bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of Hypertension Defined by the 2017 ACC/AHA Guideline and Choroidal Thickness Changes in Type 2 Diabetes: A 2-Year Longitudinal Study
Authors: Huang Wenyong , liu kaiqun , fu yihang , Mao Yuxiang 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Purpose To explore the longitudinal association between hypertension (HTN) defined by the 2017 American College of Cardiology (ACC)/ American Heart Association (AHA) blood pressure (BP) guideline and choroidal thickness (CT) changes among patients with type 2 diabetes.Methods This prospective cohort study included patients aged 30 to 80 years in the Guangzhou Diabetic Eye Study. BP categories were defined based on the 2017 ACC/AHA guideline as non-HTN, stage 1-HTN and stage 2-HTN. Macular and parapapillary CT were measured using swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) device. The decline rates of macular and parapapillary CT over time were analyzed through mixed linear regression models. The associations between HTN and the decline rate of both macular and parapapillary CT were assessed using mixed linear regression analysis.Results A total of 803 patients with diabetes were enrolled in the study. Compared with none-HTN group, stage 2-HTN group showed significantly thinner macular and parapapillary CT at each visit (all P < 0.05). After adjusting multiple confounding factors, the stage 2-HTN group yielded significantly decreased rate of CT thinning in the macular area (coefficient [coef]=-9.88µm/year; 95% confidence intervals [CI], -16.24 to -3.51; P = 0.002), but not parapapillary area (coef=-0.54µm/year; 95% CI, -5.47 to 4.39; P = 0.830). Further stratified analyses showed that participants with stage 2-HTN had faster decline rates of macular CT in groups of males (coef=-15.41µm/year, 95% CI -25.72 to -5.10; P = 0.03), BMI > 25 kg/m2(coef=-14.54µm/year, 95% CI -24.12 to -4.96; P = 0.03), duration < 10 years (coef=-11.86µm/year, 95% CI -20.60 to -3.11; P = 0.08), and HbA1c > 6.5% (coef=-11.15µm/year, 95% CI -18.67 to -3.65; P = 0.04).Conclusion Stage 2-HTN is parallel with the progression of CT loss in the macular but not parapapillary area among patients with diabetes. Regular BP monitoring for this population may contribute to early screening and identification of macular damage.
CO2 Laser in Benign Vocal Fold Lesions - An Observational Study
Authors: Showkat Showkat Ahmad , Jallu Aleena Shafi , Bhat Mohd Shafi , Malik Bashir Ahmad 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
To evaluate the clinical and functional outcome of patients having benign vocal fold lesions who were treated with carbon dioxide laser.
Methods
For this research, a total of 41 individuals who had hoarseness of voice and satisfied the inclusion criteria were included. A thorough medical history was obtained, and a thorough ENT examination was performed, including an anterior rhinoscopy, an oral cavity examination, an indirect laryngoscopy, a 70-degree Hopkins rod examination, and a stroboscopy. Voice evaluation was done using (G)rade, (R)oughness, (B)reathiness, (A)sthenia….weakness (S)train (GRBAS), voice handicap index (VHI), and maximum phonation time (MPT) scores.
Results
All 41 patients reported hoarseness of voice as their primary complaint, and most of them developed their symptoms gradually. The following causes seem to have contributed to the presence of hoarseness of voice: LPR in 8 patients, smoking in 25 patients, voice abuse in 14 patients, and irritation exposure in 6 patients. The most frequent lesion in 25 (60.97 percent) of the research participants was a vocal polyp. This study showed majority of patients 35 (85.4%) had posterior phonatory gap and 6 (14.6%) had anterior gap preoperatively. All patients had incomplete glottic closure preoperatively whereas glottic closure was complete at 1st follow-up postoperatively. The mean pre-operative GRBAS score in study subjects was 10.972 with an SD (standard deviation) of 2.1724 and a median of 10.000. The mean postoperative GRBAS score at six months was 0.268 with an SD of 0.4486, median 0.000, Z score − 5.618, and p-value < 0.001 which is statistically significant.
