bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Factors associated with extrapyramidal side effects of first-generation antipsychotics: a cross- sectional study in Ugandan tertiary hospitals
Authors: Kalume Augustin Kensale , Kirabira Joseph , Luwede Betijuma , Forry Jim Ben , Muhumuza Joshua , Kumbowi Patrick , Musafiri Lionel Simba , Inena Gaylord , Nitunga David , Rukundo Zari , Kasujja Musa , Akaba Kingsley , Nmaeka Abamara , Afolabi Bushura 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Introduction:
Extrapyramidal side effects (EPS) are a significant concern in the treatment of psychiatric disorders with first generation antipsychotic medications. They reduce the adherence to drugs, impairing the quality of life and are related to relapse. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence, patterns of presentation and factors associated with EPS among patients receiving first generation antipsychotics at two teaching hospitals in Uganda. Understanding these aspects can help improve the clinical management and quality of life for individuals receiving this treatment
Methods
This study utilized a cross-sectional hospital based design involving 385 patients diagnosed with various psychiatric disorders and prescribed first generation antipsychotics at Kampala International University hospital (KIU-TH) and Jinja Regional Referral Hospital (JRRH) in Uganda. Data were collected through structured interviews, medical chart reviews and validated EPS Rating scales.
Results
The study revealed a substantial prevalence of EPS among patients treated with first generation antipsychotics at two teaching hospitals. In this study, 54.5% (210/385) of participants presented with EPS while on FGAs in both psychiatric centers. Among 210, 90(23.4%) were from KIU-TH and 120(31.1%) were from JRRH. Common presentations of EPS included dystonia (17%), Parkinsonism (16.1%), dyskinesia (13%) and akathisia (6.5%). Factors associated with an increased risk of developing EPS included: Male gender: 82%, longer treatment duration was associated with a higher risk of EPS, Smoking: (75%) increased the risk of having EPS, Psychiatric diagnosis: Schizophrenia (54%) was associated with a higher risk of EPS.
Conclusion
The prevalence of extrapyramidal side effect among patient on first generation antipsychotic drugs was relatively high in KIU-TH and JRRH psychiatric unities. Dystonia, Parkinsonism, dyskinesia and akathisia were the common extrapyramidal side effects observed in the study. On the other hand, smoking, previous episodes of EPS, long standing on antipsychotics drugs and schizophrenia were the main factors significantly associated with occurrence of EPS. These insights contribute to improving the overall management and care of patients receiving first generation antipsychotic treatments in psychiatric settings
Distribution of phosphorus fractions and their relationships with physiochemical properties in the Agricultural soils of the Yamuna River region
Authors: Sheshu Mutyalu , Hasan Amreen , Thomas Tarence , David Arun Alfred , Bradawl Akshita , Khatana Raghu Nandan Singh 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Purpose
To expand the research on soil phosphorus. Little is known about the concentrations of phosphorus fractions in the phosphorus-deficient area of the Yamuna River bank in Prayagraj. To overcome this gap, we suggest the exploitation of soil phosphorus fractions from soil samples in the study area.
Methods
We analysed 24 soil samples from four different depths at six different sites in agricultural fields around the Yamuna River. The samples were analysed, and different phosphorus fractions were sequentially extracted. UV spectrometry was subsequently used to analyse the individual P fractions.
Results
We found that P-deficient soils were neutral in pH and low in salinity. Among the P fractions, calcium-P was the most predominant, followed by Fe-P, S-P, Occl-P, Red-P, and Al-P. Overall, the available P, organic P, and total P decreased with increasing depth, whereas calcium P was significantly positively correlated with organic carbon (r = 0.55*) and available nitrogen (r = 0.55*) and significantly negatively correlated with clay (r = -0.32*), pH (r = -0.22*), and EC (r = -0.23*). However, the occurrence of P is a major contributing factor to the availability of P in soils.
Conclusion
Our regression equations showed that soil pH was the main soil property influencing the different P fractions. Applying organic P fertilizers can improve the quantity of P in these soils, and if enhanced analytical techniques are applied to soil samples, it is possible to gain more detailed insights into the dynamics of phosphorus fractions.
