bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
492 Raising the standards: management of acute pancreatitis in a district general hospital
Authors: Nazari Ahmed , Bangi Shifa , Sharmadal Aliaa , Krishnan Arya , Tanner Nicola 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Introduction
Pancreatitis is a common condition seen in General Surgery which may cause significant morbidity and mortality. Current guidelines include fluid resuscitation, ABG and Glasgow-Imrie scoring every 48 hours. The aim of this study is to assess how well the current guidelines are being adhered to at NGH, identify the problems affecting patient care, and plan a sustainable solution.

Methods
57 of 102 admissions coded as pancreatitis between Jan-July 2022 fit the inclusion criteria. Information regarding adequate fluid prescription, usage of antibiotics, type of pancreatitis, Glasgow scoring and the type of pancreatitis was collected from patients’ paper and electronic records.

Results
Average length of stay was 8.3 days. 5 patients (8.8%) were necrotising and 13(22.8%) had concurrent cholecystitis. ABG was done in 14 (24.6%) patients. 17 (29.8%) had a Glasgow-Imrie score planned and 10 (17.5%) had a documented score. 55 (96.5%) patients were fluid resuscitated and all received adequate analgesia. 5 (8.8%) were admitted to ITU, 2 (3.5%) had critical care review. 3/5 (60%) of patients were scored prior to ITU admission. 13 (22.8%) had recurrent pancreatitis and 6 (10.5%) died.

Conclusion
The current management of pancreatitis at NGH could be improved. Scoring for pancreatitis severity helps early management of patient in need of ITU. We propose creating a pancreatitis pro-forma with scoring to be placed inside every patient's notes with a checklist for pancreatitis management and scoring.
516 Ultrasound Cannulation Training: A Hit or a Miss
Authors: Horner Nathan , Bruce Nikki , Dornan Ronnie 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
As a junior doctor, familiarisation with ultrasound skills can be very useful. This reduces stress for patients from multiple access attempts, as well as preserving venous access. In our District General Hospital (DGH), there was no teaching on ultrasound-guided venous access available. Our aim was to create a formal training programme on ultrasound-guided venous access for junior doctors.
Discussions were held with the medical education team at our DGH in order to understand how to organise a formal teaching programme. The interest of junior doctors was gathered through informal discussion. Those interested were then asked to complete pre and post-course evaluation forms. Data was gathered on experience using ultrasound, confidence (out of 5) in performing ultrasound cannulation before and after the session, and usefulness of the session.
Of the 16 participants, only 81% (n=13) filled in the pre-session form, therefore data was only analysed from these individuals. 54% of participants (n=7) had previous experience using an ultrasound machine. 100% (n=13) felt more confident performing ultrasound-guided venous access after attending the session. The average confidence score pre versus post-session was 1.69/5 vs 4.08/5.
This programme has the potential to improve confidence in procedural skills amongst junior doctors whilst also minimising the stress for patients of multiple access attempts. Though the sample obtained was small, it is clear to see increased confidence in participants, regardless of prior experience. The results from this study will be critical in continuing this training programme in our hospital and hopeful roll out to a wider audience.
582 A case of small bowel prolapsing through the anus
Authors: Farrugia Alexia , Sarma Diwakar , Mobarak Dham 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Introduction
A 46 year old man presented to the accident and emergency department in severe pain and with bowel prolapsing through the anus. This occurred when he was straining on the toilet. On closer examination it was noted that the bowel coming through the anus was small bowel, and starting to become ischaemic. On closer questioning he admitted to inserting a plastic object in his rectum about half an hour prior to straining. He was therefore taken straight to theatre for a laparotomy.

Intra operative findings
A midline laparotomy was performed. The small bowel was reduced back into the abdominal cavity and packed away in a warm swab. The rectum was examined and a 4cm hole was seen in the upper rectum. There was no contamination with faeces or pus, therefore it was sutured with PDS 2-0.
By this time the small bowel was looking less dusky however the mesentery was extremely bruised. As there was improvement a decision was made to close and re-look in 24 hours. He was kept intubated overnight in ITU and was taken back to theatre the next day. At this point the small bowel appeared pink and healthy, therefore no resection was performed however a loop colostomy was fashioned to protect the upper rectal perforation repair.

