bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessing the impact of comorbid type 2 diabetes mellitus on the disease burden of chronic hepatitis B virus infection and its complications in China from 2006 to 2030: a modeling study
Authors: Xie Jinzhao , Wang Xu , Wang Xinran , Li Jinghua , Jie Yusheng , Hao Yuantao , Gu Jing 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
China bears a high burden of both hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). T2DM accelerates the progression of liver disease among individuals infected with HBV. This study aims to assess the excess disease burden caused by comorbid T2DM among HBV-infected individuals in China.

Methods
We estimated the disease burden of HBV and its complications in China from 2006 to 2030 using individual-based Markov models. The baseline population consisted of 93 million HBV-infected individuals derived from the 2006 National Serological Epidemiological Survey. We developed two models: one incorporated the impact of T2DM on the disease progression of HBV infection, while the other did not consider the impact of T2DM. By comparing the outcomes between these two models, we estimated the excess disease burden attributable to comorbid T2DM among HBV-infected individuals.

Results
The incidence of severe HBV complications, including cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and liver-related deaths, exhibited an increasing trend from 2006 to 2030 among the Chinese HBV-infected population. Comorbid T2DM increased the annual incidence and cumulative cases of severe HBV complications. From 2006 to 2022, comorbid T2DM caused 791,000 (11.41%), 244,000 (9.27%), 377,000 (8.78%), and 796,000 (12.19%) excess cases of compensated cirrhosis, decompensated cirrhosis, HCC, and liver-related deaths, respectively. From 2023 to 2030, comorbid T2DM is projected to result in an 8.69% excess in severe HBV complications and an 8.95% increase in liver-related deaths. Among individuals aged 60 and older at baseline, comorbid T2DM led to a 21.68% excess in severe HBV complications and a 28.70% increase in liver-related deaths from 2006 to 2022, with projections indicating a further 20.76% increase in severe HBV complications and an 18.31% rise in liver-related deaths over the next seven years.

Conclusions
Comorbid T2DM imposes a substantial disease burden on individuals with HBV infection in China. Healthcare providers and health policymakers should develop and implement tailored strategies for the effective management and control of T2DM in individuals with HBV infection.
Pulmonary hemorrhage as a presentation of AL amyloidosis secondary to multiple myeloma: a case report
Authors: Birchenall-Jiménez Claudia , Perdomo-Polania Jesús , Serna María , Méndez-Carrillo Isabella , Hernández-Guerrero Felipe , Mantilla-García Santiago , Quintero-Osorio María , Cortés-Jaramillo Ximena 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
The convergence of pulmonary hemorrhage, pulmonary amyloidosis, and multiple myeloma is uncommon. Amyloidosis can affect the pulmonary parenchyma in a diffuse, tracheobronchial, or parenchymal pattern and may rarely be associated with pulmonary hemorrhage. Additionally, pulmonary amyloidosis is not a frequent manifestation of multiple myeloma. We present a case of a male patient with pulmonary hemorrhage as the initial manifestation of AL pulmonary amyloidosis, and ultimately, confirmation of multiple myeloma through bone marrow biopsy.

Case presentation
The clinical case involves a 60-year-old male with no significant medical history, who was admitted presenting a clinical picture evolving over 6 months characterized by hemoptoic cough, accompanied by dyspnea, a decrease in functional capacity, and constitutional symptoms. Thoracic CT images revealed multilobar ground-glass opacities with suspected alveolar hemorrhage. In response to this clinical presentation, bronchoalveolar lavage with cytology was performed, revealing the presence of hemosiderin-laden macrophages. Given the complexity of the case, further investigation included a wedge biopsy of the lung. The pathological report indicated an atypical lymphoplasmacytoid proliferation with deposits of eosinophilic amorphous material, suggestive of amyloidosis. Congo red staining confirmed the presence of amyloid material. Elevated Kappa light chains were detected in both serum and urine, with an increased K/L ratio. Immunoglobulins G and M were found to be decreased. As part of the comprehensive assessment, a bone marrow biopsy was conducted, confirming the diagnosis of multiple myeloma with 10% atypical plasma cells. In light of this diagnosis, appropriate treatment has been initiated to address this intricate medical condition effectively.

