health Test Questionnaire (DCL-90)], quality of life [General Quality of Life Inventory (GQOLI-74)] and complication rates.ResultsThe patients in the trial group had shorter feeding time, hospitalization time and time out of bed than the control group (P &lt; 0.05). After the intervention, ALB, TP and PA levels were higher in the trial group than in the control group vs. preoperatively (P &lt; 0.05); VAS scores in the trial group were lower than VAS scores in the control group during the same period (P &lt; 0.05). The postoperative DCL-90 scores of the trial group were lower than those of the control group (P &lt; 0.05); the GQOLI-74 scores and total scores of the trial group were higher than those of the control group at the 3-month postoperative follow-up (P &lt; 0.05). The overall incidence of complications such as hoarseness, choking on water, hand and foot numbness, wound infection, and hypocalemia was lower in the trial group than in the control group (P &lt; 0.05).ConclusionThe implementation of FTS care based on nutritional support for patients after endoscopic radical thyroidectomyr can effectively improve the postoperative recovery and reduce their pain level, as well as help improve their nutritional status, negative emotions and improve their quality of life, which is worth promoting.
A High-Energy and High-Intensity Inverse Compton Scattering Source Based on CompactLight Technology
Authors: Mușat Vlad , Latina Andrea , D’Auria Gerardo 
Published: May 2022

An inverse Compton scattering source based on the CompactLight injector and capable of producing MeV gamma-rays with a brilliance several orders of magnitude larger than existing sources is proposed. The CompactLight injector can operate at a bunch repetition rate of 1 kHz, with trains of 50 bunches and a bunch spacing of 5 ns, giving a maximum total flux of 8.62 × 1011 photons/s. For a normalised emittance of 0.3 mm mrad, an average brilliance of 1.85 × 1014 photons/(s mm2 mrad2 0.1%BW) could be obtained. A 1 kW colliding laser was considered, corresponding to a laser pulse energy of 50 mJ. Given the electron beam energy up to 300 MeV provided by the CompactLight photoinjector, a maximum photon energy of 2 MeV is obtained. Simulations of inverse Compton scattering were performed using the RF-Track particle tracking software. Parametric scans were used to derive the electron and laser spot sizes maximising the total flux. The accelerator optic components were also determined from the final focus design, which was optimised for a micrometer-level electron beam size at the interaction point. Given a maximum total flux in the order of 1012 photons/s and a maximum output photon energy in the MeV range, the proposed source could be used for various applications, including X-ray imaging.