bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Validation of Malayalam translation of Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy – Esophageal (FACT-E) questionnaire
Authors: K Chandramohan , Abdulla Faheem Ahmed , Muralee Madhu , Wagh Mira , Mathew Arun Peter , JV Ammu , Rahman Sajeed Abdul , George Preethi Sarah 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Introduction
Oesophageal cancer has long been considered as one of the most deadly diseases. Recent advances in the perioperative management of this cancer has brought about some progress in prolonging survival. With the significant improvements in survival, attention has turned to studying the changes in Quality of Life (QoL) in these patients. This needs a specific and comprehensible tool to be used in local patient population. We intend to determine whether this QoL questionnaire can be used to assess the QoL in patients from Kerala with oesophageal cancer.
Patients and Methods
The Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy – Esophagus (FACT-E) English questionnaire, specific for oesophageal cancer, was cross-culturally translated to the local language, Malayalam, and was used in a prospective study in 98 consecutive oesophageal cancer patients. Its reliability and validity was assessed in this group of patients. The internal consistency of the FACT-E tool was evaluated using Cronbach’s alpha.
Results
After validating the FACT-E Malayalam questionnaire, we found Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was more than 0.7, indicating good reliability. The various subscales studied showed good correlation. Good convergent and discriminant validities were obtained. Correlation was found to be more than 0.4 and was deemed acceptable. The face validity was examined and was found to be satisfactory.
Conclusions:
The FACT-E Malayalam questionnaire is shown to be a reliable and valid tool that can be used to prospectively evaluate the quality of life of patients speaking Malayalam language and can be a useful accessory for future trials assessing QoL in such patients with oesophageal cancer.
Colorectal Polyps among Patients Undergoing Colonoscopy in Sulaimaniyah Province, Iraq
Authors: Ghalib Hawar Ali , Khayat Fadhil Ahmed Mohialdeen , Fatah Chenar Dhahir 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background
Colorectal cancers (CRC) are believed to develop primarily through an adenoma-carcinoma sequence, with adenomatous polyps beginning as the primary precursor lesions.
Objective
To assess the prevalence of colorectal polyps with their characteristics and relation to age/gender and to aid in establishing a screening program to detect polyps and CRC in the early stages. Patients and
Methods
The data of 2698 patients who underwent colonoscopy in Sulaimani Gastroenterology Center, Sulaimaniyah, Iraq, for various complaints and asymptomatic patients from January 2019 to February 2021 were studied retrospectively. Patients were given bowel preparation solutions the day before the colonoscopy examination, and the colonoscopy was performed under conscious sedation.
Results
The mean ± SD age of patients was 52.0 ± 17.59 years, and most were females (55.1%). Among the studied patients, 14.3% were diagnosed with polyps, of which 17.1% were males and 12.1 were females. The high prevalence rate was found in patients aged > 60 years (23.8%), followed by 50–60 years (17.71%), and then 40–49 years (13.07%).
Conclusion
Colorectal polyp was common among patients undergoing colonoscopy for several gastrointestinal symptoms, especially after age forty.
Global DNA hypomethylation in hysterectomy: An 8-year follow-up study from Haryana, India
Authors: Rajkumari Sunanda , Chaudhary Vineet ,   Imnameren Longkumer1, Devi Naorem Kiranmala , Sarwal Yamini , Saraswathy Kallur Nava 
Published: March 2023

Abstract

Background

Despite being a common gynecological surgery, epigenetic correlates of hysterectomy have not been much explored. Since epigenetic alterations are associated with several complex diseases, it is rather important to investigate the epigenetics of hysterectomy. To address this research gap, the present study aims to understand the interrelationship between hysterectomy and peripheral blood leucocyte global DNA methylation independently and in light of selected biochemicals (vitamin B12, folate, homocysteine).

