bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between the Naples prognostic score and survival of patients diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer complicated by pulmonary infection
Authors: Li Xiaoyan , Zhao Wei , Zhou Linan , Liu Yan 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Objective
To assess the association between the Naples Prognostic Score (NPS) and survival in stage IV lung cancer patients with pulmonary infection.
Methods
We conducted a retrospective analysis of 327 patients with stage IV lung cancer and pulmonary infection from January 2022 to January 2024. Data collected within 24 hours of admission included basic information, laboratory indices, and survival status. The NPS, calculated from albumin, total cholesterol, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, and lymphocyte/mononuclear cell ratio, was compared between survival and death groups. Logistic regression analyses identified biomarkers associated with in-hospital death risk, and the ROC curve evaluated the predictive efficacy of NPS and biomarkers. Subgroup analysis focused on patients receiving adjuvant immunotherapy.
Results
The cohort had a mean age of 73 ± 10 years, with 55.96% males. In-hospital mortality was 12.5% (41/327). Patients who died had significantly higher WBC, DD, CRP, and NPS levels upon admission (P < 0.05). NPS (OR = 1.11, 95%CI: 1.02–1.27, P = 0.02) and DD (OR = 1.04, 95%CI: 1-1.1, P = 0.04) were significantly linked to in-hospital mortality, particularly in immunotherapy patients. The AUC for NPS was 0.75, and combining NPS with DD increased the AUC to 0.81 (P < 0.001).
Conclusion
NPS at admission is significantly associated with survival outcomes in stage IV lung cancer patients with pulmonary infection, especially among those receiving immunotherapy. The combination of NPS and DD levels improves predictive accuracy, benefiting clinical decision-making and patient management.
Social Security Practices for Professional Athletes
Authors: Gökduman Çiğdem , Temel Cenk , Alper Yusuf 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background: This study investigated the integration of professional athletes into social security systems to enhance their welfare. It comprehensively examined the risk factors that necessitate social security for athletes across various sports disciplines. Moreover, it explored the conditions required for professional athletes to be recognized as insured employees (sports workers) within the sports industry. This research offers a definitive guide to the occupational, physiological, and socioeconomic risks professional athletes encounter, highlighting branch-specific differences in necessary social security measures.
Method: A phenomenological qualitative research design was employed. Data collection involved semi-structured interviews using an 11-question form developed by the researcher. Purposeful sampling ensured diverse perspectives among the 22 participants, including unofficial and open professional athletes, club directors, national coaches, international referees, sports agents, social security experts, and private insurance specialists. NVivo 10 software facilitated data analysis, with findings presented through content and descriptive analysis.
Results: The overarching theme identified was "Social Risks in Sports," with seven subthemes encompassing Work Accidents and Injury in Sports, Disease in Sports, Maternity in Sports, Unemployment in Sports, Disability in Sports, Old Age in Sports, and Death in Sports. The results reveal distinct risk factors in sports, necessitating tailored social security provisions. The study also demonstrates that conditions can be established to safeguard professional athletes against these social risks through specialized practices.
Conclusion: This research confirms the significant impact of occupational, physiological, and socioeconomic risks on the careers of both active and retired athletes transitioning into various sports-related fields. It underscores the critical importance of a secure future and social security protection for athletes to achieve optimal performance and motivation. Addressing these concerns through specialized policies will likely enhance success in sports and encourage broader participation.
Sharing of relevant medication information through discharge summaries in an acute setting – perspectives from hospital-based physicians, general practitioners and clinical pharmacists
Authors: Revell Joo Hanne Poulsen , Rasmussen Nathalie Fogh , Schlünsen Maja , Brandt Frans , Gammelgaard Morten , Holtved Eva , Søndergaard Jens , Wolff Donna Lykke , Kjeldsen Lene Juel 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Poor-quality discharge summaries, particularly regarding medication information, can lead to adverse drug events, readmissions or even to death. Therefore, effective medication communication across sectors is crucial, especially for multimorbid elderly patients, who are at high risk due to polypharmacy and complex needs. While pharmacists’ recommendations improve discharge quality, they also add to the information flow. This focus group interview study aims to explore healthcare professionals’ perceptions of the current exchange of medication information in discharge summaries between an emergency hospital department and general practice to tailor the communication of recommendations from a clinical pharmacist after a medication review ensuring a safer transition between healthcare sectors for patients in Denmark.
