bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The preventive effect of dexmedetomidine on acute kidney injury after major abdominal surgery : a propensity score matched cohort study
Authors: Liu Haibei , Luo Rong , Qian Liu , Zhang Yujun , Zhang Wensheng , Tan Juan , Ye Ling 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background: Major abdominal surgery, which defined as intraperitoneal approach performed under general anesthesia with duration no less than 120min, is a kind of high-risk surgery type for postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI among non-cardiac surgeries. Based on the apparent renal protective effect of dexmedetomidine demonstrated in cardiac surgery and animal study, this study assumed that the dexmedetomidine could prevent the postoperative AKI after major abdominal surgery.
Method: Patients undergoing elective major abdominal surgery from January 2019 to July 2021 in West China Hospital were enrolled. According to whether exposure to intravenous use of dexmedetomidine, patients were divided to Dex group and Control group. The primary outcome was the incidence of AKI in the postoperative 7 days. Secondary outcomes included urine output during operation, renal function on the first day after surgery, length of hospital stays, incidence of postoperative dialysis; mortality in hospital; incidence of hypotension and bradycardia during operation, and incidence of positive inotropic agents and vasopressors use.
Main results: After propensity score matching with ratio of 1:1, a total of 8836 patients were successfully matched. The dexmedetomidine administration has no association with incidence of postoperative AKI, dialysis, intraoperative hypotension, ICU admission , in-hospital mortality and length of hospital stays, but has association with increased urine output (450.00 (250.00, 700.00) vs. 400.00 (200.00, 600.00) ml; P<0.001) and higher value of eGFR (97.33±15.95 vs. 96.13±16.35 ml/min/1.73m2, P<0.001) on the first day after surgery and incidence of bradycardia (37.0% vs. 30.6%; P<0.001) during operation in the matched cohort. In loading dose subgroup, the use of dexmedetomidine decreased the incidence of AKI (OR: 0.44, 95% CI (0.23, 0.76), P=0.006). The association between dexmedetomidine and AKI was absence in subgroups of high or low infusion rate and no loading dose using.
Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine might have a dose-dependent preventive effect on AKI after major abdominal surgery. The use of dexmedetomidine with loading dose could reduce the incidence of postoperative AKI and had the function of renal protection.
A decade of German heatwaves evident in social media data
Authors: Zander Kerstin Katharina , Nguyen Duy Duy , Garnett Stephen T 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Heat is a global public health risk which kills many people every year. This is true even in temperate climates like that of Europe which has experienced an increasing number of intense heatwaves in the last decade. This study uses a unique dataset of more than 57,000 X (formerly Twitter) conversations from users in Germany about heatwaves over the period 2013 to 2022. Structural topic modelling revealed nine topics, with an increase in the number and diversity of topics since 2018, a year of unprecedented drought and heatwaves in Europe, including Germany. Before 2018, German tweets related to heatwaves primarily expressed concern about heatwaves on a global scale, such about wildfires in Australia. In 2015 there was brief spike tweets in which people began to comment on the local impacts of heat on their lives. Topics in 2015 included complaints about heat, air-conditioning shortages and heat-related train delays. From 2018, however, conversations have proliferated about local heat impacts and personal adaptations along with frequent heat warnings and advice on how to cope with and relieve heat. European droughts and wildfires also gained prominence from 2018 onwards, with concern about heat and drought shifting from being a problem outside Europe to one affecting many European countries, including those frequently visited by Germans as tourists.
