bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Associations of hypertension, diabetes and heart disease risk with body mass index in older Chinese adults: a population-based cohort study
Authors: Lin Haoxiang , Xiao Nan , Lin Shujun , Liu Meng , Liu Gordon G 
Published: July 2024

ObjectiveObesity is a well-established risk factor for disease. Controversy exists regarding the relative risk of morbidity and mortality in individuals who are overweight or underweight compared with individuals with a normal body mass index (BMI). In this study, we investigated the associations between BMI and three non-communicable diseases (hypertension, diabetes and heart disease) in older adults.DesignCohort study.SettingThis study used data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. The baseline survey was carried out in 2011, and follow-up surveys were conducted in 2013, 2015 and 2018.ParticipantsParticipants who reported having no doctor-diagnosed chronic disease at baseline were included in this study.Main outcome measuresWe analysed the association between baseline BMI and disease incidence using Cox proportional hazards models. Disease information included self-reported diagnosed conditions. BMI was categorised according to the standard Chinese criteria: underweight (<18.5 kg/m2), normal body weight (18.5–23.9 kg/m2), overweight (24.0–27.9 kg/m2) and obese (≥28.0 kg/m2).ResultsA total of 5605 participants were included at baseline. Based on the Kaplan-Meier estimation, the participants who were obese had the highest incidence of all three diseases. Compared with normal weight participants, overweight participants had a greater disease incidence (log-rank tests are p<0.01). Cox regression models showed that with increasing BMI, the HRs of diseases increased accordingly (eg, for hypertension, compared with the BMI group <18.5 kg/m2, the HRs for the BMI groups 18.5–23.9, 24.0–27.9 and ≥28.0 were 1.43 (95% CI 1.00 to 2.05), 2.19 (95% CI 1.51 to 3.18) and 2.89 (95% CI 1.91 to 4.36), respectively).ConclusionA higher BMI was associated with an increased risk of hypertension, diabetes and heart disease in the population aged 45 years and older. Even within normal BMI ranges, a higher BMI was associated with an increased risk of disease. Actions are urgently needed at the population level to address the growing public health challenge of excess weight in the context of an ageing population.
Comparison of brace to observation in stable, radiological developmental dysplasia of the hip: a protocol for a global multicentre non-inferiority randomised trial
Authors: Zomar Bryn O , Bone Jeffrey N , Nguyen Vuong , Mulpuri Kishore , Kelley Simon ,   GHD Study Group, Schaeffer Emily K 
Published: July 2024

Introduction
Brace treatment is common to address radiological dysplasia in infants with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH); however, it is unclear whether bracing provides significant benefit above careful observation by ultrasound. If observation alone is non-inferior to bracing for radiological dysplasia, unnecessary treatment may be avoided. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to determine whether observation is non-inferior to bracing for infants with radiological dysplasia.

Methods and analysis
This will be a multicentre, global, randomised, non-inferiority trial performed under the auspices of a global prospective registry for infants and children diagnosed with DDH. Patients will be included if they present with radiological dysplasia (centred hip, alpha angle 43–60°, percent femoral head coverage greater than 35% measured on ultrasound) of a clinically stable hip under 3 months old. Patients will be excluded if they present with clinical hip instability, have received prior treatment or have known/suspected neuromuscular, collagen, chromosomal or lower-extremity congenital abnormalities or syndromic-associated hip abnormalities. Patients will be enrolled and randomised to undergo observation alone or brace treatment with a Pavlik harness for a minimum of 6 weeks. Follow-up visits will occur at 6 weeks, 1 year and 2 years post-enrolment. The primary outcome will be the norm-referenced acetabular index measured on the 2-year radiograph with a 3° non-inferiority margin. A total of 514 patients will be included.
The study is anticipated to start in April 2024 and end in September 2028.
The primary outcome will be compared between arms with a mixed-effects model with a random intercept for study centre, and a single covariate for the treatment group. If the lower bound of the 95% CI lies within 3° of the mean, we will treat this as evidence for non-inferiority.

Ethics and dissemination
Ethics approval has been obtained from the lead site’s ethics board (University of British Columbia, Children’s and Women’s Research Ethics Board). Ethics approval will be obtained from the local ethics committees or institutional review boards at each institution prior to patient enrolment. It is intended that the results of this study shall be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at suitable conferences.

