bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The impact of daratumumab pretreatment on multiple myeloma patients undergoing autologous transplantation
Authors: Kanda Junya , Shimazu Yutaka , Suzuki Kazuhito , Wada Akinori , Kikuchi Taku , Ikeda Takashi , Tsukada Nobuhiro , Miwa Akihiro , Itagaki Mitsuhiro , Kako Shinichi , Nishiwaki Kaichi , Ota Shuichi , Fujiwara Shin-ichiro , Kataoka Keisuke , Doki Noriko , Sawa Masashi , Hiramoto Nobuhiro , Nishikawa Akinori , Imai Toshi , Ichinohe Tatsuo , Kanda Yoshinobu , Atsuta Yoshiko , Kawamura Koji 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
The anti-CD38 antibody daratumumab (Dara) has been reported to improve the prognosis of multiple myeloma (MM) patients, but its use before autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) remains controversial. To clarify the prognostic impact of Dara before ASCT on MM, we performed a retrospective observational analysis. We analyzed 2,626 patients who underwent ASCT between 2017 and 2020. In the comparison between patients not administered Dara (Dara- group) and those administered Dara (Dara + group), the 1-year progression-free survival (1-year PFS) rates were 87.4% and 77.3% and the 1-year overall survival (1-year OS) rates were 96.7% and 90.0% in the two groups, respectively. In multivariate analysis, age < 65 years (p = 0.015), low ISS stage (p < 0.001), absence of unfavorable cytogenic abnormalities (p < 0.001), no Dara use before ASCT (p = 0.037) and good treatment response before ASCT (p < 0.001) were independently associated with superior PFS. In matched pair analysis, the PFS/OS of the Dara- group were also significantly superior. For MM patients who achieved complete or very good partial response (CR/VGPR) by Dara addition before ASCT, both PFS and OS significantly improved. However, in patients who did not achieve CR/VGPR before ASCT, the PFS/OS of the Dara + group were significantly inferior to those of the Dara- group.
Retrospective Analysis of the Clinical Usefulness of a Strut-adjusted Volume Implant in a Single Center
Authors: Ata-Shiroshita Arisa , Kuwayama Takashi , Kato Masako , Shinjo Hidenori , Miyaura Kazunori , Nagata Aya , Komatsu Nana , Matsuyanagi Misaki , Sakai Haruna , Matsunaga Yuki , Nakayama Sayuka , Yoshizawa Ayuha , Ikeda Murasaki , Taruno Kanae , Masuda Hiroko , Sawada Terumasa , Hayashi Naoki , Ito Yoshinori , Watanabe Chie , Akashi-Tanaka Sadako , Nakamura Seigo 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background: Reports demonstrating the effectiveness and safety of strut-adjusted volume implant (SAVI) in Japan are limited. Therefore, we aimed to compare the treatment outcomes of SAVI and whole breast irradiation (WBI) at a single facility.
Methods: Data were retrospectively extracted from the medical records of patients treated with SAVI or WBI following breast-conserving therapy. Patients undergoing partial mastectomy (Bp), sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB), and SAVI spacer insertion followed by SAVI irradiation were compared to those followed by WBI. Local recurrence was assessed annually by physical examination, bilateral mammography, and breast ultrasonography.
Results: The SAVI and WBI groups comprised 53 and 113 patients, with a median age of 55 and 52 years, respectively; among whom, 47 and 6 patients had pathological tumor diameter ≤ 2 cm and 91 and 22 had pathological tumor diameter > 2 cm, respectively. Micro-lymph node metastasis, recurrence events, and acute adverse events were observed in the SAVI and WBI groups in 2 and 2, 1 and 3, and 24 and 79 patients, respectively, with median observation periods of 60.0 and 47.8 months, respectively. All adverse events were grades 1–2, with dermatitis being the most common. In the late phase, pigmentation was common in both groups (24 and 18 patients in the SAVI and WBI groups, respectively). Cosmetic outcomes were excellent/good in 42 and 42 patients in the SAVI and WBI groups, respectively.
Conclusions: SAVI is expected to benefit patients in the future. Large-scale studies are warranted to verify the usefulness of SAVI in Japan.
