bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Smart Pipe Length Splitting Method for Cost Minimization of a Pressurized Irrigation Network. A Case Study in Greece
Authors: Samarinas Nikiforos , Gravani Asimenia , Evangelides Christos , Loukas Athanasios 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

The increasing global demand for high-quality agricultural products poses significant challenges for water resource management while the traditional irrigation methods, reliant on open canal systems, are inefficient and environmentally detrimental, necessitating a shift to more efficient pressurized irrigation networks. However, designing these systems is complex and costly, primarily due to the high expenses associated with pipe materials. This research introduces a novel pipe length splitting (PLS) method which optimizes the pipe diameters and lengths by allowing a strategic splitting of the pipes under certain constraints (e.g. flow velocity, head losses etc.) aiming to reduce costs without sacrificing the network efficiency. In this work the proposed PLS method combined with the existing computationally efficient Simplified optimization method offers a robust solution for cost minimization while it is very flexible and compatible also with various existing optimization methods (e.g. linear and dynamic programming). In this work the network under study was the existing open canal irrigation network of Limnochori in North Greece which was studied as a pressurized irrigation network. Applying the Simplified method in conjunction with the PLS, the comparative study shows a total cost reduction of 21,930€ while PLS affected 45% of the total number of pipes. These numbers can be considered remarkable considering that the network can be characterized as a small-medium sized network (107 hydrants). Ultimately, the PLS method is a valuable tool for engineers and decision-makers, which could be used also to other hydraulic works, providing economic benefits through cost savings while also supporting broader goals of environmental sustainability and water resource conservation.
Rainfall analysis using FUCOM weighted logarithmic distance measure based on probabilistic dual hesitant preference values
Authors: . Rohit , Kumar Kamal , Bhardwaj Reeta , Kaur Gagandeep 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Rainfall analysis is an area of primary concern because of the involved uncertainties. These uncertainties may be pertaining to the unambiguous nature of data, intrinsic errors involved due to rainfall randomness etc. To tackle such situations of uncertainties, probabilistic dual hesitant sets (PDHFSs) are the best fit. The information gathered in the form of PDHFSs not only contains the aspect of surety/unsurety, but also considers the associated probable information. Thus, utilizing the advantages of PDHFSs, this article focusses on developing TOPSIS and CODAS based on weight determination using FUCOM technique. Further, the proposed methodology is applied on a problem based on rainfall analysis and a detailed comparison analysis is done with the existing methodologies.
Revisiting contemporary laboratory characteristics of patients with syphilis: insights from a multicenter study
Authors: Yao Hang-Ping , Chen Rui , Mao Han-Xin , Zhang Jia-Le , Zhu Lin-Wei , Wu Kai 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Despite the persistent susceptibility of Treponema pallidum to penicillin, the global incidence of syphilis remains high. Syphilis is a complex disease with physical consequences extending beyond manifestations. In this multicenter case–control study, we analyzed data from 536 patients with syphilis who underwent complete blood cell analysis, biochemical examination, and coagulation function tests at the First Affiliated Hospital Zhejiang University School of Medicine and People’s Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College in China. Moreover, we included 84 bone marrow-derived stem cell donors in the control group. Our findings indicated that patients with syphilis exhibited macrocytic anemia, coagulation abnormalities, multiple organ dysfunction, reduced anabolism and glucose metabolism, and electrolyte imbalance. Notably, HIV infection was noted to exacerbate coagulation disorders and liver injury in patients with syphilis. Furthermore, patients with neurosyphilis demonstrated decreases in the levels of hemostasis and anabolism. The aforementioned laboratory-based pathogenic features represent a contemporary understanding of syphilis progression. As such, when administering anti-T. pallidum treatment to patients with syphilis, particularly those exhibiting penicillin allergy and latent syphilis, medical professionals should address the associated physical damage.
