bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Host Genetic Variants Associated with Susceptibility and Severity of Pneumococcal Pneumonia in Adult Patients
Authors: Boix-Palop Lucía , Arranz María J. , Sangil Anna , Dietl Beatriz , Xercavins Mariona , Pérez Josefa , Calbo Esther 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
The aim of the study was to assess the influence of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) within key genes involved in the innate immune response on the susceptibility to pneumococcal community-acquired pneumonia (P-CAP) and to study whether these polymorphic variants were associated with the severity and outcome of the episodes in a cohort of adult Caucasian patients.
Methods
Seventeen SNPs from 7 genes (IL-R1, IL-4, IL-10, IL-12B, NFKBIA, NFKBIE, NFKBIZ) were analysed. For susceptibility, a case-control study including a cohort of adult patients with CAP and 280 ethnically matched controls was performed. Genetic influence on clinical severity and outcome was evaluated in a prospective observational study including all consecutive adult CAP patients from November 2015 to May 2017.
Results
The NFKBIA polymorphism rs696 and a haplotype combination were associated with susceptibility to P-CAP (OR = 0.62, p = 0.005 and OR = 0.63, p = 0.008, respectively). The SNP IL4 rs2227284 was associated with severe P-CAP (OR = 2.17, p = 0.04). IL-R1 (rs3917267) and IL-10 (rs3024509) variants were related with respiratory failure (OR = 3.31, p = 0.001 and OR = 0.18, p = 0.003, respectively) as well as several haplotype combinations in NFKBIA, NFKBIZ, IL-R1 and IL-10 (p = 0,02, p = 0,01, p = 0,001, p = 0,03, respectively). CURB-65 values were associated with the IL-10 rs3024509 variant (beta=-0.4, p = 0.04), and with haplotype combinations of NFKBIZ and IL-10 (p = 0.05, p = 0.04, respectively). Genetic variants in IL-10 (rs3024509) and in IL-12B (rs730691) were associated with PSI values (beta=-0.54, p = 0.01, and beta=-0.28, p = 0.04, respectively), as were allelic combinations in IL-R1 (p = 0.02) and IL-10 (p = 0.01). Finally, several polymorphisms in the IL-R1 gene (rs13020778, rs2160227, & rs3917267) were associated with the time elapsed until clinical stability (beta =-0.83, p = 0.03; beta=-1, p = 0.02 and beta = 1.07, p = 0.008, respectively).
Conclusions
A genetic variant in NFKBIA was associated with susceptibility to P-CAP in adult Caucasian patients and genetic variants from key cytokines of the innate immune response (Il-4, IL-10, IL-R1 and IL-12B) and NF-κB inhibitors were associated with different phenotypes of severe P-CAP. If validated, these SNPs may help to identify people at risk of P-CAP or severe P-CAP on which preventive measures could be applied.
The application of the Finite Elements Method in the Transient Measurements of Thermophysical Parameters
Authors: Malinarič Svetozár 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
The Finite Element Method (FEM) is used to improve the Extended Dynamic Plane Source (EDPS) method in order to obtain more accurate values of the thermal conductivity and diffusivity of the specimen. A method of the FEM-calculated response transformation into an analytical form that can be used in fitting the measured temperature response has been described and verified. Furthermore, a modification of the EDPS method designated as EDPS1 is designed, where only one piece of specimen is used. Since there is no analytical formula for the new method, the analytical formula for EDPS is used. The initial specimen parameter estimates for EDPS1 are accordingly very rough, and therefore the FEM numerical runs need to be repeated several times until the estimates reach relative errors of around 1%.
Experience with eHealth in the palliative care pathway for head and neck cancer patients – a mixed-methods study
Authors: Besselaar Boyd N. van den , Hof Kira S. van , Sewnaik Aniel , de Jong Robert. J. Baatenburg , Offerman Marinella P.J. 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Our Expert Center of Palliative Care for head and neck cancer offers structural attention to patients’ complex physical and psychosocial care needs. Patients are offered remote care to enable them to stay as long as possible in their trusted home environment. This includes digital monitoring using patient-reported outcome measures. Our research adds to the limited literature on qualitative feedback and patient-reported experiences with palliative HNC care.
