bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Adequacy of Pain Management among Advanced Cancer Patients with Solid Tumors Attending Palliative Care Centers in Dar Es Salaam
Authors: Mwijage Judith , Kyejo Willbroad , Rubagumya Davis , Kombo Thabit , Mathew Blessing , Hooda Faisal , Makakala Mandela , Pallangyo Eunice , Chuwa Harrison 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background: Cancer pain presents a universal challenge for patients and their families, significantly impacting quality of life. While observational studies suggest an increase in palliative care programs in Tanzania, the adequacy of pain control for cancer patients remains underexplored. Addressing this gap is crucial for enhancing patient well-being and care quality.
Methodology: This analytical cross-sectional study, conducted from October to December 2021 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, involved 332 advanced cancer patients with solid tumors from the Aga Khan Hospital and Ocean Road Cancer Institute. A structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire comprising demographic data and factors influencing cancer-related pain (CRP) management was utilized. Additionally, the Brief Pain Inventory Short Form (BPI-SF) assessed pain intensity and interference. Statistical analysis, including chi-square tests and logistic regression, was performed using SPSS version 25 to evaluate factors associated with adequate CRP management.
Results: Among 332 participants, 199 (59.9%) experienced adequate pain management, with prevalence notably higher among females, patients from Aga Khan Hospital, divorced, employed, and tertiary-educated individuals. Multivariable analysis identified sex, employment status, and education level as significant predictors of adequate pain management, with females having twice the likelihood of adequacy compared to males (OR: 1.96; 95%CI: 1.06-3.66; p=0.033). Self-employed participants had significantly lower odds of adequate pain management compared to the employed (OR=0.08; 95%CI: 0.01-0.33; p=0.002), while unemployment was associated with a 91% lower likelihood of adequacy (OR=0.09; 95%CI: 0.01-0.42; p=0.006). Furthermore, individuals with primary education were 2.47 times more likely to report adequate pain management compared to those with nonformal education (OR: 2.47; 95%CI: 1.16-5.43; p=0.021).
Conclusion:The study highlights inadequate CRP management in Tanzania and emphasizes the influence of patient-related factors such as sex, employment status, and education level. These findings underscore the importance of tailored interventions to address disparities and enhance pain management strategies for cancer patients. Efforts to improve CRP management should consider sociodemographic factors to optimize care delivery and alleviate patient suffering effectively.
Splittings of operations for Lie-Poisson triple systems and related algebraic structures
Authors: Hassine Abdelkader Ben , Chtioui Taoufik , Mabrouk Sami , Zouidi Fatma 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
A Lie-Poisson triple system is a Lie triple system together with a commutative associative algebra structure related by a Leibniz rule. In this paper, we study representations theory and O-operators of Lie-Poisson triple systems. We show that a representation of a Lie-Poisson triple system has a dual representation under an additional condition. Next, we introduce a new algebraic structures corresponding to the splittings of operations of Malcev-Poisson algebras and Lie-Poisson triple systems called pre-Malcev-Poisson algebras and pre-Lie-Poisson triple systems in terms of representations and O-operators. In fact, we exhibit connections between (pre-)Poisson algebras, (pre-)Malcev-Poisson algebras and (pre-)Lie-Poisson triple systems.
MSC (2010): 17A40; 17A36; 17B10; 17B63; 17B38.
Assessment of knowledge and behaviors of an opioid overdose education and naloxone distribution program during the Coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.
Authors: Horace Alexis , Atawodi-Alhassan Ojochogwu 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background:
The state of Louisiana ranked 4th in the US for per capita overdose rates as 56 out of 100,000 persons died due to overdose and 1,300 of those deaths involved opioids. Opioid involved deaths increased 131% between 2019–2022. A pharmacist-led OEND program was developed at a SSP in New Orleans during the COVID-19 pandemic in response to increased client enrolment during that time. The purpose of this research is to characterize the clients who participated in the OEND and to assess their learned knowledge and behaviors over time.
