bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A new construction of cyclic subspace codes
Authors: Han Yuqing , Cao Xiwang 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Subspace codes have attracted a lot of attention in the last few decades due to their applications innoncoherent linear network coding, in particular cyclic subspace codes can be encoded and decoded moreefficiently because of their special algebraic structure. Using the union of several cyclic subspace codes, wepresent a family of cyclic subspace codes with minimum distance 2k − 2 and size seqk(qk − 1)s−1(qn − 1), where k|n, n/k ≥ 2s + 1, s ≥ 2, e = ⌈n/2sk⌉ − 1.
Exploring the Research Interest, Capacity and Culture of NHS Staff in South-East Scotland following the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic: a Qualitative Study
Authors: Pribanova Magdalena , Chinn David J , Davey Fleur , Quirk Frances 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Research is a key driver in improving the quality of care in health settings. The UK Government has published its strategy to increase research within the National Health Service (NHS) and to implement lessons learned from the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. We have investigated the current research interest, culture, and capacity amongst staff in one small, non-teaching regional Health Board in Scotland to determine how research activity may be increased and how attitudes to research may have changed following the recent pandemic.
Methods
Semi-structured interviews (n = 28) were conducted with staff of all grades exploring the research culture at an organisational, team and individual level. Topics included perceived barriers and facilitators for engaging in research activities and the impact of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on changes in attitude to research within the NHS. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using thematic analysis.
Results
Respondents comprised 7 nurses/midwives, 6 doctors/dentists, 3 allied health professionals, 3 other therapeutic and 9 admin/support staff. Some staff had research written into their job descriptions. All respondents identified similar facilitators and barriers to undertaking research, irrespective of their role or experience with research. Four key themes affecting research capacity and capability were time, resources, culture, and communication. Responses varied between staff grades where those who had research embedded as part of their training and professional role expressed more accepting views to undertaking research. Issues identified were the provision of protected time, skills training, practical support from research facilitators, active encouragement by managers of all grades, improved communication, the development of ‘champions’ working in clinical teams and the adoption of a research strategy at Board level. The pandemic had a negative impact on research activity but many respondents expressed an increased awareness of the importance of research as a priority in improving health outcomes during the pandemic.
Conclusions
The research interest and culture in our Health Board can be improved by addressing the four broad themes identified, thereby increasing research capacity in line with Government aspirations. The findings may have relevance for other small health providers that intend to respond to the call to increase their research profile.
Predict Radiation Enteritis in Patients Undergoing Radical Radiotherapy for Cervical Squamous Cell Carcinoma based on Inflammatory Parameters
Authors: Li Yanqing , Jiang Kaijun , Ju Yunhe , Ding Xiang , Xia Qun , Xia Yaoxiong , Ai Yiqin 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Radiation enteritis (RE) is an adverse event associated with radical radiotherapy (RT) for cervical carcinoma (CC). However, the risk of RE has not been well predicted. We hypothesized that inflammatory markers of pre-/post-treatment complete blood count (CBC)-derived parameters can improve the predictive accuracy for RE using machine learning.
Methods
Patients with cervical squamous cell carcinoma of stage IB2-IIIB receiving radical RT in our hospital from January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2015, were included. Inflammatory markers of pre/post-treatment CBC-derived at the initial diagnosis and after RT were analyzed. A machine learning algorithm was used to develop a generalized linear model (GLM) for predicting RE risk.
Results
A total of 321 patients were eligible, of whom 39.3% (126/321) developed RE2 after RT, whether acute or chronic. The final predictive GLM for RE2 included an inflammatory marker, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR1) (P = 0.021); age (P = 0.148); stage (P = 0.017); and RT technique (P = 0.047). A nomogram was constructed based on GLM. Decision curve analysis verified the better predictive power of the model for net clinical benefit.
Conclusions
Our findings reveal a significant association between PLR1 and RE2. Additionally, a novel and holistic model incorporating both hematological inflammatory parameters and clinical variables has been devised, offering a practical tool for predicting RE prior to RT. Hence, these outcomes hold great potential in guiding healthcare professionals in their decision-making processes.