Methods
A semi-structured focus group interview was conducted with nine healthcare professionals from primary and secondary healthcare sector. Data were synthesized independently by two researchers using thematic analysis.
Results
In total, the focus group interview included nine participants (four hospital-based physicians (including a clinical pharmacologist), three general practitioners (GPs), and two clinical pharmacists). We identified three themes each including three sub-themes from the thematic analysis: Theme 1) Challenges with the usability and implementability of medication content in discharge summaries with sub-themes concentrated on key information, lack of information and usability of updated medication lists. Theme 2) Different healthcare practices affect the management of medication information from discharge summaries in which the sub-themes were concentrated on time constraints, color coding interpretation and information load, and theme 3) How to tailor pharmacist-led recommendations from medication reviews focusing on information regarding polypharmacy and medication compliance, evidence-based information and information directed to the outpatient clinics.
Conclusion
This study highlights new knowledge crucial for tailoring the communication of recommendations from a clinical pharmacist: there is a need for concise medication information in discharge summaries focused on medication changes, reasons for these changes, polypharmacy, compliance and recommendations requiring GP review. Improving discharge summaries requires standardized routines, shared format understanding, and innovative technology to ensure that GPs can easily find, comprehend, and act on medication information. Moreover, exchange of medication information for outpatients were perceived challenging and needs further exploration.
Continuous Professional Development Activity Practices and Challenges among Medical Science Educators in their Early Academic Career
Authors: Leminie Abebaye , Mekasha Amha 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background: Continuous professional development (CPD) practices improve professional expertise. The practices are affected by different factors. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the CPD activity practices and challenges among medical science educators in their early academic careers.
Materials and methods: One hundred ninety-five medical educators from all departments in the School of Medicine and School who teach medical students have participated in this study. Proportional allocation and simple random sampling techniques were used to select each participant from each department. Socio-demographic and other data were collected using self-administered pretested questionnaires. A points Likert scale was used to assess the extent of participants’ agreement on different issues. Data were entered and processed using SPSS version 25.0. Independent t-tests and one-way ANOVA were also used to determine parameter mean differences between groups.
Results: Participants’ attitude toward the CPD activity practices was above the mean (mean: 3.92). It was significantly affected by academic rank and monthly salary (t (193) =-2.33, p= .02 and t (193) =-2.21, p=.03, respectively). However, the level of participants' engagement in the CPD activity practices was medium (mean: 2.90) and was affected by academic rank (t (193) = -3.06; p =.003), monthly salary (t (193) = -2.84; p=.005), educational experiences (F (3,191) = 4.22; p = .006), support from senior mentors (F(3,191) = 4.84;p = .003), support from institution (F(3,191) = 9.03; p = .000), support from departments (F(3,191) = 4.39;p =.005) and participants attitude level (F(2, 192) = 4.66;p = .012). Support from mentors (mean: 2.57), Departments (mean: 2.67), and College (mean: 2.33) were low, medium, and low, respectively. Institutional-related challenges were a strong predictor for low CPD activity practices than personal-related challenges (3.36 .82 Vs 2.73.69; t (194) = 9.04; p=.000).
Conclusion: Although participants had a positive attitude toward the CPD activities, their practices were medium and affected by institutional-related challenges. Support from senior mentors, College, and department heads are required to improve CPD practices.
