bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impacts of Complications After Esophageal Cancer Surgery on Health-Related Quality of Life and Nutritional Status
Authors: Sugawara Kotaro , Yagi Koichi , Yoshimura Shuntaro , Aikou Susumu , Yamashita Hiroharu , Seto Yasuyuki 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Purpose: The long-term impacts of postoperative complications, especially pulmonary complications and anastomotic leakage, on health-related quality of life (HRQoL), nutritional status and body composition remain to be fully addressed in patients undergoing esophageal cancer surgery.Methods:Patients who underwent esophagectomy between 2015 and 2019 and survived without recurrence were eligible. HRQoL (European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QLQ-C30 and the QLQ-OES18 questionnaires), nutritional and body composition data were prospectively evaluated before and at 3, 6, 12 and 24 months after surgery. Collected Data was compared between patients with postoperative complications and those without.Results: In total, 88 patients were included. Overall complications, anastomotic leakage and pulmonary complications developed in 48 (54.5%), 20 (20.7%) and 18 (20.5%) patients, respectively. Patients with pulmonary complications had more reflux-related symptoms (dry mouth; P = 0.03, coughing; P = 0.047, reflux; P = 0.1), and more problems with eating (nausea/vomiting; P = 0.051, eating difficulties; P = 0.06) at 24 months after surgery, as compared to those without such complications. Anastomotic leakage increased pain, speaking problems and dysphagia up to 6 months after surgery. Patients with pulmonary complications had significantly lower prealbumin levels and lower prognostic nutritional index values over time after surgery than those without these complications. In contrast, anastomotic leakage was not associated with poor nutritional status postoperatively. Body composition was not affected by the occurrence of complications.Conclusion: Postoperative complications, especially pulmonary complications, exert long-lasting negative effects on HRQoL, leading to poor nutritional status after esophagectomy.
Design And Analysis of An Automotive Engine Shaft With Functionally Graded Material To Get An Optimum Performance
Authors: Ahmed Saeed 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Engine Shafts are a very critical component of Automotive and Aerospace. Their basic purpose is to transmit power by rotation. They suppose various parts like gears and pulleys, and they are supported by bearings, which reside in the rigid machine housing. In their operation the shafts rotate and hence they are subjected to Torsion and Bending moment. Hence, it is critical for us to choose the best material and the surface treatment process to provide optimum performance for the shaft. The primary aspects to keep into consideration while choosing a material pertaining to surface selection are Wear Resistance and Corrosion resistance. It has been shown how the selection of shaft material affects these two factors. The shafts of 3 types of materials have been discussed in the paper, a homogeneous one, a composite material and FGM. The best material considered is FGM for the optimum operation of automotive engine shaft.
Quantitative CT Comparison between COVID-19 and Mycoplasma Pneumonia Suspected as COVID-19: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Liu Junzhong , Wang Yuzhen , Wang Xinhua , Sun Minfeng 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare imaging features between COVID-19 and mycoplasma pneumonia (MP).Materials and Methods: The data of patients with mild COVID-19 and MP who underwent chest computed tomography (CT) examination from February 1, 2020 to April 17, 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. The Pneumonia-CT-LKM-PP model based on a deep learning algorithm was used to automatically quantify the number, volume, and involved lobes of pulmonary lesions, and longitudinal changes in quantitative parameters were assessed in three CT follow-ups.Results: A total of 10 patients with mild COVID-19 and 13 patients with MP were included in this study. There was no difference in lymphocyte counts at baseline between the two groups (1.43±0.45 vs 1.44±0.50, p=0.279). C-reactive protein levels were significantly higher in MP group than in COVID-19 group (p<0.05). The number, volume, and involved lobes of pulmonary lesions reached a peak in 7-14 days in the COVID-19 group, but there was no peak or declining trend over time in the MP group (p<0.05).Conclusion: Based on the longitudinal changes of quantitative CT, pulmonary lesions peaked at 7-14 days in patients with COVID-19, and this may be useful to distinguish COVID-19 from MP and evaluate curative effects and prognosis.
