bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Blood pressure control with active ultrafiltration measures and without the use of antihypertensives is essential for survival in patients with CKD in hemodiafiltration and hemodialysis programs. A prospective multicenter observational study.
Authors: Mora-Bravo Franklin Geovany , Morales Pamela Tatiana , Rojas Nelson , Blum Guillermina Lucía , Santacruz Juan Cristobal , Santacruz Angel Cristobal , Perez-Grovas Hector , Robles William 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
High blood pressure is a prevalent condition in patients with chronic kidney disease on hemodialysis. Adequate control of high blood pressure is essential to reduce deaths in this group of patients. The present study aimed to observe mortality prospectively in a group of patients in hemodialysis and hemodiafiltration programs in whom the use of antihypertensives was optimized with the point of care dry weight (POCW) technique.
Methods
The present observational, prospective study was carried out at the Pafram Hemodiafiltration Unit in Morona Santiago, Ecuador, and the Hemodialysis Unit of the Fundación Renal del Ecuador in Guayaquil, Ecuador, from August 2019 to December 2023. Patients who were receiving hemodiafiltration were included. Weight was optimized with POCW. Group 1 included patients whose antihypertensive agents were not required to control blood pressure with a value less than 150/85 mmHg predialysis at eight weeks of POCW. In group 2, the patients required antihypertensive therapy. Clinical data, demographic data, mortality data, treatment descriptions, and routine laboratory test results during dialysis were included. The sample was nonprobabilistic. Survival analysis was carried out for the study groups. The log-rank test (Mantel-Cox) was used for survival comparisons.
Results
The study included 106 patients. Optimal blood pressure control without antihypertensive treatment was achieved in 52 patients (49.1%) (Group 1). In 54 patients (50.9%), antihypertensive agents were required (Group 2). There was more significant mortality in the group that received antihypertensives: 11 patients in group 1 (21.2%) versus 25 patients in group 2 (46.3%) (P = 0.005). Survival was more significant in group 1, with an HR of 2.2163 (1.125–4.158) (P = 0.0243).
Conclusion
Blood pressure control with active ultrafiltration measures and without the use of antihypertensives is essential for survival in patients with CKD in hemodiafiltration and hemodialysis programs.
Comparing Antithyroid Drugs vs. Radioactive Iodine in Paediatric Graves’: Literature Review
Authors: Sinha Akshat , Oza Reuben , Sangha Brandon Karamveer , Akhavan-Mofrad Arshia , Suddhi Arvin Singh 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Introduction:
Paediatric Graves’ disease (PGD) is an autoimmune condition, which if left untreated, can result in cardiac complications. NICE Guidance (NG145) advocates the use of antithyroid drugs (ATD) as first-line therapy for PGD, with a consultation to consider a move to definitive therapy in the form of radioactive iodine (RAI) or thyroidectomy if the initial 2-year course failed to achieve normal thyroid function. We aim to explore the effectiveness and associated adverse events (AEs) of ATD compared with RAI.
Methods
A thorough guideline search of NICE Evidence and RCP guidelines & Policy was conducted to yield a guideline relevant to our review question. A literature search of the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE and PubMed, alongside a clear inclusion and exclusion criteria was utilised to generate systematic reviews and primary literature exploring the efficacy and AEs of ATD and RAI. Our guideline, systematic reviews and primary literature were appraised using AGREE-II, AMSTAR 2 and CASP respectively.
Results
The search strategy yielded one NICE guideline (NG145) published in November 2019, two systematic reviews published after November 2019 and four primary studies, published after the most recent systematic review (August 2020). All studies determined that ATD and RAI are both effective treatment options for PGD. With regards to AEs, RAI and ATD were considered to be safe treatment options, with the latter having the least severity of complications.
Conclusions
In patients who have been identified to have predictors of remission, we agree with NG145 and ATD should be offered as first-line treatment. However, for those who do not have characteristics aligning with the predictors of remission, RAI should be offered as first-line therapy. We suggest screening of predictors of remission to aid the choice of treatment in paediatric Graves’ disease treatment.
Naive CD8br T Cell Affects Epilepsy through Partial Sphingomyelin Mediation: A Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Wang Jinchao , LI Kaiji , Gao Yalong , Wu Rongrong , Chen Bo , Chen Xin , Liu Yafan , Liu Huajie , Zhang Shu , Xu Shangchen , Zhang Jianning 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Several studies have suggested a potential link between immune cells and epilepsy. Nonetheless, the precise causal relationship between immune cells and epilepsy, and the role of metabolites as potential mediators, remain ambiguous.
Methods
We extracted information on immune cells, metabolites and epilepsy from pooled data from a large-scale genome-wide association study (GWAS). We used Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses to elucidate causal links between immune cells, metabolites and epilepsy. The main statistical method used was inverse variance weighting (IVW). In addition, we investigated the potential mediating role of metabolites in the pathway from immune cells to epilepsy. Finally, we applied bioinformatics methods for validation.
