bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sex Differences on the Pharmacokinetics of Drugs for Children with Chronic Kidney Disease: A Narrative Review
Authors: Assadi Farahnak , Faghihi Toktam 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Effective optimal pharmacotherapy requires a comprehensive understanding of the drug’s pharmacokinetic properties. Whether sex differences exist in the pharmacokinetics of drugs for children with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is unknown. This article aims to address the many important factors that influence drug disposition and effects relative to age in children with chronic kidney disease (CKD).
Method
Electronic databases, PubMed, EMBASE, Google Scholar, and Web of Science were searched from inception, using Mesh terms in English for sex differences in the pharmacokinetics of drugs in children with chronic kidney disease (CKD).
Results
Evidence to date suggests that girls generally have a higher prevalence and disease progression of CKD when compared to boys. No studies documented sex-related differences in the pharmacokinetics of drugs for the treatment of CKD in children. As a consequence, it is difficult to predict the impact of CKD on pharmacokinetics by extrapolating data from adult studies in children.
Conclusion
The lack of pharmacokinetic studies in children with CKD makes it very difficult to predict the optimum therapeutic dosing. Future studies in the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of drugs are urgently needed to individualize therapeutic dosing for children with CKD.
Seismic Performance Evaluation of High Strength Steel EBFs, with 304L Steel Links under Successive Earthquakes
Authors: Ghadami Faezeh , Rajabi Elham 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Successive earthquakes can bring about permanent displacements and a drop in frame resistance in subsequent cycles. Since a method for designing structures under these scenarios has barely been provided in the regulations, this paper examines the seismic performance of Eccentrically Braced Frames (EBFs) in High-Strength Steel (HSS) frames under different seismic sequences. To this end, EBFs with a variety of materials were undergone 16 scenarios with and without a seismic sequence in the Opensees software. Inter-story drift ratio, energy loss by links, maximum rotation ratio in links, as well as bending moment and curvature curves were further reported and compared in sensitive stories under single and consecutive earth-quakes. The results indicated that employing stainless links could reduce the inter-story drift ratio in the middle stories. Moreover, a less increase drift ratio was observed in some HSS frames after the occurrence of successive shocks. The increase in energy loss caused by successive shocks compared to the single shock was 160%, 147%, and 162% in HSS, Stainless Steel (SS), and Carbon Steel (CS) frames, respectively. Therefore, an HSS frame experienced a lower increase energy dissipation while this frame had more energy dissipation than other frames. Regarding curvature and ductility, the links in HSS5 and HSS9 frame had a similar performance to CS9 and CS5 links in their critical stories, except that their resistance was between 4–7% and greater than the ones in CS frames. Furthermore, Stainless steel links increased the rotation capacity of the links between 6 and 40%.
Targeting S100A12 to Improve Angiogenesis and Accelerate Diabetic Wound Healing
Authors: Qin Shitian , Chen Shuying , Xu Yingbin , Chen Lei , Shu Bin , Yang Fan , Bie Fan , Lu Yangzhou , Li Jialin , Zhao Jingling 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Long-term inflammation and impaired angiogenesis are thought to be the causes of delayed healing or nonhealing of diabetic wounds. Inhibiting local inflammation and promoting angiogenesis are key to accelerating diabetic wound healing. In this study, we found that the serum S100A12 concentration is significantly elevated in patients with type 2 diabetes. Exposure of stratified epidermal cells to high glucose led to increased expression of S100A12, resulting in endothelial dysfunction. The transcription factor Krüpple-like Factor 5 (KLF5) is highly expressed in the epidermis under high glucose conditions and promotes the expression of S100A12 by binding to its promoter. Blockade of the S100A12 receptor, RAGE or TLR4 alleviates high glucose-induced endothelial damage. In vivo inhibition of S100A12 significantly improved angiogenesis in diabetic rabbit wounds, thus accelerating wound healing. The above results illustrate the proinflammatory function of S100A12 in diabetic wounds and suggest that S100A12 is a potential therapeutic target for diabetic wounds.
