bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Heat, heatwaves, and ambulance service use: a systematic review and meta-analysis of epidemiological evidence
Authors: Xu Zhiwei , Watzek Jessica T. , Phung Dung , Oberai Mehak , Rutherford Shannon , Bach Aaron J.E. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractAmbulance data has been reported to be a sensitive indicator of health service use during hot days, but there is no comprehensive summary of the quantitative association between heat and ambulance dispatches. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to retrieve and synthesise evidence published up to 31 August 2022 about the association between heat, prolonged heat (i.e. heatwaves), and the risk of ambulance dispatches. We initially identified 3628 peer-reviewed papers and included 48 papers which satisfied the inclusion criteria. The meta-analyses showed that, for each 5 °C increase in mean temperature, the risk of ambulance dispatches for all causes and for cardiovascular diseases increased by 7% (95% confidence interval (CI): 5%, 10%) and 2% (95% CI: 1%, 3%), respectively, but not for respiratory diseases. The risk of ambulance dispatches increased by 6% (95% CI: 4%, 7%), 7% (95% CI: 5%, 9%), and 18% (95% CI: 12%, 23%) under low-intensity, severe, and extreme heatwaves, respectively. We observed two potential sources of bias in the existing literature: (1) bias in temperature exposure measurement; and (2) bias in the ascertainment of ambulance dispatch causes. This review suggests that heat exposure is associated with an increased risk of ambulance dispatches, and there is a dose-response relationship between heatwave intensity and the risk of ambulance dispatches. For future studies assessing the heat-ambulance association, we recommend that (1) using data on spatially refined gridded temperature that is either very well interpolated or derived from satellite imaging may be an alternative to reduce exposure measurement bias; and (2) linking ambulance data with hospital admission data can be useful to improve health outcome classification.
Ga(III) pyridinecarboxylate complexes: potential analogues of the second generation of therapeutic Ga(III) complexes?
Authors: Rendošová Michaela , Gyepes Róbert , Sovová Simona , Sabolová Danica , Vilková Mária , Olejníková Petra , Kello Martin , Lakatoš Boris , Vargová Zuzana 
Published: July 2023

AbstractA series of novel Ga(III)—pyridine carboxylates ([Ga(Pic)3]·H2O (GaPic; HPic = picolinic acid), H3O[Ga(Dpic)2]·H2O (GaDpic; H2Dpic = dipicolinic acid), [Ga(Chel)(H2O)(OH)]2·4H2O (GaChel; H2Chel = chelidamic acid) and [Ga(Cldpic)(H2O)(OH)]2 (GaCldpic; H2Cldpic = 4-chlorodipicolinic acid)) have been synthesized by simple one-step procedure. Vibrational spectroscopy (mid-IR), elemental analysis, thermogravimetric analysis and X-ray diffraction confirmed complexes molecular structure, inter and intramolecular interactions and their influence to spectral and thermal properties. Moreover, complex species speciation was described in Ga(III)-HPic and Ga(III)-H2Dpic systems by potentiometry and 1H NMR spectroscopy and mononuclear complex species were determined; [Ga(Pic)2]+ (logβ021 = 16.23(6)), [Ga(Pic)3] (logβ031 = 20.86(2)), [Ga(Dpic)2]− (logβ021 = 15.42(9)) and [Ga(Dpic)2(OH)]2− (logβ-121 = 11.08(4)). To confirm the complexes stability in 1% DMSO (primary solvent for biological testing), timescale 1H NMR spectra were measured (immediately after dissolution up to 96 h). Antimicrobial activity evaluated by IC50 (0.05 mM) is significant for GaDpic and GaCldpic against difficult to treat and multi-resistant P. aeruginosa. On the other hand, the GaPic complex is most effective against Jurkat, MDA-MB-231 and A2058 cancer cell lines and significantly also decreases the HepG2 cancer cells viability at 75 and 100 μM concentrations in a relatively short time (up to 48 h). In addition, fluorescence measurements have been used to elucidate bovine serum albumin binding activity between ligands, Ga(III) complexes and bovine serum albumin.
Graphical abstract
Health economic evaluation of forced orthodontic extrusion of extensively damaged teeth: up to 6-year results from a clinical study
Authors: Bruhnke Maria , Naumann Michael , Böse Mats Wernfried Heinrich , Beuer Florian , Schwendicke Falk 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Objectives
Clinical data on retaining extensively damaged teeth using forced orthodontic extrusion followed by restorative rehabilitation are scarce, and economic evaluations are basically absent. A health economic evaluation of this method was performed based on a clinical study.

