bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification and outcomes of KDIGO‐defined chronic kidney disease in 1.4 million U.S. Veterans with heart failure
Authors: Patel Samir S. , Raman Venkatesh K. , Zhang Sijian , Deedwania Prakash , Zeng‐Treitler Qing , Wu Wen‐Chih , Lam Phillip H. , Bakris George , Moore Hans , Heidenreich Paul A. , Rangaswami Janani , Morgan Charity J. , Cheng Yan , Sheriff Helen M. , Faselis Charles , Mehta Ravindra L. , Anker Stefan D. , Fonarow Gregg C. , Ahmed Ali 
Published: May 2024

AbstractAimsAccording to the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) guideline, the definition of chronic kidney disease (CKD) requires the presence of abnormal kidney structure or function for >3 months with implications for health. CKD in patients with heart failure (HF) has not been defined using this definition, and less is known about the true health implications of CKD in these patients. The objective of the current study was to identify patients with HF who met KDIGO criteria for CKD and examine their outcomes.Methods and resultsOf the 1 419 729 Veterans with HF not receiving kidney replacement therapy, 828 744 had data on ≥2 ambulatory serum creatinine >90 days apart. CKD was defined as estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60 ml/min/1.73 m2 (n = 185 821) or urinary albumin‐to‐creatinine ratio (uACR) >30 mg/g (n = 32 730) present twice >3 months apart. Normal kidney function (NKF) was defined as eGFR ≥60 ml/min/1.73 m2, present for >3 months, without any uACR >30 mg/g (n = 365 963). Patients with eGFR <60 ml/min/1.73 m2 were categorized into four stages: 45–59 (n = 72 606), 30–44 (n = 74 812), 15–29 (n = 32 077), and <15 (n = 6326) ml/min/1.73 m2. Five‐year all‐cause mortality occurred in 40.4%, 57.8%, 65.6%, 73.3%, 69.7%, and 47.5% of patients with NKF, four eGFR stages, and uACR >30mg/g (albuminuria), respectively. Compared with NKF, hazard ratios (HR) (95% confidence intervals [CI]) for all‐cause mortality associated with the four eGFR stages and albuminuria were 1.63 (1.62–1.65), 2.00 (1.98–2.02), 2.49 (2.45–2.52), 2.28 (2.21–2.35), and 1.22 (1.20–1.24), respectively. Respective age‐adjusted HRs (95% CIs) were 1.13 (1.12–1.14), 1.36 (1.34–1.37), 1.87 (1.84–1.89), 2.24 (2.18–2.31) and 1.19 (1.17–1.21), and multivariable‐adjusted HRs (95% CIs) were 1.11 (1.10–1.12), 1.24 (1.22–1.25), 1.46 (1.43–1.48), 1.42 (1.38–1.47), and 1.13 (1.11–1.16). Similar patterns were observed for associations with hospitalizations.ConclusionData needed to define CKD using KDIGO criteria were available in six out of ten patients, and CKD could be defined in seven out of ten patients with data. HF patients with KDIGO‐defined CKD had higher risks for poor outcomes, most of which was not explained by abnormal kidney structure or function. Future studies need to examine whether CKD defined using a single eGFR is characteristically and prognostically different from CKD defined using KDIGO criteria.
Hepatocellular carcinoma after direct‐acting antivirals for hepatitis C is associated with KIR‐HLA types predicting weak NK cell‐mediated immunity
Authors: Ryan James C. , Haight Christina , Niemi Erene C. , Grab Joshua D. , Dodge Jennifer L. , Lanier Lewis L. , Monto Alexander 
Published: May 2024

Background and aimsSecond‐generation direct‐acting antivirals (2G DAA) to cure HCV have led to dramatic clinical improvements. HCV‐associated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), however, remains common. Impaired immune tumor surveillance may play a role in HCC development. Our cohort evaluated the effects of innate immune types and clinical variables on outcomes including HCC.MethodsParticipants underwent full HLA class I/KIR typing and long‐term HCV follow‐up.ResultsA total of 353 HCV+ participants were followed for a mean of 7 years. Cirrhosis: 25% at baseline, developed in 12% during follow‐up. 158 participants received 2G DAA therapy. HCC developed without HCV therapy in 20 subjects, 24 HCC after HCV therapy, and 10 of these after 2G DAA. Two predictors of HCC among 2G DAA‐treated patients: cirrhosis (OR, 10.0, p = 0.002) and HLA/KIR profiles predicting weak natural killer (NK) cell‐mediated immunity (NK cell complementation groups 6, 9, 11, 12, OR of 5.1, p = 0.02). Without 2G DAA therapy: cirrhosis was the main clinical predictor of HCC (OR, 30.8, p < 0.0001), and weak NK‐cell‐mediated immunity did not predict HCC.ConclusionCirrhosis is the main risk state predisposing to HCC, but weak NK‐cell‐mediated immunity may predispose to post‐2G DAA HCC more than intermediate or strong NK‐cell‐mediated immunity.
