bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimizing Local Area Network efficiency using Riverbed Academic Edition 17.5
Authors: Ali M M Naushad , Ahmed Md Zobayer , Mahmud Khandakar Ehsan , Naim Mir Zulker , A K M Shahabuddin  , Maruf Md Hasan 
Published: August 2024

Over the past two decades, computer networks have been rapidly evolved to accommodate diverse users, hosts, services, and subnets with varying topologies. To evaluate the performance of these networks and their improvements, various methods have been employed and definitely, the Riverbed academic edition version 17.5 can be a better choice for that which can measure network performance by assessing the number of workstations, servers, hosts, services, subnets, and cable categories. In this article, Riverbed Academic Edition, Version 17.5 has been considered as a useful tool for the design and performance optimization of local area computer networks after completing rigorous simulation. The emergence of green computing has become vital as it is playing a crucial aspect of network design, with a focus on reducing power consumption and improving energy efficiency. Creating and duplicating scenarios is a common theme in green computing. At the same time, implementing network measurements can enhance bandwidth and overall performance in the local area. In the simulation, three scenarios - subnet, servers, and LAN connection – have been considered, with categorizations based on their complexity: simple, busy, and fast networks. By analyzing two network models in the evaluation methodology of the local area, the 4-building network model is determined to have superior performance than other models. To summarize, computer networks have been advanced significantly, though continuous improvements and developments are necessary to create efficient and dependable networks.
GUB JOURNAL OF SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING, Vol 9(1), 2022 P 71-81
Combining radiomics and molecular biomarkers: a novel economic tool to improve diagnostic ability in papillary thyroid cancer
Authors: Wang Qingxuan , Dai Linghui , Lin Sisi , Zhang Shuwei , Wen Jing , Chen Endong , Li Quan , You Jie , Qu Jinmiao , Ni Chunjue , Cai Yefeng 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundA preoperative diagnosis to distinguish malignant from benign thyroid nodules accurately and sensitively is urgently important. However, existing clinical methods cannot solve this problem satisfactorily. The aim of this study is to establish a simple, economic approach for preoperative diagnosis in eastern population.MethodsOur retrospective study included 86 patients with papillary thyroid cancer and 29 benign cases. The ITK-SNAP software was used to draw the outline of the area of interest (ROI), and Ultrosomics was used to extract radiomic features. Whole-transcriptome sequencing and bioinformatic analysis were used to identify candidate genes for thyroid nodule diagnosis. RT-qPCR was used to evaluate the expression levels of candidate genes. SVM diagnostic model was established based on the METLAB 2022 platform and LibSVM 3.2 language package.ResultsThe radiomic model was first established. The accuracy is 73.0%, the sensitivity is 86.1%, the specificity is 17.6%, the PPV is 81.6%, and the NPV is 23.1%. Then, CLDN10, HMGA2, and LAMB3 were finally screened for model building. All three genes showed significant differential expressions between papillary thyroid cancer and normal tissue both in our cohort and TCGA cohort. The molecular model was established based on these genetic data and partial clinical information. The accuracy is 85.9%, the sensitivity is 86.1%, the specificity is 84.6%, the PPV is 96.9%, and the NPV is 52.4%. Considering that the above two models are not very effective, We integrated and optimized the two models to construct the final diagnostic model (C-thyroid model). In the training set, the accuracy is 96.7%, the sensitivity is 100%, the specificity is 93.8%, the PPV is 93.3%, and the NPV is 100%. In the validation set, the accuracy is 97.6%, the sensitivity remains 100%, the specificity is 84.6%, the PPV is 97.3%, and the NPV is 100%.DiscussionA diagnostic panel is successfully established for eastern population through a simple, economic approach using only four genes and clinical data.
