bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development and validation of 10‐year risk prediction models of cardiovascular disease in Chinese type 2 diabetes mellitus patients in primary care using interpretable machine learning‐based methods
Authors: Dong Weinan , Wan Eric Yuk Fai , Fong Daniel Yee Tak , Tan Kathryn Choon‐Beng , Tsui Wendy Wing‐Sze , Hui Eric Ming‐Tung , Chan King Hong , Fung Colman Siu Cheung , Lam Cindy Lo Kuen 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAimTo develop 10‐year cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk prediction models in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) managed in primary care using machine learning (ML) methods.MethodsIn this 10‐year population‐based retrospective cohort study, 141 516 Chinese T2DM patients aged 18 years or above, without history of CVD or end‐stage renal disease and managed in public primary care clinics in 2008, were included and followed up until December 2017. Two‐thirds of the patients were randomly selected to develop sex‐specific CVD risk prediction models. The remaining one‐third of patients were used as the validation sample to evaluate the discrimination and calibration of the models. ML‐based methods were applied to missing data imputation, predictor selection, risk prediction modelling, model interpretation, and model evaluation. Cox regression was used to develop the statistical models in parallel for comparison.ResultsDuring a median follow‐up of 9.75 years, 32 445 patients (22.9%) developed CVD. Age, T2DM duration, urine albumin‐to‐creatinine ratio (ACR), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), systolic blood pressure variability and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) variability were the most important predictors. ML models also identified nonlinear effects of several predictors, particularly the U‐shaped effects of eGFR and body mass index. The ML models showed a Harrell's C statistic of >0.80 and good calibration. The ML models performed significantly better than the Cox regression models in CVD risk prediction and achieved better risk stratification for individual patients.ConclusionUsing routinely available predictors and ML‐based algorithms, this study established 10‐year CVD risk prediction models for Chinese T2DM patients in primary care. The findings highlight the importance of renal function indicators, and variability in both blood pressure and HbA1c as CVD predictors, which deserve more clinical attention. The derived risk prediction tools have the potential to support clinical decision making and encourage patients towards self‐care, subject to further research confirming the models’ feasibility, acceptability and applicability at the point of care.
Evaluation of time in tight range and the glycaemia risk index in adults with type 1 diabetes using an advanced hybrid closed loop system: A 1‐year real‐world assessment
Authors: Rizzi Alessandro , Tartaglione Linda , Lucaccini Paoli Lorenzo , Leo Maria Laura , Popolla Valentina , Viti Luca , Barberio Annarita , Di Leo Mauro , Pontecorvi Alfredo , Pitocco Dario 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAimTo assess the long‐term glycaemic outcomes, with additional metrics, in adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D) using the Tandem t:slim X2 with Control‐IQ technology advanced hybrid closed‐loop (AHCL) system.MethodsThis was a single‐centre, retrospective study involving 56 T1D patients who transitioned to the Tandem t:slim X2 with Control‐IQ system. The primary and secondary endpoints consisted of variations in time in tight range (TiTR; 70‐140 mg/dL) and the glycaemia risk index (GRI), respectively. Additional standardized continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) metrics, mean sensor glucose, coefficient of variation, the glucose management indicator (GMI), HbA1c and insulin daily dose, were also evaluated. Variables were measured at baseline and at 15 days, 3 months, 6 months and 1 year after Tandem t:slim X2 Control‐IQ initiation. Glucose outcomes are expressed as mean (standard deviation).ResultsUse of Tandem t:slim X2 with Control‐IQ over 1 year was associated with an increase in mean TiTR, from 38.11% (17.05%) to 43.10% (13.20%) (P = .059), and with a decline in the GRI, from 41.03 (25.48) to 28.55 (16.27) (P = .008). CGM metrics, including time in range and time above range, showed consistent improvements. Mean sensor glucose, the GMI and HbA1c decreased significantly over time. After an initial increase, insulin daily dose remained stable throughout the 12 months.ConclusionsThe results highlight the sustained effectiveness of Tandem t:slim X2 with Control‐IQ in improving glycaemic outcomes over 1 year and support the use of this technology for the management of T1D.
