bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The predictive value of three risk score scales for postoperative pulmonary complications in critically ill patients: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Xu Jiaqing , Li Mei , Zhai Jinguo , Ding Xiaorong , Lai Wenjuan , Gao Yingying , Zhang Wenting , Li Shengfang , Mo Minhua 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
ICU patients are critically ill and complex, with a high risk of PPCs. An effective risk prediction scale can help healthcare professionals quickly identify patients at high risk of PPCs and guide them to take targeted preventive measures as early as possible.
Objectives
To compare the predictive value of the risk assessment tools LAS VEGAS, Assessment of Respiratory Risk in Catalan Surgical Patients (ARISCAT) and Chinese Brief Predictive Risk Index (CHI-BPRI) of Postoperative Pulmonary Complications (PPCs) regarding the risk of critically ill patients.
Methods
A retrospective cohort study was conducted with 495 patients transferred to the intensive care unit (ICU) after surgery between January 2020 and December 2020 who were scored using each of the three scales, and the predictive value of the scales was compared by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC).
Results
(1) LAS VEGAS and ARISCAT could be used to predict PPCs; (2) the scores in the group of patients with confirmed PPCs (29 (24,35), 58 (44,72)) were greater than those in the group of patients without PPCs (25.5 (21,30), 52 (38,68)) (P<0.05). (3) In the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis, the AUC values were 0.625 (0.567, 0.683) for the LAS VEGAS score, 0.598 (0.537, 0.658) for the ARISCAT score, and 0.547 (0.483, 0.610) for the CHI-BPRI score, with AUC differences of 0.0269, 0.0781, and 0.0513, respectively, which were not statistically significant (P > 0.05).
Conclusion
The three scales for assessing the occurrence of PPCs in critically ill Chinese patients showed average performance and poor predictive accuracy. In the next study, the characteristics of critically ill Chinese patients can be combined to better explore the development of a predictive model regarding risk factors for PPCs.
Controlling factors on the water chemistry of the Euphrates River in the Western Desert of Iraq Environmental Earth Sciences Journal
Authors: Awadh Salih M , Al-Kubaisi Mahmood H. D. 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

The Euphrates River is one of the most important rivers in West Asia, passing through Turkey, Syria, and Iraq, and is vital to their economies. Several factors influence river water chemistry, including location, river bed geology, human activities, and environmental conditions. The upstream activities (dam construction, agricultural activities, and industrial discharges) are important factors that influence the Euphrates River's water chemistry. The Euphrates River is of fresh water with a slightly alkaline pH. The ranges of the total dissolved solids from 626.56 to 888.01 mg/l, electrical conductivity from 895.08 to 1268.58 µS/cm, and total hardness from 359.25 to 477.08 mg/l downstream all slightly increased as a result of geological processes, particularly the dissolution of river bed rocks in addition to the anthropogenic activities. The Euphrates River's water quality is primarily influenced by geological formations, particularly the Euphrates and the Fatha formations, so sulfate, chloride, sodium and calcium predominate. The chemistry of the river water was unaffected by the aquifer hydraulic system; on the contrary, the river impacts it by feeding it.
High Performance Supercapacitor Based on Self-heteroatom-doped Porous Carbon Electrodes Fabricated from Mikania Micrantha
Authors: Jalalah Mohammed , Han HyukSu , Nayak Arpan Kumar , Harraz Farid A. 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Applications, economic advantage, and effective waste management have sparked much interest in porous carbon compounds synthesized from renewable and biowaste resources. Self-heteroatom-doped carbon compounds have recently been made using various biological precursors. This study investigates the ease of preparing biomass-derived porous carbon (BPC) matrices from raw and verdant Mikania micrantha leaves using a direct activation and pyrolysis procedure. With the aid of preactivation and pyrolysis, BPC materials can be synthesised with a high surface area and pore volume. At a current density of 1 A/g, the BPC materials MM-700 exhibit a specific capacitance of 393 F/g. Interestingly, the MM-700 BPC materials have a greater capacitive contribution to charge accumulation during the electrochemical reaction. The BPC material MM-700 solid-state device manufactured with a PVA-H2SO4 gel electrolyte has a specific capacitance of 119 F/g at 1 A/g current density and a power density of 13,284 kW/kg at 30 A/g current density. Even at a high current density of 30 A/g, the synthesized porous carbon materials retain a high specific capacitance. Moreover, the MM-700 BPC material exhibits outstanding stability in both three- and two-electrode systems in strong acidic electrolyte.