Methods
In this mixed-methods study we evaluated our palliative care pathway. In total, 56 head and neck cancer patients in the palliative care phase and 49 next-of-kin were included. We evaluated their experiences with a patient-reported experience measure that included open questions.
Results
The face-to-face consultations on the day of the palliative diagnosis were positively experienced by most patients and next-of-kin. One-third missed at least one topic during these consultations, such as discussing life expectancy. During the remote follow-up, the majority felt safe with this care: they were able to sufficiently clarify their problems and, if necessary, timely action was taken. However, 35% of patients and 46% of next-of-kin considered the provided psychosocial support to be insufficient.
Conclusion
Patients and next-of-kin were satisfied with most aspects of the palliative care, and remote care seems a promising means of delivery. Key areas needing attention are discussing life expectancy and providing psychosocial support. Future research will focus on better understanding patients’ needs during specific moments in the palliative trajectory to optimally deliver personalized and value-based healthcare.
The antimicrobial peptide ToAP2 is synergic with caspofungin and amphotericin B against Candida auris
Authors: Pinheiro Thalita Kellen Silva , Nicola André Moraes , Bentes Davi Brasil , Zhang Sean X. , Felipe Maria Sueli Soares , Silva-Pereira Ildinete , Albuquerque Patrícia 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Candida auris is a multidrug-resistant fungus associated with invasive infections, high mortality rates, therapeutic failure, and nosocomial outbreaks in different regions of the world. This situation highlights the need for new antifungal drugs. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are evolutionarily conserved molecules present in different organisms that are considered promising alternatives for the development of new therapies. In this work, we evaluated the in vitro antifungal activity of two scorpion venom antimicrobial peptides, ToAP1 and ToAP2, against 11 different strains of C. auris. ToAP2 demonstrated activity against most isolates with minimal inhibitory concentrations ranging from 50 to 100 µM (150–300 µg/mL). In contrast, all isolates were resistant to ToAP1. Furthermore, ToAP2 showed synergistic effect with amphotericin B and caspofungin against C. auris, with fractional inhibitory concentration indices of 0.25 to 0.37 and 0.03 to 0.12, respectively. These results suggest that this AMP can be further explored as a potential molecule alone or in combination with other available treatments for C. auris infections.
Real-world Treatment Patterns and Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Radioiodine-refractory Differentiated Thyroid Cancer (Rai-r Dtc) Treated With First Line Lenvatinib Monotherapy in the United States
Authors: Worden Francis , Rajkovic-Hooley Olivera , Reynolds Neil , Milligan Gary , Zhang Jingchuan 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Lenvatinib was approved for the treatment of patients with radioiodine-refractory differentiated thyroid cancer (RAI-R DTC) in the United States (US) in 2015. The main objective of the current study was to assess real-world clinical effectiveness in RAI-R DTC patients treated with first line lenvatinib monotherapy in the US.
Methods
A retrospective chart review was conducted in RAI-R DTC patients who initiated lenvatinib monotherapy as first line treatment between February 2015 and September 2020. Anonymized data were abstracted by prescribing physicians from individual patient’s electronic health records. Clinical outcomes included provider-reported real-world best overall response (rwBOR), real-world progression-free survival (rwPFS), and overall survival (OS). Time-to-event endpoints were assessed using Kaplan-Meier methods.
Results
Our study included 308 RAI-R DTC patients treated with first line lenvatinib. At lenvatinib initiation, patients’ median age was 60 years, 51.6% were female, and 26.0% of patients had an ECOG performance score of ≥ 2. Over the follow-up period, 32.5% of patients discontinued first line lenvatinib permanently, with others remaining on treatment. The median duration of lenvatinib therapy was 17.5 months overall. Provider-reported rwBOR (complete or partial response) to lenvatinib was 72.4%. Median rwPFS was 49.0 months. Estimated rwPFS rates at 24 and 48 months were 68.5% and 55.0%, respectively. Estimated OS rates at 24 and 72 months were 78.4% and 57.0%, respectively; median OS was not reached.
