bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Use of pressure muscle index to predict the contribution of patient’s inspiratory effort during pressure support ventilation: a prospective physiological study
Authors: Gao Ran , Zhou Jian-Xin , Yang Yan-Lin , Xu Shan-Shan , Zhou Yi-Min , Zhang Linlin , Miao Ming-Yue 
Published: April 2024

BackgroundThe successful implementation of assisted ventilation depends on matching the patient’s effort with the ventilator support. Pressure muscle index (PMI), an airway pressure based measurement, has been used as noninvasive monitoring to assess the patient’s inspiratory effort. The authors aimed to evaluate the feasibility of pressure support adjustment according to the PMI target and the diagnostic performance of PMI to predict the contribution of the patient’s effort during ventilator support.MethodsIn this prospective physiological study, 22 adult patients undergoing pressure support ventilation were enrolled. After an end-inspiratory airway occlusion, airway pressure reached a plateau, and the magnitude of change in plateau from peak airway pressure was defined as PMI. Pressure support was adjusted to obtain the PMI which was closest to −1, 0, +1, +2, and + 3 cm H2O. Each pressure support level was maintained for 20 min. Esophageal pressure was monitored. Pressure–time products of respiratory muscle and ventilator insufflation were measured, and the fraction of pressure generated by the patient was calculated to represent the contribution of the patient’s inspiratory effort.ResultsA total of 105 datasets were collected at different PMI-targeted pressure support levels. The differences in PMI between the target and the obtained value were all within ±1 cm H2O. As targeted PMI increased, pressure support settings decreased significantly from a median (interquartile range) of 11 (10–12) to 5 (4–6) cm H2O (p &lt; 0.001), which resulted in a significant increase in pressure–time products of respiratory muscle [from 2.9 (2.1–5.0) to 6.8 (5.3–8.1) cm H2O•s] and the fraction of pressure generated by the patient [from 25% (19–31%) to 72% (62–87%)] (p &lt; 0.001). The area under receiver operating characteristic curves for PMI to predict 30 and 70% contribution of patient’s effort were 0.93 and 0.95, respectively. High sensitivity (all 1.00), specificity (0.86 and 0.78), and negative predictive value (all 1.00), but low positive predictive value (0.61 and 0.43) were obtained to predict either high or low contribution of patient’s effort.ConclusionOur results preliminarily suggested the feasibility of pressure support adjustment according to the PMI target from the ventilator screen. PMI could reliably predict the high and low contribution of a patient’s effort during assisted ventilation.Clinical trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT05970393.
Health-associated changes of the fecal microbiota in dairy heifer calves during the pre-weaning period
Authors: Scully Sabine , Earley Bernadette , Smith Paul E. , McAloon Catherine , Waters Sinéad M. 
Published: April 2024

IntroductionNeonatal calf diarrhea is a multifactorial condition that occurs in early life when calves are particularly susceptible to enteric infection and dysbiosis of the gut microbiome. Good calf health is dependent on successful passive transfer of immunity from the dam through colostrum. There are limited studies on the developing gut microbiota from birth to weaning in calves.MethodologyTherefore, the objective of this study was to examine the effect of immune status and diarrheal incidence on the development of the fecal microbiota in Jersey (n = 22) and Holstein (n = 29) heifer calves throughout the pre-weaning period. Calves were hand-fed a colostrum volume equivalent to 8.5% of their birthweight, from either the calf’s dam (n = 28) or re-heated mixed colostrum (≤2 cows, ≤1d; n = 23) within 2 h of birth. All calves were clinically assessed using a modified Wisconsin–Madison calf health scoring system and rectal temperature at day (d) 0, d7, d21, or disease manifestation (DM) and weaning (d83). Weights were recorded at d0, d21, and d83. Calf blood samples were collected at d7 for the determination of calf serum IgG (sIgG). Fecal samples were obtained at d7, d21/DM [mean d22 (SE 0.70)], and at weaning for 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing of the fecal microbiota. Data were processed in R using DADA2; taxonomy was assigned using the SILVA database and further analyzed using Phyloseq and MaAsLin 2.Results and discussionSignificant amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) and calf performance data underwent a Spearman rank-order correlation test. There was no effect (p &gt; 0.05) of colostrum source or calf breed on serum total protein. An effect of calf breed (p &lt; 0.05) was observed on sIgG concentrations such that Holstein calves had 6.49 (SE 2.99) mg/ml higher sIgG than Jersey calves. Colostrum source and calf breed had no effect (p &gt; 0.05) on health status or the alpha diversity of the fecal microbiota. There was a relationship between health status and time interaction (p &lt; 0.001), whereby alpha diversity increased with time; however, diarrheic calves had reduced microbial diversity at DM. No difference (p &gt; 0.05) in beta diversity of the microbiota was detected at d7 or d83. At the genus level, 33 ASVs were associated (adj.p &lt; 0.05) with health status over the pre-weaning period.
Ventriculitis due to multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacilli associated with external ventricular drain: evolution, treatment, and outcomes
Authors: Corona-Nakamura Ana Luisa , Arias-Merino Martha Judith , Ávila-Esparza Eleazar Iván , Tolentino-Corona María de Lourdes , Cañedo-Castañeda César Cuauhtémoc , Flores-Salinas Héctor Enrique , Corona-Macías Juan Fernando , Vázquez-Arias Martha Elena 
Published: April 2024

