bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between optic disc pallor and lacunar stroke
Authors: Gibbon Samuel , Doubal Fergus , Chappell Francesca , Wardlaw Joanna M , Dhillon Baljean , MacGillivray Thomas 
Published: August 2024

ObjectiveTo test for associations between optic disc pallor and two clinical variables: ischaemic stroke subtype (cortical and lacunar) and cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) scores in a cohort of hospital patients admitted with mild stroke (Mild Stroke Study 1).MethodsWe used previously validated software,PallorMetrics, to quantify optic disc pallor in colour fundus photographs of patients diagnosed as having either cortical (n=92) or lacunar (n=92) stroke. We used logistic regression to assess the relationship between stroke type and disc pallor in several zones and ordinal logistic regression to assess the relationship between disc pallor and total SVD score. The left and right eyes were analysed separately.ResultsIn the right eye, independent of age, sex, disc area, hypertension and diabetes, increased optic disc pallor was significantly associated with lacunar stroke in all zones (for global pallor: OR per SD increase=1.55, 95% CI 1.11 to 2.17, p=0.011) and total SVD score in the temporal superior (standardised β=0.36, SE=0.15, p=0.020) and nasal-inferior zones (standardised β=0.44, SE=0.15, p=0.004) in the right eye. Weaker trends were observed in the left eye; however, these did not reach statistical significance.ConclusionOptic disc pallor may be associated with SVD severity and lacunar stroke, which may reflect vascular damage to the optic nerve or its pathways. Our findings underscore the utility of colour fundus photography to learn more about SVD pathology.
Effects of vitamin D supplementation on the glycaemic indices, lipid profile and liver function tests in patients with cirrhosis: a double-blind randomised controlled trial
Authors: Derogar Kasmaei Seyedeh Roghayeh , Parastouei Karim , Hosseini Ahangar Behnam , Saberifiroozi Mehdi , Taghdir Maryam 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundLiver cirrhosis is considered a progressive disease that can eventually result in death. Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent in patients with cirrhosis. Few studies have been conducted on the effect of vitamin D supplementation in patients with cirrhosis.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to identify the effect of vitamin D supplementation on lipid profile, glycaemic indices and liver function tests in patients with cirrhosis.MethodsSixty patients with cirrhosis were involved in this double-blind, randomised controlled clinical trial. During the intervention, patients received one 50 000 IU pearl of vitamin D supplement or placebo per week for 12 weeks. Before and after supplementation, we assessed serum 25-hydroxy-vitamin-D3 (25(OH) D3), glycaemic indices (insulin, haemoglobin A1c, fasting blood glucose (FBG) and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR)), lipid profile and liver function tests.ResultsBaseline variables were not significantly different between groups. The present study indicated that over the 12 weeks, vitamin D supplementation significantly increased serum 25(OH) D3 (p<0.001), and also significantly decreased FBG (p=0.006), and HOMA-IR (p=0.001).ConclusionsVitamin D supplementation significantly improves FBG and HOMA-IR as well as serum 25(OH) D3in patients with cirrhosis.Trial registration numberThe protocol of the study was registered at the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT) (IRCT20140502017522N2).
Peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer thinning in patients with X-linked retinoschisis
Authors: Kiraly Peter , Gavrić Ana Uršula , Reichel Felix F , Birtel Johannes , Mautone Luca , Atiskova Yevgeniya , Herrmann Philipp , Jarc-Vidmar Martina , Hawlina Marko , Downes Susan M , Fischer M Dominik 
Published: August 2024