Trial registration number

NCT05869851
.
Dual-wavelength dye laser combined with betamethasone injection for treatment of keloids: protocol of a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Wen Junxian , Li Zhijin , Liu Weida , Yu Nanze , Wang Xiaojun 
Published: July 2024

IntroductionKeloids, benign fibroproliferative tumours characterised by excessive fibroblast proliferation and over-deposition of extracellular matrix, pose a therapeutic challenge with high recurrence rates. Betamethasone (diprospan) injection (BI) is one of the most common non-invasive therapies for keloids. Pulsed dye laser (PDL) has the function of closing microvessels, which may become one of the auxiliary treatment methods of BI and may enhance its curative effect. Some studies suggest that the combination of a dual-wavelength dye laser (DWL) and BI may offer superior efficacy. This randomised controlled trial aims to evaluate whether the combined therapy of DWL+BI outperforms BI alone in treating keloids.Methods and analysisThis single-centre, parallel positive control, randomised trial evaluates the efficacy and safety of DWL (585 nm PDL+1064 nm neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet) combined with BI for keloid treatment. Enrolling 66 adult patients, participants are randomised into DWL+BI or BI groups in a 1:1 ratio. Over 12 weeks, each group undergoes four treatment sessions, ensuring blinding for outcome assessors. Data collection occurs at multiple time points (4, 12, 24 and 52 weeks), with primary outcomes assessing the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) improvement rate 24 weeks after the last intervention. Secondary outcomes include VSS improvement rates, changes in keloid volume, changes in relative perfusion index measured by laser speckle contrast imaging, Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale results and patient satisfaction. Safety assessments include vital signs, laboratory tests, pregnancy tests and self-reports of adverse reactions.Ethics and disseminationThe results will be presented in peer-reviewed journals and at international conferences. This study is approved by the Ethics Committee of Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences.Trial registration numberChinese Clinical Trial Register (ChiCTR2400080148).
Attitude of Jordanians towards a new enactment for an opt-out organ donation system: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Aboghazleh Refat , Boyajian Silvia D , Almomani Ensaf Y , Al-Omari Laila , Awamleh Hala , Ismail Abeer , Abadi Wejdan , Hiary Fatima , Hyari Leen , Al-Saba’a Tamara , Nsour Zaid , Nsour Mouiad , Al-Shatanawi Tariq N , Nadi Mustafa , Alneweiri Anwar 
Published: July 2024

BackgroundOrgan donation entails saving or transforming lives through the provision of organs, either from living donors or deceased individuals. In Jordan, low donation rates are attributed to religious misconceptions, limited education and insufficient awareness of the burden on patients with organ failure.ObjectivesTo investigate the attitudes of the Jordanian population towards the practicality and effectiveness of introducing an opt-out organ donation system through legislative measures, with the aim of increasing donation rates.DesignThis cross-sectional study used a designed self-administered questionnaire. Data were subsequently analysed using IBM SPSS software.SettingThe study encompassed all 12 cities located in Jordan.ParticipantsData were collected from 1146 Jordanian participants, excluding individuals under the age of 18.ResultsApproximately 36.6% reported organ or blood donation while 18.9% participated in awareness campaigns. Many (75.7%) perceived insufficient awareness about the importance of organ donation, and 67.1% noted a scarcity of online donor registration platforms. Only 12.0% of participants discussed organ donation with healthcare providers. As anticipated, only 9.0% were registered donors while 67.7% expressed acceptance of organ donation, with 55.3% willing to enrol in donor programmes. Religion influenced 54.2% of organ donation decisions. There are associations between agreement for a new enactment and prior organ or blood donation or discussions with healthcare providers. However, religion affected willingness to donate organs. Most importantly, refusal to be a donor after death was associated with religion, occupation and awareness levels.ConclusionDespite the population’s understanding and support for the concept of organ donation, the willingness towards donating their own organs is limited. To boost organ donation rates and acceptance of the new enactment, we recommend conducting educational campaigns, improving online registration platforms, enhancing healthcare provider engagement, collaborating with religious communities and advocating for supportive policies.
Sleep, Health Outcomes and Body Weight (SHOW) study: a measurement burst design study on sleep and risk factors for obesity in black emerging adults in North Carolina, USA
Authors: McNeil Jessica , Clark Krista G , Adams William M , Pickett Stephanie , Propper Cathi B , McCoy Thomas P , Edwards Kathleen E , Exford TJ , Hemphill Michael A , Wideman Laurie 
Published: July 2024

