bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Determining the cut-off value for the Minimal Documentation System (MIDOS2) screening tool to initiate specialized palliative care based on patient’s subjective need for palliative support and symptom burden in inpatients with advanced cancer
Authors: Heinzelmann Anna , Tewes Mitra , Müller Sandy , Sure Ulrich , Herrmann Ken , Schadendorf Dirk , Warnecke Eva , Rausch Raya , Skoda Eva-Maria , Salvador Comino Maria Rosa 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Purpose
The Minimal Documentation System (MIDOS2) is recommended as a systematic screening tool for assessing symptom burden and patient needs in advanced cancer patients. Given the absence of an optimal weighting of individual symptoms and a corresponding cut-off value, this study aims to determine a threshold based on inpatient’s subjective need for palliative support. Additionally, we investigate the correlation between symptom burden and subjective need for palliative support collected through a patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) with survival duration of less or more than one year.

Methods
Inpatients diagnosed with advanced solid cancer completed an electronic PROM, which included the MIDOS2 questionnaire among other tools. Differences in symptom burden were analysed between patients expressing subjective need for palliative support and those with survival of less or more than one year using ANOVA, Mann–Whitney-U Test, logistic regression, Pearson and Spearman correlation tests. Cut-off analyses were performed using a ROC curve. Youden-Index, sensitivity, and specificity measures were used as well.

Results
Between April 2020 and March 2021, 265 inpatients were included in the study. Using a ROC curve, the MIDOS2 analysis resulted in an Area under the curve (AUC) of 0.732, a corresponding cut-off value of eight points, a sensitivity of 76.36% and a specificity of 62.98% in assessing the subjective need for palliative support. The MIDOS2, with double weighting of the significant symptoms, showed a cut-off value of 14 points, achieving a sensitivity of 78.18% and a specificity of 72.38%. A total of 55 patients (20.8%) expressed a need for support from the palliative care team. This need was independent of the oncological tumour entity and increased among patients with a survival of less than one year. These patients reported significantly poorer physical (p < 0.001) or mental (p < 0.001) condition. Additionally, they reported higher intensities of pain (p = 0.002), depressive symptoms (p < 0.001), weakness (p < 0.001), anxiety (p < 0.001), and tiredness (p < 0.001).

Conclusion
Using the established MIDOS2 cut-off value with an adjusted double weighting in our study, a large proportion of inpatients may be accurately referred to SPC based on their subjective need for palliative support. Additionally, subjective reports of poor general, mental, and physical condition, as well as pain, depressive symptoms, weakness, anxiety, and tiredness, increase the subjective need for palliative support, particularly in patients with a survival prognosis of less than one year.
Spiramycin-loaded maltodextrin nanoparticles as a promising treatment of toxoplasmosis on murine model
Authors: Abdel-Wahab Ayman A. , Shafey Dalia A. , Selim Sahar M. , Sharaf Soraya A. , Mohsen Khloud K. , Allam Dina M. , Elkhadry Sally W. , Gouda Marwa A. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractDespite being the initial choice for treating toxoplasmosis, sulfadiazine and pyrimethamine have limited effectiveness in eliminating the infection and were linked to a variety of adverse effects. Therefore, the search for new effective therapeutic strategies against toxoplasmosis is still required. The current work is the first research to assess the efficacy of spiramycin-loaded maltodextrin nanoparticles (SPM-loaded MNPs) as a novel alternative drug therapy against toxoplasmosis in a murine model. Fifty laboratory-bred Swiss albino mice were divided into five groups: normal control group (GI, n = 10), positive control group (GII, n = 10), orally treated with spiramycin (SPM) alone (GIII, n = 10), intranasal treated with SPM-loaded MNPs (GIV, n = 10), and orally treated with SPM-loaded MNPs (GV, n = 10). Cysts of Toxoplasma gondii ME-49 strain were used to infect the mice. Tested drugs were administered 2 months after the infection. Drug efficacy was assessed by counting brain cysts, histopathological examination, and measures of serum CD19 by flow cytometer. The orally treated group with SPM-loaded MNPs (GV) showed a marked reduction of brain cyst count (88.7%), histopathological improvement changes, and an increasing mean level of CD19 (80.2%) with significant differences. SPM-loaded MNPs showed potent therapeutic effects against chronic toxoplasmosis. Further research should be conducted to assess it in the treatment of human toxoplasmosis, especially during pregnancy.
Graphical Abstract
Retrospective assessment of short-term outcomes of robotic- versus laparoscopic-assisted duodenal diamond anastomosis in neonates
Authors: Yang Si-Si , Lv Chengjie , Huang Shoujiang , Tou Jin-Fa , Lai Deng-Ming 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Objective
The purpose of this study was to retrospectively compare the short-term outcomes of robotic- (RAD) and laparoscopic-assisted duodenal diamond-shaped anastomosis (LAD) in neonates.