Association between Brominated Flame Retardants Exposure and Hypertension in U.S. Adults: Results from NHANES 2005–2016
Authors: Cheng Dian , Chen Zijun , Zhou Jian , Cao Yue , Xie Xin , Wu Yizhang , Li Xiaorong , Wang Xuecheng , Yu Jinbo , Yang Bing 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Brominated Flame Retardants (BFRs) have attracted widespread concern due to their environmental persistence and potential toxicity. This study aims to examine the association between BFRs exposure and hypertension.
Methods
We used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) spanning 2005 to 2016 for the cross-sectional analysis. To evaluate the individual and combined impacts of BFRs exposure on hypertension, we utilized multivariate models, including the generalized additive model, weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression, and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) models.
Results
9882 individuals were included in the final analysis, of whom 4114 had hypertension. After controlling for potential covariates, higher serum concentrations of PBDE100 (OR: 1.28; 95% CI: 1.02, 1.59) and PBDE153 (OR: 1.50; 95% CI: 1.19, 1.89) were significantly associated with hypertension. A nonlinear relationship between PBDE28 and hypertension was observed (P < 0.05). Moreover, BFRs mixture were positive correlated with the prevalence of hypertension in both the WQS (β: 0.12; 95% CI: 0.08, 0.16; P < 0.01) and BKMR models.
Conclusion
Our study suggested that BFRs exposure is positively associated with hypertension in the general population. To confirm this association and elucidate the mechanisms, further research is required.
Integrated Assessment of CMIP6 Models and Land Cover Change on Water Resources of the Hunza Basin in the Upper Indus
Authors: Haider Saif , Masood Muhammad Umer , Rashid Muhammad 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The combined study of climate change and land cover to assess runoff can contribute to effective water resources management. Many studies focused on the expected effects of climate change (CC) on surface runoff, largely ignoring future land cover change. The primary aim of this paper is to use the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) to assess the impacts of expected CC and land cover change (LCC) on surface runoff in the Upper Indus Basin, Pakistan. Future land cover scenarios and climate change projections were forecasted using cellular automata artificial neural networks and four downscaled general circulation models (GCMs), respectively. The calibration phase (2008–2010) and the validation phase (2011–2013) were separated from the historical data. The simulated outcomes showed that the SWAT concept worked effectively. The GCM (MPI-ESM1-2-HR), after statistical downscaling using the CMhyd model, projected changes in precipitation and temperature according to two Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSP2 and SSP5). These projections and future conditions for land cover were supplied to the calibrated model to assess the potential consequences of CC and LCC on the Hunza River Basin. The baseline era (1990–2015) and the projected time frame (2016–2100), which encompasses the current century, were analyzed on a seasonal scale. The results indicate increased precipitation and consequent inflows all year round within both SSPs. Specifically, through the 21st century, SSP2 (SSP5) predicted a 13% (27.1%) increase in rainfall, leading to significant changes in streamflow patterns in the Hunza River Basin. These changes include an overall increase in mean annual streamflow (ranging from 14.9–32.5%) and a decrease in average monthly streamflow during June, July, and August. Likely, the expected climate changes can significantly influence the seasonal characteristics of streamflow at the Hunza River Basin. Higher stream flows were found to be projected in the future. The paper analyses the impact of CC and LCC on runoff depth and offers some recommendations for those in charge of water resources to ensure the sustainability of the aquatic ecosystem.
Evaluation of pulse wave velocity in children with bicuspid aortic valve patients with normal cardiac and valve function Pulse wave velocity in bicuspid aortic valve
Authors: Ertas Kerem , Gul Ozlem 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background: We aimed to analyze aortic elasticity properties in patients with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) by measuring pulse wave velocity (PWV) using a transthoracic echocardiography device.
Methods: Fifty BAV patients and 50 healthy children were included in this study. Patients were classified into type 1 and type 2 according to the morphology of valve fusion. All patients were evaluated by transthoracic echocardiography. Left ventricular wall thickness, function, aortic strain, distensibility index, stiffness index were evaluated using formulas derived from aortic diameters. Velocity measurements were taken from the ascending and descending aorta using pulse wave (PW) Doppler. Pulse wave velocity was determined as the (total distance)/(transit time).
