bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Medium cut-off dialyzer for middle molecular uremic toxins in AKI and chronic dialysis
Authors: Fiorentino Marco , La Fergola Francesco , De Rosa Silvia 
Published: October 2023

AbstractUremic toxins accumulate in patients affected by renal failure and can deposit in different organs, including the kidneys and heart. Given their physicochemical characteristics, uremic toxins can contribute to organ dysfunction due to several pathobiological actions at cellular and molecular levels. Several uremic compounds have been described in serum and plasma from patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) and kidney failure; they are usually classified based on their molecular size and protein-binding properties. In this scenario, new dialytic approaches have been proposed in the last few years with the aim of improving uremic toxin removal. Recent studies which focused on the use of medium cut-off membranes in patients on chronic hemodialysis have shown a discrete ability to remove β2-microglobulin and other middle molecules, such as kappa and lambda free light chains, complement factor D and α1-microglobulin. However, current evidence is mainly based on the impact on short-term outcomes and, consequently, longer observational studies are necessary to confirm the efficacy and safety of the medium cut-off dialyzer. Here we present the state-of-the-art on the clinical application of medium cut-off membranes in AKI and chronic dialysis patients.
Graphical abstract
Association rule mining for genome-wide association studies through Gibbs sampling
Authors: Qian Guoqi , Sun Pei-Yun 
Published: October 2023

AbstractFinding associations between genetic markers and a phenotypic trait such as coronary artery disease (CAD) is of primary interest in genome-wide association studies (GWAS). A major challenge in GWAS is the involved genomic data often contain large number of genetic markers and the underlying genotype-phenotype relationship is mostly complex. Current statistical and machine learning methods lack the power to tackle this challenge with effectiveness and efficiency. In this paper, we develop a stochastic search method to mine the genotype-phenotype associations from GWAS data. The new method generalizes the well-established association rule mining (ARM) framework for searching for the most important genotype-phenotype association rules, where we develop a multinomial Gibbs sampling algorithm and use it together with the Apriori algorithm to overcome the overwhelming computing complexity in ARM in GWAS. Three simulation studies based on synthetic data are used to assess the performance of our developed method, delivering the anticipated results. Finally, we illustrate the use of the developed method through a case study of CAD GWAS.
Putting people back at the center of livelihood vulnerability analysis
Authors: Nef Danny Philipp , Nef Susanne , Kruetli Pius 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe sustainable livelihoods framework is an analytical tool that allows livelihoods to be conceptualized in a holistic manner. This understanding is an important prerequisite to addressing potential vulnerabilities in people’s livelihoods. However, the framework places relatively little emphasis on people and their agency, although this aspect is central to vulnerability analysis. For example, factors hindering or enabling people’s capabilities to convert potentially available assets into desired livelihood outcomes are not explicitly disclosed in the framework. Instead, they are seen as part of the assets themselves or of site-specific processes and institutions. Accordingly, the framework is of limited use to analyze to what extent a person or group is capable of accessing a particular resource or converting them into a livelihood strategy and determining how power and power relations, as well as locally institutionalized practices and relationships, influence vulnerability. Yet, such analytical why-questions are central to the alignment of interventions that address vulnerability with people’s needs and local realities. Otherwise, there is a risk of remaining at a purely descriptive level.We propose an extension and partial redesign of the framework to better account for such dynamics and to better reflect the complex realities of peoples’ livelihoods. In particular, we propose the “personal realization capability” as a complementary component for analyzing the capability of individuals or households to convert assets into livelihood outcomes. The new component allows for a more person-centered analysis that focuses on people, their social living conditions, and the social structure surrounding them.
Analytical soliton solutions of the beta time-fractional simplified modified Camassa-Holm equation in shallow water wave propagation
Authors: Khatun Mst. Munny , Akbar M. Ali 
Published: October 2023

AbstractIn this study, the analytical soliton solutions of the beta time-fractional simplified modified Camassa-Holm equation, a mathematical model used to describe the propagation of shallow water waves characterized by weak dispersion and nonlinearities, is determined. The $$({G}^{\prime}/G,1/G)$$

(

G

′

/
G
,
1
/
G
)

