bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Exposure to Crude Oil Polluted Environment on Hematological and Serological Indices in Chickens: Variability in Breed Sensitivity
Authors: Oleforuh-Okoleh Vivian U. , Fakae Lenu B. , Obianwuna Uchechukwu E. , Kakulu Iyenemi I. , Onu Patience N. , Sikiru Akeem B. , Ollor Ollor A. , Emeka Onyinyechi C. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Industrial petrochemical activities pose a significant threat to the ecosystem and could cause health issues in chickens reared within vulnerable areas such as the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. This study investigated the differential responses of four chicken breeds (FUNAAB Alpha FAC, Ross 308 broilers AB, native chickens-origin of crude oil exploration communities HP, and native chickens-origin of non-crude oil exploration communities NHP) to crude oil flaring using blood-borne parameters. At five weeks of age, 256 chicks were randomly assigned to two groups: control and exposed, each had four replicates (eight birds/replicate). Birds in the exposed group inhaled gaseous emissions from crude oil flared in their enclosure (three hours daily on alternate days for 35 days). Haematological indices were influenced by a decrease (p<0.05) in packed cell volume and red blood cell count in the exposed group compared with the control. A remarkable rise (p<0.05) in inflammatory markers (platelet count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and interleukin-6 levels (IL-6) was also observed in most breeds. The AB showed no significant changes in haematological indices or inflammatory markers, save for IL-6. For most breeds, the exposed group had higher serum levels of aspartate aminotransaminase, alanine aminotransaminase, alkaline phosphatase, creatinine, total protein, and uric acid. Evidence of oxidative stress, as indicated by increased serum malondialdehyde (p<0.05) and reduced enzymatic antioxidant defense levels of glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activity, was recorded. Our study revealed marked variations in blood parameters among breeds, with the AB(broiler) showing more resilience to hydrocarbon toxicity than breeds with indigenous genes.
Electric Potential Energy Optimized 3D Radial Sampling Trajectories for MRI
Authors: Huynh Christopher , Goolaub Datta Singh , Macgowan Christopher K. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The purpose of this work was to develop and analyze a novel method for creating “golden” 3D center-out radial MRI sampling trajectories, called ELECTRO (ELECTRic potential energy Optimized). This method is based on using repulsive forces to minimize electric potential energy. An objective function G(S) was proposed that contains the electric potential energies of all subsets of consecutive readouts in a 3D radial trajectory. G(S) and its reduced form were minimized using a multi-stage optimization strategy. A new measure called Normalized Mean Nearest neighbor Angular distance (NMNA) was proposed for describing distributions of points on a sphere. ELECTRO and other relevant golden trajectories were compared in silico using NMNA and point spread function analysis.
This work demonstrated that any subset of consecutive readouts from an ELECTRO trajectory were well spread out, as indicated by the consistency of NMNA values across sphere sizes (σNMNA=0.005) and between regions on the sphere (NMNA ≈ 1.49 over most regions). Conversely, the commonly used supergolden trajectory had poor consistency in NMNA values (σNMNA=0.090) and had severe clustering of readouts (for instance, NMNA = 1.28 at the pole with 40,000 readouts) that lead to structured aliasing artifact in the point spread function. Compared to performing the optimization all in a single stage, a multi-stage optimization strategy was faster and obtained lower values of G(S) (eg, 0.87 vs. 0.91, for a sphere size of 40). Minimizing a reduced version of G(S) can significantly reduce computation time but may result in a more uneven readout distribution.
In conclusion, ELECTRO trajectories are more golden than other 3D center-out radial trajectories, making them a suitable candidate for dynamic 3D MR imaging.
