bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinico-pathological study of symptomatic hyperparathyroidism: is it a different phenotype expression of hyperparathyroidism?
Authors: Menon Riju Ramachandran , Nair Gopalakrishnan C , Pillai Anoop Vasudevan , Sekhar Sidhu , Babu Misha JC , Nair Revathy AK , Jacob Pradeep 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Purpose: Symptomatic PHPT is common in Asian countries, with the musculoskeletal system affected frequently, unlike Western literature, with a high prevalence of urinary stone disease. The concept of an asymptomatic disorder progressing over time to a symptomatic disease was not proven. The study aimed to assess the demographic, clinical, and pathological features of primary hyperparathyroidism and to compare these features with those of asymptomatic disorders in North American countries.
Methods: This is an observational study on a cohort of patients operated on for hyperparathyroidism from 2005 to 2020 at the endocrine surgery division of a tertiary referral center in south India. Secondary hyperthyroidism was excluded. Case records were reviewed. Continuous variables were evaluated by chi-square or Fisher's exact test as appropriate (p<0.05). All discrete variables are noted as mean with standard deviation.
Results: We had 301 patients in the study after excluding 45. There were 279 (92.7%) patients with symptomatic PHPT and 22 with asymptomatic disorders. The asymptomatic patients in the present study cohort were a decade older (p<0.011). Symptomatic patients had higher corrected calcium (p<0.16), lower vitamin D levels, and more elevated serum PTH levels (p<0.001), and the musculoskeletal system was more commonly affected.
Conclusion The study cohort's serum calcium and PTH levels were higher and subtly impacted target organs. The musculoskeletal system was more commonly affected than the renal system in our cohort, possibly due to lower vitamin D levels in our population, unlike the patients from Western countries.
Causal association between metabolites and cardiovascular MACE events: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Huang Xuanchun , Hu Lanshuo , Li Jun , Tao Shiyi , Xue Tiantian , Jia Zihao , Tan Yuqing , Zhang Wenjie , Hou Chengzhi , Zhou Lijun 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Objective: Adverse cardiovascular events are key clinical endpoints in cardiovascular diseases. Recent metabolomics studies have highlighted the significant role of metabolites and their ratios in the occurrence and progression of these events. This study aims to explore the causal relationship between circulating metabolites and seven types of cardiovascular adverse events using Mendelian randomization analysis.
Methods: A two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis was employed in this study. We selected 1,400 circulating metabolites as exposure factors and examined their association with seven cardiovascular adverse events (including Acute Myocardial Infarction, Unstable Angina, sudden Cardiac Death, Cardiac Arrest, Ventricular Tachycardia, Heart Failure, and Cerebral Infarction). The inverse-variance weighted method was primarily used for the analysis, and the results were subjected to FDR multiple testing correction to identify metabolites of significant and potential relevance. Additionally, multiple sensitivity analyses, including MR Egger intercept, MR-PRESSO, and Cochran Q, were conducted to enhance the reliability and accuracy of the findings. Finally, metabolic pathway analysis was performed for all metabolites with established causal relationships.
Results: Our study identified 254 metabolites and metabolite ratios associated with cardiovascular adverse events. We confirmed potential causal relationships of 339 metabolites with these diseases (53 with Cerebral Infarction, 29 with Unstable Angina, 22 with Acute Myocardial Infarction, 53 with Malignant Arrhythmias, 57 with Cardiac Arrest, 62 with Cardiogenic Death, and 63 with Heart Failure), and eventually pinpointed 7 significant metabolites and 12 metabolic pathways closely related to cardiovascular adverse events.Meanwhile, the results of the sensitivity analysis showed the stability of our findings.
Conclusion: Through Mendelian randomization analysis, we identified multiple metabolites associated with cardiovascular adverse events, providing vital evidence and support for the metabolomic study of these events.
Impact of intercrops and planting methods on yield and nutrient uptake by sugarcane under North West alluvial plains of Bihar
Authors: Kumar Ajeet , Sinha S.K. , Kumar Navnit , Rana Lalita , Singh A. K. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Utilizing a double-row planting system for sugarcane cultivation has been identified as a potential method to enhance both productivity and yield. Further, integrating intercropping within sugarcane crops can amplify their growth and productivity. To enhance sugarcane productivity by leveraging the benefits of intercropping, an exploratory trial titled “Impact of Intercropping and Planting Techniques on Sugarcane Yield and Nutrient uptake in the North West Alluvial Plains of Bihar” was undertaken. This study was conducted at the Regional Research Station in Madhopur, West Champaran, during the 2019–2020 and 2020–2021 seasons. The experimental design for the trial was a randomized block, encompassing eight treatments, each replicated three times. The experimental treatments included: Sole sugarcane with 90 cm spacing (T1), Sole paired row sugarcane (PRS) with 60 x 60 cm – 120 cm spacing (T2), PRS intercropped with Potato (T3), PRS intercropped with Rajmah (T4), PRS intercropped with Coriander (T5), PRS intercropped with Lentil (T6), PRS intercropped with Gram (T7), PRS intercropped with Pea (T8). The study revealed that the sole PRS (60 x 60–120 cm) method produced significantly higher yield than the conventional planting method (90 cm in furrows). Among the diverse intercropping systems and planting methods, the highest cane yield (96.73 