Methods
Neonates who underwent RAD (n = 30) or LAD (n = 38) between January 2019 and December 2022 were analyzed retrospectively. Major patient data were collected, including preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative information.

Results
All patients were neonates below the age of 30 days weighing 4 kg. Thirty (44.1%) neonates underwent RAD and 38 neonates (55.9%) underwent LAD. Compared to the LAD group, the RAD group had a shorter intra-abdominal operation time (RAD, 60.0(50.0 ~ 70.0) min; LAD, 79.9(69.0 ~ 95.3) min; p < 0.001). There were no significant differences in immediate and 30-day complications between the two groups.

Conclusions
RAD is safe and effective in neonates. Compared to traditional LAD, RAD showed comparable results.

Graphical abstract
Inference on process capability index $$S_{pmk}$$ for a new lifetime distribution
Authors: Karakaya Kadir 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIn various applied disciplines, the modeling of continuous data often requires the use of flexible continuous distributions. Meeting this demand calls for the introduction of new continuous distributions that possess desirable characteristics. This paper introduces a new continuous distribution. Several estimators for estimating the unknown parameters of the new distribution are discussed and their efficiency is assessed through Monte Carlo simulations. Furthermore, the process capability index $$S_{pmk}$$

S

pmk

is examined when the underlying distribution is the proposed distribution. The maximum likelihood estimation of the $$S_{pmk}$$

S

pmk

is also studied. The asymptotic confidence interval is also constructed for $$S_{pmk}$$

S

pmk

. The simulation results indicate that estimators for both the unknown parameters of the new distribution and the $$S_{pmk}$$

S

pmk

provide reasonable results. Some practical analyses are also performed on both the new distribution and the $$S_{pmk}$$

S

pmk

. The results of the conducted data analysis indicate that the new distribution yields effective outcomes in modeling lifetime data in the literature. Similarly, the data analyses performed for $$S_{pmk}$$

S

pmk

illustrate that the new distribution can be utilized for process capability indices by quality controllers.
$$\mu $$XL: explainable lead generation with microservices and hypothetical answers
Authors: Cruz-Filipe Luís , Kostopoulou Sofia , Montesi Fabrizio , Vistrup Jonas 
Published: July 2024

