bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical experience of using bicyclol in steatohepatitis of metabolic and metabolic-alcoholic genesis
Authors: Shcherbynina M. B. , Shevchenko T. M. , Novozhenina L. I. , Zakrevska O. V. 
Published: December 2024

Objective — to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of bicyclol in steatohepatitis of metabolic and metabolic‑alcoholic genesis based on the data of laboratory and instrumental studies.
Materials and methods. 60 European outpatients participated in an open comparative study; among them, 38 men and 22 women, with an average age of 49.5±8.1 years. The patients were divided into groups. The first group included 34 patients with a diagnosis of metabolically associated steatotic liver disease, the second group — 26 patients with metabolic alcohol‑associated liver disease. The groups were matched by gender and age. Diagnoses were established according to modern regulatory recommendations. The patients in both groups received bicyclol orally at a dose of 25 mg (1 tablet) three times a day, 2 hours after meals, for 12 weeks. The dynamics of laboratory‑instrumental indicators were evaluated before the start of treatment and at the end of observation. Statistical processing of the obtained results was carried out using the methods of variational statistics using the Microsoft Excel program.
Results. The use of bicyclol showed positive dynamics in both groups. Elimination of the cytolytic syndrome was observed in the form of a decrease in the activity of liver transferases (p <0.01 and p <0.05 in the 1st and 2nd groups, respectively); decrease in intrahepatic cholestasis; absence of pigment metabolism disorders; stabilization of cholesterol, triglyceride and glucose levels. Bicyclol therapy contributed to the reduction of the initially elevated ferritin level in patients with metabolically associated steatotic liver disease by almost 2 times (p <0.01), in patients with metabolic‑alcohol‑associated liver disease — by 1.5 times (p <0.01). In both groups, there was a decrease in the size of the liver and positive changes in indicators of steatosis and liver fibrosis.
Conclusions. Due to its complex mechanism of action, Bicyclol is suitable for use in steatohepatitis of metabolic and metabolic‑alcoholic genesis. Bicyclol helps to improve laboratory‑instrumental indicators, in particular, it reduces the activity of cytolytic and cholestatic processes in the liver, stabilizes lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, significantly reduces the manifestations of ferroptosis, and has a positive effect on sonographic indicators that reflect the severity of steatosis and liver fibrosis. The drug demonstrates a favorable tolerability and safety profile.
Misattribution bias of COVID-19 hospitalizations in Alberta using an admission algorithm
Authors: Dinh Tri , Ross Jordan , James Samantha , Klein Kristin , Chandran A Uma , Larios Oscar , Strong David , Conly John M ,   COVID-19 Hospitalization Working Group
Published: December 2024

Background: With initial waves of COVID-19, many public health systems assumed each COVID-19 positive hospitalization was a direct cause from COVID-19 infection. Since January 2022, Alberta Health Services Communicable Disease Control Hospitalization Team (CDC-HT) implemented an admission criteria algorithm to adjudicate COVID-19 as a direct, contributing, or unrelated cause for all COVID-19 admissions in Alberta. Methods: This quality improvement initiative sought to improve the admission algorithm's precision in reporting COVID-19 admissions. Patient hospitalization records from January-February 2022 with a positive COVID-19 test in the last 30 days were proportionally sampled in a geographically stratified manner across Alberta health zones. 261 patient records were sampled and determination of COVID-19 attribution by CDC-HT algorithm was compared to adjudication by a panel of infectious diseases physicians with extensive COVID-19 clinical experience. Results: Of 261 sampled COVID-19 admissions, blinded physician adjudication determined 39.9% were direct-cause, 17.2% contributing-cause, and 37.6% unrelated-cause. Within the same cohort the CDC-HT admission algorithm adjudicated 42.9% direct-cause, 24.5% contributing-cause, and 30.3% unrelated-cause. Cohen's kappa was 0.475, providing only moderate agreement. The majority of discrepancy was from over-attribution of unrelated hospitalizations as contributing cause. Implementation of this algorithm in Alberta throughout 2022 showed a fluctuating proportion of direct plus contributing COVID-19 hospitalizations as low as 40%. Conclusion: There was misattribution bias in COVID-19 hospitalization determination using the admission algorithm. The findings from this analysis led to improvements in the algorithm to improve precision. Public health jurisdictions should review their COVID-19 hospitalization reporting approaches to ensure validity and consideration of incidental cases.
