bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Factors Associated with Electronic Cigarette Use and Pulmonary Function Outcomes: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey Data from 2013 to 2019
Authors: Kim Chi Young , Park Sang Ho , Seong Ye Seul , Choi Yong Jun , Park Hye Jung , Cho Jae Hwa , Byun Min Kwang 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Significant differences exist between the toxicity and adverse outcomes of conventional cigarettes and electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes). However, spirometry-based clinical outcomes analyses in the general population have not been widely studied. This study aimed to investigate the factors associated with e-cigarette use among individuals with different smoking statuses and pulmonary function test (PFT) results.
Methods
This study was conducted in Korea using data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2013 to 2019. Participants who reported baseline clinical information, including smoking status, and underwent a PFT were included.
Results
In total, 19,356 participants, including current smokers, former smokers, and those who had never smoked, were included in this study. Among those who smoked, 5.7% reported current e-cigarette use, including dual users (who use conventional cigarettes and e-cigarettes). Factors associated with e-cigarette use included male sex, younger age, higher education level, higher household income, and current or former heavy smoker. Additionally, cigarette users had the highest prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), followed by dual users and e-cigarette-only users (p < 0.001). Furthermore, individuals with anxiety and depression were significantly more prevalent among dual users compared with those who had never smoked (p < 0.001).
Conclusions
This study indicates an association between e-cigarette use and individual factors, including sex, age, education level, and income level. E-cigarette use, including dual use, is associated with COPD. Additionally, anxiety and depression were highest among dual users, followed by conventional cigarette users.
Development and validation of a new anthropometric equation to predict skeletal muscle mass in a heterogeneous Caucasian population
Authors: Rojano-Ortega Daniel , Moya-Amaya Heliodoro , Molina-López Antonio , Berral-Aguilar Antonio Jesús , Rosa Francisco José Berral-de la 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Assessment of skeletal muscle mass (SMM) is essential to monitor physical performance and health status. The most widely used anthropometric equations have repeatedly demonstrated to overestimate or underestimate SMM in different populations. Herein, we developed and cross-validated a new anthropometric regression equation for estimating SMM, using DXA as the reference method. A group of 206 healthy Caucasian participants aged 18–65 years were included in the final analysis. Participants underwent a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan, and body mass, stature, four skinfolds (biceps, triceps, subscapular, and supracrestal) and four breadths (femoral, humeral, ankle, and wrist) were assessed by an accredited anthropometrist. Accuracy was assessed by mean differences, coefficient of determination, standard error of the estimate (SEE), concordance correlation coefficient (CCC), and Bland–Altman plots. The proposed equation explained 91.3% of the variance in the DXA-derived SMM percentage, with a low random error (SEE = 1.95%), and a very strong agreement (CCC = 0.94). In addition, it demonstrated no fixed or proportional bias and a relatively low individual variability (3.84%). The new anthropometric equation can accurately predict SMM percentage in a Caucasian population with a wide age range (18–65 years).
Triglyceride-glucose index and colorectal cancer risk and prognosis - a retrospective study
Authors: Wang Haizheng , Wang Sen , Guo Huimin , Feng Li 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
To verify the correlation of triglyceride-glucose index with the incidence of colorectal cancer and to further determine the correlation of triglyceride-glucose index with the prognosis of colorectal cancer, so as to infer whether the TyG index can be predictive of the incidence and prognosis of colorectal cancer.
METHODS
This is a retrospective study that evaluated the link with TyG index and the incidence and progression of colorectal cancer. We discussed the connection among TyG index and colorectal cancer risk using logistic regression modeling, respectively, by adjusting for covariates such as gender, age, level of alcohol consumption, and level of smoking. We depicted the ROC curve by analyzing and comparing the size of the area under the curve (AUC) of each risk factor.And we analyzed the correlation between TyG index and pathological stage and three-year prognostic outcome of colorectal cancer patients, respectively.