t ha− 1), maximum single cane weight (1079 g), greatest green top yield (14.69 t ha− 1), and trash yield (9.98 t ha− 1) were achieved by the PRS intercropped with gram (Cicer arietinum). Across different intercropping systems, potato recorded the highest yield (20 t ha− 1). Notably, the uptake of nutrients by the crop was significant for nitrogen and potassium, while phosphorus uptake was not significant. The highest uptake of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potash was noted when the PRS sugarcane was intercropped with vegetable pea (Pisum sativum). Based on the results from the study, we conclude that the paired row planting method for sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) proved to be more advantageous and profitable than the conventional 90 cm spacing method. The intercropping combination of sugarcane and pea in the paired row planting method (60 x 60–120 cm) was found to be the most lucrative, followed closely by the combination of sugarcane intercropped with gram.
Insights and Applications: Evaluating Edge Effects in Planar Capacitors with Advanced Modeling
Authors: JEBRI Zaineb , ALI Mahfoudh TALEB 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
An analysis of edge effects in planar capacitors with parallel electrodes is presented in this article. Many electronic applications utilize capacitors, and understanding the phenomena around their edges is crucial to their design and optimization. Our research explores in detail the distribution of electric fields and electric potential near electrodes using models and methods based on Maxwell's principles and Gauss's theorem. Divergent electric fields can create edge effects, which affect capacitor performance by creating edge effects. A circular electrode shape is one of the strategies we present to mitigate these effects. The implications of these findings in the field of electronics and related technologies are discussed in the final section.
Barriers and Facilitators of HIV Self-Testing in Africa: A Qualitative Systematic Review
Authors: Samidu Sainabu , Chisoni Felix , Umar Eric 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background: HIV self-testing (HIVST) is an innovative approach that has the potential to improve HIV testing uptake and linkage to care for those who test positive. In this systematic review, we explored barriers and facilitators to HIVST uptake for various populations in Africa.
Methodology: We systematically searched multiple electronic databases for relevant English-language articles published between January 2015 and February 2023. The databases included PubMed, Cumulative Index for Nursing and Allied Health Professions Literature (CINAHL), Embase, and Scopus for qualitative research articles on HIVST from different African countries.
Findings: A total of 313 articles were identified through a literature search, and 11 met the inclusion criteria. This review shows that HIVST is a highly acceptable method of HIV testing among various populations. Perceived facilitators of the uptake of HIVST were convenience, autonomy and self-empowerment, privacy, confidentiality, and ease of use. The perceived barriers included the cost of self-test kits, perceived unreliability of test results, low literacy, fear and anxiety of a positive test result, potential psychological and social harms, and a lack of linkage to care.
Conclusion: This review observes that the establishment of innovative approaches such as mobile phone counselling to support pre- and post-test care for those seeking HIVST is critical for the successful scaling up of this intervention. Furthermore, for resource-poor contexts, affordable HIVST is essential to ensure the absorption of the same.
Accuracy of screening for hemolysis in plasma samples using a commercial urine dipstick
Authors: Pighi Laura , De Nitto Simone , Henry Brandon M. , Lippi Giuseppe 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Objective. Identification and quantification of hemolysis in serum or plasma samples is an important requirement in laboratory diagnostics, however this is not always possible automatically and visual sample inspection is not sufficiently accurate. We have planned this study to determine whether a commercially available urine dipstick with a hemoglobin-reactive pad could be used for this purpose.
Methods: Sixty-five routine plasma samples, whose hemolysis index was previously determined on Roche Cobas 8000, were assayed with a commercial urine dipstick to obtain semi-quantitative data on plasma hemoglobin. Plasma was diluted 1:1000 in water to enter the range of hemoglobin measurement of the dipstick, and 10 µl of this dilution were applied to the hemoglobin pad. Results were visually interpreted within 60 sec by comparing the pad color with that on the dipsticks box label.
Results: The sample size consisted of 40 non-hemolyzed (hemolysis index≤0.3 g/L) and 25 hemolyzed (hemolysis index>0.3 g/L) plasma samples. Spearman’s correlation between Cobas hemolysis index and dipstick hemoglobin concentration was r=0.96 (95%CI, 0.93-0.97; p<0.001). The concordance of hemolysis detection was 95.4%, with 1.00 sensitivity, 0.93 specificity, 1.00 negative predictive value and 0.89 positive predictive value compared to the reference hemolysis index measurement on Cobas. The cumulative agreement between Cobas hemolysis index and the various plasma hemoglobin thresholds obtained with the dipstick was 75.4%.
Conclusions: We have demonstrated here that plasma hemoglobin assessment with commercially available urine dipsticks may generate semi-quantitative test results accurate enough to influence decision making regarding sample quality and its suitability for testing.
Unveiling the hidden threat: spatiotemporal trends and source apportionments of per-and polyfluorinated alkyl substances in wastewater treatment plants in South Africa
Authors: Morethe Moloko Florence , Mpenyana-Monyatsi Lizzy , Daso Adegbenro Peter , Okonkwo Okechukwu Jonathan 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

