bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pembrolizumab Alone or Combined With Chemotherapy in Advanced NSCLC With PD-L1 ≥50%: Results of a Retrospective Study
Authors: Chen Ya , Wang Yanan , Yang Zhengyu , Hu Minjuan , Zhang Yanwei , Qian Fangfei , Zhang Wei , Zhang Bo , Han Baohui 
Published: June 2021

ObjectivesPembrolizumab plus platinum-based chemotherapy and pembrolizumab monotherapy (PM) both become standard of care in patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and a programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) tumor proportion score (TPS) greater than 50%. This study aimed to figure out the better treatment choice.MethodIn this retrospective analysis, we compared the clinical efficacy of PM and PC as first-line treatment in NSCLC patients with a PD-L1 ≥50% and negative for genomic alterations in the EGFR and ALK genes.ResultAmong the population, 115 patients received PC, and 91 patients received PM. Up to Dec 30, 2020, median follow-up was 17.13 months. The median progression-free survival (PFS) rates of PC and PM were 12.37 and 9.60 months (HR: 0.44, p &lt; 0.001), respectively. The median overall survival (OS) rates were NE and 28.91 months (HR: 0.40, p = 0.005), respectively. Subgroup analysis found that the PFS benefit of PC was evident in most subgroups excepting patients with brain metastasis. The 1-year overall survival rates of PC and PM were 89.3% and 76.1%, respectively. The ORR was 61.7 and 46.9% (p = 0.004), respectively.ConclusionIn patients with previously untreated, PD-L1 ≥50%, advanced NSCLC without EGFR or ALK mutations, the addition of pembrolizumab to standard platinum-based chemotherapy seems to be the preferred treatment, which needs to be validated by further prospective trials.
Colonoscopic Diagnosis of Postoperative Gastrointestinal Bleeding in Patients With Hirschsprung's Disease
Authors: Yang Jixin , Zhu Tianqi , Wu Xiaojuan , Wei Mingfa , Wang Guo , Feng Jiexiong 
Published: June 2021

Aim: Postoperative lower gastrointestinal bleeding in children with Hirschsprung's Disease (HSCR) is a non-specific symptom, which may be caused by various etiologies. Our current study aims to utilize colonoscopy to diagnose the causes of postoperative hematochezia and to analyze its feasibility, accuracy, and safety.Methods: Twenty-four patients with HSCR with postoperative lower gastrointestinal bleeding or occult blood in the stool were enrolled in this study. The postoperative onset duration, age at examination, accompanied anomalies were recorded. After bowel preparation, all patients underwent colonoscopy. According to visual findings, mucosal biopsy was performed, followed by pathological diagnosis. Further treatment was determined according to the visual findings and pathological diagnosis. All patients were followed up for 6 months including therapeutic outcomes and recurrence of symptoms.Results: The mean onset duration was (221.3 ± 216.8) days postoperatively (ranging from 25 to 768 days). The mean age at examination was (41.0 ± 29.4) months. There was no significant difference in the onset days among each group (all, p &gt; 0.05). Based on visual and pathological findings, there were 11 cases of HSCR associated enterocolitis (HAEC), 4 cases of anastomotic leakage, 7 cases of anastomotic inflammation, 1 case of juvenile polyp, and 1 case of inflammatory pseudopolyp. Intraluminal saline irrigation, thrombin treatment or colorectal polyp electrocision was performed according to intraoperative diagnosis. Patients with HEAC and anastomotic inflammation underwent antibiotics therapy and colorectal irrigation. Patients with leakage underwent reoperation. The highest incidence of accompanied symptoms of diarrhea existed in HEAC group (p = 0.02) and fever in leakage group (p = 0.02), respectively. No perforation or aggravated bleeding occurs in any patients. All patients gained uneventful recovery during follow-up period.Conclusions: Colonoscopy is a safe, accurate and timely examination for HSCR patients with postoperative lower gastrointestinal bleeding. The visual findings and biopsy may provide accurate diagnosis and guide treatment for this subset of patients.
Hochuekkito can Prevent the Colonization of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Upper Respiratory Tract of Acute Stroke Patients
Authors: Kitahara Masakazu , Takayama Shin , Akaishi Tetsuya , Kikuchi Akiko , Ishii Tadashi 
Published: June 2021

