bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reduction in maximum ciliary body thickness could be a pre-existing predictor for pseudophakic malignant glaucoma
Authors: Qin Yong Jie , Luo Fu Long , Zeng Jin , Zhang Yu Lin , Xie Wen Juan , Chen Yan Lei , Chan Sun On , Zhang Hong Yang 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Objective: Malignant glaucoma is a rare and vision threatening form of glaucoma occurring in certain postoperative patients. It presents difficult diagnostic challenge. Dentification of morphometric indicators enables to predict the development of pseudophakic malignant glaucoma (PMG).
Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted from June 2016 to May 2023. Patients who originally diagnosed with primary angle closure glaucoma and developed PMG after phacoemulsification were recruited, while those without PMG were matched eyes. The parameters such as central anterior chamber depth (ACD), trabecular-ciliary process angle (TCA), ciliary body thickness (CBTmax, CBT0 and CBT1000), and anterior placement of ciliary body (APCB) were measured by ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) at pre-onset, onset and 6-month after settlement of PMG.
Results: A total of 60 eyes from 60 patients were recruited. No significant difference was found in the baseline characteristics such as age, best-corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure, degrees of angle closure and axial length. Lens extraction markedly increased the CBTmax (0.95 ± 0.09 mm vs. 1.05 ± 0.11 mm), CBT0 (0.85 ± 0.11 mm vs.0.92 ± 0.13 mm) and TCA (62.61 ± 13.17 mm vs. 70.92 ± 10.65 mm) in matched eyes, but no such increases were observed in those developed PMG. Notably, among these parameters at pre-onset of PMG, a significant reduction of CBTmax (0.87 ± 0.09 mm vs. 0.95 ± 0.09 mm, P = 0.001) was only detected in the eyes that developed PMG, when compared to the matched eyes. These findings suggest an early predictor of CBTmax for PMG occurrence. Subsequently, zonulo-hyaloido-vitrectomy was performed to resolve the PMG, which was accompanied with a significant increase in the ACD, CBTmax, CBT0 and TCA, but not CBT1000 and APCB. Moreover, at pre-onset of PMG, CBTmax was the only factor producing significant prognostic value (0.74 [95% CI, 0.61-0.87], P = 0.001), which almost reaches the predictive ability at PMG attack (0.86 ([95% CI, 0.76-0.96], P < 0.001).
Conclusion: A reduction in thickness of the ciliary body is pre-existed in the eyes with PMG, of which a reduced CBTmax may serve as an early predictor.
Longitudinal latent class analysis to understand trajectory of breast density and breast cancer risk
Authors: Jiang Shu , Bennett Debbie , Wang Yueyao , Colditz Graham 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Purpose
It is clinically important to refine strategies to manage women with dense breasts. We aim to identify changes in density patterns related to breast cancer risk.
Methods
This case-control study was sampled from the Joanne Knight Breast Health Cohort of 10,481 women cancer free at entry and followed from November 3, 2008 to October 31, 2020. Routine screening mammograms were performed every 1 to 2 years, providing a measure of breast density. 289 pathology-confirmed breast cancer cases were identified and approximately 2 controls were sampled for each case based on age at entry and year of enrollment, resulting in 658 controls. Screening mammograms were used to measure volumetric changes in breast density over time. We analyzed 8,710 craniocaudal view mammograms using longitudinal latent class to cluster women and estimate density change over time.
Results
The latent class and density trajectory were observed separately for dense and non-dense groups of women. The data defines 2 classes among both groups of women: those with decreasing density and those with increasing density over time. The odds ratio for cancer comparing decrease vs. increase is 4.85 (95% CI 1.66, 14.19) for women with dense breasts (BI-RADS C, D) and 6.17 (95% CI 2.89, 13.17) for women with non-dense breasts (BI-RADS A, B).
Conclusion and Relevance:
Latent class analysis confirms that change in density over time is important for risk classification for women with dense or non-dense breasts. Thus, a one-time measure of density is insufficient to define the level of breast cancer risk.