Conclusion
Precision, hemostasis, and minimal postoperative oedema are benefits of using carbon dioxide laser. This research therefore supports the idea that benign vocal fold lesions might be successfully treated with the super-pulsed micro-spot carbon dioxide laser, which offers good voice outcomes.
Registration number :IECGMCSGR 2018/221/171, Dated- 05/11/2018.
Serum Alpha-Synuclein and Inflammatory Markers profile in an Egyptian Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Diseases patients: A Pilot Study
Authors: Heikal Shimaa A. , Fawi Gharib , Moustafa Sara A. , Barakat Mai , Ragab Gaafar , Hegazy Mohamed Tharwat , ElFarash Sara , Salama Mohamed 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Alzheimer’s and Parkinson's disease are the most common neurodegenerative diseases. In the current study, we explored the potential of blood-based markers to differentiate Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD) from healthy controls using ELISA assays via measuring the serum level of α-Syn and panels of inflammatory cytokines in the small pilot cohort of Egyptian volunteers. With the ongoing genetic studies, upcoming data suggest that it is not trivial to revisit the findings reported in specific populations to be tested in each ancestor of different genetic and environmental backgrounds. A total of 42 participants were recruited from the Neurology department, Suhag University Hospital, including 18 AD cases, 9 PD cases, and 15 healthy controls. Clinical and demographic characteristics were well-matched among the three groups. The current data is the first to provide evidence in an Egyptian cohort that aligns with earlier reports that serum level of α-synuclein can be a specific marker for distinguishing PD patients from healthy individuals but not AD patients. Both AD and PD, however, exhibited shared neuroinflammatory profiles with elevated IL-6 and decreased IL-10, hinting at a common inflammatory component despite their distinct etiologies. While trends toward increased IL-1β and TNF-α were observed in AD, the lack of statistical significance suggests a more limited role in its pathogenesis or the need to expand the sample size. These findings, although promising and the first of a kind to be conducted in Egyptian patients, necessitate further investigation with larger sample sizes to solidify these markers' potential for diagnosis and fully unravel the specific roles of individual cytokines in each disease.
Hybrid Allosteric Modulators of M1 Muscarinic Receptors Enhance Acetylcholine Efficacy and Decrease Locomotor Activity and Turning Behaviors in Zebrafish
Authors: Widman Corey J. , Ventresca Sestina , Dietrich Jillian , Elmslie Gwendolynne , Smith Hazel , Kaup Gina , Wesley Aaron , Doenecke Madeline , Williams Frederick E. , Schiefer Isaac T. , Ellis John , Messer William S. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Allosteric modulation of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChR) has been identified as a potential strategy for regulating cholinergic signaling in the treatment of various neurological disorders. Most positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) of mAChR enhance agonist affinity and potency, while very few PAMs selectively enhance G-protein coupling efficacy (e.g., amiodarone). The key structural features of amiodarone responsible for enhancement of mAChR efficacy were examined in CHO cells expressing M1 receptors. Subsequent incorporation of these structural features into previously identified allosteric modulators of potency (i.e., n-benzyl isatins) generated hybrid ligands that demonstrated similar or better enhancement of mAChR efficacy, lower in vivo toxicity, and higher allosteric binding affinity relative to amiodarone. Notable hybrid ligands include 8a and 8c which respectively demonstrated the strongest binding affinity and the most robust enhancement of mAChR efficacy as calculated from an allosteric operational model. Amiodarone derivatives and hybrid ligands were additionally screened in wildtype zebrafish (Danio rerio) to provide preliminary in vivo toxicity data as well as to observe effects on locomotor and turning behaviors relative to other mAChR PAMs. Several compounds, including 8a and 8c, reduced locomotor activity and increased measures of turning behaviors in zebrafish, suggesting that allosteric modulation of muscarinic receptor efficacy might be useful in the treatment of repetitive behaviors associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other neuropsychiatric disorders.
