bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Usefulness of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron-emission tomography/computed tomography combined with the platelet-lymphocyte ratio in predicting the prognosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Xian Wei jun , Feng Yan lin , Wang Ying , Yang Ming , Lu Sheng nan 
Published: November 2021

Objectives:
To investigate the value of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron-emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) combined with the platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) in predicting the prognosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).

Methods:
This was a retrospective analysis of the data of 73 patients with NPC who underwent 18F-FDG PET/CT before treatment from January 2010 to December 2014. The maximum standard uptake value (SUVmax) of NPC and the PLR within 1 week before treatment were both measured. The Mann-Whitney U-test was used to compare the differences between the SUVmax and PLR among the different clinical characteristics of patients with NPC and the 5-year progression-free survival (PFS) rate; according to the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, the best cutoff values of the SUVmax and PLR were obtained and used to group patients. The Kaplan-Meier method and Log-rank test were used to conduct univariate analysis of 5-year PFS in patients with NPC, and Cox regression was used to conduct multivariate analysis; differences in the 5-year PFS of patients with different SUVmax values combined with the PLR were compared.

Results:
The SUVmax and PLR of patients with disease progression within 5 years were higher than those of patients without disease progression (p = 0.006 and p = 0.026). SUVmax = 9.7 and PLR = 132.98 had the best prognostic diagnostic efficiency for patients. Cox multivariate analysis showed that the SUVmax and PLR are independent factors affecting the prognosis of NPC. The 5-year PFS of patients with SUVmax &lt;9.7 was significantly higher than that of patients with SUVmax ≥9.7 in the high PLR group (PLR ≥132.98) and in the low PLR group (PLR &lt;132.98) (59.3% vs  29.4%, p = 0.033 and 90.9% vs 42.9%, p = 0.006, respectively). For patients with SUVmax &lt;9.7, the 5-year PFS of the high PLR group was significantly lower than the low PLR group (59.3% vs  90.9%, p = 0.016); for patients with SUVmax ≥9.7, there was no significant difference in 5-year PFS between the high PLR group and the low PLR group (29.4% vs  42.9%, p = 0.406).

Conclusions:
Both the SUVmax of the primary tumor and the PLR before treatment have an important influence on the prognosis of NPC. Combining the SUVmax and the PLR can more accurately predict the prognosis of patients with NPC.

Advances in knowledge
In this study, we evaluated the prognostic value of combining pretreatment tumor 18F-FDG uptake on PET/CT imaging and PLR in NPC patients. We found that both SUVmax and PLR are independent factors for the PFS of NPC patients, and a low SUVmax (SUVmax &lt;9.7) combined with a low PLR (PLR &lt;132.98) revealed significant PFS benefit.
Pharmacological management of seizures in patients with COVID-19: a systematic review
Authors: Mante Priscilla Kolibea , Adomako Nana Ofori , Omuojine John-Paul , Antwi Paulina 
Published: November 2021

Background: Some patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) have been reported to exhibit neurological symptoms such as seizures and impaired consciousness. Our study reviews reported cases to assess the pharmacological approach to managing seizures in SARS-CoV-2 patients and associated outcomes. Methods: A systematic review of case reports on the incidence of seizures following coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) among patients that reported use of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) in management was performed by using the PRISMA (preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis) guidelines. Databases used included EMBASE, PubMed, SCOPUS, and Google Scholar. Data was presented as qualitative and descriptive data. Results: In total, 67 articles were selected for full-text assessment, of which 18 were included in the final review. Patients had a median age of 54 years, most of whom were male. Remdisivir, dexamethasone, Laninamivir, hydroxychloroquine, azithromycin, and Lopinavir-ritonavir were common agents used in the management of COVID-19. Most patients presented with either generalized tonic-clonic seizures or status epilepticus. Most patients received levetiracetam as drug choice or as part of their regimen. Other AEDs commonly prescribed included midazolam and sodium valproate. Some patients received no antiepileptic drug therapy. Most of the patients who died had more than one comorbidity. Also, most of the patients who died received COVID-19 treatment drugs. None of the patients who received midazolam as drug choice or as part of their regimen developed recurrent seizures in contrast to patients who received levetiracetam and sodium valproate as drug choice or as part of their regimen. Interestingly, none of the patients who received no AEDs suffered recurrent seizures or died. Conclusions: Standard guidelines for managing seizures in COVID-19 patients may be required. A limitation of this review is that it involved the use of case reports with no controls and a small number of patients.
Gene expression changes in mammalian hosts during schistosomiasis: a review
Authors: Namulondo Joyce , Mulindwa Julius , Nyangiri Oscar A. , Egesa Moses , Noyes Harry , Matovu Enock ,   TrypanoGEN+ research group of the H3Africa consortium
Published: November 2021

