bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Guillain-Barré syndrome with overlap between the finger drop variant and acute bulbar palsy: a case report
Authors: Ito Shota , Yokoi Satoshi , Fukami Yuki , Uchibori Ayumi , Katsuno Masahisa 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) encompasses diverse variants, and the overlap between these variants often makes the diagnosis of GBS difficult. We report a case of GBS overlapping with both the finger drop variant and acute bulbar palsy.
Case presentation:
An 81-year-old man presented with dysarthria, dysphagia, and upper limb weakness. The patient exhibited impaired tongue protrusion and the finger drop sign, whereas other cranial nerve functions, leg strength, touch sensation, and proprioception were normal. Brachioradialis and triceps reflexes were diminished. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis revealed elevated protein levels with normal cell counts. Nerve conduction studies showed reduced amplitudes and decreased velocities in the median and ulnar nerves. As GBS was suspected, we initiated intravenous immunoglobulin treatment, resulting in gradual improvement within 3 weeks. Serum IgG antibodies to gangliosides tested positive for GM1, asialo-GM1, GT1a, GD1b, and GQ1b. On the basis of the monophasic disease course and anti-ganglioside antibodies, we confirmed the diagnosis of GBS.
Conclusion
This case is the first reported instance of an overlap between the finger drop variant and acute bulbar palsy in GBS, highlighting the importance of considering GBS when patients present with a combination of atypical symptoms. Anti-ganglioside antibodies may assist in distinguishing these complex symptoms.
An active-subspace-enhanced support vector regression model for high-dimensional uncertainty quantification
Authors: Zhou Yicheng , Gong Xiangrui , Zhang Xiaobo 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The computational costs of surrogate model-assisted uncertainty quantification methods become intractable for high dimensional problems. However, many high-dimensional problems are intrinsically low dimensional, if the output response exhibits some special structure that can be exploited within a low-dimensional subspace, known as the active subspace in the literature. Active subspace extracts linear combinations of all the original inputs, which may obscure the fact that only several inputs are active in the low-dimensional space. Motivated by this fact, this paper proposes a new surrogate modeling method which imposes sparsity in the active subspace to achieve a better performance for dimension reduction. Information given by sparse active subspace is integrated in the kernel structure of the support vector regression model to ensure superior performance for high dimensional problems. We demonstrate the proposed method on several benchmark applications, comprising an analytical function and two engineering applications of increasing dimensionality and complexity.
Culturally Informed Parenting Assessment: The Adaptation of the Alabama Parenting Questionnaire with Input from Ugandan Experts and Parents
Authors: Asiimwe Ronald , Mugumya Firminus , Birungi Macklean , Tumuhairwe John Bosco 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

While parenting practices significantly influence children's developmental outcomes on a global scale, there has been limited comprehensive assessment of the cultural appropriateness of global parenting questionnaires in diverse cultural contexts by researchers. This study examined the cultural relevance of items on a global measure of parenting, the Alabama Parenting Questionnaire (APQ) within a Ugandan context. Transcultural adaptations followed a seven-step methodology, integrating validated models for cross-cultural adaptation of self-report measures. Semi-structured interviews with 14 local experts and cognitive interviews with 16 parents provided crucial feedback for revising the 42-item APQ scale. This transcultural adaptation process resulted into a 32-item adapted APQ tailored for the Ugandan context. Feedback from experts and parents led to the incorporation of five additional items reflecting important parenting practices in the target Uganda setting. This research is notable for its contribution to the decolonization of parenting assessment instruments, centered on the perspectives of participants in a culturally diverse context. The availability of a culturally adapted parenting measure holds significance for clinicians and researchers as it enables a more efficient and culturally sensitive evaluation of parenting practices. Furthermore, utilizing such a measure facilitates a deeper understanding of the components of parenting warranting attention in the development of interventions for parents in the target setting.
Graves' Disease: In Silico Design of Hybrid Molecule Targeting the Thyroid-stimulating Hormone Receptor
Authors: Andrade Luís Jesuino de Oliveira , de Oliveira Luís Matos , Silva Catharina Peixoto , de Oliveira Luísa Correia Matos , David Túlio Matos , Bittencourt Alcina Maria Vinhaes , de Oliveira Gabriela Correia Matos 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

