bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Anamoly based intrusion detection using ensemble machine learning and block-chain
Authors: Mekala Srinivasa Rao , Nazma Shaik , Nava Chaitanya Kumbhagiri , Ambica Thota 
Published: July 2024

<p>A major issue facing the quickly evolving technological world is the surge in security concerns, particularly for critical Internet-of-Things (IoT) applications like health care and the military. Early security attack detection is crucial for safeguarding important resources. Our research focuses on developing an anomaly-based intrusion detection system (IDS) using machine learning (ML) models. With the use of voting strategies, Bagging Ensemble, Boosting Ensemble, and Random Forest, we created a robust and long-lasting IDS. The F1 score is a crucial metric for measuring accurate predictions at the class level and serves as the focus of these ML systems. Maintaining a high F1 score in critical applications highlights the constant need for development. Make use of the latest CICIoT2023 data-set employ Hyper-ledger Fabric to create a private channel in order to bolster the security of our IDS through the usage of block-chain technology. We use block-chain's immutable record and cryptographic techniques to establish a decentralized, tamper-proof environment. Consequently, our proposed approach provides an efficient intrusion detection system that significantly enhances resource protection and alerting the user in prior with intruder information incritical regions for Internet of Things security applications.</p>
Automated detection of kidney masses lesions using a deep learning approach
Authors: ALMahadin Ghayth , Abu Owida Hamza , Al Nabulsi Jamal , Turab Nidal , Al Hawamdeh Nour 
Published: July 2024

<p>Deep learning has emerged as a potent tool for various tasks, such as image classification. However, in the medical domain, there exists a scarcity of data, which poses a challenge in obtaining a well-balanced and high-quality dataset. Commonly seen issues in the realm of renal health include conditions such as kidney stones, cysts, and tumors. This study is centered on the examination of deep learning models for the purpose of classifying renal computed tomography (CT)-scan pictures. State-of-the-art classification models, such as convolutional neural network (CNN) approaches, are employed to boost model performance and improve accuracy. The algorithm is comprised of six convolutional layers that progressively increase in complexity. Every layer in the network utilizes a uniform 3x3 kernel size and applies the rectified linear unit (ReLU) activation function. This is followed by a max-pooling layer that downsamples the feature maps using a 2x2 pool size. Following this, a flatten layer was implemented in order to preprocess the data for the fully linked layers. The consistent utilization of uniform kernel sizes and activation functions throughout all layers of the model facilitated the smooth extraction of complex features, thereby enhancing the model’s ability to accurately identify different kidney conditions. As a result, we achieved a high accuracy rate of 99.8%, precision is 99.8%, and F1 score of approximately 99.7%.</p>
Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of C-Type Natriuretic Peptide for Preeclampsia
Authors: Fato Bianca R. , de Alwis Natasha , Beard Sally , Binder Natalie K. , Pritchard Natasha , Kaitu’u-Lino Tu’uhevaha J. , Bubb Kristen J. , Hannan Natalie J. 
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND:
Preeclampsia is a serious condition of pregnancy, complicated by aberrant maternal vascular dysfunction. CNP (C-type natriuretic peptide) contributes to vascular homeostasis, acting through NPR-B (natriuretic peptide receptor-B) and NPR-C (natriuretic peptide receptor-C). CNP mitigates vascular dysfunction of arteries in nonpregnant cohorts; this study investigates whether CNP can dilate maternal arteries in ex vivo preeclampsia models.

METHODS:
Human omental arteries were dissected from fat biopsies collected during cesarean section. CNP, NPR-B, and NPR-C mRNA expression was assessed in arteries collected from pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia (n=6) and normotensive controls (n=11). Using wire myography, we investigated the effects of CNP on dilation of arteries from normotensive pregnancies. Arteries were preconstricted with either serum from patients with preeclampsia (n=6) or recombinant ET-1 (endothelin-1; vasoconstrictor elevated in preeclampsia; n=6) to model vasoconstriction associated with preeclampsia. Preconstricted arteries were treated with recombinant CNP (0.001–100 µmol/L) or vehicle and vascular relaxation assessed. In further studies, arteries were preincubated with NPR-B (5 µmol/L) and NPR-C (10 µmol/L) antagonists before serum-induced constriction (n=4–5) to explore mechanistic signaling.