-expansion method, a powerful and reliable technique, is exploited to formulate the soliton solutions for the equation. The process yields a wide range of solutions, including trigonometric, rational, and hyperbolic functions with free parameters. Various original soliton solutions are generated for different parameter values, including bell-shaped, anti-bell-shaped, periodic, compacton, singular bell-shaped, singular periodic and flat kink solitons. To visually comprehend the physical characteristics of the obtained solutions, two- and three-dimensional graphs, as well as contour plots, are plotted. Thorough comparisons with previous results are conducted to ensure the originality of the derived solutions. The insights gained from understanding soliton behavior in shallow water can be helpful in improving tsunami warnings, coastal protection systems, underwater data transmission, submarine cables, and marine sensing networks.
Feasibility and metabolic effects of a 5:2 fasting intervention in women with breast cancer during radiotherapy
Authors: Klement Rainer J. , Figueroa Jerome , Weigel Michael , Champ Colin E. , Ok Sami , Sweeney Reinhart A. 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Obesity and insulin resistance appear to worsen prognosis of breast cancer patients. We conducted a feasibility study to test a 5:2 fasting regime in breast cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy. The intervention was rated as beneficial if it would be able to reduce fat mass while significantly improving insulin sensitivity.

Methods
A total of 13 non-metastatic breast cancer patients were recruited and instructed to completely abstain from food on two non-consecutive days (minimum 24 h) per week during radiotherapy. Body composition was measured weekly by bioimpedance analysis. Blood parameters were assessed before and at the end of radiotherapy. The product of triglycerides and glucose was used as a proxy for insulin sensitivity. A control group on an unspecified standard diet was assigned by propensity score matching.

Results
A total of twelve patients completed the study. Three patients reported side effects during fasting which were mild (grade 1). Two patients reported feeling bad while fasting, whereas five had a generally good or very good feeling. The fasting group experienced an average decrease of approximately 200 g body mass (p < 0.0001), 200 g (p = 0.002) fat mass and 100 g muscle mass (p = 0.047) per week, resulting in absolute reductions of 2.45 ± 1.19 kg body mass, 1.5 ± 1.6 kg fat mass and 0.7 ± 0.4 kg muscle mass. There was no improvement in insulin sensitivity and other markers of metabolic health except for gamma-glutamyltransferase which decreased by -7 ± 8 U/l. There was also no indication that 5:2 fasting protected against acute skin toxicity.

Conclusions
5:2 fasting is safe and feasible for breast cancer patients during radiotherapy and suitable to significantly reduce fat mass, but beneficial metabolic effects could not be confirmed. To improve these results, future studies could combine 5:2 fasting with carbohydrate restriction, increased protein intake and/or exercise.

Trial registration
Registered on ClinicalTrials.gov under NCT05861362 on May 12, 2023 (retrospectively registered; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05861362).
A Multiclustering Evolutionary Hyperrectangle-Based Algorithm
Authors: Martos Luis Alfonso Pérez , García-Vico Ángel Miguel , González Pedro , del Jesus Cristóbal J. Carmona 
Published: October 2023

AbstractClustering is a grouping technique that has long been used to relate data homogeneously. With the huge growth of complex datasets from different sources in the last decade, new paradigms have emerged. Multiclustering is a new concept within clustering that attempts to simultaneously generate multiple clusters that are bound to be different from each other, allowing to analyze and discover hidden patterns in the dataset compared to single clustering methods. This paper presents a hybrid methodology based on an evolutionary approach with the concepts of hyperrectangle for multiclustering, called MultiCHCClust. The algorithm is applied in a post-processing stage and it improves the results obtained for a clustering algorithm with respect to the partitioning of the dataset and the optimization of the number of partitions, achieving a high degree of compactness and separation of the partitioned dataset as can be observed in a complete experimental study.
Die nächste Generation der Allgemeinmedizin
Authors: Ko Jonathan , Krug Katja , Förster Christian , Jähnig Tanja , Bischoff Martina , Becker Christine , Schwill Simon 
Published: October 2023

Zusammenfassung
Hintergrund
Zur Förderung der Qualität und Effizienz der allgemeinmedizinischen Weiterbildung wurden nach § 75a SGB V deutschlandweit Kompetenzzentren Weiterbildung (KW) gegründet. Das KW Baden-Württemberg (KWBW) ging 2017 aus der Verbundweiterbildungplus Baden-Württemberg hervor. Ziel dieser Studie ist eine Beschreibung der Ärzt*innen in Weiterbildung (ÄiW) im KWBW, um Rückschlüsse auf die Zielgruppe zu erlangen und Vergleiche mit anderen ÄiW (Allgemeinmedizin und andere Fachgruppen) zu ermöglichen.

