bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Factors associated with allergic rhinitis and combined allergic rhinitis and asthma syndrome (CARAS) in adults undergoing immunotherapy in a tropical country: Is ISAAC-III questionnaire useful in adult populations?
Authors: Peñaranda Augusto , Pérez-Herrera Lucía C. , Gantiva Manuela , Moreno-López Sergio , Manrique Julian , Peñaranda Daniel , García Elizabeth 
Published: July 2023

Background: Allergic diseases affect about 10–30% of the population in low- or middle-income tropical countries. Few studies describe the factors associated with allergic diseases in adult patients undergoing immunotherapy in Latin American countries.
Objective: This study aimed to determine the factors associated with allergic rhinitis (AR) and AR in comorbidity with asthma (CARAS) in adults treated with immunotherapy in two allergy referral centers in Bogotá (Colombia).
Material and Methods: Observational, cross-sectional study conducted between January 2018 and January 2019. ISAAC-III and sociodemographic questionnaires were applied to determine the factors associated with AR and CARAS in adults treated with immunotherapy who attended the allergy consult at the Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá and Unimeq-Orl.
Results: Among 416 adults aged 18–68 years, 71.4% (n = 297) were women. Regarding the sensitization results obtained by skin prick test, the most frequent allergens were house dust mites (64.18%): 49.03% were positive for both Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Dermatophagoides farinae, while 28.61% were positive for Blomia tropicalis. Excluding house dust mites, the most frequent allergens were dog hair (31.01%), cat hair (15.1%), grasses (15.9%), and food (15.9%). The main factor associated with exclusive AR was regular acetaminophen use more than four times a year: Prevalence ratio (PR) = 1.77 (95% CI: 1.12–2.25). The main factor associated with CARAS was cesarean delivery PR: 1.44 (95% CI: 1.09–1.78).
Conclusion: The main factor associated with AR was regular acetaminophen use, while that associated with CARAS was cesarean delivery. The ISAAC-III questionnaire can be a useful low-cost tool to assess the factors associated with allergic diseases in adults in tropical countries.
Rapid maxillary expansion and nasal patency in mouth breathing children with maxillary atresia due to or not due to allergic rhinitis
Authors: Carvalho Paulo de Tarso Almeida , Cappellette Junior Mario , Wandalsen Gustavo Falbo , Solé Dirceu 
Published: July 2023

Aim: To evaluate the effects of rapid maxillary expansion (RME) on nasal patency in mouth breathing (MB) children with maxillary atresia due to or not due to allergic rhinitis (AR) associated with asthma.
Methods: Fifty-three MB children/adolescents (aged 7–14 years) with mixed or permanent dentition and maxillary atresia participated, with or without unilateral or bilateral crossbite. They formed the groups: RAD (AR + asthma; clinical treatment, RME); RAC (AR + asthma; clinical treatment, no RME); and D (mouth breathers; RME only). RAD and RAC patients received topical nasal corticosteroid and/or systemic H1 antihistamine (continuous use) and environmental exposure control. All were evaluated before RME (T1) and 6 months after (T2) with the CARATkids score, acoustic rhinometry, and nasal cavity computed tomography (CT). Patients RAD and D underwent RME (Hyrax® orthopedic appliance).
Results: A significant reduction in the CARATkids score occurred in the RAD (−4.06; p < 0.05), similarly when patient and parent/guardian scores were evaluated (−3.28 and −3.16, respectively). Acoustic rhinometry (V5) showed increased nasal volume in all groups, significantly higher in RAD patients than in RAC and D (0.99 × 0.71 × 0.69 cm3, respectively). CT of the nasal cavity documented increased volume in all three groups, with no significant differences between them.
Conclusion: In MB patients with AR, asthma, and maxillary atresia, RME increased nasal cavity volume and improved respiratory symptoms. However, it should not be used as the only treatment for managing patients with respiratory allergies.
Protective effects of aloin on asthmatic mice by activating Nrf2/HO-1 pathway and inhibiting TGF-β/Smad2/3 pathway
Authors: Wu Siyu , Xia Yan , Yang Chengcheng , Li Mei 
Published: July 2023