At least 11 per-and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFASs) were more prevalent during the dry season, whereas only PFBA, L-PFBS, L-PFOS, and PFOA were prevalent during the wet season in 11 WWTPs. The ∑21 PFAS levels in the influent and the effluent ranged from 137 to 3327 ng/L and 265–7,699 ng/L in the dry season and 61–2,953 ng/L and 171–3,458 ng/L in the wet season, respectively. The highest mean concentrations were observed in the influent and effluent for PFOA (586 ng/L) and L-PFBS (552 ng/L); and FOET (1,399 ng/L) and PFNA (811 ng/L) during dry and wet seasons, respectively. During the wet season, 6:2 FTS was observed at the highest concentrations, exhibiting 4,900 ng/L (66%) and 2,351 ng/L (39%), 1,950 ng/L (53%) in SST and BNR, respectively. Principal component analysis (PCA), hierarchical clustering (HCA), and PFHpA/PFOA, PFBA/PFOA, and PFNA/PFOA ratios revealed mixtures of PFAS sources into WWTPs.
Optimization of the integrated green–gray–blue system to deal with urban flood under multi-objective decision-making
Authors: Chen Jiaxuan , Wang Sisi , Wu Ruobing 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

The integrated green–gray–blue (IGGB) system is considered to be a new way of stormwater management, and a comprehensive evaluation of the green–gray–blue infrastructure layout mode under different return periods is the key to the implementation decision-making of stormwater management. In this study, a blue–green synergism evaluation model is established to optimize the layout of blue–green infrastructure. An evaluation framework combining the evaluation indicator system and the hydrology model is established. Stormwater storage, peak flow reduction, and life cycle cost are selected as evaluation indicators. On this basis, seven optimal scenarios, including green, blue, gray, green–blue, green–gray, blue–gray, and green–gray–blue, are established. The Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) method is used to analyze these seven scenarios under different return periods. The results indicate that (1) when the drainage infrastructures are arranged in combination, the peak flow reduction is significantly improved compared to that of a single drainage. (2) TOPSIS results show that green–gray and blue–gray perform better when the cost weight is 0–0.35, and green–gray–blue performs best when the cost weight is 0.35–1. (3) The integrated green–gray–blue system has obvious synergistic effects. This study can provide support for planning department workers for the urban stormwater management strategy.
Challenges in Genetic Diagnosis of Mitochondrial Diseases: What Can
Functional Genomics' Studies Do?
Authors: Simões Marta , Santos Maria João , Martins Sara , Macário Maria do Carmo , Durães João , Diogo Luísa , Oliveira João Paulo , Ferreira José Carlos , Grazina Manuela 
Published: December 2023