AbstractLead generation refers to the identification of potential topics (the ‘leads’) of importance for journalists to report on. In this article we present $$\mu $$
μ
XL, a new lead generation tool based on a microservice architecture that includes a component of explainable AI. $$\mu $$
μ
XL collects and stores historical and real-time data from web sources, like Google Trends, and generates current and future leads. Leads are produced by a novel engine for hypothetical reasoning based on temporal logical rules, which can identify propositions that may hold depending on the outcomes of future events. This engine also supports additional features that are relevant for lead generation, such as user-defined predicates (allowing useful custom atomic propositions to be defined as Java functions) and negation (needed to specify and reason about leads characterized by the absence of specific properties). Our microservice architecture is designed using state-of-the-art methods and tools for API design and implementation, namely API patterns and the Jolie programming language. Thus, our development provides an additional validation of their usefulness in a new application domain (journalism). We also carry out an empirical evaluation of our tool.
Identifying the influence of climate policy uncertainty and oil prices on modern renewable energies: novel evidence from the United States
Authors: Karlilar Pata Selin , Balcilar Mehmet 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
The policy uncertainty surrounding climate change can intensify the urgency of implementing climate policies and influence investment decisions, thereby serving as a catalyst for policy transformation. In this context, given its withdrawal from and subsequent re-commitment to the Paris Agreement, the United States (US) may experience policy uncertainty over climate change. Given this backdrop, it is of paramount importance to explore how the uncertainties caused by shifts in climate policy affect clean energy. This study delves into the impact of climate policy uncertainty and oil prices on modern renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, geothermal, and biofuels. The most recent monthly data from 1989 to 2023 are used by conducting the Residual Augmented Least Squares (RALS) methodology. The empirical findings show that the uncertainty surrounding climate policy is leading to a shift in the US energy composition, with a focus on solar energy, wind energy, and biofuels. Moreover, the fluctuation in oil prices has a significant effect on the deployment of wind and biofuels, but no discernible effect on solar power. These findings provide significant insights for aligning climate policy in the US with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7, highlighting the crucial importance of encouraging investments in solar energy, wind energy, and biofuels.

Graphical abstract
Could Photobiomodulation help lactating women and their newborns?
Authors: Elseody Maha Helmy Ammar Ahmed , Mohamed Marwa Abd El-Rahman , Alsharnoubi Jehan 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
During the first several weeks following lactation, nipple pain frequently prevents mothers from continuing breastfeeding. To evaluate the efficacy of using Photobiomodulation (PBM) versus anti-inflammatory topical cream, on inflamed nipple, and the effect on milk production. This study was carried-out on 50 breastfeeding women with nipple pain and fissure. Our patients were divided into two groups ; study group (Group I): 25 patients received 12 sessions of PBM using Diode laser for a period of 4 weeks, 3 sessions per week every alternative day, and controlled group (Group II): 25 patients used Anti-inflammatory topical cream. Regarding inflammatory signs in both groups, Group I showed a significant decrease in redness compared to Group II at the 3rd and 4th week, and a significant decrease in nipple fissure and pain at the 3rd week. There was a significant increase in milk amount reflected on the infant’s weight. We concluded that PBM was more effective in decreasing nipple pain, inflammation and subsequently milk production and infant weight than topical anti-inflammatory creams.
Broadening the horizon in land use change modelling: Normative scenarios for nature positive futures in Switzerland
Authors: Black Benjamin , Adde Antoine , Farinotti Daniel , Guisan Antoine , Külling Nathan , Kurmann Manuel , Martin Caroline , Mayer Paula , Rabe Sven-Erik , Streit Jan , Zekollari Harry , Grêt-Regamey Adrienne 
Published: July 2024

AbstractWithin scenario-based research of social-ecological systems, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of normative scenarios that define positive outcomes for both nature and society. While several frameworks exist to guide the co-creation of normative scenario narratives, examples of operationalizing these narratives in quantitative simulation modelling are still limited. To address this gap, this paper presents an example of how aspects of normative scenarios can be realized within a spatial model of land use and land cover change. This is achieved through a combination of data-driven approaches to encapsulate scenario-specific differences in local and global scale phenomena, as well as iterative expert elicitation to quantify descriptive trends from narratives. This approach is demonstrated with a case study simulating five scenarios of landscape change (three normative and two exploratory) in Switzerland between 2020 and 2060. The resulting maps of future land use and land cover exhibited distinct variations between the scenarios, notably with regard to the prevalence of areas of heterogeneous semi-natural land, such as alpine pastures and grassland, often considered culturally emblematic of Switzerland. While the simulation results were generally consistent with the outcomes expressed in the scenario narratives, following a process of expert feedback, we reflect that there are clear challenges in leveraging such results to elicit further discussions as to the desirability and plausibility of future scenarios. Specifically, the need to summarize spatial simulations in a manner that is easily interpretable and encourages consideration of the broader patterns of change rather than focusing on fine-scale details.
Computed tomography based evaluation of the association between sphenoid sinus pneumatization patterns and variations of adjacent bony structures in relation to age and gender
Authors: Açar Gülay , Gökşan Ahmet Safa , Aydoğdu Demet 
Published: July 2024