Method

This study is a population-based follow-up study consisting of 616 women aged 30 to 70 years recruited from Palwal, Haryana (North India). Recruited participants underwent a baseline assessment, which included determination of menopausal and hysterectomy status, estimation of vitamin B12, folate, homocysteine, and global DNA methylation levels. Participants with no history of hysterectomy were followed up after 8 years and their follow-up menopausal and hysterectomy statuses were determined.

Result

Median global DNA methylation level of the group with hysterectomy was found to be significantly lower than that of those without hysterectomy in the baseline assessment. However, baseline median global methylation levels of women who eventually underwent hysterectomy and those who did not were comparable. Regardless of normal and abnormal levels of studied biochemicals, the median global DNA methylation level of the baseline hysterectomy group was found to be lower (statistically not significant) than that of pre- and post-menopausal groups.
Conclusions
Hysterectomy (or associated factors) appears to be a risk factor for global DNA hypomethylation. More studies should be taken up to understand the epigenetic implications of hysterectomy.
Exergy and Economic Assessment of a Hybrid Solar-Biomass Cogeneration Plant Applied to the Corn Ethanol Industry
Authors: Oliveira Lauro Augusto Jeronimo , Burin Eduardo K. , Bazzo Edson 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
The present work comprises the thermodynamic and economic performance analysis of a hybrid (solar thermal and biomass) cogeneration cycle applied to a 292.000 m3/year corn ethanol distillery. These analyses aim to assess the technic and economic feasibility of the proposed distillery for its operation in Phoenix (USA) and Barreiras (BRA). A biomass boiler is used parallel with a direct steam generation parabolic trough solar field to produce together the distillery's fixed steam requirement. In this scheme, the solar field is responsible for up to 60% of the produced steam. The study evaluates energy and exergy indexes, for the solar field's design conditions and typical meteorological years, and calculates the net present value for economic evaluation. Annually, the proposed hybrid cycle design achieved biomass savings of 14% in Phoenix and 12% in Barreiras compared to a standard boiler cycle. For both locations, the steam generation processes account for more than 90% of the exergy destruction in the plant. These results show the technical feasibility of the hybrid solution for both locations, with Phoenix performing better due to larger solar resource availability. Furthermore, by finding negative net present values, the economic analysis indicates that the proposed integration is not yet economically feasible.
Growth of Targeted Neonatal Echocardiography in Chinese Neonatal Intensive Care Units: Gaps in Practice and Training
Authors: Deng Yingping , Cao Xiang , Mertens Luc L , McNamara Patrick J 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Aims: To evaluate clinical practice, neonatologists’ attitudes, the extent of training and accreditation regarding targeted neonatal echocardiography (TnEcho) among Chinese neonatologists.
Methods: A web-based questionnaire was emailed to 331 neonatologists across China who completed training in subspecialty neonatology.The survey covered various aspects of TnEcho, including the characteristics of clinical practice, attitudes towards its usefulness, perceived barriers to implementation and training methods.
Results: Survey response rate was 68.0% (225/331). Seventy-nine (35.1%) respondents stated that TnEcho was utilized in their NICUs. Most respondents reported use of echocardiography to evaluate hemodynamic significance of the patent ductus arteriosus (PDA, 94.9%). The eyeballing technique was most used to evaluate left (82.3%) and right (77.2%) ventricular function. Most respondents (87.3% - 96.2%) positively valued the role of TnEcho in providing timely and longitudinal hemodynamic information to guide cardiovascular care. TnEcho was most used in centers with on-site pediatric cardiology service (p=.003), larger bed capacity (p=.004) or level IV status (p=.003). Lack of experienced practitioners with echocardiography expertise (88.9%) and accredited training programs (85.8%) were perceived to be the major barriers to implementation. Of concern, most practitioners with TnEcho skills received training in an informal manner through workshops (60.8%) or self-directed learning (54.4%).
Conclusions: The use of TnEcho for longitudinal evaluation of infants with hemodynamic instability is growing within Chinese NICUs. There is an urgent need to develop standardized training programs and accreditation for TnEcho which are adapted to the Chinese context.
Prevalence And Associated Factors Of Delirium Among Hospitalized Patients In Mekelle Public Hospitals, Mekele, Tigray, Ethiopia, a cross sectional study
Authors: Welu Solomon Gidey , Gebreslassie Hagos Tsegabrhan , Kiros Kalayu Mebrahtu , Metekiya Workua Mekonen 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background

