bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pre-treatment of canine plasma with heat, rather than acid, efficiently enhances Dirofilaria immitis antigen detection
Authors: Murillo Daniel Felipe Barrantes , Wang Chengming 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
The dissociation of antigen-antibody complexes has been utilized to enhance the accuracy of serological tests for infectious diseases, including Dirofilaria immitis. Currently, the antigen detected by available tests is primarily a glycoprotein found in the reproductive tract of female worms. However, this antigen can become inaccessible when bound to excessive circulating antibodies, leading to reduced test sensitivity and false-negative results. Acid and heat treatments of the sera or plasma have been established as reliable methods for inducing immune complex dissociation (ICD). Previous antigen testing for heartworm infection in dogs and cats has demonstrated that these treatments improve the diagnostic sensitivity without compromising specificity. This study aims to evaluate the performance of four distinct ICD methods in the detection of D. immitis antigen.

Methods
We utilized twofold serial dilutions of a well-characterized plasma (ranging from 1:2 to 1:4096) obtained from a D. immitis-infected dog to simulate the diverse antigen levels encountered in real-life infected dogs. The presence of antigen in the diluted samples, both without treatment and treated with four ICD protocols, was assessed in triplicate visually using DiroCHEK® by observing color changes. OD values were also obtained using the microplate reader SpectraMax® i Series-Spectramax Id3. A Factorial ANOVA test was conducted to compare the OD values between samples with and without treatments.

Results
The highest dilution at which color changes were observed was 1:128 for untreated samples and for samples subjected to acid treatments in ICD-3 and the hybrid ICD-4 protocol. In contrast, both heat treatment protocols (ICD-1 and ICD-2) exhibited color changes at a 512-fold dilution. The OD values in samples subjected to heat treatment were significantly higher than those in untreated samples, up to dilutions of 512-fold. Although OD values tended to be higher in samples subjected to acid treatment and the hybrid protocol compared to untreated samples up to a 128-fold dilution, this difference was not significant as the samples underwent further dilution.

Conclusions
Our findings affirm that heat treatments, rather than acid treatment, efficiently enhance the detection of D. immitis antigen by liberating the sequestered antigen from the immune complexes.
Feasibility of preoperative and postoperative physical rehabilitation for cardiac surgery patients – a longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Dijkstra Sandra , Hartog Johanneke , Fleer Joke , van der Harst Pim , van der Woude Lucas H.V. , Mariani Massimo A. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
This study aimed to determine the feasibility of a preoperative and postoperative (in- and outpatient) physical rehabilitation program, the Heart-ROCQ-pilot program.

Methods
This cohort study included patients undergoing cardiac surgery (including coronary artery bypass graft surgery, valve surgery, aortic surgery, or combinations of these surgeries) and participated in the Heart-ROCQ-pilot program. Feasibility involved compliance and characteristics of bicycle and strength training sessions in the three rehabilitation phases.

Results
Of the eligible patients, 56% (n = 74) participated in the program (41% of exclusions were due to various health reasons). On average across the rehabilitation phases, the compliance rates of bicycle and strength training were 88% and 83%, respectively. Workload to heart rate (W/HR) ratio and total absolute volume load for bicycle and strength training, respectively, improved in each rehabilitation phase (P < 0.05). The W/HR-ratio was higher during the last postoperative session compared to the first preoperative session (0.48 to 0.63 W/beat, P < 0.001) and similar to the last preoperative session (0.65 to 0.64 W/beat, P < 0.497). During less than 1% of the bicycle sessions, patients reported discomfort scores of 5 to 6 (scale 0–10, with higher scores indicating a higher level).

