bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Retrofitting heat networks to maximise performance and enable low carbon technologies
Authors: Reynolds Mark , Adamson Jake 
Published: October 2024

Retrofitting heat networks will play a major role in improving building performance and facilitating a net zero environment by 2050. A 94-dwelling social housing development based in the UK, was operating a heat network and experiencing significant issues with overheating, resident discomfort, and poor network efficiency. An Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) system was installed to baseline network performance and identify improvement opportunities. The data revealed the network was operating with a 74/66 °C temperature profile, and that the total network losses exceeded 1000 W/dwelling. This paper sets out the detailed methodology and considerations in retrofitting the heat network to enable future connections to low carbon heat sources such as heat pumps or low temperature district heating. Quality assurance was undertaken during the design, install and commissioning stages to facilitate the project’s success and hit key milestones. At present, the operating temperatures have been reduced to a 55/37 °C flow and return temperature, enabling a gas consumption reduction of 38% and network heat loss reduction of over 90%, with heat losses currently at 56 W/dwelling. This data driven approach to retrofitting has simultaneously improved resident comfort, reduced heat costs and enabled a straightforward connection to low carbon heat sources when available. Practical Application: This paper outlines the interdependencies of typical issues on existing heat networks and the effect of these issues on operational performance, cost, carbon emissions and resident satisfaction. A methodology is given which outlines the importance of maximising heat network performance prior to moving to low carbon heat sources. The results of carrying out this methodology on an existing heat network act as an example to the industry showing that the 100 W/dwelling heat loss target in CIBSE CP1: heat networks code of practice can not only be achieved, but significantly improved upon in existing buildings.
Feasibility of thin-slice, low noise images created using multi-kernel synthesis to replace multiple image series in head CT
Authors: Inoue Akitoshi , Diehn Felix E , Nagelschneider Alex A , Passe Theodore J , DeLone David R , Nelson Brandon J , Gomez Cardona Daniel G , Huber Nathan R , Missert Andrew D , Yu Lifeng , Johnson Matthew P , Holmes David R , Lee Yong S , Thorne Jamison E , McCollough Cynthia H , Fletcher Joel G 
Published: October 2024

Background SynthesiZed Improved Resolution and Concurrent nOise reductioN (ZIRCON) is a multi-kernel synthesis method that creates a single series of thin-slice computed tomography (CT) images displaying low noise and high spatial resolution, increasing reader efficiency and minimizing partial volume averaging. Purpose To compare the diagnostic performance of a single set of ZIRCON images to two routine clinical image series using conventional CT head and bone reconstruction kernels for diagnosing intracranial findings and fractures in patients with trauma or suspected acute neurologic deficit. Material and Methods In total, 50 patients underwent clinically indicated head CT in the ER (15 normal, 35 abnormal cases). A non-reader neuroradiologist established the reference standard. Three neuroradiologists reviewed two routine clinical series (head and bone kernels) and a single ZIRCON series, detecting intracranial findings or fractures and rating confidence (0–100). Sensitivity, specificity, and jackknife free-response receiver operating characteristic (JAFROC) figure of merit (FOM) were compared (limit of non-inferiority: −0.10). Results ZIRCON and conventional images demonstrated comparable performance for fractures (sensitivity: 51.5% vs. 54.5%; specificity: 40.2% vs. 34.2%) and intracranial findings (sensitivity: 88.2% vs. 91.4%; specificity: 77.2% vs. 73.7%).The estimated difference of JAFROC FOM demonstrated ZIRCON non-inferiority for acute pathologies overall (0.003 [95% CI=−0.051–0.057]) and fractures (0.048 [95% CI=−0.050–0.145]) but not for intracranial findings alone (−0.024 [95% CI=−0.100–0.052]). Conclusion Thin-slice, low noise, and high spatial resolution images can be created to display intracranial findings and fractures replacing multiple images series in head CT with similar performance. Future studies in more patients and further algorithmic development are warranted.
ANODYNE study: A double-blind randomized trial of greater occipital nerve block of methylprednisolone and lignocaine versus placebo as a transitional preventive treatment for episodic cluster headache
Authors: Chowdhury Debashish , Kordcal Sanjay Rao , Nagane Rahul , Duggal Ashish 
Published: October 2024

