bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Phase II Trial of Flouro-Gem as a First Line Treatment of Metastatic Adenocarcinoma of the Pancreas (GEFLUPAN trial)
Authors: Sohaib Ahmed , Abdelaziz Reham , Younis Faten , Hegazy Amira 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Gemcitabine and 5 FU + folinic acid both have proven activity in treatment of patients with advanced pancreatic cancer.
Methods
This prospective phase II study included 42 patients of metastatic cancer pancreas who met the inclusion criteria (chemotherapy naïve, adult patients aged between 18 and 70 years, with histopathological evidence of adenocarcinoma, with radiological proof of metastatic disease, ECOG performance status (PS) ≤ 2, with adequate hematologic parameters and normal liver and kidney functions). Patients with end stage renal disease who are under regular dialysis, other histologies of pancreatic cancer, non-metastatic irresectable patients were excluded. The included patients received gemcitabine- flourouracil every 2 weeks, evaluated for response, assesed for quality of life and survival.
Results
The median age at diagnosis was 55 years. Males were more common (59.5%) than females. The most common site of metastasis was the liver (57.1%). Toxicity profile showed that neutropenia and thrombocytopenia were the most common forms of toxicity being high grade in 11.9% of patients. Other forms of toxicity were minimal not exceeding 5%. The ORR was 33.3% with no reported complete responses. There was a significant correlation between the change of tumor markers levels (CEA, and CA 19.9) and both response and quality of life. The changes of CEA and CA19.9 levels were found to be independent predictors of PFS. One year OS rate was 49%. The median OS was 11.3 months, while the median PFS was 8.8 months. Response was also found to be a surrogate marker for survival.
Conclusions
Gemcitabine- 5 FU combination is a good alternative option for treating metastatic pancreatic cancer, it had good efficacy and safety profile.
Association of the predicted free blood concentration of teicoplanin with the development of renal dysfunction
Authors: Sugiyama Kyohei , Hirai Keita , Suyama Yukako , Furuya Kento , Ito Kenta 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Purpose: In clinical practice, teicoplanin (TEIC) is typically administered at a trough concentration of 15–40 μg/mL. TEIC has a protein binding rate of approximately 90%, and its concentration rarely exceeds 40 μg/ml. Nevertheless, an increase in the free blood trough concentration of TEIC may result in renal dysfunction. However, the relationship between the free blood trough concentration and occurrence of renal dysfunction remains unclear. This study aimed to examine the effect of predicted free blood concentrations on the development of renal dysfunction.
Methods: This retrospective study included patients who underwent TEIC treatment and at least one trough concentration measurement. The association between the frequency of renal dysfunction and the predicted free blood concentration was evaluated using the following equation: free TEIC concentration = total TEIC concentration/(1+1.78×serum albumin level).
Results: Of the 170 patients included in this study, 18% (31/170) developed renal dysfunction. The predicted free trough concentration was significantly higher in the renal dysfunction onset group than that in the non-onset group. However, the total trough concentration was not significantly associated with the development of renal dysfunction. The odds ratio for developing renal dysfunction was 4.2 (95% confidence interval: 1.71–10.4, P=0.002) when the predicted free trough concentration was >4.0 μg/mL.
Conclusion: Elevated free trough concentrations of TEIC are associated with an increased risk of renal dysfunction. Controlling the increase in the predicted free blood concentration of TEIC may effectively prevent the development of renal dysfunction.
Compact 18 mJ 100 Hz Nanosecond Yb:YAG Laser Oscillation at Room Temperature
Authors: Zhou Yi-Nan , Yang Jing , Wang Hao , Liu Wei-Hao , Zhang Zong-Zhe , Yang Tian-Li , Li Xue-Peng , Wang Yun-Ping , Zhang Shen-Jin , Wang Xiao-Jun 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
A compact High energy end-pumped Yb:YAG rod laser oscillator with nanosecond (ns) pulse was demonstrated. By combining the quasi three-level characteristics of Yb: YAG and the steps method simulation, the crystal parameters were optimized. By using a 2.0 at.% doped Yb:YAG rod with 10 mm length, a 1030 nm laser output energy of 18 mJ with 100 Hz, and ~ 30 ns was achieved through direct oscillator. The beam quality M2 factor was 1.13. The setup of the whole system had a compact footprint of 300 × 400 mm2. Hopefully, the end-pumped Yb:YAG with a moderate doped concentration provides an alternative solution for a compact seed source for high energy 100 Hz ns laser.