AimsTo assess peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer (pRNFL) thickness in patients with X-linked retinoschisis (XLRS), as pRNFL thinning may limit functional improvements in gene therapy trials.MethodsThis retrospective multicentre study included 49 eyes from 25 patients diagnosed with XLRS. Data collected with multimodal imaging at baseline and last follow-up (when available) included age, best-recorded visual acuity (BRVA), central retinal thickness (CRT), macular volume (MV), presence and location of peripheral retinoschisis and pRNFL thickness in the global (G), superotemporal (TS), superonasal (NS), inferotemporal (TI), inferonasal (NI), nasal (N) and temporal (T) sectors. Retinal sensitivity, assessed by microperimetry, was also recorded for seven patients at baseline.ResultspRNFL was thinner (below the fifth percentile) in at least one sector in 72% of the right eyes and 79% of the left eyes, with thinning across three or more sectors in 20% of the right and 17% of the left eyes. In 44% of cases, thinning occurred in the temporal sectors of both eyes, with no nasal sectoral thinning. Peripheral retinoschisis quadrants topographically matched the corresponding thinned pRNFL sectors. A strong positive correlation was found between MV and temporal pRNFL thickness (r=0.71, p<0.01), while weak negative correlation trends were noted with age (p=0.05) and BRVA (logMAR; p=0.12) related to temporal thickness of pRNFL sectors.ConclusionpRNFL thinning, predominantly sectoral and linked to macular or peripheral retinoschisis, occurs in about three-quarters of patients with XLRS, while diffuse thinning occurs in one-fifth. Temporal pRNFL thinning might occur only after the collapse of intraretinal cystoid cavities in the macula.
Implementation of the WHO standards to assess quality of care for children with acute pain in EDs: findings of a multicentre study (CHOICE) in Italy
Authors: Balestra Elia , Cozzi Giorgio , Sforzi Idanna , Liguoro Ilaria , Felici Enrico , Fasoli Silvia , Bressan Silvia , Minute Marta , Portale Laura , Dalena Paolo , Lubrano Riccardo , Troisi Angela , Valentino Kevin , Casciana Maria Luisa , Ferro Benedetta , Bloise Silvia , Marchetti Federico , Baltag Valentina , Barbi Egidio , Lazzerini Marzia 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundThere is little experience on the use of the WHO Standards for improving the quality of care (QOC) for children. We describe the use of four prioritised WHO Standard-based Quality Measures to assess the provision of care for children with pain in emergency departments (EDs).MethodsIn a multicentre observational study in 10 EDs with different characteristics in Italy, we collected data on 3355 children accessing the EDs between January 2019 and December 2020. The association between children and facility characteristics and quality measures was analysed through multivariate analyses.ResultsThe proportion of children whose pain was measured was 68.7% (n=2305), with extreme variations across different centres (from 0.0% to 99.8%, p<0.001). The proportion of children treated for pain was 28.9% (n=970) again with a wide range (5.3%–56.3%, p<0.001). The difference between the frequency of children with pain measured and pain treated varied widely between the facilities (ranging from −24.3 to 82). Children with moderate and severe pain were more frequently treated (48.9% and 62.9% of cases, respectively), although with large variations across centres (ranges: 0%–74.8% and 0%–100% respectively, p<0.001). After correction for children’s characteristics, the variable more strongly associated with analysed outcomes was the facility which the child accessed for care. Being a facility in Northern Italy was associated with a higher rate of pain measurement (67.3%–95% CI: 39.9% to 94.6%, p<0.001) compared with facilities in South Italy (−22.1% lower (95% CI: −41.7% to −2.50%, p=0.03).ConclusionsThe use of few WHO Standard-based measures related to pain can help identifying priority gaps in QOC for children and in monitoring it over time. There is a need for more implementation research to establish which are the most sustainable and effective interventions to improve the QOC for acute pain in children.
Uncovering early predictors of cerebral palsy through the application of machine learning: a case–control study
Authors: Rapuc Sara , Stres Blaž , Verdenik Ivan , Lučovnik Miha , Osredkar Damjan 
Published: August 2024

