bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A rare duo: bacterial parotitis and CMV in a neonate – Case report and diagnostic challenges
Authors: Perre Enrico , Conte Mariasole , Mengozzi Elena , Ciccia Matilde Maria 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

INTRODUCTION
Infections involving salivary glands in newborns, especially when affecting the parotid gland, are uncommon but can arise from secretory stasis and bacterial superinfection, typically caused by Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus species. The main risk factors include dehydration, prematurity and immunodeficiency. Clinical manifestations commonly involve swelling, tenderness and purulent discharge. Management generally consists of intravenous antibiotics with surgical intervention reserved for complications. Ultrasound plays a critical role in diagnosis and management of the disease, especially when there is no purulent material from Stensen's duct available for analysis. Early recognition and appropriate treatment are crucial for preventing severe outcomes in these cases.
CASE REPORT
We report a case of a 7-day-old full-term, breastfed girl admitted with right preauricular swelling and poor feeding. Born without complications, her symptoms also included irritability and purulent discharge from the right Stensen’s duct. Lab tests showed elevated white blood cells and neutrophilia, and ultrasound confirmed an enlarged right parotid gland with an abscess.
Empirical antibiotics, clindamycin and cefotaxime, were initiated. Cultures identified Staphylococcus aureus in both the Stensen’s duct discharge and the mother’s milk. Antibiotics were adjusted to clindamycin and later cefaclor.
Further investigations for congenital infections through brain ultrasound revealed cysts and vascular abnormalities, and CMV was diagnosed from urine and salivary samples, despite maternal immunity. The patient responded well to antibiotics, showing reduced swelling and normal feeding. She was discharged after 10 days, fully recovered, with follow-up for CMV ongoing.
CONCLUSION
In neonates with acute parotitis, especially with neurological signs, CMV should be considered due to its multiorgan involvement and link to immunodeficiency. Adequate imaging and laboratory studies are crucial for early diagnosis, guiding treatment and preventing long-term complications.
Interstitial lung disease with and without pulmonary symptoms at the onset of inflammatory rheumatic disease - similarities and differences
Authors: Hoffmann Tobias , Teichgräber Ulf , Brüheim Luis Benedict , Lassen-Schmidt Bianca , Renz Diane , Weise Tobias , Krämer Martin , Oelzner Peter , Böttcher Joachim , Güttler Felix , Wolf Gunter , Pfeil Alexander 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Objective:
Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a common and serious organ manifestation in patients with inflammatory rheumatic disease (IRD), but it is uncertain whether there is a difference in ILD between symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. Therefore, we conducted a study to evaluate differences in the extent of ILD based on radiological findings between symptomatic/asymptomatic patients, using an artificial intelligence (AI)-based quantification of pulmonary high-resolution computed tomography (AIpqHRCT).
Methods:
Within the study, 67 cross-sectional HRCT datasets and clinical data (including pulmonary function test) of consecutively patients with both, initial diagnosis of IRD and ILD (all without immunosuppressive therapy), were analysed using AIqpHRCT.
Results:
25.4% of the patients with ILD at initial diagnosis of IRD had no pulmonary symptoms. The pulmonary function test (PFT) revealed the following mean values (%predicted) in the symptomatic and asymptomatic group, respectively: Forced vital capacity (FVC) 69.4 ± 17.4% versus 86.1 ± 15.8% (p = 0.001), and diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO) 49.7 ± 17.9% versus 60.0 ± 15.8% (p = 0.043). AIqpHRCT data showed a significant higher amount of high attenuated volume (HAV) (14.8 ± 11.0% versus 8.9 ± 3.9%; p = 0.021) and reticulations (5.4 ± 8.7% versus 1.4 ± 1.5%; p = 0.035) in symptomatic patients.
Conclusion:
A quarter of patients with ILD at the time of initial IRD diagnosis had no pulmonary symptoms, showing DLCO were reduced in both groups. Also, AIqpHRCT clinically relevant ILD in asymptomatic patients. These results emphasize a routine ILD screening should also be carried out in asymptomatic IRD patients, as ILD is associated with increased mortality.
Development of a Comprehensive Urban Resilience Assessment Framework: The Intersection of Smart Buildings and Disaster Mitigation
Authors: Yu Jianyu , Zhang Ning 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