Community education training to optimize the use of Artemisinin-based combination therapy treatment in Kamuli District, Uganda
Authors: Bawate Charles , Callender-Carter Sylvia , Guyah Bernard , Ouma Collins 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Background
Community health education improves members health-seeking and utilization behaviours. To enhance the community knowledge and their adherence to Artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT), we carried out a community training in Kamuli District, Uganda.
Methods
The Analysis, Design, Development and Implementation (ADDIE) model was adopted. A total of 3420 community members were trained, 384 sampled to participate in pre-post-test assessment, with 76 healthcare workers (HCW). Community members were sampled by simple random sampling while the HCW were purposively selected. Community trainings occurred for two days at each of 42 public health facilities and one day at 27 parishes. A paired sample t-test and effect size was computed to establish effect with statistical significance tested at p<0.05.
Results
Overall, a total of 3496 participants, majority 2705 (77.4%) females were trained. A total of 3420 community members, majority 2659 (77.7%) females trained, and 76 HCW, majority 46 (60.5%) females trained. The training had a positive and significant effect on the community members knowledge: malaria transmission (p<0.0001; 95% CI=0.191-0.293) causes of malaria (p<0.0001; 95% CI=0.170-0.309), malaria symptoms (p<0.0001, 95% CI= 0.113-0.242), dangerous malaria species (p<0.0001; 95% CI=0.299-0.415), Plasmodium vivax malaria cycle and occurrence every 48 hours (p< 0.0001; 95% CI = 0.167-0.286), assessing whether a patient with malaria may suffer from jaundice (p<0.0001; 95% CI=0.167-0.292), organs affected by Plasmodium falciparum (p< 0.0001; 95% CI=0.343-0.475), malaria diagnosis (p<0.0001; 95% CI=0.247-0.372), Plasmodium associated with malaria relapse (p<0.0001; 95% CI=0.261-0.385), and malaria prevention and control (p<0.0001; 95% CI=0.230-0.353). The intervention also had a significant and positive effect on HCW knowledge on all domains except on malaria transmission (p=0.228; 95% CI= -0.042-0.174) where it didn’t have any statistically significant increase on their knowledge.
Conclusion
The education intervention improved the knowledge of participants significantly. There is need to adopt and scale-up the current intervention at all levels of care to enhance proper use of medicines.
Estimated C-reactive protein (CRP) velocity for rapidly distinguishing bacterial from other etiologies in children presenting to emergency department with remarkably elevated CRP levels
Authors: Cohen Neta , Regev Asaf , Mordel Inbar , Berliner Shlomo , Rimon Ayelet 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Purpose
The use of a single C-reactive protein (CRP) value to differentiate between bacterial and non-bacterial causes is limited. Estimated CRP velocity (eCRPv) has shown promise in enhancing such discrimination in adults. This study aims to investigate the association between eCRPv and bacterial etiologies among pediatric patients with very elevated CRP levels.
Methods
We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients under 18 years of age who had been admitted to our Pediatric Emergency Department from 2018 to 2020 with a fever and CRP levels ≥ 150 mg/L. Bacterial and non-bacterial etiologies were determined from hospital discharge diagnoses, which were monitored independently by 3 physicians from the research team.
Results
The records of 495 suitable patients (51.2% males, median age 3.2 years) were retrieved of whom 444 (89.7%) were eventually diagnosed with bacterial infections. The mean CRP levels were significantly higher for bacterial etiologies compared with other causes (209.2 ± 59.8 mg/L vs. 185.6 ± 35.8 mg/L, respectively, p < .001), while the mean eCRPv values did not differ significantly (p = .15). In a time course analysis, we found that specifically in patients presenting ≥ 72 hours after symptom onset, only a eCRPv1 level > 1.08 mg/L/h was an independent predictor of bacterial infection (aOR = 5.5 [95% CI: 1.7–17.8], p = .004).
Conclusions
Pediatric patients with very high CRP levels and fever mostly have bacterial infections. eCRPv levels, unlike CRP values alone, can serve as the sole independent predictor of bacterial infection > 72 hours from symptom onset, warranting further prospective investigations into CRP kinetics in pediatric patients.