Pulmonary adverse reaction caused by furazolidone: A report of two cases and literature review
Authors: Zheng Cong , Cheng Yao , Huang Ping , Ren Zhuochao , Zheng Xiaochun , Xuan Zixue , Shen Bin , Yang Xiuli 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Drug-induced lung injury, defined as lung injury due to specific drug use, is an adverse reaction that occurs specifically in the pulmonary system, including the lungs, bronchi, pulmonary blood vessels, and pleura. There are currently few reports of furazolidone-mediated lung injury. We emphasize that when symptoms such as fever, cough, sputum production, chest tightness, increased eosinophils, interstitial changes in lung imaging with thickening of interlobular septa occur after the application of furazolidone, adverse pulmonary reactions caused by furazolidone can be considered.
Methods and results
We report a case series consisting of two patients with adverse pulmonary reactions occurring after the use of furazolidone and a current review of all previous reported adverse pulmonary reactions related to furazolidone.
Conclusion
As furazolidone may cause adverse pulmonary reactions, clinical vigilance is warranted to prevent adverse consequences. If this adverse reaction is found, furazolidone should be stopped in a timely manner. If the eosinophil count continues to be higher than normal after discontinuation, hormone therapy is needed.
A Month of Diagnostic Imaging Studies in an Acute Supportive/Palliative Care Unit
Authors: Mercadante Sebastiano , Grassi Yasmine 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Aim: To assess the characteristics of patients who required imaging studies during admission to an acute supportive palliative care unit (ASPCU).
Methods: A consecutive number of patients who performed imaging studies during ASPCU admission in a month period was assessed. Epidemiological data, ongoing anticancer treatment, cancer diagnosis, reasons for admission, referral, type of imaging study, were recorded. Indications, findings, consequent actions for treatment, prognosis and discharge were also collected.
Results: Twenty-one of fifty-six patients admitted to ASPCU in the period taken into consideration underwent imaging studies. Pain and deterioration of the general condition were the most frequent indications for admission. Computed tomography (CT) was the most frequent imaging study performed. Indications for performing imaging studies depended on individual clinical needs. Findings suggested different clinical decisions, after a comprehensive oncological and palliative care assessment and family conference, the most frequent of which was to withdraw oncological treatments. The majority of patients underwent transition to palliative care and were discharged home or to hospice.
Conclusion: Imaging studies were of paramount importance for clinical treatment and decision-making process in an intensive ASPCU. There is the need to explore the need and the possible outcomes of imaging studies, as well cost-effectiveness in any ASPCU.
Convalescent Plasma for Critically-ill Covid-19 Patients
Authors: Aljatham Adel A. , Hashim Waleed T. , Almashiakhi Mohamad A. , Alharthy Abdulrahman M. , Alaklobi Faisal A. , Adam Mohammed , Elghazaly Assem A. , Mady Ahmed F. , Asad Daood S. , Aamr Hala , Alali Alaa H. , Abdlraheem Juhaina , Alhumaid Muhned S. , Aljatham Mohammed A. , Zawbaee Khalid I. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background and aim:
Convalescent plasma (CP) was early and successfully used in management of covid-19 infection. This report aimed to document our experience with use of CP in two critically-ill covid-19 patients.
Main findings:
Patients presented with fever, dry cough and difficulty of breathing with reduced oxygen saturation, massive radiological lung involvement and deteriorated Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) Score. Use of two sessions of CP resulted in marked improvement of radiological and/or pulmonary findings. Both patients died of septic shock or thromboembolic events.
Conclusions
Use of CP may be associated with radiological and clinical improvement in critically-ill patients. However, it’s not related to better survival if used in late stages of the disease.
Feasibility and Tolerability of Reaching Accuracy Assessment using Virtual Reality in Subacute and Chronic Cerebellar Stroke
Authors: Du Khai , Benavides Leonardo , Isenstein Emily , Tadin Duje , Busza Ania 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Objective To investigate the application of virtual reality (VR) with hand tracking in the rapid quantification of reaching accuracy at the bedside for patients with cerebellar stroke (CS).