Introduction
Black emerging adults (18–28 years) have the highest risk of short sleep duration and obesity. This increased risk may be partly explained by greater stress levels, which may result from race-related stress (racial discrimination and heightened race-related vigilance) or living in more disadvantaged home and neighbourhood environments. Insufficient sleep may also impact obesity risk via several weight-related mechanisms including energy balance, appetite and food reward, cortisol profiles and hydration status. This paper describes the rationale, design and methods for the Sleep, Health Outcomes and Body Weight (SHOW) study. This study aims to prospectively assess the effects of sleep, race-related stress and home/neighbourhood environments on weight-related mechanisms and obesity markers (body weight, waist circumference and fat mass) in 150 black emerging adults.

Methods and analysis
The SHOW study follows a measurement burst design that includes 3, 7-day data collection bursts (baseline, 6-month and 12-month follow-ups). Sleep is measured with three methods: sleep diary, actigraphy and polysomnography. Energy balance over 7 days is based on resting and postprandial energy expenditure measured via indirect calorimetry, physical activity via accelerometry and self-reported and ad libitum energy intake methods. Self-reported methods and blood biomarkers assess fasting and postprandial appetite profiles and a behavioural-choice task measures food reward. Cortisol awakening response and diurnal cortisol profiles over 3 days are assessed via saliva samples and chronic cortisol exposure via a hair sample. Hydration markers are assessed with 24-hour urine collection over 3 days and fasting blood biomarkers. Race-related stress is self-reported over 7 days. Home and neighbourhood environments (via the Windshield Survey) is observer assessed.

Ethics and dissemination
Ethics approval was granted by the University of North Carolina at Greensboro’s Institutional Review Board. Study findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, presentations at scientific meetings and reports, briefs/infographics for lay and community audiences.
‘We did not even know it was tuberculosis’: a qualitative evaluation of integrating tuberculosis services into paediatric entry points in the CaP-TB programme in Cameroon and Kenya
Authors: Katirayi Leila , Masaba Rose , Tchounga Boris , Ndimbii James , Mbunka Muhammed , Ouma Millicent , Olughu Kelia , Siehien Jenna , Petnga Saint Just , Casenghi Martina , Okomo Gordon , Zoung-Kanyi Bissek Anne-Cecile , Tiam Appolinaire , Denoeud-Ndam Lise 
Published: July 2024

Introduction
Paediatric tuberculosis (TB) is often undiagnosed and under-reported. The Catalysing Paediatric TB (CaP-TB) programme provided integrated and decentralised TB screening and diagnosis services through multiple paediatric care entry points. This qualitative evaluation explores acceptability of the CaP-TB programme and existing knowledge and perceptions of paediatric TB.

Methods
A descriptive qualitative study was conducted in four sites in Kenya and six sites in Cameron. 54 in-depth interviews were conducted with caregivers, community workers (CWs) and CaP-TB programme managers, and 7 focus group discussions with healthcare workers (HCWs) and CWs. Thematic analysis identified emerging recurrent themes across participants’ responses. Data were coded by using MAXQDA V.12. Data were collected during March–September 2021.

Results
Caregivers were often not aware that children were at risk for TB. HCWs reported limited knowledge about paediatric TB prior to CaP-TB. Sometimes caregivers refused to have their children tested for paediatric TB, and this was often related to a lack of awareness of paediatric TB and free services, concerns about the testing procedure and treatment and fear of stigma. TB was referred to as disease of ‘shame,’ associated with poverty and poor hygiene. The CaP-TB programme increased HCWs knowledge about symptoms of paediatric TB and motivation to investigate children with clinical presentations consistent with possible TB. Adding screening at all entry points was perceived to be beneficial to caregivers who would not have felt comfortable bringing their child to a TB unit. HCWs also discussed the increased workload with CaP-TB, challenges with medication stock-outs and a need for additional training.

