bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Central Compartment Atopic Disease and Its Surgical Outcomes: Olfactory Changes and Technical Notes
Authors: Huang Sheng-Kai , Hsieh Ching-Hung , Weng Ming-Chian , Lai Jen-Tsung , Shen Ping-Hung 
Published: December 2023

Background Central compartment atopic disease (CCAD) is a recent, novel phenotype of chronic rhinosinusitis. Only a few studies have assessed olfactory function in patients with CCAD. Objectives We aimed to investigate olfactory function changes after functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) in patients with CCAD and proposed some surgical techniques to enhance the postoperative olfactory outcomes in such patients. Design A retrospective cohort study. Methods We collected data from 23 patients (8 men and 15 women) with CCAD who underwent FESS performed by a surgeon in Taiwan, between June 2018 and December 2021. The demographic data, olfactory function, and serum and tissue eosinophil percentages of the included patients were analyzed. The Top International Biotech Smell Identification Test (TIBSIT; Top International Biotech, Taipei, Taiwan) was used to assess olfactory function. Results Of the 23 patients, most (95%) showed a positive reaction to aeroallergens, and 2 patients (8.7%) had asthma. Ten patients (43.5%) had peripheral eosinophilia, and 9 (39%) had eosinophilic nasal polyps. Moreover, the patients presented with variable olfactory dysfunction; the mean preoperative TIBSIT (pr-TIBSIT) score was 12.8 ± 2.3 (range: 0-43), whereas the mean postoperative TIBSIT (po-TIBSIT) score was 29.2 ± 1.9 (range: 16-44). The po-TIBSIT score was significantly better than the pre-TIBSIT score (paired t test, P < .0001). The improvement in olfactory function was not significantly correlated with the patients’ age, serum eosinophil percentages, and nasal polyp eosinophil counts. Conclusion Our findings indicate that CCAD is significantly associated with olfactory dysfunction and that FESS can effectively improve olfactory function. To optimize postoperative olfactory outcomes, precise removal of polyps from the olfactory cleft without damaging the neuroepithelium is recommended. Our study provides valuable insights into the management of CCAD patients undergoing FESS and can guide surgical decision-making to achieve optimal olfactory function outcomes.
ROS2 Real-time Performance Optimization and Evaluation
Authors: Ye Yanlei , Nie Zhenguo , Liu Xinjun , Xie Fugui , Li Zihao , Li Peng 
Published: December 2023