Deciphering the metabolic basis and molecular circuitry of the Warburg effect in lymphoma
Authors: Ravi Dashnamoorthy , Kritharis Athena , Evens Andrew M. 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Background: Prior to the widely recognized Krebs cycle, Otto Warburg observed aerobic glucose metabolism yielding lactate in malignant cells in 1923. Warburg's pioneering discovery made it possible to develop FDG-PET scans to diagnose cancer and develop LDH as a biomarker for hematological malignancies. Although lactate synthesis is a prominent metabolic feature of malignancy, its biological mechanisms, necessity, and significance remains unclear. Resolving the biological principles of the Warburg effect has revived interest in recent years due to recognition of metabolic reprogramming as a hallmark of cancer. However, most efforts have focused on upstream molecular features instead of directly resolving from a metabolic perspective.
Methods: We developed a “metabolic overflow hypothesis" interlinking metabolic flux with cell cycle progression and explored metabolic behaviors in lymphoma. Through metabolic profiling of cell cycle phases, pharmacological perturbations and isotopic tracer studies comparing lymphoma and non-malignant lymphoblastoid cells, as well as validation of these metabolic profiles in human tumors, we provide insights into the molecular-metabolic circuitry underlying the Warburg effect.
Results: Our results show that glucose carbons are diverted to nucleotide biosynthesis as the anabolic demand for nucleotides is higher in malignancy. Through pyruvate, glucose indirectly facilitates entry of glutamine carbons into TCA, thereby sustaining catabolism through TCA and energy metabolism. As a result of these metabolic actions, pyruvate is converted into alanine and lactate.
Conclusion: Pyruvate is metabolically converted to lactate and alanine during S phase and is closely associated with the diversion of glucose for nucleotide synthesis, as well as maintaining the metabolic continuity of TCA through glutamine. Taken together, our study explains Warburg's metabolic paradox, i.e., the need for glucose and oxygen despite the reduction in glucose oxidation and the occurrence of pseudo-anaerobic lactate synthesis in cancer. Although these metabolic activities may appear to be part of physiological proliferation, their augmentation during malignancy results in increased metabolic supplies and nucleotides, which are necessary for oncogenic cell proliferation.
Green Synthesis of Honeycomb-Structured Carbon Quantum Dots from Cigarette Smoke
Authors: Setianto Setianto , Men Liu Kin , Bahtiar Ayi , Panatarani Camellia , Joni I Made 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
This study presents a novel and environmentally friendly approach to synthesizing honeycomb carbon quantum dots (CQDs) from cigarette smoke by a hydrothermal process. A comprehensive characterization of these CQDs, conducted through high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), showcases their unique honeycomb structure, with an average particle size of 6.3 nm. Photoluminescence (PL) in CQDs is a captivating phenomenon where these nanoscale carbon structures emit strong blue luminescence at 461 nm upon exposure to ultraviolet light, with their excitation peak occurring at 380 nm. Additionally, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis identifies specific functional groups within the CQDs, offering valuable insights into the mechanisms governing their photoluminescence. Analysis of excitation spectra indicates the presence of both aromatic C = C bonds at 254 nm and C − O bonds from 280 nm to 420 nm, showcasing the potential of using cigarette smoke as a sustainable source for creating eco-friendly honeycomb-structured CQDs.