Results
In assessing the genetic susceptibility of immune cells to epilepsy, we observed 12 positive associations. However, when analyzed in reverse, we found two of these associations to be negative. Similarly, we found 60 positive and 8 negative associations between metabolites and epilepsy. Subsequently, mediation analysis revealed that Naive CD8br T cells affect epilepsy through Partial Sphingomyelin as a mediator. Finally, the bioinformatics analysis revealed alterations in the immune microenvironment between healthy individuals and patients with epilepsy, with notable changes in the differentiation of Naive CD8 T cells.
Conclusion
There exists a causal association between immune cells, and metabolites with epilepsy, wherein metabolites serve as mediators in the pathway from immune cells to epilepsy.
Comparison of the Effectiveness of Family-centered Empowerment Model, Collaborative Care Model and Motivational Interviewing on Blood Glucose Control and Nutritional Behaviors Based on BASNEF Model in Patients Attended to Rural Health Centers
Authors: Mirkarimi Kamal 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Type 2 diabetes mellitus has imposed increasingly burden on health systems worldwide. Self-care behaviors improve and enhance by receiving support from family of diabetic patients. The present study aims to compare the effectiveness of the family-centered empowerment model, collaborative care model and motivational interviewing on blood glucose control and nutritional behaviors based on the BASNEF model.
Methods
A single blind randomized clinical trial survey was run among patients with T2DM who were referred to the Rural Health Centers located in Gorgan city of Iran. In total, 120 patients were classified randomly into four groups of interventions (family-centered empowerment model n = 30, collaborative care model n = 30, and motivational interviewing n = 30 and control (n = 30). Blood glucose control, nutritional behaviors and constructs of the model were measured in pre-intervention, 2,6 and 12 months’ follow-ups. P-value < 0.05 was considered significant.
Results
The mean age of participants was 57.19 ± 5.79 year. Constructs of the model and nutrition variables (except for carbohydrates) did not present statistically significant difference in the pre-intervention, while in six and twelve months showed statistically significant differences (p = 0.001). In addition, FBS (p = 0.001) and HbA1C (p = 0.008), decreased significantly in 12-month follow-up.​
Conclusion
Given the present findings, FCEM, CCM and MI techniques might be likely applicable and useful to improve nutritional behavior and control chronic diseases such as diabetes which is a serious threat to people's health.
Trial registration:
The study protocol was approved by the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (trial ID 34852 in 2018-12-05).
Quantitative Evaluation of Olfactory Function in Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type3 and Type1 in China: A Clinical Study
Authors: Liu Yiwen , Wu Tong , Zhou Hao , Chen Kepu , Han Yongsheng 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Objectives: This study investigates olfactory function and clinical characteristics in spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA) patients, exploring the link between motor and nonmotor symptoms.
Methods: In a study conducted at the Neurology Institute Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, 30 spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA) patients diagnosed from August 2020 to August 2023 were matched with 30 controls. Olfactory functions were evaluated using the Institute of Psychology's olfactory test. The SCA group's ataxia severity was assessed with the International Cooperative Ataxia Rating Scale (ICARS). Variations in Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA), Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scores were compared between groups, and correlations between olfactory function and SCA symptoms were examined.
Results: In the SCA group, olfactory scores were significantly lower compared to controls (P < 0.001). SCA patients had higher HAMA (P = 0.005), HAMD (P= 0.02), and PSQI (P < 0.001) scores. However, Olfactory identification correlated negatively with age (r = −0.377, P = 0.041) in SCA patients. No significant correlations were found between olfactory function and disease duration, ICARS, HAMA, HAMD, or PSQI scores in the SCA group.
Conclusion: The olfactory dysfunction is prevalent in SCA patients, But there was no significant correlation between motor symptoms and non-motor symptoms.
Alteration in functional connectivity of SC_thalamus with primary trigeminal neuralgia
Authors: Cheng Qiansheng , Liu Shoufeng , Wang Junling , Wang Yajing , Han Bihui , Wang Lichen , Jin Song 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Primary trigeminal neuralgia (PTN) is a recurrent condition of electric shock-like pain occurring in the facial area nervated by the sensory portion of the trigeminal nerve. The thalamus is a relay station for transmitting sensory information transmission, where the facial pain signal involved in PTN transmits. The multiple functions of the thalamus vary from its subregions, and changes in the functional connectivity (FC) between the thalamic sensory subregions and the whole brain are yet unclear. This study aims to explore the altered FC of thalamic sensory subregions in PTN patients using the resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI).
Methods
Differences in the FC of the thalamic subregions with the whole brain voxels between 48 PTN patients and 35 age-matched healthy controls (HCs) were examined. Moreover, the correlation of altered FC in the brain regions with the course of PTN was identifed.