Prior Research on Additive Manufacturing of Superconducting Radio frequency Cavity for Particle Accelerators
Authors: Moon In Yong , Han Seung Jun , Ham Min Ji , Kim Won Rae , Song Yeonghwan 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

With the advent of the quantum technology era, there is a growing interest in the development of fundamental research equipment in related fields. Particle accelerators are crucial tools in the study of quantum mechanics and quantum field theory, playing a significant role in the advancement of quantum technology. The key component of particle accelerators, the superconducting radio frequency (SRF) cavity, is traditionally manufactured using conventional methods such as deep drawing and electron beam welding with pure niobium (Nb) sheets. However, this manufacturing process has drawbacks, including low material yield and electrical non-uniformity due to the presence of welded joints. To overcome these shortcomings, this study focused on the development of SRF cavity manufacturing technology using additive manufacturing (AM). Before producing the cavity with pure Nb, preliminary research was conducted using relatively inexpensive pure titanium powder to assess the feasibility of AM for the cavity's shape. Prior to performing the AM of the cavity, process analysis based on finite element method was conducted to verify the level of thermal deformation and stress distribution in the parts and optimal support design was suggested to ensure dimensional precision. After the completion of AM, a barrel finishing and turning process were performed to enhance the inner surface quality and dimensional accuracy of cavity cell. As a result, it was confirmed that the shape of cavity could be successfully manufactured through the AM method.
Digital health in Portugal: Exploring perceptions, barriers, and experiences through a focus group study
Authors: Estrela Marta , Leitão Catarina , Ferreira Pedro Lopes , Roque Fátima , Herdeiro Maria Teresa 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Purpose
Digital health (DH) has been rapidly expanding over the last years, with new technologies aimed at improving healthcare services quality and effectiveness and patient empowerment. However, DH adoption and usage is not equal to everyone, and is heavily dependent on several individual and contextual factors. Thus, with this study, we aim to explore the main perceptions, barriers, and experiences with DH in Portugal.
Methods
This study was conducted using a qualitative research design, in the form of focus groups. Participants were recruited through the dissemination of the study via e-mail, through several institutions, and social media posts. The focus group sessions were conducted with six to eight participants, via Zoom videoconference. All the sessions were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and a thematic analysis was performed.
Results
Thirty-four participants agreed to take part in this study, and five focus group sessions were conducted, until saturation was achieved. After thematic analysis, seven main themes were identified: 1) DH concepts; 2) experiences with DH; 3) health information; 4) advantages of DH; 5) concerns towards DH; 6) barriers to DH access and use; 7) solutions to improve the DH framework.
Conclusion
Despite the digital health framework improvement throughout the years, a lot needs to be done to make digital health truly accessible to everyone in Portugal. Concerns regarding equitable access, digital health literacy, infrastructure, patient-healthcare professional relationship and AI are some of the many dimensions that must be considered when working towards digital transformation in healthcare.
Stability models regulate the adaptation of male sterility-based chilli hybrids for agro-ecologically diverse regions
Authors: Singh Vivek , Sharma Akhilesh , Kumar Nimit , Rana Neha , . Srishti 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

The Chilli (Capsicum annuum var. annuum L.) cultivars are highly sensitive to diverse agroclimatic conditions. The research presents a significant contribution by identifying high-yielding and stable hybrids for wider adaptability using genetic male sterility (GMS). The study was conducted in seven diverse environments by following conventional farming under field conditions in five locations of North-western Himalaya along with naturally ventilated polyhouse conditions using conventional and natural farming practices using 12 GMS based hybrids and 4 check varieties to identify the phenotypic stability for yield and its related attributes. The experiment was conducted in randomized block design replicated thrice during summer season of 2021 in the respective environments. Joint regression analysis revealed significant Genotype (G) × Environment (E) interaction and E + (G × E) for all the traits. Eberhart and Russel model revealed stability of seven hybrids for green fruit yield with DPCHYB 10 (627.68 g/plant) and DPCHYB 5 (583.50 g/plant) got top ranks. G + GE biplot model extrudes that Berthin (E5) was the most representative and discriminating environment for green fruit yield and was suitable for selecting generally adapted hybrids. Mean vs stability biplot indicated the superiority of DPCHYB 10 and DPCHYB 5 for green fruit yield. ‘Which won where’ polygon view of GGE biplot model showed that DPCHYB 10 was the most stable and high yielding hybrid with wider adaptability in most of the environments except Palampur (E1) where DPCHYB 5 was the most responsive and adaptive.
