bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Relationship Between Parathyroid Hormone Levels and Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agent Dose Requirements in Hemodialysis Patients; a Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Sabzi Elnaz , Rasaei Nakisa , Heydarzadeh Reza , Vafa Reza Golchin , Sohrabizadeh Sina , Malekmakan Leila , Haghighat Shirin 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Anemia is a prevalent issue among patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) undergoing hemodialysis, influenced by various factors. Treatment typically involves erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) therapy and iron formulations, yet achieving optimal hemoglobin levels poses challenges. This study aims to explore the correlation between parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels and ESA dosage requirements in hemodialysis patients.
Methods
In this cross-sectional study of 238 CKD patients undergoing hemodialysis for more than six months, we collected data on various parameters, including gender, duration of CKD and hemodialysis, hemodialysis frequency, cause of kidney failure, ESA dosage, complete blood count (CBC), iron profile, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), serum levels of calcium, phosphorus, PTH, albumin, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (Cr), and Kt/V.
Results
A total of 238 patients (58.4% male, 41.6% female) were categorized into two groups based on their anemia control status: the poor anemia control group (hemoglobin ≤ 11 g/dL) comprising 56.30% of the patients, and the good anemia control (hemoglobin > 11 g/dL) comprising 43.7% of the patients. While the correlation between PTH and ESA dose was not statistically significant overall (correlation coefficient: 0.015, p-value = 0.825), a meaningful correlation was observed in patients with poor anemia control (correlation coefficient: 0.177, p-value = 0.046). Additionally, dialysis adequacy (Kt/V) was significantly associated with improved hemoglobin levels (correlation coefficient: 0.931, p-value < 0.001).
Conclusion
In this study, we observed no correlation between PTH levels and ESA dosage in hemodialysis patients overall. However, a notable finding emerged among individuals with lower hemoglobin values (≤ 11 g/dL) despite standard treatments. In this subgroup, a significant relationship between PTH levels and the required ESA doses was evident, suggesting a potential link between elevated PTH levels and resistance to EPO.
Changes in proximal colon on intestinal ultrasound indicate efficacy of remission induction therapy for active ulcerative colitis
Authors: Izumikawa Koichi , Inaba Tomoki , Yasutomi Eriko , Takahashi Sakuma , Yamauchi Kenji , Syunsuke Colvin Hugh , Okamoto Kunio , Sakakihara Ichiro , Yamamoto Kumiko , Tanaka Shigetomi , Ishikawa Shigenao , Wato Masaki 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
The utility of intestinal ultrasound (IUS) on remission induction therapy for acute ulcerative colitis (UC) has not been fully addressed.
Aims
To elucidate the effectiveness of IUS for the assessment of remission induction therapy.
Methods
In all, 107 sites in 32 patients (12 with severe colitis, 20 with moderate colitis) were analyzed. Disease activity was assessed as Mayo endoscopic score (MES) by colonoscopy. The US grade and bowel wall thickness (BWT) before induction therapy were compared with the MES. Changes in the US grade and BWT before and after clinical improvement were analyzed at the site of the strongest inflammation and at the oral and anal sides.
Results
The US grade and MES were well correlated, yielding a correlation coefficient of 0.59 (p < 0.01). After clinical improvement, the rates of improvement in the US grade and BWT at the most inflamed region, oral side, and anal side were 9.4% and 21.9%, 43.8% and 43.8%, 12.5% and 21.9%, respectively. The US grade and BWT decreased at all sites after clinical improvement in all cases (p < 0.01, p < 0.01). However, the change in US grade was significantly greater at the oral side than at the site of strongest inflammation or anal side (p = 0.048, p = 0.034, respectively).
Conclusion
IUS is an effective method for assessing the efficacy of remission induction therapy for active UC, and the assessment should be done at the proximal part of the colon, as opposed to solely at the site of the strongest inflammation.
