bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessing the quality of CKD care using process quality indicators: A scoping review
Authors: Zhou Na , Chen Chengchuan , Liu Yubei , Yu Zhaolan , Bello Aminu K. , Chen Yanhua , Liu Ping 
Published: December 2024

Introduction
Assessing the quality of chronic kidney disease (CKD) management is crucial for optimal care and identifying care gaps. It is largely unknown which quality indicators have been widely used and the potential variations in the quality of CKD care. We sought to summarize process quality indicators for CKD and assess the quality of CKD care.

Methods
We searched databases including Medline (Ovid), PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CINAHL, and Scopus from inception to June 20, 2024. Two reviewers screened the identified records, extracted relevant data, and classified categories and themes of quality indicators.

Results
We included 24 studies, extracted 30 quality indicators, and classified them into three categories with nine themes. The three categories included laboratory measures and monitoring of CKD progression and/or complications (monitoring of kidney markers, CKD mineral and bone disorder, anemia and malnutrition, electrolytes, and volume), use of guideline-recommended therapeutic agents (use of medications), and attainment of therapeutic targets (blood pressure, glycemia, and lipids). Among the frequently reported quality indicators (in five or more studies), the following have a median proportion of study participants achieving that quality indicator exceeding 50%: monitoring of kidney markers (Scr/eGFR), use of medications (ACEIs/ARBs, avoiding non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)), management of blood pressure (with a target of ≤140/90, or without specific targets), and monitoring for glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)). The presence of diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, or proteinuria was associated with higher achievement in indicators of monitoring of kidney markers, use of recommended medications, and management of blood pressure and glycemia.

Conclusion
The quality of CKD management varies with quality indicators. A more consistent and complete reporting of key quality indicators is needed for future studies assessing CKD care quality.
Introduction to irregular sequences and functions
Authors: Mbele Mfanufikile 
Published: December 2024

The current document is the main document after the prelude: introduction to irregular sequences and functions. Be alert to the introduction of the control function which was borrowed from computer science where it is used to concatenate strings. We used it more algebraically in this paper.
We have also introduced the cardinality of n, which is used here to enumerate the number of repeats of the independent variable. It is used as well in sets but in a bit different way. In sets it provides the count of members in a set.
Poisson C
*-algebra derivations in Poisson C
*-algebras
Authors: Wang Yongqiao , Park Choonkil , Chang Yuan 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
In this study, we introduce the following additive functional equation:

g

(

λ
u
+
v
+
2
y

)

=
λ
g

(

u

)

+
g

(

v

)

+
2
g

(

y

)

g\left(\lambda u+v+2y)=\lambda g\left(u)+g\left(v)+2g(y)

for all

λ
∈
C

\lambda \in {\mathbb{C}}

, all unitary elements

u
,
v

u,v

in a unital Poisson

C

*

{C}^{* }

-algebra

P

P

, and all

y
∈
P

y\in P

. Using the direct method and the fixed point method, we prove the Hyers-Ulam stability of the aforementioned additive functional equation in unital Poisson

C

*

{C}^{* }

-algebras. Furthermore, we apply to study Poisson

C

*

{C}^{* }

-algebra homomorphisms and Poisson

C

*

{C}^{* }

-algebra derivations in unital Poisson

C

*

{C}^{* }

-algebras.
Solving nonlinear fractional differential equations by common fixed point results for a pair of (α, Θ)-type contractions in metric spaces
Authors: Wang Chao 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
The problem of common solutions for nonlinear equations has significant theoretical and practical value. In this article, we first introduce a new concept of a pair of

(

α
,
Θ

)

\left(\alpha ,\Theta )

