bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Livestock Farmers Regarding Antimicrobial Use, Resistance, and Residues in Selected Zones of Southwest Oromia, Ethiopia
Authors: Tadesse Tekalign , Nura Dinadig , Asrat Mengistu , Khan Javed , Gizaw Oda 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

The inappropriate use of antimicrobials in food animals is a significant factor to the occurrence of antimicrobial resistance and residues, which become a critical health concern in developing countries such as Ethiopia. This research aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) status of livestock farmers with respect to antimicrobial use (AMU), antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and antimicrobial residues. A cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2022 to June 2023. We determined the KAP of livestock farmers of the two selected zones of southwestern Oromia (n = 570). The KAP of livestock farmers was assessed using a pre-tested questionnaire through face-to-face interviews. Eighteen items were used to assess livestock farmers' KAP. Logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship between different predictor variables and the KAP scores of the participants. The result showed that 55.5% were from Buno Bedele zone and 44.5% were from Ilubabor zone. The results showed that 78% of farmers used antimicrobials in the last six months. Antibiotics (64%) and anthelminthic (36%) were the most widely used antimicrobials to treat livestock diseases. Most farmers (79.5%) lacked knowledge about AMU, AMR and antimicrobial residue, while 84.3% had a negative attitude about AMU, AMR and antimicrobial residue. Similarly, 78.0% of the livestock farmers were found to be practicing improperly about AMU, AMR and antimicrobial residue. All questions designed to assess the KAP of livestock farmers were significantly associated (P < 0.05) with each respective category of KAP. The educational status (OR = 0.38) of livestock farmers was negatively correlated with all their knowledge, attitude, and practice of AMU, AMR and antimicrobial residue. The sex (OR = 3.49) and the experience in animal rearing (OR = 2.21) are positively correlated with their knowledge and practices regarding AMU, AMR and antimicrobial residues. In conclusion, the results of this study indicate that farmers in the study area have poor knowledge, negative attitudes, and bad practices about AMU, AMR, and antimicrobial residues. Hence, it is crucial to raise farmer’s awareness, which will help to reduce the irrational use of antimicrobials, leading to reducing the chances of occurrence of AMR.
High-quality Image Compression Algorithm Design Based on Unsupervised Learning
Authors: Han Shuo , Mo Bo , Zhao Jie , Xu Juewei , Sun Shizun , Jin Bo 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Increasingly massive image data is restricted by conditions such as information transmission and reconstruction, and it is increasingly difficult to meet the requirements of speed and integrity in the information age. To solve the urgent problems faced by massive image data in information transmission, this paper proposes a high-quality image compression algorithm based on unsupervised learning. Among them, a content-weighted autoencoder network is proposed to achieve image compression coding on the basis of a smaller bit rate to solve the entropy rate optimization problem. Binary quantizer are used for coding quantization, and importance map are used to achieve better bit allocation. The compression rate is further controlled and optimized. A multi-scale discriminator suitable for the generative adversarial network image compression framework is designed to solve the problem that the generated compressed image is prone to blurring and distortion. Finally, through training with different weights, the distortion of each scale is minimized, so that the image compression can achieve a higher quality compression and reconstruction effect. The experimental results show that the algorithm model can save the details of the image and greatly compress the memory of the image. Its advantage is that it can expand and compress a large number of images quickly and efficiently, and realize the efficient processing of image compression.
The Association Between Multimorbidity Patterns, Frailty Transitions, and 2-Year Mortality in Hospitalized Older Adults in China: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Yu Miao , Han Wei , Yang Xiaobing , Jiao Jing , Xu Tao , Liu Junting 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Previous studies have mostly defined frailty using single time-point data, and it remains unclear how frailty transitions affect short-term mortality risk. Furthermore, little is known about the clinical outcomes of frailty in specific multimorbidity patterns. This study aims to investigate the interaction between multimorbidity and frailty transitions in the short-term mortality risk among older hospitalized adults in China.