Canadian Antibiotic Prescribing for Sepsis (CAPS) study: A post hoc analysis of the FABLED cohort study
Authors: Lasry David , Lee Todd C , Paquette Katryn , Demir Koray , Yansouni Cedric , Sweet David , Cheng Matthew P , Lawandi Alexander 
Published: December 2024

Background: Understanding the microbiology and optimal pharmacotherapy of patients with community-onset sepsis is key to improving outcomes. Yet, empiric therapies prescribed in Canadian emergency departments as they relate to microbial etiology and focus of infection are inadequately described. Methods: We performed a post hoc analysis of the FABLED cohort study, which quantified the effect of antimicrobials on blood culture yield in septic patients. Patients presenting with sepsis were enrolled in six Canadian emergency departments between 2013 and 2018. We characterized the appropriateness of empiric therapies relative to the pathogens isolated and focus of infection identified. Results: The data of 315 patients with sepsis was analyzed. Broad-spectrum antibiotics were used in 68.6% of the cohort. Despite this, Pseudomonas was never isolated in any blood cultures, and drug-resistant organisms were only encountered in 4.8% of the cohort. Among patients with bacteremia (n = 100), 28% of patients received appropriate antibiotic therapy whereas the remainder received therapies that were either overly narrow (16%) or unnecessarily broad (56%) in spectrum. Among patients with an identified focus of infection (n = 266), 30.5% received appropriate empiric antibiotics. Prescribing patterns that were overly broad, overly narrow, or a combination of the two were observed in 39.8%, 7.5%, and 22.2% of patients, respectively. Thirty-day mortality was lowest among patients receiving appropriate therapy relative to the final pathogen isolated and presumed infectious focus. Conclusions: Empiric therapies for septic patients in Canada were overly broad given the rare isolation of drug-resistant pathogens. Though likely confounded by severity of illness, optimal outcomes were observed when therapy was appropriate relative to the causative pathogen and infectious focus.
Dealing with Biodiversity Dilemmas in Ordinary Places
Authors: von Essen Erica , Ahlberg Karin , Cole Tomas , Karlsson Bengt G. , Maček Ivana 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
The battle against invasive alien species (IAS) rages on, and is being driven by recently articulated global biodiversity agendas. While the current United Nations Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) seeks to ensure pristine, protected areas comprise 30 percent of the world's total surface area by 2030, there remains much to be done for the remaining 70 percent, areas dominated by human habitat and industrial activities. Many non-native species have partly or wholly naturalized in these mixed ecosystems, becoming entangled in people's livelihoods. We therefore argue that initiatives to not only aggressively eradicate such IAS but also to enroll the help of citizens in doing so will likely meet with resistance. Biodiversity dilemmas may arise where the cure may be worse than the disease; animal welfare standards may have to be sacrificed; and socioeconomic utility may have to be set aside. We therefore advocate the need for an alternative perspective on biodiversity justice and the proper place of IAS.
Is a Slower Life a Pathway to Sustainable Lifestyles?
Authors: Boström Magnus , Sandström Lina 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
The restricted mobility and homebody life people experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic implied a dramatic change of the time–space configuration in everyday life. Based on a qualitative interview study with 35 participants in Ireland and Sweden, this article presents theoretical perspectives and empirical illustrations on how changes in the sociotemporal rhythms in everyday life can shape conditions for making people's lifestyles more environmentally sustainable. Its findings suggest that the experience of a slower tempo can contribute to how people reflect on and engage in more sustainable practices, but they also reveal that people can have ambiguous and differentiated positive and negative experiences of time, and that said experience was often perceived as a temporary break rather than a lasting change. The article contributes by offering a nuanced understanding of the promises of slowing down as a way to encourage sustainable consumption.
