bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Role of Adjunctive Ascorbic Acid in the Prevention of Colistin-Induced Nephrotoxicity in Critically Ill Patients: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Sulaiman Khalid Al , Juhani Ohoud Al , Alhammad Abdullah , Aamer Kholoud Al , Alshehri Sara , Alhuwahmel Abdulmohsen , Kharbosh Abdullah , Alshehri Areej , Shareef Hanan Al , Sulaihim Ibrahim Al , Alghamdi Albandari , Harbi Shmeylan Al , Abdan Numan , Katheri Abdulmalik Al , Alrajhi Yousef , Vishwakarma Ramesh 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
BackgroundColistin antibiotic is considered a valuable and last-resort therapeutic option for MDR gram-negative bacteria. Nephrotoxicity is the most clinically pertinent adverse effect for colistin. Vivo studies suggest that administering oxidative stress-reducing agents, such as ascorbic acid, is a promising strategy to overcome colistin-induced nephrotoxicity (CIN). However, limited clinical data explores the potential benefit of adjunctive ascorbic acid therapy for preventing CIN. Therefore, this study aims to assess the potential nephroprotective role of ascorbic acid as adjunctive therapy against CIN in critically ill patients. MethodThis was a retrospective cohort study at King Abdulaziz Medical City (KAMC) for all adult critically ill patients who have received IV Colistin. Eligible patients were classified into two groups based on the ascorbic acid use as concomitant therapy within three days of colistin initiation. The primary outcome was CIN odds after colistin initiation, while the secondary outcomes were 30-day mortality, in-hospital mortality, ICU, and hospital LOS. Propensity score (PS) matching was used (1:1 ratio) based on the patient’s age, SOFA score, and serum creatinine. ResultsA total of 451 patients were screened for eligibility; 90 patients were included after propensity score matching based on the selected criteria. The odds of developing CIN after colistin initiation were similar between patients who received ascorbic acid (AA) as adjunctive therapy compared to patients who did not (OR (95%CI): 0.83 (0.33, 2.10), p-value=0.68). In addition, the 30-day mortality, in-hospital mortality, ICU, and hospital LOS were similar between the two groups. ConclusionConcomitant use of Ascorbic acid with colistin was not associated with lower odds of colistin-induced nephrotoxicity. Further studies with a larger sample size are required to confirm these findings.
High Rate of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Among Children 6 To 17 Years Old In Southwest EthiopiaFindings From A Community-Based Study
Authors: Aliye Kemal , Tesfaye Elias , Soboka Matiwos 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is among the common neuropsychiatric disorder affecting children and adolescents. The disease affects their life, parents, and community when left untreated. Although evidence indicated a high prevalence of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in the developed world, there is limited evidence in developing countries, particularly, Ethiopia. therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder among children aged 6 to 17 years in Jimma town.Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from August to September 2021 among children aged 6 to 17 years in Jimma town. A multistage sampling technique was applied to select 520 study participantsts. Data were collected using a structured, pretested, and a face-to-face interview. Vanderbilt's attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder rating scale with parent rating was used. The association between independent variables and the outcome variable was investigated using bi-variable and multivariable logistic regression. On the final model level of significance was set at a p-value of <0.05.Result: A total of 504 participants were involved in the study with a response rate of 96.9%.The overall prevalence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in this study was (9.9%, n=50). Maternal complication during pregnancy (Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 3.56, 95% CI (1.44-8.79)), mothers illiteracy (AOR=3.10, 95% CI (1.24-7.79)), being primary school (AOR= 2.97, 95% CI (1.32-6.73)), history of head trauma (AOR= 3.20, 95% CI (1.25-8.16)), maternal alcohol use during pregnancy (AOR= 3.54, 95% CI (1.26-10))), bottle feeding during first six months (AOR=2.87, 95% (1.20-6.93)) and child’s age 6-11 years (AOR=3.86, 95% CI (1.77-8.43)) were significantly associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Conclusion: In this study, 1 in 10 children and adolescents in Jimma town had attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Therefore, the prevalence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder was high. Early detection and management of maternal complications are important to reduce the prevalence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder among children. Finally, mental health professionals should be sensitized to thoroughly explore treatment options, as well as their advantages and risks.