Schistosomiasis affects over 250 million people worldwide with an estimated mortality of more than 200,000 deaths per year in sub-Saharan Africa. Efforts to control schistosomiasis in the affected areas have mainly relied on mass administration of praziquantel, which kills adult but not immature worms of all Schistosoma species. Mammalian hosts respond differently to Schistosoma infection with some being more susceptible than others, which is associated with risk factors such as sociodemographic, epidemiological, immunological and/or genetic. Host genetic factors play a major role in influencing molecular processes in response to schistosomiasis as shown in gene expression studies. These studies highlight gene profiles expressed at different time points of infection using model animals. Immune function related genes; cytokines (Th1 and Th17) are upregulated earlier in infection and Th2 upregulated later indicating a mixed Th1/Th2 response. However, Th1 response has been shown to be sustained in S. japonicum infection. Immune mediators such as matrix metalloproteinases (Mmps) and tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases (Timps) are expressed later in the infection and these are linked to wound healing and fibrosis. Downregulation of metabolic associated genes is recorded in later stages of infection. Most mammalian host gene expression studies have been done using rodent models, with fewer in larger hosts such as bovines and humans. The majority of these studies have focused on S. japonicum infections and less on S. haematobium and S. mansoni infections (the two species that cause most global infections). The few human schistosomiasis gene expression studies so far have focused on S. japonicum and S. haematobium infections and none on S. mansoni, as far as we are aware. This highlights a paucity of gene expression data in humans, specifically with S. mansoni infection. This data is important to understand the disease pathology, identify biomarkers, diagnostics and possible drug targets.
Can the financial performance of the micro, small, and medium-sized enterprise production sector in Medan be a signal in the use of a leanness strategy?
Authors: Triono Muhammad Andi Abdillah , Ahmad Selamat Triono , Ermiati Cut , Sihombing Humisar 
Published: November 2021

Background: Business actors need to take strategic steps to maintain and improve business performance. Studying and deepening the strategies used by micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) to maintain their performance conditions are needed as a barometer of crisis resistance in the macroeconomic sector, especially those used by MSMEs in Medan, Indonesia. Thus, this research provides a real picture in the field of variables and indicators that affect the business strategy of MSMEs through the perspective of a lean approach. Methods: The population in this region was 466 business actors of MSMEs in Medan. A random stratified sampling strategy is used, and 169 businesses in the MSMEs production sector were obtained as samples, which has exceeded the standard achievement of 80 percent in detecting an R2 value of at least 0.10 (with a 5 percent probability of error). The research variables used consisted of one endogenous variable (use of a lean strategy), two exogenous variables (external lean practice and internal lean practice), and one mediating variable (financial performance). Seven hypotheses (inner models) were tested using structural equation modelling–partial least squares, nonparametric statistical data analysis techniques with mediation effects, assisted by Smart PLS 3.0. Results: Based on the path coefficient, internal lean practice predominantly influences the financial performance of MSMEs in Medan compared to external lean practice. Internal lean practice is the primary signal for identifying the degree of lean strategy practice in the MSMEs production sector in Medan city. Conclusion: These findings can be a map for practitioners, academics, and the government to improve the financial performance of MSMEs and assist them in their business strategies through internal business practices. Moreover, this study's impact can lead to an understanding of business strategies in operations that directly or indirectly affect the environment toward global warming and various environmental problems.
Metabolic response against traffic congestion-induced stress
Authors: Putri Mirasari , Rathomi Hilmi Sulaiman , Yulianto Fajar Awalia , Djajanagara Raden Aliya T. M. , Rosady Dony Septriana , Achmad Sadiah , Djojosugito M. Ahmad 
Published: November 2021