The Risk of Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding and Coagulopathy in IBD Patients with Cirrhosis
Authors: Rajamanuri Medha , Pannala Sreeram , Dar Sophia , Danduboyina Anirudh , scaife Steve , Arshad Hafiz Muhammad Sharjeel 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Introduction: In cirrhotic patients, systemic inflammation disrupts the delicate balance of hemostatic variables, akin to what occurs in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), potentially resulting in a shift towards either a procoagulant or anticoagulant state. Current guidelines advocating for anticoagulation use in hospitalized IBD patients lack strong evidence, and there is a notable absence of guidelines tailored specifically for those with underlying cirrhosis. This study seeks to explore how underlying cirrhosis impacts the risk of coagulopathy and gastrointestinal bleeding in IBD patients, aiming to provide insights for making well-informed decisions regarding anticoagulation therapy.
Patients and Methods: Utilizing the National Inpatient Sample database, we identified hospitalizations with a primary or secondary diagnosis of IBD and cirrhosis based on ICD-10 codes from 2016 to 2020. This retrospective cohort study excluded pregnant women, patients requiring chronic anticoagulation, and those with malignancies to mitigate confounding. A meticulous 1:1 matching for significant comorbidities between cohorts was performed. Primary outcome studied is incidence of upper GI bleed, secondary outcomes include mortality, venous thromboembolism, length of stay.
Results: Of the total IBD patients, 5,375 had cirrhosis. Following 1:1 matching, both the cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic groups comprised 4,195 patients. In the matched cohorts, IBD patients with cirrhosis exhibited an increased risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding (RR-3.60, p < 0.0001) and mortality (RR-2.78, p < 0.002), while there was no significant difference in venous thromboembolism (VTE) events (RR-1.70, p-0.446). Length of stay did not significantly differ between the groups.
Conclusion: This study uncovers a markedly elevated incidence of upper gastrointestinal bleeding among IBD patients with cirrhosis. Our results underscore the importance of diligent monitoring and close follow-up for individuals with both conditions. The efficacy of anticoagulation in preventing thromboembolic events remains uncertain in these patients, given the heightened propensity for bleeding observed in our study among those with IBD and cirrhosis. Future randomized clinical trials are warranted to investigate the effect of anticoagulation in this population, taking into account the varying severity of underlying cirrhosis.
Evaluation of Western Ethiopian Sorghum Landraces for Resistance to Striga hermonthica (Del.) Benth
Authors: Earecho Minyahil Kebede , Nebiyu Esubalew 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Striga hermonthica (Del.) Benth is an obligate root parasite that causes severe yield losses in sorghum production in semi-arid areas. It reduces yields in sorghum, maize, millets, and rice crops. Striga resistant or tolerant sorghum would form a great part of an integrated Striga control. Thus, this study aimed to determine the response of 48 sorghum genotypes against artificially infested S. hermonthica under pot and field experimentation. Two resistant (Berhan and Framida), and susceptible Assosa-1, Adukara, and/or ETSL102967 were used as a positive and negative checks. The results showed a high variability among sorghum landraces with respect to the effects of Striga parasitism. Early maturing sorghum landraces have the lowest Striga densities and late maturing sorghum landraces are too susceptible to Striga. Sorghum landraces ETSL102969 was found the most resistant sorghum landrace that shown similar Striga number as Birhan (resistant check). Also, ETSL102970 sorghum landraces was found the second resistant landrace with better Striga resistance than Framida (resistant check). Therefore, it is recommended that using ETSL102969 and ETSL102970 as a resistance source to enhance the resistance of sorghum against S. hermonthica in Ethiopia.
Effects on anorectal function of endoscopic submucosal dissection for rectal tumors involving the dentate line
Authors: Kobayashi Yumie , Fukunaga Shusei , Kanamori Atsushi , Kono Mitsuhiro , Ochiai Tadashi , Ominami Masaki , Otani Koji , Hosomi Shuhei , Tanaka Fumio , Taira Koichi , Fujiwara Yasuhiro 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background:Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is a specific procedure that utilizes an electrosurgical knife for en-bloc resectioning large tumors. However, no study has examined the effect of ESD on the defecation function of patients with rectal tumors. We aimed to investigate the potential effects caused by ESD by analyzing changes in the morphology and movement of the anorectum pre- and post-ESD.
