bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Integrating Classification and Regression Learners with Bioimpedance Methods for Estimating Weight Status in Infants and Juveniles from the Southern Cuba Region
Authors: Luna Taira Batista , Bello Jose Luis García , Carbonell Agustín Garzón , Montoya Ana de la Caridad Román , Lafargue Alcibíades Lara , Ciria Héctor Manuel Camué , Zulueta Yohandys A. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Objective
This work is aimed to develop a machine learning predictions of weigh status derived from bioimpedance measurements and other physical parameters of healthy younger volunteers from Southern Cuba Region.
Methods
We conducted a pilot random study at the Pediatrics Hospital. The volunteers were selected between 2002 and 2008, ranging in age between 2 to 18 years old. In total, 776 female and male volunteers are studied. Along the age and sex in the cohort, volunteers with class I obesity, overweight, underweight and with normal weight are considered. The bioimpedance parameters are obtained by measuring standard tetrapolar whole-body configuration. The bioimpedance analyser is used, collecting fundamental bioelectrical and other parameters of interest. A classification model are performed, followed by a prediction of the body mass index.
Results
The results derived from the classification leaner reveal that the size, body density, phase angle, body mass index, fat-free mass, total body water volume according to Kotler, body surface area, extracellular water according to Kotler and sex largely govern the weight status of this population. In particular, the regression model shows that other bioparameters derived from impedance measurements can be associated with weight status estimation with high accuracy.
Conclusion
The classification and regression predictive models developed in this work are of the great importance to assist the diagnosis of weigh status with high accuracy. These models can be used for prompt weight status evaluation of younger individuals at the Pediatrics Hospital in Santiago de Cuba, Cuba.
Artificial Neural Network models (ANNs) in identifying Idiopathic Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (INPH) and Alzheimer Dementia (AD) patients:
Authors: Gitto Lara , Mento Carmela , Massini Giulia , Buscema Paolo Massimo , Raffa Giovanni , Germano Antonino , Quattropani Maria Catena 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Idiopathic Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (INPH) patients present symptoms common to other diseases, as dementia (AD). However, while dementia is not reversible, INPH dementia can be treated through neurosurgery.
The perception characteristics of a small sample of patients (n=19) were observed through the Rorschach Inblok test. Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) models allowed to analyze the correlations between patients’ cognitive functions and perception characteristics.
The results obtained lead to interesting remarks about the independent traits in pattern of response to patients with INPH and AD. In performing the test, the latter concentrated more on the cards displayed and what they perceived, while other patients concentrated on reactions related to the image proposed. The Rorschach test can be a valid predictor tool to identify INPH patients, who could successfully be treated with neurosurgery. Hence, this methodology show its potentialities on differential diagnosis applied in clinical context.
Extensible, Customizable and Trustworthy SocialNetwork Data Sharing Platform: IPFS Approach
Authors: Azzedin FARAG AHMED 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The proper utilization of the enormous data volume generated by IoT is predi-cated on the use of proper data sharing mechanisms that involve satisfying manycomplex requirements including scalability, performance, and security. Therefore,many blockchain-based data-sharing systems were proposed in the literature toaddress the problem of data sharing within different application domains thatsatisfy combinations of those requirements. However, these systems fully spec-ify how data is delivered between providers and consumers, which limits theircompatibility and customizability. Therefore, in this article, we address this issueby proposing a platform for traceable data sources where the delivery methodis user-definable. This allows existing data sources to be adapted by chainingthem to new data sources that deliver data in a way that satisfies consumerrequirements. This is in addition to enabling users to monetize their data sourcesand their delivery methods using different public blockchains. We evaluated theproposed platform by implementing two different use cases and the preliminaryresults show that the platform has great potential.
The effect of video-animated information on the anxiety of male patients before flexible cystoscopy performed under local anesthesia
Authors: Degirmentepe Recep Burak , Bozkurt Muammer , Erkoc Mustafa , Gul Deniz , Cimen Haci Ibrahim , Akca Muhammet Yasir , Halis Fikret 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Purpose: To investigate the effect of video-animated information given before flexible cystoscopy under local anesthesia on the anxiety of male patients.