Synergetic treatment of dihydroartemisinin and perillyl alcohol by liposomal nanoplatform for enhanced therapy of cerebral malaria and neurological injury alleviation in C57BL/6J mice
Authors: Ren Guolian , Wang Geng , Jin Qiuyue , Niu Xiaomin , Wang Rongrong , Ping Canqi , Qiang Jihong , Li Qingxia , Han Jingjing , Wang Ruili , Zhang Guoshun , Zhang Shuqiu 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
To improve the efficacy of artemisinins against cerebral malaria (CM) in murine, dihydroartemisinin (DHA) and perillyl alcohol (POH) co-loaded liposomes (DP@Tyr-Lips) were designed and prepared, in which POH was expected to exert neuroprotective effects and synergistic therapeutic effects with DHA against CM. Furtherly, tyrosine (Tyr)acted as a substrate of LAT1 transporter could target the brain tissue, was used to modify Lips for improving the accumulation of drugs in the brain via BBB amino acid transporters. DP@Tyr-Lips were prepared with uniform particle size of 91.99 ± 2.67 nm, excellent physical and serum stability, and property of anti-phagocyte phagocytosis. The cumulative release percentages of DHA and POH from DP@Tyr-Lips at 24 h were 66.91 % ± 1.56 % and 58.77 % ± 0.31%, respectively, showing a certain sustained release behavior. Importantly, the inhibition rate of plasmodium of DP@Tyr-Lips was higher than that of DHA-sol. Furthermore, DP@Tyr-Lips could obviously accumulate in the brain and effectively inhibit the occurrence and development of CM, and prolong the survival time of CM mice due to its better biological safety. These findings illustrated that the combination DHA with POH in Tyr modified Lips could achieve the synergistic therapeutic effect and exhibit a significantly enhanced inhibitory effect on the growth of plasmodium, and also improve the neurological injury in a mouse model of CM.
Assessment of Longevity of COVID-19 Vaccination Among Hematology Healthcare Workers
Authors: Khoshnaw Najmaddin S.H. , Sdiq Karzan R. , Ghafoor Dlzar D. , Kamil Rafal M. , Mansur Lara A. , Abdulla Shayan J. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
The SARS-CoV-2 outbreak caused pneumonia and respiratory distress worldwide in December 2019. It was later recognized as the COVID-19 pandemic, so COVID-19 specific vaccines were soon developed and used for immunization of global communities. The primary objective of this study is to measure the concentration and persistence of IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2in healthcare employees of Hiwa Hospital for Cancer in Sulaimani City, Iraq.
Patients and Methods
: Blood samples were collected from 49 healthcare employees in Hiwa Hospital who received the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. The participants were recruited through a questionnaire containing information about age, gender, number of vaccination doses, and frequency of previous COVID-19 infections. The anti- COVID-19 antibodies in the blood samples were analyzed using the ELISA technique.
Results
The age of the participants ranged from 30 to 39 years old (mean 38.9 ± 10.29), with 31 (63.5%) being males and 18 (36.7%) being females. The anti COVID-19 specific IgG titers were 12.5, 13.45, and 13.8 mg/dL after 6, 12 and 18 months of vaccination, respectively. Besides, 10.2% of the participants have received three doses of the vaccines, 85.7% have received two doses, and only (4.1%) received a single dose. Moreover, a faction (22.4%) of the participants had a very low positive titer of anti COVID-19 specific IgM without obvious signs and symptoms of the disease.
Conclusion
The Immunoglobulin G antibody titer against COVID-19 remains at a protective level for at least eighteen months.
Prevalence of Malaria among underfives in Chiengi and Puta Districts of Luapula Province, Zambia.
Authors: Chisompola Wila , Chisompola David , Maleti Alex , Luwaya Emmanuel , Liteta Mushokela , Ntalasha Modern 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Malaria is the predominant driver of morbidity and mortality in Zambia, particularly among children under the age of 5. This disease ranks first in both outpatient and inpatient records, highlighting its prevalent impact on public health. Malaria has such an adverse socioeconomic impact that it significantly exacerbates poverty and underdevelopment. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the prevalence of malaria and related factors in children under five years of age in the Chiengi and Puta Districts.