Methods: This prospective observational study included 11 patients with anorectal tumors who underwent ESD between April 2020 and February 2022. Pre-ESD assessments includedanorectal manometry and defecography. Post-ESD assessments were conducted 2 months later, including anorectal manometry, defecography, and proctoscopy for ulcer and stenosis evaluation.
Results: The median patient age was 73 years, including seven males and four females. Eight (73%) patients had rectal Rb lesions, with a resection range of one-third (0.33). Resection reached the dentate line in six cases (55%). No cases of perforation, delayed bleeding, or delayed perforation occurred. In the patients with post-ESD mucosal defects involving the dentate line, the median of functional anal canal length significantly decreased from (3.4 cm pre-ESD to 2.8 cm post-ESD, p = 0.04). Defecography revealed one case with incomplete evacuation (< 50%) and incontinence post-ESD. Interestingly, patients with pre-existing rectoceles noted resolution of lesions post-ESD. None of the patients reported daily constipation or fecal incontinence.
Conclusions: While rectal ESD is unlikely to cause significant real-world defecation difficulties, alterations in rectal and anal canal morphology and function may occur if the dentate line is involved in the resection range.
Comprehensive Assessment of serum 3′-tRF Arg as a novel diagnostic biomarker for gastric cancer
Authors: Ding Rui , Li Yang , Zhang Yu , Li Xun , Gu Xinliang , Shen Xianjuan , Ju Shaoqing 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the malignant tumors with the highest mortality rates worldwide, yet there is a lack of diagnostic markers with high sensitivity in the clinic. tRNA-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs) are a novel type of non-coding small RNAs characterized by their abundance in body fluids and specific biological functions. In this study, we focused on the potential of tsRNAs as biomarkers for the diagnosis of GC.
Methods: Differential expression of tsRNAs was screened by high-throughput sequencing, and Quantitative real-time PCR verified the expression of 3′-tRFArg in GC serum and tissues. The methodological evaluation of 3′-tRFArg was confirmed using Sanger sequencing and agarose gel electrophoresis. The correlation between the expression levels of 3′-tRFArg and clinical pathological parameters was analyzed using Chi-square tests. The diagnostic value was assessed through the receiver operating characteristic curve, and the impact of 3′-tRFArg expression on survival was evaluated using Kaplan–Meier survival analysis.
Result: 3′-tRFArg was found underexpressed in GC tissues and serum with good stability. The differential expression of serum 3′-tRFArg could identify GC patients and show significant correlations with clinical pathological features. Furthermore, the receiver operating characteristic curve indicated that 3′-tRFArg possesses a higher diagnostic value than conventional biomarkers, particularly in the early diagnosis of GC.
Conclusions: 3′-tRFArg is significantly underexpressed in the serum of GC patients and can serve as a biomarker of high sensitivity. It possesses superior diagnostic efficacy compared to traditional markers and is valuable for monitoring tumor development and prognosis.
Investigation on Dynamical Mechanics of Rock-Backfill Composite Samples under SHPB Test
Authors: Ma Haiyue , Zhang Yunpeng , Yang Xi 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

In blast-induced caving mining employing backfilling techniques, understanding the mechanism of interaction and evolution of deformation between rock and backfill under coupled conditions has become essential. In order to perform dynamic uniaxial impact testing at high strain rates utilizing the Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar (SHPB) test technique, this research produced coupled specimens of rock and cemented tailing backfill (CTB). The coupled body's stress-strain curves at various strain rates were measured, and the failure processes behind them were examined. Using GDEM software, a coupled model of SHPB rock-CTB was created in order to examine the internal variations in stress wave velocity as well as the evolution of cracks in the coupled specimens. According to experimental results, the dynamic compressive strength of the connected body increases first, falls later, and finally stabilizes when the average strain rate (ASR) increases from 27.45 s− 1 to 68.73 s− 1. At typical strain rates below 60 s− 1, the stress-strain curve displays a "stress drop" type, and at rates over 60 s− 1, a "stress rebound" type. When the ASR is below 55 s− 1, the energy absorption progressively increases; when it is above 55 s− 1, it reduces and then increases again. The simulation results validate the validity of the experimental conclusions by showing that transverse and longitudinal cracks occur on the surface of the backfill, with greater deformation observed on the side in contact with the transmission bar compared to the side in contact with the rock.