Optimization of Resource Allocation in 5G Networks: A Network Slicing Approach with Hybrid NOMA for Enhanced uRLLC and eMBB Coexistence
Authors: Shekhar Chandra , Singh Poonam 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

This paper introduces the optimization of resource allocation in fifth-generation (5G) mobile networks using network slicing and Non-Orthogonal Multiple Access (NOMA) methods. Traditional Orthogonal Multiple Access (OMA) and spectrum sharing methods struggle to provide the diverse Quality of Service (QoS) demands for Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB), Ultra-Reliable Low Latency Communications (uRLLC), and Massive Machine Type Communications (mMTC) leading to suboptimal performance and service quality degradation. Single Carrier-NOMA (SC-NOMA) appears to be a more optimized solution. It can serve multiple users simultaneously on the same time-frequency resources. This approach offers both enhanced spectrum efficiency and meets the QoS requirements for the coexistence of eMBB, uRLLC, and mMTC. However, SC-NOMA has some drawbacks. Decoding a user's signal involves a complex process (Successive Interference Cancellation) that gets harder with more users, causing delays and errors. Additionally, strong user signals can interfere with weaker ones, limiting the number of users per channel. In order to overcome the drawbacks associated with OMA and SC-NOMA, this paper introduces a new method called user-paired NOMA (Hybrid NOMA). Hybrid NOMA adopts a strategic approach, employing two user pairing techniques: Near-Far/Far-Near (NF-FN) and Near-Near/Far-Far (NN-FF). NF-FN pairing prioritizes users with similar signal strengths but different distances from the base station. This minimizes interference for the weaker user during SIC. NN-FF pairing, on the other hand, groups users with similar signal strengths and proximity. This approach further simplifies SIC and minimizes potential interference altogether. The simulation results demonstrate trade-offs between eMBB and uRLLC performance. OMA suffers with dedicated resource allocation, while SC-NOMA balances performance but experiences interference. NN-FF prioritizes eMBB and offers best latency, while NF-FN prioritizes uRLLC with high spectral efficiency but suffers from higher latency. Finally, by providing a thorough grasp of how hybrid NOMA resource allocation works to improve the performance of various use cases, this research makes a significant contribution to the field of 5G spectrum optimization.
Applying machine learning to predict the risk of cancer cachexia in stage IV colorectal cancer patients
Authors: Wang Jing , Han Baojuan , Wang Kangjie , Xiang Yaoxian , Wu Lei , Yan Dong , Wang Li 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: Cancer cachexia (CC) is a multifactorial syndrome affectingadvanced cancer patients, significantly impacting their survival and quality of life. This study utilized artificial intelligence machine learning (ML) methods to evaluate the risk of cachexia in stage IV colorectal cancer (CRC) patients through clinical data, establishing a cachexia risk prediction model.
Methods: We conducted a retrospective collection of data from stage IV CRC patients consecutively visiting Luhe Hospital from January 2015 to December 2022. LASSO regression was employed on this cohort to identify diverse risk variables for CC. Four MLalgorithms, namely, logistic regression model, random forest (RF), Extreme Gradient Boosting, and k-nearest neighbor algorithm, were employed to construct the predictive model. Model performance was assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity. Additionally, Shapley additive prediction (SHAP) values were utilized to elucidate the prediction model.
Results: Out of 219 stage IV CRC patients, 119 cases (54.34%) developed malignant fluid. Among the four ML models, the RF model exhibited the most robust predictive performance, achieving the highest AUC (0.768, 95% confidence interval: 0.706–0.831). The RF model demonstrated accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity values of 0.744, 0.790, and 0.690, respectively. We employed SHAP correlation maps to explicate the influence of individual features on the output of RF prediction models.
Conclusions: The RF model offers superior predictions, enhancing clinicians' ability to screen for CC, assess patient prognosis, and make informed decisions on targeted CC in stage IV cancer patients.