AbstractReal-time interaction with uncertain and dynamic environments is essential for robotic systems to achieve functions such as visual perception, force interaction, spatial obstacle avoidance, and motion planning. To ensure the reliability and determinism of system execution, a flexible real-time control system architecture and interaction algorithm are required. The ROS framework was designed to improve the reusability of robotic software development by providing a distributed structure, hardware abstraction, message-passing mechanism, and application prototypes. Rich ecosystems for robotic development have been built around ROS1 and ROS2 architectures based on the Linux system. However, because of the fairness scheduling principle of the default Linux system design and the complexity of the kernel, the system does not have real-time computing. To achieve a balance between real-time and non-real-time computing, this paper uses the transmission mechanism of ROS2, combines it with the scheduling mechanism of the Linux operating system, and uses Preempt_RT to enhance the real-time computing of ROS1 and ROS2. The real-time performance evaluation of ROS1 and ROS2 is conducted from multiple perspectives, including throughput, transmission mode, QoS service quality, frequency, number of subscription nodes and EtherCAT master. This paper makes two significant contributions: firstly, it employs Preempt_RT to optimize the native ROS2 system, effectively enhancing the real-time performance of native ROS2 message transmission; secondly, it conducts a comprehensive evaluation of the real-time performance of both native and optimized ROS2 systems. This comparison elucidates the benefits of the optimized ROS2 architecture regarding real-time performance, with results vividly demonstrated through illustrative figures.
Urinary orosomucoid and retinol binding protein levels as early diagnostic markers for diabetic kidney Disease
Authors: Zhou Xue-hong , Liu Shu-yan , Yang Bo , Li Yong-feng , Hou Bao-hua 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundDiabetic kidney disease (DKD) is the most common microvascular complication of diabetes, which has been a major cause of end-stage renal failure. Diagnosing diabetic kidney disease is important to prevent long-term kidney damage and determine the prognosis of patients with diabetes. In this study, we investigated the clinical significance of combined detection of urine orosomucoid and retinol-binding protein for early diagnosis of diabetic kidney disease.MethodsWe recruited 72 newly diagnosed patients with type 2 diabetes and 34 healthy persons from August 2016 to July 2018 at the First Affiliated Hospital of Henan Polytechnic University (Jiaozuo Second People’s Hospital). Using the Mogensen grading criteria, participants were classified as having diabetes or diabetic kidney disease, and healthy persons constituted the control group. Urine orosomucoid and retinol-binding protein levels were measured and correlated with other variables.ResultsWith the aggravation of renal damage, the level of urinary mucoid protein gradually increased. Urinary retinol-binding protein and microalbumin levels were significantly higher in the diabetes group than in control and nephropathy groups. Orosomucoid and retinol-binding protein might be independent risk factors for diabetes and diabetic kidney disease. Urinary orosomucoid significantly correlated with retinol-binding protein and microalbumin levels in the diabetic kidney disease group.ConclusionElevated urine orosomucoid and retinol-binding protein levels can be detected in the early stages of type 2 diabetic kidney disease. Both of these markers are important for diabetic kidney disease detection and early treatment.
The impact of the baby friendly hospital initiative on healthcare utilization among newborns insured by Medicaid in Delaware
Authors: Harrison-Long Cecelia , Papas Mia , Paul David A. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
The Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative was created to enhance breastfeeding, although its impact on infant healthcare utilization is unclear. Breast feeding infants are vulnerable to readmission soon after birth secondary to dehydration and hyperbilirubinemia. Breastfeeding can also protect infants from unnecessary health care utilization later in life by preventing infection. The objective of this study was to examine the impact of the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative on readmissions and emergency department utilization among Medicaid births in Delaware.

Methods
The study was a quasi-experimental design. Medicaid claims files were used to study births at five hospitals in Delaware born between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2018, and covered under Medicaid at time of birth. Three hospitals were designated Baby Friendly, two were not and served as controls. Outcomes included Emergency Department (ED) utilization and readmissions within 30 days and one-year of birth hospitalization. Exposure to the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative was determined by year and hospital of birth. Logistic regression and interrupted time series segmented regression analysis with controls were used to assess the effect of Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative on healthcare utilization.

Results
In total, 19,695 infants were born at five hospitals with 80% (15,939) born at hospitals that were designated Baby Friendly. ED utilization and readmissions over the 1st year of life for breastfeeding related diagnosis at the Baby Friendly hospitals occurred in 240 (1.5%) and 226 (1.4%) of infants, respectively. Exposure to the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative was associated with increased odds of all cause 30-day readmission (AOR: 1.15; 95% CI: 1.03–1.28) but not readmissions over the 1st year of life. While 30-day ED visits did not change after BFHI, one-year ED visits were reduced (0.91, 95% CI 0.86–0.97). A significant negative trend was seen over time for ED utilization post BFHI compared to controls (B: -5.90, p < 0.01).

Conclusion
There was a small observed increase in the odds of all cause 30-day readmissions with no change in one-year readmissions after BFHI in Delaware. Although there were no observed changes in 30-day ED utilization, there was a reduction in one-year ED utilization following the implementation of the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative in Delaware birth hospitals. Our data help to inform policy and decision making for statewide systems of care that may be used to support breast feeding.
Oral health knowledge is associated with oral health-related quality of life: a survey of first-year undergraduate students enrolled in an American university
Authors: Gardner Jenna , Huang Boyen , Ip Ryan H. L. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
Oral health knowledge forms part of oral health literacy that enables individuals to inform appropriate oral health decisions and actions. Oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) characterizes self-perception of well-being influenced by oral health. This study aimed to examine the relationship between oral health knowledge and OHRQoL.

Methods
A random sample of 19-to-24-year-old first-year undergraduate students (n = 372) in Minnesota, United States of America was used. Each student was assessed with an online survey using the Comprehensive Measure of Oral Health Knowledge (CMOHK) and the OHRQoL items of the World Health Organization (WHO) Oral Health Questionnaire for Adults. Relationships between OHRQoL parameters and CMOHK together with other covariates were assessed using ordinal regression models. Associations between OHRQoL parameters were examined with the Kendall’s tau-b method.