RESULTS
Among the 609 participants surveyed, the TyG index was significantly higher in patients with colorectal cancer than in those with normal colorectal function (p < 0.001) ).By adjusting for confounders, the OR for TyG index was 2.001 (95% CI 1.367–2.929, p < 0.001). The area under the curve (AUC) for TyG in the ROC curve analysis was 0.584 (95% CI 0.539–0.629, p < 0.001). Furthermore, the TyG index was correlated and analyzed with three-year prognosis of patients with colorectal cancer, and the OR for TyG was 2.123 (95% CI 1.014–4.445, p = 0.046).
CONCLUSION
TyG index can be one of the predictors of colorectal cancer incidence. Also TyG index can be one of the indicators to predict poor prognosis of colorectal cancer.
Predictive models and determinants of mortality among T2DM patients in a tertiary hospital in Ghana, how do Machine Learning Techniques perform?
Authors: Kpene Godsway Edem , Lokpo Sylvester Yao , Darfour-Oduro Sandra A. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background: The increasing prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in lower and middle – income countries calls for preventive public health interventions. Studies from Africa including those from Ghana, consistently reveal high T2DM-related mortality rates. While previous research in the Ho municipality has primarily examined risk factors, comorbidity, and quality of life of T2DM patients, this study specifically investigated mortality predictors among these patients.
Method: The study was retrospective involving medical records of T2DM patients. Data extracted were analyzed using Stata version 16.0 and Python 3.6.1 programming language. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were done to describe and build predictive models respectively. The performance of machine learning (ML) techniques such as support vector machine (SVM), decision tree, k nearest neighbor (kNN) and logistic regression were evaluated using the best-fitting predictive model of T2DM mortality.
Results: Out of the 328 participants, 183(55.79%) were females. An 11.28% mortality was recorded. A 100% mortality was recorded among the T2DM patients with sepsis (p-value = 0.012). T2DM patients were 3.83 times as likely to die [AOR = 3.83; 95% CI: (1.53-9.61)] if they had nephropathy compared to T2DM patients without nephropathy (p-value = 0.004). The full model which included sociodemographic characteristics, family history, lifestyle variables and complications of T2DM had the best prediction of T2DM mortality outcome (ROC = 72.97%). The accuracy for (test and train datasets) were as follows: (90% and 90%), (100% and 100%), (90% and 90%) and (90% and 88%) respectively for the various classification techniques: logistic regression, Decision tree classifier, kNN classifier and SVM.
Conclusion: This study found that all patients with sepsis died. Nephropathy was the identified significant predictor of T2DM mortality. Decision tree classifier provided the best classifying potential.
Pattern recognition using spiking antiferromagnetic neurons
Authors: Bradley Hannah , Louis Steven , Slavin Andrei , Tyberkevych Vasyl 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Spintronic devices offer a promising avenue for the development of nanoscale, energy-efficient artificial neurons for neuromorphic computing. It has previously been shown that with antiferromagnetic (AFM) oscillators, ultra-fast spiking artificial neurons can be made that mimic many unique features of biological neurons. In this work, we train an artificial neural network of AFM neurons to perform pattern recognition. A simple machine learning algorithm called spike pattern association neuron (SPAN), which relies on the temporal position of neuron spikes, is used during training. In under a microsecond of physical time, the AFM neural network is trained to recognize symbols composed from a grid by producing a spike within a specified time window. We further achieve multi-symbol recognition with the addition of an output layer to suppress undesirable spikes. Through the utilization of AFM neurons and the SPAN algorithm, we create a neural network capable of high-accuracy recognition with overall power consumption on the order of picojoules.
Implementation of Leaky Integrate and Fire neuron using Trench gate vertical FBFET (TG-V-FBFET) exploiting its Steep Subthreshold slope
Authors: Rasool Zuber , Amin S. , Prasad Dinesh , Kumar Naveen 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

In this work, we have proposed a Trench gate vertical feedback field-effect transistor (TG-V-FBFET) utilizing the positive feedback mechanism. Simulation and result extraction of the device is done using computer aided TCAD tool (ATLAS-SILVACO). Proposed device exhibits Subthreshold swing (SS) of 0.013mV/dec and on state current (Ion) of 0.1mA/µm with overall Ion/Ioff = 1010. Overall on chip area can be reduce up to 66% compared to lateral FBFET counter-part. Further-more, steep subthreshold slope characteristic of the device is exploited for the producing of Leaky Integrate and Fire neuron like spiking behavior. Circuit level simulations consisting proper resetting as well, is also done to properly implement single LIF neuron. Proposed LIF neuron shows a spiking frequency of 0.86GHz/spike and energy of 0.13pJ/spike for input current and threshold potential of 0.9mA and 1.3V respectively.
