bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A model for predicting AKI after cardiopulmonary bypass surgery in Chinese patients with normal preoperative renal function.
Authors: Lin Xuan , Xiao Li , Lin Weibin , Wang Dahui , Xu Kangqing , Kuang Liting 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Objective
The objective of this study is to establish and validate a predictive model for the occurrence of acute kidney injury (AKI) following cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) surgery in Chinese patients with preoperative renal function within normal range.
Method
From January 2015 to September 2022, a total of 1003 patients were added into the analysis. We used the ratio of 7:3 to divide the patients into a training group (n = 700) and a testing group (n = 303). Independent risk factors for postoperative AKI were identified through the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression and multifactor logistic regression analysis. A nomogram predictive model was then established. Various metrics such as the Area Under the ROC curve (AUC), calibration curve, and decision curve were used for validation of the nomogram predictive model in the training and testing groups. Additionally, the nomogram model was compared with three conventional models (Cleveland Clinic score, Mehta score, and Simplified Renal Index (SRI) score) using the AUC, calibration curve, and decision curve.
Results
The AKI group had a worse prognosis. Age, Body mass index (BMI), emergent surgery, CPB time, intraoperative use of adrenaline, and postoperative procalcitonin (PCT) were identified as important risk factors for AKI after CPB surgery. The nomogram predictive model demonstrated good discrimination (AUC: 0.772 (95%CI: 0.735 − 0.809) and 0.780 (95% CI: 0.724 − 0.835) ), calibration (Hosmer and Lemeshow goodness of fit test: P-value 0.6941 and 0.9539) and clinical utility in both the training and testing groups. Moreover, our model exhibited better discrimination, calibration capacity, and superior net benefit compared to the other three conventional models.
Conclusion
The nomogram predictive model, which established in patients with normal preoperative renal function, has high accuracy, calibration and clinical utility. The model's performance is superior to the other three conventional models (Cleveland Clinic score, Mehta score, and SRI score).
Multiple oral manifestations in a patient with chronic GVHD: a case report and literature review
Authors: Li Duo , Shan Yidan , Sun Weilian , Wang Xiangjian 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is now the standard treatment for hematopoietic system malignancies, congenital or bought hematopoietic disorders, and is also used as a treatment option for certain solid tumors. Post-transplant graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) has also become a major complication for patients undergoing transplantation. Chronic GVHD (cGVHD) occurs more than one hundred days after transplantation, and a variety of oral manifestations may occur, requiring multidisciplinary management to prevent deterioration of the condition while improving the patient's quality of life.Case presentation: A 60-year-old woman developed dry mouth, oral pain, brown-yellow tongue, caries 7 years after receiving HLA (Human Leukocyte Antigen) -matched unrelated donor hematopoietic stem cell transplantation; the examination revealed The examination revealed a brown-yellow hairy tongue, extensive tooth decay, reduced saliva production, and white patches in the mouth.; the auxiliary examination revealed that the patient has dysfunction of the salivary and lacrimal glands, as well as oral leukoplakia with mild epithelial hyperplasia.. After proper treatment, at a follow-up of 6 months, the patient's symptoms disappeared without recurrence.Conclusion This patient with oral cGVHD exhibits a variety of oral manifestations, which are interconnected, emphasizing the importance of professional diagnosis, relevant interventions, and regular monitoring of these lesions for a favorable prognosis.
Beyond Human Bias: Learning from CNNs’
Superior Insights in Satellite-Based Poverty
Mapping
Authors: Sarmadi Hamid , Wahab Ibrahim , Hall Ola , Rögnvaldsson Thorsteinn , Ohlsson Mattias 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background: Satellite imagery is a potent tool for estimating human wealth and poverty, especially in regions lacking reliable data. This study compares a range of poverty estimation approaches from satellite images, spanning from expert-based to fully machine learning-based methodologies.
Methods: Human experts ranked clusters from the DHS survey using high-resolution satellite images. Then expert-defined features were utilized in a machine learning algorithm to estimate poverty. An explainability method was applied to assess the importance and interaction of these features in poverty prediction. Additionally, a convolutional neural network (CNN) was employed to estimate poverty from low-resolution satellite images of the same locations.