Use of hCG for luteal support in natural frozen–thawed blastocyst transfer cycles: a cohort study
Authors: Wen Wen , Li Na , Shi Juanzi , Zhou Hanying , Fan Lijuan 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionIn the realm of natural frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) cycles, the application of luteal phase support (LPS) is a prevalent practice, primarily due to its beneficial impact on reproductive outcomes. Among the various LPS medications, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is one that exerts its function on both the corpus luteum and the endometrium.ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of hCG administration as LPS on reproductive outcomes in natural FET cycles.MethodsThis study was a retrospective cohort analysis conducted at a tertiary care hospital. It included women who underwent natural FET treatment from January 2018 to December 2022. Participants were divided into the hCG LPS group and the non-hCG LPS group on the basis of whether they used hCG as LPS after blastocyst transfer. The primary outcome was the clinical pregnancy and live birth rates. The secondary outcomes included the early miscarriage rate (before 12th gestational week) and total miscarriage rate.ResultsA total of 4762 women were included in the analysis, and 1910 received hCG LPS and 2852 received no hCG LPS (control group). In the general cohort, the clinical pregnancy and live birth rates in the hCG LPS group were significantly lower than those in the control group (63.82% vs 66.41%, aOR 0.872, 95% CI 0.765–0.996, P=0.046; 53.98% vs 57.15%, aOR 0.873, 95% CI 0.766–0.991, P=0.035, respectively). The early miscarriage and total miscarriage rates were similar between the two groups. In a subgroup analysis, in women who received an hCG trigger, there was no significant difference in the clinical pregnancy rate or live birth rate between the two groups. However, in women who ovulated spontaneously, the clinical pregnancy and live birth rates in the hCG LPS group were significantly lower than those in the control group (60.99% vs 67.21%, aOR 0.786, 95% CI 0.652–0.946, P=0.011; 50.56% vs 57.63%, aOR 0.743, 95% CI 0.619–0.878, P=0.001, respectively).ConclusionAmong women undergoing natural cycle frozen–thawed blastocyst transfer, hCG LPS is associated with lower clinical pregnancy and live birth rates. Additionally, the adverse effect of hCG LPS is more pronounced in women who ovulate spontaneously.
Monthly industrial added value monitoring model with multi-source big data
Authors: Liu Zhanjie , Fan Shifeng , Yuan Jiaqi , Yang Biao , Tan Hong 
Published: August 2024

Introduction: With the increasing fluctuations in the current domestic and international economic situation and the rapid iteration of macroeconomic regulation and control demands, the inadequacy of the existing economic data statistical system in terms of agility has been exposed. It has become a primary task to closely track and accurately predict the domestic and international economic situation using effective tools and measures to compensate for the inadequate economic early warning system and promote stable and orderly industrial production.Methods: Against this background, this paper takes industrial added value as the forecasting object, uses electricity consumption to predict industrial added value, selects factors influencing industrial added value based on grounded theory, and constructs a big data forecasting model using a combination of “expert interviews + big data technology” for economic forecasting.Results: The forecasting accuracy on four provincial companies has reached over 90%.Discussion: The final forecast results can be submitted to government departments to provide suggestions for guiding macroeconomic development.
Case report: First diagnosis of Fabry disease in North Macedonia in a patient presenting with kidney failure on hemodialysis
Authors: Gjorgjievski Nikola , Karanfilovski Vlatko , Arsov Todor , Vidimliski Pavlina Dzekova , Andreevska Galisna Severeova , Selim Gjulshen , Dejanov Petar , Jordanova Vasilena , Marinova Ivelina , Paskalev Emil , Nikolov Igor G. 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionFabry disease is a rare X-linked lysosomal storage disorder caused by α-galactosidase A (α-Gal A) deficiency. Reduced or absent enzyme activity causes progressive lysosomal accumulation of globotriaosylceramide (Lyso-Gb3) in various cells throughout the body to trigger inflammation and fibrosis.Case descriptionWe present the first familial case of Fabry Disease in North Macedonia identified based on clinical manifestations and confirmed through enzyme, biomarker, and genetic tests. The index case in the family was a 45-year-old male undergoing hemodialysis therapy. He has had chronic burning uncontrolled limb pain since childhood, intermittent abdominal cramps, anhidrosis, and hypertension. The constellation of clinical presentations accompanied by similar symptoms in close family members prompted the enzyme, biomarker, and genetic analyses for Fabry disease. Genetic testing identified a known pathogenic GLA missense variant c.443G&gt;A or p.(Ser148Asn) in the hemizygous state. Subsequent family studies allowed identification of another hemizygous male and five heterozygous female carriers affected by this X-linked disorder.ConclusionWe report identification of the first familial case of Fabry disease in North Macedonia and describe the phenotype associated with the Ser148Asn GLA variant. Greater awareness of this rare disease linked to continuous medical education is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment.