Background: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonization can lead to MRSA pneumonia or other infections in compromised hosts, and invasive MRSA infections lead to significant morbidity and mortality. The present observational study elucidated whether administration of hochuekkito (HET) can prevent MRSA colonization in the upper respiratory tract and support recovery in acute stroke patients.Methods: In this retrospective, observational study, 73 acute stroke patients admitted to Kenwakai Hospital between April 2007 and December 2019 who did not require emergency surgery during this period were enrolled. Conventional treatment was provided to all patients, depending on their condition, and 7.5 g/day of HET was administered to the patients who could take the medicine via nasogastric tube or orally in three divided doses for three months. Bacterial cultures from laryngeal swabs and sputum were evaluated every week. We evaluated the presence of MRSA infection or another infectious disease within 30 days of admission; modified Rankin Scale scores, which assesses the independent living skills after stroke at three months after admission; and blood biomarkers (white blood cell count, albumin levels, C-reactive protein levels, and hemoglobin levels).Results: In total, 73 patients (HET group, n = 41; non-HET group, n = 32) were enrolled in the study. MRSA detection was significantly less likely in the HET group than in the non-HET group (p = 0.0497). The incidence of infectious diseases was significantly lower in the HET group than in the non-HET group (p = 0.0096), and the modified Rankin Scale score at three months was also significantly lower in the HET group than in the non-HET group (p = 0.033). The white blood cell count, and serum C-reactive protein levels did not differ between those who were treated with HET and those who were not. However, serum albumin and hemoglobin levels improved slightly between month one and month three after admission only in those who were treated with HET.Conclusion: Our results indicate that the administration of HET may contribute to the prevention of MRSA colonization and promote rehabilitation in stroke patients.
Use of Acute Psychiatric Hospitalisation: A Study of the Factors Influencing Decisions to Arrange Acute Admission to Inpatient Mental Health Facilities
Authors: Nathan Rajan , Gabbay Mark , Boyle Sean , Elliott Phil , Giebel Clarissa , O'Loughlin Carl , Wilson Pete , Saini Pooja 
Published: June 2021

Background: Human decision-making involves a complex interplay of intra- and inter-personal factors. The decisions clinicians make in practise are subject to a wide range of influences. Admission to a psychiatric hospital is a major clinical intervention, but the decision-making processes involved in admissions remain unclear.Aims: To delineate the range of factors influencing clinicians' decisions to arrange acute psychiatric admissions.Methods: We undertook six focus groups with teams centrally involved in decisions to admit patients to hospital (crisis resolution home treatment, liaison psychiatry, approved mental health professionals and consultant psychiatrists). The data were analysed using qualitative thematic analysis.Results: Our analysis of the data show a complex range of factors influencing decision-making that were categorised as those related to: (i) clinical and risk factors; (ii) fear/threat factors; (iii) interpersonal dynamics; (iv) contextual factors.Conclusions: Decisions to arrange acute admission to hospital are not just based on an appraisal of clinical and risk-related information. Emotional, interpersonal and contextual factors are also critical in decision-making. Delineating the breadth of factors that bear on clinical decision-making can inform approaches to (i) clinical decision-making research, (ii) the training and supervision of clinicians, and (iii) service delivery models.
The Usefulness of Intraoperative PTH as a Predictor for Successful Parathyroidectomy in Secondary Hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Chávez Karla Verónica , Márquez-González Horacio , Chavez-Tostado Mariana 
Published: June 2021