AbstractMany studies revealed that the sphenoid sinus pneumatization (SSP) affects the protrusion/dehiscence of adjacent structures including optic canal (OC), foramen rotundum (FR), vidian canal (VC), and carotid canal (CC). Knowledge of this relationship bears vital importance to identify the safest surgical route during transsphenoidal procedures. Therefore, we aimed to determine the individualized prevalence of the protrusion/dehiscence of adjacent structures based on sagittal and coronal SSP (SSSP and CSSP) patterns. Computed tomography images of 300 patients were analysed to identify the SSSP and CSSP types, and the protrusion/dehiscence of adjacent structures was determined. The relationship between the variables was examined using statistical analysis in terms of age, gender, and laterality. The most prevalent SSSP type was postsellar (62.7%), followed by sellar (30%), presellar (6.6%), and conchal (0.7%). In 71.3% of patients, five types of CSSP were observed, with 23.6% and 21.7% exhibiting Type IV and V, respectively. Our results indicated that postsellar type, Type IV and V CSSP associated with the highest likelihood of protrusion/dehiscence of OC, FR, VC, and CC. Furthermore, no significant correlation was observed between these qualitative variables and gender, with the exception of the VC dehiscence, the protrusion of OC and CC. No notable differences were identified with respect to laterality. Also, the probability of having postsellar type, Type IV and V CSSP, as well as the protrusion of OC, VC, and CC, decreased with increasing age. Further detailed analysis of this association is required to predict the size of the surgical window and to prevent neurovascular injury.
Novel Chromium–Silicon Slurry Coatings for Hot Corrosion Environments
Authors: Kerbstadt M. , Ma K. , White E. M. H. , Knowles A. J. , Galetz M. C. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractNi-based superalloys are commonly used in gas turbines because of their exceptional high-temperature mechanical properties. To secure a long service life, the materials must also have sufficient corrosion resistance. Therefore, diffusion coatings are widely used to enrich the surface in protective oxide scale-forming elements. For temperatures between 650 and 950 °C, where hot corrosion occurs, Cr-based coatings are advantageous. These are commonly applied via the laborious pack cementation process. Recently, a novel cost-effective Cr/Si slurry coating process has been developed which demonstrated resistance to oxidative high-temperature environments. Here, the protection of the slurry coatings against hot corrosion type I at 900 °C on the Ni-based superalloy Rene 80 is investigated and compared to coatings produced by pack cementation. Prior to the 300-h exposures in air containing 0.1% SO2 at 900 °C, 4 mg/cm2 of Na2SO4 was deposited on the material surfaces. The uncoated Rene 80 exhibited rapid dissolution of the initial oxide scale followed by catastrophic break away oxidation. In comparison, the slurry coatings showed significantly improved hot corrosion resistance compared to the uncoated alloy and a better protection than a Cr pack cementation coating. The Cr pack cemented Rene 80 showed improved hot corrosion resistance, but Cr depletion in the subsurface zone occurred with increasing exposure time, associated with the propagation of Al internal oxidation and increasing sulfidation. In contrast, the slurry coatings formed an external Cr2O3 scale coupled with an agglomeration of SiO2 underneath and a continuous Al2O3 subscale which offered a better diffusion barrier and leading to superior long-term protection against hot corrosion.
Advances in antitumour therapy with oncolytic herpes simplex virus combinations
Authors: Qi Xuejiao 
Published: July 2024

AbstractOncolytic Virus (OVs) is an emerging approach to tumour immunity that allows the use of natural or genetically modified viruses to specifically infect and lyse tumour cells without damaging normal cells. Oncolytic herpes simplex virus (oHSV) is one of the more widely researched and applied OVs in the field of oncology, which can directly kill tumour cells to promote anti-tumour immune responses. oHSV is one of the few viruses with good antiviral drugs, so oHSV is also more clinically safe. In recent years, in addition to monotherapy of oHSV in tumours, more and more studies have been devoted to exploring the anti-tumour effects of oHSV in combination with other therapeutic approaches. In this article we describe the progress of oHSV combination therapy against tumours in the nervous system, digestive system, reproductive system and other systems.
The Role of Cricoid Pressure in Rapid Sequence Induction
Authors: Ali Tariq Omar , El-Boghdadly Kariem 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Purpose of the Review
This review summarizes current knowledge regarding cricoid pressure in rapid sequence induction. It assesses anatomical concepts, current practice, guidance, evidence of safety and efficacy, and future directions.

