bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A parallel randomised trial testing community fibrosis assessment for suspected non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: Outcomes from LOCATE-NAFLD
Authors: Tulleners Ruth , Barnett Adrian , O'Beirne James , Powell Elizabeth , Hickman Ingrid , Valery Patricia , Kularatna Sanjeewa , Stuart Katherine , McIvor Carolyn , Witness Elen , Aikebuse Melanie , Brain David 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background and Aims
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is estimated to affect a third of Australian adults, and its prevalence is predicted to rise, increasing the burden on the healthcare system. LOCATE-NAFLD trialled a community-based fibrosis assessment service using Fibroscan to reduce the time to diagnosis of high-risk NAFLD and improve patient outcomes.
Methods
We conducted a 1:1 parallel randomised trial to compare two alternative models of care for NAFLD diagnosis and assessment. Participants had suspected NAFLD and were referred to a hepatology clinic in one of three major hospitals in South-East Queensland. Eligible consenting participants were randomised to receive usual care or the intervention (LOCATE). Participants in the intervention arm received a Fibroscan outside of the hospital setting, with results provided to their primary care provider and the referring hepatologist. All participants were followed up 12 months after randomisation to measure their clinical and patient-reported outcomes.
Results
Ninety-seven participants were recruited from October 2020 to December 2022, of which 49 were randomised to receive the intervention. The intervention demonstrated a decrease in the time to high-risk diagnosis. However, the 95% credible interval for the hazard ratio was wide. The median reduction in ‘time to scan’ in the intervention was close to one year. Other clinical outcomes showed minimal changes.
Conclusions
The LOCATE model shows potential for impact, particularly in reducing waiting times for patients at high risk of developing severe liver disease due to NAFLD. A larger sample and longer follow-ups are needed to measure additional clinical outcomes.
Total ammonia aeration control (TAAC) theory – An innovative ammonia-based aeration controller
Authors: Budzynski Gregory 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Water resource recovery facilities (WRRFs) need optimized and robust solutions to ensure efficient and reliable operation for this critical environmental service. Secondary treatment aeration control is a prime example as the activated sludge treatment process consumes the largest amount of energy for WRRFs, which require oxygen to biologically remove the ammonia content through nitrification. The selected control strategy will directly impact system efficiency and ability to maintain discharge permit compliance levels. The use of an ammonia-based aeration controller has two major benefits for these systems: (1) cost savings, through minimization of energy usage, and (2) enhanced performance from a steady effluent ammonia concentration. These benefits come from an increase in the system biological kinetics. The process control improvements result in a higher rate of total nitrogen removal, via simultaneous nitrification/denitrification, through delivery of the minimum instantaneous oxygen necessary over time. The thesis contained herein is a novel controller algorithm, which leverages the relationship between primary input and output variables of this complex treatment process. The approach provides continuous output stability and a substantial reduction of the overall system costs, through decreased wear of large-budget equipment and by requiring fewer algorithm input data sources than any other possible solution.
Effect of climate change on soil erosion rate in a tropical Indian catchment
Authors: M. Anbazhagan , H. S. Nanditha , T. V. Reshmidevi 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
This study analyzes the variations in soil erosion rate in a tropical catchment in India using the empirical Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) model integrated with climate change scenarios from an ensemble of global climate models (GCMs) included in the NEX Global Daily Downscaled Projections Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 dataset for Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSP) 126 and SSP 585. A set of seven GCMs are initially selected. Based on their ability to simulate the rainfall for the current scenario, the PROMETHEE-II method is used to rank the GCMs and the top four best-performing models are used for further analysis. Soil erosion rates projected for the future climate scenarios are compared with the current scenario. In the near future and in the middle of the century, soil erosion rates under the SSP 126 scenario are projected to be higher than that under the SSP 585 scenario. The ensemble average soil erosion rate is projected to increase by 15.41%–25.94% toward the end of the century for different emission scenarios, and the areas susceptible to high and very high soil erosion rates are projected to increase to 40.3%.
Characterizing variability of spatial patterns of annual and seasonal precipitation of Turkey and identifying the probable driving factors including teleconnection patterns
Authors: Kömüşcü Ali Ümran , Aksoy Mehmet 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