ObjectiveCerebral palsy (CP) is a group of neurological disorders with profound implications for children’s development. The identification of perinatal risk factors for CP may lead to improved preventive and therapeutic strategies. This study aimed to identify the early predictors of CP using machine learning (ML).DesignThis is a retrospective case–control study, using data from the two population-based databases, the Slovenian National Perinatal Information System and the Slovenian Registry of Cerebral Palsy. Multiple ML algorithms were evaluated to identify the best model for predicting CP.SettingThis is a population-based study of CP and control subjects born into one of Slovenia’s 14 maternity wards.ParticipantsA total of 382 CP cases, born between 2002 and 2017, were identified. Controls were selected at a control-to-case ratio of 3:1, with matched gestational age and birth multiplicity. CP cases with congenital anomalies (n=44) were excluded from the analysis. A total of 338 CP cases and 1014 controls were included in the study.Exposure135 variables relating to perinatal and maternal factors.Main outcome measuresReceiver operating characteristic (ROC), sensitivity and specificity.ResultsThe stochastic gradient boosting ML model (271 cases and 812 controls) demonstrated the highest mean ROC value of 0.81 (mean sensitivity=0.46 and mean specificity=0.95). Using this model with the validation dataset (67 cases and 202 controls) resulted in an area under the ROC curve of 0.77 (mean sensitivity=0.27 and mean specificity=0.94).ConclusionsOur final ML model using early perinatal factors could not reliably predict CP in our cohort. Future studies should evaluate models with additional factors, such as genetic and neuroimaging data.
Photon orbits and phase transitions in Kiselev-AdS black holes from $$f(R,\; T)$$ gravity
Authors: Sood Ashima , Kumar Arun , Singh J. K. , Ghosh Sushant G. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe acceleration observed in cosmological expansion is often attributed to negative pressure, potentially arising from quintessence. We explore the relationship between the photon orbit radius and the phase transition of spherical AdS black holes in f(R, T) gravity influenced by quintessence dark energy, specifically Kiselev-AdS black holes in f(R, T) gravity. We are treating the negative cosmological constant $$\Lambda $$
Λ
as the system’s pressure to examine the impact of the state parameter $$\omega $$
ω
and the f(R, T) gravity parameter $$\gamma $$
γ
. Interestingly, Kiselev-AdS black holes within the f(R, T) gravity framework exhibit a van der Waals-like phase transition. In contrast, these black holes display a Hawking–Page-like phase transition in general relativity. We demonstrate that below the critical point, the black hole undergoes a first-order vdW-like phase transition, with $$r_{ps}$$

r

ps

and $$u_{ps}$$

u

ps

serving as order parameters exhibiting a critical exponent of 1/2, similar to ordinary thermal systems. It suggests that $$r_{ps}$$

r

ps

and $$u_{ps}$$

u

ps

can serve as order parameters in characterizing black hole phase transitions, hinting at a potentially universal gravitational relationship near critical points within black hole thermodynamic systems. Investigating the correlation between photon sphere radius and thermodynamic phase transitions provides a valuable means of distinguishing between different gravity theory models, ultimately shedding light on the nature of dark energy. Finally, as $$\gamma $$
γ
tends towards zero, our results precisely align with those of Kiselev-AdS black holes.
Growth kinetics and structure of a colloidal silica-based network: in situ RheoSAXS investigations
Authors: Seljelid Konstanse Kvalem , Neto Osvaldo Trigueiro , Akanno Andrew Ndubuisi , Ceccato Bruno Telli , Ravindranathan Rini Padinjakkara , Azmi Namrah , Cavalcanti Leide P. , Fjelde Ingebret , Knudsen Kenneth Dahl , Fossum Jon Otto 
Published: August 2024

AbstractSilica gels have a multitude of applications ranging from cosmetics and food science to oil and gas recovery. For proper design and application, it is important to have a thorough understanding of the underlying mechanisms of gel formation under different circumstances. The growth and structure of colloidal silica gels has been investigated using RheoSAXS to study the effect of silica concentration, NaCl concentration, temperature and shear rate. Additionally, SAXS in combination with a strong magnetic field has been applied to investigate the effect of magnetic microparticles and magnetic field on the development of the gel structure. Results indicate that the strongest effect on the gel kinetics are achieved by altering the activator concentration, here in the form of NaCl, followed by silica concentration and temperature. Small structural effects were also observed, with larger cluster sizes being produced at lower silica concentration and at higher NaCl concentration. Applying shear caused major changes both in structure as well as the macroscopic behavior of the silica, preventing the gel from reaching an arrested state, instead forming a viscous liquid. Applying a magnetic field appears to suppress the formation of larger clusters. The same effect is observed for increasing magnetic microparticle concentrations.
Graphical Abstract
A Lightweight Convolutional Neural Network-Reformer Model for Efficient Epileptic Seizure Detection
Authors: Cui Haozhou , Zhong Xiangwen , Li Haotian , Li Chuanyu , Dong Xingchen , Ji Dezan , He Landi , Zhou Weidong 
Published: August 2024