Ventricular Function and Tissue Characterization By Cardiac MRI in Children Following Hospitalization for Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C): A Prospective Study
Authors: Dilorenzo Michael P , Farooqi Kanwal M , Shah Amee M , Channing Alexandra , Harrington Jamie K , Connors Thomas J , Martirosyan Karen , Krishnan Usha S , Ferris Anne , Weller Rachel J. , Farber Donna L , Milner Joshua D. , Gorelik Mark , Rosenzweig Erika B , Anderson Brett R 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background
Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) is a severe life-threatening manifestation of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Acute cardiac dysfunction and resultant cardiogenic shock are common in children with MIS-C. While most children recover rapidly from acute illness, the long-term impact on the myocardium and cardiac function is unknown.
Methods
In this prospective study, cardiac MRI (CMR) was performed on patients <21 years of age with a history of MIS-C, 6-9 months following hospitalization. Per institutional protocol, patients with any history of LVEF<50%, persistent cardiorespiratory symptoms, or ECG abnormalities underwent clinical CMR. Research CMRs were offered to all others >10 years old. Native T1 and T2 mapping values were compared with 20 children with normal CMR examinations.
Results
We performed CMRs on 13 subjects at a median age of 13.6 years (interquartile range [IQR] 11.9-16.0) and a median time from hospitalization of 8.2 months (IQR 6.8-9.6). Twelve subjects displayed normal ventricular function with a median left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF) of 57.2% (IQR 56.1-58.4) and median right ventricular (RV) EF of 53.1% (IQR 52.0-55.7). One subject had low normal EF (52%). There was normal T2 and native T1 as compared to normal controls. There was qualitatively no evidence of edema by T2 weighted imaging. One subject had late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) at the inferior insertion point and mid-ventricular inferolateral region, with normal EF, no evidence of edema or perfusion defects, and normal T1 and T2 times. When stratifying by a history of abnormal LVEF (LVEF <55%) on echocardiography, there was no difference in or parametric mapping values, though LVEF and LVEDV approached significance (p=0.06 and 0.05, respectively).
Conclusions
Although many children with MIS-C present acutely with cardiac dysfunction, myocardial recovery is overall excellent with minimal to no evidence of residual cardiac dysfunction or myocardial involvement. LVEF by CMR at 6-9 months among children with history of echocardiographic LV dysfunction is slightly lower, though does not meet statistical significance and is still within normal range. The long-term functional implications of this finding and the cardiac implications of MIS-C more broadly are unclear and warrant further study.
Are General Practices Adequately Funded to Serve High Proportions of High Need Patients?
Authors: Senior Tessa , Jeffreys Mona , Cumming Jacqueline , Crampton Peter , Lopez Maite Irurzun , Hau Kenny 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background: Capitation formulas take into account the characteristics of the population served as a way of estimating the funding required to meet varying levels of need. Capitation is a well-established method of funding health care in many different counties, especially in primary care. In Aotearoa New Zealand (ANZ), a capitation formula has been used since 2002 to fund all general practices. However, general practices who service greater numbers of people with complex health needs may not be funded adequately using the current formula if the characteristics used in the formula do not appropriately reflect the varying needs of those enrolled. We sought to quantify the levels of funding received by general practices who serve high proportions of high needs people, in order to assess if general practices are adequately funded to do so. Method: Ministry of Health enrolment data was used to inform the demographic spread of five hypothetical 5,000 patient practices consisting of: 30%, 50%, 70%, 90% and 100% high needs people. High needs were defined as those who fit one or more of these three criteria: Māori ethnicity; Pacific ethnicity; and people residing in an area of high socioeconomic deprivation. Annual first level services payments, High User Health Card, and additional funding streams including Very Low-Cost Access, Community Service Cards (CSC) and Fees-free for under 14s were taken from the Primary Health Organisation Services Agreement contract to calculate levels of income for all hypothetical practices. Results: Age is a strong determinant of capitation funding. Practice level funding does not increase in proportion to the level of needs of the populations served. VLCA funding is higher for the 70% high need then the 90% high need practice. CSC and Fees-free under 14s funding increase as the percentage of high needs people increase but not proportionally to the level of need. Conclusion: Use of age and sex as the main determinants for capitation funding shows evidence of structural discrimination within the health system. Funding schemes aimed at helping high needs populations do not always result in adequate funding for general practices to serve these communities well.