IntroductionNosocomial infectious ventriculitis caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) Gram-negative bacilli associated with external ventricular drainage (EVD) placement poses a significant mortality burden and hospital costs.ObjectivesThis study aims to analyze the characteristics, ventriculitis evolution, treatment, and outcomes of patients with ventriculitis due to MDR Gram-negative bacilli associated with EVD placement.MethodsA retrospective cohort study focusing on patients with nosocomial infection caused by MDR Gram-negative bacilli while on EVD was conducted from 2019 to 2022. Medical, laboratory, and microbiological records were collected. The antibiotic resistance of the Gram-negative bacilli isolated in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients was analyzed. The risk factors were identified using univariate risk models and were analyzed using survival curves (Cox regression). An adjusted Cox proportional hazards model was also constructed.ResultsAmong 530 patients with suspected EVD-associated ventriculitis, 64 patients with isolation of Gram-negative bacilli in CSF were included. The estimated mortality was 78.12%. Hemorrhages (intracranial, subarachnoid, and intraventricular) were observed in 69.8% of patients. Acinetobacter baumannii, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were the most frequently isolated bacilli. In the univariate analysis, significant risk factors for mortality included arterial hypertension, a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of ≤ 8, invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) upon hospital admission and during hospitalization, septic shock, and ineffective treatment. The adjusted Cox proportional hazards model revealed that septic shock (HR = 3.3, 95% CI = 1.5–7.2; p = 0.003) and ineffective treatment (HR = 3.2, 1.6–6.5, 0.001) were significant predictors. A high resistance to carbapenems was found for A. baumannii (91.3%) and P. aeruginosa (80.0%). Low resistance to colistin was found for A. baumannii (4.8%) and P. aeruginosa (12.5%).ConclusionIneffective treatment was an independent hazard factor for death in patients with ventriculitis caused by MDR Gram-negative bacilli associated with EVD.
Feasibility and constraints of Bragg peak FLASH proton therapy treatment planning
Authors: Lövgren Nathalie , Fagerström Kristensen Ingrid , Petersson Kristoffer 
Published: April 2024

