bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hypernatremia and risk of death in patients hospitalized for community acquired pneumonia: findings from the FADOI-ICECAP study
Authors: Giarretta Igor , Pieralli Filippo , Carleo Christian , Cavalleri Maurizio , Falco Olga , Tangianu Flavio , Dentali Francesco 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Introduction: Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a frequent cause of admission to internal medicine units (IMUs). CAP-mortality is still high and it is necessary to identify possible risk factors for unfavorable outcomes. In this study we evaluated the effect of hypernatremia on mortality and the need for intensive care admission in CAP-patients admitted to internal medicine units (IMUs).
Methods: We included 1241 patients hospitalized for CAP in 26 Italian IMUs from October 2016 to February 2018. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate the association between patients’ clinical characteristic, disease severity and sodium disorders with need for ICU admission and 30-day mortality .
Results: The prevalence of hypernatremia was 5.7% (95%, CI: 4.41-6.99) and was significantly associated with 30-day mortality (OR 3.88, 95% CI 2.18-6.90) while no association with need for ICU admission was found. Other variables associated with 30-day mortality were age >75 years (OR 3.11, 95 CI 1.81-5.35); multilobar infiltrates at chest imaging (1.54, 95% CI 1.03-2.32); cancer (OR 6.32, 95% CI 3.22-12.4); dementia (OR 2.78, 95% CI 1.80-4.31) and chronic kidney disease (OR 1.70, 95% CI 1.03-2.80). Mortality in patients with 0, 1, 2, 3, or ≥ 4 risk factors progressively increased. Based on the number of risk factors in each patient we defined three risk categories that defined the short-term prognosis of this cohort better than PSI and CURB-65 (AUC 0.71 vs 0.63 and 0.64 respectively).
Conclusions: Our study suggests a strong association between hypernatremia and adverse outcomes in patients with CAP. Further studies are needed to validate our score in clinical practice.
Preparation and evaluation of peptide-PLGA nanoparticles on porcine epidemic diarrhea virus infection
Authors: Xu Qian , Wang Fangyu , Feng Hua , Wei Qiang , Sun Xuefeng , Xing Guangxu , Zhang Gaiping 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) can cause diarrhea, dehydration and death in suckling piglets, which seriously affects the economic benefits of the production line. Therefore, it is urgent to find an economical and effective treatment to prevent and control PEDV.
Methods
peptide (P6), which could specifically target the S1 C-terminal domain (CTD) protein of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), was subsequently conjugated to poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) by dehydration synthesis generating P6-PLGA nanoparticles and used cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR), Western blot and indirect immunofluorescence to further study the inhibitory effect of different concentrations of P6-PLGA nanoparticles on PEDV.
Results
The results showed that cell viability was > 95% when treated with P6-PLGA nanoparticles at concentrations not exceeding 1000 µg/ml. Results of the absolute quantitative PCR revealed that the concentration of P6-PLGA nanoparticles at 400 µg/ml could significantly reduce the viral load of PEDV compared with the virus group (p < 0.05 or p < 0.001). Similarly, results of Western blot and indirect immunofluorescence also suggested that the antiviral effect of P6-PLGA nanoparticles at 400 µg/ml is still significant. Based on the above research, high affinity peptide (P6) was covalently coupled with PLGA particles to obtain P6-PLGA nanoparticles.
Conclusions
PLGA as a drug delivery carrier combined with peptide (P6) can overcome the problems of poor stability, easy degradation or low bioavailability of peptide after entering the body, and provide a new strategy for the development of PEDV antiviral drugs.