Materials and methods
In a convenience sample of individuals recruited from routine care, extensively damaged teeth were orthodontically extruded prior to restoration. Patients were followed up for up to 6 years. The health outcome was tooth retention time. Direct medical, non-medical, and indirect initial and follow-up costs were estimated using the private payer’s perspective in German healthcare. Association of initial direct medical treatment costs and cofounding variables was analyzed using generalized linear models. Success and survival were secondary outcomes.

Results
A total of 35 teeth in 30 patients were followed over a mean ± SD of 49 ± 19 months. Five patients (14%) dropped out during that period. Median initial costs were 1941€ (range: 1284–4392€), median costs for follow-up appointments were 215€ (range: 0–5812€), and median total costs were 2284€ (range: 1453 to 7109€). Endodontic re-treatment and placement of a post had a significant impact on total costs. Three teeth had to be extracted and in three patients orthodontic relapse was observed. The survival and success rates were 91% and 83%, respectively.

Conclusions
Within the limitations of this clinical study, total treatment costs for orthodontic extrusion and subsequent restoration of extensively damaged teeth were considerable. Costs were by large generated initially; endodontic and post-endodontic therapies were main drivers. Costs for retreatments due to complications were limited, as only few complications arose.

Clinical relevance
The restoration of extensively damaged teeth after forced orthodontic extrusion comes with considerable initial treatment costs, but low follow-up costs. Overall and over the observational period and within German healthcare, costs are below those for tooth replacement using implant-supported crowns.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: DRK S00026697).
Effects of climate change-induced water temperature changes on the distribution of tidal river fish fauna in the Japanese archipelago
Authors: Itsukushima Rei 
Published: July 2023

AbstractIntense anthropogenic impacts in tidal rivers can cause habitat loss and ecosystem degradation. In addition, changes in water temperature associated with climate change are significantly impacting the distribution area of fish fauna within tidal rivers. In the present study, we used long-term fish fauna data to determine the relationship between climate change-induced increases in water temperature and changes in the distribution of fish species in tidal rivers in the Japanese archipelago. The distribution ranges of many subtropical and tropical fish species were found to move northward in areas affected by warm currents, suggesting further possible distributional dispersal in future. This study is the first to examine the nationwide distributional changes and future projections of fish fauna in tidal rivers. The results suggest that many subtropical and tropical fishes are expanding their distribution areas in tidal rivers and in coastal and estuarine areas.
Development and validation of a nomogram to predict the risk of renal replacement therapy among acute kidney injury patients in intensive care unit
Authors: Peng Jiang-Chen , Wu Yan , Xing Shun-Peng , Zhu Ming-Li , Gao Yuan , Li Wen 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
There are no universally accepted indications to initiate renal replacement therapy (RRT) among patients with acute kidney injury (AKI). This study aimed to develop a nomogram to predict the risk of RRT among AKI patients in intensive care unit (ICU).

Methods
In this retrospective cohort study, we extracted AKI patients from Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care III (MIMIC-III) database. Patients were randomly divided into a training cohort (70%) and a validation cohort (30%). Multivariable logistic regression based on Akaike information criterion was used to establish the nomogram. The discrimination and calibration of the nomogram were evaluated by Harrell’s concordance index (C-index) and Hosmer–Lemeshow (HL) test. Decision curve analysis (DCA) was performed to evaluate clinical application.

Results
A total of 7413 critically ill patients with AKI were finally enrolled. 514 (6.9%) patients received RRT after ICU admission. 5194 (70%) patients were in the training cohort and 2219 (30%) patients were in the validation cohort. Nine variables, namely, age, hemoglobin, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen and lactate at AKI detection, comorbidity of congestive heart failure, AKI stage, and vasopressor use were included in the nomogram. The predictive model demonstrated satisfying discrimination and calibration with C-index of 0.938 (95% CI, 0.927–0.949; HL test, P = 0.430) in training set and 0.935 (95% CI, 0.919–0.951; HL test, P = 0.392) in validation set. DCA showed a positive net benefit of our nomogram.