Elevated plasma lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 levels are associated with poor prognosis in patients with coronary slow flow: A retrospective study
Authors: Wang Xianjin , Zhu Xianguan , Zhang Liling , Chen Jing , Qian Biyun , Cheng Jingfang , Xiang Xuejun , Qiao Rui , Zheng Yuanxi , Chen Liangchuan 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background: Coronary slow flow (CSF) is characterized by reduced coronary circulation and delayed contrast media opacity during angiography. Inflammatory responses have been observed in CSF. The correlation between lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (LpPLA2) as a vascular inflammatory factor and the prognosis of CSF patients remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the potential correlation between plasma LpPLA2 levels and the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in CSF patients.
Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 285 patients with CSF who were admitted to Anqing Municipal Hospital from January 2019 to March 2023. LpPLA2 plasma levels and baseline data were collected from hospital records, mean thrombolysis in myocardial infarction frame count (mTFC) was calculated for each patient. Follow-up was conducted by telephone call or cardiology clinic data, and the occurrence and timing of MACE were recorded.
Results: The median follow-up duration was 25 (95%CI: 23-27) months. During follow-up, MACE occurred in 54 patients (18.9%), including 4 individuals had non-fatal myocardial infarction, 6 had arrhythmias (4 of atrial fibrillation, 2 of frequent ventricular premature beats), and 44 had rehospitalizations due to unstable angina pectoris. No cardiac death or cerebrovascular events occurred during follow-up. We categorized LpPLA2 into quartiles, and multivariable adjusted Cox models showed an association between LpPLA2 levels and MACE incidence among CSF patients. Compared to the lowest quartiles, the hazard ratios (HR) for the highest quartiles of LpPLA2 levels was 3.34(95%CI: 1.09-10.22) (p-trend < 0.01). Though the restricted cubic spline (RCS) curve indicates a linear relationship between LpPLA2 and MACE incidence in patients with CSF (p for non-linearity = 0.212), the risk of MACE was relatively flat until 247.7 ng/ml of predicted LpPLA2 levels and increased afterwards, with a HR of 1.78 (95%CI: 1.17 to 2.71) per standard deviation. Kaplan-Meier survival assessments revealed that patients in the highest LpPLA2 quartile exhibited a worse prognosis for MACE compared to those in the lower quartiles of LpPLA2 levels (log-rank p = 0.002). Additionally, multivariable Cox regression analyses identified mTFC, LDL-C, and diabetes as other factors associated with occurrence of MACE in patients with CSF.
Conclusion: Elevated plasma LpPLA2 levels may serve as an independent predictor of MACE in patients with CSF. In addition to LpPLA2, dyslipidemia, diabetes, and mTFC may also be correlated with the prognosis of CSF.
Intraoperative Aberrometer Plus Image-Guided System for Astigmatism Correction Compared to Standard Image-Guided System for Significant Lens Opacity
Authors: Chou Michael Chia-Yen , Lee Chia-Yi , Yang Shun-Fa , Lin Hung-Yu , Chen Yu-Shu 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
To evaluate the astigmatism after cataract surgery between the use of intraoperative aberrometer plus image-guided system (VLynk) and image-guided system alone (Verion) in patients with significant lens opacity.
Methods
This is a retrospective cohort study performed at First-Brightness Eye Clinic, Taichung, Taiwan. Patients with significant lens opacity whom received cataract surgery with VLynk were compared to the control group receiving surgery with Verion. Main outcomes included the corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), astigmatism, spherical equivalent (SE) status and the predicting factor for less astigmatism in the two groups. The generalized estimated equation (GEE) was used to produce the adjusted odds ratio (aOR) and corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI).