Results: Pulse wave velocity was found to be significantly higher in the BAV group, whose ventricular wall thickness and functions were similar with the other group (p = 0.000). PWV was significantly higher in type 1 BAV group (p = 0.03). The aortic strain and distensibility index (DI) were lower and the stiffness index (SI) was higher in the BAV group. However, the difference was not statistically significant. The aortic diameters in the BAV group were significantly higher than those in the control group. There was a correlation between PWV and aortic diameter, aortic flow velocity, and aortic valve regurgitation vena cava diameter.
Conclusions; In the evaluation of aortic elasticity properties in the BAV group, the PWV value measurement obtained with the values measured by the transthoracic echocardiographic method is practical, easily accessible, inexpensive, and can be evaluated without the need for additional devices.
Prognostic Significance of Cytotoxic-T-Lymphocytes to Immunosuppressive Cells Ratio (CIL) in Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Duo , Heng Yu , Jin Qiu-yan , Tang Di , Zhu Xiao-ke , Lu Li-ming , Tao Lei 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Immunoscore (IS), based on CD3/CD8, has been proposed to characterize the immune landscape of the tumor immune microenvironment and has demonstrated an association with the prognosis of LSCC (Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma). However, traditional IS does not include immunosuppressive cells. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the prognostic performance of cytotoxic-T-lymphocytes to immunosuppressive cells ratio (CIL) in Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma (LSCC) patients. Two cohorts were included in this study: the training cohort (N = 75) consisted of tumor tissue microarrays from LSCC patients in our department, and the Validation cohort (N = 116) utilized bulk RNA-seq data from the TCGA database. Patients with high IS or CIL showed significantly prolonged overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) in both cohorts. Upon analyzing the relative contribution of each parameter, it was found that CIL exhibited the highest significance among the factors examined. It emerged as the strongest predictor of overall survival, emphasizing its crucial influence in determining the outcomes. The prognostic ability of IS-TCGA was similar to the original IS. Additionally, high CILM2-TCGA was associated with prolonged survival of patients with LSCC in the TCGA dataset. CIL, which is easier to construct than IS, proves to be reliable in predicting survival outcomes for patients with LSCC.
Long-term responders to nivolumab in previously treated advanced renal cell carcinoma: a sub-analysis of Meet-URO15 study
Authors: Messina Carlo , Catalano Martina , roviello giandomenico , Gandini Annalice , Maruzzo Marzo , De Giorgi Ugo , Pedrazzoli Paolo , Sbrana Andrea , Zucali Paolo Ansrea , Masini Cristina , Naglieri Emanuele , Procopio Giuseppe , Milella Michele , Catalano Fabio , Fratino Lucia , Pipitone Stefania , Ricotta Riccardo , Panni Stefano , Mollica Veronica , Atzori Francesco , Napoli Marilena Di , Messina Marco , Morelli Franco , Prati Giuseppe , Nolè Franco , Malgeri Andrea , Tudini Marianna , Vignani Francesca , Cavo Alessia , Signori Alessio , Banna Giuseppe Luigi , Rescigno Pasquale , Buti Stefano , Rebuzzi Sara Elena , Fornarini Giuseppe 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background: Although nivolumab prolongs overall survival (OS) in pretreated patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC), underlining clinical and biological features of long-term responses are still to be determined. This study aims to investigate clinical and pathological characteristics of mRCC patients who achieved long-term responses during nivolumab treatment.
Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on mRCC patients receiving nivolumab as second or further therapy line between May 2016 and January 2019 in 34 Italian Oncology Centres. Outcome assessments and logistic regression were performed to evaluate factors influencing long-term responses.
Results: A total of 571 patients with a median age of 61 years (range 17-85) were included in the analysis. With a median follow-up of 22.1 (1.0-89.0) months, 23.1% of patients were 2-year progression-free on treatment with nivolumab, hence they were categorized as long-term responders. Baseline characteristics, including age, gender, and histology, were similar between long and short-term responders. Karnofsky Performance Status ≥80% was significantly associated with long-term response (p=0.02), while bone metastases (p=0.03), International mRCC Database Consortium intermediate-poor risk (p<0.01) and Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio ≥3.2 (p=0.02) were associate with short-term responses. Long-term responders exhibited a median progression free survival of 55.0 months versus 4.0 months of the short-term responders. The median OS was not reached in long-term responders while it was 17.0 months for short term responders.
