bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Real-world experience with meropenem/vaborbactam for the treatment of infections caused by ESBL-producing Enterobacterales and carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae
Authors: Tiseo Giusy , Galfo Valentina , Riccardi Niccolò , Suardi Lorenzo Roberto , Pogliaghi Manuela , Giordano Cesira , Leonildi Alessandro , Barnini Simona , Falcone Marco 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Real-world experience with meropenem/vaborbactam (M/V) is limited. Our aim is to report a clinical experience of M/V in the treatment of resistant Gram-negative bacilli.

Methods
This is a prospective observational study including patients hospitalized in the University Hospital of Pisa (March 2021–Jan 2023) with infections by both extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBL)-producing Enterobacterales and carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (Kp) treated with M/V. The primary outcome measure was clinical success, defined as a composite of survival, resolution of signs and symptoms and absence of microbiological failure at day 30 from infection onset. A multivariable regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with clinical failure. Odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) was calculated.

Results
A total of 104 patients who received M/V were included: 24/104 (23.1%) infections were caused by ESBL non-hypervirulent Enterobacterales, 17/104 (16.3%) by ESBL-producing hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (hvKp) and 63/104 (60.6%) by CRE. The most common infections were bloodstream infections, followed by urinary tract infections, hospital-acquired pneumonia, intra-abdominal infections and others. Septic shock occurred in 16/104 (15.4%) patients. Clinical success was achieved in 77% of patients, and 30-day mortality rate was 15.4%. In patients with KPC-producing Kp infections, clinical success and 30-day mortality rates were 82% and 11.5%, respectively. On multivariable analysis, SOFA score (OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.02–1.7, p=0.032) was independently associated with clinical failure, while source control (OR 0.16, 95% CI 0.03–0.89, p=0.036) was protective.

Conclusions
M/V is a promising therapeutic option against infections caused by difficult-to-treat ESBL-producing Enterobacterales and CR-Kp.
Performance improvement of air separation unit for an iron-steel industry using enhanced exergy analysis
Authors: Gürsoy Emrehan , Gedik Engin , Georgiev Aleksandar G. , Keçebaş Ali , Kurt Hüseyin 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn this study, the thermodynamic performance of a real operating three-stage turbo/centrifugal type main air compressor for the air separation unit in an iron-steel industry was evaluated using both conventional and enhanced exergy analyses. Furthermore, the interaction and the potential for improvement of system components at two different airflow rates, 210,000 Nm3 h−1 and 240,000 Nm3 h−1, were investigated under real operating conditions. The results indicated that the conventional exergy analysis of the system yields efficiency rates of approximately 21.3% and 25.0% for these airflow rates, respectively. It was found that implementing operating conditions proposed by the enhanced exergy analysis could increase the system’s exergy efficiency to about 40.8% and 80.7%, respectively. The primary causes of exergy destruction in the compressor are generally attributed to frictions occurring in the impeller, diffuser, and volute, as well as shock waves and air circulation during the compression process. It was observed that system efficiency could potentially increase to 80.7% with improvements in compressors and pump. The study also determined that enhanced exergy analysis is beneficial for identifying losses in system components and is seen as a tool that complements conventional exergy analysis.
Psychometric properties of the Kidney Disease Quality of Life short form 36 (KDQOL-36) scale for the assessment of quality of life in Colombian patients with chronic kidney disease on dialysis
Authors: Valderrama-Rios Martha Carolina , Sánchez Ricardo , Sanabria Mauricio 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Considering the importance of incorporating quality of life (QoL) construct during the health care of patients with stage 5 chronic kidney disease (CKD) on dialysis, it is necessary to have evidence on the clinimetric properties of the instruments used for its measurement. This study aimed to establish the clinimetric properties of the Kidney Disease Quality of Life Short Form 36 (KDQOL-36) scale in patients with stage 5 CKD on dialysis in Colombia.

Methods
A scale validation study was conducted using the classical test theory methodology. The statistical analysis included exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory (CFA) techniques performed on two independent subsamples; concurrent criterion validity assessments; internal consistency using four different coefficients; test–retest reliability; and sensitivity to change using mixed model for repeated measures.

Results
The KDQOL-36 scale was applied to 506 patients with a diagnosis of stage 5 CKD on dialysis, attended in five renal units in Colombia. The EFA endorsed the three-factor structure of the scale, and the CFA showed an adequate fit of both the original and empirical models. Spearman's correlation coefficient values ≥0.50 were found between the domains of the CKD-specific core of the KDQOL-36 scale and the KDQ. Cronbach's alpha, McDonald's omega, Greatest lower bound (GLB), and Guttman's lambda coefficients were ≥0.89, indicating a high degree of consistency. A high level of concordance correlation was found between the two moments of application of the instrument, with values for Lin's concordance correlation coefficient ≥0.7. The application of the instrument after experiencing an event that could modify the quality of life showed statistically significant differences in the scores obtained.