Ecofriendly synthesis of cellulose-silver nanocomposites and the evaluation of their antibacterial activity
Authors: Charti Ibtissam , Sair Said , Rafik Oussama , Abboud Younes , Bouari Abdeslam El 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
The integration of nanotechnology into cellulose matrices has gained considerable attention due to the resulting enhanced mechanical, thermal, and antibacterial properties. In this work, we report on a facile and environment-friendly microwave method to prepare cellulose/Ag nanocomposites using palm date wood extract as an effective reductant for silver ion onto surface of cellulose. In order to obtain cellulose microfiber (MFC) from date palm wood fibers, a succession of specific chemical treatments including alkalization and whitening treatment have been developed. Cellulose obtained have been characterized by different techniques. FTIR spectra confirmed the removal of non-cellulosic components after chemical treatments and DRX confirmed the presence of cellulose pics. Experimental results indicated that the palm date wood extract was an effective reductant for silver ions favoring the formation of silver with higher crystallinity and mass content in the nanocomposites. Silver nanoparticles were identified within the cellulose matrix through Scanning Electron Microscopic (SEM). The FTIR characterization studies demonstrated the existence of silver in the cellulose nanocomposites. Additionally, the XRD analysis confirmed the formation of silver peaks within these composites. Qualitative antibacterial tests towards gram negative (Escherichia coli) and gram positive (Micrococcus luteus) bacteria are carried out and the results demonstrated that the Ag-MFCs inhibit the bacteria growth, with 9–13 mm of inhibition zone for the both bacteria. These results demonstrated that the Ag-MFC possess suitable and promising antibacterial behavior and could be used for industrial and technological application.
Economic evaluation of multi-recycling and once-through fuel cycle considering national plans
Authors: Jang Hong , Im Hun Suk , Hur Jungho , Nam Hyo On , Ko Won Il 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

This paper presents a comparative and quantitative analysis of transition scenarios to potential fuel cycle options, focusing on once-through (OT) and pyro-sodium-cooled fast reactor (pyro-SFR) cycles. By employing a module-based flow diagram in system definition, we developed a dynamic mass-flow model to simulate transition scenarios in line with current Korean nuclear plans. Additionally, we derived an economic evaluation model to determine the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) for each fuel cycle option. This model includes detailed equations for calculating reactor capital costs and the optimal concentration of depleted uranium. Our mass-flow analysis highlights the pyro-SFR cycle's superior resource utilization and reduced high-level radioactive waste (HLW) production. However, this cycle necessitates additional reactors and back-end cycle facilities. The economic evaluation reveals a marginally higher LCOE for the pyro-SFR cycle, attributed to the costs of constructing and operating these additional facilities. However, uncertainty analysis indicates that uncertainties in unit costs diminish the impact of the cost difference. Through sensitivity analysis, we identified critical modules and break-even points for unit costs, such as reactor capital and natural uranium mining. Our findings offer crucial insights for decision making in spent fuel management plans or policies. System analysis always faces challenges due to data limitations and the commercialization barriers of back-end fuel cycle technologies, however, continued efforts to enhance evaluation accuracy and reduce uncertainty is needed.
The Validation of Non-Invasive Pressure-Volume Loop Indices in Severe Aortic Stenosis
Authors: Aldalati Omar , Eskandari Mehdi , Ali Montasir H , Cabaco Rita , Byrne Jonathan , Monaghan Mark , Lukban Bobit , Kennedy Nicola , Shah Ajay , Dworakowski Rafal , MacCarthy Philip 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background:
Studies utilising invasive pressure‒volume loops offer valuable insights into left ventricular (LV) contractility, yet their availability remains limited. Conversely, noninvasive indices are accessible and reproducible; however, their validation in patients with aortic stenosis (AS) is lacking. We sought to validate the noninvasive indices of PVL studies in a group of symptomatic severe AS patients.
We recruited patients with symptomatic severe AS admitted for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) for invasive PVL studies. Noninvasive PVL indices were measured with three-dimensional (3D) echocardiography with a prespecified protocol. The agreement between invasive and noninvasive calculation methods was assessed.
Results:
Eleven patients (11) were recruited for this pilot study. The noninvasive end-systolic pressure‒volume relationship (ESPVR) determined by Kelly's method (Ees(sb) = 0.9 × systolic blood pressure/end-systolic volume (ESV)) had the best agreement with the invasive ESPVR (limits of agreement -1.7 to 2.1 with a percentage error of 24%, one sample T test p =0.504). Systolic blood pressure, as measured by the brachial blood pressure cuff, had the best agreement with end-systolic pressure in severe aortic stenosis (limits of agreement -60 to 60 with a percentage error of 3%, one sample T test p =0.959).