Introduction::
Mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) diseases are
challenging both from clinical and therapeutic perspectives. The advent of next-generation sequencing
(NGS) boosted the discovery of new genetic defects affecting OXPHOS, with pathogenic
variants identified in >350 genes to date [1]. However, in many patients, novel variants of unknown
clinical significance are found. Subsequent functional studies may clarify its pathogenic
consequences and modify the variant’s classification, establishing a genetic diagnosis [2, 3].

Methods::
Analysis of data obtained from patients (P1-P5) with novel genetic causes and functional
genomics’ studies performed, namely OXPHOS respiratory/glycolytic rates (Seahorse
XF), enzymatic activity and assembly (BN-page), protein levels (SDS-WB), single muscle fiber
assay, NGS and bioinformatics.

Results/Case Report::
P1-Leigh syndrome (40y, male); Complex IV activity deficiency (full
assembly absent), homozygous deletion (c.-11_13del, SURF1), not detected by NGS[2]. P2-
Epileptic encephalopathy (8y, male); homozygous c.882-1G>A, FASTKD2; OXPHOS decrease;
reduced FASTKD2 expression and abnormal respiratory/glycolytic rates. P3-Cardiomyopathy/
nephropathy (39y, male); c.29G>C, FASTKD2; OXPHOS decrease; reduced FASTKD2 levels.
P4-CPEO (62y, female); multiple OXPHOS deficiency; mtDNA alterations (m.7486G>A, MTTS1;
4,977bp del); higher levels of mutant mtDNA alterations in COX-deficient fibers [3]. P5-
Polyneuropathy (15y, female); heterozygous c.1437C>A, POLG; combined def. or normal
OXPHOS activity/respiratory capacity (tissue variable), raised CI assembly; normal POLG levels.
Also, proteins’ expression levels were reduced (P1-4), confirming pathogenicity. In P5, data
do not support pathogenicity.

Conclusion::
If specific functional results are similar to controls, one might inquire about the
pathogenicity of the studied variant and more genetic or bioinformatics analyses and family investigations
are needed. There are also limitations of NGS in mutation detection that Sanger
sequencing can overcome (P1). When performed first, the OXPHOS activity may guide to genetic
screening or interpretation, concordant to later assembly results. All cases were solved and
data may be crucial for genetic counseling.
Perturbation-based Balance Training in Adults Aged Above 55 Years with
Chronic Low Back Pain: A Comparison of Effects of Water versus Land
Medium - A Preliminary Randomized Trial
Authors: Muthukrishan Ramprasad , Badr Ul Islam Fatima Mohammed , Shanmugam Sukumar , Arulsingh Watson , Gopal Kumaraguruparan , Kandakurti Praveen Kumar , Rajasekar Sannasi , Malik Gulshan Shahzadi , S.G. Geovinson 
Published: December 2023

Background:
‘Rapid balance reaction’ or ‘perturbation’ training is an emerging paradigm
in elderly back pain rehabilitation due to its connection to postural stability.

Objective:
This study aimed to inform the feasibility and practicality of perturbation-based balance
training (PBT) using a stratification approach and to determine the effectiveness of land
versus water-based PBT in elderly individuals with chronic low back pain (CLBP)

Methods:
Elderly CLBP participants (n=24) received exercise interventions as per treatmentbased
classification (TBC) and were randomly allotted into water-based perturbation exercises
(WBPE, Mean age=63.0±2.6years, n=12) and land-based perturbation exercise group (LBPE,
62.3±2.6 years, n=12). Pain intensity, disability, scores of fear-avoidance beliefs, fall efficacy,
and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) were assessed before and at the end of 6 weeks.