-type contractions, and then, we present some common fixed point results for the contractions in complete metric spaces. Finally, our results are applied to consider the existence, uniqueness and approximation of common solutions for two classes of nonlinear fractional differential equations.
Making the Invisible and Private, Seen and Public: Roundtable Conversation on the Potentials of Graphic Medicine for Public History
Authors: Noe Matthew , Bayoumi Soha , Garcia Amor Eugenia , McMullin Juliet , Williams Ian 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
This roundtable, recorded at the 2024 Graphic Medicine Conference in Ireland, explores “Graphic History as Pedagogy.” The participants Matthew Noe (Boston, USA), Ian Williams (Brighton, UK), Juliet McMullin (Irvine, USA), Soha Bayoumi (Baltimore, USA), and Eugenia Garcia Amor (Badalona, Spain) discussed the role of comics in Graphic Medicine. Inspired by the rising inclusion of graphic works in classrooms, the conversation highlights the potential of comics, especially recent graphic medicine titles, as records of events such as the COVID-19 pandemic, capturing healthcare workers’ experiences.
Teaching History Through Comic Books: Opportunities for Public & Visual History
Authors: Wright Amie 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Of the many and diverse ways public history is put to work in the world, visual history is one of largest including museum exhibits, video games, monuments, zines, films, art installations, digital collections, graphic novels, and other popular media. Yet, for all of the diversity and vibrance of public history works, public history pedagogy and practice tends to still be text-based. Building on transdisciplinary approaches from art history, comic studies, and education as well as the author’s own experiences teaching, this paper explores new opportunities and approaches for historical education through comic books. Based on specific examples and potentials for graphic history didactics in Canada and United States the article proposes universal takeaways for teaching critical visual inquiry skills through the use of comics and graphic novels throughout public history. As the diversity of public history works grow, so too should our practice and pedagogy.
Elevated serum miR-142-5p correlates with ischemic lesions and both NSE and S100β in ischemic stroke patients
Authors: Xu WeiWei , Cheng YongXia , An Ning , Jiang MeiLing 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
This study aims to evaluate the correlation between miRNAs and known nerve injury markers neuron-specific enolase (NSE) and S100β in ischemic stroke (IS) patients, exploring its efficacy.

Methods
We retrospectively analyzed 86 IS patients and 32 healthy controls. Clinical and neurological examinations were performed in the admitted patients and the severity of neurological deficits was assessed by National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). Plasma extraction and serum isolation were performed on all subjects before and 2 weeks after admission. miR-142-5p in serum, and NSE and S100β contents were measured by RT-qPCR and ELISA.

Results
Ischemic lesions were more severe in IS patients, and NSE and S100β were abnormally elevated. miR-142-5p in the serum of IS patients was 2.85 times higher. After 2 weeks of treatment, serum miR-142-5, NSE, and S100β decreased. Patients’ serum levels of miR-142-5p were 57.5% lower. Serum miR-142-5, NSE, and S100β were lower in patients with disease improvement than in patients with poor recovery. Additionally, miR-142-5 was positively correlated with NSE (P < 0.0001) and S100β (P = 0.0147), and also with the NIHSS score (P = 0.0004).

Conclusions
miR-142-5p, NSE, and S100β in peripheral blood (PB) of IS patients are elevated, and miR-142-5p is positively correlated with NSE and S100β.
Child Labor Outside the Family (From the End of the Nineteenth to the First Third of the Twentieth Century)
Authors: Deáky Zita 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe study reviews the issue of child labor in Hungary with a historical, ethnographic approach, from the perspective of the division of labor within the family, the economic and social situation of the family. For several millenia, children have been involved in some activity within their family and kinship system, according to their age, gender, physical and mental maturity, and have been assigned increasingly complex tasks as part of the process of preparing for adult life and adulthood. When the economic and social unity of families was damaged for whatever reason, crises, poverty, and misery disrupted the natural family division of labor, and children had to seek and work for wages, food, or other benefits, with the approval or even encouragement of their parents. This means that they also played a significant role in families' struggles to survive and overcome poverty, while their exposure and vulnerability increased outside the family framework. The paper will explore the latter form of child labor outside the family.
The colloidal nature and osmotic potential of alkali-silica reaction products and their role for the ASR expansion mechanism
Authors: Giebson Colin , Seyfarth Katrin 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
The chemical basics of the ASR are largely revealed and widely accepted, but the nature of the expansion mechanism is still not yet sufficiently well understood. Recent observations showed that ASR products could be considered as colloidal systems. In order to clarify if and to what extent this is the case and whether it could help to better understand the nature of the ASR products and the mechanism of ASR expansion in concrete, 10 ASR products of different composition, water content and synthesised at two temperatures (40 and 60 °C) were investigated over a period of 1.5 years. The ASR products were studied by means of NTA, SEM, 29Si NMR, XRD and an osmotic cell test. The results show that ASR products contain particles of colloidal size, mainly between 50–600 nm and of different shape. The particles are unable to pass pores with a size smaller than themselves what represents a mechanism of semi-permeability in all concrete constituents with respective pore sizes, resulting in the Donnan effect and osmosis. The particles are irreversibly linked by the addition of Ca, which leads to a decrease in the particle concentration, the formation of crystalline phases and thus to a decrease in the osmotic potential of the ASR products. Based on the colloidal nature of the ASR products, expansion caused by ASR in concrete can be explained osmotically.
Frecuencia de desnutrición en pacientes adultos con enfermedad renal crónica grado V en hemodiálisis
Authors: Rodríguez-Chávez Luis Ángel , Ramírez-Pachamango Solessi , Rodríguez-Mendoza Cristhian Renzho Elsayed 
Published: December 2024