Upregulation of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) in Patients With Mental Illness Not Using Psychotropic Medication
Authors: Soloey-Nilsen Hedda , Nygaard-Odeh Kristin , Kristiansen Magnhild Gangsoey , Brekke Ole Lars , Mollnes Tom Eirik , Reitan Solveig Klaebo , Oiesvold Terje 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
BackgroundThere is evidence that brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) plays a protective role in the brain. Peripheral levels of BDNF correlate with its concentration in the brain. Previous studies have revealed lower serum BDNF levels in patients with mental illnesses. In most studies serum BDNF correlates negatively with psychiatric disorders and disease severity. Most studies in this field are on psychiatric diagnosis and personality traits. The aim of our study is to explore associations between general psychiatric symptoms, independent of diagnostic groups, and serum BDNF as well as the inflammatory biomarker high-sensitive CRP (hs-CRP). Comparison between the group regularly using psychotropic medication and those not using psychotropic medication is conducted. Methods The study is a cross sectional study with 132 participants from a general open inpatient psychiatric ward at the Nordland Hospital Trust, Bodø, Norway. Participants were assessed on serum levels of BDNF and hs-CRP. Psychiatric symptoms were assessed by a self-rating scale (Symptom check list, SCL-90- R). Multiple linear regression model was used for statistical analyses of associations between levels of BDNF, hs-CRP and symptoms. Results We found a positive association (p < 0.05), for most SCL-90 symptom clusters with BDNF in the psychotropic medication-free group. No associations were found in the group of patients using psychotropic medication, except one, the Paranoid Ideation cluster (p 0.022). No associations were found between hs-CRP and symptom clusters. Conclusion: We found no relation between symptom clusters and the inflammatory biomarker hs-CRP. Serum BDNF levels were positively associated with intensity of psychiatric symptoms in the group of patients not using psychotropic medication. In the group on psychotropic medication no associations for BDNF were seen. Our findings are in conflict with several previous studies reporting increased hs-CRP as well as decreased rather than increased BDNF in mental suffering.
Distribution characteristics, source identification, and risk assessment of heavy metals in surface sediments of the salt lakes in the Ordos Plateau, China
Authors: Zhang Shengyin , Zhang Shuncun , Chen Yongxin , Chen Bo , Lei Tianzhu 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Salt lakes have a significant effect on the regional climate, environment, and ecology in semi-arid regions characterized by lower rainfall and high evaporation. However, under the stresses of global change and human disturbance, anthropogenic pollution is the main factor threatening the lake ecological environment. Surface sediment samples collected from four salt lakes in the Ordos Plateau were used to investigate the salinity, concentration, pollution status, potential sources of heavy metals, and influencing factors. The surface sediments of Beida Pond and Gouchi Pond were weakly alkaline (pH < 9) owing to Na2SO4, whereas those of Chaigannaoer and Hongjiannao were strongly alkaline (pH > 9) owing to Na2CO3. The concentration range of Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, and Pb in the sediment samples collected from the salt lake in the Ordos followed the order of Cr > Zn > Ni > Pb > Cu > As > Cd. The Cr values were higher in Chagannaoer and Hongjiannao, but the Ni, Cu, and Zn values were higher in Beida Pond and Gouchi Pond. The geoaccumulation index (Igeo) and enrichment factor (EF) consistently indicated that Cr posed the greatest potential ecological risk and that Ni, Cu, and Zn pollution was more severe in Beida Pond and Gouchi Pond than in Chagannaoer or Hongjiannao. However, Er and RI indicated these heavy metals were a low risk to the environment. Risk assessment code (RAC) revealed that Pb and Cr exhibited no mobility and had low potential bioavailability risk, although Zn, Ni, and As were categorized as medium risk. Cu had the highest mobility and high risk. Principal component analysis for Beida Pond and Gouchi Pond revealed that the source of Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb might be associated with water - soluble elements in aqueous migration. For Cr, Pb, and As, it was indicated that the source of these heavy metals might be lithospheric minerals carried by dust storms. Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, Cr, and Pb in Chagannaoer and Hongjiannao may be derived from surface runoff, and chemicals from these sources may eventually accumulate in sediments. Pearson’s correlation analysis indicated that pH was the main environmental factor controlling the distribution of heavy metals in Chagannaoer and Hongjiannao.