Results
73 patients were enrolled in the study group (VLynk); 76 individuals constituted the control group (Verion). Preoperative and postoperative CDVA between both groups were similar (all P > 0.05). The preoperative cylinder power, preoperative SE and estimated SE were statistically insignificant between the VLynk and Verion groups (all P > 0.05). The postoperative cylinder power (P = 0.002), postoperative SE (P = 0.004) and difference between real SE and estimated SE (P = 0.001) were significantly lower in the VLynk group. Implantation of toric IOL was associated with less astigmatism in the both groups (both P < 0.05). Longer axial length (P = 0.013) and higher central corneal power (P = 0.023) were correlated to higher astigmatism in the Verion group.
Conclusion
VLynk is correlated with better postoperative astigmatism control and predictability compared to Verion in patients with significant lens opacity.
Enhancing Control Strategies for Mini High Bay Warehouse: Evaluating Methods for Voltage Conversion and Encoder Pulse Detection
Authors: Al-Hiaja'a Anas Abu , Szekeres Béla , Andó Mátyás 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

This study evaluates five control methods for the Fischertechnik Training Factory Industry 4.0–24 V system, focusing on accuracy, efficiency, and performance in managing voltage differences and encoder pulse detection. The proposed method, which relies on a dedicated pulse-counting Arduino to enhance precision and reliability, albeit with additional hardware requirements, demonstrated exceptional control and dependable operation. This showcases the efficacy of integrated circuits, such as the TBD62783APG chip, in industrial automation applications. This evaluation refines control strategies for industrial automation, emphasizing efficient voltage conversion and precise encoder pulse detection to enhance system performance and reliability, laying groundwork for future advancements in remote control capabilities and control strategies in complex manufacturing systems.
The effects of agroforestry and conventional banana plantations on multiple dimensions of butterfly diversity in the Atlantic Forest
Authors: Rossato Dirleane O. , Iserhard Cristiano A. , Nakamura Gabriel , Duarte Leandro , Nadeau Nicola 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Environmental changes, particularly in agriculture, contribute significantly to biodiversity loss, with habitat fragmentation hindering dispersal and reducing biological diversity. Specific land uses can confine evolutionary groups to certain areas, decreasing local genetic and phylogenetic diversity but potentially increasing them regionally. Utilising genetic information at the population level, along with richness, phylogenetic and composition data at the community level, offers a comprehensive understanding of agriculture's impact on biodiversity. In this study, we compared the effects of conventional and agroforestry banana plantations on butterflies’ dispersal and diversity relative to native forests. Analysing ddRAD genomic data from Heliconius ethilla narcaea at the population level and assessing richness, phylogenetic and species diversity of the Nymphalidae family at the community level, we found that agroforestry plantations exhibited the highest butterfly abundance and preserved the rarest genetic groups from H. ethilla narcaea. While these genetic groups were prevalent in native forest areas, they were absent in conventional plantation areas despite evidence for extensive genetic dispersal. Regarding species composition, both banana plantations shared similar species but differed from the native forest, which contained a distinct and phylogenetically clustered group of species, possibly due to its unique microhabitat conditions and more complex structure. The presence of the rarest genetic groups in the population and the occurrence of distinct biological species emphasise the critical role of native forests within an anthropogenic landscape. Agroforestry demonstrates the potential to sustain biodiversity alongside food production.
Evaluation of intravenous chlorothiazide dosing and efficacy in pediatric heart failure
Authors: Yao Ashley , Crandall Bronwyn , Puente Bao 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

In pediatric heart failure (HF) patients, intravenous (IV) chlorothiazide is commonly utilized to overcome diuretic resistance induced by chronic loop diuretic usage. Despite lack of efficacy and safety data, high doses of IV chlorothiazide up 40 mg/kg/day are often incorporated as adjunctive therapy to maximize diuretic regimens as a means to reduce cardiac preload and enhance cardiac output. This retrospective study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of higher than recommended IV chlorothiazide dosing in 62 pediatric HF patients on concurrent loop diuretic therapy. Patients were analyzed in three groups: standard chlorothiazide dosing (≤20 mg/kg/day), moderate chlorothiazide dosing (>20 mg/kg/day to 30 mg/kg/day), and high chlorothiazide dosing (>30 mg/kg/day). The primary objective compared the 48-hour change in fluid balance and urine output (UOP) following chlorothiazide administration, and secondary objectives included the corresponding 48-hour change in blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, and serum electrolytes. Standard dosing of IV chlorothiazide less than 20 mg/kg/day was associated with increased urine output and reduction in daily fluid balance. High dose IV chlorothiazide dosing regimens exceeding 20 mg/kg/day were associated with no additional benefit, but had similar marginal effects on serum blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, and serum electrolytes.