Endoscopic and clinical features of gastric emphysema
Authors: Iwamuro Masaya , Takenaka Ryuta , Toyokawa Tatsuya , Kita Masahide , Tsuzuki Takao , Yoshioka Masao , Gotoda Tatsuhiro , Okanoue Shotaro , Matsubara Minoru , Sakaguchi Chihiro , Otsuka Motoyuki 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Gastric emphysema is characterized by the presence of intramural gas in the stomach without bacterial infection. Due to its rarity, most reports on gastric emphysema have been limited to single-case studies, and this condition’s clinical and endoscopic features have not been thoroughly investigated. In this study, we analyzed 45 patients with gastric emphysema from 10 institutions and examined their characteristics, endoscopic features, and outcomes. The mean age at diagnosis of gastric emphysema in our study population (35 males and 10 females) was 68.6 years (range, 14–95 years). The top five underlying conditions associated with gastric emphysema were the placement of a nasogastric tube (26.7%), diabetes mellitus (20.0%), post-percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (17.8%), malignant neoplasms (17.8%), and renal failure (15.6%). Among the 45 patients, 42 were managed conservatively with fasting and administration of proton pump inhibitors. Unfortunately, seven patients did not survive, and 35 patients experienced favorable recoveries. The resolution of gastric emphysema was confirmed in 30 patients through computed tomography (CT) scans, with a mean duration of 17.1 ± 34.9 days (mean ± standard deviation [SD], range: 1–180 days) from the time of diagnosis to the disappearance of the gastric intramural gas. There were no instances of recurrence. Endoscopic evaluation was possible in 18 patients and revealed that gastric emphysema presented with features such as redness, erosion, coarse mucosa, and ulcers, with fewer mucosal injuries on the anterior wall (72.2%), a clear demarcation between areas of mucosal injury and intact mucosa (61.1%), and predominantly longitudinal mucosal injuries on the stomach folds (50.0%). This study is the first English-language report to analyze endoscopic findings in patients with gastric emphysema.
Identification of Novel Hub Genes and Key Pathways Associated with Breast Cancer Through Various Classification Models
Authors: Saddiqa Alishbah , Zakir Mahrukh , Sheikh Mawara , Muneer Zahid , Hassan Arsalan , Ali Iqra , Haq Ihtisham Ul , Khan Azmat Ali , Alanazi Amer M. , Siddiqi Abdul Rauf 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Background: Breast cancer (BC) is a malignant neoplasm that arises from the uncontrolled growth and cell proliferation in the breast tissue. The BC is classified into various types defined by underlying molecular types such as estrogen receptor positive (ER+), progesterone receptor positive (PR+), human epidermal growth factor positive (HER2+) and triple negative (TN) breast cancer. Timely diagnosis of various distinct breast cancer types is crucial in the choice of an appropriate treatment strategy. Here we report the key genes and the use of machine learning (ML) approach for classification of TNBC and ER+ patients using gene expression data.Method: The RNA Sequencing data analysis was performed on TNand ER+ tumor samples from ENA to obtain differentially expressed genes. The DAVID database was used to conduct pathway enrichment analysis. There has been considerable enrichment of these differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in cancer-related functions and pathways. An interaction network between genes was then constructed using the STRING database. Lastly, we evaluated three different classification models including Support vector machine, k nearest neighbor and Naïve Bayes using different threshold levels to train the models for classifying two types of breast cancer.Results: DEG’s were obtained as a result of this study which can differentiate between ER+ and TNBC types. We filtered out 10 hub genes by cytohubba plug-in including CDC20, CDK1, BUB1, AURKA, CDCA8, RRM2, TTK, CENPF, CEP55 and NDC80 which can be used for the prognosis and can generate therapeutic alternatives. Among the three ML algorithms, kNNwas able to classify more accurately.Conclusion: 10 hub genes were identified which can be used to study the clinical and molecular behavior of breast cancer and to generate therapeutic alternatives to increase the survival rate and the prediction results of ML algorithm can be used to classify the breast cancer types.
Non-betahemolytic streptococcal bacteremia, cardiac implantable electronic device, endocarditis, extraction, and outcome; a population- based retrospective cohort study
Authors: Berge Andreas , Lundin Johannes , Bläckberg Anna , Sunnerhagen Torgny , Rasmussen Magnus 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Purpose Patients with non-beta-hemolytic streptococcal bacteremia (NBHSB) are at risk of infective endocarditis (IE). Patients with cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) have been described to have an increased risk of IE. The aim of the study was to describe a population-based cohort of patients with NBHSB and CIED and variables associated with IE and recurrent NBHSB. Methods All episodes with NBHSB in blood culture from 2015 to 2018 in a population of 1.3 million inhabitants were collected from the Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, Lund, Sweden. Through medical records, patients with CIED during NBHSB were identified and clinical data were collected. Patients were followed 365 days after NBHSB. Results Eighty-five episodes in 79 patients with CIED and NBHSB constituted the cohort. Eight patients (10%) were diagnosed with definite IE during the first episode, five of whom also had heart valve prosthesis (HVP). In 39 patients (49%) transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) was performed of which six indicated IE. Four patients had the CIED extracted. Twenty-four patients did not survive (30%) the study period. Four patients had a recurrent infection with NBHSB with the same species, three of whom had HVP and had been evaluated with TEE with a negative result during the first episode and diagnosed with IE during the recurrency. Conclusion The study did not find a high risk of IE in patients with NBHSB and CIED. Most cases of IE were in conjunction with a simultaneous HVP. A management algorithm is suggested.