Introduction Dysmetria, the inability to accurately estimate distance in motor tasks, is a characteristic clinical feature of cerebellar injury. Even though subjective dysmetria can be quickly detected during the neurological examination with the finger-to-nose test, objective quantification of reaching accuracy for clinical assessment is still lacking. Emerging VR technology allows for the delivery of rich multisensory environmental stimuli with a high degree of control. Furthermore, recent improvements in the hand-tracking feature offer an opportunity to closely examine the speed, accuracy, and consistency of fine hand movements and proprioceptive function.
Methods 30 individuals (10 CS patients and 20 age-matched neurologically healthy controls) performed a simple task that allowed us to measure reaching accuracy using a VR headset (Oculus Quest 2). During this task, the participant was asked to reach for a target placed along a horizontal sixty-degree arc. Once the fingertip passed through the arc, the target immediately extinguished. 50% of the trials displayed a visible, real-time rendering of the hand as the participant reached for the target (visible hand condition), while the remaining 50% only showed the target being extinguished (invisible hand condition). The invisible hand condition isolates proprioception-guided movements by removing the visibility of the participant’s hand. Reaching error was calculated as the difference in degrees between the location of the target, and where the fingertip contacted the arc.
Results Both CS patients and age-matched controls displayed higher average reaching error and took longer to perform a reaching motion in the invisible hand condition than in the visible hand condition. Reaching error was higher in CS than in controls in the invisible hand condition but not in the visible hand condition. Average time taken to perform each trial was higher in CS than in controls in the invisible hand conditions but not in the visible hand condition.
Discussion Reaching accuracy assessed by VR offers a non-invasive and rapid approach to quantifying fine motor functions in clinical settings. Furthermore, this technology enhances our understanding of proprioceptive function in patients with visuomotor disabilities by allowing the isolation of proprioception from vision. Future studies with larger cohorts and longitudinal designs will examine the quantitative changes in reaching accuracy after stroke and explore the long-term benefits of VR in functional recovery.
Supercapacitor performance of a nanocomposite of dilithium and β-NiS
Authors: Chandrasekaran Raghavan , Gopalan Muralidharan 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Binary nanocomposites of Li2 incorporated β-NiS have been synthesized via hydrothermal technique. XRD results indicate the formation of nanocomposite of Li2 and rhombohedral β-NiS. A spongy layered morphology could be identified through SEM analysis. The presence of Ni, S and Li2 could be identified through energy-dispersive X-ray analysis. The charge storage capabilities of Li2: β-NiS nanocomposites were examined using electroanalytical methods such as cyclic voltammetry, galvanic charge-discharge, and ac impedance analysis. In the three-electrode configuration, the electrodes could provide a specific capacitance of 860 F g− 1 (CV at 10 mV s− 1) and 700 F g− 1 (GCD at 2 mA cm− 2). The Li2: β-NiS electrode reveals pseudocapacitive behaviour. The Li2: β-NiS electrode could provide 90% capacity retention after 3000 continuous charge-discharge cycles at 10 mA cm− 2. A symmetric device has been fabricated using Li2: β-NiS as the working electrodes, and its performance has been studied in a window of 1 V with the lower end at 0.5 V. The energy and power density exhibited by the symmetric device is 12 W h kg− 1 and 500 W kg− 1. The symmetric device could yield 94% capacity retention even after 5,000 continuous charge-discharge cycles.