Prediction of hydrogel swelling states using machine learning methods
Authors: Wang Yawen , Wallmersperger Thomas , Ehrenhofer Adrian 
Published: May 2024

AbstractIn the field of material informatics, artificial neural networks (ANNs) contribute to the investigation of the processing‐structure‐properties‐performance relationship of materials. This inspires us to leverage the capabilities of ANNs to decode properties of hydrogels, thereby customizing these active materials for sensors or actuators. In the current work, we introduce an approach to predict discrete swelling states of temperature‐responsive hydrogels, especially PNIPAAm, based on their synthesis parameters, utilizing ANN models. To build the database, we analyze literature on temperature‐responsive hydrogels and compile essential synthesis parameters. The corresponding data points related to these synthesis parameters are then extracted. We propose different variants of ANN models and compare their accuracy on the acquired dataset. The selected model can predict the swelling states of hydrogel samples within the test dataset with relative prediction error of 0.11. This approach is applied to predict the expected properties. Subsequently, the hydrogels can be synthesized, and their properties can be experimentally verified. Our approach can be extended to other types of hydrogels and in the prediction of additional properties. The identified synthesis parameters serve as a valuable foundation for the expansion of the database with further literature resources. An enriched database will enhance the performance of the data‐driven model, thereby improving its predictive capabilities.
Correlation between climatic environment and characteristic components of 14 kinds of huajiao by thermal analysis techniques, GC‐MS and HS‐IMS
Authors: Chang Dandan , Yang Yu , Tao Feiyan , Ding Yu , Jian Meiling , Huang Qinwan 
Published: May 2024

AbstractHuajiao (Zanthoxylum bungeanum Maxim.) is extensively cultivated in various countries, including China, Korea, and India, owing to its adaptability to diverse environments. This study comprehensively analyzed the volatile substance composition of 14 varieties of red huajiao with distinct geographical origins. Thermal analysis methods, gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS), and headspace‐ion mobility chromatography (HS‐IMS) were employed to evaluate the total volatile substance composition and content. The study revealed minor variations in water content, volatile matter content, and fractions among the geographically sourced huajiao samples. Utilizing correlation analysis based on GC‐MS and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS‐DA) with HS‐IMS, a robust classification method for the 14 types of huajiao was developed. Applying the variable importance in the projection (VIP) method, seven distinctive components were identified as potential markers for distinguishing the geographical origins of red huajiao. By integrating climatic and topographical factors of the 14 huajiao varieties, the correlation analysis of GC‐MS, and OPLS‐DA classification outcomes from HS‐IMS elucidated the influence of geo‐environmental factors on huajiao components and contents. This research provides insights into the impact of diverse geographic environments on the constituents and characteristics of huajiao. It offers valuable guidance for selecting optimal cultivation locations to enhance huajiao quality, aiding consumers in making informed choices.
