bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tocilizumab in combination with corticosteroids: potential for managing cancer cachexia with systemic hyperinflammation
Authors: Chen Ping , Wang Dingyi , Zhan Zhouwei , Chen Ling , Chen Yu 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundCachexia is a leading cause of death among individuals with advanced cancer, yet effective pharmacological treatments are lacking. In this single-center retrospective study, we aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of tocilizumab for the treatment of cancer cachexia accompanied by systemic hyperinflammation.MethodsData were collected from 20 patients treated with tocilizumab and a control group of 20 patients matched for age, sex, and comorbidities. Both groups received corticosteroids. In the tocilizumab treatment group, patients received a single dose of tocilizumab (8 mg/kg, maximum 800 mg) in combination with corticosteroids. Weight, body mass index, liver metastasis, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group score, patient-generated subjective global assessments, the Anorexia/Cachexia Subscale of the Functional Assessment of Anorexia/Cachexia Therapy, handgrip strength, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, and the C-reactive protein, hemoglobin, prealbumin, and albumin levels were recorded in both groups.ResultsTocilizumab treatment favorably influenced the levels of patient biomarkers (p&lt;0.05), ameliorated systemic inflammation, and demonstrated enhanced clinical short-term efficacy compared to the control group, including rates of symptomatic relief (60% vs. 20%, p = 0.024), improvement of serum PAB and ALB (70% vs. 25%, p = 0.004), weight gain &gt;2% (45% vs. 15%, p = 0.038), and improvement of grip strength and 6-m walk speed (p&lt;0.05). Treatment with tocilizumab was generally safe, with no observed increase in infection rates (10% vs. 15%, p = 0.633) or intensive care unit admissions (10% vs. 25%, p = 0.405), and was more favorable for restarting antitumor therapy (70% vs. 35%, p = 0.027).ConclusionsTocilizumab, in combination with corticosteroids, is favorable for alleviating cancer cachexia with systemic hyperinflammation, despite the small sample size. Thus, this combination holds great potential as a novel strategy for treating cancer cachexia with systemic hyperinflammation.
In vitro characterization and genome sequencing of two novel lytic phages against Salmonella Infantis isolated from poultry feces
Authors: Battistelli Noemi , Tittarelli Fabrizia , Ruffini Fausto , Gavazzi Luigi , Scattolini Silvia , Acciari Vicdalia Aniela , Romualdi Teresa , Curini Valentina , Di Carlo Simona , D’Alterio Nicola , Migliorati Giacomo , Pomilio Francesco , Aprea Giuseppe 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionSalmonella spp. is the second most common bacteria associated with foodborne gastrointestinal outbreaks in humans, with the highest contamination levels in meat, especially poultry. Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Infantis is the primary serovar isolated from broilers, without causing any symptomatic disease. Conversely, certain human strains can result in symptomatic illness (fever, headache, and diarrhoea). Therefore, reducing S. Infantis colonization in broilers is important before slaughter, to prevent this pathogen carryover along the food chain.MethodsHere, we report the characterization of two S. Infantis virulent phages, isolated from broiler feces. Isolates were phenotypically and genetically characterized.Results and discussionPhages (ɸ) SaI_NFG_5581 and SaI_NFG_5577 were characterized as strictly lytic versus S. Infantis but with different bacteriolytic activities and genetic features. They both belong to the Caudoviricetes class, but ɸSaI_NFG_5581 (genome length 112,970 bp) belongs to the Demerecviridae family while ɸSaI_NFG_5577 (genome length 42,481 bp) to the Guernseyvirinae family. Genomic analysis excluded the presence of lysogeny, toxin, or antimicrobial resistance genes, and for those reasons, the two phages could be considered safe. Phages are stable under a broad range of pH (4-10) and temperature (4°C-50°C) conditions. In vitro, both ɸSaI_NFG_5581 and ɸSaI_NFG_5577 were able to lower Salmonella counts of about 2.2 LOG/mL and 3.4 LOG CFU/mL respectively, at MOI 0.1 after 2 h of treatment. After 24 h, Salmonella counts treated with both phages remained lower than the control (non-phage-treated Salmonella). These newly isolated phages have promising features, which could be exploited and further studied for potential in vivo application.