Conclusion: This retrospective analysis sheds light on factors associated with long-term response to nivolumab in mRCC. Understanding these clinical features will be essential for selecting patients who may mostly benefit from immunotherapy.
A Simple Spectral Method for Nanoplastic Identification and Characterisation
Authors: Wang Jing Jing , Hill Christopher , Li Dunzhu , Shi Yunhong , Yang Luming , Draper Sylvia , Xiao Liwen , Boland John 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Detecting and monitoring the presence of nanoplastics (NPs) in the environment is a challenge due to their small size compared to the diffraction limits (~ 300 nm) of conventional spectroscopy. To address this, we developed a straightforward fluorescence mapping technology capable of accurately locating, quantifying, and identifying Nile-Red-stained polystyrene and polyethylene terephthalate NPs down to sizes of 60 nm. Verification of the quantity and locations of dyed NPs within a scanned area was carried out by scanning electron microscopy in conjunction with fluorescence mapping analysis. The ability to successfully resolve individual NPs of different type and sizes in complex real-world samples in the presence of contaminant and chemical additive nanoparticles was demonstrated and provides the basis for low-cost rapid screening of NPs.
Cross-sectional study on prevalence of theileriosis in Kendrapada sheep, Odisha
Authors: Mohanty Swostik , Acharya Aditya Prasad , Mishra Chinmoy , Kerry Rout George , Rath Prasana Kumar , Sahoo Biswanath , Panda Susen Kumar 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Ovine theileriosis represents a significant threat to both animal welfare and global agricultural productivity, particularly impacting economically disadvantaged farmers. Vector-borne haemoparasitic diseases like theileriosis have a profound effect on the health of livestock, leading to increased illness and mortality, especially in the coastal regions of Odisha. This research aimed to investigate and comprehend the prevalence, clinical manifestations, hematological and biochemical parameters, as well as molecular aspects of theileriosis in sheep from Kendrapada. Among 148 blood samples collected from Kendrapada sheep across four blocks, 13% tested positive for theileriosis, indicating a notable prevalence. The prevalence rate was highest among sheep aged 1–4 years (19%), followed by those younger than 1 year (17.9%) and older than 4 years (13.3%). Female sheep exhibited a higher prevalence (19%) compared to males (16%). Block-wise prevalence was highest in Aul (27.9%), followed by Marshaghai (19.4%), Kendrapada (16.1%), and Derabish (5.88%). Hematological analysis revealed deviations in parameters such as hemoglobin, total erythrocyte count, total leukocyte count, and mean corpuscular volume, while packed cell volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, and differential leukocyte count remained within normal ranges. Significant differences (P < 0.05) were observed in various parameters between Theileria-positive and negative sheep. However, there were no substantial variations noted among different age groups and genders of Theileria-positive sheep. PCR analysis identified an overall incidence of theileriosis at 17.57% in the study population, with sequences closely resembling Theileria luwenshuni isolates. This study confirms the high variability of the 18S small subunit rRNA gene among Theileria spp.
mcU-TransNet: A more Comprehensive UNet-Transformer Network for Polyp Segmentation
Authors: Huang Lei , Wu Yun 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Purpose: Polyp segmentation is crucial for localizing areas that are at risk of early cancer. Traditional Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) have limitations in capturing the global context and long-range dependencies. In this paper, a more comprehensive UNet-Transformer network (mcU-TransNet) is proposed for polyp segmentation.
Methods: mcU-TransNet combines the strengths of CNN-based approaches with Transformer-based approaches. To tackle the challenge of detecting different types of polyps at the same location, an attention-enhanced UNet backbone is introduced. This backbone integrates a stem block into the UNet encoder. Spatial and channel attention mechanisms in the UNet decoder are employed to learn specific polyp features, thereby enhancing contour extraction accuracy. To overcome the limited fine-grained perception of the Transformer model, a Transformer head with deformable separable kernel attention (DSKA) is utilized to capture global context information. Convolutional parallel dilated convolutions are employed to gather both local and distant context information, thereby addressing spatial perception deficiencies in the unfolding sequence.