Introduction: Secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) is a multisystemic syndrome that affects calcium and bone homeostasis in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Despite medical treatment, 1–2% of patients require parathyroidectomy annually. The use of an intraoperative parathormone protocol (IOPTH) to predict cure is still in debate, due to the lack of standardized protocols, the use of different assays, and uneven PTH clearance. This study aimed to determine the diagnostic accuracy of an IOPTH in patients with SHPT for predicting successful surgery after parathyroidectomy.Methods: About 30 patients were enrolled. A prospective observational study (cohort) was performed in patients who were submitted to parathyroidectomy by an endocrine surgeon for SHPT. All were submitted to a bilateral neck exploration with a subtotal parathyroidectomy. Three IOPTH determinations were withdrawn: at anesthetic induction (PTH0), 15 min (PTH15), and 30 min (PTH30) after completion of gland resection. Another sample was taken 24 h after the procedure (PTH24), values &lt;150 pg/mL defined a successful surgery, and patients were assigned to the success or failure group. IOPTH drop was analyzed to predict successful surgery with drops of 70 and 90% at 15 and 30 min, respectively.Results: A total of 26 patients were included, 19 patients were in the successful group. IOPTH showed a significant difference between groups in their absolute PTH15 and PTH30 values. A significant difference was also found in their PTH drop at 30 min (81 vs. 91%, p = 0.08). For predicting a successful surgery, having a PTH drop &gt;90% at 30 min was the most significant factor [Odds Ratio (OR) 3.0 (1.5–4) IC 95%].Conclusions: This study points toward a stricter and staggered IOPTH protocol to predict a successful surgery. Our results suggest taking a PTH15 expecting a PTH drop of &gt;90%. If this is not achieved, reexploration and a PTH30 sample are suggested to accurately predict success.
Abdominal Ultrasound and Its Diagnostic Accuracy in Diagnosing Acute Appendicitis: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Fu Jian , Zhou Xu , Chen Liang , Lu Sheng 
Published: June 2021

Background: Acute appendicitis (AA) is a common cause of abdominal pain encountering unnecessary surgeries in emergency departments. The present meta-analysis aims to assess the accuracy of abdominal ultrasound in suspected acute appendicitis cases in terms of sensitivity, specificity, and post-test odds for positive and negative results.Materials and Methods: An extensive and systematic search was conducted in Medline (via PubMed), Cinahl (via Ebsco), Scopus, and Web of Sciences from 2010 till the end of March 2021. Two authors analyzed studies for inclusion, collected results, and conducted analyses separately. Examination of the histopathological tissue collected during appendectomy served as a gold standard for determining the final diagnosis of appendicitis. The accuracy was determined by evaluating sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), diagnostic odds ratio.Results: Out of 3,193 references, a total of 18 studies were selected. Overall sensitivity of 77.2% (95% CI – 75.4–78.9%) and specificity of 60% (95% CI – 58–62%) were observed. The diagnostic odds ratio of 6.88(95% CI 1.99–23.82) was obtained.Conclusion: Abdominal ultrasound shows significant accuracy of diagnosis in patients with suspected acute appendicitis.
Discovery of Novel Backusella (Backusellaceae, Mucorales) Isolated from Invertebrates and Toads in Cheongyang, Korea
Authors: Nguyen Thuong T.T. , Voigt Kerstin , Santiago André Luiz Cabral Monteiro de Azevedo , Kirk Paul M. , Lee Hyang Burm 
Published: June 2021

Three novel fungal species, Backusella chlamydospora sp. nov., B. koreana sp. nov., and B. thermophila sp. nov., as well as two new records, B. oblongielliptica and B. oblongispora, were found in Cheongyang, Korea, during an investigation of fungal species from invertebrates and toads. All species are described here using morphological characters and sequence data from internal transcribed spacer sequences of ribosomal DNA and large subunit of the ribosomal DNA. Backusella chlamydospora is different from other Backusella species by producing chlamydospores. Backusella koreana can be distinguished from other Backusella species by producing abundant yeast-like cells. Backusella thermophila is characterized by a variable (subglobose to oblong, applanate to oval, conical and ellipsoidal to pyriform) columellae and grows well at 37 °C. Multigene phylogenetic analyses of the combined ITS and LSU rDNA sequences data generated from maximum likelihood and MrBayes analyses indicate that B. chlamydospora, B. koreana, and B. thermophila form distinct lineages in the family Backusellaceae. Detailed descriptions, illustrations, phylogenetic tree, and taxonomic key to the Backusella species present in Korea are provided.
Cultivable Yeast Microbiota from the Marine Fish Species Genypterus chilensis and Seriolella violacea
Authors: Valderrama Benjamín , Ruiz José J. , Gutiérrez María Soledad , Alveal Katherine , Caruffo Mario , Oliva Marcia , Flores Héctor , Silva Alfonso , Toro Magaly , Reyes-Jara Angélica , Navarrete Paola 
Published: June 2021