IntroductionGraves' disease (GD), an autoimmune disorder characterized by hyperthyroidism and the production of autoantibodies targeting the thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor (TSHR), poses a considerable challenge in clinical management. Antithyroid medications block thyroid hormone synthesis and are usually the first-line treatment. In recent years, the advent of computational molecule design has offered a promising avenue for the development of novel therapeutic strategies tailored to specific molecular targets. Despite the substantial progress made in silico molecule design for targeting the TSHR in GD, several critical gaps persist in the current literature.ObjectiveTo provide anin silicodesign of hybrid molecule targeting the TSHR.MethodIn silicohybridization of rituximab (RTX) and methimazole (MMZ) was performed through a comprehensive workflow: structural bioinformatics analysis, virtual screening and hybrid molecule design, molecular dynamics simulations, machine learning-based analysis, pharmacokinetic modeling and safety assessment, free energy calculations,in silicomutation analysis, data analysis and visualization.ResultIn silicoapproach identified a novel hybrid molecule candidate with promising potential for the treatment of GD. The designed molecule exhibited favorable characteristics in terms of binding affinity, selectivity, absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity profiles, and potential safety.ConclusionThe designed molecule, derived from MMZ and RTX, exhibited promising characteristicsin silico. The hybrid molecule demonstrated favorable binding affinity and selectivity towards the TSHR through virtual screening and molecular dynamics simulations.
Efficacy of bioinsecticides, synthetic insecticides, macro and micronutrients for the management of onion thrips, Thrips tabaci in onion: A field trial
Authors: Hassan El-Said M. , El-Sheikh Mohamed F. , Hegazy Fatma H. , Ali Fathi A. , Mesbah Ibrahim I. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Onion thrips, Thrips tabaci Lind. (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) is a major pest of onion worldwide. It damages onion, Allium cepa L., both directly and indirectly, which leads to significant output losses. In 2022, research was conducted in a private onion field in the Delta region, Egypt, to evaluate the efficacy of bioinsecticides and synthetic insecticides and to evaluate the efficacy of macro- and micronutrients in determining treatment effects on onion thrips populations. The greatest decrease in infestation was achieved by the application of the chemical insecticide Pleo 50% EC and the bioinsecticide Tracer 24% SC. The greatest decrease in infestation was achieved by the application of the micro plant element boron. Injury caused by onion thrips is often not severe enough to warrant the application of numerous pesticides to crops in the Delta region of Egypt. Spinosad and spinetoram are used as bioinsecticides, and pleo is used as a synthetic insecticide for managing onion thrips populations. Additionally, the use of boron as a macroelement is suggested for managing onion thrips populations.
Understanding Complex Systems through DifferentialCausal Networks
Authors: Defilippo Annamaria , Giorgi Federico Manuel , Veltri Pierangelo , Guzzi Pietro Hiram 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

In the evolving landscape of data science and computational biology,Causal Networks (CNs) have emerged as a robust framework for modelling causal relationships among elements of complex systems derived from experimental data. CNs can efficiently model causal relationships emerging in a single system while comparing multiple systems, allowing to understand rewiring in different cells, tissues, and physiological states with a deeper perspective. Despite the existence of network models, namely differential networks, that have been used to compare coexpression and correlation structures, causality needs to be introduced in differential analysis to robustly provide direction to the edges of such networks, in order to better understand the flows of information, and also to better intervene in their functioning, for example for agricultural or pharmacological purposes. Resolved to reach this ambitious goal, we introduce Differential Causal Networks (DCNs), a novel framework that represents differences between two existing CNs. A DCN is obtained from experimental data by comparing two CNs, and it is a power tool for highlighting differences in causal relations. After a careful definition and design of DCNs, we test our algorithm to model possible differential causal relationships between genesresponsible for the onset of type 2 diabetes mellitus-related pathologies considering patients' sex at the tissue level. DCNs allowed us to shed light on causal differences between sexes across nine tissues. We also compare differences among three possible definitions of DCNs to highlight similarities and differences of biological importance. Code, Data and Supplementary Information are available at https://github.com/hguzzi/DifferentialCausalNetworks.
Methods of processing recycled manure solids bedding on Midwest dairy farms I: Associations with bedding bacteria counts, milk quality, udder health and milk production
Authors: Godden Sandra , Royster Erin , Crooker Brian , Timmerman Jenny , Peña Mosca Felipe 
Published: April 2024