RESULTS:
CNP, NPR-B, and NPR-C mRNAs were not differentially expressed in omental arteries from preeclamptic pregnancies. CNP potently stimulated maternal artery vasorelaxation in our model of preeclampsia (using preeclamptic serum). Its vasodilatory actions were driven through the activation of NPR-B predominantly; antagonism of this receptor alone dampened CNP vasorelaxation. Interestingly, CNP did not reduce ET-1–driven omental artery constriction.

CONCLUSIONS:
Collectively, these data suggest that enhancing CNP signaling through NPR-B offers a potential therapeutic strategy to reduce systemic vascular constriction in preeclampsia.
Impact of Hypertension Duration on the Cardiovascular Benefit of Intensive Blood Pressure Control
Authors: Ling Qianhui , Dong Xilan , Bai Jingjing , Deng Yue , Song Qirui , Cai Jun 
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND:
The optimal timing for initiating intensive systolic blood pressure (SBP) treatment remains unclear. While longer hypertension duration is positively associated with increased cardiovascular disease risk, it is unknown whether patients with prolonged hypertension can derive similar benefits from intensive SBP treatment.

METHODS:
From the STEP trial (Strategy of Blood Pressure Intervention in the Elderly Hypertensive Patients), 8442 participants with complete hypertension duration data were categorized by hypertension duration ≤5 years, 5 to 10 years, 10 to 15 years, and >15 years. The primary outcome was a composite of cardiovascular events. Hazard ratios were calculated using the Fine-Gray subdistribution hazard model.

RESULTS:

The incidences of the primary outcome increased significantly in patients with hypertension over 15 years than those <5 years in the standard SBP treatment group (adjusted hazard ratios, 1.68 [95% CI, 1.11–2.56]) but not in the intensive treatment group. Each 1-year increase in hypertension duration continuously increased the adjusted risk of major cardiovascular events by 4% (95% CI, 1.01–1.08) up to 20 years, plateauing at an adjusted hazard ratio of 2.27 (95% CI, 1.28–4.04). After intensive SBP treatment, the incidences of major cardiovascular events were similar across different hypertension duration groups, which were 2.22%, 1.69%, 3.02%, and 2.52%, respectively (
P
>0.05). Subgroup analyses indicated a potential sex difference in this relationship between hypertension duration and the primary outcome in the standard SBP treatment group (
P
interaction
=0.05).

CONCLUSIONS:
Initiating intensive SBP treatment at any stage of hypertension duration could reduce cardiovascular disease risk to a comparable level.

REGISTRATION:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT03015311.
Daily physical activity in older adults across levels of care: the HUNT Trondheim 70 + study
Authors: Ustad Astrid , Sverdrup Karen , Tangen Gro Gujord , Døhl Øystein , Vereijken Beatrix , Thingstad Pernille , Skjæret-Maroni Nina 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
Physical activity (PA) is imperative for healthy ageing and is a modifiable lifestyle factor. Accurate, clinically meaningful estimates of daily PA among older adults can inform targeted interventions to maintain function and independence. This study describes daily PA in older adults across levels of care as a first step contributing to the limited evidence on potential associations between PA and the use of care services.

Methods
This study used data from the Trondheim 70 + cohort in the population-based Norwegian HUNT Study. In total, 1042 participants aged 70 years or older with valid activity data were included. PA was assessed using two accelerometers over 7 consecutive days and was classified into PA (walking, standing, running, and cycling) and sedentary behavior (sitting and lying). Data on received care services were retrieved from municipal registers and participants were classified into four levels of care: 1) independently living (81.9%), 2) independently living with low-level home care services (6.5%), 3) recipients of home care services (6.0%), and 4) nursing home residents (5.7%). Time spent in the activity types and duration of bouts are presented across levels of care.