This study provides a systematic analysis into the application role of smart building technologies in enhancing in earthquake resilience prone within cities. The seismic resilience is one of the vital issues which are improving with due to global climate changes, in terms of new plate tectonic parts inducing more disasters like earthquakes and destroying some built-up structures the increasing frequency of natural disasters such as earthquakes. Consequently, urban planning and disaster management mitigation actions play a key role in reducing regression effects. By taking Using Chengdu as an example case study, this study tries aims to establish an over all construct a comprehensive evaluation framework for smart building technologies in earthquake situations to evaluate the performance of smart building technologies during earthquakes and investigate the influence explore the impact of different technology portfolios combinations on urban resilience. This study adopts a quantitative approach, combining historical earthquake data and sophisticated advanced simulation models to simulate smart building dynamic responses in earthquakes as well as post-earthquake recovery the dynamic response and post-disaster recovery process of smart buildings during earthquakes. Through a multi-objective optimization model, the research further investigates the optimal technology combinations and configuration schemes under various budget constraints. The results show that smart building technologies, particularly the integration of monitoring and emergency response systems, significantly enhance urban resilience during earthquakes. Moreover, the study found that through rational cost allocation, it is possible to maximize building resilience performance while minimizing investment. The research concludes that smart building technologies play a crucial role in improving urban seismic resilience, and the proposed assessment framework and optimization model provide scientific decision support for future urban planning and building design.
Effects of pemafibrate (a selective proliferator-activated receptor agonist) versus weight loss through an intensive lifestyle modification on liver enzymes, serum soluble dipeptidyl peptidase-4, and hepatic fibrosis evaluated by FibroScan transient elastography in people with type 2 diabetes and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease
Authors: Kato Kanako , Jojimap Teruo , Tanuma Dai , Duda kanako , Sakurai Shintaro , Iijima Toshie , Tomaru Takuya , Usui Isao , Aso Yoshimasa 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the effects of pemafibrate (a selective proliferator-activated receptor aagonist) vs. weight loss through intensive lifestyle modification on hepatic steatosis and fibrosis evaluated by FibroScan and on serum levels of soluble dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (sDDP-4)/CD26, a hepatokine, in people with type 2 diabetes and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD).
Materials and Methods: In a randomized, active-controlled, open-label trial, 60 patients with type 2 diabetes and MASLD were randomized to receive 24 weeks’ treatment with pemafibrate (0.2 mg/day; n =25) or an intensive lifestyle intervention (ILI group; n =27). FibroScan transient elastography was used to assess hepatic steatosis and fibrosis by controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) and liver stiffness measurement (LSM), respectively. Serum levels of sDPP-4/CD26 were measured with a commercial ELISA kit.
Results: Body weight decreased significantly in the ILI group but not in the pemafibrate group. At week 24, CAP showed a significant decrease in the ILI group but no significant change in the pemafibrate group. LSM was unchanged in both groups. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), γ-glutamyl transpeptidase, and sDPP-4/CD26 levels decreased significantly in both groups. Changes in ALT during treatment with pemafibrate were positively correlated with changes in serum sDPP-4 and the FAST score.
Conclusion: In people with type 2 diabetes and MASLD, pemafibrate is as effective as an intensive lifestyle intervention (moderate weight loss) for decreasing liver enzymes or serum sDPP-4/CD26.
Alpha-synuclein is increased in erythrocytes in Parkinson’s Disease cases
Authors: Coyle Ryan N. , Roberts Anne M. , Horne Malcolm , Fowler Christopher , Masters Colin L. , Roberts Blaine R. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Idiopathic Parkinson’s disease (iPD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Mutations in the SCNA gene, which encodes the protein alpha synuclein (α-syn), are associated with familial forms of Parkinson's disease (PD). Additionally, Lewy bodies (LBs) rich in α-synuclein are a hallmark of idiopathic Parkinson's disease (iPD) pathology. Unlike AD, there are no effective blood-based diagnostic assays for iPD. Recent studies show that measures of misfolded α-syn in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and skin biopsies reflect the diagnosis of iPD. The presence of misfolded α-syn suggests that the altered cellular processes in the brain that lead to aggregated α-syn may also occur in the periphery. However, CSF and skin biopsies are intrusive, highlighting the need for a blood-based diagnostic assay. Erythrocytes are the richest source of α-syn in the body, and we hypothesized that peripheral α-syn changes could be detected in erythrocytes in iPD. To test this hypothesis, we used a targeted liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) assay, that included 15N-enriched recombinant α-syn as an internal standard. We compared the levels of α-syn in erythrocytes from iPD patients, AD patients, and healthy controls (CN). α-syn concentrations were significantly elevated in iPD (48.1 (29.7) µg*mL-1 of erythrocytes, median (IQR)) compared to CN (36.1 (28.4) µg*mL-1) and no difference was observed in AD (33.5 (18.1) µg*mL-1). Although α-syn levels were significantly elevated in iPD, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis yielded an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.62, indicating that erythrocytic α-syn levels alone are not sufficient for diagnostic purposes.