Conclusion
The KDQOL-36 scale is an adequate instrument for measuring QoL in Colombian patients with stage 5 CKD on dialysis.
Preclinical and clinical aspects of P2X receptors as a common route in different diseases: A meeting report
Authors: Tattersall Luke , Adinolfi Elena , Antonioli Luca , Agrawal Ankita 
Published: February 2024

AbstractPRESTO was established in 2022 and is a concerted effort by leading European experts in the field of P2XRs and extracellular ATP to promote and advance the transition to the clinic of P2XR-targeting therapies. Following the inaugural meeting in Ferrara which set the foundations of the action and generated interest from many groups and institutes, the second meeting covered the preclinical and clinical aspects of P2XRs as a common route in different diseases, recognising the multidisciplinary and collaborative approach required for a number of medical conditions.
Methodological Breakdown of Potato Peel’s Influence on Starch Digestibility, In Vitro Glycemic Response and Pasting Properties of Potato
Authors: Lal Milan Kumar , Tiwari Rahul Kumar , Kumar Awadhesh , Kumar Ravinder , Kumar Dharmendra , Jaiswal Arvind , Changan Sushil Sudhakar , Dutt Som , Popović-Djordjević Jelena , Singh Brajesh , Simal-Gandara Jesus 
Published: February 2024

AbstractA Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is a major staple food consumed worldwide. Potato peel is an important constituent that is generally discarded and considered agricultural waste before processing or cooking. The present investigation is an attempt to utilize different contents of potato peels (PP) with potato flesh (PF) of processing cultivar (Kufri Chipsona 3) and table cultivar (Kufri Jyoti), which affect starch nutritional profile, glycemic response, and pasting properties. The combination of PP at different concentrations of 5, 10, and 15%, respectively, to PF showed a significant reduction (P < 0.05) in starch hydrolysis index (SHI), glycemic index (GI), and glycemic load (GL). Similarly, there was also a significant increase in the resistant starch content of the PP + PF combination. The maximum change in the predicted glycemic response was observed in the PP with 15%. A higher reduction in the in vitro glycemic response was observed in the Kufri Chipsona 3 as compared to Kufri Jyoti. The pasting properties of also showed significant changes with the addition of PP to the PF flour, which might be due to the change in intrinsic properties such as amylose and amylopectin content. The current investigation will help to provide an understanding of the use of PP in the processing industries to prepare low-GI food products.
Lysozyme Peptides as a Novel Nutra-Preservative to Control Some Food Poisoning and Food Spoilage Microorganisms
Authors: Abdou Adham M. , Awad Dina A. B. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractFoodborne illnesses and microbial food contamination are crucial concerns and still issues of great worldwide concern. Additionally, the serious health hazards associated with the use of chemical preservatives in food technology. Lysozyme (Lz) is an active protein against Gram-positive bacterial cell wall through its muramidase lytic activity; however, several authors could identify some antimicrobial peptides derived from Lz that have an exaggerated and broad-spectrum antibacterial activity. Therefore, a lysozyme peptides preparation (LzP) is developed to broaden the Lz spectrum. In this work, we investigated the potential efficacy of LzP as a novel Nutra-preservative (food origin) agent against some pathogenic and spoilage bacteria. Our results showed that LzP demonstrated only 11% of the lysozyme lytic activity. However, LzP exhibited strong antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Salmonella enteritidis, and Pseudomonas species, while Salmonella typhi and Aeromonas hydrophila exhibited slight resistance. Despite the lowest LzP concentration (0.1%) employed, it performs stronger antibacterial activity than weak organic acids (0.3%). Interestingly, the synergistic multi-component formulation (LzP, glycine, and citric acid) could inhibit 6 log10 cfu/ml of E. coli survival growth. The effect of heat treatment on LzP showed a decrease in its antibacterial activity at 5 and 67% by boiling at 100 °C/30 min, and autoclaving at 121 °C/15 min; respectively. On the other hand, LzP acquired stable antibacterial activity at different pH values (4–7). In conclusion, LzP would be an innovative, natural, and food origin preservative to control the growth of food poisoning and spoilage bacteria in food instead chemical one.
Exploration of cephalexin adsorption mechanisms onto bauxite and palygorskite and regeneration of spent adsorbents with cold plasma bubbling
Authors: Giannoulia S. , Tekerlekopoulou A. G. , Aggelopoulos C. A. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe aim of the present study was the direct comparison of two popular minerals, bauxite and palygorskite, as adsorbents for the removal of cephalexin (CPX) from aqueous solutions and the regeneration of the spent adsorbents through cold atmospheric plasma. Batch kinetics and isotherm studies were carried out to evaluate the effect of contact time, initial CPX concentration, adsorbent dosage, pH and temperature. The adsorbents were characterized by ATR-FTIR, N2 sorption, SEM and XRD, while several isotherm, kinetic and thermodynamic models were evaluated attempting to shed light on the adsorption mechanisms. CPX adsorption on both adsorbents was better described by Langmuir model, with an adsorption capacity of 112.36 mg/g for palygorskite and 11.79 mg/g for bauxite. Thermodynamics revealed the endothermic and the spontaneous character of the process, indicating chemisorption as the main adsorption mechanism for both adsorbents. The pseudo-second-order and the Elovich models fitted satisfactorily the adsorption onto bauxite, while adsorption onto palygorskite was well presented by Weber–Morris model, indicating that pore diffusion is also involved in the process. The adsorption capacity of both minerals decreased significantly after being used for several adsorption cycles and then almost completely recovered (regeneration efficiency was 99.6% and 98% for palygorskite and bauxite, respectively) inside a novel cold plasma microbubble reactor energized by high-voltage nanopulses, revealing the potential of these adsorbents to be reused. In addition to the regeneration of the adsorbents, the cold plasma completely eliminated the CPX transferred from the solid to the aqueous phase during the regeneration process.
SiO2 and microparticle transport in a saturated porous medium: effects of particle size and flow rate
Authors: Meng Qingling , Shi Fuqiang , Fan Wei , Wen Zhao , Sun Kaicheng , Wang Zijian 
Published: February 2024

