bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Vacuoles, E1 enzyme, X-linked, autoinflammatory, somatic (VEXAS) syndrome presenting as recurrent aseptic peritonitis in a patient receiving peritoneal dialysis: a case report
Authors: Fukuda Natsuki , Kanai Daisuke , Hoshino Kaoru , Fukuda Yuriko , Morita Ryutaro , Ishikawa Yuki , Kanaoka Tomohiko , Toya Yoshiyuki , Kirino Yohei , Wakui Hiromichi , Tamura Kouichi 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Background
Vacuoles, E1 enzyme, X-linked, autoinflammatory, somatic (VEXAS) syndrome is caused by mutations in the ubiquitin-activating enzyme 1 (UBA1) gene and is characterised by the overlap of multiple autoinflammatory and haematologic disorders. It is a rare disease first described in December 2020.
Case presentation:
We report the case of a 67-year-old Japanese man undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD) for recurrent aseptic peritonitis caused by VEXAS syndrome. He presented with an unexplained fever, headache, abdominal pain, conjunctival hyperaemia, ocular pain, auricular pain, arthralgia, and inflammatory skin lesions. Laboratory investigations showed a high serum C-reactive protein concentration and an increased white blood cell count in the PD effluent. He was treated with antibiotics for PD-related peritonitis but to no avail. Fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography demonstrated intense FDG uptake in the left superficial temporal artery, nasal septum, and bilateral auricles. The working diagnosis was giant cell arteritis, and the patient was treated with oral prednisolone (PSL) 15 mg daily, with a good response. However, the PSL dose could not be tapered to less than 10 mg daily because of auricular pain, skin lesions, and PD effluent turbidity. Tocilizumab was administered every two weeks as a steroid-sparing agent; hence, the PSL dose could be tapered to 2 mg daily without any symptoms. Sanger sequencing of his peripheral blood sample revealed a mutation affecting methionine-41 (c.122 T > C; p.Met41Thr) of the UBA1 gene. We made the final diagnosis of VEXAS syndrome. He had a flare of VEXAS syndrome at a PSL of 1 mg daily with cloudy PD effluent, conjunctival hyperaemia, arthralgia, auricular chondritis, and inflammatory skin lesions, such as Sweet's syndrome, on his upper limbs and neck. Increasing the PSL dose to 11 mg daily relieved the symptoms within a few days.
Conclusions
VEXAS syndrome causes turbid PD effluent without infection. When peritonitis is observed in patients on PD, nephrologists and general physicians should consider the possibility of aseptic peritonitis due to autoimmune diseases, including VEXAS syndrome, and pay attention to their systemic findings.
COPD-related admissions in a main hospital in Damascus during the Syrian crisis
Authors: Hadakie Rana , Alkwatli Khalil , Haddad Shaden 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Background
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a global health concern as it is the third leading cause of mortality worldwide with a high economic and social burden. It is characterized by chronic inflammation in the respiratory tract that causes airflow limitation and persistent respiratory symptoms that may be worsening and lead to hospitalization. COPD becomes a more serious health problem in Syria where its healthcare system has suffered a lot because of the ongoing crisis and COPD is highly prevalent. There is no available data about hospitalization related to COPD in Syria. Thus, we aimed in this study to estimate COPD-related hospitalization in a main hospital in Damascus as a step to shed light on this problem which may help in tackling it and reducing COPD in this country.
Methods
A retrospective study was conducted and included 199 patients from Al-Assad University Hospital. These patients are hospitalized because of COPD between January 2017 and January 2020.
Results
Our results showed many admissions because of COPD in Al-Assad University Hospital. Females had longer hospital stay (7.2 ±5.1 days) compared with males (6.4 ± 4.4 days) but there is no statistically significant (p = 0.450). In addition, there is a correlation between age and length of hospital stay in males (p = 0.0004).
Conclusion
COPD has a high rate of hospitalization in Syria, and more studies and actions are required to tackle this health challenge to reduce its burden.