Macular retinal nerve fiber layer thickness in retinitis pigmentosa patients with and without optic disc drusen
Authors: Steensberg Alvilda H. , Malmqvist Lasse , Bertelsen Mette , Kessel Line , Grønskov Karen , Hamann Steffen 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionRetinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a group of inherited retinal dystrophies characterized by progressive photoreceptor degeneration. In a recent study, we reported co-existing optic disc drusen (ODD) at 30%, a prevalence 15 times higher than in the general population. The aims of this study were to a) assess if macular retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFLt) was increased in our cohort of RP patients and b) compare RNFLt between RP patients with and without ODD.MethodsIn this post-hoc analysis, optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans of patients with RP and healthy controls were manually delineated, and macular RNFLt measurements were obtained. The analyses were conducted both a) for RP patients without ODD compared to controls and b) for RP patients with and without ODD.ResultsOCT scans of 32 patients with RP and 13 healthy controls were included. Macular RNFLt was significantly increased in RP patients compared to healthy controls and in RP patients with ODD compared to RP patients without ODD.DiscussionFurther studies will explore whether increased RNFLt leads to ODD development through dystrophic calcification or, conversely, if ODD in combination with RP-associated retinal ganglion cell damage causes the increased RNFLt through retrograde axoplasmic stasis.
Can trainability constrain physical fitness adaptations to small-sided games and high-intensity interval training in young male basketball players? a prospective cohort study
Authors: Wei LiXin , Zheng YaFei 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionResearch on the effects of training programs involving small-sided games (SSG) versus high-intensity interval training (HIIT) has been increasing in recent years. However, there is limited understanding of how an individual's initial physical fitness level might influence the extent of adaptations achieved through these programs. This study aimed to compare the impacts of SSG and HIIT on male soccer players, while also considering the players' athleticism, categorized into lower and higher total athleticism score (TSA).MethodsA prospective cohort study was conducted over a 6-week pre-season training period, involving 43 male soccer players from regional-level teams (average age 16.5 ± 0.7 years). Players were evaluated at the start and after the 6-week period. One team incorporated SSG as a core component of their aerobic-based training, while the other team used HIIT. Evaluations included a countermovement jump (CMJ) test, a 30-meter linear sprint test, and the 30–15 intermittent fitness test (30–15 IFT). TSA was calculated to assess each player's overall athleticism level (classifying them as fit and non-fit).ResultsResults revealed that non-fit players showed significantly greater CMJ improvements (mean difference: 3.0 cm; p &lt; 0.005) and VIFT improvements (mean difference: 0.682 km/h; p = 0.002) in SSG compared to fit players. In the HIIT group, non-fit players also revealed greater improvements than fit players in CMJ (mean difference: 2.5 cm; p &lt; 0.005) and peak speed in sprint (mean difference: 0.706 km/h; p = 0.002). No significant differences were found between groups regarding the observed improvements.DiscussionIn conclusion, this study suggests that the initial level of physical fitness significantly influences the magnitude of adaptations. Specifically, players with lower fitness levels appear to benefit more from training interventions. Improvements in CMJ and aerobic capacity in SSG seem to depend on players’ fitness levels, and a similar trend is observed in HIIT for CMJ and peak speed. Individualizing training programs is recommended, with a focus on providing greater or different stimuli to more well-prepared players to ensure their continued development.
