bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
ML-powered Internet of Medical Things Structure for Heart Disease Prediction
Authors: Mulani Altaf O. , Liyakat Kazi Kutubuddin Sayyad , Warade Nilima S. , Patil Alaknanda , Kolte Mahesh T. , Kinage Kishor , Rana Manish , Salunkhe Shweta Sadanand , Jadhav Vaishali Satish , Nagrale Megha 
Published: January 2025

Background Machine Learning-powered Internet of Medical Things (MLIoMT) is a burgeoning framework poised to transform healthcare, particularly in the timely identification of heart disease. Purpose This article proposes an innovative MLIoMT structure aimed at leveraging machine learning (ML) algorithms for heart disease detection. Methods Through the integration of wearable sensors, mobile applications, cloud computing, and advanced ML techniques, MLIoMT enables continuous monitoring of vital signs and cardiac health indicators in real time. By analyzing this data stream, abnormalities indicative of heart disease can be detected early, facilitating timely intervention and personalized healthcare recommendations. The MLIoMT framework employs diverse ML methods such as deep learning and ensemble techniques to enhance the accuracy and reliability of heart disease prediction models. Results The proposed structure holds promise for revolutionizing preventive healthcare, enabling proactive management of cardiac health and ultimately reducing the burden of heart disease. Results in terms of accuracy, precision, recall and F1 score show that the proposed system has better performance and efficiency. Conclusion Overall, MLIoMT represents a significant advancement in healthcare technology, with the potential to improve patient outcomes and enhance overall quality of life.
Users’ and therapists’ perspectives on the design of extended reality environments to train prosthesis control: A narrative review and focus group
Authors: Rozevink SG , Murgia A , Bongers RM , van der Sluis CK 
Published: January 2025

Background Extended reality (XR) has previously been used to train control of upper limb prostheses. It is however unclear what characteristics an XR environment should have in order to become a usable and effective training tool. Objective The objective was to develop a framework describing the most important factors to be incorporated when designing an XR environment to train prosthesis control. Methods A mixed method approach was used. A narrative review was conducted to explore factors that should be considered when designing an XR environment for prosthesis control. Subsequently, a preliminary framework, based on these factors, was rated by prosthesis users and therapists and discussed during focus groups. Results Fifty out of 489 articles were included. The preliminary framework comprised 62 factors in four domains: feedback, control, exercise and environment. Five prosthesis users and eight therapists participated in three focus groups. A final framework was developed which contained 46 factors in the four domains. End-users considered all domains to be equally important, since domains and factors influence each other. Conclusions The developed framework can be used to guide the design of an XR environment to train prosthesis control.
Application of efgartigimod in Chinese patients with myasthenia gravis: a single-center real-world prospective study
Authors: Zhu Geke , Zhou Han , Wang Wanying , Ma Yongbo , Nie Xiangtao , Qi Wenjing , Hao Lei , Guo Xiuming 
Published: January 2025

Background: China has a large number of myasthenia gravis (MG) patients, creating an urgent need for rapid and tolerable treatment options. As the first-approved Fc receptor antagonist, efgartigimod has bright prospects for treating MG. However, real-world evidence on its application within the Chinese MG population are limited. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the rapid efficacy and safety of efgartigimod in Chinese MG population. Design: This single-center prospective study enrolled Chinese MG patients aged 18 and older who were treated with efgartigimod, classified as Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America I–IV, with a baseline Myasthenia Gravis Activities of Daily Living (MG-ADL) score of at least 4. Methods: Patients received efgartigimod at a dose of 10 mg/kg infused once weekly for 4 weeks. During the treatment, the corticosteroids dosage could be adjusted as appropriate or the non-steroidal immunosuppressive therapies (NSISTs) added. Prior to each infusion, patients’ MG-ADL scores, IgG levels, and routine laboratory tests were evaluated, while also recording the prednisone tapering and any adverse events occurring during the treatment. Results: Twenty five Chinese MG patients were enrolled between November 2023 and June 2024, including 3 with ocular MG (OMG) and 22 with generalized MG (GMG). During the 8-week follow-up, in GMG patients, whether positive for acetylcholine receptor (AChR) or muscle-specific tyrosine kinase (MuSK) antibodies, the overall efficacy was significant. Within one treatment cycle, 18 (82%) patients showed a reduction of at least 2 points in MG-ADL scores and sustained for at least 4 weeks, and 6 (27%) attained minimal symptom expression (MSE) and sustained for at least 4 weeks. Only 1 patient experienced exacerbation. Among OMG patients, 1 achieved MSE within the treatment cycle, while 2 showed minor improvements. Patients who added tacrolimus concurrently with efgartigimod did not achieve better improvement in MG-ADL scores compared to others. The average reduction in prednisone dosage was 27.4%. Only one patient experienced transient vomiting and diarrhea, with no serious adverse reactions reported. Conclusion: This study confirmed the short-term efficacy and safety of efgartigimod in Chinese MG patients. However, in clinical practice, careful consideration is needed regarding its application in OMG and whether to add NSISTs regimen during the treatment. Efgartigimod could potentially serve as an alternative to long-term corticosteroids therapy.
Association between osteoarthritis and cognitive function: results from the NHANES 2011–2014 and Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Zhao Kun , Nie Liuyan , Zhao Jingting , Dong Yankai , Jin Kaixiu , Wang Song , Ye Xiangming 
Published: January 2025

