bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
ACWA: an AI-driven cyber-physical testbed for intelligent water systems
Authors: Batarseh Feras A. , Kulkarni Ajay , Sreng Chhayly , Lin Justice , Maksud Siam 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
This manuscript presents a novel state-of-the-art cyber-physical water testbed, namely the AI and Cyber for Water and Agriculture testbed (ACWA). ACWA is motivated by the aim to advance water resources' management using AI and cybersecurity experimentation. The main objective of ACWA is to address pressing challenges in the water and agricultural domains by utilising cutting-edge AI and data-driven technologies. These challenges include cyberbiosecurity, resources' management, access to water, sustainability, and data-driven decision-making, among others. To address such issues, ACWA is built consisting of topologies, sensors, computational clusters, pumps, tanks, smart water devices, as well as databases and AI models that control the system. Moreover, we present ACWA simulator, which is a software-based water digital twin. The simulator is based on fluid and constituent transport principles that produce a theoretical time series of a water distribution system. It creates a benchmark for comparing the theoretical approach with real-life outcomes via the physical ACWA testbed. ACWA data are available to AI and water sector researchers and are hosted in an online public repository. In this paper, the system is introduced and compared with existing water testbeds; additionally, use cases are described along with novel outcomes, such as datasets, software, and AI models.
Effects of applied nitrogen fertilizers and irrigation strategies on environmental protection and yield indices of winter wheat and barley in a Mediterranean climate region of Iran
Authors: Amirhajloo Sajad , Gheysari Mahdi , Shayannejad Mohammad , Shirvani Mehran 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Because of the excessive use of nitrogen fertilizers, most of the groundwater resources are contaminated in the upstream of the Zayandehrud basin. This study set out to investigate the effect of different levels of water and nitrogen on yield, soil nitrogen, as well as water productivity indices of winter wheat and barley. The experimental treatments were of three nitrogen levels: no nitrogen fertilizer (N0), 50 kg N ha−1 (N1), and 150 kg N ha−1 (N2), as well as two irrigation levels containing deficit irrigation (I1) and full irrigation (I2). Each treatment was repeated three times. Wheat yield for I2 was 5,640 kg ha−1 and for I1 was 3,720 kg ha−1. The yield for barley was 5,620 and 3,850 kg ha−1 for I1 and I2, respectively. The irrigation water productivity (WPi) was increased by 55% for wheat and 83% for barley under deficit irrigation level. We recommend the use of 50 kg ha−1 (instead of 150 kg ha−1), knowing that it reduces the yield and water productivity for wheat by 11.7 and 10.9%, and by 14.5 and 12.6% for barley, respectively. In contrast, the soil nitrogen residual for wheat and barley was reduced by 56.6 and 66.1%, respectively, thus greatly reducing the risk of contamination of groundwater resources.
Primary and digested sludge-derived char as a Cd sorbent: feasibility of local utilisation
Authors: Sylwan Ida , Bergna Davide , Runtti Hanna , Westholm Lena Johansson , Thorin Eva 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Cadmium (Cd) is a highly toxic metal, occurring in municipal wastewater and stormwater as well as in wastewater from various industries. Char derived from the pyrolysis of municipal sewage sludge has the potential to be a low-cost sorption media for the removal of Cd. However, the balance between possible local char production and demand has not been assessed previously. In this study, the Cd sorption capacities of chars derived from primary (PSC) and secondary sludge (DSC), as well as the feasibility of char production for Cd sorbent purposes, and the pyrolysis energy balance were evaluated. Results showed that the sorption capacity of PSC (9.1 mg/g; 800 °C, 70 min) was superior to that of DSC (6.0 mg/g; 800 °C, 70 min), and increased with a higher pyrolysis temperature. Pyrolysis of primary sludge had a more favourable energy balance compared with the pyrolysis of digested sludge; however, when accounting for loss of biogas production the energy balance of primary sludge pyrolysis was negative. Assessment of the regional demand (Västerås, Sweden) indicated that PSC or DSC may cover the local Cd sorbent demand. However, it was estimated that large char volumes would be required, thus making the use of DSC/PSC less feasible.
Effects of Face-to-Face Nursing Support on Optimal Adherence to Oral Titratable PAH Therapies
Authors: Sourounis Evangelia , Kyrychenko Pavlo , Avalos-Reyes Elisea , Bagford Denise , Grover Rashmi , Feczko Lucia , Johnson Kjel 
Published: November 2023

Background
Therapies currently available to pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) patients do not reverse the disease; however, they improve pulmonary hemodynamics, offer symptomatic relief, and lengthen the time to clinical worsening. These therapies do not come without their challenges, which include side effects and compliance with challenging titration regimens. Health care providers, particularly nurses, play a significant role in improving patient medication adherence. In-home nurse visits offer disease state education, set medication expectations, and provide support tools for patients when experiencing adverse events that may lead to therapy discontinuation. The purpose of this study is to determine the impact that in-home, face-to-face nursing visits have on optimal adherence to oral PAH therapies.