Cross-Cultural Expectations from Self-Driving Cars
Authors: Tolbert Steven , Nojoumian Mehrdad 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
International adoption of autonomous vehicles has been in the center of attention in academia and industry. This paper therefore proposes to shed light on cross-cultural expectations of autonomous vehicles. We utilized a survey with 57 questions prepared in English, German, and Spanish languages that asked 157 participants about their personal driving behaviors as well as their expectations from self-driving cars. Several novel behavior and AI trust metrics are generated from the responses that show clear differences in expectations of autonomous technologies depending on the demographic sampled. These results show significant differences in expected self-driving car aggressiveness as it relates to their own driving behavior with most people surveyed preferring a driving style more conservative than their own; interestingly, by filtering the aforementioned distribution into those more trustful of AI the expected self-driving car aggressiveness is more similar to their own driving style. This paper also finds that the level of trust attributed to an autonomous vehicle to perform a given task depends heavily on the task and its importance to the demographic being questioned. Future research may be able to use these insights to address problems of trust between passengers and self-driving cars, social acceptability of self-driving cars, and development of customized autonomous driving technologies.
Dissection of Genotype x environment interaction and multi-trait selection for identification of stable hybrids in okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench]
Authors: Patel Arpita A. , Vekariya Rajesh D. , Patel Rumit , Patel Akshay 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Okra also known by lady's finger or gumbo is the most significant versatile vegetable in the world’s tropical and subtropical climates, well-renowned for its soft and flavorful pods. The complexity in yield improvement of any crop is escalated due to genotype x environment (G × E) interactions. Likewise success in okra improvement is limited by G × E interaction and needs to be determined for use in future decision-making process. Multivariate selection strategies like AMMI and GGE biplots were utilized in this study that graphically depict interrelationships between the tested environments and genotypes with simple visual evaluations of okra hybrids possessing high and stable yield. Whereas MTSI was used to identify okra hybrids with dynamic traits that executes better across varied environmental conditions. A set of 13 traits were accessed in okra 24 hybrids along with 10 parents evaluated under multi-environment trials. Among the selected genotypes, H23 and H10 were promising as they produced elevated and adaptable fruit yield altogether with traits that are favoured much by the farmers. MTSI also confirmed high and desired selection gains in all traits among selected genotypes. Further, agronomic trials to determine best crop management practices of identified superior genotypes can be done to introduce them as improved cultivars for diverse environments.
The Effect of Intermittent Subsurface Drip Irrigation on Soil Water Distribution
Authors: GÜLTEKİN Rohat , ERTEK Ahmet 
Published: January 2023

Abstract

Subsurface drip irrigation (SDI) is one of the most widely accepted irrigation methods for more efficient use of irrigation water. However, the lateral movement of water is limited due to the back pressure under the ground. This causes water to collect in a narrower area and limits plant root development. In this study, the vertical and horizontal distribution of water under the soil was examined by applying the irrigation water with the classical method (continuous) and intermittently in the SDI system in order to provide a better water distribution. Accordingly, four different intermittent irrigation methods (continuous, one-intermittent, two-interval and three-interval) were studied under field conditions. Before and after each irrigation, water was monitored in the soil at 0–30, 30–60 and 60–90 cm depths from the soil surface and at 5-20-35 cm horizontal distances from the dripper. In the findings obtained, the difference between treatments was found to be statistically significant (p < 0.01) for all vertical depths at a distance of 35 cm from the dripper point. The highest water values were found at 35 cm horizontal distance from the dripper and at 0–30, 30–60 and 60–90 cm depths of the soil as 112.9 mm (F1), 126.4 mm (F1) and 128.5 mm (F1), respectively. According to the results obtained, the lateral distribution of water in the soil increased as the duration of interruption between two irrigations increased. This shows that the positive effects of intermittent irrigation can be benefited from in subsurface drip irrigation for a better water distribution in the soil.
Efficacy of Medical Ozone for Treatment of Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain with Abnormal Mitochondrial Redox State
Authors: Alsawy Taha Tairy Dardeer Alsawy , Sabry Laila Saber Abdel Aziz Sabry , Elmulla Ahmed Fawzy Elmulla , Kamel Maher Abdul-Nabi Kamel , Eldemrdash Ayman Mohamady Eldemrdash , Hashem Engi Yousry Hashem 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Background
Chronic musculoskeletal pain is multifaceted and20% of the adult population lives with severe chronic pain and have negative consequences, intense pain, depression, weakness, sleep problems, loss of enjoyment of life and decreased emotional well-being. This work done to study efficacy of trigger point injections with ozone for treatment of chronic musculoskeletal pain in patients with abnormal mitochondrial redox state compared to standard steroid injection or combination therapy.