El objetivo fue determinar la frecuencia de desnutrición en pacientes adultos con enfermedad renal crónica grado V en hemodiálisis, para ello se realizó un estudio observacional transversal. La muestra estuvo constituida por 105 pacientes adultos con diagnóstico de enfermedad renal crónica grado V que recibieron hemodiálisis en el Hospital de Alta Complejidad «Virgen de la Puerta» de Trujillo, Perú. Se aplicó la Escala Malnutrition–Inflamation Score (MIS), 97 (92,4%) pacientes presentaron desnutrición, dividido en 20% con desnutrición leve, 37,1% con desnutrición moderada y 35,3% con desnutrición grave; solo 8 pacientes (7,6%) presentaron estado nutricional normal. En conclusión, existe una alta frecuencia de desnutrición entre los pacientes con diagnóstico de enfermedad renal crónica grado V que reciben hemodiálisis.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) A Daily Nightmare That Can Be Avoided
Authors: Alves da Costa, MD, PhD, FESC, FACC Fernando Augusto , Silva Guimarães Cruz, PhD. Fernanda Carolina 
Published: December 2024

We are living with an explosion of cardiovascular diseases in the modern world. It is known that the quality of life has worsened in the world scenario and the control of risk factors, access to medical services and adherence to the proposed treatments is the great challenge for many countries, and its excellence is a privilege of few. The knowledge of traditional risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, increased cholesterol for the development of these diseases is known, but other factors such as sleep apnea still need to be further disseminated. A significant portion of the adult population suffers from this condition, which is considered a new risk factor for the development of cardiovascular diseases and for increasing systemic blood pressure. It is up to scientific departments and public agencies related to human health to disclose ways of suspecting this condition of later formalization of the diagnosis and proper treatment. The anamnesis looking for signs of physical fatigue, lack of concentration, drowsiness, irritability, restless sleep and the presence of snoring, associated with increased neck circumference and increased hematocrit are easy to identify. [1] Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) should be treated as a serious risk factor for the development of cardiovascular diseases and a more intense approach is necessary.
Barreiras para projetos de drenagem em lotes urbanos
Authors: Oliveira Etianne Alves Souza de , Kaick Tamara Simone van 
Published: December 2024

O conceito de sustentabilidade tem sido incorporado às infraestruturas de drenagem urbana por meio do desenvolvimento de técnicas inspiradas na natureza denominadas de Soluções Baseadas na Natureza (SbN). Essas técnicas fundamentam-se nos quatro princípios dos Sistemas de Drenagem Urbana Sustentável (SUDS) e favorecem as quatro categorias dos Serviços Ecossistêmicos (SE). Neste artigo foi realizada uma análise temática de conteúdo em três normas ABNT NBR voltadas para projetos de drenagem na escala de lote urbano. Os resultados demonstram que existem alinhamentos com o conceito de sustentabilidade principalmente na incorporação dos princípios SUDS a partir de 2019, mas ainda existem vários desalinhamentos com a sustentabilidade que foram identificados como barreiras à incorporação dos SE relacionados ao Suporte e Cultura. Propõe-se revisão das normas, reconhecendo o sistema de drenagem urbana e o sistema natural como partes interessadas, a fim de permitir a interoperabilidade dos sistemas de drenagem (lote, urbana e natural).
Hydrodynamic Study of Linear Pullulan Standards in DMF Solutions and Metrology Aspects of Transport Methods
Authors: Gubarev Alexander S. , Okatova Olga V. , Lezov A. A. , Kipper Albert I. , Mikhailova Mariya E. , Pavlov Georges M. 
Published: December 2024