Impact of lifestyle modification practices and pharmacogenetics of ACE I/D gene polymorphism in grade 1 hypertensive patient
Authors: Rahman Farhana , Elumalai Suguna , Arumugam Shanmugapriya , Bhandari Ashni , Prasanth Krishna , Muthiah Nagasundaram , Kumaramanickavel Govindasamy 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Hypertension is a chronic disease, prevalence of which is gradually increasing in the society. It causes disease burden for a country especially in low and middle-income countries. The present study aimed at analysing the impact of lifestyle modification practices and role of pharmacogenetics of anti-hypertensive drugs in hypertensive patients susceptible to ACE I/D polymorphisms.
Methods
A hospital-based cross- sectional study was done on 447 hypertensive patients with age > 20 years, both gender, grade 1 hypertensive patient with and without co-morbid diseases taking anti-hypertensive drug for more than one year were included in the behavioural modification practise study. By convenience sampling method, 100 hypertensive patient taking amlodipine (5 mg/day) or telmisartan (20 mg/day) for more than one year were recruited for the pharmacogenetic study along with 100 healthy volunteers.
Results
Patients who practiced various lifestyle modification were seen to have good control (p < 0.05) of hypertension. ACE I/D gene polymorphism was significantly (p = 0.04) associated with hypertension when compared to control subjects. The distribution of the study subjects showed deviation from Hardy Weinberg Equilibrium (p = 0.001). Amlodipine (5 mg/day) in ACE II and telmisartan (20 mg/day) in ACE DD genotype showed better control of blood pressure.
Conclusion
The present study gave a silhouette that modification in lifestyle and individualized drug therapy plays a vital role in controlling blood pressure in grade 1 hypertensive patients.
Prognostic impact of cachexia in patients undergoing radical resection for colorectal cancer: a retrospective study
Authors: Tanda Hideki , Shibutani Masatsune , Seki Yuki , Nishiyama Tsuyoshi , Kasashima Hiroaki , Fukuoka Tatsunari , Maeda Kiyoshi 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background: Host and tumor factors influence tumor progression. Cachexia has attracted considerable attention as a potential host disease, and is a multifactorial syndrome characterized by skeletal muscle loss; however, it is difficult to objectively assess. The cachexia index (CXI) has been reported as a novel marker for assessing cachexia. This study investigated the relationship between cachexia and long-term prognosis after colorectal cancer surgery using the CXI.
Methods: We included 299 patients who underwent radical surgery for colorectal cancer at Osaka City University Hospital between January 2017 and December 2019. CXI was originally calculated using the skeletal muscle index, serum albumin level, and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio. This study also evaluated the P-CXI, which has a component of the psoas muscle index instead of the skeletal muscle index, and was calculated as follows: psoas muscle index (cm2/m2) × serum albumin level (g/dL) / neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio. The prognostic value of P-CXI was investigated using univariate and multivariate Cox hazard regression models after adjusting for potential confounders.
Results: The low P-CXI group included 185 patients with significantly shorter relapse-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) than the high P-CXI group (p=0.002 and p=0.005, respectively). The multivariate analysis showed a significant reduction in RFS and OS, wherein the following were independent poor prognostic factors: age >70 years (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.051, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.104–3.807, p=0.022 and HR: 2.649, 95% CI: 1.172–5.990, p=0.019, respectively), T4 tumors (HR: 4.153, 95% CI: 1.869–9.233, p<0.001 and HR: 8.797, 95% CI: 3.185–24.29, p<0.001, respectively), preoperative carbohydrate antigen 19-9 >37 U/ml (HR: 2.827, 95% CI: 1.224–6.532, p=0.014 and HR: 5.578, 95% CI: 2.043–15.23, p<0.001, respectively), and low P-CXI (HR: 2.629, 95% CI: 1.312–5.266, p=0.006 and HR: 2.716, 95% CI: 1.064–6.933, p=0.036, respectively).
Conclusion: Cachexia was shown to have a prognostic impact in patients with colorectal cancer who underwent radical resection, where P-CXI may be a useful prognostic marker.
Class, C. B., Coy, W., Kurz, C., Obert, O., Rehak, R., Trinitis, C., Ullrich, S. & Weber-Wulff, D. (Hg.) (2023). Gewissensbisse. Fallbeispiele zu ethischen Problemen der Informatik. Transcript. Edition Medienwissenschaften. 240 S. 29,00€
Authors: Halo Katharina 
Published: December 2024