Results
Participants mean age was 77.5 years (range: 70.1–105.4, 55% female) and PA was lower with higher age. Across levels of care, significant group differences were found in the total time spent in PA, particularly in walking and standing. Daily PA, duration of active bouts, and number of daily walking bouts were lower for participants receiving higher levels of care. Standing was the dominant type of PA and walking appeared predominantly in short bouts at all care levels.

Conclusions
This is the first population-based study using device-measured PA to describe daily PA across levels of care. The results showed that low-intensity activities constitute the primary component of everyday PA, advocating for placing greater emphasis on the significant role these activities play in maintaining daily PA at older age. Furthermore, the study demonstrated that activity types and bout durations are related to the ability to live independently among older adults. Overall, these findings can contribute to better target interventions to maintain function and independence in older adults.
Circulating 25-hydroxycholecalciferol and calcium levels, and alkaline phosphatase activity among people living with and without human immunodeficiency virus and injecting drugs in kenya
Authors: Onyango Abel O. , Shaviya Nathan , Budambula Valentine , Orinda George O. , Anzala Omu , Aabid Ahmed A. , Were Tom 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
People who inject drugs (PWID) and living with the human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV) are at higher risk of suffering marked derangements in micronutrient levels, leading to poor disease and treatment outcomes. Consequently, this can be monitored by measuring key biomarkers, such as total circulating (serum) 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25(OH)D3), calcium, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) for timely intervention. Therefore, circulating levels of 25(OH)D3 and calcium, and ALP activity were determined in PWID and are highly active anti-retroviral treatment (HAART)-experienced or -naive, along with those without HIV infection.

Methods
This cross-sectional study compared serum concentrations of 25(OH)D3, calcium, and ALP in Kenyan PLHIV and were HAART-naive (n = 30) or -experienced (n = 61), PWID and without HIV (n = 132).

Results
Circulating 25(OH)D3 levels were significantly different amongst the study groups (P < 0.001), and were significantly lower in the HAART-experienced (median, 17.3; IQR, 18.3 ng/ml; P < 0.001) and -naive participants (median, 21.7; IQR, 12.8 ng/ml; P = 0.015) relative to uninfected (median, 25.6; IQR, 6.8 ng/ml) PWID. In addition, the proportions of vitamin D deficiency (55.7%, 40.0%, and 17.4%) and insufficiency (31.1%, 53.3%, and 63.6%) compared to sufficiency (13.1%, 6.7%, and 18.9%; P < 0.001) were greater amongst HAART-experienced, -naive, and uninfected study groups, respectively. Likewise, serum total calcium concentrations were lower in the HAART-experienced relative to HIV-negative (P = 0.019) individuals. Serum ALP activity was also lower in the HAART-experienced in contrast to HIV-negative PWID (P = 0.048). Regression analysis indicated that predictors of circulating 25(OH)D3 were: age (β = 0.287; R2 = 8.0%; P = 0.017) and serum ALP (β = 0.283; R2 = 6.4%; P = 0.033) in the HAART-experienced PWID, and serum ALP (β = 0.386; R2 = 14.5%; P < 0.001) in the HIV-negative PWID.

Conclusion
This study suggests that HIV-1 infection and HAART, including injection substance use, decrease circulating 25(OH)D3, calcium and ALP activity. In addition, age and ALP activity are associated with low circulating vitamin D levels in HAART-experienced PWID. The results highlight the importance of incorporating vitamin D and calcium supplementation in treatment and rehabilitation protocols for PLHIV.
Retinoblastoma patients treated in Sri Lanka from 2014 to 2020: epidemiology, clinical status and correlates of lag time in seeking tertiary care services
Authors: Kugalingam Nirosha , de Silva Deepthi , Abeysekera Hiranya , Nanayakkara Sriyani , Tirimanne Shamala , Chandrasekharan Vishvanath , Jayawardana Pushpa Lalani 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
Retinoblastoma (RB) is a tumour of children < 5 years with a incidence of 1 in 20,000. Around 20 RB cases are diagnosed yearly in Sri Lanka, a lower middle-income country with high literacy levels and healthcare free at point of delivery. Incidence, local and systemic severity and mortality related to RB are reportedly high in low- and middle- income countries in comparison to higher income countries. Aims of this study were to describe demographic, socioeconomic, and clinical characteristics of Sri Lankan RB patients attending the designated RB unit at the Lady Ridgeway Hospital (LRH), Colombo between January 2014 to December 2020, and determine correlates of lag time (LT) for first tertiary care visit after detecting the first symptom/sign.