Background: Traffic congestion is a common problem in large cities, which can induce stress in participants in vehicles as well as pedestrians. In such conditions, several stress hormones, such as catecholamines and cortisol are secreted by the adrenal glands resulting in metabolic responses. Prolonged metabolic changes can lead to metabolic diseases, such as metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease. This study aimed to examine the metabolic responses induced by traffic congestion in young adults. Methods: We enrolled 71 undergraduate students aged 20-30 years from the Faculty of Medicine Universitas Islam Bandung, who regularly go to campus on foot, by public transportation, motorcycles, and cars. Medical history was screened by questionnaires before the testing day. Blood samples were drawn soon after participants arrived on campus. We used bioimpedance analysis to measure fasting blood glucose, lipid profiles, and nutrient body status. Results: Most participants rode motorcycles (46.48%), and the most common travel time was short (<15 min, 54.9%.). Total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels were significantly lower in participants using vehicles - either private or public transportation - compared with pedestrians (p<0.05 and p<0.02, respectively). Participants with a short travel duration had significantly higher total cholesterol and LDL levels than those with longer ones (p<0.02 and p<0.05, respectively). Conclusions: Based on the above results, metabolic responses to traffic congestion such as changes to total cholesterol and LDL levels depended the type of transportation and travel duration.
PREDICTORS IN-HOSPITAL MORTALITY OF SEPTIC VS NON-SEPTIC ACUTE KIDNEY INJURY PATIENTS: AN OBSERVATIONAL COHORT STUDY
Authors: Samsu Nur , Marzuki Mochammad Jalalul , Pratiwi Irma Chandra , Pravitasari Ratna Adelia , Rifai Achmad , Anshory Muhammad 
Published: November 2021

Background: To compare the predictors In-hospital mortality of patients with septic Acute Kidney Injury (S-AKI) and non-septic AKI (NS-AKI). Methods: a cohort study of critically ill patients with AKI admitted to the emergency room at a tertiary hospital from January to June 2019. The primary outcome was hospital mortality. Results: There were 116 patients who met the inclusion criteria. Compared with NS-AKI, patients with S-AKI had significantly lower mean MAP, median eGFR, and urine output. (UO). S-AKI had higher mortality and vasopressor requirements and had a lower renal recovery than NS-AKI (63.2% vs 31.4%, p=0.001; 30.8% vs 13.7%, p=0.031, and 36.9% vs 60.8%, p=0.011, respectively). AKI stage 3 and vasopressor requirements were dependent risk factors for both S-AKI and NS-AKI mortality. Meanwhile, SOFA score > 7 and the need for dialysis are dependent and independent risk factors for mortality in S-AKI. Worsening and/or persistence in UO, serum urea and creatinine levels at 48 h after admission were predictors of mortality in S-AKI and NS-AKI. Improvement in UO in surviving patients was more pronounced in S-AKI than in NS-AKI (50% vs 17.1%, p=0.007). The surviving S-AKI patients had a longer hospital stay than surviving NS-AKI [8 (6-14.5) vs 5 (4 – 8), p=0.004]. S-AKI have higher mortality and vasopressor requirements and have lower renal recovery than NS-AKI. Conclusion: S-AKI have higher mortality and vasopressor requirements and a lower renal recovery than NS-AKI. Independent predictors of mortality in S-AKI were high SOFA scores and the need for dialysis.
A scoping review protocol to identify clinical signs, symptoms and biomarkers indicative of biofilm presence in chronic wounds
Authors: Ivory John D. , Vellinga Akke , O'Gara James , Gethin Georgina 
Published: November 2021