Conclusion
The current study reinforces the clinical effectiveness of first line lenvatinib as standard of care in patients with RAI-R DTC in real-world clinical practice in the US.
Aerobic physical capacity and health-related quality of life in children with sickle cell disease
Authors: Laurent-Lacroix Corentin , Vincenti Marie , Matecki Stefan , Mahé Perrine , Moulis Lionel , Villeon Grégoire De La , Guillaumont Sophie , Requirand Anne , Moreau Johan , Lalande Muriel , Picot Marie-Christine , Amedro Pascal , Gavotto Arthur 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Purpose
To evaluate the aerobic capacity by cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) in children and adolescents with sickle cell disease in comparison with healthy matched controls and to determine the factors associated with impaired maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) in this population.
Methods and results
A total of 72 children (24 with sickle cell disease and 48 healthy controls), aged 6 to 17 years old underwent a complete CPET and were enrolled in a cross-sectional controlled study. Children with sickle cell disease had a poor aerobic capacity, with median VO2max Z-score values significantly lower than matched controls (-3.55[-4.68; -2.02] vs. 0.25[-0.22; 0.66], P < 0.01, respectively), and a high proportion of 92% children affected by an impaired aerobic capacity (VO2max Z-score<-1.64). The ventilatory anaerobic threshold was impaired in 71% of children with sickle cell disease. The VO2max decrease was associated with the level of anemia, the existence of a homozygote HbS/S mutation, restrictive lung disease (low forced vital capacity associated to low total lung capacity) and health-related quality of life. In multivariate analysis, VO2max Z-score was associated with hemoglobin level (ß=0.37; 95%CI=[0.01; 0.72]; P = 0.04).
Conclusion
Aerobic capacity is poor in children with sickle cell disease. VO2max decrease is associated with the level of anemia, the existence of a homozygote HbS/S mutation, lung function, and health-related quality of life. These results represent a signal in favor of early initiation of cardiac rehabilitation in patients with sickle cell disease.
Clinicaltrials: NCT05995743
Statistical Characteristics of Markets: The case of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE)
Authors: Yalla Brian , Ateke Gideon Ntui , Makotore Prosper 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
This study employs exploratory data analysis to assess the statistical characteristics of emerging markets using the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) as a proxy. The study deploys a number of tests using R- software to assess stationarity, stability, regime changes, market anomalies, autocorrelation of returns and predictability of the returns. Daily closing price data for the JSE All Share index covering the period 2005 to 2020 obtained from the JSE is used in this study. Several key findings emerge from the study; (i) returns of the JSE are mean reverting and display volatility clustering where periods of high returns are followed by periods of high returns and period of low returns are succeeded by periods of low returns, (ii) contrary to numerous studies on market returns in emerging markets the prices and returns of the JSE display low average returns and low volatilities, (iii) there is no proof of Monday effect in the JSE returns however January effect is observable from the assessment, (iv) the returns of the JSE follow a random walk process and hence the returns are unpredictable, (v) the market returns of the JSE are non- stable and non -stationary based on the KPSS stationarity test. These findings produce mixed results with regards to theoretical assertions about emerging markets and asset markets in general. From a policy perspective, the study and the findings herein buttress the significance of exploratory data analysis in market assessment and decision making.
Oxidative Potential of Airborne Particulate Matter: A Bibliometric Analysis of Current Research, Challenges, and Future Perspectives.
Authors: Sánchez Luis Felipe , Catalán Francisco , Villacura Loreto , A. Richard Toro , G. Manuel A. Leiva 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
The present comprehensive study provides a detailed bibliometric analysis of the oxidative potential (OP) of particulate matter (PM). This area of research is rapidly expanding and has significant implications for human health and the environment. We carefully screened 569 articles. 368 studies were selected for further bibliometric analysis. Our bibliometric results indicate strong international collaboration in this field. In particular, the growing importance of OP-PM research is highlighted by a remarkable increase in the number of publications in the 2010s, with a 24-fold increase compared to the early 2000s. The dissemination of research is concentrated in a select group of eight journals. The remaining content is spread across 75 different journals. Furthermore, our study reveals a concentration of research in a limited number of institutions, mainly in the academic and university sector. There is a notable absence of contributions from the private sector. From the analysis of the research field, we have identified the main global research hotspots for OP-PM. These hotspots highlight the importance of capacity building, innovation, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and improved understanding of emission sources, atmospheric processes, and the impacts of PM and its OP. Furthermore, our study argues in favour of better understanding of personal exposure in different environments and the impact of emerging contaminants, including nanoparticles. Our findings also highlight the need to consider climate change effects on OP-PM and the regulatory context for PM research. Pursuing these research directions will improve our understanding of PM and its effects. It will also support more effective air quality management and public health protection strategies.