Methods
This is a prospective randomized clinical study conducted on 51 patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain at Medical Research Institute Hospital, Alexandria University from January2019toJanuary2021.Patients randomly using computer-generated random numbers into 3groups,17received ozone injection,17betamethasone injection and17 combined Ozone and betamethasone injection. Groups were compared regarding intensity of pain, correction of mitochondrial redox state and normalizing Lactate/Pyruvate ratio.
Results
there were differences between 3groups as regard VAS;three days after intervention(p < 0.021)as it was lower in group A compared to group and at one and three weeks after intervention(p < 0.001)where it was lower in groups A,C when compared with groupB.There were differences in lactate/pyruvate ratio(percentage change)between the 3 groups(p < 0.004)as it was lower in groups AandC when compared with groupB.There were differences between 3 groups as regard mitochondrial copy number(p < 0.002)as it was higher in group A when compared with groupB.There were differences between the 3 groups as regard reduced/oxidized glutathione(p > 0.008)as it was higher in groups AandC when compared with group B.
Conclusions
Trigger point injections with ozone can relief musculoskeletal pain as it had significant effect in reduction of muscle pain and increasing pain free interval. Pain improvement increases with time. Ozone improves muscle oxygenation, mitochondrial function
Current Status of Antifouling Biocides Contamination in the Seto Inland Sea, Japan
Authors: Harino Hiroya , Ohji Madoka , Kono Kumiko , Onzuka Toshimitsu , Hano Takashi , Mochida Kazuhiko 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
A monitoring survey of antifouling biocides was conducted in Harima Nada Sea and Osaka Bay of the Seto Inland Sea, Japan, in order to assess contamination by organotin (OT) compounds and alternative biocides. The concentrations of tributyltin (TBT) compounds in surface water ranged from 1.0–2.8 ng/L and the detected TBT concentrations in the bottom water layer were higher than those in the surface water, The concentrations of TBTs in sediment samples ranged from 2.0–28 ng/g dry weight (dw) respectively. The concentrations in the water and sediment were lower than those before the banning of TBT by the IMO. Although TPT compounds were not detected in water samples, triphenyltin (TPT) compounds were detected in the range of < 0.1–2,700 ng/g dw in sediment samples. The concentrations of diuron, Sea-Nine 211, Irgarol 1051, dichlofluanid and chlorothalonil in water samples ranged from < 1–53 ng/L, < 1–1.8 ng/L, < 1–4.0 ng/L, < 1–343 ng/L and < 1–1 ng/L, respectively and these alternative compounds in sediment samples ranged from 32–488 ng/g dw, 47–591 ng/g dw, 33–128 ng/g dw, 67–8,038 ng/g dw and 31 − 2,975 ng/g dw, respectively. The partition coefficients of the alternative biocides between water and sediment were similar to those in BT compounds. Thus, the OTs and alternative biocides have still been detected in water and sediment samples from closed sea areas.
Molecular characterization of lumpy skin disease virus from recent outbreaks in Pakistan
Authors: Manzoor Shumaila , Abubakar Muhammad , Rahman Aziz Ul , Syed Zainab , Ahmad Khurshid , Afzal Muhammad 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is a contagious viral transboundary disease and is enlisted in notifiable diseases by the World Organization of Animal Health (WOAH). The first disease suspicion was determined in Pakistan in late 2021. Since then, various outbreaks are now reporting from different regions of all provinces across the country. In the current study, samples from a few earlier outbreaks among cattle populations in Sindh and Punjab provinces were investigated and partial GPCR, p32, and RP030 genes-based phylogenetic analysis were conducted subsequent to molecular characterization. Collectively, LSDV strains originating from outbreaks in Pakistan noticeably clustered together with LSDV strains reported from African, Middle East, and Asian countries including Egypt, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, India, China, and Thailand. The reasons behind the origin of virus strain and disease spread to Pakistan are unknown; suggesting to investigate of more outbreaks across the country for the establishment of effective disease control strategies including a mass vaccination campaign across Pakistan.