Differential effects of GPT-based tools on comprehension of standardized passages
Authors: Etkin Hudson , Etkin Kai , Carter Ryan , Rolle Camarin 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Due to the rapidly improving capability of large language models such as Generative Pre-trained Transformer models (GPT), artificial intelligence (AI) based tools have entered use in education at scale. However, empirical data are largely lacking on the effects of AI tools on learning. Here, we determine the impact of four GPT-based tools on college-aged participants’ comprehension of standardized American College Test (ACT)-derived passages and associated tests using a randomized cross-over online study (n = 195). The four tools studied were AI-generated summaries, AI-generated outlines, a question-and-answer tutor chatbot, and a Socratic discussion chatbot. Consistent with our pre-registered hypotheses, we found a differential effect of AI tools based on baseline reading comprehension ability. AI tools significantly improved comprehension in lower performing participants and significantly worsened comprehension in higher performing participants. With respect to specific tools, low performers were most benefited by the Socratic chatbot while high performers were worsened most by the summary tool. These findings suggest that while AI tools have massive potential to enhance learning, blanket implementation may cause unintended harm to higher-performing students, calling for caution and further empirical study from developers and educators. Introduction
Training of Technical Versus Non-Technical Skills – a Randomised Study of what a German Paramedic Needs
Authors: Eismann Hendrik , Halser Jörn , Robert Mathias , Markus Flentje 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
The working environment of pre-hospital emergency medicine represents the framework conditions of high-risk organisations. Non-technical skills are an important foundation for successful performance. In Germany, a new job profile - advanced paramedic - was introduced in 2014, which for the first time also recognized non-technical skills in the curriculum. Another special feature is that for the first time it is regulated how non-physicians proceed with selected extended procedures, such as the application of selected medication. The advanced paramedic has a mandatory annual training requirement of 30 hours. Since there are no requirements in terms of content, we investigated whether training of non-technical or technical skills improve the care of a simulated patient. The results should indicate which priorities should be set in training.
Methods
Teams were randomised while training and debriefing took place depending on the study arm with a focus on technical procedures and non-technical skills. Six months later, we evaluated the performance of the teams in a simulation scenario using “time key item product” score and the use of incident management methods.
Results
Comparing performance with CRM and technical training, we found no significant difference in TKIP-Score. There was also no difference in the application of incident management methods. Checklists were only used in small numbers. Over half of the teams failed to complete 75% of the required procedures in the scenario.
Conclusion
It is noticeable that only a few groups carried out all required procedures. Checklists in particular can help. The application of incident management methods should be trained intensively, as their use does not yet appear to be routine.
Trial Registration
As the study does not include data on real patients, it was not registered with "trial Registration"
Deciphering hub genes as potential therapeutic target involved in progression of Glioblastoma multiforme disease: A multi-omics approach
Authors: Saeed Mohammad Umar , Choudhury Arunabh , Alajmi Mohamed F. , Ansari Jaoud , Mohammad Taj , Hussain Afzal , Shamsi Anas , Hassan Md. Imtaiyaz 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a highly aggressive primary brain tumor associated with high fatality rates, poor prognosis, and limited treatment options. To enhance our understanding of the disease and pave the way for targeted therapies, it is imperative to identify key genes influencing GBM progression. In this study, we harnessed RNA-Seq gene count data from GBM patients sourced from the GEO database, conducting an in-depth analysis of gene expression patterns. Our investigation involved the stratification of samples into two distinct sets, Group I and Group II, comparing low-grade and GBM tumor samples, respectively. Subsequently, we performed differential expression analysis and enrichment analysis to uncover significant gene signatures. To elucidate the protein-protein interactions that underlie GBM, we leveraged the STRING plugin within Cytoscape for comprehensive network visualization and analysis. By applying Maximal clique centrality (MCC) scores, we identified a set of 10 hub genes in each group. These hub genes were subjected to survival analysis, highlighting their prognostic relevance. In Group I, comprising BUB1, DLGAP5, BUB1B, CDK1, TOP2A, CDC20, KIF20A, ASPM, BIRC5, and CCNB2, these genes emerged as potential biomarkers associated with the transition to low-grade tumors. In Group II, encompassing LIF, LBP, CSF3, IL6, CCL2, SAA1, CCL20, MMP9, CXCL10, and MMP1, these genes were implicated in transforming adult glioblastoma. Kaplan–Meier's overall survival analysis of these hub genes revealed that modifications, particularly upregulation of these candidate genes, were associated with reduced survival in GBM patients. The findings underscore the significance of genomic alterations and differential gene expression in GBM, presenting opportunities for early diagnosis and targeted therapeutic interventions. This study offers valuable insights into the potential avenues for improving the clinical management of GBM.