Findings: Our analysis indicates that increased human involvement in poverty estimation diminishes accuracy compared to machine learning involvement. Expert defined features exhibited significant overlap and poor interaction when used together in a classifier. Conversely, the CNN-based approach outperformed human experts, demonstrating superior predictive capability with low-resolution images.
Significance: These findings highlight the importance of leveraging machine learning explainability methods to identify predictive elements that may be overlooked by human experts. This study advocates for the integration of emerging technologies with traditional methodologies to optimize data collection and analysis of poverty and welfare.
Liquefaction potential of upstream tailings dams using a nonlinear elastoplastic constitutive model
Authors: Mamakani Ramin Salamat , Azhari Amin , Kaunda Rennie , Faramarzi Lohrasb , Isfahani Hajar Share 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Liquefaction is the major failure mode of tailing dams during earthquakes according to ICOLD report, 2001. This study aims to assess the liquefaction potential at different depths considering (N1)60 values of the Sphordi phosphate tailing dam using empirical and FDM numerical approaches based on the non-linear Finn-Byrne constitutive model. The effect of four actual recorded earthquakes with different PGA levels namely, Bafgh (2005, PGA:0.13), Parkfield (1996, PGA:0.27), Erzincan (1992, PGA:0.5), and Tabas (1978, PGA:0.86) have been investigated on the liquefaction of the studied tailings dam. The liquefaction coefficient (ru), liquefaction safety factor (FSL), and liquefaction potential index (LPI) were assessed. The results revealed that generally by increasing (N1)60 from 2 to 6 the ru decreases 50 percent. Moreover, the FSL values obtained from empirical and numerical approaches show a good agreement in which the FSL increases 55% with increasing depth ((N1)60 values of 2 to 6). To examine the liquefaction potential of tailing dams, in addition to liquefaction index values including ru, FSL, and LPI, it is necessary to assess the liquefied extension zone of tailings. Evaluating LPI classification depicts that at low seismic levels (PGA:0.13) the tailings fall into the non-liquefied class and at high seismic level (PGA:0.86), very high liquefaction potential has been observed at 71% of the tailings area. Finally, the results provide a better understanding of the tailings compaction on the liquefaction potential at different seismic levels.
Physical exercise attenuates the negative effects of short-term exposure to medium air pollution levels on cardio-respiratory responses
Authors: Jin Xingsheng , Wang Weiyi , Sun Qian , Chen Yang , Xu Bingxiang , Tian Haili 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Air pollution (AP) has become a substantial environmental issue affecting human cardiorespiratory health. Physical exercise (PE) is widely accepted to promote cardiorespiratory health. There is a paucity of research on the point at which the level of polluted environment engaged in PE could be used as a preventive approach to compensate for the damages of AP.
Objectives
To determine the effects of PE on cardio-respiratory and inflammatory responses in different levels of short-term exposure to AP among healthy young adults.
Methods
We constructed a real-world crossover study of 30 healthy young adults with repeated measures. Participants participated in 90 min of moderate-intensity PE in different (low, medium, high) AP exposure scenarios. Cardiorespiratory measurements and blood samples were collected before and after the intervention. The percentage changes in cardiorespiratory health markers after exercise in the three AP levels environments were compared using linear mixed-effects models.
Results
Compared to the changes observed post-exercise in the low-level AP environment, only PEF (-9.36, P = 0.018) showed a significant decrease, and eosinophils showed a significant increase in the medium-level environment (25.64, P = 0.022), with no significant differences in other indicators. Conversely, post-exercise in the high-level AP environment resulted in a significant increase in DBP (6.5, P = 0.05), lung inflammation (FeNO: 13.3, p < 0.001), inflammatory cell counts (WBC: 27.0, p < 0.001; neutrophils: 26.8, p < 0.001; lymphocytes: 32.2, p < 0.001; monocytes: 28.2, p < 0.001; and eosinophils: 48.9, p < 0.001), and inflammatory factors (IL-1β: 0.76, P = 0.003; IL-10: 0.17, P = 0.02; IL-6: 0.1, P = 0.17; TNF-α: 0.97, P = 0.011; CRP: 0.17, P = 0.003). Additionally, there were significant declines in lung function parameters, including FVC (-6.84, P = 0.04), FEV1 (-8.97, P = 0.009), and PEF (-9.50, P = 0.013).