Because of its outstanding biological and industrial importance, many efforts have been made to characterize the mycobiota of new environments and their biochemical and biotechnological potentials. Gut mycobiota can be a source of novel yeasts with the potential to be used as probiotics or have industrial applications. In this work, we characterized two as-yet unexplored yeast communities from the intestinal content of the cultured marine Chilean fishes Genypterus chilensis (G. chilensis) and Seriolella violacea (S. violacea). Yeasts were isolated through culture, identified by sequencing their ITS region, and characterized their enzymatic profile with API®ZYM. Rhodotorula mucilaginosa was identified in both fish species. For the first time, Candida palmioleophila, Candida pseudorugosa, Cystobasidium slooffiae, and a member of the Yamadazyma genus were also identified and described as part of the normal fish gut–microbiota. Furthermore, the diverse enzymatic profile exhibited by some of these isolates suggests that it may be possible to develop novel applications for them, such as new probiotics and other biotechnological applications.
Noncured Graphene Thermal Interface Materials for High-Power Electronics: Minimizing the Thermal Contact Resistance
Authors: Sudhindra Sriharsha , Kargar Fariborz , Balandin Alexander A. 
Published: June 2021

We report on experimental investigation of thermal contact resistance, RC, of the noncuring graphene thermal interface materials with the surfaces characterized by different degree of roughness, Sq. It is found that the thermal contact resistance depends on the graphene loading, ξ, non-monotonically, achieving its minimum at the loading fraction of ξ ~15 wt%. Decreasing the surface roughness by Sq~1 μm results in approximately the factor of ×2 decrease in the thermal contact resistance for this graphene loading. The obtained dependences of the thermal conductivity, KTIM, thermal contact resistance, RC, and the total thermal resistance of the thermal interface material layer on ξ and Sq can be utilized for optimization of the loading fraction of graphene for specific materials and roughness of the connecting surfaces. Our results are important for the thermal management of high-power-density electronics implemented with diamond and other wide-band-gap semiconductors.
Aproximación a una perspectiva teórica de la Robótica Educativa
Authors: Vernal Navarrete Carlos Antonio , Meléndez Araya Nahur Manuel 
Published: June 2021

Investigación teórica educativa cuyo objetivo fue comprender los fundamentos teóricos de Robótica Educativa (RE) para aproximar a la comunidad científica docente hacia un planteamiento problemático de estudio con posibilidades de alto nivel, limitaciones para su implementación y discusiones que develan la postura crítica de los investigadores del presente trabajo. En especial desde la visión constructivista. La metodología se orientó a partir del paradigma cualitativo, bajo un enfoque interpretativo de tipo documental. Los resultados abarcan nociones novedosas para repensar la Robótica, las TIC y la enseñanza actual. Se concluyó que la Robótica Educativa representa una opción motivadora que aventaja a los procesos pedagógicos tradicionales centrados en el docente y de impacto para la renovación de discursos tecnológicos.
Reflexiones sobre Patrimonio Cultural, aprendizaje y video juego
Authors: Palma Villalón Jorge Andrés , Meléndez Araya Nahur Manuel 
Published: June 2021

La educación tiene un papel muy importante en el desarrollo de procesos que promuevan el conocimiento del patrimonio cultural, de la región de Atacama, para desarrollar valores de pertenencia y cuidado en los estudiantes de educación básica. Esta investigación tiene como objetivo evaluar la efectividad del videojuego 2D“Rescue Heritage”, diseñado para esta investigación, con el propósito de lograr un aprendizaje significativo del patrimonio cultural de Atacama. Es una investigación evaluativa y el diseño es de campo. La técnica de recolección de datos es la encuesta y el instrumento para medir los efectos del juego es un cuestionario estructurado. La población estuvo constituida por 15 estudiantes con edades comprendidas entre los 5 y 12 años. Se concluye que los videojuegos son efectivos para lograr aprendizajes de conocimientos de datos, hechos y nuevos conceptos relacionados con el patrimonio cultural de la región de Atacama.
Biomechanical technology of injury prevention in the training of specialists in physical education and sports
Authors: Kozin S.V 
Published: June 2021

