bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Elevated fibrinogen-albumin ratio is an adverse prognostic factor for patients with primarily resected gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Jomrich Gerd , Yan Winny , Kollmann Dagmar , Kristo Ivan , Winkler Daniel , Puhr Hannah , Ihan-Mutlu Aysegül , Hollenstein Marlene , Asari Reza , Schoppmann Sebastian 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Purpose: Serum fibrinogen and albumin play important roles in systemic inflammation and are implicated in tumor progression. The fibrinogen-to-albumin ratio (FAR) has shown a prognostic impact in several malignancies. This study aims to assess the prognostic value of the pretherapeutic FAR in patients with adenocarcinoma of the gastroesophageal junction (AEG) who underwent upfront resection.
Methods: Consecutive patients who underwent surgical resection at the Department of Surgery at the Medical University of Vienna between 1992 and 2014 were included into this study. Optimal cut-off values were determined with the receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve, uni- and multivariate analyzes were calculated by the Cox proportional hazard regression model for overall survival (OS).
Results: Among 135 included patients, the majority were male (79.26%), with a mean age of 66.53 years. Elevated FAR correlated significantly (p=0.002) with shorter OS in univariate analysis, also confirmed as independent prognostic factor (p=0.005) in multivariable analysis. The ROC curve of FAR (AUC=0.744) outperformed fibrinogen (AUC=0.738) and albumin (AUC=0.378) in predicting OS for AEG patients.
Conclusion: The FAR serves as an independent prognostic factor for OS in patients undergoing primarily resection for AEG. Given its routine availability and ease of calculation, FAR could help in diagnosis and treatment selection for AEG patients. Further validation studies are warranted to confirm these findings conclusively.
Geometrically Linear Flumes for Denser Fluid Flow Measurement in Rectangular Open Channel
Authors: S Adarsh , N Shehsa Prakash M 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Discharge measurement in an open channel within a pre-fixed degree of accuracy with least compromise on the head of flowing liquid is a challenging task. Sharp crested and broad crested weirs have been tried to the maximum extent and have not been popularly used in the field due to its intrusive nature, reducing the fluid head. Further, discharge measuring flumes like Venturi flume, Standing wave flume have been successfully used with least disturbance in flow. However, the accuracy of flow depends on the fabrication. In addition, the change in bed levels may also induce slight changes in streamline flow resulting in loss of head. Even a slight error in the fabrication to the designed profiles may induce large errors. Further, use of monograms or charts or computations with equations is mandatory to obtain the instant discharge in the flume at any instant. Seldom has the discharge-depth connection for denser fluids in regular channels been studied to improve the usefulness of flow metres. For the first time, the authors have proposed a theoretical and experimental inquiry on Denser Fluid Flow Measurement in open rectangular channels. The results show that a nearly linear depth-discharge relationship may be obtained even in rectangular channels. This paper presents a novel generic optimisation approach that determines the flow parameters. The near-linear depth-discharge connection is found to be valid from YA to YB, with an inaccuracy of ± 2 percent. The proposed linear equations for water and grey water of density 1.3 are respectively given for a channel of square cross-section by, \({Q_{l{a_{\,1.0}}}}=0.6319\left( {Y - 0.103} \right),\)\({Q_{l{a_{\,1.3}}}}=0.7204\left( {Y - 0.103} \right)\)and \({Q_{l{t_{\,1.3}}}}={\text{0}}{\text{.7493}}\left( {Y - 0.1137} \right),\)where Qla and Qlt represent the corresponding actual and theoretical depth-discharge relationships and further suffixes indicate the density of the fluid. It can be observed that the flow parameters of the flume are independent of the density and the flow parameters will remain linear. For the first time, the Chezy’s discharge equation has been explored to get a new density coefficient to be used in discharge equations with which we can convert the equation of the flow parameters of water to any other fluid of different density. Further, it has been shown that the linearity range and its validity remain unchanged with respect to that of water but the linear equation can be obtained by just multiplying the linear parameters by the density coefficient, given by square-root of specific gravity of the fluid. The proposed research is significant since it aims to detect grey water output directly with a calibrated piezometer, eliminating the need for manual intervention.
Fecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT) and Clinical Outcomes among Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Patients: An Umbrella Review
Authors: Malik Sheza , Arsalan Syed , Shadali Abul Hasan , Khan Hajra , Christof Michael , Niu Chengu , Adler Douglas 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background and Aims:
Recent systematic reviews and meta-analyses (SRMAs) have shown inconsistent effectiveness of FMT among IBD patients. This study aimed to appraise the evidence for clinically relevant outcomes with FMT in IBD patients using published SRMAs.
Methods:
We searched major databases from inception through Nov 2023 to identify SRMAs assessing the effectiveness of FMT in IBD patients. Primary outcomes included clinical remission, clinical response, endoscopic remission/response, a composite endpoint, and adverse effects. We included SRMAs investigating FMT's effect in IBD patients using RCTs and observational studies data. Methodological quality and evidence certainty were assessed using AMSTAR 2 and GRADE.
Results:
Out of 106 citations, 16 SRMAs were included with varying study sizes (2 to 60 primary studies) and participants (112 to 1169 per SRMA). Five SRMAs assessed FMT in IBD, while 11 focused on Ulcerative Colitis (UC). Seven SRMAs included RCTs only, and nine included both RCTs and observational studies. Methodological quality was critically low in 9 SRMAs (56%) and low in 7 studies (44%). FMT showed clinical remission benefit in all 16 SRMAs, with varying certainty: 3 high, 4 moderate, 4 low, and 5 very low. Endoscopic remission/response was reported in 5 meta-analyses on UC, with 1 high, 3 moderate, and 1 very low certainty. Combined clinical remission and endoscopic response were reported in 3 SRMAs on UC, with 1 low and 2 moderate certainty. Adverse events were reported in 6 SRMAs, with 1 high, 3 moderate, 1 low, and 1 very low certainty.
Conclusion:
Current evidence shows potential benefits of FMT in IBD, particularly UC, supported by significant associations in 16 meta-analyses. However, poor methodological quality and variability in evidence certainty call for high-quality RCTs to strengthen the evidence.
Advancements in Humanoid Robotics: Designing an Artificial Neural Network-based Speech Recognition Robot for Tactical Deployment
Authors: Shrivastava Sarika , Bannerjee Somendra , Srivast Mayank , Khalid Saifullah , Nishad D. K. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

The development of an ANN-based speech recognition system using MATLAB for controlling a humanoid robot prototype is presented in this research. Our proposed approach, therefore, will be in a good position to derive significant benefits from the powerful features and toolboxes in MATLAB in the areas of signal processing, machine learning, and robotics, way above most of the works available that have used platforms such as Arduino and Android with Bluetooth technology. The system is trained to recognize the five speech commands: "move forward," "move backward," "turn right," "turn left," and "stop." The custom GUI software has been developed to collect the data. It is processed by Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) and Mel-frequency cepstral coefficients (MFCC). After that, it goes through silence removal and normalized techniques with pre-processing ANN classifiers and integrated with the robot control system. The accuracy of the trained model on test data with multiple speakers is 87% and holds good for general purposes without being biased towards any specific speaker's voice characteristics. Developed prototype, hence, proves the feasibility and potential of MATLAB for the speech recognition task in control with humanoid robot and its applications in different domains like industries, healthcare, and defense. The modular architecture allows for easy customization and extension to incorporate additional voice commands and functionalities. Future research directions include improving robustness to noise, speaker-independent recognition, and integration with other modalities like gesture recognition and computer vision.
Fibrinogen to Albumin Ratio and 28-Day Mortality in sepsis-associated acute kidney injury: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Zhang Zhiyuan , Wang Chaowei , Wang Jiangui , Zou Kang , Xu Qinglin 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background:To explore the correlation between the Fibrinogen to Albumin Ratio (FAR) and the 28-day mortality rate in patients with sepsis-associated acute kidney injury (SA-AKI) within an intensive care unit (ICU) setting, with an emphasis on the prognostic value of FAR.
Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on SA-AKI patients represented in the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV (MIMIC-IV) database. Multivariable Cox regression analysis was used to determine adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Subgroup analysis, survival curves, and curve fitting were employed to evaluate the relationship between FAR and prognosis in SA-AKI patients.
Results: In this study, a total of 1297 participants were included. The participants had a mean age of 61.4 ± 14.1 years and a mean FAR of 1.155 (range 0.09 to 7.84). After controlling for variables, the Hazard Ratio (HR) for 28-day mortality in Tertile 3 (FAR > 1.21) was 0.68 (HR: 0.68, 95% CI: 0.53–0.87, p = 0.002) compared to Tertile 1 (FAR < 0.63). The results for 90-day mortality and in-hospital mortality were Similar. Kaplan-Meier (KM) analysis indicated lower mortality rates at 28 days and 90 days in the group with higher FAR.
Conclusion: The findings underscore the prognostic significance of FAR in SA-AKI, suggesting that a lower FAR is linked to increased mortality risks at 28 days, 90 days, and during hospitalization.
Immunomodulatory activity of two Trypanosoma cruzi recombinant antigens TSA-1-C4 and Tc24-C4 induce activation of macrophages and CD8+ T cells
Authors: Huchim Victor Manuel Dzul , Vallado Miguel Rosado , Canto Antonio Euan , Romero Julio Torres , Lopez Jaime Ortega , Chan Julio Vladimir Cruz , Lizama Liliana Villanueva , Argaez Victor Arana 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Chagas disease is a chronic infection caused by the protozoan parasite, Trypanosoma cruzi, with limited benefits of the currently available anti-parasitic chemotherapeutic approaches to halt the progression of heart disease. Recombinant TSA-1-C4 and Tc24-C4 proteins have been developed as promising antigen candidates for therapeutic vaccines, leading to propose them in combination as a bivalent recombinant protein strategy. In this study, we evaluated the immunomodulatory effect of the combined TSA-1-C4 and Tc24-C4 recombinant proteins by in-vitro assays using murine macrophages. Macrophages from naïve Balb/c mice were isolated and stimulated with TSA-1-C4 plus Tc24-C4 recombinant proteins, hence, supernatants were recovered to measure host NO, H2O2, as well as, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-10 cytokine responses. Later, stimulated macrophages were co-cultured with CD8+ T cells from naïve mice, and inflammatory cytokine-profiles were measured from supernatants. We observed that combining both antigens promotes the activation of host macrophages through of NO and H2O2 release; together, these two antigens also induced considerable pro-inflammatory immune-responses mediated by TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 cytokines compared to either TSA-1-C4 or Tc24-C4 stimulated macrophages. In addition, naïve CD8+ T cells in presence of TSA-1-C4 plus Tc24-C4 stimulated-macrophages similarly boosted the pro-inflammatory immune profile by significant production of IFN-γ and TNF-α cytokines. These results support immunological advantages for the use of TSA-1-C4 and Tc24-C4 recombinant protein combination.
Effects of different culture modes on growth, muscle nutrition, and intestinal microbiota of largemouth bass
Authors: Hu G. D. , Hu H. D. , Deng Y. X. , Wu Y. J. , You Y. M. , Sun H.C. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

To study the differences in morphological characteristics, muscle nutrition, and intestinal microbiota of largemouth bass under different farming modes, healthy largemouth bass with an initial body weight of 50.0 (± 2.0) g were selected and reared for 180 d under traditional pond farming (Group A), flow-through farming (Group B), and high-position pond farming (Group C) modes. The results showed that: (1) the condition factor, hepatosomatic index, and visceral somatic index of largemouth bass in Group B were significantly higher than those in Group C (P < 0.05); (2) the crude fat content in muscle of fish in Group B was significantly lower than that in Group A (P < 0.05). However, the crude protein content was significantly higher than that in Group A (P < 0.05). The total amino acid content, total non-essential amino acids, total umami amino acids, and total aromatic amino acids in muscle of fish in Group B were significantly higher than those in Groups A and C (P < 0.05). The monounsaturated fatty acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and DHA + EPA contents in muscle of fish in Group B were significantly higher than those in Group A (P < 0.05) and extremely significantly higher than those in Group C (P < 0.01), and; (3) alpha diversity analysis showed that the intestinal microbiota diversity of largemouth bass in Group B was higher than that of the other two groups. At the phylum level, the dominant bacterial phyla in largemouth bass intestines were Fusobacteriota, Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Bacteroidota, and Actinobacteria. At the genus level, the dominant bacterial genera were Mycoplasma, Cetobacterium, and Acinetobacter. Principal coordinate analysis based on operational taxonomic units indicated that the microbiota distribution of Group B differed slightly from that of Group A and differed significantly from that of Group C. This indicated that the species diversity of the intestinal microbiota of largemouth bass varied under different farming modes. In conclusion, the farming mode affected the growth, muscle nutritional quality, and intestinal microbiota of largemouth bass. This study provides a theoretical basis for understanding the relationships between farming modes, growth performance, muscle nutrition, and intestinal microbiota in largemouth bass.