Machine learning-based diagnostic prediction of IgA nephropathy: model development and validation study
Authors: Noda Ryunosuke , Ichikawa Daisuke , Shibagaki Yugo 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

IgA nephropathy progresses to kidney failure, making early detection important. However, definitive diagnosis depends on invasive kidney biopsy. This study aimed to develop non-invasive prediction models for IgA nephropathy using machine learning. We collected retrospective data on demographic characteristics, blood tests, and urine tests of the patients who underwent kidney biopsy. The dataset was divided into derivation and validation cohorts, with temporal validation. We employed four machine learning models—eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), LightGBM, Random Forest, and Artificial Neural Networks—and logistic regression, evaluating performance via the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) and explored variable importance through SHapley Additive exPlanations method. The study included 1268 participants, with 353 (28%) diagnosed with IgA nephropathy. In the derivation cohort, LightGBM achieved the highest AUROC of 0.913 (95% CI 0.906–0.917), significantly higher than logistic regression and Artificial Neural Network, not significantly different from XGBoost and Random Forest. In the validation cohort, XGBoost demonstrated the highest AUROC of 0.894 (95% CI 0.850–0.935), maintaining its robust performance from the derivation phase. Key predictors identified were age, serum albumin, serum IgA/C3 ratio, and urine red blood cells, aligning with existing clinical insights. Machine learning can be a valuable non-invasive tool for IgA nephropathy.
Adsorption and aggregation behavior of oley alcohal based extended surfactant and its mixtures
Authors: Li Ping , Ren Peiyu , Wang Shuoyi , Wang Jiangshan , Sun Zidan , Sun Jiayi , Gu Weibo 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Oley alcohal based extended surfactant, sodium oleyl polyethylene oxide -polypropylene oxide sulfate (OE3P3S), was synthesized and identified by FT-IR and 1H NMR. The adsorption and aggregation behavior of OE3P3S and its mixture with cationic surfactant alkyltrimethylammoniumbromide (ATAB) under different molar ratios were investigated. The static surface tension analysis indicates that the critical micellization concentration(cmc) and the critical surface tension (γcmc) of OE3P3S was 0.72mmol/L, and 36.16mN/m, respectively. The cmc and γcmc values of the binary system were much lower than that of the individual component. And the cmc values of OE3P3S/ATAB=6:4 mixtures decreased with the increase of chain length of the cationic surfactant in the binary system. It was found from the dynamic surface tension that there was a slower diffusion rate of binary system compared to the pure surfactant, and the adsorption processes for OE3P3S/ATAB =6:4 were mixed diffusion-kinetic adsorption mechanism. With a combination of DLS data and TEM measurements, formations of vesicles in OE3P3S/ATAB =6:4 solutions appeared to occur at a concentration of 0.05mmol/L. By studying the formation of liquid crystal structures in emulsion prepared with OE3P3S as the surfactant, it was found that the shape of acquired oil droplets being spherical and homogeneous, and the rheological properties revealed that the emulsion had good storage stability and shear thinning properties.
Hirayama Disease as a rare cause of cervical myelopathy of the young. A meta-analysis comparing conservative and surgical treatment
Authors: Paolini Federica , Gerardi Rosa Maria , Giardina Kevin , Buscemi Felice , Biancardino Antonio Alessandro , Porzio Massimiliano , Benigno Umberto Emanuele , Maniscalco Laura , Matranga Domenica , Maugeri Rosario , Iacopino Domenico Gerardo 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background:Hirayama disease is a rare form of cervical myelopathy exacerbated by flexion-extension movements of the neck. It affects mainly young male patients. The scarcity of cases implies uncertainty when it comes to choose the best treatment between conservative and surgical approach.
Methods:A systematic review of the current literature was performed following the PRISMA guidelines. A meta-analytic comparison of patients’ outcome in terms of clinical and radiological data has derived.
Results: From our meta-analysis, clinical and radiological improvement was obtained in both surgical and conservative treatment, with different percentages. Radiological improvement was seen in 91% of the population undergoing surgical treatment vs 57% of conservative treatment. Moreover, clinical improvement was obtained in 92% of surgical patients vs 78% of patients wearing a collar. Our hypothesis is related to the compliance of patients forced to wear a cervical collar 24h a day for 2-3 years.
Conclusions: While findings from pertinent literature are conflicting, results from our meta-analysis seems to lean on surgical treatment as best alternative to offer clinical and radiological improvements (92% and 91%, respectively). our study hint both surgery and conservative management as equally valuable. Nevertheless, conservative treatment is able to achieve clinical and radiological improvement in 78% and 57% of patients respectively.