Impact of an early educational protocol on the oral language of children born preterm exhibiting phonological fragility: a multicenter randomized clinical trial
Authors: Charollais Aude , Laudenbach Vincent , Stumpf Marie-Hélène , Delaporte Benoît , Datin-Dorriere Valérie , Debillon Thierry , De Barace Claire , Flechelles Olivier , Farmer Marie 
Published: December 2024

We conducted a six-center, prospective, randomized, open-label trial to assess whether an early standardized educational protocol provided from 42 to 48 months of age improved the progression of oral language and phonological development in children born preterm. A total of 552 children with phonological fragility were included in this study. The children were randomized to receive the educational protocol (guided arm, n = 87) or not (non-guided arm, n = 78). In the guided arm, the oral language development used a short “say and do” type educational protocol designed to maintain visual attention and train the developmental phonology/lexicon/morphosyntax structural links. In contrast, a conservative approach was used in the non-guided arm. A total of 70 guided and 73 non-guided children completed the study. After 6 months, the educated children showed a non-significant increase in their phonology score (p = 0.37), while the variations in the scores of the expressive lexicon (secondary endpoints) were significantly improved (p = 0.0008). We conclude that the short, standardized stimulation of the sensorimotor aspects of language in children born very preterm increased the expressive lexicon. This protocol improved the language of the premature children, especially those with minimal motor skills, with more significant improvement in the phonological scores.Clinical trial registrationclinicaltrials.gov, identifier NCT01426659
Evolution of scientific productivity in dentistry: tracking postgraduate publications at a Peruvian university
Authors: Rojas-Senador Cesar D. , Garcés-Elías María Claudia , León-Manco Roberto A. 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionScientific production indicators help universities quantitatively and qualitatively assess postgraduate students’ publications and contribute to the optimization of research processes. This study aimed to determine the frequency of publication in scientific journals of the documents submitted by postgraduate dentistry students to obtain a second professional specialty title and master's and doctoral degrees at a private Peruvian university over seven years.Materials and methodsA cross-sectional study was conducted, considering the population and the records of documents submitted to obtain the second professional specialty title and the master's and doctoral degrees in dentistry at a private Peruvian university, published in its institutional repository from 2017 to 2023. The primary outcome was publication in scientific journals, and the covariates were the year of formal submission of the document, postgraduate level, modality of document preparation, area of dentistry specialty according to the American Dental Association, year of publication, international indexing, impact factor (IF), and quartile. A descriptive analysis was performed to obtain absolute and relative frequencies.ResultsBetween 2017 and 2023, out of 322 documents submitted to receive the second professional specialty title and the master's and doctoral degrees published in the institutional repository, 72 were published in scientific journals. Of these, 81.94% (n = 59) were published in an internationally indexed scientific journal, with 13.56% (n = 8) published in a journal with an IF≥2 and 10.18% (n = 6) in a Q1 category journal.DiscussionIn low-income countries, the nexus between education and scientific output is multifaceted. While education serves as a critical catalyst, numerous challenges constrain the expansion of research. These nations contribute a mere 2% of global scientific production, despite confronting significant public health issues, underscoring a notable discrepancy between educational attainment and research productivity. The disparities in scientific output across universities in Latin America, Asia, and Europe are shaped by a confluence of cultural and economic determinants. In conclusion, 22.36% of the documents submitted to obtain the second professional specialty title and the master's and doctoral degrees by postgraduate dentistry students at a private Peruvian university over seven years were published in scientific journals.
Osteomielite crônica não bacteriana em gemelares - relato de caso
Authors: Nobre Jéssica da Silva Machado , Robazzi Teresa Cristina Martins Vicente , Barros Leandra Chaves Silva 
Published: December 2024

Introdução: A osteomileite crônica não bacteriana (OCNB) é uma doença rara no espectro das doenças ósseas autoinflamatórias, que são caracterizadas pela inflamação asséptica do osso, não provocadas por condições autoimunes ou infecciosas, resultante da desregulação do sistema imune inato e do desequilíbrio das citocinas pró e anti-inflamatórias. Metodologia: Este estudo se trata de um relato de caso, realizado após consentimento da responsável pelas pacientes através da leitura e assinatura do Termo de Consentimento Livre e Esclarecido (TCLE), a partir de dados da consulta médica e de revisão em prontuário. Relato de caso: Este trabalho apresenta o caso clínico de duas pacientes, irmãs gêmeas univitelinas, 12 anos, com diagnóstico de Osteomielite Crônica Não Bacteriana, que desenvolveram a doença individualmente de maneira distinta. Discussão: O uso de diversas nomenclaturas para falar da Osteomielite Crônica Não Bacteriana e do seu variado espectro clínico e a falta de critérios diagnósticos são dois fatores que dificultam o diagnóstico da doença e resultam no atraso deste. O agrupamento familiar da OCNB esporádica e a associação com outras condições inflamatórias nesses pacientes e seus familiares de primeiro grau sugerem uma predisposição genética importante, ainda mal elucidada. Conclusão: A adoção de uma nomenclatura universal e a elaboração de critérios diagnósticos bem aceitos pela Comunidade Médica são necessários para melhor reconhecimento e diagnóstico da doença. Além disso, são necessários mais estudos para esclarecer o papel da genética e dos fatores ambientais na expressão e no desenvolvimento da OCNB esporádica.