This observational study investigated the relationships between method of processing recycled manure solids (RMS) bedding and 1) bacteria counts in RMS bedding, 2) bacteria counts in bulk tank milk, and 3) udder health and milk production. A convenience sample of 29 farms in Minnesota and Wisconsin were recruited to represent 4 RMS processing systems; green (GRN, n = 7), anaerobic digestion (DIG, n = 6), composting (COM, n = 4), and hot air drying (DRY, n = 12). Premises were visited twice (summer/winter) to collect fresh bedding and bulk tank milk (BTM) samples for culture, test day records, and a herd management questionnaire.
Coliform and Klebsiella spp. counts were lower, or tended to be lower in DRY, COM or DIG versus GRN RMS samples. Counts of Streptococci and Strep-like organisms (SSLO) were statistically or numerically lower in COM or DRY as compared to GRN or DIG RMS samples. Coliform and SSLO counts in BTM were lower, or tended to be lower, in DIG, COM or DRY as compared to GRN RMS samples. Test-day average linear score, proportion of cows with infection, and proportion of cows with chronic infection was lower, or tended to be lower, in herds using DRY or COM versus GRN RMS bedding. Average 305ME was higher, or tended to be higher, for herds using DRY versus GRN or DIG RMS. Adoption of COM or DRY processing could allow producers to mitigate the negative impacts of high bacteria levels in GRN RMS bedding, though more research is needed.
Еffectiveness of immunocorrective therapy for frequently ill children
Authors: Zakirova A. M. , Krasnozhen V. N. , Shayapova D. T. , Kadriev A. G. , Rashitova E. L. , Lbragimov T. M. , Kadriev A. A. 
Published: April 2024

Introduction. All acute respiratory infections are characterized by damage to the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract, a decrease in local immune defense and a weakening of nonspecific protective factors.Aim. To characterize the clinical effectiveness of the use of the immunocorrective drug in frequently ill children.Materials and methods. The article assessed the microbiological spectrum of the rhinopharyngeal landscape in 65 children: 33 children took an immunocorrective drug in addition to conventional therapy – the main group; 32 children received conventional therapy (the comparison group), and also investigated the possibility of regulating their polypathogenic microbiota using topical bacterial lysates.Results and discussion. The result of the therapy was a clinical improvement characterized by the relief of pharyngoscopic signs of chronic tonsillitis in children while taking topical bacterial lysates in form of lozenges. Analysis of the microbiota of the oropharyngeal mucosa in the studied patients of both groups before the start of therapy revealed the species diversity of opportunistic flora, among which Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, the family Enterobacteriaceae and Candida albicans were identified in all patients in diagnostic significant titers of 105–1010. After treatment in the main group, the ratio of the microbiota of the nasopharynx significantly changed, stimulation of the production of local immunity components was noted, which was confirmed by a decrease in the intensity of contamination of microbiota with polypathogenic functions to diagnostically insignificant titers. When comparing the species composition of the microbiota in the studied groups after treatment with topical bacterial lysates, a statistically significant positive effect was found without additional use of antibacterial drugs.Conclusions. It has been shown that the immunocorrective drug eliminates pharyngoscopic signs of rhinopharyngeal dysbiosis in children who are often and long-term ill.
Seasonal determination of proximate composition and essential elements in commercial fishes from Pakistan and human health risk assessment
Authors: Gull Amna , Zafar Fatima Hayat Shaheen , Panhwar Sher Khan , Bat Levent , Zahid Mohammad 
Published: April 2024

The seasonal variability in proximate composition and essential elements demonstrates that the habitat and feeding habits of fish species play a vital role in energy transfer.
We aimed to ascertain seasonal variability in the biochemical composition (protein, lipids, carbohydrates, ash, and moisture) and the amounts of Na, K, Ca, Mg, Mn, and Zn in the species Nemipterus japonicus, Epinephelus erythrurus, Nematalosa nasus, and Ilisha striatula inhabiting pelagic and demersal zones. We compared the nutritional profile of these fish species and their seasonal importance. The essential elements were detected by flame atomic absorption spectrometry and found in the following order: K > Na > Ca > Mg > Mn > Zn. To determine the proximate composition, we employed a number of methods: the Lowry method for protein analysis, the acid hydrolysis method for fat/lipid analysis, a formula for carbohydrates and moisture, and the incineration method for ash content.
The spring inter-monsoon season showed the highest values for the essential elements in both pelagic and demersal species. However, the pelagic species had the highest biochemical composition levels during the southwest monsoon. The autumn intermonsoon had the lowest bio-profile for the fishes of both regimes.
The summer season, which is not thought to be good for fish consumption, showed the highest biochemical composition levels in the pelagic fish. The nutritional profile of fish flesh can be affected by feeding habits, seasonal variation, and habitat.
A synergistic framework for dynamic water scarcity assessment: integrated blue and green water
Authors: Liu Jianwei , Pang Xiaoteng , Yan Xiaohui , Chen Xiaoqiang , Wang Mingwei , Ma Ruixue , Ma Liguo 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT

Dynamic assessment of water scarcity utilising blue and green water can enhance water resource management. The traditional water scarcity assessment mainly considers blue water, ignoring green water, for static evaluation. The improvement objective of this study is dynamically quantifying water scarcity, integrated blue and green water. This study proposed a framework to present an overview of water scarcity within multiple indicators and pinpoint water-stressed areas within an ever-changing process. The framework is based on the theorem of mutual change of quality and quantity to assess the spatiotemporal variability of blue and green water availability and to quantify water scarcity in watersheds. A case study was carried out in Taoer River Basin, a semiarid region of China, to demonstrate the use of the framework. The anthropogenic elements (such as water demand) and natural conditions were combined to quantify water scarcity, as measured by blue and green water scarcity indices. This study also analysed the variation of water scarcity on different spatiotemporal scales. The findings demonstrate that severe water scarcity has been occurring downstream with a tendency towards upstream of the watershed. Collectively, this study provides a useful tool for dynamic water scarcity assessment, helping develop policies to promote sustainable development.
Prioritization of strategies for urban water circular economy using water circularity indicator
Authors: Kakwani Nikita S. , Kalbar Pradip P. 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT

Global water scarcity is aggravating with increasing urbanization and inappropriate urban water management. Implementing Circular Economy (CE) strategies in the water sector followed by their assessment can prove to be beneficial. Recently, the Water Circularity Indicator (WCI) has been developed to measure, monitor, improve and promote urban water circularity using the 5Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Reclaim, Restore). Apprehending the role and scope of each strategy is crucial while planning future water infrastructure, as each strategy has inherent advantages and limitations in application. This study aims to facilitate decision-makers with an approach to prioritize 5Rs CE strategies, which will be helpful in the efficient allocation of funds and resources related to water infrastructure. A methodology is proposed to prioritize and weigh 5Rs based on the effort required to fulfill the application of each strategy. Using weights assigned to each R, WCI is improved to WCI-2.0 and is evaluated for the region under the jurisdiction of Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation. The results from WCI-2.0 suggest which strategy to focus on out of the 5Rs to accelerate water circularity and effective infrastructure planning. Benchmarking of WCI-2.0 and its use to propose policies supporting urban water balance has the potential to change the prospects of the water sector.
Effect of Digital Early Warning Scores on Hospital Vital Sign Observation Protocol Adherence: Stepped-Wedge Evaluation
Authors: Wong David Chi-Wai , Bonnici Timothy , Gerry Stephen , Birks Jacqueline , Watkinson Peter J 
Published: April 2024

Background
Early warning scores (EWS) are routinely used in hospitals to assess a patient’s risk of deterioration. EWS are traditionally recorded on paper observation charts but are increasingly recorded digitally. In either case, evidence for the clinical effectiveness of such scores is mixed, and previous studies have not considered whether EWS leads to changes in how deteriorating patients are managed.

Objective
This study aims to examine whether the introduction of a digital EWS system was associated with more frequent observation of patients with abnormal vital signs, a precursor to earlier clinical intervention.

Methods
We conducted a 2-armed stepped-wedge study from February 2015 to December 2016, over 4 hospitals in 1 UK hospital trust. In the control arm, vital signs were recorded using paper observation charts. In the intervention arm, a digital EWS system was used. The primary outcome measure was time to next observation (TTNO), defined as the time between a patient’s first elevated EWS (EWS ≥3) and subsequent observations set. Secondary outcomes were time to death in the hospital, length of stay, and time to unplanned intensive care unit admission. Differences between the 2 arms were analyzed using a mixed-effects Cox model. The usability of the system was assessed using the system usability score survey.

Results
We included 12,802 admissions, 1084 in the paper (control) arm and 11,718 in the digital EWS (intervention) arm. The system usability score was 77.6, indicating good usability. The median TTNO in the control and intervention arms were 128 (IQR 73-218) minutes and 131 (IQR 73-223) minutes, respectively. The corresponding hazard ratio for TTNO was 0.99 (95% CI 0.91-1.07; P=.73).

Conclusions
We demonstrated strong clinical engagement with the system. We found no difference in any of the predefined patient outcomes, suggesting that the introduction of a highly usable electronic system can be achieved without impacting clinical care. Our findings contrast with previous claims that digital EWS systems are associated with improvement in clinical outcomes. Future research should investigate how digital EWS systems can be integrated with new clinical pathways adjusting staff behaviors to improve patient outcomes.