Cetin Dam – stabilising troubled abutment slopes
Authors: Pöschl Irmina , Kleberger Johannes , Dinis João , Hizal Teoman 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe 420 MW Cetin Dam Project in Turkey was subject to severe setbacks, including substantial geotechnical problems. Since 2011, several concessionaires, contractors and designers were involved. In June 2016, a major failure occurred at a high cut slope of the right bank (RB) valley flank. In 2017, contractor Limak took over the project with a US$ 600 mio concession contract. To secure the contractual agreement for state‐guaranteed energy remuneration, Cetin Dam and hydro hydroelectric power plant (HEPP) had to be operative in 2020. Missing the time target would have implied high economic losses for the concessionaire, and this set‐in‐stone deadline imposed extraordinary pressure for developing fast and reliable solutions. Worryingly, progressing failure became evident at the failed RB cut slope, while rehabilitation works were ongoing. In late December 2017, shortly after a review of geotechnical conditions and slope design for the troubled RB slope had started, also parts of the left bank (LB) cut slope failed below crest level and threatened to grow into a global slope failure. With only 26 months’ time left for starting energy production, the slope instabilities jeopardised the economic success of the entire project. Within a 3‐month emergency mission for both RB and LB slopes, a dedicated team succeeded in understanding the geotechnical problems, planning and implementing immediate mitigation measures, and developing design solutions. Operation of Cetin Dam and HEPP commenced in 2020.
Understanding the behavioural challenges of companion parrots
Authors: Baldrey Vicki , Rogerson Molly 
Published: May 2024

Background: Parrots can make excellent companions; however, it is important to understand that they are not a truly domesticated species. Their behaviours will be similar to their wild counterparts. Parrots are highly intelligent and have complex social and environmental needs, which can be challenging for an owner to meet. Problem behaviours may be truly pathological, such as feather destructive behaviour and self‐mutilation, or may be normal behaviours, perceived by the owner to be a problem, such as screaming. Enrichment provision is a vital part of their husbandry to encourage species‐appropriate behaviours, in particular, foraging.Aim of the article: This article aims to discuss the most common problem behaviours seen in clinical practice, and to describe a logical approach to their management. Behaviour modification techniques and provision of appropriate enrichment are also discussed.
Extended N‐centered ensemble density functional theory of double electronic excitations
Authors: Cernatic Filip , Fromager Emmanuel 
Published: May 2024

AbstractA recent work (arXiv:2401.04685) has merged N‐centered ensembles of neutral and charged electronic ground states with ensembles of neutral ground and excited states, thus providing a general and in‐principle exact (so‐called extended N‐centered) ensemble density functional theory of neutral and charged electronic excitations. This formalism made it possible to revisit the concept of density‐functional derivative discontinuity, in the particular case of single excitations from the highest occupied Kohn–Sham (KS) molecular orbital, without invoking the usual “asymptotic behavior of the density” argument. In this work, we address a broader class of excitations, with a particular focus on double excitations. An exact implementation of the theory is presented for the two‐electron Hubbard dimer model. A thorough comparison of the true physical ground‐ and excited‐state electronic structures with that of the fictitious ensemble density‐functional KS system is also presented. Depending on the choice of the density‐functional ensemble as well as the asymmetry of the dimer and the correlation strength, an inversion of states can be observed. In some other cases, the strong mixture of KS states within the true physical system makes the assignment “single excitation” or “double excitation” irrelevant.
Comparison of cervicovaginal fluid extracellular vesicles isolated from paired cervical brushes and vaginal swabs
Authors: Paterson Emily Sarah Jane , Scheck Simon , McDowell Simon , Bedford Nick , Girling Jane Eleanor , Henry Claire Elizabeth 
Published: May 2024

AbstractEndometriosis is a common gynaecological condition, with a long diagnostic delay. Surgery is required to confirm a diagnosis, highlighting the need for a non‐invasive biomarker. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) may have a role in endometriosis pathogenesis, yet there is limited EV biomarker literature available. This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of isolating cervico‐vaginal fluid EVs sampled using cervical brushes and vaginal swabs and to compare these methods. After providing informed consent, patients undergoing surgery for suspected endometriosis had cervical brush and vaginal swab samples collected under general anaesthetic. Isolated EVs were characterised through negative stain transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Western blotting (TSG101, CD63, Calnexin, ApoB, Albumin), tunable resistive pulse sensing (TRPS), microBCA assays and RT‐qPCR of miRNAs. PCR was performed on samples prior to EV isolation to assess bacteria present in samples. Cervical brush and vaginal swab EVs were intact vesicles with limited co‐isolated contaminants. Cervical brushes had higher concentrations of particles compared to match vaginal swabs, although both samples had low concentrations. Protein and miRNA yield were similar between matched samples. PCR demonstrated only a small amount DNA within samples was bacterial (>0.5%). Cervico‐vaginal fluids EVs were successfully isolated from cervical brushes and vaginal swabs, demonstrating a new method of sampling reproductive EVs. EV yield from both sample types was low. Similar protein and miRNA levels suggest either sampling method may be suitable for biomarker studies.