Testing the skin with Histofarcin and examining the in-vitro antifungal properties of Croton Macrostachyus against the mycelial form of Histoplasma capsulatum Variety Farciminosum, isolated from a horse in Adama City, Ethiopia
Authors: Tegegne Hailehizeb , Woldegiorgis Dese 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Background: Epizootic Lymphangitis (EL) is a long-lasting, incapacitating condition affecting horses, which is brought about by Histoplasma capsulatum variety farciminosum (HCF). This ailment is a significant concern in the equine world, leading to both economic and welfare implications for horses.
Method: An experimental study design was conducted from Nov, 2021 to June, 2022 to examine the histofarcin skin test and assess the antifungal effectiveness of Croton macrostachyus against HCF mycelium. The histofarcin antigen for the skin test was derived from HCF field isolates identified in clinical cases EL in cart horses from Adama City.
Results: Histofarcin skin test was evaluated on 64 horses, 20 clinically infected cases, and 44 healthy horses. Each horse was injected with 0.1ml of the histofarcin skin test antigen intradermally in the middle of the neck. The thickness of the skin was measured before the injection and 24 hrs post injection using Bar Knight Mc Lintock(McLK)-P0005) caliper. The sensitivity and specificity of histofarcin skin test were 100% and 95% respectively. An in vitro growth inhibitory effect of Croton macrostachyus against the mycelia form of HCF was evaluated. Aculture media with no antifungal agent and media containing ketoconazole served as a negative and positive control, respectively.
Conclusions: The result showed that Croton macrostachyus have an inhibitory effect at concentration range from2.5-10mg/ml. Thus, the minimium inhibitory concentration of the plant extrac was found to be 2.5mg/ml. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that histofarcin skin test is a potential diagnostic tool for screening EL. Also, the methanol extracts of Croton macrostachyus showed good in-vitro growth inhibitory activity against the mycelial phase of HCF. Therefore, Validation of the performance of the histofarcin skin test assessment is necessary. Also, further investigation of the effects of C. macrostachyus on the yeast form of HCF is needed in addition to Phytochemial analysis (fractionation) and evaluation of the toxicity of the plant.
Hydrological Time Series Prediction based on IWOA-ALSTM
Authors: Zhang Xuejie , Cang Hao , Nedjah Nadia , Ye Feng , Jin Yanling 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
The prediction of hydrological time series is of great significance for the development of flood and drought prevention, and is an important research component of smart water resources. The nonlinear characteristics of the hydrological time series are an important factor affecting the accuracy of prediction. In order to better predict the non-linear component of the hydrological time series, (IWOA) used to tune long-short memory based neural network augmented with attention mechanisms (ALSTM). The proposed model is termed IWOA-ALSTM. The model hyperparameters setting has a significant impact on the prediction accuracy and operation efficiency. So, the improved whale optimization algorithm allows the dynamic adjustment of the required hyperparameters. The used network introduces an attention mechanism between the two layers of the LSTM, capable of adaptively focusing on different features according to each time unit in order to obtain information about the hydrological time series. In this work, we use the information about the non-linear water level, obtained from Hankou station, as experimentatl data. The results achieved by the proposed model, wherein IWOA, is exploited are compared to those yielded with using genetic algorithms, particle swarm optimization and whale optimization algorithm. We demonstrate that IWOA-ALSTM provides a better performance.
Patient Perceptions of Incentive-Linked Prescribing in Pakistan
Authors: Noor Muhammad Naveed , Azizullah Zahida , Abbasi Haider Safdar , Mark Nina Van Der , Rahman-Shepherd Afifah , Siddiqui Amna Rehana , Hasan Rumina , Khan Mishal Sameer , Shakoor Sadia 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background: Incentive-linked prescribing (ILP) – doctors’ accrual of incentives from pharmaceutical companies through prescribing promoted drugs – is a well-documented issue. However, little is known about patients’ perceptions of ILP and the extent to which it can affect their trust in doctors in Pakistan.