Occurrence in France of 1,4-dioxane, an emerging pollutant of high concern in drinking water
Authors: Bach Cristina , Boiteux Virginie , Dauchy Xavier 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

In recent years, 1,4-dioxane has emerged as a pollutant of increasing concern following widespread detection in the aquatic environment of several countries. This persistent contaminant with specific physical and chemical properties can be rapidly dispersed and transported to river banks, groundwater and drinking water. Given the limited data on its occurrence in France, it was considered necessary to assess the potential exposure of the French population to this compound in drinking water. An analytical method based on solid-phase extraction (SPE) combined with gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) was developed and validated during this study with a limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.15 µg/L. Recoveries in natural water matrices ranged from 113–117% with a relative bias not exceeding 17%. This method was used for a nationwide campaign at almost 300 sites, evenly distributed over 101 French départements (administrative units), including some that were overseas. 1,4-Dioxane was detected mainly (63%) in raw and treated water from sites associated with historical industrial practices related to the use of chlorinated solvents. The maximum concentration of 1,4-dioxane found in a raw water sample was 4.80 µg/L. Drinking water treatment plants using ozonation, granular activated carbon and chlorination have limited effectiveness in the removal of 1,4-dioxane. The results of this study are the first step towards bridging the knowledge gap in the occurrence of 1,4-dioxane in France. Further investigations are needed with priority being given to several sites where 1,4-dioxane has been found in substantial concentrations (> 1 µg/L).
Investigation of N3C5 and B3C5 bilayers as anode materials for Li-ion batteries by first-principles calculations
Authors: Kasprzak Grzegorz T. , Durajski Artur 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The best choice today for a realistic method of increasing the energy density of a metal-ion battery is to find novel, effective electrode materials. In this paper, we present a theoretical investigation of the properties of two-dimensional B3C5 and N3C5 bilayer systems as potential anode materials for lithium-ion batteries. The simulation results show that N3C5 bilayer is not suitable for anode material due to its thermal instability. On the other hand B3C5 is stable, has good electrical conductivity, and is intrinsically metallic before and after lithium intercalation. The low diffusion barrier (0.27 eV) of Li atoms shows a good charge and discharge rate for B3C5 bilayer. Moreover, the high theoretical specific capacity (579.57 mAh/g) connected with moderate volume expansion effect during charge/discharge processes indicates that B3C5 is a promising anode material for Li-ion batteries.
Resonance of Vector Vortex Beams in a Triangular Optical Cavity
Authors: Rodrigues Laura Martins , Fagundes Lucas Marques , de Salles Daniel Carvalho , Santos Gustavo Henrique dos , Kondo Jorge Douglas Massayuki , Khoury Antonio Zellaquet , Ribeiro Paulo Henrique Souto , de Araújo Renné Luiz Câmara Medeiros 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

We experimentally demonstrate resonance of first-order vector vortex beams (VVB) with a triangular optical cavity. We also show that, due to their symmetry properties, the so-called radial and azimuthal VVBs do not resonate at the same cavity length, which could be explored to use the triangular resonator as a mode sorter. In addition, an intracavity Pancharatnam phase shifter (PPS) is implemented in order to compensate for any birefringent phase that the cavity mirrors may introduce.
Gender-based differences in the representation and lived experiences of academic leaders in medicine and dentistry: a mixed method study from Pakistan
Authors: Shahzad Muhammad , Jamil Brekhna , Mehboob Bushra , Mahboob Usman , Elmigdadi Fayig 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background:
Research evidence suggests gender-based differences in the extent and experiences of academic leaders across the globe even in developed countries like USA, UK, and Canada. The under-representation is particularly common in higher education organizations, including medical and dental schools. The current study aimed to investigate gender-based distribution and explore leaders' experiences in the medical and dental institutes in a developing country, Pakistan.
Methods:
A mixed-method approach was used. The quantitative arm collected data about the gender-based distribution of academic leaders in all medical and dental colleges of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Qualitative data was collected through semi-structured interviews with ten academic leaders.
Results:
Gender-based disparities exist across all institutes with the greatest differences among the top-rank leadership level (principals/deans) where 84.5% of the positions were occupied by males. The gender gap was relatively narrow at mid-level leadership positions reaching up to as high as > 40% of female leaders in medical/dental education. The qualitative analysis found gender-based differences in the lived experiences under four themes: leadership attributes, leadership journey, challenges, and support.