Development of antibiotic metrics for hospitalists via multi‐institutional modified Delphi survey
Authors: Bond Allison , Oreper Sandra , Prasad Priya , Abdoler Emily , Doernberg Sarah 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundClosing the gap between evidence‐supported antibiotic use and real‐world prescribing among clinicians is vital for curbing excessive antibiotic use, which fosters antimicrobial resistance and exposes patients to antimicrobial side effects. Providing prescribing information via scorecard improves clinician adherence to quality metrics.ObjectiveWe aimed to delineate actionable, relevant antimicrobial prescribing metrics extractable from the electronic health record in an automated way.DesignWe used a modified Delphi consensus‐building approach.Settings and ParticipantsOur study entailed two iterations of an electronic survey disseminated to hospital medicine physicians at 10 academic medical centers nationwide.Main Outcomes and MeasuresMain outcomes comprised consensus metrics describing the quality of antibiotic prescribing to hospital medicine physicians.ResultsTwenty‐eight participants from 10 United States institutions completed the first survey version containing 38 measures. Sixteen respondents completed the second survey, which contained 37 metrics. Sixteen metrics, which were modified based on qualitative survey feedback, met criteria for inclusion in the final scorecard. Metrics considered most relevant by hospitalists focused on the appropriate de‐escalation of antimicrobial therapy, selection of guideline‐concordant antibiotics, and appropriate duration of treatment for common infectious syndromes. Next steps involve prioritization and implementation of these metrics based on quality gaps at our institution, focus groups exploring impressions of clinicians who receive a scorecard, and analysis of antibiotic prescribing patterns before and after metric implementation. Other institutions may be able to implement metrics from this scorecard based on their own quality gaps to provide hospitalists with automated feedback related to antibiotic prescribing.
Does Aid Improve Local Wealth? Micro‐Level Evidence from Africa
Authors: Atitianti Philip Akrofi , Asiamah Samuel Kofi , Arthur Benedict , Duku John Archison 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThis paper adopts a micro‐level analysis to assess the effect of aid from China and the World Bank on the wealth of locals residing near aid project sites. We match geospatial data on aid projects financed by China and the World Bank in 35 African countries between 2008 and 2014 to respondents from rounds 5 and 6 of the Afrobarometer survey. The results indicate that aid from these two donors increases the wealth of the local population. Our transmission mechanism test suggests that aid impacts wealth by promoting employment opportunities.
Region‐dependent meteorological conditions of thunderstorm based on clustering analysis of stability and precipitable water indices
Authors: Ye Wanheng , Yu Yueyue , Cao Jie 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThunderstorms contribute to a large number of destructive weather events. However, due to the availability of comprehensive thunderstorm datasets, current researches on thresholds of stability indices during thunderstorms have always been limited within a specific local area during a relatively short time span. This study uses observations of thunderstorms data and ERA5 reanalysis data in summer (June–August) at 0600 and 1200 UTC from 1995 to 2019 to investigate the region‐dependent thresholds of four indices for indicating the occurrence of thunderstorm. The indices include the K index (K), the Showalter index (SI), convective available potential energy (CAPE), and precipitable water (PW). By applying the K‐means clustering method on the composite mean fields of four indices on thunderstorm days, China is objectively divided into three regions based on three stability indices (K, SI, and CAPE) and two regions based on PW index. Region‐dependent thresholds have been established for each index related to thunderstorms. When these thresholds are applied, accuracy rate of detecting thunderstorms exceeds 60% at 85% of the stations over China. The remarkable regional difference in the thresholds of the four indices are further attributed to the climatic backgrounds. Summer climatological means of surface potential temperature and surface relative humidity play a pivotal role in shaping the distinctive thresholds of K, CAPE, and PW across diverse regions, while surface potential temperature and topography are pivotal for the region‐dependent thresholds of SI. Based on the terrain characteristics and relevant summer climatology in each region, the thunderstorm thresholds can be potentially applied to regions with limited thunderstorm records but exhibiting similar climatic features beyond China. These findings would provide a reliable reference for thunderstorm monitoring by meteorological departments and related decision‐making services.