Conclusions
PE in medium and low-level AP environments seems relatively safe for cardiorespiratory health among healthy young adults. However, PE in high-level AP environments can be detrimental to cardiorespiratory health, significantly increasing the body's inflammatory response.
Periodontal health in a large cohort of Ugandans living with HIV: A cross-sectional study
Authors: William Buwembo , Adriane Kamulegeya , Dunstan Kalanzi , Naava Namuyonga Priscilla , Proscovia Nakasujja , P Katete David , Collins Semitala F. , Catherine Mwesigwa-Lutalo , Samuel Kalungi , E Cameron Jennnifer , G Munabi Ian 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
The impact of periodontitis on large populations of people living with HIV (PLHIV) in resource-constrained settings remains largely un-investigated. This study aims to address this knowledge gap by providing a comprehensive description of the periodontal health status among a sizable cohort of Ugandans living with HIV.
Methods
This was a cross-sectional study with 4,449 participants who were over 18-years old and captured their reported age, gender, tobacco use, length of time on HAART and alcohol use. Periodontal health was assessed using the WHO periodontal probe and the modified CPI data entry form. Descriptive statistics were reported using frequencies for the affected number of sextants in the surveyed participants. This was followed by additional regression analysis using the R statistical computing environment, with the periodontal health outcomes (bleeding on probing, pocket depth and clinical attachment loss) individually as the dependant, recoded as binary outcomes. A multilevel model was run with clinical attachment loss as the dependant variable controlling for all the other factors. The 95% confidence intervals were used to report the level of significance for each test.
Results
There were 3,103/4,449 (69.7%) female participants. The mean age was 44.3 years (SD 10.1 years) with a range of 18 to 89 years. About 66% of the participants had bleeding on probing at one or more of the examined sites/tooth surfaces. The odds for bleeding on probing were significantly higher for female participants (adjusted Odds ratio: 1.49, 95% CI 1.19 to 1.86), and higher in individuals who reported tobacco use (adjusted odds ratio 1.62, 95% CI 1.09 to 2.41). Slightly under half of our participants (48.2%) had moderate to severe clinical attachment loss.
Conclusions
This study found that among Ugandans living with HIV, periodontal disease is a significant public health concern. The majority (66%) had bleeding on probing, with a sizeable number (48.2%) of participants recording moderate to severe clinical attachment loss, worsened by age and time on HAART. This highlight the need for comprehensive oral health care and targeted interventions for this population.
Detection and quantification by molecular techniques of early infection by Lawsonia intracellularis in suckling piglets.
Authors: Rodríguez-Vega Victor , Puente Hector , Carvajal Ana , Pérez-Pérez Lucia , Gómez-Martínez Samuel , Leite Fernando , Garcia Rocio , Abella Lola , Argüello Héctor 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Lawsonia intracellularis is the causative agent of Porcine Proliferative Enteropathy (PPE), one of the most prevalent pig enteric diseases worldwide, but with sparse information about role of sows and suckling piglets as a source of infection. With that aim, this study evaluates the prevalence of L. intracellularis in 3-week-old piglets by analysing ileal digesta content and mucosal scrapings from 383 pigs from 16 batches (aprox., 25 pigs/batch) by real-time qPCR and droplet digital PCR (ddPCR).
Results
Forty-nine samples yielded a qPCR positive result. Eleven samples from eight batches were confirmed as positive with concentrations of L. intracellularis from 3.5 log10 to 4.5 log10 bacteria/g of sample. Another 16 samples, eight batches, were classified as low positive (2.07-2.38 log10 bacteria/g) and 22 provided an uncertain result. Finally, 334 samples tested negative for L. intracellularis. At batch level, half of the batches included in the study had at least one positive sample and in 10 batches (62.5%) there was at least one low positive sample.
The ddPCR was run in 50 of the 383 samples based on their PCR output (including low positive, uncertain and negative samples). Correlation analyses revealed a strong association between qPCR and the ddPCR results (ρ=0.75; p<0.001). The ddPCR allowed us to detect and confirm a positive result in the 19 samples classified as uncertain by the qPCR and detect L. intracellularis in 8 of 15 negatives negative by qPCR.