Increasing Literacy and Education Beginner Voter
Authors: Dedi Kurniawan  
Published: December 2024

General elections are a democratic process that cannot be separated from community involvement in determining legislative and executive leaders. The achievement of democracy is certainly inseparable from various elements of society, one of which is novice voters. The limitations of beginner voters to literacy and education about elections, such as not being registered in the Permanent Voter List (DPT), are a bad sign. The research conducted is field research, with a descriptive qualitative approach. The data collection technique in this research is Focus Group Discussion (FGD) with election officers and 6 Secondary Level Schools located in Siak Regency, Kandis sub-district namely Sultan Syarif Kasim SMKS, Baitul Rahman SMKS, Ponpes jabalnur, ponpes darus shofa, SMAN 3 Kandis, SMAN 1 Kandis. In Siak district there are novice voters who are classified as generation Z totaling 87. 575 (born in 1997-2012)/26.88%. The results showed that novice voters who lack literacy and education have not been selective in obtaining information about elections through various media. On the other hand, there are still beginner voters in six secondary schools who are still not registered in the permanent voter list. This shows that beginner voters who already have the right to vote can lose their right to vote due to limited information and knowledge.
Trends of the prevalence of polypharmacy and potentially inappropriate medications in people with dementia from 2006 to 2021 in Hong Kong
Authors: Qin Xiwen Simon , Wang Yang , Leung Miriam Tim Yin , Ma TianTian , Chen Kailin , Luo Hao , Yuen Jacqueline Kwan Yuk , Lau Kui Kai , Yu Doris Sau Fung , Chui Celine Sze Ling 
Published: December 2024

Background Long-term prescription patterns of polypharmacy and potentially inappropriate medication (PIMs) in dementia patients were limited in the Chinese population. Objective Examine the prevalence trends of polypharmacy and PIMs in people living with dementia. Methods Using electronic healthcare data from Hong Kong(2006–2021), we evaluated trends of polypharmacy (≥5 medications) and hyperpolypharmacy (≥10 medications) prescribed within 60 days per year in dementia patients aged ≥65 years old. PIMs were identified using the 2019 Beers criteria and the Screening Tool of Older Person's Prescription version 2, with at least one prescription per year. The COVID-19 pandemic period was defined as 2020–2021. The prevalence of polypharmacy, hyperpolypharmacy, and PIMs was calculated as the affected people divided by the total number of dementia patients alive each year. Joinpoint regression models was used to analyze trends and estimate average annual percent change (AAPC). Results The prevalence of polypharmacy increased from 2006 (36.4%) to 2021 (66.4%) (AAPC: 4.0). Hyperpolypharmacy also increased from 3.3% to 21.0% (AAPC:12.7). During pandemic, stable trends were observed in polypharmacy (p = 0.08) and hyperpolypharmacy (p = 0.20). The prevalence trend of PIMs from 2006 to 2021 was stable (35.8%–35.2%, p = 0.17), with a slight increase observed after 2015 (33.5%–35.2%, p < 0.0001). Between 2006 and 2013, and after the release of the new guideline (2019–2021), the prescription rates of antipsychotics and anticholinergics decreased (both p < 0.001), while prescriptions for non-benzodiazepine (AAPC: 4.4) and benzodiazepine (AAPC: 3.6) increased. Conclusions Reviewing polypharmacy and hyperpolypharmacy among people living with dementia is needed to ensure the appropriate use of medications.