Design and Implementation of Digital Automation System for the Protection of Equipment and Machineries in Ethio Telecom
Authors: Wondimu Aneley , Girma Mesfin , Mekuria Alemneh , Refera Birhanu , Tesfaye Yared , Kifle Shimekit , Solomon Biniam 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Equipment and
Machineries in Telecom Industries may not be work properly due to
over humidity, temperature and water detection. Telecom automation
system is needed for controlling and protecting equipment by using
Digital automation system that provides an easy way of controlling
Telecom industry even if the operator is not physically present in
the in the required place. In this project work the design and
implementation of digital automation system for the protection of
ethio telecom equipments and machineries were investigated. The
automation system performed using two system units,
Arduino-microcontroller interfaced with the three sensors and with
GSM module to send an SMS message to the second unit called mobile
station handled by the operator. In case of humidity control
system, DHT11 sensor is used to measure the relative humidity. If
the value of humidity exceeds the threshold point (50 RH), it
triggered the Arduino-microcontroller to send SMS to the operator
through GSM module. In case of temperature control system, If the
DHT11 sensor exceeds the threshold point(25 oC),
Arduino-microcontroller send SMS to the operator through GSM
module. In case of water detection control system, rain drop sensor
was used to detect water in the appliances’ room if there was water
detected, the buzzer and LED activated to actuate humans near
around the circuit and then triggered the Arduino-microcontroller
to send a SMS to the operator through GSM module.The developed
system was programmed using embedded C language, and mobile station
using an android mobile which provides to the operator for
controlling purposes.
Production and characterization of pyocyanin pigment from Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Joshi Aparna , Waghmare Rajshri , Jadhav Mahadev 
Published: September 2023

Pyocyanin, a blue-green phenazine pigment, is produced by various strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and has demonstrated diverse applications in medicine, agriculture, environmental protection, and nanotechnology. This study aimed to isolate and purify pyocyanin pigment from Pseudomonas aeruginosa cultures grown in different media, including succinate, glucose, King’s B, and Muller-Hinton broth. The chloroform extraction method was employed to extract the pigment, resulting in the separation of two layers, with the pyocyanin-enriched pigment residing in the lower blue layer containing chloroform. Subsequently, the pigment was subjected to further purification using column chromatography on a silica gel column, employing chloroform as the elution solvent. The purified pyocyanin was verified by thin-layer chromatography (TLC), ensuring its integrity and purity. The UV-Vis spectrophotometer was then employed to characterize the purified pigments, providing valuable insights into their spectral properties. The results indicate successful isolation and purification of pyocyanin pigment from Pseudomonas aeruginosa cultures in various media, demonstrating the versatility of the extraction method used. The characterization through UV-Vis spectrophotometry confirms the purity of the obtained pigment, validating its potential applicability in a wide range of fields, including medicine, agriculture, environmental management, and nanotechnology for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles.
This research contributes to a better understanding of pyocyanin production in Pseudomonas aeruginosa and offers valuable insights into its potential applications, thereby opening new avenues for further exploration and exploitation of this valuable pigment in various industrial and scientific domains
Transpyloric feeding with artificial lung ventilation in premature with pneumonia: an observational study
Authors: Smirnov O. G. , Gorbachev Vladimir I. , Novozhilov V. A. 