Efficacy of CPP-ACP GC Tooth Mousse in remineralization of teeth of Syrian orphan Children- results of a double -blind, randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Alkarad Lubna , Alkhouli Muaaz , Dashash Mayssoon 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Objectives
A double-blind randomized controlled clinical trial was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of Casein Phosphopeptide-Amorphous Calcium Phosphate (CPP-ACP) in the remineralization of teeth of Syrian children aged 6-8 years enrolled in orphanage of the city of Damascus.
Materials and Methods
The study sample included 50 children randomly divided into two treatment groups to receive either CPP-ACP GC Tooth Mousse™ (Group A) or placebo (Group B) with 25 participants per group. After the application of the product in the mouth for 3 minutes, saliva samples were collected four time (T0, T1, T2, and T3) to measure the pH of saliva and the rate of salivary flow.
Results
There was no significant difference between group A and B in the mean value of salivary flow rate and salivary pH. However, there was significant difference between different time points in the mean value of salivary pH and salivary flow rate.
Conclusion
The GC Tooth Mouse (CPP-ACP) is not superior to placebo mousse at tooth remineralization according to salivary pH measure and the rate of salivary flow. Further studies are still essential to assertion findings.
Trial registration: ISRCTN17509082, Registration date 22/11/2022
Improvement of Outpatient Service Processes: A Case Study of the University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital
Authors: Chen Jingsong , Alturas Bráulio 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
This work presents a case study on The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital (HKU-SZH), which was the first to implement an outpatient appointment registration system. This study provides an anatomy of the hospital outpatient process through various methods and theories, such as literature review, field research, expert consultation, business process improvement theory and Information technology, with the objective of identifying objectives and strategies of the hospital case in improving its outpatient process. By means of outpatient process improvement, this study aim to increase the case hospital’s efficiency and raise its patients’ satisfaction so that the hospital may enhance its comprehensive competence. In addition, an effective and operable methodology will be generated, which is expected to serve as a reference for other hospitals to improve their operation and their management. Therefore, the research question is to know which factors most influence patient satisfaction. It was found that service attitude, service value, and waiting time have a significant influence on patient satisfaction.
Molecular cloning and expression characteristics of ghrl and ghsr genes in bighead carp (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis)
Authors: Wang Pan , Fu Jianjun , Luo Mingkun , Shi Xiulan , Zhu Wenbin , Wang Lanmei , Shu Shichang , Dong Zaijie 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Backgroud
Ghrelin (ghrl) and its receptor gene, ghsr (growth hormone secretagogue receptor), regulate numerous physiological functions, including growth hormone secretion and food intake. In the present study, we investigated the sequences and expression characteristics of the two genes in bighead carp (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis).
Methods
Cloning and expression characteristics of the ghrl and ghsr gene were got and analyzed by using the RACE technique, qRT-PCR, and in situ hybridization. The sizes of the experimental fish were 1.21 ± 0.20 kg in winter (6–7 months old) and 2.34 ± 0.20 kg in summer (18–19 months old).
Results
The ghrl and ghsr genes, encoded 106 and 346 amino acids, respectively, and were 1208 bp and 2239 bp in length. Early blastocysts had the highest levels of ghrl and ghsr expression throughout early development (P < 0.01). The gut exhibited the highest levels of expression of ghrl, whereas significantly higher levels of ghsr (P < 0.01) were detected in the brain. Significantly higher levels of expression of ghrl and ghsr were detected in the intestine and muscle in summer, when compared with the levels in winter (P < 0.05). Based on in situ hybridization, intestine ghrl expression signals were more pronounced than intestinal ghsr expression signals, whereas ghsr expression signals were higher than those of ghrl in brain tissues. The co-expression patterns of related genes in the growth hormone synthesis, secretion and action pathway (ko04935), and cAMP signaling pathway (ko04024) also indicated that ghrl and ghsr are involved in the feeding regulation of bighead fish.
Conclusion
Our findings suggest that ghrl and ghsr potentially play roles in bighead carp feeding and associated energy metabolism activities, in addition to growth performance.