This study aimed to identify primary modes of annual and seasonal precipitation in Turkey using a rotated Empirical Orthogonal Function (EOF) method, and the resulting patterns were described concerning the prevalent atmospheric circulations, orography, and continentality. The varimax rotation of the EOF determines modes that are more localized in space than the conventional EOF modes The first three EOFs accounted for approximately 67% and 62% of the total variance in the annual and wet season precipitation series, respectively, whereas only 50% of the variance was captured by the first three EOFs for dry season precipitation. Spatially different atmospheric circulation mechanisms are major drivers of variability in Turkish precipitation on annual and seasonal timescales. The spatial coherence of the highest negative and positive EOF1 loadings of the annual data was observed in the western and southern regions where westerly and northwesterly circulations prevailed during the wet season. A lower spatial coherency was observed with the dry season precipitation. The contribution of atmospheric moisture advection to precipitation variability diminishes in summer, whereas that of local land surface processes increases. Some regional teleconnection patterns, such as the Arctic Oscillation (AO) and North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), also contributed to the annual variability in precipitation.
Important Role of Pyrolysis and Hydrothermal Carbonization in a Sustainable Circular Bioeconomy: A Brief Literature Review
Authors: Jansson Eira , Kjell Malin , Ålund Karin 
Published: February 2024

This is a brief but focused literature review of articles centered around pyrolysis and hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) using various feedstocks, including residues from industries, agriculture, and landfill waste. The deployment of bio-wastes will be the cornerstone of circular bio-economies in the future. The main emphasis is on gleaning how these two technologies can contribute to a sustainable circular (bio) economy, by understanding the process parameters influencing the quality, type and quantity of the final output. HTC and pyrolysis, it may be undeniably stated, can support the progress towards a clutch of sustainable development goals (SDGs), as they operate right at the confluence of solid waste management and renewable energy production. As mentioned in many of the articles reviewed in this paper, a high process temperature usually results in higher yields of bio-oil and biogas/pyrogas (and thereby less biochar), implying a higher energy recovery. HTC trumps pyrolysis on many counts – economy, energy-efficiency and product (hydrochar) quality. However, pyrolysis is a simpler method to regulate, and pyrochar, has a higher market value vis-à-vis hydrochar. While both these technologies generate valuable end-products regardless of the type of feedstock used; the articles reviewed clearly show that the feedstock does influence the quality of the output and thereby the application to which it can be directed. The review leads to recommendations for future research in collecting data and creating a model to investigate various process parameters. Some of these recommendations are detailed comparative life cycle assessments (LCAs) to study the environmental impacts of technology-choices, , research into tailoring the optimal method and temperature to the feedstock deployed, and comprehensive forecast-based economic analysis of commercial-scale pyrolysis and HTC projects, are called for. As stated at the beginning, this is a brief review, which can also be expanded to take more published articles into its fold.
Identification and Characterization of Prognostic Macrophage Subpopulations for Human Esophageal Carcinoma
Authors: Li Penghui , Gao Xiaohui , Huang Di , Gu Xinyu 
Published: February 2024

Aims:
The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between the cellular
ecosystem and the progression of esophageal carcinoma (ESCA) based on the evolution of
macrophages and to analyze the potential of using macrophages as a new therapeutic approach in
ESCA treatment.

Background:
Macrophage-based immunotherapy could be used for treating ESCA patients, but
its clinical application is limited by the intra-tumor heterogeneity of macrophages.

Objective:
The objective of this study was to analyze the diversity, differentiation trajectory, and
intercellular communication of macrophages in ESCA and its prognostic significance.

Methods:
Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data in the GSE154763 dataset were downloaded
from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) to identify cell clusters and annotate cell types using
the Seurat R package. The scRNA-seq profiles of macrophages were extracted, and cluster
analysis was performed to identify macrophage subsets. The differentiation trajectories of
macrophage subgroups were visualized employing Monocle2. Finally, ligand-receptor pairs and
communication intensity among the classified subgroups were analyzed using Cell Chat.