Discussion
This is a rare condition with very few cases described in the literature. Management is highly dependent on clinical presentation. Imaging was not felt to be helpful in this case due to obviously comprised small bowel therefore he was operated on immediately.
625 Complex abdominal wall reconstruction in colorectal cancer abdominal wall metastases - a case report
Authors: Bodapati Venkata , Pai Deepak , Alseifi Shaker , Kaur Geetinder 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Introduction
Resection of abdominal wall metastases with curative intent followed by complex abdominal wall reconstruction is seldom performed due to difficulty in ensuring complete resection and need for abdominal reconstruction. It is difficult to successfully localise the boundaries of these metastases for complete excision whilst balancing excessive tissue loss. We present a patient with anterior abdominal wall metastases from colorectal cancer who had this procedure performed successfully at our hospital.

Case Presentation
This 46-year-old lady originally underwent emergency Hartmans for a perforated sigmoid tumour invading surrounding tissues; pT4pN0R1. She had postoperative chemotherapy, HIPEC/debulking surgery and immunotherapy. A CT scan then suggested disease progression; however, the only active deposits appeared to be in her bilateral recti, so she underwent curative intent surgery - excision of bilateral rectus abdominis metastases, abdominal wall mesh reconstruction, and abdominoplasty. Histology confirmed completely excised colorectal metastatic adenocarcinoma. She did well postoperatively; currently, she continues immunotherapy and works 70 hours/week!

Discussion
Localisation and R0 resection of rectus metastases is technically challenging; it involves intensive preparation and working closely with the radiological team. The margins of bilateral rectus metastases were localised via immediate pre-operative CT- guided wire placement by an experienced radiologist interacting continuously with the surgeon in the CT room.

Conclusion
It is possible to safely excise abdominal wall metastases with intensive preoperative planning with the theatre team and radiologists; resultant abdominal wall defects can be repaired appropriately with resultant good quality of life. This procedure should be considered as an option in the management of abdominal wall colorectal metastases with curative intent in selected patients.
PolyQ Database—an integrated database on polyglutamine diseases
Authors: Estevam Bernardo , Matos Carlos A , Nóbrega Clévio 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Polyglutamine (polyQ) diseases are neurodegenerative disorders caused by abnormally expanded Cytosine, Adenine, Guanine (CAG) triplet repeat sequences in the coding region of otherwise unrelated genes. Until now, nine different polyQ diseases have been described: Huntington’s disease, dentatorubral-pallidoluysian atrophy, spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy and six types of spinocerebellar ataxias—1, 2, 3, 6, 7 and 17. The pathogenic expansion translates into an aberrant tract of glutamines in the encoded proteins, compromising several cellular functions and biological processes. There is currently no cure available for the progressive neurodegenerative disorders caused by the ensuing cytotoxic alterations. Although each disease is considered rare, polyQ diseases constitute the largest group of monogenic neurodegenerative disorders. Information about these disorders is scattered among several books, articles and general databases, hindering exploration by students and researchers, but also by patients and their families. Therefore, we aimed to develop a free online database to fill this gap, by centralizing relevant available information. The PolyQ Database is a platform that focuses on all nine polyQ diseases and offers information about topics that are pertinent for scientists, clinicians and the general public, including epidemiology, the characteristics of the causative genes and the codified proteins, the pathophysiology of the diseases and the main clinical manifestations. The database is available at https://polyq.pt/, and it is the first of its kind, focusing exclusively on this group of rare diseases. The database was conceived to be continuously updated and allow incorporation and dissemination of the latest information on polyQ diseases.
Disease Activity Patterns of Paediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Danish Nationwide Cohort Study (1996–2018)
Authors: Wewer Mads Damsgaard , Jansson Sabine , Malham Mikkel , Burisch Johan , Wewer Vibeke 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Background and Aims
Inflammatory bowel diseases [IBD] are heterogeneous in the frequency and severity of their flare-ups. We aimed to describe disease activity patterns in a Danish nationwide paediatric IBD cohort.