Conclusions
The Heart-ROCQ-pilot program was feasible for patients awaiting cardiac surgery. Patients were very compliant and were able to safely increase the training load before surgery and regained this improvement within eight weeks after surgery.
Global google trends for construction demonstrate low search volume index for stress, mental and suicide
Authors: McLachlan Craig Steven , Truong Hang 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe comparison of Google internet searches for English words in construction for “construction stress”, “construction mental” and “construction suicide” with reference to “construction worker” has not previously been undertaken. It is important to understand internet interest across these 3 terms as all are relevant to mental health and stress in construction. Suicide risk is significantly complex and multifactorial. Our aim is to investigate internet search interest across construction with a focus on mental, stress and suicide, and determine whether there is consistent interest across these search terms. Methods: Using Google Trends, data on global search queries we compared “construction mental” or “construction stress” and “construction suicide”. Two time periods were compared, the last 5 years and the last 24 months, both till December 8th, 2022. The relationship between web search interest, reflected by search volume index (SVI) for society and community versus the business and industrial category and health category were evaluated. Results: Open category searches on Google trends for the key words “construction mental” or “construction stress” demonstrated moderate SVI peaks over a 5-year period. Sub-group analyses for the industrial and business category demonstrated consistent low interest in suicide compared to search terms related to stress or mental health. Conclusion: There is limited online interest in construction mental and stress and even less interest in suicide.
Endocarditis caused by Aspergillus fumigatus in a patient 9 months after COVID-19 infection recovery: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Yassin Zeynab , Hajsadeghi Shokoufeh , Shavazi Mohsen Taghavi , Fattahi Mahsa , Ahmadzadeh Koohyar , Farid Armita , Karimi Yeganeh , Seirafianpour Farnoosh , Babaheidarian Pegah , Goodarzi Azadeh 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
Aspergillus spp. are among the fungal pathogens that can cause life-threatening infections in patients with a history of COVID-19.

Case presentation
We present the case of a 58-year-old Iranian woman with post-COVID-19 Aspergillus fumigatus endocarditis complicated by numerous thromboembolisms. She underwent mitral valve replacement surgery and multiple lower extremity embolectomies and was treated with voriconazole, which led to her final recovery.

Conclusions
Aspergillus endocarditis should be considered in any patient with suspected endocarditis who has a history of COVID-19 infection and does not respond to routine antibiotic and antifungal therapy, as COVID-19 interferes with proper immune function, and lack of underlying cardiac conditions and immunodeficiencies does not preclude the diagnosis. Culture and histopathological evaluation of vegetations and emboli, as well as PCR, can confirm the diagnosis. Early initiation of antifungal therapy and surgical removal of infected valves and emboli can improve prognosis in patients with Aspergillus endocarditis.
Adjuvant chemotherapy in pancreatic cancer at different AJCC stages: a propensity score matching analysis
Authors: Li Xiao-hui , Zhou En-liang , Dong Xiao-yuan , Zhao Chong-yu , Han Yuan-xia , Cui Bo-kang , Lin Xiao-jun 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Objective
In the treatment of resectable pancreatic cancer, adjuvant chemotherapy is viewed as essential. However, it is yet unclear how well adjuvant chemotherapy works at different illness stages. This study aims to investigate the efficacy of adjuvant chemotherapy in various pancreatic cancer stages.

Materials and methods
Patients with pancreatic cancer who underwent surgical intervention at Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center between January 2018 and January 2021 were included in this retrospective analysis.

Results
168 patients were divided into two groups: the group receiving adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) and the group receiving independent surgery (no-AC). Survival analysis reveals that among stage I patients, the AC group demonstrates significant superiority over the no-AC group in terms of recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) (P = 0.0028; P = 0.022). While there was no discernible difference in RFS between the AC and no-AC groups for patients with stage II illness (P = 0.69), the AC group significantly outperformed the no-AC group in terms of OS (P = 0.047). There was no discernible difference in RFS or OS between the AC and no-AC groups for patients with stage III pancreatic cancer (P = 0.40 and P = 0.20, respectively).