Conclusions
CaP-TB illustrated the positive impact of decentralised paediatric TB services, including addressing the awareness and knowledge gap among caregivers and HCWs. Multiple entry points increased opportunities for identification of paediatric TB and increased caregiver comfortability with their child being tested for TB.

Trial registration number

NCT03862261
.
Deterministic One-Way Simulation of Two-Way Deterministic Finite Automata Over Small Alphabets
Authors: Geffert Viliam , Okhotin Alexander 
Published: July 2024

It is shown that a two-way deterministic finite automaton (2DFA) with [Formula: see text] states over an alphabet [Formula: see text] can be transformed to an equivalent one-way automaton (1DFA) with [Formula: see text] states, where [Formula: see text]. This reflects the fact that, by keeping the last processed symbol [Formula: see text] in memory, the simulating 1DFA can remember one of [Formula: see text] states in which the automaton moves by [Formula: see text] to the right, and a function that maps [Formula: see text] states moving to the left to [Formula: see text] states moving to the right; cf. ca. [Formula: see text] functions in the classical construction. A close lower bound of [Formula: see text] states is established using a 2-symbol alphabet, with witness languages defined by direction-determinate 2DFA. The same lower bound is also achieved with witness languages defined by sweeping 2DFA, at the expense of using a 5-symbol alphabet. In addition, the complexity of transforming a sweeping or a direction-determinate 2DFA to a 1DFA is shown to be exactly [Formula: see text].
A Power Optimization Approach for Large-scale RM-TB Dual Logic Circuits Based on an Adaptive Multi-Task Intelligent Algorithm
Authors: Wu Xiaoqian , Liu Huaxiao , Wang Peng , Liu Lei , He Zhenxue 
Published: July 2024

Logic synthesis is a crucial step in integrated circuit design, and power optimization is an indispensable part of this process. However, power optimization for large-scale Mixed Polarity Reed-Muller (MPRM) logic circuits is an NP-hard problem. In this article, we divide Boolean circuits into small-scale circuits based on the idea of divide and conquer using the proposed Dynamic Adaptive Grouping Strategy (DAGS) and the proposed circuit decomposition model (CDM). Each small-scale Boolean circuit is transformed into an MPRM logic circuit by a polarity transformation algorithm. Based on the gate-level integration, we integrate small-scale circuits into an MPRM and Boolean Dual Logic (RBDL) circuit. Furthermore, the power optimization problem of RBDL circuits is a multi-task, multi-extremal, high-dimensional combinatorial optimization problem, for which we propose an Adaptive Multi-task Intelligent Algorithm (AMIA), which includes global task optimization, population reproduction, valuable knowledge transfer (VKT), and local exploration to search for the lowest power for RBDL circuits. Moreover, based on the proposed Fast Power Decomposition Algorithm (FPDA), we proposed a Power Optimization Approach (POA) for an RBDL circuit with the lowest power using the AMIA. Experimental results based on Microelectronics Center of North Carolina (MCNC) Benchmark test circuits demonstrate the effectiveness and superiority of the POA compared to state-of-the-art POAes.
Dark Matter Candidates of a Very Low Mass
Authors: Zurek Kathryn M. 
Published: July 2024

We review dark matter (DM) candidates of a very low mass appearing in the window below the traditional weakly interacting massive particle (m
χ ≲ 10 GeV) and extending down to m
χ ≳ 1 meV, somewhat below the mass limit at which DM becomes wavelike. Such candidates are motivated by hidden sectors such as hidden valleys, which feature hidden forces and rich dynamics, but have evaded traditional accelerator searches for New Physics because of their relatively weak coupling to the Standard Model (SM). Such sectors can still be detected through dedicated low-energy colliders, which, through their intense beams, can have sensitivity to smaller couplings, or through astrophysical observations of the evolution of DM halos and stellar structures, which, through the Universe's epochs, can be sensitive to small DM interactions. We also consider mechanisms whereby the DM abundance is fixed through the interaction with the SM, which directly motivates the search for light DM in terrestrial experiments. The bulk of this review is dedicated to the new ideas that have been proposed for direct detection of such DM candidates of a low mass through nuclear recoils, electronic excitations, or collective modes such as phonons and magnons. The rich tapestry of materials and modes in the condensed matter landscape is reviewed along with specific prospects for detection.
Exploring the Structural, Optical and Photoluminescence Performances of CuCo2O4 and ZnMn2O4 Alloying
Authors: Heiba Zein K. , Farag Noura M. , Elshimy Hassan , Ali Essam E. , Badawi Ali , Mohamed Mohamed Bakr 
Published: July 2024