Vehicle Routing Problems Based on Harris Hawks Optimization
Authors: Alweshah Mohammed , Almiani Muder , Almansour Nedaa , khalaileh Saleh Al , Aldabbas Hamza , Alomoush Waleed Khamees , Alshareef Almahdi Alshareef 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
The vehicle routing problem (VRP) is one of the challenging problems in optimization and can be described as combinatorial optimization and NP-hard problem. Researchers have used many artificial intelligence techniques in order to try to solve this problem. Among these techniques, metaheuristic algorithms that can perform random search are the most promising because they can be used to find the right solution in the shortest possible time. Therefore, in this paper, the Harris hawks optimization (HHO) algorithm was used to attempt to solve the VRP. The algorithm was applied to 10 scenarios and the experimental results revealed that the HHO had a strong ability to check for and find the best route as compared to other metaheuristic algorithms, namely, simulated annealing and artificial bee colony optimization. The comparison was based on three criteria: minimum objective function obtained, minimum number of iterations required and satisfaction of capacity constraints. In all scenarios, the HHO showed clear superiority over the other methods.
The Introduction of Tobacco Excise Taxation in the Gulf Cooperation Council Countries: A Step in the Right Direction of Advancing Public Health
Authors: Delipalla Sofia , Koronaiou Konstantina , Al-Lawati Jawad A. , Sayed Mohamed , Alwadey Ali , AlAlawi Ejlal F. , Almutawaa Kholoud , Hussain Amal HJ , Al-Maidoor Wedad , Al-Farsi Yahya M. 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries relied, until recently, solely on import duties for tobacco products. The agreement for the introduction of an excise and value added tax (VAT) in 2016 and 2017, respectively, in most GCC countries, was a major breakthrough for public health. There is, however, ample room for improvement.
Methods
The study examines the outcomes of tax reforms, for both public health and public finances, based on the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations and best practices worldwide. Tax simulations were performed using the WHO TaXSiM model. The study is based on data from Saudi Arabia, the only GCC country for which sufficient data existed.
Results
We recommend a stepwise tax reform, which involves increasing the current ad valorem excise tax rate, phasing out import duties keeping total tax share constant and introducing a minimum excise, and finally switching to a revenue-neutral specific excise. If implemented, cigarette tax reform simulations show that the recommended reforms would lead to a higher than 50% increase in cigarette prices, 16% reduction in cigarette sales and almost 50% increase in total cigarette tax revenue. A significant number of cigarette-related deaths would be averted.
Conclusions
The recommended tax reforms are expected to lead to significant improvements in both public health and tobacco tax revenues. Our results provide useful insights that are of relevance to the whole GGC region. The effectiveness of the reforms, however, requires a strong tax and customs administration, including the establishment of a good database to monitor and advance public health.
Impacts of the Properties Heterogeneity on 3D Magnetic Dusty Nanofluids Flow Within Cubic Porous Enclosures Contain Isothermal Cylinders
Authors: Rashed Z. Z. 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
This paper examines the controlling of the three dimensional dusty nanofluid flow using the two circular cylinders having different thermal conditions. The cylinders are located in the middle area while the location of the right cylinder is changeable. The 3D cubic flow domain is filled by a non-Darcy porous medium and a magnetic field in Z-direction is taken place. The non-homogeneous two phase model of the nanofluid is applied while the permeability and thermal conductivity of the porous medium are assumed heterogonous. The current situation is represented by two systems of the equations for the nanofluid and dusty phases. The solutions methodology is depending on the 3D SIMPLE scheme together with the finite volume method. The major outcomes indicating to that the flow can be well controlled using the inner isothermal cylinders. Also, the cases of the heterogeneity in \(X-Y\) and \(X-Z\) directions give the lowest values of \({Nu}_{av}\).
