bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Maternal Cardiovascular and Metabolic Function Before Conception and Subsequent Development of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: SOURETIS Kyriakos , PANTOS Konstantinos , PAPAS Athanasios , POLYDOROU Victoria , WRIGHT Alan , NICOLAIDES Kypros H. , Charakida Marietta 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Aims
To determine if maternal cardiovascular and metabolic indices before conception were different in women who in a subsequent singleton pregnancy developed gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), compared to those without GDM.
Methods
This was a prospective observational study in women attending for infertility treatment in an in vitro fertilization clinic. This visit included recording of maternal demographic characteristics and medical history, assessment of maternal cardiovascular function by echocardiography and examination of metabolic profile. The inclusion criteria were attendance of the infertility clinic before the onset of treatment and subsequent singleton pregnancy delivering a non-malformed live birth. The pre-pregnancy results in women who developed GDM were compared to those without GDM.
Results
The study population of 287 women included 75 (26.1%) who developed GDM. In the GDM, compared to the non-GDM group, there was a higher mitral valve E/e’ (6.24[5.93, 6.55] vs 5.83[5.69, 5.93], mean intima media thickness(0.51[0.51,0.51] vs 0.49[0.49, 0.49] mm and left ventricular global longitudinal systolic strain (-19.9[-20.4, -19.6] vs -20.8[-21.1, -20.6]% and lower apolipoprotein A (113[105, 121] vs 136[121,134]mg/dl). In multivariable analysis, after accounting for differences in maternal characteristics, there was persistence of significant differences in E/e’ and apolipoprotein A. However, the performance of screening for GDM achieved by the use of maternal risk factors was not improved by the addition of cardiovascular and metabolic indices.
Conclusion
Women at risk to develop GDM during pregnancy have an adverse risk factor profile before conception. Further studies are needed to confirm whether optimization of cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors prior to conception might be beneficial in reducing the risk for subsequent development of GDM.
Fault Diagnosis for the Operating Mechanism of High-Voltage Circuit Breakers using Multi-Channel Fusion Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Song Qingjun , Wang Jiuxin , Song Qinghui , Li Kai , Hao Wenchao , jiang Haiyan 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

The mechanical fault diagnosis of HVCBs is important to ensure the stability of electric power systems. Aiming at the problem of poor diagnostic performance of deep learning methods under limited samples, this paper proposes an HVCB operating mechanism fault diagnosis model (multi-channel CNN-SABO-SVM, MCCSS) based on multimodal data fusion features and Subtraction-Average-Based Optimizer (SABO). This model extracts and fuses features from the input two-dimensional data using a multi-channel CNN network and then uses the multimodal data fusion features to diagnose HVCB faults. Additionally, the SVM is used instead of the Softmax classifier to classify the fused features of vibration and sound, compensating for the poor diagnostic performance and generalization ability of the CNN network in small sample data scenarios. To further enhance the fault diagnosis performance of the SVM, the SABO is introduced for hyperparameter optimization of the SVM classifier. An HVCB fault test platform was established to train and test the model with limited data. The experimental results show that, compared with the multi-channel CNN-SVM and the CNN model based on unimodal signals, the proposed multi-channel CNN-SABO-SVM model improves the accuracy by 2.66% and 10.66%, respectively, and effectively addresses the challenge of circuit breaker fault diagnosis with limited samples.
Thrombin induces degradation of murine intervertebral discs via angiogenesis and M1-like polarization of macrophages
Authors: Tatsuno Rikito , Ando Takashi , Fujimaki Taro , Takayama Yoshihiro , Ohba Tetsuro , Haro Hirotaka 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

With the marked aging of the global population, the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders owing to low back pain has escalated, with an associated increase in the number of individuals requiring nursing care. To help identify novel therapies for treating disc degeneration, we examined the roles of thrombin and macrophages in intervertebral disc degeneration, a significant cause of low back pain. Experiments using a needle-puncture mouse model of disc degeneration confirmed that this process led to the production of thrombin and MCP-1. Thrombin altered macrophage markers, increasing the population of M1 markers and decreasing that of M2 markers. Therefore, increased thrombin and MCP-1 production may induce disc degeneration by inducing M1-type polarization of migrated macrophages. Disk-tissue M1-macrophage levels were elevated 3 weeks after puncture. Administering SCH79797, a thrombin receptor (PAR1) antagonist, suppressed thrombin-induced disc degeneration and inhibited macrophage migration, M1 polarization, VEGF production, and angiogenesis. These findings suggest the suppression of thrombin function in intervertebral disc inflammation as a novel and promising approach for treating disc degeneration.