Results:
WBPE group reported a significant reduction in pain score (median difference(MD)):2,
p<0.03), fear avoidance behaviour for work (MD:9, p<0.01) and fear avoidance behaviour for
physical activity (MD:10, p< 0.05), improved straight leg raise right (SLR) (MD:37.5°, p<0.05),
and improved modified fall efficacy scores (MFES, MD:25, p<0.05) compared to the LBPE
group at post-intervention. Within-group analysis in both groups revealed significant improvement
in clinical outcomes except for fear-avoidance beliefs related to physical activity in the
LBPE group. Subgroup analysis revealed that the high BMI elderly CLBP group of LBPE had
significant improvements similar to the WBPE group except for scores of FABQ physical activity
scores and SLR.

Conclusion:
Possible key factors for future research are discussed in the realms of perturbation
exercise in the elderly with CLBP.
Facial Exercises: Enhancing Facial Structure and Reducing Signs of Aging -
A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Furlan Andreza Sonego , Vergilio Mariane Massufero , Vendruscolo Cristina Wöhlke , Leonardi Gislaine Ricci 
Published: December 2023

Abstract:
The effectiveness of facial muscle exercises (FMEs) for facial rejuvenation is still quite
controversial in the scientific literature. In general, published studies use non-quantitative parameters
to assess the real benefit of FMEs. In this study, we reviewed the scientific evidence related
to the efficacy of FMEs for facial rejuvenation, as well as to describe the most used FMEs in
scientific studies. To achieve the objective of this review, research was performed through several
databases. Thus far, there are very few scientific studies with appropriate methodologies that assess
whether FMEs are effective for facial rejuvenation. It was found that the exercises for the
muscles of the cheeks, the region around the mouth and around the eyes, and the region under the
chin are the most indicated for the maintenance of the youthful appearance of the face. However,
it is still necessary to carry out controlled and randomized studies to draw some conclusions.
Barriers and Enablers to the Adoption of a Healthier Diet Using an App: Qualitative Interview Study With Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Montilva-Monsalve Jonas , Dimantas Bruna , Perski Olga , Gutman Leslie Morrison 
Published: December 2023

Background
Adopting a healthy diet is one of the cornerstones of type 2 diabetes (T2D) management. Apps are increasingly used in diabetes self-management, but most studies to date have focused on assessing their impact in terms of weight loss or glycemic control, with limited evidence on the behavioral factors that influence app use to change dietary habits.

Objective
The main objectives of this study were to assess the enablers and barriers to adopting a healthier diet using the Gro Health app in 2 patient groups with T2D (patients with recently diagnosed and long-standing T2D) and to identify behavior change techniques (BCTs) to enhance enablers and overcome barriers.

Methods
Two semistructured qualitative interview studies were conducted; the first study took place between June and July 2021, with a sample of 8 patients with recently diagnosed (<12 mo) T2D, whereas the second study was conducted between May and June 2022 and included 15 patients with long-standing (>18 mo) T2D. In both studies, topic guides were informed by the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation, and Behavior model and the Theoretical Domains Framework. Transcripts were analyzed using a combined deductive framework and inductive thematic analysis approach. The Behavior Change Wheel framework was applied to identify appropriate BCTs that could be used in future iterations of apps for patients with diabetes. Themes were compared between the patient groups.

Results
This study identified similarities and differences between patient groups in terms of enablers and barriers to adopting a healthier diet using the app. The main enablers for recently diagnosed patients included the acquired knowledge about T2D diets and skills to implement these, whereas the main barriers were the difficulty in deciding which app features to use and limited cooking skills. By contrast, for patients with long-standing T2D, the main enablers included knowledge validation provided by the app, along with app elements to help self-regulate food intake; the main barriers were the limited interest paid to the content provided or limited skills engaging with apps in general. Both groups reported more enablers than barriers to performing the target behavior when using the app. Consequently, BCTs were selected to address key barriers in both groups, such as simplifying the information hierarchy in the app interface, including tutorials demonstrating how to use the app features, and redesigning the landing page of the app to guide users toward these tutorials.

Conclusions
Patients with recently diagnosed and long-standing T2D encountered similar enablers but slightly different barriers when using an app to adopting a healthier diet. Consequently, the development of app-based approaches to adopt a healthier diet should account for these similarities and differences within patient segments to reduce barriers to performing the target behavior.