Conclusion
The present case report provides an illustrative perspective on an uncommon presentation of pulmonary amyloidosis secondary to multiple myeloma, with the initial manifestation being pulmonary hemorrhage. The findings from both the physical examination and laboratory tests were consistent with pulmonary amyloidosis, and definitive confirmation of the multiple myeloma diagnosis was achieved through bone marrow biopsy. This case highlights the significance of considering pulmonary amyloidosis as a potential cause of hemoptysis, especially in patients with associated risk factors for multiple myeloma. Early recognition of this clinical association is pivotal for precise diagnosis and prompt therapeutic intervention. The complexity of this case underscores the importance of a comprehensive diagnostic approach in unraveling intricate medical conditions.
Laboratory evaluation of toxicity of selected insecticides against egg and larval stages of cotton pink bollworm, Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae)
Authors: Busnoor Abhishek V. , Wadaskar R. M. , Fand Babasaheb B. , Tambe V. J. , Pillai T. , Mahule D. J. , Nagrare V. S. , Prasad Y. G. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
The cryptic nature of pink bollworm Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders) larvae enables its reduced vulnerability to insecticidal control. Further, the development of resistance against Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) toxins posed a serious threat to transgenic cotton cultivation. This necessitated determining the critical timing of spray applications on the control effectiveness. This study assessed the influence of egg age (freshly laid vs. three-day-old) and the location of larvae (directly exposed to the insecticide residues on the boll rind vs. burrowed inside the bolls) on insecticide control efficacy.

Results
The results revealed a significant decrease in the ovicidal activity of tested insecticides with an increase in the age of eggs from one day old to three days old (paired t-test, P < 0.05). The larvae directly exposed to the insecticide residues on the boll rind were more susceptible (> 80% mortality) than the larvae exposed after they had burrowed inside the bolls (< 49% mortality). The inhibitory effects of tested insecticides on developmental biology were more pronounced in the experiment on pre-larval release insecticide treatment compared with insecticide treatment given post-larval release and entry inside the bolls.

Conclusion
Egg age influences the insecticide susceptibility, as does the larval location, directly exposed vs burrowed inside the bolls. Older eggs and the larvae that had burrowed inside the green bolls of cotton were relatively less susceptible to the insecticide treatments. The toxic effects of insecticides on egg and larval stages were primarily ephemeral. These findings are significant for devising a comprehensive strategy for pink bollworm management on a sustainable basis.
Using artificial intelligence for hiring talents in a moderated mechanism
Authors: Islam Muhaiminul , Rahman Md. Mahbubur , Taher Md. Abu , Quaosar G. M. Azmal Ali , Uddin Md. Aftab 
Published: January 2024