Inclusion of people with disabilities in Chilean health policy: a policy analysis
Authors: Gatta Danae Rodríguez , Monclus Pamela Gutiérrez , Wilbur Jane , Hanefeld Johanna , Banks Lena Morgon , Kuper Hannah 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Around 18% of the population in Chile has disabilities. Evidence shows that this population has greater healthcare needs, yet they face barriers to accessing healthcare due to health system failures. This paper aims to assess the inclusion of people with disabilities in health policy documents and to explore the perceptions of key national stakeholders regarding the policy context, policy processes, and actors involved.
Methods
A policy content analysis was conducted of 12 health policy documents using the EquiFrame framework, adapted to assess disability inclusion. Documents were reviewed and rated on their quality of commitment against 21 core concepts of human rights in the framework. Key national stakeholders (n = 15) were interviewed, and data were thematically analysed under the Walt and Gilson Policy Analysis Triangle, using NVivo R1.
Results
Core human rights concepts of disability were mentioned at least once in nearly all health policy documents (92%). However, 50% had poor policy commitments for disability. Across policies, Prevention of health conditions was the main human rights concept reflected, while Privacy of information was the least referenced concept. Participants described a fragmented disability movement and health policy, related to a dominant biomedical model of disability. It appeared that disability was not prioritized in the health policy agenda, due to ineffective mainstreaming of disability by the Government and the limited influence and engagement of civil society in policy processes. Moreover, the limited existing policy framework on disability inclusion is not being implemented effectively. This implementation gap was attributed to lack of financing, leadership, and human resources, coupled with low monitoring of disability inclusion.
Conclusions
Improvements are needed in both the development and implementation of disability-inclusive health policies in Chile, to support the achievement of the right to healthcare for people with disabilities and ensuring that the health system truly “leaves no one behind”.
Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) Location – seconds that save lifes
Authors: Timler Wojciech , Jaskiewicz Filip , Kempa Joanna , Timler Dariusz 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

1. Introduction and objective
Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a significant cause of adult mortality, categorized into in-hospital (IHCA) and out-of-hospital (OHCA). Survival in OHCA depends on early diagnosis, alerting Emergency Medical Service (EMS), high-quality bystander resuscitation, and prompt Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) use. Accelerating technological progress supports faster AED retrieval and use, but there are barriers in real-life OHCA situations. The study assesses 6th-year medical students' ability to locate AEDs using smartphones, revealing challenges and proposing solutions.
2. Material & Methods
The study was conducted in 2022-2023 at the Medical University of Lodz, Poland. Respondents completed a survey on AED knowledge and characteristics, followed by a task to find the nearest AED using their own smartphones. As common sources did not list the University AEDs, respondents were instructed to locate the nearest AED outside the research site.
3. Results
A total of 300 6th-year medical students took part in the study. Only 3.3% had an AED locating app. Only 32% of students claimed to know where the AED nearest to their home is. All 300 had received AED training, and almost half had been witness to a resuscitation.
Out of the 291 medical students who completed the AED location task, the median time to locate the nearest AED was 58 seconds. Most participants (86.6%) found the AED within 100 seconds, and over half (53%) did so in under 1 minute.
4. Conclusions
National registration of AEDs should be mandatory. A unified source of all AEDs mapped should be created or added to existing ones. With a median of under one minute, searching for AED by a bystander should be considered as a point in the chain of survival.
Comparisons between Criteria for Successful Radioiodine Remnant Ablation in a cohort of Patients with Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Wang Junyao , Chai Hong , Yang Jiahuan , Zhu Yunyun , Zhong Peng , Chen Zequan , He Ziyan , Zhang Ke , Chen Libo 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Objective
Multiple criteria for successful radioiodine remnant ablation (RRA) under thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)-stimulation have been inconsistently employed, resulting in difficulties in efficacy comparison and iatrogenic hypothyroidism. Establishing an optimal standard for successful RRA is a priority.