Methods
This was a large-scale multicenter cohort study conducted from October 2018 to February 2021. We studied 8,270 hospitalized patients aged 65 and older. The FRAIL scale was used to assess frailty status. Frailty transitions were derived by considering frailty status at baseline and at the 3-month follow-up, encompassing five patterns: persistent non-frailty, persistent pre-frailty, persistent frailty, improvement, and deterioration. Five multimorbidity patterns identified via principal component analysis were used, and subjects were divided into two groups based on the median(M) of their factor loadings. For each multimorbidity pattern, all possible combinations of tertiles and frailty transitions were evaluated. Cox regression models were used to test their association with mortality.
Results
The prevalence of multimorbidity in this cohort was 56.77%. Among the participants, 30.05% were persistently non-frail, 18.20% were persistently pre-frail, 6.29% were persistently frail, 29.56% showed improvement, and 15.90% showed deterioration. Compared with patients with a CCI = 0 and persistent non-frailty, those with a CCI \(\:\ge\:\)2 and persistent frailty had a 14.27-fold increased risk of 2 years mortality (HR = 14.27, 95% CI: 9.65–21.10). The severity of chronic disease comorbidity was proportional to the mortality risk across all groups experiencing frailty transitions. The cardiometabolic multimorbidity pattern (HR M2 vs. M1 = 3.40, 95% CI:2.54–4.57) and the sensory-psychiatric disorders and cancer pattern (HR M2 vs. M1= 3.26, 95% CI:2.43–4.37) both increased the mortality risk for individuals with deterioration. The kidney and hematologic diseases pattern (HR M2 vs. M1= 4.71, 95% CI: 3.34–6.63) and the respiratory and musculoskeletal diseases pattern (HR M2 vs. M1= 5.33, 95% CI:3.78–7.51) both increased the mortality risk for individuals with persistent frailty.
Conclusions
Early detection and intervention of frailty and multimorbidity risk factors are essential for preventing or delaying their progression, which is crucial for elderly health.
Trial registration:
Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR1800017682, registered 09 August 2018.
Continuous Overnight Monitoring of Body Temperature During Embryo Transfer Cycles as a Proxy for Establishing Progesterone Fluctuations by Comparison with P4 Blood Progesterone Results: A Prospective, Observational Study
Authors: Knowles Toby , García-Velasco Juan Antonio , Toribio Mónica , Garrido Nicolás , Pedraza Ana Isabel Barrio , Rakosnik Clara Colomé , Vera Anabel Salazar , Milnes Robert 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
A prospective, observational study to identify relationships between body temperature and levels of peripheral P4 blood progesterone, and examine if these differ according to body temperature cycle pattern.
Methods
62 data points from 18 patients undergoing hormone assisted embryo transfer cycles at IVIRMA IVF clinics in Madrid, Mallorca and Malaga, Spain volunteered to use OvuSense, an intra-vaginal body temperature monitor. Primary outcome measures were OvuSense Raw and Smooth Temperature (ST) (°C), P4 (ng/ml). Secondary outcome measures: Ongoing Pregnancy, Miscarriage or biochemical pregnancy. Graphical time based comparison analyses and multilevel regression analyses using MLwiN 3.101 software were conducted.
Results
A graphical analysis showed an apparent relationship between P4 levels and Temperature taken on P4 blood draw day. A multilevel regression analysis using MLwiN 3.101 software investigated this relationship, allowing between-patient variation to be accounted for and estimated. This established a strong linear relationship between LnP4 and ST, and cross correlation was carried out which identified the optimum predictor of levels of LnP4 was ST measured on the day prior to blood sampling. Further graphical analyses showed an apparent lower luteal level of P4 for cycles flagged as atypical by OvuSense, and for negative outcomes, except on embryo transfer day.
Conclusions
The results provide extremely strong evidence of a linear relationship between LnP4 and Smooth Temperature (ST) measured the day before blood sampling (Z = 15.6, p < 0.0001, 2 sided). This suggests that ST could provide a less invasive, continuous, and more practical method of assessing P4 response. Secondary outcomes may be related to ST pattern established during an embryo transfer cycle. Further investigation is required to establish the value of the ST pattern for improving outcomes.