Conclusions
The administration of adjuvant chemotherapy has been shown to improve the prognosis of patients diagnosed with stage I and II pancreatic cancer. However, its efficacy is limited in individuals with stage III pancreatic cancer. Therefore, there is an urgent need to investigate and develop more effective therapeutic options for patients in the advanced stage.
A combined analysis of multi-omics data reveals the prognostic values and immunotherapy response of LAG3 in human cancers
Authors: Peng Jinwu , Du Zhihao , Sun Yuwei , Zhou Zhiyang 
Published: December 2023

AbstractLymphocyte-activation gene 3 (LAG3) is a highly anticipated immune checkpoint in the context of cancer, exerting regulatory control over immune cell proliferation and function to reinforce the advancement of cancers. However, the comprehensive functional analysis of LAG3 across various cancer types remains undisclosed; thus, this study aims to investigate the pan-cancer expression profile of LAG3. We have investigated the expression profile, prognostic significance, and genetic alterations of LAG3 in various cancers while elucidating its characteristic in immune response regulation. Our findings demonstrated that elevated LAG3 expression is significantly associated with favorable prognosis in patients with cutaneous melanoma (SKCM), and it may be a potential biomarker for SKCM. Furthermore, multiple immune algorithms have highlighted the important regulatory role of LAG3 for the tumor-infiltrating immune cells including CD8 + T cells, B cells, dendritic cells (DCs), macrophages, and natural killer (NK) cells. We also examined the distribution of LAG3 at the single-cell level and explored its functional significance. A comprehensive and systematic analysis of LAG3 would facilitate a comprehensive evaluation of LAG3 in cancer biology and provide valuable insights for cancer management.
Quality of life among family caregivers of cancer patients: an investigation of SF-36 domains
Authors: Rostami Mina , Abbasi Mahsa , Soleimani Morteza , Moghaddam Zhaleh Karimi , Zeraatchi Alireza 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
With improving survival rates, cancer has become more of a chronic disease with long-term palliative care requirements. Thus, it is even more than ever necessary to pay careful attention to the well-being of family caregivers of cancer patients, as cancer trajectory is a challenging path for both patients and their caregivers. This study focusses on ascertaining the level of quality of life (QoL) domains and their attributable significant factors among a population of cancer family caregivers.

Methods
This was a cross-sectional study. The study population consist of caregivers of adult cancer patients in Zanjan, Iran between 2019 and 2020. Medical Outcomes General Health Survey Short Form 36 (SF-36) was the instrument to measure outcome variables. Clinical and basic characteristics of the caregivers and their patients were also collected using a questionnaire designed for this purpose. Data were analyzed using Independent samples t-test, Analysis of Variance, and stepwise linear regression in SPSS v.26.

Results
Of the caregivers 167 were male and 133 were female. The mean age of the participants was 40.77 ± 12.56, most of whom were offspring of the patients (148, 49.3%), married (239, 79.7%), and self-employed (81, 27.0%). both domains of bodily pain (76.50 ± 16.67) and physical functioning (74.88 ± 20.27) showed the highest scores among caregivers. Age and gender of caregivers, duration of caregiving, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status scale as well as type and stage of cancer, and type of treatment were among the significant predictors of QoL domains (All, p < 0.001).