A case of Alzheimer's disease with improved activities of daily living and psychological symptoms after photo assessment for activities of daily living and online management
Authors: Shimokihara Suguru , Tabira Takayuki , Fukuhara Ryuji , Ishizuka Takanori , Sakimoto Hitoshi , Matsumoto Kazuki , Kondo Tetsuya , Arai Kaoru , Katsuki Kunihiko , Ishimaru Daiki , Nagata Yuma , Hotta Maki , Ikeda Manabu , Nakamura Masayuki 
Published: December 2024

Background Impairment of the activities of daily living (ADL) due to dementia can reduce the quality of life of patients and increase the burden on caregivers, necessitating appropriate interventions. Recently, the effectiveness of telerehabilitation for patients with dementia has been demonstrated, but its effect on ADL is uncertain. Objective We report on a 76-year-old female patient with Alzheimer's disease who underwent photo assessment for activities of daily living (PA-ADL) in the home environment and online management (O-MGT) at home. Methods The PA-ADL and O-MGT were implemented because of the progressive impairment of instrumental ADL and increased caregiver burden. In the PA-ADL, occupational therapists used photos of her home environment taken by her caregivers to check off environments that might pose a risk for life disability and set rehabilitation goals. Using a videoconferencing system, O-MGT had a therapist provide goal-directed ADL interventions remotely while she and her caregivers were at home. Results She improved in behavioral psychological symptoms and instrumental ADL after our PA-ADL and O-MGT intervention package, despite no improvement in cognitive function. In addition, caregiver burden was also found to be reduced after these interventions. Conclusions The PA-ADL and O-MGT intervention packages improved some of her behavioral and psychological symptoms, ADL abilities, and caregiver burden. Physical environment assessment using home photos and remote ADL rehabilitation may be considered options for Alzheimer's disease patients with ADL impairment.
Medical imaging datasets, preparation, and availability for artificial intelligence in medical imaging
Authors: Alabduljabbar Abdulrahman , Khan Sajid Ullah , Alsuhaibani Anas , Almarshad Fahdah , Altherwy Youssef N 
Published: December 2024

Background Artificial intelligence (AI) persists as a focal subject within the realm of medical imaging, heralding a multitude of prospective applications that span the comprehensive imaging lifecycle. However, a key hurdle to the development and real-world application of AI algorithms is the necessity for large amounts of well-organized and carefully planned training data, including professional annotations (labelling). Modern supervised AI techniques require thorough data curation to efficiently train, validate, and test models. Objective The proper processing of medical images for use by AI-driven solutions is a critical component in the development of dependable and resilient AI algorithms. Currently, research organizations and corporate entities frequently confront data access limits, working with small amounts of data from restricted geographic locations. Methods This study provides an in-depth examination of the publicly accessible datasets in the field of medical imaging. This work also determines the methods required for preparing medical imaging data for the development of AI algorithms, emphasizes current limitations in dataset curation. Furthermore, this study explores inventive strategies to address the challenge of data availability, offering a detailed overview of data curation technologies. Results This study provides a comprehensive evaluation of medical imaging datasets emphasizes their vital significance in improving diagnostic accuracy and AI models, while also addressing key problems such as dataset diversity, labelling, and ethical implications. Conclusions The paper concludes with an insightful discussion and analysis of challenges in medical image analysis, along with potential future directions in the field.
Are there Proto-Slavic loanwords in Saami?
Authors: Aikio Ante 
Published: December 2024

There are two nouns in Saami languages for which Proto-Slavic loan etymologies have been proposed: Proto-Saami *multtē ‘soap’ and *kuompe̮r ‘mushroom’, allegedly borrowed from Proto-Slavic *mỳdlo ‘soap’ and *gǫba ‘mushroom, fungus’. Both etymologies are critically analyzed, and in the process, new etymologies for several other Saami words are also proposed. It is suggested that the two Slavic loan etymologies are examples of the largely overlooked phenomenon of “chance correspondence”: although the matches between the Saami and the Slavic words are phonologically regular and semantically transparent, they nevertheless very probably result from sheer coincidence. The word *multtē ‘soap’ is showed to have an alternative and far more probable Proto-Norse loan etymology, and the Slavic etymology of the word *kuompe̮r turns out to be weak because it does not account for the stem-final consonant *r. This result entails a valuable methodological lesson: in addition to “chance similarities” between languages, there are also “chance correspondences” between them – that is, words that show a regular phonological and semantic match by pure coincidence. Although the latter are much rarer than the former, they nevertheless seem to be more common than is usually assumed. Because of this, far-reaching conclusions (such as assumptions of contact between two reconstructed proto-languages) should not be based on a mere couple of etymologies, no matter how plausible they may seem superficially.