Background: Previous meta-analyses have demonstrated osteoarthritis (OA) is associated with an increased risk of dementia, but these studies were prone to bias based on residual confounding factors and reverse causality. Objectives: We aimed to investigate associations between OA and cognitive function using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) and to investigate the causality using Mendelian randomization (MR). Design: This is a cross-sectional study and MR study. Methods: Data from the NHANES 2011–2014 were used. Multiple linear, logistic regressions and stratified analyses were used to determine the association between OA status and cognitive function. Sample weights were used to ensure result generalizability. Two-sample MR analysis was conducted to examine the association between OA and dementia. Mediation analyses were performed to investigate the mediating effects of depression. Results: We did not demonstrate a significant association between OA and cognitive performance after adjusting for relevant covariates ( p > 0.05), and the population of individuals with both OA and depression was associated with higher odds of low total word recall cognitive performance (odds ratio (OR) = 4.74, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.09–20.63; p = 0.04). Genetically predicted specific-site OA was not significantly associated with the risk of dementia (OR = 1.12; 95% CI: 0.96–1.32; p = 0.16), Alzheimer’s disease (OR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.68–1.31, p = 0.74), vascular dementia (OR = 1.32, 95% CI: 0.82–2.13, p = 0.25) with accepted heterogeneity and no evidence of directional pleiotropy. Furthermore, major depression was found to mediate the pathway between OA and vascular dementia (β = 0.044, 95% CI: −0.391 to 0.479, p < 0.05). Conclusion: Our findings indicate that there is no significant association or causal relationship between OA and cognitive decline. However, depression may serve as an important factor influencing cognitive outcomes. Future research should further explore the bidirectional causal relationship and underlying mechanisms.
Self-Management Practices Among Adults With Diabetes in the United States: An Analysis of the 2017-2020 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES)
Authors: Nguyen Tran Ha , Barefield Amanda , Chandler Lindsay , De Leo Gianluca 
Published: January 2025

Purpose The purpose of the study was to examine the extent to which adults with diabetes engage in self-management practices to lower their blood glucose levels and determine factors associated with these engagements. Methods The study analyzed data from the 2017-2020 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). The sample included 1171 adults ages 20 and older with a laboratory A1C level of 6.5% or greater. The statistical analyses used included descriptive, chi-square, and logistic regression. Results The study revealed that 36% of participants used insulin, and 28% visited a diabetes specialist yearly. Additionally, 68% took medication to lower blood glucose, and 65% monitored their blood glucose daily. Although 86% checked their A1C level annually, only 14% adhered to a diabetes diet plan. A small percentage of respondents (11%) reported engaging in recreational activities at least 5 days a week. The engagement of American adults with diabetes in self-management practices is associated, to varying extents, with the type of diabetes diagnosis, diabetes status, and social determinants of health in adults with diabetes. Conclusion The recommended self-management practices among adults with diabetes in the United States are not fully embraced and are associated with several factors. Study findings also indicated that the numbers of undiagnosed and dated-diagnosed diabetes as prediabetes continue to be a problem.
Effect of tranexamic acid dissolved in warm, cold, and room-temperature irrigation fluid on complications during and after TURP surgery: a double-blind, randomized clinical trial
Authors: Salehi Masoomeh , Imani Behzad , Zandi Shirdel , Haghiabi Hamed , Souri Somayeh 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) surgery, as a common surgical technique for cases of benign prostatic hyperplasia, can often lead to various complications during and after the procedure. Among these, intraoperative bleeding and postoperative shivering are highly prevalent. Accordingly, the present study aimed to compare three combinations of tranexamic acid (TXA) dissolved in warm, cold, and room-temperature irrigation fluids to determine their greater effectiveness in reducing bleeding and postoperative complications, such as shivering, following TURP.