A Randomized Multilocation Study of Puffing Topography in Chinese Adult Smokers using Heated Tobacco Products and Conventional Cigarettes
Authors: Li Xiaonan , Sheng Huaquan , Cui Peicai , Lu Lehua , Liu Guangchao , Gao Yihan , Xu Gang 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Objectives: Heated tobacco products (HTPs) constitute a novel and emerging type of tobacco product. Actual puffing topography and nicotine exposure studies are indispensable in tobacco and nicotine products risk assessment. In this study, we aimed to collect and compare usage behavioural data on HTPs to those of conventional cigarettes (CCs) by recording the puffing topography parameters of users under laboratory conditions. Methods: Two hundred voluntary adult cigarette users (164 male, 36 female) from 4 Chinese cities were recruited and randomly divided into 3 groups: the tobacco flavoured HTP (Original-HTP) group, the menthol-flavoured HTP (Menthol-HTP) group, and the CC group. The volunteers were acclimatized to the 3 tobacco products with a nicotine content of 1.0 mg/stick, for 1 week. Data on the 8 types of puffing parameters were collected for every participant via a commercial calibrated puff behaviour recorder. These data were analysed alongside the levels of 8 urinary nicotine metabolites after product usage. Results: When using the same type of nicotine stick, the volunteers in the two HTP groups had significantly higher puff numbers, puff volumes, flow velocities and peak flow rates than those in the CC group. Conversely, participants in the CC group had longer interpuff intervals and higher urinary nicotine concentrations. Differences in the puffing topography among the four cities were not significant. Conclusion: There were substantial differences in the overall puffing volume and urinary nicotine metabolite levels between Chinese smokers who used HTPs and those who used CCs. These findings indicate that assessments of risk associated with the use of tobacco and nicotine products need to adequately assess the actual use patterns and nicotine exposure levels of users of different types of products.
Diverse polysaccharide production and biofilm formation abilities of clinical Klebsiella pneumoniae
Authors: IV Robert Beckman , Cella Elenora , Azarian Taj , Rendueles Olaya , Fleeman Renee 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Klebsiella pneumoniae infections have become a growing threat for human health. The lack of understanding of the relationship between antibiotic resistance, mucoviscosity, and biofilm formation in clinical isolates impedes our abilities to effectively predict K. pneumoniae infection outcomes. These traits are also associated with fitness in natural populations and more specifically within a host. The Multidrug-Resistant Organism Repository and Surveillance Network offers a unique opportunity into the genetic and phenotypic variabilities in the K. pneumoniae isolates encountered in the clinics today. To this end, we compared the genetic profiles of these isolates with the phenotypic biofilm formation abilities, percent mucoviscosity, and growth rates. We found most isolates formed limited biofilm, although a select group of isolates could form extremely robust biofilms. Variation in biofilm formation could not be explained by difference in growth rate, suggesting specific genetic and physical determinants. Interestingly, the most mucoid strains in the populations were lacking the genetic element regulating the mucoid phenotype and three of these isolates were able to form robust biofilms. There was a significant phenotype-genotype correlation with decreased biofilm formation and an insertion sequence in the transcriptional activator of the type III fimbrial system. Finally, confocal microscopy highlighted the structural and spatial heterogeneity of biofilm among the most robust biofilm formers not detected by traditional methods. The combination of phenotypic, genomic and image analyses allowed us to reveal an unexpected phenotypic diversity and an intricate relation between growth, mucoviscosity and specific virulence-associated genetic determinants.