Perspectives of healthcare providers on withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment and advanced directives for unresponsive wakefulness syndrome in China
Authors: Li Meiqi , Dai Siyu , Wang Le , Di Haibo 
Published: August 2024

ObjectivesWe performed the current research to describe healthcare providers’ perspectives toward withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment (WLST) and advanced directive (AD) of patients with unresponsive wakefulness syndrome (UWS) and to identify influencing factors of their perspectives.MethodsHealthcare providers were recruited during a professional conference on disorders of consciousness (DoC). Participants completed self-administered questionnaires which included demographics, personal perspectives regarding WLST and the perception of ADs.ResultsA total of 230 Chinese healthcare providers (female: 69.7%) were included. Only a small proportion reported positive attitudes toward withdrawing artificial nutrition and hydration (35.2%), antibiotics (30.9%), and do-not-resuscitation orders (23.5%) in UWS patients. As for predictors’ identification, religion was significantly associated with the positive attitude toward DNR order (p = 0.004). Moreover, although 47.4% of the participants had never heard of ADs before of conference, almost all of them would consider ADs (95.7%) thereafter, especially for non-neurologists (p = 0.033).ConclusionThe propensity to WLST for UWS in China is low and perspective on WLST is significantly associated with individual characteristics. The attitudes of healthcare providers toward integrating ADs in the decisional process are positive. Future research regarding ADs and their predictors should be carried out to improve the quality of end-of-life care of UWS in China.
Effect of short-term 10 Hz repeated transcranial magnetic stimulation on postural control ability in patients with mild hemiparesis in acute ischemic stroke: a single-blinded randomized controlled trial
Authors: Ma Jiangping , Qian Siyu , Ma Nuo , Zhang Lu , Xu Linghao , Liu Xueyuan , Meng Guilin 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundPrevious studies have demonstrated that repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) can improve postural control in subacute and chronic ischemic stroke, but further research is needed to investigate the effect of rTMS on acute ischemic stroke.ObjectiveWe compared the therapeutic effects of rTMS plus conventional rehabilitation and conventional rehabilitation on postural control in patients with mild hemiparesis in acute ischemic stroke.MethodsEighty-six patients with acute ischemic stroke were randomly assigned to either the experimental group or the control group within 1–7 days of onset. Patients in both groups received conventional rehabilitation for 2 weeks. Patients in the experimental group received rTMS treatments lasting for 2 weeks. Before and after the 2-week treatment, patients were assessed based on the Timed up and Go (TUG) test, Dual-Task Walking (DTW) test, Functional Ambulation Category (FAC), Tinetti Performance Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA), gait kinematic parameters, Barthel Index (BI), Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). Additionally, TUG and single-task gait velocity were assessed at 2 months after the start of treatment, and independent walking recovery was also followed up.ResultsAfter 2 weeks of treatment, compared to conventional rehabilitation, participants who underwent rTMS treatment plus conventional rehabilitation exhibited notable enhancements in TUG, FAC, POMA, and some gait parameters [single-task gait velocity, gait stride length, gait cadence, gait cycle]. Changes in cognitive function partially mediated the improvement in single-task gait velocity and gait stride length by rTMS plus conventional rehabilitation. Generalized Estimating Equation (GEE) analysis showed that the trend of improvement in single-task gait velocity over time was more pronounced in the experimental group than in the control group. The results of the Kaplan–Meier curve indicated a median gait recovery time of 90 days for patients in the experimental group and 100 days for the control group. Multifactorial Cox regression analyses showed that rTMS plus conventional rehabilitation promoted faster recovery of independent walking compared with conventional rehabilitation.ConclusionrTMS plus conventional rehabilitation outperformed conventional rehabilitation in improving postural control in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Improvements in cognitive function may serve as a mediating factor in the favorable treatment outcome of rTMS plus conventional rehabilitation for improving postural control.Clinical trial registrationhttps://www.chictr.org.cn, identifier ChiCTR1900026225.
