bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Screening for Chronic Renal Insufficiency Should Focus on People with Diabetes, Insulin Resistance or Advanced Fibrosis in MASLD
Authors: Yang Tianyuan , Yang Bingqing , Yin Jingya , Hou Chenxue , Wang Qi 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Aims
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a recognized extra-hepatic disease of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). With the redefinition of NAFLD as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), the importance of cardiovascular metabolic factors in MASLD has been highlighted. However, whether MASLD remains independently associated with the prevalence of CKD is yet to be determined.
Method
We analyzed data from 6,567 non-pregnant adults from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2017–2020. MASLD was identified using liver ultrasound transient elastography and five cardiovascular risk factors. Multivariate logistic regression, subgroup analysis, and restricted cubic splines were employed to explore the associations and interactions within the data.
Results
The prevalence of CKD across MASLD subgroups with different combinations of cardiometabolic risk factors varied. Univariate regression analysis indicated a significant association between MASLD and CKD (OR: 1.68, P < .001). This association was not significant after adjusting for diabetes (OR: 0.94, P = .74) or insulin resistance (OR: 1.00, P = .98) and was not significant in the fully adjusted model (OR: 0.87, P = .64). Subgroup analysis confirmed insulin resistance as a modifier in the MASLD-CKD relationship (P for interaction = .02). LSM values show an S-shaped correlation with CKD, with risk increasing above the 8.612 kPa threshold.
Conclusions
This study suggests that the direct relationship between MASLD and CKD diminished when accounting for diabetes or insulin resistance. Nevertheless, liver fibrosis emerges as an independent CKD risk factor, emphasizing the critical need for targeted CKD screening among MASLD patients, particularly those with diabetes, insulin resistance, or advanced fibrosis.
Padua Prediction Score and Hospital Acquired Proximal and Isolated Distal Deep Vein Thrombosis
Authors: Sartori Michelangelo , Soldati Mario , Fiocca Mriam , Borgese Laura , Favaretto Elisabetta , Cosmi Benilde 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Hospital acquired deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of lower limb proximal DVT and isolated distal DVT (IDDVT) and the relationship with the Padua Prediction score (PPS) in acutely ill hospitalized medical patients.
In a single center cross-sectional study, all inpatients from medical departments with suspected lower-extremity DVT were evaluated with whole-leg ultrasonography during 183 days from 2016 to 2017. Among the 507 inpatients (age 78.0±13.3 y, females 59.2%) from medical departments, 204 (40.2%) had PPS ≥4, but only 54.4% of them underwent pharmacological thrombo-prophylaxis. Whole leg ultrasonography detected 47 proximal DVTs (9.3%) and 65 IDDVTs (12.8%). Proximal DVT prevalence was higher in patients with high PPS vs those with low PPS (12.7% vs. 7.0% p=0.029, respectively), whereas IDDVT prevalence was similar in patients with high and low PPS score (14.7% vs. 11.6% p=0.311, respectively). The area under the receiver operating curve (AUC) for the PPS was 0.62±0.03 for all DVTs, 0.64±0.04 for proximal DVT, 0.58±0.04 for IDDVT.
In hospitalized patients, IDDVT has a similar prevalence regardless of PPS risk stratification. Adherence to thrombo-prophylaxis in medical patients was still far from optimal.
Cost-utility analysis of community-based interventions for hypertension control in Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Viet , Ha Duc Anh , Tran Oanh Mai , Nguyen Hoa L. , Goldberg Robert J , Allison Jeroan J. , Fleming Neil S. , Nguyen Phuong Khanh 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Between 2010 and 2011, stakeholders implemented a multi-faceted community-based intervention in response to the escalating issue of uncontrolled hypertension in Hung Yen province, Vietnam. This initiative integrated expanded community health worker services, home blood pressure self-monitoring, and a unique "storytelling intervention" into routine clinical care. From the limited societal perspective, our study evaluates the cost-effectiveness of this intervention using a Markov model with a one-year cycle over a lifetime horizon. The analysis, based on a cohort of 671 patients, reveals a lifetime incremental cost of approximately VND 90.37 million (USD 3,930) per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained. With a willingness to pay at three times GDP (VND 259.2 million per QALY), the intervention proves cost-effective 80% of the time. This research underscores the potential of the community-based approach to effectively control hypertension, offering valuable insights into its broader implications for public health.