Drag reduction and shear degradation properties of biopolymers in turbulent flow of water in a circular pipe
Authors: raei behrouz 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

In the present study, the drag reduction properties and shear degradation of three biopolymers including Sodium Alginate (SA), Hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) and Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) were experimentally investigated in a smooth circular pipe. Several experiments were performed under various operating condition such as flow rate 6, 8 and 10 l/min for preparing turbulent flow regimes, concentrations of 0, 200 and 500 ppm and temperature 40, 50 and 60°C. In order to investigate the shear degradation of biopolymers, three different methods were used. The results showed that adding all three biopolymers to the water reduced the friction factor, except for SA, which completely lost its drag reducing properties in less than 30 min. The maximum percentage of drag reduction (DR%) was obtained for CMC by 32.7%. Also, results showed that by increasing flow rate and temperature, DR% decreased. The results of degradation monitoring displayed that CMC has the highest resistance to shear degradation, followed by HEC and finally SA. The exponential decay model could predict the DR behavior of HEC and CMC solutions well.
Radiation Induced Electrochemistry Suppression Probed by Spatially Resolved Operando X-Ray Diffraction
Authors: Wragg David Stephen , North Erlend , Skautvedt Casper , Thiagarajan Abilash , Koposov Alexey , Checchia Stefano , MIchel Marco Di 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

The use of synchrotron radiation has become common for probing the structure of rechargeable batteries, particularly for operando analysis of battery materials. In a recent operando X-ray diffraction study of graphite lithiation in a half cell we found that no lithiation of the sample could be observed in the XRD despite electrochemistry indicating full lithiation. Scanning the sample to examine other areas revealed that exposure of the electrode to high photon flux during the operando study had shut down local electrochemical transformations in the cell and caused formation of lithium fluoride. The effects are not limited to the irradiated area and a gradient of lithiation is observed in areas further from the operando beam position. We rationalize these changes through radiation induced ionization which may be caused by the direct beam, Compton scattered X-rays, or possibly both.
Spatial-statistical modeling of deforestation from an ecogeomorphic perspective in typical Hyrcanian forests, northern Iran
Authors: Poufarashzadeh Fahimeh , Madadi Aghil , Gharachorlu Mortaza , Sareskanrood Sayyad Asghari 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

The spread of disruptive and negative environmental changes in the watersheds has led to the adopting of new interdisciplinary approaches with awareness of the manifold interactions between biotic and abiotic components, to organize and restore watersheds. This study aimed to discover and identify the interaction between geomorphological variables and deforestation by adopting an interdisciplinary approach of ecogeomorphology and relying on statistical-spatial analysis, to model forest loss deforestation. Talesh catchments in northern Iran have been selected as the target area due to their good forest ecosystems and many environmental issues in recent years. Independent geomorphometry variables were: altitude, slope, topographic position index (TPI), northness, esatness, plan curvature, profile curvature, length of slope factor (LS), slope length, topographic wetness index (TPI), contributing area, distance to stream, terrain ruggedness index. The assessment of negative changes in forest cover from 1991 to 2022 showed that about 90 km2 (4.5% of the total area of catchments) has been exposed to deforestation. The results of logistics regression analysis of the relationships between geomorphological variables and deforestation showed that the high probability of forest loss in low altitude and valleys, low slopes, divergent flow points, convex surface, downstream section, flat areas with homogeneous, dry zones with low moisture. Therefore, we noticed the "ecogeomorphic sensitivity" in such areas is more than in other environments. What is important for regional, urban, and rural policymakers and planners are the areas that were identified with high ecogeomorphic sensitivity. These hotspots require more care and protection, and any human intervention in these areas must be done consciously and in accordance with environmental sustainability.