Como reter talentos em cargo de liderança? Dimensões relevantes no setor de mineração
Authors: Oliveira João Gabriel Rezende de , Hansch Rosalice Marialia 
Published: December 2024

A monografia aborda o tema Retenção de talentos e tem como objetivo identificar quais fatores são relevantes para permanência dos gestores nas empresas. Os gestores exercem papel de liderança, que é crucial para retenção de talentos influenciando o sucesso ou fracasso das organizações A pesquisa foi realizada por meio de questionário enviado a gestores de uma única empresa de mineração, com unidades em diversos estados brasileiros, entre os meses de setembro a outubro de 2024. A coleta de dados obteve 77 respostas válidas. A maioria dos respondentes trabalham em empresa com mais de 500 empregados, são do gênero masculino, com idade entre 40 a 50 anos, ocupa cargo de Supervisor ou Coordenador com mais de 10 anos de experiência. Os resultados demonstram que as dimensões consideradas mais relevantes para permanência dos ocupantes de cargos de liderança no segmento de mineração foram: Interação pessoal (97,4%), Rotina de trabalho (93,9%), Benefícios econômicos (93,5%). Este trabalho não apenas ressalta a complexidade da gestão de pessoas no contexto de gestão e liderança, mas também fornece “insights” valiosos para gestores e profissionais de RH na formulação de estratégias de retenção de funcionários estes cargos.
Behind the Screens: Evaluating the Effectiveness of Zoom in EFL Learning and Teaching in Higher Education
Authors: Badah Amjad Mohammad , Mafarja Fatma Mohammad Najeeb , Abuzaid Amira Muhammad Awad , Shehada Suzan Musa Asad 
Published: December 2024

This study examines the usage of Zoom platform features and functions in managing EFL classes from the perspectives of students and their instructors. The study used a mixed-method approach. Quantitively, a questionnaire was distributed to undergraduate EFL students enrolled in advanced English courses (B2) in the first semester of the academic year 2023/2024 in a Palestinian university. The questionnaire was complemented by interviewing nine EFL instructors who have utilized the Zoom platform in their EFL classes. The quantitative data were subjected to statistical analysis whereas the interview data were analyzed thematically to obtain qualitative insights. The findings of the study revealed that Zoom features and functions significantly boost the online language learning experience in the EFL classes according to the students’ views. The students highly appreciate the features of recording, raising hands, screen-sharing, mute/unmute controls, file-sharing, and chat box while learning the English language. The results also indicate that both male and female students have similar views on the efficiency of Zoom features and functions. The analysis of the qualitative data reveals that EFL instructors largely utilize Zoom features and functions in their EFL classes and appreciate the benefits of these tools. Nevertheless, the results demonstrate that the instructors encounter some challenges primarily related to technical issues. The findings provide valuable views to the field of language learning and teaching through building on the experiences of undergraduate students and instructors with the context of EFL.