There are only finitely many Lucas-Carmichael numbers in the sequence {2np-1}n≥1
Authors: Muthukrishnan Subramani , Tamilvanan Sridhar 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

In this paper, we prove that the sequence {2np − 1}n≥1 contains only finitely many Lucas-Carmichael numbers for a fixed odd prime p.
MSC Classification: 11A51 , 11Y55 , 11N25 , 11B39
Responses to seasonal time constraints under global change across life stages: facilitated by warming but counteracted by invasive alien predators
Authors: Szymon Sniegula , Robby Stoks , Golab Maria J. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

In seasonal environments, organisms with complex life cycles not only contend with seasonal time constraints (TC) but also increasingly face global change stressors that may interfere with responses to TC. Here, we tested how warming and predator stress imposed during the egg and larval stages shaped life history and behavioural responses to TC in the temperate damselfly Ischnura elegans. Eggs from early and late (TC) clutches in the season were subjected to current and 4°C warming temperature and the presence or absence of predator cues from native perch and invasive alien signal crayfish (IAP). After hatching, larvae were retained at the same thermal regime, and the predator treatment was continued or not up to emergence. The TC decreased egg development time, especially under warming and when not exposed to predator cues. However, the TC increased egg development time when exposed to predator cues, especially IAP cues. The TC decreased survival of larvae that were as eggs exposed to IAP cues, indicating a carry-over effect from the IAP. The TC and warming additively reduced larval development time to emergence. Independent of the TC, predator cue effects on development time were stronger during the egg than during the larval stage. The TC caused a lower mass at emergence, which mirrored the size difference between field-collected mothers. Warming caused a higher mass at emergence. The TC caused increased boldness and a higher number of moves, whereas warming caused a decreased boldness. There was no predator cue effect on larval behaviour. The results indicate that TC individuals compensate for late season egg laying, which is facilitated under warming but counteracted under predation risk, especially when imposed by the IAP.
Early or delayed entry in inter-firm network agreements: evidence on performance and markup of Italian firms
Authors: Correani Luca , Morganti Patrizio 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Inter-firm network agreements (IFNA) are policy instruments which stimulate collaboration among companies allowing them to share several economic, financial, and managerial benefits. Using a sample of 16463 Italian firms that joined a network during the period 2013–2021, the goal of this paper is to empirically investigate whether the early or delayed entrance of firms in IFNA may influence their performance and markup. The results show that early entering firms exhibit on average i) a reduction in markup, ii) an increase in added value, and iii) an increase in revenues, with respect to those firms that will join a network later. This study contributes to the network literature by providing additional empirical evidence on IFNA as instruments to foster cooperation, innovation, and internationalization among firms with no geographical bound.
JEL codes: L1, L14
Alginate-kaolinite beads incorporated with agrochemicals: new baits for leaf-cutting ants control
Authors: Duarte Valber G. O. , Leite Victor , Nobre Danúbia A. C. , Silva Renê C. , Constantino Vera R.L. , Castro Gustavo F. , Fernandes Flávio L. , Tronto Jairo 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Insect pests such as leaf-cutting ants (genera Atta spp. and Acromyrmex spp.) are a major problem in tropical countries because they can cause significant damage to crops, resulting in substantial production losses. These insects have been controlled chemically using granular baits. Although these granules are cheap, they can pose some problems due to their low resistance to humidity. Therefore, developing new formulations that present environmental resistance, sustained release of the active chemical, and good ant-killing efficacy can expand the management options. This work aimed to produce new baits in bead form to control leaf-cutting ants (Atta sexdens). The beads are derived from the interaction between organic and inorganic materials, synthesized from mixtures of alginate polymer, kaolinite clay, sodium tetraborate, Beauveria bassiana spores, and chlorpyrifos. X-ray Diffraction, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, Thermogravimetric Analysis Coupled with Differential Scanning Calorimetry and Mass Spectrometry, and Scanning Electron Microscopy provided important information about the structure and composition of the produced baits. For all baits, the data of the "in vitro" release study of boron were adjusted according to Higuchi's kinetic model. The results of boron leaching in soil columns experiments showed that for some baits, 100% of B leached after 15 days. According to the laboratory and field bioassays results, the beads showed good attractiveness and efficiency in controlling leaf-cutting ants. The synthesis of new beads of alginate-kaolinite containing agrochemicals proved to be a suitable bait with ant-killing potential and efficient for the chemical control of A. sexdens.