Results:
A total of 8 cell types were identified between ESCA tissues and paracancer tissues. The
most abundant macrophages in ESCA tissues were further divided into 5 cell clusters. Compared
with the normal tissues, the proportion of HSPA6+ macrophages in ESCA tissues increased the
most, and the number of ligand-receptor pairs that mediated the communication of HSPA6+
macrophages with mast cells and monocytes also increased significantly. More importantly, a
high proportion of HSPA6+ macrophages was inversely correlated with the survival outcomes for
ESCA patients.

Conclusions:
This study analyzed the diversity, distribution and differentiation trajectory of
macrophages in ESCA tissues at single-cell level and classified a prognostic macrophage subtype
(HSPA6+ macrophages) of ESCA, providing a theoretical basis for macrophage-targeted therapy
in ESCA.
Unconventional Remedies for Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Journey into
Alternative Treatments
Authors: Deng Elen , Khachemoune Amor 
Published: February 2024

:
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common form of skin cancer and
is typically found on sun-exposed skin. Risk factors include ultraviolet radiation exposure, older
age, fairer complexion, smoking, and immunosuppression. SCC is a slow-growing tumor with
the possibility of metastasis if not treated. The clinical presentation can range from a dry, scaly
erythematous patch or plaque to a firm hyperkeratotic papule, plaque, or nodule, depending on
the histological type via biopsy. The first-line therapies for SCC removal are standard excision
and Mohs microscopic surgery; however, there are novel and alternative non-surgical options
being considered for the treatment of SCC. This review summarizes the current guidelines for
treating low-risk and high-risk SCC and discusses rare, experimental, and anecdotal non-surgical
treatments for SCC in the literature.
Designing, Optimising, and Assessing a Novel Emulgel Containing Minoxidil for Controlled Drug Release, Incorporating Marine-based Polymers
Authors: Mathew Flowerlet , Saral A. Mary 
Published: February 2024

Objective:
This study aimed to develop an emulgel containing minoxidil as a drug for hair
growth promotion in diseases, such as androgenetic alopecia, using gelling agents, such as chitosan and
fucoidan.

Methods:
In this study, gelling agents were selected for the emulgel formulation. By various evaluation
tests and through optimization, the chitosan-fucoidan combination was selected as the gelling agent
for the preparation of emulgel using various evaluation parameters.

Results:
X2, the best emulgel formulation, contained 2.54 % chitosan and 0.896 % fucoidan. Chitosan
prolonged the duration of drug release, and controlled release was obtained. Fucoidan increased
the gelling activity, water absorption rate, and stability of the formulation. In this study, the X2 formulation
showed the highest percentage of drug release at the 12th hour. It was found to be 99.7%, which
followed the zero-order release model.

Conclusion:
Owing to the wide range of biological activities of fucoidan, the loaded active substance
can be protected, and at the same time, its potency can be improved, resulting in effective
treatment. Because fucoidan has diverse properties and potential, it will be widely used in the biomedical
and pharmaceutical industries in the future.
The Association between NADPH Oxidase 2 (NOX2) and Drug Resistance in Cancer
Authors: Dong Shiqi , Chen Chao , Di Chang , Wang Shufan , Dong Quan , Lin Wenxin , Liu Duo 
Published: February 2024