Methods
A descriptive cross-sectional survey was carried out in the Chiengi and Puta districts, which are malaria endemic areas. Using a pretested structured questionnaire, every head of a randomly selected household male or female present from July 1, 2022 – July 30, 2022 was interviewed about ownership of an insecticide-treated mosquito net (ITN), actual usage, coverage of indoor residual spraying, sociodemographic factors, and the presence of malaria parasites in the underfive population, which was determined using a malaria rapid diagnostic test (mRDT).
Results
A total of 318 participants were recruited from the Puta Rural Health Centre and Chiengi District Hospital. The children’s overall mean standard deviation (SD) age was 2.35 (1.53) years, 50.3% were female (160/318), and 49.7% were male (158/318). The prevalence of malaria was 59.1% (188/318), with the Puta Rural Health Centre accounting for 61.3% and the Chiengi District Hospital accounting for 48.1%. Among the 56% of households that recorded possession and usage of the ITN, the prevalence of malaria was 4.3%.
Conclusions
The use of insecticide-treated nets was found to be the most dominant risk factor for malaria infection. Enhancing accessibility to comprehensive malaria interventions is essential for disrupting transmission at the community level, particularly when targeting at-risk age groups. Thus, it is crucial to raise awareness within the community regarding the proper utilization of insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs).
Machine learning for in-hospital mortality prediction in critically ill patients with acute heart failure: A retrospective analysis based on MIMIC -Ⅳ databases
Authors: Li Jun , Sun Yiwu , Ren Jie , Wu Yifan , He Zhaoyi 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background
The incidence rate, mortality rate and readmission rate of acute heart failure (AHF) are high, and the in-hospital mortality of AHF patients in ICU is higher. However, there is no method to accurately predict the mortality of AHF patients at present.
Methods
The Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care Ⅳ (MIMIC-Ⅳ) database was used to perform a retrospective study. Patients meeting the inclusion criteria were identified from the MIMIC-Ⅳ database and randomly divided into training set (n = 3580, 70%) and validation set (n = 1534, 30%). The variates we collected include demographic data, vital signs, comorbidities, laboratory test results and treatment information within 24 hours of ICU admission. By using the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression model in the training set, we screened variates that affect the in-hospital mortality of AHF patients. Subsequently, in the training set, five common machine learning (ML) algorithms were applied to construct models using variates selected by LASSO to predict the in-hospital mortality of AHF patients. We evaluated the predictive ability of the models by sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, the area under the curve (AUC) of receiver operating characteristics (ROC), and clinical net benefit in the validation set. In order to obtain a model with the best predictive ability, we compared the predictive ability of common scoring systems with the best ML model.
Results
Among the 5114 patients, in-hospital mortality was 12.5%. By comparing AUC, the XGBoost model had the best predictive ability among all ML models, and the XGBoost model was chosen as our final model for its higher net benefit. Meanwhile, its predictive ability is superior to common scoring systems.
Conclusions
The XGBoost model can effectively predict the in-hospital mortality of AHF patients admitted to the ICU, which may assist clinicians in precise management and early intervention of patients with AHF to reduce mortality.
The Effect of Transparency on Unsolvable Task Engagement in Domestic Cats (Felis catus) using Citizen Science
Authors: Forman Jemma , Leavens David 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Multiple species of animal are known to display different behaviours and have varying degrees of problem-solving task success when faced with transparent, semi-transparent or opaque versions of the same task. As such, transparency can affect how researchers interpret the limits of a species’ cognitive abilities or success on a task. We assessed how transparency may affect task engagement and social behaviours using the unsolvable task paradigm in domestic cats and their owners. We carried out a citizen science study that required cats to push over a non-magnetised (solvable) and magnetised (unsolvable) cup to reach an obscured food treat. All cats saw a transparent and opaque version of this cup. We assessed the effects of transparency and solvability on owner-directed and apparatus-directed behaviour displayed by the cat. We found significant differences in owner- and apparatus-directed gazing, as well as apparatus-directed touches, between transparent and opaque conditions. We also found an interaction effect between transparency and solvability for proximity with the owner, with cats being in proximity for longer durations with the owner in solvable, transparent conditions. No main effects of solvability were found on any recorded owner- or apparatus-directed behaviour. We discuss the implications of transparency on unsolvable task engagement, as well as the implementation of citizen science methods, particularly in cat research.