Results of endoscopic treatment of recurrent malignant biliary obstruction in patients with self-expanding metal stents
Authors: Machado Lara Meireles Azeredo Coutinho , Martins Bruno Costa , Lima Marcelo Simas , Geiger Sebastian , Lenz Luciano , Paulo Gustavo Andrade , Safatle-Ribeiro Adriana , Ribeiro Ulysses , Maluf-Filho Fauze 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background and Aim:
Endoscopic biliary drainage with placement of a self-expanding metal stent (SEMS) is the preferred palliative treatment of malignant biliary obstruction. Recent advances in the treatment have prolonged survival, thus increasing the chance of recurrent biliary obstruction (RBO) after SEMS placement. The aim of this study was to compare different endoscopic approaches in patients with a SEMS and RBO, regarding clinical success and time to RBO.
Methods
This retrospective study included all patients with a SEMS placed because of malignant biliary strictures who underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography between January 2011 and December 2018. We evaluated the results of different endoscopic interventions to RBO, including insertion of a new SEMS, stent cleaning, and insertion of a plastic stent (PS).
Results
From January 2011 to December 2018, 70 (22.4%) patients developed RBO requiring endoscopic reintervention (n = 105 sessions). From the 105 ERCPs, technical success, clinical success and adverse events rates were 91,4%, 71,8%, 7,8%, respectively. Younger age (OR = 1.11 95%CI: 1.03–1.19) and the finding of a patent SEMS (OR = 0.17 95%CI: 0.04–0.08) were predictors of clinical failure (P = 0.006 and P = 0.024, respectively). The mean patency time (in days) after endoscopic reintervention was greater for SEMSs than for PSs (417.2 [95% CI: 250.0–584.4] vs 175.2 [95% CI: 124.0–226.5], P = 0.002).
Conclusions
Correct identification and treatment of the causal factor of RBO typically leads to technical and clinical success. Placement of a second SEMS provides longer patency compared to a plastic stent if ingrowth (overgrowth) occurs.
Effect of preoperative oral carbohydrate on the postoperative recovery quality of patients undergoing daytime oral surgery: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Tang Weixiang , Meng Gaige , Yang Chen , Sun Yue , Zhong Weiwei , Lu Yao 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Preoperative oral carbohydrate intake can improve the postoperative recovery of fasting patients in many kinds of surgeries; however, the effect of carbohydrates on patients undergoing daytime oral surgery is still unclear. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of preoperative oral carbohydrate intake on the quality of recovery of patients undergoing daytime oral surgery using the quality of recovery-15 (QoR-15) questionnaire.
Methods
Ninety-two patients scheduled for daytime oral surgery were randomly allocated to the midnight fasting group (F group, n = 45) or the carbohydrate-Outfast loading group (O group, n = 47). Participants in the F group fasted from midnight the day before surgery. Patients in the O group also fasted but received the Outfast drink (4 ml/kg) 2–3 hours before the induction of anesthesia. QoR-15 questionnaire, patient well-being and satisfaction were assessed before anesthesia induction and 24 hours after surgery. Perioperative blood glucose, postoperative exhaust time and adverse events were also recorded.
Results
The QoR-15 scores were significantly higher in the O group than in the F group preoperatively and postoperatively. Seven parameters representing patient well-being evaluated on numeric rating scale (NRS, 0–10) were lower in the O group than in the F group postoperatively, except for the hunger and sleep quality scores. Patient satisfaction scores on a 5-point scale were higher in the O group than in the F group preoperatively and postoperatively. Meanwhile, the postoperative exhaust time was significant shorter in the O group compared to the F group, while there were no significant differences in blood glucose concentrations between these two groups.
Conclusions
Preoperative oral carbohydrate intake could improve postoperative recovery quality, well-being and satisfaction of patients undergoing daytime oral surgery 24 hours after surgery, and may serve as a treatment option for patients undergoing daytime oral surgery.
Trial registration:
This trial was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2100053753) on 28/11/2021.