Background: Asthma is a severe chronic respiratory disease affecting all age groups with increasing prevalence. Anti-inflammatory strategies are promising options for the treatment of asthma. Although the inhibitory effect of aloin on inflammation has been demonstrated in various diseases, its effect on asthma remains unknown.
Methods: A mice asthma model was established by treating with ovalbumin (OVA). The effects and mechanism of aloin on the OVA-treated mice were determined by enzyme-linked--immunosorbent serologic assay, biochemical examination, hematoxylin and eosin and Masson's staining, and Western blot assay.
Results: OVA treatment in mice significantly increased the number of total cells, neutrophils, eosinophils, and macrophages and the concentration of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, and IL-13, which were attenuated with the administration of aloin. The content of malondialdehyde was enhanced in OVA-treated mice, with the decreased levels of superoxide dismutase and glutathione, which were reversed with aloin treatment. Aloin treatment reduced the airway resistance of OVA-induced mice. The inflammatory cell infiltration around small airways was accompanied by the thickening and contraction of bronchial walls and pulmonary collagen deposition in OVA-treated mice; however, these conditions were ameliorated with aloin treatment. Mechanically, aloin upregulated the expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)—heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) pathway but inhibited the level of transforming growth factor beta–SMAD2/3 genes (TGF-β/Smad2/3) axis in OVA-induced mice.
Conclusion: Aloin treatment lessened airway hyperresponsiveness, airway remodeling, inflammation, and oxidative stress in OVA-treated mice, and was closely related to the activation of Nrf2/HO-1 pathway and the weakening of TGF-β/Smad2/3 pathway.
A different starting line for allergic march: food protein-induced allergic proctocolitis
Authors: Bahceci Semiha , Kuyum Töz Pınar , Celebi Celik Figen , Can Demet 
Published: July 2023

Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the long-term prognosis of food protein--induced allergic proctocolitis (FPIAP) patients, the risk of developing both allergic and gastrointestinal diseases, and to evaluate whether it leads to allergic march.
Methods: A total of 149 children who were diagnosed with FPIAP and developed tolerance at least 5 years prior to the study and 41 children (with no history of food allergy) as a control group were enrolled. Both groups were re-evaluated for allergic diseases as well as gastrointestinal disorders.
Results: The mean age of diagnosis for the FPIAP group was 4.2 ± 3.0 months, while the mean age of tolerance was 13.9 ± 7.7 months. The mean age of both FPIAP and control groups at the last visit was 101.6 ± 24.4 and 96.3 ± 24.1 months, respectively (P = 0.213). At the final evaluation of both groups, the comorbid allergic disease was significantly higher in the FPIAP group (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs), eosinophilic gastrointestinal diseases, and inflammatory bowel disease (P = 0.198, 0.579, and 0.579, respectively).
In the FPIAP group, the allergic disease was significantly higher at the final visit in patients with comorbid allergic disease at diagnosis (P < 0.001). In the FPIAP group, FGID was significantly higher in the group that developed allergic diseases in the future, compared to the group that did not develop allergic diseases in the future (P = 0.034). The proportion of both FGID and allergic diseases was significantly higher in subjects that developed tolerance at >18 months, compared to subjects that developed tolerance at >18 months (P < 0.001 and <0.001, respectively).
Conclusions: Patients with FPIAP may develop allergic diseases as well as FGID in the long term.
Effect of budesonide formoterol combined with tiotropium bromide on pulmonary function and inflammatory factors in patients with asthma–COPD overlap syndrome
Authors: Jiang Ting , Li Pengfei , Wang Yang 
Published: July 2023

Objective: To investigate the clinical efficacy of combining budesonide formoterol with tiotropium bromide for treating asthma–chronic obstructive pulmonary disease overlap syndrome (AOCS).
Methods: The data of 104 patients with AOCS admitted to our hospital from December 2019 to December 2020 were assessed, randomly and divided into an experimental group (comprising 52 patients, receiving drug combination therapy) and a conventional group (comprising 52 patients, receiving drug therapy alone). Patients’ clinical efficacy, pulmonary function, fractioned exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), immune function, endothelial function, serum lipid peroxidation injury indexes, adverse reactions, and quality of life scores were compared.
Results: Prior to treatment, no significant differences were observed in various pulmonary function indicators, FeNO, immune function, endothelial function, and lipid peroxidation injury indexes between the two groups (P > 0.05). However, after treatment, all observation indexes in both groups improved to different levels, with the experimental group -demonstrating -significantly superior improvement, compared to the conventional group (P < 0.05). We also observed that adverse reactions in the experimental group were significantly lower than in the conventional group (P < 0.05).
Conclusion: The combination of budesonide formoterol to tiotropium bromide in treating asthma–COPD overlap syndrome may significantly improve pulmonary function, endothelial function, and immune status of patients and encourage the recovery of serum lipid peroxidation injury; therefore, this may deserve widespread adoption and application.
Effect of budesonide combined with montelukast sodium on pulmonary function parameters and immunoglobulin levels in children with bronchial asthma
Authors: Chu Fangfang , Liang Lei , Chen Fuzhe 
Published: July 2023