Introduction: Wound healing is characterised by haemostatic, inflammatory, proliferative and remodelling phases. In the presence of comorbidities such as diabetes, healing can stall and chronic wounds may result. Infection is detrimental to these wounds and associated with poor outcomes. Wounds are contaminated with microbes and debris, and factors such as host resistance, bacterial virulence, species synergy and bioburden determine whether a wound will deteriorate to critically colonised/infected states. Biofilms are sessile microbial communities, exhibiting high-level antibiotic tolerance and resistance to host defences. Biofilm in critically colonised wounds can contribute to delayed healing. Little is known about clinical presentation and diagnosis of wound biofilms. Objective: To identify from the literature clinical signs, symptoms and biomarkers that may indicate biofilm presence in chronic wounds. Methods: This review will be guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR), and the Joanna Briggs Institute Manual for Evidence Synthesis. Studies of any design in any language recruiting adult patients with venous, diabetic, pressure or mixed arterial-venous ulcers and reporting data on clinical signs/symptoms of biofilm are eligible. Searches of Medline, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane Central and BASE will be conducted from inception to present. Reference scanning and contact with content experts will be employed. Title/abstract screening and full text selection will be executed by two reviewers independently. Discrepancies will be resolved by discussion between reviewers or through third party intervention. Data will be extracted by a single reviewer and verified by a second. Clinical signs and symptoms data will be presented in terms of study design, setting and participant demographic data. Discussion: Understanding biofilm impact on chronic wounds is inconsistent and based largely on in vitro research. This work will consolidate clinical signs, symptoms and biomarkers of biofilm in chronic wounds reported in the literature.
RuralCovidLife: Study protocol and description of the data
Authors: Stevenson Anna J , Huggins Charlotte F , Forbes Alison , Hume Jim , Fulton Grant , Thirlwall Claire , Miles Janet , Fawns-Ritchie Chloe , Campbell Archie , Nangle Clifford , Dawson Rebecca , Edwards Rachel , Flaig Robin , Hartley Louise , Levein Christie , McCartney Daniel L , Deary Ian J , Hayward Caroline , Marioni Riccardo E , McIntosh Andrew M , Sudlow Cathie , Porteous David J 
Published: November 2021

RuralCovidLife is part of Generation Scotland’s CovidLife project, investigating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and mitigation measures on people in Scotland. The RuralCovidLife project focuses on Scotland’s rural communities, and how they have been impacted by the pandemic. During survey development, Generation Scotland consulted with people living or working in rural communities, and collaborated with a patient and public involvement and engagement (PPIE) group composed of rural community leaders. Through this consultation work, the RuralCovidLife survey was developed to assess the issues most pertinent to people in rural communities, such as mental health, employment, transport, connectivity, and local communities. Between 14th October and 30th November 2020, 3,365 participants from rural areas in Scotland took part in the survey. Participant ages ranged from 16 to 96 (mean = 58.4, standard deviation [SD] = 13.3), and the majority of the participants were female (70.5%). Over half (51.3%) had taken part in the original CovidLife survey. RuralCovidLife includes a subsample (n = 523) of participants from the Generation Scotland cohort. Pre-pandemic data on health and lifestyle, as well as biological samples, are available for these participants. These participants’ data can also be linked to past and future healthcare records, allowing analysis of retrospective and prospective health outcomes. Like Generation Scotland, RuralCovidLife is designed as a resource for researchers. RuralCovidLife data, as well as the linked Generation Scotland data, is available for use by external researchers following approval from the Generation Scotland Access Committee. RuralCovidLife can be used to investigate mental health, well-being, and behaviour in participants living in rural areas during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as comparisons with non-rural samples. Moreover, the sub-sample with full Generation Scotland data and linkage can be used to investigate the long-term health consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic in rural communities.
Iterative Deepening Dynamically Improved Bounds Bidirectional Search
Authors: Pavlik John A. , Sewell Edward C. , Jacobson Sheldon H. 
Published: November 2021