Methods
This prospective, double-blind clinical trial was conducted from April to November 2023 at Imam Khomeini Hospital in Alashtar, Iran. 100 patients scheduled for TURP were selected via convenience sampling and randomly assigned into four groups using a four-block and permutation design. The groups were as follows: Intervention Group A (TXA dissolved in cold irrigation fluid), Intervention Group B (TXA dissolved in room-temperature irrigation fluid), Intervention Group C (TXA dissolved in warm irrigation fluid), and the Control Group (room-temperature irrigation without TXA). Intraoperative bleeding was measured using a photometer, hemoglobin levels were assessed with the Cell-Dyn3200 hematology analyzer, and postoperative shivering was evaluated using the Crossley and Mahajan scale.

Results
Postoperative bleeding was significantly lower in Intervention Group A compared to the other groups (P < 0.05). Hemoglobin levels decreased significantly over time (P < 0.05), but no significant inter-group differences in hemoglobin changes were observed (P > 0.05). Postoperative shivering was lowest in Intervention Group C and highest in Intervention Group A (P < 0.05).

Conclusions
Combining TXA in a cold irrigation fluid potentially reduces intraoperative bleeding, but is associated with a higher incidence of postoperative shivering than the other groups.
Integrating univariate and multivariate stability indices for breeding clime-resilient barley cultivars
Authors: Elakhdar Ammar , El-Naggar Ahmed A. , El-Wakeell Sally , Ahmed Anas H. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Studying genetic variability through the phenotypic performance of genotypes is crucial in the breeding program. Therefore, evaluating both yield performance and stability across diverse environments is essential in yield trials to identify high-yield potential and stable cultivars. In this study, we employed 12 univariate and 10 multivariate stability models to analyze how genotype (G), environment (E), and their interaction (G × E) affect the yield performance of 32 barley genotypes across 10 environments. The environmental main effect explained 81.3% of the total variation, compared to 18.6% for genotypes and G × E interaction effects. Using the GGE biplot ‘which-won-where’ polygon, we categorized environments into five groups and genotypes into six groups, identifying eight genotypes with mean grain yield (GY) superior to the overall mean (4.43 tons ha− 1). Spearman’s correlation analysis indicated significant positive correlations (P < 0.01) between GY and various stability parameters such as linear regression coefficients (bi), Perkins and Jinks’s stability parameters (Bi), environmental variance (Sxi
2) and Tai’s environmental effects (αi), among others, as univariate stability measures. Additionally, nonparametric measures such as Nassar and Huhn’s (SI 6 and SI 3) and Thennarasu’s (NP I (3) and NP I (4)), TOP-rank stability and the yield stability index (YSI), showed significant correlations with GY. Both univariate and multivariate stability models highlighted genotypes G32, G1, and G27 as the most stable, exhibiting minimal yield variation across environments. Furthermore, G15, followed by G13, G7, and G9, demonstrated high stability based on multivariate measures. Accordingly, it might be safe to utilize the stability parameters of different groups concerning static and dynamic concepts of stability to avoid the possibility of estimating the same concept of stability. This study emphasizes the importance of utilizing a combination of univariate and multivariate stability models to assess genotype stability comprehensively and select “ideal genotypes” that offer both high yield potential and stability.
Effect of ultrasonically-activated irrigation protocols used for regenerative endodontics on removal of dual species biofilm in a three-dimensionally printed tooth model: in vitro study
Authors: Mustafa Saeed , Meheissen Marwa A. , Moussa Sybel , ElBackly Rania 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Introduction
Eradication of residual biofilm from root canal dentine is critical for the success of regenerative endodontic procedures (REPs).