Background and aim: Bronchial asthma is a prevalent type of respiratory disease that affects a large proportion of pediatric patients. The purpose of this study is to further investigate the clinical effects of budesonide combined with montelukast sodium in treating bronchial asthma.
Methods: Eighty six children with bronchial asthma were equally divided into study and control groups via randomized double-blind controlled trial. The control group was treated with aerosol inhalation of budesonide combined with placebo, while the study group was treated with budesonide combined with montelukast sodium. Pulmonary function parameters, immunoglobulin, and recovery of related symptoms, along with the adverse reaction rate, were observed and compared between both groups.
Results: Before treatment, there was no marked difference in pulmonary function parameters and immunoglobulin indexes between both groups (P > 0.05). All pulmonary function indicators and immunoglobulin indexes in both groups improved following therapy, with the study group outperforming the control group (P < 0.05). The recovery time of related symptoms in the study group was shorter than that in the control group (P < 0.05). The incidence of adverse reactions in both groups was compared, with notable differences (P < 0.05).
Conclusion: Budesonide combined with montelukast sodium in the treatment of bronchial asthma has the value of clinical application and promotion.
Effects of omalizumab combined with budesonide formoterol on clinical efficacy, pulmonary function, immune function, and adverse reactions in children with moderate and severe allergic asthma
Authors: Chen Fuzhe , Liang Lei , Chu Fang Fang , Lu Changlong , Xu Chongyu 
Published: July 2023

Objective: To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of combining omalizumab with budesonide formoterol to treat children with moderate and severe allergic asthma, and investigate the effect of this combination therapy on pulmonary and immune functions.
Methods: The data of 88 children with moderate and severe allergic asthma, who were admitted to our hospital between July 2021 and July 2022, were included in the study. The patients were randomly assigned either to control group (n = 44; received budesonide formoterol inhalation therapy) or experimental group (n = 44; received omalizumab subcutaneous injection + budesonide formoterol inhalation therapy) using computer-generated randomization. The clinical efficacy, asthma control (measured using childhood Asthma-Control Test [C-ACT] score), pulmonary function (forced expiratory volume in 1 s, forced vital capacity, and peak expiratory flow), immune function (cluster of differentiation 3 cells [CD3+ cells], cluster of differentiation 4 cells [CD4+ cells], immunoglobulin G, immunoglobulin A, and immunoglobulin E), and adverse reactions were observed and compared between both groups.
Results: After treatment, the experimental group had improved levels of pulmonary function and immune function indexes, higher C-ACT scores, and a higher overall response rate than the control group (P < 0.05). In addition, the incidence of adverse reactions was not significantly different between both groups (P > 0.05).
Conclusion: The combination of omalizumab with budesonide formoterol for treating moderate and severe allergic asthma in children demonstrated promising clinical efficacy and improved their pulmonary and immune functions, leading to more rational asthma control. The combined regimen demonstrated satisfactory clinical safety and deserved clinical promotion.
First-Order Context-Specific Likelihood Weighting in Hybrid Probabilistic Logic Programs
Authors: Kumar Nitesh , Kuželka Ondřej , De Raedt Luc 
Published: July 2023

Statistical relational AI and probabilistic logic programming have so far mostly focused on discrete probabilistic models. The reasons for this is that one needs to provide constructs to succinctly model the independencies in such models, and also provide efficient inference.
Three types of independencies are important to represent and exploit for scalable inference in hybrid models: conditional independencies elegantly modeled in Bayesian networks, context-specific independencies naturally represented by logical rules, and independencies amongst attributes of related objects in relational models succinctly expressed by combining rules.
This paper introduces a hybrid probabilistic logic programming language, DC#, which integrates distributional clauses' syntax and semantics principles of Bayesian logic programs. It represents the three types of independencies qualitatively. More importantly, we also introduce the scalable inference algorithm FO-CS-LW for DC#. FO-CS-LW is a first-order extension of the context-specific likelihood weighting algorithm (CS-LW), a novel sampling method that exploits conditional independencies and context-specific independencies in ground models. The FO-CS-LW algorithm upgrades CS-LW with unification and combining rules to the first-order case.
Study the Effects of the IL-1β -511 C>T Rs16944 SNP on the Incidence of Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Saeed Al-Mafragy Hussein , Hamzah Elham F. , Neema AL-Mussawy Ahmed , H. Kzar Hamzah , A. Al-Rubaie Zahraa 
Published: July 2023