Methods: Before cystoscopy, patients were divided into two groups with 1:1 standard randomization. While one group was given written and verbal information, the other group was additionally given video-animated information. The patients' anxiety levels before the procedure and their hemodynamic parameters during the procedure were compared between the groups. In addition, pain, satisfaction and willingness to repeat the procedure were compared between the groups.
Results: STAI-s levels were found to be statistically significantly lower in the group given video animation information before cystoscopy (p<0.01). It was observed that video information had a positive effect on systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and heart rate, and the values were measured lower compared to the other group (p <0.01). While there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in VAS-pain scores (p=0.24), VAS-satisfaction and VAS-willingness to repeat the procedure scores were found to be statistically significantly different (p<0.01). It was observed that video-animated information made a positive contribution to satisfaction and willingness to repeat the procedure.
Conclusion: Video-animated information given before the flexible cystoscopy procedure performed on male patients under local anesthesia has positive effects on the patients' anxiety. In addition, it contributes positively to the patient's satisfaction and desire to repeat the procedure. Video-animated information may be routinely used to verbal and written information before the csytoscopy.
Inhibitory effect of Pulicaria undulata extract on the aggregation and deposition of Aβ 1-42 Fibrils in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Gorgij Faezeh , Nouri Haniyeh , Ghahghaei Arezou 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
The accumulation of Amyloid β protein (Aβ) is believed to be the primary cause of neuritic plaque formation in Alzheimer's disease (AD). As a result, it is the main molecular factor responsible for the onset and progression of Alzheimer's disease. Aβ exists in two isoforms: Aβ40, Aβ42. In AD, the extracellular environment of neurons contains amyloid plaques primarily composed of Aβ1−40 and Aβ1−42. Aqueous extract of Pulicaria undulata has shown remarkable antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-protein fibrillation, and anti-cancer activity. This study examined the effect of an aqueous extract of Pulicaria undulata on the aggregation and deposition of Aβ1−42 fibrils. The findings revealed that the concentration-dependent effect of Pulicaria undulata extract led to a decrease in the aggregation of Aβ1−42. This has been evidenced by analyzing the data obtained through various methods, including thioflavin T (ThT) binding assay, ANS-binding assay, circular dichroism spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and SDS PAGE. The effect could be associated with the ability of P.undulata extract to form hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonds through its phenolic compounds, consequently preventing hydrophobic interactions and amyloid fibril formation. Our finding suggests that amyloid fibril formation can be prevented in degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's by using P. undulata extract.
An overview of circumcision and a modification that prevents glans injuries and cosmetic problems in circumcisions made with the guillotine technique
Authors: Topsakal Kahraman 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Purpose: Despite being an age old practice, there is ongoing research and development to improve the procedure in order to enhance its safety, efficacy and client satisfaction. The Guillotine technique, which is one of the most common methods, has been criticised for possible glans injuries and nonpleasing cosmetic results especially when an inexperienced person tries it out. This research paper introduces the Modified Guillotine Technique (MGT) designed to address these issues.
Methods: This retrospective study involved analysing 2853 circumcisions performed between 2006 and January 2022 using MGT on males aged between one month and fourteen years. Safety, efficiency of wound healing through cosmetic outcomes by indirect means, pain management of MGT were examined here.
Results: MGT was used in different age groups without any significant increase in operative time compared to the traditional Guillotine technique thus showing perpetuation of efficiency. It is important to note that there were no reports of gland injuries, while complications rates did not differ significantly from those obtainable with other methods thus emphasising on safety and efficacy of MGT.
Conclusion: The modified Guillotine technique represents a major leap forward in circumcision practice by combining the effectiveness of the Guillotine method with an improved safety profile and cosmetic outcomes. By significantly reducing the risks associated with glanular injury, but with the maintenance of procedural time and the addition of new complications, MGT offers a viable option for routine circumcisions worldwide.