Results: Experimental results on the CVC-ClinicDB and Kvasir-SEG datasets demonstrate that mcU-TransNet outperforms existing state-of-the-art methods, showcasing its robustness and ease of training.
Conclusion: mcU-TransNet could comprehensively learn dataset features and enhance colonoscopy interpretability for polyp detection.
Studying the Prevalence of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease among Syrians Private University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Shammout Malaz , Haddad Sultaneh , Hanna Majd , Martini Nafiza , Almasri Imad-Addin , Sara Samer 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background:Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common digestive disorder that mainly affects older people. However, its prevalence and impact among younger age groups, such as university students, are not well established.
Objective: To investigate the prevalence of GERD symptoms, medication use, and impact on quality of life among students at a Syrian private university.
Methods: This cross-sectional observational study surveyed 334 students from various specialties using an online questionnaire. The data collected included demographics, GERD symptoms, medication use, and quality of life assessed by the GERD-Health Related Quality of Life (GERD-HRQL) instrument. Associations between GERD and age, sex, and specialty were analyzed.
Results: Overall, 37.4% of the students reported not experiencing GERD symptoms, while the remaining did, with bloating (27.8%) being most prevalent, followed by sleep disturbances (22.2%), heartburn (21.5%), and regurgitation (18.3%). Only 16.8% used GERD medications such as proton-pump inhibitors or antacids. Most students (68.5%) scored in the 0-15 range on the GERD-HRQL, indicating a minimal impact on quality of life. The prevalence of GERD was positively associated with age (p=0.001), female sex (p=0.001), and medical specialty (p=0.0025).
Conclusion: GERD symptoms are prevalent among Syrian university students, particularly with advancing age and in females. However, the impact on quality of life appears to be low. Raising awareness, lifestyle counseling, and targeted support, especially for medical students experiencing higher stress levels, could help manage GERD in this younger population.
Two-dimensional Trial-by-trial Error Correction for Accurate Baseball Pitching
Authors: KUSAFUKA Ayane , OKEGAWA Taishi , YAMAMOTO Rintaro , MIYATA Kohei , KUDO Kazutoshi 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Throwing an object accurately at a target position at high-speed repeatedly is a specific human motor skill. The arrival position of the thrown ball is approximately determined by its physical state at release. In high-speed baseball pitching, reducingthe variability in the ball’s elevation/azimuth angle of the velocity at release (release angle) is particularly necessary to reduce the variability in the vertical/horizontal arrival position. However, as there is always variability in human movements, which increases as the speed increases, decreasing the variability is an issue. This study focused on one strategy, trial-by-trial error correction, which is to correct movements in the subsequent trials facing an undesirable outcome. The intertrial changes in the elevation/azimuth release angle were analyzed together by transition probability analysis in addition to a separate analysis using the autocorrelation function. The results showed a difference in the error correction depending on the state and direction. In addition, this suggests that the pitchers with large variability in the release angle made fewer corrections in the horizontal direction. These findings indicate that trial-by-trial error correction can be a strategy to decrease variability however, complicated factors are involved in error correction.
After Three Decades of Democratic Decentralisation: Finances of the Urban Local Bodies in Andhra Pradesh
Authors: Mohapatra Bishnu Prasad 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The Urban Local Bodies (UPBs) in recent years have played a vital role in urban transformation. The 74th Amendment to the Constitution of India has vested constitutional status to impart certainty, continuity and strength, for devolution of powers to the ULBs and for allotment of adequate resources. In Andhra Pradesh, the ULBs have been instrumental in promoting various socio-economic development programmes. The state has adopted three-tier ULBs in the state. The broad objective of this paper is to examine the financial position of the ULBs and the extent of devolution in the state of Andhra Pradesh, particularly, since 2014, when the Residuary State of Andhra Pradesh came into being. Using a mixed-method approach, it argues that the resource base of the ULBs need to be improved substantially to deliver proper services to the urban population. This has serious implications for Urban Governance.