Retinal pigment epithelial cells reduce vascular leak and proliferation in retinal neovessels
Authors: Tzaridis Simone , Aguilar Edith , Dorrell Michael I , Friedlander Martin , Eade Kevin T 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

In multiple neurodegenerative diseases, including age-related macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, and macular telangiectasia type 2 (MacTel), retinal pigment epithelial (RPE)-cells proliferate and migrate into the neuroretina, forming intraretinal pigment plaques. Though these pigmentary changes are hallmarks of disease progression, it is unknown if their presence is protective or detrimental. Here, we first evaluated the impact of pigment plaques on vascular changes and disease progression in MacTel. In a retrospective, longitudinal study, we analyzed multimodal retinal images of patients with MacTel and showed that pigment plaques were associated with decreased vascular leakage and stabilized neovascular growth. We then modeled the underlying pathomechanisms of pigment plaque formation in aberrant neovascular growth using the very-low-density lipoprotein receptor mutant (Vldlr−/−) mouse. Our data indicated that during RPE-proliferation, migration and accumulation along neovessels RPE-cells underwent epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Pharmacologic inhibition of EMT in Vldlr−/− mice decreased pigment coverage, and exacerbated neovascular growth and vascular leakage. Our findings indicate that the proliferation, migration and perivascular accumulation of RPE-cells stabilize vascular proliferation and exudation, thereby exerting a protective effect on the diseased retina. We conclude that interfering with this “natural repair mechanism” may have detrimental effects on the course of the disease and should thus be avoided.
Neurophysiological and subjective responses to a virtual downhill cycling exercise
Authors: Behava Mélina , Charlot Joannès , Boisson Nicolas , Groslambert Alain , Grappe Frederic , Grosprêtre Sidney 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Purpose ̶ Downhill parts of a cycling race are among the most complex and therefore the most stressful elements for cyclists. Virtual Reality (VR) is thus an interesting tool to monitor reactions to such situations, in safe environment. The present exploratory study aimed to measure physiological and subjective stress during a virtually-simulated downhill race, according to the degree of realism of the simulation.
Methods ̶ Eighteen young, healthy participants were divided into two groups according to their experience in cycling: high-level amateur cyclists (Cyclists; 9.7 ± 2.5 weekly hours of training) and non-cyclists (Controls). They randomly performed 4 different conditions of passive immersion, by manipulating the position (sitting, SIT; on reclined Cycle Ergometer, ERG), with (VR) or without immersion (SCREEN), each time visualizing a virtual 5-minute downhill cycling race from a personal point of view. Physiological stress responses were monitored with upper limb muscle activity (Electromyographic, EMG), electrodermal (Galvanic Skin Response, GSR) and heart activity (Electro-CardioGraphy, ECG). Subjective sensations of fear and cybersickness were assessed using visual analog scales.
Results ̶ VR had higher effects than SCREEN on all markers, with more pronounced effects in CONTROLS. Despite overall lower EMG activity than CONTROLS, CYCLISTS exhibited more muscle tension under VR on the trapezius. ERG conditions showed higher stress responses than SIT.
Conclusion ̶ These results demonstrate that VR induces psychophysiological stress which increases with the simulation’s realism (from incongruent to congruent posture, for instance). CYCLISTS were only sensitive to VR with the highest level of realism, i.e. during VR-ERG
Early Target Identification for Symptomatic Intervention in Radiotherapy in Patients with Esophageal Cancer: A Longitudinal Cross-lagged Panel Dynamic Network Analysis
Authors: Wang Ke , Liu Mengjia , Yang Lin , Diao Min , Li Hong , Chang Yaxin , Salvador Jordan Tovera , Yang Zhaoxia 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Predictive identification of core symptoms in patients with esophageal cancer undergoing radiotherapy is essential for early symptom prevention. Few studies address dynamic symptom prediction using longitudinal network analysis.
Objectives
This study aimed to establish predictive relationships between symptoms and identify early intervention targets by constructing a dynamic symptom network.
Methods
This prospective longitudinal study enrolled 146 patients from June 2023 to May 2024. Data were collected using the M.D. Anderson Symptom Inventory Gastrointestinal Cancer Module and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale at three points: T0(pre-radiotherapy), T1(mid-radiotherapy), and T2(1-month post-radiotherapy). R software was used to construct cross-lagged panel networks and calculate predictive and centrality indices.
Results
Distress had the most substantial outgoing influence. At T0→T1, distress predicted anxiety, depression, and disturbed sleep. At T1→T2, distress predicted loss of appetite. Anxiety and depression were most affected at T0→T1, while disturbed sleep and loss of appetite were most affected at T1→T2. Dry mouth and disturbed sleep were significantly aggravated at T1, with dry mouth showing the strongest bridging effect at T0→T1. Drowsiness had the highest centrality at T1→T2.