AbstractGlobally, artificial intelligence (AI) occupies a burgeoning space among recruiters as it replaces many of the recruitment and selection tasks while hiring the talents. Despite the existence and acceptance of AI being unprecedented among savvy recruiters, the study of it in developing countries’ contexts is still at a fancy stage. Particularly, the extant literature documented that very little is known about the intention and actual use (AU) of AI to hire talents with the intervening effects of voluntariness of usage (VU), tenure, and education of the recruiters elsewhere. Hence, using the doctrine of the extended unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT), the present study aims to unpack the intention and AU of AI among hiring professionals in the context of Bangladesh, a developing country in the South Asian region. A multi-item questionnaire survey was employed to collect the data of recruiters from talent acquisition departments in both manufacturing and service organizations with a convenience sampling technique. We used partial least square-based structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) version 4.0.8.9 to analyze the data. Results showed that performance expectancy (PE), facilitating conditions (FC), and hedonic motivation (HM) have a significant influence on the intention to use (IU) AI (p < 0.05), and IU also predicts AU of AI significantly (p < 0.05). The moderating influence of VU has an insignificant effect on the positive influence of IU on AU. Moreover, the multi-group analysis showed that there is no significant difference between young adults and old adults and highly educated and lowly educated on the association between IU and AU. The findings in this study showed important notations that contributed to advancing the knowledge and filling the gap in the extant literature. Additionally, it also provides fresh insights for developing policy interventions to hire professionals for thriving AI adoption in the context of developing countries effectively.
Achieving customer loyalty during post-pandemic: an asymmetric approach
Authors: Latif Khawaja Fawad , Bashir Shahid 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe study aims to investigate causal recipes to improve restaurant customers’ loyalty (LOY) during COVID-19 post-pandemic. The study utilizes Fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA) within the framework of complexity theory to examine the intricate relationship between antecedent conditions, including Socially Responsible COVID-19 practices (CSR), Service Quality (SR), Customer Experience (EXP), Customer Satisfaction (SAT), Trust (TR), and Customer Commitment (COMM). The study used a quantitative survey approach, using a Likert scale to achieve the study aim. The survey has been strategically developed to gather intricate replies, taking influence from well-established scales within the area. The research purposefully recruited customers from the restaurant industry in Pakistan. A total of 450 full and valid replies were obtained via the use of Google Forms and paper questionnaires. The fsQCA approach is used to examine the data and ascertain configurations or combinations of antecedent situations that contribute to enhanced levels of loyalty. The results indicate that LOY is a multifaceted phenomenon in the post-pandemic phase of COVID-19 and is not only influenced by individual antecedent situations. This study identifies many routes that lead to increased levels of loyalty, highlighting the need to adopt a comprehensive and integrated strategy. The research emphasizes the diverse impacts of important factors, including CSR, SR, EXP, SAT, TR, and COMM, on loyalty. The novelty of this study is in its utilization of fsQCA and complexity theory to investigate LOY inside the restaurant sector among the distinctive circumstances of the post-pandemic period of COVID-19. This paper presents a critique of conventional symmetrical methods and proposes a comprehensive viewpoint on LOY, highlighting the need for sophisticated and integrated theoretical frameworks. Through the exploration of several routes to increased levels of LOY and the identification of the intricate influences of numerous preceding factors, this study enhances both theoretical and practical comprehension. The study places significant importance on an innovative research methodology and its potential impact on restaurant management, making it a noteworthy contribution to the current body of literature.
A comparison of electrocardiographic parameters in e-cigarette users, conventional cigarette smokers, and non-smokers
Authors: Ammar Heba , Hashish Rania , Ali Shrouk Mohamed , Salem Ahmed Salah , Hagras Abeer Mohamed 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Smoking is a major preventable risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Tobacco smoking induces atherosclerosis, ischemic heart diseases, and arrhythmias. The impact of electronic cigarettes on cardiovascular health is still controversial. This study aimed to evaluate the electrocardiographic parameters in chronic electronic cigarette users compared to chronic conventional cigarette smokers and a non-smoker control group of matched age and gender.

Results
The study involved 105 volunteers with no history of chronic or cardiovascular diseases or cardioactive drug use. Participants were assigned into three study groups, chronic e-cigarette users, conventional cigarette smokers, and non-smokers, each consisting of 35 participants. Demographic data, smoking history, vital signs, and 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) were evaluated. Demographic data were insignificantly different among all study groups. The mean heart rate was significantly higher in chronic electronic cigarette users and conventional cigarette smokers compared to non-smokers (p < 0.001).QRS complex duration was significantly shorter in e-cigarette users and conventional smokers compared to non-smokers (p < 0.001). Prolonged QT and QTc intervals duration were recorded in e-cigarette users and conventional smokers compared to non-smokers (p < 0.001). All the ventricular repolarization indices (T wave—peak to T-end (Tpe) interval, TPe/QT ratio, and TPe/QTc ratio were significantly prolonged in chronic e-cigarette users, and conventional smokers compared to non-smokers (p < 0.001). Mean systolic, diastolic blood pressure, P wave amplitude and duration, and PR interval were insignificantly different between all groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusions
Chronic e-cigarette use is associated with higher heart rates, shorter QRS complex, prolonged QT, QTc duration, and prolonged ventricular repolarization indices compared to non-smokers of matched age and gender. Conclusively, e-cigarette use is associated with negative cardiovascular effects like conventional cigarette smoking.
Role of point of care ultrasound in management of deteriorating respiratory intensive care unit patients and its impact on outcome
Authors: Elgabry Maha Mohammed , Shebl Eman , El-Shetry Mohamed Saad , Elsayed Enaam I. , Zayed Niveen ELSayed 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Point of care ultrasonography (POCUS) is a real time examination that can be used in the emergency room and intensive care unit (ICU). It can provide low-cost modality in short period of time that can help the clinician in better management the ICU patients. The aim of the current work was to evaluate the impact of POCUS (focused heart, lung, IVC and Doppler lower limb) in improving the outcome of deteriorating patients in the respiratory intensive care unit (RICU), via narrowing differential diagnosis and earlier start of target therapy.