Dietary Inflammatory Index and Pre-Hypertension Among Adults in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Olawumi Abdulgafar Lekan , Mbaseege Kabona Anna , Oyeleke Oyeronke Adekemi , Kapitene Michaël Kamuanga , Itua Blessing , Ibraheem Abdulrauf Segun , Oseni Tijani Idris Ahmad 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background: Hypertension is increasingly prevalent globally, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where prehypertension, often overlooked, is associated with cardiovascular mortality. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between dietary inflammatory index and prehypertension among adults in sub-Saharan Africa.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Patients aged 18 or older with prehypertension were recruited. Dietary habits were assessed using the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII). Data analysis included descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression.
Results: Of 279 respondents, 56.3% had prehypertension. Prevalence varied across age groups, ethnicities, and study sites. Higher body mass index (BMI) and older age were associated with increased prehypertension risk. However, the Dietary Inflammatory Index did not significantly predict prehypertension.
Conclusion:Prehypertension is common among adults in sub-Saharan Africa, with significant associations observed with BMI and age. However, dietary inflammation, as measured by the DII, did not independently predict prehypertension in this study. These findings underscore the importance of addressing modifiable risk factors, such as obesity and age-related health management, to mitigate the burden of prehypertension and prevent its progression to hypertension in sub-Saharan Africa.
A social network analysis model approach to understand continuing care retirement community policies in China
Authors: Wang Xuechun , Xia Bo , Chen Qing , Skitmore Martin , Jiaxuan E 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
China experiences rapid population aging. Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) are an emerging institutional living arrangement in China for providing older residents with care services. Although the authorities have issued a multitude of supportive policies, it lacks a comprehensive overview nor in-depth analysis of these policies. This study aims to investigate the dynamical trends of policy hotspots and the progression of coordination between departments.
Methods
We conducted a thorough content analysis of 186 central-level policies from 2000 to 2022. The temporal distribution and features of CCRCs policies over time were examined, followed by co-word analysis and Social Network Analysis (SNA) to identify policy hotspots and cooperation among promulgating departments in each phase. Gephi-supported visualization was used to create graphical maps, highlighting policy focuses and the relationships among government departments.
Results
China’s CCRCs policy has transitioned from an exploratory phase (2000-2013) to an industrialization phase (2014-present). SNA analysis reveals that during the initial phase, policy themes focused on market-based elder care, support measures, supervision, government-market cooperation, and talent introduction. In contrast, the industrialization phase emphasized health, technical innovation, senior care industry growth, and pilot projects and reform. Of the eleven departments initially involved, the Ministry of Civil Affairs (MCA) was the most active, with participation eventually growing to 36 departments, resulting in 191 interdepartmental collaborations and forming three departmental cooperation clusters.
Conclusions
CCRCs are moving towards increased commercialization, with the market increasingly sharing the responsibility for providing services for older adults. Moreover, the participatory governments proceed to increase, but there is still a lack of coordination amongst them.