Validation of a new gamma ray soil bulk density sensor
Authors: Pepers Karin H. J. , van Egmond Fenny , Koomans Ronald , Teuling Kees , Staats Gijs , van Os Gera 
Published: July 2024

AbstractSoil compaction and soil bulk density are key soil properties affecting soil health and soil ecosystem services like crop production, water retention and purification and carbon sequestration. The standard method for soil bulk density measurements using Kopecky rings is very labour intensive, time consuming and leaves notable damage to the field. Accurate data on bulk density are therefore scarce. To enable large‐scale data collection, we tested a new portable gamma ray sensor (RhoC) for in situ field and dry bulk density measurements up to 1 m depth. In this first validation study, measurements with the RhoC‐sensor were compared with classic ring sampling. Measurements were made in two agricultural fields in the Netherlands (a sandy clay loam and a sandy soil), with large variation in subsoil compaction. At 10 locations within each field, three soil density profiles were made. Each profile comprised six depth measurements (every 10 cm from 10 to 60 cm depth) using the RhoC‐sensor and Kopecky rings, resulting in 30 pairwise profiles and 180 measurements in total per field. At an average soil density of 1.5 g/cm3, the relative uncertainty was 9% for the Kopecky rings and 15% for the RhoC‐sensor. Because the RhoC‐sensor is easy and quick to use, the higher relative uncertainty can easily be compensated for by making additional measurements per location. In conclusion, the RhoC‐sensor allows a reliable quantitative in situ assessment of both field and dry bulk density. This provides the much‐needed possibility for rapid and accurate assessment of soil compaction. The acquisition of this data supports the calculation of soil organic carbon stocks and is indispensable for (national) soil monitoring, to assess soil health and to inform sustainable land management practices for sustained or improved soil health and provision of soil ecosystem services, such as requested in the proposed EU Directive on Soil Monitoring and Resilience.
Bezafibrate mitigates oxidized‐low density lipoprotein (ox‐LDL)‐induced the attachment of monocytes to endothelial cells: An implication in atherosclerosis
Authors: Huang Huijun , Shen Yan 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackgroundOxidized forms of low‐density lipoproteins (ox‐LDL)‐associated endothelial dysfunction and subsequent monocyte adhesion play an important role in the development of atherosclerosis (AS). Bezafibrate (BEZ) is a peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor (pan‐PPAR) agonist licensed as a hypolipidemic drug. However, the effects of BEZ on endothelial dysfunction are less reported.ObjectivesIn this study, we aim to investigate the protective effects of BEZ on ox‐LDL‐challenged vascular endothelial cells to evaluate its potential value in treating AS.MethodsHuman aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) and THP‐1 cells were used to establish an In Vitro AS model. Cell Counting Kit‐8 (CCK‐8) assay, Real‐time PCR, Western blot analysis, and Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were used to test the data.ResultsAs expected, treatment with BEZ suppressed the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF‐A), tissue factor (TF), Interleukin 12 (IL‐12), tumor necrosis factor (TNF‐α), and monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1). BEZ was also found to inhibit ox‐LDL‐induced expression of the endothelial adhesion molecules vascular cellular adhesion molecule‐1 (VCAM‐1) and intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1) in HAECs. Correspondingly, BEZ prevented attachment of THP‐1 monocytes to ox‐LDL‐incubated HAECs. Mechanically, BEZ was found to prevent NF‐κB activation by reducing the levels of nuclear NF‐κB p65 and inhibiting luciferase activity of NF‐κB.ConclusionOur study revealed the pharmacological function of BEZ in protecting endothelial dysfunction against ox‐LDL, which may provide valuable insight for the clinical application of BEZ.