Foregut structure and physiology of brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens (Stål), unveiled via synchrotron radiation X-ray tomography
Authors: Chansawang Napatson , Roddee Jariya , Pakawanit Phakkhananan , Borikul Nidchakan , Khangjoho Suchawadee 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Synchrotron radiation X-ray tomographic microscopy is a non-destructive technology used in physiology or taxonomy for imaging and analysis. It has become an emerging and progressive technology in insect science. The structural details of these insects can be used as critical information on their interaction with virus pathogens. For example, the brown planthopper, (BPH) (Nilaparvata lugens, Stål) is a devastating pest of rice plants, causing significant yield loss in East Asia. BPH plays a crucial role in transmitting rice-ragged stunt virus (RRSV), a pathogen from the Oryzavirus genus. In this study, we utilized synchrotron radiation X-ray tomographic microscopy to investigate BPH's internal anatomy. This method could identify and characterize the internal structures in the mouthparts and foregut structures, such as the precibarium and food meatus, cibarium chamber, and diaphragm. Our findings highlighted the significance of the precibarium and cibarium in BPH feeding, shedding light on vector–pathogen interactions. Moreover, this study demonstrated the broader applications of advanced imaging and behavioral analysis techniques in entomology. This research contributed valuable knowledge to insect–vector interactions and has implications for crop protection and agriculture.
Beyond resection boundaries for glioblastoma patients: is “primum non nocere” a key factor for prognosis?
Authors: Cristofori Andrea , Rui Chiara Benedetta , Graziano Francesca , Ferlito Davide , Rebora Paola , Trezza Andrea , Chiarello Gaia , Stefanoni Giovanni , Re Fulvio Da , Julita Chiara , Basso Gianpaolo , Palumbo Giovanni , Valsecchi Maria Grazia , Carrabba Giorgio , Giussani Carlo Giorgio 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Maximal resection has a pivotal role in the treatment of glioblastoma, prolonging both progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Increasingly, very few studies analyze the delicate equilibrium between maximal resection, clinical outcome and prognosis. The aim of this study is to determine the impact of neurological impairment on PFS, OS and access to adjuvant therapies.
Methods
this retrospective study encompassed patients operated for a GBM at Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori Monza (IT), from 2015 to 2023. Histological diagnosis was performed according to 2021 WHO 2021. Patients were more than 18 years old, with pre and postoperative MRI, who underwent surgery and adjuvant treatments at our institution.
Results
A total of 231 patients fulfilled the criteria. Patients with improvement or complete regression of preoperative deficit had higher rate of access to adjuvant therapies (p = 0.023). Patients with hemiparesis at discharge had the worst PFS (median 4.60 months), Vs patients with aphasia, (6.60 months) Vs 9.67 for patients with normal examination (p < 0.0001). Median OS was 19.30 months for patients with hemianopia Vs 7.73 for patients with hemiparesis and 14.03 months with aphasia (p < 0.0001).
Conclusion
Hemianopia has no impact on patient’s prognosis, while hemiparesis and aphasia at discharge worsen both PFS and OS and prolong time-to-treatment. The “primum non nocere” principle must be the main policy: extend the resection at the cost of a minor deficit, preserve motor and language functions, encourage home cares for the most vulnerable patients.
Comprehensive analysis of an ATF/CREB family-based signature with regard to prognosis and immune feature in adrenocortical carcinoma
Authors: Jia Yige , Wu Kan , Li Xiang , Zhu Yuchun , Liu Zhihong 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
The ATF/CREB family members play important roles in tumourigenesis and immunity across various cancers. However, the expression patterns and clinical significance of ATF/CREB family members in adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) remain unrevealed. This study aimed to investigate the gene expression profiles of ATF/CREB family members in ACC and develop a prognostic signature based on this family.
Methods
Utilizing data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), we evaluated the expression levels of 21 ATF/CREB genes in ACC. A prognostic model was constructed using Lasso and Cox regression analyses, with the TCGA cohort as the training dataset, and further validated using an independent Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) dataset and ATF4 immunohistochemical data from 78 samples. Kaplan-Meier and multivariable Cox analyses were performed to validate the accuracy of the prognostic model. Additionally, the relationship between the prognostic signature, immune checkpoints, and immune cell populations was examined.