Methoden
Im Jahr 2016 wurde eine fortlaufende Beobachtungsstudie begonnen. Neu eingeschriebene ÄiW füllen bei Eintritt einen selbst entwickelten Fragebogen mit 54 (bis max. 62) Items zu den Bereichen soziodemografischer Hintergrund, Medizinstudium, Qualifizierung, Quereinstieg, Weiterbildung und Zukunftsplanung aus. Die Auswertung der Daten der Jahre 2016–2022 erfolgte deskriptiv.

Ergebnisse
Von 929 neu eingeschriebenen ÄiW haben n = 884 teilgenommen (Teilnahmequote 95,2 %). Das Durchschnittsalter betrug 34 Jahre (Q1; Q3; [min–max]: 31; 38; [24–65]). Von den ÄIW waren 72,6 % weiblich (n = 642), 84,2 % (n = 741) verheiratet oder in einer festen Partnerschaft. Eltern waren 56,9 % (n = 503). Die durchschnittliche Abiturnote lag bei 1,6 (Q1; Q3; [min–max]: 1,2; 2,0; [1,0–3,4]). 24,5 % (n = 217) der Teilnehmenden (TN) waren im 1.–2. Weiterbildungsjahr (WBJ), 50,9 % (n = 450) im 3.–5. WBJ und 23,8 % (n = 210) im Quereinstieg. 55,7 % (n = 492) arbeiteten in Vollzeit, 33,7 % (n = 298) in Teilzeit und 10,5 % (n = 93) waren ohne Erwerbstätigkeit. Ein Fünftel (19,5 %, n = 172) der TN hatte eine abgeschlossene Berufsausbildung. 97,8 % (n = 847) planten, nach der Facharztprüfung in der hausärztlichen Versorgung zu arbeiten. 91,9 % (n = 791) wollten auch nach der Facharztprüfung in Baden-Württemberg leben. Dreißig Prozent (n = 259) der ÄiW planten die Arbeit in einer landärztlichen Praxis. Von den TM planten 37,9 % (n = 331) eine Selbstständigkeit, 9,1 % (n = 79) schlossen diese aus, der Großteil mit 52,1 % (n = 462) war unentschieden.