LPRLC: Linear Predictive Run Length Coding to Improve Energy Consumption of WBANs
Authors: Vakil Mahdieh Hajiloo , Shirmohammadi Zahra 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The Wireless Body Area Networks (WBANs) are biosensors placed on the body, inside the body, and around it. Body Area Network (BAN) are designed in micro sizes and have limited resources. Biosensors sometimes have errors in data recording and faced with duplicate and noisy data in real time. Data redundancy causes a significant energy consumption in sending and receiving data in the sensor. One of the most effective ways to reduce data volume is to compress it to save more energy. To solve these problems, the Linear Predictive Run Length Coding method (LPRLC) is presented which is a combination of Linear Predictive Coding (LPC) for data prediction and Run Length Encoding (RLE) for data compression. The signals attained from biosensors include blood pressure systolic (BPsys), blood pressure diastolic (BPdias), Respiration, Oxygen, and Heart Rate, which are recorded as a time series. First, the received signal is predicted continuously, and then the error resulting from the actual signal and the expected signal is calculated. In the last step, the resulting error is compressed by the RLE algorithm and sent to the destination. To compare the criteria of Energy Conservation (EC) and Compression Rate (CR), Huffman, Arithmetic, and Lempel-Ziv-Welch (LZW) algorithms are placed instead of RLE. The results show that the RLE algorithm has an average of 98% energy saving and up to 70 times reduction of data volume compared to other algorithms, which has improved 6% in energy consumption and 9 times reduction of data volume.
Two-phase Analysis of Bifurcation Angle Effect on Blood Heat Transfer in Three-Dimensional Bifurcated Vessels
Authors: Das Siddhartha Sankar , Mahapatra Swarup Kumar 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background and Objective:
Bifurcated blood vessels (symmetric and asymmetric) are major contributors to the heat sink effect which causes incomplete tumor cell necrosis during the thermal ablation procedure. This study analyses the effect of bifurcation angle on blood heat transfer using a two-phase numerical model.
Methods:
Three-dimensional bifurcated blood vessels having two different diameters (case 1: diameter = 3 mm and case 2: diameter = 0.6 mm) are being constructed with both symmetric and asymmetric configurations. The Eulerian two-phase model (Granular model along with the application of kinetic theory) is used for blood flow simulation in bifurcated vessels.
Results:
The effect of vessel diameter and bifurcation angle on the blood heat sink is being studied in a three-dimensional bifurcated vessel. Minimum blood temperature at bifurcation which is responsible for the major heat sink effect, is noticed to have a higher value for small vessels compared to large. As the angle ratio (r = α/β) in a small diameter bifurcated vessel with asymmetric configuration increases, blood velocity at the inlet of branch vessel 1 decreases, which lowers the heat sink effect produced due to blood flow at the bifurcation. In a large diameter (Dm = 3 mm) bifurcated vessel with symmetric configuration, with an increase in bifurcation angle (Ωbif), blood heat transfer at the inlet of branch vessel 1 and heat sink effect of blood at bifurcation both increase.
Conclusion:
Both bifurcation angle, symmetricity, and vessel diameter size have pronounced effects on blood heat transfer in a bifurcated vessel. This study concludes that during hyperthermia or cryo-therapy, the nearby vasculature configuration type must be taken into account to achieve maximum efficacy of the ablation procedure.