Was definiert ‚richtig‘ und ‚falsch‘? Mit dieser Frage setzen wir Menschen uns täglich – nicht immer bewusst – auseinander, denn die Antwort beeinflusst oft unser Handeln und formt unser Verständnis vieler Ereignisse. Es gestaltet sich jedoch schwierig, eine klare und eindeutige Antwort darauf zu finden, da Meinungen in der Regel subjektiv sind und oft keine klare Abgrenzung zwischen dem ‚Richtigen‘ und ‚Falschen‘ existiert. Die zunehmenden Fortschritte im Bereich der KI geben ethischen Fragen eine immer relevantere Rolle. Es sind nicht nur Fragen nach der moralisch korrekten Nutzung von Informationstechnologien, sondern ebenso Aspekte des Entwerfens, Herstellens und Betreibens.
In Gewissensbisse werden solche ethischen Dilemmata der Informatik anhand von realitätsnahen Fallbeispielen anschaulich dargestellt und abschließend in Form moralisch relevanter Fragestellungen offengehalten. Diese praktische Herangehensweise soll sowohl allein als auch zum gemeinsamen Nachdenken und Diskutieren über moralische Normen und den kritischen Umgang mit IT-Systemen anregen. Die Autor*innen stellen mögliche Szenarien und Konzepte vor, sei es in der schulischen Lehre oder bei betrieblichen Workshops. Durch die Verwendung von ‚Keywords‘ erhalten Lesende Einsicht in technische und ethische Problematiken, welche in den Fallbeispielen behandelt werden. Fallbeispiele mit offenen Fragen, die zur moralischen Reflexion animieren, beleuchten mögliche Herausforderungen, deren Bedeutung für die Zukunft nicht unterschätzt werden sollte.