Methods
Two descriptive cross-sectional studies (DCSS) were conducted, one on 171 RB patients with demographic and clinical data collected between 2017 and 2020. In 2021, the second DCSS took place where socioeconomic and further demographic data were collected using telephone interviews, recruiting a subgroup of 90 (53%), consenting and contactable RB patient/ parent pairs. Bivariate and multivariable analyses were applied to determine correlates of LT of > 4 weeks for first tertiary care visit. Results were expressed as odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals.

Results
LRH survey (N = 171): Median age at diagnosis was 15 months (range 1–94 months; IQR: 8–27); 89 (52%) were females. Groups D and E tumours were 25.7% (n = 44) and 62.6% (n = 107) respectively with 121 (71%) enucleations. The number of deaths were 2 (1.2%). Telephone survey (N = 90): Proportion with LT of > 4 weeks for first tertiary care visit was 58% (n = 52). None of the putative risk factors (ethnicity, parental educational level, socioeconomic status, distance from residence to tertiary care unit and receiving financial assistance) were associated with LT in both analyses.

Conclusion
Despite a high proportion with groups D and E tumours and enucleations, mortality rate was low, most likely due to availability of designated tertiary care. No correlates for LT of > 4 weeks for tertiary care presentation were identified. Early RB detection needs rigorous implementation of screening strategies and increased awareness among primary care health workers and parents.
Recombinant human nerve growth factor (cenegermin) for moderate-to-severe dry eye: phase II, randomized, vehicle-controlled, dose-ranging trial
Authors: Wirta David , Lipsky William , Toyos Melissa , Martel Joseph , Goosey John , Verachtert Anthony , El-Harazi Sherif , Karpecki Paul , Allegretti Marcello , Goisis Giovanni , Pasedis Georgea , Mantelli Flavio 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
Dry eye disease (DED) includes neurosensory abnormalities as part of its multifactorial etiology. Nerve growth factor is important for maintaining corneal nerve integrity and wound healing. Cenegermin (recombinant human nerve growth factor) is a topical biologic that promotes corneal healing in patients with neurotrophic keratitis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate efficacy and safety of cenegermin in moderate-to-severe DED and identify an optimal dosing strategy.

Methods
This was a phase II, multicenter, randomized, double-masked, vehicle-controlled, dose-ranging clinical trial in patients with moderate-to-severe DED, including Sjögren’s DED (NCT03982368). Patients received 1 drop of cenegermin 3 times daily (t.i.d.; 20 mcg/mL), cenegermin 2 times daily (b.i.d.; 20 mcg/mL) and vehicle once daily, or vehicle t.i.d. for 4 weeks. Follow-up continued for 12 additional weeks. The primary endpoint was change in Schirmer I score from baseline to week 4. Other key endpoints included rate of responders (Schirmer I test > 10 mm/5 min) after treatment and change in Symptoms Assessment iN Dry Eye (SANDE) scores from baseline to end of follow-up. A 1-sided test (α = 0.025) was used to evaluate statistical significance.

Results
At week 4, mean changes in Schirmer I scores were not statistically significantly different in either cenegermin group versus vehicle (cenegermin vs vehicle [treatment difference; 95% CI]: t.i.d., 2.60 mm and b.i.d., 3.99 mm vs 1.68 mm [t.i.d.: 0.93; −1.47 to 3.32, P = 0.078; b.i.d.: 2.31; −0.08 to 4.70, P = 0.066]). More patients responded to treatment with cenegermin t.i.d. and b.i.d. versus vehicle (t.i.d.: 25.9% [21/81, P = 0.028]; b.i.d.: 29.3% [24/82, P = 0.007] vs 11.9% [10/84]), with statistical significance (set at P < 0.025) observed in the b.i.d. group. Only cenegermin t.i.d. yielded statistically significant (P < 0.025) reductions in SANDE scores versus vehicle, which were sustained up to the end of follow-up (P value range, 0.002–0.008). Eye pain, primarily mild and transient, was the most frequently observed treatment-emergent adverse event with cenegermin. Similar results were observed in patients with Sjögren’s DED.