Background There is inadequate evidence of the efficacy of greater occipital nerve block (GONB) for the preventive treatment of cluster headaches. We assessed the efficacy and tolerability of GONB injections as a transitional preventive treatment for episodic cluster headaches (ECH). Methods This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial conducted at GB Pant Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, New Delhi, India, included ECH patients diagnosed by ICHD-3 criteria, aged 18–65, with one or more attacks per 24 h for seven days before randomization (baseline). ECH patients were either not on preventive medications or on stable doses for at least three months. ECH patients were randomized to receive active GONB (2 ml methylprednisolone (80 mg) and 2 ml lignocaine (2%)) and placebo (4 ml saline injections). Before giving GONB, lignocaine jelly was applied topically to mask the effect of numbness following the GONB. The primary efficacy endpoint was the mean change in weekly attack frequency from baseline to Week 4. Efficacy analyses were performed in a modified intention-to-treat population that included all patients who received at least one injection of GONB and had a follow-up for one week following GONB. The safety analysis included treatment-emergent adverse effects (TEAE) in all patients who received at least one dose of investigational product. The trial was registered with the Clinical Trials Registry of India (CTRI/2021/21/038397). Results Forty ECH patients were randomized between December 2021 and January 2023. Thirty-nine patients (19 in the active and 20 in the placebo groups) were available for efficacy analysis. The change in weekly attack frequency from baseline to Week 4 was −11.1 (95% CI: −8.5 to −4.4) for the active group compared to −7.7 (95% CI: −11.8 to −9.8) for placebo (mean difference −3.4 (95% CI: −5.2 to −1.7, p < 0.001). We noted TEAE in 18 (90%) of 20 patients who received the active drug and in 18 (90%) of 20 patients who received a placebo ( p = 0.38). The common TEAE were local site bleeding and pain, which were mild and transient. No serious adverse events were reported. Conclusion This study found that GONB with methylprednisolone and lignocaine significantly reduced the weekly attack frequency from baseline to Week 1 through Week 4 in ECH patients compared to a placebo. GONB was well tolerated.
Phytochemical Analysis and Pharmacological Actives of Essential Oils Extracted from Leaves of Juniperus turbinata Guss
Authors: Chelouati Tarik , Lafraxo Soufyane , Moussaoui Abdelfattah El , Kamari Fatima El , Soulo Najoua , Barnossi Azeddin El , Chebaibi Mohamed , Nafidi Hiba-Allah , Bourhia Mohammed , Alsahli Abdulaziz Abdullah , Lyoussi Badiaa , Benjelloun Ahmed Samir 
Published: October 2024

Background: Juniperus turbinata Guss. is a medicinal mountain plant used by the Indigenous population in the traditional pharmacopeia. Purpose This study aimed at investigating the phytochemical analysis, antimicrobial, antioxydant and hymolytic activities of Juniperus turbinata Guss. leaves extracts. Materials and Methods The essential oils of Juniperus turbinata Guss. (EOJL) leaves were extracted, and their phytochemical composition was characterized by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). EOJL was evaluated for its anti-free radical (2,2-diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC)) properties, as well as antibacterial, antifungal, and hemolytic activities. Results The chemical study showed that EOJL contains 14 chemicals, with a 99.98% identification rate. The most abundant compounds in EOJL are linalool (45%), borneol (12%), and cineole (11%). The EOJL exhibited a 50% inhibition concentration of DPPH radicals value of 23.56 ± 0.72 µg/mL (DPPH) for its antioxidant activity, an effective concentration equivalent of 0.50 nm value of 239.08 ± 5.13 µg/mL (FRAP), and a total antioxidant activity of 735.03 ± 21.25 µg AAE/mg (TAC). The antibacterial efficacy of EOJL on a solid substrate demonstrated a range of 10–15 mm in diameter for bacterial strains, 14.33 ± 1.15 mm for C. albicans, and 56.68 ± 1.19% for Fusarium oxysporum. The bacterial strains exhibited a minimum concentration range of 6.15–11.26 µg/mL on the solid medium, whereas the range for the strains was between 5.11 and 10.23 µg/mL. The molecular docking analysis demonstrated that terpineol has potent antioxidant activity against NADPH oxidase, as shown by a shift score of –4.055 kcal mol–1. Eugenol also showed significant antioxidant activity with a shift value of –4.003 kcal mol–1. Camphor exhibited significant efficacy against S. aureus nucleoside diphosphate kinase, as demonstrated by a slip score of –5.156 kcal mol–1. Conclusion The findings highlight the significance of EOJL as a natural antioxidant and its antibacterial potential against pathogenic strains that are therapeutically relevant.
Therapeutics Effects of the Genus Citrus in Anxiety Disorder
Authors: Kaur Hardeep , Kaushik Ujjwal , Choudhary Neeraj 
Published: October 2024