Class, C. B., Coy, W., Kurz, C., Obert, O., Rehak, R., Trinitis, C., Ullrich, S. & Weber-Wulff, D. (Hg.) (2023). Gewissensbisse. Fallbeispiele zu ethischen Problemen der Informatik. Transcript. Edition Medienwissenschaften. 240 S. 29,00€
Разработка технологии полимерпесчанных плит на основе отходов макулатуры марки МС-5Б
Authors: Зайцев А. В. , Дубовый В. К. , Симонова Е. И. , Ковернинский И. Н. , Кейзер П. М. 
Published: December 2024

Переработка макулатуры марки МС-5Б в тест-лайнер и флютинг в ОАО «Караваево» сопровождается накоплением отходов, представляющих собой сложную смесь веществ различных видов с переменным массовым составом. В год сдается на полигон свыше 1,2 млн т, таким образом удельное содержание отходов на 1 т продукции составляет около 38 кг. Образующиеся отходы необходимо утилизировать на полигоне, что требует значительных финансовых издержек. Поэтому переработка отходов стала актуальной проблемой переработки макулатуры. Смесь отходов фракционируется на пластики, волокно, дерево, минералы, металлы, резину и ткань. Установлено, что общее содержание пластика и волокна составляет более 71% и может быть использовано в полном объеме в качестве связующего в термопрессовочной технологии. Рассматривается технология полимерпесчанных плит на основе отходов макулатуры марки МС-5Б. Производилось полимерное изделие (ПИ) в виде плиток размером 330´330´35 мм. При весе плиток 3,3–3,5 кг/шт., производительность линии 2 т в смену (8 часов) оказалась близка к расчетной при выборе оборудования. Второй вариант исследования – производство ППИ. Были исследованы композиции исходного сырья и песка в следующих соотношениях, %: 50/50; 40/60; 30/70. В настоящее время налажена работа оборудования, отработаны режимы производства 2 видов изделий: садовая плитка 330´330´35 мм и дорожная плитка 700´700´80 мм для устройства дорог и парковок.
The recycling of MS-5B waste paper into a test liner and fluting at JSC Karavaevo is accompanied by the accumulation of waste, which is a complex mixture of substances of various types with variable mass composition. More than 1.2 million tons are delivered to the landfill per year, thus the specific content of waste per 1 ton of products is about 38 kg. The resulting waste must be disposed of at the landfill, which requires significant financial costs. Therefore, waste recycling has become an urgent problem of recycling waste paper. The waste mixture is fractionated into plastics, fiber, wood, minerals, metals, rubber and fabric. It has been established that the total content of plastic and fiber is more than 71% and can be used in full as a binder in thermal pressing technology. The technology of polymer-sanded plates based on waste paper of the MS-5B brand is considered. A polymer product (PI) was produced in the form of tiles with a size of 330´330´35 mm. With a tile weight of 3.3–3.5 kg/piece, the line capacity of 2 tons per shift (8 hours) turned out to be close to the calculated one when choosing equipment. The second option of the study is the production of PPIs. The compositions of the feedstock and sand were studied in the following ratios, %: 50/50; 40/60; 30/70. Currently, the operation of the equipment has been adjusted, the production modes of 2 types of products have been worked out: garden tiles 330´330´35 mm and road tiles 700´700´80 mm for roads and parking lots.
Impact of COVID-19 Restrictions on the Implementation of the Ward-based Outreach Team Program in Gauteng Province
Authors: Munyai Ntsieni Reuben , Lowane Mygirl P , Kleinhans Atholl 
Published: December 2024

Background
The epidemic Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) has led to changes in healthcare delivery systems globally, affecting the Ward-based Outreach Team (WBOT) program.

Objective
This study aimed to explore the impact of COVID-19 restrictions on the implementation of the ward-based outreach team program by Community Health Workers (CHWs).

Methods
A qualitative design was adopted to conduct In-depth Interviews (IDIs) with CHWs implementing the WBOT program in the northern subdistrict of Ekurhuleni. A purpose-oriented sampling technique was used to select participants for IDIs.

Results
The study included nine health facilities linked to 47 wards. The findings of the study revealed four main themes: fear and denied access during COVID-19, the impact of COVID-19 on CHW's role, psychological impact, and perceived socioeconomic impact as a result of COVID-19. The results of this study showed the perception of CHWs of the displaced community during the COVID-19 outbreak and the impact of the lockdown on their role.

Conclusion
The results of this qualitative study showed the impact of the outbreak on the role of CHWs, the fear of COVID-19 in the communities, stress and fear of the disease, and the perception of CHWs of the displaced community by the disease. Despite the challenges posed by the outbreak, the ward-based outreach program has continued to play a vital role in delivering essential healthcare services to communities. These findings can be used as an input for decision-making when developing strategies to optimize CHWs implementation.
Information Source Characteristics of Personal Data Leakage During the COVID-19 Pandemic in China: Observational Study
Authors: Wang Zhong , Hu Fangru , Su Jie , Lin Yuyao 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
During the COVID-19 pandemic, in the period of preventing and controlling the spread of the virus, a large amount of personal data was collected in China, and privacy leakage incidents occurred.

Objective
We aimed to examine the information source characteristics of personal data leakage during the COVID-19 pandemic in China.

Methods
We extracted information source characteristics of 40 personal data leakage cases using open coding and analyzed the data with 1D and 2D matrices.

Results
In terms of organizational characteristics, data leakage cases mainly occurred in government agencies below the prefecture level, while few occurred in the medical system or in high-level government organizations. The majority of leakers were regular employees or junior staff members rather than temporary workers or senior managers. Family WeChat groups were the primary route for disclosure; the forwarding of documents was the main method of divulgence, while taking screenshots and pictures made up a comparatively smaller portion.

Conclusions
We propose the following suggestions: restricting the authority of nonmedical institutions and low-level government agencies to collect data, strengthening training for low-level employees on privacy protection, and restricting the flow of data on social media through technical measures.