Conclusions
Cenegermin was well tolerated and although this study did not meet its primary endpoint, significant improvement in patient-reported symptoms of dry eye was observed through follow-up. Larger studies evaluating cenegermin in patients with DED are warranted.

Trial registration
NCT03982368; registered May 23, 2019.
A case of prolonged corneal sulfur foreign bodies and review of literature
Authors: Zheng Kaijin , Li Xiaodong , Qin Xuewei , Long Hang , Wu A-Ping 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
This case mainly describes a relatively rare case of an old mineral-like corneal foreign body that existed for up to 20 years, and did not significantly affect the visual quality of the patient.

Case presentation
A 56-year-old male miner complained of right eye vision loss for 3 years, swollen and painful for 4 months. Admission examination: Best corrected visual acuity was no light perception in the right eye and 20/20 in the left eye. Anterior segment examination: A large number of spot-like grayish-brown mineral foreign bodies in the conjunctiva of the nasal conjunctiva, emulsified silicone oil floating in the anterior chamber, Corneal foreign bodies in the right eye were widely distributed in the upper cortex and the proelastic layer. There were fewer foreign bodies in the left cornea. Previous medical history, 20 years ago due to forging and burning sulphur mine explosion, resulting in a large number of ore foreign bodies in the conjunctiva of both eyes. As these corneal foreign bodies did not affect the visual quality of the patient, we adopted a conservative treatment plan, did not remove these foreign bodies, and only carried out symptomatic treatment for the patient’s secondary ocular hypertension. The patient was followed up normally in the outpatient department, and no cornea-related complications occurred up to now.

Conclusions
First of all, it is necessary to understand the source and nature of the foreign body in patients with corneal and conjunctival foreign body injuries. In the second, for the old corneal metal foreign body, when the patient’s visual acuity is stable and there are no symptoms of corneal irritation and inflammatory reaction, it can be Conservative treatment or outpatient follow-up observation. In the end, corneal Optical coherence tomography imaging should not be ignored, which is very important for determining the depth of embedding and the location of the corneal foreign body.
Developmental dyslexia genes are selectively targeted by diverse environmental pollutants
Authors: Yang Yangyang , Zheng Tingting , Tang Qidi , Xiang Bing , Yang Mei , Zeng Jing , Zhou Feng , Xie Xinyan 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
Developmental dyslexia, a complex neurodevelopmental disorder, not only affects children’s academic performance but is also associated with increased healthcare costs, lower employment rates, and reduced productivity. The pathogenesis of dyslexia remains unclear and it is generally considered to be caused by the overlap of genetic and environmental factors. Systematically exploring the close relationship between exposure to environmental compounds and susceptibility genes in the development of dyslexia is currently lacking but high necessary.

Methods
In this study, we systematically compiled 131 publicly reported susceptibility genes for dyslexia sourced from DisGeNET, OMIM, and GeneCards databases. Comparative Toxicogenomics Database database was used to explore the overlap between susceptibility genes and 95 environmental compounds, including metals, persistent organic pollutants, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and pesticides. Chemical bias towards the dyslexia risk genes was taken into account in the observation/expectation ratios > 1 and the corresponding P value obtained by hypergeometric probability test.

Results
Our study found that the number of dyslexia risk genes targeted by each chemical varied from 1 to 109. A total of 35 chemicals were involved in chemical reactions with dyslexia-associated genes, with significant enrichment values (observed/expected dyslexia risk genes) ranging from 1.147 (Atrazine) to 66.901 (Dibenzo(a, h)pyrene).

Conclusion
The results indicated that dyslexia-associated genes were implicated in certain chemical reactions. However, these findings are exploratory, and further research involving animal or cellular experiments is needed.