Methods
Paediatric patients [&lt;18 years at diagnosis] with Crohn’s disease [pCD] or ulcerative colitis [pUC] in the study period from 1996 to 2018 were identified in national registers. Disease activity [severe, moderate-to-mild, remission] was assessed at diagnosis according to medications prescribed, hospitalizations, and surgeries.

Results
In total, 1965 pCD and 1838 pUC incident patients were included in the cohort. At diagnosis, severe disease activity was found in 87%/80% of pCD/pUC and in addition 6.1% of pUC patients had undergone a colectomy during the first year after diagnosis. Five years after diagnosis, the annual proportions of pCD/pUC with no disease activity were 70%/61%, and 10 years after diagnosis the proportions were 72%/64%. Colectomy was required in 6.1, 12, and 16% of pUC patients after 1, 5 and 10 years. No improvement of disease activity was seen in the proportion of prevalent pCD [N = 2515] and pUC [N = 2428] in the study period 2000–2018 concomitant with the introduction of biological treatment. However, decreasing disease activity was the most common pattern in both pCD and pUC [43 and 47%], respectively.

Conclusions
pIBD was characterized by a high proportion of patients with severe activity at diagnosis, followed by an improvement after 5 and 10 years of follow-up. Notably, the proportion of patients with no disease activity was unchanged when biological treatment was introduced and the number of colectomies in pUC remained high.
KGML-xDTD: a knowledge graph–based machine learning framework for drug treatment prediction and mechanism description
Authors: Ma Chunyu , Zhou Zhihan , Liu Han , Koslicki David 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Background
Computational drug repurposing is a cost- and time-efficient approach that aims to identify new therapeutic targets or diseases (indications) of existing drugs/compounds. It is especially critical for emerging and/or orphan diseases due to its cheaper investment and shorter research cycle compared with traditional wet-lab drug discovery approaches. However, the underlying mechanisms of action (MOAs) between repurposed drugs and their target diseases remain largely unknown, which is still a main obstacle for computational drug repurposing methods to be widely adopted in clinical settings.

Results
In this work, we propose KGML-xDTD: a Knowledge Graph–based Machine Learning framework for explainably predicting Drugs Treating Diseases. It is a 2-module framework that not only predicts the treatment probabilities between drugs/compounds and diseases but also biologically explains them via knowledge graph (KG) path-based, testable MOAs. We leverage knowledge-and-publication–based information to extract biologically meaningful “demonstration paths” as the intermediate guidance in the Graph-based Reinforcement Learning (GRL) path-finding process. Comprehensive experiments and case study analyses show that the proposed framework can achieve state-of-the-art performance in both predictions of drug repurposing and recapitulation of human-curated drug MOA paths.