Background: The diseases that involve the myocardium directly and are not the result of hypertension, congenital, vascular, coronary, or pericardial abnormalities are called cardiomyopathy (CM). It is known that interleukin-1 (IL-1) family cytokines involve in inflammation and immune regulation and act as an important role in innate and adaptive immunity.
Aim: In this study, it was investigated the antioxidant capacity and their relation trace elements in cardiomyopathy CM patients and its correlation with IL-1β -511 C>T rs16944 SNP.
Methods: TAOC, and Cu-Zn SOD were determined by ELISA, and Cu and Zn were assessed by spectrophotometric method. IL-1β -511 C>T rs16944 SNP was assessed by PCR and DNA sequencing.
Results: The results were conducted that no statistically significant difference in age between CM and CONT groups (P>0.05). The results showed that was a statistically significant decrease in TAOC and SOD levels in the CM group compared to the CONT group (P<0.001). There was a statistically significant decrease in Cu and Zn levels in the CM group compared to the CONT group (P<0.001).
Conclusion: This study suggested that the essential role of antioxidant capacity and their trace elements affected by IL-1β -511 C>T rs16944 SNP as a risk factor for the incidence of CM in the Iraqi population.
The Relevance of Inclusivity in Mediation and Negotiation Processes: A Reflection
Authors: Muwanzi Joseph , Goredema Dorothy 
Published: July 2023

Research reveals that women are rarely included in mediation and peace negotiations (CFR: 2017). In the peace negotiations signed from 1990-2017, women represented two percent of the mediators, eight percent of the negotiators and five percent of the witnesses and signatories (ibid).In addition, of the one thousand one hundred and eighty seven peace agreements signed during the period 1990-2017, only nineteen percent of these mentioned women, while five percent made reference to gender based violence (ibid).The above figures bears testimony that the actual numbers of women involved in international mediation and peace keeping efforts are significantly very low. In addition, the figures reveal the general hesitancy by peace brokers to engage women in the mediation of violent conflict. This is not because there is lack of competent women but because the acknowledgement of the need to include women in conflict resolution, mediation and peace processes has simply not been present. United Nations Resolution 1325 calls for women inclusion and participation in conflict prevention, mediation and negotiation processe. The paper argues that the participation of women at the peace table improves the negotiation process, contributes to a more comprehensive peace agreement, and bolsters the prospect of sustainable peace. Applying discourse analysis to draw information from reports, related literature, the article found out that women`s needs are different from those of men, factors which are normally overlooked or forgotten in the negotiation processes, resulting in less effective and less sustainable peace agreements because the needs and concerns of half the population are ignored or not addressed. The articles concludes that the inclusion of women in peace processes creates an enabling environment where the wisdom, experiences and talents of both men and women are harnessed for the promotion of sustainable peace..
Increased Gender Based Violence during the Covid-19 Pandemic: A Zimbabwean Case Study
Authors: Goredema Dorothy , Muwanzi Joseph 
Published: July 2023

The brief addresses the increase of GBV in the wake of COVID-19. Outlining the possible triggers of violence under COVID-19 lockdowns, the brief argues that emergence situations affect social relations, worsen gender inequalities that already exist between men and women as well as violence perpetrated against women and girls .The brief stresses the need by the Zimbabwean government to come up with strategies and measures so that rampant cases of gender based violence may be kept at bay in future health pandemics through identifying and developing needs based solutions, where women and girls are at the center of responses to the crisis. The brief also targets researchers and practitioners to help inform further evidence generation and policy action within the broader intersectional gender- and feminist-informed pandemic response. The brief concludes by making recommendations on how the Zimbabwean government can prepare for future health pandemics.Under current lockdown conditions, desk review, social, media reports analysis; observation and telephone interviews with key selected informants were used.
Penerapan Metode Fuzzy Simple Additive Weigting Pada Interpretasi Hasil Penilaian Promosi Jabatan Pegawai Negeri Sipil
Authors: Reta Tre Hayu Ria , Alisah Evawati , Jauhari Mohammad Nafie 
Published: July 2023

The Fuzzy Simple Additive Weighting (FSAW) method is a mechanism that can be used to support decision making. This method was chosen because a ranking process was carried out to determine the weight value of each attribute, which would select employees who were worthy of occupying the promoted position. This study aims to determine the results of the application of the FSAW method in the assessment of civil servant promotion at the Malang City Education and Culture Office to increase objectivity and fairness in the assessment of employee promotion. Some problems that often occur in employee evaluation are the employee evaluation process which is still conventional so that it is less effective in calculation. The solution to overcome this problem is to use a Fuzzy Multi Attribute Decision Making (FMADM) decision support system with the FSAW method. This method requires a process to normalize the decision matrix (X) against a scale that can be compared with all available alternative values. After each attribute has been determined its weight value, the ranking process is used to select the best alternative for this study. The criteria used in this decision support system are SKP score, length of service, class, and education. The membership function used is the Triangular Fuzzy Number (TFN) representation. The results of the ranking calculation or the best value show the highest value, namely 1 from alternative 1 (employee 1) who is entitled to a promotion. It is expected that by using the FSAW method, the task of selectors will be able to more quickly and precisely identify employees who are worthy of occupying positions promoted based on the desired conditions.