Identification of selective sweep and associated QTL traits in Iranian Ovis aries and Ovis orientalis populations
Authors: Taheri Sadegh , Javadmanesh Ali , Zerehdaran Saeed 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionIdentifying genomic regions under selection is the most challenging issue for improving important traits in animals. Few studies have focused on identifying genomic regions under selection in sheep. The aim of this study was to identify selective sweeps and to explore the relationship between these and quantitative trait loci (QTL) in both domestic and wild sheep species using single nucleotide polymorphism markers (SNPs).MethodsGenomic data were obtained from the NextGen project, which included genotyping 20 domestic and 14 wild sheep using the Illumina Ovine SNP50K BeadChip. The XP-EHH, iHS, and RSB methods were employed to detect signatures of positive selection.ResultsThe results of the iHS method indicated 405 and 275 selective sweeps in domestic and wild sheep, respectively. Additionally, RSB and XP-EHH analyses revealed approximately 398 and 479 selective sweeps in domestic and wild sheep, respectively. Some of the genes associated with important QTL traits in domestic sheep include ADGRB3, CADM1, CAPN2, GALNT10, MTR, RELN, and USP25, while in wild sheep, the relevant genes include ACAN, ACO1, GADL1, MGST3, and PRDM16. Selective sweeps identified in domestic sheep were associated with body weight, muscle weight, milk protein percentage, and milk yield. In contrast, selective sweeps found in wild sheep were linked to average daily gain, bone weight, carcass fat percentage, and dressing percentage.DiscussionThese results indicate that selection by humans and the environment have largely progressed in harmony, highlighting the importance of both economic and environmental traits for survival. Additionally, the identification of potential candidate genes associated with economic traits and genomic regions that have experienced selection can be utilized in sheep breeding programs. However, due to the incomplete information regarding the functional annotation of genes in sheep and the limited sample size, further research with a larger sample group is essential to gain a deeper understanding of the candidate genes linked to economic traits in both domestic and wild sheep. Advancing knowledge in this area can significantly enhance the effectiveness of breeding strategies. The quantitative trait loci identified in this study have the potential to be incorporated into breeding plans for both domestic and wild sheep.
Infiltrating macrophages and interferon gamma rather than renal genotype dictate heightened crescentic glomerulonephritis
Authors: Du Yong , Fu Yuyang , Gao Yuyang , Poojitha Dugyala , Kamala Vanarsa , Li Quanzhen , Zhou Xinjing , Mohan Chandra 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundBoth intrinsic renal cells and immune cells contribute to driving renal inflammation and damage. However, the respective roles of intrinsic renal cells and immune cells in crescentic glomerulonephritis, and the key molecular factors driving pathogenesis are still unclear.MethodsThe roles of intrinsic renal cells and renal infiltrating immune cells in crescent formation were explored using renal transplantation after experimental anti-GBM disease induction in 129x1/svJ and C57BL/6J mice. Both strains share MHC, but vary in anti-GBM nephritis susceptibility. The role of macrophage and IFN-γ in crescent formation was investigated using adoptive transfer of macrophages with altered IFN-γ expression. The gene expression profile difference between 129x1/svJ and C57BL/6J macrophages was compared using Affymetrix arrays and Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis.ResultsB6 recipient mice transplanted with 129x1/svJ kidneys were resistant to anti-GBM challenge, as evidenced by stable renal function and less severe renal pathology. Conversely, 129x1/svJ recipient mice receiving B6 kidneys developed severe renal damage with crescent formation, comparable to the disease in parental 129x1/svJ mice. 129x1/svJ macrophages exhibited heightened IFN-γ and IFN-γ related gene expression compared to B6 macrophages. Adoptive transfer of 129x1/svJ macrophages with subdued IFN-γ expression reduced anti-GBM nephritis, while B6 macrophages with up-regulated IFN- γ expression worsened renal damage.ConclusionUsing renal transplantation between 129x1/svJ and C57BL/6J mice and anti-GBM disease induction, we found infiltrating immune cells, not intrinsic renal cells, to play the dominant role in initialing and driving glomerular crescent formation. In particular, macrophage IFN-γ expression was critical for crescent formation.