Conclusions
KGML-xDTD is the first model framework that can offer KG path explanations for drug repurposing predictions by leveraging the combination of prediction outcomes and existing biological knowledge and publications. We believe it can effectively reduce “black-box” concerns and increase prediction confidence for drug repurposing based on predicted path-based explanations and further accelerate the process of drug discovery for emerging diseases.
Optimizing indoor thermal comfort with wind towers and earth to air heat exchangers: a sustainable solution for energy-efficient housing
Authors: Sakhri Nasreddine , Osra Oumr Adnan , Alsaygh Fares Saad , Almutery Sultan Bader , Menni Younes 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
The conditioning of living and working spaces in the building sector consumes a significant amount of energy. Among the natural ventilation techniques that rely on renewable energy sources such as geothermal and wind, wind towers and earth to air heat exchangers (EAHEs) hold prominence. This research paper presents a series of experiments conducted in the arid region of Bechar, Algeria, to investigate the effectiveness of combined natural ventilation systems employing wind towers and EAHEs. The test chamber, constructed from plywood, and the tower, along with the buried polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe EAHE at a depth of 150 cm in sandy-loam soil, constitute a completely natural system with zero energy consumption. Two scenarios were examined: one with closed windows and the other with open windows measuring 40 × 40 cm2. The results indicate a noteworthy improvement in thermal comfort within the chamber, with an increase from 18.75% for the closed window system to 50% when the window is open. By employing a completely natural system without energy consumption, it becomes possible to fulfill 50% of the thermal comfort requirements during both summer and winter seasons. Consequently, this approach reduces at least half of the energy demands in a region that experiences six months of discomfort.
Pathogenesis and Transmission Assessment of 3 Swine-Origin Influenza A(H3N2) Viruses With Zoonotic Risk to Humans Isolated in the United States, 2017–2020
Authors: Sun Xiangjie , Belser Jessica A , Pulit-Penaloza Joanna A , Brock Nicole , Pappas Claudia , Zanders Natosha , Jang Yunho , Jones Joyce , Tumpey Terrence M , Davis C Todd , Maines Taronna R 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
The sporadic occurrence of human infections with swine-origin influenza A(H3N2) viruses and the continual emergence of novel A(H3N2) viruses in swine herds underscore the necessity for ongoing assessment of the pandemic risk posed by these viruses. Here, we selected 3 recent novel swine-origin A(H3N2) viruses isolated between 2017 to 2020, bearing hemagglutinins from the 1990.1, 2010.1, or 2010.2 clades, and evaluated their ability to cause disease and transmit in a ferret model. We conclude that despite considerable genetic variances, all 3 contemporary swine-origin A(H3N2) viruses displayed a capacity for robust replication in the ferret respiratory tract and were also capable of limited airborne transmission. These findings highlight the continued public health risk of swine-origin A(H3N2) strains, especially in human populations with low cross-reactive immunity.
Visual Necropolitics and Visual Violence: Theorizing Death, Sight, and Sovereign Control of Palestine
Authors: Deprez Miriam 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
The Israeli military’s occupation of Palestinian territory relies heavily on its ability to shape the visual environment and set the terms of how Palestinians may see and be seen. However, the relationship between violent occupation and violent visualities has yet to be fully theorized. This article gathers several conceptual strands—biopolitics, visual biopolitics, and necropolitics—to theorize what I term “visual necropolitics.” Visual necropolitics is proffered as an analytical tool that furthers our understanding of the violent visual regulations that enable and sustain the conditions for the illegal occupation of Palestinian lands and the subjugation of the Palestinian people. To illustrate this, three distinct but related forms of visual violence will be analyzed: the deliberate infliction of ocular trauma through targeting of the eyes, the strategy of maiming in order to prevent telegenic death, and the imposition of visual regulations to govern the death of captured bodies. This theorization allows us to move beyond considering the politics of sight, vision, and representation only as an artifact of the colonial power relations that govern life and death in Palestine, towards understanding how visual violence is a constitutive dimension of occupation. Not only does colonial occupation use visual violence, but it cannot be sustained without it.
In Search of Ontological Security: Why the Anglo-American Special Relationship Endures
Authors: Mohammadpour Sam , Saeidabadi Mohammad Reza 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
The period following World War II (WWII) marked a significant turning point in Britain’s global standing, characterized by the loss of its empire and the existential anxiety regarding its new role on the world stage. Dean Acheson’s famous quote, “Britain has lost an empire and not yet found a role,” poignantly captures the sense of diminishing power and identity crisis experienced by the Kingdom since 1945. Along with the consequences of WWII, the process of decolonization, coupled with events such as the Suez Crisis, further confirmed Britain’s declining position in the international system, disrupting its established narrative of global power and leaving it in a state of ontological insecurity. This paper, focusing on ontological security studies in international relations, explores the connection between Britain’s ontological insecurity in the new global order after WWII, and the Anglo-American special relationship (AASR) as a response to these anxieties. In this context, the suggested theoretical framework promises to address the concepts of narrative identity and existential anxiety and their respective contributions to understanding the underlying factors in explaining the emergence and stability of the AASR.
Development of a Solid-Phase Dispersive Extraction Method for Molecularly Imprinted Polymers and LC–MS/MS for Analysis of Clenbuterol Residues in Swine Livers and Kidneys
Authors: Saito Koichi , Ito Rie , Ohsawa Yoshihiro 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Background
Clenbuterol (CLB) is approved as a veterinary drug because of its tracheal smooth muscle and uterine relaxant effects. However, if improperly administered for the purpose of fattening livestock, CLB can remain in the organs, which may pose a health hazard to humans.