LACTNet: A Lightweight Real-time Semantic Segmentation Network Based on Aggregation CNN and Transformer
Authors: Zhang Xiangyue , Li Hexiao , Ru Jingyu , Ji Peng , Wu Chengdong 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Transformers have shown a significant advantage over CNNs in modeling long-range dependencies, which has led to their increased attention in semantic segmentation tasks. In the current work, a novel semantic segmentation model-LACTNet is introduced, which synergistically combines Transformer and CNN architectures for real-time processing. LACTNet is designed with a lightweight Transformer featuring a gated convolutional feedforward network, which is combined with CNNs to compensate for their respective shortcomings. LACTNet designs a Lightweight Average Feature Bottleneck (LAFB) module that effectively guides spatial detail information within the features, thus enhancing segmentation accuracy. To address the loss of spatial features in the decoder, a long skip-connection approach is employed through the designed Feature Fusion Enhancement Module (FFEM), which boosts both the integrity of spatial features and the feature interaction capability in the decoder. Testing on both the Cityscapes and CamVid datasets confirms that LACTNet attains mIoU scores of 74.8% and 71.8%, respectively, while also maintaining real-time frame rates of 90 FPS and 126 FPS.
Association between living arrangements and time to drop out in patients between 18 and 29 years of age, under treatment for substance abuse disorders in Chile, 2010-2019
Authors: Castellano Joel , Santa-Cruz Andrés González , Castillo-Carniglia Álvaro , Gaete Jorge 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Substance use disorders (SUDs) are the leading cause of premature death and disability in the Americas, causing approximately 47% of deaths in the world's adult population, posing an enormous public health challenge. One of these challenges is the treatment drop-out, which significantly compromises the efficacy of SUD interventions. Despite the implementation of advanced monitoring programs in Chile, evidence concerning the medium- and long-term effects of SUD treatment remains limited. This study explores the correlation between living arrangements (alone, with the family of origin, or with a partner with or without children [partner/children]) at the onset of initial treatment and the time until treatment drop-out among emerging adults (18–29 years) in public SUD programs in Chile from 2010 to 2019. Employing a retrospective cohort design, health records of adult patients aged 18 to 29 who underwent public SUD treatment between 2010 and 2019 in general population programs were analyzed. Using survival analysis and inverse probability-weighted multinomial logistic regression models, the findings reveal consistent patterns: individuals living with family of origin had the highest survival rates and prolonged treatment retention, followed by those living with partner/children, and those living alone had the lowest survival rates (Restricted mean survival times (year) were 0.60, 0.57, and 0.55 to at one year, respectively). The study emphasizes the crucial role of social bonds, particularly familial and relational ties, in influencing treatment outcomes. In conclusion, this study underscores the necessity to consider social support when formulating effective SUD treatment strategies and the potential positive impact of familial and relational bonds, especially during the critical phase of emerging adulthood.
Research Clinical Analysis and Risk Factors Associated With a Poor Prognosis in Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Infection: An 8-year Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Chai Jing-Jing , Zhang Su-Jie , Ma Chong , Mei Qi-Min , Liu Tao , Liu Ji-Hai , Liu Ye-Cheng , Zhu Hua-Dong 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: In recent years, the incidence of Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) disease has been increasing worldwide. This study aimed to identify risk factors affecting the prognosis and mortality of non-HIV NTM patients.
Methods: This retrospective study was conducted at Peking Union Medical College Hospital. The electronic medical records in the hospital’s database from January 2013 to December 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. Relevant data, including clinical characteristics, laboratory findings, detected microorganisms, treatments, and outcomes were collected and subjected to statistical analyses.