IntroductionFLASH proton therapy (FLASH-PT) requires ultra-high dose rate (≥ 40 Gy/s) protons to be delivered in a short timescale whilst conforming to a patient-specific target. This study investigates the feasibility and constraints of Bragg peak FLASH-PT treatment planning, and compares the in silico results produced to plans for intensity modulated proton therapy (IMPT).Materials and methodBragg peak FLASH-PT and IMPT treatment plans were generated for bone (n=3), brain (n=3), and lung (n=4) targets using the MIROpt research treatment planning system and the Conformal FLASH library developed by Applications SA from the open-source version of UCLouvain. FLASH-PT beams were simulated using monoenergetic spot-scanned protons traversing through a conformal energy modulator, a range shifter, and an aperture. A dose rate constraint of ≥ 40 Gy/s was included in each FLASH-PT plan optimisation.ResultsSpace limitations in the FLASH-PT adapted beam nozzle imposed a maximum target width constraint, excluding 4 cases from the study. FLASH-PT plans did not satisfy the imposed target dose constraints (D95% ≥ 95% and D2%≤ 105%) but achieved clinically acceptable doses to organs at risk (OARs). IMPT plans adhered to all target and OAR dose constraints. FLASH-PT plans showed a reduction in both target homogeneity (p &lt; 0.001) and dose conformity (non-significant) compared to IMPT.ConclusionWithout accounting for a sparing effect, IMPT plans were superior in target coverage, dose conformity, target homogeneity, and OAR sparing compared to FLASH-PT. Further research is warranted in treatment planning optimisation and beam delivery for clinical implementation of Bragg peak FLASH-PT.
Global research trends in Total Body Irradiation: a bibliometric analysis
Authors: Alqathami Mamdouh Saud , Khan Muhammad Ajmal , Yoosuf Ahamed Badusha Mohamed 
Published: April 2024

ObjectivesThis manuscript presents a bibliometric and visualization analysis of Total Body Irradiation (TBI) research, aiming to elucidate trends, gaps, and future directions in the field. This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the global research landscape of TBI, highlighting its key contributions, evolving trends, and potential areas for future exploration.MethodsThe data for this study were extracted from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC), encompassing articles published up to May 2023. The analysis included original studies, abstracts, and review articles focusing on TBI-related research. Bibliometric indicators such as total publications (TP), total citations (TC), and citations per publication (C/P) were utilized to assess the research output and impact. Visualization tools such as VOS Viewer were employed for thematic mapping and to illustrate international collaboration networks.ResultsThe analysis revealed a substantial body of literature, with 7,315 articles published by 2,650 institutions involving, 13,979 authors. Full-length articles were predominant, highlighting their central role in the dissemination of TBI research. The authorship pattern indicated a diverse range of scholarly influences, with both established and emerging researchers contributing significantly. The USA led in global contributions, with significant international collaborations observed. Recent research trends have focused on refining TBI treatment techniques, investigating long-term patient effects, and advancing dosimetry and biomarker studies for radiation exposure assessments.ConclusionsTBI research exhibits a dynamic and multifaceted landscape, driven by global collaboration and innovation. It highlights the clinical challenges of TBI, such as its adverse effects and the need for tailored treatments in pediatric cases. Crucially, the study also acknowledges the fundamental science underpinning TBI, including its effects on inflammatory and apoptotic pathways, DNA damage, and the varied sensitivity of cells and tissues. This dual focus enhances our understanding of TBI, guiding future research toward innovative solutions and comprehensive care.
Measurements of peri-prostatic adipose tissue by MRI predict bone metastasis in patients with newly diagnosed prostate cancer
Authors: Liu Bo-Hao , Mao Yun-Hua , Li Xiao-Yang , Luo Rui-Xiang , Zhu Wei-An , Su Hua-Bin , Zeng Heng-Da , Chen Chu-Hao , Zhao Xiao , Zou Chen , Luo Yun 
Published: April 2024

ObjectivesTo investigate the role of MRI measurements of peri-prostatic adipose tissue (PPAT) in predicting bone metastasis (BM) in patients with newly diagnosed prostate cancer (PCa).MethodsWe performed a retrospective study on 156 patients newly diagnosed with PCa by prostate biopsy between October 2010 and November 2022. Clinicopathologic characteristics were collected. Measurements including PPAT volume and prostate volume were calculated by MRI, and the normalized PPAT (PPAT volume/prostate volume) was computed. Independent predictors of BM were determined by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis, and a new nomogram was developed based on the predictors. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to estimate predictive performance.ResultsPPAT and normalized PPAT were associated with BM (P&lt;0.001). Normalized PPAT positively correlated with clinical T stage(cT), clinical N stage(cN), and Grading Groups(P&lt;0.05). The results of ROC curves indicated that PPAT and normalized PPAT had promising predictive value for BM with the AUC of 0.684 and 0.775 respectively. Univariate and multivariate analysis revealed that high normalized PPAT, cN, and alkaline phosphatase(ALP) were independently predictors of BM. The nomogram was developed and the concordance index(C-index) was 0.856.ConclusionsNormalized PPAT is an independent predictor for BM among with cN, and ALP. Normalized PPAT may help predict BM in patients with newly diagnosed prostate cancer, thus providing adjunctive information for BM risk stratification and bone scan selection.
Playing for keeps or just playing with emotion? Studying tilt and emotion regulation in video games
Authors: Cregan Sarah C. , Toth Adam J. , Campbell Mark J. 
Published: April 2024