Due to the great demand of pullulan in macromolecular characterization area and its attractive capabilities for chemical engineering towards bio-, farmo-, medical composite materials in DMF solutions we have conducted the classical molecular hydrodynamic study with pullulan standards in dilute DMF solutions. The hydrodynamic characteristics were acquired through viscometry, velocity sedimentation, isothermal diffusion and DLS. The self-consistency check of the obtained values was performed within the concept of hydrodynamic invariant and then the absolute values of molar masses were determined by Svedberg equation. The canonical Kuhn-Mark-Houwink-Sakurada scaling relationships were determined: η, cm^3/g=0.058*M^0.60, s0*10^13, s=0.020*M^0.48 and D_0*10^7,cm^2/s=1300*M^(-0.52) for intrinsic viscosity, sedimentation and diffusion coefficients, correspondingly, within broad molar mass range 7.2≤M_(sD)10^(-3),g/mol≤640. The most sophisticated Gray-Bloomfield-Hearst theory based on implementation of wormlike necklace model resulted in equilibrium rigidity A=(2.4±0.2) nm and transversal polymer chain diameter d=(0.5±0.3) nm. The conformational parameters were also assesed with computer simulations within modern Multi-HYDFIT suite and leaded to close enough data: A_MHF=(3.7±0.3) nm and d_MHF=(2.2±0.2) nm, showing great convergence of classical hydrodynamic theory with computer simulations. The inhere obtained data for pullulan in DMF solutions were also compared with earlier reported results obtained in water revealing nearly identical conformational parameters. Within metrology aspect the acqusiotion of the hydrodynamic characteristics with differenr experimental techniques and their interrelation is discussed in detail.
Kesadaran Moral Hidup Berhukum Warga Negara Dalam Membayar Pajak Kendaraan Bermotor di Kota Banjarmasin
Authors: Akhyar Zainul , Kiptiah Mariatul , Elmy Muhammad , Fahlevi Reja 
Published: December 2024