Developing the Overall Performance Index for Water Supply Systems based on Fair Benchmarking and Strong Sustainability
Authors: Baniasadi Hassan , Mehrabadi Abdollah Rashidi 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Performance assessment indicators play a crucial role in evaluating water supply systems (WSSs). Developing a Composite Indicator (CI) that integrates key performance indicators (KPIs) offers significant advantages. This study aims to explore various aspects of creating a CI for assessing WSS performance, including clustering, normalizing, weighting, and aggregating KPIs. Data corresponding to selected KPIs from diverse WSSs in Iran were collected and categorized into four dimensions: Environmental, Financial, Organizational, and Social, to ensure comprehensive performance evaluation and calculation of an Overall Performance Index (OPI). A new multi-criteria method was employed to assign weights to KPIs in the CI Based on the concept of non-compensation. WSSs were grouped into clusters based on population, water resource type, and climate, and KPIs were normalized accordingly based on fair benchmarking. A non-linear (Geometric) method was utilized to aggregate KPIs, emphasizing strong sustainability and non-compensation interactions. The change in the results of the selected method was compared with the previous methods. The study found that method variation at each stage of CI development significantly affected the OPI and ranking of WSSs. Population emerged as a significant factor, and key findings include the substantial impact of resource type and climate on specific KPIs, underscoring the need to consider influencing factors in benchmarking. The non-linear aggregation method demonstrated greater rigor and sustainability compared to linear methods, aligning with principles of fair benchmarking and WSS sustainability.
Time to Treatment in Pediatric Patients with Repeated Episodes of Status Epilepticus
Authors: Gettings Jennifer V. , Fernández Iván Sánchez , Anderson Anne , Brenton J. Nicholas , Can Afra , Clark Justice , Moeller Raquel Farias , Goodkin Howard P. , Lai Yi-Chen , Mikati Mohamad A. , Morgan Lindsey A. , Novotny Edward , Ostendorf Adam P. , Piantino Juan , Riviello James J. , Sannagowdara Kumar , Tasker Robert C. , Tchapyjnikov Dmitry , Wainwright Mark S. , Wilfong Angus , Williams Korwyn , Zhang Bo , Loddenkemper Tobias , Gaínza-Lein Marina 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Objective
To compare pediatric patients who presented with repeated status epilepticus episodes to patients with a single episode of status epilepticus and identify distinguishing clinical factors.
Methods
Retrospective analysis of a multicenter, prospective observational cohort of pediatric patients with status epilepticus and refractory status epilepticus between 2011 and 2019.
Results
Out of 504 status epilepticus episodes in 420 patients, 50 patients (10.3%) had repeated episodes of status epilepticus. The only predictor of repeated status epilepticus was a prior diagnosis of epilepsy. There was no difference in time to treatment with the first benzodiazepine in patients presenting with their first status epilepticus episode compared to their second status epilepticus episode [median 10 (interquartile range 5–30) vs 14 (4.5–52.5) minutes; (p = 0.24)] or in time to treatment with the first non- benzodiazepine anti-seizure medication (ASM) [61 (37–125) vs 71 (34.5-117.5) minutes; p = 0.61]. In patients with repeated status epilepticus episodes with onset outside the hospital, the percentage of patients treated by caregivers did not improve between the first and second status epilepticus episode (61% vs 60%, p = 0.56). However, the time to first benzodiazepine was shorter in patients treated by caregivers compared to those who were not [5 (0–25) vs 55 (41–120) minutes; p < 0.001].
Conclusions
Time to treatment with benzodiazepine and non-benzodiazepine ASM in patients with repeated episodes of status epilepticus does not improve for a second episode of status epilepticus, suggesting additional opportunities for intervention and teaching.
Transcriptome analysis of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) reveal the LncRNAs and mRNAs regulatory network responding to low nitrogen stress
Authors: Zhang Pengyu , Li Feng , Tian Yuan , Wang Dongyong , Rong Yasi , Wu Yin , Fu Jinzhou , Gao Tongmei , Zhang Haiyang 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Nitrogen is one of the important factors restricting the development of sesame planting and industry in China. Cultivating sesame varieties tolerant to low nitrogen is an effective way to solve the problem of crop nitrogen deficiency. Up to date, the mechanism of low nitrogen tolerance in sesame has not been elucidated at the transcriptional level.