Recent Findings
Guidelines have variable recommendations for cricoid pressure, and surveys underscore this variation in practice. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses suggest that cricoid pressure may be associated with worse views at direct laryngoscopy, but there is currently no robust data demonstrating that cricoid pressure reduces the risk of pulmonary aspiration. However, evidence demonstrates that correct anatomical localization of the cricoid cartilage is inaccurate without the use of ultrasound, and therefore most of the existing evidence is currently unreliable regarding true efficacy. Moreover, the widespread use of videolaryngoscopy means that worsening views at laryngoscopy might be less of a concern than previously thought.

Summary
Current literature and global practice suggest that it is a clinician’s decision based on individual patient risks, and that cricoid pressure—as it is currently performed—likely provides no benefit but probably does minimal clinically relevant harm. The role of accurate cricoid cartilage localization and videolaryngoscopy remains to be fully investigated.
Microstructural analysis of flame-sprayed and PTA-deposited nickel-based self-fluxing alloy coatings
Authors: Vidaković Ivan , Šimunović Katica , Heffer Goran , Špada Vedrana 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIn this paper, the results of microstructural analyses, including optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis, of the Ni-based self-fluxing alloys NiCrBSi, NiCrBSi–WC, and NiBSi–WC deposited on a previously quenched and tempered (QT) steel substrate 42CrMo4 by flame spraying with simultaneous fusing and plasma transferred arc (PTA) process are presented. The aforementioned microstructural analysis was carried out to determine the microstructural characteristics of the investigated coatings, especially at the coating/substrate interface, and the influences of the spraying and welding technology on the steel substrate. The analysis revealed a change in the microstructure of the coating/substrate interface. Specifically, the diffusion characteristics of certain chemical elements (carbon and iron) from the coating to the substrate and from the substrate to the coating were observed. Additionally, the analysis established the existence of new phases within the coating that arose as a result of the aforementioned diffusion and reaction with chemical elements from the coating. The diffusion of chemical elements was most pronounced in the area of the coating/substrate interface, while it decreased away from this area.
Unleashing the Power of Reliance for Post-Approval Changes: A Journey with 48 National Regulatory Authorities
Authors: Mangia Francesca , Lin Yameng , Armando John , Dominguez Kareny , Rozhnova Vera , Ausborn Susanne 
Published: July 2024

AbstractPost-approval changes (PACs) to marketed products are routinely introduced to continuously enhance the product lifecycle management. However, bringing a chemistry, manufacturing and control (CMC) change through the global health authorities can be a complex and lengthy process taking up to several years, therefore negatively impacting supply continuity. In order to accelerate the review and approval of regulatory submissions and ensure continuous supply to patients, the World Health Organization (WHO) is strongly supporting the implementation of reliance among National Regulatory Authorities (NRAs). While some promising developments have been made with the use of reliance pathways for initial marketing authorizations, reliance is still not widely used for PACs. With the support of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and WHO, Roche launched a reliance pilot based on EMA approval to file a supply critical variation for a monoclonal antibody. The variation constitutes major changes to the approved manufacturing process. Sameness of the product is ensured by submitting to all participants the same variation package as in the EU. The objectives of the pilot are to ensure continuous supply of this critical medicine by targeting global approval in 6.5 months, to promote regulatory convergence by waiving country specific requirements, and enhance greater transparency by sharing EMA Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) final assessment report and Q&As to participating NRAs. Globally 48 NRAs have agreed to join the pilot. This article outlines the process of establishing the pilot project, including a planning phase and an engagement phase with the EMA, WHO and the participating NRAs.