A Retrospective Analysis of Short-Term Outcomes of Robotic and Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: First Indian Experience
Authors: Ray Udipta , Dhar Rahul 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
There has been a gradual adoption of general surgery robotic programs in India. However, we still do not have a single comparative study reporting the initial experience of robotic-assisted cholecystectomy (RC) compared to laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). This retrospective study is aimed at addressing this clinical data gap.
Methods
This is a retrospective medical chart review where data related to patient demographics, intraoperative and postoperative outcomes was collected. All patients underwent either RC or LC for gallstone disease, performed by a single surgeon from January 2020 to September 2023.
Results
A total of 100 cases (RC- 50, LC- 50) were collected. Baseline parameters like age, sex, body mass index (BMI), and co-morbidities were comparable. There were no conversions from the planned procedure in either of the groups (0% vs 0%). There were no intraoperative complications such as bleeding or common bile duct injury (0% vs 0%). The rates of surgical site infections were numerically lower in the robotic group, 2% vs 6% (P = 0.3099). There were no postoperative complications in the robotic group, whereas 1 patient in the laparoscopic group experienced port side bleeding (0% vs 2%, P = 0.3173). The mean length of hospital stay was 1 day in both groups. The mean pain score 24- hours after the surgery was 1.78 ± 0.68 in the robotic group and 3.3 ± 1.2 in the laparoscopic group (P = < 0.001). At 14 days post-surgery, these scores decreased in both the groups, the robotic group- mean 1 and the laparoscopic group – mean 2. None of the patients required opioid analgesics in the robotic group whereas 20% of patients in the laparoscopic group needed at least one dose of opioid analgesics (P = 0.0009). There were no re-operations reported in the robotic group, whereas the laparoscopic group reported 1 case. The 30-day mortality was nil in both groups.
Conclusion
RC is feasible in Indian settings. Compared to LC, it does not increase morbidity. The improvement in acute postoperative pain can potentially allow early ambulation and recovery. A larger multicentric study, comparing RC to LC in India will validate our initial experience.
Characterization of Heatwave Patterns and Its Long-run Predictions Using CMIP6 Model in Western and North-Western Climatic Zones of Bangladesh
Authors: Ahmad Rayhan , Hasan Md. Khalid , Jahan Chow. M. Sarwar 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Globally, the hazards related to climate change effect such as tropical cyclones, storm surges, coastal flooding, river erosion, floods, droughts, heatwave, cold wave etc. are burning challenge that drastically effects people’s food security, health, ecosystems and society as a whole. In recent decade, rising trend of unusually prolong high temperature or heatwave episode is a burning concern. Present study area address the heatwave patterns in western climatic zone (E), and north-western climatic zone (D) in the north-western part of Bangladesh. Using historical maximum temperature (TMAX) data during the period of 1996-2014, and model-projected TMAX data (2015- 2022) have collected. Moreover, two shared socio-economic tools such as SSP_245 and SSP_585 have used in present study along with projected data for the years of 2024–2050. The study uses heatwave alerts from the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) to classify heatwave days into four categories: mild, moderate, severe, and extreme. To improve accuracy, four general circulation models (GCMs) from the Coupled Model Inter-comparison Project phase 6 (CMIP6) have assessed following bias correction, and merged using an ensemble technique. The median has used to reduce extreme value sensitivity. According to the BMD criteria, the results show that severe and exceptional hot days have occurred often in recent years. This tendency could continue into the future, putting a sizable population at risk. The heatwave days are significantly more common under SSP_585 than they are under SSP_245, demonstrating the straightforward influence of human activity on heatwave regularity. To lessen the negative effects of heatwaves, fair and practical measures for preparing for and responding to them should be developed, and will be facilitated by this thorough analysis of heatwave projections. The results of present study highlight the urgency of taking immediate action to improve heat wave readiness. These study results are expected to enhance the accomplishment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 3, SDG 11, and SDG 13) by guiding proactive steps to mitigate the consequences of severe heat wave days.
Relationship between the triglyceride–glucose index, blood uric acid levels, and prevalence of gout in Korean adults: Eighth Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2019–2021)
Authors: Ahn Taejin , Kim Young-Sang , Hur Yang-Im , Kim Moon Jong , Haam Ji-Hee 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: The triglyceride and glucose (TyG) index is a useful marker of insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome. Several studies have reported a link between this index and serum uric acid levels. However, few studies have shown a concrete association between the TyG index, uric acid levels, and prevalence of gout. The objective of this study was to investigate the correlation between this index and uric acid levels, as well as their potential associations with the incidence of gout.