Methods:
A pharmacist led OEND program was created in April 2020 at a syringe access program in New Orleans, Louisiana. OEND was provided by a licensed pharmacist and student pharmacists. OEND coincided with the SSPs activities one time a week. Participants first received harm reduction supplies through the syringe access program and then had the option of receiving OEND. Patients' demographic information was collected. Participants who said they received opioid overdose education from our OEND program were verbally given a knowledge and behavior assessment. Participants knowledge and behaviors were scored using a rubric.
Results:
A total of 32 OEND sessions were held from July 2020 through February 2023 resulting in 1453 overall participant interactions. Repeat participants completed 269 visits and averaged 2.3 visits in three years. The average age of participants who received OEND was 40 years old. Additionally, participants who accessed OEND were primarily white (68.1%, n = 989/1453) and mostly male (59.1%, n = 859/1453). Among the participants who visited the OEND station more than once, 160 responses were collected for how helpful the previous education session had been. Of these responses, 75% (= 120/160) were “Very helpful”. Average scores on our knowledge assessment showed no significant change over time for repeat visitors showing participants retained at least basic knowledge.
Conclusions:
OEND programs established at SSPs play an important role in providing education to PWUD. Participants knowledge sustained over time; however, refresher education sessions may be valuable to ensure participants stay accurately informed. Participants find OEND helpful. As naloxone continues to become increasingly available, OEND is necessary in preventing opioid overdose deaths.
Investigating Factors Influencing the Utilization of Nutrition Label Information in Dietary Decision-Making Among Tertiary Students in Ghana: A Cross-Sectional Study Design
Authors: Wormade Thywill Fafali , Kwarteng Emmanuel Bugyei , Bawua Serwaa Akoto 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background: Nutrition labeling is pivotal in empowering consumers to make informed food choices, especially during the transition to university life. The prevalence of pre-packaged foods among university students has influenced dietary decisions. Despite the benefits of nutrition labeling, a gap exists between availability and practical application, particularly among tertiary students. This study aims to investigate factors influencing nutrition label information use among tertiary students in the Ho municipality, guiding potential modifications to food laws and targeted interventions for healthier food choices.
Methods: The study adopted an analytical cross-sectional design, 347 students from two tertiary institutions in Ho municipality were selected using a multistage probability sampling approach. A self-administered questionnaire collected data on demographics, nutrition label knowledge, usage, and influencing factors. Data analysis employed EpiData 6.0 and Stata version 17.0, utilizing simple frequencies, percentages, means, medians, standard deviations, binary logistic regression, and odds ratios for associations.
Results: High prevalence (98.5%) of pre-packaged food consumption was observed, but only 45.4% accurately defined nutrition labels. Overall knowledge level indicated 57% of students possessed good nutrition label knowledge. Nutrition label usage was high (79.7%), with 22.3% always using label information for dietary decisions. Significant associations were found for factors like attractive packaging (AOR: 0.53; p-value: 0.049), special dietary needs (AOR: 0.35; p-value: 0.005), and advertisement (AOR: 0.33; p-value: 0.007) in logistic regression analysis.
Conclusion: The study uncovered prevalent consumption of pre-packaged foods, particularly biscuits, noodles, and dairy products, chosen for affordability and convenience. Despite claimed familiarity with nutrition labels (79.6%), a knowledge gap was identified, emphasizing the need for educational interventions. Findings underscore the importance of targeted educational programs to enhance understanding and consistent utilization of nutrition labels among students. The study recommends measures such as mandatory labeling, strict advertising regulations, targeted public education, and appealing label designs to enhance awareness and utilization among students.