Objective
We aimed to examine the combination of molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) and solid-phase dispersive extraction (SPDE) as a pretreatment method for swine liver and kidney, which contain more coexisting impurities than muscle tissue, and attempted to construct an analytical method using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS).

Methods
Swine livers and kidneys were homogenized and extracted using liquid–liquid partitioning with an ethyl acetate–n-hexane (1 + 1) mixture, followed by SPDE using an MIP gel, and measured using LC–MS/MS. For LC–MS/MS, either an absolute calibration method or isotope dilution mass spectrometry (IDMS) was used. For method validation, a recovery test (additive concentrations: 0.05 and 0.5 ng/g) was conducted, and the data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA).

Results
The recoveries (trueness), repeatability, and intermediate precision obtained using absolute calibration were similar to those obtained using IDMS.

Conclusion
Using MIP-SPDE as a pretreatment method for CLB in swine liver and kidney samples yielded comparable results for absolute calibration and IDMS in LC–MS/MS analysis.

Highlights
MIP-SPDE can be used as a pretreatment method to analyze CLB in swine organs with high accuracy.
Integrating non-binding labour standards in binding trade agreements: The ILO’s feedback loop
Authors: LeClercq Desirée 
Published: August 2023

ABSTRACT
Much attention has been placed on how trade agreements integrate and benefit from a non-binding International Labour Organization (ILO) declaration. That declaration lists the fundamental labour principles to which all the ILO’s members, and thus the trade parties, have already consented. However, until now, it has been unclear whether and to what extent that integration, in turn, benefits the ILO’s regime. Comparing standard-setting negotiations at the ILO in 1998 and 2022, this article argues that the hardening of non-binding labour rights in binding trade agreements stagnates and complicates new labour standards. The ILO’s members now demand a saving clause expressly decoupling their new non-binding standard from their binding trade commitments. The implications of those negotiations for the future standard setting are wide-ranging and significant. As states become more aware of the potential binding nature of their non-binding standards, they are decoupling the ILO’s regime from their trade regime and shrinking the reach of the ILO’s fundamental principles in the process. This article draws from labour-adjacent standards integrated into trade agreements to show how states may mitigate that feedback loop.
BioConvert: a comprehensive format converter for life sciences
Authors: Caro Hugo , Dollin Sulyvan , Biton Anne , Brancotte Bryan , Desvillechabrol Dimitri , Dufresne Yoann , Li Blaise , Kornobis Etienne , Lemoine Frédéric , Maillet Nicolas , Perrin Amandine , Traut Nicolas , Néron Bertrand , Cokelaer Thomas 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Bioinformatics is a field known for the numerous standards and formats that have been developed over the years. This plethora of formats, sometimes complementary, and often redundant, poses many challenges to bioinformatics data analysts. They constantly need to find the best tool to convert their data into the suitable format, which is often a complex, technical and time consuming task. Moreover, these small yet important tasks are often difficult to make reproducible. To overcome these difficulties, we initiated BioConvert, a collaborative project to facilitate the conversion of life science data from one format to another. BioConvert aggregates existing software within a single framework and complemented them with original code when needed. It provides a common interface to make the user experience more streamlined instead of having to learn tens of them. Currently, BioConvert supports about 50 formats and 100 direct conversions in areas such as alignment, sequencing, phylogeny, and variant calling. In addition to being useful for end-users, BioConvert can also be utilized by developers as a universal benchmarking framework for evaluating and comparing numerous conversion tools. Additionally, we provide a web server implementing an online user-friendly interface to BioConvert, hence allowing direct use for the community.