The performance of the structural, linear/ nonlinear optical and photoluminescent properties of CuCo2O4 and ZnMn2O4 alloying was investigated. (1−x)CuCo2O4/(x)ZnMn2O4 (x = 0, 0.10, 0.15, 0.2) samples were prepared by the sol-gel and hydrothermal procedures. Synchrotron X-ray diffraction measurements were employed to investigate the structural and microstructural properties applying the Rietveld refinement method. Fourier transform infraed and Raman techniques were applied to explore the structures’ variation and chemical bonding of the obtained phases. Ultraviolet–visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy measurements were collected to explore the optical properties. The optical band gap values were determined using the Kubelka-Munk method. All samples exhibited two band gaps in the visible-NIR regions. Upon composing with ZnMn2O4, the band gaps of CuCo2O4 declined for x = 0.1 and 0.15, followed by an increase at x = 0.2. The possible electronic band structure of the samples and the photoluminescent performance of the prepared samples was investigated. The observed PL patterns manifest wide and asymmetrical emissions. The CIE chromaticity diagram for all samples was plotted. The obtained findings of (1−x)CuCo2O4/(x)ZnMn2O4 nominate their efficient role in optical device fabrication and photocatalyst applications.
Perceptual foundation and extension to phase tagging for rapid invisible frequency tagging (RIFT)
Authors: Spaak Eelke , Bouwkamp Floortje G. , de Lange Floris P. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Recent years have seen the emergence of a visual stimulation protocol called Rapid Invisible Frequency Tagging (RIFT) in cognitive neuroscience. In RIFT experiments, visual stimuli are presented at a rapidly and sinusoidally oscillating luminance, using high refresh rate projection equipment. Such stimuli result in strong steady-state responses in visual cortex, measurable extracranially using EEG or MEG. The high signal-to-noise ratio of these neural signals, combined with the alleged invisibility of the manipulation, make RIFT a potentially promising technique to study the neural basis of visual processing. In this study, we set out to resolve two fundamental, yet still outstanding, issues regarding RIFT; as well as to open up a new avenue for taking RIFT beyond frequency tagging per se. First, we provide robust evidence that RIFT is indeed subjectively undetectable, going beyond previous anecdotal reports. Second, we demonstrate that full-amplitude luminance or contrast manipulation offer the best tagging results. Third and finally, we demonstrate that, in addition to frequency tagging, phase tagging can reliably be used in RIFT studies, opening up new avenues for constructing RIFT experiments. Together, this provides a solid foundation for using RIFT in visual cognitive neuroscience.
Systematic cross-species comparison of prefrontal cortex functional networks targeted via transcranial magnetic stimulation
Authors: Berger Taylor , Xu Ting , Opitz Alexander 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation method that safely modulates neural activity in vivo. Its precision in targeting specific brain networks makes TMS invaluable in diverse clinical applications. For example, TMS is used to treat depression by targeting prefrontal brain networks and their connection to other brain regions. Despite its widespread use, however, the underlying neural mechanisms of TMS are not completely understood. Non-human primates (NHPs) offer an ideal model to study TMS mechanisms through invasive electrophysiological recordings. As such, bridging the gap between NHP experiments and human applications is imperative to ensure translational relevance. Here, we systematically compare the TMS-targeted functional networks in the prefrontal cortex in humans and NHPs. We combine TMS electric field modeling in humans and macaques with resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data to compare the functional networks targeted via TMS across species. Distinct stimulation zones in macaque and human models arose, each exhibiting differences in impacted networks (macaque: Frontoparietal Network, Somatomotor Network; human: Frontoparietal Network, Default Network). We identified differences in brain gyrification and functional organization across species as the underlying cause of found network differences. The TMS-network profiles we identified will allow researchers to establish consistency in network stimulation across species, aiding in the translational efforts to develop improved TMS functional network targeting approaches.