Felt stigma and associated factors in children and adolescents with epilepsy: a multicenter cross-sectional study in China
Authors: Zhao Jing , Li Shuangzi , Zhang Ni , Cui Cui , Wang Ting , Fan Mingping , Zeng Junqi , Xie Yuan 
Published: August 2024

ObjectiveEpilepsy-related stigma is a global problem, yet there has been an inadequate focus on children and adolescents. The purpose of this study was to determine the status quo of stigma and its determinants among children and adolescents with epilepsy in China.MethodsA multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted across nine hospitals in eight cities within six provinces in China from 10 October 2023 to 15 June 2024. Participants included patients aged 8 to 18 years with epilepsy and their caregivers. Felt stigma was assessed with the Kilifi Stigma Scale for Epilepsy (KSSE). Social support and self-efficacy were collected through the Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS) and the Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES). The data were analyzed using t-tests, analysis of variance (ANOVA), Spearman correlation analysis, and multiple linear regression analysis.ResultsThe study enrolled 281 children and adolescents, with a mean age of 12.25 years (SD = 2.56), including 46.6% females. A total of 35.6% participants had self-reported felt stigma. The mean KSSE score is 9.58 (SD = 7.11). Meanwhile, stigma scores correlated strongly with reduced social support (r = −0.55, p &lt; 0.01) and self-efficacy (r = −0.43, p &lt; 0.01). Place of residence (rural vs. non-rural), academic performance (average and above vs. fair or poor), region (western region vs. non-western region), duration of epilepsy (≤5 years vs. &gt;5 years), drug-resistant epilepsy (yes vs. no), comorbidities (yes vs. no), social support and self-efficacy are major influencing factors among the complex factors influencing the felt stigma among children and adolescents.ConclusionMedical staff should be more aware of stigma among children and adolescents with epilepsy, especially those who live in rural and western areas, have poor academic performance, have epilepsy duration of more than 5 years, have drug-resistant epilepsy, and have comorbidities, who are at higher risk of stigma. It is recommended that effective measures be taken to alleviate stigma by improving children and adolescents’ self-efficacy and providing more social support for them and their families.
Inhibitory effects of prepulse stimuli on the electrophysiological responses to startle stimuli in the deep layers of the superior colliculus
Authors: Ding Yu , Jiang Huan , Xu Na , Li Liang 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundPrepulse inhibition (PPI) is a phenomenon where a weak prepulse stimulus inhibits the startle reflex to a subsequent stronger stimulus, which can be induced by various sensory stimulus modalities such as visual, tactile, and auditory stimuli.MethodsThis study investigates the neural mechanisms underlying auditory PPI by focusing on the deep layers of the superior colliculus (deepSC) and the inferior colliculus (IC) in rats. Nineteen male Sprague-Dawley rats were implanted with electrodes in the left deepSC and the right IC, and electrophysiological recordings were conducted under anesthesia to observe the frequency following responses (FFRs) to startle stimuli with and without prepulse stimuli.ResultsOur results showed that in the deepSC, narrowband noise as a prepulse stimulus significantly inhibited the envelope component of the startle response, while the fine structure component remained unaffected. However, this inhibitory effect was not observed in the IC or when the prepulse stimulus was a gap.ConclusionThese findings suggest that the deepSC plays a crucial role in the neural circuitry of PPI, particularly in the modulation of the envelope component of the startle response. The differential effects of narrowband noise and gap as prepulse stimuli also indicate distinct neural pathways for sound-induced PPI and Gap-PPI. Understanding these mechanisms could provide insights into sensory processing and potential therapeutic targets for disorders involving impaired PPI, such as tinnitus.