This paper presents a new bidirectional search algorithm to solve the shortest path problem. The new algorithm uses an iterative deepening technique with a consistent heuristic to improve lower bounds on path costs. The new algorithm contains a novel technique of filtering nodes to significantly reduce the memory requirements. Computational experiments on the pancake problem, sliding tile problem, and Rubik’s cube show that the new algorithm uses significantly less memory and executes faster than A* and other state-of-the-art bidirectional algorithms. Summary of Contribution: Quickly solving single-source shortest path problems on graphs is important for pathfinding applications and is a core problem in both artificial intelligence and operations research. This paper attempts to solve large problems that do not easily fit into the available memory of a desktop computer, such as finding the optimal shortest set of moves to solve a Rubik’s cube, and solve them faster than existing algorithms.
Metasurface doublet-integrated bidirectional grating antenna enabling enhanced wavelength-tuned beam steering
Authors: Lee Woo-Bin , Im Chul-Soon , Zhou Changyi , Bhandari Bishal , Choi Duk-Yong , Lee Sang-Shin 
Published: November 2021

We propose and demonstrate an optical phased-array-based bidirectional grating antenna (BDGA) in silicon nitride waveguides. The BDGA is integrated with a miniaturized all-dielectric metasurface doublet (MD) formed on a glass substrate. The BDGA device, which takes advantage of alternately feeding light to its ports in opposite directions, is presumed to effectively provide a doubled wavelength-tuned steering efficiency compared to its unidirectional counterpart. The MD, which is based on vertically cascaded convex and concave metalenses comprising circular hydrogenated amorphous silicon nanopillars, is meticulously placed atop the BDGA chip to accept and deflect a beam emanating from the emission area, thereby boosting the beam-steering performance. The manufactured BDGA could achieve an enhanced beam-steering efficiency of 0.148 deg/nm as well as a stable spectral emission response in the wavelength range of 1530–1600 nm. By deploying a fabricated MD atop the silicon photonic BDGA chip, the steering efficiency was confirmed to be boosted by a factor of

∼
3.1

, reaching 0.461 deg/nm, as intended.
Trends in non-pharmaceutical intervention (NPI) related community practice for the prevention of COVID-19 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Hailemariam Damen , Kumie Abera , Wakuma Samson , Tefera Yifoker , Abegaz Teferi , Tefera Worku , Ayele Wondimu , Tamire Mulugeta , Yirsaw Shibabaw 
Published: November 2021

Background
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected Ethiopia since March 13, 2020, when the first case was detected in Addis Ababa. Since then, the incidence of cases has continued to increase day by day. As a result, the health sector has recommended universal preventive measures to be practiced by the public. However, studies on adherence to these preventive measures are limited.

Objective
To monitor the status of preventive practices of the population related to hand washing, physical distancing, and respiratory hygiene practices at selected sites within the city of Addis Ababa.

Methods
Weekly cross-sectional non-participatory observations were done during the period of April-June, 2020. Data was collected using the Open Data Kit (ODK) tool in ten public sites involving eight public facilities targeted for individual observations. Ten individuals were randomly observed at each facility over two days a week at peak hours of public services. WHO operational definitions of the preventive behaviors were adopted for this study. Observations were conducted anonymously at gates or entrances of public facilities and places.

Results
A total of 12,056 individual observations with 53% males and 82% in an estimated age range of 18–50 years age group were involved in this study. There was an increase in the practice of respiratory hygiene from 14% in week one to 77% in week 10, while those of hand hygiene and physical distancing changed little over the weeks from their baseline of 24% and 34%, respectively. Overall, respiratory hygiene demonstrated an increased rate of 6% per week, while hand hygiene and physical distancing had less than a 1% change per week, Females and the estimated age group of 18–50 years had practice changes in respiratory hygiene with no difference in hand hygiene and physical distancing practices. Respiratory hygiene took about six weeks to reach a level of 77% from its baseline of 24%, making an increment of about 9% per week.

Conclusion
The public practice of respiratory hygiene improved threefold whereas hand hygiene and physical distancing revealed no change. Regularly sustained public mobilization and mass education are required to sustain the achievements gained in respiratory hygiene and further hand hygiene and physical distancing.