Deep eutectic solvent as an additive to improve enzymatic hydrolysis of polyethylene terephthalate (PET)
Authors: Zheng Xinming , Feng Jundan , Lu Yuzheng , Li Rong , Cavaco-paulo Artur , Fu Jiajia 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
In recent years, the research topic of hydrolysis of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) using bioenzymes has attracted a lot of attention and can be divided into two parts: enzymatic surface modification of polyester fibres and biodegradation of PET waste. The high crystallinity of polyester fibres makes the enzyme surface modification study very challenging compared to PET waste. Deep eutectic solvents (DES) can create a favourable environment for proteins and represent a new generation of biodegradable solvents. However, there are few studies on the use of DES to enhance enzymatic degradation. For these reasons, we attempted to hydrolyse PET with DES-activated enzymes to increase the hydrolysis yield and thus improve PET modification. We investigated the effects of DES type, molar ratio and concentration on enzymatic hydrolysis, utilizing betaine and choline chloride as hydrogen bond acceptors and polyol as a hydrogen bond donor. Humicola insolens cutinase (HiC) is used as the main biocatalyst for PET fabric hydrolysis. The results showed that a low concentration (20% v/v) of deep eutectic solvents (DES) (betaine:sorbitol; 1:2 molar ratio) induced a significant increase in hydrolysis yield (more than 1.5 times). The boosting effect primarily resulted from the benefits of DES itself rather than from the superimposition of individual components. Further studies revealed that HiCexhibited high relative enzyme activity and stability at low concentrations of DES. In addition, spectral analyses showed that DES effectively preserved the structure of HiC. Our work sheds light on the development of efficient and sustainable method to improve HiC hydrolysis of PET fabric, opening up new opportunities and possibilities for comprehensive utilization of DES in bio-modification of PET fabric.
Evaluating the efficacy of a new lice treatment shampoo containing Quassia Amara using physical and tolerance approaches
Authors: Shadrack Ronick Spenly , Kotra Krishna Kumar , Livu Leyanni , Tari Daniel , Tabi Hancy , Trenkner Linda , Bausini Mohammed Fouad El 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Many methods for evaluating head lice treatment products through field reports and chemical methods have been reported, and these results are incomparable due to several physical limiting factors, including hair type, application protocols and traditional hygiene practices. The present study investigated physical factors related to the efficacy of a new louse treatment with 5% Quassia Amara using a factorial model. The model terms included hair type (≤5 or > 5 cm), age (6-18 years), stroke caused by shampoo (2-6) or comb (1-4), and duration of exposure (10-20 min) according to the factorial model. A Lice stress resistance assessment technique was used to comparatively assess the effectiveness of the new product named Go Away Lice and two commercial louse treatment products. The results of the factorial model showed that the new shampoo product containing Quassia a. had a significant effect on the number of dead lice and nits at different ages and on different hair types (P< 0.05). Dead lice and nit were significantly associated with the interaction influence of age and hair size (P< 0.05). The stress tolerance limits of the two commercial head lice brands and the local brand were comparable to that of the most effective commercial brand in terms of killing capacity (P > 0.05). It was concluded that a reduction in the lice population is significantly influenced by age and hair size. The Goaway Lice Shampoo brand demonstrated potential as a cosmetic for head lice treatment.
Surrogate modeling for magnetic and mechanical analysis of superconducting magnets for fusion
Authors: Packman Sam , Riva Nicolò , Rodriguez-Fernandez Pablo 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Fusion energy has the potential to change the global energy economy and provide an essential technology to stop climate change[1]. The most promising candidates to realize a fusion power plant are tokamaks and stellarators confining the burning plasma with magnetic fields. Tokamaks are rotationally symmetric and use a large plasma current to achieve confinement. In contrast, Stellarators are non-axisymmetric and employ three-dimensionally non-planar magnetic field coils to twist the field and confine the plasma. Advantages such as disruption-free and steady-state operation [2], [3] make stellarators very attractive for such goals. Moreover, it reduces control systems issues and mitigates mechanical problems due to load cycling [4]. One of the goals of stellarator optimization is to find the best set of coils to produce the desired magnetic field. Exploring this design space requires new methods that can reduce the costly computations associated with modeling stellarator designs. This work uses Bayesian optimization, (BO) [5] which is a method that is well suited to black-box optimizations. It leverages surrogate models that are constructed to integrate as much information as possible from the available data points. This allows an optimization algorithm that significantly reduces the number of model evaluations as compared to alternative methods. This study showcases the efficacy of Bayesian optimization as a versatile tool for enhancing both magneto-static and mechanical properties within stellarator winding packs. Employing a suite of Bayesian optimization algorithms, encompassing constrained and multi-objective optimization techniques [6], [7], [8] we iteratively refine 2D and 3D models of solenoid and stellarator configurations. As fusion technology progresses from experimental stages to commercial viability, the demand for precise and efficient design methodologies escalates. By emphasizing its modularity and transferability, our approach lays the foundation for streamlining optimization processes, facilitating the integration of fusion power into a sustainable energy infrastructure.