Peripheral Blood Eosinophil Count Optimizes Pembrolizumab-Based Immunotherapy in The First-Line Setting of Advanced or Recurrent Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Uematsu Mao , Narita Kosuke , Sato Taro , Hosomi Yukio 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
For cancer immunotherapy, the tumor proportion score for the programmed death-1 ligand is not a robust biomarker. The peripheral blood eosinophil count (PEC) is a potential alternative. However, it is not yet established. To test the efficacy of PEC-guided selection of pembrolizumab monotherapy (MONO) or pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy (COMBO), we retrospectively reviewed data of patients with advanced or recurrent non-small cell lung cancer in the first-line setting (April 2017 to April 2020). Among 137 patients enrolled, Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed no significant difference between the MONO (n = 84) and COMBO (n = 53) therapies. The influence of PEC before the second administration of each regimen (PEC2) was evaluated. The low PEC2 subgroup (<150 × 106/L) receiving MONO had poorer survival rates than those receiving COMBO (median progression-free survival [mPFS]: 5.75 vs. 7.59 months and median overall survival [mOS]: 12.0 months vs. not reached [NR), respectively). In patients receiving MONO, the low PEC2 showed worse prognosis compared with the high PEC2 group (mPFS: 5.75 vs. 16.1 months and mOS: 12.0 months vs. NR, respectively). PEC2 can be a potential predictive/prognostic biomarker for MONO, which encourages the switch from MONO to COMBO to avoid treatment failure.
Factors Associated With Drug-resistant Tuberculosis in the Deprived Population in the State of Paraná – Brazil
Authors: Santos Márcio Souza , Pieri Flávia Meneguetti , Berra Thaís Zamboni , Scholze Alessandro Rolim , Ramos Antônio Carlos Vieira , Crispim Juliane Almeida , Giacomet Clovis Luciano , Alves Yan Mathias , Costa Fernanda Bruzadelli Paulino , Moura Heriederson Savio Dias , Teibo Titilade Kehinde Ayandeyi , Freitas Giselle Lima , Arcêncio Ricardo Alexandre 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
BackgroundTuberculosis remains a serious public health issue worldwide, affecting people in vulnerable situations. The study aimed to analyze factors associated with drug resistant tuberculosis among patients who were in prison in the state of Paraná. MethodAn ecological study was carried out on Drug-Resistant tuberculosis cases registered through the Information System of Paraná, Brazil (from 2008 to 2018). Descriptive statistics of quantitative parameters was applied, being calculated with absolute frequencies. Additionally, binary logistic regression was performed, where the Odds Ratio was calculated with its respective confidence interval. The Akaike Information Criterion and the likelihood ratio tests, Wald test, Anova and Mc Fadden tests were performed to choose and validate the model. The IBM SPSS and Statistics version 25 and RStudio software version 4.0.4 were used for data analysis. Result653 cases were registered as tuberculosis cases in prison, and among these, 98 cases were Drug-Resistant TB. The schooling level among the study population was 8 to 11 years of education (OR: 0.41, 95%CI: 0.16 – 0.93), negative culture (OR: 0, 29; 95%CI: 0.09– 0.74) and smoking (0.02, 95%CI: 0.01 – 0.74) all these were factors associated with drug-Resistant TB. With the study population having the clinical pulmonary form (OR: 9.87, 95%CI: 1.55 – 23.81) and having a positive microscopy in the fourth month of follow-up (OR: 6, 46, 95%CI: 1.04 – 53.79), it was more likely to develop resistance. ConclusionThe study showed that the variables; education, culture exam, smoking, pulmonary clinical form, and follow-up microscopy were associated with drug resistance in the treatment of tuberculosis.
Microplastic Pollution in Urban Lake Phewa, Nepal: The First Report on Abundance and Composition in Surface Water of Lake in Different Seasons
Authors: Malla-Pradhan Rajeshwori , Suwunwong Thitipone , Phoungthong Khamphe , Joshi Tista Prasai , Pradhan Bijay Lal 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Microplastics are man-made pollutants which have been detected in surface water and groundwater. Research on microplastic concentration in aquatic environment is an emerging field for developing countries. Nepal despite having rich water resources no information regarding microplastic in freshwater system is available. Therefore, this study investigate the presence and abundance of microplastic in lake surface water of Phewa Lake, the second largest lake of the country. A total of 16 sampling locations were selected for surface water sample to cover the area of 5.72 km2. The average concentration of microplastic for surface water was 2.96±1.83 particles/L for winter season and 1.51 ±0.62 particles/L for rainy season. Significance difference in microplastic concentration were observed in two different seasons. Fibers was the commonly found microplastic type in lake water and transparent as the dominant color for the two seasons. Almost all the detected microplastic were found to be <1 mm in size. Polymer identification was not possible due to small size of microplastic and unavailability of advanced technique. Phewa Lake, the heart of Pokhara is an important tourist destination so proper waste disposal plan can only maintain the lake’s beauty from further deterioration.