Methods
We identified patients who received an oral PAH drug (riociguat, selexipag, or treprostinil) supported by a nursing program (study group) and patients who received an oral PAH drug (bosentan, ambrisentan, or macitentan) not supported by a nursing program (control group) using CVS Health pharmacy data from January 1, 2018, to June 30, 2019. A logistic regression model examined demographic and medication factors associated with adherence.

Results
From January 2018 to June 2019, we identified 107 patients in the study group and 213 patients in the control group. After 6 months, patients in the study group reported 0.6 more fill counts (5.1 vs 4.5; P = .002) and an 11% higher medication possession ratio (MPR) than those in the control group (86.4% vs 75.0%; P = .001). After adjusting for patient characteristics, control patients tended to be more likely to drop therapy in the first 6 months after the index fill (hazard ratio = 1.52; P = .064). After 6 months, the study group reported higher rates of therapy persistence than the control group (72.0% vs 60.6%; P &lt; .05).

Conclusions
Patients receiving oral PAH therapies (riociguat, selexipag, or treprostinil) supported through a visiting nurse program had significantly higher rates of optimal adherence as demonstrated by a statistically significant improvement in the MPR and a higher prescription fill count than a control group. Ultimately, a multidisciplinary approach supporting the patient and providing patient education, proper motivation, and face-to-face nursing may support improved patient outcomes.
Hydralazine Induced Vasculitis: A Case Report
Authors: Giurani Fathi , Abdelgalil Mohamed 
Published: November 2023

Background::
Hydralazine has been used in the treatment of hypertension and heart failure for a long time. It has been associated with the development of
Vasculitis and Drug induced lupus. This is a male patient in his sixties who was admitted at the hospital and prescribed hydralazine. He developed
Hydralazine-induced lupus with Pancytopenia and renal failure. This case report has been written to raise awareness about the hydralazine side
effects.

Case Presentation::
This case report describes a 68-year-old male, transferred to our hospital for rehabilitation. He was tracheostomized. He is hypertensive with a
history of CVA. BP was elevated during the admission. He has no family history of immunological diseases or any allergies. 6 months after
hydralazine, the patient started to have a purpuric rash over the lower limbs and an elevated renal profile. Only Direct Coomb’s test was positive.
He had hematuria and pancytopenia also. He was started on steroids and he became edematous. On March 2021, the hydralazine was stopped and
the patient's blood tests improved, the rash disappeared and hematuria stopped. Unfortunately, he got fungemia and septicemia with pneumonia. He
became hypotensive and anuric. The patient kept deteriorating and passed away.

Discussion::
Hydralazine is not a first line choice for the treatment of hypertension. Common side effects include tachycardia and headache. It can also cause
drug-induced lupus.

Conclusion::
Hydralazine has been used in the treatment of hypertension and heart failure for a long time. It has been associated with the development of
Vasculitis and Drug induced lupus.
Early Intervention for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Dubai: A
Rapid Review and Policy Option Analysis
Authors: Albanna Ammar , Jarawan Eva , Alhejailan Rasha , Boiangiu Mara-Clarisa , Zeng Wu 
Published: November 2023

Background::
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex and heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder that is associated with functional impairments
across an individual’s lifespan. The complexity and increasing global prevalence of ASD pose significant strains on healthcare systems. Early
Intensive Behavioral Interventions (EIBI) are cost-effective evidence-based interventions that improve outcomes for individuals with ASD,
especially when implemented in early childhood.

Objectives::
This study reviews the disease burden of ASD and analyzes four potential financing models for EIBI in Dubai.