Results
Dry mouth (45%) was the most reported OHRQoL issue. The respondents showing good oral health knowledge were less likely to experience speech or pronunciation difficulty (β=-1.12, p = 0.0006), interrupted sleep (β=-1.43, p = 0.0040), taking days off (β=-1.71, p = 0.0054), difficulty doing usual activities (β=-2.37, p = 0.0002), or reduced participation in social activities due to dental or oral issues (β=-1.65, p = 0.0078).

Conclusions
This study suggested a protective effect of better oral health knowledge on specific OHRQoL issues. In addition to provision of affordable dental services, university-wide oral health education can be implemented to improve OHRQoL in undergraduate students.
Effect of camel milk on lipid profile among patients with diabetes: a systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Khalid Narmin , Abdelrahim Dana N. , Hanach Nivine , AlKurd Refat , Khan Moien , Mahrous Lana , Radwan Hadia , Naja Farah , Madkour Mohamed , Obaideen Khaled , Khraiwesh Husam , Faris MoezAlIslam 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe effects of camel milk (CM) intake on lipid profile among patients with diabetes remain controversial. This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) aimed to calculate the effect size of CM intake on blood lipids among patients with type 1 (T1D) and type 2 (T2D) diabetes. We searched nine databases from inception until December 31, 2022, to identify relevant RCTs. Effect sizes for total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) were calculated and expressed using mean differences (MD) and confidence intervals (CI). Of 4,054 retrieved articles, 10 RCTs (a total of 347 participants aged 8–70 years, 60.5% male) were eligible for inclusion. The pooled results from a random-effects model showed statistically significant decreases in TC (MD − 21.69, 95% CI: 41.05, − 2.33; p = 0.03; I2=99%), TG (MD − 19.79, 95% CI: −36.16, − 3.42; p=0.02, I2=99%), and LDL (MD −11.92, CI: −20.57, −3.26; p = 0.007, I2=88%), and a significant increase in HDL (MD 10.37, 95% CI, 1.90, 18.84; p=0.02, I2=95%) in patients with diabetes supplemented with CM compared with usual care alone. Subgroup analysis revealed that only long-term interventions (> 6 months) elicited a significant reduction in TC levels and TG levels. Consumption of fresh CM by patients with diabetes resulted in significant reductions in TC, TG, and LDL levels, while showing a significant increase in HDL levels. Patients with T1D elicited a more beneficial effect in lowering TC, LDL, and TG levels and in increasing HDL levels than their corresponding partners with T2D. In conclusion, long-term consumption of CM for patients with diabetes, especially those with T1D, could be a useful adjuvant therapy to improve lipid profile alongside prescribed medications. However, the high heterogeneity in the included studies suggests that more RCTs with larger sample sizes and longer intervention durations are required to improve the robustness of the available evidence.
Clinicians’ knowledge and understanding regarding multidisciplinary treatment implementation: a study in municipal public class III grade A hospitals in Southwest China
Authors: Zhong Xuemin , Zeng Xianbao , Zhao Longchao , TaoChen  , Min Xing , He Rui 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
Previous studies have highlighted several problems in the implementation of multidisciplinary treatment (MDT) from a managerial perspective. However, no study has addressed these issues from clinicians’ perspective. Therefore, this study aimed to identify and address the existing problems in MDT by investigating what clinicians know and think about the implementation of MDT.

Methods
A self-designed questionnaire was used to evaluate clinicians’ understanding of MDT in municipal public Class III Grade A hospitals in Western China using a cross-sectional questionnaire study.

Results
Overall, 70.56% of clinicians knew the scope of MDT, and 63.41% knew the process of MDT. Professional title (P = 0.001; OR: 2.984; 95% CI: 1.590–5.603), participated in MDT (P = 0.017; OR: 1.748; 95% CI: 1.103–2.770), and application for MDT (P = 0.000; OR: 2.442; 95% CI: 1.557–3.830) had an impact on clinicians’ understanding of the scope of MDT. Professional title (P = 0.002; OR:2.446; 95% CI: 1.399–4.277) and participation in MDT (P = 0.000; OR: 2.414; 95% CI: 1.581–3.684) influenced clinicians’ understanding of the scope of MDT. More than 70% of the respondents thought that MDT was important in medical care. However, less than half of the clinicians who had attended MDT were currently satisfied with the results of MDT.