Methods
This prospective study included 126 deteriorated patients in the RICU. The POCUS was performed to all included patients, together with the indicated laboratory and radiological investigations (Chest x-ray, computerized tomography, and conventional echocardiography) to detect the agreement between POCUS and the gold standard techniques to assess the POCUS effectiveness. The impact of applying POCUS on the outcome of the studied patients was evaluated regarding ICU and in hospital length of stay and the 30-day mortality.

Results
The included patients were 51 males (40.5%) and 75 females (59.5%) with a mean ±SD of age 45.4 ± 15.7 years. POCUS showed a good agreement with the gold standard techniques. There was significant improvement in outcome of the studied patients as regard ICU and in hospital stay with early using of POCUS examination but no significant difference in 30 days mortality rate of the studied patients.

Conclusion
POCUS is an effective modality in the management of deteriorating patients in the RICU with a good impact on the patient outcome.
A phase I clinical trial of riluzole in combination with mFOLFOX6 and bevacizumab in treating patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.
Authors: Li Chunjie , Noonan Anne M. , Hays John L. , Roychowdhury Sameek , Malalur Pannaga G. , Elkhatib Rifat T. , Manne Ashish , Mittra Arjun , Rahman Shafia , Phelps Mitch A. , Liang Beiyuan , Storts Hadyen , Khan Misbah , Zhang Evan , Zheng Xinru , Miles Wayne , Wang Jing , Jin Ning 
Published: January 2024

101 Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality in the US. 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) based chemotherapies in combination with targeted agents remain the standard of care in patients with metastatic or locally advanced disease. It is essential to develop new treatment strategies in metastatic CRC patients with microsatellite stable disease, in whom immune checkpoint blockade is ineffective. Our preclinical studies showed riluzole, an oral medicine for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, can increase intratumoral CD8+ T cells and suppress tumor growth in a syngeneic colon cancer mouse model. Riluzole-mediated tumor growth inhibition depends on the presence of CD8+ T cells and activation of cGAS/STING/IFNβ signaling. Methods: This was a single-arm phase I trial of riluzole in combination with mFOLFOX6/bevacizumab for patients with metastatic CRC. The dose of riluzole started from 50 mg twice daily with dose escalation to 100 mg twice daily or dose de-escalation to 50 mg once daily. Patients received riluzole for 16 weeks in combination with mFOLOFX6/bevacizumab for 8 cycles. Then patients either continued mFOLFOX/bevacizumab or switched therapy. The primary objective was adverse events (AE). The secondary objectives were objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), and duration of response (DoR). Results: Fourteen patients were enrolled, and twelve patients were evaluable. All patients received FOLFOX in the past; two patients received 2 lines of chemotherapies; one patient received 3 lines and eight patients had ≥ 4 lines before the study. Five patients (41.7%) had disease resistance to FOLFOX. During the study, two patients received only 2 cycles of treatment due to poor PS. Two patients received 7 cycles, and nine patients completed 8 cycles of treatment. The common grade 3 & 4 AEs included neutropenia (46.2%), lymphopenia (30.8%), and abdominal pain (15.4%). No complete response was observed; two patients obtained partial response; nine patients had stable disease, and only one patient had progressive disease. The ORR was 16.7%, and DCR was 91.7%. The median DoR was 5.1 (95% CI 3.2-7.0) months. The maximum tolerated dose for riluzole is 100 mg twice daily. Conclusions: Our study showed that riluzole plus mFOLFOX6/bevacizumab is well tolerated in patients with metastatic CRC and may have clinical activity in patients whose disease is resistant to FOLFOX. Further study is necessary to confirm the immunomodulation effect of riluzole. Clinical trial information: NCT04761614 .
Trifluridine/tipiracil (TAS-102) in combination with anti-EGFR re-challenge versus TAS-102 plus anti-VEGF in patients with mCRC who experienced first-line anti-EGFR-based chemotherapy.
Authors: Chen Ching Tso , Liang Yi-Hsin , Yeh Kun-Huei 
Published: January 2024