Results
Our findings revealed that the ATF/CREB family-based signature significantly stratified ACC cases into high- and low-risk groups based on overall survival (OS) in the TCGA dataset. Furthermore, the signature remained an independent prognostic factor in multivariate analyses and its clinical significance was well validated in different clinical subgroups and independent validation cohorts. Notably, high-risk signature patients exhibited distinct immune cell proportions and immune-suppressive states. Additionally, the signature scores were negatively associated with multiple immunotherapy biomarkers.
Conclusions
This study presents the first ATF/CREB family-based model for predicting survival outcomes and immune landscapes for ACC patients. The prediction capability of this signature for predicting prognosis and immunotherapy response warrants further validation.
FABP4 and S100A12, a notable link between inflammatory mediators and cardiovascular risk in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: khoobbakht Fatemeh , Roghani Seyed Askar , Soufivand Parviz , Rostampour Rezvan , Shahrokhvand Seyedeh zahra , Taghadosi Mahdi , Shamsi Afsaneh 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: 50% of the deaths of RA patients are due to cardiovascular diseases, and inflammation plays an important role in its pathogenesis. FABP4 and S100A12 are involved as inflammatory mediators in the pathogenesis of CVD. For the first time, in a recent study, we evaluated the association between FABP4 and S100A12 plasma concentrations with cardiovascular risk factors in RA patients.
Material and methods: 60 patients with RA (30 newly diagnosed and 30 under treatment) and 30 healthy individuals participated in this study with their personal consent. FABP4 and S100A12 plasma concentrations were measured by ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) method. Using ADVIA 1800 Clinical Chemistry System based on latex-enhanced immunoturbidimetric, HS-CRP concentration was calculated.
Results: The FABP4 plasma concentration was significantly elevated in the newly diagnosed and under-treatment RA patients compared to healthy subjects (P <0.001 and P = 0.008, respectively). The plasma levels of S100A12 were remarkably higher in the new case compared to the control groups (P =0.001).There was a significantly positive association between the FABP4 and S100A12 with NT-proBNP(r =0.493, P < 0.001; r =0.445, P < 0.001, respectively).
Conclusion: FABP4 and S100A12 correlate with cardiovascular biomarkers in RA patients.
Exploring Motor Skill Acquisition in Bimanual Coordination: Insights from Navigating a Novel Maze Task
Authors: Cienfuegos Miguel , Maycock Jonathan , Naceri Abdeldjallil , Tobias Düsterhus , Kõiva Risto , Schack Thomas , Ritter Helge 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

In this study, we introduce a novel maze task designed to investigate naturalistic motor learning in bimanual coordination. We developed and validated an extended set of movement primitives tailored to capture the full spectrum of scenarios encountered in a maze game. Over a three-day training period, we evaluated participants' performance using these primitives and a custom-developed software, enabling precise quantification of performance. Our methodology integrated the primitives with in-depth kinematic analyses and thorough thumb pressure assessments, charting the trajectory of participants' progression from novice to proficient stages. Results demonstrated consistent improvement in maze performance and significant adaptive changes in joint behaviors and strategic recalibrations in thumb pressure distribution. These findings highlight the central nervous system's adaptability in orchestrating sophisticated motor strategies and the crucial role of tactile feedback in precision tasks. The maze platform and setup emerge as a valuable foundation for future experiments, providing a tool for the exploration of motor learning and coordination dynamics. This research underscores the complexity of bimanual motor learning in naturalistic environments, enhancing our understanding of skill acquisition and task efficiency while emphasizing the necessity for further exploration and deeper investigation into these adaptive mechanisms.
Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized from Acacia glauca Leaves: A Promising Agent Targeting Virulent Genes of Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Saleh Reem Mahdi , Hassan Omar Mohammed 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Nowadays, antibiotics are the only therapeutic agents against Staphylococcus aureus infection. Widespread antibiotic resistance poses a threat to the world. Several studies have attempted to test whether alternative agents acting alone or in synergy with antibiotics can overcome this problem. For many years, silver nanoparticles have demonstrated multi-level action targeting the physiological activities of bacteria. The study aimed to synthesize silver nanoparticles by the green method from Acacia glauca leaves stabilized by chitosan (Ch-AgNPs) and evaluate their effect against the expression of a set of quorum sensing and virulent genes in MDR S. aureus. Ch-AgNPs were characterized by physicochemical tests including UV, X-ray, FTIR, TEM, FESEM, XRD, and zeta potential. Minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) was used to detect the antibacterial activity of Ch-AgNPs. After MIC treatment, the growth curve of S. aureus was plotted. The expression of genes (gyrb, AgrA, AgrB, RNAIII, mecA, rot, spa, hla, coa, and psm) was evaluated before and after exposure to Ch-AgNPs by quantitative real-time PCR. The dark brown color was the primary indicator of Ch-AgNPs formation. Ch-AgNPs showed absorption at 430 nm. The particles had a round and regular shape with an average size of 8 nm. The synthesized nanoparticles have a high degree of crystallinity, with thin peaks at 2θ° of 38.200 and 44.250. At +33 mV, the zeta potential confirmed high colloidal stability. The synthesized nanoparticles showed a high antibacterial effect with a MIC of 2.1 μg/mL, inhibiting the growth of S. aureus. All identified genes showed a significant decrease in their expression by RT-PCR after exposure to a subMIC of Ch-AgNPs, except for the gyrb gene, which is a housekeeping gene. Silver nanoparticles made from Acacia glauca leaves have the potential to be an effective antibacterial agent. They exert effects at a molecular level against the quorum sensing and virulence genes of MDR S. aureus.
Research on multi-objective Green Permutation Flow Shop Scheduling Problem Method based on Deep Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Lu Yongxin , Yuan Yiping , Huang Shaohua , Sitahong Adilanmu , Chao Yongsheng , Wang Yunxuan , Li Yi 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

This paper proposes an effective algorithm framework based on deep reinforcement learning (DRL) to solve the multi-objective permutation flow shop scheduling problem (MOPFSP) with optimization objectives of maximum completion time and energy consumption, named DRL-MOPFSP. Firstly, the PFSP is modeled as a pointer network using the DRL-PFSP method and trained using Actor-Critic reinforcement learning to minimize the makespan. Subsequently, a neighborhood search method based on critical path is employed to further enhance the quality of solutions obtained by the DRL-PFSP algorithm. Additionally, an energy-saving strategy based on job setback is introduced to optimize the energy consumption objective. Finally, simulation and comparative experiments with classical multi-objective algorithms are conducted on 24 different-scale instances. The results demonstrate that the proposed DRL-MOPFSP algorithm exhibits fast solution speed, scalability without size limitations, and strong generalization ability.
Mendelian Randomization Study Reveals No Causal Link Between Periodontitis and Intracranial Aneurysms
Authors: Chen Yao , Huang Jianhuang , Zhou Quanming , Kang Yuanbao 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Objective: Previous studies have suggested an association between periodontitis (PD) and intracranial aneurysms (IAs). However, it remains unclear whether the association is causal. This study systematically investigated the potential genetic link between PD and IAs, including the formation and rupture of IAs.
Methods: This study utilized publicly available genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary statistics data for a two-sample bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis. The main statistical analysis method used was inverse variance weighting (IVW). The reliability of the results was verified through sensitivity analysis and assessment of the strength of genetic instrumental variables.
Results: There was no causal relationship between genetically determined PD and uIAs (OR=1.02, 95%CI: 0.89-1.17, P=0.76) or aSAH (OR=0.96, 95%CI: 0.85-1.08, P=0.50). In the reverse MR analysis, the increased risk of uIAs or SAH was not statistically significant for an increased risk of PD (uIAs: OR=0.99, 95%CI: 0.94-1.05, P=0.78; aSAH: OR=1.02, 95%CI: 0.96-1.09, P=0.51). The results from MR-Egger regression and weighted median method were consistent with the IVW method. Sensitivity analysis indicated that horizontal pleiotropy was unlikely to distort the causal estimates.
Conclusion:Our study does not support a causal relationship between PD and the formation or rupture of IAs, and vice versa.