Planetary Health Diet adherence in relation to dietary cost and its variation by socio-economic factors among Iranian older adults
Authors: Dehnavi Maryam Karim , Abbasi Hanieh , Hajian Parisa Nezhad , Motlagh Ahmadreza Dorosty , Azadbakht Leila 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Poor dietary patterns among older adults are significantly influenced by socioeconomic status (SES) and food prices, impacting both diet quality and food choice. This study examines how dietary cost relate to the Planetary Health Diet Index (PHDI) and assesses the role of SES in Iran's elderly population.
In this cross-sectional study, 398 elderly individuals from southern Tehran were sampled. Dietary data were collected using a validated food frequency questionnaire, and adherence to the PHDI was evaluated based on EAT-Lancet guidelines. food costs were derived from the Iranian Statistics Center and retail prices. Multivariable linear regression analyzed the relationship between PHDI adherence and dietary cost.
PHDI adherence varied significantly across demographics. Higher adherence was observed in females (OR = 0.82, 95% CI: 0.71-0.95) and those with a BMI ≤27.5 (OR = 0.84, 95% CI: 0.73-0.97), while single individuals had higher scores (OR = 0.85, 95% CI: 0.74-0.98). Higher PHDI tertiles were linked to lower daily dietary cost, with a significant decrease observed in the highest tertile compared to the lowest (β = -708,367 Rials, 95% CI: -1,060,371 to -356,362). However, this association was not significant among single and low-income participants.
The study reveals that higher adherence to PHDI is associated with reduced dietary cost, although this relationship does not hold for single or lower income individuals. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies to develop equitable public health strategies that promote affordable and sustainable dietary practices.
Human papillomavirus vaccination poses different risks for various cranial nerve disorders - a retrospective cohort study using a real-world database
Authors: Lin Wen Chun , Wang Shiow-Ing , Chang Renin , Wei Cheng-Chung 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines act against HPV infection and some cancers. Various cranial nerve disorders are known to occur after HPV viral infections. However, studies on the relationship between human papillomavirus vaccination and cranial nerve disorders are limited. Here, we aimed to evaluate the association between human papillomavirus vaccination and risks of cranial nerve disorders in young girls.
We enrolled 261,111 women aged between 9 and 26 years, and they had received HPV vaccination between January 2018 and December 2022. These subjects were compared with those controls who never received HPV vaccination using a propensity score-matched (1:1) based on the TriNetX U.S. Collaborative Network. Risks on incidences of various cranial nerve disorders were evaluated. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were also performed.
The HPV-vaccinated cohort, on one hand, had significantly lower risks on hearing loss (aHR:0.490, 95% CI:0.419-0.572), facial nerve disorders (aHR:0.690, 95% CI:0.522-0.912); disorders of vestibular function disorders (aHR:0.523, 95% CI:0.422-0.647); and similarly on other inner ear disorders (aHR:0.537, 95% CI:0.392-0.735) and trigeminal nerve disorders (aHR:0.328, 95% CI:0.200-0.538). On the other hand, the HPV-vaccinated cohort had significantly higher risks of odor and taste disorders (aHR: 3.136, 95% CI: 0 2.562-3.840). Kaplan-Meier curves of different cranial nerve disorders also revealed significant probability disparities between the two cohorts (Log–Rank test, p < 0.001).
In conclusion, for females between 9 and 26 years old, their HPV vaccination was associated with on one hand, lower risks of cranial nerve disorders, like hearing loss, vestibular function/other diseases of the inner ear, facial nerve disorders, and disorders of the trigeminal nerve, and on the other hand, higher risks on smell and taste disorders, as revealed over a year-long follow-up period.