A real-time and reliable automatic detection system for epileptic seizures holds significant value in assisting physicians with rapid diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy. Aiming to address this issue, a novel lightweight model called Convolutional Neural Network-Reformer (CNN-Reformer) is proposed for seizure detection on long-term EEG. The CNN-Reformer consists of two main parts: the Data Reshaping (DR) module and the Efficient Attention and Concentration (EAC) module. This framework reduces network parameters while retaining effective feature extraction of multi-channel EEGs, thereby improving model computational efficiency and real-time performance. Initially, the raw EEG signals undergo Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT) for signal filtering, and then fed into the DR module for data compression and reshaping while preserving local features. Subsequently, these local features are sent to the EAC module to extract global features and perform categorization. Post-processing involving sliding window averaging, thresholding, and collar techniques is further deployed to reduce the false detection rate (FDR) and improve detection performance. On the CHB-MIT scalp EEG dataset, our method achieves an average sensitivity of 97.57%, accuracy of 98.09%, and specificity of 98.11% at segment-based level, and a sensitivity of 96.81%, along with FDR of 0.27/h, and latency of 17.81 s at the event-based level. On the SH-SDU dataset we collected, our method yielded segment-based sensitivity of 94.51%, specificity of 92.83%, and accuracy of 92.81%, along with event-based sensitivity of 94.11%. The average testing time for 1[Formula: see text]h of multi-channel EEG signals is 1.92[Formula: see text]s. The excellent results and fast computational speed of the CNN-Reformer model demonstrate its potential for efficient seizure detection.
Periodic Orbit Dividing Surfaces in Rotating Hamiltonian Systems with Three Degrees of Freedom – II
Authors: Katsanikas Matthaios , Wiggins Stephen 
Published: August 2024

This paper expands the concept of periodic orbit dividing surfaces within rotating Hamiltonian systems possessing three degrees of freedom. Initially, we detail the implementation of our second method for constructing these surfaces, as outlined in [ Katsanikas & Wiggins , 2021b , 2023b ], for such systems. Subsequently, we analyze the configuration of these surfaces within a rotating quadratic normal-form Hamiltonian system characterized by three degrees of freedom.
Análise epidemiológica da Sífilis Congênita no Brasil entre 2019 - 2022
Authors: Abrão Roberta Maria , Mendes Ellen Teodora Coelho , Pinheiro Danielle Ivy de Almeida , Albani Pedro Pavesi Simão , Cimini Christiane Corrêa Rodrigues 
Published: August 2024

Objetivo: Realizar estudo epidemiológico acerca dos casos notificados de sífilis congênita entre os anos de 2019 a 2022. Metodologia: Estudo quantitativo e retrospectivo, a partir de dados coletados no Sistema de Informações e Agravos de Notificação (SINAN) referentes ao período de 2019 a 2022, disponível nos Departamento de Informática do Sistema Único de Saúde (DATASUS). As informações obtidas foram: estratificação dos casos por região brasileira, faixa etária, raça, escolaridade, realização do pré-natal, tratamento e evolução clínica da criança. Resultados: Foram notificados 102.356 casos de sífilis congênita em crianças menores de 1 ano de idade confirmados por meio do SINAN no Brasil, entre 2019 e 2022, no qual destaca-se maior concentração de casos na região Sudeste cerca de 28,57% dos casos. Houve uma maior proporção de casos entre mães com idades entre 20 e 29 anos (57,10%), pardas (58,63%) e com ensino médio completo (19,88%). A proporção de realização do pré-natal se manteve acima de 80%, no entanto, o percentual de mães com tratamento inadequado ou não realizado também permaneceu acima de 80%. A proporção de crianças que sobreviveram foi superior a 87%. Conclusão: Evidencia-se tendência preocupante à persistência dos casos de sífilis congênita no Brasil, diante desse cenário, é imperioso o incentivo à adoção de medidas abrangentes que visem o acesso aos serviços de saúde e conscientização da população, a fim de fortalecer os sistemas de vigilância epidemiológica.
Relationship Between Cardiac Structure and Function With Renal Function Trajectory and Outcomes in Patients With Heart Failure: Insights From the PARAGON-HF Trial
Authors: Lu Henri , Chatur Safia , Lee Sahmin , Inciardi Riccardo M. , Abanda Martin , Mc Causland Finnian R. , Kalayci Arzu , Taheri Kimia Karimi , Shah Amil M. , Cikes Maja , Claggett Brian L. , Prasad Narayana , Lam Carolyn S.P. , O’Meara Eileen , Wang Xiaowen , McMurray John J.V. , Pfeffer Marc A. , Hegde Sheila M. , Solomon Scott D. , Skali Hicham 
Published: August 2024