Face ethnicity influences which features drive social judgments
Authors: Gosetti Valentina , Hensel Laura B. , Ince Robin A. A. , Garrod Oliver G. B. , Schyns Philippe G. , Jack Rachael E. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Humans regularly judge others’ character, including how trustworthy or dominant they are, based on facial appearance. Current models propose that specific facial features drive these judgments, but they are based predominantly on White faces. Here, we show that face ethnicity alters the features that drive trustworthiness and dominance judgments, highlighting the limited generalizability of current models. Using ethnically diverse faces and a powerful data-driven method, we modelled the 3D facial features that drive these key social trait judgments from Black African, East Asian, and White European faces in 60 individual White Western observers. Trustworthiness judgments are driven by a shared set of features plus those that exaggerate or diminish ethno-phenotypic features. Dominance judgments also rely on shared features plus those that exaggerate or diminish signal strength. Our results have direct implications for current theories of social perception and emphasize and the importance of representing ethnic diversity in psychological models.
Canadian Physics Counts:
An Exploration of the Diverse Identities of Physics Students and Professionals in Canada
Authors: Hennessey Eden , Smolina Anastasia , Hennessey Skye , Tassone Adrianna , Jay Alex , Hewitt Kevin , Ghose Shohini 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

The lack of diversity in physics remains a persistent worldwide problem. Despite being a quantitative discipline which relies on measurements to construct and validate hypotheses, there remains a paucity of data on both demographics and experiences of marginalized groups. In Canada, there has never been a nationwide assessment of those studying or working in physics. Here, we present findings from Canadian Physics Counts: the first national survey of equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in the Canadian physics community. Our intersectional approach allowed us to gather a wealth of information on gender identity, sexual orientation, race, disability, and more. Analyses revealed key findings, including the first data on physicists who identify as non-binary or gender diverse, as well as the first data on Black and Indigenous scholars. Black physicists (1.2%) and Indigenous physicists (.3%) were found to be the most underrepresented, while White men were overrepresented across all sectors. Among respondents with a disability, only 5% reported receiving full accommodations for their required needs at their place of work or study. One in four respondents from Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC) gender diverse backgrounds identified as being disabled, and the proportion of sexually diverse students who reported having a disability was more than three times higher than the proportion of heterosexual students with a disability. The data also revealed that students represented more demographic diversity than working professionals, highlighting the importance of acting today in order to retain the diverse physicists of tomorrow. Our analysis identifies areas for intervention and offers recommendations for building a diverse and inclusive physics community in Canada that can be a global exemplar.
Targeted proteomic analysis of dry blood spot samples collected during long-term spaceflights
Authors: Larina Irina , Kononikhin Alexey , Brzhozovskiy Alexander , Semenov Savva , Kashirina Daria , Indeykina Maria , Bugrova Anna , Pastushkova Lyudmila , Orlov Oleg , Nikolaev Evgeny 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

The molecular mechanisms of organismal adaptation to spaceflight (SF) conditions are not fully investigated and remain relevant for study. Newly emerging multi-omics technologies may provide information at the molecular level regarding physiological changes caused by SF factors. The aim of the study was to apply blood proteome analysis using dried blood spots (DBS) micro-sampling technique to study at the molecular level the physiological response to SF conditions for 7 cosmonauts during 169–199 days long-duration missions (one of the cosmonauts participated in a year-long mission). The level of 119 blood proteins was quantified in DBS samples by targeted mass spectrometry based proteomics with a validated MRM assay using stable isotope-labeled peptide standards (SIS). To identify proteins whose concentrations are sensitive to the high physiological stress of landing and takeoff the Mann-Whitney and Cohen's d-size effect tests were used. As a result, 10 proteins (p-value < 0.05 and Cohen's d size > 0.8) were found to be significant. In order to determine additional stress marker proteins, the dynamic changes in protein concentration during SF were analyzed to find proteins whose concentrations change monotonously after stress exposure (takeoff or landing). A simple exponential decay model for protein concentration relaxation was proposed which allows to reveal additional 14 proteins. Intersections of both protein panels mentioned above resulted in a final list of 19 blood proteins that are related to SF factors such as takeoff and landing. The panel includes 2 plasma proteins (Lumican and Insulin-like protein binding growth factor 3) that were previously mentioned in other studies to be related with SF. As far as we know this is the first DBS proteomic study for monitoring adaptive reactions of the organism to long-term SF.