A mixed methods study on the status and challenges of implementing antimicrobial stewardship programmes in seventeen hospitals in Kampala, Uganda
Authors: Kubai Doris Kananu , Adome Richard , Munanura Edson , Kyalisiima Immaculate , Ashiru-Oredope Diane , Okumu Mitchel 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
The present study evaluated the status of implementation and the barriers of AMS in private hospitals in Kampala, Uganda.
Methods
A cross-sectional survey was conducted in seventeen private hospitals in Kampala, Uganda, between August 2020 and September 2020, using a mixed methods approach. Qualitative data was collected using key informant (KI) interviews while quantitative data was collected using the Commonwealth Partnerships for Antimicrobial Stewardship (CwPAMS) checklist. Transcripts from key informant interviews were analyzed using the content analysis method and data from the CwPAMS checklist was analyzed using descriptive statistics.
Results
Most hospitals in the study area had no designated AMS team lead, budget for AMS activities, documents outlining the roles and responsibilities of the AMS team, minutes of AMS meetings, and regular reports on AMS. There was also a shortage of staff for AMS activities, low training on AMS, AMS was not prioritized, and there were inadequate resources to train staff on optimizing antimicrobial prescribing.
Conclusions
There are multiple barriers to the implementation of Antimicrobial Stewardship in private hospitals in Kampala. More resources need to be allocated to the study area to carry out AMS activities.
Physical walls and social contact barriers are exacerbating social inequality: Evidence from Beijing
Authors: Lu Pingzhen , Xia Fangzhou , Yan Jinming , Shen Jeff , Hui Eddie Chi Man 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Social inequality is important to determine the stability of the social structure. In the process of urban development, an elevated level of physical isolation will restrict the social interaction in space and then affect the state of social inequality. Urban space is an important carrier for communication and morphological change among different population groups, which is closely related to urban geographical barriers, such as distance, closed walls, and gated street boundaries. Physical isolation may affect the contact and movement of communities, thus exacerbating the degree of social inequality. At present, the common relationship between community communication, urban geography, and social inequality has been less explored. In this paper, we take Beijing, China, a megacity that contains almost all forms of physical isolation from the community and traffic, as an example. Based on the big data of population portrait and spatial portrait, we analyse the development and change rules of social contact and income inequality when urban area is divided by two major physical barriers, community walls, and roads. The influence model of "physical isolation- social contact- social inequality" is constructed.
How to deliver person-centred care for people living with heart failure: A multi stakeholder interview study with patients, caregivers and healthcare professionals in Thailand
Authors: Giusti Alessandra , Pukrittayakamee Panate , Wannarit Kamonporn , Thongchot Lakkana , Janwanishstaporn Satit , Nkhoma Kennedy , Venkatapuram Sridhar , Harding Richard 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Context: Heart failure has high, growing global prevalence, morbidity and mortality, and is a leading cause of death with serious health-related suffering in low- and middle-income countries. Person-centred care (PCC) is a critical component of high-quality healthcare and is particularly vital in the context of a serious illness such as heart failure.However, there are limited data exploring PCC in this population in low- and middle-income settings.
Aim: The aim of this study was to explore how clinical services could respond to the PCC needs of individuals living with heart failure in Thailand, with potential for adaptation in other settings.
Methods: Cross-sectional qualitative study. In depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted in Thailand with heart failure patients (n=14), their caregivers (n=10) and healthcare professionals (n=12). Framework analysis was conducted with deductive coding to populate an a priori coding frame based on an existing model of PCC, with further inductive coding of novel findings to expand the frame.
Results: The findings reveal specific practice actions that deliver PCC for persons living with heart failure in Thailand, such as i) compassionate communication by healthcare professionals; ii) effective teamwork amongst multidisciplinary healthcare professionals; iii) proactive responses to physical, psychosocial, relational and information needs of patients and caregivers; iv) engaging patients and families in symptom management, v) providing opportunities for patients to be cared for in the community, and vi) responding to the social determinants of health, illness and healthcare access.