When Microsurgery Becomes the Only Lifesaving Resource: An Institutional Experience Treating Patients from Low-Income Backgrounds Affected by Posterior Circulation Brain Aneurysms
Authors: Sánchez José Luis Acha , Montenegro Luis Contreras , Bocanegra-Becerra Jhon E. , Cueva Manuel , Bellido Adriana , Contreras Shamir , Santos Oscar , Oliveira Leonardo de Barros , Batista Sávio , Colán Jhair Alejandro 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background and objective Aneurysms of the posterior cerebral circulation constitute a burdensome condition with high mortality and morbidity. In the modern area of sophisticated technological advancements, there has been a trend toward favoring an endovascular approach over microsurgery for aneurysm cases. Nevertheless, this transition has yet to be mirrored in low-to-middle-income countries where endovascular therapy may not be widely available. Herein, we aim to illustrate our experience treating these challenging conditions in patients from low-income backgrounds and discuss the relevance of considering the clinical setting in the treatment decision algorithm.Methods The authors conducted a retrospective review of the health records of patients receiving microsurgical treatment for aneurysms in the posterior circulation, including the basilar artery (BA), posterior cerebral artery (PCA), and posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) in an institution providing treatment to people of low-income backgrounds. Epidemiological data, microsurgical technique, and neurological function were retrieved and analyzed.Results Surgical clipping was employed for 12 patients (75% female) harboring 15 aneurysms (87% in the posterior circulation and 62% ruptured at presentation). Aneurysms were predominately located in the BA (62%), followed by the PCA (23%) and PICA (15%). Among neurological complications, 25% of patients developed paresis of the oculomotor nerve. The mortality rate was 17% owing to complications such as cerebral vasospasm, infarction, and severe intracranial hypertension. At the 6-month follow-up, 90% of patients had a good clinical outcome (modified Rankin scale score of 0–2).Conclusion The present case series illustrates the manifest role of microsurgical techniques for posterior circulation aneurysms, particularly in a scenario where endovascular techniques are not yet available. Importantly, this clinical setting pressure can provide an imperative need to strive for microsurgical mastery and an opportunity for neurosurgeons in training to gain a competitive advantage.
RETRACTED: Mechanisms of action of Qinghao in treating breast cancer and doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity based on network pharmacology and molecular docking
Authors: Pei Chongzhe , Yang Kuan , Chen Yan , Dong Yuxin , Meng Xinmin , Song Ningning 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
PSALR: Parallel Sequence Alignment for long Sequence Read with Hash model
Authors: Nasrin Aghaee-Maybodi , Amin Nezarat , Sima Emadi , Reza Ghaffari Mohammad 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Sequence alignment and genome mapping pose significant challenges, primarily focusing on speed and storage space requirements for mapped sequences. With the ever-increasing volume of DNA sequence data, it becomes imperative to develop efficient alignment methods that not only reduce storage demands but also offer rapid alignment. This study introduces the Parallel Sequence Alignment with a Hash-Based Model (PSALR) algorithm, specifically designed to enhance alignment speed and optimize storage space while maintaining utmost accuracy. In contrast to other algorithms like BLAST, PSALR efficiently indexes data using a hash table, resulting in reduced computational load and processing time. This algorithm utilizes data compression and packetization with conventional bandwidth sizes, distributing data among different nodes to reduce memory and transfer time. Upon receiving compressed data, nodes can seamlessly perform searching and mapping, eliminating the need for unpacking and decoding at the destination. As an additional innovation, PSALR not only divides sequences among processors but also breaks down large sequences into sub-sequences, forwarding them to nodes. This approach eliminates any restrictions on query length sent to nodes, and evaluation results are returned directly to the user without central node involvement. Another notable feature of PSALR is its utilization of overlapping sub-sequences within both query and reference sequences. This ensures that the search and mapping process includes all possible sub-sequences of the target sequence, rather than being limited to a subset. Performance tests indicate that the PSALR algorithm outperforms its counterparts, positioning it as a promising solution for efficient sequence alignment and genome mapping.