Conclusions
The results of the study demonstrate that a number of piglets already are infected with L. intracellularis during the lactation period underlining the potential role of sow-piglet transmission in the epidemiology of PPE. Study results also evidence the usefulness of a combination of qPCR and ddPCR to improve qPCR sensitivity but assuring high specificity.
Neurological Complications, Mortality Risk Factors, and Prognosis in Pediatric COVID-19 Patients: Insights from a Three-Year Prospective Study at the University Children’s Hospital in Damascus.
Authors: Badour Maysaa , Martini Nafiza , Hanna Majd , Kababeh Karam , Almasri Imad-Addin , Ali Sawssan , Baqla Sameer 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background and Aim: The COVID-19 pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus has had a significant global impact, but its neurological manifestations in children have received limited attention. The aim of this study was to prospectively examine the neurological complications, identify mortality risk factors, and assess the predictive value of biomarkers in pediatric COVID-19 patients.Methods A prospective cohort study was conducted from 2020 to 2023. Children aged from the neonatal period to 13 years, hospitalized with confirmed COVID-19, were included. Data on demographics, neurological comorbidities, symptoms, neurological examination findings, radiological and electrophysiological results, laboratory findings, treatments, and outcomes were collected. Chi-square tests and ROC curves were performed.Results Among the 66 hospitalized children, seizures (59.1%) and altered consciousness (30.3%) were common neurological manifestations. The occurrence of seizures correlated significantly with gender, with males having a higher likelihood of developing epilepsy (P = 0.0044). Seizures were also found to be a risk factor for death, as the majority of children who died had experienced seizures (P = 0.046). Encephalopathy and encephalopathy in MIS-C were also associated with increased mortality (P = 0.013, < 0.001, respectively). Treatment with Dixon negatively impacted outcomes (P = 0.006), while Immunoglobulins had a positive effect (0.019). Biomarkers including CRP, GPT, BUN, and creatinine were all found to be correlated with death, with elevated values indicating higher mortality risk (P < 0.001). Finally, Mechanical ventilation was associated with higher mortality rates (P = 0.008).Conclusion This study provides significant contributions to our understanding of COVID-19 in children, particularly in terms of clinical and neurological aspects, risk factors, and prognosis. The findings emphasize the importance of early detection, monitoring of biomarkers, and the incorporation of these insights into healthcare policies. By recognizing the unique challenges and implications of COVID-19 in pediatric patients, healthcare providers can enhance patient care and optimize outcomes in the midst of the ongoing pandemic.
Equated volume load: similar improvements in muscle strength, endurance, and hypertrophy for traditional, pre-exhaustion and drop sets in resistance training.
Authors: Keskin Kadir , Gogus Feride Nur , Gunay Mehmet , Fujita Rafael Akira 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Purpose
This study investigated the impact of the equated volume load on three different resistance training methods (traditional, pre-exhaustion and drop sets) on muscle strength, endurance, and hypertrophy in young men.
Methods
Fifty-three recreationally trained men performed a one-week familiarization and were randomized into three groups: traditional (TRT, n = 18), pre-exhaustion (Pre-Ex, n = 17), and drop set (DS, n = 18). All groups were enrolled in a six-week, twice-weekly intervention program. The TRT performed four sets of 8–12 repetitions with 70%1RM for each leg press and leg extension exercises, with three-minute rest between sets. The Pre-Ex performed leg extensions with 30%1RM until exhaustion before each exercise, while the DS performed leg extensions with 30%1RM after the last set of each exercise. We collected data from 1RM leg press and a 5RM leg extension, isometric strength, muscular endurance, and muscle thickness.
Results
revealed that all training methods had significant improvements in muscle strength (p < 0.001), endurance (p < 0.001), and hypertrophy (p < 0.001), with no significant difference between groups (p > 0.05).
Conclusions
Therefore, the TRT, Pre-Ex and DS methods revealed to be equally effective on enhancing muscle strength, endurance, and hypertrophy. Thus, the study did not support the superiority of pre-exhaustion or drop set over traditional resistance training when the volume is equated.