Methods: Data derived from the Eighth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted from 2019 to 2021 were used. The study population included adults >19 years of age andconsisted of 16,340 participants who were subjected to blood tests to measure their fasting blood glucose and triglyceride levels. Additionally, the participants responded to a questionnaire regarding the diagnosis of gout, making them eligible for inclusion in the study. The TyG index was categorized into quartiles.
Results: Of the 16,340 total subjects, 321(2.1 %) were diagnosed with gout. After an adjustment for age and metabolic parameters, the TyG index was positively related to serum uric acid levels (β = 0.247, p < 0.001). Compared to the risk in the lowest quartile group, as a reference, the adjusted odd ratio, with a 95 % confidence interval, for the incidence of gout was 2.002 (1.157–3.465) in the highest quartile group.
Conclusion: An elevated TyG index is associated with increased blood uric acid levels, and the TyG index is also associated with the prevalence of gout.
Harmonically M-convex Set-valued Function
Authors: Santana Gabriel Alberto , Valera-López Maira 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

This research aimed to introduce the concept of harmonically m-convex set-valued functions, which is obtained from the combination of two definitions: harmonically m-convex functions and setvalued functions. In this work some properties and characteristics are developed, as well as a inequality of the Hermite-Hadamard type for such functions.
Investigation into Radioactivity Levels in Soil Samples from Wheat Cultivation Sites in Kapchorwa District Uganda
Authors: Sead Sead Mohamed , Uzorka Afam , Olaniyan Ademola Olatide 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Since the earth's formation, radioactivity has existed in our surroundings on a naturally occurring basis. Radionuclides of uranium, thorium, and potassium are found in quite large amounts in rocks and soils. The overuse of fertilizers and other poor farming practices cause radioactive materials to build up in the soil. These radionuclides are considered exposure hazards because of their radiation, which can lead to health problems including cancer in people who are exposed. As a result, worries about the potential health effects of this type of exposure to naturally occurring radiation sources in our surroundings are growing. Using a NaI(Tl) gamma ray spectrometer, the activity concentrations of three natural radionuclides, 238U, 232Th, and 40K, were assessed for soil samples taken from various locations within the Kapchorwa district wheat plantation region. The average values found for 238U, 232Th, and 40K are 47.8±4.1 Bqkg-1, 61.0±3.8 Bqkg-1, and 1339.05±65.3 Bqkg-1, respectively, all of which were above world average values. Radiological health hazard indices were calculated, including radium equivalent activity, absorbed dose rate, annual effective dose equivalent, external and internal health hazard indices, as well as gamma and alpha indices. The findings revealed that the annual effective dose equivalent (HR) and absorbed dose rate (DR) are respectively 0.58±0.03 mSvy-1 and 118.1±7.7 nGyh-1, and the mean value of radium equivalent activity is 246.9±10.4 Bqkg-1. The gamma and alpha health hazard indices have values of 0.93±0.05 and 0.25±0.02, respectively, whereas the external and internal health hazard indices have values of 0.66±0.04 and 0.79±0.04, respectively. The findings showed that although the soil's radioactivity levels were higher than acceptable limits established by international standards, the computed hazard indices were lower than acceptable limits established by international standards, indicating a low risk of radiation contamination in the region. Important information about the natural radioactivity levels in agricultural soils and their effects on the environment and public health in Kapchorwa District and surrounding areas is provided by this study.