Conclusion
The nomogram developed in this study was highly accurate for RRT prediction with potential application value.
An improved multi-task least squares twin support vector machine
Authors: Moosaei Hossein , Bazikar Fatemeh , Pardalos Panos M. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractIn recent years, multi-task learning (MTL) has become a popular field in machine learning and has a key role in various domains. Sharing knowledge across tasks in MTL can improve the performance of learning algorithms and enhance their generalization capability. A new approach called the multi-task least squares twin support vector machine (MTLS-TSVM) was recently proposed as a least squares variant of the direct multi-task twin support vector machine (DMTSVM). Unlike DMTSVM, which solves two quadratic programming problems, MTLS-TSVM solves two linear systems of equations, resulting in a reduced computational time. In this paper, we propose an enhanced version of MTLS-TSVM called the improved multi-task least squares twin support vector machine (IMTLS-TSVM). IMTLS-TSVM offers a significant advantage over MTLS-TSVM by operating based on the empirical risk minimization principle, which allows for better generalization performance. The model achieves this by including regularization terms in its objective function, which helps control the model’s complexity and prevent overfitting. We demonstrate the effectiveness of IMTLS-TSVM by comparing it to several single-task and multi-task learning algorithms on various real-world data sets. Our results highlight the superior performance of IMTLS-TSVM in addressing multi-task learning problems.
Highly sensitive humidity sensor based on cadmium selenide quantum dots-polymer composites: synthesis, characterization, and effect of UV/ozone treatment
Authors: Jlassi Khouloud , Mallick Shoaib , Mutahir Hafsa , Salauddin Sayma Akhter , Chehimi Mohamed M. , Abdullah Aboubakr M. , Ahmad Zubair , Attia Mohamed F. , Abdellah Mohamed 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThis work describes the rational design of thin film-based cadmium selenide quantum dots (CdSe) mixed with conductive polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), inducing PVDF-CdSe composite for potential resistive humidity-sensing applications. The effect of UV/ozone treatment on surface hydrophilicity and sensing properties was investigated. AFM has been performed to examine the prepared films' texture, distribution over the surface, and size. Overall, the hydrophilicity of the developed films increases with UV radiation exposure time, leading to enhanced water vapor absorption without deforming the film surface. The sensor's sensitivity is improved with increasing UV radiation exposure. The electrical response of the PVDF-CdSe humidity sensors after 30 min of UV/ozone treatment reveals that at higher humidity levels (i.e., > 80% RH), the sensors exhibit an irregular response. However, at 20 min, treatment increases sensitivity and a linear change in impedance response concerning humidity level change compared to other samples. The hysteresis response was divided into two regions: the lower region, between 30 and 60% RH—where the maximum hysteresis loss was calculated to be 3%. While the higher area between 60 and 90% RH, where the maximum estimated hysteresis loss of the PVDF-CdSe sensor is around 14%, the UV/ozone treatment of the PVDF-CdSe nanocomposite film was found to enhance the sensing film's hydrophilicity without deforming the surface of the as-prepared PVDF-CdSe as well as the UV-treated films validates a potential for novel humidity sensors.
A Physiology-Based Mathematical Model to Understand Drug Delivery from Contact Lenses to the Back of the Eye
Authors: Toffoletto Nadia , Saramago Benilde , Serro Ana Paula , Chauhan Anuj 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Objective
Therapeutic contact lenses, able to store drug and deliver it to the eye surface in a sustained fashion, gained interest as an effective and patient-friendly alternative to eye drops. Recent animal studies also demonstrated the presence of therapeutic drug levels in the back of the eye after wearing drug-loaded contact lenses, thus opening the possibility of treating the posterior segment without need of invasive intraocular injections. The drug pathways from contact lenses to the back of the eye require further investigation.

Methods
A mechanistic mathematical model was developed to evaluate the drug concentration over time in the tears, sclera and choroid, retina, aqueous humor and vitreous humor after the application of a therapeutic contact lens. The main drug transport mechanisms of the eye and the barrier properties of the different tissues were included in the model. Validation was performed by comparison with experimental data in literature.

Results
The model predictions of drug concentration over time reflected the experimental data both in the anterior and posterior segment of the eye. The model can differentiate between contributions to transport from different pathways.

Conclusions
The model constitutes a first step towards the possibility of predicting the ocular drug distribution and the treatment efficacy in the early stage of contact lens development, and it may help reduce both the need for in vivo tests (with ethical and economic advantages) and the gap between the lens design and clinical application. It also allows for an improved understanding of drug transport in the eye.