Estimasi Quantity Take Off dan Simulasi Progress Pekerjaan Struktur dengan Pendekatan Building Information Modeling
Authors: Sapitri  , Subagja Rusli , Annisa Bismi 
Published: December 2024

Estimating the quantity of take-off and scheduling is crucial in a project life cycle. Errors in the calculation of quantity take-off and scheduling can result in the amount of budget costs incurred and the length of time of the development process. The development of Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology has provided benefits in solving problems faced by the construction industry. This study aims to calculate the Quantity Take-Off and find out the difference from the calculation of costs on building structural components (concrete and rebar volumes), as well as to make simulation for work progress. The BIM software used is Cubicost TAS (Take-off Architecture Structure) to create 3D modeling and Cubicost TRB (Take-off Reinforcement Bar) for Bar Bending Schedule (BBS) calculations. Meanwhile, scheduling simulation is conducted using Autodesk Naviswork. The results showed that the 3D BIM approach resulted in a smaller total concrete volume with a difference of 2.38% (lower 41.11 m3) than the conventional method. Similarly, for rebar material needs, it showed that the difference in rebar volume is 10.83% (30236.42 kg) smaller than conventional methods. The simulation results in 3D form show that using BIM Naviswork can help monitor the work progress between the design and the field according to the planned time based on the 3D model so that it looks more real-time.
Teachers’ Perceptions on Content in the Implementation of Islamic Religious Education Competency-based Curriculum in Secondary Schools of Wakiso District - Uganda
Authors: Sserwadda Batiibwe Moses , Muhammad Kiggundu Musoke , Muwagga Mugagga Anthony 
Published: December 2024

The current study explored teachers’ perceptions on implementing content of IRE in a competence-based curriculum in selected secondary schools in Wakiso District. It was based on a phenomenological design, with teachers as the unit analysis. The sample size depended on the saturation of the findings acquired. Teachers were sampled using simple random sampling while participants in other categories were purposively selected. Interview guides and focus group discussion guides were used as data collection instruments. Data was analysed using the thematic analysis method. Results revealed that IRE teachers had perceived the content of IRE CBC as being implemented effectively to bring compliance to the 21st-century competencies involved. It was concluded that IRE teachers in Wakiso District had perceived IRE Competency-based content taught as valid, relevant and aligned to educational goals and learners’ needs. Also, the teachers perceived this curriculum in a way that it was addressing the contemporary needs of the society, and it was worthy to be implemented. It was recommended that if the IRE Competency-based Curriculum was to be effectively implemented in the selected secondary schools in Wakiso District, relevant stakeholders at Wakiso District Education Department, Ministry of Education and Sports officials, UNEB officials and NCDC Officials should organize seminars, workshops and sensitization conferences to equip teachers with the necessary skills to handle IRE Competency-based curriculum
PENGARUH REWARD, PUNISHMENT DAN BEBAN KERJA TERHADAP KINERJA KARYAWAN PADA PT. BPR ARTHA SINAR RAHARJA
Authors: Puspitawati Ni Made Dwi 
Published: December 2024

Perkembangan dunia usaha pada saat ini sedang bertambah pesat, sehingga perusahaan di dalam mengelola usahanya diharuskan dan diharapkan mampu menggunakan sumber daya manusia dengan baik dan benar. Sumber daya manusia merupakan bagian yang cukup penting dalam pencapaian tujuan perusahaan dan juga sebagai penggerak utama seluruh kegiatan dalam mencapai tujuan perusahaan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui Pengaruh Pengaruh Reward, Punishment Dan Beban Kerja Terhadap Kinerja Karyawan Pada PT BPR Artha Sinar Raharja Indonesia Kabupaten Badung. Populasi dalam penelitian ini 35 orang karyawan pada PT. BPR Artha Sinar Raharja. Pemilihan sampel dengan menggunakan sampling jenuh. Teknik analisis yang digunakan pada penelitian ini adalah analisis regresi berganda. Hasil dari penelitian adalah Reward berpengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap Kinerja Karyawan pada PT. BPR Artha Sinar Raharja, Punishment berpengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap Kinerja Karyawan pada PT. BPR Artha Sinar Raharja, Beban Kerja berpengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap Kinerja Karyawan pada PT. BPR Artha Sinar Raharja.