Background Anxiety and mood disorders are among the mental health diseases that have exponentially increased in prevalence owing to the hectic and stressful lifestyle. In addition to negatively impacting people’s physical health, this has resulted in a major psychological, social, and financial burden. A lot of emphasis has been placed on dietary and lifestyle modifications in the ongoing search for medication-free treatments. Investigating the connection between the consumption of specific fruits and vegetables and mental health issues such as depression has produced some intriguing and occasionally encouraging results. The genus Citrus with over 1300 species of plants is enriched with a plethora of polyphenolic compounds on the one hand and multicomponent volatile oil content on the other hand. Purpose The current work is centered on examining the range of phytoconstituents found in various citrus species—both underutilized and utilized—as promising avenues for future anxiolytic research. The work also details the proposed pharmacological mechanisms of isolated components and clinical trial advancements of selected citrus species. Methodology Various databases, including PubMed and ScienceDirect, were used to search and collect relevant literature published in the past 10 years (2014–2024). The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) criteria recommended for drafting methodical reviews were followed. Results Initially, 1791 articles were collected through an electronic database search, irrelevant titles/abstracts (1449) and other types of articles (05) were excluded. Out of 342 assessed reports, 187 duplicate articles were excluded. Finally, list of 67 articles was included in this narrative review. Conclusion Although research and development, as well as the commercial use of several citrus varieties, have attracted some interest recently, analyzing neglected citrus species closely can help to improve their processing into well-known anxiolytic leads by revealing their untapped potential. The work emphasizes the extensive exploration of underutilized citrus species, which have a rich bioactive pro file and enormous potential in pharmaceutical research and development.
Risk Factors and Clinical Prediction Modeling of Preoperative Asymptomatic Lower Extremity Venous Thrombosis in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Duan Jincai , Xiao Tianjie , Qin Wei , Xing Tianyou , Wang Zhihui , Wu Di , Du Yuanliang 
Published: October 2024

Background The aim of this study was to develop and validate a prediction model for predicting the risk of preoperative asymptomatic lower extremity venous thrombosis (LEVT) in patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Methods Patients with KOA diagnosed at our hospital between March 2022 and July 2023 were included in this study. Five factors were identified as independent risk factors for the development of preoperative asymptomatic LEVT in patients with KOA by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis and a prediction model was constructed by analyzing the results. The performance of the model was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. The accuracy of the model and its predictive ability were evaluated using calibration curves. The clinical application value of the prediction model was evaluated using decision curve analysis (DCA). Results A total of 354 patients diagnosed with KOA were included in the study. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed HDL <1.03 mmol/L ( P = 0.004), LDL ( P = 0.039), Na+ ( P = 0.032), Ca2+ ( P = 0.024), and D-dimer >0.55 mg/L ( P = 0.049) were the independent risk factors for the occurrence of preoperative asymptomatic LEVT in patients with KOA. The combined-variable ROC curve suggested greater predictability and accuracy (AUC = 0.843, specificity = 90.3%, sensitivity = 71.4%). The calibration curve showed good model agreement and DCA suggested good clinical value of the model. Conclusion Low HDL, high LDL, Na+, Ca2+, and D-dimer levels can be used as independent risk factors for the preoperative prediction of asymptomatic LEVT in patients with KOA, and the present study also provides a simple prediction model for clinicians and patients.
Hyperuricemia and Associated Factors in Adult Cardiac Patients in Western Oromia, Ethiopia
Authors: Addisu Bedasa , Sefew Asnakew Tesfahun , Milkit Abiyu , Hika Amanuel , Kelem Amanuel , Hirigo Agete Tadewos 
Published: October 2024