The aim of the study
To evaluate the influence of ultrasonically activated irrigants in concentrations used for REPs for removal of dual-species biofilm from three-dimensionally printed tooth models with attached dentine samples.

Methodology
Seventy-two three-dimensionally printed teeth models were fabricated with a standardized slot in the apical third of the root to ensure a precise fit with a human root dentine specimen. Dual-species biofilms (comprising Enterococcus faecalis and Streptococcus mutans) were cultivated in the root canal for a period of three weeks. Models with dentine specimens were randomly assigned into 5 groups according to the irrigation protocol; G1(dis H2O): infected root canals irrigated with distilled water to serve as controls; G2(1.5% NaOCl): 1.5% NaOCl for five minutes; G3(1.5% NaOCl + PUI): 1.5% NaOCl + passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI) for 30 s; G4(3% NaOCl): 3% NaOCl for five minutes; G5(3% NaOCl + PUI): 3% NaOCl + PUI for 30 s. Bacterial reduction was determined by colony-forming unit (CFU) counting (n = 12/G), whilst biofilms were analyzed using field emission scanning electron microscopy in additional samples.

Results
The four experimental groups showed a significant reduction in CFU counts compared to the control group (p < 0.05). When compared with (dis H2O), the highest reduction in bacterial count was obtained in G5 (3% NaOCl + PUI) followed by G4 (3% NaOCl), then G3 (1.5% NaOCl + PUI), and finally G2 (1.5% NaOCl).

Conclusion
Results of the current study propose that a 3D-printed mature tooth model can be effectively used to analyze the antimicrobial effects of different irrigation protocols on dual-species biofilm. The use of NaOCl in concentrations used for regenerative endodontics can effectively remove bacterial biofilms. Furthermore, the use of PUI did not significantly enhance antibacterial effects of NaOCl.
Enhancing growing rabbit heat stress resilience through dietary supplementation with natural antioxidants
Authors: El-Ratel Ibrahim Talat , Mekawy Aml , Hassab Sara H.M. , Abdelnour Sameh 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Animal husbandry development is influenced by various factors, with heat stress (HS) being a significant factor. The aim of this experiment was to explore the potential of natural antioxidants such as vitamin C (VITC), vitamin E (VITE), lycopene (LYC), and allicin (AL) in enhancing growth, immune function and maintaining the redox status of fattening rabbits under HS. Male weaning rabbits (n = 150, 5 weeks of age) were randomly assigned to 5 groups. The rabbits were fed a basal diet (control group) or supplemented with 40 mg of vitamin E (VE40), 5 mg of vitamin C (VC5), 150 mg of lycopene (LYC150), or 150 mg of allicin (AL150) per kg of diet, respectively, under summer Egyptian conditions. The overall temperature humidity index (THI) value was 29.76, indicating severe HS during the experimental period. The findings indicated that all dietary supplemented groups showed significant improvements in live body weight at 8 weeks (P < 0.0001) and 11 weeks (P < 0.05) of age compared to the control group. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) was improved with all additives (P < 0.05), while feed intake and carcass traits were not affected by the treatments (P > 0.05). The AL group had the highest dressing percentage compared to the other groups (P < 0.05). Feeding stressed rabbits with antioxidant supplements resulted in a higher hemoglobin concentration compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Aspartate transaminase (AST), triglycerides, and creatinine levels were decreased with all additives as compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Total protein and albumin were significantly higher in AL group than in other groups (P < 0.05). The serum Immunoglobulin G (IgG) was significantly increased, while tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-4 (IL-4), and interferon gamma (IFN-γ) were decreased by all feed additives (P < 0.05). Immunoglobulins (IgA and IgM) did not differ among all experimental groups (P > 0.05). Serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and glutathione (GSH) levels were higher in all supplement groups compared to the HS group (P < 0.05). All dietary supplements significantly reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in liver tissues and blood serum compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Collectively, allicin emerged as a potent shield against heat stress, bettering lycopene and vitamins E and C in safeguarding the well-being of growing rabbits.
Shorter telomere length in COPD cases secondary to biomass-burning smoke exposure
Authors: Domínguez-de-Barros Angélica , Pérez-Rubio Gloria , Fricke-Galindo Ingrid , Ramírez-Venegas Alejandra , Gajate-Arenas Malena , Hernández-Zenteno Rafael , García-Carmona Salvador , Robles-Hernández Robinson , Ramírez-Díaz María E. , Cruz-Vicente Filiberto , Martínez-Gómez María L. , Lorenzo-Morales Jacob , Falfán-Valencia Ramcés , Córdoba-Lanús Elizabeth 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by progressive airflow obstruction and destruction of lung tissue, primarily attributed to tobacco smoking. However, other factors like biomass-burning smoke (BS) exposure are also implicated. COPD has been described as an accelerated aging disease, and telomere length is a biomarker of aging.