Unified interpolative of Reich–Rus– Ćirić type contraction in relational metric space with an application
Authors: Prasad Koti N. V. V. Vara , Mishra Vinay , Mitrovic Zoran , Santina Dania , Mlaiki Nabil 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

In this paper, we introduce the notion of unified interpolative contractions of the Reich–Rus– Ćirić type and give some results about the fixed pointsfor these mappings in the framework of relational metric spaces. We present examples where the results of some previous research are not relevant. Also, weapply our results to solving problems related to nonlinear matrix equations, emphasizing their practical importance
Mathematics Subject Classification (2010). 47H10, 54H25
The Association Between Diet Quality Scores with Inflammation and Treatment Outcomes in Children with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia; A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: jamali Mehrdad , Behroz Maryam , Pam Pedram , Ghorbani Hosna , Tavakolifar Yousef , Feizi Abbasali Hosseinpour , Ghoreyshi Zohreh 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia is the most common childhood cancer. Considering the importance of diet in the treatment process of cancer patients, the purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between diet quality and inflammatory/therapeutic outcomes.
Methods
In this cross-sectional study, 147-item Food Frequency Questionnaire was used to collect dietary data from patients. Diet quality was evaluated by the Healthy Eating Index 2015 (HEI-2015), Dietary Diversity Score (DDS), Dietary Acid Load (DAL), and Planet Base Diet Index (PDI). Linear regression analysis was then employed to explore potential associations between dietary scores and the C-reactive protein (CRP), Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR), Monocyte-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (MLR), Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (PLR), Prognostic Nutrition Index (PNI), Prognostic Index (PI), Glasgow prognostic score (GPS), Febrile neutropenia (FN), and Hospitalization duration outcomes.
Result
In this study with 54 patients, we found that a higher DDS score is linked to a reduction in NLR (ß: -0.30, P-value: 0.057) and an increase in PNI among women (ß: 3.90, P-value: 0.01). Furthermore, an inverse relationship was observed between the PDI score and both CRP (ß: -0.63, P-value: 0.02) and GPS (ß: -0.02, P-value: 0.052) in men. However, the length of hospital stay was seen to rise with an increase in PDI, both in crude models (ß: 0.36, P-value: 0.03) and when adjusted for other factors (ß: 0.40, P-value: 0.02). No additional significant links were discovered between food scores and the outcomes studied.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a diet that is both higher in quality and more varied leads to a reduction in inflammation-related outcomes. Furthermore, closely following PDI guidelines is linked to longer hospital stays. To achieve more dependable findings, further research in this area is necessary.
Molecular epidemiologic characteristics and transmission clusters of HIV-1 CRF01_AE in Zhejiang, China
Authors: Dai Bohao , Peng Xiaorong , Sun Jia , Zhu Xueling , Liu Xiang , Xiong Ye , Wan Zhikai , Xiang Dairong , Hui Jiangjin , Ying Chenxi , Liu Huiting , Zhu Biao 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
HIV-1 CRF01_AE is becoming the predominant HIV-1 subtype among patients in China.The distribution and molecular epidemiologic characteristics of transmission clusters of HIV-1 CRF01_AE in Zhejiang,China remains unclear.This study analyzed the molecular epidemiologic characteristics and transmission clusters of HIV-1 CRF01_AE in Zhejiang.