Result
In this study, two sesame varieties Zhengzhi HL05 (ZZ, nitrogen efficient) and Burmese prolific (MD, nitrogen inefficient) in low nitrogen were used for RNA-sequencing. A total of 3964 DEGs and 221 DELs were identified in two sesame varieties at 3d and 9d after low nitrogen stress. Among them, 1227 genes related to low nitrogen tolerance are mainly located in amino acid metabolism, starch and sucrose metabolism and secondary metabolism, and participate in the process of transporter activity and antioxidant activity. In addition, a total of 209 pairs of lncRNA-mRNA were detected, including 21 pairs of trans and 188 cis. WGCNA analysis divided the obtained genes into 29 modules; phenotypic association analysis identified 3 low-nitrogen response modules; through lncRNA-mRNA co-expression network, a number of hub genes and cis / trans regulatory factors were identified in response to response low-nitrogen stress including GS1-2, PAL, CHS, CAB21 and transcription factors MYB54, MYB88 and NAC75 and so on. As a trans regulator, lncRNA MSTRG.13854.1 affects the expression of some genes related to low nitrogen response by regulating the expression of MYB54, thus responding to low nitrogen stress.
Conclusion
Combining WGCNA and co-expression analysis, consistently low nitrogen responsive candidate genes and lncRNAs were identified. In the co-expression networks responding to low nitrogen stress, some TFs were targeted by the lncRNAs, which further regulated the low nitrogen tolerance-related functional transcripts. Our research is the first to provide a more comprehensive understanding of DEGs involved in low nitrogen stress of sesame at transcriptome level. These results may reveal insights into the molecular mechanisms of low nitrogen tolerance in sesame and provide diverse genetic resources involved in low nitrogen tolerance research.
Genome-wide association and functional investigation of M2-like tumor-associated macrophages identified hub genes for breast cancer
Authors: Yang Guang , Peng Qian , Tian Yao , Xie Handan , Sun Binlian 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
M2-like tumor-associated macrophages (M2-like TAMs) have great potential in promoting oncogenesis and provide the potential biomarkers for diagnosis and treatment of tumor. However, the role of M2-like TAMs in breast invasive carcinoma (BRCA) is still unclear. Based on The Cancer Genome Atlas of America (TCGA) and the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases, we compared multiple tumors and found the diametrically opposite survival of M1-like and M2-like macrophages in BRCA. And then, we systematically explored the function of M2-like TAMs in BRCA using differentially expressed analysis, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), GO and KEGG analysis, Nomogram, Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA), CIBERSORT algorithm, pan-cancer and mendelian randomization study. We evaluated the sensitivity and resistance to drugs targeting hub genes using the Genomics of Drug Sensitivity in Cancer (GDSC) database. A total of 85 M2-like TAM-related genes were screened out and the results of functional enrichment analysis were correlated with tight junction, Rap1 signaling pathway and PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. FOXA1, ERBB3, MUC1, AGR2 were identified as hub genes by protein interaction (PPI) network, "CytoNCA" toolkit and degree algorithm. Additionally, nomogram and ROC curve indicated great prognostic performance, and the high expressing four hub genes were positively correlated with M2-like macrophages. FOXA1 and ERBB3 expressed at higher levels in BRCA than in other tumors by pan-cancer analysis. In fixed effected inverse variance weighting, we found that FOXA1, ERBB3, MUC1 were positively associated with BRCA risk. Finally, highly FOXA1, ERBB3, MUC1 expressing patients were more sensitive to Lapatinib through drug sensitivity analysis. Our studies contribute to understand the M2-like TAM-related mechanisms involved in breast cancer, which provide further insights into drug sensitivity therapy.