delirium is an acute reversible mental disorder characterized by disturbance in consciousness, confusion, disorientation and agitation. Although delirium more affects older patients and patients in intensive care unit the problem is also prevalent among all hospitalized patients with the range 10–60%.

Objective

the aim of the study is to assess the prevalence and associated factors of delirium among hospitalized patients in Mekelle public hospitals, Mekelle, Tigray, Ethiopia.

Methodology

an institution based cross sectional study was conducted among randomly selected 368 hospitalized patients in Mekelle public hospitals. Simple random sampling technique was used to select the participants and proportional allocation was made to each public hospitals. Structured and standardized data collection tool was used. Univariate, bivarite and multivariable analysis was carried out by Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 20. Statistical significance was determined at p-value 0.05.

Result

in this study 358 participants were interviewed which makes 97.3% response rate. The prevalence rate of delirium among hospitalized patients was found to be 45 (12.6%). Older age (60 years and above), previous cognitive impairment, sensory impairment, having anxiety disorder and being single were significantly associated with delirium in multivariate logistic regression.

Conclusion

the prevalence of delirium was high among Mekelle public hospitals inpatients. Older age (60 years and above), previous cognitive impairment, sensory impairment, having anxiety disorder and being single were significantly associated with delirium.
Use and Misuse of Machine Learning Variable Importance Metrics in Medicine: Demonstrations through Incident Stroke Prediction
Authors: Wallace Meredith L. , Mentch Lucas , Wheeler Bradley J. , Tapia Amanda , Richards Marc , Zhou Siyu , Yi Lixia , Redline Susan , Buysse Daniel J. 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background. Machine learning tools such as random forests provide important opportunities for modeling large, complex modern data generated in medicine. Unfortunately, when it comes to understanding why machine learning models are predictive, applied research continues to rely on “out of bag” (OOB) variable importance metrics (VIMPs) that are known to have considerable shortcomings within the statistics community. Our objective is to examine these shortcomings and demonstrate statistically valid VIMP approaches.
Methods. After explaining the limitations of OOB VIMPs – including bias towards correlated features and limited interpretability – we describe a modern approach called “knockoff VIMPs” and explain its advantages. We recommend organized and interpretable strategies for analysis with knockoff VIMPs, including computing them for groups of features and considering multiple model performance metrics. We evaluate current VIMP practices through an in-depth literature review of 50 recent random forest manuscripts. To demonstrate methods, we develop a random forest to predict 5-year incident stroke in the Sleep Heart Health Study and compare results based on OOB and knockoff VIMPs.
Results. Nearly all papers in the literature review contained substantial limitations in their use of VIMPs. In our demonstration, using OOB VIMPs for individual variables suggested two highly correlated lung function variables (forced expiratory volume, forced vital capacity) as the best predictors of incident stroke, followed by age and height. Using an organized analytic approach that considered knockoff VIMPs of both groups of features and individual features, the largest contributions to model sensitivity were medications (especially cardiovascular) and measured medical risk factors, while the largest contributions to model specificity were age, diastolic blood pressure, self-reported medical risk factors, polysomnography features, and pack-years of smoking. Thus, we reach very different conclusions about stroke risk factors using OOB VIMPs versus knockoff VIMPs.