Negative-pressure-related diffuse alveolar hemorrhage after breast augmentation: a case report and literature review
Authors: Ni Xuejun , Xie Yunjia , Chen Lu , Zheng Houbing , Wang Meishui , Lin Qian , Ke Ruonan , Wan Xiaofen , Shan Xiuying , Wang Biao 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background Breast augmentation with implants is a common and effective cosmetic operation usually resulting in favorable outcomes. However, there are hazards associated with breast augmentation complications. Negative-pressure-related diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH) is a rare but fatal emergency that appears as the development of severe dyspnea and hemoptysis during the postoperative phase without prompt diagnosis or appropriate treatment.Case presentation This case report describes a 31-year-old healthy woman who developed acute dyspnea and hemoptysis during the perioperative period of breast augmentation. There were no noteworthy events during the procedure. For further evaluation, the patient was transferred to a tertiary medical institution. Postoperative computed tomography (CT) of the chest demonstrated the formation of diffuse pulmonary infiltration in both lung fields. Serological tests for systemic diseases, including connective tissue diseases and vasculitis, were negative. The patient was diagnosed with DAH. After receiving supportive care, the patient’s clinical symptoms spontaneously improved, and she was discharged without further complications.Conclusions Breast augmentation may cause DAH caused by negative pressures during the postoperative phase. Thus, surgeons should evaluate the differential diagnosis of DAH for the unknown etiology of postoperative hemoptysis.
A comparative cross-sectional study assessing aesthetic perceptions and acceptability of silver diamine fluoride staining between Spanish and Italian parents.
Authors: Cappiello Maria Chiara , Durán Ana Veloso , Crystal Yasmi Ornelas , Bagattoni Simone , Jimeno Francisco Guinot 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Assessing parental aesthetic acceptability of Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) staining is crucial for its potential implementation in paediatric dentistry in different regions. The aim of this study was to compare aesthetic perceptions and acceptance of SDF staining between Spanish and Italian parents, and assess weather acceptability is influenced by location, child’s cooperation, or demographic background.
Methods
A cross-sectional comparative study was conducted among Spanish and Italian parents at three university dental clinics, using a validated Italian version of the questionnaire “Parental perceptions of Silver Diamine Fluoride Dental Color Changes”.
Results
264 Spanish and 234 Italian parents participated in the survey. 41.8% of Spanish parents, compared to 65.4% of Italians considered staining on posterior teeth acceptable (p < 0.001). 17.2% of Spaniards rated anterior teeth acceptable, versus 19.3% of Italians (p < 0.001). Italian parents showed clearly increased acceptability as child’s cooperation decreased. Acceptability levels in Spain remained more homogeneous, despite linear mixed model identifying a significant increase in acceptability scores from ‘collaboration’ to ‘non-collaboration’ scenario.
Conclusions
Spanish and Italian parents found SDF staining on posterior teeth more acceptable than in anterior regions. Level of acceptance increased with a child’s uncooperative behavior. Spanish parents generally demonstrated a lower acceptance of SDF pigmentation compared to Italians.
Trial registration
NCT06384326 (ClinicalTrials.gov ID)
VEGFA, MYC, and JUN are abnormally elevated in the synovial tissue of patients with advanced osteoarthritis
Authors: Rong Genxiang , Zhang Zhenyu , Zhan Wenjing , Chen Minnan , Ruan Jingjing , Shen Cailiang 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Osteoarthritis (OA), a disease that affects more than 500 million people worldwide, profoundly affects quality of life and the ability to work. The MAPK signaling pathway plays an essential role in various types of inflammatory diseases, including OA. To address the lack of studies focused on synovial cells in OA, we evaluated the expression patterns and roles of the MAPK signaling pathway components in OA synovial tissues using bioinformatics. The expression levels of JUN, MYC, and VEGFA were significantly higher in the synovial tissues of patients with OA than in control tissues. These loci were closely related to abnormal proliferation, inflammation, and angiogenesis in the synovial tissues of patients with OA. We speculate that Myc and VEGFA activate the p38-MAPK signaling pathway to further activate Jun, thereby promoting abnormal inflammation, proliferation, and angiogenesis in OA synovial tissue. Our study found that MYC and VEGFA expression have a combined effect on MAPK activation, and that the upregulation and activation of JUN is associated with the upregulation of MYC and/or VEGFA. Our findings may provide a new combination therapy for the clinical treatment of OA and offer new insight into the pathogenesis of OA.