Methods::
A rapid literature review was conducted to synthesize the disease burden of ASD and EIBI services in Dubai. Bardach’s eightfold model for policy
analysis was used to analyze four policy options for EIBI in Dubai: (1) Government financing and provision of EIBI through specialized centers,
(2) Government financing of EIBI through contracting private providers, (3) Mandating insurance coverage of EIBI for children with ASD, and,
lastly, (4) A mixed model that includes both mandating insurance coverage for EIBI and government provision through non-profit organizations.

Results::
EIBI services were available in Dubai but were associated with a substantial out-of-pocket (OOP) burden on families. Many young children with
ASD were unable to access EIBI. Option (4) of using the mixed financing model of EIBI was optimal in the context of Dubai, based on evaluation
criteria, including accessibility, cost-effectiveness, quality, and implementability, with minimal OOP burden on families.

Conclusion::
To ease the burden on families with children suffering from ASD, the stakeholders, including the government of Dubai, should consider a mixed
financial model to provide EIBI.
An Insight into the Protein Aggregation in Alzheimer’s Disease and its
Inhibition
Authors: Khan Abdul Basit , Khan Rizwan Hasan 
Published: November 2023

Abstract:
Alzheimer’s disease, a neurodegenerative disease, is a progressive and irreversible disease
that has become a global challenge due to its increasing prevalence and absence of available
potential therapies. Protein misfolding and aggregation are known to be the root of several protein
neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease. Protein aggregation is a phenomenon
where misfolded proteins accumulate and clump together intra-or extracellularly. This accumulation
of misfolded amyloid proteins leads to the formation of plaquesin the neuronal cells, also
known as amyloid β plaques. The synthesis of amyloid β plaques and tau protein aggregation are
the hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease. Potential therapeutics must be developed in conjunction
with an understanding of the possible root cause involving complex mechanisms. The development
of therapeutics that can inhibit protein misfolding and aggregation, involved in the pathogenesis
of Alzheimer's disease, could be one of the potential solutions to the disease.
Perineuronal Nets: From Structure to Neurological Disorders
Authors: Li Xianghe , Li Nuojin , Zhao Pingping , Ren Dongyan , Luo Bin , Zhou Tian 
Published: November 2023

Abstract:
Perineuronal nets (PNN) is condensed extracellular matrix (ECM) in the central nervous system (CNS), which surrounds cell soma, axon initial segments, and synapses. In the brain, most neurons surrounded by PNN are interneurons, especially the
parvalbumin-expressing interneurons (PVI). The formation of PNN is involved in the
PVI maturation as well as the onset and closure of critical periods for developmental
plasticity end. Dysfunction of PVI can lead to some neurological disorders, such as schizophrenia, bipolar depression, and Alzheimer's disease. Similarly, PNN assembling abnormalities are often observed in human patients and animal disease models. PNN is
thought to have a neuroprotective effect and interact with signaling molecules to regulate synaptic plasticity and neuronal activity. In this review, we provide an overview of
the composition, structure, and functions of PNN. In addition, we highlight abnormal
changes in PNN components in pathological conditions. Understanding the roles of different components of PNN will bring us a new perspective on brain plasticity and neurological disorders.
NLRP3: A Promising Therapeutic Target for Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Zhang Jiayu , Zeng Shuyan , Wang Peng , Chen Youxiang , Zeng Chunyan 
Published: November 2023

Abstract:
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis,
is an intestinal disease with complicated pathological mechanisms. The incidence of IBD has
been increasing in recent years, which has a significant negative impact on the lives of patients.
Therefore, it is particularly important to find new therapeutic targets and innovative drugs for the
development of IBD. Recent studies have revealed that NLRP3 inflammatory vesicles can play an
important role in maintaining intestinal homeostasis and sustaining the intestinal immune response
in IBD. On the one hand, aberrant activation of NLRP3 inflammatory vesicles may cause excessive
immune response by converting caspase-1, proIL-18, and proIL-1β to their active forms and
releasing pro-inflammatory cytokines to stimulate the development and progression of IBD, and
we can improve IBD by targeting blockade of NLRP3 activation. On the other hand, NLRP3 may
also play an enter protective role by maintaining the homeostasis of the intestinal immune system.
In this paper, we reviewed the activation mechanism of NLRP3 inflammasome, and the effects of
NLRP3 inflammasome activation on IBD are discussed from two different perspectives: pathology
and protection. At the same time, we listed the effects of direct inhibitors, indirect inhibitors,
and natural inhibitors of NLRP3 inflammasome on IBD in combination with cutting-edge advances
and clinical practice results, providing new targets and new ideas for the clinical treatment
of IBD.
Clinical Profile of Patients with Hypertensive Emergency Referred to a
Tertiary Hospital in the Western Cape Province of South Africa
Authors: Talle Mohammed A. , Doubell Anton F. , Robbertse Pieter-Paul S. , Lahri Sa'ad , Herbst Philip G. 
Published: November 2023

Background::
Despite advances in managing hypertension, hypertensive emergencies remain
a common indication for emergency room visits. Our study aimed to determine the clinical profile of
patients referred with hypertensive emergencies.