Conclusion: Person-centred healthcare systems must aim to address the social determinants of illness, and place focus on community- and home-based care. Heart failure patients and caregivers must be supported to self-manage, including how to recognise symptoms and take appropriate action. Delivering PCC in such a way has the potential to improve outcomes for patients, enhance patients’ sense of agency and experiences of care, improve health equity, and reduce hospital admissions, relieving pressure on the hospital system and reducing overall costs of care.
Use of noninvasive fibrosis calculators in an urban diabetes center suggests a large burden of undetected advanced liver disease
Authors: Ebeid Ahmed , Mokhtar Fatma , Martinez-Lebron Valeria , Park Susie , Degann Seta , Payano Jeremy , Vahora Zahid , Gray Stephen , Johnson Lynt , El-Maouche Diala , Abutaleb Ameer 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
Metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is prevalent in up to 60% of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). T2DM accelerates the risk of hepatic fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with MASLD. Our goal in this study was to identify patients with suspected MASLD and hepatic fibrosis in a large T2DM clinic by using noninvasive fibrosis scoring systems.
Methods
We conducted a retrospective study of patients with T2DM seen by our endocrinologists at the Medical Faculty Associates (MFA) Diabetes Center in Washington, DC, from November 1, 2021, until November 1, 2022. We included all subjects who were over 18 years old with a hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) of 6.5 or higher. Patients with a history of significant alcohol consumption, decompensated cirrhosis, previous bariatric surgery, or prior chronic liver disease were excluded from the study. We identified patients at risk for hepatic fibrosis by using the Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) Index, NAFLD Fibrosis Score (NFS) and AST to Platelet Ratio Index (APRI) when lab values were available.
Results
A total of 1,411 patients were evaluated for T2DM by an endocrinology provider during the one-year period. Out of these, 336 patients met one or more of the exclusion criteria, leaving a total of 1075 patients included in the analysis. The majority were African American (n = 582, 54%), 261 were Caucasian (24.3%), and 85 were Hispanic (7.9%). Most patients were females (n = 675, 62.7%). The mean HbA1c was 8.1 ± 2.3. 643 patients (59.8%) were insulin dependent. Based on FIB-4 scores, we found that 35 (3.9%) patients had a score of > 2.67 associated with advanced fibrosis and 257 (29%) patients with scores of 1.3–2.67 had moderate fibrosis. Using the NFS calculator, there were 281 (28%) patients with values of > 0.675 consistent with F3-F4 disease. 715 (71.8%) patients with values of < .675 consistent with F0-F2 fibrosis. A total of 6(< 1%) patients met criteria for advanced fibrosis by APRI scoring.
Conclusion
In our urban Diabetes Center, utilizing the NFS calculator may detect many patients with an advanced liver disease. Further research is needed to correlate these findings with transient elastography and other imaging evidence of fatty liver disease.
Relationship Between Training Time and Exercise Addiction, Flexibility, and Performance in Extreme Conditioning Program Practitioners.
Authors: Rocha Danilo Santos , Neto Antônio Ribeiro , Alves Rafael Rosano Gotti , Pires Kamila Araújo , Silva Grazielle Cristina Gomes , Bertolini Gladson Ricardo Flor , Bertoncello Dernival 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between training time and exercise dependence among individuals participating in an extreme conditioning program, as well as the influence on flexibility and performance in practicing one of the exercises. This was a cross-sectional observational study with extreme conditioning program participants. Exercise dependence was assessed using the Exercise Addiction Inventory, flexibility was measured using the Wells Bench, and performance was evaluated using the Wall Ball exercise performed in the extreme conditioning program. The participants were divided into groups, according to training time, which were statistically compared (considering a significance level of p < 0.05). Training time in the extreme conditioning program showed a significant relationship with exercise dependence (p = 0.0309). However, it did not have significant effects on the flexibility (p = 0.4519) or performance (p = 0.3104) of the practitioners. Longer training time was associated with increased exercise dependence among practitioners of an extreme conditioning program.