In-depth histological, lectin-histochemical, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural description of the olfactory rosettes and olfactory bulbs of turbot (Scophthalmus maximus)
Authors: Torres Dorinda , Villamayor Paula R , Román Albina , García Pablo , Martínez Paulino , Sanchez-Quinteiro Pablo 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Chemical communication through olfaction is crucial for fish behaviours, particularly in the seabed environment, mediating in socio-sexual behaviours as reproduction. Turbot, a flatfish with significant aquaculture production, possesses a well-developed olfactory system from early developmental stages. After metamorphosis, flatfish undergo significant morphological changes, acquiring the characteristic bilateral asymmetry of the order Pleuronectiformes. This results in the emergence of an ocular side facing the open water column, housing the dorsal olfactory rosette, and a blind side in contact with the sea bottom where the ventral rosette is located. This study aims to address the existing gap in specific histological, lectin-histochemical and immunohistochemical studies of the turbot olfactory rosettes and olfactory bulbs. Additionally, due to the small cell size and high cell density, we enhanced the characterization of the adult olfactory epithelium through transmission electron microscopy. We observed no discernible variations in the olfactory epithelium between rosettes, except for the dorsal rosette being larger in size compared to the ventral rosette. Our study involved the description of the olfactory system in premetamorphic larvae and microdissected olfactory organs of adult turbots using routine histological staining techniques, and a wide array of lectins and primary antibodies against G-proteins and calcium-binding proteins. The results obtained significantly enrich the scarce morphological and neurochemical information available on the turbot olfactory system, revealing a highly complex olfactory epithelium with distinct features compared to other teleost species, especially with regard to olfactory cell distribution and immunolabelling patterns.
Antecedent Neonatal Hypoglycaemic Brain Injury, commonest cause of Early-Childhood Epilepsy in Indian Children
Authors: Gupta Chitra , Narang Bhuvandeep , SJ Thernal , Sharma Rakhi , Chatterjee Sagnik , V Ramprasad , Murugan Sakthivel , Goyal Pradeep , Bansal Rajiv Kumar , Jain Vivek 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Paediatric epilepsies have diverse etiologies from structural brain lesions to monogenic disorders. Prospective studies from low-middle income countries which had used modern diagnostic methods like 3-T MRI and genetic testing for underlying causes in early-childhood epilepsies, are lacking. Similarly, data on long-term epilepsy outcomes is also not available. In this prospective study, consecutive patients with onset of epilepsy till five years of age were enrolled. Following detailed clinical phenotyping and after ruling out a structural-acquired cause on 3T-MRI, sequential genetic testing with Exome sequencing (ES) as a trio and if required Chromosomal Microarray (CMA)/Multiplex ligand PCR assay (MLPA) were performed. After this evaluation, patients were classified into International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) defined etiological groups. Phenotypic differences between acquired and congenital causes were also evaluated. Epilepsy outcome at 24 months follow-up was ascertained. Two hundred and thirty-one children were recruited over 12 months. The underlying etiology could be confirmed in 176 (76%) patients. The structural group (54%) was the commonest, followed by genetic (19.5%), metabolic (2%), Unknown (19%) and incompletely investigated (5%: Normal MRI, genetic evaluation not consented). Neonatal Hypoglycaemic Brain Injury (NHBI) was the most common single cause (50; 22%). The broad aetiological groups included acquired causes in 47% and congenital causes in 53%. In the acquired cohort, the predominant initial seizure type was a focal seizure (P = 0.01) or an Infantile Spasm (P < 0.001), while generalized seizures were more frequent in the congenital group (P < 0.001). Patients with an acquired cause were more likely to have IUGR, developmental delay, cortical visual impairment, and hypertonia (all P < 0.001). MRI helped confirm the underlying cause in 126 (54.5%) of the patients. A molecular diagnosis was achieved in 61 (54%) of 113 tested. ES as a trio was diagnostic in 50%, while CMA was 3%. Mutation positivity was more likely with seizure onset in infancy, developmental delay or presence of hypotonia (all P < 0.001), or Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathy (P = 0.01). A total of 57 of 207 (28%) patients at 24 months follow-up had drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE). On multivariate regression, only the younger age of seizure onset (P = .027) and developmental delay (P = .025) were associated with DRE. In this comprehensive prospective study of Indian children with early childhood epilepsy, using cutting-edge technology, we could confirm an underlying etiology in a majority of our patients. NHBI, a preventable condition was the commonest underlying cause. It is pertinent, that in India, guidelines on correct postnatal feeding practices are formulated urgently.
Tribal differences in hypertension and cholesterol profiles in Aceh, Indonesia
Authors: Desiana Desiana , Muchlisin Zainal Abidin , Suhud Khairi , Gani Basri A. 