Genetic evidence for a causal relationship between Alzheimer’s disease and age-related macular degeneration: A Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Huang Yu , Zhang Xueli 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Previous observational studies have established a bi-directional association between age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, these associations might be induced by confounding factors.
Methods
We conducted a bi-directional MR study to evaluate potential causal associations between AMD and AD using GWAS data. 39,106 clinically diagnosed AD cases, 46,828 proxy AD and related dementia, and 14,034 AMD patients were included in this study.
Results
Increased AMD exposure due to germline genetic variation was generally associated with decreased risk for AD. A causal effect was observed between early AMD and AD. However, reverse–direction MR analysis depicted generally little evidence of an association between genetically increased AD exposure and risk of early AMD with 57 SNPs and risk of AMD progression.
Conclusions
Our MR study confirmed the causal effect of early AMD on AD, and early AMD could reduce the risk for AD.
The role of Kampar watershed in achieving sufficient rice production and sustaining agriculture
Authors: Wahyu Titisari Prima , Elfis Elfis , Zen Irina Safitri , Chahyana Indry , Permatasari Tika , Maryanti Adelina , Dalilla Faizan 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Agriculture is the largest global water consumer, crucial to understanding its impact on watersheds. This study was conducted in the Kampar watershed in Riau province, covering Kampar and Pelalawan regencies. It assesses the watershed's suitability for meeting agricultural water needs, particularly for rice cultivation. The study utilizes quantitative methods, applying the Penman–Monteith technique and benefit transfer analysis to measure the water footprint of agriculture. Key indicators include blue, green, and gray water footprints. The water footprint in the Kampar watershed is 173.84 m3/t, with rice cultivation in the Kampar regency having 57.96 m3/t blue, 32.19 m3/t green, and 14.52 m3/t gray water footprints. In the Pelalawan regency, the values were 41.09 m3/t blue, 25.59 m3/t green, and 2.49 m3/t gray water footprints. The findings suggest a significant need for ample water usage from surface and groundwater in both Kampar and Pelalawan regencies for rice cultivation. Regarding the water availability in each district: Kampar regency has 1,063,281,652 m3/year and Pelalawan regency has 987,542,991 m3/year. This surplus in the Kampar watershed ensures sufficient water for rice cultivation in both districts, especially in the Kampar regency. These hold promising further agricultural development in the Riau province.
Interplay between LncRNA/miRNA and TGF-β Signaling in the Tumorigenesis
of Gynecological Cancer
Authors: Safavi Pegah , Moghadam Kimia Behrouz , Haghighi Zahra , Ferns Gordon A. , Rahmani Farzad 
Published: February 2024

Abstract:
Gynecologic cancers are among the most common malignancies with aggressive features and poor
prognosis. Tumorigenesis in gynecologic cancers is a complicated process that is influenced by multiple factors,
including genetic mutations that activate various oncogenic signaling pathways, including the TGF-β
pathway. Aberrant activation of TGF-β signaling is correlated with tumor recurrence and metastasis. It has
been shown that non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have crucial effects on cancer cell proliferation, migration, and
metastasis. Upregulation of various ncRNAs, including long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA) and microRNAs
(miRNAs), has been reported in several tumors, like cervical, ovarian, and endometrial cancers, but their cellular
mechanisms remain to be investigated. Thus, recognizing the role of ncRNAs in regulating the TGF-β pathway
may provide novel strategies for better treatment of cancer patients. The present study summarizes recent
findings on the role of ncRNAs in regulating the TGF-β signaling involved in tumor progression and metastasis
in gynecologic cancers.