:
NADPH oxidase, as a major source of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), assumes
an important role in the immune response and oxidative stress response of the body.
NADPH 9 oxidase 2 (NOX2) is the first and most representative member of the NADPH oxidase
family, and its effects on the development of tumor cells are gaining more and more attention. Our
previous study suggested that NCF4 polymorphism in p40phox, a key subunit of NOX2, affected
the outcome of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma patients treated with rituximab. It hypothesized that
NOX2-mediated ROS could enhance the cytotoxic effects of some anti-tumor drugs in favor of patients
with tumors. Several reviews have summarized the role of NOX2 and its congeners-mediated
ROS in anti-tumor therapy, but few studies focused on the relationship between the expression
of NOX2 and anti-tumor drug resistance. In this article, we systematically introduced the NOX
family, represented by NOX2, and a classification of the latest inhibitors and agonists of NOX2. It
will help researchers to have a more rational and objective understanding of the dual role of
NOX2 in tumor drug resistance and is expected to provide new ideas for oncology treatment and
overcoming drug resistance in cancer.
Low Frequency of Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding Despite Non-Steroidal
Anti-Inflammatory Drugs and Corticosteroids in Patients with
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Carvajal-Gutiérrez Wilder , Cisneros-Cisneros María A. , Calixto Omar-Javier , Meneses-Toro Maria-Alejandra , Rueda Andrés Jesús Prada , Vega-Báez Merardo A. , Álvarez-Vargas Duván A. , Uscátegui-Ruiz Adriana C. , Romero-Sanchez Consuelo , Bello-Gualtero Juan-Manuel 
Published: February 2024

Background:
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease. It has been
identified that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids can be essential
risk factors for developing complications such as upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB).

Objective:
This study aimed to describe the safety profile of drugs used to treat RA focused in
UGIB.

Methods:
A cross-sectional study of patients with RA between 2015 and 2021, a description of
the population, and an evaluation of the relationship with UGIB through bivariate analysis and logistic
regression.

Results:
Of 405 individuals, 16 presented UGIB (93.8% women, mean age was 65±13.6 years).
No statistically significant differences were found regarding UGIB and medication use, except for
the mean dose of corticosteroids. In the multivariate analysis, it was found that the presence of anemia
in the last three months had an adjusted OR (AOR) of 16.1 (95% CI 2.74- 24.23) and higher
HAQ values during the previous three months had an AOR of 6.17 (95% CI 1.79- 21.24).

Conclusion::
This study found a low frequency of UGIB in patients with RA. More significant disability
and anemia in the previous months were independently associated with UGIB. The low frequency
of NSAID use in this population is noteworthy. In general, reasonable medication use related
to this complication is recommended.
Endocrine Adverse Events Related To Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Treatment: Relationship Between Antibodies and Severity of Thyroid Dysfunction
Authors: Miguélez González María , Galdón Sanz-Pastor Alba , Áñez Gómez Roberto , Brox Torrecilla Noemi , Muñoz Moreno Diego , González Fernández Laura , Maricel Rivas Alejandra , López Guerra Aurelio , Álvarez Rosa , Arranz José Ángel , Márquez Rodas Iván , Escudero Vicente , Sanjurjo María , Martín Vallejo Javier , Martín Miguel , González Albarrán Olga 
Published: February 2024

Objective:
The purpose of this study was to identify predictive and risk factors for the
development of immune-related endocrinopathies and to analyze the incidence and characteristics
of immune-related endocrinopathies in our population

Design:
A retrospective, single-centre cohort carried out at Gregorio Marañón Hospital between
January 2018 -December 2019.

Methods:
A total of 163 patients were enrolled. In January 2018 and December 2019, we treated
patients who underwent ICI treatment in the Medical Oncology Department of General University
Hospital Gregorio Marañón, a tertiary care public hospital in Madrid, as part of an observational,
retrospective, single-center cohort study.

Results:
Endocrinopathies were diagnosed in 19.5% of the patients (n = 32). The tumours with
the highest incidence of endocrinopathies were non-small cell lung cancer (25,9%), kidney cell
cancer (25%) and hepatocarcinoma (20%). Among the 32 patients who developed endocrinopathy,
18,8%, 19,13%, and 21,28% received anti-CTLA-4, anti-PD-1 and anti-PDL-1, respectively.
Thyroid dysfunction was the most frequent endocrinopathy (12,8%). A higher percentage of
patients with negative antiTPO and antiTG antibodies developed G1 hypothyroidism compared
to patients with positive antibodies who developed a higher proportion of G2 hypothyroidism.
The presence of an initial phase of thyrotoxicity was not related to greater severity. We observed
longer progression-free survival in patients who developed thyroid dysfunction.