Conclusion
Findings of the present study substantiated various significant predictors for QoL along with low levels of QoL domains among the caregivers of cancer patients. Securing such findings proves the magnitude of probable unmet needs and psychological challenges in this population and provides the health policy makers with some valuable clues to draw effective strategies to address such issues.
On conservation of world heritage Beijing-Hangzhou grand canal for enhancing cultural ecosystem services
Authors: Zhang Yixin , Jing Zehui , Huang Qiuyue , Wang Xinyue , Sun Wenxin , Zhang Chenyue , Wang Jieqing , Zhong Yujia , Wang Jiesi , Tan Li , Zheng Li , Wang Bo , Wang Lifen , Sun Xiangli , Zhai Jun , Wang Weizhu , Wu Yongfa , Candeias António 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal carries unique social and cultural significance as a world cultural heritage, but with the acceleration of global urbanization, it has potentially severe environmental risks under continuous anthropogenic disturbances. Therefore, to protect the ecological and cultural values of the Grand Canal, it is necessary to assess the corresponding relationship of water quality to land use and the perception of ecosystem services that focus on cultural ecosystem services (CES). This study aims to analyze the water quality response to land use in the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, describe the land use types closely related to water quality, and propose corresponding management strategies for enhancing CES. This study investigated the impacts of land use structure and landscape pattern on water quality by calculating the correlation between land use structure and landscape pattern indices and water quality in buffer zones of different distances on both sides of the canal. The results show that green land dominates the land use structure and can effectively reduce water pollution in the canal. On the other hand, urban impervious surfaces showed a significant positive correlation with pollution contributing to low water quality. We accessed the impact of water quality on the perception of CES in the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal and proposed optimization strategies for promoting CES. Both content analysis and thematic analysis were applied to analyze the impact of the water environment quality of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal on the perception of CES. We found that the perceptions of CES along the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal are associated with the public’s opinions on its cultural heritage services and artistic inspiration services. The perceptions of CES are closely related to the quality of the water environment and riparian greenness, which affect the values of cultural heritage and conservation of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal.
Mechanical circulatory support in cardiogenic shock
Authors: Nakata Jun , Yamamoto Takeshi , Saku Keita , Ikeda Yuki , Unoki Takashi , Asai Kuniya 
Published: December 2023

AbstractCardiogenic shock is a complex and diverse pathological condition characterized by reduced myocardial contractility. The goal of treatment of cardiogenic shock is to improve abnormal hemodynamics and maintain adequate tissue perfusion in organs. If hypotension and insufficient tissue perfusion persist despite initial therapy, temporary mechanical circulatory support (t-MCS) should be initiated. This decade sees the beginning of a new era of cardiogenic shock management using t-MCS through the accumulated experience with use of intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) and venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO), as well as new revolutionary devices or systems such as transvalvular axial flow pump (Impella) and a combination of VA-ECMO and Impella (ECPELLA) based on the knowledge of circulatory physiology. In this transitional period, we outline the approach to the management of cardiogenic shock by t-MCS. The management strategy involves carefully selecting one or a combination of the t-MCS devices, taking into account the characteristics of each device and the specific pathological condition. This selection is guided by monitoring of hemodynamics, classification of shock stage, risk stratification, and coordinated management by the multidisciplinary shock team.
Efficacy of the bleeding risk scoring system for optimal prophylactic anticoagulation therapy of venous thromboembolism in trauma patients: a single-center, retrospective, observational cohort study
Authors: Tomizawa Atsushi , Maruhashi Takaaki , Shibuya Akito , Akamine Akihiko , Kuroiwa Masayuki , Kataoka Yuichi , Asari Yasushi , Atsuda Koichiro , Otori Katsuya 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
We developed a bleeding risk scoring system (BRSS) using prophylactic anticoagulation therapy to comprehensively assess the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in trauma patients. This study evaluated the usefulness of this system in trauma patients, with a focus on minimizing the rate of bleeding events associated with prophylactic anticoagulation therapy.

Methods
We retrospectively evaluated the efficacy of BRSS in trauma patients who received prophylactic anticoagulation therapy for VTE at the Kitasato University Hospital Emergency and Critical Care Center between April 1, 2015, and August 31, 2020. To compare the incidence of bleeding events, patients were divided into two groups: one group using the BRSS (BRSS group) and another group not using the BRSS (non-BRSS group).