Methods
Five existing criteria for successful RRA under endogenous TSH-stimulation were retrieved and then compared in a cohort of 51 patients with papillary thyroid cancer post RRA. Criterion A, a negative diagnostic 131I whole-body scan (DxWBS); Criterion B, a negative DxWBS and serum thyroglobulin (Tg) < 2 ng/mL, irrespective of anti-thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb) level; Criterion C, Tg < 2 ng/mL with TgAb ≤ 46 IU/mL; Criterion D, a negative DxWBS and Tg < 1ng/mL with TgAb ≤ 100 IU/mL or a negative DxWBS with TgAb > 100 IU/mL; Criterion E, a negative DxWBS and Tg ≤ 1 ng/mL with TgAb ≤ 46 IU/mL. Non-TSH-stimulated DxWBS was compared to TSH-stimulated DxWBS.
Results
Success rates of 98.0% (50/51), 78.4% (40/51), 78.0% (32/41), 64.7% (33/51) and 56.1% (23/41) were achieved regarding the criteria A, B, C, D, and E, respectively. The success rate of RRA by criterion A was significantly higher than those by other criteria. The similar success rates of RRA by criteria B and C were higher than that by criterion E. The success rate of RRA regarding non-TSH stimulated DxWBS was comparable to that of TSH-stimulated DxWBS, with a negative predictive value of 98.0%.
Conclusions
Compared with negative TSH-stimulated DxWBS criterion, the success rate of RRA decreases when the cut-off value of serum Tg is introduced. A negative non-TSH-stimulated DxWBS seems promising in predicting a successful RRA.
Absolute blood lymphocytes/monocytes and lymphocytes/neutrophils in patients with neurosyphilis may affect the response to therapy and diagnostic efficacy
Authors: Guan Hongjing , Di Xiaoyun , Li Mengqing , Yu Nawei , Cai Rentian , Chen Chen , Peng Jingli , Xia Zihao , Wei Hongxia 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background:To investigate the effects of absolute blood lymphocytes/absolute monocyte (LMR), absolute lymphocytes/absolute neutrophils (LNR) and sero-TRUST titers on treatment response after initial treatment in HIV-negative neurosyphilis (NS) patients, whether they can be used as auxiliary indicators for response after treatment.
Methods: NS patients who were hospitalized in Nanjing Second Hospital from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2022 for initial treatment ,complete treatment response will be taken as the study endpoint. COX regression was used to analyze the influencing factors of treatment response in NS patients. Evaluate the ability to respond by assessing baseline LMR and LNR, changes in LMR and LNR at different time points compared to baseline, and the multiple decrease in the toluidine red unheated serum test titer from baseline(sero-TRUST) using time-dependent ROC curves.The forest plot analyzed the influencing factors of the LNR difference between baseline and 3 months after treatment (LNR3), baseline sero-TRUST titer (sero-TRUST0), sero-TRUST decrease from baseline at 3 months or 6 months after treatment (sero-TRUST3 or sero-TRUST6).
Results: A total of 249 patients were included in this study, including 200 in the response group and 49 in the non-response group.Univariate and multivariate COX regression analysis showed that baseline blood LMR> 1.93 (HR : 2.907, P=0.013), LNR > 0.3 (HR: 0.559, P= 0.013), and sero-TRUST titer >1:16 (HR: 1.760, P=0.002) affects the outcome of response after treatment. The AUC of LNR3 > 0.12 at 3M was 81.52 , the AUC of the baseline sero-TRUST titer was > 1:16 was 71.64, and the AUC of sero-TRUST3 titer decreased by more than 2 times at 3M was 72.85.The forest plot showed that if the blood was positive for syphilis ≥for 240 days before screening, the more likely the baseline sero-TRUST titer was less than 1:16.
Conclusion: The complete response rate of patients with NS to initial treatment was low, and peripheral blood LMR ,LNR ,and sero-TRUST may affect treatment response.The increase in LNR3 > 0.12 ,the baseline sero-TRUST titer > 1:16 , and the sero-TRUST 3 >2 titer could be used as auxiliary indicators to evaluate the treatment response of patients.