Conclusion:
Measurement of the single-beat estimate of ventricular elastance (Ees(sb)) is possible in patients with severe aortic stenosis. Kelly's method (Ees(sb) = 0.9 × SBP/ESV) had the best agreement with the invasive measurement of left ventricular elastance (Ees). Systolic blood pressure, as measured by the brachial blood pressure cuff, has the best agreement with end-systolic pressure in severe aortic stenosis.
Birth Asphyxia in Undiagnosed Term Singleton Breech Presentation Delivered Vaginally
Authors: GUL SAIMA , Khan Arifa , AHMAD RASHID 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Breech presentation, characterized by the fetus being positioned bottom-down instead of head-down, poses various risks to both the fetus and the mother. This study aims to investigate the frequency of birth asphyxia in undiagnosed singleton term breech presentations delivered vaginally. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Ayub Teaching Hospital Abbottabad between April 2012 and April 2013. A total of 139 cases of breech presentation were consecutively selected from the labour room, and relevant observations were recorded. The mean age of the sample was 27.64 years, with a majority (53.2%) falling in the age group of 15-25 years. Birth asphyxia was observed in 17 neonates (12.2%), with primiparous women showing the highest frequency. Findings highlight the significance of vigilance in obstetric care, particularly for primiparous women with undiagnosed breech presentations, to mitigate risks associated with birth asphyxia.
Investigation of performance of rock and artificial rubble mound breakwater armour using physical modelling and OpenFOAM
Authors: Safa Ehsan , Mojtahedi Alireza , Yaghin Mohamad Ali Lotfollahi 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The widely used traditional armour units might be promoted by more detailed analysis for better performance.
This research investigates the stability, run-up and overtopping performances of three traditional armours, including rock, antifer and tetrapod layer of a rubble-mound breakwater by regular and irregular waves. The comparison is made by the results obtained from several verified numerical models in OpenFOAM library and OlaFOAM solver and also utilizes the common wave flume test procedure. The calibration process has two main parts, which include mesh solution and model turbulence. In this process, the optimal mesh and the most effective turbulence model were selected. The results indicate that the lowest and highest values of relative run-up and overtopping discharge were observed for rock armour and Antifer armour units, respectively. The amount of the relative run-up for tetrapod was slightly more than the rock armour. Also, it was observed that the measured stability parameter Ns on the armour unit was controlled. The results indicate that Antifer units can lead to a more stable armour layer than other units.
Predictors of income level: A sociodemographic, social and contextual analysis
Authors: Leite Ângela , Silva Catarina Vieira da , Dias Paulo 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of income levels on different facets of everyday life, encompassing aspects such as food accessibility, housing, living conditions, healthcare services. Additionally, the research intends to grasp the factors that contribute to defining the financial worth of income. The public database used in this study was retrieved from the World Values Survey (WVS): Wave 7 that includes several items related to demographics, social and neighborhood variables. Persistent gender income gaps, favoring men and younger individuals in higher brackets, result from historical norms, pay gaps, and age-related factors. Education correlates with income, notably among upper-middle and upper-class individuals. Neighborhood dynamics affect incomes positively through diverse interactions and negatively through health challenges. Income disparities are intricate and influenced by a combination of demographic, social, and personal factors. Addressing these economic hurdles and fostering diverse interactions contribute to high incomes.