Dirofilaria Immitis: Genotyping European Clinical Samples and US Laboratory Isolates at Single Nucleotide Polymorphic (SNP) Sites Associated With Macrocyclic Lactone Susceptibility and Resistance
Authors: Curry Emily , Traversa Donato , Cárreton Elena , Kramer Laura , Sager Heinz , Young Lisa , Prichard Roger K 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background: Dirofilaria immitis is a parasitic filarial nematode. It is the causative agent of dirofilariosis, a potentially fatal pulmonary infection which primarily infects canids and felines. dirofilariosis infections are primarily controlled with a prophylactic macrocyclic lactone (ML) regimen. Recent evidence has confirmed the development of ML-resistant isolates in the US which are genetically distinct from wild-type populations. Previous research clinically validated 9 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) molecular markers associated with these ML resistance phenotypes isolated from the USA. Methods: In this study, three D. immitis US laboratory-maintained isolates: two susceptible isolates, Berkeley, and Georgia II, one resistant isolate, WildCat; and eleven European D. immitis clinical samples, from Italy, Spain, and Hungary were analyzed. The samples tested were fresh microfilaria (mf) in blood or adult female worms shipped in ethanol and rehydrated in phosphate buffered saline (PBS). After DNA extraction, each sample underwent MiSeq sequencing of regions encompassing the 9 SNP sites previously associated with macrocyclic lactone susceptibility and resistance. The nucleotide frequencies of the 9 SNP sites were analyzed and the pairwise fixation index (FST) of the top 2 SNP molecular markers were calculated to estimate the probability of identity with known susceptible and resistant isolates.Results: In the three laboratory-maintained US D. immitis isolates Berkeley had a 2-SNP pairwise FST of 0.00, Georgia II had a 2-SNP pairwise FST of 0.07 indicating two ML-susceptible genotypes. WildCat had a 2-SNP pairwise FST of 0.33 indicating a ML-resistant genotype. The genotype analysis of the European clinical samples showed that all eleven had 2-SNP pairwise FST of 0.00, which indicates their genotypes, at these SNP sites, are consistent with ML susceptibility. Conclusions: The results of the current study provides a genotypic analysis of European clinical samples with US SNP molecular markers associated with ML susceptibility and resistance. The eleven clinical samples tested show no genomic evidence of ML-resistance. Vigilance is needed to maintain susceptibility to heartworm preventives in regions of the world so far without resistance. The early adoption of genotyping of clinical D. immitis samples could provide an early indication of the potential development of ML-resistance and aid to distinguish clinical cases of heartworm infection due to ML resistance from those due to a lack of prevention or inadequate compliance, as has been seen in North America.
Modelling the Propagation of Infectious Disease via Transportation Networks
Authors: Graham Daniel J. , - Anupriya , Bansal Prateek 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
The dynamics of human mobility have been known to play a critical role in the spread of infectious diseases like COVID-19. In this paper, we present a simple compact way to model the transmission of infectious disease through transportation networks using widely available aggregate mobility data in the form of a zone-level origin-destination (OD) travel flow matrix. A key feature of our model is that it not only captures the propagation of infection via direct connections between zones (that is, first-order effects) as in existing studies, but also transmission effects that are due to subsequent interactions in the remainder of the system (that is, higher-order effects). We demonstrate the importance of capturing higher-order effects in a simulation study. We then apply our model to study the first wave of COVID-19 infections in Italy using real-time data on mobility between Italian provinces (that is, province-level OD data) and daily reported caseloads at the same geographical level. Our empirical results indicate substantial predictive power, particularly during early stages of an outbreak. At least 85-percent of the spatial variation in observed weekly province-level COVID-19 cases can be forecasted using our proposed model. Further, from on our model, we derive metrics that could help identify target areas for intervention, specifically during early outbreaks or resurgences of infectious diseases.