IntroductionIn video gaming, tilt is thought to relate to poor emotional control and game performance. Despite widespread recognition of tilt in video gaming, there is a lack of research examining tilt empirically.MethodsOne thousand and seven gamers took part in our online study examining gamers experience of tilt, the factors which contribute to and protect against tilt, and the emotion regulation strategies gamers employ to deal with tilt.ResultsGamers who reported playing for more competitive reasons, were at higher risk of experiencing tilt. Additional factors associated with an increased risk of experiencing tilt were increased anger and more hours spent playing. Protective factors against experiencing tilt were also identified, inclusive of a greater number of years gaming experience and engagement in adaptive emotion regulation strategies.DiscussionThis study provides an important starting point for creating a better understanding of tilt in gaming, equipping us with new knowledge to better support gamers to improve their emotion regulation during game play performance
The low self-efficacy trap: why people with vulnerabilities experience prolonged periods with payment problems
Authors: Kempson Elaine , Poppe Christian 
Published: April 2024

IntroductionSocieties place a responsibility on individuals to pay what they owe on time, establishing a coercive apparatus for debt collection and enforcement when they do not, coupled with consumer protection and debt resolution measures to protect the vulnerable.MethodsAn analysis of in-depth interviews with 28 people with both payment difficulties and vulnerabilities from ill-health, using Bandura's Social Cognitive Theory to explore the experiences of vulnerable defaulters as they try to exercise the personal responsibility placed on them by society.ResultsIt finds that they encounter barriers in exercising the personal responsibility which primarily arise in encounters with inflexible and bureaucratic routines – of creditors, debt enforcement agents and even money advisers whose role is to help vulnerable people. These systematically undermine defaulters' self-efficacy, and leaving them facing prolonged periods of payment difficulties.DiscussionThe findings are discussed in the light of Bandura's Theory and lessons drawn for the policies and practices of creditors, debt enforcement bodies, and money advisers.
Modeling pore wetting in direct contact membrane distillation—effect of interfacial capillary pressure
Authors: Ahmad S. N. A. , Matsuura Takeshi , Jaafar Juhana , Jiang L. Y. , Ismail A. F. , Othman M. H. D. , A. Rahman Mukhlis 
Published: April 2024

In this study, we aimed to develop a model for computing direct contact membrane distillation (DCMD) performance, taking into account capillary pressure effects at the liquid–gas interface within membrane pores. We developed a simulation model to investigate how factors such as pore radius, feed/permeate temperature, pressure, and contact angle influenced the distance of liquid intrusion into the pore, the weight flow rate in a single pore, and the temperature at the liquid–gas interface. The model predicted that the permeation rate would decrease with an increase in the feed pressure when the permeate pressure was kept constant and also when the pressure difference between the feed and permeate was kept constant. It also predicted that the permeation rate would increase with an increase in the permeate pressure when the feed pressure was kept constant. The model also indicated that partial pore wetting would be enhanced with an increase in feed pressure when the pore size was as large as 1 μm but would diminish when the pore size was as small as 0.1 μm. According to the model, partial pore wetting diminished with a decrease in the permeate pressure. The model’s predictions were in line with the trends observed in the experimental DCMD flux data by many authors, particularly those regarding the effects of feed and permeate temperature and the effect of contact angle. The model’s predictions were compared with the experimental data recorded in the literature, validating the model’s accuracy.
Modeling urban expansion in Zahedan’s dry climate: insights from the SLEUTH model
Authors: Satari Najmeh , Erfani Malihe , Jahanishakib Fatemeh 
Published: April 2024