High-Flow Nasal Oxygen Vs. Standard Oxygen Therapy for Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement With Conscious Sedation: A Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Scheuermann-Jahn Stefanie , Tan Aileen , Govender Pooveshni , Mckie Mikel , Pack Jamie , Martinez Guillermo , Falter Florian , George Shane , Klein Andrew 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
BackgroundMinimally invasive surgery is becoming more common and transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve replacement is offered to older patients with multiple comorbidities. Sternotomy is not required but patients must lie flat and still for up to 2 – 3 hours. This procedure is increasingly being performed under conscious sedation with supplementary oxygen, but hypoxia and agitation are commonly observed.MethodsIn this randomised controlled trial, we hypothesised that high-flow nasal oxygen would provide superior oxygenation as compared with our standard practice, 2 l.min-1 oxygen by dry nasal specs. The primary endpoint was the change in arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) during the procedure. Secondary outcomes included the incidence of oxygen desaturation and patient movements. Results A total of 72 patients were recruited. There was no difference in change in PaO2 from baseline using high-flow compared with standard oxygen therapy: median [IQR] increase from 12.1 (10.0- 15.3 [7.2- 29.8]) to 13.7 (10.8- 18.7 [8.5- 32.3]) kPa vs. decrease from 15.5 (12.4- 19.4 [9.2- 22.8]) to 14.2 (11.9- 19.3 [9.7- 22.8]) kPa, respectively (p= 0.087). There was a lower incidence of oxygen desaturation in the high-flow group (p= 0.037). Patients in the high-flow group moved less frequently (p= 0.006) and assigned a significantly higher comfort score to their treatment (p= < 0.001). ConclusionThis study has demonstrated that high-flow, compared with standard oxygen therapy, does not improve arterial oxygenation over the course of the procedure. There are suggestions that it may improve the secondary outcomes studied. Trial registrationInternational Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Number (ISRCTN) 13804861. Registered 15/4/2019. https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN13804861
The Use of Oxygen Reserve Index in One-Lung Ventilation and Its Impact On Peripheral Oxygen Saturation, Perfusion Index and Pleth Variability Index
Authors: Sagiroglu Gonul , Baysal Ayse , Karamustafaoglu Yekta Altemur 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background: Our goal is to investigate the use of the Oxygen Reserve Index (ORi) and its relation with peripheral oxygen saturation, perfusion index (PI), and pleth variability index (PVI) during one-lung ventilation (OLV).Methods: Fifty patients undergoing general anesthesia and OLV for elective thoracic surgeries were enrolled in an observational cohort study in a tertiary care teaching hospital. During general anesthesia induction, propofol, fentanyl, and rocuronium at appropriate doses were administered intravenously. All patients required OLV after a left-sided double-lumen tube insertion during intubation. Hypoxemia during OLV was defined as peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) value of less than 95% when the inspired oxygen fraction (FiO2) is above 60% on a pulse oximetry device. ORi, pulse oximetry, PI, and PVI were measured continuously. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, likelihood ratios, and accuracy were calculated for ORi equals zero in different anesthesia time points to predict hypoxemia. At Clinicaltrials.gov registry, the Registration ID is NCT05050552.Results: The accuracy for predicting hypoxemia during anesthesia induction at ORi value equals zero at five minutes after intubation in the supine position (DS5) showed a sensitivity of 92.3% (95% CI 84.9-99.6), specificity of 81.1% (95% CI 70.2-91.9), and an accuracy of 84.0% (95% CI 73.8- 94.2). ORi and SpO2 correlation was found at DS5 (p = 0.044), 5 minutes after lateral position with two-lung ventilation (DL5) (p = 0.039), and at 10 minutes after OLV (OLV10)(p = 0.011).Conclusions: ORi equals zero at the time point of five minutes after tracheal intubation in the supine position (DS5) showed high sensitivity and specificity for predicting hypoxemia at a less than 95% value.