BACKGROUND:
Renal dysfunction is common and associated with a poor prognosis in patients with heart failure. However, the association of cardiac structure and function with decline in kidney function in this population is unknown. We aimed to assess the association between individual measures of cardiac structure and function with changes in renal function and renal outcomes in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.

METHODS:
Patients enrolled in the PARAGON-HF (Prospective Comparison of Angiotensin Receptor–Neprilysin Inhibitor With Angiotensin-Receptor Blockers Global Outcomes in Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction) echocardiographic substudy were included. The association between each echocardiographic parameter (expressed in standardized units) and changes over time in estimated glomerular filtration rate was calculated with repeated-measures mixed-effect models. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were used to identify individual cardiac parameters associated with the composite renal outcome (≥50% decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate relative to baseline, development of end-stage renal disease, or death attributable to renal causes), after adjusting for covariates.

RESULTS:

Among 1097 patients (mean age 74±8 years and 53% women), over a median follow-up of 2.9 years, 28 composite renal events (0.9 per 100 person-years) occurred. Higher left ventricular (LV) mass index and higher E/average e′ ratio were associated with significantly more profound annual decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate (for both, −0.4 [95% CI, −0.7 to −0.1] mL/min/1.73 m
2
/y per 1 higher SD). Higher LV mass index, LV end-diastolic volume index, right ventricular end-diastolic area, and a lower right ventricular fractional area change were each associated with a significantly higher risk for the composite renal outcome.

CONCLUSIONS:
In the PARAGON-HF echocardiographic substudy, higher LV mass and filling pressures were independently associated with more profound kidney function decline, and higher LV mass and volume, as well as impaired right ventricular structure and function, were each associated with renal events. Assessing these parameters may help identify patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction at higher risk for adverse renal events and indicate potential therapeutic targets.

REGISTRATION:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT01920711.
Jews and Non-Jews in the Budapest Bar Association
Authors: Buchmüller Peter 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Legal experts and lawyers in particular, had a uniquely important role in the process of state-building and modernization of the Habsburg Empire. After the collapse of the Monarchy, their contribution to the transition from a multinational empire to a nation-state was crucial, too. New states with different political contexts had various impacts on the profession itself and its inner life as well. Chambers were struggling to maintain their autonomy against the state, and at the same time, radically anti-Semitic ideologies were emerging within the profession and eventually came into power. This group of professionals could serve as an excellent proxy to study the complex process of social, political, and cultural developments of the elites from the imperial to interwar years and also to explore encounters between Jews and non-Jews and their changes. This paper aims to reexamine the success of the social integration of Jews in the legal profession, particularly among lawyers and the Budapest Bar Association.
The Philosophy of Chinese Moral Cultivation: Justification and Educational Implications
Authors: YOU Zhuran , RUD A.G. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
This article discusses the theme of moral cultivation in ancient China and proposes to consider the relevant philosophical discussions a subfield of traditional Chinese philosophy. We argue that Chinese classics throughout history were freighted with frameworks and concepts concerning moral cultivation, contributing to a philosophical system about people’s daily moral development. The metaphysical justification, the interpenetration of what is beyond form and what is within form, ideas about the heart-mind and human nature further substantiate the claim from academic and cultural perspectives. This philosophy echoes Pierre Hadot’s idea of “philosophy as a way of life”, or an art of living, a pragmatic discipline that is both a meta-philosophy and a methodological approach in addressing pedagogical and psychological concerns (Hadot & Davidson, 1995). The justifications warrant the needs of perceiving traditional moral cultivation philosophically and discussing its educational implications for today.