DNA aptamer targeting USE1 as a novel biomarker for lung cancer
Authors: Kim Min-Jee , Yum Kyuha , Kim Dajeong , Lee Jong Bum , Lee Peter Chang-Whan 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background Lung cancer, the second most diagnosed cancer worldwide and the leading cause of cancer-related mortality, presents significant challenges, including early detection and effective treatment. In this study, we developed a diagnostic kit utilizing a novel aptamer targeting UBA6-specific E2 conjugating enzyme 1 (USE1), a biomarker implicated in the pathogenesis of lung cancer.Materials and methods Through Systematic Evolution of Ligands by EXponential enrichment (SELEX), we identified aptamers with high affinity and specificity to USE1. To evaluate the detection ability of these aptamers for the USE1 protein, in vitro and in vivo assays, including Enzyme-Linked OligoNucleotide Assays (ELONA) and immunoprecipitation with lung cancer cell lines and tissue samples, were performed. We also developed a novel fluorescence biosensing kit featuring a self-assembled biotin-modified DNA microsphere (DNAMS) and streptavidin quantum dot (STA-QD) conjugation for the detection of USE1.Results In vitro assays, such as ELONA and immunoprecipitation, demonstrated the robust detection of USE1 using these aptamers. Validation of the aptamers using lung cancer cell lines and patient tissue samples showed a sensitivity of 100.0% and a specificity of 80.0%. Additionally, the novel fluorescence biosensing kit, which features a self-assembled biotin-modified DNA microsphere (DNAMS) and streptavidin quantum dot (STA-QD) conjugation, facilitated easy visual detection of USE1.Conclusion Overall, this study not only advances the current understanding of aptamer-based diagnostics but also presents a promising approach for early lung cancer detection, with the potential to improve patient outcomes.Graphic abstract
TRIM13 reduces damage to COPD alveolar epithelial cells by inhibiting ER-phagy induced by ERS
Authors: Xiang¹ Yaling , Li¹ Chuntao , Wang¹ Zhiyuan , Feng¹ Jiagang , Zhang¹ Jiaqiang , Yang¹ Yue , Zhou¹ Jinbiao , Zhang¹ Jianqing 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

objective
Exploring the molecular mechanisms by which tripartite motif-containing protein 13 (TRIM13) regulates alveolar epithelial cell injury in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) provides new molecular targets for the treatment of COPD.
MethodDetermining the expression levels of TRIM13 in clinical patients and in a rat model of emphysema. Constructing a cigarette smoke-induced model of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) and endoplasmic reticulum autophagy (ER-phagy) in A549 cells, and examining the effects of TRIM13 gene overexpression/knockdown on ERS, ER-phagy, cell apoptosis, and the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway in A549 cells.
Result The expression of TRIM13 in the lung tissues of COPD patients and emphysema rats is significantly decreased, and the level of cell apoptosis in the lung tissues of emphysema rats is significantly increased. Overexpressing TRIM13 reduces the expression levels of ERS-related molecules (GRP78, GRP94, XBP-1, and eIF2a) in COPD models; it also lowers ER-phagy levels (with a decrease in the number of autolysosomes under transmission electron microscope and an improvement in endoplasmic reticulum structure; a reduction in the expression levels of LC3 II/LC3I and Beclin1, and an increase in the expression level of the autophagy inhibitory molecule BCL-2). Furthermore, overexpressing TRIM13 activates the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway (p-PI3K/PI3K, p-AKT/AKT, and p-mTOR/mTOR). Conversely, knocking down TRIM13 yields opposite results.