Graphical abstract
Effect of Spirulina platensis on growth, hematological, biochemical, and immunological parameters of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)
Authors: Youssef Ibrahim M. I. , Saleh Elham S. E. , Tawfeek Samar S. , Abdel-Fadeel Asmaa A. A. , Abdel-Razik Abdel-Razik H. , Abdel-Daim Asmaa S. A. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThis study was conducted to evaluate the effects of Spirulina platensis in Nile tilapia diets on growth performance, blood hematological and biochemical parameters, immunological status, and intestinal histomorphometry. A total of 228 fish were randomly allocated into four groups with triplicates (19 fish per replicate). The first group was fed the control diet, which contained no Spirulina supplementation. The other three groups were fed diets containing graded levels of powdered Spirulina: 2.5%, 5.0%, and 10.0% in the second, third, and fourth group, respectively. S. platensis was added to the diets partially substituting the fish meal content. The experiment lasted for 8 weeks. The results showed that dietary Spirulina supplementation improved (P < 0.05) the body weight and length, weight gain, specific growth rate, condition factor, and feed conversion efficiency. Moreover, Spirulina increased significantly (P < 0.05) the hemoglobin, PCV, RBCs, and WBCs count. Also, it increased the lymphocytes, eosinophils, IgM level, lysozyme activity, and phagocytic activity in the blood. Additionally, the Spirulina raised (P < 0.05) the serum albumin level but reduced (P < 0.05) the creatinine and urea levels. The addition of Spirulina increased (P < 0.05) the height and width of intestinal villi and the lymphocytes and goblet cells count in the intestine. The obtained results were increased by increasing the inclusion level of Spirulina, especially for body weight and length, weight gain, FCR, phagocytic activity, and intestinal parameters. In conclusion, supplementing S. platensis can improve the growth performance of fish. Moreover, it can stimulate the immunity of fish through increasing the level of immunological blood indicators (IgM, lysozyme, phagocytic activity, lymphocytes, and eosinophils) as well as the local intestinal immunity (lymphocytes and goblet cells). So, it can be recommended to use S. platensis in fish diets not only to improve the growth performance but also to enhance the immune status.
Outcomes in Dutch DPP6 risk haplotype for familial idiopathic ventricular fibrillation: a focused update
Authors: Bergeman Auke T. , Hoeksema Wiert F. , van der Ree Martijn H. , Boersma Lucas V. A. , Yap Sing-Chien , Verheul Lisa M. , Hassink Rutger J. , van der Crabben Saskia N. , Volders Paul G. A. , van der Werf Christian , Wilde Arthur A. M. , Postema Pieter G. ,   European Reference Network for rare, low prevalence and complex diseases of the heart: ERN GUARD-Heart, Volders Paul G. A. , van der Werf Christian , Wilde Arthur A. M. , Postema Pieter G. 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
The genetic risk haplotype DPP6 has been linked to familial idiopathic ventricular fibrillation (IVF), but the associated long-term outcomes are unknown.

Methods
DPP6 risk haplotype-positive family members (DPP6 cases) and their risk haplotype-negative relatives (DPP6 controls) were included. Clinical follow-up data were collected through March 2023. Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) indication was divided in primary or secondary prevention. Cumulative survival and event rates were calculated.

Results
We included 327 DPP6 cases and 315 DPP6 controls. Median follow-up time was 9 years (interquartile range: 4–12). Of the DPP6 cases, 129 (39%) reached the composite endpoint of appropriate ICD shock, sudden cardiac arrest or death, at a median age of 45 years (range: 15–97). Median overall survival was 83 years and 87 years for DPP6 cases and DPP6 controls, respectively (p < 0.001). In DPP6 cases, median overall survival was shorter for males (74 years) than females (85 years) (p < 0.001). Of the DPP6 cases, 97 (30%) died, at a median age of 50 years. With a prophylactic ICD implantation advise based on risk haplotype, sex and age, 137 (42%) of DPP6 cases received an ICD, for primary prevention (n = 109) or secondary prevention (n = 28). In the primary prevention subgroup, 10 patients experienced a total of 34 appropriate ICD shocks, and there were no deaths during follow-up. DPP6 cases with a secondary prevention ICD experienced a total of 231 appropriate ICD shocks.

