bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) on Short-term Clinical Outcomes and Long-term Prognosis of Patients Undergoing Gastric Cancer Surgery
Authors: Lai Wei-kun , Liu Si-Yu , Mao Yuan-tian , Deng Guo-fei , Yu Zhu , Zheng Kai-tian , Xie Yu-bo , Chen Jun-Qiang 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Objective To assess the relative influence of ERAS and conventional perioperative regimens on both short-term clinical outcomes and long-term prognosis in individuals diagnosed with gastric cancer.Methods A retrospective examination was undertaken on individuals who underwent radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer at the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University from December 2015 to March 2017. The subjects were stratified into two cohorts: the conventional group and the ERAS group, based on the implementation of ERAS protocols. Propensity Score Matching (PSM) was employed to minimize potential confounding variables between the two cohorts. Subsequently, the recent clinical outcomes of both groups were systematically observed and compared. The 5-year survival rates of patients in the respective groups were evaluated, and factors influencing survival were subjected to analysis.Results A total of 211 patients were initially enrolled in the study, with 15 patients excluded based on predefined exclusion criteria. This resulted in the inclusion of 196 patients before matching, and after PSM, a total of 82 patients were ultimately included in the analysis. Relative to the conventional cohort, the ERAS group demonstrated statistically noteworthy reductions in intraoperative hemorrhage, postoperative duration until commencement of enteral feeding, time required for postoperative ambulation, duration until the onset of anal exhaust, and overall hospitalization period. The 5-year survival rate was significantly higher in ERAS group compared to the traditional group.Conclusions Implementation of ERAS in patients with gastric cancer is deemed feasible and safe. The recent clinical outcomes under ERAS demonstrated significant improvements. Furthermore, ERAS exhibited the potential to enhance the 5-year survival rate.
Nutritional adequacy of charitable food aid packages to the needs of different household-types: a case study in Spain
Authors: Carrillo-Álvarez Elena , Muñoz-Martínez Júlia , Cussó-Parcerisas Irene , Palma-Linares Imma , Cassucci Maria Giulia , Günes Kübranur 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

European welfare states are facing a growing demand for charitable food aid in the current economic and political climate. While efforts have been made to enhance the dignity of food aid and address limited access, it is crucial to consider the impact of food aid on health, given the detrimental consequences of inadequate nutrition across the lifespan. This study aims to assess the nutritional contribution of food packages distributed by food aid organizations in Barcelona (Spain) to the needs of four types of households. The data were collected biweekly for two months from three food aid organizations in Barcelona. Nutritional information was retrieved from the product label and food composition databases and compared to the EFSA DRV’s for four types of households. Results indicate that nutrient adequacy depends on the organization's food provisioning capacity and household size, with larger households facing higher food insecurity risks. One-person households lacked protein, calcium, zinc, and vitamin D, while households with two or more people failed to meet most micronutrient needs. Additionally, the packages often exceeded recommendations for fat and sodium. These findings underscore the vulnerability of food aid recipients to nutritional insufficiency, particularly in households with children who may experience compromised growth and development. Limited resources and high demand generate food packages that do not meet users’ nutritional needs. This research in Spain emphasizes the urgency for policymakers to intervene in food aid organizations and guarantee the supply of food that meets minimum nutrient requirements.
Comparing health care quality in first world countries and third world countries
Authors: Monfared zeinab 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
This comparative study delves into the assessment of healthcare quality between first world countries, characterized by advanced economies, and third world countries, representing developing or less developed economies. Key healthcare quality indicators such as access to care, patient outcomes, healthcare infrastructure, affordability, and overall system performance were analyzed across representative nations from both categories. Findings revealed significant disparities, with first world nations showcasing higher healthcare standards attributed to robust systems and resources, while third world nations faced challenges including limited infrastructure and access barriers. Policy recommendations are suggested to bridge these gaps, emphasizing investments in infrastructure, healthcare education, access to essential services, and leveraging digital technologies for improved healthcare delivery in third world countries. This analysis contributes to understanding global healthcare inequalities and strategies for enhancing healthcare quality across diverse socio-economic contexts.