Conclusions
Distress should be targeted for early intervention to reduce anxiety and depression and improve sleep quality and physical condition post-radiotherapy. Clinicians should dynamically manage dry mouth and drowsiness during radiotherapy to prevent symptom crosstalk.
Implications for cancer survivorship
Managing psycho-emotional states before radiotherapy is critical to preventing other symptoms. Active pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions are needed to improve dry mouth and drowsiness during radiotherapy.
An empirical study on diagnosis related group of hospitalization costs for lumbar disc herniation patients in Chinese medicine hospitals, China
Authors: Chen Mengen , Hou Haojia , Yuan Youshu , Zhang Xiaoxi , Yan Hao , Ge Pu , Che Yushi , Yang Jingyu , Wang Zhiwei 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) is a frequent and multiple disease that imposes a heavier global economic burden. As China's diagnosis related group (DRG) payment system for Chinese medicine health insurance has entered the initial stage. Our study explored the factors influencing the hospitalization costs and established DRG cases classification scheme of LDH patients in Chinese medicine hospitals.
Methods
A total of 2,857 LDH patients were hospitalized in Qingyang City Hospital of Chinese Medicine from January 2017 to June 2022. Using univariate analysis and multiple linear regression model to determine the primary factors influencing hospitalization costs for LDH patients. These factors were then utilized as classification node variables in a decision tree model to categorize LDH patients into diagnosis related groups (DRGs). The outcomes of these groupings were evaluated, and standard costs were computed for each DRG.
Results
Hospitalization costs of patients with LDH were mainly affected by age, admission pathways, diagnosis and treatment based on Chinese medicine evidence, complications and comorbidities, surgery and operation, and length of stay, with the latter being the most crucial one. The decision tree model resulted in 10 DRGs with corresponding standard costs. The intra-group evaluation metric coefficient of variation (CV) was appropriate (required to be less than 1, actual range:0.23–0.91), and the inter-group evaluation metric reduction in variation (RIV) was suitable (needed to be greater than 0.4, actual value is 0.48). Significant variations exist in disease related weight (RW) and standard costs across all groups.
Conclusions
The E-CHAID decision tree model grouping results are reasonably robust, showing good homogeneity within each DRG and notable heterogeneity between DRGs. Based on these groupings, scientifically formulate standard costs for each DRG and set upper limits, providing valuable insights to advance reforms in Chinese medicine DRG-based healthcare payment methods.
Enhanced brightness and photostability dye-sensitized Nd-doped rare earth nanocomplex for in vivo NIR-IIb vascular and orthotopic tumor imaging
Authors: Lin Syue-Liang , Su Shih-Po , Yang Yuan-Zhen , Chi Hsin-Yu , Chang Cheng Allen , Liu Tse-Ying , Chiang Huihua Kenny 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Rare-earth doped nanoparticles (RENPs) have shown promise in biomedical imaging, particularly in the NIR-IIb region, due to their deep tissue penetration and minimal light scattering. However, challenges such as low extinction coefficients, narrow excitation spectra, and susceptibility to quenching in aqueous environments limit their effectiveness. To overcome these obstacles, we developed a novel dye-sensitized, onion-like Nd-doped RENP nanocomplex designed to enhance NIR-IIb imaging performance. The onion-like Nd-RENP nanocomplex significantly boosts emission intensity at 1525 nm within the NIR-IIb range by reducing quenching and improving spectral overlap. The integration of an IR783-containing micellar layer further stabilizes the NIR dye, protecting it from quenching and reducing photobleaching. In vivo imaging studies demonstrated a 75-fold increase in luminance and a 9-fold improvement in photostability compared to free NIR dyes in aqueous solutions. Time-dependent in vivo studies confirmed the nanocomplex's capability for prolonged vascular and tumor imaging, maintaining high-resolution images for over an hour. Additionally, the nanocomplex supported successful 3D imaging reconstruction of biological tissues. The dye-sensitized onion-like Nd-RENP nanocomplex presents a significant advancement in NIR-IIb imaging, providing enhanced brightness and photostability. Its ability to maintain clear and stable imaging over extended periods suggests potential applications in dynamic vascular and tumor-targeted imaging. This innovation holds promise for future biomedical imaging technologies, particularly in areas requiring high-resolution and long-duration monitoring.