Accessing the Efficacy and Peri-Operative Adverse Effects of Three Different Hyperbaric Bupivacaine 0.5% Dosages for Spinal Anesthesia Induction in Lower Limb Orthopedic Surgeries: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Soufiani Alireza Rezayi , Joulani Mohammadamin , Jolani Mohammad Sajad , parish masoud 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Spinal anesthesia (SA) is a conventional method for proper nerve block in abdominopelvic and lower extremity surgeries. It is approximately used in over 5% of surgical interventions worldwide. Compared to general anesthesia, SA has reduced perioperative complications significantly. Bupivacaine hydrochloride is a relatively safe and widely used anesthetic drug for SA induction. The hyperbaric type of bupivacaine (HB) induces anesthesia more efficiently with a lower incidence of life-threatening adverse reactions like Perioperative hemodynamic changes and respiratory depression. More investigations are needed to define the best dosage that provides adequate anesthesia while reducing adverse effects for each surgical procedure.
Methods
this double-blinded randomized clinical trial compared the consequences of the (12.5mg,15mg,20mg) dosages of HB-bupivacaine in elective lower limb orthopedic surgery. Using block randomization, we allocated 60 participants to three (n = 20) study groups. The same protocol of anesthesia induction was used for patients. Outcome variables assumed as the incidence of the adverse effects (Hypotension, Anxiety, Bradycardia, Nausea and Vomiting(N/V), Hypoventilation, and Decreased o2 saturation), and the requirement for intervention to control the unwanted reaction. Addressing that, blood pressure (BP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), oxygen saturation (O2 sat), and respiratory rate (RR) were measured 10 times perioperatively. One-way ANOVA test, the chi2 test, or repeated measures ANOVA test with the Bonferroni adjustment were utilized as appropriate.
Results
We found that the incidence of hypotension and the N/V are associated with the HB-bupivacaine dosage. Contrary, our findings indicate that the incidence of apnea, bradycardia, and hypoventilation did not exhibit a significant dose-dependent pattern between the groups. Repeated measures analysis revealed significant intergroup differences for Herat rate, systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressure. The observed differences were more prominent 10–30 minutes after injection of HB-bupivacaine. The regression model claimed that gender and drug dosage significantly predict the incidence of adverse effects.
Conclusion
Our results, suggest that the administration of the 12.5mg HB-bupivacaine provides adequate anesthesia while minimizing the risk of adverse events for lower limb orthopedic surgeries lasting up to 180 minutes.
Trial registration:
The study was registered at the Clinical Trial Registry Center (IRCT20160202026328N7).
Association between antithrombotic agents use and hepatocellular carcinoma risk: a two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis
Authors: Yang Fengyi , Li Ouyang , Gao Benjian , Chen Zhuo , Li Bo , He Jiaqi , Yang Xiaoli 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer worldwide. Multiple observational studies demonstrated a negative correlation between the use of antithrombotic agents and the risk of HCC. However, the precise causal relationship between these factors remains uncertain. Therefore, our study used a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to assess the causal link between these two factors.
Method: The summary statistics of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with the use of antithrombotic agents were acquired from a genome-wide association study (GWAS) performed on individuals of European descent, as well as from the GWAS on the UK Biobank. A two-sample MR analysis was performed using the inverse variance weighting (IVW), the weighted median estimate, the MR-Egger regression, and the weighted-mode estimate. The robustness of the primary findings was assessed by sensitivity analysis.
Results: Ten SNPs associated with the use of antithrombotic agents were selected as instrumental variables. The MR analysis performed using the four methods mentioned above revealed a negative correlation between the use of antithrombotic agents and HCC. The other methods also produced similar results. No heterogeneity and horizontal pleiotropy were found.
Conclusion: Our findings suggested an inverse association of antithrombotic agents with the risk of HCC.
The Effect of Internet Addiction on Well-Being among University Students in Hong Kong
Authors: Lai Cyrus 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

This paper investigates the effect of Internet Addiction on university students’ well-being, focusing on parental strain, study strain, and self-identity. The research model is based on the conservation of resource theory, which suggests stress interaction and resource loss spiral. A sample of 74 Hong Kong university students revealed parental strain and study strain positively related to Internet Addiction, parental strain is significantly negatively correlated with well-being, and resources can significantly predict well-being.