Intergenerational inequity from hydrological drought in a warming world
Authors: Liu Rutong , Tian Jing , Yin Jiabo , Kang Shengyu , Liu Pan , Ming Bo , Slater Louise 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

As warmer temperatures enhance atmospheric moisture, hydrological droughts tend to intensify in most regions of the globe. Consequently, younger generations are expected to face a more severe risk of hydrological drought during their lifetimes, emphasizing the critical issue of intergenerational inequity due to climate change. To quantify exposure to hydrological drought across generations, we constructed a cascade model chain for drought simulation using hybrid terrestrial models, based on 5 GCM outputs under SSP5-85, five hydrological models and a deep learning model. We then projected future univariate and bivariate hydrological drought evolution in 4091 river basins, and quantified lifetime exposure to drought for the age groups born in 2020 and 1960. Drought severity and duration are projected to increase substantially in the Eastern America, Southern Brazil and Western Europe, over 79% of basins. Extreme droughts far beyond historical records are expected to become more frequent and impact Western Europe in particular. Of note, the exposure of the different age groups to hydrological drought shows a notable disequilibrium. Exposure of people born in 2020 to hydrological drought hazards is projected to increase by 12% over the late 21st century compared to those born in 1960, indicating that the acceleration of climate change is expected to increase the lifetime risk of future generations. The exposure factor of the newborns is 1.4 times higher than that of 80 years of age under warming condition. Our findings underscore that future drought conditions under extreme warming pose a significant threat to the living conditions of younger generations.
Impact of Orthopedic Surgical Interventions on Difficult-to-Treat Rheumatoid Arthritis (D2T RA): A Propensity Score Matched Study
Authors: Toyama Shogo , Ishikawa Hajime , Abe Asami , Hao Nariaki , Otani Hiroshi , Takamura Sayuri , Sudo Masanori , Ito Satoshi , Nakazono Kiyoshi , Oda Ryo , Takahashi Kenji , Murasawa Akira 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background Even with pharmacotherapy according to current treatment guidelines, the remaining 3–8% of patients with difficult-to-treat rheumatoid arthritis (D2T RA) do not achieve treatment goals. While it is important to accumulate further evidence on pharmacotherapy, it is also essential to accumulate evidence on non-pharmacological therapies as potential alternatives. This study aims to investigate the therapeutic effect of orthopedic surgical intervention (OSI) in D2T RA as a non-pharmacological modality by comparing it to non-D2T RA.Methods A total of 534 recent surgeries were analyzed only in patients who had undergone OSI since 2016 and for whom a 12-month postoperative follow-up was available. D2T RA was determined according to the EULAR definition, and D2T RA patients were matched to non-D2T RA patients by age, sex, disease duration, and anti-citrullinated antibody level, with propensity scores calculated by a logistic regression analysis. Repeated measures of clinical assessments, including the Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index (HAQ-DI), Disease Activity Index 28 (DAS28), face scale, and patient’s assessment of general health (GH), were measured at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months, and were compared using a two-way analysis of variance with a binary variable for D2T RA.Results The HAQ-DI, DAS28, face scale, and GH showed significant postoperative improvement, and there were significant differences in the HAQ-DI and face scale scores between D2T RA patients and non-D2T RA patients. A two-way analysis of covariance was again performed using DAS28 as a covariate, but there was no significant interaction between DAS28 and either the HAQ-DI or face scale, suggesting that these improvements in clinical assessment were not due to improvements in disease activity, but rather to OSI.Conclusion Non-pharmacologic therapy is a practical option to consider in the absence of effective pharmacologic treatment strategies. Our results provide the first evidence of the efficacy of non-pharmacologic therapy for D2T RA. With appropriate timing and indications, OSI is an effective therapeutic modality for managing D2T RA.