Results
A total of 94 patients were enrolled in this study, with 70 and 24 patients assigned to the non-BRSS and BRSS groups, respectively. The major bleeding event rates were not significantly different between the two groups (BRSS group, 4.2%; non-BRSS group, 5.7%; p = 1.000). However, minor bleeding events were significantly reduced in the BRSS group (4.2% vs.27.1%; p = 0.020). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that BRSS was not an independent influencing factor of major bleeding events (odds ratio, 0.660; 95% confidence interval: 0.067-6.47; p = 0.721). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that BRSS was an independent influencing factor of minor bleeding events (odds ratio, 0.119; 95% confidence interval: 0.015-0.97; p = 0.047). The incidence of VTE did not differ significantly between groups (BRSS group, 4.2%; non-BRSS group, 8.6%; p = 0.674).

Conclusions
BRSS may be a useful tool for reducing the incidence of minor bleeding events during the initial prophylactic anticoagulation therapy in trauma patients. There are several limitations of this study that need to be addressed in future research.
Integrating chatbots in education: insights from the Chatbot-Human Interaction Satisfaction Model (CHISM)
Authors: Belda-Medina Jose , Kokošková Vendula 
Published: December 2023

AbstractRecent advances in Artificial Intelligence (AI) have paved the way for the integration of text-based and voice-enabled chatbots as adaptive virtual tutors in education. Despite the increasing use of AI-powered chatbots in language learning, there is a lack of studies exploring the attitudes and perceptions of teachers and students towards these intelligent tutors. This study aims to compare several linguistic and technological aspects of four App-Integrated Chatbots (AICs) and to examine the perceptions among English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teacher candidates. In this mixed-methods research based on convenience sampling, 237 college students from Spain (n = 155) and the Czech Republic (n = 82) interacted with four AICs over a month, and evaluated them following a rubric based on the Chatbot-Human Interaction Satisfaction Model. This scale was specifically designed to assess different linguistic and technological features of AICs such as response interval, semantic coherence, sentence length, and user interface. Quantitative and qualitative data were gathered through a pre-post-survey, based on the CHISM model and student assessment reports. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS statistics software, while qualitative data were examined using QDA Miner software, focusing on identifying recurring themes through frequency analysis. The findings indicated a moderate level of satisfaction with AICs, suggesting that enhancements in areas such as better adapting to learner needs, integrating interactive multimedia, and improving speech technologies are necessary for a more human-like user interaction.
Fabrication and evaluation of smart pH/thermo dual-responsive injectable intratumoral in situ depot hydrogels for controlled 5-FU delivery
Authors: Khan Samiullah , Khan Bangul , Li Huan 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
5-FU has multiple applications in various cancers but has limitations owing to its shorter half-life and rapid metabolism. In this study, injectable intratumoral gels were developed to enhance 5-FU concentrations in tumor vicinity. Sterile tunable poly (N-isopropylacrylamide)-based pH/thermo dual-sensitive self-assembled and in situ crosslinkable injectable depot gels with low viscous grade of chitosan (LVCS) were developed via cold and free radical polymerization method for localized and sustained delivery.

Results
Rheological analysis confirmed the gelation temperature, sol–gel transitions and viscoelastic behavior of in situ gels. Swelling–deswelling–reswelling cycles established the effect of temperature on structural changes. Swelling tests and in vitro drug release conducted in various dissolution media at variable temperatures confirmed pH/thermal dual response of formulations. Methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium assay confirmed that the hydrogels have good cytocompatibility with above 85% cells viability in Vero cells. In vitro cytotoxicity assay against MCF-7 cells displayed that 5-fluorouracil has good anticancer activity in loaded gel form as compared to free 5-FU. The cytotoxic studies showed that IPLVCS-2 and IPLVCS-6 have the highest inhibition (IC50 = 47 ± 1 µg/ml, 34 ± 17 µg/ml) as compared to free 5-FU (IC50 = 52 ± 3 µg/ml).

Conclusion
Current findings conclude that taking the advantage of physiologic environment acidic pH and high temperature of cancer cells, poly(NIPAAm)-g-LVCS formulations can effectively be used as intratumoral controlled depot of 5-FU.

Graphical Abstract