Physical and chemical soil quality and litter stock in agroforestry systems in the Eastern Amazon
Authors: de Souza Francisco Elves Duarte , Santos Jesus de Nazaré dos , Martins Walmer Bruno Rocha , Santos Cassio Rafael Costa dos , Ferreira Eric Victor de Oliveira , Silva Raimundo Thiago Lima da , de Paula Manoel Tavares , Alves José Darlon Nascimento , de Oliveira José Sebastião Romano , Rodrigues Julia Isabella de Matos 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The influence of biodiversity and age of agroforestry systems (AFS) on the provision of ecosystem services, such as nutrient cycling, needs to be better understood to support management practices that promote such services. This study aimed to quantify and compare litter stock and the physical and chemical attributes of soil in four AFSs with different ages and arrangements to a secondary forest (FLO) in the Eastern Amazon. Litter stock did not differ among the AFSs, but the youngest AFS was lower (5.73 ± 1.04 Mg ha− 1) than in FLO (11.42 ± 2.44 Mg ha− 1). Similarities were found between FLO and the oldest AFS for most of the soil chemical attributes. The soil pH in AFSs was higher than in FLO in the surface layer, and the organic matter content of FLO did not differ from 2 and 51-year-old AFSs. The Al content and aluminum saturation of younger and 26 years-old AFSs were lower than in FLO. Particle density and total porosity did not differ among ecosystems, while soil density in the two younger AFSs was higher than in FLO. According to PCA results, variables such as organic matter, CECpH7, H + Al, Al content, and m % tended to be higher in FLO and oldest AFS. It was evident that the maturity and diversity of AFSs are relevant factors for Amazonian agroforests, as they offer positive impacts on ecosystem functionality, such as nutrient cycling and water retention.
Injecting domain knowledge into graph neural networks for protein-protein interactions
Authors: Balbi Laura , Sousa Rita , Cotovio Pedro , Pesquita Catia 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Most machine learning methods that explore protein-protein interactions rely exclusively on the network of protein interactions as input data. However, protein repositories are rich in information describing multiple protein aspects, and ignoring this wealth of information may be detrimental to predictive performance. In this paper, we investigate how injecting domain knowledge – the molecular functions proteins perform, the biological processes they are involved in and their cellular location – impacts the performance of graph neural networks on two fundamental predictive tasks: protein-protein interaction prediction and protein function prediction. We propose a novel approach that injects protein-level information in the form of knowledge graph embeddings computed over the Gene Ontology into state-of-the-art graph neural networks, replacing ad hoc strategies for node features.
We assessed the impact of our knowledge injection approach in two popular benchmarks: the Open Graph Benchmark (based on STRING) and the Human Reference Interactome. Experiments conducted with ten state-of-the-art graph neural network approaches and five representative knowledge graph embedding methods demonstrated that domain knowledge injection significantly improves performance on graph neural networks in both protein function and protein-protein interaction prediction.
Surgical Intervention and Long-Term Renal Outcomes of Congenital Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction in a Young Adult Cohort
Authors: Stewart Alexandra , Olson Stephen , Lechner Brent , Watson Maura , Yuan Christina , Nee Robert 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Purpose To evaluate the impact of surgical intervention on long-term renal outcomes for adult patients with congenital ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO).Methods We queried service members diagnosed with UPJO from the United States Military Health System electronic health records from 2005 to 2020. We assessed demographic, laboratory, radiology, surgical intervention, and outcome data. We evaluated the impact of surgical intervention on renal function based on the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), hypertension (HTN, defined as any prescription for blood pressure [BP] medication and/or average of two BP readings ≥ 130/80mmHg more than 2 weeks apart), and changes in renal excretory function on radionuclide scans.Results We identified 108 individuals diagnosed with congenital UPJO; mean follow-up of 7 years. Mean age at diagnosis was 25 years; 95% male; 69% White, 15% Black. At diagnosis, median BP was 130/78mmHg and mean eGFR 93ml/min/1.73m2. Subsequently, 85% had pyeloplasty and 23% had stent placement. There were no significant differences in mean eGFR pre- and post-intervention (94 vs 93 ml/min/1.73m2, respectively; p = 0.15) and prevalence of defined HTN (59% vs. 61%, respectively; p = 0.20). Surgical intervention for right-sided UPJO significantly reduced the proportion of patients with delayed cortical excretion (54% pre vs. 35% post, p = 0.01) and T½ emptying time (35 min vs. 19 min, p = 0.009). Similar trends occurred with left-sided UPJO but were not significant.Conclusion Surgical intervention was not associated with significant differences in the long-term outcomes of kidney function and HTN prevalence in our young adult cohort. However, renal excretory function improved on radionuclide scans.