120 Background: TAS-102 is one of the standard treatments for refractory metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Add-on bevacizumab to TAS-102 has been proved to improve progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). However, the two strategies of combination with anti-EGFR or anti-VEGF in RAS/RAF wild-type mCRC patients have not been compared. Methods: We retrospectively collected mCRC patients who received TAS-102 treatment from December 2018 to March 2023 at National Taiwan University Hospital. The key inclusion criteria included RAS/RAF wild-type, first-line treatment with anti-EGFR therapy, and TAS-102 in combination with anti-EGFR re-challenge, or with anti-VEGF therapy. Concurrent use of other chemotherapies was allowed. The patients with combination duration less than 4 weeks were excluded. Results: A total of 30 patients were enrolled. There were 20 patients who received TAS-102 plus anti-EGFR re-challenge, and 10 were treated with TAS-102 plus anti-VEGF. The median treatment line of TAS-102 combined with targeted therapies was 5 (Range 3-11). There was no significant difference in baseline characteristics between the two groups (Table). For TAS-102 plus anti-EGFR vs VEGF, the ORR was 30.0% vs 0%, and the DCR was 70.0% vs 30.0%, respectively. The median PFS was 4.0 vs 2.3 (p=0.389) months, respectively. The median OS was 12.67 vs 9.93 (p=0.722) months, respectively. Conclusions: TAS-102 plus anti-EGFR re-challenge showed a higher ORR than TAS-102 plus anti-VEGF. The PFS and OS were comparable in both arm and numerically longer in the TAS-102 plus anti-EGFR re-challenge group.[Table: see text]
Regorafenib plus FOLFIRI with irinotecan dose escalated according to UGT1A1 genotyping in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.
Authors: Wang Chao-Yuan , Huang Ching-Wen , Tsai Hsiang-Lin 
Published: January 2024

125 Background: This multicenter, phase II, randomized, open-label, 2-arm parallel trial aims to compare the efficacy and safety profiles of regorafenib plus irinotecan dose-escalated FOLFIRI according to UGT1A1 genotyping with regorafenib alone in previously treated patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Methods: A total of 153 patients were planned to randomize at a ratio of 2:1 for receiving regorafenib plus FOLFIRI (arm A, 102 patients) or regorafenib alone (arm B, 52 patients), respectively. For both arms, regorafenib were given for 21 consecutive days (Day 1 to 21) of each 28-day cycle at a maintained dose of 120 mg. However, for arm A, patients received regorafenib plus FOLFIRI with dose-escalated irinotecan according to UGT1A1 genotypes. FOLFIRI were on the first day of each 28-day cycle only. The primary end point was progression-free survival (PFS). Secondary end points included overall survival (OS) and disease control rate (DCR), and adverse events (AEs). Results: Finally, a total of 116 patients were enrolled to be analyzed, including 74 in arm A and 42 in arm B. The significantly better PFS was observed in arm A, 4.8 and 3.0 months, respectively ( p = 0.016). Moreover, in patients with RAS wild type, the significantly better PFS was observed in arm A, 6.3 and 2.1 months, respectively ( p = 0.003). The OS was not significantly different between group A and B, 9.8 and 12.6 months, respectively ( p = 0.970). However, in patients with RAS wild type, the trend of better OS was observed in arm A, 14.3 and 6.9 months, respectively ( p = 0.158). The marginally significant better DCR was observed in arm A, 55.4% and 38.1%, respectively ( p = 0.055). The marginally significant better DCR was observed in arm A, 55.4% and 38.1%, respectively ( p = 0.055). Combination treatment of regorafenib plus FOLFIRI was independent favorable prognostic factor for PFS ( P = 0.008; hazard ratio [HR], 1.892; 95% CI, 1.182 – 3.027). Regarding severe AEs, there were no significant differences between the two groups (all P>0.05). Conclusions: Combination treatment of regorafenib plus FOLFIRI with dose-escalated irinotecan according to UGT1A1genotyping results in a significant better PFS and comparable AEs. Moreover, patients with RAS wild type of CRC would be more beneficial for this combination treatment.