Conclusions. The near-ubiquitous reliance on OOB VIMPs may provide misleading results for researchers who use such methods to guide their research. Given the rapid pace of scientific inquiry using machine learning, it is essential to bring modern knockoff VIMPs that are interpretable and unbiased into widespread applied practice to steer researchers using random forest machine learning toward more meaningful results.
Vortex-Induced Vibrations Of A Pipeline Near The Sea Floor
Authors: de Medeiros Bernardo Brambila Marques , Avila Juan Pablo Julca 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
A numerical model capable to simulate the dynamic behavior of the cross-flow vibration of a flexible cylinder under the effects of a free stream flow and a plane boundary with variable gap ratios, in representation of a pipeline near the sea floor is proposed. The pipeline is modeled as a Euler-Bernoulli beam with small displacements and axially tensioned. The model is composed of structural dynamics equations, discretized by the finite element method, and a system of wake oscillators, to include the interference of a plane boundary, distributed along the pipeline. The motion equations are implicitly integrated through the Newmark method. The wake oscillator model is numerically discretized using the central finite difference method. The simulations were capable to capture the interference generated by the boundary on the oscillatory frequency of the pipeline and on its amplitude.
Endovascular Repair Combine with In-situ Fenestration for New-Onset or Residual Arch Dissection in Patients Underwent Aortic Replacement
Authors: Lu Zhexin , Huang Jin , Fan Yongliang , Gu Hongbing , Yu Min , Ye Yizhou 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background:
Ascending aorta or hemi-arch replacement used to be a common treatment for some patients with acute type A thoracic aortic dissection especially in the elderly or complicated with multiple comorbidities. However the secondary entry tears in the aortic arch or descending aorta often remains not completely closed or true lumen compressed by perfusion of the false lumen in the dissected aorta and usually require reoperation.
Methods:
From January 2019 to July 2022, eighteen patients were treated by endovascular total aortic arch repair and fenestration technique without median re-sternotomy. Aortic stent grafts were implanted from femoral approach, prosthetic vessels can be served as an adequate proximal landing zone for aortic stent graft deployment. According to the debranching conditions of the arch in the previous surgery, single, double or triple in-situ fenestrations were performed respectively. Endovascular repair of aortic arch or descending aorta and restoration of perfusion of the branch arteries were accomplished.
Result:
Technical success was achieved in all cases. Median follow-up was 20 (18;31) mouths. All patients had an acceptable postoperative course with no 30-day and in-hospital deaths. None of the patients showed signs of disabling stroke, paraplegia or endo-leak, stent graft migration and stent graft induced new entry. In all patients the false lumen was completely thrombosed at the aortic arch level .
Conclusion:
Our preliminary experience suggests that endovascular total arch repair combined with in-situ fenestration technique are feasible, effective and safe options. And mid-term result seems encouraging. However long-term result and durability concerns for further evaluation are mandatory.
Nurses’ experience during the COVID-19 pandemic: Multicenter mixed-methods study on coping and resilience strategies
Authors: Cadorin Lucia , Mazzega-Fabbro Cristina , Cedrone Sonja 
Published: March 2023