Future climate warming threatens coral reef function on World Heritage reefs
Authors: Quigley Kate M. , Baird Andrew H. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractClimate change is the most significant threat to natural World Heritage (WH) sites, especially in the oceans. Warming has devastated marine faunas, including reef corals, kelp, and seagrass. Here, we project future declines in species and ecosystem functions across Australia's four WH coral reef regions. Model simulations estimating species‐level abundances and probabilities of ecological persistence were combined with trait space reconstructions at “present,” 2050 (+1.5°C of warming), and 2100 (+2°C) to explore biogeographical overlaps and identify key functional differences and forecast changes in function through time. Future climates varied by region, with Shark Bay projected to warm the most (>1.29°C), followed by Lord Howe, when standardized to marine park size. By 2050, ~40% of the Great Barrier Reef will exceed critical thresholds set by the warmest summer month (mean monthly maximum [MMM]), triggering mortality. Functional diversity was greatest at Ningaloo. At +1.5°C of warming, species and regions varied drastically in their functional responses, declined 20.2% in species richness (~70 extinctions) and lost functions across all reefs. At +2°C, models predicted a complete collapse of functions, consistent with IPCC forecasts. This variability suggests a bespoke management approach is needed for each region and is critical for understanding WH vulnerability to climate change, identifying thresholds, and quantifying uncertainty of impacts. This knowledge will aid in focusing management, policy and conservation actions to direct resources, rapid action, and set biodiversity targets for these reefs of global priority. As reefs reassemble into novel or different configurations, determining the winners and losers of functional space will be critical for meeting global landmark biodiversity goals.
Dominant role of the non‐forest woody vegetation in the post 2015/16 El Niño tropical carbon recovery
Authors: Fan Lei , Cui Tianxiang , Wigneron Jean‐Pierre , Ciais Philippe , Sitch Stephen , Brandt Martin , Li Xin , Niu Shuli , Xiao Xiangming , Chave Jérome , Wu Chaoyang , Li Wei , Yuan Wenping , Xing Zanpin , Li Xiaojun , Wang Mengjia , Liu Xiangzhuo , Chen Xiuzhi , Qin Yuanwei , Yang Hui , Tang Qiang , Li Yuechen , Ma Mingguo , Fensholt Rasmus 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe extreme dry and hot 2015/16 El Niño episode caused large losses in tropical live aboveground carbon (AGC) stocks. Followed by climatic conditions conducive to high vegetation productivity since 2016, tropical AGC are expected to recover from large losses during the El Niño episode; however, the recovery rate and its spatial distribution remain unknown. Here, we used low‐frequency microwave satellite data to track AGC changes, and showed that tropical AGC stocks returned to pre‐El Niño levels by the end of 2020, resulting in an AGC sink of Pg C year−1 during 2014–2020. This sink was dominated by strong AGC increases ( Pg C year−1) in non‐forest woody vegetation during 2016–2020, compensating the forest AGC losses attributed to the El Niño event, forest loss, and degradation. Our findings highlight that non‐forest woody vegetation is an increasingly important contributor to interannual to decadal variability in the global carbon cycle.
Exploring Whether and How People Experiencing High Deprivation Access Diagnostic Services: A Qualitative Systematic Review
Authors: Vincent Christine , Fenge Lee‐Ann , Porter Sam , Holland Sharon 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACTIntroductionTo contribute to addressing diagnostic health inequalities in the United Kingdom, this review aimed to investigate determinants of diagnostic service use amongst people experiencing high deprivation in the United Kingdom.MethodsA systematic review was conducted using three databases (EBSCO, Web of Science and SCOPUS) to search studies pertaining to diagnostic service use amongst people experiencing high deprivation. Search terms related to diagnostics, barriers and facilitators to access and deprivation. Articles were included if they discussed facilitators and/or barriers to diagnostic service access, contained participants' direct perspectives and focussed on individuals experiencing high deprivation in the United Kingdom. Articles were excluded if the full text was unretrievable, only abstracts were available, the research did not focus on adults experiencing high deprivation in the United Kingdom, those not including participants' direct perspectives (e.g., quantitative studies) and papers unavailable in English.ResultsOf 14,717 initial papers, 18 were included in the final review. Determinants were grouped into three themes (Beliefs and Behaviours, Emotional and Psychological Factors and Practical Factors), made up of 15 sub‐themes. These were mapped to a conceptual model, which illustrates that Beliefs and Behaviours interact with Emotional and Psychological Factors to influence Motivation to access diagnostic services. Motivation then influences and is influenced by Practical Factors, resulting in a Decision to Access or Not. This decision influences Beliefs and Behaviours and/or Emotional and Psychological Factors such that the cycle begins again.ConclusionDecision‐making regarding diagnostic service use for people experiencing high deprivation in the United Kingdom is complex. The conceptual model illustrates this complexity, as well as the mediative, interactive and iterative nature of the process. The model should be applied in policy and practice to enable understanding of the factors influencing access to diagnostic services and to design interventions that address identified determinants.Patient or Public ContributionConsulting lived experience experts was imperative in understanding whether and how the existing literature captures the lived experience of those experiencing high deprivation in South England. The model was presented to lived experience experts, who corroborated findings, highlighted significant factors for them and introduced issues that were not identified in the review.