Explicit instruction and learning- a Focus on Learners’ Metacognitive Grammar Awareness and Knowledge of English Tenses
Authors: Alqaed Mai Abdullah 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

This study explores how undergraduate English language learners develop their metacognitive grammar awareness and knowledge and how they perceive their progress. The sample included 53 first year English language female undergraduates from a public university in Saudi Arabia. A consciousness-raising approach was adopted as well as tests, questionnaire, blackboard discussions and classroom activities were used to study developmental change. A set of three tests on their metacognitive knowledge of English grammar tenses were administrated over a period of 12 weeks. The result revealed an improvement in their grammar awareness of the targeted 12 English tenses. Also, a reflective questionnaire was administrated to elicit the participants’ attitudes towards their consciousness learning as well as the consciousness-raising approach. Their attitudes were mainly positive. Their online and classroom engagement differed giving favour to the latter. These findings highlight learners’ need of an L2 explicit grammar awareness approach that fosters their learning preference.
Length of Hospital Stay and Factors Associated Very Low Birth Weight Preterm Neonates Surviving to Discharge a cross-sectional study, 2022
Authors: Mehretie Yimenu , Amare Ashenafi Tazebew , Getnet Geta Bayu , Mekonnen Birhanu abie 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Background: Length of hospital stay of very low birth weight neonates (birth weight<1500 grams) depends on multiple factors. Numerous factors have been reported to influence the length of hospital stay (LOS). The objective of this study was to identify the length of hospital stay and associated factors among very low birth weight preterm neonates.
Method:A hospital based cross sectional study was conducted. Data was collected using pretested structured questionnaire from April, 1 to November, 30 2022. The data was entered using Epidata and analyzed using SPSS version 26 and Stata version 15.1. Frequencies, mean, median and inter-quartile range were used to describe the study population in relation to relevant variables. A linear regression model was used to see the effect of independent variables on dependent variables.
Result: About 110 very low birth weight preterm neonates survived to discharge were included in the study. The median birth weight was 1370gram with IQR of 1250-1430. The mean gestational age was 32.30 + 1.79 weeks. The median length of hospital stay was 24 days with IQR of 13.5-40. The gestational age, type of initial management given and presence of complications had significant association with length of hospital stay for VLBW preterm neonates.
Conclusion: The median hospital stay was 24 days. The length of hospital stay was inversely related with length of hospital stay. The gestational age, presence of complication and type of initial management given were associated with LOS for VLBW preterm neonates. Infection and preterm labor prevention should be prevented by applying the respective strategies.
Visualization model for low-level turbulence using temporal rate of change of headwind of an aircraft
Authors: Ito Koji , Ohba Haruka , Mizuno Shinya 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

In this study, we focused on the temporal rate of change of headwind, which is one of the recorded parameters in the aircraft’s in-flight quick access recorder data. We selected the Laplace distribution and utilized the scaling parameter to construct a low-level turbulence visualization model. Using this model, we calculated the risk of low-level turbulence occurrence at five airports in Japan based on the month, time of day, and wind speed. We visualized how the geographical conditions at each airport influenced risk in relation to airport wind speeds. We developed a low-level turbulence visualization site linked to weather conditions using these results to enable pilots to easily verify low-level turbulence risk and incorporate this information into their flight routines. These findings are anticipated to significantly enhance aircraft safety.