Methods::
We conducted an observational study involving patients aged ≥18 years referred with hyper-tensive crisis. A diagnosis of hypertensive emergencies was based on a systolic blood pressure (BP) ≥180 mmHg and/or a diastolic BP ≥110 mmHg, with acute hypertension-mediated organ damage (aH-MOD). Patients without evidence of aHMOD were considered hypertensive urgencies. Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and unconscious patients were excluded from the study.

Results::
Eighty-two patients were included, comprising 66 (80.5%) with hypertensive emergencies and 16 (19.5%) with hypertensive urgencies. The mean age of patients with hypertensive emergencies was 47.9 (13.2) years, and 66.7% were males. Age, systolic BP, and duration of hypertension were similar in the hypertensive crisis cohort. Most patients with hypertensive emergencies reported nonadherence to medication (78%) or presented de novo without a prior diagnosis of hypertension (36%). Cardiac aH-MOD (acute pulmonary edema and myocardial infarction) occurred in 66%, while neurological emer-gencies (intracranial hemorrhage, ischemic stroke, and hypertensive encephalopathy) occurred in 33.3%. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) (P < 0.001), NT-proBNP (P=0.024), and cardiac troponin (P<0.001) were higher in hypertensive emergencies compared to urgencies. LDH did not differ in the subtypes of hypertensive emergencies.

Conclusion::
Cardiovascular and neurological emergencies are the most common hypertensive emer-gencies. Most patients reported nonadherence to medication or presented de novo without a prior diag-nosis of hypertension.
The Application Value of Gemstone Spectral Imaging (GSI) Combined with an
80 mm Wide-body Detector in Head-neck CTA
Authors: Cheng Huan Wei , Geng Jin Huan , Tan Zheng Wu , Wu Wen Ze , Hu Xiao Li , Gong Jian Feng , Shen Jian , Xu Jun , She Meng Qi 
Published: November 2023

Objective::
This study aims to investigate the value of gemstone spectral imaging (GSI) combined with an 80 mm wide-body detector in head-neck CTA.

Methods::
Ninety patients with head-neck CTA were prospectively selected and randomly divided into a control group and a test group, with 45 patients in
each group. The control group was scanned conventionally. With a tube voltage of 100 kVp and detector width of 40 mm, a 70 ml contrast agent
was injected at a flow rate of 5.0 ml/s. The test group used GSI. With a tube current fixed of 445 mAs and a detector width of 80 mm, the contrast
agent was injected at a flow rate of 3.5 ml/s and 0.6 ml/kg body weight, and the 55 keV virtual monoenergetic images (VMIs) were automatically
reconstructed. Finally, the target vessel CT values, background noise (BN), signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), subjective
scores, contrast agent dose, CT dose index volume (CTDIvol), and dose length product (DLP) were recorded. The DLP was converted to the
effective dose (ED).

Results::
The target vessel CT values, BN, SNR, CNR, and subjective scores of the two groups were not statistically significant (all P > 0.05), and the image
quality of both groups was the same and met the diagnostic requirements. The contrast agent dose and effective dose (ED) in the test group were
approximately 44% and 26% lower than that of the control group, respectively (all P < 0.05).

Conclusion::
In head-neck CTA examination, the Revolution CT GSI combined with an 80 mm wide-body detector can reduce the contrast agent dose and
radiation dose while ensuring image quality.
Osmundacetone Inhibits Angiogenesis of Infantile Hemangiomas through Inducing
Caspases and Reducing VEGFR2/MMP9
Authors: Ke Chen , Chen Changhan , Yang Ming , Chen Hao , Li Liqun , Ke Youhui 
Published: November 2023

Aim:
This study aims to explore the potential of Osmundacetone (OSC) as a new treatment for infantile
hemangiomas (IH), the most common benign tumors in infancy. Currently, propranolol serves as the primary
treatment for IH, but its effectiveness is limited, and it poses challenges of drug resistance and side effects. Therefore,
there is a pressing need to identify alternative therapies for IH.