Methods: A qualitative approach was adopted to collect data from 25 conveniently selected patients visiting pharmacies with prescriptions from their doctors, in Karachi, Pakistan. A thematic analysis technique was used to analyse patients’ perceptions of ILP.
Results: Our analysis revealed that a majority of patients were aware of the profit-oriented relationship between doctors and pharmaceutical companies. Patients thought both doctors and pharmaceutical companies were highly motivated to maximise profits through ILP, which they believed was an unethical practice with negative consequences for patients. In addition to commissions linked with prescribing and dispensing medications, patients named several other incentives and benefits that pharmaceutical companies provided doctors with. Many patients also spoke about how pharmacists perform a catalytic role to enable ILP by selling specific pharmaceutical products to patients, for which they received commissions.
Conclusion: There is growing awareness of unethical relationships between doctors and pharmaceutical companies, which significantly contributes to patients’ mistrust of doctors; this not only harms doctors’ reputations in society but also affects their compliance with doctors’ advice, which is likely to have negative implications for healthcare delivery.
Burden of comorbidities among older Malaysians with stroke: Associations with diabetes mellitus and frailty
Authors: Wong Wei Jin , Tan Kit Mun , Harrison Christopher , Ng Chai Chen , Lim Wan Chieh , Nguyen Tu 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Background and aims
The increasing prevalence of diabetes and the growing population of older people further adds to the complexities of stroke care. This study aimed to describe (1) prevalence of diabetes in older persons with stroke and (2) compare the burden of comorbidities and cardiovascular risk factors among patients with diabetes and frailty compared to those without these conditions.
Methods
We conducted an analysis of older patients aged ≥ 65 years. Comorbidities were assessed using the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI). Frailty assessments were performed using the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) version 2.
Results
A total of 384 participants were included for analysis, mean age of 81.11 ± 6.373. Diabetes was present in 45.1%. The prevalence of frailty was 81.3% in those with diabetes and 70.5% in those without diabetes. The mean CCI was highest for the frail and diabetic group (6.97 ± 1.97). Participants with diabetes also had a significantly higher prevalence of risk factors like hypertension (90.8% versus 74.4%, p <0.001) and cardiovascular disease like ischemic heart disease (27.2% versus 14.8%, p =0.003).
Conclusions
There was a very high prevalence of diabetes in older patients with stroke in this study. Besides the management of diabetes, frailty and cardiovascular risk factors are potential target areas that healthcare providers can strive to address to enhance the overall well-being and quality of life for older stroke survivors with diabetes.
Clinical implications of pediatric biliary intraepithelial neoplasia diagnosed from a choledochal cyst specimen
Authors: Gang Sujin , Kwon Hyunhee , Park Jueun , Song In Hye , Namgoong Jung-Man 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Biliary intraepithelial neoplasia (BilIN), a noninvasive precursor of cholangiocarcinoma, can undergo malignant transformation. Cholangiocarcinoma progression is often attributed to chronic inflammation affecting the bile ducts and gallbladder. Choledochal cysts are precursors to cholangiocarcinoma. BilIN has rarely been documented in children; therefore, we explored the clinical significance of pediatric BilIN. We retrospectively analyzed the records of 15 patients histopathologically confirmed to have BilIN after undergoing surgery for choledochal cysts. Age, sex, admission symptoms, age at surgery, biliopancreatic duct junction abnormality presence/absence, complete resection, postoperative complications, and disease course were investigated. Five males and ten females were included. Specimen analysis revealed BilIN-1, BilIN-2, and BilIN-3 in four, six, and five patients, respectively. All patients survived and underwent outpatient follow-up. All liver function tests were within the normal range during the observation period. Ultrasounds were normal in seven patients. Two patients each had pneumobilia and partial dilatation of the intrahepatic bile ducts. No suspicious findings for cholangiocarcinoma have yet been confirmed. The potential progression of choledochal cysts to BilIN in children was demonstrated. These results underscore the importance of early and thorough excision of choledochal cysts, including resection margins for associated lesions, particularly in children with predisposing risk factors for biliary tract inflammation.