Identifying Defects and Varieties of Malting Barley Kernels
Authors: Kozłowski Michał , Szczypiński Piotr M. , Reiner Jacek , Lampa Piotr , Mrzygłód Mariusz , Szturo Karolina , Zapotoczny Piotr 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

This study introduces a comprehensive approach for classifying individual malting barley kernels, involving dual-sided kernel imaging, a specifically designed image processing algorithm, an optimized deep neural network architecture, and a mechanical sorting system. The proposed method achieves precise classification into multiple classes, aligning with quality standards for malting material assessment. Throughout the study, various image analysis techniques were assessed, including traditional feature engineering, established transfer learning deep neural network architectures, and our custom-designed convolutional neural network tailored for barley kernel image analysis. Comparative analysis underscores the superior performance of our network model. The study reveals that our proposed deep learning network achieves a 94% accuracy in classifying barley kernel defects and varieties, outperforming well-established transfer learning models with complex architectures that attain 93% accuracy. Additionally, it surpasses the traditional machine learning approach involving feature extraction and support vector machine classifiers, which achieve accuracy below 90% in detecting defective kernels and below 70% in varietal classification. However, we also noted the traditional approach's advantage in morphological feature recognition. This observation guides new research toward integrating morphological feature extraction techniques with modern convolutional networks. This paper presents a deep neural network designed specifically for the analysis of cereal kernel images in two applications: defect and variety classification. It emphasizes the importance of standardizing kernel orientation and merging images from both sides of the kernel, and introduces a device for image acquisition that fulfills this need.
Influence of intravaginal 4-vinylcyclohexene diepoxide on ovarian follicles and estrous cycle in rats
Authors: Santos Endreo Alan Pail dos , Gomes Etiele Maldonado , Haas Sandra Elisa , Trost Maria Elisa , Cibin Francielli Weber Santos , Ribeiro Ana Claudia Funguetto , Mestieri Maria Ligia de Arruda 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
For the population control of stray dogs and cats, alternative methods to surgical castration are being studied and developed, such as chemosterilization. In this context, substances that lead to irreversible degeneration of the tissue administered directly to the gonads are being investigated, with most studies focusing on males due to the ease of access to the testicles. In females, ovarian degeneration is reported with the use of a chemical compound called 4-vinylcyclohexene diepoxide, a selective ovotoxic agent, used in experimental studies in rats to mimic menopause. However, it requires fifteen consecutive days of intraperitoneal application. Envisioning its use for the population control of dogs and cats, a less invasive and effective route is necessary. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of 4-vinylcyclohexene diepoxide on the ovaries and its chemosterilizing potential by intravaginal gel inoculation in rats. Twenty Wistar female rats were used, randomly divided into two groups (n = 10/group): control and treatment. The control group received 0.2 mL of chitosan-based gel, and the treatment group received the same gel containing 4-vinylcyclohexene diepoxide (160 mg/kg) for fifteen days. The rats were evaluated daily by vaginal cytology until euthanasia. The animals were euthanized at two time points (n = 5/group): Sixteen (M1) and thirty (M2) days after the start of treatment. The ovaries were collected, prepared, and evaluated by optical microscopy for counting of primordial and primary follicles.
Results
In the group treated with 4-vinylcyclohexene diepoxide, a prolongation of the diestrus phase (M1 and M2), as well as a prolongation of the estrus phase (M2), was noted after inoculations of the intravaginal gel. Even so, in the treated group, there was an increase in the number of estrous cycles compared to the control group (M1 and M2). In the follicular count, a higher median number of atretic primordial follicles was noted in the group treated in M2. Follicular evaluation in M1 and M2 revealed a higher proportion of healthy primordial follicles in the control group, as well as an increase in the proportion of atretic primordial follicles in the treated group.
Conclusions
It was possible to observe evidence of ovotoxicity of chitosan gel containing 4-vinylcyclohexene diepoxide, applied intravaginally, due to the increase in the population and proportion of atretic primordial follicles and interference in the estrous cycle.