Causal associations between fluid intake patterns and dermatitis risk: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Zeng Ruiqi , Guo Beian , Liao Wanzhe , Zhuan Kairui , Chen Huilan , Qin Zixiang , Lin Junxi , Gu Tingyu , Zhou Zhiyi 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundDermatitis is one of the most common skin disorders across the world. Atopic dermatitis (AD) and contact dermatitis (CD) are its two primary types. Few studies have focused on the causal relationship between fluid intake and dermatitis. With an Mendelian Randomization (MR), this study investigated the potential causal effects of alcohol, coffee, tea, and water intake on the risk of AD and CD.MethodsUtilizing genetic variants as instrumental variables (IVs), a two-sample MR analysis was implemented based on data from the UK Biobank and FinnGen r9 consortium. Fluid intake was categorized into alcohol, coffee, tea, and water intake. Causal estimates were analyzed through Inverse Variance Weighted (IVW), MR-Egger, and weighted median methods. Cochran’s Q, MR-Egger intercept, and MR-PRESSO tests were conducted to assess potential heterogeneity and pleiotropy.ResultsWater intake exhibited a significant causal effect on raised CD risk (IVW OR = 2.92, 95% CI: 1.58–5.41, p = &lt;0.01). Coffee intake was associated with increased CD risk (IVW OR = 2.16, 95% CI: 1.19–3.91, p = 0.01). Conversely, tea intake demonstrated a protective effect on AD risk (IVW OR = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.56–0.91, p = &lt;0.01).ConclusionThis MR study suggests a potential association where water and coffee intake may be linked to an elevated risk of CD, while tea intake may potentially have a mitigating effect on AD risk. Modifying fluid intake patterns could be a targeted approach for dermatitis prevention, emphasizing the need for additional longitudinal studies to validate and expand upon these findings.
Causal link between metabolic related factors and osteoarthritis: a Mendelian randomization investigation
Authors: Li Kai , Leng Yan , Lei Di , Zhang Haojie , Ding Minghui , Lo Wai Leung Ambrose 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionMetabolic syndrome (MetS) is significantly associated with osteoarthritis (OA), especially in MetS patients with blood glucose abnormalities, such as elevated fasting blood glucose (FG), which may increase OA risk. Dietary modifications, especially the intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), are regarded as a potential means of preventing MetS and its complications. However, regarding the effects of FG, Omega-3s, and Omega-6s on OA, the research conclusions are conflicting, which is attributed to the complexity of the pathogenesis of OA. Therefore, it is imperative to thoroughly evaluate multiple factors to fully understand their role in OA, which needs further exploration and clarification.MethodsTwo-sample univariable Mendelian randomization (UVMR) and multivariable Mendelian randomization (MVMR) were employed to examine the causal effect of metabolic related factors on hip OA (HOA) or knee OA (KOA). The exposure and outcome datasets were obtained from Open GWAS IEU. All cases were independent European ancestry data. Three MR methods were performed to estimate the causal effect: inverse-variance weighting (IVW), weighted median method (WMM), and MR-Egger regression. Additionally, the intercept analysis in MR-Egger regression is used to estimate pleiotropy, and the IVW method and MR-Egger regression are used to test the heterogeneity.ResultsThe UVMR analysis revealed a causal relationship between FG and HOA. By MVMR analysis, the study discovered a significant link between FG (OR = 0.79, 95%CI: 0.64∼0.99, p = 0.036) and KOA after accounting for body mass index (BMI), age, and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG). However, no causal effects of FG on HOA were seen. Omega-3s and Omega-6s did not have a causal influence on HOA or KOA. No significant evidence of pleiotropy was identified.DiscussionThe MR investigation showed a protective effect of FG on KOA development but no causal relationship between FG and HOA. No causal effect of Omega-3s and Omega-6s on HOA and KOA was observed. Shared genetic overlaps might also exist between BMI and age, SHBG and PUFAs for OA development. This finding offers a novel insight into the treatment and prevention of KOA from glucose metabolism perspective. The FG cutoff value should be explored in the future, and consideration should be given to demonstrating the study in populations other than Europeans.