Methods
Plasma samples obtained from 152 patients with HIV-1 CRF01_AE infection not undergoing ART were used to amplify HIV-1 pol and env. CRF01_AE drug resistance mutations (DRM) prevalence was analysed using Stanford University’s HIV Drug Resistance Database. A phylogenetic tree was constructed using FastTree (version 2.1.11) based on the GTR nucleotide substitution model and visualized using Figtree (version 1.4.4) and The Interactive Tree of Life; the Chinese HIV Gene Sequence Data Platform was used to construct genetic transmission networks.
Result
Most samples could be grouped into CRF01_AE transmission Clusters 1 (11.18%), 4 (64.5%), and 5 (7.24%). The CD4 + T-cell counts associated with Clusters 1, 4a, 4b, and 5 were 15, 38, 30, and 248 cells/mm3, respectively ( P < 0.05). DRM rates in Clusters 4a and 4b were 25.45% and 17.65%, respectively (P < 0.05), whereas they were 17.65% and 18.18% in Clusters 1 and 5, respectively. The high X4 tropism rates were 13.2%, 11.8%, 20%, and 0% in Clusters 1, 4a, 4b, and 5, respectively. In total, 24 transmission genetic networks, comprising 72 sequences and 61 links, were discovered; of them, 61.2%, 11.7%, and 18.2% were from Clusters 4, 1, and 5, respectively (P < 0.05).
Conclusions
In Zhejiang, different CRF01_AE clusters exhibited disease progression and outcome differences. The surveillance of molecular epidemiology of HIV-1 should be enhanced to improve prognosis of the disease and minimize its transmission.
Comparison of chemiluminescence immunoassay with LC-MS/MS in the determination of plasma aldosterone concentration in patients with declined renal function
Authors: Zeng Qiurong , Li Junlong , Yang Yi , He Yifan , Song Ying , Hu Jinbo , Wang Yue , Li Qifu , Yang Shumin 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Compared with chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA), quantification of plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC) by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) yields lower values. Whether this difference is exacerbated by a declined glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is unclear. Therefore, this study aims to assess the impact of renal insufficiency on PAC measured by CLIA using LC-MS/MS as the reference method.
Methods
In subjects with normal or declined estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), PAC were measured by both LC-MS/MS and two different CLIA kits (Mindray and Diasorin).
Results
383 patients were included in our study. Among them, there were 71 subjects with eGFR > 90 (group one), 79 with eGFR 60–89 (group two), 108 with eGFR 30–59 (group three), 51 with eGFR 15–29 (group four), and 74 with eGFR < 15 (group five) ml/min per 1.73m2, respectively. In all subjects, PAC measured by CLIA [68.2(37.1-122.1) pg/ml for Mindray, 109.0(68.1–170.0) pg/ml for Diasorin] were significantly increased compared with those measured by LC-MS/MS [47.2(22.9–88.7) pg/ml]. The PAC measured by CLIA was positively correlated with that by LC-MS/MS, but the correlation coefficient diminished gradually with eGFR decline. Between LC-MS/MS and Diasorin CLIA kit, the difference of PAC increased with declined eGFR in groups one to five (76.8%, 69.2%, 113.2%, 152.2% and 476.2% for groups one to five, respectively). However, the difference increased only in group five in Mindray CLIA kit (46.4%, 48.1%, 45.7%, 45.0% and 74.9% for group one to five, respectively).
Conclusion
In patients with declined renal function, PAC measured by CLIA might be overestimated. Caution is needed in the interpretation of PAC in patients with severe renal impairment. When accurate measurements are required, LC-MS/MS should be considered.