Conclusions:
The study showed that women are not only significantly under-represented in leadership positions in medical and dental colleges in Pakistan, they also face gender-based discrimination and struggling to maintain a decent work life balance. These findings are critical and can have important implications for government, organizations, human resource managers, and policymakers in terms of enacting laws, proposing regulations, and establishing support mechanisms to improve gender-based balance and help current and aspiring leaders in their leadership journey.
A Study on diagnosis and therapeutic management of cryptosporidiosis in calves
Authors: G Sateesh A , A. Patil N. , Kasaralikar VIivek R. , Sandeep Halmandge , G Ravindra B. , S Pradeep B. , T Rajendrakumar 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The cryptosporidiosis is the major protozoal disease of calves. The overall prevalence of cryptosporidiosis was found to be 14.63 per cent in 205 diarrhoeic calves. The mZN staining method was economical and sensitive tool for diagnosis of cryptosporidiosis compared to other microscopic examinations. The positive samples were subjected to nPCR analysis and confirmed the presence of Cryptosporidium spp. in the 30 suspected samples at 834bp on agarose gel electrophoresis. The nPCR products were sequenced and revealed the presence of C.parvum in the two samples. The phylogenetic tree of sequenced samples suggested that the present samples were in close relation with isolates of Punjab (India), Bangladesh and China. Haemogram indicated that the calves were marginally anaemic and dehydrated along with corresponding alterations in erythrocyte indices. There was significant increase in the total leukocyte count in the present investigation. Hypoproteinemia and hypoalbuminemia were observed with corresponding decrease in the A:G ratio although the alterations were marginal. Histologically, there was desquamation of epithelial cells on intestinal mucosa and atrophy of villus crypts thus reducing the crypt to villi ratio. Nitazoxanide and azithromycin were equally effective in eliminating the infection with proper supportive therapy, however treatment with azithromycin was cost effective.
Temporal trends of liver cancer burden, comparative analysis of risk factors and trend forecasts to 2025 in China, the United States, Republic of Korea and Mongolia——systematic analysis based on multiple data sources from GBD 2019, GLOBOCAN, and CI5
Authors: yao xing , Ling Xinchun , zhu ziyi , cao xiaolu , Tang Shaoliang 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Objective This study aims to analyze the epidemiological burden of liver cancer in China, Mongolia, the Republic of Korea, and the United States, by combining multiple data sources.
Design An analysis of liver cancer burden (GLOBOCAN, GBD and CI5) data in four countries.
Setting China, Mongolia, the Republic of Korea, and the United States.
Participant Data were obtained from the GLOBOCAN, GBD and CI5. This study assessed age-standardized incidence rates (ASR), age-standardized incidence ratios (ASIR) and age-standardized mortality rates (ASDR).
Main outcome measures Time trends were calculated using Joinpoint regression, incidence rates were predicted using an ARIMA model, and aetiological studies were conducted for different countries based on changes in the percentage of causes of incidence.
Results Between 1990 and 2019, ASR values for liver cancer declined globally. The downward trend was most pronounced in China, where the AAPC of ASIR reached -3.13 (95 CI%: -2.90, -3.35), much higher than the world average of -1.16 (95% CI: -0.96, -1.36). The ASIR in the United States continues to improve and has reached 5.23 *105 in 2019. Relatively speaking, HBV remains the main causative agent of liver cancer in China and Korea. For Mongolia, both HBV and HCV account for a large proportion of the country's liver cancer burden. In the United States, the proportion of liver cancer cases caused by alcohol consumption has been increasing. Projections show that the burden of liver cancer in the United States, China, and the Republic of Korea will slowly increase in 2025, while the ASIR value in Mongolia will rapidly decrease.
Conclusions The ASR for liver cancer has declined over the past 30 years in most countries around the world, but in recent years the burden of liver cancer has begun to deteriorate in some countries due to aging and various unhealthy living habits.