LEAP2, a ghrelin receptor inverse agonist, and its effect on alcohol-related responses in rodents
Authors: Tufvesson-Alm Maximilian , Aranäs Cajsa , Sköldheden Sebastian Blid , Vestlund Jesper , Edvardsson Christian , Jerlhag Elisabet 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

The underlying neurobiology of alcohol use disorder (AUD) is complex and needs further unraveling, with one of the key mechanisms being the gut-brain peptide ghrelin and its receptor (GHSR). However, additional substrates of the ghrelin pathway, such as liver-expressed antimicrobial peptide 2 (LEAP2), an endogenous GHSR inverse agonist, may contribute to this neurobiological framework. While LEAP2 modulates feeding and reward through central mechanisms, its effects on alcohol responses are unknown. The aim of the present study was therefore to identify the impact of central LEAP2 on the ability of alcohol to activate the mesolimbic dopamine system and to define its ability to control alcohol intake. These experiments revealed that central LEAP2 (i.e. into the third ventricle) prevented the ability of alcohol to cause locomotor stimulation in male mice, suppressed the memory of alcohol reward and attenuated the dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens caused by alcohol. Moreover, central LEAP2 reduced alcohol consumption in both male and female rats exposed to alcohol for 6 weeks before treatment. On the contrary, the serum levels of LEAP2 were similar between high- and low- alcohol-consuming (male) rats. Furthermore, central LEAP2 lowered the food intake in the alcohol-consuming male rats and reduced the body weight in the females. Collectively, the present study revealed that central LEAP2 mitigates alcohol-related responses in rodents, contributing to our understanding of the ghrelin pathway's role in alcohol effects.
Truncated tau interferes with the autophagy and endolysosomal pathway and results in lipid accumulation.
Authors: Pollack Saskia J , Dakkak Dina , Guo Tong , Chennell George , Gomez-Suaga Patricia , Noble Wendy , Jimenez-Sanchez Maria , Hanger Diane P 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

The autophagy-lysosomal pathway plays a critical role in the clearance of tau protein aggregates that deposit in the brain in tauopathies, and defects in this system are associated with disease pathogenesis. Here, we report that expression of Tau35, a tauopathy-associated carboxy-terminal fragment of tau, leads to lipid accumulation in cell lines and primary cortical neurons. Our findings suggest that this is likely due to a deleterious block of autophagic clearance and lysosomal degradative capacity by Tau35. Notably, upon induction of autophagy by Torin 1, Tau35 inhibited nuclear translocation of transcription factor EB (TFEB), a key regulator of lysosomal biogenesis. Both cell lines and primary cortical neurons expressing Tau35 also exhibited deficits in endosomal protein expression. These findings implicate autophagic and endolysosomal dysfunction as key pathological mechanisms through which disease-associated tau fragments could lead to the development and progression of tauopathy.
Influence of Electroless Copper Coated B 4 C particles Addition on the Hardness, Density and Wear Behavior of Al2025 Alloy Composites
Authors: Shetty Sunil Kumar , R Vijaya Kumar , T Hemanth Raju , Nayak Madhukara , Nagaral Madeva , Auradi V , Nalband Fazil 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Tensile, impact and wear performance were studied to determine the impact of electroless copper-coated B4C particles additions to Al2025 alloy. The Al2025 alloy composites were produced using the stir cast technique, with 3, 6 and 9 percent of B4C particles (both uncoated and copper coated) utilised to create the composites. The microstructural, mechanical and wear properties of the synthesised composites were tested. To describe the microstructure of the acquired samples, EDS patterns and SEM microscopy were used. The B4C particles were present, according to the EDS findings. The density of Al2025 alloy was decreased with the addition of B4C particles. With the inclusion of 9 weight percent of uncoated and Cu-coated B4C particles, the hardness of the as-cast Al2025 alloy increased to 110.48 BHN and 118.47 BHN, respectively. The wear behaviour of Al2025 alloy with coated and uncoated boron carbide particle composites was studied at 10 N to 40 N varying loads and 100 rpm to 400 rpm varying speeds for a 2500 m sliding distance. More wear resistance was observed in composites reinforced with electroless copper-coated B4C particles than in uncoated composites under the influence of both load and speed. Inspecting SEM micrographs of copper-coated and uncoated composites, it was seen that their wear surfaces take on distinct shapes and textures.