Conclusion TRIM13 attenuated alveolar epithelial cell injury in COPD by inhibiting ERS-induced ER-phagy, the mechanism of which may be activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.
Factors Associated with Hospital Length of Stay in Patients with Thoracic Hydatid Cyst Disease Undergoing Surgical Intervention: A Retrospective Study
Authors: ershadi Reza , Salehi Mohammadreza , Roostaei Ghazal , Khoshnam Niloofar , Soltanmohammadi Sara , Amini Hesam 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Hydatid cyst (HC) frequently affects the lungs, making it the second most common site after the liver. This Study evaluating clinical characteristics, surgical approaches, complications, lab findings, and factors influencing hospital LOS in patients with pulmonary hydatid cysts requiring surgery.
Methods
This retrospective observational study enrolled adult patients who underwent surgery for lung HC between 2017 and 2021. Data were collected using a standardized checklist that included demographics, medical history, laboratory findings, treatment details, surgical characteristics, and risk factors. The primary outcome was LOS. Potential influencing factors included demographics, preoperative symptoms, albendazole use, cyst location and size, extrapulmonary involvement, surgical approach, laboratory findings, and postoperative complications.
Results
A retrospective analysis of 214 patients with pulmonary hydatid cysts identified a male predominance (59.3%; median age, 36 years). Most patients (58.9%) were aged 20–40 and resided in urban areas (65.4%). A history of dog exposure was reported in 25.2% of patients, right lower lobe involvement (51.4%), and synchronous liver cysts in 13.6% of patients. Elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), positive serology, eosinophilia, prolonged air leak (> 5 days), and fever predicted longer hospital stays. Cough (39.3%) was the most common symptom. Cystotomy with capitonnage (95.8%) was the dominant surgical approach.
Conclusions
This study identified elevated ESR, eosinophilia, positive serology, air leak persisting beyond 5 days, and fever as independent predictors of prolonged hospital stay.
Epidemiology of Human Papillomavirus Infection of the Uterine Cervix Among Women in Adama, Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Lema Tadesse Fikre , Moleki Mary , Mosalo Annah 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted infection worldwide affecting at least 50% of sexually-active individuals at some point during their life. The world-wide prevalence among women is 11.7%, and the highest prevalence was in sub-Saharan Africa 24%. Persistent human papillomavirus infection with high-risk genotypes is now a well-established cause of cervical cancer (CC) and it was demonstrated that they were present in 99.7% of CC cases worldwide. The main purpose of the study was to determine the epidemiology of HPV infection of the uterine cervix among women in Adama, Ethiopia.
Method
An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 383 women in Adama, Ethiopia, from March-June 2023. A systematic sampling technique was employed to collect data using a pretested, structured questionnaire. The data were entered into Epi-info 7 and analysed using SPSS version 26. Binary logistic regression for bivariate and multivariate analyses with adjusted odds ratios (AORs) and 95% CIs were used to identify factors associated with HPV infection. The level of significance was defined as a p value < 0.05.
Results
The prevalence of HPV infection was 26.6%. The proportions of the most oncogenic high-risk HPV (HR-HPV) genotypes, HPV-16 and HPV-18, were 22.5% and 5.9%, respectively. “Other HR-HPV” genotypes accounted for 63.7%. Being divorced, having postcoital bleeding, having early sexual debut, having multiple sexual partners, having sexually transmitted infections and being HIV-positive were identified as independent factors significantly associated with HR-HPV infection.
Conclusion
There was a greater prevalence of HPV infection in the study area than worldwide. “Other HR-HPV” genotypes were the major oncogenic HR-HPV genotypes identified. Multiple factors were identified as independent factors significantly associated with HR-HPV infection. Awareness creation campaigns and educational programmes about the prevention of HPV infection and associated risk factors need to be implemented in the community.