AbstractSiO2 and polystyrene (PS) are carriers of microorganisms and metals in porous media, which can produce changes in groundwater quality and cause issues related to clogging of the porous medium. Although SiO2 and PS particle transport in porous media has been previously studied, what influences transport at various particle sizes and flow rates remains unclear. Here, we looked at how pH and ionic strength affected the surface zeta potentials as well as how particle size and flow rate affected the transport of suspended SiO2/PS particles in a porous media. The results indicate that increasing pH and decreasing ionic strength increased the negative surface charges on both the SiO2 and PS particles, thereby yielding greater electrostatic repulsion between particles. At the same flow rate, the retention rate of 10 μm PS particles in the porous medium was 46.1% better than that of 2 μm particles, whereas the retention rate of 10 μm SiO2 particles was 7.88% better than that of 2 μm particles. For the same particle size, increasing the flow rate decreased SiO2 and PS retention in the porous medium. Thus, particle size and flow rate substantially impact the transport of SiO2 and PS-suspended particles in a porous media.
Nanocomposite hydrogel microneedles: a theranostic toolbox for personalized medicine
Authors: Martins Catarina F. , García-Astrain Clara , Conde João , Liz-Marzán Luis M. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractDue to the severity and high prevalence of cancer, as well as its complex pathological condition, new strategies for cancer treatment and diagnostics are required. As such, it is important to design a toolbox that integrates multiple functions on a single smart platform. Theranostic hydrogels offer an innovative and personalized method to tackle cancer while also considering patient comfort, thereby facilitating future implementation and translation to the clinic. In terms of theranostic systems used in cancer therapy, nanoparticles are widely used as diagnostic and therapeutic tools. Nanoparticles can achieve systemic circulation, evade host defenses, and deliver drugs and signaling agents at the targeted site, to diagnose and treat the disease at a cellular and molecular level. In this context, hydrogel microneedles have a high potential for multifunctional operation in medical devices, while avoiding the complications associated with the systemic delivery of therapeutics. Compared with oral administration and subcutaneous injection, microneedles offer advantages such as better patient compliance, faster onset of action, and improved permeability and efficacy. In addition, they comprise highly biocompatible polymers with excellent degradability and tunable properties. Nanoparticles and microneedles thus offer the possibility to expand the theranostic potential through combined synergistic use of their respective features. We review herein recent advances concerning processing methods and material requirements within the realm of hydrogel microneedles as theranostic platforms, various approaches toward cancer therapy, and the incorporation of nanoparticles for added functionality.
Graphical Abstract
Building Perfectionist Ethics into Action-theoretic Accounts of Function: A Beginner’s Guide
Authors: Wittingslow Ryan Mitchell 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn her paper “Human Flourishing and Technology Affordances”, Avigail Ferdman argues that our descriptions and analyses of the relationship between digital technology, and the capacities approach to human flourishing, can be enriched by building ‘affordances’ into those descriptions and analyses. This commentary article serves as a supplement to Ferdman’s paper. Here I argue that, in building affordances into the capacities approach, Ferdman has developed the foundations of a method by which perfectionist ethics can be built into action-theoretic accounts of technical function. However, this is possible only if she is willing to expand the ambit of her theory beyond digital technologies and into technology more generally.
A General Materials Data Science Framework for Quantitative 2D Analysis of Particle Growth from Image Sequences
Authors: Nalin Venkat Sameera , Ciardi Thomas G. , Lu Mingjian , DeLeo Preston C. , Augustino Jube , Goodman Adam , Jimenez Jayvic Cristian , Mondal Anirban , Ernst Frank , Orme Christine A. , Wu Yinghui , French Roger H. , Bruckman Laura S. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractPhase transformations are a challenging problem in materials science, which lead to changes in properties and may impact performance of material systems in various applications. We introduce a general framework for the analysis of particle growth kinetics by utilizing concepts from machine learning and graph theory. As a model system, we use image sequences of atomic force microscopy showing the crystallization of an amorphous fluoroelastomer film. To identify crystalline particles in an amorphous matrix and track the temporal evolution of the particle dispersion, we have developed quantitative methods of 2D analysis. 700 image sequences were analyzed using a neural network architecture, achieving 0.97 pixel-wise classification accuracy as a measure of the correctly classified pixels. The growth kinetics of isolated and impinged particles were tracked throughout time using these image sequences. The relationship between image sequences and spatiotemporal graph representations was explored to identify the proximity of crystallites from each other. The framework enables the analysis of all image sequences without the requirement of sampling for specific particles or timesteps for various materials systems.
Growing Medical Educators from Medical Students by Supporting Self-directing Learning Opportunities Born Out of Cadaveric Dissection
Authors: Kuo Ian , Hunt Bradley , Doyle David , Fakhoury Patrick , Ha Hyungee , Garmo Lucas , Cardwell Marian , Gillenkirk Aleah , Ridge Emily , Ren Tom , Sirhan Nicholas , Ireland Nicole , Fegan Taylor , McCollum Katherine , Timmerman Kiara , Root Kyle , Klukkert Zachary S. , Pandey Jyotsna 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis study focuses on a subset of medical students who participated in an anatomy dissection program and undertook an additional self-directed learning (SDL) project investigating incidental findings of cadaveric pathology. The value of SDL activity is explored as a means of enhancing medical student education, particularly its student perceived value in preparing and developing them as future medical educators. It was assessed whether the project advanced student interest in medical education by analyzing their motivations for participation. The results of the study highlight the potential of SDL as an experiential learning opportunity for medical students and the role of anatomic pathology in connecting multiple domains of medical education.
An experiment in the role of identity in fostering coordination
Authors: Aldama Abraham , Draganoff Daniel , Pahwa Gantavya 
Published: February 2024