Decarbonisation of Eastern European Economies: Monitoring, Economic, Social and Security Concerns
Authors: Radovanović Mirjana , Filipović Sanja , Vukadinović Simonida , Trbojević Milovan , Podbregar Iztok 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background. Decarbonisation of the European economy is one of the main strategic goals of energy transition in the European Union (EU), which aims to become a leader in this process by 2050 and to include other European countries making thus the European continent the first carbon neutral region in the world. Although decarbonisation is an important goal of the EU, the models for monitoring the progress of this process have not yet been clearly defined, and views on the social, economic, and security implications in terms of prioritizing decarbonisation are conflicting. The main objective of this paper is to determine the methodological correctness of the existing method of decarbonisation monitoring, to develop a new monitoring model indicating the differences in the EU and European countries that are non-EU and to point out the underlying social, economic and security implications that must certainly find their place in the decision-making process in this field.Results.The main results showed that there is no clearly defined model for monitoring the success of decarbonisation, while the indicators that are commonly used for this purpose make a model that, as the analysis shows – is methodologically incorrect. In the case of EU countries, the following indicators proved to be the most reliable: Consumption based CO2 and Share in global CO2. For non-EU countries, the best monitoring indicators are CO2 per unit of GDP, Consumption based CO2, and Renewable energy consumption. These indicators can explain 99% of the variance in decarbonisation success. Conclusions.The basic conclusion of the paper is that even before the implementation, the decarbonisation monitoring model should be defined and methodologically tested, and the use of a single model for all EU countries or for all countries is not recommended. It is proposed to simplify the monitoring model, with an emphasis on monitoring of Consumption based CO2, which proved to be the most efficient in all sampled countries. The current method of monitoring is based exclusively on environmentally-related indicators while ignoring the fact that decarbonisation is associated with almost all aspects of development. The additional social, economic and security aspects need to be developed and included in the further monitoring process.
Application of high specific surface area Ag/AgCl/TiO2 coupled photocatalyst fabricated by fused filament fabrication
Authors: Yang Zheng-Rong , Lee Po-Ching , Kuo Chun-Yu , Shin Chung-Hao , Lin Ching-Bin 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
This study used a three-dimensional (3D) printing process to develop a Ag/AgCl/TiO2 coupled photocatalyst with a large specific surface area. We examined the catalytic ability of this photocatalyst in methyl blue dye degradation and Escherichia coli sterilization as well as the reliability of its repeated use. A TiO2 module was constructed of fuse filament [through fused filament fabrication (FFF)], and the adopted 3D printing filament was composed of anatase (TiO2) nanoparticles, stearic acid, wax, and a plasticizer. The green compact of the TiO2 module was subjected to solvent debinding, thermal debinding, and sintering to obtain a basic structure that was subsequently coupled with AgCl through a precipitation reaction. Ultraviolet radiation was used for the photoreduction of the coupled product to obtain a Ag/AgCl/TiO2 photocatalyst coupling module. This photocatalyst can effectively degrade methylene blue (MB) dye and disinfect E. coli. The degradation of MB dye and sterilization of E. coli were conducted under visible and ultraviolet light. The degradation of MB dye by Ag/AgCl/TiO2 was a first-order reaction. In addition, this catalyst could retain its MB dye degradation rate (95%) for five cycles. E. coli was sterilized using the prepared photocatalyst in a 120-min test, and this sterilization was a hyperbolic reaction. The photocatalytic module manufactured in this study through FFF can degrade pollutants in water has durability and retains reliability after repeated use.