Scoping review: Technology‐based nursing interventions for urinary incontinence for individuals 65 years and older
Authors: Gröning Rico , Schöttler Elisabeth , Michalski Stefan , Schmidt Stefan 
Published: July 2024

AbstractTo review and summarize the available evidence on technology‐based nursing interventions for urinary incontinence. Scoping review. A review of english and German research articles published up to April 2024 examining nursing interventions in older people (> = 65 years) was conducted. Studies were retrieved by searching the Medline electronic database via PubMed and CINAHL database. Eight studies met the inclusion criteria. The review followed the updated methodological guidance for the conduct of scoping reviews published in 2020. Eight studies and three different types of interventions based on digital technologies were identified: sensor‐based interventions, app‐based interventions and computer‐based digital expert systems. The interventions showed positive and no effects. The studies showed a high variety in terms of study designs, settings, measurement instruments, measured outcomes and were consequently not comparable. The current research density is too low to recommend interventions. Therefore, more high‐quality studies are needed. Studies should be designed to be comparable, if possible. The definition of a core outcome set is therefore indicated. There is a research gap that should be closed by high‐quality and comparable studies so that patients can benefit from evidence‐based incontinence care in the future. Defining core outcomes can help to better compare future studies. Technology‐based interventions should be investigated specifically for older people in the future as, in addition to the potential for improved incontinence care, they also have the potential to reduce the burden on caregivers and conserve staff resources. No patient or public contribution.
Type I interferon induced during chronic viral infection favors B‐cell development in the thymus
Authors: Valbon Stefanie F , Lebel Marie‐Eve , Feldman H Alex , Condotta Stephanie A , Dong Mengqi , Giordano Daniela , Waggoner Stephen N , Melichar Heather J , Richer Martin J 
Published: July 2024

AbstractChronic viral infections cause thymic involution yet the potential for broader, longer‐term impact on thymic composition remains unexplored. Here we show that chronic, but not acute, lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus infection promotes a unique population of immature B cells in the thymus. We show that chronic viral infection promotes signals within the thymus, including the expression of B‐cell activating factor (BAFF), that favor the maturation of this population as these cells acquire expression of CD19 and immunoglobulin M. Mechanistically, type I interferon (IFN‐I), predominantly IFNβ, signals to thymic hematopoietic cells, strongly delaying T‐cell development at the earliest precursor stage. Furthermore, IFN‐I signaling to the nonhematopoietic compartment provides a second signal essential to favor B‐cell differentiation and maturation within the thymus. Importantly, chronic infection yields changes in the B‐cell population for at least 50 days following infection, long after thymic atrophy has subsided. Thus, the inflammatory milieu induced by chronic viral infection has a profound, and long‐lasting, effect on thymic composition leading to the generation of a novel population of thymic B cells.