Vitamin B 12 is essential for growth, innate immunity, antioxidant capacity, fatty acid and amino acid metabolism and ammonia tolerance in Pacific white shrimp, Penaeus vannamei
Authors: Medagoda Nalin , Lee Kyeong-Jun 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

This study assessed the optimum dietary vitamin B12 requirement of Pacific white shrimp, Penaeus vannamei, for growth, feed efficiency, hemocyte counts, innate immunity and ammonia stress resistance. Semi-purified experimental diets were prepared by adding vitamin B12 at 0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 4.0 mg/kg (Con, CB0.5, CB1.0, CB2.0 and CB4.0) and a negative control (NCon) diet was prepared with 0.3% tetracycline hydrochloride. Four replicate groups of shrimp (0.17±0.01 g, 32 shrimp per tank) were fed one of the diets at 3-6% body weight for eight weeks. CB2.0 diet significantly increased weight gain and feed efficiency of the shrimp compared to Con diet. The expressions of insulin-like growth factor (IGF) -1, IGF-binding protein, regulatory-associated protein of mammalian target of rapamycin-like, crustin, methylmalonyl-CoA mutase and methionine synthase-like genes in hepatopancreas were significantly upregulated with increasing dietary vitamin B12 levels. Total hemocyte count, nitroblue tetrazolium, lysozyme and antiprotease activities were significantly increased with higher vitamin B12 inclusion levels than 1.00 mg/kg. Phenoloxidase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase activities and survival during the ammonia challenge were significantly higher in C2.0 group than in Con group. After the challenge test, C4.0 and C1.0 groups exhibited significantly higher nitroblue tetrazolium and phenoloxidase activities, respectively. Increasing dietary vitamin B12 levels linearly increased hemolymph, hepatopancreas and fecal vitamin B12 levels. The polynomial regression analysis of final body weight in response to dietary vitamin B12 levels indicated that the optimum dietary vitamin B12 requirement for Pacific white shrimp is 2.02 mg/kg.
Antibacterial-Resistant Genes (ABRG) Associated With Bloodstream Infections In Patients Receiving Treatment: A Case Study Of Nigeria Airforce Medical Center Onikan, Lagos State
Authors: Ekeleme Uzochukwu Godswill 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Introduction: The antibacterial-resistant genes (ABRG) associated with bloodstream infections in patients (BSI-PAP) receiving treatment at the Nigerian Air Force Medical Centre, Onikan, Lagos State, were studied from October 2023 to June 2024. BSI-PAP was defined as BSI diagnosed within 48 hours of hospitalization.
Methods: Hospital waste samples were analyzed for bacterial contamination and antibiotic resistance adhering to microbiological standards.
Results: The prevalence of BSI-PAP was 30 out of 315 discharges (9.5%). The likelihood of being admitted with BSI-PAP was greatest in patients with diabetes mellitus, previous hospitalization, renal failure, and chronic dermatitis. The odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were 4.96 (95% CI = 1.37-7.32), 2.59 (95% CI = 0.29-4.9), 2.39 (95% CI = −0.17-4.89), and 1.32 (95% CI = 0.37-4.29). Among the patients admitted with BSI-PAP who were tested with culture media with one of the seven organisms examined (n = 30), the largest proportion had S. scurissp Lentus (n = 6, 35.3%), followed by S. gallinarum (n = 3, 17.6%), S. eqourum (n = 3, 17.6%), E. cloacaeSSP (n = 5, 11.8%), B. capacia complex (n = 7, 5.9%), S. xylulosus(n = 1, 5.9%), and C. freundi (n = 5, 5.9%). Approximately 76% (13) of BSI-PAP cases with these organisms had antibiotic-resistant. In general, 86% of individuals examined with SSA culture media had antibiotic-resistant strains, while 78% had EMB and 75% MAC strains (p = 0.0001). Gram-negative bacteria were more frequently involved in BSI in this study (56.7%) than gram-positive bacteria (43.3%). The most frequently isolated bacterium was B. cepaciacomplex (23.3%); others in descending order were as follows: S. scuri ssp. lentus (20%), E. cloacae ssp., and C. freundi (16.7%). S. gallinarumand S. equourum (10%) and S. xylulosus (3.3%). The drug resistance pattern of gram-positive isolates; Gentamicin Erythromycin and Erythromycin Sulfamethoxazole Tetracycline resistance phenotypes were most common in patients aged 18 to 29 years (54%), while among the gram-negative isolates. Erythromycin, sulfamethoxazole, ciprofloxacin and ampicillin resistance phenotypes were most common in the 30-year-old age group. Erythromycin (85%), gentamicin (55%), sulfamethoxazole (54%), and tetracycline (24%) were commonly used to treat BSI in younger adults, while erythromycin (96%), ciprofloxacin (72%), tetracycline (66%), and ampicillin (60%) were mainly used by middle-aged patients and are easily available without medical authorization. The high antimicrobial resistance has been demonstrated in clinical bacterial isolates (S. scuri ssp. lentus, S. gallinarum, S. eqourum, and S. xylulosus) of BSI-PAP to commonly prescribed antibiotics, particularly gentamicin, erythromycin, sulfamethoxazole, and tetracycline. There was a high prevalence of resistant genes of TEM, CTX-M, SHV, and VEB types.