Schlussfolgerungen
Die dargestellten Ergebnisse bilden die Grundlage für vergleichende Studien mit ÄiW AM ohne KW-Bezug, mit ÄiW AM anderer KW oder auch mit ÄiW anderer Fachgruppen. Das KWBW bindet ÄiW, die in Baden-Württemberg hausärztlich tätig sein wollen. In der Unentschlossenheit bez. Niederlassung liegt ein großes Potenzial. Verlaufsuntersuchungen nach Abschluss der Facharztweiterbildung sind notwendig, um Entscheidungen der „nächsten Generation Allgemeinmedizin“ zu beobachten.
Characteristics of STILT footprints driven by KIM model simulated meteorological fields: implication for developing near real-time footprints
Authors: Kenea Samuel Takele , Lee Haeyoung , Joo Sangwon , Belorid Miloslav , Li Shanlan , Labzovskii Lev D. , Park Sanghun 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThis study presents an analysis of the atmospheric footprint sensitivities and CO2 enhancements measured at three in situ stations in South Korea (Anmyeondo (AMY), Gosan (JGS), Ulleungdo (ULD)) using the KIM-STILT and WRF-STILT atmospheric transport models. Monthly aggregated footprints for each station were compared between the models for July and December 2020. The footprints revealed major source regions and the sensitivity of atmospheric mole fractions at the receptor to upstream surface fluxes. In July, both models showed similar major source regions for the AMY station, including Korea, the Yellow Sea, and Japan. However, a discrepancy was observed in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, with KIM-STILT showing larger sensitivity compared to WRF-STILT. In December, both models indicated strong sensitivity over Northeast and Eastern China, but KIM-STILT exhibited smaller sensitivities towards Northwestern China and Mongolia compared to WRF-STILT. At station ULD in July, both models exhibited comparable source regions, but a notable difference was found in Southeast China, where KIM-STILT showed stronger sensitivity. For the JGS station, both models agreed on major sources, but WRF-STILT demonstrated stronger sensitivity over North and Northeastern China. Regarding CO2 enhancements, both models generally underestimated the amplitude of CO2 enhancements, especially in July. However, in December, there was better agreement with observed data. The models were able to reproduce the phase of measured ΔCO2 reasonably well despite the underestimation of CO2 amplitudes. The contribution of biospheric CO2 to the observed enhancements, along with fossil-fuel emissions, was highlighted. In specific cases with significant CO2 enhancements, the models provided varying estimates of CO2ff values, particularly in the source regions of Eastern China. The differences in sensitivity estimations emphasize the need for further investigation to understand the underlying factors causing disparities. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the potential advantages of each model in capturing dispersion patterns in specific regions, highlighting the importance of understanding these differences to improve the accuracy of atmospheric transport models. Further work is necessary to address the observed disparities and enhance our understanding of the transport models in the studied regions.
Mechanical behavior of PCCPs with broken wires under complex service conditions
Authors: Wang Fuming , Li Bin , Fang Hongyuan , Yu Wei , Zhai Kejie , Hu Benyue 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBuried prestressed concrete cylinder pipes (PCCPs) are subjected to the combined effects of soil cover loads, internal water pressure, and additional loads. However, there is scarce research on their mechanical performance under complex service conditions after being buried. In this study, 3D nonlinear finite element (FE) models of PCCPs and soils, along with fluid models, were developed using ABAQUS and FLUENT, respectively. Fluid–solid coupling numerical simulations of PCCPs with broken wires under complex service conditions were conducted using the MpCCI platform. The study focused on investigating the mechanical behaviors of PCCP pipes with broken wires, aiming to determine the effects of different numbers and locations of broken wires, as well as the magnitude of operating water pressure. The results shows that the number of broken wires is a crucial factor affecting the mechanical behaviors of the PCCPs; the dynamic variation of internal pressure within the pipe can cause further damage to PCCPs with pre-existing defects; when wire breakage occurs alone the springline of the PCCPs, the outer concrete core exhibited a tendency to crack before the inner concrete core. Conversely, when wire breaks occurred at the crown and invert, the inner concrete core cracked before the outer concrete core. These results provide valuable insights into the behavior of PCCPs under complex conditions and contribute to the understanding of their structural integrity. The findings can aid in the development of improved design and maintenance strategies for PCCPs, ensuring their reliable performance in underground applications.
Historical aspects of lifeline earthquake engineering
Authors: Koike Takeshi 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThis study describes a developing process of lifeline earthquake engineering from historical aspects. Currently various seismic design methods have been furnished for ground shaking and for permanent ground displacement. The seismic design method for ground shaking introduces different travelling wave models in the US and in Japan. As a result, Japanese approach was developed by actively taking into account the slippage effect in order to solve the inelastic response of the pipeline for a severe earthquake. The seismic design method for permanent ground displacement, on the other hand, prepared various numerical modeling and database in the US, while the simplified design formula for ground displacement was furnished in the seismic design guidelines in Japan. The detail design formula for liquefied ground settlement and fault displacement are expressed in this study. Various approaches of the performance-based seismic design method are compared among EU, the US and Japan. Unfortunately, the design method in Japan does not show the safety target in the guidelines. Then a simple evaluation approach to obtain the safety index is proposed herein. The different performance of two actual pipeline systems is compared, in which one pipeline system demonstrated a good performance for 2011 East Japan Great Earthquake, and the other did not. In state-of-the-art study, the seismic experiments and design method of expansion joints are described, because the ultimate limit performance of the expansion joints has not been explicit, although many seismic damages have occurred at the locations of vulnerable expansion joints.
Save 4.2 Million Lives and Generate $1.1 Trillion in Economic Benefits for Only $41 Billion: Introduction to the Special Issue on the Most Efficient Policies for the Sustainable Development Goals
Authors: Lomborg Bjorn 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are ambitious but in deep trouble. Benefit–cost analysis can help. This Special Issue highlights 12 of the most efficient interventions to speed up progress on the SDGs with Benefit–Cost Ratios (BCRs) above 15. The approaches cover tuberculosis, education, maternal and newborn health, agricultural R&D, malaria, e-procurement, nutrition, land tenure security, chronic diseases, trade, child immunization, and skilled migration. Spanning 2023–2030, these policy approaches are estimated to cost an annual average of $41 billion (of which $6 billion is non-financial). They will realistically deliver $2.1 trillion in annual benefits, consisting of $1.1 trillion in economic benefits and 4.2 million lives saved. The pooled benefit–cost ratio of all 12 investments is 52. By prioritizing these high-impact “best buy” interventions, decision-makers can enhance resource allocation and contribute most efficiently to the SDGs.
Occurrence of metabolic syndrome in untreated bipolar disorders: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Liu Qianli , Wang Lan , Zhen Fengya , An Cuixia 
Published: October 2023