Published: September 2023

INTRODUCTION: Feeding critically ill patients on mechanical ventilation through a gastric tube can be challenging. Parenteral nutrition is often preferred when enteral feeding is problematic. Transpyloric feeding has been identified as an optimal method of nutrition for seriously ill premature infants. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the advantages of transpyloric feeding combined with artificial ventilation compared to gastric feeding in premature neonatal patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 64 patients with low tolerance to enteral feeding who required mechanical ventilation. The gestational age of the patients did not exceed 34 (32–35) weeks. Enteral feeding using a NAN® mixture was administered through a feeding tube placed outside the pylorus with an anti-reflux mechanism. The volume of enteral feeding was determined based on the requirement of 120 kcal/kg/day. RESULTS: The results of the study demonstrated that the group receiving transpyloric feeding had a significantly shorter hospital stay of 54 (41–67) days compared to the group receiving gastric feeding with 86 (64–94) days, p < 0.05. The weight gain in the group receiving gastric feeding was significantly lower at 89 (55–200) g compared to the group receiving transpyloric feeding with 161.5 (110–218) g. Similar findings were observed regarding a decrease in total protein levels on the 10th day of the study in the gastric feeding group with 36.5 (32–40) g/l compared to the transpyloric feeding group with 47 (42–50) g/l, p < 0.05. CONCLUSION: Transpyloric nutrition in premature infants on mechanical ventilation is a more efficient method compared to gastric feeding. The findings suggest positive effects including reduced hospitalization duration, prevention of hypoproteinemia, and significant increase in body weight.
Reply to comment of V.A. Mazurok on the article of R.D. Komnov and A.A. Eremenko “Intellectual ventilation modes in Russian Federation: a short questionnaire survey”
Authors: Eremenko Aleksandr A. , Komnov R. D. 
Published: September 2023

Ответ на комментарий В.А. Мазурка к статье Р.Д. Комнова и А.А. Еременко «Интеллектуальные режимы респираторной поддержки в Российской Федерации: результаты анкетного исследования»
Comparison of ultrasound signs, computed tomography data and morphological examination of the lungs in patients with coronavirus infection: post hoc analysis
Authors: Lakhin Roman E. , Zhirnova E. A. , Shchegolev A. V. , Zheleznyak I. S. , Chirsky V. S. , Pluminsky D. Y. 
Published: September 2023

INTRODUCTION: Ultrasound examination (US) of the lungs has shown high efficiency in the diagnosis of COVID-19 pneumonia. The aim of the research was studying the correspondence of computed tomography (CT) US signs of the lungs and morphological data in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The post hoc analysis included 388 patients who simultaneously underwent ultrasound and CT of the lungs. Lung ultrasound was performed according to the 16-zone “Russian Protocol”. Morphological data were obtained from the results of pathoanatomic examination of deceased patients. RESULTS: The comparison of signs detected by CT and ultrasound of the lungs was performed during a multidimensional correspondence analysis. The analysis was carried out using a three-dimensional solution that explained 64.9 % of inertia (p < 0.001). CT signs of “ground glass opacity” (100 %) corresponded to the B-line at ultrasound (100 %), CT of the consolidation sign (44.8 %) — ultrasound signs of consolidation (46.9 %), aerobronchogram of CT (34 %) — aerobronchogram of ultrasound (36.9 %), free liquid CT (11.1 %) — free liquid Ultrasound (13.9 %). CT signs of reticular changes (29.6 %) and “cobblestone pavement” (12.4 %) corresponded to various combinations of ultrasound signs of subpleural consolidation and B-lines. The B-lines were caused by the exudation of fluid and protein molecules into the intraalveolar space against the background of massive death of alveolocytes and formed by the development of intraalveolar edema and the formation of hyaline membranes. The ultrasonic sign of consolidation appeared in the airless zone of the lungs. Subpleural consolidation are caused by thickening and inflammatory infiltration of the pleura, diffuse alveolar damage, with intraalveolar edema, death and decay of alveolocytes, perivascular inflammatory cell reaction/ During treatment for more than 7 days, consolidation in the lung tissue developed due to the disorganization of the organ structure due to the progression of fibrosis. CONCLUSION: Multivariate correspondence analysis showed correlation of CT signs and US signs of the lungs. Morphological analysis showed polymorphism of histological data that caused the formation of ultrasound signs.