Background: Individuals who have hyperuricemia are at increased risk of cardiovascular diseases due to factors such as endothelial dysfunction, insulin resistance, and increased production of oxygen-free radicals. However, data on the prevalence and predictors of hyperuricemia among adults with cardiac diseases in Ethiopia are limited. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 269 participants at the Ambo University referral hospital from June to September, 2022. Participant demographics and relevant data were obtained through convenient sampling. Hyperuricemia was defined according to the manufacturer’s cutoff criteria. Data entry and analysis were conducted using SPSS 25. The association between the outcome and explanatory variables was assessed using a binary logistic regression model. Results: Of the study participants, 56.9% were male. The mean age of participants was 51.1 years (±15.8). The prevalence of hyperuricemia was 43.1% (95% CI: 37.1-49.1). Males presented a significantly higher prevalence of hyperuricemia compared to females (23.4% vs 19.7%, P = .026). Males had 2.9 times higher odds of hyperuricemia compared to females. Significant associations with the prevalence of hyperuricemia were found for individuals with a BMI ⩾30 kg/m2, age ⩾54 years, and male gender, with adjusted odds ratios (95% CI) of 2.3 (1.7-5.2), 2.9 (2.2-5.9), and 3.56 (2.1-12.8), respectively. Additionally, smoking, dyslipidemia, and waist circumference were also significantly associated with the prevalence of hyperuricemia. Conclusions: Nearly half of the cardiac patients in the study were diagnosed with hyperuricemia. These findings underscores the importance of early identification and treatment of hyperuricemia, alongside lifestyle and behavioral modifications, to maintain the quality of life in this specific population.
Feasibility, safety and efficacy of endoscopic single-operator cholangioscopy: a retrospective single-center study
Authors: Büringer Karsten , Schempf Ulrike , Fusco Stefano , Wichmann Dörte , Stüker Dietmar , Götz Martin , Malek Nisar P. , Werner Christoph R. 
Published: October 2024

Background: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreaticography (ERCP) is the standard endoscopic procedure for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the pancreas and bile ducts. Cholangioscopy provides direct visualization of the bile ducts. It offers the possibility of more detailed diagnostic and therapeutic indications. Today, cholangioscopy is often performed as a single-operator (SOC) procedure. Objectives: We were interested in the clinical efficacy of our SOC procedure in comparison with published studies, and performed this retrospective data analysis of all our consecutive patients from 2016 to 2022 to analyze the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of SOC. Design and Methods: A retrospective single-center analysis of patients undergoing SOC at a tertiary center from 2016 to 2022 ( N = 196) was performed. Demographic data, indication for SOC, exam-specific data, efficacy, and complications were included. Sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing indeterminate biliary strictures were calculated. Results: The most common indications for SOC were indeterminate biliary strictures ( n = 117; 60%), treatment of biliary stones ( n = 45; 23%), and other indications ( n = 34; 17%), for example, foreign body removal or intraoperative SOC. In 97% of the SOC ( n = 191), the procedure was technically successful. The diagnostic or therapeutic goal was achieved in 91% of SOC ( n = 173). In the subgroup where the SOC result was confirmed by subsequent surgery ( n = 93), sensitivity was 86%, specificity 99%, and SOC treatment of stones was successful in 89%. Complications occurred in (20%; n = 37). The majority of these patients ( n = 18; 10%) had minor bleeding requiring no intervention. Conclusion: SOC is an effective and safe procedure that should be the standard of care when primary diagnostic and/or therapeutic ERCP has failed. The sensitivity and specificity for determining the dignity of biliary strictures and the efficacy for the treatment of difficult-to-treat stones are reproducibly very high.
Outcomes of treatment cessation after switching to subcutaneous vedolizumab treatment in inflammatory bowel diseases
Authors: Bacsur Péter , Resál Tamás , Sarlós Patrícia , Iliás Ákos , Dalma Sümegi Liza , Kata Diána , Dávid Anett , Farkas Bernadett , Ivány Emese , Bálint Anita , Bősze Zsófia , Fábián Anna , Bor Renáta , Szepes Zoltán , Afif Waqqas , Bessissow Talat , Farkas Klaudia , Lakatos Péter L. , Molnár Tamás 
Published: October 2024