Changes in Human Skin Composition Due to Intrinsic Aging: A Histologic and Morphometric Study
Authors: Arnal-Forné Marta , Molina-García Tamara , Ortega María , Marcos-Garcés Víctor , Molina Pilar , Ferrández-Izquierdo Antonio , Sepulveda Pilar , Bodí Vicente , Ríos-Navarro César , Ruiz-Saurí Amparo 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background Skin represents the main barrier against the external environment, but also plays a role in human relations, as one of the prime determinants of beauty, resulting in a high consumer demand for skincare-related pharmaceutical products. Given the importance of skin aging in both medical and social spheres, the present research aims to characterize microscopic changes in human skin composition due to intrinsic aging (as opposed to aging influenced by external factors), via histological analysis of a photoprotected body region.Methods Samples from 25 autopsies were taken from the periumbilical area and classified into four age groups: children (0–12 years), youth (13–25 years), middle-aged adults (26–54 years), and elderly subjects (≥55 years). Different traditional histological (Hematoxylin-Eosin, Masson’s Trichrome, Orcein, Toluidine, Alcian blue, and Feulgen reaction) and immunohistochemical (CK20, CD1a, Ki67, and CD31) stains were performed. A total of 1,879 images photographed with Leica DM3000 optical microscope, were morphometrically analyzed using Image ProPlus 7.0 for further statistical analysis with GraphPad 9.0.Results Our results showed a reduction in epidermis thickness, interdigitation and mitotic indexes, while melanocyte count was raised. Papillary but not reticular dermis showed increased thickness with aging. Specifically, in the papillary layer mast cells and glycosaminoglycans were expanded, whereas the reticular dermis displayed a diminution in glycosaminoglycans and elastic fibers. Moreover, total cellularity and vascularization of both dermises were diminished with aging.Conclusions This morphometric analysis of photoprotected areas reveals that intrinsic aging significantly influences human skin composition. This study paves the way for further research into the molecular basis underpinning these alterations, and into potential anti-aging strategies.
A Multi-strategy Improved Dung Beetle Optimisation Algorithm and its Application
Authors: Gu First WeiGuang , Wang Second Fang 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
In order to solve the shortcomings of Dung Beetle Optimizer such as low convergence accuracy and easy to fall into local optimum, a multi-strategy improved Dung Beetle Optimizer (IDBO) is proposed. Firstly, the Cubic chaotic mapping strategy is introduced to improve the diversity of the initial population. Secondly, the global exploration strategy in the Fishhawk algorithm is introduced to give the dung beetle algorithm the exploration ability of identifying the optimal region and escaping from the local optimum, which initially improves the convergence speed and optimality-seeking accuracy of the algorithm. Finally, the dung beetle foraging behaviour is perturbed using the adaptive t-distribution perturbation strategy, making the dung beetle algorithm improve the global exploitation ability and local exploration ability while further accelerate its speed of convergence. The effectiveness of the three improved strategies is verified by testing and analysing the CEC2021 and CEC2017 test functions. The optimization results of the improved algorithms and the comparison algorithms are subjected to convergence analysis and Wilcoxon rank sum test, which proves that the IDBO algorithm has good convergence speed and optimization accuracy. In addition, the IDBO algorithm is adopted to optimise parameters of the HKELM prediction model which is applied to the short-term PV power prediction simulation and comparison experiments. Experimental results show that the IDBO-HKELM prediction model can effectively improve the prediction accuracy of short-term PV power, which further verifies the feasibility and validity of the IDBO algorithm in solving the problems of practical applications.
Data Driven Level Set Fuzzy and Neural Modeling
Authors: Leite Daniel , Gomide Fernando 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Data driven modeling has been a major approach for learning and understanding systems, ranging from medical, biological, environmental, meteorological, transportation, and economic systems to complex dynamic information, engineering, and hybrid systems. Computational intelligence, rooted in fuzzy systems, neural networks, evolutionary computation and their hybridizations, is a key driving force in the current data driven system modeling effort. This paper addresses data driven fuzzy modeling and neural modeling structures, and evaluates their performances in nonlinear dynamic systems modeling tasks. Data driven fuzzy modeling and neural modeling structures are powerful modeling paradigms that compete closely, often surpassing most of the alternative state of the art methods such as gradient boosting, kernel ridge regression, and Gaussian processes. In particular, the complexity and approximation capabilities of the data driven fuzzy modeling, long-short term memory, convolutional, and hybrid neural modeling structures are evaluated, and their usefulness are discussed in front of the accuracy of the predictions, and the complexity of the models they produce.