Conclusion
Most clinicians agreed that MDT was crucial in clinical care. However, more than a third of clinicians did not fully understand the scope and process of MDT. Appropriate measures are necessary to improve the quality of MDT. Our study suggests that healthcare administration should strengthen MDT education, especially for new and young clinicians.
Mendelian randomization analyses suggest a causal role for circulating GIP and IL-1RA levels in homeostatic model assessment-derived measures of β-cell function and insulin sensitivity in Africans without type 2 diabetes
Authors: Meeks Karlijn A. C. , Bentley Amy R. , Assimes Themistocles L. , Franceschini Nora , Adeyemo Adebowale A. , Rotimi Charles N. , Doumatey Ayo P. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
In vitro and in vivo studies have shown that certain cytokines and hormones may play a role in the development and progression of type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, studies on their role in T2D in humans are scarce. We evaluated associations between 11 circulating cytokines and hormones with T2D among a population of sub-Saharan Africans and tested for causal relationships using Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses.

Methods
We used logistic regression analysis adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, and recruitment country to regress levels of 11 cytokines and hormones (adipsin, leptin, visfatin, PAI-1, GIP, GLP-1, ghrelin, resistin, IL-6, IL-10, IL-1RA) on T2D among Ghanaians, Nigerians, and Kenyans from the Africa America Diabetes Mellitus study including 2276 individuals with T2D and 2790 non-T2D individuals. Similar linear regression models were fitted with homeostatic modelling assessments of insulin sensitivity (HOMA-S) and β-cell function (HOMA-B) as dependent variables among non-T2D individuals (n = 2790). We used 35 genetic variants previously associated with at least one of these 11 cytokines and hormones among non-T2D individuals as instrumental variables in univariable and multivariable MR analyses. Statistical significance was set at 0.0045 (0.05/11 cytokines and hormones).

Results
Circulating GIP and IL-1RA levels were associated with T2D. Nine of the 11 cytokines and hormones (exceptions GLP-1 and IL-6) were associated with HOMA-S, HOMA-B, or both among non-T2D individuals. Two-stage least squares MR analysis provided evidence for a causal effect of GIP and IL-RA on HOMA-S and HOMA-B in multivariable analyses (GIP ~ HOMA-S β =  − 0.67, P-value = 1.88 × 10−6 and HOMA-B β = 0.59, P-value = 1.88 × 10−5; IL-1RA ~ HOMA-S β =  − 0.51, P-value = 8.49 × 10−5 and HOMA-B β = 0.48, P-value = 5.71 × 10−4). IL-RA was partly mediated via BMI (30-34%), but GIP was not. Inverse variance weighted MR analysis provided evidence for a causal effect of adipsin on T2D (multivariable OR = 1.83, P-value = 9.79 × 10−6), though these associations were not consistent in all sensitivity analyses.

Conclusions
The findings of this comprehensive MR analysis indicate that circulating GIP and IL-1RA levels are causal for reduced insulin sensitivity and increased β-cell function. GIP’s effect being independent of BMI suggests that circulating levels of GIP could be a promising early biomarker for T2D risk. Our MR analyses do not provide conclusive evidence for a causal role of other circulating cytokines in T2D among sub-Saharan Africans.
Severity of oxidative stress as a hallmark in COVID-19 patients
Authors: Bastin Alireza , Abbasi Fatemeh , Roustaei Narges , Abdesheikhi Jahangir , Karami Hossein , Gholamnezhad Mohammad , Eftekhari Mahdieh , Doustimotlagh Amirhossein 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Introduction
Understanding the mechanisms and identifying effective treatments for the COVID-19 outbreak are imperative. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the antioxidant status and oxidative stress parameters as potential pivotal mechanisms in asymptomatic, non-severe, and severe COVID-19 patients.

Methods
This study is a case–control study that was performed on patients referred to the Persian Gulf Martyrs Hospital of Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran, from May 2021 to September 2021. A total of 600 COVID-19 patients (non-severe and severe group) and 150 healthy volunteers of the same age and sex were selected during the same period. On the first day of hospitalization, 10 ml of venous blood was taken from subjects. Then, hematological, biochemical, serological, antioxidant and oxidative stress parameters were determined.