A Practical and Easy-to-use Tool for Estimating the Overall Survival of Elderly Patients with Non-Functional Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors
Authors: Liao Jie , Chen Guanyuan , Wu Dan , Wang Na , Yang Taohua , Chen XU , Wang Liang , Li Zhendong 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background The objective of this study was to develop a nomogram for the prediction of overall survival (OS) in elderly patients diagnosed with non-functional pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (NF-pNETs). Methods 1. Patients aged 65 years and older, who were diagnosed with NF-pNETs between 2004 and 2016, were selected for this study from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. The enrolled patients were randomly divided into two cohorts - training and validation - in a ratio of 7:3. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was utilized to identify predictors associated with overall survival (OS) for constructing nomograms. The performance of the nomogram was evaluated using various metrics including concordance index (C-index), area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), calibration plots, net reclassification improvement (NRI), integrated discrimination improvement (IDI), and decision-curve analysis (DCA). Results The multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that age at diagnosis, primary site, histology grade, tumor size, N stage, M stage, and surgery status were independent covariates significantly associated with overall survival (OS). These factors were utilized to develop a nomogram. The constructed nomogram demonstrated a C-index greater than 0.75. Furthermore, the area under the curve (AUC) values indicated the superior discriminatory performance of the established nomogram compared to the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) TNM staging system for predicting OS. Calibration plots exhibited close alignment between predicted and actual survival rates. Additionally, both net reclassification improvement (NRI) and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) showed positive improvements in the prediction accuracy of the nomogram over the TNM staging system in both training and validation cohorts. Finally, decision curve analysis (DCA) substantiated the substantial clinical utility of the developed nomogram. Conclusion We constructed a nomogram for predicting OS in elderly patients with NF-pNETs to help clinicians assess patient prognosis.
Measurement of Aluminum plasma Parameters by using Laser- induced Breakdown Spectroscopy
Authors: Raheem Safa A. , Hatif Sami A. , Ali Alaa H. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

In this paper, we have studied the effect of the laser wavelength on the emission lines and on the plasma parameters of aluminum. A Q-Switched Nd:YAG laser operating at fundamental mode (1064 nm) and second harmonic generation at (532 nm) has been used to ablate the aluminum surface. Identification of transition lines from spectrum was carried out by comparing spectral lines with NIST atomic database. The variations of temperature and electron density were studied as a function of laser energy. It was found that the electron temperature of the Al plasma increases rapidly with increasing laser energy.
Differential Testing Solidity Compiler through Deep Contract Manipulation and Mutation
Authors: Tian Zhenzhou , Wang Fanfan , Chen Yanping , Chen Lingwei 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Solidity, the language utilized for developing smart contracts, has been gainingincreased importance in blockchain system. Ensuring bug-free of its accompanying language compiler, which converts the contract source codes into executablesfinally deployed on the blockchain, is thus of paramount importance. This studypresents DeSCDT, a Deep learning-based Solidity Compiler Differential Testingapproach, to explore possible defects in solidity compiler. At the core lies a wellbehaving deep contract generator following the Transformer architecture andlearnt with diverse contract code. From an initial seed pool of contracts carefully picked through semantic encoding and clustering, the generator is capableof stably producing highly syntactic-valid and functional-rich smart contracts,with three meticulously formulated generation strategies and a set of mutationoperations. Subsequently, in the meantime of compiling these generated contractsto trigger compiler crashes, a differential testing environment is setup to exploremisoptimization bugs, by observing the inconsistencies between the outcomes and the aspects including gas consumption and opcode size of the optimized and nonoptimized bytecodes. For the experiments, the syntactic validity and diversity ofthe contracts generated with DeSCDT, as well as its ability in discovering compiler defects, are investigated. The findings indicate that DeSCDT can effectivelygenerate syntactically correct contracts with a pass rate of 90.8% alongside highdiversity. Among the contracts tested for a 24-hour running of DeSCDT, 37.4%of them expose inconsistencies across the optimized and non-optimized versionof the same contract. Six bugs that could trigger direct crashing of the compilerhave also detected.