Conclusion
Patients with the DPP6 risk haplotype, particularly males, are at an increased risk of IVF and sudden cardiac death. Using a risk stratification approach based on risk haplotype, sex and age, a substantial proportion of patients with a primary prevention ICD experienced appropriate ICD shocks, showing the benefit of prophylactic ICD implantation with this strategy.
Changing haemodynamic status of patients referred for transcatheter aortic valve intervention during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Ooms Joris F. , Hokken Thijmen W. , Adrichem Rik , Gunes Dilay , de Ronde-Tillmans Marjo , Kardys Isabella , Goudzwaard Jeannette , Mattace-Raso Francesco , Nuis Rutger-Jan , Daemen Joost , Van Mieghem Nicolas M. 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Introduction
Delays in the diagnosis and referral of aortic stenosis (AS) during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic may have affected the haemodynamic status of AS patients. We aimed to compare clinical and haemodynamic characteristics of severe AS patients referred for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) or balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV) before the pandemic versus two subsequent periods.

Methods
This study compared three 1‑year historical cohorts: a pre-COVID-19 group (PCOV), a 1st-year COVID-19 group (COV-Y1) and a 2nd-year COVID-19 group (COV-Y2). The main parameters were baseline New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP). Demographics, procedural characteristics and 30-day clinical outcomes were assessed. The transition time between heart team decision and TAVI was examined. Pairwise group comparisons were performed (PCOV vs COV-1Y and COV-1Y vs COV-2Y).

Results
A total of 720 patients were included with 266, 249 and 205 patients in the PCOV, COV-Y1 and COV-Y2 groups, respectively. BAV was performed in 28 patients (4%). NYHA class did not differ across the cohorts. Compared to PCOV, LVEF was slightly lower in COV-Y1 (58% (49–60%) vs 57% (45–60%), p = 0.03); no difference was observed when comparing COV-Y1 and COV-Y2. LVEDP was higher in COV-Y1 than in PCOV (20 mm Hg (16–26 mm Hg) vs 17 mm Hg (13–24 mm Hg), p = 0.01). No difference was found when comparing LVEDP between COV-Y1 and COV-Y2. Thirty-day mortality did not differ between groups. Transition time was reduced in the COVID era. Duration of hospital stay declined over the study period.

Conclusions
Patients undergoing TAVI during the COVID-19 pandemic had more advanced AS illustrated by lower LVEF and higher LVEDP, but there were no differences in clinical outcome. The TAVI pathway became more efficient.
Adult 10-year survivors after liver transplantation: a single-institution experience over 40 years
Authors: Lai Quirino , Mennini Gianluca , Ginanni Corradini Stefano , Ferri Flaminia , Fonte Stefano , Pugliese Francesco , Merli Manuela , Rossi Massimo 
Published: July 2023

AbstractLiver transplantation (LT) represents the best cure for several acute and chronic liver diseases. Several studies reported excellent mid-term survivals after LT. However, lesser evidence has been reported on very long (10- and 20-year) follow-up results. This study aims to analyze the monocentric LT experience of the Sapienza University of Rome to identify the pre-operatively available parameters limiting a 10-year post-transplant survival. A total of 491 patients transplanted between 1982 and 2012 were enrolled. The cohort was split into two groups, namely the Short Surviving Group (< 10 years; n = 228, 46.4%) and the Long Surviving Group (≥ 10 years; n = 263, 53.6%). Several differences were reported between the two groups regarding initial liver function, surgical techniques adopted, and immunosuppression. Four variables emerged as statistically relevant as independent risk factors for not reaching at least 10 years of follow-up: recipient age (OR = 1.02; P = 0.01), donor age (OR = 1.01; P = 0.03), being transplanted during the eighties (OR = 6.46; P < 0.0001) and nineties (OR = 2.63; P < 0.0001), and the UNOS status 1-2A (OR = 2.62; P < 0.0001). LT confirms to be an extraordinary therapy for several severe liver diseases, consenting to reach in half of the transplanted cases even more than 20 years of follow-up. The initial liver function and the donor and recipient ages are relevant in impacting long-term survival after transplantation. A broad commitment from many professional groups, including surgeons, hepatologists, and anesthesiologists, is necessary. The achievement of excellent results in terms of long-term survival is proof of the effectiveness of this multidisciplinary collaboration.