Multi-Agent Organizational Structure: specification and validation
Authors: Bouslimi Issam 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

To design complex Multi-Agent Systems (MAS), the use of high-level abstraction concepts such as roles, protocols, and groups, makes the task relatively easier and closer to the reality of the system or domain that we want to simulate or create. These concepts were introduced through the multi-agent Organizational Models (OM) which can be seen at two levels: i) an abstract level which is the Organizational Structure (OS) and ii) a concrete level which is the Concrete Organization (CO) to be deployed and executed. This article is dedicated to the formal specification and validation of the identified roles in the Organizational Structure before a real deployment to generate systems with organizations exhibiting good qualities. Also, a proposal of a set of steps to automatically generate the code of the designed agent will be presented. In addition, the evaluation of some organizational aspects will be done at the abstract level makes it possible to adjust the design to remedy any failures before a real instantiation. The application domain used in this context, is a Cooperative Information Gathering System (CIGS) for travel organization.
Prediction of Streaks in Rectangular Jets
Authors: Marshall Connor , Edgington-Mitchell Daniel , Nogueira Petronio 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Streaks in rectangular-jet flows are modeled using resolvent analysis, providing insight into the underlying physics of coherent structures. Two-dimensional, cross-plane resolvent analysis is used to evaluate the most-amplified coherent structures at very low frequencies. The highest-gain mode exhibits a large dipole-like structure, featuring a high-speed streak on one major-axis edge of the jet and a low-speed streak on the other, while the second-highest gain mode is the minor-axis-aligned counterpart. Higher-order modes exhibit finer streak spacing, resembling boundary layer modes. Varying the curvature of the jet corners has minimal impact on the gains and mode shapes, suggesting corner vortices in real rectangular-jet flows may not be primarily caused by free-shear streak formation, at least under the modeling hypothesis. Increasing shear thickness typically decreases gains and disperses mode shapes but sensitivity to the forcing weighting method is evident. Increasing the aspect ratio increases the gains for all modes except for the leading dipole-type modes which exhibit a monotonic decrease. The position of streaks relative to the corners changes with aspect ratio causing some complicated gain dependence.
Sequestration of Cd(II), Pb(II) and Zn(II) from aqueous solutions using Snake Tomato (Trichosanthes cucumerina L.) Leaf: kinetics, isotherms and thermodynamics
Authors: AYENI Oluwaseun A. , BABARINDE Adesola 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The sequestration of Cd(II), Pb(II) and Zn(II) from aqueous solution using Snake Tomato (Trichosanthes cucumerina L.) leaf (STL) was investigated under various physiochemical parameters. Optimization study carried out using batch biosorption studies on each of the metal ions was found to be dependent on pH. The equilibrium sorption data for the metal system was found to fit best to the Langmuir for Cd(II) and to the Freundlich isotherm for Pb(II) and Zn(II). Pseudo-first order model adequately described the kinetics of Cd(II) while Pseudo-second order model adequately described the kinetics of Pb(II) and Zn(II) sorption with high correlation coefficients, respectively. Thermodynamic parameters such as free energy change (ΔG°), entropy change (ΔS°) and enthalpy change (ΔH°) indicated that the biosorption process of Cd(II), Pb(II) and Zn(II) using STL was spontaneous, feasible and exothermic.
IL-22 alleviates sepsis-induced acute lung injury by inhibiting epithelial cell apoptosis via STAT3 signalling
Authors: Zhu Chiying , Chen Jiabo , Yan Zhengzheng , Wang Fei , Sun Ziqi , Liu Zeyu , Chen Xiaona , Bao Ziwei , Li Quan , Chen Zhixia 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background Sepsis is a critical condition in which organ dysfunction occurs because of aberrant response to infection, resulting in a life-threatening situation. The lung, which is the most vulnerable target organ, often experiences severe damage. IL-22, which is secreted by various immunocytes, can mitigate inflammation associated with pulmonary fibrosis and lung injury. Nevertheless, its precise function in SALI is still unclear. The current investigation was undertaken to delve into the effect of IL-22 in sepsis. Methods: In this study, a mouse CLP model of sepsis was used to detect the expression of IL-22 and investigate the effect of rIL-22 treatment, following which the survival rate and lung tissue injury and apoptosis was determined. LPS induced bronchial epithelial cells ( BEAS-2B) apoptosis model with or without rIL-22 in vitro to further evaluate the effect and mechanism of IL-22. Results The level of IL-22 in serum and lung tissue was increased after CLP. rIL-22 administration increased the survival rates of septic mice and suppressed the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines, and alleviated SALI. IL-22 also alleviated apoptosis in lung tissue and decreased the level of cleaved caspase-3/7.Furthermore, rIL-22 alleviated LPS induced BEAS-2Bs apoptosis which was associated with an increase in the phosphorylation of STAT3. Conclusions The results of this study suggest that IL-22 alleviates lung epithelial cell apoptosis and protects mice against SALI via the STAT3 signalling pathway,emphasizing its potential therapeutic value for sepsis.