Conclusion:
Pre-existing antibodies were independently associated with endocrinopathies.
Moreover, our study let us conclude that the presence of thyroid autoantibodies may be related
to its severity. It is important to determine anti-thyroid antibodies prior to the start of immunotherapy
as a risk factor for thyroid dysfunction, which in turn is a prognostic marker.
Development and Characterization of Sulfasalazine Cubosomes for Potential Transdermal Drug Delivery
Authors: Mathew Mekha , Patil Anasuya , G Hemanth 
Published: February 2024

Background:
Rheumatoid arthritis is indeed a constant, progressive autoimmune disease
that acts on the synovial membrane, distinguished by joint pain, swelling, and tenderness. Sulfasalazine
belongs to BCS Class IV having low solubility and low permeability. To overcome the issue and
provide a localized effect Cubosomes were chosen for the transdermal drug delivery system.

Objective:
The primary objective of this investigation was to pass on sulfasalazine-loaded cubosomes
over the skin to treat rheumatoid arthritis. On the way to overcome this issue of oral sulfasalazine
and provide localized effect, Cubosomes were chosen for the transdermal drug delivery system.

Methods:
Sulfasalazine-loaded cubosomes were prepared by the top-down method using GMO and
Poloxamer 407. Different concentrations of lipid and surfactant were used in the formulation using 32
full factorial designs. The prepared formulations were assessed for p.s, z,p, %EE, FTIR, SEM, invitro
release, ex-vivo permeation, and deposition studies with pH 7.4 phosphate buffer saline.

Results:
The particle size varies between 65 nm to 129 nm, while the negative zeta potential ranged from -
18.8 mV to -24.8 mV. The entrapment efficiency was between 87% and 95%. The formulations' in-vitro
drug release was carried out for 12 hours. The optimized formulation showed a controlled release of sulfasalazine
and better ex-vivo permeation and deposition properties than sulfasalazine suspension.

Conclusion:
Overall study findings support the possibility of applying transdermal sulfasalazineloaded
cubosomes to alleviate rheumatoid arthritis.
Influential Factors Related to Patient Hospitalization Due to COVID-19: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Pouredalati Malihe , Sharifpoor Elham , Dastyar Neda , Hosseinnataj Abolfazl , Khajoie Fateme , Ahmadi Atefeh , Shafiei-Bafti Mehdi 
Published: February 2024

Aim:
This study aimed to determine the factors related to hospitalization associated with
COVID-19.

Methods:
A total of 1000 patients with confirmed COVID-19 by positive PCR test participated in this
study. They were randomly selected from positive test patients during this time. They or their firstdegree
relatives were contacted over the phone and were asked the questions of the checklist regarding
socio-demographics and factors related to the period of the COVID-19 pandemic, symptoms of
recent infection with COVID-19, and probable factors affecting patients’ hospitalization. Mean and
standard deviation were used for describing quantitative variables and frequency (percent) of qualitative
variables. Moreover, logistic regression was applied to determine influential factors related to
patients’ hospitalization due to COVID-19.

Results:
The mean age of the patients was 46.66±17.39, and 53.6% were men. Moreover, 65.6%
suffered from chronic diseases. Cough, nausea, chest pain, and fever were the most common symptoms,
which were found in more than 50% of patients. It was found that the chances of hospitalization
increased with older ages, having more children, addiction of the patient or spouse, job other
than health care provider, not regularly using dairy products, not consuming supplements, recent
stressful life events, not obeying physical distancing and hospitalization or dead of family members
from COVID-19 during patient’s infection.

Conclusion:
Age, number of children, self-addiction or spouse addiction, job, dairy products or supplement
consumption, encountering stressful life events, social distancing, and status of COVID-19
in family members were found to be influential factors in the hospitalization during infection by
COVID-19. People with risk of hospitalization can benefit from modifying their life styles and preventive
interventions.