Kesadaran moral dalam hidup berhukum merupakan salah satu pilar dari kriteria hukum yang baik dan efektif dalam suatu kehidupan bernegara. Jika kesadaran hidup berhukum warga negara rendah, maka akan berdampak pada tingkat kepatuhan terhadap hukum itu sendiri. Kesadaran moral dalam hidup berhukum ini tampaknya terjadi pada fenomena kepatuhan membayar pajak kendaraan bermotor sebagaimana hasil penelitian ini. Sebagian besar informan masih rendahnya terkait dengan pengetahuan dan pemahaman kewajiban membayar pajak kendaraan bermotor, demikian juga aspek keyakinan dan sikap masih sangat rendah. Sebagai akibatnya perilaku mreka cenderung kurang positif terhadap kewajibannya dalam membayar pajak kendaraan bermotor. Rendahnya kesadaran moral dalam hidup berhukum ini tampaknya perlu perlu disikapi oleh segenap pihak terkait guna dicarikan solusi yang yang tepat untuk memperbaikinya; karena hal itu akan brdampak signifikan terhadap Pembangunan bangsa dan negara.
Noise-Aware Training of Neuromorphic Dynamic Device Networks
Authors: Vidamour Ian , Manneschi Luca , Stenning Kilian , Swindells Charles , Venkat Guru , Hariga Dana , Griffin David , Stepney Susan , Branford Will , Gartside Jack , Hayward Thomas , Ellis Matthew , Vasilaki Eleni 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Physical computing has the potential to enable widespread embodied intelligence by leveraging the intrinsic dynamics of complex systems for efficient sensing, processing, and interaction. While individual devices provide basic data processing capabilities, networks of interconnected devices can perform more complex and varied tasks. However, designing networks to perform dynamic tasks is challenging without physical models and accurate quantification of device noise. We propose a novel, noise-aware methodology for training device networks using Neural Stochastic Differential equations
(Neural-SDEs) as differentiable digital twins, accurately capturing the dynamics and associated stochasticity of devices with intrinsic memory. Our approach employs backpropagation through time and cascade learning, allowing networks to effectively exploit the temporal properties of physical devices. We validate our method on diverse networks of spintronic devices across temporal classification and regression benchmarks. By decoupling the training of individual device models from network training, our method reduces the required training data and provides a robust framework for programming dynamical devices without relying on analytical descriptions of their dynamics.
Training the Next Generation of Robotic Colorectal Surgeons in East London. A Systematic Review of Existing Robotic Colorectal Surgery Programs Worldwide
Authors: Butnari Valentin , Singh Harpreet Kaur Sekhon Inderjit , Hamid Eshtar , Hosny Shady Gaafar , Kaul Sandeep , Huang Joseph , Boulton Richard , Rajendran Nirooshun 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background: Robotic-assisted colorectal surgery (RACS) is gaining widespread adoption, with a growing number of procedures performed globally. These have been performed mostly by consultants, many of whom have gained sufficient proficiency to begin to educate their trainees. RACS offers a range of benefits to the surgeon and patient, yet safe and effective utilisation hinges on well-structured training programs for colorectal trainees within their general surgery residency. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the structure currently employed worldwide in RACS training programs for colorectal surgery trainees. In addition it delineates the conceptualization and implementation of a locally developed RACS program tailored to senior colorectal trainees and fellows at our Trust.
Methods: A comprehensive search of Ovid Medline and Embase databases (January 2010- March 2024) following PRISMA guidelines identified six studies reporting on RACS training curricula. Critical analysis of programme structure and curricula tools utilised was performed. Articles involving training of consultants were excluded. The quality and bias score of each study were assessed using the Newcastle Ottawa Score for observational studies.
Results: 6 out of 77 studies were selected as suitable for analysis describing RACS training using Da Vinci platform. All apart from one programme described a phased or parallel robotic curriculum with four studies incorporating theoretical knowledge and laboratory or cadaveric training. Six programmes incorporated simulation, bedside assisting and console training. The use of validated objective or subjective metrics at each phase varied. Formal feedback is provided in only two of the programmes. Reflecting on above results we present our Trust training program which run over the last two years.Our program ensures clear learning goals for trainees and trainers, maintains patient safety, and is easily replicated across other UK RACS units.
Conclusion: The establishment of a standardised curriculum for colorectal surgery training worldwide, including in the UK, is vital. Currently, there is a scarcity of validated, objective assessment methods, which must be adequately standardised to create consistent progression criteria and competency-based metrics. Standardising these methods will enable reliable and robust assessment of trainee progression and competence to create a generation of robotically competent colorectal surgeons within their standard training program timeframe.
Registered in PROSPERO database: No.-CRD42024530340
Management of myopic shift and central corneal steepening resulting from superficial corneal opacity in a patient with previous radial keratotomy: A case report
Authors: Tsai Ping-Feng , Lin Ting-Yi , Chang Yu-Min , Tai Ming-Cheng , Weng Tzu-Heng 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Purpose
The purpose of this study was to report a patient who developed myopic shift and anterior corneal steepening many years following radial keratotomy (RK). The etiology of this myopic shift resulted from central corneal opacity and was successfully managed with supra-stromal keratectomy.
Case presentation
A 59-year-old woman with a history of radial keratotomy and cataract surgery presented with blurred vision and ocular irritation in both eyes for years. Poor visual acuity and myopic change to -7.0 D were noted upon initial evaluation. Further ophthalmic examination revealed central corneal opacity occupying the optical axis with steepening of the anterior corneal surface. Anterior segment optical coherence tomography (ASOCT) revealed superficial corneal opacity with minimal stromal scarring. The opacity was successfully removed via supra-stromal keratectomy. After surgery, the patient’s visual acuity improved, and refraction returned to nearly plano. Postoperative corneal topography revealed flattening of the central cornea in both eyes.
Conclusion
Late-onset central corneal steepening with myopic shift following RK may be a sign of corneal ectasia disorders such as keratoconus. It is important to recognize corneal opacity as a distinct etiology of central corneal steepening, which may mimic corneal ectasia. A comprehensive evaluation of patients with corneal topography and ASOCT may reveal the etiology of central corneal steepening and further guide treatment decisions.