A Molecularly Imprinted Polymeric Sensor Based on Poly(methyldopa) for Electrochemical Quantification of Formoterol in Raw Material and Pharmaceutical Dosage Form
Authors: Adawy Hamees A. , Hegazy Maha A. , Saad Samah S. , Boltia Shereen A. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Catechol amine-derived polymers, which include dopamine and its natural analogues, reveal desirable adhesion characteristics, great biocompatibility, and an achievable antifouling surface, by manipulating electro-polymerization procedures. Methyldopa, a synthesised substitute for dopamine which featuring several phenolic, amine, and carboxylic functional groups, a highly specific and selective molecular imprinted polymer (MIP) was utilized. The significant advancements in polymers with molecular imprints, have stimulated the addition of novel molecules as functional monomers to achieve extra precise and more selective electrochemical determination and quantification for the template analyte formoterol fumarate dihydrate (FFD), which utilized as long-acting beta2-agonist in the controlling of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). A polymethyldopa polymer (PMD), was electro-grafted onto pencil graphite electrode (PGE) in the existence of FFD as a template, by UV spectroscopy, the interaction between poly methyldopa (PMD) and template (FFD) has been evaluated. Cyclic voltammetry was applied for electropolymerization of the MIP by scanning potential window over the range of -0.1 to 0.8 voltage versus the reference electrode Ag/AgCl in phosphate buffer at pH equal to 6.5. Indirect method was employed to measure formoterol, where a redox probe (ferrocyanide/ferricyanide) was utilized to detect the binding of FFD to the 3D binding cavities in MIP, by applying the differential pulse voltammetry. The sensor's voltammetric response was steady over a linearity range of 2×10 -10 M – 1 ×10 -9 M of FFD with a detection limit of 1.7×10 -11 M. The International Council for Harmonization’s (ICH) requirements were followed in the validation of the created method, The sensor’s powerful analyte selectivity and sensitivity make it suitable for quantitative evaluation of FFD in the pharmaceutical dosage formulas.
Assessing the AIR Classification Reliability for Estimating Pronation of the First Metatarsal
Authors: Sun Ning , Wang Xuewen , Xu Xiangyu , Li Heng , Li Wenjing , Du Hui , Gong Xiaofeng , Wu Yong 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Hallux valgus (HV) is a multiplanar deformity and surgical treatment is often guided by two-dimensional radiographic parameters. This study assessed the reliability and accuracy of the AIR classification(The first metatarsal head's lateral edge can be delineated as angular (type A), round (type R), or intermediate (type I) through visual scrutiny or circle measurements on weight-bearing adiographs.)commonly used in clinical settings to categorize the shape of the lateral edge of the first metatarsal head, against measurements from weight-bearing computed tomography (WBCT).
Methods
This retrospective study evaluated 18 patients, including 31 feet affected by HV. Two surgeons independently categorized the first metatarsal head's lateral edge by both visual inspection and circle measurement. Additionally, two separate surgeons evaluated the α angle relative to the floor in WBCT scans. The reliability of the measurements was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and weighted kappa statistics.