Burden of Osteoarthritis in North Africa and Middle East from 1990 to 2019: The Findings from the Global Burden of Disease Study
Authors: Sanjari Mahnaz , Yousefi Shakiba , Moghaddam Sahar Saeedi , Same Kave , Fahimfar Noushin , Tehrani Yeganeh Sharifnejad , Noorali Sima , Ahmadi Naser , Yarmohammadi Hossein , Rashidi Mohammad-Mahdi , Ostovar Afshin , Larijani Bagher 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Background
Considered the most common form of arthritis worldwide, Osteoarthritis (OA) prevalence has been continually due to the aging population and obesity. Based on the results of the last Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study, the North Africa and Middle East (NAME) was reported to have a high OA prevalence, hence the current study aimed to describe the burden and its attributable risk factors.
Methods
The OA was classified by kellgren Lawrence grading system. The burden (prevalence, incidence, and Years Lived with Disability (YLDs)) and attributable burden (YLDs) to high body-mass index (BMI) were reported based on GBD 2019 globally and for the 21 countries in the region by age, sex, and socio-demographic index (SDI).
Results
Globally, the age-standardized prevalence, incidence, and YLDs rates were estimated as 6348.3 (95% uncertainty interval 5776.3–7023.0), 492.2 (438.7-551.5), and 228.0 (115.3-452.7) per 100000, respectively. In the NAME region, the prevalence age-standardized rate (ASR) has increased by 9.3% (8.1–10.5) since 1990. Furthermore, the incidence ASR was estimated as 430.4 (382.2-481.9) in 2019 which has increased by 9.4% (8.3–10.5). Also, the YLDs ASR increased 10.0% (8.7–11.4); [185.4 (92.8-370.2) in 2019]. Among NAME countries, Saudi Arabia had the highest ASR followed by Kuwait and Iran in 2019 and Oman showed the highest increase from 1990 to 2019. The regional attributed YLDs increased by 57.6% (42.1–85.2).
Conclusion
As OA proves to have major public health impacts both globally and in the NAME region, health data and strategies must be improved to control the disease’s burden better.
Do Changes in Brain Volume Among Archaic Humans Reflect the Invention of Cooking?
Authors: Dunbar R. I.M. 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
The period around 400 ka coincided with a dramatic increase in hominin endocranial volume. Prior to this, there is some evidence to suggest that hominin brain sizes may have been subject to a thermally-driven energetic constraint. The increase in cranial volumes around 400 ka suggests that hominins achieved at least partial release from this constraint. This time point coincides with a sea change in the evidence for control of fire at hominin living sites, at least in the northern hemisphere. This may pinpoint the time at which hominins first began to cook regularly.
Impact of disproportionality in severe secondary mitral regurgitation according to disease etiology
Authors: Bak Minjung , Park Sung-Ji , Kim Jihoon , Kim Darae , Kim Eun Kyoung , Chang Sung-A , Lee Sang-Chol , Park Seung Woo 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Aims Disproportionality in secondary mitral regurgitation (MR) provides insight into MR quantification in transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) candidates. Although secondary MR has two major etiologies, ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICMP) and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCMP), distinguishing analysis between these two etiologies has been insufficient. We sought to determine the prognosis of disproportional MR in each disease etiology and analyze the baseline characteristics.
Methods and results From 2009 to 2019, in Samsung Medical Center, South Korea, 207 patients with severe secondary MR (median age 69 years old, median left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF] 27.3%) were collected. The cut-off point for disproportional MR was the median value of regurgitant volume (RV)/left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV), which was 0.17. The primary endpoint was all-cause death. In this study, we analyzed 1) the prognosis of severe secondary MR based on proportional and disproportional MR and 2) the prognosis of disproportional MR based on etiology of dilated cardiomyopathy or ischemic cardiomyopathy. In survival analysis, the disproportional MR group had a worse prognosis in all-cause death (hazard ratio [HR] 2.013, 95% CI [1.254 - 3.230], log-rank p-value = 0.004). In subgroup analysis based on etiology, the disproportional MR group showed a significantly higher risk of all-cause death (HR 3.493, 95% CI [1.457 - 8.375], log-rank p-value = 0.005) in DCMP. On the other hand, there was no significant difference in all-cause death according to disproportionality in ICMP.
Conclusion In severe secondary MR, disproportional MR has a worse prognosis than proportional MR due to age and comorbidities, and this difference is more prominent in DCMP than ICMP.