Methods
This study examined telomere length in 189 Mexican individuals, from which 93 developed COPD secondary to BS exposure (BE-COPD); the rest of the participants were exposed to BS but did not develop the disease. Lung function parameters were measured by spirometry, and relative telomere length (rTL) from peripheral blood DNA was determined using multiplex qPCR.

Results
Results showed rTL to inversely correlate with age (R2=-0.207, p = 0.006) and with the hours-a-day of BS exposure (R2=-0.297, p < 0.001). Within BE-COPD cases, rTL was associated with daily BS exposure, and BE-COPD individuals exhibited a reduced rTL compared to controls (1.39 ± 0.45 vs. 0.89 ± 0.50; p < 0.001). When compared by rTL length in BE-COPD cases, longer telomeres were associated with decreased COPD risk (β = 0.134, 95% CI = 0.053–0.339; p < 0.001). However, no significant relationship was found between rTL and clinical or lung function parameters in the BE-COPD group.

Conclusions
This is the first study to document that individuals with COPD secondary to biomass smoke exposure present shorter telomeres than BS-exposed subjects who did not develop the disease.
Nucleotide sequence variants, gene expression and serum profile of immune and antioxidant markers associated with brucellosis resistance/susceptibility in Shami goat
Authors: Elsayed Ahmed A. , Sallam Ahmed M. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Brucellosis is a highly contagious zoonotic bacterial disease. It has considerable negative consequences on the animal production industry worldwide. The objective of this study was to investigate the genetic and molecular variations in Shami goat susceptible to Brucella infection. Blood samples were collected from fifty mature Shami goats (30 Brucella-infected does and 20 non-infection). DNA was extracted and selected parts the immunity; solute carrier family 11 member 1 (SLC11A1), toll-like receptor 1 (TLR1), toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9), SP110 nuclear body protein (SP110), the adenosine A3 receptor (ADORA3), caspase activating recruitment domain 15 (CARD15) and interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3), antioxidant glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPX1), nitric oxide synthase (NOS), NAD(P)H dehydrogenase [quinone] 1 (NQO1) and transcription factor NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and erythritol related transketolase (TKT), ribose 5-phosphate isomerase (RPIA) and Adenosine monophosphate deaminase (AMPD) genes were sequenced. Likewise, the levels of gene expressions were investigated. The results identified polymorphic variants between healthy and infected does. Levels of gene expression of SLC11A1, TLR1, TLR9, SP110, ADORA3, CARD15, IRF3, HMOX1, TKT, RPIA and AMPD were significantly (P < 0.05) up regulated in the infected compared to the non-infected ones. On the other hand, GPX1, NOS, NQO1 and Nrf2 genes were significantly (P < 0.05) downregulated in the infected compared to the non-infected does. The results of serum profile indicated that there is a significant (P < 0.05) increase in the activities of AST, ALT, GGT, LDH, ALP as well as serum level of globulin, triglycerides, cholesterol, MDA, NO, IL-1β, TNF-α, IgM, IgG, haptoglobin and amyloid A. On the other hand, there were significant reductions in the glucose, total protein albumin, urea, calcium, inorganic phosphorus, sodium, copper, zinc, iron, TAC, GSH, SOD, GPx, IL-10 and fibrinogen in the infected compared to the non-infected does. Our results provide valuable information about the serum profile variations and putative genetic markers for Brucella infection in goats. This could be utilized in controlling goat brucellosis through selective breeding of natural resistant animals.