Controlling Inter-Particle Distances in Crowds of Motile, Cognitive, Active Particles
Authors: Negi Rajendra Singh , Iyer Priyanka , Gompper Gerhard 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Distance control in many-particle systems is a fundamental problem in nature. This becomes particularly relevant in systems of active agents, which can sense their environment and react by adjusting their direction of motion. We employ agent-based simulations to investigate the complex interplay between agent activity, characterized by Péclet number Pe, reorientation maneuverability Ω, vision angle θ and vision range R0, and agent density, which determines agent distancing and dynamics. We focus on semi-dense crowds, where the vision range is much larger than the particle size. The minimal distance to the nearest neighbors, exposure time, and persistence of orientation direction are analyzed to characterize the behavior. With increasing particle speed at fixed maneuverability, particles approach each other more closely, and exhibit shorter exposure times. The temporal persistence of motion decreases with increasing Pe, reflecting the impact of activity and maneuverability on direction changes. For a vision angle θ = π/4, we observe the emergence of flocking aggregates with a band-like structure, reminiscent of the Viscek model. Additionally, for vision angles θ ≥ π/2, several quantities are found to display a universal scaling behavior with scaling variable Pe3/2/Ω. Our results are in good agreement with recent experiments of pedestrians in confined spaces.
Improved Porosity Estimation in Complex Carbonate Reservoirs Using Hybrid CRNN Deep Learning Model
Authors: Mehrabi Amirreza , Bagheri Majid , Bidhendi Majid Nabi , Delijani Ebrahim Biniaz , Behnoud Mohammad 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

An accurate estimation of rock porosity is essential to determine the storage capacity of hydrocarbon reservoirs. As the most realistic technique, the porosity value can be measured directly for core samples. However, laboratory core analysis is costly and sometimes unfeasible, leading to developing other indirect estimation methods from geophysical well logs or seismic data. Besides, estimating porosity in carbonate reservoirs is often difficult due to inherent heterogeneity and complex geological environments. In this paper, we proposed a hybrid deep learning model that integrates the CNN and RNN architectures to predict the porosity in heterogeneous carbonate reservoirs based on well-log data. The novelty of this approach lies in the hybridization of CNN and RNN architectures, which allows the effective extraction and combining of relevant information from the well log data and an accurate estimate of porosity in challenging heterogeneous carbonate reservoirs. The ability of CRNNs to capture the complex spatial dependencies within these reservoirs can lead to more accurate porosity estimations and valuable insights into reservoir characterization. This hybrid deep model consists of several hidden layers, convolutional, pooling, recurrent, and dense layers. The dataset consists of well-log and core analysis from the Iranian carbonate oil field, which was used to build a predictive model. well-log data was used as model input and core data for model validation. We compare the performance of the CRNN model with the MLP model for predicting porosity values from well-log data. Results show the proposed model can accurately predict porosity values at new locations where only well-log data are available, and they outperform conventional neural network models in terms of accuracy and generalization. The correlation coefficient between the model and core data improves from 0.67 for the MLP model to 0.98 for the CRNN model.
Dynamical simulations of 3D fractional WBBM model: Mathematical and graphical analysis with the impact of fractionality and unrestricted parameters
Authors: Shahen Nur Hasan Mahmud , Amin Md. Al , Foyjonnesa Foyjonnesa , Rahman M. M. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

This work retrieves some novel exact solutions to the family of 3D space-time fractional Wazwaz– Benjamin–Bona–Mahony (WBBM) equations in the context of diverse nonlinear physical phenomena resulting from water wave mechanics. The family of WBBM equations is transformed for this purpose using a space and time fractional transformation into an ordinary differential equation (ODE). The ODE then uses a strong method, namely the Unified Method. Consequently, lump solutions, dark-bright soliton, singular and multiple soliton solutions, and periodic solutions are investigated. The disparities between the current study's conclusions and previously acquired solutions via other approaches are examined. All wave solutions produced are determined to be novel in terms of fractionality, unrestricted parameters, and implemented technique sense. The impact of unrestricted parameters and fractionality on the obtained solutions are visually presented, along with physical explanations. It is observed that the wave portents are varied with the increase of unrestricted parameters as well as fractionality. Finally, we dynamically showed that the appropriate transformation and the applied Unified approach more proficient in the study of water wave dynamics and might be used in future researches to clarify the many physical phenomena.