Results
Compared with HCs, PTN patients displayed a significantly increased FC between the SC_thalamus and postcentral gyrus, increased FC between the SC_thalamus and midfrontal gyrus, and decreased FC between the SC_thalamus and right supramarginal gyrus. The FC between the SC_thalamus and left postcentral gyrus (r = 0.442, P = 0.002) and that between the SC_thalamus and right postcentral gyrus (r = 0.415, P = 0.003) were positively correlated with the course of PTN. The FC between the SC_thalamus and right supramarginal gyrus (r=-0.398, P = 0.005) was negatively correlated with the course of PTN.
Conclusion
FC between the SC_thalamus and certain brain regions alters in PTN patients. The pathophysiological basis of the central mechanism changes in PTN patients at the subnuclear level provides a theoretical basis for developing new treatment methods for PTN.
Screening and identification of key biomarkers in Rheumatoid arthritis: Evidence from bioinformatic analysis
Authors: Yan Huang , Xiao-ling Leng , Zhen Gan , Ye-qing Quan , Jia-xin Meng 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Objectives: Our objective was to dissect the biomarkers and the inflammation state of rheumatoid arthritis(RA) by comprehensively applying multiple bioinformatics analysis tools.
Methods: To identify candidate genes in the carcinogenesis and progression of RA, the microarray datasets GSE153015, GSE197057, and GSE206848 were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Differentially expressed genes (DEG) were identified and function enrichment analyzes were performed. Next, the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was established through the STRING database and Cytoscape. Furthermore, the CIBERSORT website was used to assess the inflammatory state of RA. Finally, we validated the candidate hub genes with dataset GSE93776.
Results: A total of 73 DEGs were identified, consisting of 50 down-regulated genes and 23 up-regulated genes. Through GO and KEGG analysis, we found that DEGs were mainly involved in immune response and inflammatory signaling pathway.With the help of Cytoscape software and the MCODE plug-in, the most prominent subnetwork was selected, containing 8 genes. For the analysis of the ROC curve, three genes with AUC >0.70 were considered core genes of RA.
Conclusions: Compared to healthy controls, DEG and its closely related biological functions were analyzed, and we were of the opinion that chemokines and immune cell infiltration promote the progression of rheumatoid arthritis. The three biomarkers identified may be useful for the diagnosis and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
The agony of choice: Comparing abundance estimates from multiple N-mixture model variants for a dataset of reptile observations
Authors: Wyk Kurt van , Maritz Bryan 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Ecological surveys rarely achieve perfect detection of target species, and failure to account for imperfect detection can produce erroneous estimates of abundance. N-mixture models account for variation in detectability by separating the observation process from the ecological process that determines true site-level abundance, making these models theoretically well-suited to studies of inconspicuous species, such as reptiles. Multiple N-mixture model variants have been published, but little is known about their ability to provide ecologically realistic abundance estimates from real-world observation data. Given their novelty and potential for wider use, studies that help users decide which variant to use in a particular case would be valuable. If different, yet data-appropriate N-mixture model variants provide substantially incongruent abundance estimates for the same dataset, then their uncritical use in ecology is problematic. Using a dataset of reptile observations from south-eastern Zimbabwe, we compare the estimates of five N-mixture model variants. For each species, we assess congruence between the site-level abundance estimates of each variant. We then use a novel metric to assess the performance of each model variant based on the precision and ecological feasibility of its abundance estimates, accounting for goodness-of-fit. We find that model variant pairs were rarely congruent in their abundance estimates, and that model performance varies significantly according to species occupancy and detection probability. We provide a framework for the application of multiple N-mixture model variants in faunal ecology to guide analytical decision-making.
Global risk of precipitation deficits for tree-based cooling in cities
Authors: Rollinson Christine , Alexander M. Ross , Turner-Skoff Jessica , Custic Melissa , Darling Lindsay , Deas Ayo , Ford Trent , Kamakura Renata Poulton , Wirtz Zach 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Trees are key sources of cooling in natural and urban ecosystems across the globe (1–3). Increasing tree cover is one popular nature-based approach to reducing excessive heat in cities where the majority of the world’s population lives (4–6). The cooling effects of trees arise from both shading and evapotranspiration and have been widely demonstrated with on-the-ground and remotely sensed data (1,7,8). However, cooling from evapotranspiration depends on water availability, which may become more scarce in many regions due to climate change (9). We evaluated urban tree cooling and water sustainability in 2,021 global cities by comparing summer evapotranspiration with incoming precipitation under current and increased canopy conditions. Mild increases in urban canopy evenness can effectively reduce surface temperature without increasing summer precipitation deficit in most cities. However, projected climate change impacts may expose 40% of cities to summer precipitation deficits given the characteristics of their current canopies. Our results demonstrate the use of tree cover for mitigating urban heat will likely require climate adaptation strategies that increase the drought tolerance of urban forests in many regions.