Published: May 2024

Background: One of the factors that contributes to coronary heart disease and stroke is high blood pressure, or hypertension. Hypertension is influenced by race and sex. The objective of this study was to assess the hypertensive population in Aceh by tribal community and to examine the relationship between cholesterol history and hypertension.Methods: This study used incidental sampling as a non-probability sampling method, in which 152 participants were evaluated for the profile of hypertension with a history of cholesterol. Blood pressure was measured using a blood pressure measuring device. HDL, LDL, triglyceride, and total cholesterol levels were measured using LIPID Pro. Data analysis was performed using the Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney tests with p<0.05.Results: The study population (N=152) consisted of 81 males (53%) and 71 females (47%) across the ethnicities of Aceh (64:42%), Gayo (19:13%), Alas (33:22%), and Aneuk Jamee (36:24%). In the male group, hypertension was associated with total cholesterol (r=0.03; p=0.78), HDL (r=0.20; p=0.07), and LDL (r=0.21; p=0.07) levels, whereas in the female group, hypertension was primarily correlated with LDL levels (r=0.20; p=0.09).Conclusion: In general, hypertension in males and females in the four tribes in Aceh is associated with HDL, LDL, and total cholesterol levels.
Implementing a systemic approach to water management: piloting a novel multi-level collaborative integrated water management framework in east London
Authors: Whaley Matthew E. , Benton Laura , Bromwich Brendan , Mijic Ana , Rousseau Eloise , Whaley Marie-Pierre , Dobson Barnaby 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACT

To address urban growth, resource competition, and environmental degradation, effective integrated water planning is crucial. In the UK, policy frameworks like the 25-Year Plan for the environment and the National Framework for Water Resources stress the need for a systemic approach. Despite efforts in stakeholder engagement and meta-models, integrating physical and human aspects in water management remains a challenge. This paper introduces a multi-level framework for regional water planning, demonstrated through London's Sub-Regional Integrated Water Management Strategy (SIWMS). The framework, depicted as an inverted triangle, starts with conceptual analysis, gathering stakeholder insights and data. Integrated modelling creates a baseline for scenario assessment, providing evidence through metrics and simulations. Integrated planning focuses on collaboration for option selection and implementation. Results show the framework's effectiveness for systems-level analysis at the river basin scale. The logical progression facilitates stakeholder engagement, enhancing shared understanding. The Water Systems Integration Modelling (WSIMOD) Framework allows simultaneous assessment of interventions on various indicators, aiding in prioritising multi-benefit schemes and identifying potential negative impacts. The study supports the prioritisation of schemes like Sustainable Drainage System (SuDS) and emphasises the importance of a multi-level collaborative approach for robust, stakeholder-supported regional water planning to achieve effective implementation of planning and environmental policies.
Evaluation of hydrological responses to climate change in the Gibe Gojeb catchment, southwestern Ethiopia
Authors: Kuma Hailu Gisha , Chinasho Ermias Mekonnen , Tolke Abrham Asha 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACT

The expected influences of climate alteration on hydrological responses in the Gibe Gojeb catchment, southwestern Ethiopia, were evaluated using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model and regional climate models (RCMs). This study emphasizes the evaluation of the climate change impact on hydrological responses. The RCM data were downloaded from CORDEX-Africa. Power transformation and delta change methods were used for bias correction of precipitation and temperature, respectively. The calibration and validation of the SWAT model showed good agreement, and climate change impact was simulated. Accordingly, precipitation, soil water content, percolation, water yield, and groundwater are projected to decrease by 28.18, 7.5, 9.1, 5.4, and 9.2%, respectively, under RCP4.5 in the future (2021–2050). Besides, surface runoff and potential and actual evapotranspiration are projected to increase by 17.4, 11.32, and 5.06%, respectively. Soil water content, percolation, water yield, and precipitation are projected to decrease by 10.51, 5.63, 2.76, and 21.57%, respectively, under RCP8.5 in the future. Rain-fed crop production and hydropower generation in the catchment would be vulnerable to the effects of climate change. The results help to develop effective adaptation measures to reduce the impacts of climate change and draft long-term water resource management plans in the Gibe Gojeb catchment.