Elevated cytokine levels in the central nervous system of cluster headache patients in bout and in remission
Authors: Ran Caroline , Olofsgård Felicia Jennysdotter , Wellfelt Katrin , Steinberg Anna , Belin Andrea Carmine 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background: Cluster headache is characterized by activation of the trigeminovascular pathway with subsequent pain signalling in the meningeal vessels, and inflammation has been suggested to play a role in the pathophysiology. To further investigate inflammation in cluster headache, inflammatory markers were analysed in patients with cluster headache and controls.
Methods: We performed a case-control study, collecting cerebrospinal fluid and serum samples from healthy controls, cluster headache patients in remission, active bout, and during an attack to cover the dynamic range of the cluster headache phenotype. Inflammatory markers were quantified using Target 48 OLINK cytokine panels.
Results: Altered levels of several cytokines were found in patients with cluster headache compared to controls. CCL8, CCL13, CCL11, CXCL10, CXCL11, HGF, MMP1, TNFSF10 and TNFSF12 levels in cerebrospinal fluid were comparable in active bout and remission, though significantly higher than in controls. In serum samples, CCL11 and CXCL11 displayed decreased levels in patients. Only one cytokine, IL-13 was differentially expressed in serum during attacks.
Conclusion and Interpretation: Our data shows signs of possible neuroinflammation occurring in biological samples from cluster headache patients. Increased cerebrospinal fluid cytokine levels are detectable in active bout and during remission, indicating neuroinflammation could be considered a marker for cluster headache and is unrelated to the different phases of the disorder.
Prognostic significance and treatment strategies for IKZF1 deletion in pediatric B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Pan Lili , Chen Yiqiao , Weng Kaizhi , Guo Biyun , Zhuang Shuquan , Huang Shuxian , Lian Zhulan , Wang Xiaofang , Li Nainong , Zheng Yongzhi 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
The predictive importance of IKZF1del in pediatric B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (BCP-ALL) has shown variability across different studies. Thus, the optimal treatment approach for children with IKZF1del BCP-ALL remains contentious, with ongoing debate surrounding the use of IKZF1del-based high-risk stratification versus a minimal residual disease (MRD)-guided protocol.
Methods
IKZF1 status was reliably determined in 804 patients using multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) data obtained from four hospitals in Fujian, a province of China. In the Chinese Children Leukemia Group (CCLG)-ALL 2008 cohort, IKZF1 status was included in the risk assignment, with all IKZF1del patients receiving a high-risk regimen. Conversely, in the Chinese Children’s Cancer Group (CCCG)-ALL 2015 cohort, IKZF1del was not incorporated into the risk assignment, and patients were treated based on an MRD-guided risk stratification protocol.
Results
IKZF1 del was found in 86 patients (86/804, 10.7%) overall and in 30 (30/46, 65.2%) BCR-ABL1-positive patients. For patients overall, IKZF1del was a poor prognostic predictor, though the significance diminished upon age adjustment, white blood cell (WBC) count at diagnosis, treatment group, and MRD status. In the CCLG-ALL 2008 cohort, IKZF1del conferred a notably lower 5-year overall survival (OS) and event-free survival (EFS) and a significantly higher 5-year cumulative incidence of relapse (CIR) than IKZF1wt. In the CCLG-ALL 2015 cohort, IKZF1del conferred a lower 5-year OS and EFS and a higher 5-year CIR than IKZF1wt, but the differences were not significant. The IKZF1del patients treated with higher intensity chemotherapy (CCLG-ALL 2008 high-risk regimen) had a markedly lower 5-year OS and EFS compared with those treated with the MRD-guided protocol (CCCG-ALL 2015 protocol). Furthermore, patients treated with the CCLG-ALL 2008 high-risk regimen experienced a higher frequency of serious adverse events (SAEs), especially infection-related SAEs, compared with those treated with the CCCG-ALL 2015 MRD-guided protocol.
Conclusions
The prognostic effect of IKZF1del may vary in different protocols. Compared with higher intensity chemotherapy, the MRD-guided protocol may be a more effective approach to treating BCP-ALL with IKZF1del in children.