NeVer2: Learning and Verification of Neural Networks
Authors: Demarchi Stefano , Guidotti Dario , Pulina Luca , Tacchella Armando 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

NeVer2 is a cross-platform open-source tool to design, train and verify neural networks. NeVer2 integrates off-the-shelf learning libraries with our verification backend and makes their functionalities available through a graphical interface. A user can work out the structure of a neural network by dragging and dropping blocks on a canvas and then train the network by supplying a dataset source and the hyper-parameters through dialog boxes. Once the network is trained, verification amounts to (i) adding input pre-conditions and output post-conditions to the network through special blocks and (ii) starting verification in a "push-button" fashion. To the best of our knowledge, there is no other publicly available tool that integrates all such features at present. Here we provide a detailed description of NeVer2 including examples to demonstrate the seamless integration between design, training and verification. We further provide an experimental analysis on several verification benchmarks in order to show the trade-off between completeness and computability using different algorithms, including a comparison with the state-of-the-art tools α,β-CROWN and NNV for reference.
Performance of the reaction to obtain biodiesel, from used domestic oils, using microwaves as a heat source
Authors: Tang Modesto Lorenzo Vega , Valderrama Isidoro , Alcántara José Carlos , Guerrero Adolfo Enrique , Mendoza Jorge Luis , Moreno Walter , Vera Manuel Isaías 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The main objective of this research work is to evaluate the performance of the reaction to obtain biodiesel from used domestic oils, as a function of time and catalyst, using microwaves as a heat source. A biodiesel was obtained that conforms to the technical considerations of National and International Standards; with 92 % yield, 12.62 cetane index, peroxide index of 0.3667, 102.63 iodine index, 3.65 mm2/s viscosity and a calorific value of 90 390 KJ/Kg. This work can serve as a model for the development of new biodiesel fuels that are interested in contributing to mitigate the environmental impact. It stresses the importance of producing an environmentally friendly fuel, mainly using an input with no commercial value, such as discarded domestic oil.
In this context, there is the other contribution of this thesis, the ostensible reduction of the biodiesel production time, which normally takes two hours on average, with microwave activation, is obtained in minutes. The novelty of this work consists in using a statistical method to indicate, in a theoretical way, values where we can start the research. Thus, the Two Level Factorial Design is used, obtaining two theoretical values: the microwave exposure time and the percentage of the catalyst. The experimental values were close to these statistical values obtained and indicated in this Thesis. This was of vital importance in the achievement of the proposed objectives.
Potential causal relationship between body mass index (BMI) and acute pancreatitis: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Yang Si-Qi , Shi Qiao , Wang Wei-Xing 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Objective: To investigate the causal relationship between body mass index (BMI) levels and acute pancreatitis using the two sample Mendelian randomization method (MR).
Method: Analyze the aggregated data from the gene wide association study (GWAS). The GWAS summary data used were all sourced from the European population. Using single nucleotide polymorphisms significantly correlated with body mass index levels as instrumental variables, a two sample Mendelian randomization analysis was performed using inverse variance weighted (IVW), MR Egger regression, and weighted median (WM) methods, respectively, to evaluate the causal effect of body mass index and acute pancreatitis using odds ratio (Oddsratio, OR). The body mass index data as an exposure factor was obtained from individuals of European ancestry in the UK Biobank (n=454884). We also used GWAS's publicly aggregated statistical dataset for self-reported non cancer disease codes: acute pancreatitis data included in the UK Biobank (n=463010)（ http://www.nealelab.is/uk-biobank ））as the ending.
Result: The IVW results showed that BMI was associated with acute pancreatitis（ β= 0.001969, se=0.0004278, P=0.000004189) showed a significant correlation, and the weighted median results were consistent with the IVW result（ β= 0.001901, se=0.0008264, P=0.02142), also confirming the causal relationship between BMI and acute pancreatitis. The MR Egger regression results confirm that directional pleiotropy is unlikely to bias the results (intercept=4.6E-07; P=0.983), but there is no causal relationship between BMI and acute pancreatitis（ β= 0.001943, se=0.001326, P=0.1442). Cochran's Q-test and funnel plot indicate no evidence of heterogeneity and asymmetry, indicating the absence of directed pleiotropy.
Conclusion: The results of MR analysis support a causal relationship between body mass index (BMI) and an increased risk of acute pancreatitis.