Results
While the first surgeon demonstrated perfect intra-observer reliability for both visual inspection and circular measurements (kappa values of 1.000 and 0.857, respectively), the second surgeon showed high and perfect reliability (kappa values of 0.759 and 1.000, respectively) for the same assessments. While the interobserver reliability for visual inspection was moderate (kappa values of 0.407 and 0.531, respectively), it was little to low for circular measurements (kappa values of 0.173 and 0.287, respectively). The interobserver reliability for the α angle assessment relative to the floor on WBCT scans was perfect (ICC=0.968).
Conclusion
The AIR classification may not provide a reliable estimation of the pronation of the first metatarsal and thus cannot be relied upon solely for intraoperative direct orthopedic treatments. Consequently, it is imperative to employ three-dimensional measurements instead of relying exclusively on plain radiography. WBCT measurements should also be considered for the preoperative determination of the optimal pronation angle correction to facilitate accurate intraoperative evaluation of the correction degree.
Design of a new fistula plug using acellular small intestinal submucosa with platelet-rich fibrin for anal fistula in rabbit model
Authors: NR Nadia , Golroudbari Hasti Tashak , Banikarimi Armaghan , Heirani-Tabasi Asieh , Behboudi Behnam , Fazeli Mohammad Sadegh , Kazemeini Alireza , Keramati Mohammad Reza , Keshvari Amir , Tafti Seyed Mohsen Ahmadi 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: Anal fistula is an abnormal tract between the anal canal and the perianal skin. Anal fistula plug (AFP) as a sphincter-preventing method has drawn more interest because of its simple procedure and low risk of incontinence. Small intestine submucosa (SIS) as a biomaterial plug has been applied in managing anal fistulae. Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is a platelet-derived product containing several growth factors. PRF has been widely used for soft tissue regeneration because it promotes angiogenesis and mitogenesis and inhibits inflammation in the wound site. Because of the rigid consistency of SIS and the low mechanical resistance of PRF and their tissue-regenerative properties, we created a novel SIS-PRF plug for managing anal fistula.
Methods: Anal fistulae were created in the rabbit model. 18 rabbits were used. Animals were divided into three groups, including SIS-PRF, SIS and control. Five weeks’ post-treatment, animals were sacrificed, and fistula specimens were obtained.
Results: According to histological analysis, inflammation was significantly lower in the SIS-PRF group compared to other groups. Treatment with both biomaterials increased the number of closed fistula tracts, but it was markedly higher in the SIS-PRF group compared to the SIS group. No foreign body reaction was seen in the SIS-PRF group.
Conclusions: In this study, SIS-PRF reduced inflammation and increased connective tissue in fistulae. Taken together, SIS-PRF can be used in further studies about anal fistula management in humans.
STAR-RIS-aided UAV NOMA Mobile Edge Computing Network with RF Energy Harvesting
Authors: Ha Dac-Binh , Truong Truong , Truong Tien-Vu , Phan Thanh-Minh , Vo Van Nhan 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
In the ultra-reliable, low-latency next-generation mobile network (beyond 5G or 6G), a resource-constrained unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) user needs continuous energy-providing and mobile edge computing (MEC) facilities. In this study, we deploy the radio frequency (RF) power station to provide energy to the UAV, accompanied by simultaneous transmitting and reflecting reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (STAR-RIS) to assist a UAV user in offloading its tasks. In particular, this system consists of a power station, a UAV, and two access points, each of which has an MEC server and a STAR RIS installed within the building. The power station can transfer wireless power to the UAV via RF waves. A UAV user can apply the non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) schemes to offload its tasks to access points via STAR-RIS. In order to evaluate and optimize the performance, we derive the approximately closed-form expression for successful computation and energy outage probabilities by using the statistical characteristics of channel gains.
Moreover, we introduced PRGA, a real-coded genetic algorithm-based algorithm, to determine the optimal resource parameters and attain the highest system performance.
Based on these criteria, we investigate the behaviors of a proposed system according to the system's critical parameters, such as time switching ratio, transmit power, power allocation coefficient, data dividing ratio, number of elements of STAR-RIS, and altitude of the UAV. We also provide computer simulation results to validate our analysis. Finally, the research results have revealed that STAR-RIS can improve the performance of MEC networks by creating a smart communication environment.