Abstract

Background
In early 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic created difficulties in clinical and organizational fields. Healthcare workers needed to protect their health and avoid infecting their family members, but also limit the virus’s spread among vulnerable oncology patients undergoing hospital treatment.
Objective
To evaluate the resilience and coping strategies of nurses working in the oncology setting.
Methods
A mixed-methods study was conducted. First, two questionnaires (CD-RISK and COPE- NVI-25) were used to assess nurses’ resilience strategies and coping mechanisms quantitatively. Second, qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted to explore the personal experiences of nurses who cared for patients during the pandemic, and Colaizzi’s framework was used for content analysis.
Results
The 164 participants, the majority of whom were female (88.4%), reported high resilience. The CD-RISK score varied according to education. With respect to COPE-NIV-25, transcendent orientation and avoidance strategies had the lowest mean scores, while problem orientation was higher in nurses aged ≥ 40. Five themes emerged: (1) changes in work and personal areas; (2) feelings/emotions, such as fear of infection for themselves or their loved ones, difficulty in using the face mask, relational repercussions with patients or their families; (3) personal and working group strategies used to counteract the suffering attributable to COVID-19; (4) professionalism/nursing responsibilities in developing new rules and protocols, and (5) metaphors to describe their experiences.
Conclusions
The COVID-19 pandemic led to major changes in the nurses’ roles, but they showed resilience and generated a positive working climate.
Implication for practice:
Even in emergency situations, nursing administrations and policymakers must ensure that nurses receive adequate training and support to develop resilience and coping strategies.
Global observational coverage of oil and gas methane sources with TROPOMI
Authors: Gao Mozhou , Xing Zhenyu , Vollrath Coleman , Hugenholtz Chris H. , Barchyn Thomas E. 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Satellite observations have been widely used to measure methane (CH4) emissions from the oil and gas (O&G) industry, particularly by revealing previously undocumented, very large emission events and basin-level emission estimates. However, the performance of retrieving CH4 mixing ratios from the short-wave infrared band of passive remote sensing instruments is spatially and temporally varied due to sunlight, earth surface properties, and atmospheric conditions. Thus, the reliability of satellites is also varied. To assess the reliability of passive remote sensing satellite instruments for routine monitoring of CH4 emissions, we investigated the global observational coverage of the TROPOMI (onboard the Sentinel-5P), which has been providing a daily global CH4 mixing ratio since 2017. A 0.1° x 0.1° gridded global map that indicates the average number of days with valid observations from TROPOMI from 2019 to 2021 was generated by following the measurement retrieval quality-assurance threshold (≥0.5). We found TROPOMI had promising observational coverage over dryland regions (maximum: 58.6%) but limited coverage over tropical regions and high latitudes (minimum: 0%). Cloud cover and solar zenith angle were the primary factors at high latitudes, while aerosol optical thickness was the primary factor over dryland regions. To further assess the country-level reliability of satellites for detecting and quantifying CH4 emissions from the O&G sector, we extracted the average annual TROPOMI observational coverage (TOC) over O&G infrastructure for 160 countries. Seven of the top-10 O&G-producing countries had an average annual TOC < 10% (< 36 days per year), which indicates the limited ability to routinely identify large emissions events, track their duration, and quantify emissions rates using inverse modelling. We further assessed the potential performance of the latter by combining TOC and the uncertainties from the global O&G inventory. Results inverse modeling with CH4 measurements from TROPOMI may only be accurate for quantifying emissions from O&G sectors in countries located in dryland and mid-latitude regions. Conclusively, the current passive-sensing satellites have low potential for frequent monitoring of large methane emissions from O&G sectors in countries located in tropical and high latitudes (e.g., Canada, Russia, Brazil, Norway, and Venezuela). Therefore, alternative methods should be considered for routine emissions monitoring in the corresponding regions.
Enhanced Separation of Oxytetracycline Hydrochloride in Synthetic Solution Using Natural Clays: Silica and Metakaolinite
Authors: Nassar Hossam , Shehata Nabila 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Oxy-tetracycline (OTC) and their derivatives are listed as an emerging water contaminant due to their adverse effects to human, biota and the all aquatic environment. Silica and meta-kaolinite (MK) were utilized as promising sorbents for oxy-tetracycline hydrochloride (OTCH) uptake from water. Identifying the optimum parameters (pH and initial concentration of OTCH, sorbent dose, and reaction time) on OTCH adsorption was performed. The characterization properties of the sorbents were identified using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Maximum values for OTCH adsorption achieved at pH 5-6 and pH 7 for SiO2 and MK, respectively. Langmuir model best describe the result data with high dependency on OTCH sorption onto MK yielding its maximum at 165.04 mg/gand moderate dependency for SiO2 with qmax equal to 25.3 mg/g. These results provide additional information about the uses of both clay minerals as a promising economic and environmentally friendly sorbents for wastewater treatment.