AbstractObjective:This cross-sectional study aimed to observe the occurrence of metabolic syndrome in untreated individuals with bipolar disorders.Methods:A total of 125 untreated individuals with bipolar disorders were collected as the study group, and 201 cases from the health examination centre of our hospital were selected as the control group. The participants enrolled were assessed for general demographic data, case characteristics, and metabolic indexes including body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, and fasting plasma glucose.Results:The incidence of metabolic syndrome in the bipolar disorders group was higher compared to the control group (9.6% VS. 8.5%). After calibrating sex and age data, a significant difference between the two groups was observed (P < 0.05). Diastolic and systolic blood pressure were higher in the bipolar disorders group compared to the control group (P < 0.01). Men with bipolar disorders had a higher risk of developing metabolic syndrome than women (14.5% vs. 5.8%). Bipolar disorders, sex, age, and BMI were identified as independent risk factors for metabolic syndrome. No significant difference was found in terms of metabolic index and incidence of metabolic syndrome between individuals with depressive episodes (n = 37) and manic episodes (n = 75).Conclusion:Patients with bipolar disorders were found to have a higher risk of developing metabolic syndrome than healthy individuals. Bipolar disorders, male sex, age, and BMI may contribute to an increased risk of developing metabolic syndrome.
Blood–brain barrier permeability and electroconvulsive therapy: a systematic review
Authors: Lundsgaard Christoffer C. , Gbyl Krzysztof , Videbech Poul 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Objective:
The cause of cognitive side effects after electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is largely unknown. Alterations in the blood–brain barrier (BBB) have been considered in several recent ECT studies. We therefore found it worthwhile to perform a systematic review of the literature to examine if electrically induced seizures affect the permeability of the BBB.

Methods:
PubMed/MEDLINE and Embase were searched 16 November 2022. Studies with a direct measurement of BBB permeability in animals treated with modified electroconvulsive stimulation (ECS) and in humans treated with ECT were included. Synthesis of results was narrative due to the low number of studies and differences in study designs.

Results:
Four animal and two human (31 participants) studies were included. In animals, two studies found increased BBB permeability to some smaller molecules after modified ECS, while the two other studies found marginally increased or unchanged permeability to albumin after treatment. In contrast, the human studies did not find increased BBB permeability to smaller molecules or albumin after ECT.

Conclusion:
Animal but not human studies support increased BBB permeability to some smaller molecules after electrically induced seizures. However, this conclusion is confined by the low number of studies and the lack of studies applying state-of-the-art methods. More studies using modern approaches to measuring of BBB permeability are warranted.

Funding and Registration:
The study was founded by Mental Health Services in the Capital Region of Denmark (grant number 61151-05) and was registered on PROSPERO before data extraction was initiated (CRD42022331385).