Potentiometric determination of aliphatic amines by a synthetized allyltrifluoromethanesulfonyl imide ([C4H5O2F3NS]− ) cation exchanger
Authors: Fei Jiayu , Shi Jinwei , Chen Xiaofeng , Li Ming 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
In this study, an allyltrifluoromethanesulfonyl imide ([C4H5O2F3NS]−) cation exchanger was synthesized to readily measure low molecular weight (LMW) aliphatic amines by potentiometric detection. The [C4H5O2F3NS]− was used to modify the glassy carbon electrodes (GCEs) of the potentiometer via electrochemical polymerization. The modified electrode was used to construct a potentiometric ion chromatography (IC) detector as well as trimethylamine (TMA)-specific molecularly imprinted membrane electrodes on a GCE surface using aniline as a functional monomer. When applied to river water, the relative deviation of the chosen LMW aliphatic amine concentration between the developed detector and a commercial conductivity detector provided with an IC column was less than 5.0%. Notably, the trimethylamine (TMA)-specific membrane electrode presented a linear potential response within the range of 0.01–1 µmol/L of TMA, and the TMA sensor was successfully used to determine TMA in human urine.
Synchronous Anal Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma of Stomach: The First Report of an Odd Couple
Authors: Nath Jyotiman , Neog Moniprom , Iqbal Asif , Sarma Anupam , Khanikar Duncan , Gowda Anjana 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
The unique case study presented here explores an exceptionally rare occurrence in an HIV-positive female—synchronous diagnoses of anal squamous cell carcinoma and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) of the stomach. With limited existing literature on such clinical scenarios, this case serves as an unprecedented insight into the complexities of managing such synchronous malignancies in HIV-positive patients. The article also examines the heightened risk of specific cancer types in individuals living with HIV compared to those without the virus, focusing on AIDS-defining cancers such as Kaposi sarcoma, various lymphomas (including Burkitt lymphoma, immunoblastic Lymphoma, and primary central nervous system lymphoma), and invasive cervical cancer. Additionally, it highlights an increased incidence and severity of other cancers among HIV-positive individuals, including Hodgkin lymphoma, anal cancer, testicular cancer, melanoma, various skin and superficial eye cancers, and leiomyosarcoma. The article discusses the challenges in the treatment plan, the impact of HIV status on the patient's condition, and the evolving landscape of cancer risk in people living with HIV. Despite significant progress in HIV care, cancer remains a paramount health concern for this population, necessitating tailored approaches and further research to ensure improved outcomes for individuals facing this dual challenge. The case highlights the need for greater inclusivity of PLWH in cancer clinical trials and reinforces the importance of equitable cancer care for this unique patient demographic.
Effectiveness and safety of anlotinib plus anti-programmed cell death 1/ligand 1 (anti-PD-1/PD-L1) antibodies as maintenance therapy after first-line chemotherapy combined with anti-PD-1/PD-L1 antibodies in extensive-stage small cell lung cancer: A real-world study
Authors: Tang Chunlan , Yang Pan , Luo Hu , Zhao Lintao , Xiong Fu 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Background Currently, chemotherapy plus immunotherapy followed by maintenance therapy with immune monotherapy is the preferable first-line treatment option for extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC), but with limited overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) benefits. The combination of anti-angiogenic drugs with immunotherapy has shown encouraging anti-tumor activity and tolerability, with some degree of overcoming immune resistance. This study evaluated the effectiveness and safety of anlotinib plus anti-programmed cell death 1/ligand 1 (anti-PD-1/PD-L1) antibodies as maintenance therapy after first-line chemotherapy combined with immunotherapy in ES-SCLC. Methods Between June 2020 and December 2021, 12 patients with newly diagnosed ES-SCLC in our hospital were retrospectively analyzed. All patients without disease progression after 4–6 cycles of first-line platinum-containing chemotherapy plus anti-PD-1/PD-L1 antibodies received anlotinib (12 mg, days 1–14) plus anti-PD-1/PD-L1 antibodies as maintenance therapy. Several patients underwent chest radiotherapy (intensity-modulated radiotherapy using a 6MV X-ray) without disease progression before maintenance therapy. The effectiveness and safety of anlotinib plus anti-PD-1/PD-L1 antibodies as maintenance therapy after first-line chemotherapy combined with immunotherapy in ES-SCLC were evaluated. Results