Results
Our results indicated that ESR, CRP, AST, ALT, and LDH significantly augmented in the severe group as compared to the non-severe and normal groups (P ≤ 0.05). It was observed that the levels of FRAP, G6PD activity, and SOD activity significantly reduced in the non-severe patients in comparison with the severe and normal groups (P ≤ 0.05). We found that MDA content and NO metabolite markedly increased in severe patients as compared to the non-severe group.

Conclusions
Taken together, it seems that the balance between antioxidants and oxidants was disturbed in COVID-19 patients in favor of oxidant markers. In addition, this situation caused more aggravation in severe patients as compared to the non-severe group.
Does the provision of live black soldier fly and yellow mealworm larvae improve Muscovy duck welfare?
Authors: Gariglio Marta , Dabbou Sihem , Renna Manuela , Biasato Ilaria , Bellezza Oddon Sara , Meneguz Marco , Miazzo Raul Daniel , Bergagna Stefania , Colombino Elena , Macchi Elisabetta , Schiavone Achille 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
The provision of environmental enrichments to Muscovy ducks could reduce the expression of the aggressive behaviors. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of black soldier fly (BSF) and yellow mealworm (YM) live larva provision on Muscovy duck performance, excreta corticosterone metabolites (ECM), behavior, and blood parameters.

Methods
A total of 126 3-day-old female Muscovy ducklings were allotted to 18 pens (6 replicates/treatment, 7 birds/pen) and assigned to 3 experimental treatments: a control group fed commercial feed, and two experimental treatments fed commercial feed plus the 5% (based on the expected daily feed intake, as fed basis) of BSF and YM live larvae (BSF and YM groups, respectively). A two-phase feeding program was applied: starter (from 3 to 31 days of age) and grower-finisher (from 32 to 55 days of age). The live weight, average daily gain, average daily feed intake, and feed conversion ratio were calculated. Larva consumption times were collected, and video recordings were performed during 3 periods (P) each day: the hour before (P1), during (P2), and after (P3) the larva administration. ECM were evaluated at 3, 31, and 55-day-old. Finally, the total red and white blood cell counts, serum proteins, lipids, and liver and renal function serum enzymes were evaluated on 12 birds/treatment.

Results
The experimental treatment did not affect the growth performance of the birds (P > 0.05). Larva consumption times were always similar between the two insect species, except at 14–18 days of age, were BSF larvae were consumed faster than YM larvae (P < 0.001). The birds showed less walking activity during P2, and preening behavior increased in YM birds during P3. The C birds increased the attack behavior over the weeks (P < 0.05). During weeks 1–3 the YM group reduced the attack frequency (P1 > P3; P < 0.05). Finally, the provision of live BSF and YM larvae significantly reduced the ECM at 55 days of age and the heterophil to lymphocyte ratio (P < 0.05).

Conclusions
Live BSF and YM larva supplementation in Muscovy duck improves duck welfare, without impairing birds’ growth performance.
Evaluation and modeling of students’ persistence and wheel-spinning propensities in formative assessments
Authors: Yang Albert C. M. , Ogata Hiroaki 
Published: December 2023

AbstractPersistence represents a crucial trait in learning. A lack of persistence prevents learners from fully mastering their current skills and makes it difficult for them to acquire new skills. It further hinders the administration of effective interventions by learning systems. Although most studies have focused on identifying non-persistence and unproductive persistence behaviors, few have attempted to model students’ persistence propensity in learning. In the present study, we evaluated students’ persistence propensity in formative assessments by using an item response theory model with their attempt data. In addition, we modeled their wheel-spinning propensity. The students (N = 115) of first-level mathematics classes at a high school in Japan underwent the aforementioned formative assessments; their log data were collected. Persistence propensity was found to be correlated with frequency-related statistics, and wheel-spinning propensity was correlated with correctness-related statistics. However, persistence and wheel-spinning propensities were not correlated. A comparison of the students’ scores with various persistence and wheel-spinning propensities revealed that both traits considerably influenced their academic performance. The present study provides insights into the use of attempt data to evaluate various characteristics crucial for learning, which are otherwise difficult to evaluate.