Biomarkers predicting the effect of anti‐TNF treatment in paediatric and adult inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Winter Dwight A. , de Bruyne Pauline , van der Woude Janneke , Rizopoulos Dimitris , de Ridder Lissy , Samsom Janneke , Escher Johanna C. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractObjectivesPaediatric and adult inflammatory bowel disease (pIBD, aIBD) patients may lose response to anti‐tumour necrosis factor (TNF) treatment within the first year. Adult‐extrapolated weight‐based dosing is incorrect in children, due to age‐related pharmacokinetic differences. We investigated biomarkers for initial and maintenance of response to infliximab (IFX) or adalimumab (ADA), comparing pIBD and aIBD patients.MethodsIn this prospective, observational study, pIBD (n = 24) and aIBD (n = 21) patients were included when initiating anti‐TNF. Escalation from standard dosing and continued anti‐TNF at 12 and 18 months were assessed. Biomarkers included clinical laboratory parameters, faecal calprotectin (FCP) and IFX trough levels (TLs). Plasma proteomics was performed in pIBD.ResultsDuring our study, treatment escalation (in clinical loss of response) occurred more common in pIBD versus aIBD (p = 0.02). We established that IFX therapy escalation in pIBD patients was not due to low infliximab levels. We identified 9 pro‐inflammatory proteins that were elevated in patients losing response.ConclusionAnti‐TNF exposure‐response relationship may be different in pIBD versus aIBD. No biomarkers for maintained response were identified, but 9 inflammatory proteins were of interest as potential predictors for loss of response in pIBD.
Impact of Coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic in children with functional abdominal pain disorders: Data from long‐term follow‐up
Authors: Martinelli Massimo , Strisciuglio Caterina , Lu Peter , Lev Michal Rozenfeld Bar , Beinvogl Beate , Di Lorenzo Carlo , Cenni Sabrina , Nurko Samuel , Pearlstein Haley , Rosen Rachel , Shamir Raanan , Staiano Annamaria 
Published: May 2024

AbstractObjectiveWe aimed to compare symptom frequency and severity in children with functional abdominal pain disorders (FAPDs) and to evaluate anxiety, quality of life (QoL) and global health during Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) related quarantine and after 17 months.MethodsChildren diagnosed with FAPDs between October 2019 and February 2020 at 5 different centers were enrolled and prospectively interviewed during the COVID‐19 quarantine and 17 months later when schools, hospital services, and routine activities had re‐opened to the public. The patients were asked to complete the Rome IV questionnaire, the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.0 (PedsQL 4.0) Generic Core Scale, the Patient‐Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) anxiety and global health questionnaires. Data about COVID‐19 infection and its clinical outcome were also collected.ResultsNinety‐nine out of 180 (55%) children completed the follow‐up. The number of patients reporting a worsening of their symptoms was significantly higher at follow‐up when compared to the quarantine period (24/99 [24.2%] vs. 12/99 [12.1%]; p = 0.04). The PedsQL 4.0 subtotal score at follow‐up significantly decreased at 17 months of follow‐up (65.57 [0−100]) when compared to the quarantine (71 [0−100], p = 0.03). Emotional functioning was the most significantly reduced (Follow‐up: 64.7 [0−100] vs. Quarantine: 75 [0−100]; p = 0.006). We did not identify significant differences in symptoms and QoL between COVID‐19 infected children and the remaining cohort at the two time points.ConclusionsAn improvement of symptoms and QoL was observed during the quarantine, followed by a worsening at‐follow‐up. These findings reinforce the hypothesis that the nest effect overweighted COVID‐19 fears during the quarantine and highlight the importance of psychological factors in symptom exacerbation