Cryptocurrency Price Forecasting Implementing Sentiment Analysis during the Russian-Ukrainian War
Authors: Rateb Muhammad Nabil , Alansary Prof. Sameh , Elzouka Prof. Marwa Khamis , Galal Mohamad 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Sentiment analysis is a powerful tool for extracting valuable insights from social media data. In this paper, more than one million tweets spanning three months (March, June, and December 2022) regarding three cryptocurrencies: Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Binance Coin (BNB) during the Russian-Ukrainian War are considered. Two models, a convolutional neural network with long short-term memory (CNN-LSTM) and a support vector machine (SVM) with GloVe and TF-IDF features, are trained on a labeled dataset of more than fifty thousand tweets about Bitcoin labeled as (positive, negative, and neutral). A pretrained model (Pysentimento) for sentiment analysis is also employed to compare the performances of the three models. The models are tested on the labeled dataset and then evaluated on the unlabeled tweets, revealing that Pysentimento's level of accuracy outperforms the other two models. Google Trends, along with the opening and closing prices, and the volume of the three cryptocurrencies, in addition to the results of Pysentimento sentiment classification, are employed to apply the Pearson correlation coefficient and conduct price prediction analysis using the SARIMA model. It is found that Bitcoin may appeal to those seeking stability and a known record of accomplishment, while Binance Coin and Ethereum may attract investors looking for more diverse opportunities. Sentiment analysis using machine learning is found to provide invaluable information for cryptocurrency price forecasting and trading strategies, especially in the context of geopolitical events and market volatility.
Bibliometrics of Two Centuries of Velvet Worm Research: Web of Science Compared With Human-collected Data
Authors: Monge-Nájera Julián , Casado José Guerrero 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Introduction: Scientific literature plays a crucial role in advancing knowledge and informing research in various fields. However, a significant problem arises when valuable literature remains uncited due to its omission from widely used databases such as the Web of Science. This issue is particularly pertinent in the context of velvet worms (phylum Onychophora), in which much literature is published in old and in non-indexed journals, but exactly how much information is being lost is unknown.
Objective: To measure the extent of the problem of missed literature, we quantitatively compared the hand-collected Ghiselin's Onychophora Bibliography (1826-1999) with the Web of Science.
Results: We identified 49 years in which the Onychophora Bibliography was more complete; 30 years where the Web of Science was more complete, and 21 years in which both had the same number of articles. Researchers relying solely on these databases miss critical studies, data, and insights from non-indexed journals.
Conclusion: Recognizing the importance of non-indexed publications and actively seeking their contributions would enhance scientific knowledge of the phylum Onychophora, foster interdisciplinary collaborations and support velvet worm conservation.
Exploring boron neutron capture therapy as a promising treatment for spinal cord gliomas: in vivo efficacy in rat models
Authors: Kawabata Shinji , Kayama Ryo , Tsujino Kohei , Fujikawa Yoshiki , Kashiwagi Hideki , Fukuo Yusuke , Hiramatsu Ryo , Takata Takushi , Tanaka Hiroki , Suzuki Minoru , Hu Naonori , Miyatake Shin-Ichi , Takami Toshihiro , Wanibuchi Masahiko 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) is a type of targeted particle radiation therapy with potential applications at the cellular level. Spinal cord gliomas (SCGs) present a substantial challenge owing to their poor prognosis and the lack of effective postoperative treatments. This study evaluated the efficacy of BNCT in a rat SCGs model employing the Basso, Bresnahan, and Beattie (BBB) scale to assess postoperative locomotor activity. We confirmed the presence of adequate in vitro boron concentrations in F98 and 9L cells exposed to boronophenylalanine (BPA) and in vivo tumor boron concentration 2.5 h after intravenous BPA administration. In vivo neutron irradiation significantly enhanced survival in the BNCT group when compared with that in the untreatedgroup, with a minimal BBB scale reduction in all sham-operated groups. These findings highlight the potential of BNCTas a promising treatment option for SCGs.