To evaluate the predictive effect of vitamin D on clinical outcomes of infliximab treated Crohn’s disease patients in western China
Authors: Song Xiaomei , Zhang Huihui , Song Junya , Wang Hao , Guo Hong , Zhou Xiaoqin 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background and aim
To evaluate predictors of clinical outcomes in infliximab(IFX) treated CD patients in western China, and provide evidence for future treatment optimization.
Methods
This study adopted retrospective investigation method, collected the clinical data of patients in the database of CD patients in Chongqing General Hospital during 2022.07-2023.07. The clinical data of CD patients at baseline and the endpoint(the seventh IFX treatment, 38 weeks)were collected.The baseline variables of IFX treated patients with regard to clinical remission(Crohn's Disease Activity Index(CDAI)<150) at endpoint were assessed, and the correlation of serum vitamin D(Vit-D) levels before initiating IFX therapy and CDAI at week 38 were analyzed.
Results
60 patients with CD treated with IFX were included, Vit-D deficient rate was 51.7% at baseline, 81.7% of patients achieved clinical remission and 66.7% achieved endoscopic remission at week 38 after IFX treatment. Vit-D level at baseline were one of the independent predictors of clinical remission in CD patients after IFX treatment (P < 0.05). ROC curve analysis showed that when Vit-D concentration was 15.81ng/ml, the area under the curve was 0.711 (95%CI: 0.523–0.899, P = 0.03), the sensitivity and specificity was 81.6% and 63.6%. Vit-D level in normal BMI, smoking, combine with IMM subgroup had independent predictive value of CDAI at endpoint (P < 0.05).
Conclusion
Baseline Vit-D level were one of the independent predictors of clinical remission in CD patients after IFX treatment, which has predictive value on CDAI before the seventh IFX treatment, especially in normal Body Mass Index, smoking, combine with immunosuppressant subgroup.
Multi controller Placement optimization in Software Defined Network Controllers by using Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Inayatullah Syed , Hanif Fozia , Shams Rehan , Waheed Urooj , Khan M Ahsan 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

SDN stands for software-defined network, and it gives scalability to manage the network by giving the concept of centralization and open control. The key concept of software-defined networks is that it separates the control mechanism and data mechanism, so the controller of SDN is only responsible for controlling the network functions. The controller can be programmed or decoded as per the need of the network administrator, whether the network administrator wants to expand the network or downscale the existing network. Open flow is the protocol which is used to build communication between controllers and a switching node. Open flow protocol is responsible for synchronizing and receiving the flow table when the request from the switches increases to control the level and multiple routing information comes to the controller. The controller could not be able to manage such an overflow of information. As a result, the performance of the controller was affected. In this paper genetic algorithm technique is used to resolve the load balancing issue between the multiple controllers. The proposed solution of algorithm will perform the method of selection, crossover, and mutation techniques to optimize the load balancing of controllers. The proposed technique will be compared with some benchmark algorithms, and it will be proved that the proposed GA outperforms as compared to other existing algorithms.
A lightweight fine-grained recognition algorithm based on object detection
Authors: Ren Weiyu , Shi Dongfan , Chen Yifan , Song Liming , Hu Qingsong , Wang Meiling 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

In order to enhance the fine-grained recognition of fish species, this paper proposes a lightweight object detection model YOLOv8n-DFG. The model accurately identifies six deep-sea fish species including Flatfin sailfish, Striped marlin, Atlantic bluefin tuna, Bigeye tuna, Longtail tuna, and Yellowfin tuna, meeting the requirements for real-time detection and fishing monitoring. Firstly, by introducing FasterNetBlock and EMA attention mechanism into the YOLOv8 network structure to improve C2f and obtain the C2f-FE module, this model enhances feature extraction accuracy and operational efficiency. Subsequently, it combines BiFPN structure with C2f-FE module to construct a fast and lightweight neck network structure that achieves multi-scale feature fusion. Additionally, Dysample dynamic upsampling module is introduced along with porting of Adown downsampling module from YOLOv9 to optimize feature pyramid sampling method named as YOLOv8-FG. Finally using large-sized YOLOv8s-FG as teacher network and small-sized YOLOv8n-FG as student network based on CWD loss intermediate layer feature distillation method constructs the final model YOLOv8n-DFG. Experimental results on a dataset containing six morphologically similar fish species demonstrate the effectiveness of these improvements and distillation effects are significant. Compared to YOLOv8n, precision has increased by 7.8%, recall by 3.3%, mAP@50 by 5.6%, while FlOPs decreased by 42% with a reduction in model size of 58%. The results indicate that our proposed YOLOv8n-DFG demonstrates exceptional accuracy and real-time performance, effectively fulfilling the requirements for real-time fine-grained fish recognition.