Integrated Geochemical Analysis of Groundwater Quality and Human Health Risks by Using Multivariate Statistical Methods: A Case Study of Mayurbhanj District, Odisha, India
Authors: Sahoo Tejaswini , Panda Jagannath , Swain Subrat , Sahoo Sunil Kumar , Maurya Manish , Hembram Madhuri , Rath Prasanta , Maity Jyoti Prakash , Sahu Abinash , Sahu Rojalin 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Mayurbhanj district is predominantly inhabited by tribal communities. Among the various tribal groups in Odisha, Mayurbhanj alone accommodates 45 distinct categories. These tribal communities primarily rely on natural water sources such as rivers, streams, and tube wells for drinking purposes without undergoing additional purification processes. Hence, investigating the factors affecting groundwater quality is essential to ensure its safety for drinking purposes and mitigate the health risks associated with the consumption of contaminated water. In the present study, groundwater quality of 145 water samples from different sources of Mayurbhanj district was analysed. The geographical coordinates of sample locations and measurements of groundwater quality parameters were used in Geographic Information System software, ArcGIS pro, to construct the spatial distribution and spatial variation maps. Five significant principal components having eigen value greater than 1 with total variance of 73.43. Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) test was above 0.5 which shows that data collected from the study area are accurate for analysis. Electrical conductivity, F−, pH and NO3− varies in the range of 42 to 1754 µS/cm, 0.01 to 1.97 mg/l, 5.5 to 7.9 and 0.1 to 21.2 mg/l respectively. The non-carcinogenic health risk assessment indicates that the hazard quotient (HQ) values attributed to fluoride ion and nitrate ion exposure range from 0.43 to 0.46 for children and 0.23 to 0.26 for adults, and from 0.002 to 0.6 for children and 0.001 to 0.3 for adults, respectively. The children are comparatively at slightly more prone to health risk in comparison to adults. Gibbs diagram shows that most of the water samples comes in the region of rock-water interaction dominance in Gibbs plot of TDS vs chloride ion concentration. In the loading biplot for the study area, the first principal component in the horizontal axes has positive coefficients for carbonate, chloride, bicarbonate, total alkalinity, calcium hardness, magnesium hardness, total dissolved solids, electrical conductivity, fluoride. TDS has positive correlation with EC (0.98), chloride (0.525), nitrate (0.445), sulphate (0.445), total hardness (0.438), total alkalinity (0.524), carbonate (0.528) and bicarbonate (0.535). The software used for statistical study are, Minitab, Origin and SPSS. The results of this study would be useful for the Government and policy makers to provide safe and quality drinking water to the tribal community.
Eco-epidemic Dynamics with Infected Communicable Infection from Prey to Predator: Effect of Recovery Delay for Predator
Authors: Rajawat Richa , Dhar Joydip , Sinha Poonam 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
In this paper, the system including communicable infection from prey to predator , represented by the growing rate of the prey as a healing of a predator’s, has been utilized to develop and analyze a four-dimensional, non-linear eco-epidemic model. In the context of the analysis, the exploration of all potential equilibrium points, along with an examination of their local stability conditions, has been conducted both with and without considering time delays. Additionally, the confirmation of the model’s positivity and boundedness has been carried out. The positive and negative impact of the proposed model on the prey-predator population has been investigated aided by sensitivity analysis where the presence and validence of Bifurcation were elucidated by the numerical studies. The parameters were identified which explained the influence of disease and recovery delay over the model population. A right base for the perception of the behavioural effects of the prey-predator on eco-epidemiology has been prepared through the theoretical result. Based on the analytical result furthermore, numerical simulations were done so that the authenticity of the author’s numerical analytical approach using parameter values may be verified.
Better performance of preoperative prognostic nutritional index (PNI) than that of neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in prognoses of gastric-cancer patients: a case-control study
Authors: Li Jie , Zhao Haozong , Zhang Qianshi , Ren Shuangyi 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Systemic inflammation and nutritional issues have been regarded as cancer complications. As indicators of systemic inflammatory responses, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and prognostic nutritional index (PNI) have been recommended to be used in the prediction of certain cancer-related clinical complications. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of PNI and NLR on the prognosis of gastric cancer.
Methods
From 2010 to 2018, 559 gastric-cancer patients consecutively undergoing radical surgery were involved in this study. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was conducted to determine the optimal cut-off values of PNI and NLR. Using these cut-off values, we categorized the patients into high and low PNI/NLR groups, with clinical characteristics of these two groups compared and analyzed.
Results
PNI can be used as an independent factor for the prognoses of overall survival rates among patients with gastric cancer, while NLR can not be used as such a factor.