A Study on the Generation of Hydrogen Nanobubble Water and the Increase in Solubility Using Friction Method
Authors: Yoo Taekeun , Yoo Young-Ho , Byun Suk-Joo , You A-Ram , Park Chang-Hee , Choi Dae-Hyun , Jun Eun-Hee , Kim Gi-Han 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Hydrogen is the lightest gas and possesses low solubility and strong diffusivity. The water that contains a significant amount of dissolved hydrogen molecules (H2) in this molecular state is referred to as hydrogen-rich water. Research utilizing hydrogen gas and hydrogen-rich water has been extensively conducted in the fields of agriculture, medicine, and industry. When hydrogen-rich water was administered to actual experimental mice, it was shown to inhibit vascular aging and alleviate cardiovascular diseases and to suppress oxidative stress and renal fibrosis . Furthermore, clinical trial results have revealed that hydrogen-rich water reduces inflammatory responses in healthy adults and prevents cell death in peripheral blood cells. In this study, molecular hydrogen was injected into a system that generates nanobubbles using a friction method to produce 2.5ppm high-concentration hydrogen-rich water at a pressure of 1 atmosphere. Then, changes in concentration, pH, and dissolved oxygen (DO) of hydrogen nanobubble water over time were observed. Furthermore, a device capable of generating a large amount of hydrogen-rich water in real-time and with low power consumption was set up, and an efficient method for increasing hydrogen solubility was investigated.
ROCK1 regulates glycolysis in pancreatic cancer via the c-MYC/PFKFB3 pathway
Authors: PANG SHUYANG , SHEN YUTING , WANG YANAN , CHU XUANNING , MA LINGMAN , ZHOU YIRAN 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background: Dysregulation of Rho-associated coiled coil-containing protein kinases (ROCKs) is involved in the metastasis and progression of various malignant tumors. However, how one of the isomers, ROCK1, regulates glycolysis in tumor cells is incompletely understood. Here, we attempted to elucidate how ROCK1 influences pancreatic cancer (PC) progression by regulating glycolytic activity.
Methods: The biological function of ROCK1 was analyzed in vitro by establishing a silenced cell model. The coimmunoprecipitation assay confirmed the direct binding between ROCK1 and c-MYC, and the luciferase reporter assay clarified the binding between c-MYC and the promoter of the PFKFB3-encoding gene. These results were verified in animal experiments.
Results: ROCK1 was highly expressed in PC tissues and enriched in the cytoplasm, and its high expression was associated with poor prognosis. Silencing ROCK1 inhibited the proliferation and migration of PC cells and promoted their apoptosis. Mechanistically, ROCK1 directly interacted with c-MYC, promoted its phosphorylation (Ser 62) and suppressed its degradation, thereby increasing the transcription of the key glycolysis regulatory factor PFKFB3, enhancing glycolytic activity and promoting PC growth. Silencing ROCK1 increased Gemcitabine (GEM) sensitivity in vivo and in vitro.
Conclusion: ROCK1 promotes glycolytic activity in PC cells and PC tumor growth through the c-MYC/PFKFB3 signaling pathway. ROCK1 knockdown can inhibit PC tumor growth in vivo and increase the GEM sensitivity of PC tumors, providing a crucial clinical therapeutic strategy for PC.
Firms’ Financing Conditions Before and After the Covid-19 pandemic: a survey–based analysis
Authors: Ferrando Annalisa , Rariga Judit 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
In the paper we analyze how the economic situation and financing conditions of euro area firms have changed along different crises that hit the euro area in the 10 years with a focus on the changes before and after the Covid-19 pandemic. We use the responses of a large sample of euro area firms to a qualitative business survey run on behalf of the European Central Bank / European Commission (Survey on the access to finance of enterprises - SAFE) since 2009. Thus, all the analysis centers around firms’ reported perceptions. We describe how during the Covid-19 crisis, and despite generally accommodative financing conditions and state aid measures, turnover and profits of firms decreased sharply, having a dampening impact on firms’ employment and investment. As a result, firms’ financial vulnerability peaked during the Covid-19 crisis which consequences for the subsequent periods. From the financing side, around the Covid-19 period, firms were signaling some deterioration in their access to finance as it is the case more recently due to the pass-through of increasing policy rates to the overall corporate financing conditions. We document that a deterioration in financing conditions does have an impact on both firm-specific and aggregate growth. Based on firms’ perceptions only, we find a link between real decisions of firms (in terms of investment and employment), macroeconomic developments and some key survey-based indicators of financing conditions.