Optimization analysis of gate width for detecting atmospheric turbulence with DIM LiDAR
Authors: ZHOU HUI , XIE CHENBO , HU YALIN , SHEN FAHUA , XING KUNMING , WANG YINGJIAN , WANG BANGXIN 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Through theoretical calculations and field experiments, the setting of gate width in distance gating technology has been optimized in DIM LiDAR. The mathematical relationship between gate width and detection distance has been derived. The relationship curves between gate width and image signal-to-noise ratio(SNR), as well as gate width and atmospheric refractive index structure constant \(C_n^2\) were obtained. The results indicate that at a constant detection distance, there is a gradual increase in the SNR of the image with increasing gate width, followed by a saturation point. The higher the SNR, the closer the inverted $C_n^2$ is to the ultrasonic anemometer. Meanwhile, if the SNR is similar, the inverted $C_n^2$ is similar. Finally, the appropriate gate width for this system is given.
The Neglected Category of Sub-elite Athletes in Ironman Triathlon: Participation, Performance, and Implications for Fitness Assessment
Authors: Sousa Caio Victor , Hoyos Penelope , Buesgens Derek , Villiger Elias , Thuany Mabliny , Nikolaidis Pantelis T. , Andrade Marilia S. , Aguiar Samuel Silva , Olher Rafael Reis , Cunha Rafael , Weiss Katja , Rosemann Thomas , Knechtle Beat 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

This descriptive study aimed to identify sub-elite athletes using a performance-based mathematical model and analyze their performance trends by age and sex using 20 years of Ironman® triathlon (IM) performance data. It includes data from athletes who competed in IM from 2002 to 2022. A sub-elite category of athletes was identified within the age group category as one standard deviation from the elite group of each race. Information about the event, event year, age, sex, swimming time, cycling time, running time, and overall time were analyzed. Regression models and the less significant difference were estimated. Sub-elite athletes represent an average of 6.8% of all athletes in each event, whereas elite athletes represent an average of 2%. Sub-elite athletes are mainly represented by athletes between 30 and 39 years of age, whereas general age groups are mainly represented by athletes between 35 and 44 years old. Performance trends throughout the years showed that sub-elite and elite have been improving their overall performance throughout the years regardless of sex. However, age groups show an overall stable average performance throughout the years. Additionally, the performance across all groups exhibited statistically significant differences (p < 0.005), consistent with the anticipated trend of elite, sub-elite, and age groups. In summary, sub-elite triathletes were younger than the overall age of IM triathletes, and during the last two decades improved their performance. These findings highlighted the distinct profile of sub-elite triathletes that should be considered by coaches for training and testing purposes.
Biomechanical Comparison of Screw and Minimally Invasive Locking Plate Fixation for Calcaneal Fracture Stabilization: A Finite Element Analysis and Clinical Study
Authors: Chongmuenwai Adisorn , Singkhot Natchayaphorn , Ungboriboonpaisarn Chanakan , Polpanich Nuttakitta , Rooppakhun Supakit 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The minimally invasive sinus tarsi surgical optimal technique for calcaneus fracture has gained popularity. This study compares the biomechanical performance of the three fixation methods using screw fixaztion-SF, locking compression plate-LCP for two-point (TP) -with and -without tuberosity based on commonly used fracture methods via joint depression (Sander's type II and III). The biomechanical performance of the two fixation methods was performed using finite element (FE) analysis and a comparative clinical study. The 3D FE model of calcaneal fractures was applied for the boundary and loading condition regarding a bearing load with a total weight of half 70 kg (approximately 350 N) during the stand. The safety factor (SF) of TP without tuberosity was 2.04 for type II, while SF of type III was lowest at 1.86, showing lower failure than the TP with tuberosity. The strain on the fracture site compared with the stability of the device in the case of TP with tuberosity fixation has the highest. At the one-year follow-up, Bohler’s angle was significantly higher in the LCP fixation group than in the screw fixation group (P = 0.026), the loss of Gissane’s angle showed no significant differences, and the FAAM score demonstrated significantly better results in the LCP fixation group compared to the screw fixation group (P < 0.001). Therefore, LCP (TP with tuberosity) fixation was an effective stratagem for technique surgery in joint-depression sander's type II and III compared to other techniques.