Effectiveness of buccal administration of dexmedetomidine and ketamine combination in paediatric dental sedation: A randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: El‐Rouby Sara H. , Crystal Yasmi O. , Elshafie Ahmed M. , Wahba Nadia A. , El‐Tekeya Magda M. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackgroundPain and anxiety can be considerable obstacles while treating paediatric dental patients. Moderate sedation is needed to treat uncooperative patients.AimThis study aimed to compare the effectiveness of buccal administration of dexmedetomidine–ketamine combination versus dexmedetomidine.DesignFifty‐six uncooperative children were randomly assigned into two groups: Group I received buccal dexmedetomidine (2 μg/kg) and ketamine (2 mg/kg) (DEX–KET), whereas Group II received buccal dexmedetomidine (4 μg/kg) (DEX). The effects of drugs were evaluated based on changes in vital signs, onset and duration of sedation, sedation level, analgesia, ease of treatment and procedural adverse effects.ResultsThere were no significant differences in vital signs or sedation onset between the two groups. DEX–KET group showed shorter recovery time than DEX group (p < .0001). There were no statistically significant differences between both groups regarding sedation level at optimum sedation and during operative procedure (p = .064, p = .069 respectively). The ease of treatment was significantly better in DEX–KET group than in DEX group (p = .048). Procedural side effects and analgesic effects of the sedative drugs were comparable between both groups.ConclusionThe combination of dexmedetomidine and ketamine delivered buccally provided a better method of delivering care to uncooperative children with more rapid recovery than dexmedetomidine.
Untraded inter‐dependencies as auxiliary production factors for informal artisans in urban industrial clusters: An empirical study in Kumasi, Ghana
Authors: Takyi Godfred , Enu‐Kwesi Francis , Dinye Romanus 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe concept and influence of untraded inter‐dependencies are under‐explored in the industrial cluster and informal economy literature. In this paper, we attempt to bridge this gap by extending the conventional Cobb‐Douglas production function to operationalising and testing the moderating effects of two forms of untraded inter‐dependencies in informal production. Based on the diffusion theory, we argue that knowledge‐sharing would favour informal production, as opposed to tool‐sharing. Using quantitative methods, 334 informal artisans were randomly sampled from three clusters in the Kumasi Metropolis of Ghana and analysed data obtained with moderating models and simple slopes plots. The tested models and fuzzy set configurations confirmed that knowledge‐sharing, but not tool‐sharing, has significant interaction effects on informal production. The optimal model derived would be one in which capital interacts with incremental knowledge‐sharing at the existing level of tool‐sharing among the artisans. This paper serves as an extension of new economic geography with an additional factor of untraded inter‐dependencies. As part of post‐COVID restoration and enhancement of informal production processes, we recommend city officials to deliberately plan and space clustered enterprises that enable the observed rates of interactions between production factors and untraded inter‐dependencies.
Annual gametogenic development of the Asiatic hard clam, Meretrix meretrix, collected from the west coast of Moheshkhali Island, Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh
Authors: Mia Md. Sujon , Akhter Sharmin , Yeasmine Selina , Ayesha Sumaiya Binte , Uddin M. Jasim 
Published: July 2024

AbstractWe investigated the annual gametogenic development of the Asiatic hard clam, Meretrix meretrix, collected from the west coast of Moheshkhali Island, Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, by using biometry and histology through monthly sampling from July 2018 to June 2019. After biometric measurements, cross sections were cut for histology to determine the sex and gonadal maturity of the clams. Condition index (CI) showed two distinct peaks in July and December, which indicated that clams were ripe during these months, and a subsequent decrease in CI reflected spawning, which was consistent with histology. Our study revealed a biannual spawning cycle of the clams and gametogenesis starting in October and June. Spawning occurred from February to May and July to September. Maturity index (MI) showed two distinct peaks in July (3.50) and January (3.60) when most of the clams were in late developing or ripe stages. A gradual increase in temperature from annual minima in conjunction with decreasing salinity levels may trigger spawning in February, but spawning in July was initiated when salinity levels increased from annual minima. The data could be used by resource managers for the conservation of this commercial species and to time harvesting for the best quality clams without interrupting spawning activity.