Results: The search identified 745 patients diagnosed with NTM infection, of whom 147 met the inclusion criteria. Pulmonary NTM was most commonly observed (n=93; 63.3%), followed by disseminated infection (n=43; 29.3%). The most frequent NTM species was Mycobacterium avium complex (55.8%), followed by Mycobacterium abscessus (21.2%). The incidence of Aspergillus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection was significantly higher in the pulmonary NTM group than in the disseminated NTM group. Cumulative mortality in the total patients was 24.49% at 5 years. High charlson comorbidity index (CCI), high neutrophil-to-lymphocyte-ratio (NLR), hematological disease, and disseminated infection were identified as independent predictors of unfavorable outcomes. The area under the curve (AUC) values for NLR and NMLR were 0.751 and 0.763 with optimal cut-off values of 9.50 and 3.83, respectively, for prediction of mortality in NTM patients.
Conclusions: High CCI, high NLR, hematological disease, and disseminated infection were identified as independent predictors of mortality in non-HIV NTM patients.
Is polyphagy of a specific cryptic Bemisia tabaci species driving the high whitefly populations on cassava in eastern Africa?
Authors: Namuddu Annet , Malka Osnat , Seal Susan , Brunschot Sharon , Kabaalu Richard , Omongo Christopher , Morin Shai , Colvin John 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

There have been increasingly high whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) populations and associated vector-borne viral disease pandemics since the 1990s on cassava, one of the key staple food crops in eastern Africa. The increased whitefly numbers have also been observed on other crops and uncultivated plants. Previous studies, mainly based on adult whitefly surveys have associated the upsurges on cassava with two B. tabaci populations, sub-Saharan Africa 1 (SSA1) and SSA2, yet factors behind the population increases on other plants and their relations are unclear. In addition, other species of B. tabaci including East Africa1 (EA1), Indian Ocean (IO), MED, SSA9 and SSA10 have also been reported to occur on cassava in low numbers. In this study fourth-instar nymphs were collected from cassava and 20 other common host plants to establish the actual host plants of B. tabaci for their growth and development in Uganda, a centre of diversity of this insect pest complex. Host-transfer experiments were also conducted to establish the ability of seven B. tabaci species: EA1, MEAM1, MED-ASL, SSA1-subgroup1, SSA1-Hoslundia, SSA6 and SSA12 to develop on cassava. Identities of fourth instar nymphs were determined using the partial mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase 1 (mtCO1) sequences (657 bp) in the 3′ barcode region used for B. tabaci systematics. Twelve B. tabaci of which one is a proposed novel B. tabaci putative species, B. afer and one novel whitefly species were identified based on the 3.5% threshold criterion in nucleotide sequence divergence. Cassava was colonised by B. tabaci populations; SSA1-SG1, SSA1-SG2, and SSA2. The most prevalent whiteflies in this study were B. tabaci, SSA1-SG1 (26.8%), MED-ASL (14.5%), and SSA13 (12.9%). These B. tabaci species were also the most polyphagous colonising twelve, eight and six plant species, respectively. Several (≥ 3) whitefly species colonised specific weeds; Aspilia Africana, Commelina benghalensis, Hoslundia opposita, Pavonia urens and Sida acuta. The ability to colonise several plants provides (i) continuous habitat leading to the increased whitefly populations and (ii) reservoirs for mixed infections of whitefly-vectored viruses. Management of whitefly pest populations in eastern Africa will require an integrated approach that takes into consideration their degree of polyphagy and an environment that enables the continuous presence of crop and uncultivated plant hosts.
Estimation of the lateral earth pressure acting on a row of piles given the soil arching effect
Authors: Song Young-Suk , Hong Seongwon 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The plastic deformation in the ground between piles undergoing lateral soil flow starts first from the crown part of the external arch in the soil arching zone; then, the plastic deformation is developed to the wedge part around the piles. The geometric configuration of the soil arching zone between the piles is newly defined through the analysis of the model test result. Based on the geometric configuration of the soil arching zone, a new theoretical equation is proposed using the theory of cylindrical cavity expansion. To verify the new equation, a field monitoring test is performed at a cut slope that is reinforced by stabilizing piles, and the test results and the equation are analyzed and compared with the equation proposed by Ito and Matsui (1975). It is noted that the new equation can better capture the measured deflection from the tests than the model by Ito and Matsui (1975). Therefore, the new equation can be adapted to estimate the lateral earth pressure acting on a pile and a row of stabilizing piles can be eventually designed without overestimating the lateral earth pressure.