AbstractCoordination problems arise in many economic, political, and social situations. Many times, authorities and institutions are created to solve these coordination problems. However, the success of these institutions depends on whether people are willing to follow their prescriptions. Using a behavioral experiment on Amazon Mechanical Turk we analyze whether an authority can aid in solving hawk-dove coordination games and whether its success depends on a shared identity by the players. The authority is represented in our experiment by a randomizing device that recommends actions to players to implement a socially efficient correlated equilibrium. In the game, players are better off following the recommendations if they believe others will do as well. We investigate whether people are more likely to follow recommendations when they have a shared identity. We find that the device's success is not driven by group membership, but rather by the content of its recommendations.
Performance prediction of roadheaders used in coal mines from the needle penetration index and the schmidt hammer value
Authors: Rostami Masoud , Kahraman Sair , Dibavar Behnaz , Fener Mustafa 
Published: February 2024

AbstractCoal mine galleries and construction tunnels are commonly excavated using roadheaders. Estimating the performance of roadheaders is crucial for planning and cost estimation when planning tunnel or tunnel projects. The aim of this study is to derive generalized performance prediction models including Schmidt hammer value, needle penetration index, and volumetric joint count for roadheaders used in coal mines. The performance measurements of axial and transverse type roadheaders were carried out in six different coal mines. Schmidt hammer tests, needle penetration index tests, and of volumetric joint count measurements were also performed at the locations where the performance measurements were conducted. The extensive data were evaluated using multiple linear and nonlinear regression analysis. The developed formulas were evaluated using statistical tests. The Equations that include the Schmidt hammer value or needle penetration index value in addition to cutter head power have been shown to be unreliable. However, the equations that include Schmidt hammer value or needle penetration index value in addition to cutterhead power and volumetric joint count have been shown to be reliable. This study concludes that the developed reliable equations can be used for the performance assessment of roadheaders used in coal mines.