Re-Irradiation for Recurrent Brain Tumors: A Retrospective Study from a Tertiary Hospital in Saudi Arabia
Authors: IQBAL HAFIZ ASIF , Alwassia Rolina K , Mulla Zaheeda , Hussein Ahmed Abdelkhalek , Muamenah Hane Mohammad 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Objective

To analyze the post-re-RT progression-free survival (PFS) and incidence of radio-necrosis (BRN) in patients with recurrent primary brain tumors and to explore the associated factors.
Method

A retrospective cohort study that included 15 pediatric and adult patients with primary brain tumors who were treated with re-RT between 2011 and 2020. The study endpoints included the post-re-RT PFS, which were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, and the incidence of radio-necrosis. Baseline demographic and clinical data, primary radiation therapy (RT1) parameters and outcomes, and re-RT parameters and outcomes, were analyzed as factors for the two outcomes.
Result

Of the 15 participants, 7 had glioblastoma and 5 had anaplastic ependymoma. The mean interval from first RT to re-RT was 24 months (range=2 – 60 months). The mean total cumulative dose after re-RT as per EQD2 (equivalent dose in 2 Gy) fractions was 101.97 Gy (max 135.6 Gy). The total mean (max) cumulative doses for organs at risk as per EQD2 after re-RT were 54.05 (92.93) Gy for brain stem, 41.19 (87.94) Gy for optic chiasma, and 28.79 (77.18) Gy and 28.6 (88.71) Gy for left and right optic nerves respectively. Disease progression occurred in 10/15 patients, and the median PFS was 4 months (95%CI=0 – 9.1). Although not statistically significant, PFS was likely to be prolonged in case of low-grade tumors, longer RT1–re-RT time. Radiation necrosis occurred in 2 patients.
Conclusion

The expected clinical benefits against the adverse effects should be contemplated for re-irradiation in primary brain tumors.
Mixed reality-based digital twin implementation approach for flexible manufacturing system design
Authors: Huang Shixuan , Mao Yebing , Peng Zhengchao , Hu Xiaobing 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Digital twin (DT) technology is essentially the equivalent mapping of the physical world in the digital space, and is therefore also considered to be a central technology to realize cyber-physical systems (CPS). Traditional DT implementations suffer from data diversity and lack of efficient visual human-machine interface while mixed reality (MR) technology provides a new possibility due to its powerful immersion and interactivity. In this paper, we propose an MR-based DT implementation approach for the flexible manufacturing system (FMS) design. Discrete event simulation model and mixed reality scene are applied to enable multiple users to collaboratively evaluate and optimize design schemes in a dynamic simulation way and an immersive and interactive environment respectively. In this approach, an improved particle swarm optimization algorithm is used to solve the facility layout problem which is one of the core problems of FMS design. Furthermore, the DT created in the design stage, which is a virtual representation of the physical FMS, can be extended to the whole FMS lifecycle, including the manufacturing and service stages. A case study of application on a real FMS is presented to illustrate the advantage of this approach.
Development of a System for the Automated Identification of Herbarium Specimens with High Accuracy
Authors: Shirai Masato , Takano Atsuko , Kurosawa Takahide , Inoue Masato , Tagane Shuichiro , Tanimoto Tomoya , Koganeyama Tohru , Sato Hirayuki , Terasawa Tomohiko , Horie Takehito , Mandai Isao , Akihiro Takashi 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Herbarium specimens are dried plants mounted to paper. They are used by a limited number of researchers, such as plant taxonomists, as a source of information on morphology and distribution. Recently, digitised herbarium specimens have begun to be used in comprehensive research to address broader issues. However, some specimens have been misidentified, and if used, there is a risk of drawing incorrect conclusions. In this study, we successfully developed a system for identifying species names with high accuracy using an image recognition system. We developed a system with an accuracy of 96.4% using 500,554 specimen images of 2,171 plant species in 192 families that grow in Japan. It is clarified where AI is looking and make decisions, and which species is mistaken for which species. As the system can be applied to digitalised images worldwide, it should be useful for selecting and correcting misidentified herbarium specimens.