The high-permeability cellulose nanocrystals carrier facilitates zinc utilization and enhances nsLTP2-mediated plant immunity
Authors: Sun Xianchao , Wang Jing , Xiang Shunyu , Wang Xiaoyan , Shen Yang , Liu Changyun , Zhu Xin , Liu Weina , Wang Shanzhi , Ma Xiaozhou , Huang Jin 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Zinc (Zn2+) is an essential micronutrient that regulates plant growth, immunity, and antiviral defense mechanisms. However, its limited bioavailability often necessitates excessive application, resulting in inefficiencies in production and environmental stress. In response, we propose an environmentally friendly and sustainable approach to enhance the utilization of Zn2+. We developed CNC@PDA@Zn2+ by embedding Zn2+ into the polydopamine (PDA) coating of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs). Leveraging the high cell permeability of CNCs, this material increased the transport capacity of Zn2+ in plants and demonstrated the ability to inactivate viral particles in vitro. Moreover, CNC@PDA@Zn2+ showed a superior induction of resistance while reducing Zn2+ content, specifically by reprogramming the expression and localization of the resistance-related non-specific lipid transfer protein 2 (nsLTP2), which enhanced the salicylic acid (SA) signaling pathway in plants. Furthermore, the high conservation of nsLTP2 in flowering plants increases the potential application range of CNC@PDA@Zn2+. Importantly, CNC@PDA@Zn2+ represents the most effective Zn2+-based antiviral nanomaterial to date, achieving its effects at the lowest reported Zn2+ concentration. Overall, our results highlight that CNC@PDA@Zn2+ can more effectively upregulate the conserved nsLTP2, thereby inducing viral defense responses via the SA pathway. This strategy not only improves the operation and utilization rate of Zn2+ but also reduces its environmental residues, laying a theoretical foundation for the development of antivirus defense.
Changes in Functional Brain Connectivity of Electroencephalography while Learning to Touch-type
Authors: Gutiérrez David 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

The functional brain connectivity of electroencephalography (EEG) data that was acquired during the process of learning how to touch-type using the Colemak keyboard distribution is analyzed in this paper. The partial directed coherence (PDC) of the EEG alpha, beta, and gamma rhythms was used to assess the functional brain connectivity at different learning stages. As result, connectivity patterns common to the volunteers of the learning process are found as representative of underlying brain processes. In particular, functional connectivity within alpha brain rhythm in low-difficulty learning tasks exhibit greatest desynchronization in the parietal lobes, which may be an indication of good performance during those tests. Widespread increase of fronto-central brain connectivity in the alpha band during the high-difficulty lesson is shown as a reflection of refined attention allocation and effective motor program processing. Beta modulation during motor planning is also reflected through an increase of frontal functional connectivity, as well as repetition suppression by a decrease in gamma connectivity. Finally, the use of metrics from complex network theory allowed to associate channels P4, F4, Cz, and C4 as important to processes such as attention, execution of motor sequences, cognitive performance and focused attention. These results add insight to previous analysis performed on the same database and further proves the feasibility of monitoring a learning process with EEG.