Methods:
The effects of OSC on the proliferation and apoptosis of HemECs (endothelial cells from hemangiomas)
were assessed using CCK-8 assay, colony formation assay, HOCHEST 33342 staining, and flow cytometry.
Western blot analysis was performed to investigate OSC's influence on Caspases and angiogenesis-related proteins.
Animal models were established using HemECs and BALB/c mice, and histological and immunohistochemical
staining were conducted to evaluate the impact of OSC on mouse hemangiomas, VEGFR2, and MMP9
expression.

Results:
OSC treatment significantly reduced HemECs' viability and colony-forming ability, while promoting
apoptosis, as indicated by increased HOCHEST 33342 staining. OSC upregulated the protein expression of Bax,
PARP, Caspase9, Caspase3, AIF, Cyto C, FADD, and Caspase8 in HemECs. In animal models, OSC treatment
effectively reduced hemangioma size and improved histopathological changes. OSC also suppressed VEGFR2
and MMP9 expression while elevating Caspase3 levels in mouse hemangiomas.

Conclusion:
OSC demonstrated promising results in inhibiting HemECs' proliferation, inducing apoptosis, and
ameliorating pathological changes in hemangiomas in mice. Moreover, it influenced the expression of crucial
caspases and angiogenesis-related proteins. These findings suggest that OSC holds potential as a novel drug for
clinical treatment of IH.
Overview of Human Papillomavirus Infection
Authors: Darvishi Mohammad , Nouri Majid , Zahir Maziar , Asli Maryam , Hejripoor Seyed Zia , Karimi Ebrahim 
Published: November 2023

Abstract::
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a DNA oncogenic virus. HPV infection is the most common
sexually transmitted disease, and is capable of infecting mucosal and cutaneous membranes of
the anogenital, upper aerodigestive tract, and other head and neck mucosal regions. Although HPV
infection is generally asymptomatic and can be easily resolved by the immune system, if it persists
and progresses, it can lead to cancer. HPV is permanently responsible for 5% of human cancers. Malignant
lesions related to HPV include oral and respiratory squamous cell carcinomas, and cervical
and anogenital cancers. Currently, no specific treatment is available for HPV infection, and therapeutic
procedures (tissue ablation, chemotherapy, cryotherapy, and immunomodulation) cannot eliminate
the virus completely. Vaccination and cervical screening are two methods that have been developed
to provide protection against oncogenic HPV. Unfortunately, no effective protocol for vaccination,
prevention, testing, or treatment has yet been proposed in the developing countries. In this review, we
have reviewed the knowledge gained from recent studies on virology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations,
epidemiology, prevention, and treatment of HPV infection.
Optimization of Cobalt-Chromium (Co-Cr) Scaffolds for Bone Tissue
Engineering in Endocrine, Metabolic and Immune Disorders
Authors: Rodríguez-Montaño Óscar Libardo , Vaiani Lorenzo , Boccaccio Antonio , Uva Antonio Emmanuele , Lo Muzio Lorenzo , Spirito Francesca , Dioguardi Mario , Santacroce Luigi , Di Cosola Michele , Cantore Stefania , Ballini Andrea 
Published: November 2023

Abstract:
Approximately 50% of the adult global population is projected to suffer from some
form of metabolic disease by 2050, including metabolic syndrome and diabetes mellitus. At the
same time, this trend indicates a potential increase in the number of patients who will be in need
of implant-supported reconstructions of specific bone regions subjected to inflammatory states.
Moreover, physiological conditions associated with dysmetabolic subjects have been suggested
to contribute to the severity of bone loss after bone implant insertion. However, there is a perspective
evidence strengthening the hypothesis that custom-fabricated bioengineered scaffolds
may produce favorable bone healing effects in case of altered endocrine or metabolic conditions.
This perspective review aims to share a comprehensive knowledge of the mechanisms
implicated in bone resorption and remodelling processes, which have driven researchers to develop
metallic implants as the cobalt-chromium (Co-Cr) bioscaffolds, presenting optimized geometries
that interact in an effective way with the osteogenetic precursor cells, especially in the
cases of perturbed endocrine or metabolic conditions.