Purpose: to develop and experimentally test the biomechanical technology of injury prevention of future specialists in physical education and sports in the process of professional training (rock climbing for example). Material and Methods. The participants of this study were 84 male students engaged in amateur climbing aged 18-19 years. All athletes were also students of physical education faculties of Ukrainian universities; 40 athletes were in the experimental group and 44 athletes were in the control group. The biomechanical technology for injury prevention in the training of specialists in physical education and sports has been developed on rock climbing for example. Developed biomechanical technology for injury prevention contains 3 areas: 1 - theoretical; 2 - analytical; 3 - practical. Injury risk (incidence) was defined as the number of injuries to the total number of athletes in the analyzed group. Relative risk (incidence rate ratio) was determined by the ratio of risk in the control group to the risk in the experimental group. The chance of injury was defined as the ratio of the number of injuries to the number of uninjured athletes in the analyzed group. The relative chance (Odds Ratio) was defined as the chances of injury in the control group to the chances of injury in the experimental group. These indicators were determined separately for low, medium and severe finger injuries. Results. The applied technology of injury prevention significantly influences the reduction of the number of injuries of athletes – future specialists on the physical education and sports (on rock climbing for example). It is established that the application of the developed technology of injury prevention reduces the risk of finger injuries: low complexity – in 2.364 times (95% CI = 0.925-6.041, P> 0,05) times; medium complexity – in 3.333 times (95% CI = 1.001-11.096, P (Fisher) = 0.030); high complexity – in 8.182 times (95% CI = 1.084-61.749, P (Fisher) = 0.011). Conclusions. The application of the developed biomechanical technology of injury prevention in the process of training specialists in physical education and sports significantly reduces the risk of injury to students.
Crossing the threshold. Emerging adulthood as an elaborate liminal phase of the rite of passage
Authors: Lipska Anna , Zagórska Wanda 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
The article contains a comparison of emerging adulthood (EA) to the rite of passage by van Gennep and Turner. The authors argue that EA is a far and residual equivalent of the liminal phase of the rite of passage, in its extended form. At first, they present the concept of the rite of passage, the idea of liminality, the phenomenon of extending the psychosocial moratorium and some aspects of the concept of emerging adulthood. Further they analyse the similarities and differences between the liminal phase and EA. They conclude that EA is a liminal period, but such that, on the one hand, is elaborated and extended in time, and on the other hand – degraded in its symbolism and significance (nonsanctified). The EA is associated with the specificity of western culture, such as degradation and disappearance of rites of passage in their traditional forms, orientation towards consumption and hedonism. It seems to have its source in the psychic qualities of young people, among other things, in their lack of readiness to take up the responsibility for others. Finally, the authors state that the results of a lack in initiation are thus beginning to make themselves particularly keenly felt in today’s world.
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE STRAIN Lactobacillus plantarum UL487 ISOLATED FROM TOFU (HUE)
Authors: Nguyen Dao Thi Anh , Hoang Vinh Van , Nguyen Uyen Quynh 
Published: June 2021

Lactobacillus plantarum is widely used in many fields, especially in medicine. In this study, besides thestrain’s morphology (i.e, the colony and the cell under microscrope and scan electronic microscope), antibacterial activities against some pathogenic bacteria and the nucleotide sequences encoded for bacteriocin PlnA, PlnEF and the cold shock protein (Csp) of L. plantarum UL487 isolated form Tofu (Hue) were studiedby agar diffusion method and cloning. The results showed that: i) the morphology of the colony and the cell of the strain were typical for lactic acid bacteria; ii) UL487 owned antibacterial activities against some pathogenic bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus VTCCB 658, Bacillus cereus VTCCB 613 and Salmonella enterica VTCCB 480; and iii) the nucleotide sequences encoded for bacteriocin PlnA, PlnEF and the amino acid of the cold shock protein (Csp) of the strain were 96%, 99% and 94% identical to those of the L. plantarum in the Gen Bank, respectively.