The median follow-up time was 31.1 months. During first-line treatment (including maintenance therapy), 1 patient achieved a complete response, 8 patients achieved a partial response (PR), and 3 patients had stable disease, with an objective response rate of 75.0% and a disease control rate of 100.0%. During maintenance therapy with anlotinib plus anti-PD-1/PD-L1 antibodies, 50.0% of patients achieved further lesion remission on the basis of the prior initial treatment, of which 1 patient achieved a PR. The median PFS was 13.6 (95% confidence interval [CI], 11.2–15.6) months, and the median OS was 19.5 (95% CI, 14.5–24.5) months. Treatment-related any grade and grade 3–4 adverse events (AEs) were reported in 100.0% and 58.3% of patients, respectively. No life-threatening AEs were observed. Grade 3–4 AEs included leukocytopenia (58.3%, 7/12), thrombocytopenia (33.3%, 4/12), nausea (33.3%, 4/12), anemia (16.7%, 2/12), and fatigue (8.3%, 1/12). All AEs during maintenance therapy were tolerated and were regarded as grade 1–2, with the majority being fatigue, nausea, rash, and hemoptysis. Conclusion The combination of anlotinib with anti-PD-1/PD-L1 antibodies demonstrated encouraging effectiveness and safety in treating patients with ES-SCLC, suggesting that it may be a preferable option for maintenance therapy after first-line chemotherapy combined with immunotherapy.
A DNA damage repair associated signature for HNSCC
Authors: Ma Zhaoen , Liao Wenjing , Yang Saixuan , Xu Yali , Chen Guangui , Song Lijuan , Zhang Xiaowen 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background:
DNA damage repair (DDR) genes play a vital role in tumorigenesis and the tumor microenvironment. However, the specific role of DDR genes in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is not fully understood.
Method:
Gene expression profiles from the TCGA HNSCC cohort were used to identify DNA damage repair genes with prognostic value. LASSO regression was used to construct a prognostic model for HNSCC. Survival analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis were used to validate the model. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis were performed to identify potential pathways associated with the signature model. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and the Tumor Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion (TIDE) algorithm were used to investigate the tumor microenvironment and immunotherapy response of HNSCC patients, respectively. Finally, a nomogram was constructed to validate the clinical usefulness of the signature model.
Result:
We constructed a six-gene DNA damage repair-related signature consisting of DCLRE1C, TOP3B, POLE2, POLD2, ERCC2, and RAD23B. The results of survival analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis suggested that the signature had good prognostic value. The risk score based on the signature model was significantly correlated with immune cell infiltration and expression levels of immune markers in HNSCC, and could predict the immunotherapy response for HNSCC patients. Finally, a nomogram was constructed and showed good consistent fitness between the predicted and observed values for 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival (OS).
Conclusion:
We developed a DNA damage repair signature for HNSCC that is associated with survival prognosis and the tumor microenvironment, suggesting its potential for clinical management.
Gunning Fog Index and Automated UML Generation
Authors: Djaber ROUABHIA , HADJADJ Ismail 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
This research investigates the influence of the Gunning Fog Index (GFI) on the production of PlantUML use case diagrams by ChatGPT, within the context of software development projects, particularly focusing on E-commerce for Special Shoes.
The study emphasizes the impact of linguistic complexity, as measured by GFI, on the automated code-generation process. It reveals that lower GFI scores, indicative of clearer text, lead to more easily comprehensible code representations, while higher scores correlate with intricate but potentially less accessible code artifacts. This reflects a nuanced balance between detail and clarity in the specifications. A key finding is the significant contribution of integrating linguistic clarity met-rics like GFI into the code generation workflow. This integration is shown to enhance code quality, usability, and facilitate collaboration among stakeholders. Despite the study’s focus on GFI to the exclusion of other readability metrics, it provides valuable insights into the role of linguistic complexity in shaping software artifacts generated by ChatGPT. Recognizing the importance of readability allows developers to more effectively translate natural language specifications into machine-generated code, yielding benefits in diverse project scenarios.