Conclusion
Both PNI and NLR can reflect the prognoses of patients with gastric cancer. However, PNI is a better factor predicting overall survival rates of patients with gastric cancer than NLR.
Genotype, Tannin Capacity, and Seasonality Influence the Structure and Function of Symptomless Fungal Communities in Aspen Leaves, Regardless of Historical Nitrogen Addition
Authors: Siddique Abu Bakar , Siddique Abu Bakar , Mahawar Lovely , Albrectsen Benedicte 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Plant mycobiomes play a crucial role in plant health, growth, and adaptation to changing environments, making their diversity and dynamics essential for agricultural and environmental contexts, including conservation efforts, climate change mitigation, and potential biotechnological applications. Horizontally transferred mycobiomes are established in plant organs, yet the dynamics of their colonization and establishment remain unknown. New molecular technologies offer a deeper insight into the establishment and dynamics of plant-associated mycobiomes. In this study, we investigated leaf-associated mycobiomes in cloned replicates of aspen (Populus tremula) with naturally varying phenolic profiles and a history of nitrogen fertilization.
Main findings
Using ITS2 metabarcoding of 344 samples collected from a ca ten-year-old common garden with small aspen trees at various time points over two consecutive years, we identified 30,080,430 reads in our database, corresponding to an average of 87,448 reads per sample clustered into 581 amplicon sequence variants (ASVs). Analysis of ASV patterns revealed changes in both richness and abundance among genotypes and across the seasons, with no discernible effect of fertilization history. Additionally, the number of reads was negatively correlated with the ability of the genotypes to synthesize and store condensed tannins.
How individuals with psychosis develop and maintain resilience to suicidal experiences through psychological therapy: A qualitative study
Authors: Berry Natalie , Peters Sarah , Haddock Gill , Scott Anne , Harris kamelia , Cook Leanne , Awenat Yvonne , Gooding Patricia 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: Almost half of people with psychosis have suicidal experiences including thoughts and/or behaviours. There is limited understanding of the processes underpinning psychological resilience to psychotic and suicidal experiences especially in people who have engaged with psychological talking therapies. Hence, the current study aimed to redress this gap by examining the perspectives of clients who had recent lived-experiences of both psychosis and suicidality, and who could also draw on these as a psychological therapy client.
Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 35 participants who had psychosis and suicidal experiences in the three months prior to recruitment. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.
Results: There were four key psychological processes that contributed to resilience: 1. Not feeling controlled by persistent and powerful voices and the associated overwhelming thoughts and emotions; 2. Gaining a sense of hope facilitated by perceptions that ‘bad days do not last forever’, positive memories can be evoked and re-experienced, and that aspects of life have personal value and ‘moments of joy’; 3. Developing a sense of self-worth based on compassionate self-acceptance, self-understanding, and affirmation of personal qualities; and 4. Finding acceptance juxtaposed with being able to ‘stop the battle’ and living alongside distressing and negative memories, thoughts and emotions. .
Conclusions: People who live with psychosis and suicidal experiences can, and do, experience psychological change and psychological resilience in response to psychological therapy. To promote resilience, practitioners should pursue a person-based, client-directed, approach and be open to exploring different ways of working with clients’ experiences of overwhelming thoughts and emotions and embracing acceptance.
Regularized Gradient Clipping Provably Trains Wide and Deep Neural Networks
Authors: Mukherjee Anirbit , Tucat Matteo 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
In this work, we instantiate a regularized form of the gradient clipping algorithm and prove that it can converge to the global minima of deep neural network loss functions provided that the net is of sufficient width. We present empirical evidence that our theoretically founded regularized gradient clipping algorithm is also competitive with the state-of-the-art deep-learning heuristics. Hence the algorithm presented here constitutes a first-of-its-kind approach to rigorous deep-learning.
The modification we do to standard gradient clipping is designed to leverage the PL* condition, a variant of the Polyak-Łojasiewicz inequality which was recently proven, to be true for various neural networks for any depth within a neighbourhood of the initialisation.