Background: The usability of subcutaneous vedolizumab (s.c. VDZ) treatment in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD; ulcerative colitis (UC), Crohn’s disease (CD)) has been proven via clinical trials while real-world data collection is ongoing. Objectives: Our study evaluates the effectiveness, safety, patients’ preferences, and psychological factors associated with s.c. VDZ treatment, after switching from intravenous (i.v.) formulation. Design: Prospective, multicenter cohort study including IBD patients switching from i.v. VDZ to s.c. treatment and were evaluated over 52 weeks. Methods: Serum VDZ levels and C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured at the baseline and w52. At w12, a questionnaire on the patient’s satisfaction and psychological characteristics was administered. The primary outcome was the drug persistence rate (cessation was due to loss of response (LOR), adverse events, patient request, and other causes) at w52, while the secondary outcomes were the changes in the clinical corticosteroid-free remission (CSFR) and biochemical remission (BR; CRP ⩽ 5 mg/L) rates, safety issues, serum drug levels, patients’ preferences, and psychological features. Results: In total, 70 IBD patients were evaluated (32 CD patients, 38 UC patients; male/female ratio: 41.4%; median age: 43.2 years). In the CD group, 81.3% were in CSFR and 65.6% were in BR, while in the UC group, 71.7% were in CSFR and 69.4% were in BR. Overall, 17.1% of the patients ceased s.c. VDZ treatment after a median of 26.2 (interquartile range 20–47) weeks. LOR was registered in 3/12 ceased patients. In addition, CSFR and BR rates were stable, while serum VDZ levels increased by w52 ( p < 0.001). Conclusion: The transition from i.v. to s.c. VDZ treatment was effective, the overall persistence rate was associated with high serum drug levels, and no novel safety issues were reported. Although s.c. administration after induction can save resources, some patients still insisted on i.v. VDZ treatment, due to its proven formulation.
Depression and associated factors among adult breast cancer patients attending at selected public hospital in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Sebro Etalemahu , Biranu Endalkchew , Nigussie Altaye , Gebremedhin Tadesse , Sisay Million Molla , Shaweno Tamrat 
Published: October 2024

Background: Depression is a major public health problem among adult breast cancer patients. Although there are few studies on depression, data were mainly from a single center and the potential risk factors were not exhaustively addressed. Thus, we aimed to investigate the prevalence of depression and risk factors among adult breast cancer patients at two big hospitals in Addis Ababa. Objective: To assess depression and its associated factors among breast cancer patients attending public hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in 2021. Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among adult patients with breast cancer attending at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital and St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College from June to July 2021. Simple random sampling was used to obtain a sample size of 318. Data were collected using the standard Patient Health Questionnaire-9, structured questionnaire interviews, and chart reviews. SPSS version 25 was used for analysis; the correlation between independent and dependent variables was evaluated using a logistic regression model. Each analysis regarded a p-value less than 0.05 as statistically significant. Result: The mean age of the participants was 43.1 ± 11.3 years. The prevalence of depression among adult breast cancer patients was 33 (10.6%), and according to the patient health questionnaires (PHQ)-9 score categorization, 116 (37.3%) were minor, 28 (9%) were moderate, and 5 (1.6%) had moderate severity. The duration of diagnosis was <12 months and stage 2 breast cancer was more protective against depression than stage 4 breast cancer. A lower monthly income and poor social support were significantly associated with depression. Conclusion: The prevalence of depression was moderate among adult patients with breast cancer; the stage of cancer, duration of diagnosis, income, and poor social support were significantly associated with depression, emphasizing the value of counseling.