IntroductionRapid uncontrolled growth of build-up areas has increasingly challenged the sustainable use of urban area simulating the growth patterns of fastest-growing cities is more necessary in dry climates, due to low ecological suitability for urban development and meeting the needs of citizens. Therefore, this research conducted aiming at predicting the expansion of urban land use in Zahedan City, Iran, which has a dry climate with an evenness landscape.MethodsUrban Expansion in Zahedan Modeled using SLEUTH (slope, land use, exclusion, urban extent, transportation and hillshade) in two historical and environmental scenarios until 2050. The input data were extracted from processing on DEM and remote sensing data and the SLEUTH model was calibrated in four stages from 1990 to 2020.Results and discussionThe results showed that the increase in Ahead extent in 2050 is more than twice as much as in 2020, and this increase was associated with a less dispersion of urban patches in the environmental scenario compared to the historical scenario. Also, the results clarified that the developable spaces are saturated in terms of slope in the east and there is the lack of urban green spaces. These results reveal the need for the attention of city managers in predicting the urban green space in the expected growth areas and compensating for the lack of vegetation cover in the former urban areas. Geographic extension of predicted urban land can be used in future environmental planning and urban developing strategies, as well as it is suggested to adopt this approach as a plan for urban planning in dry climates.
Screening of Complex Layered Chalcogenide Structures as High-Performance Thermoelectrics by High-Throughput Calculations
Authors: Tian Jing , Ma Weiliang , Carenzi Manuela , Boulet Pascal , Record Marie-Christine 
Published: April 2024

Thermoelectric materials have drawn much attention over the last two decades due to the increase in global energy demand. However, designing efficient thermoelectrics reveals itself as a tough task for their properties (Seebeck coefficient, electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity) are mutually opposed. Hence, most recently, new design approaches have appeared, among which high-throughput methods have been implemented either experimentally or computationally. In this work, a high-throughput computer program has been designed to generate over 4000 structures based on a small set of complex layered chalcogenide compounds taken from the mAIVBVI nA2VB3VI homologous series, where AIV is Ge, AV is Sb and BVI is Te. The computer-generated structures have been investigated using density-functional theory methods, and the electronic and transport properties have been calculated. It has been found, using the quantum theory of atoms in molecules and crystals, that a wide variety of bond types constitutes the bonding network of the structures. All the structures are found to have negative formation energies. Among the obtained final structures, 43 are found with a wide band gap energy (>0.25 eV), 358 with semi-conductor/metal characteristics, and 731 with metallic characteristics. The transport properties calculations, using the Boltzmann equation, reveal that two p-type and 86 n-type structures are potentially promising compounds for thermoelectric applications.
Two Nested Inversions in the X Chromosome Differentiate the Dominant Malaria Vectors in Europe, Anopheles atroparvus and Anopheles messeae
Authors: Soboleva Evgenia S. , Kirilenko Kirill M. , Fedorova Valentina S. , Kokhanenko Alina A. , Artemov Gleb N. , Sharakhov Igor V. 
Published: April 2024

The Maculipennis subgroup of malaria mosquitoes includes both dominant malaria vectors and non-vectors in Eurasia. Understanding the genetic factors, particularly chromosomal inversions, that differentiate Anopheles species can provide valuable insights for vector control strategies. Although autosomal inversions between the species in this subgroup have been characterized based on the chromosomal banding patterns, the number and positions of rearrangements in the X chromosome remain unclear due to the divergent banding patterns. Here, we identified two large X chromosomal inversions, approximately 13 Mb and 10 Mb in size, using fluorescence in situ hybridization. The inversion breakpoint regions were mapped by hybridizing 53 gene markers with polytene chromosomes of An. messeae. The DNA probes were designed based on gene sequences from the annotated An. atroparvus genome. The two nested inversions resulted in five syntenic blocks. Only two small syntenic blocks, which encompass 181 annotated genes in the An. atroparvus genome, changed their position and orientation in the X chromosome. The analysis of the An. atroparvus genome revealed an enrichment of gene ontology terms associated with immune system and mating behavior in the rearranged syntenic blocks. Additionally, the enrichment of DNA transposons was found in sequences homologous to three of the four breakpoint regions. This study demonstrates the successful application of the physical genome mapping approach to identify rearrangements that differentiate species in insects with polytene chromosomes.